PREMIER FORD PLEDGES $2.5 MILLION TO NEW HOSPITAL PLANS. Page 6 SUPPORTING UKRAINE. A local look at how you can help. Pages 10-11
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The Paris Independent Saturday, March 12, 2022
THIS WEEK In Community
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AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT APPROVED By Casandra Turnbull
RIVER ACCESS WOES
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ROCKS, BROOMS, MURDER MYSTERY Page 14
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Councillors have given their stamp of approval on a new affordable housing project at 170 Trillium Way in Paris. A 49-unit, 5-story building will be constructed adjacent to the existing affordable housing apartments on site. The County of Brant will foot the estimated $12 million to build it, Continued on Page 4
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR ONE BOOK ONE BRANT – Join other book lovers in a virtual discussion about this year’s book: Black Water, Family Legacy & Blood Memory by David A. Robertson. It’s a free online community event. *Wednesday, March 23 at 2 PM (ow.ly/G7Uc50I8EHg) * Thursday, March 24 at 7 PM (ow.ly/P7hx50I8EHO)
PURSE BINGO- Thursday, March 31 at 7 pm at the Paris Fairgrounds. Admission is $40, includes one free drink, dabber and cards to play 10 games of BINGO with designer bag prizes! Register online at www.parisfairgrounds.com SPRING AYR ARTISAN MARKET - We are excited to announce our first event of this year, the Spring Ayr Artisan Market! This event is a single day event that will be located at the North Dumfries Community Complex 2958 Greenfield Rd located in Ayr April 9 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This is an indoor/outdoor event. PARIS YOUTH SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION – Registration is open now until April 3. If you have a youth between the ages of 4-20 interested in building their skills, being part of a team and creating friendships register for ball today! For more information and to register please visit our website: parisyouthsoftball.com
VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR FOR SENIORS- Every Wednesday in March at 10 a.m. Register online at brantlibrary.ca/calendar
TRIVIA NIGHT- Every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Test your knowledge, invite the family! Brantlibrary.ca/trivianight COMFORT FOOD FOR SAD DAYS: Join us at the County of Brant Library as we make some delicious and nutritious comfort food. Tuesday, March 29 at 7pm. Register and watch a live, virtual cooking class where we create something wonderful for both body and soul. Register at ow.ly/cFAh50I99nf or call/visit your local branch and sign up with staff. PANCAKE BREAKFAST – The Lions Club of Paris is hosting a drive-thru, pickup pancake breakfast in lieu of the Maple Syrup Festival. You MUST pre-order your breakfast online and pick up will take place between 8 am and noon on April 9th at The Paris Fairgrounds. Order your stack of pancakes now at https://lionsclubofparis.ca/pancakebre akfast/
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR SPEED SYNDICATE CAR CLUB AUTO FLEE MARKET- Sunday, March 13 at The Paris Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to 3 pm. – 139 Silver Street. More information available at facebook.com/speedsyndicatecarclub
YUK YUKS – Saturday, May 7th at Burford Agricultural Hall in support of Airport Station 2, County of Brant Fire Department $30 a ticket.
EASTER EGGSTRAVAGAZA- The Easter Bunny was practicing hiding eggs at Brantwood farm and now he can’t find them. Tickets go on sale March 14, $9 a person ages 24 and up, see add below..
Publisher Managing Editor Advertising Sales Photographer News Reporter News Reporter
Chris Whelan Casandra Turnbull Chris Whelan Michelle Malvaso Carolina Saenz Karon Sinning
STATEMENT We are a non profit organization made up of like minded volunteers from our community with the main purpose of providing our community of Paris and area with a trustworthy and reliable source of community news. Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of everything we publish, we regret any errors that may occur. We limit our liability to that of printing a retraction upon notification of such errors in the next available publication. Our mail and Email addresses are listed below:
Published Weekly on Saturday
PO BOX 99900 LA 012 395 STN MAIN PARIS, ON, CANADA N3L 0C3 Email: theparisindependent@gmail.com
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COMMUNITY NEWS Construction on the 49-unit complex is expected to start in spring or summer of 2022. It will contain both one and two bedroom units available to all household types. The County of Brant will foot the estimated $12 million to build it using a combination of funds from surplus properties, long term debt and reserve funds, mainly derived from the sale of Brant County Power. The financial breakdown was presented as a high-level overview and will be finalized in greater detail as the project develops, said Michael Bradley, Chief Administrative Officer for the County of Brant. Bradley presented the affordable housing draft plan at Tuesday night’s Policy Development & Strategic Direction Committee meeting. “There are two agreements attached to the report,” said Bradley. “These are draft agreements and I’m seeking
Artistic rendering of the new affordable housing apartment building that will be located at 170 Trillium Way in Paris.
