The Paris Independent for Saturday July 20th, 2024
COUNCILLORS RESPOND
Addressing Hillside Ave/ Race St project. Pages 8-9
ARSON SUSPECTED
Two suspicious fires in Paris. Pages 12-13
HEALTHCARE IN 2030
Have your say! Page 22
Tuesday evening’s storm brought high winds and a sudden rainfall that left many streets flooded, just like Parkside Drive pictured above. Garbage collection in Paris was not finished before the storm rolled in around 5:30 pm, leaving quite a mess in many neighbourhoods See story and more photos on pages 5-6
Photo by Nadine Mackenzie
COMMUNITY DIRECTORY
Emergency: 9-1-1
Police Department: 888-310-1122
Fire Department: 519-442-4500
Willet Hospital: 519-442-2251
County of Brant Office: 519-442-6324
Paris Public Library: 519-442-2433
Paris Councillors & Mayor :
Mayor - David Bailey 226-387-2490
Ward 2 - Steve Howes 519-442-4955
Ward 2 - Lukas Oakley 226-216-3037
Ward 3 - John Bell 519-209-2277
Ward 3 - John Peirce 519-442-7134
Administration & Bylaw: 519-442-7268
Paris Customer Service Office 66 Grand River St. N. 519-442-7268
Open Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Main Services include:
-Accounts Receivable invoice payments
- Blue Boxes and Composters (pre-arrange pick up of composter)
- Brant Transit punch cards purchase and pick up
- Building Permits may be submitted and Building staff consulted
- Calendar pick up (free)
- Commissioner of Oath is by appointment only
- Dog license and tag
- Dog Park membership and key
- Parking ticket payment
- Property Tax payments and inquiries
- Public Works permits may be submitted
- Use the computer to meet with a virtual Planner to ask questions.
- Water testing sample bottles may be picked up. Drop off water testing samples on the last Wednesday of the month before 2 pm at the Burford Customer Service Office
Brant Sports Complex & Other Facility Booking 519-442-1944- Open Monday - Sunday, 8:30 am - 8:00 pm.
Main services include:
- Dog Park membership and key
- Dog license and tag
- Tennis Court membership and key
- Camp registration and recreation program registration
Articles, Events & Story ideas, please submit by email to: stories@theparisindependent.com
STATEMENT
Columnist
Food & Beverage Columnist
Healthy Lifestyle Columnist
Chris Whelan
Casandra Turnbull
Michelle Malvaso
George Le Gresley
Rubyyy Jones
Stephen L.
Jacob Gaudet
Taren White
Heidi Pfleger
Tiffany Martin
Shelley Gaudet
We are an independently owned organization made up of likeminded volunteers from within our community with the main purpose of providing Paris and area with a trustworthy and reliable source of local news. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of everything we publish, we regret any errors that may occur. We limit our liability to that of printing a retraction upon notification of such errors in the next available publication. Our mail and Email addresses are listed below: Publisher / Sales
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
TOMORROW! BRANT PRIDE SEASON 2024 –Spirituality of Pride on July 21st , 2 pm at Glen Morris Church. To learn more, reach out via email to brantpride@gmail.com
TOMORROW! SUMMER LOVIN’ – Sunday, July 21st at the Paris Wincey Mills from 10 am to 4 pm. Pop up vendors, live music and a DJ!
MOVE IN THE PARK – Wednesday, July 24th from 8 pm to 10 pm at Mount Pleasant Park. Get your popcorn ready! Experience the magic of outdoor movies this summer with County of Brant's Movies in the Parks! Feature movie – Migration!
FREE KIDS PROGRAM – 5 – DAY CLUB – Kids are invited to join the Himalayan Expedition
hosted by the Paris Baptist Church from July 29th to August 2nd . This program explores the beauty of Himalayas and looks into the truths and values from the Bible. Open to kids ages 5-12 years old. Register online by July 22nd at www.parisbaptistchurch.org. Questions? Email parisbaptist@rogers.com
PHOTOGRAPHY & PRINT – Hosted by County of Brant Library on July 23 & 30 from 6:30-7:30 pm. More info brantlibrary.ca/calendar
2024 GRAND RIVER CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS POWWOW – July 26 at 6 pm to July 28th at 7 pm at 1987 Chiefswood Rd. Friday evening entertainment (free admission). Gates open at 6pm. Saturday and Sunday - Powwow singing and dancing competition. Grand Entry - Saturday Noon and 7pm, Sunday at Noon. Gates to open at 10am Everyone Welcome! No pets allowed, service animals welcome!
TRIVIA NIGHT! Join us for Trivia Night at the Paris Legion, 70 William Street in Paris, at 7 pm on Friday, July 26th .
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
PARIS
DRINKS FEST: is a celebration of drinks, food, live music, and community at Lions Park in downtown Paris, Ontario. The highly anticipated summer event hosts a two day festival during the weekend of August 16-17, 2024 featuring headliners Wintersleep on August 16 and Dwayne Gretzky on August 17. With 25+ food & drink vendors and a full weekend of live music from top Canadian talent. Tickets are limited so buy while supplies last: https://www.tixr.com/groups/noisemakerpresents/eve nts/paris-drinks-fest-82801
THE ‘CATS ROCK PARIS – At the Paris Legion on Saturday, August 3rd at 7 pm. The BureauCats return to rock Paris Legion! Be prepared to dance the night away! Everyone welcome.
