Beware back to school scammers
August is when students are leaving the nest. Parents are helping them find the right place. Beware: if a rental listing looks too good to be true, it probably is, says the Competition Bureau Canada. School might not have started yet, but do your homework and learn to recognize rental scams.
In a typical rental scam, fraudsters will entice you with a very attractive listing: sought after area, great amenities and low price. Ads will be posted on popular sites like Kijiji or Facebook. Scammers may use photos from an old listing, from a house that’s up for sale, or from short-term rental sites like Airbnb, to make it look authentic. They pose as the landlord and may claim to be abroad and unable to meet in person to show you inside the place.
After a few emails or text messages, they will start asking for money. First, they’ll try to get a security deposit; then, they’ll ask for the first month’s rent; and then another month’s rent in exchange for a discount. They can even try to rush you into a decision by saying that others are also interested in the property. Don’t give in. It could be a scam. For tips on how to protect yourself see this #ConsumerAlert.
Dr. Jack Kitts retirement announced
Barry’s Bay native Dr. Jack Kitts announced his retirement as President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital effective June 2020. Kitts joined the medical staff in 1988 and enjoyed numerous roles prior to becoming President and CEO in October 2001.
Katherine Cotton, Chair of The Ottawa Hospital’s Board of Governors, said, “Jack has led the hospital through a period of massive change in the delivery of health care in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. He was the architect of a successful cultural transformation within the organization after four separate hospitals amalgamated into what is now The Ottawa Hospital. Throughout his career, he has been instrumental in creating an institution that is recognized around the world for innovation and world-class research. He has always led by example and his extraordinary legacy is characterized by prioritizing people and putting patients at the centre of health care.”
The Current reported on Kitts’ reaction to receiving the Order of Canada last year.
Household hazardous waste day
Saturday August 24 is your day to get rid of hazardous waste in Madawaska Valley. MV residents may drop off items between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Paul J. Yakabuski Community Centre Yard 1 Municipal Garage, 65 Arena Road in Barry’s Bay.
AMO annual conference affects municipal meeting schedule
Due to council and staff absences at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference this week, the August Council meeting has been re-scheduled to Tuesday August 27 at 4 p.m.
As previously reported a Public Meeting regarding the Condominium and Subdivision Application (Chippawa Shores) by Combermere Lodge Limited will be held on Thursday August 29 at 6 p.m. at the Paul J. Yakabuski Community Centre, 65 Arena Road, Barry’s Bay.
Council in Committee will meet as usual on the first Tuesday of the month on September 4 2019 starting at 10 a.m.
Catch the Ace jackpot growth slows
Congratulations to CTA Week 5 winner Gertie Leahy who is richer by $1338. In the first round of the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation’s CTA lottery, the Week 5 winner won $1884 so it appears that the holiday period (or maybe it’s the hot summer weather?) has slowed down ticket sales. Proceeds from sales of the $5 tickets go towards Valley Manor Redevelopment. Tickets are on sale from the SFVH Foundation and from vendors throughout the Valley until next Thursday when the Week 6 winning ticket will be drawn.
