It was a hot one on Canada Day. Not only was the temperature sizzling at 33.3 C or for us older folks, 91.9 F, when the humidity was factored in it felt like the low 100’s F! Now that was hot. But not only was the temperature hot, the bbq at the community centre was on fire. No, not literally but it was hot as our village celebrated Canada Day 2026.
It has been many years since as a community we gathered together to celebrate our country’s birthday and with the help of our amazing volunteers we did it this year. Popcorn was made and served by Lawrence and Rick. Canada tattoos were put on by Georgia and Callia. Music and a PA system were provided by Brent. Fresh cut and cool watermelon slices were looked after by Becca and Jase. Serving over 100 delicious hot dogs and handling the grill were Roslyn, Stephanie and Murray. Canada flags were passed around by Joan and Max and Matt were ready if any ball hockey players wanted to get a game going.
After a little pavilion decorating, people started trickling in around 11:30 and by noon the pavilion was buzzing with around 100 residents attending. At noon our National Anthem was played and it was great to see our country’s pride as everyone stood still and many sang the words. MP Doug Shipley made an appearance and thanked our community for its continued spirit and support for our country. Hopefully this can become an annual event for our community as we celebrate all that we have.
Do you know where the purest water in the world is? Would you be surprised to know that it’s less than 20 kilometres north of here? Like many I have driven past the water station along County Rd 27 just north of Elmvale. That free flowing water is without question the world’s purest. Located just north of there is the home of the Elmvale Ground Observatory. Over decades they have tested water from all over the world including that from glaciers. The water that flows from the ground is by scientific analysis the world’s purest water. Next time you need some pure water, head up and fill your jugs.
Many of us have seen changes in traffic through our village over the years. If you head west along Horseshoe particularly on a weekend you have encountered or seen long lineups of traffic either trying to turn left onto Crossland Rd or trying to get onto Horseshoe from Crossland. The County of Simcoe has begun a reconstruction project at that intersection this week. Work is reported to continue until the end of October and will result in new turn lanes, road widening and traffic signals. If you are heading that way, have some patience as there will be delays.
Have you ever required bloodwork and found it a challenge to book an appointment in Barrie? Lifelabs operates a clinic in Elmvale at the Community Health Centre on Queen St. It is a walk in clinic that operates on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7 until 11. At the Council meeting last week there was a report and request to look at bringing family physicians to this location. It will be sometime before that occurs but if you need bloodwork done, consider attending there as the more patients they see the opportunity to increase availability could occur.
Many people purchased some of our Anten Mills clothing swag. There was the Anten Mills community map which is still available and last year it was our Celebrating 150 version. Recently a photo was shared with me of a sweatshirt from our original line. The photo was of a family relative who lives down under in Tasmania Australia. Anten Mills is definitely on the world map! It’s time for a new design for this year and if you have any suggestions, please send them on. The 2026 clothing line should be open for orders at the Anten Mills Craft and Food Fair in September.
This year’s Anten Mills Craft and Food Fair is on Saturday, September 26 at the community centre and pavilion. Local vendors who have their own wares available are still needed. To get more information on how to become an exhibitor send an email to Roslyn at farmview@on.aibn.com and she can get you set up.
Back this year is also the Chili Cookoff. Past champion Alden Fotherby has taken over as the coordinator and he is looking for competitors and donations. Proceeds from the cookoff are donated to the Elmvale and District Food Bank and you can find more details on the Anten Mills Community Bulletin Facebook page.
If you haven’t heard, the Fry Guy opened last weekend. Congratulations to Michael Tuck and his crew, you will no doubt be busy for the rest of the season.
It has been a great summer for growing. Strawberries are finishing up and blueberries are starting. Clarke’s over on Nursery Rd will be opening for pick your own or pre-picked berries starting on Monday, July 20. Bob reports that he expects an above average bumper crop. Head over and get your berries and fresh local produce as the summer goes on.
That’s all for this week. As always, THANKS for READING, BE WELL,STAY SAFE and SAY HI to YOUR NEIGHBOUR.