March 17, 2023

by Bonnie MacPherson

The Township of Clearview has notified all landowners within the Stayner settlement area that the municipal drinking water supply has reached its current available capacity. On Friday, March 10 the remaining available water units were allocated through issuance of new Building Permits.

Chief Administrative Officer, John Ferguson says capacity has been reserved for 600 units previously approved but not yet built. However, until a new well, supply lines and water treatment capacity are in place, a further 3,150 units planned for Stayner under the county’s approved development plan cannot proceed.

Ferguson says the township has been working for some time with the development community on a solution. All environmental and engineering studies have been completed. The only thing missing is the funding. Until infrastructure improvements are made, the township will be unable to approve infill development.

Contract awarded for Sunnidale Hall renovation

by Bonnie MacPherson

Work on accessibility improvements to the Sunnidale Corners Community Centre is expected to begin as early as April 3. At its March 13 meeting, Clearview Council voted to award a contract to Domm Construction Limited. The Domm bid which came in at $890,800 was the lowest of four bids with other proposals ranging up to $1,277,000. The contract to be awarded will call for substantial performance of work on or before August 31, 2023 with the project ready for takeover by September 15.

The original estimate for the project to make the hall compliant with the

Access for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (A.O.D.A) presented to council in 2022 was approximately $675,000. Terry Vachon, Director of Parks and Recreation noted that the township had anticipated a 13.3 per cent increase in costs based on the Building Construction Price Index, but even after that allowance the Domm bid is roughly $126,000 higher.

Council also approved an additional $54,000 for project management fees by R.J. Burnside Consultants and Allan Avis Architects.

During the public participation portion of the meeting, resident Bob Charlton urged council to put the

brakes on improvements to the small halls until updated cost estimates are obtained and the public is given a chance to weigh in. Charlton noted that the original estimate for improvements to all six halls was $5,675,000. If the Sunnidale bid is any indication, the probable cost will be over $7,800,000 even without adjusting for further inflation with work to be completed over the next three years. Once borrowing costs are factored in, it is likely that the real cost will balloon to over $10,300,000 - an amount 82% higher that the number given preliminary approval by the previous council.

Deputy Mayor Paul Van Staveren noted that every hall is important to the local community and that while the A.O.D.A. improvements are a lot of money, compliance is not optional and the 2025 deadline is only three years away.

Mayor Doug Measures told council that the Small Halls are not profit making machines, but definitely enrich the lives of residents.

Vachon says a recommendation for work at the Avening Community Centre should be before council at the March 27 meeting and that staff will be reporting on the next two halls slated for renovation in May or June.

Contributed Photo

Chris Greer of the New Lowell Knights was named the most valuable player in the senior division of the North Dufferin Baseball League and receives his award from secretary Scott Anderson during an awards presentation on March 13. See page 8 for more winners.

Bathe in the lushness New retreat opens PAGE 7

Ongoing

• VON SMART free fitness classes. Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesdays at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s Anglican Church Hall, Creemore. For community members looking to improve strength, balance and mobility. Ages 55+. Call for more information or to register: 705-355-2200.

• The Station Café is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon at Station on the Green, 10 Caroline St. E., Creemore. $2 fee for a bottomless cup of coffee or tea. Everyone welcome.

• St. Luke's Community Food Bank is accepting donations of soup and crackers for the month of March. Donations can be dropped off at Station on the Green during Station Café hours on Tuesday mornings (see above).

• Join Sass for yoga and wellness at the Creemore Sanctuary. Email, call or visit website for details. www.thecreemoresanctuary.com, thecreemoresanctuary@gmail.com, 705 8887729.

Friday, March 17

• Stayner Legion St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Live music by The Gulley Family Band. Irish stew and a bun for only $5.

Saturday, March 18

• The Creemore Tennis Club AGM will be held at the Station on the Green at 1:30 p.m. All are invited. There will be information at the meeting on this year’s lesson programs, coaching, tournaments and election of new board.

• Collingwood Holistic Healing Fair. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Georgian Bay Hotel. Free admission. www.holistichealingfair.com.

Sunday, March 19

• Creemore Minor Baseball House League registration closes March 19. Actively seeking players for 8U and 11U. Go to www. creemoreminorbaseball.com to register for the 2023 season. Let's play ball!

• Church of the Good Shepherd Stayner invites you to a morning prayer gospel service and music with "All in Accord". 10:30 a.m. For more information contact goodshepherdstayner@ rogers.com.

Tuesday, March 21

• Join Naturalli Creative at Tierra Hermosa Local Market at 6 p.m. for a Crystal Catchers workshop. Find out more at www.tierra-hermosa. ca or call 416-819-9375.

Wednesday, March 22

• Double Toonie Lunch returns to St. Luke's Anglican Church. The popular lunch event will have the same monthly format, held the last Wednesday of every month, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., but will be by donation to the food bank.

