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CIBC Run for the Cure makes a difference CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
This year marked 35 years for Run for the Cure, which last year locally reached $3 million in funds raised after 26 years. This year, the 27th for the CIBC Run for the Cure in Simcoe, the local run officially raised more than $75,000 – a number tallied Friday night. Gail Catherwood, chair of the local Run for the Cure committee, noted $9,000 would be added to that total, along with funds raised through their Run for the Cure/firefighter calendars – which could bring in as much as $10,000 -- and any donations coming in after Sunday’s Run. “We do the Fashion Show every year, and that was crazy successful. We print the tickets in March, we were sold out in June. And it didn’t happen till September, so crazy!” It could push their 2026 fundraising total to $100,000. “So thank you everyone, get out there and get running,” said Catherwood during Sunday’s opening ceremonies. “I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to CIBC, returning for the 30th year as our title sponsor,” said volunteer Heidy Van Dyk Sunday in Lions Park. “Their unwavering support and longstanding partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society helps make the Run for the Cure possible.” Van Dyk also thanked national and local sponsors, and community partners, including the CIBC Wood CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, on the left, was the Reviewing Officer for the 5th Annual Ontario Cadets Week ceremony in Simcoe Saturday afternoon at the Royal Canadian Legion, Simcoe Branch 79. On the right are 25 members of the Navy League Cadets – Admiral Landymore, from Brantford.
Ontario Cadets Week launches in Simcoe CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
The fifth annual Ontario Cadets Week opened in Simcoe with a Flag Raising Ceremony at Governor Simcoe Square on Friday, followed by an Official Opening Ceremony on Oct. 3, at the Royal Canadian Legion, Simcoe Branch 79, with doz-
ens of cadets from across Southern Ontario in parade. Ontario Cadets Week highlights the Cadet Program and the work of the Army Cadet League of Canada (Ontario Branch). It celebrates accomplishments and contributions of cadets across the province, and recognizes dedicated volunteers, instructors, sponsors, and community partners. Cadets are encouraged
to participate in a week of training, leadership development, friendship activities and personal fitness. Saturday’s official opening ceremony included the arrival of the Reviewing Party, vice regal salute, inspection by the Reviewing Officer, cadet keynote speaker, band demonstrations, speeches, and presentations, all in the Legion parking CONTINUED ON PAGE 12
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Simcoe Advocate
Cancer research and early detection matter CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Gundy Simcoe Branch, Simcoe Home Hardware, Leon’s Simcoe, Daryl Granger of RoseLe Studio, Katie Sinkowski Design, event photographer Curtis Chambers, ABEL Enterprises, and more. “We are so grateful to our local community who contribute to this event and other activities throughout the year here in Norfolk County,” said Van Dyk. This year Simcoe had nearly 200 Run for the Cure participants, running or walking the 1-km or 5-km routes, which were adjusted this year due to construction on their usual routes. Karen Kuzmich, Program Manager for Cancer Prevention, Canadian Cancer Society, said the Simcoe CIBC Run for the Cure is ‘really, really heart-warming.’ “Simcoe has done a fabulous job of contributing to raising vital funds for breast cancer research, support programs, and advocacy,” said Kuzmich. “As Heidy mentioned, this is a real milestone year… so on behalf of the Canadian Cancer Society, and everyone affected by breast cancer, I do want to thank the CIBC team for your leadership, your generosity, and your unwavering commitment. “Today, we are celebrating years of what collective action has made possible. We are looking ahead with hope and optimism to what comes next. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death for women in Canada… and it will take thousands of lives by the end of this year. But this is something that we are working to change. That a breast cancer diagnosis should never mean losing hope of survival. Researchers that are funded by the Canadian Cancer Society are pushing the boundaries of innovation to take on breast cancer’s tough-
est challenges. So the funds that are raised today, from this local event and others, are making that research possible.” “I want to acknowledge all of you, who literally showed up for today. You showed up, and this showing up physically, your presence, really does create this spirit of celebration and hope. To our Participants of Hope, you remain the soul of this event. Whether you are living with breast cancer, a survivor, remembering a survivor, or carrying a genetic risk for the disease, we run in your honour, we run beside you, and because of you.” “It’s wonderful to be here today, along with participants all across Canada, as we come together to walk, run, and change the future of breast cancer,” said Matt Doucher, CIBC community general manager. “It’s an unfortunate reality that we all know someone who has been impacted by breast cancer,” said Doucher. “The statistics are overwhelming. Approximately one in eight Canadian women will develop breast cancer during their lifetimes. In 2026, roughly 32,000 people in Canada are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer and it is estimated that nearly 5,500 will die from the disease. “Together we are making a difference. Since the early ‘90s, breast cancer death rates have been nearly cut in half. Organized breast cancer screening has become standard practice across Canada helping to detect cancers at an earlier stage when there are more treatment options and chance of survival is higher. “Every single one of us here today is making an impact that continues long after today’s event is over, because the end of the run is just the beginning of our combined impact,” said Doucher. “The funds raised across the country will fund cutting
edge research, community support, and will help create a better future by people impacted by breast cancer.” Melissa Whitbread-Martin, originally from Simcoe and now living in Brantford, was the keynote ‘Participant of Hope’ speaker Sunday, noting her cancer story began in September 2025 after what she thought was a simple, routine mammogram. “I felt completely fine – no lump, no pain, no reason to think anything was wrong,” said Whitbread-Martin. She was called back for another mammogram. Three days later she married Terry Martin, surrounded by family and friends. “It was one of the happiest days of my life. I had no idea that everything was about to change.” More tests were required, and she was told she had Stage 1 cancer. In December, after more scans, she learned she had Stage 4 cancer. “Suddenly the life I thought I was living had completely changed. Just weeks ago I had planned my wedding… now I was terrified.” Supported by her husband, family, friends and co-workers, she began 12 weeks of chemotherapy in January. “I had an incredible army behind me. Then, chemotherapy ended, and I rang the gong. In fact, I broke it. But I hadn’t reached that finish line. Then came radiation.” On July 26, despite a bump in the road, she finished radiation and ‘rang that bell.’ “Today I can say I have no evidence of disease. But with Stage 4 cancer, the story does not simply end there.” There are regular therapy sessions every three weeks, regular scans every three months, regular oncology visits, blood-
work and testing. “There is still a lot of fear,” she admitted. “Every ache, every pain, every scan, every time I wait for results… that question is there. Is it back? “Cancer has also taught me something. It has shown me how incredibly loved I am. It has shown me the strength of my family, my friends, and my co-workers. And especially my husband Terry who has stood by my side through everything, every step of this fight. “It has reminded me why cancer research and early detection matter so much. Because my story began with something as ordinary as ’15 minutes out of my work day’ for a mammogram. Fifteen minutes changed my life.” Sunday’s CIBC Run for the Cure, she said, was not just about walking, not just running. It was raising hope. “I am still here. I am still fighting and I am still living,” she concluded. “And today, we all walk forward.”
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Owen Sherwood started Sunday’s Run for the Cure in Simcoe pulling a wagon with his sister Hazel on board.
Simcoe Advocate
Approximately 150-200 people participated in the 2026 CIBC Run for the Cure Sunday in Simcoe.
October 8, 2026
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
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Melissa Whitbread-Martin, Sunday’s Run for the Cure ‘Participant of Hope’ keynote speaker in Simcoe.
Women of Selkirk raise $15,000 for Run for the Cure CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Heidi Van Dyk, CIBC Run for the Cure volunteer in Simcoe, was excited to announce this year’s local Friends and Family Team Challenge Award winner, recognizing the top fundraising friends and family team that has excelled in fundraising. “This award celebrates the families, friends and loved ones who rallied together, support one another, and help make the Run such a meaningful day for our breast cancer community,” said Van Dyk Sunday at Lions Park. “This year’s team rocked it,” Van Dyke smiled. “Like full-on amazing. I am delighted to announce that the 2026 Friends and Family Team Challenge Award goes to the Women of Selkirk. They raised over $14,000. Congratulations and thank you.” Team captain Wendy McIsaac, from the Selkirk area, remembers starting the Women of Selkirk on April 1, 2024. “It’s very rural – so I thought it would be nice for women to meet wom-
en, make friends, and have fun, and that’s the whole motto of our group,” said McIsaac. “It has grown – we have 571 members now. It’s not just Selkirk, we love everyone, and we do really fun things as a group.” McIsaac had suggested the Run for the Cure in their first year, and five women stepped up, raising $1,800. “One of the questions we asked one day was ‘How many of you know someone who had breast cancer?’ Every single one of us did. So we became very passionate about it.” In their second year, seven Women of Selkirk participated, raising $3,000. “This year we have 30 women walking and we have raised $15,000. Amazing. It’s absolutely mind boggling. “We live in such a turbulent time right now, there’s so much ‘nasty’ going on in the world. It’s nice when there is a connection, and love, and caring, and wanting to give back to your community. It still lives.” Women in Selkirk also organize a Christmas din-
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Some of the 30 team members from Women of Selkirk team at the annual CIBC Run for the Cure in Simcoe on Sunday.
ner, which last year fed 271 people. “If it can bring a smile to your face, why wouldn’t
you do it?” asked McIsaac, who credited her ‘sister captain’ Fiona Dawson for her huge contributions.
“She’s been phenomenal,” said McIsaac. “She has raised so much money herself, she’s been amaz-
ing. Honestly, we would never have raised as much as we raised if it wasn’t for her. She is a godsend.”
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EDITORIAL
Government childcare program isn’t working in HN Haldimand-Norfolk
MPP
Bobbi Ann Brady As a parent, I have wonderful memories of raising my children. Now I bask in pride looking at the great young adults they have become. But parenting isn’t easy, it is hard work. Rewarding work, but it is hard work. Unfortunately, in Haldimand-Norfolk the job of parenting has become harder when it comes to accessing quality, licensed childcare. Children are the future and if finding childcare in Haldimand-Norfolk remains a challenge, I fear parents are going to be increasingly pressured into moving to parts of the province with more childcare spaces. Increasingly, parents have been alerting me the local demand for childcare is far and above the supply. I should preface this by noting that progress has been made lowering the cost of childcare by the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program (CWELCC). Ontario joined forces with the federal government implementing CWELCC, and as of January 2025, CWELCC-enrolled programs have a maximum fee of $22 per day charged to parents. According to Ontario government stats, the current average cost of childcare in our province is $19 per day. Ontario is working toward an average of $10 per day but I do not believe it will ever come to fruition. But as a parent recently wrote, “For us parents, the central question is: What good is affordable childcare if there is no space available?” So, Ontario has accomplished getting the cost down
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some but still has big work ahead in terms of creating enough sustainable places where families really require them such as in our area. According to the Ministry of Children, Community, and Social Services website, the provincial government has committed to creating 86,000 net new licensed spaces for children under six by December 31, 2026, but has a long way to go as, according to June 2026 media reports, only 54,000 spots have been created since 2019. The government also adjusted how CWELCC operators are funded. Ontario introduced a cost-based funding model in January 2025 to fund the costs of operating childcare. I’ve been told by parents and CWELCC operators that there are questions about whether this new funding structure is workable. A parent provided me a summary of what families are facing: • Extremely long waitlists and uncertain timelines for obtaining a space (CWELCC centres within Haldimand-Norfolk are operating at full capacity and have wait times exceeding 19 months). • Difficulty finding infant and toddler spaces. • Parents having to remain on multiple waitlists. • Parents delaying a return to work or reducing their working hours. • Families relying on relatives, informal care or arrangements that may not meet their needs. • Parents being unable to plan employment, finances and family life because they do not know when - or whether - they will obtain a space. Haldimand-Norfolk prides itself on our quality of life. As I said earlier, children are the future. But parents are also the future and are critical to building our local economy. This childcare shortage could mean parents heading to greener pastures due to compromised professional advancement. Not to mention potential local workforce shortages when a parent must stay at home, and diminished consumer spending at our small and large businesses. While cost of childcare was once front and centre for
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parents, cost is now a moot point for those who cannot access it. It’s time to revisit the entire CWELCC program so that it serves families in all jurisdictions. The government’s formula simply isn’t working. PREMIER ASKED FOR A MANDATE - STEELWORKERS NEED RESULTS I will always stand up for our steelworkers. These are people who raise their families in our riding. They work hard, earn a good living and spend their hard-earned money right here at home in our retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores, gas stations and countless other local businesses. So, when we hear that hundreds of good-paying steel jobs -- between Hamilton and Lake Erie Works - could be affected, we cannot look at it as simply another business announcement. Behind every one of these jobs is a family, a mortgage, a car payment, groceries and a Christmas that is only a few months away. For families already struggling with affordability, losing a good-paying industrial job can be devastating. When we talk about 350 workers, or potentially 500, we are talking about hundreds of families whose financial security is suddenly uncertain. We are also talking about the local businesses and communities that depend on those workers spending their money here. The announcement by Stelco is not just a Hamilton story. Lake Erie Works is in Nanticoke, in Haldimand County, and this announcement directly affects our HN community. Stelco says it intends to concentrate production at Lake Erie Works and that a significant number of Hamilton employees could be offered positions there. Rumour has it “significant” translates into 20 production positions. I just finished Estimates at Queen’s Park, where we discussed Cabinet Office and its approximately $77-million CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
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Mandate requested steelworkers need results CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4
budget this fiscal year. The mandate of Cabinet Office is to provide strategic advice and analysis to the Premier and Cabinet and coordinate the government’s priorities. So, when one of Ontario’s most important industrial sectors is facing this kind of disruption, I think it is fair to ask: What is that $77 million doing? What advice is being given to the Premier? What is Cabinet Office coordinating? What are the Premier and his ministers doing to protect Ontario’s steelmaking capacity and the families whose livelihoods depend on it? During Estimates, I repeatedly heard about the Premier being a cross-border leader and the relationships he has developed with American officials. Well, this is a test. This is the same Premier who called an early election almost a year and a half ahead of schedule, saying Ontario needed a government with a mandate to deal with trade uncertainty and our relationship with the United States. And yet, here we are. We learned last week that the government had advance notice of Stelco’s decision. What did the government do with that information? Did the Premier pick up the phone like he claims he does? Did Cabinet Office coordinate a response? Was there an offer on the table to preserve jobs? And if there was, why wasn’t it enough? I don’t want this to become Hamilton versus Haldimand County. These workers are our neighbours. If Hamilton workers can transition to Lake Erie Works, that could be positive for those families. But we also must ensure we are not simply moving workers from one facility to another while Ontario’s overall steel industry contracts. Lake Erie Works is part of Haldimand County. Its workers are part of our com-
munity, and their paycheques support businesses throughout our riding. I’ve asked government to scrutinize foreign ownership of Ontario farmland because food security is national security. Given today’s political trade climate, perhaps we should apply the same lens to strategic industries. Steel is not just another commodity. Lake Erie Works in Nanticoke and Dofasco in Hamilton are among Canada’s few remaining operations with blast-furnace and coke-making capacity, and both are critical to domestic steelmaking. Ontario should examine who owns these assets, their commitments to Canadian production and workers, and whether safeguards truly protect this strategic capacity from decisions being made in boardrooms outside of Canada. Steelworkers need to know their government is fighting for their jobs, their families and their communities. The Premier asked for the mandate; now he needs to show Ontario’s steelworkers what he’s doing with it.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady rides in the Langton Fair parade on Sept. 16.
