After nearly a decade serving as a bridge between the community, council and local police, the St. Marys community policing advisory committee (CPAC) has recommended the town consider disbanding the committee following the end of the current council term later this year.
At its May 20 meeting – the final regular
meeting of the committee’s current term before municipal elections are held in October – committee members voted to recommend the current council advise the incoming 20262030 council not to continue the committee, provided several conditions are met. Those conditions include maintaining a strong police presence in St. Marys, ensuring residents continue to have opportunities to report policing concerns directly to police, town staff
Perth County council has approved another round of revisions to its proposed tree-injury bylaw as debate continues over how best to balance environmental protection with the practical realities faced by farmers and rural landowners.
At its May 20 regular meeting, council reviewed an updated draft of the proposed bylaw – formerly known as the forest-conservation bylaw – alongside a presentation from West Perth farmer Gerald Kolkman, who has been one of the leading voices advocating for changes to the county’s proposed regulations.
“The crafting of a proposed forest bylaw should incentivize rather than penalize landowners and farmers to plant more trees,” Kolkman told council. “Tree planting will not occur through overly restrictive regulation. This proposed bylaw affects privately owned land; it is not Crown land. Trust and cooperation need to be developed.”
The revised draft follows months of consultation, council debate and public feedback surrounding how the county should regulate the destruction or injury of trees within woodlands while maintaining flexibility for agricultural operations.
Among the most significant changes approved during the latest review was the addition of a formalized appeal process tied to newly created compliance and non-compliance certificates.
Under the revised framework, landowners submitting a notice of intent (NOI) to injure or remove trees would receive either a compliance certificate confirming the proposed work meets the
COMMUNITY
CPAC recommends future council disband advisory committee after nearly a decade of service
or council, and creating a regular process for police to report crime statistics, trends, activities and initiatives to council through its special priorities committee meetings at least quarterly.
“Effectively, what we’re asking you here today, as you look back on CPAC as members who have served for one term or two terms, is there anything about CPAC you think should change, anything you want to keep, or anything you want to stop?” town CAO Brent Kittmer told members. “And then I think we have to ask ourselves the holistic question of, does this kind of advisory committee still make sense in the context of St. Marys today and how we govern?”
The committee’s ultimate recommendation followed a term review report presented by town clerk Jenna McCartney and Kittmer examining the committee’s original mandate, accomplishments and ongoing relevance as part of the town’s broader review of all advisory committees.
CPAC was established in 2017 after the Town of St. Marys contracted policing services through the Stratford Police Service, making the switch from the OPP. At the time, many residents expressed concerns about losing a visible local police presence and the small-town connection residents had previously experienced with local officers.
According to the report, the committee was created to help close that gap by serving as a liaison between residents and police, an alternative to the more formal police services board, giving citizens another avenue to raise concerns related to safety, policing priorities and community wellbeing.
Under its terms of reference, the committee was tasked with advising police on local priorities and objectives, reviewing policing budgets and contract-policing services, monitoring police performance and discussing community concerns with Stratford police representatives.
The committee began its current term in January 2023 and has met 24 times over the past three-and-a-half years, including nine meetings in 2023, eight in 2024, five in 2025 and two so far this year.
Over that period, the committee discussed a wide range of local concerns brought forward by residents and com-
mittee members alike. Issues raised included speeding and traffic-safety concerns throughout town, vaping at the skate park, scooter use on sidewalks, truck traffic, scams targeting seniors, automobile thefts, police visibility, homelessness and encampments, domestic violence, parking issues and intersection safety concerns.
The committee also heard delegations from several community organizations and programs including Victim Witness Assistance Program representatives, the town’s community outreach worker and the Community Equity Action Team.
In addition, CPAC reviewed and made recommendations to council on community requests related to traffic safety and stop signs.
While the report notes the committee fulfilled many aspects of its original mandate, staff also pointed to a noticeable decline in agenda items and strategic discussions over the past two years, eventually leading the committee to reduce its meeting schedule from monthly to quarterly.
“It’s not something that’s unique to this committee at all,” Kittmer said. “I see it at the recreation (advisory) committee. There’s not as much content on the agenda because staff have systems in place to go deal with things. I see it at council; there are many issues that cross my desk where 10 years ago, they would have had to go up to council for a decision, where now they just don’t because we have a bylaw in place or we have a policy in place that says, ‘When this issue comes up, staff, you make this decision and it will be supported politically.’ So, it just gets decided at that level.
“To me, that’s not a bad thing. … We’re not supposed to be exciting. We’re a local, municipal government. We do some really neat things, we have lots of great, progressive, incremental improvement. We’re not supposed to be dealing with big, splashy issues all the time. If we are, then there’s a disconnect with our community or there’s a lot of back work that needs to be done. After 10 years of consistency, I think we’ve gone through all of that.”
According to the report, residents have become more comfortable contacting police directly with concerns, while Stratford police have increased their visibility in the community through school visits, workshops, community events and local media engagement. Staff highlighted the
Stratford Police Service’s community resource officer program as a key factor in strengthening relationships between police and residents.
The report also points to the establishment of the town’s community outreach program in 2022 as another major shift. With a dedicated outreach worker now helping address social and community-wellbeing issues directly, many concerns that may once have gone before the committee are now resolved administratively.
Similarly, council’s adoption of the town’s Road Network Safety Plan in 2024 created a formal, evidence-based process for residents to submit traffic-safety concerns directly to staff online. The town also now proactively deploys speed radar signs and shares collected data with police for potential enforcement, reducing the need for committee-level review.
“I think the Stratford Police Service has made a very cognizant effort to be connected with the community,” Mayor Al Strathdee said. “ … My concern is if there is the movement (of this) more to council, there (needs to be) something to come that formalizes … reporting (or) some sort of information sharing because I think it is important … so that people know the police.”
Strathdee and other committee members said it’s important for residents to hear about policing activities and their justifications regularly and directly from the police so they can see their concerns
are being heard and taken seriously, and action is being taken.
“If we make that transition,” Coun. Rob Edney said, “I think it becomes even more important that we have a member of council on the (Stratford) Police Services Board. Now I understand the (legislation) doesn’t allow for that, but I think we could make a really good case because despite being served by the same (police service), we are a separate municipality.”
As St. Marys CPAC’s liaison with the Stratford Police Services Board, Edney said his non-voting and non-participatory role at board meetings means he doesn’t add any value to the police services board, nor does he bring any value back to CPAC beyond reporting on what was discussed and voted on in open session.
“I don’t think the new police services act is going to allow for what you’re talking about, but I could be wrong,” Strathdee said.
The review process is part of a wider evaluation of all town advisory committees before the end of the current council term Nov. 14. Staff are expected to compile feedback from all committees and present recommendations to council later this summer to help guide decisions by the incoming council following the October municipal election.
Once a new council is sworn in, those recommendations approved by the current council will be presented for consideration.
COMMUNITY
They’re just allergies, get out and enjoy the season
I’m not sure about you, but this season is kicking my butt. Don’t get me wrong, I love the warmer weather, the beautiful flowers, the green grass and the budding trees, they just don’t love me.
Last week, I was lucky to get the trifecta. I had a cold, an allergy attack and a pressure headache. Thank you, Mother Nature, for letting us know that you are still angry about some things. However, the long weekend came, the unofficial start to summer, and even though I felt like I was hit with a hammer, I still got to visit some friends, sat outside on my porch and got some golf in.
We sit inside all winter and count the days until the weather is better and I can spend time outdoors only to feel like I
smoked four packs a day and had some leftover vendetta with the mosquitos. Good times. We are so lucky, though, to live in this country even when we experience three seasons in one day. The flowers always bring such a boost to people and gardening, I am told, can be very therapeutic.
Our town flourishes with plans for the upcoming summer; people excitedly plan their summer holidays knowing full well how fast it will go. It is a fun time of year that gives us lots to look forward to. So, get out and check out our town. The parks and trails are lovely, there is so much to look at in the stores and sitting on one of the patios taking it all in gives you a European feel with our unique architecture.
Pickleball and tennis are thriving, and it won’t be long before the Super Splash
Bravo Boo
We have 2 Bravos this week.
1) Bravo to Heather, Jenny, and Tina, as well as Ellyse, Angela, Molly, and all the volunteers who keep the VON Adult Day Program running so smoothly. Your care and dedication to our family members make such a difference in our lives. We are so fortunate to have this program in St. Marys. Thank you
2) Bravo to, Jase, the in-town St. Marys UPS driver. He is always so kind and helpful every time he delivers to my business. Keep up the great work!
My summer body is looking like I have a great personality.
inflatable waterpark will be open, bringing hundreds of visitors to town.
If you are a seasonal-allergy sufferer like me, it is easy to hunker down inside, but why would you want to miss out on this blooming time of year? One of the many things our town is great at is planning summer events for people of all ages.
This year, the Stonetown Summer Series has something for everyone:
• Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Day on June 20
• Rotary Brews and Food Fest on June 21
• Canada Day celebrations on July 1
• Stonetown Triathlon on July 5
• Army & Navy Air Force Bavarian Gardens on July 10 and 11
• Lawn Bowling on July 11
• Movies in the Park on July 17
• Lions Club Car Show on July 18
• St. Marys Farmers Market every Saturday
• Stonetown Heritage Festival on July 25
• 35th Annual St. Marys Horticultural Garden Tour on July 26
• Kinsmen Summerfest from July 23 to 26
For the negative nellies that say there is nothing going on in this town, you just have to look at this list to change your mind. It is going to be a great summer thanks to the organizers of all these events, giving us something to look forward to.
I hope to see everyone out and about and enjoying our beautiful town because, after all, they’re just allergies.
Quote of the Week
“We’re working through placement of the landscape stones and final grading today; we’re hoping to move into topsoil placement tomorrow. Grass seeding and fencing will be later in the week. With any luck, substantial completion will be within the next two weeks. At that point, we’ll ... return use of the parking lot and trail. Access will remain restricted until we can get the grass to catch and re-establish the sods. Some of the finer detail such as new pathways (and) additional tree plantings we’ll work through as timing aligns with other maintenance programs.”
- Jed Kelly, St. Marys director of public works on the cleanup project at the West Quarry
Restoring small-town journalism, one community at a time!
June Grant, Spencer Seymour, Emily Stewart, Jake Grant, Mary Smith, Nancy Abra, Lauren Eedy, Paul Knowles, Amy Cubberley, Laura McAsh, Alona Vasylieva, Nancy Bickell
36 Water St. St. Marys, ON, PO Box 2310 N4X 1A2 info@stmarysindependent.com | 519.284.0041 | granthaven.com
Keep your face to the sunshine and you can’t see the shadows.
If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you will miss the sun.
If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours. Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase.
