SD&G Scoop – Your Local Lowdown for February 5-12, 2026

Hey there, Cornwall & SD&G crew!   👋

Is it just us, or does everything feel a little lighter lately? The days are stretching out again (still light at 5 PM - we’ll take that win 😌 ), and with it comes that familiar feeling that spring is slowly clearing its throat. Longer evenings, a bit more energy, and a good excuse to linger just a little longer wherever you are.

Before we dive in, we have to send a huge congratulations to our dear friend Ryan O'Neil on being appointed to the City of Cornwall Arts and Culture Advisory Committee   🎉 A big, well-deserved nod to someone who genuinely cares about creativity, community, and making Cornwall an even better place to live. We’re lucky to have you at the table, Ryan.

And because we’re fully leaning into our feature-local-artists era, we’re spotlighting one of our favourites this week: Nathan Gowsell . His artwork capturing M Plourde Shoe Repair is a love letter to Montreal Road and to a family business that’s been quietly doing things right for over 60 years. It’s the kind of piece that makes you slow down and notice the places that shape a neighbourhood and the people behind them.

Artwork done by Nathan Gowsell Creative

Alright… grab a coffee, enjoy the extra daylight, and let’s get into this week’s Scoop ☀️

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK
🎉   What’s Happening This Week (February 5-12, 2026)

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

🔸   Steve-O is coming to Cornwall!
📅   Friday, February 6 | 🕐 7 PM | 📍   The Port Theatre, Cornwall
Hold onto your seats - Steve-O’s Crash & Burn Tour is landing at The Port Theatre this Friday, February 6 , and yes… there are two shows because one just wasn’t enough. Best known for his Jackass days, Steve-O brings his no-filter, completely uncensored comedy to the stage with wild stories, questionable decisions, and laugh-out-loud moments that definitely earn the 18+ label. Expect big laughs, outrageous visuals, and a night you’ll be talking about long after the curtain closes. If you like your comedy bold, chaotic, and unforgettable, this one’s a must-see.

🔸   Design a Food Garden with JD Van Allen
📅   Saturday, February 7 | 🕐 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | 📍   Cline House Gallery & Studio 205 2nd St. E, Cornwall
Ever dreamed of a beautiful garden that feeds you and doesn’t break the bank? 🌿
Join Transition Cornwall + (with Eden’s Refuge) for a free, hands-on presentation with JD Van Allen , author and Lead Designer at Eden’s Refuge, all about designing low-budget food gardens that produce for years to come. JD will share practical tips on working with nature (not against it!) - from creating mini ecosystems and choosing the right plants, to maximizing beauty, productivity, and keeping costs low. Whether you’re gardening in a small yard or dreaming big, this session is packed with ideas you can actually use.
☕ Refreshments will be available, and everyone is welcome!
Perfect for green thumbs, beginners, and anyone itching to get their hands back in the soil 🌱

🔸   Galentine’s Night: Dancing, Sparkles & a Great Cause  
📅   Tuesday, February 10 | 🕐 6 PM | 📍   ESCA Pizza, 317 Pitt St., Cornwall
Grab your besties and mark your calendar for Tuesday, February 10 at 6 PM — Galentine’s Day is getting the full glow-up at ESCA Pizza ! This feel-good evening supports Team Amberly & Justine as part of the CCH Dancing with the Stars fundraiser, raising funds for the CCH Acute Medicine Unit . Expect all the Galentine’s vibes you love: DIY activities, bestie photo ops, girly games, prizes, retail pop-ups, light refreshments, and plenty of reasons to sip, sparkle, and celebrate friendship. 💕 Dress to impress in pinks & reds , come for the shopping or the laughs (or both), and enjoy a night out that gives back.
🎟 Tickets: $25 (limited spots)

🎵   Where’s That Music Coming From (February 5-12, 2026)

🔶   Live Music with Frank & Mike
📅   Friday, February 6 | 🕖 7 PM | 📍   Carrots n’ Dates , 116 Pitt St., Cornwall
Ease into the weekend with a cozy night of live local music at Carrots n’ Dates   🎶 Frank and Mike are back, serving up sweet tunes, relaxed vibes, and the perfect soundtrack for a laid-back Friday evening. Pair the music with great food, warm company, and that welcoming Carrots n’ Dates atmosphere we all love. Whether you’re planning dinner or just popping in to enjoy the music, this one’s an easy yes. It’s simple, it’s local, and it’s the perfect way to kick off the weekend 💛

