Simcoe Advocate May 22, 2025

Norfolk uneasy about strong mayor powers

While Norfolk County has no opportunity to opt out of the strong mayor powers this time, there seems to remain little appetite for the legislation to be put to use for at least this term of council.

A report presented at the May 13 council-in-committee outlined what the new round of strong mayor powers means for Norfolk. The county previously opted out of accepting the strong mayor powers and the housing targets and funding that was tied to it.

However, this new round brings strong mayor powers to 170 municipalities in the province, with no optouts.

“She could have taken it the first time. She did not. Currently she doesn’t have the option now, she has the powers as of May 1,” said CAO Al Meneses, referring to Norfolk Mayor Amy Martin.

While there’s no option to opt out, heads of council with newly appointed strong mayor powers don’t have to use said powers.

“The mayor has full authority to decide when to exercise her powers or when not to exercise her powers. And it’s specifically laid out in the legislation which powers could be delegated and to whom,” said Clerk William Tigert.

Coun. Kim Huffman, who later in the meeting gave a notice of motion about sending a letter of opposition to Queen’s Park on the strong mayor powers, said the move by the Doug Ford government is a step too far.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

popularity - it’s certainly no secret today.

Berkelbloem may have been one of Norfolk County’s best kept secrets.

But the u-pick tulip farm east of Delhi on Windham Rd 12 has rapidly grown massively in reputation and

“It’s our third year running at Berkelbloem, but our second year with tulips,” said Melanie Sauer, co-owner with husband Drew Berkel.

“The other farm is Berkel Greenhouses (which Berkel co-owns with his father), two separate companies.”

There’s a whole story behind Berkelbloem, Sauer laughed.

“My husband is obviously very Dutch, and he was flying over to Holland for greenhouse related stuff. He took a chance and emailed a bunch of

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent

Melanie Sauer and Drew Berkel are co-owners and operators

near Delhi.

Berkelbloem U-pick tulips is ‘on the map’

tulip growers there. Only one (Triflor) reached out to him and gave him a tour – they are a massive bulb producer.”

“I spent about three hours there, then we sat down for coffee,” said Berkel.

The third-generation family company arranged for Berkel and Sauer to purchase 500,000 bulbs at an affordable price at auction.

“They also shipped over an old-school Dutch tulip planter that a retired couple was done with… so we pulled that behind our tractor. Then, in the planting season of 2023, he (Eric) flew over and helped Drew plant the whole field. He spent two days here doing that with us.”

Sauer said there are a couple major operations in the Niagara region, but Berkelbloem might be the province’s only family-operated tulip farm.

The tulip season in southwestern Ontario is just three weeks – at most – depending on weather. This year’s season, which ended May 18, was delayed one week.

“We typically start in late April.”

On weekends, they sold 2,500 tickets per day – each ticket allowing a visitor to pick 10 tulips. They also have some walk-ins, but they limit that to make sure everyone has an enjoyable experience. It’s also open weekdays, during their season, but they have less than 2,500 on those days.

“It’s nonstop because the season is so short,” said Sauer, noting their 2024 season was profitable. “This year, now that we’re ‘on the map,’ yeah, people are definitely coming out from hours and hours away.”

“Some from North Bay, Barrie, Windsor…” said Berkel.

“A lot of Windsor,” Sauer nodded. “Some flew here from Alberta.

“We sell it by hour but we don’t ‘kick you out.’ Some people pick and spend their whole day here.”

That often involves just soaking up the sun, the distinctive tulip fragrance, and taking photos. Many, many photos, which Sauer and Berkel both encourage.

“It’s the photos, big-time,” said Sauer.

They admitted they were a bit nervous after planting their first crop.

“Tulip bulbs are not cheap.”

“It was a big investment,” Berkel nodded. “But this community came out, big-time,” said Sauer. So mark it on your calendar for April 2026 – Berkelbloem’s tulips will be back. chris@granthaven.com

Lexi Rose, Miah Taylor and Sydnee Field from Brantford at Berkelbloem.

Sarah Overbeek and Ronella VanIttersum from Norwich enjoyed a visit to Berkelbloem. “It’s just beautiful,” said Overbeek, 67, who came to Canada from Lisse in 1971. “We grew a lot of tulips in Holland.”

Leslie Bethune, from Southampton, and Taylor Webb from Brantford, at Berkelbloem.

Norfolk uneasy about strong mayor powers

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

She said they dealt with it before when it was optional.

“And now it’s a further overreach from the provincial government to involve themselves in a municipality’s day-today function,” she said.

The legislation provides mayors the authority to override certain council wishes. Some of those powers include the ability to appoint a CAO, hire and terminate staff department heads, as well as enhanced control over the budget by allowing them to propose their own budget as well as an ability to veto.

They can also veto certain bylaws if they deem the bylaw to contravene provincial targets such as housing, infrastructure or transit.

Council can override a mayoral veto with a two-thirds vote.

Finally, they can propose bylaws that they believe meet those targets, and require only a one-third vote. In Norfolk that would mean a bylaw put forward by the mayor could pass with only four votes

among the nine members of council.

Tigert pointed out there’s already been some pushback and the legislation will likely be subject to court decisions and could be refined and changed.

“This is very new legislation… I would expect there may be pushback from municipal councils, there may be pushback from the community itself,” he said. He also said some of the changes will likely be incorporated into an update to the procedural bylaw.

A few municipalities have already sent letters voicing their opposition.

Despite a seeming disinterest from Norfolk council to utilize strong mayor powers, Martin did point out they can’t force future councils to take the same approach.

“We also do not have the ability to provide direction or handcuff or ask a future mayor to delegate or not use those powers. Each and every time there is a new mayor in Norfolk County for the foreseeable future those powers will be at the discretion of that particular individual,” she said.

Steve, Mason and Georgia Gomes from Delhi at Berkelbloem.

Brynlee and Amanda Smith from Port Dover, celebrating Mother’s Day one day early at Berkelbloem.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

The Contreras family from Cambridge visits Berkelbloem on May 10.

Haldimand-Norfolk MPP

Bobbi Ann Brady

As I’ve said many times, being your independent MPP gives me the liberty to say, do, speak, vote according to what you, the taxpayer, advise.

I do not believe there should be a monopoly on a good idea at Queen’s Park, or anywhere. I always look at legislation with an eye on whether or not it’s beneficial to Haldimand-Norfolk.

When I vote against government bills, some of my PC colleagues tsk tsk me in a joking manner. In most cases I am sure if given the opportunity, they too would vote down bills brought forward by their leader. I am also certain a few government members are uncomfortable with one of the latest pieces of legislation, Bill 5, An Act to enact the Special Economic Zones Act, 2025, to amend the Endangered Species Act, 2007 and to replace it with the Species Conservation Act, 2025, and to amend various Acts and revoke various regulations in relation to development and procurement. That’s a mouthful!

Trump, dump and Bill 5 Brady teams up with the Greens to protect farmland

It seems complicated but I’ll try to break down some of the concerning parts of the legislation. Many of you asked or commented on sections of the bill, with the majority focusing on Schedule 9, which enacts the Special Economic Zones Act 2025. It permits the Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade to excuse “trusted proponents” and “designated projects” within

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“special economic zones” from complying with provincial and municipal laws.

Trusted proponents, designated projects, special economic zones are not defined in the Act but will be entrusted to Cabinet’s discretion. This is downright scary when we have already seen the heavy hand of this government when it comes to development – think Greenbelt, Wilmot Township and closer to home, we are anxiously awaiting whether this government will continue to abuse the powers of the Ministers Zoning Order which would see a city built at Nanticoke.

The way I see it, legal safeguards will be removed, leaving communities vulnerable to friends of this government to bypass labour and environmental laws.

Let us look at Schedule 3 of the bill that specifically exempts the Chatham-Kent Waste Disposal Site from environmental assessment. The plan for this site would see upwards of 6,000 tonnes of construction and demolition waste a day arriving to the site, operating 24/7 – this is surreal. One year ago, the Minister of the Environment said the site would face a “comprehensive environmental assessment.”

Likewise, Premier Doug Ford, while in Windsor last

March, was questioned by a reporter on the proposal to which he said he had no knowledge of the proposal. The Premier said he would get back to the reporter on the proposal but added he “believes in the people. If the people like something, we do it, if they do not, we don’t do it. It’s about as simple as that.”

What has changed over the past year? The owners of the landfill site have changed – more on that in the days to come.

Today, the Premier is using Donald Trump as the convenient excuse speculating the President might turn back Ontario waste trucks from entering Michigan. I understand the concern of requiring expanded landfill in Ontario but why does this legislation name only one landfill – if it is truly about expanding capacity, why not look at all sites in the province?

Bill 5 has been referred to the Standing Committee on the Interior. I encourage you to have your say. Please visit this link: https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/committees/interior/parliament-44/notice-hearings/2025-may-26-notice-hearings-standing-committee-interior

One of the best ways to respect and appreciate Ontario’s farm families is to protect their land.

At a news conference Tuesday, Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady announced with Mike Schreiner, Leader of the Green Party of Ontario, their tabling of The Protect our Food Act, 2025.

The Act is designed to protect farmland, support farmers, and grow more food in Ontario. The Bill proposes to create a task force of farmers, agricultural experts, and land-use planners to develop recommendations for a strong Foodbelt Protection Plan.

The proposed legislation received support from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, the National Farmers Union – Ontario, the Ontario Farmland Trust, and the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario.

“This legislation is close to my heart because I represent Haldimand-Norfolk, which is a significant agricultural region in Ontario, known for its diverse crop production and livestock farming,” Brady said. “Both counties are home to numerous farm families who not only contribute significantly to the local economy but to the Canadian economy. This holds true for every agricultural region across Ontario.”

Brady reiterated the urgency of the proposed leg-

islation, noting Ontario is losing 319 plus acres of farmland each day. To be domestically self-sufficient in food production, she says Ontario must cease the constant subtraction of arable land. She feels the legislation will help prevent further land degradation and protect farmland and arable land while also respecting farmers who want to create succession plans and re-invest in their farms.

“Ontario agriculture and food annually contribute $50 billion to the province’s economy and employs almost one million Ontarians. If we don’t protect our food-producing land, we will also send shockwaves across our economy with the loss of stem, labour, technological jobs and even damage rural main streets,” said Brady. “We have seen the response from governments when it comes to manufacturing as it stares down the threats from the south. It’s time we do the same for agriculture. And this piece of legislation would be the best place to start.”

The Bill likely will not be debated until next year. Meanwhile, MPP Schreiner and MPP Brady look forward to hearing from farm families before the legislation moves through the House.

THE SIMCOE ADVOCATE

Spring wildflowers abound in Backus Woods

est canopy fills out. With such a compact window to work with, it can take years for certain plants to mature.

Wildflowers both familiar and less so were on display in Backus Woods for the Norfolk Field Naturalists’ Mother’s Day Spring Wildflower Hike on Sunday, May 11.

