Calumet AI

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  • Solar electricity

    Dear Editor,

    As I walk past the CAP building on my way to the Pontiac Museum, I notice that the roof is covered with solar panels. Solar panels can be of the type that generates electrical power, or they can be the type that heats water. They are two completely different set ups, and the solar-voltaic (electrical) type are much more common, so I’m guessing that’s what they are. It’s quite an array, so if/when there is a power outage, that building can continue its operations, and nobody gets hurt.  

    I wonder why other institutional buildings don’t have such a power backup? Even if the grid power is on, such an installation saves money. Quebec has such inexpensive electrical power that it’s difficult to perceive the advantages of alternative sources . . . until an ice or wind storm knocks out the hydroelectric grid. 

    This could work for houses, as well, especially in the northwest Pontiac, where the grid goes down often, with or without a reason. If all houses had a few panels and a battery storage system, such grid outages would be an inconvenience, rather than a disaster. Modern backup power units like Bluetti or Jackery will keep vital appliances going for hours or days. You could choose to have a freezer and/or communications equipment on the emergency system. 

    As we are moving toward electric heating and electric cars, a power outage will become more of a problem. It’s almost always the wires, taken down by ice or windfalling trees. If the generator is right there on your roof, it’s much less of a problem. 

    Robert Wills, Shawville and Thorne

  • Rain on our parades

    Last month in France, some 40 people drowned in the span of six days while trying to cool off their bodies during a deadly heat wave. Some people didn’t know how to swim. In some places, swimming wasn’t safe. When imagining the desperation that would have led people to take these risks, the image of buffalos being run off a cliff comes to mind – a large, anxious crowd trying to save their lives but in the panic of the moment, jumping to their deaths. 

    It’s devastating, almost too devastating to really consider. And that’s to say nothing of the nearly 4,000 people in France, Belgium and the Netherlands alone who died in what was the hottest heat ever recorded in Europe, simply because their bodies could not cope. Climate experts are estimating the final death count will be closer to 20,000 people across that continent. 

    Heatwaves are of course not a new phenomenon, but the new temperatures they are hitting are, and are directly linked to climate change. This is according to climate scientists, the people dedicating their lives to studying how greenhouse emissions produced by the burning of fossil fuels are causing extreme weather across the planet. 

    Cue Prime Minister Mark Carney. On the heels of this deadly heatwave, only a day after torrential rains cancelled Ottawa’s Canada Day party, and as raging wildfires were forcing evacuations from the Northwest Territories to Northern Ontario, Carney stood beside Alberta premier Danielle Smith to announce federal support for her new oil pipeline pitch. If built, this 1,200-kilometre pipeline could transport an additional one million barrels of oil a day to the B.C. coast, where it can be sold to Asian markets. 

    And contrary to promises made when Carney and Smith announced their memorandum of understanding for the project in November, it will be largely publicly funded, managed by Alberta and the federal crown corporation, Trans Mountain Corp. A single private proponent currently has its name down to back the project, and it’s only on the hook for 10 per cent of the costs. 

    Private industry, it seems, is not ready to touch a new pipeline with a 10-foot pole. Maybe it’s because, as Smith insists, oil companies don’t yet trust the government will actually help these companies, rather than hinder them. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s because they can see that in 10 to 15 years, when this pipeline is up and running, the demand for oil and natural gas could be a lot lower than it is today. The oil crisis caused by the Iran war has already caused a jump in Chinese electric vehicle imports in Asia and Africa, according to the Associated Press, and Reuters reported that domestically, China is accelerating its efforts to electrify its heavy truck fleet, moving it off of diesel.  

    Carney’s most recent YouTube vlog tries to explain why, in this context, the federal government continues to skip down the pipeline path hand in hand with Alberta. “When we control our energy, we control our future,” he said, making the pitch for prioritizing energy security over honouring Canada’s previous commitments to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. While the U.S.’s war with Iran has compelled some countries to lean harder into electrification, Canada has decided it’s the perfect time to invest more in oil production. 

