SD&G Scoop – Your Local Lowdown for April 16-23, 2026!

Hey there, Cornwall & SD&G crew! 👋

First things first… did anyone else feel the earthquake this week? Nothing like a little unexpected rumble to wake up the group chats and have everyone asking, “Did you feel that too?” Around here, we’re more used to hearing about potholes than tectonic plates.

If we’re being honest, this week (and maybe even this whole month) has felt a little heavy. Between the headlines, the Facebook comment sections, and the general noise that seems to come from every direction lately, it can be a lot. And truthfully, it reinforces exactly why we started The Scoop in the first place — to carve out a little corner of the internet that focuses on the good stuff happening right here in our community. The wins, the people, the events, the local gems, and the stories that remind us there’s still plenty of good around us. Some weeks that mission feels easy… and some weeks, well, it takes a bit more digging. But it’s always worth it.

The good news? There’s sunshine in the forecast this week. Real, honest-to-goodness sunshine. The kind that gets people out walking, opens the windows, and has everyone suddenly remembering they own patio furniture. We’re also guessing the crew at Archie’s Golf is smiling a little bigger knowing better weather means more swings, more laughs, and fewer excuses.

So grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s get into this week’s Scoop — the brighter side of SD&G. ☕📰

WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK
🎉 What’s Happening This Week (April 16-23, 2026)

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

🔶 Meet Mortimer at Eco Day!
📅 Saturday, April 18 | 🕙 10 AM – 2 PM | 📍 Benson Centre, Cornwall
One of our favourite local “celebrities” is back — Mortimer the snapping turtle! 🐢 If you’ve been reading The Scoop for a while, you might remember we’ve featured Mortimer (and the wonderful Nicole from SDG Turtles) before, and we highly recommend stopping by to say hello. Mortimer is more than just a handsome shell with star power — he helps teach the community about turtle conservation, local wildlife, and how we can better protect these amazing creatures right here in SD&G. Eco Day is the perfect family outing if you’re looking to celebrate spring, learn something new, and meet one of the coolest residents around (literally… turtles love basking 😄). Bring the kids, bring your questions, and don’t forget to snap a photo with Mortimer if he’s feeling social.

🔶 Garbage Collection Day! Community Clean-Up
📅 Saturday, April 18 | 🕚 11 AM | 📍 Lost Villages Brewery, Long Sault
Now this is how you do spring cleaning, SD&G style. Lost Villages Brewery is hosting a community clean-up day and everyone’s invited to roll up their sleeves and help tidy up the neighbourhood. Meet at LVB, grab a waste bag provided by the Township of South Stormont, and head out to collect litter around the community. Once you return with your first full bag, you’ll score a free refreshment — not bad for a good deed! There’ll also be plenty happening back at home base: firefighters bringing a fire truck for the kids, fun giveaways, free popcorn, and an info tent from the South Stormont Environmental Action Committee. A little fresh air, a little exercise, and a lot of community pride. Gather the family, bring a friend, and let’s make Long Sault shine. 🍁

🔶 6th Annual Eco Day
📅 Saturday, April 18 | 🕙 10 AM – 2 PM | 📍 Benson Centre, Cornwall
If spring cleaning, greener living, and community fun sound like your kind of Saturday, Eco Day is calling your name. The City of Cornwall’s annual Eco Day is back at the Benson Centre with a full lineup of family-friendly activities, helpful resources, and hands-on ways to live a little lighter on the planet. This year’s event includes free tree giveaways (while supplies last), free mulch and compost, bike safety checks, eco-friendly displays, creative art activities, and plenty of local groups sharing ideas on conservation and sustainability. You can also bring along items to donate or recycle, including electronics, gently used eyeglasses, clothing, textiles, black garbage bags, and even old shoes. It’s basically the feel-good errand run of the season. Whether you stay for ten minutes or the whole afternoon, Eco Day is a great reminder that small actions add up — and that communities grow stronger when everyone pitches in.

🎵 Where’s That Music Coming From (April 16-23, 2026)

🔶 The Plowboys – This is Country Music! 🤠🎶
📅 April 14 – 19 | 📍 Upper Canada Playhouse, Morrisburg
Dust off your boots, SD&G… The Plowboys are rolling into town! The Upper Canada Playhouse is bringing a full week of classic country vibes with “This is Country Music!”—a live concert-style show packed with the sounds you know and love. Think timeless hits, smooth harmonies, and that toe-tapping, sing-along energy that makes country music so special. With both evening and matinee performances, it’s easy to find a time that works - whether you’re planning a night out or a relaxed afternoon show.
👉 If you’re a fan of classic country (or just love a good live performance close to home), this is one worth checking out.

