August 21, 2020

The Creemore

ECHO

Friday, August 21, 2020 Vol. 20 No. 34

www.creemore.com

News and views in and around Creemore

INSIDE THE ECHO

Kat Tales

Y Not?

Sculptor takes to writing

YMCA hosts camp fundraiser

PAGE 6

PAGE 12

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Questions abound as schools set to open

by Trina Berlo Lunch in the classroom, no lockers, no library access, no assemblies – that’s what back-to-school will look like this fall for elementary and secondary school students.

Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) has released some information about how in-class learning will resume but local union reps say there are still many questions to be answered.

Teachers, administrators, and public health officials are still waiting for specific information from the province while the Ministry of Education develops a COVID-19 outbreak protocol that will provide direction on contact tracing and enhanced health and safety protocols to reduce the risk of transmission.

The local branch of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation has concerns about the delay in releasing that plan, as schools are opening on Sept. 8.

“Probably our biggest concern

File photo

With schools opening in two weeks, education and health officials are still waiting for direction from the province. overall is the lack of messaging and policy created by the ministry,” said Jen Hare, OSSTF teachers’ bargaining unit president for District 17, which includes Stayner Collegiate Institute and Collingwood Collegiate Institute.

“The lack of leadership at the top is what’s causing chaos at the bottom.”

“We’re getting a better picture of what classes will look like in the fall but we’re not happy with what we’re hearing,” said Hare.

Of those concerns, she said, the number of students per class is a big one.

With a maximum of 36 students

per classroom, Hare said there is concern that students will not be able to maintain the required two-metre separation.

In high schools, students will be cohorted to two groups, with the potential of having up to 36 students in each group. That exposes students to potentially 72 students per day, plus anyone on their bus if they access transportation services. At lunch, students will have to remove their masks to eat lunch.

“They are also in classrooms where the windows don’t necessarily open, if they even have windows,” said Hare.

“So, the ventilation is a huge concern when we look at ‘lines of defence’ and that’s a big thing that we are conscious of right now is how many barriers, how many safety measures are there in place between me and the kids?”

Of specific concern is some of the specialty classrooms found in high schools, where counters and workspaces are affixed to the floor and (See “Schools” on page 2) A fire broke out at Nottawa Public School on August 13. Clearview Fire Department responded to the fire alarm just after 9 a.m. Fire Chief Roree Payment said the fire was quickly brought under control. He said, on arrival crews found heavy smoke and reported a working fire.

The aerial truck was requested from Collingwood due to the location of the fire. Crews investigated and located a fire in the roof which had been caused by workers.

There were five trucks on scene and approximately 20 firefighters.

Simcoe County District School Board said an overall assessment as to the extent of the damage and timeline for the completion of restoration work is still ongoing.

Clearview Fire photo

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• THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, August 21, 2020

Schools waiting on direction from ministry (Continued from page 1) cannot be moved.

Hare said there are also a lot of questions about accommodations for teachers who, for various reasons, are not able to put themselves at risk.

Hare said the union has been told that about 15 per cent of students are opting for online learning, instead of returning to the classroom. The union would like to see vulnerable teachers be allowed to deliver the online instruction, but that may not be the case. It has been said that students who choose online learning will be clustered with students from multiple schools and that their instruction will include real-time access to teachers.

“We’re saying that those kids should be taught by SCDSB teachers who have either a medical complication themselves, or they have someone in their home [who does], so they need to be kept safe by being allowed to work in a remote environment rather than, potentially, 70 students a day,” said Hare.

There is some additional funding promised by the province but Hare said OSSTF is also asking the school board to dip into its reserves to help fund additional space within its existing infrastructure to allow students to have more space to distance. Currently, there is no additional funding allocated to custodial staff and the onus for

sanitization is being put on high school students.

“We’ll have to watch those students like hawks to make sure they’re actually doing it and/or we’ll probably end up doing it ourselves,” said Hare.

“There’s all kinds of policy stuff that we’re just not sure of. We don’t have a procedure for what happens when somebody in the school gets COVID.” The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is also waiting on direction from the province before it is able to create a policy for the school board.

All four of the major education unions are requesting to meet with the Minister of Labour and representatives from the Ministry of Education, contending that the government’s “Guide to Re-Opening Ontario’s Schools” fails to meet the requirements set out in the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. “By reopening schools without measures to appropriately address critical issues, the Ministry of Education has placed the health and safety of educators, their students and the entire school community in significant and imminent danger,” states a letter sent to the Ministry of Labour on behalf of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF/ FEESO), the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association (OECTA), and

the Association des enseignantes et des enseignants franco-ontariens (AEFO).

They are asking for limited class sizes to allow for necessary physical distancing; minimal measurable standards for ventilation in schools; mask requirement for children under age 10; adequate screening for students; and adequate safeguards for student bus transportation. The plan also fails to adopt the concept of cohorting in a manner consistent with current research, particularly by allowing cohorts of up to 100 students at the secondary level.

Health Unit weighs risks of sending students back-to-school The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is working with local schools and school boards to support back to school planning, and has information and resources to help guide parents in returning their children to school.

“The safe return to school is at the forefront of everyone’s minds right now and we know that it has been difficult to make decisions about whether to send your child or children to school or have them do on-line learning,” said Dr. Charles Gardner, SMDHU’s medical officer of health.

“Everyone’s situation is different, and the decision to send your children to school in person needs to be one that works for you and your family.”

Returning to school is very important for children and youth. It’s good for their education and well-being, and for the whole family. However, as more spaces open for people to gather (like schools), there will be the potential for more cases of COVID-19.

Unfortunately in living with this risk we cannot prevent all cases, but we can take action to help prevent outbreaks and to reduce the numbers of cases.