Fridays starting March 24

• Six lectures on China given by university professors. In person at New Life Church, Collingwood or in your home by video. $60+HST. Fridays 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. starting March 24, ending May 5 (no lecture on Good Friday). Please visit our website at www.gtlli.ca for more details.

Saturday, March 25

• The skaters of the Creemore Skating Club are pleased to present the Carnival Ice Show at 4 p.m. at the Creemore Arena titled “Hot and Cold”. The ice show features the skaters from the Creemore Skating Club (from three years of age and older). Admission prices at the door. Adults $8, Seniors $5 and Students $2.

• Creemore Farmers’ and Craft Market Baking Contest. Four categories: Cookies, bars/squares, sugar-free cookies/bars, maple syrup or maple sugar as an ingredient. Entries in multiple categories welcome. Guidelines: Entries must be delivered in disposable packaging to the Station on the Green between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. and include a minimum of 50 bite-sized cookies or pre-cut bars/ squares for sampling by the public, and one large cookie or square for display purposes and judging. Include ingredient list. Pre-register by emailing Karen.scully@hotmail.com or calling 416-4075132 after 5 p.m.

Sunday, March 26

• Gospel Services at Stayner Community Centre, 269 Regina St. March 26, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Wednesdays March 22, 29, from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. The purpose of these services is to better acquaint ourselves with the simple truths that were lived and taught by Jesus. There will be no request for participation or contribution. All welcome. Contact: larry.oregan@gmail.com, 613-697-0871. Gerald Lonsway, Wayne McKee, Larry O’Regan.

Monday, March 27

• Stayner Garden Club meets at Centennial United Church starting at 7 p.m. Speaker at 7:30 p.m. Clearview Nurseries staff will discuss pruning and tools. Bring your mug.

Friday, March 31

• Clearview 3-on-3 Hockey Tournament. Divisions U9 to U16. Over $5,000 in prizes and trophies for all divisions. Download the Team Registration at www.discoverclearview.ca/3on3. Volunteers wanted. email amurray@clearview.ca

Saturday, April 1

• The Know-it-all-Ball at the Duntroon Hall is back bigger and better than ever before. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. questions commence at 7:30 p.m. Teams/tables of up to eight maximum. No team, no problem! Individuals and smaller groups welcome - volunteers will find a seat for you. Bring your own snacks. Reserve your table or seat by emailing theduntroonhall@gmail.com. $10/ person. Hosted by The Duntroon Hall Board since 2004. 100 per cent of proceeds fund the operation and future improvements to The Duntroon Hall.

Saturday, April 29

• An invitation is extended to all veterans to celebrate your service. A special dinner will be served at the Creemore Legion. Tickets are free to veterans and their escort. Contact Bev at 705428-2252 or email bacoutts@rogers.com. Free transportation available for mobility challenged individuals. Social time from 6 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m. Please respond by April 8.

Meet Father Sharon

by Bonnie MacPherson

Although the Anglican Church has been ordaining women for the past 50 years, Reverend Sharon Johnstone, a Pastoral Associate serving congregations in Collingwood, Creemore and Wasaga Beach says no one has ever figured out what to call them. When asked how she prefers to be addressed, she flashes a smile and answers, “Sharon”. A testament to her well developed sense of humour, and a nod to the fact she was ordained on Fathers’ Day, her email is FatherSharon@gmail.com

Johnstone has served all over Ontario, principally in small, rural communities but says that this area has become home. When she arrived in Collingwood seven years ago she found the congregation that she had always believed existed somewhere. Johnstone was immediately struck by the very high degree of involvement in outreach. Historically, she says, churches were the hub of communities. With congregations aging and church attendance on the decline it has become more challenging to form relationships in the community and demonstrate that the church is not “a bunch of stuffed shirts” but rather a very supportive community. She points to the St Luke’s Community Food Bank in Creemore, under the stewardship of Reverend Lorna May

as a prime example of that community of care.

In addition to her work with the Diocese, Johnstone was recently appointed Padre of the Creemore Branch of the Royal Canadian

Bridge to be named after former councillor

by Bonnie MacPherson

Former Clearview Councillor Ed Christie will be honoured with the naming of a bridge over the Batteaux Creek. Christie is remembered for his contributions to trail development on behalf of the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) and the Blue Mountain Snow Drifters.

Mayor Doug Measures says Christie had been working for many months prior to his death on creation of a trail bridge on the 30/31 Sideroad. He worked closely with OFSC and township staff to secure approvals from landowners and the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority.

Legion. She says the Legion is made up of people who understand service and the need to give back to their community and looks forward to making many new connections in the coming months.

Township staff will work with the OFSC on plaques to be erected at either end of the bridge recognizing Christie.

