Municipalities
Grant Haven Media
Ongoing threats and legal action against Norfolk County are continuing to take a toll on the municipality, both financially and for county staff personally.
CAO Al Meneses provided an update to councillors at the April 28 meeting on the challenges staff face with what he considers “frivolous and vexatious” actions by residents against its municipal government. Following concerns that were raised in February, councillors authorized staff to write a letter to Queen’s Park requesting it consider modernizing rules and regulations to reduce the financial and administrative burden placed on municipal staff.
“In many cases these actions have been taken by individuals intended to harass or cause distress, lack seriousness or practical value or form the basis of other motives,” he said.
The update was prompted by a response from the office of Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. In it, Flack mentioned provincial efforts to standardize codes of conduct and integrity commissioner process through Bill 9 as one of the ways the provincial government is trying to address concerns.
“Feedback from municipal stakeholders will help us ensure that municipal codes of conduct and integrity commissioner processes are an effective mechanism for all Ontario municipalities,” his letter reads. “Should Bill 9 pass, there may be opportunities for
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The Showmen – a midway journey
The Showmen, a RoseLe Studio Film by Daryl Granger, made its debut Monday night at The Simcoe Strand with two showings, and at four other Ontario theatres simultaneously.
The two-hour full-length documentary highlighted the ins
and outs, the ups and downs, the thrills, and sometimes spills, involved in running a carnival midway, featuring World’s Finest Shows, a long-time Norfolk County business.
Robinson Street, from Kent to Colborne, in Simcoe was closed from early Monday morning, allowing World’s Finest Shows to set up a mini midway with free rides and games for children, enhancing premiere experience.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Nicholas Coulter-Burns rides the World’s Famous Shows merry-go-round Monday at The Showmen premiere at The Simcoe Strand.
LUKE EDWARDS
Spring is here!
(JEFF TRIBE PHOTOS)
Trilliums are always a ‘sign of spring’, although this spring has been on the colder side, so far. These woodland perennials were photographed in the Norwich area. Environment Canada is calling for 10C and 11C highs Thursday and Friday this week, with temperatures inching up to 13-16C on the weekend.
CAO concerned about ‘‘frivolous, vexatious’ actions’
further discussion as we work to establish subsequent rules and regulations.”
Meneses said the onslaught of actions not only has a financial impact, but it also hurts morale among staff and may make it more challenging to attract and retain talent.
“In many cases some of those emails are veiled threats to staff,” he said, describing staff’s job as knowing the politics but not getting involved in the politics.
“It can be a challenge for some staff, feeling their job may be under threat.”
Coun. Alan Duthie called those attacks “very disturbing” and worried about the emotional toll it takes on them.
Financially, it also has an impact. Last year Norfolk spent more than $100,000 on legal fees, and while numbers were still being tallied, Meneses estimated a similar number for the amount of staff time spent responding to such accusations. This despite Meneses saying the courts have sided with them in every such case.
“We have not been found liable or
guilty for anything,” he said, adding he’s confident pending cases will yield similar results.
When the municipality is exonerated in these cases, they can seek damages, but Meneses said cost recovery is often only half, and sometimes as low as a quarter of what they spent.
Coun. Linda Vandendriessche acknowledged the fine line municipalities have to walk. While undue attacks serves neither the municipality nor the public, she said council and staff must remain open to legitimate questions and concerns, and be transparent in their dealings.
“I want people to be enriched with what happens in this county,” she said.
“At the end of the day, be very civil with what you do.”
At the same meeting councillors also received Integrity Commissioner David Boghosian’s annual report. In it he said he investigated a code of conduct complaint from council regarding the leak of confidential information incident regarding the board of health merger, but otherwise received no code of conduct or municipal conflict of interest complaints last year.
He did receive inquiries from three members of the public, including one who made “several separate inquiries,” and provided advice to members of council and local boards. His services resulted in an annual bill of just under $3,300 to the County.
Linda Vandendriessche, Norfolk Ward 2 Councillor
The Men of the Deeps perform in La Salette
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
The La Salette Historic Church, one of Norfolk County’s premier indoor concert venues, proudly presented The Men of the Deeps, North America’s only coal miners chorus, on Saturday, May 2.
Lori Roloson, the local event coordinator, had reached out to the Cape Breton Island male choral ensemble last summer, and it proved to be just the right time as the choir was preparing to tour Ontario for its 60th Anniversary Diamond Sunset Tour. The group had expressed an interest in returning to the Historic Church in Norfolk County, but promoter Bob Missen did not know who to call… Roloson’s name was forwarded to him and within less than 48 hours everything was in place.
The La Salette Historic Church is a truly hidden gem, said Roloson. The church’s soaring ceiling and breathtaking stainedglass windows are truly awe-inspiring, and the acoustics cannot be beat.
The Men of the Deeps is a choir of working and retired coal miners from Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. Organized in 1966, part of Cape Breton’s contribution to Canada’s Centennial Year (1967), the group’s inception was an effort by the people of Cape Breton to preserve in song some of the rich folklore of the island’s coal mining communities.
“What we’re here to do tonight is basically take you through the last 60 years –that’s our sunset. But we’re also going to take you into the future, and show you our sunrise and what’s coming up for The Men of the Deeps,” said The Men of the Deeps’ director. “You’ve never seen a sunset that does not have a sunrise the next day.
“So we’re going to share all these songs and stories with you.”
The musical repertoire of the Men of the Deeps is gathered from mining communities around the world, although many songs are ‘home grown,’ composed in Cape Breton.
The songs lifted spirits, often with the La
Salette audience clapping along, and the shared stories were sometimes humorous, sometimes noting hardships in coal mining, all with deep family and community roots.
The group of 38, which includes singers and musicians, scheduled 13 Diamond Sunset Tour stops in Ontario, from the April 21 premiere in Peterborough to May 3 in St. Catharines. The 60th anniversary show will continue in Maritime provinces through to November.
“We are one of just two small venues that were selected to host these guys,” said Roloson in her Saturday night introduction.
La Salette sold out with nearly 400 in the audience – exactly what Roloson had promised the choir and the La Salette Area Rural Roots, a volunteer group which owns and operates
the church and neighbouring community hall.
***
Keep an eye out for upcoming events at both the La Salette Historic Church and Community Hall – they are always crowd pleasers! It is worth the drive to his small village, just a five-minute drive north of Delhi, and 20 minutes from Simcoe and Tillsonburg.
The Men of the Deeps, North America’s only coal miners chorus, performed at the La Salette Historic Church on Saturday, May 2, during their 60th Anniversary Diamond Sunset Tour.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
EDITORIAL
What’s so secret inside the Ford government?
Haldimand-Norfolk
MPP
Bobbi Ann Brady
\ On April 24th, Royal Assent was given to the Ford Government’s omnibus “Budget Measures” Bill 97, Plan to Protect Ontario Act, 2026.
I voted against the bill as I felt it did little to address the affordability issues I continually hear about. Another key issue I had with the bill was the changes to Ontario’s Freedom of Information (FOI) system.
To be honest, despite what the government says, this is more than a technical policy tweak. Rather, it speaks to the core of how accountable this government is to the people of Ontario. The changes included exempting Premier Ford, his cabinet ministers, and parliamentary assistants from being under the microscope of the province’s freedom-of-information laws. Needless to say, I’m far from the only person who is irked by this stunt, which has kicked off anger from across the political spectrum outside the PC Party, you the general public, media, experts, and the province’s privacy commissioner.
FOIs are a conduit between you and the records of public and government institutions. It’s a formal, written request to gain access to records held by provincial ministries, agencies, or municipalities. And here’s what has changed:
Government records, from emails to data, from the premier’s office, cabinet ministers, and parliamentary assistants cease to be subject to FOI statutes. So, if
you want a peek at them, no dice. And it’s a retroactive change, so if you have a request currently in the hopper, it might be scuttled. Poking around the web, some are saying backdating the new rules could mean hundreds of requests end up in the garbage.
Kind of makes you wonder what they are hiding. Like you and thousands of Ontarians, the first things that come to mind are items like the Greenbelt Scandal and the Ontario Place/Science Centre/Therme Spa combo. Closer to home, sometimes we wonder about cell phone calls between developers and certain high-powered government offices.
Premier Ford was under a January court order to “release logs of government-related calls made on his cellphone to comply with a Freedom of Information Request filed by Global News and supported by the Information and Privacy Commissioner.” The premier balked at the idea of releasing the records. His reason being constituent confidentiality. I’m all for constituent confidentiality and as anyone who deals with me knows, constituent confidentiality is one of my commandments carved in stone. But FOI requests have all personal information already removed before dispatch. Anyway, now Premier Ford is liberated from handing them over. While our liberty is diminished.
In contrast, I’ll point out that an elected municipal official locally had to hand over their personal cell phone to an Integrity Commissioner… personal cell phone. I’ll just leave that here. I’ve heard from plenty of you in Haldimand-Norfolk who aren’t happy with the changes. But I thought I’d look around the province to get a feel for the mood - especially in PC-held ridings. Naturally, the government has pushed back against the critics.
