Simcoe Advocate - January 1st, 2026

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January 1, 2026

Simcoe Advocate

Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce ‘Excellence in Business’ awards presented at gala CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

The Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce announced its Outstanding Business Award winners at their Annual Business Achievement Awards Gala on Nov. 13 at the Delhi German Home, and its Citizen of the Year.

“Our Annual Business Awards Gala is about celebration - celebrating work, energy, creativity, resilience, community spirit, and the people behind the success stories that keep our local economy strong and define Norfolk,” said Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce President Renee VanKooten. “Each nominee represents dedication not only to business excellence, but also to community leadership, service, and growth. Events like this remind us that success does not happen in isolation – it’s built on relationships, on collaboration, encouragement and a shared belief in what’s possible when we work together.

“Our members, sponsors, partners and guests, your continued support makes this evening – and the work that we do throughout the year – possible. Let’s take a moment to be proud. Proud of our businesses, proud of our community, and proud that we continue to grow together.”

“Tonight we gather to celebrate the heart of our community – the entrepreneurs, the employers, innovators, volunteers, and dreamers who make Norfolk County such a vibrant place to live and work,” said MPP Bobbi Ann Brady, congratulating all nominees. “Whether your business employs five people or 500, you are part of something much larger. A collective effort that drives opportunity, creates jobs and keeps our main streets and industrial parks alive with possibility.

“The past few years have tested every business owner in ways we couldn’t have imagined, as well as our volunteer organizations,” said Brady. “But what stands out tonight is not the struggle, it’s the perseverance. You adapted, you reimagined, and you kept showing up for your employees, and your customers.

That’s what true community leadership looks like.”

The Simcoe & District Chamber of

Commerce has long been a champion of that spirit, said Brady, connecting people and building partnerships and ensuring local businesses have a strong, united voice.

“Your advocacy, your mentoring and your promotion of local enterprise help ensure that our area remains a great place to do business and a great place to call home.”

“It is incredible to be able to be here with you to celebrate outstanding achievements, our local businesses, organizations and community leaders,” said Alan Duthie, Norfolk Ward 5 Councillor and November’s Deputy Mayor, speaking on behalf of Norfolk council and Mayor Amy Martin.

“Events like this truly remind us that the strength of our community really does lie in the people,” said Duthie. “The people who show up every day – the innovators, the entrepreneurs, the volunteers, and the visionaries that make Norfolk County a great place to live, to work and to grow.

“Congratulations, this is a really big deal,” said Duthie, congratulating all nominees. “And I hope that you feel that way. I hope that you know that we’re all in this room together tonight to really celebrate you and what you bring to our community. Your hard work, your dedication and your community spirit truly inspires us. So thank you.”

“Tonight, we celebrate the heart of our community,” said Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce vicepresident Emma Stone. “The businesses, organizations and individuals who go above and beyond every single day. They create jobs, support causes and make this region a better place to live and work.

“These awards recognize not just success, but commitment, innovation, and community spirit,” said Stone. “Each nominee represents the very best of what local businesses can be… people who lead with purpose, serve with pride, and inspire those around them.”

“This year we did have a record amount of nominations, so keep those nominations coming in,” said Chamber past-president Sue Downs. “I think that says a lot about our community. Every year I think, ‘how are we going to come up with somebody

new for this award?’ I just think it’s a testament to the kind of community that we live in – we have a lot of solid businesses in our community.”

The following 2025 awards of excellence were presented to: TOYOTESU OUTSTANDING BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Winner - The Barrel The 2025 Outstanding Business Achievement Award in Retail or Service honours a local establishment that has become a cornerstone of Simcoe’s dining scene.

Known for its inviting atmosphere, exceptional service, and a menu that blends creativity with quality, it has earned a loyal following among residents and visitors alike. Beyond culinary excellence, the restaurant supports local producers, fosters community connections, and hosts events that bring people together. Its dedication to innovation, hospitality, and enriching the local economy exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding business.

“Tonight we proudly celebrate The Barrel Restaurant as the well-deserved recipient of the Outstanding Business Award.”

Nick Kokkoros, general manager and partner at The Barrel restaurant in Simcoe with brother-in-law Nick Zographos, the second generation of their family-owned business, accepted the award.

“Everyone in this room inspires us and our team to do better,” said Kokkoros.

“You’re all amazing and we’ve partnered with many of you. We just want to recognize that you as well that you motivate us, you help us continuously improve and together we can do amazing things.”

NORFOLK COUNTY TOURISM & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARD Winner - Long Point Eco Adventures The 2025 Norfolk County Tourism & Economic Development Award celebrates an organization that has redefined outdoor adventure and local hospitality.

Alongside their popular guided ecotours and wildlife experiences, they recently opened a restaurant that highlights locally sourced ingredients, further connecting visitors to the region. Through strong partnerships with area businesses and community groups, they promote

(STUART MOSER/STOIC MEDIA PHOTO)

(STUART MOSER/STOIC MEDIA PHOTO)

The 2025 Good Redden Klosler Outstanding Community Service Award was presented to the Cancer Support Resource Program, accepted by directors Carol Mummery and Cathy Ward on Nov. 13.

Dan Johnson, with his wife Jill on the left, accepted the Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award in November, and forwarded the honours to his son Luke.

sustainability, conservation, and economic growth across Norfolk County. Guests enjoy immersive experiences that blend education, recreation, and culinary delight, making every visit unforgettable.

“For their innovation, community impact and commitment to showcasing the best of the area, we proudly recognize Long Point Eco Adventures as this year’s Tourism Award winner.”

NORFOLK ASSOCIATION FOR COMMUNITY LIVING I.D.E.A. AWARD Winner – Real Canadian Superstore manager Giselle Almeida For its steadfast dedication to cultivating an inclusive workplace and fostering a culture where diversity truly thrives, we recognize a remarkable retailer.

From training programs to accessible employment partnerships, this organization commits to ensuring every individual— regardless of background, ability, or identity—can bring their authentic self to work. It supports colleagues with disabilities through dedicated initiatives and creates spaces where meaningful contributions are valued. Its efforts extend beyond internal culture, aiming for broad community impact and inclusive service experiences.

Real Canadian Superstore manager Giselle Almeida was the recipient of the 2025 Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility Award.

MILLARDS OUTSTANDING BUSINESS AWARD IN AGRICULTURE Winner - Sawaya Gardens The 2025 Agriculture Business Award honours a communityrooted enterprise that quietly revolutionizes its field. For over three decades, this business has conducted comprehensive plant trials and research, introducing more than 3,000 resilient, highquality cultivars that thrive in southern Ontario’s climate.

It has invited hundreds of industry partners annually to observe, learn, and adopt best practices in horticulture demonstrating an unwavering commitment to innovation, education, and excellence.

At the same time, its retail operations serve home gardeners and professionals alike CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

(STUART MOSER/STOIC MEDIA PHOTO)

Darryl Granger was presented the Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Entrepreneur Award.

Simcoe Advocate

January 1, 2026

Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce awards CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

with passion and expertise.

Sawaya Gardens was awarded the Millards Outstanding Business Award in Agriculture, presented to founder Mel Sawaya and his children Lara Sawaya-Norman and Thomas Sawaya.

FANSHAWE COLLEGE CAREER EMPLOYMENT SERVICES YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD Winner - Kcie and Klynn Walker From their debut in the Young Entrepreneurs Area of the Norfolk Home & Lifestyle Show - hosted by the Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce with support from MHN Lawyers - Kcie and Klynn Walker quickly proved their business met the mark for creativity.

Their success in selling their handmade jewellery, along with identifying a market of event visitors needing beverages, they progressed to a fullsized booth in the main exhibitor floor, showcasing their brand to the broader community. At the same time, Kcie was taking to the race circuit with precision, speed and unwavering focus - blending entrepreneurship with adrenaline. Two weeks later, Kcie and Kylnn were honoured to officially turned on the lights at the Simcoe Christmas Panorama.

GOOD REDDEN KLOSLER OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Winner - Cancer Support Resource Program For their unwavering commitment to supporting individuals and families through the most challenging times, a truly exceptional community organization was honoured – the Cancer Support Resource Program.

(STUART MOSER/STOIC MEDIA PHOTO)

Apple Hill Lavender fourth-generation owner Jenn Schooley accepted the Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Stelco Legacy Award on Nov. 13 in Delhi.

(STUART MOSER/STOIC MEDIA PHOTO)

Sawaya Gardens was the recipient of the 2025 Millards Outstanding Business Award in Agriculture, presented by the Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce to founder Mel Sawaya and his children Lara Sawaya-Norman and Thomas Sawaya.

They offer free peersupport groups, financial assistance for treatmentrelated costs, and creative programming - from art journals to group dinners - designed to help those touched by cancer feel empowered, cared for, and less alone. They partner with local agencies and mobilize volunteers to keep every dollar raised within the county, reinforcing their belief in a strong, connected community.

Through compassion, action and local impact, they exemplify what it means to give back.

STELCO LEGACY AWARD Winner - Apple Hill Lavender This year’s Legacy Award honours a true multigenerational institution – Apple Hill Lavender.

For over a century - from its roots in 1906 - the family behind it has cultivated apples, herbs, and now lavender, passing the stewardship through four generations.

Apple Hill Lavender has steadily evolved while maintaining deep ties to the land, community, and sustainability. Their enduring commitment to family, agriculture, and innovation exemplifies legacy in action.

EDWARD JONES WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARD Winner - Kaley Horton The 2025 Edward Jones Women in Business Award goes to Kaley Horton whose passion, creativity, and compassion have transformed a small-town restaurant into a true community hub.

Through hard work and heart, she built a welcoming space where everyone feels at home — and through her pay-it-forward program, she’s shown how business can be a force for good. Her leadership, generosity, and entrepreneurial spirit have made a lasting impact on Simcoe and beyond.

JRLWEALTH MANAGEMENT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR Winner – Darryl Granger The 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year embodies creativity, courage, and an unshakable belief in the power of storytelling.

Through vision and perseverance, Daryl Granger transformed an idea into a cinematic reality – a wildly successful independent film, Netting the Waters, that captures both the struggles and the quiet beauty of life along our Lake Erie shores.

His work brought together community talent, inspired

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collaboration, and shone a spotlight on Norfolk’s creative spirit. It was a project born of passion and sustained by determination, proving that entrepreneurship is as much about heart as innovation.

TATJANA BURCUL/ARC BENEFITS PLANNING CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Winner - Dan and Luke Johnson This year’s Citizen of the Year, Dan Johnson, showed what it means to turn heartbreak into hope. With courage and purpose, he set out on a cross-country cycling journey from British Columbia in honour of his son, Luke—raising vital funds and awareness for the Haldimand-Norfolk Hospice. Along the way, he inspired communities and reminded us of the strength found in love, perseverance, and giving back.

“With the blessing of the Simcoe and District Chamber, I’d like to forward this award to a most special boy,” Johnson said.

“Luke James Johnson… lived 2,999 days on earth.

Heaven opened its glory to him on July 7th, 2024, and he has not known pain, fear, or tears since. We will be with Luke sooner than it feels.”

Dan shared that he had hoped to name his son Malachi—a name meaning messenger or angel—someone who speaks truth and shares grace. Jill chose Luke, meaning “bringer of light,” a name Dan said fit perfectly.

“You didn’t only bring light to our family,” he said, “you brought light to an entire community. You left a legacy of faith, love, and hope—showing us what life is truly about.”“Congratulations son, tonight you have received the award that you would have shied away from. For you lived for others, not yourself. You gave all of your love away to your mommy, to me, to (siblings) Pearce and Hosanna, to your grandparents, cousins, classmates, teachers, sportsmates, churchmates, every nurse and every doctor…

“You were the best, Luke. Of course I miss you. And we have carried on striving to be like you. Luke, we are going to be the best citizens that we can, bringing the light, life and love of God to the dear people of Norfolk County. And we won’t stop until our days are done and we are together with you again.

“Would you join with me,” Dan concluded, “in congratulating Luke James Johnson.”

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

Nick Kokkoros, left, and brother-in-law Nick Zographos, partner owners of The Barrel Restaurant in Simcoe, accepted the 2025 Outstanding Business Achievement Award from the Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce.

(STUART MOSER/STOIC MEDIA PHOTO)

Long Point Eco Adventures received the Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Norfolk County Tourism & Economic Development Award.

(STUART MOSER/STOIC MEDIA PHOTO) (STUART MOSER/STOIC MEDIA PHOTO)

Kcie and Klynn Walker received the Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Young Entrepreneur Award.

Real Canadian Superstore manager Giselle Almeida was awarded the Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 IDEA Award. Almeida, left, and assistant store manager Katherine Harriott accepted the award.

(STUART MOSER/STOIC MEDIA PHOTO)

Kaley Horton was awarded the 2025 Women in Business Award, presented by the Simcoe and District Chamber of Commerce.

January 1, 2026

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Simcoe Advocate

EDITORIAL

Revisiting 2025’s Predictions - a Cup for Canada?

FROM THE

PUBLISHER'S DESK

By Stewart Grant The reason why I do predictions each year is because it reminds me of the evolving nature of life and it’s a way of taking me back to a prior point in time, wondering what the future year might have in store. In reflecting upon predictions gone wrong, it’s a demonstration that the future is unwritten.

One year ago, the Liberal Party appeared destined for a major defeat in the upcoming federal election, but we all know how that turned out.

Here’s how I fared on all my 2025 Predictions: 1. Justin Trudeau would resign as Prime Minister this year. (CORRECT) 2. The ensuing leadership vote results in Mark Carney becoming Canada’s 24th Prime Minister. (CORRECT) 3. The Conservative Party will cruise to a majority win in the 2025 Federal Election, and Pierre Poilievre will take the reins as Prime Minister. (WRONG –

Poilievre didn’t even win his own riding) 4. Echoing the results of the 1993 federal election where the incumbent party lost most of its seats, the Bloc Quebecois emerge to form the Official Opposition. (WRONG – the Conservatives formed the opposition while the Bloc finished with the 3rd most seats) 5. For the first time in 32 years, a Canadian team will hoist the Stanley Cup. (WRONG – the Edmonton Oilers lost in 6 games to the Florida Panthers) 6. Alex Ovechkin will pass Wayne Gretzky to become the NHL’s all-time regular season goal scoring leader. (CORRECT) 7. The Detroit Lions will win the Super Bowl.

(WRONG – the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl, while Detroit lost in the Divisional Playoffs) 8. U.S. President Donald Trump will assist in ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, but the terms favour the Russian side. (WRONG – While things are trending in this direction, the war is currently ongoing.)

9. A ceasefire is negotiated in the Middle East. (CORRECT) 10. The 25% tariff on Canadian goods entering the U.S. fails to materialize. Relations between the U.S. and Canadian governments improve following the 2025 Canadian election. (WRONG – The U.S. has continued to enforce tariffs though the situation is ever-evolving.)

11. Despite certain achievements, general uncertainty and chaos during the first year of the Trump administration is reflected in a down year for the stock

market. (WRONG – the S&P 500 is up about 16% this year, as of press time).

