Other Community News

Café Convo with Victoria Fisher
Mar. 13, 2023 – Victoria Fisher is Anishinaabeke from Ebb and Flow First Nation with a Master of Social Work – Indigenous Specialization.  She is the Executive Director of a non-profit service organization, contributes to Indigenous-led resource development and works to shine light on community capacity.

On March 24th, 7:00 pm., at Midhurst United Church, Victoria will talk with us about the service/relationship experiences that guide her work.  She will facilitate opportunity for shared reflection and connection.

Café Convo is a safe space to listen, ask questions and join the conversation on a variety of topics. All are welcome.

Submitted by Jeannette Schieck for Midhurst United Church

 

Midland and District Lawn Bowling Club Inducted Into The USA South East Division Hall of Fame
Mar. 12, 2023- Cindy Higgins from the Midland and District Lawn Bowling Club in Ontario and the Sun City Center Lawn Bowling Club in Florida was recently inducted into the USA South East Division Hall of Fame. She is not only a winning player but also an umpire who trains umpires. Submitted by Leslie Ironstone Gordon

Drayton Entertainment Is Excited To Announce Youth Chorus Audition Date for the 2023 Season
Auditions will take place on Sunday, March 19 at Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre for Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story (running at King’s Wharf Theatre from June 15 to July 1),  and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (running at King’s Wharf Theatre from August 10 to September 3).

Would you interested in schedule an interview with David Connolly to discuss audition details and this exciting opportunity for youth ages 8-15?

Photos and David Connolly’s Bio: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/eee6ftvahl6v1641fp9rw/h?dl=0&rlkey=j2ee061ao90fz7pg8wbmb52au

 

Spring Safety: Be careful Near Waterways
March 9, 2023 – The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority reminds everyone to stay well back from waterways, ditches, ponds and lakes this time of year.

With spring-like temperatures arriving soon, unsafe ice and slippery banks already exist. The onset of spring will bring rain and melting snow, which will cause the breakup of ice along watercourses and lakes as well as high stream flows. These hazardous conditions can cause life-threatening injury if a person falls into the extremely cold water.

Conservation authorities across the region remind residents to keep family and pets away from the edge of streams, rivers, ponds and lakes at this time of year.  Especially during this transitional season, it is important to supervise children and help them understand the dangers of playing near creeks and streams.  Anglers, canoeists, hikers, hunters and other recreational users need to be aware of the dangerous conditions that could pose a risk to personal safety.

Play it safe and stay well back from waterways as the snow and ice melts.  Help make this a safe and enjoyable spring.

• Keep family and pets away from the edges of all bodies of water.
• Avoid all recreational activities in or around water, especially near ice jams or ice-covered watercourses and waterbodies—including municipally managed stormwater ponds.
• Do not attempt to walk on ice-covered waterbodies or drive through flooded roads or fast-moving water.
• If you live close to the water, move objects such as chairs or benches away from the water’s edge to avoid losing them during potential spring high water.
• Avoid walking close to and across riverbanks and ice-covered water to prevent falling through.

The NVCA continues to monitor waterways and will issue flood messages as conditions warrant.

For more information, call your local conservation authority:

• Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority            (705) 424-1479
• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority             (905) 895-1281
• Toronto & Region Conservation Authority                 (416) 661-6514
• Conservation Halton                                               (905) 336-1158
• Credit Valley Conservation                                      (905) 670-1615
• Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority            (905) 579-0411
• Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority               (905) 885-8173
• Kawartha Conservation                                   (705) 328-2271

Submitted by Taryn Arsenault, Flood Operations Field Specialist

 

Ontario Helping More Students Enter the Skilled Trades Faster
Submitted by Premier’s Office

Mar. 8, 2023 – TORONTO — The Ontario government is preparing young people for in-demand and well-paying careers by allowing students in grade 11 to transi-tion to a full-time, skilled trades apprenticeship program. Upon receiving their Certificate of Apprenticeship, these young workers can apply for their Ontario Secondary School Diploma as mature students. At a time when the province continues to face historic labour shortages, this change means that more students will be able to enter the trades faster than ever before to help build Ontario.

“These changes provide students with exciting pathways to good-paying jobs and rewarding careers and support our government’s ongoing work to attract more young people into the skilled trades,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Whether it’s enhancing trades education in our schools, breaking down barriers for newcomers or upskilling workers, we’re leaving no stone un-turned to train the skilled workforce that will build Ontario.”

In the construction sector alone, 72,000 new workers are needed by 2027 to fill open positions because of retirements and expected job growth. To help deliver the province’s infrastructure plans, including building 1.5 mil-lion homes by 2031, more people are needed in the skilled trades.

“For far too long, parents and students have been told the only path to suc-ceed in life is by going to university, which is simply not true,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Devel-opment. “When you have a career in the skilled trades, you have a career for life. Our government will continue to provide students with the tools they need to land well-paying and life-long careers.”

Additionally, the government will begin consultations in fall 2023 with em-ployers, unions, education stakeholders, trainers, parents, and others about ways to make it even easier for young people to enter a career in the trades. This includes the potential of lowering entry requirements for some of the 106 skilled trades that currently require a grade 12-level education.

“To ensure all students can get ahead in this province, we are accelerating pathways from high school to apprenticeship learning and ultimately, a ca-reer in the skilled trades,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “Our government’s mission is to fill the skills gap by better connecting Ontario students to these good-paying jobs, helping many students who may not have graduated, now gain a credential that leads them to meaningful employment.”

 

Many Young Canadians Think Humanity Is Doomed
New article by Lakehead researchers describes climate emotions and anxiety

March 6, 2023 – Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ont.

A pair of Lakehead University researchers recently published an article describing the emotions and anxiety experienced by young Canadians due to climate change.

Dr. Lindsay Galway, Associate Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at Lakehead Thunder Bay, and Dr. Ellen Field, Assistant Professor in Education at Lakehead Orillia, surveyed a thousand Canadians in the 16 to 25 age group.

Their ScienceDirect article describes some interesting responses.

Nearly half (48 per cent) think humanity is doomed. Seventy-three per cent find the future frightening.

Seventy-six per cent think people have failed to take care of the planet, while 39 per cent are hesitant to have children.

Seventy-one per cent of respondents felt angry about the Canadian government’s response to climate change – and 69 per cent felt abandoned.

Six in 10 young people believe the formal education system should do more to teach them about climate change. Seventy-eight per cent reported that climate change impacts their overall mental health.

Four in 10 Canadians said their feelings about climate change negatively affect their daily life.

Despite all of those feelings, many respondents have hope that it’s not too late to slow down global warming. Seventy-one per cent of respondents believe that together we can do something. Half of these young Canadians believe they can contribute.

“This research shows that inaction at the systemic and structural levels shapes the experiences of climate emotions and anxiety among young people across Canada,” Dr. Galway said.

“While we consider difficult climate emotions and anxiety appropriate responses to the climate crisis, given its impacts, scale and urgency, we also recognize the mental and emotional burden that young people are bearing.

“To address difficult climate emotions, there needs to be strong leadership as well as supports and programs put in place to enable young people to cope with climate-related distress, foster emotional resiliency, and prevent harm. Most importantly, to protect the mental and emotional health of young people, transformative climate action is needed,” Dr. Galway said.

For this study, the researchers wanted to replicate the Hickman et al. 2021 study on youth climate anxiety to collect Canadian data.

“We also wanted to expand the research and ask young people to identify coping supports that they think are needed,” Dr. Field said.

“Responses resulted in a diversity of strategies, including the need for youth-focused support groups, more opportunities for young people to engage in climate action, and improving climate change education in schools. This really is an all-hands-on-deck moment for adults and a time for intergenerational work.”

The researchers thanked the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Canada Research Chair program for supporting this work.

 

GLEN NEWBY SCHOLARSHIP FUND NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Submitted by Dominika Zapolnik, Communications Manager, New Path Youth and Family Services, The Common Roof

Mar. 1, 2023 – The Glen Newby Scholarship Fund, a collaboration between The Common Roof and New Path Youth & Family Services (New Path), is accepting applications from youth in Simcoe County who are entering into or continuing post-secondary studies and/or apprenticeship programs this year. This scholarship honours the legacy and commitment of former New Path CEO Glen Newby’s almost 5 decades of work in the child and youth mental health sector.

“Over the past three years, the Glen Newby Scholarship Fund has supported youth in our community with their post-secondary or apprenticeship education goals,” says James Thomson, President and CEO of The Common Roof. “This partnership between The Common Roof and New Path in providing this scholarship opportunity is invaluable. To date $15,000 in scholarships have been awarded to nine local youth recipients.”

Applications for this year’s scholarship are open until April 30, 2023, and are available to any young person up to the age of 24 years residing in Simcoe County, entering, or continuing in post-secondary studies and/or apprenticeship programs. There are 3 scholarships available: one award of $2,500 and two awards of $1,250 each. More information and the application form are available at: www.thecommonroof.ca/scholarship

“We are proud to collaborate in providing financial assistance to deserving youth in our communities,” says Elizabeth McKeeman, CEO of New Path Youth & Family Services. “Youth are our future, and we are thrilled to help them reach their learning goals.”

About The Common Roof

The Common Roof seeks to lead in the development and empowerment of strong, compassionate social communities through innovative shared services. We are a community-based social enterprise providing sustainable and professional workspace for human-service not-for-profit agencies. At its core, The Common Roof seeks to inspire and empower change in the following areas:

• Encourage organizations to operate efficiently and effectively
• Mobilize community support to meet local community identified needs
• Develop and manage philanthropic investment

The Common Roof is a registered charitable organization based in Simcoe County. Together, we are building inclusive, healthy communities for children, youth and their families. To learn more about The Common Roof, to donate, or get involved please visit www.thecommonroof.ca, follow us on social media Twitter: @TheCommonRoof and Facebook or sign up for The Common Roof Newsletter

About New Path Youth & Family Services of Simcoe County

New Path Youth & Family Services of Simcoe County (New Path) is an accredited children’s mental health agency providing a range of compassionate, innovative and accessible services for children, youth and their families throughout Simcoe County. We are a registered not-for-profit charitable organization with office locations across Simcoe County, including Alliston, Barrie, Bradford, Cookstown, Collingwood, and Orillia. New Path is also the Lead Agency for children’s mental health in Simcoe County with the goal of enhancing the experience and outcomes of children, youth and their families seeking assistance with mental health and wellness.

New Path offers mental health services for children, youth and their families in-person, by-phone or online. A range of free mental health services are offered by professional counsellors. Families can access a range of free counselling and therapy services by booking an appointment through the Quick Access Child and Youth Mental Health Clinic: www.newpath.ca/quick-access-child-and-youth-mental-health-clinic or for those without internet access, by calling New Path at 705-725-7656.

To learn more about New Path, to donate, or get involved please visit www.newpath.ca, follow us on social media Facebook: New Path Youth & Family Services Twitter: @NewPathYFS Instagram: @NewPathYFS or sign up for the TrailSigns Newsletter

 

Under The Glass
Under the glass is a column by Mr David Kai for VMLC. David Kai is a published author nationally, a TV and radio commentator on investments, asset classes, collector and investment markets.

Dealing with an Obsessed Collector Spouse

Obsession is defined as an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person’s mind. source:Oxford dictionary, https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/american_english/obsession#:~:text=%2F%C9%99b%CB%88s%C9%9B%CA%83n%2F,with%20the%20young%20prince%20continues.

Many spouses would define as Its his or her stuff and its everywhere, and I cant stand it anymore! My definition, a hobby turned into a advocation.

When does it get dangerous? When it gets out of hand. An example, gambling is enjoyable to many, a thrill, its slightly evil, there are many places to indulge, and it can get out of hand. When does collecting become dangerous? When it starts robbing you of the ability to enjoy your life in other areas and ways.

A large buildup in personal asset collections over time,with a lack of impact hurting anyone outside the family, usually obsessive collecting is accepted .

What are the common stop points? Remarriage, disability, moving, and the big one, death. Get some enjoyment out of your collection by doing all or some of by joining a group or club, display talk and ruminate over your ideas. Introduce a youngster to the oldsters hobby. Help them out by starting them up. Great idea for grand kids, nephews and nieces. Also creates a long term exit plan.

Purge your holdings yearly every year get rid of 25 percent. Give the money to a better idea in the same genre. Or try this, give it away to charity, to a needy person, to a church or ask your spouse!

Most obsessive collectors have lost a bit of the thrill that they got at the start, and become somewhat isolated when why the need or reason they hold such assets. Get the thrill back by changing the obsession !Pick a new variation and then implement!

Collectors get a lot of the available payment of following a path of acquisition and protection of assets when they acquire after a gratifying chase. After they acquire, they go look for more. Use the underplayed parts to help created and influence others.

There is a rule in the universe that says if you give away ten percent of what you have get or earn, you will be paid back ten times over.

Try it! Let me know how it worked out for you. We can help you navigate this if you require help.

 

Ontario Land Trust Alliance Celebrates The Federal Government’s Commitment to Nature-based Climate Solutions in Ontario
Ontario Land Trust Alliance (OLTA) welcomes today’s announcement that the Government of Canada will make a significant investment to help conserve biodiverse and carbon-rich ecosystems that are at high risk of conversion or degradation in Ontario. Over $11.7M in funding will be provided from Environment and Climate Change Canada’s (ECCC)’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund (NSCSF) to Ontario Land Trust Alliance and its partners to support nature-based projects that promote carbon storage and capture while providing important habitat for species at risk and/or species of cultural and local importance. This is part of the $1.4 billion that Canada has invested in the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund. These funds will be matched from others sources including individual donations and foundation support, as well as other levels of government.

OLTA is pleased to see the important role that community land conservation can play, in contributing to nature-based climate solutions, being recognised. This significant, collaborative effort will contribute to Canada’s climate change targets by conserving lands that are at high risk of carbon-intensive use, and restoring and managing lands to enhance their carbon capture capacity.

 

Canada and Ontario Welcome Historic investment From Volkswagen
German automaker to build its first overseas battery manufacturing plant in Ontario, Canada

March 13, 2023 – by Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade

St. Thomas, Ontario – Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, Ontario Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade Earlier today, Volkswagen, Europe’s largest automaker, announced that its subsidiary PowerCo will establish an electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing facility in St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada.

Following this announcement, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, issued the following joint statement:

“Earlier today, Volkswagen announced that it has selected St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, as the location to build the company’s first overseas battery cell plant. Today’s news is a major vote of confidence in Canada and Ontario, and in our shared work to position the country and the province as a global leader on the electric vehicle supply chain.

“This historic investment is a testament to Canada’s strong and growing battery ecosystem and Ontario’s competitive business environment. With a highly skilled workforce, clean energy, an abundance of critical minerals, access to markets, and a flourishing automotive and battery sector, we are an attractive investment destination with everything companies need to grow. In addition, Canada and Ontario offer stability and predictability to their business partners.

“This investment is another significant step forward as we build a clean transportation sector to meet global and North American demand for zero-emission vehicles.

“We will continue to build on this success by growing our EV ecosystem and supporting clean technology to create well-paying jobs and spur economic growth and prosperity for future generations.”

Quick Facts

• Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s largest automakers, with US$295.8 billion in revenue (C$406 billion) in 2022. It manages a portfolio of ten companies.
• On August 23, 2022, the Government of Canada and Volkswagen signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Volkswagen AG to further collaborate across a range of sectors to help secure Canada’s position as a leading centre of excellence for the manufacturing of electric vehicles and batteries and help ensure that Canada is a destination of choice for investments.
• Since 2020, Canada and Ontario have attracted over C$17 billion in investments by global automakers and suppliers of electric vehicles batteries and battery materials. Ontario is the only place in North America where five major automakers build their vehicles, including Honda, Toyota, Ford, General Motors and Stellantis.
• Canada’s auto sector supports nearly 500,000 workers, contributes C$16 billion annually to Canada’s gross domestic product, and is one of the country’s largest export industries. Ontario’s auto supply chain is comprises over 700 parts firms, over 500 tool, die and mold makers, and over 300 connected and autonomous companies.
• Canada and Ontario are top destinations for European investors, with recent investments in the battery supply chain by companies like Belgium’s Umicore, demonstrating the strong and growing potential for collaboration in the clean technology and automotive space.            •

Additional Resources

• Canada strikes historic partnerships with leading German automakers Volkswagen and Mercedes to help meet growing demand for clean transportation solutions
• Ontario Fosters New Opportunities with Trade Mission to Germany and Austria

Stay connected

Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media. Twitter: @ISED_CA, Facebook: Canadian Innovation, Instagram: @cdninnovation and LinkedIn

 

City invites Applications for 2023 Recreation and Sport Community Grant
Mar. 13, 2023 – (Barrie, ON) – The City is once again inviting eligible local organizations to apply for the Recreation and Sport Community Grant, which provides funding to enhance access to recreation and sport opportunities in Barrie.

“After the success we saw with this grant last year, we are once again seeking interested community-based organizations that need funding to innovate, or continue to deliver, encourage or support recreation and sport in our city,” says Dan Bell, Director of Recreation and Culture Services. “The grant isn’t limited to organizations or activities focused exclusively on sports – it could provide funding for a diverse range of recreational opportunities in our city and encourage participation among our residents.”

Organizations can apply for funding in two categories: programming to support new or innovative recreation and sport opportunities, or capital improvement projects. For either funding category, applicants must be an incorporated not-for-profit organization, a community association operating as a not-for-profit or a registered charitable organization. For-profit enterprises may apply in collaboration with an eligible not-for-profit provided they receive no direct financial benefit.

This is the second year the City has offered this grant. Through the 2022 grant process, the City awarded eleven Barrie-based organizations a share of $283,700.

There is no prescribed dollar amount limit on application requests. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2023, and grants will be awarded no later than April 21, 2023.

Interested organizations can learn more about the grant and apply via barrie.ca/CommunityGrant