Soup kitchen coming to Gananoque

Nik Giannakouras and Mary Donevan will be opening The Soup Kitchen of Gananoque in December, offering a free meal five days a week to those in need. It will be located inside Moroni’s restaurant on the bar side. Photo by Lorraine Payette

(Gananoque, ON – November 25, 2025) Food insecurity is a reality for far too many people in the world today, and too many people are ashamed to admit that they suffer from it. With exorbitant prices that are unmet by increases in income, food banks are seeing their usage increase on an almost daily basis and people who have lost their homes through whatever means find themselves hunting for any way in which they can feed themselves and still retain a sense of human dignity. It isn’t confined to larger population centres, but finds its home in small towns and villages, rural areas – anywhere that there are people, there is hunger.

“Our vision and mission are simple,” said Mary Donevan of Donevan’s in Gananoque. “The soup kitchen is complimentary and for anyone and everyone who wants to experience the hospitality of this community; to make friendships, connections and supports over a shared meal; to overcome social issues such as loneliness, addressing food security needs, including for young families. It is for outreach making new residents and guests feel welcome and to provide a nutritious meal five days a week to those who may have difficulty doing this for themselves at this time.”

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Construction begun on 3D-printed buildings in Gananoque

(Gananoque, ON – November 20, 2024) Construction has begun on the 3D printed buildings that were approved by Gananoque’s council under Mayor Ted Lojko on March 2, 2022. Designed and planned by the Horizon Legacy Group (HLG), the project is using new construction technologies to create environmentally friendly affordable housing. The firm is based in Toronto with a 70-year history in the field of real estate development.

“Since May 2024, the Gananoque project has made significant progress as Canada’s largest housing initiative to integrate on-site robotics,” said Claire Belerique, marketing manager for HLG. “The development, featuring 26 stacked townhouse units with 30% designated as affordable rentals, is a groundbreaking proof of concept for how advanced technologies can tackle Canada’s housing crisis and labour shortages. It also represents a meaningful step toward providing an affordable housing solution for the local community, offering greater accessibility to quality housing.”

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Kin Club of Gananoque joins GAN in teaching arts to kids

(Gananoque, ON July 7, 2024) There’s something timeless about playing in the mud and clay may be one of the most popular muds around. Squishing it in the fingers, moulding it into different shapes, seeing exactly what it can and can’t do. Staining clothes and skin and hair all in the search for creative expression. Whether making a free form art piece or a functional utensil, its versatility calls people of all ages to come out and explore.

“Gananoque Arts Network (GAN) was looking for funding to provide free hand-build and wheel pottery classes for kids and youth through the summer months,” said Dennis O’Connor, chair of GAN. “Because of their previous generosity to this not-for-profit community art center, I approached them with the Kin Mud Club project.”

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Summer services return to Half Moon Bay

(Gananoque, ON June 23, 2024) Starting on June 30 between 3 and 3:30 p.m., the boats will be at the PUC dock in Gananoque waiting for passengers to attend a new season of services at Half Moon Bay (HMB).

“Our first speaker of the year will be Reverend Erin Burns, Director of Faith and Spiritual Life, and Interfaith Chaplain at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario,” said George Horton of the HMB committee. “This is an Interdenominational service starting at 4 p.m. There will be an accessible water taxi each week for the service at the dock.”

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Aquaculture: Farming the Waters comes to Thousand Islands History Museum

(Gananoque, ON June 20, 2024) The Thousand Islands History Museum in Gananoque opened its latest exhibit to the public on June 20. About 35 people came out to explore the new exhibit and get an idea of just what the subject is about.