12. Just as the 1999 Columbine massacre produced a noted increase in school shootings in the U.S., the 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson will produce copycat crimes in 2025 by troubled individuals inspired by social or political causes. (MIXED – see shootings of Charlie Kirk, and Minnesota legislators Melissa Hortman and John Hoffman) 13. Chinese-owned TikTok will avoid being shutdown in the United States, with Elon Musk assisting by purchasing a significant ownership share of the social media app. (MIXED – TikTok carries on, and a deal to sell its U.S. operation to an American-controlled joint venture was announced Dec. 18) 14. The Trump-Musk bromance will have its up and downs, but the working relationship will continue to last throughout the year. (MIXED – they broke up for awhile but appear to be getting back together)

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Merry Christmas from my office and home to yours Haldimand-Norfolk

MPP

Bobbi Ann Brady As we grow older, we begin to understand Christmas in a different light. The excitement that once came from racing down the stairs to see what was under the tree slowly shifts into something quieter, something deeper.

The magic we felt as children does not disappear - it simply changes shape. Instead of wide-eyed wonder, we feel a warm appreciation for the traditions that have carried us through the years and the people who share them with us.

This year has a different feel to it - one marked by change, growth, and a new kind of anticipation. My kids are coming home, but in their own ways and from their own worlds. Addison is working fulltime as an RN and returns now as a young adult building her own life and traditions. The youngest, Carter, is making the trip home from school in Ohio, carrying with him stories, experiences, and that familiar energy I have missed around the house. It is different from when they were little - but there is a tenderness in seeing them return, even briefly, to the place that shaped them.

With age, we start to realize that the season is not defined by presents or perfect plans, but by moments - small, fleet-

ing moments that stay with us. A familiar carol that brings back memories of those no longer with us. The smell of a recipe passed down through generations. The sound of laughter around a table that looks a little different each year. The magic becomes less about surprise and more about gratitude.

As the year draws to a close, it offers us a natural pause - a moment to look back on what has been before we turn our attention to what lies ahead. This past year carried its share of bright moments and meaningful successes, but it also came with challenges that tested patience, resilience, and resolve. The good and not-so-good shaped the year, and each in its own way offered lessons worth carrying forward.

I am deeply grateful for my family and to the many people who, throughout 2025, took the time to reach out with encouragement, kind words, and thoughtful messages of support. Those gestures, whether quiet or public, made a real difference. They served as reminders that even during demanding seasons, none of us moves forward alone.

To my staff, I want to offer my sincere thanks - Danielle, Tina, Heather, and Mike. You stood steady during long days and difficult moments, showing professionalism, care, and commitment when it mattered most. Your support, loyalty, and belief in the work we do for Haldimand-Norfolk made even the hardest days manageable. As we leave this year behind, I do so with gratitude, humility, and a full heart of hope for the year ahead. Over the past year we have all changed in one way or another. But Christmas is here to remind us that the heart of the season and our true blessings remain steady. The magic is still there- quieter, richer, and found in the simple joy of having the people we love come home, even if only for a little while.

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

Publisher Stewart Grant • stew@granthaven.com

Editor Chris Abbott • chris@granthaven.com

Graphic Design / Sales Inquiries Michelle Foster • info@simcoeadvocate.com

Business Development Heather Dunbar • heather@granthaven.com

Administration Jen Gaetan • jen@granthaven.com

Contributors Alex Hunt, Lisa Timpf, Paul Knowles 36 Water St. St. Marys, ON, PO Box 2310 N4X 1A2 info@simcoeadvocate.com | 519.655.2341 | granthaven.com

Simcoe Advocate

January 1, 2026

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YEAR IN REVIEW - JANUARY

The Advocate looks back at January 2025 CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

Netting the Waters sets sail for Cannes Netting the Waters, a local full length feature documentary on commercial fishing on Lake Erie, from the perspective of Port Dover’s fishing fleet, would be setting sails for at least five international film festivals in 2025, including the Cannes World Festival (not the inviation-only Festival de Cannes) – with more destination announcements coming.

Daryl Granger’s six-month project took more than 100 hours to edit and narrate, and the whole experience making his first documentary was all worth it.

“It wasn’t a ‘job’, it was fun. That’s all it was. If you enjoy what you do, it’s not work. It’s total joy. People like how it looks, and people are entertained. There is ‘story’ in it. There are two main characters.

There’s my touch – the narration. I looked for a cinematic flair… I put everything I’ve got into it.”

Residents want second access road before new phase of Woodway development

A proposed residential build of more than 350 units in the Woodway Trails area seemed to have one major hiccup in the eyes of nearby residents. People in the area seemed OK with the development itself when it was presented at the Jan. 7 public hearings committee meeting, however it was the lack of a secondary access and what that would mean during construction that concerned them.

“That road is imperative,” said Kirk Stewart, echoing comments made by several other residents. The proposal included plans for 140 single detached

Jacob McGivern played the role of James Kent in Lynnwood’s production of The Governor’s Visit Continues. The play, set in 1874, revolved around the Governor General of Canada’s visit to Duncan Campbell’s residence at 21 Lynnwood Avenue.

homes, 196 street townhouse units, and 20 semi-detached homes. There are also three proposed condo blocks for what the report described as “midrise apartment or townhouse dwellings.”

Enbridge donates smoke, CO alarms to Norfolk

Enbridge Gas Inc. in partnership with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council presented the Norfolk County Fire Department more than 200 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

In attendance were Norfolk Fire Chief Gord Stilwell; Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Smith; Councillor Doug Brunton; Jeremy Reimer, Southwest Supervisor Operations, Enbridge Gas; and Brandon Ronson, Southwest USR Crew Leader, Enbridge Gas. 7 “I think it’s a good program, it’s a good example of both Enridge and the fire department working together for one cause,” said Reimer.

“We lean on them (the fire departments) and they lean on us,” said Ronson, “so it’s good to keep that friendship strong.”

Guard approved for Simcoe’s Talbot Gardens

Visitors to Talbot Gardens in early January may have noticed a new face keeping an eye on things at the arena.

Norfolk councillors approved temporary measures that involved placing a guard at the arena with the hopes it would curb issues of drug use and incidents in volving children at the arena.

Coun. Alan Duthie first raised the issue at December’s council-in-committee meeting after receiving calls from parents who had kids come across drug paraphernalia or walk into bathrooms where people were passed out following apparent drug use. He

(FILE PHOTO)

Daryl Granger holds the framed ‘first ticket’ for his Netting the Waters documentary.

requested immediate support be approved and for staff to look at possible longer term solutions.

Norfolk County to support physician recruitment efforts

Councillors agreed to fork over $100,000 for physician recruitment efforts led by Norfolk General Hospital, but they did so with some trepidation.

“I think we need to do something, I’m not fully convinced this is it,” said Coun.

Alan Duthie at the Dec. 17 Norfolk council meeting. An earlier report recommended approval of roughly $100,000 from a fund

Burning Kiln’s Ashley Walmsley illustrates the tasting experience offered at the winery.

council had already set aside for physician recruitment activities.

Council deferred a decision to the Dec. 17 meeting to give them time to invite NGH staff to speak about the specifics.

NGH CEO Todd Stepanuik and physician recruiter Carolynn Beam gave an overview of work they’ve done to date, as well as their successes. They also outlined plans for the future, which included bumping up the physician recruiter position to fulltime, which would allow the staff member to attend more of the recruit er events that take place all the time.

Peggy Garbedian, Boston Public School parent volunteer, holds Farm to School apples delivered by Dave Douglas, Child Nutrition Network volunteer driver.

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January 1, 2026

Simcoe Advocate

YEAR IN REVIEW - JANUARY

The Advocate looks back at January 2025 double-crested cormorants, trumpeter swans, and mute swans were among the species also spotted in record numbers.

with prudent financial management top of mind,” she said.

On Jan. 4, Delhi concluded the fivegame away stretch at Strathroy’s Allman Memorial Arena. Christian Lloyd scored Delhi’s only goal in a 7-1 loss to the fourthplace Fighting Irish, battling Tillsonburg for a top-four spot in the Western Ontario Super Hockey League standings. The Fighting Irish again topped Delhi on Jan. 11, posting another seven in a 7-3 victory at the Delhi Community Arena.

On Jan. 21 and in the early hours of the 22nd there were three structure fires in Norfolk County. The first call came at 11:30 p.m. from Concession 6 Townsend where an abandoned house was in flames.

The second call for a fire came at 12:10 a.m. from a gas station on Norfolk County Highway 24. The final call came from a fire in an abandoned barn on Brantford Road at Teeterville Road at approxi mately 2:20 a.m.

There were no reported injuries and all three fires were being treated as suspicious, bringing the total number of suspicious fires in the county up to 12 in the past twoand-a-half months.

Delhi Flames head into WOSHL Suspicious fires across Norfolk home stretch County

They shoot, they score… for local snack programs

Alison Rossi organized a Toonies for Tummies tournament at Waterford Arena.

The aim was to raise money for the snack programs at five local schools – Waterford Public, Teeterville Public, St. Bernard’s Catholic School, Boston Public and Bloomsburg Public.

Delhi Flames men’s hockey team skated into the home stretch of the 2024-25 WOSHL season in January.

Public EV charging coming to Norfolk

stations

Norfolk County was successful in four of seven applications to receive provincial funding that would help install level two electric vehicle charging stations at sites around the county. The successful applications were for the arenas in Delhi, Langton and Port Dover, as well as the Port Rowan Community Centre.

Staff made the applications to the ChargeON program that’s offered through the Ministry of Transportation. Norfolk would receive $120,000 in total, the maximum amount per charging station it

could receive through the program.

Bird count registers new highs for some species Thanks to organizers and volunteers who participated in the 2024 Christmas Bird Count, scientists who depend on long-term data about bird populations gained another year’s worth of information to draw on. The Christmas Bird Count provides an annual snapshot of the number of individual birds, and the bird species, found in specific areas.

Waterfowl accounted for over half of the individual birds sighted during the Long Point count. Mallard ducks were seen in their highest-ever numbers of 9,512, and

Dan Yeoman shows off a classic Lake Erie ‘jumbo’ perch.

Norfolk approves 2025 budget

The median assessed Norfolk household would pay about $155 more in property taxes in 2025. The increase came in well below targets set earlier in 2024, when council set a residential property tax increase target of 7.5 per cent. The final total came in at 4.3 per cent. The levy itself was set to increase 6.1, also well below some earlier estimates.

Assessment growth and provincial support helped bring those numbers down, said Mayor Amy Martin, though she also credited staff for the work they did. “Four per cent is still very difficult for a lot of our residents. We will take a lens from the top down and look at everything

Two charged in Norfolk arson investigation

Two individuals connected to an ongoing investigation into a series of suspicious fires were arrested and faced charges.

On Jan. 26, OPP officers and the Haldimand County Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Lynn Valley Road, east of Highway 6, in Haldimand County. The fire involved a vacant barn, and no injuries were reported.

Around 10:49 p.m., officers stopped a pickup truck on Concession 12 Townsend in Norfolk County. The vehicle matched the description of a pickup truck seen near a suspicious fire in Norfolk County in November 2024. As a result, the driver and

Simcoe Advocate

January 1, 2026

YEAR IN REVIEW - JANUARY

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The Advocate looks back at January 2025 passenger were taken into custody without incident.

Council struggles finding ways to improve efficiency

Norfolk councillors took a lengthy look at how to make their meetings shorter, and came away with some options, though they rejected most of what staff brought forward to consider. Of the 12 suggestions staff offered to make meetings flow more efficiently, council outright turned down seven. Ultimately, much of the discussion by councillors revolved around the need to police themselves.

Volunteer group hoping to take over Vittoria town hall

A volunteer committee, part of the Vittoria and District Foundation, hoped to turn the Vittoria Old Town Hall into a viable event space. Norfolk councillors approved a staff recommendation to consider selling the building for $1 to a local non-profit.

The recommendation would see the county maintain the nearby parkland.

Should that option fail, the county would look to sell the parkland and building in a

package deal.

“People want smaller venues. I know it’s in competition with the community centre but it has a different atmosphere,” said Nancy Racz, a representative from the committee.

Simcoe’s history with a play set in 1874.

It revolved around the Governor General’s visit to Simcoe, then a small town with a population around 1,900.

The annual Delhi-LaSalette Knights of Columbus Council 5095 Free Throw Championships in Delhi was the first step.

And it was a big one for 10 winners, ages 9-13, from Delhi Public School, Saint Frances Cabrini School, and Teeterville Public School. The Jan. 14 winners at St. Frances were eligible to compete at the district championship in February.

of Walsh it was particularly tough. On Jan. 9, the Technical Standards Safety Authority (TSSA) disconnected gas meters, cutting off heat to all the houses and businesses in the impacted Walsh area. It is estimated by those affected that around 11-14 homes had their gas abruptly disconnected on one of the coldest nights of the year.

The Governor’s visit at Lynnwood

A mobile cancer screening coach bus set up in Norfolk County on Jan. 23, visited by 16 clients. Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Regional Cancer Program partnered with the Brantford Brant Norfolk Ontario Health Team to allow individuals who face barriers when seeking medical assessment to receive cancer screenings.

“The mission for the coach is to offer

No warmth in Walsh: gas pipeline shut off

that service to clients who are not able to get cancer screening,” said Dr. Meghan Davis, Regional Primary Care Lead for the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Regional Cancer Program.

Norfolk Sunrise invited to 2026 Local students compete in free January 2025 came in swinging with low Rotarian Worlds throw competition negative temperatures, and for the residents On January 23-25, the Meaford and

The notion of traveling through time, portrayed by works like H.G. Wells’ 1895 story, The Time Machine, has long been an appealing fantasy. Lynnwood Arts may not have perfected time travel, but they would offer the next best thing: a first-hand glimpse at what life might have been like during an important time in

Mobile cancer screening program

Thornbury-Clarkson Rotary Clubs hosted the 69th Annual Rotary Can-Am Curling Bonspiel. The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise was represented by Skip Rob Munden, Vice Jim Simpson (Port Dover), Second Andy Kooistra (Waterford) and Lead Keith Jones (Port Dover). The local club finished in the A Division finals, playing in the Can-Am championship game against a team from Rice Lake in Wisconsin. While the Sunrisers had to be happy with a second-place finish in the final game, the RCNS team qualified as the Canadian Team invited to the International Curling Fellowship of Rotarians World Curling Championship set for April 2026 in Stranraer, Scotland.

YEAR IN REVIEW - FEBRUARY CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

Outdoor ice brings out local families

Henry Knelsen’s temporary outdoor ice rink on Norfolk Street South across from Handy Henry gave the community an opportunity to skate, play some hockey shinny, and enjoy the outdoors this past winter. The community loved it, said Richard Neudorf, originally from Langton, now living in Simcoe, who helped Knelsen and his team install the ice in January 2025.

Two men charged with arson after suspicious fires

From mid-November to January there were a series of suspicious fires across Haldimand and Norfolk Counties. This garnered attention from people and news stations across the province. On Jan. 28 there was a press conference announcing the arrest of a 43-year-old Norfolk County man and a 30-year-old Norfolk County man.