BRANT COUNTY MEN’S PROBUS CLUB MEETING
-Tuesday August 13, 2024 at 10 am at the Sherwood Restaurant at 799 Colborne Street in Brantford. Our guest speaker will be Angela Berta, marine biologist, who will be discussing whales. New members are always welcome.
Excessive rainfall causes flooding across town
By Casandra Turnbull
We’re seeing an abnormal amount of rain for July but the what’s more unusual is the volume within a short period of time The monsoon like weather and
ominous clouds blow in and drop a month’s worth of summer precipitation within minutes On several occasions in July, storms rolled in fast and passed through just as quickly as they came, always leaving behind a trail of
Residents resorted to new ways of travel following Tuesday’s storm that brought heavy rainfall. Photo of individual kayaking down Washington Street shared by Derek Gibbons. Pictured below is the intersection of Dundas Street and Washington Street
chaos from flooded roads and fields, to waterlogged yards and basements The storm on July 16th , evoked a terrible commute home for many and caused a lot of cancellations for local sports organizations.
The Grand River Conservation Authority, at the start of the day, said some parts of the watershed had already received 60 mm of rain since Sunday with another 10-20 expected Tuesday afternoon/evening. They said in a social media post: “While widespread riverine flooding is not expected, there may be some flooding in low lying areas near watercourses and in urban areas if drainage systems are overwhelmed ” And the GRCA was not wrong. That expected rain hit around 5:30 pm and it was overwhelming in many areas of town.
The Paris Community Pool and Splashpad was forced to close because of flooding; lessons and the public swim scheduled for Wednesday morning were also cancelled The splash pad remained closed for a day and a half due to flood damage Sobeys closed early on Tuesday evening because of several roof leaks.
Continued on page 6
COMMUNITY
Videos and photos shared by residents online showed roads turned into rivers, backyards so flooded you can’t see the grass, and even kayakers floating down Washington Street and along the ditches in Keg Lane. There were reports of flooded basements coming from all areas of town as
residents attempted to mitigate the damage.
Just before midnight on July 16th the GRCA issued a media release stating, “The weather system crossing the watershed since the early hours of Tuesday, July 16, has brought approximately 30 to 70
Pictured above is the pond by Sacred Heart School. Photo shared by Darryl Maher. To the right, the Optimist Park baseball diamond parking lot. Photo shared by Jennifer Bisaillon.
mm of rain, mostly over the middle portion of the watershed.” A flood warning was issued for parts of Ayr on Wednesday morning and the public was encouraged to exercise extreme caution around all local waterways.
Photo above shared by Susan Ritchie, shows the extent of water accumulation in rural Paris, while the photo to the left, shared by Big Dog Diner, shows at least a foot of flooded water, which caused the chip stand to close for the evening.
Check out Paris Optimist Skatepark expansion plans during July 24th open house
As we reported earlier this year, the Paris Skatepark will see an expansion this year!
A total of $245,000 was allotted in the 2024 County budget for the expansion as well as $415,000 for the Burford Skatepark construction.
The Paris Optimist Skatepark was constructed in 2012 – a project spearheaded by the Paris Optimist Club. It’s a well-utilized park for residents of all ages. When it was originally created, budget constraints prevented plans from including a bowl type feature.
The County of Brant confirmed this week in a social media post that the concept for this expansion is complete and they are inviting the public to check it out during an open house on Wednesday, July 24th at the Syl Apps Centre from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. This is an opportunity to share your thoughts and comments before the final design is approved. Reconstruction of the park is currently underway. Proposed plans for the new park will likely feature a
concrete bowl feature, fulfilling the original vision for the park. The addition of a concrete bowl will enhance the park’s offerings, and will provide new and exciting challenges for all skaters
If you can’t get out to see the proposed plans on July 24th , share your thoughts online, visit Engagebrant ca/ParisSkatePark
Meanwhile the Paris Optimist Club is thrilled with the expansion news and is in full support of the long awaited second phase of this project. Through its bottle drives held a few times a year, the club has set aside $10,000 for site amenities, such as additional benches and garbage cans.
An RPT prepared by the County of Brant notes that once construction starts on the expansion of the park, the Two Rivers stadium will be decommissioned and the greenspace will remain as parkland. There are plans to build ball diamonds to replace the Two Rivers Stadium in a yet to be revealed location in the next couple of years
County of Brant staff are inviting residents to an open house on Wednesday, 24th where they will introduce new design for the next phase of the Paris Optimist Skatepark located on Elm Street. The open house will run from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm at the Syl Apps Community Centre.
Photo by Casandra Turnbull
Ward 3 Paris Councillors stand behind the necessity, delivery and communication of Hillside / Race Street infrastructure upgrade project
To the Editor:
‘I (and Councillor Peirce) want to respond to the article in week’s Paris Independent on the ongoing construction project on Hillside Avenue and Race Street. Concerns were raised about the need for the project, the efficiency and quality of the delivery of the project, about communications with Councillors and County staff and, finally, accountability.
Firstly, need; this project is the latest in an ongoing series of urban infrastructure upgrades implemented in Paris and elsewhere in the County. With growth in Paris and an aging infrastructure these upgrades are necessary for now and generations to come. Failure to maintain and upgrade infrastructure has some very unfortunate consequencesask the folks in Calgary.
This and other projects (including Laurel Street, Cedar Street, Dundas Street, Main Street and Market Street) used the opportunity of major road reconstruction to add side walks on one side of the street in accordance with our stated policy (in our Transportation Master Plan) of providing a safe and connected active transportation system in our urban communities.
As Ward 3 Councillors we made a
case to exclude Hillside and Race streets given their relatively isolated geographical location and the wide road section but we did not get the support of the majority in Council.
Secondly, delivery; on a practical note, our County infrastructure and road reconstruction projects have to contend with limited construction seasons - typically ( and this was the case also for Laurel Street, Cedar Street, Dundas Street, Main Street and Market Street) construction straddles 2 construction seasons. We try to leave the partially completed
work at the end of the first season in a drivable and usable situation and get back to it as soon as possible to finalize work in the next season. This year Dundas, Chapel and Main Street were completed by mid June. Unfortunately, the contractor on the Hillside/Race Street project (different from the contractor on Dundas, Chapel and Main) has not delivered as quickly but work is approaching completion with final asphalt, sodding and drive end repair ongoing
Continued on page 9
A view of Hillside/Race Street reconstruction project as it nears completion. This project is just one of an ongoing series of urban infrastructure upgrades implemented in Paris and across the county to accommodate growth and replacing aging infrastructure.
Photo submitted by Councillor John Bell
EDITORIAL
As Ward 3 Councillors, one of whom has experienced directly the impacts of construction as a resident of Hillside Avenue, we have continuously pushed County staff and their contractors to perform on this contract - there have been numerous e-mails, phone calls and in person meetings. We have pushed hard for a rapid and a good quality finish to work. Further, all Paris Councillors and Mayor voted not to give further work (West River Street upgrades) to the Hillside/Race Street contractor as a reflection of our disappointment in their performance, but we were voted down - our code of conduct requires us to accept this majority decision of Council
When we received comments on dust management or driveway end/road elevation issues we ensured staff responded As in every major urban infrastructure renewal project resident patience has been required - for the most part that happened with this project and we thank you for that - but the final product is welcomed and appreciated by the majority of the residents.
Thirdly, communications; there are accusations of poor communication from County Councillors and County staff Let me share my personal experience - I received 3 e-mails from Dave Hazell in 2023 on this issue (none in 2024) - I responded to the first in May 2023 with details of the planned project Subsequent e-mails in June and August of 2023 were essentially NIMBY statements - “this is not what the neighbourhood wants in any way”. I chose not to respond. I received a total of 4 other e-mails from local residents on dust control and driveway/new road elevation differences (see my comments above)
and other NIMBY statements“Believe me no one on Old Mill, Race or Hillside wants a sidewalk” Councillor Peirce, being more local to the project, likely received more communications.
On the other hand, there has been a ton of social media commentary driven by a vocal minority to which Councillor Peirce and I together responded. As is often the case if the response is not what the vocal minority wants to hear then the response is labelled wrong, inadequate, untruthful or worse. We, as Councillors, are obliged to act in the best interests of not only our Ward constituents but also the County as a whole.
The use of Social Media to raise concerns and offer opinions does not substitute for direct communications with your elected officials or County staff. Ward Councillors are contactable by phone or e-mail. In a recent blow up on FB on this project not once did the protagonists reach out to either Councillor directly, rather choosing the cover of social media.
Finally, accountability; In the article
Dave Hazell suggests it’s time for a change; presumably (in conjunction with several comments of his on social media) he means Ward 3 Councillors and Mayor as a means of holding us, in his opinion, accountable A brief reminder - at the last election we had 22 people (out of a possible 30000 eligible to stand) who stood for election. The 11 members of today’s Council offered themselves for office, were elected by residents and committed to 4 years of public service. I trust the vocal
minority from Hillside Avenue will present themselves for election in 2026 and commit to 4 years of public service.
It’s easy to take shots under cover of social media, as we have seen in the last few weeks, (why did concerned residents not pick up the phone and call their Councillors?) and for residents to get fixated on a single issue. But understand that Council has a wider purview - it approves and oversees an annual budget of over $200 million, oversees assets of more than $ 2.5 billion, addresses activities County wide, sets policies and agrees master plans for the County and much more (including representation on local Boards - Police, Library, Paramedics, Health Unit, Conservation Areas to name a few). We’re obliged under the Municipal Act to act in the best interests of the whole of County and this sometimes brings us into conflict with the preferences of individuals or areas within the County on specific issues. Any new Councillor or Mayor would have to recognize and abide by this obligation. And also recognize your Councillors each have only one vote in Council - a majority typically requires 6 votes
I’ll end on a positive note - work is almost complete in Hillside/Race. The end product is great and will serve residents, current and future, for a couple of generations Drive down Laurel or Cedar or Market or Dundas or Main street in Paris to see more finished product!
