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Woodstock Ingersoll Echo VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 23

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Suspect arrested after Woodstock bank robbery LEE GRIFFI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A heavy police presence in downtown Woodstock during the noon hour on Tuesday resulted in an arrest after a bank robbery.

Police say a 35-year-old male from Chatham, currently out on bail for robbery with court-imposed conditions, was arrested near the TD Canada Trust at 539 Dundas Street.

Police received a report of a robbery in progress at 12:03 p.m. and investigators determined the suspect provided a note demanding money from bank staff six minutes later.

The suspect was located in front of the bank on Wellington Street shortly after the incident and he was taken into custody without incident. The stolen money was recovered and no injuries were reported.

Eyewitnesses posted photos on social media of several officers pointing their firearms at the accused on Wellington Street. He remains in custody pending a bail hearing. The police station is located two blocks away from the scene of the crime.

“In any high-risk situation, including a bank robbery, the actions of the suspect will dictate the reactions of the police,” said Inspector Jamie Taylor. “Our primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of the victims inside, the public outside and our officers.”

Taylor added firearms are only drawn when there is a fear of serious bodily harm or death.

“In this case, our officers responded appropriately based on the threat they faced. I’m proud to say they were able to de-escalate the situation without the need for physical force.

CONTINUED TO PAGE 4

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INGERSOLL PEOPLECARE PARTNERSHIP

(PEOPLECARE PHOTO)

Ingersoll CAO Micheal Graves, Mayor Brian Petrie, peopleCare VP of Communications Sheena Campbell and the company’s VP of Operations Jeremy Zinger pose at an announcement that could see a new long-term care home adjacent to the town’s new multi-use recreation facility. Story on page 10.

Strong mayor powers given to several area heads of council LEE GRIFFI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Government of Ontario is continuing to bolster the unilateral decision-making powers of mayors across the province with a proposal to expand strong mayor powers to 169 additional municipalities effective May 1, including Ingersoll and South West Oxford.

In 2022, through changes to the Municipal Act, strong mayor powers were first granted to the heads of councils in Toronto and Ottawa, and then to mayors in 48 additional municipalities in 2023. Though several municipalities declined the enhanced mayoral powers, a total of 47 mayors in

Ontario now have these strong mayor powers.

“Heads of council are key partners in our efforts to build homes and infrastructure across the province,” said Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack in a press release announcing the latest proposed expansion. “By extending strong mayor powers to these additional municipalities, we are providing mayors every tool at our disposal to empower them to get homes and infrastructure built faster. Mayors know their municipalities best, and we support them in taking bold actions for their communities.”

Strong mayor powers include the ability to appoint a municipality’s chief administrative officer (CAO), hire certain municipal department heads and reorganize departments, CONTINUED TO PAGE 3

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April 25, 2025

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

GM laying off hundreds of CAMI employees LEE GRIFFI

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

General Motors is temporarily halting and then reducing production of the BrightDrop electric delivery van at Ingersoll’s CAMI Assembly Plant. The union representing the workers said it is devastating for Unifor members, their families, and the entire Ingersoll community.

Employees were told of their fate last Friday and sent home.

“This is a crushing blow to hundreds of working families in Ingersoll and the surrounding region who depend on this plant,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“General Motors must do everything in its power to mitigate job loss during this downturn, and all levels of government must step up to support Canadian auto workers and Canadian-made products.”

Mike Van Boekel is the Chair of Unifor Local 88 and explained the news didn’t come as a surprise.

“Our sales have been slow, and we’ve been doing rotating layoffs so every two weeks a shift would work then another shift would work, but we just got back to two shifts in February where everyone was back. Every month has been better, but not where we want or need.”

He added GM thought they would hit a home run with the electric-powered vans, but despite a significant increase in sales year over year, Van Boekel said the product just hasn’t caught on yet.

Unifor and GM ratified a new contract in September of last year, meaning any employee laid off receives 70 per cent of their full wage.

“It’s enough to keep food on their table, but it’s tough to lose about a third of your wages and that lasts up to two full years depending on seniority,” explained Van Boekel.

“With young families, you take a third off and that hits pretty hard.”

Unifor has started what Van Boekel called an action centre in the union hall when 80 members were laid off about five weeks ago. He added employees have options.

“That will get a lot bigger because we are going to add 450 people to it. We have already met a few times and will try to mitigate the layoffs and have packages available to entice people to retire or if people are on the fence and not sure they want to stay with GM, maybe give them some

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

General Motors has announced it is temporarily halting and then reducing production of the BrightDrop electric delivery van at Ingersoll’s CAMI Assembly Plant, resulting in hundreds of layoffs.

seed money to take a different direction if they want.”

Van Boekel is hoping up to 100 employees will take retirement packages and added there are three distinct demographics at the plant.

“We have 165 of our most senior people left who can retire, and then there is a big drop down to 20-year people with hundreds of employees. The bottom group is between eight and 10 years. The bottom two are the largest numbers. The goal is to keep hiring.”

One thousand truck sales per month would mean one shift can work full-time.

“Walmart in the US took 700 as a test fleet. They are telling us they want to make millions of home deliveries.

It could lead to tens of thousands of orders, and those are the ones we need.”

He added Verizon ordered 100 as a test fleet. IKEA is also looking at making more deliveries and is trying out some of the vehicles.

“Some of the bigger North American companies are trying them and we are in heavy talks with Canada Post,

and they are looking at potentially 12 thousand vehicles over a couple of years.”

Van Boekel said there have been ongoing conversations with GM, government officials and Unifor because the plant is large and has enormous capacity.

“They could get a little creative and try to figure out another product we could take that would fit into our plant.

I know those talks are going on.”

He added he is confident there is a market for the electric delivery van, and it can be built to order as an American company is looking to do just that.

“The truck is new, but we are getting good feedback from customers on markets we never thought of. We are going to bring the 2026 model ahead into May, that’s why we are going back for two weeks. We have a huge customer who has our biggest order yet, and that is Kroger.”

Kroger is the largest grocery store chain in the United States and Van Boekel said the plant can add refrigeration units to the trucks and they ordered 1000 of them.

“That’s going to be our biggest order, and it will be a test fleet for them. They are across every state and they are huge. We have other companies asking for a hard roof on them to attach ladders, piping, and all that for tradespeople.”

He added a company in New York is turning the product into motorhomes. A local business owner also reached out to Van Boekel. “(Former EZT Mayor) Don McKay called me from Your Food Market in Woodstock and said they were looking for a delivery van. It would look pretty cool to have one driving around in Oxford County. We need more exposure.”

“My thoughts went immediately to those who will be directly affected at the plant and their families. The town is working with its partners to make sure the resources they need are available,” said Ingersoll Mayor Brian Petrie. “I know that GM wants Cami to be successful and is committed to that. This is a very unfortunate situation.”

Petrie added he is confident that GM will be producing vehicles in Ingersoll for a long time to come.

“We have a very skilled workforce that I would put up against anyone in the world and there is no other place in North America that can offer what Ingersoll can.”

He also explained there are jobs available in the town for those looking.

“Unifor has an action centre that is a partnership with the federal and provincial government to help the workers who are affected, but there are other opportunities as well in the community. IMT recently expanded and has over 100 positions available. We are also expecting future industrial investments in the town that will also create opportunities.

Unifor is calling on all levels of government to back Canadian workers, strengthen Canada’s industrial strategy, and support Canadian-made products with procurement dollars.

“The BrightDrop electric delivery van is built in Canada

by Canadian workers — it’s the smart choice for Canadian business, government agencies and for our economy,” added Payne. “Procurement and industrial policy go hand in hand. Now is the time for Canada to show leadership by investing in Canadian manufacturing.”

Unifor said actions by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on Canadian-made vehicles and auto parts have sent shockwaves through the industry, creating uncertainty across the North American auto sector.

“The reality is the U.S. is creating industry turmoil.

Trump’s short-sighted tariffs and rejection of EV technology are disrupting investment and freezing future order projections,” said Payne. “This is creating an opening for China and other foreign automakers to dominate the global EV market while the North American industry risks falling behind.”

She added the world is moving rapidly towards electrification, and if Canada and the U.S. hit pause, the ability to catch up could be lost.

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 320,000 workers.

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

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Petrie and Mayberry have strong mayor powers beginning May 1 CONTINUED FROM FRONT

create committees of council, propose the municipal budget, propose certain bylaws the mayor says advances a provincial priority, veto certain bylaws the mayor says could interfere with a provincial priority, and bring forward matters for discussion by council if the mayor says they could advance a provincial priority.

Ingersoll Mayor Brian Petrie is one of the 169 mayors in the expansion.

“I want to start by saying that at no time was this change requested, and I didn’t have any knowledge that the change was coming prior to the release from the province. I have been clear in my stance on Strong Mayor Powers that it’s not something I support.”

He added the town has an elected group of people who work together to achieve goals of and everyone deserves an equal voice and vote at the table.

“It’s been a pillar of local government for over 200 years. I want to assure you that that will continue to be the case going forward in Ingersoll. I will be delegating all powers that I can back to council and the CAO. Every decision made will continue to be that of the majority of council.

Petrie added he has no desire to replace CAO Michael Graves, something that has happened in several municipalities in Ontario.

“I will work with Council and staff to ensure that it’s business as usual and that everyone has an equal say and vote because that’s how I think we get the best decisions for our community,” he added.

South West Oxford Mayor David Mayberry also made the new list and explained he is against the move in both principle and practice.

“Just from the principle of how municipal government works, councillors are supposed to reflect the community. You don’t want them all the same, you want them different so they reflect different views, voices and opinions of the broader community. They come together to find common ground where the best solution can be made.”

Mayberry said he would never stifle the democratic process by eliminating the votes of some members of council.

“Fundamentally, that leads to far better decision making.”

The Echo asked the mayor if there was any scenario where he could see him self utilizing Strong Mayor Powers. The answer came fast and it was decisive but he didn’t shut the door completely.

“Absolutely not. But one can’t be 100 per cent sure of everything. You don’t know what crisis may happen, but fundamentally, I wouldn’t.

That’s because the mayor’s role is to lead council but also help them come to a consensus with a community-wide response to whatever the issue is.”

Mayberry added even when he is in the minority, the majority should rule.

“I shouldn’t be able to say if someone doesn’t like what I want, I am going to overrule you.

That is dangerous.”

He also went into detail about the section of the legislation stating a mayor can make major staffing decisions on his own, including firing a CAO. That, he said, is worrisome.

“The CAO could feel like they have to do what the mayor wants and does that lead to the erosion of their independence. They could think that if the mayor could fire me, maybe I would write the report the way the mayor has directed

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)

Ingersoll mayor Brian Petrie, left, and the mayor of South West Oxford, David Mayberry, are two of 169 mayors across Ontario added to the Strong Mayor Power list.

other than how it should have been.”

Mayberry is concerned those types of decisions could lead to a dictatorial situation, something ill-suited to democracy.

“That to me undermines the whole public confidence. Governments are not held in the highest light by the public. Anything we do that undermines the principles of democracy is not a good thing. We already have a problem with people being unsure or unconvinced council is operating in the best interest of the entire community.”

Zack Taylor, an associate professor of political science at Western University and a fellow at the Institute of Municipal Finance and Governance, has been among those sounding alarm bells about strong mayor powers since their introduction in Ontario in 2022.

“If we buy the argument that these powers can be used to expand housing in rapidly growing areas, it’s the larger municipalities in rapidly growing areas that already have these powers,” Taylor said. “So, bringing this to much smaller places, many of them slower-growth places, I’m not sure if it’s something that would move the needle.”

Taylor said the expansion of these powers is based on the premise that councils across Ontario are “gridlocked” when it comes to dealing with issues deemed as priorities by the province, something the associate professor doesn’t see a lot of evidence to support. He says the idea that giving “soft-dictatorial authority” to heads of council to move the needle on housing doesn’t really make a lot of sense.

“Ontario has a very elaborate planning system that has generally served the province well for decades going back to the Second World War,” he said. “As a result, we have fairly efficient housing production that’s fully serviced by water and sewer and that kind of thing. And if you look at other parts of North America, that isn’t necessarily a given. But I think there is a legitimate argument there is a housing shortage, it’s just is this the right way to address it and will this kind of thing make it happen? What we’ve seen so far is it’s really hard to find any kind of evidence that strong mayor powers have created any more housing than would have been created otherwise. “ … I think a cynical perspective on it is this is a way for the province to transfer blame for

the housing crisis onto mayors.”

Among the myriad issues he sees with strong mayor powers and this proposed expansion is the decision by the province to expand these powers to smaller municipalities with fewer staff.

“If we think this entire policy basically emerged out of Doug Ford’s special interest in Toronto, the City of Toronto’s administrative structure with 30,000-plus employees is enormous and multi-layered, so the idea of having the mayor being able to play a role in hiring and firing senior staff means that you’re only really

looking at that top layer. When you go to smaller places, we know you can fit the entire staff of a municipality in one room. ...So, what does it mean to give the mayor hiring and firing power over that kind of thing? I think what it really risks is arbitrary decisions getting made, people playing favourites – you hire uncle Joe or whatever,” Taylor said. “ … The mayor can install anyone they want.”

Another red flag for Taylor, specifically among smaller councils with as little as six members, is the notion a strong mayor can introduce a bylaw that supposedly advances a provincial priority and see it passed with just one-third of council’s support. For a council with six members, one of whom is the mayor, that means it would require just one other councillor’s support to pass.

While Taylor said these powers could see some benefits when it comes to limiting council debate during budget deliberations to ensure annual budgets are passed in a timely manner, he sees this expansion of power as opening the door to mayoral candidates in future municipal elections running with the intention of using strong mayoral powers to advance their own agendas instead of what’s best for their communities. And, in many smaller and rural communities, Taylor said mayoral candidates often run unopposed.

“Next time around, they’ll run with the knowledge of having these powers,” Taylor said. “ … You could imagine in small places that don’t really have any local media – there isn’t a lot of scrutiny – that things could go off the rails pretty fast.”

With files from Galen Simmons

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April 25, 2025

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

LETTER TO Chatham man THE EDITOR out on bail for

TRAVEL TO THE US I am proud to see the good news that the "United Stated Custom and Boarder Security" has reported that there was 900,000 fewer visits by Canadians to the US in March 2025 compared to March 2024. If you do the math it is a decrease of 17%. We Canadians spent $20.5 Billion on travel to the US in 2024.

March Break was usually the time that we traveled South to enjoy the warm weather. But, not this time.

We are not going to spend our hard earned Canadian dollars in a country where their President Trump has threatened to annex our country to make us the 51st State and impose crippling tariffs to bankrupt our country.

Sad that the Thames Valley District School Board is still planning to send our students on field trips to the US when there are options to explore in Stratford, Toronto and London Ontario.

Len Lesser, Dorchester

similar crime CONTINUED FROM FRONT

The officer's presence and verbal communications resolved the situation safely.

The officers did a fantastic job under stress and given the nature of the call.”

He added while the suspect was not armed, police didn’t know that until he was arrested. Officers are now required to do the necessary paperwork after deploying force.

“They all have to do use

of force reports, which need to be approved by their immediate supervisor, our use of force instructors, and then signed off by me. There are many levels of supervision and governance in these cases.”

The Woodstock Police Service would also like to thank the public and TD Canada Trust staff for their assistance during the investigation.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

A photo taken from a social media video shows several Woodstock Police officers pointing their firearms at a bank robbery suspect on Tuesday afternoon. He was arrested without incident and police say he was out on bail after committing a similar crime.

PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR HOUSE IS

Keep your dollars in Canada to strengthen communities and support local businesses, including your local newspaper.

Restoring small-town journalism, one community at a time!

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo Publisher

SUBMIT YOUR LETTER TO THE EDITOR TO US! EMAIL: INFO@THEECHO.CA

Stewart Grant • stew@granthaven.com

Editor Lee Griffi • leegriffi@rogers.com

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Contributors Emily Stewart, Paul Knowles, Nancy Abra, Gary West, Doris Weir

36 Water St. St. Marys, ON, PO Box 2310 N4X 1A2 info@theecho.ca | 519.655.2341 | granthaven.com

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

Woodstock High School student earns Scotiabank bursary for post-secondary studies

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SELENA NOOR Echo Contributor

Editor’s note - Martha Trepanier is a guidance counsellor at Woodstock Collegiate Institute. She reached out to the Echo after one of her students received the prestigious Scotiabank Scholars Bursary. Huron University surprised Selena Noor with a full-ride scholarship recently at the school.

“We met with Saleha…and this is what she would like to share with the press. This is her story,” said Trepanier.

"Money is a man's domain," I had been told constantly throughout my childhood. In my culture, involving women and children in financial discussions is considered taboo. Similarly, for 17 years, any conversations about finances had been hidden from me, which left me struggling as a full-time student.

Becoming financially literate gave me a purpose: to help others do the same.

For my final project in my social science class, I conducted research on individuals from diverse backgrounds through surveys and interviews to learn about the root cause of financial illiteracy as well as its impacts. My research concluded that poor money management stems from a lack of education in schools and later contributes to mental health issues, divorces, addiction, and even homelessness, a major problem in Woodstock. Without proper financial management skills, we're left scrambling to cope with life's challenges.

Keen to spread my knowledge and hopefully prevent the suffering of others, I launched the Youth Entrepreneurs Club at my school, teaching students basic financial management skills like budgeting, saving, and investing. As the club grew, I wanted to reach a broader audience and founded Cognitive Edge Inc., a youth mentorship agency dedicated to providing support for youth in Ontario through entrepreneurship training, financial education, and academic

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

From left to right; Sarah Shelton, Recruitment Specialist for Huron University; scholarship recipient Saleha Noor; Jessica Dowsett, Learning Coordinator- Pathways Student Success and Guidance; Robb Caporicci - Learning Coordinator

tutoring. We recently partnered with Brightside Youth Hub, a community-led network in Oxford County, and are designing a six-course workshop on financial literacy to provide to over 20 youth.

Additionally, I earned first place in Rural & Ready's case competition, where I presented a pitch deck to TVDSB trustee Dave Cripps and offered ways to inculcate financial education in schools through mandatory financial literacy classes and hosting community-wide budgeting workshops.

Leading with heart since 1863, Huron University's diverse community and focus align perfectly with my goal of making a lasting impact in my life. Ad-

ditionally, I hope to join Huron's Centre for Entrepreneurship to hone my skills and help others grow their businesses, as well as my own, through peer guidance and collaboration. To help break stigmatic barriers for future students, I am keen to become an orientation leader and aim to support them with their transition to Huron.

To dedicate my career to exploring social issues and solving them through financial education, I seek to pursue my undergraduate degree in social science and finance at Huron University, as it values its students’ unique experiences and encourages them to think outside the norm. Following my undergraduate

degree, I aspire to obtain my MBA in Finance and start a wealth management firm as a financial advisor.

I will continue scaling Cognitive Edge and providing free financial literacy workshops. Through my agency, I will pursue philanthropy by supporting transitional housing organizations like Oxford County Community Health Centre and dedicate a portion of the profits from my firm to fund scholarships for business students who want to pursue education but can't afford to, and I can’t let their potential go to waste.

I believe that success reflects the value I bring to others, which I will continue to do throughout my life.

Visit us online at theecho.ca

VOTE CHERYLE BAKER Authorized by the Official Agent for Cheryle Baker

6

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

theecho.ca

Need Tax Help?

We’re Here for You. Visit us at our new location:

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Please call or email us to book an appointment to discuss your tax needs: Phone: 519-425-5355 Fax: 519-425-2175 info@oxfordtax.ca

Ontario Provincial Police briefs

LEE GRIFFI

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Suspect arrested following Innerkip hit and run A Woodstock man has been arrested in connection with a collision in Innerkip that left one person badly injured.

Police and members of Oxford County EMS and East Zorra-Tavistock Fire Department were dispatched to a Blanford Road location in the town on April 17 at 11:00 p.m.

OPP say a vehicle struck a cyclist and fled the scene. The cyclist suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital. As of press time, police say there is no update on the victim’s condition.

A 60-year-old male has been charged with failing to stop at an accident resulting in bodily harm. He was released from custody and is scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Woodstock on June 10. Police say the investigation is continuing and more charges could be laid.

Pieces of a tinted bug deflector were found at the scene and the vehicle was described as having frontend damage.

Despite the arrest, police are asking anyone who may have observed the collision or who may have dashcam or video surveillance footage between the times of 10:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on April 17 in the area of Blandford Street to contact them.

“If you are involved in a motor vehicle collision on a highway or roadway in Ontario, it is your responsibility as the driver of the vehicle to remain at or immediately return to the scene of the collision, render assistance and exchange information in relation to the driver's identity, vehicle and insurance informa-

tion,” explained OPP constable Matthew Foster. “We are thankful for members of the public who reached out and continue to reach out with information, along with our local media partners who helped share information regarding this incident.”

Two arrests made in Ingersoll robbery A pair of town residents have been charged in connection with an armed robbery in Ingersoll.

On April 9 at about 12:30 p.m., members of the Oxford OPP were dispatched to J and P vape on Thames Street South after a robbery was reported.

Police say an unknown person entered the store with what appeared to be a firearm and left with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect was observed to be leaving the scene in a red, mid-2000s Volkswagen Beetle.

Police arrested a 31-year-old male from Ingersoll on April 10 followed by the arrest of a 39-year-old female one week later. Both have been charged with armed robbery, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of an imitation weapon for a dangerous purpose, disguise with intent and taking a motor vehicle without consent.

Police say the investigation is ongoing and are asking for the public to let them know if any suspicious activity was seen around the time of the incident, or if anyone has video or dashcam footage.

Ingersoll assault and robbery leads to arrests Two town teenagers are facing charges following an investigation.

Police were called to look into an assault that occurred in the early afternoon on April 7 in the Alma Street area. A 17-year-old male was located and found to have serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

CONTINUED TO PAGE 7

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Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

7

Zorra Township resident running as an independent on April 28

LEE GRIFFI

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Akshay Vardhan is looking to shake up the federal political landscape in Oxford County by running without a party affiliation.

Vardhan lives in Embro with his wife Geetika and over the past few years has had the pleasure of volunteering at community events like the Embro Highland Games and the Embro Tractor Pull, experiences he said have deepened his connection to the community.

“With over a decade of experience across law, finance, and real estate, I’ve developed a strong understanding of the challenges everyday people and businesses face, and I’m passionate about finding practical, cost-effective solutions.

As a licensed lawyer in Ontario, I’ve worked hard to make legal services more accessible and efficient for Canadians.”

He explained he is enthusiastic about using technology to modernize how those services could be delivered, and he has a particular interest in the opportunities presented by blockchain and digital innovation.

“My goal is to help individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and small businesses in Oxford County and across Canada navigate legal and regulatory systems with confidence,

while supporting the kind of sustainable economic growth that benefits us all.”

Vardhan said he decided to run because he wanted to challenge the status quo and bring fresh, forward-thinking ideas into Canadian political discourse.

“There is a real need for alternative perspectives, ones that aren’t bound by rigid party lines. As an Independent candidate, I have the freedom to prioritize the needs of my constituents over party agendas and to advocate for practical, common-sense solutions without political compromise. With a background in law, finance, and technology, I bring a unique blend of skills and real-world experience to the table.”

Vardhan’s top election issue is promoting economic development, diversification and employment.

“While sectors like agriculture and manufacturing are prominent, there’s a need to attract diverse industries to ensure economic resilience.

Economic disparities persist within the community, with a significant portion of the population considered working poor.

Women and children are particularly vulnerable to low-income levels.”

He added he will champion sustainable agriculture, marketing of local foods and fair prices for

farmers. Vardhan said he also wants to give small businesses a boost by providing skilled trades training, youth employment and entrepreneurial programs.

Also on the radar for Vardhan is traffic congestion and road safety which remain significant concerns, particularly in areas like Embro. He is also looking to improve transportation options.

“Traffic calming measures must be extensively implemented to address high vehicle speeds. Limited public transportation options in rural areas, especially inter-community bus services, hinder mobility for senior citizens and residents without personal vehicles who need to travel between municipalities.

I will support transportation initiatives by actively collaborating with provincial and municipal governments to enhance public transit options and implement traffic mitigation strategies.”

Vardan added Oxford County is experiencing a significant housing shortage with many residents struggling to find affordable options.

“Communities like Woodstock and Tillsonburg are experiencing low vacancy rates, leading to increased housing costs and affordability challenges. I will advocate and lobby for increased federal investments in affordable

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Embro resident Akshay Vardhan is running in Oxford as an independent candidate.

housing projects and infrastructure improvements tailored to the county’s needs, focusing on increasing affordable housing options and reducing homelessness.”

Health care is another issue residents are concerned about, as Oxford County residents face challenges related to accessing timely and comprehensive healthcare services, including shortages of family physicians and mental health support.

“I intend to provide sufficient healthcare centres in the county. We also need to work towards increasing federal support for healthcare resources, aiming to improve accessibility and reduce wait times in hospitals.”

Vardhan explained he is committed to promoting economic growth and employment across Oxford County.

“In Woodstock, I will focus on attracting diverse industries and supporting small business innovation to create sustainable jobs. In Ingersoll, expanding skilled trades and light manufacturing through workforce training and upskilling programs will be a priority. For Tillsonburg, I aim to address economic disparities by encouraging investment in sectors like health services and green energy, while supporting fair wages.

In East Zorra-Tavistock, I will champion sustainable agriculture, rural entrepreneurship, and

improved digital infrastructure to boost local businesses and remote work opportunities.”

He added environmental sustainability and sustainable development are also top of mind.

“Balancing growth with environmental stewardship is crucial, particularly in preserving our agricultural lands, supporting clean energy and green spaces amid expanding urbanization.”

He added he will also support initiatives that promote sustainable development and environmental conservation within the region. The implementation of responsible waste and sewage management will also be a priority.

Ontario Provincial Police briefs CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

An 18-year-old male from Ingersoll has been charged with two counts of assault with a weapon and uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm.

He is being held in custody while he waits for a bail hearing in a Woodstock courtroom. A 15-year-old has also been charged with robbery with violence.

They were released from custody and are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Woodstock on a later date.

Ingersoll Mayor Brian Petrie provided the Echo with a statement on the two recent violent crimes in the town.

“It’s never good when violence is used, and it’s certainly unacceptable.

These are rare events in our communi-

ty, and I’m very happy that’s the case.

We are lucky to have the great officers of the Oxford OPP in our community.

They responded quickly in both events and were able to lay charges.”

Police investigating train incident in Zorra Oxford OPP were on the scene of a collision involving a train and a pedestrian in Zorra Township on Wednesday morning. The incident took place on the 27th Line, north of Highway 2.

Police asked motorists to plan another route as the closure would be in effect for several hours. No other details were available at press time.

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April 25, 2025

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Joe Kungl named Citizen of the Year at TNCC Awards Night

JEFF TRIBE

Echo Correspondent

The Township of Norwich Chamber of Commerce’s (TNCC) 2025 Citizen of the Year gazed appreciatively out at a community centre containing family, friends, chamber members and politicians.

And amongst mixed surprise and gratitude, Joe Kungl couldn’t help seeing the facility’s decorated expanse in another light.

“How many badminton courts could I put in here?” he quipped, interjecting a laugh into an at-times emotional acceptance address.

TNCC President Mardy Franzen had recognized the evening’s agricultural roots in his opening remarks. That history is still evident in honouring farm families from the south and north of the township, potato chip potato producers D. R. Whiteside Farms Ltd. (Dennis, Susan and Travis Whiteside); and Laan Dairy Ltd., Joris, Jolanda, Annet, Henk, Thys and Carlyn Laan), respectively.

However, an agriculturally based ceremony has grown to incorporate small and large businesses and a list of individual awards highlighting significant contributions in the township.

“It is a very wide range,” said Franzen.

“But all from within the community.”

Victoria Body was named Small Business Award winner for 2025 as founder and proprietor of At The 100th Mile/The

Wine Shack. A Norwich native returning to her home community, Body offers made-in-Canada products largely from within 100 miles. The VDK Group, a dynamically growing window, door and garage door design, construction and installation business employing well over 100 earned Large Business honours.

The list of individual awards began with Youth Citizen of the Year honouree Logan McLellan, a committed young person with an impressively lengthy history of volunteerism. Mike Dymarski received the Judy Cayley Memorial Award. A relative newcomer to the community in 2019, Dymarski was cited for volunteerism, including expertise in grant-writing proposals with organizations like the local curling club, Legion, lawn bowling club, Norwich Merchants hockey team, museum, the Optimist tractor pull and Norwich United Church.

Lloyd and Diane Boyce were presented with a shared Special Achievement Award.

Diane’s contributions include knitting lap blankets for Woodingford Lodge residents, the donation of over 1,800 baby hats to Woodstock’s hospital across ten years, as a hospice and palliative care volunteer, volunteer driver for both individuals and Meals on Wheels, and a fundraising pie-baker of note for the Norwich Merchants and Norwich United Church. Lloyd served on the local museum board, subs in for Rudolph to drive Santa’s float in the local Christmas parade and others and also keeps Quaker Street's turtle pond’s frozen

Worship With Us GRAND RIVER MENNONITE CHURCH Princeton We invite you to worship with us.

Sunday School 9:30 am Sunday Worship Service 10:30 am

Pastor 519.521.3491

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Township of Norwich Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Citizen of the Year Joe Kungl (right) accepts his award from Norwich Shoppers Drug Mart’s Lindsay Tribe.

surface clear of snow for area youth to enjoy during colder winters.