Bobbi Ann Brady running for reelection

Bobbi Ann Brady is the Independent looking for re-election to represent Haldimand-Norfolk again as MPP in Queen’s Park.

Her goal was to prove Doug Ford wrong as last April, Doug Ford told Brady she “won’t have a job next election.” Fourteen days before the election, Brady had a lot to say about her time as an MPP, and

earlier time as a member of the Provincial Conservatives, and about her optimism for the election.

Brady shared her love for the tight-knit H-N community. She grew up in Delhi, recently moved to Lynedoch, and has called that little corner of Norfolk her home for the past five years.

Amy Martin campaign trail

hits

the

MPP

Premier Doug Ford called an early election for Feb. 27. Amy Martin, Mayor of Norfolk County and the H-N Ontario Progressive Conservative candidate, highlighted the importance of having a PC majority in the house to protect the jobs and industries of Ontario.

“The people of Haldimand-Norfolk understand the importance of continuing to protect Ontario’s jobs and workers,” Martin stated. “As a manufacturing and agricultural hub of this province, it is vitally important that we continue to protect the interests of our community. I am deeply humbled and excited to stand for election in this incredibly important race to represent our community.”

Black History Month: ‘Uplifting future generations’

Each February, Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achieve ments of Black communities in Canada, listen to their stories, and learn more about their history and contributions to Canadian society.

The theme for the 2025 Black History

Norfolk Ward 3 Councillor Mike Columbus and Delhi LaSalette Knights of Columbus member George DaSilva, on the far right, cut the ribbon for the newly expanded walk-in clinic at the Delhi Community Health Centre, assisted by board members Pat Loncke and Matt Wilkinson, on the left, and Lori Yeo, DCHC Building Administrator.

Month was “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” The month of February gave everyone a chance to celebrate the diversity and achievements of Black people in Canada.

It was also a time to reflect on Canada’s

painful history and distinct challenges that Black people in Canada continue to face in their daily lives, such as systemic barriers, racism and discrimination

Tricenturena Skating continues to grow

Club

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January 1, 2026

Simcoe Advocate

YEAR IN REVIEW - FEBRUARY

Waterford Tricenturena Skating Club was in the spotlight in February. A long running program that has taught countless kids the art of skating. The club, which offers programs in both Waterford and Simcoe. aims to foster a love of the sport in their skaters.

Programs run throughout the year, including the Spring and Summer seasons.

They offer CanSkate, Me & My Parent CanSkate and StarSkate for youth as well as adults. More than 300 skaters were registered across the various programs.

Expanded walk-in clinic opens in Delhi

Delhi’s public walk-in clinic officially moved into its new space at the Delhi Community Health Centre and expanded its hours and days, opening four days a week Thursday to Sunday.

The new hours were announced to be 5-8 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays, and weekends Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to recognize its Feb. 1 grand opening.

“This project was kind of a heartfelt need for the community,” said Lori Yeo, DCHC Building Administrator, speaking to guests, staff and dignitaries at the ribbon cutting.

Yeo thanked the Delhi LaSalette Knights of Columbus, Council 5095, for their generous donation of $100,000 toward the walk-in clinic, which helped accelerate their timeline.

Norfolk Home & Lifestyle Show returns

The Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Caradoc Townsend Mutual Insurance, announced the return of the Norfolk Home & Lifestyle Show to the CIBC Auditorium at the Norfolk County Fairgrounds from Feb. 28

to March 2.

“We are proud to present the second annual show after the success of last year,” said Renee VanKooten, President of the Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce.

“This year’s expanded edition will feature over 100 exhibitors, showcasing a diverse range of home improvement solutions and lifestyle inspirations for Norfolk County residents.”

Chilly walk raises awareness for hurting, homeless, hungry It was a chilly walk and participants in the 2025 Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser in Simcoe, organized by Youth Unlimited YFC Norfolk, had chili waiting when they returned to Riversyde 83, provided by Church Out Serving.

Simcoe’s first Coldest Night of the Year was held in 2019. The 2025 event had more than 100 people walking 2-km and 5-km routes.

“It is a great peer-to-peer fundraising campaign and it’s doing a really great job of advocating for the hurting, homeless and hungry in our community,” said Dan Avey, Director of Youth Unlimited YFC Norfolk, noting it is their largest fundraiser of the year.

The event raised more than $34,000.

‘Buoying up the spirits’ of Port Rowan fishing families

A piece of the area’s fishing history would be going on public display for all to see.

Norfolk County council approved a request from the Port Rowan/South Walsingham Heritage Association to have them build a pavilion at Port Rowan Lions Park.

Once completed, the pavilion would house the Becker Puller, a device invented by a local man, once used by people working in the area’s fishing sector.

“It is our hope as a heritage association

More than 100 people walked Saturday in the Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser in Simcoe, organized by Youth Unlimited YFC Norfolk.

Langton CWL’s outdoor ‘little library,’ located on Queen Street in front of Verhegghe Insurance, is open year-round.

that the people who use the Lions Park in Port Rowan would gain a greater understanding of this fascinating local history,” said association member Heather Smith.

connect directly with Julie Kent, CEO of NCPL, over coffee and conversations.

Seedy Saturday grows to 50-plus vendors

‘Wildly busy’ was a perfect description

Voters crowd the Legion to hear for the 2nd annual Seedy Saturday in provincial candidates Waterford.

Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce, with the Delhi Chamber of Commerce and Cornerstone Association of Realtors, hosted a Provincial Candidates Night on Feb. 18 at the Simcoe Legion.

“Debates play a crucial role in allowing us to understand how elected representatives will serve us,” said Renee VanKooten, President of the Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce.

The event concluded in front of a jampacked audience with closing statements, giving everyone food for thought leading up to the Feb. 27 provincial election.

“Engaging in the electoral process is essential for a strong and informed democracy, and we encourage everyone to take part, ask questions, and most importantly – vote," said Chair-Elect Drew Hemsley, Cornerstone, in advance of the Candidate Night. The full one-hour-and45-minutes event could be viewed on Simcoe Chamber’s YouTube page

Library roadshow tours Norfolk

The Norfolk County Public Library’s new community initiative to promote engagement within its library branches - The Library Roadshow with the CEO – successfully launched in Port Rowan and Delhi. The program’s schedule continued in March through to May at the Simcoe Branch; Port Dover Branch; and Waterford Branch.

Inspired by the concept of Antiques Roadshow, the Library Roadshow program offered visitors a unique opportunity to

“I tried very hard to get as many local people as I possibly could,” said coorganizer Jen Thompson, a teacher at Waterford District High School, noting they had just over 50 vendors for the fourhour event, a huge increase from last year’s 10 vendors in the small gymnasium.

“Go big or go home,” Thompson laughed, estimating about 600 or more people attended.

“I am very pleased with how busy it is because when you’re planning something like this, it’s very hard to know how many people are going to come. You think you’ve said something about it (on social media) too many times, but you still get people who haven’t heard about it. So we tried really hard to get it on the radio and in the newspaper…”

“And lots of Facebook, Instagram, social media,” said co-organizer Heidi Mungal from Generations Marketplace.

Paczki season continues Courtland Bakery

at

First introduced in Courtland as a way to boost sales during two of the slowest – and coldest – months of the year, the paczki season continued at Courtland Bakery in Januray-February, ending March 4.

“We’ve been doing this since 2000,” said Courtland Bakery co-owner John Peazel, noting their first paczki season was celebrated along with twin grandsons, who had their 26th birthdays on Feb. 16.

More than 600 people attended the annual Seedy Saturday event in Waterford, which featured more than 50 vendors, many of the local, as well as live presentations.

Waterford Tricenturena Skating Club skaters Leah Barry, Colton Schira, Gracen Pickard, Ellie Laferriere, Alexis Barry and Quinn Stefan.

Courtland Bakery staff from left Kennedy Neville, Rayne Sales, Sherri Rowland, Rachel Robinson, and Madison Altwassen.

A press conference announced the arrest of a 43-year-old Norfolk County man and a 30-year-old Norfolk County man in relation to a series of suspicious fires in Haldimand and Norfolk Counties.

Simcoe Advocate

January 1, 2026

YEAR IN REVIEW - MARCH

9

Celebrating 39 years of friendly competition

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

Brady wins Haldimand Norfolk riding

Bobbi Ann Brady was re-elected as an Independent Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Haldimand-Norfolk.

When votes were tabulated, Brady had almost two thirds of all ballots from the 2025 Haldimand-Norfolk riding 33,669 votes in total. Amy Martin, the PC candidate, had 12,949; Vandan Patel, Liberal, 2,918; Erica Englert, NDP, 2,147; Anna Massinen, Green, 821; and Garry Tanchuk, New Blue, 392.

The Progressive Conservatives won a third consecutive majority government – the first time in more than 50 years – taking 80 of 124 ridings.

Brady said she and her team were confident from Day 1 of the 2025 campaign. “I said to my campaign team, this is the first campaign that I’ve ever seen – and I’ve run a lot of campaigns – where people were very, very adamant, that I knew how they voted or how they were going to vote. They were very, very strong in their convictions.”

Norfolk Hericanes U18B charge into provincials

Norfolk HERicanes U18B hockey team won a must-win hockey game 5-1 to earn a berth in the OWHA provincial championship tournament.

“We needed one point to tie and two to secure first place,” said Hericanes U18B coach Mike Wilson.

The Hericanes had finished third in the OWH South Division regular season standings with a 9-5-8 record behind Oakville (20-2-0) and Cazenovia-Buffalo (15-7-0), but were undefeated (4-0-2) in the playdowns.

County secures $1.7M grant for Delhi project Upgrades to a section of Main Street and

Independent candidate Bobbi Ann Brady was re-elected in Haldimand-Norfolk.

Crosier Street in Delhi would go ahead with the help of provincial dollars. Norfolk councillors learned the municipality was successful in its application for funding through the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, receiving nearly $1.7 million. Norfolk previously received $16 million through the program’s Housing-Enabling Water Fund stream.

Martin grateful for support

Amy Martin, PC candidate in Haldimand Norfolk, said she was both grateful and proud after the Feb. 27 Ontario election.

“The results are in and, while they are not what we hoped for, I still stand here completely filled with gratitude and pride,” said Martin at Capitol 33 in Delhi.

“First things first, congratulations are owed to Bobbi Ann Brady in the successful re-election of her campaign here in Haldimand-Norfolk,” said Martin. “And while we may not have won this election, we ran a campaign that mattered. This campaign stood for something and it will be remembered. Over the last month we knocked on over 15,000 doors. We spent

time where it mattered most – with the hard-working folks of Haldimand-Norfolk, at their doorsteps, listening to them. We fought, we showed up, and again, while those results may not have gone our way, I wouldn’t change a single thing. This campaign gave a voice and a vision to a request for a better future for HaldimandNorfolk, and that is admirable at the very least.”

Waterford Branch prepares for grand reopening Norfolk County Public Library announced its newly renovated Waterford Branch had moved one step closer to reopening and the Waterford Leaf, NCPL’s temporary location at the Waterford arena, would close March 5.

“We know how important the Waterford Branch is to our community,” said Julie Kent, Norfolk County Public Library CEO. “This renovation aligns with our strategic plan’s vision to create welcoming, inclusive spaces where everyone can connect, learn, and grow.”

Norfolk Musical Arts Festival held its 39th festival highlights and award ceremony at Colborne Village United Church on March 4.

Talented performances from selected competition participants echoed through the crowded church, full of volunteers, award donors, parents and teachers.

The event featured diverse musical and vocal numbers, trophy and scholarship acceptances, as well as memorable speeches.

Joanne Pond, volunteer coordinator for the Norfolk Musical Arts Festival, said they registered over 1,000 participants, ranging from children to seniors in their 80s.

“This festival sends a huge message that the arts are still alive. It could have just dropped away, but 39 years later, the competition is still going,” said Pond.

Vintage jacket donation

When Nancy Hewitson, owner of The Family Closet in Delhi, reached out to the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition with an offer, she started a chain of events that ended with a reunion of sorts. A brownand-white jacket with sports crests had been dropped off. The crests suggested the one-time owner had been a woman active in athletics in the 1950s.

One of the crests was WOSSA A District Champs SHS Basketball 1953-54. Another said Simcoe Girls Basketball League 195657. Hewitson reached out to the sports hall to offer the jacket, free of charge. It was an offer the sports hall gladly took up, with the idea of using the jacket in a display.

Hericanes U15B girls qualify for provincials A 5-1 win lifted the Norfolk HERicanes U15B girls into the OWHA provincial hockey tournament. “That punches our ticket to the provincials,” said Norfolk U15B girls hockey coach Bernie Gillis after a convincing OWHA South Division

2025 Year In Review Trivia

By Stewart Grant

1. What popular numeric-based phrase annoyed parents and teachers alike in 2025?

2. Who led the Toronto Blue Jays in postseason hits and batting average?

3. What movie won “Best Picture” at the 2025 Oscars?

4. Canadian Shai GilgeousAlexander led what pro sports team to a championship in 2025?

5. The G7 Summit in June was held where in Canada?

6. Who is Robert Francis Prevost better known as?

7. Who was elected as Mayor of New York City in November?

8. What AI chip maker is the world’s most valuable company at year end?

9. What is the most populated country in the world as of year end?

10. What was the name of the hero who tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen at Bondi Beach, Australia on Dec. 14?

This week’s answers are found on pg. 23

A number of Norfolk businesses, owned and operated by female entrepreneurs, were in the Advocate spotlight in honour of International Women’s Day on March 8, including Polished Paws Dog Grooming, Bee at Home, Nifty Gifty Norfolk, and Speech Hens (Laura Downey and Marianne Ward).

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Simcoe Advocate

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playdown victory against visiting Hamilton Hawks, noting the Hericanes needed to win their last two round-robin playdown games to qualify.

Model trains on display

Each stop in the annual Brant-HaldimandNorfolk Model Railroad Layout Tour had a small railroad crossing sign outside to signal visitors – come inside and meet the owners/operators. Subtle but effective in Norfolk County, Haldimand, Brant and Hamilton/Dundas at 16 locations, including seven in Norfolk. Donations were accepted for student nutrition programs in Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk.

All About Pets Show launches in Simcoe

The first All About Pets Show successfully launched in Simcoe, March 8-9, at the CIBC Auditorium. Pets and their owners were treated to an experience normally only seen in large cities.

“Our umbrella company is the Canadian Pet Expo, so we do events across eastern Canada which are massive, like the International Centre (Mississauga) which are generally 300,000 to 400,000 square feet, and now we’re coming to the smaller communities,” said Grant Crossman.

“Simcoe is launching the brand – the All About Pets Show – to bring the responsible pet companionship message, as well as a strong group of vendors that support that message, to the communities that we know have a large pet family base.”

Norfolk directs county investments away from U.S.

In a trade war where the effects are measured in the hundreds of billions of dollars, the $67 million legacy fund for Norfolk County is a drop in the bucket. But even so, councillors have directed staff to

look at pulling any investment from their legacy fund out of American markets.

