Simcoe Advocate - February 12, 2026

Good news for Delhi affordable housing project

Councillors have fulfilled their half of a debt financing agreement for a proposed affordable housing project in Delhi, one of the final steps before construction can begin.

The county also received welcome news in the report seeking council support presented at the Jan. 27 meeting. In an earlier report, councillors approved up to $1 million in financial reimbursement to the Haldimand Norfolk Housing Corporation “of the building permit fees and an ongoing property tax subsidy (amount to be determined upon MPAC assessment), for the affordable and rent-geared to income units.”

However, thanks to federal and provincial funding, Norfolk’s contribution will only come out to just over $200,000.

“It’s significantly less than the maximum council had approved,” said Heidy Van Dyk, general manager of corporate services. “This is a very exciting development and planning is well underway.”

As shareholders of the HNHC, both Norfolk and Haldimand councils had to give their support for any plans to enter into a financing agreement, in this case with the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

The Delhi build includes 15 affordable and 10 rentgeared-to-income units, for a total of 25 units in a three-storey build. There is also an agreement with the Norfolk Association of Community Living

Nothing warms a garden lover’s heart like a reminder that spring is just around the corner.

It may have been cold – make that very cold – on Saturday, Feb. 7th,

but it didn’t stop folks from turning out in droves for a very successful Waterford Seedy Saturday Garden and Homestead Market at Waterford District High School.

What started out three years ago as a small event and a seed exchange has, pardon the pun, grown significantly in just a short time. A sure sign of the times that more people are interested in growing some of their own food and drawing on the expertise of those in the know.

Organizers Jennifer Thompson and Heidi Mungal should be very proud of the turnout for this year’s event.

Seedy Saturday fills Waterford gymnasiums

A huge thank you as well goes to Minor Brothers for their support and sponsorship of this event. With over 65 vendors there was something of interest for any and all gardeners. Both gyms at WDHS

non-perishables for the Food Cupboard. Our 50/50 draw brought in $360 with the funds raised going towards the Technology Programs at WDHS… a real win/win for everyone.”

With the 2026 Seedy Saturday Garden and Homestead Market just under their belts, Thompson and Mungal are looking toward a 2027 event.

“Be sure to save the date… Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027, because we will be back. We are building for next year already.”

Revised apartment build for Victoria Street approved

Changes to a planned apartment building in Simcoe have brought the proposed development mostly in line with existing rules, and enough for Norfolk County staff and council to sign off on it.

Councillors supported a staff recommendation to approve a zoning bylaw amendment application that paves the way for the 35-unit, four-storey build at the corner of Victoria Street and Donly Drive South. Developers returned to council with an altered plan from what they proposed at an October public hearing meeting.

“I’m really happy to see this is happening and it’s relieving a lot of the other criteria that had to be met,” said Ward 3 Coun. Michael Columbus.

Both councillors and members of the public had concerns about the initial proposal when it came forward in October. At that time, developers were looking to build a five-storey apartment with a total of 45 units. It would also have two access points, on Austin Crescent and Donly Drive. That created a series of concerns for residents and county politicians, who worried about the density, traffic, parking and the two access points.

By revising the plan down to four storeys and 35 units - including 23 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom unitsmost of the zoning bylaw relief they were initially seeking disappeared.

“By restricting the building height to four storeys, all zoning provisions can be adhered to apart from the parking distance from the building which would remain at a minimum of two metres rather than the three metres required by the zoning by-law,” the report said.

Entry has also been changed to have one access point from Victoria Street.

There remained some concern from residents who spoke at the meeting. One of the concerns was regarding the nature of the units once complete, and whether they’d be owned individually in a condo style, or if the entire building would remain under ownership of one entity with units being rented out.

“Really what’s going to drive whether it’s condo or rentals will really be market conditions at the time of construction,” said Scott Puillandre, with Vallee Consulting.

The prospect of a new apartment building and 35 more rental units was welcomed by both staff and Mayor Amy Martin, the latter of whom pointed out a miniscule vacancy rate in Norfolk.

“We don’t get a ton of apartment proposals. We also know there’s a very low vacancy rate for rentals in Norfolk County, so it’s another reason we’d be supportive of this,” said Alisha Cull, acting director of planning and realty services.

“For this circumstance I think it kind of checks the box in terms of higher density in an appropriate location, not too high density. There’s servicing available.”

Delhi affordable housing project

lease the three-bedroom units in the build for its program delivery.

“It’s great news for a great project for the community of Delhi,” said Coun. Michael Columbus, adding the construction could help revitalize that area of town.

EDITORIAL

The ground beneath our feet is more than dirt

Haldimand-Norfolk

MPP

Bobbi Ann Brady

Throughout my 26-year career in government, this time of year has always been affectionately known as farm meeting season.

It’s when coffee shops, community halls, and banquet rooms across rural Ontario fill with producers and farm leaders, coming together to reflect on the year behind us, compare notes on current market pressures, and look ahead to what the next season may bring. These meetings are more than a tradition - they are where the real conversations about the future of agriculture begin.

At many of these meetings, I’ve been asked to speak about Bill 21, the Protect Our Food Act - or as you may also hear it called, the Foodbelt Bill. My colleague, MPP Mike Schreiner, and I have grown tired of watching the province fly blind when it comes to our most important resource: our most productive farmland. At a time of global uncertainty and mounting pressure on agricultural land, we believe Ontario needs a clearer picture, a stronger plan, and a firm commitment to protecting the land that feeds us.

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Alex Hunt, Lisa Timpf, Paul Knowles

It felt particularly apropos to highlight this need before a large crowd gathered for the 85th annual meeting of the Norfolk Soil and Crop Improvement Association - an organization dedicated to the responsible economic management of soil, water, air, and crops through innovative farming practices. Their work is a living reminder that stewardship and productivity are not competing values, but complementary ones.

There is much talk about 'protecting our borders' or 'securing our economy.' We look at the stock market, the tech sector, and the housing market. But we rarely look down. In Canada, we don't just live on our land; we live off it. Yet, we treat our most vital resource - our soil - like it's just 'dirt.' It’s time we start treating it like the national treasure it is.

I’ve been accused of being dramatic on this subject; however, a massive, two-year investigation by the Senate of Canada, titled Critical Ground, is the most comprehensive look at our land in a generation and is proof I am far from dramatic. Led by The Honourable Robert Black, the committee spoke to over 150 witnesses - farmers, scientists, and Indigenous leaders - to map out exactly how much trouble we are in, and more importantly, how we can fix it.

The last time Canada did a deep dive into soil health was 1984 - 42 years ago. That report warned us that we were 'mining' our soil rather than managing it. The Senate Committee concluded that not only were policymakers ignoring those warnings, but they also realized the situation was growing significantly worse. Critical Ground is essentially a ‘code red’ for the Canadian landscape.

Canadian agriculture isn't a hobby, rather a $140 bil-

lion powerhouse with an engine running on low battery. Healthy soil is a natural capital asset. When soil is healthy, it holds water like a sponge and feeds plants naturally. When it’s degraded, farmers must spend billions on fertilizers just to break even. We are in actuality forcing our farmers to buy back the nutrients that healthy soil used to give us for free. In 2022, Canadian agricultural exports totalled nearly $93 billion, all of which came from the top few inches of our land.

When we pave over our Class 1 farmland or let it erode into the waters, we are losing the pharmacy and the grocery store of the future, we are losing our best defence against natural disaster, and we are jeopardizing the future of our children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We are currently paving over our best Class 1 farmland at an unsustainable rate and unfortunately. ***

I want to bring the conversation closer to home by sifting through Ontario’s agricultural contributions. More importantly, we need to examine what steps must be taken now to ensure the right safeguards are in place - safeguards that protect our farmland, support our farmers, and secure Ontario’s food sovereignty not just for today, but for generations to come.

To save our soil, we must stop urban sprawl from devouring our best farmland and empower our farmers to adopt regenerative techniques that heal the land. The clock is ticking and experts warn that without a change in

‘Critical ground’ should not become ‘lost ground’

course, 90 per cent of global topsoil could face degradation by 2050.

However, research without action is just a history book of our own decline. That is why Mike Schreiner and I are stepping up to turn the Critical Ground recommendations into reality here in Ontario by bringing forward Bill 21 - the Protect Our Food Act, or you might hear it referred to as the Foodbelt Bill.

Bill 21 creates the permanent protections Ontario needs to ensure our prime farmland remains farmland, not parking lots. The bill establishes the Foodbelt Protection Plan Advisory Committee which would make recommendations for a Foodbelt Protection Plan that would ensure the preservation and enhancement of a geographi-

cally continuous land base. MPP Schreiner and I are fighting to ensure ‘critical ground’ doesn’t become ‘lost ground.’

When Bill 21 comes up for debate in the coming months, the Ford government will have the opportunity to become a leader by putting into action the recommendations of the Senate committee and finally recognizing soil as a strategic asset.

It’s important to recognize Ontario’s agri-food sector isn’t just a rural industry - it is a central pillar of our provincial economy, contributing over $50 billion to our GDP annually. This sector supports nearly one million jobs - 11 per cent of Ontario’s workforce is tied to the agri-food chain.

But the staggering reality is that Ontario is home to over 52 per cent of Canada’s Class 1 farmland - the best, most productive soil in the country and we are paving

it over at an unsustainable rate. Class 1 soil is a "non-renewable resource." Once it’s under asphalt, the biological complexity is destroyed forever.

We are losing the very foundation that allows Ontario and Canada to be a global leader in food exports. When that soil is gone, it doesn't come back. Think about this: it takes centuries to build an inch of topsoil, but only one bulldozer to destroy it forever.

Bill 21 is a shield. It is a common-sense, practical, non-partisan strategy to protect our food. Both MPP Schreiner and I have been travelling to different municipalities to make our pitch for support through resolutions. For example, I recently presented to the Haldimand County Agricultural Advisory Committee. The committee moved to have Council hear our deputation

and pass a formal resolution in support of protecting our local and provincial agricultural future.

In an era of global supply chain instability, the most patriotic thing we can do is ensure we can feed ourselves. Make no mistake, we are also protecting the character of our rural communities. When a multi-generational farm is paved over, we don't just lose the crop; we lose the local equipment dealer, the community fall fair, and the deep-rooted institutional knowledge of the families who know that land better than any map, any developer, or any bureaucrat sitting in an office tower. We have a choice. We can look back 40 years from now and realize we were the generation that watched our food security erode, or we can act now. I hope Premier Ford feels the same way.

Canada lives because we are Canadian!

noncitizens alike based mainly on the colour of their skin, or the fact they are legally protesting injustice.

Our prime minister, Mark Carney, delivered a speech on Jan. 20 at the 56th annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. He received a standing ovation from the world leaders in attendance. The prime minister warned about the world's “rules-based order” fading, and called for the middle powers to unite.

The next day, Donald Trump accused Canada of being ungrateful. He disrespectfully called our prime minister by his first name and said in a low, threatening tone, “Canada lives because of the United States.” I assume he wants us to be grateful for the punishing tariffs he has imposed which are designed to bring our country to our knees, forcing us to become the 51st state.

Canada lives because we are a country that celebrates its diversity and gives refuge to those who are escaping war and strife. Canada does not fill our cities with masked ICE agents roaming our peaceful neighbourhoods and arresting citizens and

ICE agents have now been given immunity for whatever action they take on their own citizens, allowing them to use tear gas and tasers along with live rounds. A fiveyear-old preschool boy was arrested and used as bait in his own driveway on the way home from school. I can only imagine the horror of this happening to my own grandson of the same age. Two people have been shot and killed. They were instantly labelled as instigators by the federal government before any investigation had taken place. Those investigations will be strictly controlled and will only proceed with those chosen by the ruling party. Other local law enforcement will be shut out. Can we guess what the conclusions of the investigations will be?

Canada lives because we don’t attack and censor the mainstream media. We don’t try to control it by insulting and bullying the people who are hired to ask the tough questions.

Canada lives because we don’t ridicule

and bully others if they have different opinions than us. We also don’t mock the disabled for our own personal gain, rather we accept them with open arms as valuable and contributing members of our society.

Canada lives because we accept the decisions of the electorate. We don’t try to overthrow the government in violent insurrections. In Washington on Jan. 6, 2021, a number of people died as a result and the justice system has failed miserably to hold the instigator and other participants of this deplorable incident responsible. In fact, they had a great idea, let’s make him president again!

Canada lives because we don’t persecute the political opposition in personal vendettas after gaining power.

Canada lives because we mobilize without hesitation to help our neighbours. We deployed hydro workers in ice storms in the American northeast and sent water bombers and firefighting personnel when California wildfires were out of control.

Canada lives because a small town, Gander, Nfld., opened its hearts and homes to over 6,500 people on 38 airplanes. The United States Federal Airport Administration shut down international airspace after the 9/11 attacks. RCMP officers first made their presence known to assure all the passengers they were safe. Then the town of roughly 12,000 mobilized. They put their lives on hold to house and feed strangers who numbered half of their entire population. That’s what neighbours do. Their kindness will never be forgotten by the passengers, but sadly it appears to have been forgotten by this administration.

Canada lives because we believe in the threat of climate change on the health of the world’s fragile environment. Though we aren’t perfect in our response, we are not shaming other nations by proclaiming that the issue is a hoax and a sham. Trump’s beliefs are based on oil greed and ignoring proven science and facts.

Canada lives because we don’t invade independent countries. The U.S. disregards international law and does so only on the

moral authority of one person, without congressional approval. That would usually label that leader a dictator.

Canada lives because we don’t flaunt international law. We don’t murder human beings in small boats off the coast of their own country with lethal drones fired from thousands of feet in the air. The U.S. military did this without due process and committed an indisputable war crime by circling back and murdering the survivors near the wreckage of their vessel.

Canada lives because we work cooperatively with other nations for the benefit of all. We don’t punish friends and allies economically for our own imperial gains and status.

Trump has also mentioned that he doesn’t need Canada, and NATO has done nothing for the United States. Yet NATO’s Article 5 was only used once, and that was after the 9/11 attacks.

Canada lives because we lost men and women in battle in Afghanistan, joining the NATO alliance to fight the Taliban after the 9/11 attacks. Canadian soldiers who had friends die in battle find Trump’s words disgusting and insulting.

Canada lives because we are peacemakers and have donned the blue helmets to participate in over 50 United Nations peacekeeping missions since 1954.

Canada lives because we are innovators and inventors. Think about how the discovery of insulin, the invention of the telephone, the pacemaker, the alkaline battery, the Canadarm and even one of America’s favourite sporting pastimes, basketball, just to name a few, have all enriched the world.

Sorry, Donald, (we are polite as well) but Canada lives because we are Canadian! I wish America well and hope that you can solve the mess that you are now in. You are much better than this. We wouldn’t want to lose our best friend.

Norfolk County moves forward with transition to internal water billing system

LUKE EDWARDS Grant Haven Media

A decision that ultimately won’t be one for this term of council to make nevertheless created a stumbling block in Norfolk’s push for an internal water billing system.

After much discussion about potential costs when ratepayers miss their billing deadlines, councillors ultimately approved staff recommendations that will allow the county to transition to the new system next year.

Councillors got stuck on how much, if at all, the county should charge people when staff sends out reminders to let them know they are in arrears. They had already deferred the report from an earlier meeting to give staff a chance to dig into the proposed charges a little more.

The result of that deferral was for staff to propose small reductions in the costs. Under the policy, when a ratepayer is late with their payment, there are three escalating warnings. The first is an automated reminder to pay issued after six days, followed by a 30-day reminder and a 45-day warning that the fees could be transferred to the tax roll, the move to the tax roll comes with an additional $50 charge.

Following the deferral, staff revised the costs down slightly, recommending a

charge of $4.28 for the six-day automated message (down from $5 originally), and $6.73 for the two later warnings (down from $10 originally).

However, staff pointed out those fees would be part of the county’s user fee review and ultimately decided on and approved at that point.

But that didn’t stop councillors from trying to recommend their own fee structures. Coun. Kim Huffman proposed charges of $2 for the first letter and $5 for the two later warnings. Coun. Adam Veri said he preferred no charge for the first letter and perhaps $10 for the following two.

Councillors also considered waiving the fee for the initial letter for a year as residents adapt to the new system.

Coun. Chris Van Paassen supported the idea of no extra charge for the first late warning.

“That’s the cost of doing business,” he said.

However, that was met with confusion and some opposition, with Mayor Amy Martin suggesting a “loophole” that would allow an account to miss a payment multiple times and not receive the $2 charge. She also said the county’s water/wastewater budget is where Norfolk is facing the most financial strain so any subsidization would only exacerbate that.

“Everyone else who pays on time is now subsidizing those who don’t,” she said. Ultimately two amendments looking to change the charges were defeated, while the remaining recommendations were approved. Council will get another chance to consider the fees when the user fee bylaw is up for discussion at the end of this year.

Staff work to bring the billing system in-house has also resulted in several other changes to the policy. One of the main changes will move billing to every second month instead of the current monthly billing. The goal is to save some money and administrative work. However, to relieve potential financial burden for ratepayers, the policy also proposed equal billing options.

A second major change will see the owner of the property be primary account holder, with the opportunity for tenants in a rental situation to be a secondary account holder.

“This change in definition will allow for increased transparency for the property owner. The property owner is ultimately responsible for any arrears on the account as it is their property roll that is impacted as part of the water and wastewater collection process,” a staff report said. “Through this proposed change, property owners will be able to act more proactively when

managing properties that are occupied by tenants.”

The county will also be making a push for more people to sign up for e-billing. Changes are set to take effect in February 2027.

Changes to Dover Mills subdivision proposed

one Bunting said has been well received.

“What we have found is those condos are very sought after,” he said.

Changes to a long-planned subdivision in Port Dover is the result of a changing economy, a local homebuilder has said.

Sam Bunting, owner of Prominent Homes, presented the new plan at the Feb. 3 Norfolk public hearing meeting. It’ll see an increase of 27 units within the Dover Mills subdivision, to a total of 185 units.

“I’m happy to say we’ve received a lot of support from staff for this proposed change, and the reason for this proposed change in front of you today is the economy in Canada has changed and we are looking to address affordability and diversification within this subdivision,” Bunting told councillors.

“We’re trying to intensify the centre of the subdivision with townhouses."

The proposed subdivision has been on the books for several years and has changed hands, most recently with Prominent Homes purchasing the property.

To ensure enough parking is provided for the townhomes, Bunting said they’re planning doublewide driveways, along with a garage. All told, the townhouse units will have five parking spots each. It’s an approach they’ve taken in other projects, and

Bunting said they’re also looking to address other concerns by adding a temporary secondary access to the subdivision for emergency access.

Some neighbours expressed concern about the subdivision as a whole, and the loss of greenspace.

“Part of this area in particular, it’s a beautiful area, there is a lot of green space,” said Heather Easton, who moved to Port Dover from Toronto in 2010 because she wanted a more rural setting.

Mayor Amy Martin said council has been careful with how it approaches parks and green spaces in developments. Having multiple parks in each subdivision adds to the cost to taxpayers in terms of upkeep and maintenance.

“Still in support and having well rounded communities. This is a large parcel and this is just a section of it,” she said.

“Council definitely will be looking at greenspaces and amenities and all of those types of things as this development progresses.” Staff will take into account comments heard at the meeting as they prepare a staff recommendation to be discussed at a future meeting.

Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise receives Peace & Reconciliation grant for Youth to Youth Experience

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise took the lead raising funds for a $75,000 Rotary Global Grant to foster Peace and Reconciliation.

The global grant, with contributed funding from Rotary clubs including Brantford, St. Catharines, Hamilton-Stoney Creek, Niagara Falls and Toronto area clubs, along with South Portland-Cape Elizabeth, Maine, and District 7090, will support the upcoming Youth to Youth Truth and Reconciliation Experience to be held at Chiefswood Park in Ohsweken, March 22-29.

Several Rotary clubs in the local district made donations, explained Marjorie Dawson, co-chair of the Rotary District 7090 Honouring Indigenous Peoples committee, and those were matched by the district. Rotary Internation matched 80 per cent of the district contribution.

“Basically, for every $1 the local clubs put in, it ends up being (nearly) $3.”

The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise contributed $3,700 to the project.

“Our club organized it – we came up with the idea, we wrote up a grant proposal, and we (Norfolk Sunrise) went to a whole bunch of other clubs and said ‘Here’s what we’d like to do… We would like to sponsor this project – Youth to Youth. Would you put some money into this?’ And we got the grant - $75,000 was the total amount we got from everybody.”

The Y2Y gathering brings 25 Indigenous and 25 non-Indigenous youth leaders, ages 14-18, from across Canada together for a week of cultural teachings and reconciliation sharing circles. Two youth from each Rotary District are eligible.

“We are very pleased to be hosting this year’s gathering at (Six Nations of the Grand River) and thrilled to have youth leaders from across Canada working together for true reconciliation,” said Jim Dawson, co-chair of the Rotary District 7090 Honouring Indigenous Peoples committee in a media release.

Before they go, youth will have five training sessions.

“We will spend the week with Knowledge Keepers and Elders from the area that we’re in, and have all sorts of learning stuff and activities,” said Marjorie.

“It’s just amazing. These young people are really interested, really good, and already really involved in their schools and their communities, and these young people come away saying, ‘This has just changed my life.’ They make really great connections, and they stay together online, communicating with each other.

“It’s really exciting, really neat to see the wonderful teaching that happens through the week.” This year’s Y2Y experience will start with truth about residential schools with Phyllis Webstad, founder of the Orange Shirt Society. There will be teaching

on peace treaties, illustrated by wampum belts, and hands-on cultural learning making wampum belts and traditional rattles. Elders and Knowledge Keepers will include Diane Longboat, Ken Maracle, Norma Jacobs and Frank Miller (Tehahenteh) with deep understanding of Haudenosaunee culture and traditional knowledge to provide teachings to participants. The week will end with traditional dances.

“Jim and I will both be there, and helping with the organization throughout the week,” Marjorie noted. “We have attended and participated in previous ones.”

The Rotary global grant funding is targeted to the unique nature of this year’s program as it will be held entirely on reserve at Six Nations Chiefswood Park, and

the food for the program will be by Indigenous chefs, adding an immersive element to the event which is now in its fourth year.

“It will be like a total immersion week,” said Marjorie. The first Youth to Youth Truth and Reconciliation Experience was held in Manitoba, then British Columbia. Last year it was in Nova Scotia.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL

The Rotary Club of Norfolk Sunrise is a local chapter of Rotary International, a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – ‘across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.’

Councillors question proposed Waterford apartment

A proposed five-storey apartment with ground floor commercial space in Waterford has been met with hesitancy among several Norfolk councillors and members of the public.

Eldon Darbyson, a consultant with Vallee Consulting, presented the plan at Norfolk’s Feb. 3 public hearings meeting. The building is planned for Leamon Street, on the property that currently houses the Waterford Home Hardware.

It includes a total of 44 units, with five being classified as affordable. The ground floor will include commercial space. For the development to move forward, the proponents require several zoning bylaw amendments. They include increases to maximum building height, a reduction in front yard landscaping requirements, and various changes to parking requirements. While Norfolk, like municipalities

throughout Ontario, are working to increase housing options and rental opportunities for residents, councillors expressed skepticism that this project is the right fit.

“I just don’t see this fitting into the space of Waterford,” said Coun. Kim Huffman.

“It seems to me the piece of land is too small… and it’s a square peg going into a round hole.”

Coun. Alan Duthie agreed.

“Why is it so big? It just seems so big for that site,” he said.

“Economies of scale, trying to produce something that will work, adding an affordability component is quite costly,” Darbyson replied, adding it’s a project they believe works for a growing community.

Several residents also voiced their opposition to the proposal, citing concerns over building height, traffic, parking and privacy. Amy Duckers said the plan represents far more than a modest change.

“(It’s a) major shift in height, density and activity level and it’s proposed directly be-

side single family homes,” she said.

“I’m willing to support redevelopment of this site if and only if it’s fundamentally redesigned to fit the existing single family neighbourhood.”

Duckers said any development on site should respect strict height limits of two storeys, parking rules, and include buffering, and a binding drainage and storm water management plan.

Size and parking remained a problem in the eyes of councillors. Coun. Chris Van Paassen encouraged the developers to come up with a solution for the parking issue.

“One way or another, come up with the required parking as part of your application and I think it would be much more favourable in my opinion to get approval that way,” he said.

No decisions were made at the meeting. Staff will now form a recommendation report, which will be presented at a future meeting.

Norfolk council pledges funds for new hospice build

J.P. ANTONACCI

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Fresh off giving Norfolk General Hospital $3 million to upgrade a pair of surgical suites, Norfolk County council has committed to supporting the construction of Haldimand-Norfolk’s first hospice.

During budget talks in January, council pledged $750,000 toward the $14-million campaign to build Williamson House, a 10-bed palliative care facility in Jarvis that will serve residents of Haldimand and Norfolk counties.

“There’s definitely a need for this facility in the community… and they want to build it. I think we should help,” Coun. Chris Van Paassen said at Norfolk’s Jan. 20 budget meeting.

Norfolk will set aside $500,000 this year

and $250,000 next year to support the Norfolk Haldimand Community Hospice.

The municipality had previously earmarked $500,000 for the hospital every year, with the funds taken from roughly $2.5 million in interest generated annually by Norfolk’s largest investment fund.

Reallocating investment income to the hospice had no effect on this year’s residential property tax rate, which councillors approved at 5.5 per cent.

Hospice executive director Andrea Binkle told The Spectator her committee was “deeply grateful” to councillors “for recognizing the importance of compassionate end-of-life care for our communities.”

“We’re so appreciative of their generosity,” Binkle said in an interview.

Council decided the money will only be released to the hospice once construction starts.

That could be in a matter of months, Binkle said, as the architectural drawings have been approved and a site plan application will be filed with Haldimand County “any day now.”

Allowing six months for county planners to review the application and approve rezoning, the project could break ground in late summer or early fall, she said.

In the meantime, the hospice committee has raised nearly half of the $14-million construction budget and is working “diligently” to collect the rest, an effort that includes pitching the business community on the growing local need for a hospice and bereavement services, Binkle said.

The largest single donation to date is $1 million from the Williamson family in Jarvis, who also donated land for the future hospice and a farmhouse that is currently used as the group’s administrative office.

Dozens of groups and individuals throughout the two counties have held fundraisers for the hospice, from concerts, walk-a-thons and flower sales to cookie campaigns and a cross-country cycling trek.

A flurry of charitable donations to end the year further padded the hospice’s construction fund, Binkle added.

Every dollar matters, as the entire $14 million must be in hand or pledged before the work can begin, she explained.

Despite having millions still to raise, Binkle is confident there will be shovels in the ground before the end of the year.

“The community needs it,” she said. “We are waiting for this. We’ll find a way.”

- J.P. Antonacci is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter based at the Hamilton Spectator. The initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.

Community garden thrives in Simcoe

Today’s thriving community garden in Simcoe all began with an idea sparked by John W. Race.

“Eighteen years ago… John Race (19262014), who was a local philanthropist, found a need for a community garden in the Simcoe area, and had some land to donate,” said Dave Zeldon, who was happy to jump onboard. “He approached me, a recently retired teacher of horticulture and agriculture, to run the gardens. And as everyone knows, you can’t say no to John Race.”

Today, the John Race Memorial Commu-

nity Garden – on land owned by the Race family - has 30 21’x21’ garden plots, which gardeners have access to for a $30 seasonal fee.

“We have evolved over the years from 9’x11’ to larger plots,” said Zeldon, also noting the addition of on-site composting.

“I’d say it’s changed a lot of over the years.

“We’ve had some people that have been here almost from the beginning. New people come and go… when they find out how much work it is for weed control,” he added with a smile.

Zeldon said the key is to make weed control part of your routine.

Digging, planting and weeding are great forms of outdoor exercise, and growing vegetables encourages a healthier diet. Also, there is often cost savings.

For some, weeding can reduce stress.

“The best part of it is weeding, I love to weed,” said Hilde Makkink, who

owns a flower farm and café near Tillsonburg. “If I have a busy day in the store, and my head is full, I go in the field and I weed for two hours. It’s so relaxing! It’s just my happy place – weeding in my flower fields.”

There is socialization, said Zeldon, and a sense of community.

“Socialization is the big thing. They all get together and they talk about gardening, exchange ideas and plant material.”

The John Race Memorial Community Garden is located on Gilbertson Drive, near the White Horse Bowling on Davis Street.

“It’s somewhat secluded, but it’s easy to get to.” The field is prepped in April, using a cultivator donated by the University of Guelph, and manure donated by a local farmer.

Depending on spring weather, gardens should be ready early May and gardeners are expected to have planting underway by May 30.

For more information, email JWRMemorialGarden@gmail.com or call Garden

Coordinators Zach (519-420-0452), Sandy (519-429-9722) or Dave (519-410-5807).

“I just like to see the happy gardeners –they are always saying ‘thank you’ for all the work we do – and the appreciation,” said Zeldon.

Protesters at No Frills in Port Dover

No Frills because they felt it was an injustice not only to Mike and Christine, but to the whole community.

In a now semi-viral Facebook post it has been alleged that the owners of the Port Dover No Frills franchise were given a week's notice that Loblaws would not be renewing their contract. The original Facebook post ignited protest as it alerted people of what some consider a sneaky move by Loblaws. Port Dover and the surrounding areas have rallied behind Mike and Christine Ramirez. However, Mike and Christine themselves are not directly affiliated with the posts or the protests at the No Frills location.

On Thursday, Jan. 29, Darlene Homeniuk and Margaret Hutchinson braved the cold to protest outside of

“Apparently a week ago management waltzed in here and said that they had to give up their keys,” Margaret Hutchinson stated. “So, because they (Mike and Christine) are such wonderful people we are out here saying that this is totally unfair.”

Mike and Christine had been running the No Frills in Port Dover for 16 years, and in that time they used their business to sponsor and support local events and sports teams.

Mike and Christine “worked for so many years to support the Port Dover community.” Homeniuk and Hutchinson said they are highly doubtful that the Loblaws corporation will continue

the tradition of community outreach and donations. As people entered the grocery store the women educated unaware shoppers about the management change. The pair were encouraging shoppers to boycott and do their weekly groceries someplace else.

Electrifying musical CHESS comes to the stage

A must-see Simcoe Little Theatre musical production in March

Simcoe Little Theatre (SLT) is thrilled to announce its March production of CHESS: The Musical In Concert, an internationally acclaimed, Tony Award-winning show that blends high-stakes drama, powerful music, and timely political intrigue.

Audiences can experience this epic musical live on stage this spring as the local community theatre takes on one of the most emotionally charged and musically celebrated works in modern musical theatre.

With music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus (of ABBA fame) and lyrics by Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Lion King), CHESS has earned widespread praise since its debut. Professional and community productions alike have been lauded for the score’s emotional depth and sophistication, with audiences highlighting its soaring anthems such as One Night in Bangkok, Anthem, and I Know Him So Well.

Reviews often describe CHESS as “smart, moving, and thrilling,” applauding its ability to combine intimate human relationships with global political tension - making it as relevant today as ever.

Set against the backdrop of an international chess championship during the Cold War, CHESS follows two rival players - one American, one Russian - whose battle over the chessboard mirrors a much larger conflict of ideolo-

gy, loyalty, and power. At the heart of the story is a love triangle involving a brilliant female strategist, forcing all three characters to confront questions of identity, personal freedom, and the cost of ambition. It uses the chess game as a metaphor for superpower conflict, personal rivalries, and romance, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and identity as the players navigate intense pressure from their respective nations and their own hearts.

Ultimately, CHESS is a dramatic rock opera where the chessboard isn’t just a game, but a battleground for personal passions and global power struggles, driven by a powerful score and intricate relationships.

It is directed by Andy Dominick, who tours Canada parttime as “Kristoff” in Frozen in Time and is employed as the Head Technician at Lighthouse Festival.

The full cast of 12 local actors can be found on the SLT website (simcoelittletheatre.org). The cast and creative team includes: Joanne Amos, JP Antonacci, Alex Barnard, Emma Brown, Pamela Caputo, Valerie Cardinal, Jarrod Dunlop, Devin France, Sarah Grange, Stephanie Grant, Brittani Hamilton, Luke Hamilton, Ross Hanna, Alex LeBrun, James McCoy, Sabrina Pringle, and Jack Verrips.

New for Simcoe Little Theatre, CHESS will be presented “in concert” meaning the focus will be on the score and vocals with more minimal theatrical staging. This type of presentation allows smaller theatres like SLT to present

larger musicals in a scalable manner to fit stage size and community theatre production budgets.

Simcoe Little Theatre is proud to present this ambitious musical, showcasing the talent and passion of local performers while bringing a world-class theatrical experience to the community.

PERFORMANCE DATES

Performances dates: March 5 & 6 at 7:30 p.m.; March 7 & 8 at 2 p.m.; March 12 & 13 at 7:30 p.m.; and March 14 & 15 at 2 p.m.

Tickets start at $27 with youth pricing available. Buy tickets by calling 519-583-0505 or by visiting https://simcoelittletheatre.org/chess-the-musical/ online.

Be there for an unforgettable performance while supporting local live community theatre!

About Simcoe Little Theatre

Simcoe Little Theatre is a volunteer-driven community theatre dedicated to producing high-quality live theatre. With decades of history and a reputation for excellence, SLT continues to enrich the cultural life of the community by providing opportunities for local talent both on stage and behind the scenes. Simcoe Little Theatre is proud to be a place “Where Community Stars Shine.”

HERicanes looking forward to playoffs, playdowns

Playoffs are in the picture for the Norfolk HERicanes U13 B rep hockey team. So are playdowns.

“We’re positioned well for playoffs,” said Gerry Dumoulin, coach of the HERicanes U13 girls. “I’m excited – all the teams that we’re going to play against in playoffs, we have beat before or it’s been a tie. So it should be a good competition that way.

“More important than that, the girls are playing the best hockey I’ve ever seen them play,” said Dumoulin after a close 2-1 loss to the Brantford Ice Cats Sunday afternoon at Talbot Gardens in Simcoe. “We just have an amazing pool of girls. We got five new girls (to the team) this year, and every last one of them is a gem. They are all amazing, just amazing.”

The U13 B players get along very well, said the coach.

“The girls genuinely enjoy each other’s company and it shows on the ice. They work together really well. A lot of passing, a lot of moving the puck around, it’s unselfish hockey.”

From opening warmups – with HERicanes flag waving, individual introductions, and pro-style drills – the seventh-place Norfolk U13s came out flying against the fourth-place Ice Cats.

“These girls are ready to go,” Dumoulin nodded.

“We spent a lot of time in their end, we had a gajillion scoring opportunities, it’s just the scoring went the other way. It’s not for a lack of trying, it’s not for a lack of ability, it’s just the hockey gods not shining on us.”

Dumoulin said the Ice Cats were one

of the hardest teams to play against in the OWHL Southern – South Division last year. This year, it’s been much closer.

“The last one was 2-1, this one was 2-1… Unfortunately we’re not going to meet (Brantford) in the playoffs – they are in a tier up from us.”

To illustrate how much the HERicanes have improved, Dumoulin pointed to four games against a division leader.

“We played the top team in the league four times, and we’ve got the most goals against that team out of anybody. The top

team had eight goals against, we’re five of those goals. So I know what they are capable of. We just have to get that bounce to go in.”

Playdowns, separate from league playoffs, are qualifiers for the OWHL provincial tournament.

“You are put in a group of five or six teams. You have to finish top two or top three to go to provincials. Playdowns are a lot like March Madness. It’s a big tournament.

“Next weekend we play Brantford again,

that’s our final regular season game. The girls can’t wait to get back on the ice with them. Playoffs happen after that.

“Playdowns start this week – Thursday (Jan. 12) we’re playing a team from Haldimand.”

A round-robin home-and-home series has been scheduled with Haldimand, Stoney Creek, Flamborough, Ancaster and St. Catharines, wrapping up March 8 with four games in four days.

“I’m excited for playoffs,” Dumoulin smiled.

Simcoe Curling Club to host Feb. 21 open house

Local curling club will launch its first-ever

CHRIS ABBOTT Editor

The Simcoe Curling Club is looking for ways to become more involved in the community.

“The curling club is a community, within a community,” said Simcoe club president Craig Thompson. “So, we’re looking at other ways, through the year, to be more effective in our community.”

On Saturday, Feb. 21, from noon to 6 p.m., the Simcoe Curling Club is inviting the community to discover the sport of curling during an open house at the club’s home at the Fairgrounds on South Drive.

Visitors will have the opportunity to get on the ice with the help of club members, learn how to throw a rock, and take part in interactive skill stations set up on every ice sheet. Activities will include beginner-friendly challenges, such as traditional sliding delivery and/or stick curling.

“Our goal is to introduce people to this great sport and show them what our club is all about,” said Thompson. “We want to make it as easy as possible for people – we provide the equipment, including sliders. All we ask you to bring is clean indoor shoes. For the people throwing their first curling rock, or first curling rock in 30 years, we’ll have everything you need except for the footwear.

“We do have a Learn to Curl program (starting in November), where people register, but this is the first time we’ve really opened the doors to the public and said ‘Come on in and check us out! Get on the ice and throw some rocks.’

“We are not a private club,” he noted, “We are open to everyone.”

food drive

FOOD DRIVE

The Feb. 21st open house will also mark the launch of Simcoe Curling Club’s first-ever food drive. Admission to the ice requires the donation of a non-perishable food item, which will be distributed to food banks in Simcoe, Port Dover, Waterford, and Delhi. Thompson said the club hopes to make the initiative an annual tradition and a meaningful way to give back to the community.

“We want to make this food drive a forever type of thing. We all have the opportunity to ‘give back,’ so let’s leverage our opportunity to give back to the community. That’s the goal. With the open house, we want to make sure the community knows we are here, and with the food drive we want to be able to make a difference where we can make a difference.”

CURLING IS FOR EVERYONE

“We’re doing the food drive, the Olympics are on, so we figured let’s try to use all of this momentum and hopefully get the community out, because a lot of people don’t know there is a curling club in Simcoe. We have a lot of people who are new to the area… and we want to say ‘Hey, this is for everyone - all ages, all skill levels. Everyone can enjoy this game.’ We’re just hoping that people take advantage of this opportunity.

“We want people to talk about curling. We want people to see what curling looks like.”

Founded in the 1950s, the Simcoe Curling Club welcomes curlers from across Norfolk and Haldimand counties, offering leagues and programs ranging from beginners and recreational players to competitive curlers, as

well as senior, women’s, youth, and teen leagues.

The club’s bar will be open during the open house event, and the Olympic men’s gold medal curling game will be shown on television.

“It’s another great reason to come out and visit us,” Thompson said. “Hopefully, we’ll be watching Canada take gold.”

Norfolk HERicanes on the rise in OWHL

17-0-2 record.

Bernie Gillis is a man of many hats.

Coach of three Norfolk HERicanes hockey teams, Gillis is also president of the Norfolk HERicanes Girls Hockey Association.

“Some of the teams have started playoffs,” said Gillis Sunday afternoon (Feb. 8) at Talbot Gardens. “The U15s started playdowns yesterday afternoon in Flamborough, and played another game today. Our playoffs start next Saturday.

“U18 Bs start their playoffs Wednesday night (Feb. 11) in Flamborough and the Seniors start their playoffs next weekend against Brantford, who they are playing today for their last regular season game.”

The Seniors were first in their OWHL Southwest division, said Gillis, the U18 BBs sixth in the South division, and the U18 Bs clinched fourth place setting up a playoff against Cazenovia (New York State). The U15s finished third in their division – they have a series locked in against Owen Sound coming up, first in Norfolk, then in Owen Sound for two games. The U13s, with two to play, we’re seventh, and battling in the consolation playoffs. The U11 Bs are in first in their division with a

The HERicanes also have two U9 house league teams and a U18 HL team in the GHGHL (Greater Hamilton).

HERICANES

ON THE RISE

“We’ve grown since last year,” said Gillis. “We added a U11 team this year, we added a U9 team this year. We’re trying to build our grassroots programs. We’ve been doing HERicanes for a Day the last couple of years and it’s helped out immensely. We’ve got a good group of coaches at those age – they really helped grow it.

“The PWHL is definitely helping. This year, the 15s and 18s, they’re right into both the men’s and women’s Olympic hockey. The U11s and U9s have gone as a team to see PWHL games or (Brantford) Bulldogs, and stuff like that.

Gillis, who has been on the HERicanes executive about 10 years, recalls the association having about 70-75 players when he took on the president position. Today they have 132 players.

“It’s been on the upward trend, which is nice to see,” he nodded. “It’s growing, it’s getting better.”

“In five years, it’s grown immensely. The grassroots program has been key, trying to

get that up and running, because originally we just started at U13. Now we’ve added two other streams with our U9 and U11

programs and as long as we can continue to build the U9 program, we have flow going into the other leagues.”

Weekend bird count aims to collect global data

LISA TIMPF

Advocate Contributor

Those looking for something to do on the Family Day Weekend may find an answer closer to home than they think.

This year’s Great Backyard Bird Count runs from Feb. 13 to 16, and anyone willing to set aside at least one 15-minute block to count and report the birds they see and hear is welcome to participate.

This year marks the 29th Great Backyard Bird Count, and Olivia Carvalho of Birds Canada emphasizes the event is open to experienced birders and first-time participants alike. Besides being an interesting way to pass the time, bird counts provide data used by researchers to understand bird populations and long-terms trends. Big changes in species numbers over a period of time can signal the need to fine-tune conservation efforts, says Carvalho.

In addition to being a Community Engagement Specialist, Carvalho is also the Great Backyard Bird Count Coordinator for Birds Canada. This job entails working with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Audubon Society to promote the event. Part of the job, says Carvalho, involves ensuring participants have the resources they need to participate.

Her advice for first-time or novice participants is to “Just get out and try it. It’s super easy.” For new bird watchers, she notes that the Merlin Bird ID app can be helpful. The app helps users identify birds by sound, as well as providing a list of birds likely to be found in your area.

“The point is to get out, observe nature, and enjoy the wonder that birds bring,” she says. The bird count “gets more people aware of birds and how they are doing, and I love that element that you can do it from home.”

In addition to submitting their count data, participants are also invited to upload their photos of birds taken during the count.

The event’s timing in February, Carvalho notes, provides a “snapshot of the global bird population ahead of spring migration.” The Great Backyard Bird Count provides the single biggest days for birding in Canada, and “that level of survey is not possible without volunteers.”

While the Great Backyard Bird Count began as a North American activity, it has grown into a worldwide event. Last year, it drew over 800,000 participants globally, with 8,078 of the world’s known species found. Canadians sub-

mitted the third-most checklists worldwide with 26,420. For more information about how to participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count, visit www.birdcount.org/participate.

Call to check Long Point Inner Bay’s ice fishing

JEFF TRIBE

Advocate Contributor

Freeze it, and they will come.

“It’s exciting,” said Brad Woodward Junior of Woodward’s Ice Fishing (519-5867510) out of St. Williams, taking a moment to chat during a busy afternoon.

“Nice to see everyone get back down here, happy and chipper. And to see the fish come in.”

Long Point’s Inner Bay can be a four-season fishery - when Mother Nature cooperates. When it freezes, anglers do in fact come, in the main seeking perch fishing action backed up with a tasty feed. They’re a mixture of do-it-yourselfers and those looking to access one of four area ice fishing outfitters.

“We’ve got lots of ice and it’s just getting better,” said Woodward on Jan. 29, his previous measurement revealing between eight and nine inches. “There’s probably more than that now.”

It must be emphasized, no one should head out on ice of any perceived thickness without caution and experience. Brad certainly qualifies given the Woodward family has been operating the business for eight years, he works at a marina during the summer and is also a commercial fisherman.

“Fishing here forever.”

Woodward’s began operation Tuesday, Jan. 27. Clients are loaded on a sleigh, shuttled to one of 26 ice huts, a fire lit for them, holes drilled and minnows supplied. The fishing day runs per client’s individual choices between daylight and 4:30 p.m.

“The fishing is not too bad right now,” said Woodward, noting a majority of perch being caught, with the odd pike. “Seems to be getting better every day, so that’s a good thing.” Woodward, who enjoys his perch in a fish taco, says clients come for both fishing and the experience, family and friends spending time together.

“The views are pretty epic too.”

It has been ‘happy chaos’ next door at Bayside Ice Fishing (519-586-2666) says Crystal Lambrecht, also operating out of St. Williams.

“My phone is going nuts,” she reported of a busy start to their ‘hard water’ season, opened Monday, Jan. 26.

Lake Erie ice fishing is special, says Lambrecht, in the sense that rather than working off electronics in deeper water, anglers can watch fish approach their bait in its comparatively shallow depths.

“You can see the action happening when it’s happening.”

Lambrecht prefers a breaded perch fillet, and while catching and eating is certainly part of the ice fishing experience, so too is the camaraderie inside a hut, as evidenced by the reaction of a couple of first-timers earlier that day.

“All of them said they’re coming back, they really enjoyed it.”

James Carroll of Jimmy Riggin’ (519586-7990) operates out of Old Cut, where ice was a little earlier and a little thicker, deeper yet as of Jan. 29.

“Right now we’ve got 14 inches - a lot,” he reported.

Carroll took his 20 huts out Jan. 22 and Jan. 23, opening for business Saturday, Jan. 24.

“Tons of fish,” reported Carroll, noting to date, there have been a number of smaller perch mixed in with the jumbos. He had also seen two pike, which is normal for this time of year.

“It’s early, the pike don’t usually start until a little later.”

Given the amount and quality of ‘good, black ice’, Carroll is hoping for a lengthy season. It might be considered a mixed blessing given operators face both heavy physical labour when moving huts and also brutal winter weather - particularly this year - seven days a week, without letup.

“It can quit snowing,” Carroll laughed. “It’s going to be a long one,” he added, enthusiastic despite inherent challenges. “I love it.”

Collins Harbour Bait & Tackle (519-5862212) is not a traditional ice fishing operator, but its model of offering bait, tackle and an offshore shuttle has proven popular with clients calling from as far away as Windsor, Niagara and north of Guelph. For a fixed access fee per adult (kids 12 and under are free), clients receive parking and access to regularly running shuttles from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. They board the shuttle near shore and ride out to a flagged location roughly a kilometre offshore. When they wish to return, they return to the flag and await the shuttle’s arrival.

“It’s like a bus stop,” said operator Marshall Collins.

There are two shuttles, one for carrying people, the other freight. He anticipated both would be operational (as of Feb. 5) or into that weekend when ice in front of the 274 Front Road property (formerly, Shady Akers) firmed up a little more. As of Jan. 29 he was measuring between 8.5 and 10 inches.

“I like to see a solid 10 inches,” said Collins. Interested persons are advised to call the office to check on operational status. In the interim, some patrons are parking, purchasing minnows and walking out on their own power.

“Keeps us busy during the winter,” Collins concluded.

By Jake Grant

Who did Anne Hathaway marry in

7. What three headed dog is guardian of the underworld?

8. Which illegal CIA program from the 1950s–1970s secretly experimented with mind control and psychological manipulation?

9. What does NATO stand for?

10. What does the Latin phrase caveat emptor translate to?

Snowmobile safety starts before the ride

Snowmobile Safety Week runs Feb. 9-16

The Ontario Provincial Police is reminding snowmobilers that driving too fast for the conditions, impaired driving and driving on frozen waterways are the leading causes of snowmobile fatalities in the province.

The OPP collaborates with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs to provide safe and enjoyable snowmobiling on prescribed trails.

Stay safe this winter by following OPP advice:

- Ride sober.

- Do not ride tired or distracted.

- Consider taking a snowmobile safety course if you are a new or inexperienced rider.

- Adhere to the open OFSC trails as they remain the safest terrain to ride on. Treat any frozen waterway as though

no ice is safe ice.

- Wear an approved helmet and appropriate clothing.

- Carry a small safety kit that includes waterproof matches, pocketknife, compass, whistle, ice picks and first aid kit.

- Obey the speed limits and municipal by-laws.

- Let someone know your intended route and keep your cell phone fully charged.

All motorists are reminded that occasionally snowmobilers cross the roadways, including Hwy 3. It is everyone's responsibility to stay alert. For more snowmobile safety information visit ofsc.on.ca, www.ontario.ca/snowmobilesafety and www.ontario.ca/document/official-mto-drivers-handbook/off-road-vehicles-snowmobiles

Norfolk General Hospital Foundation prioritizes its fundraising for diagnostic equipment

The Norfolk General Hospital Foundation is reminding the community that hospital equipment is not government-funded and relies on donations.

Sarah Muntz-Flowerday, Executive Director at NGH Foundation, said there is a need for diagnostic equipment.

“While specific equipment hasn’t been finalized, fundraising will focus on diagnostic imagery, including ultrasounds,” said Muntz-Flowerday.

“People still do not realize that the government does not buy our equipment; we have to self-fund for everything that needs to be replaced.”

Muntz-Flowerday said that equipment vendors will only service a piece of equipment once the contract expires. Replacement is to ensure that hospitals are treating patients with the best tools provided.

“We get the maximum life we can out of our equipment. We have the best maintenance staff, but it gets to a point where the equipment becomes unreliable.”

Muntz-Flowerday said that there’s a plan to expand the Foundation’s brand and raise awareness on the importance of fundraising for hospital equipment. As a non-profit, the Foundation can find it difficult to raise funds on its own.

A piece of equipment can run for over 20 years, while others can only last seven. Equipment replacement costs can range in the thousands.

“Everyone always needs and wants more items than we can fund each year. It’s an ongoing need,” said Muntz-Flowerday. “We’re fundraising to educate the public about the fact that everything is so technologically advanced, and the life of this equipment is not as long as they think it might be.”

HEART OF HEALTHCARE GALA

NGH Foundation plans to host its annual Heart of

Healthcare Gala on April 25, a fundraiser that brings the community together to support local healthcare initiatives.

The event will feature live music from Saturday Night Superstars, a silent auction, and a photo booth.

“The problem with fundraising for hospitals is that every-

thing is so technologically advanced,” said Muntz-Flowerday. “Funds for them, they get the equipment, and before you even blink, it’s already obsolete. That’s because it’s all cutting-edge technology, and it moves faster than we can keep up with.”

Nuclear

energy is powering new jobs

We’re creating over 150,000 new jobs during the construction and operation of our new nuclear facilities, delivering new opportunities for workers.

That’s how we protect Ontario.

Two lesser-known features of Lyon, France

OH,PLACESTHE WE'LL GO

By Paul Knowles

There are plenty of reasons to enjoy a visit to the French city of Lyon. It’s the third-largest city in France, known for its unique “Bouchon” gastronomy, for its history dating back to Roman times and before, and for its once-important role as a centre of the silk trade.

All of these things are still in evidence, today, but I found two other features of Lyon to be equally fascinating – the incredible mosaic murals in the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere, and the historic importance of Lyon as a centre of the French Resistance in World War II.

We were in Lyon as a stop on our Viking Rhone River Cruise; Lyon sits at the junction of the Rhone and Saone rivers. Our walking tour showed us a bustling city with a deep and rich history.

But when we visited the Basilica, I was tempted to skip the rest of the tour, and simply stay and savour the incredible mosaics that line the walls. They’re not ancient – the gilded mosaics were created from 1872 all the way up to

1964. There are six mosaics, covering a vast, 6,000 square meters, and portraying two over-arching themes arising from the life of Mary the mother of Jesus: Mary and the Church, and Mary and the History of France.

The Basilica itself is awe-inspiring; like its mosaics, the building is not ancient – it was completed in 1896. But it is magnificent. That cannot be said for the narrow passageways between buildings that honeycomb the old part of Lyon. As our group wandered through some of these passageways, we found little to be impressed with – until we heard to stories told by historian Boris Klein, who presented a lecture on board our Viking longship. His talk was entitled “Lyon and the Resistance,” and the first thing I learned was that those impressive hidden passageways were, in fact, absolutely vital to the underground resistance to the Nazis.

Why? The key reason was a feature we had spotted on our tour – inside these covered passage-

ways were what today we would call community mail boxes. In the days of the Underground, they were perfect drop boxes for clandestine communication – hidden from view of the streets, or anything overhead, they were an ideal place for a member of the Resistance to leave a message, to be collected in secret by a colleague at a later time.

Klein gave us a thumbnail sketch of the circumstances that created the French Resistance. Although in 1939, the French were believed to have the best army in the world, clever German strategy saw France completely conquered in a mere 42 days. The Germans divided France into several parts. Alsace and Moselle were declared to be part of Germany. Northern France was occupied by the Germans; the south, including Lyon were initially occupied, but then became the “Free Zone” or “Vichy Zone” under Marshall Petain, a First World War hero who, by the time of the occupation, had become a collab-

orator with the Nazi regime.

The French Resistance arose in opposition to the Nazis and their puppets, and Lyon became the centre of the Resistance. And yes, those mailboxes and enclosed passages played a role, but there were lots of other factors, too.

Lyon is located relatively close to Switzerland, a neutral country.

Lyon was a centre for trade unions, who joined with anti-Nazi political and religious organizations to oppose the Vichy regime. A common cause united unusual allies: “Jews, Catholic priests, communists, patriots all sat at the same table,” said Klein.

Of course, they could not operate openly – Petain had set up a French militia that was essentially an arm of the Gestapo.

So, opposition to the Nazis went underground– or more precisely, in Lyon, into the multitude of passageways throughout the old city. By the end of 1940, Lyon was recognized as the centre of the French Resistance.

According to Klein, the Resis-

tance produced anti-Nazi leaflets, provided Jews and others who needed such with fake ID papers, printed underground newspapers and organized clandestine meetings.

Charles DeGaulle, who was leading the fight against the Nazis from exile in England, sent a man named Jean Moulin to Lyon, where he played the key role in uniting the Resistance as “The Secret Army”. Moulin was eventually captured and tortured to death, in 1943. By then, Germany had taken over direct control of the south of France, but at the same time, the Secret Army had taken a more active role in guerilla-style warfare against the occupiers.

On September 3, 1944, Lyon was liberated by Allied forces. The story of the Resistance movement is in certainly heroic, but Klein noted that after the fact, DeGaulle created a less-than-accurate myth. He told the people of France, “You are a great people who never accepted defeat.” In fact, said Klein, a great many French people accepted the presence of the German occupiers, and frequently collaborated with them. Perhaps the most shocking example is that the Vichy police – French officers, not German –sent 75,000 Jews to die in concentration camps.

Klein noted that only in the 1970’s or 80’s did it become possible to discuss the complicated reality of the Nazi occupation of France.

Paul Knowles is an author and travel writer, and Past-President of the Travel Media Association of Canada. To contact Paul about travel, his books, or speaking engagements, email pknowles@ golden.net.

Riddles

I have no pulse, yet I race. I have no voice, yet I speak volumes on Valentine’s Day. What am I?

A love letter

I’m often given, rarely kept, and sometimes returned. I cost nothing but can mean everything. What am I?

An apology

I can make minutes feel endless and years feel brief. I arrive suddenly and leave without warning. What am I?

Falling in love

I’m sweet but can sting, silent yet loud, and I usually strike when you least expect it. What am I?

Cupid’s arrow

DASHA

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13

WAMPUS KAT (WINGS)!

Serving from 5:00 p.m (Until Sold Out) Wings/Fries or both available for purchase. Stay and have some fun! Cash only, we do not have debit, or ATM. Wed.-Fri. 3 pm-10 pm, Sat.1 pm-10 pm, Sun.1 pm-6 pm. For More Information call, the Legion at 519-443-5588 or Check out our website at https://www. teetervillelegionbranch526.ca.

The Wagner Memorial, Teeterville Legion Branch 526. 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville, Ontario

JOIN US FOR A FEW FRIENDLY GAMES OF PROGRESSIVE EUCHRE

Registration at 6:30 p.m

Starting at 7:00 p.m

Everyone is Welcome. For More Information call, the Legion at 519-443-5588 or Check out our website at https://www. teetervillelegionbranch526.ca.

. The Wagner Memorial, Teeterville Legion Branch 526. 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville, Ontario

CHOCOLATE BINGO!

7:00 p.m

No cost to play. Chocolate bingo prizes. Special chocolate beverage and treats at the café! Don’t be choco-LATE!

Riversyde 83 Foodhub - 83 Sydenham St., Simcoe

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14

ROTARY NORFOLK SUNRISE FABULOUS FEBRUARY FUNDRAISER DINNER, DANCE & MUSIC BINGO

6:00 p.m – Dinner

7:30 p.m – Music Bingo with DJ Hal* 9:30 p.m – Dance

A fun evening for singles, couples, or groups 100% of proceeds goes to support our community. *Requires absolutely no music knowledge.

Ticket Prices: Dinner, Dance & Bingo: $60 Dance Only: $20. Tickets available at: Abel Enterprises, 447 Queensway W., Simcoe or online at: rcns.events1@gmail.com

Simcoe Legion, 200 West St., Simcoe PANCAKE & SAUSAGE BREAKFAST

9:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m

Enjoy fluffy buttermilk pancakes, breakfast sausages, and fruit cocktail.

Dine in or take out — gluten-free available.

Pricing: Adults $15 | Children $10 Hosted by the Marburg Community Association. Serving the community since 1863. Proceeds support the operation and maintenance of Marburg Hall.

Marburg Hall, 1345 Lynn Valley Rd (between Cockshutt Rd & Hwy 6)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20

JOIN US FOR A FRIENDLY GAME OF DARTS

Registration at 6:45 p.m

Starting at 7:00 p.m

Everyone is Welcome. Draw for partners. For More Information call, the Legion at 519-4435588 or Check out our website at https://www. teetervillelegionbranch526.ca.

The Wagner Memorial, Teeterville Legion Branch 526. 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville, Ontario

MEET THE AUTHOR – BOOK SIGNING

7:00 p.m

Friday Fun Nights at the Cafe. Jill Battle the Author of the book Pain, Purpose and Pickles Sharing about her journey with Addison’s Disease.

Riversyde 83 Foodhub - 83 Sydenham St., Simcoe

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22

GAME NIGHT

4:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m

Looking for a fun and relaxing evening with friends, family, and neighbours? Join us for a Game Night full of board games, pizza, and great company! For just $5, enjoy a slice of delicious pizza! (Kids 6 and under eat FREE!) Plus, FREE coffee to keep you energized as you play! We’ll have a variety of board games provided, but feel free to bring your favorite game to share! Email Stpetersnorfolk@gmail. com with any questions!

St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 155 Colborne St N, Simcoe

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23

BINGO NIGHT

7 p.m

Doors open 5:30 p.m - Early Bird 6:30 p.m

Presented by ABEL Enterprises. Concession stand run by Simcoe & District Humane Society.

Simcoe Legion, West Street, Simcoe LUNCH & LEARN

12 p.m – 1 p.m (Doors open at 11:30 a.m) Come and hear local author DEB ELLIS speak on the importance of Literature, Libraries, children and war. Bring your own lunch, beverages and treats provided. “Blind Date with a Book” sale table. This is a free event, though donations are welcome.

Norfolk County Public Library - Lower Level

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28

OPEN JAM

Starting at 1:00 p.m

Last Saturday of every month. Everyone is welcome to bring an instrument or just come out and listen to the music. Free event For More Information call, the Legion at 519-4435588 or Check out our website at https://www. teetervillelegionbranch526.ca.

The Wagner Memorial, Teeterville Legion Branch 526. 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville, Ontario

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 & 20

FRIENDLY GAME OF DARTS

Registration at 6:45 p.m

Starting at 7:00 p.m

Everyone is Welcome. Draw for partners. For More Information call, the Legion at 519-4435588 or Check out our website at https://www. teetervillelegionbranch526.ca.

The Wagner Memorial, Teeterville Legion Branch 526. 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville, Ontario

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

FREE EVENT! JOIN US FOR MUSIC BY BLVD RIFF RAFF

3:00 p.m-7:00 p.m

Everyone is Welcome. For More Information call, the Legion at 519-443-5588 or Check out our website at https://www. teetervillelegionbranch526.ca.

The Wagner Memorial, Teeterville Legion Branch 526. 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville, Ontario

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

WAMPUS KAT (WINGS)/ST.PATRICK'S DAY PARTY!

Serving from 5:00 p.m (Until Sold Out) Wings/Fries or both available for purchase. Dress up, and stay and have some fun! For More Information call, the Legion at 519443-5588 or Check out our website at https:// www.teetervillelegionbranch526.ca.

The Wagner Memorial, Teeterville Legion Branch 526. 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville, Ontario

SUNDAY, MARCH 22

LEGION CRAFT & VENDOR SHOW

11:00 a.m- 3:00 p.m

Free Admission

Space still available! Want to book a space? To book contact the legion and leave your name and phone number, or pop in during business hours. For More Information call, the Legion at 519-443-5588 or Check out our website at https://www.teetervillelegionbranch526.ca.

The Wagner Memorial, Teeterville Legion Branch 526. 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville, Ontario

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

WINGS & THINGS PUB NIGHT

Starting at 5:00 p.m (Until Sold Out)

Music by Sunset DJ & Karaoke. For More Information call, the Legion at 519-443-5588 or Check out our website at https://www. teetervillelegionbranch526.ca.

The Wagner Memorial, Teeterville Legion Branch 526. 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville, Ontario

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

OPEN JAM

Starting at 1:00 p.m

Last Saturday of every month. Everyone is welcome to bring an instrument or just come out and listen to the music. Free event. For More Information call, the Legion at 519-443-5588 or Check out our website at https://www. teetervillelegionbranch526.ca.

The Wagner Memorial, Teeterville Legion Branch 526. 3890 Teeterville Road, Teeterville, Ontario

EVERY OTHER FRIDAY

INGERSOLL COUNTRY MUSIC JAMBOREE

1:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m

In 2026 it’s your fix! Ingersoll Country Music Jamboree meeting every other Friday 1-4 p.m. at Masonic Hall, 190 Thames St. S. Ingersoll. Join us, walk ins welcome. Qualifications - love 50-70's country music. Perform, listen, dance & enjoy! January 16 & 30, February 13 & 27, March 6 & 20, April 10 & 17, May 1, 15 & 29, June 5 & 19.

EVERY FRIDAY EVENING

CATCH THE ACE

4:30 a.m- 7:30 p.m (Draw at 7:45 pm)

Win over $21,000.00 (LIC #RAF 14505443)! Tickets are available for $5 each, 3 for $10, or 6 for $20. Proceeds support the Norfolk Haldimand Hospice, Norfolk General Hospital Foundation, and Rotary Norfolk Youth Scholarships. Simcoe Legion, West Street, Simcoe

Hundreds of shade trees, fruit trees, apples, pears, peaches, plums, sweet and sour cherries, apricots, nectarines, blueberries, haskapp grapes, raspberries, elderberries etc. Lots of spruce, pine, cedars for windbreak and privacy hedges. Sizes 1-8 ft. in containers ready to go. Flowering shrubs and much more. MonSat 7:00am to 6:00pm Martin's Nursery, 42661 Orangehill Rd Wroxeter, ON N0G 2X0 (1 Conc. North of Wroexter on Belmore Line)

Are

FEBRUARY 26 MARCH 12 & MARCH 26

I will pay cash for antiques and collectibles. Coca Cola, Pepsi or any pop company. Brewery items - Kuntz, Huether Labatts, etc. Old radios and gramophones, wristwatches, pocket watches, old fruit jars - Beaver Star, Bee Hive etc. Any old oil cans and signsRed Indian, Supertest etc. Any small furniture. If you are moving or cleaning out stuff please contact me – 519-570-6920.

100 Booths

Home,

Presented by

Fri. Feb 27 4pm – 8pm Sat. Feb 28 10am – 5pm Sun. March 1 10am – 4pm

5 pm – 7 pm Mary-Catherine Pazzano, Jazz

12pm: Paul Meiklejohn, World Champion Mountain Biker "Introduction to Ripping and Shredding on the Trails” 1pm: Chuck Gibbons, Caradoc and Lara Rockefeller Premiere Mortgages: “Answering the What Ifs of Home Ownership” 2pm: Kreekside Construction –ADUs and Tiny Houses 3pm: Sentry Property Group - Modernizing

12pm: Creek View Acres “Fruit Tree Growing” 1 pm: Don Lawson “Growing in Straw Bales” 2pm: Ryerse's Garden Gallery “Growing Hydrangeas”