CIBC Run for the Cure returns
Oct. 5 in Simcoe
With $2.9 million raised going into Simcoe’s 2024 CIBC Run for the Cure, and just over $50,000 raised last year, this is the year they could top $3,000,000.
“Let’s hope we get to three this year,” said Norfolk committee director Gail Catherwood, looking forward to the 26th CIBC Run for the Cure in Simcoe on Oct. 5. “We have another $50,000 to get to the $3,000,000 mark. This is the year! So far, the numbers are good – we’re doing our best to get the word out, doing different things to get people to listen to us here.”
Participants can pre-register online (support.cancer.ca) or make a donation to the cause (with immediate tax receipts) – make sure you go to the Simcoe Run for the Cure page - or begin registering on-site Sunday, Oct. 5 at 9 a.m. Individuals and teams are welcome.
“It’s a great time,” said Catherwood, noting there are family-friendly activities and entertainment, and a Survivors Tent.
“It’s a great time for people to reunite. Families coming together to walk for a loved one or someone who has been affected. It’s more about that than ‘who’s going to win the race.’”
Opening ceremonies, which includes closing ceremonies, is at 10 a.m. at the Lions Ball Park, 75 Davis Street East in Simcoe, followed by the start of the walk/run around 10:15 on paved 1-km and 5-km
The theme of this year’s short film titled ‘Finish It’ was a nod to Terry Fox starting his Marathon of Hope in 1980, and the hope that people would join this year’s Terry Fox Run.
On Sunday, Sept. 14, thousands of
people in over 650 communities nationwide, including Norfolk County, participated in the 45th annual Terry Fox Run in support of cancer research.
“The turnout was really good this year,” said Norfolk Terry Fox Run co-organizer Mackenzie Thorpe. “We had about 205 people at the park with
about 160 partaking in the walk, ride or run itself. Some people came out to cheer on their families or friends, and/ or volunteer with us as well.”
As of Sept. 15, the Norfolk Terry Fox Run in Simcoe had raised $24,978 on Run Day between cash and online donations. There was an
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Norfolk Terry Fox Run day raises $25,000
This year’s Norfolk Terry Fox Run on Sept. 14 raised more than $25,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation.
Terry Fox Run fundraising surpasses 2024 totals
additional bingo night donation of $1,904 from ABEL Enterprises, along with this year's Terry Fox bottle drive efforts and the Food Tour of Norfolk Raffle for Cancer Research - all of which will be reported in their late October totals.
Individuals can still donate to the event at run.terryfox.ca/norfolkcounty .
The draw date for the Food Tour of Norfolk Raffle is Oct. 15 – tickets are still available. Email norfolktfr@gmail.com for information. Also find more information on their Norfolk Terry Fox Run Facebook page.
“It was nice to see all the families, there a lot of kids this year,” said Norfolk Terry Fox Run co-organizer Maddy Thorpe. “We also had a lot of Terry’s Team members this year, all of our cancer survivors, so that was great to see as well.”
About 15 registered as Terry’s Team members. Patricia Porter from Delhi was the special guest speaker.
Participants could walk, run, cycle or roll 1-km, 5-km and 10-km.
“We noticed a lot of people running this year, which is exciting to see,” said Maddy. “We do get a load people that walk or bike as well.”
Activities included the Terry’s Kid Zone with colouring and painting (balloons, rocks, facepainting). Andy the Balloon Guy entertained children after the Run. Terry’s Stop had ‘I am running for…’ stickers. There were bracelets, ribbons, tattoos and a photo station.
“We also had the big ‘I am running for…’ poster, which we had a lot of people sign,” said Mackenzie. “That was really cool to see.”
“Everything went well,” said Maddy. “It was nice weather again and a pretty good turnout. We have already raised more than we did last year. Last year our total for the community Run was around $20,000, so we’re already around $5,000 more, which is always great to see – especially on an anniversary year.”
Nearly all the Terry Fox T-shirts and merchandise sold out, she noted.
The Terry Fox School Runs are Sept. 25.
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Norfolk Terry Fox Run volunteers.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
The UKCAN Team in the 2025 Norfolk Terry Fox Run included two Canadian members and two from the UK.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Jordan Courvoisier paints a rock at the Norfolk Terry Fox Run in Simcoe, watched by Karli Green.
Run for the Cure raises funds for cancer research
routes.
“In the past, we used to do all the highest fundraisers and congratulating the teams all at the end, but now we do it at the start. It does not delay it too much, and it does give people the ability to celebrate, rather than waiting until everybody gets back.”
The CIBC Run for the Cure is different from other cancer fundraising events – it focuses on breast cancer.
“When you specify where the money is going, that makes it even more prevalent for some people. We have a very high percentage of breast cancer here in this community, so it’s great to get behind the cause.”
It also raises awareness, she said, emphasizing the importance of mammograms and early testing.
“I am hoping that people see a difference,” said Catherwood, noting there were over 300 women and men at their Sept. 9 Run for the Cure fundraising fashion show.
“All the people on that stage were breast cancer survivors, and some of them have been doing it for 20 years. And that’s why we keep doing this.
“I think there’s been a lot of hope in the community seeing these girls come back every year.”
About the CIBC Run for the Cure
In 1992, a small but dedicated group of volunteers began a movement in Toronto. They brought together 1,500 people to
raise awareness and raised $85,000 for the breast cancer cause. It marked the beginning of what was to become the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure, now Canada’s largest single-day, volunteer-led event supporting the breast cancer cause.
In 1997, a partnership between the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) and CIBC began. On February 1, 2017, CBCF and the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) joined forces under the CCS banner. Together, CCS, CIBC and thousands of dedicated Canadians continue to raise vital funds for the breast cancer cause.
CCS invests these dollars into groundbreaking breast cancer research, compassionate support services, trusted cancer information and advocacy on behalf of all Canadians. Thanks to the generosity of CIBC Run for the Cure supporters, more is known than ever before about how to prevent, diagnose, treat and live with and beyond breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Canadian women, touching the lives of many families every day. The CIBC Run for the Cure gives families, friends and supporters the opportunity to come together to honour and celebrate their loved ones. And to make a real difference for all Canadians impacted by breast cancer.
For more information, visit cancer.ca
This year’s 26th CIBC Run for the Cure in Simcoe is Oct. 5. (FILE PHOTO)
Norfolk’s CIBC Run for the Cure in Simcoe is just $50,000 away from reaching the $3,000,000 mark in fundraising since its inception.
(FILE PHOTO)
EDITORIAL
End of summer fun, start of fall festivities
Haldimand-Norfolk MPP
Bobbi Ann Brady
As I write this column, summer is winding down.
The change of season is sometimes melancholy as we say goodbye to another season of beaches, lakes, cottages, picnics, and outdoor fun and hot weather. But the onset of fall means beautiful colours and the delight of festival and fair season in Haldimand-Norfolk. Every year I like to remind everyone the change of season is the end of summer fun and the start of fall festivities.
The end of summer fun for me included attending Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show at Discovery Farm in Woodstock. This is the place where real farmers go. It gave me a chance to listen to the issues facing Ontario farmers (especially those from Haldimand-Norfolk in attendance) and check in with the various groups and exhibitors. Every year it’s an eye-opener to see the latest machinery and keep up to speed with farm technology.
I was also down the road from Haldimand County in Grassie for the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (IPM). I hitched a ride in a 1952 Dodge Fargo truck from Lantern Lane Farms. I’d say the Fargo was the hit of the
IPM parade. But the whole IPM was a feast for the eyes and mind. It never fails to impress me.
We’ve just wrapped up many of the summer events in small communities but coming soon, be sure to go savour the work of our local talented artists, which will be showcased during the Norfolk Studio Tour taking place on Sept. 27 and 28. It’s a fantastic display of creativity. Check it out.
Plus, back in all its glory is the Caledonia Fair, Sept. 25-28. It’s a classic. All that entertainment, the midway, games, baby show and demolition derby. And above all, the fair builds agricultural awareness and education. Be sure to stop by my booth and sign the petition to stop the city of 40,000 at Nanticoke.
Small is beautiful too. We have some charming small fairs that have just concluded including Langton and by the time this goes to print, Donnybrook, and Houghton is on tap this week. These are celebrations of strong communities, proud of their past and rural traditions and it’s important that we support them.
A few boxes along in the calendar, comes the much-anticipated Norfolk County Fair, Oct. 7-13. Held annually since 1840, it’s the oldest continuously running fair in Ontario and the second-oldest agricultural fair in North America. Back again are all the animals, school competitions, entertainment, concerts, food and, for the gamblers and the brave, the games and midway. Drop by and say hello at my booth in the southeast corner of the Commercial Building. If I’m not there at that moment, one of my friendly volunteers will be happy to pass along your thoughts.