    Sure, there are many hurdles this pipeline project still needs to clear before we see shovels in the ground. Maybe Carney is buying himself time, keeping Alberta happy, and in the country, while putting pieces in place for a more large-scale energy transition. He is, after all, also promising a doubling of Canada’s electrical grid, massive investments in nuclear power production (a topic for another time), as well as in a carbon capture project that taxpayers will supposedly fund alongside major oil producers. But how much time will he need? And how much time do we really have? 

    While the Pontiac was mostly spared any serious damage in last week’s storms, Quyon’s Canada Day fireworks were cancelled and Otter Lake’s parade got soaked just as it was crossing the finish line. It’s just a summer storm, the guy at the mic assured. And the band played on.

  • Quyon notes

    It was such a fun week in Quyon, with so many activities and events going on. On Tuesday, the Quyon Community Association put on a fantastic Canada Day parade, with many vibrant and festive entries taking part. It was wonderful to once again see the Ottawa Caledonian Pipes & Drums band leading the parade, and then a fabulous turn-out of local community groups, businesses, and families following along the parade route. The Maple Leaf was proudly on display as the town turned out with plenty of red and white to celebrate. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans that evening, as storms moved in not long after the parade, and eventually the QCA was forced to shut down plans for the fireworks. The fireworks have been postponed to a future date, and more information on when that will be will be shared as soon as plans are finalized. Stay tuned, it will be worth the wait!

    On Thurs., July 2, Gavan’s Hotel was the place to be, as they celebrated their 80th anniversary with a kitchen party led by Gail Gavan and friends. There was a great crowd out despite the heat to enjoy the wings and $0.80 Labatt Draft specials. The music had everyone up dancing and having a terrific time. It is always a great party when Gail is in town to lead the fun. Hats off to the staff at Gavan’s for hosting such a fun night.

    Sat., July 4 was the big show in town, as the Quyon Tractor & Truck Pull was held at the fairgrounds. People came from far and wide to enjoy the show, which started later this year, at 3 p.m., with the action running well into the evening. There were also bouncy houses, food vendors, music, and fun for all who attended. Following the Pull, Gavan’s Hotel had Larry, Arnold, and Brian on-stage to entertain all who wanted to keep the party going. The weather co-operated and it was a fun-filled day from start to finish. A big shout-out to the Quyon Tractor & Truck Pull organizers for all of their hard work and effort to host this event. It is such a big day in our community, and it is always so well done. Congratulations on another successful Pull!

    I’d like to offer my deepest sympathy to Liz Draper and her family on the passing of her mother, Terry Lyn Hodgins, on June 29. Liz is my main contact at THE EQUITY for submitting this column each week, and I have been holding her and her loved ones in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. 

    Our condolences are also going out to the family and friends of Randy Young, as he passed away on July 2. Randy was a good friend to many in our community, and he will be dearly missed. Heartfelt sympathies to his wife Patti and to all who loved him.

    Birthday wishes are extended to Nova-Mae McCann and Paul Lang, as they are celebrating on July 8. Happy birthday also to Everett Hamilton and Axl Orr, both on the 9th. Best wishes to all who are marking special occasions this week.

    Congratulations to Louann Gibeault, as she recently reached a big milestone of working at the Quyon Family Centre for 20 years. Louann has been such a big part of the Family Centre, and especially over the past year, she has put her heart and soul into keeping the doors open and the services going for families in our community during a very difficult time when funding was lost. Well done, Louann! Wishing you many more happy years at the Family Centre.

  • Shawville notes

    Our sympathies with the Kingdon family on the loss of Robert on June 23, at the age of 85.

    Our condolences to the Hodgins and Draper families on the loss of Terry-Lyn on June 29, at the age of 65.

    Our thoughts and prayers for the Potvin family on the loss of Earle on June 29, at the age of 90. Dr. Potvin was a beloved surgeon in our community.

    Our condolences to the Thoms family on the loss of Roy on June 29, at the age of 91.

    Our thoughts and prayers for the Newberry family on the loss of Marcel on July 1, at the age of 54.

    Our sympathies to the Young family on the loss of Randall on July 2, 2026.

    Happy birthday to the following people celebrating their special day this upcoming week:  Allen Bean, Teegan Tubman, Serena Lariviere Ferrigan, Ann Vanderlind, Betty Lou Trudeau, Marlene Sparling, Randy Eades and Rick Valin.

