The Paris Independent for Saturday December 18th, 2021

DISTRICT FIRE CHIEF RETIRES AFTER 47 YEARS! Turn to Pages 4 - 5 THE ROYAL: PAST & PRESENT - See Pages 10 - 14

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The Paris Independent Saturday, December 18, 2021

THIS WEEK

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PARIS GIVES BACK!

In Business

GRAND OPENING Pages 6 - 7 In Sports

FOR THE LOVE OF HOCKEY Page 15 In Community

CHRISTMAS CONCERT Page 16

Over 50 community volunteers gathered at the fairgrounds on Monday night to help sort, organize and pack the annual Community Christmas Hampers. A total of 140 families received Hampers yesterday. Pictured from left to right are Trisha Holyome, Emily Hunter, Lisa Lewis, Lindsay Percival and Emily Percival. See a complete wrap up story in next week’s The Paris Independent.

Photo by Casandra Turnbull

County Offices Closed

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Email theparisindependent@gmail.com with your community calendar submission.

Help us share community news!

The Brantford Lights at Glenhurst Art Gallery.

December 3 to January 6, 2022, 6 pm to 9 pm nightly. 20 Ava Rd, Brantford. December 5 is Lansdowne Night at the Lights and will feature Santa and costumed seasonal greeters Free Holiday Skates at Burford Arena on December 19 from 1-2 pm, sponsored by The Burford Optimist Club and Nathan Ackland Insurance Welcoming the Light! Family Winter Solstice Celebration Five Oaks Centre, Tuesday, December 21, 4:00pm–6:30pm. Join us on for this fun, intercultural Solstice celebration to welcome the light as the days start to get longer and the nights shorter.

BOTTLE DRIVE - PARIS OPTIMIST CLUB - Saturday Jan.8 from 10-2 at our clubhouse on Elm St. - on the Syl Apps parking lot. Please help us support the youth in our community by donating your bottles and cans!

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CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES ST. PAUL’S UNITED CHURCH – 7 p.m., December 24th. We are looking forward to celebrating Christmas Eve in person at St. Paul's this year. To help us prepare and make everyone feel comfortable attending please RSVP using the link. https://form.jotform.com/213438050779258 48 Broadway St W, Paris.

SOJOURN CHURCH - invites you to Christmas Eve celebration from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on December 24th. Register for tickets in advance at christmaseveinparis.com 112 Scott Ave, Paris.

PARIS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH December 24th from 4:30 pm to 6 pm.

Register in advance at www.parispresb.ca 164 Grand River St N Paris

Publisher Managing Editor Advertising Sales Photographer News Reporter News Reporter

GRACE GOSPEL CHURCH - Candlelight Service December 24th at 6:30 pm. Gather with us to celebrate the birth of our Saviour. This is a special time honour Christ and all He has done. A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices. 8 Silver St, Paris.

CEDARVIEW CHURCH - December 24th Candlelight Service featuring special music from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. 20 Cedar St, Paris.

ST JAMES ANGLICAN CHURCH- December 24th Holy Communion 7pm (Modern) 9:30 pm (classic) Christmas Day Morning Prayer 10 am. 8 Burwell St. Paris.

Chris Whelan Casandra Turnbull Chris Whelan Michelle Malvaso Carolina Saenz Bailey Zimmer

STATEMENT We are a non profit organization made up of like minded volunteers from our community with the main purpose of providing our community of Paris and area with a trustworthy and reliable source of community 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:

Published Weekly on Saturday © 2021

PO BOX 99900 LA 012 395 STN MAIN PARIS, ON, CANADA N3L 0C3 Email: theparisindependent@gmail.com

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COMMUNITY NEWS DISTRICT FIRE CHIEF REFLECTS ON 47 YEARS OF SERVICE

District Fire Chief John Emerson retires this month.