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October 8, 2026
Simcoe Advocate
Wards 2, 3 and 4 candidate debate in Delhi CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Delhi & District Chamber of Commerce hosted a two-hour Candidate Night for Norfolk County Ward 2, Ward 3, and Ward 4, at the Delhi District German Home on Tuesday, Sept. 29. For more information on the Delhi & District Chamber, see their new website at delhichamber.ca. Candidates were seated on stage in alphabetical order. Chris Gill, Ward 3 Drew Hemsley, Ward 4 Jeni Lambert, Ward 4 Doug Moyaert, Ward 3 Chris Van Paassen, Ward 4 Linda Vandendriessche, Ward 2 Hetty Verlinden, Ward 3 Debbie Wilbur, Ward 2 “Tonight is all about municipal government,” said Chamber president Mark Spence. “Many areas of our lives in Canada are served by our federal government and our provincial government. But tonight is all about municipal government – Norfolk County. The county is responsible for five main areas – housing; zoning and land use; property taxes and fiscal responsibility; infrastructure, maintenance and growth; transit and transportation; and public safety and community services. So we’re going to focus on those areas. The Chamber has prepared four questions.” Questions from the audience were also accepted. Each candidate was allotted two minutes for an opening statement, followed by the questions and two-minute answers, and two-minute closing statements. In this article, we’ll focus on the first question of the evening (answers abbreviated for space). “We’re going to need $100 million every year to maintain our infrastructure, roads, bridges, parks, municipal facilities, emergency vehicles, water supply and waste-water treatment. Some of this cost could be funded by provincial/federal grants. If we have more residential, commercial and industrial development, that should increase total property tax revenues and ease the burden on current property owners. The question is: Do you support more residential, commercial and industrial land development? Why or why not? CHRIS GILL (Ward 3) – My early answer is yes, but with a very strong caveat. I support residential, commercial and industrial growth. It is needed, but it must be responsible, balanced, and it cannot take away our farmlands. Responsible growth means more
housing, more business, more modern industry for jobs that we need, which means we bring economic activity that we need. I think that development charges can help pay for the infrastructure that will help to support that. We need to aggressively pursue provincial and federal infrastructure and we need to greatly improve those relationships. We need that funding to help us grow responsibly. My position is very simple – I encourage growth where it benefits and strengthens our community. I don’t support growth just to get bigger. We need more jobs here. This area’s largest employer is a grocery store – we need to take action. DREW HEMSLEY (Ward 4) – I would say I was much lined with Chris (Gill). A healthy community is a balanced mix of residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial land. Each one is dependent on the other, creating interdependent ecosystems. Commercial, agricultural and industry need workers and customers. Residents need good paying jobs, and services and goods to spend their money on. And houses they can afford. Reducing the tax burden can only happen two ways. Less cost or more contributors to the tax base. More development is not necessarily the answer. Smart development is. We need to ensure all development is going to contribute to Norfolk’s ecosystem and is supportive of all the other sectors. We need to have a clear vision of where we need to go. And this is the important part – we must implement it. We are running out of time. Standing still does not work when the world is still spinning. We are falling behind and it is time for Norfolk to move forward. JENI LAMBERT (Ward 4) – Of course, we need to have more industry coming here. When it comes to residential building, I am absolutely on the same page. We need responsible government. We have plenty of land that is already within our urban boundaries, that we need to be looking to first to make sure that we have affordable housing, and that we can get into on a realistic budget. I understand we can’t force anyone, what to do with their land, but we can certainly (approach) those land owners to see what we can do to facilitate having more housing within the urban boundaries. When it comes to the commercial and industrial investment, we absolutely have land that is appropriate for that, that we need to be tapping into. But we can’t
go reckless into building anything and everything. We do not have the doctors or the school spaces to (build) thousands of houses. We need to get all of our other ducks in a row first – we need to attract some new industry. DOUG MOYAERT (Ward 3) – Right now, residential development in Delhi – there are six residential sites… so in my opinion Delhi does not need more residential development. I will oppose any massive developments, companies such as Empire Homes, when they drop in 100 houses at a time, bringing all their labor from the city, contractors, dozens of out-of-town workers, no local contractors – and they take the profits with them. So I will do everything I can to keep all our local development and local jobs. I will support both more commercial and industrial development, if it is properly planned and has added value to our agricultural community. I support controlled growth. As far as population density, we don’t want any more urban sprawl. I believe our water systems right now are over-taxed already. CHRIS VAN PAASSEN (Ward 4) – The commercial and industrial development and expansion is absolutely necessary, especially when it’s linked to food processing, value added agriculture. As of last week, the federal government announced $3 billion in funding to help Canadian food producers to self-sufficiency, and we should be front of the line trying to get some of that money. Move some things down here. Let’s put up a division of the food terminal. Instead of hundred trucks a day running from here to Toronto, let’s have the hundred buyers come here and show up right here in Norfolk County. For way too many years, I’ve always heard that tourism was going to be our saviour, and it’s a very important part of the whole economic outlook… but I’ve always thought you only get to go on holidays when you have a job
to go on holidays from. So if we do our job, create the jobs down here, the rest of the pieces of the puzzle will all fall back into place. LINDA VANDENDRIESSCHE (Ward 2) – Yes, we require $100 million for the next decade. Right now, Norfolk County receives $83 million from the Province, but we are spending an additional $30 million on provincially mandated services. This means our costs already outpace our available funding. Before we can begin to address the long list of infrastructure needs, and this is not suitable or pretending otherwise, it doesn’t help us. A Hwy 3 corridor is not just possible, it’s practical. We have real opportunities – agribusiness, sorting, processing, vegetable freezing, and other forms of manufacturing. We see factories just steps from Norfolk’s boundary near Tillsonburg. The investments, the tax base. It’s all sitting right there beside us and we are ready to have a designated area on Hwy 3. We need to do it like when we were Norfolk Township. We had an industrial park. We pushed for growth then and we need to push for growth now. I am a strong believer in commercial and industrial expansion because it is vital for our survival. Housing follows when jobs lead the way. HETTY VERLINDEN (Ward 3) – Norfolk faces a major challenge and we $100 million for the next decade just to maintain what we have. Roads, bridges, water system, parks, and emergency services. That’s a huge burden on our current taxpayers. One way to ease that burden is by growing our tax base through carefully planned development. I support more industrial and commercial development, especially food processing and other light industrial uses because they generate significantly more property tax revenue per acre than residential growth and costs much less to service. These businesses create year-round jobs, strengthen our agricultural economy, and help us qualify for more federal and
provincial grants. When we grow employment, we grow our physical capacity. But growth has to be smart. We should focus development on land that already has water, waste-water and road infrastructure. That avoids expensive expansions and protects our prime farmland. Compact, serviced industrial parks, especially for food processing, give us the best return on investment. Residential growth can still play a role, but only when it is higher density and located within existing serviced areas. Low density sprawl costs more to maintain. So yes, I support development, but the right kind of development in the right places. DEBBIE WILBUR (Ward 2) – I support residential, commercial and industrial development, but growth has to make financial sense for Norfolk County. We need a broader tax base to help support the infrastructure we all depend on – roads, emergency services, water, the waste-water system and municipal facilities. But simply adding development does not automatically solve all our financial challenges. Growth also creates new infrastructural servicing costs and council needs to understand those long-term costs before approving development. I want to see commercial and industrial development that creates jobs, attracts investment and strengthens our assessment base. We also need a range of housing options so our young people, families and seniors have opportunities to remain in Norfolk. At the same time, Ward 2 contains some of our most valuable agricultural land. Growth should be directed to the right places. The quality and the productivity should be part of those decisions. Once productive farmland is developed, we cannot simply get it back. My approach would be: where should we grow, what would it cost to service, what revenue will it generate and what will the longterm impact be on the taxpayer.
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Simcoe Advocate
October 8, 2026
Norfolk Ward 7 councillor debate well attended BRENDA MOSER Advocate Contributor
Old Town Hall in Waterford was the focal point of many community events, celebrations and activities back in its early days and is an important part of not just our past but the present as well. With an election quickly approaching the Norfolk Ward 7, candidates Kim Huffman (incumbent) and Warren Cummings faced off on Thursday, Sept. 24th in a Candidates Information Night held at Old Town Hall. A perfect setting for just such an event. Things got under way at 6 p.m. and was live streamed on the Waterford Chamber of Commerce Facebook page for those who could not make it to the in-person meeting.
On hand as a representative of the Waterford Chamber of Commerce was Hillary Anderson with Rick Huffman (no relationship to Kim Huffman) as the moderator for the event. A timekeeper kept the candidates on track time-wise and insured things moved smoothly and efficiently. Together they all kept things running smoothly. Well done folks. After the moderator gave a thorough explanation of the evening’s format the Each candidate was given four minutes for self-introduction and their plans for Ward 7, should they be elected. A question-and-answer period followed and there were several areas of interest to be looked at. It was evident that the locals have a number of concerns they would like to see
addressed by our incoming Councillor – whoever that might be. It seemed that road conditions and traffic are a major concern in Ward 7, and each candidate offered their opinions on how to address them. It is quite evident that our next elected Ward 7 Councillor will be held to a high standard on this issue and will be carefully followed by the voters. Also of concern by locals is the strain on our water and wastewater with our ever-increasing population. It was agreed by both candidates that something must be done to alleviate these issues in a timely fashion. Whatever the solution or solutions, it will be a financial ‘biggie’ for the incoming Council at a time when the local taxpayers already feel that they are ‘taxed out’. Not
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a challenge that I would want to face for sure! Any changes and/or improvements for Ward 7 will, no doubt, be carefully scrutinized by the voting constituents of Ward 7 so the incoming Councillor will definitely have their work cut out for them. It was great to see Waterford Old Town Hall hosting such an event and it was the perfect venue for a ‘good old Town Hall meeting.’ Thanks, again, to the organizers of the event, the Ward 7 candidates and the volunteers who worked so efficiently to make it run so smoothly. More importantly, thank you to the residents of Waterford who showed such great support for the evening and concern for the future of our town.
