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.
An increasing priority from Queen’s Park, plans such as Norfolk’s take stock of all the municipally owned assets - from roads to arenas - determining their state and estimating the cost to maintain or replace the assets when they reach the end of their lifecycle. The idea is to get municipalities thinking about their future needs and planning in advance so big ticket items don’t come as a shock when it comes time to replace them.
Norfolk’s plan 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 and has found some success with budget surpluses, successful grand applications, and increased investment income from rising interest rates. Budget decisions have also contributed.
“It is key that Norfolk continues to make progress in closing that gap,” said treasurer Amy Fanning.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
sary celebration was held June 7 at the Norfolk County Recreation Centre in Simcoe.
Honouring 100 years of excellence at Norfolk General Hospital and 50 years of dedication at the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home, an anniver-
“Just really humbled to have the opportunity to be part of these two incredible organizations that have such a rich heritage in excellence, and to have the opportunity to help offer the next chapter in their proud history,” said Todd Stepanuik, President and CEO of Norfolk General Hospital for the past two-and-a-half years. “It’s been great to lead these two incredi-
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent
Elizabeth Burnie, 94, who worked in admitting at Norfolk General Hospital from 1971-1996, and Mary Burnie, who worked in the NGH X-ray department as a student from 1975-1980, attended the June 7 anniversary for Norfolk General Hospital and Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home.
Norfolk General Hospital celebrates 100 years
bly dynamic organizations. I will be looking forward to… the next generation.”
More information on the future ‘campus of care’ is coming soon, he said.
Greetings, congratulations and speeches were presented by politicians and Lois Craig, president of NGH and NHNH Volunteer Association; Dr. Robin Martin-Godelie, NGH Chief of Staff; Kim Mullins, NGH VP Clinical and Chief Nursing Executive; and Susan Pajor, Director of Care.
“Today we are really celebrating 100 years of excellence at the hospital and five remarkable decades at the nursing home,” said Stepanuik. “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.”
Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home, since it opened in 1975, has been a home, he said.
“It’s not a ‘place,’ it’s not a ‘destination,’ it’s a home for people to live with dignity and respect, in an environment where there is warmth, there is laughter, there is companionship, there is friendship.”
He said Norfolk General Hospital has been a beacon for healthcare for 100 years.
“While we are here to celebrate the anniversary – a time to reflect upon its history – it’s also a time to recognize the extraordinary people that have shaped our history. Our success is really a testament to the thousands of people that have dedicated their careers to the hospital and the nursing home. And they really are the hands and the hearts of our organizations.
“When I reflect back on how far we’ve come – on 50 years and 100 years – from an era when the average life expectancy was 50 years of age… from a time in 1925 when the leading causes of death were flu, pneumonia, and TB (tuberculosis)… diseases that at one time were terminal are now chronic… the development of antibiotics,
the development of vaccines… It has not been incremental, it has been exponential advances in medicine and healthcare. When I think about the advances in medical imaging, what we can do today versus what we could do back then, and what we can do in diagnosis, it’s absolutely incredible. If you could transplant somebody from 1925 to today, they would not believe it.”
chris@granthaven.com
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Jake Grant
From left are Todd Stepanuik, President and CEO of Norfolk General Hospital, Nancy VanPaassen, and Ken Robb, Chair of the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home Board of Directors.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Hospital, nursing home volunteers ‘serve and support’
Norfolk General Hospital marked its 100th anniversary milestone on Saturday, June 7 at the Simcoe Recreation Centre. It was also the 50th anniversary celebration of the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home.
“Please take a moment to think about how many lives that have been touched inside our community hospital over the past 100 years,” said Lois Craig, president of The Volunteer Association to Norfolk General Hospital and Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home.
“Families reunited. Babies born. Hands held during some of life’s most difficult moments.”
Craig thanked the staff – past and present – who helped shape the hospital and nursing home, making them places of comfort, healing and hope.
“Volunteers have always been a quiet but powerful force behind the scenes. They show up, not for recognition, but because they care. Because even the smallest act of kindness can make all the difference in someone’s day.”
Craig noted volunteers at the hospital and nursing home assist with tasks, offer a listening ear, a warm smile, and a steady presence during uncertain times.
“Whether they’re filling a glass of water or helping a visitor find their way, they remind people they’re not alone.”
Craig also recognized the many volunteers who came before them, the ones who ‘laid the foundation,’ providing inspiration through dedication, compassion and example.
“We’re not slowing down,” said Craig. “Looking ahead, our volunteer team is more committed than ever. We’re here to serve, to support, and to help ensure every patient, resident and visitor feels seen, heard and cared for.
“Congratulations once again Norfolk General Hospital and Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home,” Craig concluded. “You’re not just part of our community’s history, you are part of everyone’s story.”
From left are Kelly Isfan, former Norfolk General Hospital CEO; Sarah-Jane Irvine, CHRO; Kim Mullins, VP Clinical; and Lois Craig, president of The Volunteer Association to Norfolk General Hospital and Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home.
Marion and Brian Cook attended the NGH 100th anniversary celebration on June 7 in Simcoe. Brian, who retired 29 years ago, was a chief technologist at NGH for 25 years.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
MPP Brady votes for law, order, and helping people
Haldimand-Norfolk
MPP
Bobbi Ann Brady
Being about law and order, I voted for government Bills 6 and 10.
Bill 6 is The Safer Municipalities Act, 2025 and Bill 10 is The Protect Ontario Through Safer Streets and Stronger Communities Act, 2025.
Bills 6 and 10 ostensibly address the concerns I’ve heard from many of you since taking office in 2022. We have an illicit drug problem; you’ve told me to do something.
Bill 6, The Safer Municipalities Act, in the government’s own words, “will provide municipalities and police with the enhanced tools they need to end encampments and clean up our parks and public spaces. (It) will put protecting the safety of all residents first by helping clear public spaces and end the public use of illegal drugs.”
Bill 6 will hopefully mitigate the problem I hear time and time again: Parents walking down the sidewalk with their children and seeing someone doing drugs, or equally unsettling, finding needles littering local parks.
I’ve read dissenting comments from community workers who feel Bill 6 will punish those without access to affordable housing because the homeless might be mistaken for drug abusers involved in criminal acts. The workers say it’s more accurate to assume encampments are home to a cross-section of the population who simply can’t afford housing.
The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) says Bill 6 should be addressing issues like the dearth of
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affordable housing, mental health and addictions services, and income support.
We all understand those with addiction issues and those suffering from mental health crises need help and guidance to get them back on their feet as healthy, productive members of society. Most of us feel they should not be left on sidewalks, in parks, or in dumpsters. It is my sincere hope Bill 6 can help authorities get those suffering the help they need.
Bill 10, The Protect Ontario Through Safer Streets and Stronger Communities Act, again in the government’s words, will work by “making Ontario safer by improving the tools available to police to fight crime and curb illicit drug activities. Protecting Ontarians and their communities from intimate partner violence and other forms of violence. Strengthening our justice system, including enhancing the judicial appointments process, and improving the surety process, as well as bail collection and administration.”
Bill 10 has multiple schedules amending previous Acts and enacted Schedule 8, The Measures Respecting Premises with Illegal Drug Activity Act, 2025.
For today’s column, I’ll comment on Schedule 8 of Bill 10, which prohibits a landlord from allowing a premises to be knowingly permitting illegal drug trafficking or production. In short, it makes landlords criminally liable for
drug activity on their premises.
Again, I support law and order and any landlord knowingly enabling criminality is anathema to me. I applaud the Bill's focus on public safety and combatting illegal activities. I’ve heard from seniors who live in rent-geared-toincome housing who are fearful because they have drug dealers living next door.
