TODAY: Ottawa Valley Air Paddle and Cold Bear Brew Co. in Arnprior will host a Gear Swap this Saturday at the brewery on Madawaska Blvd! From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, outdoor enthusiasts will buy and sell their used outdoor gear (any thing and any season welcome), enjoy a brew, and take home unsold items. Bring cash, but swaps are encouraged!

TODAY: The Upper Ottawa Valley Ringette Association holds its annual Skate Day fundraiser from 10:00 am to 3:15 pm this Saturday, April 18th. Players will be stationed at the local Walmart, Metro, and No-Frills in Renfrew, as well as Charbonneau’s Grocery in Calabogie, collecting donations that will help keep registration costs down and support training and equipment for the players.

TODAY: Get ready to jam this Saturday in Arnprior! Take in a Folk / Rock concert at Cafe Tilda featuring Pinksnail from Montreal and Arnprior’s Thee Male Nurse. Folk / punk rock concert – $15 suggested. All ages.

TOMORROW: Savour the Date this Sunday at Calabogie Peaks Resort! Join them from 10:30 am to 2:00 pm for a special Wedding Open House designed for engaged couples who want to experience the beauty of our resort firsthand. Tour our reception venues, ceremony sites, hotel, and facilities, then stay for an optional tasting to sample a selection of wedding menu favourites.

Tap or click here for more community events.       

Local Sports:           

Renfrew Minor Soccer is hosting a session for coaches at the myFM Centre ahead of their season opening later this spring. The meeting gets underway Sunday, April 19th at 12:30 pm.

Renfrew Minor Baseball has extended early bird pricing for registration to April 18th! Head to the league’s website to sign up.

Have something for the 48? Adding it is easy to do. Click here to get started. 

The RCDHU says flooding can pose risks to drinking water, septic systems and personal well-being as water levels continue to rise across the region.

Residents who rely on private wells are being advised to take extra care, as floodwater and standing water can contaminate drinking supplies. The health unit recommends boiling water at a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, food preparation or brushing teeth. Alternatively, residents can use bottled water or another safe potable source. Well water should be tested for bacteria once floodwaters recede.

Flooding can also disrupt septic systems by saturating the ground and preventing proper function. Officials advise limiting water use — including flushing toilets, doing laundry and showering — if systems are affected. Pumping a septic tank while the surrounding ground remains saturated is discouraged, as high groundwater levels can cause empty tanks to shift or float, potentially damaging the system.

The health unit is also warning about broader safety risks linked to floodwaters, which may be contaminated with sewage and other harmful substances. Residents are urged to keep children and pets away from floodwater and to wash or sanitize hands after any contact.

Items such as furniture, clothing and building materials exposed to flooding may be contaminated and could develop mould. While some hard surfaces can be cleaned and disinfected, others may need to be discarded.

Officials stress the importance of avoiding areas where electrical systems have been affected, due to the risk of electrocution, and to wait for clearance from proper authorities before entering.

As a precaution, residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to clear drainage systems, label utility shut-off valves and know how to turn off gas, water and electricity. If evacuation becomes necessary, utilities should be turned off if it is safe to do so, and valuables should be moved to higher ground.

Emergency preparedness is also key, with residents advised to keep a kit stocked with essential documents, cash, safe drinking water, food and medications.

Drivers are being reminded not to travel through floodwaters. Even shallow, fast-moving water can be dangerous, with as little as 15 centimetres capable of knocking over an adult and deeper water able to carry away vehicles.

Authorities recommend monitoring local flood updates and river conditions regularly as the situation develops.

(Steve Berard)

This three-year investment plan is intended to continue through to March 31, 2028.

The press release states this funding is to provide greater compensation to Ontario’s midwives and to “connect more people to midwifery services.”

“Midwives are an essential part of Ontario’s health-care system, supporting families at one of the most important times in their lives,” said Sylvia Jones, deputy premier and minister of health.

