Craighurst W I April Meeting
By Sheila Craig, April 16, 2025
We met Tuesday to close out the old year and ring in the new – kinda like a famous Eve where Auld Lang Syne is rendered. But no, gentle readers, no corks popped at the CWI. First we held the business meeting. Minutes, treasurer, correspondence. Business arising involved noting that Oro-Medonte Township has postponed budget presentations because of the catastrophe called “Ice Storm”. Then the meeting fell apart as members either relived their own trials or their neighbours’. To drive the township’s byways is like visiting a battlefield. We encourage everyone hit by the ice storm to stay positive and call the local tree service! Then the meeting got back on track. We have a power of catering next month, so egg salad sandwiches here we come. Workers lined up, bakers raised their hands, backs straightened, chests were thrown out – I will stop. But readers you
get the war-time vibe? Next we declared the year over. All offices vacant.
No wait – here is the slate of new officers to put into those offices. “Oh great” cried the members, “Let’s get on with it”. The new executive was installed, they promised to do their duties, and the membership cheered.
Then we had a nice cuppa tea and went home. More next month with an Historical Speaker David Town, talking about the famous Oro-Medonte leader and chief Yellowhead.
2025 Barrie Airshow will include CF-18 Tac Demo
By City of Barrie, April 14, 2026
(Barrie, ON) – The City of Barrie, Canadian Forces Base Borden, County of Simcoe, Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, and the Downtown Barrie BIA are proud to announce a CF-18 Tactical Demonstration will be part of the growing list of performers of the 2025 Barrie Airshow presented by Pratt Homes.
A staple on the Canadian airshow scene since 1983, CF-18 demonstrations showcase the high level of skill, professionalism and teamwork inherent in the members of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), inspiring future aviators and highlighting the capabilities of Canada’s frontline fighter.
Due to unexpected training delays, the Snowbirds have had to cancel their appearance at the 2025 Barrie Airshow. However, the 2025 Barrie Airshow will still go ahead on the weekend of June 6, 7 and 8 with an incredible lineup of performers, programing and activations.
“The 2025 Barrie Airshow weekend will go on with many awe-inspiring aerobatics by some of Canada’s elite stunt flying performers, including the heart-stopping thunder of a CF-18 roaring over Kempenfelt Bay,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “While we will miss the Snowbirds this year, we’re still looking forward to a great weekend at Barrie’s waterfront.”
The 2025 Barrie Airshow Weekend kicks off Friday, June 6, with a Drone Show presented by Pratt Homes and Commissionaires, followed by back-to-back airshows on Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8. The event is free and includes something for everyone.
The 2024 Barrie Airshow event drew nearly 140,000 spectators who filled the waterfront parks and gathered in nearby buildings and on rooftops. The event contributed over $11M to Barrie’s local economy.
In the coming weeks, the City will be announcing more exciting performers that will be added to this year’s airshow lineup.
Organizations interested in becoming sponsors of the 2025 Barrie Airshow can email events@barrie.ca for more information.
For more information, visit barrie.ca/Airshow
Funding for Local Charities
By Scott Warnock, HCF
Midland, ON, April 14, 2025
Jingle, jingle, jingle. That’s the sound of the purse strings being loosened for a new round of funding from the Huronia Community Foundation (HCF). Applications are now being accepted from local registered charities to request funding from HCF’s Smart and Caring Grants.
Who’s eligible? Registered charitable organizations serving Midland, Penetanguishene, Tiny Township, Tay Township, Georgian Bay Township and Beausoleil First Nation can apply for funds under this program created and supported by HCF’s Board of Directors and community-minded donors.
In 2024, 31 charities and organizations received financial support through a Smart and Caring Grant. Successful projects covered Community Services, Arts and Culture, Health and Mental Health, Seniors, Sports and Recreation and Youth and Education.
You’ll find the application online at HCF’s website: https://www.huroniacommunityfoundation.com/charity-centre/smart-and-caring/ or for more information, contact HCF at: info@huroniacf.com
Generous citizens and companies are the benefactors who fund the HCF. Working with 205 other members of Community Foundations of Canada, HCF then builds financial legacies through endowments, using them to make our local community a better place to live, work and play.
