Lj Weir 🇨🇦

Living in Grief: Saying goodbye to Jack Sept. 2010 - Sept. 12, 2025: My Tuxedo boss man was 15:

He was my best guy.
Living in grief is hard.
open.substack.com/pub/weirview...

Opinion: Preserving the Mill of Kintail’s legacy Laurie Weir explores the Mill of Kintail’s uncertain future, highlighting how funding challenges threaten collections honouring Naismith and McKenzi

The collections of history and legacy at the Mill of Kintail have been the subject of attention in Mississippi Mills. Who will take care of these national treasures: Drs. James Naismith and R. Tait McKenzie - longtime boyhood friends who have earned their rightful places in history. #MCVA

Opinion: Who should pay when an animal is left to suffer? An opinion piece argues that current municipal bylaws create a gap that puts the financial burden of helping a stray animal on local rescues.

In an opinion piece, Laurie Weir argues for changes to municipal bylaws to better protect stray animals. The piece is inspired by a recent dispute in Smiths Falls. Full opinion: www.hometownnews.ca/opinion-anim...
#Opinion #HometownNewsSF

Brooke Henderson confirms relationship with Ricky Castro Smiths Falls' LPGA star Brooke Henderson has gone public with her relationship with Minnesota Twins pitcher Ricky Castro via social media.

Smiths Falls' Brooke Henderson and Minnesota Twins pitcher Ricky Castro have made their relationship public. www.hometownnews.ca/brooke-hende... #BrookeHenderson #RickyCastro #LPGA #MinnesotaTwins

Lanark County's 2025 plowing match draws local leaders Local leaders trade council chambers for the fields at the Lanark County Plowing Match. An event that showcases local agriculture and more.

The Lanark County Plowing Match in Balderson on August 16 features competition plowing, live music, vendors, and a VIP class where local leaders try their hand at plowing.
Read more: www.hometownnews.ca/lanark-count...
#LanarkCounty #PlowingMatch #Balderson #HometownNewsLC

Rideau Lakes seeks arena partners' data before renewing Rideau Lakes Council is requesting usage data from its arena partners before renewing cost-sharing agreements.

Rideau Lakes Township council is seeking user data from its arena partners to better understand the value of current cost-sharing agreements before 2026 budget talks.
Full details 👉 www.hometownnews.ca/rideau-lakes...
#RideauLakes #SmithsFalls #MunicipalMatters #HometownNewsRL

Rideau Lakes updates municipal policy strong mayor ai rules Rideau Lakes Council approved updates to its municipal policy, including new rules for strong mayor powers and AI usage.

Rideau Lakes Council has updated municipal policy to reflect Strong Mayor powers and introduce new rules for staff AI usage.
Full details 👉 www.hometownnews.ca/rl-policy-up...
#RideauLakes #MunicipalMatters #HometownNewsRL

Who should help?

Perth's Beloved Rocky River Café Reopens to Support Perth’s beloved Rocky River Café has reopened after a salmonella-related closure, sparking an outpouring of community support.

Perth’s Rocky River Café has officially reopened, with the health unit rescinding its closure order. The restaurant's reopening has been met with an outpouring of community support.
Full details 👉 www.hometownnews.ca/perths-belov...
#RockyRiverCafe #PerthOntario #SupportLocal #HometownNewsPerth

INCLUDES POLL: Red ribbons chaos! Why I quit the County Fair photo circuit. What the heck do I do with these things that are collecting dust and wrinkles in a desk drawer?

What could I do with this mess or fair ribbons? Check the latest Substack story. 😊

Willow Creek Stables launches fundraiser during treatment Willow Creek Stables in Perth pauses programs as co-owner begins cancer treatment. A fundraiser is helping care for their rescued ponies.