Above is John along with Fire Department Alumni Bills Burns, Nick Bibby, Owen Munroe and Ralph Church. Combined they have over 150 years of firefighting experience Photos courtesy of Emerson Family

By Casandra Turnbull After more than four decades of service, District Chief John Emerson will be retiring his firefighter gear at the end of 2021.

Emerson’s long tenure with the Fire Department spans 47 years and began in the mid 1970s when he was extended an offer to join the department at the age of 18.

“My friend and I were in the works department in the summer cutting grass. The Fire Chief was looking for recruits and we decided to come on board,” Emerson recalled. That decision wasn’t exactly a spur of the moment thought either. He said growing up he had fond memories of his grandfather Richard Emerson Sr, who was also a firefighter for 30 years.

Without a formal interview process, the two friends accepted the volunteer gig. Only Emerson would go on to stay with the department and make a career out of it. He completed in-house training and over time, learned more responsibilities within the station. He eventually graduated from Lieutenant to Captain and eventually to District Fire Chief.

Emerson celebrated his 65th birthday earlier this month and with that celebration comes his retirement. It is mandatory for all firefighters to retire by the end of their 65th birthday month.

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“When the pager goes off you get that adrenaline rush, and you jump into action and go.”

John Emerson on duty. Photo credit to Mitchell Brown.

Below, The Emerson family celebrates. Firefighters must retire when they turn 65.

Emerson said he has mixed emotions about retirement but things he will cherish the most from his career are the lifelong friendships he’s formed and the deep-rooted sense of community he’s embraced over the years.

“It’s been a wonderful opportunity to be a part of the team. The people that come out to be firefighters have the same feelings to give to the community as you do – they’re of strong mind and are just a great group of characters,” said Emerson. To this day, he keeps in touch with many friends who’ve retired from the department. Last week he reminisced with alumni firefighters Nick Bibby, Ralph Church, Bill Burns and Owen Munroe. This friendship developed over years of serving together as volunteer firefighters.

Looking back at his long career, he can certainly admit times have changed. One of the largest changes was amalgamation that formed the County of Brant. Eight fire halls across the county came together as one department and formed an administration, under the direction of Fire Chief Keith Nelson and shortly after Chief Dave Collins.

As Emerson sets to retire, there will be many transitory moments, but one feeling he said he will miss the most is the adrenaline rush.

“When the pager goes off you get that adrenaline rush, and you jump into action and go.” No two calls are the same and you never know what each call will entail.

He will also miss that warm feeling of simply knowing he’s made a positive impact in someone’s life. “That’s what we do, we try to make their day better. And it’s not always easy, and sometimes the results are not always the greatest, but we help people in need.”

There’s approximately 180 volunteer firefighters in the County of Brant Fire Department, spread out over eight different stations. Emerson retires from his position based out of the Paris Station.

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December 18, 2021

BUSINESS NEWS FAMILY-OWNED FURNITURE STORE OPENS IN PARIS

Left to Right: Mary Torti, Martin Rawlinson and Sydney McGlinchey inside the new showroom at 300 Grand River St N in Paris.

Photo by Casandra Turnbull

By Casandra Turnbull

Martin Rawlinson, Proprietor, recalls how it all started 30 years ago with an antique shop on Queen Street West in Toronto. He owned and A family-owned business has expanded its operated that location with his mother Rosilinda operations with a new location here in Paris, Rawlinson.

Ontario.

They made the move from antiques to new Cornerstone Home Interiors made its highly furniture when Martin began searching for wellanticipated opening earlier this month during a made, comfortable sofa options that paired well ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Mayor David with the antiques. That’s when his working Bailey. relationship with Rowe Sofas from North The new showroom at 300 Grand River St N is the Carolina, began over 22 years ago. business’ third location, following the lead of two Continued on page 6 successful stores in Toronto and Cambridge.

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“Design is very personal. We provide guidance and assistance all the way through the selection process.”

The business model eventually grew into a full blown 18,000 square foot furnishing store. Then came the flagship store in Cambridge, boasting over 50,000 square feet covered with unique, handselected items.

