Well, last week’s item on North Glengarry’s partnership with Service Line Warranties Canada (SLWC) seems to have struck a chord with some readers. For those who missed it, I looked at the notice households in Dunvegan received offering “water and sewer/septic line coverage.” Since 2011, Service Line Warranties Canada has been inviting homeowners to enroll in one of their residential water and sewer line warranty plans… repairs that are usually not covered by a typical homeowners policy. In exchange for the use of the municipality’s logo on the direct marketing mailer — which provides an air of legitimacy to the mailing — North Glengarry gets about five per cent of the revenue generated from Township residents.
My hesitation with the offer was, and still is, whether water and sewer/septic line coverage is a good investment or a bad deal. The “warranty” only covers the length of pipe between the municipal sewer line (or your septic tank) and your home’s foundation or, in the case of a water line, the municipal water supply line (or your wellhead) to where the line enters your basement.
However, reader Aline Rochon from Eigg Road had some very insightful concerns about the mailer itself. As Aline pointed out to me, the package plays on the fears homeowners, especially seniors, by using the word “emergency” seven times. A fire, flood or tornado typically qualifies as an emergency, but a blocked sewer or water line, not so much. She also emphasized that what’s being offered here is warranty coverage, not an insurance” policy. They are not the same thing and I recommend you go online to review the differences… including the fact that the Insurance Bureau of Canada oversees the insurance industry. Unlike an insurance policy, it’s a manufacturer or distributor that typically issues a warranty. However, in the case of SLWC, the company had no involvement in the pipe’s manufacture or installation. They’re betting on the fact these lines rarely fail.
Last, but not least, Aline and I discussed the issue of client satisfaction. We both found the vast majority of negative reviews of SLW, in both Canada and the US, revolve around their billing department. Even more disconcerting is the possible veracity of a number of the positive comments. One in particular praised the company for resolving a blockage problem the plan holder had had for many years. And yet the SLWC letter’s Important Questions & Answers section clearly states a property is not eligible for coverage if “you are aware of any pre-existing conditions.” Caveat emptor.
Fare thee well, Noël
A former resident of Dunvegan died last week. Noël Ladoucer, 87, passed peacefully at the Palace Nursing Home in Alexandria. From 1974 to 1988, Noël, his late wife Annie (nee Cameron) and their four boys — Ivan, Roger, Lucien and Michael — lived on the north half of Lot 14 Concession 8 Kenyon. When the family pulled up stakes, Laurie Mack and Ken Armstrong purchased the property. It was then sold to Margaret Brunet who, in turn, sold it to Martin Strotman and Janet Hogan in 2003.
To be honest, I didn’t know Noël all that well. However, one recollection that does stand out is that Noël was one of the best newspaper carriers Dunvegan ever had. Obviously an early riser, you could count on him to have the Citizen in your yellow box long before the rooster even thought of getting up. Sherrill Trottier a neighbour down the road from Noel’s farm remembers him fondly as well. “As I recall,” Sherrill told me, “in the summers, Noël and Annie worked in the tobacco fields of Western Ontario and took the four boys with them.”
My sincere condolences to the extended family touched by Noël’s passing. He will be sorely missed.
Dunvegan artist’s itinerary
For those looking for a Christmas gift with a unique Dunvegan connection, I have a list of upcoming craft events where our homegrown artist Sarah Jane Raymond will be selling her 2020 calendar. It features reproductions of twelve of her hand-painted Glengarry scenes… including the horse parade at the museum’s Harvest Fall Festival. Appropriately, this image graces the month of September and depicts the pair of white Arabian horses pulling a buggy that are always in parade.
You’ll be able to catch Sarah Jane at the “Shop, Drink and be Merry” event at the Vankleek Hill Arena on Thursday, December 5th from 5:30 to 09:30 PM. She will also be attending the Avonmore Christmas Show on Saturday, December 7th from 10 AM to 3:30 PM. And on Sunday, December 8th Sarah Jane will be back in Dunvegan to attend the second day of the Historical Crafter’s Fair and Christmas Marketplace at the DRA Hall. Failing this, you always reach out to her at jane_ray.3991@hotmail.com. The calendars are $25 each.
Heads-up craft lovers
And speaking of craft fairs, I wanted to give you a save-the-dates notice about Dunvegan’s popular holiday pop-up. The Historical Crafter’s Fair and Christmas Marketplace will take place at the Dunvegan hall on Saturday, December 7th from 10 to 5 and Sunday, December 8th from 10 to 3.
Next week, I’ll have more details of what you can expect in the way of vendors. However, I did want to mention that this year’s edition has been expanded to include the Glengarry Pioneer Museum. Just down the road from the DRA Hall, the museum will host a raft of additional shopping options including: all-natural wreaths, soaps and creams, hand-painted signs and hand-crafted wooden ornaments. Plus, the museum’s gift shop will feature local maple syrup, hand-woven tea towels and dishcloths, one of a kind greeting cards, books and a whole lot more. Alternatively, you can purchase a GPM membership or make a donation to the museum in the name of that special history buff on your list.
SOS = Support our Students
Long-time DRA volunteer Kim Raymond asked me to alert those in the Dunvegan area that the Glengarry SOS group she’s involved with is holding a town hall meeting tomorrow night, Thursday, November 28th at 7:30 PM in the Maxville & District Sports Complex. Kim tells me that, at this stage, the group’s call letters stand for “Support our Students” instead of the original “Save our Schools” rallying cry. Nevertheless, there are some things happening which are cause for concern. It appears that the Upper Canada District School Board is failing to respect it’s own Boundaries 2020 initiative and is denying transportation to certain schools for some families in our area. The speculation is that by denying transportation to certain schools, the board is limiting enrollment at these facilities and creating a case for closure down the road. The meeting will focus on transportation and boundary issues. School trustee John Danaher will be on hand to listen to your concerns and answer your questions.
Careful what we wish for
As the winter settles in, I’ve seen “Junior”, Dunvegan’s unimaginatively named peacock, around our place with increasing frequency. Calmly grooming itself while I trim tree limbs. Gorging on soybeans dropped by the combine. And sunning itself at the base of our stone chimney.
It turns out, though, that the resplendent bird is not as unique as I had thought. Apparently, there have been a growing number of sightings of Pavo cristatus all across Ontario. Most probably escapees from private collections and zoos, they seem to be adapting to Ontario’s harsh winters by chowing down on berries, grains and small rodents (augmented with snakes and reptiles during the warmer months). I was also surprised to learn they can fly and can be found roosting in trees and on rooftops.
I must admit I admire Junior’s spunk and semi-wish that Santa would bring him a Peahen. It might be interesting to see young peafowl cavorting in the spring, although there may be unintended consequences if we go down this road. More research is needed.
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