Catching my eye was William Konken’s article in BayToday.ca entitled ‘Concerns raised locally after Ontario passes FOI amendments in Bill 97.’
when the government announced it will be introducing legislation to restrict foreign acquisition of farmland. I’ve raised my concerns through correspondence, in my role on Finance Committee, and largely through Bill 21, Foodbelt Protection Act, 2025, tabled by MPP Mike Schreiner and me. I suggested a non-resident speculation tax, but the government has a different approach, hopefully getting the same result.
When talk surfaced about Ford’s jet purchase, eyebrows were raised as it prompted legitimate concerns about spending, transparency, and timing. Ontario is geographically huge; however, Ontario already has a fleet of aircraft. But apparently, they are not always at the premier’s beck and call. It’s often about perception and timing in politics, and the public wasn’t buying into his need for a new set of wings. Premier Ford, after public outcry, quickly u-turned on the runway and sold the $28.9 million jet back to Bombardier. The premier is stuck chartering flights and using his personal driver.
Speaking of driving, for the sixth time, I stood in the House asking about a reconstruction date for Caledonia’s Argyle Street Bridge. This question was a no-brainer after the wave of complaints I’ve received about potholes on the bridge and claims for damaged vehicles. I also spoke of MTO pulling people over in villages across the riding last weekend – misplaced priorities I’d say. The greatest threat to the travelling public is not minor infractions, rather unsafe infrastructure.
I asked the government to detail their achievements over the past twelve months with respect to the bridge. In short, I got a recycled answer that design is complete, and the ministry is now in the process of obtaining final approvals for construction. That’s the same answer I received in 2022; however, following Question Period there was movement on the file behind closed doors, which I remain optimistic about.
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“North Bay resident Nicole Peltier, who has been active in filing freedom-of-information requests at both the municipal and provincial levels, says the changes remove a key safeguard for the public.” Peltier shared her concerns with MPP Vic Fedeli’s office who said Ontario is “aligning with approaches used across Canada that protect Cabinet confidentiality clearly and upfront, while maintaining full access to records held by the public service.” Their response emphasized, “oversight remains in place and that government decisions, spending, and operations continue to be subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.”
The last bit doesn’t quite give me much comfort. Between this and the overall centralization of the education system, not much comfort at all in believing our democratic voices are being heard.
Up until recently, Queen’s Park has been relatively quiet but there was turbulence with talk of a jet and heated debate over freedom of information reforms. There was no shortage of controversy and political theatre but there were also moments of personal progress and victory. I remain hopeful even in contentious times, meaningful work and small wins still find a way.
The Ford government’s proposed education Bill 101 would, among other things, make teachers college one year instead of two. I’ve been asking for this with motions I tabled in November 2024 and May 2025. The rationale was saving students tuition money and getting qualified teachers into classrooms faster given Ontario’s shortage.
Seeing my education motion adopted reminds me persistence can pay off, but I was again pleasantly surprised
From a bridge to bridging the distance between countries. As a member of Ontario’s Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, my week was capped off by a discussion with a delegation from the Czech Republic. The exchange underscored how interconnected our economic futures have become given an increasingly uncertain global landscape. Our conversation spanned key sectors including economic development, emerging technologies, and agriculture, all areas where Ontario can tap into opportunity.
What stood out was the need for relationships with jurisdictions that are stable and predictable. In today’s shifting political climate, it is important Ontario positions itself as a reliable partner on the world stage. Building relationships with countries that value transparency, rule of law, and long-term collaboration is essential to sustaining growth and protecting our economic interests.
Conversations like the one with the Czechs, are more than diplomatic courtesy, they are strategic investments in our province’s future, so we remain competitive, resilient, and open to innovation.
Council considering post office heritage de-designation
LUKE EDWARDS
Grant Haven Media
A Norfolk councillor got her wish to reconsider a previous decision made regarding potential de-designation of a Peel Street property, but in the end, council’s original decision stood.
At the April 28 Norfolk meeting, Coun. Kim Huffman requested a reconsideration of the decision they made at a meeting on March 24. At the time, councillors supported a request from the owner of 45 Peel Street in Simcoe - the old post office - to have staff look at removing the heritage designation on the building.
However, on further reflection, Huffman came to the conclusion that she voted before understanding all the facts.
“I have since gathered all of the facts, and I don’t think I know more about the designation of a building than our heritage committee and our staff,” she said.
A vote to reconsider requires two-thirds support from council, which Huffman received. While councillors supported the
idea of taking another crack at the vote, they ultimately once again supported having staff start the de-designation process.
At the March meeting, staff recommended refusing the property owners request, citing a lack of evidence that the heritage designation was contributing to any undue hardship. A letter from the owner suggested they were having a hard time finding tenants, getting insurance or selling the building.
The property was already designated heritage when the current owner purchased it a few years ago.
Coun. Alan Duthie, who opposed de-designation when it first came up, reiterated his belief.
“To me this is not dissimilar to someone building a property next to a farm and then later complaining that it’s dusty at harvest season,” he said.
“You bought a property with a heritage designation, which you were aware of.”
The heritage designation for the property protects the exterior features of the building.
Heritage de-designation at 45 Peel Street, Simcoe, has been discussed at Norfolk Council.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
The Showmen – thrilling midway documentary
“We were hoping for a good weather day,” said Granger, introducing the 7 p.m. show at The Strand, noting the rides were a special under-the-radar addition – they did not broadcast their intentions. “We just let it happen. I’d like to thank World’s Finest Shows for doing that. They head out on the road tomorrow (Tuesday, May 5). Their first date is Mayfair in Toronto… which you will see.”
Granger spent a year with World’s Finest Shows gathering footage for his third award-winning full-length documentary, finishing at the 2025 Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show.
“It’s an amazing show! I’ve always wanted to go see what happens, and they gave me the opportunity. I got to run rides –I trained on some of the rides – I got to cook food, which is a disaster and I ate it,” he laughed. “And then I worked some games. Let me tell you, I’m one of those guys who went past the games, I didn’t want to make eye contact. But when you see what happens, you see the other side. “With this documentary, I got to see all sides. The Jamiesons have been nothing but spectacular,” said Granger, noting
many carnival costs were shared – educating viewers on how much it costs to make rides, transport rides, maintenance and refurbishing, food, fuel and labour costs, accommodations, insurance and safety inspections. Pretty much everything involved in the carnival industry from top to bottom.
“No one knows. No one knows how much this costs or what this expense is. You think ‘Hey, where is all the money going?’ Well, it goes very fast and I’ll show you why.
“It also clears up some misconceptions, and there’s a lot of misconceptions out there. I want to give you the truth behind the midway.”
Granger admitted ‘the showmen’ in his documentary were a little leery at first. He won them over, sharing their stories while experiencing it with them.
“I made some great friends out on the midway – they call me an honourary showman. That’s a bonus.”
Granger said one of the things he loved most was ‘loading The Scrambler.’
“I don’t ride the rides – I’m too big (6’8”) or they’re too scary, like the Merry-GoRound,” he smiled, prompting laughter.
“I fell in love with loading because these
By Jake Grant
kids are so happy, the adults are happy, and you’re just happy about it.
The documentary opened with a lengthy look at the history of modern-day carnivals, going back to Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, and how midways and carnivals have evolved over the decades – the games, the first rides, prizes and more.
The good and the bad.
“I hope you learned some things,” said Granger after the documentary’s conclusion.
“They’re looking for some help, the bunks are spacious…” he said, prompting
more laughs.
Granger brought Patrick and Stacey Jamieson to the front of the theatre, thanking them for the opportunity and experience.
“It was these two, along with their father Barry, that gave this documentary a chance. I really want to thank you very much, I want to thank all the showmen, everyone who helped build this. It’s important that you understand how reputable midways work… because there’s a lot of variables.”
Mia Rose Wiebe demonstrates her basketball skills Monday night at The Showmen premiere. One block of Robinson Street in Simcoe was closed to allow World’s Finest Shows to set up rides and games.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS) Daryl Granger stands on the red carpet outside The Simcoe Strand Monday before the debut of his third full-length award-winning documentary, The Showmen.’
‘We’ll
see them right now’
Grand Erie health unit working to get students still suspended for missing vaccine
J.P. ANTONACCI
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Three weeks after several hundred Grand Erie students were suspended by the local health unit over missing immunization records, 29 pupils remained out of class.
Two-thirds of the 296 students ordered out of class on March 31 were back at their desks within three days, once their families provided proof they were vaccinated against nine childhood diseases — as required by the Immunization of School Pupils Act — or had a valid exemption on medical or philosophical grounds.
The health unit also hosted vaccine clinics throughout the region, and nearly 90 per cent of the suspended students returned to school by April 10.
But 29 holdouts remained in late April, with the health unit eager to get them back to class.
“We’re actively trying to help them,” Eric Robertson, manager of vaccine-preventable diseases with Grand Erie Public Health, told The Spectator.
