November 18, 2022

Volunteers planning for Christmas in the Valley

by Trina Berlo

Creemore’s Christmas in the Valley begins with the tree lighting, hosted by the Tree Society of Creemore, on Friday, Dec. 2 at Station on the Green and Creemore Village Green.

Free hotdogs will be served from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bring-your-own mugs for servings of hot chocolate and apple cider. The tree lighting is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The evening will also include gingerbread cookie-decorating, singing, a scavenger hunt, and the crazy hat contest.

The community is encouraged to support two local charities: Drop by the fire wagon to donate to the Creemore Food Bank. Firefighters will be on hand to accept donations of soup, crackers, bread stuffing, Christmas cookies,

Christmas cake, pretzels, potato chips, nut-free snacks, chocolate, tangerines, apples, drinking boxes, juice, canned pop, a pre-packaged $10 or $20 bag of food from Foodland, gift cards and toys; and volunteers will also be accepting donation to the Clearview Ukrainian Relief Fund at the Station on the Green window.

During the evening, the Clearview Chamber of Commerce will draw prizes for the “I Support Local Draw” Up to five receipts from Clearview Township businesses issued between Nov. 10 and Dec. 2 can be entered in the draw for a chance to win one of six $25 gift cards to local shops.

On Saturday morning, Dec. 3, Breakfast with Santa is happening at the Creemore Legion from 8 a.m. to noon

and there is a Christmas Farmers' Market at Station on the Green on both Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9 a.m.

The Santa Claus Parade will be in the afternoon.

The parade is marshalling at the Legion and the arena and will travel east on Johnston Street, south on Mill Street to Edward, and east to Mary Street in order to pass by the nursing home before disbanding. Santa will be making his way to the Creemore Log Cabin after the parade to visit with children. The parade is expected to hit Mill Street at 1:30 p.m.

Everyone is encouraged to enter. The cost is $20 for businesses. Community groups and non-profit groups can register free of charge.

To register for the parade, visit experiencecreemore.com.

Bill 23 would upend planning approval process

by Trina Berlo

Bill 23 proposes to alter 10 provincial laws in order to accelerate the construction of new homes in Ontario.

The More Homes Built Faster Act, tabled to the legislature on Oct. 25, aims to advance the province’s goal of adding 1.5 million homes in the coming decade.

Municipalities and other agencies are reviewing the Bill to assess implications and are submitting comments as the omnibus bill moves through a second reading process. Those affected are voicing questions and concerns about the significant changes that will upend the way development is approved in the province.

Changes are proposed for legislation relating to municipal planning, Conservation Authorities, development charges, Ontario Land Tribunals, and heritage, with the goal of removing barriers to construction.

A Planning Act amendment provides for two different classes of uppertier municipalities, those which have planning responsibilities and those which do not. Various amendments

are proposed to provide lower-tier municipalities “with planning functions where, for municipal purposes, they form part of an upper-tier municipality without planning responsibilities.”

County of Simcoe planning department would be removed from the development approvals process, eliminating the county’s Official Plan, allocating more approval powers to lower tier municipalities, and limiting avenues for appeal through Ontario Land Tribunals.

“County staff are deeply concerned that if Bill 23 is passed as currently proposed, a variety of significant unintended consequences will actually have the opposite effect and will delay or obstruct the construction of

additional housing supply at the scale that is desired,” states a Nov. 8 report. “Through Bill 23, the province is proposing to amend the Development Charges Act (DCA) and the Planning Act in a way that removes DC eligible services and costs, exempts certain development from the payment of DCs, Parkland Dedication Fees and Community Benefits Charges, and mandates a phase-in of new DC rates for all development (including commercial, industrial and institutional growth). Virtually all of the proposed changes to the DCA result in less DC revenue collected by municipalities to fund the costs of growth-related infrastructure that supports new housing and commercial and industrial development. The initial estimated impact to the County of Simcoe is a loss of at least $175 million in development charges over the next 10 to 15 years.”

During the last meeting of the current term of council, outgoing councillor Thom Paterson expressed concerns about the proposed changes.

“Ontario’s municipalities have been

caught off guard by the introduction of Bill 23, the latest in a series of Bills that lower environmental protection, reduce regional planning and restrict public engagement,” Paterson told The Echo. “This legislation is passing quickly through provincial parliament, just as our new Clearview council is taking office and before staff can comprehensively review the impacts of the new Bill, ask for further clarifications and make any substantial comments on the proposed changes.”

A new section of the Development Charges Act creates exemptions from development charges for the creation of affordable and attainable residential units, non-profit housing developments and inclusionary zoning (requiring affordable housing).

Critics caution that reducing development charges will create longterm barriers to building infrastructure to support new construction, such as water and sewer supply.

“Initiatives that result in offering more Ontarians greater access to (See “Under” on page 3)

“

“County staff are deeply concerned that if Bill 23 is passed as currently proposed, a variety of significant unintended consequences.”

File photo

Creemore's parade weekend kicks off with a tree lighting on Dec. 2.