Since 2000, HCF has disbursed $4 million in grants.
Communities Connecting for Children in Nature with Seven Themed Camps
Announcing a new extraordinary facility available to you for day use learning, spring, summer and fall day camps and overnight camp use!! GRAND OPENING Saturday, May 3, 2025 1 – 4 PM
By Sylvia Dufresne, April 14, 2025
We are very pleased to announce that Matheson Creek Camp is now available to you for running day camps programs and outdoor learning events this coming year and in future years from May to October, during the summer and on school breaks and PD days. We are a certified Recreational Children’s Camp, and we offer exceptional opportunities for children K-12 and Young Adults at our camp that are not readily available at other facilities. The Camp is also extending a warm welcome to school groups on day trips, and in some cases, we offer facilitated nature and environmental sessions. A list of the sessions offered will soon be available, and walking tours are available anytime with a written tutorial guide.
Our property consists of 70 acres of mixed forest, with the lovely Matheson Creek flowing along our south side. We also connect on our south property line with Simcoe County Forest and our hiking trails easily connect at several points with the County Forest trails. The camp is owned and protected by Communities Connecting for Children, a Barrie Registered Charity whose members are passionate about nature, the environment, early Canadian heritage and youth.
Our camp consists of seven “Themed Campsites”, a meditative space called “The Spirit Garden”, and a school portable called “The Den”. A map and outline of the Themed Heritage Sites will be supplied to you at the Welcome Booth on arrival.
“The Den” is provided for leaders, campers, learning group participants etc.as an Emergency Shelter with power, heat/air conditioning, land line phone, Wi-Fi, two refrigerators, one stove, two cots and first aid provisions. “The Den” can be used for lessons with co-operation among other groups on site, especially learning by film or video. Board games and a small library are also available for use.
Each of the seven ”Themed Campsites” have learning and camping resources available which are site specific to where the campers are located on the property. We are suggesting that the campsites would be ideal for day camps during the summer holidays or other
holidays. Of course, they can also be utilized by groups for day use and weekend events as well as overnight camping.
The Matheson Creek Camp site has a unique ecosystem. The site has an abundance of flora and fauna. Robert Bowles, Master Naturalist, author, artist and teacher, is an integral part of Matheson Creek Camp. He is presently compiling an inventory of bird species, plants, trees, insects and mushrooms on the site. These lists will form part of our resources and will be available for camp visitors when walking the trails and in the forest. This valuable inventory will also provide direction for events and learning opportunities at the Camp. It will also be utilized and included along the well-defined trails that provide great opportunities for outdoor learning and playing.
Why should you be excited about Matheson Creek Camp over other properties that may be available to you? Our theme is ‘old-fashioned unplugged fun’. There is no hydro on six of the sites (one has solar), and no running water at the sites. We do have a well, that is tested regularly providing 100% pure potable water to drink. All sites are serviced with rental porta-potties. Handwashing stations are on each site. Our vision is to keep the heritage sites ‘rustic’ to enhance the experience of enjoying them as closely as possible to their past.
We have taken the liberty of attaching our Rental Rates for your information. All sites are the same price, so it is first come, first served. We require proof of insurance and a waiver. You provide the facilitators/leaders and the participants/campers, the programs, the health forms and contact information. We provide the facilities and utilities, basic camping equipment, campfire areas, wood, and emergency shelter with hydro and land phone/WIFI. We suggest that you greet your campers in the parking lot as they arrive and walk with them to the site. Similarly, for pick up, they would be at the parking lot waiting for their families. For day trips, there is plenty of space in our large parking lot for school buses to manoeuvre.
Please visit our website www.mathesoncreekcamp.com to see photos of the campsites. We also have a Facebook page, Matheson Creek Camp.
Your organization is invited to attend the official opening of Matheson Creek Camp on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, from 1pm – 4pm. Please bring along your family members as well to enjoy our site. We will have a Welcome Tent and refreshments available.
If you would like to visit the camp before you commit to booking time or an event, please call Sylvia Dufresne. We are located at 1674 Gill Road in Midhurst. Please respond with your confirmation by email to: info@communitiesconnectingforchildren.com
SheLeads Georgian Bay Returns for 2025 –
Empowering and connecting women of all ages
By Laurene Hilderley, April 15, 2025
Midland, ON – SheLeads Georgian Bay is back for 2025 and promises to be more inspiring than ever. Taking place on Saturday May 3, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM at Georgian Bay District Secondary School in Midland, the full-day event brings together women of all ages for a powerful day of leadership, connection, and empowerment.
Once again. the woman lawyers of Ferguson Deacon Taws LLP and HGR Graham Partners LLP have teamed up as Venue sponsor. Along with other major sponsors local realtor Team Jordan – Lorraine Jordan as Lunch sponsor and Northcott Professional Law and TD Bank Midland and Penetanguishene branches with Susan Desroches, TD Wealth Management, this generous support is helping cover the costs of the day. Registration is low-cost at only $20 or pay what you can. To ensure the event is inclusive and accessible free tickets are also available. Lunch and refreshments throughout the day are included.
SheLeads Georgian Bay is a volunteer-led, community-supported event with many sponsors, partners, workshop leaders and volunteers coming together to inspire, educate, and foster connection. Based on the inaugural SheLeads event in Chatham-Kent in 2023, it is a safe and welcoming space for women-identifying people to celebrate their achievements, share their stories, and support one another in their personal and professional growth.
In addition to the morning inspiring keynote with Deborah Laramey, the day features a choice of 21 hands-on workshops, a lunchtime fashion show by Honeymoon Express, creative spaces, and an end of the day break out session. The volunteer workshop leaders are tackling real issues with conversation and information sharing on topics from mental wellness and self-advocacy, fitness, nutrition, personal growth, career building and more.
“SheLeads is more than just a wellness day —it’s a movement,” says Danielle Northcott, volunteer colead who attended the first Chatham-Kent event with her daughter and wanted to bring the event to the Midland, Penetanguishene area. “It is a day with no pressure of sales, everything included for minimal or no-cost, and women connecting on whatever level they wish to.”
Last year this event was enjoyed by over 150 women. Proceeds helped establish the SheLeads Georgian Bay Scholarship Fund through the Huronia Community Foundation. In 2024 a Georgian Bay District Secondary School female student received a $1000 scholarship and this year $1000 will be awarded to a St. Theresa’s high school student. Next year the scholarship will go to a Le Caron student. Any revenue after expenses in 2025 will be given back to the community for women’s wellness and growth with a small amount held for future events.
For registration, volunteer and partner opportunities, or more information, visit sheleadsgeorgianbay.com com, follow SheLeads Georgian Bay on Facebook and Instagram or email sheleadsmidland@gmail.com.
Photo caption
The SheLeads Georgian Bay 2025 organizing committee of (from right) Jill St. Amant, Jackie Stott, Laurene Hilderley, Leslie Hilderley, Danielle Northcott, Teresa Smith and Deanna Palazzo-Dalzell, and Alison Durtnall, Susan Cook, Nicole Stott and Nicky Marchant (unavailable for photo) welcomes you to Georgian Bay District Secondary School on Saturday May 3, 2025. Register today at sheleadsgeorgianbay.com.
Hospice Simcoe Hike
By Hospice, May 4, 2025
Hospice Simcoe does a yearly hike to fundraise for approximately 50% of the operating budget. $1.5 million is needed annually to run the house and offer programs to help families through the final journey and afterwards at no cost. The government contributes only a small amount.
Hospice Simcoe residence has 10 private rooms for those who are at the end of life and live in Simcoe County. They provide 24 hour nursing, including pain management, social, psychological, spiritual and practical support. This is for client and family members in a place that feels like home. There is no cost to the families.
Hospice Simcoe also provides community support by having visiting services, living well program, caregiver support program, advance care planning, grief and bereavement program and memorial services.
I have volunteered for 24+ years and have seen how Hospice Simcoe assists families in need during this journey. I go into the community to help caregivers by giving them time out while I stay with their loved one.
