The Sûreté du Québec has announced it will be boosting its patrol of provincial roads during the construction holiday this summer and will increase its presence around trails and on bodies of water. The busiest two weeks of the summer vacation period, where up to one-third of Quebecers are off work, happens to coincide with high season for accidents and fatal collisions. The announcement comes as a subtle reminder to be conscious of the safety of yourself and those around you over the next few weeks of well-deserved rest and relaxation.
For those staying closer to home for the summer holiday, there is no shortage of exciting activities and events. In fact, a “staycation” in the Valley can be quite exotic, considering how unaware most of us are of what the region has to offer. We can sometimes get so lost in the idea of a perfect vacation that we forget how a simple afternoon picking berries or playing outside can be fun and relaxing.
There are also several exciting upcoming events, many of which are detailed in the This and That section and in articles in this edition. Organizers are rallying teams of volunteers and preparing to welcome summer crowds in Cazaville, Godmanchester, Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague, Hemmingford, and Huntingdon, while new activities are being announced almost daily on social media. It has never been easier to stay local while having fun.
We at The Gleaner are also taking some time away to recharge over the next few weeks. We will not be printing an edition on August 9, but we will continue to follow breaking news, which is always available on our website or by subscribing to receive article notifications by email. The Gleaner will also be quite visible at upcoming events, so please come and say “hi,” talk to us about story or advertising ideas, and meet the team.
We look forward to returning to our desks recharged and rejuvenated in mid-August when we ramp up celebrations for the newspaper’s 160th anniversary in September. Until then, happy vacation, and stay safe.
Sarah Rennie