Kungl's retirement from a 30-year career as an educator in Norwich and Tillsonburg’s Maple Lane and Annandale (two, 19 and nine years, respectively) proved you may be able to take the teacher out of the school, but not the coach out of the teacher.

“It was a great opportunity to spend time doing what you love, helping kids,” he summed up. “There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing the smiles and the friendships established through athletics.”

The Norwich resident has continued in retirement, opening Emily Stowe Public School's gymnasium for many years from the third week of September through May to host very well-attended community sports evenings. Volleyball is on two

courts Tuesdays and Fridays, with badminton on tap Wednesdays. Historically, Kungl funded equipment purchases included balls, birdies and racquets himself, grateful for more recent support from the local Optimist club to offset rental fees.

Blown away by the total class of the evening and surprised at recognition he didn’t expect, Kungl was nevertheless extremely appreciative of the honour.

“I’m just happy to keep doing the stuff I’ve done all my life.”

The evening had unfolded well, credited Franzen in conclusion, a welcome celebration amongst economically uncertain and potentially challenging times for the business and broader community.

“All these things remind us of the good, all that we have to offer and what we should be grateful for in this township.”

Weekend Quiz

by Stewart Grant

CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY Anglican Church

560 Dundas St. Woodstock 723 Dundas St., Woodstock

Holy Eucharist

Sunday mornings at 11:00 am with Rev Tony Bouwmeester Holy Eucharist followed by Bible Study Wednesday mornings at 10:00 am A WARM WELCOME AWAITS YOU Historic Old St.Paul’s: Celebrating 190 years

Worship Services

Wednesday 10:30 a.m. followed by Coffee Hour Sunday 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. followed by Coffee Hour NEW - Saturday 6:00 p.m. followed by Coffee Hour Rev. Richard Hetke will be offering Communion.

1. What American city hosted the world’s busiest airport by 2024 total passengers?

2. What city, located in the Middle East, was the world’s second busiest airport in 2024?

3. J orge Mario Bergoglio is better known by what name?

4. H ow many balls are used in a game of 9-ball billiards?

5. A s of April 2025, there are six

former Canadian Prime Ministers who are still living. Name them.

6. W hy are they called Wisdom Teeth?

7. How many eyelids does a cat have?

8. W hich political party had the highest percentage of the popular vote in the last two Canadian federal elections?

9. W ho invented the printing press?

10. P ita Pit restaurant was founded in what country?

This week’s answers are found on pg. 30

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

Theatre Woodstock’s 2025/2026 lineup include musicals, classic literature, and thriller-comedy EMILY STEWART Echo Correspondent

The current season still has a few more shows to go, but Theatre Woodstock has opened the curtain on its lineup for next season.

The group held its Role Out on April 16 at the Market Centre Theatre announcing the 2025/2026 season, after it elected new members to its Board of Directors.

"It's coming to fruition after all of these months of hard work being a new executive since last January. There have been a lot of pieces of a play to put together, and we've had to do that relatively quickly because of the public demand for more entertainment. We're really glad to see all that come together here and be able to show off this new season ahead,” said vice-president Joanna Kennedy.

The upcoming season kicks off with

(LIZ WISMER-VAN MEER PHOTO)

Arthur of 101 Dalmatians Kids performs “Cruella de Vil”.

Deadline, a murder-mystery comedy by Don Zolidis from October 16 to 27. The classic tale of the March sisters, Little Women, will be on stage between Nov. 28 and Dec. 7.

Following the success of the past two seasons, Theatre Woodstock will present another iconic musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, from Feb. 20 to March 1.

“I love that we're getting into doing the adult musicals every year,” said artistic director Shannon Wijnker. “We had amazing success with Cinderella and then we had Cabaret and now I'm super excited to do Jesus Christ Superstar. It's going to be different than what people would normally see.”

The musical announcement comes after Theatre Woodstock’s Cabaret nabbed 15 Western Ontario Drama League (WODL) Award nominations. My Old Lady also earned a nomination for Outstanding Set Design and Execution.

Theatre Woodstock will present My Old Lady once more at the WODL Festival on May 16 at Leamington’s Bank Theatre.

From April 17 to 26, The 39 Steps, a spy-driven play serving as an Alfred Hitchcock satire with Monty Python-Esque humour, will take the stage.

The Seniors STAGES show for 2026 will be The Addams Family Musical from May 22 to 31. The show was supposed to run years prior but was cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

"We're so excited for next season.

We've got many new artistic teams joining us in the theatre. Many familiar faces. Some shows that we're putting on for the very first time in a very long time and some shows that we know our communities are going to be very excited to see,” said president Emil Wijnker.

The STAGES youth theatre program shows for 2025/2026 were also announced. Its summer camp show, Disney’s Dare to Dream JR, will occur from Aug. 5 to 23. In 2026, STAGES will present Into the Woods JR and A

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(EMILY STEWART PHOTO)

(Left to right) Emil Wijnker and Joanna Kennedy, president and vice-president of Theatre Woodstock, are looking forward to presenting the upcoming season.

Mixed Up Fairy Tale from Jan. 22 to 25 and then The Music Man Kids and Alice at Wonderland from June 11 to 14.

The evening’s Role Out featured performances from the current season’s shows like 101 Dalmatians Kids, My Old Lady, Cabaret, and We Will Rock You JR. 101 Dalmatians Kids will run from May 2 to May 4 alongside Romeo and Juliet or the Old “You-Know-I-Really-Love-You-But-My-Father-ReallyHates-You” Blues as part of STAGES. Ben Shalley, director of 101 Dalmatians, said the rehearsals are going well so far.

"All of the kids are so enthusiastic and they're also happy to be there. They're so fantastic and they're doing such a good job,” said Shalley.

Arthur, one of the actors involved in the show, sang a solo of “Cruella de Vil” to kick off the 2025/2026 season announcement. Shalley said the solo performance is different from what will be performed on stage.

"He only sings the first little part by

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

Goderich Sun

himself, and the rest of the entire ensemble joins in later, but he wanted to go above and beyond and do the entire thing by himself and he did a fantastic job,” he explained.

Shalley, who performed in Seniors STAGES’ production of Something Rotten! in 2024, is directing a show for the first time. He spoke highly of his experienced team for helping him put the show together.

"My team is beyond fantastic, and I love working with every single one of them,” he explained.

More information, including subscription packages, can be found by visiting https://theatrewoodstock.com.

Tickets for STAGES’ 101 Dalmatians Kids and Romeo and Juliet are $20 for adults, $15 for students, and $12 for youth 12 years old and under and can be purchased online on the Theatre Woodstock website, at the box office on 22 Reeve Street or by calling 519-5372582.

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo The Woodstock Ingersoll Echo is seeking an

INGERSOLL NEWS CORRESPONDENT

STRATFORD TIMES

We are looking to hire a part-time journalist, based out of Ingersoll, to report regularly on a variety of local happenings within our Woodstock Ingersoll Echo newspaper.

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

Goderich Sun Gazette STRATFORD TIMES The Paris Independent The Wilmot-Tavistock Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

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Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

Goderich Sun

Goderich Sun

Please send resume to the attention of Lee Griffi at info@theecho.ca.

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

10

‘A Very Gouda Feeling’ Petrie takes to social media Cheesy Cow Company joins to provide MURC update Cheese Trail and Big Cheese Days ahead of new location LEE GRIFFI

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

EMILY STEWART Echo Correspondent

The Cheesy Cow Company is moving a few doors down, and the timing coincides with the Tourism Oxford Big Cheese Days in May. Cheesy Cow Co. is one of the three newest additions to the Oxford County Cheese Trail and Big Cheese Days, along with Tillsonburg’s GoodPud and Makkinks's Flower Farm. The specialty cheese shop opened in May 2023, when that year’s edition of the trail was already launched. The 2024 Cheese Trail was also full.

Tourism Oxford reached out to Cheesy Cow Co. and told them there’s a spot available for them for the 2025 edition of the Cheese Trail and Big Cheese Days.

"It's a very gouda feeling,” said Wes Mazur, head cheese monger.

The Cheesy Cow Co. prioritized locally made products since its inception and sought out Oxford County cheesemakers before sourcing Canadian-made and international products.

With the tariff threats from the United States Government, Cheesy Cow Co. removed their cotija cheese, a Mexican-style cheese that is ideal for grilling, as it came from the United States.

Mazur asked the supplier to source it from Canada and also discontinued crackers made in the U.S., in favour of locally-made products.

"Between what was happening geopolitically, we were already 99 per cent Canadian with the exception of international, European cheeses being imported from France and Italy and

Portugal and Greece, that sort of thing, so it was a pretty easy slide over,” Mazur said.

Those who stop by the Cheesy Cow Co. while exploring the Cheese Trail will get a chance to try the Oxford County grilled cheese, featuring a blend of cheeses from Golspie Dairy and Gunn’s Hill Artisan Cheese sandwiched between Whisk and Roll Bakery’s cheese bread.

"We're hoping that folks that are coming through are hitting the trail, exploring the trail will stop in and have one of our delicious Oxford County grilled cheeses,” Mazur said.

During every Saturday in May for Big Cheese Days, Cheesy Cow Co. will offer maple moo bites, with Ontario-made Cheese Dots and maple syrup from local producer Howard’s Maple Syrup. The Big Cheese Day offer came from Mazur enjoying Cheese Dot waffles with some maple syrup.

"It's just a perfect balance of sweet and savory and it just happens to be 100 per cent Ontario made,” he said.

Cheesy Cow Co. will move to a new building on 521 Dundas St. as of May 1. The new location will have more space and a seated dining area.

However, Mazur will be holding off a grand re-opening celebration until Phase One of Downtown Streetscape construction is completed.

“We will be open for business on or before May 1 but we're going to do the big celebration once Dundas Street reopens so we can be out front with our tent and our balloons and have a proper party,” Mazur said.

Visit us online at theecho.ca

Ingersoll Mayor Brian Petrie released a video last week to update the public on the progress being made on the town’s Multi-Use Recreation Centre (MURC).

“A state-of-the-art facility designed to bring people together to support active living and create opportunities for all ages…This project is part of a bigger vision, a plan to shape our community driven by strong partnerships and focused on making Ingersoll a better place to live, work and play,” stated Petrie.

One of those partners could be peopleCare, a well-known senior care company in southwestern Ontario, which is looking to develop a long-term care home (LTC) on the same site as the recreation centre.

“Site preparation begins this year, including water, wastewater and utilities.

Oxford County is also moving forward with a roundabout at Clark and Harris to support future growth,” added CAO Michael Graves.

The town also issued a news release, saying a new LTC home would answer community calls and align with provincial goals for expanded seniors housing and care services.

“This innovative collaboration is a positive step forward in addressing the growing need for additional long-term care capacity in our region while maximizing the potential of this property through a strategic, collaborative development process. peopleCare develops senior living communities of care that can include seniors’ apartments, retirement, assisted living and LTC, depending on the needs of each community.”

Locating a LTC home on the same site as the centre in a campus model offers numerous benefits to both projects including shared infrastructure reducing overall development costs, intergenerational programming opportunities between MURC users and care facility residents, enhanced quality of life for seniors through access to recreation amenities and increased visitors to the area, supporting local “Adding LTC beds in Ingersoll would ease waitlist pressures on LTC homes in the area and free up beds in the local hospital for those who need acute care. As a significant investment in the community, peopleCare’s development would also create hundreds of jobs and boost the local economy. Having cared for seniors in Tavistock for close to 60 years, and with a 160-bed LTC home under construction in Tillsonburg, peopleCare has long-standing partnerships in Oxford County,” added the release. “peopleCare is committed to supporting the government’s goals to expand and improve care for seniors. We’re always looking to partner with municipalities where the need is greatest,” explained Sheena Campbell, the company’s VP of communications.

“Ingersoll is very forward-thinking and, as discussions progressed, it became clear that enhancing senior living alongside the MURC at its new location at Clark and Harris Road supports our shared goal of complementary developments and a connected community,” she added.

PeopleCare has not been awarded any beds for the Ingersoll project yet, but an application was submitted to the province in 2022 to build a 160-bed home.

“In every community, we look to partner to enhance in ways that strengthen community connections. The plan to co-locate a new, purpose-built long-term care home with the town’s new rec centre, housing and a school is a thoughtful, community-centred approach to development,” explained Campbell.

She added when peopleCare develops a community of care they think about what matters most to people, regardless of age.

“That means focusing on vitality, wellness and purpose, creating opportunities for learning and contribution, access to green space and shared spaces that bring people together. In Ingersoll, this will foster meaningful connections between seniors and the broader neighbourhood, enable access to important amenities and support overall wellbeing. It reflects a shared commitment to supporting older adults in Ingersoll to live with vitality, connection, and purpose as they age.” peopleCare is also breaking ground this year on a new LTC home on Trent University’s campus in Peterborough, complemented by an exciting teaching and research agreement. It will eventually be part of a larger intergenerational seniors’ village, with natural surroundings and plenty of opportunities for connection, learning, and staying mentally and physically active.

“It’s early days, and we look forward to continuing conversations with the Ministry of LTC and our partners in Oxford about our proposed home.

We’ll also be working with the town on master site planning and we’re excited about the art of the possible for seniors and their families in Ingersoll,” added Campbell.

Petrie said in the video the town badly needs the new recreation centre and construction on the new facility starts in the spring of 2026.

“It will feature an arena, walking track, gymnasium and community spaces for events, programs and activities,” he explained.

The town has hired Colliers Project Leaders for project management and has chosen the same design team which delivered the Wellesley Township Recreation Complex on time and on budget.

The new MURC is expected to open its doors in 2027.

For more information, visit https:// www.ingersoll.ca/town-hall/murc-project/

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

11

BRIDAL GUIDE Tailored Elegance for Your Special Day Experience Timeless Style with Our Expert Guidance Looking for the perfect attire to complement your bride's stunning gown? Our vast experience allows us to assist in selecting the perfect style, colour and accessories to make you feel confident and sophisticated on your wedding day.

Why Choose Us: • Over 80 Years of Combined Experience: Our family have honed their craft over decades, ensuring that each suit is a masterpiece of fit and style.

• Free Consultation: Let's discuss your vision and find the perfect ensemble together. Our complimentary consultation will help you select the ideal fabric, cut, and details.

• Stress-Free Shopping: We understand that planning a wedding can be overwhelming. Our dedicated team will guide you through the process, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. If it doesn't look great, we will not sell it to you.

• Custom Tailoring: Every suit is meticulously crafted to your exact measurements, guaranteeing a perfect fit that will make you feel like a million bucks.

• Live online measurements available: From North Dakota to North Bay and as far away as Northern Island, wherever you and your party are, we can size

you up.

• Competitive Pricing: We offer extremely competitive pricing without compromising on quality.

