The Paris Independent for Wednesday March 18th 2026

The Paris Legion Ladies’ Dart group pose for a photo capturing the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. Pictured front, left to right, Debbie Pickering, Creanne Dixon, Gail Darling, Booner; middle row, MaryAnne Kohlberger, Cynthia Gunn, Liz LeMaitre, Kim, Bev Wilson, Annie “Fancypants”McMeekin, Nancy Crymble; back row, Tracy Terryberry, Patti Souliere, Betty Sochasky, Cheryl Feeney, Lori Santilli, Shari E, Debbie Kuilboer, Katy Osborne-Howie, Nancy Beechey, Laura Bowlby, Bryanna King. See story on page 11.

Washington St. project sparks concern

CASANDRA

Managing Editor

A proposed residential development at 69 Washington St. drew a packed council chamber and nearly a dozen speakers during a public meeting at County of Brant council on Tuesday, March 10, as residents voiced concerns about flooding, wildlife habitat and environmental protections.

The application, brought forward by Stone Edge Developments Inc. through planning

consultant Stantec, seeks an Official Plan amendment and draft plan of subdivision that would allow nine residential units on the property, including seven single detached homes and one semi-detached dwelling.

County staff emphasized that the presentation was being received for information only, with the proposal still under technical review.

Ryan Cummins, senior planner with the County of Brant, said the municipality is aware of several issues raised by residents during the early stages of the process.

Organizers of the Paris Drinks Fest have unveiled the artist lineup for this summer’s festival, marking the next chapter for the popular event after a winter debate at County of Brant council nearly forced it to relocate, or fold altogether.

The two-day music and beverage festival will return to the grounds beside the Syl Apps Community Centre on Aug. 14 and 15, following a January council vote granting a noise bylaw exemption that allows the event to proceed at the location for one more year.

The line up announcement comes just months after council reversed an earlier decision that had denied the exemption, prompting concerns the festival might have to leave Paris entirely. The issue sparked significant community discussion, with residents divided over the economic and cultural benefits of the event versus concerns about noise and neighbourhood disruption.

Despite the uncertainty earlier this year, organizers say they are excited to bring the festival back to its home community with a lineup they believe will resonate with local audiences.

Residents raise flooding, environmental concerns over proposed Washington Street development

“There are some key themes we’ve been hearing as areas of concern from members of the public,” said Cummins.

“Storm water runoff, high water table, on street parking and protect of natural heritage feature and these are all things we are taking into consideration in our review right now,” he added, noting staff are meeting with the applicant to discuss the concerns.

According to planning documents presented to council, the property includes roughly seven hectares of land along Washington Street, much of which falls within a Natural Heritage designation intended to protect environmentally significant areas such as woodlands and watercourses.

Only a portion of the site, about 0.58 hectares, is proposed for development, with the remainder retained as natural heritage lands.

The subdivision proposal would create eight new residential lots, while retaining an existing home currently being restored on the property.

Joe Lefaive of Stantec, representing the developer, told council the proposal attempts to balance housing development with environmental protection.

“We hope to alleviate some concerns,” he said.

Lefaive explained that the developable frontage along Washington Street would be used for housing while the majority of the natural heritage lands would remain untouched.

“The area deemed natural heritage will remain untouched although we are requesting reduced vegetation protection zones. Which in this particular case can be supported as evidence in the environmental impact study.”

The requested amendment would reduce vegetation protection buffers around environmental features, including a reduction from 10 metres to five metres for signif-

icant woodlands and reductions around wetlands and watercourses.

Lefaive said several technical studies have already been completed in support of the application, including planning justification, archaeological assessments, geotechnical analysis, hydrogeological studies and a stormwater management brief.

He also acknowledged groundwater conditions on the property.

“We acknowledge that through the hydrogeological study the ground water is relatively shallow across the site and as part of our preliminary design there is no consideration for basements with the proposed homes.”

The development would include backflow preventers to reduce the risk of sewer backup in the new homes.

Despite those assurances, many residents said the area already experiences flooding and drainage problems.

Michael Davis of 52 Washington St. said heavy rain frequently overwhelms storm infrastructure near his home.

“My front lawn is the lowest front lawn on Washington street. The construction of the foundation is going to disperse the water somewhere. Is that going to come up in my front yard? I’m wondering if there is a liability concern because of construction.”

Davis said he is not opposed to development but worries about potential impacts to neighbouring properties.

Others questioned whether the proposed changes to natural heritage buffers would weaken environmental protections.

Michelle Costello of Long Lane said she was less concerned about housing itself than the environmental implications.

“My concern is not the development it’s reduction of natural heritage protections. They are in place for a reason.”

“The proposal requires a reduction in those natural heritage areas – why are we reducing instead of designing within them?”

Residents also raised concerns about wildlife habitat in the forested area.

Lisa Pottruff Lalonde of Washington Street said wildlife and natural water flow are top priorities for nearby homeowners.

Her spouse Jeff Lalonde said the development would significantly change the character of the area.

He noted they purchased the house, which sits on 1 acre of property because it’s a country setting. “We never thought in a million years that something like this would happen.”

He also questioned who would be responsible if flooding worsens.

“What’s going to happen if someone’s basement does flood because of this? Who is going to pay? We all have insurance for things out of our control, but this is within our control.”

Additional written submissions to the county echoed those concerns.

In a letter submitted to planning staff, residents Liam and Pamela O’Farrell warned that the area already has a documented

history of flooding and high-water tables, including flooding events in July 2024 that affected nearby properties.

They argued the proposal does not demonstrate that new development would avoid increasing flood risks or placing additional pressure on existing stormwater and sewer systems.

Other residents highlighted groundwater concerns.

Carol Ritchie, who lives on Washington Street, wrote that monitoring wells on the site have shown groundwater levels only two to three metres below the surface and warned that the surrounding landscape contains multiple feeder streams.

She also raised questions about how development could affect runoff and water flow toward the Grand River.

Several councillors signalled they shared residents’ concerns and expect additional analysis before any approvals are considered.

Councillor John Peirce said drainage issues stood out to him.

“I find it puzzling there are no basements, so they (developer) already know there is a water issue.”

Peirce also noted the amount of fill that may be required to raise building sites to road level.

“To bring it to the height of the road we are talking about hundreds of truck loads,” he said.

Councillor Jennifer Kyle asked staff whether they review previous applications to develop the property, which have been rejected because of similar water issues, because she has fielded concerns from constituents that this application is moving forward despite no change to the area in question over the years.

Staff responded that each application is reviewed based on current technical reports and conditions rather than earlier proposals.

Councillor John Bell said he is particularly concerned about the request to reduce natural heritage buffer zones.

“I’m more interested in the variance; the buffer from the natural heritage,” Bell said.

“I would like to understand much better

why in this case when there are so many issues countering the need to reduce here. I think I would be going in the other direction to set a higher level. I’m going to be looking for staff to come forward with very strong reasoning on why there may be a reduction from our own policies on this one.”

Councillor David Miller also questioned the level of stormwater analysis included with the application.

When Miller asked about the difference between a stormwater management brief and a full study, Lefaive said the brief provides a high-level overview of existing and proposed drainage conditions.

Mayor David Bailey suggested that given the concerns raised by residents, a more detailed study may be warranted.

County staff noted that while only a stormwater management brief is required at the draft plan stage, more detailed technical analysis would be needed before development could proceed.

