Simcoe Advocate - January 16, 2025

Residents want second access road before new phase of Woodway development

A proposed residential build of more than 350 units in the Woodway Trails area seems to have one major hiccup in the eyes of nearby residents.

People in the area seemed relatively OK with the development itself when it was presented at the Jan. 7 public hearings committee meeting, however it was the lack of a secondary access and what that’ll mean during construction that has them concerned.

“That road is imperative,” said Kirk Stewart, echoing comments made by several other residents.

The proposal includes plans for 140 single detached homes, 196 street townhouse units, and 20 semi-detached homes. There are also three proposed condo blocks for what the report describes as “midrise apartment or townhouse dwellings.”

There’s an existing subdivision of similar size in the area and currently it’s only accessed by Donly Drive. Emergency access is possible through Oakwood Cemetery.

Residents voiced their strong desire for a secondary access. Some suggested options for a construction access through the water treatment plant to the west.

The larger area was severed a few years ago, split evenly between the two owners, with Paul Halyk controlling the area in question for this proposal.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Netting the Waters sets sail for Cannes

nouncements coming soon.

Netting the Waters, a local fulllength feature documentary on commercial fishing on Lake Erie, from the perspective of Port Dover’s fishing fleet, will be setting sails for at least five international film festivals in 2025 – and more destinations an-

The one that gets everyone’s attention is the Cannes World Film Festival in France. Granger is quick to note that the World Festival is not the invitation-only Festival de Cannes in May which attracts flocks of Hollywood celebrities.

“There are three Cannes film festivals. This (Cannes World Film Fes-

tival) is another festival in Cannes, and there is another festival in Cannes that we also entered.”

Cannes World Film Festival does both online and in-show, gathering selections over several months. Winners go into another pool on the way to the September festival. It attracts films and documentaries worldwide.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent

Daryl Granger holds the framed ‘first ticket’ for his Netting the Waters documentary, which has been selected for several international film festivals.

Residents want second access road before new phase of Woodway development

There was also talk of a secondary access going down towards Decou, however a consultant representing Halyk, John Vallee, said Halyk doesn’t own that land.

“Are there opportunities? Yes there are… but for now what we’re proposing is limited to the land the applicant actually owns,” Vallee said.

The concerns over traffic weren’t lost on him, or the applicants.

“We’ve heard loud and clear that there are concerns on traffic and access to the site,” he said.

There were some other concerns and questions raised by councillors and from residents at an earlier open house. Some revolved around the application itself, and whether it should have been deemed complete when in the first place. Staff acknowledged that there were some updates

they identified and while he was careful with his words, general manager of community development Brandon Sloan reiterated that staff deemed it a complete application.

This is important because provincial rules state an applicant can appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal if a decision isn’t made in a certain time frame. The deadline for the county is in February, meaning it could be taken out of their hands if a decision isn’t made by then.

However, Vallee told councillors not to worry about that deadline.

“I will guarantee you there will be no appeal in February and we’re going to take some time to work with county staff,” he said, adding while this application is complex, the nature of updating studies and components of the application is no differ-

ent from any other development proposal. Other concerns raised included parking, water drainage, and a buffer between the development and the water treatment plant, which will likely need some expansion in the future.

To allow the proposal, zoning bylaw amendments are required, and various special provisions are required relating to setbacks, frontages and other conditions. No decisions were made at the meeting, which introduced the application and sought feedback from councillors and members of the public. A full recommendation report will come before council at a later meeting.

Netting the Waters sets sail for Cannes

There’s a chance Granger will be heading to the French Riviera in the fall.

It would be a phenomenal feat for a one-person, low budget production.

“A lot of documentaries, when you look at the credits, just the amount of people in them, the budgets they have… and you do it – you’re the only one – and you’ve pulled off this feature length documentary that can compare with the rest of them…”

His six-month project took more than 100 hours to edit and narrate, he said, and the whole experience making his first documentary was all worth it.

“It wasn’t a ‘job’, it was fun. That’s all it was. If you enjoy what you do, it’s not work. It’s total joy.

“People like how it looks, and people are entertained. There is ‘story’ in it. There is characters –two main characters. There’s my touch – the narration - and I’m in the doc, twice. I looked for a cinematic flair… I put everything I’ve got into it.

“When you see the documentary, your emotions are going to go up and down. That’s what most people tell me – they laugh, they cry, and they say ‘wow.’”

The first premiere at The Strand Theatre in Simcoe on Oct. 21 sold out in one day. Two more dates were added in November. Then more. And more.

“The showings at The Strand, they sell out,” said Granger. “The theatre’s full – there may be like five or six seats in the front row.”

It has shown in both Tillsonburg and Leamington – Southpoint Cinemas has signed on for more shows - and the first showing in London at

Hyland Cinema is Jan. 20. He planned to make another major theatre announcement on Tuesday.

“It’s spreading,” Granger smiled, “and it just keeps going and going. I’m just enjoying it. Eventually it will be released to video-on-demand…”

Its overwhelming success was unexpected.

“I didn’t expect that, and I guess that’s one of the joys of doing something and not expecting it. It’s like ‘Wow, look at all this!’ I think word of mouth is a big thing and because of socials, that spreads.”

On Jan. 1, Granger announced on the RoseLe Studio Facebook page that Netting the Waters was competing for Best Feature Documentary at four international film festivals and Best Educational at one. It was submitted to 12 festivals in total, and he’s awaiting their responses.

On Jan. 5, Granger revealed Netting the Waters was an official selection for both the International Motion Picture Awards and Cannes World Film Festival. One week later, he learned it was a semifinalist at the Cannes World Film Festival, and it was an official selection for the IndieFest Film Awards.

“Even to get an official selection laurel, that’s a win.”

Looking ahead, Granger admits he ‘caught the bug.’ He’s in the permission stage right now for his next project.

“Things are looking very good,” Granger concluded. “Any ‘next project’ I do will take everything I learned from Netting the Waters and bump it up. But I am super happy with Netting the Waters, I wouldn’t change a thing in it.”

chris@granthaven.com

Netting the Waters by Daryl Granger has been receiving international accolades.

(FACEBOOK PHOTO )

Excellent turnout for Christmas lunch in Delhi

Nearly 100 people enjoyed a Christmas lunch at Delhi United Church on Dec. 25.

Turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, squash, stuffing, all prepared by volunteers, some cookies were brought in, as well as desserts from Wilkinson’s Your Independent Grocer. It was the first time they ever ran out of squash, noted coordinator Dorothy Stedman, and the stuffing went very fast.

“This all started in the 1990s,” said Stedman, “so it’s been quite a while.

“This was one of our better turnouts, it was great, we’re really happy,” added Stedman, noting the event is open to the entire community. “There were a lot of new people this year, people I haven’t seen before, so very nice. And I bet we had 20 takeouts today.”

Stedman said she most enjoys the camaraderie on Christmas Day.

“These volunteers are wonderful. Everyone’s happy – isn’t that really nice? The volunteers are working, and they’re happy. And it’s so nice to see the little ones helping today, too.”

Ed Sanchuk from OPP West Region headquarters, carried on his Norfolk giving tradition with his family, dropping off Ferrero Canada products in bags donated by Real Canadian Superstore in Simcoe.

“It was nice to see them again,” Stedman nodded. “The first time they came (13-14 years ago), his little guy (Matt) was ‘this’ big, and now…”

The Sanchuks delivered 300 bags of chocolate goodies in total on Dec. 25, including donations to the Church Out Serving Christmas Day lunch at Riversyde 83 in Simcoe, and the women’s shelter.

“I’ve been volunteering here for the past few years,” said Joe Morris, who has been a member of the Delhi United Church for 70-plus years. “Jesus said, ‘Whatever you do for them, you’ve done for me.’ I don’t need praise, a pat on the back… this is something that you’re supposed to do. I look at Ed Sanchuk, and he’s been doing this a lot of years, him and his father (Ed Sr). Hey, that’s wonderful.”

Chris@granthaven.com

Volunteers at the Delhi United Church Christmas Day lunch included Ava, Mason, Jessica, Shawn, Diane, Charles and Barb.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO )

Lyndi-Colleen Morgan, Kim Morris-Morgan, and Amberlee Morgan volunteered at the Delhi United Church Christmas Day lunch.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO )

The Delhi United Church Christmas Day has been a Dec. 25 tradition in Delhi for decades.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO )

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

EDITORIAL

Brady rocks the House: 2024 Year in Review

Haldimand-Norfolk

MPP

Bobbi Ann Brady

Being your Independent Member of Provincial Parliament is an honour and privilege. With that in mind, I go to Queen’s Park for you - the taxpayer, not special interests.

I’m told by members of the House, from all parties, that my questions and statements are spot on. In 2024, I definitely drew attention to Haldimand-Norfolk’s issues. Here are some highlights from the past year.

Carbon tax remains a hot-button issue. Boy, did I get Premier Ford’s attention. I asked Premier Ford to follow Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe’s lead and refrain from collecting the carbon tax for Justin Trudeau. This followed a related petition I launched in January. Premier Ford bellowed across the floor that come next election, I’d be out of a job. Challenge accepted because I’ve learned the premier is only willing to go so far to find savings for you.

I took another opportunity to ask the premier why he has allowed the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) to be lined with friends of developers. I told him the OLT has been hijacked. The question arose after learning the former Haldimand County mayor was appointed to the OLT after, in 2022, he asked for its dissolution. If you want to see how this played out, voila: https://youtu.be/i_ h2gCFzZls?si=HKeC6piIzaG4nmJX

From hot air to gas, gas wells actually. Provincial funding to assist with managing the hazards posed by old, inactive gas wells is flowing to Haldimand and Norfolk Counties - $260,000 and $280,000 respectively. Gas wells was one of the first issues I raised when I arrived at Queen’s Park in 2022 despite others’ attempts to take credit. There are two factors related to gas wells:

Those gas wells maintained by property owners largely in Haldimand County, we must work to retain these. Secondly, those that pose a danger - like the situation on Forestry Farm Road Norfolk.

Community Living Ontario quarterbacked the Five to Survive campaign whereby families supporting loved ones with developmental disabilities requested a five per cent increase to base funding after a meagre 3.9 per cent increase spread over 30 years. Children, Community and Social Services Minister Michael Parsa would not commit. I’m in touch with the folks from Community Living Ontario, and this is not over. For the freedom to choose (which you don’t have) the best medical treatment for you and your family, I sponsored a Queen’s Park media conference with Diane Elms. A respected homeopath with many years of experience as a natural health care researcher and practitioner of drugless cancer care. In the news conference, Diane stressed that the current focus is on research and testing, not cures or prevention. Getting this message across remains on my radar.

In March, for International Women’s Day, the government denied Independents (including Liberal, the Green member and me) the ability to speak commemorating the day. I’m a champion of women and men and a champion of democracy, and the

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government’s action was counter-democracy. I had to take a stand, so I joined with other Independent female MPPs in a press conference denouncing the anti-democratic government actions. Eventually, we won the day.

I voted against Bill 180, the Ontario Budget. While some of the bill was good, it was lacking fiscal responsibility and didn’t commit to work on infrastructure like the Argyle Street Bridge rebuild. It didn’t add any local long-term care beds, had barely a mention of rural Ontario, and didn’t do much for the

backbone of small towns – small businesses.

More on small business, I teamed up with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and launched a petition asking the Ontario government to immediately cut the Small Business Tax Rate (SBTR) from 3.2 per cent to at least 2 per cent with a goal of reaching zero. And immediately increase the Ontario small business tax rate deduction threshold to $700,000, indexed to inflation annually.

What I learned from completing “75 Medium”

FROM THE PUBLISHER'S DESK

By Stewart Grant

Last January, I wrote about my New Year’s plan to get in shape. The turn of the calendar, combined with my 50th birthday four days later, was really going to motivate me to make some positive health changes. Yeah whatever… that program lasted about two weeks.

Like a bull run on the stock market, my Fitbit’s daily weight chart has ups and downs but has been on a consistently upward trend for the last decade. Whenever I hit a new 52-week high on the weight chart, I suddenly find motivation for a few days before falling back into the same old habits.

In August, the cycle repeated itself and I declared to my family that I was ‘going on the program.’ This time, my daughter Sydney called BS, saying, “you always say that, but you never actually do anything.”

Sydney suggested that I try something called the “75 Soft” program, which has four simple rules to follow over a 75-day period:

1. Work out at least 45 minutes every day.

2. Plan your meals each day. Regarding alcohol, only consume in social situations.

3. Drink 3 litres of water each day.

4. Read at least 10 pages of a book each day, preferably non-fiction or self-improvement.

There is also a “75 Hard” program which I deemed too extreme, because it required not just one, but two 45-minute workouts per day. Another aspect of “75 Hard” is to have zero alcohol for the 75-day period.

I decided to upgrade my challenge to “75 Medium” by going with zero alcohol, and by adding in a 10,000 daily step requirement.

Long story short, I took on the challenge. I bought a special scale that not just measured weight but other factors as well (because it’s not all about weight).

The results? In 75 days, my overall weight dropped from 208 to 193 lbs. while my body fat percentage dropped from 26.8% to 22.9%. Plus, I know that I can still make progress from here with some of the habits that have formed. I thought that the no alcohol part would be the most dif-

MPP Bobbi Ann Brady speaks at the Annual New Year's Levee on January 11.

(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Norfolk County celebrates a Year to Remember!

Amy Martin

Norfolk County Mayor

As 2024 draws to a close, Norfolk County Council reflects on a year of unprecedented work and achievement. From infrastructure investments to community-driven initiatives, Norfolk has made significant strides toward creating a stronger, more sustainable future for its residents and I can’t think of a better way to wind down the year than to look back on the wins we have created together.

One of the key priorities of my campaign was to address succession management for the County, ensuring we reduced turnover rates and preserved invaluable institutional knowledge to benefit you, the taxpayer. This vision took shape with Council’s en-

dorsement of the Talent Management Strategy in May, a comprehensive five-year plan featuring 25 recommendations to modernize Norfolk’s workplace. Key elements include implementing a pay-for-performance framework and hiring a full-time Human Resources Specialist to lead the strategy’s execution.

This forward-thinking approach aligns seamlessly with the progress made on the Facilities Review and Master Plan, which aims to ensure Norfolk’s infrastructure is equipped to meet current and future needs. Through a comprehensive environmental scan of 90 facilities, supported by community engagement workshops over the summer, staff and consultants gathered critical insights to evaluate assets and determine the necessary steps to optimize their life cycles. Together, these initiatives represent a long-term commitment to building a resilient, efficient, and sustainable Norfolk County for generations to come.

Collaboration with the Norfolk County Public Library culminated in a Memorandum of Understanding, formalizing the service levels and support provided by the County. In addition, a new Community-Led Initiatives process was implemented to stream-

What I learned from completing “75 Medium”

ficult aspect, but I learned there are some excellent 0% beers and mocktails out there and this made it much easier in social situations. Sometimes you just want to feel like you have a drink in your hand.

Waking up at 5:30 a.m. and going to the gym when it opened was the best way for me to fit my workout into an already busy schedule. Even when it was hard to drag myself to the gym, it always felt worth it afterwards. When I needed extra motivation during workouts, I’d listen to David Goggins’ audiobook “Can’t Hurt Me.” My son Jake told me once about David Goggins and listening to this guy’s incredible life story is truly inspiring. Before the 75-day challenge, I hadn’t run any distance in over

a year, out of fear for my bad left knee. But I eased into it, and eventually found my way again, and as my weight dropped it also became easier. By the end, I had worked my way up to doing a 10k.

The challenge of reading ten pages a day was also worthwhile because it helped encourage the concept of continuous learning. Even 15 minutes a day can make a difference in the long run.

The most impactful thing that I learned is that you don’t have to be stuck in the same old rut. You can change your life and make new habits. Personally, I’m so thankful that I learned about this 75-day challenge and I know that there are certain aspects of it that I will carry on with to live a better, healthier life.

line applications for projects on County land, ensuring fairness and transparency in resource allocation.

Community Development saw a banner year with Ride Norfolk On Demand reporting a 30% increase in ridership. With over 1,800 registered riders and daily routes to Brantford, the service now travels an average of 740 kilometers per day, providing greater connectivity for residents.

Norfolk’s commitment to Health and Social Services was highlighted through its Housing and Homeless Prevention Programs. Council approved a three-year extension to ensure the continuity of warming centers, shelters, and transitional housing services in partnership with community organizations. Progress also continued on the Delhi Housing Project with Haldimand Norfolk Housing Corporation which will deliver rent-gearedto-income and affordable rental units in a new three-story building, with a target opening in early 2026. This work is part of an ongoing “Regeneration Strategy” that will see old assets revitalized into more units for more residents. In the case of Delhi, we removed a duplex unit and will replace it with a minimum of 16 units.

Public health services took a transformative step with the merger of the Haldimand Norfolk Health Unit and the Brant County Health Unit to create Grand Erie Public Health. This merger, effective January 2025, is designed to enhance capacity, strengthen programs, and ensure financial sustainability for years to come.

Norfolk County saw over $200M in construction value through building permits so far in 2024 which is the highest ever for Norfolk. This includes two new rental apartment buildings under construction in Simcoe contributing to approximately 400 new residential units issued and underway throughout Norfolk in 2024. The average time for review and make a decision on a complete building permit application that meets zoning is down to 2.7 days for 2024.

Additional accomplishments include:

- $16.5 million in funding for wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Port Dover, saving ratepayers $24.1 million and enabling much-needed development capacity.

- Notable environmental initiatives, including leak detection programs.

- Road work capital repairs dollars or timeline info.

- Gas well dollars.

- The grand re-opening of the outdoor Pool and Splash Pad in Delhi.

- By end of month November, the Norfolk County legacy fund with a principal of $67 million saw a yearly growth rate of 12.7% with a balance of $81,841,123 which is over $10 million in year to date earnings.

- Tourism excellence recognized with provincial and national awards for Amplify Norfolk.

These successes reflect Norfolk County’s unwavering commitment to progress, sustainability, and community well-being. Council is proud of the collaborative efforts between residents, staff, and partners that made these achievements possible. As the holiday season approaches, Norfolk County extends heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to making 2024 a record-breaking year. Here’s to a prosperous and exciting 2025! Happy Holidays from Norfolk County Council.

peace love

Enbridge donates smoke, CO alarms to Norfolk

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

On Dec. 18, Enbridge Gas Inc. in partnership with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council presented the Norfolk County Fire Department more than 200 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

In attendance were Norfolk Fire Chief Gord Stilwell; Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Smith; Councillor Doug Brunton; Jeremy Reimer, Southwest Supervisor Operations, Enbridge Gas; and Brandon Ronson, Southwest USR Crew Leader, Enbridge Gas.

“I think it’s a good program, it’s a good example of both Enridge and the fire department working together for one cause,” said Reimer.

“It’s a good program to keep the lines of communication open with the fire depart-

ment,” said Ronson, who is also a Norfolk firefighter. “We lean on them and they lean on us, so it’s good to keep that friendship strong.”

