Caring for Cancer delivers cancer care bags
It takes a special type of person to tackle a large task and it’s even harder sometimes to make it work. It takes time, dedication, patience, true commitment and belief in the task they are undertaking. Enter just that person… Jessica Durka.
Durka, a cancer survivor, has been an active advocate for the cause and took on a tremendous task starting South Coast Community Caring for Cancer in January 2021. She is very appreciative of all the care and treatments she received through Hamilton Health Sciences during her own journey fighting Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and wanted to make others’ journeys a little better.
Durka realized, first hand, some of the little things that could make someone’s day just a little better and she turned this into a pet project. But, as in all projects, it takes others with the same passion to step forward to lend a hand… and step forward they did! Durka got the word out and the response was overwhelming, not only from other survivors, but businesses as well wanting to do anything and everything they could to help and the Cancer Care Bag program was ‘born.’
When the group started in 2021, Durka had no idea it would grow so much. Since its onset they have delivered over 1,200 bags.
“It’s crazy busy… I never dreamed it would get this big but it soon snowballed. It sort of exploded with crazy community support and requests for bags - we dropped off 30 bags to Campfire Circle, the local camp for children and their families fighting or have fought cancer.
meet Santa Claus, and of course waiting to see the lights for the first time this holiday season.
drove over an hour to be here, it’s an awesome way to start off the holiday season, we come every year!”
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the perfect way to kick off the holiday season is by visiting the Simcoe Christmas Panorama!
On Saturday, Nov. 30th, the parks of Downtown Simcoe were aglow for the official lighting of this year’s Simcoe Christmas Panorama. The park
The official lighting ceremony is a beautiful tradition that occurs at Wellington Park each year. It encourages people to come together and ring in the holiday season as a community. However, this tradition definitely expands beyond the community as one attendee who drove all the way from Hamilton stated, “My family and I
It was a high-spirited event and people of all ages were enjoying the lights and the ceremony together.
Volunteers organized a lovely opening ceremony, the stars of the show were of course Mr. Claus and Mrs. Claus, who rode in on a Bickle firetruck thanks to the help of the
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Hugh and Ellis Quenneville
Simcoe Christmas Panorama.
Panorama lights up for the holidays
Simcoe Firefighters Association.
While the excitement for Santa was palpable there were other notable guests in attendance. The Mayor of Norfolk County Amy Martin was there as well as our elected Member of Provincial Parliament Bobbi Ann Brady.
Guests of the panorama can expect lights every night from Nov. 30thJan. 1st this holiday season. There are also a variety of events and offerings which will compliment the lights such as Santa meet and greets on Saturday nights, and horse drawn trolley rides on Dec. 6-7 and Dec. 20-21. There are also a variety of refreshments at the panorama on select nights. The Tumaini Children’s Foundation sells delicious hot apple cider and apple cinnamon donuts, and there is also a
Dolly’s Sandwiches food truck.
A great deal of dedication and commitment goes into this event which has been a tradition of the Norfolk County holiday season for generations, and hopefully will continue to be. Make sure to check out the Simcoe Christmas Panorama this year, it is open every night 6-10 p.m. until January 1st.
The Panorama is run entirely by volunteers who happily donate their time and talents to the Panorama so that the entire community may enjoy. The Simcoe Christmas Panorama is always accepting donations to keep this important tradition running. You may make a donation using this link: http://www.gofundme.com/f/supportpanorama.
Adrianna and Adrienne glowing at the Simcoe Christmas Panorama lighting ceremony.
Shelley, Jay, Debby, and John enjoying the Simcoe Christmas Panorama.
(LEAH BAUER PHOTO)
Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin helps ring in the holiday season at the Simcoe Christmas Panorama on Nov. 30.
(LEAH BAUER PHOTO)
(LEAH BAUER PHOTO)
Explore the night skies in Norfolk County
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Astronomy enthusiasts are invited to share their experiences ‘exploring the night sky’ in Norfolk County.
Whether you are new to astronomy, or an experienced observer, you are invited to join the North Shore Erie Amateur Astronomers (www.nseaa. ca), which formed in 1997. Club meetings are held the first Friday of the month at the NACL building, 644 Ireland Road, Simcoe, starting at 7 p.m. Annual membership is $30. Meetings are not held in June, July, August or December, which is highlighted by a club dinner. For more information, visit the club’s Facebook page or the new website, which launched in September.
“Our website’s aim is to provide a careful selection of information about amateur astronomy, so that people that want to learn something can get into it. And we have a very active Facebook page,” said Waterford’s Greg McMillan, President of the North Shore Erie Amateur Astronomers and ‘enthusiast.’ McMillan is also a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada and affiliate member of the American Astronomical Society. “There is so much stuff out there.”
It includes star tools, information and resources.
“You can get into amateur astronomy in a whole bunch of different ways. Some people are just interested in observing the night sky, keeping track of the moon, and just knowing the constellations and some stars. Basically ‘naked eye’ observers. It’s a great hobby to get into.”
Special events include observing northern lights and ‘naked eye’ comets, and meteor showers – dozens of streaks in the sky – and, of course, the moon as it goes through its phases.
“The northern lights have been awesome. Up north, I’ve seen some (pictures) posted with everything from greens to blues to reds… real curtains of colour.”
Binoculars open up the sky more than the naked eye, and McMillan said that’s one of the easiest ways people can get into astronomy.
“I’ve been into amateur astronomy since I was a teenager, and I still have the (German-made) pair of binoculars that my parents bought me when I was in high school - and they still work.
“Today, the optics for binoculars are a lot better,” he said, noting his wife’s waterproof birding binoculars with 10x magnification. “These are only about $125 and the optics on them are really superb.”
Bigger binoculars are harder to hold steady, he noted, and need tripods.
“When I talk to people who want to get into astronomy, I say ‘don’t run out and buy a big, expensive telescope,’ because if you don’t know what you’re looking at in the night sky, you’re going to have an expensive piece of equipment that you’re going to be disappointed with. That’s what usually happens.”
It’s also important to give your eyes 20-30 minutes to adapt to the darkness, he said, allowing your eyes to see fainter objects.
“That’s a very important thing. Stay away from bright lights, and a half hour later your eyes switch over and they see a lot more.”
McMillan advises people to start small, observe, get some charts, and join a club.
“There you can learn from people who have gone down that road, and they can give you some really good advice. You can also look through their telescopes and get an idea of the kind of telescopes that are available (refracting and reflecting).”
The challenge for astronomy clubs, said McMillan, has been adding new members. North Shore Erie Amateur Astronomers currently has about 12-13 core members, and they would love to add more.
“I find the people at our club are always happy to help people get into the hobby.”
Joining a club is a great way to socialize with other enthusiasts, some who are interested in observing the night sky, or just space and astronomy in general. People are often interested in that, he said, recalling the April total solar eclipse in Norfolk County.
“In March, we worked with the Norfolk Public Library system, and we put on presentations at every one of their libraries. We probably spoke to more than 150 people… and they were able to give out some 6,000 solar glasses…
“We were really fortunate that skies were clear that day (April 8). I had about 30 people on my driveway here – we were set up with three telescopes and people were amazed. Think of all the people who went to Niagara Falls… and it got cloudy.
“I think the next one in Canada is about 2044, but you have to be up in northern Alberta to see it. And it’s not a particularly long one.”
Over the last 50-60 years, astronomy has become more challenging in Southern Ontario due to ‘light pollution’ in the night sky.
“They say, 80-90% of the people that live in urban areas have never seen the Milky Way. Even here, we can see ‘light domes’ from urban centres like Brantford or Hamilton. That ‘sky glow’ is big issue for anybody trying to observe the night sky.
“Out here, in Norfolk County, we’ve got some reasonably good dark skies.”
chris@granthaven.com
Weekend Quiz
1. What is the traditional birthstone of December?
2. Who plays the role of the Winter Soldier in the Marvel universe?
3. How many times did the boy call “Wolf!”?
4. What was the original name for the song Jingle Bells?
6. What color are the berries of the mistletoe plant?
7. “Mele Kalikimaka” means Merry Christmas in which language?
8. How many points does a snowflake have?
9. True or False. Greenland has green on their flag.
5. What year was the Star Wars Holiday Special televised?
10. What’s more dangerous: hypothermia or frostbite?
Greg McMillan, President of the North Shore Erie Amateur Astronomers in Norfolk County, considers himself to be an astronomy enthusiast.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO )
EDITORIAL
Norfolk County’s struggle for federal housing funds
Balancing growth and rural values
Amy Martin Norfolk County Mayor
When I say it’s no easy task to get money from upper levels of government, I mean it.
Yes, I’m still very pleased and appreciative of the recent $16.5 million we secured from the Ministry of Infrastructure, but if I’m being a realist, that funding isn’t nearly enough to get Norfolk County out of the financial position we are in and we need support from the Federal government as well. In 2023, Norfolk County's Federal government transfers saw a reduction of $15.69 million.
In March of 2023 the Federal government announced the new Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) as part of the National Housing Strategy. Its goal is to speed up the construction of new homes across the country by helping municipalities streamline their processes and policies for residential development. The fund is particularly focused on creating affordable housing, improving zoning, reducing red tape, and fostering innovation in housing supply.
The federal government allocated $4 billion to the Housing Accelerator Fund, with a target of enabling the construction of 100,000 new homes by 2025-2026. The fund supports municipalities in making the necessary changes to their systems to address housing shortages and increase the speed at which new homes can be built. Norfolk County applied to the first round of this
Restoring small-town journalism, one community at a time!
fund, but we were unsuccessful.
In late 2023, the announcements began flowing. In September, London received $74 million. October, Vaughan brough in $59 million while Hamilton collected $93 million and Brampton $114 million. In November, Kitchener received $42.4 million, Richmond Hill $31 million, Mississauga $113 million. Toronto received an early Christmas present of $471 million. In January of this year Guelph brought in $21.4 million while Burlington was just under that figure with $21 million total. St. Catharines successfully captured $25.7 million and Kingston $27.6 million. All in the same month, Ajax and Milton both got $22 million while Whitby earned $25M. (Gasps for air)
In February of 2024, Waterloo received $22 million, Ottawa $171.3M, Marathon $1.9 million, Thunder Bay $20.7 million. In March, North Grenville received $5.2 million, Techumseh $4.4 million, Cambridge, $13.3 million, Markham, $58.8 million, Barrie, $25.6 million. And that’s only Ontario!
To date, the Federal Government has distributed $3.87 billion dollars under the Housing Accelerator Fund but Norfolk and many other small, rural municipalities have not benefited from these dollars.
First things first, when Norfolk County submits our application, we are classified as a “large urban municipality” based on our population size. Meaning, we submit into the Large Urban fund and find ourselves competing with Toronto’s 3.01 million people, Ottawa’s population of 1.03 million people, Hamilton’s population of 574,000 people, Kitchener-Waterloo’s population of 250,000 or Guelph’s 150,000, among others.
So, I tabled a motion that received the full support of council to lobby the Federal government to review the funding streams municipalities apply into and give specific consideration to rural municipalities, so we get our share of the dollars - there is only one tax payer after all.
In August, staff came to us letting us know that the second round of the HAF was now open to applicants who were unsuccessful in the first round. Municipalities could re-apply but, only if they were prepared to meet and work towards the HAF Best Practices, of which there are ten. Norfolk County already practices 8/10 leaving two not adhered to: Reducing or eliminat-
ing parking standards and the elimination of restrictions related to height, setbacks, building floor areas etc.
While the HAF would work with municipalities, one thing it would not do was offer flexibility on density. To be eligible to apply for the HAF2, the government required municipalities to permit four housing units as of right in the zoning bylaw if they wished to remain eligible for HAF funding now, or in any future iteration of the fund. This means, Norfolk County would need to permit four housing units on any one single lot as of right. While this type of density may be suitable in many places across Ontario, Norfolk County’s current practice of three units as or right was the palatable number for council, and I believe the public.
Council directed staff to proceed with a HAF2 application and submit an exemption form to the four units as of right seeking consideration for funding. We noted our commitment to growth with three units as of right and eight other best practices as determined by the Housing Accelerator list. We also noted our desire to permit one additional severance per farm property in Norfolk when the property could meet the requirements.
In mid-September we heard from the Federal Government that our exemption request was denied. Not only does this mean that we will not be eligible for funding in the second round of the Housing Accelerator Fund, we also won’t receive any future dollars the Federal Government decides to put into this fund.
Norfolk County recognizes its responsibility to address the housing crisis by building more homes, but we are committed to growing in a way that respects the character of our rural communities. Our approach is tailored, ensuring development meets local needs without adopting a one-size-fits-all model and in a way that can meet our infrastructure demands.
Securing provincial and federal funding is vital to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of our community. These funds help us invest in critical infrastructure, improve essential services, and support local economic growth without overburdening our taxpayers. With a growing infrastructure gap of over $1 billion in the next 10 years, continued financial support is crucial to meeting the needs of Norfolk County.
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Anyone else on Bluesky yet?
THE PUBLISHER'S DESK
By Stewart Grant FROM
The plethora of social media apps out there today provide such a wide variety of ways for people to interact with their close community or with the broader world.
What are your top social media apps? I tried this question with my fami-
ly members recently and we all gave quite different answers. For years, my favourite has been Reddit with side dishes of Facebook and Twitter, while my wife is a regular on Instagram and Facebook (and Pinterest when needed), while the kids prefer Snapchat and TikTok. It’s
also a dynamic question that changes over time.
I recently heard about X (Twitter) users migrating to a new app called Bluesky so I decided to take a look over there. In short, I like it because it reminds me of the way that Twitter used to be. The feed is based on my interests, and the comments to posts are actually relevant to the topic – something that has been lacking at X in recent times.
Bluesky Social originated as a side project within Twitter in 2019 but became independent when Elon Musk bought Twitter in
October 2022. It launched as an invite-only social app in February 2023, and only opened to the public in February 2024.
Since February, it has grown from three million users to 20 million users. Currently, it’s number one in the Apple App Store, ahead of ChatGPT and Threads, and is adding seven new users a second (Source: bcounter.nat.vg).
For me, Bluesky is feeling like a fresh start. Because it’s not full of ads (yet), I’m easy able to follow major news headlines, sports updates, and people
Anyone else on Bluesky yet?
whose opinions I’m interested in. Not everyone is over there yet, but I see new additions each day. For example, on the sports side of things, I’m following The Athletic, the NHL (mirroring the NHL’s Twitter account), Sean McIndoe (Down Goes Brown), Pierre LeBrun, and Steve Dangle. This allows me to quickly see what’s going on in sports without having to sift through all the other stuff that’s in my X feed.
If you are disenchanted with X these days, or are simply looking for another social media option, you may want to give Bluesky a try.
Brady asks if government will dismiss trustees
Bobbi Ann Brady
Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady recently stood up at Queen’s Park to ask Premier Doug Ford how he will be dealing with trustees from the Brant Haldimand-Norfolk Catholic District School Board who travelled to Italy in July to purchase $100,000 in artwork and also spent $50,000 in travel and hotels and enjoyed a $1,600 dinner at a gourmet hotel and spa, according to a Freedom of Information request.
“The Minister of Education announced in October that ministry officials had been asked to conduct a governance review of the trip,” Brady said. “Could the premier please detail what that governance review process looks like, how it’s unfolding and when taxpayers may be able to find out the findings of the review?”
Brady reminded the provincial House that the majority of the artwork was purchased for a new ‘flagship’ school, St. Padre Pio, under construction on Powerline Road in Brantford and scheduled to welcome students in September 2026. Brady felt that a number of local artists would have been thrilled to provide art for the new school.
Brady informed the House that Rick Petrella, Chair of the Board, said the trip was an error in judgement; she pointed out that “might be believable” had the
trip not come a month after the school board approved changes to its trustee expense policy - changes like a bump from economy class to business for travel outside North America, allowance of charges above the standard hotel room rate and the elimination of maximum rates for meals.
She also mentioned a petition calling for the immediate resignation of Petrella, Dan Dignard, Bill Chopp and Mark Watson.
“Taxpayers deserve a review that is far more than a toothless tiger,” said Brady. “It’s unacceptable, and it’s unconscionable that while parents are donating school supplies to their kids’ schools, four trustees are running around Italy spending money like drunken sailors.”
Brady then asked if the government would ‘pick up the phone, call the school board and tell these four trustees their service is no longer needed.’
In place of Premier Ford, Billy Pang, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education, responded with answers about funding and that school board trustees are responsible for those type of expenses and the government is investigating. There was no mention of updates on the situation, concrete sanctions, or dismissals, Brady noted.
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Little Shop (of Horrors), Little Theatre, Big Talent
When you think of Norfolk County the first thing that comes to mind might not be related to art or creativity. However, this may soon change if the individuals in charge of productions such as Little Shop of Horrors at the Simcoe Little Theatre have anything to say about it!
Simcoe Little Theatre is presenting Little Shop of Horrors until Dec. 8th, a musical set in skidrow, which covers serious themes of greed and desperation with a tone of both horror and comedy. This amazing play was directed by Hannah Dolson, who we were lucky enough to interview.
Tickets are still available for the
four remaining shows, Dec. 5-8, $27 adults, $17 students (under 21), through the website (simcoelittletheatre.org), calling the box office 519-583-0505 or visiting the Lighthouse Festival box office at 247 Main Street, Port Dover.
Norfolk’s very own Hannah Dolson has been directing for a few years since making the switch from acting. Her most recent work, Little Shop of Horrors, likely has a special place in the heart of all of those who attended since opening in Simcoe Nov. 21st, though it has always been very special to Dolson herself.
The musical was a favourite of her mother’s, and therefore holds a great deal of nostalgia and sentimental value. It also happens to be the first musical she did in her
high school theatre career. She credits that production for introducing her to many of her closest friends and even her partner. It's truly impressive to see someone channel something that matters so deeply to them into a production that can be shared and appreciated by the entire community.
Dolson reflected on the messages of the play and how though the setting may be different, messages and obstacles that resonate with our own community. She states that “there is a little more relatability with the characters because you kind of get where they are coming from… and when the story spirals into the dangers and the destruction of human greed it is kind an understandable place to be coming from. Given the cir-
cumstances of the characters and how we may be able to relate to them here in this area.”
While the setting of the play takes place far away from Simcoe the themes and messages relate to hardship in our own community.
Dolson made sure to thank, and sing the praises of the entire cast and crew. She applauded their work stating, “The cast has been absolutely incredible; I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to bring this story to life.”
Cast includes Mac Buchwald, Jada Dawson, Lisa Shebib, Jim Donovan, Mitchell McGivern, Alexandra Boyd, Kiana Littlemore, Shelby Mulder, and the ensemble - Jaden Banfield, Trinity Gates, Maddy Goch, Christy Meidema, M.D. Norton-Shebib,
Roselle Slaght, Oliver Tilson, Bob Townsend - as well as Richard Philip and George Araujo. So much work has gone into this production, which Dolson is well aware of and incredibly grateful.
“Despite it being a volunteer community production, everybody has been giving it their all, from the set design to the props, to the people doing the things that I don’t even see.”
Make sure to check out Little Shop of Horrors at 33 Talbot Street North, and all of the upcoming productions from The Simcoe Little Theatre!
Little Shop of Horrors continues at the Simcoe Little Theatre until Dec. 8.
Little Shop of Horrors, running at Simcoe Little Theatre until Dec. 8, is a cult classic that explores themes of ambition, romance, and the consequences of unchecked greed.
BRENDA MOSER
If you still have some last-minute Christmas gifts to buy and would like to support local businesses and crafters then you’re in luck! Here are a few suggestions.
Chambers Maple Syrup, 235 Villa Nova Road, carries a great selection of ‘sweet treats’ made with their own maple syrup. Also, they have a great selection of handcrafted articles, home décor and much, much more. Their Christmas hours are Thursday through Saturday from 10 to 4 p.m. Drop in to see them.
Bonnieheath Estate Lavender & Winery, 410 Conc. 12, Townsend is known for their lavender infused wines and ciders, bath and body products and candy shop. As well they carry some beautiful giftware in their unique shop. Their hours are Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Waterford Girl , 35 Main Street S., Waterford features handmade soaps and spa essentials created in her Dirty Girl Soap Studio. Products capture the essence of a small town. They are described as chic yet simple, charming and timeless, high quality and handcrafted, affordable everyday ‘goodies’.
Hours are Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Closed Mondays; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Brushed Designs, 30 Main Street S., Waterford is known for its great selection of home décor, gift ideas and Christmas gift giving suggestions. Their December hours are: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday 11-7 and Sunday 12-4 p.m.; closed
Monday. They carry area rugs, aromatherapy products, art and wall décor, artificial plants and planters, Christmas gifts… the selection in store is amazing. Take time to browse and shop.
Waterford Antique Market, 80B Alice Street, carries almost any and everything imaginable from furniture, household and décor, rare and collectible items… a collector’s paradise. Give yourself lots of time to browse and shop the two floors. Hours are Wed., Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Monday & Tuesday.
