The Oxford County Administration Building (OCAB) remains closed indefinitely to staff and the public following a water leak nearly two weeks ago. The building has been closed since Friday, June 20, and as of press time, no date has been targeted for its reopening. An exception was made for Human Services clients only on Monday in order for cheques could be picked up.
Water damage is present in varying degrees on all four floors of the building and Warden Marcus Ryan said there are some theories as to what occurred, but the investigation is ongoing.
“A water pipe in the ceiling of the top floor, a connection in the water pipe, leaked. Crews are still investigating to find out exactly why that happened. It is a cold-water pipe, thankfully not wastewater.”
Workers are removing insulation from all other pipes in the building to examine all connectors in the building.
“They are doing that investigative work on top of all the remediation work to try and save as much furniture, drywall, carpet, as possible. We know where it happened, when it happened and what specific piece of hardware was involved. We just don’t know why it happened in that piece of pipe,” added Ryan.
The Warden said when he toured the building, he was fearful of the potential damage but was relieved when it wasn’t as bad as he had thought.
Police hunting for Woodstock
facing human trafficking charges
ber of 2023, the man suggested the woman start working as a sex worker and the male began advertising the victim’s services online for money.”
Police are hunting for a Friendly City Man wanted on several human trafficking-related offences following an investigation by the London Police Service Human Trafficking Unit.
42-year-old Cory Robert Fowler has been charged by way of warrant of arrest, and police say his current whereabouts are unknown.
“In October of 2023, a woman met a man online and they became involved in an intimate relationship,” explained a police press release. “In Novem-
Police say on one occasion, while at a hotel in London in the 800-block of Exeter Road, the suspect and victim became involved in an argument concerning the victim no longer wanting to work as a sex worker when the man allegedly assaulted the woman.
The victim contacted police in April 2025, and after a lengthy investigation, Fowler has been charged with trafficking of a person under the age of 18, financial/material benefit/trafficking a person under 18,
(RON YUZARK PHOTO)
LEE GRIFFI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
LEE GRIFFI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Investigation into cause ongoing
“Staff did a really good job of containing it immediately when they found it. It didn’t spread much farther than what they found on Friday morning, and the building is full of industrial fans to dry everything out.”
Ryan explained much of the building’s content will be able to remain in use, but he is well aware some will need to be replaced.
“Some desktop towers sitting on the floor were in an inch of water. IT will do everything it can to save those things, but I’m sure some of it isn’t good anymore. We just finished renovations in the building and the new carpet will probably dry out and be fine, but the older carpet will not be.”
Portions of drywall will also be removed and replaced to reduce the risk of mould appearing over time and Ryan added taxpayers shouldn’t be on the hook for the repair bill.
“We have no reason to believe it won’t all be covered by insurance and it will be manageable, but we don’t have all those answers yet.”
Staff are working from home during the closure and the last County Council meeting last Wednesday was held virtually. Ryan said it brought back memories of the pandemic and how the municipality conducted its business.
“It feels strange. I literally caught myself on Monday. I had a virtual meeting in my home office and was supposed to go to a public event in the afternoon, and I thought to myself, I can’t go, is it still on? I can go, I just can’t go to OCA. My brain, and I talked to a few staffers, automatically switched into COVID-mode. It totally feels like that.”
In terms of service delivery, Ryan explained the priority was to get customer service and human services online as quickly as possible. The latter covers issues such as the Ontario Disability Support Program, housing and Ontario Works.
“Clients usually come into customer service in the lobby, then walk down the hall. The first floor was the most damaged because the water flowed down the building. There are tempo -
rary kiosks set up in the lobby to deal with immediate issues and human services have offices set up in other buildings,” Ryan said.
He admitted working outside of their offices is very inefficient and inconvenient for staff, but virtual connections already exist, and employees are making the most of it. The next council meeting is scheduled for July 9, and a heavy agenda is expected.
“There will be planning applications, there may be delegations, so we are hoping that at least the lobby and council chambers can be available but we won’t know until the end of the week. There is a rooftop unit that heats and cools council chambers, but water got in there and short-circuited that.”
Ryan said it remains to be seen if the unit is repairable or needs to be replaced and added the meeting will have to be virtual if the necessary work isn’t completed in time.
“That’s the main hurdle to overcome but we are hoping to be back in there for July 9. To try and set up a meeting at an alternate location and the City of Woodstock was very generous in offering their chamber for us. The challenge nowadays is not just moving a bunch of people into a different room, but because we livestream meetings it means moving an entire audio-visual system.”
He added the last thing the county wants is to pull IT staff away from work on the damaged infrastructure to prepare an off-site venue for a council meeting.
Residents in need of county services are being asked to email customer service at customerservice@oxfordcounty.ca or call 519-539-9800 and follow the prompts. The county is unable to process online purchases for garbage bag tags and backflow test tags at this time. Garbage bag tags can be purchased at a number of retail locations across the County. These items can also be requested by contacting Customer Service at customerservice@oxfordcounty.ca or 519-539-9800.
Alternate locations will be in place for in-person meetings with Human Services staff. They can be reached at
(CONTRIBUTED
Police hunting for Woodstock man facing human trafficking charges
material benefit from sexual services provided by a person under 18, procuring a person under 18, advertising another person’s sexual services, and assault.
Cory Robert Fowler is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 11 and 157 pounds, with short brown hair and brown facial hair, and brown eyes. Police are requesting the public’s assistance in locating him.
“If seen, members of the public are reminded not to approach him, and to call 9-1-1,” said the release.
Anyone with information is asked to call the London Police Service at 519-661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be sent in online anonymously to London Middlesex Crime Stoppers.
2025 Woodstock Fair won’t have midway
LEE GRIFFI
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
While a fair doesn’t seem like a fair without a midway, the Woodstock Agricultural Society will carry on with the 2025 version of the event without the rides area residents are used to seeing.
“Unfortunately, it is true that we will no longer be able to provide the midway for the Woodstock Fair going forward. This has nothing to do with the Woodstock Ag Society or their members, but everything to do with rising costs and limited resources during that time in our schedule,” said a statement from Campbell
Amusements.
“After the COVID-19 pandemic, which hit our industry particularly hard, the company restructured to one unit instead of two. This makes it very difficult to set up in multiple locations at once, which is something we had to do to provide the fair for Woodstock. The public feedback we received from our last few years, as well as decreased attendance and rising costs, led us to the decision to remove the stop from our route,” it added. “We were really shocked,” said society president Casee Killing. “We received an email, I think it was January 16, letting us know they are no longer able to participate in our fair this year.
(LONDON POLICE SERVICE PHOTO) London Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of a 42-year-old Woodstock man. Cory Robert Fowler has been charged with several human trafficking offences.
The Woodstock Fair will have a different look this year as Campbell Amusements has pulled its midway from the event.
(RON YUZARK PHOTO)
Fanshawe’s Woodstock/Oxford campus collects truckload of toys for DASO
EMILY STEWART
Echo Correspondent
Giving back during United Way’s Day of Caring inspired an employee of the Woodstock Fanshawe College campus to run a toy drive for children in need.
Fanshawe College’s Woodstock/Oxford Regional Campus donated a truckload of gently used and new toys to Domestic Abuse Services Oxford (DASO).
Judith Bell, SIS designate for the college’s Woodstock/Oxford campus, organized the drive after college staff volunteered at DASO for United Way Oxford’s Day of Caring.
Staff cleaned up the grounds and worked on the gardens. Bell, in particular, worked in the children’s play area. When she saw the condition of the toys, including some broken ones, she decided to host a toy drive on campus. The toy drive also collected bicycles, balls, and basketball nets for children to play with.
“It’s just a feel-good moment for us all here and to know that we’re putting smiles on kids' faces,” Bell said.
Staff are still bringing in items for DASO, including a scooter and a Fisher-Price picnic table. Bell said that staff at Fanshawe College’s Woodstock/Oxford Regional Campus are always ready to give back.
“We have a wonderful community caring staff here and all one has to do is just mention what do you think of this idea and everybody is involved,” she said. “We’re very strong when it comes to
giving to others and supporting charities and other institutions such as DASO.”
In addition to providing support to those experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), DASO helps children who
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are facing and/or witnessing domestic violence. The DASO website said that children are present and see the violence happen in 80 per cent of domestic violence cases. Knowing the organization
also supports children, Bell said the toy drive ensures they are included.
“This way, we’re able to address that need and hopefully others in the community might do the same,” she said.
(Left to right): Judith Bell, DASO’s Amanda Deadman, and Jillian Wojtasiak of Fanshawe College with some of the new toys collected for DASO.
(JUDITH BELL PHOTO)
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
JULY 1ST IS OUR DAY TO BE PROUD THAT WE ARE CANADIANS
For the most part I have taken it for granted what it means to be a Canadian citizen until I heard that the U.S. President Trump was contemplating annexing my country into his 51st state.
Our country has sure changed since Confederation in July 1st 1867 from the two founding peoples the French & English. They were welcomed ashore in the year 1535 to “Kanata” by the Iroquois/Huron Indigenous people.
We are now a very diverse country of 41,289,599 people from coast to coast to coast. A patch- work of nationalities from all over the world who have chosen Canada to be their home.
No need to be part of the melting pot to blend in where there is no norm you have to conform to be a Canadian.