“Our latest exhibit is Aquaculture: Farming the Waters, a travelling exhibit from Ingenium,” said Joanne van Dreumel, executive director of the museum. “We are excited to launch this new exhibition, which explores the world of aquaculture – the farming of fish, shellfish, and seaweed in oceans, lakes, and on land. Have you ever wondered how Canadian farmers produce seafood – not only on Canada’s coasts, but across the country? This colourful travelling exhibition from Ingenium is accessible, tactile, peppered with games and interactive materials, and will engage visitors of all ages. Come discover how Indigenous peoples have practiced aquaculture over millennia and explore how it has evolved in Canada.”

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Weekend Bundles Program receives funds from United Way

The Gananoque Food Bank received a cheque from the United Way in the amount of $25,000 as funding for the Weekend Food Bundles program. The program provides up to 150 bundles of food per week during the school year to be handed out to assist students suffering from food insecurity, enabling them to have nutritious meals throughout the weekend. L—r, Karlie Barkley, United Way Leeds and Grenville; Daria Hamilton, Food Bank Manager; and Shannon Griggs, Food Bank Chair Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network

(Gananoque, ON June 14, 2024)

TIA AGM to celebrate 90 years of Thousand Islands Association

The Thousand Islands Association (TIA) is excited to announce that it’s time to buy your tickets for the Shoreline Breakfast and AGM to be held on Saturday July 20. Pre-payment for breakfast is required. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network

(Gananoque, July 13, 2024) The Thousand Islands Association has been protecting residents of the Thousand Islands for 90 years with shoal markers and other projects. An international organization, they will be holding their AGM and popular shore breakfast on Saturday July 20 with registration at 8 a.m. and breakfast starting at 8:30.

“The Thousand Islands Association (TIA) is excited to announce that it’s time to buy your tickets for the Shoreline Breakfast and AGM,” said the association in a recent press release. “TIA’s social event of the year is happening once again along the banks of the St. Lawrence River at the 1,000 Islands Playhouse.”

Pre-payment for breakfast is required with adults at $15.99 and children under 10 at $8.99.

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OPP wants to keep kids safe as they return to school

Always stop for the bus and never pass when the lights are flashing – young lives depend on it. supplied by L&A OPP

(Lenox and Addington, ON – August 26, 2023)

Officers of the Lennox and Addington (L&A) County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are asking that we all pay close attention to the fact that kids are going back to school, and we need to be careful to help keep them safe.

“During this back-to-school season, we can expect more traffic, busses, and children on the roads during their rush-hour commutes,” said Provincial Constable David Yome, Community Safety/Media Relations Officer. “As students return to the classroom, the OPP reminds motorists of the importance of sharing our roadways responsibly.”

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Survey for Bus Service Being Presented Online

(Gananoque, ON – February 5, 2023)

An online survey is now being presented to determine the need for a bus service running between Kingston and the rural areas surrounding it.

“The City of Kingston, in partnership with the Town of Gananoque, Township of South Frontenac, and Loyalist Township, is undertaking a Rural Commuter Transit Study to examine possible public transit solutions for residents, workers, students, and visitors,” said Justin Bromberg of the city in a prepared statement. “The objective of the study is to review existing services, identify local travel needs, and develop a plan to address the needs identified.”

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TI History Museum to host Summer Evening in the Islands

(Gananoque, ON) After three years of extreme caution due to the pandemic and no chance to really get together and have a good time, the Thousand Islands History Museum will be holding its Summer Evening in the Islands Fundraiser on August 11.

The Thousand Islands History Museum will be holding its Summer Evening in the Islands Fundraiser on Flying Mallard Island on August 11. Lorraine Payette/for Postmedia Network

“We are bursting with excitement to celebrate our achievements with you at our first in-person gala in three years,” said Joanne van Dreumel, executive director of the museum. “Brian and Lynn Knudsen will host the celebration at their elegant summer home on Flying Mallard Island. With beverage in hand, you can meander the gardens, greet old and new friends, and listen to live music. And you can keep mementos of the evening from the Live and Silent Auctions, emceed by Alicia Gordon of Gordon’s Estate Services, and know that your support keeps us strong in preserving and interpreting our collective history.”

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