So, what brought Rawlinson to Paris? “The charming downtown, friendly people and a commitment to well ordered growth and expansion of the community,” he told The Paris Independent.

Rawlinson encourages curious residents to pop into Cornerstone, where the inventory is kept fresh with hundreds of hand-selected items arriving weekly.

“We carry many one-of-a-kind pieces sourced exclusively by us,” Rawlinson explained. “We also hand select and create pieces for the stores. Our prices also set us apart since we buy directly from our manufacturers. After 30 years in business, we have created excellent relationships with our suppliers.”

This solid business practice has enabled Cornerstone to keep their pricing competitive.

Since they buy direct from small suppliers, they are always offering specials and sales for their customers.

If your expertise in interior design falls somewhat short of expert, do not worry, Rawlinson assures his sales staff is very knowledgeable and will help you find pieces that suit your home and your personality. “Design is very personal. We provide guidance and assistance all the way through the selection process. Bring us photos of your inspirations and we can help you bring it to life!”

Local designers and architects are also invited to join the Cornerstone Home Interiors Designer Membership program, which offers all qualified members tiered pricing, seasonal product previews and invitations to private design happenings.

To learn more about Cornerstone visit https://cornerstonefurniture.ca/ or stop by the showroom toady!

Mayor David Bailey offered his support, “We are so pleased to welcome Cornerstone Furniture to the County of Brant. We are blessed to have many small, medium and large businesses thrive in our community. This diversity helps to create a strong and stable economic base. We’re confident your business will be well supported by neighboring businesses, residents and visitors alike. We wish you many years of success.”

Martin Rawlinson and Mayor David Bailey during the ribbon cutting ceremony on December 11th.

Photo by Eden Rawlinson

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FOOD & BEVERAGE NOTHING COMPARES TO FRESH FROM THE OCEAN TO YOUR TABLE Behind the Counter with Spicy Jan Culinary tourism is alive and thriving in Brant and this spicy lady is delighted to bring you along for the experiences from #farmtotable to fine dining and everything in between. Tasty Road Trips Tours is a locally inspired experience company which embraces our farmers, chefs, food creators, bakers and jelly makers. I am asked often, "but how Spicy Jan?" Be sure to follow Behind the Counter monthly and travel along on my journey to share local hidden gems in culinary tourism.

In Paris and the County of Brant, there are a plethora of delightful places to shop local, dine local.

Tasty Road Trips embraces hosting guests from near or far to learn why cooking local, eating local, and dining local matters to Brant. Quite honestly, it's all about the good people!

On that note, let's take a visit to Jiggs n' Reels Seafood at the corner of William Street and Broadway in Paris, Ontario.

Gina, owner and operator of Jiggs n’ Reels Seafood, at her new location on the corner of William and Broadway Streets.

Photos by Tasty Road Trip Tours (Spicy Jan)

What some newcomers to the area may not know is how this unique seafood business started, and how this concept is taking seafood to a whole new level of 'fresh from the ocean.’

Enter stage right, Gina, owner and operator of Jiggs n' Reels Seafood.

Gina started her seafood business with a love of the fresh tastes of home, which she missed greatly when becoming a local in Paris years ago. Gina started with a small location inside The Paris

Wincey Mill. Jiggs n' Reels was tucked away in the back corner, yet quickly became a destination location for many busy shoppers when inside Wincey Mill. The delights of her family recipe of fresh chowder was always a popular must have and quickly sold out in hours. One who hasn't experienced flown-in fresh fish, might wonder what all the fuss is about, but wait for it.

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‘Listen to the sizzle, taste the flakiness, taste the difference flown in freshness makes.’

Listen to the sizzle, taste the flakiness, taste the difference flown in freshness makes. I fell in love with Gina's zest of 'fresh from the pier' and listening to her stories of Newfoundland, yet it truly was love at first bite for this spicy tour host. As I was born in Nova Scotia, I appreciate great seafood and embrace opportunities to secure it. From the salmon (fresh & smoked), cod, halibut, shrimp, oysters, mussels and so much more, it was destined that sooner rather than later, Gina would need to expand.

And she did just that. Gina moved from one end of Wincey Mill to the other, taking on a double location and building her seafood business stronger, and busier. The lobster tank was a fixture for many months at

Wincey Mill and many onlookers searched for that succulent catch. And then, it happened again. Jiggs n' Reels was ready to expand again and this time into their own brick and mortar location.

In October 2021, Gina's permanent location opened at the corner of Broadway and William, and she is busier than ever. Gina works alongside her team, Brie and Emily, who are incredibly versed in all things seafood, recipes and have Gina's passion for 'fresh from the pier." Not a seafood fan? Not to worry as Gina and her team have something for everyone to enjoy a taste of Newfoundland. Food items straight from the East Coast are lining the shelves from Summer Savory Seasoning to chocolate treats and so much

more. The trendy East Coast Lifestyle apparel line is also available for all ages. It's a true #destinationlocation for all things locally inspired and fresh from the ocean. Take a taste of Newfoundland home and experience the East Coast friendliness, at Jiggs n' Reels Seafood.

Tasty Road Trips Tours is an independently owned and operated culinary tourism company, which 100% supports local business. Spicy Jan is a food writer, travel host & business coach. Contact Jan at tastyroadtrips.com to explore all things local. #cravebrant #spicyjan

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December 18, 2021

THE ROYAL: HOTEL, THEATRE, TAVERN – WALK THROUGH HISTORY

Paris Past by Chris Whelan Built in the mid to late 19th century, before it became "The New Royal Hotel," this building at 11 Mechanic Street started its service to Paris as T.P. Gray's Hotel. Mostly business travelers and farmers, they came by horse drawn buggy or wagon from as near

Right: View of downtown as you travel over the Nith River Bridge. The E. Pitts & Sons Flour Mills was on the immediate left behind the Cenotaph, and you can just see the third floor of the “Royal” peaking above the trees further left of the Cenotaph park.

Photo: 1940s Paris Museum and Archives

Historic photo of T.P. Gray’s Hotel in the 1880s

as Brantford or some from far away by train, and they would stay here while conducting business in Paris.

Many farmers would stay here after travelling many miles to Paris with wagons full of grain for the Mill next door (see photo on left).

Longtime residents of Paris, the Gray family have kept the original guest book throughout the generations and say it is signed by some pretty prominent and interesting visitors!

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LOOKING BACK AT THE ROYAL THROUGHOUT HISTORY

After it was sold by T.P, Gray it became The New Royal Hotel & eventually a deal was struck with owner J.J. Flahiff to annex the East side of the Hotel to create a movie house. Part of the deal included allowing the owner and his friends and family free viewing of the shows through a window in their private parlour in the upper rear wall of the theatre.

The Colonial movie theatre was opened on February 28, 1917, by the Allen Bros., a movie theatre chain started in Brantford.

Allen's purchased the old Gem Theatre located at 51 Grand River St. N and closed it shortly after. The owners of the Gem became the new managers of the Colonial Allen Theatre. Allen Theatres became the largest movie theatre chain in Canada before they were sold to Famous Players in 1925 & Famous Players renamed it the Capitol Theatre. The Capitol Theatre closed permanently around 1957. The Allen family still operates some Ontario Drive-in theatres.

This clipping is from the Ayr News Thursday, October 31, 1974, and says "Five Paris men were killed in a fire, the damaged top floor had to be entirely removed“ Right: 1987, note the third floor is gone.

The newest owner is Mr. Bill Kennedy (East River Holdings) a local developer and longtime Paris resident with a strong interest in historical preservation. Mr. Kennedy was unable to save this building as he would have preferred, as it had succumbed to many fires, floods, renovations, and extreme old age, and was deemed structurally unsound.

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COMMUNITY NEWS

THE ROYAL: INCORPORATING THE PAST INTO THE FUTURE

By Casandra Turnbull Quality, not quantity, with an eye to the future, while still embracing the town’s history.

That’s one way to describe the newest Royal in downtown Paris.

What was once The Capitol Theatre and The New Royal Tavern, is now The Royal, a unique luxury condominium nestled in between the Nith and the Grand Rivers.

The building is home to three commercial units on the ground level, four condos on the second level, four condos on the third level and two penthouses on the top. The residential units are all sold with occupancy expected in early January. A bookstore and real estate office will occupy two of the commercial units with the third space currently under lease negotiations. The developer behind project, Bill Kennedy sat down with The Paris Independent to discuss the labour of love that took more than six years to fruition.

To understand why this project started you must go back 15 years to his first major project within Paris’ downtown core: the old Paris Star / Bowes Publishing building.

The above rendering completed by a young design technician named Mustafa. Kennedy mentored Mustafa, who was driven to learn more about community development / marketing.

Photos courtesy of Bill Kennedy

Half of the historic building was home to the Paris Star the other half sat empty and in desperate need of TLC. “I remember that day clearly, going to the county office for a building permit and I was looking at the building across the road. I looked at the downtown and there’s this big building in the centre of it all and it’s deteriorating. I thought if someone doesn’t do something it will fall into the river.”

Kennedy bought the building from Bowes Publishing and started the long process of revitalizing it while preserving its original characteristics.

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The Royal is home to three commercial units and 10 residential luxury condominiums, with occupancy expected in early January. Above right, Bill Kennedy examines progress on the building in September 2020. Photos courtesy of Bill Kennedy

According to Kennedy, it’s always about longevity and attention to detail. A tortoise and the hare approach to development.

Slow and steady growth, while trying to maintain Paris’ unique charm for future generations There were many setbacks along the way and lots of consultation and collaboration with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA). By the time the building was complete, the $800,000 budget came in at just under $3 million. “After three rejections, I almost put the place up for sale,” said Kennedy, of designs that were not approved by the GRCA. “If it hadn’t been for David Johnston, I probably wouldn’t have finished that project,” he admitted. Johnston was the General Manager of Economic Development for the County of Brant at the time. Kennedy tackled the hurdles, and the result is the Water’s Edge Building – now beautifully restored and home to several businesses and That Dam Restaurant Group, with a spectacular view of the Grand River. It’s an attractively renovated building with its original core intact, situated perfectly between the historical buildings that compose Paris’ quaint downtown. It wasn’t a project that could be turned over quickly, in fact that was never the plan.

According to Kennedy, it’s always about longevity

and attention to detail. A tortoise and the hare approach to development. Slow and steady growth, while trying to maintain Paris’ unique charm for future generations – that’s always his end goal.

So, when the Water’s Edge project wrapped up, Kennedy was already in negotiations to purchase the old Canadian Tire building or the Royal Tavern. The Canadian Tire building sold to different owners and is now The Wincey Mills.

Kennedy instead purchased the Royal from Rick McMaster, and right from the beginning he had a similar approach to that of Water’s Edge.

The state of the Royal Tavern was beyond salvation. He had historical groups survey the property and they agreed that revitalizing the building was not an option. Kennedy found a different way to honour its history and pay homage to Paris’ roots, while trying to maintain a consistent exterior look so the new building would blend in perfectly with the old buildings.

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The Paris Independent Continued from Page 13 “The Royal is done to look the period – and I think it does blend very well into the core area – it looks like it belongs there,” he said.

Kennedy was very adamant that any development in Paris’ unique core must fit the downtown footprint but must also have inviting qualities to entice people to call The Royal a home. He recalls visiting a condo complex in a nearby community during the early planning stages of The Royal. There were a lot of residential units jammed into 500 square foot spaces – and selling for over a half a million each. It was the opposite of what he wanted to achieve. “It was a place that warehouses people – not a place to live. It was a place for you to lay down your head and get out of it in the morning – not a home,” and it was in that moment Kennedy decided his project would focus on quality not quantity. That decision ultimately became a vital selling technique for perspective buyers who recognized there are not many luxury condo buildings with only 10 occupants.

Each individual unit has a historical namesake acknowledging Paris’ past: The William, The Raceway, The Cobblestone, The Willett, The Capron, The Wheeler, The Penman, The Capital and on the top floor overlooking both its namesakes – The Nith & The Grand. The units range from 1700 to 2600 square feet, have private terraces, and feature high quality finishes such as exterior wall thermal insulation to suppress sound and control heating and cooling; 9-foot-high quality fiberglass framed windows, and customized interior design finishes hand selected by each individual condo owner.

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The breath-taking roof top space will be shared amongst its occupants with gas lines running to the top for fire pits and barbeques. In addition to balconies and roof top spaces, condo owners will have access to another outdoor common area by way of a private access to greenspace and the Nith River.

In fact, to engrain more history into the project, Kennedy saved bricks from the demo of the Royal Tavern and plans to use them to build an archway to the Nith River access. In the base of the archway, he will encompass a time capsule. “I will include a little bit of memorabilia from each of the original owners. I have a matinee sign from the old Capitol Theatre and an old key from the Royal Tavern – and who knows, maybe this article,” said Kennedy.

With The Royal nearing completion and occupancy, Kennedy already has his sights set on another distinctive project in Paris, but he’s still a bit coy on sharing details.

“I think I have one more project left in me, something to kick Paris to that next level. I want this town to be the envy of this province – the jewel of Ontario!”

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S P O R T S FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME! LOCAL HOCKEY CLUBS COME TOGETHER TO COLLECT EQUIPMENT FOR YOUTH IN CANADA’S REMOTE NORTHERN REGIONS In addition to donations from PMHA players as they went to the Twin Pad last weekend for hockey games and practices, they also want to send a special shout out to the Brantford 99ers, the Burford Coyotes and the St. George Generals who also donated some gear. The fundraiser is run by the Etobicoke Rotary Club. Pictured below is a group of youth hockey players in Ranklin Inlet, located in Nunavut, Canada.

To the immediate left: Goalie Ryker (right) is handling over his pads to goalie Noah (left) to send north to a lucky player! These expensive pads will be flown to Pond Inlet, Clyde River and Igloolik, remote communities in Canada’s North where access to sports equipment, particularly hockey, is very limited.

All photos by Chris Szarks The U11 Rep Hockey team (left) spent last Saturday collecting donated hockey equipment. Chris Szarks, who helped spearhead this project for the PMHA said this year’s collection far exceeded their expectations. Pictured (top left) is the U11 team before they loaded all the donated equipment into a horse trailer, which was jammed full.

The total amount collected will not be weighted until it’s wrapped and prepared for shipping later this month in Etobicoke.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

Cedarview Church held its annual Christmas Concert last Sunday. The hour and half long concert included Christmas carols sung by the worship band, a play, and a few musical solos. Sandra Motheral directed a couple dance routines: ‘How Many Kings’ and ‘Down Here’. Pam Nickell directed groups of children who played the bells to popular Christmas carols. Portia Oduro performed a solo: ‘Oh Holy Night.’ Pastor Wendy Payne directed the Christmas play, which retold the story of Jesus’ birth right up to a few years afterwards when the wise men arrived. The children acted out the story and it was intertwined with a few carols performed by John Craig, Mackenzie Mullins and Ken McGowan. In total, 21 kids and 12 adults were involved in the holiday production, with additional help from Hanna Addae and Marie Teskey. “It is wonderful having the children take part in this event. They steal the show. Everyone loves to see the kids up on a stage as they are generally unpredictable on what they will do, which makes it even more special,” said Pastor Payne. “I’m so proud of how well they all did.”

Photos courtesy of Cedarview Church

The Paris Independent

THE GIFT OF WARMTH!

St. James Anglican Church is accepting donations for their Mitten Tree. Items can be dropped off to St. James, Paris at 8 Burwell St in Paris - office entrance accessible through the parking lot.

Office hours are Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. If the time is not convenient, call or email for alternate arrangements - 519-442-4334 / stjameschurchparis@gmail.com.

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PROPERLY DISPOSE OF YOUR RAPID TESTING KITS MEDIA RELEASE: Waste Collection has shared the following public notice regarding Rapid Testing Kits - When disposing of used Rapid Testing Kids please place all items securely in a garbage bag Also please remember: • Ensure used tissues and napkins are placed in a garbage bag • Put all garbage in securely tied garbage bags, not loose in garbage cans • If you are sick, place any item that has come into contact with your mouth, nose or eyes into the garbage. This includes items you would normally put in the blue box, such as water bottles, pop cans, juice boxes, etc.

These steps will help protect the health of crews who handle thousands of bins, bags and boxes each week. We all have a role to play and by working together we can make a difference.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

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COUNTY NEWS NEW REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER COUNTY RECREATIONAL FACILITIES MEDIA RELEASE: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Province of Ontario has recently updated requirements for people who visit recreational facilities to protect the health and wellbeing of the community.

participating in activities that require proof of vaccination, they will be required to provide proof of vaccination 12 weeks after their 12th birthday.

note, Municipal Law Enforcement Officers are present at County facilities and do enforce this requirement.

If you have questions, please contact the Bylaw Enforcement team at bylawenforcement@brant.ca or call 519.44BRANT (519.442.7268), 1.855.44BRANT.

• As of January 4, 2022, the County will only accept the QR code issued by the Province of The following updates will Ontario as proof of vaccination apply to patrons who use to enter a recreational facility.

County of Brant facilities: To download your QR code, please visit https://covid• As of December 20, 2021, To book a vaccine appointment, 19.ontario.ca/get-proof/. youth 12 – 17 years old are please visit the Brant County required to show proof of Please remember to stay home Health Unit at www.bchu.org. vaccination to enter a if you are feeling ill. Face For more information, please recreational facility. coverings are required when visit https://covid-19.ontario.ca/ visiting a County of Brant o Note of clarification: For or www.brant.ca/COVID19. community centre, arena, office children born in 2010 who are and other indoor facility. Please

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December 18, 2021

COUNTY NEWS DON’T LET YOUR WATER PIPES FREEZE MEDIA RELEASE:

The pipes in your home can freeze in cold weather, this can cause your pipes to burst, leading to expensive damage to your property.

There are a number of things that you can do to protect your property: • Insulate the pipes that are exposed to colder weather

• Know where to find your main water shut off valve and how it operates • Shut off your outdoor faucets • Keep your heat on and keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage

• If you are going to be away, be sure to close the main water shut off valve and drain the remaining water, also keep the heat on and have someone check your home.

It is your responsibility to keep your pipes from freezing. To

learn more, as well as view a list of important FAQ’s, please visit brant.ca/FrozenWaterServices.

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Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford Saturday December 18, 2021 Spider-Man: No Way Home Standard 11:30a.m. 3:00p.m. 6:30p.m. 10:00p.m.

3D 11:00 a.m. 2:30p.m. 6:00p.m. 9:30p.m.

West Side Story Standard 11:20 a.m. 2:50p.m. 6:35p.m. 10:10p.m.

Encanto Standard 12:40 p.m. 3:40p.m. 6:40p.m. 9:40p.m.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife Standard 12:10 p.m. 3:10p.m. 6:20p.m. 9:20 p.m.

Nightmare Alley Standard 11:40 a.m. 3:20p.m. 6:50p.m. 10:20p.m.

House of Gucci Standard 11:05 a.m. 2:35p.m. 6:10p.m. 9:50p.m.