Bernie Solymar, NFN President and Field Events Coordinato, led a small group along the Backus Woods trails, providing wildflower identifications and discussing the plants’ life cycles, noteworthy features, and pollinators. Trilliums, wild phlox, and three varieties of violets were in full bloom, and participants also got to check out Bishop’s cap, jack-in-the-pulpit, toothwort, foamflower, and other woodland wildflowers.

Many of the wildflowers are spring ephemerals, which appear only for a brief time while the sunlight still comes through the trees. Spring ephemerals must sprout leaves and flowers, get pollinated, form seeds, and store energy in their roots, bulbs, or corms in a short time period before the for-

Depending on when they flower, different plants are set up to attract different pollinators. Jack-in-the-pulpits give off a fungus-like smell to attract the fungus gnats they rely on for pollination. Skunk cabbage emits a carrion smell to attract flies and carrion beetles, and red trilliums, which are pollinated by bottleflies and carrion flies, are perfumed accordingly.

Long-spurred violets rely primarily on bumblebees for pollination, while trout lilies are pollinated by small solitary bees.

Many of the spring ephemerals spread by underground roots and bulbs. For wider dispersion, they rely on help from insects and animals. The seeds of some flowers are encased in or attached to fruits, which are carried away by ants or eaten by deer or other creatures. New plants spring up where the seeds are deposited.

Solymar’s guided hike provided a deeper appreciation of nature’s

long cycles. A trout lily colony, a collection of smallish leaves and spent flowers, didn’t look like much, but the colony had likely been in existence as long as the trees that towered over it.

While wild phlox and white trilliums provided showy splashes of colour, some other wildflowers were small and unassuming in appearance. As delicate as some looked, they had a dainty and dignified beauty in their natural setting, with dappled sun shining through the still-growing leaves of the surrounding trees.

Though the hike’s focus was on wildflowers, other examples of nature abounded. Rose-breasted grosbeaks, vireos, a scarlet tanager, a wood thrush, and an industrious pileated woodpecker were seen and/or heard along the walk, and a few small garter snakes also made an appearance.

Backus Woods is owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and is home to some of the oldest living trees in Ontario. Backus Woods is one of the best remaining examples of Carolinian forest in Canada.

With several public trails, Backus Woods is open to the public year-round. Those wishing to see its springtime splendour for themselves can find information at www.natureconservancy.ca.

To learn more about upcoming Norfolk Field Naturalists’ activities and events, visit norfolkfieldnaturalists.org.

LISA TIMPF Advocate Contributor

White trilliums, which serve as Ontario’s floral emblem, were on full display during the Norfolk Field Naturalists’ Mother’s Day Wildflower Hike in Backus Woods.

(GINETTE PIEPER PHOTO)

Though less frequently spotted beside trails, red trilliums can be found in Backus Woods. While white trilliums are pollinated by bees and wasps, red trilliums rely on bottleflies and carrion flies for pollination.

(GINETTE PIEPER PHOTO)

Wild phlox in Backus Woods.

(GINETTE PIEPER PHOTO)

Norfolk opts for hybrid approach to municipal elections

Masschaele. It was something Coun. Chris Van Paassen agreed with.

New job description may be coming for councillors

said, adding, “the role of elected officials has changed significantly over time.”

Though it may come with extra work and none of the savings the county’s clerk was hoping to achieve, Norfolk councillors are supporting a move to a hybrid voting system for next year’s municipal elections.

Thanks to an amendment put forward by Mayor Amy Martin at the May 13 council-in-committee meeting, the clerk’s department will work towards allowing Internet voting during the advance polling period, but maintain the traditional paper ballot system on election day.

Even with the switch to Internet voting for the advance period, there will still be kiosks made available for residents to show up in person and cast their vote.

Councillors had a range of opinions on the matter, with some preferring to keep, as Coun. Michael Columbus called it, “the tried and true method of traditional paper ballot,” while others like Coun. Adam Veri wanted to fully embrace technology.

In his effort to convince his council colleagues, Veri said the move to online voting would still include all the in-person kiosks that residents are accustomed to.

“We can save a third of the cost if people do the same thing they always did except they click a button instead of put an x on a piece of paper,” he said.

However, others pointed out the move could create unease among the electorate, especially with those older voters and others who don’t use computers regularly.

“The hardest part is managing the transition,” said Coun. Tom Masschaele, who said to some, the move to electronic voting might not seem the small change Veri suggested it was.

Offering online voting in the advance period would give seasonal residents more opportunity to vote, added

“There are a lot of property owners who are eligible to vote in Norfolk County who never do because they’re not going to drive down here, and we need another option rather than election day, fill out the little x in the ballot,” he said.

“I am a traditionalist, yes I think election day is special. I like to get my little pencil… I have to also answer to a next generation who would just shake their head and say ‘get with it dad.’”

County clerk William Tigert provided a comprehensive report on the voting options for next fall’s election, ultimately recommending a full switch to Internet voting, “with the inclusion of robust cybersecurity measures, detailed vendor requirements, and a comprehensive public education plan,” his report said.

Tigert cited reduced barriers to voting potentially increasing turnout, as well as faster results that reduce the possibility of human tabulation error as some of the benefits to full Internet voting.

It would also ease the burden on staff, with the clerk saying it can already be a struggle to get enough people to work the election.

The estimated cost of full Internet voting comes in at $366,000, while the traditional paper ballots would be $443,000. The report included a cost estimate for a hybrid method at $670,000, though Martin’s amendment to offer online voting only for advanced polls is slightly different than a fully hybrid model.

A third option to use vote by mail got no love from councillors.

Technically council has limited input into how the vote is conducted, with the clerk’s office maintaining arm’s length discretion. Councillors are able to approve or deny the use of technology, however, Tigert suggested he would listen to the will of council.

Ontario municipalities will vote in their new mayors and councillors on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026.

With increased responsibilities and a position that requires full-time attention, whoever makes up the next term of council may receive more compensation in return for their efforts.

Norfolk councillors asked staff at the May 13 council-in-committee meeting to come back with a report detailing remuneration options, including considering whether the job of councillor should be considered a full- or part-time job, as well as pay and benefits. The request came after staff used a method that set rates at the 50th percentile of comparator municipalities to come up with a $29,700 pay raise for the mayoral position and only a $300 raise for councillors.

“I was quite surprised to see the very conservative increase that was considered for council members,” said Mayor Amy Martin.

“It is a big job with a lot of responsibility.”

Those proposed increases would have seen the mayor’s pay increase to $122,800 per year, and a councillor’s pay increase to $41,100. The report recommended yearly increases of 2.5 per cent for the rest of the term.

CAO Al Meneses told council they were the best to decide what members of the next term should be receiving, and base that on what they feel their time commitments are being on a board of directors for a multi-billion dollar corporation, which is essentially what being a councillor for Norfolk County is.

“Now is the appropriate time to do it because you’re not talking about necessarily doing it for yourselves. What you’re talking about is for the next term of council,” he

Coun. Adam Veri also asked staff in their report to consider the full-time nature of the job.

“There’s a perception that council work is part time, and I would say it’s not, at least not in my ward,” he said. Beyond attending the council meetings, there are always calls and emails to respond to, preparation to do for meetings and events to attend.

Coun. Kim Huffman suggested some kind of objective review, similar to what staff would do when creating a new position.

“Why not put the position through a job evaluation review and see where things land on a pay scale?” she suggested.

Huffman also requested staff look at benefits package options.

The practice of using the 50th percentile of comparative municipalities goes back several years. However, it’s complicated by the fact that there aren’t many municipalities that are truly similar to Norfolk in structure and size.

“The reality is we can’t find six municipalities in southwestern Ontario that have a population of 70,000, has nine councillors and is single tier,” said clerk William Tigert.

Veri suggested looking at council pay in a per capita point of view, though Coun. Tom Masschaele said that might be oversimplifying things. He also pointed out the median household income of residents in Norfolk is lower than elsewhere, so that’s something council and staff should consider when pondering a potential pay raise for municipal politicians.

Huffman also asked staff to look at an option to have a base pay for councillors, with added pay based on the number of committees they sit on.

LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent

LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent

Library makes roughly two emergency service

LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent

Staff at the Simcoe branch of the Norfolk County Public Library are being forced to deal with far more than late returns and disorganized bookshelves.

Regularly - on average twice a week since the end of January - the branch has had to call emergency services for help dealing with someone causing a disturbance in or around the building. At the May 13 council-in-committee meeting library CEO Julie Kent presented to council some data she has compiled over the past several months. She said she had no specific ask of council, but wanted to provide the information for future discussions.

County staff and councillors have been

discussing options to increase safety at municipally run buildings such as Talbot Gardens and the nearby administration building.

“These conditions impact how residents perceive and experience their county seat and their library branch and their access to it,” Kent said, adding the goal of any library is to be a welcoming and accessible space for all.

Between October 2024 and this past April, the library documented 293 “situations” at the Simcoe branch. These included things like demonstrated aggression towards staff or drug use inside the building and on the grounds immediately outside the library.

Since Jan. 28, Kent said they placed 28 emergency service calls. There were also seven trespass orders issued over that time.

The kneejerk reaction is often to blame the issues on the unhoused population and those with addiction issues in general. However, Kent was quick to add some context.

“Most people in crisis use the space respectfully and value the staff support and kindness. A small number misuse the space,” she said.

“But the impact is broad.”

It can be so challenging that Kent has a rotation that sees staff work shifts at other branches in the county, where such incidents are essentially nonexistent. While that helps deal with staff shortages and gives employees an understanding of the needs of each branch, it also reduces the stress and burden associated with working at the Simcoe branch.

“I’m getting a volley of, I would say,

Norfolk opts for status quo on public transit, for now

LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent

Big plans for Norfolk’s transit future have run into a big, but entirely familiar issue that’s led councillors to decide on holding the status quo for the time being.

Financial concerns caused Norfolk councillors to approve the first of four options offered to them at the May 13 council-in-committee meeting when the Ride Norfolk Transit Master Plan was presented. That option keeps the regular Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on-demand service, and twice daily fixed route schedule to Brantford.

However, Mayor Amy Martin, who made the motion to approve that option, also stressed it’s only until they get a better sense of provincial funding levels. She said she’d be open to expanded services should funding allow.

“The reality is Norfolk County is not in the financial position that we should be adding extensively to our services and building out a long-term commitment to transit when we don’t have a funding source that’s reliable or consistent,” she said.

As it stands now, Norfolk will already be on the hook for increased costs since funding through the Community Transportation Grant Program is coming to an end. A staff report suggests roughly $70,000 will need to be added to the levy next year to keep the status quo service.

Matt Lattavo, a consultant with Left Turn Right Turn Ltd. who helped the county develop the master plan, said ridership for Ride Norfolk has more than doubled since 2022. And if the proposed changes in the master plan were implemented, Norfolk could see those numbers increase significantly in the next decade.