“This program with Enbridge has been ongoing and they have been great supporters of the communities and the fire departments by providing us alarms for CO and

smoke awareness,” said Stilwell, who has been a member of the Norfolk fire department for about 30 years.

“We would like the public to know is that only properly working and operating alarms can save their lives. And every minute counts when you have an emergency, so them providing this gift of alarms to us

allows us to distribute it out into the communities where they can be used best and help protect families in Norfolk County.”

“It’s a great program,” said Brunton, urging people to check their smoke alarms. “There’s so many people who don’t check.” chris@granthaven.com

Brady rocks the House: 2024 Year in Review

Throughout 2024, you, the hardworking people of Haldimand-Norfolk, continued to inspire me to work my tail off, not only in the riding but also at Queen’s Park.

I didn’t want to cause any commotion with my motions, but I wanted to make sure the government has a record of what you and I want. (A motion is a proposal an MPP makes that requires a decision from the House. The House can agree to the motion, disagree to the motion, or amend the motion.)

My motions included honouring our veterans every single day by compelling municipalities to paint a remembrance crosswalk; helping homebuilders by increasing the Ontario HST Home Rebate to reflect 75 per cent of the HST based on the first $1 million of a new build instead of the current $400k; to address the teacher shortage, make teachers college one year instead of two; modernize and increase the efficiency of Ontario provincial petitions by following the long-established federal paradigm and allowing electronic petitions; and, penalize

with a $2 million fine any Ontario government that breaks the fixed election date by three months or more.

For the fifth time, I stood in the Ontario Legislature asking the Minister of Transportation to provide a start date for the long-overdue Argyle Street Bridge reconstruction. I also asked when the dangerous Highway 6 and Haldibrook Road intersection will be made safe. I will continue to visit the intersection until the ministry takes action.

I’ve received many inquiries asking why the government isn’t encouraging Empire Homes to develop Townsend, rather than the Nanticoke Industrial Park, given many years ago the entire infrastructure for a city was installed. Let me be clear, I’m not advocating for 40,000 people to be dropped into Townsend.

After weeks of non-answers in the House, back and forth between ministries, I finally learned that Infrastructure Ontario owns the lands but are being held by the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs and Economic Reconciliation (IAFNER). The Minister of In-

frastructure also told me the lands are being held for social purposes. I’ll speculate this land is being held as negotiation for Indigenous issues.

Townsend segues nicely into my ongoing petition “No to the MZO (Minister’s Zoning Order)” at the Nanticoke Industrial Park. Via news release, I provided contact information for multiple ministries so you can join in the massive chorus expressing concerns about the imminent MZO from Empire Homes. If granted, the MZO will green light the development of a city of 15,000 homes, 40,000 people. We must protect the good-paying jobs at Nanticoke.

Countering the lies of those who say having an Independent MPP jeopardizes provincial funding to Haldimand-Norfolk, is the actual 2025 funding. The Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) is the province’s main general assistance grant to municipalities. In 2025, Haldimand County’s allocation is $4,783,600 compared to $4,090,500 in 2024, a 16.94 per cent increase. And Norfolk County’s 2025 allocation is $7,268,900 compared to $5,984,600

in 2024, a 21.46 per cent increase. This compared to similar-sized PC-held counties like Huron, Perth, and Hastings who all had 15 per cent decreases. And we can’t forget the historic $16.5 million to update the Port Dover wastewater treatment plant - funds I advocated for. We’ll talk more about water in the new year…

Coming off the Christmas season one often thinks of humanity. That prompted my year-end question to the premier regarding Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) euthanasia. Despite its mandate for compassion and dignity to those suffering terminal illness, there seems to be a trend of it being used as a substitute for proper counselling and supports. Government should not normalize homicide, and MAID should not be an industry.

There’s so much more, but I only have so many words. If you want more details, please visit bobbiannbrady.com . Happy New Year!

Bobbi Ann Brady, MPP for Haldimand-Norfolk

Enbridge Gas Inc. in partnership with the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council presented the Norfolk County Fire Department more than 200 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. From left are Gord Stilwell, Doug Brunton, Al Duesling, Jeremy Reimer, Brandon Ronson and Jeff Smith.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

Changes proposed for community improvement plan

LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent

A few changes, including two new programs, could be made to Norfolk’s community improvement plan.

Councillors heard about the possible updates at the Jan. 7 public hearings committee meeting. No formal decisions were made, as the presentation introduced the proposal and sought feedback from the public and councillors.

Community improvement plans are managed by municipalities to provide financial incentives to property owners to renovate or build in certain ways. They can include and array of grants or tax breaks

The report suggests changes to the program are meant to improve uptake and align it with the county’s strategic priorities. All told, the report highlights 13 areas.

Two new incentives being proposed include a grant for property owners adding

residential units, particularly rentals and affordable housing units. Consultants propose offering a maximum of $4,000 per unit, up to $8,000 based on a 50/50 matching contribution.

“The idea is to encourage creation of new housing units or the conversation of non-residential space to residential units,” said planning consultant Marilyn Cameron.

A second proposed new program is a tax increment grant for brownfield rehabilitation that gives owners of those lands a property tax break that’s calculated using the increased assessment value following the rehabilitation and will be reduced each year.

This would be separate from the development charge exemption, and those who are eligible for the latter wouldn’t be eligible for the former.

Mayor Amy Martin had some questions about the two new programs and the municipality’s ability to pay for them.

“I understand the merit behind them and why you do them, my concern is more about our financial position,” she said.

The mayor found the housing program, specifically, a difficult one to fully support.

“It’s just a tough one for me to get behind politically when we’re in such a financially tough spot, not only for the municipality but for the residents of Norfolk, to put together a package that says ‘if you can afford to upgrade your home, we’ll pay for your property taxes,’” she said.

Consultants are also proposing the removal of the Architecture and Design incentive, instead consolidating it in with other incentives. This recommendation also mentions expanding “eligible professional fees to include professional planners for support with planning applications.”

The Planning Applications Fees and Building Permits Fees grant would also be modified to include a single upset limit of $4,000.

If approved, a new applicant agreement template will be designed, and the county plans to move from having a rolling admission process to two intake periods a year with fixed deadlines. Cameron said the idea is in part a response to staff resources at the county. Having two intake periods would allow them to set aside specific time to deal with applications.

Others are more administrative in nature, including using more plain language, updating goals and objectives, developing a glossary to provide definitions for each category of uses and updating criteria to align with new definitions, and developing both a monitoring database and marketing strategy.

Some other changes were also mentioned, though not included in the draft plan. These included incentives for energy efficiency and sustainable development, public art, and amenities such as temporary commercial kiosks or recreation activities.

Guard approved for Simcoe’s Talbot Gardens

LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent

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

Norfolk councillors approved a temporary measure that involved placing a guard at the arena with the hopes it would curb issues of drug use and incidents involving children at the arena. However, they stopped short of approving similar support for the Norfolk County Public Library, which has had more than its fair share issues stemming back several years.

Instead, library staff and patrons will have to wait for a more fulsome report to come back to council. Mayor Amy Martin did request staff expedite that report.

“I’d like to develop a plan sooner rather than later,” she said.

Coun. Alan Duthie first raised the is-

sue at December’s council-in-committee meeting after receiving calls from parents who had kids come across drug paraphernalia or walk into bathrooms where people were passed out following apparent drug use. He requested immediate support be approved and for staff to look at possible longer term solutions.

At the Dec. 17 council meeting, a staff report provided options and costs for the interim measures. The report recommended hiring a level three guard to patrol Talbot Gardens until the end of the hockey season. It suggested having the guard on duty from 4 to 9 p.m. during the week, and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, though general manager of operations Bill Cridland said they have flexibility.

Library CEO Julie Kent told council about some of the issues her staff have faced, and the challenge of balancing the library’s role as a welcoming and inclusive

public space with some of the behaviour they’ve experienced.

“Our staff are compassionate and supportive but they cannot sustain the time and their emotional health and compassionate labour they bring to these situations,” Kent said.

Library staff have been forced to do bathroom checks, general wellness checks and have had to administer naloxone on several occasions.

“It distracts them from their primary role of serving the community,” Kent said, stressing the majority of the unhoused community who frequent the library abide by the rules and it’s only a small number who cause issues.

One of the options staff provided was to hire two guards, which would have a dual benefit. First, it would cover off required rests and lunch breaks. And second, it would allow additional areas like the li-

brary to receive some security support. Some councillors seemed supportive of that option.

“We have to make these places safe,” said Coun. Doug Brunton.

“These are people who are trained to be library technicians or library staff and they find themselves administering naloxone and checking bathrooms and seeing if people are literally alive when they’re lying around in the building,” added Coun. Tom Masschaele.

Martin asked Kent if there was room in the library budget to support an additional guard. She told the mayor it was something she’d have to take to the board in January. That led Martin to request staff expedite the more follow up report. Hiring the security guard is expected to cost the county $31,500.

Norfolk County to support physician recruitment efforts

LUKE EDWARDS

Advocate Correspondent

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

“I think we need to do something, I’m not fully convinced this is it,” said Coun. Alan Duthie at the Dec. 17 Norfolk council meeting.

A report came before council at an earlier council-in-committee meeting recommending approval of the roughly $100,000 from a fund council had already set aside for physician recruitment activities. Council deferred a decision to the Dec. 17 meeting to give them time to invite NGH staff to speak about the specifics.

NGH CEO Todd Stepanuik and physician recruiter Carolynn Beam gave an

overview of work they’ve done to date, as well as their successes. They also outlined plans for the future, which included bumping up the physician recruiter position to full time, which would allow the staff member to attend more of the recruiter events that take place all the time.