Councillor Chris Van Paassen called it a matter of principle.

Home & Lifestyle Show connects businesses with community

“It’s nice to get out, show your name, and talk to people so they get to know you, get used to you,” said Jason Doyle, co-owner of The World of Plumbing at the Norfolk Home & Lifestyle Show.

“Maybe some businesses also that don’t have a brick and mortar… here, at least you get to see them,” said World of Plumbing co-owner Jennifer Doyle. “Relationships and conversations is what we’re here for this weekend.

“It’s word of mouth and getting your name out there, that’s all it is,” said Jason.

Under the Big Top

Delhi Skating Club presented its 72nd annual carnival, Under the Big Top. The Delhi Community Arena was transformed into a circus for two shows, featuring skaters from the Delhi club, parents and coaches, and guest performances from five Ice Crystals Synchronized Skating teams.

Non-stop action Knockouts’ opener

at

Norfolk

On Saturday, March 22, the multipurpose floor at the Simcoe Recreation Centre hosted over 100 people who watched the Norfolk Knockouts’ roller derby home opener. The atmosphere was festive as upbeat music like Eye of the Tiger and Hit Me With Your Best Shot rang through the former arena.

Lions Cabaret, Variety Show supports community

Simcoe Lions Club was working hard to prepare for its 71st annual ‘Millennium

MVP jammers and blockers for each team were named after the Norfolk Knockouts versus Toronto Toxins roller derby bout March 22 at the Recreation Centre.

Music Experience’ April 25-26. Friday night’s Cabaret, for tables of 10, featured perch dinner at the Simcoe Composite School Lions Auditorium.

Saturday, it was the Lions Variety Show. “It’s one of our biggest fundraisers,” said Lion Terry Sheppard.

“We have a lot of projects coming up. The beauty of it is… if you buy a ticket to the Lions show, you are supporting your own community.” Both nights featured hilarious laugh-out-loud comedy sketches and impressive chorus music performed by Simcoe Lions.

Residential Windows & Doors, Glass Showers, Storm Doors Unit 2 - 46 Luscombe Drive, Simcoe

519-428-9215 The Norfolk HERicanes U18 B girls qualified for the 2025 OWHA provincial tournament, April 11-13 in the Toronto area, with a 5-1 must-win against Hamilton.

A Carousel Ride, featuring Delhi CanSkaters.

Jason Gordy’s Lynn Valley Railroad layout.

Haldimand-Norfolk provincial PC candidate Amy Martin.

Simcoe Advocate

January 1, 2026

YEAR IN REVIEW - APRIL CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

Eat & Drink Norfolk highlights ‘local’

The 2025 Eat & Drink Norfolk, presented

by CIBC Private Wealth, marked 15 years showcasing some of the best local food and flavours, brews, wines and ciders.

The April 3-5 gala festival, hosted by the Norfolk County Agricultural Society, celebrated local pride and promoted community spirit, said Special Event Manager Chantal Zorad.

Recognized as one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario, based on economic impact, effect on the community, general appeal, uniqueness, and longevity,

Eat & Drink Norfolk started as a small gathering to highlight the county’s growing food and beverage scene. Over the years, it annually draws thousands to the CIBC Aud – including more than 1,000 on April 4 - putting a spotlight on Norfolk’s vibrant community, food and beverage vendors, and local talent.

“I think it’s been on the Festival & Events Ontario’s Top 100 list for about 10 years and we got that accolade again this year,” said Angela Hogeveen, General Manager of the Norfolk County Agricultural Society.

“So that’s quite the honour.”

Norfolk campaign

supports

buy

local

Coun. Kim Huffman brought forward

a motion that directed staff to develop a buy local campaign in the face of the trade war launched by U.S. President Donald Trump. Her motion, which was approved, called for economic development and communications staff to work together to develop tools to help guide residents to locally produced goods, while also creating a marketing plan.

Additionally, staff were directed to search for ways to realign the county’s procurement policies to support local and Canadian made. However, a presentation by staff showed many of those steps were already being taken.

Since the tariff issues arose, staff said they have re directed internal priorities.

Federal candidates campaign trail

hit

the

On March 23, Prime Minister Mark Carney requested the Governor General dissolve Parliament which kick-started a Federal Election across Canada.

Election day was set for April 28, 2025.

On the table for debate were extreme rises in the cost of living, the controversial carbon tax, tariff threats, and concerns about the sovereignty of Canada, all dominating Canadian’s sentiments.

Simcoe directors

Lily, Annabella and Hunter Smith filled up their baskets Saturday at the 17th annual Delhi BIA Easter Egg Hunt.

Little

Theatre

seeks

Simcoe Little Theatre hoped to usher in a new era of creativity and collaboration, announcing the formation of a leadership committee. Anna Reu was welcomed as the new Simcoe Little Theatre coordinator, bringing fresh, exciting productions to the community.

The Simcoe Little Theatre leadership committee is committed to fostering a collaborative environment, building on the theatre’s rich history, and ensuring the continued success and growth of the organization. The committee, comprised of local theatre enthusiasts and dedicated volunteers, focuses on providing quality community theatre experiences in Simcoe.

Norfolk County celebrates an Easter tradition

11

The hunt is on as Norfolk County. Delhi BIA is set to run its 17th annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 19 in the downtown district.

The event continues a tradition where children and families set off looking for sweet treats, exploring small businesses to discover what delicious secrets lie within.

“With new people moving into town, this event helps generate local interest to the small businesses,” said Les Berta, chair of the Delhi Business Improvement Area.

Berta said 29 businesses would participate.

Fifty-two businesses will be participating in the 3rd annual Simcoe Easter Hunt on April 19, organized by mobilemend. Hunt your way through Simcoe, exploring local businesses on the map, while the children get to fill their Easter baskets with goodies.

James Christison, curator at the Waterford Heritage & Agricultural Museum, said the museum's annual Easter Egg Hunt (Eggstravaganza) will take place April 19 at the Waterford Arena baseball diamonds.

Langton Firefighters Auxiliary will be hosting its annual Easter Egg Hunt for Langton-area families on April 18.

VanPaassen asks staff to review purchasing contracts

Chris Van Paassen asked staff to review how they develop contracts with suppliers, following an unwelcome discovery that some purchases - namely of fire trucks were going to cost the county significantly more than expected.

“If our contracts are so loose that they can add this much more after the fact there’s something wrong with the contracts,” he said.

Norfolk stays the course on investment decisions

Norfolk County could be foregoing some added revenue, but in the face of uncertainty and as a matter of principle, councillors are opting to stay the course.

Staff provided an update to councillors at the March 25 meeting regarding changes to their investment plans for the $67 million legacy fund. Councillors had previously directed staff and their financial advisors to take out any investments in American markets as a way to show their displeasure with U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff war and annexation threats. However, when the update came back to council,

The Fournier and Quibell families stopped at YFC Youth Unlimited on Robinson Street Saturday, greeted by Jordin Anger and Lisa Cooper during the 3rd annual Simcoe Easter Egg Hunt.

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some wondered if the statement was worth the potential loss of revenue.

“My concern is there’s quite a loss in revenue. As much as I appreciated Coun.

(Chris) VanPaassen’s motion to throw out the U.S. portion, there is a great potential for investment in the U.S.,” Coun. Doug Brunton said. “Are we doing the taxpayer any benefits by eliminating that?”

Broadway on Ice

In the On Broadway song, the ‘neon lights are bright’, and ‘there’s always magic in the air.’ Both were true on March 29 when Waterford Tricenturena Skating Club presented its annual skating carnival, Broadway on Ice, in Waterford.

“Very happy with how things went,” said Meaghan Tompkins, WTSC carnival chair, after their two carnival shows. “The biggest thing is the skaters had fun. We’re definitely glad how everything comes together.”

Spring banding underway

There’s a saying that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. That’s doubly true at Long Point Bird Observatory, where birds are momentarily detained for data collection and banding. The process provides important information for researchers.

Emma Buck, Program Coordinator at Long Point Bird Observatory, notes that every effort is made to make the banding activity as low-stress as possible for the birds. The 14 nets spread out on the observatory’s grounds are made of a soft polyester material. Nets are checked and emptied regularly to minimize length of time birds spend cooped up.

Banders examine each individual, logging the species, measuring and recording wing

length, and assessing health indicators like the amount of fat. Banders also place a metal band around the bird’s leg to assist in future tracking.

Lammens fourth overall in OHL draft Being selected fourth in the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) draft is a moment most hockey players can only dream of.

“Just to hear my name called, it was pretty special,” said the 15-year-old Langton resident two days after being drafted fourth overall by the Sarnia Sting. “Mom and dad celebrating, big hug from my sister (Isla).”

It was an accomplishment Brenner had been building toward since taking to the ice as a two-year-old in the Langton Arena.

Families Bunnies

‘hunt’

for

Golden

An estimated 300-400 families participated in Simcoe’s third annual Easter Egg Hunt, organized by mobilemend.

Families were invited to pick up maps at dozens of participating businesses, all listed on mobilemend’s website and social media before the event. A suggested route was provided, but participants could start at any location, visit as many as they wanted, then finish at mobliemend (122 Robinson Street) to enter the grand prize Easter prize basket draws, visit the Norfolk County Fire Department representatives and fire truck, and hear live music.

Easter Egg Hunt generations together

brings

There have been some Easter egg hunting legends in Langton over the last 35 years.

It’s just a matter of knowing where to go – and it helps if you’re quick and observant.

“I just ran forward… and it was over there,” said Kamilla Millinger, 11, from Glen Meyer, who found a special plastic egg in the 9-12 area Friday at the Langton Lions Community Sports Complex. It was redeemed for one of 18 gift baskets, which included games, crafts, goodies and gift

cards. “Last year, somebody else got it. So I just ran over there and I got it this year. As soon as they blew the whistle, I went there, picked it up - it was buried with leaves brought it back, then I went to get as many (chocolate) eggs as I could.”

Federal candidates pitch to H-N voters

Residents of Haldimand-Norfolk were invited to a federal election candidate debate in Simcoe on April 10 by Cornerstone Association of Realtors, Delhi & District Chamber of Commerce and the Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce.

Six Haldimand-Norfolk candidates were asked a series of questions during a two-hour debate at the Simcoe Legion in front of a near-capacity audience. The full debate could be viewed on YouTube – search for the Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce channel.

Waterford Lions, volunteer to clean up

firefighters

The Waterford Lions Club continues to support the community and improve the town whenever possible. On April 5, the Lions Club paired with Norfolk County Fire Department Station 3 to host a Metal Donations and Recycling fundraiser.

Despite the rainy weather, they had an amazing turnout for the event. By the end of the day, they had almost filled their first bin of metal. Lion Lara Rockefeller stated, “We want to give a big thanks to the Waterford firefighters for their help and the amazing team at Quick Lane Tire & Auto for hosting the bin!”

‘The heart of the hospital and nursing home for 100 years’

The Volunteer Association to Norfolk General Hospital and Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home currently has 226 active volunteers who support the hospital in services, fundraising and public relations.

There are currently various opportunities to volunteer available in patient-facing roles, fundraising and in the nursing home.

“Our volunteers have been the heart of the hospital and nursing home for over a century,” said Kerri Emberlin, Director of

Coffee & Crumbs is a bustling kiosk at Norfolk General Hospital operated by The Volunteer Association to Norfolk General Hospital and Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home.

Volunteers & Spiritual Care Services. “We are incredibly thankful to all volunteers whose unwavering commitment, dedication, and compassion have shaped more than a century of service. Their tireless efforts have forged a powerful legacy – one that continues to inspire and will carry on for generations to come.”

“We are indeed fortunate at NGH and NHNH to have such dedicated and selfless volunteers who so willingly share their gifts of diverse talents to help us better serve our patients,” said Todd Stepanuik, President and Chief Executive Officer, Norfolk and West Haldimand General Hospitals. “Each day, humble people of every background and belief come together to fulfill the time less responsibility of volunteering.”

Touch-A-Truck highlights rural roots

fundraiser

Langton and Norfolk County’s rural roots were on display April 12 for the third annual Norfolk Little People’s Daycare Touch A-Truck in the Langton Arena parking lot.

It was an opportunity for children of all ages to get behind the steering wheels of stationary trucks – and tractors – to see what they look and feel like. A record 1,110 people visited the Touch A-Truck fundraiser to see everything from the massive combine to mini excavators, fire truck, cement truck and recycling truck, and what seemed like a fleet of tractors, large and small… 44 pieces of equipment in total. Children were wide-eyed and smiling as they climbed in and on and around the vehicles. “The big takeaway last year was that people loved the small things, so this year I tried to find more small things like the Gators, the small Bobcat… it doesn’t have to be huge,” said Touch-A-Truck coordinator Candice Vanhie.

Down on the Farm

Langton Skating Club presented its annual year-end skating carnival on April 5, inviting the audience to “Park your tractor, find a hay bale seat and get ready for the skaters to take you ‘Down on the Farm.’” Family farm tractors and hay bales were optional, of course.

Langton Skating Club’s opening number, Down on the Farm, celebrated 54 years of skating in Langton.

Simcoe Advocate

January 1, 2026

YEAR IN REVIEW - MAY CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

Leslyn Lewis wins federal HaldimandNorfolk riding Conservative incumbent MP Leslyn Lewis was re-elected to her second term in Haldimand-Norfolk on April 28, comfortably defeating Simcoe schoolteacher and Liberal candidate Colin Walsh.

“I’m just very, very pleased that the people of Haldimand-Norfolk have entrusted me for a second time to represent them and be their voice in Parliament,” Lewis said when reached by phone while watching the results come in at a private gathering.

The 2025 win for Lewis continues a 20year run of federal Conservative dominance in the riding that started when former MP Diane Finley was elected to the first of her six terms in 2004.

Liberal Part of Canada candidate Colin Walsh was not successful in his first federal election campaign. Lewis won the Haldimand-Norfolk riding with 41,218 votes (57.6%). Walsh received 26,040 votes (35.4%). Four other H-N candidates combined for the remaining six per cent.

“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the incredible team of volunteers, our supporters, all of our community members who stood with us every step of the way,” said Walsh at his Simcoe campaign office.

“Your energy, your time, your belief in a better future made this campaign possible.

We ran this campaign the right way – with integrity, honesty, transparency and positivity. We focused on the facts and we stayed true to our values. And we respected the people of Haldimand-Norfolk every step of the way.”

NGH Foundation raises funds to support the hospital The Norfolk General Hospital Foundation, which launched in 1986, has a history of fundraising in the community to purchase vital hospital equipment.

“It just warms my heart and I am beyond grateful,” said Emma Rogers, CEO of the NGH Foundation at the Heart of Healthcare Gala on Saturday, May 3. “I think there is something special and unique about Norfolk County, that we really rally around to support one another. And the hospital has really been a key pillar.”

‘The health of our community is worth fighting for’ There are many reasons to support Norfolk General Hospital and the NGH Foundation in its quest to raise funds for hospital equipment. Marc Vanden Bussche identified many of them at the Foundation’s annual Heart of Healthcare gala.