From classic tuxedos to modern suits, we have the expertise to create a look that reflects your personal style and complements your bride's gown. Schedule your free consultation today and let us help you make your wedding day unforgettable. Our competitors know us, you should too!

Tips For your Wedding Attire The Groom should be unique from the groomsmen by selecting different colours for their suit-tuxedo, neck attire differentiation There are 122 various shades of white. Groom and groomsmen should have exact same shirt otherwise colour variations will show in pictures.

Sometimes a groom may want a second shirt for the special day, especially in hotter days or those that tend to sweat more.

Colour of groomsmen neck accessories should be the same as bridesmaids’ dresses Colour of shirts should not comprise colour of wedding dress. If the gown is off white or a darker shade of white, DO NOT wear white shirts - otherwise dress will look dirty and be exaggerated in pictures We are open 7 Days a week and late on Thursdays and Fridays and also available by appointment.

Parents and grandparents should be the second-best dressed people at the wedding.

519 539 8011 DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK 4 7 1 DUNDAS STREET

Get hitched to these wedding trends Modern couples are choosing to start their lives together in style.

The latest trends suggest it's bound to be a fashionable year for those tying the knot in the months to come. Check out these ideas that are on many a modern couple's wish list.

Scaled down style It may be the year of the mini in terms of bridal style. From dresses to bouquets to diminutive foods, couples can't get enough of miniature items that, despite their small size, add maximum impact to the big day.

Celebrant-led ceremonies For some, there is no more meaningful part of the wedding than the ceremony when two lives are joined together. Although many couples still prefer traditional religious weddings, others are opting for more customizable, celebrant-led events that are personalized and tailored to the couples' unique histories and stories. Flexibility in relation to the ceremony location, and options for inclusivity and cultural diversity, are priorities among many modern couples.

Experiential extras Sure couples are still opting for a band or a DJ to provide the bulk of the reception entertainment, but many also are branching out into new arenas.

One new trend to emerge offers creative flair. Couples hire an artist to paint or sketch a portion of the ceremony or reception in real time, and guests can enjoy seeing how the scene unfolds. Additional

options regarding entertainment include culturally specific performers.

Creative photography For years now, couples are increasingly opting for less stilted, posed photos in favor of something a little less rehearsed. Candid photography and a photojournalism approach are popular requests among modern couples, but an even more adventurous photo style also is emerging. As drone photography becomes even more common, aerial photos and video are being used to add an even more unique approach to wedding documentation.

Colorful fashions Modern weddings are big on color, from bold and vibrant floral displays to wardrobe choices. Gone are the days when brides must wear white. They're now choosing everything from pastels to silver and even black if the mood hits. Plus, wedding party dresses are equally vibrant, with many brides opting to let their bridesmaids mix and match gowns and colors in a range of hues.

Weekend-long weddings Some people don't want the magic of the wedding to end after one day, so they opt for an entire wedding weekend.

Hitched says searches for weekend wedding venues have risen by 50 percent in the past year.

Wedding styles and trends continue to evolve, and couples have many options that can help them make their big day unique.

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Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

BRIDAL GUIDE Sew Stylish is Oxford County’s number 1 destination for wedding gown shopping for the last 20 plus years. The store has had new ownership since 2019 where it has now become a more vibrant and fun environment to shop.(check out our instagram) We offer an environment where you can come in and relax and be yourself you will have a stylist with you every step of the way.

The small community mentality translates into personal service, the brides are our number one priority. We work with them from beginning to end to choose the right dress, order the perfect size and make any careful alterations. We are here to help you and offer our expertise through your appointment where we will make recommendations based on how different styles and fabrics suit your body type, and what tones and shades of white would look best with your skin. We also know our inventory inside and out, and can find just what you’re looking for. Did we mention we have the largest inventory around, our selection of gowns in sizes 6-32. With our in-house seamstress, you'll always get the perfect fit and won't have the stress to find a

trusted and skilled artist yourself.

When you shop at Sew Stylish, it's all part of the experience, and the service. You will not need to pay in advance to book an appointment. Your dress bag and hanger are provided when you order your gown at no charge. Dress steaming is also included. And all brides will receive a goodie bag.

At Sew Stylish, all free and part of the experience.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The benefits to choosing a local wedding venue Wedding planning requires coordinating a laundry list of details that ultimately come together to make for a memorable ceremony and reception. Couples tying the knot have their work cut out for them, and one of the biggest decisions they will have to make involves choosing where to hold the ceremony and reception. Religious couples often opt for ceremonies at their churches, synagogues and mosques.

Secular weddings can occur just about anywhere, with couples sometimes utilizing ceremony spaces adjacent to their reception rooms.

As brides and grooms narrow down their venue options, they may want to give strong consideration to the benefits that sticking close to home can offer.

Certainly there are advantages to be had hosting a wedding at venues many miles away or even in international locations, but there are unique perks to keeping festivities local. The Knot 2025 Real Weddings Study indicated six in 10 couples chose to get married in a place where they currently live; 23 percent opted for a hometown venue; and 18 percent decided on a destination wedding. Here's a look at some of the perks of staying local.

• Convenience: One of the biggest benefits of a local venue is convenience for both the couple and their guests.

Local venues tend to be easily accessible for those who live nearby, minimizing travel time and reducing any barriers brought on by a lack of familiarity with distant locales.

• Familiarity: Couples who love their hometowns and close environs may want to get married in a familiar and comfortable atmosphere. Plus, they may already be familiar with venues in the area and what they offer.

• Expertise: Venue staff likely live in

the area or are familiar with other services close by. They can offer valuable recommendations and insights on other vendors, including what has worked before and what to avoid.

• Familiarity with clergy: Couples who get married in a local house of worship likely know the religious leaders there and any support staff. This can add a particularly personal component to the ceremony.

• Easy payments: Many venues require some sort of payment plan that consists of a deposit at the time of booking and a series of payments culminating with the last installment upon learning the final head count. Choosing a local venue makes it easy to stop at the reception site in person and provide such payments with ease, while getting confirmation and receipts in real time.

• Reduce delivery fees: If florists and other vendors have to drop off items, they may not charge the same delivery fees if the reception site is close by.

• Ease returning home: Chances are the couple will arrive at the ceremony and reception by hired car. Once the wedding is over, they'll have to find transportation back home, especially if there is a gap in time before departing on a honeymoon. Utilizing a local venue can make it easier to get home.

• Support of local businesses: Choosing a local venue keeps dollars in couples' own communities, which is a great way to support businesses in the town and the people that work for them.

There are notable advantages to getting married close to home. When planning to tie the knot, couples can give ample consideration to local venues.

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

13

BRIDAL GUIDE L ESSER J EWELLERS

Buying an engagement ring, and wedding bands, is an important decision and there are many aspects of the purchase to consider. What style would look best on your finger? Do you have a certain diamond cut you prefer? What thickness of band do you need?

Gordon Lesser at Lesser Jewellers in Ingersoll would happily sit down with you to discuss all aspects of your diamond ring and wedding band purchases. Starting with the four C’s, which are cut, colour, carat, and clarity, Gordon has 50 years experience in teaching couples about the quality and value of this important purchase.

Working within your budget requirements, he will suggest the best options for your needs. It is recommended that you call the store ahead of your arrival (519-485-2190) so we can be certain Gordon will be available when you arrive.

While we have a wide variety of options in stock for you to choose from, we can also custom make your perfect ring. Gordon has considerable experience in creating custom orders.

Also, have you thought about having your rings engraved? This can be arranged, and if your purchase is an instock item, engraving is typically free of charge.

Gifts for your attendants is also something we would be happy to help you with.

Gordon Lesser looks forward to helping you choose the perfect rings! Let’s make your memorable day the best it can be, with rings you will be proud to wear for years to come.

Lesser Jewellers is located in downtown Ingersoll, at 146 Thames Street South. The store offers fine jewellery and is a giftware store, with a great selection of watches and clocks. It has been operating since 1995, when Gordon purchased another jewellery store which had operated in this same location since 1951. We also offer jewellery repairs and provide clock and watch repairs. Clock repairs are done on our premises. We offer in store engraving which is free of charge on items purchased in our store.

Corporate watches and giftware are offered as well. Complimentary gift wrapping is available for all items purchased from us.

The business recently opened a new division, a store called Beyond Your Backdoor a short walk down the street at 136 Thames Street South. The new store is a nature-themed gift store which we are sure you will most certainly find just as delightful as Lesser Jewellers.

TANSY'S BRIDAL & FORMAL WEAR: YOUR BRIDAL SANCTUARY IN WOODSTOCK, ONTARIO Nestled in the heart of Woodstock, Ontario, Tansy's Bridal & Formal Wear is more than a salon; it's a haven where dreams unfold. Offering an extensive selection of bridal gowns, prom dresses, and formal wear, we bring the latest trends from our chosen designers to the "Friendly City."

Our expert consultants guide brides through personalized consultations in an inclusive and warm environment, welcoming everyone, regardless of background or size. Experience luxury with our curated packages, featuring Cham-

pagne Service, charcuterie snacks, desserts, and exclusive discounts for brides.

As a one-stop-shop, Tansy's extends offerings to grooms with tuxedo and suit rentals through Collins Formal Wear.

While we prefer appointments on our website, walk-ins are always welcome!

Explore our website's "in-store" feature at www.tansysbridal.com and follow us on social media for updates on new arrivals, promotions, contests, and exclusive events.

At Tansy's Bridal & Formal Wear, we go beyond attire, crafting lasting memories. Your journey to forever begins in the heart of Woodstock, where enchanting elegance meets the promise of a perfect wedding day.

L ESSER J EWELLERS Create your unique gown memories with our VIP experiences.

At Tansy’s Bridal we celebrate the moments that bring someone’s dream to life through beautifully crafted wedding attire that hold precious memories that last forever.

Let us help make your day last a life time.

146 Thames Street South, Ingersoll, N5C 2T4 519-485-2190 www.lesserjewellers.ca

Bridal

Guests Mothers Prom 555 Dundas St Woodstock | 519-290-3455 www.tansysbridal.ca

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Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

BRIDAL GUIDE

Tucked into the heart of southwestern Ontario, SixPence & Sage is a boutique bridal shop with locations in Waterford and Tillsonburg, bringing together timeless elegance and modern charm in a relaxed, welcoming space. Founded by Leslie—a paramedic with an eye for style and a passion for meaningful moments—SixPence & Sage Bridal Boutique is all about celebrating love, individuality, and the power of a truly unforgettable outfit.

What started as a dream in a small town has grown into a trusted destination for brides across Ontario. Leslie’s vision was simple: create a place where people feel comfortable, cared for, and inspired. The boutique quickly built a reputation for its laid-back vibe, gorgeous dresses, and personal service—so much so that a second location opened in Tillsonburg to keep up with demand.

SixPence & Sage offers a curated selection of

bridal gowns from Canadian and European designers like Bridalane, Aire Barcelona, and Rosa Clara. Whether you're looking for something sleek and modern or soft and romantic, there's a gown here to match your style. And with accessories by Laura Jayne and expert alterations recommended through local seamstress Jane Johnstone, every look comes together with care and detail.

But the boutique isn’t just for brides.

In partnership with Collins Clothiers, SixPence & Sage now offers a full men’s formal wear lineup too. Whether it’s for a groom, best man, fatherof-the-bride, or prom night hero, the boutique makes sure everyone can suit up in style—with the same personal attention and no rush vibe that defines their bridal side.

SixPence & Sage also loves collaborating with local talent. From styled shoots to wedding expos, they regularly team up with photographers, florists, stylists, and artists to showcase what’s possible when creativity meets community. It’s not just about fashion—it’s about making something beautiful together.

Appointments are recommended, especially on weekends, to ensure a private and personalized shopping experience. But when space allows, walk-ins are always welcomed with a smile.

So whether you’re saying “yes” to the dress, hunting for the perfect suit, or just want to explore a boutique that listens to its clients - SixPence & Sage is worth the visit. It's bridal magic, without the pressure.

(BLACKBIRD PHOTOGRAPHY)

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

15

Canadian owned and operated, proudly working with a selection of Canadian and European bridal and formalwear lines.

Life is Beautiful – Dress for it Photo: Nadine Watson Photography

Photo: sadiemartinmedia

Photo: Black Bird Photography

Photo: SJ Photography

Photo: Danielle Cargill Photography

19 Alice Street Waterford, Ontario, Canada / 164 Unit 10 Broadway Street, Tillsonburg , Canada 226-387-8551 | sixpenceandsage.ca

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April 25, 2025

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

BRIDAL GUIDE

We Help You, Celebrate Everything!

Welcome to All Celebrations event and party rentals in Oxford County. Allow us to share your joy every day! Build your Wishlist or browse our rental inventory and services. You can make your backyard party, your elegant venue wedding or expansive celebration a memorable success for all your guests. All Celebrations provides reliable and affordable rentals, event design and event support services. For example, in addition to providing you vineyard chairs, we can assist you with creating a budget and schedule for the day of your event. We also provide bartending, coordinating and decorating to your specifications. You choose, we will help bring your vision to life and reduce your stress.

www.allcelebrations.ca

Planning your wedding involves countless details, one of the most crucial aspects is ensuring you have the right rentals to create the perfect atmosphere. Whether you’re hosting an intimate backyard ceremony or a grand ballroom reception, wedding rentals can transform your vision into reality. Here are some key things to know about wedding rentals to make your big day unforgettable. When you are ready to get started visit www.allcelebrations.ca to create your wishlist.

1. Venue Essentials Tents and Canopies: If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, tents and canopies are a must. They provide shelter from unpredictable weather and create a cozy, intimate space. All Celebrations provides 34' hexagons tents, as well as 20x40 and 20x20 tents. We can combine these to accommodate 150 guests or more. Generally, we setup your tent 2 - 5 days before your wedding allowing time to perfect your decor and setup. In Ontario, tents are subject to the Ontario building code.

All Celebrations is happy to provide you with contact information for your local building inspector as well as the documentation required to complete your building permit application.

Tables and Chairs: From rustic harvest tables to cruiser tables and vineyard chairs to garden chairs, the right tables and chairs set the tone for your reception. Don’t forget about specialty seating like lounge furniture for a relaxed vibe or Chiavari chairs for a touch of elegance.

2. Decorative Elements Linens and Drapery: All Celebrations provides majestic linens, backdrop and drapery that can elevate the look of your venue. Choose from a variety of colors, textures, and patterns to match your wedding theme. Our team can also create stunning backdrops to highlight your head table or to section off different areas of your venue.

Lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Consider options like string lights, chandeliers, and uplighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. For a more dramatic effect, use spotlights to highlight key areas like the dance floor or cake table.

Centrepieces: Candles and Lanterns: Perfect for creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. Options include votive candles, pillar candles, and lanterns in various styles and sizes.

