Community, Courage and Heart – By Linda Belcourt, Editor, Dec 28, 2025
North Simcoe Springwater News staff and I are so grateful for our volunteer writers who share the stories of the communities they live in, for the advertisers who make this newspaper possible, and for the readers who support local by letting businesses know they “saw it in the Springwater News.” We also appreciate the support we receive from our elected officials — it helps keep local voices strong and local dollars circulating right here at home.
I am incredibly proud of our staff and of the many people who have encouraged me to keep going. Community journalism is not always easy, but it is always worth it when the community rallies behind us. I am especially proud of our regular columnists — Dennis Gannon, Leslie Noonan, Annie Donnelly, Lorrie Norwood, Joanne Nijhuis, Kate Harriers, and Waxy Gregoire — who bring insight, personality, and dedication to every edition. I am also thankful for the letters sent in by readers. Community opinion matters, and those voices help shape the pages of this newspaper.
It takes many hours of research, writing, editing, and layout to produce each issue, and it is rewarding to know how much it means to so many people. You bring people together. You make me a better editor, and for that, I sincerely thank you.
As we head into the new year, we face some real challenges. Printing costs have risen by more than 25 per cent, and Canada Post has increased rates while reducing service levels. Even so, we remain committed to keeping advertising affordable and to continuing strong coverage of the issues that matter most to our communities. With an election ahead in 2026, readers can also expect thoughtful and engaging editorial as we navigate another important year together.
Thank you for being part of our newspaper family. We look forward to continuing to tell your stories in the year ahead.