“Whether you are a donor or caregiver, a volunteer, a board member, a proud member of this incredible community, I am grateful for you,” said Vanden Bussche.

“We are here because we believe in something bigger than ourselves. We are here because we believe that the health of our community is worth fighting for.

We are here because we know that every

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person, no matter their age, back ground or circumstances, deserves access to excellent care close to home. We’re not just building a hospital, we’re building hope.”

Simcoe Gliders find new gymnastics home In 2024, Norfolk County Agricultural Society asked the Simcoe Gliders to vacate the Grandstand building before the end of June 2025. After months of searching, the nearly 52-year-old gymnastics club has a potential new location to continue programming.

“The layout of the gym is a lot nicer, it's a fresh new space, it's exciting. We want to be able to serve the families and welcome new ones,” said Lisa Follington.

Delhi Raiders cruise into soccer playoffs Delhi District Secondary School boys soccer team solidified their hold on ‘mid pack’ on May 1, defeating Valley Heights 6-1, leading up to the May 6 quarter-finals.

“I think we communicated really well,” said Delhi coach Ryan Gaertner. “The ball movement was definitely there, spreading the field, and the boys off of that communication were able to create a lot of opportunity and we were able to capitalize on it.”

Raiders’ Liam Wouters said he was looking forward to playoffs. “I hope we pick it up towards the end, and I feel like we can beat any team in our league. It was 0-0 against HT going into half and we lost 5-0 – it’s that fatigue factor that we have.

We play well in the first half, struggle in the second half.”

Norfolk uneasy about strong mayor powers While Norfolk County had no opportunity to opt out of the strong mayor powers this time, there seemed little appetite for the new legislation to be put to use… at least for this term of council.

Norfolk had previously opted out of accepting the strong mayor powers and the housing targets and funding that was tied to it. However, this new round brought strong mayor powers to 170 municipalities in the province… with no opt outs.

“She (Mayor Amy Martin) could have taken it the first time. She did not. Currently she doesn’t have the option now, she has the powers as of May 1,” said CAO Al Meneses.

Berkelbloem U-pick tulips ‘on the map’ Berkelbloem may have been one of Norfolk County’s best kept secrets, but the u-pick tulip farm east of Delhi on Windham Rd 12 has rapidly grown in reputation and popularity - it’s certainly no secret today.

The tulip season in southwestern Ontario, which ended May 18 this year, is just three weeks.

“It’s nonstop because the season is so short,” said Melanie Sauer.

Plan calls for centrally located pool, twin ice pad Even though the plan was titled

Conservative incumbent MP Leslyn Lewis has retaken the Haldimand-Norfolk federal riding.

‘Recreation Without Borders’ councillors in Norfolk very much had geography on their minds when voting on the recreation master plan.

Ultimately, councillors approved a modified option that supported in principle purchasing new land to build a centrally located aquatic centre and twin ice pad.

Neither of two initial options was greeted with great enthusiasm.

“We’re getting direction from staff telling us what to do. Here’s your report,

and Option 1 is to drive your bus off the cliff slowly and Option 2 is to drive it off the cliff quickly. But there is no option of not driving it off the cliff,” said Coun. Chris Van Paassen. “Why is there not an option that this council commits to maintaining the facilities in all of the communities?”

Mention of closing arenas rankled more than a few councillors. “It includes the decommissioning of a couple of arenas that I feel are vital to our community,” noted Coun. Kim Huffman.

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January 1, 2026

Simcoe Advocate

YEAR IN REVIEW - MAY

Murder Birds lights up DDSS stage With character names like Dove (Cloey Starks), Raven (Savannah Starks), Grackle (Paige Moon) and Magpie (Adelia Mirie), writers Jenna Thompson and the Delhi District Secondary School Drama Club were on point for Murder Birds, the school’s May 9-10 murder mystery play.

“The amount of growth, even that I’ve seen in the last week, has been incredible,” said Jenna Thompson. “I have my veterans, but I have a lot of Grade 9s this year and they are amazing. So good! I’m sad to see my seniors go next year, but I’m really excited to see my 9s grow.”

Sabres edge Titans in South Division soccer shootout It was always going to be close. Simcoe Composite School boys soccer team edged Holy Trinity in a penalty shootout to win the AABHN South Division.

“We’re encouraging the boys to play as a team,” said SCS coach Ron Smith. “That’s what they did today.”

“We try to play a little bit more possession soccer - work it up - but we broke down in the final third of the field,” said Holy Trinity coach Vince Suglio. “Again, we had our chances, couldn’t capitalize. Full credit to SCS. When it comes to PKs, anything can happen right? But I am proud of the boys, the boys played really well.”

Titans ‘shoot and score’ in girls soccer final Holy Trinity Titans girls soccer team unleashed its offence on May 15, scoring five times – their highest goal output of the season - to defeat Cayuga 5-1 in the AABHN South Division championship game. Scoring for Holy Trinity were Aaliyah Hoover (2), Erica VanNetten (2), and Chelsie Spriet.

“This season we haven’t been taking a lot of shots… but we got the results. Most games we controlled – all season – but it was just about actually scoring. Today, we were shooting the ball, taking the shots,” said Holy Trinity co coach Rebecca Suprun.

SCS cheerleaders win Norfolk Invitational competition ‘Party rock was in the house tonight’ when Simcoe Composite School Sabres cheerleaders won the second annual Norfolk Invitational Cheerleading Competition on May 7.

“This was their last one, so they were getting a little weepy,” said SCS coach Tracy Boswell. “I am also getting a little weepy, so that’s okay. I think they had a moment to take a breath, realize what they had done and what they can fix – because we’ve been doing this all year long – and really just left it all out there and gave

Simcoe Composite School Sabres cheerleaders celebrate their 2025 championship at the Norfolk Invitational Cheerleading Competition in Delhi.

it everything they could… and fixed everything that happened in that first run.

So I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Nature's Calling receives $74,400 Trillium grant Nature’s Calling Environmental Education announced they were the recipient of a $74,400 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation, allowing NCEE to update its curriculum-based learning units to comply with the Ontario government’s new STEMbased curriculum programming goals.

“Today we have 21 kids and three staff.

We now have school groups coming as well – we will have 15 school groups coming, so we’re busy. And as soon as we’re done with Forest School, we transition into Summer Camp for the next eight weeks,” said Bernie Solymnar, Founder & Executive Director of NCEE.

Mackenzie Hill, Norfolk Station 7 firefighter Jeff Hill, and Alanna Hill at the Langton Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, April 18, annually organized by the Langton Firefighters Auxiliary and supported by volunteer Langton firefighters.

The Silver Spokes Cycling Club annually ‘gives back’ to the county – and its communities – with an annual road side clean-up project.

Sarah Page and Julie Gonyou pose at the 2nd Annual Heart of Healthcare Gala photo booth. The 2nd annual gala was a major fundraiser for the Norfolk General Hospital Foundation.

Melanie Sauer and Drew Berkel are co-owners and operators of Berkelbloem, a u-pick tulip farm near Delhi.

Simcoe Advocate

January 1, 2026

YEAR IN REVIEW - JUNE CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

Norfolk reiterates opposition to strong mayor powers They rejected it the first time and shared their unease with it again two weeks ago.

Now, Norfolk councillors will officially send their opposition to the strong mayor powers with a letter to Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack wand Premier Doug Ford regarding the recent decision at Queen’s Park to give the powers to the mayors of 170 municipalities in Ontario.

“I do not support the strong mayor powers. I feel they’re not democratic,” Coun. Kim Huffman said introducing the motion. It was a sentiment shared by others.

“Why have eight elected councillors sitting around the table if you give the power to the mayor? To me it’s a mockery of democracy,” said Coun. Michael Columbus.

Local MS Walk nears $1 million raised “Great energy today,” said David Horton, chair of the Grand Erie chapter of the MS Society of Canada and organizer of the 25th Simcoe-Norfolk MS Walk. “I know that the dollar value we have raised is getting very close to our target, and by the end of the day when we finish counting, and in another month, I think we’ll be there.”

“You are part of something bigger,” said Alan Duthie, Ward 5 Councillor, speaking to participants on behalf of Mayor Amy Martin and Norfolk County Council.

“Almost 25 years in the making, almost $1 million is pretty incredible. So thank you for that.”

Indigenous art exhibition at Lynnwood Arts A multi-layered art exhibition including works by local Indigenous artists and collaborative pieces created with students kicked off at Lynnwood Arts in Simcoe on May 15.

“One special thing about this art exhibit is that the students co-create with the artist,” said Chris Rait, Arts Consultant for the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board. “They do a collaborative piece.” Some of the displays include the contributions of over 100 students.

Integrity commissioner investigations to be launched Photos of confidential documents that appeared on Facebook earlier this year were not leaked by a Norfolk County staff or council member, a joint investigation launched by Norfolk and Haldimand County has found.

CAOs for both municipalities agreed to launch the third party investigation after it came to the attention of Haldimand County CAO Cathy Case that the documents were posted to a Facebook group page.

The original Facebook post said it was a Norfolk staffer who leaked the documents.

The investigator concluded that was not the case.

Mottled Duskywing butterfly reintroduced to Norfolk An endangered butterfly has been reintroduced to Norfolk County. Five Mottled Duskywings were released May 29 at Long Point Basin Land Trust’s Stead Family Scientific Reserve.

Nearly 400 males and females were planned for the site. Habitat restoration work by Long Point Basin Land Trust and regional conservation partners including the St. Williams Conservation Reserve Community Council and the Nature Conservancy of Canada - made the reintroduction possible. The site lies within the Long Point Walsingham Forest Priority Place, a nationally recognized biodiversity hotspot.

“We want to get them out in their natural habitat where they can nectar,” said Klara Jones, naturalist.

Holy Trinity show features cars,

trucks, tractors, bikes “The diversity here today is nice, especially the year difference between them,” said Holy Trinity student Blake Numan, who drove his family’s blue 1957 Fordson Dexta antique utility tractor to Holy Trinity from Jarvis.

“The goal is to get kids excited about transportation and my program – my program here is very strong,” said organizer Clark Chernak.

Sabres finish with CWOSSA AA soccer silver The top two Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk South Division AA boys soccer teams went head-to-head in the CWOSSA semifinals May 29 in Brantford. Simcoe Composite School Sabres defeated the Holy Trinity Catholic High School Titans 3-1 on a fast, slippery synthetic turf at the Bisons Alumni North Park Sports Complex.

“We had three really good chances inside the box, didn’t hit the net,” said Holy Trinity coach Vince Suglio.

SCS added insurance with five minutes remaining on a corner kick. “It was a perfect corner kick – right to me in the box,” said Sabres’ Wyatt Cowan, who jumped up to head home his second of the day. “He placed it right on my head and I finished ‘er.”

Glenview Park won the final 3-2, scoring a late winner. SCS went home with CWOSSA silver.

Plan gives Norfolk assets mostly passing grades The path to maintaining Norfolk’s $5.5 billion in assets has become somewhat clearer now that councillors have approved its first full, comprehensive asset management plan.

It includes a mix of good and bad, though the bad is something most municipalities in the province are facing. It notes a $24 million a year renewal shortfall in levy assets, and a $9.6 million renewal shortfall for rate-supported assets.

The municipality has been making efforts to close that gap in recent years.

NGH celebrates 100 years Honouring 100 years of excellence at Norfolk General Hospital and 50 years of dedication at the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home, an anniversary celebration was held June 7 at the Norfolk County Recreation Centre in Simcoe.

“Today we are really celebrating 100 years of excellence at the hospital and five remarkable decades at the nursing home,” said Todd Stepanuik, President and CEO of Norfolk General Hospital for the past two-and-a-half years. “Both organizations, even though they are starkly different, each has their own unique story. They are unified by a shared legacy, and that, from my perspective, is grounded in service.”

The 25th Simcoe-Norfolk MS fundraising total was $52,368, and it was expected to grow over the next few weeks.

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Downtown Simcoe BIA freshens up Downtown Simcoe Business Improvement Area (BIA) pitched in June 8th with family and community volunteers to help clean up the downtown, knowing every contribution can have a big impact.

Simcoe Composite’s Miguel Ferreira passes in the set-up for the Sabres’ CWOSSA semifinal game-winning goal May 29 against Holy Trinity.

“It’s a good way for us to work with the community, making the downtown look better and cleaner for everyone,” said Les Anderson, Simcoe BIA co-ordinator, who joined volunteers picking up litter.

“This is an annual cleanup that we do for the downtown in the Simcoe BIA area.

We usually have some volunteers and our board members, people like that.”

‘Unforgettable experience’ at Fairground Festival Saturday’s Norfolk County Fairground Festival – the Beer & Beach Edition - presented by Edward Jones was a celebration of music, food and fun at the Norfolk County Faigrounds in Simcoe.

“Thank you for being here, this is so important to what we do at the ag society and we’re so happy to see you here,” said Angela Hogeveen, General Manager of the Norfolk County Agricultural Society, on stage to help introduce the 10-piece Dwayne Gretzky band, headliner of the June 14th summer kickoff ‘dance party on the track.’

“The bands have been good – real good,” said Ron Lounsbury. “They (Bucking Brocos) had said, ‘Anybody ride a bronc?’

I’ve ridden broncs... I rode one at Calgary Stampede in ’69. I’m smarter than that now.”

“They’re playing country & western,” said Bonnie Lounsbury, “and I’m down with the whole country western right now.”

Multicultural Food Festival gets fresh start The cabbage rolls were the first to sell out at the Multicultural Food Fes tival on June 7. Then the donated desserts.

“Also half of our perogies,” said festival co-coordinator Jon Kloepfer, noting the other half would be arriving soon.

It was only one hour into the four-hour food festival at the Delhi Tobacco Museum and Heritage Centre and there was a lineup outside. This year’s version of the Multicultural Food Festival was a new take on a festival tradition going back many decades, some of which featured displays and music, sometimes dance – but not always food.

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January 1, 2026

Simcoe Advocate

YEAR IN REVIEW - JULY

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

Dragon boats ‘invade’ Waterford How close were the dragon boat championship races at the 2025 Invasion of the Dragons? After the Cure edged Rock Ness Monsters by just a fraction of second to win the Community D Division final, June 22 in Waterford.

After paddling hard for 250 metres, third-place Drag-On 123 finished only a half-second behind the winners. But that was not even the closest race of the day.

“We love hanging out together, it’s relaxing and fun. It’s all about having a good time. And we’re all competitive, so we love the competitive nature of it all.

This is a summer reason for us all to get together and we’re already talking about it for next year,” said Becca Belch, captain of D second-place Rock Ness Monsters, a women’s team from the Simcoe Curling Club.

The annual Invasion of the Dragons, a dragon boat fundraising festival, was organized by the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise. Proceeds support the Cancer Support & Resource Program of Norfolk, which gives financial support to people going through cancer, and local Rotary

community projects, which include Lighthouse Theatre and Special Olympics support. Twenty-four teams competed this year.

“We had some new teams… and we have two or three teams that have been here every year for 10 years, so that’s terrific,” said co-organizer Gail Catherwood. “Lots of great volunteers this year, too.”

Norfolk Haldimand hospice receives $100,000 donation The Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice announced a generous $100,000 donation from Ken Sinnesael and his daughters, Kady Sumner and Kendra Sinnesael, in memory of their late wife and mother, Debra Vanden Bussche Sinnesael.

This heartfelt contribution reflects the family's deep commitment to ensuring that individuals in Norfolk County have access to compassionate end-of-life care.

Debra, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, was known for her deep love of nature and her thoughtful, giving spirit.

Haldimand Norfolk Housing hits key targets in 2024 Despite dealing with increasingly complex cases, the Haldimand Norfolk Housing Corporation is achieving or

surpassing its four main objectives.

Matt Bowen, HNHC CEO, presenting its 2024 report, showed the organization is hitting or exceeding four key performance indicators, while also working to grow the supply of affordable housing units in Norfolk and Haldimand.

“We truly are privileged to serve the most vulnerable people in the community,” Bowen said.

The organization houses more than 1,000 people, providing the physical space and working with other agencies like the YWCA or Canadian Mental Health Association to provide vital support services. HNHC maintains 23 properties and 535 homes throughout its catchment area. Roughly half of the tenants are seniors, and 14 per cent are single adult households.

West Elgin Public School celebrates ground-breaking Students, staff, Grand Erie District School Board officials and MPP Bobbi Ann Brady donned hard hats and picked up shovels on June 23 for an official groundbreaking ceremony at West Elgin Public School in Simcoe.

“It takes a village to make it happen… In this instance, it takes a community to create this expansion,” said JoAnna Roberto,

Waterford Legion’s Drag-On 123 paddles to the starting line during the 2025 Invasion of the Dragons in Waterford on June 22.

Director of Education at the groundbreaking.

Capitol Arts Market gallery ‘stirs emotions’ in Norfolk The volume and variety of art and artisan work always amazes visitors at the Capitol Arts Market and Gallery in downtown Simcoe.

“People are usually looking for one thing,” said Susan Bennett. “It might be a water colour, it might be a piece of glass…”

“They come in with something in mind, quite often,” nodded Linda Campbell.

“And people have followers, people who come back again and again,” said Bennett.

With so much diversity, it can be rewarding for visitors to browse… and browse… and browse. Something will always catch your interest.

Lions Touch-A-Truck brings out the community The Waterford Lions Club’s Touch-A Truck returned June 14 at a new Waterford venue.

“It’s been a good turnout,” said Lion John Varao, chair of the 2025 Touch-A-Truck.

“Kids enjoy seeing the big equipment, the big machinery. The Lions are doing a good thing for the community - and they have a

Bull rider Ashten Buzsik competes at the Norfolk Pro Rodeo in Nixon on July 20.

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Simcoe Advocate

January 1, 2026

YEAR IN REVIEW - JULY lot of fun.

The free admission June 14th Touch-A Truck - with all sizes of trucks and tractors - filled Waterford’s Shadow Lake Park on Alice Street during Norfolk County Community Days. Donations were accepted for the Waterford and District Food Cupboard.

Pump competition is all about camaraderie, fun Norfolk County’s Station 6 hosted the annual Norfolk County Firefighters Pump Competition in Courtland.

“It’s good just to get all the families together, one more thing for all of us to do,” said Captain Adam Ryde, Station 6 Courtland, at the Courtland Lions Community Park. “Get all the members of the department that often don’t see each other to kind of come together and just have some fun.”

With food trucks and children’s activities on-site, the pump competition is truly a family event. “Firefighting is a family, 100 per cent. It’s not just us responding, it’s the families that have to deal with us leaving, or not being there. It’s definitely a full family thing. And the more people we can get involved, the more people see it, then the more people will want to participate in the future.”

Successful Friday the 13th rally in Port Dover Norfolk County Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police reported this year's Friday the 13th motorcycle rally was a relatively peaceful event.

Approximately 125,000 motorcyclists and visitors converged upon Port Dover and surrounding area at the height of the rally on Friday, June 13.

Norfolk rental vacancies virtually nonexistent If any would-be renters in Norfolk are struggling to find a place to live, they’re not alone. The county’s housing needs study found a vacancy rate well below

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has been rapidly expanding his ribfest business, adding three new festivals to Your Local Ribfest’s 2025 summer tour, including the first Norfolk County Ribfest on July 18-20 in support of Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise.

“The fairgrounds (Norfolk Agricultural Society) was looking at doing a ribfest, the Rotary was also looking at doing a ribfest… and it came to a point where we all just kind of came together with that,” said Glassford. “The fairgrounds said, ‘You already have the formula, why don’t you work together?’”

Despite the sizeable Friday the 13th motorcycle rally crowd – about 125,000 motorcyclists and visitors at its height – OPP say the June 13, 2025 event proceeded without any major incidents.

what experts would consider healthy.

For ownership, anything $348,500 or less is considered affordable. On the rental side, monthly rents of $1,155 for a onebedroom, $1,037 for a two-bedroom, and $1,667 for a three-bedroom are considered affordable. To meet the county’s needs over the next decade, the study found the county would need to see 2,930 new units built, of which 730 would have to fit the affordable definition.

Good food, good turnout, great times Hosted in 2025 as a collaboration between the Catholic Community Services of York Region’s Simcoe satellite office and the Norfolk OPP, this year’s 2nd Annual Farm to Farm Tug of War, July 7 at the Norfolk County Youth Soccer Park, added a soccer tournament and ‘Norfolk’s Biggest Jerk’ competition to the mix.

“We’re trying to create a more community-oriented space,” explained Leanne Arnal, CCSYR Norfolk Expansion Lead and Director, Norfolk Community In Action Inc. “Integrating our whole

The Schuyler Farms team unseated defending champions Koteles Farms during the 2nd Annual Farm to Farm Tug of War competition on June 7.

community.”

Crime numbers down in Norfolk, patrol hours up By most accounts, crime numbers appear to be dropping in Norfolk.

According to statistics from the Norfolk County OPP detachment, both violent crime and property crime has been dropping in 2025. The May-June period in 2025 saw 115 incidents of violent crime in the county, a 24.3 per cent drop from the same period in 2024, but still up slightly over May-June 2023, when there were 103 cases reported. On the property crime front, the 169 incidents reported in MayJune was a nearly 31.6 per cent decrease from the same time period in 2024 when there were 247 reports. That period in 2023 saw 265 incidents reported.

“All of those statistics are great numbers,” said Coun. Kim Huffman, chair of the detachment board.

Norfolk Ribfest supports Rotary Chris Glassford of Glassford Productions

Local dance students shine on national stage Youth dancers from the Lisa Naves Dance Company returned with national accolades after a standout performance at the 2025 Dance Canada Solo Finals, June 30 to July 6 at the Sanderson Centre in Brantford. The prestigious event brought together top soloists from across Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec, all of whom earned their place through a ‘golden ticket’ invitation - awarded to dancers who achieved exception al scores during the 2025 Dance Canada competitive season.

Bull riding - eight seconds ‘doing the impossible’ Eight seconds - that’s the goal for bull riders. Ashten Buzsik did not quite make it during the Norfolk Pro Rodeo at Timmermans Ranch, July 20, in Nixon.

Buzsik, 22, “came down early” riding Dancing with the Devil.

“I would say that was one of my best rides this year,” said Buzsik, who is having a comeback season after breaking his leg late last year. “I’m getting closer and closer to that eight seconds.” Buzsik, who grew up in Simcoe, is following in the footsteps of his uncle, Luke McCoag, who competed in Canada and the United States. “My uncle was rodeo performing, so he kind of grew up in it. And because he was in it, I was at rodeos when I was a little kid. It’s always been a part of my life.”

Ryan Bond of Simcoe takes a bite of his Norfolk County Ribfest ribs Sunday at the Norfolk fairgrounds.

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January 1, 2026

Simcoe Advocate

YEAR IN REVIEW - AUGUST

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

58-year Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival tradition continues in Simcoe The 2025 Simcoe Heritage Friend ship Festival was a celebration of Norfolk music and arts. Held August 1-4 at Welling ton, Clifton and Lynnwood Parks, and this year adding an Argyle Street kickoff party, the four-day festival featured local entertainment, vendors, food trucks and fun, reaching out beyond Norfolk.

“A lot of the people that you see on the main stage now started out busking on our youth stages back in the day,” said Sara Moody Veldhuis. “I’ve been with the festival since 2009, and some of them were kids in high school then. Like the Hannah Dolsons and the Nolan Gibsons and Jessica Rayners – they were all high school students when they started here.

“It gives them experience, it gives them confidence. It gives them that chance to perform in front of a crowd. I spoke to some students this year who said, ‘We’re not quite ready, we’ll try for next year…’ Fair enough. That stepping stone approach is kind of great. They go, they feel confident, and I’m not asking for a lot of time - 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and if they’re feeling confident, they can go for more than that. It just gives them that next step. From there, maybe we’ll get them on the community stage, maybe we’ll get them on the main stage.”

Rubber ducks race for a good cause There was, admittedly, some luck involved in the annual ABEL Enterprises Duck Race on August 4, during the 2025 Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival.

It was not aerodynamics. Theoretically, it wasn’t weight, length, wingspan or height that enabled a handful of rubber ducks to lead the pack of 750 – upright or on their side the entire race – floating from bridge to bridge down the shallow, meandering Lynn River.

“It’s not an exact science,” said Robynn Beazley, FUNdraising coordinator at ABEL Enterprises. “People always ask, ‘When does it end?’ I always say, ‘That’s up to the ducks.’”

The first five ducks to reach the finish line, just over 20 minutes after being dumped from three recycling bins near the windmill, won their ticket-holders a prize.

“The duck race has been a part of the Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival, back when it was still just the Friendship

Festival, way back in the day,” said Beazley. “As far as I know, the Rubber Duck Race has always been a part of the festival activities.”

Organizers, however, have changed over the years. “We have been privileged to run it the last couple of years – this is our second year,” said Beazley. “It used to be 500 duckies. We have upped the ante. We added 250 extra ducks and two more prize levels. So we’re giving away more money with more chances to win.”

Lucas Wilson encourages people to “be the change” Illusionist Lucas Wilson, holder of four Guinness World Records, might be slowing down the number of his performances a little these days, but he’s still amazing people - young and old - across the province.

Big crowds, smaller crowds, he and his talented assistant Catherine entertain them all with humorous and eye-popping magic tricks and illusions as they did during three shows at the 2025 Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival on August 2.

“Still performing, still out there entertaining folks over the long weekends and short weekends,” said Wilson, after more than a decade of shows.

His first show at the local festival concluded with one of his famous straightjacket escapes. And the small crowd went wild.

“We’re very blessed to be able to do big shows, breaking records at the Sanderson Centre, still travelling across Ontario, but these have always been my favourite places to perform… because I get to see people I know. I get to make new friends in the community and I get to see old community friends. There’s something that is so charming about the Friendship Festival, in particular, because it really is homegrown.”

Music, food, friends highlight holiday festival Over 40 performers, including Norfolk’s Juno-nominated singer-songwriter Benjamin Dakota Rogers, hit the stage at this year’s Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival, August 1-4.

‘And they’re off!’ The rubber ducks are launched to begin the annual fundraising ABEL Enterprises Duck Race on August 4.

The festival featured four days of free fun, food trucks, vendors and live entertainment for all ages.

“Our mission with the Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival is to make this all about Norfolk and give back to the community,” said Sara Moody Veldhuis, artistic director.

“It is really important for us to bring every one this family friendly festival; it’s a tradition that’s been in existence since 1967.”

Rusnak enters Miss World Canada pageant Aalanna Rusnak of Courtland took her pageant career to the next level competing at Miss World Canada, August 12-17.

“It’s a lot more intense, a lot more goes into it,” said Rusnak in the days leading up to the national pageant. “Basically, everything is taken up like 10 notches and it’s like a whole different ball game. Girls are more prepared… it’s not like Teens, this isn’t their first time competing. They know

what to expect, they’re more seasoned.”

Some have won national titles and competed on international stages, said Rusnak, and now they are coming back for more. And Rusnak was right there with them.

DeCloet family gives generously to protect nature Paul DeCloet and his family are doing their part to preserve unique Carolinian forests in Norfolk County. DeCloet, a retired Norfolk farmer and philanthropist now living in Tillsonburg, previously donated the Paul DeCloet Forest to Norfolk County in 2021.

That donation safeguarded a biodiverse area home to 26 tree species, including unique Carolinian varieties such as tulip trees and sassafras. When Paul saw a 50acre parcel across the road for sale, he had the vision to enlarge the protected area.

“It adds to what we’ve already done. It’s the perfect fit to enlarge it,” he said.

Horse, Livestock Car, Utility, Landscape and Enclosed Trailers 324025 Mount Elgin Rd Mount Elgin, Ontario N0J 1N0

Jamie Belore

www.beloretrailers.ca Phone: 519-485-5358 Toll free: 1-877-247-7227 jbelore@gmail.com

On May 17, a family acorn planting event took place at a newly acquired DeCloet property, hosted by the DeCloet family.

Simcoe Advocate

January 1, 2026

YEAR IN REVIEW - AUGUST Cycling trek raises over $300,000 for HN hospice A Norfolk County man who cycled from British Columbia to Port Dover to raise money for Haldimand-Norfolk’s first hospice in his son’s memory made it home safely Sunday, August 17, greeted by a crowd of hundreds at a Port Dover park.

On the 17th, Dan Johnson’s cross-country trek had brought in $301,000 and counting for the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice in memory of eight-year-old Luke Johnson, who died of cancer last summer after spending three weeks at a Brantford hospice. The ‘Live Like Luke’ fundraiser on two wheels started in Vancouver on Canada Day. On Sunday, Johnson pedalled the final 10 kilometres to Silver Lake Park accompanied by about 160 cyclists.

Kinsmen Splash Pad needs renovations The sound of children’s laughter as water sprays them under a hot summer sun… that’s the sound that has been heard for the past 20 years at the Simcoe Splash Pad, which has benefited countless children and families.

But the fully accessible and free 4,500-square-feet splash pad is in need of major renovations.

The Simcoe Kin Club, supported by the Norfolk Community Foundation, is seeking help from businesses, service clubs and individuals to benefit future generations. It will cost an estimated $80,000 to replace the concrete pad and complete piping

repairs.

Renovations are expected to be completed in 2026.

“It’s early days yet, but we’re making good progress,” said Dennis Travale.

Long Point hatchery gives turtles helping hand Considering the fact that all eight freshwater turtle species in Canada are in decline, a joint project involving the Long Point Biosphere Region and Long Point Eco-Adventures Resort and Retreat Centre is a timely one.

The organizations teamed up to develop the Long Point Turtle Hatchery and Exhibition Centre, located at Long Point Eco-Adventures. At the centre, which is situated in the same building as the Marshview Patio and Bar at Long Point Eco-Adventures, 1730 Front Road, St. Williams, visitors can get information about the turtle hatchery project. A large display provides details about the endeavor, and turtles in general.