AMO also chimed in on Bill 10, emphasizing they support its overarching theme to better protect tenants and cut into illegal activities, but they also worry it could place undue burden and increase risks for landlords.
Still others worry Bill 10 could also hurt Main Street vibrancy and tourism. It may discourage landlords from renting to nightlife businesses and deaden an already struggling industry; it’s understandable why. Bill 10’s penalties range from a fine of $10,000 to $250,000 or imprisonment for a term of not more than two years less a day, or both. It’s hard to know what someone might be doing in the washroom of a club in your building.
Of course, the devil is in the details. How will these Bills be enforced?
Will they hurt the folks they’re supposed to help?
Will they place too much burden on landlords?
But overall, your concerns must be addressed and Bills 6 and 10, if properly enforced, are good places to start.
Bobbi Ann Brady is the MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk
Valley Heights student Mvita Oud stands next to environmental science plants during the annual VHSS Spring Sale. (CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Linda Hewitt, Ann Govereau and Rose Hewitt browse at the treats table during the annual VHSS Spring Sale on May 16. annual VHSS Spring Sale.
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.
“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.
“We’ve got Indwell participating this year, which is nice. They’ve got quite a group of volunteers out. And it’s a good way for students to get community service hours.”
Downtown Simcoe Business Improvement Area plans to continue cleaning up this summer for the good of the entire community, partnering with NACL (Norfolk Association of Community Living) to do ‘street maintenance’ twice a week.
“They’ll be pitching in and helping us with that. It’s good for us and it’s good for them – it’s a great partnership.”
chris@granthaven.com
Council approves first full, comprehensive asset management plan
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
As part of the approval of the asset management plan, councillors also approved a plan to include $3.4 million as a council-approved initiative in the proposed 2026 operating budget, and approved in principle annual increases of 2.5 per cent in the ensuing decade to close the gap.
That may sound like a lot of money, and it is in a lot of respects, but Fanning had a different take, given that recent years have seen more significant increases as the county has addressed major projects without a full asset management plan.
“The gains we’ve made in the last few years have allowed us to slow that number down a bit,” she said.
The plan divides assets into five states of repair, ranging from very poor to very good, classifying 11 per cent of Norfolk’s assets in very poor condition.
“That’s a fairly low number, you’ve done a good job of trying to keep your assets in the green, through yellow through orange,” said consultant Andrea Clemencio.
More than half, 58 per cent, of the county’s assets are in either good or very good condition, the plan said. Clemencio told councillors closing the infrastructure gap isn’t just a matter of finding more money. Municipalities can also adjust service levels, explore alternate service models or find ways to save money or combine assets.
“You don’t always have to own the assets that are providing those levels of service,” she said.
During the same June 12 meeting, staff also presented a report that offered a historical financial review. It was done at the request of Mayor Amy Martin, who made a motion about it last fall.
The review suggested a steadily improving financial picture.
“Ten years ago Norfolk faced real financial vulnerabilities,” said Fanning, adding reserve levels were dangerously low and in some cases in a negative balance position.
“That picture is beginning to change,” Fanning added. Creating healthier reserve funds will help the municipality make better use of its asset management into the future. However, staff also pointed out that it’s only a forecast, and things change.
Asset management manager James Bokor said climate, master plans, and council changes could all lead to changes in the AMP.
“We are not fixed to these proposed levels of service forever, but we’ve got a great starting point,” he said.
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Les Anderson, on the left, helped coordinate volunteers during the Downtown Simcoe Business Improvement Area cleanup, including Laura Downey (Simcoe BIA vicechair), and Julianna and Arianna Wooley.
Marianne Wood was guided by her daughter Charley Culver during the Downtown Simcoe Business Improvement Area cleanup on June 8.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Tiana Moe, chair of the Downtown Simcoe Business Improvement Area was joined by SCS volunteer Zachary Wolski for the June 8th BIA cleanup day.
Governments listen to Chamber recommendations
Daniel Tisch Echevarria, president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, has been taking time to tour the province networking with Chamber members.
Understandably, much of the talk in recent months focuses on tariffs. In Tillsonburg last month, Tisch Echevarria shared his thoughts on the trade situation with the United States, what the Ontario Chamber of Commerce is hearing from Ontario businesses, ‘why are we in this mess?’, the reasons why Trump’s tariff policies are ‘ultimately disastrous’ for both Americans, Canadians - and everybody - and ‘the way forward - how we can go about looking after ourselves’ and ensuring that we can ‘control our own destiny to the greatest extent that we can.’
“All of southwestern Ontario is affected,” said Tisch Echevarria. “So much of Ontario’s economic base is tied to trade with the United States.”
He said survey results showed 60-70% of Ontario businesses felt the tariffs would hurt them.
“Even the threat (of tariffs) is hurting. Even if tariffs are paused for 90 days – or whatever situation we are in – the uncertainty.”
As to why the tariffs are increasing, in part, Tisch Echevarria said, “He (Donald Trump) thinks the trade deficit with Canada is a subsidy, rather than (United States) simply consuming more than it produces.”
It affects businesses considering new investments and expansions, he said, noting businesses do not know if high tariffs are here to stay… or are they a negotiating ploy.
“You all know as business people, you can’t stand still in business, right? Because if you’re standing still, your competitors from the United States, competitors from other countries around the world, they are charging.”
Tisch Echevarria said Trump’s “obsession” about the 51st State has united Canadians, and after talking to American business leaders and Chambers, he says many are embarrassed.
“They want to resolve our differences,” he said, noting it’s only a matter of time before ‘misinformation’ is checked by economic realities - increasing inflation and
unemployment.
Tisch Echevarria said Canada should explore more trade agreements with other G7 countries, diversifying trade and finding new markets.
“This damage to the reputation of US products and services could take years to repair,” he said, and US markets could be unreliable and unpredictable for an unknown number of years.
Improved domestic trading policies can be introduced, he said, removing barriers for consumers, allowing more choice for businesses with markets across the country, improving product standards, and better access to labour.
“We’ve been talking about this a long time. We’re seeing impact, we’re seeing progress… There are so many benefits.”
Improving transportation infrastructure is important, he said, as Canadians deal with congestion, gridlock, lack of rail infrastructure or insufficient ports.
“It’s way too hard to get goods across the province, across the country.”
The good news, he said, is that governments are listening to Chamber of Commerce recommendations, with exciting steps forward.
“I know we’re facing hard times, and realistically these times may get harder still, but I am still optimistic.”
chris@granthaven.com
Martin won’t present strong mayor budget
Staff looking to finalize plan for 2026 budget deliberations
LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent
Given the ongoing frosty reception Norfolk councillors have given to the strong mayor legislation, perhaps it is no surprise that Mayor Amy Martin won’t be using it to present a budget next year.
Martin made the statement during the June 12 council-in-committee meeting, while councillors were discussing a report that reviewed the county’s historical financial position.
“I will not be producing my own budget this year,” she said.
“I will be leaning on our staff fully to do the good work they do every year.”
Norfolk initially opted out of the strong mayor powers when it was offered by the provincial government. However, Queen’s Park expanded those powers earlier this year, giving municipalities no option to opt out. Norfolk council voiced its opposition to the legislation at the time.
One of the powers the strong mayor legislation offers is for mayors to present their own budget.
Martin said she “toyed with the concept of working with staff to produce an immediate fix budget to provide context and reference to council on where we would need to be financially if we were waving our magic wand and topping up all of our reserves.”
CAO Al Meneses said staff will be meeting with the mayor this week to finalize the budget process for 2026. “We will have more concrete information about how it’s going to move forward as of next week,” he said.