delegated authority to sign them and approve them. The city wants to keep it (the project) moving with a target of putting a shovel in the ground this year.” The plan to launch the project has two important factors: determining the cost and ownership shares and a land exchange between both the county and the city. The City of Brantford and the County of Brant have a cost sharing agreement which, among other things, appoints the city as service manager for Housing and Homelessness services for both municipalities. The county has committed $15 million over a 10-year period to tackle the affordable housing crisis in this community. By
agreeing to cover 100% of the Trillium Way project costs, the county will almost meet its commitment through this project alone. Right now, the Brant and Brantford Local Housing Corporation (BBLHC) owns the 2.5 acres at 170 Trillium Way. That ownership will transfer from BBLHC to the City of Brantford. Once the project is completed and the county issues payment, the city will sell 50% of the project’s shares to the county through the transfer of the deed. “That a very clean process, and personally I am comfortable with that approach,” stated Bradley. Continued on Page 5
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COMMUNITY NEWS The second aspect of this agreement includes a land exchange. The County of Brant requires a portion of the city-owned land located in front of 170 Trillium Way, the current parking lot for the building, to construct a roundabout. The roundabout will help the flow of traffic, according to an environmental study report conducted on Grand River Street North. By acquiring a portion of this land, the county can proceed with plans for a roundabout and in exchange, the county will give the city a section of the municipal land that backs on to open space beside the existing apartments. This vacant stretch of land runs parallel to Charlton Park. The city needs this extra footage to ensure there’s enough space to relocate part of the parking lot lost to the roundabout and to build the second apartment building as planned. With overwhelming support from councillors, Bradley has the authority to sign the draft agreement with the city to push the project towards tender. Construction is expected to start in Spring or Summer of 2022. The new apartments will be built to compliment the existing building on site. It will contain both one and two bedroom units available to
all household types. It will provide a mix of market rent, below market rent and rent geared-to-income units. Councillor Steve Howes said he was thrilled with the progress of this very necessary project, which he’s pushed for his entire term as Councillor. He told the Paris Independent, “We really need this new building and could use four more just like it around the County.”
The picture above shows how the land exchange will take place. The lights at the intersection of Grand River St North, Trillium Way and Bradbury Crescent will be replaced with a roundabout.
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COMMUNITY NEWS Premier gives new hospital plans the green light Doug Ford visits BGH and pledges $2.5 million in funding Brantford, ON – During a visit to Brantford on Wednesday, Premier Doug Ford gave the Brant Community Healthcare System the greenlight to proceed with plans to build a new hospital in Brantford. His announcement, alongside Minister of Health Christine Elliott and Brant MPP Will Bouma, also came with a pledge of $2.5 million in funding. “We are thrilled to have received this permission to begin earnestly planning our new facilities,” says Paul Emerson, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Our sincere thanks go to Premier Ford and Minister of Health Christine Elliott for granting us the opportunity to move forward and the voice of MPP Will Bouma who was a relentless advocate for this approval at Queen’s Park.” Brantford-Brant MPP Will Bouma commented, “I am so excited that the advocacy of the entire community has been heard by our government. I have been working on the hospital redevelopment since
day one but having had the amazing support of the Chiefs, Mayors and their respective Councils, the Hospital Board and Chair and especially the incredible work of Dr. David McNeil and his entire team is why we are standing here today.” “After two years of waiting, we are eager to develop plans for a facility that reflects the exceptional work that happens at BCHS every day,” added Dr. David McNeil, President and CEO. “The Mission of Brant Community Healthcare system is to work together to improve the health of our community. It is through the efforts of our Master Planning Steering Committee, Brantford Brant
County Councils, Six Nations and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation Councils combined with the voice of the community that we have achieved this announcement. A new hospital is necessary and this is the first step and critical step in our journey.” BCHS has been in the precapital stage of this process since February 2020 and recently launched a #BuildABetterBCHS campaign to advocate for more modern healthcare facilities in the community. Redevelopment plans will be shared in the near future, according to the BCHS.
