The Paris Independent for Wednesday August 12th 2026

AIRPORT ANNEXATION PLAN PAUSED PAGE

Issue #256

4

LARRY BROCK ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION PAGE

6 FREE

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026

From Paris Fair to the CNE stage

Questions about selling?

CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

Alex Faux REAL ESTATE BROKER

(519)802-6709 DIRECT alexfaux.ca Trusted, expert advice

RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL - INVESTMENT

Sandra Etherington Real Estate Broker

Selling Paris, Brant, Oxford County & Brantford Real Estate

519-754-5217

sandra.etherington@century21.ca You can count on my 35 years of experience in Real Esate sales.

Grace Aulsebrook-Smith celebrates after being crowned the 2025 Paris Fair Ambassador. The title launched a year of community involvement, personal growth and new experiences that will culminate this month when she represents the Paris Agricultural Society at the CNE Ambassador of the Fairs competition.

When Grace Aulsebrook-Smith first put her name forward to become Paris Fair Ambassador in 2022, things didn’t go the way she hoped. She didn’t win. For the next three years, the experience lingered in the back of her mind, along with one persistent question: What if? Last year, she decided it was time to find out. Aulsebrook-Smith put her name forward again and this time earned the title of 2025 Paris Fair Ambassador, beginning a year that would take her beyond the fairgrounds and give her a new appreciation for the volunteers, agricultural traditions and community spirit behind one of Paris’s most enduring institutions. Now, as that year-long tenure approaches its conclusion, Aulsebrook-Smith is preparing for another challenge. She will represent the Paris Agricultural Society at the Canadian National Exhibition’s Ambassador of the Fairs competition, joining 59 other fair ambassadors from across Ontario for the long-running leadership program and competition. The CNE Ambassador finals take place Aug. 23 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. For Aulsebrook-Smith, getting there has been about much more than wearing a sash. “Looking back on my year as the 2025 Paris Fair Ambassador, I think my biggest highlight has been realizing just how much a fair means to a community,” she said. “When I first became Ambassador, I thought my role would be about representing the Paris Fair, attending events, and

NATIONAL

WELLNESS MONTH AUGUST· 2026

Celebrate National Wellness Month by embracing positive lifestyle choices that support your mind, body, and overall health.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

SPONSORED BY

2

August 12, 2026

Paris Independent

Paris Fair Ambassador Carries Community Pride to the Canadian National Exhibition CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

wearing the sash. But throughout the year, I learned that being an Ambassador is really about representing the people, traditions, and values behind the fair.” Some of her favourite experiences have been connecting with people in the community, meeting fellow ambassadors and seeing firsthand the dedication of the volunteers who return year after year to make the Paris Fair happen. Along the way, she has also discovered a little more about herself. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that being an Ambassador isn’t about being the loudest person in the room, it’s about being someone who listens, connects with others, and genuinely cares about the community they represent,” she said. “This year has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me become a more confident speaker and leader.” Those skills will soon be put to the test. Kathy McNaughton, co-ordinator of this year’s CNE Ambassador of the Fairs Program, told The Paris Independent in an email that the opening weekend of the CNE brings ambassadors together from across Ontario for a leadership program focused on skill development, leadership opportunities and a shared appreciation and knowledge of agriculture and local fairs. Competitors are judged on public speaking, interviews, agricultural knowledge, fair and community involvement and their ability to respond to impromptu questions. They also participate in seminars covering topics including mental health in agriculture, preparing biographies and developing an elevator pitch. Aulsebrook-Smith has spent the past several weeks preparing, but her approach isn't simply about memorizing the right answers. She has reflected on her year as ambassador, practised public speaking and answering questions on the spot, and expanded her knowledge of agriculture and the role agricultural fairs continue to play in Ontario communities. She has also leaned on the Paris Fair Ambassador Committee for advice and support. “Most importantly, I’ve been preparing by reminding myself to be authentically me,” she said. “I know I’m not going into this competition knowing everything, but I am going in with a genuine passion for the Paris Fair, agriculture, community service, and the people who make fairs possible.” That connection between fairs, agriculture and community is at the heart of the CNE program itself. The CNE has funded and supported the Ambassador of the Fairs program and its evolution for more than 50 years. Since the competition began in 1971, more than 3,000 young people representing 100 communities across Ontario have participated. For Aulsebrook-Smith, representing Paris on that stage comes with a responsibility to tell the story of the community behind the fair. “Representing the Paris Fair means representing more than a fair, it means representing the people, traditions, and values that make the Town of Paris feel like home to me,” she said. It is a community she describes as one that shows up — whether through volunteering, supporting agriculture, participating in youth programs or simply helping a neighbour. “I’m proud to represent a place that has taught me that community isn’t something you simply belong to, it’s something you contribute to,” she said. “That is what I hope to carry with me as the Paris Fair Ambassador.” Should she be selected as the CNE Ambassador of the Fairs, that community representation would continue for another year. McNaughton said the winner spends the remainder of the

Paris Fair Ambassador Grace Aulsebrook-Smith takes on judging duties during an agricultural show at the 2025 Paris Fair. Her year-long tenure gave her opportunities to deepen her connection to agriculture and the traditions behind local fairs.

CNE greeting visitors, answering questions, representing youth at events and helping with activities. After Labour Day, the ambassador visits fairs around Ontario, speaks at agricultural events, judges local ambassador competitions and participates in the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies conference. But Aulsebrook-Smith already knows the value of the experience won't be determined solely by what happens Aug. 23. Her own path to becoming Paris Fair Ambassador taught her that. “My biggest piece of advice for future Paris Fair Ambassador candidates would be: don’t wait until you feel ready, put your name forward anyway,” she said. “I almost

think the most valuable part of being an Ambassador is the growth that happens after you say yes.” That growth has translated into confidence, communication, public speaking and leadership skills she says have helped her through post-secondary education and even in securing employment. Now, as she prepares to represent Paris among ambassadors from across Ontario, she is carrying a year's worth of experiences with her. “Of course, winning is an incredible accomplishment, but the knowledge, confidence, relationships, and skills you gain along the way are something you take with you long after the competition is over,” Aulsebrook-Smith said.

Paris Independent

August 12, 2026

Sisters ask County to honour parents' legacy with future street name

3

CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

As the County of Brant continues to grow and new subdivisions take shape, two Paris sisters are hoping the legacy of their parents will one day become part of the community's map. Teresa Manning appeared before County of Brant council on July 28, accompanied by her sister Denise Haggart, to formally request that Michael and Mary Zell be added to the County's pre-approved list of commemorative street names. Teresa Manning and Denise Haggart are two of Michael and Mary Zell's five children. Their siblings are Michael Zell, Peter Zell and Elissa Sherred. "My name is Teresa Manning. I was born and raised in the Town of Paris, a place that will always hold a special place in my heart," Manning told council. "As the town continues to grow, I've noticed many new streets being named after families who helped build and shape our community. Having grown up on Banfield Street, I recognize many of those names, and it inspired me to make this heartfelt request." Manning asked council to consider naming a future street "Zell" in honour of her parents, describing them as lifelong community builders whose contributions extended well beyond their careers. "My parents moved to Paris in 1950. My father always believed that if you wanted to be part of a community, you should get involved. He lived by those words," she said. Michael Zell served during the Second World War, with his military service permanently recognized on the Paris Veterans Memorial Map. Following the war, he spent four decades managing Muttart Building Supplies, now the Home Building Centre, where Manning recalled his reputation for trust and generosity. "In the days before Sunday shopping, if customers needed supplies, Dad would gladly open the store, help them, and simply tell them to pay on Monday. That kind of trust, generosity, and community spirit defined who he was." Beyond his career, Manning said her father was active with the United Church, Paris Lions Club, Board of Trade

Michael Zell served with the 17th Duke of York's Royal Canadian Hussars during the Second World War before returning home to Paris, where he became a respected businessman and dedicated community volunteer. His military service and decades of contributions to the community were among the reasons daughters Teresa Manning and Denise Haggart recently asked County of Brant council to consider adding the family name "Zell" to the municipality's commemorative street name list.

Michael and Mary Zell devoted decades of service to the Paris community through volunteerism, local organizations and countless acts of kindness. On July 28, daughters Teresa Manning and Denise Haggart appeared before County of Brant council to request that the family name "Zell" be added to the municipality's pre-approved commemorative street name list, honouring the legacy of their parents. Michael Zell passed away in 1990, while Mary Zell died on Nov. 24, 2003, at Telfer Place in Paris.

and the Masonic Lodge, where he served as Past Master. He also volunteered as a public speaking judge at Central School and coordinated Salvation Army Christmas hampers after retirement. Her mother, Mary Zell, was equally committed to the community. "Along with several other women, she helped establish the Lady Lions in 1954. She was an enthusiastic curler, an avid bowler, and always brought warmth, kindness, and laughter to everyone she met." Manning said both parents devoted countless volunteer hours to making Paris a better place. "My parents were caring, loving, and supportive. They were respected members of the community who devoted countless hours to making Paris a better place. Their generosity, compassion, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on everyone who knew them." Concluding her presentation, Manning said, "It would mean a great deal to our family if Council would recognize their legacy by naming a street 'Zell.'" Unlike popular belief, council does not simply assign names whenever a new subdivision is built. Under the County of Brant's road naming policy, developers are responsible for selecting street names from municipal pre-approved commemorative lists during the subdivision planning process. The selection occurs after draft plan approval but before a subdivision servicing agreement is executed. The policy requires that at least 75 per cent of new subdivision street names come from the County's approved list of local veterans. A separate commemorative list recognizes community members who have made significant historical or civic contributions to the County. Before names are finalized, County planning staff and emergency services review the proposed street names to ensure they are not duplicates or easily confused with existing roads. Once approved, the names become part of the municipality's official mapping records. Individuals can also be nominated for inclusion on the County's commemorative lists. Applications are reviewed by planning staff to ensure they meet the policy criteria before being considered by council. Veterans must have local ties and military service, while community members

are recognized for significant documented contributions to the County. The policy also generally favours posthumous recognition. If council ultimately approves adding Michael and Mary Zell to the commemorative list, the decision would not immediately result in a street bearing their name. Instead, "Zell" would become one of the names available for developers to choose from when planning future subdivisions in the County of Brant. Restoring small-town journalism, one community at a time!