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Daniel Tisch Echevarria, president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Having fun at the Riversyde 83 and Church Out Serving free BBQ on Saturday are Jayden Faulkner and Olivia Speller. (CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Riversyde 83 and Church Out Serving volunteers served up ‘Outside at Riversyde’ – a free two-hour BBQ and games - Saturday during Norfolk Community Days. On the left, Lynn Clare and Rick Bridge prepare burgers and hot dogs for Mike, Russel and Winnie Gale.
Council approves minor marina improvements
Report suggests municipal development corporation a promising option
LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent
There often comes a time when two childhood friends grow up and they realize the only thing they had in common was their families grew up on the same street. It seems very possible that Norfolk’s two publicly owned marinas are about to go through a similar process. In an update to council at the June 12 council-in-committee meeting, staff provided politicians with the results of a public engagement project and some early findings as they continue to grapple with what a viable future looks like for the two harbourfront properties.
“Port Rowan needs to operate with different expectations than Port Dover,” said manager of corporate initiatives Stephanie Potter.
While the Port Dover Harbour Marina could operate as a classic marina under a new governance model, the report suggests Port Rowan might be better off understood as a county park that also has some marina services. However, staff aren’t ready to make a full recommendation yet, as a municipal development corporation (MDC) feasibility study is ongoing. The results of that study aren't likely to come back to council until the end of this year.
In the meantime, the report councillors approved included funding for some minor projects this year. The county will spend $10,000 to remove derelict and abandoned boats at the Port Dover marina, $2,000 to
advertise seasonal and transient slip availability, and another $2,000 for a security camera and ramp payment pilot project at the launch ramp in Port Rowan.
That money will come from the 2025 operating surplus/deficit marina budget.
Several items were deferred to the 2026 budget, at the recommendation of staff, including an annual marina advertising budget, annual derelict boat removal budget, Port Rowan pier inspection, Port Rowan automated gate and digital payment technology and Port Dover dock gates.
Community engagement efforts earlier this year yielded underwhelming results.
Open houses in Port Dover and Port Rowan brought out between 40 and 60 attendees, while 10 came out to an open house in Simcoe and three more to a virtual open house. A survey received 142 responses.
The responses gave the marinas mostly good reviews for state of repair, with three quarters saying the conditions were good or fair.
“But we received a lot of comments recommending service upgrades to docks, washrooms, wifi and especially dredging in Port Rowan,” said Potter.
“There was, however, no consensus on which governance and operating model would work best for the marinas,” she added.
Councillors also worried that the responses were primarily from marina users, with Coun. Adam Veri saying it’s an issue that affects all Norfolk residents.
An MDC would act as an arms-length entity with its own board of directors that would allow the marina or marinas to operate more like a business while the municipality retains ownership. This could spur new investment opportunities and allow operators to respond to changing market conditions more nimbly, Potter said.
Coun. Tom Masschaele said including Port Rowan in a proposed MDC doesn’t make sense to him, but staff recommended waiting for the feasibility study before making any firm decisions.
Earlier in the meeting resident John Vallee presented some of his thoughts on the marina issue. His main concern is at Port Dover, where he said major investment requirements are going to be a tall task. He’s pitched an idea of selling some of the land for residential development, suggesting it would go further in generating the millions required in capital investments than other relatively minor revenue generating ideas that have been brought up.
And after years of using marina revenue to keep the general levy down, Vallee said it might be time for some money to go the other way.
“Now perhaps it’s appropriate for a portion of that money that went to the general reserve to come back to the marina,” he said.
He applauded staff for trying to address the financial issues but argued the decision to raise slip fees might be backfiring, with fewer boaters buying slips at Port Dover this spring.
“The marina looks vacant if you go and drive around down there now,” he said.
Staff acknowledged the fee increases may be playing a part in the decrease, but CAO Al Meneses said it’s too early to say for sure. Other area marinas have reported a slow start to the season, likely due to a combination of factors including the cold and wet spring as well as economic uncertainty.
“The description of backfire is perhaps premature at this time,” he said.
Meneses also pushed back against what he called “false narratives” that are being spread in the community. Vallee runs a consulting firm that has led some in the community to jump to the wrong conclusion. He appeared at the meeting as a private citizen with an interest in the marinas and his professional role is playing no part in it, both he and Meneses said.
The CAO also said a historical development moratorium for Port Dover and the discussions around the future of the old Vittoria town hall had nothing to do with the marina decisions, despite what some in the community suggest.
“This coordinated propaganda campaign will have people believe that they are fighting for democracy, transparency and betterment of Norfolk, but in reality they are a consistent source of misinformation, disinformation, conspiracy theories and attempting to silence and bully those who do not agree with their opinions,” Meneses said.
New process coming for 911 calls in Norfolk County Norfolk to move water, wastewater billing in-house
LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent
Changes to how the county bills its water and wastewater users could lead to saving about $280,000 a year.
A staff report presented at the June 12 Norfolk council-in-committee meeting found moving the billing process inhouse when the current contract is up (February 2027) could lead to significant savings. Implementation costs to make the transition would amount to roughly $220,000, but a five-year forecast found a total net savings of nearly $1.5 million. Councillors embraced that option, directing staff to begin the process so that it’s ready to go when the current third-party contract expires in 2027.
They also included direction to staff to explore options to find further efficiencies. The review was borne out of a res-
olution that came from a February 2024 mayor’s affordability roundtable.
“There’s got to be a way to be a little bit more palatable for our water and wastewater rates,” said Coun. Kim Huffman.
Water and wastewater services are under a user-pay system, meaning it can’t be subsidized by the general tax levy.
Moving the billing in-house will require the county to hire five new staff.
The report did note potential service improvements and challenges. Third party contractors are not subject to the county’s customer service standards, which means interactions with the public could improve under the new billing system.
In-person payments would become an option, though the report recommended keeping things as is for consistency and to keep costs low.
The report also outlined other options for consideration, such as bi-monthly billing, and incentives for e-billing.
LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent
Emergency calls in Norfolk will soon sound a little different.
Starting this November, the 911 dispatch system Norfolk uses will begin utilizing the Medical Priority Dispatch System (MPDS), which includes a new series of questions designed to better prioritize calls that require an ambulance. The goal will be to better root out low priority calls, leaving paramedics more available for those high-priority calls that require immediate attention.
“The change is going to be the low urgency instances,” said Justin Hobson, chief of paramedic services.
Those calling 911 after the switchover can expect to hear more detailed questions. The initial questions will still be used to determine which of the fire, ambulance and police need to respond. Once it’s deter-
mined an ambulance is required, dispatch operators will begin asking the more detailed questions “to make quick and effective dispatch decisions,” a report to staff said.
“With the MPDS, ‘lights and siren’ resources are only provided for the most time-sensitive patients. Low urgency incidents will be dispatched as soon as an appropriate ambulance is available and will receive follow-up call-backs to check on the patient’s status. If the patient’s status during the follow-up call requires immediate medical attention, a paramedic will be dispatched,” the report said.
The MPDS will replace the current Dispatch Priority Card Index system, which the report said has a tendency to overprioritize low urgency calls.
MPDS is already being used in several Ontario communities, including Toronto, Niagara, Mississauga, Kenora, Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Renfrew, Georgian, Kingston and Lindsay.
‘Unforgettable experience’ at Fairground Festival
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
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.’
“Dwayne Gretzky is known for electrifying covers of iconic hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 2000s,” said Hogeveen. “Dwayne Gretzky delivers an unforgettable experience packed with nostalgia, crowd singalongs, and non-stop dancing…. I want to see you dancing.”
