City Hall

CKL COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The following are highlights of the Regular Council Meeting on November 22, 2022.

The new Kawartha Lakes Council returned to Council Chambers for the first Regular Council Meeting of the 2022 to 2026 term. The November 22 Regular Council meeting was a procedural refresher for the returning Council members and a helpful introduction to the process for the new Council members. Mayor Elmslie, along with City Clerk Cathie Ritchie and Chief Administration Officer Ron Taylor, walked the new Council through the meeting step-bystep and answered any procedural questions that the new Council had along the way.

Shop local this holiday season

With holiday parade season kicking off this week, the Councillors took the opportunity to share some holiday event details. The Councillors also took the time to ask their constituents and all residents of Kawartha Lakes to continue to support local this holiday season. With most local businesses still in recovery mode from the pandemic it’s important to continue to help them out wherever possible by shopping local and supporting the local restaurant and service industry.

Support for AMO

The Association of Municipalities Ontario’s (AMO) submission regarding Bill 23: More Homes Built Faster was included in the amended agenda. The first motion put forward was that the City of Kawartha Lakes supports the concerns raised by AMO in its letter to Laurie Scott, MPP and the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure and Cultural Policy. The motion called for staff to review the Bill and provide recommendations in a report back to council in January. Lastly, the motion asked that based on the recommendations in the staff report, council would provide comment back to Laurie Scott, MPP. This motion passed unanimously.

There was a second motion, asking that council provide comment in support of AMO’s submission before the comment period ends on November 24. Providing a comment now would reserve the right to provide further comment at a later date. This motion also passed unanimously.

Appointments

Members of Council are required to sit on various Advisory Committees, Boards, Task Forces and Outside Agencies throughout the term of Council. This report addresses that requirement by implementing the necessary appointments.

With the exception of two groups, appointments are made for the term of Council, with a mid-term review in 2024. The mid-term review provides an opportunity for the appointments to be re-examined and updated, if necessary.

The exceptions to the term of Council appointments apply to the appointment to the Committee of Adjustment and the appointment to the Fenelon Falls Cemetery Board. The appointment to the Committee of Adjustment runs for a two-year term and the appointment will be implemented through the adoption of a by-law. With regard to the Fenelon Falls Cemetery Board, the mandate for that Board was recently extended to run until the end of 2023. As a result of that extension, the Council appointment will run until the end of 2023.

This report also addresses the appointment of a member to the Trent Conservation Coalition Source Protection Committee. The Source Protection Committee is an outside agency that oversees the process of developing the Drinking Water Source Protection Plan.

Seasonal bicycle lane closures

A By-Law was passed to close all seasonal bicycle lanes in the municipality for the winter. Therefore, any bicycle lanes designated as seasonal in Schedule “A” are deemed closed from November 1 to April 15.

Next Council meeting

The next Council meeting will be December 13, 2022 at 1pm. Public attendance in Council Chambers is available by appointment through the Clerk’s Office. Otherwise, the meeting will be broadcast live on the City’s YouTube Channel and broadcast live on Cogeco cable television.

NEW PARAMEDIC CHIEF

Effective January 2, 2023, Sara Johnston, currently Deputy Chief of Paramedics, will take on the role of Chief.

“A competitive recruitment process led to Johnston’s appointment, and I’m pleased to welcome Chief Johnston to the senior leadership role within our Paramedics Service,” said Ron Taylor, City of Kawartha Lakes CAO.

Current Chief, Randy Mellow, will return to full time Chief of Peterborough Paramedics at year end, after having served as shared Chief of the two services over the last two years.

“Sara brings a wealth of experience and knowledge having progressed successfully through a series of frontline and leadership roles with the Kawartha Lakes Paramedic Service. Her commitment, expertise and progressive leadership style will serve as great assets to our Service,” noted Chief Mellow. Johnston has served with Kawartha Lakes Paramedics for 20 years, holding positions of Primary Care Paramedic, Advanced Care Paramedic, Commander and most recently, Deputy Chief.

A life-long resident of Kawartha Lakes, Johnston shared, “I want to thank Chief Mellow for his dedication and leadership. I’m incredibly proud of this team and honoured to have the opportunity to serve as Chief. I

live here, I started my career here and am passionate about the delivery of exceptional patient care for this community.”

Johnston was instrumental in launching the successful Kawartha Lakes’ Community Paramedicine program. She commented, “Paramedics are uniquely positioned and have the skills to care for people in many settings. I’m looking forward to continuing our work on Community Paramedicine and other programs that care for people at home and avoid going to hospital where possible.”

Johnston becomes the ninth female Paramedic Chief in Ontario.

MUNICIPAL CALENDARS OUT SOON

The 2023 Municipal Calendars are on the way! They will be available across Kawartha Lakes on December 8, 2022.

The 2023 Municipal Calendar includes the weekly curbside collection schedule, landfill locations and hours of operation, helpful tips and tricks on recycling as well as dates for both waste management and community events.

Watch for the What Goes Where/Year at a Glance

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.” Our Local ROYAL CANADIAN Legion News

For hall rentals or more information about ongoing activities, please call the individual Legion Branch. We welcome submissions to editor@thepromoter.ca. Deadline for the next issue is Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Branch 77 Lakefield (705) 652-7988

• Tuesdays – Darts – 7:30pm • Thursdays – Shuffleboard – 1pm • Thursdays – Darts – 7pm • Fridays – Snooker – 1pm • Fridays – Shuffleboard – 7pm • Saturdays – Weekly Meat Draws – 4pm • Call 705-652-7988 for current events

Branch 238 Fenelon Falls (705) 887-3041

• Thursday, December 8 – Hot Lunch Special – Roast Pork – Served from 11:30am to 1pm. $10 per person – Take-out add an extra $1 Thursday, December 15 – Hot Lunch Special – Meatloaf – Served from 11:30am to 1pm. $10 per person – Take-out add an extra $1 • Hall rental available – Contact Branch

Branch 239 Bobcaygeon (705) 738-2710

• Wednesday - Drop in darts - 7p.m. $5 per person • Thursday - Drop in shuffleboard - 6:30 pm. Cost is $5 per person per week • Tuesday Night Doubles Dart League – Competitive league – 8pm - $5 per person per night – Limited to 40 players, please call the Branch to register

Branch 441 Kinmount (705) 488-3462

• Saturday, December 3 – Santa in the Village – 2pm – For children 10 and under – pre-registration is required by November 26 – email 441rcl@ gmail.com • Fridays - Bingo - $500 Progressive jackpot; $300 must go each week • Saturdays - Meat Draw - Weekly at 5pm

Branch 497 Omemee (705) 799-5095 • Friday, December 2 – Dance the Night Away – 7 to 11pm – Featuring Montana Sky. Tickets $10 on sale at the Legion includes door prizes and a 50/50 raffle. • Tuesdays – Darts – 7:30pm • Thursdays – Mixed Darts Team Play – 7:30pm • Fridays – Drop-in Coffee Time – 8am to 10:30am

Branch 519 Coboconk (705) 454-8127

• Tuesdays – Euchre – 1pm • Saturdays – Music & Meat Roll – Music starts at 2pm, Meat Roll at 3pm • 1st Wednesday – Big Buck Bid Euchre – 11am • For more information contact Legion 705-454-8127

Branch 184 Woodville & District (705) 439-2397

• Saturday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve Dance. Social starts at 6pm, roast beef dinner will be served at 7pm, and the dance will begin at 8pm and run until 1am. Music will be provided by Gary Peters. There will be a 50/50 draw and spot dance prizes. $45 per person and $10 to reserve a table. Contact Sally Patterson at 705-3246547 or Mary Kennedy at 705-4394064. • • Tuesdays - Country Line Dancing Lessons – 7 to 9pm - $10 per person

Branch 67 Lindsay (705) 324-2613

• Saturday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve Dance – 8pm to 1am – Featuring Flashback. Tickets 60pp – Tickets available 10am to 2pm in the office. Members have until December 2 to register.

tear out page. This helpful handout includes all special collection days, such as leaf and yard or battery, and has a space at the top to write your household’s weekly collection day. This is handy to have on the fridge for those who have visitors or for short term rentals.

The 2023 Municipal Calendar is being distributed to over 45 locations across the municipality, including all Municipal Service Centres (Bobcaygeon, Coboconk, Lindsay and Omemee), all branches of the Kawartha Lakes Public Library and select retail locations across Kawartha Lakes. To see a full list of locations, visit the municipal calendar page on the City’s website.

The 2023 Municipal Calendar features artwork from local artists that were selected from the That’s a Wrap art program. Kawartha Lakes, in collaboration with Kawartha Arts Network, launched the That’s a Wrap art program this summer. The goal of the program was to enliven our downtowns with eye-popping artwork that captures and displays the individual and collective experiences of our community on traffic control boxes around the municipality. Along with wrapping the traffic boxes, twelve submissions from the program were selected to be the monthly artwork for the 2023 Municipal Calendar.

To learn more about our diversion programs, what’s new for 2023 or for more information on waste and recycling in Kawartha Lakes, please visit www. kawarthalakes.ca.

OPEN THE DOOR TO HELP OTHERS

Submitted by Carolyn Fox

On November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the First Day of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, a special flag-raising ceremony was hosted by Women’s Resources of Kawartha Lakes at City Hall.

The new Mayor, Doug Elmslie and Deputy MayorTracy Richardson spoke of how important it is to work together and find ways to eradicate women abuse in our community. Also attending were a number of councillors, Kawartha Lakes Police Chief Mark Mitchell as well as staff, Board members and many supporters of Women’s Resources.

Lori Watson, Executive Director and Jane Chapman, Board Chair discussed the extensive work Women’s Resources undertakes to ensure women who come to them for help are able to receive the counselling and resources they need to heal from the abuse they have had the courage to leave behind. A proclamation was read that is shared by many other violence against women agencies throughout Ontario and members of OAITH, Ontario Association of Interval and Transitional Houses, all working collectively to help end violence against women.

After the Flag Raising, Women’s Resources launched the public phase of their “Open The Door” Capital Campaign to raise much needed funds for the renovation of their newly acquired building on Logie Street that will house their 2nd stage housing program. The renovated property will have six apartments, rent geared to income, that will provide housing for up to two years for women, with or without children, who are rebuilding their lives after leaving abusive situations.

Tonya Kraan, Board member and Capital Campaign Committee member outlined the initiative and the $500,000 commitment in order to complete the renovation. To date, more than 30 percent of the goal has been raised, through private and corporate donations, service clubs and grants.

You can find out more at www.womensresources.

ca.

DR. MARK BLACK - DENTIST

Merry Christmas to all of our patients and friends and all the best in the New Year from Mark, Bobbi, and Linda.

129 Main St. Bobcaygeon 705-738-1464

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE AT RMH

Ross Memorial Hospital recently celebrated its team members by hosting their annual Long Service and Excellence Awards. The awards celebrate RMH employees and professional staff marking significant milestones at the hospital, along with individuals nominated by their peers in specific categories of excellence.

The 159 Long Service Award recipients this year are employees and professional staff who have worked at Ross Memorial for a minimum of 5 years, and up to 45 years. The two longest-tenured employees who were celebrated are Wendy Kane, a Registered Nurse in the Emergency Department, and Jim Greer, Dialysis Assistant. They have worked at Ross Memorial for 45 and 40 years, respectively. The accumulative number of years served by the 159 Long Service Award recipients is 2,060 years.

Twenty-eight individuals received an Excellence Award this year across four categories; • Dedicated to Excellence • Champions of Change Awards • Committed to the Team Awards • Respectful Communicator Award

“Our team members who have committed to their professional journey at Ross Memorial are examples for

all of us to aspire to,” said Kelly Isfan, President & CEO, Ross Memorial Hospital. “Their deep knowledge of the hospital and the community we serve is irreplaceable as they all contribute to the uniquely caring culture at the Ross. They deserve so much praise for contributing to our collective strength during one of the most challenging times any of us have lived through. Our entire community is better for these award recipient’s commitment, dedication and loyalty to the hospital and the patients we serve.”

A full list of the Long Service and Excellence Award recipients can be found at www.rmh.org.

Taking part in the awards ceremony on behalf of the City of Kawartha Lakes was Mayor Doug Elmslie. Wanda Percival, Chair of RMH’s Board of Governors, and Ryan O’Neil, Chair of the RMH Foundation, also provided remarks during the event.

Fire and Emergency Services in Durham Region, Kawartha Lakes and Richmond Hill have partnered with Enbridge Gas to promote the 12 Days of Holiday Safety on local radio stations.

From December 9 to 11, radio advertisements featuring representatives from Enbridge Gas will promote the holiday safety campaign and provide carbon monoxide safety tips. The team of public educators and other fire personnel from the local fire services in Durham Region, Kawartha Lakes and Richmond Hill will continue to share helpful safety tips that will air on the same stations from December 12 to 23.

“The 12 days of Holiday Safety radio campaign provides important safety messages during a critical time of year. On behalf of Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service, we are pleased to be a part of this initiative. Thank you to Enbridge Gas for sponsoring this collaboration between the fire departments in Durham, Kawartha Lakes and York Region. We wish the families in Kawartha Lakes a safe and happy holiday season,” said Terry Jones, Fire Chief, Kawartha Lakes Fire Rescue Service.

With fire safety knowing no borders, this year’s campaign has been expanded. The radio ads will promote fire safety messages to the residents of Durham Region, York Region as well as the surrounding communities in Ontario. This partnership with Enbridge Gas will provide important safety information during a time of year when there’s typically an increase in fire related emergencies.

The Kinmount District Health Services Foundation has launched a special Christmas Appeal to help raise funds for recruitment.

According to a post on their Facebook page, “This fall, the Centre was happy to announce the addition of a new physiotherapist, Vivian Wong-Svoboda.”

With funds raised during this appeal, they are hoping to recruit another doctor and additional health professionals.

You can find out more, please visit www.kdhc.ca.

A BRICK WALL OF SUPPORT

Submitted by Jennifer Bain

In August 2021, A Place Called Home (APCH) launched their Buy a Brick Campaign, in support of the agency’s much larger New Build Campaign to build a new shelter. The campaign was very successful and raised $27,000.00 towards A Place Called Home’s New Build campaign. A Place Called Home would like to sincerely thank everyone who purchased a brick to support this historic moment by becoming a permanent part of the agency’s new legacy.

Long-term supporters of A Place Called Home, Glenda and Wayne Klein not only purchased a brick from the Buy a Brick campaign (shown in illustration) but took it upon themselves to start providing emergency support to our shelter residents when A Place Called Home was forced to operate out of the Knights Inn motel in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Glenda Klein shares, “For many years, Wayne and I have had the opportunity to interact with some of the residents at APCH. But while the residents were displaced to a local hotel because of lack of sanitary facilities at APCH during Covid-19, we became more actively involved along with others from St. Mary’s Church by providing snacks or meals for the residents. As the deliveryman and often the cook, Wayne would take our offerings down in an orange shoebox. The next visit, one or more of the residents would come up and ask, ‘What’s in the box today?’ We were so pleased to be able to share what we have. Maybe it’s food, or a $10 donation or even a Tim Horton’s gift card, but most of us have something to share. It’s a win-win situation.”

Jennifer Lopinski, Fund Development Coordinator recalls, “It was truly a devastating time for both our clients and A Place Called Home when the COVID-19 pandemic forced our agency to move out of our existing shelter and into a motel on the far outskirts of town. With operating out of a motel, our agency no longer had a kitchen to cook in to provide hot and nutritious meals for our clients. Most of our clients do not own a vehicle and with no bus service reaching the far outskirts of town, our clients had no way of leaving the motel to pursue employment, church, family, and friends. Our agency’s resources were very limited, and we were having difficulty providing the level of service that we are committed to providing to the homeless in our community. Glenda and Wayne Klein recognized A Place Called Home’s urgent need for support and began to frequently bring in delicious individually packed meals and baked goods for our clients. The heartfelt support that the Klein family provided tremendously helped to reduce the traumatic impact that our clients were experiencing. Words cannot express A Place Called Home’s appreciation for the Klein family’s support”.

If you are interested in learning more about other A Place Called fundraising campaigns and how you can donate, please visit our website at www.apch.ca.

Merry Christmas! Do You Do You Hear Hear What What I Hear? I Hear?

LINDSAY EAR CLINIC 65 Angeline St. N., Suite 10, Lindsay (705) 340-5050

BOBCAYGEON HEARING SERVICE 90 Bolton St, Bobcaygeon (705) 738-1752

Many of us are lucky enough to be able to spend the holidays with family and friends. But for those members of the Canadian Armed Forces stationed around the world, that’s not possible.

You can help make their holiday a little brighter by writing to those who will be away from family over the holidays.

There are a couple of ways you can do this. Please allow plenty of time for the cards to reach their destinations around the world.

By Mail

Send them a sealed card with Canadian postage to

Any Canadian Armed Forces Member

PO Box 5004 Stn Forces

Belleville, ON

K8N 5W6

Online

Through Facebook, you can go to Christmas Greetings for Canadian Troops or through links at www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/ services/contact-us/write-troops.html.

CHRISTMAS MUSIC

The Peterborough Pop Ensemble presents a concert of Christmas Music at the Galway Hall on Saturday, December 3 at 7 pm

Tickets are $15 and can be reserved by calling Diane Austin at 705 928-2635. There will be a Loonie Auction of Christmas Items and desserts and coffee will be served.

This Concert is sponsored by the Kinmount Community Volunteer Management Committee.

KINDNESS CARD CAMPAIGN

100 Kids Who Care, the organization that empowers kids to advocate for issues that matter to them, is bringing back the Kindness Card Campaign.

The Kindness Card Campaign first launched in 2020 as a way for children to make holiday cards for seniors in their community. The campaign resulted in over 500 cards being delivered to seniors through Community Care’s Meals on Wheels program. Their program is designed to make sure that the nutritional needs of seniors living alone are met, while also providing social interaction and a safety check from the volunteers who make the deliveries.

“Our first year of the Kindness Card campaign

MEALS ON WHEELS

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For only $7.50 you can have a hot meal delivered to your door. This includes a soup, entrée, bun, dessert and delivery! You can also order a wide variety of frozen meals online.

Order Today! 705-324-7323 www.ccckl.ca

was so successful that we are bringing it back again,” says Shannon Kuypers, one of the parent organizers of 100 Kids Who Care Kawartha Lakes.. “In 2020 we had hundreds of children across Kawartha Lakes, including dozens of classrooms, participate in making Kindness Cards and this time we are aiming to exceed that. The Kindness Cards campaign is such a great way for kids to do something kind for our community’s elders while raising awareness for Meals on Wheels, an important local organization that is run by Community Care.”

Until December 16, any child who wants to participate is encouraged to make Kindness Cards for seniors during the holidays. Cards can take any shape or form, and can include seasons greetings and well wishes to seniors. The cards do not need to include the name of a senior, they can be generic, and children can opt to sign their first name on the card if they choose. Kids are being asked to make a minimum of two cards each. For smaller children or kids who prefer not to make their own cards, colouring pages will be available to download at www.100kidskawarthalakes. com.

Cards can be dropped off at FRESH FUELL (146 Kent St West,Lindsay) or Tradewinds Toys (110 Kent St. Lindsay) anytime before December 16. All Kindness Cards will be delivered safely to seniors through the Meals on Wheels program before December 25.

“We are thrilled that 100 Kids Who Care is bringing back the Kindness Card Campaign after it was so well received in 2020”, says Kerri Daley , Program Manager Home Support Services, Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes. “The holidays can be a lonely time for some seniors, especially those who live alone. These types of programs are such a powerful way to make both children and seniors feel more connected to their community.” 100 Kids Who Care Kawartha Lakes is a local organization that gives children the opportunity to learn about their community, empowers them to become advocates for organizations and issues that matter to them, learn the importance of giving back and how they can use their time, treasure and talent to make a difference, and see the impact they can have right here at home in the City of Kawartha Lakes.

To learn more about the 100 Kids Who Care Kawartha Lakes and the Kindness Card Campaign, please visit www.100kidskawarthalakes.com.

Wishing Everyone a Very Merry Christmas

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER

The churches of Bobcaygeon have come together to provide the 23rd Annual Bobcaygeon Community Christmas dinner.

There are pick-up and delivery options available, following all safety protocols. Dinners will be available for pickup on Sunday, December 25 between 11am and 12:30pm at the Knox Presbyterian Church parking lot at 6 Joseph Street (across from Home Hardware). Deliveries will take place on the 25th as well.

You need to fill out some forms online (you can find out more through the Facebook group, Bobcaygeon Community) or you can call Sigrid at 705-731-0844. Please place your order before December 22.

CHRISTMAS CANTATA

Knox Presbyterian Church in Bobcaygeon is hosting a Christmas Cantata on Sunday, December 18 at 7pm.

A reception will follow the performance.

BRITISH PANTO FUN AT GLOBUS

Here’s another way to get you into the spirit of the season.

Globus Theatre presents Cinderella, a Traditional British Panto from December 8 to 18 at the Lakeview

Melissa Cave 1-196 St. David St. Lindsay www.cloudkeepaccounting.ca

CAYGEON TAkEOuT Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

36 King Street East Across from the LCBO 705738-1288

Arts Barn. Join Cinders, her BFF Buttons, her Fairy Godmother and a host of comedy characters as they join forces against a wicked wicked stepmother and two less-than-attractive sisters!

There’s lots of laughter, songs and audience participation in this annual panto and holiday tradition.

Tickets are $32.50 for adults and for students under 18 tickets are $18.50. You can add a delicious 3-course Christmas dinner to your theatre outing for $45 (+HST) for adults and $20 (+HST) for children 10 years and under. Dinner must be booked over the phone, so please call the box office to add it on. All tickets are subject to HST and a $2 ticket fee.

You can call the Box Office at 705-738-2037 or 1-800-304-7897. You can find out more at www. globustheatre.com.

ADOPT A CROP FUNDRAISER

United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes has launched a new fundraiser – Adopt a Crop. This program will provide individuals and organizations with the opportunity to sponsor or “adopt” a crop at Edwin Binney’s Community Garden, UWCKL’s food security and food literacy project.

All proceeds from Adopt a Crop sponsorships go towards Edwin Binney’s Community Garden, United Way CKL’s food security and food literacy project. This project was started in 2019 on unused land on the Crayola Canada property. Over 50,000 pounds of produce has been donated to 20 organizations with food programs and 11 food banks in the last 4 years.

This fundraiser will be ongoing until all sponsorships are claimed for the 2023 growing season. Sponsorships will be available each year, with sponsors from the previous year receiving right of first refusal to adopt their crop again.

Emily Beall, Co-Executive Director notes “Running a farm as a non-profit is a major investment of time and resources, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to have corporate and individual donors to help us with our work in tackling local food insecurity. This season we produced more food than ever before; over $40,000 worth of fresh produce that was donated into our communities across the City of Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton. Adopt a Crop is an effort to involve the community more, while also ensuring we have the means to maintain the garden, grow nutrient rich foods, and provide educational opportunities.”

There are 25 crops available for adoption under 5 sponsorship categories. To learn more about this fundraiser visit www.ckl-unitedway.ca/adopt-a-crop.

~Season's Greetings~

MARGARET WEIKMANN

BROKER

Direct

705-738-8222

www.lakesidesales.ca margaret@lakesidesales.ca ballrealestate.ca

HOLIDAY EVENTS CONTINUE

Communities throughout Kawartha Lakes continue their holiday traditions.

Friday, December 2 Omemee Tree Lighting Event starts at 6pm at Coronation Hall

Saturday, December 3 Pontypool Santa Claus Parade Parade starts at 6:30pm

Sunday, December 4 Coboconk Santa Claus Parade Parade starts at 1pm along the regular Hwy 35 route

Friday December 9 Little Britain Santa Claus Parade Parade starts at 7pm

Saturday, December 10 Annual Bobcaygeon Santa Claus Parade Parade starts at 5pm at Boyd St. to Canal St. Accepting food and toy donations for local families in need.

Saturday, December 10 Washburn Island Santa Claus Parade Parade starts at 4:30pm

Saturday, December 17 Woodville Santa Claus Parade Parade starts at 6:30pm

PORTRAITS by MAX MILLER from life or photograph from $350

This weekend, head out to Fenelon Falls for the perfect opportunity to Eat, Shop & Be Merry. December 2 to 4, enjoy the new downtown holiday decor, explore unique shops, and relax over a meal with your family. Take time for a visit with friends and neighbours as you finish your Christmas shopping.

Weekend events also include: • Passport to Christmas promotion: It’s a doublestamp weekend so you can fill up your passport faster and enter to win one of the great prize baskets. • The Barn & Bunkie Holiday Market: Friday from 6 to 9pm and Saturday from 10 to 4pm. Fresh Cut

Christmas Trees, Artisans, Fire Pits, heaters, photo

Op Spots, Cafe, Home Decor, Live Music. All the

Christmas Market Vibes without the drive. • Christmas Storywalk: Friday, Saturday and Sunday bring the family and follow the pages of the story,

“Mice Skating” throughout downtown. Start your journey at Treasures by the Locks/Country

Cupboard on May Street. Maps will be available there.

For more about the weekend, visit www. explorefenelonfalls.com.

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTION GETS TOURISM FUNDING

Submitted by Ann Adare

The tourism sector is vital to our economy and to jobs in Bobcaygeon. Environmental Action Bobcaygeon received almost $100,000 from Regional Tourism Organization 8 (RTO8) to complete multiple projects that will enhance the eco-tourism experience in the Bobcaygeon area. This is part of the Government of Canada’s Tourism Relief Fund, delivered by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). RTO8 received $3 million from FedDev Ontario to help local tourism organizations and businesses safely welcome back visitors, recover from the impacts of the pandemic and prepare for future growth.

With the funding, Environmental Action Bobcaygeon will focus on providing additional infrastructure not currently found in our village, maintaining current initiatives and encouraging our visitors to get out and explore—all with a nod to expanding tourism while keeping an eye on supporting a healthy environment.

Environmental Action Bobcaygeon undertakes projects that benefit the environment and our community. They include the distribution of energyefficient lightbulbs to every home in Bobcaygeon, initiation of the very successful Bobcaygeon Farmers Market, building a number of well-used community gardens, partnering with the City to build Wilderness Park (a beautiful eight-acre park with hiking trails and nature interpretation signs), development of a safe and scenic network of bicycle and walking routes, and the professional restoration of the 130-year-old Edgewood

dry stone wall (one of Bobcaygeon’s most important cultural/heritage sites).

Since receiving funding from RTO8, Environmental Action Bobcaygeon Inc. has: Installed two kayak racks, one on each of the upper and lower sides of Bobcaygeon’s Lock 32, to encourage paddlers to travel up the canal and to stop and enjoy Bobcaygeon by providing a safe spot to store their crafts; Completed a much-needed overhaul bicycle maintenance and repair for the Impact 32 Bike Share; and Launched a heritage walking tour to showcase and educate the public on our cultural and heritage assets throughout the village. The tour can be found on the Bobcaygeon TSW Trail Town app in both the Google and Apple app stores as well as at https:// bobcaygeon.stqry.app By enhancing and encouraging Active Transportation, Environmental Action Bobcaygeon hopes to inspire more residents and visitors to get out and enjoy the area while protecting our environment. The projects are on a strict timeline and are being undertaken with the cooperation and timely assistance of Bobcaygeon volunteers, Impact 32, The A. Sheila Boyd Museum, the City of Kawartha Lakes and Parks Canada, Trent Severn Waterway National Historic Site of Canada.

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We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. To all of our clients, we hope that you had a good year and look forward to serving you in the New Year! Thank you for your continued support. We enjoy working with you and value the relationships that we have formed with each one of you. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and are able to enjoy some time with family and friends.

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TurnerMoore LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants