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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2026 HEY BRANTFORD! ®

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What’s next for the new hospital build?

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KIWANIS HONOURS STUDENT LEADERS

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Paris District High School students Nathan Winter and Rory Gunn-Pereira are this year’s recipients of the Kiwanis Paul Thomson Service Scholarship, awarded annually to students who demonstrate outstanding community volunteerism, leadership, teamwork and involvement in extracurricular activities. Winter will attend Redeemer University this fall to study kinesiology with a minor in music performance, while Gunn-Pereira will attend Wilfrid Laurier University’s Health Sciences program with the goal of becoming a nephrologist. From left, Paris-Brant Kiwanis Club Education Chair Sheila Moore, Nathan Winter, Rory Gunn-Pereira and Paris-Brant Kiwanis Club President Wendy Eveleigh.

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County heads to Ottawa with Brant priorities in hand CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

County of Brant officials used this year’s Association of Municipalities of Ontario con-

ference to press provincial leaders on local infrastructure and energy priorities, while also taking part in regional discussions on economic development and Indigenous relations. Mayor David Bailey, Coun. Ella Haley and

Plans for a new hospital serving Brantford and the County of Brant have reached a significant milestone, with provincial officials now reviewing the detailed blueprint that will help determine what the future facility will look like and how it will serve a rapidly growing population. The Brant Community Healthcare System (BCHS) submitted its Stage 1.3 Functional Program to the Ministry of Health in June, completing the final step in the first stage of Ontario's three-stage hospital capital planning and approval process. The submission represents years of planning and consultation and lays out future hospital services and programs, anticipated patient volumes, staffing levels, technology and space requirements. "The Stage 1.3 Functional Program is a detailed planning document that describes future hospital services and programs, activity volumes, staffing levels, new technologies, and space requirements," said a BCHS spokesperson in an emailed response to our Paris Independent inquiry. "It represents years of planning, engagement and collaboration, and defines to the Ministry of Health what our new hospital will need to

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August 26, 2026

Paris Independent

Brant officials connect, advocate and learn at annual AMO conference Bailey reflects on final AMO conference as Brant mayor CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

County of Brant staff attended the annual AMO conference in Ottawa from Aug. 16 to 19. The conference brings municipal leaders from across Ontario together for meetings with provincial ministries, workshops and discussions on issues affecting communities across the province. For Bailey, who is attending his final AMO conference as mayor, the event was also an opportunity to connect with municipal leaders facing many of the same challenges as Brant. “It is always great to connect with Mayors from other communities, especially those that share similarities with Brant,” Bailey said. “These conversations give us an opportunity to learn from one another and recognize that many of our communities are facing situations.” The County’s delegation meetings included discussions with the Ministry of Transportation regarding construction of Highway 403 and the Bishopsgate Road interchange, as well as a meeting with the Ministry of Energy and Mines concerning the third phase of the Natural Gas Expansion Program. The County has identified the Bishopsgate Road interchange as an important transportation priority as development continues in the area. The Paris Independent asked the County for additional details about the concerns raised with the Ministry of Transportation regarding the Bishopsgate Road interchange, the province’s response and what the next steps could be. The County advised that a report addressing those questions will be presented to Council’s Policy Committee on Sept. 1. However, staff advised that a full report will be presented to County Council’s Policy Committee on Sept. 1. The County was also asked about other meetings with provincial ministers, parliamentary assistants or government officials during the conference and whether any commitments were made that residents should be aware of. Those details are also expected to be addressed in the Sept. 1 report. In its post-conference release, the County said officials also participated in advocacy sessions with the South-Central Ontario Region Economic Development Corporation and the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, including a session with Economic Development, Job Creation and

(COUNTY OF BRANT PHOTOS)

From left: the Honourable Ernie Hardeman, MPP for Oxford; County of Brant Mayor David Bailey and The Honourable Victor Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

Trade Minister Victor Fedeli. the beginning of future collaboration and discussions and Bailey said the conference provides municipalities with that Six Nations will continue advocating to the province an opportunity to advocate directly for their communities for legislative changes. It also stressed that nothing in the while building relationships with other levels of govern- agreement is intended to take away from the treaty, constiment. tutional or inherent rights of Six Nations. “Council remains committed to advocating for the needs Six Nations said community consultation will take place of our community,” Bailey said. “Delegation opportuni- before any formal agreement is signed and that no final ties at AMO allow us to put a spotlight on Brant, advance decision has been made. important priorities and work toward solutions that support those who live, work and visit the County of Brant, now and for generations to come.” The Association of Municipalities of Ontario represents all 444 municipalities in Ontario and uses the annual conference as an opportunity to advocate on behalf of municipal governments and connect local leaders with provincial decision-makers. Bailey also attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the City of Brantford and Six Nations of the Grand River during the conference. The MOU, announced Aug. 18, outlines a path toward future collaboration on development processes involving the Boundary 5 th -6 th WINNER Lands and includes plans for a Community 2025 Prosperity Fund intended to provide Six Nations with a share of the economic benefits associated with future development. Bailey has described the agreement as 12-8 PM long overdue and said the opportunity to witness the signing was significant. The agreement has since been clarified Music • Arts • Cultural Dances • Food • Crafts by the Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council. Paris Lions Park | Ontario In a statement issued Aug. 20, Six Nations emphasized that the MOU is not a final agreement concerning the Boundary Lands and does not surrender, sell or transfer any Six Nations lands, rights or interinfo@AfroCariBrantFestival.org • Call: +1 (548) 983-2201 ests. www.AfroCariBrantFestival.org The statement said the MOU represents

SEPT

Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation, Hardeep Singh Grewal and County of Brant Mayor Bailey

Paris Independent

August 26, 2026

New hospital project reaches key planning milestone as site talks continue CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

provide modern, accessible, and sustainable care for our growing community." The Ministry of Health is now reviewing the submission and could request amendments before giving BCHS approval to proceed to Stage 2. BCHS expects to work with the province over the next 12 to 24 months to refine those early planning details. Stage 2 will move the project into detailed planning, translating the approved functional program into more detailed design work while further refining the project's scope, budget and schedule. Stage 3 covers procurement, construction and completion. Each stage requires provincial approval before the project can advance. While that provincial review takes place, another major piece of the project is moving forward: securing the site where the new hospital will eventually be built. An independent Site Identification Task Force completed its evaluation in May and submitted a ranked list of potential sites to the BCHS Board of Directors. The board accepted the recommendation and authorized BCHS to begin the next phase of securing a property. That process now involves commercial negotiations, due diligence and related planning. BCHS is not identifying the preferred property while negotiations are underway because of the commercially sensitive nature of the discussions. "Once negotiations are complete, we will share further information as soon as we are in a position to do so," said the spokesperson. The new hospital is being planned against the backdrop of significant population growth in both Brantford and Brant. According to BCHS, Ministry of Finance projections estimate the area's population will grow by 38 per cent over the next 25 years, outpacing the provincial average. Plans for the new facility include a 40 per cent increase in beds, expanded emergency department and intensive care capacity, all-private patient rooms and new specialized facilities. BCHS says the additional capacity is intended to relieve existing pressures while providing infrastructure capable of serving the community for decades. The project received a significant provincial boost in the 2025 Ontario budget when the government committed a $12.5-million planning grant toward plans for a new hospital on a greenfield site. That funding is supporting detailed planning for the new acute-care hospital and associated ambulatory-care facilities.