“With these changes ridership is expected to triple over

the next 10 years. Costs will increase but the value to the community, economic development, and supporting the continued growth of Norfolk County will significantly improve the wellbeing of residents,” he said.

But there’s no way around the fact that to do so requires financial commitments, said public transportation and business development coordinator Blaire Sylvester.

“If we want a transit system that meets our growing needs and strategic priorities we must be ready to invest,” Sylvester said, adding other municipalities are spending more on transit on a per capita basis.

She also said strong transit systems offer many benefits, including improved “quality of life and quality of place for users who are primarily seniors, youth, newcomers and residents with limited mobility.”

It also attracts business investment, connects workers to jobs in the vital tourism, agriculture and service sectors, and reduces parking demand, she said.

Should funding become available or should council decide to increase the municipal levy to enhance transit, some of the improvements include adding a Saturday service, moving to a fixed route Simcoe service, on demand being offered to more areas of Norfolk, and a twice daily fixed-route with stops in Delhi, Port Dover and Simcoe.

Lattavo’s presentation also outlined goals of adding a third roundtrip route to Brantford with a stop in Waterford, as well as two more short route trips between Simcoe and Waterford. It also mentioned a seasonal route between Simcoe, Port Rowan and Long Point.

Route schedules would have something of a hybrid approach to start, hourly in some instances but every 30 minutes at key locations and during peak times. Ideally, they’d get to a full 30-minute schedule.

very colourful language lobbed at me as I am coming and going and I am wondering: are my staff also experiencing that from persons that identify them as library workers?” Kent said.

“That’s disarming for me, and I wouldn’t want to wish that upon anyone else.”

Coun. Michael Columbus asked how costs would be handled if the county opted for increased security service. Enhanced security has taken place at Talbot Gardens to address similar concerns there.

Kent said it was something she’d have to bring back to the board.

“We don’t have an ask, this is a sharing of information so that you have more data and also to extend to you our cooperation if you need more data,” she said.

Waterford library branch gets a facelift

Books can open one’s mind to so many different things and offers us, as readers, a glimpse into so many new things.

I can remember visiting our Waterford Library Branch when it was located at 19 Main Street South and the location served our town well for many years. As our town grew it was obvious that we had outgrown that location and a new facility was built at 15 Main Street South.

Over the years, as our population has grown, it was decided that some changes needed to be made. Renovations at the branch would increase energy efficiency and reimage the interior to expand the public use space within the existing footprint. One might say ‘new space, same welcome, modern design,’ reimagined for users.

You could say it is our ‘library renewed…’ with the focus on the Waterford community.

To follow through with these changes it was necessary to close the branch and set up temporary ‘digs’ at the Waterford arena. The temporary space needed a name to reflect the changes. Waterford Leaf was chosen based on the fact that it was simply a ‘leaf’ off the Waterford branch while renovations were underway.

While most of the branch’s collection of books, DVDs, magazines, etc. had to go into storage, they still offered kids’ books, audio books, DVDs, magazines and new releases. It was also possible to order copies of books from other Norfolk County Public Library branches, which could be picked up at the Leaf.

Needless to say, the changes and upgrades to the new NCPL Waterford branch were well worth the wait!

At the recent May 1st re-opening night of the new and improved Waterford branch visitors were overwhelmed and very impressed with the new facility. Breathtaking is definitely one way to describe it!

Norfolk County Public Library CEO Julie Kent addressed board trustees, councillors, county staff, library staff, contractors, designers and the community of Waterford and thanked them for their support in the

project.

“Libraries and communities are often compared to gardens – places where ideas grow,” said Kent. “But tonight, I offer a different metaphor. The library system, its branches and the community are like a well-built canoe. Each of us holds a paddle. We must listen, shift our weight when needed, and paddle in rhythm to stay balanced. In this canoe, no one moves ahead alone. The only way forward is togetheradjusting to the current, steady and united in direction.”

Kent has spent the last couple of years listening to others’ thoughts and ideas, at various locations and events in the community, on what they would like to see in a new library and took great care in bringing these ideas to fruition. She has drawn on those conversations and suggestions from bright, welcoming spaces, useful tools and programs that will grow with your family.

“You’ve reminded me that the library must move with you,” she said, and the

With over 30 years of industry experience, my goal is to work together with you to develop a successful marketing strategy for your business needs.

new space definitely reflects that.

Kent credits branch staff with helping to shape the new space and appreciated the county’s facilities team for their exceptional project management skills in leading the project.

“I want to especially thank Sydney Clarysse, who shared the vision and helped create the opportunity for this building to enhance its spaces for energy efficiency and to expand public use space by 800

square feet - without changing the building’s envelope.”

The facelift has definitely created a more open and bright space and is so welcoming as soon as you enter through the front doors. All of this could not have taken place were it not for the library board in setting the tone, for backing the project, and for being there and standing with them every step of the way.

BRENDA MOSER

Advocate Correspondent

Norfolk County Public Library celebrated the official Grand Opening of the newly renovated Waterford Branch on May 1 at 15 Main Street South, Waterford. From left are Kimberly Earls, NCPL board chair; Lisa Marr; Alida Grohs; Carolyn Nordheimer; Sue Defreyne, NCPL vice chair; Norfolk Ward 7 Councillor Kim Huffman; and Julie Kent, NCPL CEO.

(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

The NCPL Waterford library branch facelift has created a more open and bright space.

Waterford library branch gets a facelift

“We’re not finished,” said Kent. “Over the next few months we’ll add more furnishings, a ‘bring your own device bar’ and other improvements to serve you better.”

Not only has the interior received a facelift but so too will the exterior as the Waterford and District Horticultural Society will be upgrading the gardens surrounding the branch, incorporating native plants and bushes, all designed for learning and also for community care.

The new and improved library has so much more to offer the public and it is the

hope of all involved that the community will make use of the upgrades and additions. Need to hold a meeting and need some space? Check with library staff to book one of the available spaces they offer with internet access, work-stations, and access to washrooms.

Kent summed up with a very fitting outlook.

“This branch is not just a building. It is a shared vessel. Together, we steer it forward.”

Congratulations on a job well done and thank you!

From left are Julian Stewart, Architectural Technologist, G. Douglas Vallee Ltd.; Sydney Clarysse, Project Lead, Energy and Facilities – Norfolk County; Melissa Stickl, Architect, G. Douglas Vallee Ltd.; and Julie Kent, Norfolk County Public Library CEO, at the grand reopening of the NCPL Waterford library branch on May 1.

The NCPL Waterford library branch facelift has created a more open and bright space.

(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Plan calls for centrally located pool, twin ice pad

LUKE EDWARDS Advocate Correspondent

Even though the plan was titled ‘Recreation Without Borders’ councillors in Norfolk very much had geography on their minds when they passed the recreation master plan.

Considered a visionary document that doesn’t tie the county to any specific decision, council nonetheless was reluctant to include any mention of decommissioning existing arenas while discussing the plan and which of two options presented they wished to adopt.

Ultimately, councillors approved a modified Option 1 that supported in principle purchasing new land to build a new centrally located aquatic centre and twin ice pad.

Neither of the two initial options was greeted with great enthusiasm.

“We’re getting direction from staff telling us what to do. Here’s your report, and Option 1 is to drive your bus off the cliff slowly and Option 2 is to drive it off the cliff quickly. But there is no option of not driving it off the cliff,” said Coun. Chris Van Paassen.

“Why is there not an option that this council commits to maintaining the facilities in all of the communities?”

Both options presented to council included purchasing new land to build a new aquatics centre. A staff report said the land would be centrally located and be large enough to accommodate future growth and expansion. The first option also included a twin ice pad attached to the aquatics centre, and mentioned transitioning the Langton arena into an indoor soccer facility.

The second option called for just a new 25-metre pool and therapeutic pool, to start,

on the new location.

Mention of closing arenas - Option 1 also proposed converting Talbot Gardens into a multi-functional space - rankled more than a few councillors.

“It does include the decommissioning of a couple of arenas that I feel are vital to our community,” said Coun. Kim Huffman.

Mayor Amy Martin, suggested simplifying the question, which led to the amendment that removes mention of decommissioning the Langton Arena.

“For now I would challenge you to look at this as a Simcoe replacement exercise,” she said.

Even with that decided, councillors still had some unease about a perceived lack of detail.

“As I read the report, truthfully it feels slightly disjointed to me between staff recommendations, finance staff comments and I guess I’m struggling to figure out the direction that staff is hoping we take here,” said Coun. Alan Duthie earlier in the discussion.

“To make a decision on which vision, it’s important that I have some more detail. And I don’t have enough detail,” added Coun. Linda Vandendriessche.

Comments from the finance department in the staff report said full feasibility of Option 1 could not be determined “due to limited time with the report.” However, it suggested such a project would require huge investment that would strain county coffers. The comments went as far as to suggest planned large scale water and wastewater investments may need to be cancelled, which spooked Coun. Adam Veri.

Staff tried to reassure councillors that nothing they approved at the meeting committed them to spending dollars the county

may not have.

“We’re not asking you to make a financial decision, we’re asking you to set the vision,” said Brenda Andress, project lead for strategic recreation initiatives.

“It’s just a vision we’re asking you to adopt.”

With a vision in place, staff said they can then go out and prepare a business case.

While it’ll be a while yet before shovels are in the ground, assuming the municipality ultimately goes forward with this vision, CAO Al Meneses said it’s important to set the vision now. The current pool is quickly nearing the end of its lifespan, and decisions on Norfolk’s arenas will have to be made in the not-too-distant future as well.

“Without a vision and without having a plan, I can guarantee this council and the public that you are going to have service interruptions,” he warned.

ROOM FOR A LITTLE SPLISH SPLASH?

Nearly getting lost in the debate about the pool and ice pad was part of the master plan that caused concern from the Port Dover Kinsmen.

The service club has an informal agreement with the county to install a splash pad at Port Dover Kinsmen Park and are well into fundraising for the estimated $700,000 project. However, part of the rec master plan recommends no new splash pads to be considered until 2035, largely as a result of water supply issues.

Delaying the Port Dover project for a decade would cause multiple problems, said Leigh-Anne Cowan in a presentation to council.

“Essentially we would be backtracking from all the progress that we’ve made

this far and require all new quotes because nothing will be up to date,” she said, speaking on behalf of the club.

Additionally, with questions surrounding the timeline, Cowan said it’s been difficult to get commitments from potential corporate sponsors who are wary of putting up large sums of money for a project that may not open for several years.

“If council approves the recreation plan as is in front of you now, you’re effectively saying we do not need a splash pad in Port Dover,” said Meneses.

“I would like to keep this alive,” said Veri, who proposed an amendment that council supported to change the plan to allow for the Port Dover splash pad project to keep moving forward.