It doesn’t matter if you are Black, Red or White or any of the many shades in- between. All are welcome to practice their religion, customs according to their own beliefs.
We can be very proud of our family members who left their homes behind to strike out on their own to a new land. It is not easy to rip out your roots casting fear aside to embrace the cli-
mate, customs and languages of a new country.
Canada has universal free accessible health care programs. Publically funded elementary, secondary school education for all of our children. No fear of ageing when we can rely on the “Canadian Pension Plan”.
We have repatriated our Constitution and added a “Charter of Rights and Freedoms” that is the envy of those around the world who cherish democracy.
The death sentence has been abolished. Abortion throughout the land is legal protecting a women’s right to choose.
Marriage between same sex partners is no longer a contentious issue with guaranteed equal rights for all. We have the choice to have “Medically Assisted in Dying” support in order to die with dignity.
None of these Canadian values should be taken for granted. From the time of our birth to when we die our Canadian governments are there for us.
July 1st, is our special day to be proud that we are Canadians eh.
Len Lesser, Dorchester
Ontario Provincial Police briefs
LEE GRIFFI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Police investigating another Pride flag incident
For the fourth time this month, a Pride flag has been reported stolen or vandalized in Norwich Township. Unknown individuals attended an address on Jerdon Street in Norwich and removed a flag at around 1 a.m. The suspects are being described as two shirtless white males wearing boots. The pair were seen getting out of a dark-coloured, extended-cab pick-up truck.
Police are asking that anyone with information about this investigation, including video surveillance to contact the Oxford OPP immediately at 1-888-310-1122 or *677 on a cell phone.
Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit an online tip at www.oxfordcrimestoppers.com, where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Speeder nabbed on the 401 (see photo)
On Jan. 27, just before 1 a.m., an officer on general patrol spotted a vehicle traveling at a speed of 176 km/h in a 100 zone. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver has been charged with stunt driving, is also facing a licence suspension, and vehicle impoundment.
Car carrier rollover on 403 (see photo)
Police are investigating a commercial vehicle collision
in the eastbound lanes of Highway 403, just east of Highway 401.
Police and members of the Woodstock Police Service, Oxford County Emergency Medical Services and Oxford County Fire Services were dispatched to a transport truck rollover on the morning of June 25.
The transport truck rolled over along with the vehicles it was carrying. The driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries. No word yet on any potential charges.
Utility trailer comes off on 401
Police responded to several calls regarding a utility trailer that became detached from a pickup truck on Highway 401 in South-West Oxford Township on June 19.
Police were dispatched to a trailer that was sitting in a live lane on the highway. Police were able to assist before any damage or injuries occurred.
The driver, a 44-year-old Kitchener resident, was charged under the Highway Traffic Act with having an insecure load.
Police want to remind drivers that it is their responsibility to ensure trailers are secured. The Highway Traffic Act mandates that the load must be loaded, bound, secured, contained or covered so that no portion of the load may become dislodged or fall, leak, spill or blow from the vehicle.
A truck carrying vehicles recently rolled over on the 401 near Woodstock.
(OPP PHOTO)
A driver was nabbed in Oxford County going nearly 80 km/ hour over the posted speed limit.
(OPP PHOTO)
Canada Day breakfast in the Friendly City
The community gathered at 22 Wilson Street in Woodstock for a Canada Day pancake breakfast, sponsored by Jakeman’s. The event, held in partnership with Operation Sharing Oxford, celebrated Canada’s birthday while supporting individuals facing food insecurity. Jakeman’s generously provided their signature 100 per cent pure Canadian maple syrup and pancake mix and assisted with meal preparation. The breakfast ran from 8:30
a.m. to 10:30 a.m., offering attendees a warm, traditional Canadian meal to start their holiday. This community-focused event showcased Jakeman’s ongoing commitment to giving back. The company’s maple syrup, locally sourced from Ontario farms, added a sweet, authentic touch to the morning celebration. The gathering not only marked Canada Day but also fostered a sense of togetherness and compassion within the Woodstock community.
WAG Scholarship awarded to aspiring art therapist Finn McCallum
The recipient of the 2025 Friends of the Woodstock Art Gallery Legacy Scholarship hopes he can become an art therapist and see his mentees share his passion for art.
Finn McCallum of Thamesford won the 2025 Friends of the Woodstock Art Gallery (WAG) Legacy Scholarship. The scholarship, worth $1,000, is awarded to a student in Oxford County who will be pursuing post-secondary education in media, fine, and/or visual arts such as photography, painting, fibre arts, sculpture, electronic media, printing, and graphic design. McCallum, who will be attending
Western University’s studio arts program in the fall, was thrilled to receive the scholarship and have a community rallying behind him. He also appreciated those who admired his artwork at the Student Open House at the gallery on June 18.
“It definitely made me proud of myself and proud to be a part of Ontario,” McCallum said.
His artwork is either inspired by emotions or his surroundings in Ontario. For example, he made a painting of a large cow that invoked self-deprecating feelings. He also gets inspiration from driving to school.
McCallum spent the past three school years at London’s H.B. Beal Secondary School, which is known
for its specialized programs in all types of art. He was part of the Beal Art program, where prospective students must apply with a portfolio for a chance to pursue arts foundation education. The program has an optional third year in which students can specialize in studio, and McCallum spent the third year specializing in drawing and painting.
“That whole program was such an impactful experience, and I’ve had experience setting up shows and exhibits and just working in studio, which definitely has taught me all of the work that goes into art, like every aspect, not just creating,” he said.
McCallum aspires to be an art therapist after completing his post-sec -
ondary education. He currently works with children at the Ingersoll Creative Arts Centre and loves to teach them art.
“I think it’s really cool introducing somebody to art and seeing them find a passion for it like I have,” he said.
“Art therapy is almost like the light at the end of the tunnel, like the type of artist that I want to be is somebody to help guide people and help them manage their emotions, too, because art has been a staple for my mental health in the past and I think it is such a good tool to use. Guiding the next generations of artists I think, is an important role in society.”
You can see McCallum’s artwork at the gallery until Aug. 2.
All hands were on deck, helping serve breakfast to hungry attendees.
(RON YUZARK PHOTOS)
Taking in the pancake breakfast were Scott, a member of the Operation Sharing Board, along with Sarah, Pamela and Mayor Jerry Acchione.
Chad Jakeman and Tim Dukes, Executive Director of Operation Sharing, were busy flipping pancakes for the crowd.
EMILY STEWART
Echo Correspondent
Hitting the road to support animal rescue
Motorcycle enthusiasts gathered on June 23 for the annual Motorcycle Ride for the Rescue in support of local animal rescue efforts. This year’s event kicked off from a new location, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 55 in Woodstock. A motorcycle poker run is an organized event where participants visit a series of checkpoints to collect playing cards, aiming to build the best poker hand at the end. It's a fun social event and often a fundraiser for a charity. The route included three card stops
before concluding back at the Legion by 2 p.m. Participants were treated to a light lunch, prize draws, and a chance to win for best poker hand. Entry was $15 for single riders and $20 with a passenger. The ride drew a strong turnout, with all proceeds going directly to support the care and well-being of animals under the rescue's protection. Riders, volunteers, and supporters came together for a memorable day of community spirit and compassion for animals in need.
Oxford County celebrates 175th anniversary with new book
Oxford County is celebrating its 175th anniversary, a significant chapter in its history.
The county has been celebrating the special monument with social media posts, exhibits at the administration building in Woodstock the Legislative Assembly in Toronto.
The county has existed for 233 years after being proclaimed in 1792, but counties at that time were created for the organization of the militia and electoral representation in parliament and districts controlled government until 1849.
The Baldwin Act took effect in 1851 and established a two-tier system of municipal government. Districts were replaced by counties as the senior level of local government. At that time, counties were com -
posed of various cities, towns, villages and townships, each with its own local council. The councils were initially elected by men who lived in the jurisdiction or who had property with a value of $400. Local councils were headed by reeves who, as part of their duties, sat on county council.
Oxford County has existed for 175 years as a county with civil government functions and 174 years as a county with its present-day territory. There was a restructuring in 1975 where the townships of 1851 were kept, but the municipal territories within that county were changed and were merged with new names.
Blandford and Blenheim merged to form Blandford-Blenheim, and West Oxford, Dereham Township and the village of Beachville merged to create South-West Oxford.
East Zorra, North Oxford, and West Zorra were combined into the
Township of Zorra. East Zorra and Tavistock merged to form East Zorra-Tavistock. Additionally, Norwich, Simcoe, and Dereham were transferred from Norfolk County to Oxford.
As part of its anniversary celebration, Oxford County Archives is planning a new book to commemorate the occasion. The book is the Oxford County Archives’ largest project for the year and was written by archives staff as well as local community contributors such as Drumbo and District Heritage Society and Museum, Oxford Historical Society, Plattsville and District Historical Society, Zorra Heritage Committee, Oxford County Library, Norwich and District Museum, Tavistock and District Historical Society, Beachville District Museum and Scott Gillies.
The book will be available by the end of June and will be for sale at the
archives as well as at various locations throughout the county.
A new exhibit will also be launching at the Woodstock Art Gallery from July 12 until January 24, 2026. It will explore the history of some of the county’s iconic administrative buildings, including courthouses, the jail, registry offices and the house of refuge. It will highlight some of the architectural drawings, photographs and artwork maintained by the Oxford County Archives.