The Green House Makers Market , 21 Alice Street, carries merchandise that offers sustainable, natural and locally made goods. Owners Jessica and Sarah offer one of a kind choices from such crafters as Kaizy Classic Stitchin; Harp & Clove Candle Co.; Sugar Rush Goodies; Island Beads Co., Pleasant Ridge Candle Co.; Tiwil Naturals; Bloom Club; Pottery On Seven… just to name a few. You definitely need to stop in and take a look at ALL of the great crafters and merchandise in the former train station. They are open Wednesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wishbone Brewing Co., 80 Alice Street, will afford you the opportunity to rest your feet, relax and enjoy a locally brewed beer. They have a wide variety of their ever popular beers that are just perfect for that ‘hard to buy for’ friend or family member that likes a good, cold brew. Their hours are Thursday 1-9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday 1210 p.m. and Sunday 12-9 p.m. Closed Monday-Wednesday.
Crème Brulee & Bouquets, 70 Alice Street, offers fresh cut flowers and/or arrangements for
every occasion or event, home décor, lifestyle, honey, loose leaf teas, artisan chocolate bars, charcuterie and cutting boards, dresses & jumpsuits… quite an array of products to choose from. Hours are Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9-5; Wednesday closed; Friday 9-6; Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 12-4 p.m. A perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Nifty Gift Norfolk, 21 Alice Street, is a must stop as well. They carry a wide array of gifts and décor handmade by local artisans. The store is set up like a boutique retail store, over two floors, and offers a little bit of everything. When you shop Nifty Gifty you are buying from your ‘neighbour’ and supporting local. There is sure to be something for everyone on your list. Their regular hours are Tuesday 10-4; Wednesday through Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 11:30-4. Closed Monday. ‘Norfolk has talent and we want
to offer it to everyone.’ Check their website or Facebook page for Christmas hours as they are varied. Definitely a must stop.
When you need to take a break be sure to stop in at Belching Barista Coffee Co, 13 Alice Street. Sit and enjoy a hot cup of java and be sure to take some home for yourself or that coffee lover on your list. Their hours are Tuesday to Friday 8:30-3:30
and Saturday 10-4 pm. There’s nothing like a great cup of coffee to end a great day of shopping.
While Waterford is growing, it still has that small town feeling and atmosphere and offers a great selection for Christmas shopping… without having to fight the crazy hustle and bustle of the bigger towns and cities.
Norfolk County approves 2025 capital plan
LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent
Nearly $60M in capital projects will be initiated by the county in 2025, and while it comes with some good news, staff and councillors warned that there’s still work to be done as the municipality has little flexibility should so0mething unforeseen arise.
Staff presented the proposed levy capital plan at a meeting on Nov. 21. The result was $59.4 million in projects approved for next year’s budget, and comes with a mix of good and bad news. On the positive, the projects will be funded without adding any new debt. However, it does come with a four per cent impact on the net tax levy, and the county will once again take more money out of reserve funds than it puts in.
“You can’t take out more money than you’re putting in forever,” said senior financial analyst Jared Carter. Forecasts have the municipality beginning to recover reserve balances in 2028.
Additionally, in the coming years debt levels are projected to reach limits set by the county of 15 per cent debt to revenue.
“There’s not much room by 2033 as we peak at 14.8 of that 15 per cent limit,” Carter said.
Major projects on the 2025 list include roadway reconstruction of West Street in Simcoe ($4.5 million), asphalt resurfacing of Norfolk County Road 19 West ($2.7 million), Port Royal bridge rehabilitation ($2 million), replacement fire tanker for the Langton station ($1.3 million), and county-wide transportation and stormwater integrated sustainable master plan ($1 million).
"This budget addresses Norfolk's critical infrastructure needs, demonstrating council's commitment to providing valuable services to residents while taking critical steps to establish a solid financial footing for generations to come,” said Mayor Amy Martin in a press release issued after the meeting. “Looking
forward, it will be important to focus on service levels to prioritize needs over wants while ensuring reserves are funded appropriately. That will require this council and future councils to stay diligent and make the difficult decisions to resolidify our financial health."
That reiterated a point she made during the meeting. The plan includes a 10-year outlook that’s currently estimated at $684.5 million in capital expenditures during that time. And according to staff, nearly three quarters (72 per cent) of that plan “pertains to simply maintaining assets in a state of good repair,” said Jacob Graham, supervisor of financial initiatives and planning.
Councillors spent hours at the meeting trying to find possible savings.
One area that caught Martin’s attention was road work. With Norfolk’s roads in relatively good shape, compared to other municipalities, the mayor suggested that council may need to consider redirecting funds from roadwork to other more
To save farmland, Norfolk mulls rewarding developers who build in urban areas
J.P. ANTONACCI Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Amid public outcry over plans to turn Norfolk County farmland into subdivisions, Mayor Amy Martin wants to sweeten the pot for developers to build in the rural municipality’s urban centres.
In the spring, council voted to add 1,354 acres of farmland to Norfolk’s urban boundary — mainly at the behest of developers — to accommodate growth for the next 25 years.
At last Tuesday’s council meeting, Martin asked county staff to devise a “development infill incentive program” to encourage builders to put new housing — particularly multi-unit projects — where municipal infrastructure already exists.
The idea is to give builders a break on development charges or permit fees to pave the way for “responsible and sustainable growth” in Norfolk’s downtowns, while adding more municipal water users to spread out the rapidly rising cost of that system.
“Look at the urban boundary expansion and the pushback from some communities to preserve farmland and not build,” Martin said in an interview.
“So this (incentive program) will encourage that building up, not out, which we commonly hear (from residents). And to be fair, we should be promoting that before sprawling out.”
The mayor envisions a “tiered” program where higher-density projects get a bigger financial reward.
Someone looking to build one detached house on an empty lot would “probably not” be eligible for relief, Martin said. But it could be lucrative to add an accessory dwelling unit, put rent-gearedto-income apartments on a new upper floor,
or reconfigure the lot to fit a pair of duplexes.
“If we encourage them, within the official plan and the zoning, to create those housing units, then I think there should be some incentives,” Martin said.
“It’ll be subtle, which is I think the type of growth Norfolk wants to see. But we need to nudge it along.”
Giving builders a break would mean higher property taxes, “but we’re going to make that money back in the long run because we don’t need to invest in a significant amount of infrastructure,” Martin said.
The mayor said her proposed program is “directly correlated” to the ongoing debate in Norfolk between building on farmland and permitting multi-unit developments in urban neighbourhoods that have traditionally featured single-detached homes.
“We will hear from community members who say, ‘We don’t want that. Not in my backyard.’ But that’s where we can’t have it both ways,” Martin said.
“If we want to preserve land, if we want to grow moderately and make life more affordable for anyone on the water and wastewater systems, this is the way we can help it along.”
Martin wants staff to come back with ideas for council to consider for the 2026 budget.
Brandon Sloan, Norfolk’s general manager of community development, said increasing infill development is “a desirable objective” and staff would incorporate the mayor’s request into an ongoing review of the county’s development charges.
J.P. Antonacci is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter based at the Hamilton Spectator. The initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
pressing needs, like water/wastewater.
“It’s time to review the service level on that and I’d like to see where it could impact us the most,” she said.
Staff did point out some other good news in their presentation. That included a nearly $10.5 million surplus that will be used for future debt avoidance, saving taxpayer money in the long run.
Norfolk will also be seeing a 15 per cent increase in its funding through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, which Graham said is especially noteworthy considering many municipalities have seen decreases in funding.
Reserve contributions will be up to $36.5 million in 2025. While that number has increased significantly in recent years, Carter said the county needs to get to $49 million in annual reserve contributions.
The county is expected to fully ratify its 2025 budget at a meeting on Dec. 17.
Fire department responds to 1,000th call in 2024
ADVOCATE STAFF
The Norfolk County Fire Department reached a significant milestone this year, responding to its 1,000th call with one month still remaining in 2024.
It has been the fire department’s busiest year in the past five years, and with the winter season arriving in early December, the department is highlighting the importance of fire safety during a high-risk period marked by festive gatherings, snowstorms, and holiday celebrations.
“The colder weather, holiday festivities, and an increase in winter-related activities all contribute to a higher number of fire risks,” said Fire Chief Gord Stilwell in a media release.
“We urge everyone to take extra precautions and ensure they are prepared for the season ahead. Stay safe, Norfolk County, and remember fire safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
Fire Safety Tips
• Check smoke and CO alarms: Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are functional by testing them and changing batteries.
• Be cautious with holiday decorations: Avoid overloading outlets or extension cords, keep decorations away from heat sources, and never leave candles unattended.
• Clear snow and Ice: Keep walkways, driveways, and fire hydrants clear to enable quick access for firefighters.
• Keep heating sources safe: Place space heaters on flat, hard surfaces away from flammable items and never leave them unattended.
• Practice safe cooking: Stay in the kitchen while cooking and keep flammable items away from stovetops.
• Fireplace safety: Clean and inspect chimneys regularly and use a fireplace screen to contain sparks.
• Lithium-ion battery safety: Follow manufacturer guidelines for charging, avoid damaged batteries, and dispose of them safely.
Ontario’s fire statistics emphasize the importance of these precautions. In 2023, the province recorded 121 fire-related deaths. Residential fires remain a significant concern, with nearly 30 occurring daily across five provinces, including Ontario.
The Norfolk County Fire Department encourages all residents to prioritize fire prevention. For more information, visit NorfolkCountyFire.ca.
QualitySales&ServiceForOver50Years
950 James St. , Delhi
519-582-3100
McKee Sport and Garden Ltd. one of South Western Ontario’s Largest dealerships provides more than just sales—it’s a full-service partner for anyone passionate about recreational vehicles. With a wide range of vehicles, expert staff, maintenance services, and a supportive community, they help enthusiasts get the most out of their powersport experience.
For powersport enthusiasts, owning a Kawasaki or Yamaha recreational vehicle means embracing performance, innovation, and an exhilarating riding experience.
Whether you’re looking to purchase your first motorcycle, ATV or Side by Side selecting the right dealership is essential to ensure you receive the best service and value. A diverse inventory allows you to compare different models and find the one that fits your style, skill level, and budget.
Choosing the right dealership can make a significant difference in your recreational vehicle buying journey. From a knowledgeable sales team and comprehensive after-sales service to a range of inventory and transparent financing options, McKee Sport and Garden Ltd. will ensure you’re well-equipped for your next adventure.