Norfolk approves new development charges LUKE EDWARDS Grant Haven Media
The cost developers pay to Norfolk County to build new homes will be going up, but not right away and with potential decreases each year when councillors review the budget. After plenty of discussion and a few twists and turns, Norfolk councillors at the Sept. 22 council meeting ultimately approved the development charge background study and associated fees though with the annual review caveat. Councillors struggled with the proposed increases to the development charges, which are intended to ensure infrastructure required by new growth isn’t foisted on the backs of existing taxpayers. It’s often described as making sure growth pays for growth. However, the study’s findings were met with opposition from both the development community and members of council. Zeroing in on the DCs for single - and semi-detached units in the urban area - councillors balked at the idea of the nearly doubling of costs to about $48,500 from the previous $25,709. DC bylaws are heavily legislated by the
Province and involve a complicated formula based on, among other things, projected population growth, capital projects that will be required as a result of that growth and how much of said projects are solely for the new residents and how much will benefit existing residents. With the inflation surrounding construction related materials and equipment since the previous DC bylaw was enacted, councillors were prepared to see a significant increase. However, the extent of that increase had them uneasy. “To add an inflationary increase, I understand that, I think there’s a need for that,” said Coun. Chris Van Paassen. “But the numbers we use have to be real and they have to be defensible.” Members of the development community were also opposed to the increases. John Vallee spoke against them at the Sept. 22 meeting, and Sam Bunting also opposed the increases at the previous council-in-committee meeting. With a challenging market as is, they said such increases would only make it harder to get homes built. Staff did make some tweaks to slightly lower the DCs presented at the committee meeting and what was proposed at the Sept. 22 council meeting.
Weekend Quiz By Jake Grant
1. What is the traditional birthstone of October?
6. What disease used to be called consumption?
2. Who bet Eddie Murphy $100,000 he couldn't make a hit song?
7. What brand introduced the firstever fully automatic drip coffee maker in the 1970?
3. Who was selected 1st overall in the 2026 NFL draft?
8. What is the color of an emerald?
4. What is the name of the famous clock tower in Ottawa?
9. The offspring of a polar bear and a grizzly is a what?
5. In what year did ABBA win Eurovision?
10. Montana shares a northern border with which 3 Canadian provinces?
This week’s answers are found on pg. 27
Van Paassen questioned the parks and rec portion of the study, specifically DC numbers for new rec facilities. Though not fully approved, a new arena and pool project has been discussed as part of the parks and rec master plan. Consultants and staff recommended including that within the DC bylaw to allow Norfolk to collect funds, if and when a new facility is built. The disagreement centred largely on how much of a potential new facility is the result of growth and how much of it simply benefits existing residents. “If we’re just replacing like for like I can’t see why that much is allocated (to DCs),” Van Paassen said. Van Paassen tried to get an amendment passed that would effectively reduce the new DC costs on singles and semis by $10,000, roughly the impact of including a new arena/pool in the DC study. Staff cautioned against such a move, as it would put in jeopardy potential future projects and also risk backsliding some of the progress the County has made in recent years becoming more financially sustainable. Any funding that doesn’t come from DCs would potentially need to be funded by property taxes. “It’s prudent from a financial perspective
to incorporate any of these projects in any study that we’re doing just to ensure that we have the appropriate funding source available when they do come to fruition,” said manager of revenue Rob Fleming. Van Paassen’s amendment failed. So too did Coun. Alan Duthie’s efforts. He took another stab at deferring a decision until the new term of council to give whoever is elected the opportunity to set the course. It left council with few options. Eventually, Duthie tabled a motion that approved the increases, though requires staff to provide an update each year. The idea is that as some of the projects, such as the arena/pool, get more accurately scoped out, the development charges required may decrease. Provincial legislation allows for DCs to be reduced much more easily than increased. The new charges won’t come in immediately. Council had previously approved delaying implementation until July 1, 2027. Some around the council table hoped the delay will convince developers to get moving on projects to take advantage of the existing costs before they rise.
October 8, 2026
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Simcoe Advocate
Veterans Memorial Walkway dedicated in Delhi CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
The Royal Canadian Legion, Delhi Branch 125, officially dedicated its new Veterans Memorial Walkway on Friday, Sept. 25, located in front of the Legion at 249 Main Street, with Veterans, colour party, Legion members and community in attendance. It is a pathway, said Stephanie Allen, RCL Branch 125 president, but not simply a walkway. “This is a Pathway of Remembrance,” said Allen. “As we look at this memorial, I ask you to think for a moment about the people behind the word Veteran. They were sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters. They were
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
The Royal Canadian Legion, Delhi Branch 125, officially dedicated its new Veterans Memorial Walkway on Friday, Sept. 25, located in front of the Legion at 249 Main Street.
someone’s best friend. They had dreams, they had families waiting for them. They had futures they hoped to live – and yet they answered the call to serve our country. Some came home, some came home changed forever. Some never came home at all.” Every step along the bright red-andwhite walkway represents a story, she said. “Stories of courage, stories of sacrifice, stories of love, stories that must never be forgotten. “To our veterans here today, please note that we see you – all of you. We hear you, we honour you, and we thank you. Your service gave generations of Canadians the
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opportunity to live in this country where we raise our children, hug our grandchildren, speak freely, gather together, and live our lives in peace. That freedom was not free. It was purchased through courage and sacrifice. “Today, we also recognize the families, because when one person serves, an entire family serves along with them. There were families who received the knock on their door that no family ever wants to receive. Their sacrifice must be remembered, too. This walkway is for them, it is for the Veterans who came home, it is for the Veterans who never made it home. It is for every family who carried the weight of service
alongside their loved ones.” It’s a walkway that will last generations, said Allen. “Children and grandchildren will ask… ‘Who are those people?’ And we hope the answer will always be, ‘These are the men and women who served, so you can be free.’ That is why we built this walkway… it’s about teaching the future. It’s about making sure that sacrifices of yesterday are never forgotten by the generations of tomorrow. “This walkway does not belong to our executive, it does not belong to our membership, it belongs to our Veterans. It beCONTINUED ON PAGE 13
Simcoe Advocate
Country Line Dancing for Hope
Tumaini Children’s Foundation hosts Oct. 23rd country line dancing fundraiser Get ready to kick up your heels for a good cause! Tumaini Children’s Foundation is excited to announce its Country Line Dancing Fundraiser on Friday, Oct. 23. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the dancing gets underway from 7-9 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 79, 200 West Street, Simcoe. Admission is $25, and early registration is encouraged. To secure your spot please e-transfer to donate@tumainimeanshope. org . Tickets can also be purchased at the door. All proceeds from this lively, toe-tapping, fun-filled dancing event will directly benefit children, youth and families in Tanzania. Tumaini Children’s Foundation is a not-for-profit, registered charitable organization dedicated to the care, support, and education of orphaned and needy children near Usa River, Tanzania. At the Foundation’s children’s home, children receive consistent care including education support, medical treatment, counselling, nutrition and life skills development. Alongside the residential care, Tumaini continues to support children, youth and families within the community by providing food, healthcare, education and housing. Tumaini continues to
strengthen families, promote dignity and create lasting pathways to hope. Whether you are an experienced dancer or you have never stepped foot on a dance floor, the evening promises fun for ALL skill levels. The night features line dancing lessons from Colleen Byers, a Country Line Dance Instructor from Final Touch Exclusively Ladies Fitness, Simcoe. Cash bar, games and draws available. “We want to create a community event that brings people together for a night of high energy fun while supporting resilient young people and families living in Tanzania,” said Leslie Butler, Executive Director at Tumaini Children’s Foundation. “Grab your friends and come join us in making a difference.” For more information about how you can support Tumaini Children’s Foundation, visit their website at www.tumainimeanshope.org . Tumaini Children’s Foundation “Country Line Dancing for Hope” Friday, Oct. 23 7–9 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) Admission: $25 Royal Canadian Legion Branch 79, 200 West Street, Simcoe
Dover Coast Ladies Golf League raises $5,000 Supporting the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice KATHY CASKENETTE For the Advocate
The Dover Coast Ladies Golf League capped its 2026 season with an outstanding closing event after the golf members competed weekly and raised funds for The Williamson House – Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice. The ladies golf league donated an unprecedented $5,000 this season.
The Williamson House broke ground on Wednesday, Sept. 23, on land donated by the Williamson family in Jarvis. Dignitaries and community residents attended the ceremony. A local hospice had long been a dream of Drew Williamson. Although Drew passed away in 2023 in his 94th year and did not see that dream realized, his family has worked tirelessly to honour his wishes. The Williamson House is expected to be completed in 2028.
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)
The Dover Coast Ladies Golf League raised funds for The Williamson House – Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice, donating $5,000 this season. From left are Dale Bilton and Rod Fess – NHCH Capital Campaign Committee members; Jackie Feenan and Nadia Lennox – Dover Coast Ladies Golf League; Debbie and Alan (Willy) Williamson, Drew Williamson’s daughter and son.
October 8, 2026
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Ombudsman says closeddoor Forestry Farm Road discussions were appropriate Resolutions moving council to closed session should have had more information, Finlay finds LUKE EDWARDS Grant Haven Media
Ontario’s ombudsman has ruled that an item discussed behind closed doors at a March meeting was in order, but the resolution taking them in-camera could have included more information. Norfolk County published the report as part of its Sept. 22 council package. Acting ombudsman Barbara Finlay received a complaint about the closed-door meeting, which alleged both the resolution going into closed session and the topic itself did not meet provincial requirements. Finlay’s office determined that since negotiations were still ongoing for the topic being discussed - the Forestry Farm Road gas well project - having the discussions in-camera was appropriate. However, she also ruled that it failed “to provide a description of the general nature of the matters to be considered in closed session in its resolution on March 24, 2026.” Overall, the ombudsman offered two recommendations to the County. The first encouraged all members of council to remain “vigilant in adhering to their individual and collective obligation” to follow the Municipal Act and procedural bylaws.
The second recommendation said Norfolk County council “should ensure that all resolutions to proceed into closed session provide a general description of all issues to be discussed in a way that maximizes the information available to the public while not undermining the reason for excluding the public.” Finlay’s report acknowledged that some of what was discussed in-camera in relation to the Forestry Farm Road issue did not strictly meet in-camera requirements, but it wasn’t severe enough to meet a “parsing the discussion” threshold. Previous legal decisions determined it “unrealistic to expect municipal councils to split up discussions between open and closed sessions where it would ‘detract from free, open and uninterrupted discussion,’” Finlay’s report said. In the Norfolk case, the report said discussions that did not concern the negotiations were “brief and were intertwined with the discussions about the negotiations” and that it was unrealistic to expect council to move back to open session for those portions. “Accordingly, council’s entire discussion fit within the exception for plans and instructions for negotiations,” the report said.
County declares November ‘Month of Remembrance’ LUKE EDWARDS Grant Haven Media
Norfolk County will encourage its residents to remember the fallen throughout the entire month of November this year. While communities across the country have long taken a moment on Nov. 11 along with the Legion’s poppy campaign leading up to Remembrance Day - to pay tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country, Norfolk will now stretch those remembrances through the entire month. Councillors supported a motion by Kim Huffman at the Sept. 22 council meeting declaring November a Month of Remembrance.
“I think this would be a wonderful idea for our community,” she said. Huffman said having a month of remembrance could also help keep the history alive for younger generations further removed from the two world wars and major conflicts where Canadian soldiers fought and died. “It’s beneficial for our youth to continue to encourage them to remember and participate in the remembrance of everything that has happened before them,” she said. Councillors agreed to waive the procedural bylaw to vote on the motion at the same meeting. Huffman said speeding up the process will help them get things in place for this November.