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COMMUNITY NEWS Celebrating 3 Years of Artistry The Paris Bohemian Gallery celebrated its third anniversary last week. The art gallery opened on William Street in downtown Paris in 2019. Business owner Katherine Pickering commented, “making it through the last three years have come with no shortage of challenges, changes and transitions. My team is integral in the sustainability and strength of this gallery.” Pictured are artists Tina Revie, Katherine Pickering, Jennifer Budd, Aliki Mikulich, and Dean Ellis. Photos by Carolina Saenz
Covid assessment clinic moves to the Willett Brantford, ON – Effective today, the Brantford COVID-19 Clinical Assessment Centre will move to its new location at The Willett Urgent Care Centre in Paris. This new location at 238 Grand River St N will have enhanced access to diagnostic services such as lab tests or x-rays, allowing patients with COVID-19 concerns to receive a more thorough onsite examination. The Clinical Assessment Centre will have a separate marked entrance at the rear of the building and parking will be available on Alexander Street. The COVID-19 Clinical Assessment Centre provides a convenient option for children
and adults who may need support in managing mild viral symptoms. The intention of this clinic is to support local primary care practices in managing patients with viral symptoms commonly associated with COVID-19, and to provide an alternative to urgent care and the emergency department. Clinical Assessment Centres should not be used as a replacement to urgent care or emergency care and are intended to treat only those presenting with mild viral symptoms. Patients with cold and flu-like symptoms are encouraged to contact their primary care provider who can directly book an appointment to be seen by the
Clinical Assessment Centre Physician. If patients do not have a primary care provider, they can book an appointment at the COVID-19 Clinical Assessment Centre by email (covid.assessment@bchsys.org) or by telephone at 519-751-5818. Staff at the Clinical Assessment Centre will refer you to the onsite physician as appropriate. At the previous location, the Civic Centre in The City of Brantford, over 100,000 tests were administered in the last two years.
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COMMUNITY NEWS Tourist season is around the corner: Now’s the time to voice your concerns over river access issues By Casandra Turnbull The County wants to know what you think of the current River Access User Mitigation Strategy (RAUMS). It was developed and implemented last year in response to a dramatic increase in visitors accessing the Grand River in Glen Morris and Paris during the summer of 2020. Tourists and locals alike, seeking refuge in the beauty of the river as it wraps through small town Ontario, is nothing new to longtime residents. The number of visitors in peak season has steadily increased for decades. However, what happened in 2020 was abnormal, much like the rest of the events that unfolded that first year of the pandemic. According to statistical data on Engage Brant, The Penman’s Dam access point, located at the bend of Willow Street, saw a visitor increase of 26,650 compared to 2019. Bean Park access point off Spencer Street, recorded 17,545 more people compared to 2019 and Eric Thomlinson access in Glen Morris saw an increase of 22,734 compared to 2019. To put those figures into context, that’s an increase of nearly 50% at each river access, over the same time period in 2019.
County by-law officers handed out 65 tickets in 2021 to motorists who parked in designated areas without a permit at the Penman’s Dam access. Parking issues are a major concern with area residents. Between Penman’s Dam, Bean Park and the Eric Thomlinson access, at total of 171 tickets were issued. Photo by the County of Brant
So, to combat the influx in people, which resulted in more traffic, parking nightmares, excessive litter and more noise for nearby residents, the county introduced RAUMS. It included the following measures: introducing a seasonal residential parking permit system in river access zones, increased enforcement of parking restrictions, increased parking violation fees, no permits for commercial operators and finally
a promise to look partnerships with other river stakeholders on management and capacity issues. As a result, by law issued 171 tickets at all three river access zones. Seventy-two of the tickets were given out to unauthorized motorists who parked in municipal permit only areas. Interestingly, 65 out of the 72 violations occurred at the Penman’s Dam launch. Continued on Page 9
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COMMUNITY NEWS County staff believe the inaugural 2021 RAUMS was successful in reducing visitor volumes and mitigating negative impact to residents. They've adopted the plan for 2022 with minor modifications: new signage at the river access zones, the county will host and promote public river safety education sessions, the county will work towards a more formal partnership with the City of Brantford the Grand River Conservation Authority to examine future launch point infrastructure that can support increased volume in visitors, ban commercial parking permits for any commercial outfitters and finally allow additional household and visitor parking permits per address for residents living in the access zone neighbourhoods.
consultation, staff is shelving the idea for now, pending direction from Council. Some feedback offered by area residents following the 2021 season suggested the county implement stringent monitoring of commercial outfitters, including a fee to utilize the river access points. Between paid parking, fees to utilize the river and enhanced bylaws, locals hope this will deter some outfitters from loading and off loading in Paris and Glen Morris and force them to utilize larger, more centralized access points at Brant Park or Newport.
The county wants your opinions as well to help tweak the plan for the upcoming season. Voice your concerns, share your thoughts and suggestions and provide some insight as the deadline for community engagement is March 31. County staff are also mauling over the idea of As always, the line of communication is open introducing a paid parking system in river access through the county's Engage Brant website zones which would include both on street and https://engagebrant.ca/riveraccess2022 municipal parking lots. Residents living in the area would receive a pass once they register their vehicles. Due to the significant effort involved with developing the idea, including public
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COMMUNITY NEWS Brantford woman does what she can to aid family in Ukraine By Karon Sinning Every day now we are assaulted with the horror and heartbreaking images from Ukraine. How much worse this must be for anyone having family or friends suffering in that chaos. Olga Malanyak, a member of the Ukrainian church in Brantford, kindly agreed to talk with me about her connection to the country of her birth. The church is located on Terrace Hill Street in the city. Malanyak has been in Canada for 24 years, but her parents and a sister’s family still live in Western Ukraine. Her family are on the western side of the country, close to the city of Lviv, which is about 70 km from the Polish border. While at this time her family remains safe, villages and whole towns near them, such as Kharkiv with a population of nearly 2 million, have been almost completely destroyed. Here in Canada, the church is very important to Malanyak and she is part of the weekly food preparation and sale that funds the needs of the church. “We are a very small congregation, and this is a very necessary income for us,” said Malanyak. Food is sold from the church on a firstcome, first-served basis, Fridays from 12 pm to 4 pm. There are no pre-orders. During the recent sales they have also incorporated a donation basket for funds to be sent to help defend Ukraine. As well, on a recent Sunday they held a rally in the evening in support of Ukraine residents. “There were 70 to 80 people here to show their support,” she gratefully acknowledged. Continued on Page 11
Local firefighter aiding children at Ukraine / Moldova Border A local volunteer firefighter, Logan Barrett, is overseas right now as a member of Operation OrphanCrisis Response Team. The local man flew to Romania on March 6th and then travelled by land into the Ukraine / Moldova border to assess the situation, gather intelligence, perform health assessments aimed to protect children impacted by the Humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and to establish infrastructure for future intervention. Barrett is a member of the United Kingdombased charity, Operation Orphan, whose mission is to protect at-risk children who are vulnerable to human trafficking, child labour, slavery and general abuse. “These programs and deployments cost a lot of money,” explained Logan in Operation Orphan press release on social media days prior to his departure. “If you have the means to support this cause it would mean an incredible amount to myself, and the team.” Canadians looking to donate are asked to follow the UK donation protocol and reference UKRAINE so the funds can be allocated properly. All donations will go directly to providing aid for children impacted by the crisis in Ukraine, he added. For more information visit https://www.operationorphan.org/
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COMMUNITY NEWS With the funds raised through the church and the rally, Malanyak was able to purchase much needed items such as first aid supplies and over the counter drugs to send to support the efforts in Ukraine.
the assistance a lot faster. Malanyak also recommends directing donations to the Ukrainian Credit Union in Hamilton.
The direct contact to make your donation is: Buduchnist Credit “People really feel the horror of Union, BCU Financial, (905) what is happening in Ukraine and 544-7776, the FUDF Fund or want to help,” Malanyak said. She online at https://cnewa.org/ca/ has received calls asking about Also donating to organizations donations of clothing, small items such as Red Cross, and and funds. She delivered some designating those funds for donations to a depot in Oakville Ukraine, are very that were then flown to a location appreciated. Donations help close to the Ukrainian border the Ukrainian military obtain where they could be distributed. much needed defence equipment “Sending goods overseas, while and medical supplies for the needed, are very costly. The defence of their country. flight was about $400,000,” she said. Malanyak is justifiably concerned with NATO’s inability to impose While there is gratitude for the “no fly” zone over the county. people wanting to help, the best And she said she is very way to do that is through concerned that Putin will invade monetary donations. In some other adjacent countries next. cases, funds are sent to a Initially the lines of refugees Ukrainian bank and are seeking asylum stretched for 50being distributed to areas needing 60 kilometres at nearby border
points. These have now lessened but are still very daunting. “My sister and many others, volunteer to feed these people waiting to cross. Cooking and distributing the food,” said Malanyak. “After Ukraine’s independence, the country looked to the West more and more for inspiration,” she explained. And she feels this is part of the reason why Putin has attacked them. In Malanyak’s opinion, “Russia always tried to portray itself as Ukraine's big brother,” when as she explained, “Ukraine is much older and has a longer history than Russia.” She feels that Ukraine’s desire for independence provoked Putin’s attack. She stressed that while eastern Ukraine is in the direct path of Putin’s army and its citizens are suffering most, everyone in Ukraine is devastated and fear it will only get worse if Putin is not stopped.
Sunflower Kits of Hope & Peace Walter’s Greenhouse is selling Sunflower kits for Ukraine. When you purchase a $2.99 kit, 100% of the proceeds will go to Red Cross Humanitarian Coalition for Ukraine Crisis. The local garden centre is also donating $2 for each kit sold. The Sunflower is Ukraine’s national flower and a global symbol of optimism and peace. A door on the sign of the business states that they have friends and suppliers with family members in Ukraine.
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A LOOK BACK AT PARIS DURING THE WAR YEARS Photos Courtesy: The Paris Museum & Historical Society
Paris Past By Chris Whelan On Aug. 4, 1914, in order to know that war had been declared between Great Britain and Germany, Parisians had to go downtown to read the telegraph bulletins posted in front of the town’s newspaper office. As word spread, a large crowd gathered and they heard the national anthem. The Citizens’ Band set up opposite the fire hall and began playing patriotic songs God Save the King and other familiar patriotic songs being played. The crowd sang and cheered loudly. Later, the Boy Scout Bugle Band paraded around the town followed by torch bearers. Continuous cheers were heard for King George V. Alfred Scott, a plumber, local scout master and reservist in the 2nd Battalion of the West Durham Light Infantry, was the first person in Paris to go on active duty. On Aug. 6, 1914, he got a big send-off by the citizens of Paris. Above: c1915 G.W. McFarlane Engineering Co. converted the basement of the town hall for the manufacture of artillery shells. About 35-60 men were employed. The shells were sent to France
Above: Send off for seven volunteers for WW1 on August 23, 1914. The seven include: Napoleon Larin, Aylmer Fraser, Sergeant Cullum, Patrick Fitzpatrick, Ivor Murray, William Mears ,Sinclair Knill .
William St. Military parade c 1914 -1918
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A LOOK BACK AT PARIS DURING THE WAR YEARS Photos Courtesy: The Paris Museum & Historical Society On Nov. 11, 1930, the unveiling and dedication ceremony of the Paris War Memorial took place. Mrs. Mary Baldwin, mother of Nursing Sister Dorothy Baldwin, unveiled the monument which was designed by the Hunter Granite Works in Simcoe. The centre granite commemorates the men from Paris who gave their lives during World War 1.The list of battles in which they fought are listed on the attached sections. World War II is represented by two free standing pillars on either side of the major granite stone. The right pillar represents the Royal Canadian Air Force and the left the Navy. Names of the battles in which they fought are etched on each pillar. The Korean War, 1950 to 1953, is also recognized. Approximately 600 men and women from Paris and area served in the war. Of those, 91 were killed or mortally wounded and 4 died of disease and accidents. After August 20, 1918, 18 of the 91 were killed during the final Allied offensive. According to the Star-Transcript, on October 18, 1918, Private William English, who enlisted in 1915, was the last Paris soldier to make the supreme sacrifice. Sources: At the Forks of the Grand, Volume 2 by D. A. Smith; Great War Centenary Association; Paris Museum and Historical Society Volunteers; Paris Star Transcript.
Above: King’s Ward School at 3 Broadway St., Paris, was built in 1881. By 1910, the school was closed and the building became the Paris Armoury, which was demolished in 1970. The present Paris Central School is now on this site.
Above: Celebrating the end of WW2 May 1945 - note the fountain that was presented to the town in memory of The Old Boys Reunion 1905
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S P O RT S
Murder at the Curling Club! Curlers travel back in time to 1920s to solve good old fashioned Murder Mystery Bonspiel This past Saturday, Paris Curling Club members welcomed the return of a familiar event, which added even more mystery to an already mysterious time. The annual “Mystery Spiel", named appropriately because you never know who you’re playing with until you arrive at the rink, featured a new twist: a good old fashioned murder mystery! Staged in the 1920s and using actual Paris history from the pages of D.A Smith’s Forks of the Grand, curlers dressed the era for the one-day spiel as they curled and tried to solve a murder.
Thursday Draw Winners!
Congratulations to the Mystery Spiel winning team of George Collins, Karl Morton, Joe Azzopardi, and Michael Johnston. Hats off to Bella Todd and Mackenzie Crowley for solving the mystery and finding the murderer. Mystery Spiel Photos by Ellay Heys
The winner of the Thursday afternoon Ladies Paris Curling Club Barb Stewart draw was Susan Cunningham's team. Pictured from left to right are Kathy Dreyer, vice; Susan Cunningham, skip; Barb Stewart, sponsor; Joan Sims, second and Elaine Otterman, lead. Thank-you to Barb for being a generous sponsor of this draw. Submitted Photo
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IN COMMUNITY Suggested books featuring inspiring women Are you feeling inspired by the women in your life? Do you want to feel inspired by other strong, like-minded women? Check out these book suggestions provided by The County of Brant library in honour of International Women’s Day. Hidden Figures – Margot Lee Shetterly The true story of the Black female mathematicians at NASA whose calculations helped fuel some of America’s greatest achievements in space. Untamed - Glennan Doyle Untamed is the story of how one woman learned that a responsible mother is not one who slowly dies for her
children, but one who shows I am Malala is the true story of a them how to fully live. family uprooted by global terrorism, of the fight for girls' We Should All Be Feminists education, of a father who, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie himself a school owner, Drawing extensively on her own championed and encouraged his experiences and deep daughter to write and attend understanding of the often school, and of brave parents masked realities of sexual who have a fierce love for their politics, Chimamanda Ngozi daughter in a society that prizes Adichie explores what it means sons. to be a woman now and why we Becoming – Michelle Obama should all be feminists. In her memoir, Michelle Obama The Soul of a Woman - Isabel chronicles the experiences that Allende have shaped her - from her Allende's book serves as an childhood on the South Side of exploration of womanhood, Chicago to her years as an balancing the feminism, parenting, aging, love executive demands of motherhood and and more. work to her time spent at the I Am Malala - Malala world's most famous address. Yousafzai with Christina Lamb
Paris artist memorializes Walter Gretzky This tribute to Canada's Hockey Dad, Walter Gretzky, was unveiled at Brantford City Hall on March 4th, one year after his passing. The sculpture was created by local Paris artist Robert Dey. The idea developed when the Glenhurst Art Gallery asked for artists to create a portrait that would hang in the lobby of the Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course. While Dey’s sculpture didn’t meet the criteria, it did give the art gallery a new idea and in early 2021 they launched a public fundraiser to collect $15,000 so that Robert’s sculpture could be turned into a bronze bust to be gifted to the city. Members of Walter’s family were on hand last week for the public unveiling. Photo of Robert Dey in his Studio, posted by ‘I Think You’re Grand Community Group’
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L O C A L S I P S & E AT S
BEERS WITHOUT BEARDS Travelling Pint
with Tiffany Martin
This month we mark International Women’s Day, a time to continue to celebrate the role that women play in our lives as well as the craft beer industry. It’s also as great a time as any to continue to push for more equal gender representation in craft beer. Humans have been drinking beer for almost 7,000 years, and from fermenting fruit, honey, and rice in China to creating the world's first barley beer in Mesopotamia, women have been involved in beer since the very beginning- and in fact, women were the first to brew and sell this delicious beverage and in some places the first tavern owners! Women drink beer, and this likely isn’t shocking news as there’s a good chance you know a woman, or several, who drink beer, or you do yourself. Women also brew, package, sell, write about and market beer around the world. Continued on Page 17
Female workers roll casks of beer across the floor at a brewery in Cheshire, September 1918, “The Employment of Women in Britain, 1914-1918” (Wikimedia Commons | Public Domain)
Flux Brewing X Farm League Brewing collaboration day with a rad team of women. Photo supplied by Tiffany Martin
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Those numbers are still low but by all of us being more inclusive and welcoming of women and those that identify as women those numbers will continue to climb. It is past due to get rid of outdated preconceived ideas, assumptions and biases. #BreakTheBias As a society, we need to aid in that and provide both a safe space to enjoy a beer, be able to learn about beer, be listened to when we talk about beer and ask questions without feeling judged. Over the years beer has been the beverage of choice for peasants, gods, royalty & slaves from white-collar to blue-collar, low class, middle class and upper class. Think about that. It has helped us celebrate big occasions and comforted us in harder times. It has been a means of meeting new friends, remembering old ones and brings us together, most of the time.
*Keep an eye out for beer releases with a charitable donation supporting or promoting women's causes, Wellington Brewery in Guelph is ALWAYS doing this alongside Little Beasts Brewing in Whitby as two examples.
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* Support women who pursue a career working in the beer industry. * If you are sending out press releases, creating social media posts, advertising a beer-related product or a newsletter, watch that vocabulary and be sure to make it inclusive to everyone. “He will be sure to enjoy this…” Newsflash, I would have too!
*Check out the website at https://www.bravenoisebeer.com/ where they bring further awareness to the issues that women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ individuals face Today, I ask you to raise your glass alongside in craft beer and honour those who have spoken mine to the women in our community, and beyond out. who are continuing to fight for equality in this * Encourage the women in your life to participate world and to the allies and men that have their in craft beer and include them in the conversation. backs. * Don't look so surprised when you discover a woman is responsible for the beer you're drinking. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO SUPPORT WOMEN IN BEER? * Share this article... kidding, well sort of, but a 'like' and a share goes a long way and helps to amplify our voices. * Find out what breweries are women-owned, women-managed or breweries that highlight their women-identified employees and support those Support The businesses when deciding where to spend your hard-earned dollars. Lions Club,
Support Your Community The Ace is still in play! Grab your tickets for the next draw: https://parislionscatcht heace.ca
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COMMUNITY NEWS New cycling loop coming soon! By Casandra Turnbull Brant Tourism is encouraging residents to Love Local Brant. It’s a catchphrase created during the pandemic to encourage locals to fall in love with the beauty, the businesses and the activities in their own backyard. One way to support that is through the creation of the Grand River Loop, a cycling experience that
encompasses both the County of Brant and City of Brantford. The project was initially considered in 2019 but was put on hold at the start of the pandemic in 2020. Almost two years later, the plan is entering its final planning stages and was presented as information at Tuesday night’s Policy Development and Strategic Direction Committee meeting.
The 56-kilometre route is not for the faint of heart. Signage will direct cyclists from Paris, through the SC Johnson Trail as it weaves in and out of the trail, through the rural roads of Brantford, Mount Pleasant and eventually back to Paris before ending at the Arlington Hotel. Continued on Page 19
Get ready to share the road with more cyclists when the Grand River Loop opens up this spring/summer. The 56-kilometre route is designed for more experienced cyclists. Photo credit Brant Cycling Club Page
The Paris Independent County of Brant Staff from the Roads, Operations, Economic Development & Tourism and Community and Protective Services Departments collaborated on the project, and they sought knowledgeable insight from members of the Brant Cycling Club. County efforts were matched by counterparts from the City of Brantford as well. All councillors present at Tuesday’s meeting welcomed the project but also had some safety concerns regarding particular stretches of the loop, namely Mile Hill, Bethel Road, Powerline Road and Bishopsgate Road. Councillor John Bell said that he receives a lot of complaints/concerns about pedestrian and cyclist safety on Mile Hill now that there’s more motorists using that road as a bypass into Paris. Bell also suggested that the cycling route be re-examined based on the findings from a report that will be presented to council next month by Greg Demers, Director of Roads. This report will offer suggestions and solutions to the growing concerns on Mile Hill. Russell Press, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, validated Bell’s concerns and agreed
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that some roads along the route should be looked at again since they were approved in 2019 when the Loop was first introduced, long before the substantial development that’s taken place on Rest Acres Road. “I can let you know that we are willing to look at alternating routes. Safety is paramount,” assured Press. Bell also questioned the safety of Bethel Road once traffic starts to flow to and from the Ford plant. Councillor Steve Howes wanted Press to discuss with collaborators how the town will deal with increased bicycle parking in downtown Paris. With the Master Plan at least 2-3 years away from complete approval, Howes wonders what the interim solution will be. A formal launch event and marketing plans are underway, and signage will begin to pop up along the approved route within the next few months. Part of the funding for the signs is supported by the provincial government and the Trillium Foundation, confirmed Mayor David Bailey.
Tentative map of the new Grand River Loop. Councillors have suggestions/concerns surrounding some busier roadways. Russell Press is taking those suggestions back to staff/committee members before the final route is approved and signage is posted.
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F I N A N C I A L M AT T E R S Investing for retirement goes way beyond RRSPs Your Money Team
with
Glenn Gaudet
In fact, effective retirement planning goes way beyond just investing. When Canadians think of investing for retirement, they often think of RRSPs as being one of the best ways to help them reach their retirement savings goals. After all, RRSPs let your savings grow tax-deferred, plus they bring considerable tax deductions, resulting in tax savings, which you can also add to your RRSPs. However, while RRSPs undoubtedly provide a very tax-efficient way of investing for retirement, they are only one piece of the retirement plan puzzle. A comprehensive financial plan will take into account a whole range of considerations, including income from government pensions, work pensions, registered and non-registered savings, as well as how much you’ll need to save to provide the kind of retirement you want. There are various alternatives to RRSPs when considering where to invest for retirement, and it’s also
essential to consider all aspects of your financial life to have an air-tight retirement plan. Let’s take a look at what you should consider beyond RRSPs and investing for retirement.
A good alternative to RRSPs The maximum you can contribute to an RRSP for yourself and/or a spousal RRSP in 2022 is 18% of your earned income, or $30,780, whichever is the lowest amount, minus any pension adjustment. While many working Canadians would struggle to afford to save 18% of their income, there are others who can afford considerably more than this amount. For those people, there are several additional options. Another good investment vehicle for retirement is a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA). While your contributions won’t deliver an immediate tax break, your investments will grow completely tax-free. The annual limit for TFSA contributions for 2022 is $6,000, but if you have unused contribution room from previous years, or made withdrawals from your TFSA account in the past, you may be able to contribute more. The total TFSA contribution room from 2009 (when TFSAs
were introduced) to 2022 is $81,500, so you may be able to save far more than $6,000 in a TFSA this year. You can find out how much contribution room you have by signing into your My Account or your MyCRA.
A better retirement planning option for lower-income earners If you’re currently in a low tax bracket or expect to be in a higher tax bracket in retirement than today, investing in an RRSP may not be as beneficial for your retirement investment plan. A key benefit of RRSPs is the tax break you get when you make a contribution, however you will pay tax when you withdraw the money when you retire. So, if your income when you retire is the same or higher than when you contribute, there may be less or no tax benefit in the long run.
Investing instead in a TFSA could be your best investment for retirement, at least for now. You won’t receive an immediate tax break, but your savings will grow tax-free, and a TFSA is far more flexible than an RRSP.
The Paris Independent You won’t pay tax when you withdraw from it, you can take money out whenever you need it and any withdrawals are added to your total contribution room for the following year (unlike with an RRSP, where you lose contribution room with any withdrawal). This doesn’t by any means need to be a lifetime investment plan for retirement. Once your current income rises to a level above your probable retirement income, investing in an RRSP could become a more taxefficient option. Why you need to consider tax planning when investing for retirement There are several tax-efficient strategies for retirement that can help your savings last longer and allow you to retire more comfortably. These strategies include: *Optimizing the time you start collecting CPP/QPP and Old Age Security
*Sharing CPP/QPP with your spouse *Contributing to spousal RRSPs *Using spousal loans *Generating tax-preferred income from non-registered investments (savings that aren’t in an RRSP or a TFSA)
When to pay off your mortgage While many people pay off their mortgage long before they retire, it can sometimes make sense to
21 carry a mortgage into retirement. This can be the case when mortgage interest rates are low and investment returns are high. In this situation, it may make sense to put more money into investments, while continuing to pay interest on your mortgage. Since investments returns and interest rates are not guaranteed, this strategy should be carefully assessed with the help of your IG Consultant. It would also make more sense for your retirement investment plan to pay off high interest debt before paying off your mortgage, especially when that interest is not tax deductible.
Planning for the unexpected
March 12, 2021 medical recover.
expenses
until
you
Estate planning While most of us know the importance of investing for retirement, estate planning often goes overlooked. By planning ahead, you and your spouse could avoid unnecessary taxes when one of you passes away. Making a robust will and choosing beneficiaries wisely will help you and your family to keep on track financially. Written and published by IG Wealth Management as a general source of information only, believed to be accurate as of the date of publishing. Not intended as a solicitation to buy or sell specific investments, or to provide tax, legal or investment advice. Seek advice on up to date withholding rules and rates and on your specific circumstances from an IG Wealth Management Consultant. Trademarks, including IG Wealth Management and IG Private Wealth Management are owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations.
When you’re investing for retirement, even the best plans can be derailed by unexpected events. When it comes to large expenses, an emergency savings account can help keep your retirement planning in check. Advisors generally recommend you save between three to six months’ worth of expenses in your emergency account, but this should be based on your personal circumstances. Insurance is also essential to maintain your family’s lifestyle both now and in retirement. Life insurance will help your family to pay bills and the mortgage/rent should you pass away, while disability and critical illness insurance can help cover lost wages and
Glenn Gaudet is the lead advisor of a wealth advisory team helping families and business owners since 1993. Glenn holds many designations including the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® designation, Elder Planning Counselor, Certified Professional Consultant on Aging and the Registered Retirement Counselor. With more than 60 years of combined experience, Gaudet Group Private Wealth Management is committed to making clients’ interests their top priority. Do you have questions you’d like Glenn to Answer? Email him at glenn.gaudet@igpwm.ca. Investors Group Financial Services Inc
The Paris Independent
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Showtimes for Galaxy Cinemas Brantford Saturday March 12, 2022 The Batman 11:30a.m., 12:00p.m., 2:00p.m., 4:00p.m., 5:00p.m., 6:00p.m., 8:00p.m., 9:00p.m., 10:00p.m. Uncharted 11:40a.m., 3:20p.m., 6:20p.m., 9:30p.m. Spider-Man: No Way Home 11:50a.m., 2:40p.m.. 6:10p.m. Cinderella and the Spellbinder 11:20a.m.. 1:50p.m., 4:40p.m., 7:20p.m. Dog 9:10p.m. Sing 2 11:10a.m., 2:10p.m., 3:30p.m. The Wolf and the Lion 2:00p.m., 4:40p.m., 6:30p.m. Jackass Forever 7:15p.m.,9:50p.m. Scream 10:00p.m. Ghostbusters: Afterlife 11:00a.m.