January 29, 2021

The Creemore

ECHO

Friday, January 29, 2021 Vol. 21 No. 05

www.creemore.com

News and views in and around Creemore

INSIDE

Seeds of Change

Incentives for regenerative agriculture PAGE 7

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Road warriors prepare for hearing

Six firearms seized, drug trafficking charge laid

by Trina Berlo Blue Mountain Watershed Trust is rallying the troops for the upcoming battles in the war to keep County Road 91 open, and protect natural features and habitat.

During a virtual forum Tuesday evening, members called on sympathizers to support the cause in whatever way they can, by writing to decision makers, and donating to hire experts for an upcoming hearing. Up to 75 people were in attendance for the meeting moderated

by Carl Michener, who said the cause comes down to aggregates and protecting the Niagara Escarpment.

A pre-conference hearing date has been set for Feb. 24 to jointly hear a proposed amendment to the Niagara Escarpment Plan (NEP) and an appeal of the denial of a development permit for the reconstruction of 26/27 Sideroad Nottawasaga, all relating to the closure and transfer of County Road 91 to Walker Aggregates. A hearing date will be set afterwards.

“To maintain our party status, which allows the watershed trust to present expert witnesses and to cross examine Clearview’s experts we need to raise

A pre-conference hearing date has been set for Feb. 24 to jointly hear a proposed amendment to the Niagara Escarpment Plan and an appeal of the denial of a development permit for the reconstruction of 26/27 Sideroad Nottawasaga, all relating to the closure and transfer of County Road 91 to Walker Aggregates.

On Jan. 24, shortly before 5 p.m., members of Huronia West OPP and Collingwood Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) executed a warrant at a residence on Charles Street, in Stayner.

A man was arrested and charged with possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000, contrary to the Criminal Code, and trafficking a Schedule 1 substance (cocaine), contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Police also located and seized five rifles and a shotgun from the residence.

To maintain the integrity of the investigation, the identity of the accused will not be released at this time, and there is no concern for public safety. The CSCU is continuing to investigate the incident.

The accused was also wanted on outstanding warrants and later turned over to the Toronto Police Service.

The warrant was executed with the assistance of members from the OPP Central Region Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU).

some money,” said Michener, adding that they are looking to raise about $30,000 for engineering, environmental

Impaired collision reveals concealed weapon

Bill Hewitt photo

and fisheries experts. “Why now?” he said. “Now is the moment of truth.

(See “Our” on page 3)

Variant strain spreading in the region

by Trina Berlo In addition to the seven confirmed cases of the UK COVID-19 variant previously reported by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU), an additional 99 individuals have had a positive first screening test for a “variant of concern.”

A secondary test, whole genome sequencing, will confirm the exact type of variant. It’s expected that those results will likely be the UK variant, said SMDHU medical officer of health Dr. Charles Gardner.

“One of the issues here is potential for transmission in the community and we are doing all that we can to do aggressive case and contact

management and follow up with all the identified cases and their contacts and put them into isolation to slow the spread of this new UK variant in our community,” said Gardner. “But we do have cause for concern.”

Public Health Ontario’s point prevalence study which involves testing all of the positive COVID-19 test results from a specific sampling, in this case being all positive tests from last Wednesday, for any of the variants of concern – UK, South African or Brazilian. (The UK variant, called B.1.1.7 is the most common variant worldwide; a South African variant called 1.351 has been detected in Alberta and British Columbia; and a

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All but two variant positive tests are linked to Robert Place Long Term Care Home in Barrie and Bradford Valley Care Community. An individual working at Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, which is currently in outbreak, is one of the two individuals who have tested positive on the first screening test where no links to the Roberta Place outbreak are identified.

“That’s important. That means essentially we have another outbreak that would be considered an outbreak due to a variant of concern for COVID-19 and we are awaiting (See “New” on page 10)

Police were called to a Jan. 18 collision where a single motor vehicle had collided with a tree on 33/34 Sideroad Nottawasaga at 10:08 p.m.

Upon speaking to the lone occupant, officers quickly determined the driver was impaired.

Following a police investigation, Laurice Petzke, 50, of Meaford was arrested and charged with; Operation while impaired-blood drug concentration; unauthorized possession of a weapon; carry concealed prohibited device or ammunition; possession of a Schedule 1 substance - cocaine; possession of a Schedule 1 substance - opioid; possession of a Schedule 1 substance - other drugs.

The accused is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Collingwood on Feb. 9.

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• THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, January 29, 2021

CREATIVE WRITING CHALLENGE: MICRO FICTION

By Cecily Ross

Cecily Ross is the author of a memoir, Love in the Time of Cholesterol, and a novel, The Lost Diaries of Susanna Moodie. She has worked as an editor and writer at The Globe and Mail, Maclean’s and Harrowsmith among others.

MY EXAMPLE This is a photo of my mother when she was in her mid-twenties.

She died in 2017 aged 94. Whenever I look at this picture I am moved to reflect on the ways the human spirit is able to defy the ravages of time. This brief story is adapted from a book I am writing. It draws on both memory and my imagination.

OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY If the evening was mild enough that last spring, we would wrap our mother in an orange crocheted afghan, a relic from the 1970s she was inexplicably attached to, and wheel her onto the veranda. I would go inside and pour our drinks: white wine for my sister, gin and tonic for me, and Mum’s rye and ginger tarted up with a maraschino cherry.

While I held her glass, she would take a long slurp of the sweetened whiskey. And for a moment her stroke-induced muttering would cease. Another sip and she’d smile crookedly, clenching and unclenching her small savage fist. Then, as she hummed tunelessly to herself, together we would watch the orchard turn to burnished copper in the setting sun.

One evening, with the peepers beginning their chorus and the smell of roast chicken wafting from the kitchen, she raised her chin and, in a strained but joyful falsetto, began to sing. Astonished, my sister and I could only marvel at this last exuberant burst of lucidity, like the flare of a dying sun, or a late-October maple blazing scarlet, or a rose blooming under a chrysallis of snow.

“I’ve got a wonderful feeling, everything’s going my way.”

If you would like feedback on your writing, send it to me at cecily.ross@ gmail.com. We will publish one or two of the submissions in The Creemore Echo.

SUPPORT LOCAL ARTS AND HERITAGE INITIATIVES LIKE THIS! BECOME A MEMBER OF OUR SOCIETY.

Visit

www.phahs.ca for more info.

Chase Dempsey

Susan Auld

WRITING IS REVISING. This challenge will force you to consider the value of every word you write, and the importance of concision, strong verbs, and vivid details.

THE CHALLENGE: Your story can be based on a memory, it can be fictional, or it can be adapted from something you are already working on. Write as long as you need to, then edit it down until it is 250 words or less. The example given went through four drafts (and multiple revisions), taking it from 650 words to 200.

STEPS 1. Select a photo of someone in your life, past or present, and write a scene involving that person.

(If you are already working on a story or memoir, select a section of your text and use that. ) 2. Don’t worry about length. It’s normal to write long and edit down.

3. Go through the work and choose the most compelling and specific details.

4. Don’t worry about introducing or explaining things.

Show don’t tell.

5. Read your work over and cut anything that is unnecessary to the sense of your story.

6. Read it over and cut again.

7. Read it over and cut again.

8. Repeat until your story is under 250 words.

TIPS • Make use of as many senses as you can: sights, sounds, smells.

• Be specific. Use brand names, song titles (eg “his 1967 Roadrunner coupe” or “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling”) to add atmosphere or evoke the era you’re writing about.

• Be bold, even outrageous. You want to keep the reader’s attention. You want to make them laugh or cry.

• Avoid cliches. They are usually the first thing that comes to mind and there is always a better way of expressing yourself.

• Use body language to indicate emotions like anger, anxiety or joy, ie “The tendons in his neck were as rigid as tent poles.” Or “She sat with crossed legs, her left foot bobbing like a metronome.”

• Get rid of “just” “only” “somehow” and “suddenly.”

• Use adverbs sparingly.

• Vary the length of your sentences to create a pleasing rhythm.

• Read what you have written aloud.

• Revise, revise, revise.

SUBMIT YOUR STORY TO sara.sniderhan@gmail.com

Mirabel Dunk

THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, January 29, 2021 •

3

“Our big issue as an organization is really around the environment” (Continued from page 1) This is where the final decision with the Environmental Review Tribunal will stand. Frankly, things aren’t looking too bad for our side but we need to keep the pressure on right now.”

To recap, a 2014 Joint Board decision granted approval to expand Walker Aggregates’ Duntroon quarry. Under that decision, some of the parties to the hearing (Township of Clearview, Walker Aggregates and the County of Simcoe) were directed to enter into a Road Improvement Agreement to close a portion of County Road 91 in order to expand the quarry, and to make improvements to 26/27 Sideroad to make it an all-season road to replace the county road.

The whole plan was initiated by the County of Simcoe who wanted to download the road when it became apparent how many upgrades would be necessary to accommodate the aggregate.

The expansion of 26/27 Sideroad became the subject of a development permit application, which was refused by the NEC in November 2015, and has since been appealed. During the appeal process, additional environmental work undertaken by consultants on behalf of the township identified that certain aspects of the road works would result in the removal of 1.2 ha of natural heritage and key hydrologic features within the existing right of way. This was not known when the amendment was originally submitted.

The township requested an

adjournment of the hearing since the policies of the NEP in 2016 prohibited development in wetlands. This triggered an application to amend the NEP. In October, the Niagara Escarpment Commission decided that the Sideroad 26/27 application be referred to a Hearing and that it takes no position.

Clearview council decided to appeal the Niagara Escarpment Commission’s decision to deny the township permission to reconstruct Sideroad 26/27 from the 10th Concession to Grey Road 31 based on a “strong recommendation” from its solicitors at Barriston Law. All of the meetings related to the sale of the road and the subsequent appeals have been held behind closed doors.

A public meeting was held in May 2019 to hear comments about the application to amend the NEP but the closure of County Road 91 was on most people’s minds.

There has been a lot of opposition to the proposed closure of County Road 91, at least half of those filling council chambers that day were Grey-Highlands residents. There were also a number of County Road 91 residents who said they can’t wait for the quarry portion of their road to be closed because the traffic is a big concern.

Blue Mountain Watershed Trust takes issue with the impact of proposed work on 26/27 Sideroad, a steep, seasonal road that traverses Niagara Escarpment Plan protected lands.

“There are wetlands on either side, there are seeps in the roadbed itself,

there are animals that migrate back and forth across this very quiet, littletravelled road, and species-at-risk as well,” said Michener. “Our big issue as an organization is really around the environment.”

They say the upgrade would have negative impacts on trout fisheries and habitat of the Eastern small footed bat,

not to mention cutting off a main arterial road.

As part of the opposition, the group is proposing a potential alternate route through the existing quarry that would negate the need to close County Road 91.

For more information and to make a tax deductible donation, visit watershedtrust. ca.

NOTICE OF PRE-HEARING CONFERENCE

The Niagara Escarpment Planning andDevelopment Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. N.2

NOTICEto OF PRE-HEARING Proposed Amendment the Niagara Escarpment Plan PS 215 18 – Township of Clearview CONFERENCE

NEHO File No. 20-036 Plan Amendment PS 215 18: Pursuant Niagara Planning andDevelopment Act, to SectionThe10(3) ofEscarpment the Niagara Escarpment Planning and R.S.O. 1990, c.

N.2 Development Act, the Niagara Escarpment Hearing Office (NEHO) will conduct a Pre-hearing Conference (PHC) with Proposed Amendment to the Niagara Escarpment Plan PS 215 18 – Township respect to a proposed amendment to the Niagara Escarpment of Clearview Plan by the Township of Clearview. The subject lands are Sideroad NEHO File No. 20-036 Plan Amendment PS 215 18: Pursuant to Section 10(3) 26/27 from Osprey-Clearview Townline to Concession 10 in the of the Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act, the Niagara Township ofHearing Clearview, County of Simcoe.

The purpose Escarpment Office (NEHO) will conduct a Pre-hearing Conference of the (PHC) withamendment respect to a proposed amendment the Niagara Escarpment Plan proposed is to add policytoexceptions to the Niagara by the Township of Clearview. The subject lands are Sideroad 26/27 from Escarpment PlanTownline to permit infrastructure to those Osprey-Clearview to Concession 10 in the improvements Township of Clearview, portions of Sideroad 26/27.