As we get closer to goblins, ghouls, and jack ‘o’ lantern season, Waterford Pumpkinfest runs Oct. 17-19. It offers
something for all ages: car show; line dancing; soapbox derby; a craft beer garden; and a new feature, the Walk, Run & Roll costume contest and walk, run or roll distance event; and plenty more. That’s a tall list. There’s been much to do and there’s more on tap as we head into fall. Summer was great but don’t feel down, around these parts the end of summer fun is the start of fall festivities.
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MPP Bobbi Ann Brady rides in the annual Langton Fair parade on Sept. 17.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
ium-ion battery look for a safety certification mark such as ULC or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
The theme of the internationally recognized 2025 Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5-11, is ‘charge into fire safety.’
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) wants consumers to be aware of Lithium-Ion batteries in your home and how to you can use them safely, offering three steps for safety – only buy certified products, charge devices safely and charge devices safely.
ONLY BUY CERTIFIED PRODUCTS
When buying a product that uses a lith-
CHARGE DEVICES SAFELY
Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the 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.
RECYCLE RESPONSIBLY
Don’t 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 to find a recycling spot near you.
“Lithium-Ion fires are certainly a hot topic right now,” said Cory Armstrong-Smith, Fire Prevention Officer in Norfolk County, who wanted to add an important fourth item to the NFPA safety steps, relevant to nearly everyone in Norfolk County.
“It’s realizing you have them. So much of the conversation we have with our public… when you start talking about Lithium-Ion or rechargeables, they immediately dismiss it saying ‘I would never own a Tesla.’ And that’s the end of the conversation. They don’t realize as they are saying that, they have a cell phone in their pocket, which is a Lithium-Ion battery.”
Commonly using Lithium-Ion batteries are laptops and tablets, 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 very much learning what you own, taking care of it, and treating it with respect.
“They are prevalent everywhere in our society and the only ones that make the news are the cars. But a bent phone in your pocket is a fire attached to your skin. It’s very important to be aware of that.”
It is important to buy (or replace) chargers that are approved/rated for your phone, he said.
“Just because it has USB-C does not mean it is an actual ULC listed and tested product. Are you using the dongle that provides the right voltage? They are all made different and there are so many things that could be going wrong.”
Also, charge the phone responsibly, he said, never charging 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 very flammable source.
“It’s the same thing as smoking in bed. The fire’s right there. By the time you wake up, you’re already in it. It is absolutely a very dangerous thing, but it is so commonplace now. And everyone says, ‘It’s not a problem because I don’t own an electric car.’
“When the time comes for you to buy a new remote control car or drone battery, you can go online and buy a new battery – it may be $5but does it have those CSA/ UL markings? If it is made by a company not putting in any of the safety features,
that’s where the issue is.”
Batteries for e-bikes can be modified to extend the charge or charge faster –which involves removing all safety features which prevent it from overheating.
“People will plug them in overnight and it does not stop charging - it overcharges, it heats up, it blows up.”
The issue is ‘thermal run-
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Be aware: Lithium-Ion batteries can be a fire hazard
away.’ When batteries are clustered together in tight proximity, when one has a chemical reaction and overheats, it heats up all the batteries around it.
“It literally is ‘thermal running away’ because it keeps going until it consumes everything. A typical electric car will have thousands of these little cells. But even the smallest device will do it. So, the important part is maintaining the temperature inside that battery so it cannot do that. The circuitry that is built into every one of these batteries is designed to keep the temperature regulated – it stops charging if it gets too hot or is charging too quickly. And stops charging completely when done.
“If your battery is damaged, if you are using your power tools as a hammer, or dropping your cell phone or tablet all the time… even if it ‘turns on,’ you are running the risk – every time that happens – of warping the metal components within the battery, which can cause it to heat up. It may not be a problem until the next time you plug it in… but if you plug it in overnight and go to bed, then this is happening right beside you.”
Armstrong-Smith said it’s important to look for the safety marks when buying Lithium-Ion batteries, and buying the right product for your device.
“If you have an Apple phone that says you need to buy an Apple battery, take that seriously. Don’t buy an Amazon Basics charger because it’s not designed for that phone, that battery.”
Armstrong-Smith again stressed ‘realize that you’ve got them,’ and ‘realize that you need to look after them.’
RECYCLING
Lithium-Ion batteries should be properly recycled, he said.
“If you’re just throwing it
out, that battery still holds a charge. So when you throw something in the garbage, you are ‘dropping’ it. And that can cause the reaction when it goes into the garbage truck and it compacts the garbage, crushing all that together. Thermal runaway can still happen.”
Before the battery reaches the landfill, there are several times when it can get crushed, he said.
“If it’s in the middle of a bunch of bags in the back of the truck, it will ignite. This is not an uncommon problem. We haven’t had it out here, that I am aware of, but it’s only a matter of time before we get it.
“Recycling those batteries is a huge deal. Part of it is being aware that it is a Lithium-Ion battery.”
***
The Norfolk County Fire Department ‘strives to enhance awareness through education and enforcement while providing exceptional fire and rescue services.’
During Fire Prevention Week, the local fire department, with 11 stations across the county, will be attending the Norfolk County Fair, Oct. 7-13, to promote fire safety and connect with the community.
“We work to create safe communities through public education for all ages, fire prevention and inspection services, and by working closely with partner agencies and community groups.”
FIRE PREVENTION WEEK
Fire Prevention Week, initiated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), is observed internationally each year during the week of Oct. 9 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, Oct. 8, 1871, which caused devastating damage, killing more than 250 people, leaving 100,000 homeless, destroying more than 17,400 structures, and burning more than 2,000 acres of land.
NFPA’s
FIRE SAFETY SMARTS
Color the picture and practice copying these fire safety tips, then post the page on your refrigerator to remind the whole family that fire safety is important!
KIDS, FOLLOW THESE TIPS!
Never play with matches or lighters.
Stay away from stoves, heaters or anything that gets hot.
Make a fire escape plan with your family. Find two ways out of every room and pick a meeting place outside.
SHARE THESE TIPS WITH PARENTS & ADULTS.
Test smoke alarms every month.
WHAT TO DO IF THERE’S A FIRE:
• If you hear a fire alarm, get outside immediately and stay outside.
• Once you are outside, call 911 or get help from a neighbor.
• If your clothes are on fire, stop, drop and roll until the fire is out.
• Fall and crawl to escape a fire. Breathing is easier if you stay low to the ground.
Don’t leave the kitchen unattended when pots or pans are cooking on the stove.
Never leave candles burning when you leave a room.
Port Dover’s Pumper 2 in the Canada Day Calithumpian parade.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Two Norfolk County firefighters ran in the 2024 CIBC Run for the Cure – in full gear.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Sparky the Fire Dog joined Norfolk Station 7 at the Langton Easter Egg Hunt in April.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Norfolk firefighters Rick Matthews and Jade Mercier educate young students.
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Norfolk Fire Department’s rescue boat joined the Bayfest parade in Port Rowan.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Langton’s Rescue 7 in the Langton Fair parade.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Norfolk firefighters from St. Williams volunteered at the Donnybrook Fair demolition derby on Sunday.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Join us as The Forest City Film Festival celebrates 10 years of community, creativity and cinema
BRITTANY WHELAN
Industry and Special Events Coordinator
Picture this: I was eight years old when a major movie production rolled into my small town in Southwestern Ontario. The downtown transformed into a film set, and I can remember my mother dragging me by hand to a gleaming white limousine. Security moved to stop us, but Julianne Moore said it was okay, and signed my scrap of paper. I didn’t know it then, but that brief exchange was the spark that led me to study film and pursue a career in the industry—because film doesn’t just entertain, it inspires, connects people, and fuels local economies. Now I work for the Forest City Film Festival, where we help champion the next generation of regional storytellers.
For the past decade, the Forest City Film Festival (FCFF) has celebrated the stories and talent of Southwestern Ontario. Uniting movie lovers, empowering creators, and contributing to a $30 million regional film industry. And the inspiration doesn’t stop with film. This year, we’re honouring London native David Shore, creator of HOUSE M.D. and THE GOOD DOCTOR—whose work has influenced not only storytellers, but a generation of doctors and healthcare professionals.
That spark I felt as a kid was the same kind of magic our founder and executive director Dorothy Downs wanted to share
when she launched the FCFF in 2015. A year later, her vision came to life at the Wolf Performance Hall with a three-day event showcasing 25 regionally connected films, capped by a sold-out gala featuring local screenwriter Emma Donoghue. By 2017, FCFF had nearly doubled its programming, introducing an animation category, an international screening, and extending the festival to five days.
2018 brought a dose of nostalgia with a screening of THE BREAKFAST CLUB and a live Q&A with London-born actor John Kapelos. Plus the launch of the Short Film Pitch Competition which gave emerging creators the chance to bring their ideas to life. In 2019, the inaugural Forest City Youth Film Festival took centre stage, spotlighting the voices of high school filmmakers from across the region.
When the world went online in 2020, FCFF adapted with a fully digital festival, introducing a Music Video category, virtual Q&As, and on-demand access that connected audiences across Canada. 2021 marked the rebrand of our industry programming into the Ontario Screen Creators Conference, complete with a national-scale Project Pitch competition offering a $60,000 prize package. In 2022, we expanded our lens with curated Indigenous programming and “Best of the World Fest” (BOWF), bringing highlights from Cannes, TIFF, Sundance, and Berlinale to our local audiences.