🔶   Live Country Night with Switch Gear
📅   Saturday, February 7 | 🕖 9 PM | 📍   Glengarrin Pub & Restaurant (841 Sydney St. Unit 10)
Dust off your boots and get ready to two-step - Switch Gear is bringing live country music to Glengarrin Pub & Restaurant this Saturday, February 7 , starting at 9 PM and rolling late into the night. 🤠 Expect high-energy country tunes, a packed dance floor, and all the good vibes that make a Saturday night feel like a proper night out. With a $10 cover , great drinks, and a lively crowd, this one’s shaping up to be a fun, no-frills country party right here in Cornwall. Grab some friends, show up early, and settle in for a toe-tapping night of live local music.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOUR
👋 Lana, Park Ranger Extraordinaire

Photo cred: Parks of the St Lawrence

If you’ve ever felt especially welcome while visiting the Parks of the St. Lawrence , there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with Lana . A proud local and familiar face in the parks for 12 seasons , Lana’s journey started as an Assistant Ranger and has grown into her current role as a Park Ranger (and Provincial Offences Officer) - a job she clearly wears with heart.

What does she love most? The people. Whether it’s first-time campers or long-time locals, Lana is all about making visitors feel cared for while helping them discover what makes our region so special. She’s also quick to shine the spotlight on the student staff , calling them “the face of the business” and crediting them for everything from warm welcomes to the behind-the-scenes magic that keeps the parks running smoothly.

One of her top picks? Woodlands Campground , especially the upgraded 30-amp and 50-amp RV sites , cozy cabins, and the Family Lodge - perfect for group getaways. And looking ahead to 2026, she’s especially excited about the new prospector tents with waterfront views (sign us up 👀 ).

When Lana’s off duty, you’ll likely find her soaking in her favourite stretch of the parks along the Long Sault Parkway , strolling the Waterfront Trail , or recommending a visit to Upper Canada Village .

Community, nature, and genuine care for people - Lana is a perfect example of the neighbours who make SD&G such a special place to explore. 🌲💙

WHERE TO GRAB A BITE
🍽️ The Atlantic Pub (Alexandria)

Glengary Fine Cheese Awards!

If walls could talk, The Atlantic Pub would have over 140 years of stories to tell. Established way back in 1882 , this much-loved spot on McDougald Street East is one of those places that instantly feels warm, familiar, and full of character - the kind of pub you’re glad still exists.

It’s a classic UK-style pub at heart, but with a delicious twist. Alongside traditional pub favourites, The Atlantic Pub is known for blending in Indian-inspired dishes that keep people coming back. Butter chicken pizza? Handmade samosas? Fresh naan bread? Yes, yes, and absolutely yes. 😋 It’s a menu that surprises you in the best way.

One of our favourite memories from last year was spending an evening there watching The O’Neil’s perform - great music, great food, and that cozy pub atmosphere that makes you lose track of time. Add in regular live music, comedy nights, and special events, and it’s easy to see why this place has stayed a community staple for generations.

Fun fact: The Atlantic Pub has even been voted one of Ontario’s Top 50 “Best Snowmobile Restaurants” , making it a popular pit stop for winter adventurers - and they also offer comfortable guest rooms if you want to turn dinner into a mini getaway.

Whether you’re heading out for a casual meal, live music, or just a pint in a place with real history, The Atlantic Pub is one of those SD&G gems that truly earns its reputation. 🍺✨

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
🎞️ Lights On, Snow Boots On (1954!)

Take a stroll back to 1954 , when a trip downtown meant crunching through snowbanks and lining up under glowing marquee lights. This beautiful shot of Cornwall’s Capital Theatre captures a classic winter scene… kids bundled up, neon buzzing overhead, and a movie night that felt like an event .

The sign says it all: Bing Crosby in Little Boy Lost , playing continuously. Imagine ducking inside to escape the cold, warming up in your seat, and settling in while the snow kept falling outside. No streaming. No trailers you could skip. Just a shared night out and a big screen glow lighting up the street.