I also facilitate the Living Well Program which is available to people living with or dying from an advanced illness. This enables them to connect with others in a group setting. All participants seem to say the same thing, “ It was really difficult to come at first but now I don’t want to miss any.”
I would like to share the story of Jennifer. Jennifer truly was such an inspiration to me as she was full of hope and determination. The legacy of Jennifer must live on. Jennifer was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and metastasized to lungs, lymphatic system and spine May 2022. Her options were very limited and she chose to have no treatment and live life to the fullest with the time she had. Jennifer started Living Well group September 2022. Jennifer was so positive through her journey and had so much courage. Jennifer always spoke highly of group and how it was helping her and her husband Russell with their journey. She mentioned how scared she was about coming the first time, told her husband not to go far because if she didn’t like group she would fake being sick and call him to come get her. That call never happened and she continued coming for 2 ½ years. Jennifer felt sharing in group was so beneficial because often family and friends do not want to hear what we talk about. We also have speakers come in to talk about subjects such as nutrition, funerals and pain management. Jennifer was amazing, never complained and she put everything together for when she died so it would be easier on Russell. At the end she chose MAiD (medical assistance in dying) and told everyone in group 2 weeks before. When a client dies we light a candle and play a song in memory of them. Jennifer’s song was We’re Here For A Good Time Not A Long Time. Jennifer asked me to come and have a glass of wine with her, Russell and her Mom before she passed. I did and I was only there 5 minutes when her song played on the radio. We both looked at each other and cried. It was a difficult farewell. I was blessed to have had Jennifer in my life even though it was a short time. Jennifer and Russell supported me for the hike and came out to watch me do the hike the last 2 years. I was shocked that she made the effort to stand and watch even though she was in pain and uncomfortable. She gave me permission to use her story and said she would be honoured to be in this letter.
Rest in Peace, Jennifer December 9, 1971 – November 13, 2024
To sponsor me you can;
E transfer to dellermandm@gmail.com or
Email or call 705-737-2796 & I will come pick up your pledge or
https://www.canadahelps.org/me/6gAqEvTn
Barrie Transit Goes Electric
By City of Barrie, April 15, 2025
Two new electric buses added to Barrie Transit’s fleet
Barrie, ON – Mayor Alex Nuttall revealed the City’s first fully electric Barrie Transit bus today. Residents can expect to see two electric buses servicing Barrie Transit routes starting this summer.
“I’m pleased to introduce Barrie Transit’s first electric bus, marking a significant step forward in our commitment to sustainability and innovation,” said Mayor Nuttall. “Thanks to the Zero Emission Transit Fund, we will have two new e-buses operating in Barrie. These buses will not only reduce our carbon footprint, but they will also enhance the quality of life for our residents by providing a quieter and cleaner way to get people around Barrie.”
The electric bus is a battery-electric, zero-emission bus, and is one of the most advanced models on the market. It’s made by a Canadian company, New Flyer, and features the following:
- A 520kWh battery, that is a world-class energy storage system, and engineered for safe, robust, and reliable use in transit.
- Battery chargers for the e-bus were designed and installed by PowerON, an Ontario Power Generation company.
- The bus range is up to approximately 408 km.
- Accessibility features include an automatic securement station, which allows the user to secure their wheelchair or scooter easily with the touch of a button.
In November 2022, funding for the electric bus project was announced through Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada’s Zero Emission Transit Fund ($1.65M). Along with City funding of $1.7M, this investment allowed Barrie to purchase two battery electric buses and the necessary charging infrastructure to support them.
Learn more about Barrie Transit at barrie.ca/transit.
Background
In June 2021, City Council adopted a motion that endorsed electric buses. Piloting e-buses is the next step toward supporting Council’s initiative to reduce the City’s carbon emissions to net-zero by the year 2050. This also supports the City’s work to electrify its fleet.
Barrie’s corporate fleet includes seven fully electric pickup trucks, with four more arriving later this year. In addition, the City has two electric ice resurfacer
Volunteers needed for turtle nest protection at Tiny Marsh
From MTM Conservation Association, Turtle Project, April 15, 2025
We are looking for volunteers to help us to protect turtle nests during the month of June which is the time when turtles are laying eggs.
There are two species at the marsh: the Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) and the Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta). The Snapping Turtle hunt was finally ended in Ontario in 2017. The Painted Turtle was declared of Special Concern under the Federal Species at Risk act in 2021. Provincially, both species are of special concern.
Habitat loss and human action are the main threats for all turtle species. Turtles are at high risk during the mating season in May and nesting in June, when they may get hit while crossing the roadways to find suitable sites.
Snapping turtles mature sexually at about 16 years. The loss of one adult female can cut the population in half over 20 years.
Caging turtle nests will protect the nests from predators – with raccoons, skunk and mink being the main culprits. We have found raccoons waiting close by a turtle as she lays – ready to excavate the eggs as soon as she leaves.
This is where we come into action. We go out either in the morning or evening and mark the position of any nesting turtle with a tent peg or a flag. We need to know the exact area to be able to place a cage. We have to be careful not to frighten the animal.
When the turtle is done and has covered the nest it is usually impossible to determine the exact location of the nest. After marking the position we continue, looking for more turtles and cleaning the predated nests, counting them and the eggs. The egg shells are discarded in the water.
Generally, we walk the Trotter dyke, and the Carolina dyke up to the old outlook. On our way back we do the cleanup and caging. If the turtle is done and has returned to the water, we place a cage and put a flag. But if she has not finished, we have to wait for her which can be lengthy. A snapper can take as long as three hours to excavate, lay and cover up.
If a caged nest has been predated, we will remove that cage and store it for reuse.
You need gloves and a hammer. Count about 3 hours per outing.
If you are interested to help, please let us know. We will provide training.
For more info, contact turtle nest protection coordinator Ingrid Egner at <info@mtmconservation.org>.
CLASSIC LIGHTFOOT LIVE comes to Simcoe County SPRING 2025
John Stinson, and the Classic Lightfoot Live – GORDON LIGHTFOOT Tribute show is returning to the Orillia Opera House Saturday May 3 and the Midland Cultural Centre Sunday June 8th, 2025. Originally from Toronto, Stinson has been performing for more than 30 years. While raising his family in Aurora he became neighbours with Lightfoot’s original lead guitarists, Red Shea and Terry Clements.
“Spending time with Red Shea and Terry Clements brought me even closer to understanding the details and nuances of Lightfoot’s music,” Stinson says. “Its important in these times for Canadians to support our country, our artists and our musicians.” “To me, Lightfoot’s music really does reflect what it means to be Canadian. His lyrics tell stories: his stories, our stories, Canadian stories. They reach out and touch audiences in deep emotional ways.”
Stinson has been recreating Lightfoot’s music in a full theatre show since 2011. Thousands of patrons across Ontario have filled theatres and commented.
“Others can tell, even if they don’t know how or why John’s renditions come off as being so faithful. I’ve been told before, and many did that night, they can’t believe how well John sings Gord’s tunes.” John Swartz, SunOnlineMedia.ca, Nov 2023.
All the band members are born and raised in Canada. And they all have close relationships with Lightfoot. You can’t get much more real than having Lightfoot’s nephew( Steve Eyers) on board as the bass guitarist and Lightfoot’s record producer(Bob Doidge) as Music Director. Bob Doidge produced Lightfoot’s last 5 albums at his Grant Avenue Studio in Hamilton, Ontario.
Clearly, connection to Lightfoot runs deep in this band.
The Classic Lightfoot Live show, featuring highlights from Lightfoot’s 20 studio albums, will be sure to have Lightfoot lovers tapping their toes. They can expect to hear some little-known tracks along with the much-loved ones such as Rainy Day People, If You Could Read My Mind, and The Wreck Of The Edmund Fitzgerald.
Find out more at www.classiclightfootlive.com. Orillia Opera House www.orilliaoperahouse.ca , 705-326-8011. Midland Cultural Centre. www.midlandculturalcentre.com 705-527-4420