Strike Potential Education workers serve strike notice

Saturday, Nov. 19

• Local parents are organizing a fundraiser for phonics and literacy materials for the local school and seeking donations of adult and children’s clothing, toys and games. Donations can be dropped off at Station on the Green after 6 p.m. on Nov. 18. To make a donation ahead of time, call Vickie at 705-441-6386 or Beth at 905717-6123. The event will take place at Station on the Green from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fill a bag for $10 or pay what you can.

• 2dA Holiday Market. 25 vendors in a magical barn 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 678612 Centre Rd. Mulmur.

• One Stop Christmas Shop, Duntroon Hall, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free entry. For more info call/text 705-444-3864. Lots of wonderful vendors, lots of unique gifts.

Sunday, Nov. 20

• Experimental Watercolour on Yupo Paper with Martha Bull. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Yupo paper fun, no experience necessary. Contact Martha Bull at marthaartist@gmail.com, or 416-546-2555. $120 all materials included.

Tuesday, Nov. 22

• Creemore BIA AGM, 7 p.m. at Station on the Green. The BIA board will be presenting a budget proposal with changes to the annual levy. Members are requested to attend and the public is welcome. Not sure if you are a voting member or want more info on the meeting? Contact BIA President Laurie at 705-520-0142.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday, Nov. 23

• NCPS annual POINSETTIA FUNDRAISER Orders due by Nov. 23 and pick up is Dec. 1. Contact Vickie for more information at 705-441-6386.

Thursday, Nov. 24

• Clearview Christmas Stop and Shop Sale. Visit Clearview's amazing stores and find great Christmas specials. Plus save your shopping receipts from Nov. 10 to Dec. 2 for a chance to win local shopping cards in the Chamber's "I Support Local Draw."

Saturday, Nov. 26

• Mistletoe Market at the Dunedin Community Hall. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gifts, crafts and artisan made goods

Saturday, Nov. 26 & Sunday, Nov. 27

• The Handmade Holiday Market is back showcasing 20+ local vendors and musicians. Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Creemore Legion, 27 Wellington St. W. The kitchen will be open serving lunch and light refreshments. Free admission, cash preferred/required by some vendors.

Thursday, Dec. 1

• Creemore Legion Ladies Auxiliary tourtiere pies are now available to order. Being made and frozen, unbaked. $17 each. Pick-up before 4 p.m. on Dec. 14. To order, please call Dee at 705-441-3709 or Laura at 705-466-2462. Call by Dec. 1 to ensure your order.

Submit your community events info@creemore.com phone: 705-466-9906 fax: 705-466-9908

Saturday,Dec. 3

• Chill Session, a N89 event – A fun shake out trail run before the holidays – 1K for youth, 5K and 10K. Spectators welcome! Mansfield Outdoor Centre, 937365 Airport Road, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Register at raceroster.com/events/2022/64705/ chill-session. Registration ($95) deadline is Nov. 30.

• Santa Claus is coming to town. Creemore's Annual Santa Claus Parade. 1:30 p.m. If you are a community group, business or person interested in entering a float, or an individual wanting to volunteer please contact Natalie at natalieagraves@ gmail.com or call 705-333-9496.

• Breakfast with Santa is back at a new location –the Creemore Legion, 8 a.m. to noon. Pancake and sausage breakfast, visit Santa and bid on the silent auction. Adults $10, Kids $5, Family of four $25. Tickets available at Creemore Foodland, Clear Tax View, Creemore IDA, The Creemore Echo and at the door. Donations to the silent auction are gratefully accepted. All proceeds go the local primary school. For more info contact Vickie at 705-441-6386.

• Celebrate the season at the Creemore Farmers’ Christmas Market with delicious gifts from our growers and bakers at Station on the Green from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 4

• Celebrate the season at Creemore Farmer’s Christmas Craft Market with handcrafted holiday gifts from our local artisans. Station on the Green from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

housing, in all forms, is something that should be strongly considered. It is critical however, that actions to bring new housing to market quickly will not compromise the quality of our communities, and do not simply shift the burden of growth-related capital expenses and infrastructure on to existing property taxpayers,” reported county staff. “Despite any changes that may result from Bill 23, the longstanding concept that growth pays for growth should be upheld. Shifting fiscal responsibility for growth-related infrastructure to the existing taxpayer will become a deterrent for building more homes.”

County staff say shifting the burden of paying for the cost of development to the property taxpayer through reduced or eliminated DCs may in fact slow down, and even prevent critical social housing projects from being completed throughout the county and in other parts of the province. There is concern that this will have a direct counterproductive impact on the goal of getting this form of housing built and that the total cost of housing will increase due to higher property taxes and user rates.

Changes to the Conservation Authorities Act would open conservation lands to development, remove commenting and approval authority on certain matters, remove pollution control as an approval factor, and change the evaluation system for

provincially significant wetlands.

“The most impactful changes are being made to the Conservation Authorities Act. The environmental responsibilities of Conservation Authorities (CA), including the NVCA to regulate or prohibit development that negatively impacts rivers and wetlands will be greatly diminished. Municipalities would no longer be required to seek expert advice from CA’s on environmental and natural heritage matters. Environmental planning on a watershed level would be replaced by a patchwork of municipality-bymunicipality varying approaches,” said Paterson. “Environmental protections do not have to be set aside by the Province to address Ontario’s growing housing crisis.”

A statement from the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) says, “Under the current wetland evaluation system, the Nottawasaga Watershed is home to the internationally significant Minesing Wetlands, 33 provincially significant wetlands (PSW), 34 important but non-provincially

significant wetlands and several of the unevaluated wetlands that would likely become provincially significant if they were evaluated. If the new legislation is passed, the evaluation score of the Minesing Wetlands will be greatly diminished, and many wetlands, including the Mad River portion of the complex will not meet PSW status.”

“The proposed changes are signalling that municipalities will be responsible for protecting people and property from natural hazards and the evaluation of wetlands,” said NVCA chair Mariane McLeod. “Conservation Authorities work on a watershed basis. If municipalities are directed to take on this task, we would need to consider how development in one municipality impacts the ones adjacent or downstream of them. We just don’t have the staff or expertise in water resources engineering, environmental planning and regulatory compliance for the Conservation Authorities Act to do that. We need to keep all hazard-related responsibilities with NVCA.”

Criticism is being voiced for the restriction of conservation authorities, even though they have been a source of frustration and for developers and individual homeowners alike.

Mulmur Mayor Janet Horner is joining the NVCA board in the next term of council and said yes, township staff and residents have been frustrated with a perceived overreach by the conservation authorities, and lengthy

turnaround time on approvals.

“Some of this might be a bit of a reset,” said Horner. “On the other hand, with Bill 23, and the government indicating that they may be able to go in and do development on wetlands, on natural heritage features, and floodplains, I’m sorry have we learned nothing?”

Under the Planning Act conservation authorities will be able to comment on natural hazards for new developments, but there is a proposal to exempt developments that have historic Planning Act approvals from natural hazard permits. Conservation authorities will also be prohibited from commenting on natural heritage, and select aspects of stormwater management reviews.

Horner said developing in those areas will certainly cause grief down the road, as the affects of climate change increase.

“In many ways they are downloading the responsibilities that the CAs have had,” said Horner. “The municipal staff is not necessarily equipped to ensure that the site is appropriate.”

She points out, there has been a tremendous amount of work done with regard to source water protection, which will no longer be part of the mandate unless the municipalities pay more for it.

“And that doesn’t have anything to do with keeping our water clean, safe and cool and that’s problematic,” said Horner. “I think we’re going to be big losers on this thing. I think some of the things, we took for granted.”

“

“I think we’re going to be big losers on this thing. I think some of the things, we took for granted.”

-Mulmur Mayor Janet Horner

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Bill 23 would rewrite the script on development

by Brenna Lattimore

I’m writing this in the hopes that I can inspire people to join me in standing up against the extremely destructive Bill 23 (the “More Homes Built Faster Act”) proposed by Premier Doug Ford last month, slipped sneakily onto the table just after municipal elections and at a time when councils are in transition and less able to organize collective responses against the Bill.

Without mincing words, Bill 23 is the most atrocious and disgusting attempt I have seen by this or any other provincial government to erase huge swathes of legislation put in place to protect Ontarians. The Bill would completely rewrite the script in terms of how development goes ahead in this province, handing the majority of the power to developers and taking it away from citizens and municipalities, while at the same time axing development charges and shifting costs from developers onto ordinary people.

Outside of the development community there is little to no support from any organizations for Bill 23, no matter what interests they represent.

Environmental groups strongly oppose it, as the Bill will pave over 7,400 acres of greenbelt and all but erase the power of conservation authorities anywhere in the province to ensure that development is done in a manner that protects vital natural resources, habitat and farmlands and safeguards against increasing flood risks.

Greenbelts were established around urban centres across the globe for very good reasons - they are vital to providing clean water, flood control and ecosystem services on which cities depend. The last time Ford tried to chip away at the greenbelt the public pushed back hard, and we need to do it again; if anything the need to protect these lands is even more apparent now, as the climate and ecological emergency accelerates and threatens our health, safety and stability.

Municipalities are also very concerned about Bill 23. The Association of Municipalities Ontario (AMO) described in a statement the profound negative impacts the Bill is likely to have at a local level, as it reduces municipalities’ ability to consult with the public and develop in a way that is appropriate for their constituency, and it shifts costs from developers to municipalities, which will inevitably need to recover the costs through a rise in municipal taxes. Despite the transition period councils are in, many of them, including our neighbours in Collingwood, have organized a response in opposition to the Bill, and we must urge Clearview Council to do the same.

Perhaps most ironically, housing associations and affordable housing charities are also speaking out against the Bill because it appears that it will actually exacerbate the affordable housing crisis by limiting affordable housing requirements

LETTERS

Ad blatantly panders to new councillor

Editor:

I was so pleased when I read Brent Preston’s letter to The Echo challenging the NIMBYism of the Preserve the Escarpment group’s full-page ads.

I’d been rolling my eyes and trying to ignore the ads for some time, but I agree that “Real Farmers Don’t Sell Tickets” goes a step too far. But then came this week’s full page ad, blatantly pandering to our new councillor.

Before writing this, I thought I should visit the Preserve the Escarpment website. I mean, preserving the escarpment’s a good thing, right? I thought there might

be a link to a petition opposing the Ontario Government’s Bill 23. Or perhaps a suggestion to become a member of the Bruce Trail Conservancy. Or maybe a way to donate to the local group raising money to restore and enhance the Mad River. Nope. Just a rant about a flower farm.