Also on the stage Saturday were The Treeline, a six-piece roots rock band; Benjamin Dakota Rogers, ‘old-time stringband tradition’ with driving rhythms; Born in the Eighties with ‘songs that defined a generation’; Juno Award-winning artist Conor Gains; and the Bucking Broncos’ ‘dance floor vibes with a country edge.’
Ron and Bonnie Lounsbury from Paris spent most of Saturday at the Fairground Festival, dancing and cheering on all the bands from opening to closing.
“This is really hometown for me,” said Ron. “I used to do the calf wrestling here, we showed livestock over there. And she (Bonnie) showed her horses here.
“The bands have been good – real good,” he added. “We like the western side of it, of course. 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, I’m
down with the whole country western right now,” said Bonnie. “Willie Nelson… it’s from my roots. I love it. I just hope they have enough enthusiasm from the audience to drive them to their best.”
In addition to the 1-11 p.m. live music, the 3rd annual Fairground Festival featured local craft beverages, food trucks, beach volleyball, and a beach party zone with activities like cornhole and frisbee.
The summer festival, which kicked off in 2023, was recognized as Best New Festival by Festivals and Events Ontario in 2025. chris@granthaven.com
Super fans Ron and Bonnie Lounsbury enjoyed all of the bands at the 2025 Fairground Festival.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
The fairgrounds track began to fill up Saturday while the Bucking Broncos were on stage.
The Dwayne Gretzky party band promised ‘non-stop dancing’ at the Fairground Festival Saturday – and they delivered.
Canadian band Dwayne Gretzky on stage Saturday at the 2025 Fairground Festival.
Cornhole was a popular activity at the Norfolk County Fairground Festival.
Norfolk County welcomed tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts to Port Dover on Friday, June 13 for the iconic PD13 motorcycle rally, organized by the Kinsmen Club of Port Dover and the Port Dover Board of Trade.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Lynnwood Arts holds ‘doubleheader’ opening
LISA TIMPF Advocate Contributor
With baseball season well underway, perhaps it’s only fitting that Lynnwood Arts recently held a doubleheader of their own.
On June 8, Lynnwood hosted openings for both the Dr. Gordon C. Watts Memorial Fine Arts Scholarship Recipient Exhibition and the Art Expressions Exhibition, which features curated work by local high school students.
Dr. Gordon C. Watts was a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Simcoe. In 2012, a memorial scholarship was established in his name. Watts is remembered by many for his passion and talent for watercolour painting.
The Dr. Gordon C. Watts Memorial Fine Arts Scholarship, offered by the Rotary Club of Simcoe, is awarded annually to a graduating Norfolk County secondary school student who is planning to study in an interdisciplinary fine arts program. The scholarships are given from an endowment fund established by the Rotary Club of Simcoe, in partnership with the Norfolk Community Foundation.
The Dr. Gordon C. Watts Memorial Fine Arts Scholarship Recipient Exhibition features work created by individuals who have received the scholarship over the past 15 years.
The Art Expressions Exhibition, sponsored by Woodhouse Gallery, was also launched as part of the June 8 ceremonies. This exhibition features works by students from Delhi District Secondary School, Valley Heights Secondary School, Simcoe Composite School, and McKinnon Park Secondary School in Caledonia.
The works, which are displayed in the Starr Gallery, include paint, mixed media, and photography, with subject matter including pets, pastimes, portraits, landscapes, still life paintings, and other themes.
During her remarks at the exhibition opening ceremonies, Kim Shippey, Executive Director of Lynnwood Arts, noted that the exhibitions pro-
“brave enough to express themselves. That takes courage, imagination, and belief that their voice matters.”
Shippey also thanked parents, family, and friends of the artists for their support of their endeavours.
At the opening ceremonies, this year’s Dr. Gordon C. Watts Memorial Fine Arts Scholarships were awarded. Four students from schools across Norfolk County were selected, receiving $1,500 each.
Amber McKnight, who headed up the Rotary Club’s scholarship committee, noted the scholarships were awarded based on academic excellence, talent, and willingness to contribute to the community. To apply for the scholarship, students had to submit five pieces of work, an essay, and two letters of reference.
Fiona Nykamp of Waterford District High School, Emma Adams of Holy Trinity Catholic High School, Bria Swance of Delhi District Secondary School, and Maeve Henderson of Simcoe Composite School were announced as this year’s scholarship winners.
Nykamp is planning to study Studio Art at University of Guelph, while
Arts and Concurrent Education at Nipissing University. Henderson will be studying Experimental Animation at Ontario College of Art and Design. McKnight said she was “blown away by the talents of these high school students” during the selection process. She noted that “it’s excellent to be able to support them as they pursue creative work.”
After the opening events, Nykamp said she is looking forward to next year’s studies. She expressed her gratitude for those who encouraged her to apply for the scholarship, for those who wrote letters of recommendation.
Combining the openings for the Art Expressions and Gordon C. Watts Memorial Fine Arts Scholarship Recipients provided a nice synergy.
Some of the Art Expressions participants might look forward to applying for the Gordon C. Watts Scholarship themselves one day, while scholarship recipients, viewing the works of those who preceded them, can get a glimpse of where their future studies might take them.
Both the Gordon C. Watts Memorial Fine Arts Scholarship Recipient Exhibition and the Art Expressions
The Dr. Gordon C. Watts Memorial Fine Arts Scholarship Recipient Exhibition features works by past winners of the award, which is offered by the Rotary Club of Simcoe. This piece by Jackson Schott is included in the exhibition. Schott received the scholarship in 2017.
Valley Heights Secondary School student Mya Elliott’s piece ‘Spring Landscape’ on display at Lynnwood Arts in Simcoe.
(GINETTE PIEPER PHOTOS)
Simcoe Composite School student Maeve Henderson created this piece, which is included in the Art Expressions Exhibition at Lynnwood Ards. Henderson was announced as one of this year’s winners of the Dr. Gordon C. Watts Memorial Fine Arts Scholarship, offered by the Rotary Club of Simcoe.
Dominion Day Trophy gives glimpse into Norfolk’s past
Celebrations of Canada’s birthday - Dominion Day, as it was originally known - have a long history within Norfolk County.
One such celebration, in 1871, had a new wrinkle.
The Norfolk Reformer, as it was then known, discussed planned Dominion Day celebrations in a June 15, 1871 article stating, “The day’s proceedings will open with a grand baseball tournament commencing at nine o’clock.”
The article went on to say that a silver cup “valued at $25” would be offered, and that the competition would be open to baseball clubs in the county.
As post-event articles noted, teams representing Lynedoch, Simcoe, Vittoria, and Port Dover showed up to vie for the silver cup, with the Lynedoch team emerging as the victors.
“The weather was delightful, the sun shining brightly and a cool breeze preventing the atmosphere from becoming too warm for comfort,” the Norfolk Reformer article stated. “We think that on no previous occasion of the kind have we seen in town so large a gathering of the beauty and loveliness and the bone and sinew of the land.”
While this sounds like weighty praise, it’s not uncommon for accounts of sporting events in papers of the time to include comments of this nature. Regardless, those remarks, and the existence of the silver cup the teams competed for, might have remained shrouded in the mists of history had it not been for an act of generosity.
The family of Nelson Ross Gilbert of Louden, Tennessee contacted the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition out of the blue. Nelson Ross Gilbert was a descendant of Nelson Robert Gilbert, who in turn was a member of the Lynedoch team that won the Dominion Day trophy.
Gilbert lived in Lynedoch, where he had established a homeopathic medicine practice for four years. He later moved to Michigan, where he remained for the rest of his life.
When he moved, he took the trophy
with him, and it stayed in the family. Nelson Robert Gilbert’s relations ultimately decided the trophy belonged back in Norfolk County, and in 2020 they sent it to the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition, who in turn displayed it in a trophy case at the Simcoe Recreation Centre.
