DOWNTOWN BURSTS WITH COLOUR
(SARAH
Young art enthusiast Lewis Cooper proudly shows off his colourful face paint by Mama's Magic Faces while displaying his contribution to the Positivity Garland during Saturday's Downtown Paris Art Crawl. Visitors of all ages were invited to write encouraging messages on fabric strips, which were tied together to create a vibrant community art installation. More photos from the Art Crawl appear inside this week's edition on page 8.
CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor
After weeks of debate, public feedback and hundreds of pages of additional review, County of Brant council has approved a new Community Planning Permit System (CPPS), replacing the municipality's traditional planning framework with what staff describe as a simpler, more streamlined "one-window" development
The
library, approving in principle a project plan that would see work begin on site investigations, concept design and other preparatory studies before a final construction budget returns to council. Council approved the recommendation during its July 28 meeting following an in-camera discussion related to a proposed land acquisition.
The decision authorizes $2.6 million from previously approved library and Bawcutt Centre project funding to complete Phase 1 of the project, which includes property acquisition, site analysis, environmental and technical due diligence studies, project management services and the procurement of architectural concept design. The work is targeted for completion by the first quarter of 2027.
The proposed library would replace the current Paris branch, which was built in 1904 and no longer meets the community's operational, accessibility or space requirements. According to the report, the building faces critical system failures, significant space shortages and is un-
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approval process.
The new system, which takes effect Aug. 22, consolidates zoning, site plan control and minor variance approvals into a single planning framework intended to simplify applications while maintaining council oversight on more significant proposals. The bylaw passed July 28 in an 11-1 vote, with Coun. Brian Coleman casting the lone opposing vote. The implementation date was pushed from its original timeline to allow for final preparations and transition planning.
The approval follows council's decision earlier this month to defer the matter after councillors requested additional time to review more than 1,700 pages of reports and public submissions. While support for modernizing the planning process remained strong, much of the discussion since then centred on uncertainty surrounding the new framework and the County becoming one of the first municipalities in Ontario to fully implement a countywide CPPS.
Planning manager Brandon Kortleve told council the objective has always been to simplify planning across the municipality.
"Help simplify planning in the County of Brant. That is why we're moving to one CPPS instead of two separate planning systems, which creates confusion and makes future updating difficult," he said.
Several residents, agricultural stakeholders, developers and businesses had urged council to consider implementing the new system only in urban areas first, leaving rural and agricultural lands under the existing zoning framework until more experience had been gained.
Kortleve said staff considered that approach but concluded a single framework would provide greater consistency.
"That doesn't mean that every area will be treated the same just as our zoning bylaw contains different standards for different communities, different land uses. The CPPS does exactly that as well."
He challenged council to consider the alternative.
"What plans are being solved by excluding areas from our CPPS? If specific policies or standards need refinement, we can do that."
Staff maintained the framework has already evolved significantly through public consultation and council feedback, noting additional refinements were made following the July 7 meeting to address agricultural provisions, transition rules, natural hazards, environmental protections and implementation details. An updated FAQ was also prepared in response to questions raised by councillors and the public.
Addressing concerns from developers with projects already underway, Kortleve said existing approvals remain protected.
"With respect to existing developments in transition I would say staff are satisfied the existing transition provisions protect the existing approvals."
"Approved development can proceed. We've not approved any development rights that have been lost."
He added staff had consulted legal counsel and were satisfied the bylaw aligns with the County's Official Plan adopted in 2023 and complies with the Planning Act.
Kortleve also argued the new framework could benefit rural property owners.
"Rural areas often have fewer specific zoning provisions. They have fewer legacy developments. That makes them kind of well suited for this streamlined approval approach."
He added the CPPS provides more local flexibility while modernizing planning administration in both urban and rural areas.
Despite those assurances, uncertainty remained a recurring theme throughout the meeting.
Among the written submissions received before council
were letters from the Brant County Federation of Agriculture, developers, businesses including Canadian Tire, Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council and several residents. While many supported the concept of modernizing the planning process, several questioned whether the bylaw provides enough clarity around implementation, existing development rights and how the new approval process will function in practice.
Canadian Tire's planning consultants, for example, expressed concern portions of the proposed bylaw could unintentionally render existing commercial development legally non-complying, potentially making future building additions and modest site improvements more difficult without additional approvals. The company asked the County to include stronger protections for existing developments while continuing to support long-term redevelopment objectives.
The Brant County Federation of Agriculture also questioned applying one planning framework across the entire municipality, suggesting agricultural lands warrant additional safeguards. Staff responded that agricultural areas would continue operating under their own zoning permissions within the countywide framework and emphasized that Minimum Distance Separation requirements, agricultural impact assessments and council oversight for significant rural proposals remain unchanged.
During council discussion, Coun. Robert Chambers acknowledged the learning curve the new system may create. He cautioned there will be residents who are unfamiliar with the new requirements and suggested flexibility may be needed to help applicants navigate the transition.
Kortleve replied applicants who are uncomfortable with staff-level approvals always have the option of requesting council consideration.
Coun. John Bell said one of his longstanding frustrations has been developers repeatedly seeking zoning variances that ultimately increase the value of their projects without providing additional benefit to the municipality.
"One of my biggest frustrations as a councillor is developers come to this table and ask for multiple variances to
our zoning bylaws. And that demand seems to just ratchet up every year. It is given for the most part and if don't give we seem to be taken to the Ontario Land Tribunal. And it comes to no direct benefit to the county. It clearly aids economic case for the developer. I think the CPPS helps by putting a framework around that."
Bell focused much of his discussion on the proposed Facilities, Services and Matters (FSM) framework, which would allow the County to negotiate community benefits when developments exceed baseline planning permissions. He said when additional density creates greater economic value for developers, some of that benefit should also support municipal infrastructure.
Bell asked staff, "If we approve CPPS that means wee approve FSM. Are we saying that part of what we approve is directing what is the best strategy for FSM?"
Kortleve replied, "That is correct." However, Chambers questioned why the County was implementing the framework before finalizing its long-term strategy.
"Why are we implementing it before we have a consideration of the long-term strategy? Why don't we understand it first and know what it is going to be before implementing it?" Kortleve acknowledged those concerns.
"We've heard from council and public that is maybe not well understood and the intention behind this direction, this piece where that money is spent, is going to go back for public consultation."
Coun. Jennifer Kyle said she expects the new planning framework to continue evolving after implementation.
"This is the beginning and there will be lots of adjustments as the CPPS is implemented," she said, adding she intends to monitor the system closely to ensure necessary changes are made.
Recognizing many of the concerns raised during public consultation, council also directed staff to closely monitor the rollout of the new planning system and continue reporting back with opportunities for public feedback. Staff have committed to returning to council within three to six months, and again after one year, to evaluate how the system is working and recommend refinements where needed.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
able to keep pace with the county's growing population.
Library board chair Marilyn Sewell said the vision extends well beyond replacing an aging building.
"The one place in our community where everyone is welcome no matter who you are, where you come from or what you look like," Sewell said while describing the future branch.
"In the design phase we will ensure our new library remembers our past, reflects our present and is aspirational about tomorrow. We will honour the indigenous history of this land."
She added the facility will be designed to serve residents of all ages and abilities.
The project is expected to unfold over four phases, beginning with site selection and concept design, followed by detailed engineering and planning, construction
through late 2028 and a public opening in early 2029.
The report estimates construction and planning costs at $22.75 million, with recommended contingency and escalation funding bringing the total projected budget to about $28.3 million. However, library officials stressed council was not being asked to approve that amount.
Library CEO Kelly Bernstein described the financial figures as preliminary.
"This is a high-level budget because that reflects the stage of the process we are at."
She said the board has confidence in the estimates but expects the numbers to become more refined as concept design and technical studies are completed.
Bernstein also said the funding strategy does not rely on senior government grants.
"After research by the board there are no grants available for libraries right now. We have to be realistic and accept that grants will not be a reliable source of funding for
this project."
Instead, the report anticipates funding from a combination of development charges, fundraising, debentures and other sources.
Coun. David Miller questioned whether the project's fundraising target of $1 million was achievable.
"We do," Bernstein replied. "I couldn't stand up here and say $5 million because that is not realistic."
She said the estimate was based on community feedback and fundraising experience during planning for the former Bawcutt Centre proposal.
Miller also asked about the projected $1.5-million architectural design cost, noting the work has not yet gone to tender.
Bernstein said the architectural estimate represents the upper end of expected costs and is one of the reasons council was being asked to approve only the first phase of the project.
"We aim to come under budget," she said.