“EVERYTHING ELSE MAKES A LOT OF SENSE”

The recreation master plan is an overarching vision for the county’s recreation services. Though arenas and splash pads dominated much of the conversation, Meneses reminded councillors that it’s a huge document.

“If you park the question of arenas, everything else makes a lot of sense,” he said.

“I think what you’ve got in front of you here is a plan that is achievable, is spaced out in a way that allows you to set the service levels.”

Titled ‘Recreation Without Borders,’ the plan covers indoor recreation options like arenas and pools, but also outdoor recreation from trails and dog parks to baseball diamonds, soccer pitches and other sports fields.

Sections discuss options for different age groups, as well as a centralized vs decentralized approach.

Mother’s Day at the Royal Canadian Legion in Delhi

The Royal Canadian Legion, Delhi Branch 125, celebrated Mother’s Day with a brunch. Legion volunteers included from left Collin Colibaba, Bill Jones, Mannix Dellaire, Donna Dellaire, Sarah Schram, Cindy MacIsaac, Carol Crandall, Glenda Mels, and in the front, Nancy McKillen.

Alice Jacques, left, and Annette Wilson enjoy a Mother’s Day brunch at the Delhi Legion Branch 125. The Legion is holding its annual Family Fun Day on June 7 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with games, face painting, BBQ, duck pond, cornhole, tug of war, live entertainment, and more.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

Waterford career fair ‘opens doors’ for students

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

Mckayla Mungal was not browsing for jobs at Waterford District High School’s annual career fair on May 7th.

Mungal, 19, already works for the Open Doors Day Program in Simcoe.

“The perfect job,” smiled Kendra Pilon, co-owner and director of Open Doors at the career fair.

Mungal said students at the career fair were “probably looking for a summer job that could lead them into a career.”

“It’s been not too bad tonight,” said Pilon, describing the flow of interested people – students and adultson May 7. “We’ve had some people stop by, intrigued, asking what kind of training you would need to work here… those kind of questions.”

Pilon said there was a need to hire -

Open Doors doubles its employment during the summer months.

“We’ve been looking to hire about 10 people, just to cover our summer enrollment. We get more high school and (elementary) age students that attend in the summer. The good thing about us is that we can hire people without all the training because we do on-site training. Being certified helps, but they don’t have to be, so I think that’s a great thing for people still in high school and don’t have a job, or haven’t decided yet where they want to go.

“And working for us can lead to so many jobs – this is about relationships. You have to have relationships wherever you go, so this can lead in to so many different positions.”

Open Doors (519-900-6817) is hosting a Resource Fair on June 3, 3-8 p.m., featuring 21 businesses at their 4152 Hwy 3 site.

“Our goal is to be inclusive, open to

any to attend this summer,” said Pilon, noting their summer camps are open to 6-and-older.

Lauren Neilson, guidance counsellor at Waterford District High School and organizer of the second annual two-hour career fair, was pleased with the May 7 turnout, which included secondary students from across the county.

“The vendors are fabulous, they responded very well. I was very pleased with the amount of locals, the colleges and universities, the employers we had.,” said Neilson. “Quite a range, too. I wanted a wide reach and interests. I wanted people to ask questions and do some research. I wanted it to inform people, provide the opportunity, push them.

“A lot of adults here tonight without their children. A lot from the community, which is good.”

chris@granthaven.com

25th Simcoe-Norfolk MS Walk set for May 25

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

The Simcoe-Norfolk MS Walk is gearing up for a big day on May 25.

“That’s what we’re hoping for,” said David Horton, chair of the Grand Erie chapter of the MS Society of Canada and organizer of the 25th Simcoe-Norfolk MS Walk, at a MS Brunch fundraiser at Kaley’s Restaurant on May 11 – Mother’s Day.

Calling on ‘the power of community,’ participants are encouraged to ‘take action and create change.’

Opening ceremonies for the 2025 Simcoe-Norfolk MS Walk on May 25 begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Simcoe Royal Canadian Legion, 200 West Street. Registration and check-ins are 8:30-10:30 – with a light breakfast - and the Walk begins at approximately 11 a.m. There are two distances available – 5-km or 2-km. The MS Walk concludes at the Legion where lunch will be ready for participants.

More than 75 people attended the Moth-

er’s Day Brunch at Kaley’s in Simcoe, plus takeouts.

“Kaley has done this fundraising breakfast for us for probably the last eight years, and the funds raised go right to the Walk total,” said David Horton.

According to statistics from MS Canada, the Simcoe-Norfolk Walk has raised nearly $1 million over the past 25 years.

“It’s quite impressive,” he added, hoping for numbers similar to last year. “Hopefully we have weather like this again on the 25th.

“Last year we had about 95-100 walkers and the volunteers, so around 110-120 people, and we’re kind of looking for the same thing on May 25,” said Horton, encouraged by his conversations with Toyotetsu representatives, who were major contributors last year in both sponsorship and participants.

To register in advance or make an online donation, go to mswalks.ca. chris@granthaven.com

Meghan Ewing, 16, from Waterford donned firefighter gear with Norfolk County Fire Department’s Jade Mercier at the second annual Waterford District High School career fair.

Mckayla Mungal, left, chats with Kendra Pilon at the Open Doors Day Program table during the Waterford District High School career fair on May 7.

Kaley Horton, left, owner of Kaley’s Restaurant, with MS Walk volunteers Tammy Mitton, Sarah Voorhees, Dave Horton, Kyra Voorhees and Victoria Blakemore at the MS Walk Mother’s Day Brunch fundraiser.

Linda Foley and Brittany Ferguson, HR from Norfolk General Hospital, attended the Waterford District High School career fair on May 7. The hospital will be celebrating its 100th anniversary and 50 Years of Dedication at the Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home on June 7, 1–4 p.m. at the Norfolk County Recreational Centre in the Dogwood Room. (CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

Hundreds attend annual plant and garage sale

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

The Simcoe and District Horticultural Society could not have asked for better weather for its annual plant and garage sale on May 10.

“It was cool this morning, but it’s perfect right now – not too hot,” said Helen Uren, president of the Simcoe and District Horticultural Society, in the Junior Farmers parking lot at the fairgrounds in Simcoe.

The outdoor plant sale included a section

for Horticultural Society plant contributions, and many community tables, offering both affordable plants and garage sale items – and a wide variety, making it a good fundraiser for the society.

“Whatever is in their gardens, that’s what we’re selling.”

If horticultural society plants were not sold, Uren said there is a possibility some would go to the 20 community gardens planted by the society.

“This is kind of a community event,” said Uren, who added the garage sale element to a

long-time plant sale tradition. “There’s quite a few people here and they’ve been coming since 7:30 (a.m.) - I got here at 7:25, and there were people setting up here before I got here.”

The event was scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m., finishing at 12 p.m.

Formerly at Wellington Park, it moved to Simcoe Composite before changing venues to the fairgrounds.

“This is a good spot because we could have as many (vendors) as we want and there’s good parking. And it’s accessible.”

The Simcoe and District Horticultural Society is an active group – they have an event at least once a month, except February, including a January potluck, March to May horticultural speakers (and May plant sale), June garden tour, July road trip, August flower show, September AGM, October Norfolk societies meeting, November bus trip, and December meeting.

“That’s generally what we do for the whole year, so we’re pretty busy. Extremely busy in May – Wednesday we went to Berkelbloem,” she added with a smile.

chris@granthaven.com

Ivanka Hangyasi donated proceeds from her table at the Simcoe & District Plant and Garage Sale to the Salvation Army food bank.

“I love plants,” said Hangyasi.

Kelly Coulombe, right, shops at Marianne Kalich’s plant table at the annual Simcoe & District Plant and Garage Sale on May 10.

Patti Townsend from Simcoe loaded up her baskets at the Simcoe & District Plant and Garage Sale on May 10.

Brian Henderson purchases phlox from Susan Davidson, supporting the Humane Society.

Bill Yeager from the Simcoe area offered a broad range of plants at the annual Simcoe & District Plant and Garage Sale.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

Murder Birds lights up the DDSS stage

With character names like Dove (Cloey Starks), Raven (Savannah Starks), Grackle (Paige Moon) and Magpie (Adelia Mirie), writers Jenna Thompson and the Delhi District Secondary School Drama Club were on point for Murder Birds, the school’s recent May 9-10 murder mystery play.

It featured live music between scenes, including the iconic Pink Panther theme performed by Chris Thompson and Kali DaSilva.

And a memorable ‘death scene’ flashback conclusion that brought it full circle.

“The beginning of it works to the end of it,” said Victoria Price, who played as Wilfred King, the richest man in New York City. “So as the story slowly becomes complete, she (Raven) is told to ‘clip’ her sister’s wings…”

“Essentially, I have to kill my sister, but… no,” said Savannah Starks after the Saturday afternoon show.

“She did not,” said Price. “She protects her and saves her. She never really had intentions to, just because she didn’t like Magpie... the flock head.”

Twenty-one students were involved in the production, said Thompson, including Riley Feyen, Riley Babbey, Bradley DeRuysscher, Samuel Carruthers, Neveah McCormick, Teagan Moyer, Adrian Anema, Emily Vanderweerd, Lynn Underhill, Edward Pauze, JJ Morris, Jenna Long, Hayden Mills, and Avery DiSabato.

Some had previous theatre experience on other stages, some just on the DDSS stage. All agreed in the last couple of years, the ‘tech’ has come a long way at the Delhi school.

“We have new sound boards and stuff,” said Price.

They also introduced cyclorama tech for the projection of photo realistic and background pictures and colourful backlighting.

“We use it as a projector screen,” said Thompson, a drama teacher at DDSS, noting they also have a new light board. “It

gets better every year.

“It’s a lot more ‘moody’ if you can backlight your production. So, yes, we’ve had a lot of upgrades tech-wise… we still have a way to go. We have a bunch of mics, but most of them don’t work. Mics are expensive!”

Memorizing the many lines of a fulllength play was a challenge, said Feyen, one of the graduating actors.

“I was learning/memorizing lines by the week of the show,” Feyen admitted before the evening’s final play.

“I would say the most difficult part of the show was the quick changes,” said Moon.

The Drama Club began its 2024-25 sea-

son in September, with the writing process for Murder Birds starting in November and ‘serious rehearsals’ in January.

Prior to Murder Birds, there was Hallmarks of Horror in May 2023, The Last Illusion (drama class) in January 2024 and The AI play in April 2024.

“The amount of growth, even that I’ve seen in the last week, has been incredible,” said Thompson. “I have my veterans, but I have a lot of Grade 9s this year and they are amazing. So good! I’m sad to see my seniors go next year, but I’m really excited to see my 9s grow.”

chris@granthaven.com

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

Delhi District Secondary School teacher Jenna Thompson is calling for Delhi-area moms to mark their calendars for the town’s first community Mom Prom, Friday, June 6 at the Delhi District German Home.

“We’re doing Mom Prom, which is new this year,” said Thompson, co-organizer with teacher Patricia Bartik. “It’s a fundraiser for DDSS Arts.”

Tickets ($20) can be arranged through the school’s Facebook page – DDSS Raiders.

Women 19-and-older – you don’t have to be a mom - will enjoy dancing, music (Cornish Entertainment), food (Patty Wagon), draws and prizes – a great time for a great cause starting at 8 p.m. on June 6.

“There is a funding gap for the arts in all schools right now,” said Thompson after a May 10 afternoon DDSS Drama production of Murder Birds. “When I put on a production like this, I have a little bit of money from ticket sales, but it’s not

much. I try not to charge too much – I want it so their friends and families can come and see it.”

Thompson co-wrote Murder Birds with DDSS Drama to help save the money for copyrighted scripts.

“And the kids wanted to write it,” Thompson said. “It turned out really nice, I’m really proud of this group.

“But even with the money being saved that we would normally spend on rights, and not going to compete, it still cost about $2,500 in costumes, props and set. And my mom is my seamstress, and she doesn’t charge. If she did, it would probably be $5,000.

“It would be really nice to have a bit of a cushion.”

That’s where the 2025 Mom Prom enters the picture. It will not only benefit DDSS plays, but also the school’s music program, which Thompson says ‘also has the potential to grow,’ and the school’s media arts program, upgrading cameras.

“We’re doing this Mom Prom to raise money for the Arts Department. And it goes right back to the kids’ programs.”

chris@granthaven.com

Editor

Drama’s production of Murder Birds ran May 9-10 at Delhi District Secondary School.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

The New Canadian Curling Club launches in Port Dover

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

Directed by Jane Spence, Artistic Director at Lighthouse Festival, ‘The New Canadian Curling Club’ by Mark Crawford is described as a heartwarming and hilarious story of overcoming adversity, friendship, inclusion… and curling.

Playing in Port Dover May 21 - June 7 at the Lighthouse Festival Theatre, and in Port Colborne June 11 – June 22, tickets are available through their website at lighthousetheatre.com.

The cast includes Andrew Prashad (Anoopjeet Singh), Chiamaka Glory (Charmaine Bailey), Frank Chung (Mike Chang), John Jarvis (Stuart McPhail), and Mahsa Ershadifar (Fatima Al-Sayed).

No curling experience is required from the audience. The play focuses on a team that is taking Learn to Curl classes, so the audience can learn some of the mechanics and jargon of the sport along with the cast.

“We had a very generous curling club offer us some of the equipment and gave us a little lesson on the ice,” said Spence, recalling pre-show training from a previous run in the Orangeville area for Prashad, Glory and Jarvis.

“We got a little bit of time on the curling rink to learn some basics,” said Prashad. “I have seen curling, but I’ve never played… so to experience the mechanics – in real life – informs how we approach the curling on our fake ice.”

Spoiler - it is fake ice on the Lighthouse stage, although the red-and-blue painted curling ‘house’ certainly looks real enough – and it is slippery like real ice.

“This time, the Simcoe Curling Club has generously donated a lot of our props,” Spence noted. “And Bruce Robinson, a

member of the club who also works for Lighthouse, gave us a little curling tuneup.”

Chung, new to The New Canadian Curling Club cast, had some experience on the ice, while Ershadifar, also new to the production, did not.

“She (Ershadifar) was practicing furiously last night (May 13),” said Spence. “We gave her some ice time to kind of catch up.”

“It is a little bit slippery,” Ershadifar smiled. “Before coming here, I didn’t have any experience learning curling, I had to

look online for it. They keep telling me about how to do it on the ice… but this (set) is not the actual space. It’s very similar – I bet it is, I don’t know – but what is hard is trying to do something that resembles real curling on something that is not the real surface. It was really fun.”

“We’ve been learning all different levels (of curling) and different advantages,” said Glory. “Some curl with a lot of weight, some curl with light weight. Some of us have natural leadership talents…”

“The play starts with them never having

Scotlynn and Norfolk County launch rolling billboards

Norfolk County and Scotlyn are unveiling a bold new collaboration that brings the region’s economic strengths to the open road.

Featuring three distinct trailer designs, this joint initiative transforms a fleet of Scotlynn trucks into powerful mobile billboards promoting Norfolk County’s unique advantages across North America.

The partnership was sparked by a shared vision to showcase Norfolk’s potential far beyond traditional advertising. With Scotlynn’s expansive logistics network, the trailers are now travelling ambassadors - sharing messages of investment, innovation, and lifestyle with audiences across North America.

"This innovative partnership with Scotlynn transforms transport trailers into powerful ambassadors for Norfolk County, carrying our message of quality of life, opportunity, and excellence across North America,” said

Mayor Amy Martin in a media release.

As a homegrown success story, Scotlynn exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit Norfolk County seeks to promote. The company’s offer to transform its trailers into eye-catching, informative displays demonstrates its deep commitment to the community and leverages existing assets to reach new audiences in a cost-effective way, while reaching shared goals.

The three trailer designs will promote:

• Invest in Norfolk: Agriculture and business opportunity and excellence.

• Proudly Manufactured in Norfolk: Celebrating and attracting local industry and skilled trades.

• Experience Norfolk: Highlighting unique lifestyle and fun tourism.

The three designs reflect Norfolk County’s top economic priorities: at-

curled before,” said Spence.

“The little gang that couldn’t,” Jarvis quipped.

“The only person (with curling experience) is the person who takes care of the ice, John,” said Spence. “He is the expert.”

“Really, I’m not by nature the teacher that should be conducting the Learn to Curl, but the man who (makes) the ice who is going to learn himself how to teach a team and try to communicate with four new players, and teach them the sport… with his own complex nature often getting in front of him,” said Jarvis.

“With the caveat that he was traumatized at a certain point in his life and has not curled in 20 years. So that is an important ingredient with what he is struggling with.”

The play deals with Stuart McPhail’s ‘strong opinions about immigrants…’ and prejudice.

“I believe that Mark (Crawford) has done a beautiful job treating it with heart and with humour, and giving a lot of different perspectives about the same moment, and that’s kind of the brilliance of his writing –I don’t believe that it ever feels like a lecture,” said Spence.

“I think you get to witness a very human experience, and the journey that this group goes through – overcoming some of that adversity and bridging gaps that need to be bridged.”

While the majority of the audience does not typically have curling experience, curlers are very appreciative of shared ‘learn to curl’ moments, said Spence.

Set designer is Beckie Morris; costume designer is Alex Amini; lighting designer is Steve Lucas; stage manager is Laura Grandfield; and Kate Hunter is apprentice stage manager.

chris@granthaven.com

tracting new investment, showcasing leadership in agriculture and manufacturing, and drawing attention to the quality of life that makes the region ‘a great place to live and work.’

Each trailer encourages viewers to visit norfolkbusines.ca to learn more about what Norfolk has to offer.

Why This Matters

This partnership offers an innovative approach to economic development. For Norfolk County, it means broad exposure to investors, talent, and business leaders across North America.

For Scotlynn, it reinforces its role as a proud Norfolk business committed to community growth. Most importantly, it supports the shared goals of driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening the future of Norfolk’s community.

For more information, visit norfolkbusiness.ca and scotlynn.com.

The cast of The New Canadian Curling Club, now playing at Lighthouse Festival Theatre in Port Dover - Andrew Prashad, John Jarvis, Frank Chung, Mahsa Ershadifar and Chiamaka Glory.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

Norfolk

Sabres edge Titans in South Division soccer shootout

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

It was always going to be close.

Simcoe Composite School boys soccer team edged Holy Trinity Catholic School in a shootout Thursday afternoon to win the AABHN South Division championship.

The Sabres led 2-1 at half, but the Titans equalized midway through the second. Both teams had opportunities to win in the final minutes of regulation, but it was still locked at 2-2 after another 20 minutes of overtime at the McLaughlin Fields in Delhi.

“They (Holy Trinity) were pushing,” said SCS coach Ron Smith, who gave his team’s Player of the Game recognition to Grade 10 goalie Campbell Shrubsole.

Shrubsole took Simcoe Composite’s first penalty shot – and scored. He did not jump up and ask to be the first shooter, it was assigned by the coaches.

“I said ‘yes’ but… also nervous,” Shrubsole admitted. “It felt better (after scoring), relieved some of the nerves.”

He then stopped Holy Trinity’s first penalty shot, putting the Sabres in the driver’s seat. A second later save helped win the South trophy.

“I look at which way they shoot, whether they are right or left-foot, and look at the angle their foot opens. If they open it up, it’s going to go right-side – my left.”

“He (Shrubsole) has taken some penalty shots in games,” coach Smith noted. “Campbell Shrubsole is probably the most well-liked player on our team. He’s got a lot of respect from the other kids. So I think, in terms of a confidence boost for us, to have our goalie go score a goal and then save the next penalty shot… I think that’s got to be a huge boost for our team.”

Smith said the gameplan for SCS was playing simple, team-based soccer.

“We’re encouraging the boys to play as a team. And that’s what they did today. We have two rules on the team – and we start right on Day 1. We tell the boys there’s no ego and nobody can lose their temper.”

There were some hard collisions Thursday, but both teams stayed in control.

“We’ve got a cross-town rivalry with Holy Trinity, but the great thing is when the whistle went at the end, you see the boys shaking hands. It’s great,” said Smith.

Shrubsole agreed there is a rivalry between the Sabres and Titans, but suggested it’s mostly a football thing.

“I’d say in football, it really is a rivalry,” he smiled. “In other sports, like soccer, it’s not as bad. It is the other Simcoe team, so do you want to beat them.”

Waterford, SCS and HT all finished the 2025 South Division regular season with identical 6-1 records. SCS advanced to Thursday’s South final after defeating Waterford 2-1 in a May 13th semifinal.

It was the Sabres’ third South Division boys soccer title in four years – they won in 2022 and 2023, but lost to Waterford in 2024.

“We had good possession today,” said Holy Trinity coach Vince Suglio after the shootout loss. “Just couldn’t capitalize on our chances. Give SCS full credit though – they have a game plan and they stick to it. They have some good strikers that they send it through to... They are tough to handle and they capitalize on their changes.”

Holy Trinity’s midfield helped carry the second-half play.

“We try to play a little bit more possession soccer - work it up – but we broke down in the final third of the field,” said Suglio. “Again, we had our chances, couldn’t capitalize. Full credit to SCS. When it comes to PKs, anything can happen right? But I am proud of the boys, the boys played really well.”

SCS and HT both advanced to the Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk CWOSSA AA qualifiers against the top two North Division AA teams – McKinnon Park and Paris – to be played May 21 in Delhi at the McLaughlin Fields. Two winners advance to CWOSSA (May 27 & May 29 in Brantford).

“I hope our chances are pretty good (in the CWOSSA qualifier),” said Shrubsole.

“I think if we play like we can, it will be a good outcome.”

chris@granthaven.com

Holy Trinity’s Cooper Carter, left, is defended by Simcoe Composite’s Avery Gallagher.

