(Leeds/Grenville, ON – November 13, 2024) It was a cold and wet day as Gananoque and area celebrated Remembrance Day on November 11, but that has never stopped the crowds from coming out to pay homage to the fallen. Services were held in Gananoque, Lansdowne, Rockport, and many other surrounding communities.
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(Gananoque, ON – January 2, 2025) In Gananoque, Branch 92 of the Royal Canadian Legion brought in the new year with about 40 people in attendance for its annual Levée. A time-honoured tradition, the much-anticipated annual Levée in Gananoque (from the French “lever”, meaning “to raise”) has brought greetings and good wishes to residents, and honours to a few outstanding members of society since 1927.
This year’s dignitaries in attendance included Gananoque Mayor John Beddows, Leeds and Thousand Islands (TLTI) Mayor Karina Smith-Gatcke, Branch 92 president Bob Howard and his wife Shirley (branch secretary/treasurer), and Ladies Auxiliary First Vice President Kate Lasher. Unable to attend due to prior commitments were MP Michael Barrett and MPP Steve Clark, both of Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes.
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(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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(Gananoque, ON – December 6, 2024) The Young Company is bringing a family treat for all ages to the stage at the Firehall Theatre in Gananoque. Pirates Don’t Babysit! has everything that the young and young at heart could want in a theatre experience.
“The Young Company is a partnership with the district school board and the Thousand Islands Playhouse (TIP) and we are doing a show for young audiences,” said Isabella Paul, Young Company member.
This is not your usual school play. The script is filled with fun, adventure, and unexpected surprises. Nine-year-old Jenny (Presley Tamblin) is now a big sister and she hates it. Her mum (Leviathan Rieder) makes her stay home and look after the baby when she’d much rather be out doing something exciting – anything exciting. One day when Mum goes out to do some shopping, pirates come to the door and Jenny finds herself in the middle of an adventure that she never expected. They need her to help them find a buried treasure, but she has conditions – they have to let her become a pirate and join their crew and most of all, they have to help babysit. These pirates know nothing about babies or babysitting, but they really want that treasure. Hilarity and misadventure ensue as they screw everything up but come out on top in the end.
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(ON – November 11, 2024) It was a cold and wet as Gananoque and area celebrated Remembrance Day on November 11, but that has never stopped the crowds from coming out to pay homage to the fallen. Services were held in Gananoque, Lansdowne, Rockport, and many other surrounding communities.
Wherever a ceremony was held, indoors or out, the message remained the same – We Will Remember Them. In Gananoque, the ceremony was emceed by Mayor John Beddows, with Legionnaire Anne Parker reading out the Act of Remembrance and Arch Deacon Wayne Varley presenting the prayers. Music was provided by the Queen’s Bands.
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(Gananoque, ON – July 14, 2024) Grace United Church in Gananoque was bursting with Pride as they held their second ever service dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community and their families.
“The colours of the rainbow signify love – love of family, love of friends, love of community,” said Reverend Takouhi Demirdjian-Petro of Grace United. “And for those who do not have these things, know that we love you and welcome you.”
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With all aplomb and proper flourish, the Ladies’ Auxiliary (LA) of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 92 celebrated their 80th anniversary recently with a formal dinner at the branch in Gananoque. From members of the LA to dignitaries, 80 guests enjoyed a dinner prepared by the branch and served by members and volunteers.
“The Ladies’ Auxiliary is a non-profit organization operated separately from the Royal Canadian Legin, but together they thrive,” said Sheri Godfrey, emcee. “The Ladies’ Auxiliary originated during the First World War when women were asked to help wounded veterans returning home and to provide supports for their families. When the Royal Canadian Legion was established in 1926, these women were a welcomed addition at Legion branches as they continued the tradition of volunteering to support needy ex-service personnel, and to enrich the programs and activities of the branch.
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(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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(Gananoque, ON July 1, 2024) Perfect weather greeted the crowds as they came out to Joel Stone Park to celebrate Canada Day in Gananoque. Most were dressed in their patriotic red and white clothes, and all were ready for a good time.
Music for the evening was provided by the band Chickenwire. Face painting was available for all, and comic magician Rob Driscoll entertained to everyone’s delight. Dignitaries for the evening included Town Crier Brian Mabee, MPP Steve Clark Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, Gananoque Mayor John Beddows, Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands Mayor Corinna Smith-Gatcke, and Gananoque Poet Laureate Gretchen Huntley.
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(Gananoque, ON July 1, 2024) The Gananoque Rotary and Lions Clubs teamed up once again for a successful RibFest held in the sports fields at the Lou Jeffries Recreation Centre. The four-day event included entertainment for all ages, vendors, and of course, the ribs. The four ribbers were Jack the Ribber, Route 55 BBQ, Silver Bullet BBQ, and Smoke House Bandits, and other food vendors were also available on-site.
“The smallest community to host Ribfest in Canada welcomes over 19,000 visitors every year,” says the website at www.1000islandsfamilyribfest.ca/ . “The Rotary & Lions Clubs of Gananoque give 100 percent of proceeds back to the community. They support charities, families and students and lead projects that positively change Gananoque and the 1000 Islands area. 1000 Islands Family Ribfest is a safe and clean event that everyone can enjoy.”
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