🔶 Elvis Live 1972 – A Night with The King
📅 Thursday, April 16 | 📍 Aultsville Theatre, Cornwall
Alright Elvis fans… this one’s for you. Get ready to step back in time as Thane Dunn brings his “Elvis Live 1972” experience to Cornwall - a high-energy tribute to the King of Rock & Roll at the peak of his career. From the iconic jumpsuits to the unforgettable voice, this show is all about capturing that electric Elvis magic. Expect to hear classics like “Burning Love,” “Suspicious Minds,” and more, all backed by a full band for that true concert feel. It’s not just a performance—it’s a full-on throwback to one of music’s most legendary eras. Even better? The show is also supporting the Agape Centre, with special photo proceeds going toward the local food bank and community kitchen.

MEET YOUR NEIGHBOUR
👋 The Guindon Park Trailkeepers

This week’s neighbour feature goes out to a whole crew of community-minded folks making a difference behind the scenes — the Guindon Park Trailkeepers. While it’s not one single person, chances are you know someone involved… and if not, you’ll probably appreciate what they’re doing the next time you hit the trails.

This new volunteer-led non-profit has partnered with the City of Cornwall to help enhance Guindon Park — one of our favourite local spots for walking, biking, skiing, and getting a little fresh air reset.

Their mission includes maintaining and improving trails, updating signage, helping with winter grooming, offering equipment rentals, and keeping the park welcoming for everyone who uses it.

Best part? It’s completely volunteer driven, with no salaried staff. Just neighbours helping neighbours enjoy one of Cornwall’s best outdoor spaces.

We think it’s a fantastic initiative and a reminder that great communities are built by people who care enough to pitch in. Next time you’re out at Guindon, give a little silent cheer for the Trailkeepers. 👏🌿

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
📸 A Road Through History

The Long Sault Parkway officially opens for the 2026 season on Friday, April 17, and it’s a perfect reminder that one of our favourite local drives is much more than pretty water views and picnic stops… it’s a road built through history.

Created in 1958 during the St. Lawrence Seaway Project, the Parkway connected a chain of scenic islands after the region was dramatically reshaped by flooding and construction. But here’s the really fascinating part: traces of the old Ontario Highway 2 can still be seen along the route, with some sections even visible beneath the water on clear days. Imagine cruising past a piece of the old road still resting below the river’s surface.

The area also carries the story of the Lost Villages, communities relocated during the Seaway project. Many historic buildings were saved and moved to places like Upper Canada Village, where their stories still live on today.

So whether you’re heading out for a drive, bike ride, picnic, or your first ice cream stop of the season, the Parkway offers more than a scenic outing — it’s a little trip through local history too.

LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
🤝 Local businesses — quick question…

If your online presence could use a little love (think website updates, more Google reviews, faster follow-ups with customers, or just looking more polished online), we can help. These small things go a long way in building trust and turning local searches into real customers.

👉 Click reply to this email and tell us about your business, and let’s make it easy for people to choose you.

PET OF THE WEEK
🐾 Mystery Cat of Duncan Street

This week’s feature comes with a little mystery and a whole lot of charm. Meet this handsome found feline from Duncan Street in Cornwall, currently hanging out with the Ontario SPCA and already winning hearts with that adorable face and tiny tongue blep. 😺

He’s a neutered male with serious character, and while we don’t know his name yet, we do know he looks like the kind of cat who would supervise your gardening, judge your snack choices, and nap in the sun like a professional.

If this sweet guy looks familiar — or you think he may belong to someone you know — the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Cornwall & Region Animal Centre would love to hear from you at 613-936-0072.

Let’s help this little legend find his way back home… or at the very least appreciate one of the cutest photo ops of the week.

COMMUNITY WINS
🏆 Big Upgrades Coming to the Morrisburg Arena

Now this is the kind of hometown news we love to see. The Morrisburg Arena is getting a major refresh, with construction officially underway on important upgrades that will modernize the facility and improve accessibility for years to come.

What’s in the works? A new entrance staircase, a new entrance ramp, and updates to one of the existing change rooms. All designed to make the arena more welcoming and easier to access for everyone in the community.

The arena has been a local staple since the 1960s, so seeing this long-planned project finally come to life is a big win for South Dundas. Even better, significant funding support was secured through provincial and federal programs, helping make the upgrades possible.