Some families have been out of the country for an extended period while others are waiting on vaccine records from other provinces, Robertson explained.
“And some have just not engaged with their health unit,” he said.
There are no vaccine clinics currently scheduled, but the
No answers eight months after boater was shot dead by police in Turkey Point
J.P. ANTONACCI
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Residents of Norfolk County are still waiting for answers from the SIU eight months after a boater was shot dead by police in a wooded area near a marina in Turkey Point last August.
The 22-year-old man fled from the OPP marine unit on his Sea-Doo, which he ditched at the marina before running into the woods.
The SIU designated two OPP officers as subjects of the investigation. As of April 21, it remained unclear whether one or both officers fatally shot the boater and why the interaction turned deadly.
The SIU posted an update on April 16 saying the investigation is ongoing and investigators are “awaiting documentation from (an) external agency.”
In response to an email from The Spectator, SIU spokesperson Kristy Denette clarified the agency is waiting on an autopsy report from the province’s Centre of Forensic Sciences in Toronto.
- J.P. Antonacci is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter based at the Hamilton Spectator. The initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
vaccines are on hand at the health unit should the families of the still-suspended students call and make an appointment.
“If they can come in right now, we’ll see them right now,” Robertson said.
‘Common misconception’
The province requires students between the ages of four and 17 in all Ontario schools to be vaccinated against childhood diseases like meningitis, tetanus, pertussis and MMR (measles, mumps and rubella).
Health units can suspend students who do not have proof of vaccination or a valid exemption on file. But that drastic step is only taken after months of written notices, phone calls and in-school communication urging families to take action.
Parents can submit vaccine records online, over the phone, in person, by fax and even by emailing a picture of their child’s yellow vaccination card. They can also ask the health unit to call their child’s doctor and have records sent over.
“We’ll receive reports any way we can get them,” Robertson said. “We’ll pretty much do anything somebody wants us to do to get those records into our system.”
Last summer, Grand Erie’s health unit pulled the vaccine records of students born in 2009, 2017 and 2018 and sent out warning letters to 4,317 households in Haldi-
records back to class
mand-Norfolk and Brantford-Brant.
The suspension notices catch many parents by surprise because of the “common misconception” that the doctor who vaccinated their child will also inform the health unit, Robertson said.
But legislation puts that responsibility on parents and guardians, not family doctors, he explained.
“In a perfect world,” Robertson added, doctors would be allowed to share that information with the health unit directly, and the health ministry would create a provincial vaccination database to avoid future headaches for parents and health officials.
“That would be the most ideal thing,” he said.
As things stand, the health unit will likely have to chase down thousands of immunization records again next year. But Robertson is optimistic the post-pandemic tide is turning as families catch up on missed immunizations.
“This year is improved in comparison to last,” he said, adding the province and health unit’s shared aim is to increase vaccine coverage and make classrooms safer.
“The point of ISPA is not to suspend children,” he said.
“The point is to provide public health the most up-to-date data possible in order to respond to an outbreak quickly.”
- J.P. Antonacci is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter based at the Hamilton Spectator. The initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
‘Grey area’ lands could help meet housing targets
LUKE EDWARDS Grant Haven Media
Large estate properties in rural Norfolk may no longer serve a purpose, and could be better utilized with an additional home or two, a county councillor believes.
With Norfolk looking for ways to meet housing targets, Linda Vandendriessche suggested at the April 28 meeting that there may be an alternative that could ease the pressure on developing in urban settlement areas without affecting the prime farmland. Vandendriessche described some “grey area” lands that aren’t urban, but won’t ever be used for agriculture either.
“We have properties out there that are, in my mind and logically, not farming. It is a section of land or whatever that has not been farmed, maybe it’s trees, but there’s no agricultural activity on them,” she said.
“And there’s room for housing that could occur on that.”
Acting Director of Planning and Realty Services Alisha Cull said the County is still working through a Land Evaluation and Area Review (LEAR) study, which is examining agricultural land in Norfolk.
“The draft did state that Norfolk County is primarily Class 1, 2 and 3 soil, which makes it a prime ag-
ricultural area,” she said, adding there are places in Ontario where there are mixed rural lands. However, those tend to be in Northern Ontario where there’s less agricultural opportunity.
And even if there are small pockets in Norfolk’s rural lands that aren’t conducive to farming, Cull said Queen’s Park has said it doesn’t want to introduce conflicting uses into the area.
“So even if an acre can’t be farmed, introducing that house has impacts in terms of minimum distance separation, a new conflicting use, people complaining about farming,” she said.
Coun. Michael Columbus said the issue has been brought up to provincial counterparts before, recalling a discussion he and Mayor Amy Martin had with Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness Trevor Jones at the Rural Ontario Municipal Association conference. However, the discussion seemed to go nowhere, and they’ve yet to receive a response.
Nevertheless, councillors supported directing staff to bring back a report on the issue.
In addition to helping meet housing goals, Vandendriessche said opening up severance and development opportunities for targeted rural areas could help generate more tax revenue and breathe some life into rural institutions to help sustain churches and schools in the country.
Join the Simcoe Norfolk MS Walk on May 31
(FILE PHOTOS)
By Jake Grant
8. The term Grand Prix was first used in a motor race in which country?
9. Who was the first Marvel villain to appear in Fortnite?
10. What is the name of Bluey’s little sister?
Lynnwood Arts slated to move to archives facility
While Lynnwood Arts Centre was back on the docket for Norfolk councillors, neither of the two organizations who spoke at the most recent meeting quite got what they were asking for, though a transition period may offer some relief for the Lynnwood board.
Councillors at the April 28 meeting passed a resolution that kept the plans to issue a notice of default to the Lynnwood board, while also directing staff develop a transition plan in consultation with the Lynnwood board to relocate the board and collection to the Norfolk County Archives Facility.
The move would also only occur after necessary renovations are completed at the Eva Brook Donly building.
County funding for the Lynnwood board would continue through 2026, and potentially into the future, depending on budget approvals.
“It provides some fiscal certainty going forward for the County and the board,” said CAO Al Meneses after reading out the
lengthy resolution.
He said the intent is also to provide some urgency so staff can come up with an ap-
propriate transition plan with Lynnwood in the 30-day notice period.
Earlier in the meeting councillors heard
from Lynnwood board vice chair Dan Pearce, presenting on behalf of chair Paul Hammond. That presentation reiterated Lynnwood’s desire to stay in its namesake building but acknowledged negotiations with the County remained far apart.
“Given these (differences) we have decided not to pursue staying at Lynnwood,” he said.
Moving to the Eva Brook Donly building was the other proposal, and Pearce requested the County not place Lynnwood in a position of default. He also stressed the importance of keeping the art collection in one place.
Norfolk Historical Society President Kate van der Meer also reiterated her organization’s position that sharing space with Lynnwood could pose problems when it comes to storage.
“To continue down this path would be a mistake from an archival storage and retention perspective and for the legacy of Lynnwood as a national historic site,” she said, urging councillors to consider options previously identified by staff, which revolved around coming up with a new arrangement that keeps the art centre in Lynnwood.
New era begins for Lynnwood Arts in shared building
Lynnwood Arts is looking forward to the future in the wake of council’s decision Tuesday to move the group to the former Eva Brook Donly Museum.
“The move will allow us to streamline our operations, stabilize our financial situation, and focus on what we do best: programming and showing art,” said Lynnwood chair Paul Hammond in a media release. “We thank Norfolk County for this new opportunity and for working through this difficult situation with us.”
Lynnwood and the Norfolk County have been in talks for some time to try to find a way to keep the charitable arts group in its current home, a National Historic Site in downtown Simcoe owned by the municipality. But the two sides were unable to come up with a solution on how to jointly cover an estimated $1.25 million in repairs to the 19th Century home, as well as ongoing operating expenses.
“We just couldn’t get to an agreement that made financial sense for us or for the County,” said Hammond. “We thank Norfolk for being very collaborative with us.” Lynnwood fell into default with its lease with the County after it failed to come up with its share of an upcoming renovation, which has led to the planned move. The Eva Brook building, which is now the County Archives, is about half vacant and can accommodate an art gallery.
“It will make a fine new home for us,” Hammond said. “We would also like to thank the members of the public who have shown their support for us over the past month or so by writing letters to council. We now look forward to working with the County to make this move as smooth as possible.”
Lynnwood’s current home will be missed by the group, he added.
“We hope a new use will be found for the National Historic Site. We loved being there. It is perfect for an arts centre, but unfortunately, we have to move on,” he said. Carole Aeschelmann, Lynnwood’s Director, noted that
programming will continue at 21 Lynnwood Ave. while preparations are made to move to the archives building.
"We're still open and have upcoming events and exhibi-
tions planned," she said. "Follow us on social media for the latest updates and please come over and see us."
A date for the move has not been decided at this point.