Only three years before the introduction of Norfolk’s 1871 Dominion Day Cup, Governor General Lord Monck had issued a proclamation calling on Canadians to celebrate the first anniversary of the Dominion of Canada on July 1st, 1868. In 1879, Dominion Day became an official national public holiday.
IF ONLY THE TROPHY COULD TALK
If the trophy could talk, it would likely assure us that baseball in the early 1870s was not an activity for the faint of heart. Baseball gloves as we know them had not yet been invented. While some players, particularly catchers and first basemen, sometimes used driving gloves, railway brakeman’s gloves, or other hand protection to cushion their hands, many others played bare-handed. Injuries were not infrequent.
Despite that, from the brevity of the team rosters recorded after the 1871 Do minion Day event, players likely played all game, every game, rather than having substitutions available.
Perhaps team camaraderie and the pride of representing one’s town in a prestigious event helped overcome barri ers like the lack of protective equipment. Either way, it can’t be denied that the “silver cup” would have been an appeal ing lure to attract teams.
The Dominion Day trophy, on its return to Norfolk County, appeared in excellent shape, particularly considering the fact that it was over a century old. Gleaming silver, with elaborate decorative engrav ing, it stands just over a foot high, and serves as a reminder both of the early adoption of baseball in Norfolk County, and some of the ways in which Canada’s birthday was celebrated in past years.
The inscription on the front of the trophy reads, “Presented by the Inhabitants of Simcoe to the Champion Base Ball Club, Norfolk, Dominion Day 1871.” The trophy’s uniqueness as an artifact was recognized by the Eastlink show The Past and the Curious, who included it as one of the objects discussed in a Season 7 episode.
For those interested, the newspapers captured for posterity the names of the players who participated in the 1871 Dominion Day baseball tournament. These included:
Port Dover: Jos. Laing, J. H. Doan, Thos. Riddell, Aud. Dugaud, W. J. Charleton, Wm. Ruth, Jos. Dills, John Alison, H. McQueen.
Vittoria: H. Boulter, G. A. Park, J. MacHon, C. Young, F. Young, R. Mabee, H. Layman, G. McCall, G. MacHon.
Simcoe: Jas. Betts, Job Cameron, A. Grimshaw, W. Fero, (unknown first name) Cooper, John Betts, A. Molseworth, Tom Johnson, C.M. Cook.
Lynedoch: N. R. Gilbert, W. A. McLim, John Murray, L. Olmstead, A. Armstrong, John Beal, John Shepherd, Wm. Dawson, F. Crysler.
- Written with the support of files from the Norfolk County Sports Hall of
Four Norfolk baseball teams competed for a ‘silver cup’ on Dominion Day, 1871, won by Lynedoch. In December 2020, the trophy found its way into the Norfolk County Sports Hall of Recognition’s collection after descendants of a Lynedoch player ‘sent it home.’
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Canada Day in Port Dover
The place to be in Norfolk County on July 1st is the annual Port Dover Canada Day celebration.
The July 1st events take many months of preparations by a variety of different organizations and volunteers in Port Dover and surrounding communities. The end result of their hard work and dedication is a day full of fun Canada Day events and celebrations that attract locals and visitors alike to come back year after year.
The Simcoe Advocate spoke to Alan Strang of the Port Dover Lions Club to get a glimpse into what people can expect in this year's upcoming celebration.
SOAP BOX DERBY
The event schedule begins with the Kinsmen Club’s Soap Box Derby. This event is open to children 8-14 years old. In past years, the derby has required the Soap Box have a working brake, maximum wheel size of 13 inches in diameter (only rubber tires allowed), as well as a maximum width of three-and-ahalf feet, and a maximum length of four feet.
The Soap Box Derby is set to begin at 9 a.m. on Main Street in front of The Arbor.
PARADE OF BOATS
At 11 a.m. along the harbour of Port Dover you can see the annual boat parade. While this is not technically an official organized event, it has been a staple of the Port Dover festivities for some time. The boat parade features fishing boats, leisure boats, and anything in between that is floating and demonstrating the Canadian Spirit. Line up along the pier at 11 a.m. to see the Canada Day fun float by!
LEAH BAUER
COMMUNITY EVENTS
DOG CONTEST
At 11:15 a.m. in Powell Park, the annual dog contest is held where dogs (and owners) compete in a fun amateur friendly competition to win a variety of exciting prizes and earn bragging rights for the year! Even if you don’t have a furry friend this is an event you paws-itively do not want to miss out on.
CALITHUMPIAN PARADE
At 2 p.m. is the Calithumpian Parade, a truly iconic display that has operated every single year since Confederation in 1867.
There is no pre-registration required, this is a fun event that allows the entire community to participate and watch the local businesses and organizations show off their Canadian pride with fun parade floats and displays.
Marshalling and setup starts at 12 p.m. in the area of St George Street and Dover Avenue. The parade begins at 2 p.m. sharp.
Lion Alan Strang was excited to announce this year's event will contain music from Northshore Pipe and Drums, Paris and Dover Pipe Band, and the Top Hat Marching Orchestra from Burlington.
CONCERT
Finally, as a perfect way to wrap up the celebratory Canada Day the band Albatross will begin playing in Lions Silver Lake Park (320 Patrick St) at 7 p.m. The music will play for around 2-3 hours, and after that the iconic firework show will start at 10 p.m. sharp. Strang stated that last year, the fireworks display was offered by a new supplier for the first time and they put on an amazing show for the community. That same supplier will put on this year's event. An excellent display is guaranteed for all to enjoy free of charge.
Port Dover’s Canada Day Celebration is the area’s only all-day event, as well as the only sanctioned fireworks display. The event relies on the hard work of volunteers, as well as financial contributions from corporate and government sponsors. Anyone interested in supporting the event can purchase one of the traditional Canada Day Buttons for $3 each, or two for $5. Buttons are available in local stores.
Locals and organizers alike are looking forward to another successful and fun Canada Day in Port Dover.
Flip it over! Your Canada Day Flag is on the back— hang it proudly!
Martial Arts Canada celebrates 50th anniversary
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Martial Arts Canada has a long, illustrious history in Elgin, Oxford and Norfolk Counties.
The club has graded 77 blackbelts, and has won 25 world championships. It was ranked No. 5 among the National Blackbelt League and Sport Karate International’s Top 25 in the world for Sport Karate Schools in 1999, and No. 21 in 2005.
Today, MAC locations include two in St. Thomas, one in Sparta, two in Aylmer, and one in Tillsonburg and La Salette.
On June 7th, Martial Arts Canada celebrated its 50th anniversary with an open house in Straffordville, south of Tillsonburg. Current and past members, along with community supporters, came together to share memories, reconnect with old friends, and celebrate decades of karate, self-defence and fitness at all levels.
Going back to 1983-84, Kyoshi Bruce Shaver (a leader of teachers) remembers taking over MAC from founder Jim Summers with visions of continued success… and expansion.
“It was my goal every year to do the best job I could,” said Shaver. “I had no idea where it was going to end up, I just wanted to teach the best I could.”
Over the years that goal turned into a passion, ‘almost an obsession,’ that would turn out world champions.
“Looking back, it’s incredible what we’ve done. While we were doing it, it seemed like ‘this is what we’re doing every day.’ Summer camps, grading, tournaments… they were good. Looking at the video now, it’s almost inconceivable.”
In its early days, MAC was into high-level kickboxing, a fledgling sport in North America in the mid-70s. Soon after they transitioned to karate and began competing internationally.