One final project for the year will be a fall video series with a few county councillors delving into archival records related to their family history.
A big thank you goes out to Liz Dommasch, Archivist of Oxford County Archives and Dr. George Emery, professor emeritus at Western University, for their historical contributions to this article.
Mary Jane and Sue, with Sydney in tow, were ready to hit the road for the ride.
(RON YUZARK PHOTOS)
Riders gathered for the start of the event.
James, Crystal, Bob, Paul, Kathy, Nancy and Claudene were all signed in and ready to ride.
DEBBIE KASMAN Echo Contributor
Canada Day wows big crowds in Woodstock
Southside Park was the heart of celebration on July 1 as residents and visitors came together to enjoy the City of Woodstock’s Canada Day festivities. The park was bustling with energy and excitement for all ages. Attendees enjoyed a full afternoon and evening of entertainment, including live music, family-friendly fun in the Canadian Kids Zone, and a wide selection of marketplace and food vendors. The event offered something for everyone, celebrating Canadian pride in true community spirit. The festivities culminated in a spectacular fireworks display at 9:30
p.m., presented by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc., lighting up the sky and capping off a memorable Canada Day.
The City of Woodstock extends its gratitude to the many sponsors who helped make the event possible:
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc., Government of Canada, Zehrs Woodstock, Libro Credit Union, HAAS Enterprises Inc., Easyway Kingsmen Group Inc., Sunbelt Rentals, Home Depot, Blackmore Media, Maglin Site Furniture, Woodstock Print, Adams Building Supply and Woodstock Lions Club.
Woodstock Ingersoll
Woodstock Canada Day Celebrations closed with a spectacular fireworks display that thrilled the crowd.
(RON YUZARK PHOTOS)
Some attendees found shade as they were waiting for the evening's entertainment to begin.
Black Excellence Awards celebrated in Ingersoll
The Black Excellence Awards, hosted by the Black Opportunity Network (BON) in Oxford County, is more than a celebration, it’s a movement. Guided by the mission to Empower, Connect, and Lead, the awards honour exceptional individuals who demonstrate the courage to represent, the resilience to be included, and the commitment to mentor others on the journey toward impact and inclusion.
This year’s ceremony on June 28 in Ingersoll brought together leaders from across Southern Ontario including London, Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo, Brampton, and Toronto united by a shared purpose: to uplift the Black experience through action, storytelling, and collaboration. The event served as a powerful reminder that Black excellence thrives when nurtured by community, legacy, and leadership.
A profound highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to renowned educator, advocate, and author Rosemary Sadlier, a trailblazer whose advocacy led to Canada’s official recognition of Black History Month and the continued push for Emancipation Day to be recognized nationally. For Rosemary, this honour marked a deeply personal homecoming. Her mother’s family traces its roots to Ingersoll and the Woodstock area, making this return to Oxford County a full-circle moment steeped in legacy.
In the presence of emerging and established change-makers, Rosemary reignited a spark among local leaders. Her award not only recognized her national and international contributions but also reconnected her with the
very soil where her family’s story began. Her presence inspired a renewed wave of community energy, reminding attendees that the past, present, and future of Black leadership are deeply intertwined.
The Black Opportunity Network continues to build spaces that equip leaders across generations with mentorship, visibility, and support, fostering a vibrant, intergenerational community of change-makers. The Black Excellence Awards stands as a testament that when we celebrate our roots, we strengthen our rise.
Rosemary Sadlier is a celebrated advocate, educator, and historian whose contributions have significantly shaped the recognition of Black heritage in Canada. She served as the president of the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) from 1993 to 2015, where she championed initiatives to integrate Black Canadian
history into education and public discourse. Her advocacy was pivotal in securing Canada’s official recognition of Black History Month in 1995.
Born and raised in Toronto, Rosemary holds academic qualifications in both teaching and social work. Her family lineage in Canada dates back before Confederation, with maternal roots in Ingersoll as early as 1840 and paternal ancestry in New Brunswick from 1793. That same milestone year of 1995, Rosemary also began efforts to establish August 1st as Emancipation Day, acknowledging the abolition of slavery in the British Empire, a cause that continues to gain momentum nationally. Throughout her career, she has spoken extensively at forums across Canada and internationally, including the United Nations, addressing themes such as Black Canadian identity, inclusive curriculum development, and anti-racism education.
Her written works and tireless advocacy have earned her widespread recognition. Among her many accolades are the Order of Ontario, the William Peyton Hubbard Race Relations Award, and the Harry Jerome Award, among others. Most recently, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Women Achievers’ Awards, followed by an equally prestigious honour from the Black Opportunity Network (BON)—marking a historic return to her family’s ancestral home in Oxford County.
Master Gardener Native Plant Sale a Huge Success
with other organizations with similar goals and appreciate their backing.
for the native (or any) plants you may have purchased recently?
ticularly in drought conditions and high temperatures.
The Tri-County Master Gardeners (Huron, Oxford, Perth) held their annual sale of native trees, shrubs and perennials on June 14 in Stratford. Thanks to widespread support from native plant enthusiasts, all stock was sold quickly. Master Gardeners promote planting native species to add to the biodiversity of the area, support pollinators, provide food and habitat for birds and small mammals, and to mitigate climate change. We also supply gardening advice of all kinds. We are pleased to work
The MGs are already making plans for next June’s sale, and we promise to supply high-quality native plants in greater quantities. We are sorry that some customers were disappointed to find their favourite plants were sold out.
The Tri-County Master Gardeners are hoping to have a native plant pop-up sale in the fall. Our Facebook page will have details. Is autumn a good time to plant perennials and shrubs? Absolutely! Stay tuned for an in-depth article with all the excellent reasons to do so.
In the meantime, how should you care
1. Plant them in the correct place. If you have a Lady Fern, for example, it needs to live in a shady, moist area, not in the bright sun. For specific information about plants that you bought at our sale: https://tricountymastergardeners.ca/nativeplant-sale.
2. Make sure your new plants have adequate water. Native species are tough plants that don’t need a lot of care once they are established. They need to be watered throughout their first summer in your garden, par-
3. Native plants don’t need fertilizing.
4. Keep the space around your new plants free of weeds. Ensuring your native plant doesn’t have competition for at least its first year will help ensure it can grow into a strong and healthy plant.
Visit the Tri-County Master Gardeners’ website for gardening information. You can submit questions to us via the website at www.tricountymastergardeners.ca.
Thanks to everyone who supported our native plant sale!
LESLYE GLOVER Master Gardener
RAFAT RIAZ Echo Contributor
Rosemary Sadler, author of The Black Book of Black History in Canada, was celebrated that evening while standing alongside Heather.
(RON YUZARK PHOTO)
Guests and honorees gathered at Unifor Local 88 Hall in Ingersoll for an evening celebrating the Black Excellence Awards.
(RON YUZARK PHOTO)
A delicious assortment of food was prepared and served for attendees to enjoy throughout the evening.
(RON YUZARK PHOTO)
Community Futures Oxford celebrates entrepreneur awards
LEE GRIFFI
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Ingersoll-based Community Futures Oxford handed out its yearly hardware last week and among the winners was Alisha Wilson of Transitions Equine Assisted Learning.
The unique Tavistock-are business spe -
cializes in equine-assisted learning and wellness and provides a variety of unique experiences. Those consist of team building and leadership programs, Reiki, mindfulness programs, mindset coaching and therapy. Wilson took home the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and said the most unique part of her business is no one needs experience with horses.
“We’ve taken our horses, who are all rescues, and given them a better home, a better life, and we’ve turned it into a place of refuge for horses and people,” explained Wilson. “We don’t just do equine-assisted learning, we also partner with other local businesses and do things like ponies and pottery.”
BRIGHTEN YOUR HOME or BUSINESS year-round with PERMANENT LED LIGHTING
Wilson said she also has an Indigenous elder come to the farm monthly for fullmoon smudge gatherings, which are spiritual or ceremonial events that typically combine the symbolism of the full moon with the Indigenous or spiritual practice of smudging. These gatherings are often held to promote healing, reflection, intention-setting, and community connection.
“I am a Reiki master, and we have sessions in the fields with the horses. We also do corporate team building, and I can take what I learned in the banking industry and tie it back to the obstacles we are doing in the arena with the horses and provide people with those a-ha moments.”
When asked why horses are so crucial to her business model, Wilson gave a clear and concise answer.
“Because they provide immediate and non-judgmental feedback. If you make a mistake with a horse, it’s going to let you know right away, but kindly. No one is going to get kicked, but they let you know through their body language and then they’re going to forget about it.”
The program run by Equine Assisted Learning was created in Saskatchewan, specifically targeting at-risk youth, by a group of mental health professionals, psychologists and horse professionals.
Wilson also offers summer camps for ages five to seven, eight to twelve and thirteen to sixteen. A few spaces are still available.
Wilson added she loves what she does for a living, particularly when she sees results, such as in a girl who has shown remarkable progress.
“A 12-year-old Woodstock girl who has been coming out here for the past two years. When she first started, she was very anxious. She didn’t want to ask questions because she was afraid of getting in trouble but has blossomed into this very confident little girl who loves life.”