The Paris Independent Publisher Stewart Grant • stew@granthaven.com

Editor Chris Whelan • editor@theparisindependent.com

Managing Editor Casandra Turnbull • managingeditor@theparisindependent.com

Graphic Design Michelle Foster • parisindependentnews@gmail.com

Business Development Heather Dunbar • heather@granthaven.com

Billing Administrator Jen Gaetan • jen@granthaven.com

Contributors Michelle Malvaso, George Le Gresley, Rubyyy Jones, Heidi Pfleger, Paul Knowles, Karon Sinning, Jeff Johnston, Wayne Wilkinson, Emma Bowman, Gary Chalk 36 Water St. St. Marys, ON, PO Box 2310 N4X 1A2 info@theparisindependent.com | 519.655.2341 | granthaven.com

4

August 12, 2026

Paris Independent

Airport lands boundary talks paused until new councils take office

City, County say there was not enough time for public review before election restrictions take effect CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

The proposed transfer of the Brantford Municipal Airport and surrounding County of Brant lands has been put on hold, leaving the future of the contentious boundary adjustment for the next city and county councils to decide. The City of Brantford and County of Brant jointly announced Aug. 6 that they have paused consideration of the municipal boundary adjustment after months of negotiations, public consultation and growing scrutiny over the proposed transfer. Officials said staff from both municipalities had been working to finalize the restructuring agreement needed before a

formal proposal could be submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. But with the restricted period preceding the municipal election quickly approaching, officials acknowledged there was not enough time to complete the agreement and give residents an adequate opportunity to review it before councils would have to make a decision. The statutory public meetings scheduled for Aug. 10 in Brantford and Aug. 12 in the County of Brant were cancelled. What happens next will largely be determined after voters elect new councils this fall. The Paris Independent asked the County how long the pause is expected to last, whether negotiations would eventually

Roadwork enters next phase as Paris Road prepares to reopen PARIS INDEPENDENT STAFF

Motorists travelling through the east end of Paris will soon notice another milestone in the County of Brant's multiyear reconstruction of Dundas Street East, Paris Road and Oak Park Road. In an Engage Brant news update, County officials say two-way traffic is expected to return to Paris Road by mid-August as Stage 2 of the project nears completion. Stage 2 began March 30 and is expected to wrap up later this summer, with Stage 3 scheduled to begin in August and continue through late fall. The final stage, including surface asphalt and other finishing work, is planned for spring 2027. Crews have completed new underground sanitary sewers, watermains and storm sewers along Paris Road, as well as road work on the south side and removal of the old road surface on the north side. Current work includes constructing sidewalks, preparing driveways for paving, relocating hydro infrastructure, preparing the road base and installing curbs. Upcoming work will include installation of a new force-main sewer, final asphalt, topsoil and sod. Along Governors Road East, the eastbound lane has already been stripped and new water and sewer service connections completed. Crews are now excavating the roadway, installing new stone base layers and preparing curbs before shifting work to the westbound lane, centre concrete removal, paving and landscaping. On Dundas Street East between Gov-

ernors Road East and the CN Bridge, major underground sewer and stormwater work completed in 2025 has been followed by removal of asphalt and concrete in the eastbound lane, while the new watermain has been installed. Hydro relocations, road base preparation and curb work are underway, with additional stormwater improvements continuing near the Consolidated Drive and Green Lane intersections. Future work includes reconstruction of the westbound lane, new sidewalks, curbs, asphalt and boulevard restoration. At the CN Bridge, work on the south side is largely complete, including installation of a watermain bypass, pipe casing and boulder removal. Crews are now backfilling the trench while work on the north side is scheduled to begin in September with sewer and stormwater installations and box culvert repairs. Farther east, between the CN Bridge and Curtis Avenue, crews are removing old asphalt and concrete while completing storm sewer connections around existing utilities. Installation of new underground water and sewer infrastructure will follow. The county reminds residents that pedestrian access and access to businesses will remain available throughout construction and encourages the public to continue supporting local businesses during the project. Residents can find the latest road closures and construction updates through Municipal 511 and subscribe to project updates through EngageBrant.

resume from the current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and draft restructuring agreement or begin again, and what public consultation would occur if the process resumed. The Independent also asked whether factors beyond the approaching municipal election and restricted period contributed to the decision. “At this time, we do not have any additional comments. The next steps, decisions etc. will be up to the next respective Councils,” a County spokesperson responded. The pause is the latest development in a process that has generated considerable public interest and debate in both municipalities. The initiative was originally driven by the City of Brantford's desire to bring the city-owned and operated airport, currently located within the County of Brant, inside Brantford's municipal boundaries. Earlier this year, the Province directed the two municipalities into negotiations with assistance from the Office of the Provincial Land and Development Facilitator. The County has repeatedly emphasized it did not initiate the boundary-adjustment process and has previously expressed concerns with both the manner in which the process began and its timing during a municipal election year. Once directed into negotiations, the County maintained that participating was necessary to ensure County residents were represented at the negotiating table. In May, the two municipalities reached an MOU outlining proposed terms for a possible boundary adjustment involving approximately 1,317 acres. The MOU was not a final agreement, and further negotiations, public consultation, statutory hearings and approval from both councils were still required. The proposal subsequently underwent a significant revision. Following public feedback, the proposed transfer was reduced to approximately 848 acres, removing 469 acres of agricultural land as well as lands associated with the proposed West Brant Access Route transportation corridor. Both municipalities attributed those changes to feedback received during the consultation process. The joint Aug. 6 statement said the work already completed could still form the basis of future discussions and collaborations between the two municipalities. For members of the Brant Civic Accountability Association (BCAA), which has been among the groups scrutinizing the proposal, the pause is evidence that public participation had an impact. BCAA founder and board member Travis Welch said approximately 200 residents attended an Aug. 4 community meeting hosted by BCAA alongside other

community groups and concerned residents. Welch said residents raised questions about the boundary adjustment, future of the airport and surrounding lands, infrastructure and environmental considerations, airport governance and the timing of making such a significant decision immediately before a municipal election. “I believe public engagement played a significant role,” Welch said of the decision to pause the process. He pointed to the progression from the original 1,317-acre proposal to the revised 848-acre boundary and ultimately the decision to pause as examples of why public participation matters. “BCAA has consistently maintained that a decision of this magnitude should not be rushed through in the final weeks of an outgoing term of Council, particularly when many of the elected officials involved may not be returning following the municipal election,” Welch said. “The pause provides an opportunity for residents to obtain more information, for outstanding questions to be addressed, and ultimately for the newly elected councils to consider the matter with a fresh mandate from voters.” BCAA does not intend to let the issue disappear during the pause. Welch said the organization will continue reviewing information and pursuing outstanding freedom-of-information requests involving airport governance, decision-making and land-transfer considerations. It also intends to continue examining potential connections between the boundary-adjustment proposal and the West Brant Access Route Environmental Assessment. The municipal election will also provide another forum for the debate. Welch stressed BCAA is non-partisan and is not seeking to tell residents how to vote. Instead, he said the organization wants mayoral and council candidates in both municipalities to clearly explain their positions on the airport, boundary adjustment, West Brant Access Road, transparency, airport governance and long-term planning. With no timeline established publicly for restarting negotiations, the future of the airport lands proposal now rests with the councils voters elect this fall. Welch said BCAA expects the conversation to eventually resume. “This pause should not be viewed as the end of the discussion. It should be viewed as an opportunity to reset the process, improve transparency and ensure that whatever decision is ultimately made is based on complete information, meaningful public consultation and a mandate from the communities affected.”

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT GRANTHAVEN.COM

Paris Independent

August 12, 2026

5

EDITORIAL

Democracy begins with a question. Ask what matters most CASANDRA TURNBULL

Managing Editor

Last week, we encouraged residents to consider putting their names on the ballot and, at the very least, to make a commitment to vote on election day. Municipal elections shape the decisions that affect our daily lives more directly than any other level of government, yet voter turnout continues to lag behind where it should be. Voting, however, is only one part of participating in democracy. An informed voter is an engaged voter, and that engagement begins long before ballots are cast. It starts by asking questions, understanding where candidates stand and determining whose priorities best reflect your own. That is where community newspapers have an important role to play. At The Paris Independent, we believe our responsibility during an election is not to tell readers who to support, but to provide a fair platform that helps them make informed decisions. One of the best ways to do that is by giving residents an opportunity to help shape the conversation. Once candidate nominations officially close and the list of candidates is confirmed, we will begin publishing a series of question-and-answer features throughout the election campaign. The series will begin with the mayoral candidates before moving through each County of Brant ward, one ward at a time, giving residents the opportunity to compare candidates' responses side by side. But first, we need your help. What issues matter most to you? What would you like to ask the people seeking your vote? Whether your concerns involve roads, growth, housing, taxes, recreation, agriculture, infrastructure, economic development, public safety, environmental stewardship or another local issue, we want to hear from you. Think of it as your opportunity to sit across the table from every candidate and

ask the questions that matter most to you. Email your questions to stories@theparisindependent.com. To ensure the process remains fair, respectful and productive, there are a few guidelines. Questions may be edited for clarity, grammar, length and readability while preserving their original intent. We will not publish or distribute questions that are personal attacks, disrespectful in nature or intended to target an individual candidate rather than address a legitimate public issue. Depending on the number of submissions we receive, we cannot guarantee every question will be included. Similar questions may be combined or condensed to avoid repetition. While some questions may arise from concerns in a particular ward, they will be presented to all candidates. After all, members of council vote on issues that affect the entire County of Brant, regardless of the ward they represent. Your name will not be published. All submitted questions will remain anonymous. The final list of questions will be emailed to every confirmed candidate using the contact information provided through the County of Brant's official candidates listing. While we hope every candidate will participate, we cannot guarantee responses from everyone seeking office. We can, however, guarantee that every confirmed candidate will be given the same opportunity to answer the same questions. Democracy works best when citizens are informed and involved. Elections should be about ideas, priorities and solutions, not assumptions. Ask the question you've always wanted answered. Challenge candidates to explain their vision. Help shape the discussion that will guide this election campaign. Then, when it's time to cast your ballot, you'll know you've done more than simply vote. You'll have helped create a better-informed community.

The Paris Independent

Have a question for municipal candidates?

MAYORAL CANDIDATE CORRECTION

On page 5 in last week's edition, The Paris Independent incorrectly identified mayoral candidate Christine Garneau-Bisaillon as an incumbent seeking reelection. In fact, Garneau-Bisaillon is a first-time candidate for mayor. With Mayor David Bailey not seeking re-election, there is no incumbent in the 2026 mayoral race. The certified mayoral candidates, listed in the order they were certified, are Jennifer Kyle, Christine Garneau-Bisaillon and Graham Horner. The Paris Independent regrets the error.

Letters to the Editor Cuts to medical staff at Brant County Healthcare System is more than ridiculous, says letter writer Dear Editor: Less nursing/medical staff at BCHS is unacceptable. The system is hugely understaffed now. Many people in the area have no confidence in healthcare at BGH and Willett Hospital. Nurses and doctors are doing their best but because of under staffing they cannot give patients the care they need. Administration says no one is losing their job but attrition is the reason for less staff. For whatever reason people

are leaving, be it retirement or burnout, they need to be replaced. If administrators keep cutting staff, they will not have a hospital to manage because the hospital will be empty. We need MORE MEDICAL STAFF not less. Also, a newer, larger hospital will not improve our healthcare unless we have more professional medical healthcare workers. It’s not about budgets but about better patient care. Cheryl Turnbull | Paris

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

SUBMIT YOUR LETTERS TO THE EDITOR BY EMAILING THEM TO INFO@THEPARISINDEPENDENT.COM All letters must be signed by the writer and are subject to editing for length and clarity. The opinions expressed in the letter are those of the writer, and not necessarily those of the Paris Independent. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, or completeness of this information. If you have opinions to share, email your letter to stories@theparisindependent.com

READ US

ONLINE

WWW.GRANTHAVEN.COM/PARIS-INDEPENDENT

Help shape The Paris Independent's 2026 Municipal Election Q&A series. Email your question to stories@theparisindependent.com Questions must relate to municipal issues, remain respectful and may be edited for clarity. Submissions remain anonymous.

