Route93 Enters Exciting New Chapter: Cathryn Love Passes the Torch to Nicole French as Fractional Executive Director – By Nicole French
Midland, ON – June 2, 2025 – After playing a key role in building the foundation of Route93 Innovation Hub, Cathryn Love is stepping away from her position with the satisfaction of a mission accomplished. Cathryn’s early leadership helped shape the Hub’s vision, secured its new home, and laid the groundwork for a dynamic space that will fuel innovation and entrepreneurship across North Simcoe for years to come.
Now, as Route93 enters an exciting new phase of activation and growth, Nicole French steps in as Fractional Executive Director, joined by newly hired Summer Student Emily Hutter to carry the torch forward.
Nicole brings with her a deep understanding of strategic marketing, organizational development, and team leadership. As the founder of Collaborative Haus Marketing and Chair of the Downtown Midland BIA, she has worked with a wide range of organizations, including local entrepreneurs, global companies, and non-profits. Her focus has always been on aligning strategy with action to drive meaningful growth. This diverse experience, combined with her longstanding commitment to regional economic development, positions her well to guide Route93 through its next phase.
Paul Marchildon, Chair of the Board, shared the following reflection:
“Cathryn’s contribution to Route93 has been nothing short of transformational. Her determination and strategic insight were instrumental in securing the funding needed to bring the Hub to life. Just as importantly, she helped us reimagine and rebrand Route93 to reflect a bold, inclusive vision for regional innovation. On behalf of the entire board, I want to thank Cathryn for her passion, professionalism, and the care she brought to every step of this journey. We’re excited to welcome Nicole, and with the addition of Emily to the team, we’re confident this next chapter will build on Cathryn’s incredible legacy.”
Bigs and Littles Get a Big Cheque – By Maureen Reid, Midland Rotary, June 9, 2025
Rotary Club of Midland proudly presented a cheque for $5000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters! This generous contribution will help support their incredible programs that make a difference in the lives of young people in our community.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the Mega Bike Ride . Your efforts and enthusiasm truly embody the spirit of giving back. Together, we’re making a positive impact!
Centre Flos W.I. Update – By Pat Leonard, Chair of Public Relations, June 13, 2025
Our final monthly meeting before the summer break, started with a delicious meal at the Hot Wok, in Wasaga Beach on June 3rd. 18 members enjoyed a luncheon of fellowship, with lots of “take-home” boxes for later meals. Some of the more adventurous members topped off the afternoon with golf at Wasaga 500.
These ladies will be hosting a monthly coffee party, the last Thursday of June, July & August, at Heritage Park. Come and enjoy a coffee & sweet treat, under the pavilion, between 9:30 and 11 a.m. Free will offering. Proceeds to be donated to community projects.
Our meetings will re-convene in September.
HAWK TALK – Submitted by Lauren MacInnis, June 16, 2025
It has been another great year here at Huronia Centennial! As you may know, our school has a long standing tradition of going to Camp Kitchikewana, a sleep-away camp on Beausoleil Island. Our grade 4s just returned from an incredible trip last week. They had fun doing many things such as archery, capture the flag, outdoor survival games, orienteering and many more fun things.
Our school was awarded Gold certification for our hard work with OPHEA again this year with our school focus on supporting mental health, physical health and healthy eating inside and outside the classroom. We are fortunate to have our Parent Volunteers and school community support our Mindful Morning program where students come in before school for a snack. Always such a busy place with so many students enjoying a healthy snack.
Our Eco Team has also been very busy this year, and was recently awarded Platinum certification, the highest level! To earn this recognition, members of the Eco Team joined a video call with Ontario Eco Schools Canada to share the various things we’ve done as a school this year. Our leadership team has also been quite busy this year with many fun spirit days. The Grade 6 students and School Council have planned, “Huronia Fun Day” to celebrate with games and outdoor activities.
Our track and field team had very impressive results with both Grade 5 Girls and Boys winning first place in the relay. Other Grade 5 top finishers included winners in the 800m, long jump, 50 m and 100m and the ball throw. Two Grade 4 students won ball throw and long jump. Coach Cook stated, “It was a really successful day for our school. We placed top 3 in almost every event!”
This June also marks a big milestone for our beloved school dog, Rita. She is retiring! Rita has been with us since even our oldest students were in kindergarten. We will miss her very much. Luckily, her brother Tipper has joined us this year. We all want to say a big thank you to Rita and to Ms. Sokach who trained Rita through the Sweet Charity program and shared her with us all these years. To train Rita Ms.Sokach brings her to a mental health dog training class and Rita must get recertified every single year.
Congratulations to our grade 6s who will be moving on to the EDHS middle school this fall. We also want to say a big thank you to all of the teachers and staff here at HCES this year for making all of this possible.
This will be our last addition of Hawk Tawk this year. Have a great summer!
Celebrating 100 years since the formation of the United Church of Canada
Margaret Lockhart June 9, 2025
A special Sunday service was held Sunday June 8, 2025 at Grenfel United Church in Springwater to celebrate this occasion. Celebrants included on the left Springwater Councillor Anita Moore, centre – Reverend Keith Lockhart and on the right Chair of the Church Board June Everton.
BACKYARD ASTRONOMY
Full Moon Names
By Gary Boyle – The Backyard Astronomer, June 6, 2025
The moon is by far the most observed object in the sky. Whether spotted during the day when mostly fully illuminated or gazed upon at night, our natural satellite amazes us. For centuries the moon has been portrayed in works of literature, paintings and songs. There are even ancient artifacts of a flat piece of animal bone with notches etched into it. The cave dweller at the time was recording the ever-changing lunar phases.
Because of its 29.5-day rotation around the earth from full phase to the next full phase, we see a slightly different face each night. This is the best time to examine the lunar terrain with a telescope as long shadows drape across the terminator – the dividing line between the lit and unlit side of the moon.
When the moon rises in the east at the same time the sun sets in the west, it appears perfectly round and is now 100% illuminated. By the way, the dark band rising in or near the moon is the Earth’s shadow. The full moon is the worst time to examine it with a telescope as the moon appears one-dimensional – a circle with smaller circles on it.
We do not just call it the full moon. Each month of the calendar year is assigned a name. The most common reference we have heard is the Hunter’s Moon in October but there are eleven others. Dating back hundreds of years, some early Native American tribes only used the four seasons as their calendar, while other tribes adopted a 12-month system of full moons reflecting the conditions of that time of year. The various names given for each month are still found in the Farmer’s Almanac. Notice the pattern of seasonal change from month to month:
January – The Full Wolf Moon, February – The Full Snow Moon, March – The Full Worm Moon, April – The Full Pink Moon, May – The Full Flower Moon, June – The Full Strawberry Moon, July – The Full Buck Moon, August – The Full Sturgeon Moon, September – The Full Corn or Harvest Moon, October – The Full Hunter’s Moon, November – The Full Beaver Moon and December – The Full Cold Moon.
There are times when there are two full moons in the same month. One appears on the first or second of the month with the assigned name while the second full moon is seen on the 30th or 31st. This is called the Blue Moon occurring about every thirty months or so.
Another term we hear in the news is a Super Moon. Coined by an astrologer back in 1979 it is the combination of the Full Moon and its closest approach to the Earth. The moon has an elliptical orbit with a 50,000 km variance. During a Super Moon, it appears 14% larger and 30% brighter than when it is farthest from us.
The moon is tidally locked to the Earth so we only see one side. So the next time you look at the moon, you are looking at the exact same face as did your ancestors dating back hundreds of years.
Clear skies,
Known as The Backyard Astronomer, Gary Boyle is an astronomy educator, guest speaker and former monthly columnist for the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada as well as a certified STEM instructor. His articles have appeared in newspapers across Canada and has been interviewed on more than 80 radio and television stations across Canada and the USA. In recognition of his public outreach in astronomy, the International Astronomical Union has honoured him with the naming of Asteroid (22406) Garyboyle. Follow him on Facebook and his website: www.wondersofastronomy.com
Mike and Shelly Duval receive the 2025 Senior of the Year Award
Submitted by Town of Penetanguishene, June 12, 2025
Penetanguishene, ON – The Town of Penetanguishene is thrilled to announce Mike and Shelley Duval as the recipients of the 2025 Senior of the Year Award. This prestigious award is presented annually to a senior who has exemplified outstanding dedication and service to their community.
This year the Town is recognizing the joint contributions of a couple who have devoted countless hours and dollars in creating and sharing something truly special with Penetanguishene’s residents and visitors. As creators of ‘Tiny Town’, these Burke Street residents have transformed their back yard into a re-created western village.
Since 2021, the Duval’s have been welcoming guests and providing them with the opportunity to step into another time, dress in costume and experience something unique. Through stories, antiques, props and demonstrations, each of the many visitors have left Tiny Town with either new knowledge of days gone past, a cowboy/girl name or photograph and memory to cherish.
The award was presented to Mike and Shelley at the Seniors Information Day event on Thursday, June 5, with further recognition from members of Council at the June 11, 2025, Council Meeting.
The Town of Penetanguishene extends a heartfelt congratulations to Mike and Shelley Duval for this well-deserved honor. We invite all residents to join us in celebrating the Duval’s dedication and contributions to our community.
Town of Penetanguishene congratulates Mike and Shelly Duval on receiving the 2025 Senior of the Year Award
Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign Raises $220,425 for RVH and Hospice Simcoe
By RVH and Hospice Simcoe, June 13, 2025
The results are in and they’re as heartwarming as the cookies themselves.
This year’s Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign raised an incredible $220,425 in support of Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) and Hospice Simcoe. Cookie by cookie, Barrie community members came together to show what happens when small gestures stack up to something much bigger.
Funds will also support Hospice Simcoe, helping meet the growing need for compassionate end-of-life care and grief support programs.
Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign was once again powered by the generosity of Barrie Tim Hortons owners, their teams, and thousands of guests who said yes to a cook-ie with a cause.
And this spring’s support moved both RVH and Hospice Simcoe one step closer to a bold milestone: fulfilling the $1-million pledge to both charities made by local Tim Hor-tons owners to fund full-circle care for local families.
Because at just $2 a cookie, kindness is affordable. And the impact is immeasurable.
Mayor Nuttall announces future home of South Barrie Mixed-Use Recreation Complex
By Office of the Mayor, June 5, 2025
(Barrie, ON) – This afternoon, Mayor Alex Nuttall announced the future home of the South Barrie Mixed-Use Recreation Complex.
The 100-acre site, located near McKay Road East and Huronia Road, was expropriated by Council on April 16, 2025 (By-law 2025-034). Strategically positioned between the Salem and Hewitt’s growth areas, the location is easily accessible and will benefit further from the planned Highway 400 interchange at McKay Road.
“This site represents the future of recreation in South Barrie,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “This project is about more than just infrastructure; it’s about building community. We’re going to create a space that will bring people together, support Barrie’s growing population, and enhance quality of life through recreation and culture for generations to come.”
The planned complex will bring together a range of amenities and programming to support a vibrant and connected community.
Pioneers Get Grant for Beach Courts
By Meredith Forrest
Barrie, ON – June 4, 2025 – The Pioneers Volleyball Club is thrilled to announce a $5,000 grant from the City of Barrie. This funding will replenish the sand at the 400 North Beach Volleyball Courts. Thanks to the City’s investment, our beach courts will be refreshed for a spectacular summer of volleyball, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels. We also thank DDA Trucking for supplying and delivering sand, and Ferris Lane Community Church staff for their time and resources. Special thanks to Jim Johnston. This vital funding allows the Pioneers Volleyball Club, a non-profit, to host a full 2025 summer event calendar in Central Barrie, including JAM Sports leagues, Ontario Volleyball Association Beach Tournaments, and Nike Volleyball Camps in July & August.
Heritage signs continue pointing way to history of Tay Township
By: Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: MidlandToday.ca, Jun 02, 2025
Tay Township will be getting new signs to showcase old landmarks, following approval for $10,000 in heritage committee funds on storyboard signage with educational QR codes throughout the municipality.
The approval followed an annual presentation by heritage committee chair Cheryl Larocque at the recent regular meeting of Tay council, which showcased past efforts, looked at future endeavours, and included a request for funding.
“One of the things that was developed were these historic districts,” Larocque told council as Victoria Harbour was displayed within a slideshow.
“Generally, it’s a group of structures built prior to 1919, and there are also these historic districts built within Port McNicoll, Waubaushene, and Waverley.”
Heritage signs continue their rollout across Tay Township. A 2024 presentation to council noted that the municipality hosted 101 historic intersections, but just over one-third of intersections had been upgraded with historic signage.
“The next batch of street signs will be installed in the fall,” Larocque added.
A budget of $5,200 was allotted to the heritage committee for 2025, but once other expenses had been calculated a remainder of $4,250 was listed. The request to council was for a draw of $10,000 from the heritage committee reserves – $8,000 for four storyboard signs, and $2,000 for 10 QR ‘Museum Town’ plaques – to cover the estimated $14,250 spending total.
Included within the additional spending items were two designation plaques and a school heritage contest, as well as other bookkeeping affairs.
“There’s a lot of people that come in from out of Tay itself, and I think it’s really important to promote the area,” said Larocque. “It’s the uniqueness of the area that dares people to certain areas.
“I think the walking tours, in conjunction with the storyboard signs, QR codes, and heritage street signs, all lend itself to one package to promote the township and some of the individual areas as well.”
Mayor Ted Walker thanked the committee members in attendance for their efforts. “The street signs are fantastic, they look really nice,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Barry Norris alerted Larocque to potential grants available at the county level to assist with the signs, which Larocque appreciated.
Coun. Paul Raymond raised the topic of changes to the Ontario Heritage Act, which could remove roughly 36,000 heritage properties on municipal heritage registers across the province by 2027 if they have not been formally designated.
Vice-chair John Todd acknowledged that there had been impacts felt by the heritage committee regarding the changes, to which Raymond responded: “That’s unfortunate.”
Information on the Tay Township heritage committee can be found on the boards and committees page of the municipal website.
The heritage committee budget presentation can be found in the agenda page on the Tay Township website.
Tay council meets for committee of the whole meetings every second Wednesday of the month, and regular council meetings every fourth Wednesday of the month. Archives and livestreams of council meetings are available through the Tay Township YouTube channel.
Listen up: Sound, traffic concerns addressed ahead of Burl’s Creek festivals
By: Wayne Doyle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: BarrieToday.com, Jun 12, 2025
ORO-MEDONTE — Residents living near Burl’s Creek are being advised of potential travel delays when the All Your Friends and Boots and Hearts music festivals take over the local concert venue in late June and early August, respectively.
In his report to council Wednesday, which sought and received authorization to issue special-event permits to both festivals, Dylan Flannery, Oro-Medonte Township’s director of operations and community services, said residents should expect delays during peak arrival and departure times.
“For the majority of areas, the most significant impact will be the presence of additional traffic in the area,” Flannery said in the report. “Given generally low background traffic volumes, most residents (and business customers/owners) will experience an increase in travel times and delays at some intersections.
“Regardless, these delays are expected to be minimal, with the exception being areas immediately surrounding the site,” he added.
The upside, his report noted, is that attendance for the two festivals is expected to be less than last year, which should ease traffic congestion.
He said attendance for the All Your Friends festival, which will be held June 28 and 29 and will feature acts such as Avril Lavigne, Simple Plan, Rise Against and Boys Like Girls, is estimated at 5,000.
Attendance for the Boots and Hearts festival, to be held Aug. 7-10, is expected to be “slightly less than the peak attendance for the 2024 event.”
For events where attendance is expected to exceed 12,000 people, approval must be given by township council.
“Given anticipated attendance of the Boots and Hearts event, a decision of council is required to issue a special-event permit,” Flannery said. “The All Your Friends Festival is not likely to have an attendance level requiring council approval.
“However, the festival is being included for given implications associated with policing costs (calls for service) and impact on the community (sound, traffic),” he added.
The township’s special-event bylaw licenses various events through the issuance of special event permits. The bylaw ensures the operations plans satisfy all necessary requirements, ensuring risks and impacts to the community and event patrons are appropriately managed.
The two major concerns of most folks who live in the Burl’s Creek neighbourhood are sound and traffic volumes, both of which have been addressed in detail.
According to Flannery’s report, sound levels for All Your Friends will be consistent with the levels identified for Boots and Hearts, which are the same levels as last year.
These levels were previously established by council.
The daily limits are as follows:
June 28 and Aug. 7-10, from 1 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. — 105 dBA with a 15-minute grace period
June 28 and Aug. 7-10, from 11:30 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. — 95 dBA with a five-minute grace period
June 29-30 and Aug. 8-11, from 12 a.m. to 1 a.m. — 95 dBA with a five-minute grace period.
Amplified sound will conclude at 1 a.m.
The traffic plan for Boots and Hearts 2025 has been modified slightly, Flannery said, to address changes in attendance, site layout and logistics.
The festival’s opening has been moved from Wednesday to Thursday with gates opening at 10 a.m.
General admission camping traffic will be directed from Highway 11 to Line 7 South to Gate 7B/C.
All RV traffic on Highway 11 will be directed to Line 9 South to Gate 9A.
Specialty groups, identified by a designated tag, will be directed to use Line 5 South to Ridge Road, then to Line 7 northbound to Gate 7C.
Weekend parking and accessible parking will be accessed off Line 8 via Ridge Road through Gate 8M, separating it from camping traffic off of Line 7 or Line 9.
Single-day parking, pickup and drop-offs, as well as shuttles and ride share, will be accessed off Line 7.
“During the evenings and night of each concert day, some congestion and relatively minor queuing is expected on Line 7 South as shuttles and relatives/friends drop-off and pickup during this peak time,” Flannery said.
He added Line 9 southbound may experience some minor congestion on Thursday during load in for Boots and Hearts because of the number of RVs that attend the event.
“There is a substantial reduction in anticipated RV numbers compared to years past, however, queuing is expected to be maintained on-site,” he said.
Barrie celebrates grand opening of new greenhouse
By City of Barrie, June 12, 2025
(Barrie, ON) – Today, the City of Barrie opened its new greenhouse at the City’s Operations Centre, located at 165 Ferndale Drive North.
“Today, Barrie unveils its new state-of-the-art greenhouse; an investment in innovation and sustainability, and a step forward for the future of our growing city,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. The plants grown by Horticultural staff in the City’s greenhouse are used throughout Barrie for beautification and displays at the waterfront, downtown, parks, and green spaces—bringing enjoyment to residents and visitors, showing community pride, and helping to amplify the City’s profile when taking part in the annual Communities in Bloom competition.
A few benefits of the new greenhouse include:
- 14,000 square feet of growing space
- climate-controlled zones that have their own automated heating, ventilation, solar shades, and irrigation systems
This modern, functional, and environmentally efficient greenhouse shows how Barrie continues to protect, support, and expand its green spaces, while committing to responsible governance to find efficiencies and new ways to innovate.
Butter Tart Festival
From Midland.ca, June 15, 2025
On June 14, 2025 from 9am-5pm the Midland downtown core transforms into 200+ vendors and food trucks for Ontario’s Best Butter Tart Festival presented by Chapman’s, voted by Festivals and Events Ontario as one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in the province!
The vendors sell everything from butter tarts to unique, hand-made items. And the variety of butter tarts you’ll find at the festival include plain, raisin, pecan, walnut, skor, maple, bacon, coconut, chocolate covered, PB&J, s’mores, gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, cheesecake, pumpkin… and so many more.
At the inaugural butter tart festival in June 2013, the festival sold out of the 10,000 butter tarts available for sale by 11 a.m. The number of butter tarts available for sale increases each year. In 2024 we were up to 300,000 butter tarts sold by our vendors. Attendance has also increased to approximately 60,000+ visitors for this incredible one day event.
The Egg Farmers of Ontario Butter Tart Contest awards the prize for BEST Butter Tart in Ontario. The contest is open to both professional and amateur/home bakers. The contest features both Traditional and Wild Style categories. Our judges include celebrities, chefs, food and travel bloggers, local dignitaries all with one thing in common – a love of butter tarts!
The Entertainment Stage features family-friendly musical performances all day. And kids love the Kids Zone in Harbourside Park. Visitors enjoy the convenient and free shuttle service on The Great Canadian Meat Shuttle from two Midland locations. There is free bike valet service, and free transit.
Mark your calendar to join us for the sweetest day of the year, June 14, 2025!