Simcoe Composite Sabres celebrate their Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk South Division boys soccer championship Thursday in Delhi.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

Simcoe Composite’s Leo Wardell, right, makes a sliding tackle on Holy Trinity’s Isaac Gascoigne.

Simcoe Composite Sabres’ goalie Campbell Shrubsole makes a diving shootout save.

SPORTS

Titans ‘shoot and score’ in South girls soccer final

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

Holy Trinity Titans girls soccer team unleashed its offence on May 15, scoring five times – their highest goal output of the season - to defeat Cayuga 5-1 in the AABHN South Division championship game in Delhi.

Scoring for the 2025 South Division champions were Aaliyah Hoover (2), Erica VanNetten (2), and Chelsie Spriet.

Holy Trinity was scheduled to play a CWOSSA AA qualifier May 21, also in Delhi, in a one-game cross-over with the North Division.

“Today, they were doing everything we asked them to do,” said Holy Trinity cocoach Rebecca Suprun, who along with co-coaches Stephanie Haak and Cheri McCallum, was pleased with their all-round game.

The Titans did everything they were asked to do ‘all year long,’ nodded McCallum, noting that was actually Suprun’s

half-time talk.

“You’re passing, you’re open, you’re shooting, you’re talking…” said Suprun.

“This season we haven’t been taking a lot of shots… but we got the results. Most games we controlled – all season – but it was just about actually scoring. Today, we were shooting the ball, taking the shots.”

“They’ve been getting better each game,” said Haak.

“And they are very positive,” said McCallum.

“They are very supportive of each other,” Suprun nodded. “A lot of energy from the girls that were on the bench.”

Holy Trinity (3-1-2) finished third in the Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk South standings, defeating second-place Waterford (42-0) 2-1 in the May 13 semifinals.

“We’re saying, ‘keep doing what you’re doing,” said Suprun summing up expectations going into the CWOSSA qualifier.

“Win next week and go to CWOSSA.”

chris@granthaven.com

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

Holy Trinity Titans girls soccer team won the AABHN South Division championship with a 5-1 win over Cayuga in Delhi on May 15.

SCS cheerleaders win Norfolk Invitational competition SPORTS

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

There was ‘Party rock in the house tonight’ when Simcoe Composite School Sabres cheerleaders won the second annual Norfolk Invitational Cheerleading Competition on May 7.

Hosted by Delhi District Secondary School this year, the four-school competition included full stunt cheerleading with non-twisting tosses, pyramids, cradles, rolls and twists on full mat floors, unlike the Norfolk County Fair Young Canada Day competition, which was downgraded in the fall of 2023 for safety reasons.

“It went great, we had a couple falls but…” said Sabres’ Jorja Mulder, moments after hearing they had won the NICC.

“First run,” SCS teammate Brooklynn Schleifer quickly noted.

“But second run we hit it,” said Mulder.

“Perfect second run,” said Sabres’ Jayden Ponting. “Our pyramid did come down (in the first run)…”

“And threw from there, too,” said Schleifer.

“Which we shouldn’t have,” said Ponting.

Mulder wasn’t sure if the audience noticed the glitch but she was sure coaches and judges did.

“I don’t know, but we like cried after, so I feel like if they looked at our faces, they would be like ‘oh, yeah, something happened,’” said Mulder.

“My family was like ‘what do you mean, you did great!’” Ponting laughed.

“The first run is always nerves,” said SCS Composite coach Tracy Boswell. “Everybody comes out,

doesn’t know what’s going to happen… which is kind of nice that we get two. So we had a little talk after.

Everybody was shaken up.”

It was an emotional moment, especially for some senior cheerleaders.

“This was their last one, so they were getting a little weepy,” said Boswell.

“I am also getting a little weepy, so that’s okay. I think they had a moment to take a breath, realize what they had done and what they can fix – because we’ve been doing this all year long –and really just left it all out there and gave it everything they could… and fixed everything that happened in that first run. So I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Simcoe Composite School Sabres cheerleaders celebrate their 2025 championship at the Norfolk Invitational Cheerleading Competition in Delhi.

Valley Heights Bears cheerleaders waiting for results.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

Delhi Raiders cheerleaders wait for results at the Norfolk Invitational Cheerleading Competition.

For the audience, it did look great – full of energy. Same with the second routine, which they performed without a hitch.

“Our pyramid, that was really good,” said Schleifer, recalling their flawless second run.

“That’s the one thing we know like has to hit for us to win,” said Mulder. “And it hit. I feel like once we know that we hit that stuff, then we’re set for the rest of the routine. It just brings up our energy… especially after pyramid, it goes straight into our dance.”

“And our dance has so much energy,” said Ponting, “and it just makes it all better.”

The three SCS cheerleaders loved the full indoor stunting.

“It’s so exciting,” said Schleifer. “I love throwing.”

“So much better!” said Mulder.

“It’s amazing,” Ponting agreed.

The Norfolk championship came just weeks after SCS cheerleaders had won gold at their OFSAA Central Region championship.

“This is our senior year and we won both times,” said Mulder.

Valley Heights finished fourth at the Norfolk competition, Delhi third and Waterford, the defending Norfolk Fair and Norfolk Competition champs, was second. chris@granthaven.com

Waterford, the defending Norfolk Invitational Cheerleading Competition champs, wait for results at the second annual Norfolk cheerleading competition.

SCS students and teachers passionate about tech, trades

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

Simcoe Composite School’s annual Spring Sale and Car Show shifted into high gear on May 10.

There was an expanded car show, plant sale, woodworking sale, cosmetology program face and nail painting for children, and a BBQ.

It featured the school’s famous ’56 Volkswagen Beetle project and Jason and Sandi Hardie’s massively-powerful Celtic Thunder drag racing funny car, all in support of the school’s tech education department.

“This car will be out (drag racing) for the first time this year,” said Jason Hardie. “We said that last year, but…”

“This is the year,” Sandi nodded. Jason, who teaches at Conestoga College in trades and apprenticeship, also works on another drag racing team.

“I’m pretty passionate about young people and trades. That’s

one of our big pushes with this car is to get young people out and get them interested in trades – fixing and doing. If anybody is ever interested in hearing about trades, I’m more than happy to talk to them about it.”

“They’ve got some great teachers here – they are passionate about what they do. That’s why we wanted to get involved.”

“It’s a bigger turnout than last year,” said Simcoe’s Phil Theriault who brought his yellow 1973 Plymouth Barracuda muscle car to the school’s third auto show.

“It’s fairly new, so it takes a while sometimes for word to get out about these things.

“It’s very typical of most of the car shows – it’s a social event for all the enthusiasts,” said Theriault, who goes to summer/fall shows in Simcoe, Delhi and a Monday cruise night in Port Dover.

“Everybody’s welcome to come.”

Ronda Nix teaches Green Industries courses at SCS, which

includes horticulture, landscape, agriculture and floristry.

“I just had a student get the (floristry) silver medal at the Skills Ontario competition this week –it was about six-and-a-half hours of designing,” said Nix, who was selling plants near the greenhouse. “That was very exciting. Our third medal while I’ve been teaching at SCS.

“There was over 2,700 competitors overall at Skills Ontario in Toronto, in everything – construction, landscaping… it’s all the skilled trades. Secondary and post-secondary. If you’ve never been, it is something to see. It’s the future of our skilled trades. It’s the next generation and it’s amazing. It’s incredible. It’s pretty much a four-day event for me but I love it.”

Simcoe Composite’s tech program includes construction, tech design (drafting and architectural design) and communications technology. chris@granthaven.com

Ronda Nix, Green Industries teacher at SCS.

Phil Theriault with his 1973 Plymouth Barracuda at the Simcoe Composite Spring Sale and Car Show.

Jason and Sandi Hardie with their Celtic Thunder drag racing funny car at the Simcoe Composite Spring Sale and Car Show.

Lesia Castellano of Turkey Point, with plants in hand, checks out Ken Morris’ Ford Model A at the Simcoe Composite Spring Sale and Car Show on May 10.

Simcoe Composite School transportation’s Volkswagen restoration project.

CHRIS ABBOTT

Nature’s Calling Environmental Education recently announced they were the recipient of a $74,400 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Over a period of 24 months, the money will be used to update and expand curriculum-based outdoor programming for Nature’s Calling Environmental Education local schools.

The project will allow Nature’s Calling Environmental Education to update its curriculum-based learning units to comply with the Ontario government’s new STEM-based curriculum programming goals. Students from local school boards who attend the outdoor education units enhance their appreciation and respect for the land, while in a fun and engaging outdoor environment.

“We’ve been here (leasing land at 1353 Charlotteville Road 8, Simcoe) for just over a year now, due to the generosity of Rhyus and Andrea Reeves, who also have three boys involved in our Forest School. We were donated this school portable from Woodland RV near St. Williams…” said Bernie Solymnar, Founder & Executive Director of NCEE, at the April 23rd Trillium grant announcement.

Work still needs to be done on the portable, Solymar noted.

“Today we have 21 kids and three staff. We now have school groups coming as well – we will have 15 school groups coming, so we’re busy. And as soon as we’re done with Forest School, we transition into Summer Camp for the next eight weeks. We just had a new staff member start today, which is great.”

It’s a quiet area, except for occasional farm animals crowing and quacking and

Nature's Calling receives $74,400 Trillium grant Langton Lions donate

nearby birds, calling in the woods.

“You don’t feel like you’re close to Simcoe at all,” said Reeves. “Or close to anybody here.”

“You don’t hear the traffic most of the time,” Solymar nodded.

The Forest School – a registered, unregulated private school through the Ministry of Education - is primarily an outdoor school. Kids spend most of the day out-

side.

“It’s basically inquiry based, child led education,” said Solymar. “The educators here are basically facilitators and the children are the ones that make decisions on what they really want to do for that day, and what they want to get involved in. It is all outdoors, six-and-a-half hours out of seven, even in light rain.

“They’re learning – they’re learning math because they’re counting leaves or branches that they collect. There is some reading… and of course, science is in everything that we do out here.”

Solymar said Forest Schools started in Scandinavia, spread into Europe, then eventually came to North America.

“They were becoming popular 15 years ago when we first started, but during Covid, a lot of new Forest Schools popped up. Schools were closed and people were looking for alternatives.”

The Forest School year runs similar to regular schools, however most students only come to the Forest School once a week.

“Some come up to three days a week. A lot of them to school the rest of the time… but they need that one day outside.”

“I’m a big fan of Nature’s Calling,” said Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady, who attended the Trillium Foundation grant announcement on April 23. “I think it’s fantastic. I appreciate a property

Langton Lions Club recently donated $5,000 to a playground equipment revitalization project for Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School in Langton.

“Whatever they need, it goes toward that,” said Langton Lions’ treasurer Art Vandendriessche.

The school has been actively raising funds, said Bryan Cairns, Langton Lions president, noting that it will be a multi-year project.

“This is not only for the school,” said Cairns. “It’s for the Langton community, kids can use it all week long after school, evenings, and all summer. It’s for the whole community.”

It’s a continuation of the Lions support of the Sacred Heart school playground over the years. The Lions also donated $5,000 to the Langton Public School playground a few years ago.

The playground is important, said Sacred Heart teacher Jaime Vanacker, “because it’s an opportunity for kids to use their imagination, to build collaboration skills with one another, and to offer different types of movement-based opportunities.

“We’re also looking at a gathering space, too, for classrooms – for all classes to take advantage of with covered space and some shade.”

“We are hoping to do a lot before September, which I think is still doable,” said Candice Vanhie, Sacred Heart parent council at the April 23 cheque presentation. “We should know our gameplan within the next few weeks, we’re just waiting on some last-minute quotes to come in.”

Fundraising started for the playground project in 2016.

There has been talk of implementing the renovations in phases.

“This will be the first big revitalization,” said Sacred Heart teacher Heather Vanacker.

“You should see the first phase by fall, with planned additions over the next few years,” said Vanhie. ***

The Langton Lions will be volunteering at the Schuster Car Show on August 23rd. In October, the Lions will hold their annual fundraising BBQ and Elimination Draw.

“We’re also giving $25,000 to Norfolk County over a five-year period for help with (recently completed) renovations at the Langton Community Centre,” said Cairns.

The community centre was last renovated in 93-94, said Vandendriessche.

“It’s a major upgrade, it really is,” said Vandendriess-

che, noting it included floor replacement and painting. “It looks nice inside, we’re really pleased with how it turned out,” said Cairns.

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

Langton Lions Club recently presented a $5,000 cheque to Sacred Heart School for playground equipment, with several Sacred Heart students in the front. From left Bryan Cairns, Langton Lions; Jaime Vanacker, Sacred Heart teacher; Art Vandendriessche, Langton Lions; and Heather Vanacker, Sacred Heart teacher.

From left are Bernie Solymar, Executive Director NCEE; Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady; Rhyus Reeves; and Dr. John Morrissey, Chair NCEE at Nature’s Calling Environmental Education’s Norfolk Forest School.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

Silver Spokes encourage new cyclists to ‘join the club’

The Silver Spokes are a recreational road cycling club ‘with a long history in Norfolk County.’

The club provides an opportunity to socialize with fellow cycling enthusiasts ‘in a safe, friendly and supportive environment.’

“We have Silver Spokes club rides basically every day of the week,” said Silver Spokes’ John Verbakel. “Wednesday, we call it our club night because on Wednesday we have all four of the speeds represented. Mondays and Wednesdays are evening rides (starting at 6 p.m.). We have morning rides on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.”

Usually there are four Club Night groups, but on Wednesday, May 14th they were divided into three based on speed and distance. Sportif Development combined with the Touring group, which started ahead of Casual and Recreational groups.

“People self-select which group they want to ride with,” said Verbakel, noting the casual group is the most popular.

“Most people don’t want to go really, really fast, they just want to go at a nice comfortable speed. And while you’re riding along in the pack, you here all kinds of people having conversations with each other. Normally we ride two-by-two on the road.”

The club’s Introduction to Group Cycling rides with the recreational group. More information on Introduction to Group Cycling (May 14-June 4) can be found on the club’s website (silverspokescycling.com) under the ‘upcoming events’ tab.

“It’s really all about safety – that’s the main thing – facilitating them being safe in the group, not only for themselves, but also for the other riders around them.”

This year’s Introduction to Group Cy-

cling has two cyclists, but some years they have 10-15. More are welcome.

Experienced new cyclists joining from other clubs pick their own groups and ‘become part of the culture.’

Verbakel said the most appealing part of joining The Silver Spokes Cycling Club, which started in 1939, is the social aspect of riding with other people also interested in cycling. And socializing after the rides.

A July 1st ride includes lunch at the Ramblin’ Road Brewery. There are also special rides outside of Norfolk.

“All of those things have appeal,” he said.

The cycling club is ‘always accepting new members with rides for all skill levels from novice to expert.’

“The most important aspect of our rides is that we’re riding at the pace ‘advertised.’ We never leave anybody behind. If somebody falls behind, the whole ride will slow down – we wait for everybody.”

To learn how to join The Silver Spokes, see their website (www.silverspokescycling.com).

Crime Stoppers of Haldimand & Norfolk held a shredding day May 10 in Simcoe. From left are Aimee, H-N Crime Stoppers coordinator; Pino, chair of Crime Stoppers of Haldimand & Norfolk, and Jack and Maddi from Norfolk Shredding. Future H-N shredding events are June 21 in Caledonia and Sept. 13 in Dunnville.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

CHRIS ABBOTT

Editor

The Silver Spokes are ready to cycle Wednesday, May 14 in Delhi.

(CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTO)

Invasion of the Dragons returns to Waterford June 22

ABBOTT Editor

Invasion of the Dragons, an annual dragon boating fundraiser, returns to Waterford on Sunday, June 22.

An entertaining ‘FUNdraiser’ organized by the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise, the dragon boat proceeds will support the Cancer Support & Resource Program of Norfolk, which gives financial support to people going through cancer, and local Rotary community projects, which include Lighthouse Theatre and Special Olympics support.

Registration is full – they have 27 teams scheduled to race.

Residents of Norfolk County and surrounding areas are invited to watch the 250-metre racing and paddling fun near the shore (and walking trail) at Shadow Lake, near Alice Street. It’s free to watch. For more information, see their website at invasionofthedragons.ca.

Food and vendors will be on site – and visit Waterford stores, they will be open - it’s worth the trip.

“This is the 10th year,” said co-organizer Gail Catherwood, who initially started the event with the Cancer Support & Resource Program and CIBC Run for the Cure. “The more money we raise, the more we can help.”

As a Rotarian, Catherwood said it was a natural fit for the Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise,

giving the fundraiser a strong, dedicated base of volunteers.

“That was terrific. For the last three years we’ve been doing it with them and it has been very successful. The more people involved, the more people who will get involved, so it’s been a great partnership for sure. This has certainly been a great project for the Rotary because all the members can get involved.”

Alkame Dragon Boat Services supplies the dragon boats and floating piers.

Teams of 20 paddlers and a

Quilt draws to support 26th Annual Run for the Cure

Tickets are now on sale at CIBC branches in Delhi, Hagersville and Simcoe for $5 each until Sept. 9, 2025.

The quilt will be on display at various branches in and around Norfolk County: Simcoe May 14-28; Delhi May 28-June 11; Norwich June 1125; Burford June 25-July 9; Lynden Park Mall, Brantford July 9-23; Cayuga July 23-August 6; Dunnville August 6-20; Hagersville August 20Sept. 3; and Caledonia Sept. 3-8.

The draw for the quilt will take place at the CIBC Annual Run for the Cure Fashion Show on Sept. 9.

Brantford, Woodstock, Waterloo, Toronto, Oakville, Hamilton, etc… and of course, Norfolk County.

“The Legion group from Waterford, every year for 10 years they’ve had a team. It’s a real team builder.”

Teams are scheduled in heats of three, which seeds the teams for the next races. June 21 is a practice day.

“They are so dedicated to the sport,” Catherwood concluded.

Chris@granthaven.com

drummer come from Haldimand,

The 2025 Invasion of the Dragons returns June 22 in Waterford. Twenty-seven dragon boats are entered in the annual Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise event.

(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

CHRIS

Sheila Stewart, Twilight Quilters' of Norfolk County, has donated a beautiful quilt to help raise funds for the 26th Annual Run for the Cure in Simcoe.

From left are Sheila Stewart, Twilight Quilters' of Norfolk County; Gail Catherwood, Simcoe Run for the Cure coordinator; and Veronica Harris CIBC employee.

(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

An unexpected artistic discovery

OH,PLACESTHE WE'LL GO

By Paul Knowles

Our first port of call was Kingston’s waterfront. I was part of a group of four travel journalists who were invited by “VisitKingston” to, well, visit Kingston, earlier this month. Our hosts had put together an unusual itinerary, in that we were not visiting the Kingston Penitentiary, Old Fort Henry, or any site connected to the Tragically Hip. The focus of this visit was the water, and our starting point was the rejuvenated Great Lakes Museum.

Let’s be honest: the big attraction at the waterfront museum is the restored and beautifully outfitted Great Lakes passenger steamer, the Keewatin, which became the star of the Museum last year, opening to visitors in 2024, and re-opening this month for the 2025 season.

So, sensibly, I should be writing about the Keewatin. And I promise, I will, and soon. But our tour of the Great Lakes Museum took us through a unique art exhibit that captured my attention, and inspired me to do some research into the life and work of a Canadian artist named Grant MacDonald.

The MacDonald exhibit is housed in one of the museum’s historic buildings that were once the Kingston dry dock. The works of art here are all sketched portraits of Canadian sailors, during World War II. And they are fascinating.

Grant MacDonald, who was born in Montreal in 1909 and grew up in Cambridge, Ontario, was an official war artist, appointed by the Royal Canadian Navy during the second World War. Following the war, MacDonald moved to Kingston, where he lived until his death in 1987.

What caught my eye as I wandered around the exhibition of 25 sketches, was the vitality of the works. MacDonald had captured his subjects’ personality, in some cases highlighting their senses of humour.

The works are mostly black and white pencil sketches, but they come alive, none the less.

A biographical panel about MacDonald, part of the exhibit, includes a quote from Vice-Admiral G.C. Jones, Chief of the Naval Staff: MacDonald’s sailors “are typical of the Navy as a whole; and they are shown doing the things they do ordinarily… in a manner that has made it possible to show with admirable insight the hearts and souls of the men who so valiantly helped fight and win the battle of the Atlantic.”

“The men,” yes, but the exhibition does include a couple of sketches depicting enlisted women. The works on display are a fraction of the 300 portraits that are part of the collection held by the museum.

MacDonald is certainly not the only Canadian artist commissioned as official war artists by the Canadian armed forces.

Group of Seven member Fred Varley had the same responsibility, as did many others. But MacDonald held a unique duty: he was asked to produce portraits showing the everyday life of the enlisted men and women. His art may lack the drama of battlefield conflict, but it captures the reality of what enlisted life was like for his subjects – often with a humorous twist. He might be seen as the artistic equivalent of iconic Canadian newspaper columnist Gregory Clark, who also found a way to make wartime experiences personal, authentic and often humorous.

MacDonald has been described as “one of Canada’s most successful portrait painters,” and since he earned his living as a painter for four decades following the war, that seems to be true. On the other hand, tastes among art lovers change over the years, and today, I discovered, you can buy a MacDonald in an on-line art auction for under $200. Which seems a shame. (The same is true of wonderful landscapes by an amazing Waterloo Region artist – Matthew Kousal, who passed away in 1990. But I digress.)

Despite the whimsy evident in some of MacDonald’s portraits, he was a serious artist. As a high school student at Galt Collegiate Institute, he was chief illustrator for the school newspaper. In his late teens, he studied under eccentric Waterloo Region artist Carl Ahrens. He then pursued art study in New York City, and London England. He contributed illustrations to many major Canadian newspapers and magazines, and illustrated books. He also taught art courses at Queen’s

University and at the University of Montreal. And MacDonald became closely connected with Canada’s theatre scene; he illustrated the book “Renown at Stratford: A record of the Shakespeare Festival in Canada”, written by Robertson Davies and the Festival’s first artistic director, Tyrone Guthrie. MacDonald’s life as an artist is intriguing in its own right – and I would frankly like to know more about this under-the-radar man – but here, I am focusing specifically on the MacDonald exhibit at the Great Lakes Museum. Yes, there is much more to see at this site, including the Keewatin, and a good selection of memorabilia, artifacts, model ships, original dry dock equipment, and art by other artists, but when you go, be sure to take enough time to explore the fascinating works by Canadian war-time artist Grant MacDonald.

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

"Battleship Grey": an unidentified crewman painting a Canadian battleship.

"The Bos'n's Pipe", a sketch of Ordinary Seaman W.D. Taylor.

Self-portrait of Grant MacDonald during his stint as a Canadian war artist.

"WREN Drummer": an unidentified WREN, a nick-name for members of the Women's Royal Canadian Navy Service.

The Great Lakes Museum is housed in historic naval buildings on the Kingston waterfront.

"The Gash Wagon", showing WRENs during their probationary period, collecting garbage. Pictured are, from left, probationary WRENs G.E. Webster, M.H. Struthers, M.L. Bean and M.R. Anglin.

(ALL SKETCHES BY GRANT MACDONALD PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)

"Mechanic", an unidentified crewman on the job.

Riddles

What falls but never gets hurt? Rain.

A time of rebirth that is bright and warm. What’s that? Spring.

Springtime treat, with flavors so sweet. Ice Cream.

I’m a yellow flower associated with spring. What am I? Daffodil.

I’m an insect that chirps at night during spring. What am I? Cricket.

What type of flower do you plant in the dark? A lightbulb.

What flowers can be found between the nose and your chin? Tulips..

What can make the weather change in an instant? A storm.

PET OF THE WEEK

WINTER

Meet our Pet of the Week:

Winter is a mini American Eskimo. She will be three in July. Winter is my daughter’s co-pilot and loves travelling. She steals hearts at every pickup and delivery but loves coming home to see me here in Simcoe.

Submitted by Mary Ellen Lebel

Word

MAY FLOWERS

Aster

Bird of Paradise

Bleeding Heart

Blossoms

Chrysanthemum

Daffodil

Daisy Gardens

Green Grass

Hibiscus

Hyacinth Iris Lily

Marigold

Moonflower

Rain Showers

Rose

Sunshine

Tulips

Violet

FRIDAY, MAY 23

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

HOLY TRINITY CAR SHOW

9 a.m - 3 p.m

Contact information for registration: Clark Chernak 519-410-2711

128 Evergreen Hill Road

SUNDAY, MAY 25

We Love Our Neighbourhood – Free Outdoor Party

11:30 am – 2:00 pm

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church invites you to a free outdoor community party in their parking lot! Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun, food, and fellowship. Everyone is welcome! For more information, email stpetersnorfolk@gmail.com

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 155 Colborne Street North, Simcoe

MONDAY, MAY 26

BINGO NIGHT

7 p.m

Doors open 5:30 p.m - Early Bird 6:30 p.m Presented by ABEL Enterprises. abelenterprises.ca

Simcoe Legion

Friends of the Library, Simcoe Branch Chapter - LUNCH & LEARN

12 noon to 1 p.m

Guest speaker will be Kevin Kavanagh from South Coast Gardens speaking about plant selections that attract birds to your garden.  Please feel free to bring your own lunch, goodies will be provided.  There will also be a “mystery” book sale.  Admission is free, donations welcome.

Norfolk County Public Library, 46 Colborne Street South, Simcoe.

THURSDAY, MAY 29

FREE CONCERT

7:30 p.m

Featuring the Haldimand Norfolk Concert Band. Come and enjoy great music in the beautiful acoustics of the church sanctuary.  Light refreshments will follow.

Faith Centennial United Church, 28 Main St. W. Selkirk

FRIDAY, MAY 30

Riversyde 83 - Friday Fun Nights presents: Klassic Kountry

6:30 p.m

Locals Ed and Beth Trottier are on the Riversyde 83 Cafe Stage. Enjoy some cafe sips and treats while listening to some down home classic country with a bit of rock & roll. Sing & clap along with some old favourites! 83 Sydenham St. Simcoe

SUNDAY, JUNE 1

Hike for Hospice

Registration & Check In - 9:30 am 3rd Annual Norfolk Haldimand Hike for Hospice. Opening Ceremonies - 10:30 am. 5KM

Hike Begins - 11:00 am. Lunch at noon followed by closing remarks and prizes Silver Lake, 320 St. Patrick Street Port Dover, Ontario N3W 1W9

TUESDAY, JUNE 3

Norfolk Community Foundation's Annual General Meeting

6:00 pm

The AGM will provide an overview of the NCFs impact over the past year, updates on local initiatives, and a look ahead at its growing role in the community.

The Lynnwood Arts Centre, 21 Lynnwood Ave, Simcoe, ON

THURSDAY, JUNE 5

FREE CONCERT

7:30 p.m

Featuring the Haldimand Norfolk Concert Band. Come and enjoy great music in the beautiful acoustics of the church sanctuary.  Light refreshments will follow.

St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 155 Colborne St. N. Simcoe

FRIDAY, JUNE 6

Trivia Night at Riversyde 83

7 p.m

Café open until 9:00 p.m on Fridays. 83 Sydenham St. Simcoe

THURSDAY, JUNE 19

FREE CONCERT

7:00 p.m

Featuring the Haldimand Norfolk Concert Band. Come and enjoy great music in the beautiful acoustics of the church sanctuary.  Light refreshments will follow.

Riverfront Park, Harbour St. Port Dover OUTDOORS - bring your own lawn chair weather permitting

THURSDAY, JUNE 26

FREE CONCERT

6:30 p.m

Featuring the Haldimand Norfolk Concert Band. Come and enjoy great music in the beautiful acoustics of the church sanctuary.  Light refreshments will follow.

Old Town Hall | 76 Main St. S. Waterford OUTDOORS - inside if raining. Bring your own chair.

Nature’s Calling Environmental Education receives Trillium grant

like this, and educating young people outside – the classroom isn’t the ideal place for all kids. It wasn’t for me, it wasn’t for my son, and I really wish this would have been an option when I was young.

“I think it’s great that in an outdoor space we can teach kids about STEM curriculum and the respect for the outdoors, and just taking that measured approach to common sense ways of life.

“I want to say congratulations and keep filling in those Trillium applications. I really love the fact that Trillium continues to invest in our community. It shows that people in Haldimand-Norfolk are doing great things because the money continues to come into this riding.”

“We certainly acknowledge how useful the grants can be to us continuing to develop Nature’s Calling,” said Dr. John Mor-

rissey, Chair, NCEE.

Prior to the pandemic, Nature’s Calling popular outdoor education program Lessons in a Backpack included innovative and stimulating learning units with curriculum in science and geography. The program had busloads of school children from the Six Nations School Board, Grand Erie District School Board, Brant-Haldimand-Norfolk Catholic District School Board visit NCEE’s site and learn about local nature, history and geology through curriculum-based units developed for Grades 1-6, as well as non-curriculum programming for Kindergarten students. Also offered were year-end adventure trips, which were popular with local teachers. NCEE averaged 40 busloads of students per school year. That all came to a halt during the pandemic. The grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will al-

low NCEE to update their units based on the Ministry of Educations new STEM curriculum programming and add several additional units to their offerings. A focus on adding Indigenous wisdom and teaching will be pursued. The grant will allow NCEE to offer their outdoor programming to 45 local schools.

“With the support of the OTF’s Resilient Communities Fund grant we were able to not only bring back our outdoor programming for local schools, but expand and enhance our offerings to better align with the new STEM-based Ontario curriculum,” said Solymár.

Nature’s Calling Environmental Education is a charitable organization that started in 2012 on a mission to connect youth and families with nature and the outdoors, to raise awareness and appreciation for the natural world, and to foster a strong envi-

ronmental ethic through community-based education and engagement. The organization operates two Forest Schools (one in Norfolk County and one in Brant), March Break and Summer Day Camps, and develops educational materials to increase their community’s appreciation and respect for Mother Earth.

The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested nearly $105M into 732 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.

PICKEREL DINNER

Take-Out Advance Sales Only Friday June 6th 4 - 6:30 pm

Tickets: $30/person 519-426-0869

Pickerel, Fries, Tartar Sauce, Coleslaw, Roll/Butter, Apple Crisp, bottle of water

Colborne Village United Church, 30 Glendale Crescent, Simcoe

Proceeds go to Simcoe Lion's Dog Guide and CVUC Projects

MULTICULTURAL FOOD FESTIVAL - Saturday, June 7th, 11 am - 3 pm - Located at the Delhi Tobacco Museum & Heritage Centre 200 Talbot Rd Delhi. Featuring: Korean, Filipino, Jamaican, Mexican, Indian, Hungarian, Ukrainian, German food and European desserts. $5 admission, Children 12 & under free. Debit & Cash payment. Take out or Dine in.

Hundreds of shade trees, fruit trees, apples, pears, peaches, plums, sweet and sour cherries, apricots, nectarines, blueberries, haskapp grapes, raspberries, elderberries etc. Lots of spruce, pine, cedars for windbreak and privacy hedges. Sizes 1-8 ft. in containers ready to go. Flowering shrubs and much more. MonSat 7:00am to 6:00pm

Martin's Nursery, 42661 Orangehill Rd Wroxeter, ON N0G 2X0 (1 Conc. North of Wroexter on Belmore Line)

WANTED – Royal Albert bone china dinner sets, also Johnson Brother dinner sets, and Roy Riemen magazines from the late 1900’s, Country, Reminisce, Farm & Ranch Living. Call 519-580-0630.

Are you a motivated self-starter with a passion for sales and marketing? Do you thrive in a flexible work environment where you can set your own schedule? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

Location: Work from Anywhere!

Type: Commission

Schedule: Your Own Schedule

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: Heather Dunbar at: heather@granthaven.com heather@granthaven.com

Louise Burch was busy on Mother’s Day at Delhi Flowers & Gifts. (CHRIS ABBOTT PHOTOS)

Delhi Flowers & Gifts owner Joyce Verbrugge is joined by family on Mother’s Day.

From left are sister Sharon Williams, daughter Cheryl Charbonneau, Verbrugge, and granddaughter Alisa Charbonneau.