Stories by Roderick Benns
Opinion Columns
Benns' Belief: What if our health was considered in all policies?
It is virtually beyond argument to say that nothing matters more than our health. No matter our social class, the church pew we sit in, or the party we most want to see take power, it is our health that is the great equalizer.
The Arts
Alan Doyle goes Back to the Harbour – but makes a stop in Lindsay
It’s easy to get Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea fame reminiscing. Just casually mention that you happened to catch him in the 90s at the University of Guelph’s bar when you were a young 20-something.
Opinion Columns
Benns' Belief: Past and future city
This is a story about the past, circa 1970-80. It’s about a little town with a river running through it (and a sprawling rural county) that seemed far away from the vast smudge of lights of Toronto.
News Briefs
Twisted Trauma Foundation charity hockey game
The first annual Twisted Trauma Foundation Charity Hockey game will be held Saturday November 13 from 8-10 p.m. at the Lindsay Recreation Complex.
Community
Has selling orange shirts become commercialized?
As the nation commemorates its first ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, at least one local Indigenous man says the holiday is already being tainted by commercialization. Many retailers are selling orange shirts to mark the day but it doesn't mean the shirts were made by Indigenous communities.
Community
Safer Neighbourhoods movement to be held at Victoria Park Armoury on community safety
Sandy Creighton wasn’t the only one worried about the state of her neighbourhood in the Old Mill district of Lindsay. Once she started talking with her neighbours, she realized they were all having the same issues.
Community
Bobcaygeon group says new statutory holiday finally acknowledges our racist legacies
The establishment of a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 is an important step in Canada’s journey to acknowledge its racist past, according to TRC Bobcaygeon. While it was made a statutory holiday federally, the Ontario government has not followed suit, says Sherry Telford, one of the co-keepers of the local group.
The Arts
Climate Futures, a juried art exhibit, offers several cash prizes for winning entries
Reflections from the Watersheds of Time in 2121, invites you to tell a new story, to imagine what balanced, sustainable, equitable, and abundant communities will look like 100 years from now.
Federal
Rally against lockdowns, vaccine laws, draws large crowd in downtown Lindsay
At times, the beeping of horns of support made it difficult to do interviews. About 80 people gathered downtown in front of Lindsay’s library to protest vaccine passports, lockdowns, and what they see as “medical tyranny.”
Municipal
Lindsay residents say clear no to ATV route through town
A clear majority of Lindsay residents have said "no" to an ATV route running through the town, according to a city poll.
Business
Kinmount frozen yogurt truck brings cool treats to village
A new frozen yogurt truck parked in downtown Kinmount has been offering up cool treats to locals and tourists all summer.
Municipal
Developer looks to transform Lindsay’s east side on parcels of land near I.E. Weldon
New homes, a park, a large grocery store, a good commercial plaza, and maybe even a recreation centre – all of this and more is being considered on Lindsay’s east side by Flato Developments. Shakir Rehmatullah, president of Flato Developments, held a community open house at The Pie Eyed Monk in Lindsay recently -- a chance for residents to get a sneak peak of the draft plans.
Federal
Green Party goes with Godsoe
The local Green Party has cancelled their nomination meeting that would have decided between two candidates and instead found a riding for both contestants to run in. That means Angel Godsoe will represent Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock for the Greens.
Federal
Local Green Party members to face off to see who will represent riding in election
The Advocate has learned that a nomination meeting will be necessary for the Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock Greens after two people stepped forward to represent the riding in the Sept. 20 election.
Opinion Columns
Mission-oriented capitalism
Last month this space focused on how the market has extended its reach into our daily lives by ensuring that everything is for sale, from air for our tires to bottled water to our free time. More than ever, the value of something is equated with its monetary value determined by the market — not for its intrinsic worth to you or me.
Business
Country Cupboard celebrates 40 years in Fenelon Falls
If Julia Taylor had her way, one of the best-loved stores in Fenelon Falls would simply be called “Jars.” After all, getting so many people to give up their plastic habit in favour of reusable glass jars is one of her favourite accomplishments since she took over as owner of Country Cupboard in early 2018.
Health
Fenelon Rotary Club supports RMH CT scanner with $10,000 cheque
Since 1944, the Rotary Club of Fenelon Falls has been changing its community and the world for the better through its volunteer service. This year, in addition to its help with the Fenelon Falls COVID-19 vaccination clinics, the Rotary Club of Fenelon Falls is making a gift to help fund the community’s new CT Scanner at Ross Memorial Hospital.
Social Issues
Bigger Together concert from Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters Kawartha Lakes – Haliburton with RBM Productions is excited to present two memorable concerts this summer, according to a media release.
Health
Community raises $500,000 so far for new Coboconk Wellness Centre
The fundraising goal of $1 million set for the building of the Coboconk Wellness Centre reached an important milestone, with half the money raised so far. An event at the Coboconk Train Station celebrated the $500,000 milestone, with local dignitaries in attendance.
Opinion Columns
Benns' Belief: What is the value, not the price?
Why do we buy water? Quite simply, big business has told us we should. It’s healthier, says Nestle Pure Life and Aquafina (the latter owned by Pepsi). Why put your faith in stringent municipal testing in towns or cities when you can put your faith in the Corporation?
Federal
Councillor hopes Pontypool will eventually be included in Via Train plans
The Canadian government has announced a high frequency rail proposal for the Toronto to Quebec City corridor – and Councillor Tracy Richardson says it’s a win “for the entire province” but hopes it will also include Kawartha Lakes.
Opinion Columns
Benns' Belief: Here's why Canada Day must go on
As Canada Day approaches, we are bearing witness to the shocking continuation of the unearthing of unmarked graves of young Indigenous people. In the process, our collective consciousness has been ripped apart. Our sense of knowing who we are as a people – surely the minimum sense of nationhood -- has been shattered.