The health unit is working closely with school boards to prevent COVID-19 transmission as much as possible, to identify and manage cases of COVID-19 and to prevent its further spread in schools. Keeping community transmission low is key to keeping schools safer, and COVID-19 rates locally are very low currently, making attending school in Simcoe Muskoka a safe choice for most children and families at this time. In addition, schools will have many measures in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 being introduced into the school setting, and to lessen the risk of spread if COVID-19 is introduced, such as: requiring you to screen your child for symptoms each day; prompt isolation of sick children and staff; physical (See “No” on page 3)

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THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, August 21, 2020 •

“No risk-free option with COVID-19” (Continued from page 2) distancing to the extent possible; enhanced cleaning measures; cohorting (keeping groups together) to the extent possible; use of face coverings is required for students in Grades 4 to 12, and encouraged for students in Kindergarten to Grade 3.

“There is no risk-free option with COVID-19 and it would be unrealistic to think that we can get through the next few months without some risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the school classroom,” said Gardner. “The job of parents is to decide which of the options is best for their child and family at this time and the job of the health unit is to continue to keep transmission in the community low to help stop COVID-19 from entering schools in the first place.”

SMDHU will continue to work with school board partners, parents, and the community on the safe return to school and will continue to support schools throughout the year.

For more information, including return to learning guidance and resources, visit the health unit’s website at www.simcoemuskokahealth. org. Parents can also call Health Connection to speak with a public health professional weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 705-721-7520 (1-877721-7520).

Clearview receives COVID-19 grant As part of the federal-provincial Safe Restart Agreement, the Ontario Government announced on August 12, that phase one of the emergency funding is being released to all Ontario municipalities.

The one-time assistance will be released in the fall to help support operating pressures related to COVID-19.

The funds will be split between upper and lower-tier municipalities and allocated on a per household basis. The assistance payment is conditional upon the needs of the municipality, with detailed reporting on its use to be provided to the Ontario Government in March 2021.

In a letter from Minister of Municipal Affairs and Funding, Steve Clark to Clearview Mayor Doug Measures it was announced t h a t C l e a r v i e w To w n s h i p w i l l receive a payment of $382,100 to address COVID-19 operating costs and pressures and support local needs.

Measures said he is thankful for the relief funding.

“I am pleased to receive these letters from the provincial government. On behalf of the members of council a n d o u r c o m m u n i t y, I w i s h t o thank Premier Ford and the cabinet ministers that have worked closely with the Federal Government to secure this COVID relief funding.”

NEWS

BACK-TO-SCHOOL

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Clearview Administration Centre reopening to public August 24

Clearview Public Libraries now open as of August 19

T h e C l e a r v i e w To w n s h i p Administration Centre will reopen to the public on Monday, August 24, with regular operating hours.

Initially closed to the public on March 17, significant changes have been put in place to allow for a safe reopening. As mandated by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, masks are required to enter the Administration Centre and several additional safety measures have been put in place, including: enhanced cleaning protocols; health assessments and screening for staff and visitors; physical distancing and directional floor stickers; glass barriers at the service counter; and sanitization stations.

Anyone wishing to visit the Administration Centre is strongly encouraged to book an appointment to ensure that the appropriate staff members are available to service your needs.

Services will continue to be offered online, over the phone and through the drop box at the front doors of the Administration Centre, located at 217 Gideon Street in Stayner. Staff contact information is available at www. clearview.ca/staff-directory.

The Clearview Public Library Board is welcoming patrons back to all Clearview Library branches. Normal hours of operation will resume, with the exception of Tuesdays, when all branches will be closed for increased cleaning and sanitization measures.

Curbside service will continue for those who wish to use it.

To comply with provincial safety regulations some significant changes have been made.

To facilitate physical distancing and capacity restrictions, substantial portions of public seating have been removed and patrons are being asked to restrict library visits to one hour per day. Similarly, public computer use is limited to half-an-hour per day.

Printing will not be available at this time.

Increased cleaning protocols will be implemented, including: returned materials will be quarantined for three days before being recirculated; public computer mice and keyboards will be cleaned after every use; public washrooms will be professionally cleaned every night, with high-touch surfaces being sanitized by library staff throughout the day; used materials are (See “Library” on page 7)

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&Feedback

• THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, August 21, 2020

OPINION COLUMN

Feedback and old photos welcome info@creemore.com call 705-466-9906 fax 705-466-9908

THE WAY WE WERE

THE MONEY LADY

Dear Money Lady, I’m approaching my mid50s, and I’m beginning to think about some long-term care options for my aging parents. Lately when I have gone to their house, it’s a bit Christine messier than usual, and I’m IBBOTSON worried that it may be time for a change. I’m worried about bringing this topic up with them. What do you think? Desperate for direction!

Virginia Dear Virginia, As your parents get older it is sometimes uncomfortable to have discussions about sensitive topics like healthcare and finances. Most people in their 40s and 50s are beginning to think about having these conversations.

Many are worried about their parents especially if they have failing health and are living on their own.

Remember it is a good idea not to jump to conclusions or try to force a solution on a parent that isn’t ready.

Refrain from being too aggressive until you have gathered all the information about your concerns.

Observations and careful attention to any problems should be your first course of action.

Please don’t overreact if your parents need a little more help with household chores, meals or personal care.

This may mean that they may only require someone to come and help out 2-3 times a week. It certainly doesn’t mean you need to start picking out a nursing home and putting their home up for sale. Working together to find a solution that you are both happy with should be your primary goal. Professional caregiving services can provide assistance in a number of areas such as meal preparation, light housekeeping or medication reminders.

When it comes to finances, some parents are very independent and private about the handling of their money. This is always a difficult topic to discuss but should be done if you see a decline in their standard of living and are concerned. If you have a good relationship and trust one another, it is always a good idea to have joint bank accounts with your parents. If anything were to happen to a parent, and you were not joint on their accounts, you would not be able to pay bills or look after their finances on their behalf, without Power of Attorney or probated will. Health and finance discussions with a parent are always better to be done sooner rather than when a crisis has occurred. Keep the dialogue open and become a valued partner to your parent. If they are open to it, meet their financial advisor and accountant. Make sure they have a will, POA, and talk to them about their final wishes. Together you can ensure everyone is cared for, respected and appreciated.

