Senior Tiny Times – Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre
Lise Pilon – Township of Tiny Senior Advisory Committee
The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre is a vital community-based organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by cancer in North Simcoe and the surrounding Georgian Bay region. Located in Penetanguishene, it serves communities such as Midland, Penetanguishene, Tiny, and Tay. In addition to its main location, the organization is committed to expanding services into nearby communities to maximise its reach and impact across the region, including a new location in Collingwood.
The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre’s mission is to offer compassionate, holistic support that enhances quality of life throughout the cancer journey for both people fighting cancer, their caregivers, and those who have lost a loved one to cancer. The Centre plays an important role in complementing medical care by addressing the emotional, social, and psychological challenges that accompany a cancer diagnosis. Rather than delivering medical treatment, the Centre focuses on creating a welcoming environment where individuals can find connection, encouragement, and understanding. The Centre has become a trusted resource for those navigating the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and support. The Centre is often described as a “Home for Hope,” reflecting its role as a safe and supportive space for healing. It has been recognized as one of Ontario’s first rural cancer support centres, expanding access to services outside major urban areas.
A defining feature of the Centre is its wide range of accessible, no-cost programs, all designed to support physical, emotional, and social well-being.
These programs include:
- Support groups for patients, caregivers, and specific demographics (such as men’s groups)
- Educational sessions to help individuals better understand their diagnosis and care
- Wellness programs focused on stress reduction, nutrition, and overall health
- Recreational and creative activities, such as art classes and card-making
- Social events that foster connection and reduce isolation
The Centre emphasizes a whole-person approach, recognizing that cancer impacts more than just physical health. Its services address:
- Emotional well-being through peer support and counseling-style programs
- Social connection by building a strong sense of community
- Physical health through wellness and activity-based programs
- Spiritual and psychological resilience during difficult stages of illness
This integrated model helps individuals build strength, cope with uncertainty, and regain a sense of control during their cancer journey.
In recognition of Cancer Awareness Month this April, the Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre is pleased to share that all donations will be matched, up to $40,000. With this generous matching opportunity, the Centre aims to raise more than $80,000 to support essential programs and services for its members.
The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre stands as a beacon of compassion and resilience in Penetanguishene and the surrounding region. By offering free, holistic support services, it fills a critical gap in cancer care, addressing the emotional and social needs that medical treatment alone cannot meet.
Through its programs, community focus, and commitment to accessibility, the Centre empowers individuals and families to face cancer with strength, hope, and connection.
To find out more about the GBCSC or to make a donation to support its work, go to www.gbcancersupportcentre.ca. If you have additional questions or want to access support services, email info@gbcancersupportcentre.ca.
The information in this article is provided as a public service by the Township of Tiny Senior Advisory Committee. We invite and welcome your feedback and suggestions on how we can make Senior Tiny Times a valuable information resource for our Seniors.
Website: www.tiny.ca/seniors – Phone: 705-526-4204 – Email: seniors@tiny.ca
Court Grants Injunction in Tiny Township Trespass Case – By Kari Belcourt North Simcoe Springwater News
A judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice has ruled in favour of a Tiny Township resident, granting an injunction that temporarily halts enforcement of a municipal trespass notice and parts of a controversial bylaw.
In a decision released April 10, 2026, Justice A.A. Casullo sided with applicant Karen Zulynik in her legal challenge against The Corporation of the Township of Tiny. The ruling stems from a Notice of Trespass issued to Zulynik in November 2025, which barred her from municipal offices, council meetings, and township events until June 1, 2026.
Background to the Dispute
Zulynik, a long-time Tiny Township resident and active participant in local politics, has regularly attended council meetings since late 2023 and plans to run in the 2026 municipal election.
The dispute traces back to an October 2025 protest at the site of a new township administration centre, a project that has sparked public debate. Zulynik organized the demonstration, which drew approximately 100 attendees. While she maintains the protest was peaceful, the Township later alleged inappropriate conduct and issued the trespass notice.