From early morning practices to packed winter games and community events, arenas are more than buildings around here — they’re where memories are made. We can’t wait to see the next chapter for Morrisburg Arena. 👏

👉 Got a local win we should feature? Send it our way - we love celebrating the good stuff happening around here!

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 [email protected] and let’s chat!

JUST FOR FUN
🎯 Games Corner – Just for Fun!

Here’s a local history nugget you might not know: Cornwall was part of one of the most significant earthquakes in Canadian history! 😮

Back on September 5, 1944, the Cornwall-Massena earthquake struck in the middle of the night with a magnitude of 5.8. It was strong enough to cause major damage across the region and remains the largest recorded earthquake in New York State history.

One of the wildest facts? Chimneys across Cornwall and nearby Massena took a beating, with massive damage reported throughout the area. Even Cornwall Collegiate wasn’t spared — falling masonry damaged the gym roof and gave about 1,000 students an unexpected day off school. Not exactly the way anyone wants a holiday, but we know a few students probably weren’t complaining.

The silver lining: despite all the shaking and damage, there were no deaths and only one minor injury directly linked to the quake.

ESTATE & NEIGHBOURHOOD BUZZ
🏡 Dreaming Big in North Glengarry

Every now and then, we like to window shop in the “if the Lotto Max numbers hit” category… and this North Glengarry beauty definitely belongs there. 😄

Listed at $2.4 million, this extraordinary property on Dornie Road is proof that some seriously stunning homes are tucked away right here in our region. Set on 3 beautifully manicured acres with no rear neighbours, this private estate offers the kind of peaceful country setting that feels like a getaway, while still being close to the 401 for easy trips to Montreal, Ottawa, or Toronto.

The home itself is a showstopper, offering 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and between 3,500–5,000 sq. ft. of living space (with the full estate noted at approximately 6,000 sq. ft. of finished luxury). Inside, you’ll find soaring ceilings, elegant millwork, grand staircases, and bright open spaces designed for both family living and entertaining. The chef’s kitchen features custom cabinetry, a large island, and professional-grade appliances — the kind of kitchen where holiday dinners and Sunday brunches would be next level.

The great room is anchored by a dramatic stone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the outdoors in. Downstairs, the finished lower level includes a bar, additional fireplace, separate entrance, and flexible space for guests, an in-law suite, nanny quarters, or the ultimate rec room.

And then there’s the outside. This is where the daydreaming really kicks in: a heated pool, expansive covered porches, mature trees, landscaped grounds with stone features, a 2,150 sq. ft. four-door garage with loft storage, and even a private shooting range. The listing notes you may wake up to deer grazing in the backyard, which feels about as Canadian countryside as it gets.

It’s the kind of property that could be a forever family home, luxury retreat, wedding venue, or high-end Airbnb escape.

Do we have $2.4 million ready to go? Sadly, no. But are we picturing ourselves sipping coffee on that porch and pretending we own it for five minutes? You bet we are. Sometimes it’s just fun to dream big and see what’s possible in our little corner of SD&G.

📌 View the listing: https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/29439311/3147-dornie-road-north-glengarry-720-north-glengarry-kenyon-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?

BOOK KEEPER/ ADMIN COORDINATOR - Emard Lumber
📍 Cornwall
Emard Lumber is looking for a detailed book keeper/ admin coordinator to join their team!
📧 Apply online: [email protected]

EXPERIENCED COOK - Shawarma Depot
📍 Cornwall
Shawarma Depot is looking for an experienced cook to join the team.
📧 Apply online: [email protected]

MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS - Municipality of North Grenville
📍 North Grenville
Lead the Municipality’s strategic communications strategy.
📧 Apply online: www.northgrenville.ca/careers

JUNIOR CARPENTERS - Menard & Robertson
📍 Cornwall
Looking for someone that is passionate about carpentry and willing to grow.
📧 Apply online: [email protected]

👉 Have a business and looking to hire help? Let us feature your job/ business in next week’s Scoop!

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

If this week felt a little noisy, we hope this gave you a few minutes of something lighter — some good people, good stories, and good reminders that there’s still plenty happening around SD&G worth smiling about.

With the sunshine rolling in, don’t be surprised if patios start filling up, golf clubs come out of storage, and everyone suddenly becomes an expert gardener again. Spring has a funny way of lifting the mood around here.

As always, if you spot a great event, local win, hidden gem, throwback photo, or just something that made you smile, send it our way. The best part of this newsletter has always been you.

Have a great week, enjoy the sunshine, and we’ll see you next Sunday.

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

With gratitude,
The SD&G Scoop Team