I, too, would like to welcome Councillor McArthur (and thank outgoing Councillor Paterson). I suspect the hardest part of the job will be cutting through the noise to focus on what matters.

Simon Heath, Creemore.

Nice to see students at Remembrance Day service

Editor:

Kudos to the principal and staff of Nottawasaga and Creeemore Public School for making last week’s Remembrance Day observance a teaching moment. As I waited for the service to begin, I was struck by the thought that if you are 10 or 12 years old, 1945 might just as well be 1700 – it’s all ancient history.

We grew up in Northern Ontario in a town not unlike Creemore. Our community was full of veterans. Many of our contemporaries had fathers and grandfathers who had served overseas and their memories made the Second World War very relevant. There are very few veterans left, and most of today’s youth will ever have

the experience of hearing a soldier describe the D-Day landings or the thrill of being part of the liberation of the Netherlands. Yet, one need only look around at current events like the Russian invasion of Ukraine to understand how important it is that we remember and honour the sacrifices those veterans made to ensure our way of life.

I suspect that morning service at the Cenotaph allowed those students to appreciate that even though 77 years is a very long time, the events of the Second World War are still very relevant. Honouring our veterans on Remembrance Day does matter.

Rick Schubert and Bonnie MacPherson, Avening.

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

Editorial and advertising material deadline is Tuesday at 5 p.m. Letters to the editor should be sent to editor@creemore.com. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and clarity. To receive a weekly copy of The Creemore Echo by mail outside of the circulation area or e-mail version please contact us at info@creemore.com. Mail, email and voluntary subscriptions: $55.

The

EDITOR

Trina Berlo

PUBLISHER

Sara Hershoff sara@creemore.com

Bonnie MacPherson bonnie@creemore.com

Creemore Continuation School Grade 9, 1948 – Back row: Jim Prosser, Maurice McArthur, Bill Timmons, Laurence Montgomery, Willis Stainton, Fred Parry, John Thomson, Jack Parker. Middle row: Miss Grace Smith, Margaret Lightheart, Evelyn Taylor, June Tivendale, Jean Legate, Shirley Bates, Bernice Leighton, Mildred McLeod, Ruth Stephenson, Eilene Day. Front row: Alma Fachnie, Isobel Pyrke, Jean Anderson, Patsy Jordan, Laura Coulter, Norma Carscaddan, Wilma McGillivry. Absent: John Coker, Monica Lindsay, Doreen Parry, Lila Chalmers, Rosemary Hammond, and Lois Holden. Submitted by Mildred (nee McLeod) and Jim Walker.

NDACT plans to host info session in New Year Writer urges opponents to speak up

in new developments to a maximum five per cent. This will make it much harder for municipalities to address the housing needs of their citizens through the provision of affordable housing options. For example, Ottawa was looking to pass a bylaw requiring that a minimum 10 per cent of new rental units available near transit stations be offered as affordable housing, but this would not be permitted under Bill 23.

So yes, there will be more homes, but who will be able to afford them?

To solve the housing crisis requires creative urban densification projects and well-planned, well-connected communities with an adequate provision for affordable housing and greenspace, not more poorlyplanned, hastily-built, disconnected sprawl.

Bill 23 is nothing but a sweeping attempt by the Ford government to take the power to influence local development away from local people and put it into the hands of the provincial government and the developers whose interests they have long favoured over those of citizens. It

is a slap in the face of our children when they most need us to stand up and protect them against accelerating damage to their planet and their futures, and I for one am so devastatingly tired of my children’s futures being hung out to dry by the ill-conceived decisions of adults who are at best short-sighted and at worst downright corrupt.

So please, I would urge everyone who is concerned about the dire implications Bill 23 will have on the future of our province to write a letter expressing opposition to:

• Your local MPP. For most readers that is Brian.Saunderson@pc.ola.org (Clearview) or Sylvia.Jones@pc.ola. org (Mulmur).

• Minister Steve Clark (Municipal Affairs and Housing) Steve.Clark@ pc.ola.org.

• Minister Graydon Smith (Natural Resources and Forestry) Graydon. Smith@pc.ola.org.

• mnrwaterpolicy@ontario.ca

• ecologicaloffsetting@ontario.ca

• growthplanning@ontario.ca

There are many letters already prepared by organizations (e.g., Ontario Nature, The David Suzuki

Foundation, Environmental Defence and others) and available on the internet that can be personalized and sent directly to the above parties in a matter of minutes, if you don’t really know where to begin.

I would also urge people to write to the Mayor and to your councillor to voice your concerns and to request the preparation of a formal Council response to the Bill.

The consultation period has been intentionally rushed by the Ford government to reduce opposition so time is of the essence, but we as citizens have just one power, and that is the power to speak out and insist that we be heard. People often feel helpless, thinking that writing a letter or making a phone call makes little difference. While it’s correct that just one letter can be easily ignored, thousands of letters flooding in from thousands of people can be a game changer, and we urgently need to change this game!

Creemore resident Brenna Lattimore is an environmental scientist and mother-of-two.

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In September 2021, Strada held a Town Hall to inform the public of its plans to potentially develop a below the water table quarry on its existing licensed lands west of Masonville, Ontario - just south of the former Mega-Quarry lands.

In January 2022 NDACT held a very well attended virtual Community meeting to inform the public of its proposal in response to Strada’s plans. The Community strongly endorsed the approach.

Since that meeting, NDACT has worked to evolve the original proposal to include measures that will protect this Community and its water. We appreciate Strada’s due diligence working with our team developing a Pre-Application Community Agreement – which would be a first of its nature in this Province.

NDACT would like to thank the community for putting its trust in us. We will be hosting a Community Information meeting in early 2023 to inform everyone in more detail on our work to date.

The NDACT board of directors is made up of chair Karren Wallace, vicechair Brian Bell, Ralph Armstrong, Carl Cosack, Len Guchardi, Natalie Kotyck, Nanci Malek, Ted Metz, and new board member Darcy Timmins

Education workers serve five days’ strike notice

CUPE given five days’ notice of a potential province-wide strike, meaning a strike is possible starting on Monday, Nov. 21.

CUPE’s Ontario School Boards Council of Unions (OSBCU) central bargaining committee has been negotiating for 167 days. Negotiating for 55,000 frontline education workers, the committee said it was able to reach a middle ground with the Ford government and the Council of Trustees’ Associations (CTA) on wages.

“Despite that progress, the

government refused to invest in the services that students need and parents expect, precipitating this escalation.”

“This is not where we wanted to be,” said Laura Walton, educational assistant and president of CUPE-OSBCU. “We hoped the Ford government would accept our reasonable, affordable, and necessary proposals five months ago. We hoped they’d recognize the urgency of workers’ plea for resources in our historic strike vote. We hoped they’d respond to last week’s show of parent and worker solidarity. Yet they came

back without a single cent for students. They’ve left us no choice.”

Education workers are fighting for: enough educational assistants so all students get the supports they need and so schools could stop sending kids home because there isn’t an EA available; an early childhood educator in every kindergarten classroom so every four- and five-year-old would get the play-based learning support that’s especially necessary now after two years of pandemic isolation; enough library workers to make sure school libraries

are open and reading opportunities are available to kids all the time; enough custodians to keep schools clean and enough maintenance workers and tradespeople to begin to tackle the $16 billion repair backlog; and adequate staffing of secretaries in school offices and enough lunchroom supervisors to keep students safe.

There is a potential for the labour action to disrupt classroom learning. The Simcoe County District School Board said more information will be shared with families later this week.

School board hires well driller for Primrose school

by Trina Berlo

Upper Grand District School Board has secured the well drilling company and is committing to regular communication with the community after parents began actively campaigning for action to be taken to resolve water issues at Primrose Elementary School in Mulmur.

Throughout the month of October, Upper Grand District School Board conducted hydrogeological studies on the property to determine the specifications for a sustainable well at the school.

“We have recently hired a well drilling company and we are working with them on a timeline for drilling. We have been

assured that drilling can proceed in the winter months. To ensure regular uninterrupted waterflow to the school, the water tanker and connections have been winterized. We have monitoring devices in the tankers to track usage and temperature,” said Belal Taha , Superintendent of Education.

“At our Oct. 26 parent information evening at Primrose, we heard the need for regular communication. As such, we have been sending weekly updates to the Primrose ES community.”

At the beginning of the school year low water pressure caused the school’s toilets to become inoperable and the school was closed for one

day before re-opening with students using portable toilets. The well failed completely on Sept. 12 and remediation was determined impossible. A water tanker was brought in and has been the school’s water supply ever since.

Parents made their concerns public at a Sept. 17 all-candidates debate in Mulmur, due to their frustration with a lack of communication from the school board.

Parents are calling for a capacity review at the school.

“There have been significant delays in important processes for Primrose. The school was due for a capacity review in 2019, this still hasn’t happened and

the school is currently at 157 per cent capacity; the sodium concentration in the drinking water has been at least twice as high as the Canadian Drinking Water Quality guidelines since 2017 and no long term action has been taken despite sustained efforts to raise attention by parents,” said Carli Lang

“Our parent group is pretty committed to making sure that the promised actions occur in a timely fashion and [we] are going to keep the attention on the capacity, well and water quality issues.”

School council members have formed a water committee and continue to advocate for improvements.

Staff photos: Trina Berlo Creemore Legion observed Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph last Friday with soldiers from Base Borden, Cadets, dignitaries, and community members.

The Handmade Holiday Market is at the Legion on Nov. 26 and 27, showcasing more than 20 local vendors.

“We’ve got quite a few upcyclers this year, which is very exciting, and a couple vendors who have become

staples in the Handmade Holiday Markets,” said organizer Anna Pigden “It’s been a lot of fun watching people’s creative styles change as new inspiration reaches them, and to cultivate deeper relationships with some of the makers in our area.”

Vendors from the local area will be selling their wares including woodcraft, needlework, signs, wildcraft, art, leather goods, honey, jewellery, stained glass and upcycled products including clothing, ornaments, and bags made from jeans.

Days for Girls, a charity organization working to provide menstruation supplies to young women in other

countries will also be on site.

There will be live music from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. both days, with Hannah Higgins and Gwyneth Covey playing on Saturday, and So Jam Good and Beau Melanson playing on Sunday.

The kitchen will be open serving lunch and light refreshments. Free admission, cash preferred/required by some vendors.

Donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted for the local food bank. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27. The Creemore Legion is located at 27 Wellington St. W.

CP Holiday Train stops in neighbouring Springwater Township

The CP Holiday Train will make a stop in Springwater Township on Nov. 30, collecting food, and raising money and awareness for local food banks in communities along the Canadian Pacific network.

The Barrie show starts at 12:30 p.m. and features performances by Tenille Townes and Aysanabee

Holiday Train shows are free to attend. CP asks attendees to bring a cash or non-perishable food donation

if they’re able. Local food shelves will set up collection stations at each event, with all donations made staying with the local food bank to help people in need in the community. Because local food shelves buy food at a discount, cash donations can go further than food donations to help those in need.

The train stops at Anne Street North and Wenden Court. Visit www. cpr.ca for details.

Coyotes improve record to 7-2 Creemore Curling Club standings

A Nov. 12 road game vs the Ripley Wolves saw a huge 5-4 overtime win for the Valley Varmints as they bested one of the leagues premier teams.

Scoring for Creemore was Ben Hughes with a pair, Keady’s Evan Kuhl with his first ever goal in Senior A hockey, Colin Kijowski with a single and JD Falconer two assists plus the OT winner just 53 seconds into the extra frame. Jordan Taylor with two helpers and #88 Logozzo with three assists as well. Single assists going to Brody Kirbyson and Jake Logan

Bren Macham stopped 40 of 44 shots to earn his fourth win of the year along with a 3.64 GAA, good for fourth in the league for goalies with five or more games.

The “Italian Stallions” combo of Demarchi and Logozzo have been a force to deal with for the opposition all year. “Gozzo” is second in league scoring and Demarchi has the ability to play both forward and defence, a trait that most coaches welcome in

this league.

Power forward Hughes had a slow start but now finds himself tied for seventh in league scoring and leading the league in power play goals with five. His “office” on power plays is usually in front of the other team’s net. With his huge 6’4” frame, most goalies can’t see around him.

Falconer’s OT goal was his fourth of the year. Gifted with a very quick release on his snap shot, a lot of goalies don’t see the puck until it’s in the net.

First Senior A win for Mike Clarke as acting coach.

Up next is another road game in Durham on Nov. 18 and then home to play the Lucknow Lancers on Nov. 19.

Daytime Team

win-loss-tie

Coulter 3-0 -1 Loranger 2-1-1 Martens 2-2-0 McDougall 1-3-0 Bell 1-3-0

From the Hack: These are the standings as of Monday, 14 Nov. The first round robin is complete with Team Coulter securing the top spot on the chart. As the other teams warm up to play in the second round, the question will be: “can they hold on to their slight lead?” Good curling everyone!

Ladies Team

win-loss-tie

Fuller 1-0 Crawford 0-1 Millsap 0-1 Walker 1-0 Verstegen 0-0

From the Hack: Happy to be back on the ice, the Ladies start the season playing for the McArthur Family Trophy. Team Verstegen on a bye this week, continue their off ice training. On Sheet 1, the Fuller “French connection” had a strong start with Taylor Crawford

slowly closing the gap for a close finish. Halfway through the game, there were shouts of ‘oui’, perhaps in preparation for the big Bonspiel in Quebec? On Sheet 2, Leads Bonnie and Lawrie were consistent in hitting the broom and finding their weight. Team Millsap’s rookie vice Gail, threw well but Team Walker finished with a convincing win. Good curling by all.

Men

Team win-loss-tie

Adam Verstegen 2-0-0

Howard Walker 2-0-0

Gord Fuller 2-0-0

Dave Millsap 1-1-0

Bill Neelin 1-1-0

Phil Cober 0-2-0

Bill Hewitt 0-2-0

Brian Wilson 0-2-0

Mixed

In Week One of Friday night Mixed Curling, in the early draw, Team Meulendyk edged Team Cass 6-5 and Team Crevier coasted to an 11-3 win over Team Neelin. In the late draw, Team Fuller bested Team McArthur 7-6 and Team Vosterman beat Team Kelly 6-4.

Health unit strongly recommends mask use

Simcoe Muskoka District Health (SMDHU) is seeing higher and earlier than normal rates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza in our communities, in addition to the ongoing spread of COVID-19 infection. To protect against this ‘triple threat’ of infection and severe illness, the health unit strongly recommends using multiple layers of protection against these viruses this fall and winter.

“Young children, the elderly and those with medical conditions are at increased risk of serious illness from these respiratory viruses, and we are already seeing the impact on the health care system with more medical visits and hospitalizations particularly for young children throughout the province including in Simcoe and Muskoka,” said Dr. Charles Gardner, SMDHU’s medical officer of health. “These trends are expected to continue as more time is spent indoors. By wearing a mask indoors and layering protective measures, we can help prevent viral spread and lower the risk of illness impacting our schools, workplaces, and local health care system.”

In keeping with Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health’s recommendation, the health unit strongly

recommends that people wear masks in all indoor public settings, including schools and child care settings. Mask use, combined with other protective measures, can help to reduce the risk of becoming ill and protect those closest to us. The layers of protection include the following: Knowing your risk by checking the Simcoe Muskoka COVID-19 Community Risk Level, and determining the best ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 infection and serious illness; Wearing a mask in indoor public settings, including schools and child care settings. This recommendation includes children two to five years of age if they can tolerate a mask; Getting the annual flu shot and staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations; Staying home if you are ill and keeping children home from school or child care if they are ill; Screening yourself and children daily using the Screening Tool and following its instructions; and Washing hands and regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces.

For more information, visit our website or contact Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-7217520, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Substance-related death grief counselling available

Hospice Georgian Triangle offers unique grief counselling for those who have you lost loved ones to a substance-related death.

“Each grief journey is unique with a different set of needs and those who have had a loved one die as a result of a battle with addiction can feel stigmatized. There’s not much support for them,” said group facilitator Jennifer Kerr, who has worked with the bereaved for seven years and is currently working on completing her Masters of Counselling Psychology.

Small group sessions are offered in partnership with experts in mental health and addictions in the community who will provide more education and resources to some of the sessions being offered by Hospice Georgian Triangle.

This free, special six-week group session begins on Friday, Nov. 25 and runs from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. offering a safe space for anyone who would like to connect with others going through a similar journey and would also benefit from receiving some emotional support.

To register, or fore more information, contact Kerr at 705-444-2555 ext 7512, or email kerrje@ hospicegeorgiantriangle.com.

Hospice palliative care and community programs offered by Hospice Georgian Triangle come at no cost to the user and focus on the physical and emotional needs of both the patient and family, enhancing quality of life.

the heart of Creemore wishes to thank our awesome support crew: Joan Gordon, Marilyn Chenier, Gillian Stoker-Lavelle, Sandra Lackie, Lynn Bell, Gail Caswell, Barbara Halsall

Setup and/or take down crew: D.J. Wiley, Brian Bell, Tom Caswell, Robert Chenier, Peter Halsall, Murray Lackie, Linda Coulter, Jeremy Ray

Holly Haire Catering • Dave West Photography Stayner Kinsmen • Jackie Durnford Amanda Murray • Lily White

Special shout-out to Roger Robinson and Jared of CHS Productions for "saving the show" and of course to Dan Needles and Ian Bell for their AWESOME performance!

Thanks to the community for your support in making this event amazing!

Hospice Georgian Triangle Foundation needs donations from the southern Georgian Bay community to fund more than 50 per cent of hospice palliative care and to provide community programs, such as grief and bereavement counselling, child support groups and pain and symptom management. For more information visit www.hgtfoundation.com or call 705-444-2555 ext 7527.

CREEMORE HILLS WINERY

Wine tastings by appointment only. Pick up or delivery. Call/Text 647588-8931, or email cmorrissey0708@ icloud.com.

DRY HARDWOOD

2 Years SEASONED, $4 450/ bush cord. FREE delivery and Volume discount. Complete Woodlot Management, 519-986-2474

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.

PAINTING AND PARGING. Deck power washing and painting. Professional workmanship. Call Don for estimate at 705-424-0708 or 705816-0708.

STONE & TILE INSTALLER. INTERIOR and Exterior. 30+ years experience. Satisfaction Guaranteed. References available. Call Kevin 705985-1851.

FUNDRAISER

Nottawasaga and Creemore, public school now, accepting items for their children shopping room, toys, trinkets, and small household items. Items can be dropped off at NCPS.

CALL FOR RECIPES

The Creemore Echo is planning its annual Christmas Greetings edition. To submit a recipe, send it to editor@ creemore.com by Dec. 2.

FOR RENT

3 BEDROOM, 1 1/2 BATHROOM HOUSE right in the village of Creemore. Short walk to all of the Village's shops and restaurants. Large yard and separate double-car garage. Available Immediately. No smoking, pets considered. Annual rental. Call or text 905-466-4373 for more information.

Adorable newly renovated 3-BEDROOM AND 2-BATH HOUSE right in the village of Creemore. Sleeps 6 to 8 people. Pets OK. Dec. 15, 2022 to April 15, 2023. $13,200 for the season. $2,000 deposit. Gas, internet and snow removal included. Hydro to be reconciled at the end of the rental period. Cleaning fee paid up front. Call Diana at 519580-6939.

UPSTAIRS APARTMENT for rent on Mill Street, Creemore. One large bedroom on second floor. No pets. No smoking. No laundry. Parking for one car. Call 705-466-3635.

PARADE

SANTA CLAUS is coming to town. Creemore's Annual Santa Claus Parade is taking place on Saturday, Dec. 3. If you are a community group or business interested in entering a float, or an individual wanting to volunteer please contact Natalie at natalieagraves@ gmail.com or call 705-333-9496.

HELP WANTED

The Avening Hall board is seeking a CLEANER to keep our community center spic and span. General cleaning and pre- and post-event caretaking required. Please apply to hall board chair Bill Hewitt, hewitt.e@gmail.com.

Looking for a CLEANER for a home near Creemore once per week. Call 416949-3155.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

Colin Rowbotham and Caralia Gosling are happy to announce the safe arrival of their son Eddie Douglas Rowbotham on Nov. 6, 2022 in Squamish, BC. Proud grandparents are Diane Gosling, the late Douglas Gosling and Alan Ackerman of Palgrave, Ontario and Lorne and Wendy Rowbotham, of Creemore.

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

DEATH NOTICE

WILSON, Elsie Esther (nee Taylor) Died peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2022 at Dufferin Oaks Long Term Care, Shelburne in her 76th year. Esther of Duntroon, beloved wife of the late Ted (2013). Loving mother of Michael (Sarah), Kelly Charles and Courtney (Adam Soward). Cherished grandmother of Taylor, Jordan, Bronwyn, Brooke, Olive and Poppy. Dear sister of Lola (Terry Royal) and Allan (Shannon) Taylor. Esther will also be missed by her special friend Gerry Floyd. Esther was a strong, feisty woman who cared for her family and friends deeply. She had numerous lifelong friends who will continue to share stories of their friendships. She will be dearly missed. Private arrangements. If desired, a donation to the Parkinson’s Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by her family. To sign Esther’s Book of Memories, please visit www.carruthersdavidson.com.

NOTICE

SAINT PATRICK'S CEMETERY BOARD has submitted revised bylaws to the Registrar under the Funeral, Burial, and Cremation Services Act 2002. Any interested parties may contact Peter Goorts at 705-428-5783. Bylaws or amendments may be reviewed or copied at St. Patricks Parish, 215 Pine St. Stayner (705-4282124). These bylaws are subject to the approval of the Registrar, Funeral, Burial, and Cremation Services Act, 2002. Telephone: Bereavement Authority of Ontario @ 647-483-2645 or 1-844-493-6356.

www.CreemoreEcho/subscribe

217 Gideon Street, Stayner, ON L0M 1S0

Telephone: 705 428-6230 | www.clearview.ca

Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm Communications are available in alternative formats upon request.

Notice of Public Information Centre #1

TOWNSHIP

OF CLEARVIEW

Creemore Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan

The Study

The Township of Clearview is undertaking a Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan for the Village of Creemore. The Master Servicing Plan will consider solutions for the long-term drinking water and sanitary wastewater servicing needs for the Community of Creemore and surrounding potential development opportunities.

The Process

The Study is being conducted in accordance with the requirements of Phases 1 and 2 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, as outlined in the Municipal Engineers Association Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Manual (October 2000, as amended 2007, 2011 & 2015), which is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. The Master Plan uses Approach 2, which will allow for all Schedule B projects identified in the completed Master Plan to proceed to detail design. The study evaluates alternative solutions with consideration for the natural, cultural, technical and economic environment, and recommends preferred solutions in consultation with the public, Indigenous communities and regulatory agencies, documented for the public record. At the conclusion of the study, the Master Plan will be available for public review.

Public Information Centre #1

Consultation is important to this study. The Township of Clearview would like to ensure that anyone interested in this study has the opportunity to provide input into the planning and design of the project. A Public Information Centre (PIC#1) is planned to present information about the project, identify next steps in the process, and gather public comments, concerns and interests that should be considered in the project planning. This PIC#1 will be in a drop-in format and representatives from the Township and its Consultant (R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited) will be present to discuss key elements of the study and answer questions. This notice and additional project information is available at www.clearview.ca/CWWMSP. The date and location of the PIC are as follows:

Date and Time: Thursday, December 1, 2022 - 5:00-7:30 pm

Location: Creemore Community Centre, 220 Collingwood St. Creemore, Ontario

To provide comment or to request additional information concerning this Study please contact either of the following Project Team members:

Mike Rawn, C.E.T., CMM III

Director of Public Works

Township of Clearview 217 Gideon Street, Stayner, ON L0M 1S0

Tel: 705-428-6230 ext. 243

E-mail: mrawn@clearview.ca

Philip A. Rowe, C.E.T., EP

Consultant Project Manager

R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited

6990 Creditview Road, Unit 2, Mississauga, ON L5N 8R9

Tel: 1-800-265-9662 ext. 5915

E-mail: CreemoreMP@rjburnside.com

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. Information will be collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record.

This Notice Issued on November 17, 2022

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION OF SEWER-LINE MAINTENANCE IN STAYNER

The Water / Sewer department will be overseeing Sanitary Sewer main flushing, cleaning & inspecting. Monday November 14 to Friday November 25, 2022 Between the hours of 7:30 am and 4:30 pm. A map of affected areas has been posted on our website www.clearview.ca

The sewer main will be flushed/cleaned using high pressure water. Cleaning of mains could empty drains & traps in houses. On rare occasions, pressure cleaning has caused water to exit drains & toilets in homes. As a precaution leave toilet seats down, and cover drains in sinks, tubs and floors. After work has been completed run water into the drains to ensure the traps are full. If you have any question or concerns regarding this noticed, please contact the undersigned.

Dale Lightheart

Water / Sewer Foreman

Township of Clearview

P. 705-428-5024 • P. 705-428-6230 ext. 303 E. dlightheart@clearview.ca