WENDY LAMOND Independent Reporter
Celebrate the change in seasons with the St. Marys Museum
STONETOWN STONETOWN CRIER CRIER
The latest municipal news from the Town of St. Marys
ELECTION NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
Nomination packages are available for pickup by appointment only during the construction of the Church St. stairs at Town Hall. Please call 519-284-2340 ext. 212 or email clerksoffice@town.stmarys.on.ca Municipal nomination forms must be filed in person (by appointment) at St. Marys Town Hall by Friday, August 21 at 2 PM. Nomination forms for school board candidates shall be filed with the respective municipalities.
TOWN HALL STAIR RECONSTRUCTION
The St. Marys Museum (177 Church St. S.) is celebrating the change in seasons and the start of summer weekend hours with its Summer Open House on Saturday, June 6, from 12-4 p.m.
This event, which is free to attend for all ages, highlights the seasonal exhibits on display at the museum and includes a range of activities that will appeal to visitors of all ages. The museum will have several new and updated displays covering a range of topics, from Pride Month to St. Marys buildings and architecture. The community exhibit, Far From Home: British Home Children of St. Marys, will officially open on Saturday, June 6.
“We’re honoured to be able to share the stories of families whose relatives were
British Home Children,” said St. Marys Museum curator and archivist Emily Taylor in a press release. “The submissions we’ve received have been incredibly meaningful. It’s important that this part of Canadian history is brought to light to show its impact on the local community.”
During the Summer Open House, visitors can participate in a scavenger hunt to explore the new objects on display at the museum. Other activities include handson toys in the discovery school room and button-making in the archives. Light refreshments will also be served.
Summer hours at the museum are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 12-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
For more information, call the St. Marys Museum at 519-284-3556 or email museum@town.stmarys.on.ca.
Town Hall’s outdoor staircases are currently undergoing construction. Access to the Town Hall service desk and public washroom will be closed for approximately six weeks. Services usually offered at Town Hall will be provided online, by phone or at other municipal facilities.
Learn more: townofstmarys.com/news
LEAF & YARD WASTE
Leaf & yard waste collection is currently underway. Waste must be set at the curb by 7 AM on collection days. Only kraft-style brown paper leaf and yard waste bags or reusable containers (weighing less than 22 kg) will be accepted.
For a full list of acceptable and unacceptable materials and a detailed collection map, visit: townofstmarys.com/yardwaste More details: townofstmarys.com/elections
CAR SEAT SAFETY CLINIC
Receive advice and guidance on choosing the correct car seat for your child. Experts from CPSAC will be available to check that your child’s seat is fitted correctly and safely. Free admission, no registration required. June 8 | Fire Hall | 9:30 - 11:30 AM
The St. Marys Museum is celebrating the start of summer hours with an open house June 6 from 12-4 p.m.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF TOWN OF ST. MARYS)
ST. MARYS INDEPENDENT Staff Contribution
Our senior of the week is Tom Jenkins. Tom was born May 20, 71 years ago in Happy Valley, Labrador. His dad was in the service so they moved around. He spent his teen years at Camp Shilo in Manitoba. Tom married his pen pal, Jan Thomson, of St. Marys and the pair will celebrate their 50th anniversary on the June 5. They have two kids and four grandkids. In his spare time Tom loves golfing and volunteers many hours at the St. Marys Legion.
If you would like to nominate someone for Senior of the Week, contact us at 519.284.0041 or info@stmarysindependent.com.
WEEKEND QUIZ
By Jake Grant
WODL win ‘icing on the cake’ for SMCP Hilda’s Yard actor Derek Roberts
EMILY STEWART Independent Reporter
Derek Roberts, who recently performed in the St. Marys Community Players’ (SMCP) production of Hilda’s Yard, is pleasantly surprised and grateful for his recent Western Ontario Drama League (WODL) award win.
Roberts won the Repuski Award for Outstanding Performance in a Supporting Role, an out-of-season award for his portrayal of Beverly Woytovich in Hilda’s Yard last fall.
“There’s a little bit of shock, honestly. Obviously, I did the play with no expectations of getting nominated, let alone winning, so I’m just very grateful about it,” Roberts said. “It was such a great experience and the award was just icing on the cake.”
Edie Pedersen, who was Hilda Fluck in the SMCP production, was also nominated for Outstanding Performance in a Major Role. Roberts said the entire cast and crew worked well as a team.
“We just operated as a great unit. I thought we all connected very, very well with listening and responding and I think that’s the reason why it went so well and we got nominated,” he said.
Roberts took an eight-year-long-acting hiatus before returning to the stage in 2023 as “Pipe-fitting Charlie Brown” in The Black Bonspiel of Wullie MacCrimmon under the wings of London Community Players production committee chair Mark Mooney, who was in charge of set design, and director Anne Mooney. Mark Mooney presented the award to Roberts.
“It was a very, very special moment” Roberts said of the presentation.
He’s grateful for everyone he’s acted with in the past three years.
“I’ve learned so much from everybody, whether it was an actor or director,” Roberts said.
Moving forward, Roberts will keep pursuing acting.
Derek Roberts earned a Western Ontario Drama League Award for Outstanding Performance in a Supporting role for his role as Beverly Wolovich in St. Marys Community Players’ production of Hilda’s Yard by beloved Canadian playwright Norm Foster.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF DEREK ROBERTS)
Perth County council approves further changes to proposed tree-injury bylaw
bylaw requirements or a non-compliance certificate if it does not. Those decisions could then be appealed through a peer-review process involving a registered professional forester.
Council also approved a timeline requiring appeal decisions to be issued within 90 calendar days from the date an appeal is deemed complete and received.
The appeal process has remained one of the most heavily debated aspects of the bylaw review over recent months. During his presentation to council, Kolkman argued a structured appeal system involving a committee comprising a registered forester, an agronomist and three members of council, similar to the system several neighbouring counties operate under, would provide greater fairness, transparency and trust for landowners affected by enforcement decisions.
Stefan Zhelev, the county’s executive director of legal/corporate services, told councillors the county could be on legally shaky ground if councillors were seen to be enforcing the bylaw they themselves drafted by serving on such an appeals committee.
“It’s not a good idea to put councillors on that committee, so I guess I can’t look at that favourably,” Coun. Matt Duncan said. “I’m hung up on this whole needing to have a committee at this point because we’ve got five per cent of the applications (that would go to appeal); we’re willing to go to a third party that’s independent of this council that has a code of conduct and has to adhere to that. His job at that point is to look at the bylaw and see if (a notice of intent application) is in compliance with the bylaw. That’s it.
“ … He has no mechanism to say, ‘I’m going to make a different decision contrary to the bylaw.’ ”
Council also approved updated definitions exempting both windbreaks and tree plantations from the bylaw.
The approved changes define windbreaks as one to three linear rows of planted trees and exempt them regardless of size as long as there is 20 metres of separation from the boundary of any woodland, while tree plantations and tree nurseries will also be excluded from regulation under the bylaw, once it is approved by council.
The distinction between woodlands, windbreaks and plantations has been a major focus throughout the consultation process, particularly among members of the agricultural community concerned productive farmland or managed tree plantings could inadvertently fall under stricter regulations.
Council further approved revised language clarifying woodland boundaries on agricultural properties can be determined either ecologically or by the tillage line bordering actively farmed land.
Kolkman and other agricultural stakeholders have repeatedly argued throughout the consultation process that ecological
boundaries alone could create uncertainty for farmers dealing with naturally spreading tree growth and seedlings along field edges.
Additional amendments approved May 20 include adding a schedule listing invasive species within the bylaw appendix and refining how biosecurity concerns involving bylaw officers entering private farmland will be handled.
While council agreed biosecurity concerns raised by farmers are legitimate, councillors ultimately decided those procedures would be addressed through internal standard operating procedures for bylaw officers rather than being written directly into the bylaw itself. Staff noted including overly prescriptive restrictions in the bylaw could conflict with provincial legislation governing municipal enforcement powers.
“Part of the challenge with the biosecurity piece (and) council trying to limit the powers of the provincial offences officer or the municipal bylaw enforcement officer is those powers are already laid out in the Provincial Offences Act and the Municipal Act, and acts like the Biosecurity Act already have exemptions for those powers,” Zhelev said.
“To me, the best way to address those concerns in terms of having, let’s say, notification to owners (before a bylaw officer enters their property), for example, or making sure there is some sort of protection gear that they’re wearing so they don’t affect cultivated plants or any other property; the better way to realize that is through standard operating procedure and further instructions to the bylaw enforcement official.”
Council was ultimately satisfied with that response and instructed Zhelev to include reference to standard operating procedures for bylaw enforcement officers within the draft bylaw.
The proposed bylaw continues to focus on regulating the destruction or injury of trees within defined woodlands while encouraging communication between landowners and the county before major tree-cutting activities occur. County staff have repeatedly described the revised framework as an effort to promote stewardship and responsible forestry practices while simplifying the process for most landowners.
The review process began in 2024 after county council directed staff to examine Perth County’s existing forestry bylaw and compare it with regulations in neighbouring municipalities. Since then, the process has generated extensive feedback from conservation authorities, agricultural organizations, municipal councils and residents across the county.
The proposed bylaw is expected to return to county council for further consideration and potential approval at a future meeting following incorporation of the latest amendments approved during the May 20 discussion.
Walk for Alzheimer’s takes place on Saturday, May 30
A very sad but very real statistic is that seven in 10 people know someone with dementia. It touches families quietly and slowly with changing routines, memories and conversations, and life is never the same.
Though the name of the organization that supports those living with dementia and their families and caregivers is the Alzheimer Society, it represents all forms of dementia as each diagnosis carries its own challenges for both the patient and the caregiver.
That is why on Saturday, May 30, the community will once again come together for the Walk for Alzheimer’s hosted by the Alzheimer Society of Huron Perth to help raise awareness and funds for more than 3,300 people living with dementia in Huron and Perth counties.
Beginning at Milt Dunnell Field under the pavilion, registration and check-in will run from 9-10 a.m., with the walk beginning at 10 a.m. and led by bagpiper Les Brunton. Participants will follow the scenic trail along the river, walking not only for awareness, but for parents, spouses, neighbours and friends whose memories may be fading, but whose lives still matter deeply.
A big thank you goes to Sunset Diner, Dunny’s Source for Sports, Joe’s Diner for their generous support for the walk. Seeds for the Alzheimer’s flower donated by the Hitching Post, forget-me-nots, will be given out so participants can take home and plant them, symbolizing remembrance, hope and enduring care. There will be outdoor gear donated by Heffner Motors Ltd., coffee and Timbits from Tim Hortons and pizza from Pizza Hut.