Lynnwood Arts programming will continue at 21 Lynnwood Avenue while preparations are completed at the former Eva Brook Donly Museum.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
LUKE EDWARDS Grant Haven Media
The Lynnwood Arts Centre is on the move.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Grant Haven Media prominent at OCNA Awards
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Grant Haven Media publications were big winners at the Ontario Community Newspaper Association awards.
Held in Collingwood on April 24, the Better Newspaper Competition is an annual event that pits community newspapers against each other in a wide variety of categories.
Simcoe Advocate Editor Chris Abbott captured first in the 2025 Best Sports Section division.
Simcoe Advocate contributor Jeff Tribe won the Best Business and Finance Story category profiling Norfolk’s wineries and micro-breweries. In addition, Tribe placed second in the Best Guest/Freelance Columnist.
Tillsonburg Post editor Jeff Helsdon was the winner of the prestigious Reporter of the Year Stephen Shaw Award. Helsdon also placed third for Best Business Feature. Tribe, Abbott and Helsdon were all longtime co-workers at the Tillsonburg News ‘back in the day.’
Michelle Foster, for the Simcoe Advocate, was recognized with an Honourable Mention in the Best Creative Ad category, along with Erin Parsons, St. Marys Independent, and Sarah Cairns for the Stratford
Times. Parsons took first in Local Retail Outlet for an ad, and Tillsonburg Post designer Stacie Eden received an honourable mention for Best Use of Colour.
Long-time Tillsonburg News editor and former OCNA president, the late Bill Pratt was inducted into the OCNA Hall of Fame during the evening.
Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette. Gazette Editor Galen Simmons was third in the Health and Wellness story category.
Michelle Malvaso of The Paris Independent took the other big award of the evening, Photographer of the Year. The Independent took a pair of thirds, with Edward Lander in the Arts and Entertainment category and Chris Whelan for Best Editorial Column.
Woodstock Ingersoll Echo’s farm edition for 2025 was the second-place winner for Best Special Section.
Connor Luczka, editor of the Stratford Times, was second for Best Editorial, circulation 8,000 and under. The Times’ Amanda Nelson was second in the Most Creative Grip and Grin Photo category and received an honourable mention in Best Guest/Freelance Column category for a piece written by Canadian musician Loreena McKennitt.
“Given that we were a small one-newspaper operation just a few years ago, it
was pretty surreal to attend the gala with so many talented team members, and I was thrilled to see them recognized by their
Pratt inducted into OCNA Hall of Fame
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
On March 18, the Ontario Community Newspapers Association announced Bill Pratt (1928-2025) was one its four 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees. On April 24, they made it official at the OCNA Independent Publishers' Retreat and Awards Dinner in Collingwood.
The OCNA Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates individuals who have made exemplary contributions to Ontario’s community newspapers. Inductees are respected community news professionals who have remained passionate about the industry throughout challenges, opportunities and changes. They are leaders who have helped community newspapers adapt and grow.
Bill Pratt, from Courtland, was one of those individuals. A man who loved his community, and his community loved him.
Nominated posthumously for the OCNA Hall of Fame recognition by The Tillsonburg Post and Grant Haven Media, Pratt mentored generations of journalists, many crediting him with shaping their careers.
Named Tillsonburg Citizen of the Year in 1980, an honour his wife Marion shared in 2012, Bill received the Paul Harris Fellow Award, the Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee awards, the Confederation Medal, and the Holland/ Canada Medal for his service to the community.
Bill and Marion were the inspiration for the Pratt Gallery at Annandale National Historic Site. He was involved in the startup of the Tillsonburg Multi-Service Centre, ANHS, the Colin Campbell Community Arena ice pad, the kidney dialysis unit at Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital, Theatre Tillsonburg, the Tillsonburg Campus of Fanshawe College, the Tillsonburg District Chamber of Commerce, the Tillsonburg Air Show, the Tillsonburg Community Centre, the addition to TDMH, and the Tillsonburg Seniors’ Centre.
He was a co-founder of the Tillsonburg Great Ride ‘n’ Stride fundraiser in 1969, one year after the event originated in nearby Thamesford.
"Forty-five years," said Pratt in 2014, one of the originals who helped Bob and Madge Montgomery in the fight against cancer.
The Great Ride ‘n’ Stride in Tillsonburg raised nearly $600,000 in its first 49 years and Pratt was its driving force, often the event’s top individual fundraiser. He had won the trophy for top individual fundraiser for the 31st time in the 38 years since the trophy was first presented.
"I didn't know if I was going to make it or not," Pratt had joked that year, completing his walk a day earlier, adding with a laugh, "I take my camera with me so when I'm tired, I stop and act like I want to take a picture."
As editor/partner of Otter Publishing, Bill served as President of both the OCNA and the CCNA (Canadian Community Newspaper Association). As noted in his obituary, he felt it was his “duty to publicize and support people and their efforts to make good things happen."
Bill had graduated with a degree in journalism in 1950. He started his full-time career as a reporter for The Tillsonburg News after graduation, and took on the role of editor two years later in a newspaper career that spanned some 40 years.
“One of the duties he cherished, and detested, was writing the lead editorial for the Tillsonburg editions,” said former Mayor and Tillsonburg News publisher Cam McKnight.
“Unfailingly, as the deadline approached, Bill - with a cigar burning in his office ashtray - would be pounding on his old typewriter searching for the words to encourage or admonish Tillsonburg residents and municipal leaders,” said McKnight. “He would put the News’ editorial sway, and it was considerable in those days, either behind or against local affairs and explain his reasoning for it.”
Expanding on Pratt’s influence, McKnight said, “Bill had the unique ability of being able to make his point without making an enemy. That trait followed him beyond just the newspaper arena and allowed him to influence many major projects in this town.”
Decades after retiring, Pratt continued to take photos at annual town events, sharing them with the local newspaper
peers,”
and the community.
OCNA.
Canada Day at the Station Arts Centre and ANHS? He was there! Remembrance Day? He was at the cenotaph, some years both as photographer and laying a wreath. Turtlefest? Every single year.
“He was just a super, super person,” said former Tillsonburg Mayor John Armstrong. “The term gentleman applied to him to the ‘nth degree. He was so involved in the community and did everything with taste and finesse.”
said Grant Haven publisher Stewart Grant, who was installed as the new President of the
Grant Haven Media publications won several awards at the recent Ontario Community Newspaper Association convention in Collingwood. On hand for the awards ceremony were, from left, Publisher Stewart Grant; Regional Editor Galen Simmons; Director of Business Development Heather Dunbar; Reporter Jeff Tribe; Tillsonburg Post Editor Jeff Helsdon; Simcoe Advocate Editor Chris Abbott; and Reporter Amanda Nelson.
(KAREN HELSDON PHOTO)
Grant Haven Media publisher Stewart Grant announces Bill Pratt’s induction into the OCNA Hall of Fame.
(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
Create your dream backyard oasis with a beautiful, solid wood pavilion or pergola
Contributed Article
Transform your backyard into a comfortable, stylish retreat with a custom-built pavilion or pergola— crafted from solid wood timbers and designed to elevate the way you live outdoors. Whether you're hosting family gatherings, relaxing with a book, or creating a shaded dining space, these structures provide reliable protection from the elements while enhancing the overall look and feel of your property. Built for durability and timeless appeal, they offer a lasting balance of strength, beauty, and everyday functionality.
At Townsend Lumber, we use sustainably harvested Canadian wood to craft high-quality pavilion and pergola kits that are made to stand the test of time. By sourcing directly from our sawmill in Southwestern Ontario, we’re able to maintain exceptional quality control, offer competitive pricing, and support responsible forestry practices—all while delivering a product you can feel confident about.
For added strength and visual impact, our structures can be paired with decorative hardware from Simpson Strong-Tie’s Outdoor Accents® collec-
tion. Featuring a bold hex-head washer design and a durable black powder-coated finish, this hardware captures the look of traditional timber framing while offering the convenience and efficiency of modern installation methods.
We offer standard DIY kits, including 12' x 16' pavilions and 10' x 10' pergolas, available in local pine or premium BC Douglas fir timbers. If you’re looking for something more tailored, we also provide custom sizing options—allowing you to design a structure that perfectly suits your space, style, and specific needs. Visit www.townsendlumber.com to explore our Backyard Inspiration E-book and discover how other homeowners have transformed their outdoor spaces into beautiful, functional extensions of their homes.
Proudly serving the community since 1959, Townsend Lumber has built a reputation as a trusted source for high-quality wood products. From structural timbers and decking to flooring, fencing, and more, our knowledgeable team is here to support both homeowners and contractors at every stage of their project. Let us help you create an outdoor space you’ll enjoy for years to come—one that brings together comfort, craftsmanship, and lasting value.
TOWNSEND LUMBER
Repurpose rooms and breathe new life into a home
Homeowners do not need to get hung up on room labels as they explore ways to reinvent their spaces. Just because a floor plan labels a space as a formal dining room doesn't mean the area has to remain that way.