Vases and Glassware: From simple glass vases, to chimneys to elaborate candelabras, these can be filled with flowers, stones, or even floating can-

dles to create a stunning centerpiece.

Themed Decor: For themed events, you can find centerpieces that match your specific theme, such as vintage, books, or holiday-themed items.

3. Dining and Catering Dinnerware and Glassware: Elegant dinnerware and glassware are essential for a sophisticated dining experience. Choose pieces that complement your overall theme, whether it’s elegant wine glasses for a classic look or sleek, gold silverware for a posh feel. All Celebrations has many glassware, flatware and dinnerware options!

Serving Equipment: Ensure your wedding servers have everything they need with the right serving equipment. This may includes chafing dishes, beverage dispensers, and serving trays. Don’t forget about barware if you’re planning to have a cocktail hour or open bar.

4. Entertainment and Extras Dance Floors: A dance floor is a must for any wedding reception. Our classic wooden floor supported by our fast deck base makes for a beautiful area underneath the starts or in your tent. We can also create a monogram or wedding logo for the centre of your dancefloor!

Concession Machines: Up the fun at your wedding, rent our slushie machine or add cotton candy for your guests! All Celebrationscan also assist with late night snacks including popcorn.

5. Practical Considerations Restrooms: If your venue doesn’t have adequate restroom facilities, consider renting luxury portable restrooms. These come equipped with all the amenities your guests will need and can be a lifesaver for outdoor weddings. All Celebrations is happy to put you in touch with our recommended vendors.

Generators: Ensure you have a reliable power source for all your lighting, sound, and catering needs. Renting a generator can prevent any unexpected power outages from disrupting your celebration.

Mobile Bar: Farm or tent weddings may benefit from a themed or luxury mobile bar service, or refrigerated trailers.

All Celebrations is here to help you select the right wedding rentals, you can create a beautiful and memorable event that reflects your personal style.

We will work with you to ensure all your needs are met and to make your wedding day as stress-free as possible.

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

17

SPORTS

South Oxford U10 A Storm caps season with OMHA final appearance JEFF TRIBE Echo Correspondent

The South Oxford U10 A Storm’s Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) championship final appearance in Whitby on Sunday, April 6, was a fitting conclusion to a great season.

“I was proud of all the kids for their hard work and dedication,” said coach Chris Sanders. “They put in the work and it showed.”

U10 is the first-year players converge under the amalgamated South Oxford format, an adjustment made right off the hop, said their coach.

“Right from the first practice, they were already bonding in the dressing room, developing friendships off the ice,” said Sanders. “That just carried on.”

The U10 Storm’s season featured tournament victories in their own South Oxford event and the U11 Division of the Buffalo Winter Classic, along with a 20-2-2 record in what Sanders characterized as an extremely competitive Shamrock Hockey League.

“It was a challenging division,” he said, home to four of the top six-ranked U10 A teams in Ontario. “Every team in the Shamrock is a good hockey team.”

The U10 Storm’s offence was fuelled

by Oliver Lyonaise, who won the Shamrock scoring title, and Nolan Murray and under-age defender Vincent Heleniak, who both finished in the top five.

However, beyond quality goaltending and what Sanders considers the best defence in the league, the team’s forward depth was what stood out to opponents throughout the season.

“Every other team seemed to have two solid lines and we were fortunate to roll three,” said Sanders.

Moving through Shamrock round-robin playoffs in first place, the U10 Storm opened best-of-three semi-finals with a 5-4 win over the Norfolk Knights. The Knights battled back with a 3-2 win in Port Dover before the U10 Storm closed the series out with a hard-fought 4-1 victory on home ice.

“The kids came to play that day,” credited Sanders.

South Oxford advanced to the best-ofthree league final against Mt. Brydges, a solid team that had handed the Storm both regular-season losses. Opening with an 8-1 victory and then dropping a 5-2 decision in the second game, South Oxford had to earn a hard-fought 4-2 win, including an empty-netter in the third and deciding contest.

“The team came together and we came out on top,” said Sanders.

As well as the league title and attendant OMHA Red Hat championship tournament berth the victory provided,

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The South Oxford U10 A Storm capped a great 2024-25 season with an OMHA A final appearance Sunday, April 6th in Whitby.

Sanders appreciated both tough playoff series and competitive league games night in and night out.

“I think having to play those hard games and battle every night set us up, prepared us for the (OMHA) playoff tournament.”

South Oxford’s run through OMHA round-robin play, including a rematch against the Haldimand River Kings.

The Storm beat the River Kings in the final of their own tournament, losing to them in regional Silver Stick qualifiers. Sandwiched around comfortable 9-2 and 7-1 wins over the Woolwich Wildcats and Collingwood Blues, their game was expected to determine first and second in their four-team pool, and who would have to cross over against the powerhouse Belle River Canadiens in the semi-finals.

“All the kids knew how big the game was,” said Sanders of an eventual 5-1 win.

Finishing first, South Oxford took care of a fast-skating Centre Wellington Fusion squad 5-1 in their semi-final.

“We jumped out early, got two quick goals and were able to hold them off as the game went on.”

The U10 Storm faced the Belle River Canadiens in the OMHA A final, a squad with size, strength, ability to move the puck well, and a ‘phenom-

enal’ player first identified in Silver Stick play.

“We came out with a game plan and he still scored six goals on us,” credited Sanders. “Even outside of him, Belle River is a well-rounded, very good hockey team.”

The Canadiens opened a 2-0 lead, which South Oxford was able to counter, battling back to square accounts at two. However, Belle River responded with two goals during a five-on-three

power play.

“And we just ran out of gas,” said Sanders of an eventual 9-2 loss to a quality team and individual player who had 27 points in five OMHA tournament games. While naturally preferring a victory, the result did not take the shine off what their coach characterized as a great 2024-25 season.

“Coming second out of 106 teams in the province is a pretty impressive year,” Sanders concluded.

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

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Ward’s U11 close remarkable season out at OMHA A summit JEFF TRIBE Echo Correspondent

The South Oxford Ward’s Automotive U11 Storm closed out a remarkable 2024/25 hockey season at the peak of Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) A competition.

“We were like literally an inch from the summit,” said coach Devin Homick of a 2-1 loss to the Woolwich Wildcats in the championship final Sunday, April 6 in Whitby’s Iroquois Park Sports Centre. “It just wasn’t meant to be on that day.

“We threw everything we had at them… chances, oh gosh, we had chances but ran into a hot goalie.”

The Storm opened qualification for the lone Shamrock League entry to the OMHA draw with a perfect 8-0 record in playoff round-robin play, sweeping New Hamburg 6-1 and 7-1; Strathroy 5-1, 3-0; Dorchester 3-0, 6-1; and St. Marys 6-4, 8-3.

South Oxford then defeated the Mt. Brydges Cougars in best-of-three semi-finals 6-4 and 3-0, before wrapping up the league title with back-to-back 4-1 and 5-2 wins over the Norfolk Knights March 23 and 24.

South Oxford opened OMHA playdowns in Whitby Friday, April 4, with a comfortable 5-1 win over the Haldimand River Kings, exiting the day with a 2-0 record on the strength of a 9-2 victory over the Clarington Toros. Saturday, the Storm locked up first place in its pool with a high-scoring 9-9 draw against the Orillia Terriers.

The Ward’s U11 A squad returned to the ice Sunday, April 6th at 8 a.m., skating to a 4-0 shutout victory over the Kent Cobras who had finished in second place in Pool 2. Concurrently on a different ice pad, Woolwich downed the River Kings 5-3. The semi-final results set up a championship final rematch between two teams who had met at their International Silver Stick A qualifier final earlier in the season in Collingwood, South Oxford prevailing by a narrow 1-0 margin in that outing.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

The South Oxford Ward’s Automotive U11A Storm finished a remarkable 2024-25 season with silver medals in the OMHA A championship final.

“They were hungry for sure,” said Homick. “The hardest thing is to beat a good team twice, it really is. They’ve felt that defeat and are happy to turn the tide.”

The Wildcats opened scoring in the OMHA A final with roughly two minutes remaining in the first period, South Oxford tying it at one roughly that far into the second. Woolwich scored what would stand as the game-winner at the 8:55 mark, giving the Wildcats a narrow one-goal lead heading into both teams’ final 15 minutes of the season.

“We threw everything at them in the third period,”

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said Homick. “Lots of shots, lots of pressure, just couldn’t muster a goal.”

Two things stood out in the third, a shorthanded breakaway and rebound the Wildcats’ goalie stretched to make a desperation skate save on, and secondly, a power-play awarded with 3:50 left in regulation time.

Homick pulled his goalie, enjoying a six-on-four advantage in skaters for two minutes, six-on-five for the final 1:50.

“We have some pretty good talent on our team but their goalie stood in and saved everything we threw at them.”

The Storm coaching staff had been comparing their season to climbing Mt. Everest, Tommy Lee contributing fun facts about the various stages of their virtual journey each time they eliminated an opponent, figuratively moving higher.

“The kids were upset,” said Homick. “They put out their best effort and came up, like we said, inches from the summit.”

However, despite the obvious wish to have reached the peak, no one was dismissing a season featuring an OMHA A final appearance, Shamrock League title, International Silver Stick Championship and victories at the South Oxford, Bradford and Brantford’s Wayne Gretzky International tournaments out of hand.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the whole group,” Homick concluded. “I still look back and reflect, it was a perfect season.

“It was a great year, it will be hard to replicate.”

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Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

Huron Park Huskies capture TVRA South East Senior badminton team title JEFF TRIBE Echo Correspondent

To be clear, Emma MacDonald - M-A-C - and Egan McDonald - M-C - are not related.

“Not at all,” said Emma.

“Not that I’m aware of,” Egan added.

“Hopefully not,” Emma concluded with a laugh.

While not related, the phonetically linked Woodstock Huron Park Huskies senior doubles partners are however in what might be termed a ‘badminton relationship,' developing a strategy for individual and shared on-court responsibilities within boundaries most likely to lead to success.

“You just kind of figure it out as you play,” said MacDonald, who competed in girls’ singles last year.

“For her especially,” added McDonald, who played boys’ doubles last year. “The lines are different.”

Positionally, as is typical for mixed doubles pairings, Emma gravitates to the rapid-fire exchanges in the front court, Egan normally taking responsibility for deep clears and an expanded zone of coverage at the back. Philosophically, they strive to maintain communication and a positive attitude regardless of the score, related factors towards success.

“Keeping the energy up is good,” said Emma.

The Huskies duo needed all of their energy through a sixmatch Thames Valley Regional Athletics (TVRA) South East badminton championship tournament Thursday April 17 at Woodstock College Avenue (CASS), opening with wins over St. Thomas St. Joes and CASS before losing to Jocelyn Pollard and Ramjot Singh from Lord Dorchester.

MacDonald and McDonald won their way back into the mixed doubles final with a win over Tillsonburg Glendale’s Roxanne McDonald and Caleb Racz, setting up a

finals rematch with Pollard and Singh.

The Huskies opened with a 21-14, 21-16 win (unofficially) before dropping the second match against the previously undefeated Dorchester duo, again unofficially by scores of 21-17, 22-20. As well as locking up a top four finish Western Ontario Secondary Schools Athletic Association (WOSSAA) berth, MacDonald and McDonald’s silver-medal success contributed to Huron Park’s overall TVRA South East team victory, going along with Peyton Cowan’s gold in girls’ singles, Gavin Jansen and Parker McLeod’s silver in boys’ doubles and Mansi Desai and Prinal Shah’s fourth-place finish in girls’ doubles.

Kathy Worrall co-coaches a strong Huron Park team with Elaine Back, a collective which says Worrall enjoyed success in junior as well, taking last year’s team title at that level.

“They are a joy to coach.”

Pleased to qualify for WOSSAA, the Mc-Mac-Donalds are preparing for tough competition in that regional draw Thursday, April 24 at London Saunders.

“There’s going to be a lot of good teams there,” said Egan. “But I’m sure there’s some teams we can beat too.”

The multi-sport athlete Cowan cruised undefeated through a four-match draw, defeating Tillsonburg Glendale’s Liv Heleniak, Barton from St. Thomas St. Joe’s and St. Thomas Central Elgin’s Reina Walters back-to-back in the semis and finals, after the latter won her way back for an ultimately unsuccessful rematch.

The Grade 12 Cowan did not lose a TVRA match in her high school career credits coach Worrall, racking up four consecutive girls’ singles titles along with a fourth-place finish at WOSSAA junior competition during her Grade 10 season.

19

(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)

Huron Park Huskie Egan McDonald extends for a backhand during TVRA South East mixed doubles championship play.

CONTINUED TO PAGE 20

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April 25, 2025

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

Huron Park Huskies capture TVRA South East Senior badminton team title

CONTINUED FROMPAGE 19

Jansen and McLeod opened with wins over St. Thomas Parkside and Lord Dorchester before dropping a match to eventual champions Brandon Dews and Brady Hunter from Central Elgin. The Huskies tandem won their way back into the final with a win over Maeus Fontuna and Maxwell Odemodu from Woodstock St. Mary’s. The Huskies took the first match of the double-knockout final be-

fore dropping the second.

The Grade 11 squad features Jansen’s quickness with McLeod’s considerable reach says coach Worrall, heading to their third WOSSAA in as many years.

“They’re an excellent combination.”

Coach Worrall also credited Desai and Prinhal with ‘underdog’ tenacity, dropping their opening match to Parkside, defeating a Woodstock CI pairing and then a second Parkside entry to garner the final girls’ doubles WOSSAA berth.

Along with Fontuna and Odemodu’s third-place finish in boys’ doubles, the Warriors’ Tommy Walker qualified for WOSSAA with a second-place finish in boys’ singles.

Walker opened the draw with wins over Glendale and Ingersoll DCI opponents, before dropping his third match to eventual champion Tyler Michiels from Dorchester.

Walker won his way back into the final with a semi-final victory over Callum Besley from St. Joe’s.

Two CASS Knights teams rounded Woodstock-Ingersoll WOSSAA qualifications, Ryan Atkinson and Devon Fordham earning a fourth-place finish in boys’ doubles. They opened with a win over Parkside, dropping their second match to Central Elgin before downing a St. Joe’s squad

(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)

TVRA South East senior badminton silver medalists Emma MacDonald (left) and Egan McDonald (right) represent teammates including four-time singles champion Peyton Cowan, fellow silver medalists Gavin Jansen and Parker McLeod in boys’ doubles, and fourth-place girls’ doubles partners Mansi Desai and Prinal Shah, who collectively earned the TVRA South East senior badminton team title.

and exiting the draw against Fontuna and Odemodu.

Both in Grade 12, neither Atkinson nor Fordham have extensive badminton experience says coach Julia Stadnisky.

“But they make up for it with athletic ability.”