By 2024, London’s designation as a UNESCO City of Music inspired an electrifying opening night of live performances, music videos, and a world premiere. We also introduced our Lifetime Achievement in Entertainment Award, honouring London born Victor Garber in a star-studded celebration with surprise appearances from Jennifer Garner, Eugene Levy and Martin Short.
This year, as we mark our 10th anniversary, we invite you to be part of 10 unforgettable days with more than 100 films, 60+ events, and experiences that celebrate the power of storytelling. From our high-energy music video opening night to a haunting Halloween screening, and the very best in regional cinema in between, the Forest City Film Festival is where culture, creativity, and community meet on the big screen.
Audiences will enjoy stories from across Southwestern Ontario, featuring films from Stratford, Cambridge, Hamilton, and beyond, showcasing the region’s richness and diversity. Hollywood comes to London with our Lifetime Achievement Award Reception, where Emmy-winning creator David Shore will be honoured in a glamorous evening of signature drinks, generous hors d’oeuvres, and an exciting silent auction. Attendees can also explore the best international films or cheer on the next generation of filmmakers. With so much to see and do, there’s truly something for everyone at this year’s festival.
So grab your tickets, load up on popcorn, and join us at the theater—because in every seat, there’s a dream waiting to be sparked, and a story waiting to be told.
Visit fcff.ca to explore the full program and join the celebration.
With over 30 years of industry experience, my goal is to work together with you to develop a successful marketing strategy for your business needs.
Norfolk endorses communications strategy
LUKE EDWARDS Grant Haven Media
Norfolk County officials are hoping a new communications strategy will help combat misinformation in the community.
The strategy, the first of its kind for the municipality and endorsed by councillors at the Sept. 9 council-in-committee meeting, makes several recommendations for staff to implement, including the use of artificial intelligence, adopting a media monitoring tool, and creating a community ambassador program.
“In an age of misinformation and disinformation and concerns around trust, if we can build partnerships with the agencies and agents in the community that have already acquired trust with their interest holder groups within their communities and build those communication relation-
ships, then we’ve come closer to winning that challenge,” said Doug MacMillan, a consultant with The Letter M who helped the county develop the plan.
While it promotes the use of AI, MacMillan stressed the strategy includes safeguards against its misuse or the pitfalls associated with the technology. At the same meeting councillors also approved a staff recommendation to implement an AI policy for internal staff.
MacMillan called its use “a carefully managed and staff overseen tool, but certainly a resource that is making the most of the resources that you do have.”
The strategy also calls for the implementation of a community ambassador program, where trusted members of the community will be enlisted to “share accurate information, counter misinformation, and foster respectful dialogue, especially on so-
Port Dover Lions get raise for work at centre
A successful partnership is when both sides win, and it appears that has been the case with the Port Dover Lions and their operation of the Lions Community Centre.
Thanks to the increased usage and revenue of the centre since the Lions took over operation four years ago, Norfolk councillors agreed to a shift in the commission paid to the service club. At the Sept. 9 council-in-committee meeting they approved a report recommending the annual commission rate be bumped to 60 per cent from the previous 50 per cent.
“There would be an increase in their percentage of the commission but they are doing such a good job running the place it actually increases the amount the county gets anyway,” said Coun. Chris Van Paassen.
“That’s the way it was intended to work, that’s the way it is working, so why would we stop doing that?”
In 2019, the last full year before the Lions took over, annual revenue generated from the centre’s use was about $32,000. By last year revenue jumped to just under $60,000, and in the first six months of this year the trend appears to be continuing, with nearly $42,000 in revenue reported between January and June of 2025.
cial media and in everyday conversations,” a staff report said.
Coun. Adam Veri had some hesitance surrounding the ambassador program, fearing it could backfire if an ambassador opposes something the county is doing.
“What kind of measures are in place to make sure our ambassadors realize that when you do this, yes you can leave, but there’s an expectation that you’re not using your platform to undermine council’s decisions?” he said.
Director of Customer Service and Communications Katherine McCurdy said the idea of the ambassador program is more to have community members directing people to sources of accurate information in an effort to keep misinformation from spreading.
The strategy also includes several internal recommendations for how departments
interact and communicate. For the most part, the existing communications budget will be used to implement the strategy. McCurdy said at this point the only item that would require a budget increase is the media monitoring tool.
With the proposal to incorporate more AI and with a focus on social media, Coun. Linda Vandendriessche wanted to make sure traditional methods of communication would still be available.
“At the end of the day can a person still pick up the phone, ask a question and get an answer?” she asked.
“Absolutely,” replied McCurdy. “The phone is never going away, it’s something we really ensure residents are aware of and really strive to provide a great experience.”
Norfolk councillors approve next-term pay raise
When the next term of council gets sworn in and begins work, they’ll do so with a little more cash coming into their bank accounts.
Councillors narrowly approved an option to increase council remuneration following this term. The raises will be based on compensation for politicians at the provincial level, who in turn received their first raises in 16 years this spring.
The increases will see the next mayor earn just shy of $118,000 a year, with councillors receiving half that number at $59,000. Those will be significant bumps from the roughly $93,000 and $41,000 municipal politicians are earning this year.
However, councillors who supported the raises did so largely along two lines of thought. The first is that the raises are needed to bring them in line with comparators and ensure skilled people are willing to consider a term of council. And the second
an entirely different role,” said Mayor Amy Martin.
Between massive agenda packages, lengthy meetings, off-hour calls and emails with constituents and numerous public events, the mayor and others said the job can be all-consuming.
And with Norfolk councillors at the head of a multi-billion dollar corporation, adding $184,000 to the budget to ensure qualified people are convinced to run is important, they said.
“It’s all the more reason to have qualified, adequately compensated folks who are using their noodles making their decisions that are very conscious with taxpayer dollars,” Martin said.
“The folks that come after us will make decisions that are going to impact the future of Norfolk County for decades.”
A staff report that included a list
of 10 comparator municipalities showed both mayoral and councillors salaries below average, though the councillor wages were close to the average. The table showed the Norfolk mayor salary of $93,000 to be the third lowest in the group.
Council was split on the decision. Coun. Doug Brunton said he thought they were already adequately compensated and should leave the decision to the next term. Coun. Tom Masschaele concurred about being adequately compensated but differed on who should make the decision.
“I just don’t know if this is the right time to make these adjustments but I do think we need to make this decision now and not pass it on to the next term of council because I want people who want to run for council next term to know exactly what the deal is,” he said.
He also said giving councillors a significant raise when so many constituents are feeling the pinch of rising property taxes and cost of living could send the wrong message.
Masschaele also cautioned against going solely based on the list of comparators. That’s especially the case since neighbouring Haldimand County pays its councillors significantly more than anywhere else. Calling them an outlier, Masschaele said it changes the math a bit.
“If you take Haldimand out, we’re ahead of many comparators,” he said.
A recorded vote passed in a 5-4 result. Brunton, Masschaele, Chris Van Paassen and Michael Columbus voted against the option, while Martin, Kim Huffman, Adam Veri, Alan Duthie, and Linda Vandendriessche voted in support.
LUKE EDWARDS
Grant Haven Media
Doug Brunton, Norfolk Ward 5 Councillor.
LUKE EDWARDS
Grant Haven Media
Judy-Ann and Ian Macauley receive Paul Harris Awards
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Removing barriers for free cancer screening
A mobile cancer screening coach, parked at the Norfolk Family Health Team in Simcoe, will return on Nov. 13, followed by every other month, to offer free breast, cervix and colorectal screenings.
Dr. Meghan Davis, Regional Primary Care Lead for the Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Regional Cancer Program, said the main purpose of the mobile coach is to remove barriers for people who wish to get tested for cancer - even if they’re not experiencing symptoms.
Davis adds that barriers might include people not having a family doctor, lost faith in the healthcare system, as well as cultural and language barriers. The program is in conjunction with Brantford Ontario Health Team.
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise presented Ian and Judy-Ann Macauley with Paul Harris Awards at their annual Welcome Back BBQ on August 26.
As a team, Ian & Judy-Ann have been long-serving volunteers at their church, within their curling club, and in support of the wider community.
They have long-served St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in a wide array of general operations, building maintenance, and musical program leadership and support roles. Judy-Ann has extended her musical skills to many groups within and outside of the church. They are also active volunteers at Church Out Serving, involved in the Emergency Meals program.
They have been leaders and organizers at the Simcoe Curling Club for over four decades. Together, they have committed themselves to running the social curling league for many years. Ian is a Past President of the Club, a Past Ice Chair and a serving Board member.
