Local Telecom Update - Good Morning from Rockland - Episode #3

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; 

At the time of recording there were 50 active cases within the United Counties, of which 3 were in Clarence-Rockland. That’s an increase of 27 active cases in the UCPR and a decrease of 4 in Clarence-Rockland from last week. The cases per capita, known as the 7-day rolling average is 54.2 and there are currently 19 people in hospital with 6 in the ICU. Vaccination rates continue to rise slowly as the Eastern Ontario Health Unit reached the 90% landmark for first doses and close to 85% for full immunization. The EOHU saw a sharp rise in the number of active cases this week, mostly coming from an outbreak amongst vaccinated residents in a local Long Term Care center. The Residence St. François in Casselman has confirmed at least 32 positive cases, of which 4 are currently in hospital. 

Local telecommunications update

Earlier this summer, Rogers was announced as the governmental partner to bring high speed internet to the more rural areas of Ontario and on Thursday the telecommunication giants announced its Fibre-Powered Network project will connect over 24,000 homes across the Ottawa, Clarence-Rockland, North Grenville and Carleton Place regions. Mayor of the city of Clarence-Rockland, Mr. MaRio Zanth, said he was “pleased” with the investment being made in fibre optic technology for the city, saying that the economic development in Eastern Ontario “depends on high speed internet.” With over $188 million dollars set to be invested, Rogers states that the areas in question will have access to all their services with speed of up to 1.5 gigabit per second.

Free Menstrual products in schools 

Menstrual products are set to be freely distributed in schools across the province as, in partnership with the Canadian Government, Shoppers Drug Mart have committed to providing 6 million menstrual products a year over the next three school years. Speaking last week, Minister of Education, Mr Stephen Lecce said he wanted to end “Period Poverty” and that thanks to the collaborative efforts of not only Shoppers and the Government, but the young leaders within schools, it is now a reality. In light of this news, the Upper Canada District School Board ordered 337 dispensing units and related products, which are now available at all of the UCDSB’s schools. 

United Counties meet in person 

The United Counties of Prescott Russell, made up of all the local Mayors, sat in person for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic this week. Broadcasted live to their Youtube Channel the bulk of the meeting focused around the Preliminary Budget for 2022. In 2021, with tax rates lowered to help those struggling through the financial implications of the pandemic, keen eyes will be cast towards what the rates will be in 2022. The numbers discussed were simply preliminary at this stage and subject to change. We will bring you more information, as well as how it will affect you, in the coming weeks as the final budget is set to be presented on the 10th of November and adopted on the 24th. 

Advances in the link between abuse towards animals and humans; 

During the pandemic an already startling figure continued to rise as local police forces and other organizations reported an increased number of Domestic Disturbances - in particular, gender based violence.  In recent years the link between violence against people and violence against animals has been studied, and results suggest a pretty clear correlation. Now, thanks to funding from the Federal Government, Humane Canada is hosting workshops explaining this link in the hopes of preventing cases of abuse and making communities safer. 

100km cycle for Mental Health 

Victoria, a 24 year old mental health advocate, made the 100km trek from Ottawa to Victoria’s hometown of Hawkesbury, to raise money and awareness for mental health following the loss of her father. 

And Little Ray’s Nature Center receives an award

Founded in 1995, Little Ray’s Nature Center is one of the largest sanctuaries in the country for seized exotic animals but financial difficulties brought on by the pandemic left them in a dire spot. 
Fast forward 8 months and not only are their doors open to the public but they have been recognized for their work, winning an award for excellence in Animal Care and Conservation from CAZA; A national accreditation organization for zoos and aquariums.