Renshi MaryLynn (Maerten) Okkerse, current president/club owner, won a world championship at her first Super Grands in 1996 and the club’s success at the NBL Super Grand World Championships took them to elite levels.
“We found that we could compete with the very best and that just inspired us – it made us hungrier to get those titles,” said Shaver. “It just fired us up.”
Okkerse went on to win four more firstplace world titles.
In 1999, she was on the main stage competing in the Niagara Falls Super Grand finals, which kicked off with a spectacular flashing green laser light-show.
“They did a nice job – they ran the preliminaries in the ballrooms, then all the firsts and seconds battled on stage in night shows.”
Not fazed by spotlights, Okkerse said there might have been brief moments of anxiety/anticipation before sparring in front of large audiences that quickly went
away.
“Once you start fighting, you’re just fighting. You’re not worried about who’s out there, who’s watching. It was really cool, but we were all competitors - all show people - so you kind of live for it.”
“We are competing in a different sanction now but we’re still competing at that level,” Shaver noted. “We’ve got two going to the worlds this year.”
“We just passed the torch to the next ones,” Okkerse laughed.
Shaver remembers the transition from competitor to teacher, soon after switching from kickboxing to the karate circuit.
“I said to myself, I can keep going my route and make myself a world champion in karate, or I can have my club do really well, and have tens… I don’t know how many… hundreds of world champions if I really put my energy into it,” said Shaver.
That conscious decision not to worry about his own success, but instead focusing on the club’s success changed MAC’s course.
“It was the right decision to make,” he said.
Now a teacher of teachers, Okkerse made a similar decision when she stopped (or slowed down) competing when she was going into post-secondary school, focusing on her education, then raising a family.
“I never stopped training and coaching,” said Okkerse. “I just wasn’t going to tournaments every weekend. I was training other people to coach when I have to have my attention elsewhere - we have a huge talent base.
“I wouldn’t say I’m slowing down, karate has been a constant in my life. But it changes into what you need it to be. So
now I teach out of my own shop in my backyard, once a week, and I teach our blackbelts. We’re learning, and sharing what we learn with great people.”
Some venues have changed, but the Martial Arts Canada family continues to grow. Okkerse remembers past instructors saying many MAC students ‘don’t leave.’ Some stick around for decades and decades.
“It really is like a family,” she said. “Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters – a lot of similar names.”
MAC has stressed keeping it affordable and accessible, training in public facilities like school gymnasiums and community centres.
“We standardize our prices across all of our locations.”
Slowing down in the summer, programs will be back in full come September.
“The nice thing about martial arts is that you don’t have to compete,” Okkerse noted. “That is the glamorous part, the flashy part, but martial arts is for everybody, and regardless of age, you can still progress and improve in your own art.”
“I’ve run into a lot of students that I’ve had over the years and the impression you leave, even if they’ve only been here a year or two, it stays with them,” said Shaver. Today, his daughter Whitney Shaver runs MAC’s Tillsonburg location.
Chris@granthaven.com
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Martial Arts Canada celebrated its 50th anniversary on June 7 with seminars and open house in Straffordville.
The Valley Heights cheerleading team contributed to the annual VHSS Spring Sale with a car wash on May 16.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Scooters compete in Ontario Open
Waterford business owner Kerry Bockenholt saw that local youth didn’t have much to do and wanted to make some positive changes to correct that situation. She wanted to make a difference in the community and after much thought she came up with the idea to build an outdoor, concrete skatepark. In 2018 the Waterford Skate Park committee was officially formed and the journey began.
In collaboration with Drop In Skateparks, Canada’s most centrally located skatepark design-build firm, the design of an 8,737 square foot skatepark, featuring a 1,500 square foot bowl, banks, ledges, stair set and several rails took shape. It features a multi-terrain design for all skill levels and abilities - beginners, intermediate and advanced riders and skaters. It is one of the few outdoor parks in Ontario to offer a roll-in, box jump as well as quarter pipes and vert wall.
Recently the park attracted the attention of 32 of the best scooter riders from across Canada for the RSC Scootering Ontario Open. Competitors came from the GTHA, Windsor, Ottawa, Quebec, Alberta, and Waterford, to show off their skills and wow the crowds while in pursuit of top awards.
Nick Dixon, host and emcee for the afternoon, said, “Everyone who came loved the park… they think it’s the best outdoor park in Canada. It was a good crowd at the comp and they enjoyed the sun, surrounding community and watching the competitors take turns performing incredible 45 second runs.”
Watching the different divisions, it was clear the talent and skill levels were amazing in all age groups. Judges had a tough job as all entrants put their best performances on the line and gave it all they had.
The Roller Sports Canada (RSC) team is hoping to make
this an annual event on the Canadian circuit. As a spectator, it was a jaw-dropping, awesome event that would be great to host again. Congratulations to all winners and participants. We’re looking forward to an encore presentation!
Winners included:
Pro Male: Nicholas Nelson, Toronto, beating out Quebec’s Jay Page and Windsor’s Adrian Bruni.
Pro Women: Leah Pellerin, Ottawa
Street: 1st Jack Dixon, 11, Burlington; 2nd Ludo Gosselin, Quebec; 3rd Jay Page
Junior Two (14-17): 1st Ludo Gosselin; 2nd Kiran Attanasov
Junior One (10-13) 1st Andre Warren, Madoc Youth: Theo Page
BRENDA MOSER Advocate Correspondent
Ontario Open athletes, organizers and judges in Waterford.
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Nicholas Nelson. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Jack Dixon. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Family Fun Day at the Delhi Legion Branch 125
Canada’s centennial birthday – what a party!
Canada celebrated its centennial birthday on July 1, 1967 and Norfolk County joined the party with several massive events.
Crowds estimated at more than 15,000 lined the streets of Delhi for a ‘mammoth parade and 40-mile cycling race’ and visited the Community Centre grounds to celebrate Canada’s 100th birthday.
Rhone Valley Parkway, Delhi’s centennial project, was officially opened and a dedication ceremony was held at Delhi District Secondary School where a large fountain and flag display were erected under the sponsorship of the Chamber of Commerce.
DDSS student Cathy Lambrecht, 17, was crowned Miss Delhi. Fourteen contestants vied for the Chamber-sponsored 1967 Tobacco Town crown. Janet Kusch, 20, was 1st runner-up and Betty Temmer, 18, second runner-up.
Gino Cadorin won the 40-mile bicycle race sponsored by Imperial Tobacco.
Delhi District German Home won the soccer tournament held at the Community Centre grounds.
Gus Langdon won the ‘fullest beard’ contest, and Russ Christensen won ‘best trimmed’ beard.
PORT DOVER
A Port Dover calithumpian parade on Sunday, July 2, 1967 also drew an estimated afternoon crowd of about 15,000.
“They were lined up five to eight people deep along the 10-block parade route,” said Ivan Irwin. “Many were in their cars and others jammed the intersections. It was one of the best organized parades here in many years.”
Earlier that day there was a fishing fleet parade in Port Dover.
An amateur show on July 1st, sponsored by the Port Dover Kinsmen Club, attracted more than 1,000 people.
Approximately 300 people attended a Band Tattoo at the Lions Club Park, July 2, 1967. Royal Blues Drum Corps were among the eight participating southwestern Ontario bands.
SIMCOE
About 300 people attended an outdoor July 2, 1967 centennial inter-church service at Wellington Park in Simcoe, featuring a choir of 50 members.
- Files from the Simcoe Reformer courtesy of Norfolk County Archives.
Alister and Wren Manning-Loyst hopped on a Mudbudz ATV during Delhi Legion Branch 125’s annual Family Fun Day on June 7. Search for Mudbudz on YouTube for dozens of entertaining videos.