Regarding the wider Norfolk community,
for over a decade they have been the leaders of the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP), a community-based Canadian Revenue Agency program that offers free and basic encouragement and support for the needy to file their annual income tax submissions. Over the years, this significant community contribution has extended to helping literally thousands of people who otherwise might not discharge this civic responsibility. This remarkable feat has been done with Norfolk County Public Library support and has beneficially improved the life of many Norfolk County citizens in need.
The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise notes that Judy-Ann and Ian represent the very best qualities set out by Rotary International and thanks them both for demonstrating with action their commitment to the strengthening of our community. They are true examples of the Rotary motto of “Service above Self.”
In awarding the Paul Harris Fellowship recognition, the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise has donated $1,000 US to the Rotary Foundation in their names.
“It's bringing it closer to home. We are trying to remove the barriers when getting cancer screening. It is such an important part of taking care of our health to look for cancer and find those symptoms as early as possible,” said Dr. Davis.
“We also give out colorectal cancer kits so those are at-home poop tests, instead of mailing it to the client we can give them the kit right when they get on the coach. It’s a fantastic test, it's very easy and you do it at home in the privacy of your own bathroom, and you can drop it off in the mail.”
Dr. Davis said that there is a private exam area where they can conduct cervix screenings that search for potential changes. The screening was launched last March from Ontario Health. There is also on-site smoking counseling where people can receive free nicotine replacement therapy.
The coach, which earlier set up in Simcoe on Sept. 17, accepts booked appointments as well as drop-ins.
“I believe so much in prevention trying to not smoke, eat well, exercise, sleep. With colorectal cancer when you catch it early, nine out of 10 people can be cured,” said Dr. Davis. “It’s a very human thing to be
scared of something but talking about it with people helps. The things that we hold within ourselves just get bigger and bigger the longer we hold it in.”
Dr. Davis says the team at the coach team is attentive and creates an environment where patients feel safe and engaged. She emphasizes that sharing concerns is very important, and the staff carefully follows up on results to ensure that nobody’s results get lost.
“This is for people who have no symptoms. If you’re feeling great and healthy then this coach is for you - you catch it before it potentially becomes a problem. The team is very dedicated and welcoming,” said Dr. Davis. “Everyone will feel that when they come here, they are magically a group of people dedicated to helping the community.”
Those who wish to book an appointment for November can call 905-975-4467 or 855 338-3131.
Ian and Judy Ann Macauley accept their Paul Harris Awards from Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise co-presidents Mary Mercato and Ross Gowan along with Public Image Chair Jim Simpson.
The Mobile Cancer Screening Coach visits Simcoe to offer free breast, cervix, and colorectal screenings for residents. From left are Stacy Sordo, Meghan Welch, and Carrie Claxton, welcoming all to the coach bus. It will return on a bi-monthly basis for the foreseeable future.
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County to seek non-profit to maintain Lamport Park
LUKE EDWARDS
Grant Haven Media
Norfolk County will be looking to divest itself of Lamport Park, while keeping the green space open to the public.
In what had become a rather drawn out affair, councillors voted to have staff send out a “request for information” document to find a non-profit organization willing to take over the operation of Lamport Park. In recent months council had several discussions about the future of the park and the neighbouring Old Vittoria Town Hall,
ultimately voting to put the town hall site up on the market while directing staff to come back with options for the park.
“Back in January this council decided on the entire property to go through this request for proposals and look if there was any potential (for non-profit involvement). And at the last meeting we split property in two,” said Coun. Chris Van Paassen.
“So the option three (the RFI option) that’s presented by staff, to me, is just following through on the original decision that council already made.”
Other options staff presented included
Norfolk County to develop vibrancy fund
Renewable energy projects could power more than just people’s homes in the future.
At the Sept. 9 council-in-committee meeting, Norfolk councillors approved a staff recommendation to create a community vibrancy fund in light of several alternative energy companies having approached county officials recently about locating a project within Norfolk.
Through agreements with renewable energy companies locating in Norfolk, money from the fund would be used to pay for community projects of broad appeal.
“This approach is consistent with best practices in Ontario municipalities and represents a new revenue source for the county,” said Stephanie Potter, manager of corporate initiatives.
Agreements would be for a term spanning 20 to 25 years. Projects could include things like wind turbine operations, solar farms, battery storage facilities and transmission infrastructure.
Money raised is put into the fund and a fund policy dictates how the money is spent. The fund would support projects with broad community benefit and ideally support long term benefits.
Coun. Chris Van Paassen had some concerns about the fund scaring away potential businesses.
“If it’s good for the community to have these kinds of industries because we are underserviced, charging them more is not going to make them come and develop something,” he said.
“By being one of the municipalities without these fees, we’re much more likely to induce these companies to come and invest in Norfolk County.”
Van Paassen was additionally worried the extra costs to the businesses would just end up being passed along to customers,
raising the cost of living.
“I don’t see it as a direct cost impact to the end user other than what hydro would charge,” replied Director of Economic Development John Regan.
And since the companies require a letter of support from the host municipality, Mayor Amy Martin said they have a bit of leverage to ask for something.
“In my experience to date… they’re very happy to contribute to something,” she said.
having the county maintain ownership of the park or sell it in conjunction with the old town hall.
Mayor Amy Martin asked staff what the RFI process would entail.
“I envision it would be a similar process to what we used for the old town hall building,” said Heidy VanDyk, general manager of corporate services.
The Lamport family donated the parkland in 1962 in honour of William Lamport. Earlier in the meeting, Jennifer Day, representing the Lamport family, endorsed Option 3. When Alice Lamport donated
the land, she said it was with the intention that it would be used for a public park.
“Option 3 would also be in keeping with the original agreement between Alice Lamport and the trustees of the police village of Vittoria in 1962 at the time the gift was conveyed,” she said, adding the family has been in touch with local non-profits.
“We feel confident we can deliver a credible, creditable response to Option 3 request for information.”
Any submissions through the RFI process will come back to council.
Community hospice targets late 2027 opening
Grant Haven Media
While staff, supporters and the community will have to wait another twoplus years for the opening of the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice, those in need will continue receiving the help they require.
Andrea Binkle, the executive director for the organization, gave Norfolk councillors an update on the project to build a new community hospice on donated land in Jarvis that will serve both municipalities for years to come.
She said they’re targeting a late 2027 or early 2028 opening for the $14 million project.
“We really tried to make sure the building was very modest and fit the landscape both for Norfolk and Haldimand County,” Binkle said.
The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has approved four beds to start, but with an eye to the future, Binkle said they’re building a hospice with capacity for 10 beds. And with a large parcel of land that was donated by Alan Williamson - in honour of his father Drew Williamson, who co-founded Doughty and Williamson - Binkle said they’ll have room to grow.
While they’re eagerly looking ahead to the new building being opened, Binkle told councillors the organization will continue to serve the community in the meantime. They offer a variety of programs for people facing life limiting illnesses along with their loved ones. Their programs supported around 400 individuals last year, and Binkle said they are there for anyone from children to older seniors.
More information on their programs can be found at norfolkhaldimandhospice.ca.
The new build will include private beds with their own bathrooms, along with
a large living room and a big porch out front. For Binkle, though, she’s excited about the kitchen, a big space that will give visitors a sense of home.
“I want the kitchen to be the heart of the home, right in the middle so that when people come in they can smell the cookies being baked or the apple crisp,” she said.
Capital funding for the project relies largely on community support, with the province committing $250,000 per bed, or $1 million in the case of the Norfolk Haldimand project, that comes with some stipulations. Binkle came to council with a request to commit to five per cent of its financial goal over three years. Due to the county’s rules, it’s a request that will have to be dealt with later.
LUKE EDWARDS
Grant Haven Media
Chris Van Paassen, Norfolk Ward 4 Councillor.
LUKE EDWARDS
Andrea Binkle, executive director, Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Detmar proves vision loss doesn’t limit ambition
Jacob Detmar, 22, from Brantford, discovered blind golf almost by accident while volunteering for high school hours. What started as a simple task quickly became a place where he felt at home.
Detmar was born with a visual impairment that limits his peripheral vision. His challenge didn’t stop him from joining as a volunteer which kickstarted him into becoming a golf player at Simcoe’s Greens at Renton’s Blind Golf Tournament back in 2022.
In the earlier days, Detmar got a hole-in-one on the practice green which impressed course officials.
“He went there for the high school volunteer hours, but my hidden agenda was to get him connected to that community and it worked naturally,” said Jacob’s mother, Mandy Detmar. “He clicked right away, and he felt like he was at home because he was exchanging stories with other blind golfers.”
From volunteer to annual blind golf participant led to Detmar working part-time at the course’s pro shop while he studies a two-year business accounting program at Fanshawe College. After his college studies, Detmar plans to pursue a degree while also working at a position in his field.
Detmar says that he felt at home when he embraced the blind golf community and received the realization that he wasn’t alone with his vision and hearing loss. The newfound acceptance prompted him to connect with other individuals who faced similar challenges.
“Growing up I didn’t know anyone that had issues with their eyesight and hearing, so being in an environment where everyone had vision loss helped accept that I’m not the only one,” said Detmar. “There are other people out there that live and function with these challenges and it was refreshing to know that I wasn’t alone.”
Detmar goes by his motto to always trust the process, saying everyone is faced with challenges and it’s always important to learn and adapt in a way that works for them, to stick with it and never give up.
Detmar says a day-to-day struggle for him is traveling since he’s unable to drive. He considers himself lucky to have a strong support system, relying on drivers to get him where he needs to be but he admits it can still be challenging. He explains that he learns best through experience, putting himself out there, figuring out what works,
and adapting along the way.
“My depth perception isn't great and I should have a walking stick but for whatever reason I’m stubborn and don’t want it,” said Detmar. “People will tell me where the dropoffs on the sidewalk are or where to step up, sometimes I see it sometimes I don’t.
“With living at home, I know my way around because I’ve been here for 20 years but mostly cooking can be challenging because it can be hard for me to tell if a piece of chicken is cooked probably by looking at the colour.”
With his quick learning and adapting to new challenges, that won’t stop Detmar from moving out of his parents’ home and seeking a more independent life regardless of his vision impairment.
Through his ambition and perseverance, Detmar plans to continue to trust the process.
Little fair, big traditions in Langton
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
With 135 years of history, North Walsingham Agricultural Society’s annual Langton Fair has been ‘making memories’ for generations.
Some events go back several decades, including the junior talent show and tobacco tying, some like the nail pounding a century or more.
“I went in the parade as a kid,” smiled Cindy Erdelac of Langton, at the Sept. 17th fair. “We decorated our bicycles and rode them in the parade when we were little. Every year. Now I’m watching my grandchildren - my son and daughter-in-law both went to school here, and their kids.
“Ever since I was young, 1960 in Grade 1, the public school and the catholic school always went in the parade.”
Erdelac said she remembers entering her kids in the baby contest when they were little.
“Watching all the kids and their friends,” she said, describing some of her fair highlights. “And seeing their exhibits, all the different artwork.”
This year she entered photography, corn, and flowers and won some red ribbons.
“It’s a lot of fun here seeing cousins, friends. There’s a lot of people here – everybody comes out. And the kids love it.”
“It’s really important to the community,” said Norfolk Ward 2 Councillor Linda Vandendriessche, who annually volunteers at the fair, and years ago entered her children in the baby contest – and won. “It’s one of the major things in the community – everyone does look forward to the fall Langton Fair, and it draws the whole community and the schools together. It’s so familiar to family, and it draws the family together...
“I think it was amazing when they started it, but to see I last this long – it really means something to people. It’s
amazing and I love it every year.
“Walking in the parade - I remember when my oldest one, Michel, he was in Kindergarten and they put him on a wagon. Today, there’s only about 300 students in the community, so this is vitally important for people to see.
This IS community.
“It joins people together,” she nodded. “And all these little contests… we’ve been doing the hammer driving for years, and everybody loves it.”
“It turned out really well, lots of exhibits and lots of people,” said Carol Overbaugh from the North Walsingham Agricultural Society.
“There were a lot of people watching the parade from the street today, they were really lined up. That was good to see. And the schools came through really well – I can’t say enough about the teachers and the students. We were very, very pleased. And the weather could not have been better. Overall, it was a marvelous day.”
ALEX HUNT Advocate Correspondent
From volunteer to competitor, Jacob Detmar embraces challenges on and off the golf course.
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Students from Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School joined the 2025 Langton Fair parade.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Valley Heights Secondary School cheerleaders were enthusiastic participants in this year’s Langton Fair parade.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Students from Langton Public School in the fair parade.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Norfolk Field Naturalists host wildlife photographer
LISA TIMPF
Advocate Contributor
Snapping, compelling photos of wildlife is no easy task as birds, butterflies, deer, and other creatures are not always cooperative subjects.
Brantford photographer Anca Gaston, a guest speaker at the Norfolk Field Naturalists’ September speaker night, shared some tips for improving the odds of success. Gaston also shared some of the photos she has taken over the years, including shots of bald eagles, deer, birds, and butterflies.
Being at the right place at the right time, Gaston admits, plays a part in successful wildlife photography. But the more you know about wild creatures, their preferred environments and their habits, the more likely you are to be in the right place when the opportunity presents itself. She cited the eBird app as one resource that can identify locations where certain bird species might be found.
Having a camera that can shoot at a high frame rate is helpful, says Gaston. She also advises taking multiple photos of the same subject. That way, you are more likely to catch them in an appealing or unusual pose.
Though some people travel to exotic destinations to take nature pictures, Gaston suggests we shouldn’t overlook the photo-taking opportunities in our own back yards. As an example, she showed several appealing photos of red squirrels, which might be found in many urban areas. Planting shrubs, trees, and flowers that attract wildlife can be helpful in drawing potential photo subjects to your yard, she adds.
Gaston says that wildlife tends to be more active in early morning and later afternoon. Natural lighting can create attractive effects during the “golden hours,” the hours just after sunrise and just before sunset. Photos taken during these time frames tend to have a warm, golden glow.
One of the most important tips, Gaston says, is to get down to the level of the wildlife when taking their picture. As an example, she showed photos of a heron taken from above, versus at the same level as the bird. The photo taken at the same level was much more visually appealing.
When photographing wildlife, Gaston also suggests focusing on the subject’s eyes, rather than using a more general focus point.
To photograph skittish or shy wildlife, Gaston places
the camera on a tripod focused on the desired location, then uses a remote shutter release. This lets her sit or stand some distance from the camera, and trigger it remotely while not disturbing the creatures she is photographing. She has used this technique when photographing woodpecker nests, and to get shots of kingfishers landing on favorite perches.
One’s subject matter might vary depending on the season, Gaston says. In springtime, many migrating birds have bright plumage. Summer brings the opportunity to capture shots of butterflies and young animals, while autumn brings fall colours.
In addition to providing enjoyable images, wildlife photography also “enables us to see details we normally couldn’t see with our own eyes,” says Gaston.
Photographing wildlife can also inspire greater appreci-
ation of the natural world. Those interested in seeing more examples of Gaston’s work can check out the photographs posted on her Facebook pages, www.facebook/anca.gaston.
Gaston’s “Introduction to Wildlife Photography” was the first Norfolk Field Naturalists’ speaker event after the summer break. Their next speaker event, “The Niagara Escarpment,” will take place Tuesday, Oct. 21, starting at 7 p.m.
Mushroom Hike field events are also scheduled for Sept. 27, with a rain date of Sept. 28. While NFN speaker events are open to all, pre-registration is required for some field events, including the mushroom hikes.
More information about the Norfolk Field Naturalists and their upcoming events can be found at https://norfolkfieldnaturalists.org/.
(ANCA GASTON PHOTO)
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Norfolk Terry Fox Run was presented a cheque for $1,904 for assisting with ABEL Enterprises bingo night. In the photo are Scott and Gail (both from ABEL), and Carolyn, Maddy, Mackenzie and Deb from the Norfolk County Terry Fox committee.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Cyclists line up to start the 5-km route at the Norfolk Terry Fox Run.
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Some of the 2025 Norfolk Terry Fox Run’s cancer survivors.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Warming up for the Norfolk Tery Fox Run, Sept. 14 in Simcoe.
Studio Tour Exhibition showcases artistic talent
Stained glass, metalwork, pottery, and paintings. These are just samples of the kinds of work available for viewing at the 2025 Lynnwood Arts Norfolk Studio Tour Exhibition, currently on display at Lynnwood Arts in Simcoe.
The purpose of the Studio Tour Exhibition is to show representative works from the artists who are participating in the 2025 Norfolk Studio Tour, which takes place Sept. 27 and Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. This year’s Studio Tour features 41 artists, a record number for the past few years, says Lynnwood Arts Executive Director Kim Shippey.
The Studio Tour provides artists with the opportunity to showcase their work to visitors, who can drop by to the studios of their choice during the tour’s open hours. In effect, the Studio Tour provides a “self-guided journey” for those wishing to look at artwork, chat with local artists, and perhaps make some purchases.
Some of this year’s participants are Studio Tour regulars, but Shippey notes that some new artists have joined the event this year, and some have returned after time off from the Tour.
This year’s Studio Tour includes venues throughout Norfolk County, including studios in an around Delhi, Port Rowan, Vittoria, St. Williams, Waterford, Simcoe and
Port Dover. But the Tour draws interest from those further afield who come to check out the artwork. Shippey notes that Lynnwood has 3,000 Studio Tour brochures printed up, and they go quickly.
Those interested in checking out the Studio Tour studios can download a PDF of the map at https://lynnwoodarts. ca/exhibitions/norfolk-studio-tour/, or pick up a physical copy of the brochure at Lynnwood Arts, 21 Lynnwood Avenue, Simcoe.
The brochure includes the names, addresses, and where available, websites of participating artists, some thumbnail-sized art samples for each, and a rundown on the type of art (mixed media, sculpture, landscape, etc.) each artists creates. The brochure also includes maps showing where each of the studios is located.
Lynnwood will be open during the Studio Tour, so tour-goers can pick up information or wander through the Studio Tour Exhibition.
Though the Studio Tour itself is a two-day event, the Studio Tour Exhibition will remain on display until Dec. 13, 2025, providing an overview of some of Norfolk County’s varied and impressive artistic talent.
In addition to the Studio Tour Exhibition, Lynnwood is also hosting the Norfolk Potters’ Guild and Studio display in the upstairs Community Gallery. Some of the artists included in this display are also involved in the Studio Tour. Like the Studio Tour Exhibition, the Potters’ Guild display
will be available for viewing until Dec. 13.
This piece by Pam Schneider is part of the Norfolk Studio Tour 2025 Exhibition at Lynnwood Arts.
(GINETTE PIEPER PHOTO)
These whimsical bowls crafted by Marianne Kalich are part of the Norfolk Potters’ Guild and Studio display in the Community Gallery, upstairs at Lynnwood Arts.
(GINETTE PIEPER PHOTO)
This bowl crafted by Joseph Panacci is part of the Norfolk Studio Tour 2025 exhibition at Lynnwood Arts. Panacci makes functional and decorative porcelain pottery using local materials for glazes.
(GINETTE PIEPER PHOTO)
LISA TIMPF Advocate Contributor
Low water levels monitored at Waterford Ponds
Norfolk County and the Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) are actively working together to monitor and address lower-than-normal water levels in the Waterford Ponds.
Following an exceptionally hot and dry summer, Norfolk County is currently under a Level 1 Low Water Advisory, as declared by LPRCA. This advisory is based on significantly reduced rainfall and stream flows across the watershed.
Other contributing factors may include natural obstructions such as beaver dams, which can reduce or slow water flow into the ponds. Norfolk County has completed a preliminary inspection of the Waterford Dam, limited to what is currently visible, and is in the process of arranging a more comprehensive inspection to ensure no operational issues are contributing to the situation.
While pond levels fluctuate annually depending on base flows, the current conditions are more pronounced due to an extended dry period. These low levels may place stress on aquatic life, but there is no concern for public health or safety at this time.
Any wildlife remediation efforts, such as addressing beaver activity, will be carried out in accordance with provincial and conservation standards.
LPRCA is monitoring streamflow and precipitation across the watershed as part of its Flood Forecasting & Warning and Low Water Response Program. Water users are encouraged to use water wisely to help conserve and protect aquatic ecosystems.
With the arrival of cooler fall temperatures and anticipated rainfall, conditions are expected to improve in the coming weeks.
Norfolk County and LPRCA will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed. For more information on the Low Water Advisory and conservation tips, visit LPRCA’s Low Water Response Program online (lprca.on.ca).
LOW WATER ADVISORY
As of August 25, LPRCA urged water conservation throughout the Long Point Region watershed.
Water users throughout the Long Point Region watershed have been asked to voluntarily reduce their water consumption by “10 per cent” because of the unusually
dry weather in recent months.
Based on the cumulative lack of rainfall since mid-May and lower than typical stream flows in local watercourses, the Joint Water Response Team (JWRT) issued a Level 1 Low Water Advisory for all areas of the Long Point Region watershed.
The local Joint Water Response Team is made up of representatives from watershed municipalities, the local agricultural sector, other major water users, several provincial ministries and Long Point Region Conservation Authority. During a recent virtual meeting, the JWRT noted the LPRCA watershed has been very dry this summer, having received only about 50-75% of average rainfall for this time of year over the past 3-4 months days.
In response, LPRCA encouraged everyone to follow their municipal water use bylaws and to reduce non-essential uses of water.
Urban and rural residents can help by restricting water use, such as lawn watering and car washing; identifying and fixing leaks; and taking care to conserve water indoors.
Irrigators can reduce consumption and the impact on groundwater aquifers and watercourses by following best practices for irrigation, such as:
• Arranging with their neighbor to stagger irrigation times;
• Pumping at a lower rate over a longer period of time and store water in a pond if possible;
• Ensuring that their equipment is running efficiently and not leaking; and
• Minimizing daytime irrigation, or when windy, to reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation.
By following these and other best practices, residents in the Long Point Region watershed proactively assist in minimizing the impacts of low water on aquatic ecosystems; conserving water supplies in the event conditions worsen; and hopefully limiting or reducing the need for stronger water restriction measures.
LPRCA will continue to monitor stream flow, groundwater levels and precipitation, and will provide updates as watershed conditions change.
Norfolk County and the Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) are actively working together to monitor and address lower-than-normal water levels in the Waterford Ponds.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Norfolk County and LPRCA will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO) Some of the youngest participants in the Langton Fair parade were from Norfolk Little People’s Day Care.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Tractors add to the rural flavour of the Langton Fair parade.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
QualitySales&ServiceForOver50Years
950 James St., Delhi 519-582-3100
www.mckeesport.ca
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86 Second Ave. W., Simcoe 519-426-7271 contact@secondaveprinting.com
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625 West St. W. Simcoe 519-428-9927 simcoelighting@gmail.com
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50 Gilbertson Drive, Simcoe 519-428-0980
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166th Donnybrook Fair
Art With Heart Studio provided facepainting at this year’s Donnybrook Fair in Walsh.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Mr. Brown Knows entertains children with his music and balloons Sunday at the Donnybrook Fair in Walsh.
Super Air Bounce Rentals supplied the inflatables at the 166th Donnybrook Fair in Walsh.
Bakery café blossoms at Makkink’s Flower Farm
Makkink’s Flower Farm and Bakery Café has come a long way from its humble roots – a flower table near road.
“My business has grown ‘over the years,’ it’s nothing that I planned out,” said Hilde Makkink, noting when she added the cutyour-own flowers service it was a dream come true. “I didn’t say, ‘This is what it has to look like in 10 years or so.’”
Makkink started with sunflowers, and enjoyed it… a lot.
“I started with a really small plot and now it’s two acres of fresh-cut flowers – and two acres is enough. We start off the end of May, beginning of June when the first flowers are ready. It runs until the frost hits in the fall. I’m always hoping for Thanksgiving, and the weekend after is ideal. But if the frost comes earlier, it’s over.”
Flower seasons vary, but they include dahlias, peonies, sunflowers, zinnias – and so much more.
“We grow around 45 varieties,” said Makkink. “I think it’s even more. But nothing is growing the whole time. Peonies are a spring flower, May-June. Then we have Delphiniums, then the summer flowers start to bloom.
“We always try to have bouquets ready.”
A baker for 15-20 years before starting her flower farm, in the early years it was a bit of a struggle for Makkink learning it all. “It was self-taught, trying and error. In
the beginning we would have a gap of a couple weeks without flowers but I figured it out. Now I have the hang of it and there’s always stuff growing.
“It’s a lot of fun,” she said. “The best part of it is weeding, I love to weed. If I have a busy day in the store, and my head is full, I go in the field and I weed for two hours. It’s so relaxing! It’s just my happy place –weeding in my flower fields.”
Visitors come from nearby Oxford, Elgin and Norfolk Counties ($10 admission fee), but they also from much farther away, including the GTA, to wander through the flower fields on grass paths, cutting their flowers.
Many out-of-town visitors wanted to know ‘where to eat,’ and Makkink typically guided them to establishments in Tillsonburg.
“We got busier and busier, I hired more people and we needed some more space.”
That’s when another dream was realized – more of a distant, in-the-background dream – adding a coffee/lunch room.
“I didn’t think that people would come out of town for lunch or an afternoon coffee or morning tea, but they do, and I honestly love it.”
Located a couple minutes east of Tillsonburg (164604 Kellett Rd), they are almost on the edge of town.
“Still, the main focus had to be flowers.. and it still is. Everything is flower related. A lot of people come here for lunch or for a coffee and tea, and even a wine and a
quiche – we have an alcohol licence.”
Not only does their new building host the bakery café with plenty of tables/seating and the cut-your-own flowers section, they now have ample space to do workshops.
“Everything is flexible. The tables can go up and down, and a lot of the tables are on wheels, so I can easily change the room around to a workshop or cafe area. Or we can make the store area bigger.”
Makkink’s Flower Farm and Bakery Café is open May 1st to mid-December, four days a week – Wednesdays to Saturdays 9-5. Mondays and Tuesdays are office/prep days for Makkink and her staff, which includes deliveries.
“We do pancake breakfasts once a month, with a tour of the farm. It’s nice for people to come here and have the experience.”
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Behind the bakery café counter at Makkink’s Flower Farm are from left Bev Van Straten, Hilde Makkink and Ayla Sawchuk.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Heidi Klyn works at the cut-you-own flower section at Makkink’s Flower Farm and Bakery.
Zinnias at Makkink’s Flower Farm and Bakery.
Straw flowers at Makkink’s Flower Farm and Bakery.
Holy Trinity Catholic High School cheerleaders in the Langton Fair parade.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Feeding the hungry at Thanksgiving
BRENDA MOSER Advocate Correspondent
I do enjoy cooking and love to bake but I will admit I have never tackled a meal for hundreds!
One local woman has done this not just once but several times… and is busy preparing for her next cooking frenzy.
I met Lana Plank of Waterford at her job… preparing meals… at Waterford United Church. She has had a long career in cooking and feeding the masses and she truly loves every minute of it.
“I thrive on being busy and tackling challenges. I cook seven days a week, but to me, it’s not a job… it’s a passion. I really don’t worry about the money.”
Plank earned a degree in Culinary Management at Fanshawe College. She has also worked as Culinary Manager at Queensview Retirement Community in Paris as well as Executive Chef at Cedarwood Retirement, Woodstock. Her real love for cooking has never left her and she has expanded her ‘horizons.’
Plank grew up on a farm in the Chatham area and has held a number of interesting jobs in the floral, food, decorating and wedding areas. She even worked 17 years as a dispatcher, then courier, for FedEx. She worked part-time for Why Not City Missions and even ran her own restaurant in Brantford. It was located on Colborne St., where the Y is now, and had it until the city expropriated the property. But Plank seemed to know that her ‘perfect’ job was still out there waiting for her and it would definitely be in cooking and serving others.
Plank has two daughters, Kris and Jen, so when Lana chose to start her newest venture, she chose the name ‘krisjens2.0’. Each week Lana prepares a menu for a Tuesday and/or Thursday meal, offering more than one option, and they can be frozen or refrigerated. All meals come with
potatoes and vegetables, unless a pasta dish or rice dish. Vegetarian options are available… just ask. For just $14 per meal you can’t go wrong. Desserts are available as well as soup, cookies, pie, muffins and even scones for an additional cost. Plank offers delivery and can supply you with the week’s menu and costs by emailing her at Lnplank@hotmail.com .
THANKSGIVING
Plank loves to give back to the community and does just that when she offers her free Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
On Oct. 13, Plank will be serving up her free Thanksgiving dinner – take out only. Meals can be picked up at Waterford United Church, 135 Main Street, Waterford, between 2-3:30 p.m.
To order your traditional Thanksgiving meal you must let Plank know by Oct. 9 and you can do so by either calling her at 226-802-1328 or by email at Lnplank@hotmail. com . There is limited delivery available to Simcoe, Waterford, Brantford and even Hamilton so volunteer drivers are always welcome. Plank gets some financial support to help cover the costs. If you would like to make any donations, you can do so by contacting her at the number above and she will be happy to help you.
Plank states, “I don’t do this for accolades or praise. Prayer works too! ‘He’ takes care of everything.”
When Plank started her venture in 2019 she served about 140 meals. Numbers dropped, of course, through COVID but have gone up and this past Christmas she served 760 people. Quite an endeavour made possible through food donations - thanks to Foodland, the Waterford Food Cupboard and Kerry’s St. James St. Eatery - and monetary donations from the Waterford Lions and Lionettes. A HUGE thank you has to go to all of the volunteers who step up to help, and especially to Waterford United Church for the
use of their kitchen and facility. Great things happen when we come together… for others!!
While Plank loves what she does and likes to be busy she will always accept some extra hands for meal prep and/ or delivering meals for the upcoming Thanksgiving meal. The satisfaction of helping others is most rewarding… and a good way to spend a few hours of the day.
Thank you Lana for everything you do for others.
Hand-tying tobacco at the Langton Fair
“It certainly is different,” he laughed. “I’ve seen them work, but I never had one. I quit growing tobacco before they came out.
Gerard Demaiter, 94, had a lot of tobacco experience under his belt going into the 135th Langton Fair tobacco tying competition.
“We tied by hand,” said Demaiter, who started tying tobacco when he was 14-15 years old.
“Then I got too old to tie and went to the field,” he joked. “Actually, I wasn’t too old, but… by then my sisters were old enough to tie.”
In the late 1940s, it meant priming on foot. He was a tobacco grower when priming machines – carrying seated primers - were later introduced.
And he had no experience with today’s automatic harvesters.
“We had to walk with the horse and sleigh behind it to fill it. They called it the boat. Five primers to do a kiln. That was 1,250 sticks and there were two tyers for the 1,250 sticks.”
In Demaiter’s priming days, horses often pulled the boats back to the kiln. Years later, a ‘boat driver’ drove a tractor or pickup truck taking the freshly-picked tobacco to the kilns.
“It depends how far it was. If it was a long ways off, most farmers had one of those 8N Ford tractors at that time (1947-52). If it was close to the kiln, the horses pulled them in. There wasn’t much waiting between… usually it came from the fields as fast as you could tie it.
“They would pile the sticks up, then they hung them later. There was a big pile there, then the primers, when they got done, they would come out of the field and they hung all the sticks.”
Full-time kiln hangers came with the automatic tying machines and elevators in the 1960s.
Demaiter, who eventually owned a tobacco farm just outside Langton on Hwy 59, stayed in the tobacco business until retiring, and he remembers it being a tight-knit group of farmers.
“They were all in the same business,” he nodded. “I would say 95 per cent of the people who grew tobacco all came from Europe. Mostly Belgium in this area – I know them all. And the Hungarians, and the Polish, and other nationalities too.
“The reason they sort of grouped together is they spoke the same language. None of them spoke English when they came here, including me. I was seven years old in 1939 and I could not speak a word of English, not one word. My family came over (from West Flanders, Belgium) and started straight into tobacco.
***
This year at the Langton Fair, Demaiter and teammates Irene Gubesch and Mary McElhone finished third in the hand tying competition, which was won by Mary DeCloet, Agnes MacLeod and Godelieve Townsend in a tight race.
“Hand tying is an art,” Demaiter nodded. “And it was hard on the wrists. Most people, the first few days, they would have a hard time doing it. After a few days, your wrists didn’t bother you anymore. It was just the first day, if you tied the whole day.”
Many hands make for light work.
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor Mary DeCloet, on the left, ties tobacco with teammates Godelieve Townsend and Agnes MacLeod at the Langton Fair, winning the first-place prize.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Gerard Demaiter, left, ties tobacco with Mary McElhone and Irene Gubesch at the 2025 Langton Fair. Demaiter, now 94, learned to tie tobacco when he was 14-15 years old.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Donnybrook Fair Demolition Derby
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Featured events and entertainment at the Sept. 19-21 Donnybrook Fair in Walsh included a truck and tractor pull, car show, baby show, tug of war, ice cream eating contest, washer toss tournament, live music, professional wrestling, and kids zone (with a Full Circle animal display and inflatables from Super Air Bounce Castles)… but the highlight, every year, are the Saturday and Sunday demolition derbies. Multiple classes of vehicles competed in the derbies, including Figure 8, Junk Run, Impact Compact, trucks, pro stock, full-size old school/powderpuff, and the windshield class.
Applefest celebrates ‘everything apple’
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Downtown Simcoe Business Improvement Area (BIA) promised – and delivered - ‘everything apple’ for its annual Applefest on Saturday, Sept. 20.
“It was a good day,” said Les Anderson, Simcoe BIA coordinator, noting some of the key vendors at the Argyle Street festival included The Apple Place, with their apple donuts and apples; and Riversyde 83 with apple pies and juice.
“ABEL Enterprises came up with some neat things – apple popcorn and apple drink. I don’t know how they made it, but apparently it was pretty good,” Anderson smiled.
“A lot of kids today. Lucas Wilson performed today and we had the balloon guy.”
HALLOWEEN TREATS IN THE STREETS
The Downtown Simcoe Business Improvement Area’s big event is Halloween Treats in the Streets on Oct. 25th.
“That usually runs from 10 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon. It’s a great event.”
Dozens of businesses participate, handing out Halloween treats to eager children and adults dressed in costumes.
“We’ve been averaging about 800 people for that day,” Anderson noted. “Every year we’ve had it, we seem to add a couple more businesses. And the neat thing now is that even the parents are dressing up.”
Haldimand-Norfolk MPP slams integrity commissioner’s report into document leak
Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady is responding to criticism for ducking questions from Haldimand County’s integrity commissioner by taking aim at the “weaponization” of the complaints process.
Integrity commissioner David Boghosian found Haldimand Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley contravened the municipality’s code of conduct during February’s provincial election, by publicly sharing confidential correspondence about a health unit merger.
In a 55-page report, Boghosian said photographs of confidential emails between Bentley and Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin were posted anonymously to the Dunnville Talks Facebook page, to sway voters to Brady’s camp by depicting Martin — who ran for the Progressive Conservatives — as having “disdain” for Haldimand voters. Boghosian recommended Bentley — a political ally of Brady’s — be suspended without pay for four months and be required to make a public apology to Martin. His report comes to council for a vote on Sept. 22.
Since Brady was the alleged beneficiary of the document leak, Boghosian said it was “frustrating and disappointing” to have the MPP avoid answering his questions by invoking parliamentary privilege. Brady told The Spectator she made use
of a legal mechanism available to all parliamentarians “because I had absolutely nothing to do with the alleged leak of a document.”
