In The Hills Summer 2012

V O L U M E 19 N U M B E R 2 2 0 12

A

M A G A Z I N E

O F

C O U N T R Y

L I V I N G

I N

T H E

H E A D W A T E R S

R E G I O N

Battling the bottle Erin’s bottled water faceoff

Cody Gillies vs the Bruce Trail A dog’s life Passenger pigeons The creative art of protest

FINES LINCOLN SALES AND SERVICE

2013 MKS INTERIOR NOW WITH VOICE-ACTIVATED MYLINCOLN TOUCH™†

Lease for only

NEW 2013 LINCOLN MKX AWD MyLincoln Touch™ 3.7L 305 hp V6 Engine

508 0.00%

$

@

††

per month for 48 months with only $7899 down payment.

Offer includes air tax and freight.

Reverse Sensing System with Rearview Camera® Push Button Start / Adaptive HID Headlamps

Offer excludes taxes. No Security Deposit.1 AWD101A STK#DRT017

Cash purchase for only

2012 LINCOLN MKS AWD ECOBOOST™ 3.5L 355 hp® V6 EcoBoost™ Engine Bridge of Weir™ Leather-Trimmed Seats

59900

$

Offer includes air tax, freight and $5750 in manufacturer rebates.

Offer includes air tax and freight.

Intelligent Access / Push Button Start Available Active Park Assist®

Offer excludes taxes. No Security Deposit.1 ECO201A STK#0CR075

Lease for only

2012 LINCOLN MKZ FWD Includes Sport Appearance Package with: 18" Polished Aluminum Wheels / Unique Grille Interior Aluminum Trim Package Heated & Cooled Seats

406 3.99%

$

@

††

per month for 48 months with only $4999 down payment.

Offer includes air tax and freight.

Offer excludes taxes. No Security Deposit.1 FWD100A STK#0CR253

BRIDGE OF WEIR™ LEATHER is among the finest in the world. Organically tanned without the use of harsh chemicals, it is luxuriously soft and supple to the touch. And since no two hides are the same, each seat in a Lincoln is entirely one of a kind.

FINES LINCOLN SALES AND SERVICE 10 SIMONA DR (ON HWY 50) BOLTON, ON L7E 4C7 905-857-1252 or 1-800-781-3463 www.FinesLincoln.ca Vehicles may be shown with optional features. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers may be cancelled at any time without notice. See your Lincoln Dealer for complete details or call the Lincoln Customer Relationship Centre at 1.800.387.9333. ‡‡Offer only valid from April 3, 2012 to July 4, 2012 (the “Offer Period”) to resident Canadians with a Costco membership on or before April 2, 2012. Use this $1,000CDN Costco member offer towards the purchase or lease of a new 2012 Lincoln. The Eligible Vehicle must be delivered and/or factory-ordered from your participating Lincoln dealer within the Offer Period. Offer is only valid at participating dealers, is subject to vehicle availability, and may be cancelled or changed at any time without notice. Only one (1) offer may be applied towards the purchase or lease of one (1) Eligible Vehicle, up to a maximum of two (2) separate Eligible Vehicle sales per Costco Membership Number. Offer is transferable to persons domiciled with an eligible Costco member. This offer can be used in conjunction with most retail consumer offers made available by Ford Motor Company of Canada at either the time of factory order (if ordered within the Offer Period) or delivery, but not both. Offer is not combinable with any CPA/GPC or Daily Rental incentives, the Commercial Upfit Program or the Commercial Fleet Incentive Program (CFIP). Applicable taxes calculated before $1,000CDN offer is deducted. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offer, see dealer for details or call the Lincoln Customer Relationship Centre 1.800.387.9333.

1Between April 1, 2012 and June 30, 2012, Security Deposit payment is waived on a lease of a new Lincoln model (Red Carpet leases, on approved credit from Ford Credit). Security Deposit may be required by Ford Credit based on customer credit terms and conditions. ^ Figure achieved using premium unleaded gasoline. †Some mobile phones and some digital media players may not be fully compatible with SYNC® – check www.syncmyride.com for a listing of mobile phones, media players, and features supported. Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control, accident and injury. Certain MyLincoln Touch™ functions require compatible mobile devices. Some functions are not available while driving. Only use mobile phones and other devices, even with voice commands, when it is safe to do so. *Driver Assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s judgment. Bridge of Wier is a trademark of Bridge of Weir Leather Company Limited. ©2012 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

2

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

LEGEND

ENTER RTAIINER’S DREA AM 10 00+ 100 0+ sq ft livin ving spacce ind n oor po pool, ol, 5 bed bedroo o ms e uite, ens e 9 bath bathss

SO D S SOL

$11,3 ,399 99,0 ,000 00

FOR OR SA A LEE

CITY Y VIE VIEW WS OF TORO ORON NTO 500 000sq 0sq ft ft,, inla inlaw w suit sui e in ingro ound po pool, ol, in i doo doorr hot tub, b pond d

PAR ARKS KS RIVERS RIV ERS R

$1,350,000

T ILS TR TRA IL

FORKS OF THE CREDIT 5000sq ft, large pond 2 bay drive shed re ovated ren

$1,199 $1 9 ,000 LIKE KE NE NEW W IN CALEDO DON EAST 5000sq ft 5 ft, 6 bedrooms m nanny suite 1.5 acres

$989,000 PRIVATE ROAD IN CALEDO D N 22 acres, pond build your dream home guestt hou usee

$895,000

MONO CEN NTRE TR RD 2000sq ft on n 7 acres renovated top to bottom 4 bed rooms

HEART LAKE RD CALEDON 4 acre res, s 2 ponds p renovate t or o bui b ld new

$779,0000 0

-,0 :$//$&(

%52.(5 2) 5(&25'

$645 4 ,0000 0

WINSTO W STON N CHU CHURC RCH HILL CALE ALEDO DON N 1 acre acre,, 3000 3000 sq ft ft,, 4 BR BRss in-law inlaw su suite ite

$599 $5 99,0 ,000 00

',$1$ &223(5

$675,000

647.405.8330

S A L E S R E P R E S E N TAT I V E

RESTAURANT FOR SALE, ERIN LLB LBO, O outdoor pati tio,, 2nd floor Apartm tm ment

HERITAGE RD CALEDO D N 2 0 sq ft, 4.5 200 5 ac acres res b n, long viewss bar 3 bedrooms

$825 $8 25,000 17TH LI 17T LINE EAST GAR GARAFR AFRA AXA 50 acr acres, es, cu custo st m builtt farm far m tax tax cre credit dit

HOWARD ST. HOW ORA RANG NGEVI EVILLE LLE 3000+s 300 0+sq q ft, ft, W/O fr from om bas baseme ement nt renova ren ovated ted

$590 $5 90,0 ,000 00

$495 $4 95,0 ,000 00

OFFI FFICE CE/R /RETAIL FOR LEAS EASE E, ALTON 5 Unit Un s avai va lab able le 700-16 700 -1600s 00sq q ft ft

$16n 6net et/$ /$5T 5TMI MI

68 ACRE HOR O SE S FAR RM CALE A DO ON 4000sq ft ho house use,, pond use pond ond,, ingrou r nd d poo pool,l,, cre credit dit it ri river ver

686$1 %($77< 02))$77

$1,3999,0 ,000 00

647.924.1791

S A L E S R E P R E S E N TAT I V E

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

3

E D I T O R ’ S

D E S K

™

VO LU ME 19 N U M B E R 2 2 012 PUBLISHER | EDITOR

Signe Ball O P E R AT I O N S M A N A G E R

Kirsten Ball EDITORIAL

Rudy Vandenberg

905 624 5377 Res: 905 796 3063 rudyvandenbergrenovations.com rudy udyva dyva vand nden d deenb b berg beergre greno enova ovat vati tion ti ons o ss.co .co com m

4

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

Big business in our backyard There’s a local battle going on in Erin over Nestlé Waters Canada’s renewal of its permit to pump 1.1 million litres a day from its well near Hillsburgh. It’s very likely the citizens who oppose the renewal will lose that battle.

However, as Jeff Rollings points out in “Battling the bottle,” this skirmish is another indication that the effects of global economics have arrived in our backyard.

Almost overnight it seems, from wind to aggregates to water, very large corporate interests have taken a bead on the natural resources of our green hills.

Perhaps most concerning in Jeff’s report is the plausible speculation that water, not aggregates nor potatoes, may be the real target of the Highland Companies development plans in Melancthon. As part of its application, the company, backed by investment guru Seth Klarman and his Baupost Group, is seeking a Permit to Take Water at the rate of 600 million litres a day, a volume that would make Nestlé’s application look like small potatoes.

Curiously this phenomenon is occurring just as the Headwaters community is redefining itself. After years of embracing pretty much a develop-or-die mentality, which saw great swaths of farmland disappear under developers’ bulldozers, we’ve been collectively reassessing what it is that makes this place we call home so dear to us. Survey after survey puts the natural landscape and agriculture at the top of the list.

These are not just sentimental attachments, they are the golden eggs of the community’s economy, attracting not only tourism but a new breed of settler, people whom planner Richard Ford calls the “creative class” – artists, scientists, technology innovators and other professionals who produce “intellectual” goods. Inspired by the local-food movement, farming too has reemerged as a key growth sector for the region.

Protection of our natural assets is not just self-serving.

They also provide a vital service to our urban neighbours downstream. The Greenbelt along with other provincial legislation commendably recognizes the value of those assets, but it leaves the back door open for intensive resource extraction. As a result, several big boys are muscling in to grab our stuff and take it away. It behooves us to be very wary about what these new kids on our block are up to.

— With this issue, we say farewell to Susan Robb. Susan has been our proofreader for more than 15 years and her eagle-eye and sharp pen have spared us many a humiliation. She is retiring for health reasons and we offer her our fond best wishes and very deep gratitude for her long commitment to this magazine.

P O S T ER , S H I VA TA D AYO N I , O C A D U S T U D EN T

“Our kitchen is stunning”

Monica Duncan | Bethany Lee Dan Needles | Douglas G. Pearce Pam Purves | Jeff Rollings Nicola Ross | Tim Shuff | Ella Soper Ken Weber | Chris Wedeles PHOTOGRAPHY

Monica Duncan | Rosemary Hasner MK Lynde | Pete Paterson | Pam Purves I L L U S T R AT I O N

Shelagh Armstrong Jim Stewart DESIGN | ART DIRECTION

Kim van Oosterom Wallflower Design ADVERTISING SALES

Sarah Aston | Roberta Fracassi ADVERTISING PRODUCTION

Marion Hodgson Type & Images PROOFREADING

Janet Dimond WEB MANAGERS

inthehills.ca l foodinthehills.ca Valerie Jones, Echo Hill Web Sites kidsinthehills.ca Bethany Lee, Focus on Media COVER

The View, mega quarry paint-in by MK Lynde — In the Hills is published four times a year by MonoLog Communications Inc. It is distributed through controlled circulation to households in the towns of Caledon, Erin, Orangeville, Shelburne and Creemore, and Dufferin County.

Subscriptions outside the distribution area are $22.6o per year (including hst).

Letters to the editor are welcome.

For information regarding editorial, advertising, or subscriptions: PHONE E-MAIL

519-942-84o1

info@inthehills.ca

FA X

519-942-1118

MonoLog Communications Inc. R.R.1 Orangeville ON L9W 2Y8

www.inthehills.ca — The advertising deadline for the Autumn (September) issue is August 1o, 2o12.

We acknowledge the assistance of the OMDC Magazine Fund, an initiative of Ontario Media Development Corporation.

You know you can trust Betz with your backyard dream.

Got a vision for a showpiece backyard perfect for entertaining and family fun? If so, you’ll want a contractor who’s an expert at interpreting backyard dreams. That’s why Betz has a landscape architect and team of experienced landscape designers on staff, so you can have

your own award-winning backyard, just like this one.

Call today: (905) 640-1424

betzpools.com

With more than 70 years of experience fulfilling backyard dreams, Betz is the name you can trust for creativity and quality. Guaranteed.

You’ll find us in better homes everywhere

5 YEAR “BUMPER-TO-BUMPER” GUARANTEE AVAILABLE ON ALL CONCRETE & VINYL POOLS.

Orangeville* 76 Centennial Road Nº4 519.941.7208 800.668.2087 Thornbury King’s Court Plaza Hwy 26 519.599.6252 800.347.7724 www.cedarport.ca *by appointment

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

5

Karry Kitchens & Bath Design SERVICE AND INTEGRITY Family Owned and Operated Since 1978

Also offering services for WALL UNITS and CLOSET ORGANIZATION

Visit our Showroom: 170 Bovaird Drive West, Brampton (just west of Hwy 10)

(905) 456-2943 www.karrykitchens.com

Hwy 10

Queen St

McLaughlin

Bovaird Dr W

Mon - Fri 9:30am - 5pm; Sat 10am - 4pm

Make sure your vehicle has what it needs to make the most of the upcoming season. You know – road trip season.

Pat yourself on the back - you made it through another Canadian winter.

Now it’s time to make sure your Volkwagen or Audi is prepared for the best Canadian season of all - road trip season. Er. Summer. At TMS, we have just the technicians, the state-of-the-art equipment, and the seven-bay service department to give your vehicle the TLC it deserves. Hey, after all, it made it through another Canadian winter, too. So. The next time your Volkswagen or Audi needs service, why not give us a call?

TOTAL MECHANICAL SERVICES Volkswagen & Audi Specialists

1 888.227.8989 519.942.9876 20 Coles Cres., Orangeville

6

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

I N

T H I S

I S S U E F E A T U R E S 20 BATTLING THE BOTTLE

Erin’s water warriors take on Nestlé

by Jeff Rollings

D E P A R T M E N T S 8

12

28 THE ART OF PROTEST

Creative responses to the mega quarry

by Ella Soper 15

34 END TO END

Cody Gillies vs the Bruce Trail

by Tim Shuff 40 WELCOME TO PARADISE

Developer-turned-farmer Shane Baghai

by Tim Shuff 46 GOOD DOG, GUS

18

LETTERS

15

38

THE DIGEST

The Brampton Flight Centre

by Nicola Ross

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

44 HOMEGROWN IN THE HILLS

Bert Nieuwenhuis’s lambs

by Nicola Ross

FENCE POSTS

Life Cycle

by Dan Needles

50 AT HOME IN THE HILLS

Julia Gilmore’s presiding spirit

by Pam Purves 56

60 AND THEN THERE WERE NONE

The tragic tale of passenger pigeons

by Chris Wedeles

HEADWATERS NEST

Fridge friends

by Bethany Lee 58

HISTORIC HILLS

Tweedsmuir’s 175th anniversary

by Ken Weber

Mutt Gus gets his head read

by Monica Duncan 4o

GOOD SPORT

Countryside news

By Douglas G. Pearce Julia Gilmore 17

MUST DO

Our favourite picks for summer

Our readers write

72

WHAT’S ON IN THE HILLS

A calendar of summer happenings 82 A PUZZLING CONCLUSION

by Ken Weber

44

KNABE

EQUINE VETERINARY SERVICES

Usha has been providing veterinary care for horses in the Headwaters area for over twenty years.

Sport Horse Medicine | Chiropractic | Holistic Medicine Lameness Diagnostics using Wireless Digital X-ray and Ultrasound | Shockwave Therapy Prepurchase Exams | Reproduction and Neonatology

Usha offers a free lecture series:

EQUINE NUTRITION MAKING SENSE OF ALL THE NEW FEEDS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Monday June 25th, 2012 at 7pm RSVP: 519-940-4896

Dr. Usha Knabe, DVM © NATI TIONAL ALPOST PO OST T/t /tyl yleran eran er ande derssoon

Phone: 519-940-4896 | E-Mail: knabe.equine@hotmail.com

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

7

L E T T E R S

Pure Country

Win Hand &Stanton Hotel

$1,200,000

SPECTACULAR VIEWS - 5.5 ACRES Gorgeous 3+2 bdrm, open concept home with numerous fireplaces & walkouts to huge deck. Beautiful master with high ceiling, lots of closet space and ensuite with steam shower & heated floor, Down the hill, follow the trails through the bush to babbling stream. Very private $949.000

BUY AN ANTIQUE ON 100 ACRES 1858 stone home with addition with walkout to deck. Original wood floors, baseboard, stairway & trim. Beautiful recessed windows, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, partially finished basement with wine cellar. Approx. 80 acre workable with views. Drive shed/garage/workshop - all in one.

Wayne Baguley Sales Representative Representative

Out Standing In His Field

RCR Realty, Realt Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

519-941-5151 wbaguley@trebnet.com wbagul wb b ley ey@ y@ y@t @t ebnett.c @tre @t .com com m www.waynebaguley.com www ww ww ww 8

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

“The Colourful Constable and his Remarkable Hotel” (spring/12) is colourfully told by Ken Weber and caused me to reflect that life is fleeting and those who respect the past have a greater vision for the future. Historic preservation is an act of remembrance and patriotism.

Your readers may be interested to learn that an original photo of the “Colourful Constable” survives. It is in the possession of Dave and Sheila Apple who live in Win Hand’s 1876 “saltbox” house in Orangeville. The image, known as a “cabinet card,” was taken by photographer W. Still of Orangeville about 1877.

Dave indicated he was not certain it was Win. However, scale measurements based on the fact that table legs in the 1870s were typically 28 inches indicate the man’s height was exactly 6' 5½". So “hands down,” the photo is of Win Hand. (If only the idiom were “hands up,” it would more aptly relate to an officer of the law!)

County Council recently voted 18 to 11 in favour of efforts to preserve the 1863 Stanton Hotel. Since Ken Weber referenced the Town of Mono, it’s appropriate to commend County Councillor Laura Ryan (Mayor of Mono) for voting in favour, and Mono councillors Elaine Capes and Bob Mitchell, as well as four members of Mono’s Heritage Committee for being among the many in the gallery to lend support. Mono is taking great strides in heritage preservation in Dufferin, where, in Ken’s words, “there has been a curiously limited approach to heritage building preservation.”

Vic Snow, heritage advocate, Mulmur We were really impressed with the article on the Stanton Hotel. The hamlet of Stanton has never had such attention and we thank you for informing your faithful readers of some important local history.

With all the wonderful concern over the Stanton Hotel we might forget about another historic building right across the road that is also a proud part of the history of Mulmur – The Olde Stanton Store.

It was established in the 1860s and finally boarded up for years. My husband Len and I restored and re-

opened it in 1980. This old general store (turned home décor and “something for everyone” store) also has an amazing story to tell.

Stanton was the second settlement in Mulmur. Its first settlers were the Walkers and the Hands. They wanted to call their settlement “Handville” or “Walkerville.” The judge who was to make the final decision could see a feud in the mix and, to calm the storm, pronounced it “Stanton” – and so it remains today.

The history of Stanton is very colourful – with hotels, a courthouse in the backyard of the Stanton Store, an Orange Lodge and a blacksmith shop.

Eventually, Mr. Love also built a fine residence beside the store, which also remains today. Much more detail about this hamlet is stored in our wonderful Dufferin County Museum and in the hearts of so many customers who have dropped into our store over the past 31 years to relive a little history and tell us their stories.

Len and I purchased an old but very important building and have had many happy years running our business and raising our family here. Our dear neighbour Edna Greer (mother of Kevin Greer) came to the store on opening day in 1980 to say how thrilled she was that we had put Stanton back on the map!

Edna was a teacher at the schoolhouse that the Knisleys have lovingly restored down the road. So Stanton may be changing, but The Olde Stanton Store remains a rich and proud part of our heritage. Please drop in for a free taste of our homemade fudge!

Marie Swidersky, Stanton

Puzzling geography lesson I was delighted to see Ken Weber had set a puzzle that I actually could solve (“A Puzzling Conclusion” spring/12). Had the letter been signed “Elizabeth R,” it would have been more problematic.

However, in “Border Challenge in Erin,” Newfoundland and Labrador was excluded from the possible answers as it wasn’t a province in 1924. Therefore, the state of Alaska should also have been excluded because it wasn’t a state in 1924. It achieved that honour in 1959, followed

by Hawaii in 1960. I’m not sure about the dates of statehood for the other 48 states, but I’m old enough to remember both these events.

Steve Brown, Archivist, Dufferin County Museum & Archives Yes, when the 1924 Continuation School students answered question A of the Border Test, Newfoundland and Labrador was not a province of Canada.

And by the time the students got to question B, it still was not a province.

Erin Shaw, web comment In the “Border Challenge in Erin,” question C asks how many U.S. states have land mass touching the border with Canada. Your answer says New York does not touch. If you look on a map, the northern part of New York state, east of Cornwall, Ontario, reaches until Interstate 87 for about 35 kilometres of land touching land.

Caron Mailloux, Erin

Offering nutritious and delicious meals to maintain a healthy diet.

We invite you to keep active and join us for: Social Lunches and Outings Seniors Exercise Program Visiting, Telechats and Security Contacts “Thank you for delivering meals to my mother after she came home from the hospital following surgery. Knowing that someone was checking in on her every day when delivering her meal was reassuring.”

Ken Weber responds: The readers are correct. These are embarrassing errors. I get a tiny swatch of my own back though, even if it doesn’t really apply. Alaska and Hawaii both became states in 1959: Alaska in January and Hawaii in August. The Hawaii date sometimes gets wonky because Eisenhower mandated a new flag (with 50 stars) on the day of Hawaii’s entry in 1959, but it didn’t become the official U.S. flag until 1960. Other than that, the only solace I can take is that readers care enough to send in corrections!

SUSAN

“I have participated in the SMILE exercise classes for 4½ years. Recently I went to my doctor and he told me that I was in better health than some of his 40-year-old patients – and I just turned 90!”

P H O T O PA M P U R V E S

AGNES

“I am so happy to get a call every morning from my Meals on Wheels ‘telephone friend’ – what a nice way to start the day.”

At Home addition Permit me, as the architect of Erica Hyland’s home (“At Home in the Hills” spring/12), to add a muchneeded reference to the builder of the project, Patrick Skuce. Mr. Skuce’s construction firm, Caledon Building & Design, brought skilled trades, organization and a good sense of humour to the work. This last trait is essential when working

on older buildings, which reveal all sorts of secrets and surprises in the course of being repaired. Ms. Hyland, her father Geoff and Patrick worked with me as a team to rejuvenate the former farm building, and to bring it into the 21st century as a beautiful and energy-efficient residence.

Harry Lay, Architect, Toronto continued on next page

ONLINE IN THE HILLS We welcome your comments! For more commentary from our readers, or to add your own thoughts on any of the stories in this issue, please visit www.inthehills.ca. You can also send your letters by e-mail to sball@inthehills.ca. Please include your name, address and contact information. In The Hills reserves the right to edit letters for publication.

BILL

“It meant so much to see some of my old neighbours and friends at the Meals on Wheels lunch this week. As we grow older we lose touch with each other, so it’s nice to get together and talk about old times.”

DELORES

For more information, to volunteer or to donate, please call us at:

905-857-7651 or 905-584-2992 www.cmow.org IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

9

continued

heart lake road

highway 1o

willoughby road

mississauga road

ad n side ro charlesto

blueland farms

Gravel

update

After a period of two years, this spring the Ministry of Natural Resources advised Blueland Farms that the proposal to mine aggregate below the water table at the McCormick Farm on Heart Lake Road has lapsed. Blueland failed to enter into regulatory processes with the Town of Caledon or any of another seven agencies to deal with their objections to the licence application, had not addressed the many letters of objection from citizens as required, nor sought the necessary bylaw changes and amendments to Caledon’s Official Plan.

At REDC’s request, the signage advising of the 2010 licence application has been removed. However, a company representative has informed MNR that Blueland intends to resubmit within a few months. If the company does so, there will be notification of its new proposal in

We have been residents of Melancthon Township for 22 years and moved here to enjoy a peaceful, rural property and raise our family. Over the past few years we have observed many changes to the township in the form of industrialization. First, there was a wind turbine development in southern Melancthon.

Second, precious farmland was bought up for the second largest limestone quarry in North America. Third, there are plans for a 50-turbine wind farm in northern Melancthon. This industrialization is so depersonalized that massive turbines are referred to as “inflictors” (of what?) and the residences in close proximity are referred to as “receptors” (of what?).

At first glance, these industrial projects may appear very different.

However, we have noticed many similarities. Both projects:

10

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

왘

왘

왘

왘

왘

왘

licensed areas

owned by aggregate interest

ownership and active interest in licensing

public ownership

local papers and a new sign will be posted on the property with new application information.

Community members will once again have to register their letters of objection with MNR. The company must respond to objections in order to fulfill the application process.

The REDC Ecological study, EMAP, is underway – donations are welcome! We’ll have information to share at a fall community event. With this study, REDC is attempting to raise the standard of review for any expansion of the current 3,800-acre aggregate development. In the meantime, above is a 2011 town map of the overall industrial development from Caledon Village to Belfountain. As you can see, more is on the way.

Christine Shain, President, REDC (Responsible Escarpment Development Caledon)

are owned by foreign companies: the quarry by a U.S. hedge fund and the wind turbines by a Chinese company relied on secrecy and the signing of contracts and property purchases behind closed doors were based on profits leaving Melancthon Township: quarry profits to the U.S. and wind turbine profits to China have a negative impact on the landscape: the quarry when the limestone is depleted and the turbines after their 20-year lifespan have a negative impact on wildlife: the quarry disrupts nesting sites of birds and impacts predator/prey and fish; the wind turbines kill migratory birds and bats may negatively impact human health: the quarry with dust,

왘

왘

blasting, water pollution; the wind turbines with air pressure changes, noise and flickering light, causing migraines and heart palpitations negatively impact adjacent homes: the quarry owners demolished homes and the wind turbines caused people to abandon homes negatively impact property values or the ability to sell at all.

We feel both projects will have shortterm gain for a few at the expense of long-term pain for many. While we understand “change is the only constant,” we wonder if these changes are worth the tragic cost for future generations.

Gail Gaskin and Shawn Sands, Melancthon ≈

M A P P R E PA R E D B Y T O W N O F C A L ED O N

L E T T E R S

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

11

C O U N T R Y S I D E

A Riotous ABC Book for the Wee Folk!

D I G E S T

Battles,

by Douglas G. Pearce

balloons, vitamin B and Pierre Berton

Accordion Families Z is for Moose

By Kelly Bingham Published by Harper Collins ...Now we know our ABC’s but Zebra doesn’t!

Available at BookLore where everyone knows their ABC’s for goodness’ sake!

121 First Street, Orangeville 519-942-3830 Independent Bookstores Matter!

“Young adults are living in their parents’ homes for much longer or are moving back in with them at alarming rates, the result of economic globalization that has squelched opportunities and wages for young people in the West... Unemployment figures for young adults have exploded around the world since the 1980s.

Nearly 60 per cent of Americans 18 to 24 live with their parents – a higher proportion of adult children are living with their parents now than at any time since the 1930s.” From “Accordion Families” by Michael Anft, in Johns Hopkins Magazine, Spring/12. magazine.jhu.edu

Peak Phosphorus “Forget peak oil. The real global crisis looming may be a shortage of phosphorus. This essential mineral – a key ingredient in synthetic fertilizers – comes mainly from phosphate rock...

While estimates vary, the latest US Geological Survey data put total global phosphate reserves at 65 billion tonnes. With current rates of consumption, the point where production can no longer keep up with demand could be just decades away.” From Small Farm Canada, Jan-Feb/12. www.smallfarmcanada.ca

Helium Bust “Research facilities probing the structure of matter, medical scanners and other advanced devices that use the gas may soon have to reduce operations or close because we are frittering away the world’s limited supplies of helium on party balloons.” Robin McKie in The Guardian Weekly, Mar 30/12. www.guardianweekly.co.uk

Blame Canada “Canada is responsible for America’s war machine. As preposterous as that may sound, it’s convincingly and engrossingly argued by Eliot Cohen in his Conquered into Liberty: Two Centuries of Battles Along the Great Warpath That Made the American Way of War (Free Press, 2011). Cohen, professor of strategic studies at the Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, illustrates how conf licts 12

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

among Americans, British, French, and native populations from 1690 to 1815 shaped what became the American military’s ideas and practices. Cohen recounts skirmishes and battles, and in doing so tells the stories of some lesser-known historical figures such as Robert Rogers, the colonial badass whose militia, Rogers’ Rangers, anecdotally inspired the present U.S. Army Rangers.” From Johns Hopkins Magazine, Spring/12. magazine.jhu.edu

Value Added “When instant cake mixes hit US shelves in the late 1940s, sales were disappointing. Pioneering consumer psychologist Ernest Dichter went into the nation’s kitchens to investigate. His interviews with housewives led him to a startling conclusion. The mixes made baking too easy; cooks felt undervalued. On Dichter’s recommendation the next generation of mixes required the addition of a fresh egg. They sold like hot cakes.” From “Labours of Love” by Laura Spinney, New Scientist, Dec 24-31/11. www.newscientist.com

Intel “The late historian Pierre Berton once wrote that the War of 1812 ‘gave Canadians their first sense of community.’ The bicentennial of this war has given rise to a new examination of the conflict that pitted American soldiers against British armed forces and ultimately laid a foundation for Canada’s nationhood. The Royal Canadian Geographical Society, in partnership with the Historica-Dominion Institute and Parks Canada, is contributing to the dialogue with a comprehensive website (eighteentwelve.ca) featuring an interactive map and a timeline of the war.” From Canadian Geographic, Jan-Feb/12. canadiangeographic.ca

Conservation House “The home of the future was built a third of a century ago in Regina. It was called the Saskatchewan Conservation House and used less than one-fifth of the energy consumed by ordinary homes. More than 30,000 people came to see it. But Canadian homebuilders ignored the ideas it

offered, and the Canadian public has largely forgotten about it.

“Built in 1977 by the Saskatchewan Research Council, the Conservation House had everything most houses of its day had, except a furnace. Instead, the northwest Regina home relied on a nearly airtight envelope, with R-40 wall insulation and R-60 roof insulation. The house was cube-shaped to minimize exterior surface, and sided in dark-brown cedar to absorb heat from the sun. Deciduous trees south of the house provided shade in summer and let solar heat reach windows in the winter. A small hot water system provided all the extra heat the house needed, even through the long prairie winter.” From Alternatives, MarApr/12. www.alternativesjournal.ca

B for Brain “Large doses of B-vitamins could slow the cognitive decline in older people that is the precursor to dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease, a study has found.

“Celeste de Jager, a neuropsychologist at Oxford University, says that taking vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid in medicinal quantities reduced the overall shrinkage of a person’s brain by 30 per cent over the course of the two-year study.” From CCPA Monitor, Feb/12. policyalternatives.ca

Eye Popping?

“Did you know that if you find yourself in space without suitable attire, your head won’t explode in the way that Hollywood would have you think?

You would get an unpleasant drying of the eyes as the water within them boils away, but the pressure of your skin and circulatory system would prevent your blood from doing the same. In fact, you are most likely to suffocate from lack of oxygen.” From Helen Thomson’s review of The Universe Inside You by Brian Clegg (Icon Books / Totem Books, 2012) in New Scientist, Apr 7/12. newscientist.com

Family “A family is a unit composed not only of children, but of men, women, an occasional animal, and the common cold.” Ogden Nash ≈

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

13

14

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

A R T I S T

I N

R E S I D E N C E

clockwise from top right : Orchids, Dahlias & Hydrangeas 36" x 48"; Candy Apples 36" x 3o"; Royal Typewriter 36" x 36"; Italian Shoes 36" x 3o"

Julia Gilmore Sumptuous florals, everyday objects and vintage curiosities are the subjects of Inglewood artist Julia Gilmore’s bold and brilliantly hued paintings. Julia has a Fine Arts degree from Concordia University and developed her palette-knife style when her son was a baby and she didn’t have time for cleaning brushes. She now exhibits widely in the U.S., where she is represented in several galleries. Her annual home-studio show takes place November 3 & 4. See more about Julia in this issue’s “At Home in the Hills” column on page 5o. www.juliagilmore.ca IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

15

NESTING HABITS

Meet our chef extraordinaire, Jason Reiner

HOME FURNISHINGS & DESIGN DI V ISION OF A DA M A ND C OMPA N Y IN T ERIOR DE SIGN INC.

the main room

SUPERB CUISINE AND A GENIAL ATMOSPHERE HAVE MADE MONO CLIFFS INN A MECCA FOR FOOD AND WINE LOVERS FOR 25 YEARS

peter cellars pub SPECIALIZING IN SINGLE MALT SCOTCH LIVE MUSIC ON FRIDAYS

the wine cellar INTIMATE PRIVATE DINING FOR PARTIES OF UP TO EIGHT

mc laren room

STONE FIREPLACE, WIRELESS INTERNET AND PROJECTION SCREEN – PERFECT FOR RECEPTIONS AND BUSINESS MEETINGS OF UP TO FORTY

LUNCH & DINNER 11.30AM–9.00PM WEDNESDAY–SUNDAY & HOLIDAY MONDAYS WE CATER ANY DAY · LARGE OR SMALL PARTIES · ON OR OFF SITE 867006 MONO CENTRE ROAD IN THE HAMLET OF MONO CENTRE WWW.MONOCLIFFSINN.CA 519 941 5109 SPECIALIZING IN AUSTRALIAN WINES

367006 Mono Centre Road in the Hamlet of Mono Centre www.nestinghabits.ca . 519.941.3111 16

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

F E N C E

P O S T S

by Dan Needles

I L L U S T R AT I O N S H EL A G H A R M S T R O N G

t ru e c on fe ssions from t h e n i n t h c once ssion

a life

M

y doctors have expressed the unanimous view that I must start exercising. I have pointed out that I perform a regular routine of elliptical weight training every day here on the farm. I climb up and down a ladder and toss bales of hay to the sheep. I wrestle pails of water over gates and clean out pens by hand with a manure fork. There’s even a little bit of martial arts involved because I have a Border Cheviot ram named Cato who attacks me whenever I have my back turned.

This seems like a respectable workout to me.

Not so, says my friend Dr. John, a lean, hardbodied man of science who runs a sports clinic in town and makes a nice living comforting boomers as their bodies go bad. “That’s not exercise. That’s just slugging,” he says. “You need something aerobic.

Why don’t you do what I do and get on a bicycle?”

I pedalled my way around England and France in the summer of 1971, working on farms and picking fruit. It was a lark, but there was purpose behind the effort. I was always trying to get somewhere and do something. Even then, the roads were clogged with over-oxygenated cyclists with bulging calf muscles and legs shaved to reduce wind resistance.

They would fly by in a whoosh of fluorescent Lycra, raising an eyebrow at the kid in jeans and workboots, labouring up the hill to the next pear orchard.

The Needles have no history of exercise and we live longer than Galapagos tortoises. My dad is now 93 and he hasn’t broken into a trot since the Second World War. He has never needed hip replacement or knee surgery because all his joints are still in the box. He was an actor for nearly 70 years and

Cycle

people tell me the most frightening thing they ever saw on stage was my dad in a swordfight. He was legally blind without his glasses and Macbeth and Macduff would flatten themselves against a wall and cover their heads as he went by.

my doctors have expressed the unanimous view that I must start exercising and I have pointed out that I perform a regular routine of elliptical weight training every day here on the farm He is also a bit of a hypochondriac. We like to say that he never quite got over the Spanish flu in 1919.

He has a tombstone picked out for himself that says, “I told you I was sick.” He believes that the path to good health can only be achieved through constant worry, and at this point it’s hard to argue with the results. He’s basically fine.

“You used to cycle,” says my wife.

“The railroads used to run good hotels,” I reply.

“Cycling is actually pretty dangerous. I was knocked

off the bike half a dozen times, once by another cyclist and another time by a dog.”

My wife sighs. “The men in your family remind me of a dog I once had. He was very good at letting you know what might happen.”

Her menfolk are cattlemen who fret about prices and the weather, but never about their health. If they can’t run something down, they ride it down and rope it. If they can’t rope it, they shoot it. I noticed that most of them turned up to our wedding on crutches, which should have been my fi rst clue.

One of them predicted darkly that I would be limping too before long and they were right. I fell out of the haymow about 15 years ago and crushed the heel of my left foot. It became arthritic, which deters me from walking, so now I go to Dr. John for cortisone shots every six months. This is what prompted the recent conversation about exercise.

But then again, who can argue with a chance to spend less time with the kids? I climb up into the haymow and bring down my ancient touring bike.

It’s in remarkably good condition, probably because it hasn’t been used for 40 years. Then it occurs to me, I could bolt the thing into the barn floor and run a chain drive back to the pulley on my oat roller.

Instead of risking life and limb out on the road, I could sit here with a cappuccino and a newspaper, grinding feed. That way I can feed the animals, feed my body with oxygen, and feed my brain with the illusion I am doing something useful.

So I’ll take Dr. John’s advice, but I won’t stray too far from the farm, where futility has always had a noble purpose. ≈

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

17

must do

A highly selective guide to the picks of the season.

must

must StoMp the

quarry

Walk, bike or run – and eat – to help support the fight to stop the proposed mega quarry in Melancthon. The NDACT-sponsored event takes place Saturday, July 28 in the scenic hills and fertile countryside next to the quarry site.

There are 5km and 10km courses for both runners and walkers, as well as half and full marathons for runners and a dash for kids. Cyclists can tour a 10km or 20km course.

Organizers promise trails “over gently rolling hills, through canopied woodlands, beside trickling streams,” with “stunning vista points.” Most of the tracks are a combination of asphalt and hard-packed gravel. Roads on the route will be closed to through traffic.

Plus, after all that hard legwork, there’s the reward of a barbecue ($15) or a vegetarian potato feast ($7.50), both with organic salads.

Entry fees range from $25 for the kids’ dash to $130 for the marathon, refundable if you raise more than $200 in pledges.

For a map and description of the courses, and to register for races, download a pledge form, reserve a meal, or volunteer, go to www.ndact.com

18

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

nominate

The folks at Heritage Caledon have announced the Great Caledon Heritage Tree Hunt – and they’re asking Caledon residents to nominate trees for heritage distinction.

Along with size and age, culturally significant trees are those associated with historic events or people. They may have been planted by pioneers or to honour a war hero or family member. They may have survived a flood, fire – or housing development. In short, they are “witnesses to yesteryear,” with a story to tell.

If you know of a worthy Caledon tree, visit the Town of Caledon website to download a nomination form. The successful nominees will be placed in a database and become part of Caledon’s historical record.

The best stories will be published.

For more information, contact heritage.agenda@caledon.ca

must

celebrate

Tara Imerson Shine a Light Varnished watercolour 2o" x 16"

The little white church in Caledon is having a birthday party, and you’re invited. The historic Melville White Church on Mississauga Road south of Belfountain was erected in 1837, making it the oldest church building in the hills. Though no longer in religious service, the church was restored through community efforts to serve as an events venue. To celebrate its 175th anniversary, the Belfountain Heritage Committee and the Caledon Heritage Foundation are hosting two events.

The first is an art show featuring the work of 60 local artists who have depicted interpretations of the church, its history and its place in Caledon’s historic Rockside community. Most of the work will be available for sale.

The art show runs from September 15 to 23 at the church and Belfountain Community Centre.

The second event is an anniversary tea party, featuring scones and classic country music. The party will also mark the launch of a book on the history of the church, featuring works from the art show. The artists will be on hand.

The tea party takes place Sunday, September 16, from 2 to 5pm on the church grounds.

must

ride

Jump on your horse and take a ride to beat breast cancer. On July 14, the third annual Trail Ride for Breast Cancer takes place in Dufferin County Forest on Airport Rd, near Mansfield. The event was founded by Debra Moore after she lost her mother to breast cancer.

Last year it attracted 77 riders and raised $4,4oo. Debra and her sister Lynda have set their sights higher this year, hoping to attract more than a hundred riders and raise at least $5,ooo. To do that, they’ve added an online auction, which includes such items as horse blankets, personalized saddle fit evaluations, dressage pads and equestrian prints.

To make an auction bid or register for a day Debra promises will be full of fun, friends, food and horses, see trailrideforbreastcancer. weebly.com

must

OVER $200,000 IN PRIZE MONEY AND AWARDS TO BE WON! $75,000 Open Jumper Division Two cars to be awarded!

Jr/Am Winner Take All & Top Point Jumper Award

$12,000 1.40m division $15,000 Canadian Hunter Derby Series Two derbies in one week!

Antares Top 4 Overall Canadian Hunter Derby Series Awards

$2,500 Pony Classic Fun and Full Social Calendar Corn roast, tasting events, music, Joeffer Caoc trunk show and the always exciting fashion show!

hike

If you’ve begun to feel like your hiking habits have hit a rut, it’s time to check out the brand new online trail maps for the Headwaters region.

The project, spearheaded by Headwaters Communities in Action, was conceived to promote community health and well-being by extending community walking and cycling opportunities. HCIA’s goal is eventually to create a fully linked trail network throughout the region.

The online resource provides maps and information on 20 trails, including local sections of the Bruce Trail, the Elora-Cataract Trailway and the Caledon Trailway, as well as less-travelled trails, such as the Upper Grand Trailway. The maps also include trails in all local provincial parks, conservation areas and nature preserves, as well as those in the various tracts of Dufferin County Forest. There’s even a map of Orangeville’s in-town trails.

To download a map, or post a comment on your trail experience, visit headwaters communities.org and click on the Headwaters Trail Map logo.

Ken Braddick — HorseSport USSA

www.hayesco.ca | info@hayesco.ca twitter @Hayes_Co to follow us on facebook and to sign up for our mailing list New Venue! OAS Event Centre | 247090 Sideroad 5, Orangeville, Ontario Natural Fiber Grass Competition Areas and Permanent Infrastructure including bathrooms, parking, wash stalls and camper sites

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

19

A protest over water taking in Erin is the latest skirmish between local residents and international corporations with sights set on Headwaters’ natural resources. But Erin’s lost water may be just a drop in the bucket.

battling the bottle

BY JEFF R O L L IN GS

F

Realizing there’s only so much pop a person can drink, and eyeing a consumer trend toward healthier alternatives, soft drink producers turned their attention to water.

20

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

rom the wind to the water to the ground beneath our feet, it seems the last few years have brought an unprecedented demand for this region’s natural resources.

A common element in all the initiatives is the involvement of big business. A multibillion dollar U.S. hedge fund backs the Highland Companies’ proposal for a huge new quarry in Melancthon. Asian and western Canadian investors play roles in the development of wind power.

Then there’s water.

Nearly all of us have done it. We’re on a trip, on our way to the gym, on a night out. We step up to the cashier, lay down our hard-earned cash, and buy a bottle of water. According to industry statistics, more than 60 per cent of Canadians buy it every day. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada estimates bottled water has an 11 per cent share of the Canadian nonalcoholic beverage market.

Buying a bottle of water seems like a little thing. In reality, though, it’s a very big thing. One that has spread throughout the world, and that some say threatens a basic tenet of society: water as a shared human resource.

It’s a classic case of big business versus the little guy, and – no surprise, considering we call this region Headwaters – one corner of this international battle is playing out right here at home.

The debate has come up here before, but most recently residents of Erin have been fighting Nestlé Waters Canada’s efforts to extend its permit to pump up to 1.1 million litres a day from a well near Hillsburgh. Nestlé is as big as they get, dominating the bottled water business with an estimated 17.1 per cent world market share.

First, a curiosity. Why do we buy something that’s available, if not free, for at least a tiny fraction of the cost, from the kitchen tap?

Commercial water bottlers argue there’s nothing new about what they do, claiming it’s one of the oldest business models in the world, dating back as far as 10,000 bc, when the containers were earthenware vessels and animal skins.

Meanwhile, the Polaris Institute, a Canadian social action organization, points to a much more modern, and cynical, genesis.

By its account, it’s all about soft drinks.

In the 1970s, the major soft drink manufacturers, which had enjoyed impressive market growth for years, started to see things level off. Realizing there’s only so much pop a person can drink, and eyeing an increasing consumer trend toward healthier alternatives, soft drink producers turned their attention to water.

As the Polaris Institute recounts it, to get people to pay for something they could get free, companies such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi, equipped with massive public relations budgets, undertook a four-step process called “manufacturing demand.”

step 1 : fear The first step was to scare people about what was coming out of the tap. “When we’re done,” one bottled water executive is quoted as saying, “tap water will be relegated to showers and washing dishes.”

step 2 : seduction Once people became worried about what was coming out of the tap, the next step was to seduce people into believing bottled water offers a safer, more reliable alternative. We’re all familiar with the images of mountain streams and pristine nature that adorn bottled water products. Brand names, such as Iceland Pure Spring or Nestlé Pure Life Natural Spring Water, are also designed to reinforce that concept. Notably, these companies never come right out and say their product is better, or safer, than tap water. It isn’t, and they can’t. In reality, a third of bottled water in the U.S., including Pepsi’s Aquafina and Coke’s Dasani, is simply fi ltered tap water. Ironically, taste tests have frequently shown people prefer the taste of tap.

step 3 : sleight of hand A full-page Nestlé ad claimed, “Bottled water is the most environmentally responsible consumer product in the world.” The boast became the subject of a misleading advertising complaint in 2008, which John Challinor II, Nestlé’s director of corporate affairs, says was eventually dismissed for lack of cause.

Buying a bottle of water seems like a little thing. In reality it’s a very big thing. One that some say threatens a basic tenet of society: water as a shared human resource.

Nonetheless, does the complaint have merit? By Polaris’s estimate, in the United States bottled water accounts for 26 billion empty plastic bottles a year, and the oil required to make them would fuel a million cars. Nestlé’s website spins that number differently, claiming it needs “just three hours” of annual global oil extraction to meet its yearly requirements for plastic bottle manufacturing.

And Challinor disputes his own company’s information, claiming the bottles are made using natural gas, not oil.

Then there’s the environmental impact of shipping that product all around the world. Residents of Erin, for example, take exception to the traffic of up to 50 trucks a day that haul water from Hillsburgh to Nestlé’s bottling plant in Aberfoyle.

Next comes the question of what happens to that bottle once it’s empty. Nestlé Canada’s website points out that the bottles are 100 per cent recyclable, and spouts a bevy of statistics about high recycling rates in Canada, including an average recovery rate for plastics of 60 per cent. It says plastic water bottles account for only one-fi fth of one per cent of the overall municipal solid waste stream, and further, they are the third most valuable item in recycling programs, behind newspapers and aluminum. It also points out the company and its industry partners have entered a $7.2 million, three-year agreement with Quebec to support the province’s recycling efforts, and funded development of re-

cycling systems for public spaces, like schools and parks, in a number of locations across the country.

Nestlé’s claims about recycling rates appear to be borne out by the City of Toronto, which estimates 65 per cent of the 100 million plastic beverage bottles of all types that enter the city’s waste stream each year are recycled. However, that means 35 million still end up going to the dump.

The Polaris Institute insists the picture of a pristine mountain on the container should be a mountain of plastic, because global recycling rates are much lower and, overall, 80 per cent of plastic water bottles end up in landfi lls or incinerators. It also takes issue with how the term “recycled” is defined, arguing that plastic water bottles are not recycled, but rather are “down cycled,” meaning they aren’t turned into new water bottles, but instead become things like carpeting.

step 4: defend the market Once the market had been manufactured, the focus shifted to protecting it. In this case, however, the competition is a basic human right to clean, safe drinking water. Pepsi’s vice-chairman is quoted as stating publicly, “The biggest enemy is tap water.”

The optics of that quip may have made the industry uneasy. The Canadian Bottled Water Association, Nestlé and other producers go out of their way to insist they don’t compete with tap water. By their reckoning, most people who buy bottled water do so as an alternative to other packaged beverages, such as soft drinks, milk, juice and energy and sport drinks. Perhaps that’s so, but if it is, why do people spend up to 2,000 times as much as it would cost them to fi ll up a container from the tap at home?

reverting to tap While opposition to bottled water has grown over recent years, the impact on the industry isn’t clear.

Several studies show that, after decades of steady growth, the bottled water market shrank between 2006 and 2008.

A 2009 British survey of over 2,000 restaurant patrons indicated almost two-thirds said they always asked for tap when they dine out, and the number was thought to be on the rise after high-profile campaigns about the environmental cost of bottled water.

However, a second U.K. study attributed the sales drop to water being “the ultimate discretionary purchase,” and found “consumer confidence is inextricably linked with bottled water consumption.”

As a result, this study predicted sales growth would return as economic conditions improved. John

Challinor of Nestlé agrees, “It is a mature market, but sales are growing at roughly the same pace as the economy.”

The bottled water refusniks are achieving some success in the public realm. Bowing to their pressure, to date as many as 42 Ontario municipalities, including the City of Toronto, have banned bottled water at public facilities, and several others are considering following suit.

The movement to turn away from the product has found favour with young people, and a number of university campuses have also instituted bans.

The University of Guelph, for example, has installed water fountains specially designed for use with

refi llable bottles.

However, habit is hard to change, especially in the face of powerful corporate marketing. In Wellington, home to Nestlé Waters’ Canadian head office and bottling plant in Aberfoyle, there is usually a bottle of Nestlé Pure Life Natural Spring Water at every councillor’s seat at county council. Following a public meeting in Hillsburgh this spring, marked by a heated public protest against Nestlé’s application to extend its Permit to Take Water, Liz Armstrong, a member of the Climate Change Action Group of Erin, attended county council and discovered only one councillor – Erin mayor Lou Maieron – had converted to drinking tap water from a glass.

when drinking becomes a private matter Whether, as opponents would have it, the bottled water market is shrinking, or as Nestlé’s John Challinor tells it, the market is “mature,” the situation is not unlike that which existed in the 1970s when soft drink manufacturers first took an interest in water. Just as with pop, there’s only so much bottled water that can be sold, and consumers

are growing more health-conscious. However, while in the 1970s it was about personal health, now it’s about the health of the planet.

So, for the industry, what comes after the bottle?

Many believe the next step is privatization of water on a mass scale.

Mike Nagy, chair of Wellington Water Watchers,

says, “Bottled water is the thin edge of the wedge.”

In his view, selling it by the bottle gets people used to the idea of buying it, and at the same time allows businesses like Nestlé to accumulate provincial water rights that fall outside the jurisdiction of local municipalities. continued on page 23 IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

21

spin the bottle A compendium of conflicting information about Nestlé’s bottled water How much water does it take to produce a onelitre bottle, in addition to the water itself?

Maude Barlow, Council of Canadians 3 to 5 litres.

John Challinor, Nestlé “0.3 litres.”

How much oil does it take to manufacture a one-litre water bottle?

Maude Barlow One-quarter of the volume of the bottle.

John Challinor “None. The bottles are made using natural gas.”

What are recycling rates for plastic water bottles?

Polaris Institute Globally, 20 per cent are recycled; 80 per cent go to landfill or incineration.

John Challinor “About 70 per cent of Canadian bottles are recycled, and we’re working to make that higher. We don’t maintain global statistics.”

Is the market for bottled water flattening out in North America?

Polaris Institute The market fell in the 2008 recession and has remained flat since, due to increased awareness about the environmental costs of bottled water.

John Challinor “No. It’s a mature market, but it’s growing at a rate roughly the same as the economy.”

Is Nestlé working to establish a privatized market for water in Alberta?

Writer Joyce Nelson Reports Peter Brabeck, Chair of Nestlé “... told Reuters that he supports selling water on exchanges, just like any commodity. ‘We are actively dealing with the Government of Alberta to think about a water exchange.’”

John Challinor “Brabeck’s comments were taken out of context. He was speaking at a think-tank on the sustainability of water, where they were talking about solutions to sustaining the resource. He does support tradable water rights in specific situations.”

What about spike rates?

Liz Armstrong, Climate Change Action Group of Erin “Nestlé seemed to be saying at a recent public meeting in Hillsburgh that they wanted a spike rate provision where they would be able to go to 1.6 million litres a day for seven-day periods, but they weren’t clear about how frequently that would happen or how many times a year. Would they do it for a week and then wait a day and do it again?”

John Challinor “No, the spike rate is not 1.6 million litres a day. Usually we only pump between 25 and 35 per cent of our maximum. The spike rate would allow us to pump up to 10 per cent more than the permitted rate, up to 21 days a year. This will be a new part of the permit, though the current one does allow spiking to a degree. It’s just that as it stands now we have to contact the ministry each time we do it. Under the new permit, it will be built in. We’ll see if the ministry approves it.”

Ontario Environmental Registry Proposal Notice for Nestlé Canada Inc. “Maximum rate per minute (L/min): 773 (Spike rate of 1,135 L/min, for 7 day periods each year).” At 1,135 L/min, for 24 hours, the spike rate would be 1,634,4oo litres/ day, a 45 per cent increase over the 1.1 million-litre permit.

There is a concern Hillsburgh’s water is being shipped out of the great lakes water basin to international markets, in contravention of a standard condition in the permit to take water.

Does Nestlé ship water to the United States?

Mike Nagy, Wellington Water Watchers Though he has no hard proof, Nagy says, “Nestlé denies it goes to the U.S., but a trucker who used to work for Nestlé has told us it goes there all the time.

Apparently a lot of Hillsburgh water goes to Florida. Americans prefer spring water to reverse osmosis water. We’ve also had reports that it goes to North Africa, Japan, all over the U.S. People tell us all the time. Nestlé ships it to a distributor, so the trucks going over the border don’t have Nestlé on them.

Nestlé wanted to establish a plant near Portland, Oregon, and one of their arguments was that if they got a plant there, it would mean they would need to import less water from Canada.”

Portland Tribune “Nestlé Tapping Gorge Water” by Jennifer Anderson, Nov. 11, 2010: “The company says a local plant would lessen the need to ship bottled water from Nestlé’s closest plants, in Canada and California... ” John Challinor “No, we don’t. The information in the story is incorrect.”

Approved permits to take water for commercial water bottling in Erin, Caledon and Dufferin1 fernbrook springs bottled water company amaranth 654,000 litres per day

•••••••

aquaterra corporation ltd caledon 363,680 litres per day

••••

aquaterra corporation ltd erin 225,000 litres per day

•••

nestlé canada inc erin 1,113,000 litres per day

••••••••••••

total 2,355,680 litres per day

•••••••••••••••••••••••• total 859,823,200 litres per year

•••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••••••••••••••• x 10

9,310 population this volume would support 2

1 2

22

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

ontario ministry of the environment city of toronto 253 litres per person per day

water continued from page 21

Attempts at water privatization are being made around the world, though at least some have met with spectacular failure.

In what is perhaps the most notorious case, in 1999 the Bolivian government leased water rights – even for rain falling from the sky – to an international consortium that included American Bechtel Corporation. The move was touted as a way to expand infrastructure and provide clean water to residents of South America’s poorest country. Instead, water rates doubled or tripled, and even where new pipes were laid, peasants couldn’t afford the water they supplied. Eventually, the population revolted, resulting in mass violence and a number of people killed by riot police. Ultimately, the government was overthrown and its replacement ripped up the contract.

In an article in the May 2012 issue of The Monitor, published by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, author and researcher Joyce Nelson spells out how the corporate world smells money in water these days.

Nelson reports that Goldman Sachs, along with General Electric, Calgarybased Talisman Energy and a number of other corporate giants have formed a partnership called The Aquaduct Alliance.

The group has developed a water index and mapping tool to analyze hydrology, social, economic and governance factors by watershed.

They started with the Yellow River Basin in Northern China, and are

moving on to Africa, the U.S. and Australia, to be followed by 15 other regions around the world. Nelson describes this as “an ‘opportunity index’ for water investors.”

Australia, by the way, is another case where water privatization backfired. In the 1990s, the Australian government implemented a water market for the Murray-Darling River Basin, a major centre of agricultural production in the country. A few years later, significant drought struck the region, and by 2010, the government had spent at least $1.4 billion buying back water rights.

Critics liken the Australian water market implementation to what’s currently happening in Alberta and British Columbia, where proposed policy changes would, as Nelson puts it, “allow licencees holding water allocations they are not currently using or no longer need to lease or sell this surplus to others within the watershed at a price set by market forces of supply and demand.” Whoever purchases the licence may be able to change what the water is used for.

Nelson adds, “The government would lose its ability to alter or revoke water licences without spurring lawsuits.”

With such developments on the western horizon, back here at home it is perhaps little wonder Nestlé is fighting hard for every drop it can secure in Hillsburgh, even though, according to John Challinor, the company typically takes only 25 to 35 per cent of its permitted 1.1 million litre a day maximum.

between a rock and a wet place In another Monitor story, “Beware Private Water Speculators,” Nelson takes a look at the Highland Companies’ proposed mega quarry in Melancthon Township, backed by the Baupost Group out of Boston.

As Nelson points out, the foray into potato farming and aggregates has financial analysts scratching their heads, because neither are typical of Baupost’s successful investment style.

But she points out Baupost’s involvement in the Melancthon scheme may be more savvy than it first appears.

Coastal Management Resources, another Baupost-backed partnership in water-starved southern California, bought 25,000 acres of ranchland near Vandenberg Air Force Base, even though its location and pristine environment mean development potential is restricted.

However, a January 2011 report in the Santa Barbara Independent revealed that Coastal Management/ Baupost “is seeking to purchase a

massive amount of state water rights from the Carpinteria Valley Water District” – to the tune of 1,000 acrefeet per year. (An acre-foot is a unit of volume commonly used in the U.S. to measure large-scale water resources.

It’s the volume of one surface acre to a depth of one foot. A typical southwestern American family uses about 0.25 acre-feet per year.)

While the thinking in California is that Baupost is planning a large-scale estate development, Nelson questions whether it may instead be planning to speculate in water, using a buy-andhold strategy to eventually sell the water back to the government for local needs or to private interests.

Coming back to Melancthon, Nelson quotes Maude Barlow of the Council of Canadians. In objecting to the quarry proposal, Barlow wrote, “Because the construction company (Highland) is backed by the Baupost Group, a Boston-based multibillion

YOU’VE NEGLECTED IT ALL WINTER. NOW IT’S DECIDED TO TAKE A SUMMER VACATION. If your air conditioner isn’t there for you when you need it, give Bryan’s a call. Our trained and licensed technicians are available to assess any issues, service your existing unit or install a whole new system.

Call or visit us online to beat the heat.

519-941-2401 | 1-800-637-5910 | bryansfuel.on.ca

continued on next page IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

23

water continued from page 23

dollar hedge fund, it likely has NAFTA rights to sue the Canadian government if, at any time after the contract has been signed, any level of government changes its mind on the project or attempts to limit damage to the land and water of the area by imposing new restrictions on the company’s operations.

“As well, NAFTA’s Chapter 11 gives American corporations operating in Canada the right to claim the water sources they use in their operations ...

Even if we were to find that the water sources in the area were being drawn down too quickly or polluted, the company would have NAFTA investorstate rights not accorded to Canadian companies.”

Highland’s Permit to Take Water for its proposed Melancthon quarry would be a whopping 600 million

litres a day. That’s the amount it says it would need to pump and divert around the 2,300-acre, 200-foot-deep quarry. But if Nelson is correct that water is the real pot of gold Baupost is chasing, the potential volume would make the 1.1 million litre permit Nestlé has in Hillsburgh look like a drop in the bucket by comparison.

Sorting through a rabbit warren of interconnected public relations firms, Nelson finds links between those who represent Highland/Baupost, and those who work for Nestlé and Coca-Cola.

What’s more, they all have close ties with both the Conservatives and Liberals.

In summary, she says, “While Highland/Baupost could certainly make billions selling aggregate for Ontario construction, [Baupost hedge fund manager] Seth Klarman may well have his eye on another ‘commodity’ under Melancthon Township land.”

We’re working to conserve Ontario’s natural landscapes.

You can help.

Call 1-800-465-0029 ext. 235, or email ontario@natureconservancy.ca to make your gift today.