Good Luck and Best Wishes, The Money Lady Christine Ibbotson is the author of How to Retire Debt Free & Wealthy and Don’t Panic – How to Manage your Finances and Financial Anxieties During and After the Coronavirus. Send questions via www. askthemoneylady.ca

Girl Guides and Brownies flying up to Guides at St. Luke’s parish hall. Back row: Anthea Hall, Mary McCann, Mrs. D. Gill, Linda Patterson, Susan Hutchinson, Joan Pettigrew, Susan Gowan, Starr MacMullan, Margaret Ann Subject, Carol Elliott, Patsy Williamson. Middle row: Susan Talbot, Dianne Oaks, Nancy Coker, Karen Kukpatrick, Barbara Montgomery, Jane Steel, Jane Roberts, Melanie Rhodes, Jerry McArthur. Front row: Marlene Rhodes, Marilyn Hewson, ___ Parker, Linda Bellinger, Brenda Wines, Donna Blackburn, Donna Warren, Terry Lyn Clarkin.

Photo submitted by Joan Truax (née Pettigrew).

Off-road vehicles on Creemore roads?

Mayor Doug Measures and five councillors don’t want to know what the residents in Clearview Township really think about increasing ATV access to our roads, and adding access to our roads, unopened road allowances and trails for the much larger sideby-sides.

CARA wants to know, and intends to let council know. So do two other local groups: Clearview Township United and the group circulating the petition entitled, “Clearview Council + Mayor Measures: Listen to residents, not just the ATV lobby!” As did more than 50 residents of Creemore and Duntroon who wrote strongly worded objections before the unfortunate July 27 council decision to direct staff to draft a bylaw allowing greater off-road vehicle access to our residential and other roads.

Should we just give up and let the mayor and five other ward councillors force Creemore and surrounding area residents to accept off-road vehicles on our roads and trails and thereby ruin our bucolic, mostly quiet landscape and our safe, tourist-friendly village? Hell no, we won't go quietly!

Last week CARA sent an objectively worded ATV survey to our members. We will report later on results.

CARA has also written to the Integrity Commissioner about the apparent conflict of interest of ATV dealer

CARA Corner

Councillor John Broderick who is spearheading the new bylaw and continuing to advocate for all road access.

CARA agrees with The Echo editor that this contentious issue should be put on hold until public meetings can be held and the regulations under the new provincial legislation are known. The province also agrees, having advised municipalities to wait until the proposed regulatory amendments are passed to ensure that any communication is accurate and aligned with the new rules.

Why is Clearview council rushing ahead to consider a new bylaw in September? Because a local ATV dealer (Councillor Broderick) and a Stayner resident who was caught in June illegally riding his ATV on Warrington Road want change now, and the mayor and five councillors representing wards outside of the Creemore area (including the ATV dealer) approved the requests.

The ATV petition circulated by others demanding that council listen to local residents already has over 600 signatures. In the last census, the former Creemore Village had only approximately 1,100 (See “Petition” on page 5)

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THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, August 21, 2020 •

Time to protect , repair environment

LETTERS

ATVs belong off-road Editor: While reading the August 15 edition of The Creemore Echo I became aware of the corrupt politics happening in Clearview Township. I concluded that there are six members of Clearview council that need to be replaced. I think that it is terrible that these six people who were elected by and are paid by the residents of Clearview are not trustworthy to lead our community with the best interest of the residents and taxpayers, by having a survey of whether the residents approve. They are only concerned about their self interest and economic gain.

An ATV should not have freedom of access to all roads. They are off-road vehicles and that is where they belong.

It would be dangerous to allow them to mix with cars.

One Sunday morning in July, we caught up to a car on Fairgrounds Road, going about 70 km/h. I do not pass a vehicle unless it is going less than the speed limit for a length of time. An ATV caught up to us, and passes, and was gone out of sight. That is a speed of more than 70 km/h for those who say they will slow the traffic down. We did not see any licence plate on the ATV. That probably means no insurance. It would not surprise me to find unlicensed drivers operating these machines. How can the traffic laws be enforced when they can dodge off the road, through the ditch, and into the field or bush when they feel threatened?

A number of years ago, we had an ATV trespass onto our farm. I was able to grab hold onto the back, hoping he would stop. He dragged me down the road for a while, until I let go. He knew that I was being dragged. He could have

seriously injured, or killed me. He didn’t care, he was more concerned about getting away.

The first of August, I was at a neighbour’s farm on Fairgrounds Road when I heard quite a noise coming. It was the knobby tires of an ATV beating on the road, and the noisy engine. It took a while before I saw it go past.

We live on a summer road, 1,000 feet back. In some years, the road is used as a snowmobile trail and some years they move the trail to the other side of the field. We hear and smell the noisy machines. Fortunately it is a short season. The ATVs use our road in summer. They too are noisy and smelly.

They also spin circles in the gravel, leaving ruts. They really like to do it after the road has been graded.

If ATVs are free to access all roads, I imagine there would be an increase in numbers, as John Broderick would like to see.

Some of us like the peace and quiet of not having noisy vehicles annoying us.

In an age of environmental concern, freedom of ATV use is something not to be considered. They can be a very useful tool for work, but that is all they should be used for, not for roaming the countryside, burning gas, and polluting the air. As far as going shopping, they cannot carry a shopping cart full of groceries.

As far as John Broderick’s comment about the opposition being mean spirited, I would say his reaction is immature and my wife says he is pouty.

If ATVs are allowed we want our road graded every time ATVs mess it up, and the bill sent to J&R Cycle.

Doug White, Clearview.

Resist bully tactics, preserve democracy Editor: Your editorial about compromise is well intentioned and ideally appropriate when dealing with opposing viewpoints in a mutually respectful fair-minded way. Yes, regressing into stereotypes discounts the common ground of both.

However let’s be “plain and simple,” as Councillor Broderick states. His “mean spirited” label might be attributed to the manner in which he himself railroaded his proposal through council.

Abusing his power, he justified his position with a non-written phantom affirmation of his lack of conflict of interest from an integrity commissioner,

supported by an acquiescing mayor.