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October 8, 2026
Shovels in the ground
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Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice breaks ground for The Williamson House hospice centre CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
After years of planning, fundraising and community support, Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice (NHCH) officially ‘broke ground’ Sept. 23 on the site of the future Williamson House hospice palliative care centre. Located on Nanticoke Creek Parkway, near Jarvis, it is being built on land donated by Alan Williamson in memory of his father, Drew. The Sept. 23rd ‘shovels in the ground’ ceremony and groundbreaking marked the start of its construction phase, with a target completion date of 2028. “It’s going to be absolutely beautiful,” said Haldimand Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley. “And as we hear the wind blowing through these trees, what better way for our families to be out there on that walking trail? It’s going to be breathtaking. “Today we break ground, soon the doors will open, and for years to come this place will be here for families when they need it most,” said Bentley. When fully operational, The Williamson House will offer 10 dedicated hospice palliative care bedrooms, giving individuals in their last days compassionate care while their families get the support they need. The centre will expand current services and ‘offer a safe space for individuals to re-
ceive support and care for emotional needs before and after the death of a loved one.’ “It is important to understand that it has been a multi-faceted journey to get here today,” said Lisa Nigh, hospice volunteer. “This is an honourable milestone moment. “Norfolk County has played a huge, important role in the journey towards making The Williamson House a reality,” said Nigh, introducing Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin to the gathering on site. “This turnout is unbelievable,” said Mayor Martin, who after visiting the Jarvis site said, “’What better of a location could you truly ask for?’ On this beautiful property… this is the spot. Your (Williamson family) donation is just outstanding, and to see the mature trees, and as Mayor Bentley said, to hear the wind, and just the topography itself, this is the place to be. “It’s an incredibly exciting day for Norfolk and Haldimand, and the hardworking group and faces and people behind the Norfolk Haldimand Hospice,” said Martin. “For years we’ve talked about the need for this in our community, and I have reminded quite a few members… it’s truly remarkable in that amount of time, that we are here today breaking ground on this facility. A lot of projects do not come to fruition. A lot of projects don’t make it this far. A lot of projects don’t find community support, backing, multi-ministerial government chipping in to make it happen. I know
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
‘Turning the soil’ during the official ground-breaking for the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice’s The Williamson House on Sept. 23 are from left, Haldimand Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley, Haldimand Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady, Rick Firth (CEO at Hospice Paliative Care Ontario), NHCH board chair Michael Godelie, Debra Bouw (representing MP Dr. Leslyn Lewis), and Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin.
you have been busy, I know there have been long days, there have been discouraging things that have happened, but to be here in the amount of time that you have brought this together is remarkable and is worth celebrating.” Martin noted that while they were advocating, fundraising, and building partnerships, Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice also continued to support families with programs and services. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” said Martin to the growing NHCH team, and to the Norfolk County family of Dan and Jill Johnson, “who have been amazing champions of this project and have taken a very personal story and brought our community along with them every step of the way. “To the Williamson family, thank you so much. Your extraordinary generosity, and the donation, and the contributions to this project… it is a legacy that will impact people for generations. Remarkable. It
later pronounced deceased at hospital. The Norfolk County OPP Crime Unit is continuing to investigate in conjunction with the Office of the Fire Marshall, and the Office of the Chief Coroner. Anyone with information regarding this incident should immediately contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or visit ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
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Norfolk OPP investigating fatal fire On Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, at approximately 1 p.m., the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Detachment, Norfolk County Fire Department, and Paramedic Services responded to a fire at an Orchard Avenue, Simcoe address. Firefighters were able to enter the residence and located a 50-year-old individual. Despite life-saving efforts by emergency responders, the individual was
is people like you who take an idea and a concept – and catapult it into reality.” During its 2026 budget process, Martin noted Norfolk County council committed $750,000 towards the construction of the hospice (including $250,000 coming in 2027). “It’s a significant investment that reflects something that Norfolk County Council and Norfolk County understands very clearly. Although this is a building being constructed here in Haldimand, this hospice belongs to both of our communities. Residents of Norfolk deserve the opportunity to receive compassionate end-of-life care close to home, just the same as the folks in Haldimand do, surrounded by the people they love. Our families deserve that too, during and after the loss of someone they love. “I look forward to the day when the doors open. Congratulations, and let’s get
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October 8, 2026
Simcoe Advocate
Lieutenant Governor of Ontario reviews cadet parade CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
lot. It wrapped up with another vice regal salute, the royal anthem, marching off the flag, and a very, very large group photo, followed by a reception inside the Legion. The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, was the Reviewing Officer. “What a stirring parade,” said the Lieutenant Governor. “Thank you for hosting this inspiring event. Today, we witness what makes the great Cadet Program essential. For generations, it has given young people a way to discover what they truly are capable of. They learn to take responsibility, and rise to any challenge. “I cannot stress enough how important it is… because leadership is not something that suddenly appears when you become adults. It is something we develop over time.” As Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, Dumont said she has met many young people in the Cadet Program who exemplify leadership. “Your experiences as a Cadet will help you shape the communities and country you serve. Today, we also recognize the people who help make your journey possible – the officers, instructors, volunteers, family, sponsors and community partners who give their time, energy and support to our cadets. “As the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, I look forward to seeing the Cadet Program continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead, and to watching what these inspiring young people will achieve along the way – on land, in the air, and from sea to sea. Congratulations on five years, and have a wonderful Cadet Week.” “I am inspired by the example that you provide for all of us,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Raphael MacKenzie, MSM, CD, Commanding Officer, Regional Cadet Support Group, on Saturday. “Your dedication to discipline, to precision, to being here on a Saturday… to your ongoing commitment to each other,
2853 Simcoe Royal Army Cadet Corps Warrant Officer Kai Wu, Corporal Morgan Martin, and Master Corporal Kira Fraser at the official Ontario Cadets Week review parade in Simcoe on Saturday.
to strengthening the team, your courage, and providing the example in your humility, and continually pursuing learning opportunities. It’s amazing,” said MacKenzie. “It is evident that the effects of the Cadet program are profound in Canada,” said MacKenzie, noting there are more than 22,000 cadets in the Central Region (Ontario) in almost 300 cadet corps and squadrons, based in more than 50 communities. “Today, we are all celebrating you, your successes, and your rightful place within the community. Because the Cadet Program really is in and of the community, and this is an opportunity for your community to rally around you and celebrate your successes as a demonstration of their pride as well. The Cadet Program will not succeed without community investment, without community acknowledgment, and without community involvement.” MacKenzie said some of the hallmarks of the Cadet Program include discipline, leadership, civic responsibility, healthy living, teamwork, and resilience, all of which are good for cadets, for families, for communities, and for Canada. “You are participating in a nation-strengthening, a nation-building program. So thank you for that. You have something to be very proud of, and the communities that support you should be very proud as well – and I know that they are. So if youth represents the future, as I look out at this audience, I know that Canada’s future is bright indeed.” “This is a great event,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MP Leslyn Lewis. “I remember being a Cadet myself, and the discipline that it instilled in me that carried on through adulthood. I think it’s great to see the continuation of that tradition. “It’s great to see the young people - how dedicated, disciplined and serious they are - knowing that they are our future,” Lewis added. Ontario Cadets Week has a special connection to Norfolk County. Toby Barrett, former Haldimand-Norfolk MPP, was the driving force behind it, championing legislation that recognizes the achievement of cadets and volunteers across the province. Bill 45, the Ontario Cadet Act, 2021, a Private Member Bill introduced by Barrett, was passed in 2022, and upon receiving Royal Assent, it proclaimed the first Saturday in October as Ontario Cadets Week. “We are so proud,” said Barrett after Saturday’s ceremony. “It is exemplified, re-
ally, by having Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor and her husband here in Simcoe to see an incredible ceremony, put on not only by Haldimand Norfolk, but so many neighbouring cities. Cadets came in from all over, dignitaries, the military, and this is the Ontario launch held right here at the Legion grounds, and also yesterday with the flag-raising at Governor Simcoe Square.” Conversations with his high school buddy, Rick Brown, had brought forward the need for Ontario Cadets Week. “He’s a Simcoe boy, lives up north. He was leading the Ontario Army Cadets, and he said, ‘We have to pull together all the Cadet Programs, Army, Navy, Navy League, Air… and we think one way to do that is through the Ontario Legislative Assembly.’” The first Ontario Cadets Week ceremony was held at Queen’s Park in Toronto. “For me, Ontario Cadets Week has great meaning for Haldimand-Norfolk because it was Toby’s very last Private Members Bill,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MP Bobbi Ann Brady, who helped Toby draft the Bill’s preamble. “I think it was Toby’s passion that got it across the finish line,” said Brady. “Captain Rick Brown and Charlene Orrell, president of the Army Cadet League of Canada – Ontario Branch, were very instrumental in helping our office move forward on that legislation. “It’s nice that it’s here this year in Simcoe because it allows us to celebrate something that was created locally, and now other provinces are adopting. We hear a lot of negative in life, but when you see all these young people come together, so disciplined, it gives you hope.” Brown, an Army captain who was involved in Cadets for 40 years, was honoured Saturday as a life member of the Ontario - Cadet League of Canada on Saturday. “The first year was the hardest because the legislation had to be passed by Provincial government, and we got it in the very last minute,” said Brown, former C.O. of the 2853 Cadet Corps in Simcoe. “The third reading was squeaked in at the very end. “(Simcoe) is where it started,” said Brown, who was on the Cadet League board of directors based in Toronto. “Next year… we haven’t picked where we’re going to do it, but it will be in Ontario.” The review parade is significant, said Brown, because it shows what cadets have learned through the years. “We showcase them, basically. And it’s not just Army. It’s Army, Navy, Air and
All participants in the Ontario Cadets Week launch in Simcoe on Saturday gathered for a group photo after the ceremony.
Navy League Cadets - they are all incorporated in it.” “It’s an excellent event,” said Bruce Wilson, president of Army Navy Air Force 255 in Simcoe, who was seated with the dignitaries. “It’s only fitting that it’s here,” said Wilson, noting the involvement of Brown and Barrett. “They got together and made things work.” James Christison, president of RCL Branch 79, said there were several Simcoe cadets (2853) in the parade, as well as volunteers who assisted in the background. 2853 Simcoe Royal Army Cadet Corps was represented in Saturday’s parade by Warrant Officer Kai Wu, Corporal Morgan Martin, Master Corporal Kira Fraser, Corporal Carson Dwyer, and Lance Corporal Asselin. “We train year-round for these kind of events,” said Warrant Officer Wu. “We take what we learn from our home corps, and apply it here.” “For me, it’s actually a really big honour (hosting it in Simcoe),” said Master Corporal Fraser, “because we can show how much Simcoe means to us.” “I would say we are proud in what we do,” Wu nodded. “Volunteering, learning how to partake in the community.” That’s one of the things Wu loves about Cadets. “Being able to help others and really impact the younger cadets to become better people… with essential skills like leadership and communication.” “We help people out, and we make sure everyone is included and no one gets left out,” said Fraser. “We do fun activities, but we also do drills, which is also really fun… “Sometimes, yeah,” she added with a laugh. “When we have nothing to do, we make up fun ‘joke games’ and find something to do and we learn about stuff. “For me, it has helped me find discipline and it’s improved my life,” said Fraser. “I absolutely love Cadets and I hope to stay in it until I ‘age out.’ I want to grow up in the Cadet Corps where cadets can look up to me, they trust me and can tell me stuff, they think I’m a fun drill instructor, and I want to become a good instructor, a good teacher for them.” “Cadets helped me find a lot of new friends,” said Corporal Martin. “I would just like to be trusted by the younger cadets, respected,” Martin added. “It was fun today,” said Corporal Dwyer. “Kind of nervous, kind of excited.”
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Simcoe Advocate
October 8, 2026
New Veterans Walkway ‘will last for generations’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
longs to their families. It belongs to our community. So when you walk this path, look, remember and be grateful, because somewhere along this path there is a story of someone who helped make our lives possible. To every Veteran, thank you for your courage, thank you for your service, thank you for the freedoms you helped protect. Those who made the ultimate sacrifice… your memory lives on. As long as we Remember you, you will never truly be gone. Today, tomorrow and for generations to come, we will Remember them, we will honour, we will never forget.
“May every step taken here be a step taken with gratitude.” “I can’t wait to see this,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady at the Sept. 25th ceremony. “I want to thank the entire Branch. I know, as Neil (MacIsaac) said, it’s been three years in the making. I want to thank everyone who donated and supported the Legion, businesses, families and individuals, thank you so very much. “I think this is absolutely incredible to have this one-of-a-kind walkway right here in my hometown at the Delhi Legion,” said Brady. “I congratulate you all. “A walkway, we know, is more than simply a path from one place to another. It con-
nects us. It carries us forward reminding us where we came from. And I think that this is especially meaningful, that when the pathway leads to the front door of our local Legion, every person who walks along here will walking with the names, the memories and sacrifices of those who served before us. It is a simple but powerful reminder that the freedoms we enjoy today came at a tremendous cost for generations of Canadians. “I have always believed that we should make Remembrance visible in our communities EVERY SINGLE DAY,” said Brady, who has encouraged municipalities in Ontario to set aside space for Veteran crosswalks. “I hope the spirit of Delhi is contagious. I hope other communities across Ontario see what has been done here and
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
RCL Delhi Branch 125 hosted a Legion Week Wine and Cheese on Friday, Sept. 25.
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say ‘we can do this too.’” Brady said she also appreciated the memorial lights, shining on the sacrifices and lives of past members and loved ones, while shining on the memorial walkway. “There is something beautiful about that, remembering those who came before us, while lighting the way forward for those who will follow. Today we are not simply unveiling a walkway, we are unveiling – as Stephanie said – a place of Remembrance, a place of gratitude, a place where Veterans and families and future generations can walk together and remember.” Following the official walkway dedication and unveiling ceremony, a Wine and Cheese was held inside the Legion hall, part of Legion Week at Branch 125.
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Simcoe Advocate
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK: OCTOBER 4-10, 2026
Lithium-Ion batteries can be a fire hazard Safe Charging is a Superpower CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
The theme of the internationally recognized 2026 Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 4-10, is ‘Charge Into Fire Safety – Safe Charging is a Superpower.’ Led by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), firefighters want consumers to be aware of Lithium-Ion batteries in your home and how you can charge them safely. “It focuses on everyday charging habits to reduce the risk of Lithium-Ion battery fires,” said Dwayne Armstrong, Fire Prevention Officer, Norfolk Fire Department. “Lithium-Ion batteries, they are everywhere. They are not ‘bad’, you just have to be careful with them – they can be dangerous.” Last year’s Fire Prevention Week theme recommended only buying certified battery/charging products and charging devices safely. This year, they expanded that list, focusing on safe charging - ‘charge on hard, flat surfaces, unplug devices once fully charged, keep charging devices away from exits, and monitor devices while charging, especially during travel.’ “We want to make sure that you are using the cord and charger that came with the device – or one what is approved by the manufacturer,” said Armstrong. “If it is a damaged cord, don’t use it. Do not try to repair it yourself. Purchase a new one from that manufacturer that is meant for that device. “You want to make sure you are charging on a hard, flat surface. Not on your bed, not on a pillow, blankets or anything like that. We don’t want you recharging on anything soft that is going to hold in that heat. “Ideally, when it is fully charged, unplug it. “If it is possible, you want to charge large item batteries, like e-bikes and scooters and power tools outside. And make sure you are not blocking any exits when charging. “If the battery feels hot, if the device/ battery starts to swell, smells strange, leaks or smokes, or makes a popping or hissing noise, make sure you unplug it.” To summarize: CHARGE DEVICES SAFELY - Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow instructions from the
manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged. CERTIFIED PRODUCTS - When buying a product that uses a Lithium-Ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as ULC or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards. RECYCLE RESPONSIBLY – Do not throw Lithium-Ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org (Canada) to find a recycling spot near you. *** Commonly using Lithium-Ion powered devices include laptops and tablets, cellular phones, vape devices, smart watches, cameras, electric toothbrushes, smoke alarms, wireless Bluetooth headphones and earbuds, cordless vacuums and power drills… the list goes on. It is important to know what you own, take care of it, and treat it with respect. It is also important to buy (or replace) chargers that are approved/rated for your phone or other Lithium-Ion powered devices. Cheaper batteries are common, but if they do not have proper safety markings (CSA/ UL), they can be a fire hazard. For example, if you have an Apple phone and it says you need to use an Apple battery, do it. Charge your phones responsibly - never charge it while using the phone in bed. If you fall asleep, the phone, which could overheat while charging if the battery/ cord/dongle fails, is resting on a flammable source. Batteries for e-bikes should not be modified to extend the charge or charge faster – that process involves removing safety features which prevent overheating. Those devices are often plugged in overnight, and if it does not stop charging, it heats up… and can blow up. Safety features help maintain the temperature inside that battery so it does not overheat. Built-in circuitry is designed to
keep the temperature regulated – it stops charging if it gets too hot or if it is charging too quickly. It stops charging completely when done. If your battery is damaged, you run the risk it heating up. If you plug it into a charger overnight near your bed, it can overheat right beside you. RECYCLING - Lithium-Ion batteries should be properly recycled. When you dispose of Lithium-Ion batteries, it’s possible they can still hold a charge. If that happens, it can cause a reaction when it goes into garbage trucks and is compressed.
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK Norfolk County Fire Department ‘strives to enhance awareness through education and enforcement while providing exceptional fire and rescue services.’ During Fire Prevention Week, representatives from the local fire departments, with 11 stations across Norfolk County, will be attending the Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show, Oct. 6-12, to promote fire safety and connect with the community. In addition to safe battery charging, the firefighters will be promoting carbon monoxide safety and the importance of CO detectors.
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8, 2026 Safe Charging Is October a
Simcoe Advocate
15
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(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Norfolk County Fire Department firefighters, Jack Pascall (left) and Dave Braun from Station 1 Simcoe, ran in Sunday’s CIBC Run for the Cure, Canada’s largest singleday, volunteerled breast cancer fundraiser. In 27 years, the local Run for the Cure event has raised more than $3 million to support the Canadian Cancer Society, breast cancer research, patient support services, trusted cancer information, and advocacy across Canada.
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(FILE PHOTOS)
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nfpa.org/education | ©2026 NFPA® Norfolk County firefighters volunteered their time at the Del- *The listing of specific commercial products or services herein is solely for educational make a life-saving difference. - services not mentioned. purposes and does not imply endorsement by NFPA, nor discrimination against similar nfpa.org/education | ©2026 NFPA® BATTERY SAFETY STARTS BEFORE YOU PLUG IN hi Community Health Centre summer barbecue, and brought nfpa.org/education | ©2026 NFPA® *The listing of specific commercial products or services herein is solely for educational purposes and does not imply endorsement by NFPA, nor discrimination against similar services not mentioned. Buy products listed a nationallyagainst recognized such *The listing of specific commercial products or services herein is solely for educational purposes and does not imply endorsement by NFPA, norby discrimination similartesting serviceslaboratory, not mentioned. a fire truck for families to get an up-close look. as UL, ETL, or CSA.* Listed products meet important safety standards.
Bobbi Ann Brady
nfpa.org/education | ©2026 NFPA®
*The listing of specific commercial products or services herein is solely for educational purposes and does not imply endorsement by NFPA, nor discrimination against similar services not mentioned.
MPP, HALDIMAND-NORFOLK 519-428-0446 | 905-765-8413 babrady-co@ola.org
bobbiannbrady.com
16
October 8, 2026
Norfolk-Oxford Kidney Walk has a 25-year tradition CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
The Norfolk Oxford Kidney Walk marked its 25th anniversary on Sept. 27 with almost 50 participants. “This is Anita and I, and family’s 25th year running this event,” said Greg D’Hulster, coordinator of the 2026 Norfolk Oxford Kidney Walk, noting this year’s walk in Port Rowan raised more than $6,700. D’Hulster and the Dyl Pickles team, who this year raised $3,170, credited Glenda Filmore for her fundraising efforts over the last three years. Filmore raised $1,160 this year. Jaden Banfield, Jamie Drayer, and Jen Mason were also top fundraisers. “Doing good, I’m still stable, not on dialysis, keeping busy,” said Filmore. “The main thing is being tired. Otherwise, yes, doing good.” “I want to thank Greg, Anita and Glenda for turning something unimaginable into something remarkable,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady, who participated in the 2.5-km Kidney Walk to the Port Rowan Wetlands. “Raising $162,000 is absolutely incredible,” said Brady. “All of you who are participating, I want to thank you as well for keeping this tradition alive, keeping the awareness alive, and the education on kidney disease. I can’t thank you enough.” “This is the first year for us,” said Mackenzie Williams, captain of the Bee’s Kidnees team, which raised $1,585. “Our friend Jaden (Banfield), he has kidney disease and in December he had a successful transplant. So we wanted to celebrate, and help other people get to keep their Jaden. “It was his second transplant. I think he had one when he was two or two-anda-half. It was his mom’s and it lasted 20 years. Then he had to have another transplant and it was a friend of his mom’s that was his donor this time. But he’s doing really good, we’re really grateful. He’s involved in the local theatre, so the whole theatre community rallied around him. The music community rallied around him. Basically all of Norfolk did – he definitely felt the love. He’s always had such a huge support system, especially with this last transplant.”
The hike to the Port Rowan Wetlands was enjoyed by the team, said Williams, who works at a forest school. “I love that trail, I walk that all the time. It’s a very, very beautiful walk and we spend a lot of time pointing out the flowers, and all the ‘real bees.’ It’s a nice little jaunt and it’s really flat, which is nice. We had a great time.” Williams said the Bee’s Kid-nees will be back in 2027. And so will their bee costumes. “We might upgrade the bee costumes by then,” she laughed. Gary Eves from the Long Point Lions Club, A2 District Chair for Lions Camp Dorset, spoke to the walkers about Camp Dorset, located near Dorset, Ont. (east of Huntsville). “It’s a dialysis camp for people that need a break from life to go up to a camp and enjoy things,” said D’Hulster, introducing Eves. “The Kidney Foundation donates to Lions Camp Dorset,” Eves noted. “The camp is run basically year-round, owned and operated through the Lions Clubs of Ontario, but the dialysis part runs for three months in the summer. It just finished in the middle of September for this year.” Approximately $70,000 was donated by the Kidney Foundation of Ontario to Lions Camp Dorset in 2025, he said. “I thank you for this (Kidney) Walk and all that you do,” Eves said to the Norfolk Oxford participants. “Have a great walk. “Everybody in Ontario that needs dialysis has the chance to go to the camp. They do the registration through the hospital where they are getting their dialysis treatments. We service in the neighbourhood of 230-240 families going to the camp, every summer. We have 14 three-bedroom cottages, so they can bring their whole family if they so desire. “We have to keep it going because, again, a lot of people don’t know about it. Last year, A2 was the only (Lions) district in Ontario that had 100% participation in donating to Lions Camp Dorset.” You can read the full story on Lions Camp Dorset at www.lionscampdorset. com.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
The Bee’s Kid-nees team participated in their first Norfolk-Oxford Kidney Walk in Port Rowan on Sept. 27.
Simcoe Advocate
Simcoe Advocate
October 8, 2026
17
Concerned Citizens Coalition of Norfolk interviews five Norfolk mayoral candidates Full interview answers available on the CCCNC website CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
The Concerned Citizens Coalition of Norfolk (CCCNC) recently did a deep-dive series of interviews with Norfolk County’s mayoral candidates. Detailed, full results of five interviews (two candidates who were invited did not participate) can be found on their website at norfolkconcernedcitizens.my.canva. site (You might not find it with an internet search, but copy and paste the address into your brower’s URL and that will take you to the site). Participating mayor candidates were: Doug Brunton, David Finch, Ken Hewitt, Keith Milner, and Adam Veri. Click on their portraits shown on the CCCNC website to read their pre-interview and interview questions and answers. You will find Intro Remarks for CCCNC’s recently launched website, CCCNC member bios to learn more about the interviewers, CCCNC's scoping exercise, and pre-interview questions/answers. And, of course, summary reports for the five interviews, some of which took 2-3 hours to complete. Interview sections focus on property tax and affordability, water and sewer rates, infrastructure, staffing and their first 100 days as mayor, and budget reform. It’s an enormous investment in time
and energy, both from candidates and citizen-led coalition of retired professionals, and they identify key issues in Norfolk County. It is very much worth taking the time to read them. Seven members of the coalition (CCCNC) are: Ian Neville (Chair) P. Eng., B.Tech., MPA., PWLF; Geoff Saldanha. P.Eng., B.Eng., M.Eng.; Norman Swain P.Eng, B.Sc.; Mary Lu Haggith RPN; George Cornfield; Pat Mercuri B. Tech, CIM, CFP, CSA; and Susan Pettit RN. They include former municipal clerks, retired accountants, retired lawyers, and HR and Planning. Their task was to collect – in a non-partisan manner – detailed information to help voters make an informed decision for the position of Norfolk County Mayor. The CCCNC does not endorse candidates or parties or rank the candidates. Below is an abbreviated example of the first questions and their answers. Full answers are all on the CCCNC website (norfolkconcernedcitizens.my.canva.site). SECTION 1: Property Taxes & Affordability “With back-to- back tax increases of 4.3% in 2025 and 5.5 % in 2026, what specific spending items would you cut or defer to bring future tax increases below inflation and what services would you protect at all costs?” Adam Veri: My plan is to initiate a mu-
nicipal services review, which may lead to a reallocation of resources, improved delivery efficiency, or cost reductions. Residents will also receive a better understanding of service costs and the benefits services they are unfamiliar with provide to the larger community. Taxpayers and residents will have opportunities to provide feedback on the services they want and need (or conversely, identify services that no longer deliver a benefit that makes the cost worthwhile). The review could be added to the CAO’s workplan or conducted by a third party. The CAO approach would eliminate the tendering process and additional costs of hiring a consultant. Keith Milner: All budget line items and associated costs are on the table. This includes staffing. In 2025, 120 Norfolk capital projects were completed and closed. Twelve of the projects closed with expenditures over the approved budget. 108 projects were over-estimated and closed under budget some with double digit reserve amounts. I want to know why, and I want to make sure our costing estimates that make up the yearly tax rate are sharpened. My goal is to reduce County spending in order that the tax rate can be reduced not increased. While I know that as Mayor, I have the ultimate responsibility in making this a reality, I expect the full cooperation
of Council in achieving this. I also plan on utilizing the expertise and knowledge from our community to ensure sound decisions and planning are in effect going forward. Ken Hewitt: My experience as Mayor taught me that Council's role is to set clear financial expectations and outcomes, while the CAO and senior management determine how best to deliver services within those parameters. I would direct the CAO to present both the operating and capital budgets at inflation or less. Staff should identify what is essential, what can be deferred or eliminated, and where service delivery can be improved through efficiencies and coordination. Council would then make transparent choices among those options. Most municipal services are important, but the County cannot be the answer to everything; it must distinguish essential services from non-essential spending and address programs that no longer provide sufficient value. David Finch: The primary reason d'être of the municipality is public infrastructure such as roads, water, sewer, emergency services. Those areas are the things we must avoid making deferrals of expenditures or cuts to. Other proposed projects that do not have significant fundraising ongoing by the public need to reassessed as to whether they should be deferred or cut. Areas that we CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
Are you ready to vote?