A media company recently filmed a documentary on the girl’s story which will appear on Animal Planet and AMI networks in the near future. “Collar of Duty’ is an original Canadian series that captures the incredible true stories of service and therapy animals that are transforming people's lives.
More information is available at https:// transitionseq.ca.
“Again, this year, we are excited to recognize our clients who contribute to the growth of a vibrant Oxford County econ -
omy,” said Allan Simm, General Manager of Community Futures Oxford. “ We are pleased to support their creativity and commitment to building resilient businesses.”
Mike Christiaens of the U-Fill Water Centre in Tillsonburg won the Access to Capital Program Entrepreneur of the Year award. He expanded his business by opening a self-serve location in Paris, acquired an Ingersoll location, and added a third location in Simcoe.
The ’Good for the Soll Music Festival’ with Deb Hulet of the Ingersoll Lions Club took home the Community Economic Development Project of the Year honour. The event received an abundance of praise and recognition for a new initiative last year, drawing nearly 4,000 people to the town for an evening of free music featuring Helix.
Since its inception, the organization has disbursed $27,368,764 in loans and equity to 444 businesses that were starting or growing in the community. This directly impacted 3,363 jobs. Since 1993, CFO has awarded 391 grants totalling $1,385,508.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Alisha Wilson of Transitions Equine Assisted Learning was recently awarded the Community Futures Oxford Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award at a ceremony in Ingersoll.
Live music returns to downtown Woodstock
The City of Woodstock is once again alive with music as Music in the Square returns to Museum Square for summer lunchtime entertainment. Guests are encouraged to visit nearby downtown eateries and bring their meals to the square to
soak in the sounds of summer.
“Music in the Square presents live music in Museum Square every Thursday, weather permitting, from June 19 to August 28,” said Kerry Baird, Downtown Development Officer.
“I know the paper is free, but can I get a subscription anyways?”
Yes. We understand that some people might like the convenience of the Woodstock Ingersoll Echo arriving at their home (located near or far) through Canada Post, so we do have subscriptions available for this purpose. The price for a subscription is $52 plus GST = $54.60.
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“Get a take-out lunch, a special treat of a square or beverage from a downtown business and enjoy the music.”
Music in the Square is part of Woodstock’s commitment to supporting arts, culture, and downtown vibrancy while
giving people a reason to explore and enjoy local businesses. Whether you're downtown for work or just visiting, this weekly event is a great way to make the most of your lunch break.
Steve Adain, better known as Yeager, entertained the crowd while Georgia and Esme enjoyed the lively lunchtime performance in Museum Square.
(RON YUZARK PHOTOS)
Taking in the afternoon entertainment was Shanyn, Gordon, Marty and Nora, enjoying the sights and sounds of Music in the Square.
Campbell Amusements cites financial strain
There had been no prior communication and the last time we had talked to them was at last year’s fair, and they had no concerns at that point. They didn’t even warn us this might be an issue.”
Killing added she was told by the Brantford-based company that over the past few years it was hard for them to put on the type of show they wanted to.
“They overextended themselves as that week they are at the Barrie fair and send rides to the Canadian National Exhibition. So, we were getting their B-rides and they were renting some to bring us because they just didn’t have enough. During COVID, they sold a lot of them, so they have fewer rides now.”
Killing added Campbell Amusements also expressed concern about changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals to fill labour shortages when no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available.
“They were worried about having enough workers to safely run the rides.”
Campbell’s statement to the Echo backs up Killing’s claim.
“It is also unknown if we will be able to participate in the foreign worker program due to recent changes affecting our industry. This will severely limit our ability to safely provide for multiple locations.”
Killing explained the organization reached out to several other midway companies, but they were all booked from August 21 to 24. She added she the search for a new provider was a learning experience.
“There really aren’t many midways left. We thought it would be an easy process to find a new one but figured out quickly that wasn’t the case. Danny from Campbell’s actually tried to help us find another one but everyone was pretty much booked. They have long-standing contracts.”
She explained they haven’t stopped looking for a replacement for this year
and 2026 but added the prospect of providing rides for the kids this year is bleak. Despite that, Killing said there are plenty of attractions to provide a good time for people of all ages.
“We are bringing back many of our regular events. The demolition derby and tractor pull are continuing and Old McDonald’s Barn, where we connect the urban community to the rural community and get up close and personal with some farm animals.”
The event will also feature a petting zoo, a family-friendly train ride, a variety of inflatables, car show and Soper Creek Animal Rescue, a wildlife rehabilitation hospital licensed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and Canadian Wildlife Services. Its mission is to rescue, treat and release sick, injured, orphaned and abandoned native wildlife.
The fair’s theme for 2025 is ‘A Family A’Fair’, and Killing added they are still in search of volunteers and anyone interested will be able to sign up online
at https://www.woodstockfairgrounds. com. A link will also be posted on the organization’s Facebook page.
“We are kind of in a generation now where we don’t like to make phone calls and like to sign up for appointments without having to talk to someone, so we are going to roll out where people can pick a day and time to volunteer. We want them to enjoy their volunteer experience and we think this will help. As usual, admission for all ages to the fair will be free.
Campbell Amusements added it was a tough decision to pull out of the Woodstock Fair.
“The Woodstock Fair and the community have been a part of our company history for the last 50 years, and it was a very difficult decision to make. We thank the fair board and the community for their years of support. We have made sure to let the fair board know that we would be open to returning in the future if anything changes,” explained the company.
IPEX opens new Woodstock distribution centre
across eastern Canada and the United States.
IPEX, a company billing itself as a leader in plastic pipes and fittings, has opened a new distribution centre in Woodstock.
The company recently welcomed representatives from the City of Woodstock including Mayor Acchione, councillors, the Economic Development Office and the Chamber of Commerce, for a grand opening celebration and tour of the facility.
Representing an investment of over $27 million, this facility is purpose-built to support long-term growth within the local region. The 150,000 square foot site includes a traditional warehousing operation as well as a cross-docking function, enabling faster and more efficient movement of goods to IPEX's other distribution centres
“On behalf of the City of Woodstock, I’m proud to welcome IPEX to their newest location here in our community,” said Acchione. “I had the pleasure of touring the impressive new facility, and it’s clear that IPEX brings not only cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities but also a strong commitment to innovation and local job creation. Their investment aligns perfectly with Woodstock’s vision for sustainable growth, and we look forward to a successful partnership for years to come.”
“Our new DC represents another step forward in how we serve our customers,” explained IPEX President and COO Travis Lutes. “By combining scale, speed, and safety, we’re delivering in a way that allows us to provide better service today, with room to grow for tomorrow.”
2024's Pizza Fest brought crowds, fun, and pizza to downtown Ingersoll. With attractions like
music, street
a car show, family-friendly activities, stores open late for shopping, and plenty of pizza, 2025’s festival is shaping up to be even bigger and better. Don’t miss it! See details below.
STAFF
Woodstock Ingersoll Echo
Woodstock Ingersoll Echo SPORTS
Howard sister act helps carry CASS Knights to OFSAA girls’ softball title
JEFF TRIBE Echo Correspondent
Ms. Softball held the alpha and omega of a historic Woodstock College Avenue (CASS) Knights Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) championship season in her potent pitching hand.
The Knights’ Morgan Howard, named Thames Valley Regional Athletics (TVRA) Ms. Softball through a vote by the league’s coaches, threw her team’s first pitch in a TVRA victory over Ingersoll DCI (IDCI) Blue Bombers, May 9 in Woodstock. She also pitched on June 12 in Paris as CASS locked up an OFSAA title with a 9-4 victory over Guelph JF Ross.
Howard’s younger sister Mckenzie started the final, a strategic move by coach Ryan Stafford because core members of the JF Ross squad had seen Morgan pitch four times previously this season in U17 Tier I competition involving Howard’s Waterloo Ghosts and the Guelph Gators.
“She’s (Mckenzie) a Grade 9 kid, ripped 12 strikeouts in the final game, the gold medal game - it’s unheard of. This kid is special, next level.”
The Knights struck early with two runs in their first at-bat, building a 6-0 lead before adding three insurance markers in the home sixth. Offensively, Hannah Ryksen went 2-3 at the plate with three RBI, Emma Colcuc was 1-3 with two RBIs and Payton Jones 2-3 with a triple. The Gators rallied for four runs with one out in the top of the seventh, inducing Stafford to call on his staff ace.
“I brought Morgan in and she closed the door.”
CASS entered the OFSAA final as top
West seed following an eight-team June 4 qualifier. The Knights went 5-0 with wins over London St. Thomas Aquinas, Strathroy, London Lucas, Arva Medway, and in the final, the IDCI Blue Bombers. Guelph and Paris emerged as the top two seeds from a similar OFSAA East qualifier.
College Avenue opened with a 10-0 mercy-rule win over the host Paris team in semi-final action, Morgan Howard giving up one hit across four innings of shutout ball, while helping her own cause with a home run and three RBI. Mckenzie Howard went 2 for 3 with an RBI and Emma Perryman was 2-2 with two RBI. An IDCI squad, which Stafford said continued to build as the season progressed, lost a narrow 3-2 decision to
Guelph in the other semi-final.
The Knights capped a perfect 14-0 wonlost record with the OFSAA final victory in a team effort, said Stafford, with shared support and contributions regardless of whether the players were members of Tier I or house league teams outside of high school.
“It was a team of commitment and heart.”