Coun. John Bell supported including professional project management in the budget, saying volunteer boards have learned from experience that major construction projects require specialized expertise. "So whilst the library board will be owners of the project they will not hands on managers," Bell said. "That is just not the skill set we have." An updated needs assessment completed for the library board concluded the new central branch should contain at least 26,250 square feet, remain within one kilometre of downtown Paris to preserve walkability, include a minimum of 57 parking spaces and serve as a highly visible civic destination. The study also found 65 per cent of public consultation participants preferred the new library remain close to the downtown core while emphasizing accessibility, flexible programming space and room to accommodate future population growth.
fident enough to try.
Potter said first-time participants quickly discover there is no pressure to perform or even share their work.
What started as an idea between two local artists has grown into one of Paris' most welcoming creative communities.
Four years after its first sketch meet-up, the Paris Sketchers group continues to attract artists of all ages and abilities who gather once a month to capture the community's historic streetscapes, natural beauty and unique landmarks – while building friendships along the way.
Founded by local artists Steve Howes and Christa Potter after the pandemic, the group has evolved from a handful of enthusiasts into a well-established community with a loyal core of regular members, while still welcoming newcomers at every gathering.
Looking back, Potter said the group's greatest achievement isn't measured by artistic talent, but by the atmosphere its members have created.
"The thing I'm most proud of is how the group has developed such a strong reputation of being welcoming, friendly, and encouraging, for all levels of artists," she said.
"It has been incredible to see the growth and development of so many members, whether it's in artistic skill or just in confidence to share their artwork and continue showing up." That welcoming environment has become the group's trademark, helping ease the nerves of people who may have always wanted to sketch but never felt con-
"We have people who take photographs, people who draw digitally, people who work for a short amount of time and then talk for the rest of it, and there are many members who were also nervous to show up, but are now part of the steering committee," she said. "Most of us have our own version of a story that starts with: 'I wasn't very good at…' and ends with 'But now I can…'."
Each monthly meet-up offers participants the freedom to create in whatever way feels most comfortable.
"Our meetings are always lighthearted, friendly, and sweet," Potter said. "We have enthusiastic people with big personalities and quiet people with calm personalities, and everyone fits together just perfectly."
Artists can work independently, partner with another sketcher or join a small group before everyone comes together at the end of the session for a traditional "throwdown" to display their artwork and pose for a group photo – a tradition that has remained since the group's early days.
Paris itself has become an endless source of inspiration.
From its historic architecture and scenic rivers to its vibrant downtown and surrounding natural landscapes, Potter said every location offers something unique. When the weather doesn't cooperate, local businesses and community organizations have opened their doors, allowing the group to sketch indoors.
Among some of the many locations that have welcomed the artists are the Paris Public Library, Wincey Mills, Three Brothers, the Paris Lawn Bowling Club, Paris Community Church and several historic homes throughout the community. "I could not even pick a favourite because each one is so meaningful in its own way," Potter said.
That welcoming spirit and shared passion for sketching has even begun attracting international attention. Just this week, an administrator for Paris Croquis in Paris, France, reached out to the local group through social media after discovering its Canadian namesake. In a fitting connection between two communities that share both the name Paris and a love of art, the groups are now making plans for a sketch exchange when members from both organizations attend the International Urban Sketchers Symposium in Toronto. The symposium is scheduled for Aug. 4 to 7, 2027, marking what organizers hope will be the beginning of a creative friendship between one Paris and another.
While improving artistic skills is certainly part of the experience, Potter believes many members leave each session with something even more valuable.
"For me, it has been a monthly rhythm of Sabbath as I take time to stop and reflect on what is around me, what I see and what it means to me," she said. "I always leave each sketching event feeling calm and filled up – whether that was because of the two hours of quiet reflection or pleasant conversation." She added that a close-knit sense of community has naturally developed over the past four years. "There is definitely a strong sense of family, though, especially with members who have been attending since day one," Potter said. "Even though we see each other only once a month, they're still a sense of camaraderie and a bond through our mutual love of art and place."
The group meets once a month, typically on a Saturday or Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with locations announced in advance on its Facebook and Instagram pages. Participants only need to bring something to create art on and something to create art with, although specific supplies may vary depending on the location.
"We are always happy to welcome new members and guests, whether you are a lifer or just a curious visitor," Potter said. For many, what begins as an afternoon of sketching has become much more – an opportunity to slow down, connect with others and see Paris through a different lens.
CASANDRA TURNBULL
Managing Editor
Despite investing in physician recruitment over the past three years, the County of Brant continues to face a growing shortage of family doctors, prompting staff to recommend a fresh approach focused on stronger regional partnerships and updated recruitment strategies.
A report presented to the County of Brant's Administration and Operations Committee on July 21 found the municipality's current physician recruitment program has had "limited impact" as demand for primary care continues to outpace available physicians. Staff are now seeking council's direction to explore changes before returning with recommendations at a future meeting.
The report notes approximately 5,355 County residents, about 12 per cent of the population, are currently without a primary care provider.
Based on average patient rosters, staff estimate the county needs an additional three to four family physicians just to meet existing demand, with population growth and upcoming physician retirements expected to widen the gap further.
Council first established its Physician Recruitment Program in 2023 before updating the strategy in 2024 to include a feefor-placement recruitment firm, financial incentives and marketing initiatives aimed at attracting new physicians.
However, the report concludes those efforts have produced limited results.
Over the past two years, the program
recruited one new physician, who left the County after 18 months, while interest from approximately four other physicians failed to result in confirmed placements. During that same period, one retiring physician was replaced independently through personal professional networks rather than through the County's recruitment program.
Coun. John Bell acknowledged the program's challenges but pointed out it still produced a positive outcome.
"We did have success in finding one new physician who unfortunately decided to move her practice elsewhere. But her patients went with her," Bell said. "So the investment we made in supporting that physician has actually paid off because we still have 1000 more people who have a doctor who didn't have one before."
Bell added that recruiting more physicians remains critical.
"But the underlying problem has not gone away. In the health hub, we have three spaces available for additional family physicians but I think you calculated in the report that we need four or five. So this is work that is important and I'm supportive of continuing the work."
He also encouraged staff to strengthen relationships with regional healthcare partners.
The report reflects broader changes underway in Ontario's healthcare system.
The province has shifted its focus toward team-based primary care, investing billions of dollars to connect all Ontarians with primary care providers by 2029. Rather than relying solely on family physicians, the model emphasizes teams that include nurse practitioners and other allied health professionals. The report also notes the
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Brant-Brantford-Norfolk Ontario Health Team currently has one of the lowest rates of attachment to team-based primary care in southwestern Ontario, with only about 18 per cent of residents connected to those services.
Coun. Robert Chambers questioned whether the County should consider a more direct role in healthcare delivery.
"Some municipalities some cities are hiring doctors as municipal employees and they work in their health hubs as employees of the municipality.
Is that something we are looking at?" he asked.
Project Manager of Corporate Initiatives
Jenna van Klaveren said the idea is one staff intend to investigate.
Coun. Jennifer Kyle wanted to know why physicians who express interest ultimately decide not to establish practices in Brant.
Van Klaveren said discussions with recruitment partners have identified several recurring challenges.
Van Klaveren said discussions with recruitment partners, including PrimaCare and CanAm Physician Recruiting, indicate there is no shortage of interest from prospective physicians.
However, Brant is competing in a highly competitive recruitment market, where financial considerations, physician support and better promotion of the County as an
attractive place to live and work all play significant roles in successfully attracting candidates.
The report similarly identifies a highly competitive recruitment environment, stronger regional coordination and enhanced marketing as key opportunities for improvement. It recommends maintaining current financial incentives while improving oversight of recruitment efforts, expanding collaboration with the Brant-Brantford-Norfolk Ontario Health Team and strengthening promotional efforts highlighting both the County's lifestyle and available supports.
General Manager of Strategic Initiatives Adam Crozier said the County has already begun discussions with regional healthcare partners as the provincial model evolves. "I did want to note that the mayor and I did meet with the Brant-Brantford Norfolk Ontario Health Team back in early fall last year to explore what their plans are as the province does seem to have shifted to a primary care model not a primary care physician model."
He added, "Looking at a regional approach is still quite new to us."
Committee members received the report for information and directed staff to continue exploring enhancements to the physician recruitment program before returning to council with recommendations.
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CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor
The nomination clock is ticking. By 2 p.m. on Aug. 21, residents who believe they can help shape the future of the County of Brant will have made one of two decisions: either put their name on the ballot or leave the job to someone else.
Municipal politics has never been more important.