At McKee Sport and Garden Ltd. you’ll discover a great selection of Yamaha and Kawasaki ATV’s and side by sides for work or play, plus a full complement of motorcycles ranging from MX bikes, sport bikes, to street bikes and more. They also sell Thumpstar® Electric Balance Bikes, Pit Bikes and Dirt bikes. Trade-ins are welcome. They carry reliable Yamaha portable inverter generators that ar ideal for emergency backup power for homes, cottages and businesses.
McKee Sport and Garden Ltd. parts department offers genuine OEM replacement parts, plus popular after-market accessories, tires and riding apparel. The credibility of their Service Department is astounding with top-notch services delivered by highly skilled technicians. From diagnostics, tune-ups, and upgrades they service popular makes and models.
McKee Sport and Garden Ltd. is guided by the Family Owned Business and any Family Staff will direct you to your New Ride.
Drop by their relaxed showroom in person, or check out their inventory online at www.mckeesport.ca as they come highly recommended.
WorkingHardtoKeepYouGoing
7 Grigg Drive, Simcoe
519-426-8991
Numerous area motorists are looking for the same thing--a shop with trained technicians they can rely on and trust to do automotive repairs right, and at a fair price. The team at Expert Auto Clinic with years of experience has built a reputation for performing repairs and factory-scheduled maintenance replacing only what is needed, earning customer’s trust.
Guided by brothers Marcos and Carlos Relva, Expert Auto Clinic is a NAPA Autocare Centre. They offer a vast list of services using quality genuine NAPA parts, the largest supplier of auto parts in Canada. You receive an impressive 12 months and 20,000 km NAPA AutoCare Peace of Mind Warranty with your repairs. Expert Auto Clinic specializines in custom and performance exhaust and import service repairs for VW, plus Ford and service repairs to all other makes and models.
Today’s modern vehicles are high-tech marvels with digital dashboards, oxygen sensors, electronic computers, and more. They run better, longer, and more efficiently than models of years past.
Because of all of this technology, it’s more important than ever to find a reliable repair shop with the tools, equipment and expertise to repair your vehicle.
Expert Auto Clinic provides professional diagnostic problem solving, lube/oil/filter service, ABS brakes, steering and suspension, shocks & struts, heating and cooling systems, belts & hoses, mufflers, transmission service, electrical systems, tires sales, mounting, balancing, major and minor repairs, Interstate batteries, factory scheduled maintenance, along with fleet service and vehicle inspections.
When your Check Engine Light comes on, drop by Expert Auto Clinic as they have the most advanced diagnostic computers to retrieve the fault codes from your car’s onboard computer via the OBDII port, analyze the findings and provide you with a game plan to get your vehicle back on the road. Appointments are preferred, emergency situations will be addressed in a timely manner.
Regular maintenance not only saves you from the inconvenience of unexpected breakdowns but also increases your confidence in your vehicle’s reliability.
If you’re having issues with your vehicle look to Expert Auto Clinic who come highly recommended. They are open Monday-Friday 8 AM- 5;30 PM. Facebook www.facebook.com/expertautoclinic/
AClearChoiceforQualityService
50 Gilbertson Drive, Simcoe 519-428-0980
Your car’s windshield does more than just provide a clear view of the road—it’s a critical safety component. A damaged windshield can impair visibility and compromise the structural integrity of your vehicle. Fortunately, timely windshield repair can restore its function and save you the cost of a full replacement.
Windshields are repaired using a special tool that injects resin into the window, sealing the chip and preventing further cracking.
Regional Auto Glass can fix the chip or crack in your windshield quickly and efficiently. Their Insurance claims specialists will coordinate your entire transaction with your insurance company.
For peace of mind and optimal results, consult Regional Auto Glass whenever damage occurs.
Regional Auto Glass is your destination for professional window tinting, high-performance parts, vehicle accessories, floor liners, mud flaps, soft and hard tonneau covers to push bars and bed slides, plus headlight and windshield treatment.
Canada’s #1 Rust Protection Krown® is an environmentally friendly, proven effective body maintenance program designed to help protect vehicles, fleet or heavy machinery from rust and the corrosion process. Rust can shorten a vehicle’s lifecycle, cause mechanical and electrical parts to fail, plus could affect vehicle safety.
Krown® the ultimate rust protection corrosion inhibitor is endorsed by the APA and CAA. Krown® can be applied any time of year, taking about 30 minutes to an hour to protect your vehicle. Krown® offers a corporately backed national warranty, plus Locked-in Pricing. CAA Members save $10 on a Krown® rust control application, and 20% off various Krown® retail detailing products.
They are a local U-Haul® neighborhood dealer “Your moving and storage resource.” They rent U-Haul® trucks, trailers, towing equipment and sell moving supplies and in-store pickup for boxes. These impressive community-minded businesses are locally owned and operated by Dan and Heather Hooper, who are assisted by a professional team. Gift cards are available and perfect for the holiday season.
You can also visit their website www.regionalautoglass.ca to learn more about this exceptional company. Call for a free quote today. Like them on Facebook www.facebook.com/regionalautokrown/
QualityProductsandExceptionalService
3503 Hwy #3, West, Simcoe 519-426-1090
Norfolk Tractor is a KUBOTA One Dealership and part of the D&W Group that was founded in 1950. They proudly sell quality new and pre-owned equipment backed by exceptional service.
Guided by General Manager Mike Doughty, Norfolk Tractor’s team will take the time to understand your equipment needs and recommend the right products.
Whether you’re a farmer, contractor, land owner or landscape professional, Norfolk Tractor offers reliable and efficient solutions to help you succeed in your endeavors.
Norfolk Tractor is a proud dealer for KUBOTA, a respected manufacturer renowned for quality-built equipment since 1890. KUBOTA has a Canada-wide network of 137 dealerships.
Norfolk Tractor offers KUBOTA tractors from subcompacts to the M8 Series up to 200 HP, mini excavators, compact track loaders, stand on compact loaders, TLB, track carriers, skid steer loaders, wheel loaders, K-Haul trailers, along with implements, and construction attachments. They sell dependable KUBOTA RTV (rugged terrain vehicle) side-by-side four-wheel versatile (UTV) Utility vehicles for work or play.
Norfolk Tractor sells a complete line of reliable KUBOTA mowers including riding and zero-turn models.
Norfolk Tractor carries Stihl power products, push and selfpropelled battery-powered lawnmowers, gas zero-turn mowers, gas and battery powered trimmers, grass and hedge trimmers, brushcutters and clearing saws, leaf blowers, rototillers, pole pruners, vacuums, gas or electric chainsaws, electric or gas pressure washers, lightweight handheld battery blowers, and complete accessories. They also feature ECHO outdoor power equipment.
Norfolk Tractor’s well-stocked parts department is devoted to serving you, their customers with genuine replacement parts.
Norfolk Tractor provides professional service by Certified licensed mechanics with maintenance and repairs when unexpected problems arise. Their goal is to minimize your downtime, help prevent breakdowns and help you maintain your equipment’s resale value. Call or stop in soon at Norfolk Tractor a community-minded business or visit them online at www.norfolktractor.ca to view their new and used equipment.
Norfolk Tractor can tailor a variety of finance programs to meet your needs. Like them on Facebook www.facebook.com/norfolktractor86/
With Canadians looking to stretch their grocery budgets without sacrificing quality Your Independent Grocer stores are the go-to destination for all their shopping needs.
Wilkinson’s Your Independent Grocer a community-minded business is one of more than 100+ “Your Independent Grocer” stores operating under the umbrella of Loblaw Companies Limited, Canada’s largest food distributor.
Franchise Owner /Operators Matt and Kristie Wilkinson believe that the secret to operating a successful grocery store is ensuring that the customer’s satisfaction is first and foremost. Their store is family-friendly and comfortable, with amazing people behind the scenes that keep their store running.
Wilkinson’s Your Independent Grocer goes beyond traditional grocery offerings by including an in-store bakery, full-service Butcher Shoppe offering the finest choice cuts, a deli with an impressive selection of prepared foods, and specialty sections that feature gluten-free, organic, and vegan products. Mealtime is made easier with ready-to-eat hot foods with Meals To Go.
Wilkinson’s Your Independent Grocer stock consists of private label products under President’s Choice®, over 300 PC® Organics™ products, PC® Blue Menu™, PC® Black Label - exotic flavours from around the globe, environmentally friendly PC® Green™, Club Pack® large size or multi-pack items, and no name® Naturally Imperfect™ line of fruits and vegetables. Look for the Simple Check™ symbol on hundreds of no name® products.
Earn points towards FREE groceries by using your PC Financial® MasterCard® or PC® Money Account to pay for purchases. With the PC Optimum™ program, members receive points with every eligible purchase.
Wilkinson’s Your Independent Grocer has PC Express™ grocery pickup, with in-store prices and promos; perfectly picked freshness guaranteed! When you arrive at the store, park in one of the designated PC Express™ spots and call them at 519-582-0864 Visit www.pcexpress.ca and let them take care of your shopping needs! Get more perks with the PC Express™ Pass. Also, check out the PC® Insiders Report™
Wilkinson’s Your Independent Grocer is open 7 days a week 8 AM- to 8 PM for your convenience. Like them on Facebook.
519-426-1515
SouthCoast Hyundai is a premier dealer for Hyundai Auto Canada, a top-tier vehicle manufacturer selling cars in Canada since 1984. When it comes to innovation, reliability, and cutting-edge design in the automotive world, Hyundai Motors stands tall as a paragon of excellence. With a relentless pursuit of quality, safety, and sustainability, Hyundai has carved out a prominent place for itself on the global stage.
SouthCoast Hyundai provides sales, leasing, parts and service for the award-winning Hyundai line whose build quality allows them to be backed by one of the best-backed warranties in Canada. SouthCoast Hyundai sells vehicles for any lifestyle and budget including Hyundai compact and sedans, high performance, minivans, crossovers, SUVs, and Canada’s most awarded fully electric vehicle line-up.
SouthCoast Hyundai offers H Promise Certified pre-owned vehicles that come with a Carfax Report, transferable 1-year/20,000km. Powertrain Limited Warranty. Vehicles have passed a 120 inspection point program, plus you get 24/7 roadside assistance for one year, and 30 days/2,000 km. exchange program for added peace of mind. They also offer free trade-in estimates.
Getting into the model you’ve always wanted is easier with their knowledgeable finance department that has all the tools necessary to help make the process go smoothly finding the financing or leasing option for you.
Winter is just around the corner—are you ready? SouthCoast Hyundai offers quality service and is committed to providing the care and expert service that their guests trust. Their trained technicians have spent thousands of hours understanding every Hyundai vehicle, and use only genuine Hyundai parts to service and repair your vehicle.