A weekly support group that meets every Wednesday for two hours at St. Marys United Church will be there volunteering and offering encouragement for the walkers. The group has been meeting since 2016 and while
weekly attendance fluctuates, the purpose of this group never does. They meet as a social club to visit, play cards, or just to share stories and help each other, providing a powerful connection.
Beyond the walk itself, the Alzheimer Society provides vital services through education and programs like Minds in Motion, which combines exercise and memory activities. There is also a support meeting every third Thursday at the Friendship Centre where caregivers can speak openly with others on the same journey.
For information about the support social group taking place at the United Church, contact Art Cholmondeley at
519-461-0766 or Joan Robinson at 519-284-2493.
For registration and fundraising, visit walkforalzheimers.ca. All the funds raised remain in Huron and Perth counties.
Across Canada, more than 750,000 people are currently living with dementia, and that number is expected to rise to one million by 2030. Thanks to communities like this one, more than $50 million has already been raised nationally to fund counselling, respite care, support groups, education and community programs that help families stay connected close to home.
A photo from the 2025 Walk for Alzheimer’s in St. Marys as walkers left the pavilion in Milt Dunnell Field.
(WENDY LAMOND PHOTO)
WENDY LAMOND
Independent Reporter
Mental-health calls more than triple for Stratford police in St. Marys since February
GALEN SIMMONS Regional Editor
From February to the end of April, the number of mental-health-related calls officers with the Stratford Police Service have responded to have nearly tripled, increasing from six in February to 12 in March and 20 in April.
Members of the Stratford Police Service reported the increase as part of their regular monthly crime statistics reports, which they presented at the May 20 St. Marys community policing advisory committee – the committee’s last meeting of the current term of council.
“In April alone, 20 (mental-health-related) calls were reported, bringing the year-to-date total to 49, surpassing the average for all of 2025,” Insp. Mark Taylor told committee members. “This rise in Mental Health Act related calls is largely attributable to a small number of repeat occurrences.”
Seeking clarification on what constitutes a mental-health-related call, committee member Coun. Rob Edney asked Taylor how calls for service are classified as mental health or otherwise.
“When we get dispatched to a call, it will be dispatched as a mental-health-related (or other type of) call, and then as an officer engages in that incident, they can change that call type and make it what it really is,” Taylor said. “If it’s a crime, it will change the call for service.”
From February through April, police responded to a total of 621 calls for service in St. Marys – 172 in February, 209 in March and 240 in April. From those calls for service, police laid a total of 179 charges – 53 in February, 72 in March and 54 in April.
Calls involving domestic violence also increased in St. Marys over the three months, from three in February to eight in March and 10 in April. Of those calls, police laid a total of five charges. So far this year, police have responded to 23 calls related to domestic violence.
“We still need to work on some kind of prevention or something to alleviate some of the problem there,” committee member Tony Winter said.
“We noticed in March, we had eight, which was a little bit of a rise in domestics,” Taylor said in response. “But yes,
I agree as well. It’s certainly concerning, the domestic calls we’ve been seeing.” Frauds also rose slightly over the threemonth period in St. Marys, with two in February, three in March and three in April. Similarly, police responded to two mischief calls in February, three in March and three in April. Police also responded to a total of two auto thefts, two break-and-enters, one incident of shoplifting, two thefts from motor vehicles, and four thefts under $5,000.
The number of motor-vehicle collisions police responded to in St. Marys fell from 10 in February to six in March and five in April. Five of those collisions were classified by police as hitand-runs. The number of top-five traffic tickets also fell over the three-month period, from 24 in February, up to 29 in March and then down to eight in April. Of those tickets issued, the vast majority were for speeding with nine for driving while under suspension, 11 for driving without a valid permit, two for careless driving and seven for drivers who failed to surrender their license.
Following the presentation of monthly crime statistics, interim police Chief
Paul Landers and St. Marys community resource officer Const. Rachelle Willows spoke about the police service’s efforts in maintaining a visible presence in St. Marys’ core and areas of concern.
“We have made a focus of having foot patrols done in the core areas and problem areas, so you’ll see our officers out on foot,” Landers said. “We want them to be visible and engaged with the community, we want them stopping in and speaking with our business owners and making people that are here, whether it be living, working or visiting, feel safe and have a police presence.
“We are trying to make sure that we relationship-build and that we engage with everyone.”
Landers also spoke about the police service’s recent participation in the Coffee With A Cop event, which he said was successful in helping to build trust with residents, and he said the police service is in the midst of creating a dedicated traffic-officer position that will be available to respond to calls involving both passenger and commercial-vehicle violations.
The Flour Mill celebrates fifth anniversary
EMILY STEWART Independent Reporter
Mother and daughter Tracey Pritchard and Alex O’Shea are proud of reaching the five-year business anniversary of The Flour Mill and already have big plans for the next five years.
“Part of me feels ‘It’s only been five years?’ And the other part has been, ‘Wow, it’s been a really quick time,’ ” O’Shea said. “I’m proud of what we offer and I really loved getting to know the community of St. Marys more.”
The Flour Mill opened in 2021 as a grocery store offering baked goods, produce, cold-pressed juices, dry goods and counter goods. Pritchard said the intention was to stay as a grocery store, but plans changed after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
“After COVID, people wanted to sit. They came here and sometimes they came from a fair distance, so we felt badly if they didn’t have a place to sit,” Pritchard said. “So, first we got a bench and then we got a couple of café tables and slowly, over time, we became a fullon place where you could dine in.”
Now, The Flour Mill is open to dine in for lunch four days a week and brunch on Sundays and also offers catering and event-space rentals. The business also runs the successful Cookbook Book Clubs with Betty’s Bookshelf at least
three to four times a year, where guests have a chance to taste some of the recipes made in the featured cookbook.
Looking to the future, Pritchard and O’Shea hope to include a patio on the property, release a cookbook of their own and host cooking classes.
“Those are definitely on the bucket list of the things we hope the Flour Mill can achieve; keeping up consistent and keeping up high-quality and doing what we do very well to the best of our ability,” O’Shea said. “I think a patio would be a great addition to downtown and cooking classes would be really fun, too, and we do get asked often and people love experiences.”
O’Shea is also grateful for anyone who supported The Flour Mill over the past five years.
“Owning a hospitality business is challenging and it’s our clients who encourage us to show up every day. They encourage us to grow, and they’ve made us feel very welcome,” she said.
To give back to the community in honour of its fifth anniversary, The Flour Mill donated five per cent of sales between May 21 and 25 towards the Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth.
Stop by the Flour Mill at 6 Water St. S from Thursday to Sunday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. or visit their website at theflourmill.ca for more information.
Betty Levy recognized for 70 years of being in the McConnell Club
Betty Levy was presented a certificate from the Town of St. Marys to recognize 70 years of belonging to the McConnell Club.
The certificate was given to her by club president Louise Bell. Levy joined the club in 1956 and is the longest-serving member of the McConnell Club. The McConnell Club started in 1914 and is unique to St. Marys. The club was named after William McConnell, an early local fatality in World War I. The women’s service group supports community projects as well as individuals.
“I was pleased to present Betty with a
congratulatory certificate from the Town of St. Marys in recognition of her dedication and service to the community for 70 years,” Bell said.
Levy, whose commitment to the club extended through the years when she was raising her family, held a number of positions in the club and served as president in 1985.
The club meets nine times a year – six times with guest speakers and three times for social outings. The next meeting for the club will be on Wednesday, May 27, for a tour of the St. Marys museum at 2 p.m. All are welcome to attend. For more information on the McConnell Club, email Bell at slouisebell4498@gmail. com.
Service disruption: Roof replacement at Friendship Centre
ST. MARYS INDEPENDENT
Staff Contribution
The roof replacement capital project at the Friendship Centre is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 1.
The project is expected to take up to
four weeks to complete.
During this renovation, visitors may experience a temporary tar odour and increased noise. Those impacted directly by this work will be contacted directly by Friendship Centre staff.
President of the McConnell Club Louise Bell gave longtime member Betty Levy a certificate from the Town of St. Marys on her achievement of belonging to the club for 70 years.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
WENDY LAMOND Independent Reporter
The Hospital Auxiliary and Stonetown Arts are teaming up on a new hospital mural
JANIS FREAD
St. Marys Memorial Hospital Auxiliary
Sometime in September, the artists from Stonetown Arts will descend on the hospital’s patient lounge to paint this colourful, cheerful mural!
Guided by coordinator Chantelle Marshall, each of these detailed buildings, which represent the buildings in our downtown, will be painted in a riot of bright colours, as designed by St. Marys artist Nancy Plummer. There might also be birds, cats, dogs and perhaps even a cow or two. The Auxiliary is so pleased to partner with the members of Stonetown Arts on this project and we can’t wait to see the finished mural!
If you happen to be at the Flats on the evening of June 9, you’ll see a troupe of
ladies circling the park for our annual Hike for Hospice to support Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth. Last year, Auxiliary members raised about $1,800 for hospice and this year, we would like to top that amount, so please say “yes” if an Auxiliary member asks you to sponsor her walk.
Now that the snow is finally gone, those who rely on walkers and wheelchairs can get out and about. To help carry all the odds and ends you need with you, the hospital Boutique has wheelchair and walker totes that affix securely to your assistive device, to leave your hands free. Stop by the Boutique and see our selection. We’re open Monday to Friday, noon to 4 p.m.
Follow the Auxiliary on Facebook at The Boutique at St. Marys Memorial Hospital or email smmhauxiliary@gmail. com.
This mural by artist Nancy Plummer will be painted by members of the Stonetown arts group inside the patient lounge at the hospital.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
Pictured holding the mural are Chantelle Marshall, nurse Janice Longeway, team leader Karrie Bibby and manager of the inpatient unit and emergency department Arlene Lanting.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
St. Marys Independent SPORTS
U12 Snipers capture silver at provincials
The Hubbard’s Pharmacy-Frayne’s Custom Cabinets U12 B St. Marys Snipers earned a silver medal at the provincial championship ringette tournament April 10-12.
Head coach Courtney Beech told the Independent the silver medal was a symbol for the team’s incredible development after moving up an entire tier from last season.
“We went to provincials last year as a C team, and we had a really great season this year with a lot more wins after January, and we actually went into the B tier,” said Beech. “To go up a division and still come home with a silver was pretty cool for the kids. Last year, we had a lot of first-year kids and we had three second-year kids who were very strong and scored a lot of our goals. This year, it was a lot more varied. We had contributions from almost every person on the bench in terms of getting points, assists and goals, and we had stronger overall team play.”
That growth, according to Beech, was the byproduct of a steady uptick in the group’s belief in themselves, especially amongst the players who were on the team as rookies last season.
“I think confidence is the big thing,” Beech said. “I think moving from being a first-year player to a second-year player, there was a little more confidence with some of the kids who emerged as leaders on the team in their own ability and their ability to bring up other members of the team and pick them up and bring them along.