Over the past four years, County council has wrestled with some of the biggest decisions in recent memory. Growth has transformed communities almost overnight. Council has debated major infrastructure projects, a new central library, affordable housing initiatives, the Official Plan, a long-term financial plan, airport boundary discussions, hospital planning, parking regulations, zoning bylaw changes and the Downtown Dig – to name a few. Nearly every decision has generated passionate opinions both inside council chambers and across social media.
Residents have not been shy about sharing what they believe council should or shouldn't be doing. Now comes the opportunity to do more than comment.
Running for municipal office is not easy. It is a part-time position with full-time expectations. Councillors spend countless hours preparing for meetings, reading reports, attending committee and council sessions, responding to constituent concerns, following up with staff and representing
the community at local events. They do it while balancing careers, families and other commitments, often for compensation that falls well short of reflecting the time invested. It is, in many ways, a thankless job.
That reality helps explain why recruiting candidates can be difficult. Martin Horak, director of the Centre for Urban Policy and Local Governance at Western University, notes that incumbents often benefit from name recognition while municipal politicians also face increasing public criticism despite relatively modest pay. Those factors can discourage otherwise qualified people from running.
But they should not stop you.
Several incumbent councillors seeking re-election have publicly encouraged others to enter the race. Healthy democracies depend on competition, fresh perspectives and voters having meaningful choices. Elections should never be about protecting seats, they should be about earning them.
The County of Brant already has competitive races taking shape in several wards, but there is still time for more candidates to step forward before nominations close.
Just as important is ensuring residents actually cast a ballot.
Voter turnout has steadily declined over the past decade. Municipal elections drew roughly 40 per cent of eligible voters in 2010, slipped slightly in 2014, fell again in 2018 and dropped dramatically in 2022.
The last municipal election saw just 8,438 of the County's 30,786 eligible elec-
Mayor (Mayor David Bailey is not seeking re-election.)
• Christine Garneau-Bisaillon
• Jennifer Kyle
• Graham Horner
Ward 1
(Jennifer Kyle is seeking the mayor's chair and is not running for re-election.)
• John MacAlpine (incumbent)
• John Kemp
• Denise Dyment
Ward 2 (Paris)
(Incumbent Lukas Oakley is not seeking re-election.)
• Steve Howes (incumbent)
• James McCulloch
• Jeff Johnston
Ward 3 (Paris)
• John Bell (incumbent)
• John Peirce (incumbent)
• Emad Yosif
• David Spencer
• Arooj Shaikh
• Clifford Atfield (former councillor, 2010-2014)
Ward 4
(David Miller is running for school
board trustee.)
• Robert Chambers (incumbent)
• Corey Donn
• Andrea Bowden
• Elaine Tulley
• Heather Keam
• Claudine Craigie
Ward 5
• Ella Haley (incumbent)
• Mike Gatopoulos
• Sonia Brown
• Incumbent Brian Coleman has not announced whether he intends to seek re-election.
By the Numbers
2022 County of Brant Municipal Election
• Eligible voters: 30,786
• Votes cast: 8,438
• Voter turnout: 27.41%
Turnout Trend
• 2010: ~40%
• 2014: ~39%
• 2018: ~36%
• 2022: 27.41%
• Think you can make a difference? There is still time to file nomination papers before the Aug. 21 deadline.
tors vote, a turnout of only 27.41 per cent. Think about that for a moment.
Less than one in three eligible residents determined who would make decisions affecting roads, parks, recreation, development, taxes, emergency services, libraries, planning and countless other issues that shape everyday life.
Many residents passionately debate these issues online. Social media fills with criticism over how councillors vote, how projects are managed and what direction the County should take. There is nothing wrong with holding elected officials accountable. In fact, democracy depends on it. But accountability should always start with a ballot on election day.
If you believe growth is moving too quickly, vote. If you believe the County needs to invest more aggressively in infrastructure, vote. If you support council's
direction, vote.
If you think council needs a completely different direction, vote—and if you believe you have the experience, ideas and commitment to make that happen, consider putting your own name on the ballot.
Municipal government is the level of government closest to people's daily lives.
The decisions made around the council table affect residents far more directly than many realize. Democracy works best when communities have engaged candidates, informed voters and meaningful choices.
The nomination deadline is approaching on August 21. Election day will follow soon after.
Whether you choose to run or simply cast a ballot, don't leave the future of your community in someone else's hands.
This is your opportunity to help shape what comes next.
Dear Editor:
Our situation with the United States administration today reminds me a bit of a situation in which my friend found himself years back. I was a member of a canoe and kayak club in Edmonton which included Kurt who was a kayaker. He, with a group of canoeists and kayakers out for some weekend entertainment, came across a river that looked like a good paddle. Ignoring the cardinal rule of any canoeist or kayaker, know the river you’re about to paddle on. They set out somewhat reminiscent of P.M. Brian Mulroney and NAFT.A.
After a while the group began encountering white water that got rough enough for the canoeists to pull out but the two kayakers continued. By the time they realized the white water was getting dangerous for them, they couldn’t leave the river. They hadn’t paid attention to the change in the riverbanks and now they were in a cleft committed to riding out the increasingly turbulent water. Unfortunately, that included going over a falls. As he went over, Kurt grabbed a rock outcrop. His kayak went on down and was destroyed. There was no way he could climb up the face of the cleft. He was left with two options. Hold onto the rock and hope that other members of the group got to him before he succumbed to hypothermia and was swept
to his death or push off from the rock and ride the falls down while he still had strength to manage some control over his descent. I have seen pictures of this falls. It looked like your survival rate was about 10%. He chose to push off. It was a close thing. Through his own efforts and the vagaries of the currents he just made it to shore where he lay exhausted. With the benefit of hindsight, we now know that if he had clung to the rock waiting for rescue, he would have surely succumbed to hypothermia and drowning before other members of the group could finish rescuing the kayaker on the other side of the river then find a crossing get to him.
It seems that we Canadians are in a similar situation. Shall we cling to the hope that the United States will again become benevolent before our economy is shredded. Or shall we support the push off, into the very frightening turbulence of reorganizing the way we do things in both our internal economy and our external relations sustained only by the belief we can build a Canada more independent and resilient.
At the same time, we might do well to heed the advice the lovely chartreuse Hélène sang to pilots in Billy Bishop Goes To War.
Robert MacMillan | Brantford, Ont.
Children have a wonderful way of noticing things adults often walk right past. They’ll stop to watch a bird, run their hand along an old brick wall, ask why one building looks different from the next, or point out something the rest of us haven’t noticed for years. Somewhere along the way, many of us stop looking quite so closely.
Downtown Paris has a way of rewarding people who slow down. The more you wander, the more you notice.
Have you ever noticed the beautiful ceilings in some of our downtown buildings?
The original tin tiles in AJ Chicoyne Gift
Shop, the raw tiles in Rousseau Rares, or the beautifully aged plaster ceiling in John Hall Linens. The Gem Marketplace ceiling has been lovingly restored so future generations can look up and enjoy a piece of the past.
Or the faded ghost signs still painted high on old brick walls? They’re gentle reminders of the businesses and people who helped shape our downtown long before today’s storefronts.
What about our town’s old wooden doors? The old door at John Hall Linens has cracked paint and worn brass hardware polished smooth by generations of hands. Cobblestone Pub still has their original storefront and double wooden doors that have welcomed many generations of people through its doors. Tiny imperfections are scattered throughout our town that tell a story in the most beautiful way.
Have you ever noticed the heavy timber trusses inside Le Petit Marche? Look a little closer and you will spot dark scorch marks that have remained for decades. Or the secret bookshelf door? Sometimes the best stories are hidden in places we’d never think to look.
Did you know the old sign from the Art Depot is now a table at Miller’s Candy Co? What once welcomed customers from the street has found a new life inside the shop. Instead of throwing away a piece of history, it became part of their story.
Inside Wincey Mills, have you ever noticed the brick walls don’t all match? Each
section tells a story of the building's history. While you wander through the market have you ever noticed the smells change with every step? Fresh coffee, popcorn, a sweet bakery and the unmistakable aroma of craft beer.
Not everything worth noticing is made of brick and stone.
Have you ever watched the pigeons take their evening laps around the church tower? Every evening they fly together circling the downtown a few times and then settle in for the night. Have you ever heard the river after the rain? Or Listened to the train crossing the bridge? Downtown Paris has a soundtrack.
Have you ever experienced something you weren’t expecting? A dinosaur skull perched high on a shop owners shelf, or an animated store window? Copper downspouts or a beautiful mural? A familiar face waving from across the street?
There are stories above our heads, beneath our feet and all around us. The more time we spend looking, listening and wan-
dering, the more those stories begin to reveal themselves. There is a rhythm to Downtown Paris that you only notice if you slow down.
By Chris Whelan
As we enter the early days of August, the 150th anniversary of the world’s first successful long-distance telephone call is now less than a week away. Last week, we explored why Alexander Graham Bell, facing immense skepticism from the scientific community, chose our very own Grand River Street North as the testing ground for his "talking telegraph."
But choosing a location was the easy part. Actually making the voices travel between Brantford and Paris required overcoming a series of technological hurdles that seem almost unimaginable by today's wireless standards.
In 1876, the concept of transmitting acoustic signals, human speech, over a wire was revolutionary. Standard telegraphs only needed to transmit simple electrical pulses to tap out Morse code. Voice transmission, however, required a continuous, fluctuating electrical current capable of carrying the complex physical vibrations of sound. The rudimentary acoustic equipment Bell had designed was incredibly inefficient, meaning the electri-
(HTTPS://WWW.INSULATORS.CA/DTCO_HISTORY/ PHOTO)
Head office of the Dominion Telegraph Company of Canada – Toronto, 1873: “Our (Toronto Head Office) ..is situated on the corners of Church, Wellington, and Front Streets. In the basement we find Mr. Munsie managing the store department. On the first floor is the receiving room under the direct management of Mr. L. M. McFarlaine. On the second floor are the offices of the General Manager, Secretary and Superintendent… We pass on to the third floor and here we find the operating-room under the management of Mr. S. E. Gibbs… We have a staff of sixteen operators”. Note: Above the telegraph sign at the top of the third floor window appears to be a cross-arm holding wires going directly into the operating room.
cal signal needed to be forcefully pushed down the line to have any hope of reaching its destination intact.
This presented a massive logistical problem. The local Dominion Telegraph Company office in Brantford, where Bell's associates were to man the transmitter, simply did not possess the massive electrical batteries required to push a voice signal all the way to Paris.
If they had just strung a direct wire between the two towns, as they had already successfully done in earlier experiments from Tutela Heights to Brantford and then again in a test to another house in Mt. Pleasant, the signal would have died completely along the way, absorbed by the natural electrical resistance of the iron telegraph lines. The solution was a feat of staggering ambition. Bell and the telegraph operators devised a plan to bypass a direct route entirely. Instead, they would route the Brantford signal north, all the way along the main commercial telegraph trunk to Toronto. There, they would tap into the massive, high-capacity battery banks at the Dominion Telegraph Company's provincial headquarters and then send the energized signal all the way back down the line to the receiver station inside Robert Whyte's Boot and Shoe Store here in Paris.
To connect two towns sitting roughly 13 kilometres apart, Bell had to rely on a staggering 93 kilometres of wire.
As the sun set on August 9th, the tension was palpable. The commercial telegraph lines had to be cleared of their regular nighttime traffic to accommodate the test.
Inside Robert Whyte's shoe store, Bell was busy setting up his crude, temperamental
receiver. It was a makeshift assembly of electromagnets, iron membranes, and wire, looking more like a high school science project than a device that would change the course of human history.
Bell knew the risks. The massive amount of wire involved meant the electrical resistance would be extraordinarily high. The connections between Brantford, Toronto, and Paris were subject to weather, physical damage, and unpredictable interference. If the Toronto batteries proved insufficient, or if a single stretch of the 93-kilometre circuit failed, he would hear nothing but dead air.
He had bet his entire reputation, his years
of exhaustive research, and his family's unwavering support on a web of iron wire and borrowed electricity. As he prepared for the historic test scheduled for the following evening, Bell could do nothing more but check his connections, wait in the quiet of the Paris telegraph office, and hope that the wires would finally speak.
Next Week in Paris Past: Join us for our special August 12th Anniversary Edition as we chronicle the dramatic climax of the experiment. We will detail exactly what Bell heard through the static in Robert Whyte’s shoe store, the songs sung from Brantford, and the birth of global telecommunications right here in downtown Paris.
By Gary Chalk Non-Pulitzer Prize Winning Columnist
Dietitians have long promoted the nutritional value of eating green leafy vegetables, including lettuce. Well! I wonder what these sliced celery stick-eaters are saying these days? The lettuce bowl has become, well, the toilet bowl. All because PhD-educated food scientists officially named a parasitic illness ‘EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA.’ This has led to a huge, well, outpouring across the USA. They could have named it Volatile Looseness, even Unstable Intestines. But no, they went all out — so to speak — and named it EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA!
The culprit is contaminated lettuce, which when consumed causes cyclosporiasis, which causes the Human Elimination System (HES) to have a Sudden System Malfunction (SSM). The result is !#&%! By this time, it is waayyy too late.
This has made for interesting conversation at the dinner table…
“Jan, just to be safe I will take a pass on the lettuce salad this evening. I don’t want to embarrass you with EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA.”
Jan put her fork down, wiped her lips with a napkin, and said, “Thanks a lot Gary. Suddenly I am not hungry anymore.”
“Well, next time would you like me to call it volatile looseness?”
The epicentre of EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA is the USA. Canadians have our fingers crossed, mostly our legs crossed, that it stays that way. We are proud of our open border with no fences. Sure, illegal guns and drugs can make their way in, but
The Grand Gallery is helping strike the perfect balance between action and leisure this August with its second 2026 exhibition, Locally Sourced, opening Wednesday, August 5 and running through Sunday, September 6. As summer winds down and thoughts slowly turn to fall, it's the perfect excuse to take a stroll through downtown Paris.
Locally Sourced showcases the work of local artists working across a wide range of mediums, including painters Linda Rudyk, Lyndsay Showers-Pearce, Aliki Mikulich, Tania Ploeger, Luke Moule, Lisa Franklin and Patti Gallant; fibre artists Angela Roorda and Carol Shortt; printmaker Tony Churchill; screenprinter John Kumis; taxidermist Jess Lee; mixed media artists Lenny Jones and J. Masil Cyanotypes;
photographer John Winters; photographic artist Daniel Brinks; and ceramicist Palette Potter: Ceramics by Tessa.
The focus of this exhibition is to show the gamut of skill, talent and flair that is available to all of us in our own neighbourhood, creations from our own neighbours and a reminder if we need one, to discover local.
The Grand Gallery is open Wednesdays and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m., and Thursdays through Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m. with a Paris Lates event on Friday August 21st from 6 pm to 9 pm for folks to enjoy an evening of artist introductions and refreshments.
Spend your August taking your time and enjoying refreshing staycations in Paris.
There are so many things happening in town and so much waiting for you to discover or rediscover about where you live.
the EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA movement is a non-starter.
I feel sorry for the many American readers of Living Retired. One minute they are enjoying a conversation with friends about the price of gasoline — okay bad example — then before they can say, ‘Plop Plop Fizz Fizz, Oh What A Relief It Is’ they jump up and scream, “Hold that thought!”
Throughout my years Living Retired I have written about many topics, but never have I typed on my keyboard EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA! But the time has come, and, well, I cannot hold it back any longer!
EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA is not for the faint of heart. It is one thing for people Living Retired to hear ‘Todays stock market went down.’ We NEVER want to listen to a voicemail ‘Please call the doctor’s office right away when you get this message.’ But we NEVER want to hear, EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA! in the media, or in our bathrooms!
But it seems everywhere we go these days you cannot avoid EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA! — by this I mean you cannot help but hear someone saying EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA! Take the media… Professional journalists are all over EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA. Television announcers with sparkling teeth and coiffed
hair look straight into the camera and say, “EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA.” The cable stations use EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA as BREAKING NEWS, DEVELOPING NEWS, and “THIS JUST IN!” Whoa! Shouldn’t it be THIS JUST OUT! Just saying…
At least newspaper reporters don’t have to say it, they simply smear EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA across the front page. This is much more civil, and excuse the expression, not in your face; sorry but you get my drift.
Jan and I are in a quandary: on Wednesday we are hosting Sue and Fred, and Nancy and Brian from Waterloo for dinner.
Then, Saturday Rick and Judy are coming over. What to serve?
“Jan we cannot serve lettuce, and because of allergies to peppers, onions, and seafood, all that is left are salt and vinegar potato chips, beef jerky, and beer.”
Meanwhile, even NASA is getting in on EXPLOSIVE DIARRHEA, saying, ‘One small leak for man. One major mess for mankind.’
Living Retired is written by Gary Chalk and published throughout Canada and USA. To receive Living Retired by email each week, or to book Gary to speak at your service club, corporate event, or retirement party contact Gchalk@me.com.
More than 20 community organizations came together at Lions Park on July 25 for the inaugural Brant Cares Community Connection Day, an event designed to help residents discover the wide range of services, programs and opportunities available throughout the County of Brant.
Hosted through the County of Brant's Brant Cares initiative, the free event encouraged residents to connect directly with local organizations while enjoying a day of family-friendly entertainment, food and activities.
Community Connection Day showcased organizations offering support in areas including housing, employment, mental health, accessibility, legal services, childcare, emergency services, community inclusion and newcomer assistance. Visitors had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with representatives, ask questions and learn about programs available to residents of all ages.
Brant Cares serves as the county's centralized information hub, connecting residents with local services such as immigration support, employment and housing resources, childcare information, transit services and other community programs.
Alongside the information booths, the event featured live entertainment from local performers throughout the day, including Harrison McRae, Lisa Costa, Darren Jones and Rodel Ramos, Chinyi C and J.E. Lopez, The Shrubberies, Macmillan Hunter and Sabrina Reid-Smith. Families also enjoyed face painting, a balloon artist, food vendors, the Lions Club of Paris food trailer and a free public swim.
Among the organizations participating were Brant-Brantford Paramedic Services, Brant OPP, the County of Brant Fire Department, County of Brant Public Library, CMHA Brant Haldimand Norfolk, Nova Vita Domestic Violence Prevention, Sensity: Deafblind and Sensory Support Network of Canada, Willowbridge Community Services, Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services, SOAR Community Services, Contact Brant, the Community Legal Clinic Brant Haldimand Norfolk, Positive Health Network, Brant 4-H Association, Girl Guides, The Bridge and Brant Pride, The Equity and Advocacy Social Justice Foundation, WorQshop, Darmont GivesBack, Big Cityyy Arts and Brant Art Matters, Glen Morris United Church, the Ministry of Transportation, Mayor David Bailey, MP Dan Muys and the Lions Club of Paris.
The event highlighted the strength of collaboration among local agencies and organizations while providing residents with an accessible way to discover the many services available across the county. Orga-
nizers hope Community Connection Day will continue to strengthen awareness of community supports while fostering connections between residents and the organizations that serve them.
The countdown is on! Lansdowne Children’s Centre is excited to activate the 8th annual Heroes Walk and Roll fundraising campaign, inviting the entire community to come together in support of infants, children, and youth, facing communication, physical, and developmental needs.
"Heroes Walk and Roll is more than a fundraiser. It's a celebration of courage, inclusion, and community," said Lynda Henriksen, Lansdowne Director of Development and Community Relations.
"Every step walked, every wheel rolled, every dollar donated, and every sponsorship secured helps create opportunities for children and families to access support in their journey to discover, grow and achieve their potential."
Since 2019, funds raised by Lansdowne Heroes help Lansdowne Children’s Centre to better connect families to services, resources, and expert guidance through our SmartStart Hub team, making it easier for parents and caregivers to find answers, access supports, and navigate their child’s developmental journey. By working together with families and community partners, Lansdowne helps children realize their optimal potential and build brighter futures.
Participants in the 2026 Heroes Walk and Roll can look forward to the return of the popular super-celebratory fun fair in Brant Park on Saturday, September 26. The hero-themed event provides family-friendly entertainment, exciting activities, accessible games, interactive experiences, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate our favourite heroes. The event promises a day filled with energy, smiles, and community spirit for people of all ages and abilities, and everyone is invited to take part – Lansdowne families and community supporters.
“The impact of donor support is truly life-changing,” said Henriksen. “Every
contribution helps strengthen access to services, reduce barriers for local families, and build a more inclusive community. Heroes Walk and Roll gives everyone the chance to make a difference while having fun and showing children and families facing everyday challenges that they are not alone.”
Some of the programs and resources for babies, children and teens across Grand Erie that are supported through Heroes Walk and Roll include the Resource Library at Lansdowne’s Brantford site, which is a collection of over 4,000 educational books and toys, and specialized developmental equipment that client families can access for free; the Equipment Loan Program, which bridges client access to specialty devices like walkers and wheelchairs for mobility as they grow; and the Every Kid Counts (EKC) support program.
Lansdowne CEO Rita-Marie Hadley explained that through EKC, children and youth with developmental disabilities and/ or additional needs who require extra support are provided with a Support Worker at no charge to the client family. This assistance allows more kids to be included in community-based day camps and recreation programs in Brantford-Brant.
“EKC not only strengthens access for our clients, but it also removes barriers and promotes real inclusion in the community,” Hadley said. “Every dollar that is donated helps ensure that local families are supported in real, tangible, life-changing ways.”
Community members are encouraged to register, walk, roll, donate, fundraise, and sponsor. Whether participating as an individual, family, school, workplace, or community organization team, every act of support helps strengthen services for some of our community’s most vulnerable children and youth. Registration and event details are available online, at: www.heroeswalkandroll.com
On Thursday, July 23rd, the Cobblestone Commons was filled with celebration as the Women Inspiring Women Women’s Institute officially presented its 2026 post-secondary scholarships to two inspiring local high school graduates.
Lexi Rose and Rory Gunn-Pereira were each awarded a $500 cheque to help fund their upcoming university studies. Selected from a competitive pool of applicants across Brant County, the City of Brantford, and Six Nations of the Grand River, both recipients stood out for their exemplary dedication to leadership, peer support, and community work.
As part of the application, students were required to submit a 500-word essay titled "A local person who has inspired me," highlighting a non-family member from the area who shaped their worldview.
“We were incredibly impressed with the applications we received for this year’s scholarship,” said Dianne Edwards, chair of the WI scholarship committee. “The two students selected exemplified both a deep compassion for community and a selfless approach to leadership that matched perfectly with our mission at the Women Inspiring Women Women’s Institute.”
Brantford resident Lexi Rose, 18, is a re-
cent graduate of St. John’s College and will be attending Brock University in the fall to study Child and Youth Studies, with the goal of becoming a primary school teacher.
Lexi’s essay focused on Orange Shirt Day founder Phyllis Westad whom she met recently during a HIP (Honouring Indigenous Peoples) retreat. The Women’s Institute scholarship marks her third award of the season. She was previously awarded a scholarship for a speech she delivered at Brantford’s Remembrance Day ceremony, as well as a Memorial Day scholarship.
Paris resident Rory Gunn-Pereira, 18, is heading to Wilfrid Laurier University to pursue a degree in Health Sciences, where she aims to become a nephrologist (a physician specializing in kidney care).
Rory’s inspiration for her field of study is deeply personal. In her essay, she wrote about one of her young dance students who is currently battling a severe kidney condition called Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis Type II. Teaching and supporting her young student inspired Rory to dedicate her future career to studying and treating kidney disease. Rory’s outstanding academic record also earned her an automatic acceptance President’s Choice scholarship to Laurier, as well as a scholarship from the local Kiwanis Club.
The Women Inspiring Women, Women’s
Institute takes great pride in supporting youth who demonstrate both high ambition and genuine care for their communities. In addition to their cash awards, both
Lexi and Rory have been invited to attend a Women’s Institute meeting in Paris during the Fall/Winter of 2026 to be formally recognized by the full membership.
Sponsored by Paris Canadian Tire
SID LUCKMAN
Paris Independent Contributor
*Editor’s note. This is a special two week report so buckle up and get ready to catch up on all the Dusters’ action!
Like most of southwestern Ontario, yes, the Dusters had a smoke break in July. This break inspired Duster goalies to heat up! Goalie Neufeld and Goalie Montour were undoubtedly the stars of the day. Nothing got by them that didn't deserve a good home in the back of the net.
Blood was drawn as Opy and Paul met on the blue line. Opy was asked and just said, “I turned right....right into Paul".
Paul could not be reached for comment.
It has been said that JY is a giving sort of guy. Likely, that may have been a quote from JY's defensive teammates. They wondered why that giving spirit seems to apply to the opposing team. Perhaps in future JY could not "give" the puck to players in the other colour? Just saying.
The offence of Sean and Brian was hard to beat. Until they met the defence of Butters and Braeden. Even Greg and Spencer couldn't deal with that juggernaut!
But folks the day belonged to the Crease Sentinels! It was they who made saves like no one's business!!! An intense day in
blue ice.
On July 30th, the Dusters were back with some end to end magic to finish out the month.
If you like speed, power and goals galore...you probably won't be that into Dusters Hockey. However, if you want to see the personification of "all roads lead to shinny" then you want to be at the BSC on Thursdays at 5:30pm.
The return of Big Ken Grasley sparked the group to a level of intensity not seen this year. An anonymous defender was quoted, "I stepped out for a coffee and a muffin between shifts; before I knew it, the score was 0-0..." It's that intensity that underscores Dusters Hockey to the utmost. So much head turning to the point that Sean just wears his jersey backwards to keep up!
No shortage of physical play out there either. Just ask Goalie Greg! Chris and Jim became quite familiar with the blue ice this week and indeed, have paid their price! Peace Ambassador Camstone ensured that dues would be paid. In all honest words, if hard feelings did exist, they don't last.
And so, the month ended. With dreams still long passed away, the boys look to August. There are four more games in the Duster League 2026. All Thursdays in August, all at the Brant Sports Complex and all at 5:30 pm!
GREIG GRAHAM Paris Independent Contributor
At Burford the Duffers were greeted with the spirit of Aloha as the course celebrated Hawaiian shirt day. Although reminders were put in place, it was reminiscent of school days when you " forgot my homework". Which is to say we had only a few people who dressed for the occasion. To you guys I say Mahalo.
It seems we need to split up the team of Jaquer and Hoogs as they won every hole against JBird and Sync. With shots like Hoogster sinking a 35 footer from off the green at #2, it was clear we need to break this duo up.
Next up, even though Billy B and Swanee quickly went up three holes, the formidable Big Ferg and Mad Al came back with a vengeance to secure the milk by maintaining their one shot lead on the final hole.
In what was an example of not thinking things through, Barefoot Bergie and Double G pressed Cutter and Chicken on the last hole despite being outplayed badly on every hole. Finally Kopper and Brownie overthrew Dino and Enzo to close out the day.
We do have a request from Kaitlin and Jake Hoogs to become honorary members of the Duffs. As we aren't too proud we said a round of milk should do it.
We'll see how that goes. Quote from myself about not taking strokes from Cutter, "I may lose but I lose with dignity".
Finally, we lost a Paris legend a few weeks back with the passing of our beloved Gordy Johnston. Everyone of us who grew up in this town has the stories and memories of this man who was active in his community in so many ways. Known by many and loved by all. Godspeed Gord. And keep em in the fairways
journey to Austria ended with silver medals around their necks and memories that will last a lifetime. After readers first met these five local athletes as they prepared to represent Canada at the United World Games, the team returned home with a silver-medal finish, posting a 4-2 record in roundrobin play before advancing to the gold-medal game against Quebec. Canada battled hard but fell 5-3 to claim second place overall. Beyond the competition, the players embraced the international experience, forming friendships with athletes from other countries and exchanging jerseys after games as lasting mementos of the tournament. Pictured is Canada's U13 ball hockey team following the medal presentation.
Plans are moving ahead for a very special celebration week this October at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 Paris for their 100th anniversary as a branch.
From September 28 to October 2, Branch 29 will host an open house at the Legion, welcoming local schools for tours, community organizations, members and their families and the public. The featured exhibit, 'Stitches, Steel and Strength: Holding the Line at Home – Women and WWII' will highlight the incredible contributions and sacrifices of women on the home front during the Second World War.
The 100th Anniversary committee, led by
Cheryl Humphrey, is proud to be working together with the Paris Museum, Canadian Military Heritage Museum, Paris Library, and many local residents who are helping bring this important story to life.
The anniversary celebrations will continue with a dinner and music event on Saturday October 3rd, followed by a meet and greet social on Sunday October 4th to close out the anniversary celebrations. Save the dates! More details will be announced soon, along with opportunities for those who would like to volunteer, donate and help to make this milestone celebration one for the ages!
With gratitude and thanks as always for the support.
County of Brant Coun. John Bell lends a hand creating knitted poppies that will be displayed throughout Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29's 100th anniversary celebrations and Remembrance Day. Bell was one of four councillors to answer a challenge from Cheryl and Barry Humphrey after the couple invited council members at the July 28 meeting to take part in a community poppy-making bee. During the session, Bell also learned how some wartime knitting incorporated Morse code, a technique shared by Cheryl Humphrey.
By Jake Grant
1. What is extracted from the ore cassiterite?
2. How many weeks are there in a fortnight?
3. Who tight roped across the twin towers?
4. What animal is known as the king of the jungle?
5. What company was initially known as "Blue Ribbon Sports"?
6. What is the hottest planet in our solar system?
7. What was the original name of the Boston Red Sox?
8. What is the main ingredient in hummus?
9. Ash Wednesday marks the first day of what?
10. What is the name for the process of electing a Pope?
Monday, August 10: Daelin Henschel
Monday, August 17: Liam McGarry
Monday, August 24: Liam McGarry
Monday, August 31: Chaz and Todd
6:30 - 7:30 pm (weekly) Yoga with Up Yoga + Wellness
Wednesday August 5, 12, 19: Seniors (55+) Mahjong 10:30-12:30 pm
Saturday, August 8: Bird & Bee Vintage Market, 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday August 12: Hands-on Activity with COB Library 1:00 pm
Thursday, August 13: Zentangle Art Drop-in, 10:00 am
Saturday, August 15: Paris Drinks Fest (Syl Apps) - info at parisdrinks ca
Thursday August 20: Trivia 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Saturday, August 22: Hands-on Activity with COB Library, 1:00-4:00 pm
Thursday, August 27: Line Dancing with Urban Cowboy 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Friday, August 28: 2 Annual Block Party, 4:00 - 10:00 pm nd
Saturday, August 29: Paris Promenade Riverfest, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
This neighborhood came to be known as wartime housing because the houses there were built during and immediately after the Second World War. In a step meant to meet the growing demand for affordable housing for both defence-related industry workers and returning veterans, the Federal Government jumped into the world of residential development for the first time in the 1940s, and Victory Homes were born.
People who are new to Paris (and maybe some longtime residents as well) might not know that over time, special names have been given to various neighborhoods in Paris, names like the Junction, Coney Island, the Flats, Quality Hill (or Snob Hill), and others. But the neighborhood readers might not know is called the Wartimes, maybe better known by its more formal name, the Victoria Survey.
You might be forgiven for not knowing it because it is a small but distinct neighborhood in the southwest end of town, off Dundas Street between the Queensview Retirement Community and the Paris Cemetery. If you turn down Barker Street and make a quick left turn, you are in the Victoria Survey. It is a small neighborhood, only six streets with about 70 houses, but it is steeped in history, particularly the history of the Second World War and its aftermath.
Constructed of prefabricated components (walls and roofs), Victory homes mimicked the mass production of the war effort. In all, over 30,000 homes were built across Canada under the direction of the Wartime Housing Corporation, later to become Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) in 1947. Most homes were one storey or one-and-a-half storey, with steep pitched roofs and small sash windows and metal chimney stacks. There were no basements. Although some homes had brick exteriors, the majority had clapboard wooden siding. Both centre and side-hall plans were available. The homes typically had an eat-in kitchen, living room, one bathroom and two bedrooms, with room to expand upstairs into the attic if required. Victory Homes were designed to be comfortable and large enough for a single family. Their unique and recognizable designs have become “classics” in the Canadian urban landscape.
Initially designed as temporary rental housing for munitions workers, the mandate expanded after 1944 to include return-
ing veterans and their families. Although built as temporary rentals, the administration of these homes was taken over by the CMHC in 1947. Eventually, many of these units were sold to the tenants, mainly returning veterans. Applications for tenancy and subsequent purchase by veterans were prioritized based on factors such as length of service, overseas time, disability, and number of dependents. The houses were priced affordably for young families with moderate incomes. Prices generally ranged from $5,000 to $7,000. ($5,000 in 1946 would be worth about $85,000 today.) Occupants could sometimes purchase their home with a minimal down payment of just $500. CMHC further facilitated home ownership by introducing mortgage guarantees for veterans, allowing for 25-year mortgages with monthly payments comparable to rent. The purchaser was generally expected to live in the home as their primary residence. Contrary to popular thought, veterans did not have to be married or have children to buy a wartime home, at least not in the Victoria Survey in Paris, but having a family was a significant factor in the allocation process, so there were many children living in the Wartimes during the 50s and 60s.
What was it like to live in the Wartimes? Well, talking to men who had grown up in the neighbourhood, it was a great place. There were always other kids to play with. There was a baseball diamond at the end of Victoria Street which was constantly in use, but to play hockey or competitive baseball, boys needed to walk to the arena or to ball fields for competitive sports. And competition with other wards was fierce. On the other hand, unlike their classmates from the south end, they did not have to make the climb to Queen’s Ward School, which was located where the retirement home is today.
And Cliff Atfield said that “everybody was a parent” in the Wartimes. If a boy was in a friend’s house at mealtime, he was invited to stay for lunch or dinner. There was
a sense of community with the adults too.
The houses in the Wartimes had no basements, so it was common for men to get together to dig out basements for one another themselves. Some of the men came home from the war with what we would know as PTSD. And some were picked on for that reason, but not after the combat veterans from the neighbourhood made clear that would not be tolerated.
Many of the returning veterans who purchased homes in the Victoria Survey lived in Paris before the war, but many others, lured by the idea of home ownership in the prettiest town in Canada, or more likely by a job at Penmans or Massey-Harris, came from other towns and cities, planted roots in Paris, and blended smoothly into the life of the community. Unfortunately, we do not know who all these men were, or where they came from, or where they served. And here is where you can help.
Homes of Heroes has taken on the task to identify and honor all of the men and women of Paris who served in the military to defend our country. With the invaluable help of the researchers at the Paris museum, we have tracked down many of those veterans, including several in the Victoria Survey. But Homes of Heroes wants to find them all, because all of these veterans deserve our recognition and our thanks. There are still people living in Paris-- the children and grandchildren and friends of these veterans, who know their stories. Homes of Heroes wants to hear those stories, and save those stories, and each year recognize the veterans behind those stories, so that they are never forgotten.
Can you help? Did you live or are you living in Victoria Survey? Do you know the names of those veterans or their family members? If so, please contact us….
Many of the houses in the Victoria Survey have been upgraded and modernized over time, but the beating heart of the neighborhood still comes from those original veterans. Paris needs to keep that heart beating. We need to tell their stories.
By Jeff Johnston (a.k.a. Stones)
Hello again! As summer rolls by, there is certainly never a dull moment in town. To start off, I want to send out some birthday wishes to Marie Cruickshank, as well as Martin and Penny McComb. I also want to give a special shout-out to Mike Brown, who was back home for a visit from Australia (the land down under). Unfortunately, I missed him while he was in town! Mike follows The Paris Independent online and is a huge fan—send me a postcard, Brownie, old-school style!
I recently read Wheels’ article on Alexander Graham Bell—an excellent read, by the way. It brought back memories of party lines, and how if you needed to call home to say you were going to be late, you had to make sure you had a pocket full of quarters. Can you imagine your life today without a cell phone? Try leaving the house without it once in a while and notice the difference. With all the forest fires this season, wow, the sky was completely yellow. It was truly one of those "never-have-I-ever-seenthat" moments. A good rule of thumb: don't breathe yellow smoke, much like you don't eat yellow snow!
It was great to see Mr. Horsfall’s presentation before council. You see, when people come together, you really can move the needle—remember that, because that’s what it’s going to take going forward. It still makes you wonder, though: how did the Medical Hub end up getting built in a heavy industrial area?
As Margaret Thatcher once famously said, social programs work until you run out of other people's money to spend. Trying
to rationalize millions in a loan still means dealing with compound interest, regardless of whether or not you secure government grants. Do the math—eventually, taxes and the cost of services go up.
On a positive note, it’s nice to see something finally happening with the Bawcutt Building (it’s only been eight years!). Now let's get something done with the roof ASAP before it deteriorates any further. Still, you have to laugh when you hear a councillor post on social media, "I can only say what I’m legally permitted.” That right there shows you where we're at!
If you’re looking for some tunes to rock out to this week, check out Dewey Cox. For all my biker friends, I’m sending out Roll Me Away by Bob Seger. You also can’t go wrong with anything by The Tragically Hip, and as summer rolls on, Mr. Blue Sky by ELO.
Another round of applause goes out to the T-ball players over at Pete Lavoie Park, and a quick note that soccer season is still carrying on strong!
We have a lot of new neighbours down here in the Flats, and lots of kids around. It kind of takes me back to when I first moved into the neighborhood. The kid across the street cracks me up—he calls me "Mr. Jeff" and wants to chat and visit all the time. God love him!
Enjoy the rest of your summer! Listen to good music, but take time to listen to nature, too. Go play a round of golf, cool off at the lake, or enjoy how mellow it always is down on the river. If you’re heading out hiking, don't forget to take a compass and binoculars. Be safe—as Croosh would say, "safe" isn't just a four-letter word, it's a seven-day concern! "Learn to do by doing" is the old 4-H motto, and what a great motto for all of us to live by.
All the best, folks!
Stones Around Town
(STEVE HOWES PHOTO)
Drivers are finally enjoying a smoother ride on Broadway Street West after the long-awaited paving project was completed. The roadway, which had become increasingly rough over the years and served as a key detour during downtown Paris and West Erie Street construction, has received a much-needed facelift. The project was identified through the County’s Asset Management program. Motorists are also reminded that a new stop sign has been installed at the intersection of Broadway Street West and Emily Street.
Driving through the County, you'll likely pass through several small towns and villages. For most motorists, if it's not their destination, it simply means slowing down to 40 or 50 km/h or stopping at a traffic light or stop sign before continuing their way.
For me, I wonder how the town got its name or why it’s called the County of Brant. It wasn't surprising, given the influence Joseph Brant had on the development of Brant County. I was fascinated by the impact the War of 1812, William Lyon Mackenzie's Rebellion and even the American Revolution had on the people who called Brant home. Brant also played an important role in Black history, serving as a place of refuge where formerly enslaved people and other free Black settlers established thriving communities.
These stories were never part of my Canadian history course textbook. So, using today's textbook, also known as AI, I drew on a wide range of historical sources to tell this story while learning more about the events and people that shaped Canada, Ontario and, of course, Paris.
Let’s begin with Paris. Our town, located at the forks of the Nith River and the Grand River, was commonly referred to as the Forks of the Grand. Hiram Capron, an American, had bought a tract of land in 1829. In 1831, he renamed the town Paris, inspired by the gypsum deposits used for manufacturing “Plaster of Paris”. Incidentally, the Grand River was noted by French explorers Cavalier, La Salle, de Casson, and de Galinee around 1669. The natives in the area called the river Pesshinneguning, meaning river that carries timber, grass and weeds.
The Nith River, a very serpentine river and the name that every spell checker wants to change to Ninth, was named after the Scottish River in the 1830’s by Scotland-born Lord Campfield. His lordship’s hometown, however, was more than 200 km away from the river, so it’s hard to know why he called it the Nith, other than it was the most memorable river from his homeland.
Mount Vernon
The name of this township always confused me, as there isn’t a mount or hill in this pretty flat area of the county. The original name of this town was Springfield, later known as Checkered Sheds for the painted black-and-white carriage posts in the area. In 1851, Thomas Perrin, the first post master of the town, was responsible for naming the town in honour of American president George Washington’s Virginia home.
Saint George (St. George)
Originally known as Bauslaugh Mills, named after the Bauslaugh brothers' sawmill, Colonel George Stanton, the local postmaster coined the name St George in 1833. He became a colonel when he organized residents into the 4th Brant Battalion, Brant Militia, during the 1837 Upper Canada rebellion period.
Burford
Burford and Oakland townships were originally part of Oxford County until the
early 1850’s when boundaries were set for Brant County. Abraham Dayton and his son-in-law Benajah Mallory settled in the area in 1793. These settlers were members of the “Society of Universal Friends” and were looking to settle land to become the New Jerusalem, possibly!
The leader of the “Society” was an American preacher, Jemima Wilkinson. The movement emphasized free will, equality, humility, and opposition to slavery. Jemima, after a severe illness, was said to have been reborn as a genderless messenger of God.
Before the location was known as Claremont, the name was changed to Burford in 1851.
Glen Morris
Glen Morris, an ideal location for farming and milling, was originally settled by immigrants and settlers from New York state around 1823. In the early 1830s, John Dawson recognized the Grand River's potential for waterpower and transportation. He established a sawmill and built a wooden bridge across the river in 1833. The village came to be known as Dawson’s Bridge. As the settlement grew, the town was renamed Middleton in 1840, and in 1851 the town was renamed Glen Morris, honoring James Morris, Ontario’s first Postmaster General.
Scotland
Pioneer Eliakim Malcom laid out this village, while family member Finlay Malcolm was one of the earliest settlers and was an important figure in the creation of Oakland Township.
In 1887, Dr. Charles Duncombe, an American physician and a leader in William Lyon Mackenzie’s “1837 Rebellion”, gathered many residents of the Scotland area to march to Brantford to join forces with William Lyon Mackenzie. However, the uprising had failed, and his band disbanded. Duncombe fled to the United States, but eventually returned and became the first Warden of Brant County. Eventually, he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada, advocating for better education, a democratic and responsible government, prison reform, improved care for people with mental illness, and reducing political privilege. He returned to live and die in California and on his headstone bore the words “A Friend of Liberty”.
Oakland
The area of Oakland was surveyed by Thomas Welsh and known as Perth, after the Scottish city. In 1810, the name Oakland was used for the town, due to the prominent ridge of oak trees.
During the War of 1812, the Battle of Malcolm's Mills saw about 700 American mounted troops overwhelm a force of Canadian militia at what is now Oakland. The defenders included members of the Norfolk, Oxford and Middlesex militias. The goal was simple: destroy mills that supplied the British forces, steal livestock and provisions, weaken the local economy, and distract the British forces from the Niagara frontier. The Battle of Malcolm Mills was the last engagement on Canadian soil from an invading army during the War of 1812.
Mount Pleasant
The village of Mount Pleasant was
founded by the Ellis and Sturgis families and named after the Ellis family's home in Wales.
Following the American Revolution, Joseph Brant and the Haudenosaunee were granted the Haldimand Tract in recognition of their alliance with the British. As a Mohawk leader, Brant had the land surveyed to establish communities, create farms and roads, and organize land ownership. Mount Pleasant is widely regarded as one of the earliest planned settlements in Upper Canada.
Cainsville
Cainsville was named in honour of Peter and Margaret Cain, early settlers of the area who opened the British American Hotel in 1836. Because of its location to the Grand River, the town became an important stopping point for shipping. At its peak, the town had two hotels, stores, a school, a match factory, blacksmith shops, a cheese factory, and lots of grain shipping activity.
Throughout the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Black Loyalists and later freedom seekers escaping slavery established one of Ontario's earliest Black communities.
Onondaga
Named after the Onondaga Nation, one of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Onondaga were known as the "Keepers of the Central Fire." Following the American Revolution, many Haudenosaunee who had allied with the British settled along the Grand River under the Haldimand Proclamation. As European settlement expanded, the Township of Onondaga was surveyed in the early 1800s.
Middleport
Archaeological evidence shows the area was once home to the Neutral (Attawandaron) people, with settlements dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries.
Following the American Revolution, the surrounding lands became part of the Haldimand Tract, which was granted to the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations) by the British in recognition of their loyalty during the war.
The village was originally known as Tuscarora during the early to mid-1800s but was later renamed Middleport because of its location midway between Brantford and Caledonia along the Grand River.
Harley
Harley was originally known as Derby. In 1867, Archibald Harley settled in the area and held roles as Deputy Reeve and Reeve of Burford Township, Warden of the County of Brant, and Member of Parliament for Oxford South. For his service to the area, the town became known as Harley.
Cathcart
The first village lots were laid out in 1802 and originally named Sydenham. In the 1850’s the name was changed to Cathcart, in honour of Captain Cathcart, whose first name has been lost in the annals of history. As a British officer, he led a company of soldiers near Kenny’s Creek during the War of 1812 and the Rebellion of 1837.
Muir
Named after the Muir family who settled in the early 1800s, the area around this settlement was ideal for farming.
New Durham
Settled in the early 1800’s, the name was given by settlers from northeastern England.
Burtch
Named after Stephen Burtch, an American from New York state, who arrived in the area after the American Revolution. Originally settling in the Niagara region, he decided to leave the area during the War of 1812, as Niagara was susceptible to raids and battles by the Americans. Having purchased so much land, the area became known as Burtch.
Falkland
In the early 1800’s, the area attracted settlers from Scotland, particularly from Dumfriesshire County. Falkland took its name after the Royal Burgh of Falkland in Fife, Scotland, home of a royal residence of the Stewart kings and queens of Scotland.
Harrisburg
Settled in the early 1800’s by Scottish immigrants, the town was named after Robert W. Harris, president of the Great Western Railway. In 1855, the town became a hub for the Great Western Railway, with a branch line to Galt and Brantford, making it a major shipping point for farmers’ goods. With the railway in town, there was plenty of activity and employment at railway yards, grain handling facilities, and businesses serving railway workers and travelers. Plans for expansion ended when highways were built, eventually making the railway less economically viable.
Kelvin
Eliakim Malcom, who was mentioned in the town of Scotland’s story, had surveyed the area and named the town after the River Kelvin that flows through Glasgow.
Oakhill
The town name came from the area’s elevated ground and the Oak forests that covered the ridge.
The area of Oakhill was originally agricultural land and was primarily owned by the Kerr family, who owned a large strip of land known as the Kerr Tract southwest of Brantford. William J. Kerr, whose family was related to John Brant through marriage, had important roles as an officer of what was known as the Indian Department, an interpreter and government representative, and an officer during the War of 1812. The Kerr family story is quite long, considering that they are connected to Joseph Brant and had roles in the War of 1812 and the Rebellion of 1837.
Editor's Note: This historical feature was researched and written by a Paris Independent contributor and is not intended to be a definitive account from a local historian. If you have additional information, historical records, or family stories that could add to or clarify the history of any of these communities, we'd love to hear from you. Please email the Paris Independent at stories@theparisindependent.com so we can continue to share and preserve the County's remarkable history.
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August 5 - August 11 2026
Mar 21 - Apr 20
Fresh energy arrives, Aries. A promising opportunity inspires bold confidence and renewed ambition. Stay optimistic—it encourages success and reveals exciting opportunities ahead.
Apr 21 - May 21
Steady progress continues, Taurus. A practical choice brings reassurance and growing confidence. Trust yourself—it encourages stability and opens rewarding opportunities ahead.
May 22 - Jun 21
Exciting ideas flourish, Gemini. A meaningful connection inspires confidence and fresh perspective. Stay adaptable—it encourages growth and reveals exciting possibilities ahead.
Jun 22 - Jul 22
Warm encouragement surrounds you, Cancer. A heartfelt moment brings comfort and renewed optimism. Trust your instincts—it encourages harmony and strengthens lasting relationships ahead.
Jul 23 - Aug 23
Your enthusiasm inspires, Leo. A well-earned success highlights determination and growing influence. Stay confident—it attracts recognition and encourages exciting opportunities ahead.
Aug 24 - Sept 22
A thoughtful decision builds confidence and momentum. Trust your judgment—it encourages achievement and strengthens valuable connections ahead.
AUGUST 5
Jesse Williams, TV Actor (45)
AUGUST 6
Vera Farmiga, Actress (53)
AUGUST 7
Charlize Theron, Actress (51)
AUGUST 8
Shawn Mendes, Pop Singer (28)
Sept 23 - Oct 23
A welcome opportunity inspires balance and renewed confidence. Stay positive—it strengthens relationships and encourages rewarding progress ahead.
SCORPIO
Oct 24 - Nov 22
Confidence grows steadily, Scorpio. A valuable opportunity rewards persistence and careful planning. Trust yourself—it encourages success and builds lasting confidence ahead.
Nov 23 - Dec 21
Adventure calls again, Sagittarius. A fresh opportunity inspires confidence and renewed enthusiasm. Follow your instincts— it encourages discovery and memorable opportunities ahead.
CAPRICORN
Dec 22 - Jan 20
A meaningful accomplishment inspires confidence and renewed motivation. Stay focused—it encourages success and meaningful progress ahead.
AQUARIUS
Jan 21 - Feb 18
New possibilities emerge, Aquarius. A creative breakthrough encourages confidence and fresh inspiration. Trust your vision—it encourages innovation and lasting achievements ahead.
Feb 19 - Mar 20
Hope returns, Pisces. A thoughtful surprise brings joy and renewed confidence. Trust your intuition—it encourages happiness and reveals meaningful opportunities ahead.
AUGUST 9
Bill Skarsgård, Actor (36)
AUGUST 10
Antonio Banderas, Actor (66)
AUGUST 11
Chris Hemsworth, Actor (43)
AUGUST 1, 2, 3 & 7,8,9
Sunflower Festival - at Brantwood Farms, 351 German School Road from 10 am to 5 pm. Wagon ride, sunflower trail, photos spots, play patch, farm animals, pick your own sunflowers. More information online at www.brantwoodfarms.com.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
Outdoor Gospel Music Content with The Torchmen Quartet - Sunday, August 9 at 3pm. Note afternoon time. Concert followed by a community Corn Roast weather permitting. Burtch Baptist Church, 352 Cockshutt Rd. Brantford. Bring a lawn chair. Onsite parking, wheel chair accessible, inside if raining, freewill offering. Come and enjoy a beautiful casual afternoon of inspirational music.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 11
Brant County Men's Probus Club Meeting - is on Tuesday, August 11th at 10 AM at the Sherwood Restaurant 799 Colborne Street in Brantford. The guest speaker will be Patricia Barlow, the Fitness Lady. New members are always welcome. Come join us for a coffee, fellowship and a presentation.
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.