General Manager, Mark Lavigne invites you to stop by soon to discover everything that Hyundai and the sales and service team at SouthCoast Hyundai have to offer.
You can also visit their website www.southcoasthyundai.com view the new Hyundai models, get a part quote, schedule a test drive, or book your next service appointment online. Like them on Facebook. www.facebook.com/SouthCoastHyundai/ Follow on Instagram.
Save money! Clip out this article on SouthCoast Hyundai and present it to the service department for a 10% discount on an oil change.
How Bazaar! Christmas bazaars in Simcoe
LEAH BAUER Advocate Correspondent
Did you manage to make it to one of the Christmas Bazaars in Simcoe? If not, there is always next year!
On Saturday the 23rd there were two Christmas Bazaars, one at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, and another at Trinity Anglican Church. These bazaars gave guests a chance to buy Christmas gifts, crafts, jewellery, games and puzzles, handmade items, meals, baked goods and more to benefit the community (and of course benefit their Christmas season).
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church was selling out of their cabbage rolls and baked good trays! They cleared their shelves which is bad if you were one of the last ones to arrive, but great for the Lutheran Woman’s
Missionary League who were in charge of the bazaar. The proceeds from their event are going to impoverished areas of the world as well as back to our own community through initiatives such as Church Out Serving and the Norfolk Pregnancy and Family Resource Centre.
Trinity Anglican Church had a variety of fun and festive offerings at their bazaar including a hot luncheon, vintage sale tables, and baked goods. Their church hall was full of the hustle and bustle of the holidays that Saturday. Volunteers from the congregation were very happy to see how the community gathered to support the church, and enjoy some holiday fun!
Delhi Winter Bazaar
Kathryn and Grace at the Trinity Anglican Church Knitting Table.
The Lutheran Women's Missionary League hosted the Nov. 23rd Christmas Bazaar at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.
(LEAH BAUER PHOTO)
Delhi Long Term Care Centre’s Auxiliary presented its annual Winter Bazaar, Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Delhi Polish Hall, featuring a bake table, penny draw, tinfoil draw, jewelry table, treasure hunt and more. From left are Kelly Dadurka; Cindy Pieters, President of the Auxiliary; Lorraine Rombout; and Kristen Leal, DLTC Activities Director.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Chris Byer, Delhi Long Term Care Centre Auxiliary, from left, with volunteers Livvy and Amanda Haskett – three generations - were selling penny table draw tickets at the Nov. 23 Winter Bazaar fundraiser.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
DeCloet donates $100,000 to preserve forest diversity
and other park accessories.
Paul DeCloet was formally recognized with a token of appreciation from Norfolk County at a Nov. 19 council meeting after donating a $100,000 endowment to preserve and maintain The DeCloet Forest in Clear Creek Valley.
The donation was marked as a significant contribution to Norfolk County’s environmental heritage.
Mayor Amy Martin said, “Paul your dedication to our land and longstanding advocacy for agriculture serves as an inspiration to all of us.”
Adam Biddle, Norfolk County Forestry Supervisor said that the endowment will ensure the ongoing maintenance in securing the preservation of the forest’s rich diversity while providing the public with a fulfilling natural experience.
DeCloet lived the life of a tobacco farmer west of the forest and owned the land for over 40 years before donating it, along with another forest property, through the Government of Canada’s Ecological Gifts Program in 2021.
Titled in Norfolk County’s Official plan as a ‘Signature Natural Site,’ the 124-acre Carolinian forest thrives with biodiversity - 26 different tree species such as, sassafras, tulip and oak trees along with a variety of wildlife. The funds will be used to enhance the forest’s features by adding benches, signage, trail maintenance, forest inventory
Throughout his time as the landowner, DeCloet operated various tree harvesting projects through the years, while also ensuring the forest kept its diversity.
“We are deeply grateful to Mr. DeCloet for his extraordinary generosity,” said Mayor Martin.
“His donation of the Paul DeCloet Forest and the establishment of this endowment demonstrate his profound dedication to preserving Norfolk County’s natural beauty. This thoughtful contribution ensures the forest will remain a vital and cherished part of our community for generations to come.”
DeCloet immigrated to the county from Belgium with his family 71 years ago and expressed his gratitude with how the Norfolk communities have treated his family before moving to Tillsonburg later in his life.
"The county was good to my family, they gave us an opportunity to prosper and raise a family. Norfolk County itself is incredible in diversity and possesses a lot of natural aspects,” said DeCloet. “We've got organizations that operate with the main goal of long-term protection.
“When I moved to Tillsonburg, I left my heart in Norfolk County.”
The forest, located where two branches of water converge before merging with Lake Erie, currently has various logging trails that hikers can use to explore the
many natural qualities that forest has to offer. DeCloet said that more trees will be planted to continue growing the forest’s biodiversity and preserving ecosystems for the long-term future.
“I’ve enjoyed this forest a lot over the years, and I want other people to enjoy
that too,” said DeCloet.
The property does not condone hunting, motorized vehicle riding and other forms of activities that potentially disrupt the forest’s ecological environments.
ALEX HUNT
Advocate Correspondent
Paul DeCloet, original owner of The DeCloet Forest, stands next to a family of trees grown from a former harvested tree.
(ALEX HUNT PHOTO)
Forever Summer Tanning provides elite tanning
Forever Summer Tanning in Delhi provides an elite tanning experience… and much more.
Owned by Alex and Tracey Balazsy for the past eight-and-a-half years at their spacious 63 King Street West location, Forever Summer Tanning has operated in Delhi for 25plus years.
“A lot of people walk in and say ‘Oh wow!’ They don’t realize what it’s all about,” said Tracey, who also sells indoor tanning lotions, outdoor tanning lotions, moisturizers, summer clothing, sunglasses and more. “They all sell really well.”
They currently have six tanning beds – two 12-minute high intensity laydown beds, two 15-minute laydown beds, one 10-minute high intensity standup, and one nine-minute high intensity standup.
“Most people are tanning before a vacation, or they are tanning for an event like a wedding. So I will suggest we want to do it gradually, starting like three weeks out.
“A lot of people don’t know about our systems. I explain everything about the different beds, explain in detail how to start it. It’s all hightech. This is a controlled environment, you can adjust it, tan gradually, and you don’t have to worry about falling asleep and hurting yourself.”
They use the VersaSpa PRO Heated Sunless Spa Series for automated spray tanning, with its state-of-theart application technology, revolutionary touchscreen, and premium eco-certified ingredients and skin softeners for high-end skincare.
“We carry only premium lotions by Designer Skin, Swedish Beauty, California Tan and Australian Gold,” said Tracey. “It’s a beautiful colour –it pays to get a quality product.”
WellFit skincare solutions provide whole body enhancing treatments with Full Body Skincare in under two minutes and effective treatments
for optimal skin health, available for the VersaSpa Pro Booth. Benefits include stimulating collagen production to reveal more youthful skin; smooth skin texture and reducing cellulite appearance; and minimizing skin imperfections. It can instantly replenish moisture loss, provides 24hour hydration, repair skin barrier to retain moisture, and optimize performance of daily skincare products.
“You can do your spray tan, but you can also do the lift and hydrate on its own without having a spray tan at all.”
The FIT Bodywrap System offers something a bit different for wellness therapy – it works to detoxify the body, soothes aches and pains, speeds muscle recovery, and boosts metabolism, all using direct infrared heat. The FIT Bodywrap System is a revitalizing full body sauna wrap treatment that cocoons you in soothing infrared heat. This customizable, contactless service is beneficial and stimulating for the body, all while helping clients achieve wellness goals.
Tracey recalls getting into the tanning business after retiring from a 20-plus year career at Sobeys.
“We were doing a home-based business, but I was missing the people. I was so used to being out in the public.”
Alex had talked to the previous owner, saying ‘If you’re ever interested in selling, I think my wife would like this.’
Two years later, they purchased the Forever Summer business.
“It’s nice working for yourself,” said Tracey. “But I was putting in probably close to 60 hours a week – I have some help now, but for maybe the first five years it was just me seven days a week. We live right here in Delhi, so I’m only two minutes away and if they need me, I can just pop back up.
“We have created a little family here – our customers are our friends, we sit down and have chats. It’s the kind of atmosphere where people like to come in and everybody’s happy.”
Gift certificates are available.
Tracey Balazsy, owner of Forever Summer Tanning in Delhi.
SPORTS
Flames outgun Aeros for 8-5 WOSHL victory
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Delhi Flames senior men’s hockey team has won two out their last three games, including an 8-5 decision over the Dunnville Aeros on home ice Nov. 23.
“I think everyone just bought into trying to get two points tonight,” said Flames’ Chris Donnelly, who had two goals and an assist. “Use each other and play as a team, play as a unit, play as five guys on the ice breaking out. And we got good goaltending, good defence.”
“We knew that team (Dunnville) was going to work hard –every time we play them, they don’t quit… ever. They always keep skating, they don’t stop.”
Delhi trailed early, giving up two goals in the first five minutes, and the message from the Flames bench was ‘keep chipping away.’
“The guys never quit,” said Flames coach Max Partlo. Mitchell Britton’s goal with 4:27 remaining in the third, a one-timer from the slot on a half-wall pass from Sean Golebiowski, was critical, said Partlo.
“It was at that spot where if they (Dunnville) got that one (tying it at 6-6) they were going to be pumped. If we get it, it boosts us and slows them right down. And that’s exactly what happened,” said Partlo. “Changing the lines up, I believe was the right thing to do. All four lines scored goals tonight.”
Four Flames scored their first goal of the season, he noted.
“Bringing in (assistant coach) Rob Hutchison, hands down, I think was the right choice… and it’s working out. We’ve known each other since school, played for the (Tillsonburg) Maroons, so we know each other really well. It’s starting to come around and it’s getting better and better each time. It’s taken some time but they are starting to work together and they are seeing we’ve got something here.”
“We know we’ve got the horses to put the puck in the net, we just had to get going,” said Donnelly. “Every team in this league is good, so we were con-
fident in ourselves, but there are highs and lows in a game and you need to learn how to manage that.”
Delhi came out of the first period tied 2-2, and added two more in the second for a 4-2 lead. Although it cannot be said ‘they never looked back’, they did not trail the rest of the way.
The Flames outscored the Aeros 4-3 in the final period, clinching it with an empty net goal. Dunnville had a 53-43 three-period shots on net advantage.
“We lost a couple tight ones in a row, so it feels good to get a win,” said Donnelly. “The room will be feeling good – especially how we just kept coming back. My line (with Mitchell Britton and Sean Golebiowski) scored in the last minute of the second period, which was a killer.”
