ParksCanadastaff,JohnWall,wasjoinedbyMayorBailey,JudyMoore(ParisMuseum andHistoricalSociety),NathanEtherington(BrantfordHistoricalSociety,andDoreen Coakely(PenmanManorResidentsGroup)duringanunveilingofaplaqueatPenmans MillNo 1lastSaturday,recognizingthesiteasaNationalHistoricSite Detailson page13. Photo Credit: Ian Bell
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
We are an independently
Chris Whelan
Casandra Turnbull
Michelle Malvaso
George Le Gresley
Rubyyy Jones
Stephen L.
Jacob Gaudet
Taren White
Heidi Pfleger
Tiffany Martin
Shelley Gaudet
The one sure sign that Halloween is around the corner is when Cindy Alexander opens up her Spooky Cedars self tour on Curtis Ave South in Paris. It is opened from now until November 1st every night from dusk to dark. Look for the glowing ghost! And please be sure to park respectfully.
Saturday, October 12th from 4 pm to 9 pm at the Paris Fairgrounds. Prepare to be enchanted and delighted at our mystical Halloween Witches Market in the heart of Paris! Step into a world of magic and mystery, where over 40 vendors await you with an array of mystical treasures From crystals that sparkle like stars to enchanted candles that glow with a magical light, you’re sure to find something that captivates your witchy soul. FREE ADMISSION!
October 27th from 1 pm to 3 pm at 45 Dalkeith Dr Unit 8, Brantford, hosted by Hearts to Homes Feline Rescue and Sanctuary. Costume contest and prizes! More information available here.
FOR PARIS – Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction on Saturday, October 26th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The event supports local Girl Guides as they raise funds for Europe 2026! Held at St. James Anglican Church, 8 Burwell St, Paris. Dinner includes spaghetti and meat sauce, ceaser salad, dinner roll, and vegetarian options available upon request, $15 a person. To buy tickets contact 1stbrantfordrangertrips@gmail.com
– Join us for a presentation of Music in the Fellowship Hall of St George United Church, 9 Beverly St E (Highway 5) on Friday, October 25th at 7 pm. Tickets are $25 a person available by e-transfer to stgeorgeunitedchurchfinance@gmail com (this payment is recommended) or at the door. Cash bar, beer and wine. For more information call 519-4483842
Afriendlyreminderthat all #BrantLibrary branches areclosed
BREAKFAST FOR CHAMPIONS – October 23rd at the Brantford Golf and Country Club, doors open at 7 am and breakfast is at 7:30 am sharp This fabulous chef prepared breakfast buffet is in support of Universal Student Nutrition Programs for children and youth in Brantford and County of Brant. For Tickets visit www.brantfoodforthought.ca or email Gisele@brantfoodforthought.ca
GREAT CANADIAN BUTTER TART FEST- Saturday, October 26th and Sunday, October 27th from 11 am to 4 pm at the Paris Fairgrounds. Bringing you thousands of buttertarts, the rumbling of food trucks, talented artisans, kids’ area, beer garden, hot cider and so much more! Information available here
TWEEN DANCE! The Paris Optimist Club will hold its monthly Youth Dance on Friday October 25, 2024. This is our Halloween Dance with special prizes for special costumes. The dance is for students in grades 5 to 8 only. Grade 9 and older students are welcome to attend as volunteers The DJ begins the Dance at 7:00 pm and it ends at 10:00 pm Volunteers must arrive at 6:45 pm. The Dance is held at the Syl Apps Community Centre, 51 William Street in Paris with adult chaperones. Entry fee is $5.00. All proceeds support the Paris Optimist Club and its projects for the youth of our community For any further information and to volunteer as a chaperone or as a high school student, please call 226.802.5063 or 519.442.5227.
By Casandra Turnbull
In a narrow 5-4 recorded vote, council has endorsed a staff recommendation to amend a comprehensive zoning bylaw that will allow Losani Homes to put additional units in an eightstorey apartment complex planned for vacant land at 139 Court Drive in Paris The amendment, say staff, conforms with the newly adopted Official Plan (approved in 2023) when it eventually comes into effect This approval will open the number of units Losani can put in the second proposed apartment building which will be adjacent to an already approved apartment complex they are building on 139 Court Drive. Construction has not begun on either building, both which will stand eight storeys tall Losani could not provide have a timeline on when construction will start. The request to modify the existing residential high-density, site-specific zoning provisions to facilitate further intensification has drawn sharp criticism from area residents and was the cause of a lot of debate among councillors during the October 8th council meeting
Emily Elliott, an agent from MHBC Planning, representing Losani Homes, presented before council in the open meeting that
This rendering of the proposed apartment building in Paris was presented by MHBC, on behalf of Losani Homes, during an October 8th council meeting. Losani is building two apartment buildings at 139 Court Drive
was attended by many residents living in the Court Drive area. This additional apartment building will feature one- and two-bedroom units and there are plans to construct 272 parking spaces for its residents, many of them in a two-level underground parking structure. These buildings are part of Simply Grand 2 Subdivision that was draft approved in 2014 and registered in 2021. The limited number of units allowed in the original plans were approved under pervious zoning bylaws over 10 years ago, said Elliott, and by allowing Losani to construct more units they would in turn be providing ‘a more attainable form of market-based housing ’
Both Councillor John Peirce and John Bell had questions surrounding the affordability of the units, versus attainability, a term used often during Elliott’s brief presentation “One bedroom, two-bedroom, three
bedroom – we need those in our community. But you use the word attainable – that simply means there are units available, but it doesn’t matter what the cost is Has there been any discussion at all if these will be for rent or for sale?” asked Peirce. Bell followed up with his own observation. “There are similar developments from this developer – take Binbrook for example – what do they charge to rent?” he questioned Elliott could not answer both questions, stating tenure of these developments has not been decided at this time, nor has the price point, which she said is subject to several factors, including market conditions. She did say, “At this point there is no affordable units proposed. At this stage (in the project) we are looking at zoning for land use only.” Continued on page
During a delegation from one Court Drive resident, two slides depicted the Simply Grand 2 Subdivision as it was presented by the developer in 2021 (left) and again as it is depicted on the developer’s website now (right). Both do not show the apartment buildings that will be constructed.