“I feel like we just had different skills from different people across the bench. One of our defenders, Izzy (Feltz), has just an incredible shot, and she took a lot of shots from offensive free rings and scored a number of goals throughout the year and in the tournament, and that became a relied-on strategy for the team. We had a couple of centres who can move the ring well and who have also developed really strong shots. And we saw our forwards really progress into their roles and figure out where to better position themselves.”
Beech added confidence also fueled their success at the provincial tournament.
“We practiced a lot of self-belief (during the tournament), saying things like, ‘I believe that we can win,’ and having people repeat that back in the dressing room, and I think that was a big part of it, and just building confidence. And I think the kids really came to play. They went out, skat-
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
The Hubbard’s Pharmacy-Frayne’s Custom Cabinets U12 B St. Marys Snipers brought home a silver medal from the provincial championship ringette tournament April 10-12. Pictured in the front row, from left to right, are Suzie McCutcheon and Evelyn Parsons. In the middle row, from left, are Peyton Foley, Aubrey Feltz, Chelsea Hughes, Brooklyn Meta, Natalia Mattucci and Paisley Allen. In the back row, from left, are Eleanor Beech, Harper Buck, Hannah Pickel, Natalie McCorquodale, Izzy Feltz, Jordyn Rasenberg and Briella Graham.
ed hard, took short shifts, tried to stay out of the penalty box and they just really focused on the right things that would lead to winning, including shooting on the net and getting in the right spot to shoot.”
The Snipers finished first in their division after the four-game round-robin, winning their first three games before tying the fourth. According to Beech, the strong start propelled them to a semi-final victory.
“In those first four games, we just had a ton of momentum, and we really used it,” Beech said. “We used the excitement of being there on the weekend and the confidence of getting win after win to move forward into the next game and drive some belief that we could actually win games and do well in the tournament.”
St. Marys met the Newmarket Rays in the semi-final, and things didn’t start out favourably for the Snipers, who fell behind 3-0 by the end of the first period. However, as had become a recurring theme during the weekend, the Snipers stormed back to life in the second half of the contest, with St. Marys scoring seven unanswered goals to take a 7-3 win and punch their ticket to the gold-medal game.
“The story of our team was that, in all the games, we got off to a little bit of a slow start and then really picked up momentum at the end of the first period and through the second,” Beech said. “We just
started picking off goals one by one. The sixth goal was scored by Hannah (Pickel), who got in on a breakaway, and it was maybe only her fourth or fifth goal of the season. She just had such confidence and put herself in the right place to do it. At that point, there was under two minutes left, and we pretty well knew that we had secured the win, and the emotions of joy were really high because we had come from behind in such a big way.”
Evelyn Parsons got the Snipers’ scoring started in the second, followed just one minute and 46 seconds by a goal from Natalie McCorquodale. Less than two minutes later, Harper Buck scored the game-tying goal, and almost exactly two minutes after that, Feltz scored the eventual game-winning tally.
“We had a couple of goals scored by defenders cycling in,” Beech said. “Harper comes to mind. I think she got at least three goals over the course of the tournament, if not more. Natalie and Eleanor (Beech) both racked up a couple of goals and also played really, really strong defensively.”
Courtney Beech also credited Parsons and Suzie McCutcheon, the team’s goaltending tandem, with Parsons playing in between the pipes during the first half before switching to forward in the second, for their strong play wherever they played.
“We played two goalies every game.
Evelyn played goalie for the first half of every game, and then she’d come out and play forward, and I think she scored a goal in almost every game in the second half of the game after playing goalie in the first half. And Suzie is our other goalie, and she played goalie in the second half of every game, which is a lot of pressure on a young gal, especially when we started from behind in several of those games, and she played incredible. She stayed focused, saved a ton of shots and like really went out there and gave it her all.”
With just over two-and-a-half minutes to go in the third, Chelsea Hughes put home a massive insurance marker before Hannah Pickel potted her breakaway goal, with Buck adding her second of the game with 15 seconds left to ice the game and secure a 7-3 win in the semis.
Courtney Beech praised the players for having the resilience to consistently be able to battle back from large deficits, especially in the high-pressure moments of the tournament.
“For kids who are in grades five and six, they kept their composure really well, and they just focused on being in the moment that they were in. They thought of games that we had come from behind in the past and won, and I think when you have examples of yourself doing that and you know you can do it, it’s easy to keep the belief that it’s still within reach, and I think that was the biggest part. They just didn’t give up, and once they got a goal and then two goals, we had broken the momentum of the other team, and we just kept ours moving.”
Though they came up just short in the gold-medal game, Courtney Beech offered high praise for her team’s provincial results.
“I think it validated all their hours of hard work, and I think they realized for sure that they belonged in the B division, which was pretty cool because, for the kids who played last year and we played C, some were worried about, ‘Are we going to go to the B tournament and just get creamed?’ And obviously, we didn’t. We deserved to be there. They worked really hard and they fought until the last second in every game.
“It truly came down to luck because we dominated the last two minutes of the final game,” Courtney Beech continued. “The kids were pretty sad when we lost but, as a coach, I didn’t feel sad at all. I felt really proud because we did everything we could. I feel so much joy for all these kids because it was a really incredible experience for them.”
Mills, DCVI team earn strong H-P, WOSSAA trackand-field results
Isabella Mills, a St. Marys resident and student of St. Michael Catholic Secondary, as well as many students representing the St. Marys DCVI track-and-field team, picked up a litany of strong finishes at the Huron-Perth meet May 12-13 and the WOSSAA meet May 21-22.
After taking first in senior girls’ 100-metre hurdles, long jump and the 200-metre run at the Huron-Perth event, as well as helping to capture first in a 4x100-metre and taking the top senior girls’ athlete award, Mills finished first in long jump at WOSSAA with a jump of 5.88 metres, also good for a new WOSSAA long-jump record.
Mills described the personal significance setting a new WOSSAA record carried for her.
“Setting a new long-jump record meant a lot to me because it showed that all the hard work and training has been paying off,” said Mills. “It’s really exciting to not only win, but to leave a mark like that at the meet. It definitely gave me more confidence moving forward in the season and motivated me to keep improving.”
Mills also finished first in the 100-metre hurdles event at WOSSAA and sixth in the 200-metre race.
“I felt really good about my performance at WOSSAA,” Mills said. “Over the last several months, I’ve been working a lot on consistency and improving my technique, especially in my hurdles and long jump. I think one of the biggest things that has developed is my confidence and ability to stay focused under pressure during competitions. At WOSSAA, I felt like I was able to put everything together and compete the way I know I can.”
Huron-Perth was also a great day for the competitors of DCVI, with the St. Marys senior boys finishing first in their division, while the senior girls, junior boys and novice boys teams each took third overall finishes in their respective divisions.
Across all of the divisions, DCVI’s boys placed second overall, while the girls combined to finish third. As a whole, DCVI placed third with a total of 509 points, just 50 points out of first.
Coach Nathan Good was very happy with his squad’s overall finish, only placing behind larger Stratford-based schools.
“Stratford District and St. Mikes are both bigger schools with very strong track-and-field programs,” Good told the Independent. “I’m incredibly proud of our team for finishing so close to them. With a team that was a bit smaller than last year, my hope was to finish in the top three. To do that in almost every division was very exciting.”
Individually, Amelia Weber placed third overall amongst all novice girls at Huron-Perth, while Danny Switzer tied for second in the senior boys’ division and Payton Blight earned second overall in the senior girls’ category.
At WOSSAA, 11 DCVI athletes earned at least one spot at OFSAA West, to be held May 28-29 in Cambridge. Athletes who finished in the top five of an event earned a spot at OFSAA West.
In the para girls division, Neva Foley placed fourth in shotput and fifth in the 100-metre sprint. Quintin Steffler earned two top-five placements in the para boys bracket, including third in the shotput and fourth in the 100-metre race.
Weber took third place in the novice girls’ pole vault and fourth in the same division’s shotput event. On the boys’ side of the novice division, Volker Fraser placed third in the 3,000-metre race.
Ryder Blight took second place in the junior boys’ pole-vault competition. Dan Dittmer came in just behind Ryder in the pole-vault event, placing fourth, and also secured a fifth-place finish in the junior boys’ javelin competition.
In the senior boys’ division, Myles Clinton earned a second-place finish in the 3,000-metre race. Clinton also took the top spot in the open boys’ steeplechase event. Also in the senior boys’ 3,000-metre run, Charlie
Bender finished fourth and Kaleb Dingman placed fifth. Zach Larmer earned a fifth-place finish and an OFSAA West spot in the senior boys’ pole-vault event. On the senior girls’ side, Payton Blight earned a pair of thirdplace finishes in both shotput and discus throws.
Good told the Independent the St. Marys athletes rose to meet the stiff competition at WOSSAA.
“WOSSAA competition is always very tough,” Good said. “It’s always great to see so many athletes qualify for the next level. All of the athletes who qualified are very excited to be competing next week. It was also very rewarding to see many athletes who didn’t qualify but had personal-best performances at the most important meet of their season.”
Good added the older members of the Salukis’ trackand-field program embraced leadership roles with the team this year.
“Although it is mostly an individual sport, what really stuck out this year is how much the team supported each other. The senior distance runners mentored the Grade 9s. The senior throwers helped coach the juniors. Returning pole vaulters supported the new vaulters at practice and meets. I was also very pleased to have three graduates and former team members back this year to help coach, including Marcel Scheele, Oliver Black and Anna Ropp. It was exciting to work with them again, this time as coaches.”
Zach Larmer makes his run towards the launch spot during the WOSSAA pole-vault event. Larmer earned a fifth-place finish and OFSAA West spot in the senior boys’ pole vault.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
DCVI senior girls, boys soccer teams win last regular season games
The St. Marys DCVI senior girls and boys soccer teams ended their regular seasons with a pair of dominant wins over teams from Mitchell.
The girls’ team picked up a 5-1 victory over Mitchell to secure their spot in the postseason.
Coach Scott Spillane said the team delivered an excellent structural performance to lock themselves into a playoff spot.
“They needed to win to get into the playoffs, and they played their best positional game of the season,” said Spillane. “We had some big absences, and the kids who filled in did a really good job in different positions that they hadn’t played. They worked really well together. They communicated during the game as they should have. They were talking to each other, calling for the ball, and working in little triangles, which I always like to see.”
Spillane added the team played with incredible confidence and support for one another.
“Their confidence for sure grew as the game went on,” Spillane told the Independent. “They were trusting each other. It was a hot day, so we had to do a lot of substitutions, and they were really pulling for each other, and their confidence grew as the game went on.”
Billie Sedley took a starring role in the game, scoring a pair of goals for the Salukis. Charlotte Richardson
also scored twice, and Lily Hollestelle-Black added a single goal.