A bigger team, Delhi used its size to make room on the ice and create traffic in front of Dunnville’s net.
“Our team’s got some size and a little bit of weight, which makes you feel a little bit bigger out there,” said Donnelly.
“I think the size definitely helps us,” said Golebiowski, not the tallest at 6’4” to 6’5” – that distinction goes to 6’7” to 6’8”
Chris Martin. “But it’s not the only part of our game, it’s not our identity – we like to work hard, stay together, work as a team, and build off chances that we create for ourselves as a team. We’ve got guys who are 5’2” who do just as well as I do in the corners.
“Hard work is definitely something everyone on this team carries,” said Golebiowski, who had a goal and two assists, sniping the top corner.
His line had success ‘knowing spots that guys are going to be.’
“You just know,” Golebiowski smiled. “You know the good spots - spots you know you’re going to have an edge on the other team. The other team’s doing the same, running plays on us. It’s hockey.”
Delhi and Dunnville are currently tied in the WOSHL standings, each with four wins and nine losses.
“I think every game has to be treated the same,” said Golebiowski, not putting more emphasis on close division rivals.
“We’re always looking for two points, so every night, it doesn’t matter if it’s the first-place team or the last-place team, the objective is still the same. Get the
two points and put ourselves in the best position we can going into playoffs.”
“It’s who wants it and who’s hungry – if they want it hard enough, they’ll get it,” nodded Partlo.
***
Delhi hosts the Tilbury Bluebirds on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. – and it’s going to be a special night. You can catch the Delhi BIA Christmas parade at 6 p.m., then head over to the Delhi Community Arena.
The Dec. 7 WOSHL game will be followed by five games on the road. The Flames return Jan. 11 for their first home game of 2025.
“We’ve got good fans here, good comfort here, loyal kids who come to every game,” said Donnelly. “It makes it feel a little bit nicer.”
A big fan of Pepsi, Partlo was convinced to switch to Coca-Cola before Saturday’s win over Dunnville.
“They said, ‘If you drank Coke, we’d win…’ so I said, ‘Ok, I’ll have a Coke’… and we won. So now, it’s Coke all the way from now on. And they threw my case of Pepsi in the garbage! It’s gone.
“I told them, ‘It’s all good until we lose,’” Partlo laughed.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Delhi Flames defenceman Brendan Briggs takes the puck out of the Flames’ zone
Delhi Flames’ Sean Golebiowski slams on the brakes to get a shot on Dunnville Aeros’ net.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)
Senior Raiders enjoy OFSAA A basketball experience
JEFF TRIBE Grant Haven Media
The Delhi District Secondary School (DDSS) senior girls basketball Raiders may not have finished with the result they hoped for at Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) A championships.
But they had an experience to both remember and be proud of.
“It feels like a dream,” said Raiders Grade 11 guard Camryn Stier Thursday, Nov. 21st at Kitchener’s Rockway Mennonite College on day one of the provincial high school final. “It’s a great experience and I’m really happy to be here.”
“It’s awesome,” agreed Anna Plumb, a Grade 12 teammate who admittedly didn’t think she’d ever get to OFSAA.
DDSS qualified with a tense 23-22 victory over Walkerton in their Central Western Ontario Schools Association (CWOSSA) semifinal, said Plumb. The Raiders hung on for the win despite last-second shots from their opponents. As OFSAA A host, Breslau’s Woodland Christian High School received an automatic berth into the 18-team draw. Because Woodland won its semifinal, both teams in that final qualified for provincials, a fact shared with the Raiders following an emotional one-point semifinal victory.
“It was probably the best experience of my high school career so far,” said Plumb. “I’m so excited with what OFSAA will bring us.”
The Raiders entered as the second CWOSSA entry, seeded 17th and facing the fifth seed Woodstock CI (WCI) Red Devils in their opening game.
The Raiders came out strongly in the game’s first quarter, Delhi forwards drawing the Red Devils defence with possession down low before kicking the ball back out for three-point field goals from Madison Fazekas and Mel Steinhoff, the latter finishing with seven points in the first eight minutes. DDSS frustrated WCI’s attempts at fullcourt pressure through the opening quarter, its successful inside-outside game forcing a shift from zone to person-to-person defence.
The Raiders led 18-12 at halftime after a second quarter dominated by defence at both ends of the court, before the Red Devils took over the lead and game’s mo -
mentum with a 18-5 run through the third quarter. WCI kept up its defensive pressure through the final period, closing out a hard-fought 39-23 victory.
Steinhoff led the Raiders offensively with 11 points, Fazekas added eight, Ava Cleland two field goals and Plumb one basket. Bavlee Sajjan and Morgan Smith had 10 apiece for WCI.
“We started really good, really strong defence and our offence was getting our shots in,” said Fazekas. “If we can just play strong like we did in the first half, I think we have a good shot.”
The Raiders faced London St. Thomas Aquinas (STA) in their second game on Thursday tipping off at 12:30. DDSS trailed 16-9 after the opening quarter and 28-18 at the half before dropping a 46-33 final decision.
Delhi’s Eowynn Fowler had 21 points to lead all scorers and Delaney Turner had 15 for STA.
The Raiders were back in action Friday, Nov. 22nd, facing Port Hope’s Trinity College in their third and final game. Delhi battled back from a 27-20 halftime deficit to close within five at three-quarter time (36-31), but was eventually defeated by a 46-33 margin.
Fowler led the Raiders offensively with nine points while Trinity’s Estelle Couture paced her team with 12.
Trinity College would go on to win the OFSAA A consolation championship with a 54-33 win over University of Toronto Schools, while Osgoode Township High School from Ottawa defeated Hamilton District Christian High School (from Ancaster) 36-17 in the bronze medal game. Woodland Christian lived up to its number one seed, pulling away from a close 42-39 game at three-quarter time to earn the gold medal by a 55-46 margin over Brockville’s Academie catholique Ange-Gabriel.
“It was a great end to the season,” said Raiders coach Ruth Barr, pleased the team had an opportunity to enjoy the OFSAA experience.
Entering as a lower seed, Barr credited her squad for rising to the challenge.
“We held our own, we rose to the competition.”
Delhi may have lost the three games it played, but the Raiders were competitive in each outing, played hard and left their ‘game’ on the court.
“The girls made some great memories and proved they could play with the province’s best.”
Delhi Raider Grace Gehring (left) battles for possession of the ball against WCI’s Ava Bickle during OFSAA A at Kitchener Rockway Mennonite College.
Delhi Raider Eowynn Fowler (right) cuts off WCI’s Addison Trepanier during OFSAA A tournament action at Kitchener Rockway Mennonite College. Fowler had 21 points in the Raiders second game against the London St. Thomas Aquinas Saints.
DDSS Raider Mel Steinhoff, right, moving the ball against Woodstock CI’s Autumn Vance (left), had 11 points in her team’s OFSAA A provincial final opener.
(JEFF TRIBE PHOTO)
Hericanes U13B girls play ‘best game of the season’
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Norfolk Hericanes Girls Hockey Association is building back up with seven teams this season - U9 house league, U13B, U15B and three U18 teams (B, BB & house league).
“We were so close to making a U11 team this year, we worked really hard at our Hericane for a Day event, and we got within five players of making a team,” said Gerry Dumoulin, coach of the U13s. “If we could just get five more girls who knew about the sport and the organization, it would happen.”
Often girls play co-ed minor hockey until the peewee age, then switch to an all-girls program. But when U13 (11 and 12-year-old) players come from different organizations, and different coaches, it sometimes provides a challenge, said Dumoulin.
All but two of the U13 Hericanes are 11-year-olds turning 12 this season.
“They come and play for us, but it’s hard because development is hit and miss for different house leagues. That first year can sometimes be tough. But what is really special about the Hericanes – especially this group right here – is that all these girls really like each other. They get along not just as players, but as friends, too, and that does not always happen.”
As the Hericanes move up in age divisions, Dumoulin said the girls will benefit from playing on the same team. He could point to the success of the current Hericanes U15 B team, fresh from house league last season, now 2nd overall in the OWHL – Southern B 12team South Division.
“They build that communication, they build that camaraderie over the years. They’re excited for each other’s successes. It’s not like they are competing for a spot on an A team or BB, it’s just ‘We’re a team and this us and we’re in it together.’ It’s about building relationships – that’s what makes this organization so special. If they stick together, they will be that much stronger.”
The U9 team is a new addition, said Dumoulin, encouraged by the newest Hericanes.
“And I think there are 84 girls in house league in all the different Norfolk areas, between Waterford, Port Dover and Simcoe, at the U11 age and lower. If they come out… oh what the organization could be.”
The quality of coaches throughout the Hericanes organization should help, he
said, with a wealth of hockey knowledge.
“We have a really good base to start building again.”
On Nov. 23, the U13 Hericanes were edged 2-0 by third-place Stoney Creek Sabres, who took a 1-0 lead going topshelf on a rush down the left wing, then banged home a rebound insurance goal on a power play.
Norfolk’s best scoring opportunity might have been Ava Dyrew weaving into open space in the slot in front of Stoney Creek’s net to unleash a hard wrist shot.
“I told the girls that was the best game they’ve played all season,” said Dumoulin, “as far as working together as a team. We were in there… and our goalie (Gracie Bannister) is exceptional, too.
“The conversation before the game was, ‘I believe in you girls, and you girls believe in each other. Let’s go out there and play hard… and set our own personal goals. So each girls picked something before the game, ‘I’m going to do this really well,’ and they just went out there and did it. I was so proud of them.
“If we can figure out how to put a little more offensive pressure on them, that’s a different game. But we’ve got a whole season to figure that out.”
chris@granthaven.com
Norfolk Hericanes captain Ava Dyrew, left, dekes around a Stoney Creed defender to get a shot on net.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Norfolk Hericanes U13 B goalie Gracie Bannister covers up a loose puck during a Nov. 23 OWHL –Southern hockey game against Stoney Creek.
(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)
Norfolk continues to support Holiday Food Drive
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Tables filled with food items during the fifth annual Holiday Food Drive on Nov. 19, organized by partners Norfolk County Agricultural Society, Simcoe Reformer and Norfolk County, have been distributed to local foodbanks.
“People drop off canned goods, toiletries, and all sorts of items,” said Lisa Girard, Community Development and Business, Norfolk County Agricultural Society staff, noting the volunteers – Agricultural Society staff, co-op students, Norfolk County staff, and from the Reformerwere busiest accepting donations around the noon hour at the CIBC Auditorium.