Neighbourhood residents were on hand to present as delegations during the open meeting Pavinder Tut and Achal Sharma, who live directly beside the to-beconstructed buildings, said they are contemplating a move because they said they were not made aware of the plans when they purchased their lot at 137 Court Drive.
‘We were assured that no plans were in place and that any future developments would align with the existing character of the neighborhood. We were led to believe that the area would see the addition of single-family homes or townhouses, similar to our own,’they said in a letter to the mayor and council Among some of their top concerns are privacy, the impact on the character of the neighbourhood, infrastructure strain, and a lack of available school space for growing families. The school board has already confirmed that schools in the area are at capacity and newer residents will need to bus their children to school in Brantford
“We hope you hear the voices today and vote against what is being proposed. You are our collective voice,” they pleaded.
Mr. Thanki, who lives down the road on Court Drive, said he was not given notice of the apartment building plans, which is a requirement of any planning applications within 120 metres of proposed plans.
“We did not receive any correspondence; we only found out about the first (building) when the application for the second one came out two months ago,” he said during his delegation
He also shared images/renderings of what the neighbourhood would look like, presented by the builder
in 2021, and another image of how the ‘neighbourhood’ is currently being presented online - both renderings were absent of any apartment buildings.
He also pointed out that he isn’t against growth, noting he grew up in big cities with high density housing. What he, and some of his neighbours are asking for, is transparency and well managed development that fits the neighbourhood
Prior to the recorded vote, several councillors took the opportunity to share their thoughts on how and why they were voting.
“It’s pretty clear through our Official Plan process that the housing crisis we see around us that we need these types of units. There’s a lot of talk about affordable versus attainable. However, every single one of these units will be more affordable than what is available in this subdivision. This is a win,” said Councillor Lukas Oakley.
Councillor Jennifer Kyle echoed a lot of his comments but also pointed out that “We are mandated to grow, and we are in a housing deficit, and we need to control the sprawl into our farmland. These houses that go up instead of out are what we have to consider. We have to stop sprawling out so we can continue to feed the community,” said Kyle, a Ward 1 Councillor
Councillor Bell outright stated that he would not support this recommendation. “I think we need to step back and understand the implications to our residents. We have an obligation to our ward residents It might happen again when we see development start to happen in ward 1 (Glen Morris way),” said Bell.
Continued on page 7
Continued from page 6
Councillors Peirce and Howes were both against the recommendation to increase density, noting they could support the original application but could not support one that would bring more residents to an already crowded neighbourhood.
“Applications are based on the approved plan at the time. At the end of the day, this application was based on the approved plan at the time –104 units. What is in front of us today does not go with the approved plan. I cannot support this,” said Peirce
Howes rejected the proposal for the same reason, saying the math just doesn’t add up. Putting too many residents in one hectare of land just doesn’t make sense. The minimum number of residents per one hectare, according to the new Official Plan, is 50. Losani’s representative confirmed this increased density would see closer to 360 people per hectare
Mayor David Bailey was the last person to speak on the subject, also nothing he couldn’t let it happen simply because the plan seemed backwards. “People who came here tonight are not against growth If we are going to build an apartment building, build it first so the houses around it have options as to what their houses will look like. It’s backwards, it’s just backwards No, I can’t support this either,” said Bailey.
The recommendation to allow more density passed 5-4. Councillors Lukas Oakley, Jennifer Kyle, John MacAlpine, David Miller and Christine Garneau voted in favour.
Councillors Steve Howes, John Bell, John Peirce and Mayor Bailey all voted against it.
Is Halloween your favourite time of year? Be sure to make the trip to Spooky Cedars for a delightful fright! The set up is located at 38 Curtis Ave South in Paris.
Admission is free but don’t forget to bring along a nonperishable food donation too. There’s a bin located at the start of the trail for donations. This creative set up is courtesy of local resident and realtor CC Alexander.
Photos by Casandra Turnbull
By Casandra Turnbull
A Toronto based architect was awarded the $30-million expansion project for the Brant Sports Complex.
County Councillors approved the RFP during a late September council meeting. MacLennan Jaunkalns Miller Architects Inc has asked for $1.95 million (plus HST) to design the 50,00060,000 sq ft expansion, which is set to include a triple gymnasium with storage, an indoor walking track, gender neutral changeroom/washroom flex
spaces, multi-purpose rooms, customer service and office spaces, a pro-shop and other amenities as space planning allows.
When the original feasibility analysis plans for this expansion project were presented by the County of Brant Parks & Recreation Department in spring of 2023, the estimated cost at the time was $22 million. That cost has increased since staff recently reviewed facility contract awards – and the new estimated cost is closer to $30 million.
When news broke late last month, many residents have since inquired why this expansion does not include an indoor pool, something many residents asked for during several parks and recreation open houses in June of 2023 However, to apply for crucial provincial funding, the county has decided to push this expansion project through now, rather than amend the plans and miss the deadline to apply for the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund.