“I’m part-time, the position needs to be full-time so more can be done,” said Beam, who’s retiring shortly.

Stepanuik said the decision to make the position full-time was separate to their request from the county. However, his answers to other questions about how the county money would be spent had councillors still a little unsure. Several councillors attempted to clarify whether the municipal dollars would be used on top of what the hospital already spends on recruitment or if it would be used to reduce

the burden on the hospital.

“Part of the funds would be to infuse new initiatives over and above what we already spend,” Stepanuik ultimately said.

Part of the problem, Stepanuik suggested, is that the hospital doesn’t have a specific budget for recruitment. Instead, the funds come from their base budget, a decision they make “because for us it’s a strategic priority, for the betterment of the community,” he said.

Beam did highlight some success in recruiting they’ve experienced with education programs where precepting doctors have helped attract nine new family physicians to the area over the last decade.

Mayor Amy Martin supported the recommendation, but she too had some concerns.

“I would have liked to see something

a bit more innovative,” she said, singling out some items mentioned in a memo she didn’t want to see the municipality fund.

“I’m not interested in spending taxpayer money on swag and recruitment banners,” she said.

She also requested hospital staff return to council at a later date to show how they used the money.

However, in the end, councillors supported the request, with a slight adjustment. The report recommended providing $106,000 while holding back $144,000 in the recruitment dollars already allocated. Instead, they voted to provide $100,000 and keep $150,000 for the time being.

Duthie and fellow Coun. Chris Van Paassen said councillors had to take a bit of a leap of faith, and trust the hospital staff would put the money to good use.

Local author’s young reader books mix hardship, hope

Introducing the Library Roadshow with the CEO

FOR AUTHORS

By Dick Bourgeois-Doyle ADVOCATING

“I don't know if that's a (YA writing) rule, but it's certainly my rule.”

Deborah Ellis says it’s her practice to end all books for young adults on “a note of hope.” She feels that stories shouldn’t leave youthful readers in despair.

“So, I have to look for how do we become stronger? How do we become more capable of loving one another? How do we become more able to deal with the difficulties that life throws at us?” the award-winning author said in a recent podcast interview.

Deborah has lived in Simcoe for many years, her wife is a long-time Norfolk County resident, and her father and late mother made the area their home long ago. She has built a highly impactful and celebrated career from this base, drawing upon a passion for writing and an identity formed when she was a young student growing up in Paris, Ontario.

Working in Toronto in the 1990s, Deborah tapped experience in poorer neighbourhoods to craft her first book: Looking for X, the story of an eleven-year-old girl whose friend, a homeless woman, went missing. The book was a success.

Around the same time, Deborah and her colleagues were searching for ways to support women living under Afghanistan’s oppressive Taliban regime.

Inspired by the oral history work of American journalist Studs Terkel, she set out at her own expense to meet and record the stories of women who had fled to refugee camps in Pakistan. These stories fed into an academic monograph and later the more accessible book The Breadwinner. The post-9/11interest in Afghanistan and the plight of its people led to the development of an animated film based on the book.

The film attracted support from Angelina Jolie, led to the assembly of a consortium of creative filmmakers, and earned an Academy Award nomination. This, in turn, solidified Deborah’s status as an inspiring writer and rewarded her publisher Groundwood Books for its foresight and commitment to young audiences.

The Breadwinner has been published in 30 languages, and Deborah has written some 30 more books in the ensuing years. These works have brought her the Governor General’s Award, the Middle East Book Award, the Peter Pan Prize, the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award, the Vicky Metcalf Award, and the Order of Canada. Her books have, of course, also brought in a lot of money. But most of it has been redirected to worthy causes aligned with

the stories Deborah Ellis has told. She has donated more than $2 million in royalties to organizations such as Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan, Mental Health Without Borders, UNICEF, and the UNHCR.

Though they touch many countries and tell of many forms of danger, all of Deborah’s books echo the mix of hardship and hope epitomized by the Breadwinner series, which now includes five books. The fifth, One More Mountain published in 2022, picks up on the lives of Parvana and Shauzia, the brave girls who posed as boys to help their families survive 20 years earlier. Now, they are grown women facing the return of the Taliban and new dangers.

Such a turn of events could be the fuel for despair in life and literature. But Deborah Ellis resists, seeing a ray of hope in the possibility that the new Afghan regime is not monolithic. She notes that it has pockets of men who were raised and educated in a society exposed to what women can contribute and that many are not like the draconian old guard.

“Regardless, I have no right to be in despair. I have money, I have health, I have people who love me,” she says suggesting that the search for hope has helped her through the difficult circumstance she has witnessed. “So, I can't go there. That would be self-indulgent.”

With this perspective and approach, Norfolk County’s Deborah Ellis has helped millions around the world turn from despair and see hope in their own lives.

It is a particular measure of writing success.

Celebrating

Local Writers

Find books by Deborah Ellis including her latest The Outsmarters (2024) at Beach Reads Bookshop or the Norfolk County Public Library and for the podcast interview in full, check out https://doverwrites. blogspot.com

BELINDA SMITH Norfolk County Public Library

The Norfolk County Public Library (NCPL) is excited to announce its newest community engagement initiative, The Library Roadshow with the CEO.

Inspired by the concept of the Antiques Roadshow, this program offers Library visitors a unique opportunity to connect directly with Julie Kent, CEO of NCPL, over coffee and conversations.

This monthly program is designed for community members to:

• Share feedback and ideas about Library services.

• Ask questions and explore Library initiatives.

• Collaborate on enhancing the Library’s role as a vital community hub.

Much like uncovering hidden treasures, participants will discover the true value of their Library.

“As CEO, I am committed to fostering transparent and meaningful communication through initiatives like The Library Roadshow,” said Julie Kent, Norfolk County Public Library CEO.

“This series provides opportunities for folks to share feedback, ask questions, and voice concerns. I want to ensure that every community member feels

heard. We’re implementing clear channels for your feedback, so you’ll see timely responses and concrete actions from us. Together, we can strengthen NCPL’s role as a cornerstone for our community.”

The Library Roadshow with the CEO will rotate Library Branches every month, visiting each Branch twice within the year. On select dates, other guests will join Julie to enrich the discussions, like Kimberly Earls, Chair of the Norfolk County Public Library Board, who will be attending in January, March, and May.

The program schedule will roll out as follows:

• Wednesday, Jan. 29 from 5-7 p.m. at the Port Rowan Branch.

• Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Delhi Branch.

• Thursday, March 13 from 5-7 p.m. at the Simcoe Branch.

• Friday, April 11 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Port Dover Branch.

• Thursday, May 29 from 5-7 p.m. at the Waterford Branch.

For more information, visit ncpl.ca or contact your local Branch. Whether you are a long-time Library supporter or a new visitor, The Library Roadshow with the CEO is your chance to engage with Library leadership and help shape the future of NCPL.

Weekend Quiz

1. What U.S. state begins with a U?

2. What was the original business of Netflix?

3. How many pieces does each player have in backgammon?

4. What actress played the role of Stifler’s Mom in the movie American Pie?

5. What is the only fruit that bears its seeds on the outside?

6. What city was formerly known as Constantinople?

7. What is the name of the tallest grass on earth?

8. Who is the governor of California?

9. What is the birthstone for January?

10. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, what is “the soul of wit”.

This week’s answers are found on pg. 23

Simcoe author Deborah Ellis.

(DICK BOURGEOIS-DOYLE PHOTO)

Public EV charging stations coming to Norfolk Council approves Port Dover subdivision proposal

LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent

Referees can put their whistles away, this is one kind of charging call that doesn’t lead to two minutes in the sin bin.

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

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

“The program offers funding up to 75 per cent of total project cost with the primary goal of expanding the availability of public EV charging stations and improving the accessibility, affordability and connectivity in rural areas across Ontario,” said Sydney

Clarysse, project lead for energy and facilities with the County. All told, the installation is expected to cost $160,000, with $120,000 in grants and $40,000 coming out of the New/Incremental capital reserve.

EV drivers will have to pay to use the chargers, starting at $2.15 per hour. And while they’re intended for public use, a staff report said they’ll also be available for staff use should the County “pursue an EV fleet expansion in the future.”

While councillors supported the project, Coun. Mike Columbus questioned the reasoning behind the selected locations.

“I wonder why arenas, and not some place downtown… where if you had to charge your vehicle you’d go uptown for a coffee or something,” he said.

“We mostly chose arenas because these are level two chargers, which means it’ll take a couple hours to get an adequate charge,” replied Clarysse. The locations they chose will allow users to either go for a walk or go in to watch a hockey game to pass the couple hours before their car is ready to go.

LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent

Norfolk County has given the green light for a proposed subdivision in Port Dover that would include 393 new detached homes and 56 semi-detached units.

Councillors at the Dec. 17 meeting voted in favour of a staff recommendation to approve an application for the proposed 449-unit development. The property is just shy of 40 hectares and located in the northwest part of Port Dover’s urban boundary.

During the process leading up to the recommendation report, there were some issues raised by the public and by councillors. They included questions about on-street parking, a lack of sidewalks, traffic and surface water drainage.

In response, the applicant modified parts of the plan and provided updated studies, which was enough to satisfy

staff and councillors.

“The last time we had this site application before us I questioned the onstreet parking and I’m really pleased it’s been improved in this proposal,” said Coun. Mike Columbus.

Updates to the plan include changes to frontages and driveway layouts to address parking concerns, additional buffering between the development and natural heritage sites to the north, additional space for a stormwater management pond, and adding sidewalks to all internal streets.