Repurposing rooms in a home comes down to aligning the space a person has with their lifestyle needs. Here are a few ways to rethink interior spaces and make a switch to improve utility.
Identify unused or under-used rooms. Take note of spaces that are cleaned but rarely used. For many people, this is a dining room or a guest suite. Either of these rooms can be transformed into something new. Invest in multipurpose furniture. Even people short on space can transform their homes. Replacing a traditional bed with a murphy bed or a daybed can make a room more suitable for a home office or yoga studio, but still provide a space for the occasional houseguest to sleep. A pull-down shelf desk in a bedroom or even a walk-in closet can turn an area into a compact home workstation. Claim dead space. The area under the stairs or another small spot often is used to collect junk. Instead, it can be turned into a built-in wine rack, a reading nook for kids or even a pet sanctuary with just a few modifications. Analyze areas around the home that seem like they don't serve a purpose, and then figure out a way
to make them more functional.
Establish room zones. Some people simply cannot transform an entire room into something else. Visual partitioning makes it possible to create rooms within rooms. An area rug can be used to define a border of a space. Open bookshelves can serve as a wall to separate a sleeping area from a lounging spot. Lighting can add dimension to areas in a space. A pendant light over a crafting or work table can be used define the space.
Look at utility areas. Unless you are a do-it-yourselfer or have a hobby that takes up much of the garage or basement, utility areas are major spots in a home to consider repurposing. A garage can be turned into a home gym, kids' play area or even a hobby shop. Modular flooring and insulated walls can make the room comfortable. Attic lofts are the ultimate quiet zones, and can be serene spots for reading, meditating or doing homework. An unfinished basement can be converted into a finished space to serve many different purposes. From media rooms to a teen lounge to a hobby cave, the opportunities are endless. A good rule of thumb before converting any room is to give it a test run. Move in a piece of furniture and test how it works with its intended function. Assess lighting, noise and foot traffic for a week, and then move ahead with changes if the result is positive.
CAUSYN COOLING AND HEATING Contributed Article
4 things to know about kitchen renovations
Kitchens are often described as the most popular room in a home. A 2022 survey from House Digest found roughly 41 percent of participants consider the kitchen the most important room. Residents tend to gather there in the morning and evening, and in homes without formal dining rooms, meals are often eaten there. With so much time spent in kitchens, it’s no surprise the 2022 U.S. Houzz & Home Study found them to be the most popular interior room to upgrade.
Expect to spend some money. Kitchen renovations are among the more expensive home improvement projects. Costs vary, but HomeAdvisor estimated the average kitchen remodel in 2023 ranged from $14,611 to $41,432, with upscale remodels potentially reaching six figures. Expect a good return on investment. Re-
modeling magazine’s “2024 Cost vs. Value Report” found a minor kitchen remodel offers a 96 percent ROI, while mid-range (49 percent) and upscale (38 percent) major remodels provide lower returns.
Expect the project to take some time. According to Angi, most kitchen remodels take between six weeks and four months, often around two months or longer due to potential delays or unforeseen issues.
Expect to use your kitchen during the renovation.
Though parts of the process may limit access, kitchens are typically out of commission for about six weeks, not the entire duration of the project.
Kitchen renovations are popular projects, and knowing what to expect can help homeowners navigate them more smoothly.
Vanderkooi brace powers Delhi to 2-0 win in Waterford
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Norfolk County’s high school soccer season is not a marathon – the regular season is a two-and-a-half-week sprint.
On Thursday, April 30, Delhi District Secondary School Raiders girls soccer team shut out Waterford 2-0 at WDHS. It was already Waterford’s third game of the AABHN season. The Wolves had opened with a 1-0 win over Cayuga, followed by a 2-1 win against Holy Trinity.
On Monday, May 4, the Waterford girls tied Valley Heights 2-2 at Valley Heights, with two games to play later in the week.
Delhi girls had a slow start to their season with a 5-1 loss to Simcoe Composite and a 4-0 loss in an injury-shortened game against Hagersville.
The win in Waterford had the Raiders smiling as they broke a scoreless tie early in the second half, then added insurance with about seven minutes left to play.
Kaitlyn Vanderkooi scored both goals for the Raiders, knocking in a rebound for her first goal.
“The second one, I got a cross and went from that,” said Vanderkooi, who won the race to a through ball and redirected it past the Waterford goalie while narrowly avoiding a collision inside the 18-yard box.
Waterford had its second-half chances, but the Raiders were able to take advantage of their opportunities.
“I thought we focused more on passing and saying who was going to take it,” said Vanderkooi. “That really helped us to know who was going to get it… because in the first half, we weren’t really talking and passing and looking, and the second half we were. So that helped us a lot.”
The team goal, she said, is to continue passing and talking.
“Really become a family on the field and be there for each other.”
Defensively, the Raiders were strong, closing gaps and quickly coming to the aid of Grade 9 goalie Ruby Hoover, who was
named Delhi’s player of the game.
“They did great! They’re definitely doing great,” said Vanderkooi. “We’ve improved a lot in our last games. Lots of practicing paid off.”
“Today was a great day, the girls played really, really well today,” said Delhi coach
Brandi Arthur. “They are a young team –we lost 11 players from last year. So we have 15 girls, and we only have one Grade 12 player – we’re very young.”
Players have shifted into new positions to fill key roles, so there’s been a lot of learning, said Arthur.
“Today it really came together which is nice to see. It was a good game overall and we’re happy with that. We needed to get some points.” The coach said the Raiders are fortunate to have Hoover in net.
“She plays rep soccer outside of school… so we hope to have her for four or five years, that’s for sure. That’s a big game changer, too, because we’ve been missing an actual soccer-trained goaltender for a lot of years.”
Going forward, learning and building are two main goals, said Arthur, and doing it together as a team.
“Never getting down on ourselves or on each other as a group… because we are learning and growing. We have to realize we are going to make mistakes, it’s OK, but we just have to keep moving forward.”
Coming into the season, the Raiders aimed to play in the AABHN quarter-finals.
“Typically we have a good showing in quarter-finals… but it’s never quite enough. We never end on that top end, but we have shown progression and improvement. I’m hoping this year we can win some games there. We’ll see how it goes.”
Arthur noted that Vanderkooi, one of three rep soccer players on the team, also scored Delhi’s goal in the season opener against SCS. “It’s funny – she typically plays a defensive role on her other team… and I don’t see her as a defensive player. She is offence,” Arthur smiled.
Delhi Raiders’ Kaitlyn Vanderkooi, centre, celebrates with teammates after scoring her second goal in a 2-0 win against Waterford.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Delhi blanks Waterford 1-0 on Becker’s penalty shot
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
In the final week of the Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk regular season, the Delhi Raiders are rolling with a 4-1 record.
Undefeated Holy Trinity handed the Raiders their first loss of the AABHN season on Monday, May 4th, 3-1 in Delhi.
On Thursday, April 30, the Raiders blanked Waterford 1-0 in a tight defensive match at WDHS.
Jackson Becker scored Delhi’s second-half game winner on a penalty shot after a hand ball inside the Waterford box. Noticing Waterford’s goalie was giving him a little extra room to Becker’s right, he slotted it home on that side.
“We had a tournament game last Friday against Waterford and I shot left, so I knew that was in the back of his head,” said Becker. “That’s what I was thinking at least.”
A stutter step gave Becker enough time to see which way the goalie would lean… and it worked.
“I always do that, I look up to see which way the keeper is going. If I have to hit it hard, I hit it hard, but that one I just had to pass it in. I saw him creep and said ‘right side is free.’”
Both teams were missing key players Thursday, said Becker, noting it was an evenly played match.
“Our mid was missing Liam… which is huge for our control. So we were playing a completely different game than we’re used to. But we made it work. We had a rough first half, I would say, but we adjusted.”
Waterford improved to 2-3-0 in the AABHN regular season with a 2-0 win at Valley Heights on Monday, May 4, tied at 5th (with VHSS) with two regular season games left.
“It’s always close with Delhi,” said Waterford coach Jay VanderVlist after the 1-0 loss. “It just seems to be that way – I don’t think we’ve played a game against them that hasn’t been close. It’s been that way
for years now.”
Waterford boys played in the CWOSSA
A final last year, he noted, but they had a lot of graduating players from that team.
“We have a lot of new guys who maybe haven’t played high school games, so it’s tough… it’s tough getting guys here.
“But we played hard and we’ve been building. We’ve got better each game. Today, some of the refereeing decisions didn’t go our way – that’s soccer, that happens. But it’s tough to take when you feel you’re fighting an uphill battle sometimes. Our boys are frustrated, but they will get over it.
“We have three more games next week (including the game at VHSS)… and I’m hoping to finish 4-3-0. The soccer season is so short. It’s a three-week sprint. We had four games in eight days, so how do you recover, how do you keep going? There’s not a lot of time to work on things in between (games).”
VanderVlist said the Wolves’ defence has been solid all season.