Kristen, Olive, Colin and Daxtin Beselaere of Delhi cool off with some ice cream at the Legion’s annual Family Fun Day.
Jack Collis of Delhi checks out the fishing pond at the Delhi Royal Canadian Legion Branch 125 annual Family Fun Day.
Mannix Dellaire and Rob Lerch played in the cornhole tournament at the Delhi Legion Branch 125 Family Fun Day on June 7.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
When paired with comprehensive hearing care, today’s advanced hearing aids are typically small and discreet, while being able to improve auditory experiences and restore meaningful connections.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Multicultural Food Festival gets a fresh start
ABBOTT Editor
The cabbage rolls were the first to sell out at the Multicultural Food Festival 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 fourhour food festival at the Delhi Tobacco Museum and Heritage Centre and there was still 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.
“The Multicultural Heritage Association of Norfolk has been around for like 40 years,” said festival co-coordinator Judy Schaeffer, vice-president of the association. “So we have had many, many (festivals)… in the warehouse, at the arena, at the Hungarian Hall, but it always focused on Eastern European cuisine.
“So, Jon and I both had the same idea – let’s include the cultures of people that are joining our community,” said Schaeffer. “We wanted to do something different.”
“Norfolk County - 50, 60, 70 years ago - the vast majority of immigration was from Europe,” said Kloepfer, the association’s archivist. “Now we’re getting a lot of different cultures, like Caribbean, African, East Asian, South Asian… so we thought we should do an event that highlights some of the recent cultures that have come to the county. Along with the old guard.”
An admission of $5 (12-and-under free) allowed festival visitors to purchase food tokens to redeem at various food vendor tables, which included Korean, Philippines, Jamaican, Mexican, Indian, Ukrainian, German, Hungarian, Polish, Portuguese, Belgian, Dutch, and Lithuanian cuisine.
Two live musicians donated their time and talent at the festival.
“We’re happy with the attendance,”
said Schaeffer. “We’ve been working on this for four months…”
“At least,” nodded Kloepfer, noting the organizing committee included another four other members.
“Basically, our real desire is to have a community-based, inclusive gathering,” said Schaeffer.
“There’s a bit of an educational element to it,” said Kloepfer, “because, to me, food is a like a really simple and easy gateway to expose people to other cultures. That’s another mandate of our club – to spread awareness of other cultures within our community.”
“We’re a non-profit, so the money we make goes back to student programming and the promotion of multiculturalism,” said Schaeffer.
“Education is definitely our main focus with the money we generate,” Kloepfer nodded. “We do a lot in the schools.”
The Multicultural & Heritage Association of Norfolk has a membership of about 30 people, meeting the first Tuesday every month, and they are always looking for more, said Kloepfer. They can be contacted through their Facebook page.
“We do want to expand this next
year,” Schaeffer noted. The addition of a big outdoor tent has already been suggested.
“We really like to partner with the museums around Norfolk because a lot of their mandate is cultural awareness,” said Kloepfer. “Especially the one here in Delhi because it’s a heritage centre. We work really well together.”
chris@granthaven.com
CHRIS
Pat Loncke greets visitors at the June 7th Multicultural Food Festival in Delhi. (CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Earl and Grace Brubacher of Simcoe sample samosas at the Multicultural Food Festival in Delhi on June 7.
Daniel Penner from La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant serves a horchata beverage with a cinnamon/milk flavour.
Simcoe’s Linda Fox tried the Portuguese tarts and a mango beverage at the 2025 Multicultural Food Festival.
Jon Kloepfer and Judy Shaeffer led the 2025 Multicultural Food Festival committee.
Funding cuts impact bird banding projects
JEFF TRIBE Advocate Contributor
Concerns that environmental fallout from Donald Trump’s so-called Big Beautiful Bill could migrate north of the border have come to roost at the Long Point Bird Observatory (LPBO).
According to LPBO volunteer Jenny Evans, provisions within the bill would cut funding to the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) ecosystems mission area. Within that division are biologists who look at species at risk, and additionally, the keepers of USGS bird banding data.
“The removal of that central data base will remove our ability to track the movement of birds or age of birds,” said Evans.
In short, the USGS is both the sole source of all the bands used in North and Central America, contracted from a private company, and also the end destination for data from said bands. Each contains a unique nine-digit identifying code which prevents confusion, as well as a coordinated and centralized compilation procedure.
“Every station, every research project,” said Evans. “Everyone that puts a band on a bird.”
Data collected and correlated on a continental scope provides a good indicator of habitat degradation, insect pop-
ulation and human impact says LPBO Program Coordinator Emma Buck.
“We can see who’s doing better than others and who needs our help more.”
Game birds are also part of the process says Evans, providing data which allows organizations including Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources to set quotas based on hard science which maintain healthy, sustainable populations.
“I think most hunters are in support of this,” said Evans.
Buck’s affinity for things avian and decade-long working relationship with the LPBO’s parent organization Birds Canada encouraged emigration from Norfolk, England, to Norfolk, Ontario.
“I just fell in love with the wildlife and birds,” she said. “And the people are nice too.”
Bi-annual banding at the LPBO began April 1 and runs daily from 5:10 a.m. for roughly six hours through the peak of migration to the first week of June at its three stations: Long Point Tip, Breakwater (roughly half-way out), and Old Cut. Banding resumes mid-August and continues through until November, catching what for many birds is a return flight.
As of mid-May over 4,000 individuals had been banded at Old Cut, moving toward a final estimated total of around 5,000. Highlights included one ‘very
lost’ Scissor Tail Flycatcher, usually a habituate of Texas, as well as a healthy number of Blackburnian and Magnolia Warblers.
“Just a good mix of warblers,” said Buck.
The lateness of the season was reflected in a scarcity of birds within the LPBO mist nets, but a recent 9:50 a.m. run did turn up a Philadelphia Virio and a Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher. As one might suspect, the latter aerial insectivore lives on a diet of flies and beetles in its boreal and south boreal forest breeding grounds. Tough to sex (by wing length), this second-year bird weighed 11.6 grams, had a wing chord length of 64 millimetres and a fat grading of 4, around mid-range on the related scale of 0-7.
Meticulously recorded, this data would have been ultimately destined for the central USGS, a historical precedent currently thrown into question.
“There is a lot of things going on,” said Evans, concerned organizations may be in effect working in their individual ‘silos’ rather than as part of a unified, continental approach.
No one is giving up, perhaps moreso hanging in, doing their thing and hoping for change back for the better in four, potentially long years.
“We will persevere,” Evans concluded.
LPBO Program Coordinator Emma Buck (left) gently removes a Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher from a mist net under the watchful gaze of a group of potential future ornithologists.
Emma Buck, Long Point Bird Observatory Program Coordinator, gently removes a Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher from a mist net.
(JEFF TRIBE PHOTOS)
Its pertinent details meticulously recorded, a Yellow-Bellied Flycatcher receives its unique band.
‘Take a kid mountain biking’ in Turkey Point
When most people think of Turkey Point, the first thing that comes to mind might be the beach, the restaurants, or relaxing summer days.
Most people would not immediately think of Mountain Biking. Unless, of course, you happen to be one of the 600 members of the Turkey Point Mountain Biking Club. This club is one of the largest organizations in Norfolk County, which boasts many dedicated members of all ages, and skill levels. The members work hard to maintain around 90 kilometers of mountain biking trails, keeping the trails safe and ride-ready year-round.
The Turkey Point Mountain Biking Club is so popular partly because it offers a wide variety of well-marked trails which means that absolute beginners and seasoned riders are able to enjoy them.