His absurd notion that individuals would prefer to do their shopping on an ATV rather than a baggage appropriate vehicle stretches logic beyond reason.

What evidence does he have to support the motion that an ATV has less of a carbon imprint than today’s vehicles?

For the welfare of our healthy, mostly respectful community we must resist these bully tactics to preserve our democracy.

I support a compromise position as outlined in the editorial.

Dan Watkin, Duntroon.

Petition indicates opposition to ATVs (Continued from page 4) residents, including children. Conflicted Councillor Broderick claimed that he has heard from “thousands of long suffering ATV owning residents within the township.” Highly unlikely, and at least not indicative of public opinion expressed by actual residents of Creemore, Duntroon and surrounding areas.

Add your voices to those who have already asked council to delay the process or simply to deny greater

access than presently allowed by the 2017 council decision that fairly balanced the interests of local ATV riders who only requested access to some roads and the interests of other local ratepayers who wanted no ATV access at all.

CARA Corner is authored by Greg Young and Val Dyer, and submitted on behalf of the Creemore Area Residents' Association. Visit, creemoreresidents. ca.

Editor: I wish to express my disagreement with allowing ATVs access to our municipal roads and trails.

Our previous home was on the Sunnidale 6/7 Sideroad. We lived across the road from the Ganaraska Trail and a large tract of Simcoe County forest. We and our neighbours enjoyed walking in that forest with our dogs on a daily basis.

However, after Simcoe County forests allowed the ATVs to have access we no longer enjoyed the forests on a daily basis. Never on weekends. The trucks and trailers were lined up along the side of the road, as one machine after another was off loaded. The road was degraded at all entry points into the forest, and had to be repaired several times by the township.

The paths were chewed up and stripped of greenery. Most of the ATVs were owned

5

by people who belonged to ATV clubs.

According to their bumper stickers, they came from quite some distance. They were very noisy, from first thing in the morning, until long after sunset. At the end of their day, they packed up and returned to their homes, leaving their beer bottles and garbage behind. We had many neighbourhood clean-ups to collect and remove their waste.

They may have bought gas in Angus, but they certainly did not come here to shop and add to the economy.

We are experiencing a climate crisis.

We should be doing everything we can to protect and repair our environment, our precious green spaces, and our peaceful lifestyle in Clearview. Please consider these points when making your decisions.

Deirdre Pringle, Creemore.

“Death Notice” – Democracy Editor: It is with deep sadness that I must inform the residents of Clearview, the recent passing of Democracy.

The incident happened at the Clearview council meeting some weeks ago. Democracy, aging, but still vital to us all, was unable to move out of its own way as Mayor Measures and five other councillors, apparently in a hurry to take advantage of these Covid times, ignored their own rules

and ran right over it. Those councillors quickly left the scene without answering questions, as there was nobody there to ask them. Democracy was left to die on the floor of council chambers with only the comforting hand of the remaining three councillors who stayed by its side. Democracy is survived by Transparency, Truth, Fairness, and Public Outrage.

Shawn Thompson, Creemore.

(Letters continue on page 9)

Church Directory CENTENNIAL UNITED CHURCH IN STAYNER Summer Sabbath Time No Sunday Services July and August Tentative Re-Opening Date Sunday September 13th, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.

Follow us on Facebook @Centennial United Church-Stayner Subscribe to us on YouTube @Centennial United Stayner Minister: Jennifer Irving (705)428-3711 www.ucstayner.ca office@ucstayner.ca

CLEARVIEW COMMUNITY CHURCH Online service www.c3stayner.com

Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Clayton Culham • 705-428-6543

KNOX PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, DUNEDIN Minister: Rev. Chris Gray 705-466-5202 To tell us what is happening at your church, contact us at: 705-466-9906 email: info@creemore.com

ST. LUKE'S ANGLICAN CHURCH 22 Caroline St. W. • 705-466-2206

CREEMORE - NEW LOWELL UNITED PASTORAL CHARGE Sunday service on our website at 10 am www.newlowellunitedchurch.weebly.com www.stjohnscreemore.ca Feel free to call us at 705-466-2200 to leave a confidential message which we will return.

THE ANGLICAN PARISH OF HOLY TRINITY CLEARVIEW Sessions available by phone.

Dial in 705-999-0092 or www.holytrinityclearview.com Rev. Ray Dobson 2 St. Clair Street, Duntroon 705-794-9140 Facebook: The Parish of Holy Trinity Clearview

CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Our church is closed indefinitely. Online worship can be found on Facebook: @Good Shepherd Anglican |Church Stayner and on You Tube: @Good Shepherd Anglican Church, Stayner

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• THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, August 21, 2020

Heroine perseveres in action packed tale

by Trina Berlo In his first foray into adult fiction, Mulmur artist Hugh Russel has released a new book, Kat in Harm’s Way. As he retired from sculpture, about five years ago, he decided that what he really wanted to do was write.

“I’ve had a great time doing it, too. It’s the most fun I’ve ever had, actually,” said Russel, a renowned sculptor.

Locals will know his tribute to Mary Barrie – the bronze sculpture of a little girl on roller skates outside the Creemore branch of Clearview Public Library. His work can be found in collections all over the world, including the Vatican City.

Throughout his artistic life, Russel has focused on storytelling. Kat in Harm’s Way is about Cpl. Katrina Fernando, a character he had been thinking about for 30 years or so, toying with the idea of what to do with her.

From page one, the first in a four-book series reads like the script of a Hollywood action film, with explosions and pithy repartee.

“When I write, I write as if I’m writing a movie.

I see these things in my mind,” he said. “It’s visual.

I’m a visual three-dimensional artist so that’s how I see the world.”

The story begins with the Gulf War, where Kat takes part in historical battles.

In developing the character, Russel saw a woman who has everything – looks, brains, athleticism …

“All of things would make one assume that she had it made,” he said, “and yet everything in her life goes wrong.”