The property and proposal also includes a block for commercial development. While the specifics have yet to be determined, Mayor Amy Martin reiterated what she doesn’t want to see.

“I’m not looking for big box stores on Highway 6 coming into the community,” she said.

Bird count registers new highs for some species

Thanks to organizers and volunteers who participated in the 2024 Christmas Bird Count, scientists who depend on long-term data about bird populations have another year’s worth of information to draw on.

The Christmas Bird Count provides an annual snapshot of the number of individual birds, and the bird species, found in specific areas. Within Norfolk County, there are two long-standing Christmas Bird Counts, taking place in Long Point and Woodhouse. The 64th Long Point count took place Dec. 14, followed by the 38th Woodhouse Count Dec. 15.

The Long Point count covered a 24-kilometre circle centered on the lighthouse south of St. Williams, while the Woodhouse Count roughly covered from Port Dover to Waterford and just west of Simcoe to east of Jarvis.

Stuart Mackenzie, Director of Strategic Assets for Birds Canada, coordinated the 2024 Long Point count, noting that the “sighting of the day” was a brown thrasher, spotted during the count for the first time since 2007.

Waterfowl accounted for over half of the individual birds sighted during the Long Point count. Mallard ducks were seen in their highest-ever numbers of 9,512, and double-crested cormorants, trumpeter swans, and mute swans were among the species also spotted in record numbers.

A record number of sandhill cranes was also reported, with 10,044 seen in the count area. A golden eagle and a short-eared owl were noted for the first time since 2017. In all, the Long Point count tallied 40,556 birds, with 112 species. The total number of birds is on par with the most recent 10-year average of around 42,000 birds.

The Woodhouse Count, coordinated by Adam Timpf, logged 22,105 individ-

ual birds representing 88 species, with the total number being higher than the average for the past 10 years. Ten species were seen in record high numbers, including merlins, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, pileated woodpeckers, Carolina wrens, and winter wrens. A gray catbird was also sighted during the count for just the second time in the last 10 years.

Both Timpf and Mackenzie noted in their count reports that mild conditions up until the week before the count kept some species hanging around longer than usual. Timpf noted that “hardy insect eating birds are benefiting from our warming climate,” pointing out that both wrens and kinglets were found in greater numbers than normal in 2024.

Data for the counts was collected by volunteers, who traveled on foot or by car within the count areas, noting the number of birds of each species they spotted. Some volunteers within the count area reported on the number and species of birds visiting their feeders.

The Christmas Bird Count is North America’s oldest standardized census, and gives valuable information on the early winter distribution and numbers of birds throughout the Western Hemisphere. People in more than 2,000 locations throughout the Western Hemisphere participate in the annual counts. In Canada, the Christmas Bird Count is coordinated by Birds Canada in partnership with the National Audubon Society.

The results of the counts are used by conservation biologists, environmental planners, and naturalists to assess the population trends and distribution of birds.

More information about the 2024 Christmas Bird Count can be found at the Long Point Bird Observatory Sightings Board site, https://birdscanada.mediavalet.com/portals/LPBO.

Sandhill cranes were among the species spotted in record numbers during the 2024 Long Point Christmas Bird Count. A total of 10,044 sandhill cranes were sighted within the count area.

(BIRDS CANADA/STUART MACKENZIE PHOTO)

Sandhill cranes photographed by Stuart Mackenzie during the Christmas Bird Count.

A golden eagle photographed by Josh Pickering.

Santa visits Christmas dinner at Riversyde 83

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

On Christmas Day, everyone should enjoy being seated around a table with family - or friends - having a festive meal together.

More than 150 people experienced that joy on Dec. 25 at the 5th annual Community Christmas Day Dinner in Simcoe, hosted by Church Out Serving at Riversyde 83.

Participants enjoyed a full-on traditional Christmas Dinner, complete with turkey, ham and all the trimmings. Food was prepared by volunteers – in total, there were about 40 volunteers either cooking, serving food, or clearing and cleaning tables.

“It’s a great dinner,” said Church Out Serving’s Eric Haverkamp, who said the opening grace. “It’s a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings and a lovely dessert. We try to make it a festive atmosphere… and the jolly old soul from the North Pole pops in. I think it’s a very festive event that will bring lots of cheer and laughter into peoples’ day.”

Ed Sanchuk from OPP West Region carried on his Norfolk giving tradition with his family on Christmas Day, dropping off Ferrero Canada products in bags donated by Real Canadian Superstore in Simcoe.

“Basically my dad, my son and my daughter are here, we just dropped off a bunch of bags here, and we’re going to the women’s shelter next,” said Sanchuk, “and a couple other places. Ferrero Canada donates all these goodies, and the Superstore donate all the bags, then my mom and dad and sister-in-law pack it all up, and on Christmas morning we drop stuff off… I think over 300 today.”

The idea of the Community Christmas Day Dinner, said Haverkamp, is to “give everybody a place to go on Christmas so they can enjoy the spirit of the season, and all the love, joy, peace and hope that abounds at Christmas time.”

The number of participants has been rising. Two years ago, about 120 attended, and last year, numbers rose to about 140. This year about 175 registered, approaching full capacity at Riversyde 83.

“It’s a beautiful thing,” said Haverkamp. “We really, really love seeing all the people out that are just looking for a place to be on Christmas Day.”

The Christmas Day Dinner is an extension of the hearty homestyle community meal program that Church Out Serving offers on Mondays and Fridays, every week, all year long to those with food insecurity.

Canadian newspapers are powered by journalists, not AI. They check the facts so you can trust what you’re reading. That’s why 4 in 5 people in Canada come back each week for more. Thanks for keeping it real with us.

Rita Kloet delivers two Christmas dinners at the 5th annual Community Christmas Day Dinner in Simcoe, hosted by Church Out Serving at Riversyde 83.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

Church Out Serving’s Eric Haverkamp with Ed Sanchuk from OPP West Region, who carried on his Norfolk giving tradition with his family on Christmas Day, dropping off Ferrero Canada products in bags donated by Real Canadian Superstore in Simcoe.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

Volunteers at the 5th annual Community Christmas Day Dinner in Simcoe included Sherry Shrubb and Susan Van Der Molen.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

Live Christmas music was provided by Bruce Van Der Molen and Jennifer Burne-House at the 5th annual Community Christmas Day Dinner hosted by Church Out Serving.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

Simcoe Lighting and Décor is a ‘one-stop shop’

Simcoe Lighting and Décor has been servicing Norfolk County and area with lighting and home décor products for nearly 30 years.

“I think this year will be 29 years,” said Violet Frank, noting they moved the family-owned and operated business from downtown Simcoe to their present location at 625 West Street W, Simcoe (at the corner of Hillcrest) in 2005.

Service and selection have been priorities since day one, said Violet, who has three decades experience in the lighting industry.

“You get that one-on-one customer service here,” said Mike Frank, Violet’s husband, who came on board at Simcoe Lighting and Décor about five years ago after nearly 30 years as an automotive mechanic.

“We take care of all our warranties in-house,” said Mike, noting they have a 4,000 square foot show room and a lot of variety in products. “We also do minor repairs to floor and table lamps.”

They specialize in residential lighting for new builds and renovations, carrying everything from chandeliers to bathroom vanities, pendant lighting, desk lamps, drawer lamps, and lamp shades. They also offer outdoor lighting options, including landscaping and path lighting. In 2024, they introduced solar lighting.

Customers include home owners, contractors and builders.

“We deal with Keesmaat Homes, Prominent Homes, Boer Homes, Emm Homes, Sinclair Homes… and we deal with a lot of home renovations as well. And we deal with a couple of home decorators.

“We’ve got lots of variety,” Mike smiled.

“We also carry a lot specialty light bulbs as well, that a lot of companies

do not carry. A lot of hardware and electric stores redirect customers here to get specialty bulbs. We deal with specific companies and they have very good warranties.

“We deal with all warranties inhouse – you bring in the receipt, the defective part or item, and we’ll replace it. It’s one thing we thrive on here… the customer service. It’s nice to get looked after at the place you purchased the product – it’s that personal touch.”

Most December-January sales tend to be floor and table lamps, he said. They begin to consider new products in January, and they will

be going to a trade show at the end of the month. Sales reps also start coming to their store, showing them what’s new.

“All the exciting new designs and finishes (brushed nickel, black, gold, etc.)... All the new stuff will be coming in April and May.”

Décor items are also prominent at Simcoe Lighting, including end tables, chairs, mirrors, metal signs and art prints.

“We’re known for ceiling fans as well – it’s kind of a one-stop shop, almost, other than appliances and furniture. You only have so much room,” he laughed.

Simcoe Lighting and Décor is located at 625 West Street W, Simcoe.

Delhi Flames coming into WOSHL home stretch

ADVOCATE STAFF

The Delhi Flames men’s hockey team went into a five-game WOSHL road trip in December fresh off a convincing 7-3 win over Tilbury at the Delhi Community Arena.

The Flames rolled to a 6-3 victory in Strathroy a week later, scoring three late goals including two into an empty net in the final minute. Chris Martin scored the winner with 6:51 left to play.

It was tough sledding in Dunnville on the back end of the two-game weekend, losing 10-4 to their Hwy 3 east rivals. Sebastian Guastadisegni scored a late second period power-play goal and Hunter Monkhouse netted a short-handed goal before the period ended. Sixteen penalties were called in the same period, including eight five-minute fighting majors.

First-place Alvinston edged Delhi 6-4 on Dec. 21, outshooting the Flames 68-34 at the BAI Community Centre Complex. The Killer Bees scored the winner with 3:50 left in the third on a power play. Grant Spence added insurance for Alvinston – and they needed it. Danny Attridge’s fourth goal of the season closed the gap to one on the power play, but with just 18 second left, the visitors ran out of time. Delhi goalie Benjamin Blacker faced 23 shots in the first period and 26 in the second, but the Flames only trailed Alvinston 3-2 going into the third.