“We’ve got guys in there who are football players, playing soccer,” he smiled. “It’s kind of that ‘small school’ thing, right?”
Delhi’s two best chances were the penalty shot, and a glorious last-minute opportunity when a cross was headed over the goalie, but cleared on the line by a Waterford defender. Waterford also had a couple second-half opportunities inside the 18yard box, but scoring chances were limited on both sides.
“It was such a close game that one bounce here or there, and you’re talking a whole different thing. Their centre back was a star, he destroys us. It really was a defensive battle today, a chess match. We were trying to exploit some of the space in the middle of the field, trying to utilize some of the space when they collapse… but you’re playing in the rain, the ball’s skipping, and it’s cold – for almost May. It’s not ideal conditions.”
VanderVlist also noted the mid-season injuries.
“Our boys are beat up. The guy who was calling lines over here is one of our better players, he’s injured. We’ve guys coming back from concussions. This season’s been tough, it’s been a war of attrition. It’s like ‘trying to survive’ sometimes.”
WDHS hosted its Waterford Invitational a week earlier and the fourth annual soccer tournament has grown every year.
“I love that tournament,” said VanderVlist. “We had eight guys teams, eight girls teams, and two sites, here and Simcoe. McKinnon Park ended up beating BCI in the final on penalty kicks. A really
competitive final, it was 1-1 after 40 minutes (20-minute halves).
“The goal with these soccer tournaments is to raise enough funds to support a second (soccer/lacrosse) field here. Then we can host the CWOSSAs… that’s the goal. CWOSSA A has been in Erin the last couple of years, two-and-a-half hours, it’s quite a ways.
“Our program’s been good, we’ve had a lot of success in soccer here at Waterford, we won AABHN a couple years ago, and the kids love it.”
Delhi Raiders shut out Waterford Wolves 1-0 in an AABHN regular season game last Thursday in Waterford. The regular season ends Friday.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
The Men of the Deeps perform in La Salette
The oldest current member of The Men of the Deeps is 88.
When the Cape Breton Island group was asked ‘How many followed your fathers into the mines?’, the majority of The Men of the Deeps choir raised their hands.
The Men of the Deeps male choral ensemble, a group of 38, includes musicians.
The Men of the Deeps sold out Saturday, May 2 at La Salette Historic Church with nearly 400 in the audience.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Phragmites and turtle populations at Long Point
LEAH BAUER
Advocate Contributor
As the long-awaited spring slowly returns to Ontario, residents of Norfolk County and surrounding cities are preparing to flock to Norfolk’s beautiful beaches in the coming weeks and months.
When the majority of people think about our beaches and the surrounding marsh they might think of sunny days, delicious food, and summer fun. The word phragmites might not even cross the average person’s mind.
Phragmites are a species of reed that exist in many ecosystems, including our local marshes, in both native and invasive forms.
Ontario Wildlife and Nature identifies invasive phragmites as “an aggressive plant that spreads quickly and out-competes native species for water and nutrients. It releases toxins from its roots into the soil to hinder the growth and kill surrounding plants.”
Some residents of phragmites-affected areas enjoy the presence of the plant as it can provide an aesthetic appeal to the property, and line the property providing privacy. However, the aesthetic appeal of the invasive species is outweighed by their destructive impact to the local environment.
Ontario Wildlife and Nature describes how the phragmites “crowd out vegetation, decrease biodiversity, provide poor habitat and food supplies for wildlife, cause lower water levels in the marsh, and can affect recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and angling.”
In Norfolk County, there are many initiatives that work to keep our marsh ecosystems thriving. One of these organizations is the Long Point Phragmites Action Alliance (LPPAA). The LPPAA is a local group of 29 partnering organizations who work to get rid of phragmites in the area. Prior to their mitigation initiatives, they estimated “that phragmites covered 40% of the wetlands, a number that was expanding at an exponential rate each year.”
Invasive phragmites have had a significant impact on the turtle populations of Long Point. Lauren Nightingale, the Director of Long Point Biosphere’s Turtle
Recovery program, has experienced firsthand how phragmites harm turtle population growth and stability. She described how turtles depend on shallow pools in the marsh. “If the phragmites are growing in the marsh then they will dry the shallow pools out. Phragmites are particularly good at drying things out.”
Nightingale expressed concern about community members' attitudes towards the importance of phragmites mitigation in the marsh.
“It’s management from here on, phragmites are here in perpetuity. They will never fully go away. I guarantee as more time goes on and people forget how bad it was, they're going to think that the mitigation efforts, and spraying, are the worst possible thing. People may turn against it, because they will forget how the marsh used to look when it was full of phragmites.”
Phragmites have the natural ability to become a monoculture in any ecosystem including in local marshes. This affects all forms of life that call the marsh home, which places added pressure on species at risk like the Blanding’s Turtle, and the Spiny Softshell Turtle. Nightingale described the impact phragmites have on turtles stating, “Phragmites grow so dense that turtles can’t even move between them, not to mention that nothing can grow in and around the phragmites. Also, phragmites wipe out everything, leaving no cover and shelter for juveniles that are hatching to get to.”
The impact of the phragmites on the local turtle populations combines with the existing threat of cars and human development.
“Phragmites, in addition to causing the marsh to dry out, actually force turtles to move more often where they can get hit by cars on roads. Either they can get hit or they can just dry out. There's places where they find them cooked on the road.”
Turtle populations are especially fragile. Phragmites and subsequent population loss increases that fragility as Nightingale noted, “Turtles, and specifically snapping turtles take 15 to 20 years before they're old enough to reproduce. If you lose adults, it causes a ripple effect in the population that doesn't really recover, which is where
things like a turtle incubation project comes in and helps boost that population, and hopefully, makes up for some of that loss, but you're not going to see any results for like 20 years.”
This is a big issue, not only for the community that cares deeply about their local turtle population, but also for the structure of the marsh ecosystem as a whole.
“Turtles are what we call keystone species for wetlands, they're kind of the most important species. They've been around for millions of years, so these environments were shaped by their presence. They're predators, and prey. They also act as big garburators. If something dies in the marsh, they're there, they will eat it, and they clean it up which reduces disease. They also spread seeds, they will have the important
native species in their poop, and if they have access to a wetland, they can migrate carrying the seeds to another pond.”
As Nightingale prepares for another season of turtle recovery programming, she shared some insight into the importance of community, and kind actions, in conservation initiatives.
“It really is. It's like it's that individual mindset, we cannot do things by ourselves. Not in this kind of world. It has to be a community collective, getting together and making change.” Working as a collective, making sure to remove phragmites if you find it on your property, and education on what is happening in local conservation are all things that community members can do to keep our marshes and turtles safe for generations to come.
A snapping turtle hatchling is released north of Long Point Park on August 21, 2025, where the wetland is recovering after serious phragmites treatment.
(LAUREN NIGHTINGALE PHOTO)
Turtles aren't the only species who call the marsh home, many snakes and other native species rely on marshes for survival.
(LEAH BAUER PHOTO)
The Long Point marsh is now lined with dead phragmites, which demonstrates how pervasive the issue was prior to spraying.
(LEAH BAUER PHOTO)
‘Thank you’ to Waterford Heritage Trail volunteers
BRENDA MOSER
Advocate Contributor
We're Canadian and the weather can't stop us when we're on a mission, so rain did not put a damper on the cleanup plans for the Waterford Heritage Trail.
On Saturday, April 25, volunteers gathered by the old Train Station with tools and garbage bags in hand, ready to tackle the task at hand... the annual Waterford Trail cleanup. With the help of volunteers ranging in age from high school students to volunteers in their 80s, they headed out to do a thorough cleaning.
"It's a great time and a nice grouping of people," said Andy Kooistra.
Waterford Lions had already cleared a roughly 2 km portion of the west end of the trail during their Earth Day cleanup, and their help was much appreciated - another group of dedicated volunteers always there to lend a hand when there is a need and a cause.
The Trail Association also did necessary small repairs and some pre-pruning of trees.
There are benches along the route, away from the water, for walkers or bikers using the trail, where one can sit, relax and enjoy Mother Nature. These areas are kept clear and accessible for everyone. Just think… not every town can boast of such a beautiful attraction to their town. Thank you hardly seems enough for all of the work that the volunteers do, not only on cleanup day, but all year long.
Organizers were very happy to see the turnout.
"We braved historical inclement weather to spruce up the trail," said Kooistra. "A special thank you to Richard Baronowski, Fred May, Bill Brunton, Cliff Lawrence
and Doug MacKenzie and his Lions crew.
“We have been working on punching through to Hwy 24 for a couple of years, and on Friday night and Saturday morning Doug and his crew rented a bush-hog and cleared the area. It is now ready to be explored.
"Thanks to all who participated... the trail works because of people like you."
The Waterford Heritage Trail is a beautiful gem that has become a popular place for walkers and bikers alike and there is a good chance that you will meet many others doing the same. If you haven't yet visited the trail, make sure you add it to your list. There is ample parking by the Old Train Station with easy access to the trail. All that is asked is to leave the trail as clean as
you found it and respect others. Kooistra did mention, "The trail is kept fairly clean (by users) with very little litter thrown down."