  • Waltham notes

    This past week, we were in a severe heat wave. Some days, the temperature was 45 with the humidex. On Tuesday and Wednesday, we experienced severe thunderstorms with torrential rainfall and very strong winds. We lost power on Tuesday night into the wee hours of Wednesday morning and again Wednesday afternoon ‘til Thursday morning. There were trees down and some damage, but luckily no one was injured.  Ottawa wasn’t so lucky, as the experienced torrential rain, roads were impassable and basements were flooded.

    On Sunday afternoon, we celebrated our granddaughter Bella’s birthday with a barbecue and a lovely birthday cake.

    We were saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Earle Potvin. He was the beloved husband of the late Bonnie Jean (nee Fetterly). He was a dedicated and loving father to his children and grandchildren. Dr. Potvin was the chief surgeon for many decades at the Shawville Community Hospital and had treated many patients in the Pontiac. He was a wonderful doctor, working most times 24/7.  He treated his patients with ultimate care and compassion. He was recently honoured for his years of dedication with the unveiling of the Dr. Earle Potvin Wing and surgical department at the Shawville Community Hospital. He was a man of great faith. Dr. Potvin and Bonnie were very involved in their community and he was a long standing member of the Lions Club. He will be sorely missed. May he RIP.

    Birthday wishes and love is wished to my nephew Jesse Pilon, of Casselman, who is celebrating a birthday today. May you have an awesome day and year ahead Jesse.

    Happy anniversary and love is wished to my sister Joyce and husband Jim and to Carolyn and Gerard Pharand, who are celebrating their 59th wedding anniversary on July 15. May you enjoy many more years of health, happiness, love, peace and joy.

  • Welcome Reese Rusenstrom 

    Welcome Reese Rusenstrom 

    THE EQUITY is pleased to announce Bristol native Reese Rusenstrom will be joining the team this summer as a marketing intern. 

    Reese has just completed the first of two years of the Business Management program at Olds College in Alberta, where she says she’s developed a strong interest in marketing and communications, one that began while running her own farm business.

    “Outside of school and work, I own and operate South Bristol Cattle Company, a small purebred Simmental cattle operation that I started in 2020,” she said. 

    “Through my farm, I’ve gained experience in livestock production, marketing, and social media, while continuing to expand my knowledge of the agriculture industry.”

    Over the summer she will be working alongside news, communications and production staff to learn about how to use various marketing channels (both in print and online) to connect with audiences. 

    “I’m excited to join the team, continue learning, and contribute wherever I can. I look forward to getting to know everyone and being part of such a great workplace!”

  • Ontario man dies after single-vehicle crash in Litchfield

    Ontario man dies after single-vehicle crash in Litchfield

    A young man from Ontario died in hospital following a single-vehicle crash on Highway 148 in Litchfield Sunday afternoon (July 5). 

    Emergency crews were called to the scene, near 1198 Highway 148 at 4:30 p.m. 

    Sûreté du Québec spokesperson Sgt. Marc Tessier said Monday that the driver, 21, was transported to hospital in critical condition and was pronounced dead later that day. The other occupant of the vehicle was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. 

    The road was closed temporarily on Sunday while police investigated the scene. Tessier added police have yet to confirm the reason the car went off the road, but said they do not believe speed or alcohol to be factors in the crash. 

  • Full-Time Reporter

    Full-Time Reporter

    We are currently accepting applications for a full-time reporter to join our small team covering the news of the Pontiac region for both our weekly newspaper and our digital platforms. 

    Who we are: 

    Founded in 1883, The Equity is a local newsroom with deep roots in the communities it serves.  Our headquarters are in Shawville, Quebec, but we report on the 19 municipalities and two counties of the greater Pontiac region. 

    Our team is dedicated to covering the news and stories of this particular corner of the world, where few others are doing this work, helping people who live in the Pontiac stay connected and make sense of life here. There is no story too big or too small for The Equity, as long as it touches somebody or something local. 

    Your role:

    The job is 35 hours/week with a salary of $41,860 a year and two weeks of vacation. The position is based in Shawville, Quebec, and the start date is Aug. 12, 2026.

    Our ideal candidate is strong writer and a self-starter, ready to hit the ground running to find important stories that need to be covered in this region.  As we continue to connect with more readers online, we are looking for someone who will bring innovative ideas for reaching new audiences through both how we tell stories, and how we share them. 

    Key responsibilities:

    • Research, pitch and report a wide variety of stories, including news, features and community events, and see them through to completion
    • Manage competing deadlines to produce 4-6 stories a week 
    • Produce strong photographs and video to accompany both print and digital stories 
    • Be available to cover weekend events across the region

    Requirements: 

    • A proven ability to write clear, factually accurate and fair journalism, and take strong photographs
    • A valid driver’s license 
    • A basic level of French is needed for conducting some interviews 

    Note: A formal training in journalism is not a requirement, though candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge of what makes a good story, as well as strong writing abilities. 

    To apply:

    If interested, please send the following to the editor, Sophie Kuijper Dickson (sophie@theequity.ca) by Wednesday, July 29 at 5 p.m.

    • resume
    • cover letter
    • two samples of your writing (ideally reported articles)

    We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

    Journaliste à temps plein

    Nous acceptons actuellement les candidatures pour un poste de journaliste à temps plein afin de joindre notre petite équipe chargée de couvrir l’actualité de la région du Pontiac, tant pour notre journal hebdomadaire que pour nos plateformes numériques.

    Qui nous sommes :

    Fondée en 1883, The Equity est une salle de rédaction locale profondément enracinée dans les communautés qu’elle dessert. Notre siège social est situé à Shawville, au Québec, mais nous couvrons les 19 municipalités et les deux comtés de la grande région du Pontiac.

    Notre équipe se consacre à couvrir l’actualité et les récits de ce coin de pays unique, où peu d’autres médias font ce travail. Nous aidons ainsi les résidents du Pontiac à rester connectés et à donner un sens à la vie d’ici. Il n’y a pas de reportage trop grand ou trop petit pour The Equity, tant qu’il touche une personne ou une réalité d’ici.

    Votre rôle :

    Il s’agit d’un poste de 35 heures par semaine, offrant un salaire annuel de 41 860 $ et deux semaines de vacances.

    Notre candidat ou candidate idéale fait preuve d’autonomie et est prête à passer rapidement à l’action pour dénicher les sujets importants qui méritent d’être couverts dans la région. Alors que nous continuons de développer notre lectorat en ligne, nous recherchons une personne qui saura proposer des idées novatrices pour joindre de nouveaux publics, tant par sa manière de raconter les histoires que par sa façon de les diffuser.

    Principales responsabilités :

    • Rechercher, proposer et rédiger une grande variété de reportages (actualités, articles de fond et événements communautaires) et mener les projets à terme.
    • Gérer des échéances serrées et concurrentes afin de produire de 4 à 6 articles par semaine.
    • Prendre des photos de qualité et réaliser des vidéos pour accompagner les reportages imprimés et numériques.
    • Être disponible pour couvrir des événements la fin de semaine dans toute la région.

    Exigences :

    • Capacité éprouvée à rédiger des articles journalistiques clairs, rigoureux et justes, et à prendre des photos de qualité.
    • Permis de conduire valide.
    • Une connaissance de base du français est requise pour mener certaines entrevues.

    Note : Une formation officielle en journalisme n’est pas obligatoire, mais les candidats et candidates doivent démontrer une bonne compréhension de ce qui constitue un bon sujet de reportage, ainsi que d’excellentes compétences en rédaction.

    Pour postuler :

    Si ce poste vous intéresse, veuillez faire parvenir les documents suivants à la rédactrice en chef, Sophie Kuijper Dickson (sophie@theequity.ca), au plus tard le mercredi 29 juillet à 17 h :

    • Votre curriculum vitae (CV)
    • Une lettre de présentation
    • Deux exemples de rédaction (idéalement des articles de presse)

    Nous remercions tous les candidats et candidates de leur intérêt. Seules les personnes sélectionnées pour une entrevue seront contactées.