Continued on page 9
Application for that funding is underway now Project funding is contingent on projects being completed by March 31, 2027. Aside from potential provincial funding, the cost of construction will come from multiple sources, including development charges, the Parkland Dedication Reserve, fundraising and tax support, according to county staff.
The 80,000 sq ft. Brant Sports Complex, complete with two NHL size ice surfaces and 700 spectator seats and several community meeting rooms, opened in 2011. It cost around $20 million to complete. Talks to build the state-
of-the-art facility were in the works for more than 15 years before it was finally approved and constructed.
This newly proposed expansion, according to the county documents, is required to keep up with steady growth and ensure that resource challenges to accommodate the current and future demand for recreational activities, programs and services are met. Schools in Paris are at capacity so it’s becoming more difficult for Parks and Recreation staff to utilize schools for recreational programming. Right now, the county relies on local schools to provide space to fill the 10,000 hours (annual) of
gymnasium time for these types of programs (according to a June 2023 interview with Stacey Ellins, Director of Parks and Recreation). Daytime programming for seniors has also dramatically increased
The expansion project will provide skilled trade jobs in the County for the anticipated 15-month construction period.
The Brant Sports Complex addition will be a hub for many activities and revenue will be generated to offset some of the operational costs It is anticipated that several FullTime Equivalent (FTE) positions will be created to deliver programs and maintain the facility.
MEDIA RELEASE – The Cambridge Symphony Orchestra (CSO) is gearing up to celebrate 20 years in the community and part of that celebration includes a stop in Paris. The CSO will perform a concert in Paris at St. Paul's Church, 48 Broadway St. West on Sunday October 27th at 3 p m The concert in Paris will be a Masterworks concert and will include the Overture to Der Freischütz by C. M. von Weber, Concerto for Two Violins in D minor, BWV 104 by J. S. Bach featuring Concert Master Joy Schuster, and Assistant Concert Master Kristi Coleman-Dorland. The concert will conclude with Dvořák's popular Symphony No. 9, "From the New World." It promises to be a great concert in a beautiful venue. Tickets are available through their website cambridgeorchestr a.ca and also at the door. According to a press release shared with the Paris Independent this week, they are especially excited to perform in Paris as part of their community
outreach efforts and are hoping to offer more outreach concerts in the future.
The CSO has gained great momentum over the years under the leadership of their Music Director Sabatino Vacca, with musicians coming from quite a radius outside of Cambridge As the orchestra has grown and developed, they have expanded their repertoire and types of programming they are able to offer the public. Along with a growing orchestra their audiences have also been growing. Their concerts are often filled to capacity as they seek to make orchestral music readily accessible to all as they strive to build community through the power of music.
They opened the season with a Beatles tribute concert in September and will conclude their 20th Anniversary season with a concert dedicated to the music from the world of film on May 29, 2025, at Tapestry Hall in Cambridge.
Continued on page 11
The Cambridge Symphony Orchestra will make a special stop in Paris on October 27th for a performance at St Paul’s United Church.
To the Editor:
Having read articles about re design of downtown and reading comments made by business owners and the general pubic it seems obvious that our elected officials are listening to developers and not the public who elected them to represent us. Developers and designers don’t use our downtown. The local residents do. We are losing our uniqueness and functionality. Don’t try to fix what is not broken The removal and change of parking limits access for seniors and those with mobility issues to services, mainly banks and drug store To our politicians please, open your ears and listen.
Cheryl Turnbull
Paris, Ontario
Continued from page 10
If you can’t make the Paris performance, no need to worry, the CSO has an ambitious season planned with a wide variety of concert programs to choose from including Classical and Pops
Please refer to their website for more details about all of their concerts this season. There are a total of seven left to choose from with something for everyone.
The orchestra plays all over Cambridge from the Gaslight District to the Hamilton Family Theatre and local church venues. They were very honoured to perform at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto last November in a Pops program with soloists and an 80 voice choir.
The CSO also has a budding Youth Orchestra which performs in some of their concerts as well It's great experience for these youngsters and some of them join the Adult orchestra when they are ready.
The Norfolk The Norfolk
The orchestra is very grateful for the support they receive from the community. They have a dedicated and hardworking Board helping to ensure the orchestra remains sustainable under the leadership of Dr. Michael Lawrie.
The CSO looks forward to seeing you at their concert in Paris on October 27th.
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Staff Report: In a groundbreaking move to breathe new life into Downtown Paris, a pivotal zoning by-law amendment is on the horizon. This ambitious initiative, recommended by a recent report, and accepted as information at last Tuesday’s meeting of council, aims to align the current zoning regulations with the visionary Downtown Paris Master Plan, adopted in October 2019 The ultimate goal is to ensure that the County’s Comprehensive Zoning ByLaw ("CZBL") resonates with the strategic priorities of sustainable growth and economic resilience.
Social Revamp: The proposed amendment, set to address critical issues like building height, permitted uses, and floodplain mitigation measures, seeks to reshape the social fabric of Downtown Paris. By delineating permissible land uses in alignment with the municipality's Official Plan objectives, the amendment is poised to redefine the community's physical, psychological, and social well-being.
Environmental Focus: With an eye on environmental sustainability, the amendment will play a crucial role in steering development away from flood-prone areas, safeguarding both public health and safety in the floodplain of Downtown Paris.