“Billie (Sedley) had a great day,” Spillane noted. “She had the best day of her season. She started for us, and she doesn’t usually start, and she got two big goals. The centre back pairing of Adrianna (Hollestelle-Black) and Bronwyn (Hawkins) was amazing as well.”
For the boys, their playoff aspirations had been dashed earlier in the week based on results involving
other teams, but Spillane credited the group for keeping their spirits high.
“We had a fun day. We were already eliminated, so we switched positions, and it was fun. Our goalie, Danny (Switzer), was playing striker, and the boys made a real effort to get him a goal, and unfortunately, we didn’t, but they kept it fun.”
Despite only finding the back of the net once, with Luke Binning scoring the lone goal to give St. Marys a 1-0 win, Spillane noted DCVI’s senior boys thoroughly controlled play with numerous strong individual efforts.
“We dominated the game,” Spillane said. “They were passing the ball around very well. It was 1-0, but it could have been a lot more lopsided. Andrew (Nanephosy) got to start, and he doesn’t usually get to start. Tristan (McIntosh) played really well on defence. Simon (Taylor) played in the midfield very well.”
The boys displayed strong composure and maturity, not letting the insignificance of the game in terms of their playoff hunt get in the way of enjoying their time on the field together.
“They had a lot of fun, which was great considering the circumstances of the season,” said Spillane. “They got eliminated earlier that day based on a result that had already happened earlier, so all they could do was have fun. I was glad they weren’t poor sports about it. A lot of them are in Grade 12, so they were playing together for the last time as a school team, and they enjoyed it.”
Pictured on the left is Amelia Weber driving into the box with the ball during the St. Marys DCVI junior girls soccer game against St. Anne’s on May 20. On the right, Charlotte Johnson blasts the ball towards the net. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Pictured on the left is Liam Showers taking the ball up the field during the St. Marys DCVI junior boys soccer game against St. Anne’s on May 20. On the right is Nathan Campbell firing a shot on goal. DCVI and St. Anne’s battled to a 3-3 tie.
SEYMOUR PHOTOS)
12-year-old Sheamus Ross makes ace at River
There’s something very special about a hole in one. It takes the skill to make a perfect shot combined with a good dose of luck.
It’s rare, but not too rare. It is estimated that only about 10-20 per cent of all golfers will ever record a hole in one in their lifetime, but it usually comes after years and years of trying and hoping that someday their time will come.
For 12-year-old Sheamus Ross of St.
Marys, his lucky day came on Monday, May 18, after teeing off with a threewood at hole number 4 at River Valley Golf Course with best buds Cameron Hughes and Ben Becker.
The Independent spoke with Sheamus recently about his experience.
“Hole #4 is uphill, so you can’t see the green very well – especially me being so short. I was walking up the hill, thinking I had hit over the green when my cousin, Ben, who had gone to look for his ball, started hollering at me. He looked in the
hole and said, “Shea! It’s in the hole! It’s in the hole!” I was in complete shock. When I got to the flag, the guys who were teeing off on #5 started cheering for me.
“I was so surprised I don’t even know if I even smiled; I just stood there in shock. I didn’t really even know what to say. Cam and Ben were so happy. We all called our moms right away. We Facetimed my mom and dad (Mark and Shannon Ross) and they were just as shocked as I was.”
Sheamus is one of the many youths who have gotten into the game through the ex-
cellent golf camps held at local courses. He says he’s been golfing since the age of seven.
“Just seeing my dad go play, I thought it was fun, so I wanted to try it. I have done camps each summer at River Valley and St. Marys courses. My whole family loves to golf.
“My mom and dad came to the course to meet us when we were done our round. They said it was something to celebrate, and my dad bought all of us dinner. It was a day for the memory books, they said.”
Shaemus Ross beat the odds recently and recorded his first hole in one at the age of 12 years old while playing River Valley with friends.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS)
STEWART GRANT
Publisher
Addy Laidlaw blasts the ball up the field from the defensive half during this past Sunday’s U11 Girls Tier Two St. Marys Storm game.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
Levi Garniss whips a pitch towards the plate during the Forman Electric U11 HL Blue St. Marys Rockies game last Thursday.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
Walter Flemming makes a catch for an out during last Wednesday’s Downie Optimist Club U13 HL Red St. Marys Rockies game.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
Callum Palmer launches into the air to put a shot on target during the U11 Boys Tier Two St. Marys Storm this past Sunday.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
Zahir Satchewell kicks the ball through the midfield to a teammate during this past Sunday’s U10 Boys Tier Three ‘B’ St. Marys Storm game.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
Ryder Boemer hits a home run during the Canadian Tire U13 WOBA Red St. Marys Rockies game last Thursday.
(SPENCER SEYMOUR PHOTO)
Sippell and Bond win St. Marys Two-Man Scramble St. Marys Bowling Lanes hosts 3-6-9- tournament
STEWART GRANT Publisher
After enduring a long, cold winter, 46 golfers took to the St. Marys Golf and Country Club with great enthusiasm as the club’s tournament season began on Saturday, May 9, for the two-man scramble.
With each of the two-man teams requiring a combined minimum handicap of 18, the tournament format provided a level playing field for the 23 teams that took part. On the day, birdies were only slightly more prevalent than bogeys as the average team score of 71, one under par, attested.
When the results were tallied, the team of Brett Sippell and Chris
Bond were the winners with a score of 66, six under par – one better than the team of Justin Lingard and Blake Pickering who posted 67.
The key for Sippell and Bond‘s success was their consistency as they recorded just one bogey on the day to go with seven birdies. Lingard and Pickering managed to earn two skins on the day with birdies on the difficult second and 12th holes, but bogeys on three holes, including the Par 3 18th, kept them one shot away from the title.
A shootout was conducted between the three teams at 68, with Jase Doucette and Kurtis Bailey taking third-place honours.
On May 23, the St. Marys Bowling Lanes hosted a 3-6-9 tournament, organized and directed by Rory Brockman. Each player automatically got a strike in the third, sixth, and ninth frames. They could also purchase an additional strike for each of the five games. Pictured from left to right are Shayne Yates, Alex Ward, and Rory Brockman. Yates was the winner with an average of 326. Brockman placed second with an average of 307. Alex Ward came in third with a 305 average. Each game had a high score winner, which included Yates, Brockman, Alex Ward, Haley Blair, and Jeff Ward.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
St. Marys Independent The Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette
Woodstock Ingersoll Echo
Goderich Sun Exeter Examiner
PUBLICATION DATES:
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COLUMNS
UKRAINIAN CORNER: The
rootedness paradox – life in the humanitarian waiting room
In Canada and Ukraine, we are often taught that “putting down roots” is a visible, physical act. You buy a house, you plant a perennial garden and you sign a 30year mortgage. It is the ultimate social resume – proof to your neighbors and the bank that you have finally “arrived.” But for many Ukrainians currently living in St. Marys and across Ontario, the definition of rootedness has become a complex and often painful legal paradox.
Many of us have applied for permanent residency (PR) through the Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) stream. It is a path built on the idea of “establishment” –proving that we are integrated into Canadian society. Yet, this very path creates a life in limbo. While there is no explicit law forbidding us from visiting home, the reality of the process creates a silent, heavy burden. To prove to an immigration officer that we are fully “rooted” here, many feel they must avoid returning to Ukraine. The fear is real; if you go back to see your parents or family, an officer might decide your ties to Canada aren’t as “permanent” as you claimed.
The result is a forced separation that is hard to measure in years alone. Many of us haven’t seen our parents, siblings, or childhood friends in four long years. We are building lives in beautiful towns like St. Marys, but our hearts remain partially suspended across the ocean. We are “settled,” yet we are waiting for a letter to tell us if we can actually stay.
We are often told that “renting is throwing money away,” but the math of homeownership deserves a closer look. It is a universal truth of banking that if you take a 25- or 30-year mortgage with a minimum down payment, you aren’t just buying a roof over your head. By the time the final payment is made, the interest ensures you have effectively bought two houses; one for yourself and an entire second house for the bank.
This “Buy One, Give One” system is how the world works, from Kyiv to Toronto. Most people accept it as the price of stability. However, when you live in residency limbo, the deal feels different. To even enter this lopsided contract, you must first “audition” for the bank. You have to prove you are the most reliable, stable human being on the planet just so they will grant you the privilege of overpaying.
For those of us waiting on a PR status, it feels contradictory to prove “forever” stability to a bank when the government hasn’t yet issued its own “forever” commitment to us. In this light, the mortgage isn’t a safety net; it’s a 30-year weight on a future that still has a question mark over it.
I recently looked toward Switzerland for clarity. In Switzerland – a global gold standard for stability –homeownership is surprisingly low. Many successful Swiss professionals rent for their entire lives because they don’t view a house as a way to prove their worth. To them, a home is a professional service, not a status symbol. They prefer to keep their wealth “liquid,” allowing them to invest in their own quality of life rather than becoming the unpaid property managers of their own lives. They’ve realized the “dream” isn’t the deed, it’s the standard of living.
I’ll admit, I used to feel a twinge of envy when I saw friends buying their first homes. I thought they had found the secret key to peace. But I don’t feel that anymore. I’ve realized that my equity is different.
Right now, I am planning a major European trip for my family to finally meet our relatives on neutral ground. After four years of video calls and missed birthdays, the excitement of that reunion is worth more to me than any square footage. That plane ticket is my investment. Those hugs in a European airport are my appreciation. If life changes or residency takes another turn, I need to be mobile. A house is a beautiful sanctuary, but it can also be a hurdle – a weight of fees and legal ties that makes it impossible to pivot.
To my friends in Canada who have found their forever homes, I truly admire the sanctuaries you’ve built. But for those of us in the humanitarian waiting room, our stability looks different.
Our roots aren’t in a land title, they are in the friendships we make at the local coffee shop, the support we find in our parents’ clubs and the resilience it takes to live in a state of “maybe.” We are choosing a light footprint so we can prioritize the people who make life worth living. We may not own the walls we live in, but we own the freedom to go where our family needs us most.
In 2026, the greatest luxury isn’t owning land, it’s owning your peace of mind. And for now, that is the best investment I’ve ever made.
Straight From The Shelves
By Laura McAsh, St. Marys Public Library
Celebrate the freedom to be uniquely YOU at our “Pride Family Festival & Movie in the Park” event! Join us next Friday, June 5, at Cadzow Park at 6 p.m. for an evening of live music, lawn games, popcorn, cotton candy, karaoke, and more. Stick around until dusk (roughly 9 p.m.) to watch an outdoor screening of the 80’s classic “The Princes Bride” (rated PG). All ages are welcome to attend this free event sponsored by the Friends of the Library. No registration is required. Rain date is June 12.
~Held at the Friendship Centre - Meeting Room A (317 James St. S.)
Ask the Arborist
By Joel Hackett • 519.272.5742 • jtsquote@gmail.com
Joel Hackett is a certified Arborist residing in the St. Marys area. Currently, he spends most of the year running Joel’s Tree Service. For contact call 519.272.5742 or email jtsquote@gmail.com
Dear Arborist,
How do you know if a tree leaning over your house is dangerous?
Thanks, Rachel
Dear Rachel,
There are a few things to consider when accessing the dangers of trees in the vicinity of a building. Generally, if the tree is leaning between 60 and 20 degrees, it
is considered high risk. Additionally, an arborist should identify if the species of tree is weak in general, followed by an inspection for rot, cracks, or compromised roots. In some cases, the risk can be lowered by cabling or bolting if there is a second leader leaning away from the building.
Sincerely, The Arborist
ALONA VASYLIEVA Independent Columnist
To prove we belong in Canada, many newcomers must stay physically separated from their past. Alona Vasylieva explores the emotional choice to prioritize family reunions over the traditional milestones of homeownership.
(ALONA VASYLIEVA PHOTO)
HISTORIC ST. MARYS: The census enumerator
In early January, the Government of Canada announced that, because 2026 is a census year, there would be parttime work positions available between April and June for approximately 32,000 census workers across the country. Applicants had to have reached the age of majority, be Canadian citizens or eligible to work in Canada, reside in Canada and have a Canadian home address. If considered for employment, applicants had to provide references and undergo security screening. They would be expected to attend training and, during the census period, work approximately 20 hours a week. In addition, census employees would be sworn to secrecy under the Statistics Act and be required to complete an oath or solemn affirmation to keep all census data confidential.
Most of the successful applicants were hired as enumerators – that is, their job was to go door-to-door collecting census data. Although some census packages were mailed, in our neighbourhood, a pleasant woman delivered the form to our door during the first week of May. The form was not actually the census, but a page of instructions to go to www.census.gc.ca and enter the enclosed 16-digit “secure access code.” Our household received the short form and so, after logging in and confirming our names and dates of birth and gender, that was that. The enumerator would have had to chase down those households that didn’t submit their information by Census Day, May 12. She might have had to assist some people with the more numerous, more complicated questions on the long form. Perhaps she had to deal with some unpleasant, uncooperative people, and explain that it is mandatory to answer the census questions, describing why it was in their best interests to do so.
Still, the role of an enumerator in May 2026 had to be less challenging that it was in 1851, the first time there was a complete census for this area – Blanshard Township in Perth County, Canada West. Note that St. Marys was a growing village in 1851 but was not yet a political entity and so was included with the township in this census. The government’s decision to do a nominal count of Canada’s population was made in late fall 1851. But the census commissioners were not chosen, and the enumeration forms were not ready until January 1852. That meant the enumerators went door-to-door in the middle of winter, asking the questions and recording the answers on the spot. Although it was undoubtedly cold and snowy, at least the enumerators were likely to find most people home. If tracks had been broken over the snow-covered roads, good sleighing was probably a better way to travel than in spring when roads were muddy and often impassable.
The signature of William Sparrow, Enumerator, is at the top of the census pages for Blanshard Township. He was a farmer and the census provided paying work in the winter – his least busy season on the farm. William Sparrow was born in Ireland in 1808. When he was still a boy, his family immigrated to Canada and settled on a farm in Carlton County near Ottawa. He and Eliza Morphy were married there in 1830. By the mid-1840s, both the Sparrow and the Morphy families had moved to Blanshard Township where William Sparrow acquired a farm near St. Marys. It was very common for three generations of a family to be living together in one household and, especially on a
In 1861, census enumerators had to sign an oath before a Justice of the Peace affirming that they had recorded the census data completely and accurately.
farm, to have some live-in hired help. As enumerator, William Sparrrow was very aware of the need to record each household’s “inmates,” as they were called. Sparrow’s own household was a full one. He was the head of the household. He and his wife, Eliza, had seven children – four sons and three daughters – ranging in age from three to 16 years old. Also living with the Sparrows were Barbara Morphy, age 76, and Alvira Morphy, age 20. In the 1851 census, Barbara is identified as a boarder and Alvira as a servant. Other genealogical sources are more specific. Barbara Morphy was Eliza Sparrow’s mother –William’s mother-in-law. Alvira Morphy was Barbara’s granddaughter – Eliza’s niece. Her family may have sent Alvira to live with the Sparrows to help with their young children or, perhaps, to help care for her grandmother. By the 1861 census, she was married and had children of her own.
Although the enumerators were conscientious recorders of data, mistakes were made. William made a strange one with his own family. He recorded his wife’s age as 26. This may have been flattering for her, but it implied that she was only five years old when they were married. The mistake was corrected in the 1861 census. It recorded her age as 47. Because of inconsistent spelling, some names
Community Liaison Committee
The next Community Liaison Committee Meeting will be held on Friday June 5th at 10am at the St Marys Municipal Operations Center. Members of the public who wish to observe are welcome to attend. Residents who wish to speak in front of the Committee may submit a detailed request in writing at least 3 days prior to the meeting in writing to the Committee. The request will be considered by the Committee and approved prior to the meeting. Please submit all requests, questions, and concerns for the meeting to kara.terpstra@vcimentos.com by June 3rd, 2026.
in the 1851 census are hard to find using Library and Archives searchable, on-line census index. For instance, “Ingersoll” appears as “Ingersol” – with just one “l” at the end of the name. It is necessary to use that spelling to find the records for the dozen or so members of the Ingersoll family living here in 1851. This may have been an acceptable alternate spelling of the name at that time or perhaps another mistake by William Sparrow.
By 1861, the enumeration system appears to have become more structured to deal with the country’s increased population. Perth County had a central census commissioner, Peter Robinson Jarvis, an early Stratford merchant who was also that community’s assessor. The county was divided into census districts and again into sub-districts, each with assigned enumerators. When the enumerators had completed their door-to-door enumeration, they were required to swear the Oath of Enumerators. This week’s picture shows this oath. “James Duff Macdonell, one of the enumerators of Enumeration District Number Two of the Village of Saint Marys in the County of Perth, maketh oath and saith that the sheets hereunto annexed marked “Personal Census,” 1 to 800 consecutively, and “Agricultural Census,” 1 to 14, contain a full and particular enumeration of said district, and the same was diligently and faithfully taken by him in accordance with the instructions he received touching the same, and that to the best of his belief the said return is correct and true.”
This oath was sworn before W. V. Hutton, Justice of the Peace, on January 31, 1861. The bottom portion is the Certificate of Commissioner, certifying that P. R. Jarvis had “examined the annexed Census Return and believe that it has been made as accurate as possible.” The certificate was signed in Stratford on March 23, 1861. These dates indicate that it took the enumerator several weeks to cover his district. It was almost two months more until the County of Perth Commissioner had received all the returns and checked them before sending them to the central government statistician of the day.
As the census evolved over the years, enumerators were given a varied range of questions to ask. These questions always included names and ages or dates of birth, but also marital status, place of birth, relationship to head of household, occupation, religion, type of dwelling, income, ability to read and write, languages spoken. It has always been mandatory to participate in the census, and confidentiality has always been guaranteed for at least 92 years. Still, there have always been some people who resisted participating. Perhaps, when personal information had to be given to an enumerator who was also a neighbour, there was even more reluctance than there is today. We know that some people, especially single women, simply lied rather than admit their ages. But, then as now, the future location of community services, such as schools, depended on accurate census statistics. Explore the Government of Canada Census website to learn more about the history of the early censuses and their value in tracking our country’s history.
(IMAGE COURTESY CENSUS CANADA)
MARY SMITH Independent Columnist
OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO:
Almost everyone has heard of the Cabot Trail. That’s not surprising; Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail is one of the most breathtaking drives you can take in Canada, or anywhere in the world, for that matter.
Fewer, perhaps, know of the other Cape Breton Island “trail” that connects with the Cabot Trail. Known as the “Ceilidh Trail,” it begins at the Canso Causeway – the entry point to Cape Breton Island. The Ceildih Trail then follows the western coast of the island for 107 kilometres to Margaree Harbour, where it connects with the Cabot Trail.
As you may know, “ceilidh,” pronounced kay-lee, is a Gaelic word that originally meant “a visit.” Today, it has come to include the idea of an informal gathering with music, dance, storytelling and, very probably, beverages. There are ceilidhs all over Canada’s four eastern provinces, some simply kitchen parties, others ticketed events in rented halls. Every one of them is fun.
And there is no lack of east
coast music on Cape Breton Island. This, after all, is the home of Ashley MacIsaac, Natalie MacMaster, The Rankin Family, the Barra MacNeils, John Allan Cameron, J.P. Cormier and the late and dearly missed Rita MacNeil. So, it’s not surprising that the powers that be have dubbed this route “The Ceilidh Trail.”
And you’re not far along the trail, coming from the south, before you encounter physical evidence of the importance of music in this region. The Celtic Music Interpretive Centre is on the route, only 29 kilometres from the Canso Parkway. It’s in Judique, not to be confused with the other small communities in the immediate area named Judique South, Rear Judique South, Rear Judique Chapel, Judique North, Judique Intervale, Little Judique and Little Judique Ponds. No, I am not making this up. I think it is charming, if a tad confusing.
The Celtic Music Interpretive Centre offers three distinct opportunities to visitors. You can dine in the restaurant. You can take in a concert of Celtic music played on a stage in the dining room, so you’ll probably want to eat and listen. And you can visit the museum section of the centre.
The museum has a lot of information about Cape Breton musical history and if my experience is anything to go by, it’s best to carry earplugs because visitors have the chance to try their hands at playing a violin – with a video introduction to
the art of the instrument. Trust me, the lesson didn’t help. I was screech-worthy terrible.
The only problem with having lunch at the interpretive centre is that you will also want to have lunch at the Red Shoe Pub in Mabou, only 30 kilometres north. This is a special place; the restaurant features live music seven days a week, and that’s not surprising because it’s owned by Heather, Cookie and Raylene Rankin of the famed Rankin Family.
In truth, there is music almost everywhere in this part of Nova Scotia. We stayed at the Glenora Inn (arranged very kindly by our hosts at Tourism Nova Scotia), which is in this district as well (I wrote about it in a previous feature). At the inn, there was a wonderful duo playing Celtic music in the dining room in the evening, and in true spirit of the ceilidh, they called up a young man from the audience, a pianist friend of theirs, to join them for several songs.
There are plenty of arts-andcrafts stops along the trail as well. In one shop, a woman was proudly declaring herself to be a hooker as she produced hooked rugs, pot holders and other items for sale in the shop. I asked about her work, and she stopped for a moment to give me a very thoughtful, well-spoken answer.
I realized a few minutes later the reason for her articulate response when she gave the same spiel, word for word, to another shopper.
I admit that everything I have
Music and more on Cape Breton’s Ceilidh Trail
mentioned so far takes place indoors, which is rather ridiculous when you are talking about travel on Cape Breton Island. Inevitably, the star of the show will be the seacoast, and the innumerable panoramas that inspire you to pull off the road and savour the scenery.
One perfect stop is at Inverness, where you can walk the beautiful beach or stroll on the trail that runs along the very prestigious Cabot Links Golf Course. A note of caution: playing 18 on this lovely course will cost you between $400 and $600, but walking the trail, enjoying the view and not worrying about a missed putt is free.
There are many places to stay along the Ceilidh Trail, and it
would appear that none of them are big, typical, cookie-cutter hotels. Here, the options range from beach-front villas to geodomes to distilleries to country inns to RV sites. For more information about accommodations, see https://capebretonisland. com/ceilidh-trail/.
Of course, if you are visiting Cape Breton Island, you will want to travel the Cabot Trail, but leave a few days for its little sister, the lovely Ceilidh Trail. Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and past president of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@golden.net.
The Celtic Music Interpretive Centre is a must-stop on your tour of the Ceilidh Trail.
(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)
PAUL KNOWLES Independent Columnist
Live music at the Celtic Museum Interpretive Centre.
The Cabot Links Golf Course in Inverness viewed from the public walking trail.
FROM THE GARDEN: The forgotten vegetables
Food prices have been climbing steadily for the past couple of years and every trip to the grocery store seems to confirm that. As gardeners, we already know there is a better way to reduce our food bill. I love growing vegetables, herbs, and small fruits for our table and preserving some of them for the winter months. So, I encourage you to grow food. Whether you put in a square foot garden, raised beds, or grow some veggies and herbs in containers or squeeze them in established perennial beds, it only makes sense and you will have delicious fresh food just metres away from your kitchen. A friend of mine asked me if I had ever heard of Good King Henry, (Blitum bonus-henricus), which I had not. She proceeded to tell me that it was hardy, shadetolerant, a spinachlike pe-
rennial plant native to Europe, grows up to 60cm tall and is sometimes called ‘poor man’s asparagus’. It declined in popularity when annual spinach and chard became commercially dominant — faster to grow, easier to ship, and more uniform. With my interest sparked I wondered how many other ‘forgotten vegetables’ there were that we can easily grow.
There are also many other food crops to grow which have over the decades vanished from the grocery shelves and even from most farmers’ markets. These ‘forgotten vegetables’ create biodiversity in our gardens, are resilient and full of flavour and nutrition. These forgotten foods that were once common in Canada and northern gardens have faded due to industrial farming, supermarket standardization, and shift in tastes.
Salsify (Tragopogan porrifolius) is a long slender root vegetable in the dandelion family historically grown across Europe and in North America. It has a mild savoury flavour often compared to oysters or artichoke hearts. It needs a long growing season and is typically harvested in late fall through to early winter and improves in flavour after frost, much like parsnips. Salsify was common for centuries but
Home is more than a
faded with the rise of refrigeration and industrial agriculture, which favoured crops that stored and shipped more easily. For home gardeners it is a gem – hardy, keeps well in cool storage, delicious and full of nutrition.
Sea kale (Crambe maritima) is one of the most striking, resilient, and culinarily versatile forgotten vegetables, a longlived perennial brassica that once held a prized place in European kitchen gardens. All parts of this plant are edible. Its shoots can be steamed, sautéed or roasted like asparagus. The young leaves cook like spinach, while the older ones are good in soups or stews. Its florets are like broccoli and even the green seed pods are edible and excellent pickled. Sea kale checks all the boxes for a modern food-security garden – easy to grow, perennial, cold hardy, drought-tolerant, nutrient dense, beautiful enough for front yard gardens and historically important.
And the list of ‘forgotten vegetables’ grows on. Skirret, a perennial root of the carrot family; crosnes, a crunchy, nutty small tuber from East Asia; cardoon, a perennial thistle which is still grown in Italy and Spain; ground cherries, sweet citrusy prolific grower that is perfect for short season growers; rutabaga, a
place
Leaving St. Marys for university and learning what ‘home’ really means
Leaving home can be hard, especially when you are from a small town like St. Marys. The familiar streets, recognizable faces and routines built over years become part of everyday life in ways that often go unnoticed, until they are suddenly gone.
For many students heading off to university, moving away is seen as an exciting new chapter filled with independence, opportunity and discovery. But alongside that excitement often comes a quieter reality, homesickness.
When I left St. Marys to attend school in Ottawa, I was eager to experience more of Ontario, meet new people and explore a different environment. Ottawa offered everything a larger city promises – diversity, new perspectives, busy streets, endless places to discover and, for me as someone studying journalism, new stories to write. Every day brought something unfamiliar and exciting. Still, no matter how interesting a new place can be, it is difficult not to miss the comfort of home.
You miss the roads you first learned
to drive on, the coffee shops and parks where you spent time with friends and the quiet familiarity of seeing people who know your name. In a small town, routines become comforting. There is a sense of trust and connection that is difficult to recreate elsewhere. Even simple things –hearing familiar voices, local landmarks – begin to matter more once they are no longer part of everyday life.
University teaches students many things beyond academics. It teaches independence, resilience and adaptability. It pushes people outside of their comfort zones and encourages them to grow into new versions of themselves. Yet growing up also means realizing the importance of where you came from.
Small towns may not have towering skylines or endless entertainment, but they offer something equally valuable, belonging.
For students who leave home for the first time, returning during holidays or reading week often feels different than before. The town may seem smaller, quieter, or slower paced than remembered, but it also feels reassuring. Home becomes less about a physical place and more about the feeling attached to it, familiarity, support
humble Canadian heritage crop that deserves a comeback; Jerusalem artichokes, indigenous to North America, incredibly productive and pollinator friendly and miner’s lettuce, a self-seeding shade-loving green that thrives in spring and fall.
As gardeners, we hold the quiet sustainable power to put real
and the knowledge there will always be somewhere to return to.
As more young people leave small communities to pursue education and careers in larger cities, many discover that distance changes their perspective. Exploring new places is important, but so is appreciating the roots that shaped them.
food back into our own soil. This season, I encourage you to plant a little more and to rediscover the forgotten vegetables that once filled family gardens with flavour, resilience, and abundance. These old standbys fed generations before us, and they are ready to feed us again.
Growing up means moving forward, but it also means understanding that home is not something to take for granted. For many students from towns like St. Marys, no matter how far they travel, a part of them will always belong to the place they first called home.
NANCY ABRA Independent Columnist
KAYLA ROCK Independent Reporter
Riddles
What is so fragile that saying its name breaks it? Silence!
What has words but never speaks? A book!
The more of this you take, the more you leave behind. What is it? Footsteps!
What’s light as a feather, yet the strongest person can’t hold it for more than a few minutes? Your breath!
What letter of the alphabet has lots of water?
The letter “C” (sea)!
Why did the math book look sad? Because it had too many problems!
I have four legs, but I can’t walk. What am I? A table!
What has one eye but can’t see? A needle!
Why did the football coach go to the bank? He wanted his quarterback!
What two things can you never eat for breakfast? Lunch and dinner!
What question can you never answer “yes” to? “Are you asleep yet?”
What has 13 hearts, but no other organs? A deck of cards!
- Word Search -
SPONSORED BY:
Adult Learning Programs of Perth, Upstairs at the St. Marys Public Library (700 Church Street North, St. Marys, ON) | Phone: 519.284.4408 | Cell: 226.374.8231 alearning@town.stmarys.on.ca | www.adultlearningperth.ca | Facebook: @AdultLearningProgramsofPerth
THE YAK SHACK
Milt Dunnell Field Kayaks Reserve
Activenet
Library
Pick up key
Lifejacket
Paddle
Safety kit
Accessible dock
Easy access
Handrails
Grab bars
Free service Community support
St. Marys Veterinary Clinic is pleased to be the sponsor of the
PET OF THE WEEK
Pets explore the world with their mouths—but swallowing the wrong item can be dangerous. Toys, socks, bones, and household objects can cause serious blockages. Watch for vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and seek veterinary care if you’re concerned. Keep small or risky items out of reach and choose safe, sturdy toys. A little prevention can save a life.
HOLLY
Our Pet of the Week is Holly. Steve and Nicole adopted Holly, originally from Manitoba, through Second Hand Rescue out of London and have provided her with a loving home. If you notice in the photo, Holly has one ear up and one ear down. This is often called a “one-ear salute”. Holly loves meeting new people and her favourite pastime is chasing the squirrels and the birds in the backyard.
Thorndale News
“THE
our website for more info www.purplehillcountrymusichall.ca
Tom Heeman, Thames Centre councillor, announces he will not seek re-election
After eight years representing Thames Centre Ward 1, Coun. Tom Heeman announced he will not seek reelection, calling his “time on council a true privilege.”
“I want to say a big thank-you to our community for trusting me with this job, and a thank-you in advance to the next person who steps up to take my place on council,” he continued.
In his statement, Heeman reflected on what makes Thames Centre special, saying someone once told him it is “a magical place because it is virtually untouched.” Protecting that smalltown character, he said, has guided his work over two terms.
He highlighted several achievements of the last eight years that Thames Centre council accomplished by working together.
These accomplishments include:
• Safer communities: new speed-radar signs and upgraded roads and crosswalks in both Dorchester and Thorndale, with another one coming this year in Thorndale.
• Better public spaces: the opening of Thorndale Lions Community Centre, adding a dog park, preserving Ida Eva parklands, planting trees, paving fairground trails and securing funding for the West Nissouri Public School expansion.
• A listening government: restoring community grants, participating in Pride
What’s happening at the Thorndale Library
and Sprouting into Summer on June 10 from 3:45-4:45 p.m. (Ages seven to 17, registration required).
events and hosting mini-townhall meetings to get residents’ input.
• Low taxes: “We kept our property taxes the lowest of all five neighbouring counties.”
In his statement, Heeman offered advice for the future council. He said to “work as a real team.” In the early months, he said, “Get to know your fellow councillors and work closely with the mayor to create a shared plan.”
“We are neighbours, not enemies, and need to focus on what we have rather than what we don’t. We are our best allies,” Heeman said. “Protect our borders.”
With London’s growth-annexation pressures, he urged future council to strengthen the Municipality of Thames Centre by
expanding business areas, improving water and sewer capacity and ensure growth supports a balanced tax base, as well as using natural boundaries like the Thames River to maintain independence.
Above all, Heeman urged future leaders to “lean on your community.” Politics, he said, can be lonely, but listening to people with empathy and staying connected is important.