The notice not only restricted her access to municipal properties but also limited her ability to attend council meetings in person and participate in local governance activities. Zulynik intends to run for municipal election this fall and with the trespass being issued till June 2026, she would not be able to file her nomination for the election in person in May should the trespass notice stand.
Court Findings
Justice Casullo found that Zulynik met the legal test required for an injunction, including demonstrating a serious issue to be tried and the likelihood of irreparable harm.
The court emphasized that preventing Zulynik from filing her nomination papers in person at the start of the election period could place her at a disadvantage compared to other candidates.
The judge also raised concerns about the lack of evidence supporting the Township’s claims of misconduct, noting there was no clear proof that Zulynik engaged in behaviour warranting such restrictions.
Charter Rights at Issue
Central to the case is whether the trespass notice and the Township’s Citizen Code of Conduct bylaw violate rights protected under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, particularly freedom of expression.
In her decision, Justice Casullo cautioned that while codes of conduct may be necessary, they must not be used in ways that suppress legitimate public discourse.
Administration Centre Project Update
Meanwhile, Township Council has also received a detailed progress report on the construction of the new Township of Tiny Administration Centre (TTAC), the same project at the centre of public debate.
According to Public Works Report PWR-030-25, construction is now underway at the Concession 9 East site. Preparatory work—including environmental, traffic, hydrogeological, and archaeological studies—has been completed, along with site clearing, installation of access roads, and foundation groundwork. Concrete foundation work began in December, with multiple major construction tenders already approved.
The project design has also undergone accessibility review in accordance with AODA standards, and an advisory committee has been formed to assist with planning public spaces within the facility. Township staff and consultants continue to look for cost-saving measures as the project advances.
Financially, the latest Class C cost estimate places the project at approximately $27.5 million, including a contingency of about $2.2 million. This reflects an increase from earlier estimates, partly due to expanded public space within the building. Additional costs, such as hydro servicing—currently estimated at $600,000—are still being finalized.
To finance the project, the Township has approved a $28 million interest-only construction loan, with long-term borrowing options still under consideration. Based on current projections, the estimated impact on residential taxpayers is about $38.14 annually for every $100,000 of assessed property value under a 30-year debenture model. For a home assessed at $350,000, this equates to roughly $133 per year.
The Township is also pursuing federal funding support through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, with an initial grant application already submitted.
Construction of the new administration centre is expected to be completed in late 2027.
Municipal Budget and Legal Cost Pressures
The broader financial context for residents comes as The Corporation of the Township of Tiny approved its 2026 municipal budget on January 7, 2026, with a 3.99 per cent blended tax increase.
For the average residential property assessed at $350,000, the municipal portion of the increase amounts to approximately $7.11 per month. However, officials note that a year-end surplus from 2025 could reduce the final tax rate later this spring.
The $53.3 million gross budget includes $22.5 million funded through the tax levy and features significant investments in infrastructure, including $4 million for roadwork, $6 million for the Lafontaine watermain (pending grant funding), and continued work on the new administration centre.
Mayor David Evans said Council worked to balance affordability with the need to invest in essential services and long-term infrastructure.
At the same time, ongoing legal disputes—such as the Zulynik case—highlight the potential for additional financial pressures on the municipality. While specific legal costs have not been detailed publicly, litigation can require significant municipal resources, including legal representation and administrative time.
As the case proceeds, residents will be watching closely not only for its political implications, but also for any downstream impact on municipal finances and future budgets.
Broader Impact
Along with granting the injunction, the court ordered that the Township take no further action under its Citizen Code of Conduct bylaw against Zulynik until the broader legal challenge is resolved.
The ruling allows Zulynik to resume full participation in municipal affairs, including attending meetings and preparing for her anticipated election campaign.
The case will continue as the court considers Zulynik’s application to quash the bylaw entirely.