Economic Boost: By setting clear expectations for development potential, the amendment aims to catalyze incremental growth in the tax assessment base. With Downtown Paris already boasting a tax assessment value exceeding $30 million, the proposed investment in additional commercial and retail opportunities is expected to further elevate the area’s economic standing.
The transformational journey of Downtown Paris
began with the development of the Downtown Paris Master Plan, a result of extensive public consultation spanning 2017 to 2019. This visionary plan envisions a vibrant, inclusive space that preserves the historic charm and community focus of the downtown core. The upcoming zoning by-law amendment seeks to bring this vision to fruition by aligning zoning standards with the Official Plan and Master Plan policies.
Key Considerations: From building height and permitted uses to parking requirements and the implementation of the 1987 Special Policy Area, the amendment will address crucial elements to pave the way for a revitalized Downtown Paris.
Public Engagement: Embracing a robust public consultation strategy, the amendment process will encompass diverse feedback channels, including online platforms, public notices, visualizations, and public information meetings A draft zoning amendment is slated for presentation in November 2024, with a final recommendation anticipated before construction commences on Grand River Street North in the Spring of 2025.
Submission by the Paris Museum & Historical Society - On a beautiful autumn Saturday, two dozen people gathered at the gazebo at Penman’s Manor, previously known as Penman’s Mill #1, to unveil a plaque celebrating the history of Paris’ textile mills.
Parks Canada, which organized the ceremony, invited Brant Mayor David Bailey plus representatives of the Paris Museum & Historical Society, Brant Museum and the Penman’s Manor Residents’Group to share their thoughts.
Mayor Bailey spoke of his memories of visiting the building when it was the site of Pride of Paris, a drapery company. He spoke of Don Stewart expanding his education regarding fabrics, how they were made and their various qualities.
Judy Moore, of the Paris Museum and Historical
Society shared the story of the immigrants who came to work at the mill and live in Paris. Her grandparents were only a few of the many people in Paris who worked at the mill.
Nathan Etherington of Brant Museum spoke of John Penman’s life and the company’s holdings in Ontario and Quebec.
Doreen Coakley, a member of the Penman Manor Residents’ Group, said the group realized it has become the steward of the property and is committed to preserving its history.
The Paris Museum provided an onsite exhibit, showing part of its extensive Penman’s collection. The residents’ group displayed historical photographs normally hung in the manor’s lobby.
On October 5th , Parks Canada and the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada commemorated the national historic significance of Penman Textile Mill at a special plaque unveiling ceremony at Penman Manor in Paris. Penman Textile Mill was once the cornerstone of the Penman Manufacturing Company, Canada's largest producer of woolen knit goods at the end of the 19th century.
Nestled along the banks of the Nith River in Paris, Ontario, the Penman Textile Mill, particularly Penman Mill No. 1, holds a storied past that intertwines with the very fabric of Canada's industrial history. Established in 1868 by the visionary John Penman, this sprawling complex emerged as a titan in the knitwear industry, casting a long shadow over the Grand River Valley for well over a century.
The saga of the Penman Manufacturing Company commenced with humble beginnings but soon burgeoned into a powerhouse of textile production. After the devastating inferno that engulfed the original mill in 1874, John Penman's resolve led to the construction of the iconic four-storey brick edifice that would become synonymous with Penman Mill No. 1.
Specializing in hosiery, the mill's reputation for crafting top-tier
socks and stockings burgeoned, solidifying its status as a paragon of quality by the close of the 19th century. The mill's operations were a marvel of vertical integration, from the initial stages of cotton and wool processing to the meticulous creation of an array of knitted garments, all under one expansive roof.
As demand soared, so did the mill's workforce, swelling to approximately 1,000 employees by the early 1890s. Penman's strategic acquisitions of mills in Ontario and Quebec, coupled with the influx of skilled hosiery artisans from the British Isles, bolstered its standing as an industry pacesetter.
Continued on page 15
The mill's vibrant culture was a mosaic of diversity, with a significant cohort of single women recruited for their prowess in operating hosiery machinery The resonant sound of the shift-change whistle became a melodic punctuation in the daily rhythm of life in Paris, signifying the ebb and flow of labour within its hallowed walls.
Embracing the winds of change, Penman forged alliances with Dominion Textile in the early 20th century, culminating in its formal assimilation into the company in 1965. However, evolving market dynamics
precipitated the sale of the original Penman Mill No. 1 to Pride of Paris in 1970, heralding a new phase in its evolution.
In 1995, the mill's structures found rebirth as warehouses and offices, repurposed to accommodate the shifting needs of a transforming economy while preserving their architectural legacy. The dawn of the 21st century witnessed the metamorphosis of three surviving buildings into residential units, seamlessly blending modern comforts with the enduring echoes of an industrial epoch.
Today, Penman No. 1 Mill stands as a living monument to Canada's textile heritage, a testament to the resilience and ingenuity that once thrived along the Nith River, shaping our community and etching a lasting legacy on the nation's industrial history.
It stands as a triumph of the past, illuminating the path forward into a future where the echoes of industry's golden age still resonate in the winds that sweep across the Nith River in Paris, Ontario, Canada
Brant County, ON – October 4, 2024 – The Brant Battalion and Titan Hockey are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing senior youth hockey programs and fostering community involvement in Brant County and surrounding areas. This collaboration seeks to combine the strengths of both organizations to create a more dynamic and inclusive hockey environment for players, families, and fans through community and development.
The Brant Battalion, known for their recent amalgamation of Burford, Paris and St George Minor Hockey Associations are committed to excellence in competitive hockey, and Titan Hockey, a leader in Jr Hockey development programs such as the Brantford Titans Jr B and the
Paris Titans Jr C, will work together to offer a series of joint initiatives, including skill development camps, mentorship programs to our coaches and players.
This partnership underscores a shared vision to nurture young talent while promoting the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and community spirit. Brant Battalion Sr Teams the U18A and U21A will play under the Brant Jr Titans Brand of being identified as the Brant Jr. Titans.
“Partnering with Titan Hockey is a natural fit for us,” said Dave Greenwood, President of the Brant Battalion. “We are excited to collaborate on initiatives that not only enhance player development but also strengthen our ties to the community. Together, we aim to inspire the
next generation of hockey players.”
Titan Hockey has built a reputation for providing highquality training and development opportunities for youth players through their Junior Hockey Teams. Through this partnership, Titan will bring its expertise in coaching, player evaluation, and player development to the Brant Battalion's existing programs, ensuring that participants receive comprehensive training and support.
The Brant Battalion and Titan Hockey are committed to fostering a love for the game and providing opportunities for players at all levels. Through this partnership, they aim to build a strong foundation for future success in the sport, both on and off the ice
It was a night full of fun and excitement for the Brant Battalion U13 hockey team on October 4th when a majority of the young team watched their first Ayr Centennials Junior hockey game. The night kicked off with a behind the scenes tour of the Cens dressing room, a meet n’ greet with the Cens players, watching the warm-up from the home bench and lots of cheering. A special thank-you to the Ayr Centennials and Ayr Centennials Alumni and Waterloo Region Community Foundation 2023/2024 grant for being the JR CEN grant sponsor and making these experiences extra special for these Jr Cens fans!
Photo Credit Ayr Centennials
October 4 –U10A Battalions win 4-2 against New Hamburg Huskies
October 4– U16A Battalions win 2-1 against Mt. Brydges Cougars
October 4– U18A Jr. Titans win 7-2 against Strathroy Jr A Rockets
October 5– U15A Battalions win 5-1 against South Oxford Storm
October 5– U12A Battalions lose 5-4 against St. Thomas Jr. Stars
October 6– U12A Battalions lose 7-4 against South Oxford Storm
October 6– U11B Battalions win 2-1 against Delhi Rockets B2
October 6– U11A Battalions win 2-1 against St. Thomas Jr. Stars
October 6– U13A Battalions lose 4-3 against Strathroy Jr. Rockets
October 6– U13B Battalions win 4-2 against Delhi Rockets B1
October 6– U14A Battalions lose 5-1 against South Oxford Storm
October 6– U15B Battalions lose 5-2 against Delhi Rockets
October 7– U11A Battalions win 6-1 against St Marys Rock
October 7– U11B Battalions lose 3-0 against Norfolk Knights
October 7– U13A Battalions win 3-2 against St Marys Rock
October 7– U15A Battalions lose 3-2 against St Marys Rock
MEDIA
– As Halloween approaches, Lansdowne Children’s Centre is reminding everyone that inclusion isn’t scary.
Halloween can be a fun night of make believe and candy, but for some kids, it can all be too much. Susan Battin, Autism Services manager and clinical supervisor for Lansdowne Children’s Centre, noted that most of the time, children are told not to take candy from strangers, and then, “One night a year, all the rules are off the table.”
On top of that, between wearing a costume, seeing other people in costumes, hearing strange and scary sounds, and seeing spooky decorations and lighting, “there’s going to be lots of things that don’t make sense” to some kids. While Lansdowne serves children and youth who have physical, communication or developmental challenges, Battin noted, “Halloween is hard for many kids,” because it can just be overstimulating in general. Battin offered some tips to help make sure your home and/or event is welcoming to all the little
heroes, mystical creatures or other things that go bump in the night, on October 31
* “Always interact as much as you as the host are willing and comfortable, but realize that that might not be reciprocated,” Battin said. Some children may not be able to verbally say things like ‘Trick or Treat’ or ‘please’ and ‘thank you’; they might need to use an alternative form of communication, like sign language, gesture, pictures or augmented communication devices (like a tablet).
* If you have stairs to get to your door, go out to meet children who have assistive devices, like wheelchairs or walkers, at the ground level so they’re included in the night’s fun.
* Make sure your walkways are clear of obstacles and debris and are well lit.
* “If any teenagers come up to you, be nice to them
… developmentally, that could be somebody that looks older than they are cognitively, so be cognizant of that,” Battin said
*If you’re driving, be sure to go very slowly, and watch for kids unexpectedly running out into the street
* If possible, try to keep the volume of music and soundtracks lowered, so as to not be overwhelming for any of your visitors
Ultimately, remember that “Halloween is largely about kids being kids,” Battin said, and most importantly, “Inclusion isn’t scary”
Lansdowne will host its third annual Halls of Halloween event later this month, providing an opportunity for children and youth who access services and support at Lansdowne Children’s Centre
to practice their trick or treating The event provides an indoor, enclosed area for those who have challenges staying with their caregivers, and a flat area for those with challenges navigating stairs and sidewalks.
“The Halls of Halloween provides an opportunity for children and youth to desensitize to things like costumes, noises, and waiting in line for their treat,” said Battin. “It allows kids to practice their greetings, requests and manners regardless of their communication style.”
The event is hosted by Autism Services and Family Engagement Services at Lansdowne Children’s Centre in Brantford, with support from donations to the Lansdowne Foundation. Anyone interested in supporting the event is encouraged to contact Lansdowne Children’s Centre (which is a not-forprofit organization) with their inquiry.
~Written by Tamara Botting, Lansdowne Children’s Centre
Trick-or-treat? Jason's Wheelhouse is cooking up something fun and sweet! Sensitive Halloween is on October 26th, and you won't want to miss it!
This is a trick-or-treating adventure geared towards higher needs individuals and their siblings of ALL AGES! Wear your costumes and wander through our spooktacular indoor neighbourhood, knocking on doors to fill your treat bags. Registration is required to secure a time slot in order to reduce crowding and overstimulation. This is intended to be a barrier-free and stress-free Halloween celebration. Register now at the link in our bio to ensure you get your preferred time. For more information click here
County of Brant - The County of Brant is proud to have been awarded three blooms and the Urban Forestry Criteria Award in its inaugural year participating in the 2024 Communities in Bloom (CiB) program This achievement reflects the collective efforts of the community, staff, and leadership, and highlights our commitment to environmental sustainability, heritage preservation, and civic pride. Communities in Bloom is a Canadian non-profit organization committed to fostering civic pride, environmental responsibility and beautification through community involvement and an annual national program that challenges communities to enhance green spaces.
“The dedication shown by our staff and community in making this year’s Communities in Bloom participation a success is truly inspiring,” said Mayor David Bailey. “I am particularly proud of our team for their hard work, and of our community for coming together to showcase the best of Brant.”
The CiB judges praised the County of Brant for a number of outstanding accomplishments, including the wellorganized presentation of the Community Profile, which
used innovative technology to showcase key aspects of the area. The judges’ feedback highlighted several strengths in Brant’s presentation, including the inclusion of Indigenous history, a comprehensive and well-organized website, and strong collaboration across municipal departments.
“It’s an honour to see our efforts acknowledged for preserving and enhancing our parks, forests, and communities” said Meghan Hunter, Manager of Parks Capital Planning & Forestry “This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our Council, community and the dedicated staff who worked tirelessly to keep Brant beautiful and ensure the success of this initiative.”
Recommendations were also provided, and the County looks forward to continuing to build on this year’s success and planning for improvements by collaborating with community members to further elevate our standing in the Communities in Bloom program.
For more information about the County of Brant’s involvement in Communities in Bloom, please visit wwwbrant ca/CommunitiesInBloom
If you’ve been taking yoga classes, you’ve likely heard reference to ‘getting grounded’ in your yoga pose. If you haven’t spent time on a mat, you’ve likely still heard the term ‘grounded’ in conversations, particularly ones that relate to health and wellness.
So, what does the term ‘grounded’ mean and what are the benefits of ‘getting grounded?’
If you are like me, day to day life can get you caught up in your head. Life is busy, schedules are endless and the need to multi-task gets us stuck in our thinking. Either we are thinking of what’s happened in the past that we need to catch up on or else we are thinking of what needs to be done now as well as tomorrow and the day after tomorrow On top of that, situations happen that require us to do even more thinking and problem-solving. With so much thinking, we can find ourselves feeling overwhelmed, leading us to
To be ‘grounded’ enables us to stay connected to the present moment and to be in tune with our body, mind and spirit. We feel calmer and less anxious. Waves of worry wane. We notice an increased level of contentment in our lives.
what is known as the “Monkey Mind’ which is a state of restlessness, anxiety, and an inability to control in one's thoughts. Simply put, we get stressed and out of touch with our body and the present moment, to a point that our head is somewhere ‘in the clouds,’ and our feet are far from the ground. This is not a good thing as it makes it difficult to be in the present moment as well as engage in deeper connections and productive activities.
To be ‘grounded’ enables us to stay connected to the present moment and to be in tune with our body, mind and spirit. When we
are fully present in any given moment, our quality of life improves profoundly We feel more at ease. We are more inclined to respond to situations, rather than react Our relationships take on a deeper meaning. We feel calmer and less anxious. Waves of worry wane. We notice an increased level of contentment in our lives. We likely sleep better and feel we have more time for things We suddenly begin to notice a sense of ease.
Sounds good, doesn’t it? So, now, the next question is, how to we ‘get grounded?’
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A good start is to make efforts to connect with the earth. This helps to bring us down to our root chakra, the furthest one from our head and the closest one to the earth. Walks in nature help us tune out from the distractions we see when driving in our car, scrolling on our cell phone, or working on our laptops These are three things that typically contribute to sensory overload and anxiety. Walks in nature bring us down to the simple but vital aspects of the earth as we feel the ground below our feet, breathe in fresh air and admire the beauty of the trees around us. This can help create an energetic shift that fosters a sense of peace and groundedness
Walking barefoot outdoors, or even in our home, helps us feel more connected to the ground and, again, fosters a sense of groundedness. Practicing the yoga standing poses while barefoot is also a terrific way of getting grounded and you don’t need to be a seasoned Yogi to do them. Mountain Pose and Tree Pose are two very simple ones that can be easily practiced in the comforts of your own home and both poses can help create an energetic shift that leads to a calm and grounding state
As with any yoga pose, the key factor is to capture the energy of the pose. In the case of Mountain Pose, one aspires to be strong and stable, just like a mountain. Imagine how strong and stable you would feel if you were capturing the energy of a mountain! When practicing Tree Pose, one aspires to be strong and rooted to the earth, just like a tree. If you’ve taken walks in nature, you would have noticed just how strong, pliable and resilient trees are. Most manage to overcome adversities and still manage to grow and thrive because they are rooted to the earth. How nice would it be if we could all be a little more like a tree!
These two poses are my favourite starting points to help me feel grounded in my practice and experience That said, there is another alternative that can help, especially if you are feeling extremely anxious and having difficulty with your balance This pose is known as Savasana, a relaxational pose practiced on the ground that is done at the start and end of every yoga practice. When practiced with slow, regular and mindful breathing, Savasana can be a very effective way to help you feel more grounded and in the moment.
Yogi’s Tip: If you are feeling especially anxious, practice Savasana with your feet gently pressed into the baseboard of a wall. This will give your feet the experience of being connected to something solid and promote a greater sense of groundedness as it takes the busy energy out of your head and down into your feet. Some people find simply sitting in a chair with their feet gently pressing into the ground can also promote a sense of calmness
Practicing slow, mindful breathing can also help with grounding. It’s like taking a ‘time out’ from the busy-ness of the day or stress of the moment and bring us back into our bodies where we can reconnect with our inner selves, reflect and re-charge, making us that much more resilient and better responsive to any situation that is causing stress
Another simple practice that I was assigned years ago while taking a course on mindfulness was to always ‘be where your hands are.’ This meant that when I was chopping vegetable at my kitchen counter, I was to be focusing on the veggies and the chopping. It promoted the practice of being in the present moment
Sometimes my mind would wander a bit, but only to the extent of thinking how lovely the soup I was making was going to be If I was driving, my hands were on the wheel and, so, I would focus on the driving. I’d look at the road and my view would venture to the trees alongside the road, and I’d think, with gratitude, how fortunate I was to have a car, a road to drive on and a view to enjoy. I was not thinking about the meeting that I was driving to. I was not focussed on rehearsing my pitch to the CEO or on anticipating any awkward conversation that might arise. Instead, I enjoyed the drive and when I did arrive to that meeting, I was far more calm and relaxed than anxious Those meetings always went much better
What I gleaned from this six-month assignment was the practice of ‘checking in’with myself when I felt anxious or stressed I certainly wasn’t perfect at doing it, but I learned so much from it. When feeling irritable or stressed, I’d ask myself, “Where was my mind and where were my hands in that moment? Were they in the same place? Did I remember the last 10 minutes of my drive and the scenery or was I stuck in my head? Could I remember the conversation I’d just
had with my son while sitting at the table together or was I recalling more something else I was thinking about during that time?” When I realized how unfocussed I was, I dedicated more time to the practice of simply being “where my hands were.”
What we eat affects us, as does how we eat. A good meal, suitable for your constitution, can lead to a calming energy that enables you to get things done A high carbohydrate diet can lead to lethargy rather than groundedness and, yes, there is a difference. Lethargy leads to low energy and less productive states. Yes, you may feel ‘relaxed’ after a high-carb meal but the fact that you weren’t able to get past the couch in order to get things done can lead to more stress and anxiety.
You can go online and search for “Foods that Ground You” and you will likely find a list of root vegetables. Basically, anything that grows close to the ground. You may not be fond of such veggies and, of course, how you cook them can affect their quality and level of grounding impact Root veggies loaded with sauce, chemical additives and too much salt will likely not leave you feeling calm and content In fact, it could lead you to feel more lethargic than grounded.
I believe it is far better to monitor what you eat and notice how you feel after you eat before making any change your diet. Everybody is different and certain foods affect our mood and sense of well-being more
than others. I already mentioned the adverse affect that too many carbs can have on diet. Spicy foods, alcohol and caffeinated drinks can also affect us and lead to a state of discomfort and irritability.
How we eat affects our digestion which is a key in promoting good health, well-being and grounding. Fast (and highly processed) food eaten ‘on the fly’ does not lend itself to good grounding Taking time to savour, chew and enjoy your food at a table rather than in your car or over your kitchen sink will also make a difference in your level of grounding.
Taking time each day, even if you can only manage a few minutes, is also a great way to get grounded. Tuning in to how you feel in body, mind and spirit is a form of self-care and a great way to take time that’s just for you. That simple act can, in itself, be a great form of grounding.
And so, there you have some simple tips to feel more calm, and grounded. I hope you try a few.
Heidi Pfleger has been a Yoga Teacher and Wellness Coach for more than 30 years and a student of yoga since the age of five. Born and raised on a farm in the Paris area, Heidi ventured further afield to study Yoga around the world in her twenties and has since been sharing her experiences and continuing in her studies both on and off the mat. Heidi offers regular yoga classes and individual sessions as well as wellness coaching sessions and retreats throughout the year. For more information on her programs, contact Heidi at 519-755-1447.
County of Brant, ON – The County of Brant is pleased to share that it has received $105,000 in funding from the Government of Ontario to help manage the hazards posed by old and inactive oil and gas wells. The funding will be used on initiatives such as training, equipment and public education
“Emergency preparedness is a key component to running a Province”, said Brantford-Brant MPP Will Bouma “I am pleased to be part of a government that prioritizes the health and safety of Ontario and is partnering with municipalities to purchase equipment to detect and monitor hazardous gases ”
This funding is part of a three-year, $7.5 million investment by the Government of Ontario to enhance emergency preparedness in communities. It is the next step in the government’s $23.6 million action plan to address the challenges posed by legacy oil and gas wells
Ontario has records of approximately 27,000 oil and gas wells, mainly on private land in southwestern Ontario, with numerous wells located in the County of Brant. Several mapping tools and resources can be found online at www.Ontario.ca/page/abandonedworks-program
“We are grateful to the province for this important funding,” said Kent Pottruff, Community Emergency Management Coordinator for the County of Brant “Emergency preparedness and planning are top priorities, and this funding will expand our resources and communication efforts with the community on this critical issue.”
The County of Brant will use the funding to implement the following programs:
•Purchase two portable digital road signs for public
awareness messages and quick communication during emergencies, such as evacuations or road closures due to oil or gas well incidents
•Acquire handheld gas monitoring and calibration equipment to quickly detect dangerous gases. These detectors can be expanded for air monitoring in evacuation zones and will work with road signs to ensure resident safety.
•Provide legacy gas well awareness and refresher training to the County's 200 volunteer firefighters, the newly contracted fire dispatch service, and the County's Municipal Emergency Control Group.
•Develop public awareness materials and a webpage outlining the risks associated with legacy gas wells.
•Host a public information meeting for the community.
More information on public awareness initiatives will be shared in the near future. Follow the County of Brant on social media and subscribe to County of Brant news and notices at www.brant.ca/subscribe for updates.
The provincial government is giving the County of Brant $105,000 to help manage the hazards posed by old and inactive oil and gas wells. The funding will be used on initiatives such as training, equipment and public education.
Aries: March 21 - April 19 (Fire) –
Good luck could bring financial gains that increase your overall net worth, satisfaction and contentment But this is also a time of generosity toward others Opportunities can come for personal, spiritual, and material growth This is a good time for education, long-distance travel, and legal and business matters.
Taurus: April 20 - May 20 (Earth) –our love life will benefit from your increased tenderness and ability to connect at the spiritual level A strong sense of compassion and wish to be of service makes this an excellent time to join a charity or help less fortunate people This is also a good time to watch movies, entertain visitors, and beautify your surroundings.
Gemini: May 21 - June 20 (Air) -
Good luck comes as opportunities for personal, professional, and spiritual growth You may be the beneficiary of compliments, gifts, or money This is an excellent time to begin new studies or travel long distances New relationships, investments, or the beginning of any new projects are favored.
Cancer: June 21 – July 22 22 (Water) - This is an excellent time to shop for clothes, cosmetics, jewelry, and anything else to decorate your home or add luxury to your life You can rely on a good sense of fashion and an eye for beauty This is also a good time for entertainment, amusement, relaxation and charity work.
Leo: July 23 - August 22 (Fire) –Good luck could bring financial gains that increase your overall net worth, satisfaction and contentment But this is also a time of generosity toward others Opportunities can come for personal, spiritual, and material growth This is a good time for education, long-distance travel, and legal and business matters.
Virgo: August 23 - September 22 (Earth) – Increased sensuality and popularity make this an excellent time for socializing and dating But a spiritual or soul union is as important to you as an erotic imagination in the bedroom This is also a good time for artistic and other creative work Beautifying yourself is also favored now, and you should have a good sense of fashion in clothes, jewelry, cosmetics, and tattoos.
Libra: September 23 - October 22 (Air) - Men or assertive women might try to test your limits Try not to react to any provocation or threats with aggression A defensive position is advised Do not go on the offensive. It is better to submit to authority, seek a compromise, or retreat if your goals are challenged.
Scorpio: October 23 - November 21 (Water) – This is an excellent time to indulge in a creative hobby or relax with a movie or favorite music You will find yourself being drawn to anything of beauty and want to stay well away from any situations or environments that are harsh or aggressive.
Aquarius: January 20 –February 18 (Air) – You can look forward to material and spiritual growth with opportunities to increase wealth This is an ideal time to start new projects and reach your goals There should be little or no resistance, and others will be generous and hospitable toward you You could also expand your horizons through further education or travel
Pisces: February 19 - March 20 (Water) – Your creative skills flow effortlessly, especially through art, music and poetry. Shopping for clothes and accessories benefits from your heightened sense of fashion and beauty A dreamy, relaxed attitude is ideal for lazing around with a novel or movie This is a perfect time for love relationships You are likely to attract a romantic, sensual and spiritual person if dating, or you enjoy more tenderness and affection with your partner
Sagittarius: November 22December 21 (Fire) – Spiritual growth and happiness can also come through new and existing relationships People should generally be generous towards you, so you deserve to feel optimistic This is also a good time to improve your health through diet, exercise, traditional medicine, and natural healing methods like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and massage.
Capricorn: December 22 - January 19 (Earth) – An increased need for freedom and excitement can test your patience with a loved one or lead to wandering eyes But a healthy relationship will face no major drama, especially with an open-minded partner.
Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford For Saturday, October 12, 2024
Joker: Folie à Deux
Standard 11:30a.m. 2:45p.m. 6:00p.m.
6:45p.m. 9:20p.m. 10:00p.m.
The Wild Robot
Standard 10:30a.m. 11:30a.m. 2:05p.m.
4:40p.m.
3D 1:00p.m. 3:45p.m. 7:15p.m. 9:45p.m.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Standard 1:30p.m. 4:10p.m. 6:50p.m.
9:30p.m.
Saturday Night
Standard 1:15p.m. 4:20p.m. 7:05p.m.
10:00p.m.
Transformers One Standard 1:10p.m. 3:50p.m. 3D 6:30p.m.
Terrifier 3 Standard 1:00p.m. 4:00p.m. 7:00p.m. 10:00p.m.
Speak No Evil Standard 9:10p.m.
Mittran Da Chaleya Truck Ni Standard 11:45a.m. 3:05p.m. 6:25p.m. 9:45p.m.
The Garfield Movie Standard 11:00a.m.
THE OXFORD DRIVE-IN - GATES OPEN AT 6:30pm MOVIE STARTS AT DUSK
NOW OPEN
FRI-SUN. & CARLOAD
THURSDAY