Make a voting plan for Norfolk County's 2026 municipal election – Oct. 9-26 This October, eligible voters in Norfolk County will choose the next Mayor, Ward Councillors, and School Board Trustees to represent them in the 2026 municipal election. New this year, the Norfolk County municipal election will use a hybrid voting system, combining online and in-person voting. Online voting will be available from Friday, Oct. 9 to Friday, Oct. 23. In-person voting will be held on Monday, October 26. Be ready to vote Eligible voters are encouraged to make a voting plan so they are prepared to cast their ballot, using the voting option most convenient for them. Follow these simple steps: Step 1: Confirm eligibility Eligible voters are: - 18 years of age or older - a Canadian citizen, and a resident of the municipality; or a non-resident who owns or rents property in the municipality; or the spouse of an owner or tenant of property in the municipality. Step 2: Check your mailbox ‘Voter Information Letters’ have been mailed to eligible voters. The letter contain important voting information about how
to vote online, as well as in-person voting dates, times, and locations. Eligible voters who have not received a Voter Information Letter (as of Oct. 5) can visit the Office of the County Clerk at the County Administration Building in Simcoe during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday) to be issued a letter with their unique Voter PIN. Elections staff will need proof of eligibility to vote to issue a Voter Information Letter. Review the list of 30 acceptable identification documents at www.ontario.ca/ document-2026-voters-guide-ontariomunicipal-council-and-school-boardelections/acceptable or call 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 6269. Step 3: Select a voting option, date, and time There are two ways to vote in the upcoming election. Choose one of them: • Online, from Friday, Oct. 9 at 10 a.m. to Friday, Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. • In person on Voting Day, Monday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. To complete the online voting process, voters will need: Access to the Internet; Voting PIN on your Voter Information Letter; To be confirmed with your date of birth; To follow a two-step verification pro-
cess by text message. During the online advanced voting period, Norfolk County will have several in-person locations set up to assist with online voting. There will also be an opportunity at these locations to vote using paper ballots as an advance voting option. Online Voting Assistance Centres will be available at the following locations: • Langton Community Centre, 28 Albert Street, Langton, on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 12-6 p.m. • Port Dover Community Centre, 801 St George Street, Port Dover, on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 12-6 p.m. • Norfolk County Public Library, Simcoe Branch, 46 Colborne Street South, Simcoe, on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 12-4 p.m. • Delhi Community Centre Arena, 144 Western Avenue, Delhi, on Tuesday, Oct. 20, from 12-6 p.m. • Waterford Legion, 223 Nichol Street, Waterford, on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 12-6 p.m. Step 4: If voting in-person, locate closest voting location On Voting Day, Monday, Oct. 26, in-person voting is available at the following poll locations from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
•
Ward 1 - Port Rowan Community Centre, 14 College Avenue, Port Rowan • Ward 2 - Langton Community Centre, 28 Albert Street, Langton • Ward 3 - Delhi District Secondary School, 393 James Street, Delhi • Ward 4 - Vittoria Community Centre, 35 Oakes Boulevard, Vittoria • Ward 5 - The Jr Farmers Building, Fairgrounds, 172 South Drive, Simcoe OR Emmanuel Bible Church, 24 Churchill Circle, Simcoe • Ward 6 - Port Dover Community Centre, 801 St George Street, Port Dover • Ward 7 - Waterford Legion, 223 Nichol Street W, Waterford Norfolk County Ward maps are available at norfolkcounty.ca/Ward. Identification that contains the voter’s name and address is required to vote. Questions about the election? Contact the Office of the County Clerk in person at 50 Colborne Street South, Simcoe, by phone at 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 6269, or by email at elections@norfolkcounty.ca
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Simcoe Advocate
Hospice ready to begin construction phase CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
building,” Martin concluded. Maureen Russell, Care Services Lead and a founding member of NHCH, with assistance from community friends, offered a blessing on the land, and shared what the hospice centre promises. “A promise that no one should have to leave their community to find care when facing life’s final journey and the journey of grief,” said Russell. “A promise that compassion will always have a home. A promise that every person and family served by this sacred home, and those who work within, will be met with dignity, with comfort, and with love.” “What a really significant view of what our community is,” said NHCH board chair Michael Godelie. “People coming to-
gether to help bring this project forward, so quickly, and easily actually. We really are so lucky to be where we are.” There is still work to be done, said Godelie, noting they are still raising funds to meet project requirements. They have raised 85% of their projected $17M, and need another $2M for furnishings and firstyear operating costs. “This is a passion of mine, to help build a hospice,” said Andrea Binkle, Executive Director of NHCH, hoping the hospice’s foundation can be built ‘before the snow flies.’ “It’s been a dream of mine in the last 20-25 years to actually build one. To actually dig dirt for a hospice is overwhelming to me. "This is a day our communities have been working toward for many years," said Binkle. "The Williamson House is more
than a building. It represents our community coming together to make sure that when people face end-of-life, they and their families can get compassionate, dignified care close to home. “I can’t thank you enough. I really appreciate all of your help and support. We’re grateful to everyone, absolutely everyone, and we will continue to work with you to bring this hospice here and open those doors.” MPP John Jordan, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health, provided encouraging words. “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is a testament to what can be accomplished when a community comes together around a shared vision,” said Jordan. “The Williamson House will be an important addition to hospice palliative care in Haldi-
mand-Norfolk, providing individuals and families with compassionate care and support close to home. I want to recognize Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice, its volunteers, donors and community partners for their commitment to making this vision a reality.” "This day would not be possible without the generous support of volunteers, partners, and our community,” Binkle added. “So many people have stepped up to become part of the story of The Williamson House in a very personal and lasting way. We are grateful for their support. This day is for them, and for every family who has a loved one facing end of life." To learn more about The Williamson House and how you can make a difference, visit norfolkhaldimandhospice.ca or call the Hospice office at 519-410-0881.
Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice moves forward CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
It took seven years, from their first steps to officially breaking ground, for the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice to reach the ‘construction-ready’ phase for The Williamson House palliative care centre. “The Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice was founded in 2019 with a simple but profound vision: that people living with life-limiting illness, and their families, deserve compassionate care, dignity and humanity throughout the end-of-life journey,” said MPP Bobbi Ann Brady at the official ground-breaking ceremony in Jarvis on Sept. 23. At the time, Brady said she remembered the compassion and believing the hospice was something the community desperately needed. “Seven years later, here we are,” said Brady. “There have been hurdles. There have been moments when this day may have seemed impossible. But this committee never stopped believing. They never took no for an answer.” Brady thanked the hospice committee for their perseverance, faith and willingness to keep bringing people together to move their dream forward. “Ultimately, that is what this is about. It’s about people. People coming together in small communities to do something extraordinary for the greater good. And there could not be a better place for this hospice than Jarvis – right here in the heart of Haldimand-Norfolk, surroundCONTINUED FROM PAGE 17
may need to cut are administrative functions. Are we "right sized" for staffing? I don't know. What is our staff to supervisor/manager ratio? These are very hard to parse out from publicly available documents. The span of control recommended by most experts in management range from 11 employees per supervisor in low
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
The Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice sign on Nanticoke Creek Parkway, at the site of the future Williamson House, says ‘We’re growing with compassion.’ Construction of the new hospice near Jarvis is expected to be completed in 2028.
ed by the people and communities it will serve.” Brady also recognized the Williamson family, and their generosity in providing an extraordinary gift – a 10-acre parcel of land. “I think of all of us standing here today who have loved someone at the end of their life. Perhaps you have held a parent’s hand,
sat beside a spouse, comforted a friend, or watched someone you love take their final breath. Many of us can think of someone who might have found peace, comfort and dignity in a place like this in their final days. “Today, we aren’t simply breaking ground on a building. We are laying the foundation for a place where families will
risk/hazard positions (i.e. clerical staff) to three staff per supervisor in high risk/hazard positions (i.e. firefighting). I suspect we are top heavy in supervisor/managers in administration areas and light in emergency service. Doug Brunton: First, there are three budgets: Rate, Capital, and Levy. The only way you can reduce all three of those budgets is to be more efficient and review staffing and
infrastructure. Staff wages and salaries are 60% of our costs. As for infrastructure, we must reduce the number of projects through prioritizing based on needs "not wants" and apply for provincial funding when possible. I would protect water and waste water, transportation and areas of health care. Health care would include garbage collection, paramedics, and fire.
find comfort, where people will be treated with dignity, and where compassion will be at the centre of care. “For all the years of work, all the obstacles overcome, and all the people who believed – today we finally get to say, ‘We are building Williamson House, ‘and as your MPP, I could not be more proud to stand here with all of you.”
TO ADVERTISE IN THE SIMCOE ADVOCATE EMAIL INFO@SIMCOEADVOCATE.COM
Simcoe Advocate
October 8, 2026
SPORTS
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Raiders ready to host Friday Night Lights CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Delhi District Secondary School’s Friday Night Lights football game is back in 2026. On Friday, Oct. 9, the Raiders will host Pauline Johnson in an AABHN varsity foot game under the lights. Kick-off is at 8 p.m. There is a $5 admission. Children under 5 are free. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., food trucks on site. Look for the 50-50 draw, it’s sure to be big. In their first two games, Delhi shut out Valley Heights 34-0 and last week blanked Simcoe 21-0. The Raiders are one of four undefeated teams so far in the eight-team varsity division. Pauline Johnson is also undefeated going into Friday Night Lights. The Brantford team shut out Holy Trinity 45-0 and defeated Cayuga 35-7. The AABHN regular season season will continue until Nov. 6. Early in the South Junior Girls basketball season, the Raiders also on top of the standings with a 2-0 record, tied with Holy Trinity. The two teams are scheduled to meet Oct. 15 in Delhi (4:30 p.m.). For all the results, see aahbn.ca.
(FILE PHOTOS)
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October 8, 2026
Simcoe Advocate
Norfolk Applefest provides family entertainment CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
The third annual Norfolk Applefest on Sept. 26 was well-attended from start to finish this year. “Right at 11 a.m. we were very busy, right from the start,” said Downtown Simcoe BIA coordinator Les Anderson, pleased with the festival turnout on Argyle Street from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26. “It’s still going well. “People seem to be quite happy. Can’t go wrong with Andy the Balloon Guy,” Anderson added with a laugh. Along with the family entertainment, including facepainting, there were apple-theme treats. Many of the vendors highlighted apples – from apple slushies at the ABEL Enterprises food truck to apple crisp and apple tarts from Riversyde 83, to baskets of free apples – along with some usual festival food/beverage selections, including an ice cream truck. “We partnered with the Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show for this event as well,” said Anderson, noting the fair provided
prizes for the Applefest storefront decorating contest, which had 19 entries this year. Winners were: The Hive, Faria Hair Studio and Spa and Melinda’s Enchanted Cottage. Honourable mentions to Sweet Darlings, Art with Heart, and Melbourne Marketplace for their displays. “A big improvement over last year. As people find out about events like this, they certainly get involved,” said Anderson. “We try to make it reasonable (priced) for families to attend. Some of it is no charge, and you pay for what you eat. We try to make it as reasonable as possible – and they have fun at events like this one.” TREATS IN THE STREETS Anderson said he is looking forward to an expanded BIA Treats in the Streets event this year on Oct. 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kids – and adults – dress in Halloween costumes, and collect candies from participating Simcoe stores. “It’s amazing. Some of the places had like 700 candies to hand out (last year) and they were done by about 1 o’clock. It’s a lot of fun.”
ABEL Enterprises sold popcorn, hot dogs and slushies – including the popular apple slushie, at this year’s Norfolk Applefest on Sept. 26.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show gave away ‘spin the wheel’ prizes at Applefest on Sept. 26, including free tickets to the Oct. 6-12 fair.
Downtown Simcoe BIA’s Marianne Ward, board member, and Les Anderson, coordinator, at the Norfolk Applefest.
Riversyde 83 volunteers Johanna Cousineau, left, and Adele Haverkamp at the 2026 Norfolk Applefest on Argyle Street.
Reed Hallett of Simcoe tried the facepainting at Applefest.
Simcoe Advocate
October 8, 2026
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Email to inquire: info@simcoeadvocate.com SPONSORED BY
625 West St., Simcoe (at the corner of Hillcrest Rd.)
simcoelighting.ca 519-428-9927
OPEN: MONDAY-FRIDAY 9AM-5PM & SATURDAY 9AM-3PM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4
Simcoe Public Library
HARVEST TEA
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18
2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m Cost: $20.00 per person | For Tickets Call: Renee 226-567-1026 or Trish 548-722-0163 Join the Ladies Auxiliary for a fun afternoon!
BRUNCH
concert featuring arrangements of Abide With Me, What A Wonderful World, Imagine, In Flanders Fields, and many more. Admission by Donation
Adults: $15.00 Children 6-12: $8.00 Children 5 and under free
Waterford United Church, 135 Main St. S.
Waterford Legion | 223 Nichol Street in Waterford
Waterford Legion | 223 Nichol Street in Waterford
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19
WEDNESDAY NIGHT CABBAGE ROLLS DINNER
DELHI & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ANNUAL " SILENT AUCTION " FUND RAISER.
10:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m Vendors offerings include Christmas Décor at your Door and for your Home. Also, we have Norwex, Avon, Diamond Art, Quilting and sewing ,Children’s clothing ,soaps, candles, greeting cards , a chocolatier , cinnamon buns and more. Come on out for the shopping.
Doors at 5:00 p.m | Serving at 5:30 p.m Cost: $14.00 per person (cash only)
Waterford Legion | 223 Nichol Street in Waterford OCTOBER 6 - OCTOBER 12 FAIR PARKING
Help support St. James United Church 150 Colborne St. Simcoe by parking for a $5.00 donation at the Church. Just a short walk to the fairgrounds. Oct. 6-12. 150 Colborne St. Simcoe TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13 PORT DOVER COMMUNITY SING-ALONG
7:00 p.m Join us in singing beloved “Gospel Songs & Spirituals” like Amazing Grace, In the Garden, Church in the Wildwood, Softly and Tenderly, and many more. $2 Donation at Door Grace United Church, 18 Chapman St. E., Port Dover FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16 TRIVIA NIGHT AT RIVERSYDE 83
7:00 p.m No need to pre-register. Come with your team or come alone and be teamed up. FREE EVENT! Cafe open until 9:00 p.m. on Fridays.
7:30 p.m Just like a big yard sale. Come and see what we have to offer and get a real bargain. MEMBERS, FAMILIES & FRIENDS all welcome. Delhi Friendship Centre, 418 Queen St., Delhi, On. (Enter at the parking lot off William Street.) FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 RYERSE JAZZ SINGERS ARE TAKING THE CAFE STAGE
7:00 to 8:30 p.m Free event... Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the talent of this amazing local vocal ladies jazz chorus! Riversyde 83, 83 Sydenham St., Simcoe, Ont. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 BOO BASH HALLOWEEN BREAKFAST
Event runs from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m Come out and enjoy a spooktacular familyfriendly Halloween breakfast at the Waterford Legion Branch 123! Adults $15 | Children $10 | Under 5 years FREE Advance tickets only. Contact Renee at 226-5671026, Linda at 416-270-9885 or Trish at 548722-0163.
Riversyde 83, 83 Sydenham St., Simcoe, Ont.
Waterford Legion Branch 123
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30
READING AUDITIONS
WINGS & KARAOKE
2:00 p.m to 4:00 p.m The Friends of the Library, Simcoe Branch Chapter will be presenting our second annual Dramatic Reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on Friday, November 27th, 2026. As such, we will be holding auditions at the Simcoe Public Library on Saturday October 3rd and Saturday October 17th from 2– 4 p.m. Auditions are open to all who have strong reading skills. Please note: there is no acting requirement. For more information, please email Friends of the Library folsimcoebranch2@gmail.com.
Ticket sales start @ 4:45 p.m | Serving at 5:00 p.m Wings per lb.: $15.00 Onion Rings: $6.00 Fries: $5.00. Cash only. Karaoke to follow in club room Waterford Legion | 223 Nichol Street in Waterford “PEACE & REMEMBRANCE” CONCERT
7:30 p.m The Lynn Valley Voices, a 40-voice mixed choir, perform a serene “Peace & Remembrance”
ANNUAL MARKETIQUE
St. Bernard of Clairvaux Church | 165 Thompson Rd., Waterford.
EVERY MONDAY & THURSDAY SIT & FIT
Starting at 12:00 p.m (45 minutes in duration) A FREE light exercise program. Organized & run by the Alzheimer Society. Come on up to the and join in the fun! Waterford Legion | 223 Nichol Street in Waterford
EVERY MONDAY NORFOLK’S OWN NEEDLE ARTS GUILD
10:00 a.m - 3:30 p.m Norfolk’s Own Needle Arts Guild meets every Monday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 pm at the Waterford United Church. We also meet on the second Wednesday of the month from 1:30 to 3:30 pm also at the church. If you are interested in learning needlework techniques, come join us for a day of embroidery. For information please call Lee at (519) 428-8008 or Libby at 519-426-8693. Waterford United Church
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 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
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October 8, 2026
Simcoe Advocate
Music starts at 1:00 p.m | Dinner at 5:00 p.m
The Wagner Memorial, Teeterville Legion Branch 526. 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville, Ontario
Courtland Community Centre | 272 Main St., Courtland, ON
EVERY OTHER FRIDAY
All welcome!
THURSDAYS CORNHOLE
7:00 p.m. Join in this free activity. Thursdays (except the 4th Thursday) Waterford Legion 223 Nichol St.
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
INGERSOLL COUNTRY MUSIC JAMBOREE 1:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m Every other Friday, 1-4pm be fall-ish and come to the Ingersoll Country Music Jamboree at Masonic Hall, 190 Thames St. S. Ingersoll. Join us, walk ins welcome. Qualifications - love 5070's country music. Perform, listen, dance & enjoy! September 4 & 18, October 2, 16 & 30, November 6 & 20, and December 4. Masonic Hall | 190 Thames St. S. Ingersoll
ROTARY CLUB OF SIMCOE Join a 100-year-old, community-focused club dedicated to supporting Norfolk youth, scholarships, the arts, and local and international initiatives. Mondays | 11:45
a.m.–1:00 p.m. Bi-weekly in July & August. Enjoy lunch, interesting speakers and great fellowship! Email: simcoe.rotary.club@gmail. com Come see what Rotary is all about! Simcoe Legion | 200 West St. Simcoe
BINGO PRESENTED TO YOU BY ABEL ENTERPRISES Various Dates: Monday on September 14, 28, October 5, 19, November 2, 16 & 30, December 7, 21, 2026 January 4, 18, Feb 1 & 15 & March 1, 15, 29, 2027 Doors open at 5:00/Early bird 6:30/Main Games begin at 7:00. Concession goodies sold & provided by Simcoe & District Humane Society Come support your local non-profits. Thank you Simcoe Legion, 200 West Street, Simcoe, ON
Norfolk launches new waste collection program The first week of Norfolk County’s new curbside waste collection program launched on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, bringing changes to garbage collection, a new organics program, and new collection schedules across the municipality. The waste collection program uses new grey garbage carts and green organics carts, which were delivered to properties in August and September. New trucks use automated arms to lift and empty your carts. What is changing? Beginning Monday, Sept. 28 or Monday, Oct. 5 – depending on Week 1 or Week 2 service areas: • Organic waste will be collected every week using the new green cart. • Recycling will continue to be collected every week using existing blue and black recycling boxes. • Garbage will be collected every other week (bi-weekly) using the new grey cart. • Only waste that fits completely inside the grey cart with the lid fully closed will be collected. • Garbage bags or other waste placed beside the cart will not be collected. Residents are encouraged to begin using their weekly green organic carts. Food scraps, foodsoiled paper, and other accepted organic materials can be placed in the green cart, helping reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill. Changes to collection schedules All households will receive weekly recycling and weekly organics collection. Grey-cart garbage collection
will alternate between Week 1 and Week 2 service areas. Some residents have a new collection day of the week under the new program. A map showing the two zones was included in the information kit included with cart delivery. Residents can also look up their collection day and garbage collection week using the County's online collection schedule tool at norfolkcounty.ca/collectionDay or by contacting ServiceNorfolk. Green organics carts Residents should check inside their green organics cart for the small kitchen container included with the program. The kitchen container is designed to make it easy to collect food scraps indoors and transfer them to the green cart for weekly organics collection. Requests available Beginning September 28, residents and businesses can submit requests for: • Commercial waste collection registration • Waste program exemptions • A second garbage or green organics cart for eligible commercial and farm properties Requests for waste program exemptions, or second cart for eligible commercial or farm properties, can be submitted online at norfolkcounty.ca/WasteChanges or through ServiceNorfolk. Cart exchange requests will reopen on Dec. 1, 2026, after residents have had an opportunity to use the new system and assess their needs. Links and resources Residents can review the waste collection information at norfolkcounty.ca/WasteChanges . On
the website, you can find collection schedules, frequently asked questions, organics sorting information, cart placement guidance, and cart delivery updates. Need help? Contact ServiceNorfolk at 519426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 0. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Why is Norfolk County switching to automated collection? Automated collection offers several benefits: lower long-term costs, improved worker safety, faster and more consistent service, and reduced litter and animal interference due to secure carts. Will the program help reduce landfill use? Yes. The 2024 waste audit showed that 42–46% of residential garbage is organic waste that could be diverted through composting. By introducing a green bin program and reducing the garbage bag limit, Norfolk County aims to divert more waste from landfill, extend landfill lifespan, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Is this part of a provincial initiative? Yes. The Government of Ontario wants communities to send less waste to landfills and recycle and compost more. Norfolk County’s new waste collection program supports this goal by: • Starting a green bin program for food and organic waste. • Expanding yard waste collection. • Reducing the number of
garbage bags allowed each week. These changes help protect the environment and follow the province’s direction to make waste management more sustainable. Will there be more changes in the future? Possibly. As provincial policies evolve, Norfolk County will continue to adapt its waste management strategies to meet environmental and regulatory goals. Where should I store my carts? Carts must be stored on your property in a location that does not obstruct sidewalks or roadways. Can I request a different sized cart? Residential properties will automatically receive one 240 L garbage cart (fits 3-4 garbage bags) and one 120 L organics cart. Residents may choose the smaller 120 L garbage cart (fits 1-2 garbage bags). Can I swap carts with a neighbour? No. Each cart has a unique serial number that is assigned to your property. Carts cannot be switched between properties. If you need a different cart size, you must request an exchange through Norfolk County. Can I put pet waste in the green organics cart? No. Pet waste cannot go into Norfolk County’s organics carts. Pet waste is non-compostable and must be placed in your regular garbage carts. Pet waste should be securely bagged to reduce odours and prevent contamination of other waste streams.
Will my old garbage cans be collected after the new carts are delivered? No. Residents are encouraged to repurpose their old garbage cans for use around the home, such as for storage or yard work. If you no longer need your old garbage cans, they can be taken to a County transfer station for disposal. Please note that regular disposal fees will apply. How do I dispose of bulky items? Bulky items will continue to be collected monthly by appointment. Fees apply. How do I dispose of household hazardous waste? Household hazardous waste includes substances that may harm humans, animals, or the environment when not handled properly and can pollute groundwater, lakes, rivers, and soil when disposed of improperly. Residents are encouraged to dispose of their household hazardous waste at a Norfolk County depot event. I live in the downtown core. How should I set out my cart if there are cars parked on the road? Downtown waste collection will begin at 7 a.m. to help minimize conflicts with on-street parking. Residents should place their carts at the curb and position them between parked vehicles so the automated collection arm can access them safely. Be sure to leave adequate space around your carts, keep them clear of other obstacles, and place them with the arrows facing the street. For more frequently asked questions, visit the norfolkcounty.ca website.