County of Simcoe. The purpose of the proposed amendment is to add policy exceptions to the Niagara Escarpment Plan to permit infrastructure

NEHO File No.to15-176 Urbaniak v. Ontario improvements those portions of Sideroad 26/27. (Niagara Escarpment Commission): The PHC will also address this related NEHO No. 15-176 Urbaniak v. Ontario (Niagara Escarpment file.NEHO ThisFile proceeding was commenced in 2015 by the Township Commission): The PHC will also address this related NEHO file. This of proceeding Clearview to appeal Niagara Escarpment Commission’s was commenced the in 2015 by the Township of Clearview to appeal the Niagara Escarpment Commission’s refusal of a development refusal of a development permit application topermit reconstruct application to reconstruct Sideroad 26/27 from seasonal to a year-round open Sideroad 26/27 from seasonal to a year-round open road. road.

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The Pre-hearing Conference will take place on the following

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&Feedback

• THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, January 29, 2021

OPINION COLUMN

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

THE WAY WE WERE

Creemore in the 1940s: Part 5

by Gerry Blackburn South of the Town hall, the present 100 Mile Store, was the Creemore Post Office. Later it was the Village of Creemore Municipal office. The large frame twostorey building on the corner in the 1940s was operated as a Farmer’s Co-op, managed by an Albert Lennox.

It had an apartment upstairs. At that time the building was smaller, not extending as far west. My uncle Ike Watson, a plumber, and tinsmith worked out of a onestorey building going west on Caroline Street and there was another small building west of it but I can’t remember who was in it. The next building was Bert Walker’s repair garage. He sold Dodge cars during the forties, as well as Massey Harris farm machinery. He was an excellent mechanic and well-liked in the farm community. West of the lane was Howard Priddle’s grocery store. It was the first store in Creemore, using self-serving carts. Howard had an almost new Ford car, which he parked on the street. Newer Fords at that time had a steering wheel lock on the ignition switch. One night, someone hot-wired his car and tried to drive it away, except of course the steering was locked and could not be turned. Becoming excited the thieves accidentally blew the horn. This of course woke-up the Piddles, who lived upstairs, who called the police and apprehended the culprits.

The next building was George Nixon’s egg grading station and farm feed store. He bought eggs, sold baby chicks and installed a walk-in freezer, where his customers could rent a locker to keep their frozen food before individuals had household freezers. He also bought a lot of alfalfa for seed. All the rest of the buildings going west were residential, until St Luke’s Anglican Church, at 22 Caroline St. W. In 1886 it replaced the first church in Creemore, which was up in the Cemetery. In the 1940s, it did not have the present Parish Hall but has always been a very pretty church.

To the north of the church was Creemore’s lawn bowling green, with a small clubhouse. It had been quite popular before WW2, but perhaps they had problems keeping a grounds-keeper during the war and it had to fold. Coming back down Caroline Street, my Aunt Merle Blackburn had a hair salon at 7 Caroline St. W. The next building was a Blacksmith’s shop operated by Ed Osborne. This building blew down in a storm years later. The next building, now the House of Stitches was a combination Fire Hall, for part of the 1940s and farm supply store. Next was The Creemore Star, which of course is still the office of the Creemore Echo. It was then owned and published by C.B. “Bert” Smith. Several years ago I did extensive research on old Creemore Stars and before Bert taking over it contained very little local news. Bert changed this because he now had a linotype machine, instead of hand-setting the type. The Creemore Echo staff has now even improved Bert’s excellent reporting.

Gerry Blackburn is the author of Creemore, as Remembered by Gerry Blackburn, available at The Creemore Echo Newsstand.

The Beeton Flyer derailed at Glencairn on Saturday, June 19, 1954 – The southbound CNR train was derailed when a spare water car (tender) went off the track a quarter mile north of Glencairn Station (at the Mad River Bridge). Fortunately the engine and tender were not derailed but a spare tender belonging to a work train parked at Creemore broke loose and nosedived into the ditch. Two crew members suffered injuries and four passengers received a severe shaking up (Creemore Star).

LETTER

Act of kindness lifts the soul Editor: Last week I hit a boiling point, I needed a break.

I can be a hot head in the best of times, but add in a pandemic, insomnia and two kids who have been away from their friends since mid-December and are trying to e-learn on rural internet... Rage mom might be the best descriptor for my state.

My very kind, and perhaps self protecting husband encouraged me to spend a night in my studio. Regardless of all my mother guilt, I took the opportunity to spend a night alone.

I have a great text group of girlfriends, all with kids at home, who gently ordered me to drop the omnipresent mom guilt. I obeyed as best I could and went for a fast paced walk around town, listening to music on my headphones, singing along, tone deaf I’m sure, feeling a bit like my younger self.

The realization that I hadn’t eaten a meal all day and the warm open sign in Chez Michel’s window had me ordering take-out at nearly 9 p.m. that night.

Although my studio is only a few doors down form Chez Michel, I had never met Milynne, co-owner of

the restaurant. For some reason I didn’t introduce myself, the introvert in me I suppose. However, I did tell her that I was away from my kids for the first time in a long while and that I was excited about my take-out dinner. Without a moments hesitation she said, “well you must let me gift you with a bottle of wine. I’m a mom and I get it.”

I was awestruck by her kindness, although I didn’t express it very well at the time. It was more than just a free bottle of wine, which of course is fantastic. In that moment Milynne saw me, held my experience and with that generous act said, “I’ve got you girl.”

It meant more than I can describe here.

Milynne mothered the mother. My girlfriends mothered the mother. We’re all feeling this nearly yearlong pandemic in deep and varying ways. These ladies reminded me of the lift that comes from an act of kindness and lasting impact of a little mothering of a mother. Thank you Milynne, and thank you my dear friends.

Sara Sniderhan, Mulmur.

www.creemore.com

The Creemore Echo is independently owned and operated.

PUBLISHER Sara Hershoff

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EDITOR Trina Berlo

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The Creemore Echo is published every Friday and distributed free locally.

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3 Caroline St. W., Box 1219 • Creemore, ON L0M 1G0 • Tel: 705-466-9906 • Fax: 705-466-9908 • info@creemore.com

THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, January 29, 2021 •

Look for home energy savings

by Sherri Jackson While we are all spending so much time at home, you may be tired of staring at the same four walls. We thought it was time to talk about energy savings that are quick and simple. Not only will they save energy, but in the end, they will save you money too.

Did you know that a 2015 study showed that household products and services comprise 60 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions annually? So it stands to reason that reducing our at-home consumption can provide pretty good bang for your buck, while making the planet happier too.

Here are our tips for February: Feb. 5: Become aware of your spending. What is your biggest category?

Food? Utilities? Repairs? Stuff? Then consider what you could cut back on.

Here’s your big challenge. How long could you go without spending on anything but groceries? For a day (good); a week (better); a month (best). Give it a try and see how far you get. In these Covid times, you may find this challenge a little easier than it may be normally!

Feb. 12: Call your energy companies or go to their websites to find out about

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Climate Action Challenge green energy or energy efficiency grants and programs that might be available.

Many utilities have incentive programs to help you get started. Anything from LED light bulbs, programmable thermostats to rebates on windows, doors and furnaces. There are also government programs available that you can sign up for. If you are already planning household renovations, it might be wise to investigate before beginning, as some require an Energy Audit before work begins.

Feb. 19: Lower the temperature on your hot water tank. The default setting on most water heaters is 60ºC or 140ºF, but optimal water temperature is 49ºC or 120ºF. Turning down the heat will save you about 25 per cent of your hot water heating costs. Water heating makes up about 20-25 per cent of the natural gas used in a typical gas-heated house (in a cold climate). Lowering the temperature setting by that 11ºC or 20ºF can cut your overall natural gas use by 5-6 per cent over the year. A quick, one-time adjustment for a few hundred bucks a year. Not bad.

(See “Lower” on page 9)

POEM

Otto Biography

by Tim Armour I call him “Little Big Mouth” for he’s not the size of tuppence, Yet he’ll tackle Turks of Titans giving either their comeuppance.

This behaviour’s apt to manifest when “Mouth” is feeling frisky, Such as afternoons or evenings when he’s well into his whisky.

He’s a contradicted creature at the same time glib and gloomy; Hail fellow well met face belies a jaundiced eye so rheumy.

He is oh so virtuoso on an organ or piano, Yet at piecing things together, well, let’s say he’s no Meccano.

If he gets you in his grasp, he’s apt to talk your weary ear off, So much so that folks who spot him on the street are apt to veer off.

He’s a piker. He’s a pendant, parsimonious and pompous, Who would hob nob with the snobs and those of value catawampus.

He’ll lay victim on the altar of these greedy people’s grasping, As he aches for affirmation like a fish on shore a gasping.

He can craft a crop of phrases into lyrics deep with meanings, Yet this talent’s tarred and tainted by his trite and venal learnings.

In a horde he’s only happy if he’s centre of attention.

This necessity has made of him a mother of invention, For he has a million stories, one for every situation, And they change each time he tells them; custom made confabulation.

His magnetic personality might draw my fist to strike him, And I’d do so in a second if, at times, I wasn’t like him.

“O wad some Pow’r the giftie gie us.

To see oursels as ithers see us!”

From Robbie Burns’ To a Louse

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• THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, January 29, 2021

Ward Boundary Review Survey 2021

HOW ARE YOU BEST REPRESENTED?

Council is reviewing its composition and ward boundaries to understand if our wards and Council representation is effective, equitable and an accurate reflection of who lives here. This review will have a lasting impact on how you’re represented at the municipal level, now and into the future.

We need your help to answer some big questions about how you are represented.

Some information you need to know before taking the survey: The last ward boundary review was completed in 2013. Council wants to check in with electors prior to the next municipal election and review its current council composition.

Which Ward Do You Live In?

What’s the difference between voting by Ward and At-Large?

VOTING BY WARD means, voting for one candidate to represent the area in which you live, in addition to voting for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor positions.

VOTING AT–LARGE means, all voters in the Township can vote for all seats up for election (ie: if there are seven (7) councillor positions on council, voters can vote for seven (7) candidates in addition to Mayor and Deputy Mayor) Participate & Have Your Say Fill out the Ward Boundary Review Survey online at www.clearview.ca/WBR or below. Submit before the deadline of February 28, 2021. Council will consider the survey results as part of their decision making process.

Thank you Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. If you have further questions or require some additional information, please contact: Pamela Fettes, Clerk 705.428.6230 ext. 224 pfettes@clearview.ca

Scan this code and bring the Ward Boundary Review to life!

Brenda Falls, Deputy Clerk 705.428.6230 ext. 223 bfalls@clearview.ca

For more information visit the Ward Boundary Review webpage at

www.clearview.ca/WBR

Use the camera on your mobile phone to scan the QR Code and watch the video

COMPLETE AND SUBMIT AT LOCATIONS LISTED BELOW What is your postal code?

If Clearview Township retains the ward system, which would you prefer?

Which Ward do you live in?

The Township of Clearview is currently divided into seven (7) wards, electing one (1) councillor per ward. Are you satisfied with the current number of Councillors?  Yes  No  I’m not sure Do you favour electing councillors by ward or at-large?  By ward  At-Large



Change to a five (5) ward structure (5 Councillors, a Deputy Mayor and Mayor)  Maintain the current ward structure (7 Councillors, a Deputy Mayor and Mayor)  I do not like the ward system

If Clearview Township changes to a system of electing Councillors at large, which would you prefer?

 Five (5) member Council, all elected at-large

(3 Councillors, Deputy Mayor and Mayor)  Seven (7) member Council, all elected at-large (5 Councillors, Deputy Mayor and Mayor)  I do not like the At-Large System

Please add general comments with suggestions or reasons why you prefer the option(s) you selected.

DROP OFF LOCATIONS: Stayner Administration Centre Drop Box – 217 Gideon St. Stayner • The Stayner Branch of the Clearview Public Library – 269 Regina St. • The Creemore Branch of the Clearview Public Library – 165 Library St. • The Creemore Echo - 3 Caroline St. W. Creemore • The New Lowell Branch of the Clearview Public Library – 5237 County Road 9 • The Singhampton UltraMar – 794047 County Road 124 • Nottawa’s D&L Variety – 4190 County Road 124

THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, January 29, 2021 •

Local farmers support move to regenerative agriculture

by Trina Berlo A new coalition of farm organizations called Farmers for Climate Solutions is taking an active role to include farmers in the conversation about climate change.

The coalition is taking a multi pronged approach, advocating for policy change at the federal level while also networking amongst each other to share best practices, all at a time when consumers are demanding food grown in climate conscious conditions.

Creemore farmers Gillian Flies, in her capacity as president of the Canadian Organic Growers, and Brent Preston, as president of the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario, are both working to further the cause of the coalition. They own and operate The New Farm near Dunedin, a certified organic vegetable farm.

One year ago a conversation began at the national level amongst those groups and others about supporting a wider move into regenerative agriculture.

“We got together realizing that our voices together would be stronger and more urgent than anything one of our organizations could do independently,” said Flies. “We realize the need that, if we’re going to do anything quickly, there has to be policy change.”

As a coalition they are advocating for the federal government to support climate friendly agricultural practices and farmers.

“There is ample evidence from

Gillian Flies

Brent Preston

Canada and other jurisdictions that increasing biodiversity, improving soil health and fostering healthy ecosystems on farms can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase carbon sequestration, and improve farmer livelihoods by decreasing the need for purchased inputs and increasing resilience during weather extremes,” states a Farmers for Climate Change report.

The agriculture sector is responsible for 12 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse emissions.

Farmers for Climate Solutions formally launched in February of 2020, just before the pandemic. As is the case for everyone, it is currently the biggest threat but it is also being seen as a time to emerge better and stronger. The pandemic has also shone a spotlight on food security and sources.

“COVID-19 recovery is an opportunity to create change in a

sector that has seriously lagged in its climate response. Now is the time to support farmers to adopt low-emission, high-resilience approaches that benefit farmers and provide ecological goods and services such as clean water, air, biodiversity, and renewable energy from which all Canadians benefit,” states the report.

“Climate change is the next biggest hurdle that we are going to have to get over and there is a real global realization that agriculture has a really large role to play in climate change innovation,” said Flies. “This is why these agriculture groups are coming together because traditionally agriculture has been left out of that conversation and out of that solution.”

The climate action conversation at the federal level has focused on alternative energy and reducing emissions, said Flies, when a big pieces of the puzzle is about how food is grown. Farmers

7

for Climate Solutions are adding to the conversation with topics like carbon sequestering, the farm debt crisis and a lack of resiliency on farms to safeguard against extreme climate events.

“It’s really exciting because Farmers for Climate Solutions is a bunch of organizations coming together to really give a strong voice to farmers who want to be part of the solution,” said Flies.

“Our philosophy from the beginning is that every farmer, no matter who they are or how good their practices are, always do better and so our goal is to have all farmers moving in the right direction, moving toward lowering emissions and increasing resilience,” said Preston, adding that Farmers for Climate Solutions has representatives from over 20,000 farmers in every region in Canada, in all scales and sectors.

The group is proposing that $300 million be earmarked to support farmers as they transition through incentives for on-farm renewable energy generation; cover cropping, diversified crop rotations, holistic grazing, decreased tillage, and tree planting; farmer-to-farmer training; risk-reducing practices that enhance climate resilience; and investing in young and new farmers to help them overcome barriers as new business owners.

“Maybe the biggest one is improving nitrogen fertilizer use,” said Preston.

(See “Canadian” on page 8)

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• THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, January 29, 2021

Mariane McLeod to chair Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority At its Jan. 22 annual general meeting, the N o t t a w a s a g a Va l l e y Conservation Authority (NVCA) elected its committee leaders.

Mariane McLeod, councillor for the Town of Collingwood, was elected as chair, and Gail Little, councillor of the Township of Amaranth, Mariane McLeod was elected vice chair.

In 2020, McLeod served as NVCA’s Vice Chair, while Councillor Little was on the agricultural committee. She will continue taking on this role

while serving as Vice Chair.

“This is going to be a challenging year for NVCA and all 35 other Conservation Authorities,” said Councillor McLeod. “I am grateful for the leadership of former chair Keith White and for the fine example he set during the past year. I’m certain Councillor Little will be a terrific vice chair and I look forward to working closely with her.”

“It’s a privilege to be elected as Vice Chair of the NVCA. I have great respect for their work, and recognize the improvements that NVCA has made to the watershed. I look forward to providing any assistance to the authority while learning and growing in this role,” said Little.

NVCA’s board of directors and staff recognize

NCC asks visitors to respect nature reserves The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is asking all visitors to its publicly-accessible nature reserves to do so with respect and to follow all posted signage for guidance on permitted activities.

“We have noticed an increase in some nonpermitted activities on our properties in recent months,” said Rob McRae, program director, eastern Ontario. “Off leash dogs, ATV and snowmobile use, people going off trails, fires, dog waste and other litter are just a few of the complaints we have received from community members. First and foremost, our nature reserves are to protect the species found there, so it is important that all visitors treat these places and other users with respect.”

These issues have escalated during the pandemic, especially since the province-wide shutdown went

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“If visitors see any illegal activity, such as vandalism or trespass, we encourage people to report it to NCC staff and the local authorities,” said McRae. The following activities are prohibited on all NCC properties in Ontario: • Off-leash dogs. Pets must be kept leashed at all times for their wellbeing and to protect other visitors, other dogs, and wildlife and their natural habitat; • Littering. All garbage, including pet waste, must be taken with you. NCC does not maintain waste bins on its properties; • Camping or fires; • Foraging or picking of plants; • Off-trail use.

All of the non-profit, national charity’s properties are private lands. Most are open to visitors to enjoy and appreciate nature. Many of these properties were donated by generous individuals who wanted to ensure these special places remain in their natural state forever. However, the natural values of these places can be threatened by unsustainable use.

“We know nature is important in our lives and good for our health and well-being, especially in these stressful times. Many of our properties are popular with nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. But we need the public to respect these special places. Many of our trails are maintained by volunteers and a limited number of staff. We are asking everyone to respect these areas and to follow the directions on use as posted in our signage,” said McRae.

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t h a t 2 0 2 1 w i l l b e a c h a l l e n g i n g y e a r, a s conservation authorities adapt to the changes to the Conservation Authorities Act, along with the ongoing difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In the Nottawasaga Valley watershed, we are also facing immense growth pressures,” continued McLeod. “This will pose an additional test for our staff to remain efficient and effective in the work they do, which is, of course, protecting people and property from flooding and erosion. Thank you for the confidence from the board of directors and I will do my best to deserve it.”

White, councillor of the Township of Essa declined both nominations to be in this year’s executive team.

Canadian farmers are going to get left behind (Continued from page 7) “There are ways that farmers can reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizer they use without affecting their yields and that has a big, big impact on greenhouse gas emissions.”

Coalition members have been having lots of meetings with ministries and is confident it is making progress.

If the budget proposal is approved, it’s still 50 times less than the European Union would spend on agriculture related environmental programs on a per acre basis, and 13 times less than the United States, according to the coalition’s research.

“Canadian farmers are going to get left behind if these other jurisdictions are spending way, way, way more than we are on improving the environment footprint of their ag sector,” said Preston.

He said the coalition is not promoting any new, untested ideas, only practical solutions that are proven to work and need to be scaled up.

Flies said education is key. The New Farm began learning about and implementing regenerative agriculture practices in 2017.

“We’re quite progressive farmers and very environmentally focussed and we didn’t even know about a lot of the benefits of these practices,” said Flies.

She said the practices can result in higher soil quality, lower costs and higher profits, which benefit the farmer, not just the climate.

Part of the conversation is about improving the existing farming structure, which has made it necessary for farmers to scale up in order to make a profit, and is the reason why smaller scale farmers have left the industry.

“We really believe strongly that improved farmer livelihoods has to be one of the outcomes and that’s why we need government support to get us through this transition phase,” said Preston.

To read more and take a pledge calling on federal and provincial governments to advance policies that will help all farmers adapt and make the transition to climate-friendly agriculture, visit farmersforclimatesolutions.ca.

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THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, January 29, 2021 •

Lower the thermostat

FREE Real Estate Online Zoom Info Sessions

(Continued from page 5) Feb. 24: Lower your thermostat by one degree this week. You won’t really notice the difference, but estimates are that every one degree in temperature saves about five per cent on your heating bill. It goes without saying that you should have a programmable thermostat, that lowers the temperature of your home when you are away and asleep, and turns it up in the early morning, and again after work. Your “away” state should be about 10 degrees cooler than your “at home” state. So, for example, when you’re home, your thermostat is 70ºF. When you’re away, it’s 60ºF.

52 Weeks of Climate Action was created by Sherri Jackson and Laurel Hood. Visit the blog or sign up at www.52weeksofclimateaction.com.

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There are many other easy things you can do, like, reversing your ceiling fans so they are pushing hot air down into the room. Use area rugs to heat up cold floors.

Put on a sweater, or a lap blanket when you’re relaxing.

Of course, change out your light bulbs for LEDs, and use timers. Turn out the lights when you leave a room.

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Canadian Criss Cross ACROSS 1. Scraping tool 5. Battering device 8. Distance between bridge supports 12. Feverish condition 13. Former name of Tokyo 14. Moved toward 15. Young salmon 16. Day after today 18. Boxer Berbick 20. Talks 21. Extremely dry 23. Tool for making holes 24. Hamlet in Alberta 28. ___ alamos 31. Away from the wind 32. By means of 33. Of aircraft 34. You can hang your jacket on it 35. Octopus arms 37. What a dentist asks you to say 39. At the drop of ___ 40. A prime minister of the United Kingdom 43. Cerumen 47. Woman’s dressing gown 49. Ireland 50. Keep in good condition 51. Opposite of SSW 52. Rotate quickly 53. River in Germany 54. Layer of earth with grass growing on it 55. Actress Ward

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1/31 DOWN 1. Deeply engrossed 2. Gelatin-like product of some seaweeds 3. Positive 4. Spread through all parts of 5. Get and bring back from a place 6. Fuss 7. Maternal parents 8. Threaded fastener 9. Always the same distance apart 10. Frenzied and out of control 11. Current events 17. Brightly coloured fish 19. Sphere 22. River of Bosnia and Herzegovina 24. Single circuit of a racetrack

25. ___-de-France 26. Pessimistic 27. Came together in one place 29. Mineral from which metal is extracted 30. Ship’s call for help 33. One who performs in films 35. Soon after 36. Battery size 38. A mayor of Calgary 40. Lhasa ___ 41. Durable red-brown wood 42. Billions of years 44. Remove dirt from 45. Seed covering 46. TV’s Warrior Princess 48. Daughter of Cadmus

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• THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, January 29, 2021

New strain is 50-70% more transmissible

Queen motherload of entertainment LIBRARY NEWS

Lowell at 705-424-6288 In honour of Queen and Stayner at 705-428Elizabeth’s accession to the throne on Feb. 6, 1952, we 3595).

If you are unsure of what have pulled together some special collections featuring is in stock, take a chance by checking out one of our “All Things British” in the Blind Date with A Paper Clearview Public Library.

Housed in the Stayner Bag Packages. Library Michele McKENZIE staff, including, Shannon Branch is a very special selection of British TV Lougheed (pictured), are now very skilled at choosing library Series including everything from Above Suspicion to The Doctor Blake materials that you will hopefully enjoy after ascertaining your likes and Mysteries to The Vicar of Dibley. dislikes.

Our rotation from the Simcoe County The Ontario Stay at Home Order Library Co-operative has also just will be effective for the next several landed in on our shelves and available now is a double order of “new-to-you” weeks. This means that you have the perfect excuse to have a cup of tea with DVDs and Blu-Rays. a crumpet while you binge TV watch If you are in need of entertainment, in the name of staying safe and in your pick up the phone and place an order for a curbside pick-up appointment. bubble. Enjoy with compliments of your library.

(Call Creemore at 705-466-3011, New

Lasagna heats up Valentine's Day Ladies Auxiliary Annual Valentine’s Take Out Dinner Sunday, Feb. 14.

Lasagna, Caesar salad, bun and butter, with cheesecake for dessert will be available for $15 per person.

Vegetarian option is available.

Call 705-466-2462 or 705-466-

2330 to reserve before Feb. 7.

Red and white wine is available for $20 and must be ordered in advance.

Pick up at Creemore Legion on Valentine’s Day between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Masks must be worn inside the lounge. Please bring exact change for payment.

(Continued from page 1) testing…” said Gardner.

Another individual has no known links to any of the outbreaks and that case is under investigation.

“This does speak to the potential for this to be spreading now in the community and it’s really, really important that people take that to heart and behave accordingly in order to reduce their risk of being part of transmission of this new variant.

If it isn’t spreading readily in our community now, it may very well do so in the near future, ” said Gardner.

“Clearly the new strain is of great concern to us,” he said, adding that it is 50-70 per cent more transmissible.

The health unit is awaiting more data from the point prevalence study to show how prevalent the variants are.

“This will be very dynamic and it will be very hard for us to stop this from transmitting in the community and I think we all need to take precautions very seriously because of how readily it transmits,” said Gardner.

Asking everyone to obey the stay at home order, only going out for essential work, shopping and exercise. He said that means no visiting in the home

with friends, grandchildren or anyone, the only exception being if there is a single person who has been exclusively adopted by another household.

“This is really important right now with this new variant which is on the cusp of spreading into our community,” said Gardner.

All long term care residents have been immunized, moving into retirement homes in the most high risk areas by Friday. Supplies are limited until midFebruary. When supply resumes the health unit will work through priority groups.

Gardner said the supply disruption comes at a bad time as some people are in between their first and second doses.

The first dose alone offers 85 per cent protection against the virus, and the second dose increase that protection to 95 per cent.

For more information, visit www. simcoemuskokahealth.org or call Health Connection to speak with a public health professional weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 705-721-7520 (1-877-721-7520). More information about the vaccine and immunization can also be found at ontario.ca.

App provides location during emergency calls Since Dec. 1, the OPP Provincial Communications Centres have been using the mobile application what3words to help people in need when a caller cannot describe or does not know where they are located.

Through its global mapping system, the app labels every three squared metres with a unique three-word location string which can be converted into latitude and longitude coordinates for entry into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system in use at the PCCs. What3words is a free application for iPhones and Android devices that works off the cellphone’s Global Positioning System (GPS) or offline without mobile data if the caller already

has the mobile app downloaded on their cellular device.

Even if the caller does not have the app previously downloaded on their mobile device, the PCC communicator can send a link to the caller’s cell phone which will enable the caller with data access to find their what3words location. The app is available in 43 languages but shares the location in English.

“This app allows for an excellent opportunity to save precious time in an emergency and enable our PCCs to support a more rapid frontline response. The OPP encourage all to become familiar with the app and consider adding it to your cellular device,” said police.

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ECHO Classifieds

THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, January 29, 2021 •

FOR SALE

VALENTINE'S DAY

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

CREEMORE HILLS WINERY Pét-Nat for sale $30 (12.5% alc./ vol. 750 ml) Enjoy a walk through the vineyard. COVID Prices – Wine: White or Red, $20; Honey: $20. For pre-arranged pick-up or delivery Call/Text 647-588-8931.

Email cmorrissey0708@rogers.com.

SERVICES

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.

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 519375-0958.

SMITH’S LAWN CARE is now booking for 2021. Lawn cutting, landscaping, garden and property maintenance. License/insured. Call (705)888-7092 or email smithlawns@ outlook.com

Creemore Legion Ladies Auxiliary Annual VALENTINE'S TAKEOUT DINNER is Sunday, Feb. 14. Includes lasagna, Caesar salad, bun/butter, cheesecake. Meat and vegetarian options. Call to reserve by Feb. 7, 2021. 705-466-2462 or 705466-2330. Masks must be worn for pick-up in the lounge between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Please have exact change. Add a bottle of red or white wine for just $20 - please notify when ordering.

THANK YOU

A Huge Legion Thank You! The members of the Creemore Legion are grateful to everyone who supported the Legion through the purchase of cabbage roll dinners on Jan. 14. The community purchased a total of 143 dinners, and it is hoped everyone enjoyed them. An additional thank you to those who donated to the event in addition to purchasing their meals. Your support is enormously appreciated.

Sincerely, and on behalf of the Creemore Legion Doug Mills, Public Relations Officer

OUR DOORS ARE LOCKED but we are able to help.

CUSTOM SNOW BLOWING in Creemore and surrounding areas.

Contact Al, 705-305-4420.

HELP WANTED

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FOR RENT

COUNTRY RETREAT for rent for February. $1,200 for a week stay.

All utilities included. Five-bedroom farmhouse on 200 acres. Ten minutes north of Mansfield. Inquires, please contact Paula at 519-572-5071.

COMMERCIAL UNIT for rent.

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5 6 1 2 7 5 4 9 4 FINE STATIONERY • MAGAZINES • GIFTS 2 PRINTER 1 INK • GREETING CARDS8 7 SCANNING, FAX AND PHOTO COPYING 2 1 The Creemore Echo 9 8 6 3 Caroline 6 9 7 3St. W. 4 705-466-9906 5 7 6

NEWS

www.creemore.com

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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

OBITUARY

COLLINS, Emma Marie - September 22, 1980 - December 5, 2020. Emma Marie Collins passed away in the early morning of Dec. 5, 2020, in Vancouver, Washington. She had been battling a rare progressive disease since her mid 20s and fought hard through multiple painful hospitalizations and surgeries, but she finally lost the war.

Emma was born in Toronto, Canada, and her family moved to Mulmur Township when she was just over a year old. She attended the Mulmur Cooperative Playschool, Shelburne Junior School, the old junior school and Nottawasaga and Creemore Public School in Creemore, Ontario, as well as Centre Dufferin District High School in Shelburne before moving with her family to Portland, Oregon, where she graduated with honours from Franklin High School. She attended the University of Southern Oregon for two years and then switched to Portland State University, where she got her degree in English literature.

Emma then entered the graduate Librarianship program at Dalhousie University in Halifax. She was only a couple of credits short of her Master's degree, when the progressive ravages of HSAN1E finally made it impossible for her to continue her education.

Emma was a medal-winning gymnast with the Orangeville Gymnastics club, she ran on the cross-country team at Nottawasaga and Creemore Public School, and she was a member of the golf team and the dragon boat team at Franklin High School. She loved the Cowboy Junkies and baby Alice and her dog Mary and owls and the patterns trees made in the sky and handmade earrings and writing and drawing and oatmeal cookies and ginger tea and her best friends Liza and Alex. What Emma enjoyed most though was lying on the back of her pony Bullet and reading a book as he grazed his way around the pasture field on the home farm on the Centre Road.

Emma loved and was loved by her family. She leaves behind not only her parents William (Bill) Collins of Kelowna, B.C., and Kyra Collins of Clatskanie, Oregon, but also her sister Christina Nikiforuk of Surrey, B.C. and her brothers Matthew Collins of Wellington, Florida, and Michael Collins of Portland, Oregon. Emma will also be sorely missed by her grandparents William and Jean Collins of Kelowna, B.C., her aunt Marni Collins of Toronto, Ontario, and her beloved uncle Dimitry Struve of Santa Cruz, California, as well as her cousin Rosie Struve of Milwaukie, Oregon.

She touched the lives of many people on her brief journey through this life.

There will be a private family gathering to honour Emma once the pandemic makes travelling safe again. Donations in Emma's name can be made to the HSAN1E Society at hsan1esociety.org.

OBITUARY

LEONARD, Catherine “Lois” (Nee McLeod) Jan. 25, 1931 – Jan. 19, 2021 Lois passed away at home after a decades long battle with cancer in her 90th year. Lois, beloved wife & life partner of Graham; mother of John (Cheryl) Paul (Janice) and Mark (Denise). Cherished grandmother to Craig and Cameron. Predeceased by her parents Norman and Barbara McLeod, brother Ken (Norma), sister Marg (Barry Hughes.) Beloved Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Worked for 30+ years as a nurse and in administration at St. John Convalescent Hospital, North York. A devout Christian and a pillar of the Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church. Due to the pandemic, there will be a closed family service only. When Covid allows, a celebration of life will take place. If you like, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

IN MEMORIAM

In Memory - Sharron Mary Bellamy (Patton) 1946-2020 Sister, Of all the many blessings, However great or small, To have had you as a sister, Was the greatest one of all.

The family chain is broken now, And nothing seems the same, But as God takes us one by one, The chain will link again.

With love, Your sisters and brother, Betty, Linda, Roger, Kathy, Judy, Helen and families.

We also remember our parents Maurice and Mary Patton.

Fran Webster S A L E S R E P R E S E N TAT I V E

Always At Your Service DIRECT

705 444 9081 OFFICE

705 445 5454 EMAIL

websterfh@gmail.com

Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage / www.ChestnutPark.com

12

• THE CREEMORE ECHO • Friday, January 29, 2021

Stop the Spread

COVID-19 can be deadly.

Stay home.

Stay strong.

Save lives.

217 Gideon Street, Stayner, ON L0M 1S0 Telephone: 705 428-6230 | Fax: 705 428-0288 Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

www.clearview.ca

Communications are available in alternative formats upon request.

NOTICE OF STUDY COMPLETION

MUNICIPAL CLASS ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT SOUTH EAST STAYNER SANITARY SERVICING

THE STUDY The Township of Clearview (Township) has completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) to address the need for Sewage Collection to service the existing unserviced area in the south east quadrant of Stayner, including the proposed development referred to as ‘Manortown Homes’. The approximate extent of the Study Area is shown on the map.

The Preferred Solution is to build a new pumping station on a new site to service the Study Area.

THE PROCESS The Study followed Schedule B of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process described in the Municipal Engineers Association guide (October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011, & 2015) which is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. The study evaluated alternative solutions with consideration for the natural, cultural, technical and economic environment, and recommend a preferred solution in consultation with the public, Indigenous communities and agencies. A Notice of Study Commencement inviting public input was first published on July 18, 2019. A virtual Public Information Centre was held from July 2 to August 4, 2020.

PROJECT FILE REPORT A Project File Report (PRF) has been prepared to document the planning and decision-making process for this Study. By this notice, the PFR will be placed on the public record and be available for a 30-day review period starting January 21, 2021 and ending February 22, 2021 in accordance with the requirements of the MCEA process. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, an electronic copy of the PFR is available for viewing at https://www.clearview.ca/ news-events-meetings/special-projects/environmental-assessment-staynersanitary-servicing. Comments or concerns about the project are to be directed to the Township for a response. To provide comments on the project, or if you require alternative accommodations to view the PFR, please contact either of the following Project Team members by 4:30 P.M. February 22, 2021: Mike Rawn, C.E.T., CMM III Jennifer Georgas, P.Eng Director of Public Works Project Engineer Clearview Township R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited 217 Gideon Street 3 Ronell Crescent Stayner, ON L0M 1S0 Collingwood, ON L9Y 4J6 705-428-6230, ext. 243 705-797-4271 mrawn@clearview.ca jennifer.georgas@rjburnside.com If there are concerns regarding potential adverse impacts to constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights, a request for an order requiring a higher level of study or conditions on those matters should be addressed in writing to the Minister of the Environment and Conservation Parks and the Director of the Environmental Assessment Branch. Requests on other grounds will not be considered. Requests should include the requester contact information and full name for the ministry. The request should be sent by 4:30 P.M. February 22, 2021 in writing or by email to: M in is t e r o f t h e E n v iro n m e n t , C o n s e r v a t io n a n d P a r k s M in is t r y o f E n v iro n m e n t , C o n s e r v a t io n a n d P a r k s 7 7 7 B a y S t re e t , 5 t h F lo o r To ro n t o O N M 7 A 2 J 3 m in is t e r.m e c p @ o n t a r io .c a

D ire c t o r, E n v iro n m e n t a l A s s e s s m e n t B ra n c h M in is t r y o f E n v iro n m e n t , C o n s e r v a t io n a n d Pa rk s 1 3 5 S t . C la ir A v e . W , 1 s t F lo o r To ro n t o O N , M 4 V 1 P 5 E A B D ire c t o r @ o n t a r io .c a

Requests should also be sent to the Project Team by mail or by e-mail.

Visit ontario.ca/coronavirus Paid for by the Government of Ontario

Information will be collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record. Project and notice information will be made accessible upon request in accordance with the Accessibility Standard for Information and Communication under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005.

This Notice first published on January 21 2021.