For County of Brant residents, the project also has a direct connection to their municipal tax bills. County council established a New Hospital Reserve Fund in 2023 in preparation for the municipality's eventual local share of the project. Beginning with the 2025 budget, council introduced a special one-per-cent property tax levy dedicated to the hospital, which generated approximately $720,000 that year. The County's 2026 budget ultimately allocated approximately $1.68 million to the New Hospital Special Levy. Even as planning for the new facility progresses, millions of dollars are also being invested in Brantford General Hospital, something BCHS personnel say is necessary because a new hospital remains a long-term undertaking. More than 50,000 patients currently visit BGH's emergency department annually, with that number expected to surpass 70,000 visits per year by 2030. BCHS says projects such as the ongoing emergency department renovation are necessary to improve patient flow and experience and support hospital staff while the new hospital works its way through planning and approvals. The province is contributing $28.38 million toward the emergency department renovation's estimated $32.43-million cost. The community is responsible for 10 per cent of construction costs as well as medical equipment and furnishings. The BCHS Foundation has raised more than $8 million in support of the project. The provincial government has also invested nearly $16 million in separate critical infrastructure work at BGH, including more than $9 million to reroute utility services out of the hospital's damaged utility tunnel and $6.3 million to replace and upgrade three failed boilers. Some of BGH's original buildings are approaching 100 years old, and BCHS says maintaining those facilities cannot wait while the new hospital proceeds through what will be a lengthy planning, design and construction process. "We know there can be confusion about continued investment in Brantford General Hospital while planning for a new hospital," said thee spokesperson. "The reality is that planning, designing, and building a new hospital is a long-term journey." Behind the scenes, BCHS has assembled a redevelopment team with experience planning, designing and constructing new hospital infrastructure. That team continues to work with hospital staff, physicians, leadership and professional consultants while coordinating with the Ministry of Health and Ontario Health. For residents who have advocated for the hospital and contributed through municipal taxes, fundraising cam-

(BCHS PHOTO)

The newly renovated entrance to the Brantford General Hospital emergency department. The redevelopment is part of ongoing improvements at Brant Community Healthcare System as planning continues for the future hospital redevelopment project.

paigns and donations, BCHS acknowledges there is still a lengthy road ahead. "We know how long this community has been waiting and advocating for a new hospital, and we are incredibly thankful for their continued support of BCHS, BCHS Foundation, and BCHS New Hospital Project," they added. Donations already made to the BCHS Foundation for the new hospital will be held and securely invested until the money is required for the project. For now, two significant developments are being watched: the Ministry of Health's review of the Stage 1.3 Functional Program and the negotiations to secure the future hospital site. Both will help determine when the long-discussed project can move into its next phase. 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

August 26, 2026

Camp 31 serves up a winning weekend CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

Paris’ own Camp 31 BBQ crew continues to rack up the hardware on the Ribfest circuit this summer. The travelling rib team was on the road Aug. 15 and 16 for the 18th Annual Northumberland RibFest and Music Festival, where visitors feasted on barbecue from ribbers across Ontario while helping raise funds for local community projects. Camp 31 walked away with an impressive haul, earning the titles for best ribs, pulled pork, barbecue chicken and sauce. It’s the latest in a string of wins for the Paris barbecue crew this year. Camp 31 previously captured first place for judged ribs and brisket at the Alliston Ribfest, along with the People’s Choice award for sauce. In Bowmanville, the team was crowned the

People’s Choice Best Ribs champion. Camp 31’s barbecue roots stretch back more than 40 years to Brewton, Ala., where Larry Murphy established the business in 1985. The following year, the Brewton Police Department helped the team enter its first barbecue cook-off in Pensacola, Fla., where it came home with three first-place trophies. Those early wins helped launch what would become a longtime travelling competition and Ribfest operation. Today, Camp 31 describes Paris as its “second home,” with its restaurant at 22 Paris Rd. serving the community for close to 25 years while the original operation remains in Brewton. And while locals know Camp 31 for its Paris restaurant, the travelling rib crew continues to take the Camp 31 name, and some award-winning barbecue, to Ribfests across Canada.

(TIM BURGESS PHOTO / COURTESY OF WEST NORTHUMBERLAND INDEPENDENT)

The Camp 31 BBQ crew stacks up freshly barbecued meat during the 18th Northumberland RibFest and Music Festival Aug. 15-16. The Paris-based ribbers had a winning weekend, taking home top honours for ribs, pulled pork, barbecue chicken and sauce.

Paris Independent

August 26, 2026

New Paris Shoppers Drug Mart puts community partnerships at heart of opening CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

The opening of Paris’s first Shoppers Drug Mart is bringing more than a new pharmacy and retail store to one of the County of Brant’s fastest-growing areas, with its owners putting community partnerships, local employment and accessible health services at the centre of the new location. The store at 10 Markle Dr. officially opened Aug. 21 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community leaders, representatives from Six Nations of the Grand River and local charitable organizations. Following a traditional thanksgiving address offered by Joe, representing Six Nations of the Grand River, Six Nations Elected Chief Sherri-Lyn Hill addressed those gathered and spoke about the opportunity for the new business to strengthen connections between neighbouring communities. “It is my pleasure to be here. The growth and development in the County of Brant in the recent years shows the vibrant and expanding community,” Hill said. She also encouraged those gathered to learn more about the history of the Haldimand Tract and the Haudenosaunee people. “Shoppers Drug Mart is an opportunity to build local economy, create opportunities for our community members to work, shop here and help strengthen the ties between our two communities. I look forward to seeing this partnership grow and strengthen in the years ahead.” That relationship is already being reflected in the store’s community outreach. Ganohkwasra Family Assault Support Services at Six Nations has been selected as the location’s main charity partner. As part of the opening, the store collected items to provide dignity, comfort and practical assistance to the Indigenous-operated

organization, which provides emergency shelter, counselling, residential programs, children and youth services, family supports and community education. The store says the opening donation is intended to be the beginning of an ongoing relationship that could include future donations, awareness initiatives and other opportunities for collaboration. Other community initiatives being supported by the new location include Pad It Forward, which collects and distributes menstrual products to people in need, and the REDress Project, which raises awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People. The store is also participating in Ask for Angela, a program that allows someone who feels unsafe or uncomfortable to discreetly ask staff for assistance. The Grand River Conservation Foundation is another organization being supported, with funds directed through CanadaHelps toward local conservation efforts, including tree planting to restore areas affected by wildfires and environmental damage. Hamilton-area MP Dan Muys said the emphasis on community support stood out to him during the opening. “What struck me is the commitment that Shoppers is making to the community. That is exemplified by the projects that are helping support the Grand River Foundation, Paris Food Bank, Pad it Forward, the Red Dress Project and many more.” For store owner Saurabh Jain, the opening represents both a personal milestone and an investment in a community experiencing significant residential and commercial growth. “Today is about much more than opening the doors to a new store. It represents an investment in this community and the people who live here and in the future of Paris,” Jain told those gathered. He said continued investment by Loblaw

PARIS GOES TO TIFF!

Paris, Ontario, is headed to the big screen! Back in Black, the dark comedy starring Hollywood legend Christopher Walken that was filmed in Paris and St. George, will have its world premiere at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) next month. Directed by Canadian filmmaker Ron Murphy, the film stars Walken as Clyde Mortimer, a small-town funeral director facing bankruptcy, alongside Ella Ballentine and Jane Curtin. Local moviegoers will want to keep an eye out for some familiar Paris streets and landmarks when the film hits the screen.

(CASANDRA TURNBULLPHOTO)

Shoppers Drug Mart staff and guests celebrate the official opening of the first Shoppers Drug Mart in Paris with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug. 21. The new store, located at 10 Markle Dr., includes a full-service pharmacy and pharmacist-led Care Clinic and has established partnerships with several local and Indigenous community organizations.

Companies Ltd. in communities across Canada is particularly important during uncertain economic times because it creates local employment opportunities. The Paris location opened with employees working across its pharmacy, frontstore and support operations, with the majority of staff coming from Paris and Brant County. The store plans to add employees as the business and community grow. Jain also thanked the corporate, construction and store teams that worked to get the location ready. “For me personally seeing this store opening today is the realization of a dream and one that would have never been possible without the extraordinary support of so many people,” he said. County of Brant Mayor David Bailey welcomed the additional services to the fast-growing Rest Acres Road area and acknowledged councillors John Bell, John Peirce, Jennifer Kyle and John MacAlpine, who attended the ceremony. “This is a good news story. We need these services,” Bailey said. Bailey presented Jain with a certificate on behalf of the County of Brant and noted neighbouring FreshCo is also nearing its opening, adding to the services available in the growing area. Beyond its traditional pharmacy and retail offerings, the new Shoppers Drug Mart includes a pharmacist-led Care Clinic offering walk-in and appointment-based care for minor ailments that fall within pharmacists’ scope of practice, along with routine and seasonal vaccinations based on provincial availability. Pharmacists can also provide support for diabetes management, weight management, heart health

and travel vaccinations. The location also offers medication reviews and blister-pack services and is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Store representatives said Paris was selected because of the growing need for convenient access to health services and everyday essentials, while maintaining the community connection for which the town is known. “Paris is a caring, close-knit community with so much heart. We saw a real need for easier access to healthcare services, everyday essentials, and a place where people feel truly welcome and supported,” Care Concierge and registered practical nurse Kendahl Van De Slyke said in a written response. “Our goal is to be more than a store and pharmacy—we want to be a trusted neighbour that makes life a little easier and healthier for everyone.” The enthusiasm for the new addition was evident immediately following the ceremony, when more than a couple hundred customers entered the store after the ribbon was cut.

Store owner Saurabh Jain greets customers as they enter the new Shoppers Drug Mart in Paris following the official ribbon cutting

August 26, 2026

The Back Doors of Paris RACHELLE ROUSSEAU Rousseau Rares Vintage

Most downtowns put their best face forward. Paris might be one of the few where everyone wants to photograph the back. Stand on the bridge over the Grand River and you’ll see one of the most recognizable views of our town. The backs of the downtown buildings line the river, crowded together with different rooflines, old brick, windows and patios. It’s a view that often gets compared to a European river town, and probably one of the most photographed spots in Paris. And technically, you’re looking at our back doors. From Grand River Street, those same buildings look like traditional downtown storefronts. Shop windows, signs, sidewalks and front doors opening onto the street. Walk through some of them and the view changes completely. The Grand River is right there. Not across a road or on the other side of a park. In some places, there isn’t even a visible riverbank for part of the year. The buildings themselves sit right at the river’s edge. Every spring, the water rises against the old foundation walls. The bank slowly disappears and suddenly those familiar buildings look as though they’re sitting right in the river.

When you spend a lot of time that close to the water, you start to notice just how much the river changes. After a heavy rain, the water darkens and the current gets faster. Branches and debris float past. The water rises and falls. The bank disappears and eventually comes back again. By summer, the back of downtown takes on a whole new life. Patios fill with tables and chairs. People sit beside the water for lunch or dinner. Paddlers make their way past the buildings, while the bridge above becomes one of the best places to stop and take in the view. From the patios, you experience that familiar riverfront from another perspective. Instead of looking at it, you’re suddenly part of it. What I find interesting is that this isn’t the side of the buildings that was necessarily meant to impress anyone. These are the backs of old buildings. They weren’t built to match each other perfectly. The brickwork varies, additions have been made, and windows and doors have changed over the years. From the street, you might notice those differences. From the bridge, somehow they all become part of the same view. Today, we use those spaces very differently. What might be an alley or loading area in another downtown has become some of our most popular patio space. Tables sit beside the river, windows look out

Paris Independent

over the water, and the backs of the buildings have become almost as important as the fronts. There’s something interesting about that. We spend time decorating our storefronts, changing window displays and making the front of our buildings welcoming. But one of the views people come to Paris to pho-

tograph is the side that was never really meant to be the main attraction. And there’s something wonderfully backwards about the fact that one of our town’s most recognizable views was never really the front at all. Somewhere along the way, the backs of our buildings became the front of our postcard.

Paris Independent

August 26, 2026

HISTORIC PARIS

PARIS PAST: Memories of Paris, the former frozen glory of Creeden’s Pond

By Chris Whelan When my family moved to Paris’ south end in 1984, we moved into a house right across from what long-time locals still referred to as Creeden’s Pond. At 14 years old, I was the same age as Jim Creeden’s son, Jason. We went through Paris District High School together and forged a lifelong friendship. Jason’s house was just around the corner, and the neighbourhood quickly felt like home. In 1998, my wife and I returned to the area, purchasing and renovating the old Gord “Pappy” Simons property with a large addition for our growing family. Today, Jim is one of our many wonderful neighbours, and we love uncovering the layered history of our corner of town. Last week’s look back at the old south end sparked wonderful nostalgia, including a note from reader Bev Sinclair, who shared her own memories of the area (more on that below). This week, we dive into the legendary winter playground that was Creeden’s Pond. For kids growing up in the south end during the 1950s and ’60s, the corner of Ann and Amelia Streets was the centre of the universe from December to March. The seasonal body of water sat on the Creeden Homestead land, owned by Jim’s uncle, Joe Creeden, stretching between Monk and Ann Streets. Jim learned to skate on the pond, as did his brother, sisters, and generations of neighbourhood kids. Right beside the ice sat Creeden’s Hill, a slope notorious for out-of-control sleighs and toboggans. While the kids on the ice were busy battling in games where every single match was played for the "Stanley Cup," an errant sled loaded with Jim's nieces would inevitably come barreling across the rink, scattering shinny players in every direction. Preparation was simple and chaotic. As Jim recalls: "My mother, rest her soul, was indifferent

On Creeden's Pond memories of a neighborhood playground in winter

to me and my friends lacing up our skates sitting next to the pot-bellied stove in our kitchen, then nonchalantly trudging across her linoleum floor, down the cement steps, across the gravel lane, and through the field. Skate guards existed, but we needed all our spare change for pucks! Over the years, that floor saw plenty of repairs, along with frequent trips to Cy Bechtel, the south end’s skate-sharpening aficionado." Those who laced up rink-side sat on coats or whatever scraps of wood were lying around to keep warm, leaving their boots frozen and stiff for the chilly walk home. Pucks were the ultimate currency. If a shot went wide into the snowdrifts, especially during night games, it was gone until spring. Local legends like Del Stuart and Ken Read launched many a dazzling slap shot into the dark abyss. To help out, Jim’s dad mounted a bright spotlight on the back corner of their house and regularly dragged out the garden hose in sub-zero temperatures to lay down a fresh, glassy flood, filling every crack and gouge. Players ranged from ages 5 to 50. Body checking was practically non-existent, and house rules ruled the day. Anyone arriving with actual goalie pads and real nets was treated like royalty and got first

pick of the teams. Competitive rivalries ran hot, the Craig brothers and the Mitchell boys frequently held lively post-game debates all the way down the road. Spectacles were an occupational hazard; Jim broke his first pair of glasses five or six times on the ice, relying on adhesive tape and contact cement overnight to glue both his frames and his stick back together. Neighbourhood girls joined in during open ice times, gladly welcomed, especially when an extra pair of hands was needed to push snow shovels after a fresh snowfall. When spring arrived, the thaw was bittersweet as Jim recalls: “It was always dreadful to see the mild weather come in the spring and slowly destroy the frozen glory of the pond. However, we knew it would be back again.” Jim’s Uncle Joe would burn off the weeds and tall grass at the end of every summer, and each autumn he presented Jim’s dad with a paper bag packed with 15 or so "lost" pucks unearthed from the dried mud. Reader Memories: Toboggans & Evans Street Bev Sinclair reached out with her own fond memories of the hill and pond: "I think every kid who grew up in the

(JIM CREEDEN PHOTO)

south end rode those hills back in the day. We used to purposely build 'humps' with snow halfway down the hill to see how much 'air' we could get as we raced down. Mind you, it was not a huge hill, but it sure provided hours of fun." Bev also recalled Jim bringing his horse over to visit her brother, Doug Sinclair, on Evans Street, along with a dramatic early-1960s memory when their kitchen caught fire: “I recall the fire trucks whizzing past South Ward school when I stayed late to help plant flowers in the Spring. I turned to my friend and said that they were surely going to my house. Damned if they didn't.” Her brother Paul discovered the smoke after school just before starting his paper route. Luckily, the fire was contained, though back then, Evans Street was so quiet the arriving fire department had to stop and ask for directions! Residential construction began replacing the pond and hill around 1983, but for those who strapped on skates by the glow of a backyard floodlight, the spirit of Creeden’s Pond remains frozen in time. Email your memories to: editor@theparisindependent.com

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August 26, 2026

Paris Independent

THEN AND NOW: Rising from the ashes at #11 Mechanic Street Part 1 formations of this iconic downtown landmark at #11 Mechanic Street. Some information obtained

from the archives at the Paris Museum & Historical Society with assistance from Steve Pinket.

By Wayne Wilkinson Paris Historian / Artist In my previous article, we delved into the decades-old story of the Canadian Hotel on Dumfries Street, which opened when Paris was just a fledgling village in Canada West. Today, we’ll take a close look at another vintage hostelry from the 1840s, located at #11 Mechanic Street. To understand why this location became such an essential fixture of downtown Paris, one must look at the intense early industrial growth in the area. Even back then, Mechanic Street was home to a large tannery, a sawmill, flour mill, plaster mill, blacksmith shop, carriage builder, and numerous busy foundries. Seeing all this vibrant activity, James Tennant, a recent Scottish immigrant, opened a grocery store and tavern around 1845, catering directly to the steady foot traffic of mill workers, tanners, and laborers. In 1853, Andrew Blackwood, a local cooper about whom very little is known, bought the business and rebranded it as the Star Inn. He sold it in 1857 to a group of land speculators who never ran a hotel there themselves, though it likely remained a popular local watering hole. Long-term stability finally set in by 1868 when Thomas Pren-

tice Gray opened the Dumfries House hotel, more commonly known around town simply as Gray’s Hotel. T.P. Gray’s booming business succumbed to Paris’s second-worst fire on August 24, 1877. The blaze roared down the south side of Mechanic Street, totally destroying every business from Grand River Street down to where the Wincey Mills stands today. Not a man to give up, Gray promptly rebuilt a modest two-story hotel—likely on the existing stone foundation of the burned-out building—and was quickly back in business. Fifteen years later, in 1892, Gray realized what must have been a lifelong dream: constructing the magnificent, three-story brick architectural masterpiece seen in an 1895 photograph of the property. Unfortunately, T.P. passed away that same year in 1895, leaving the Dumfries House in the capable hands of his wife, Frances. She renamed the establishment the Aberdeen Hotel before sell-

ing it in 1901 to John James Flahiff. Flahiff bestowed upon it a regal title that many long-time residents will immediately recognize: the New Royal Hotel. This is where the story gets especially interesting. In Part 2, we’ll follow the dramatic trans-

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August 26, 2026

LIVING RETIRED: ‘Exploding Cucumbers!’

By Gary Chalk Non-Pulitzer Prize Winning Columnist I have terrible news for Living Retired readers today. And the only mature, non-alarming way to describe what I have to share is: OMG! According to trusted media reports (is that an oxymoron?) cucumbers, yes that’s correct, crunchy cucumbers, may suddenly EXPODE! Think about it: growing up our mothers told us to watch that the pressure cooker didn’t explode. This summer it has been exploding diarrhea; now its exploding cucumbers! I kept this frightening news to myself –

in the vegetable bin in our refrigerator – until Jan made me come clean. “Gary, I am thinking of making the cucumber salad you like so much for our family picnic.” Immediately, I interrupted: “Jan are you friggin’ nuts! When you remove the lid from the Tupperware container, the cucumbers will go ballistic and explode into smithereens, burying our grandchildren in cucumber skins and seeds!” Jan laughed me off, “Gary, you make it sound like cucumbers are the new Scud missiles!” Oh, if she only knew. Exploding cucumbers were discovered by a German biochemist, Stainslav Gorb, while he was vacationing in Turkey. Picture in your mind Stainslav wearing his lederhosen shopping at an outdoor farmers market. He is walking among the stalls, stopping to chat with various vendors about their fresh eggplant, leeks, and artichokes, when suddenly BOOM! — he

innocently placed a cucumber in his straw basket and all hell broke out; market goers hit the deck! Gorb’s discovery of exploding cucumbers was just what nerdy scientists in need of gobs of government funding coveted. In their lab they figured out that just the slightest nudge of the cucumber caused it to pop open BOOM! spraying seeds thirty miles an hour as far as forty feet — which translated to North American scientific terminology is the length of a first down in football. The scientific name for exploding cucumbers is Ecballium Elaterium – which in English means ‘DUCK!’ Experts say it is a “fascinating example of ballistic seed dispersal: the cucumber essentially turns a fruit into a ballistic cannon.” I am not making this up! Exploding cucumbers are not for the faint of heart. It got me thinking… It is one thing having cucumbers in the hands of home chefs with a Ronco VegO-Matic, but, if some wacko dictator gets his hands on exploding cucumbers, he may issue an order “Queue Cucumbers” and well, a food fight may break out! Riot police would be deployed with rubber bullets, water cannons, and tear gas to control unruly protesters — who instead of tossing Molotov cocktails, are hurling

exploding cucumbers! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Do the math: I read that one cucumber has about one hundred seeds. A bushel of cucumbers has about one hundred cucumbers — that’s ten thousand seeds sprouting into action! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! The threat of exploding cucumbers has cucumber connoisseurs concerned and politicians in a pickle. To stem the threat the government may enact the Canadian Emergency Act — mandating home gardeners to fork over their backyard plot of cucumbers to our military. Furthermore, Canadians may be urged to do the patriotic thing: change our national emblem from the maple leaf to the cucumber. Or imagine his: Toronto hockey fans chanting ‘GO CUCUMBERS GO!’ Canadians may be as cool as a cucumber until we are asked to take up the call to arms: ‘The cukes to duke it out with the nukes.’ Living Retired is written by Gary Chalk and published throughout Canada and USA. To receive Living Retired by email each Monday or to book Gary to speak at your service club, corporate event, or retirement party contact Gchalk@me.com.

Paris Terry Fox Run aims to build on record-breaking momentum CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

The Paris Terry Fox Run is hoping to turn last year’s record-breaking fundraising effort into a new community tradition, with organizers encouraging more families, friends, workplaces and local groups to lace up together this September. The annual run will return to Paris District High School on Sunday, Sept. 20, with registration beginning at 10 a.m. and the run getting underway at 11 a.m. Local coordinator Melanie Chmelik, who organizes the event alongside her sister-in-law Kiley Cruickshank, said last year’s turnout brought many new participants together to honour people in their lives affected by cancer. “Last year was certainly a record-breaking year for Paris, and we want that momentum to keep going,” Chmelik said. In 2025, 150 participants helped raise a record $19,000 for cancer research. Organizers are now hoping to build on that success by encouraging more people to create or join teams. “Anyone can create a team and anyone can be part of a team,” Chmelik said. “We are hoping to see many more local

teams created this year and invite group of friends, family, work colleagues, wellness groups, sports teams, clubs, and associations to form a team to support Terry’s legacy and fundraise for cancer research – together.” The focus on teams is also about creating a sense of connection in a growing community, something Chmelik said is important to maintaining the intimate atmosphere that has become part of the Paris event. That connection will be highlighted again this year when a local community member shares their cancer story with participants. “As the town grows, we’re thinking about how to keep that intimate vibe, while welcoming new participants,” Chmelik said. “We believe the answer is connecting through these stories, and supporting our community.” For those attending for the first time, Chmelik said the event is about much more than completing a route. “I had the pleasure of speaking at the Terry Fox Organizer Workshop in May about what makes the Paris Terry Fox Run special,” she said. “I spoke about our local families, friends, and neighbours coming together every year for something bigger than themselves. It's a tradition.”

The run is open to people of all ages and abilities, with participants able to run, walk or bike the route. Those who cannot take part can still support the cause by sponsoring an individual or team, making a donation or cheering participants on from the sidelines. “There is something for all ages and abilities,” Chmelik said. The community support extends beyond participants. The Paris event operates on a $0 budget, with local businesses and community members helping provide the extras that make the day special. Participants can expect free drinks, pizza, cake, apples from a local orchard and balloons, all donated by community supporters. Anyone interested in helping enhance the event can contact organizers at paristfr@outlook.com. The 2026 event will also incorporate the Terry Fox Foundation’s “Finish It” campaign, which launched last year with the goal of uniting Canadians in the fight against cancer. The campaign features a video set to “Courage” by The Tragically Hip, and Chmelik said elements of the campaign will be incorporated into the Paris event

through music, merchandise and videos. Online registration is already available, allowing participants to register before event day and simply show up Sunday morning. For Chmelik, the strength of the Paris run comes from the many different reasons people choose to participate — whether they are remembering someone they have lost, supporting someone going through treatment, celebrating a survivor or simply contributing to Terry Fox’s vision of finding a cure for cancer. “Everyone participates in their own way: whether by running, walking, or biking the route, sponsoring an individual or team, donating to the event, or cheering on participants from the sidelines.” Quick Info: Paris Terry Fox Run 2026 • When: Sunday, Sept. 20 • Registration: 10 a.m. • Run: 11 a.m. • Where: Paris District High School • Registration: Online at run.terryfox.ca/129716 • Contact: paristfr@outlook.com • Ways to participate: Run, walk, bike, join a team, sponsor a participant or team, donate or cheer from the sidelines.

Local news. Community stories. Delivered right to your inbox. Subscribe today at www.granthaven.com/paris-independent

August 26, 2026

Paris Independent

Paris Road has reopened to two-way traffic as major infrastructure work advances PARIS INDEPENDENT STAFF

Paris Road has reopened to two-way traffic as major infrastructure work continues across Paris, marking a significant milestone in a project that has brought lengthy road restrictions leading into town. Much of the underground and foundational work on Paris Road has now been completed, including the gravity sanitary sewer, storm sewer, watermain, road works, base asphalt and line painting, according to information released by the County of Brant last week. Crews are now preparing entrances for paving, completing remaining curbs and sidewalks, relocating hydro infrastructure and continuing work on the forcemain sanitary sewer. The mainline portion of the forcemain is expected to be completed within two weeks, with services to follow. The remaining work on Paris Road includes the final surface asphalt lift, topsoil and sod. The progress is part of a larger infrastructure project involving Dundas Street East, Paris Road and Oak Park Road that is expected to complete the majority of major underground services and foundational work by the end of 2026. Surface treatments and any remaining work are scheduled to be completed in spring 2027. Work is also progressing along Governors Road East. The eastbound lane asphalt and concrete removals, sanitary services, watermain, base asphalt and temporary line painting have been completed. Crews are work-

ing on the remaining curb and sidewalk, while future work includes westbound lane asphalt removals, removal of the centre concrete base and surface work, including asphalt, westbound curbs and sidewalks, topsoil and sod. On Dundas Street East between Governors Road East and the CN bridge, the gravity sanitary sewer and storm sewer work completed in 2025 has been followed by eastbound lane asphalt and concrete removals, watermain installation, base asphalt and temporary line painting. Current work includes storm infrastructure at the Consolidated Drive and Green Lane intersections, hydro relocation and remaining lane curbs and sidewalks. Westbound lane asphalt removals, centre concrete base removals and remaining surface work are still to come. Between the CN bridge and Curtis Avenue, storm sewer installation, asphalt and concrete removals and watermain installation have been completed. The final watermain connection is expected in September, while crews continue working on watermain services and testing. Sanitary sewer installation remains outstanding. Work is also continuing around the CN bridge. On the south side, crews have completed a watermain bypass, boulder removal, casing installation and watermain installation. The work is awaiting disinfection and final connections. Work on the north side is tentatively scheduled for mid-September and will include sanitary and storm sewer installa-

David Carvalho earns promotion to Sergeant with Brant County OPP

(OPP WEST REGION PHOTO)

Brant County OPP Sergeant David Carvalho proudly displays his newly presented Sergeant’s badge after being promoted to the leadership role in 2026. Born and raised in Scotland, Brant County, Carvalho joined the Ontario Provincial Police in 2019 with the Offender Transportation Unit before becoming a constable with Norfolk County OPP in 2021. He later served as a Crisis Negotiator and has now returned to his Brant County roots as a Sergeant, bringing years of policing experience and a strong connection to the community he serves.

(COUNTY OF BRANT PHOTO)

Paris Road has reopened to two-way traffic, marking a major milestone in one of several ongoing infrastructure projects in Paris.

tions, along with rehabilitation of the existing concrete box culvert. The County of Brant is encouraging residents to continue supporting local businesses during the construction. Residents can subscribe for project up-

dates through the County's engagement website and can find road construction updates and closure information through Municipal 511. A full list of municipal construction projects is also available through the County of Brant's website.

Paris Independent

August 26, 2026

SPORTS

Sponsored by Paris Canadian Tire

Doug Stewart: Our Very Own Sports Hero CHRIS WHELAN Editor

It is only fitting that the man who spent so much time celebrating our local athletes in his "Paris Sports Heroes" column was one of our greatest heroes himself. Doug Stewart was a cornerstone of our community. As one of the first inductees into the County of Brant Sports Hall of Fame, Doug’s legacy goes far beyond the stories he wrote for The Paris Independent. He lived them. Born right here in Paris on January 14, 1963, Doug’s life on the ice started early. He came up through the Paris Minor Hockey system between 1969 and 1978. By the 1977-78 season, he was already a champion, capturing the All-Ontario BB Championship with the Paris Chateau Bantams. His raw talent couldn't be kept a secret for long. Doug hit the junior circuits and immediately made his mark. He earned Rook-

ie of the Year honors for the Hagersville Flyers Jr C team in 1979. Two years later, he did it again, winning Rookie of the Year for the Hamilton Kilty Bees Jr B squad. The bigger leagues naturally came calling. In the 1980-81 season, the Ottawa 67’s drafted Doug in the 6th round. He spent three solid seasons battling in the OHA with Ottawa. By 1984, he was skating in the OHL for both the Brantford Alexander’s and the Windsor Spitfires. He eventually wrapped up his top-tier playing days close to home with the Brantford Motts Clamatos Senior A team. But Doug’s story didn't end when he stepped away from competitive play. He simply moved behind the bench to guide the next generation. He coached the Paris Jr C Mounties across different eras. Under his leadership, the Paris Minor Hockey Peewees took the All Ontario C Championship in 2002. The very

next year, he led the Bantam squad to the exact same provincial glory. His coaching touch extended everywhere, even helping lead the Brant County Crushers to a sledge hockey championship in 2014. Whether it was youth hockey or softball, Doug was always there. Off the ice and the diamond, Doug was a tireless community builder. He stepped up to organize the Annual Dick Emerson & Friends Golf Tournament, raising vital funds for athlete assistance. He led the Dick Attlebery Curl with Earl & Friends Bonspiel to support the Brant Alzheimer’s Society. He even brought joy to local kids by organizing the Paris Optimist Legends Soap Box Derby. Doug Stewart was a fierce competitor, a dedicated coach, and a generous volunteer. He spent his life elevating everyone around him. We are so proud to have shared his words in our pages, and we are even prouder to call him one of our own.

Doug Stewart January 14, 1963 - March 15, 2026

GOT A SPORTS STORY? Help us celebrate local athletes and teams!

Doug Stewart 1982-83 Ottawa 67's OHL Hockey Card

1983-84 Brantford Alexanders OHL Hockey Card

The Paris Independent is looking for sports tips from across our community. Whether it's: • League or rep team results • Tournament victories • Outstanding individual athletes • School sports

• Milestone achievements • Community sporting events • Inspiring stories from the field, rink, court or track ...we want to hear about it!

1982 Height 6 Feet Tall Right Wing Weight 198 lbs. Hockey Data Base

Our goal is to showcase the incredible talent, dedication and sportsmanship that make our community proud.

Send your story ideas, scores, photos and tips to: stories@theparisindependent.com Because every great local sports story deserves to be told.

August 26, 2026

Paris Independent

MOUNTIES REPORT: A new season, a fresh reason to fill the rink

By George Le Gresley Sports Columnist Yes, Paris, if you haven’t heard, the Junior hockey team that plays at the Brant Sports Centre are now called the Mounties. Those who were against the name change to the Paris Titans, and lost interest in the club, now have every reason to come to the rink and enjoy some fast-paced hockey this winter. You should take pride in your local club and get behind these young players. Everyone plays with a little extra

energy when the house is packed. If that’s not reason enough, allow me to outline a couple more reasons to leave your couch and find a seat at the Brant Sports Complex. 1. There are quite a few local kids on this team. For example, Ryan O’Keefe, the team captain, is in his last year of Junior eligibility and will be playing his third year for Paris. This young man wants to win in Paris, and if you want to see effort on the ice, come and see him play. Then there are the Kersey brothers, Jack and Cole, who will score points, but often will hit like the Hanson brothers. That’s just a few of the local kids. 2. Coaching! Over the last three years, coaches came and were replaced. No doubt, there are reasons for these changes, but ultimately the reason for change is that the right person behind the bench isn’t the right guy. This year, the team announced

Zac Rinaldo as the new Head coach. Zac is a retired professional hockey player who played for various teams, mostly in the NHL, with stints in the AHL. Of course, being a pro hockey player doesn’t mean you can coach; Gretzky is a good example. Coach Rinaldo started his coaching career four years ago as an assistant, and last season was the head coach of the Pelham Panthers, a junior B team. Of course, Coach Rinaldo wants to win games, but more importantly, he wants his players to learn the game, be good citizens, and set an example for the kids who watch the team play. Last Thursday the Mounties laced up for an exhibition game where they faced the 2025 PJHL Champions, Fergus Whalers. Fergus plays a very fast game, and the Mounties matched the speedy champs, tying 3-3 in regulation and seven minutes

Paris Karate Club Celebrates New Black Belts

of overtime, but ultimately lost in the shootout. The next exhibition game at the Brant Sports Complex will be tonight at 7 pm, when the Mounties

Dusters hockey dominated by offence SID LUCKMAN Paris Independent Contributor

(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

The Paris Karate Club is celebrating two new black belts following a successful grading assessment on Aug. 16. Joshua Charlton and Dominic Asselin both advanced from brown to black belt after strong performances during their assessments. Pictured from left are Sensei Mike Toll and Sensei Kathy Usik of the Paris Karate Club; Shihan Sensei Lawrence Blakemore, founder of the Martial Arts Promotional and Development Association, with which the club is affiliated; new black belts Joshua Charlton and Dominic Asselin; and brown belt Wyatt Toms. Toms also participated in the assessment to gain valuable experience as he prepares to qualify for his own black belt grading in the near future.

will face the Thamesford Trojans. Come out and see the action for yourself. It would be nice to fill the stands and see the community rally behind the club.

Yes this may be the very place that a considerable number of hockey dreams come to die. But on this day, Team White was not about to go quietly into the abyss! The riveting juggernaut that was Team White was led by Birthday Boy Bob Kivinen. The ageless wonder was the set up and Finnish ( his heritage ) to almost all team plays. And a humble man, when told of his domination just said " oh....no" When you have a feisty group, the tempers can flare and that they did. Team White's "win at all costs" was very apparent in ice time allocation. The clock was ticking and watched methodically. The near dressing room donnybrook was defused by the well prepared EMT professionals on site. Thank-you for saving us from higher liability insurance!

It was a day of eight call ups due to absence and bad concerts. Camstone should be recognized in this light as the recipient of this year's Tony Stark Iron Man of Duster Hockey. Though he has been barred from scoring, Camstone did not miss one game. And he looks divine in purple. Well done, Cameron. So, as we wrap up this week's Duster Report we look ahead to Thursday August 27. This is the final game of Duster Hockey 2026 and the surreal Dust Pan Championship Game. It's all on the line, all season is a warmup for this event. That's the story folks....one more Duster game awaits at the BSC on August 27 at 5:30pm. Come on out and join in the year end fan appreciation night at the Freeman Pub...beginning at 6:45 pm. On that note, please be well and safe until next time!

FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES IN THE INDEPENDENT CALL 519-757-5662 OR EMAIL SALES@THEPARISINDEPENDENT.COM

Paris Independent

August 26, 2026

Big Rigs, Big Hearts: 22nd Annual Truck Ride for Special Olympics rolls into Burford this weekend! CHRIS WHELAN Editor

Big rigs, flashing lights, and roaring engines are set to take over local highways this weekend as the 22nd Annual Special Olympics Ontario Truck Ride rolls out on Saturday, August 29. Moving to an exciting new home at the Burford Fairgrounds, the beloved charity convoy brings together truck drivers, law enforcement, volunteers, and local families for an unforgettable day dedicated to empowering Special Olympics athletes across Brantford, Brant, and beyond. The annual convoy is part of a storied tradition. What began as a grassroots gathering in Florida back in 2001 has grown into an international movement spanning more than 40 states and five Canadian provinces. In Ontario, the Truck Ride serves as a powerful testament to the generosity of the trucking community, giving drivers and transport companies an opportunity to give back directly to the communities they travel through every day. The event arrives on the heels of a record-setting 21st edition last fall, which raised more than $145,000 and officially pushed the event's cumulative lifetime fundraising beyond the $1.5 million milestone. That ride saw more than 60 transport trucks take to the road, backed by 43 dedicated sponsors, a tireless crew of vol-

unteers, and escorts from over five regional police agencies. This year, organizers are aiming to make the convoy the biggest, boldest, and most impactful yet. Every single dollar raised through registrations, pledges, and community donations goes directly toward grassroots Special Olympics programming, funding sports training, travel, equipment, and competition opportunities that provide athletes with lifelong friendship, confidence, and community connection. Spectators along the route can expect a striking visual display as the convoy departs the Burford Fairgrounds, links up with Highway 403, transitions onto Highway 401, and turns around at Putnam Road before completing the circuit. The convoy follows several proud, long-standing traditions that celebrate the community's top supporters. The transport leading the entire fleet carries an official "Lead Truck" banner, an honour awarded to the operator who raised the highest fundraising total for Special Olympics. The runner-up fundraiser earns the unique choice of either taking the number two spot in line or anchoring the convoy from the rear, displaying the signature "You are following..." sign. Throughout the journey, every participating rig rolls with its four-way hazards flashing, accompanied by an escort of police cruisers, motorcycles, and fire engines running full

(SUBMITTED PHOTOS)

The last truck carries the You are following... banner as seen here from 2025

emergency lights. The Law Enforcement Torch Run, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, and independent truck operators represent the driving force behind the charity's mission. Local residents, travelers, and families are encouraged to line the route, gather safely on overpasses along Highway 401, roll down their windows, and wave as the convoy passes. Those wishing to register a truck, sign up to volunteer, or make a direct pledge to support local athletes can find full registration details and donation links online at truckride.ca.

Shown here the committee having a look at the facilities at Burford Fairgrounds. Everything is a go for another great fundraising event in 2026.

The truck that raised the most money takes the lead spot in the convoy as seen here in 2025

Funding provided by the Government of Ontario

JOIN US FOR TWO DAYS OF CELEBRATION AS DOWNTOWN PARIS COMES ALIVE FOR PROMENADE RIVERFEST! Live music and entertainment Family-friendly activities Local artisans and shopping Food vendors and patios Tourism, arts and culture Historical and heritage experiences Community organizations Giveaways and more!

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 2ND ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY 4:00 PM TO 10:00 PM SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 11:00 AM TO 5:00 PM brant.ca/promenade

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 Michael Bryan: 5:15 - 6:30 pm Core Dance Project: 6:30 - 7:00 pm Ty Baynton Ty Baynton: 7:00 - 9:00 pm DJ Set by PYNX Productions: 9:00 - 10:00 pm

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 Ben Sommer: 11:15 am Florin Clonta: 1:00 pm Michael Bryan: 3:45 pm

LIVE MUSIC

August 26, 2026

Paris Independent

StoryWalk® brings reading, exploration to downtown CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

Families exploring downtown Paris this summer can add a little reading to their walk through the core thanks to a new StoryWalk® initiative from the County of Brant Public Library. The free program combines literacy, physical activity and community exploration, with pages of Rattletrap Car by Phyllis Root displayed in the windows of 10 downtown businesses. Lainey Tustin, coordinator of marketing and communications for the County of Brant Public Library, said the initiative is a way to take reading outside the library and into the community. “StoryWalk® is a wonderful way to take reading beyond the walls of the Library and make it part of an everyday community experience,” Tustin said. The library introduced the downtown StoryWalk® as a collaborative opportunity to support the Downtown Promenade during construction while encouraging families to explore local businesses. “Bringing the StoryWalk experience downtown gives families an opportunity to enjoy a story together while discovering their community and focusing attention on local businesses along the way,” Tustin said. The concept was originally created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library, and has since been adopted

by libraries and communities across North America. For the library, literacy remains at the centre of the initiative, but Tustin said the experience offers families much more than reading. “It's really all of these things. Reading is at the heart of StoryWalk®, but what makes the experience special is that it combines a book with movement, exploration and time together,” she said. “Encouraging literacy and reading is always the library's main goal, but healthy development also includes physical activity and to be able to combine both is a huge win!” Children experience the story one page at a time as they make their way through the downtown core, while families have an opportunity to connect with local businesses and the people who operate them. For the summer StoryWalk®, library staff selected Rattletrap Car, a picture book that follows a family on a summer adventure. Tustin said library staff began discussing possible selections in May, looking for books that were the right length, featured engaging illustrations and offered a story that would be fun to read aloud. “When we thought of summer and excellent picture books, Rattletrap Car was one of the first books that came to mind,” she said. “It has a vocabulary rich text and is one of the most amazing books to read aloud, especially with lots of expression!”

The book also incorporates sound effects and rhyming, with a summer-themed story that Tustin said families can relate to. “It is so creative; sound effects, rhyming and a summer focused story –we hope everyone can relate to the happiness of cooling down in the water on a super-hot day and the wonderful illustrations capture this feeling perfectly,” she said. The current StoryWalk® is free and accessible within the downtown core, beginning at Jiggs n Reels at 19 Broadway St. S. Families follow the numbered stops through downtown to read the story. Maps are available at the Paris Branch of the County of Brant Public Library and at County of Brant administration buildings. The route includes Jiggs n Reels, El Thrift, One Sixty-One, Rexall, Miller’s Candy Co., Sales Decorating Centre, Tax Centre, Baby Bee Home, Paris Inn and Paris Wincey Mills. Rattletrap Car will remain on display until September, when the library hopes to introduce a new fall-themed story. The downtown initiative is part of a broader StoryWalk® program that began

in Brant in 2021 after the library received a Government of Canada grant through the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative to help communities adapt public spaces and services during the pandemic. The library now works in partnership with the County of Brant to offer permanent outdoor StoryWalk® installations at Mt. Pleasant Nature Park, Janice Hunt Memorial Park in Burford and King William Park in St. George. Stories are updated throughout the year, often to coincide with seasonal changes and special events. One upcoming event is Nature Tales & Trails at Mt. Pleasant Nature Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 1 to 3 p.m., as part of Ontario Culture Days celebrations. The library hopes StoryWalk® will continue to give families opportunities to combine reading with movement and community connection. “Families have a free activity that gets them engaged with their community and it connects them to the faces of their neighbours and friends who run those businesses,” Tustin said.

Junior firefighters tackle handson training (COUNTY OF BRANT FIRE PHOTO)

Junior firefighters take part in a hands-on training exercise during the 2026 Junior Firefighter Camp, held in Scotland and St. George. Campers learned about fire safety, EMS, fire extinguishers and the challenges firefighters can face, including navigating a simulated fire scene featuring blacked-out rooms, mock electrical wiring and fallen debris.

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

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

Weekend Quiz By Jake Grant

1. According to the Bible, what is the name of the final battle between good and evil? 2. Which object, traditionally made of metal, is worn on a cowboy’s boots to prod a horse? 3. Who is the Roman god of love? 4. How many lives do cats supposedly have?

brant.ca/guide

5. The Caribbean Island of Bonaire is a municipality of what country?

6. When is the next leap year? 7. Which superhero carries a shield made of vibranium? 8. What do you call two words with the same definition? 9. What game challenges players to remove wooden blocks without toppling the tower? 10. What are the four main ingredients in beer?

This week’s answers are found on pg. 18 brant.ca | info@brant.ca | 519.44BRANT (442.7268)

WWW.GRANTHAVEN.COM

Paris Independent

August 26, 2026

OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO: Following Richmond’s Dumpling Trail

By Paul Knowles I grew up in a traditional, rural, Canadian family with roots in the United Kingdom and all of its traditions. So, when I hear the word “dumpling”, I first think of those balls of dough (flour, suet and water), usually cooked on top of a stew. They can be a treat – although one suspects that the flavour comes almost entirely from the juice of the stew. They are not, however, what you are going to find if you follow the Dumpling Trail in Richmond, British Columbia. These dumplings are the Chinese variety – a dough or starch wrapper filled with sundry delicious things. And you will find almost limitless variations on the theme in the 16 eateries that are officially included in the Dumpling Trail. This is the Trail’s 10th anniversary, says Nancy Small, the delightful CEO of Tourism Richmond. It’s not surprising that Richmond – the city immediately adjacent to Vancouver – is home to the world’s only Dumpling Trail. Because Richmond is the city with the highest population of folks who identify as Asian, at 74%.

Dumplings and other dim sum delights at the Richmond Night Market.

I was more than intrigued by the culture and cuisine in the city, which certainly reflects this demographic. Hosted by Tourism Richmond, I was part of a small group of travel journalists who spent a few days exploring – well, honestly, mostly eating – our way through the community. We were taken to a food court in a mall, which I thought was a bit weird… except it was a truly unique experience, because every food booth in the extensive court offered some kind of Asian food. There wasn’t a McDonalds or a Timmies in sight. We also visited the Richmond Night Market, a multi-coloured mash-up of carnival, flea market, and Asian street food convention. Sadly, according to reports on line, the Night Market may be closing,

The energetic purveyor of Bao Bun desserts at the Night Market.

permanently, because the leased site has been sold. I hope they find a solution to this, because, while I don’t care a bit about the flea market or carnival games, I was blown away by the variety and excellence of the food on offer. There was Chinese food, Korean food, Japanese food and more. I feasted on squid, dim sum, and finally, a huge serving of bao buns topped with ice cream and sauce. It bordered on sinful – and it was delicious. And also entertaining, as the guys in the booth could have starred in a Vaudeville revue! But back to the Dumpling Trail. This is more traditional dining, in actual restaurants, not food booths. And while they all serve Chinese dumplings, their menus are really quite dif-

ferent, one from the other. And dumplings are simply a few of the many dishes on offer. This, by the way, is real Chinese food. Not the fare offered by the “Chinese” restaurants in every Canadian small town, featuring sweet and sour chicken balls and egg fried rice. Most of the items in these local restaurants have been created to match North American tastes, and usually bear little resemblance to anything authentically Asian. Compare that to a few of the items at the Jade Seafood Restaurant in Richmond, where owner David Chung joined us for a feast of epic proportions. The dumpling choices include Guo Tie (potstickers – Chinese fried pork and cabbage); Ham Sui Gok (glutinous rice stuffed with pork,

An unusual and delicious combination - a shrimp and mango salad.

(PAUL KNOWLES PHOTOS)

mushrooms and shrimp); oand Har Gow (prawn and bamboo filling). But the meal went galaxies beyond dumplings. We had king crab, wagyu steak, rock cod, roasted rock salt chicken, squid, and much, much more. The previous evening, we had dined at the Dinesty Dumpling House, where we enjoyed soup dumplings, where somehow, hot soup is trapped inside the dumpling. Delicious! We ate lunch at the Empire Seafood Restaurant, where traditional dim sum is served from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. only. It was a Monday, when many restaurants simply close for lack of business. The Empire – a big space, by the way – was jammed. And dumplings? Of course – they are always part of dim sum, but the

other options (there were 45 menu items just for dim sum) far outnumbered the dumpling varieties. By the way – the regular menu at the Empire runs to hundreds of options. Vegetables – varieties usually found on Canadian tables, such as asparagus and beans, and others that we may never have encountered like Gai Lan or Lotus Root – are common on these menus. Desserts are unlike anything we’re used to. At the Empire, you could (I didn’t) order Double Boiled Bird’s Nest Soup with Sweet Almond Cream. At Jade, we had delicious Coconut Milk Taro Sago Dessert. At Dinesty, I loved the mango pudding. If you are food lover, and planning to visit British Columbia, I can honestly recommend that you plan to have two or three meals in the Dumpling Trail restaurants of Richmond. One caution: a surprising number of these eateries are not licensed. I was told, unofficially, that this is because many of the owners are fundamentalist Christians, who frown on the consumption of alcohol. So, be prepared. Or, be sure you include Jade Seafood in your itinerary, where David Chung happily poured glass after glass of excellent wine for his feasting friends. 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.

Just some of the food served to eager travel journalists at the Jade Seafood Restaurant.

August 26, 2026

Paris Independent

London father walks to Queen’s Park pushing daughter’s empty wheelchair Joe Gesualdi’s journey reaches Paris as he continues his Miles4AMiracle campaign CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

A London father who is pushing his daughter’s empty wheelchair through Ontario is hoping every kilometre will draw attention to a health-care battle that has left his family searching beyond Canada for the treatment she needs. Joe Gesualdi arrived in Paris on Sunday, Aug. 23, as part of a more than 200-kilometre walk to Queen’s Park in Toronto, where he plans to arrive Sept. 16. Gesualdi is making the journey as part of Miles4AMiracle, a campaign aimed at raising money for his 27-yearold daughter Sydney’s neurosurgery while advocating for access to specialized medical treatment. Sydney, who was healthy and independent before a July 2023 collision, has experienced a dramatic decline in her health since being rear-ended while stopped at a red light. She was initially diagnosed with a concussion. She was later diagnosed with craniocervical instability, or CCI, a condition involving instability between the skull and upper spine. Today, Sydney spends most of her time on a couch or in bed, her parents Joe and Kim Gesualdi said. She wears a cervical collar around the clock and uses a wheelchair outside the home, while relying on a walker or cane inside. She experiences severe pain, weakness, sensitivity to light and sound and other debilitating symptoms, and requires help with basic daily activities. Before the accident, Sydney had graduated from McMaster University, operated her own eyelash-esthetics business and was an active young woman who ran, exercised and travelled. “After being rear-ended while stopped at a red light in July 2023, Sydney suffered a concussion and her health deteriorated dramatically,” Joe and Kim said in an interview. “She has since been diagnosed with craniocervical instability, or CCI.” Her doctors have determined she requires cranio-cervical fusion surgery to stabilize her head and neck. Her parents say specialists in the United States have accepted her for surgery, while an application for OHIP Out-of-Country Prior Approval was denied and is now being appealed. The Gesualdis say they pursued treatment options in Ontario before turning to the United States. Sydney underwent specialized testing in New York, including invasive cervical traction and intracranial-pressure monitoring. “The experience has been exhausting, frightening and extremely frustrating,” Joe and Kim said. “We did not begin by looking outside Canada. We pursued the options available here, but the specialized assessment and surgery Sydney requires are not available to her in Ontario.” The family says the surgery is expected to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, leaving them simultaneously pursuing the OHIP appeal and fundraising for Sydney’s treatment. According to the family’s website, Miles4AMiracle, about $66,000 has been raised so far toward the estimated $493,700 Canadian cost of Sydney’s care. For Joe, the decision to walk the distance to Queen’s Park was about making his daughter’s situation visible. “As Sydney’s father, it has been heartbreaking to watch our daughter lose so much of the life she once had while knowing that treatment exists but remains out of reach,” he said. “I needed to do something that people could see, something that would show how urgent her situation is and how far families like ours are being forced to go to access essential medical care.” The empty wheelchair he is pushing has become a central symbol of the campaign. “The wheelchair represents the life Sydney is living today, but its emptiness is also very meaningful,” Joe said. “Sydney is too sick to make this journey herself, so I am

pushing it in her place.” He said the chair represents the health, independence and future Sydney has lost, while also representing hope that surgery could help her regain some of what her illness has taken away. “Every step is for Sydney, but it is also for other Canadians facing similar barriers,” he said. The campaign’s message is simple: “Pushing for Sydney. Walking for Everyone.” For the Gesualdis, the walk isn’t just about raising enough money to pay for one surgery. They want greater awareness of CCI and the challenges faced by people who require highly specialized care, as well as changes to the process for Canadians seeking treatment outside the country. “Our immediate goal is to get Sydney the surgery she urgently needs, but Miles4AMiracle has always been about something larger than our family,” Joe and Kim said. They said they hope the campaign gives other patients and families a voice and encourages changes so future patients do not have to rely on public fundraising to access medically necessary care. “When I reach Queen’s Park on September 16, I want the government to hear that this is not only one family asking for help,” Joe said. “It is a call for urgent action, accountability and timely access to essential healthcare.” The response from communities along the route has already provided encouragement to the family. “Seeing communities along the route rally around Sydney has meant more to our family than we can adequately express,” Joe and Kim said. “This journey is physically demanding for Joe and emotionally difficult for all of us.” Each wave, honk, shared post or person who walks alongside Joe, they said, is a reminder that the family is not facing the fight alone. “Most importantly, it shows Sydney that people believe her life is worth fighting for,” they said. The family is encouraging people to follow and share

(SUBMITTED PHOTO)

Joe Gesualdi takes a break at Starbucks in Paris on Sunday, Aug. 23, during his more than 200-kilometre walk from London to Queen’s Park while pushing his daughter Sydney’s empty wheelchair to raise awareness and funds for the neurosurgery she requires in the United States. Joe is pictured with Starbucks employee Kristin Saburn of Brantford. Kristin offered messages of hope and encouragement.

the Miles4AMiracle campaign and contribute if they are able. Donations can be made through the campaign’s GoFundMe page. For Joe, the goal now is to keep moving — from London, through communities such as Paris and onward to Queen’s Park. “Every kilometre and every difficult day of this journey” will be worthwhile, the family said, if the walk can help Sydney while opening doors for other Canadians facing similar barriers to care.

Paris Independent

Riddles

August 26, 2026

PET OF THE WEEK

The Paris Independent for Wednesday August 26th 2026