A resident of Nottawa, Ed Christie was elected to Clearview Council in 2018 and died in November 2019 from Acute Leukemia. He was 79.

Photo: Bonnie MacPherson

Reverend Sharon Johnstone in front of All Saints Anglican Church, Collingwood.

Feedback OPINION &

COLUMN THE WAY WE WERE

Flow Into Spring

It’s time to talk about getting the body systems flowing again after Winter hibernation. Specifically, I want to address lymph drainage, and how you can support your lymphatic system to better detoxify and circulate lymph through the body.

The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that is part of the immune system. It assists the circulatory system in draining fluids from tissues. Specifically, it drains fluid that has leaked from the blood vessels into the tissues, and reroutes it back into the bloodstream via the lymph nodes. This important system helps manage fluid levels in the body, protects the body from invading pathogens and removes cellular waste. These are my tips to keep a healthy flowing lymphatic system.

Dry brushing is a technique to help the lymphatic system process fluids. The key is to use a body brush that is big enough to give you access to your whole body. You can start at your lower legs and do strokes upwards towards your groin and then move to your arms and stroke the skin towards the armpits. The point is to use strokes that promote flow to where the largest amount of lymph nodes are in the body - groin, armpits and neck. This can be done daily and has beneficial effects with regards to reducing swelling and cellulite.

Having a regular massage (bi-weekly or monthly) can help the tissues of the body move and dispel fluid back to the lymphatic system. Massage techniques work in the pattern of physically pushing stagnation in the tissues towards the trunk and the most prominent lymph nodes. This is especially beneficial when muscles are sore due to fluid stagnation. Support your liver which is responsible for filtering the blood in the body. The better it is at doing that job, the less burden it puts on the lymphatic system. This is why folks with liver dysfunction usually suffer from swelling, as the lymphatic system struggles to support the overload. My favourite herbs to support healthy liver function are Milk Thistle, Chelidonium,

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Dandelion and Globe Artichoke. These can be found in tincture form, but most easily in capsule form in my favourite supplement - Liv Complex by Seroyal. Staying hydrated is extremely important for a proper functioning circulatory system and lymphatic system. We all know that eight glasses of water per day is the general recommendation, but it can be so much more than that depending on activity levels. The American Council on Exercise recommends drinking seven to 10 ounces of fluid every 10 to 20 minutes during exercise, so this would mean one would need to consume an extra three to six glasses of water, per hour of exercise, per day. Be sure to watch symptoms of thirst and dark urine, which are the signs that you need to hydrate immediately.

I am wishing you all happiness and healthy flowing systems this spring!

Kate Hunter is a naturopathic doctor and owner of The Creemore Apothecary.

COMMUNITY

Protecting kids online

During Online Safety and Wellness week, the Town of Wasaga Beach is hosting keynote speaker Carol Todd, who lost her daughter to cyberbullying.

She is the mother of Amanda Todd, who in 2012, at the age of 15, made international news after her posted video exposing her sexploitation experience went viral. Sadly, a very short time after, Amanda took her life. Carol has focused on keeping Amanda’s legacy alive over the past 10 years by becoming one of the most sought after, international speakers about online safety and exploitation awareness.

Wasaga will be hosting a panel discussion about online exploitation prevention and youth mental health and wellness at the RecPlex (1724 Mosley St.) on Wednesday, March 22, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Participants are encouraged to pre-register online by visiting www.wasagabeach.com. This event is geared towards parents and caregivers.

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The panel discussion will include Dr. Meeter, director of Waypoint Mental Health Centre; PC Christine Dineen from the Ontario Provincial Police; and the moderator for the discussion will be the director of New Path – Youth and Family Services, Brandie Sanders

The evening will be a frank discussion around online bullying and sexploitation prevention as well as youth mental health awareness and wellness. Attendees, can expect to discover the current digital exposures that youth are facing and will be empowered with resources and action steps to help keep our kids safe online.

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.

EDITOR Trina Berlo trina@creemore.com

PUBLISHER Sara Hershoff sara@creemore.com Bonnie MacPherson bonnie@creemore.com

Publication Agreement # 40024973

A circa 1970s OPP cruiser monitors a road closure due to low visibility, at the intersection of Highways 26 and 91 in Stayner. From the Creemore Star archives.

Kate HUNTER HEALTH MATTERS

Agriculture fuels local economy

by Bonnie MacPherson

Agriculture is big business in Simcoe County, responsible for more than $1.1 billion in economic activity annually according to Dave Richie of the Simcoe County Federation of Agriculture. In a presentation to Clearview Township Council this week, Richie said area farmers have more than half a million acres under their stewardship, and that one in eight jobs in the county is agriculture related.

Richie says it is estimated that Ontario is losing 350 acres of farmland every day and urged councillors to think about where we’ll be in five years as they make planning decisions. He says that farmers do not stand in the way of progress but that it is important to build smart. That means building up instead of out and around agricultural areas versus over them.

Deputy Mayor Paul Van Staveren agreed, noting that the province expects an influx of 500,000 people in the next decade, most of whom will settle along the 400/401 corridors. He says they will need places to live but that we also need to think about how we will feed them.

Richie says we are lucky in Simcoe County to have the ideal mix of weather, soil and people for a healthy agriculture sector.

Mystery woman safe

A woman found wandering in Creemore last Saturday has been identified. Constable Acero of Huronia West OPP reports the woman is safe and efforts are being made to contact her family.

The woman’s identity has not been released, nor have police said how she came to be in Creemore.

A Facebook post from Huronia West OPP asked for the public’s assistance in identifying a woman located on Nelson Street in Creemore at approximately 6 p.m. on March 11. She was described at black, approximately 5’6” and weighing 220 pounds. The post has since been removed.

Perfect water

The results of annual water testing by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks are in and all municipal drinking water systems operated by the Township of Clearview have received a perfect score. Physical facility inspections were conducted between October 5, 2022 and January 10, 2023 on systems on Buckingham Woods, CollingWoodlands, New Lowell, Creemore, Nottawa and Stayner. The inspections focus on source, treatment and distribution components along with water system management practices.

Growing health and safety support for farmers

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is launching a new online farm safety and mental wellness hub bringing together information and resources in one place to support farmers, farm families, farm workers and farming communities. Available on the hub will be farm safety and mental wellness resources created by CASA, resource and programming highlights from other organizations, links to national, provincial, and international resources, links to reports and research, as well as a section highlighting news and events linked to agricultural safety and mental well being.

“Healthy farmers, farm workers and farming communities are key to safe and sustainable farms,” said Andrea Lear, CASA’s CEO. “The Hub acts to bring together information for producers, community members, providers, researchers, journalists and anyone else interested in the link between mental wellness and farm safety.”

The intent of the Hub is not to

duplicate resources but rather to amplify and promote the already existing programs available to producers across the country.

The new Hub has been generously supported by Farm Credit Canada (FCC), a long-time supporter and champion of farm wellness and safety.

“The strength and vitality of the agriculture and food industry depends on many things, but especially on the health and wellness of the people who are the backbone of its success,” said Carla Warnyca, FCC’s Manager, Community Investment. “We see the work of the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association and the new Mental Health Hub as an important part of supporting Canadian farm families with the resources to help them better navigate mental health challenges and understand the importance of overall wellness on the farm.”

The Hub is available on CASA’s website at casa-acsa.ca/mental-health. For more information about CASA programs, visit casa-acsa.ca.

More news and events

Innovative honey products create buzz

Innovative products like dark chocolate and triple lemon honey made the Heritage Bee Co. booth a popular destination for visitors attending the One Of A Kind Winter show in Toronto.

Those flavours are the creation of the Mulmur-based beekeepers who offer hive hosting programs, produce Ontario wildflower honey and also sell liquid, creamed and infused creamed honey products.

Heritage Bee Company’s Debbie Gray and Jeff Chalmers tapped into the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to help bring their flavoured honeys to market

With support from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership), they’ve accessed the marketing support and production technology required to serve an emerging market for tasty, flavoured honeys and longer shelf life.

“The first time we were at the One Of A Kind show in Toronto, we had exposure to over 120,000 people, and people were constantly coming up to us asking what other flavours of honey we had to offer,” recalls Chalmers. “At the time, we had a liquid honey and a creamed honey, and we realized there was a huge opportunity for us to develop a whole new product line of flavoured honeys.”

Following advice from their accountant, the beekeepers checked out the partnership to better

understand how it could help their business.

After attending a Growing Your Farm Profits and a Biosecurity workshop, Gray and Chalmers believed their honey would be a perfect fit for the program. They were right. Their application was approved and with support from the Partnership, they were able to access technology and marketing support required to create and package their new honey products.

“It was a really exciting process

for us, which involved engaging with some of the top graphic design people and packaging experts,” explains Gray. “Our vision was to create a gift set that actually looked like our hives… it also involved purchasing some quite expensive and intricate creaming equipment to make these amazing products.”

When Heritage Bee launched their new products at the One Of A Kind show in November, innovative flavours like ginger, cinnamon, lavender, dark chocolate and triple

lemon honey were quickly snapped up.

What began as a simple idea to increase farm gate sales and support efforts at local farmers’ markets has grown way beyond their expectation, says Gray. “Thanks to the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, we’ve been able to launch new products, we’ve gone direct to the consumer by enhancing our social media account, we’re participating in events such as One Of A Kind and consumers love it.

“We feel we’ve filled a market need with some innovative products, and it’s all direct from the bees,” adds Gray.

Find out about the Growing Your Farm Profits workshop: www. ontariosoilcrop.org/growing-yourfarm-profits/

The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA), a provincial not-for-profit farm organization, who delivers costshare funding programs and educational opportunities that support Ontario’s farmers in implementing best management and sustainability practices on their farms. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership), is a five-year, $3 billion investment by federal-provincial and territorial governments, which will strengthen the agriculture, agrifood and agri-based products sector, ensuring continued innovation, growth and prosperity.

• Planning and installation of new Hydro services

• Complex residential and commercial installations

• Lighting control and automation

• Backup power systems and generators

• Solar installations

• Pool and spa installations

• Electric car charger installations

ERCA/ESA Licence # 7015138

Contributed Photo

Debbie Gray and Jeff Chalmers of Heritage Bee Co. are serving an emerging market for tasty, flavoured honeys and longer shelf life.

Old home houses new hospitality business

by Bonnie MacPherson

From the moment they laid eyes on the “Shamrock Houseˮ on County Road 9 east of Cashtown Corners, Roberto Foti and Amanda Franko knew they had found their forever home. Dating back to the 1860s, the house is a stunning example of Victorian architecture with large principal rooms, soaring ceilings and elaborate woodwork. Franko’s father had forwarded the listing along with several others, but once they saw it, they decided they need look no further. She describes the sense of magic that started with the beautiful maplelined drive and felt like walking into a dream. The house ticked all their boxes, so they immediately made an offer and moved in last June to begin the process of building Lush Earth Oasis.

The pair had been living on a hobby farm outside Cookstown and had spent more than a decade working in wellness retreats. When the business they were working for was placed for sale, they figured it was time to strike out on their own.

Both were somewhat familiar with the Creemore area. Foti’s father once owned and operated the Spike and Spoon restaurant in Collingwood and Franko grew up on a farm in Caledon.

They are both chefs who love healthy cooking and taking care of people. Franko is also a yoga instructor and makes small batch personal care products and candles.

The 5,000 square foot home is filled with antiques and has a salt water pool and hot tub, a yoga studio and accommodations for 12 to 15 guests all on a beautiful five acre lot. Their vision for Lush Earth Oasis includes group retreats, bed and breakfast accommodations, larger events such as weddings and perhaps lunch and learn workshops. They plan to add a big cedar sauna, expand the patio space for outdoor dining and perhaps build a few bunkies to increase the number of single rooms available. Foti is looking forward to getting outside this spring to construct paths and landscaping to take advantage of the spectacular surroundings.

Eventually, they hope to host three group retreats per month. For now they are building their business slowly while they focus on dealing with some of the challenges that come with a century home. They plan to be at local farmers' markets in the spring and look forward to meeting more people in the community. Until then, they can be found at www.lushearthoasis.com.

Greer named MVP

Players, coaches, and fans came together on March 12 to celebrate award winners from the 2022 season in the North Dufferin Baseball League.

Chris Greer of the New Lowell Knights was the big winner, picking up the best batter title with a .627 average, the best on base with a .716 percentage and was selected as the most valuable player for the season.

His teammate Steve Baldry won the top pitcher and coach Peter Kinghan won his fifth coach of the year award as voted by fellow coaches.

Carter Burnside of the Bolton Brewers was voted best catcher and his battery mate Chris Fafalios scored the most runs, crossing the plate 30 times. Clearview Orioles slugger Tristan Cabral hit five home runs to top that category.

The most sportsmanlike award went to Ron Dipalma of the Bolton Dodgers. This was his third consecutive win of this award.

Junior division awards had Orillia Royals’ Wyatt Thompson winning the best pitcher and was named the most valuable player.

Cody Bryan from the Mansfield Cubs and Miya Waldron from the Georgina Bulldogs shared the most sportsmanlike title.

Andrew Foster of the Midland Twins was the top batter with a .567 average and the best on base with a .702 percentage.

Brayden Grech of the Caledon Nationals scored the most runs with 19 and tied with Lucas Watters of the Barrie Baycats with two home runs last season.

The awards event coincided with the annual general meeting for the 2023 season. The addition of Innisfil to the junior lineup brings the league to seven junior teams. Meanwhile, the senior division has 12 teams after the Bolton Dodgers requested a leave of absence for the upcoming season.

Vance White will serve as president after being the vice president last year, Jesse McIntyre assumes the past president position, and Chris Fafalios is the new vice president. Scott Anderson and Dan Gowan maintain their positions as secretary and treasurer respectively.

Regular season play gets underway in early May.

Creemore Curling Club standings

Ladies Team

FROM THE HACK: On Sheet 1, an exciting fourth end had Team Crawford dominating the paint with a rare seven point end. Team Baylis persevered to claim victory. Thanks to Mary from daytime league for filling in with her great lead shots. On Sheet 2, it was a game of perfection. There were perfect guards, perfect draws, perfect take outs that had skips Catherine and Jaz asking, “What would Gushue do?” A convincing win by Team Verstegen.

Daytime

Coming off a successful competition against the Stayner Curling Club last week, the daytime curlers returned to regular play this week in high spirits. Heather, skip of Team Walker, led her teammates to easy victories over Teams Martens and Lambert, and Team Loranger continued their winning streak. Next week the top two teams will clash to possibly determine the session champs! Good curling everyone! Men

Winning teams this week were Stephens, McLeod, Wilson and Sauder. Team Sauder is now in the lead with only two weeks left.

Photo: Bonnie MacPherson MacKynzie Jago wrapping jumbo shrimp into egg rolls with the help of chef Otta Zapotocky during a March break camp this week at Station on the Green.

Explore the Dufferin County Forest

March 21 marks the United Nations General Assembly’s International Day of Forests, a day to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests.

Forests provide so much for our health. They purify the water, clean the air, capture carbon to fight climate change, provide food and life-saving medicines, and improve our well-being. This International Day of Forests, get outside and explore the forest in Dufferin County.

The county forest is a 1,066 hectare (2,636 acre) multi-tract area owned and managed by the County. It serves important functions in terms of erosion and water control, natural heritage protection, biodiversity, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and support of the rural economy through timber production and employment opportunities.

It is made up of fourteen forested areas, or tracts, located throughout Dufferin. The largest single area is the Main Tract (607 hectares/1,501 acres) located in Mulmur Township, just north of the hamlet of Mansfield. Major tree species include red pine, white pine, white spruce, eastern white cedar, larch, red oak, sugar maple, white ash, black cherry, white birch and poplar.

There are many ways for residents to enjoy the Dufferin County Forest, like hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, and horseback riding.

Hunting is permitted between October 1 and May 31 in the south portion of Amaranth, Gara Gore, Melancthon, Randwick, Riverview, and Simmons County Forest tracts. Hunters are required to obtain

Games& FUN

Sudoku

by Barbara Simpson

a hunting forest use permit from the County to hunt in the County Forest.

Snowmobiles are permitted on designated Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails in the Dufferin County Forest.

Forest do's and don’ts

If we all do our part, share the forest trails, and respect the environment, we can enjoy the Dufferin County Forest safely and sustainably.

• When using the trails, obey all signs, including those designating trail uses.

• What you carry in, please carry out.

• Remember your emergency number! Each entrance to the County Forest is posted with a six digit “address” on a green sign. Remember this number for emergencies.

• In case of emergency, call 9-1-1.

• If you wish to hold a recreational event, please contact the County Forest Manager to find out if your date is available prior to completing a County Forest Event Permit Application.

• No motorized vehicles are permitted in the Forest, except snowmobiles on designated Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs trails.

• No campfires or camping permitted.

• Please, no littering or dumping!

Prevent the spread of invasive species

Using the County Forest recreational trails can be a lot of fun, but doing so also has the potential to spread invasive plants and their seeds. When using the trails, there are steps you can take to prevent the

Canadian Criss Cross

ACROSS

1. Greek consonant

4. Implement for washing floors

7. Landing places for boats

9. Moth repellent

11. Unit for measuring temperature

12. ___ Harper (he said no to the Meech Lake Accord)

14. Length x width

15. Man who does not act like a gentleman

17. Canada is a member of it

18. Ability to control yourself

21. Wrong prefix

22. Cooked completely

23. Fill with joy

25. Young cod

27. Stand up

28. Antiknock fluid

29. Baby’s bed 30. ___ chi

31. Imaginary utopia

36. ___ breve

38. Black cuckoo

39. Adam and Eve’s grandson

spread of invasive plants:

• Stay on the path. When you venture off the path you risk picking up plant seeds and creating disturbed areas where invasive species can easily establish.

• Clean your gear. Check all your gear at the end of your adventure for plant material, and clean it off before leaving the trailhead.

• Groom your pet. Inspect your pet after a walk and wash off any mud that might be carrying invasive plant seeds.

• Report all invaders. Take a photo and report any sightings of invasive species to the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or visit www. EDDMapS.org/Ontario

• Spread the word. Motivate your friends and family to take action by sharing information about invasive species and the implications they have for our environment and economy!

• Volunteer. Join the Friends of the Dufferin County Forest to help take care of the forest and remove invasive species.

More information on the Dufferin County Forest, recreational opportunities, our volunteer group, and upcoming events can be found at www. dufferincounty.ca. You can also sign up for the Dufferin County Forest newsletter for County Forest news and events!

March 17, 2023

Answers on page 11

40. Treadless racing tires

42. Like oranges and lemons

44. Canadian singer McLachlan

45. Started a poker pot

46. Canadian writer Claudia

47. Move your head to answer yes

DOWN

1. Star in Orion

2. Science of armorial bearings

3. Metal-bearing mineral

4. Former Toronto mayor Lastman

5. Wednesday is named after him

6. Clothes to sleep in

7. All around prefix

8. Support a suggestion at a meeting

9. Give up one’s rights in

10. Flightless bird

11. “See Saw Margery ___”

13. Socks, stockings, and tights, collectively

16. Feeling of mixed fear, respect, and wonder

19. Places to swim

20. Make ready to sail again

24. Words of an opera

25. Plays for time

26. Group of one thousand

27. Treatment for bruises

28. Greek vowels

29. Be able to

32. ___ browns

33. “The Lady ___”

34. How rock music is usually played

35. Hoofed animal

37. Measure of land

41. King Arthur’s foster brother

43. Small hotel

FRED’S FUNNIES

I invented a new word. Plagiarism

Lot severances approved

by Bonnie

MacPherson

Clearview Township Committee of Adjustment has granted preliminary approval for severance of two new residential lots on County Rd 42 in Avening. The owners of 3399 County Rd 42 just north of the Avening Community Centre have applied for permission to create two lots, each approximately 0.21 hectares or 0.5 acres in size.

At the Committee’s March 8 meeting, Planning and Development Technician Christine Taggart noted that before the approval is finally granted the applicant(s) must comply with several conditions including an archeological assessment requested by the Simcoe County Planning Department, and a hydrogeological assessment to

confirm there is sufficient quality and quantity of water to service the new lots without adversely affecting neighbouring properties. In addition, the road allowance will be widened to 18 metres from the centre line. The applicant will be required to bear all survey, engineering and legal costs and pay a minimum development fee of $7,073 per newly created lot to the township.

Each of the two new lots will have frontage of 30 metres on County Rd 42. The retained lot with existing dwelling and barn will have just over 101 metres of frontage with area of 21 hectares or 52 acres. This will require a minor variance as the retained lot will be smaller than the minimum required lot size in an agricultural zone.

Last day for battery pickup

Curbside Battery Collection is happening in Dufferin County until March 17. Dufferin Waste offers special collection for single-use and rechargeable household batteries twice a year, coinciding with the daylight savings time change in the spring and fall.

Households that receive curbside collection should look for their orange battery bag in the mail and fill it up with their old single-use and rechargeable household batteries. Battery bags can also be picked up at local municipal offices if extra bags are needed, and/ or if a resident did not receive one in the mail.

Residents are encouraged to use these orange battery bags for the upcoming curbside collection to help divert household batteries from landfill. In 2022, 6800 kg of batteries were diverted because of the Curbside Battery Collection Program, which

helps reduce toxins in the environment.

Residents are asked to place their battery bag on top of their green bin or beside their garbage (not on top of their blue box) by 7 am on their collection day the week of March 13. Clear, sealable bags are also accepted. No batteries can be placed in blue boxes, green bins or garbage.

Residents are advised to follow the instructions on the battery bag to ensure collection and proper recycling of batteries. 9V battery terminals should be covered with masking tape. Single-use and rechargeable household batteries can also be dropped off at battery drop-off bins around Dufferin County.

For more information on curbside battery collection, please visit www. dufferincounty.ca/waste. For weekly waste reminders, a tool to help with sorting and more, download the Dufferin Waste App.

FOR SALE

CREEMORE HILLS WINERY -

Wine for sale. Pet-Nat Picnics and/or wine tastings. By appointment only. Pick-up or delivery. Call/Text 647-5888931, cmorrissey0708@icloud.com.

Winter special - GRASS FED BEEF - ground beef $5, roasts and stew $6, steaks $8 per pound. Contact Dan 705428-6781.

Ontario Honey Creations + Meadery

MEAD SAMPLES, RAW LOCAL

HONEY & MORE. Farm-Store open Friday & Saturday or by appointment. 938343 Airport Road, Mulmur. OntarioHoneyCreations.com

SERVICES

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

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.

HANDYMAN SERVICES available. Interior, exterior, and landscaping. Contact Duncan Miller, 705-888-6017.

WANTED

22X32 or 22X38 DION THRESHING MACHINE . McCormick GRAIN BINDER. 905-983-9331.

FOR RENT

COMMERCIAL RENTAL

AVAILABLE in Creemore. Meat market Building. Approx. 400 sqft. Suitable for office or dry retail. Contact 705-730-2635.

TWO-BEDROOM house downtown Creemore. No smoking, no pets. Available March 15. 705-441-2343, please leave a message.

IN MEMORIAM

TRAUX - In memory of Bill Truax who passed away in March 2018. Remembering you is easy, We do it every day. Missing him is a heartache That doesn't go away.

To us, he was very special What more is there to say Except we wish with all our hearts That he was here today.

Missed by Joan, Adam, Lee-Anne, Amy, Will, Jacob, Emily, William and Haylee.

PETTIGREW- In memory of Harvey who passed away March 1999, and Vera in March 2013. Dad & Mum, Goodbyes are not forever Goodbyes are not the end They are simply meaning We miss you both Until we meet again.

Missed by Joan, Adam, Lee-Anne, Amy, Will, Jacob, Emily, William and Haylee.

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.

Community Maintenance and Beautification Labourer– Temporary Full-time

The Corporation of the Township of Clearview

Clearview Township is currently seeking three (3) temporary fulltime Community Maintenance and Beautification Labourers from May 1st – September 15th.

Key Accountabilities

Reporting to the Supervisor, Parks, Culture and Recreation, the Community Maintenance and Beautification Labourers are responsible for the maintenance of community property and township beautification projects.

The preferred candidates will possess strong working knowledge of power and hand tools, push mowers, riding lawnmowers, whipper/ weed snippers, power washers and street sweepers. They must be a self starter with strong problem-solving skills and a pride in good workmanship attitude as well the ability to deal with the public in a courteous and professional manner.

Skills and Experience

• Minimum Grade 12 education with 2 years of demonstrated experience in streetscapes, parks and outdoor spaces.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment.

• Personal suitability and satisfactory physical condition.

• Knowledge of standard hand and power tools, lawn maintenance equipment and equipment used in maintenance activities and ability to operate such in a safe and effective manner.

• Knowledge of safety standards and precautions pertaining to the use of tools and safe work practices.

• Ability to understand, read and follow written and oral instructions.

• Ability to perform heavy manual labour, including bending, stooping, reaching and lifting heavy objects.

• Physical strength and ability sufficient to meet job requirements for extended periods under uncomfortable conditions in all types of weather.

• Ability to climb on ladders and to work in confined spaces.

• Current certification WHMIS

• A valid Ontario Driver’s License, Class “G” with a driving record that demonstrates responsible / safe driving behaviour

Salary:

The salary range offered for this position is $22.16 per hour, plus 4% vacation pay.

Note: The preferred candidate must be willing to provide consent for the Township to conduct a criminal background and vulnerable sector check prior to finalizing an employment offer.

Interested candidates are invited to forward their resume and covering letter quoting job # 2023-010 to Human Resources by March 24, 2023, to: hr@clearview.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please. The Township of Clearview is an equal opportunity employer.

Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Please visit: www.clearview.ca

Fire Chief

The Corporation of the Township of Clearview

Clearview Township is currently seeking a permanent full-time Fire Chief.

Clearview Township stretches south from the shores of Georgian Bay, in the heartland of one of Ontario’s most beautiful recreation areas; - just a 90-minute drive from Toronto and other major centers in Southern Ontario. Our community has a long history as one of Ontario’s favourite tourist and vacation destinations, attracting over 2 million visitors annually. Our community offers all of the modern urban amenities with the attractiveness and friendly charm of small town quality of life.

Qualifications:

Ontario Fire College Certification or equivalent (fire prevention, public education, investigations, code enforcement, communications, mechanical, fire suppression and emergency response).

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Fire Chief is responsible for the overall operation of Clearview Fire and Emergency Services. The Fire Chief is a key component of the Senior Management Team and provides a range of programs and services designed to enhance the education, health, safety, and vitality of the Township. These programs include preparation for and response ability to emergencies such as fires, sudden medical emergencies, motor vehicle collisions, exposure to dangerous conditions, fire prevention and public education as well as rescue and suppression services. The Fire Chief leads 4 full-time staff and over 90 paid-on-call staff across 5 stations. Through service, teamwork, professionalism and respect the Fire Chief develops collaborative relationships and partnerships within our community and with our neighbours.

The preferred candidate will have 10 years of progressive experience in the fire service, with a minimum of 5 years of experience as an officer. They will also possess a strong knowledge of all applicable provincial and professional fire and emergency regulations as well as all applicable employment and safety laws and regulations. Additionally, they will have experience and proven ability in managerial skills, communication/presentation skills, budgeting and report writing as well as the ability to manage difficult situations and facilitate conflict management.

Salary:

The salary range offered for this position is $108,290 – $132,951 per annum plus a highly competitive benefits package.

Note: The preferred candidate must be willing to provide consent for the Township to conduct a criminal background and vulnerable sector check prior to finalizing an employment offer.

Interested candidates are invited to forward their resume and covering letter quoting job # 2023-011 to Human Resources by March 31, 2023, to: hr@clearview.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please. The Township of Clearview is an equal opportunity employer.

Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Please visit: www.clearview.ca