Be sure to follow them on their Facebook Page - Waterford Heritage Trail Association - or at waterfordheritagetrail@yahoo. ca New members and users are always welcome.
From left, Terry Bonnett, Richard Baranowski, Fred Mayo, and Andy Kooistra at the Waterford Heritage Trail cleanup. (BRENDA MOSER PHOTO)
The mystery and wonder of Mount Etna
OH,
PLACESTHE WE'LL GO
By Paul Knowles
There is no question that the Louvre, in Paris, France, is one of the world’s greatest repositories of art. Although, this iconic destination managed to get into the news a couple of times in recent months, more for the art pieces they were losing than for the art they have.
I have visited the Louvre, and done the ridiculous tourist jog past hundreds of pieces of priceless art to gaze over the heads of hundreds of other tourists all gawping at a small painting called the Mona Lisa. So this time in Paris, although we strolled around the grounds of the Louvre, we gave the interior a miss, and opted to visit two other art galleries, also situated along the Seine River.
We were not sorry in the least that we made that choice.
Our initial stop, on our very first afternoon in Paris, was the Musée d’Orsay. The museum holds the largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art anywhere in the world… and yes, much more than in the Louvre.
If you don’t happen to be an art
expert, here’s a quick Knowles’ notes: Impressionism was an art movement that began in Paris in the late 1800s and continued for several decades. Key figures included Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Camille Pizarro and Paul Cézanne. Post-Impressionism was an artistic movement in direct and almost immediate response to Impressionism. It, too, had its roots in France, and included such well-known artists as Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gauguin.
While the Impressionists painted natural scenes with a whimsical, misty perspective, the Post-Impressionists moved slightly more toward the abstract.
In my less-than-expert opinion.
Let’s be clear about that.
There is a Canadian connection here, in that the members of the Group of Seven were profoundly influenced by both of these movements.
So… the work of these famous artists, most but not all French, was what we wanted to see when we entered the elegant former railway station that is now the Musée d’Orsay. Our wishes were granted, a hundred-fold.
If you love art, or you simply want to experience great art to see if you like it, this is the place to be.
We strolled through the galleries, replete with works by all of the artists mentioned above, and many, many more.
And not only did we see paintings by these talented creators, we saw many of their very best pieces – like “Water Lily Pond”, and “Blue Water Lilies”, by Claude Monet, and “Dance at the Moulin de la Galette” by Renoir.
The museum is a relatively new attraction in Paris, considering the millennia-long history of this “City of Light”. Conversion from its original purpose as a railway
were placed in the Tuileries Gardens in the warmer months. Thus the name, “Orangerie”.
The gardens, by the way, stretch from the Orangerie to the grounds of the Louvre; in my opinion, one of the most pleasant walks anywhere.
Horticulture gave way to art in 1921, when the Orangerie was designated as a place where then-living artists could display their work. The good news is, Claude Monet was very much alive and productive at that time and, in the end, two amazing, oval rooms were created to house Monet’s extensive murals known as “Nymphéas” or, yet again, “Water Lilies.”
Visiting those rooms is a unique experience, even for the most veteran art connoisseur. You are literally surrounded by the art, drawn into the tranquility of Monet’s water gardens.
station to an outstanding art gallery was completed only by 1986, when the works of art (2,000 or so paintings and about 600 sculptures) were installed.
Today there are over 3,000 works at the museum, and they are seen by more than three million visitors each year. (That sounds like a lot, but the Louvre sees three times that many – and has instigated higher pricing and other measures to actually discourage visitors!)
The Musée d’Orsay is located on the Left Bank of the Seine, about a 15-minute walk from the Louvre, which is on the Right Bank. It’s a lovely stroll, as it is to the Orangerie, also on the Right Bank but only a 10-minute walk from the Musée d’Orsay.
The Orangerie is also home to significant Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art, and other important pieces, as well. The building itself (like the Musée d’Orsay) was never intended to be an art gallery – it was built in 1852 by Napoleon III, as winter storage for the citrus trees that
In 1966, the era represented by the Orangerie collection was expanded by several decades, as the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection of modern art was donated to the museum, and is now displayed on the lower flower. That gives visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with paintings by famous artists like Pablo Picasso and Chaïm Soutine. (Full disclosure: Soutine’s rather tortured “Portrait of a Man” has become one of my favourite pieces of art. I don’t know what this says about my personal taste).
There is no question: Paris is the place to go to see great art. But if works by Monet or Van Gogh are your favourites, skip the Louvre, and spend your time at these other two amazing galleries.
Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and Past-President of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@ golden.net.
Chaïm Soutine' "Portrait of a Man", a strange favourite of the author.
Renoir's iconic Dance at the Moulin de la Galette.
The exterior of the Musée d'Orsay, with its unique rhinoceros sculpture by Henri Alfred Jacquemart.
The Orangerie – originally a storage house for Napoleon III's citrus trees in winter. (PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)
PET OF THE WEEK
Nominate your Pet of the Week by emailing info@simcoeadvocate.com
GIDDY
Meet our Pet of the Week:
Giddy came into care with his mom, Gadiva, and is ready for his next home. As a “Barn Buddy,” he’s best suited for a barn or rural setting where he can put his rodentcatching skills to work. He may also do well in a quiet, patient home.Giddy is neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and has tested negative for FIV/FeLV/heartworm.
www.simcoedhumane.ca
mothers day
Word Search
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
I’m felt, not seen, yet often shown.
Love
No roots, yet I grow in vases.
Flowers
I’m folded, not spoken, but say a lot.
Card
I cost nothing, but mean everything.
Appreciation I’m made in minutes, remembered for years.
Breakfast
I hold tight without hands.
Hug
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
SUNDAY, MAY 10
MOTHERS DAY DANCE PARTY
Doors open at 1:30 p.m
Music from 2:00 p.m - 5:00 p.m
Part of the monthly 2nd Sunday Live Music Event at the Simcoe Legion. Featuring Ontario super group cover band: Jesse Murphy, Mike Vukovich, Kimberly Manning & Costa Chatzis. $5/cover. Upstairs Memorial Hall. Full details at simcoelegion.ca
Simcoe Legion, 200 West Street, Simcoe, ON SUNDAY BRUNCH
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Adults: $15.00 | Children (6–12 yrs): $8.00 | Children under 5 yrs: Free
Royal Canadian Legion - Waterford 223 Nichol St.
MONDAY, MAY 11
DELHI & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY MEETING
7:30 p.m
Guest Speaker - Jeff Leadrer, a field naturalist; a founding member of Brant for Nature. He will introduce us to the app which helps identify plants and animals around us, explain this app and how we can navigate it on our devices. Should be very interesting. All welcome.
Delhi Senior Friendship Centre | 418 Queen St., Delhi, ON (Parking off William Street)
TUESDAY, MAY 12
ELVIS/SINATRA COMMUNITY SINGALONG:
7:00 p.m
All welcome to join in singing top hits by Elvis (Love Me Tender, Are You Lonesome Tonight and Loving You) and Frank Sinatra (Fly Me to the Moon, New York New York, Strangers in the Night and My Way). $2 donation at door. Questions? 416-505-1658.
Simcoe Legion, 200 West Street, Simcoe, ON
THURSDAY, MAY 14
CORNHOLE
7:00 pm
Come on up to the Legion and join in the FREE fun! All levels welcome! Thursdays (except the 4th Thursday)
FRIDAY, MAY 15
QUIZ NIGHT
7:00 pm
Bring your friends or join a group
Royal Canadian Legion - Waterford 223 Nichol St.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
FISH FRY
Serving from 5:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m Advanced tickets only/Tickets must be purchased by Saturday, May 16th. Please visit the legion during open hours for ticket purchases. Wed.-Fri. 3 pm-10 pm, Sat.1 pm10 pm, Sun.1 pm-6 pm. For More Information call the Legion at 519-443-5588 or www. teetervillelegionbranch526.ca
The Wagner Memorial, Teeterville Legion Branch 526. 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville, Ontario
PLANT & BAKE SALE
8:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m
Delhi & District Horticultural Society is having its annual Plant & Bake Sale on Saturday May 23rd. Great selection of perennials and homebaked goodies.
Delhi Tobacco Museum & Heritage Centre
MATINEE
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Featuring The Band Jasmine T. Food Available from 4 pm to 6 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
SUNDAY, MAY
BRANT MEN OF SONG CONCERT
The Brant Men of Song are hosting the concert this year as part of their 65th Anniversary of the men's choir on Sunday, May 31st. There will be 6 male choirs at the Sanderson Centre at 88 Dalhousie Street in Brantford. The choruses come from Toronto, Burlington, Cambridge, Niagara and Guelph. The concert starts at 3 pm and tickets can be purchased directly from the Sanderson Centre (519-758-8090) for $35.00 each.