Simcoe Advocate
October 8, 2026
Long Point Basin Land Trust launches campaign to save Old Growth Eastern Hemlocks The Long Point Basin Land Trust (LPBLT) has launched a fundraising and awareness campaign to help protect some of the largest recorded Eastern Hemlocks in Canada from an invasive pest that is spreading across Southwestern Ontario. Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is a small invasive insect that feeds on Eastern Hemlocks and can quickly kill mature trees. As HWA spreads, previously unaffected Hemlock forests are increasingly at risk. Eastern Hemlocks are a foundation species in the forests of the Long Point Basin, which includes Norfolk County and parts of Elgin, Oxford and Haldimand counties. Their dense evergreen canopy creates cool, shaded conditions that provide habitat for wildlife, help protect streams and support a remarkable diversity of plants, animals and other organisms. "These are trees that have stood in local forests for generations," said Wendy Cridland, Executive Director of LPBLT in a media release. "We have an opportunity to protect some of the largest and most ecologically significant hemlocks on our nature reserves, but we need to act while treatment can still make a difference." LPBLT has identified priority hemlocks on its conservation properties for targeted treatment. The Land Trust is raising $8,000 to purchase the equipment, professional expertise and supplies needed to begin treatment and to extend that work to additional vulnerable trees as HWA is
identified across its nature reserves. Depending on the tree and treatment conditions, a single treatment application can provide years of protection. Protecting More Than Trees The loss of mature Eastern Hemlocks means more than the loss of individual trees. As these trees disappear, the forests and ecosystems they help will be deeply affected. Hemlock forests and trees contribute habitat and ecological conditions that support: • Woodland birds and migratory songbirds • Salamanders and other amphibians • Bats and other mammals • Cold-water fish and stream ecosystems • Insects and other invertebrates • Native plants and fungi • Wildlife that depends on cool, shaded forest conditions The Save the Eastern Hemlocks campaign also highlights an important part of LPBLT's work: protecting land is only the beginning. Once a property is conserved, ongoing stewardship is needed to keep its habitats healthy. LPBLT's work includes monitoring forests and wildlife, managing invasive species, restoring habitat, protecting species at risk and responding to emerging threats such as HWA. "Conservation is a long-term commitment," says Ethan
Vaccines help protect against influenza, COVID-19, RSV As respiratory illness season approaches, Grand Erie Public Health is encouraging residents to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19 and, if eligible, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). "Respiratory viruses can lead to serious illness, especially for young children, older adults and people with underlying health conditions,” said Dr. Jason Malenfant, Medical Officer of Health, in a media release. “Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and those around you. As we head into fall, now is a good time to make plans to stay up to date on recommended vaccines." Beginning Oct. 26, influenza and COVID-19 vaccines will be available for everyone six months of age and older at participating local pharmacies and healthcare providers. RSV vaccines are now available yearround through healthcare providers for adults 75 years and older, and high-risk individuals ages 60-74. Starting Oct. 1, infants younger than eight months old who were born on or after April 1 are eligible for the infant RSV program. To keep you and your loved ones protected, it is recommended you get your influenza vaccine and updated COVID-19 vaccine annually each fall. If you have already completed your initial COVID-19 series, it is recommended that you receive an updated dose in the fall if it has been at least three months since your last dose. Residents are encouraged to book their vaccination appointments early and talk with their healthcare provider about which vaccines are recommended for them. Pharmacies offering influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be found at Ontario.ca/vaccine-locations, and more information about RSV eligibility can be
found at Ontario.ca/respiratory-syncytial-virus. Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV are contagious respiratory illnesses that can be more serious than the common cold. These viruses can lead to severe health complications, particularly for people at higher risk, including young children, pregnant individuals, and older adults. Respiratory viruses typically increase during the fall and winter months, leading to more illness, healthcare visits, and hospitalizations. Vaccination can help reduce the risk of severe illness and help protect those most vulnerable in our communities. To help protect yourself and your family from respiratory illness: - Stay up to date with immunizations for recommended seasonal vaccines. - Stay home when you are sick. - Wear a mask that fits comfortably over your nose and mouth if you are feeling ill or are around others who may be ill. - Wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. - Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. - Clean surfaces that people touch often. Vaccination remains safe, effective, and the best defence against influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same appointment, making it easier to stay protected. To learn more about RSV vaccine eligibility, contact your healthcare provider. Residents can stay informed on respiratory illness activity in the Grand Erie region by visiting geph.ca/ respiratory . For more information about influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, visit Ontario.ca/page/vaccines.
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Kompf, Stewardship Manager of LPBLT. "When we protect a nature reserve, we also take on the responsibility of caring for it. The hemlock campaign is one example of that ongoing stewardship." The campaign's $8,000 goal will help LPBLT establish the capacity to treat priority old growth hemlocks and extend treatment to additional trees as they are identified. Any funds raised beyond the initial treatment needs will support additional tree treatments, monitoring and future treatments as required. To learn more about the Save the Eastern Hemlocks campaign, visit: https://longpointlandtrust.ca/saving-the-eastern-hemlocks To donate directly to the campaign, visit: https://www. gofundme.com/f/help-save-the-eastern-hemlocks
(LONG POINT BASIN LAND TRUST PHOTOS)
Elliot Beer - summer marketing and fundraising staff for Long Point Basin Land Trust, prepares to measure the circumference of an old growth Eastern Hemlock tree at Alton Family Nature Reserve in Norfolk County.
Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) infestation on the underside of Eastern Hemlock branch.
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October 8, 2026
Simcoe Advocate
Party on the Track at the 2026 Norfolk County Fair Friday is country night, Saturday night is rock Dust off the boots, grab your crew and get ready for a Friday night made for country music. Canadian country music powerhouse Tim Hicks will headline the Norfolk County Fair Grandstand concert on Friday, Oct. 9, joined by rising Canadian country artist Alli Walker for a huge night of live country music presented by Scotlynn. From cold drinks and country anthems, to one of the best live atmospheres of Fair week, Friday night is shaping up to be a full-on country Party on the Track. Hicks has become a staple of Canadian country music, known for high-energy live shows and a catalogue built for singing along. With multiple GOLD and PLATINUM-certified singles, hundreds of millions of streams and multiple JUNO Award nominations, Hicks has spent more than a decade delivering some of Canadian country's biggest crowd favourites. Fans can expect to hear hits including Get By, Stronger Beer, Here Comes the Thunder, No Truck Song and more. Alli Walker, one of Canadian country's exciting rising artists, opens on Friday night. Walker has been building serious momentum with her energetic take on modern country and a live show that's a perfect fit for a Friday night at the Fair. "This one just feels like the Fair," said Angela Hogeveen, General Manager of the Norfolk County Agricultural Society, in a media release. "Tim Hicks, Alli Walker, a Friday night in October and a packed Grandstand - it's going to be a country party. Tim is such a great live performer, Alli brings an incredible energy, and we're really excited to bring this lineup to Norfolk." The Friday night concert is proudly presented by Scotlynn, a longtime supporter of the Norfolk County Fair and the local agricultural community. "We're especially proud to present this night with Scotlynn," added Hogeveen.
"They're deeply connected to agriculture and to this community, which makes them such a natural partner for Country Night at the Fair." Tickets and full concert information are available at norfolkcountyfair.com. The 2026 Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show, presented by Nova Mutual, runs Oct. 6–12, bringing together agriculture, entertainment, competitions, food, midway attractions and generations of Fair traditions in Norfolk County. *** Saturday night at the 2026 Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show is going to ROCK. The Norfolk County Agricultural Society is excited to announce that Canadian rock heavyweights Finger Eleven and Trooper will take the stage on Saturday, Oct. 10, bringing decades of iconic Canadian rock to the Fairgrounds for one massive night of live music. Saturday’s Party on the Track Concert is presented by Nova Mutual Insurance, the presenting sponsor of the Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show. From Trooper classics including Raise a Little Hell, We’re Here for a Good Time and The Boys in the Bright White Sports Car, to Finger Eleven hits including Paralyzer, One Thing and Living in a Dream, Saturday’s concert brings together two unmistakably Canadian catalogues and a night packed with songs audiences know. “This is going to be such a fun Saturday night at the Fair,” said Angela Hogeveen, General Manager of the Norfolk County Agricultural Society. “These are two bands from different eras of Canadian rock, but between them there are so many songs people immediately recognize. We wanted a Saturday night that was big, energetic and appealed to a really broad Fair audience — and this does exactly that.”
(FILE PHOTO)
The 2026 Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show, Oct. 6-12, is here! Rides, food, live entertainment, agricultural displays, and more. It promises to be a week of fun. Visit www.norfolkagsociety. com/norfolk-county-fair-and-horse-show/ for all the info and links to daily schedules.
Trooper will kick off the evening, bringing more than five decades of Canadian rock anthems to the Grandstand before Finger Eleven takes the stage to close out Saturday night. Party on the Track concert ticket options include VIP, Track Access and Reserved Grandstand Seating, starting at just $35 with Fair admission included with concert tickets (available through the County Fair website). “We’ve worked hard to create a concert experience that offers great value,” Hogeveen added.“Your concert ticket gets you into the Fair for the day, so come early, enjoy everything the Fair has to offer, and then finish Saturday night with two incredible Canadian bands.”
The presentation of live entertainment at the 2026 Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show is also supported by the Government of Ontario through Experience Ontario funding, helping Norfolk County Agricultural Society continue to bring high-quality tourism experiences and live entertainment to Norfolk. The 186th Norfolk County Fair, proudly presented by Nova Mutual runs Oct. 6-12 at the fairgrounds in Simcoe, features seven days of agriculture, entertainment, competitions, midway rides, food, family programming, motorsports and live entertainment. For concert tickets, Fair information and the latest announcements, visit norfolkcountyfair.com
Discover Pawpaw: A Culinary Experience One of Norfolk County's most anticipated and intimate culinary experiences is returning this fall, inviting guests to discover a fruit that feels surprisingly tropical but has deep roots right here in Ontario. On Thursday, Oct. 22, Marshview Patio & Bar will welcome guests for the return of Discover Pawpaw: A Culinary Experience, an evening combining education, exploration and a locally inspired multi-course tasting menu celebrating the pawpaw. "Last year's event showed us just how curious people are about the pawpaw," said Chloe McConnell, General Manager of Long Point Eco-Adventures, in a media release. "Guests weren't just excited to taste it, they wanted to learn about the trees and understand why this fruit is so special to our region. Norfolk County has such an incredible story to tell through its food, farms, wineries and natural environment. An event like this gives us an opportunity to bring all of those pieces together."
Native to eastern North America, the pawpaw has a soft, custard-like fruit often described as having notes of banana, mango and other tropical fruits. "Pawpaws bring a homegrown taste of the tropics to Southern Ontario," said Kevin Kavanagh, Owner of South Coast Gardens (RR2 St. Williams). "With attractive foliage and spring flowers, they are also a great native tree to add to any garden, large or small." Last year, 25 pawpaw trees sold as a result of the event. Dylan Cowan, Manager of Operations at South Coast Gardens, notes they grow in sun or shade and adapt to most soils. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. in the main dining room at Marshview Patio & Bar at Long Point Eco-Adventures, where guests are welcomed with light bites before an educational presentation led by Kavanagh and Cowan. CULINARY EXPERIENCE
The evening begins on Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m. in the main dining room at Marshview Patio & Bar at Long Point Eco-Adventures, where guests are welcomed with light bites before an educational presentation led by Kavanagh and Cowan. The experience moves outdoors for a guided walk to the Pawpaw Grove at Burning Kiln Winery, a chance to see the trees firsthand and learn how they grow within southern Ontario's Carolinian landscape. Guests then return to Marshview at 7 p.m. for a three-course pawpaw dinner, paired with beer and wine tastings from small, local producers and included with admission. Additional cocktails and drinks will be available for purchase from the bar. The menu is created by Executive Chef Shelli Bosgoed and her team, who will build a multi-course experience around approximately 75 pounds of locally grown pawpaw, exploring the fruit through a variety of flavours, textures and applications.
Bosgoed grew up on a farm just down the road from Long Point Eco-Adventures, and that connection shapes her approach at Marshview, where the team regularly showcases ingredients grown, raised and produced throughout Norfolk County. "We want to have some fun with the pawpaw and create a menu that surprises people, while still keeping that connection to Norfolk County at the centre of what we're serving," said Bosgoed. Tickets are $78 plus HST at lpfun.ca, where guests can also book overnight accommodations at Long Point Eco-Adventures and turn the dinner into a fall getaway. Discover Pawpaw: A Culinary Experience Thursday, Oct. 22 5:30-8:30 p.m. Marshview Patio & Bar & Long Point Eco-Adventures, 1730 Front Road, St Williams Tickets: $78 + HST, available at lpfun.ca
Simcoe Advocate
October 8, 2026
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PET OF THE WEEK
Riddles
Nominate your Pet of the Week by emailing info@simcoeadvocate.com
What gets colder as the days get shorter? The weather --
OLLIE
What can be red, orange, yellow, or brown and dances in the wind?
Meet our Pet of the Week:
A leaf
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-What can be seen in the sky, heard in the trees, and felt on your face in autumn? The wind
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-What do trees put on when summer is over? Their fall colours
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October 8, 2026
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A TASTE OF FALL
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