Thanks to Terry Cowan for tipping me off that Westport is named as one of the Eight Enchanting Towns in Ontario, published on Apple by Narcity Canada.
Congratulations to every welcoming business owner, every friendly resident, every hard-working gardener, and the whole team in the Village.
Take a bow and pat your friends and neighbours on the back!
https://www.narcity.com/ontario-small-towns-beautifulfall-road-trip
We refer to this as the shoulder season in minor sports—the brief period between outdoor sports and those that take place indoors in arenas. If you are a parent responsible for shuttling your young athletes to different ball fields and arenas, this season may offer you a chance to take a little time for yourself. However, don’t delay in doing so, as the ice is in at the WTC Communications Centre!
The Village of Westport, with a population of approximately 850, is fortunate to have numerous organized minor sports. Baseball, soccer, hockey, and figure skating are just a few of the sports that have been organized, managed, and coached by dedicated volunteers for many years. These volunteers understand that sports are an integral part of human culture and play a vital role in the development of our youth. Beyond the essential lessons of competition, sports provide physical, mental, and social benefits that contribute to the growth and well-being of children. The coaching staff ensures that children of all ages have opportunities to participate in sports, promoting physical fitness, character-building, resilience, and valuable life skills.
It is important to note that Westport minor sports are open to children from Westport, the Township of Rideau Lakes, the Township of Athens, the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, and the County of Frontenac. Participation in minor sports exposes our children and youth to a diverse group of peers from various backgrounds and cultures, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
I ask community members in all our municipalities to express their gratitude to the minor sports coaches and volunteers for their steadfast commitment to our children and youth over the years. Each season, when you hear the crack of a bat, the buzzer for a hockey goal, or the music played for a figure skater, remember that there is a team of volunteers standing behind that child.
To all those who selflessly support our children in sports, and on behalf of the Westport Council, thank you for your dedication and contributions.
Please take a moment to watch the short video produced by the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking.
The Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking has launched the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline – 24/7. If you need assistance please call 1-833-900-1010
If you are a victim/survivor of forced prostitution or forced labour, or believe someone else might be, call the hotline at 1-833-900-1010. The Hotline Response Advocates will connect callers to support and services and will also take tips, answer questions and forward information, when appropriate, to law enforcement.
Today, February 1, 2025, everything we knew is different. Everything we learned has changed forever. Donald Trump has signed an order of 25% economic tariffs on all Canadian imports.
On Canada, its longest and closest ally and trading partner. He blames us for many of the public health problems in the United States and for illegal border crossings. None of this makes sense, and the US Customs statistics state otherwise.
Our response at home is predictably Canadian—we are stoic, strong, and prepared to fight for our country. The road ahead will be challenging, with job losses, inflation, and the unknown. We have been here before, as recently as COVID-19. Donald Trump’s attack on our sovereignty by economic force will fail. Our economic patriotism will provide opportunities to build a stronger Canadian economy.
Together. United. Stay Strong
What can you do? Remember – we are angry at Donald Trump and his acolytes. He has shattered the government-to-government relationship between the United States and Canada. We must be kind to our American friends, visitors, and neighbours. That is also what it means to be Canadian. We need to embrace and celebrate being Canadian and stay united and strong. And buy Canadian.
Theodore Roosevelt, one of the best leaders of the 20th Century, (yes another US President) gave a speech in 1910 that is as relevant today as it was then. “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
We will fight for our jobs, homes, and way of life. We are proud Canadians, and we will get through this together.
Robin, The Mayor 
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