The Knights’ highlight of the day came in girls’ doubles where Chloe Jones and Arianna Pastoor ran the table undefeated through four matches to earn gold medals. They opened with a win over Central Elgin, downing Blair Dawdy and Addy Martin from Parkside before back-toback wins over St. Joe’s Mara Kemmerling and Taliah Shaw in the semis and finals, respectively.

“They are really good friends so they don’t really need to communicate, they have a pretty good idea what they’re going to do,” said their coach.

Typically, Pastoor plays at the net and Jones deep, although they can also play sides when necessary. Stadinsky has high hopes for the Knights duo as they head into WOSSAA, although also an appreciation for its elevated level of play.

“Next week will be the competition,” she concluded.

(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)

Emma MacDonald stretches and extends to return a shot during TVRA South East mixed doubles championship final action.

(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)

Huron Park Huskie Gavin Jansen closes in on a shot.

TVRA South East Senior Badminton Championships Boys Singles 1. Tyler Michiels (LDSS), 2. Tommy Walker (SMHS), 3.

Callum Besley (SJHS), 4. Bennett Thomas (LDSS).

Girls Singles 1. Peyton Cowan (HPSS), 2. Reina Walters (CECI), 3. Lily Woitas (SMHS), 4. Liv Heleniak (GHS).

Boys Doubles 1. Brandon Dews/Brady Hunter (CECI), 2. Gavin Jansen/Parker McLeod (HPSS), 3. Maeus Fontuna/Maxwell Odemodu (SMHS), 4. Ryan Atkinson/Devon Fordham (CASS).

Girls Doubles 1. Chloe Jones/Arianna Pastoor (CASS), 2. Mara Kemmerling/Taliah Shaw (SJHS), 3. Blaire Dawdy/Addy Martin (PCI), 4. Mansi Desai/Prinal Shah (HPSS).

Mixed Doubles 1. Jocelyn Pollard/Ramjot Singh (LDSS), 2. Emma MacDonald/Egan McDonald (HPSS), 3. Roxanne McDonald/Caleb Racz (GHS), 4. Cody Johnson/Elise Donaghy (SJHS).

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

21

Shumka’s spirit undiminished despite ‘facing’ the facts JEFF TRIBE Echo Correspondent

Gracie Shumka was having to face the facts.

As the large bruise on the right side of her visage was beginning to fade to a mottled orange, she might have picked up a fresh matching one on the left.

“Quit talking about my face!” she exclaimed in a good-natured aside to Woodstock St. Mary’s Warriors teammates during the second half of a 9-1 TVRA South East Varsity Girls’ Tier I soccer loss to the Aylmer East Elgin Eagles Thursday, April 17th at London’s City Wide Field.

(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)

St. Mary’s defender Addison Wills closes in on East Elgin’s Madison Knelsen.

Moments earlier, a hard East Elgin clearing shot had struck her hard enough for the referee to approach and check to see if she was okay, Shumka shrugging it off as if it were business as usual.

Which to that point of the TVRA South East season, it had been for the Warriors forward.

“Other side this time,” she explained.

Two days earlier, Shumka had picked up her first badge of courage, catching an elbow during a loss to the Woodstock CI Red Devils.

“In the hail, in the rain.”

Shumka had also headed home her team’s first goal of the season, not so much a highlight reel classic off a corner cross, more so ‘Plan B’ after tripping while going after a rebound.

“I fell and my head hit it in,” Shumka admitted with a smile.

The Warriors may have figuratively taken it on the chin during their first two outings, but what Shumka described as a double-digit loss to the Red Devils, brought into more manageable territory during their second game. But they hadn’t let the scores diminish their enthusiasm or level of play, battling with their heads held high - bruised or not - to the final trio of whistles.

“We did way better,” said Warriors goalie Fallyn McClutchie, a goaltending rookie experiencing her second baptism of fire.

“And our spirits are high,” added Lauren Warnock, who scored the St. Mary’s goal Thursday.

Warriors coach Brendan Tharby remains impressed with the effort put forth from a comparatively inexperienced squad featuring only five returning players from the 2024 season.

McClutchie had made some ‘great saves’ he credited, while powered by a breakfast of cottage cheese, chia seeds, hemp hearts and her grandma Kathy Shumka’s homemade strawberry jam, ‘Warriors workhorse’ Gracie’s never-say-die attitude provided a metaphor for the Warriors continued improvement.

“That’s what it’s about,” he concluded. “Building the game, building confidence and building team.”

“Heck yeah,” Shumka agreed, looking forward to better days ahead. “Honestly,” she smiled, “we can only go up from here.”

TVRA South East Varsity Girls Soccer Thursday, April 17 Tier I East Elgin 9, St. Mary’s 1 St. Thomas St. Joe’s 4, Woodstock CI 2 Tuesday, April 15

WCI 10, St. Mary’s 1 WCI Goals - Wilson 3, Gagnon 2, Smith 2, Lambert, McDonald, Knopf.

Monday, April 14 Tier II Woodstock Huron Park 4, Woodstock College Avenue 0 Ingersoll DCI 1, Tillsonburg Glendale 1 TVRA South East Varsity Boys Soccer Tuesday, April 15 Ingersoll DCI 2, Tillsonburg Glendale 0 Woodstock CI 2, St. Mary’s 2 Monday, April 14 Tier II College Avenue 5, Huron Park 1

(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)

St. Mary’s forward Lauren Warnock (right), who had her team’s goal on the day, skies to win a challenge against East Elgin’s Mya Clarke (left) and Sophie Nagelhout (centre).

(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)

St. Mary’s Warrior Eleena Perry (centre) is in the hottest pursuit of East Elgin’s Mya Clarke, with Warriors teammate Gracie Shumka, ‘badge of courage’ on the right side of her face evident, giving secondary chase.

(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)

St. Mary’s Warriors rookie goalie Fallyn McClutchie (right) gathers in a shot with support from defender Maria De Melo (left).

22

April 25, 2025

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

Woodstock U13 takes OHF title MEGAN YEOMAN Echo Contributor

The U13 Woodstock Jr. Navy Vets brought home gold from the Ontario Hockey Federation tournament in Belle River last weekend.

We travelled to Belle River on Thursday to attend a banquet and opening ceremonies. The five teams gathered to listen to guest speakers, have a meal, and be honoured by making it to the Ontario final.

The five teams who qualified were the Woodstock Jr. Navy Vets, representing Alliance and ranked 8th; Burlington Eagles Gold, representing OMHA, ranked 2nd; Temiskaming Shores Puckhounds, representing NOHA, ranked 5th; Toronto Avalanche, representing GTHL, ranked 31st; and the host Belle River Jr Canadians, representing the OMHA and ranked 3rd.

Our first game was against the Belle River Jr Canadians. The team played hard, but we were unable to find the back of the net. Our first game nerves got the best of us, and we fell short with a 3-0 loss.

The team knew they had to dig deep for game two against the Toronto Avalanche. The boys battled and scored two goals in the first period and had a 2-1 lead going into the second where we scored twice to take a 4-1 lead. The third period saw the Avalanche come out strong, scoring twice, but we held tight for a 4-3 win.

Game three was against the Burlington Eagles Gold, where we managed a come-from-behind 4-3 win. We trailed 3-1 after two periods but rallied back

with three goals in the third.

Our fourth game was against the Temiskaming Shores Puckhounds. We needed a win or a tie to stay in first place. We played a tough, physical game and ended up with a 3-3 tie.

We were able to secure the top seed as we headed into the semi-finals on Sunday against the Toronto Avalanche.

We wanted this win but knew it would not be easy. A short-handed goal gave us a 1-0 lead in the first. In the second, the Avalanche scored two quick goals but we answered back ending the second period tied at 2. In the third period, the team scrapped for every puck. Many posts were hit, and shots saved. Another back-and-forth scoring had the game sit at 3-3. Finally, we scored and the Avalanche pulled their goalie with less than a minute left. We scored on the empty net and were off OHF championship game.

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

We faced the Burlington Eagles Gold team in the final. The team gave it everything they had, however, Burlington scored the first goal. Our boys did not quit. In the second period, Carter Yeoman passed the puck to Nash Zylstra, whose shot was blocked, but Colton Townes was there for the rebound and buried the puck. Next, a battle in front of the net caused a Burlington player to cover the puck with his hand in the crease, which gave Aiden Murphy a penalty shot. Murphy would deke the goalie to give Woodstock up 2-1 in the second period. The boys fought tooth and nail and held onto the lead right up until the last few seconds of the game.

It has been 20 years since a U13A team from Woodstock won an OHF title.

There are not enough words to express how proud we are of these players. What a weekend, what a season, Alliance and OHF Champions. It is one for the books.

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Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

Route to the Past – Child Writes from Cairo

No. 7 Canadian Military Hospital, Cairo. courtesy Canadian Military Medical Museum.

SCOTT GILLIES Contributor

Sergeant Harold Mozart Child was born in Yorkshire England in February of 1880, but was working in Ingersoll as a clerk at the Morrow Screw Company in 1911 and living on Albert Street with his mother-in-law, sisters and brother.

Harold and his wife, the former Martha Slater, had moved a couple of blocks further east and were living on Duke Street in Ingersoll at the start of the Great War. Thirty-five year old Child was working in Ingersoll as a chauffeur for the Morrow Screw & Nut Company when he enlisted in June of 1915 at Kingston. His 70-year-old mother-in-law, Helena Slater worked at 125 Duke Street, the stately brick home of the company president, J. Anderson Coulter.

Harold served with the Queen’s University Ambulance Corps as part of the Canadian Army Medical Corps and saw action in the Dardanelles in August of 1915, Egypt, England and France between 1916 and 1919 before being demobilized in 1919.

In September of 1915, he was able to write to Reverend R.J.M. Perkins of St. James Anglican Church in Ingersoll to share some news about his time thus far in the war. He reported that he had only been in England one day before the

Corps was shipped to Egypt.

“Little did I expect to be able to write you from this part of the world. I know you will be somewhat concerned of my welfare. I haven’t really got down to work yet, but we are now settled here for a while and expect more doing. We were continuously travelling for twenty-four days. One thing I am sure of I make good use of my time and take in all possible. I have been to the pyramids and many places of interest….”

Military historian Harold Skaarup, when writing about the Canadian Army Medical Corps, stated that No. 5 Stationary Hospital was raised from the students and faculty of Queen’s University at Kingston. They sailed for England in June 1915 and were billeted on St. Martin’s Plain. In January 1916, it was redesignated as No.7 (Queen’s University) Canadian General Hospital sailing for Egypt, as Harold Child noted in his letter home. Official records show that they commenced operations at Cairo on August 26th,1915, with 400 beds.

Another noted Canadian military historian, Tim Cook, in his book Lifesavers and Body Snatchers, described the arrival of the Queens University Corps in Cairo: “The Queen’s students encountered the fleshpots of Cairo, and many men and women from the Presbyterian university were shocked at the de-

23

(CANADIAN MILITARY MEDICAL MUSEUM PHOTO)

bauchery for sale. But soon the wounded flooded in from Gallipoli, with injuries and diseases varying from gunshot and shrapnel wounds to infections and dysentery. There was even the occasional camel bite.”

No. 7 Canadian Military Hospital, Cairo. courtesy Canadian Military Medical Museum These were not small hospitals. By contemporary Canadian standards, they were massive. It was not uncommon for these bases to have upwards of 1,000 beds. As time would show, all of those beds were put to constant use.

The disastrous Dardanelles Campaign was called off in November and the British and Commonwealth troops were evacuated in early January of 1916.

In April 1916, the hospital was transferred to France where it operated at Le Treport before moving to Etaples in November 1916 where it served until after the Armistice. Checking the records of scores of Canadian wounded, the hospital at Etaples was often listed as one of their initial points of evacuation before being shipped to England for further surgery and recovery.

Even though the Armistice came into effect on November 11,1918, No. 7 (Queen’s University) Canadian General Hospital was not disbanded until No-

vember 1920.

During his time of service, Harold Mozart Child was promoted to Corporal in September of 1916, and then to the rank of Sergeant in October of 1918.

He survived four years of military life, suffering only from varicose veins and two bouts of influenza, firstly in 1918 and again in 1919. He set foot in Canada once again in July of 1919; four years after enlisting in Kingston.

Upon his return to civilian life, he returned to Ingersoll and resumed work in the office of the Screw Company. Harold and Martha lived on Wonham Street immediately following the war, but the 1931 Census of Canada shows that perhaps due to the Soldiers Settlement Act, they had moved to New Ontario to try their hand at farming in the Timiskaming area.

By the late 1950s, Harold and Martha were back in Ingersoll, living at the western end of Dufferin Street. The former Martha Helena Slater passed away in August of 1959. Her funeral was conducted from the McBeath Funeral Home with the casket bearers being friends and neighbours Frederick Rich, Fred Alderson, James Sinclair, Lyle Mansfield, Charles Eidt and Thomas McBeath.

Harold Mozart Child joined her in the Ingersoll Rural Cemetery in 1967.

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April 25, 2025

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO: The Cabot Trail an iconic Canadian destination

PAUL KNOWLES Echo Contributor

We have all seen the reports: Canadian travel to the United States is down, way down. Canadians are choosing to go elsewhere in the world just now, or to stay home.

Well, if you are in the latter category, staying home can open an unending cornucopia of opportunities. This home of ours is gigantic; our home and native land stretches 5,514 kilometres from Cape Spear, Nfld., to the Yukon-Alaska border, and 4,634 kilomtres from Cape Columbia on Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, to Middle Island in Lake Erie, Ont. Our country covers an unimaginable 9,984,670 square kilometres.

So, given all of this, where to go after we’ve decided to stay home? My features over the next few months will include several good suggestions, but let’s begin with one of my favourites, which we explored last summer, The Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island.

Let’s admit the obvious, The Cabot Trail is a stunningly beautiful drive. It stretches 298

kilometres – which could be navigated in about four non-stop hours, I suppose, but should not be, at any cost. We actually stayed four nights on or near The Cabot Trail.

Please take the time to stop, and to stop a lot. Stop at little shops where artisans are working on the spot with their wares on the stores’ shelves. Stop again and again to savour the ocean views. Stop to walk the paths and trails that will carry you through forests to waterfalls and lakes, or along beachfronts. There are walks and hikes for every level of activity, from brief, gentle strolls to steep climbs. Many of them are within the boundaries of the terrific Cape Breton Highlands National Park, yet another of Parks Canada’s gems. By the way, you can tell when you are within the boundaries of the National Park, because the highways are in superb condition. The moment you cross the border, not so much.

Our first port of call on Cape Breton Island was a few minutes from actual access to the Cabot Trail. We stayed at the Glenora Inn and Distillery where they produce truly excellent, single-malt whisky – they can’t call it Scotch because the Scottish distillers are litigiously protective of the name. Those who know me will know why I loved it, but more about this terrific place in a subsequent column.

Staying close to the trail meant we could begin our exploration early the next morning. We decided to travel clockwise, heading north and eventually east from the west coast of the island to the east. En route, we stopped to explore a craft shop and its neighbour, an ice cream parlour,

Self-confessed hooker Emelda Roach, at Flora's in Cheticamp.

in Cheticamp. We pulled off, often, to simply take in the incredible ocean views and, of course, capture as many photos as we could.

And we opted to hike two of the dozens of trails in the national park, in both cases avoiding steep climbs, but nonetheless having to keep a watchful eye on the rock-strewn and tree-rootfilled paths. It was definitely worth the effort and we recorded 13,400 steps on this first day on the trail.

Our first stop was at MacIntosh Brook, where a woodland trail took us back to a beautiful waterfall. Then, we explored the trail at Warren Lake, also in the national park. That trail circumnavigates the lake; there were signs cautioning hikers about coyotes, but we saw no large animals, only spotting four toads, three snakes, a white-tailed junco and a spotted sandpiper – at least, that’s my best guess as to the identity of those two Nova Scotian birds. It’s a very enjoyable walk.

Our next two nights were spent at the quaint Knotty Pines Cottages near Ingonish. The accommodation was fine, but the view from the deck was amazing! Our first night there was Sunday, so no restaurants open but the Co-op was, and we purchased the raw materials for a wonderful al-fresco dinner on the deck, where we watched the sun set.

And that reminds me, if you have the choice, explore The Cabot Trail on sunny days. That will make all the difference.

During our stay in the Ingonish area, we walked the beautiful beach; there are several great beaches along the trail.

(PHOTOS BY PAUL KNOWLES)

One of hundreds of gorgeous views along The Cabot Trail.

Our final night on Cape Breton was spent in one of the southern-most communities on The Cabot Trail, Baddeck. Baddeck is definitely worth a leisurely visit. I have written previously about the fascinating Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site here, but there is much, much more.

We stayed at the Inverary Resort, a complex of comfortable lodges and cottages that also includes a tiny chapel, dubbed the Conn Smythe Chapel because the curmudgeonly owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs donated the money for its construction.

That, too, is another story.

While in Baddeck, we partook

Sunset from the deck of our Knotty Pines cottage.

in two quintessential Cape Breton experiences – a delicious lobster supper at Baddeck Lobster Suppers and a traditional Cape Breton concert (with an amazing fiddler, of course) at The Baddeck Gathering Ceilidh.

And all of this just scratches the surface of the experiences awaiting you right here at home – albeit a bit of a distance from your living room – on Cape Breton Island.

Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and president of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@ golden.net.

Zorra Township News Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

25

Mayor Ryan calls strong mayor powers undemocratic at recent Zorra Township Council meeting CONNOR LUCZKA Echo Correspondent

democracy and the representation of municipal councils, for that reason, it doesn't work.”

Ryan made those comments at the township council meeting on April 16, after Coun. Katie Grigg and Coun.

Paul Mitchell made a motion to formally oppose the expansion, a sentiment shared by each member of council.

Mitchell said he spoke with Perth South Mayor Sue Orr who is also set to receive powers. She didn’t know they were on the table until the media reached out for comment.

“There's absolutely no consultation, no request from smaller municipalities to have this,” Mitchell explained. “It's just some idea in Toronto that's being handed out, and as with many of their ideas, it's a bad idea.”

“Within this council, we have similar views of what we think Zorra can look like, but the times there have been differing views, there's been better discussion for it, and I think better decisions made,” said Coun. Kevin Stewart.

The motion was passed unanimously.

Council denies undersized farm severance, approves dog kennel application At that same meeting, council hosted two public meetings for zone change applications. The first was to hear from the public regarding an application to sever an agricultural lot. The second concerned the creation of a dog kennel.

The zone change application for a proposed dog kennel on the 43rd Line in Beachville was successful in getting approval from council, but the first application was not as councillors around the horseshoe expressed concern over the agricultural lot’s viability.

David Kittmer, the applicant, wants to sever his 118.6-acre property located on the south side of Road 96 in East

Although the Township of Zorra was not on the recent list of municipalities to receive strong mayor powers in May, Mayor Marcus Ryan nevertheless opposes the move.

“As the current mayor, I have no desire to have strong mayor powers,” Ryan said. “Municipalities make the best decisions when all the members of the council contribute equally and when we are forced to deal with each other's disagreements is when we do the best work that we can. I certainly have no desire for any future mayor to have strong mayor powers…I think it's fundamentally undemocratic.”

The Province of Ontario recently announced the expansion of strong mayor powers, a 2022 change that endowed heads of councils with enhanced powers that include hiring certain municipal department heads and reorganizing departments, proposing the municipal budget, proposing certain bylaws the mayor says advances a provincial priority, vetoing certain bylaws the mayor says could interfere with a provincial priority, and bringing forward matters for discussion by council if the mayor says they could advance a provincial priority.

The province justified these powers as a way to address the housing crisis and build more homes. They were extended to Toronto and Ottawa, then later to 48 municipalities in 2023. Now, 169 other municipalities are poised to receive them.

Further to being undemocratic, Ryan said he also thinks they are ineffective at expanding housing.

“I think there are highly visible, demonstrable situations where strong mayor powers for the purposes of getting housing built are absolutely not working in situations where there explicitly is a strong mayor. Even if you say you're willing to compromise the Support Support thelocal local the businesses businesses thatsupport support that ASSESMENTS ON WHEELS your local your local In-home appointments, foot pain newspaper. newspaper.

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Nissouri into two parcels of land (one a 100-acre plot and the other just under 20 acres). The municipality’s zoning bylaw states the minimum size for a new agricultural lot is 74.1 acres.

Kittmer’s partner Lloy Wylie said the plan is to grow and sell organic and heirloom produce, sell and donate flowers, and produce locally grown food, as well as continue a 25-year project to be environmental stewards, restoring the ecology and protecting the wildlife, pollinators, and watershed features that are on the property.

“The initiative is coming because David's father is actually quite ill. He is the owner of the land and wants to sell the property,” Wylie said. “So far, what we've seen is interest is from gravel operations, aggregate extraction. We think that is going to be a huge threat to this area and so feel like this is our best opportunity to pro-

tect this zone – to be able to continue the work that David has done in restoration, meet the needs of the environmental farm plan that he created, and retain the small lot.”

Staff and council members were not convinced, however.

Grigg did not support the application, saying that she is thinking about the long-term viability of a 20-acre farm parcel beyond the applicants’ efforts, though did say that it wasn’t a “feel good vote,” given the thorough presentation given by the applicant and the presenting planners.

Mitchell agreed. Although he said that there are intensive agricultural uses that are viable on smaller lot sizes, he did not see those represented in the application and like Grigg was looking at the long-term use of the land.

Kittmer’s denial was unanimous.

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26

April 25, 2025

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

COMING EVENTS THAMESFORD TOWNWIDE YARD SALES EVENT Saturday May 17, 8 am to 1 pm.

Westminster United Church will be hosting the largest indoor/outdoor sale.

SACRED HEART PARISH EUCHRE Tuesday May 6 start at 1:00 pm & Tuesday May 20 start at 1:00 pm.

Henderson Hall, 133 John Street Ingersoll We invite everyone to join us for a Euchre afternoon.

Refreshments provided. For more info call or text Martha 519-320-0785 OXFORD BRANCH OF ONTARIO ANCESTORS VIRTUAL MAY MEETING Join us on Zoom on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 7:00 pm as author and photographer, Doris Weir presents the Cold Springs Farm Project. This presentation is dedicated in memory of William Harvey Beaty 1916-1994, founder and chairman of Cold Springs Farm Ltd., an enterprise that he started in 1949 in Thamesford on 100 acres of land. By the time of his passing, the business had grown to include 60 farms and 9,000 acres raising hogs, turkeys, chickens, beef cattle and crops along with a feed mill, grain elevators, processing plant, fertilizer plant and more. Beaty was involved with many agricultural organizations. This is a free virtual meeting of Oxford Branch of Ontario Ancestors. Everyone is welcome. To register: please visit https://oxford.ogs.on.ca. You will be sent the link to join the meeting.”

SECOND ANNUAL VILLAGES OF SALLY CREEK CHARITY CAR SHOW June 21st, at the Community Center, 330 Lakeview Rd, Woodstock, 9am to 3pm, Door prizes, top 10 awards, catered food, DJ. All proceeds to Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (DASO). Spectator admission: free, Info: (519) 2901173 email: larry.e.oliver@gmail.com THE NORWICH LAWN BOWLING CLUB INVITES YOU TO "COME AND TRY LAWN BOWLING".

It's the perfect blend of strategy, socializing, and friendly competition. We'll see you at 20 Stover Street South, Norwich for free instruction on Thursday May 8th at 6:45 and/or Saturday May 10th from 10 to 2. Find us on Facebook or you can contact Sandra Bertrand at 519-535-0542 (phone and text).

“Y” KNOT QUILT SHOW AND SALE June 1st from 10am to 4pm Falstaff Family Centre 35 Waterloo St., Stratford.

Many beautiful new and antique quilts will be for sale with all proceeds going to help support the Stratford Family Y and Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth.

WALK FOR LUPUS IN WOODSTOCK Saturday June 7/25 at Southside park in Woodstock at the pavillion by the playground.

Registration starts at 10:00 am and the walk starts around 11:15.

Lots of raffle prizes and some refreshments.

For more information contact janropp@yahoo.com or call 519-535-9114.

NOAH'S ARK ADVENTURE July 7 - 11, 9:30am to 12noon CornerStone Baptist Church 34 Graham Street, Woodstock, ON N4S 6J6 For ages 5-11. Call: 519.537.0125 for more information or go to https://www.myvbs.org/ cornerstonewoodstockvbs/ to register.

APRIL GOLF PACKAGE FUNDRAISER April 1 to April 30 April golf challenge package, $25 & secure a spot on the spinner wheel, for your chance to win the $1290 package. Odds of winning depend on number of names on the wheel, but for certain, if your name is NOT on the wheel, you cannot win it! All proceeds will be donated to my Great Cycle Challenge ride to help the kids fighting cancer! Send your EMT for $25 per spot on the wheel, to me at omulder@rogers. com or email me at the same address to make other arrangements for payment, to get your chance to win this package! To receive a tax receipt, make your donation directly to: https://greatcyclechallenge.ca/ Riders/HenriettaOlthoffMulder

SACRED HEART PARISH EUCHRE Henderson Hall 133 John Street Ingersoll.

Tuesday April 22 start at 1:00 pm We invite everyone to join us for a Euchre afternoon.

Refreshments provided. For more info call or text Martha 519-320-0785 OUR CLASSIC COUNTRY ROOTS SHOW Sunday May 4, 2025 at Mt Elgin Community Centre, 333204 Plank Line, Mount Elgin, ON Celebrating Nashville's Greatest Stars with Roy LeBlanc and Mary Skelton together with the Royal Tribute Band. Tickets are $35.00 (INCL. HST) and are available at WWW.TICKETSCENE.CA/ EVENTS/51159 or by calling Dawne (519)-421-6836 or Joanne (519-485-1988) LOOKING FOR FUN, FITNESS, AND FRIENDLY COMPETITION? JOIN US FOR PICKLEBALL! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, there's a spot for you at Huron Park Baptist Church, 199 Berwick Street held the first Saturday of the every month from 9-11 a.m. Cost is FREE! Bring a friend, bring your energy, and let's play!

For more information or to sign up, call 519-421-4722 TILLSONBURG DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB Interested in Bridge? Join us every Friday at the Tillsonburg Duplicate Bridge Club at 1 p.m. at The Senior Centre. Don’t have a partner? Come anyway and we will match you up with someone. For more information, visit their Facebook page: TburgBridge.

THE OPTIMIST CLUB OF OXFORD COUNTY The Optimists bring out the best in Youth, Community, and Themselves. If anyone is interested in coming out to meet us and learn more about us please email brenda7621@outlook.com REPAIR CAFÉ - TOSS IT? NO WAY! 1st Saturday of each month; 9:00 a.m. - Noon St. John’s Church 685860 Oxford Highway 2, Eastwood, ON N4S 7V9 St. John’s, Eastwood, now affiliated with Repair Café International (look for us at repaircafe.org).

Meets the first Saturday of every month 9am to noon at St. John’s Church 685860 Oxford Highway 2, Eastwood, ON N4S 7V9. Repairs made to clothing, linens, household items, toys, musical instruments etc. Save money, learn how to make your own repairs.

Volunteers welcome. Payment by donation.

PEER SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS Third Wednesday of each month; 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

21 Wellington St., Woodstock (Virtual options available) PCMH is a peer support program providing support to parents and caregivers across Ontario with lived experience raising children and youth with mental health challenges. For more information, please visit family.cmho.org or oxfordcounty@pcmh.ca. We are also on Facebook: Parents for Children's Mental Health ~ Oxford County LIVING WITH LOSS: A SIX-WEEK GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Caring Hearts Support Network: St. David's United Church, 190 Springbank Ave., Woodstock ON A safe and supportive space to explore your grief, with the guidance of trained facilitators. Please contact for upcoming dates. No cost to attend. To register or for more information call or text 519-536-3370. www.caringheartssupportnetwork.com.

One-on-one grief support is also available.

GRIEF SUPPORT FOR MAID RELATED LOSS 4th Wednesday of the month from 1 – 2:30 p.m. at the Thamesford Library, 165 Dundas St., Thamesford This monthly in-person grief support group for loss related to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) offers a compassionate, safe space to explore this unique loss. The group is free of charge and pre-registration is requested. The next meeting is Wednesday, April 23rd. To register or inquire about an evening group,

contact Faye Brekelmans at 519-866-3016 or email faye@compassionategriefsupport.ca.

VON OXFORD GRIEF CARE: FREE MONTHLY GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP Register at: oxford.griefsupport@von.ca or 519539-1231 Ext 6299 or 6296 TILLSONBURG WHEN: 2nd Tuesday of every month WHERE: VON Oxford Office 24 Brock St. W., Tillsonburg TIME: 6:30PM-8:00PM INGERSOLL WHEN: 4th Tuesday of every month WHERE: Ingersoll Public Library 130 Oxford St., Ingersoll TIME: 10:30AM –12:00Noon WOODSTOCK WHEN: 3rd Saturday of every month WHERE: Sakura House Hospice 715180 Oxford Rd.4, Woodstock TIME: 10:30AM-12:00 Noon THE LIONS CLUB OF WOODSTOCK The Lions Club of Woodstock has been serving the community and Oxford County with kindness and generosity since 1931. The Lions always place the needs of neighbours and communities first. Through the dedication and hard work of our volunteer members, we are serving those in need together. If you are interested in becoming a member or simply wish to learn more by attending one of our monthly meetings, please email Steve Iorio at steveiorio4@ gmail.com for more information.

ARE YOU IN A JAM? May 2 & 23, June 6 & 20 from 1-4p.m.

Masonic Hall, 190 Thames St S, Ingersoll.

Ingersoll's Country Music Jamboree Club is celebrating 40 years. New members wanted.

Qualifications - love 50-70's country music. Listen, dance, enjoy! The club welcomes walk-ins at the door.

OPEN HOUSE April 30th 2-3pm Cedarview Retirement Living Edward on the harp. Please bring a nonperishable food item for the food bank. Call Cedarview at 519-6020282, RSVP with Lisa ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION EVENTS: 642 Dundas Street, Woodstock

ROAST BEEF DINNER Sunday, April 27th with Mash potatoes & veggies, coleslaw dessert extra from 5-6 pm pre-order by April 22nd. Please contact the Legion for details.

HURON PARK BAPTIST CHURCH EVENTS: 199 Berwick St, Woodstock BASKETBALL POWER CAMP August 18-22 9 am-12:50 pm Ages: 5-14 Call the church 519-421-4722 for Registration details.

MEN - BRING YOUR OWN CUT OF MEAT TO BBQ June 20th @ 6 pm Location: Huron Park Church Potato and Caesar Salad, Buns, Dessert provided + Jed Lau will demonstrate the preparation of different spice rubs Contact the church 519-421-4722 no later than June 13th for details and to register.

SUMMER BASKET BALL CAMP August 8 – 11 More details to follow.

BEACHVILLE LEGION EVENTS: 434852 Zorra Line, Beachville LINE DANCING Thursdays April 24 - May 22 7-8 pm OXFORD COUNTY DARTS TOURNAMENT Saturday April 26, Registration 9-9:30, Play at 10 Doubles followed by singles.

THAMES VALLEY BLUEGRASS AND OLD TIME COUNTRY PICKERS Saturday May 3, 1-4 pm Come enjoy the Music.

LASAGNE DINNER Friday May 9, 5:30 pm MOTHERS DAY BRUNCH May 11, 9 am-noon EUCHRE - Thursdays 7 pm DARTS - Fridays 8 pm FREE POOL OXFORD HISTORICAL SOCIETY EVENTS: oxhs.ca info@oxhs.ca or 226-242-4772 SAVING THE TITANIC Wednesday April 30, 2025 @ 6:30 PM Thomas Ryerson, Author and grandson of William Edwy Ryerson. A true story about William Edwy Ryerson who survived the sinking of the Titanic.

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK BIA IMPORTANT DATES: DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK SHOPPING NIGHT May 22, June 26, July 17, August 28, September 25, October 23, November 27, December 18 5pm-8pm Our monthly shopping event, Woodstock Shopping Night, typically occurs every 4th Thursday of the month. Participating stores stay open late until 8 pm to facilitate late-night shopping. Enjoy a great night out in downtown Woodstock with extended store hours & exciting specials.

DOWNTOWN HALL May 7 - 6pm-8pm @Theatre Woodstock Join us at Theatre Woodstock from 6pm to 8pm for an engaging evening where you can connect with the Downtown Woodstock BIA members and find out more about the exciting things happening in our Downtown area.

MUSIC IN THE SQUARE June 19 until August 28 Every Thursday Come to Museum Square for a little lunchtime concert. Music in the Square happens every Thursday from 12 pm to 2 pm during the Summer months.

Grab some lunch from one of the neighbouring businesses or bring your own and enjoy live bands and musicians.

DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK SUMMER STREETFEST July 18/19 Summer Streetfest is a two-day celebration happening every July. Formerly known as Sidewalk Sales, Summer Streetfest invites you to discover Downtown Woodstock.

With Dundas Street closed off for cars, stroll the street and discover our charming downtown businesses.

Enjoy live music, kids’ entertainment, exciting sales, yummy eats or take a seat on one of the many patios for a cold drink.

CHRISTMAS IN THE SQUARE December 12/13 & December 19/20 Get ready for a festive family adventure in Downtown Woodstock! Join us for free festive fun in Museum Square; expect smiles, laughter, and a jolly good time. Bring the kids and snap a free photo with Santa at his house. Take the opportunity to do some last minute shopping for your loved ones at the wonderful downtown businesses.

WOODSTOCK HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY EVENTS: Cafeteria, Huron Park Secondary School Use Berwick St door & south parking lot Everyone welcome PLANT AUCTION Saturday May 10th, 9 am - Noon Cash sales only. Free admission - everyone welcome.

MONTHLY MEETING All new “Plant Bingo”. First meeting free, Annual Membership $15, Family $25. Everyone welcome.

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April 25, 2025

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28

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

Oxford VON looking for new volunteers in the county

JANET SOMERS

Volunteer Coordinator VON Oxford

VON Oxford is proud to have one of the most dedicated volunteer teams! We are incredibly grateful for their support, which helps make life-changing moments possible and care accessible.

We have approximately 300 volunteers between VON Oxford and Sakura House, and we couldn’t do it without them. We will be cele-

brating our volunteers on May 22 during VON Week.

Thank you for all you do. Together we create waves of change.

We also have a role for you!

We will match your interests and availability to a volunteer role that’s right for you. We offer the training you need, and we will be in frequent communication. Support is always a call away. Here are a few examples of how you can make a difference as a VON vol-

unteer.

• Adult Day Program • Meals on Wheels • Blood Pressure Clinics • SMART Exercise Leaders • Transportation Drivers • Bereavement Support • Receptionists • Volunteer visitors • Sakura House For more information, contact Janet Somers, Volunteer Coordinator, at 519-539-1231 ext. 6300.

Woodstock Hospital Volunteer Program (CONTRIBUTED IMAGE)

How many volunteers do we currently have?

We currently have over 90 active volunteers and 30 in the application phase.

Are we currently recruiting volunteers?

Yes, we are always recruiting volunteers aged 15 and older to join our team. This year, we have been actively engaging with the community at local volunteer fairs, recreation, and leisure events to provide information about our volunteer opportunities and the onboarding process.

What types of positions do we have available?

We offer a variety of positions across the hospital, including roles working with patients such as meal assistance, patient visiting, and wayfinding, and more behind-the-scenes roles such as making reminder calls and performing administrative duties. There are lots of opportunities to try different roles and find the best fit.

Who would be a good fit for this kind of work?

We are looking for individuals who want to make a positive impact and give back to their community. Individuals who are compassionate, caring, and genuinely want to make a difference. Our staff and patients rely on our volunteers' support, so having someone who is committed and dependable is also very important.

What is the process for becoming a volunteer?

1. Submit an application (online or on paper) along with two references 2. Participate in an interview (in-person, over the phone, or virtually) 3. Complete a Health Assessment with our Occupational Health Nurse 4. Applicants over the age of 18 years must obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check 5. Attend a 2-hour in-person training session 6. Receive training in your designated area More information about volunteering can be found on our website https://www.woodstockhospital.ca/volunteer/

Thank you to our VON Oxford volunteers for sharing your time, generosity and compassion! You are making waves and strengthening the communities we serve. #NVW2025 #VolunteersMakeWaves #LiveEveryDay #VONVolunteers #VONCares #MakeAnImpact #Volunteer VON OXFORD 519-539-1231 EXT 6300

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

29

Ingersoll Rotary Club brings smiles to Easter weekend

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

ANN LOFTHOUSE Echo Contributor

Once again, our Rotary club made a lot of kids happy in Ingersoll and area last Saturday at our annual Easter Egg Hunt.

We had about 500 kids show up and could not have put on such a successful event without the generous help from all of our members (friends) filling the plastic eggs on Thursday and then helping with the many tasks during the actual event on Saturday morning.

A special thanks to Rotarian Bob and Giant Tiger (our event sponsor) for arranging for the chocolate eggs, bunnies, as well as the last-minute supply of treats to ensure all the kids got their fair share of Easter treats.

A special thanks to Ethan and Thomas, who volunteered to be the Easter Bunny and Tiger. You were a hit for the kids, young and old.

We also received $160 and some food donations on Saturday, which we will pass on to the local food bank.

Creek View Acres Nursery & Orchard Specializing in trees, shrubs, & perennials!

Best selection of fruit trees, berry bushes, & grapes!

Open now for the season!

400 Johnson Road, Brantford 519-448-4688 www.creekviewacresbrant.ca

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Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

CLASSIFIEDS OBITUARY

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

ILA MABEL

FALLOWFIELD It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ila Mabel Fallowfield, who slipped away peacefully at People Care, Tavistock, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. Born in Woodstock on January 28th, 1934, Ila was the beloved daughter of Ernest and Annie Roberts.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Leonard, her granddaughter Amanda, and her siblings Minnie Riddell, Hazel Whitehead and George Roberts.

Ila and Leonard were married on June 6, 1953, and joyfully celebrated their 71st anniversary last June – a remarkable testament to their lifelong love and devotion. Ila was a devoted mother to Susan (William) Shaw, Michael (Lorraine) Fallowfield, and Shelleigh (Bradley) Garner. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Angela, Cassandra, Mathew (Sam), Drew (Chrystal), Olivia (Austin), Cody (Kate), Dylan, Mark, and Hannah (John). Ila was also a cherished great grandmother to Alec, Kyle, Sofia, Hunter, Cadence, Calvin, Grace, Kiara, Kendra, Jaycee, Marlee, Wesley and Cameron. She is fondly remembered by Adam, Angila, Ethan, Lauren, and Aiden, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

A woman of deep faith, Ila and Leonard were dedicated members of the Church of the Epiphany, where they found strength and community. Ila was also a long-standing member of the Anglican Churcch Women (ACW) and the Chancel Guild.

Throughout her life, Ila worked in various roles that reflected her dedication and strong work ethic, from the E.E. Paquette hosiery factory and Eaton’s order store to Lord’s drug store, the Homestead Restaurant and as bookkeeper for The Woodstock Flying Club, and Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association (CHAA) in Tillsonburg. Ila and Len also spent many happy hours volunteering at both air clubs, building lasting friendships with many of the members and their families.

Ila enjoyed knitting, sewing, baking, bowling, playing bridge, and especially spending time with family and friends. She crafted beautiful wedding dresses and cakes, and generously volunteered at the Woodingford Lodge Nursing Home where she sold carnations for the MS Society.

Ila was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her legacy of love, kindness, and quiet strength will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

We take great comfort in knowing that Ila and Len are now reunited.

The family extends sincere gratitude to the staff at PeopleCare, Tavistock for the exceptional care given to Ila. Guests will be received at the Church of the Epiphany, 560 Dundas St, Woodstock, ON, on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025, between 10 – 11 a.m, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the church hall. Internment will take place after lunch at the Anglican Cemetery in Woodstock at 2:00.

Donations in Ila’s memory can be made to the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association, or to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Personal condolences may be shared at www.smithleroy.com

STREET YARD SALES SATURDAY APRIL 26TH, 8 AM to 2 pm Brompton Ave, Woodstock, ON

BUSINESS DIRECTORY REAL ESTATE

TREES

Shade trees, Fruit trees, Apple, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Sweet and Sour Cherries, Apricot, Nectarines, Blueberry, Haskopp, Black Chokeberry, Grapes etc. Lots of Spruce, Pine, Cedars for windbreaks and privacy hedges, Sizes 1 to 6+. Flowering shrubs and much more. Come check us out Mon-Sat 7:00am - 6:00pm Martin's Nursery, 42661 Orangehill Road, Wroxeter (1 concession north of Wroxeter on Belmore Line)

INSURANCE

QUIZ ANSWERS

Echo SUDOKU Sudoku Solution

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Echo

E-BIKES AND SCOOTERS

• E-Bikes • Mobility Scooters • Sales and Services • Battery Replacements and Upgrades

briteesolutions.ca Official Daymak Dealer 406 Simcoe St, Woodstock, ON 519-602-7545 • briteesolutions@gmail.com

PROMOTE YOUR EVENTS WITH US! HERE’S HOW Deadline: Tuesday prior at 3 p.m.

Contact: info@theecho.ca

Coming Events are for non-profit organizations to promote their free admission events at no charge. Event listings can include your event name, date, time and location as well as a phone number, email address or website. If your event is not free admission or you would like to include more details than stated above, you have the following options:

Coming Events Word Ad (50 word max.) - $10 + hst Coming Events Boxed Word Ad (50 word max.) - $15 + hst Display Ad - Sizes begin at a business card size for $35 + hst

We want to hear from our community! info@theecho.ca

Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

31

Riddles PET OF THE WEEK

I shrink smaller every time I take a bath. What am I? Soap

SPONSORED BY:

I have one eye but can’t see. What am I? Needle

519-761-9798 BARKINBOUJEE.CA

I’m full of holes, yet I hold water. What am I? Sponge The more you look at me, the less you see. What am I? Fog

DRITZ

Dritz is a nearly 18 year old brown tabby cat who is cared for by Lily and Logan. He is cute and happy, but can also be grumpy.

Dritz likes to snuggle under your arms when you are laying down on the couch.

I’m taken before you get it, and given once you have it. What am I? Photo I’m found on a table, but I’m not food.

I can be red, black, or even blue. What am I? Playing card I don’t have lungs, but I need air. I don’t have a mouth, but water kills me. What am I? Fire You can catch me, but not throw me.

What am I? Cold

Sudoku Sudoku

by PeterS 2025

7 2 3 5 8 6 9 1 5 9 7 3 8 6 4 1 2 9 7 3 9 4 5 1 6 8 9 7 3 5 4 1 Solutions on page 30

Basic (5)

Our selection includes a large variety of raw food & raw meaty bone options, organic & natural supplements, collars, leashes, harnesses, lots of options in our chew bar, eco-friendly toys, and our locally sourced freeze dried treats made by us.

109 THAMES ST. S., INGERSOLL

Mon-Fri 10-6 pm and Sat 10-3 pm

Nominate your pet to be Pet of the Week by emailing info@theecho.ca Published pets will get a free goodie bag from Barkin Boujee!

Word Search

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Woodstock Ingersoll Echo

April 25, 2025

NOW OPEN!

Smile with Confidence

Accepting CDCP Patients

We are accepting patients with the Canadian Dental Care Program.

Keeping your smile looking great and feeling happy is the number one Accepting CDCP PatientsDenture Clinic. We specialize in priority of the team at the Woodstock We are partial, accepting patientsdentures with theand implant retained dentures. complete, metal-free Canadian Dental Care Program.

Complete Denture Services

• Digitalyour Impressions Keeping smile looking great and • Exams andisFree feeling happy the Consultations number one priority Implant-Supported DenturesDenture of•the team at the Woodstock •Clinic.

Standard and Immediate Dentures We specialize in complete, • partial, Partial Dentures metal-free dentures and • Relines, Rebases and Repairs implant retained dentures.

Call 519-320-7080

• Referrals to Other Specialists

79 Montclair Drive, Woodstock Complete Denture Services Plenty of parking available!

• Digital Impressions