Bite-sized News at Nov.18 2025
The next few days are packed with interesting events in the Valley. Here is a small selection to choose from: Thursday, Nov.20 Friday, Nov.21 Saturday, Nov. 22 Sunday, Nov.23
Category: Valley News
OPP warn about the risks of sextortion
The Renfrew Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning the public, particularly youth and parents, about the growing risks associated with sharing personal or intimate images online. There has been an increase in cases involving image-based abuse, online extortion (also known as sextortion), and the non-consensual sharing of intimate …
Valley residents remember those who serve
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 406 in Barry’s Bay held a moving Remembrance Ceremony on Tuesday, November 11th. The ceremony was led by hosts Tom Vlasic and Bev Burchat because this year Branch 406 President, Heather Poliquin, who is also Commander of Legion Zone G7, was required at the Pembroke …
Volunteers kick off 2025 Tree of Lights campaign
The holiday spirit was in full swing at St. Francis Memorial Hospital as volunteers gathered to help prepare thousands of letters for the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation’s annual Tree of Lights Campaign. The group spent the day folding, stuffing and checking over 3,100 envelopes to ensure the Foundation’s largest …
Winter safety on the roads
As temperatures begin to drop across the province, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reminds all motorists to prepare for the winter season. A few proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of traffic incidents, especially during icy and snowy conditions. Motorists are encouraged to: Slippery roads, reduced visibility and changing …
Lest we forget
In preparation for this year’s Remembrance Day, members of the Royal Canadian Legion Barry’s Bay Branch 406 have been active in drawing attention to those who have served in the armed forces. Not only can we appreciate the banners posted in the community, but the Legion’s social media has been …
Health Unit reports first case of flu in area
Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) has received laboratory confirmation of the first local case of influenza A for the 2025-2026 season. Seasonal influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious viral respiratory illness thataffects the nose, throat, and lungs. The flu vaccine (flu shot) is the most …
Valley tourism partners collaborate and inspire
On November 3rd, the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association (OVTA) brought the region’s tourism community together for the annual Ottawa Valley Tourism Conference, themed Valley Voices – Shaping Tourism Together. Hosted at the River Barn in Foresters Falls, the gathering united tourism operators, community leaders, municipal and destination partners and experts …
Madawaska Valley Hospice retreat brings community together
First annual Widows Retreat at Mont Madawaska in Barry’s Bay Ontario offers meaningful workshops, therapeutic activities, and a glimpse at next year’s expanded program for widowed men. Madawaska Valley Hospice recently hosted its first annual Widows Retreat at the beautiful Mont Madawaska venue, bringing together 20 widowed women from across …
OPP tips for Halloween safety
The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to remind parents/guardians and children that Halloween can be a time of both excitement and potential danger. Help keep everyone safe by following these safety tips: Motorists are reminded to drive with caution and be on the …
Matching donation of $10k from McRae Lumber boosts local healthcare
The St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation (SFVHF) is celebrating a generous $10,000 donation from McRae Lumber, thanks to the overwhelming support of the Catch the Ace community. Above: Cameron McRae of McRae Lumber presents the $10,000 donation to Erin Gienow, Executive Director of SFVHF. (Photo submitted) At the start of …
Scavengers search Barry’s Bay during Halloween Hunt
Valley ghosts, ghouls and goblins (plus a few Superheroes!) were out at last Saturday’s Halloween Hunt in Barry’s Bay. Madawaska Valley Public Library CEO Natalie Barrington gave The Current some of the highlights. She said the Library handed out 160 treat bags – plus 230 of the hunters who headed …
Ottawa Valley Affordable Housing Inc. creates partnerships in Valley communities
A group of community volunteers has launched a new non-profit corporation dedicated to creating affordable housing in the Ottawa Valley. Already, it has at least five projects in various stages of development and planning since its launch in June and is looking for donated properties and more opportunities for development. Above: …
SFMH Auxiliary donates $10,000 for mammography machine
Thank you to the St. Francis Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for their generous donation of $10,000 to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation. Proceeds will go towards the purchase of a mammography machine at St. Francis Memorial Hospital, which will cost over $400,000 to replace. The new machine will bring 3D …
Bite-sized news at Oct.24 2025
This weekend promises a host of exciting events for Valley residents. Halloween Hunt Reminder for all monsters, ghouls and treasure hunters – annual Halloween Hunt takes place in downtown Barry’s Bay tomorrow between 10am and 3pm. Scavenger sheets are available at the Madawaska Valley Public Library OR at Northern Credit …