In losing her parents at a young age, Kat is left with a sense of longing for family and acceptance. She joins the army but finds the men are hostile towards women.

“I wanted to put her in that situation where there’s this built in hostility that has nothing to do with her and everything to do with the organization,” said

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Staff photo: Trina Berlo

Hugh Russel has published his first novel, Kat in Harm's Way.

Russel.

He said he was very interested in exploring this character, who has this innate need to succeed.

“She’s a good person and she finds herself doing things that are very difficult emotionally and morally, and they’re not necessarily what she wants. What she wants is family, what she never had,” said Russel.

Unbeknownst to Kat, she is part of a larger scheme and there are people who have big plans for her.

‘VALLEYVIEW FARM’ ON 41 ACRES IN MULMUR

Truly a one of a kind property located across from Mansfield Ski Club. Long and private drive to perfect siting of house on 41 acres of fantastic views to the East and South over rolling countryside. Wonderful privacy with a mix of trees and open fields. A 4-bedroom Century brick home with original wood trim including 10” baseboards, wainscoting and wood floors. Potential for secondary dwelling. A true and unspoiled country property to make your own. $1,150,000

info@suzannelawrence.ca 154 Mill Street, Creemore

Russel has continued Kat’s story with three sequels and then picks up with her daughter for another fourbook series. The first book was published in February but the pandemic got in the way of a proper launch.

The second book is set to be released in the coming months.

Kat in Harm’s Way, by HA Russel is available through Amazon and at BooLore, at 121 First St., Orangeville.

BRICK FARMHOUSE ON 88 ACRES IN THE MULMUR HILLS

Victorian style Century brick home features 3 bedrooms with large country kitchen, front porch, wood floors, living room bay window area and family room addition.

Old log cabin used as a workshop. Original bank barn with fenced paddocks. True value is in the varied land; 2 road frontages, rolling hills, wild apple trees in ravine, open hay fields, mixed bush woodlands and views galore.

Wonderfully scenic property! $1,150,000

www.suzannelawrence.ca

THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, August 21, 2020 •

Library safety will depend on staffpatron cooperation Barbara Simmons

Barbara Simmons wins the Murray Clerkson Art award The Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts has named Barbara Simmons as the winner of the 2020 Murray Clerkson award for emerging artists.

She was selected from a very talented field of 15 artists from the South Georgian Bay Area to receive the $1,000 award bequeathed by the late Murray Clerkson of Collingwood.

The prize is now honoured and continued by David and Paula Conning of Clerkson’s Home Store in Collingwood and the BMFA is grateful for their generous support of this valuable prize. The award continues to enable emerging artists to develop and hone their craft.

This honour is accompanied by an exhibition showing of Simmon’s work, along with that of the four other finalists, at the gallery of the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts on Simcoe Street in Collingwood. The show runs until Saturday, Sept. 28 and includes Alexandra Glueckler, Jesse Unsworth, Sarah Hancock and Andrew Aviste. The gallery is open to the public Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Each of the finalists’ entries were subjected to a rigorous evaluation process by a jury made up of five accomplished artists from the South Georgian Bay Area.

(Continued from page 3) to be placed in the bins at the end of the aisles for collection and cleaning.

Before entering a library branch, all staff and patrons must complete a written self-assessment form and deposit it into the provided collection bin. As mandated by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, masks are required to enter the facility. A warning system to prevent improper mask usage will be in effect and continued improper usage could result

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in a request to leave the building for the day.

Traffic throughout the building will be regulated by directional and physical distancing floor stickers as well as posters placed on aisle ends.

“Keeping our libraries safe will require staff and patrons to work together, we look forward to welcoming you back safely on August 19,” said officials.

For more, visit www.clearview. library.on.ca.

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• THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, August 21, 2020

St. John's supports youth with pandemic fun St. John's United Church report It is hard to believe that we are into the month of August and that the shorter nights and cooler temperatures will be upon us in the blink of an eye, but no doubt we still have some hot days and lots of summer fun still ahead of us.

St. John’s United Church continues to look at ways at how we can support our community, friends, youth, seniors, businesses, church members, etc. during this unusual time. On Wednesday, July 29 we held an evening of fun for our youth which was well received. This event was meant to support our youth by providing them an item in which they could have some fun with on a rainy day, or in a car ride, or with their parents, grandparents, a sibling, or perhaps another friend or perhaps enjoy on one of those 30 degree days when you just want to stay inside with the air conditioning!

Youth were invited to do a short hunt/quiz along the main street which included visiting a variety of the storefronts to see what was in their windows and having to answer questions or give their opinion on things like what was their favourite toy in the storefront or favourite ice cream

flavour on the list.

Once the youth made their way back to St. John’s, they were invited to pick a new and free item off of the prize table, which included games, puzzles and books. Every youth also had the choice of another free book and/or poster and a treat bag of juice and snacks. For the adults, we had some fresh zucchinis and herbs from our community garden project, free for the taking.

Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the event, along with the following businesses and individuals for their support and generosity: Creemore Foodland, Cardboard Castles, Curiosity House Books, Clearview Library, and Mr. Anning. Thank you to the church members for volunteering to help, to our student volunteer Luke, and Tigger!

We hope to this event again in 2021.

As we look ahead to September and school becoming a reality and no doubt with probably a lot of mixed emotions, we wish all the best to our teachers, educational assistants, support staff, parents, and especially our students. Stay safe and remember that Tigger’s motto is: to be happy, outgoing, friendly and caring!

Contributed photo

The St. John's United Church crew held a summer BGP – book/game/ puzzle – Fun Event in Creemore on July 29.

CLEARVIEW TOWNSHIP UNITED OUR PLATFORM VIGOROUSLY OPPOSED TO GREATER ATV ACCESS IN TOWNSHIP CLEARVIEW CANNOT BECOME A LEADING DESTINATION FOR TRAVELLING ATV CLUBS. ROAD ACCESS IS UNSAFE FOR ATV RIDERS. EVERY ATV HAS A MANUFACTURER’S LABEL “NEVER USE ON PUBLIC ROADS”.

DANGEROUS FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC - PASSING AN ATV OFTEN REQUIRES CROSSING CENTRE LINE.

OUTRAGED BY THE ABUSE OF POWER AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST BY COUNCILLOR JOHN BRODERICK, AS ASSISTED BY MAYOR DOUG MEASURES. No resident should have to worry a Councillor has an undeclared conflict of interest. We are unmoved that the Integrity Commissioner provided approval. Their approval is erroneous.

An elected public official must not champion a cause that might benefit their bank account - who can argue with that?

NIAGARA ESCARPMENT IS BEAUTIFUL & FRAGILE ATVS WILL DESTROY TRAILS AND WETLANDS.

ATV owners are not a long-suffering group in Clearview. ATVs have always been restricted in this Township. If someone buys an ATV anyway, ignoring the township restrictions, that decision is on them.

ATV TRAFFIC IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE UNIQUE CHARACTER OF CREEMORE VILLAGE.

The Deputy Mayor said it best, “If I buy a boat, the Township doesn’t have to find me a lake.”

Visit our website for more information

WWW.CLEARVIEWTOWNSHIPUNITED.ORG

THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, August 21, 2020 •

LETTERS

Organic farming is best for preserving topsoil Editor: In response to John Miller’s contribution last week I’d like to thank him for his thoughtful input and perhaps shed some light on these concerns.

It is absolutely correct that we need to think globally as well as locally. The fact is that – along with the vital task of sequestering carbon – organic farming methods have thus far proven to be the best chance, worldwide, to save our topsoil.

In 2014 the United Nations estimated we may have 60 years of harvest (ie. food) left globally if farming practices stay the same. There are quite a few organizations in place all over the world trying to stop this crisis. For instance, Grounded, based in South Africa, partners with farmers across the sub-Saharan desert to convert to organic, regenerative practices.

More recognizably, Nestle, Danone, Kellogg’s and 16 other companies are working with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, which focuses on regenerative farming, biodiversity and restoring ecosystems. Closer to home, the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario is a great source of researchbased knowledge for our local plant hardiness zones and livestock. These are examples of how farmers (of all levels) worldwide are taking the warning from the

FUN &

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Sudoku Barbara Simpson by

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United Nations very seriously.

There is some good research into this issue: see Follow the Food – Why Soil is Disappearing from Farms (BBC) as well as the Rodale Institute which has held the longest-running (since 1981) comparative study between organic and chemical farming.

Scientific American has published articles with info on saving topsoil and sequestering carbon.

John Miller is right, farmers don’t get enough support from the federal government. This is an immense problem that we, as voters, might want to think about. But until then, we need to work together to help our farmers. We all need to be open to change, to save our soil and to reduce our carbon footprint.

Roz Campbell, Duntroon.

Main focus of challenge, mitigating footprint Editor: We appreciated very much John Miller’s perspective on our August article. We wanted to send a friendly response. We think if he reads our full articles that accompany each week’s challenge, he will find we are on the same page in many ways.

We wanted to let people know that our articles in The Echo present summaries of our weekly

challenges. Every week, we post and email our subscribers in-depth articles about our challenges.

There, you will find a lot more information, along with links and further details on why we’ve selected each challenge. Our main focus is on mitigating our carbon footprint, personally, locally, and worldwide. A lot of thought, research and energy has gone into each week’s challenge, to see where the most impact can happen, and how it can affect people’s lives positively, not just from a carbon footprint perspective, but from health, money, and lifestyle. It all goes hand in hand.

Agriculture is poised to be a hero in this sustainable journey. We wouldn’t presume to know more about the intricacies of farming than someone who has committed their life (and family generations) to the practice. But, we do think that opening dialogue on issues that appear to divide us shows that we are more closely aligned than maybe it appears on the surface. Both farmers and climate activists care about preserving and protecting the land, the air, and the soil.

We’re hoping that people will be open-minded, and read our weekly posts at www.52weeksofclimateaction. com, or sign up to receive our emails, at bit. ly/52weeksofclimateaction. We are also open to information people want to send us, if they have differing views. Hopefully, we can work together, and focus on supporting each other, rather than looking for ways to divide us. Cliche as it is, there’s no Planet B. For more resources, visit our blog at www.52weeksofclimateaction.com.

Sherri Jackson & Laurel Hood.

Canadian Criss Cross ACROSS 1. Rum-soaked cake 5. Economic increase 9. Retired jet 12. Sad to say 13. Attraction to 15. Wagons-___ (sleeping cars) 16. Creative impulse 17. First canonical hour 19. Get married 20. Language suffix 21. Not wasteful with money 25. Street band in Mexico 28. Get out of bed 29. Roman numeral for 1051 30. A molar is one 32. A Bobbsey twin 33. Tour de France winner in 1936 and 1939 35. Butchers’ tools 37. Error 39. Toy that spins 40. Programming language 41. Egyptian ruler of the underworld 44. Places alone 48. Thin continuous pencil mark 49. Vertical bars between panes of glass 50. German word for duck 51. “The Princess and the ___” fairy tale) 52. Sub ___ (done in secret 53. To do no longer

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23. Title of Russian rulers before 1917 24. Hankerings 25. Part of a Crash Test Dummies song 26. Jai ___ 27. Crested white parrot 31. Some bowlers 34. Use delaying tactics 36. Curtain fabrics 38. Nickelback drummer 41. Greek mountain 42. Division word 43. Leak through 44. Little devil 45. Take to court 46. Spanish word for wave 47. Type measures

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• THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, August 21, 2020

United Way gives out $1.2-M in COVID-19 aid Thinking you might be missing out on the better deal?

Think again.

©2006 Copyrighted Material

If you’re considering funeral homes to serve your family, remember that the one with decades of experience has been here all along. There are some things that shouldn’t be left to chance.

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State or Province, postal codes and info@ fawcettfuneralhomes.com fax numbers are not necessary unless specified by law. www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com

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Between June 10 and July 15, United Way Simcoe Muskoka (UWSM) distributed nearly $1,200,000 into Simcoe Muskoka communities, through the Emergency Community Support Fund. This funding will help local residents who have been made vulnerable by COVID-19 by enabling charities and non-profits to adapt their services or launch new programs in response to the pandemic.

The Emergency Community Support Fund is funded by the Government of Canada and provided more than $300 million across Canada to United Way, Canadian Red Cross and Community Foundations of Canada. UWSM received $1.2 million to allocate in our communities by July 31.

“This funding is not just helping our critical charities and non-profits, but all those residents who rely on the services they provide, services that disappeared almost overnight,” says UWSM CEO, Dale Biddell. “With more than 60 years of experience funding charities and helping our most vulnerable,

noble insurance 705.445.4738 www.nobleins.on.ca

United Way Simcoe Muskoka has the expertise and positioning to get these funds where they need to be, when they are needed.”

There are 45 local charities and non-profits that have received funding through United Way Simcoe Muskoka and the Emergency Community Support Fund. These organizations facilitate programs that address food security, women, youth, seniors, adult education, pandemic relief, in-home care, social isolation, barriers to technology, mental health challenges and more.

“Charities and non-profit organizations are trying to help as many Canadians as they can despite fewer donations and fewer volunteers,” says the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “The Government of Canada is pleased to support these invaluable organizations through the Emergency Community Support Fund so they can continue to serve those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Applications have been reviewed weekly by UWSM’s community impact review team. This team has been meeting weekly to help get funding out to the charities and non-profits, and ultimately their program recipients who are in need.

“Our community impact review team has been delighted to support so much great work that is responding to the unexpected demands of COVID-19,” says Rosslyn Junke, director of community impact at UWSM. “Despite these trying times, we are seeing lots of innovation and collaboration as agencies nimbly respond to support those who need it most.”

For more information on United Way Simcoe Muskoka’s COVID-19 response, please visit www. uwsimcoemuskoka.ca.

OUR PATIO IS

OPEN!

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For Reliable Service

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Tank Truck Delivery of Furnace & Stove Oil

Call for reservations (705) 445-1247

we deliver in and around Creemore Phone: (705)-795-5733

• Service Directory • Gravity Sun Power solar generation for energy savings and income professionally designed and installed

Jeff Williams • 466-5741

Valley Auto & Tech Repairs to all makes of cars and light trucks!

Safety’s & Fuel Injection

218 Main St. Stayner

Bus. (705) 428-3393 ~ Res. (705) 466-2343

Garry Stamp, Owner/Operator

705-466-2149

CREWSON

T. NASH

INSURANCE BROKERS

1-(800) 392-1151

crewsoninsurance.com 7685 Cty Rd 91 • 428-0131

Machine Shop Facility • Custom Steel Fabrication & repairs • Decorative Iron Railing, Fences & Gates 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.-Monday to Friday Book ahead for Saturday Service Don Brearey or Gloria Howie

110 Adeline St., Shelburne 1423 Mosley St., Wasage Beach

RESTORATION & CUSTOM WORK CHIMNEY FIREPLACE BRICK NATURAL STONE ANYTHING & EVERYTHING MASONRY

705-791-0096 Siersmasonry.com

PLUMBING Servicing Creemore and surrounding area

(705) 466-5807 Licensed and insured

tree, stump & branch removal wood chipping • stump grinding • bush hogging • tree pruning • storm clean up

705-305-4420 General Practise of Law Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution www.ferrislaw.ca

John L. Ferris Megan L. Celhoffer

Iron Butterfly

Custom Iron Work Specializing in gates Charcoal BBQs & Fire Pits Design • Welding • Refinishing Tyler Kueper

190 Mill Street 705-466-3888

ironbutterfly.ca 705-791-5478

Advertise your business here 705-466-9906

ECHO Classifieds

THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, August 21, 2020 •

WANTED

FOR SALE

SEASONAL RENTALS WANTED. Mansfield Ski Club seeking seasonal rental listings for our members. Please email media@mansfieldskiclub.com with accommodation details, photos and contact info.

SEASONED FIREWOOD. Sold as bush cord. Call 705-627-2676.

CREEMORE HILLS WINERY Chardonnay $17 per bottle. Marquette (red) $20/bottle For pre-arranged pick up or delivery: Telephone: 705466-2103 or 647-588-8931. Email cmorrissey0708@rogers.com.

SERVICES

A Collector trying to recreate an old time GENERAL STORE is looking for items found in a General Store before 1960. Eg. tea tins, tobacco tins, candy tins, postcards, bottles, magazines, old paper items, comic books, signs, toys, advertising, old store stock, etc. Cash paid. 416-7454981 or 416-953-6219.

WANTED

ROD THE WINDOW CLEANER. You deserve a Clear View. Summer is here! You know you want it!

Residential, commercial, year-round.

All windows welcome. Contactless service. Call or text 705-351-0768.

References on request.

Bridge game? A LOUSY PLAYER looking for three others to help pass the winter in Singhampton. Might be good to start now, playing outside? I have a great neighbour coach to get us started. Call Heather at 705-445-2178.

ELLIOTT PAINTING AND DECORATING, over 30 years experience with excellent references.

Interior and exterior painting and wallpapering. Call for free estimate at 705-466-2356.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ETHEL (NAN) SMITH August 17, 2000.

She was 102 years.

Love you always, Marilyn, Laura and Sharon.

K. BRULOTTE & SONS. Excavating, grading, site clearing & landscaping. Over 20 years experience. Call for free estimate, 705-443-7815.

A Big Thank you from the Creedan Valley Care Community Team for an anonymous donation of ice cream!

It is much appreciated, thanks again

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

THANK YOU

CONTRACTOR REPAIRS, restores, dismantles and jacks up farm buildings, homes, and cottages. Also roofing, siding, doors, windows, beams, posts, foundations, peers, cement work, fencing, eaves troughing, decks, docks installed, repaired, replaced. Contact Brian McCurdy, at 519-986-1781 or 519-375-0958.

DINING OUT

FRIDAY NIGHT DINNERS at Affairs Bakery & Cafe. Enjoy beer battered halibut, crispy fries and homemade coleslaw. Take-out only.

705-466-5621.

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Moving Sale west of Creemore. Items for sale, but not limited to: furniture, kitchenware, washer, dryer, flat screen TVS (with stands), wood dining room table with 12 chairs, 3 recliners – 1 with power, treadmill, computer desks, 2 dehumidifiers, patio set with loungers and chairs, riding lawn mower, push mower and various miscellaneous items.

Viewing is by appointment.

Please call 466-3662 ask for Mike.

NOTTAWASAGA DAYLILIES

The garden is now open for viewing Fri., Sat., Sun. & Mon. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Good August Bloom!

During COVID-19 we are accepting orders by phone, email or mail to be shipped or picked up at the garden at a pre-arranged time.

Pictures and prices are listed online

www.wilsondaylilies.com

For more info or to place your order contact 705-466-2916 or by email. julwilson@rogers.com.

hamiltonbros@ultrafastwireless.com 2047 Glen Huron Rd, Glen Huron

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HAMILTON BROS. • EST. 1874 • 705-466-2244

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Submit your classified ad by 5 p.m. Tuesday: call 705-466-9906, fax 705-466-9908, email info@ creemore.com,$17 + hst for 25 words or less

Lumber • Plywood Trusses • Windows Roofing • Siding Fence Supplies • Culverts Cedar Posts • Railway Ties Fuel Delivery •Oil Furnaces Lawn & Garden Supplies “Nowhere... but close to everywhere.”

PAINTING AND PARGING. Professional workmanship. Call Don for an estimate. 705-424-0708 or 705816-0708.

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2 DAY ON-LINE AUCTION, WITH A LOW 5% BUYER’S PREMIUM. DATE: LOTS START TO CLOSE AT 5 PM AUG 28TH & 9AM AUG 29TH. PREVIEW: AUG 28TH NOON- 4 PM OR

BY APPOINTMENT. PICKUP: MON AUG 31ST 10 - 5 PM OR

BY APPOINTMENT. 438280 4TH LINE, MELANCTHON. NORTH OF SHELBURNE. THE STRAIGHT SHOOTER SALE consists of quality outdoor gear, shotguns, rifles, handguns, edged weapons, reloading gear and ammo. Firearms will be sold as catalogued lots on day 2. Features: Colt, Beretta, Browning, Ruger, Remington, Savage, Uberti, etc.

WWW. KIDDFAMILYAUCTIONS OR WWW.ICOLLECTOR. COM CALL, TEXT OR EMAIL ANYTIME!!

DENNIS@ KIDDFAMILYAUCTIONS. COM 519-938-7499 LYN@ KIDDFAMILYAUCTIONS. COM

We do colour copies!

And we do faxes!

The Creemore Echo 3 Caroline Street West

705-466-9906 • info@creemore.com

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• THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, August 21, 2020

Celebrating 1 Year

Thank you!

To Creemore and our loyal customers for making this a memorable 1st year!!

We also want to thank our amazing staff on a successful year in business.

Keeping the YMCA afloat

by Bonnie MacPherson Just as businesses have been suffering through the pandemic, not-for-profits and charities have been hard hit.

According to YMCA Simcoe Muskoka VP Brian Shelley, the organization expects to see a reduction of roughly $25 million in revenue this year, on a $50 million annual budget.

The board of directors recently made the difficult decision to shutter three fitness facilities in Barrie, Orillia and Parry Sound.

Shelley says the Wasaga Beach location, which has a strong membership history, will be spared.

The Wasaga Beach facility is actually owned by the municipality, and operated by the Simcoe Muskoka YMCA. It is one of the earliest examples of such partnerships, and has become a blueprint for other YMCAs, including the ones in Innisfil and Gravenhurst.

Fitness programs at the Wasaga Beach YMCA were halted on March 13 when the province ordered closures aimed at stemming the spread of COVID-19. Gradually some services have been restored, but management decided not to reopen during the summer as gym facilities have been repurposed to function as summer camps.

Currently, about 50 children are attending camps each day. Plans

are currently being developed for eventual reopening of fitness facilities, with changes to meet physical distancing requirements.

Looking ahead to September, Shelley says the primary focus will be on restoring before- and afterschool care programs. The YMCA is the largest local provider of licenced child care.

The pandemic forced cancellation of Move to Give, the YMCA’s largest annual fundraiser. A successful online push in May and June helped offset the loss, but creation of new virtual programs and emergency child care for front line workers has meant further strain on resources.

Typically, plans would be underway at this time of year for a big fall gala in Barrie, but that event has been cancelled.

For the first summer in over a century, the YMCA was been unable to open Camp Kitchikewana near Honey Harbour.

A virtual campfire event including performances by Paul Langlois of the Tragically Hip and Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls will be held Thursday, August 27 to raise funds for next year’s season at Camp Kitchikewana.

Ti c k e t s c a n b e p u r c h a s e d f o r $ 2 5 a t w w w. y m c a s m . c a / KitchikewanaConcert.

153 Mill St. Creemore 705-466-6511

Thank you Since moving here one year ago, we immediately felt welcomed by the caring and courteous people of the Creemore community. The past few months have solidified our opinion – the community’s strengths and values are shining through.

The patience and cooperation of our customers and staff made it possible to overcome the uncertainty as we continue to adjust to a new way of shopping.

We deeply appreciate everyone’s commitment to shopping with us.

Our resolve to serving Creemore continues as we work daily to ensure a safe grocery shopping experience for all. Over the next few weeks, we will renovate the store to make that experience even better. As we begin our renovations, stop in to see what’s new and improved!

As always, we are happy to be a part of Creemore.

Sim & Ashley Spry Foodland Creemore Store Owners and Operators

Big changes are in store!

Look out for improvements to our store as we renovate and if you can’t find something just ask!

Our store hours will remain the same and store disruption will be limited.

187 Mill St, Creemore Open daily 8am – 8pm