Toyotetsu Canada also contributes a large food donation, said Girard.
“We divide the items between the food banks in Norfolk, and they come to pick up their items (around 1:30 p.m.). This year, I think it was comparable to every normal year. We’d like to thank all of Norfolk County, the community, for their generous donations.”
Foodbanks included Delhi Sharing Pantry, Port Dover and Area Lifeline Foodbank, Mission Food Bank (Port Rowan), Waterford and District Food Cupboard, Simcoe Caring Cupboard, Salvation Army – Simcoe, Church Out Serving, St. Mary’s Church Simcoe and St. Vincent.
“People can also bring in a cheque or cash donation and it can be distributed to whichever foodbank that they wish.
“We also encourage people to always contribute to the foodbanks throughout the year, no matter what time, whatever you can give,” Girard concluded. “It’s very helpful.”
chris@granthaven.com
Norfolk County residents and businesses generously donated to the fifth annual Holiday Food Drive in Simcoe in support of local foodbanks.
CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO
Caring for Cancer delivers cancer care bags
“We have about 1,800 followers on Facebook and most are very active and it’s growing all of the time.”
There are bags geared to men, women and children and they include personal care items, snacks, puzzle books, candles, journals, neck pillows, mastectomy pillows (if needed) sewn and stuffed by volunteers, Tim Horton gift cards and five parking passes to any of the Hamilton Health Sciences facilities, including Juravinski. If they receive treatment in London they are given a $50 gas card.
“The bags are amazing!”
To get these bags ready and out it requires not only the many generous donations but also ‘many hands to make light of work’ and lots of hands they have!
“We have an internal group of about 10 to help get the bags ready and to deliver them. We also need space to assemble these bags and store extra supplies and bags and Waterford United Church graciously stepped in to offer space there. A huge thank you to Waterford United!”
Just to clarify these bags they receive are not just ordinary bags. They are Thirty-One bags do -
nated by Sherri Graham, and when full are worth about $350. These bags come in handy when they are emptied.
If you or someone you know is fighting cancer and could use one of these bags, let them know. You can contact them at communitycaringforcancer@gmail.com, www.cccsouthcoast.ca, @ cccsouthcoast or Google Caring For Cancer Community – Southcoast.
Not only does the group donate these bags to those in need, they also sponsor three or four families at Christmas with $250-$300 in groceries, a turkey or ham – graciously donated by Dekonings - and gas cards and gift cards as well. Food baskets are delivered two or three days before Christmas and you can nominate someone you might know who is fighting the fight and in need, especially at this time of year.
Durka has such a positive attitude and passion for this cause and recognizes that she couldn’t do this without her army of volunteers. Kudos and hats off to each and every one of them! If you are looking for a cause to support then maybe you could consider a donation to this great cause that has touched so many lives locally.
HN, Brant health units receive merger approval
The Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit (HNHU) and the Brant County Health Unit (BCHU) have received approval from the Ministry of Health to merge.
The new organization will be named Grand Erie Public Health. It will replace HNHU and BCHI under the Health Promotion and Protection legislation effective Jan. 1, 2025, representing Norfolk County, the County of Brant, the City of Brantford, and Haldimand County.
“Our strong partnership with the Brant County Health Unit has allowed us to effectively collaborate with a wide network of community providers, allied agencies, and healthcare pathways across our regions,” said Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin, Board of Health Chair, Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit in a media release.
“Looking to the future, we are excited about our two health units becoming one and firmly believe that this merger will greatly enhance public health capacity, services, and overall impact. We are grateful to the Ministry of Health for this opportunity.”
Full integration into a single new entity is expected to take place gradually throughout 2025. On Jan. 1, the delivery of programs and services for the public will remain the same. Programs and services will remain available across all of the Haldimand-Norfolk and Brantford-Brant regions at current operating locations.
Grand Erie Public Health’s focus is ensuring business continuity, retaining front-line expertise, maintaining a strong local public health presence, delivering high-quality services, and addressing health disparities.
“We’d like to extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Health for their approval of this merger and their commitment to investing in a stronger public health sector,” said Susan Brown, Board of Health Chair, Brant County Health Unit in the media release.
“The decision to merge with the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit underscores our collective dedication to enhancing public health services and advancing community well-being. This merger represents not just the coming together of two organizations, but a partnership of like-minded health units, dedicated to building a healthier future for all.”
The merger initiative began following the Ministry of Health’s August 2023 announcement, offering unprecedented one-time funding, resources, and support for local public health agency mergers, prompting HNHU and BCHU to explore potential alignments and options.
Throughout the process, several key benefits of merging were identified, including enhanced public health capacity, improved service delivery, and a unified network of community partners such as school boards and children’s services providers.
Both organizations already collaborated closely, with overlapping programs and shared geographic and demographic characteristics.
Caring for Cancer male and female gift bags.
Caring for Cancer volunteers - David Topper, Lori Kungl, Marlene Topper, Gail Jamieson, Lynn Vandewaal, Jackie Earle, Jessica Durka, Linda Tracey, Mary Weber.
(BRENDA MOSER PHOTOS)
ADVOCATE STAFF
Coats for Kids & Adults warms up the community
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, collaborating with Peerless Cleaners, Langton Knitters and First Baptist Church, hosted its annual Coats for Kids and Adults, distributing coats to people in need Saturday, Nov. 23 in Simcoe.
Bettyann Carty from the Sunrise Rotary Club summed up its overwhelming success with just a few numbers.
“Peerless Cleaners (owned by Chuck McInally) cleaned 1,500 coats,” said Carty, chair of the Coats for Kids & Adults committee. “And, of course, they helped collect them – there were several donation drop-off locations.”
Drop-offs, in addition to Peerless, included Roulston’s Pharmacy in Simcoe, Delhi and Port Dover;
Dave’s Variety in Delhi; Cavanagh IDA in Jarvis; Doerksen Country Store in Port Rowan; and Main Station in Waterford.
Coats were distributed on Nov. 23 from 9-10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Simcoe.
Less than one hour after they opened the doors, with about 60 people in line, they only had about 10% (150 of the 1,500 coats) left in the church hall.
“The need is here,” said Carty. “Yesterday, all these tables were full, plus all the racks.”
Carty said any remaining coats would go to organizations like Salvation Army, the HN Diabetes Program and the local HN women’s shelter.
“It makes me very happy,” Carty smiled, looking at all the empty coat racks and tables, knowing that people would be warmer this winter.
The Coats for Kids and Adults campaign, sponsored by Peerless Cleaners, Simcoe Reformer, Second Ave -
nue, Oldies 99.7 and MyFM 98.9, ran for two weeks, Nov. 4-18. The campaign, which has been held annually for about 30 years, with Peerless Cleaners involved the last 15 years, started as Coats for Kids. When Carty noticed they were receiving more adult coat donations, she expanded it to Coats for Kids AND Adults.
“Well, it’s just exploded. Last year we had 1,000 coats, this year 1,500. It’s just incredible. So the word is out.”
In addition to donated coats, Coats for Kids and Adults campaign distributed handmade items from the Langton Knitters, who donated six boxes of hats, mitts and gloves.
“They (Langton Knitters) also did 84 lap blankets, and I think there’s less than 10 of those left. They go to people who need to be warm.”
chris@granthaven.com
Members of the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise volunteered at the 2024 Coats for Kids and Adults in Simcoe on Nov. 23.
CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO
Festival promotes singing, drama, musical instruments
Norfolk Musical Arts Festival is looking for individuals, musicians and theatre artists, schools, churches, community groups and theatre groups to enter its February 2025 festival.
The annual festival, Feb. 24-28 at various locations in Simcoe, is a competitive event, but they also have some non-competitive classes.
“We’re hoping to reach more people this year,” said Vicky Lachine, festival secretary, noting the deadline to enter the festival is Jan. 13.
In February 2020, before the pandemic, they had 540 entries and 1,300 competitors. In 2021, limited to solos, there were 59 competitors. With the return of the full festival in 2023, there were 269 entries and 650 participants. In 2024, they had 280 entries and 739 participants.
“So we’re slowly coming back from COVID,” said Lachine.
Festival organizers would love to see numbers get back to 1,300 participants – or more - in 2025.
It’s a great opportunity for community bands, school bands and choirs. There are English and French Speech Arts (drama related) categories. Instrument categories include piano, guitar, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, along with vocal categories in musical theatre and classical singing.
“It’s all about instrumental, singing and drama – those are the three main categories,” said Lachine.
Entries have already been received from bands at Simcoe Composite School, Holy Trinity, Hagersville and Caledonia, and Brantford, she said.
“We’ve reached out to all the schools within the Grand Erie and the Brant Haldimand Norfolk school boards. But it’s not necessarily just for schools - there are also a lot of private music teachers in the area that have students that sing, play instruments… it’s for anyone in the community that sings or plays an instrument or participates through drama.”
The festival encompasses all ages and abilities – from Kindergarten age to seniors – in live performances.
“Pretty much any musically inclined organization enters the festival,” said Lachine, noting that includes well-known local groups like Lynn Valley Voices and Gentlemen of Harmony every year.
“People enter in whatever their discipline is – based on classes offered in the syllabus, which is on our website – and we hire professional adjudicators who come to Simcoe and provide feedback to the competitors.”
Adjudicators might offer advice on how competitors can improve their performances.
“Our festival, for some, can be
a stepping stone for people who want to study at the professional level of music.”
During the festival (admission by donation for audiences) the main sites include Holy Trinity Catholic High School for the bands and instruments, St. James United Church for vocal and choirs, First Baptist Church for piano, Colborne Village United Church for guitar, ukelele and speech arts, and St. Paul’s Presbyterian for strings. Scheduling is based on entries, and more venues can be added if needed, said Lachine.
A calendar of the festival week will be published in local media and on social media.
Register on the Norfolk Musical Arts Festival website www. nmaf.ca . Registration is open till Jan. 13. In addition, the festival is encouraging people to ‘like’ and follow their Facebook and Instagram pages (Norfolk Musical Arts Festival). For more information, contact Lachine at norfolkmusicalartsfestival@gmail.com or 519420-9216.
Residents asked to use digital services during postal strike
ALEX HUNT
Advocate Correspondent
After a lengthy stand still, Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) are back at the negotiating table.
Joanne Horton, president of Simcoe Local 604 of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, said on Friday, Nov. 29 that an announcement was issued by Mark Platt, national director of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, stating the Minister of Labour had stepped in demanding both parties return to further negotiations after a standstill.