This broke my heart when I read about Korrine and her cancer diagnosis. I know their supportive barn community will come together for them in their time of need. Let the love of those ponies lift your spirits when yours are feeling a bit beat up. We're in your corner. ❤

OPINION: Trash Nation — Canada’s Waste Crisis Laurie Weir’s trash nation opinion piece highlights Ontario’s landfill challenges and Canada’s growing waste problem, calling for change.

Trash Nation - not even a bronze medal for Canada when it comes to garbage.

FLASHBACK: A Day at Millar Brooke Farm: Captain Canada, His Kids, and the Horses That Carried Them Originally published in 2011 when I was the news editor of The Perth Courier

Flashback to 2011 when I spent the afternoon with Ian Millar at Millar Brooke Farm.

‘We’re not going anywhere’: Inside Blueberry Creek’s long fight to stay open - Hometown News Blueberry Creek faces a lawsuit from Tay Valley Township, marking the latest conflict in a years-long zoning and legal battle over its right to operat

Part 3: Peaceful protest by the kids today at the Tay Valley Township offices starting at 9 a.m. The court case starts via Zoom at 11 a.m. today.

‘I belong here’: Families defend Blueberry Creek Nature Centre amid legal feud - Hometown News Part 2 of Hometown News' series on Blueberry Creek Nature Centre shares parents' perspectives on the impact of the ongoing zoning dispute and legal ac

Part 2: I spoke with parents of children who live this space.

Court date looms for Blueberry Creek Nature Centre in Tay Valley Township near Perth - Hometown News Blueberry Creek Nature Centre faces a zoning battle with Tay Valley Township. Part 1 explores its mission, legal fight, and the future of this outdoor

This is the first of a three-part series about a local forest school facing a court date this week over zoning issues in Tay Valley Township. #onpoli #forestschool #TayValley #Perth

Just Another Day ... or was it? A dive into the newspaper archives opens a door to the past, complete with ghosts, old bylines, a BOSS hat, and one unforgettable run-in at the gas station.

Just Another Day ... or was it?

📝🗞️ 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗸

It started with me digging through some old newspaper archives; stories I wrote back in the '90s when I was Laurie Day, chasing leads and learning how to hold a pen steady in a storm.

Opinion: Canada Day, why I choose reflection over celebration - Hometown News A powerful Canada Day opinion piece reflects on injustice, responsibility, and what it means to celebrate on stolen land.

🇨🇦 In this Canada Day opinion, Laurie Weir shares why she won’t be celebrating on stolen land. She reflects on broken treaties, ongoing injustices, and what it means to choose responsibility over fireworks.
www.hometownnews.ca/canada-day-r...
#CanadaDay #LaurieWeir #Indigenous #TruthAndReconciliation

Bulloch reflects on byelection win, sets sights on collaboration - Hometown News Dustin Bulloch wins the Rideau Lakes Ward 3 byelection with a focus on collaboration, heritage, and community priorities across Elgin, Portland, and M

Newly elected Ward 3 councillor Dustin Bulloch plans to prioritize school safety, rural infrastructure, and community collaboration in Rideau Lakes.
🔗 www.hometownnews.ca/bulloch-refl...
#RideauLakes #ElginON #Ward3 #LocalLeadership #MunicipalPolitics

Ottawa duo raising funds for Smiths Falls Community Food Bank with 12-hour walk into town - Hometown News Two Ottawa personalities plan a 56 km walk to Smiths Falls this summer to raise $10K for the food bank and highlight growing food insecurity in the re

Michael Wood and Dylan Black plan a 56-km walk from Barrhaven to Smiths Falls to raise $10K for the community food bank and spotlight rising food insecurity.
🔗 www.hometownnews.ca/raising-fund...
#SmithsFalls #FoodInsecurity #CharityWalk #HometownNewsSF #CommunitySupport

Smiths Falls crossing guard recognized as asset builder by Lanark County - Hometown News Longtime Smiths Falls crossing guard Gary Lackey retires after 15 years of smiles, waves, and service to local youth.