August 12, 2026

6

Paris Independent

Larry Brock announces resignation as Brantford-Brant South MP, return to Crown attorney’s office CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

Conservative MP Larry Brock will resign his Brantford-Brant South seat next month, ending a five-year run in federal politics and returning to the courtroom as a Crown attorney. Brock announced Thursday, Aug. 6, that his resignation will take effect Sept. 18, saying he has accepted an opportunity to return to the Brantford Crown Attorney’s office. “When I first thought about my time in political public service, my plan was to keep representing the hardworking people of Brantford-Brant South for years to come,” Brock said in a statement. “Following careful consideration, I've decided to step down as Member of Parliament effective September 18, 2026.” The announcement comes just over a month after Brock stepped back from his role as Conservative shadow minister of justice and attorney general. On June 30, Brock said he was leaving the shadow cabinet for personal reasons, describing his time in the role as “an honour and a privilege.” His departure from Parliament will mark a return to a profession Brock knew well before entering federal politics. He spent about two decades as a Crown prosecutor before being elected to the House of Commons in 2021. “I've accepted an opportunity to return directly to the frontlines of justice at the Brantford Crown Attorney's office,” Brock said in Thursday’s statement. “My commitment to community safety hasn't wavered one bit, and getting back into the courtroom means I can keep being tough on crime, making sure real justice happens right here at home.” Brock was first elected in September 2021 in the former

Brantford-Brant riding and was re-elected in April 2025 following changes to the federal electoral boundaries. The House of Commons lists him as having been elected in 2021 and re-elected in 2025. In the 2025 federal election, Brock won the newly configured Brantford-Brant South-Six Nations riding with 34,501 votes, or 52.4 per cent of valid ballots. Liberal candidate Joy O'Donnell finished second with 27,032 votes, or 41.1 per cent. During his time in Ottawa, Brock became particularly associated with justice issues, using his background as a prosecutor to advocate for victims' rights, changes to Can(MICHELLE MALVASO PHOTO) ada's bail system and broader criminal justice reforms. Brantford-Brant South MP Larry Brock, centre, is pictured In his resignation statement, Brock said his local Con- with Flamborough-Glanbrook-Brant North MP Dan Muys, servative team remains “as strong and united as ever” and left, and Paris Coun. Lukas Oakley, right, during a high tea expressed confidence in whoever succeeds him as the rid- at the Adelaide Hunter Hoodless Homestead last year. The event was held in honour of the Honourable Edith Dumont, ing's Conservative representative. Neighbouring Conservative MP Dan Muys, who rep- Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. resents Flamborough-Glanbrook-Brant North, said political life, saying Brock and his family had “sacrificed Brock's departure will be felt both locally and in Ottawa. much for the greater good and never expected the lime“Larry Brock will be missed by MPs from both sides light.” of the aisle for his knowledge, expertise, good humour, “All of our best wishes to Larry and his family on this kind nature and outspoken passion for all things Brant- new chapter in their lives,” Muys said. ford-Brant,” Muys said in an email to the Paris IndepenBrock similarly used his statement to thank his staff in dent. Ottawa and Brantford, Conservative Leader Pierre PoilMuys credited Brock's advocacy on bail reform, victims' ievre and his caucus colleagues, as well as his wife, Angerights and the justice system, as well as his leadership as la, and daughters Jennie and Emma. chair of the Conservative Ontario caucus for the past 14 “The trust this community placed in me throughout my months. time in office is something I'll carry forever,” Brock said. “Larry’s leadership shined through and was sought-after He closed his statement by describing representing the — not only for his unmatched understanding of the justice community as “the honour of a lifetime.” system, but also his work chairing the Ontario Caucus for Brock's resignation will leave the Brantford-Brant the past 14 months,” Muys said. South-Six Nations seat vacant after Sept. 18 and ultimateHe also pointed to the less-visible personal demands of ly require a federal byelection to select his successor.

LIVING RETIRED: ‘Mastering Doing Nothing.’

By Gary Chalk Non-Pulitzer Prize Winning Columnist Health experts have long suggested that Living Retired may lead to a sedentary lifestyle. They recommend we keep active socially, mentally, and physically. This is why many retirees socialize playing cards with their friends, read to keep their brain active, and play pickleball so they can gripe about the emergency room wait times. But now we are being told the opposite. Autumn Grant, a mindfulness teacher in Halifax, stresses the importance of creating space for unstructured moments. Her thinking is backed by Dr. Divi an intui-

tive coach in Vancouver who suggests we pump the brakes. Essentially, they say we need to master the art of doing nothing. Doing nothing was what my Living Retired ears have been waiting to hear ever since Covid when Jan and I decided to spend more time together cooking. All we accomplished was gaining weight eating homemade sourdough bread and tearing my rotator cuff waving the dish towel underneath the smoke alarm. So, last week I began my mission to teach myself to do nothing. It got off to a rocky start… At breakfast Jan said, “Gary, can you fix the dining room chair today? All you need to do is replace the floor protector on one of the legs.” “Nope. Not today Jan. I have a lot on my plate.” Jan was shocked. “Gary, you the husband who hires a plumber to fix the toilet, an electrician to do our electrical projects, who has a lawn service come in each week, who doesn’t do laundry be-

cause everything comes out looking like a Jerry Garcia tie-dye T-shirt, who says he can’t do the finances because he is not good at math, AND doesn’t paint because you don’t like the smell of paint thinner? Now you’re trying to tell me you have too much on your plate to replace a floor protector on a chair?” “Jan, I was reading that experts suggest we start to slow down, reprioritize, and do nothing.” “Gary, start to slow down? You have been stuck in your tracks since 1967 when Toronto won their last Stanley Cup.” I figured the best place to start to do nothing was to make a list of things I was not going to do that day. My list included not cleaning up the breakfast dishes, not making the bed, not opening the mail, and not watering the plants on the front porch. I put the pen down and stared at my list. That was all I could come up with not to do today? That would get me through until 10 o’clock. What would I not do until lunch? This is what I did… I relaxed in my Lazy-Boy listening to a podcast and topped up the paper in our new printer which technically is doing something but I needed to print a copy of the lawn service bill to give to Jan so she would pay it doing our finances. Jan should be pleased that I was easing into doing nothing.

I checked my iPhone. My step count was next to nothing. Doing nothing was working. About noon I asked Jan, “What’s for lunch?” I wasn’t prepared for her answer… “Beats me, Gary! I think I will take a nap. I am also learning to do nothing. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.” “Jan, you the wife who writes out our meal plan for each week, who is always scouring online for theatre events we need to attend, who has vacations planned through 2028, and now you tell me you don’t know what you want for lunch half an hour from now?” I concluded that for me to do nothing would require that Jan do everything. That evening at dinner I said to Jan, “I reconsidered. I am going to start to do things again.” “That’s good Gary. But please don’t do the yard work, the laundry, the finances, and painting. Begin by replacing the floor protector on the dining room chair.” Living Retired is written by Gary Chalk and published throughout Canada and USA. To receive Living Retired by email each week, or to invite Gary to speak at your service club, corporate event, or retirement party contact Gchalk@me.com.

Paris Independent

August 12, 2026

It’s Your Downtown RACHELLE ROUSSEAU Rousseau Rares Vintage

There’s a funny thing that happens when you live somewhere beautiful. Sometimes you start thinking of it as a place for visitors. We see people taking photographs on the bridge, spending an afternoon on a patio, browsing the shops and carrying bags back to their cars. Meanwhile, those of us who live here are busy doing regular life. Running errands, picking up something for dinner, finding a birthday gift, booking an appointment or realizing at the last minute that we need something. And sometimes we forget to check our own downtown first. Spend enough time downtown and you’ll hear the question pretty often, “Where can I find…?” More often than not, the answer is only a few doors down, across the street, or around the corner. I’ve been thinking about this even more lately as Paris continues to welcome new neighbours. If you’re new to town, you might be surprised by just how much is tucked into a few downtown streets. Yes, we have the beautiful restaurants, cafés, patios and views people travel here to enjoy. But you can also visit your bank, pharmacy, get your hair done, have your eyes checked, visit a dentist, book an appointment with an RMT, chiropractor or med spa.

Where else can you pick up farm-fresh produce, buy flowers, browse vintage clothing, buy Pokémon cards, get a tattoo, grab boba tea and take home Argentinian food without travelling more than a few blocks? It’s an oddly perfect mix, and very Paris. Need a gift? There’s a good chance you’ll find one downtown. We have gift shops, markets, local art and photography studios, home decor, beautiful linens, crystals, jewellery, books, sweet treats, and things you didn’t know you needed until you saw them. You can grab coffee or tea on your way to work, meet someone for breakfast, pick up lunch, order dinner or celebrate something special all without leaving town. And that’s before we get to all the people working upstairs. That’s something I think we forget about downtowns. Not every business has a storefront. Look above street level and you’ll find another layer of Paris. Professional services, studios, offices and people running businesses behind the windows we walk underneath every day. Visitors see Downtown Paris as a destination. But when it’s your hometown, it’s easy to forget that all of this is part of our own neighbourhood. You don’t need an itinerary or an entire afternoon to enjoy it. Sometimes you’re just stopping at the bank, picking up the bread, heading to an appointment or find-

ing a last minute gift. Of course, there is always the possibility that you’ll run into someone you know, decide you need a coffee, notice something interesting in a shop window and arrive home a little later than expected. That’s part of it too. Our downtown is always changing. New businesses arrive, familiar ones evolve and there always seems to be another little place tucked away that somehow you hadn’t noticed. So whether you’ve lived in Paris for forty years or unpacked your last moving box yesterday, there’s probably still something here you haven’t discovered. That’s the difference between a downtown, and your downtown.

7

8

August 12, 2026

Paris Independent

HISTORIC PARIS

PARIS PAST: The day the wires spoke –The triumph of August

10th, 1876, and the voices that changed Paris forever

By Chris Whelan Exactly 150 years ago this week, on August 10, 1876, the course of communication history was forever altered right here in downtown Paris, Ontario. This monumental milestone marked the world's inaugural successful telephone transmission over a genuine long-distance telegraph line, officially ushering in the era of long-distance telephone conversations. The transmission physically spanned just under eight miles (13 km) from Brantford to Paris. However, because the necessary power source lay all the way in Toronto, the completed electrical circuit was a staggering 136 miles (93 km) in total. On the evening of the test, Bell embarked on a horse-drawn carriage to Paris, carefully safeguarding his precious ironbox receiver. The transmitting device was stationed in the Brantford telegraph office

at 150 Colborne Street, while the receiver found its place in the telegraph company's Paris outpost, located directly inside the backroom of Robert Whyte's boot and shoe emporium at 97 Grand River Street North, Paris. He was assisted locally by George P. Dunlop, the telegraph agent in Paris. Only in his early 20s, Dunlop was highly intrigued by Bell's experiments, rallying guests for the demonstration and orchestrating the event. The clamor of spectators outside and within the premises grew so loud and filled with noisy conversation that the store's doors ultimately had to be bolted shut. The experiment began at precisely 8 o’clock that evening. Mr. Dunlop recalled that among the observers at Whyte’s store were Mayor Whitlaw, Messrs Dixon and Benning, joint operators of a nearby tobacco store. David Maxwell, John Penman, founder of Penman's Mills. Messrs Clay and McCosh partners in a woolen mill enterprise here in Paris. Robert Whyte himself, Bernard Travers, Paris express agent for the Grand Trunk Railway, Messrs Brown and Allen, partners in an important manufacturing concern in Paris, and Donald Sinclair, who married Mr. Dunlop's elder sister. Mr. Dunlop recalled clearly the ovation with which the success of Bell's experiment was greeted, he said everyone in the store sought an opportunity to listen to the words and music that emanated from the Brantford end of the circuit. He said that the crowd stayed there until 11:00 PM that night as everyone wanted a turn at the receiver.

(BELL CANADA MONTREAL PHOTO)

The Dominion Telegraph office, located inside Robert Whyte's boot and shoe emporium at 97 Grand River St. N. in Paris, Ont. It was here on August 10, 1876, that Alexander Graham Bell received the world’s first long-distance telephone call. The original building burned down ten years later; it was rebuilt, only to be destroyed by fire again in 1900, before being reconstructed as the building that stands on the site today.

(SKETCH BY: J.C.H. FORSTER)

sketch depicting the scene inside Robert Whyte’s boot and shoe emporium and telegraph office at 97 Grand River St. N. in Paris, Ont., where Alexander Graham Bell received the world’s first successful long-distance telephone call on August 10, 1876. The eight-mile connection to Brantford was extended to a total of 136 miles to utilize a powerful telegraph battery supply in Toronto.

The setup was rudimentary and unidirectional; utilizing only one receiver in Paris and a solitary transmitter in Brantford meant that Bell's directives for transmitter adjustments had to be telegraphed manually back to Brantford by Dunlop. Integral to this historic experiment was the deployment of a triple mouthpiece, conceptualized by Bell and crafted in a Brantford tinsmith workshop by James H. Cowherd, which significantly enhanced the transmission of musical performances. At first, Bell encountered frustrating "crackling noises" along the line. However, after telegraphed adjustments were made to the magneto in Brantford, the static cleared, resulting in much clearer vocal sound transmission. Bell's reports indicated profound satisfaction with the experiment, as it undeniably demonstrated the long-distance potency of the undulating current. Through the iron-box receiver, the voices of the Brantford gathering filled the Paris shoe emporium. Bell listened intently and adeptly identified the singers by their voices, even recognizing his own father's voice among the melodic renditions to Bell’s delight and surprise since his father was supposed to be away at a lecture but he decided to cancel it and surprise his son. That very night, the telegraph company swiftly petitioned for the incorporation of the telephone as part of telegraphy, a few years later Bell purchased the Dominion Telegraph Company. As we celebrate this 150th anniversary in The Paris Independent, we remember the sheer ingenuity that unfolded right on our streets. The world called out to the future, and Paris answered.

THIS COULD BE YOUR AD HERE!

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO!

Paris Independent

August 12, 2026

9

THEN AND NOW: # 27 Dumfries St. from stagecoach stop to Grand Bayou

Cajun Kitchen

By Wayne Wilkinson Paris Historian / Artist Many of you have come to know that Paris first came to life in what quickly became known as "Upper Town." Settled early in the 1830s and 40s, it grew primarily because Governor’s Road (Dundas Street) was the sole route connecting Dundas to London. Situated right at the midpoint, Paris served as a convenient haven for stagecoaches to rest before continuing their journeys. For this reason, Upper Town was bustling with hotels and liveries, including the Paris Inn, Green’s Hotel, Markey’s Hotel, the Victoria Hotel, the Queen’s Arms Hotel, and our subject today: the Canadian Hotel, known today as the Grand Bayou Cajun Kitchen. This vintage building was likely constructed around 1840 on property owned by Thomas Murray Sr. By 1842, following his passing, his widow had taken over as

both owner and innkeeper. Upon her death in July 1850, 18-yearold Thomas Murray Jr. inherited the inn. He almost immediately leased the property to William Gunn, who opened Gunn’s Hotel. An intriguing advertisement from 1853 informed travelers that a new livery stable attached to the hotel was open for business, operated by veterinarian Thomas Henderson. In 1857, Gunn relocated his hotel venture to Lower Town, which was rapidly emerging as the commercial hub of Paris. That same year, Thomas Murray Jr. stepped in to operate the establishment himself, naming it the Canadian Hotel—amazingly, a full decade before Canada officially became a nation! He ran this thriving stagecoach stop until 1867, when Thomas Mayberry purchased it. In 1875, John Ealand became the new owner. Ealand welcomed travelers to the inn until 1888, when his focus shifted toward constructing what would become another iconic Paris landmark: the Arlington Hotel. Thomas Flahiff took over the Canadian Hotel in 1889, followed in 1909 by Henry and Emma Isaacs (who can be seen standing proudly in front of the building in a 1910 photograph). William Robb Sr. and his son, William Jr., took the reins in 1914, guiding the business through a remarkable

36-year run until 1950. By then, stagecoaches had given way to the automobile. Robb capitalized on the modern trend by installing two electric metered Shell gasoline pumps, complete with classic Shell "clamshell" globes atop each pump, as captured in a mid-1930s photo. In the years that followed, numerous owners passed the torch. Notably, the father-and-son team of Anton and Tony Ciglar ran the hotel for over 40 years. In April 2002, father and son Kerri and Derek Cloet purchased the Canadian Hotel, followed by another father-and-son duo, Reg and Kent Graham, on January 8, 2007. Over the next five years, the Grahams continued serving classic pub favorites while introducing a bold new culinary style to Paris: homemade, Louisiana-style Cajun cuisine and specialty pizzas. This evolution led to a new name in 2012: the Grand Bayou Cajun Kitchen. Today, patrons can savor jambalaya, a "Ragin' Cajun" burger, Cajun onion rings, or an "Angry Gator" appetizer inside these historic walls. One can only wonder what those weary stagecoach travelers of the 1840s would think of the menu today! Some information obtained from the archives at the Paris Museum & Historical Society.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR NOISE EXEMPTION COUNTY OF BRANT NOISE BY-LAW 108-22

Thank you for 30 Years!

519-442-2176

Applicant name and address: Georgia East, 4 Main Street South, St.George Exemption location: 2 Andrew Street, St.George Description of sound: Musical or sound producing instrument By-law Section: Schedule B - Section 6(a) Exemption period: September 19, 2026 at 4pm-12am. A wedding and following reception will involve the use of speakers, amplifiers, microphones and electronic instruments, as a live band will be performing at the event. Reason: Wedding private event Objections: If you wish to file an objection to this application, please provide a written response to the By-law Enforcement Division within 10 days of this publication. Please ensure to provide your contact information and reason for the objection. Where an objection is not received within the time indicated above, no further opportunity to file an objection will be granted. For more information or to file an objection, please contact: The County of Brant By-law Enforcement Division 26 Park Avenue Burford, Ontario N0E1A0 T 519.449.2451 F 519.449.3382 E bylawenforcement@brant.ca

10

August 12, 2026

Paris Independent

HEALTH HUB Explore a network of local health services, expert care, and wellness solutions designed with you in mind.

How Family, Connection, and Community Shaped the Story of Sound Choice In a town like Paris, community has always mattered. Neighbours support neighbours, local businesses become gathering places, and relationships span generations. It was that sense of connection that first inspired Angela Klepp to open Sound Choice in Paris in 2009, and it continues to shape the practice today. After spending ten years working in hearing healthcare, Angela recognized an opportunity to do things differently. She envisioned a clinic that paired leading hearing technology with exceptional follow-up care, delivering the kind of personalized experience she believed every patient deserved. More importantly, she wanted to build lasting relationships with every patient, providing a level of care that extended well beyond the initial appointment. Choosing Paris as the first home for Sound Choice felt natural. Angela's husband, Kevin, grew up in a family with deep roots in the Paris community, with generations calling the town home. At the time, his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong family friends still lived in the area. "Starting a business from scratch is a huge risk and definitely nerve-racking," Angela says. "But opening our doors in a community where so many people were literally family made me feel like I couldn't fail." That confidence was well placed. "From day one, Paris welcomed us with incredible support," Angela says. "One of the things I love most about this community is how much people value supporting local businesses. There is a real sense of pride in supporting your neighbours, friends, and family." What began as one clinic in Paris has grown into four locations serving Paris, Brantford, and Hamilton. At a time when many hearing clinics are owned by large national chains or hearing aid manufacturers, Sound Choice has remained proudly locally owned and independently operated. That independence has allowed the clinic to stay true

1760 Erb Street Unit A, St. Agatha, ON | 519-725-4282 www.pfenningsorganic.ca

Tired of grocery store runs? Support LOCAL and Go organic with our doorstep deliveries.

PFENNING’S ORGANIC FOOD BOX For fresh, home-delivered certified organic produce & food Order online, call us or shop in store

STORE HOURS: Tues - Thurs 9am - 6pm, Fri: 9am - 7pm, Sat: 8am - 5pm

50%

Every conversation matters.

$1,500 OFF

SELECT ADVANCED HEARING AIDS

OFF

SELECT PREMIUM HEARING AIDS

$1,000 OFF

SELECT MID-RANGE HEARING AIDS

50% OFF

*Offers expire on September 30, 2026. See clinic for details.

PARIS (HUB)

104-25 Curtis Ave N

226.225.1001

EAR WAX REMOVAL

PARIS (NORTH)

10-300 Grand River St N

226.225.1001

Call or Book Online Today

AT OUR STUDIO, EVERYONE IS A STAR WAITING TO shine

Angela Klepp and her husband, Kevin Clark, are pictured with their family. Community and family have been at the heart of Sound Choice Hearing since Angela opened the locally owned practice in Paris in 2009.

to the personalized approach and lasting relationships that first earned the community's trust. Perhaps that's what makes Sound Choice's story so meaningful. The relationships that inspired Angela to build her practice in Paris are the very same relationships that hearing helps us preserve. Every conversation with a loved one, every family gathering, every visit with a neighbour, and every shared laugh depends, in part, on our ability to hear the people around us. In many ways, preserving those moments has been Sound Choice's purpose from the very beginning. For Angela, the goal has never simply been to help people hear better. It has always been to help people continue sharing conversations, celebrating milestones, and making memories with the people who matter most. That commitment to connection has shaped Sound Choice from the very beginning, and it continues to shape everything the clinic stands for today.

LISA NAVES DANCE COMPANY BRANTFORD IS WHERE STARS ARE BORN! REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR FALL 2026

www.lndc.ca

Physiotherapy | Chiropractic Osteopathy | Counselling | RMT Custom Orthotics | + More Open 7 Days A Week | Including Evenings

Book an appointment today! Call 519-442-2237 or scan the QR code

Paris + Burford

We offer direct billing

Paris Independent

August 12, 2026

Art exhibition celebrates Deborah Downey’s legacy RUBYYY JONES Cultural Correspondent

Paris has long been a magnet for artists and creatives, drawn to the community by its natural beauty, strong sense of connection and seemingly endless sources of inspiration. Among those who left a lasting mark on that creative landscape was Deborah Downey, a multi-talented artist and accomplished soft sculpture creator remembered as much for her generosity as her immense creativity. Now, Downey’s work will have another opportunity to inspire the community she called home, with a special exhibition of her creations planned as part of the Arty Party Pop Up at St. Paul’s United Church in Paris on Aug. 15. The exhibition will offer visitors a glimpse into the imagination of an artist whose creativity took many forms throughout her life — and whose family hopes her work will continue to spark joy, curiosity and creativity in others. Downey was born and raised in Brantford but came to Paris in the mid-1970s after getting married and called the community home for most of the rest of her life. She briefly relocated to Conyers, Georgia, in 1994, but became homesick and eventually returned to Paris in 1999. The camaraderie of the community, charm of small-town life and surrounding scenery all contributed to her love of Paris, with its natural beauty also inspiring and informing her deep faith.

FREE

hearing tests and consultations

Downey’s creativity was evident from an early age, nurtured by a strong creative tradition on her mother Dorothy Girard’s side of the family. Musicians, singers, poets, seamstresses and community organizers were among her relatives, and family gatherings often included homemade costumed plays that showcased their collective imagination and artistic spirit. It was a large family that gathered often, providing Downey with plenty of opportunities to be surrounded by — and influenced by — creativity. That creativity ultimately manifested itself in an extensive and eclectic body of work, some of which will be showcased at the upcoming exhibition. Downey’s daughter, Vanessa Simone, has worked to ensure her mother’s creations continue to be seen and appreciated. Reflecting on her mother, Simone said, “Her work inspired me to become an artist and honestly it belongs in a museum, but until we can find a permanent home for her work, taking opportunities to showcase her work still allows it to do what it was meant to do, which is ignite people's imagination, evoke joy and whimsy, and hopefully inspire their own creativity to flourish.” Visitors will have an opportunity to see several of Downey’s soft sculpture pieces, including Drusilla the Book Dragon, a mermaid named Eztlacha and the prize-winning Easterwood, a spiritual interpretation of the rebirth of a tree. The exhibition will also feature a draft panel from her comic strip Chilton Church-

A NEW CLINIC

offering the latest hearing technology

mouse, which appeared in Early Canadian Life Magazine from 1978 to 1980, as well as a multimedia book Downey created about Iona, Scotland. But beyond the artwork itself, Simone hopes another part of her mother’s legacy will be remembered — her willingness to create despite the fears and uncertainties that can accompany putting something new into the world. When asked what message she believes her mother would want to share, Simone pointed to advice Downey gave her children throughout their lives. “Mom's best advice to us was to "Do it afraid." Don't let the fear of failure stop you from trying something new. Don't let the fear of other people's perceptions stop you from being who you are called to be. Don't let the fear of rejection stop you from showing up for what you believe in or doing the work you are called to. She was human and struggled with this her whole life but she was brave enough to keep trying even when she failed, and I think that's the best any of us can do.” It is a message fitting for an event that will not only celebrate Downey’s creativity, but encourage another generation to explore its own. The Arty Party Pop Up takes place Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church, 48 Broadway St. W., Paris. Along with the exhibition of Downey’s work, the event will feature art activities for all ages, a pop-up café and mini exhibitions featuring work by children taking

11

part in the Big Cityyy Arts and forest + folk arts and crafts Summer Camp. The event is free to attend. Those who make a donation at the door will be entered into a raffle for art prizes, with proceeds supporting Brant Art Matters and its non-profit community programs. For those who knew Downey, admired her creativity or are discovering her work for the first time, the exhibition offers an opportunity to celebrate her life in a fitting way, by sharing creativity, supporting community and encouraging the next generation of artists to keep trying, exploring and expressing themselves.

Deborah Downey is pictured with Drusilla the Book Dragon, one of her imaginative soft sculpture creations that will be featured in an exhibition of her work during the Arty Party Pop Up at St. Paul’s United Church in Paris on Aug. 15.

QUALITY

hearing solutions

Proud to Bring a New Choice for Hearing Care to Paris Phone:

226-493-0110

Address:

1 Hartley Ave, Paris, ON

Proudly Canadian Owned & Operated

12

August 12, 2026

Paris Independent

SPORTS

Sponsored by Paris Canadian Tire

Red Sox defy the odds on run to ICBA semifinals CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

The Brantford Red Sox entered the U11 Select ICBA playoffs last weekend as underdogs, but it didn’t take long for them to show they belonged among the tournament’s top teams. As the lowest-seeded team, Brantford faced a challenging path, matching up exclusively against the league’s top two seeds throughout the weekend. The Red Sox responded by turning some heads. Brantford knocked off previously undefeated, top-seeded Guelph, followed it up with another upset over second-seeded Kitchener and battled its way into Sunday’s semifinals, an impressive playoff run that showcased just how far this group has come over the course of the season. The Brantford Red Sox opened the tournament with an upset Friday, shutting out Guelph 9-0. Brantford entered the tournament with only one regular-season win, while Guelph arrived in first place and had not lost a game in two years. The Red Sox jumped ahead in the first inning, with Jordan Bell driving in a run on a groundout before Ben Turnbull singled home two more. They added four runs in the third, using disciplined atbats to build a commanding lead. Turnbull led the offence with three hits, while Marty Thomson, Nick Richardson and Quinlan Prost also had multi-hit games. Brantford finished with 10 hits, drew nine walks and stole seven bases. Prost started on the mound and kept Guelph scoreless through 3 2/3 innings, striking out five, before Bell closed out the shutout with 1 1/3 scoreless innings in relief. The Red Sox also played error-free defence to complete the tournament-opening upset. Coach Pierre Saucier said the victory reflected just how far the team had come, particularly during the latter half of the season. “Going into the playoffs, we were very much the underdogs, and I think a lot of teams underestimated these kids and how far they had come. But this group has developed a real belief in each other. They know they can rely on one another, they trust each other, and they’ve learned that if they stay together and play their game,

(ASHLEY THOMSON PHOTO)

Pictured left to right, back row, Coach Matt, Nick Richardson, Coach Sarah, Kennedy Robdrup, Coach Pierre, Elijah Robinson, Coach Brad. Middle row, Landon Thompson-Clahane, Eli Forbes, Quinlin Prost, Jordan Bell, Ben Parker. Front row, Maverik Todd, Marty Thomson, Ben Turnbull, Mathias Santos, Jacob Saucier and Aria Steeves.

they can compete with anyone. That win was a great example of the confidence they’ve built in themselves and in each other.” The Red Sox carried that momentum into Saturday, pulling off another upset with an 11-8 victory over second-seeded Kitchener at RIM Park. After falling behind early, Brantford quickly answered in the bottom of the first, with singles from Thomson and Turnbull helping the Red Sox take a 3-2 lead. They continued to build on that advantage in the second and held on for another impressive victory over one of the tournament’s top-ranked teams. Thomson led the offence with a perfect three-for-three performance at the plate, while he and Turnbull each drove in two runs. Mathias Santos and Prost also recorded multiple hits as Brantford collected 12 hits and seven walks. The Red Sox were particularly dangerous on the basepaths, stealing 12 bases, with Thomson, Landon Thompson-Clahane and Santos each swiping multiple bags. Turnbull got the start on the mound, working 2 1/3 innings before Elijah Robinson, Mavrick Todd and Eli Forbes combined in relief to help Brantford secure its second straight upset of the tournament. For Saucier, one of the most impressive parts of the playoff run was that the success wasn't coming from just one or two players. “What has impressed me most is that every single player has stepped up in whatever way the

team needed. We’ve had kids come through in some really big, clutch moments, and it’s been incredible to watch them shine when their team needed them most.” The Red Sox entered Game 3 with a perfect 2-0 record and faced a familiar opponent in the top-seeded Guelph Royals, a team Brantford had already upset in the tournament opener. Brantford battled early, answering four Guelph runs in the first inning to tie the game 4-4. A pair of doubles helped fuel the response, including a two-run double from Robinson. That’s when the game was called due to severe weather. It picked back up again the following morning. The Royals pulled ahead in the third inning and eventually handed Brantford its first loss of the tournament, 17-6. Despite the setback, the Red Sox had some strong performances at the plate. Robinson and Bell each drove in two runs, while Bell went 2-for2 to lead Brantford offensively. Turnbull and Maverik Todd also recorded a single. The loss moved the Red Sox to 2-1 through their first three tournament games. Brantford’s impressive tournament run came to a heartbreaking end in Sunday’s semifinal, as the Red Sox fell 11-10 to the Kitchener Panthers in a back-and-forth battle. It was the second meeting of the tournament between the teams after Brantford upset second-seeded Kitchener in Game 2.

The Red Sox struck first in the semifinal, with Richardson driving in a run in the opening inning. After falling behind 3-2, Brantford answered in the second when Jacob Saucier doubled and Ben Parker singled, each bringing home a run to put the Red Sox back in front. The lead continued to change hands, with Brantford scoring three more runs in the third to regain the advantage. Kitchener responded in the fourth and ultimately held on for the narrow 1110 victory. Brantford collected 12 hits in the loss, led by Thomson, who went 2-for-3 from the leadoff spot. Kennedy Robdrup, Saucier, Eli Forbes, Richardson, Turnbull and Prost each drove in a run, while the Red Sox were aggressive on the base paths with nine stolen bases. Thompson-Clahane had a hot bat and Aria Steeves played well defensively, holding Kitchener players to first base when they hit it into the outfield. Although the loss brought their playoff run to an end, Saucier said the resilience the players showed throughout the weekend was something they had developed over the course of the season. “These kids have learned resilience throughout the season, and that was on full display this weekend. They’ve learned to fight through adversity, stay positive and keep pushing, and I think that belief in each other has been

a huge part of their success.” While the semifinal loss ended their tournament, the Red Sox had plenty to be proud of. Brantford entered the weekend as an underdog and proceeded to turn some heads, defeating both of the tournament’s top two seeded teams on the way to the semifinals. In fact, the Red Sox faced only those two powerhouse opponents, top-seeded Guelph and second-seeded Kitchener, across all four of their games, finishing with a 2-2 record and proving they could compete with the tournament’s best. For Saucier, however, the weekend was a true underdog story, and a culmination of a season in which a collection of individual players learned how to become a team. “The biggest growth has been learning how to fight through the tough moments — when they’re tired, when things aren’t going their way, or when they’re facing a situation that earlier in the season might have caused them to give up. At the beginning of the season, we had 12 individuals playing positions on a baseball diamond. Today, we have a team in every sense of the word. They rely on each other, they pick each other up, and they understand that the two things they can always control are their effort and their attitude. Seeing them embrace that and grow into the team they are today is what makes us most proud.”

Paris Predators U9 Girls cap off season with teamwork and smiles

(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

The Paris Predators U9 Girls wrapped up a season full of learning, laughs and team spirit last weekend, hosting their Flamborough Softball League year-end tournament in Paris. Throughout the season, the girls worked hard to develop their skills, build confidence, bounce back from mistakes and, most importantly, support one another on and off the field. By season’s end, they walked away as stronger players and even better teammates. Pictured, back row from left: Lucy, Ruby (aka Burt), Adley, Ally and Kaylee. Front row: Ellie, Hattie, Maisie, Claire and Kim. Missing from the photo is Grace. A special thanks goes to assistant coaches Jess, Luke and Wilson and coach Sam for helping make the season a memorable one for the team.

Paris Independent

August 12, 2026

Paris Duffers Golf Report GREIG GRAHAM Paris Independent Contributor

If you want to know who the true warriors are, look no further than your local golf course when the forecast says it WILL rain and see who shows up. Yes readers, the Duffers were there which says something about their dedication. Or common sense. Not so mad Al was paired with whazzit name to take on Cutter and Brownie. This looked like a route on paper but, I think his name was Jack, drove #10 green to put fear in the big boys. Fast forward to the last hole. In a tie game with Cuts and Brownie on in two, Al chipped within ten feet and his partner sunk it for the win! Wish I could remember his name. Oh well. The next group out was Bergy and

Double G playing the terrifying Chick and Double B. This also came down to the last hole as well but GG and Bergs prevailed. Seems like Chicken joined the navy since he was always in the water. Thanks boys. The milk was appreciated. We also had a threesome (oh, grow up) of Sinc, Hoogs and the other Double G. Seems these boys lost direction and skipped a hole to avoid the group behind them. For this sleight of hand move I believe you owe us a round of your coldest milk. At the nineteenth hole we introduced a new competition for buying the rounds. It's a game as old as civilization. The coin flip. The result makes me glad wives don't read this column as yours truly got the short straw. And, apparently, Sinc is a ghost when the milk comes. That's a wrap for this week. Until next, keep em in the fairways.

The Fall Guide arrives August 27 View the guide online or pick up a printed copy at any County of Brant Customer Service office, community centre or library

Move into the main residence this summer, and

SAVE UP TO $10,000!

Enjoy meals and snacks, housekeeping, community concierge and a personalized care program.

Registration opens: September 14, 2026 at 6:00 pm

brant.ca/guide brant.ca | info@brant.ca | 519.44BRANT (442.7268)

Retirement living with care CALL TO DISCOVER MORE 226-457-0682

Paid subscriptions available at: www.patreon.com/TheParisIndependent Send emails to: sales@theparisindependent.com or call: 519-757-5662

VISIT US: 70 King Edward Street, Paris Queensviewrc.ca or Email: Emb@queensviewrc.ca

13

14

August 12, 2026

Paris Independent

Norfolk Angler Casts His Way to Team Canada

The Lost Tribe By Jeff Tribe The four-pound ‘smallie’ was 100 per cent legit bragging rights. But the 24-inch pickerel may have strayed over that line into the realm of taunting. “Hey dad, turn around,” called Trevor Barnucz as our three-member party paddled the last 100 metres to our Normandale launch site, children laughing and splashing in the sandy shallows in front of us. Aquatic ecologist, avid angler, kayak and otherwise, seminar presenter, Pure Fishing ambassador - and proud father - Jason Barnucz did as directed. Grinning almost as widely as the ‘bucketmouth’ he had landed earlier, Trevor showed off the unexpected product of an end-of-the-trail troll. The teacher had not become the student. But on this sunny Lake Erie morning, both Jason and the newspaper guy had been schooled in the art of kayak fishing by a passionate 18-year-old. The phrase ‘apple not falling far from the tree’ is front of mind when speaking of Trevor Barnucz. Always a willing fisher, early enthusiasm was anchored more deeply during COVID. At the end of his and Jason’s remote studies and work day respectively, they would head out fishing from their Delhi residence, maintaining sanity in a challenging world through shared, socially-distanced outdoor activity. That passion has taken Trevor places including Trent University this fall, course offerings in environmental science and its proximity to quality fishing on the Otanabee River and nearby Rice, Buckhorn and Pigeon lakes among others, making it an attractive option. Opportunity accessed through Ontario Junior Bass Nation (OJBN) (ontariojuniorbass.com) has taken Barnucz considerably further and will take him further yet. In 2025, he qualified through the OJBN high school division’s annual tournament to compete at Clarks Hill Lake near Augusta, Georgia. Subsequently, Trevor was named a member of Team Ontario for the Zimbabwe Youth Invitational, December 7 through 9, 2026 at the African nation’s Darwendale Dam. The three-nation tournament will bring together some of the best young anglers from their respective nations. Its goals extend beyond fishing into developing leadership, sportsmanship, teamwork, cultural awareness and a deeper appreciation for conservation and the outdoors.

Zimbabwe Bass Nation is providing boats and boat captains. Across the three days, Trevor will be partnered with competitors from the host nation, South Africa and Canada respectively. Total weight across three days will decide the champion. We were working a lot closer to home this mid-July morning, launching from Normandale at 7 a.m. under smoke-tinged blue skies. The opportunity to join a pair of knowledgeable and experienced kayak anglers had been delayed a day due to the threat of inclement weather. When holding forth on one of his favourite seminar topics, be that in his own backyard or at the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, Jason emphasizes the importance of safety first, particularly when heading out onto ‘big water’. Long Point’s outer bay certainly qualifying. My biggest takeaway on the day was the healthy respect both held for wind and water conditions and making sure both were acceptable before heading out on any water, large or small. The senior Barnucz’ three pillars for kayak fishing are always wearing one’s personal flotation device, being aware of water temperature in terms of hypothermia risk, and finally, weather conditions including wind direction and velocity. The latter relates directly to water conditions both in terms of safety and comfort, the former helps define where to fish, in terms of features minimizing or moderating wind’s effects. One of the advantages of kayak fishing is the ability to go places other watercraft can’t in terms of depth and rocks, for example. They can handle bigger water when safe, and alternatively, pivot to either smaller lakes or streams if not. A forecast of northerly winds expected to die down mid-morning led to our launch destination and route paralleling the scenic bluffs toward Fisher’s Glen and Port Dover. The Barnucz boys took to the water in siton kayaks befitting their commitment to the sport, wide and stable PDL (pedal drive) units locked and loaded with holders for gear including a half-dozen poles apiece, myriad tackle options, nets, mounted electronics and matching red flags to help announce their presence to passing boaters. They both carried paddles, but propulsion was mostly from bicycle-style foot pedals driving underwater propellers, both forward and reverse. That style allows anglers to keep their hands free for fishing, rather than paddling. I was kicking it old school in a sit-in fishing model purchased on an end-of-the-year sale for $450, underlining the approach’s affordability level. There is special joy to be found while tooling across the water at 70 miles per hour in a bass boat, however while lacking that speed and sexiness, kayaks also don’t come with an associated price tag or require gas, oil and maintenance. Having fished for many years in standard kayaks, including a couple of short, light 25-pound units a son-in-law and I carry a kilometre or so into Lake Superior Provincial Park’s Orphan Lake in search of brook trout, my current basic ‘fishing yak’ weighs under 65 pounds, easy enough to swing onto the roof of a mini-van. It has a pair of rod holders behind the seat and offers significant upgrades in access (a bigger hole

for a guy to put a grandchild on his lap or struggle in and out of with a crappy knee and crappy hip), width, capacity and stability. My wife has an equivalent sit-on model, not so much for fishing as ease of access and stability. ‘Getting what you pay for’ translates into a larger platform for more gear on the Barnucz units, more space to change presentation, the stability to stand up and fish should one choose, netting fish more easily, lessening odds of dropping one’s phone overboard, and a much better seat. No matter what you do, it’s been my experience that sooner or later butt comfort becomes an issue on hard plastic. We paddled north-easterly into a rising sun. Watching and learning from two experts, fishing quickly became fishing. Whether in a kayak or boat, structure is structure, weed patches and lines and rocky bottoms and piles holding bass in three species. As the guy with two rod holders and a camera stuck to a jerk bait and ‘wacky’ options, Jason and Trevor worked their way through a variety of colours and presentations, greater effort and diversity represented in greater success. Both do fish tournaments, including kayak-specific events. This day was not about competition, but if it had been, Trevor would have finished well atop the leaderboard, moving sequentially up through a three-pound ‘largie’ to a three-pound, 14-ounce smallmouth bass, taken on a tiny piece of drop-shotted plastic. A wind that instead of dying, swung to

Norfolk County resident Trevor Barnucz loves angling in many forms, including the unique opportunities and challenges presented in fishing from a kayak. Trevor (right) went from bragging rights to a bit of taunting with this pickerel, as enjoyed by his father Jason (left, rear).

the east and hung tough pushed us back toward Normandale at noon from a highly educational and enjoyable morning. There is an intimacy to fishing almost directly at the waterline, only enhanced by nature’s surrounding beauty, a Bald Eagle soaring over the Erie shoreline’s unique sand bluffs. More than bragging rights will be on the line for Trevor when he hits the unfamiliar waters of the Darwendale Dam reservoir this December. But the lessons he’s learned in his own Norfolk County backyard will definitely be going with him. “My goal is to bring home gold. We want to bring home gold for Team Canada,” he concluded. “This is the first time we’ve had a large youth team, and we want to pull out the victory.”

NEEDED GFL is looking for AZ drivers with a minimum of 2 years of experience to cross border / home daily runs. • Home daily • Run from the GTA & surrounding area to Michigan • Benefits & RRSP

• 2020 and newer trucks (automatic or manual) • Runs paid at a load rate • Safety incentives

For details or to apply contact Email: safety245@gflenv.com Phone: 226-929-4736

Paris Independent

August 12, 2026

OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO: Witness to a 50-year-old mystery

By Paul Knowles Laurie Wickens passed away last month. I know what you are thinking: “That’s a very odd opening sentence for a travel feature.” I agree. But the thing is, not many people have used a unique, personal experience to create a travel destination, a museum that has drawn visitors for two decades. But Laurie Wickens, and a few dedicated friends, did exactly that. And three years ago, I had the chance to visit their museum, officially the “Shag Harbour UFO Interpretive Centre,” founded in 2006 by the Shag Harbour UFO Incident Society, and until his passing in July, usually staffed by Laurie Wickens. And that’s where I met him. But the story goes back decades further, to the night of October 4, 1967. On

(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)

UFO witness Laurie Wickens, who helped turn that experience into a quirky tourist destination.

that evening, a number of Shag Harbour, Nova Scotia residents saw something they could not explain, and would never forget. One of those witnesses was Laurie Wickens. What they saw – and this was corroborated by several witnesses – was a flying object, about 60 feet in di-

ameter, with flashing lights. It was flying above the waters of Shag Harbour, and then crashed into the sea, and disappeared. Wickens, then a 17-yearold kid, and he had the presence of mind get to a pay phone and call the RCMP to report the incident. Whoever answered the

phone at the local RCMP office was skeptical. Instead of asking for more details, Wickens was asked if he had been drinking! The call ended. But a few minutes later, before he left the area, the phone rang. Turned out, the cops had been getting quite a few calls since Wickens’, and

Change begins with voting

Christine Garneau Bisaillon for County of Brant Mayor ✓Candidate meet and greet at Creek View Acres Nursery & Orchard Thursday, August 13th, 6-8pm 400 Johnson Road, Brantford (County)

✓Follow on Facebook and Instagram @garneauformayor

✓Show your support with a sign!

519-448-4688 garneauformayor.ca Real Engagement • Better Value • True Focus

they all agreed that something mysterious was happening. Later on, the testimony of Pan Am pilots added to the veracity of the sighting – they had seen an object that matched the description flying over the Gulf of Maine that night. Wickens’ answer to the return call from the RCMP? “I told you I wasn’t lying.” In the end, the Shag Harbour UFO became officially noted as “the only government-documented UFO crash in the world.” So even the government agreed that something “unidentified” happened that night. But to this day, no one knows what, exactly. It’s probably important to note that Shag Harbour is located close to the southern tip of Nova Scotia. It’s 65 km south of Yarmouth, due east of Portland, Maine, and not all that distant from Boston. Those proximities are probably important, because while Laurie Wickens and his colleagues were happy to talk about the Shag Harbour UFO, they didn’t insist that it was anything other-worldly. Wickens told me that almost immediately following the crash, a large American navy vessel sailed into Shag Harbour. Townspeople were instantly aware that the place was suddenly teeming with American and Canadian military officers, and a U.S. Navy dive team was also in town. The kerfuffle lasted for about five days. And just as quickly as the American contingent had arrived, they were gone – the ship sailed away, the uniforms were gone, and everything was back to normal. Including, it was eventually determined, the sea bed of Shag Harbour. No evidence was ever found – or at least, ever acknowledged by powers that be – of any crashed flying object, unidentified or not. A spokesperson for Canada’s National Defence Headquarters stated, “The Rescue Coordination Centre conducted a preliminary investigation and discounted the possibilities that the sighting was produced by an aircraft, flares, floats, or any other known objects.” Thus, by definition: an Unidentified Flying Object.

15

Local people, including Wickens – and occasional visiting UFO enthusiasts – continued to search, but to no avail. There is a bit of a contradiction between the museum, and the actual opinions of Laurie Wickens and his colleagues. The museum includes a lot of UFO theory, including figures that look remarkably like E.T. But the witnesses and experts I met hold to one of two other possibilities – either the Americans spirited away a wrecked, experimental craft, or the Shad Harbour UFO was an amphibious vessel that left under its own power. Either way, those in the know point straight south of the border for their answer, concluding that an American military vessel that had no business entering Canadian airspace or water, did so anyway. Wickens was a fisherman by profession, but spent countless hours at the museum. His obituary, marking his passing in July, stated that he “was a huge part of the Shag Harbour UFO Incident Society and museum.” Another publication, The Canadian Gothic, wrote, ““For many Canadians, and for countless people around the world fascinated by the unexplained, Laurie was much more than the primary witness to the Shag Harbour Incident. He was the reason the story endured. Laurie’s passing marks the loss of one of the last living connections to one of Canada’s greatest mysteries. His story, and the mystery that followed him for nearly six decades, will continue to inspire curiosity for generations to come.” The Shag Harbour museum is one of the quirkiest, and most charming, small museums I’ve had the privilege to visit. I hope that it can continue to operate, after having lost one of its most valuable human resources, UFO witness and eager story-teller Laurie Wickens. 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.

August 12, 2026

16

Final chance to see ‘You Are Not Forgotten’ quilt exhibition CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

Residents who have yet to experience the You Are Not Forgotten quilt exhibition at the Woodland Cultural Centre have just one week left to take it in. The month-long exhibition, which opened July 23 inside the former Mohawk Institute Residential School, will conclude Friday, Aug. 14, with a free closing reception featuring residential school Survivors and special guest Vanessa Génier, founder and CEO of Quilts for Survivors. The exhibition brings together the Grand River Quilt Project and the Six Nations Piecemakers Quilt Club’s Quilts for Survivors initiative, using quilting and storytelling to explore themes of remembrance, connection and reconciliation. Throughout the exhibition, visitors have been invited to reflect on the stories represented through the quilts and the significance of displaying them inside the former residential school. The closing reception will offer another opportunity to engage with those stories. Génier, an Indigenous mother from Missanabie First Nation, founded Quilts for Survivors in 2021. The organization pro-

vides handmade quilts to residential school Survivors and their families as gifts of recognition, compassion and care. Since its creation, the initiative has provided quilts to more than 9,100 Survivors or family members. During the closing reception, Génier will share the story behind Quilts for Survivors through a presentation and take part in an interactive question-and-answer session with Survivors of the Mohawk Institute. Shelley Clark, Culture Wellness Support with the Survivors’ Secretariat, will also speak about the mission of the Survivor-led, community-based organization. The evening represents the final opportunity to view You Are Not Forgotten. When the exhibition opened last month, organizer Sharon Gashgarian described it as an invitation for people to learn through listening, noting visitors do not need an extensive knowledge of residential schools or Indigenous history before attending. “What matters is coming with an open mind, respect, and a willingness to learn,” she said. The free closing reception takes place Friday, Aug. 14, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m., at the Woodland Cultural Centre, 184 Mohawk St., Brantford. Everyone is welcome.

Paris Independent

Dreaming Big at Summer Camp

(BRANT OPP WEST REGION PHOTO)

Brant County OPP officers visited the Paris Summer Sizzler Camp at Paris Central Elementary School last week, speaking with 14 campers about “What I Want to Be When I Grow Up.” The officers encouraged campers to pursue their goals, work hard and find ways to make a positive impact in their community. The camp is offered through the County of Brant’s Parks and Recreation Community Services Department.

Weekend Quiz By Jake Grant

1. Who played Allie Hamilton in The Notebook (2004)?

7. What sensory organ do starfish have at the end of each arm?

2. Two lines that never intersect are said to be what?

8. How many musical families are there in a standard orchestra?

3. What year was WestJet founded?

9. What is Africa's oldest continuous democracy?

4. What crop was known as maize?

HOMES OF HEROES: If you have a story about a Paris Veteran, please email the committee at info@homesofheroes.ca. Let’s work together to give all our veterans, living and fallen, in war and in peace, the recognition and honour they deserve. If you have any questions about the project, please email Neil Edwards at neiledwards51@gmail.com.

5. Heidelberg is a city in what country?

10. What kind of fruit juice is used to mix a Tom Collins?

6. Name the big three parent grocery companies in Canada?

This week’s answers are found on pg. 19

40 William Street Paris, ON, N3L 1L3 | www.riverrealtyteam.ca

REAL ESTATE AS IT SHOULD BE…

SHELLY GRACEY

ANDREA CLENDENING

ANDREA CLENDENING

SHELLY GRACEY

MLS #: 40851622

MLS #: 40842918

$780,000

MLS #: 40843639

$819,900

MLS #: 40846058

$729,900

33 EDWARD AVE, ST. GEORGE

8 MAVIN ST, BRANTFORD

4-30 CEDAR ST, PARIS

41 GRIFFITHS DR, PARIS

3 BEDS | 2 BATHS

3 BEDS | 4 BATHS

3 BEDS | 3 BATHS

3 BEDS | 2 BATHS

SHELLY GRACEY

ANDREA CLENDENING

BRIAN STOLP

SANAZ JEWELL

$635,000

$840,000

MLS #: 40837543

MLS #: 40852028

MLS #: 40841450

21 HARTLEY AVE, PARIS

21 IRONGATE DR, PARIS

#203-7 GRAND RIVER ST N, PARIS

78 LILAC CIR, CALEDONIA

$795,000

MLS #: 40843988

3 BEDS | 3 BATHS

4 BEDS | 4 BATHS

ANDREA CLENDENING

ANDREA CLENDENING

MLS #: 40843519

MLS #: 40845432

$725,000 1 BED | 1 BATH

BRIAN STOLP MLS #: 40853035

$759,000 4 BEDS | 3 BATHS

BRIAN STOLP MLS #: 40848556

$989,900

$800,000

$599,900

$749,900

14 WINDYWOOD LN, NORWICH

55 WILLIAM ST, PARIS

#12-72 JOHNSON RD, BRANTFORD

#61 & 63 LAUREL ST, PARIS

4 BEDS | 3 BATHS

4 BEDS | 2 BATHS

3 BEDS | 3 BATHS

3 BEDS | 3 BATHS

Paris Independent

Jokes

August 12, 2026

17

PET OF THE WEEK

Sponsored by:

What do you call a fish that is really good at tennis? A racket fish! -What do you call a fish that tells jokes? A clownfish!

GOOSE

Medium Puzzle #1

Meet our Pet of the Week:

Sudoku 8

4

9

2

5

4

9

4

2

5

7

7

8

2

5

7

8

1

6

5 7

1

7

Solutions on page 18

8

5

4

1

7

3

2

Goose, the pug, is ready for a summer dip! Congratulations to Goose! He is the winner of last week's photo contest for a $100.00 gift certificate for Downtown Paris. Keep those photos coming, we love them all!

Stay tuned for more heartwarming stories every week from Paris Veterinary Clinic.

3

Word Search

8/2/26, 4:09 PM

JUST KEEP SWIMMING - Word Search Labs

2

7

5

Fill in the puzzle so that every row across, every column down and every 9 by 9 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

opyright © 2026 SudokuTodo | For personal or classroom use only. ay online or make your own free printable sudoku at SudokuTodo.com

CAUGHT YOUR ATTENTION, DIDN'T WE? IMAGINE WHAT AN AD LIKE THIS COULD DO FOR YOUR BUSINESS. IF CONSTRUCTION IS AFFECTING TRAFFIC, LET YOUR CUSTOMERS KNOW YOU'RE STILL OPEN! BOOK AN AD AND REMIND THE COMMUNITY THAT YOU'RE HERE, READY TO SERVE, AND APPRECIATE THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT.

CONTACT US TODAY HEATHER@GRANTHAVEN.COM I 226.261.1837

1. BETTA 7. TETRA

KEEP SWIMMING JUSTJUST KEEP SWIMMING

C O R Y D O R A S R A I N B O W F I S H N N T P A D R N N V J T O P B N P K S H C O Z O J Q F Z S X N Y R H O O Z U D S V H T T E T R A L H B G C I J S E A Z I S S M J F G G C Y I X X X P H Y C K V F X X X Z G O L D F I S H P B Y C S A X L F S W R K N Q H O A Q F X L A P I F R E F I W C Q G Z Z S G Q D H B A R P B Z S O R R O M I M N T I O R Y K Z T B U Q M K P W E R K C M O G F U A O O W Y T G A D M K A M D B E T T A L R S P U O D P D J A L H K O T H C Z U C E A B L Y D H R Q C N S B D U A B Q S I L G M O E E C I Z A P I I L O T I P L N Y O N I R C A C L C K F O G D M H L L E E E W A H A O I T I X I G H T W Q Y E B J A S N L R L N R U I L K Z D P H L D Z E B R A F I S H E J I L Y S H E Z L Q P I R O X K I V K Q L B I E H T M Q O D I S C U S Y S S Z M O E K F I B Y A M T Q A R O W A N A H 2. GOLDFISH 8. DANIO

3. GUPPY

9. GOURAMI

4. MOLLY

10. SWORDTAIL

5. PLATY

BETTA GOLDFISH GUPPY MOLLY PLATY ANGELFISH TETRA DANIO GOURAMI SWORDTAIL OSCAR DISCUS CORYDORAS RASBORA BARB LOACH PLECO KILLIFISH BICHIR AROWANA CLOWNFISH DAMSELFISH FIREMOUTH RAINBOWFISH ZEBRAFISH

6. ANGELFISH

11. OSCAR

12. DISCUS

August 12, 2026

18

Paris Independent

BUSINESS DIRECTORY HEATING

MECHANIC

RESTAURANT

SAND & GRAVEL

Wise Heating and A/C Ltd.

50 Curtis Ave N, Paris

Homemade Burger & Fries

Locally owned and operated by a proud Canadian family since 1947

519-442-4422

Serving Paris and area for over 70 years

519-442-3431 info@wiseheating.ca

Proudly Serving Paris & Area for the past 40 years

PLUMBING & HEATING

ONLY $12 - Tuesdays

Hours of operation: Monday-Friday 7am-5pm

519-621-0771

Dine-in with beverage purchase CALL 519.442.2704 27 DUMFRIES ST, PARIS

LOCATED AT 1368 BEKE ROAD CAMBRIDGE, ON N1R 5S5

FUNERAL HOME

HEATING & COOLING

DECOR

FUNERAL HOME

Air Conditioning • Heating • Gas Fireplaces • Indoor Air Quality • Air Cleaners • Ventilation • Custom Ductwork • Tankless Water Heaters • Maintenance Plans • Installation and Services

Plumbing, Heating & Excavating Inc. Princeton, ON

Water Treatment | Wells & Pumps | Septic Services | Bin Rentals & Directional Drilling

Now Offering Full Electrical Services ECRA/ESA: #7018760

519-458-4488 | info@hunterplumbing.ca | www.hunterplumbing.ca

Jason J. Vernooy PARIS CHAPEL

MORE THAN JUST A PAINT STORE MONDAY - SATURDAY 8 a.m - 3 p.m

Brantford - (519) 752-2250

42 Grand River St, North 519-442-3152

166 Grant St., Brantford, ON N3R 4B9 info@comfortplusheatandcool.com

ACCESS & PARKING AT BACK OF STORE

PHARMACY

CUSTOM STONE FABRICATION

519-442-0492

“MORE THAN JUST A PAINT STORE”

24 Hour Service

AYR CHAPEL

ROOFING

THIS COULD BE YOUR AD HERE! CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO!

CLASSIFIEDS EMAIL TO INQUIRE INFO@THEPARISINDEPENDENT.COM

WANTED

Independently Owned and Operated

519-442-1400 | 535-B Paris Rd, Paris

www.bgq.ca

PHARMACY

Independently Owned Pharmacy Serving Paris & Area Since 1998

300 Grand River Street N., Paris Tel: 519-442-4283 Built around having what you need & delivering the service you deserve.

MEMORIES AND MILESTONES Share them with your local community. Let us help create a meaningful announcement: info@theparisindependent.com

DELIVERY AVAILABLE • PARIS’ ONLY COMPOUNDING PHARMACY

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 signs - Red Indian, Supertest etc. Any small furniture. If you are moving or cleaning out stuff please contact me – 519-570-6920.

Solutions

PuzzleSUDOKU #1 ANSWERS 7

6

5

3

9

8

2

4

1

1

9

3

4

2

5

8

7

6

8

2

4

6

1

7

9

5

3

6

1

9

5

7

3

4

2

8

3

7

8

2

6

4

5

1

9

5

4

2

9

8

1

6

3

7

2

5

7

8

3

9

1

6

4

4

8

1

7

5

6

3

9

2

9

3

6

1

4

2

7

8

5

What's better than a birthday? A birthday shared with your best friend! two peas in a pod!

Paris Independent

Horoscope

August 12, 2026

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WEEKLY

August 12 - August 18 2026

ARIES

LIBRA

Positive changes unfold, Aries. A timely opportunity inspires fresh determination and growing confidence. Stay focused—it encourages success and reveals rewarding possibilities ahead.

Fresh inspiration restores balance and growing confidence. Stay optimistic— it strengthens friendships and encourages rewarding opportunities ahead.

Mar 21 - Apr 20

TAURUS

Apr 21 - May 21 Reliable progress continues, Taurus. A thoughtful decision brings stability and renewed confidence. Trust yourself—it encourages success and opens meaningful opportunities ahead.

GEMINI

May 22 - Jun 21

Sept 23 - Oct 23

SCORPIO

Oct 24 - Nov 22 Inner strength grows, Scorpio. A worthwhile opportunity rewards patience and thoughtful planning. Believe yourself—it encourages success and creates lasting momentum ahead.

SAGITTARIUS Nov 23 - Dec 21

Creative ideas blossom, Gemini. A valuable conversation inspires optimism and fresh motivation. Stay curious—it encourages growth and reveals exciting opportunities ahead.

New adventures await, Sagittarius. A promising opportunity inspires optimism and renewed confidence. Follow your dreams— it encourages discovery and unforgettable experiences ahead.

CANCER

CAPRICORN

Supportive moments surround you, Cancer. A kind gesture brings reassurance and renewed confidence. Trust your heart— it encourages harmony and strengthens meaningful relationships ahead.

Steady determination brings results and renewed confidence. Stay committed—it encourages achievement and meaningful opportunities ahead.

Jun 22 - Jul 22

LEO

Jul 23 - Aug 23 Your confidence shines, Leo. A rewarding achievement reflects persistence and growing influence. Stay determined—it attracts recognition and encourages exciting opportunities ahead.

VIRGO

Dec 22 - Jan 20

AQUARIUS

Jan 21 - Feb 18 Fresh inspiration arrives, Aquarius. A creative opportunity encourages confidence and exciting new ideas. Trust yourself— it encourages innovation and meaningful progress ahead.

Aug 24 - Sept 22

PISCES

A practical solution creates confidence and steady momentum. Trust your instincts—it encourages success and strengthens meaningful opportunities ahead.

Optimism grows, Pisces. A heartfelt surprise brings comfort and renewed confidence. Trust your instincts—it encourages happiness and reveals rewarding opportunities ahead.

Feb 19 - Mar 20

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS AUGUST 12 Tyson Fury, Boxer (38)

AUGUST 16 Steve Carell, Actor (64)

AUGUST 13 Sebastian Stan, Movie Actor (44)

AUGUST 17 Robert De Niro, Actor (83)

AUGUST 14 Mila Kunis, Actress (43)

AUGUST 18 Andy Samberg, Actor (48)

AUGUST 15 Ben Affleck, Actor (54)

19

EMAIL TO INQUIRE INFO@THEPARISINDEPENDENT.COM THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 Men’s Probus Club of Brantford -will meet on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. at the Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course (320 Balmoral Dr., Brantford). The meeting will feature keynote speaker Dr. Mike Dixon, PhD, project leader of the Canadian research team studying the role of plants in supporting life in space and founder of the University of Guelph's Space and Advanced Life Support Agriculture (SALSA) program. The club welcomes retired and semi-retired men interested in friendship, social activities and guest speakers. For more information, contact Bill Hyde at 519-442-0510 or visit brantfordprobus.ca. FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 Movies in the Park Series - The County of Brant is hosting its free Movies in the Park series turning local parks into open-air theatres for family-friendly films under the stars. All screenings begin at dusk and are free to attend thanks to sponsorships from Riverside Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. and Grand Bridge Energy. Friday, August 21at King William Park in St. George, featuring the movie Bad Guys 2. MONDAY, AUGUST 24 Grand River Women's Probus Club Monthly Meeting - will be held on Mon. Aug. 24, 10:00 a.m. till 12:00 noon at Best Western Hotel, 19 Holiday Dr. Brantford. Presentation by Ana Olson, Glenhyrst Gallery Director. We welcome semi-retired, retired people for fellowship and fun. TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 Knights of Columbus Monthly Meeting - on Tuesday, August 25th at 7:30 PM in the Sacred Heart Parish hall at 17 Washington Street, Paris. MONDAY, AUGUST 31 Brant County Singers Hosting a Choral-oke - 7:00 pm at the Sydenham-Heritage United Church, 120 Sydenham Street, Brantford. The event is open to all potential singers as both the women's and men's choruses will be present to learn several songs. Join us for two hours of song and see if you enjoy the sounds with other singers. SEPTEMBER 5&6 Afro-CariBrant Festival - returns to Lion's Park Paris for a free two-day celebration of African, Caribbean, and Black culture. In its fourth year, this vibrant event continues to celebrate the rich cultural contributions of African and Caribbean communities through music, food, art, dance, and storytelling, welcoming thousands of attendees from across the County of Brant, the City of Brantford, and surrounding regions. More information available at www.afrocaribrantfestival.org. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Brant For Nature's Annual Bird Walk- Kick off the fall season with Brant for Nature's annual Bird Walk on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 8 a.m. at Waterworks Park in Brantford. Participants of all experience levels are welcome to explore local birdlife and enjoy a guided morning in nature. Register at brantfornature.ca. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 8th Annual Heroes Walk and Roll Fundraiser -in support of Lansdowne Children’s Centre at Brant Park, 119 Jennings Rd. Everyone is invited out to come together in support of infants, children, and youth, facing communication, physical, and developmental needs. The hero-themed event provides family-friendly entertainment, exciting activities, accessible games, interactive experiences, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate our favourite heroes. Learn more about how you can dress up, show up and participate at https://www.lansdownecentre.ca/heroeswalkandroll. EVERY OTHER FRIDAY Ingersoll Country Music Jamboree - Every other Friday, 1-4pm be fall-ish and come to the Ingersoll Country Music Jamboree at Masonic Hall, 190 Thames St. S. Ingersoll. Join us, walk ins welcome. Qualifications - love 50-70's country music. Perform, listen, dance & enjoy! September 4 & 18, October 2, 16 & 30, November 6 & 20, and December 4.

QUIZ ANSWERS 1. Rachel McAdams

5. Germany

7. An eye

2. Parallel

6. Loblaws, Empire Company Limited(Sobeys), & Metro Inc.

8. Four

3. 1994 4. Corn

9. Botswana 10. Lemon

20

August 12, 2026

Paris Independent

A CALL TO EXTEND THE GAS TAX HOLIDAY PAST LABOUR DAY Back in the spring the Federal Government put a pause on the Excise Tax on gas until Labour Day. Conservatives are calling on the Federal government to extend the pause and cut more gas taxes to give Canadians relief. Canada is in the grips of a cost-of-living crisis that is impacting families, seniors, farmers, truckers, businesses and everyone. Just last week the OECD confirmed that energy and food prices are the primary drivers of inflation in Canada. This is not surprising as the two are related. Gas and diesel costs impact the cost of growing food, processing food, and shipping it by truck or train. Other key goods the economy needs are impacted in a similar fashion. Unless the excise tax holiday is extended, the federal excise tax would add another 10 cents per litre to gasoline and 4 cents per litre to diesel on September 8th. Cutting gas taxes is the most immediate thing we can do to bring relief to low and middle income Canadians on the cost of daily living. What’s more is that Conservatives are also calling on the Federal government to remove the GST on gas and diesel and to eliminate the new clean fuel regulations and industrial carbon tax. These were suggestions we made back in the spring, but only the Federal excise tax was paused at that point. Taken together, these measures would save around $20 per fill-up and about $500

Dan Muys, MP for Brant North dan.muys@parl.gc.ca | DanMuysMP.ca Dan Muys Paris Ind. Ad - Aug 12 2026 FP.indd 1

government is already collecting as a result of higher world oil prices. Other countries have either reduced or cut their gas tax entirely amid the surge in prices, including Australia, Italy, Spain, Ireland and Portugal.

for a family of four through the rest of the year. The fuel regulations currently add 7 cents per litre, but will rise to cost Canadians 17 cents per litre by 2030, according to the Federal Government’s own data. The cost of these actions to the Federal treasury from lost revenue would be partially offset by the additional revenue the

A first step on the road back to affordability: The fact remains that Canada has everything the world needs and wants. We should be booming and looking to the future with confidence. Diversifying trade, attracting investment in our economy and investing in port infrastructure are ways we can seize the opportunities before us. While this happens and our economy is transformed, addressing the cost-of-living crisis is essential. Cutting gas taxes is one way that would have that immediate impact. A dozen years ago, Canada had the most prosperous middle class in the world. Let’s continue to embrace ideas that restore that promise.

519-448-1483 Office: 6 Main St. S., St. George Mail: Box 1100, St. George, ON N0E 1N0 2026-08-09 9:13 PM