By Carol-Lynn Lepard, Township of Tiny, Senior Column Writer

Nov. 6, 2023 – It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

“There’ll be s’mores for the roasting, hot cider for toasting, and  Santa will greet one and all.

There’ll be fun things to do for kids – grandparents too – so let’s everyone answer this call”

WELCOME TO TINY’S FESTIVE TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION

Tuesday, November 28, 5:00 – 6:30 p.m.

Tiny’s tree lighting celebration, at Perkinsfield Park, 43 County Road 6 South, is an annual event that has become the stuff of legend for local residents – and you’re invited.

The actual tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m., but the fun starts an hour earlier so that everyone has the chance to enjoy all of the activities and the sumptuous refreshments. As well as our favorite traditional fare: hot chocolate, cookies and apple cider, participants can roast s’mores, which have become such a seasonal favorite, at the crackling fire. But, other delights may await those who come early. Food trucks will provide special treats from Beaver Tails and Phil’s Catering for only $2 per item…   please note that supply will be limited, first come, first served.

To list all of the activities would spoil the surprise, but there’ll be lots of games for children, including a giant Connect 4 and a ring toss. As well, there will be a table where you can make a reindeer and snowman craft to take home for a special someone on your gift list. And speaking of lists, there’ll be a spot where kids can write their letters to Santa. The jolly old elf and Mrs. Claus will both be on hand for everyone to visit. Be sure to bring your cell phone or camera to have pictures taken with them.

The highlight of the evening is, of course, the lighting of the beautiful trees, which shine bright in the hearts of visitors and the community throughout the holiday season.

As we enjoy the live music, games, crafts and activities, we’re asked to help others make their holidays bright. Please share in the spirit of giving by taking advantage of this opportunity to donate non-perishable food items and new toys for local families who need our help.

Programs, Activities & Events

“Keeping Active” was the theme of one of Tiny’s Senior Speaker Series’ sessions earlier this fall. While most of the area’s fitness programs will soon be winding down until January – watch this space for more information on the new winter programs – here are a couple of suggestions for those who want to keep moving ‘til Santa comes.

Shuffleboard, a volunteer-led program, continues until December 22, Fridays, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. at the Wyebridge Community Centre (8340 Highway 93, Tiny).

SMART, a gentle exercise program is available for 55+ participants to start at any time. Offered by the Victorian Order of Nurses across the area on different days of the week, and also available online, the exercises help improve balance, strength, and mobility. For information call 705-355-2200

Hope for the Holidays Winter Market, Saturday, November 25, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 45 Edward St., Penetanguishene. The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre hosts this market, featuring local artisans and crafters with an array of gift items, including everything from custom wood carvings to knitted fashions and one-of-a-kind festive greeting cards.

The Township of Tiny Mourns the Loss of Anthony Lancia, Former Reeve and Mayor

Nov. 2, 2023 Tiny, Ontario –  The Township of Tiny is saddened to hear of the recent passing of Anthony Lancia, former Reeve and Mayor for the municipality.

Mr. Lancia’s dedication to the community includes his commitment to Council, which began in the late 1980s. He served as Reeve from 1988 to 1991, and as Mayor from 1994 to 2000.

The flags at the Municipal Office have been lowered to half-mast in recognition of this profound loss.

Mayor David Evans expressed his sympathy for the Lancia family, when saying, “On behalf of the Township of Tiny, I want to express our sincere condolences to the Lancia family. It is hard to put into words how deeply saddened we are by the passing of Anthony Lancia. He will be remembered for his passion for Tiny through his extensive time on Council, and as a devoted member of the community. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time”.

A media report on MidlandToday.ca indicates that a secular celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Brooklea Golf & Country Club in Midland. Members of the community who knew Anthony and Liesje are welcome to attend. Memorials or donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.

Time To Renew Short-Term Rental Licence

Date: November 2, 2023

(Tiny, Ontario) The Township of Tiny’s Municipal Law Enforcement Department is reminding Short-Term Rental property owners to renew their licence.

Short-Term Rental By-law 22-017, as amended, allows up to 300 short-term rental licences to be issued annually. There are currently two types of short-term rental applicants: approved and under review. Only approved licences can move directly to the renewal application process. All licences expire annually on December 31, and need to be renewed and approved to operate the following calendar year.

All applicants that are listed under review will need to complete their 2023 application before the end of 2023 to obtain their licence and move on to the 2024 renewal process. In the event an application that is under review cannot successfully become approved, the applicant will need to apply to be on the program waitlist and complete the application process from the beginning as a new applicant. The township has been working closely with applicants that have under review applications and is hopeful they will be able to check-off any outstanding requirements to obtain an approved licence and apply for their 2024 renewal licence.

At the November 1, 2023 meeting of Council, the Fee By-law Amendment – Short-Term Rental Licence Report #MLE-011-23 was presented to propose a $250 increase to the renewal fee for short-term rental licences. Council approved the new fee of $1750 to help with cost recovery of the increased staff time spent on inspections, administration, and enforcement for the licensing program.

“One of the goals of the short-term licensing program is to ensure that general taxpayers are not subsidizing the administration or enforcement of the program” said Mayor, David Evans. “Staff are spending more time on enforcement than projected. It is important that the license fee reflects this so the program follows a cost recovery model and does not impact taxpayers”.

Renewal licence applications will open during the week of November 6, 2023. For more information or to apply online, visit the township’s website at www.tiny.ca/STR.

Township of Tiny Volunteer Firefighters are ‘Mo’-tivated

to Grow Moustaches, Awareness, and Funds for Men’s Health

.Nov. 1, 2023- Tiny, Ontario – The Township of Tiny’s Volunteer Firefighters are partnering with the Midland, Penetanguishene, and Tay Fire Departments again this year for the annual Southern Georgian Bay Firefighters’ Movember campaign that takes place during the month of November.

The campaign uses the moustache as a branding symbol and focuses on raising awareness and money for men’s health initiatives such as mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

“Movember provides an opportunity for the community to really come together and support vital, lifesaving research and initiatives through these donations,” said Dave Flewelling, Director of Fire and Emergency Services/Fire Chief. “It also allows space for those tough conversations that we need to be having with our friends and loved-ones – that it is important to get screened, that it is okay to reach out, and that we encourage them to do both”.

This year, the Team Captain for Tiny’s Movember campaign, Samantha Barnett, got started early by planning a charity golf tournament in September, raising approximately $9000 to kickstart 2023’s fundraising efforts. To learn more about the firefighters participating, or to donate to the Southern Georgian Bay Firefighters’ campaign goal, visit www.tiny.ca/fire.

Thanks to the community’s support, the Southern Georgian Bay Firefighters team has led the fundraising charge for Movember, earning the highest-ranking titles of top Canadian Fire Department and Global Fire Department for two years in a row, as well as the top fundraising spots for Fire Chief, Firefighter, and female in Canada. In 2022, the team of North Simcoe firefighters raised a total of $68,606.

“Movember funds over 300 projects in Canada, all for prevention, early detection, and awareness. This is a really good time to discuss your health and have conversations about it; remember that it accounts for 365 days a year and not just the month of November,” said Samantha Barnett, Tiny Volunteer Firefighter and Team Captain for Tiny. “We have several events planned this year such as boot drives, a trivia night, ‘Hot Mo’s’ (a hot chicken wing eating contest), and physical challenges that some of the firefighters have signed up for to raise funds. We hope the community will come out to support the cause”.

For more information on upcoming Movember events, visit www.tiny.ca/events.705-526-4204 • www.tiny.ca/news

Submitted by Jacqueline Brown, Communications Officer Township of Tiny