Your children will thank you. www.natureconservancy.ca/on All photos by NCC: globally rare lakeside daisy on Manitoulin Island; a young Conservation Volunteer looks for frogs; the serene shore of Elbow Lake in the Frontenac Arch Natural Area

Charitable Registration No: 11924 6544 RR0001

horizon landscape services we believe in quality Design • Construction • Maintenance • Seasonal Lawn Care Programs Serving the Headwaters area since 1973 J.A. Henderson H.LT. •

519-925-2116

DIRECTIONAL BORING SERVICES Need an underground conduit or cable installed under an obstacle?

Don’t dig up your expensive driveway or lawn. We can install any type of cable, water line or conduit up to 8” diameter with very minimal excavating.

Need a water line brought directly into your house?

No need to dig up your foundation or disturb your costly landscaping.

We can install it directly into your basement.

905 939-0553 cell 416 577-8909 gfrangakis@accglobal.net www.terraconutilities.ca With over 25 years experience in directional drilling, Terracon Utilities is the answer to your project. Fully insured. Serving all of Ontario for 25 years.

24

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

“where does it stop?”

Of Nestlé’s activities in Wellington, Liz Armstrong from the Climate Change Action Group of Erin says, “Part of me gets so frustrated. It’s ridiculous.”

By way of example, she says, “In times of drought, residents are asked to restrict their water usage, but that’s when Nestlé wants to pump the most.”

(While Nestlé’s sales may be highest during summer drought conditions, it does have a voluntary agreement with the Town of Erin to restrict pumping during these periods.)

Armstrong is resigned to the likelihood that the Nestlé permit will be extended. Meanwhile Erin council would prefer to see the ten-year extension Nestlé has requested slashed to two, though as they have stressed, they have no more control over the provincial renewal process than local residents. A decision on the application is expected mid-summer.

Armstrong says there are two things she’s interested in at this point. “First, I want to take the issue and turn it into something positive by encouraging people to go to refi llable bottles and developing the Blue W program, where businesses and public facilities make water available for refilling bottles. Second, we have to get the Ministry of the Environment to deal with the fact that their Permit to Take Water process flies in the face of their environmental values.”

Mike Nagy of Wellington Water Watchers is all over that second point.

He says the Permit to Take Water process is “outdated, doesn’t account for solid waste, pollution or climate change, and isn’t balanced or equal.”

Residents may feel empowered by the invitation to submit their concerns

about applications such as Nestlé’s to Ontario’s Environmental Registry, but in reality, he says, there is no obligation for the comments to be taken into account.

When Nestlé last renewed its Permit to Take Water in Aberfoyle, Nagy says Wellington Water Watchers’ participation was “futile.” As a result, the group no longer contributes to the public consultation system for renewals.

“We’ve tried to work within the system, but at Aberfoyle we found it was highly flawed. Nestlé ran the technical meetings. They were held on Nestlé’s property. Nestlé chaired them, Nestlé prepared and sent out the minutes, and Nestlé decided who to invite.

After Wellington Water Watchers questioned that, Nestlé forgot to invite us to the second meeting. The Ministry of the Environment says they lack the resources to oversee the process themselves. We’re sympathetic to the ministry, but it’s time for the whole system to be reviewed and overhauled.”

Wellington Water Watchers, together with the Council of Canadians and the Polaris Institute, filed a formal request to the ministry for just such a province-wide review, but it was turned down.

There’s a weary note in Liz Armstrong’s voice as she says, “What’s next, fracking? You know, it’s not just about the water. Whether it’s gravel, wind, water or natural gas, we don’t want companies coming in here and just having their way, regardless of the negative affect on our quality of life. Where does it stop?” ≈ Jeff Rollings is a freelance writer in Orangeville.

Annual Summer Sale Saturday July 14 – Sunday July 22 G R A N N Y TAU G H T U S H OW.CO M 519 · 92 5·274 8 V I O L E T H I L L O N H I G H WAY 8 9 B E T W E E N 10 & A I R P O RT R D IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

25

DowntownOrangeville.ca

Chez Nous Thrift Boutique

Dragonfly Arts on Broadway

We specialize in gently used better labels of clothing and accessories. Brands such as: Parasuco, Nine West, RW&CO, Guess, Jones NY, Danier, Bebe, Abercrombie, Bench, A.E.

Supporting excellence in Canadian art and fine craft for nearly 10 years. Our “Window on Broadway” features guest artists Tanya Zaryski and Rosemary Hasner.

519.307.0603 70 Broadway cheznousboutique.ca

519.941.5249 189 Broadway dragonflyarts.ca

Pear Home

Spa O

Introducing Kameleon.

An interchangeable jewelry that allows you to customize your own style. Come in to Pear Home to learn more about Kameleon Jewelry.

Located inside beautiful Best Western Plus Orangeville Inn and Suites. Enjoy our water therapies with the booking of any treatment. RMT massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, reflexology and RN foot care.

519.941.1101 185 Broadway pearhome.ca

519.940.5546 7 Buena Vista Drive bestwesternorangeville.com

Academy of Performing Arts

Mochaberry Coffee & Co

Fun, inspirational atmosphere!

Children and adult classes.

Hip-hop, ballet, tap, acro, vocal, musical theatre, ballroom and more. Summer camps July 23 to August 10.

New! In-house micro coffee bean roaster. Offering organic fair trade. Join our whole bean loyalty program. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, decadent desserts. Open 7 days a week.

519.941.4103 133 Broadway academyofperformingarts.info

519.938.8788 177B Broadway mochaberry.ca

Noinkees

Icarus Skate and Snow

Most of our products are organic, fair-trade and Canadian made. Women’s clothing, jewelry, accessories, perfume, luxurious bath and body, and gifts for kids and baby.

519.942.4456 168B Broadway - through the tunnel noinkees.com

26

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

Celebrate the sunshine with a fresh pair of Sanuk sidewalk surfers or sandals from Icarus!

We are open 7 days a week.

Come by for high fives and smiles.

519.938.8985 94 Broadway icarustown.com

Where Shopping Meets Dining

FOUNDERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; FAIR & Sidewalk Sale Friday, July 6th 5pm to 10pm Saturday, july 7th 10am to 6pm downtownorangeville.ca

Piaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On Broadway

Shoe Kat Shoo

The gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner destination in the hills. Everything homemade and fresh daily. Sidewalk patio open in the summer. Now open for dinners Tuesday to Saturday 5:30pm to close.

Fashionably comfortable.

Unique styles, fine details.

Footwear and accessories presented in an elegant atmosphere with knowledgeable, one-on-one service emphasizing proper fit and comfort.

519.307.1258 177 Broadway piasonbroadway.com

519.942.1176 85 Broadway shoekatshoo.com

Genesis Interiors & Home Decor

Off Broadway Clothing Boutique

A professional design team offering decorating solutions.

Partners are StoneCast Designs, Budget Blinds, Imagery & Truth Original Art, Genesis Space Creations Decorating & Design.

Equine and other giftware.

An incredible selection of contemporary brands such as Guess, Free People, Pink Martini and much more.

A great place to shop for fashionistas of all ages!

Like us on Facebook.

519.415.5577 83 Broadway

519.941.5633 21 Mill Street

A.M. Korsten Jewellers

The Manhattan Bead Company

Fine jewellery, custom designs, watches, repairs. Goldsmith and gemologist on premises. Serving Orangeville and area since 1960. Accredited Appraiser C.J.A. Gemologist, Goldsmith.

Please visit us for all your beading needs!

519.941.1707 163 Broadway korstenjewellers.com

519.943.1299 111 Broadway manhattanbeadco.com

The Chocolate Shop

Mimosa Boutique

Indulge yourself with a tasty tidbit, or surprise someone special with a delectable treat.

Handmade chocolates and truffles. Gifts for any price range.

Mimosa Boutique is bringing big city fashions to town.

Mimosa offers unique fashion labels and jewellery from Europe and Canada for the fashion conscious shopper.

Like us on Facebook.

519.941.8968 114 Broadway thechocolateshop.ca

519.941.9995 61 Broadway - beside Greystones Inn

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

27

THE ART OF

BY EL L A SO PER

“Paint me a picture or tell me a story as beautiful as other things in the world today are terrible.”

PROTEST 28

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

P H O T O S A N D I W O N G A R T I S T.CO M

A MERI C A N W RI T ER & EN V IRO NMEN TA L AC T I V IS T RI CK B A SS

01

04

F

or many opponents of the proposed mega quarry in Melancthon, the call to arms was a call to the streets – to rallies in Honeywood and Toronto and to the long march from Queen’s Park. For others, it was a call to the keyboard – to set the blogosphere abuzz with posts and petitions.

For artists, it was a call to their muse.

Quarry opposition has produced an explosion of creativity as artists, in groups and individually, have joined ranks in protest, brandishing paintbrushes, cameras and musical instruments. continued on page 31

02

Artists Against the Mega Quarry has hosted a number of art shows in recent months, including The Beauty of the Hills at Risk (Studio Five, Toronto) and The View from Here (Honeywood), which featured original works by more than 40 artists, including paintings, pottery and sculptures. Their current show in Toronto runs to July 1. See artistsagainstthemegaquarry.com for details.

Rusty Trio, Bronwyn Fitz James 02 Joan Armour 03 Looking West, Virginia May 04 Stand… or Fall?

Sandi Wong 05 Canola, Michele Johnston 01

The 2011 Artists Against the Mega-Quarry paint-in featured more than 30 artists. The second annual paint-in is scheduled for June 3o in Hornings Mills. Artists are invited to capture the “beauty of the hills at risk” with a special focus on water. The event will be followed by a show in Honeywood in mid-September.

03

05 IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

29

What is Mega? The Melancthon Quarry Numbers In the spring of 2011, The Highland Companies filed an application for a mega limestone quarry northeast of Toronto, Canada in the rural landscape of Melancthon Township. Just how “mega” might this quarry be? Here are the numbers.

2316

6259

Acres

= Quarry size

=100 rinks

9.2

=

Hockey rinks

=

=10 million

NYC Central Parks Central Park on Manhattan Island is 843 acres

Blue Mountain is Ontario’s largest ski resort with 251 acres of skiable terrain

250 million

Tonnes

= Blue Mountain Ski Resorts

National Hockey League ice rinks measure 200 feet x 85 feet

1 billion

2.75

5.2 million

=

=1 million

7692

=1,000

=

07

Rock reserve in the quarry

55,555 Kilometres

Elephants

Blue whales

CN Towers

Largest land animal on Earth weighing 4 tonnes

Largest animal on Earth weighing 190 tonnes

World’s 5th tallest free-standing structure weighing 130,000 tonnes

16

7

1.4

=

=

=

2-lane highway that could be built with the rock reserve

Tour de France Cycling Races

Trans-Canada Highways

Trips around Earth

2011 Tour course was 3,430.5 km

Trans-Canada travels 8000 km across Canada

Distance around the center of the Earth is 40,075 km

600 million

31.5 million

12 million

63

Litres

=1 million

=

= H 20

Water pumped out of quarry daily to divert flooding

Infographic, Jamie Kapitain Guelph designer Jamie Kapitain created this infographic because, he says, “I’m a strong proponent of the engagement and communication power of visual content. In an issue like the mega quarry, visual content improves access to complex information by translating the numbers into more familiar contexts.”

07 Angie, Sarah Hillock 08 Poster, Dawnice Williams, ocadu student 06

=1 million

=

BEER

Water cooler bottles

Beer kegs

Vancouver Aquariums

19 litres

50 litres

Vancouver Aquarium is Canada’s largest aquarium with 9.5 million litres of water

06 30

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

08

the art of protest

In the spirit of the grassroots activism by which environmental victories are frequently won, the artists’ goal is not only to stop the quarry, but to foster an alternative vision of the future for the community, farmland, water and animals they believe it imperils. In the process, as Claudine K. Brown of the Smithsonian puts it, they help to “imagine the world as it could be ... and, in doing so, create new realities.”

Sandi Wong is the driving force behind Artists Against the Mega Quarry, a loose collective of artists united in their protest against the quarry. She believes art can be a powerful rallying tool. “All art is a form of expression, of telling the world what we see, feel and think,” she says. “By expressing our emotions of fear of loss or joy of beauty, we find others who feel similarly, and we form community.”

The artists’ goal is not only to stop the quarry, but to foster an alternative vision of the future Wong’s sense of community was galvanized when, in its quarry development application, the Highland Companies described the area as having “no heritage or culture of significance.” She set out to prove how wrong that assessment was. As a first move, Artists Against the Mega-Quarry organized a “paint-in” last fall. To celebrate the “beauty of the hills at risk,” artists set up their easels and painted the scenic landscape and farmhouses en plein air at the quarry site. The paintings created that day and in the days since have been exhibited at shows the group has hosted in Toronto and Honeywood. A second paint-in will be held this year on June 30.

Along with such artists, an unlikely group of urbanized youth has added its voice to the stop-the-quarry movement. Under the instruction of artist and Mulmur resident Linda Montgomery, 50 first-year students at OCAD University created posters for their drawing translation class. Challenging her students to think in terms of “design good,” Montgomery modelled the inspiration for the assignment after the vision of the Institute without Boundaries: “Every generation has a purpose. This generation faces social and environmental impacts on an unprecedented scale. As these problems become ever more complex, there is a need for more cooperation and collaboration, and a pressing need for more socially and environmentally driven graphics.”

The students, many of them first-generation Canadians, were largely unaware of the issue before the assignment, but after throwing themselves into research for the project, they created posters that channel a palpable sense of disbelief and anger about the proposed quarry.

As student Lauren Livingston described it, “We were taught to understand that as young designers we could make a difference in the world. Linda introduced activism as a form of inspiration for our art ... and the outcome was a class of confident, informed young designers determined to take a stand for something we believe in.”

For these students, poised to become tomorrow’s designers, the sense of accomplishment was reinforced when the posters were featured first at a show at the university, then as a guest exhibition at the Artists Against the Mega Quarry show in Honeywood this spring, as well as at other Toronto venues, including the Earth Day Canada Gala held at the Drake Hotel earlier this month.

Photographers have also been documenting the landscape. One of them, Donna Wells, created a book of her work, donating 10 per cent of the sale proceeds to the anti-quarry cause. Filmmakers have likewise added their interpretations to the protest, posting their work on YouTube – with the best of them taking home a Tater Award, conceived and presented by Stop The Quarry. (See some of their videos at nomegaquarry.ca) Even “culinary artists” have joined the fray. Chef Michael Stadtländer and the Canadian Chefs’ Congress hosted Foodstock last October. The hugely successful event attracted more than 20,000 people who came to Melancthon to sample the local-food inspired continued on page 33 IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

31

13

09

14

09

10 11 12 13 14

10

11,12 32

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

15

Foodstock, John Church Orangeville photographer John Church has been inspired by the scale and beauty of Melancthon farmland, though in this photo it was the drama of the sky and volume of cars at Foodstock that caught his attention.

Poster, Evelynne Malangyaon, ocadu student Poster, Lauren Livingston, ocadu student Poster, Anton Mwewa, ocadu student Evanescent, Juliet Jancso; photo by Nancy Falconer Landscapes and the Proposed Mega-Quarry, Donna Wells Photographer Donna Wells compiled a book of her photos of the quarry site, and donates 10 per cent of the sale proceeds to the anti-quarry cause.

Poster, Ashley Yip, ocadu student

15

the art of protest continued from page 31

creations of chefs from Headwaters, Toronto and beyond. This year, the Chefs’ Congress will be joined by the Suzuki Foundation to host a repeat event, called Soupstock, planned for October 21.

Stadtländer was also the managing chef at the recent Earth Day Canada Gala. The theme was “Art meets the Environment” and singer-songwriter Sarah Harmer gave the keynote address. Harmer, an activist who works to protect the Niagara Escarpment, warns, “If they blow a hole in the backbone / The one that runs cross the muscles of the land / We might get a load of stone for the road / But I don’t know how much longer we can stand.” Harmer was also among the musicians who performed at Foodstock, along with Jim Cuddy (a Mulmur weekender), Ron Sexsmith, Our Lady Peace, and others.

Local folk singer Hobo Wally (Chip Yarwood) is another musician moved by the dedication of the quarry protesters. He has published two songs on YouTube, “King of the Hole” and “Walk with Me.” The latter alludes not only to the fate of the land, but also to “The dreams of our families, both present and past / Left by the wayside as the trucks go by fast.”

All this local art-as-activism has deep cultural roots. From such movements as site-specific art (created in situ), and Earth art (created using natural materials), to Slow Food (cuisine created from the local ecosystem), and bioacoustic music in the tradition of Bernie Krause, artists around the world have continued to draw inspiration from nature and stage interventions in support of environmental causes.

It is often the iconic, participatory experiences created by artists… that help us see ourselves as one people As Claudine K. Brown argues, such creative vision benefits both the arts and the world at large. “It is often the iconic, participatory experiences created by visual artists, media makers, performers, and musicians that help us see ourselves as one people. Artists provide an image to the world of who we have been, who we are, and who we are becoming ... It is art ... that touches us at our core and renews our sense of belonging to something larger than ourselves.”

Meanwhile, the revenue generated through the Artists Against the Mega Quarry sales supports the North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce (NDACT) and Citizens’ Alliance for a Sustainable Environment (CAUSE), helping to offset legal expenses and the costs of scientific consultants. That effort was given a significant boost when Canadian photographer Edward Burtynsky donated a photo to the artists’ recent show.

Burtynsky’s acclaimed large-format images of quarries, mines and other “manufactured landscapes” have placed him at the international forefront of environmental art. In a statement on his website, Burtynsky explains, “Our dependence on nature to provide the material for our consumption and our concern for the health of our planets sets us in an uneasy contradiction.” His images, he says, “function as reflecting pools of our times.”

Sandi Wong likewise sees the integrity of the land as inspiring the arts, and she speaks passionately about the environmental concern the arts can foster within the community: “Compelling art heightens and develops our senses, increasing our appreciation and understanding of the world. As we become more aware of our world, we value its treasures and can imagine the results of threats to it.” ≈ Ella Soper teaches environmental literature at the University of Toronto Mississauga and at York University.

OCADU students were challenged by their instructor Linda Montgomery to examine the mega quarry issue through the medium of pop and poster art as political activism. A calendar featuring posters created by OCADU students will be available for purchase by Soupstock on October 21. Proceeds go to support the NDACT campaign. See the posters at www.megaquarryposters.tumblr.com IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

33

end -toend

Cody Gillies aims to run the Bruce Trail in record time – and raise money for sick kids at Headwaters Health Care Centre while he’s at it.

BY T IM S H U FF

I

trip on a root and tumble hard, grunting awkwardly as my ribs hit the dirt. Gliding ahead of me, Cody Gillies hears the thud

and turns to ask if I’m okay. We’re an hour or so into our 17-kilometre run together at Mono

Cliffs Provincial Park, and I’m beginning to unravel, but I notice Cody still looks fresh. As I get up and we continue, he’s on cruise control, his compact 160-pound frame flowing downhill smoothly, as if he’s on wheels.

This September, Cody is setting out to run the entire Bruce Trail. He has two goals: beat the current 13-day trail record, and raise $25,000 for the pediatrics unit at Headwaters Health Care Centre.

Cody is only 22. He has very little in the way of an ultra-distance-running resumé ( “ultra” refers to any distance longer than a marathon). It’s a sport that’s more about endurance, experience and mental toughness than speed or power, where the best competitors tend to be in their thirties. So far he’s been reaching out for advice from the ultrarunning community and has found people are unfailingly helpful, but he also detects an air of skepticism, of “who is this guy?”

That’s pretty much what I was wondering too when I asked Cody if I could join him for a training run. I wanted to interview him, but also to see how he measured up to the yardstick of my own ability.

I’m no ultra-runner, but I know what it’s like to run the Bruce Trail. A few years ago I set out to jog the whole thing, not all at once but in modest

34

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

P H O T O S P E T E PAT ER S O N

Cody Gillies on a training run in Mono Cliffs Park. To beat the Tobermory to Queenston Bruce Trail record, he plans to average 80 kilometres a day, for 11 days in a row.

sections, and I’ve f inished a ll but about a hundred kilometres. On pavement, I can run a marathon in under three hours – a respectable time – but to cover the same distance on the Bruce would take me most of a day.

The Bruce Trail is known for its scenic beauty, but as a way to get from A to B, it’s excruciating. As the trail does its best to hug the scenic crest of the Niagara Escarpment, the imperfect realities of terrain, geology and property rights make it a tortuous line that traverses some 885 kilometres between Tobermory and the Niagara River – two and a half times farther than the same journey by road.

And curiously, the trail keeps getting longer.

With land acquisitions and trail reroutes adding nearly a hundred kilometres in recent years, I joke that it’s growing faster than I’m running it. The footpath meanders up and down the Escarpment’s precipitous folds so many times per kilometre that the cumulative vertical rise and fall would rival that of the Annapurna Circuit.

For all these reasons it’s a rare soul indeed who chooses to run – run – the entire Bruce Trail in one sustained push. I once ran 62.5 kilometres from Hockley Valley to Honeywood. It took me 10 hours – barely faster than a walking pace – and then I went home and slept for 11, and took a few days off to rest. To meet his goal, Cody has to run 80 kilometres, 11 days in a row.

The real trick is to maintain this pace and not get injured.

In September 1995, a 35-year-old, top Ontario ultra-distance runner named Scott Turner set out to run the trail. “I tore a muscle in my right quad on day five,” he says. “I could not run and hobbled/ hiked 10 hours a day for the remainder.” But he finished and claimed the first Bruce Trail running record of 14 days, 5 hours and 58 minutes.

A hardy few have tackled Turner’s record, but most dropped out with similar injuries, the inevitable penalty of trying to sustain a road-running pace for days on end over such ankle-twisting terrain.

In 2005, Clayton Smith, a 38-year-old fi nancial executive and father of four, came close to Turner’s mark, finishing just shy of 15 days. Smith’s training partner Marc Hamel joined him at the start, but had to drop out with a calf and hip injury after three days. Also that year, 61-year-old Bryan Mason completed 240 kilometres in five days, but was stopped by a foot and leg infection.

A breakthrough finally appeared likely the following summer when Ryne Melcher set out from Tobermory. Melcher, then 27, was arguably Canada’s top ultra-distance runner. A member of Canada’s national 100-kilometre running team, he’d been the youngest person ever to finish 100 and 150 ultradistance races, and had taken bronze at the USA 50 Mile National Championship. Melcher linked together a series of 80-kilometre days on the trail’s hard northern section and was well on his way to

bruce trail records There’s no official keeper of Bruce Trail running records other than the informal channels and blogosphere of southern Ontario’s running community. That and the fact that the distance of the trail itself keeps changing – growing by as much as a hundred kilometres over the past several years due to various reroutes – complicate the matter of record keeping. However, it’s generally accepted the fastest Bruce Trail time is 13 days, 10 hours and 51 minutes, set by ultra-runner Charlotte Vasarhelyi in 2010, surpassing the previous record of 14 days, 5 hours and 58 minutes held for 15 years by Scott Turner. (Vasarhelyi attempted to beat her own record this month, but withdrew with a hamstring injury.)

There’s also a relay record for running the trail as a 1o-person team in four days.

Cody Gillies has heard of others who may attempt to break the record this fall, so any new record may not stand for long.

obliterating Turner’s record – until he too was forced by nagging injury to drop out.

So Turner’s time stood for 15 years, until July 2010. Charlotte Vasarhelyi, a member of Canada’s national 24-hour ultra-distance running team, who had once run 193 kilometres in one day, prepared for the Bruce Trail by running up to 240 kilometres a week. After a gruelling siege of blistered feet and 16-hour days, driving for hours to sleep at various friends’ houses near the trail, and sleeping barely three hours a night, she reached the stone cairn at Queenston Heights to set the standing record of 13 days, 10 hours and 51 minutes.

Among such distinguished company, Cody enters the game with the advantages of his relative youth, a dependable crew (his brother Kyle and good friend Danny Heenan), and a familiar bed in his trusty 1972 VW Westfalia awaiting him at the end of each day’s run.

Cody is also a born and bred runner, thanks to his active mom, Karen Gillies. She is an avid mountain biker and runner who just sold her long-time store, Creek Side Clothing Co. , in favour of outdoor landscape work. Karen started early with her sons to live up to the motto “The family that plays together stays together.”

From the time Cody was eight years old, Karen would take him and Kyle for five-kilometre training runs. She also brought them along to race in The 5 Peaks Trail Running Series. Karen would usually finish on the podium, and the two boys would almost always place, beating older kids in the under-20 group.

“For me, having boys and not girls, it was sort of like ‘thank goodness I enjoy some of the things that boys will enjoy doing with their mom,’” says Karen.

For years she and Cody’s aunt, Kim Gillies, organized a family-friendly Summer Solstice Trail Run at Mono Cliffs, aimed at promoting trail and running awareness in the community.

continued on next page IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

35

NEW CUSTOMER FRIENDLY & LARGER RV ACCESSORY STORE NOW OPEN!

www.hughesrv.com

Specializing in Service and Repairs for All Models from Trailers to Rear Engine Diesels and Horse Trailers Certified Centre to Check or Replace Your Permanent Propane Tanks / Fully Approved Centre for Insurance Repairs / Structural Repairs / Towing Systems / Generators / RV Appliance / Roof Airs / Awnings / Pre-Owned RV Sales / RV Storage Inside or Outside

519 - 94 0 - 4 252 1- 866 - 3 4 4 - 894 4 ORANGEVILLE

HWY 9

HWY 9

109

HWY 10

19th LINE

DUFFERIN RD 3

Townline

CALEDON 410 BRAMPTON

Located near Orangeville at 431139 19th Line

www.hughesrv.com

MASONRY RESTORATIONS INC. Does your chimney need to be repaired or replaced?

• we specialize in building and restoring chimneys • we also do window sills, concrete work, foundation waterproofing • only the highest quality materials • all work guaranteed • customer satisfaction is our goal

Cell 416-505-4674 • 905-584-5708 Richard Guenette masonryrestoration@bell.blackberry.net

36

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

cody gillies continued from page 35

The family running bond stayed strong enough to become the inspiration for Cody’s Bruce Trail dream.

Last October, Cody joined his mom in her goal of running 50 kilometres to celebrate her 50th birthday at a trail race called The StumpJump 50 in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

It was the state championships and a mountain run with an elevation gain of 5,000 feet. Cody’s preparation consisted of a sole 42-kilometre run, but he cruised into 19th place with a time of 5 hours, 8 minutes. Karen came in a couple of hours later, placing sixth in her age group.

For Cody, feeling so good after so little training prompted the realization “maybe I can do this.” He had recently read an article about Charlotte Vasarhelyi’s run on the Bruce, and these events – plus a birthday theme – coalesced into a plan. Cody’s birthday was the same month, on October 9, and the family recounted how he was born six weeks premature and had to be sent to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto because they didn’t have the equipment to care for him in Orangeville – equipment the hospital now has thanks to other fundraising efforts.

The notion of running the Bruce Trail as a hospital fundraiser with a personal connection “came together then and there,” Cody recalls. “I opened my big mouth and next thing I knew a friend had put up a website, it was on Facebook, I got my first few donations and it was like, ‘Holy cow!

Writer Tim Shuff, left, no stranger to distance running, joined Cody for a training outing at Mono Cliffs. After an afternoon spent in Cody’s dust, and some heart-to-heart discussion, Tim believes 22-year-old Cody has the right stuff to set a new end-to-end record on the Bruce Trail.

I guess I have to do this now.’”

Slapdash as that sounds, Cody takes goal setting very seriously. Prior to this, he was captivated by mountain biking. Two years ago he entered an eight-hour solo mountain bike race and found the format of repetitive 10-kilometre laps to be so brutal – “It

cody’s run by the numbers Distance of Bruce Trail

885 kilometres Current running record 13 days, 1o hours, 51 minutes Cody’s planned start date

September 25 Number of kilometres Cody plans to run per day

80 Projected finish date

October 5 Fundraising goal for Headwaters Health Care Centre’s Pediatric Unit

$25,000 Typical training week

160 kilometres Typical weekday training run

25 kilometres Typical weekend training run

60 kilometres

absolutely destroyed me. It felt like I was hallucinating” – that he was determined to try it again, with better preparation. So last year he entered three races, finishing all three in the top 10.

This season, the two generations of Gillies are back on the trails together, but Karen is riding her mountain bike and Cody joins her long weekend rides on foot to break up the monotony of his solo training schedule. “In some cases he’s ahead of us,” she says.

“What he calls his ‘Bruce Trail pace,’ he’ll be dialling it back a little so he can stay with us. He carries on a conversation and just runs with us.”

It was this very Bruce Trail pace that was starting to weigh on me during our run in Mono Cliffs.

“So how is this pace for you anyway?” I ask casually after cruising along for an hour or so begins to feel, to me, somewhat painful. “Fast?

Slow?”

“It’s just comfortable,” he replies, about what he’d do for a multi-hour run. I gather that he could go on like this all day.

Cody coasts along at this speed for about 160 kilometres a week, most of it alone, enjoying the views, never going too hard, wisely conserving enough energy to keep coming back for more the next day. All the while juggling three jobs and practising the fine art of “learning how to turn

follow cody ’s run at inthehills.ca Beginning September 25, Cody will post a daily blog about his End-toEnd Challenge run to beat the Bruce Trail record. You can send him encouragement by posting comments.

To support Cody’s goal of raising $25,ooo for the pediatrics unit of Headwaters Health Care Centre, visit his website, www.endtoendchallenge.com, and click “Sponsor Cody Now” at the top of the page, or send a cheque payable to the Headwaters Health Care Foundation, marked End-to-End Challenge, 1oo Rolling Hills Dr, Orangeville l9w 4x9 (519-941-2702).

people upside down and shake their pockets out,” which he says is as important as the run itself.

Besides having its own rewards, fundraising motivates the running motivation. Cody thinks he’ll be letting down donors if he fails to break the record. And it also serves as a kind of insurance against futility. The glory of being the Bruce Trail record holder is obscure at best, and may be even tougher than he’d planned. This month, Charlotte Vasarhelyi made an attempt to break her own 13-day record, but was obliged to pull out after three days with a hamstring injury. Still, Cody has heard rumours that another local runner is planning a shot. Even Scott Turners says he may try again in 2013.

“I’m lucky I have two goals,” he concludes. “Because as long as I reach my fundraising goal, it’s a success in the end.”

Cody is a rod worker, which means placing rebar on construction projects across southern Ontario. On a workday he single-handedly places a ton of steel, sometimes two, and only takes a 15-minute break. It’s a young man’s trade with more than its share of misfits who tease him about his blonde-haired, blue-eyed looks, and the healthy green vegetable shakes he packs in his lunch.

In Cody’s mind, the long hours and heavy lifting amount to more training – strengthening his joints, teaching his body to be on its feet all day. The week we meet he’s been working in Brantford, commuting two and a half hours each way to work an eight-hour shift, eating on the road and squeezing in a 25-kilometre training run and chiropractic treatments after work.

He’s also just been hired on at the volunteer fire department in Rosemont, part of his plan to become a full-time firefighter.

He does a long run of 60 kilometres or more on weekends, and until very recently headed to a Saturday night job working until 3 a.m. as a floor manager at an event centre. He’s just left that job to be available for fire calls. Staying up all night after running all day, he says, like the rigours of his trade, was also “good training

because it kept me on my feet for long periods,” even if it was in dress shoes.

Everything has a place and a purpose in Cody’s tightly packed life. In the summer his construction job shifts to ten-hour days, six days a week, but Cody hopes to get the weekends off so he can do two long runs. If he has to work, he plans to donate the overtime pay to his hospital fund. He figures if he has to miss out on training, at least he can make progress towards his other goal. He plans to build up to a three-day trial run from Tobermory to Owen Sound in early summer – two 80-kilometre days followed by 50. Then he’ll taper down his training to rest before his September 25 start, the date that will put him in Niagara Falls the first weekend of October to celebrate his birthday with friends and family.

“If I’m a bit early, that will be Thursday night. If I’m a bit late, that will be Saturday. And then if I’m competing for Charlotte’s current record I’ll finish on Sunday,” he explains.

After an afternoon with Cody, I decide that anyone who would write off his running ambitions because of his youth or inexperience has underestimated him. I’m convinced he can do anything he sets his mind to.

Headwaters Health Care Centre probably saw the same thing when they endorsed his fundraising. Likewise the Rosemont fire department when they took him on as a volunteer: a strong young man with a good head on his shoulders.

After the run, we stop at Mono Cliffs Inn for a pint of draft – what the more laid-back side of Cody calls “the best recovery drink.” Up to this point in his life, he says, he’s never taken sport too seriously. It was always just for fun. But this is different.

He even tells me if he broke his leg on the second-last day of the run, he thinks he would have the drive to “fight it out with crutches.”

“When it comes down to achieving a goal, I don’t like to fail,” he says.

And I believe him. ≈ Tim Shuff is a freelance writer, runner and firefighter.

www.hillndalelandscaping.com www.hillndalelandscaping.com

Contact us at : (519) 925-3238 Mono, Mulmur and Creemore Hills

• Architectural Design • Project Management • • Installation • Maintenance • IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

37

G O O D

S P O R T

by Nicola Ross

Up, up and away T

ucked away on McLaughlin Road, south of King Road in Caledon, the Brampton Flight Centre (BFC) was a happening place when I pulled in on a gloriously sunny, but crisp spring day. I counted more than a hundred cars in the large parking lot, surrounded by almost 30 red-roofed, blue-sided buildings, the volunteeroperated Great War Flying Museum and an office complex that has two flight simulators and a hundred-seat restaurant. Parked on the tarmac were a bevy of planes, 23 of them owned by the BFC, several more were lined up for takeoff from one of the airport’s 38

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

pair of runways.

Started in 1946, the Brampton Flying Club moved to Caledon in 1970 after the provincial government refused to renew its licence in urban Brampton. Today, the uncontrolled airport (meaning it has no control tower) is the 16th busiest in the country with over 100,000 landings and takeoffs per year. With 30 instructors, close to a thousand members and “parking” space for 250 planes, the BFC is the only f lying school in Canada that owns an airport. Earlier this year, it teamed up with Sheridan College to offer a four-year degree in global business management, which

involves obtaining a commercial f lying licence. (Boeing projects a pending severe shortfall of pilots in Canada and the U.S. ) I was there for an introductory flight, my first, in a small four-seater aircraft. To begin, my instructor Jon Isaac took me through a quick but thorough pref light check of our Cessna 172. He made sure we had fuel, for example, before encouraging me to jump into the cockpit. Then he handed me headphones and the key.

After more checks of a dizzying number of dashboard dials and buttons, I turned over the ignition and the prop whirred to life.

As we taxied toward the runway, Jon let me steer the plane using foot pedals. He radioed we were about to take off, picked up speed, and in no time we were in the air. Circling around Inglewood some 2,500 feet above sea level, I felt like a voyeur as I made out homes I’d never seen before, hidden at ground level at the end of long driveways.

Up we soared over the lush green Devil’s Pulpit golf course. Travelling upwards of 185 kilometres per hour, we were soon on top of the enormous gravel pits near Caledon Village. The blue water of the quarry lake where I’d often trained for triathlons sparkled

P H O T O S P E T E PAT ER S O N

Brampton Flight Centre offers would-be pilots “three-dimensional freedom”

A wingside view of Orangeville and Island Lake and (inset) Brampton Flight Centre instructor Julie Marzoli, a former aerial investigator for the Ministry of the Environment, at the controls.

as if flecked with diamonds. Flying over Orangeville, we climbed to our cruising altitude of 3,500 feet.

Jon told me to split the horizon with the nose of the plane so the view was two-thirds sky and one-third land, then he handed over the controls.

With shaking hands, I steered toward Shelburne. In minutes, seemingly tiny windmills dominated the landscape as if some Dutch child had been playing with LEGO. Jon had me change the Cessna’s “attitude” by pulling the “steering wheel” to raise the plane’s nose, or pushing it to head down toward the ground.

He demonstrated how to bank and turn the plane. Back in “control,” the next thing I knew, I was making big swooping manoeuvres, feeling as if I were a kid running across the lawn with my arms outstretched playing airplane.

It was that fast and that simple.

We zigzagged over Luther Marsh, and way too soon we had to head back. I asked Jon if we could pass over my little house in Belfountain, and he turned the plane toward Caledon Lake and Alton. I guided him down Shaw’s Creek Road and, as we passed over the village, I saw the green metal roof of my little house perched on the edge of the deep, horseshoe-shaped valley carved out by the Credit River.

The Niagara Escarpment’s enormous hump, known as the Devil’s Pulpit, rose above the Forks of the Credit’s sheer cliffs. With the sun beaming down on the fresh green spring foliage, we soared over the dramatic landscape. I felt as if my piece of Caledon was all puffed up, preening itself for my benefit.

We radioed our approach to the runway and Jon brought the plane down with the soft touch of a professional, explaining as he did that not only was the landing the most difficult (and dangerous) part of flying, it was also the thing that often stood between new flyers and their private licence. “If a student has hit 20 hours of flying and still hasn’t gone solo, I bring in a senior instructor to work with them,” he told me, adding,

“Of the students who fly solo, 90 per cent go on to get their private licence.”

After “dismounting” from the plane, I gave her a good pat, as if she were a horse and I was thanking her for a safe trip. When Jon asked me what I thought of my virgin flight, I replied, “When can we go again?”

The idea that f lying is “in one’s blood” was oft repeated to me. Julie Pomeroy, the BFC’s general manager and an Alton resident, has logged over 6,000 hours in the pilot’s seat.

She not only has her commercial licence, but can fly a float plane and for a time taught aerobatics. “I found flying inverted (upside down) difficult,” she told me, “because the instruments are backwards.”

Like Julie Pomeroy, Inglewood resident Julie Marzoli picked up her love of f lying from her father. “He f lew combat planes over Africa in the Second World War.” An Air Canada fl ight attendant for 36 years, she retired and became a fl ight instructor at BFC. Julie Marzoli says the most fun she ever had flying was the five years she spent volunteering for the Ontario Ministry of the Environment looking for polluters. She was at the controls for the aerial investigation of a company that dumped chemicals that contaminated Elmira, Ontario’s water supply. “I flew the whole mission. We were like 007 agents,” she recalled.

Her work was featured in a mid-1990s movie called Angels in the Sky that documented what was, at the time, the longest jail sentence handed out for an environmental offence in the province.

Asked what they like about flying, pilots rave about freedom. “When I fly,” Julie Marzoli told me, “I forget all of my troubles.” And indeed there was something profoundly borderless about soaring over the landscape I know so well from the ground. Julie Pomeroy describes it as “three-dimensional freedom.” For me, it wasn’t so much the flying I liked, it was seeing the sights from such a different perspective. ≈

THE BEST GARDEN WORK FORCE.

SPRING POWER EVENT

HUSQVARNA LAWNMOWERS DEPENDABLE PERFORMANCE

HUSQVARNA TRACTORS V-TWIN POWER

STARTING AT

STARTING AT

299.99

$

1999.99

$

HUSQVARNA TRIMMERS QUALITY AND POWER STARTING AT

169.99

$

www.husqvarna.ca

Larry’s Small Engines

4 km north of Orangeville on Highway 10 519-941-1517 www.larryssmallengines.ca

Brampton Flight Centre 13691 McLaughlin Rd, Caledon 905-838-1400 Learn to Fly programs, sightseeing tours, flight simulation rates at www.bramptonflightcentre.com

Nicola Ross is a freelance writer who lives in Belfountain.

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

39

welcome toParadise Luxury property developer Shane Baghai extends his ambitions – and his taste for excellence – to farming

BY T IM S H U FF

D

rive north along Shaw’s Creek Road, just outside Erin, and you’ll know when you’ve come to Paradise.

Suddenly everything looks burnished.

Not overly ostentatious, as country estates go, but brighter, straighter, tidier and newer than the norm.

This is Paradise Farms, where young spruce stand in perfect rows, the fences are not yet weathered, and the wide-open black gates are adorned with flower planters. Several immaculate green and white outbuildings surround the house, where workers are busily completing an addition – for entertaining.

Alongside a diversity of cattle and a dozen majestic Friesian and Thoroughbred horses, the surrounding yards and enclosures are populated by a menagerie: alpacas, sheep, peacocks, ducks, turkeys and heritage chickens, including Old English game bantams, Silkies and blue-egg-laying Ameraucanas. The whole effect, enriched by the sonic accompaniment of roosters and cows, produces a feeling like entering a children’s storybook, or a petting zoo.

But this is also the hub of a burgeoning agricultural business. A first-rate cattle operation built from scratch in just four years by Shane Baghai – a Toronto luxury home and condo developer with no previous experience in farming – into one of Ontario’s largest purveyors of “naturally raised” beef and one of North America’s foremost breeders of Black Angus cattle.

Today Baghai has about 2,000 head spread over the four farms he owns in Caledon and Erin, 400 acres in all, plus feedlots on five rented farms 40

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

totalling 600 acres near Mount Forest.

You’ll find Paradise Farms’ melt-in-your-mouth steaks locally for sale at Carver’s Block in downtown Erin – which replaced its Alberta beef with Paradise Farms Angus to great response – or served at the Devil’s Pulpit golf club or Belfountain Inn, as well as at high-end grocers, butcher shops and restaurants from Toronto to Ottawa.

And there’s more to come. Baghai is talking about selling Paradise Farms beef through an eponymous burger chain, possibly 30 new outlets over the next five years, including one to be built on land he owns in Erin village, next door to Tim Hortons and East Wellington Medical Centre (whose properties he also owns). He projects it will open in early 2013.

I contacted Baghai to find out what the prolific developer and philanthropist was up to with farming, but also to flesh out the details of a grandiose, vaguely utopian plan hinted at on his company websites. It says that purchasing “farmland and lands for other uses” is just the “first step in their long-term, master plan for a brighter and healthier tomorrow,” which includes “land development, farming, both cattle and crop ... windmills, solar farms and biogas facilities,” and “an example of an integrated urban development concept of farms and communities existing in harmony.”

The last time big money bought up Headwaters land waxing about sustainable agriculture and “other land uses,” the outcome was the reviled Melancthon mega quarry proposal. So I was thinking, Sure, Shane.

You’re rich and you say you’re interested in farming,

but what are you really up to?

This time though, the spin hides nothing. It’s just that Shane Baghai is a man who thinks, lives and talks in these kinds of visionary and idealistic terms. To understand how starting a hobby farm was a natural realization of his many passions, and to explain its meteoric growth into something much bigger, you have to know the man.

Baghai was born in 1949 in Hamadãn, Iran, the son of a transportation magnate. He was schooled in England from the age of 12, where he completed a mechanical engineering degree. After moving to Canada with a young family in 1973, he launched himself as a developer in one master stroke when he subdivided and flipped a million-dollar parcel in Thornhill with just $5,000 down.

By the 1980s, Baghai was one of the nation’s premier luxury home builders, reportedly averaging up to 50 new 1.5-million-dollar homes a year, orbiting around Toronto’s glitzy Bridle Path where his 36,000-square-foot mansion was said to be the largest private residence in the country. He later rode the condo boom, again zeroing in on his comfort zone: the “ultra-exclusive and chic.”

But he also gives back, donating more than a million dollars of his own over the years and fundraising millions more for hospitals and institutions like the University of Toronto, where he sponsors fellowships in one of his many passions, English literature.

Even as his development work grew more lavish, Baghai maintained an interest in lessening its envi-

ronmental footprint. He recalls spending evenings and weekends studying sustainable technologies, like heat recovery ventilation and solar and wind power, which he later implemented before they became popular.

In 2007, the University of Windsor recognized his green achievements with an honorary doctorate.

It was the same year his wife Marnie completed treatment for breast cancer, an event that helped launch his agrarian trajectory. When one of Marnie’s health-care providers recommended she stop eating beef to avoid the growth hormones, Baghai decided to grow it himself.

“I just wanted to prove a point that yes, indeed, beef can be healthy,” says Baghai. “I’m not an advocate of being a carnivore all the time, but meat is a very important part of our diet.”

As part of his environmental studies, he’d engaged in farming as a thought experiment. He wondered “if a family in a zero-carbon footprint house with some land attached to it could sustain itself fully.”

Now he was prepared to attempt it himself. Besides, farming runs in the family. “My mom was a selftaught archeologist and historian,” says Baghai. “But also she loved nature and she had a dairy farm.”

Baghai purchased the property on Shaw’s Creek Road in 2008 and approached a third-generation Guelph cattleman named Rob Hasson to help him purchase a few cattle.

At the first Angus sale Baghai attended, he bought six, but for this man who early on replaced his given name Shahab with that of a character in a 1953

P H O T O S P E T E PAT ER S O N

Shane Baghai is raising about 2,ooo head of growthhormone-free cattle, spread over four farms in Caledon and Erin. He has quickly become one of North America’s foremost breeders of Black Angus.

Hollywood western, it was love at first sight for the cattle business. Against Hasson’s advice, he called a contractor the next day to build a larger barn.

“I said it’s not for everybody. See what you think of it first,” recalls Hasson, who is now Baghai’s farm manager. “The barn you have is all you need.” But Baghai was determined.

Cattle auctions appealed to Baghai’s refined tastes, and to his collector’s impulse. He says, “I liked the fact that these animals came with a history, who the dame was, who the sire was and the bloodline, so I started attending most of the sales and, before you know it, I gathered some 100 or 150 animals. And they do multiply!”

Hasson estimates that Baghai’s breeding herd of 300 makes him “big for Ontario” – about ten times the size of an average cow-calf operation. And thanks to Hasson’s expertise, it boasts some of the finest genetics anywhere. Several Royal Agricultural Winter Fair champions graze its Erin pastures, including Bando, the Canadian champion Angus bull.

Baghai has also branched into three specialty breeds: rare Italian Chianinas, Scottish Highlands and Japanese Wagyu. A recent purchase gave him Ontario’s largest herd of Wagyu, at 300 head. The farm is also developing a herd of Charolais, dubbing the breeding line Charolais de Paradis. continued on next page IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

41

What ’s “ Natural”? paradise continued from page 41

Paul Waechter • Brian Horner

800-932-6661 • Shelburne

Your one stop source for all your promotional products, gifts and apparel Golf Shirts • T-Shirts • Jackets Sweatshirts and Fleece • Headwear • Pens Promotional Items • Corporate and Personal Gifts Team and Company Uniforms Custom Embroidery and Screen Printing

c. 416-768-0300 b. 519-925-0300 www.CorporateImageApparel.ca

42

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

Talking cattle brings out in Baghai a rare mix of erudite rancher and cosmopolitan gourmand. He proudly explains that the towering Chianinas are one of the oldest bovine breeds, dating from Virgil’s time. “If you go into a restaurant in Florence, probably the most expensive item on the menu would be Chianina bistecca.”

He gushes that the hardy Highland cattle, which range freely in his farm’s bush, are “Her Majesty’s favourite” (she keeps a herd at Balmoral) and produce the beef highest in Omega 3.

And that Wagyu is the source of the also expensive Kobe beef, which can be so richly marbled it sometimes appears white.

Baghai has found an appetite for these high-end meats among the same clientele that buys his residences, a discriminating social stratum in which he has circulated all his life and intuitively understands.

“Think of this: If somebody wants to eat Chianina steak, why should they travel to Italy, or why should a package of meat travel 7,000 kilometres to come to Toronto?”

It’s a problem that had never occurred me, but it makes sense as an ultraluxe approach to the 100-mile diet.

In fact the whole evolution of Paradise Farms makes sense when you read what Shane Baghai’s development company calls its “mantra”: “Being at the forefront of design, quality and technology is the key to success and survival in any industry.

“Naturally raised,” a term still used by some, cannot accurately describe the production of beef, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, since cattle do not grow without human intervention. Paradise Farms does raise its beef strictly without the use growth hormones (that is, without any of the six “synthetic hormonal growth promoters” approved for use in Canada, though banned in the EU) and without the use of antibiotics for growth promotion.

Also, their beef is “pasture-fed, grass-fed, grain-finished.” That means the cattle spend the bulk of their lives on pasture eating grass, more typical of the industry practice 3o or 4o years ago, according to assistant manager Brad Mansfield.

The cattle spend their final two or three months gaining a few hundred pounds eating grain at the company’s feedlots in Mount Forest. The term “grass-fed” is unregulated, but the feedlot practice means Paradise Farms doesn’t meet the term in the purest sense. To do so would require that the beef be grass-finished.

At the feedlots, Paradise Farms maintains its free-range and animal welfare principles, says Baghai. “All our feedlots have some acreages on them. The doors of the barns, unlike other feedlots, are wide open. The animals are free to roam, and we do not believe in overcrowding. We do put a lot of emphasis on free-range, pasture-fed and comfortable animals.”

Equally as important is the respect and loyalty obtained by surrounding oneself with a dedicated, capable and effective team.”

Paradise Farms is this mantra’s application outside the city’s margins.

In this case, “design, quality and technology” refer to the genetic improvement of the herd, to the goal of efficiently raising healthy animals by “natural” means, and to the dedicated team, his farm manager Rob Hasson and other experienced staffers, whose respect and loyalty he indeed seems to have earned.

Hasson says he is so enthusiastic about working for Baghai he has cut

back the work he does on his own farm in Guelph. Brad Mansfield, an old acquaintance of Hasson’s who also grew up cattle farming, came on board to help Baghai buy chickens, but soon joined full time. Originally from Sarnia, he now rents across the road, and the only downside to that isn’t really a downside.

Mansfield gets the occasional call from Shane to come over for small jobs after work, but “you know there’s going to be a drink poured for you and you’d better be ready to spend the evening.” He says Shane treats everyone as a friend and won’t tolerate being called “boss.” The day I visit, Baghai

SCHUSTER CONTRACTING 30 Y E A RS O F QUA L I T Y C RA F T S M A N S H I P

Among the cattle raised at Paradise Farms are, from left, Italian Chianinas, Japanese Wagyu and Scottish Highlands.

CUSTOM HOMES . ADDITIONS . RENOVATIONS has brought in lunch for the whole staff, as well as the Mennonite builders.

So what of the master plan? It seems we’re looking at it. The grander residential development concept has evaporated.

“When I first bought the property, I was working on a concept where you could have residential development on large pieces of land where the house owner could also do some farming,” explains Baghai, as if recalling a longago time of heady idealism, though it was only four years ago. “When I came here and got into this business I quickly realized that maybe my concept is not quite practical in places like Caledon. And I don’t think that it’s practical on a large scale.” Such things are for the city planners to sort out with community input, he suggests. “Part of being an eccentric thinker is that you keep changing.”

Nor does the 62-year-old Baghai want to continue growing to become Canada’s largest cattle farmer. It would go against his vision.

“This is not a concept that can be really managed in a large scale. Too much care has to be given to these animals.”

The solar panels are already installed, feeding the grid from the roof of the main house. The wind turbine – a single, striking vertical axis model imported from Italy – helped power the farm until it was disabled in a spring windstorm. The biogas plans, conceived as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cattle, are

still in the future.

The whole utopian dream is demonstration-scale. At heart, Paradise Farms is one man’s passion, an expression of his profound affection for this land and its animals. It’s just that the man in this case is a modern-day Midas whose every gesture produces something grand.

“I love farming, I have to tell you.

I love building too. All my life I’ve been involved in construction, but honestly, practically every Thursday I can’t wait until my day’s over and I rush to the farm. That’s the truth.

I truly believe that Caledon is one of the most beautiful spots on this planet.”

Paradise Farms, with its green pastures, its windmill and solar panels, its impeccably bred and well tended animals, is an experiment undertaken, as Baghai says, “to prove a point,” an example of food production and land management done right. He wanted it for his family, but happened to have the resources and the ambition to share it with others.

Paradise Farms is a big thinker’s articulation of farming’s possible future, a hopeful message in a world beset by urban sprawl and food insecurity. The message – if you will pardon it coming from an environmentalist who builds mansions – is that everything’s not just going to be okay, it’s going to be supremely beautiful. And also very, very tasty. ≈

INTERIORS & EXTERIORS

51 9 . 9 3 9 . 3 116

Tim Shuff is a freelance writer.

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

43

H O M E G R O W N

I N

T H E

H I L L S

by Nicola Ross

amiable

Farm-gate market offering drug-free black angus beef, bison, wild boar, lamb, chicken, pork and turkey.

Local gourmet products and seasonal produce.

Taste You Can Trust Tues-Fri 10-6; Sat 9-5; Sun 12-4

17049 Winston Churchill Blvd, Caledon 519.927.5902 www.heatherleafarmmarket.ca

44

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

B

ert Nieuwenhuis always wanted to be a farmer – he even married a farmer’s daughter. It just took him a little longer than he’d expected to become one.

Lamb lovers throughout Headwaters and anyone who visits the Orangeville, Inglewood or Caledon farmers’ markets will know Bert, and not just because he sells lamb shanks, racks, legs, chops, burgers, wool and sheepskins. They know him because he’s quick to smile and always has a joke at the ready for folks who approach his booth.

At his farm just north of Laurel in Amaranth Township, Bert raises Dorset sheep. A large, docile breed, Bert says he likes how they look. And while he enjoys working with his wards, he’s equally pleased by the opportunity to meet people at the weekly farmers’ markets that have become an important part of the Headwaters food scene.

Bert, however, wasn’t always a people person. In fact, he was anything but when he graduated with a diploma in agriculture from the University of Guelph, full of ideas about how he was going to raise enough capital to buy himself a farm.

At first, everything went according to plan. In 1987 he married Janet Bosman, whose father was a local dairy farmer, and got a job selling real estate. In a hot market, sales were brisk – brisk enough for the young couple to purchase a place in Grand Valley and almost immediately pay off the mortgage.

Things were looking good for Bert to achieve the dream he’d had ever since he was a young boy in Mono.

His dad raised chickens, rabbits, dairy cows, vegetables and all manner of things agricultural on a 10-acre hobby farm near the intersection of Blind Line and 10 Sideroad, and Bert

always helped out.

But in the aftermath of the Black Monday stock market crash in 1987, real estate took a dip and so did Bert’s fortunes. His wife developed health problems and it didn’t help that he’d bought a real estate franchise in Orangeville. First, he was forced to rent the land around his Grand Valley farmhouse. Then he had to rent the house itself and eventually sell it to stay afloat. He unloaded the franchise too. Then he and his wife moved in with her father on a “temporary” basis.

“That was 20 years ago,” Bert recalls as we’re sitting around the dining room table in his spotless kitchen, “and we’ve been here ever since.”

As it turned out, it wasn’t until 2004 that Bert could finally call himself a farmer. His father-in-law had given up his dairy quota and experimented with beef on the 87-acre farm, until mad cow disease all but wiped

P H O T O R O S EM A R Y H A S N ER

the shepherd

Shepherd Bert Nieuwenhuis and his Dorset sheep. Bert’s lambs are raised in large airy barns and graze on pasture during the summer.

out the industry. With the barns empty, Bert decided to invest in lambs.

“Between taking an introductory course on shepherding and looking at the economics of sheep, I decided to give them a try,” Bert explains, adding, “They are also an appealinglooking animal.”

He bought a hundred ewes that year at the bargain price of about $170 each. “For once, the economics worked in my favour,” he quips, noting the market was depressed when he decided to jump in.

Despite good timing, success didn’t come easily. At first he tried raising the lambs and selling them at live auction. But the market was unstable.

So he tried to f log whole lambs for people’s freezers. That didn’t work either. Undaunted, he began selling individual cuts of lamb – chops, legs, racks – but that was slow too, until he decided to bring some product along to show his customers. “People like to see what they buy,” Bert says.

He tried lots of different markets before settling on the Orangeville, Inglewood and Caledon farmers’ markets (as well as the Friday market at Sherway Gardens in Etobicoke).

“I learned,” says Bert, “that highvolume markets don’t necessarily turn into higher sales.” The people who attend the market need to be there to buy food.

He likes the homey atmosphere of

BERT’S LAMB PROPRIETOR BERT NIEUWENHUIS FULL RANGE OF RETAIL LAMB CUTS, GROUND MEAT AND WOOL PRODUCTS AVAIL ABLE AT: INGLEWOOD FARMERS’ MARKET WEDNESDAYS 3:30 –7PM ORANGEVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET SATURDAYS 8AM–1PM CALEDON FARMERS’ MARKET (BOLTON) SATURDAYS 8AM–1PM

the Inglewood market best, where, he says, “my sales are stronger and more consistent than in Bolton.” He’s interested in seeing what happens this summer when the Credit Valley Explorer tourist train makes its weekly stop in Inglewood. To accommodate the train’s schedule, the Inglewood market is opening earlier. “I hope they bring their coolers,” he says.

The Caledon farmers’ market in Bolton is also undergoing major changes that Bert hopes will improve his sales. It has moved from Thursday night to Saturday. “People say Bolton really comes alive on the weekends,” he says.

In addition to farmers’ markets, Bert’s lamb is becoming increasingly popular with local chefs, and none is keener than Erik Kjaer, the owner/ chef of the Market Hill Café in Mono Mills. Erik buys Bert’s briskets and shanks. He braises the brisket, removes the meat from the bone, and cooks it with mushrooms in a demi-glaze sauce. Then he fi lls a large Yorkshire pudding with this delicious stew.

Shanks are also braised and served with beet and goat cheese gnocchi.

Robin Whaley of Robin’s Catering in Orangeville uses Bert’s lamb to make a delicious appetizer called Moroccan Lamb Lollie. “His product is consistently lean. It has great taste and he’s a wonderful guy to work with,” Robin says.

With plans underway to raise 350 ewes that will produce enough offspring for him to sell 600 lambs in 2013 (80 per cent of ewes have twins; the rest divide equally between singles and triplets), Bert is well on his way to having a comfortably profitable business.

His “natural” lambs are raised in large, airy barns. They graze on pasture during the summer, and he feeds them hay, barley and a protein supplement in winter. He administers antibiotics only when they’re sick.

Bert says he’s lost only three animals to coyotes, a track record he credits to his farm being some distance from the forested areas preferred by the opportunistic predators, as well as his 9000-volt electric fence and the fact he keeps his sheep inside overnight.

Now his goal is to sell the less wellknown cuts of lamb. “Lamb liver is my latest challenge,” he says, adding, “I’m making lamb liver pâté.”

Between caring for his sheep, playing midwife to hundreds of newborns each year, producing some cash crops and making people smile at farmers’ markets, it’s full-time work. But Bert doesn’t complain; he’s living his dream. ≈

OR ORDER DIRECTLY

519-941-0479 BERTSL AMB @ BELL.NET

Nicola Ross is a freelance writer and biologist who lives in Belfountain.

phone: 416 938 4853 info@pigroastcatering.ca www.pigroastcatering.ca

For your chance to win a FREE pig roast ($500 value), please enter promo code 500 to pigroastcatering@gmail.com

WEDDINGS | CELEBRATIONS | BBQ’S | COCKTAIL PARTIES DINNER PARTIES | CORPORATE FUNCTIONS As a full service and special event planning company, we provide you with cuisine, rentals, decor, entertainment, and service staff tailored to your needs.

Add some Curb Appeal to your home

t 8PPE 4UFFM *OTVMBUFE %PPST t 8JEF $IPJDF PG %FTJHOT t 4FSWJDF 4QSJOH 3FQMBDFNFOU t &MFDUSJD 0QFOFST Authorized Dealer

519 942-1956

www.allmontdoors.com

Visit our showroom

Orangeville 48 Centennial Road, Unit #20 IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

45

Writer Monica Duncan (left) enlisted the help of Claudia Hehr to “talk” with rescuedog Gus about his anxieties, and Gus obliged.

P H O T O R O S EM A R Y H A S N ER

Gus’s sports career

GOOD

DOG GUS!

How Gus learned to stop biting people and love the new puppy

BY M O NI C A D U N C A N

I

t is an ungodly hour on a fi lthy, slushy winter morning. I am sitting in my truck with my dog Gus. We’re parked at the veterinarian’s office, waiting for the sun to rise and the doors to open. Gus sits patiently in the back seat, worrying a piercing he has just acquired in the woods – a short, sharp porcupine’s quill lanced through the middle of his tongue.

Gus is quiet and doesn’t appear to be in pain.

Head tilted and eyes crossed, he stares over the end of his nose at his tongue, which laps in and out like a turtle fussing with a wilted scrap of lettuce. Given the time of day and with absolutely nothing else to do, I ponder this dog’s provenance.

Several years earlier, my husband and I had adopted the two-year-old Québécois “Auguste” through an old English sheepdog rescue service based in eastern Ontario. Although Gus has something of the look of an old English, he soon proved to be anything but. His efficient digging, fiendish ability to run like a bandit, compulsion to bark and bite, complete lack of interest in guarding his flock – us – and an almost obsessive 46

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

love of water have led us to suspect he is a mix that includes more than a little Portuguese water dog.

What would you call that mix? An Engluese? Or is he a shoodle, a sheepdog–poodle cross? He does have poodle-esque curls and an elongated snout. Or is this creature simply the progeny of some scoundrel who stormed the pure laine she-dog barricades?

Over time, we discovered that Gus has three dominant talents. He is a herding natural. At a sheepherding instinct trial, he absolutely shone, rounding up the sheep, pulling in strays, hunkering on the ground while avoiding staring them down like a predator, and then looking to my husband for the next command. We were so proud we almost cried.

Catching the Frisbee was his next achievement.

He easily did mid-air, over-the-shoulder pirouettes to grab the pink plastic disc.

And he was – and is – an effective biter. He has never done any real damage, but he frequently scares people, lashing out if his boundaries are challenged or if he sees something he doesn’t like.

This rescue needed some training.

So I took Gus to John Mairs and his crack team at Tamsu Learning Center in Tottenham. John, whose dogs have garnered many prizes and been featured in movies and commercials, suggested I begin by hand feeding Gus at mealtime, one kibble at a time, right out of his bowl. As Gus had already bitten me several times on the hand, this was a dominance exercise invented to test even the most devoted dog owner.

With trepidation, I tried the tactic and actually found Gus to be gentle and willing. We followed up this bonding with obedience work and then several rounds of agility classes at Tamsu’s wonderful outdoor course.

Although afraid of other dogs, Gus was excited by the challenges, racing through everything on the layout except the tunnel. Nothing was going to persuade him to go in there.

But these activities were cut short two winters ago, when a knee injury suffered at play left Gus walking on three legs and eventually led to surgery.

In the rehab period, between stretching and massage sessions, he would sit on the couch and stare forlornly into space. Long after he should have fully recovered, he adamantly refused to leave his crate. He would sigh and grumble, broadcasting his Weltschmerz for all to commiserate with. As well as packing on weight, Gus was depressed.

I would drag his furry, snarling and snapping self outside for walks. He would plant himself on the hill and watch as I walked off by myself. We even got him a puppy to play with. He eyed the puppy with a scowl of dark suspicion, uninterested in engaging.

Gus seemed resigned to his fate.

We checked his thyroid, which was fine. Then the vet suggested swim therapy. I held off, but after one too many days of listening to Gus whinge his frustration, I decided that watching a dog be depressed was itself depressing. So I hauled him off to Paws Swim Therapy in Alliston.

Doing laps at Paws Owner Tammy Bales opened Paws in 2010, when her Labrador retriever Abby required rehabilitation and there was nowhere local to take her.

After Abby’s fi rst round of surgery, years earlier, Tammy had driven long distances for canine hydrotherapy to help her dog recover. By the time Abby underwent a second round of surgery, Tammy knew the results of swim therapy were nothing short of fantastic – and decided to establish her own facility.

“The water is magical,” said Tammy.

She has recorded turnaround results with dogs ranging from a tiny Brussels griffon to a giant great Dane, whose owners come from as far as Oakville to train their dogs. The resistance work, either as rehab or just plain fun, is a great way to spend quality time with a pet. Physical progress comes by leaps and bounds and is often accompanied by sea changes in behaviour.

Tammy recounted the story of Tye, a shepherd cross who had been completely immobilized by a condition often known as coonhound paralysis.

After five months of non-weight bearing hydrotherapy, Tye was walking again. “You can’t believe what can be achieved,” Tammy said.

Owners can go into the superheated saltwater pool with their dog or watch and assist as Tammy brings it along, teaching it to wait quietly while she

harnesses it into an assist vest, and then enter the pool in a civilized manner. Starting with short sessions, the dog relearns efficient movement, gradually pushing past post-surgical pain and lethargy. Longer sessions, including laps, fetch or figure eights, are introduced as the dog’s fitness improves.

Gus was not keen until he realized Paws meant Tammy and Tammy meant swimming. By the third Wednesday, he knew the word “swimming” and where we were going. On arrival, he would tear up the ramp and wiggle himself silly waiting for Tammy. After several more sessions, he was anxious to show my husband what he had learned. Gus would swim consecutive laps back and forth across our pond, a good 45 metres each way, getting out on the far side to catch his breath, just as Tammy was teaching him to do at Paws.

His extra weight started coming off slowly, and his attitude was lightening up. But Gus remained unenthusiastic about doing much more than lying about or going to his Wednesday swim session. We needed something else, if only to sort out our fur mystery wrapped in an enigma.

At the vet’s office earlier that year, I had spotted a flyer left by Claudia Hehr, an animal communicator. It was time for Gus to have his head read.

Savour the view from the Best Patio in Town Savour the award-winning cuisine of Executive Chef James Buder as you dine on ‘The Terrace’ overlooking spectacular Shaw’s Creek Falls.

Call 1-800-383-3976 View menus at www.vintage-hotels.com

55 John Street, Alton TripAdvisor- Certificate of Excellence 2011

IT’S QUALITY TIME FOR A LIMITED TIME STARTING FROM

$369

PLUS FREIGHT AND P.D.I.

A real-life Doctor Doolittle A long drive through lacy mixed forest twisted and turned toward Claudia Hehr’s home. Deep into the green, I’d lost any sense of direction.

Were we still in Erin, or was this some ethereal land of enchantment, faerie rings and giant mushrooms? A stone cottage came into view. An ancient climbing hydrangea snaked up the chimney stones, its lush foliage spilling over like a waterfall, dwarfing the garden below. Large dragonflies hovered as birds scattered, squirrels and chipmunks scampered away, and several dogs set to barking.

Claudia describes herself as a “reallife Doctor Doolittle.” This is her shorthand for a concept that rural folk

are well-acquainted with, but one that may be foreign to those who haven’t lived intimately with critters. Claudia talks to animals. And they listen.

There was the troubled bull mastiff, a rescue dog who, even after two years of rehabilitation, would sooner starve than eat anywhere but in his crate. His exasperated guardians called Claudia, and she tuned in. “He wonders when someone will be mean to him again,” she revealed. Claudia assured the dog that he was in his forever home and that he was safe. Within two days, he was sitting on his guardians’ laps and comfortably eating wherever his food bowl was placed. continued on next page

Spend more time relaxing in the garden.

Honda lawnmowers, tillers and trimmers will help you easily power-through work. With Honda’s exclusive features, innovative technology, and sturdy construction, you can quickly get back to the things in life you really care about. Now during the Power Event, you can get all the benefits of Honda Power Equipment, plus great deals on select models. Let your quality time begin with Honda lawnmowers, tillers and trimmers.

The Honda Power Event is on now. See your local Honda Power Equipment Dealer today for great deals on select Honda Power Equipment. On for a limited time only.

honda.ca/powerevent

Larry’s Small Engines 4 km north of Orangeville on Highway 10 519-941-1517 www.larryssmallengines.ca Offers apply to eligible retail purchase agreements for a limited time, while supplies last. Starting from price shown does not include freight and PDI, or applicable sales taxes and is not applicable in Quebec. Dealer may sell for less. Promotional prices in effect until July 31, 2012. Prices/specifications subject to change without notice. Dealer order or trade may be necessary. At participating Canadian Honda Power Equipment dealers only. Models and colours may not be exactly as shown. Errors and omissions excepted. See your Honda Power Equipment dealer or honda.ca/powerevent for full details.

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

47

PHOTO MONIC A DUNC AN

le ft !

LY a

fe w

O

N

su it es

Nothing will change BUT your address Enjoy your chore-free lifestyle with services when you want or need them.

Starting S ta arting g at only

$2,673 /month Call C ll 705 705-434-4600 434 4600 now before it’s too late!

You don’t want to be left out!

Life is full of...

Tammy Bales provided swim therapy to help Gus recover from a leg injury.

people like you! good dog continued from page 49

287 King Street South, ALLISTON www.nauticallandsgroup.com A

U N I Q U E

C O N C E P T

I N

S E N I O R

R E T I R E M E N T

L I V I N G

SUMMER MAINTENANCE Air Conditioning • Brakes • Exhaust Systems • Suspension • Oil Changes Transmissions • Tires • Tune Ups • Computer Diagnostic & Analysis established 1993 633393 Hwy 10, Mono Plaza, Orangeville formerly EuroBrit Motors

48

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

Another family called in desperation. Their beloved cat was ill and the recommendation was to put him down.

It was Christmastime, and family members were not prepared to act on this advice, but they also didn’t want their cat to suffer. Again Claudia tuned in. “The cat is in no pain,” she reported.

“He wants to be here for New Year’s.”

The family spent one last holiday season together, and the cat died quietly in his sleep on New Year’s Day. “People call mostly about behaviour and health issues,” says Claudia. She

maintains that an animal’s acting out is never without a reason. And although she can’t diagnose illnesses or injuries, when it comes to health, she can tell an owner how an animal feels – and this helps at the vet’s office.

For as long as Claudia can remember, she has been able to communicate with animals. It’s an ability that she has nurtured and that she insists everyone possesses.

Claudia’s incredible journey

As a child, Claudia was animal obsessed. If she intuited an animal was in pain, she would develop a stomach ache. She knew when a particular animal in her town – she’s from Reutlingen near Stuttgart, Germany – was unhappy and this would make her unhappy. Assuming that everyone else knew this too, she would tell her parents how an animal felt or what it was going through. But well-meaning family members warned her that revealing this knowledge was not a good idea, so she gradually stifled her animal sense.

As time passed, the romantic wilderness, a Hollywood fantasy of the great West – mountains, prairies, waterfalls, abundant wildlife – beckoned. Claudia developed a fascination with and desire to be where things seemed more open and free. She travelled the world and fell in love with Canada. After several years of moving about, she chose to settle in

Toronto, where she developed a dog daycare, combined with a pet sitting and training business. Among her clients were owners with “problem” pets. They were mystified and needed a way “in,” just as Claudia’s gift was calling out.

She heard about an Aboriginal elder who spoke with animals. Then she heard about another animal communicator. Realizing her longsuppressed ability could be developed, nurtured and, better still, accepted, she decided to pursue training. After taking a course with a well-known animal communicator, she was ready to hang out her shingle.

But then she discovered her sixth sense had disappeared. “It was a blank,” she says, calling her efforts to learn someone else’s process “the worst mistake I ever made in my life.”

Eventually, with practice, she regained confidence in her own innate ability, and her gift returned.

“Auguste” revealed Claudia sat briefly with Gus who, uncharacteristically, gazed at her with adoring eyes.

“He wants to know why you got a puppy,” she said abruptly.

“Please tell him it was so he would have someone to play with,” I replied, somewhat taken aback. “What I really want to know is why he bites.”

She relayed a few sad details from his past, and said that he dislikes being alone in the dark. True: He has taken to sleeping in the master bedroom.

He also dislikes loud noises and anything that appears like aggression from a male. True: He has bitten more men than women. And chaotic people are a problem. Children or adults fussing in his vicinity set him off. Then Claudia informed me, at Gus’s insistence, that he does not, in fact, bite. “That’s a pinch. To him, biting would be tearing your arm off.”

Well, there was a dog perspective I had never considered.

“He acts out how he was raised,” she told me, adding that his behaviour was perfectly normal in the challenging home from which he was rescued.

Claudia advised me to let the dogs

know when I’m stressed and, when dealing with Gus, to bear in mind his behaviour is deeply ingrained. I determined to manage him better, to offer him the sanctuary of his crate when there were too many people about, and to tell the dogs when I want them out from underfoot.

“Everyone can talk to the animals,” Claudia says, likening her ability to “tune in” to what happens when people narrow their focus in certain situations, such as talking on the phone. It’s simply a matter of intent, she says. If we are in a room where dozens of conversations are taking place, we often tune out everything but the conversation we’re involved in. Claudia opens herself to the other conversations, and according to her description, receives a torrent of information.

A few days after our visit to Claudia, Gus tentatively began to play with the puppy, bringing him a toy, but simultaneously growling at him in his typical mixed-signal way. After another week, the puppy had him sorted, and the two were playing all-out tugof-war and tearing up the house.

Delivering Superior Service 24 HOURS A Day

Making your house feel more like HOME SALES • SERVICE • INSTALLATION RENTALS

donsheatingandcooling.com

www.facebook.com/DonsHeating

@DonsHeating

519-942-1568 / 1-800-461-4401 48 Centennial Rd, Unit 13, Orangeville

Our curious creature In the vet’s parking lot, I recall times when I was a child and heard animals speak. Occasionally, they still do. But Gus remains a curious creature for whom I have new-found respect, both for his tenacity and for his ability to deliver a message: the “pinch” that until meeting Claudia I had perceived as bad behaviour. Little by little, both the information from Claudia and continuing swim time with Tammy have softened him, both physically and in attitude. He has become less surly, more playful, gentler and more interested in everyone around him.

The sun rises, rose and grey, and the vet’s technician lets us in from the cold. Once freed of the offending porcupine’s quill, Gus is set loose. He staggers about, anesthetized, like a lager lout who has just posted an unlikely fantasy league win. His eyes are moving in separate universes and the fur on his muzzle has been dyed coral pink, either by blood or the antiseptic our heroic vets have applied.

Gus’s rouged fur jogs a memory of a favourite parody of a love sonnet, a nd w it h apolog ies to Wi l l ia m Shakespeare, I’ve adapted it to fit our strange little dog, whose mishaps and quirks have endeared him to us.

My doggy’s eyes are nothing like the sun Coral is far more red than his flews’ red: If snow be white, why then his breasts are dun (and, in fact, he has none); If hairs be wires, black wires grow on his head.

I have seen roses damask’d, red and white, But no such roses see I in his furry cheeks; And in most perfumes is there more delight Than in the fish breath that from my doggie reeks.

I love to hear him howl, yet well I know That music hath a far more pleasing sound: I grant I never saw a bitch-goddess go,— My doggy, when he walks, treads on the ground: And yet, by heaven, I think my dog as rare As any he belied with false compare.

Bow-wow. ≈ For more information about Gus’s therapists: Paws Swim Therapy: www.pawsswimtherapy.com Claudia Hehr: www.claudiahehr.com Tamsu Learning Center: www.tamsu.ca

Monica Duncan is a freelance writer who lives in Adjala.

Southview Chiropractic & Wellness Centre Improve Your Animal’s

• Mobility • Performance • Overall Health with Chiropractic Care

Dr. Lori Batch BSc, D.C. Certified Animal Chiropractor

Serving Bolton/Caledon & surrounding areas

905-951-WELL (9355) www.southviewchiropractic.com

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

49

A T

H O M E

I N

T H E

H I L L S

by Pam Purves

Ppirit residing

S

Julia Gilmore’s eclectic decor reflects her artistic passions Artist Julia Gilmore and her son Adam at home Inglewood: a place for inspiration. far right : Julia at work in her sun porch studio.

New windows in the stairwell flood light into a previously dark space.

H

ome is important to us all. To an artist, for whom every glance is an opportunity to find beauty, home is more than a place to raise family and feel secure, it is also an inspiration. For Inglewood painter Julia Gilmore, home needed to be a practical place that provided her son Adam with a nearby school, friends and activities, but also provided her with quiet, beauty and space.

After obtaining a degree in fine arts, Julia spent several years in Montreal and Toronto playing in a band and pursuing a successful recording career. It was after Adam was born that she turned again to painting, developing a distinctive style she called “nap paintings,” small, brilliantly hued paintings on dark backgrounds, executed quickly with a palette knife in the two or three hours her son was asleep. At the same time, she felt a longing to bring him up in the same small-town atmosphere she had experienced as a child.

Her first move in the mid-1990s was to rent a farm in Caledon East that she and her partner could use as a base while they looked for something permanent. Inglewood enchanted her almost immediately. “It reminded me of Mayberry. The Christmas lights were up. The fire hall bell was ringing. I loved it.” continued on next page

50

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

P H O T O S PA M P U R V E S

FASHIONS . GIFTS . HOME DECOR

78 First Street, Orangeville 519.940.4719 16 Elora Street, Harriston 519.338.3230 | www.achesons.ca

F I N E D I N I N G . C A S UA L E L E G A N C E . H I S TO R I C C H A R M .

share in the romance of fine food and fine company 519·925 ·3627 M R S M I TCHELL S.COM IN VIOLET HILL

HW Y 89 BE T WEEN H W Y 10 A N D A I R P O R T R OA D

TUE– FRI LUNCH 12- 2 & T E A 2- 4 D I N N E R 5 - C LO S E

S AT– S U N B R U N C H 11- 2 & T E A 2- 4 D I N N E R 5 - C LO S E

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

51

See whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new at Creek Side

Casual clothing for women & men Columbia Sportswear Merrell Â&#x2039; Lole Â&#x2039; Prana Silver Jeans Â&#x2039; Pistil Pushan Designs & many more...

f 121 First Street, Orangeville 519.942.8257

CREEK SIDE CLOTHING CO. Like us on Facebook to see all the new products & special offers.

3KRWR E\ 3HWH 3DWHUVRQ

Just ask for what you want 4XHHQ 6W _ $OWRQ _ &DOHGRQ _ _ ZZZ JDOOHU\JHPPD FRP 52

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

at home continued from page 50

A stucco house for sale on the main street especially caught her eye. With its original early 20th-century mouldings, light fi xtures and woodwork, it was perfect â&#x20AC;&#x201C; except for the price. So the couple carried on, looking at scores of houses, but finding nothing to equal their first love. Eventually they came back to it, put in an offer they could afford, and hoped. Their hopes were rewarded.

Julia is the presiding spirit of the place. A woman of great enthusiasm and a vivid presence in any room, she has created a space that exactly reflects her character. Echoing her strong at-

tachment to nature, Julia has painted every room a bright spring-leaf green â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a colour that brightens and softens as t he light moves and changes through the days and the seasons. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Green is the colour of life,â&#x20AC;? she says.

As she set to work on the place, Julia discovered windows that had been boarded over. She opened them up, so light now flows into two sides of every main floor room. Enhancing the natural light are sparkling chandeliers in the dining and kitchen areas.

A long rope of small lights encircles an interior window that opens to her studio in the glassed-in sun porch. It was added off the kitchen in the 1920s

2010 Home Builder of the Year

Custom Homes * Additions * Renovations

Custom Homes Inc. Janssen Design & Construction * Dufferin Masonry * Dufferin Foundation Coatings

Your design/build company with the one stop advantage

519-925-0663 www.jdccustomhomes.ca

Julia painted the entire interior, including her bedroom, a bright spring-leaf green, “the colour of life.” Vintage objects, like her collection of purses displayed on an armoire, provide artistic inspiration. Julia’s art decorates many of the walls – the kind of images that make you want to smile, even laugh, with delight.

and provides an ideal environment for painting, with a little separation from other household activities.

Julia’s giddy and gorgeous paintings of flowers grace many of the walls. On others hang her quirky interpretations of heritage objects (gas pumps, coffee cans, Chinese take-out boxes), each conceived with such charm that the whole effect is both gracious and whimsical – the kind of images that make you want to smile, even laugh,

with delight.

Out of her deep fondness and respect for the past, Julia preserved as many of the home’s original details as she could, including baseboards, door knobs and round light switches. The light fi xtures in the upper and lower halls are original etched glass; the duct covers are fi ligreed iron. The studio has a dark wood ceiling and original f loral linoleum. In the

Installations booking fast | Get your free quotes Don’t be disappointed | Book your pool opening early Supplying all your pool and spa needs!

D&D Pools and Spas 519-942-8113 | www.d-dpools.com View our newly designed showroom at 82 First St, Orangeville

continued on next page IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

53

Creemore Hills Realty Ltd Brokerage

Austin Boake

Broker of Record/Owner

Tranquility and Elegance Set on a picturesque 32 rolling acres in Mulmur. Spectacular views. Year round stream.

Hidden down a long winding lane, through a forest, opening to this majestic home filled with simplicity, architecturally designed features and meticulous attention to every detail.

Designed to capture all the property has to offer.

Offered at $1,095,000

136 Mill Street • Creemore • 705.466.3070

www.CreemoreHillsRealty.com

at home continued from page 53

upstairs bedrooms, large pieces of linoleum also remain. So too do the bevelled windows in the front door and the ruby glass above it, and the generous bay window in the living room. The century-old flawed glass in the windows scatters the light to Julia’s delight, although she admits the old storms are “a pain in the ass” to remove in the summer.

The only significant change she made was in the kitchen. After rediscovering the sealed windows, Julia took a hard look at the newly bright room and decided an old-fashioned farm sink was needed.

54

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

Anyone who has renovated can relate to how one small change can lead to a wholesale rethink. Working with her neighbour Angela Keehan, who has a design background and good eye, Julia ultimately worked through a complete redesign of the kitchen. Local contractor and carpenter Brian Gregory did the work – in just ten days.

Inspired by the new light and the new look, Julia and Brian punched two new windows along the stairs.

Now looking like they have been there forever, the windows bring welcome, all-day light to a previously dark space.

The old-fashioned stucco, called

60 Minutes of Pure Luxury

Aromatherapy Facial • deep cleanse & exfoliation • steam & extractions • relaxing face, neck & shoulder massage • hydrating masque • warm hand & foot treatment

A summer indulgence at a special price $50 (save $40) *Offer applies to first spa visit *Mention promo code IH50 when booking *Valid until August 1st, 2012 *Book early, space is limited

Organic Facial & Body Treatments | Laser | Massage Therapy Skin Renewal Peels | Manicures | Pedicures | Waxing

Organic Spa & Gift Boutique

25 Queen St N, Bolton 905.951.8659 jadeholisticspa.com

The installation of a farm sink in the kitchen led to a wholesale redesign for the room, including new light fixtures – a teardrop chandelier and a retro industrial lamp above the counter. Elsewhere Julia preserved as many of the home’s original details as she could, including its original floral linoleum.

pargeting, that clads the exterior of the house is scored to look like highquality cinder block or cut stone. A popular surface in the early part of the 20th century, it was cheaper than stone but almost as durable. Traditionally associated with Cotswold cottages, which this house somewhat resembles, the pargeting seems more sophisticated than other modest claddings of its day.

Julia and her son Adam, now 14,

have become community celebrities: she with her studio exhibitions each November and Adam with a budding fi lm career. They have added youth, light and energy to a lovely old house and a lovely small community. ≈ Julia Gilmore is featured as our Artist in Residence in this issue. See page 15.

Freelance photographer and writer Pam Purves lives in Caledon.

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

55

H E A D W A T E R S

by Bethany Lee

friends I L L U S T R AT I O N S H EL A G H A R M S T R O N G

fridge

N E S T

A berry good way to start summer The plump and, we think, quite adorable strawberry is grown and celebrated in most parts of these hills. Children just love to munch on these lovely juicy treats. Here is a rundown of the delicious events coming our way.

June 23: Hockley Strawberry Festival Starting at 8am, this traditional event includes a bicycle parade at 10am, live music, games, food, local artisans and vendors. Fun for the whole family!

July 1: Caledon’s 24th Annual Strawberry Festival Imagine feather-light pancakes ladled with field-fresh strawberries and cream, live music, vintage cars and a “shop till you drop Christmas in July” artisan trade fair – all during Canada’s 145th birthday. The event starts at 10am and all proceeds go to Caledon Agricultural Society.

July 1: Canada Day Strawberry Festival at Downey’s Farm Market Visit this familyfriendly farm on Heart Lake Road in Caledon for live entertainment, antique cars/tractors, animals, u-pick and ready-picked strawberries.

Opening ceremonies at 10:30am.

Local churches are also celebrating the spring berry harvest. On June 23, starting at 8am, Hockley United Church hosts its annual Strawberry Pancake Breakfast. The festivities include a silent auction. Then on June 27, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Hillsburgh puts on a Strawberry Supper that includes a chicken barbecue dinner. Eat in at 5, 6 or 7:15pm, or take out. Purchase tickets at What’s Cookin’ in Erin.

56

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

T

he dog days of summer are almost here. Families are heading to friends’ houses for afternoon ball games, fence-building work parties, a jump in the pool, and barbecue get-togethers that stretch way past any appropriate bedtime. The heat shimmers off the deck, the pavement, the pool, and you wipe the sweat from your brow. Inside,

the fan moves slowly side to side.

A tall glass of lemonade from the fridge would be perfect right now. Or maybe an iced tea...

But you hesitate. Opening your friend’s fridge to grab a glass of lemonade? Just like that?

Impossible! That would be crossing the line. Breaking an unwritten rule.

Why is going into each other’s fridges so verboten? Would you be shocked if a friend or family member were over, and during the course of a conversation took a glass from the cupboard, opened your fridge uninvited, and fi lled it up with a beverage of their choice?

A few years ago, I heard about the “Fridge Friends” concept. A Fridge Friend is someone who would feel comfortable doing just that. Going into your kitchen, opening up that big door, and – gasp! – helping them selves. All on their own. Without asking. In turn, you would feel comfortable doing the same at their house.

At the time, I realized I had only one Fridge Friend, or, to be more specific, a Fridge Friend Family. My son and one of their daughters were born just five days apart, and we were direct neighbours. The first winter with these little ones was long, and my friend Suzanne and I spent quite a bit of time together looking at the new babies, and walking them in their strollers when the weather permitted. Suzanne was an experi-

enced mom, so I had lots of questions for her.

We cleaned their tiny bums side by side, nursed them, and tended to the visible and invisible wounds of birth.

By the time summer came, the babies were sitting up on blankets in the dappled sunlight, tipping over when startled or grasping for something just out of reach. I moved houses, and Suzanne and her family helped pack and unpack (including the fridge). We enjoyed our summer of parenting, and many times the barbecue would be fired up and the wider family would join in.

With baby bottles and baby food concoctions being prepped during our visits, Suzanne finally said, “Just go in the fridge. Take what you need.

You don’t need to ask.” And that was that. I was so glad, and still am. It was so much easier just to grab the juice or milk, or put on the kettle without interrupting the chit-chat and childminding.

I know the value here goes beyond just practicality and convenience. Being comfortable in other people’s homes is not as common as it

once was. Do you like the drop-in?

Or do you dread it? Are you anxious if your house is not photo-shoot ready? I can be, for sure. Letting it be known you are not perfect can be hard, especially these days when there are so many media goddesses dedicated 24/7 to teaching you the Art of Homemaking.

In their book Refrigerator Rights: Creating Connections and Restoring Relationships (Perigee Trade, 2002), authors Will Miller and Glenn Sparks say much discontent and anxiety stem from a lack of Fridge Friends and Refrigerator Rights. We are isolated from our neighbours, distracted by media and consumed by our careers. Miller has noted most Americans could probably describe sitcom characters’ kitchens more accurately than their neighbours’ – and I believe he’s right. He says a level of comfort and security comes from having close, open relationships, and we should nurture them and invite people into all aspects of our lives.

I like the idea of being adopted into another family’s fridge Bill of Rights, of being accepted on this most basic level. It says, “What’s mine is yours” and “I trust you not to judge me.” I like the idea of extending my family, because it is very small and it can be quiet around here sometimes. Indeed, families are now smaller than ever and more geographically spread out. According to Statistics Canada, the average number of people in a family dropped by almost one person between 1971 and 2006, and the number of single-parent families in Canada almost tripled.

Perhaps by reconnecting with friends and family on this simple level, we can build the necessary social bonds so important to healthy family life. Let your leftovers hang out! Let the milk dribbles be noticed!

Ignore the mouldy jam! (Okay, maybe throw that out before company comes…)

Is it possible to nurture the relationships we have, and build new ones just by inviting people into our fridge? I think so. If you come over to my house this summer, my fridge door is open. ≈ Bethany Lee is the online editor of www.kidsinthehills.ca, a sister site to www.inthehills.ca, where she also writes a regular blog.

Loving your pets Memories of childhood often include poignant recollections of favourite pets. If an animal is in your child’s future, Love Your Pet Day is for you. A celebration of pets is planned July 7, from 10am to 4pm, at the Dufferin County Museum & Archives. Regular admission applies or donate canned or bagged pet food instead.

DCMA has invited the Orangeville SPCA, Shelburne/Orangeville Paws & Claws, Alliston Humane Society, Procyon Wildlife, and Painted Rock Animal Farm Sanctuary to come and bring awareness to their work and services.

Later in the summer, the museum presents a Dog Day Afternoon Fashion Show for Children and Their Pets. Children are invited to bring their pets on August 22 from 1 to 3pm, and the museum will provide the accessories for both child and pet. Should be a fashion show like no other!

Finally, a unique church service will be held in the museum’s historic Corbetton Church on September 16. All pets are invited to come and hear hymns and scriptures about animals, and then be blessed.

Pets are encouraged to bring their owners, who need to understand the importance of animals not only to Christians, but to other world religions as well. A collection will be taken. Animal Blessings – Animals in the Bible takes place between 2 and 3pm. It is a free event.

For the list of all the animal-related events this summer during the museum’s Beauty in the Beast exhibition, visit www.dufferinmuseum.com

NEW WAVE

TION A L L STA N I D N EA SALES, SERVIC

POOL & SPA SERVICES

989 1 e c n ity Si n u m m Serving Our Co INGROUND

POOL INSTALLATIONS

• Replacement Liners • Solar Blankets • Accessories • Pumps, Filters, Heaters • Chemicals • Free Water Testing

519-942-2722

New Location 302 Broadway, Orangeville Transfer to DVD

8mm, Super-8, 16mm Film, Video & Audio tape Slides & Photos ★ Custom production, Blu-ray available ★ www.ADD-duplications.com

519-928-2604

iPlay This summer kidsinthehills.ca features information on summer camps and activities. Visit the website to find out what is happening in your neighbourhood, or contribute to our community calendar. We think this is the best time of the year for families living in the hills!

—Bethany

• PIANO • GUITAR • BASS • DRUMS • VOCALS • THEORY • SCHOOL OF ROCK

I learn to play... I play to learn.

519-941-3616 www.orangevillemusic.ca

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

57

H I L L S

by Ken Weber

STAYING THE COURSE FOR 175 YEARS The history of Tweedsmuir Memorial Presbyterian Church in Orangeville is a story of determination and independence in the face of daunting challenge and bewildering change.

from logs to stones: bethel The origins of the pioneer churches that dot these hills hang on two pegs: a scattered population of settlers hungry for communal, religious leadership, and a resourceful clergyman willing to come to the bush to provide it.

In the case of Tweedsmuir Memorial Presbyterian Church, the second of these historic pegs was a blur of energy better known as the Reverend Alexander Lewis. He not only ministered in Caledon and Erin over his long career, but starting in 1837, he founded congregations in Mono Mills, Mansfield, Mono Centre – and Orangeville, where a log church named Bethel was built in 1840 on land behind the present town hall.

Although the redoubtable Rev. Lewis also served as postmaster of Mono Mills, land commissioner for the Crown and magistrate for the District of Simcoe, in 1858 he still found time to oversee the building of a new stone church for his Bethel congregation on land where Orangeville’s post office now stands.

While this historical chapter was playing out locally, theological differences had caused the Presbyterian Church around the world to split into several branches. The Bethel congregation that moved to the stone church was known as Auld Kirk or Old Bethel, indicating its allegiance to one of the four branches of Presbyterianism that prevailed in Canada.

58

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

from stones to brick: st. andrew’s No sooner had Old Bethel settled into its new quarters when another Presbyterian congregation, calling itself Zion, built a church just a short stroll away.

Zion was allied with a different branch, so Orangeville now had two Presbyterian churches, separate, yet side by side. And although Presbyterians in Canada officially resolved their differences in 1875 and reunited under a single umbrella, both Orangeville congregations remained intensely loyal to their own arrangements.

However, in 1877 Zion’s frame church burned to the ground and that fire resulted in two important developments. One was physical and

permanent: Zion started building a grand house of worship that still stands on Broadway. The second was spiritual: In 1880, following extensive negotiations (especially over how to pay for the magnificent new church), the congregations of Old Bethel and Zion became one, under the name St. Andrew’s. The arrangement seemed ideal and enduring. And it was – until 1925.

from brick to store front: continuing presbyterian On June 10, 1925, in a legislative undertaking unique in the world, the Parliament of Canada passed an act creating the United Church of Canada,

WHY “TWEEDSMUIR”?

John Buchan, Lord Tweedsmuir of Elsfield (b.1875), served as Governor-General of Canada from 1935 until his death in 194o. The author of The Thirty-Nine Steps and other fiction, he was highly regarded and much loved by Canadians in his role as G-G. Buchan was a staunch, lifelong Presbyterian, and when Lady Tweedsmuir was asked permission to use his name for the new church in Orangeville, she graciously agreed. The church elders, incidentally, had silent hopes the permission might also trigger some cash for the building fund, but her generosity was limited to a pair of silver candlesticks.

merging Methodists, Congregationalists, Unionists and Presbyterians into the largest Protestant denomination in the country.

The merger, voted on church by church, was supported by all but about 30 per cent of Canada’s Presbyterians. At St. Andrew’s, the resisting vote was 40 per cent. So although St. Andrew’s became a United Church, it did so minus a significant number of members, most of whose roots went back to Old Bethel. On June 11, the dissenters officially left St. Andrew’s and within a month established the Continuing Presbyterian Church in Orangeville.

Because they needed a church, and because the community suddenly had two United churches, this new/ old congregation tried unsuccessfully to buy what was now St. Andrew’s United. It then struck out again in an attempt to buy the former Orangeville Methodist, now First Avenue United.

(In an ironic repeat of the Presbyterian experience from the previous century, the two United congregations carried on separately for years until, like the Presbyterians, fire brought them together. When Orangeville High School burned down in 1948, First Avenue United Church became the school’s main emergency quarters as its congregation finally merged with St. Andrew’s under a new name: Westminster United.)

Meanwhile the Continuing Presbyterian congregation was quietly moving on. For a year they worshipped in the Gem Theatre on Broadway where the Roman Catholic owner, Sam Merlina, gave them space rentfree. (Their hymn books were loaned by the Baptist Church.) In rapid order members raised $3,000 to buy the former Orangeville Business College (next to today’s CIBC) and renovated it for $975. In April 1926, the Continuing Presbyterians became a storefront church.

from storefront back to stone: tweedsmuir The storefront arrangement was conceived as a temporary blip on the way to a “real church,” but in 1929, while the congregation was still pausing to catch its breath, the Great Depression turned fundraising into a seemingly impossible dream and blindsided everyone’s hopes. Everyone, that is, except the Ladies’ Aid at Continuing Presbyterian. In 1934 they announced

P H O T O S R O S EM A R Y H A S N E R , B L A C K D O G C R E AT I V E A R T S

H I S T O R I C

WHEN TO C ON S I DER A R E T IR EMENT C OMMUNIT Y

These beautifully crafted stained glass windows on the south wall of Tweedsmuir Church come from Waldemar Presbyterian (Burke’s Presbyterian), which was built in 1887, but is now closed. The Waldemar congregation joined Tweedsmuir in 1995.

IIs s sho hopp ppin in ng and d maki maki ma king ng g me ea als s be ec com omin ng d diiffic ffffiic cu ullt? t?

Is hom Is ome maintenanc n e a ch nc c alle allleng a leng le ge e? ?

Do you u feel isolated d fro rom fa fam mi y and fri mily rien ien nds ds?

D you worry about being alone?

Do

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, now is the time to consider making your move to a Retirement Community.

that no matter what anyone else had in mind, they were going to raise money for a new church.

It took seven years – seven Depression years with the entire congregation deeply involved – but by May 1941 a fine stone building stood on the corner of Orangeville’s John and York streets. (The Ladies’ Aid bought the pews.) And it had a new name: Tweedsmuir Memorial Presbyterian Church (see sidebar).

For the second time in Orangeville’s history, a Presbyterian church had been built with stone, this time from a dismantled cement plant that once stood by the railway station. The same source of stone was used again in 1959 when the expanding and very busy congregation enlarged the church and added an education wing, and

then again when the narthex was enlarged in 1979.

Such steady development and expansion at Tweedsmuir counters the contemporary notion that church life is fading. It is true that closed church buildings abound in these hills – of the 19 Presbyterian churches built in Dufferin County in the 19th century, for example, only five host Presbyterian or United congregations today – but at Tweedsmuir Presbyterian, 175 years after the Bethel pioneers first prayed together, the trend is definitely in the opposite direction. There is still more stone stored in a farmer’s field outside Orangeville, just in case. ≈ Caledon writer Ken Weber’s bestselling Five Minute Mysteries series is published in 22 languages.

Lord Dufferin Centre is redefining retirement living by offering personal health and wellness options for your comfort and convenience. You can enjoy a healthy and vibrant lifestyle by choosing the programs and services that strengthen your body, engage your mind and lift your spirit.

Now is the time to enhance your lifestyle today for tomorrow!

32 First Street, Orangeville Contact Tammy Abendroth Marketing Coordinator

519.941.8433 www.lorddufferincentre.ca

Your One Stop Sewing Shop 6HZLQJ :RUNVKRSV (PEURLGHU\ GHVLJQV 6XSSOLHV &RWWRQ 4XLOW )DEULFV DQG VHZ PXFK PRUH

6HUYLFH WR DOO PDNHV

Vernon & Minerva Knorr

519-323-2693

OTHER PIONEERS Although there are other active congregations in the hills with origins in the 1830s, such as St. Mark’s Anglican in Orangeville and St. John’s Anglican east of town on Highway 9, as well as St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic in Wildfield, the only original church building that can claim 175 years is the Melville White Church (above) on Mississauga Road, south of Belfountain. It was built in 1837 by a Presbyterian congregation that had met in private homes from about 1831. Melville White Church became a United church in 1925, after first absorbing the disbanded Congregational Church of Greenlaw, but was officially closed in 1964. More recently, it is enjoying new life as a site for weddings, art shows and community events.

To celebrate the 175th anniversary of the White Church, several events are planned later this year. (See Must Do, page 18.)

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

59

and then there were Flocks of passenger pigeons once streamed from horizon to horizon above our hills. But they were driven to extinction in less than one human lifespan.

French settlers called passenger pigeons “pigeon de passage,” in reference to their travelling feats.

The scientific genus for the bird is Ectopistes, Greek for “wanderer,” and the species name is migratorius, Latin for “migratory.”

W HAT’S IN A NA ME? Although passenger pigeons are extinct, there are reminders of their presence in many Ontario place names. Mimico, the west Toronto neighbourhood, is derived from the Mississauga word meaning “abundant with wild pigeons.”

That same origin is behind the name of the village Omemee in Ontario’s Victoria County. More obviously named for passenger pigeons are Pigeon Bay in Essex County, Pigeon Island at the west end of the Thousand Islands, and Pigeon River in Victoria County. There are also several Pigeon lakes – in Haliburton County, near Peterborough, near Sudbury, and outside Thunder Bay.

60

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

F R O N T I S P I E C E F R O M A V O L U M E O F A R T I C L E S , T H E PA S S E N G ER P I G EO N , 19 0 7 ( M E R S H O N , E D I T O R )

BY C HR I S W ED EL E S

Early one May morning in the mid-19th century, W.R. King’s servant shook him awake at Fort Mississauga near Niagara-on-the-Lake to witness a spectacle:

… none “Hurrying out and ascending the grassy ramparts, I was perfectly amazed to behold the air filled and the sun obscured by millions of [passenger] pigeons, not hovering about, but darting onwards in a straight line with arrowy flight, in a vast mass a mile or more in breadth, and stretching before and behind as far as the eye could reach.

“Swiftly and steadily the column passed over with a rushing sound, and for hours continued in undiminished myriads advancing over the American forests in the eastern horizon, as the myriads that had passed were lost in the western sky.”

I

n 1914, little more than half a century after King’s account of the sky-fi lling multitude, a lone passenger pigeon named Martha slumped off her roost in the Cincinnati zoo. Her death marked the official extinction of her kind. Martha was the last of a population once numbered in the billions.

I find few stories more poignant than the tragic history of the passenger pigeon. From a scientific perspective, I’m fascinated that a species could decline to oblivion in such a short time. From a conservation perspective, I am humbled by the short-sighted human activity that perpetrated such an ecological atrocity.

King’s account of the tremendous mile-wide, 14-hour passage appeared in his 1866 book The Sportsman and Naturalist in Canada. In 1955, in his definitive book The Passenger Pigeon, A. W. Schorger made calculations – based on King’s extended description of the speed, density and length of the flock he witnessed – to determine it may well have comprised more than three and a half billion birds.

Other pioneers, naturalists and explorers (among them, Samuel de Champlain and J. J. Audubon) described flocks as “roaring past like a tornado,” in “countless numbers” with “neither beginning nor end, length or breadth of these millions and millions.”

It’s almost impossible to imagine a congregation of more than three billion creatures. There are accounts of huge swarms of locusts numbering in the billions, but as far I can tell, the flock of passenger pigeons King witnessed represents the largest massing of a single animal species ever recorded – and it was right here in Ontario.

Estimates of the historic population of passenger pigeons vary from around three billion to as high as nine billion. According to Partners in Flight (a cooperative organization of governments, scientists and conservation groups), the robin is currently the most abundant bird in North America, with an estimated population of 310 million or, at most, 10 per cent of the former population of passenger pigeons. The current total North American bird population is around five billion. So, at one time there were likely more passenger pigeons than there are all birds in North America today.

Nevertheless, a scant six decades after King’s book

was published, passenger pigeons had been reduced to small vagrant flocks. The last reliable sightings in Ontario occurred around the turn of the century, including a record of ten from around Orangeville in 1899. Only a year later, in 1900, the last wild passenger pigeon died when a young boy in Pike’s County, Ohio, shot it with his BB gun. And when the captive Martha died in Cincinnati, the species, once among the most abundant ever, vanished.

In their heyday, passenger pigeons ranged widely over much of eastern North America, but the heart of their territory was relatively small, defi ned by the presence of mast-producing hardwood trees such as beech, oak and chestnut. They occurred in abundance from around Kentucky in the south to Algonquin Park in the north.

At one time there were likely more passenger pigeons than there are all birds in North America today.

I have often wondered if the young limbs of the now old trees on our little patch of land just south of Erin were once bent with the weight of pigeon flocks.

So I have, on and off, searched for evidence of their presence in our neck of the woods, looking through archives, old newspapers and historic literature.

I found the best information on local occurrences in a 1935 publication commissioned by the Royal Ontario Museum to capture the recollections of those who could still remember the birds in Ontario.

That publication and another one by the Canadian Field Naturalists note a sizable colony near Guelph in 1855, at a place called Hatch’s Swamp. There is a record of “an immense f lock f lying over the mountain,” likely the Niagara Escarpment, in the Trafalgar area in 1857 or 1858. (Trafalgar was the historic name for the Oakville-Burlington area.)

The last large flight recorded in southern Ontario seems to have been of a flock “flying west ceaselessly for two and a half days” in the Dufferin/Mono area around 1870.

Although I found no references specifically to Erin (not even to the village’s former names of Erinsville and McMillan’s Mill), records from our general area are common. In the latter years, small flocks or individual birds were recorded in Dufferin, Orangeville, Luther and Camilla, as well as in Toronto (which seems to have been on a major migratory path), Guelph, York, Campbellville, Halton and Burlington.

The culmination of my research was a trip to the ROM. There, Mark Peck, a technician in the natural history department, showed me the museum’s collection of passenger pigeon “skins.” It is the largest collection in the world, thanks to the remarkable efforts of a former curator, Paul Hahn, who tracked down the remains of over 1,500 birds, acquiring a good number of them. Some were in excellent condition, a tribute to the care of the taxidermists; others were rather shabby, reflecting their age. Most were from the mid- to late 1800s.

What a surreal experience it was to see those taxidermied remains of dozens of animals – the ignominy of extinction spread out on museum trays. I felt awed (and odd) in the presence of these extinct animals. While Mark’s demeanour was more matter-of-fact, it was clear he too felt more than a twinge of something special, reverence perhaps, in the presence of these “specimens.”

So how did passenger pigeons go from overwhelming numbers to extinction over the course of a few decades? Some early, fanciful theories were proposed, including mass drowning in the Gulf of Mexico, but the most rational explanations point the finger at two main causes: overhunting and habitat destruction.

Stories of massive slaughters of passenger pigeons are common. In their nesting colonies pigeons were, well, sitting ducks. Professional “pigeoners” and others anxious to stock their larders used techniques such as poisoning the birds by burning sulphur, cutting down trees that contained scores of nests, or erecting large nets and other traps. When the massive flocks flew low overhead, as they commonly did, scores could be had simply by waving a long pole, killing birds that flew into it.

Of course, the preferred weapon was the gun.

In an 1832 publication called A Backwoodsman, Dr. Wm. Dunlop describes a pigeon migration over Toronto (then York): “Some two summers ago, a stream of [pigeons] took it into their heads to fly over York; and for three or four days the town resounded with one continuous roll of firing, as if a skirmish were going on in the streets – every gun, pistol, musket, blunderbuss and fire-arm of whatever description, was put in requisition ... pigeons, flying within easy shot, were a temptation too strong for human virtue to withstand.”

Prior to the mid-19th century, commerce associated with pigeons was mostly local, in the area of the nesting colonies and roosts. However, by the 1850s, the burgeoning railway networks in the continued on next page IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

61

It would be nice to think there was something to learn from the fate of the passenger pigeon.

Most obviously, it is that abundance, even superabundance, is no guarantee of survival. …none continued from page 63

eastern United States facilitated the development of widespread markets.

At peak activity, there were an estimated 5,000 professional pigeoners in the U.S. From one large nesting site in southern Michigan in the late 1860s, three boxcars of pigeons were shipped daily during a 40-day hunt. Although I found no records of extensive commerce in Ontario, pigeons were apparently sold regularly at St. Lawrence Market in Toronto.

The last great nesting of pigeons occurred near the town of Petoskey in northern Michigan. In 1878, a reported 50,000 birds were killed each day there for nearly five months. Here and elsewhere through their brief history of encounters with humankind, pigeons were hounded so incessantly at their nesting colonies that attempts to produce young often failed. By the late 1880s, wild pigeons were a very rare sight.

At the same time as pigeons were being killed wherever they sought to nest or roost, forests were being cleared over large areas, reducing habitat and forcing flocks into fewer expanses of woods, where they became even more available to hunters. The synergy between slaughter and forest clearing proved more than the birds could withstand.

Some aspects of the pigeons’ ecology also seem to have heightened their vulnerability. One blog I read referred to passenger pigeons as “blithering idiots, evolutionarily speaking.” Their tendency to live in large flocks may have been a strategy to swamp their natural enemies by sheer numbers.

And that strategy worked for millennia, until man came along with his poison, nets and guns. With so much pressure over such a short period, the pigeons had no time to adapt – so not necessarily blithering idiots, but illequipped to deal with the sudden new pressures.

Furthermore, in spite of their tremendous numbers, pigeons were not highly productive. Each nest typically contained only one egg. However, they did raise two or three broods a year, migrating between broods from one bumper crop of mast to another.

To find those crops, pigeons seemed dependent on a mechanism referred to as “social facilitation,” whereby the large flocks provided many individuals to search for concentrations of 62

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

food. As the flocks decreased, social facilitation became less viable.

With their evolutionary disposition for living in large social groups, it’s believed that as population dwindled, isolated birds or small f locks may have experienced difficulties in feeding. Even in areas where there was still plenty of food, they may have died of starvation because of the stress caused by isolation.

And so passenger pigeons flickered out of existence, victims not only of man’s avarice, but perhaps because the evolutionary characteristics that allowed them to become among the most abundant of all living things also made them vulnerable to extinction.

It would be nice to think there was something to learn from the fate of the passenger pigeon. Most obviously, it is that abundance, even superabundance, is no guarantee of survival.

Sadly, this is a lesson with lots of examples. The American bison once teemed across the prairies in the tens, even hundreds of millions and barely escaped extinction. Several populations of Atlantic cod, once so abundant it was said a person could walk on their backs in the ocean, are now classified as endangered.

I do believe the lesson of the passenger pigeon and other ill-fated species has contributed to the development of a strong wildlife conservation ethic in North America. Unfortunately, the path to this (relatively) more enlightened state was expensive indeed.

It is human instinct perhaps to want to fi x history, to make good on past misdeeds, so while I was at the museum, I couldn’t help asking Mark Peck’s colleague, Oliver Haddrath, a geneticist in the ornithology department, if pigeons could be cloned from the collected remains. While not discounting the possibility entirely, he explained it was highly unlikely, at least for now. However, he did hold out a ray of hope, noting genetic technology is evolving very rapidly and accomplishments unheard of even 20 years ago are now commonplace.

That slim hope is all I need to fantasize what it would be like to once again see clouds of innumerable birds making their way across Ontario’s horizon – maybe even over my little patch. ≈ Chris Wedeles is a biologist who lives in Erin.

4 BEDROOM ON 90 ACRES... with large pond, paddocks & restored 1800s barn. Spacious living rm with fp, vaulted wood ceiling & wood floors open to eat-in kit with granite counters, breakfast bar & w/o to deck. Lower level with rec rm & w/o to patio. $1,799,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

100 ACRE GEM 3 bdrm, completely restored, brick farmhouse w/ dbl garage. Kit features custom oak cabinets, granite counters, travertine backsplash, oak flrs. Hand-carved fp mantel in lr, 8" baseboards. Plus summer cottage & pond in bush. $1,195,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

FABULOUS COUNTRY ESTATE Set amongst the trees on 21 acres. Approx 6,000 sq ft of finished living space with 6 bdrms, 4 baths, open concept kit & grand living room w/ massive windows overlooking 2-acre pond & views. Triple car garage. $1,190,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

OCTAGON FAMILY/VIEWING RM 55 acres - phenomenal views. Unique 3+1 bdrm home w/ open concept kit w/ centre island, breakfast bar, eating area & w/o to deck. Indoor pool & hot tub. W/o bsmt w/ theatre rm, games rm & bdrm. 45 ac workable. $1,200,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

NOT JUST A NICE PROPERTY...

It’s a spectacular property! 126 ac w/ winding driveway to open fields, trees, 5 large ponds, network of streams, waterfall, artesian springs, 5-bdrm main house w/ stone fp, 3-bdrm cottage, drive shed, former hatchery, stable. $2,500,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

POND & STREAM AT YOUR DOOR Open concept bungalow w/ walkout bsmt & deck off main level. 2 bdrms up & 2 bdrms on lower level. Manicured grounds w/ 6-hole golf course, numerous trails & Saugeen River running through. Barn, paddocks & workshop. $1,049,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

CENTURY STONE HOME ON 50 ACS Lrg eat-in kit w/ centre island, high beamed ceiling & w/o to enclosed porch. Addition w/ 3 bdrms on main flr incl master w/ ens & w/o to sunporch. 2 more bdrms up. Approx 35 ac workable. 36’ X 123’ barn w/ 5 stalls, silo. $1,990,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

2 ADJOINING FARMS - 98 ACS EA Major set up for horses including fencing, numerous outbuildings, stalls, paddocks, 2 tracks & lots of pasture or great farmland.

One 3-bdrm Victorian & one 3-bdrm turn of the century home. Corner lot. $1,200,000 & $879,000 Wayne Baguley* 519-941-5151

OPENING SOON

Ginny MacEachern, Broker 1-800-360-5821

RCR Realty, Brokerage INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

143 Mill Street, Creemore

maceachern.ginny@gmail.com www.ginnymaceachern.com

Basia Regan, Sales Representative 1-416-346-0290 basiaregan@royallepage.ca www.basiaregan.com

CREEMORE Built by fine craftsmen near village. Marble counters, stainless steel appliances, custom tile work in baths. Room for pool. Geothermal heat/cool. 4 bdrm, 5 bath. Irrigation in professional landscaped flower beds. 10 mins to Mad River/Devil’s Glen. $874,900 Basia Regan

caledon acre with ever-flowing stream

MULMUR...FOREST HIDEAWAY Secluded 5.8-acre haven. Good mix of tableland and spring-fed pond. Enjoy the birds and wildlife from your patios. Open concept great room, dining room and kitchen. Geothermal heating. Master bedroom with generous ensuite. $549,900 Ginny MacEachern

**Broker of Record *Sales Representative 122 Main Street, Erin

WOLFFDALE FARMS Imagine a huge sunny indoor riding arena in your 240’ x 82’ main barn with 11 brand new custom designed stables for your thoroughbreds or hunter jumpers. Plenty of room for 41 more indoor stalls to keep 52 horses indoors year round. 3 outdoor riding areas, 124 acres, 2 hayfields, 8 outdoor waterers, 7 paddocks, 3 huge pastures plus 15-acre forest. Completely renovated century home, heated inground pool with outdoor shower and stone stream. Cedar deck embracing an 8-person hot tub. Located just 2 minutes north of Caledon Town Line.

45 minutes north of Woodbine Racetrack and the GTA. Offered at $1,495,000 Jamie Gairdner**

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

63

1-866-901-0888 • 519-833-0888 www.BogertandBall.com info@BogertandBall.com sue@ChestnutPark.com

ERIN, CALEDON, MONO AND SURROUNDING AREAS Patrick Bogert**, Sandy Ball*, Sue Collis*

** Broker *Sales Representative

CALEDON’S UNPARALLED VIEW A stunning bungalow overlooks 800 acres of conservation lands of the Credit Valley. Sophisticated contemporary style.

Float in the pool. Enjoy dinner on the sky high deck.

An all season paradise. Please visit, you will see! $1,695,000

NEW - THE GRANGE AREA - CREDITVIEW Immaculate, newly built, open concept living on 16 acres.

Highest quality detailing, open air family room, for quiet afternoons and party time evenings. Separate 2-bedroom guest house. Drive shed, double garage. $1,295,000

YEAR ROUND COUNTRY LIVING...

Swimming pool and tennis court ready for play.

Riding, skiing, hiking, minutes away. A house with matchless style. Seamless mix of old and new. Established easy to maintain private grounds. Easy to see any time. $1,150,000

GRAND CENTURY FARMHOUSE Large stately living rooms. Wonderful detail both inside and out.

Aged maple-lined driveway, inground pool, tennis court.

Beautiful bank barn, farmed rolling land.

Who could want more. Just 45 minutes to Toronto. $995,000

THE WHOLE FAMILY - IN THE MONO HILLS Two completely separate, different houses. Front house great casual, large log lodge overlooks swale down to huge natural pond. Century brick nestled in the trees at the back of 100 acres. Unique opportunity! $1,050,000

GREAT FAMILY COUNTRY LIVING...

Modern newly built with quality and appeal. Open concept living, kitchen, dining. Large master suite on main floor with walkout to deck. Animal barn. Garden house. Grow organic, bring the ponies. See any time. $897,000

IMMACULATE HOBBY FARM - ERIN Architect designed, high quality materials and aesthetic taste.

This comfortable family home overlooks sloped lawns, fenced paddocks, an immaculate horse barn, wide trails for riding, hiking, skiing. Must see! $826,000

COUNTRY STYLE - BOTH OLD & NEW Delightful setting. Contemporary style, cook’s kitchen overlooks dining room with walkout to private inground pool. Master on main. Century log addition. River, pond, large bank barn.

All season enjoyment. $699,000

A NATURALIST’S DREAM - MULMUR Both inside and out, energy efficient, high quality, contemporary style. Private panoramic views of conservation land surrounds you. Experience flora and fawna at your doorstep.

All this only 1 hour from Toronto Airport. $639,900

PLEASE CHECK OUR WEB SITE

www.BogertandBall.com For New Listings CONTEMPORARY LOG IN GRAND VALLEY Sky high windows, bright open spaces, immaculate from top to bottom. Views over pond with backdrop of trailed woods.

Very large separate workshop/separate dog kennel, double attached garage. 10 minutes to amenities. $890,000

S

64

D L O

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

LOCATION LOCATION - THE BEST OF CALEDON 12 acres. A private retreat with a backdrop of sugarbush forest on a quiet country road in the much sought after Grange Sideroad area. Rolling lawns, mature trees, pool, renovate or rebuild. Minutes to all amenities. $995,000

S

D L O

HAPPY SUMMER TO ALL!

Sales Representative

Susan Brown

Royal LePage Top 1% in Canada, 2009

519-925-1776 1-800-483-7740 Serving Mono, Mulmur, Caledon and Orangeville

View Full Details On All Our Listings At:

www.susanbrown.com

RCR REALTY Brokerage

SERENITY ON THE BANKS OF THE BOYNE RIVER On 25 very private acres with a 3,000 sq ft house on two levels, guest bunkie and separate workshop in the MULMUR HILLS $895,000

BEAUTIFUL TUDOR STYLE HOME On 20 very private acres. 3,600 sq ft stone/ brick manor, 3 fireplaces. Plus 1,400 sq ft finished basement includes workshop for the hobbyist. Pool, patio, open area at back, perfect for horses. MONO $899,000

OUTSTANDING STONE BUNGALOW On 19 acres. Over 5,000 sq ft with cathedral ceilings, spacious chef’s kitchen with granite, separate in-law suite, indoor pool, landscaped gardens, 3 patios, hot tub, mixed bush, views. MULMUR $749,900

SUPERB LOG HOME ON 50 ACRES WITH GORGEOUS POND Live & work in a country setting. Open concept 20 ft to peak. 5 bedrooms, 3 bath.

Large separate workshop.

NEAR SHELBURNE $699,000

HIGH ON A HILL WITH LONG VIEWS Beautiful 2 storey home, pride of ownership, upscale kitchen, finished basement with bar and games room, separate 24’ x 24’ workshop.

MONO $689,000

DELIGHTFUL BUNGALOW ON 5.7 WOODED ACRES Open concept, cathedral ceilings, large windows. Detached garage/workshop. Pool, private. Weekend or full time home.

MULMUR $519,900

EXCEPTIONAL COUNTRY PROPERTY On 2.2 acres. Fabulous swim pond, creek, separate studio. Open concept, high ceilings, 5 bedrooms, walkout basement. Under 1 hr to GTA. MONO $519,900

NATURALIST’S DELIGHT ON 2.7 ACRES Located on a hill on a dead end road. Chalet style, wrap-around deck, 4 bedrooms, open concept and cathedral ceiling tucked into the MULMUR HILLS $499,900

GORGEOUS CHALET BUNGALOFT ON AN ACRE LOT Custom built, 2 storey high ceiling, floor to ceiling fireplace. Spectacular views. Ski straight to the Mansfield ski hills.

MULMUR $499,900

LOADS OF CHARM ON 10 ACRES Century farmhouse, large family room, fireplace, French doors. Rolling terrain. Bank barn. Perfect hobby farm or weekend retreat.

MULMUR $479,000

EXECUTIVE STYLE HOME ON 1 ACRE LOT In a desirable neighbourhood. High ceilings, bay windows, chef’s kitchen, triple garage, patio, gardens, privacy.

NEAR MANSFIELD $449,900

RURAL COMMERCIAL ON 1.92 COUNTRY ACRES Open style bungalow, large kitchen, 4 bedrooms, fireplace, 2,300 sq ft on main level. Walkout rec room, outbuilding.

NEAR SHELBURNE $439,900

CENTURY HOME W/ ROOM FOR ALL On 5.56 picturesque acres with rolling hills and scenic views. Main floor addition with family room and gorgeous master suite. Drive shed and Quonset barn, paddocks, mature trees and perennial gardens. MULMUR $429,900

COUNTRY CLASSIC ON 9.7 ACRES Attractive 2 storey home with huge wrap-around porch, gazebo, open backyard, mature trees, perennial gardens, heated greenhouse. MULMUR $399,900

CHARMING BUNGALOW BACKING ONTO CONSERVATION On mature half acre lot. Open concept with high ceilings, huge windows, finished walkout basement, deck.

SHELBURNE $349,900

CHARMING AFFORDABLE COUNTRY HOME ON 2.5 ACRE LOT WITH POND Open concept with woodstove. 3 bedrooms, large basement. 2-car garage/workshop.

Private, treed, views.

MELANCTHON $279,900

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

65

905-584-2727 1-866-251-3232 15955 Airport Road, #104, Caledon East

MARIA BRITTO SALES REPRESENTATIVE

KYLE FERRIS SALES REPRESENTATIVE

LORIS ORTOLAN SALES REPRESENTATIVE

66

Independently Owned and Operated

Career Opportunities Available

www.ReMaxSpecialists.ca

For confidential interview, contact Heather Stimpson, Sales Rep/Manager hstimpson@trebnet.com

AFFLUENCE & LIFESTYLE...

CALEDON BUNGALOW Over 8,000 sq ft of living space. Ultimate address in affluent neighbourhood. 21.5 acre private manicured & wooded lot. 5-car garage, theatre rm, gym, vaulted ceilings, lavish baths. High quality construction and finishes from granite counters to Brazilian floors...only the very best here. $4,399,000 905-456-3232 www.mariabritto.com

CALEDON EAST EXECUTIVE This well appointed 4+ bedroom home has it all - even a detached heated 8-car garage with hoist! Exquisite master suite with private access to spa and balcony, and 7-piece ensuite. Surround sound, fireplaces, gourmet kitchen, spa and exercise room, indoor parking for 12+ vehicles and more. $1.2M 416-274-1592

CUSTOM BUNGALOW - 25 ACRES An ideal country lifestyle! 4,000 sq ft of living space just 2 mins from Schomberg.

Large foyer, gourmet kitchen w/ granite tops, spacious liv rm w/ vaulted ceiling, sunken fam rm w/ fp. Open concept rec/games rm w/o. Multiple w/o’s to tiered decks, heated inground pool/cabana & amazing views.

Great for horse or hobby farm. $880,000 647-232-8419 www.LorisOrtolan.com

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

BROKER

CALEDON EAST Outstanding ranch bungalow, very private 1.6 acres mins outside Caledon East. Enjoy the covered porch & perennial gardens.

Open concept on main flr w/ 2-sided fp between fam rm & kit. Fully fin lower level w/ sep entrance, large workshop & lots of storage. Det single car garage an added bonus to this fine property. Must be seen to appreciate. $729,900 416-274-1592

SUSAN HUNTLEY

WOODLAND PARADISE Play. Walk the trails. Boutique shops, galleries, restaurants. Parks, nature, sports.

Work. Toronto under an hour. Pearson International, 40 minutes. Family. Two wood-burning fireplaces. Open concept.

Spacious. Country. Private. Paradise. $969,900 905-584-2727 www.susanhuntley.ca

SIGRID DOHERTY

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

SALES REP/MANAGER

BRUCE LIVINGSTON

NOTTAWASAGA RIVER Located in Hockley Valley. Could be a year round home or weekend retreat.

You own both sides of the river. A home, a bunkie and small outbuilding.

MLS X234997.

Call Bruce Livingston for more info. $499,900 416-795-4454

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

VICTORIA PHILLIPS

HEATHER STIMPSON

CALEDON PRIME 50 ACRES Maple-lined driveway welcomes you to this 5-bedroom family home surrounded by gardens...there’s even a pool!

50 acres of rolling land, stream, bridge and wildlife galore! Finished lower level with wet bar, entertainment area and cozy woodstove. $879,000 519-940-5050 www.CountryHomesForSale.ca

ATTENTION INVESTORS AND EQUESTRIANS State-of-the-art 19-stall facility in King central to Int’l showgrounds, can produce $70K/yr.

Indoor arena, sand ring, lrg outdoor shelters, 11 paddocks. Automated thermostatically controlled indoor & outdoor watering system & stall mattresses. Well maintained bungalow w/ self-contained apt. $1,375,000 416-953-4724 www.CountrySpecialist.ca

PAUL & CHRISTEL SACHS SALES REPRESENTATIVES

PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP! Bright and cheery contemporary 5-bedroom, 5-bath log home, close to school. Perfect for large family, as well as entertaining friends and guests. Feel the warmth all year round. To view this gem, call Christel. $629,000 416-706-1298 www.caledonhomefinder.com

CUSTOM ELEGANCE Impressive brick bungalow tucked in behind treed and landscaped hills. Quality craftsmanship and attention to detail abound. Wrought iron front doors, spa master suite, solid oak baseboards and doors, gourmet kitchen with granite, and radiant heated floors. Great room with 14 ft ceiling.

Massive finished walkout basement. A dream home on over 7 acres! Caledon. $1,675,000

WONDERFUL MIX OF OLD AND NEW Original farmhouse completely updated and beautifully blended with a stunning, open concept, addition. Quality workmanship throughout. Gourmet kitchen with granite counters. Bamboo, marble and Travertine floors. Coffered ceilings, crown mouldings, 6-1/2 inch baseboards, the list goes on.

Fabulous master suite with Juliette balcony. Large bank barn, 14+ acres. A great opportunity!

Alton. $1,095,000

CONTEMPORARY ESTATE An unprecedented residence by highly acclaimed architect, Gren Weis. Extremely open concept living with high-end finishings, an impressive home for those who like to entertain! Walls of windows overlooking the surrounding forest, finished walkout lower level with wine room. This property must be seen to be appreciated. Over 63 acres with 2 road frontages close to Devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Paintbrush golf course in beautiful Caledon. $2,650,000

EXECUTIVE STONE BUNGALOW Beautiful! Open concept main floor, custom kit, granite, ss appliances. Hrdwd flrs, vaulted clgs, 7-pc luxury ensuite. Bright, fin walkout bsmt w/ 1 bdrm, summer kit & bathroom. Heated 3-car garage. 2+ acres w/ pond. Caledon. $895,000

SPACIOUS EXECUTIVE Handsome home on a pretty lot. Well cared for.

Large country kitchen w/ view of conservation land. Sep entrance to a multi-use fin basement.

Main flr den + family rm, hardwood flrs. Large master w/ 6-pc ensuite. Caledon. $609,900

VIEWS FOR MILES Estate home. Privacy on 14+ acres w/ views.

Contemporary, vaulted clgs, skylights, hrdwd flrs, many walkouts. Luxury ensuite bath, spiral stair to office. Fin bsmt, 3-car garage, i/g sprinkler system, and more! Caledon. $1,575,000

HIDDEN HAVEN ON 25 ACRES Private & quiet. 5-bedroom home on very pretty road. Large rooms, soaring ceilings, main floor office, multiple lofts, fin basement. 3-car garage, 1,675 sq ft shop. Sep 25' x 40' storage building.

Inground saline pool. Caledon. $1,395,000

HORSE OR HOBBY Unique! 2 charming homes, 4-stall barn & shop, 18 acs w/ Escarpment views. Updated main house w/ granite tops & hrdwd floors. 2nd home perfect for family, home occupation or studio.

Newer steel roofs on both. Caledon. $799,900

CENTURY TREASURE Picture perfect, beautiful, updated century home. Stunning great rm & conservatory. Fin loft and bsmt. Tasteful & well maintained. Turnkey w/ gorgeous grounds, pool & waterfall.

Almost 4 acres + workshop! Mono. $749,000

HOBBY FARM Rolling 47 acs w/ several acs of mixed forest + open farmland. The home is older, comfortable, but not large with a true country flavour. Large barn, drive shed & storage shed ideal for vehicle or farm equipment. Caledon. $695,000

ISLAND LAKE EXECUTIVE Large, brick, bungalow w/ great views of the lake from several vantage points. Main flr w/ vaulted ceilings, kit w/ granite tops. Mstr suite w/ 6-pc bath & deck access. Fin w/o bsmt w/ summer kit. 3-car garage. Orangeville. $769,000

BEAUTIFUL LOG HOME Handsome log home from Ottawa valley. Oak & pine floors, beamed ceilings, gorgeous stone fireplace in living room. Master w/ 5-piece ensuite. Beautifully treed 1+ acre private lot.

Oversized 2-car garage. Caledon. $674,800

SUPER SEMI Desirable Caledon East village. Exec semi shows pride of ownership. Professional dĂŠcor.

Lvg rm w/ gas fp, large master bdrm w/ 5-pc ensuite & walk-in closet. Upgrades: landscaping, fencing, 3-tier deck, sprinklers. $434,900

S

D L O

S

D L O

S

D L O

S

D L O

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

67

Roger Irwin, Broker

Barbara Rolph,

RCR Realty, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

Sales Representative

Oliver,

905-857-0651

Land Inspector

rirwin@trebnet.com www.irwinrolph.com

CALEDON EAST 25 ACRES, TWO BEAUTIFUL PONDS Gorgeous 10-year stone bungalow featuring vaulted great room, heated garages/workshop for 5 cars, wonderful pool, large patios, sunrooms, antique hemlock hardwood floors, Mexican clay tile, granite counters, superb master sunroom layout, greenhouse, mature trees with trails.

No need to cottage. $1,599,000

MONO PRIVATE 10 ACS W/ POND Fabulous new custom, open concept 3+3 bedroom, 4.5 bath bungalow w/ finished loft and walkout basement, 8,068 sq ft of living space! Hardwood, 9’ & 16’ ceilings throughout, 3 fireplaces, massive decking, 4+ car garage. $1,748,000

ORANGEVILE WEST - ACRE LOT Fabulous views from open concept stone/brick bungalow, 3+3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, with walkout basement games and rec rooms, kitchenette, playroom, 2 gas fireplaces. Sprinkler system. An entertainer’s dream home! $968,900

2.5 TREED ACRES ON CUL-DE-SAC Open concept 3,500 sq ft home with dramatic interior spaces, 3-car garage, finished basement, and very quiet street. Price includes partial ownership of further 54 acres and Lake Sylvid for you and your neighbours exclusive enjoyment. Very well built home with lifetime roof and maintenance free windows. $739,000

ORANGEVILLE ACRE + POOL Prestigious Starrview Cres on gorgeous private lot backs to conservation. Custom quality family home with 5 bedrooms, 2 family rooms, 3 fireplaces, oak hardwood trims/floors, new roof, spacious rooms, approx 3,400 sq ft. $823,900

CALEDON 5.95 ACRES, POND, STREAM Views overlooking ever-flowing stream and stocked pond + hot tub, workshop and dog run. Open concept bungalow with walkout basement, 3+1 bdrms, 3 baths, new windows, master 6-pc with steam sauna. $858,800

CALEDON EAST 1.5 ACRES Completely remodelled and renovated home in country with natural gas, high speed, town water and wonderful view over the back countryside. Heated garages for 5 cars, gorgeous great room with all high-end appliances, finished basement, heated pool, back-up electrical system. It’s a new house again with outstanding outside entertaining. $899,000

EAST GARAFRAXA - 10 ACRES + POND Immaculate sidesplit! Many reno’s: new windows, doors, hemlock flrs, new kit, stainless commercial stove, centre island. Master 5-pc ens. 2nd kit & sunroom, 3-car garage, storage barn. 8 minutes to O’ville. $598,900

CALEDON COUNTRY SUBDIVISION Gated entry, approx 3,800 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, main floor office, hardwood throughout, granite counters, stainless appliances in kitchen, master 6-pc ensuite, finished basement, new propane furnace.

Many upgrades. $798,900

CALEDON ACRE + STREAM Ever-flowing stream with lush gardens and woods. A unique mix of old and new in 3 storey, 5 bedroom, board & batten with geothermal heating, metal roof, pine galley kitchen, hardwood and newer windows. $698,900

CALEDON - 15.9 ACRES CREDIT RIVER This versatile, scenic building lot with mixed forest & open fields is in the quaint hamlet of Melville, 45 minutes to GTA. Over 900 ft frontage on Credit River and backs onto golf course. 2.2 acre building envelope. $488,900

CALEDON 17 ACRES BACKING ONTO CONSERVATION Impressive 1,600 sq ft bungalow on side of escarpment. Springs, trees, views and wildflowers. Well maintained. 3 fireplaces, 3-car garages, geothermal heating. $649,000

S

68

D L O

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

PALGRAVE VACANT LAND 15 ACRES WITH THIS VIEW A rare opportunity. Mature treed property with clearing overlooking part of new golf course. On paved road with access road into property. Natural gas can be available. $549,000

MOFFAT DUNLAP REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE

905-841-7430 www.moffatdunlap.com Moffat Dunlap*, John Dunlap**, Peter Boyd, Murray Snider, George Webster, Peter Bowers*** *Chairman, **Broker of Record, ***Sales Representative

GRAND CALEDON ESTATE A superb country estate of unmatched scenery with outstanding buildings. 10-bedroom main house + 3 other houses. Tennis, pool, sporting clays, crystal clear trout pond, streams, orchards, stunning views. $19,000,000

MORE LISTINGS • Barn conversion project, Hockley. $389,000 • Stunning views, 100 acres. Inquire • New construction by top designer. Inquire

HIDDEN VALLEY, MONO A 143-acre country retreat. Substantial main house, farmhouse, guest house, staff house & large workshop w/ 2nd flr studio. 3 huge ponds, groomed trails, exceptional swimming pool surrounded by a moat & waterfall. $3,950,000

MODERN COUNTRY, CALEDON Distant views, rolling hills, Credit River and total privacy surround this Siamak Hariri designed home. Pool, tennis, stable, riding ring, Bruce trail. 73 acres.

Asking $4.5 million

S

D L O

GRANDE FARMS, MONO 100-acre horse farm owned in 2 separate lots.

Fully renovated main house with luxury kitchen and master suite. 24-stall barn, massive indoor arena, staff house. Immaculate paddocks and miles of trails. New Price!

EAST FARM, CALEDON Distant views over countryside. 89 rolling acres. Huge paddocks. Maple sugar bush.

Original bank barn and workshop. Attractive 2-bedroom home. Multiple building sites.

INSIDE STORAGE, CALEDON Prime location. 10 minutes to Caledon Equestrian Park. Miles of trails. Solid farmhouse + separate office + workshop + 11,000 sq ft of warehouse space. $1,449,000

CONTEMPORARY ON 96 ACRES Architect designed home. Built in 2008.

Ultimate in high tech energy conservation. Ipe wood exterior, radiant heating, Douglas fir, exposed steel, geothermal heat. Contemporary chic. Just west of the Grange. $3,950,000

GEORGIAN MANOR, CALEDON 3 finished levels with 5 bedrooms. Newly renovated kitchen. Huge dining room with fireplace. Elegant master suite. Distant views.

Stream. Tennis. Pool. 27 acres. $1,995,000

SKYLINE VIEWS, CALEDON Stunning 88-acre parcel. Convenient to Caledon East. Perfect site for country estate.

Rolling valleys, woods, open fields and paddocks.

RON THOM HOME, CALEDON Architectural gem by Ron Thom. Perfect room proportions. Superb views, pool, cabana + 1,000 ft of Credit River frontage.

Very private. $2,800,000

TRALEE, CALEDON Special event venue. 2 houses plus multiple staff apartments. 3 outdoor rings. 29 stalls plus indoor arena. 2 carriage display buildings.

Amphitheatre seating around ring. Pond. $3.3 million

KINGSBORO FARM, NR PALGRAVE Picturesque farm with updated century farmhouse + new coach house. Fully renovated equestrian complex with 19 stalls, huge indoor arena, new paddocks + sand ring. 70 acres. $1,900,000

YELLOW BRIAR, MONO Equestrian property set on 48 rolling acres, with renovated 4-bedroom farmhouse.

Indoor arena, 9 stalls, 8 paddocks, 3-car detached garage. $1,650,000

POND VIEW, HOCKLEY 3-bedroom, 3-bath home on almost 15 acres.

Ponds plus woods ensure total privacy. Lovely fireplace in the living room + walkout to huge deck. Almost new home. $549,900

VIEWS FOREVER, MULMUR Views for 30+ kms across the Mulmur Hills from this 4-bedroom brick home. Tree-lined lane gently passes past paddocks and a 3-stall horse barn. 46 acres. $875,000

S

S

D L O

D L O

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

69

Top 5% in Canada

jacquelineguagliardi.com

for Royal LePage 2008-11

519-833-0569 • 800-268-2455

Kathy Ellis

Sales Representative

Making a move?

I offer peace of mind!

A local and trusted professional with proven results for 20 years

RCR Realty, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

BROKER

905-874-3040 / 519-833-9714 kellis@xplornet.com www.kathyellis.ca

STONE HOME ON 90 ACRES Restored beautifully. Incredible solarium, kitchen, principal rooms, bedrooms with ensuites, 3,300+/- sq ft. Delightful coach house with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, massive stone fireplace, drive shed with office, pond, barn close to Terra Cotta. $2,500,000

MAGIC IN MONO ON 6 ACRES Lovely home with main floor master bedroom plus kitchen addition and walkout basement all overlooking incredible property with pond and stunning long views.

Beautiful gardens, close to Bruce Trail.

If you want a view this is it! $619,000

RARE 200 ACRE CORNER FARM Set up for broiler chicken production with 20,200 sq ft registered space in 3 barns.

155 workable acres; 140 tile drained. 2007 drive shed & 1,700 sq ft R2000 bungalow built in 1990. $2,250,000

MILLION DOLLAR VIEW IN ERIN 1 year new luxury bungalow on 2 acres.

Your nanny can enjoy the 700 sq ft suite while you entertain in the remaining lower level space. 9’ ceilings on both levels.

Extra deep triple garage. $900,000

PARK-LIKE SETTING IN ERIN Pretty Cape Cod open concept country home with 3 bedrooms, granite counters, hardwood floors and lower level teen suite on half acre surrounded by mature trees. Park 6 cars in the detached shop! $519,000

SENIORS REST HOME IN ERIN A turn-key opportunity exists to assume an established business with 30-year reputation for excellent care in this well-maintained Century home located on a premium property overlooking pond. $450,000

ORANGEVILLE HORSE FARM Immaculate 89-acre farm, beautiful bungalow, open floor plan, stunning views, superb barn, plentiful stalls, large arena, 25 acres for hay + 15 paddocks, incredible farm for business or private use. $1,950,000

INCREDIBLE HOME NEAR TERRA COTTA Architecturally designed, on 10 acres. Superb quality, lovely thick window wells, french doors etc. Reminiscent of a fine English country home. Principal rooms have access to wraparound veranda. Views of TO. $1,350,000

PAUL RICHARDSON Sales Representative

www.RichardsonTownandCountry.ca Richardson.paul.w@gmail.com 905-874-3040 | 519-833-9714 | 888-877-5165

BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED HOME Spacious home with lovely cherry kitchen, granite counters, four plus bedrooms, 3 updated bathrooms, family room, finished walkout basement, very private. Located on a favored street in Erin. $738,000

STUNNING NEW BUNGALOFT Finished top to bottom with quality and upgrades throughout. Main floor master bedroom with ensuite, superb great room with vaulted ceilings, open concept floor plan. Lovely area of Orangeville. $589,900

STONE HOME ON 39 ACRES, TWO RESIDENCES, LAKE Outstanding restored stone home on 39 acres backing onto beautiful lake.

Beautiful living space for discriminating taste. Pool, great grounds.

Separate manager’s residence included. $2,100,000

VACANT LAND SUPERB 54 ACRES IN SOUTH CALEDON Ponds, trails, reforested areas, privacy.

Workshop + well. Lovely natural habitat. Located between Terra Cotta and Belfountain. $525,000

HIDDEN GEM IN ERIN Great family home on dead-end street with private back yard. Updated kitchen with centre island and large eat-in area, open concept to the family room. Bright finished lower level with garage access. $416,000

70

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY, 2+ ACRES IN VILLAGE OF ALTON Town water available, could possibly be divided into 9 lots when Waste Water Management completed. $379,000

100 ACRE WORKING FARM, PONDS, WATERFALL Storybook farm with gracious Georgian home. Ponds, pool, waterfall, bank barn, storage buildings. Continue as a working farm or create your own equestrian haven.

Near Beaver Valley skiing. $810,000

See Virtual Tours @marcronan.com www.prudentialronanrealty.com © 2011. An independently owned and operated broker member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company.

Prudential and Prudential are service marks of The Prudential Insurance Company of America and are used herein under license.

Ronan Realty Brokerage

Not intended to solicit clients under contract or contravene the privacy act.

Alliston Barrie Nobleton Orangeville Tottenham Wasaga Beach

1-877-435-4336 705-725-8255 905-859-4477 1-888-943-0860 1-888-936-4216 705-422-2350

A Proud Sponsor of

Dedicated to children with cancer

ENJOY FABULOUS SUNSETS For the discriminating buyer! 4.10 acre Better Homes & Gardens country property. Adjala exec custom-built bungalow, gorgeous grdns & mature trees, i/g pool, patios & workshop. $850,000 Marc Ronan*** 1-888-936-4216

HORSE FARM! SCHOMBERG 11+ acre horse farm nr Schomberg! Bank barn with 12 stalls, arena 70’ X 180’, sep building for meeting/conference room. Beautifully landscaped, spring-fed pond, paddocks. $799,900 Marc Ronan*** 1-888-936-4216

POND! TREES! SCHOMBERG Country estate nr Schomberg on 41 acs! Fully fin 2-storey home w/ spring-fed pond, extensive landscaping, reforestation & tennis court. Great setup for extended family w/ walkout lower level. $1,599,900 Marc Ronan*** 1-888-936-4216

VIEWS! KING TOWNSHIP ESTATE! 25 acres in King w/ 1,100’ road frontage!

Custom-built home & 3,000 sq ft workshop with fabulous views over countryside. Over 5,000 sq ft of finished area, multiple walkouts. $1,249,900 Marc Ronan*** 1-888-936-4216

HORSES! VIEWS! GOLF! 10-acre horse farm backing onto club at Bond Head Golf Course. Clear views, 4-stall horse barn, paddocks & reno’d bungalow, det 2-car garage, interlocking walkway, paved drive. $629,900 Marc Ronan*** 1-888-936-4216

CUSTOM ESTATE MONO Set in the hills of the escarpment, amazing views from every window, custom trim, cabinetry, hardwood, ceramics, cathedral ceilings, massive principle rooms, multiple walkouts. $724,900 Sarah Lunn*/Marc Ronan*** 1-877-435-4336

VIEWS! VIEWS! ADJALA 48-acre farm with century farmhome with addition, manicured lawns, bank barns, workshop, workable land, pasture & drive shed in Adjala. $995,000 Marc Ronan*** 1-888-936-4216

SPRAWLING 5 LEVEL BACKSPLIT 25 acres in the rolling hills of Adjala & area of fine homes/farms. All brick home w/ oversized 3-car garage, reforestation & large spring-fed pond. Lower level w/ kit & rec room. $799,900 Sarah Lunn*/Marc Ronan*** 1-877-435-4336

BIG TREE CIRCLE, MULMUR Dramatic home nestled on 1-acre forest setting. Quality throughout from gleaming maple floors, granite and maple kitchen, spectacular wall of south facing windows. Bright lower level with 2 bdrms, games/family room with walkout to enclosed hot tub. Close to Mansfield Ski Club, Boyne River and Mansfield Outdoor Centre. Master has 4-piece ensuite and Juliette balcony. Double garage with finished loft for added play or storage space. $524,900

EXCITING COUNTRY CONTEMPORARY 3.4 acres with long south views over the Mulmur/Creemore hills. 3 level, easy care home with open concept south facing great room. Walkout out to deck from dining area for alfresco BBQs. Featuring birch floors and staircase. Perennial gardens, raised beds and a potting shed is a bonus for the green thumb. Close to Mad River Golf, Devil's Glen and many gastronomic and cultural opportunities in the Village of Creemore. $537,000

Ginny MacEachern BA B R O K E R

WOODLAND RETREAT, CREEMORE Rustic luxury! Spectacular 4,000 sq ft log home on 2.2 private acres. 5 minute walk to the Village.

Open concept living room/dining room/family room with walkout to 300 ft deck. Exciting features include unique steel and plank staircase, fieldstone fireplace and 45 ft long Douglas fir beams.

Upper level guest bedrooms, library/playroom. Main floor master bedroom, 5-piece ensuite and adjoining den. Sophistication and serenity inside & out. $1,070,000

MAD RIVER, CREEMORE Swim and fish from your own backyard on 2.54 acres. Steps to Creemore's Mill Street, 2-storey brick with a large rec room for family fun. Create your own riverfront masterpiece. $489,000

CAROLINE STREET, CREEMORE Great op for home biz or in-law possibility. Sep entrance to bright spacious lower lvl office. Brick sidesplit on .85 acre has a lovely i/g pool in a neighbourhood of large lots. O/c lr/dr/kit w/ w/o to deck. 1-1/4 hr to Tor Int'l airport. $425,000

1-800-360-5821 gmmulmur@bconnex.net www.ginnymaceachern.com

RCR Realty, Brokerage Independently Owned & Operated

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

71

the

I L L U S T R AT I O N S J I M S T E WA R T

Colourful Constable and his Remarkable Hotel

help preserve the remarkable

1863 STANTON HOTEL for more information

www.facebook.com /savethestantonhotel

What’s on in the Hills A

C A L E N D A R

O F

S U M M E R

H A P P E N I N G S

For more about the events listed here, as well as up-to-the-minute listings, see What’s On at www.inthehills.ca. Our new and improved online calendar of events offers the most comprehensive listing of local events in the Headwaters region, and makes planning your activities easier than ever.

arts+crafts

NOW – JUL 1 : SOLSTICE Open call

members’ art exhibition. Wed-Sun 11am5pm. Alton Mill, 1402 Queen St, Alton.

Headwaters Arts’ Dam Gallery, 519-9431149; info@headwatersarts.ca NOW – JUL 1, 7 – 29 : SUR-RURAL: NOSTALGIC NOTATIONS OF OUR EVOLVING LANDSCAPES Paulette Dennis, Loralie

Clemenson, Peter Dillman and other artists. Jul 7: reception, 2-5pm. 11am-5pm.

Mad & Noisy Gallery, 154 Mill St, Creemore.

705-466-5555; madandnoisy.com NOW – JUL 1, 7 – 29, AUG 4 – 27 : INDUSTRIMENTAL: INVESTIGATIONS OF INDUSTRY’S IMPACT AND INNOVATION

MK Lynde, Peter Adams, Kevin McLean and other artists. Aug 4: reception, 2-5pm.

11am-5pm. Mad & Noisy Gallery, 154 Mill St, Creemore. 705-466-5555; madandnoisy.com

JUN 23 & 24 : DOWN THE GARDEN PATH

NOW – DEC 16 : WEDDING MEMORIES – WJ HUGHES CORN FLOWER More

than 600 pieces from the ’20s on, bridal dresses, photos. Museum hours and admission. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-9417778, dufferinmuseum.com NOW – DEC : BEAUTY IN THE BEAST

FINE ART GALLERY NOW OPEN AT THE ALTON MILL WWW.ALTONMILL.CA

WWW.STEVEWILKIE.CA 416 805 8596 72

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

styles. Jun 17: reception, 1-4pm. Alton Mill, 1402 Queen St, Alton. Bartlett Gallery, 519-940-0199; thebartlettgallery.com

JUN 23 & 24, AUG 11 & 12, SEP 22 & 23 : OPEN STUDIO WEEKENDS – MARA MINUZZO AND PATRICK LAJOIE

Contemporary photography, woodworking, paintings, prints. 11am-5pm. Minuzzo/ Lajoie Studio, 9696 Hunsden Sdrd, Caledon. 905-880-0707; liscious.com JUN 24 – AUG 26 : OTHER NATIONS, A LIFE SPENT IN THE COMPANY OF ANIMALS Linda McLaren’s acrylic on

Animal art and objects from museum and private collections. Weekend animalrelated talks and events throughout summer. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-9417778, dufferinmuseum.com

canvas, watercolour, pen, ink. Jun 24: reception, 2pm. Jul 8: Linda’s special presentation, 2pm. Museum admission.

Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com

JUN 23 : QUILTS IN THE GARDEN TOUR

JUN 25 : MUSEUM ARTIFACT CONSERVATION Care for books, textiles,

Tickets at Masonville Corner Store, Melancthon Municipal Office. Lunch available. 9am-4:30pm. $20; $25/door.

Horning’s Mills Community Hall, 14 Mill St. 519-925-6293; horningsmills.yolasite.com JUN 23 : BOND HEAD 175 FESTIVAL

NOW – JUL 15 : SERENDIPITY GROUP EXHIBITION Several artists, eclectic

Shelton’s mandala artwork and energy clearing sessions. Alton Mill, 1402 Queen St, Alton. Gallery Gemma Jewellery, 519938-8383; gallerygemma.com Lucille Weber exhibits her art in a lush perennial garden. 10am-4pm. 17 Lorne St, Inglewood. 905-838-0922; lucilleweber.com

NOW – JUL 1 : UN-EARTHED: DYNAMIC RENDERINGS OF NATURE’S GIFTS

Sue Miller, Douglas Brown, Rosemary Molesworth and other artists. Jun 2: reception, 2-5pm. 11am-5pm. Mad & Noisy Gallery, 154 Mill St, Creemore. 705-4665555; madandnoisy.com

JUN 23 & 24 : HEALING GEMSTONES, JEWELLERY & SACRED GEOMETRY – SOUL-STIRRING WORKS Also C.J.

Spinning and weaving by the Nottawasaga Handweavers & Spinners Guild, displays and events. 11am-4pm. Hwys 27 & 88, Village of Bond Head. 905-729-3002; bondhead175.ca

glass, ceramics, silver, iron, paper and photos. 9am-3pm. $45. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com JUNE 30 : ARTISTS AGAINST THE MEGA QUARRY PAINT-IN Capture the “beauty of

the hills at risk” en plein air, focus on water.

