The Paris Independent for Saturday May 6, 2023

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

Emergency: 9-1-1

Police Department: 519-442-2242

Fire Department: 519-442-4500

Willet Hospital:

519-442-2251

County of Brant Office: 519-442-6324

Paris Public Library: 519-442-2433

Paris Public Schools:

Paris High:

North Ward:

519-442-4477

519-442-2311

Paris Central: 519-442-4163

Cobblestone: 519-442-2500

Paris Catholic Schools:

Holy Family: 519-442-5333

Sacred Heart: 519-442-4443

Paris Councillors & Mayor:

Mayor - David Bailey

Ward 2 - Steve Howes

Ward 2 - Lukas Oakley

Ward 3 - John Bell

Ward 3 - John Peirce

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

226-387-2490

519-442-4955

226-216-3037

519-209-2277

519-442-7134

Administration & Bylaw: 519-442-7268

Articles,

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

email to:

Publisher Managing Editor

Advertising Sales Photographer

News Reporter

News Reporter

Paid

Chris Whelan

Casandra Turnbull

Chris Whelan

Michelle Malvaso

Carolina Saenz

Bailey Zimmer

writing to:

STATEMENT

We are an independently owned organization made up of like minded 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:

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

TODAY! RUMMAGE AND BAKE SALESaturday May 6th 9 am to 12 pm. at Paris Presbyterian Church. Bring and fill your own reusable bag - $5 a bag

TODAY! BRANCH 29 LEGION MAY

BAZARRE – Saturday, May 6 from 10 am to 3 pm at 70 William Street Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 Paris. Vendors, shopping, live music, food and drinks, raffles and a 50/50 day

TODAY! BURFORD OPTIMIST BIKE

RODEO - Join us on Saturday, May 6th for the annual Burford Optimist Club Bike Rodeo! Ages preschool to Grade 8 welcome! This is a free event, outdoors at the Burford Community Centre/Arena Kids, please bring your bikes! Prizes to be won

BRANT PEDALERS AND PADDLERS OPEN HOUSE - The Brant Pedalers and Paddlers invite you to join us for our Spring Open House and Membership event on Wednesday May 10, 7pm to 8:30pm at the Brant Sports Complex, 944 Powerline Rd. Come and connect with like minded active older adults who enjoy yearround activities hiking, paddling and cycling on local trails, waterways and cycle paths. Annual membership is $30 single/$45 per couple Hope to see you there!

LONG WEEKEND FIREWORKS! – Saturday, May 20th at 6:30 pm at the Princeton Ball Park, hosted by Princeton Firefighters and Princeton Women's Auxiliary with Friends of the Princeton Park.

See story in next week’s edition!

TODAY! BIG CITYYY BINGO & BROADWAY- May 6th at 2Rivers Restaurant from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Call 519-442-3233 to reserve your tickets!

TODAY! JANE’S WALK – Walking Tour of the Village of Burford, Saturday, May 6th –morning tour 10 am to noon and afternoon tour 2 pm to 4 pm Meeting location is the parking lot at the corner of Park Ave Everyone welcome.

PARIS COMMUNITY SAFETY GROUPNext meeting is Monday May 8th, 2023, at the Brant County O.P.P detachment in the community room at 7 p m Our topic will be on “Personal Safety” and the presenter is Officer Michelle Murphy Everyone is welcome

Fire trucks, OPP, EMS (If Available), Township Equipment, Reptile Show, Bouncy Castles, BBQ, Popcorn

TODAY MAY 6TH AT 10 AM AT BURFORD

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

TODAY! BRANT NORTH COMMUNITY SAFETY

GROUP - Saturday May 6 at 9:30am - Safety & Crime Prevention Walk - taking place in St. George- Planning Meeting on Wednesday May 17 at 7pm in the Community Room at the Gaukel Memorial Community Centre -Safety & Crime Prevention WalkSaturday May 27 at 9:30amtaking submissions of ideas from the public of where to host the walk within Brant North suburban area

PARIS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ANNUAL PLANT

SALE - Saturday, May 13th, 8 am

11 am at Syl Apps Community Centre, 51 William Street. Selection of perennial favourites from members’ gardens, vegetables, herbs, annuals, and native plants. Master Gardener on site Junior Gardener’s Corner for children. Coffee and Muffin available $2 Cash Only! Plant Auction to follow. Call Carol 519-442-3918 or Nancy 519-752-8702 details

BANFIELD STREET ART

CRAWL- Saturday, May 13 from 10 am to 4 pm in the Banfield neighbourhood of Paris. Come out and see some amazing work being done right here in Paris

REPURPOSE CLOTHING

WORKSHOP! – Hosted by the County of Brant Library, Paris Branch on Tuesday, May 16 at 7 pm. Learn how to repurpose clothing and fabric at our next sustainability workshop! Bring any clothing you want to upcycle and restyle your piece(s) with beads, patches, buttons, and thread. Register at ow.ly/X5k650NPIZf or connect with staff to sign up

ANNUAL BIKE RODEO

–Hosted by the Paris Community Safety Group on Saturday June 10th, at the Syl App’s Community Centre, side parking lot from 10 am 12 pm Free! Everyone ages 4-12 are welcome to attend. There is a chance to win a bicycle, courtesy of Robin McNaughton from the CoOperators.

Popular Horticultural Plant Sale just one week away

By Casandra Turnbull

The weather has been questionable so in case you’re looking for further signs of spring, look no further than next Saturday’s annual Plant Sale taking place at the Syl Apps Community Centre

A few dozen members of the Paris Horticultural Society (PHS) have spent the last couple of weeks digging up and splitting plants in preparation for the society’s big fundraiser, one of a several planned for the year. The morning long event is very popular and has been known to sell out on most occasions. That’s great news for the PHS, a non-profit organization that uses the funds for horticulture education, a bursary awarded to a local high school student and the beautification of local parks and planters throughout Paris

In preparation for the sale, approximately 20-25 PHS members have been pulling perennials from their home gardens to sell and auction off (there is a plant auction that takes place at 11 am on the morning of the sale) and there’s an entire committee steering the fundraising sale. Like past years, there will be a wide variety of perennial selection, said Serryn Stephenson, Horticultural Society publicity director, sharing a glimpse of what to expect: hostas, iris, perennial geraniums, grasses, Shasta daisies, hellebores, heuchera, allium, phlox, columbine, lady’s mantle and many more. There will be a good pick of native plants, and some annuals, vegetables and trees. “The unique plants sell out quick,” said Stephenson “Hellebores are a big seller One year it was rhubarb that everyone wanted.”

Stephenson praised the PHS members who put a lot of effort into getting the selection ready for the sale. It takes a lot of commitment, she noted, especially with all the rain the past couple of weeks.

“We always try to have a huge number and great selection of plants, depending on the weather conditions and

Members of the Paris Horticultural Society dig up some perennials in preparation for next Saturday’s Annual Plant Sale that takes place at the Syl Apps Community Centre from 8 am to 11 am.

donations, sometimes we have more than other years.”

The Junior Gardener’s Corner is returning for the first time in three years, which gives the little shoppers some amusement as caregivers pick up their perennials! Remember, this is a cash only event, there are no debit/credit terminals.

A majority of the club’s 75 members contribute to the sale’s success from volunteering to host the event to growing the perennials to sell. It takes place one day only on May 13 from 8 am to 11 am at the Syl Apps Community Centre

Approved with an H

What is a holding provision and how can it help guide smart development in the County of Brant?

EDITORIAL / LETTER TO EDITOR

Residential growth in our community is always a hot topic and I wanted to share some facts and some opinions as we navigate trying to control and manage growth

Generally speaking, residents of the County of Brant hear about Planning Applications submitted by developers, and assume that Council’s options are to either Approve or Decline those applications.

I have LOTS of personal friends who say to me “ You have to Decline any further applications…growth is out of control already and we have a huge traffic problem” I completely understand that sentiment and the frustrations behind it. I share the community’s desire to find the most effective ways of slowing down and effectively managing the growth in Paris.

With that goal in mind, I am learning that in addition to “Approve or Decline” there is another third option that can be useful: Approve with an H for Holding Provision. In this scenario, construction on the development is PREVENTED or LIMITED until specific defined criteria can be met. Examples of possible criteria include: water,

wastewater capacity and other infrastructure factors

At the April 4th Planning and Development Committee meeting (video available on YouTube) we looked at an Application for conversion of a former school property on Maple Ave in Burford to a development with 44 Townhomes. Lots of neighbours showed up wanting to see the application declined There are lots of people in that part of Burford who do not want to see this type of housing in

their area. We gave everyone an opportunity to share their point of view and there was lots of discussion within the Committee

During that meeting, I reminded everyone that when a developer sees an application declined (or when a developer perceives that their application isn’t processed fast enough), the developer often takes the Municipality to "Court" to have the decision appealed.

Councillor Steve Howes during the April 4th Planning and Development meeting.

(Court is actually a tribunal, called the Ontario Land Tribunal which is run by the Province).

So unfortunately “Just Decline the application” is not the end of the story and does not always achieve our goal of slowing down or managing growth.

In these situations where we are “in Court”, it is very rare that the Tribunal decides in favour of supporting the Municipality Typically, it ends up being a settlement where the developer and the Municipality work to come to an agreement.

As I understand it, there may be another factor when these situations go to the Tribunal: Picture a privately owned golf course, that is owned by a developer who has a proposal to build 400 houses. If the Municipality doesn’t process/approve that development in a timely fashion, the developer can take the Municipality to the Tribunal AND while they are at it, they might increase the number of requested houses from 400 to 800 That is how a Community might end up with 748 houses being built on a golf course instead of 400. The only best case scenario in a situation like that is the settlement process might create the opportunity to require the developer to spread the building of the houses over several years, to give the Municipality an opportunity to sort out necessary infrastructure improvements, including road/traffic management.

In the scenario described, Approval with an H (Holding Provision) for the original application for 400 houses (with construction delayed until water/wastewater capacities and road management were sorted), might have had the result that the golf course would still end up with houses on it someday, but it might be 400 instead of 748 dwellings (Realistically speaking, they may have always had a long term plan for 800 homes).

During the meeting regarding the Burford

application, Councillor Lukas Oakley spoke also, reminding everyone that there are people under the age of 30 who, out of necessity, are looking for housing solutions that may be different than what the community has seen before. He pointed out that there may be young people in Burford who wish they could find rental apartments, or townhomes that might fit their budget and allow them to stay in their hometown. There may also be seniors who want to downsize without leaving the community where they spent their entire lives

In the case of the Burford example, staff had analyzed the application and recommended “Approve with a Holding Provision” with the criteria being tied to waiting until a Burford Water/Wastewater Plan is completed, and/or necessary new private solutions determined and the Committee (and subsequently Council) voted to support that recommendation.

I am intentionally sharing all of this information because before joining Council, I had never heard of a “Holding Provision” (and figure most people are in the same situation) and I am now seeing potential merits of using this tool to retain some control over residential growth.

I predict that this subject may come up again, related to proposals in Paris and other parts of the County. Stay tuned.

- Published with permission from the author Steve Howes, Paris Ward 2 Councillor, County of Brant Council.

Brant hosts successful Ontario Small Urban Municipalities Conference

Mounties Report

MEDIA RELEASE - The County of Brant is pleased to announce that the Ontario Small Urban Municipalities Conference hosted from April 2628, 2023 was a great success.

“The Ontario Small Urban Municipalities Conference welcomed over 170 municipal leaders from across Ontario to examine and address today’s important issues facing small urban municipalities,” said Mayor David Bailey

Ontario Small Urban Municipalities represent the official voice on small urban issues for the Province of Ontario and is an integral part of the Association of Municipalities Ontario.

“We would like to acknowledge and thank several speakers and delegates for attending including The Honorable Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Will Bouma, Member of Provincial Parliament Brantford-Brant, Marit Stiles, Leader of the Official Opposition and the New Democratic Party, Mike Schreiner, Leader of the

Green Party of Ontario, Matthew Rae, Parliamentary Assistant to Minister Clark, Michael Sullivan, City of Brantford Councillor,” noted Bailey. “Many important topics were covered such as homelessness, traffic calming, and asset management.”

Advocacy, policy and research matters are undertaken by Ontario Small Urban Municipalities to ensure alignment and influence on matters that mean the most to small communities and municipalities.

“Hosting the Conference in the County of Brant provided an opportunity to foster ties with municipalities from across Ontario and showcase the County’s wonderful amenities,” said Bailey.

The County of Brant offered conference participants the opportunity to participate in a golf tournament hosted at the Burford Golf Links, receive discounts on local dining, and were provided with County of Brant dining and shopping guides to support visiting local restaurants, shops and attractions.

Mayor David Bailey during the opening of the Ontario Small Urban Municipalities Conference hosted by the County of Brant April 26-28th. Over 170 municipal leaders from across Ontario attended. Also in attendance was Leader of the Green Party of Ontario, MPP Mike Schreiner with Paris Councillor Lukas Oakley. Schreiner discussed the Green Party’s plans to invest in the green economy. He also promised to take significant costs for housing and infrastructure off the backs of municipal taxpayers, says Oakley.

Are you pleased with waste and recycling services in Brant?

Provide your feedback before new contract is awarded; drop-in style public information sessions scheduled for May & June

MEDIA RELEASE - The County of Brant is hosting a number of upcoming public engagements and is seeking input from local residents and business owners

Waste& RecyclingServices

The Garbage and Recycling Service Review will be held on May 25, 2023 from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm at the Brant Sports Complex, LaFarge Room

A second session will take place on June 5, 2023 from 5:30 pm

8:00 pm at the Cainsville Community Centre, 15 Ewart Ave. Cainsville

We invite you to attend an inperson, drop-in, open house to learn more about the various service options. Staff will provide tours of the presented information throughout the evening Feedback will be collected by a print or digital survey. If you are unable to attend the in-person open house, information and an online survey can be found online at www EngageBrant ca/WasteServices

About the project: The County of Brant will review garbage and recycling service options in preparation for future contracts The purpose is to review existing services and identify potential new services for upcoming contracts,

considering the costs to taxpayers, diversion opportunities and the needs of residents. Current services include:

• Weekly curbside collection and disposal of garbage

• Weekly curbside collection and processing of recyclable materials

• Operation of Biggars Lane Landfill site and Paris Transfer Station

•Yard waste collection in urban areas

•Annual Household Hazardous and Special Waste collection event

•Curbside collection of Christmas trees in January

•Curbside bulk waste collection by call-in request

•Subsidized sale of backyard composters

Visit www EngageBrant ca/WasteServices

Parks and Recreation Review and Long-termPlanning

Watch www.EngageBrant.ca in May for more information about the June open houses related to longterm park planning, future recreation programming and the

Brant Sports Complex expansion

For more information about these projects and other public consultation opportunities, visit www EngageBrant ca

The St. George InterimControl Bylaw

Discussion takes place on May 24, 2023 from 6 pm – 8 pm at St. George United Church, 9 Beverly St E, St. George.

We invite you to attend an inperson, drop-in, open house to learn more about the study and next steps.

About the project: The County of Brant Council passed an Interim Control Bylaw to temporarily freeze the development of certain lands in St. George between July 2022 and July 2023 This Bylaw provides the County of Brant time to study and review its land use policies and coordinate servicing for future growth As part of this project, the County of Brant is studying drinking water, wastewater treatment and sanitary sewage collection, stormwater management and a road network to address future traffic.

Visit

www.EngageBrant.ca/StGeorgeStudy

Canadian Tire Paris celebrates 10th anniversary of relocation

Canadian Tire Paris relocated its business to the north end of Paris in May 2013. Store Operator

says the successful transition was only possible because of the dedicated staff members, some who are still with the company a decade later. Pictured above is the local staff. Photos supplied by Canadian Tire Paris

By Casandra Turnbull

Canadian Tire Paris has a special anniversary coming up this month and the staff plan to celebrate with some cake, balloons, and customer appreciation filled in store specials!

This month marks the 10th anniversary of the store’s relocation from downtown Paris to the north end. They’re marking the milestone with sales of course and the first 100 customers to visit the store on May 18th will receive a free loot bag!

“I really just want to thank all of our loyal customers, the great staff that we have and I hope the next 10 years is as great as our first 10 years,” said store owner Karel van Tol.

It was May of 2013 when the icon downtown location (where Wincey Mills is today) made the big move. Anyone who frequented the old store knows it

was unique with its multi-level floor plan and small aisles. It was obvious before the move that a new, larger store was necessary to not only house the massive inventory for a growing population, but also to meet the accessibility needs of its customer base. “Moving from a four-storey operation with retail sandwiched between two floors of warehouse certainly made us more efficient,” said van Tol. “More importantly, our store became accessible for so many customers that were not able to effectively shop the old location,” he shared In fact, that point was really driven home the moment the staff opened the doors of the new location. “I recall seeing our first customer coming through the door on a mobility scooter with a big smile on her face as she entered the store.”

Karel van Tol

COMMUNITY NEWS

The more spacious, accessible store was a welcomed sight for staff, especially after a tremendous move that took a lot of coordination and team work to accomplish.

“Moving out of the old store was a lot of late nights, with limited ability to move product out of the old store, using a hundred-year-old elevator, one small skid at a time, it left my General Manager (Jamey Brosseau) and myself often moving inventory in the middle of the night so that we could stay on schedule,” van Tol recalls. “We have, and had, such a great team where everyone was willing to jump anywhere as needed; we had mechanics helping off load trucks and people working extra days just to keep us on schedule. It was the best example of teamwork that I have been part of.”

van Tol has operated the Paris Canadian Tire since 2012. In fact, it was the appeal of reopening the store in a new location that lured him to town in 2012. Before moving to Paris, he had a lengthy career in the Canadian Tire franchise He started working for the corporation in 1989 and became a dealer in 2009. His first location was in Tilbury, Ontario, before relocating to the Prettiest Town in Canada.

“I had frequently visited the area and thought Paris was a great place to move to and I have remained here for the past 10 years,” he shared.

If you want to be a part of Canadian Tire Paris’ anniversary celebration, drop by the store on May 18th to see what’s on special. Watch for a full-page ad in next week’s Paris Independent outlining the special sales and stackable offers!

SEE NEXT WEEK’S PARIS INDEPENDENT FOR A FULL PAGE OF IN STORE SPECIALS & MORE!

The relocation to a larger, more accessible store on Grand River Street North was a welcome change for not only the employees but the customers as well. The layout of the new store allowed for spacious aisles, more inventory and met accessibility standards for a retail business. The store left its downtown location 10 years ago this month.

Looking back at 1st Canadian Tire in Paris LOCAL HISTORY

Who doesn’t have a fond memory of Canadian Tire in Paris? Your first bicycle perhaps? Maybe it was your first pair of ice skates? As a purveyor of nostalgia, Canadian Tire is one of my favourites and it’s because unlike so many memorable places, we still have a Canadian Tire Store in Paris just like we did in 1957 when the first associate dealer opened the doors of the former J H Patterson’s Grocery Store on Dundas Street Prior to this, Parisians would have ordered their CT merchandise from a catalogue. Few businesses have grown and evolved with our town quite as perfectly as Canadian Tire, but where did it all begin? Well in 1922 the brothers John William (J.W.) and Alfred Jackson (A.J.)

Billes purchased “Hamilton Tire & Rubber”, an automotive business located on the corner of Gerrard and

Hamilton Streets in Riverdale, in east Toronto Unfortunately, the Gerrard Street Bridge over the Don River was closed that year for extensive repairs and the brothers’ business was cut off from the normally heavy traffic flow of customers. The brothers worked other jobs to get by and eventually they moved the business to a better location at Young and Isabella. It was here that they began to sell an array of Chevrolet & Ford replacement parts as

well as batteries, toolboxes, radios, and A J even mixed his own brand of antifreeze in the basement But tires were their main staple, in those days Toronto had 40,000 drivers and they very seldom made a round trip to the country without blowing a tire! In 1922 paved roads were scarce and tires were flimsy, often over inflated and very expensive to replace.

Continued page 13

Photo c.1963 The First Paris location at 32 Dundas Street West, Paris, ON. Photo courtesy of the Paris Museum & Historical Society

The Young and Isabella store as it appeared in 1925.

The Wincey Mill Canadian Tire Store

Having worked in the rubber business J.W. (Bill) knew what to look for when buying tires and he would find the best deals directly from factory’s that were selling off seconds or discontinued lines By 1925 the Billes brothers were offering quality tires at much lower prices than even their largest competitors. With the addition of an unconditional guarantee and the increase in automobile ownership the business was booming and they moved to a much larger location at 639 Younge Street. They incorporated the company as Canadian Tire Corporation because they said it made them sound big! In 1928 they advertised buy a tire and tube and save 5 cents off your gas for a year This was done to show their customers how much they appreciated their tire business and to live up to their slogan “We Make Your Dollar Go Farther” By this time they had a growing mail order business and they started printing the now famous Canadian Tire Catalogue which also included a

popular road map. The brothers’ competitive prices and innovation continued to gain loyal customers across Canada which made the associatedealers an instant success!

In 1989 Cindy and I purchased our first house in the fall We soon realized that we needed a Christmas tree. Being on a tight budget we hoped that Canadian Tire located in the former Wincey Mill could help us out. We climbed the stairs to the third floor where they had all the trees set-up on display. We very carefully chose what we knew would become “Our Tree” for many years to come. We bought the biggest best looking one we could afford. It was perfect and lasted us until our children were in their teens and we decided it was time for a new tree We had seen advertisements for Michaels in Brantford and we decided to go there and buy our new Christmas tree. When we got home and opened the box and set-up the tree. We all nearly cried because we hated it so

much. This was our special planned night to decorate our tree, now what would we do? We realized the new Canadian Tire in the Northville plaza was still open and Cindy and I left our sad children and headed to Paris Canadian Tire to find the perfect tree We found a beautiful pre-lit NOMA on sale and we thought it was perfect. We dragged the huge box up to the cashier just as the store was about to close. The cashier asked if we had a scratch card and we said no. She pulled one out from behind the counter and we scratched another $50 off our purchase! We still have both of our special trees and we will never forget how Canadian Tire in Paris saved our Christmas,twice!

Photo c.2011 Canadian Tire’s 2nd store on Mechanic Street in Paris & elevator shaft shown below

Vandals strike at Paris Lion’s Park washrooms

Sometime overnight Friday, April 28th into the early hours of Saturday, April 29, vandals damaged the washroom at Lion’s Park in Paris. County of Brant staff have been busy this week cleaning and repairing the damage, which is said to be minor, according to Director of Parks & Recreation, Stacey Ellins. The County has reported the incident to the OPP. Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity during this time period is asked to report it to the OPP.

OPP and Ontario Fire Marshall investigate house fire

The OPP and County of Brant Fire Department responded to a call for a house fire on Blossom Ave at 4:05 am on May 4th . Attending firefighters arrived on scene and were met with a structure fire, which was subsequently extinguished. No injuries were reported.

The Brant County OPP Crime Unit and Ontario Fire Marshal's office are continuing to investigate and is seeking assistance from the public. If anyone was in the area of Blossom Avenue in the early morning on May 4, 2023, and has a dashcam or has any information regarding this incident, they are being asked to contact the Brant County OPP at 1-888-3101122.

Should you wish to remain anonymous you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or leave an anonymous online message at www.crimestoppersbb.com where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Photograph posted online by Jesse Fournier

Festival season in full swing as Paris FC teams travel to compete

Soccer season is here, even if spring is a little late to arrive! The Paris FC teams are in full swing though, despite a little rain, freezing rain and at times hail! Pictured top left is the U9 Red Team at their first ever festival in Guelph – First on the Turf. Pictured above is the U9 Girls Team at the Joe Valvasori Sparta Cup on April 29th .

Above, the U10 team celebrates its first festival appearance at the Joe Valvasori Sparta Cup on April 29th .

To the right, the U12 boys team had a great morning at the First on the Turf Festival April 30th

Paris FC Photos

The Paris FC U12 Girls also competed in the Sparta Cup Festival under wet conditions on April 30th. Pictured above are left is Violette Caetano and Quin Anthony. To the right are Miecah Oteng, Joanna Florczyk, Quin Anthony and goal keeper, Tenley polidori.

Paris Curlers team up with Olympic Gold Medalist!

The ice pad might be gone for the season but that hasn’t stopped Pairs Curling Club members from finding opportunities to play the game they love. On April 22, three of Paris’ club members got the chance to not only keep their curling season alive, but to curl with an Olympic Gold Medalist!

Ellay, Ashley, and Jordan made the drive up to the "Cherry Capital of the World" - Traverse City, Michiganto play in their annual "Cherry Bombspiel". It was also the official grand opening of the Traverse City Curling Club's brand new 28,000 square-foot facility. Paris’ 3-person team needed a skip though, so they called on 2014 Olympic Gold medalist Brad Jacobs to join them. The team gelled quickly and played great together, finishing with an undefeated record of 5-0, and winning the 'A' Championship Title - the first fully international team to do so in the history of the Cherry Bombspiel!

A big congratulations to Ellay, Ashley, Jordy, and Brad on their win - with a special huge Thank You to Brad for joining the team and leading them to victory! Brad is said to be an official honorary member of the Paris Curling Club!

Photo credit Melissa Ostrowercha

Paris Tennis Club season opens this week

Ever considered Tennis?

Did you know Paris has its own tennis club?

Paris Tennis Club is a family friendly community club; its mission is to maintain a fun and exciting environment where children and adults of all ages and levels can grow on and off the court and also to create a passion for tennis as a sport for life

The Club offers a full range of memberships, lessons, events and services Social and competitive play takes place on well-maintained hardcourts in Paris.

There’s Adult Social Play Club Nights

Monday at 7:30 pm (competitive), Tuesday at 7:30 pm (beginners) and Thursday at 7:30 pm (recreational play). There’s still limited spots available in the kids’ programs ranging in age from 3 – 14. Junior Social Tennis runs from 11 am to 12:30 pm on Saturdays

To learn more about the club, membership fees, club rules or to book a court, visit the Paris Tennis Club online.

WANTED! SPORTS SUBMISSIONS

Send us your game scores, team updates, tournament results or just any sports related news stories or human interest stories you want to share. Let us help you spread the word! Email us at stories@theparisindependent.com

The Paris Tennis Club is very active in the spring and summer. If you love the sport and are looking for a place to meet new people, check them out at the courts beside Paris District High School! Still photo take from Paris Tennis Club website

Open house next week for Brant Pedalers & Paddlers, a seniors group aimed at promoting healthy, active living

By Casandra Turnbull

If you love the great outdoors and strive to remain active in the company of like-minded individuals in your community, look no further than the Brant Pedalers and Paddlers (BP&P) who always welcome new members.

The not-for-profit recreational organization is a year-round outdoor activity centric group that aims to promote and maintain active lifestyles in an organized manner, while respecting and protecting the environment. BP&P is dedicated to helping maintain a small portion of the Grand Valley Trail at Hardy Road as part of their environmental stewardship mandate.

Members meet throughout the week to participate in a variety of health-conscious activities: cycling, paddling, hiking, walking and winter-related sports. They actively seek local and provincial initiatives that impact the activities they participate in to contribute to the overall focus of healthy aging. The club has a membership of 100 active adults who range in age from early 50s to 80+.

“We welcome all those who enjoy the wonderful outdoors in all seasons, have a ready smile,

a small portion of the Grand Valley Trail at Hardy Road.

and comfortable/sturdy shoes. A bike helmet is required for cycling and owning a kayak/canoe is helpful,” said Deborah Vickers, Co-Chair of BP&P. Each spring the group promotes itself through an annual open house designed attract new members and showcase the adventures from previous years. On May 10th from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at the Brant Sports Complex in Paris, interested residents are encouraged to pop by and see what BP&P is about.

BP & P was founded in 2015 by a group of friends who live in Paris. They approached the County of Brant and entered a partnership with a shared objective of providing a healthy and respectful place to live. The organization grew to more than 100 members by 2019 and while Covid caused a minor decline in membership, the group was still able to meet through the pandemic as most activities took place outdoors in a safe, socially distanced format.

Brant Pedalers and Paddlers take active living and environmental stewardship very seriously Each year they are responsible for maintaining

As the pandemic passed the membership grew back to pre-Covid status.

Membership fees are $30/individual or $45 a couple. Being a member gives you access to a plethora of activities and friendships year-round Rain or snow doesn’t slow the group down, in fact weather can play a significant role in the planned activities. It’s not uncommon for the group to put on some snowshoes or bundle up and hike through the snowcovered trails in the winter. In the warmer months you might find them cycling to Woodstock, Port Dover or the Hamilton Harbour and Escarpment; or you might see them paddling down the Grand River or Big Creek; don’t be surprised if you find them hiking along the Grand Valley Trail system or participating in the Owl Prowl in Dundas Valley because after all age is just a number and there isn’t an activity they aren’t willing to at least tackle!

All BP & P activities are pre-planned and hosted in a safe environment. To achieve this goal, activities are established following proper safety protocols and activity hosts are responsible for ensuring all

participants are accounted for and have provided the proper emergency contacts. Participants are responsible for bringing their own safety equipment and should have some knowledge or experience in the activity they are participating in Members have access to an online calendar and can choose to participate in activities that pique their interest. Activity coordinators ensure the activities are scheduled on the group’s website calendar, so anyone interested in joining knows the when and where. Sometimes, members are even exposed to new sports that might not have been on their radar. Last season they learned the ins and outs of lawn bowling when they were invited to the Paris Lawn Bowling Club for an introduction to the sport

If you’re not a member, but would like to be, check out BP&P next week at the open house and bring some of your active ideas with you!

There’s nothing more refreshing than a paddle down the Grand River, just ask members of the Brant Pedalers and Paddlers! One of their favourite activities is venturing down local rivers or creeks. The group promotes active lifestyles and welcomes new members anytime!

Wander ‘Into the Woods’ with the Paris Performers’ Theatre Group

By Carolina Saenz

There is no doubt that Paris is home to lots of talent. This spring, some of that talent hits the stage as The Paris Performers’ Theatre presents “Into the Woods” by Stephen Sondheim. Celebrating their 30th anniversary season, “Into the Woods” will be their final production of this milestone season and theatre goers can catch one of several shows taking place on May 19, 20, 26, and 27 at 8 pm, and May 21 and 28 at 2 pm at the Paris Fairgrounds

Terri-Lynn Graham, president of the Paris Performers' Theatre and director of this show shares their take on this classic. Graham explains that the first act of ‘Into the Woods’ tells the stories of classic

tales such as Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Little Red Ridinghood, and a special tale of the Baker and his Wife that was written specifically for the show but is loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s "Thumbelina". The first act ends with everyone getting their happily ever after. The second act tells what happens after 'happily ever after' and to be careful what you wish for because you don't know the consequences of that wish.

“Our interpretation of the show is more in the costuming and set as its based on a Victorian steampunk theme The set will have a more industrial looking Woods and the characters will be using the audience as part of the Woods they venture

through,” Graham writes While some of the characters are played by very experienced volunteers from The Paris Performers’ Theatre and some seasoned actors, Jordan Graham is making his stage debut as “Jack”. And all the main characters are playing some of their ‘bucket list’ roles, making this a very special show for everyone.

“It's been an incredible experience working with all of them and seeing the more experienced actors encouraging the newer actors. They're all a big family. But keeping them from chatting has been like being in a toddler daycare sometimes!” jokes Graham

Continued on page 21

The Baker’s Wife and Cinderella’s Prince played by Deanna Stevens and Arthur G Brook. Into the Woods presented by Paris Performers’ Theatre runs from May 19 – 28. You can reserve your tickets online now so you don’t miss out on the final production of the group’s 30th anniversary season.

Photo by Dana Brushette

The show consists of about two and a half hours of entertainment, with a 20-minute intermission A wellworth-it show, attendees can expect laughter, tears, poignant moments, and incredible singing. The band playing will be led by Christopher Bee.

This final show of the Paris Performers’ Theatre’s 30th anniversary season has actually been in the works for quite some time, originally slated during the pandemic. And this year really marks the theatre’s 32nd season, but members are celebrating it as the 30th season because of the lost years.

“We started with "Rocky Horror Show" as our October fundraiser, then "Cock" in November, "The Pillowman" in February and we are rounding it out with this classic musical I was the one who spearheaded this show with Deanna Stevens who plays our Baker's Wife. She and I have had this vision going on 10 years now and are ecstatic to pull it off together,” shares Graham. This is Graham’s second show as a director, having directed “Bare Bear Bones” in February 2019, but it is her first musical. As a stage

manager by trade and usually in that role, the transition to the director’s chair was easy

“I first saw the Broadway production with Bernadette Peters in high school and fell in love with it and performed the show with a local group out of Brantford as a teen. When I first came to Paris Performers 10 years ago, I found out they used to put on musicals quite frequently, but it does take an enormous amount of work and money in the background to be able to pull it off. I had it as a show in my back pocket to put on at some point but knew I needed a huge amount of help. Without the amazing people on my cast and crew, in particular Nikole Beda, Duncan Graham, Deanna, my musical director Chris Bee and my stage manager Susan Dignan, this show would have been impossible to mount, and I'm forever indebted to their assistance to keep my vision of the show intact. I had a lot of setbacks this past year with my health and personal life that could have kept this show from going on but with these incredible people we've pulled off a show that we're all very proud of,” she said.

Everyone of all ages is invited to attend To purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite, or call the Paris Performers’ Theatre at 519-3020169, message them on Facebook, or via email at parisperformerstheatre@gmail.com

“Community theatre has always struggled as a viable form of entertainment unless it's at the Broadway level which is incredibly unfortunate. Local community theatre is all about a special bonding of "family" that all these dedicated volunteers share a passion for. They work very hard to put on quality productions that showcase incredible local talent for a fraction of the cost of going to Stratford, Toronto or New York When you support local theatres like Paris Performers, you get to see your neighborhood cashiers, bartenders, woodworkers, business owners and more creating another way to bond with their patrons and friends and family. The outlet provided by community theatre allows people from all walks of life, with all types of abilities, to be part of something

Pictured left to right: the Wolf and Little Red Ridinghood played by Dean Rideout and Kaitlin Pollock; Cinderella played by Alexandra Boyd; and Rapunzel played by Piper J Distel

Photos by Dana Brushette

Optimist Club welcomes new member

Mark the Calendar! One-stop Grad Shop is back

One-Stop Grad Shop is back on Thursday, May 11! The event is hosted by King George Elementary School in Brantford, an initiative started by the Brantford Police Services. This event helps remove barriers for students to celebrate this milestone accomplishment in style. The One-Stop Grad Shop includes formal dresses, suit jackets, dress shirts, shoes and accessories in a variety of sizes and styles – everything that’s needed to put together a red carpet-ready outfit! The event takes place May 11 at the school at 265 Rawdon St, Brantford from 3:30 pm to 7 pm

– Grand Erie District School Board Photo

The Paris Optimist Club was pleased to welcome a new member to its growing organization. The Club extended a warm welcome to new Optimist, Vanessa Jurkus this past month. Optimist Larry Crawley inducted Vanessa at a recent meeting. If you are thinking of getting more involved in the community, reach out to the Optimist Club of Paris for more information about the service club and how to become a member.

Submitted photo

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS: The BCHS Dove Program & Pet Therapy

There’s a BCHS Inpatient Mental Health team that supports a number of services within the local healthcare system. One of those services includes the DOVE Program and Pet Therapy. The BCHS communications department shared more about this service this week, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness week.

According to a recent social media post, the DOVE Program stands for Dementia Care, Opportunity, Validation, and Empathy It involves utilizing evidence-based Recreation Therapy techniques to enhance cognition, memory, and support, for the patients in C4 Complex Care and was built on the essence of personalized patient care through recreational therapy, adaptable leisure activities, and holistic healing. It was created by Recreational Therapists Rachel Brown and Julie Thompson.

BCHS also partners with Therapeutic Paws of Canada to offer free therapeutic pet visits. The BCHS based program currently has three dogs, Roxy, Nicky and Mick, who visit with patients in the Inpatient Mental Health unit twice a month According to staff, the therapy pets impact the daily lives of many patients by helping to reduce stress, improve communication for those who struggle and improve an individual’s emotional state

Photo credit Brant Community Healthcare System

Did you know that Paris has four active Sorority chapters?

It might be a little-known fact, but there is a strong sorority presence in Paris

There are four chapters of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority in town – Gamma Rho Masters, Laureate Alpha Phi, Preceptor Alpha Tau and Xi Theta Zeta, with members ranging in all ages and educational backgrounds. Members tend to join the chapter that best suits their age group and interests in life.

Beta Sigma Phi is an international woman’s friendship network that was established in 1931 during the Great Depression to create a place that could bring women together and expose them to social cultural and education that was not available in those difficult times.

The sorority’s motto is ‘Life, Learning and Friendship,’ and that certainly appears to be true almost 100 years later! And it definitely rings true here in town.

Last year, members of the Gamma Rho Masters and Laureate Alpha Phi chapters gathered at the Paris Legion to celebrate a rare milestone of one member - Shirley Morris’ diamond ritual (anniversary) Sisters gathered to celebrate and reminisce over 60 years of accomplishments, friendships and memories

Chapters enjoy socials that range from informal gatherings to gala affairs that often include family and friends. Fascinating cultural programs offer insight into subjects that range from the arts to gardening to in-home businesses. Membership in the organization provides opportunities to contribute to your community, develop lifelong friendships and polish your leadership skills Each chapter determines its own service projects and participation is always voluntary

Some local service projects supported in the past and present include canvassing in support of the Canadian Cancer Society, calling as reminders for Red Cross blood donors clinics, making fidget quilts for Alzheimer’s patients, sponsoring scholarships for P.D.H.S. graduating students, making pillowcases for Conker Cancer, participating in the MS walk, and bike identification marking during the annual bike rodeo

If you’re interested in joining a chapter or learning more, you can reach out to Susan Shewfelt at susanshewfelt@gmail.com

-With information provided by Edith Stone

Shirley Morris during her diamond ritual in 2022. She is a member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority in Paris.

Raising a glass…. for an equal cause!

Travelling

Pint with Tiffany

Martin

There’s nothing quite like working together with other strong, passionate women towards a unified goal, especially when that goal is brewing a tasty beer for a good cause.

Last month I was invited, alongside some other rad ladies from the community, to join in on a brew day at Flux Brewing Co. in support of Pink Boots Society. The Pink Boots Society was created to assist, inspire, and encourage women who are fermented/alcoholic beverage industry professionals to advance their careers through education and scholarships. A Pink Boots Society Canada Chapter was born more recently to support the initiative and see the funds used locally to Canada. Each year Pink Boots works with Yakima Chief Hops to release a special & exclusive hop blend for Pink Boots brews This year’s blend is a real goody – featuring Loral, Azacca, El Dorado and Idaho Gem varieties.

Kelsey, head brewer at Flux, came up with a delightfully hazy IPA that is giving us loads of juicy stone fruit and citrus zest both in the aroma and sip.. At an even 5.0% it’s super easy drinking, and is looking like a big patio fave for Flux. Yes, their glorious patio is back open in summer mode and waiting for you!

'Step by Step' is available on tap and in cans at the brewery now We can also shed a light on Tara who does all the design and creative at Flux and she rocked out another amazing can design that is just a little more special because of the cause.

Tiffany is an Ontario-based beer & travel blogger sharing her adventures served alongside all kinds of craft beer. Her love of craft beer is what inspires her travels and her love of storytelling is the backbone of her blog. Tiffany also puts on local pairing events & women only beer events so follow along with her adventures on social or at www.TheTravellingPint.com because the ROI on curiosity is priceless! Oh, and… Tiffany is local, residing here in Paris!

Photos courtesy of Flux Brewing Co

Proceeds from ’Step by Step' will be donated to @pinkbootscanada in support of their mission to help women & non-binary folks advance in the industry through education. We love what Pink Boots do and the hard work we poured into this brew will be reflective in every sip. Ok, by hard work I mean laughs, learning, a few beers and great time spent with wonderful women

Thanks for the fun day Flux and for all of you taking the steps in supporting women daily in your lives.

Local jobless rate mirrors Canadian & Ontario rates

BRANTFORD (May 5, 2023) – Brantford-Brant’s jobless rate sits at its lowest mark in six months. The area’s unemployment rate dropped to 5% in April, down from March’s 5 3%, according to seasonally adjusted figures released by Statistics Canada on Friday. It’s the lowest jobless figure since last October

The Brantford unemployment rate matches the national rate of 5% and is just off Ontario’s 4.9%. Employment increased by 33,000 in Ontario in April, the bulk of Canada’s total 41,000 job gains Several nearby communities within a 1-hour drive have a lower jobless rate than Brantford-Brant, but only one – Guelph – has a higher employment rate

“When you compare last month’s numbers to April 2022, you see that the number of people in Brantford’s labour force has grown by about 5,000 people in 12 months,” said Danette Dalton, executive director of the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie.

“That’s impressive Even more impressive is that almost all of those people found jobs.” Women saw a greater share of Brantford-Brant’s employment growth over the last year, adding about 2,300 full-time and 1,000 part-time positions.

Employment for men grew by about 600 full-time and 1,100 part-time positions.

Women in the core working ages of 25 to 54 saw all their employment gains, while most of the gains for men were in the 55 to 64 age group. Employment declined for men in the 25 to 54 age group. There were about 2,700 new postings in April on Grand Erie Jobs, the online job board operated by the Workforce Planning Board, down about 5% from March. Postings came from about 1,100 different employers

Women in the core working ages of 25 to 54 saw all their employment gains, while most of the gains for men were in the 55 to 64 age group Employment declined for men in the 25 to 54 age group. There were about 2,700 new postings in April on Grand Erie Jobs, the online job board operated by the Workforce Planning Board, down about 5% from March. Postings came from about 1,100 different employers.

The Workforce Planning Board is one of 26 nonprofit organizations in Ontario that play a leadership role in labour force planning. The Workforce Planning Board is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

Paris dam will be lit in honour of King’s Coronation

Today, May 6, 2023, Canadians will celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort. This historic event will allow communities to come together and highlight themes that both King Charles III and Canadians hold dear, including service, the environment and sustainability, and our nation’s diversity.

In honour of the King’s commitment to the environment, the Paris dam will be lit green starting Friday, May 5 to Sunday, May 7, 2023.

Photo credit: Royal Family

Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire) –You may start the week off feeling disappointed You do not trust people at all and you have been deceptive to people around you Omitting things to loved ones is still a problem for you You need some guidance, make plans with the few people left in your life that you still trust.

Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth) –Take some deep breaths before you speak this week. You seem to be frustrated and it is making you a bit sensitive You want to run away and just be left alone by mid week, but you stick it out and things get better by the weekend You end up having a welcome surprise

Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air) –Last week left a bad taste in your mouth You have decided to completely change your life course You want more love, more fun and then your health needs some serious attention. You will create fun social gatherings for the month of May.

Cancer: June 21 – July 22 22 (Water) – You may have a change of heart when it comes to your relationship this week Something is lacking or maybe that it is just non-existent. You need to dig deep into your emotions before you can make big choices You will distract yourself with work, stop avoiding your true feelings

Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire) –You have lost your focus, it is starting to mess with your self confidence Who do you trust? You need a good talk and a long cry By the end of the week you find your purpose and things finally start to fall into place professionally, so hang in there.

Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth) – You are coming out of a rough patch and feeling like things may finally work out for you professionally Your love life now needs some of you in it If you work on yourself, your love life will flourish You have to start trusting your gut

Libra: September 23 - October 22 (Air) - Pick an area in your life that needs the most love and put all your energy into balancing that. Your time is sparse this week, but it is important that you find some fun time. This weekend you will get an invite to something great, splurge on yourself and do it

Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 (Water) – Calling all single Scorpios this week will bring multiple options for your next relationship You have an awkward encounter in regards to work, even if you prepare yourself it will still be a surprise and you end up responding poorly

Sagittarius: November 22December 21 (Fire) – You have been putting off all the little things in your life lately, now they turn into big problems. You need to make a to-do list and actually complete them Your family can use some attention, plan a special gathering and catch up

Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth) – You need to check on your family friends Even if they stress you out, they need your personal attention Your work week seems to keep piling up with things you need to do Stop and breathe and do one thing at a time Your lover surprises you on the weekend and it will be much deserved.

Aquarius: January 20 – February 18 (Air) – You come back to reality and realize that some of your expectations in love, work and health are unrealistic, especially because you are not putting the proper energy into very important things lately. You should focus but you will ignore that and go out and find fun instead

Pisces: February 19 - March 20 (Water) – Everything is just hard to do this week. You want to start a new project, but you just can not seem to decide what it is you really want Pick something you need first then go from there You are going to be sensitive when it comes to work and love so when you get snappy go take a time out before you speak to anyone.

Horoscopes with Tina Graziano Energy Reader

Tina Graziano was born an energy reader. She uses her gifts to heal and guide others as a life coach. If you need support and insight in life, contact Tina for an energy reading directly online at https://www.facebook.com/ Tina.Graziano.Energy.Reader /?ref=page_internal

Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford

For Saturday, May 6, 2023 Guardians

You There God? It's Me, Margaret.

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The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part