“So why would I waste taxpayers’ time and money by being put under oath by Mr. Boghosian to interrogate me … and charge the public for that?” Brady said.
But Boghosian said it was “not at all clear” Brady was not involved in the scheme, given her ties to Bentley and Facebook posts the MPP made last November alluding to Martin allegedly “disadvantaging” Haldimand residents “at a few tables she sits around,” which Boghosian suspected referred to the health unit merger committee.
“I certainly think in light of this that she owed the residents of Haldimand-Norfolk an explanation,” Boghosian wrote.
The integrity commissioner said parliamentary privilege is typically used by heads of government and cabinet ministers and does not bar MPPs from answering questions should they so choose.
However, Brady told The Spectator newly-elected MPPs are advised during their orientation at Queen’s Park to invoke parliamentary privilege any time they are ordered to give testimony.
“They will tell you as soon as you get these calls to participate in these sorts of things, this is what you do,” she said.
As for her Facebook posts referencing Norfolk’s mayor, Brady said it was “naïve” of Boghosian to think Bentley would be the
MPP’s only source of information about the health unit merger process.
“I was approached by people who work in public health who were concerned by how Haldimand County was being treated,” Brady said.
She claimed neither mayor spoke with her about the merger process and she did not have advance knowledge of the document leak.
“Had those documents landed in my hands — and I’m glad they didn’t — I likely would have handed them out like candy at Halloween,” Brady said.
“I definitely would’ve wanted the people of Haldimand County to know what was happening around the transition board table.”
The Independent MPP rebuffed Boghosian’s conclusion that the documents were leaked to help her election campaign — noting the post did not go live until the day after the vote. She said she was “very disappointed” with Boghosian’s critical comments about her refusal to be interviewed.
“The role of an integrity commissioner should be to present facts, not opinion or commentary,” Brady said.
When reached by The Spectator, Boghosian said his report “speaks for itself” and he stands behind his comments.
Responding to Brady’s contention that costly integrity commissioner investigations are “a weapon” that can be wielded by vindictive councillors or residents, Boghosian said he is “always on guard to root
such complaints out.”
In this case, he said, since Haldimand and Norfolk councils unanimously voted to have him look into the document leak, “the complaints … can hardly be considered to be political.”
Haldimand Coun. Patrick O’Neill said he found Boghosian’s account of Brady’s efforts to dodge his questions shocking.
“There’s some questions that should be answered there on the provincial side of things, and the fact that she went to those lengths not to answer is quite concerning,” he told The Spectator.
“That really makes you wonder what’s going on.”
The local Progressive Conservative riding association also criticized Brady.
“Public service is about trust. When confidentiality is breached, and when leaders decline to answer questions by invoking privilege, that trust is broken,” association president Phil Hauser said in a statement.
“Residents deserve transparency, not excuses.”
Brady invited any resident questioning her integrity in the wake of Boghosian’s report to call her office and have a one-onone conversation.
“I have nothing to hide,” she said.
J.P. Antonacci is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter based at the Hamilton Spectator. The initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
Riversyde 83’s Nancy Carroll and Lynn Clare were selling delicious apple pies at Applefest in Simcoe on Saturday, Sept. 20.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Kim Popkey from The Apple Place provided ‘apple goodness’ at the Downtown Simcoe Business Improvement Area’s second Applefest on Sept. 20.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
J.P. ANTONACCI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Dead End Street Rodders show ‘n shine
Melissa Porter of Simcoe stands next to her orange 1947 Dodge Coupe at the 36th annual Dead End Street Rodders show ‘n shine in Delhi on Sept. 21.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
There was a wide variety of classic and vintage vehicles at the Dead End Street Rodders show ‘n shine in Delhi on Sunday, Sept. 21, including Phil Balzer’s 1970 Chev Nova from Tillsonburg.
Who remembers this at A&W?
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Carolyn and Henry Keeble from Eden had ‘front row’ seats –in front of their 1965 Mustang Coupe – for the Dead End Street Rodders’ live entertainment at the Quance Dam Park in Delhi on Sunday, Sept. 21.
Riddles
The more you share me, the less I am. What am I?
I’m light as a feather, yet even the world’s strongest person can’t hold me for long. Your breath
What can you break without touching it? A promise
What kind of coat can you only put on when it’s wet?
A coat of paint
What can travel around the world while staying in a corner? A stamp
MOSES
Meet our Pet of the Week:
Moses is a goofy, adventure-loving pup who’s eager to please! He’s crate trained, knows his basics, and learns fast with treats and toys. While he can be picky about doggy friends and gets rowdy when excited, he’s full of love for his humans. Moses would shine in a home without small kids or pets—ready to be your happy, loyal sidekick! www.simcoedhumane.ca
17.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER 27 & 28
Otterville’s Living History Re-enactment Otterville’s Living History Re-enactment will take place on Saturday, September 27, and Sunday, September 28. On Saturday, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a Candlelight Tour at 7 p.m., and a skirmish at 2 p.m. On Sunday, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a skirmish at 1 p.m. The SNHS will host a food booth, and admission is by donation.
225422 Main Street West in Otterville
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
BINGO NIGHT
7 p.m
Doors open 5:30 p.m - Early Bird 6:30 p.m Presented by ABEL Enterprises. Concession stand run by Simcoe & District Humane Society. Simcoe Legion, West Street, Simcoe
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4
DRAMATIC READING AUDITIONS
12:30 p.m - 2:30pm
The Friend of the Library, Simcoe Branch will be presenting a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol on Friday, November 28th, 2025. As such, we will be holding auditions at the Simcoe Public Library on Saturday September 27 and Saturday October 4 from 12:30 – 2:30. 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 folsimcoebranch@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15
LYNN RIVER PROBUS CLUB MEETING
10 a.m - 12:00 p.m
Our retired and semi-retired members enjoy diverse interest groups, friendship and fellowship. We have different, 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. Meetings are once a month, on the third Wednesday of the month, from 10 – noon. Enter via Culver St. For more information, please visit our website at: lynnriverprobus239.com or email lynnriverprobus239@gmail.com
53 Water St, Simcoe
MONDAY, OCTOBER 6
BINGO NIGHT
7 p.m
Doors open 5:30 p.m - Early Bird 6:30 p.m Presented by ABEL Enterprises. Concession stand run by Simcoe & District Humane Society. Simcoe Legion, West Street, Simcoe
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26
CLASSICAL PIANO RECITAL
3 p.m
Bryn Blackwood will present his annual piano recital on Sunday, October 26 at 3 p.m. This Simcoe native will delight his audience once again with a varied program of classical piano repertoire. There will be a free-will offering at the door, and refreshments will be served after the recital. Come and enjoy hearing this amazing talent! For more information, contact Cara Blackwood at 226 567-7426 or Andy Blackwood at 226 206-1544.
St. James United Church, 150 Colborne St. S., Simcoe
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Simcoe Seniors' Centre Christmas Bazaar & Craft Sale
Is looking for Vendors for our event on Saturday November 1st from 10am to 3pm
Held at the Simcoe Recreation Centre Tables are $15.00 per table
Contact: Linda at cumisky3@gmail.com & Wayne at winglehart@hotmail.com
Hundreds of shade trees, fruit trees, apples, pears, peaches, plums, sweet and sour cherries, apricots, nectarines, blueberries, haskapp grapes, raspberries, elderberries etc. Lots of spruce, pine, cedars for windbreak and privacy hedges. Sizes 1-8 ft. in containers ready to go. Flowering shrubs and much more. MonSat 7:00am to 6:00pm Martin's Nursery, 42661 Orangehill Rd Wroxeter, ON N0G 2X0 (1 Conc. North of Wroexter on Belmore Line)
Monday prior at 3 p.m.
• The Simcoe Advocate Community Calendar allows non-profit organizations to promote their free admission community events at no charge. Event listings can include the event name, date, time and location as well as contact information (ie phone number, email address or website).
• If your event is not free admission or you would like to include more details than stated above, the Simcoe Advocate offers the following options for promoting your community events:
◦ Coming Events Word Ad (50 word max.) - $10 + hst
◦ Coming Events Boxed Word Ad (50 word max.) - $15 + hst
◦ Display Ad - Sizes begin at a Small Classified Display ad (3.3" x 2.5") - $35 + hst
DUBAI, ABU DHABI & OMAN
DUBAI, ABU DHABI & OMAN
JANUARY 16-28, 2 26
JANUARY 16-28, 2026 FRENCH RIVIERA
APRIL 2 -MAY 4, 2 26 FRENCH RIVIERA APRIL 23-MAY 4, 2026
CANAL CRUISE FEBRUARY 1 -2 , 2 26
CANAL CRUISE FEBRUARY 10-27, 2026
SCOTLAND MAY 2 -JUNE 1, 2 26
SCOTLAND MAY 23-JUNE 1, 2026
CRUISE AU UST 11-22, 2 26
CRUISE AUGUST 11-22, 2026
&
AU UST 2 -SEPTEMBER 6, 2 26
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