Smiths Falls crossing guard Gary Lackey retires after 15 years of service. He was honoured with an Asset Builder Award for his dedication to local youth. Learn more: www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls...
#SmithsFalls #GaryLackey #CrossingGuard #LanarkCounty

Bulloch reflects on byelection win, sets sights on collaboration - Hometown News Dustin Bulloch wins the Rideau Lakes Ward 3 byelection with a focus on collaboration, heritage, and community priorities across Elgin, Portland, and M

It's nice to see young families entering the political scene. I spoke with the new ward councillor in Rideau Lakes, Dustin Bulloch, and he's ready to hit the ground running. I wrote this one for @hometownnewslc.bsky.social #weirviewmedia #onpoli

Congratulations to Rideau Lakes latest councillor! Dustin Bullock is the South Crosby ward councillor elected in the by-election today.

It’s getting spicier in rideau Lakes.

Smiths Falls has $326M asset plan with focus on long-term sustainability - Hometown News Smiths Falls has a $326M asset plan with focus on long-term sustainability to maintain infrastructure and close funding gaps through 2035.

Smiths Falls has a $326M asset plan with focus on long-term sustainability to maintain vital infrastructure over the next decade. Proposed tax and rate increases aim to close funding gaps.
Read more: www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls...
#SmithsFalls #AssetPlan #IHometownNewsSF #MunicipalMatters

Smiths Falls seniors activity building renamed in honour of Bud Fawcett - Hometown News LAURIE WEIR He gave his time freely, made friends easily, and never stopped helping people. In recognition of his legacy, John “Bud” Fawcett’s name will now grace the town’s senior …

Smiths Falls council has renamed the Seniors Activity Centre after Bud Fawcett, a longtime volunteer and advocate for seniors. A dedication ceremony is expected later this year.
🔗 hometownnews.ca/seniors-acti...
#SmithsFalls #BudFawcett #MunicipalMatters #HometownNewsSF

Smiths Falls’ Strategic Plan progress report highlights key projects in motion - Hometown News Smiths Falls' Strategic Plan update shows most key initiatives are already underway, including infrastructure, housing, parks, and downtown revitaliza

Smiths Falls is making headway on its 2023–2026 Strategic Plan. From trail upgrades and downtown revitalization to bridge work and housing, most initiatives are moving forward. 📍 www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls...
#SmithsFalls #StrategicPlan #MunicipalMatters #SFCouncil #IHometownNewsSF

ATV access to expand in south end of Smiths Falls following council approval - Hometown News Smiths Falls council has approved expanded ATV access through town, giving RLATVC members legal routes that support trail continuity and local tourism

Smiths Falls has approved expanded ATV access on Queen St, Old Slys, and Jasper Ave, connecting regional trails and supporting tourism.
Details: www.hometownnews.ca/atv-access-s...
#SmithsFalls #ATVAccess #MunicipalMatters #HometownNewsSF

Smiths Falls trail network set to connect parks schools and community spaces - Hometown News Smiths Falls is moving forward with plans to improve its trail network, aiming to create more connected, accessible, and engaging green spaces across

🚶‍♀️ Smiths Falls is rolling out a multi-year trail network plan to connect parks, schools, and downtown, with a focus on access and year-round use.
📌 www.hometownnews.ca/smiths-falls...
#SmithsFalls #TrailNetwork #MunicipalMatters #IHometownNewsSF

‘I will not be bullied into quitting’: Rideau Lakes Mayor Arie Hoogenboom reacts to second non-confidence vote and resignation request - Hometown News Rideau Lakes council passes a second non-confidence vote against Mayor Hoogenboom, citing misuse of strong mayor powers and IC report concerns.

A second non-confidence vote has been passed by Rideau Lakes council against Mayor Arie Hoogenboom. Councillors cite misuse of power and mishandling of integrity commissioner findings. Hoogenboom calls the move political.
📎 www.hometownnews.ca/rl-mayor-sec...
#RideauLakes #HometownNewsRL