John Bell (and John Peirce) Councillors Ward 3
County of Brant Launches WiFi Pilot Project in Downtown Paris
County of Brant, Media Release – The County of Brant is excited to announce that a new pilot project to install WiFi in downtown Paris has been launched. This initiative aims to enhance the experience for both residents and visitors by providing internet access in the Downtown Paris Business Improvement Area (BIA)
“Having accessible internet downtown will allow those visiting the area to make the most of their shopping experience,” said County of Brant Mayor David Bailey. “By providing free WiFi, we are creating a more connected, convenient, and attractive environment for everyone, ultimately contributing to the community's economic and social well-being.” The primary coverage area will include the Downtown Paris Business Improvement Area, allowing individuals to connect to the internet while
shopping or conducting business for short periods, while ensuring fair usage for all by preventing persistent connections. Signage will be installed in downtown businesses to notify customers.
This pilot project represents a significant step towards modernizing downtown Paris and improving the experience for everyone who visits, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this service will have on our community.
Visitors to downtown Paris can also access WiFi at the Paris Branch of the County of Brant Public Library at 12 William Street, Paris.
Free WiFi access is available at many other locations throughout the County of Brant including local parks, community centres and libraries. For a complete list of locations, please visit brant.ca/WiFi.
The County of Brant has launched a free Wifi Pilot project in downtown Paris, in an effort to modernize the downtown core.
Weekly adventures of Five Oaks’ River Rangers!
Did you know Five Oaks is celebrating 100 years of camps? Yes, that’s right, Five Oaks has hosted camps at its sprawling nature property since the 1920s. Last week River Ranger campers had the chance to explore alongside the river and on the river, thanks to assistance from Grand River Rafting Company Ltd. The County of Brant Fire Department also brought some equipment to show campers as they discussed both fire and river safety. Land acknowledgement: Five Oaks acknowledges that we gather on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Neutral peoples and acknowledge their stewardship of this land throughout the ages. We seek a new relationship with the Original Peoples of this land, one based in honour and deep respect.
All photos shared by Five Oaks
A County of Brant fire fighter helps a delighted camper use the fire hose during a summer camp held at Five Oaks.
If a tree falls in the woods, and campers are there to hear it, it should make a sound, right? Just ask these River Ranger campers at Five Oaks last week.
Paris firefighters busy with two major fire calls early morning of July 14th
By Casandra Turnbull
Paris firefighters were busy last weekend responding to three active fires across town.
The first call came in at 12:30 am on Sunday morning for a large fire in the north end of town by the CN Railway. A pile of railway ties in between the Paris Junction and Paris West started to burn just after midnight. Firefighters from the Paris station arrived and got the fire under control within a few hours; however, it wasn’t fully
extinguished until Sunday afternoon around 4:30 pm, says County of Brant Fire Chief Darren Watson.
As that fire was brought under control, the Paris Station received another fire call around 5:15 am
on Sunday morning for a structure fire in the new subdivision located behind the Twin Pad Arena on Pottruff Road. A total of four stations responded to the call –Paris, Airport, St. George and Burford. Burford firefighters were staged nearby in case the fire
spread and in case additional crews were required
It took approximately 35 firefighters on scene to control that fire that fully engulfed three homes, leaving them destroyed beyond repair. A fourth home had severe damage and five other homes had minor damage All nine homes were under construction and not occupied. No one was injured, Watson confirmed.
Continued on page 13
This photo, shared on social media by Mark Clements, shows the extent of the fire in Paris’ north end. A pile of railway ties in between the Paris Junction and Paris West, started to burn in the early hours of Sunday, July 14th . Firefighters didn’t fully extinguish the fire until Sunday afternoon around 4:30 pm.
COMMUNITY NEWS
“We did evacuate some residents for safety, but they were allowed back into their homes,” said Watson. The Ontario Fire Marshall’s Office is investigating both blazes.
On Monday morning, Paris firefighters responded to a car fire, capping off a busy weekend. Both the CN railway fire and structure fire are deemed suspicious but are being treated as two separate incidents, said Watson.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have launched an arson investigation into the structure fires on Pottruff Road. They’re appealing to residents to check home security footage for any suspicious activity in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 14th . If you find anything out of the normal on your video surveillance, police are asking you to contact them at 1-888-3101122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you can call the Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.
Three newly constructed homes were destroyed during a structure fire on Pottruff Rd last Sunday.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
All letters must be signed by the writer and are subject to editing for length and clarity. The opinions expressed in the letter are those of the writer, and not necessarily those of the Paris Independent. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, or completeness of this information. If you have an opinion to share, email your letters to stories@theparisindependent.com
Olympic Games Opening Ceremony is just one week away – will you watch?
I’ve challenged our publisher Chris Whelan twice and he, as usual, came up with a column summarizing all of Paris’s Olympic athletes. Is there something about Paris he doesn’t know?
Turning focus back to present day Olympic knowledge, let’s continue to look at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
There was great concern about the cleanliness of the Seine for athletes such as those competing in the
triathlon. The river, which takes in a lot of the city’s sewage, is tested daily for e-coli To ensure the safeness of the river for swimming, the Mayor of Paris and France’s Minister of Sport both took a swim to prove the point. Despite these demonstrations, if I were to return to Paris, taking a dip in the city’s river would be the last thing I would do!
Continued on page 15
PARIS PREDATORS’
July 11 – Team 6 wins 18-3 against Team 4 (HL)
July 11 – Team 5 ties Team 2, 9-9 (HL)
July 11 – U15 Robinson loses 27-6 to Embro
July 13 – U11 Turnbull loses 14-13 against Embro
July 17 – U11 Turnbull loses 18-4 against Cambridge
with George Le Gresley
SPORTS
Just a reminder that the official games opening ceremonies is next Friday and as usual we’ll have to wait and see which notable person will hold this year’s flame. In the past, we’ve been graced with appearances from Gretzky andAli.
Picking up where we left off last week, we’ll continue with our Olympic event calendar, starting on July 27, featuring Badminton - Men’s, Women’s, Singles and Mixed Doubles Women’s handball also continues
Men’s single sculls Canada has to date won 43 Olympic medals. The last Canadian to place in this event was Derek Porter who won a Silver medal in 1996.
You’ll see Shooting 10m Air Rifle, the Equestrian Team and Individual Dressage.
In Women’s Individual Epee (fencing), 16-year-old Ruien (Angel) Xiao won a bronze medal at last year’s Pan Am games and she might just be a pleasant surprise this year.
In Women’s Swimming, Maggie McNeil, a threetime Olympic Medalist and winner of 5 gold medals at last year’s Pan Am games, as well as the entire Canadian team (both men and women) are one to watch and cheer for during this year’s games.
Men’s and Women’s Rowing has recorded 43 medals over the Olympic history, so it’s no surprised that Canada will contend for a podium position
Bianca Andrescu, Milos Raonic, Felix AugerAliassime, Leylah Fernandez and Gaby Dabrowski will represent Canada in men’s and women’s Tennis. With any luck, and entering the games healthy, there could be a podium finish in this event too.
Canada’s Heather Bansley and Sophie Bukovec face off against the US side on July 27th in women’s beach volleyball, which is always entertaining. On July 28th and July 29th , Sam Schacter and Daniel
Dearing will play in the men’s doubles and the Men’s Volleyball team starts their Olympics with a match against Slovenia.
It’s good to note that many of the sports that start on July 27 continue July 28thand 29th .
In Water Polo, Canada has never medalled in this sport. Perhaps either the women’s or men’s team can break that streak this year
Women’s Rugby Sevens are played on a regular field; 7’s is a game of the fittest! Team Canada faces Fiji followed later the same day with a match against New Zealand.
On the pitch in the opening game, the Women’s Soccer squad, also the reigning Olympic champion, faces the home side - France.
On July 29th , Canada’s Heather Bansley and Sophie Bukovec face off against China in women’s beach volleyball Some sailing events begin as well In Women’s Rugby 7s, Canada faces China; while Team Canada faces France in Men’s Basketball. With a team full of NBA sharp shooters, you’ll find a lot of action on the court.
In Women’s Water Polo Canada will play Hungary. Next week I’ll continue to bring you more day-to-day events.
Unveiling the Sporting Legacy: Historic Sports in Paris, Ontario
Curling
The first organized sport in Paris, Ontario was curling. In 1843, a group of 23 Parisians, mostly Scots, formed the Paris Curling Club. Unlike some other Canadian clubs, the members of the Paris Curling Club decided to use stones instead of weighted wooden blocks. They commissioned John Smith of Paris to chip out 12 stones, which they purchased at $3 each for a total of $36. Once the stones were ready, they began practicing on Watt's Pond. After a few practices, the Paris club challenged a newlyformed club from Galt and emerged victorious. This initial victory marked the beginning of a series of triumphs for the Paris Curling Club.
Cricket
Another early sport in Paris was cricket The local cricket club played numerous matches with teams from as far away as Toronto and achieved many victories In 1879, one of its members, Henry Oliver, was chosen as a member of the all-Western Ontario team that traveled to London, England to play against Daft's 11. Cricketers in Paris played on the river flats on the east bank of the Grand River until the
new “Riverview Park” was built on the Capron estate below Homestead Road in 1885
However, cricket's popularity declined after World War I due to enlistments and subsequent floods that destroyed the playing field.
Lacrosse
Lacrosse was a favorite game among Parisians as early as 1865. Matches of lacrosse in those days were grueling tests of endurance The teams would decide before a match whether they would play two games out of three, three out of five, or four out of seven. A game was won when a goal was scored, and matches could last from 30 minutes to three hours with no timeouts or player substitutions. On July 1, 1880, the
Paris Brants played against Gibson's Six Nations Warriors, resulting in six successive victories for the Six Nations. Lacrosse remained popular until the late 19th century
Roller Skating and Bicycling
Roller skating gained popularity in Paris after 1880. A roller-skating rink was opened in December 1884, located in the Fall Fair Exhibition Hall, which stood on the present Syl Apps arena site. Bicycling was also popular around the same time, with the flourishing Paris Bicycle Club. Ralph Axton, a member of the Paris club, achieved notable success in local races and won several championships between 1896 and 1898. Continued on page 17
Paris Roller Rink circa 1907 destroyed by fire in 1920 was located on Elm Street
LOCAL HISTORY
Lawn Bowling
Lawn bowling was introduced to Paris around 1884 when a club was formed, and a green was laid out where the Presbyterian Church now stands In 1893, the Paris Lawn Tennis and Bowling Club was established, and games were played across from the Presbyterian Church
Baseball
Organized baseball was played in Paris as early as 1870. In 1904, a baseball diamond was leveled off at the Agricultural Park, and bleachers and a grandstand were erected. Baseball eventually surpassed lacrosse as the most
popular summer sport in Paris, leading to the formation of several boys' leagues and a men's softball league.
Hockey
Hockey gained popularity in Paris around 1885 In 1893, a team from Paris entered an intermediate league and competed against teams from Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Hamilton, Woodstock, Brantford, Ingersoll, and Simcoe. Between 1893 and 1902, the Paris team won the group championship six times In 1903, Paris claimed the Ontario Intermediate Championship.
Golf
Golf was first played in Paris around 1902. In 1904, a golf club was organized, and the 25 or 30 members played on a field north of Lions Park (A K A Barker’s Bush) Later, a new course was laid out on the same side of the Nith River but farther north Initially, the club house was a small shack, and it wasn't until after 1920 that the club was moved to its present (now former) location.
Throughout the years, Paris, Ontario has been home to a rich variety of sports, each contributing to the vibrant sporting culture of the town
Paris Library is backdrop for filming Bank Heist!
July 9, 2024, The County of Brant library was used as a backdrop for an exciting bank heist scene that saw the heritage building transform into ‘Liberty Choice Bank.’ Having a little fun with the sign, library staff reminded residents that books are a “free loan”! Pictured below left is Deacon Phillippe, son of famous Hollywood actors Ryan Phillippe star of new Amazon series “Motorheads” and Reese Witherspoon. Between filming, Deacon squeezed in some time to explore the Paris Branch (and even reading a little bit about the history of Paris) between shoots
County of Brant photos
The Importance of Regular Oil Changes and Alignment Checks
Welcome to “Under the Hood” with Dave and Karel
In this column, we’re driving into the world of automotive maintenance and insider tips with expert advice straight from the professionals.
Meet Karel, a seasoned shop owner with decades experience and Dave a meticulous service manager who knows cars inside and out
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast looking to tackle your next project or simply want to stay informed about your vehicle’s care, each month as we share practical tips, from under the hood.
From routine maintenance and keeping your car up to date with the latest industry trends, we’re here to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to keep your ride running smoothly. So, buckle up and get ready to rev up your automotive IQ with Karel and Dave in “Under the Hood”!
Karel: “David, I wanted to talk oil changes and alignments this week, this might seem basic, but I think it is one of the most essential maintenance tasks to for your vehicle.
David: “I totally agree, oil is the lifeblood of your engine. It lubricates moving parts, reduces friction, and helps keep the engine cool Over time, oil breaks down and becomes contaminated with dirt and debris, which can cause engine wear.”
Karel: “it is important to not skip oil changes based on your vehicle specific intervals. Missing oil changes can lead to sludge build-up, reduced fuel efficiency, and even catastrophic engine failure. It’s generally recommended to change your oil every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometres, but always refer to your vehicle’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.”
David: “Remember, clean oil means a healthy engine. It’s a small investment that pays off big in the long run. Be sure to check in with your local service or parts store to get the correct oil viscosity and filter as specified for your vehicles manufactures recommendation.”
David: “I also wanted to discuss alignments, this often is something that is checked during vehicle inspections and many vehicle owner underestimate the importance Some service centres can check your measurements for free at time of oil change, which is part of the overall
vehicle inspection.”
Karel: “This is a great call out David, wheel alignments ensure that your tires meet the road at the proper angle, your wheels are pointing straight. This also ensures the vehicles tires are centered in the wheel wells. Misalignment can occur easily from hitting a curb, hitting potholes and or general wear and tear.”
David: “Most importantly poor alignment can cause uneven tire wear, which means you’ll need to replace your tires sooner. It can also affect handling and safety, making your car pull to one side or your steering wheel vibrate.”
Karel: “Regular alignments can extend the life of your tires, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure a smoother, safer ride. It’s wise to have your alignment checked annually or whenever you notice steering issues.”
David: “So, folks, take these tips to heart. Check your local garage to see about getting an alignment check completed Some places offer a “quick check” for free. Don’t forget that maintaining your car properly can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches down the road.”
Stay tuned for more tips and insights on ‘Under the Hood with David and Karel’! Keep your engines running smoothly and drive safely.”
COMMUNITY NEWS
Mayor of Brantford announces resignation
Last week the Mayor of Brantford announced his resignation to return to a job that brings him closer to his roots as a lawyer Kevin Davis has been appointed a provincial member of the License Appeal Tribunal Here is the open letter he shared announcing his resignation:
Dear Residents of Brantford: It is with a mix of gratitude, pride, and a touch of bittersweet sentiment that I announce my intent to resign at the end of this month as Mayor of Brantford. I recently applied for and have been honored to receive a provincial appointment as a member of the License Appeal Tribunal, a once-in-a-career opportunity that allows me to return to my roots as a lawyer for more than four decades, while also granting me more time to spend with my family and grandchildren. I expect to assume my duties as a tribunal member in August. When I embarked on my journey as your Mayor, I committed myself wholeheartedly to the service and betterment of our great city. Over the past two terms, we have achieved remarkable milestones together From revitalizing our downtown core to enhancing our infrastructure and fostering economic growth, our collective efforts have significantly improved the quality of life for all Brantford residents I am proud of the work we have accomplished, together. Some of the more significant achievements include making possible the construction of a Costco, the GrandBridge Power
merger the financial benefits of which was the catalyst for the City establishing a Hospital reserve fund, repurposing the Old Federal building into the City’s new City Hall, the extensive upgrading and redevelopment of over 26 City parks including the Dufferin Park Redevelopment, construction of Brantford Fire Station #2 including a tribute to Walter Gretzky, putting in place a Green Bin program, planning the infrastructure required to develop the City’s Boundary lands, developing a strategy for construction of much needed supportive housing and achieving significant progress in meeting the target to build 506 units, implementing Red Light Cameras, planning for the introduction of automated speed control devices, installing traffic calming measures throughout the City, streamlining the Development Application and building permit process, creating and implementing a downtown renewal strategy, an innovative Encampment protocol and advocating for improved and expanded rehabilitation programs, refurbishing the City’s iconic Clocktower, attracting and retaining so many incredible businesses, like Ferrero, SC Johnson, ANC, and more, and of course bringing OHL hockey to the City for the first time in 40 years.
The work we have accomplished together, council and staff, community stakeholders, neighbouring municipalities along the southwestern Ontario corridor and across the province has raised
the City’s profile and strengthened our industrial sector The collaboration and unity we've demonstrated have not only elevated Brantford's profile but also laid a strong foundation for continued success.
With only 18 months remaining in my second four-year term, the timing of this transition feels ideal I had already made the decision not to seek a third term, and this new role presents an exciting opportunity to continue serving the public, albeit in a different role, while allowing me to focus on personal priorities. I want to express my deepest appreciation to the members of the Council, City Staff, and all the community partners who have worked tirelessly alongside me. Your dedication, support, and shared vision have been instrumental in our accomplishments. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together and confident that Brantford will continue to thrive under new leadership.
Even as I step into this new chapter, my commitment to Brantford remains unwavering I will continue to champion our city both here and across Ontario, working to raise the brand of this amazing community and ensure its prosperous future
Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving as your Mayor I look forward to witnessing Brantford's continued growth and success.
With sincere gratitude and best wishes,
Mayor Kevin Davis
Brant OPP warns public to stay vigilant against romance scams after victim suffers $34,500 loss
(BRANT, ON) MEDIA RELEASE
- The Brant County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging the public to be cautious and vigilant following a reported case of a romance scam that resulted in a significant financial loss for the victim
The victim reported meeting an individual online in April 2024 through a popular dating application. After a few weeks of conversation, the individual gained the victim's trust and convinced them to switch communication to a different platform, where they introduced the idea of investing in cryptocurrency The victim, trusting the individual, made several transfers into a cryptocurrency account but has been unable to retrieve any of the funds. The scammer used multiple tactics to maintain the victim's trust, including changing phone numbers, deactivating and reactivating social media profiles under different names, and requesting the victim to set up new accounts and emails. When the victim attempted to withdraw their money, they were repeatedly asked to pay various fees with strict deadlines, which ultimately led to more financial loss totaling $34,500
It’s
After realizing that the scammer had used stolen photos from an influencer's social media account, the victim contacted the Brant OPP to report the fraud.
The OPP is reminding everyone to be cautious when engaging in online relationships, especially when asked to make financial investments or share personal information. Here are some tips to protect yourself from romance scams:
Be wary of anyone who asks you to switch communication platforms or requests financial assistance
Do not share personal information or financial details with someone you have not met in person.
Conduct thorough research on the individual, including checking for inconsistencies in their stories and verifying their social media profiles
Report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately. If you suspect that you or someone you know has been a victim of a romance scam, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Stay vigilant and help us protect our community from fraud.
all the rage! Have you tried pickleball?
Why not try your hand at a new sport? The County of Brant is very fortunate to have free public courts where you can show up and play Hone your skills at any of the courts listed below, which are open from dawn to dusk. Courts at the Gaukel Memorial Community Centre and Mt. Pleasant Park do have outdoor light access.
• Dawdy Park (80 Hartley Road, Paris) 3 Courts
*Please note these courts are reserved from 8:00 am12:00 pm from Monday to Friday for the Paris Pickleball Group. Must be registered to play.
• Optimist Park (11 Catherine Street, Paris) 1 pop-up Court
*This court will require players to bring a net or borrow one from the County of Brant Public Library. For more information visit brantlibrary ca
• Burford Community Centre (14 Potter Drive, Burford) 2 Courts
• Mt. Pleasant Park (555 Burtch Road, Mt. Pleasant) 2 Courts
• Sunny Hill Park (80 St George Road, St George) 1 pop-
up Court
• Gaukel Memorial Community Centre (7 Gaukel Drive, St. George) 2 courts
*Please note these courts are reserved for Tennis Mondays from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, and Tuesday, Thursday & Fridays from 8:00 – 11:00 am. A key is required to access these courts, for information on how to purchase a key visit brant ca/Pickleball
For more information on Pickleball in Brant, visit brant.ca/Pickleball
What does healthcare in 2030 look like?
The Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) has launched a Strategic Planning Process to develop a new five-year plan that will serve as a roadmap to the future. This plan will outline their vision, mission, values, strategic goals, and outcomes for the period from 2025 to 2030 As they embark on BCHS’s Strategic Planning Process for 2025 to 2030, they invite you to complete the Vision 2030 Survey. Your input is vital in guiding the direction of BCHS’s next Strategic Plan.
More information on the BCHS website states: “Incorporating the voices of our community members patients, families, employees, professional staff, learners, volunteers, and partners is a crucial part of this process By doing so, we aim to ensure that the plan meets the needs of our patients and the community effectively” Visit https://shorturl.at/MoHBG to complete the online survey by Monday, August 12 at midnight
BCHS Background
In 1999, The Willett Hospital in Paris and the Brantford General Hospital (BGH) forged a partnership, creating The Brant Community Healthcare System. BCHS serves countless community members each year Both BCHS sites are busy, with more than 82,000 patients every year in the emergency department and urgent care centre, 50,000 ambulatory clinic visits and over 14,000 patient admissions
Together, BCHS provides over 122,000 inpatient days of care and 9,300 surgeries every year, supported by 2,258,744 lab tests and over 188,000 medical imaging exams.
The Brantford General Hospital, a 299-bed acute care facility, providing specialty programs and services for over 150,000 residents in surrounding communities boasts stable, stateof-the-art programs within a team environment that ensures high level patient-focused care Today, the Willett provides services including Urgent Care, Mental Health Clinics, Primary Care, PostAcute Care Beds and serves as the location for the Activation & Restoration Program
ASTROLOGY
Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire) –More power and influence will boost your ego and confidence levels. People will be drawn to your strong presence and charisma, and there is no bad karma in taking advantage of this because important and influential people will genuinely want to team up with you for win-win situations
Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth) – Increased strength and courage can be applied to a spiritual quest based on your beliefs and convictions This could see you uncovering the truth of a matter, fighting for a just cause, or helping others through acts of kindness and compassion
Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth)you will enjoy a strong magnetic attractiveness and sultry charm, ideal for passionate romances. Sexual encounters would be intensely compassionate, tender, and spiritual If dating, you will likely attract a less aggressive, more spiritually inclined partner You can draw on strong spiritual courage and a fighting spirit to defend yourself and your loved ones.
Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air)This is a great time to eliminate bad habits, obsessions, and emotional compulsions. You can rely on a strong inner sense of balance and enjoy a greater sense of belonging with your partner, family, friends, and the wider community Meeting someone new now would feel intensely karmic and could be lifechanging.
Cancer: June 21 – July 22 22 (Water) - This is an excellent time to visualize or dream up your ideal future Make new goals now to turn your dreams into reality Greater empathy and receptivity mean your relationships will benefit from a shared understanding that may be non-verbal
Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire) –You may experience some compulsive behavior but getting them out of your subconscious is healing Emotional power struggles involving guilt, jealousy or sex However, with conscious awareness of your emotions, you can turn any challenge into an opportunity to transform and evolve
Libra: September 23 - October 22 (Air) - You will feel things more powerfully and are likely to be transformed by your intense emotional reactions. Someone is likely to move you deeply and strongly influence your life An intense emotional connection may result in a new relationship
Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 (Water) – Your mystic allure will attract people more in tune with your spiritual development, and you may even find your soulmate. You will be sensitive to the desires of others and will enjoy being of service to them This can result in acts of charity or sensuality You have ample soothing and healing energy to share and should feel no guilt about any boost to your ego
Aquarius: January 20 –February 18 (Air) – You can be assertive and direct in achieving your desires while maintaining harmony. This non-threatening approach will win you cooperation and impress people in power. This is a great time to stand up and be counted or eliminate any obstacles hindering success. Sexual relations will benefit from your increased passions.
Pisces: February 19 - March 20 (Water) – This can be a positive or negative experience, depending on the people and conditions you find yourself in So, set boundaries to avoid being deceived or drained of energy Your interest in the spiritual world will be stimulated, but beware of false prophets and conspiracy theories Escape reality safely by watching movies or reading novels, especially mysteries, romance and sci-fi
Sagittarius: November 22December 21 (Fire) – Conscious awareness of your power and influence means you can be quietly content and proud of your achievements but not egoistic or boastful You should also have good relationships with people of power and influence This is a good time to uncover secrets, research, and understand mysterious or occult subjects in-depth
Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth) – An event or person may trigger a tipping point by trying to take away your power In relationships, you could react by trying to control and manipulate the other person, resulting in conflict and bruised egos Compromise is needed as there are no yes or no answers, only gray areas
Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford For Saturday, July 20, 2024
Twisters
Standard 12:10p.m. 12:50p.m. 3:10p.m.
3:50p.m. 6:10p.m. 6:50p.m. 9:10p.m. 9:50p.m.
Despicable Me 4
Standard 11:45a.m. 2:35p.m. 5:00p.m.
7:00p.m. 9:30p.m.
3D 11:30a.m. 2:00p.m. 4:30p.m.
Inside Out 2
Standard 1:05p.m. 2:10p.m. 4:40p.m.
7:20p.m. 9:45p.m.
Longlegs
Standard 1:50p.m. 4:40p.m. 7:25p.m. 10:00p.m.
Fly Me to the Moon
Standard 11:35a.m.
3:30p.m. 6:30p.m. 9:35p.m.
A Quiet Place: Day One Standard 7:10p.m. 9:40p.m.
Bad Newz
Standard 11:40a.m. 2:50p.m. 6:00p.m. 9:20p.m.
The Iron Giant Standard 11:00a.m.
THE OXFORD DRIVE-IN - GATES OPEN AT 8pm MOVIES START AT DUSK