We can’t get over the snow piles, the coats, the quiet magic of it all. Anyone remember seeing a movie here back in the day - or stories passed down from parents or grandparents? 🎥 ❄️

Sometimes, Throwback Corner really makes us wish we could time-travel for just one night.

PET OF THE WEEK
🐶   Found & Friendly!

Meet this handsome guy with the “is that my human?” head tilt - currently safe and sound after being found along Montreal Road in Cornwall on January 28 . He’s a male dog with big, curious eyes and even bigger good-boy energy, and we’re hoping to help reunite him with his family.

If this sweet face looks familiar, or if you know who he belongs to please reach out to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Cornwall & Region Animal Centre at 613-936-0072 . They’ll be able to help get him home where he belongs. 💙

To reclaim him, owners will need:

• Valid photo ID

• Proof of ownership (photos, microchip info, or vet records)

• A collar and leash (or carrier)

• Payment of applicable impound/licensing fees

Let’s do what this community does best, share, spread the word, and help a pup get back to his people . 🐶✨

COMMUNITY WINS
💙   This Is Why We Love This Place

This one gave us all the feels.

After the family car was broken into and Evelyn’s goalie equipment was stolen (every hockey parent’s nightmare), the community stepped up in the biggest way. Thanks to quick action, caring neighbours, and the hard work of Cornwall Police Service , every single piece of her gear was recovered and returned . 🥅✨

To say Evelyn was relieved (and smiling ear to ear) would be an understatement. The photo says it all - a young goalie, her gear back where it belongs, surrounded by people who genuinely cared enough to help make it right.

It’s moments like this that remind us how strong this community really is. When something goes wrong, SD&G shows up… with compassion, teamwork, and heart.

Way to go, everyone. And Evelyn… we can’t wait to see you back between the pipes. 💪

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!

Here’s a bright piece of local trivia for you - Cornwall holds a shocking place in Canadian history! 🔌

Back in April 1883 , the Weave Shed at the Canada Mill became the first factory in Canada to use Thomas Edison’s incandescent electric lights . That’s right, our city helped light the way for industrial innovation across the country!

Even cooler? Edison himself traveled to Cornwall to oversee the installation and famously flipped the switch, plunging the factory into darkness before illuminating it with his brand-new electric bulbs. Imagine the awe on everyone’s faces that night!

So next time you flip a light switch, give a little nod to Cornwall - where Canada’s electric story began. 💡

ESTATE & NEIGHBOURHOOD BUZZ
🏡 Country Calm, Turned All the Way Up

If your dream home includes space to breathe, zero rear neighbours, and views that feel like a screensaver , this one might stop you mid-scroll. Tucked away on Goldfield Road in North Stormont , this custom-built brick bungalow sits on a peaceful 1.7-acre lot and fully leans into the art of country living.

From the moment you arrive, it’s giving slow mornings and golden-hour evenings . A wraparound veranda draped in vines sets the tone - perfect for coffee at sunrise, sunsets with a glass in hand, or just listening to the birds do their thing. Inside, cathedral ceilings and an open-concept layout make the space feel airy and welcoming, with a cozy fireplace anchoring the heart of the home.

With 3 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms , and light pouring in from every angle, it’s equal parts comfortable and functional. Downstairs? Loads of potential - think rec room, home gym, hobby zone, or all three. Outside, a large shed has room for tools, projects, snowmobiles, ATVs… even that classic car you swear you’ll take out more often.

It’s private. It’s serene. It’s the kind of place that gently reminds you to slow down, breathe, and enjoy where you live. Country calm never looked so good. 🌿✨

📌 View the listing: https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/29059249/3066-goldfield-road-north-stormont-711-north-stormont-finch-twp

👉 Got a property for sale or rent in SD&G? Let us feature it in next week’s Scoop - the most-clicked section of the newsletter!

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! 👋

Thanks for spending a little slice of your week with us… whether you’re reading this with a coffee in hand, sneaking a scroll between errands, or enjoying that extra bit of daylight on your evening walk (still not over it 😌 ).

As always, get out there if you can, support something local, wave at a neighbour, and don’t forget to tell us what we missed - this newsletter is better because of you .

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

With gratitude,
The SD&G Scoop Team