Local mountain bike instructor, Paul Meiklejohn, stated that the strong interest and participation rate for mountain biking
in an area with no mountains can seem a little odd. Meiklejohn explained that despite the lack of mountains, the trails are unique in their ability to appeal to all skill levels, and the fact that the trails are some of the only in Ontario that may be ridden year-round. Meiklejohn expressed his gratitude to the members who work hard to maintain and build the trails.
On the morning of June 7, club members and non-members both young and old gathered to participate in the annual Take Your Kid Mountain Biking event, allowing local children to try mountain biking in a safe and welcoming environment.
The morning began with an introduction to the basics of mountain biking, then a supervised trail ride where youngsters were able to participate on either beginner or intermediate courses. Attendees then enjoyed a barbecue lunch provided by the Sandbar on the Beach.
All attendees were happy and excited to be trying something new, or just to spend the morning doing a sport that they love with their family and friends.
1805 County Line 74, Waterford
Raised country bungalow with 30’x45’ heated workshop. The house has 4 bedrooms, a large Eat-In kitchen and L-shaped living/dining room.The partially finished basement includes a large family room. There is an attached single car garage. Standby gas generator for when the power goes out. $819,900 MLS®
The Poulton Family is ready for a day of fun on the Turkey Point trails. (LEAH BAUER PHOTOS)
Local mountain bike instructor Paul Meiklejohn demonstrates the basics of mountain biking before the Take A Kid Mountain Biking guided trail ride.
Local kids warming up before the June 7th Take A Kid Mountain Biking trail ride.
Why are Canadian students so smart? They get a lot of ehs.
How do you stop bacon from curling in the frying pan? Take away its broom.
Why was the picnic thrown out of the park? It was too cheesy!
What do you call a toothless bear at a picnic?
Gummy bear!
What do you call a duck that loves fireworks?
A firequacker!
What did the camping tent say to the sleeping bag?
I’ve got you covered.
I am Canada's national sport, played on ice and is very popular. What am I?
Ice Hockey
Knock, knock. Who’s there?
Toque.
Toque who?
Toque you by surprise, didn’t I?
PET OF THE WEEK
CALI
Meet our Pet of the Week:
Cali is an eight year old yellow labrador. Her favourite activity is playing ball and eating. She loves to go to the beach and swim. Cali also loves to go camping with her mom and dad in the trailer.
Submitted by Sarah Cairns
FRIDAY, JUNE 20
Riversyde 83 Friday Fun Nights presents: Chocolate BINGO
7:00 p.m
No cost to play. Chocolate bingo prizes. Special chocolate beverage and treats at the café! Don't be choco-LATE!
83 Sydenham St. Simcoe
SATURDAY, JUNE 21
Science Saturday
1 p.m - 1:30 p.m
Each week, we'll explore cool science topics like physics, chemistry, biology, environmental science, astronomy, and more.
Norfolk County Public Library, Waterford Branch - 15 Main Street South, Waterford
SUNDAY, JUNE 22
The 4th Annual Art With Heart Studio Flair Fest Talent Show and Picnic
11 a.m until 7:30 p.m
Admission is free, bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on to enjoy the performances, or to enjoy a BBQ picnic in the park! Powell Park in Port Dover
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25
Cricut Crafters Corner
12:30 p.m - 4:30 p.m
Cut, create, and craft with us each month using a Cricut Cutter - from paper to fabric and everything in between! On the fourth Wednesday of every month, join us for a unique workshop to develop your Cricut crafting skills: June: Paper Crafting and Card Design
Norfolk County Public Library Port Dover Branch - 713 St. George Street Port Dover
THURSDAY, JUNE 26
FREE CONCERT
6:30 p.m
Featuring the Haldimand Norfolk Concert Band. Come and enjoy great music in the beautiful acoustics of the church sanctuary. Light refreshments will follow.
Old Town Hall | 76 Main St. S. Waterford OUTDOORS - inside if raining. Bring your own chair.
FRIDAY, JUNE 27
Children's Bereavement Day Program
9 a.m - 4 p.m - Followed by a family time gathering 4 - 5 p.m
Do you know a child who is grieving?
We can help. Open to children SK - Grade 8. Preregistration is Required. There is no cost to families and snacks and lunch are provided.
58 Forest Park Dr. Townsend - Lion's Community Riversyde 83 Friday Fun Nights presents: Doppelganger
6:30 p.m
features the acoustic duo, Jim and Ken, who are two very talented musicians. They enjoy connecting with their crowd, putting unique touches on old favourites.
83 Sydenham St. Simcoe
SATURDAY, JULY 5
BARTLIFFS BAKERY AND RESTAURANT REUNION
11 a.m - 4 p.m
Clinton, Ontario 150 Anniversary. Meet and greet! Memories and Laughter!
Hosted by Liz Bartliff Library Park, Clinton
MONDAY, JULY 7
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. Simcoe Legion, West Street, Simcoe
THURSDAY, JULY 10
Diary of a Wimpy Kid STREAM Adventure
1 p.m - 3 p.m
For kids 9–13 years old who are ready for a summer of fun, creativity, and discovery!
Norfolk County Public Library Port Dover Branch - 713 St. George Street Port Dover
TUESDAY, JULY 15
Dog Man & Cat Kid STREAM Adventure
1 p.m - 3 p.m
For kids 9–13 years old who are ready for a summer of fun, creativity, and discovery!
Norfolk County Public Library - Simcoe Branch 46 Colborne Street South Simcoe
THURSDAY, JULY 17
Warriors STREAM Adventure 1 p.m - 3 p.m
For kids 9–13 years old who are ready for a summer of fun, creativity, and discovery!
Norfolk County Public Library - Waterford Branch 15 Main Street South Waterford
MONDAY, JULY 21
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. Simcoe Legion, West Street, Simcoe
Hundreds of shade trees, fruit trees, apples, pears, peaches, plums, sweet and sour cherries, apricots, nectarines, blueberries, haskapp grapes, raspberries, elderberries etc. Lots of spruce, pine, cedars for windbreak and privacy hedges. Sizes 1-8 ft. in containers ready to go. Flowering shrubs and much more. Mon-Sat 7:00am to 6:00pm
Martin's Nursery, 42661 Orangehill Rd Wroxeter, ON N0G 2X0 (1 Conc. North of Wroexter on Belmore Line)
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The 2025 Summer Reading Challenge & Program!
Skip the boredom and get Booked for the Summer! Even if your schedule is packed, you can still get booked at the Norfolk County Public Library! Work toward awesome prizes in the Reading Challenge or explore exciting literacy-based activities in the Summer Program. No matter what, we’re making this summer one for the books!
The Challenge:
Read books (or pages!) to win prizes!
Four levels of prizes will keep you motivated all summer long! With three challenge options, everyone can join in, no matter their age or reading ability!
Register and track your reading on Beanstack: Go to norfolklibrary.beanstack.org, download the Beanstack Tracker app, or visit your local Branch to log your reading and claim prizes throughout the summer!
Key Dates
Challenge Registration Opens: Saturday, June 28
Challenge & Program Begins: Saturday, July 5
Challenge Ends: Friday, August 15
Program Ends: Saturday, August 16
The Program:
Beyond the challenge, the summer is full of hands-on STREAM* programs, including MakerSpace projects, science experiments, crafts, Storytimes, workshops, and MORE! Join us for community events across the County like pop-up stories, stories and fun on the farm, and nature hikes, making this a summer full of fun and discovery!
*STREAM stands for Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math!
DOWNLOAD YOUR COMPLETE SUMMER GUIDE!
DOWNLOAD YOUR COMPLETE SUMMER GUIDE!
Scan the QR code or go to ncpl.ca and click the banner!
Scan the QR code or go to ncpl.ca and click the banner!