It was also accomplished with Chloe Jones, headed to The University of Windsor on a softball scholarship next year, on the DL with an MCL injury suffered the previous month.
“The girls rose to the occasion and rose to the challenge.”
The season, the first officially sanctioned by the TVRA, could not have finished up any better, said Stafford.
“It’s only going to get better,” he predicted. “I assume we’ll get more teams and it will keep growing.”
The CASS Knights (assembled at left) defeated Guelph JF Ross (right) by a 9-4 score to capture the OFSAA championship Thursday, June 12 in Paris.
The College Avenue Knights went 5-0 at their OFSAA West qualifier to head into the final as top seed from the region.
The Woodstock College Avenue Knights girls’ softball team captured the Thames Valley Regional Athletics title in London.
CASS Knight Morgan Howard was named TVRA Ms. Softball in a vote by the league’s coaches.
(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
Ella Shelton coming ‘home’ via trade to Toronto Sceptres
JEFF TRIBE Echo Correspondent
Ella Shelton’s home games will be a lot closer to her Foldens-area roots, family, friends and fans in the 2025-26 PWHL season.
The Toronto Sceptres acquired the 2024 First Team All-Star from the New York Sirens in exchange for their third and 27th overall picks in this year’s entry draft. The price the Sceptres paid to acquire Shelton is indicative of her abilities and both organizations’ high opinion of the same.
The 27-year-old is considered among the league’s elite defenders, winning gold medals with Team Canada at the 2021, 2022 and 2024 Women’s World Championships, along with a 2022 Olympic gold.
The first thing that ran through Shelton’s head upon being informed of the trade was the fact she’d be closer to her home community and its fan base, a comparatively short hour-and-a-half drive down the 401, 403 and Queen E and Gardiner Expressway.
“That’s really exciting,” said Shelton, who has always appreciated enthusiastic support, including that from girls’ hockey teams in the area. “I’m sure we’ll see a few more at a game.”
Shelton’s career informally began during street hockey competition with brothers Jesse, Jack and Maxx, progressing to the Ingersoll Express, onward with the London Devilettes and through to two
NCAA National titles and captaincy with Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York.
Drafted fourth overall by New York in the inaugural PWHL draft, Shelton scored the league’s first goal, finishing with seven markers and 14 assists in her first professional season. She added eight goals and eight helpers last year, her contributions continuing to be recognized via the ‘A’ of assistant captain sewn on her number 17 jersey.
Shelton loved her two years in New York, thoroughly appreciating the opportunity to compete professionally fulltime, a job description essentially requiring playing with friends in a game she loves.
“Pretty sweet 9-to-5 job when you get to do exactly what you want,” she laughed.
Understanding the business side of professional sports, Shelton is also embracing the positives attendant upon her change of scenery.
“I’m excited for something new in a different city.”
Shelton is highly respected for her performance on the ice and ongoing contributions and support in her home and area communities. She hinted those efforts will certainly continue, if not expand, and people may see a different side of Ella as her tenure in Toronto unfolds.
“I’m really excited to be here, get going with the season and work with this team,” she concluded.
Foldens-area PWHL hockey star Ella Shelton (front and centre) was dealt to the Toronto Sceptres by the New York Sirens in exchange for the third and 27th overall picks in the 2025-26 draft.
Ella Shelton, pictured here in a post-game interview, will be playing much closer to Foldens-area family, friends and fans following a trade from the New York Sirens to Toronto Sceptres.
(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
(PWHL PHOTO)
Ella Shelton, pictured here on a line change, will be suiting up this season with the PWHL’s Toronto Sceptres.
Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club benefits from Trillium grant
LEE GRIFFI
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club has received a much-needed funding boost after the announcement of a $50,200 capital grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF).
Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman was on hand at the Finkle Street location to make the announcement.
“Congratulations to the Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club on receiving this well-deserved Ontario Trillium Grant. This funding will help preserve a valued community space and ensure that generations to come can continue to enjoy the sport. I want to thank all the volunteers and members whose dedication keeps this tradition thriving right here in Oxford.”
The grant was instrumental in allowing the facility to update its old electrical system, replace entrance steps that were deteriorating and purchase new equipment for maintaining the lawn bowling greens.
“These upgrades will give our community improved access to the game of lawn bowls and events at the Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club for years to come. We will
have the opportunity to host regional and provincial championships due to our fantastic greens and upgraded facility,” said club president Lorraine McLean.
“The impact of this Ontario government grant cannot be overstated. This grant has allowed the needed renovations to be made,” she added. “The facility with electrical upgrade is more cost efficient, and the replacement of the entrance steps is safer, and the new lawn equipment helps us keep our greens at a high-quality standard. We are very thankful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Ontario Government for this wonderful grant.”
The Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club is committed to preserving the clubhouse and the lawn bowling green so the com-
munity can enjoy lawn bowling as a sport for many years. If you wish to enquire about the Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club or hosting an event, please visit its website at www.woodstocklawnbowling. ca. The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105 million into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment.
The Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club received a provincial government grant of over $50,000 last week. On hand for the presentation were, left to right, Liz Wismer-Van Meer (Woodstock City Councillor representing the Mayor), Lorraine McLean (Woodstock Lawn Bowling Club President), Michelle Beauchamp (Ontario Trillium Foundation Representative), and Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
SHOPPING LIVE MUSIC
ART FOOD GAMES VENDORS
ENTERTAINMENT
BUSKERS ROCK CLIMBING
FOAM PARTY MAGIC
DRINKS LAUGHS PHOTOS
JULY 18 - 19
New members, shared goals: Building a stronger voice for Ontario agriculture
CATHY LENNON General Manager, Ontario Federation of Agriculture
At the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), we’re very proud of the fact that we represent farmers across the province. There are three general farm organizations in Ontario – groups like ours that represent farmers regardless of where they farm in the province or what they produce – and every year, farmers can choose which organization they would like to belong to.
OFA currently has about 38,000 members who are farms of all sizes and production types, from small market gardeners right through to large grain farmers trading grain on futures markets. This makes us unique among Ontario farm and agriculture organizations, as does the fact that we have members in every single corner of the province, making us truly representative of the diversity of our farming and food production.
There are several ways that farmers, farm businesses and agricultural organizations can hold a membership in the OFA. The most common membership options are the Farm Business Registration and Individual Farm Membership.
Less well known is that OFA’s membership also includes more than 30 Ontario commodity and agricultural organizations – from hazelnut growers to dairy farmers – who share our belief in the strength of partnerships and working together towards achieving common goals.
I’m proud to say that in recent months, we’ve been able to welcome three new commodity members to OFA: Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Goat and Ontario Broiler Hatching Egg and Chick Commission.
Every new member brings new perspectives to the OFA that help us gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of our sector and the diverse needs of our members. While we value and respect their roles and the leadership they provide for their specific commodity or sector of agriculture, their membership in OFA gives the broader industry the opportunity to leverage collaboration and where it’s appropriate, especially on common priorities.
All farmers, regardless of what type of farming they are in, face challenges
with land use planning, taxation, environmental legislation, labour or research coordination, for example.
Respondents to the OFA’s 2024 Farm Business Confidence survey identified farm taxes as the top issue affecting their business, followed by energy costs. Protecting the right of property access and encouraging Ontarians to buy local food also ranked highly. In Northern Ontario, compensation for wildlife damage continues to be a leading priority.
By working together through OFA, we can see big picture trends, issues and opportunities across the spectrum and try to create, propose and support advocacy and programming that will help ensure the success and sustainability of all farmers.
Insurance is one such example. The high cost and inconsistency of insurance coverage affects a wide range of farmers and farm products in different ways. Heavy snow load in winter months can cause a barn or farm building to collapse. Christmas tree farmers and maple syrup producers who experience ice
storm damage may not be eligible for crop insurance compensation. And farmers across the province are dealing with frustrating wildlife damage and losses to crops and livestock from sandhill cranes in the north and coyotes in the east to deer in the southwest.
OFA has the unique ability to take this collective member experience forward to insurers and government and propose workable solutions to address the gaps.
Another issue where collaboration has really helped identify the differing needs of Ontario’s various agricultural sectors is around interprovincial trade. On the surface, eliminating trade barriers seems like a good idea but it’s not until we began delving more deeply into the issue that we began to realize that, like so many things in agriculture, this is a complex situation that’s not as simple as first thought.
For apples, for example, what may appear as an interprovincial trade barrier actually protects Ontario farmers from having their markets disrupted by lower priced fruit from other areas. Addition-
ally, rules and regulations limiting the movement of plants and trees between provinces may provide protection against bringing new diseases into Ontario.
OFA advocacy efforts work to ensure that farm voices are at the table so that sectors needs are identified and addressed and that there are no unintended consequences for agriculture.
It’s by working together collaboratively on these common priorities that we can help make a difference for farmers, and as organizations, support each others’ advocacy and outreach efforts.
We are committed to working with our members – from organizations representing the interests of Ontario’s next generation of farmers and francophone farmers to large and small commodity organizations, farm-related businesses and farmers’ markets – to strengthen and grow the Ontario agriculture sector.
For more information, contact: Tyler Brooks Director of Communications and Stakeholder Relations Ontario Federation of Agriculture 519-994-2578 comms@ofa.on.ca
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Route to the Past – For King and Country
SCOTT GILLIES
Company Sergeant Major Grainger was 44 years old when he enlisted in the Oxford’s Own Battalion in January of 1916. Born in Birmingham England, he already had many years of military service experience. He had served in India and the South African War, as a member of the English Border Regiment before emigrating to Canada and settling in In
gersoll.
He and his wife, the former Frances Poole, lived on Victoria Street and later King Hiram Street before the Great War while he worked as a shipping clerk for the Ingersoll Packing Company. His mother Elizabeth Grainger was living in Toronto and was listed as his next of kin at the time of his attestation.
In October of 1916, a few days before the 168th Battalion departed for England, the people of Ingersoll held a special celebration in the Presbyterian and Methodist churches. The crowd gathered in the auditorium of the King Street church where all the members of “B” Company from Ingersoll were presented with a $5 gold coin. This was followed by short speeches of best wishes and safe journeys given by all the town’s clergy, with reciprocal words of thanks being expressed by Major Tom Gibson and Sergeant Grainger.
Shortly after the 168th Battalion arrived in England, Austin was promoted to the rank of Acting Sergeant in November 1916. In January the following year, he was transferred to the 2nd Canadian Labour Battalion, and he reverted to the rank of Private, only to be promoted to Acting Corporal a week later. In November of 1917, the 2nd Labour Battalion was renamed the 12th Battalion Railway Troops, and he was once again promoted to that of Acting
Sergeant. Within four months he was appointed Company Quarter Master Sergeant and by July of 1918 he was confirmed as Company Sergeant Major with corresponding pay.
He survived the war relatively unscathed. Scars on his body were due to previous wounds received while a young man; scars like the gunshot wound to the thigh while stationed in India with the Border Regiment.
Having been demobilised in 1919, he was able to return home and take an ac -
tive role in the community as president of the local branch of the Great War Veterans Association in 1920. He was a long-time member of Branch 119 of the Royal Canadian Legion, an honorary member of the Oxford Rifles Officers’ Mess, and a supporter of the Big Eight Society for years. He also found gainful employment for the next 27 years as a messenger for the Bank of Montreal. He and Frances, and her sister Elizabeth Poole, were living together in the 1930s. During the Royal Tour of Canada by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, Austin Grainger was the Parade Marshall of all the veterans who marched to the Ingersoll CNR train station on June 7, 1939, when the royal couple stopped for a few minutes in Ingersoll. (He may
be the veteran in the light-coloured suit behind the King in the accompanying photograph.)
In 1942, Austin enjoyed a bit more luck. He had purchased the winning ticket in a local fundraising campaign to support the Queen’s Air Raid Victims Relief Fund. That August, he was presented the keys to a brand-new Plymouth – the first car that Grainger ever owned.
His luck finally gave out four years later. Austin Grainger passed away suddenly at his home, 226 Thames Street North, on February 26, 1946. He was interred in the Ingersoll Rural Cemetery on March 1st of that year. He was 74. Lest we forget.
Route2thepast@gmail.com
Contributor
Royal Walkabout, Ingersoll. June 7, 1939.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Zorra Township News
Zorra Council briefs: Senior and volunteer of the year awarded
This year’s Senior and Volunteer of the Year awards went to people who have been dedicated to making the community a better place when others might have said “that’s not my job,” according to Zorra Township Mayor Marcus Ryan.
Nancy Smibert from Kintore was honoured as 2025’s Senior of the Year, as awarded by Zorra Township Council on June 18. Right after, the Brown’s Corners Community Group was awarded the Volunteer of the Year designation.
As Ryan said, Smibert may be seen around town at any given moment collecting garbage from roadways and ditches.
“Is it her’s? No, it’s anybody’s. It’s our garbage, everybody’s garbage,” Ryan said. “Everybody who goes to Tim Hortons and then just throws it out on 23rd Line, or 15th Line or whatever, into the ditch, and Nancy goes around and she picks it all up and cleans up all of our roadways everywhere she rides her bike and has for years. Nobody asked her to do that. She just said it should be done. I she do it. And she did.”
Like Smibert, Ryan explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic many citizens, especially in the northern part of the township, struggled with staying connected to their community. With a lack of local media, Brown’s Corners Community Group decided to create a weekly e-newsletter to keep their neighbours informed and connected.
“And again, it is due to a group of people who just said, ‘We're going to do what needs to be done,’” Ryan reiterated. “They didn't ask for permission from anybody. They didn't ask for money from anybody. They just said, our community needs this. Let's make it happen.”
Each year, township council awards citizens of the community for doing their part in making Zorra a better place to live, based on the nominations of citizens from across the township.
Asset management plan update adopted by council
Council formally adopted the 2025 asset
management plan (AMP). The whole plan, which is updated and improved upon yearly, itemizes all of the township’s $338 million assets and categorizes their condition and replacement costs.
There are six groups of assets: the largest transportation services at $134.9 million, bridges and culverts at $101.4 million, facilities at $69.2 million, urban stormwater at $20.1 million, the fire department at $8.5 million, and recreation services at $3.9 million.
To fully fund the timely maintenance and replacement of said assets, an annual investment of $6.73 million is required, though an annual target of $5 million is recommended. This year’s capital contribution from the township is $3.45 million, leaving a $1.55 million deficit.
To curb that shortfall, a two per cent tax levy increase would be required, though Coun. Paul Mitchell suggested that when it comes time to do the 2026 budget, council and staff may have other options. He suggested utilizing the funds already collected from taxpayers and in reserve to address shortfalls in the AMP – although he acknowledged that it is still early days.
“I think it’s something we have to look at,” Mitchell said. “…We got to increase the capital levy by two per cent before we even talk about anything else. If we can find another way to reduce that, that’s what I’m trying to get across.”
Coun. Katie Grigg, like all the councillors
around the horseshoe, praised staff for their diligence, and reminded the public that the way the township keeps its assets updated is a continuum that spans multiple generations of taxpayers, and everyone has a part to play.
“If my kids are playing on the playground that someone else paid for, we should be paying the appropriate amount, so that we all contribute and we all benefit from all the things. And I think this is the closest we've been to getting to that point of the appropriate funding.”
Regardless of how council decides to fund its assets, Coun. Kevin Stewart, citing a news article on the large gap in funding for the City of Hamilton’s assets, said that the AMP is a vital document for the municipality’s long-term success.
“It highlights the importance of having this data, and it's a starting point,” Stewart said. “It's already very accurate … But I was encouraged as well, as you were going through the report, that every year there's plans to make improvements to it and to make necessary changes … It's meant to be that live document that gets updated every single year. So, I think it's an amazing document, an amazing tool.”
The update was adopted by council unanimously, save for Coun. Crystal Finch who was absent that meeting.
The entire plan is available on the township’s website.
CONNOR LUCZKA
Echo Correspondent
Zorra Township Mayor Marcus Ryan awards council’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year award to Jim Conn, Lynne Dietrich and John Uren, representatives of Brown’s Corners Community Group on June 18.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Nancy Smibert is this year’s Senior of the Year.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Zorra Township receives provincial grant to upgrade community centres
LEE GRIFFI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Ontario government is investing just under $500,000 to protect jobs and upgrade two recreation facilities in Oxford. Just over half of that money will go towards much-needed improvements in Zorra.
The township will receive $259,667 to upgrade aging refrigeration components and lighting at the Embro Zorra Community Centre and Thamesford District Recreation Centre, enhancing energy efficiency, improving safety and ensuring optimal conditions for ice sports.
The investments are part of the province’s $200 million Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF), a provincewide initiative that helps communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living across Ontario.
Deputy Mayor Katie Grigg said it’s exciting news for the township.
“These funding streams are highly competitive, so we are very fortunate to have been successful with our applications. Our recreation facilities are such important hubs in our communities, as they are in all municipalities. Beyond just places we go to play sports and attend events, they are vital to gathering, forming connections, building supports between each other, and the facilitator of what makes these places the best places to call home.”
Both Zorra recreation centres, in Embro and Thamesford, are aging and the township is facing tax pressures to keep them reliable for residents, as well as identifying areas for improvement to be more energy efficient.
“This grant funding will help ensure we are able to stay active, keep gathering, and not feel the stress on our tax levy that is already under the pressures of so many other rising costs,” added Grigg.
“Investing in local recreation facilities is an investment in the health and well-being of our communities,” said Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford. “I’m proud that our government is providing nearly $500,000 to support upgrades in Oxford. These improvements will ensure that families, youth, and seniors have safe, modern spaces to stay active and connected.”
The province said it received over $1.2 billion in applications from across the province in what was a highly competitive grant application process.
“I have a background in fundraising and grant writing, however, I don't think that specific experience is necessary,” said Sofia Caldwell, the township’s manager of recreation and facilities. “Staff need to have a solid understanding of the project's need, value and alignment to the funder's goal to create a compelling case. There are also external professional grant writers available to support this work.”
The total cost for all projects is approximately $500,000 spread across Zorra’s 2025-2027 capital budgets. If projects come under budget, funds will return to reserves to be used for other high-priority initiatives and asset replacements.
“The Thamesford District Recreation Centre and Embro Zorra Community Centre are reaching their 100th anniversary, and while there have been significant renovations over the years, they now face critical capital needs to ensure the continued delivery of reliable and safe programming,” explained Caldwell.
“Our refrigeration equipment has reached the end of its useful life, leading to an increased risk of system failure and service disruption, and the lighting in our parking lots is insufficient and poses safety and accessibility risks.”
Our patrons will experience consistently high-quality ice conditions, enhancing sports, figure skating, and public skating experiences as well as improved parking lot lighting which will contribute to a greater sense of safety and accessibility.
Caldwell added the township is grateful to the province for investing in the community and recognizing the importance of providing rural communities with access to high-quality recreational opportunities.
“These projects will ensure that our two centres can remain a place for our community to gather and be active together for years to come, while also reducing the environmental impact.”
“At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support organizations focused on delivering better services for people while breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for children and young people,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.”
CSRIF is a key part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario workers, businesses and families by unleashing the economy and getting more shovels in the ground, with a historic $200 billion investment to build highways, hospitals, transit, schools and other critical infrastructure across the province.
Highland Games bring thousands to Embro
The 86th Embro Highland Games took place on Canada Day at the Embro Zorra Community Centre. Attendees gathered throughout the day to enjoy a vibrant celebration of Scottish heritage, music, and community spirit. This year’s event featured an expanded lineup of pipe bands, including Grade 2 pipe bands joining the traditional Grades 3, 4, and 5 ensembles, along with a performance from the Ingersoll Pipe Band. A new addition to the games saw Highland Dancing moved indoors to the arena, offering dancers and spectators a more comfortable space to enjoy the competitions. The “Wee Highlanders” play area, a collaborative initia-
tive with the Embro and Zorra Agricultural Society, delighted young families throughout the day. Another popular new feature included live Celtic fiddle music in the Great Hall during the morning, culminating in a massed fiddle performance at noon. Long-time games supporter and former president Geoff Innes took on a new role as Volunteer Coordinator, helping to lead a dedicated team of volunteers who made the event a success. With strong community involvement, engaging entertainment, and a celebration of Scottish culture, the 86th Embro Highland Games proved to be a memorable and well-attended event.
Clan Donald prepared to enter the grounds and proudly display their colors.
(RON YUZARK PHOTOS)
Attendees enjoyed the variety of food options available from the vendors.
Clan Hunter eagerly awaited their turn to enter the grounds and join the festivities.
COMING EVENTS
CANADIAN HARVARD AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION OPEN HOUSE & FLY DAYS
July 5 (Rain Date: July 6)
August 16 (Rain Date: August 17)
Sept 13 – Wings & Wheels
All event dates take place from 9am – 4pm Tillsonburg Regional Airport
Join us for our Open House & Fly Days during our special 40th anniversary season. These monthly family-friendly outdoor events are always FREE and offer the opportunity to see our collection of Harvard aircraft up close, tour our hangars, explore restoration projects, purchase souvenirs, and best of all, purchase a flight! Pre-booking your flight experience is recommended by contacting crewflights@harvards.com. On July 5th, Join us for a very special Open House & Fly Day that will officially celebrate our special 40th anniversary! This FREE family-friendly outdoor event will offer lots of fun and entertainment and we invite you to be a part of it. As with all our Open Houses, visitors will have the opportunity to see our collection of Harvard aircraft up close, tour our hangars, explore restoration projects, purchase souvenirs, and best of all, purchase a flight! Pre-booking your flight experience is recommended by contacting crewflights@ harvards.com.
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.
SACRED HEART PARISH EUCHRE
We invite everyone to join us for a Euchre afternoon.
It will be held in Henderson Hall 133 John Street Ingersoll.
Tuesday July 8 start at 1:00 pm. Refreshments provided.
For more info call or text Martha 519-3200785
ANNUAL SOUTH GATE STREETFEST CAR CRUISE
Downtown Woodstock
Sunday, July 20, 9 am - 2 pm Free Admission for Spectators
SACRED HEART PARISH EUCHRE
We invite everyone to join us for a Euchre afternoon.
It will be held in Henderson Hall 133 John Street Ingersoll.
Tuesday July 22 start at 1:00 pm. Refreshments provided.
For more info call or text Martha 519-3200785
INGERSOLL & DISTRICT
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
Join us for a FREE PARADE OF OPEN GARDENS
Sunday, July 13, 2025, 1:00 -- 4:00 P.M.
A list of addresses for these 5 or 6 gardens will be available at the Thames St. Gazebo downtown from 11:30 --1:00 on that Sunday. These Gardens are being opened FREE for public viewing.
No strings attached; no liabilities accepted.
GARAGE SALE
Church of the Epiphany Woodstock Ont July 18 from 10 am - 5 pm July 19 from 9 am-3 pm Homemade tarts, plus something for everyone please bring your own bag.
PIZZA FEST
Thursday July 24, 2025 4 pm - 8:30 pm
Downtown Ingersoll
Live Music - Rated Blue, Street Performers, Vendors, Car Show, Stores Open Late, Children's Activities, and of course Pizza! Seating available. Free Admission - Food Tickets: $1 ea. Pizza Slice: 3 Tickets Pop/ Drink: 1 Ticket. Proceeds to local charities. Visit us on FB: Ingersoll BIA
MONTHLY VON BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC
10 AM To Noon
At the Ingersoll Pharmasave 19 King St. E., Ingersoll Last Tuesday of every Month
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.
GRIEF SUPPORT FOR MAID RELATED LOSS
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 will meet the 4th Wednesday of the month from 1 –2:30 p.m. at the Thamesford Library, 165 Dundas St., Thamesford. The group is free of charge and pre-registration is requested. To register or inquire about an evening group, contact Faye Brekelmans at 519-866-3016 or email faye@compassionategriefsupport.ca.
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.
VON OXFORD GRIEF CARE: FREE MONTHLY GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Register at: oxford.griefsupport@von.ca or 519-539-1231 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.
OXFORD COUNTY BRANCH OF ONTARIO ANCESTORS
Are you looking to start a summer pastime? Are you interested in your family history? Oxford Branch has an extensive collection of family history and genealogical resources that can help you. Come visit our Resource Centre at 82 Light Street, Courthouse Square, Woodstock. We are open Tuesdays to Thursdays 10:00 am to 4:00 pm where volunteers are ready to help you get started or help you research for missing information. You can also connect with us on the web at https://oxford.ogs.on.ca. We are dedicated to supporting and promoting genealogical research in Oxford County. Hope to see you through the summer!
FOOD TRUCKS AT GRACE UNITED CHURCH, TAVISTOCK
July 7, 2025 from 4:30-7:30 Crystal's Fries, El Milagro, Pablas Street of India, Moreish Ice Cream Donations to Tavistock Medical Clinic
July 14, 2025 from 4:30-7:30
Berlin 95, Ish n Chips, Fo'Cheezy Donations to Camp Bimini
July 21, 2025 from 4:30-7:30
S.W.A.T, El Milagro, Serial Grillers, Beavertails Donations to Maples Retirement Home Family Council
July 28, 2025 from 4:30-7:30 Born2Eat, Wild Boar, Los Rolling Tacos Donations to Grace United Church
August 4, 2025 from 4:30-7:30 Wing Monster, Wild Boar, Ish n Chips Donations to Camp Bimini
August 11, 2025 from 4:30-7:30
Pablas Street of India, Serial Griller, S.W.A.T Donations to Tavistock Medical Clinic
August 18, 2025 from 4:30-7:30 Crystal's Fries, Ish n Chips, Fo'Cheezy Donations to Tavistock Agricultural Society
August 25, 2025 from 4:30-7:30
Berlin 95, Born2Eat, Los Rolling Tacos, Beavertails Donations to Grace United Church
ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 55 EVENTS: 642 Dundas St, Woodstock
BRANCH EXECUTIVE MEETING July 10th at 7pm.
NO GENERAL MEETING THIS MONTH.
CLOSED ON JULY 1ST AND JULY 15TH.
CANTEEN CLOSED ON FRIDAYS Unless we have a function. Office we will be open in the mornings.
MEAT DRAW
July 5th at 3pm.
SHUFFLEBOARD 3pm every Thursday
SUMMER DART LEAGUES Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the odd Wednesday.
EVENING ENTERTAINMENT EVERY SATURDAY
July 5th - DJ Wizard (Gord Bell) 7-11pm
July 12th - Allen James 1-4pm
July 12th - Blue Sky 7-11pm
July 19th - 2 For the Road 7-11pm
July 26th - Randy Thomas 7-11pm
SUMMER DINNER
July 27th 5-6pm
Hamburger or Sausage on Bun with Potato Salad/Corn on Cob Including Dessert, per Person Pre-Order no later then July 22nd. Call the Legion for more details 519-537-3112 or 519-539-3401.
HURON PARK BAPTIST CHURCH EVENTS: 199 Berwick St, Woodstock
PANCAKES AT NIGHT
7 – 9 p.m., July 7 and for the 6 weeks following
A youth Alpha program - discussions about faith, Jesus and Christianity. Please free to come to some or all of them.
BASKETBALL POWER CAMP
August 18-22 9 am-12:50 pm Ages: 5-14
Call the church 519-421-4722 for Registration details.
DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK BIA IMPORTANT DATES:
MUSIC IN THE SQUARE
Every Thursday Until August 28
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
COMING EVENTS
businesses or bring your own and enjoy live bands and musicians.
DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK SHOPPING NIGHT
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 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.
CEDARVIEW RETIREMENT LIVING EVENTS: 511 Finkle St, Woodstock, ON
3RD ANNUAL WHEELS OF HONOUR AT CEDARVIEW RETIREMENT
HOME
Presented by The Ontario Military Vehicle Association
Saturday July 12th 11am-3PM
Please bring a non parishable food item for the food bank. Toddsdogs Food Truck, Dance in Style Performing at 11-11:30am Ingersoll Pipe Band from 12-1pm All are welcome
FREE PRESENTATION WITH BROCK & VISSER END OF LIFE OPTIONS
July 17th at 2:30pm-4pm
Cedarview Retirement Home Embalming & Tools, Organ Donation, Cremation vs Water Cremation and more. RSVP at 519-602-0282
SOUTH GATE CENTRE EVENTS: www.southgatectr.com or 519-539-9817
ELVIS IN HAWAII
July 4th @ 7:30-8:30pm
With Roy Leblanc. $20.00 a ticket. RSVP at Cedarview Retirement Home
Bring a nonperishable food item. All are welcome
FALLSVIEW CASINO
Friday, July 18 and Friday, September 19: 9 am – 6 pm
South Gate Centre Bus Trip
Members pricing and non-members pricing.
DAY IN PORT DOVER
Wednesday, September 10: 10 am – 5:30 pm
South Gate Centre Bus Trip
Lunch at Erie Beach Hotel, Lighthouse Theatre’s “Here on the Flight Path,” travel by luxury motorcoach. Members pricing and nonmembers pricing.
BLUE JAYS VS. TAMPA BAY
Saturday, September 27: 11:30 am – 8 pm
South Gate Centre Bus Trip
Members pricing and non-members pricing.
Weekend Quiz
1. What is the former name of Canada Day?
2. Which Canadian singer is the best-selling French language artist of all time?
3. What year were women granted the right to vote in federal elections in Canada?
4. Which province is the dish Poutine from?
5. What is the largest great lake?
By Jake Grant
6. What is the national animal of Canada?
7. When was "O Canada" established as the national anthem?
8. Which aerobatics flight demonstration squadron performs on Canada Day?
Oxford County has initiated a harmonized Environmental Assessment (EA) Study for the Oxford Road 4 and Oxford Road 15 (Parkinson Road) intersection to review the intersection configuration, traffic operations, and safety.
The 2024 Transportation Master Plan study recommended the implementation of upgrades and improvements to this intersection to accommodate anticipated traffic growth over the next 25 years.
The purpose of this study is to:
• Identify and evaluate alternatives to improve the Oxford Road 4 and Oxford Road 15 intersection;
• Select a preferred solution and evaluate a preferred design concept;
• Complete and document the Class EA Study in accordance with the Municipal and MTO provincial documents;
• Engage interested parties and the public; and,
• Meet the County’s vision “to provide a safe, efficient and sustainable multi-model transportation network.”
About the process
The project is being completed as a Schedule “C” project in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (2024) and a Group “C” MTO Class Environmental Assessment (2024), approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.
Upon completion of this study, an Environmental Study Report documenting the process will be submitted to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and made available for public review for a minimum period of 30 calendar days.
We want to hear from you
Consultation with stakeholders is a key component of the study process and input will be sought throughout the study. A second Public Consultation Centre (PCC) is being held to provide an update on study progress, including alternative design concepts and evaluation criteria for selecting the preferred design concept, and the preliminary recommended design.
The Public Consultation Centre will be held: Thursday, July 10, 2025 Drop in: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Oxford County Administration Building - Lobby 21 Reeve Street, Woodstock
To learn more about the project, provide comments and ask questions, or be added to the study mailing list, visit the study website at www.speakup.oxfordcounty.ca/or4-15 or reach out to one of the project contacts below.
All comments received through the course of the study will be considered and documented in the Environmental Study Report as part of the public record.
Project contacts
Harry Goossens, P.Eng. Project Engineer, Oxford County 1-800-755-0394 ext. 3028 hgoossens@oxfordcounty.ca
Martin Van Haren, P.Eng. Project Engineer, R.V. Anderson Associates Limited 519-681-9916 ext. 5047 mvanharen@rvanderson.com
This notice issued on June 26, 2025.
OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO: Canada: the best destination anywhere
O, Canada! What a wonderful country!
In this week in which we give particular attention to Canada, I again realize how grateful I am to have been born and raised in this, perhaps the best country in the world.
I know Canada is not perfect. We have a horrendous record in our treatment of Indigenous Peoples, and in spite of some important steps being made in this area, there is still much to be done.
But while we have significant flaws, this is still an amazing country. And I have been very fortunate, having been able to visit eight of our ten provinces within the past year. Every stop, from Cape Breton Island to Elk Ridge, Saskatchewan, left me feeling grateful and a bit awe-struck.
So here, during Canada Day week, I invite you to make a flying trip across much of our country. Newfoundland and Labrador: like almost anyone who visits our newest province, I fell in love with The Rock. I was gob-smacked by the stunning shorelines, and quickly smitten with the warmth of the Newfoundland people. And, of course, there is the music, always
the music. St. John’s is one of the most visitable cities I have ever been in – the shops, restaurants and pubs exude hospitality, not to mention the nearby villages like Quidi Vidi. I am going back, and soon.
Nova Scotia: Don’t try to do the whole province – you’ll either miss a lot, or rush madly through everything. There are several regions each worth your holiday time, and I love them all. Last summer, we spent several days on Cape Breton, enjoying every second. We also dropped into Halifax for a couple of days, and freely admit that was not nearly enough.
My previous trip to Nova Scotia was spent at the south-west tip, in Yarmouth and the Acadian district, and that is a perfect destination for a visit lasting week or two – there is so much heritage to discover, lobster and scallops to eat, golf to play, boats to sail… maybe, like my friend Richard, you will visit and never come back!
New Brunswick: New Brunswick has become one of my favourite destinations. It’s a province of unique, quirky, fascinating attractions, ranging from the Railway Interpretation Centre in Edmunston, the labour of love of railway devotee Guy LaForge; to the Maxim Albert House-Museum, celebrating bootlegging in Saint-Hilaire where you’ll meet Reg Nadeau, the local expert; to Potato World, in Florenceville-Bristol. And that’s just a small sample; New Brunswick is knee-deep in off-the-beaten-path attractions all worth a visit.
Prince Edward Island: Yes, there are all things “Anne”, but there is so much more. Great beaches, great golf, great food, and great theatre. Also, charming coastal villages, and like everywhere in the Maritimes, marvellous live music, feasts for the ears. As for feasts for the appetite, PEI is home
to the astonishing
at
Inn at Bay Fortune. Expensive but exquisite! Québec: You could travel Québec constantly, and never take it all in. La Belle Province has so many richly rewarding districts. Three that we have enjoyed last year or two were the Eastern Townships, with quaint villages, dark sky experiences, and terrific food and local wines; the southern Laurentians, where exploring the foodie trail – le Chemin du Terroir – provided one of the mosr delicious days of my life; and the Saguenay, a strikingly beautiful region along the unique fjord.
Ontario: Sure, we all know Ontario – or do we? When was the last time you spent time in Kingston and Gananoque, or Ottawa, or Sault Ste. Marie, or … you get my point. A recent highlight for me was a visit focused on the water-
fronts of Kingston and Gan, where I learned about fresh-water diving, great lakes luxury liners, and the challenge faced by Thousand Islands tourism promoters who have always collaborated with their American colleagues – not so easy, in today’s political environment.
Manitoba: Winnipeg is an overlooked destination that deserves far better. This city is home to the absolutely essential Canadian Museum of Human Rights; the amazing Winnipeg Art Gallery collection of traditional and modern Inuit art; and most recently, The Leaf, a new attraction featuring gigantic tropical and Mediterranean biomes. The Leaf is located in the wonderful Assiniboine Park, and close to “The Forks” – the shopping, dining and entertainment area located at the forks of the Assiniboine and Red Rivers.
Saskatchewan: My June visit to
Saskatchewan was the first time I had stayed in the province. It was quickly apparent that ignoring this province was a big mistake. Saskatoon is a vibrant, interesting city, and I got the change to explore the countryside north of Saskatoon, on a golf trip that took me all the way to Prince Albert National Park. The landscape ranged from prairie to wetlands to something darned close to mountainous… and all beautiful.
So, yes, I am grateful for the opportunity to explore our wonderful country. In every good way I can imagine, there is no place like home.
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.
PAUL KNOWLES
Echo Contributor
Fireworks Feast
Chef Michael Smith’s
The historic town of Shelburne, Nova Scotia, often used as a setting for television and films.
Lobster fishers off the coast of Newfoundland.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
The covered bridge in Florenceville, New Brunswick, "the French Fry Capital of the World".
I
Joke
I don’t have lungs, but I need air. I don’t have a mouth, but I drown in water. What am I?
Fire
I’m not alive, but I grow. I don’t have eyes, but I show. What am I?
Shadow
The more you take away from me, the bigger I get. What am I?
Hole
You’ll find me in school, but I’m not a student. I’m full of words, but I never speak. What am I?
Book
I have a face and hands, but no mouth or eyes. What am I?
Clock
I’m always ahead of you but never seen. What am I?
Future
I’m tall when I’m young and short when I’m old. What am I?
Candle
Nature in July Word Search
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
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)