Show in Sept. 10am-3pm. Wallyngton, 132 Main St, Horning’s Mills. 519-925-1939; artistsagainstthemegaquarry.com

JUL 7 & 8 : ANIMALIA – ART SHOW AND SALE Paintings, cards, Plak-Its, alpaca

products. Meet the alpacas! 10am-4pm.

Kai-Liis Art Studio and Heed Farm Alpacas, 836100 4th Line EHS, Mansfield.

519-925-0421; kai-liis.com JUL 18 – AUG 19 : ...FROM SOMEWHERE PURE Joshua Smith and Marcelo Suaznabar

use surreal and sarcastic approaches to convey our complex world. Jul 21: reception, 1-4pm. Alton Mill, 1402 Queen St, Alton.

519-940-0199; thebartlettgallery.com JUL 20 – 22 : CUISINE ART The best of

Headwaters’ artistic/culinary talent.

Demos, sampling, cook-offs. Jul 20: reception, 5:30pm. 10am-5pm. Purchase tickets for food/drink. Sat & Sun evg: Macbeth, by Humber River Shakespeare Co. Alton Mill, 1402 Queen St, Alton. 519941-9300; altonmill.ca AUG 14 & 21 : THE ARTISTIC HERITAGE OF DUFFERIN COUNTY Historical &

cultural context of artwork. 9am-3pm. $45, register. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-9417787; dufferinmuseum.com

Broadway. Orangeville BIA, 519-942-0087; marketonbroadway.ca CREEMORE FARMERS’ MARKET : Saturdays, 8:30am-noon. Station on the Green parking lot. 705-794-8943; creemorefarmersmarket.ca CALEDON FARMERS’ MARKET : Saturdays,

8am-1pm. Albion Bolton Community Centre, 150 Queen St S, Bolton. 905-5842272 x42; caledon.ca/farmersmarket HOCKLEY VALLEY GARDEN STAND : Sundays, 11am-3pm. Hockley Valley Resort, 3rd Line Mono and Hockley Rd. 519-924-0754; hockley.com INGLEWOOD FARMERS’ MARKET : Wednesdays, 3:30-7pm. Inglewood General Store, 15596 McLaughlin Rd. 905-584-6221; eatlocalcaledon.org AMARANTH FARMERS’ MARKET : Wednesdays, 4:30-8:30pm. Township Municipal Building, 6th Line Amaranth & 10 Sdrd, across from Laurelwoods School.

519-941-1007; amaranth.ca ERIN FARMERS’ MARKET : Fridays, 3-7pm.

Erin Fairgrounds, 190 Main St. Erin Agricultural Society, 519-833-2808; erinfair.ca

AUG 25 : MERV RICHARDSON Improve your watercolours. Bring lunch. 10am4pm. $70. Victoria Parks Community Centre, Mono Mills. Orangeville Art Group, 519-307-0210; orangevilleartgroup.ca

JUN 20 : SHRINE CIRCUS Two indoor shows with talented performers and animals. 4 & 7:30pm. $20. Orangeville Fairgrounds, 5 Sdrd Mono, off Hockley Rd. 1-800-6689111; customerservice@xentel.com

SEP 8 : DOUG PURDON Oil/acrylic

JUN 21 : BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS GOLF TOURNAMENT 18 holes, pizza

painting methods. Bring lunch. 10am-4pm. $70. Victoria Parks Community Centre, Mono Mills. Orangeville Art Group, 519307-0210; orangevilleartgroup.ca SEP 15 & 16, 22 & 23 : HILLS OF ERIN STUDIO TOUR Over 20 artists,

lunch, steak dinner, prizes. 11am-7:30pm. $150. Shelburne Golf & Country Club, 516423 Dufferin Cty Rd 124. 519-941-6431; bigbrothersbigsisters.ca JUN 23 : HOCKLEY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL 10am bicycle parade, live music,

fibre, textile, glass, wood, jewellery, paintings, photography. 10am5pm. Erin and Hillsburgh locations. hillsoferinstudiotour.com

games, food, local artisans and vendors.

8am-4pm. Hockley Village. 905-729-2887, sandra.patterson2681@gmail.com

SEP 15 – 23 : MELVILLE WHITE CHURCH 175TH ANNIVERSARY ART SHOW Sixty

JUN 23 : STRAWBERRY PANCAKE BREAKFAST Sausages, strawberries.

works by local artists portray the church’s history. Portion of proceeds to benefit the church. 15962 Mississauga Rd, S of Belfountain. Belfountain Heritage Society. belfountainheritage.com SEP 20 – OCT 8 : HEADWATERS ARTS FESTIVAL Celebration of visual and

performing arts throughout the hills.

Sep 20: Opening Gala for Headwaters Art Show, call to reserve, 6:30pm, SGI Centre, 20490 Porterfield Rd, Caledon. 519-943-1149. Full program at headwatersartsfestival.com SEP 22 & 23, 29 & 30 : CALEDON HILLS STUDIO TOUR Twelve artists, jewellery,

textiles, knit & woven garments, pottery, wood vessels, sculpture, photography, paintings. 10am-5pm. Various locations.

519-927-5894; caledonhillsstudiotour.com

8-11am. $6; 10 and under, $4. Seniors’ Community Centre, Hockley Village.

Hockley United Church, 905-729-2887; sandra.patterson2681@gmail.com JUN 23 : GRAND OPENING SHELDON CREEK DAIRY A real family dairy farm.

Food, music and tours. 10am-4pm. 4316 5th Conc Adjala. The den Haans, 705-4355454; sheldoncreekdairy.ca JUNE 26 : COMMUNITY FAMILY BBQ

Music, face painting, pony rides, brain injury prevention/safety information, free OPP car seat clinic. 5-8pm. $2 hamburger/ hotdog plus). Headwaters Acquired Brain Injury Group (HABI), 705-627-3857 x705; norman.phillips@sympatico.ca continued on next page

community NOW – OCT : FARMERS’ MARKETS

Everything from meat and produce to baked goods, preserves and crafts. Check websites for details of special events.

MARKET ON BROADWAY : Saturdays, 8am-1pm. Downtown Orangeville, 87

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

73

A

C A L E N D A R

O F

S U M M E R

H A P P E N I N G S

continued from page 73

ATING 50 YEARS ERSKINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S IS CELEBR EVILLE! E NG N BUSINESS IN ORA IN liers, r clients, supp Thank you to all of ou suppor ting a local family and friends for s. And a special business all these year er ful staff. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thank you to our wond such a great grateful to be a part of Terri Erskine community! Mark and

JUNE 27 : STRAWBERRY SUPPER Fresh strawberries, BBQ chicken, great salads.

Sittings at 5, 6 & 7:15pm, or take-out.

Quarter chicken dinner $12, half $15.

Age 5-11, $7; under 5, free. St. Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Presbyterian Church, Hillsburgh. Tickets at Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cookinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Erin; Ted Forrest, 519-855-6597.

JUN 29 : TRUCK & TRACTOR PULL COTPA

& Empire State-Sanctioned Pull, several categories. 6-11pm. $15; under 12, $5.

Albion Bolton Fairgrounds, 150 Queen St S, Bolton. Albion & Bolton Agricultural Society, 905-880-0369; boltonfair.ca

15 Robb Boulevard, Orangeville 519-941-3440 | service@erskinservicecentre.com

JUL 1 : STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Pancakes, strawberries, music, vintage cars, crafts, beer garden, silent auction. Proceeds to Caledon Agricultural Society. 10am.

Caledon Fairgrounds, Caledon Village.

905-838-5183; caledonfairgrounds.ca JUL 1 : CANADA DAY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Live entertainment, antique

cars/tractors, farm animals, U-pick & ready-picked strawberries. 10am-5pm.

Downeyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm Market, 13682 Heart Lake Rd, Caledon. 905-838-2990; downeysfarm.com JUL 1 : ORANGEVILLE CANADA DAY CELEBRATIONS Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; crafts, rock climbing

We supply all your needs for both indoor and outdoor projects â&#x20AC;˘ large selection of landscape products â&#x20AC;˘ cedar and pressure treated lumber â&#x20AC;˘ composite decking

Orangeville Building Supply

205164 Hwy 9 519-942-3900 | 1-800-647-9442 www.orangevillebuildingsupply.ca

TM

IRU 6RQLF %D JU SRZ WK G )5(( WUDY HU HO %DJ

Order today at 519-942-9315 or 1-800-250-5111

30 day Money Back Guarantee If You Are Not Fully Satisfied! distributed by Dent-Line of Canada Inc, Loretto, Ontario

74

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

JUL 14 : TRAIL RIDE FOR BREAST CANCER Goal is to raise over $5,000.

Looking for riders, sponsors and volunteers. $50/rider. Airport Rd, Dufferin Forest, MansďŹ eld. 416-407-6695; trailrideforbreastcancer.weebly.com JUL 14 : BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS BASEBALL TOURNAMENT Mixed

JUL 14 : MILLERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S DAIRY GRAND OPENING â&#x20AC;&#x201C; CREEMORE DAIRY DAY

hole scramble, menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, mixed, hole in one. 9:30am register, tee-off 11am. 6pm dinner, silent auction. 8:30am-8pm. $155.

Dinner only, $55. Shelburne Golf Club, 516423 Dufferin Cty Rd 124.519-217-2293; ndact.com

â&#x20AC;&#x2122;50s and â&#x20AC;&#x2122;60s music, food, festivities, tours. 10am. Jalon Farms, 7280 Cty Rd 9, Clearview (just E of Creemore). 705-4662509; millersdairy.com JUL 14 : AVENING BEEF BBQ Roast beef,

entertainment, juggling, aerial acrobatics, artists, photo booth. Fri: 5-10pm. Sat: 10am-7pm. Downtown Orangeville.

Orangeville BIA, 519-942-0087; downtownorangeville.ca derby, duck and tube races, contests, dinner/dance, silent auction. 9ammidnight. Creditview Rd N of King St. Cheltenham Area Residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association, 905-838-3790; cheltday@gmail.com improve the environment, your water and well-being, with Duane Chappell. 2-4pm.

Free, register. Hockley Valley Naturopathic and Chiropractic Clinic, 519-941-7553; drpragnell.com JUL 7 & AUG 4 : BOLTON KIN TOONIE GARAGE SALE Proceeds to Kinsmen

â&#x20AC;&#x153;You havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tried everything until youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve tried SonicBriteâ&#x201E;˘. No matter how old those stains are, SonicBriteâ&#x201E;˘ will give you back your beautiful smile. We guarantee it!â&#x20AC;?

Informal peer support group for those at risk for hereditary breast or ovarian cancer. 7-9pm. Caledon Seniorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Centre, 7 Rotarian Way, Bolton. 905-857-1045; brcasupport@live.ca

JUL 5 : NDACT GOLF TOURNAMENT 18-

JUL 7 : GRANDER WATER SYSTEM How to

9DOXH 3DFN

JUL 11 : BRCA CHAT AND SUPPORT

three-pitch, prizes, BBQ, beer garden.

9am-8pm. $260/team. Proceeds to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Rotary Park, 50 2nd Ave, Orangeville. 519-941-6431; bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

JUL 7 : CHELTENHAM DAY Soap box

just west of Orangeville

someone from Dufferinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past who represents the Canadian identity. 9am3pm. $25, register. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com

wall, play zone, entertainment, bouncy castles, food. Fireworks 10pm sharp. 610:30pm. Orangeville Agricultural Centre, 5 Sdrd Mono, off Hockley Rd. Rotary Club of Orangeville Highlands, rcoh.ca

JUL 6 & 7 : ORANGEVILLEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FOUNDERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; FAIR & SIDEWALK SALE Live

â&#x20AC;˘ precast and natural stone

JUL 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12 : DUFFERIN COUNTY AND THE CANADIAN IDENTITY Research

projects. 10am-2pm. Bolton Kinsmen Centre, 35 Chapel St, Bolton. 416-523-7216; boltonkin.com JUL 8 : STRAWBERRY SALSA CANNING BEE Preserve locally inspired salsa to

take home. Noon-5pm. $25, register. Peel Junior Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Building, 12942 Heart Lake Rd, Caledon. Eat Local Caledon/TRCA, 416-661-6600 x5646; JRoest@TRCA.on.ca

new potatoes baked beans, coleslaw, home-baked pies. 5-7:30pm. Avening Community Centre, 3401 Airport Rd. Carol Rowbotham, 705-466-3024.

JUL 14 & AUG 12 : WHOLE VILLAGE ORIENTATION Tour the eco-village, farm

and intentional community. 1-4pm. 20725 Shawâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creek Rd, Caledon. 519-941-1099; wholevillage.org JUL 20 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 22 : ORANGEVILLE ROTARY RIBFEST Ribbers, beer tent, entertainment,

midway, classic car show (Sat). Fri: 4-10pm.

Sat: 11am-10pm. Sun: 11am-7pm. Free, donations. Proceeds to Fendley Park splash pad. Alder St Recreation Centre, Orangeville. orangevilleribfest.com JUL 22 : 4 -H & JUNIOR FARMERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; DAY IN DUFFERIN Speaker, 4-H and

Junior Farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; items. 2-3pm. $10.

Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com JUL 25, AUG 22 & SEP 12 : CALEDON BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION SUPPORT GROUP Meet trained

volunteers and survivors in a safe, conďŹ dential environment. 7-9pm.

Caledon Seniorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Centre, 7 Rotarian Way, Bolton. 905-857-4068; caledonbcf.org

JUL 28 : HONEYWOOD BEEF BBQ

Fire-roasted beef, homemade desserts.

Proceeds to North Dufferin Community Centre. $15; ages 6-12, $5; 5 & under, free.

Honeywood Arena, 706114 Cty Rd 21. mulmurtownship.ca JUL 28 : STOMP THE MEGA QUARRY

AUG 10 – 12 : FERGUS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL Pipe band, highland dance,

various competitions, Celtic music, tattoo, heritage tent, McKiddies Centre, artisans. 8am-6pm. Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex, Fergus. 519787-0099; fergusscottishfestival.com

Challenging and scenic course for walkers, runners, cyclists of all levels. 8am. Entry fees from $25. Honeywood Arena, 706114 Cty Rd 21. North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce. ndact.com

AUG 11 : DECEPTIVE DUCKS Duck decoys

JUL 28 : MARTIMAS AND ROMEO: TWO UNKNOWN CANADIAN HORSE STORIES

AUG 11 – 12 : BIRDS AND BEES Speakers,

Curator Wayne Townsend tells stories based on two paintings from Beauty in the Beast exhibit. 1:30-2:30pm. $10. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com JUL 28 : DUFFERIN ANIMAL HEROES

and talk by carver Paul Brisco. 2-3pm. $10.

Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com demos on bird watching and beekeeping, bird carvings by Reg Loukes. Museum admission. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-9417787; dufferinmuseum.com AUG 12 : VINTAGE CAR SHOW & SHINE Several classic car clubs in one

Archivist Steve Brown speaks on local animal heroes and people who put Dufferin on the map. 3-4pm. $10. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com

place. Noon-4pm. Museum admission (free if your car has an animal name).

Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com

JUL 29 : CITY DAIRY Paul Huntley speaks

AUG 14 – SEP 2 : SUMMERFEAST The

on Ontario dairies using local dairy artifacts and his book, City Dairy of Toronto. Bring your stories. 2-3pm. $10. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com AUG 6 : DESJARDINS LE TOUR DE TERRA COTTA – Ontario’s Largest: Non O-Cup

region’s finest restaurants offer special, prix fixe menus. Throughout Headwaters.

The Hills of Headwaters Tourism Association, 519-942-0314; summerfeast.ca AUG 15 : TERRA COTTA COMMUNITY CENTRE GOLF TOURNAMENT Green fee,

road race, youth road race, six events, cash purse. BBQ, Kidz Zone, vendors, licensed patio, all-day shuttle. 7am-4pm. $25-$75,register. The Forge Park, Terra Cotta.

416-618-6436; letourdeterracotta.com

power cart, lunch, prizes, dinner at the Terra Cotta Inn. Shotgun start 1pm. $165; foursome $620; dinner only, $45. Proceeds to Terra Cotta Community Hall restoration.

Caledon Country Club, 2121 Olde Baseline Rd. 905-702-0480; terra-cotta.ca

AUG 8 : GARDEN FOODS’ GOLF TOURNAMENT 27 holes, cart, champagne

AUG 18 : SPIRIT OF THE HILLS DAY 2012 Classic cars, games, bouncy castle,

breakfast, gourmet lunch. Draws and auction. 7am. $280; foursome $1000; lunch only, $125; hole sponsorship $400.

Glen Eagle Golf Club, Hwy 50, N of Bolton.

Caledon Community Services, 905-9512300 x260; ccs4u.org

silent auction (proceeds to Hillsburgh Lions), vendors, food, music. 10am-2pm.

Hillsburgh. The Let’s Get Hillsburgh Growing Committee, 519-855-4010; lghgcommittee@gmail.com AUG 19 : CORN-TOMATO SALSA BEE

AUG 8 – 12 : CANADIAN OPEN OLD TIME FIDDLE CHAMPIONSHIP Concerts,

step-dancing, beer garden, church service, Battle of the Bands, food, camping. $45; children $22. Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex, Shelburne.

Rotary Club of Shelburne, 519-925-8620; shelburnefiddlecontest.on.ca

Preserve locally inspired salsa to take home. Noon-5pm. $25, register. Peel Junior Farmers’ Building, 12942 Heart Lake Rd, Caledon. Eat Local Caledon/ TRCA, 416661-6600 x5646; jroest@trca.on.ca AUG 19 : LIVE AUCTION SALE IN HISTORIC CORBETTON CHURCH

Antiques, collectibles, household items.

Preview 9am. 10am-noon. Proceeds to DCMA. Register on-site. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com AUG 19 : MCVEAN HARVEST TABLE Fourcourse meal with the farm’s vegetables and honey, with organic meat, cheese, wine and brew, music. 3-8pm. $100; farmers/children under 12, $50. McVean Incubator Farm, NW corner of McVean Dr & Queen St E, Brampton. FarmStart, 647519-6199; harvesttable.ca AUG 25 & 26 : WILD BEAST FESTIVAL Wild animal artifacts, include bobcat sleigh robe, double bear trap and more. Museum hours and admission. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com

continued on next page

Custom and Semi-Custom Homes Orangeville and Caledon Renovation Services Energy Star Homes Design Des ign Ce Centr ntree ntr 64 Broadway in Orangeville Weekdays from 8:30 to 4:30 Weekends, holidays by appointment

519-938-8417 IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

75

A

C A L E N D A R

O F

S U M M E R

S, Bolton. Albion & Bolton Agricultural Society, 905-951-6103; boltonfair.ca

Watch for Food In The Hills’ harvest issue, coming in August. It features stories on good school food, foraging for wild edibles, how to make duck confit, and much, much more.

But you don’t have to wait til then. Between

issues, our local foodies keep things cooking at www.foodinthehills.ca. Taste our online menu: Yellow Mustard Pretzel Bites From Scratch chef Kelly Pleadwell resolved the build-up of mustard jars in her fridge with these tangy treats.

Toasted Corn Salad Daphne Randall of Edible Tulip tosses corn fresh from the cob with herbs, lime and tomatoes to make “a wondrous thing.”

Magic Cookies Master baker Sarah Hallett of Roseberry Farm created these cookies as a yummy, nutritious snack for her three sons.

SEP 21 – SEP 23 : GRAND VALLEY FALL FAIR Midway, parade, livestock shows,

continued from page 75 AUG 26 : THE ASTONISHING GENERAL

Author Wesley Turner speaks on the life of Major General Sir Isaac Brock and the War of 1812. 2-3pm. $10. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com AUG 31 : ANIMAL FEAST FUNDRAISING BARN DANCE Come dressed as an

animal. Sandwiches & coffee. Proceeds to DCMA’s DuffStuff to make collection searchable online. 6-11pm. $25.

Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com AUG 31 : ORANGEVILLE FALL FAIR

Livestock shows, truck, tractor & horse pulls, homecrafts, talent show, midway, demo derby. Fri: 3-11pm. Sat & Sun: 9am11pm. Mon: 9am-11pm. $2-$10. Orangeville Fairgrounds, 5 Sdrd Mono, off Hockley Rd. Orangeville Agricultural Society, 519-9429597; orangevillefairgrounds.ca SEP 8 : MONO’S BIG DAY OUT A celebra-

tion of the best of Mono: local food, music, heritage, farming, children’s art show & activities. Guest Dan Needles, memories of childhood in Mono, 11am. 11am-4pm. Mono Centre. facebook.com/MonosBigDayOut SEP 13 : FAMILY TRANSITION PLACE GOLF CLASSIC Cart, lunch, contests,

Homemade Vanilla Yogurt Making your own yogurt is not only easy but very economical, says Erin’s Hungry Hollow blogger Cathy Bray.

silent auction, dinner. By June 30, $199; foursome $900, with corporate bonus. $225; $900 foursome, no bonus.

Proceeds to Family Transition Place.

9am-8pm. Caledon Country Club, 6311 Olde Baseline Rd. 519-942-4122 x243; familytransitionplace.ca SEP 15 : HEADWATERS HOSPITAL AUXILIARY HOUSE TOUR Self-directed

Eat Local Caledon continues its updates on who’s growing, serving and cooking local – with more seasonal recipes!

You’ll also find up-to-the-minute listings of local food events, profiles of local producers, and links to restaurants, markets and other advertisers in Food’s pages. While you’re there, don’t forget to nominate your candidate for Best Bites in the hills.

Or just send us a note. We love to hear from you!

foodinthehills.ca

For print and online advertising information, contact Sarah Aston at 519-940-4884, sarah@inthehills.ca

76

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

H A P P E N I N G S

tour of several houses. Gourmet lunch, silent auction. Proceeds to hospital equipment. 9am-4pm. $40, reserve. 905-5842634; headwatershousetour.com SEP 16 : MELVILLE WHITE CHURCH 175TH ANNIVERSARY TEA PARTY, BOOK LAUNCH Tea, scones, music,

artwork, commemorative book launch.

2-5pm. $20; age 6-12, $10; under 5, free.

15962 Mississauga Rd, S of Belfountain.

Caledon Heritage Foundation. belfountainheritage.com SEP 21 : SWEET SEATS FUNDRAISER FOR COMMUNITY LIVING DUFFERIN

Reserve a table with 7 friends, decorate by theme. 7-10pm. $25; $200/table of 8.

Orangeville Fairgrounds, 5 Sdrd Mono, off Hockley Rd. 519-941-8971 x165; communitylivingdufferin.ca SEP 21 – SEP 23 : BOLTON FALL FAIR

Demo derby, tug-of-war, kiddie games, livestock and car shows, baby show, family entertainment, midway, beer garden.

Various packages, see website. Albion Bolton Community Centre, 150 Queen St

demo derby, truck & tractor pull, dance, family entertainment. Fri & Sat: $7; students, $5; 12 & under, free. Sun: $8.

Grand Valley Community Centre, 90 Main St N. Grand Valley Agricultural Society, gvasdblackwell@execulink.com SEP 22 : ORANGEVILLE BRAVERY PARK CAR AND MOTORCYCLE RIDE Fall

colours, music, BBQ and prizes. Proceeds to Bravery Park honouring our Canadian soldiers. 10am-4pm. $30 vehicle/bike.

Mill and Church St Park. Bravery Park Committee, 705-434-4756; braverypark.ca

outdoor+ environment JUN 23 & 24 : FISH, WATERFOWL, WILDLIFE More Than Just Wildlife –

displays by Dufferin South Simcoe Land Stewardship Network and related agencies. Also, Celebrating our Conservation Authorities – trails, wildlife and hidden places. Regular admission.

Jun 23: Waterfowl of Southern Ontario – Mike Williams, Ducks Unlimited, speaks on identification, ecology and life cycle, 2-3pm, $10. Fly Fishing – Steve Murphy speaks on the perfect fly, cast and trout, 3-4pm, $10. Jun 24: Curator Wayne Townsend speaks on growing up at Luther Marsh, 2-3pm, $10. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com JUN 26 : DUFFERIN HI-LAND MORNING HIKE Rockhill to Dufferin 17 and back, then

a loop through Boyne Valley Springs. Meet at parking lot on 1st Line E, S of 17. Map 20. 9-11am. Dufferin Hi-Land Bruce Trail, 519-434-9316; dufferinbrucetrailclub.org JUL 7 : NATURAL POND MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP Case studies and guided

walk to ponds. 9am-1pm. $15, incl lunch, register by Jul 1. Watershed Learning Centre, Terra Cotta Conservation Area.

1-800-668-5557 x436; creditvalleyca.ca JUL 7 : GRAND VALLEY OPEN GARDENS DAY Self-guided tour of six gardens,

Riverbend artists on-site. Maps at Grand Valley Home Hardware, GV Library. 10am3pm. Free. Trinity United Church, 17 King St. Grand Valley Horticultural Society, 519-928-5371; grandvalley.org

JUL 7 : DELPHINIUM DAY Catered lunch under tents, music, speaker Charlie Dobbin. 11am. $30, register. Plant Paradise Country Gardens, 16258 Humber Station Rd, Caledon. 905-880-9090; plantparadise.ca JUL 7 & 8 : ISLAND LAKE FISHING DERBY

Prizes, camping. Proceeds to Island Lake Community of Trails. 6am-5pm. $35/day; $60 Sat & Sun. Island Lake, Orangeville.

Friends of Island Lake, 1-800-668-5557; landscapesforlife.ca JULY 14 : EVERYTHING OUTDOORS AT CONSERVATION AREA Camping,

nature, family activities. 10am-4pm. $10; children 6-12 & senior 60+, $7. Terra Cotta Conservation Area. 905-670-1615 x285; creditvalleyca.ca JUL 14 & 15 : BEAVER WEEKEND Beaver exhibits, native stories, conservation and Canadian history. $10. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com JUL 21 : CHECK YOUR WATERSHED DAY

Sample stream temperatures. 1-4pm.

Terra Cotta Conservation Area. Credit Valley Conservation, 905-670-1615 x446; creditvalleyca.ca

Fairgrounds, 5 Sdrd Mono, off Hockley Rd. Credit Valley Conservation, 800-668-5557 x436; creditvalleyca.ca AUG 21 : LILACS Talk by Bruce Peart,

International Society of Lilacs. 7:30-9pm. $5. Albion Bolton Community Centre, 150 Queen St S, Bolton. Bolton & District Horticulture Society, boltonhort.info AUG 25 : BEAUTY IN THE BEAST: IS YOUR ELEPHANT TOO HOT? Dr. Esther

Finegan studies how animals keep a comfortable body temperature. See temperature photos of yourself. 2-3pm. $10. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-8787; dufferinmuseum.com SEP 11 : PLANTING A SPECTACULAR GARDEN Talk by David Cameron.

7-9:30pm. Orangeville Seniors’ Centre, 26 Bythia St. Orangeville Horticultural Society, 519-941-8242; orangevillehort.org SEP 16 : LILACTREE OPEN GARDEN

Featured in spring In The Hills. Country garden, exotic trees, rock garden plants, clematis, meadow maze. 10am-4pm. Free.

Lilactree Farm, 547231 8 Sdrd, Mulmur.

519-925-5577

JUL 21 : FROGS OF HEADWATERS

Don Scallen presents pictures, voices and some hands-on learning about frogs/toads in the region. 2-4pm. $10.

Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com JUL 28 & 29 : CELEBRATING DOMESTIC ANIMALS IN DUFFERIN Displays and live

demonstrations. Regular museum hours and admission. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com AUG 15 – 19 : ORANGEVILLE INTERNATIONAL SHOW JUMPING TOURNAMENTS Open Jumper Division,

Canadian Hunter Derby Series, Antares Top 4 Overall, Pony Classic. $200,000 in prizes and awards. Corn roast, music, tastings. 8am-7pm. Wed: free. Thurs-Sat: $5. Sun $10. Orangeville Fairgrounds, 5 Sdrd Mono, off Hockley Rd. Hayes Co; hayesco.ca AUG 11 : MID-SUMMER CELEBRATION

Gardens, dinner, music, prizes, talk by Sandy Carlton on “Dazzling Daylilies.”

4-8pm. $30. Plant Paradise Country Gardens, 16258 Humber Station Rd, Caledon. 905-880-9090; plantparadise.ca AUG 18 : MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES

Don Scallen talks about butterflies and moths, shows live caterpillars. 2-4pm. $10. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com AUG 18 : WALKING FOR WILDLIFE Hike with a Bruce Trail guide, then gourmet lunch. Proceeds to Procyon Wildlife. 9am4pm. $50. Black Birch Restaurant, 307388 Hockley Valley Rd. Procyon Wildlife, 905729-0033; procyonwildlife.com AUG 21 : CARING FOR YOUR HORSE AND FARM WORKSHOP Manage manure,

improve pastures, technical and financial info. 6:30-8:30pm. Free. Orangeville

kids NOW – ONGOING : CREATIVE SATURDAYS IN INGLEWOOD Family time

drop-in, structured play-based learning on 2nd and 4th Saturdays at Inglewood United Church. 9:15-11:30am. 6 & under.

Free, register. Caledon Parent-Child Centre, 905-857-0090; cp-cc.org NOW – AUG 17 : BATTLE OF THE BOOKS

Eight books compete. Vote for the champion, announced at Champion’s Party Aug 24. Albion Bolton Community Centre, 150 Queen St S, Bolton. Caledon Public Library, 905-857-1400 x239; caledon.library.on.ca NOW – SEP 18 (TUESDAYS) : LET’S GET TOGETHER Connect with other families

to explore parenting a child with special needs, 6 & under. Light dinner. Siblings welcome. 5:45-7:15pm. Free, register.

Caledon Parent-Child Centre, 150 Queen St S, Bolton. 905-857-0090; cp-cc.org JUN 23 & 24 : TRAIL RIDE FOR KIDS Ride

through Caledon Hills. