In this week's episode of "Good Morning from Rockland" the new, weekly breakfast show by TVC22 host Thomas Stockting provides a news round up including: COVID-19 Update; How art is helping us out of the pandemic; Winter sports begin; Vigil for Gender Based Violence Victims; & Municipal council roundup.

VIGIL FOR GENDER BASED VIOLENCE VICTIMS

November was a month to reflect and raise awareness on Gender based violence. This Monday, December 6th, was another day for reelection as the country took the time to remember the victims of the 1989 massacre in Quebec, where 14 women were killed, simply due to their gender. 
To ensure the names of the victims of gender based violence - both from the massacre as well as those who have lost their lives in Prescott-Russell, Maison Interlude house held a vigil broadcasted live to their Facebook page… 

A few weeks ago here at TVC22 we spoke to Maison Interlude House about the realities of the issue that has been labelled a “shadow pandemic”. You can find those interviews on our YouTube and Facebook pages. 

COVID-19 UPDATE

Now, Let’s take a look at the COVID-19 situation in our region… (BRUCE EHO GRAPHIC)
At the time of recording there were 16 active cases in Prescott-Russell, of which 6 were in Clarence-Rockland that's an increase of 8 cases throughout the united counties from last week.
The local rolling average has been creeping up over the past 10 days and currently sits at 14.4 in Prescott-Russell.

In terms of vaccinations 0 we are now at 79.8 for one dose and 84.1 for two doses - 20.9 of 5 to 11 years old's have received their first dose now too, with booster shots available to residents over 50 years of age that have received their vaccine more than 6 months ago. 

The new variant of concern, Omicron, has health units across the world on edge and Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, Medical Officer for the Eastern Ontario Health Unit explained that still little is known about how it will affect our communities but urged residents to ‘keep it simple’ over the festive period… 

WINTER SPORTS BEGIN

Along with the colder weather comes, obviously, the snow giving way to an array of winter sports.
Last weekend, a total of 67 “Fat Bikers” took to the trails in Larose Forest in an event organized by the Mantra Centre. 

The bikers, aged between 22 and 72(!) years old took on the 50,09 km route in this inaugural event being called the “Tour de la Forest en Fat bike”. Fantastic work done by the Mantra Centre Team - and TVC22 will try and get down to a couple of events during the winter period so feel free to contact us if you hear of anything being organized!

CITY OF CLARENCE-ROCKLAND ROUNDUP

During Monday's municipal council meeting the 2022 municipal tax rate was set, and residents will have to pay 2.95% next year. This includes a 1% that will go into the “road reserve”, a commitment that the council, after much deliberation decided to keep for next year, despite cutting the contributions to most other reserves in order to keep the tax rate as low as possible. 

Speaking of which the UCPR announced this week that the portion of County Road 4, between Des Cèdres Street and Highway 417 has been fully resurfaced. This project was funded thanks to a financial contribution of over half a million dollars from the Gas Tax Fund. Also on Monday, Councilors discussed changes to the fee exemptions at day cares when it comes to COVID-19 related absences.

The committee of the whole recommended that the local Daycare services discontinue issuing credits to client’s accounts for the days missed due to awaiting COVID-19 test results & that they no longer issue credits to client’s during class closures due to a COVID-19 outbreak in schools.

The swimming pool at the YMCA is now open and now could be the perfect time to find a Christmas gift, as councilors discussed.

CAPRAC

And whilst we’re on the subject of Christmas gifts - why not shop local and support a Prescott-Russell craftsperson this festive season.  The Prescott-Russell Arts Council successfully held their second Virtual Arts Gallery Market, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their work and give you inspiration for this season of giving. Earlier in the week we spoke with CAPRAC Executive Coordinator, Ms. Karine Levesque about the importance of art, culture and heritage in our region.