According to AOM, midwives are “health-care professionals who provide government-funded expert primary care to pregnant people and their newborns.”

Midwives are present through pregnancy, labour, birth and the first six weeks after birth.

Expectant mothers cannot choose a doctor if midwives have been selected, but a physician will be involved if there are concerns or complications.

Details of the funding include:

• Midwives receiving a wage increase of 7 percent over the term of the 2025-2028 agreement.
• Up to $8 million over three years to fund Indigenous community-based midwifery projects and expand access to culturally appropriate and Indigenous-led midwifery care.
• Over $5 million in midwifery practices to manage their day-to-day clinical operations.
• Reduced administrative burden on midwives by streamlining the funding application process.
• Up to $1 million in each of 2026-27 and 2027-28 for midwives to support the purchase of required equipment and furniture.

According to the press release this funding includes support for culturally safe care for Indigenous families in First Nations, urban and rural communities.

(Written by Mik Horvath)

The regional team is part of a network of more than 50 Ontario Health Teams tasked with improving access to coordinated care under the province’s Primary Care Action Plan.

The plan aims to connect all Ontarians with a family doctor or nurse practitioner, including those who were on the waitlist as of Jan. 1, 2025, by this summer.

Officials say more than 72 per cent of those residents in the Ottawa Valley have now been matched with a provider, with waitlists cleared in 19 municipalities. Since March 2025, more than 4,800 people in the region have been connected to primary care.

The health team says recruitment efforts have also added nine new family doctors and two nurse practitioners over the past year, with more expected in the coming months.

Dr. Richard Johnson, clinical lead for the Ottawa Valley Ontario Health Team, says the progress reflects ongoing work to improve access to care close to home.

Residents still seeking a primary care provider are encouraged to register with Health Care Connect online or by calling 811.

(Steve Berard)

Area residents can safely dispose of household hazardous waste at the Renfrew Landfill (376 Bruce Street).

From old paint and aerosols to batteries, propane tanks, and automotive fluids, this is your chance to clean out those garages, basements, and sheds properly.

The Depot will be Open weekly on Tuesday, Wednesdays & Thursday: 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM; and on Friday & Saturday: 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM.

Be responsible. Dispose of these materials while protecting our environment.

By Rick Stow

Billy Denault said Friday that he has been in contact with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Ontario Power Generation to track conditions and ensure information is being shared with local communities.

Denault said his office is also taking part in regular freshet monitoring calls and has begun reaching out directly to municipal leaders, including mayors across the riding, to coordinate communication and support.

He said many residents are watching water levels closely and may be feeling concerned, particularly those living along local waterways.

The MPP is encouraging residents to stay informed through official sources and to take precautions where necessary.

Up-to-date information on water levels and forecasts is available through the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board and Ontario Power Generation.

(Steve Berard)

We’ve compiled the list of gas prices on Friday, April 17th, as of 8:30 a.m., according to gasbuddy.com.

ARNPRIOR  

Ultramar, White Lake Road $1.71.3

MacEwen, Madawaska Boulevard $1.71.3

Stinson, Vanjumar Road $1.71.3

Ultramar and On the Run, Madawaska Boulevard $1.71.6

Shell and Circle K, Daniel Street $1.71.6

Mr. Gas, Daniel Street $1.71.6

Canadian Tire & Petro-Canada, Daniel Street $1.71.9

Stinson, Madawaska Boulevard $1.79.9

RENFREW  

Esso, Raglan Street South, $1.72.6

Canadian Tire & Petro-Canada, $1.72.9

MacEwen, Raglan Street South, $1.72.9

Mobil, O’Brien Road, $1.72.9

Shell and Circle K, Raglan Street South, $1.73.9

Petro-Canada, Stewart Street, $1.75.9

PEMBROKE  

Ultramar and On the Run, Pembroke Street West $1.76.6

Irving, Paul Martin Drive $1.76.6

Canadian Tire, Pembroke Street East $1.76.6

Perkins, Pembroke Street West $1.76.6

Stinson, Mackay Street $1.76.6

Petro-Canada, Pembroke Street East $1.76.6

Mobil, Pembroke Street West  N/A

MacEwen, Highway 41 N/A

PETAWAWA 

Shell and Circle K, Petawawa Boulevard $1.76.9

Esso and Circle K, Petawawa Boulevard $1.76.9

Prices are subject to change. For up-to-date information, check gasbuddy.com . 

(Kasey Egan) 

The Town of Arnprior has closed a section of Gillies Trail (Waterfront Trail) due to overland flooding.

The trail is closed from Albert Street through to the Boat Launch.

The Town advises the public not to enter these areas and asks you stay clear of riverbanks at Robert Simpson Park Beach, Bell Park and McLean Beach.

With the situation in possible transition, it’s important you stay informed.

To obtain the latest news on water levels, refer to the forecast section of the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board website: https://ottawariver.ca/.

For any flood-related emergencies, call the Public Works after-hours emergency number at 343-429-6435.

By Rick Stow

THIS MONTH:  The Renfrew County 4-H Ag Rangers – Club to Club Exchange is hosting a spaghetti supper and will offer a trivia night this Friday, April 17th, to raise funds for Renfrew and Russell County kids to exchange with Saskatchewan later this summer. Head to the Horton Community Centre with your friends or join a team on the scene. Dinner starts at 5:00 pm, trivia at 7:30 pm. Dinner for $20, trivia for $15 OR BOTH for $30! Pre-registration is required by contacting Shanna Armstrong at 613-552-6365 or shannaarmstrong19@gmail.com.

TODAY: The Renfrew County 55+ Summer Games continue this Friday, April 17th! Players are invited to join the Cobden Legion, 43A Main Street, for 8-Ball Billiards starting at 1:00 pm. OFSA Fee: $15 payable to the OGSA, plus a $3 event fee payable to renfrewcounty55@gmail.com.

TOMORROW: The Upper Ottawa Valley Ringette Association holds its annual Skate Day fundraiser from 10:00 am to 3:15 pm this Saturday, April 18th. Players will be stationed at the local Walmart, Metro, and No-Frills in Renfrew, as well as Charbonneau’s Grocery in Calabogie, collecting donations that will help keep registration costs down and support training and equipment for the players.

TOMORROW: Ottawa Valley Air Paddle and Cold Bear Brew Co. in Arnprior will host a Gear Swap this Saturday at the brewery on Madawaska Blvd! From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, outdoor enthusiasts will buy and sell their used outdoor gear (any thing and any season welcome), enjoy a brew, and take home unsold items. Bring cash, but swaps are encouraged!

Tap or click here for more community events.       

Local Sports:           

Renfrew Minor Soccer is hosting a session for coaches at the myFM Centre ahead of their season opening later this spring. The meeting gets underway Sunday, April 19th at 12:30 pm.

Renfrew Minor Baseball has extended early bird pricing for registration to April 18th! Head to the league’s website to sign up.

Have something for the 48? Adding it is easy to do. Click here to get started. 

Club Treasurer Nancy Saumure tells myFM in the Morning that preparations for the upcoming season will get underway with two drop-in registration drives from 6:00 to 8:00 pm this Friday, April 17th, and again from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, April 18th.

Membership is only $35 for adults or $25 for youth, which she calls a bargain for a summer of fun even when you factor in the court fees.

Saumure welcomes the public to meet with current members, ask questions, and get to know the club this weekend, adding that those who join them on the court will get their fill of the action thanks to their busy schedule.

The club also makes sure that young players interested in taking part get to play, keeping racquets on hand so no kid gets turned away.

Other benefits of membership include regular clinics and lesson programs, private instruction, and access to all of their fun and club championships.

(written by Kasey Egan)