Sanderson Centre | 88 Dalhousie Street in Brantford
EVERY OTHER FRIDAY
INGERSOLL COUNTRY MUSIC JAMBOREE
1:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m
Spring into the Ingersoll Country Music Jamboree meeting every other Friday 1-4 p.m. at Masonic Hall, 190 Thames St. S. Ingersoll. Join us, walk ins welcome. Qualifications - love 50-70's country music. Perform, listen, dance & enjoy! April 10 & 17, May 1, 15 & 29, June 5 & 19.
EVERY FRIDAY EVENING
CATCH THE ACE
4:30 a.m- 7:30 p.m (Draw at 7:45 pm)
Win over $21,000.00 (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
THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH
LYNN RIVER PROBUS CLUB
10:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m
Our retired and semi-retired members enjoy diverse interest groups, friendship and fellowship. We have interesting speakers at our monthly
Royal Canadian Legion - Waterford 223 Nichol St.
Royal Canadian Legion - Waterford 223 Nichol St.
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meetings as well as time to socialise.Current and prospective members are welcome to join us at the Army, Navy & Air Force Club, Simcoe, which is on the corner of Water St. and Culver St. Simcoe. Enter via Culver St. For more information, please visit our website at: lynnriverprobus239.com or email lynnriverprobus239@gmail.com.
SECOND SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH
COURTLAND COUNTRY OPEN MIC JAM
Music starts at 1:00 p.m | Dinner at 5:00 p.m All welcome!
Courtland Community Centre | 272 Main St., Courtland, ON
LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH
OPEN JAM
Starting at 5:00 p.m (Until Sold Out) Everyone is welcome to bring an instrument or just come out and listen to the music. Free event For More Information call the Legion at 519-443-5588 or www. teetervillelegionbranch526.ca
The Wagner Memorial, Teeterville Legion Branch 526. 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville, Ontario
EVERY MONDAY & THURSDAY
SIT AND FIT
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm Free for everyone
Royal Canadian Legion - Waterford 223 Nichol St.
Spring is here, bring on the plants
Waterford and District Horticultural Society will host Annual Plant Sale on May 15
BRENDA MOSER
Advocate Contributor
After months of winter, gardeners are anxious to be getting into their flower beds. There's nothing like the colours of spring, so if you're looking to add some new colour to your flower beds then you'll be happy to know the Waterford and District Horticultural Society is holding its Annual Plant Sale on Friday, May 15th. The Society will be at the Foodland parking lot in Waterford from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (noon) and they are inviting all in the community to come out and do some shopping.
The Horticultural Society has been holding this much-anticipated event for a number of years and it is well attended each and every year. There will be a wide variety of perennials, herbs, seedlings, and garden treasures... all locally grown, prepared and donated by the many horticulture volunteers. These avid and dedicated gardeners are happy to share with everyone. Proceeds from the sale will be used for a number of community projects such as public plantings throughout the town and neighbouring communities as well as educational programs that help to keep Waterford 'blooming.' Visitors can learn more about the Society's activities and events throughout the year. During the sale, tickets will be available on a draw for a beautiful garden basket and you are invited to enter the draw. You can also browse items from their annual online merchandise fundraiser. The online event runs from May 4-24.
Society Secretary Trudy McMillan said, "Our plant sale is a wonderful way to connect with fellow gardeners and support the green spaces that make our town special. We're excited to welcome everyone back for another year of community spirit and spring colour."
They will also have an information booth set up to answer all of your questions. They are always happy to help you choose the right plants for your space... whether you're starting something new or just doing a refresh on your existing garden beds.
The Waterford & District Horticultural Society was established in 1957 and continues to go strong. They are 'a small but mighty group of enthusiastic gardeners' and everyone is welcome to join. Membership is just $15 a year. You get a discount at some of the local nurseries, and the opportunity to meet and share with other avid
gardeners. It's very fitting that their motto is "Come grow with us."
If you would like more info or have any questions, you can follow them on their Facebook page 'Waterford & District Horticultural Society.' Flowers bring colour and joy to life! After all, you can never have too many flowers!
MP Lewis calls for removal of federal taxes on fuel
Haldimand-Norfolk MP Leslyn Lewis is calling on the Liberal government to provide longer and more significant immediate relief to Canadians facing rising fuel and food costs, warning that rural communities are bearing the brunt of the affordability crisis.
Lewis raised these concerns in the House of Commons, pointing to the growing financial strain on families who rely on their vehicles for daily life.
“Many Canadian families, including the ones I am hearing from in Haldimand-Norfolk, are feeling the strain every time they fill up their vehicles and buy groceries,” she said. “Gas prices remain out of control, and food inflation is still the highest in the G7.”
Lewis emphasized that rural Canadians do not have the same transportation alternatives as those in urban centres, making rising fuel costs especially burdensome.
“For rural residents, there is no public transit alternative. They must drive to work, drive to school and drive to the grocery store,” she said.
She also pointed to the broader affordability pressures facing Canadians, noting that the cost of essential goods continues to rise, noting for example that fresh vegetables are up by 8%.
Lewis called on the federal government to stop deflecting responsibility and take immediate action to lower costs for Canadians.
“At what point is the Liberal government going to stop blaming global factors and take responsibility for these rising costs?” she said. “When will the Prime Minister finally remove all of the federal taxes on fuel and deliver real relief for Canadians?”
Lewis is urging the government to eliminate all federal taxes on gasoline for the remainder of the year to provide meaningful relief, particularly for rural and small-town Canadians who depend on affordable fuel.
She says she will continue to advocate for practical solutions that lower costs and support rural communities as affordability challenges persist across the country.
The Waterford and District Horticultural Society will hold its Annual Plant Sale on Friday, May 15, in the Foodland parking lot, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
(FILE
Mom's Kitchen Favourites
Weekly Crossword
THE PRODUCE PUZZLE - MOM’S KITCHEN FAVORITES
Clues
1. Appliance that cleans kitchen dishes
2. Buttery, flaky breakfast pastries
3. Blended drink made with fruit and yogurt
4. Tropical fruit with sweet and tangy taste
5. Seasoned liquid used to flavor meats
6. Creamy condiment made with eggs and oil
7. Warm spice often used in baking
8. Hard, grated cheese with a sharp flavor
9. Bread made with several types of grains
12. Strong, concentrated coffee
16. Long, thin pasta noodles
21. Small red berry with a tart flavor
10. Common cooking oil used in dressings and sautéing
11. Aromatic spice used in sweet recipes
13. Crunchy mix of oats, nuts, and honey
14. Items needed to prepare a recipe
15. Layered pasta dish with cheese and sauce
16. Rich, buttery cookie
17. Fruit filled with juicy red seeds
18. Fermented cabbage dish
19. Powdered sugar used for icing and dusting desserts
20. Sweet red fruit often used in desserts
22. Flat ribbon pasta used in creamy dishes
23. Cream used to make light, fluffy toppings
24. Mild cheese often used on pizza
Answers found on page 27
Appliance that cleans kitchen dishes
breakfast pastries sautéing drink made with fruit and yogurt
cooking oil used in dressings and
Aromatic spice used in sweet recipes fruit with sweet and tangy taste
Crunchy mix of oats, nuts, and honey Seasoned liquid used to flavor meats
Items needed to prepare a recipe condiment made with eggs and oil
Layered pasta dish with cheese and sauce spice often used in baking
Rich, buttery cookie grated cheese with a sharp flavor
Fruit filled with juicy red seeds made with several types of grains
Fermented cabbage dish concentrated coffee
pasta noodles desserts
berry with a tart flavor
Powdered sugar used for icing and dusting
Sweet red fruit often used in desserts
For Sale: Shade Trees; Maples, Oaks, Birch, Beech, Honey Locusts, Elms, Magnolia, Hydrangea Tree, Tulip Tree, Crab apples, Ivory Silk Lilac, Chanticleer Pear, Golden Weeping Willows and more. Apples, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Apricots, Nectarine, Blueberry, Haskap etc.
Lots of healthy strong Spruce, Cedars and White Pine for your privacy hedges and windbreaks. Hundred of flowering shrubs.
Reg Hours 7am- 6pm Mon-Sat at Martins Nursery c/o Emanuel Martin. 42661 Orangehill Rd., Wroxeter, ON
G HIRIN
MAY 21 JUNE 4 & JUNE 18
I will pay cash for antiques and collectibles. Coca Cola, Pepsi or any pop company. Brewery items - Kuntz, Huether Labatts, etc. Old radios and gramophones, wristwatches, pocket watches, old fruit jars - Beaver Star, Bee Hive etc. Any old oil cans and signsRed Indian, Supertest etc. Any small furniture. If you are moving or cleaning out stuff please contact me – 519-570-6920.
Our plan to protect Ontario is speeding up approvals for mines
As Canada stares down economic uncertainty, we’re ready with a plan to protect Ontario. We’re building mines to unlock the critical minerals the world needs.
That’s how we protect Ontario.
T:12.429"