Noted as a “Farmers Market on Steroids”, the event returns to where it all began. In 2007, an event was created in the town to show off all that Renfrew County and the Valley had to offer. Now, 19 years later, the 2026 Cobden Taste of the Valley is expected to be the largest in history with over 165 vendors in attendance.

That’s Scott Hamilton. He’s the Economic Development Coordinator with the County of Renfrew. He says the day will have a variety of vendors offering farm fresh meats, veggies and fruits, artisianal goods, handmade crafts and locally produced honey and syrups.

Because of the popularity of the event and the high interest from local businesses, they’re opening it up even more by expanding into the ball diamond.

Planning an event like this is not easy. There’s a lot of moving parts, amenities are needed for patrons and safety measures need to be in place to make sure everything runs smoothly. Hamilton says none of this would be possible without the help of community groups.

Taste of the Valley Cobden takes place October 17th from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Cobden Fairgrounds, 43 Astrolabe Road. The event will happen rain or shine, so dress for the weather as cool temperatures approach.

For more information on the event visit totv.ca.

The next and final edition of the 2026 Taste of the Valley Series will be the December 12th, Christmas themed event in Renfrew.

(Written by: Bob Kubbinga)

Fortin, who won over 61 percent of the votes, will represent the Pontiac electoral district in the Quebec National Assembly for a fourth consecutive term.

In a dramatic political comeback, the Parti Québécois has formed a minority government in Quebec, propelled at least partly by promises to hold another referendum on sovereignty.

Fortin says that is not the right thing for the Pontiac or the rest of the province.

He says his constituents have made it clear where they stand on the issue.

Fortin says looking forward to his next term in office, his number one priority is one he hears from his constituents time and time again – health care.

He says people in the Pontiac want better access to health care, they want to protect the Shawville Hospital and they want measures to retain and recruit more health care workers.

He says they’re also concerned about the local economy, one that is comprised mostly of small and medium-sized businesses, who have felt overlooked by the previous government.

Fortin has been the MNA for the Pontiac since 2014.

(Written by: Cindy Clyne)

First, officers with the Renfrew OPP conducted a traffic stop within town at around 1:15 am on Monday, September 21.

As a result of their investigation, 27-year-old Domiguel Beaucejour Vaillancourt-Veilleux of Ottawa was charged on three counts:

• Possession of a schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking- Cocaine
• Possession of a schedule III substance for the purpose of trafficking
• Possession of proceeds of property obtained by crime under $5000

The accused was held for a bail hearing.

Then, at around 9:50 pm that evening, the OPP conducted separate investigation during a second traffic stop in town, leading to 33-year-old Christopher Uniat of Kanata being charged with carrying a concealed weapon and obstructing a peace officer.

He was later released and is scheduled to appear in court on November 18.

(written by Kasey Egan)

The MRC Pontiac marked National Seniors Day by launching its new Municipalité Amie des Aînés Policy and 2026-2030 Action Plan, developed in partnership with 14 municipalities across the region to help seniors remain active, independent, and involved in community life for as long as possible.

“Our seniors play an essential role in the vitality of our communities. This policy gives us the tools to better respond to their needs while continuing to build a more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming Pontiac for everyone,” said Jane Toller, Warden of MRC Pontiac.

Residents will have a chance to learn more and share their thoughts on proposed projects during the Service Pathways event at the Bryson Recreation Association building on October 14.

The full policy and action plan will be officially unveiled on November 3, with MRC staff attending various events in the coming weeks to promote the initiative and gather community feedback.

(written by Kasey Egan)

We’ve compiled the list of gas prices on Tuesday, October 6 as of 8:30 a.m., according to gasbuddy.com.

ARNPRIOR  

Mr. Gas, Daniel Street $1.62.6

Canadian Tire & Petro-Canada, Daniel Street $1.62.9

Stinson, Vanjumar Road $1.62.9

Shell and Circle K, Daniel Street $1.62.9

Ultramar and On the Run, Madawaska Boulevard $1.64.6

MacEwen, Madawaska Boulevard $1.82.6

Ultramar, White Lake Road N/A

Stinson, Madawaska Boulevard N/A

RENFREW  

MacEwen, Raglan Street South, $1.61.3

Esso, Raglan Street South, $1.61.3

Shell and Circle K, Raglan Street South, $1.61.9

Mobil, O’Brien Road, $1.62.6

Canadian Tire & Petro-Canada, $1.62.6

Petro-Canada, Stewart Street, $1.63.9

PEMBROKE 

Perkins, Pembroke Street West $1.70.4

Petro-Canada, Pembroke Street East $1.70.5

Ultramar and On the Run, Pembroke Street West $1.70.9

Canadian Tire, Pembroke Street East $1.70.9

Stinson, Mackay Street $1.70.9

Irving, Paul Martin Drive $1.71.9

Mobil, Pembroke Street West N/A

MacEwen, Highway 41 N/A

PETAWAWA 

Shell and Circle K, Petawawa Boulevard $1.79.9

Esso and Circle K, Petawawa Boulevard $1.79.9

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

The town’s current Reeve and former County of Renfrew Warden has committed to conducting annual reviews of town services and readiness for growth with staff, council, and the community to ensure the town has a handle on potential cost-saving measures like shared services and a steady pipeline of ready-to-go development projects.

It’s part of a plan that will attempt to aggressively restrict the growing tax burden residents are facing.

Another priority for Emon will be the town’s infrastructure, with many of the town’s remaining projects requiring extensive work beneath the surface to complete and a looming need to extend and fortify connecting roads with Highway 17 ahead of its planned expansion.

Part of the push to be ready will be to advocate Renfrew’s federal and provincial partners to increase their funding streams and find other investments that can supply the town with its own revenue.

If elected, Emon will also call on the town to improve the supports and services the community relies on, such as helping seniors age in place through programming at the Golden Age Activity Centre, as well as a new development project to help homeowners create rental units within their homes.

Emon has also committed to creating a monthly mayor’s report and other opportunities that will better communicate with residents about the things being done inside council chambers.

He faces five other candidates in the October 26 municipal election: Callum Scott, incumbent mayor Tom Sidney, Josh Marquardt, Mike Coulas, and Jason Legris.

===

We asked all responding Renfrew mayoral candidates the same three questions, with their answers in full below:

Question 1: Renfrew is expected to benefit greatly with the upcoming expansion of Highway 417 and the resulting potential for increased commercial, industrial, and residential opportunities. As mayor, how would you direct town staff to prepare for the economic and population growth?

Question 2: The town is feeling the pinch financially in multiple ways, including a lengthy debenture to cover cost overruns with the Ma-te-Way. Expansion project and volatile market conditions. How would you prioritize the town’s spending to navigate the situation?

Question 3: Beyond economic growth, what do you believe Renfrew needs to do to improve the quality of life for the people who already live here, and what would be your priorities as mayor?

(written by Kasey Egan)

TODAY: The Canadian Federation of University Women’s Renfrew and District Club is sponsoring an All Candidates Night in Renfrew this Tuesday, October 6. 7:00 pm at the myFM Centre Community Hall. Candidates will discuss priorities, answer questions submitted ahead of time and provide campaign material.

TODAY: Enterprise Renfrew County presents “Bridges to Business Empowerment,” an workshop that guides business owners to adapt to economic uncertainty, rising costs, workforce challenges, and rapid technological change with resilience, creativity, community support, and optimism. 8:30 am to 12:00 pm at Le Belge Euro Bistro, 16 Opeongo Sq. Barry’s Bay. $30+tax with breakfast included.

TODAY: The Renfrew Public Library welcomes you to explore the mystical world of Dungeons & Dragons! Library staff will host a teen-oriented campaign suited for ages 14 to 18 every Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. Experience epic quests, heroic challenges, and legendary storytelling at RPL’s Dungeons & Dragons programs!

TOMORROW: Grab a team and come play a fun game of music trivia! Boston Pizza Renfrew hosts a special night of brain-bending questions this Wednesday night at 6:00 pm with all team entry fees going directly to Renfrew Rotary. Please call Boston Pizza to reserve your table for this fun event today! 613.434.6927

TOMORROW: Horton Township begins a series of instructor-led autumn and winter craft classes this Wednesday, October 7 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. This week, join friends and neighbours in creating a festive fall large wire and twine pumpkin! $20/person, no experience needed and all supplies provided. Call 613-433-3303 or email the township to learn more.

TOMORROW: The Arnprior-Braeside-McNab Seniors at Home Lunch Bunch is on this Wednesday from 12:00 to 2:00 pm at the Arnprior Legion. Wednesday’s menu includes your choice of sandwiches: egg salad or ham and cheese, plus soup, desert, and tea or coffee. Live entertainment by Dan Nicholas and Norbert Lapierre

Tap or click here for more community events.       

Local Sports:           

Renfrew Junior A Wolves

Oct. 9: Wolves @ Smiths Falls, 7:30 pm @ Smiths Falls Memorial Centre
Oct. 10: Wolves vs Navan, 7:30 pm @ myFM Centre

Renfrew Junior B Timberwolves

Oct. 9: Timberwolves @ Winchester, 8:15 pm @ Winchester Community Centre
Oct. 11: Timberwolves vs Winchester, 7:30 pm @ Centre 76

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

An all-candidates night has been set for this evening at 7:00 pm, bringing hopefuls in the mayoral, council, and school board trustee races to the myFM Centre’s community hall to meet with voters and make their case ahead of election day.

The Canadian Federation of University Women’s Renfrew and District Club hosts the event, offering candidates a fixed time for speeches followed by a question period using submissions from the audience. Candidates will also have display space to set up any campaign materials they bring that evening.

All residents are welcome to attend.

(written by Kasey Egan)

With 64 ridings needed to form a majority, the PQ has fallen just short of that, elected or leading in 60 ridings as of 10pm.

The Parti Québécois hasn’t won a provincial election since 2012, when the party led by Pauline Marois took office.

Meanwhile, in the Pontiac riding, Liberal André Fortin is projected to have been re-elected, with the PQ a distant second in voting.

The PQ’s win in Quebec is considered a major victory considering the party was reduced to just three seats in the last general election in 2022.

PQ Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon has vowed to hold a referendum on sovereignty in his first term.

(Written by: Cindy Clyne)

Renfrew’s Craft Beer and Food Truck Festival welcomed another packed crowd to Low Square on Saturday, October 3, treating thousands of visitors to more of the best flavours from across the Ottawa Valley than ever before thanks to the decision to let the event sprawl out onto Railroad Avenue and the Raglan Street sidewalk, according to the town’s programs supervisor, Janyne Fraser.

The festival has become a major hit for a town as it looks to attract attention from outside the community with its signature events. It’s also a popular stop for the local breweries who rely on the exposure to drive sales.

Fraser says the event has been fortunate to enjoy good weather, helping to turn the evening into a special experience for attendees. Looking ahead to 2027, she says the room for improvement mostly boils down to a few simple preparations.

Town staff have yet to release the official attendance numbers from the event, but the crowd was expected to outdo the 1,300 people they welcomed in last year.

(written by Kasey Egan)