SD&G Scoop – Your Local Lowdown for February 12-19, 2026!

Hey there, Cornwall & SD&G crew!   👋

Happy (almost) end of winter ☀️

Before we dive into this week’s Scoop, we wanted to share something that meant a lot to us. We received a message from a reader that said our newsletter “uplifted their spirits” and that hearing about the wonderful things happening in our community warmed their heart during what’s felt like a heavy season.

And honestly? That’s exactly why we keep going.

The Scoop was never just about events or announcements - it’s about spotlighting the goodness that’s already here. The local artists creating beautiful work. The volunteers organizing fundraisers. The businesses investing in growth. The neighbours quietly doing kind things. There is so much community goodwill taking place around us, and it’s incredible to see. Focusing on that local positivity is what we love to do.

This week, we’ve even switched a few things up in Throwback Corner and Estate & Neighborhood Buzz , because celebrating community doesn’t have to look the same every time. A little fresh perspective keeps things fun.

Thanks for being here. Thanks for reading. And thanks for being part of what makes this community so special.

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK
🎉   What’s Happening This Week (February 12-19, 2026)

📅 Here are a few events you won’t want to miss:

🔸   Free Family Day Ice Skating
📅   Sunday, February 15   | 🕝 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM | 📍 Long Sault Arena
Lace up those skates and gather the crew - it’s time for a FREE Family Day skate! Head over to the Long Sault Arena for an afternoon of fun on the ice with family and friends. Whether you’re gliding like a pro or wobbling your way around (we’ve all been there), this is the perfect way to celebrate Family Day together. Expect smiles, chilly cheeks, and plenty of laughs — plus cozy vibes to match the season. ☕ 🍪 This community event is sponsored by Christ Church Seaway (2 Bethune Ave.), who are helping make the afternoon extra special. Bundle up, bring your skates, and we’ll see you on the ice!

🔸   Museum Speaker Series: The Lost Villages with Jim Brownell
📅   Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | 🕖 7:00 PM | 📍   Schnitzels Restaurant – Back Room, Cornwall
Step back in time with one of our region’s most respected historians! The Lost Villages Museum is hosting a special Speaker Series event featuring Jim Brownell , a former resident of the Lost Villages and lifelong storyteller of SD&G history. Jim will share first-hand memories and historical insights about the six villages, three hamlets, and the farming community on Sheek Island that were forever changed by the St. Lawrence Seaway and Hydro development projects of the 1950s. Drawing from archival images and stories featured in his book “A Tour Through the Lands of the Lost Villages,” Jim will bring these once-thriving communities back to life for an evening of reflection and discovery.

🔸   Beginner’s DSLR Photography Workshops
📅   Tuesdays starting February 17 | 🕖 7:00 PM | 📍   Cornwall Public Library – Program Room #3
The Cornwall Public Library is kicking off a 4-part Beginner DSLR Photography Workshop Series on February 17 , and it’s perfect for anyone who wants to level up their photo game without feeling overwhelmed. Led by an experienced photographer, this hands-on series will walk you through the essentials - aperture, shutter speed, ISO, composition, understanding lenses, and how to actually use those manual controls you’ve been avoiding. Whether you’re brand new or just need a refresher, this welcoming space is all about learning, experimenting, and connecting with fellow photo enthusiasts.
📷 DSLR cameras only (interchangeable lenses + manual controls required)

🔸   [Early Event]   Hands-On Tablet Training (FREE 5-Week Class)
📅   Starts Monday, March 2 | 🕐 1 PM – 3 PM | 📍 Hosted by the Tri-County Literacy Council
Looking to feel more confident using your tablet? This FREE 5-week class for adults is the perfect way to build your skills in a supportive, hands-on environment. Running Tuesdays & Thursdays , this course covers everything you need to navigate today’s digital world with ease. Topics include: tablet basics, apps, going online, security, and much more! Whether you’re brand new to tablets or just want to brush up on your skills, this class will help you feel more connected and confident online. 🎓
📞 To register, call 613-932-7161 ext. 2
Spots are limited — so don’t wait!

🎵   Where’s That Music Coming From (February 12-19, 2026)

👑✨   Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella – Enchanted Edition
📅   February 13, 14, 20 & 21 | 🕐 7:30 PM | 📍   Aultsville Theatre – 2 St. Lawrence Drive, Cornwall
The Seaway Valley Theatre Company (SVTC) is bringing the magic to the stage with Cinderella – Enchanted Edition — and this isn’t just any fairytale. Backing the cast is a powerhouse 12-piece orchestra made up of talented local musicians (including a full string quartet!) who’ve been rehearsing for months to fill Aultsville Theatre with those rich, velvety Rodgers & Hammerstein classics we all love. Expect sweeping melodies, dazzling costumes, and all the heart, humour, and happily-ever-afters you could ask for. Whether you’re planning a date night, a family outing (don’t miss the Family Day matinee!), or just love live theatre, this is your chance to support local talent and experience a little magic right here at home.
🎟️ Reserved seating: $28 & $40
🛒 Tickets online at svtc.theticketwicket.ca or by phone at 613-933-3998

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOUR
👋 From Cornwall to the Big Screen: Meet Filmmaker James Hardiment

Cornwall’s creative scene is heating up, and this time, it’s headed straight for the big screen.

Meet James Hardiment , Canadian-British filmmaker and musician, who’s about to premiere his second feature film right here in his hometown of Cornwall, ON. 🎥🍿

James grew up here, and although life has taken him to places like Windsor and Ottawa, Cornwall has always held a special place in his heart, so it only felt right to set part of his latest 103-minute, high-octane adventure right here.

The film blends action, adventure, satire, and humour - drawing inspiration from the likes of James Bond and Raiders of the Lost Ark . Expect themes pulled straight from modern headlines (AI, drone warfare, global intrigue 👀 ) mixed with classic adventure storytelling and a mystery involving a missing cousin. Yes, it sounds epic… because it is.

Even better? The project is proudly independent (produced on a budget under $25,000!) and packed with local talent. You’ll spot familiar names like entertainer Jonny Yumang , local musician John Lister , cinematographer Jake Adamson , and actor Al Vachon , along with background cast and crew from across SD&G.

🎬 Premiere Night Details:
📅   Friday, March 27
⏰   7:30 PM
📍   The Port Theatre, Cornwall

Tickets are available online or in person through The Port Theatre so grab yours early and come support local film at its finest.

There’s something extra special about watching a story unfold on screen knowing it was created by someone who calls our community home. Let’s pack the theatre and show James some Cornwall love. 🍿

SUPPORT THE SCOOP
☕ Keep the Good News Brewing

The SDG Scoop is a free, independent local newsletter built right here in SD&G - by locals, for locals. Each issue takes time, coffee, and a whole lot of love to put together.

If you enjoy reading the Scoop and want to help keep it going strong, you can buy us a coffee (or two!). Every little bit helps us share more good news, highlight local stories, and celebrate the best of our community.

Thanks for the support, friends!

THROWBACK CORNER
🎶   Turn Up the Volume  

Normally we dig through the archives and share a classic photo from Cornwall’s past… but this week, we thought we’d switch things up. 👀

Instead of a snapshot, we’re sharing a song - a tribute to Cornwall recorded (apparently!) back in 1976 by someone named Paul Smith .

Yes… a full-on musical love letter to our hometown.

We don’t know much about the artist or the backstory behind the recording, but that almost makes it better. It feels like one of those hidden gems waiting to be rediscovered.

Have a listen here:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPtkRdFS3Hc

Do you know Paul Smith? Were you around when this was recorded? Did this ever get radio play locally? We’re officially putting on our community detective hats 🕵️‍♂️ and would love your help filling in the blanks.

Sometimes the best throwbacks aren’t just something you see… they’re something you hear. 🎶

PET OF THE WEEK
🐶   Meet Diesel of C & L Farmgate

Hi Diesel

This week we’re shining the spotlight on a hardworking farm hero - Diesel, the beloved livestock guardian dog at C & L Farmgate. 💛

Recently, Diesel had everyone a little worried after the deep freeze took its toll. He wasn’t moving quite like himself and seemed lower energy than usual - not something you expect from a dog who takes his guardian duties seriously. So, he was invited inside for a well-deserved break in the greenhouse (temporary roommate status with the barn cats included 🐱 ).

Instead of pacing to get back to his herd - which many guardian dogs would - Diesel seemed perfectly content to recharge. With a few days of warmth, good meals, added protein, brushing, and some extra love, he bounced back beautifully.

At 7.5 years old, Diesel has spent most of his life protecting livestock and serving the farm faithfully. And if he’s hinting that he wouldn’t mind a slightly slower pace and a little more comfort these days? We fully support it. ❤️

From full-time farm protector to part-time greenhouse gentleman, Diesel reminds us that even the toughest workers deserve a little rest now and then.

Give that good boy some love. 🐶

COMMUNITY WINS (IN THE MAKING)
🏆 Big Ben Goes BIGGER!

Okay… it’s not officially a win yet - but it absolutely could be, and it’s a big one for our snow-loving community. ❄️

Big Ben Ski Centre has announced a massive upgrade and we are here for it. They’re planning to install a brand-new Tow Pro TP-25 mobile tow rope system , expand the hill, and add more features — think moguls, jumps, expanded park space, bigger training areas, and longer runs.

The goal? $125,000 to make it happen.

If successful, this upgrade would reduce wait times, allow for more runs, and create more room for riders of all skill levels - from beginners just finding their footing to advanced shredders ready for bigger air.

This isn’t just about adding equipment - it’s about investing in the future of winter recreation in our region and continuing to grow a space that so many local families, kids, and snow enthusiasts love year after year.

Big Ben has always been a community-powered gem… and now they’re asking the community to help shape its next chapter.

Let’s make it happen. ❄️

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
🛒 Small Businesses - We See You!

Want to get your local business in front of thousands of engaged Cornwall & SD&G readers who love supporting local?

We feature standout businesses, shops, and services that help make our community shine - and we’d love to spotlight you next!

👉 Interested? Reach out to us at https://www.sdgscoop.ca/contact or jared@sdgscoop.ca and let’s chat!

JUST FOR FUN
🎯 Games Corner – Just for Fun!

🏆 Did you know that North Grenville cracked the TOP 55 out of 454 communities in The Globe and Mail’s national livability rankings?

That’s right - top 55 in the entire country! 🇨🇦

And here’s the real plot twist… 👀
It’s the ONLY rural community in Eastern Ontario to make the Top 55 list!

Small-town charm, big-time bragging rights. 💚
Looks like country living is winning the game!

ESTATE & NEIGHBOURHOOD BUZZ
🌱 A Little Slice of Spring

Okay, this one’s a bit of a change-up from our usual real estate finds… but we couldn’t resist.

With the winter we’ve had ( 😅 ❄️), it feels very nice to think about warm air, green leaves, and the smell of soil again. Enter: The Kemptville Campus Greenhouse .

Located at 75 Campus Drive, Kemptville , this bright and beautiful greenhouse space is more than just a plant haven - it’s a community hub for event rentals, workshops, and plant lovers alike . 🌼

Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to house your plants over the winter , host a gardening workshop , or gather fellow green thumbs for something creative, this space offers a unique alternative to traditional venues.

We love seeing spaces like this being used in new and imaginative ways. It’s not just about buying and selling property - it’s about how spaces bring people together.

And honestly… after this winter? We’re all ready to start planning what’s going in the garden. 🌷🌞

JOBS AND CLASSIFIEDS
📢   Who is Hiring?

CAMP COORDINATOR - The Learning Centre
📍 Cornwall
The Learning Centre is hiring a Camp Coordinator for its Summer Camps located in Cornwall, Long Sault, Iroquois and Winchester.
📧 Apply online: https://www.giag.ca/en/employment-services/job-board-job-posting-form/?jobId=ddb4683a-e5e4-42d1-a424-b3d0f106896e

PROGRAMMING CLERK - Cornwall Public Library
📍 Cornwall
Cornwall Public Library is seeking an energetic, creative, and tech-savvy “Programming Clerk” (not computer programming) enthusiastic about interacting with the community.
📧 Apply online: https://www.library.cornwall.on.ca/about/careers

RESIDENTIAL CARE WORKER FT - Maison Interlude House
📍 Hawkesbury
As a shelter worker, most of your job will involve welcoming and supporting women who are victims of violence, as well as their dependents, with compassion and empathy.
📧 Apply online: https://www.minterludeh.ca/carrieres/postes-disponibles/

CLOSING CALL
That’s a wrap for this week, friends! 👋

And just like that… another Scoop in the books

Whether you’re heading to a show, signing up for a workshop, cheering on a community project, or simply sharing this newsletter with a friend — you’re part of what makes this place feel like home.

We’ll keep shining a light on the good stuff happening around us (because there’s a lot of it), and you keep being the amazing, community-loving humans you are. Deal?

If you loved something in this week’s issue, hit reply and tell us. If we missed something, send it our way. The Scoop is better because of you.

📬 Not subscribed yet? Join the Scoop fam here: www.sdgscoop.ca

With gratitude,
The SD&G Scoop Team