Craighurst W I May meeting – By Sheila Craig
Craighurst W I hosted the community and our neighbouring W I Crownhill as we had Orillia author David Town talk on “Yellowhead’s revolt”. He told a story of the settlement of Upper Canada, particularly Coldwater and Orillia, and how the natives were treated. The British Government signed the Treaties that they then proceeded to weasel out of. (sorry King Charles). Mr Town gave a splendid talk. When the projector and computer acted up we called on the youngest person in the room to help. Thank you, Hale. I always prided myself on knowing how to “cut and paste” on my computer, but that talent gets you nowhere when the slide show won’t work. Sigh. Then we had refreshment break, questions to the speaker, and a short meeting, while the Boys Institute stacked the chairs. We reported on the World Fiddling Day last Saturday, held at Eady Hall, where Craighurst W I sold snacks and square danced. The fiddlers played jigs and reels and waltzes and raised money towards the training of “Cope Dogs”. And CWI’s fame for egg salad sandwiches spread far and wide. Adieu til next month, gentle readers.
Residents encouraged to support ParticipACTION Challenge during Recreation and Parks Month
Submitted by City of Barrie
(Barrie, ON) – June is recognized as Recreation and Parks Month in Ontario and the City of Barrie is encouraging residents to support the ParticipACTION Community Challenge while enjoying hundreds of free activities and programs. The Community Challenge is a national physical activity and sport initiative that encourages everyone in Canada to get active throughout June in search of Canada’s Most Active Community, which will win $100,000 to support local sport and physical activity initiatives.
“Let’s do this Barrie! Our City has countless, amazing recreation opportunities for residents to enjoy while also competing in the ParticipACTION Challenge,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “From trying out a new activity at one of our centres, to cooling off at a splash pad, there are so many ways for residents to take advantage of the City’s amenities and recreational opportunities.”
A calendar of events is available at barrie.ca/JRPM which includes many free activities for residents to try throughout June while supporting the ParticipACTION Challenge. The schedule includes many of the City’s regular drop-in activities at usual dates and times, including basketball, pickleball, yoga and aquafit. In addition, the City is offering free Zumba and outdoor Bootcamp classes on select days and an outdoor yoga class at Sunnidale Park on International Yoga Day (June 21).
Visit barrie.ca/JRPM to view the schedule of activities.
Scholarship
The Stewart L.Page Scholarships in Agriculture and Home Economics, primary by people and organizations of North Simcoe ,are offered annually in recognition of the guidance given by the development of agriculture and rural life by Stewart L.Page, Agriculture Representativeffe for North Simcoe during the years 1925 to 1967.
The Scholarship is open to residents of North Simcoe for at least one year at the time of application, who have attained acceptable Grade 12 standing as required by a selected college or university, and who wish to enrol in an approved Agriculture , Veterinary or Home Economics related degree or diploma course, as may be at Kemptville, Ridgetown, Alfred or University of Guelph, or any other similar institution with a course approved by the committee.
Applications are available from the School Guidance Departments and or by contacting Myrna Jones at myrna.jones48@ gmail.com
Registration opens May 27 for summer recreation programs-By City of Barrie
(Barrie, ON) – Registration for City of Barrie summer recreation and culture programs opens on Tuesday, May 27, at 8 a.m. Customers can currently browse offerings at play.barrie.ca and save them to their “Wish List” to conveniently find desired programs when registration opens.
Registration will be available online at play.barrie.ca or by visiting Allandale Recreation Centre (190 Bayview Drive), East Bayfield Community Centre (80 Livingstone Street East) or Peggy Hill Team Community Centre (171 Mapleton Avenue).
The City also provides a fee assistance program, called recACCESS, that offers support to low-income families and individuals in Barrie by providing qualifying participants with a recPASS membership and youth credits that can be applied to the registration fee for qualifying programs and activities. Residents can learn more and apply at barrie.ca/recACCESS. The City recently launched a similar initiative, the Camp Access Program, which is also a fee assistance program that provides eligible individuals 6–12 years of age the opportunity to participate in an exciting summer camp experience. The Camp Access Program differs from the recACCESS Program, which is applicable to all recreation programs and open to all ages.
Registration for summer camps has been open since February 11. Space is still available in the following camps. Visit play.barrie.ca for details:
- Base Camp Jr (6 – 8 yrs)
- Base Camp Sr (9 – 12 yrs)
- Camp Discovery (9 – 12 yrs)
- Extreme Adventures Camp (10 – 14 yrs)
- Leader In Training 2 (15 – 19 years)
- Soccer Camp Sr (9 – 12 yrs)
- Sports Camp Sr (9 – 12 yrs)
- Ultimate Frisbee Camp (9 – 12 yrs)
City of Barrie seeks public input on lands for new Conservation Trust – By City of Barrie
Barrie, ON –The City of Barrie is inviting residents to help shape the future of local environmental protection by providing input on which municipally owned lands should be included in a new Conservation Trust.
Announced on Earth Day (April 22, 2025), the Conservation Trust is a major initiative led by Mayor Alex Nuttall to preserve environmentally sensitive areas in and around Barrie—starting with the Little Lake area and expanding to other natural spaces such as Ardagh Bluffs and Sunnidale Forest.
“By creating a conservation trust, we’re making a long-term, concrete commitment to the future of our natural environment, ensuring these lands remain undeveloped for future generations to enjoy,” said Mayor Nuttall.