For now, council has received the proposal for information while technical reviews continue.

Local woman launches Freeats.ca to connect Paris residents with dining deals and events

CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

A new online platform created by a Paris resident is helping connect the community with local restaurants, events and entertainment, all in one place.

Launched in September 2025, Freeats.ca is a website designed to make it easier for residents and visitors to find daily restaurant specials, live music and community events happening around town. The site was created by a local entrepreneur who spent years wishing a single hub for local deals and activities existed.

“Well, our daughter was born back in 2002, about the time when people were just starting to use computers and most still didn't have cell phones,” explained Jennifer Spencer, recalling how her family relied on newspapers, bulletin boards and coupon books to find deals. “It was all really fragmented.”

That early experience sparked the idea for a platform that could pull everything together in one easy-to-use location.

Although the site officially launched last fall, the concept behind Freeats has been developing for more than two decades.

After fifteen years immersed in the restaurant industry as a chef, the Spencer said she had a unique perspective on both the challenges restaurants face and the difficulty customers often have finding reliable information about daily specials and events. So she explored building the platform several times over the years but was discouraged by the high cost of hiring developers. It wasn’t until last year, after losing her job following the death of her em-

ployer, that she decided to try again with encouragement from her husband, Andrew.

“They say, the best businesses are built by people trying to solve a problem,” she said. “You can google how many pizza places there are in Paris but you can't google who has pizza on sale on Wednesday night, or who has live music on Friday.”

Using tools from Canadian website builder Webador, she built the platform herself and launched Freeats.ca in September 2025. The site organizes listings so users can quickly see daily restaurant specials, live entertainment and community events happening around Paris.

Visitors can browse by day and time— morning, afternoon or evening—before clicking links that take them directly to the business or organization hosting the event.

“Freeats puts daily restaurant specials, live events and larger community events all in one easy to use platform,” she said. “We make it easy for people to find out what's happening in Paris, saving them hours of scrolling the net searching.”

Information for the site comes from a variety of sources, including restaurants and community groups that submit specials, as well as social media posts, websites, flyers and even local bulletin boards. Businesses can also register directly on the website to add their own daily specials and events, making it easy for restaurants and organizations to keep their listings up to date.

The website is free for restaurants, community organizations and service groups to promote their specials and events, something she says is especially important in today’s challenging economic climate.

“I think tools like these are a wonderful way to support our restaurants by giving them another avenue to getting the word out about all the amazing specials they work so hard to craft for us,” said Spencer.

That focus on supporting small businesses is part of what makes the project unique in a community the size of Paris, where local restaurants and events play a major role in the town’s identity.

With grocery prices rising and many restaurants still recovering from the effects of the pandemic, she believes every bit of support helps.

“With 50% of Canadian restaurants in jeopardy, we really need to do everything we can to support them,” she added.

Alongside the website, the platform also includes a Freeats Fan Club newsletter that delivers weekly updates on restaurant deals and upcoming events. Subscribers are automatically

entered into a monthly draw for a $50 gift card to a Paris restaurant of their choice.

The goal is to grow the mailing list to more than 1,000 subscribers by this summer. According to Spencer, the biggest reward so far has been the response from local businesses.

“The thanks I receive everyday from our local restaurants for helping to promote their specials and events,” she said.

Looking ahead, she hopes to expand the platform beyond Paris into other nearby communities once planned upgrades to the website are completed.

For now, the focus remains on strengthening connections within the town she calls home.

“I see Freeats as a community builder,” she said. “Because when you know what's happening where you live, you can participate, contribute, grow our local economy, make real connections and truly feel like you belong.”

Restoring small-town journalism, one community at a time!

The Paris Independent

Publisher Stewart Grant • stew@granthaven.com

Editor Chris Whelan • editor@theparisindependent.com

Casandra

Managing Editor

• 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

Applications open for Camp Phoenix as program marks five years of inspiring future firefighters

The County of Brant Fire Department is excited to announce that applications are now open for Camp Phoenix, a unique leadership and firefighting experience designed to inspire young women to explore careers in the fire service. This year marks the 5th anniversary of Camp Phoenix, a milestone that highlights the program’s continued success in introducing participants to the skills, teamwork, and confidence required in the fire service.

“Camp Phoenix continues to inspire young women to consider careers in the fire service while building confidence, leadership, and lifelong connections,” said Fire Chief Darren Watson. “Reaching our fifth year is a proud milestone, with 80 graduates already part of the Camp Phoenix alumni network, and we’re excited to welcome a new group of campers in 2026.”

A free, immersive day camp for young women aged 14–18, Camp Phoenix offers participants a hands-on opportunity to learn directly from firefighters while developing leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Campers take part in a variety of activities that simulate real firefighting experiences, giving them a firsthand look at the profession while building confidence and connections with mentors in the field.

The impact of Camp Phoenix is already being seen in the fire service. One program alumna, Alicia G, who attended the inaugural camp in 2022, was hired by Milton Fire last year. Alicia returned to Camp Phoenix in the years following her first experience, serving as a Leader in Training (Platoon Captain) in 2023, co-emceeing the camp in 2024 alongside fellow alumna Bethany R, and most recently supporting the program as an Assistant Instructor in 2025.

With applications now open, organizers hope to welcome the next group of participants and reach an exciting milestone of 100 Camp Phoenix graduates by 2026.This year’s camp will take place Wednesday, July 22 to Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the Cainsville Fire Station.

Interested campers are encouraged to attend one of our information nights to learn more about the program. Join us at the Cainsville Fire Station (17 Ewart Ave) for a station tour, formal presentation, and Q&A. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.

Two dates are available to choose from:

• Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

• Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm

• Applications for Camp Phoenix will close on Friday, May 8, 2026.

Women Supporting Women Donations

A Brantford housing organization is encouraging the community to celebrate the women who inspire them while helping expand access to safe, affordable housing.

Jaycee Homes has launched a March matching-gift campaign in recognition of International Women’s Day, inviting donors to support its Bridge to Home initiative aimed at empowering women and families in the community.

Throughout the month of March, donations will be matched up to $10,000 thanks to a contribution from local supporter Joan Underwood, effectively doubling the impact of every gift made during the campaign.

Organizers say the campaign highlights the strength, resilience and leadership of women while helping advance plans for housing at 32 Bridge St., a project de-

signed to provide safe and affordable living spaces. The initiative also offers donors an opportunity to honour the women who have shaped their lives. Contributions can be made in recognition of a mother, daughter, spouse, colleague or friend, with tributes acknowledged publicly on the organization’s Wall of Gratitude.

Campaign materials emphasize the tangible impact of community giving. For example, a $25 donation becomes $50, $50 becomes $100 and $250 becomes $500 when matched through the program.

Jaycee Homes says the campaign aligns with the broader goals of the Bridge to Home project, which aims to create a future where women feel secure, valued and empowered while strengthening families across the community. Residents who wish to support the initiative can donate online through the Bridge to Home campaign website at bridgetohome.ca.

By Jake Grant

6. The “Ides of March” refers to what famous assassination?

What day is international Women's Day celebrated each year?

The month of March is named after Mars, the roman god of what?

How many degrees make up a triangle?

7. What was the name of the first stealth bomber introduced for warfare?

8. Which film franchise features Marty McFly?

9. What is the birth flower for March?

10. What's the oldest pub in Ireland?

OPINION

Letter to the Editor

Students speak out against OSAP cuts

Buster Supports Student protest to bring back OSAP

Dear Editor:

My name is Troy. I attend high school in the county of Brant. I come from a middle-class working family, and I find

Letter to the Editor

Article on Lions Park history fills in the blanks

Dear Editor:

Regarding March 4, 2026 edition, Historic Paris.

Thanks to Chris Whelan for the very informative article about Paris Lions Park. I have been a Paris Lion for over 30 years and a member of the Community Miracles Project to revitalize the

park. I had only heard bits and pieces about the history of the park, Chris's article on the origins of Lions Park was very detailed and fills in all the missing blanks for me.

- David Arsenault, President, Lions Club

of Paris

joy in writing. Hoping to take my writing skills to a higher, more professional degree, I wanted to study a writing subject for my undergraduate at the University of British Columbia, where they hold their English Studies course, and was planning on using the OSAP grant to aid some financial gaps (despite holding a good part-time job right now and receiving aid from my family members). But in the end, even that wouldn't cut it, as the government decided to cut those same grants that youth like me need from 75% to 15%.

Education should be accessible to all youth so we can have more caretakers and frontline workers that we depend on each day, and so we can open doors to future generations that are depending on us allow them to grow up in a future where the bar has been raised to an unreachable amount, for some examples. And that's why me and the other hundreds of thousands of students are confused as to why the bar for us keeps getting elevated. I've overheard saddening complaints from other students at my school talking about how their family has been struggling to make ends meet as it is with inflation and other financial strains, and this change is just adding to it.

In the hopes of halting the underfunding of education and advocating for halting the OSAP cuts, students all across Brant County and Ontario as a whole have been holding protests, marches, and rallies, no matter the condition. Some

may see it as annoying, but coming from someone who this is affecting, I see it as speaking up, for if these peaceful rallies weren't to occur, the chance of our grants being negatively affected once again wouldn't decrease, but increase, giving leaders in high power the illusion that we're okay with it.

But to quote our parents: "You should stand up to your bullies."

And that's exactly what we're doing.

There are Brant residents living off of $100 a week trying to go to school, but now they're forced to drop out because they will be unable to pay the rest off. There are single mothers who have been saving up to allow their children to attend the college they dreamed of going to, and OSAP could've covered a large amount of that. My dreams of attending UBC with my cousins have now been crushed due to the aid that could've helped us afford college now helping a lot less. Our intention isn't to make a ruckus for no reason. Our intention is to be a voice for all of the students in Ontario who wish to grow up and live a comfortable life where they don't need to worry about if their talents will ever be realized outside of the closed doors in front of them, where those same talents can help others. That is the reason as to why we're protesting, and we will not rest until justice has been served.

Troy Partidario, County of Brant High School Student

CORRECTION

A history column in the March 11th edition of The Paris Independent about the March fire in Ayr contained inaccuracies regarding the building involved and the date of the incident.

The column stated that the historic Ayr Ice House and Creamery building burned down in a fire on March 1. This is incorrect. The fire occurred on March 2, and the Ayr Ice House still stands in downtown Ayr and was not affected by the fire.

While the historical information provided about the Ice House and Creamery was accurate, the building discussed in the column was not the structure involved in the March 2 fire. The Ayr Ice House has never housed tenants or businesses and remains standing.

It was the former Hardware building that burned down.

The Paris Independent regrets the error and thanks a reader for bringing it to our attention.

Paris Drinks Fest announces 2026 lineup after winter controversy over venue

Paris Drinks Fest,” he said.

“We are very excited about our 2026 artist lineup!” said Tim Des Islets, president of Noisemaker Presents Inc., which produces the festival. “Our programming this year was a very fun and collaborative process with our team. Spencer Shewen, who was the Creative Director at Riverfest in Elora for 15 years, joined the Noisemaker team this year and brought a lot of great programming ideas to the team. Our Marketing Manager, Sophie McKinnon, introduced us to Thunder Queens and Absolute Treat and we are very excited to bring them to the festival,” he told the Paris Independent.

This year’s headliners include Canadian rock favourites July Talk on Friday night and The Strumbellas closing out the festival on Saturday.

The Friday, Aug. 14 lineup will also feature Loviet, Thunder Queens and Gizmo. Saturday’s program on Aug. 15 includes Born In The Eighties, Tanika Charles, Glimmerjean & Goode and Absolute Treat.

Des Islets said organizers received an unprecedented level of interest from artists hoping to perform at the event.

“We received a record number of artist submissions this year and found some great music that will be a great fit at

Some of the acts were specifically chosen after years of requests from festival-goers.

“People have been asking us for years to bring both July Talk and The Strumbellas to Paris Drinks Fest,” Des Islets said. “Planning worked out perfectly for us to be able to bring both of them to Paris this year as our headliners.

Born In The Eighties have become a festival favourite over the past few years and it wouldn’t be Drinks Fest without them.”

The festival also continues to highlight emerging Canadian talent.

“Thunder Queens are a powerhouse of young women and I think our audience are going to love them,” Des Islets said. “Sophie and I saw Gizmo at a conference in

Prince Edward Island and have been working with them since then. Their debut album comes out in the fall and it’s amazing! Fans of Sloan and Wintersleep will love it!”

Paris Drinks Fest, which combines live music with craft beverages and local food vendors, has grown into one of the community’s most recognizable summer events. Supporters at council earlier this year argued the festival draws visitors to the area and benefits local businesses, while critics raised concerns about sound levels near nearby homes and the Grand River corridor.

Following discussions with council and residents, organizers agreed to several changes, including ending amplified music earlier each night and continuing to monitor sound levels throughout the event.

Without doubt, after months of uncertainty, returning to the Syl Apps site made this year’s lineup announcement particularly meaningful.

Tickets for the 2026 festival are now available through the event website.

HISTORIC PARIS PARIS PAST: The story of The Paris Independent

By Brittany Whelan

The History of this newspaper

I can remember vividly back in the fall of 2021 standing across the living room from my dad, Chris Whelan, as he declared, “Paris needs its own newspaper again, now more than ever. We need somewhere to share our community’s stories, the good stuff that is happening around here... I think I’m going to start a newspaper”. I have to admit, I was skeptical. Restrictions were just starting to loosen up since the world changing pandemic and, “There’s a reason the Paris Star closed. Print is tough these days.”, I declared. But I never should have doubted him. While my dad’s always been a dreamer (coming up with new and exciting ideas daily) when he truly sets his mind to it, there’s no stopping him. Reviving a community newspaper in the town he loves so much was no exception.

In those early conversations we talked a lot about digital versus print. Being a lover of history, my dad always saw the paper returning to print, but as an extracurricular activity made up of volunteers, we agreed a digital paper may be the way to start. Having lots of entrepreneurial experience, but less in the newspaper business, he looked to Paris’ own community for support. Wasn’t he lucky when Casandra Turnbull, the former editor of the Paris Star, raised her hand to the call. Together the two got to work, with a handful of other volunteers, and began publishing a weekly newspaper online on a website called Issuu.com. Not sure where it might go, but feeling passionate that it needed to be done, the Paris Independent was born.

The result? An incredible amount of support from the community of Paris itself. Messages started pouring in; “How do I get involved? Can you write a story about our upcoming community event?” “Please come and take photos of our sports team”. My dad was right; Paris was aching for a newspaper. Having been unsure how folks might feel about a digital paper, it was amazing to see how the community embraced it. My dad also tried to take advantage of the unique opportunities a digital paper afforded, being able to link directly to event pages or offering a copy delivered right to people’s inboxes to read with their Saturday morning coffee. It was exciting to see how everything was coming together and how the good news and people of Paris were being championed. Personally, it was also delightful to see my dad get to share his passion of the history of Paris through this column. Chatting with friends I’ve known since my days at Sacred Heart school, I heard how much their own families loved his column and the paper.

For three years, my dad and Cassandra worked tirelessly along with their team of volunteers to deliver something they could be proud of each week, and that kind of impact doesn’t go unnoticed. Enter Stewart Grant, with his own passionate backstory of a small-town newspaper, he proposed something my dad had been wanting all along. It was his turn to be skeptical, could the Paris Independent

really go to print?

March 19th, 2025, the inaugural printed edition hit the newsstands across Paris. With it also came one of my dad’s childhood dreams, Buster the Beaver, his very own newspaper comic. Nominated for a OCNA award this year, Buster has provided many of Cassandra’s editorial pieces with a lighthearted image. The launch of the printed paper also brought even more community support with many local businesses requesting their own newsstand, as well as new faces and columns to the paper, like Stones around town and so many more.

With that, it is my pleasure to congratulate my dad, Cassandra, Stewart and the whole Paris Independent team on their one-year anniversary of the inaugural printed edition (and four years of the paper as a whole). Thank you to everyone who has worked on the newspaper over the years for your countless hours of work, time and dedication to the community. And thank you to everyone reading, whether you started online, or only discovered it once it became a printed copy available at your local Timmies, the Paris Independent is only possible because of you. To many more years of stories, celebration and local news.

One Year In — And the Future Is Ours to Build Together

Managing Editor

On the previous page, columnist Brittany shared the story of how The Paris Independent came to life. It’s a story rooted in passion for this community and the people who call it home.

She’s right.

This newspaper was built with passion. Passion for local stories. Passion for celebrating the accomplishments of the people who live here. Passion for making sure the voices of a small town are heard and preserved.

Each week we try to deliver a balanced newspaper. There’s hard news, as hard as the news can be in a small town, alongside the stories that truly define a community: local sports, human-interest features, community events, and the moments that remind us who we are as neighbours. These stories shine a spotlight on the people who make Paris such a special place to live.

But while passion fuels this newspaper, it doesn’t make the work easy.

Behind the pages each week is a dedicated group of volunteers and contributors — many of whom have full-time jobs, families, and responsibilities outside the newsroom. Somehow, together, we managed to bring to life something this community had been missing: a truly local newspaper.

Now, as we celebrate the first anniversary of our inaugural print edition on March 19, 2026, an important question emerges: How do we make sure something so valuable re-

mains here for decades to come?

The answer is simple and powerful – it involves you. It takes the support of the community.

Every reader who picks up the paper each week matters. Every person who sends in a story idea, a sports report, a photograph, or a letter to the editor plays a role. Every local columnist who lends their voice helps shape these pages.

This newspaper is truly a community effort.

But there is also a financial reality to publishing a newspaper.

Printing costs money. Producing the paper costs money. Supporting the people who bring these stories to life costs money.

And the lifeblood that allows a community newspaper to continue printing week after week is local advertising.

We work hard to keep advertising rates as affordable as possible because we want local businesses to have a place where they can share their news; the sales, events, celebrations, grand openings, and milestones - directly with the people who live here.

There are endless places to advertise today: social media, radio, billboards, digital platforms. But there is only one place where your advertising dollars stay entirely local and directly support the community they serve.

That place is your community newspaper.

When local advertising dries up, community newspapers disappear. We’ve seen it before. Paris watched it happen with the Paris Star. Across Ontario today, we continue to

see longtime publications close their doors as chains like Metroland shut down local titles one by one.

We don’t want that story repeated here.

If you run a business, host an event, or have something to share, consider advertising locally. Whether it’s a small classified ad, a notice, an event promotion, an obituary, or a weekly business advertisement, every dollar invested locally helps keep this newspaper alive.

You don’t need a massive advertising budget. But when many businesses contribute a little, together it makes an enormous difference.

It truly takes a village.

In just one year, this community has already shown what’s possible. The paper is flying off the shelves each week. Readers are engaging with letters to the editor and story ideas. Local contributors continue to step forward. And we are honoured to have received three finalist nominations from the Ontario Community Newspapers Association (stay tuned to find out if we win the awards!). Those are milestones worth celebrating and they belong to the entire community.

We built this newspaper together. Now we must strengthen it together.

If we want this resource to grow and thrive, we have to nurture it. Feed it. Support it.

Local advertising works because local news matters. And if you continue to support us, we promise we will continue to support you — telling the stories that make Paris proud for many years to come.

Young curlers shine as Paris Curling Club’s youth program continues to grow

CASANDRA TURNBULL

Managing Editor

The future of curling in Paris is in good hands.

The Paris Curling Club’s youngest members wrapped up another successful season this winter, as participation in the club’s Pebbles, Little Rocks and Juniors programs continues to grow and introduce more local youth to the sport.

This season, 33 young curlers took part in the club’s Sunday youth programming, including 10 Pebbles, 12 Little Rocks and 11 Juniors, a strong showing that organizers say reflects a renewed interest in curling among younger athletes in the community.

The season concluded with the presentation of several awards recognizing young curlers who demonstrated strong sportsmanship, dedication and skill throughout the year.

Ruby Morris was presented with the Ruth Cooke Award, which recognizes a female junior player who demonstrates dedication to curling and sportsmanship.

Noah Trenwith received the Stan Tose Award, honouring a male junior player who embodies the values of sportsmanship and skill that Tose represented during his time in the sport.

Meanwhile, Maggie Trenwith was

awarded the Donna Todd Award, presented to a junior curler who exemplifies the full spirit of sportsmanship both on and off the ice.

Beyond weekly programming, several junior players also had the opportunity to test their skills in competition this season.

A group of Paris curlers travelled to the Acton Curling Club to compete in their first bonspiel, participating in a U13 points bonspiel earlier in the season. The experience gave many of the young athletes their first chance to compete against teams from other clubs.

Later in the season, a Paris team also entered a U18 points bonspiel during the first weekend of March. After two games of curling — including an impressive 12–1 victory — the team finished third overall in the event.

Club organizers say the success of the youth program would not be possible without the support of volunteers who dedicate their time to mentoring the next generation of curlers.

“The Paris Curling Club is super grateful for the commitment of all of our volunteers to help teach and support our youngest curlers,” said executive member Ashley McCarthy. “They had a great season this year and we are looking forward to welcoming them all back again next year!”

With growing participation and young players already gaining competitive experience, the club hopes the momentum will

continue as it works to build the next generation of curlers in the Paris community.

Paris racer honoured for lifetime dedication to motorsports

CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

After more than six decades immersed in motorsports, Paris resident Wayne Turnbull has been honoured with one of the most prestigious recognitions in his racing community. It’s a tribute not just to his accomplishments behind the wheel, but to a lifetime devoted to the sport.

Turnbull received the award on March 7th the Dick Hammond Memorial Dedication to Auto Racing Award at the Foar Score banquet for the TQ Midget Racing Series in New York. The award is presented annually to an individual whose long-term commitment has contributed significantly to the growth and betterment of motorsports.

Next to Hall of Fame inductions and Driver of the Year honours, the Dick Hammond award is considered one of the most respected recognitions presented by Foar Score (Friends of Auto Racing Seeking Cooperation of Racing Enthusiasts), the oldest active auto racing fan club in the United States, founded in 1948.

For Turnbull, the award reflects a racing journey that began more than 60 years ago and continues today, even though his days as a driver have come to an end.

Driven by a dream to be an Indy car mechanic, his own racing career began in 1966 in the hobby class at Flamboro Speedway before he spent more than a decade competing in late model racing at tracks including Flamboro, Delaware and Cayuga between 1969 and 1982.

In 1983, Turnbull purchased his first TQ Midget, a 30-year-old roadster, beginning what would become a long association with the small but fiercely competitive open-wheel racing division. Two years later he built his own midget car, and by 1991 he had designed and built the No. 31 Suzuki-powered machine with friend Ray Ballantyne.

Turnbull’s passion for racing was evident not only in his engineering and mechanical work, but also in his competitive results. He won the Indoor Midget Championship in Niagara Falls in the early 1990s, captured the Can-Am TQ Midget championship in 1989 and later earned back-to-

back TQ Midget crowns at Lancaster Speedway in New York in 1998 and 1999. In 2001 he won the Caseys Midget Series championship.

During his racing days, Turnbull also became known for his exuberant post-race celebrations, often punctuating victories with a cartwheel in victory lane, a moment fans came to expect whenever he found his way to the top step of the podium.

His commitment to the sport extended beyond his own success. Turnbull regularly travelled from Paris to race in New York with the Caseys TQ Midget Series, making the lengthy trips so he could remain part of the close-knit racing community.

Those travels also allowed him to share the track with his sons, Kent and Jared, something he considered among the highlights of his racing career.

Over the years, Turnbull also became a trusted mentor within the pits, known as one of the “go-to” person for drivers and crew members looking for advice or technical guidance.

A serious crash at Holland Speedway in 2012 brought his time behind the wheel to an end and also marked the last of the victory lane cartwheels that had become his trademark.

But retirement from driving did not mean stepping away from racing.

After a lengthy rehabilitation, Turnbull returned to the track as crew chief for the John Casey No. 88 team, eventually taking over ownership of the car. He played a key part in the team’s continued success, helping guide a New York driver to multiple titles in the Caseys/NYPA/ TQ Midget series while preparing feature-winning cars for

1948, the

several drivers.

That spirit of cooperation and friendship kept Turnbull connected to the sport for decades, evolving from driver to car builder, mentor and team leader.

(House

This week’s top scorers:

(House

12-14 Year-Old (House League)

Brant Battalion U11B one win away from OMHA berth

CASANDRA TURNBULL Managing Editor

The Brant Battalion U11B squad is one win away from advancing to the OMHA Championships but first must clear one final hurdle.

Brant will face the Twin Centre Stars in the deciding game of the Southern Counties final Thursday night on home ice at the Brant Sports Complex. The winner will move on to compete against the top teams in Ontario at the OMHA Championships in Halton Hills later this month.

The best-of-three series has already delivered plenty of drama.

Brant opened the series Friday, March 13 on home ice but suffered a tough shutout loss to the Stars, who finished just ahead of the Battalion in the Southern Counties standings. Determined to keep their season alive, the Battalion travelled to Wellesley the following day for Game 2.

Twin Centre struck first in the opening period, but strong defensive play kept the game within reach. The Stars extended their lead to 2–0 in the second period before Brant mounted a comeback that has become a hallmark of the team this season.

From the point, defenceman Jett Rollins fired off the Battalion’s first goal of both the game and the series assisted by Nolan Kearsley, to cut the deficit in half. Four minutes later, Alex Thoms buried the equalizer with assists from Henry Glowala and Austin Mezza, sending the teams into the third period tied 2–2.

The Battalion carried that momentum into the final frame. Midway through the period, Thoms scored his second of the game to give Brant its first lead, set up by Jacoby Bonnell and Mezza.

Brant continued to press while maintaining a strong defensive effort. Mezza later added an insurance goal, assisted by Nash McLaren, to secure the 4–2 victory.

Goaltender Ben Turnbull turned aside 20 of 22 shots in a steady performance between the pipes. With the series now tied, the deciding game will be played Thursday, March 19 at 6 p.m. at the Brant Sports Complex.

Fans are encouraged to come out and support the young Battalion squad as they battle for a chance to represent the region at the OMHA Championships. A loud hometown crowd can make all the difference; the more fans in the stands cheering them on, the more energy these young players will bring to the ice.

Green shirts and shopping bags: St. Paddy’s spirit hits the dart boards

The local Legion was a sea of emerald and shamrocks last Thursday as the darts league gathered for a spirited St. Patrick’s Day celebration. The evening was defined by high-energy music, a packed house, and some truly creative displays of the holiday.

While most arrived decked out in traditional green attire, the "Original Dress" honors went to Booner. Finding herself without the proper color for the occasion, she proved that necessity is the mother of invention by fashioning a custom green "shirt" out of a shopping bag.

On the flip side, Gail D. admitted she "forgot to get dressed up," but her lack of festive gear didn't hinder her performance. She silenced the room by shooting the high score of the night, a 126!

The competition on the boards was as fierce as the atmosphere was loud. Cheryl

F. led the charge in precision finishes, recording a field-high three double-outs. She was closely trailed by Debbie K., Nancy C., and Debbie P., who each secured two. Other key contributors who helped push their teams toward victory with successful double-outs included Nancy B., MaryAnne K., Gail D. and Bryanna K.

The "cork" was a popular target throughout the night. Katy O. and Shari E. shared the top spot for bullseyes with two apiece— Shari notably landing both of hers within a single game. Single bullseyes were also recorded by Bryanna B., Cheryl F., Patti S., and Cree.

As the music wound down and the final games concluded, the group gathered for a commemorative photo. The moment was captured by the Legion’s own resident photographer, Steve the bartender, ensuring the "fun and very loud" night of laughs was properly documented for the archives.

Wolfpack fall to Delhi in exciting intertown local league final

The Paris Wolfpack U11 House League Team 3 put up a determined effort but fell

just short in the intertown local league B division final, dropping a 4–2 decision to the Delhi Rockets in the deciding game of the best-of-three series Sunday, March 15. The final game drew a packed crowd to

the rink, with fans from both communities filling the stands and bringing signs, bells and noisemakers to cheer on the young players.

Delhi opened the scoring in the first period and extended its lead with two more goals in the second to take a 3–0 advantage into the final frame. Paris refused to back down. Jack Ferren sparked a third-period comeback, scoring at the nine-minute mark with a sharp shot from the corner to put the Wolfpack on the board. Just three minutes later, Ferren struck again, skating

in on goal, deking the Delhi netminder and lifting the puck into the net to bring Paris within one.

The Wolfpack continued to press for the equalizer, generating several strong chances and moving the puck well in the offensive zone, but were unable to tie the game. Delhi sealed the victory with an empty-net goal in the final moments. Despite the loss, the Wolfpack capped an impressive playoff run that included a 1–0 win over the first placed Waterford Wildcats to advance to the championship series.

Our plan to protect Ontario is speeding up approvals for mines

As Canada stares down economic uncertainty, we’re ready with a plan to protect Ontario. We’re building mines to unlock the critical minerals the world needs.

That’s how we protect Ontario.

Brant farmers gather to celebrate BCFA 85th anniversary

and to highlight the association’s ongoing support for farmers across the province.

Nearly 200 people celebrated the Brant County Federation of Agriculture’s 85th anniversary during its annual banquet at Blessed Sacrament Parish Hall in Burford on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The Brant County Federation of Agriculture (BCFA) is a county unit of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) that is run by a board of volunteer directors. Its mission is to support, protect and celebrate the industry while advocating for issues impacting local agriculture.

Made up of farmers, producers, and agricultural professionals from all sectors, the BCFA’s primary purpose is to promote the interests of agriculture in the County, advocate for policy changes at local, provincial, and federal levels, and to provide valuable resources and support for its members, including community awards and scholarships for high school and post-secondary students.

The annual banquet celebrates local agriculture and agribusiness in the County of Brant, while giving local farmers the chance to network and socialize.

Following dinner, which was provided by Giles Catering, OFA President Drew Spoelstra took to the stage to commend the BCFA for its commitment to the industry

“On behalf of the board directors and the staff at the OFA, congratulations to the folks here in Brant County on celebrating your 85 year anniversary,” he said.

“There’s a lot going on in the world, a lot of things out of our control, but the OFA is certainly doing our best to stay on top of all the things that are affecting farmers right across Ontario.”

Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford-Brant, Dan Muys, MP for Flamborough–Glanbrook–Brant North, and Larry Brock, MP for Brantford–Brant South–Six Nations, all had the opportunity to speak about the importance of the local farming community.

HARSH

UPADHYAY

DIRECTOR

parispestcontrol.ca

“What a celebration–85 Incredible Years of exemplary farming in Brant County, which certainly put us on the map. Thank you for all that you have done. Tonight is about honouring our entire farming community and the many, many generations of farmers whose hard work, resilience and commitment have really shaped rural Brant County,” said Brock. “We are deeply grateful for all that you have done each day to put food on our tables and to care for the land that continues to sustain us all. Thank you to everyone who has helped build and sustain the Brant County Federation of Agriculture over the past eight decades. and a special thank you to the organizers and the dozens of volunteers for bringing us together tonight to celebrate the people who work to keep rural Brant County strong and free.”

548 328 4966

1 855 395 0075

info@parispestcontrol.ca

2 McGovern Lane, Paris ON, N3L OK3

After remarks from Angela Leach, director of the BCFA and County of Brant Mayor David Bailey, the federation’s scholarship winners, Hannah Coleman and Sofia Arva, were recognized for their achievements in securing the Open Award and the Agricultural Award. Each received $1,500 to

support their post-secondary education.

The winner of the Open Award is Hannah Coleman of Brantford. Hannah Coleman, a first-year student at the University of Guelph pursuing a Bachelor of Science in chemistry, received the Open Award.

“Hannah has been heavily involved in her community with numerous achievements in 4-H, completing over 30 clubs. She enjoys playing piano and helping on her family’s dairy farm. Hannah also hopes to one day teach after completing teachers’ college,” said Stuart.

While Coleman was unable to attend the event, Ward 5 County Councillor Brian Coleman accepted the award on her behalf.

The Agriculture Award was presented to Sofia Arva of Brantford, who’s studyihg at the University of Guelph in the Bachelor of Commerce in food and agriculture business program.

“She too has been heavily involved in our community with achievements in 4-H, competitive dance, and she served as a senior leader at the after school program for the County of Brant,” said Stuart. “Sofia also enjoys playing soccer and being involved in the OAC Agribusiness and Farm Management Club, the OAC Soil and Crop Club and recreational dance. She is pursuing a long-term career in the agrifood industry.”

Later in the event, the Brat Farm of the Year Award was presented to Sara and Jay McLellan, and their son Alex of J&S Farms.

The Brant Farm of the Year Award honours “a farming operation that embodies the values of community, leadership, inter-generational commitment and sustainable agriculture practices that keep farming viable and rural communities strong,” said BCFA past president Mark Eddy. “The McLellan’s are highly deserving of the Brant Farm of the Year Award because they represent the very best of agriculture in Brant County–excellence in farm management, strong family values, environmental stewardship and an extraordinary commitment to community service. Jaysar Farms operates the dairy portion of the business, while J&s Farms is responsible for the crop production; together forming an integrated and well managed farming operation. Owned and operated by Jay and Sara McLellan, along with their son Alex as a partner, the Farm reflects the principles this award was intended to honour.”

Following the formal program, attendees spent time speaking with the McLellans and the winners of the silent auction, which boasted over 30 prizes, were later announced. Proceeds from the auction went back to support Canadian Foodgrains Bank and local food banks in the County.

Kimberly De Jong’s reporting is funded by the Canadian government through its Local Journalism Initiative. The funding allows her to report rural and agricultural stories from Blandford-Blenheim and Brant County.

OH, THE PLACES WE’LL GO: A bridge to nowhere and a palace bereft of Popes

By Paul Knowles

Any of us who got anywhere near a French class in school remembers the song, “Sur le pont d'Avignon l'on y danse, l'on y danse.” (“On the bridge of Avignon, they are dancing”). We probably learned it right after “Frère Jacques”.

Turns out, we were badly misled. As we learned during a fascinating tour of the southern French city of Avignon.

Oh, there is a bridge, all right. Or part of one. While it once spanned the Rhône River, most of it is gone. It was built in the 1100’s, with 22 spans connecting the west and east banks. But most of it was destroyed by floods in the 17th century, and today, only four spans remain.

But that’s not the problem with the song. The problem is, they didn’t dance on (“sur”) the bridge – they danced “sous” (under), and the prepositions got switched in the centuries since the song was first sung. So if you go to Avignon, and want to be historically accurate, dance under the remaining bits of the bridge, not on top.

Although, frankly, the broken bridge is not close to being the most interesting thing about Avignon. This ancient city can date its founding to the Neolithic period (the “New Stone Age”, from

10,000 to 2,000 BC). Artifacts from those dates have been found in Avignon, and there are a lot of archaeological ruins from the Greek and Roman period of the city.

But two features stand out above all others: the 14th century city walls, which still completely enclose the old city; and the Pope’s Palace.

These two outstanding examples of architectural heritage are related, since the walls were built by order of Pope Innocent VI.

The walls run for 4.3 kilometers. They enclose 151 hectares – the entire old city, including the Pope’s Palace. And therein lies a story.

For although we think of Rome – or more properly, the independent city-state of the Vatican – as the historic seat of the Papacy, this was not always the case. In 1309, Rome was a hotbed of political intrigue, and Pope Clement V moved the Papal Court to

Avignon, in France, where it remained until 1376. By then, the Avignon Papal Palace had housed seven Popes. The last of those, Gregory XI, returned to Rome in 1376.

But it didn’t end there. Even while Popes reigned in Rome, several other papal wanna-bes were elected Pope in France; they’re now referred to as “antipopes”. Two of them also were based in Avignon. The second of these, Benedict XII, was eventually kicked out of Avignon.

And by the way, in 1409, in an effort was made to solve the dispute, a third Pope was elected at a council in Pisa, intended to replace the two other claimants. This didn’t work, so now there were three “Popes”.

It wasn’t until 1417 that the “schism” ended and only one Pope was again recognized by the entire Roman church. And you thought church history was boring.

All of this comes to life when you visit the sprawling, soaring Pope’s Palace in the heights of historic Avignon. We toured the site as part of our terrific Viking River Cruise on the Rhône River.

The Palais des Papes is one of the largest and most important medieval gothic buildings in Europe. Much of it is open for tours – including the rooftop, which provides amazing views of the city of Avignon.

Construction of the Palace began in 1252, half a century before it became the sole residence of a Pope. But when the Papal Court was moved to Avignon, successive Popes devised increasingly grand additions and alterations, including several extra towers, a grand chapel, and adjoining buildings. Eventually, the size grew to encompass 16,500 square meters. The medieval Popes were determined to build monuments, perhaps to God, but more likely

to their own memories.

After the Pope moved back to Rome, and the messy business of competing Popes was resolved, the Palace remained as property of the church, but was largely ignored for about 350 years. Things got worse during the French Revolution, when it was seized by revolutionary forces. In 1790, it was the site of a massacre of counter-revolutionaries, and then became a prison.

Finally, in 1906, it was named a national museum. Our tour guide pointed out that “there is no link with the church anymore.” Restoration work started on building, and that has continued ever since. Tour leaders guide you carefully around scaffolding and across temporary bridges.

Most of the rooms continue to be unfurnished, so the architecture is the star of the show. Although during our visit, several of the rooms were adorned with incongruously modern art installations by sculptor Jean-Michel Othoniel.

We did see a few rooms where the walls still carry original murals from the 13th and 14th centuries, an intriguing juxtaposition the with ultra-modern art in neighbouring halls.

Perhaps the most impressive sight on the tour comes as you stand on the rooftop and peer through the castellations; at that moment, you are looking at 12,000 or so years of human history. And later, if you wish, you can dance under (or on) a bridge.

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.

What appears overnight in March, makes the roads worse, but somehow means spring is coming?

Potholes

What do Canadians gain in March but immediately complain about losing sleep over?

Daylight Saving Time

What returns in March, sings loudly at sunrise, and acts like it owns the neighbourhood?

Birds

What appears when the snow melts, sticks to everything, and follows you into the house?

Mud

What arrives

tricks

Sponsored by:

EARL

Meet our Pet of the Week:

Meet Earl, a curious young Springer Spaniel who’s already getting to know the trails, riverbanks and neighbourhoods around Paris. Though he’s not quite a year old yet, Earl has explored plenty of the town — and even popped into a few local shops along the way.Keep an eye on future editions of The Paris Independent — Earl may return as a four-legged roving reporter, sharing some of the sights and smells he discovers around town.

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

Word Search

Shopping Sleepover Karaoke Painting Boardgames Puzzles Photography Baking Fishing Kayaking Snowboarding Skiing

Exploring Baking

Horoscope

March 18 - March 25, 2026

ARIES

Mar 21 - Apr 20

Energy builds steadily, Aries. A confident step invites opportunity and sharpens direction. Stay persistent—it strengthens resolve and supports meaningful progress.

TAURUS

Apr 21 - May 21

Steady effort serves you well, Taurus. Practical choices restore calm and organize wandering thoughts. Value consistency—it strengthens stability and keeps goals within reach.

GEMINI

May 22 - Jun 21

Curiosity sparks ideas, Gemini. An engaging discussion inspires creativity and thoughtful exploration. Follow interest—it encourages progress and energizing collaboration.

CANCER

Jun 22 - Jul 22

Emotional balance returns, Cancer. Simple comforts rebuild confidence and perspective. Move gently forward and trust your instincts.

LEO

Jul 23 - Aug 23

Thoughtful preparation supports progress, Leo. Addressing lingering details restores control and assurance. Trust organization—it guides actions with confidence and clarity.

VIRGO

Aug 24 - Sept 22

Careful attention benefits you, Virgo. Organizing priorities restores balance and renewed motivation. Trust discipline—it strengthens direction and supports steady improvement throughout the days ahead.

FAMOUS BIRTHDAYS

MARCH 18

Queen Latifah, Actress (56)

MARCH 19

Bruce Willis, Actor (71)

MARCH 20

Michael Rapaport, Actor (56)

MARCH 21

Gary Oldman, Actor (68)

LIBRA

Sept 23 - Oct 23

Balance feels achievable, Libra. Open dialogue eases uncertainty and strengthens understanding. Choose diplomacy—it restores harmony and supports meaningful cooperation.

SCORPIO

Oct 24 - Nov 22

Determination sharpens now, Scorpio. A thoughtful insight encourages quiet transformation. Trust perception—it reveals strength waiting beneath the surface.

SAGITTARIUS

Nov 23 - Dec 21

Optimism rises gradually. Fresh experiences spark curiosity and renewed enthusiasm. Stay adventurous—it encourages growth that reshapes your perspective.

CAPRICORN

Dec 22 - Jan 20

Commitment delivers progress. Careful planning supports steady advancement toward important goals. Stay disciplined—the groundwork you build ensures lasting success.

AQUARIUS

Jan 21 - Feb 18

Innovative ideas guide you, Aquarius. A new viewpoint encourages teamwork and positive movement. Trust creativity—it strengthens your unique perspective and plans.

PISCES

Feb 19 - Mar 20

Gentle reflection restores clarity and emotional balance. Follow intuition—it quietly leads you toward renewal, reassurance, and confidence.

MARCH 22

William Shatner, Actor (95)

MARCH 23

Kyrie Irving, Athlete (34)

MARCH 24

Jim Parsons, Actor (53)

SATURDAY, MARCH 21

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Oxford Philatelic Society OXPEX & OTEX 2026 Stamp Show - St. Mary's Catholic High School, 431 Juliana Drive, Woodstock, ON, N4V 1E8. 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Free admission and parking. Framed and Judged exhibits, Stamp dealers, youth gift bags, Sales Circuit, draw prizes. Contact: dhfe@silomail.com Web: http://www.rpsc.org/chapters/ oxford

SUNDAY, MARCH 22

Brantford Symphony Orchestra presents Bachamania - Sunday, March 22 (3pm) at the Sanderson Centre. Join us as we celebrate music of the famous Bach family and say farewell to Maestro Sarabura and Concertmaster Leslie Dawn Knowles, retiring at the end of this season. Pre-concert chat 2:30pm, post-concert reception 5pm. Tickets $44 or $49 for adults, $10 for students with ID, FREE for children and elementary students, available at: tickets.sandersoncentre.ca or by calling the box office at 519-758-8090 12-5pm MonSat.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24

The Knights of Columbus Monthly Meeting - The Knights of Columbus will be holding their monthly meeting on Tuesday, March 24th at 7:30 PM in the Sacred Heart Parish hall at 17 Washington Street, Paris.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24TH & 31ST

The Brant Men of Song Will Be Holding Their Choir Practices - on Tuesdays on March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st at the First Baptist Church 70 West St., Brantford from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. New members are always welcome to attend and enjoy some singing.

SATURDAY, MARCH 28

Experience Fanshawe at Open House - All locations are open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 28. Meet faculty and current students from all areas of Fanshawe Drop-in and ask about your program interests, career options and becoming a Fanshawe student Hear from college experts on student life, admissions, financial aid, and more! Explore our campuses at London, Woodstock, Simcoe, St. Thomas, Clinton and Tiverton.

SUNDAY, MARCH 29

Catch all the action as the Paris Fire Station takes on the Airport Fire Station - in a charity hockey game to benefit Stedman Community Hospice. Game takes place at the Brant Sports Complex on March 29th at 3 pm. Everyone welcome. Bring your $5 admission - or extra donations - and enjoy a great game for a great cause.

MARCH 1-31

Celebrate Women. Double Your Impact. Honour Someone You Love - In celebration of the strength, resilience, and leadership of women everywhere, a generous donor has offered a matching gift. For the month of March, your donation will be doubled, helping even more women and families to have affordable, safe housing Brantford. You may also choose to make your gift in honour of a woman who inspires you. We will proudly acknowledge your tribute on our Wall of Gratitude. See the donors to campaign at https:// bridgetohome.ca/recognition/ I invite you to contribute to the project at 32 Bridge St. You may donate online (https://bridgetohome.ca/donate/)

THURSDAY, APRIL 9

Free Will Offering Soup Luncheon - St. Paul's United Church - 48 Broadway St W at noon

Brant Heritage Quilters Guild - Will be holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, April 09 at St. George United Church, 9 Beverly St. E., St. George. Doors open at 6:15pm with meeting start time 7pm. New members welcome. Cost for non-members $5/meeting”

SATURDAY, APRIL 11

"Celebrate Spring" Artisans & Vendors Market - It's been a long winter, but spring is sure to arrive! St. George United Church, 9 Beverly St. East (Hwy. #5), St. George is pleased to host awesome artisans and vendors once again - on Saturday, April 11th from

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Lots of baking, deli, gardening and gift ideas for spring & summer fun! Coffee, treats & lunch available. Admission of $2.00 to support the local Food Bank. For more information, please contact (519) 448-3842.

Paris Maple Syrup Festival - Hosted by the Lions Club of Paris. Saturday, April 11 from 8 am to 5 pm at the Paris Fairgrounds. Enjoy homemade pancakes served fresh and delicious all day long! Alongside this sweet tradition, we welcome a wide variety of food vendors, artisans, makers, and local businesses to be part of this well-loved community event.

APRIL 16, 17 & 18

Rummage and Bake Sale - Paris Community Church 164 GrandRiver Street North Paris. Thursday April16th Friday April17th 9am-7pm Saturday April18th 8am-12 noon. Bake Sale Saturday only. Entrance on Emily Street Door with W/C accessible ramp. Please bring your own reusable bags to fill if possible.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18

11th Annual County of Brant Community Tree Plant - Join the Brant Tree Coalition for the 11th Annual County of Brant Community Tree Plant on Saturday, April 18 from10 am to 1pm at Rising Park, Glenn Morris (5 Brook St.)

SATURDAY, APRIL 25

13th Annual City of Brantford Community Tree Plant - Join the Brant Tree Coalition for the 13th Annual City of Brantford Community Tree Plant on Saturday, April 25 from 10am to 1pm at Wayne Gretzky Blvd. Parking at Jaycee Park on Dunsdon.

SUNDAY, MAY 10

Mother’s Day Garden Party at Brae Manor Hobby Farm from 10am to 4pm! Pick your own spring bouquet in our Victorian garden and enjoy matcha or a mimosa, sweet treats, live music, a wildflower stroll, and an in-house art exhibit by renowned Paris artist Holly O. Tickets are $40 and must be pre-purchased. 54 East River Rd, Paris, Ontario. Visit www.braemanorhobbyfarm.ca or email braemanorhobbyfarm@gmail.com for details.

SATURDAY, MAY 30

Join us for the Alzheimer Society IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's in Brantford/Brant County - Mohawk Park - Lower Pavilion, Brantford. 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. This annual walk helps raise funds so the Alzheimer Society can continue providing vital programs, support, and resources for people living with dementia and their families in our community. Bring your friends, family, coworkers, or start a team and walk with us. Every step helps make a difference. To learn more, register, or donate, visit www.walkforalzheimers.ca and select Brantford/Brant County. Let’s come together as a community to support those affected by dementia!

1 & 3 TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH

The Brantford Stamp Club – In Support of the Food Bank - The Brantford Stamp Club meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday September to December and January to May as well as the 1st Tuesday in June and December. Meetings are held at The Branlyn Community Centre 238 Brantwood Park Drive in Brantford. Doors open at 7pm and meetings start at 8pm.

SECOND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH

The Probus Club of Brantford – The Probus Club of Brantford with 140 members, provides fellowship, friendship, fabulous guest speakers and fun for retired and semiretired men. We meet on the second Thursday of each month at the Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course, 10:00 a.m. to noon. Find out more at BrantfordProbus.ca

EVERY OTHER FRIDAY

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

and in

If you have any

please email Neil Edwards at

BUSINESS DIREC TORY

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

for general labour for stone masonry restoration work on historical project starting mid April Text or call Cobblestone Masonry Restoration Ltd. 519 -757-2574.

CANADA HAS EVERYTHING THE WORLD WANTS AND NEEDS

In times of increasing global uncertainty, there is reason for hope. Canada is rich in natural resources and has a strong workforce of skilled, talented people. We literally have everything the world wants and needs. We don’t have to be 77% dependent on one country for trade. We have the ability to diversify and succeed.

Canada has the fifth largest natural gas reserves, the third largest oil reserves, 9% of the world’s forests, uranium, potash, critical minerals, rare-earth minerals, the best farmers on the planet, and more.

Not far from us is Bruce Power, the second largest nuclear plant in the world -- leveraging leading-edge Canadian nuclear technology and a nuclear supply chain throughout our region.

phone batteries and more. Yet we don’t mine enough here because it takes 19 years to permit a mine in Canada.

Similarly, we’ve been slow to get shovels in the ground. We’re eight months in to the Major Projects Office without anything yet getting built. I stood in the House of Commons three times to speak in favour of that Bill and we helped the government pass that legislation. Yet to date, no new projects have begun. We can and must do better because Allied countries are moving ahead without us. Germany built an LNG intake facility in less than seven months. The Netherlands built one in six months and Finland in four months.

In fact, notwithstanding the trade war and tariffs, the U.S. needs aluminum and many other materials from Canada.

But hope is not a strategy. The key to unleashing all of this great potential that Canada has is to cut red tape to get projects built. And provide the regulatory certainty and competitiveness that businesses need to invest in Canadian projects.

For example, while we have 6% of the world’s lithium reserves – needed for car batteries,

In February, I was at the UN in New York as part of the Canadian delegation to Inter-Parliamentary meetings. What was evident to me in bilateral meetings there, with countries like the UK, Mexico, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, were the opportunities Canada has and the commonalities we share with many Allies in times of global economic uncertainty.

We have the second greatest per capita resource wealth in the world (second only to Saudi Arabia), the manufacturing base for the component parts, steel and fabricated materials needed to build, smart people and existing, albeit underutilized, free trade agreements with 51 countries.

Where Prosperity Meets Possibility

We can again be the most prosperous middle class in the world and the best performing

economy in the G7. As we were in 2014 when the New York Times declared Canada had replaced the American Dream. Let’s get to work and unlock our great potential.

More on how we do this in next week’s Paris Independent, as part of a weekly series.