Back on the road Dec. 28, the Flames dropped a 4-3 decision in Tillsonburg. Tied 2-2 after two periods, the Thunder scored the eventual winner with 11:29 left, going up 4-2. Delhi captain Chris Donnelly replied with 2:55 remaining in the third on a power-play, but the Flames were short one player for the final 1:07.

On Jan. 4, Delhi concluded the five-game away stretch at Strathroy’s Allman Memorial Arena. Christian Lloyd scored Delhi’s only goal in a 7-1 loss to the fourth-place Fighting Irish, battling Tillsonburg for a top-four spot in the Western Ontario Super Hockey League standings.

The Fighting Irish again topped Delhi on Jan. 11, posting another seven in a 7-3 victory at the Delhi Community Arena.

NEXT GAME

That brings Delhi (7-12-1), currently trailing Dunnville by two points with four games remaining in the 2024-25 regular season, to their next 8 p.m. home game against the Aeros, on Saturday, Jan. 18. Dunnville is coming off back-to-back onegoal losses to Elora and Petrolia.

The Flames travel to Tillsonburg Jan. 25 (7:30), and they are back on home ice Feb. 1 (7:30) in a Thunder rematch. Delhi’s final scheduled regular season game Feb. 7 is in Tilbury.

Delhi Flames’ coaching staff continues to engage with the referees at the Delhi bench at the Kinsmen Memorial Arena.

Delhi Flames’ Mitchell Britton, left, is in shot-blocking mode against the Tillsonburg Thunder, who had two players positioned in front of Delhi goalie Benjamin Blacker on Dec. 28.

Tillsonburg Thunder defenceman Mike Findlay, left, nearly gets a stick Danny Attridge’s shot on Dec. 28.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

Delhi goalie Ben Blacker is surrounded by Bluebirds on Dec. 7. The Flames won 7-3, despite being outshot by Tilbury 43-28.

Delhi Flames’ Sebastian Guastadisegni (7), defended by Tilbury’s Ryan Barwitzki, scored the WOSHL game winner Dec. 7.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

BRENDA MOSER Advocate Correspondent

snack programs

If you’ve ever been a hockey parent, a big part of your life is at arenas and you will spend a great deal of your free time running kids to and from games, tying up skates, carrying hockey bags… whatever needs to be done.

Some hockey parents will go that extra mile and tackle new ventures. Alison Rossi is one of those.

Last year she took it upon herself to organize a fundraiser for a great cause and so the first Toonies For Tummies tournament was held at Waterford Arena. The aim of the tournament was to raise money for the snack programs at five local schools – Waterford Public, Teeterville Public, St. Bernard’s Catholic School, Boston Public and Bloomsburg Public. She had no idea it would be such a success!

Last season there was just one game played with a head-to-head of two U13 (Under 13) local league teams.

“I was team manager and I knew I wanted to give back to the community,” said Rossi.

That one game brought in $3,000 for the snack program. Community response was great so Alison knew she had to do it again this season, even though she no longer has any kids in Waterford Minor Hockey.

“I co-ordinated and organized the day and last year just one game was played. This year we played three games – the two U9 teams, two U11 teams and two U13 teams played head-to-head games. This year we made $4,500. We sold raffle tickets for some great prizes and are grateful for donations from Springview Farm Golf Course, Waterford Paint, Beauty by Stacey/ Alchemy Hair Salon, Equipment Centre, The Waterford Girl Brand, Godfather’s Pizza, Sawaya Gardens and Nova Mutual Insurance as well as Hamilton Bulldogs T-shirts, Bulldogs game tickets and an Auston Matthews hockey jersey. We also received a $1,000 cash donation from the Waterford Firefighters and $500 from Nova Mutual Insurance.

“It was a great tournament… it was fantastic and so much fun. I was certainly running around all day! Everybody was right into the tournament and the coaches even dressed up!”

Will she back next year? Not sure, but one thing is for sure… Waterford District Minor Hockey Association is appreciative for all of her hard work.

Local sports programs could not run without the behind-the-scenes help and time that so many parent volunteers give. Alison Rossi is just one of those volunteers and she is owed a huge THANK YOU for a job well done.

Waterford District Minor Hockey Association’s U9 teams at the Toonies For Tummies hockey tournament.

(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Waterford District Minor Hockey Association’s U13 teams at the Toonies For Tummies hockey tournament.

(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Waterford District Minor Hockey Association’s U11 teams at the Toonies For Tummies hockey tournament.

(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

OPP briefs Norfolk Fair Flashback

Pickup truck reported stolen in Norfolk County

Police are seeking assistance from the public in locating a stolen pickup truck in Norfolk County and identifying those responsible for the theft.

At approximately 7:58 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Detachment investigated a theft of a motor vehicle on St. John's Road West in Simcoe.

In the overnight hours, one or more unidentified individuals stole a vehicle from the property, identified as a white 2015 Ram 2500 pickup.

The Norfolk County OPP Detachment is actively conducting an ongoing investigation and is appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the police at 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous online tip at www.helpsolvecrime.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Shoplifter charged in Simcoe

An individual has been charged following an investigation into a shoplifting incident in Simcoe.

At approximately 1:23 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Detachment responded to a reported theft on Queensway East in Simcoe.

It was determined that an individual entered a business, concealed merchandise, and attempted to exit without paying. Officers located the individual on the premises and took them into custody without incident.

A 47-year-old from Norfolk County has been charged with the following alleged offences: Fail to comply with Probation Order; and Theft under $5,000 - shoplifting.

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.

SUV reported stolen

Police are seeking assistance from the public in locating a stolen Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and identifying those responsible for the theft.

At approximately 10:11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Detachment investigated a theft of a motor vehicle on Mechanic Street West in Waterford.

Sometime overnight, one or more unidentified individuals stole a vehicle from the property, identified as a black 2019 Lincoln MKC SUV.

The Norfolk County OPP Detachment is actively conducting an ongoing investigation and is appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the police at 1-888-310-1122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or leave an anonymous online tip at www.helpsolvecrime.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Charges laid following mischief incident

An individual has been charged by the OPP following an investigation into a mischief incident in Simcoe.

At approximately 11:36 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8, officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Norfolk County Detachment responded to and investigated a mischief incident on Colborne Street South in Simcoe.

It was determined that an interaction between two individuals in the area resulted in damage to the victim's vehicle. As a result, one individual was taken into custody without incident.

A 59-year-old has been charged with the following alleged offences: Fail to comply with Probation Order; and Mischief under $5,000.

The accused is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Simcoe on Tuesday, Feb, 11.

In a flashback to the 2024 Norfolk County Fair and Horse Show, horses are a main feature. Among the daily shows this past year were the Farm Chore Competition, the Ontario 4-Hitch series, and 6-Hitch. Farm chores involved horses pulling wagons replicating ‘chores’ on the track infield. The 4-Hitch and 6-Hitch performances drew large crowds!

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

Surge in patient volumes: consider your healthcare options

Norfolk General Hospital is facing high patient volumes due to a surge in flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 cases.

Like many hospitals across the province, NGH continues to face significant capacity pressures, frequently operating at or above 100 per cent occupancy in recent weeks.

These challenges, combined with illnesses affecting both patients and staff, have created strain on the Simcoe hospital, which is committed to providing safe, high-quality care for patients and supporting their dedicated staff and physicians.

To help ensure emergency care is available for those who need it most, Norfolk General Hospital announced in a Jan. 10 media release it is encouraging the community to consider alternative healthcare options for non-urgent concerns.

Emergency Department

The Norfolk General Hospital Emergency Department prioritizes patients with life-threatening or critical conditions. For non-urgent medical issues, wait times may be longer than usual.

“With respiratory illnesses on the rise, emergency departments are under significant pressure,” said Dr. Christine Tran, Chief of the Emergency Department in a media release. “If your condition is not urgent, we encourage you to explore other healthcare options. We deeply appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time.”

Here are simple ways to help reduce the spread of illness:

• Stay home if you feel unwell.

• Wear a mask in indoor public spaces.

• Wash your hands frequently.

• Keep your vaccinations up to date for flu, COVID-19, and RSV.

Most mild symptoms can be managed at home with rest, hydration, and overthe-counter medications. If you’re unsure about the best remedies, your local pharmacist can provide advice and alternatives.

“Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness,” said Dr. Robin Martin-Godelie, NGH’s Chief of Staff, in the media release. “Getting vaccinated is a simple step that protects both you and the community. Flu shots and

Martin named Chair of WO Wardens’ Caucus

Norfolk County Mayor Amy Martin has been elected Chair of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) for a one-year term, effective immediately. Mayor Martin takes on this leadership role following the organization’s Annual General Meeting, where officers and key leadership positions were appointed. Warden Kevin Marriott of Lambton County was named Vice-Chair, Norfolk County CAO Al Meneses will serve as Secretary, and Dufferin County CAO Sonya Pritchard will assume the role of Treasurer.

The Wardens’ Caucus also announced its 2025-27 Strategic Plan, which focuses on addressing key regional priorities, including housing, infrastructure, workforce development and mental health, addictions and homelessness.

“It is an honour to be elected Chair of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus,” said Martin in a media release. “This year, the WOWC will work closely with all levels of government, industry leaders, and community organizations to champion initiatives that align with the needs of our region. Together, we will ensure that rural, Southwestern Ontario continues to thrive, addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities for the benefit of all.”

Representing 1.6 million residents across Southwestern Ontario, the WOWC is committed to advancing solutions that enhance quality of life for all communities in the region.

COVID-19 boosters are widely available through healthcare providers and local pharmacies.”

Alternative options

For non-urgent medical needs, here are some options to consider:

• Consult your family doctor: For issues that can wait 24 hours or more, contact your family physician.

• Visit a pharmacist: Ontario pharmacists can now prescribe treatment for 19 common conditions.

• Call Health Connect Ontario: 811: Speak with a registered nurse 24/7 by phone or online for advice. Visit Health811 for details.

• Delhi Community Health Centre Walk-In Clinic: Open Thursdays and Saturdays on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Virtual Urgent Care: Book a sameday or next-day appointment with a Nurse Practitioner or Doctor at Urgent Care Ontario .

• Pediatric Urgent Care Clinic: Offered by Lighthouse Pediatrics, this clinic is open Tuesday evenings from 5-8 p.m. at the Roulston’s Wellness

Centre, 65 Donly Drive North, Simcoe.

• To book an appointment, call the Lighthouse Pediatrics Port Dover Clinic at 226-534-9772.

Masks are required for all visits. Walkins may be available on a first-come, firstserve basis for remaining time slots, but call ahead to confirm availability. For children and youth up to 16 years old. One condition per visit. OHIP-covered services only.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or proceed to your local emergency department.

Supporting staff

NGH staff and physicians are working tirelessly to provide care, and they ask for your patience, kindness, and understanding.

Vaccinations are your best defense against severe illness from flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Staying up to date with your flu shot and COVID-19 booster can help protect you and ease the strain on the healthcare system.

Yes. We understand that some people might like the convenience of the Simcoe Advocate arriving at their home (located near or far) through Canada Post, so we do have subscriptions available for this purpose. The price for a subscription is $55.24 plus gst = $58.00.

Waterford Legion has much to offer the community

BRENDA MOSER Advocate Correspondent

Like any town or city with a Royal Canadian Legion branch, Waterford’s Branch 123 has a number of programs and events for everyone in the community to enjoy. Not a Legion member? No problem… you are invited to attend any of their ongoing activities.

Like to sing? Join in on the karaoke fun every month with the next session on Friday, Jan. 31, for those 18+, at 7 p.m. Come prepared to sing your heart out!

Thursdays are quite busy at Branch 123 with Sit & Fit at 12 p.m., sponsored by the local Alzheimer Society. It is a free light exercise program, 45 minutes in duration, to help you keep fit while sitting and without having to endure a vigorous exercise program. Meet up with your friends and join the fun.

Looking for something to do on a Thursday night? Try your hand at cornhole… whatever your level of expertise. Stop in to the Legion at 7 p.m. and join the fun. Never played before? No problem… all are welcome.

It is nice to know that not all events are geared just to adults as they also include a youth darts league for kids 8 to 18 years of age. Whether they’re beginners who would just like to learn how to play or those who

have some experience with the sport, all are invited to come out. Darts are held on Sundays at 10 a.m. and are free to participants.

If you’ve ever enjoyed a home cooked meal at any Legion branch then you know the price is right, and Branch 123 is well known for their tasty meals. They offer wing nights, fish and chips, roast beef suppers and Sunday brunches. You can check out the dates of upcoming events and meals on their Facebook page – Waterford Legion - or their website www.waterfordlegion.ca . By supporting their events you are helping to support not only the Legion but the many causes that they support in Waterford and community. It’s a great way to celebrate with old friends. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 123 is ‘Waterford’s place for fun, drinks and cool events’.

A bright future for Hope for Today Church

hall at 10:30 and Sunday School classes, ages 2-12, are held in the downstairs at 11 a.m.

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at

It was a sad time when the Waterford Anglican Church saw its numbers declining and made the decision that it was time to close their doors. A longtime landmark of our town holds a special place in our history and keeping it alive was important to many. Call it luck or fate, but the church was destined to once again hear voices singing, children laughing and worship services welcoming all to join them.

Waterford native Andrew Pearce chose the Ministry as his profession and pursued that career choice at Vanguard College in Edmonton, Alberta where he earned his Bachelor of Theology. He and his family - wife Megan and children Kennedy and Jackson - moved back to Waterford from Milton five years ago and hasn’t looked back.

Pearce and Hope for Today began ministering June 27, 2021 holding afternoon services at Waterford United Church. When the Anglican Church became vacant and available for lease from the Anglican Diocese, Pearce saw the opportunity to establish a new home for Hope for Today Church. They made the move in August and have been very happy.

“We worship together first upstairs then have lessons downstairs for the kids. There is a movie, then the kids spend time together getting to know more about Jesus.”

Hope For Today also offers a Coffee Hub where those who like can ‘hang around’.

“The numbers fluctuate but we usually have around 50.”

Pearce realizes that there are needed repairs and updates but all in due time. They have been working on improvements including a functioning elevator that allows access to the upper Church as well as the social area downstairs. To date they have also done work on the front roof and the lighting. It’s all a work in progress. Pearce would like to eventually use the space for community outreach events. He is also hoping to do dramas and a showcase for music and local groups.

Hope for Today is a registered not-forprofit charity and federally incorporated.

“We have our act together and know our responsibilities and accountability. We offer tax receipts for donations,” adds Pearce.

“We liked the fact that we could meet at 10:30 a.m. This is our long-term home… It will grow with us as we grow. Ministries and opportunities will grow with us as well,” said Pearce.

When I visited them on a Friday night it was refreshing to hear the Church alive with the voices of children and see their contagious enthusiasm. There was pizza, snacks, refreshments and lots of laughter. The Hope Youth Friday night group obviously has lots of fun while learning more about the scripture.

The congregation meets in the upper

If you are not able to attend Hope for Today in person you can live stream them 10:30 a.m. on Sundays or you find them on their YouTube channel @hopefortodaychurch or on their website www. hopefortodaychurch.org .

It is a sign of our times with churches closing, but it is so refreshing to see the results achieved when someone has a vision… a dream… and brings that dream to life. Great job Andrew and Megan for bringing life back to a historic Waterford church.

Hope for Today Church’s Friday night youth group. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

BRENDA MOSER Advocate Correspondent

Every visit to The Barrel ‘feels like coming home’

WHAT'S FOR DINNER NORFOLK COUNTY

By Ian Milmine

The Barrel Restaurant is one of the best go-to restaurants in Simcoe. Whether you’re celebrating a grandparents’ birthday with the whole family, corporate parties, family dinners, date nights, or just don’t want to cook. The Barrel restaurant is a top tier choice no matter what the occasion.

George and Sandra Daikos along with Tom and Nia Daikos are the original founding members of The Barrel. The brothers met their wives in Greece and, together, moved to Canada in the early 1970s to pursue new opportunities. Inspired by their shared passion for their country’s food they quickly got into the restaurant business.

Living in Toronto, they embraced the growing trend of Italian and Greek food, opening the first Barrel Pizza and Spaghetti House in the mid 1970s with locations in Aurora, Orangeville

and Richmond Hill. Then in the early 1980s they moved to Fort Erie opening another location and closing the GTA locations. In search of a quieter lifestyle in the mid-1980s, the founders turned their attention to Simcoe, starting construction on their next restaurant in 1986 and officially opening its doors in 1987 at 131 Queensway West, where it still exists today.

In its 37 years of operation, The Barrel has become an incredibly popular place. It remains as popular today as it was when it first opened. Although the Toronto locations closed after the founders moved to Fort Erie, the Fort Erie and Simcoe locations continue to thrive today.

The next generation of the family, led by Nick Kokkoros and Nick Zographos, continues the legacy of its founders. Combining the timeless values and traditions

instilled by the original founders with their own education and experience, they ensure that The Barrel stays true to its roots and continues to delight customers with a dining experience that began in 1987.

The founders of Barrel Restaurant took a unique and highly personalized approach to staffing, fostering a family-like atmosphere that has resulted in exceptional staff retention. Many team members have been with the organization for 10 to 20 years, some with more than two decades of dedicated service. Notable among this longtime staff are Malia McArdle (front kitchen), Svitlana Yefimtsev (back kitchen), Arthur Marontate (dishwasher), Rose Mills (server) and Kelly Hader (server). Acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the success of the Barrel Restaurant, “We appreciate the loyalty and unwavering hard work of all employees, for which we express deep appreciation,” said Nick. The founding owners quicky rooted themselves into the community. They joined the Norfolk County Fair in 1988, purchasing their first and only food trailer that has only ever gone to the Norfolk County Fair and has been in the same spot ever since. Barrel Restaurant sponsors several

sports teams, donates to community events and fundraisers, as well as monthly free pizza giveaways in partnership with myFM 98.9 celebrating other local businesses bringing recognition to others’ contributions to the community as well.

Serving food made with love, original recipes brought over with the founders and quality that stands above all else for the ultimate Italian dining experience. The traditionally made recipes have never changed. In-house made sauces and dressing, olive oil made and imported from Greece and chefs trained to make it the same way without fail. Service that is as consistent as a Michelin Star restaurant and the consistency of a very well oiled and maintained machine. The Barrel Restaurant and its staff are unwavering in their commitments to their work.

If you follow What’s For Dinner Norfolk County on Facebook, you will know that the Barrel Restaurant is one of the places I frequent several times a month. I love supporting them knowing that not only am I supporting a local small business, I am also helping fund one of the many places that has woven themselves into the DNA of the community.

Some of the dishes I personal-

ly enjoy are their pizza, wings, lasagna, arancini, in-house made large mozzarella sticks, house and Caesar salad, Italian melt sandwich and more. You will find a little some thing for everyone there, even if you have a picky eater or someone that must eat a modified diet. No one is left out.