The Trust will operate as an independent board, with initial members including Mayor Nuttall, Deputy Mayor Thomson, Councillors Kungl, Nigussie, and Harvey. City staff have also been directed to explore the inclusion of the Mayor of Springwater and members of the public on the board.
Mayor Nuttall is inviting residents to suggest lands they believe should be protected. Eligible lands must be municipally owned and not currently designated as active parks. Feedback will help staff prioritize areas for long-term environmental protection, with a full framework and operating authority expected by 2026.
To submit your suggestions or learn more, visit buildingbarrie.ca/conservation-trust
Georgian Bay Gals That Give – Submitted by Michelle of Gbay Gals that Give
We had a real successful Spring Giving event! It was actually our 14th Giving Event since we began this amazing way of Fundraising for local charities in 2018.
The venue was kindly donated and hosted by the wonderful crew at Canadian Maple at Wye Heritage. The food was donated by Sue St Amant.
We think we have around 270 incredible members now! Which is so amazing.
Thus far we have raised $22450.00 for Boys and Girls. And for Huronia Transition Homes $21750.00 for a grand total of $44,200!!!
These totals may change just a bit as potentially a few more donations trickle in, but for now those are our numbers.
Our next Fall Giving event will be hosted at Saint Marie on Monday, October 20th.
As always, if anyone needs any more information, they are welcome to visit our website www.gbaygalsgive.com or email us gbaygalsgive@gmail.com.
About
We are a group of women, grounded in a tradition of giving to our communities. We are so fortunate to live, work and play in this beautiful area and, as such, are motivated and committed to giving back and making a difference. We want to contribute significantly to keep our communities strong and vibrant. How it works?…Twice per year, all members of Gbay Gals Give (GGG) will get together for a social gathering. Twice per year, all members of GGG will be eligible to nominate a North Simcoe Charity to receive the $200 per member donation by our group. All nominated Charities will be shared with each member (via Survey-Monkey) prior to the social and each member shall have a vote. The $200 donation will be made directly to the voted recipient Charity prior to the social either on-line or by phone or at the social event by cash or cheque payable to that Charity
Kaleb’s story shows why support for Orange Door Project matters-By Waypoint
Until June 22, the Orange Door Project is raising funds at Home Depot stores across Canada to help prevent youth homelessness and support young people currently experiencing it. In Midland, 100 per cent of donations will go to the North Simcoe Youth Wellness Hub, a vital local resource operated by Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care and guided by the young leaders on the Youth Advisory Committee.
The Hub offers youths aged 12 to 25 access to mental health care, substance use support, social services, employment and education resources, primary care, and opportunities to connect through social activities like movie nights and cooking events — fostering a sense of belonging and community.
It’s also a welcoming space for people like Kaleb, 24, who found himself turning to a homeless shelter in the last year before learning about the Hub.
“I didn’t know what to do or where I could go or who I felt comfortable calling in that situation,” he said. “I was very down and kind of all over the place — it threw my head for a loop not knowing what was next.”
Kaleb found a supportive community at the Hub. With encouragement and support, he pursued housing and employment opportunities, and found the tools he needed through the Hub’s wraparound care. Today, he works as a dietary aide in a long-term-care home, has stable housing and is working toward his Grade 12 diploma.
“Coming here every day made me feel like I had a comfortable space,” he said. “I’m a lot more confident and open to trying things.”
Kaleb also wants people to understand that homelessness doesn’t always match the stereotypes — it often goes unseen and can affect anyone.
“People think it’s about drugs and people not doing what they need to do to help themselves, but sometimes you end up in a situation you didn’t plan for,” he explained.
Each year, 35,000-40,000 youths in Canada experience homelessness. Many face systemic challenges — 29 per cent identify as LGBTQ2+, 28 per cent are racialized, and 31 per cent are Indigenous.
Since 2016, the Orange Door Project has raised more than $17.6 million. The Home Depot Canada Foundation aims to invest $125 million by 2030 to end youth homelessness across the country.
How to help:
- Donate in-store at the register or online at canadahelps.org/en/dn/28220. Your support can help someone like Kaleb find hope, stability and a path forward.
Community comes together for Mental Health in Motion, raising $25,000 for Waypoint programs
By Waypoint, June 2, 2025 – Unseasonably cold weather was no match for the warmth and energy radiating from participants at the annual Mental Health in Motion event on May 31. The fundraiser generated an impressive $25,000 for Waypoint’s community-based mental health programs. Hundreds of people descended on the main campus in Penetanguishene to run, walk or cycle one- or five-kilometre routes. The day kicked off with a warm welcome from Rob Desroches, Senior Vice-President, Clinical Services, and Chief Nursing Executive, and a smudge ceremony by Traditional Healer Hilton King. Recreation Therapy Assistant Mary Mitchell then got everyone moving with a spirited warmup session — and with that, participants were off and running. Afterwards, participants and community members were welcomed back to the Start/Finish area to enjoy a KidZone, Dunk Tank, and community partner booths where they could learn about local mental health resources. The event also included a fun-filled Scavenger Hunt with prizes, a food truck and lemonade stand, and a barbecue. The heartfelt support shown at Mental Health in Motion was both uplifting and inspiring — a powerful reminder that mental illness impacts us all.