“If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together,” he said. He closed with gratitude saying, “Thank you, Thames Centre, for the incredible honour of serving you. The ride is always better when we share it together.”
West Nissouri Public School expansion approved
There’s plenty to do at the Thorndale Library in June!
Young families can enjoy Thorndale Storytime every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., featuring stories, songs and rhymes. Children ages three to six can drop in for Happy Half Hour on Thursdays, June 4, 11 and 18, from 4-4:30 p.m. for crafts and games. Parents must remain in the library. School-aged children can drop in for Unplugged Afternoons on Wednesdays, June 3, 17 and 24, from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Adults and seniors are invited to a Brain Health Workshop on Thursday, June 18, from 10-11:15 a.m. Presented by Baycrest Academy for Research and Education, this session explores brain health and aging. Participants aged 50-85 will also have the opportunity to complete a confidential brain health assessment. For more information or to register please call 519-461-1150 or email thorndale_staff@middlesex.ca.
Steak Night
The West Nissouri Public School expansion was approved through the Ontario Government’s 2025-2026 Capital Priorities program and was announced on April 28 as part of a $1.6-billion investment in building and expanding schools across Ontario. “Public school funding
NANCY ABRA Independent Reporter
OBITUARY
Armstrong
It is with immense sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Jay Robert Armstrong on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family after a brief but incredibly courageous battle with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.
Jay is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Elizabeth (Liz) Armstrong (née Conkey); his adoring children James (Morgan) and Jessica Armstrong; and his beautiful grandchildren Bentley, Matilda, and Bruce. Jay is also survived by his mother Ruth Armstrong (née Gleason), his older sister Julie Armstrong (Dave Atfield), his younger brother Daniel Armstrong (Libby), his brother-in-law Norm Conkey (Jennifer Moore), as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and treasured friends, especially Al McKee and Abeshake (Abe) Sivalingam (Dusha). He is predeceased by his father John (Jack) Armstrong, his sister-in-law Karen Armstrong, and his parents-in-law Barb and Norm Conkey. Jay was raised in Byron and always had a strong compass for automobiles, entrepreneurship, and especially fun. He was a lifelong Studebaker lover (just like his Dad!) and prided himself on his curated collection. Jay’s love for entrepreneurship and engineering started at a young age - his very first job being a paper-route around his own neighbourhood at age 8. He continued that work ethic at Fanshawe College, graduating from their Civil Engineering program in 1988. After graduating, Jay began working at the Warren Group which took him to companies like Towland’s (London) and Stratford’s Yundt Brothers - work experiences he always attributed to furthering his career. A most notable memory for him was being the project manager for part of the 401 reconstruction near London. The discipline and skills he learned at the Warren Group helped Jay and Liz to found and grow their own successful paving company, Armstrong Paving and Materials Group Ltd. A joy that Jay experienced for 21 years - proud to have employed and educated many employees over those years. Jay and Liz settled near St. Marys in 1994, later welcoming their two children.
Jay was always a strong believer in building community and supporting local. He was a lifetime member of the Optimist’s Club of Downie and spent many years coaching organized sports in the area. A great and memorable achievement for him was coaching James’ team of OMHA Champions in 2013. Jay dedicated years to furthering the game of Ringette across Southern Ontario. He was pleased to witness Jessica achieve Team Ontario status in 2014 and win an Eastern National Championship in 2014 and again in 2017. Most importantly, Jay was a kind and thoughtful man who was always willing to help others and support those close to him. A gentle reminder to never hesitate in telling your loved ones how important they are. The Armstrong Family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Dr. Saini and the team at the Verspeeten Cancer Centre - ODU; Dr. Narayan and the staff on the Medicine and Chemo Units at the Stratford General Hospital; and especially Dr. Donaldson, Dr. Trevail, and the staff on the Inpatient Unit and Emergency Department and the St. Marys Memorial Hospital for their help in quick diagnosis and support during our journey.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Verspeeten Cancer Centre, the St. Marys Healthcare Foundation, or a charity of your choice. Jay and his family were able to spend valuable time together thanks to blood and platelet transfusions. Please consider donating blood if you are able or please consider joining the Canadian Stem Cell Registry. A Celebration of Life is planned for June 20, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 at the home of Jay and Liz at 5207 Line 10, St. Marys. Light refreshments will be provided, all are welcome to attend to celebrate Jay’s memory.
Online tributes at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.
OBITUARY
Ridgway
Wayne Johnson Ridgway
August 20, 1941 ~ May 8, 2026
The world could benefit from more men like Wayne. He was soft-spoken, gentle, kind, and respectful. Wayne was a superb gentleman; astute businessman and he excelled at everything from golfing to skiing to bridge to ballroom dancing. He was accomplished at playing the piano, singing and in retirement took up gardening to create a charming garden the envy of his neighbours – and his daughter.
But his peak performance was Veronica’s adoring and loving husband. Wayne cherished his wife Veronica, and they delighted in one another and in taking cruises and travelling the world together exploring Japan, Australia, Africa, South America, and Europe. Wayne and Veronica enjoyed doing everything together.
Prior to his retirement he was the City Treasurer for Kamloops B.C., other positions included work for Manitoba Hydro and a variety of national banks. Wayne celebrating having lived an exceptional, eventful and fulfilling life~ He will be sincerely missed.
Online tributes at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.
OBITUARY
Smith
Franklin ‘Frank’ Smith, 84, of St. Marys, formerly of R.R.#2, St. Pauls passed away surrounded by his loving family at St. Marys Memorial Hospital on Friday, May 22, 2026 after a courageous journey with Parkinson’s disease and metastatic cancer.
Frank was the former owner of Smith Welding located on the family farm. There wasn’t much he wouldn’t attempt to design, build or repair. He was proud to have designed the Smith beanpuller and stabling that remains in many barns around the country. He was a founding life member of the Stratford Coin Club serving many years on the executive. He recently celebrated 65 years with the club. He also was a founding member of the Fullarton Optimist Club. The Carlingford community was very important to him with many longstanding community friends.
He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 42 years Heather Smith, his daughter Kathleen Durfy (James) and son Ryan Smith (Christine). Proud grandfather “Howie” to Colin, Evan, Nathan, Sydney, Hannah and Owen. He is survived by brothers-in-law Paul Wivell (Jen), Peter Wivell (Vicki), nieces Stephanie (Tyler), Kaitlyn, nephew Jakob, and great nephew Jack.
Predeceased by his parents Sydney and Mildred Smith, father-in-law and mother-in-law Bill and Hazel Wivell. Friends will be received at the Lockhart Funeral Home, 109 Montreal St., Mitchell on Wednesday, May 27 from 5-8 p.m. and on Thursday from 10-10:45 a.m. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with a reception at the Lockhart Reception Centre. Interment in Carlingford Cemetery. Memorial donations to St. Marys Memorial Hospital Foundation would be appreciated and may be made at LockhartFuneralHome.com.
OBITUARY
With sadness, we announce the passing of Susan Hutton (nee Pennie), in her 73rd year, on May 24, 2026 at St. Marys Memorial Hospital. A wonderful woman, companion and spouse. She will be sadly missed by her husband Donald after a marriage of 53 years. The eldest daughter of the late June and Ian Pennie. Survived by her sisters, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Sally Rogers (Tim), Mary jean Udeschini (Marc), Dianne Pennie, James Hutton (Christine), Karen Stewart (Charles, predeceased), David Hutton (predeceased) and Mary Jane Hutton (predeceased). Much loved by her nieces and nephews Mark Rogers (predeceased), Jamie Rogers, Luke Udeschini, Lauren Udeschini, Johnathon Pennie-Jacobs, Jillian Pennie-Jacobs, Jennifer Hutton, Lesley HuttonRhora, Sarah Stewart, Scott Stewart, many great-nieces, great nephews and extended family members.
Susan enjoyed a wonderful career working with people with developmental disabilities at various sites in Ontario. Her passions were playing her cello, music, reading and the theatre. She was also quite good at golf, fishing and taking care of all our pets over the years. She will be remembered by many.
A sincere thank you to the St. Marys Memorial Hospital staff; they provided thoughtful and amazing care in Susan’s time of need. As per Susan’s wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation or funeral service. Interment will take place in St. Marys Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the St. Marys Healthcare Foundation or the Huron-Perth Alzheimer Society.
Online tributes at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.
OBITUARY
Edwin Gerald Palfery, who passed away on December 31st at the age of 99 at Spruce Lodge, Stratford, will have a Graveside Service in Avonbank Cemetery, 3000 Perth Road 134, Avonbank, on Saturday May 30, 2026 at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Spruce Lodge Foundation or Avonbank Community Church are appreciated. Online tributes at www.hodgesfuneralhome.ca.
Looking Back
AMY CUBBERLEY Independent Columnist
Farewell BiWay
25 years ago (2001)
The huge Store Closing sign on the BiWay façade has left town officials and downtown merchants uneasy.
Please
Ballantyne
A special thank you to the Ladies of North Nissouri Church for planting a beautiful Blue Spruce tree for my 100th birthday.
Many thanks to everyone who came to the ceremony and wished me well. Thank you to everyone who made this happen. Wishing you all the best of health and happiness.
Most Sincerely, Mabel Ballantyne
Please
The St. Marys Historical Society and the Save the Junction Committee hosted an information evening, including a tour of the Station, last week. After the tour, about 30 people returned to St. James Anglican Church where Save the Junction Committee members Bob Sass, Burton Ready, and Glen Millson explained future plans for the station and outlined the procedures required in historic restoration.
50 years ago (1976)
For the second time in as many weeks, a duck murder has been reported along the Thames. According to reports, this second duck was apparently killed by way of a twisted neck. Catching the type of person who murders a duck or swan for the fun of it is difficult, but sooner or later this will happen.
John Durley and his Collegiate construction crews are busy these days on a double garage for Bill Near, Rogers Ave. Each spring, practical experience through such an arrangement is sought by Mr. Durley. The owner provides the material, the students the labour.
75 years ago (1951)
Under the McConnell Club auspices, Frank Willard has again given the Weir drinking fountain its new coat of green and silver paint.
Hooper’s Dairy, which recently switched from horse to truck door-to-door delivery, has gone back to horse again. The deliverymen find that an intelligent horse is a big help in this arduous work.
100 years ago (1926)
Wm. Palmer of Motherwell was unfortunate in being kicked upon the knee by a horse while doing chores in R.E. McIntosh’s stable on Saturday at noon. He will probably be laid up for a few weeks as a result.
William Birtch of the Thames Concession, Blanshard, while repairing a fence on his property last week shot a large bird through the wing and brought it to the ground. The bird proved to be an arctic eagle with a wingspan of over five feet. Mr. Birtch still has the bird shut up in his barn.
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