In conclusion, The Barrel Restaurant is far more than just a dining establishment - they’re a cornerstone of the Simcoe community. From its humble beginnings rooted in family tradition and passion for authentic cuisine, to its steadfast commitment to quality, consistency, and community involvement, The Barrel continues to thrive as a beloved gathering place for all occasions. Whether you’re savouring a classic dish steeped in tradition or celebrating a special moment with loved ones, every visit to The Barrel feels like coming home. It's a testament to the dedication of its founders, staff, and the next generation carrying on its legacy - a true gem that will undoubtedly remain a local favorite for years to come.

Ian Milmine is the Facebook administrator for What’s For Dinner Norfolk County. To share your feedback on his monthly column - or ask questions – email Ian at imilmine@hotmail.com

The Barrel Restaurant’s menu includes, clockwise from top left, pepperoni pizza, chicken souvlaki, spinach and artichoke dip, lasagna, arancini, house salad and much more.

(IAN MILMINE PHOTOS)

Amazing murals bring Sherbrooke’s history to life

OH, THE PLACES WE'LL GO

By Paul Knowles

We were to meet our guide, Chantal Turgeon, in the lobby of the Grand Hotel Times, our very temporary place of residence in Sherbrooke, Québec. The plan was to do a walking tour of the unique murals located around Sherbrooke city centre.

We knew that was not going to happen – it was pouring rain, a deluge so persistent that the streets were running with water, and some patios had turned into small ponds.

But never underestimate the determination of a tourist guide. Chantal showed up with umbrellas and a smile. And by the end of the tour, soggy shoes, wet pantlegs and all, we were very glad she did. Because the 18 Sherbrooke Murals are amazing.

The murals are gigantic, genuine works of art – beautifully executed, full of local detail, and often painted with a lot of humour. They cover entire sides of buildings, and feature the clever “trompe-l’oeil” (“to deceive the eye”) style, which creates optical illusions suggesting three dimensions.

The mural project has been ongoing for more than 20 years. The first was completed in 2002, Sherbrooke’s bicentennial. It features a scene depicting life in 1902. But perhaps the best place to

start is with a mural near the Sherbrooke Tourist Information Office, a scene dating back to 1867.

The murals are not all historic in theme – there are recent and modern scenes, right up to the 2019 mural, “The Fifth Element,” a visionary, modernistic image depicting a family viewing huge symbols of fire, earth, water and air… the fifth element being the spectators, themselves – those painted in the mural, and those of us viewing the piece.

One of the murals – dubbed “Nékitotegwak” – depicts the junction of the Magog and St.-François rivers. The title means “where the rivers meet”. It’s especially appropriate, because, as we discovered during our wet and wild tour, visiting the murals includes walking the dramatic metal boardwalk along the river that surges through the city.

Visitors to Sherbrooke should pick up one of the free guides to this “open air art gallery”. They recommend two possible walking routes, one a “half-circuit” that takes you to 11 of the murals, the other, the “full circuit” of all 18.

The pamphlets add to the fun of the tour, suggesting a number of items included in the murals that kids – and

whimsical adults – can find as they enjoy the art.

For instance, at the “Heart, Culture and Education” mural that is a building-sized bookshelf, visitors are invited to spot “1 apple, 1 pregnant woman, 1 dog, 1 owl, 2 butterflies, 1 blue jay, 1 fairy, 1 dragonfly, 1 mole, 1 happy face, 10 ladybugs and 1 grasshopper.” What is not mentioned is that the books on the shelves are the works of local authors, including Louise Penny, whose Inspector Gamache thrillers are situated right here in the Eastern Townships.

All of the murals are fine pieces of artistic achievement. A few of our favourites included:

“Canada Games 2013,” a mural comprising 224 panels, so full of life that the main figure, a female athlete in full motion, is leaving panels scattered in her wake.

“Tradition and Prevention,” a commemoration of Sherbrooke’s fire prevention history that is nonetheless filled with humour and nostalgia, from the shopper in very hip 60’s fashions to a young boy about to wreak havoc with a garden hose.

This mural is located very close to St. Michael’s Cathedral- Basilica, a Gothic Revival masterpiece that has been very much in the news of late – it is the resting place of St. Marie-Léonie Paradis, founder of the community of the Little Sisters of the Holy Family. This local hero was canonized by Pope Francis in October, 2024, a cause for huge celebration in Sherbrooke as well as in Rome. Her story, memorabilia and relics are all on display in the cathedral.

As we waded through temporary ponds and unsuccessfully dodged raindrops, we soon realized that seeing the Sherbrooke murals was more than worth the effort, in any weather. We were also very grateful to be accompanied by Chantal, as well as Shanny Hallé, a Sherbrooke native who is the very hospitable, Eastern Townships’ media liaison person.

Our recommendation? At the least, get the guidebook. It includes QR codes that let you learn more on your phone. Best option: if possible, get a living, breathing, fast-paced human guide like Chantal. You will appreciate the works of art that much more.

For example – we stopped at “We Are In the Movies”, and at “CHLT-TV, 50 Years Of Looking At It Our Way”. Both murals feature a cast of local characters, a few named in the brochure – but each one identified for us by Chantal and Shanny. All of which made the experience of visiting Sherbrooke’s amazing murals all that more intriguing.

As you do the trek to see the murals, you will also be passing coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, museums, and more. All of which can make for a fascinating day out in this rather special capital of Québec’s Eastern Townships.

Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and President of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@ golden.net.

The mural "Tradition and Prevention" was unveiled in 2007. The only figure in the photograph that is not part of the painting is our terrific guide, Chantal Turgeon.

The CHLT-TV mural depicts a cast of characters through 50 years of broadcasting history.

(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTO)

The most recent of the murals, "The Four Elements".

The "Canada Games" mural commemorates the Games coming to Sherbrooke in 2013.

Riddles

The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I?

Answer: Footsteps

What has hands but cannot clap?

Answer: A clock

What goes up but never comes down?

Answer: Your age

What has keys but can’t open locks?

Answer: A piano

What has a head, a tail, is brown, and has no legs?

Answer: A penny

I have branches, but no fruit, trunk, or leaves. What am I?

Answer: A bank

I go all around the world, but never leave the corner. What am I?

Answer: A stamp

I'm something with a trunk but not an elephant.

Answer: A car

PET OF THE WEEK

Pet

HANDSOME

Meet our Pet of the Week:

Handsome, a seven-yearold Bernese Mountain Dog from Sandylane Registered Bernese Mountain Dogs kennel in Courtland, seemed to enjoy the 2024 Houghton Fair in Fairground.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

FRIDAY, JANUARY 10

Ingersoll Jamboree

1 p.m - 4 p.m

Enjoy dancing and listening to 50’s-70’s country music

Masonic Hall, 190 Thames St S, Ingersoll

Deadline: Monday prior at 3 p.m. Contact: info@simcoeadvocate.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 18

Free Clothing Give Away

8:30 a.m - 11 a.m

St. James United Church 150 Colborne St. S. Simcoe

New Year, New You - Simcoe Branch

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24

Riversyde's Got Talent 7 p.m

Friday Fun Nights in the Café 83 Sydenham St. Simcoe

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25

Family Literacy Day: A Green

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29

Kanopy After Dark: A Cinematic Escape for Grown-Ups! - ages 18+

7 p.m - 9 p.m

Join fellow film enthusiasts in a welcoming, communal setting for a night of cinematic discovery.

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 in Classified section (50 word max.) - $10 + hst

Coming Events Boxed Word Ad in Classified section (50 word max.) - $15 + hst

Display Ad - Sizes begin at a Small Classified Display ad (3.3" x 2.5") - $35 + hst

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NEWSPAPER PICK UP LOCATIONS

SIMCOE__________

• Annaleise Carr Aquatic Centre

• Aspira Cedar Crossing Retirement Living

• Barnyard Patio & Pub

• Bubbles Laundry

• Canadian Tire

• Cedar St Food Market

• Food Basics

• Ferris Funeral Home Limited

• Harmony Pastry Shop & Cafe

• Joy Bakery Cafe

• McDonald's - 77 Queensway East

• McDonald's - 160 Queensway East

• Norfolk County Archives

• Norfolk County Library

• Peavey Mart

• Pharmasave Clark's Health Centre

• RE/MAX Erie Shores Realty Inc

• Real Canadian

Superstore Queensway East

• Robinson Chevrolet Buick GMC Simcoe Inc

• Roulston’s Pharmacy

• Royal LePage Trius Realty

• Ru ins Pet Store

• Shoppers Drug Mart

• Simcoe Convenience

• Simcoe Recreation Centre

• Simcoe Seniors Centre

• Sobeys

• Tim Hortons - White Horse Plaza

• Tim Hortons - Queensway East

• Walmart Supercentre

WATERFORD_______

• Belching Barista

• Esso

• Foodland Waterford

• Kerry’s James St. Eatery

• Minor Bros. Country Living

• Riversyde 83

• Tricenturena Waterford Arena

• Waterford Heritage & Ag Museum

• Waterford Home Building Centre

• Waterford Pharmacy and Health Food

DELHI___________

• Canadian Tire

• Circle K

• Crompton Home Building Centre

• Dave’s Variety

• Delhi Community Arena

• Roulston’s Pharmacy

• Tim Hortons

• Wilkinson’s YIG

COURTLAND_______

• Courtland Bakery Ltd.

• Courtland Variety & Café

LANGTON________

• Langton Food Market

• Langton Pharmacy

SCOTLAND_______

• Scotland Food Market