On Sunday, Dec. 1st, Canada Post announced it had presented CUPW with a comprehensive framework for reaching negotiated agreements. In a media release, it stated “the framework includes proposals to bring greater flexibility to the Corporation’s delivery model, while also demonstrating movement on other key issues. It is our hope that these proposals will reignite discussions and, together with the support of mediators, help the parties work toward final agreements. To facilitate talks, we will not be providing further details outside the negotiations process at this time.”
Two weeks into the strike, Horton said she hoped a resolution would present itself as workers seek pension security, fair wages and - one of their biggest demands - addressing Health and Safety standards.
“We want them to leave our pensions and benefits alone and to provide us with a better work/life balance. Many of the employees have young children at home and are working long hours and they are not able to spend time with their families.”
After speaking with local businesses, Horton said that they have also felt the impact of the strike by having to seek additional services to ship and receive their goods at higher costs.
“Canada Post is likely the most economical way to send parcels and products, and these local businesses are taking other avenues and affecting them financially," said Horton.
With the interruption to Canada Post services, Norfolk County encourages residents to explore alternative options for accessing and submitting essential services like property tax, utility, and court-related payments.
Water/Wastewater Payments
Property owners receiving water and wastewater services from the County are reminded that these payments are due as billed, even if there is a delay in receiving the physical bill. To view and pay these bills online, residents are encouraged to sign up for ERTH Solutions at erthsolutions.com .
Accounts Payable/Receivable
Vendors are encouraged to submit invoices via email to accounting@norfolkcounty.ca to avoid postal delays. For timely receipt of payments, vendors may also sign up for EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) by contacting Norfolk County’s accounting department.
Clerk's Office
Essential documents, including Freedom of Information (FOI) requests, business licenses, and lottery-related correspondence, will be managed through private couriers if required to avoid delays.
For questions and updates, residents and businesses can call a ServiceNorfolk agent at 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 0, or visit NorfolkCounty.ca for updates.
Norfolk County encourages all residents to explore digital services and secure automatic payment options where possible to avoid potential mail-related delays.
Pickets swelled across Norfolk County last week during the postal strike
(SUBMITTED PHOTO)
CHRIS ABBOTT Editor
Riddles
What do you get if you cross a snowman with a shark?
Answer: Frost-bite
What can you catch but not throw?
Answer: A cold
Why did the hot chocolate file a police report?
Answer: Because it got mugged
What do you call a snowman that tells lies?
Answer: A snow fake
What do you call a ghost in the winter?
Answer: Casp-brrr
Where do seals go to see movies?
Answer: The dive-in
What do you call a snowman’s dog?
Answer: A slush puppy
How do polar bears make their beds?
Answer: With sheets of ice and blankets of snow.
MACI
Meet our Pet of the Week:
Maci is a one year old poodle. Proud
A
WINTER WONDERLAND
Brady encourages citizens to put pen to paper on MZO
If you have concerns about developing a city of 40,000 in Nanticoke, near the H-N border, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady says now is the time to convey those concerns to multiple Ontario government ministries with respect to an imminent request for a Ministerial Zoning Order (MZO) from Empire Homes.
The request/application, if granted, will give the green light for the develop -
ment of a city of 15,000 homes.
“It is my understanding the request for the MZO has not been submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; however, the application is expected at any time,” Brady said. “Once the online comment period begins, it might well be too late; therefore, we must act now.”
On Nov. 14, Brady attended the Nanticoke Environmental Committee Open House. Many of the attendees asked her what the community should do to continue to fight back against the proposed development. In general, the local MPP continues to hear from constituents who are worried about the future of the area.
“It’s a hare-brained idea… and why we are going down a path that only a few believe is a good idea is beyond me,” Brady said. “There are several reasons a city of 40,000 at the industrial park is a bad idea – first and foremost, an industrial park is for industry, not thousands of people. The jobs at Stelco and Imperial Oil must be protected.”
Stelco has in the past articulated there is nothing in the proposal from Empire Homes that gives the steelmaker confidence they could survive a development of such magnitude.
Brady also pointed to issues with critical infrastructure. She said municipal leaders think largely of the need for water and wastewater; however, there remains other critical infrastructure needed by residents daily – infrastructure like hospitals/healthcare, schools/education, and safe and efficient roadways.
“Highway 6 is already a disaster, along the entire stretch,” Brady said. “We know the buyers of these new homes will arrive from the GTA and GHA and they will travel Highway 6 back and forth to their jobs.”
Brady is suggesting the public urgently express their concerns to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, and Premier Doug Ford.
“This is our final opportunity to let this government know that there is no confidence in this proposed development despite what five Haldimand County councillors have voted. It’s time to let the government know that the community knows better and understands better the ever-lasting negative repercussions,” Brady concluded.
Following is contact information for the ministries Brady suggests constituents contact: Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Paul Calandra, email minister.mah@ontario.ca … Ministry of Environment Minister Andrea Khanjin, email minister.mecp@ontario.ca … Ministry of Health Minister Sylvia Jones, email Sylvia.Jones@ontario.ca … Ministry of Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, email minister. mto@ontario.ca … Ministry of Economic Development and Trade Minister Victor Fedeli, email MEDJCT.Minister@ ontario.ca … and Office of the Premier Honourable Doug Ford, email doug. ford@pc.ola.org.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
Join us for a friendly game of DARTS
7 p.m
For More Information call, the Legion at 519-443-5588 or visit www.teetervillelegionbranch526.ca
The Wagner Memorial, Teeterville Legion Branch 526. 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
Christmas Bazaar
10 a.m - 2 p.m
Christmas Raffles
2 p.m - 5 p.m
For more Information call, the Legion at 519-443-5588 or visit www.teetervillelegionbranch526.ca
The Wagner Memorial Teeterville Legion Branch 526.
3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
Hometown Christmas Craft Show. Port Rowan
10 a.m - 4 p.m
Over 40 vendors. Non-Perishable Food Drop Off.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10
Port Dover Community Christmas Sing-Along
7 p.m
$2 donation. Call 226-400-1399 for more information. Grace United Church 18 Chapman St. W., Port Dover, ON
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
The Simcoe and District Horticultural Society Meeting 7:30 p.m
Everyone is welcome. Admission
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
Christmas Raffles 2 p.m - 5 p.m
For more Information call, the Legion at 519-443-5588 or visit www.teetervillelegionbranch526.ca
The Wagner Memorial Teeterville Legion Branch 526. 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21JANUARY 5, 2025
FREE Holiday Skates - Port Dover
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
Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady
HELP WANTED
COMING EVENTS
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Are
If
Location: Work from Anywhere!
Schedule: Your Own Schedule
Type: Commission
Come Sunday December 8, 3:00 PM to St. James United Church 150 Colborne St. S. Simcoe to hear the Gentlemen of Harmony. $15.00. Tickets available at the Church office 519 428-2611 or at the door.
About Grant Haven Media: At Grant Haven Media, we are committed to delivering top-quality news and information to our readers. As a leading newspaper company, we take pride in our dedication to journalistic excellence and community engagement. As we continue to grow, we're looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our dynamic sales team.
If you are interested, contact If you are interested, contact Heather Dunbar at: Dunbar at: heather@granthaven.com heather@granthaven.com
PORT DOVER COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS SINGALONG
Tuesday, December 10 at 7 pm at Grace United Church (18 Chapman St. W., Port Dover). Sing along with your favourite holiday songs, including White Christmas, Jingle Bell Rock, Let It Snow, I'll be Home for Christmas. $2 donation. Refreshments after. Questions? Call 226-400-1399
Worship With Us
Anglican
Golden Pond makes the ‘golden years’ golden
“It’s interesting to see the generation gap… the residents and students love these visits,” said Lefler, “and so do I.”
When you enter the front door of Golden Pond Retirement Living in Waterford, one would never know that, in its day, it was once a local bar and frequent stop for the trains that travelled the tracks behind it. There is no longer any sign of its past life but rather a welcoming, warm feeling.
John Stam of Waterford bought the facility in 1990 and work began on the renovations needed. All in all, it took Stam about one-and-a-half years to complete the work before opening its doors to residents. For the first 4-5 months just one resident resided in the home but Stam maintained the full staff in preparation of future residents… and come they did. After several years Stam made the decision to retire and sell the facility.
Enter the Leflers! In 2020 Dave Lefler, his wife Danielle, and brother Mike and his wife Renee, bought the home from Stam and set out on a new, joint ‘journey’ to provide quality loving care to seniors while making them feel at home and part of a ‘family’.
“It was challenging during Covid and some of the residents went home to stay with family,” said Dave. “We have 28 rooms here and all are now currently full, with one occupied by a husband and wife and the rest singles.”
Lefler added, “Some share bathrooms while others have their own private bathrooms.”
But there’s certainly no reason for residents to spend all of their time in their rooms.
“They play bingo, charades, have sing-alongs, a performance by local entertainer Ken Lightheart, entertainment at the Legion with transportation provided, Christmas turkey dinner at the United Church, a visit by Santa every year and we’ve even had an Elvis Impersonator.”
There is a daily coffee time at 10 a.m. and families are invited and welcome to attend. One of the favourite events for all are the monthly visits by local Grade 3 students.
Every month they publish The Golden Gazette Newsletter. It includes articles written by the Leflers as well as staff members and residents and features a Resident Spotlight, birthday wishes each month, an activity page and a full calendar of events for the upcoming month. To keep the residents involved there is a Residen tial Council that meets every 2-3 months.
“It’s an incredible way to get their feed back. After all it is their home and they should have feedback on what goes on in their home.”
Lefler explains that the cost for ac commodation includes all meals, snacks, events, housekeeping, laundry, meds administration, and 24-hour staffing… meeting all of their needs.
“We all crave being a part of something and making meaningful relationships. Mobility, memory and socialization are important to all of us and the residents get that here.”
He credits the staff of 15 part-time work ers for the amazing job they do to ensure residents feel at home and cared for.
“I have such gratitude for the staff and entire team here… you can see they all truly care.”
The Leflers also own Heritage Lodge, Norfolk St. South in Simcoe and while Dave spends much of his time at Golden Pond he is also quite involved with events and happenings at Heritage Lodge.
Mike is a ‘behind the scene’ kind of guy at Golden Pond and more involved with the Simcoe home. Renee is quite involved with recreation for the residents of both homes. All in all, it is one family – the Leflers - doing whatever it takes to make their ‘extended families’ have the love and support that they deserve in their golden years. Who could ask for anything more than that?
To the staff and residents at Golden Pond and Heritage Lodge… Merry Christmas to you all!!
Golden Pond’s Dave, Sharon, Dianne, Shannon and Madison BRENDA MOSER Advocate Correspondent