This year, the Turtle Hatchery incubated over 1,000 eggs, but the turtle youngsters still have a daunting road ahead of them.

Snapping turtles aren’t able to reproduce until 15 years of age. For Blanding’s Turtles, reproduction doesn’t start until the turtles are 25 years old. Research has shown that out of 1,000 hatchlings, only 10 will reach age 25.

The Farms of Norfolk Soccer Tournament celebrated agricultural workers on August 10.

Ten teams from Norfolk, Oxford, Brant and Haldimand counties, and Dundas competed at the Norfolk County Youth Soccer Park in Simcoe in a round-robin format tournament, followed by semifinals and finals. Spirited soccer games, food, skills competition and music highlighted the sixth annual event.

“The (new) skills competition was really fun, they enjoyed it,” said Lynda Kohler, Executive Director, Grand River Community Health Centre. “It wasn’t easy to get the ball through those little rings, and someone got two.”

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Aalanna Rusank competed in the Miss World Canada pageant, August 12-17.

Agricultural workers enjoy ‘spirited’ soccer tourney

‘And they’re off!’ The rubber ducks are launched to begin the annual fundraising ABEL Enterprises Duck Race on August 4.

Busker Kiana Littlemore at the Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival.

Catherine and Lucas joke about ‘maybe needing to tighten’ the straight-jacket straps.

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January 1, 2026

Simcoe Advocate

YEAR IN REVIEW - SEPTEMBER

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

Everyone loves building and racing Bayfest boats Sounds of handsaws and hammering drew a few dozen curious people to the Port Rowan harbour to watch the Bayfest Build-a-Boat preparations. At 12:30 p.m., hundreds of spectators watched 10 handcrafted boats race (or in one case sink) in three heats and a championship final.

“Basically, they get a material package – they don’t know what is in it beforehand,” said Russ Furler, assistant manager of Port Rowan Home Building Centre, the organizer and co-sponsor owned by Brandon Vermeersch. Bayview Harbour Marina also co-sponsored the event, supplying the start-and-finish barge and safety boat.

“It’s always a fun event,” said Furler, noting 10 was the maximum number of entries.

“Tuesday morning (August 26), we had one entry. Tuesday night we were completely full… and people calling wanting to get in. Deadline was Wednesday.”

Markus Matantsev, 16, defended his 2024 title. In his first year, he had finished last.

His 2025 boat turned out to be streamlined and fast… and a bit tippy. “Oh, it was tippy!” Matantsev laughed. “Oh my goodness, yeah.”

ABEL Enterprises receives $140,700 Trillium grant ABEL Enterprises announced it has received a $140,700 Grow Grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). The grant will help ABEL Enterprises (HN Work Group in Simcoe), at 440 Queensway West, support survivors of mental illnesses and addictions through providing hands-on volunteer opportunities to improve their own mental, physical and financial wellbeing through a

peer-led social enterprise model.

A portion of the grant was used to purchase an events trailer that can be seen at community events promoting the organization and connecting people with disabilities in a meaningful way through product sales opportunities.

“The events trailer is to grow our social enterprise,” said Scott Williams, Executive Director, ABEL Enterprises. “So this is to allow our members to engage in training, workshops, and getting out in the community.”

The trailer launched just in time for the June 2025 dragon boat festival in Waterford. “But it’s not just about the trailer,” said Williams. “It focuses on the people. It’s not a top-down method – this is getting our members involved and letting them drive it.”

Leon’s eyes move to old Peavey Mart location Call in the moving vans, Leon’s Furniture in Simcoe could be leaving its Norfolk Street North location and setting up shop a short distance away on Queensway West, the site of the old Peavey Mart that closed earlier this year when the company sought creditor protection and began liquidating assets.

The potential move required zoning bylaw and official plan amendments on the Queensway West property, which were presented to councillors Sept. 3.

“The former Peavey Mart is a prime location for this business and a perfect opportunity to reuse a vacant building,” said Vallee Consulting’s Eldon Darbyson., noting there are plans for an addition in the rear yard of the property, but otherwise it fits the needs of Leon’s.

A recommendation report would be coming back to council at a later date.

Norfolk Terry Fox Run raises $25,000plus On Sept. 14, thousands of people in over 650 communities nationwide, including

Markus Matantsev, 16, defends his Bayfest Build-a-Boat title in Port Rowan winning the final August 30 race.

Norfolk County, participated in the 45th annual Terry Fox Run in support of cancer research.

“The turnout was really good this year,” said Norfolk Terry Fox Run co-organizer Mackenzie Thorpe. “We had about 205 people at the park with about 160 partaking in the walk, ride or run itself. Some people came out to cheer on their families or friends, and/or volunteer with us as well.”

As of Sept. 15, Simcoe had raised $24,978 between cash and online donations. An additional bingo night donation of $1,904 from ABEL Enterprises, along with this year's Terry Fox bottle drive efforts and the Food Tour of Norfolk Raffle for Cancer Research would be added to that.

“We have already raised more than we did last year,” said co-organizer Maddy Thorpe. “Last year our total for the community Run was around $20,000, so we’re already around $5,000 more, which is always great to see – especially on an anniversary year.”

Judy-Ann and Ian Macauley receive Paul Harris Awards The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise presented Ian and Judy-Ann Macauley with Paul Harris Awards at their annual Welcome Back BBQ on August 26. As a team, Ian & Judy-Ann have been longserving volunteers at their church, within their curling club, and in support of the wider community.

Hospice targets late 2027 opening for $14 million project Staff, supporters and the community will have to wait another two plus years for the opening of the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice, but those in need will continue receiving the help they require. Andrea Binkle, executive director, gave Norfolk councillors an update on the project to build a new community hospice on donated land in Jarvis that will serve both municipalities for years to come. She

said they’re targeting a late 2027 or early 2028 opening for the $14 million project.

Little fair, big traditions in Langton With 135 years of history, North Walsingham Agricultural Society’s annual Langton Fair has been ‘making memories’ for generations. Some events go back decades, including the junior talent show and tobacco tying. Some like the nail pounding maybe a century or more.

“I went in the parade as a kid,” smiled Cindy Erdelac of Langton at the Sept.

17 fair. “We decorated our bicycles and rode them in the parade when we were little. Every year. Now I’m watching my grandchildren - my son and daughter-inlaw both went to school here, and their kids. Ever since I was young, 1960 in Grade 1, the public school and the catholic school always went in the parade.”

“It’s a lot of fun here seeing cousins, friends. There’s a lot of people here – everybody comes out. And the kids love it.”

Low water levels monitored at Waterford Ponds Norfolk County and the Long Point Region Conservation Authority are actively working together to monitor and address lower-than-normal water levels in the Waterford Ponds.

Following an exceptionally hot and dry summer, a Level 1 Low Water Advisory was declared by LPRCA, based on significantly reduced rainfall and stream flows across the watershed.

Other contributing factors may include natural obstructions such as beaver dams, which can reduce or slow water flow into the ponds. Norfolk County completed a preliminary inspection of the Waterford Dam, limited to what was currently visible, and was in the process of arranging a more comprehensive inspection to ensure no operational issues are contributing to the situation.

Melissa Porter of Simcoe stands next to her orange 1947 Dodge Coupe at the 36th annual Dead End Street Rodders show ‘n shine in Delhi on Sept. 21.

Simcoe Advocate

January 1, 2026

YEAR IN REVIEW - OCTOBER

wasn’t a lot of fight-back. Now, it’s almost business-like, the attitude that they take.”

After three games, including a 27-14 homefield victory against Cayuga on Oct. 3, the Wolves were 2-1, tied for second behind undefeated Mackinnon Park – who have been putting up some big points - and Delhi.

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

CIBC Run for the Cure’s team effort raises more than $3 million in Norfolk County It was an emotional morning for CIBC Run for the Cure committee and participants at the Lions Ball Park in Simcoe.

Norfolk committee director Gail Catherwood announced this year’s fundraising – in support of breast cancer research and services – had reached $62,470 that morning.

“That brings our total for this community over $3 million, so thank you very, very much,” said Catherwood before approximately 130 participants went on their optional routes (1-km and 5-km), noting the 2025 total was substantially more than last year’s $46,000 - with even more funds expected to come in over the next few weeks. “We were waiting to get to the $3 million mark and that did it for us,” “The CIBC Run for the Cure isn’t just an event, it’s the reason that more of us get to celebrate milestones like five years, 10 years, and beyond,” said Jenn Prouse, keynote speaker. “It’s the reason research keeps moving forward. It’s the reason we stand up here with hope in our hearts, and for the future.”

After completing her walk, Judy Weller was happy to ‘ring the bell’ at the finish line, surrounded by family. “I am going to be a survivor. I have no doubt that I am going to get through this chemo and then radiation. And I’ll be here next year, hopefully doing the 5-km,” she smiled. “I

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Waterford Wolves defeated Cayuga 27-14 to improve their Brant Haldimand Norfolk record to 2-1.

need to practice.”

Geocachers help clean up trash in Waterford Ponds area Cache in, trash out… known as CITO. Geocachers from Norfolk County, and some coming from other parts of Ontario and Quebec and even Michigan, joined this year’s Waterford Ponds area fall CITO, picking up trash alongside the roadways, trails and shoreline on Sept. 30. “This is how we give back to the community,” said Karen Daniel from Bloomsburg. “We’re taking the trash out.”

Austin’s Pumpkin Patch supports cancer centre The Juravinski Cancer Centre Pumpkin

Patch, now called Austin’s Pumpkin Patch, returned in 2025 and was busy as ever in its third year at their new location, 2587 Cockshutt Road, hosted by the Sloot and Smith families at Austin’s Pick Your Own and Farm Market.

Pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, straw bales, porch packages, scarecrows and flowers… were all available for a set donation. All items were donated by generous local farmers and all proceeds from sales go directly to the Juravinski Cancer Centre for the purchase of muchneeded cancer treatment equipment.

“I have always loved fundraisers, so I was thrilled when they asked me to help here,” said 18-year-old Olivia Hazen, herself a survivor.

Grow and Gather helps feeds the Norfolk community The idea behind the first Grow and Gather – From Farms to Families event Sept. 27 in Delhi was simple – give back to the community.

“We wanted to host a produce giveaway event,” said Rebekah Jean Konrad, Marketing Manager, Sandy Shore Farms Ltd, who took the lead on the one-day event. “We just wanted to give back to our community.”

Sandy Shore Farms was supported by a dozen Norfolk County farms. Trucks full of food started to unload at 6 a.m. that morning. Families filled bags, and sometimes even came back for more free food.

They started with nearly 80 bins of produce – some about 1,000 pounds including apples, pumpkins, squash, onions, cabbage, sweet and russet potatoes, zucchini, eggplant, sweet corn, and multiple varieties of tomatoes and peppers…

“We had no idea how many people would come,” Konrad smiled. “Starting at 8:30, people have just been streaming through.

Cainan Bramer, Azara Bramer and Hailey Szalkai volunteered at the Sept. 27th Grow and Gather – from Farm to Families in Delhi, organized by Sandy Shore Farms and supported by a dozen Norfolk growers.

Wolves building confidence The Waterford Wolves won’t back down from anyone in the Brant Haldimand & Norfolk Non-CWOSSA varsity football division. The team has swagger.

“That’s the biggest thing this year,” said Waterford head coach Andrew Miller.

“Last year when we were down, there

Norfolk-Oxford Kidney Walk raises more than $7,650 The 2025 Norfolk-Oxford Kidney Walk on Sept. 21 did more than surpass its fundraising goal, it knocked it out of the park raising more than $7,650. Thirty-six walkers participated in this year’s annual Walk, held in Port Rowan, completing a 4-5 km route to the Port Rowan Wetlands and back to Front Road. “Our team goal was $6,000,” said event coordinator Greg D’Hulster.

Pumpkinfest packs Waterford Pumpkinfest is 100% volunteer run so hats off to all of those who work hard to make each year a success. Funds raised support such local organizations as the School Nutrition Program, Norfolk General Hospital, the Lions Foundation Guide Dogs, Guide Dogs Canada, Grand Erie School Bursaries, local minor sports programs, Guiding and Scouting, as well as a Christmas Family Basket program.

Many hands make for light work so if you would like to get involved next year email pumpkinfest@pumpkinfest.com or call 519-443-4944. They welcome new volunteers and look forward to hearing from you. Congratulations and thank you to this year’s committee and volunteers for a job well done!

Norfolk updates Waterford Ponds investigation Norfolk County recently provided an update on its ongoing efforts to investigate and address low water levels at the Water ford Ponds. An engineering consultant inspected the dam, the bypass pipe, and the water control structure for signs of failures or leakage. The results showed no major structural failures or leakage issues. Based on this assessment, the County confirmed the dam is not contributing to the low water levels. The dam's water control systems are operating normally.

Increased marina dredging costs add financial strain Norfolk County is going to have to dig deep to figure out how it’s going to pay for dredging at its marina sites in Port Rowan and Port Dover. A staff report presented at the Oct. 15 council-in-committee meeting recommended exploring options and updating the cost of dredging required at the two locations. It’s not a simple task, considering previously approved budget items for the projects appear to be significantly below what is going to be required.

“There’s much more work that’s anticipated to be done than what we had forecast last year at budget time,” said Brian Geerts, director of parks, recreation and culture.

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January 1, 2026

Simcoe Advocate

YEAR IN REVIEW - NOVEMBER “We’ve got lots of coats!” said Bettyann Carty, Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, chair of the Coats for Kids committee.

“They are free – they are always free.

Everything is free.”

In addition to coats, there were handmade mittens and hats.

“This year we reached out to the schools, and we had 15 schools across Norfolk County that have been gathering coats, so we’re pretty excited.”

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

Norfolk water bills going up in 2026 Norfolk County water users will face another steep increase in 2026 as the municipality continues to tackle a challenging shortfall in infrastructure funding for water and wastewater services.

Council approved a 10.1 per cent increase for 2026, which equates to a monthly increase of $14.83 for a residential home consuming 12 cubic metres. Staff and politicians both acknowledged the significant increases of this year and last, though stressed it’s a necessary response to both ensure safe and reliable drinking water and to respond to legislative changes from Queen’s Park.

“We know our rates are high. We know our water bills are higher than that of our neighbouring municipalities,” said general manager of public works Andrew Grice.

“But our rate budget is driven purely by capital investment and that’s to close our infrastructure gap and maintain levels of service that our council has adopted as part of our asset management plan.”

Mental health support for Jamaican workers Three Canadian organizations are coordinating efforts to offer mental health support for Jamaican foreign migrant workers struggling to deal with Hurricane Melissa’s devastation.

Canadians and workers’ host communities quite literally benefit from the fruits and vegetables of their labour says Leanne Arnal, Manager of Community Development, Catholic Community Services York Region (CCSYR), Simcoe Satellite Office. And now, in those workers’ time of need, she feels responsibility to reciprocate. “We are their extended family, we need to be there in support. We absolutely have to offer whatever support we can.”

Investigation was a ‘pursuit of the truth’ As an integrity commissioner investigation into leaked confidential documents laid the guilt squarely at the feet of the Haldimand County mayor, Norfolk County staff and councillors appeared eager to put the issue to bed.

Integrity commissioner David Boghosian spoke to Norfolk council Oct. 28 about the results of his investigation into how emails about the Norfolk-Haldimand health unit merger were leaked earlier this year. His report found Haldimand Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley responsible for the leak.

Boghosian’s investigation, along with a previous investigation instigated by Norfolk CAO Al Meneses and former Haldimand CAO Cathy Case, cleared Norfolk council and staff of any wrongdoing.

Ireland honours his First World War grandfather Jake Ireland’s grandfather, Harry Samuel Green, was a soldier in the First World War. “That’s really why I’m here,” said Ireland, volunteering at a Royal Canadian

Afghanistan veteran Derek Bristol of Port Dover, who served in a multi-national NATO force, left his Remembrance Day poppy on a wreath placed near a Norfolk War Memorial plaque honouring Petty Officer Douglas Craig Blake, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2010.

Legion, Simcoe Branch 79 poppy station in Simcoe. “I’ve been doing this for maybe 10 years.”

Ireland’s grandfather, Harry Samuel Green, a Home Child, came to Hamilton, Ontario, sailing from Liverpool in 1910. He worked as a farm labourer in Flamborough Township and enlisted in Waterdown on Feb. 25, 1916.

Married that year, and with a young child who had not seen him (Jake’s mother), Lance Cpl. Green was killed in action two years later, Sept. 6, 1918, at the age of 23, while in the trenches near Canal du Nord, hit by a shell fragment.

“Last November 11th, I went up to the gates at the church in Carlisle (Ontario) and I couldn’t read the plaque - the stone had weathered so badly,” said Ireland. “I contacted them, said I will make a donation but I would like that fixed… so they did! It was fixed about two months ago.”

Delhi’s Branch 125 introduces ‘No Stone Left Alone’ The Royal Canadian Legion, Delhi Branch 125, introduced the ‘No Stone Left Alone’ initiative to the Delhi area in November.

“We will be placing stones, painted black with a poppy painted on it, with the words ‘Lest We Forget,’” said Legion 125’s Trudy Ingraham. “Each student will be given a pre-painted stone, the size of their palms.

There are approximately 50 gravesites at the cemetery, in one specific area. All together, there are 81 veterans laid to rest there.”

Army Navy Air Force Unit 255 remembers November 11 marked the 100th Remembrance Day ceremony in Simcoe at the historic Norfolk War Memorial Carillon Tower on Norfolk Street.

“I do it for me and for the veterans. In my heart, it makes me feel good,” said Bruce Wilson, president of the Army Navy Air Force Unit 255 in Simcoe.

“The ceremony is very well done and it’s usually a good crowd. It’s good to see

the kids out. It should be acknowledged by the schools – a lot of students, even high school students, don’t know what it’s all about.”

Salvation Army launches 2025 kettle campaign Christmas bells were jingling at Sobeys Simcoe during the official launch of the local Salvation Army’s 2025 kettle fundraising campaign. This year’s campaign runs from Nov. 14 – Dec. 24 with 12 kettle locations in Norfolk County - and they need your help and support.

“We need volunteers,” said Andrea Tay lor, Simcoe and area kettle coordinator, urging people to call 519-909-9421 if you can volunteer a couple hours as a kettle attendant. The minimum age to volunteer is 16.

Cost-of-living crisis drives food bank demand The rise in cost of living, mental health challenges, and unemployment has prompted The Salvation Army Simcoe Community Church to provide additional community initiatives.

Josh Edwards, concerned corps officer at The Salvation Army Simcoe Community Church, says the food bank on Colbourne Street has seen a 21 per cent increase of new customers seeking food and essential items for their day-to-day needs. He adds that there are a variety of underlying factors that could be increasing the demand.

Remembrance at the Norfolk War Memorial This year’s Remembrance Day ceremony at the Norfolk War Memorial marked the 100th year it was held at the Carillon Tower in Simcoe. Bigger wreaths with bigger poppies were used in honour of the anniversary.

“All of the wreaths that were placed (at Carillon Tower), they were not the traditional ones that you see at all the cenotaphs,” said James Christison, president of Royal Canadian Legion, Simcoe Branch 79. “They are actually based on what would originally have been made 100 years ago.

“So those original wreaths laid 100 years ago were made by veterans with silk poppies. These ones, we tried to get them as close as possible.”

Coats for Kids warms up the community Coats for Kids hoped to distribute hundreds of free coats on Nov. 22 at First Baptist Church in Simcoe during the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise project – in recent years changed to Coats for Kids and Adults – that has been running more than 25 years.

Jake Ireland volunteered at a Royal Canadian Legion, Simcoe Branch 79 poppy station in Simcoe.

Salvation Army Lieutenants Josh and Chesney Edwards helped launch the 2025 kettle campaign in Simcoe. There are 12 kettle locations in Norfolk County this year.

Simcoe Advocate

January 1, 2026

YEAR IN REVIEW - NOVEMBER

23

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

Mary Weber and Deb Waddle browse artisan goods available at the Norfolk Night Market – Christmas Edition, Nov. 28-29, organized by the Norfolk Agricultural Society at the Simcoe fairgrounds.

Norfolk Agriculture Society staff and volunteers helped sort food during their Annual Holiday Food Drive at the Norfolk County fairgrounds. Donations were divided between local food banks in Norfolk County, including Port Dover, Port Rowan, Waterford, Delhi, along with the Simcoe Caring Cupboard, Salvation Army, Church Out Serving, St. Mary’s Church Simcoe and St. Vincent de Paul. Once again, Toyotetsu was a major contributor.

Norfolk Pathways for People is a community coalition that advocates for the development and improvement of connected pathways in Norfolk County, promoting the use of trails, sidewalks, and roadways for health, recreation and active transportation. For information visit www.norfolkpathways.ca.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

St. Alban’s Anglican Church in Delhi held its Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 15 selling crafts, baked goods, cabbage rolls, and more. Pauline Alexander and Susanna Klinchuk volunteered at the event.

Andy Blackwood led a group on a historical downtown Simcoe tour on Nov. 1st, organized by Norfolk Pathways for People. It started at the Norfolk War Memorial – Carillon Tower.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

From left are ABEL Enterprises’ Leanne Lomas, Lana’a Bricker, Scott Williams, Brad, Zack and Feldman, fundraising at the Simcoe Seniors’ Centre Christmas Bazaar.

Ang Grant and Joan Malcolm promoted The Volunteer Association to Norfolk General Hospital and Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home at the Simcoe Seniors’ Centre Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 1.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

Artist Christine Balint promoted the Simcoe Seniors’ Centre painting and collage class, Fridays 9-11, while selling art at the centre’s Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 1.

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January 1, 2026

Simcoe Advocate

SPORTS

Curling is thriving in Simcoe – try it!

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

Simcoe Curling Club has been slowly building up its membership again after the pandemic.

“We’ve seen a lot come back and we’ve had some new members,” said Jayden Russell, SCC board member.

For those new to the sport, the club offers a seven-week ‘Learn to Curl’ program starting in November. New curlers are given equipment for weekly sessions as they learn the sport.

In January, new curlers transition into a 5U instructional league.

“It’s new this year,” said Russell. “It’s a five-years-andunder experience. So those new ‘Learn to Curl’ curlers get paired up in a league with curlers who have curled less than five years. It has coaches available on the ice to help, so it’s not ‘trial by fire’ for new curlers. They’re not thrown into a competitive league, it’s a laid-back instructional league.

“We noticed the 5U term in curling became big in the US. It’s huge down there, and that term is catching on in Canada. It helps less experienced curlers, sometimes younger curlers, learn a recreational sport – a lifelong sport.”

Many ‘Active-for-Life’ curlers continue in the sport with the use of the “stick,” an assistive device. You don’t crouch down in the hack and slide out to release the rock. You walk forward and push the stick (similar to a shuffleboard cue-stick) to push the stone.

“That’s helping a lot,” said Russell. “A lot of them have taken that up.”

The Simcoe club is quite active and there are a number of leagues for members. Contact the club or check out their website (simcoecurlingclub.ca). The club can be reached at 519-428-4640.

They include: Senior Men - Adult men, all skill levels. 8:30 a.m. games Monday-Friday.

Monday Day Ladies – Adult women, fun league, all skill levels. Monday games, 10:45 a.m.

Monday Evening Open – Adults, fun, open chooseyour-own-team ladder league. All skill levels. Monday evening games.

Tuesday Open – Fun, competitive choose-your-own team league for adult men and/or women. Tuesday games.

Tuesday Evening Ladies – Fun league, adult women, all experience levels. Tuesday evening games.

Wednesday Afternoon Mixed Drop-in – All curlers, all skill levels. Couples and individuals welcome. Wednesdays 1 p.m.

Wednesday Evening Mixed – Men and women, all skill levels. Flight league. Wednesday evening games.

Thursday Day Ladies – Fun, adult women, all experi-

ence levels. Thursday 10:45 a.m. games.

Thursday Evening Men – Social men’s league, all experience levels. Thursday evening games.

Friday Social Mixed – Less experienced players play on teams with experienced players. Non-competitive social setting. Couples and singles welcome. Friday evening games.

Sunday Juniors – U12, U15/21. Instruction and fun play.

Sunday 5U Instructional League – Play games with optional coaching assistance. Priority given to Adult Learn to Curl or new members with no experience. Sunday 9:30 a.m. games. Expect it to start Jan. 4 (first Sunday in January).

Sunday Mixed/Open Doubles – Adult men and women. Doubles format. Sunday games.

“The only day of the week we don’t have scheduled leagues is Saturday,” Russell noted. “We have a lot of daytime and evening draws. We have high schools using the ice in the afternoons during the week.

“Sunday is probably our busiest full day – the 5U instructional in the morning, our youth program in the afternoon, and then right after that we go into doubles – we offer mixed doubles and open double formats into Sunday evening.”

Many of the leagues, except for the more competitive choose-your-own-team leagues, reset after 6-8 week draws – so there is an opportunity to join mid-season.

“Check out our website for details if you want to see what’s available.

“We do have options for people coming back in January. One of the events will be a Try Curling, called Curl & Chill (Jan. 31, 2 p.m.). It’s basically ‘come out for an afternoon, have some instruction, play a short game, have some food & beverages, sit down and socialize.’”

It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, he said.

“Curling is very social, it’s not just ‘on the ice.’ It brings people together and it’s like a little mini-community, and it’s open to the public, open to everyone. We try to be welcoming that way.”

Olympics are coming up, he said, and more events are in the works.

“We have a kitchen, and we have catered meals every two weeks. You can bring your families, and you don’t have to be curlers. Friends and family, that’s what makes it great. You can watch some curling, socialize after eating.

It’s a fun time. A family friendly event.”

DOUBLES “Doubles is an up-and-coming thing. It’s faster paced, you throw less rocks. It’s a different experience.

“You throw five rocks total, but one player throws the

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

Strategizing ‘in the house’ at the Simcoe Curling Club.

first and last rocks, and the other person throws three.

There are also rocks pre-positioned at the start of each end.

There’s a rock in the house, behind the button on the fourfoot, and a guard before you start. And you can’t hit rocks – take any rocks out of play - until the fourth delivery.”

Curling Canada first introduced the doubles format in 2001. The first World Mixed Doubles took place in 2008 and it made its Olympic debut in 2018 – Canada won gold that year, but finished 5th in 2022.

Doubles has been available in Simcoe for about five years, said Russell.

“It was mixed doubles before, but now we have open, too. And that has caught on a lot. I enjoy playing it. It’s quicker in play because there are less rocks. You can hold the (aiming) broom for your teammate if you want, you can sweep your own rock if you want. It’s a very different game. It’s a lot of finesse.”

“We do host Curling Ontario events if it fits for them and us,” said Russell during the Curling Ontario provincial men’s qualifier on Dec. 14.

They have the facility to do it – four sheets of quality ice, retrofitted LED lights, a large viewing area with a lounge & bar, and the newly introduced kitchen facility.

History of the Simcoe Curling Club

The present-day Simcoe Curling Club was founded in the 1950s, but curling in Simcoe goes back to 1873 when an outdoor club formed on Sutton’s Pond.

The earliest teams socialized at the Battersby House, and as noted on the club’s website, it was declared by a visiting St. Thomas team to be "just immense and ahead of anything in any Ontario towns within 100 miles of Simcoe."

The Simcoe Curling Club joined the Ontario Curling Association in 1876. It was an era when curlers possessed their own curling stones. Leads usually had the heaviest stone, making it harder to dislodge or remove it.

Ten years later Simcoe curling moved indoors to an

unheated drill shed near Young Street, played under oil lamps. Conditions gradually improved and by the early 1900s curlers were playing in an electrically lit rink. The club operated successfully until 1915 when curling was suspended due to the First World War. Curling was dormant in Simcoe for nearly 40 years despite several attempts to revive the club.

At a meeting of the Simcoe Recreation Commission in 1953, it was decided to investigate the possibility of starting again.

Sixty-four members (including ladies for the first time), began curling in the Simcoe arena on Jan. 24, 1954. During

the first two curling seasons, 23 trophies were donated for competitive curling by local businesses and individuals.

1955-56 was one of the most important years in the history of the Simcoe club. An agreement had been reached with the Norfolk Agricultural Society to erect a building on the fairgrounds to the specifications of the curling club.

Curling began in the new fairground facility on Nov. 5, 1955. Thirty-five members had signed $1,000 notes enabling the club to borrow sufficient funds for the project.

SCC operated a Ladies Section, Men's Section and Mixed Section, later adding a Business Women’s Section and Senior Men’s Section.

Simcoe Advocate

Riddles

I tick, I chime, I mark the moment a year ends in time. What am I? A clock I fall at midnight but I’m not rain or snow. What am I? The ball (Times Square ball drop) I make noise without words and celebrate without singing. What am I? A party horn

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January 1, 2026

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NewYear Countdown Midnight Fireworks Resolution

Easy Puzzle #1

Celebrate Party Confetti Champagne Toast

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Email to inquire: info@simcoeadvocate.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 5

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2

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Win over $10,000.00 (LIC #RAF 14505443)! Tickets are available for $5 each, 3 for $10, or 6 for $20. Proceeds support the Norfolk Haldimand Hospice, Norfolk General Hospital Foundation, and Rotary Norfolk Youth Scholarships.

Simcoe Legion, West Street, Simcoe

EVERY OTHER FRIDAY

BINGO NIGHT 7 p.m Doors open 5:30 p.m - Early Bird 6:30 p.m Presented by ABEL Enterprises. Concession stand run by Simcoe & District Humane Society.

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1:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m In 2026 it’s your fix! Ingersoll Country Music Jamboree meeting every other Friday 1-4 p.m. at Masonic Hall, 190 Thames St. S. Ingersoll.

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MARCH 2-6, 2026

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January 1, 2026

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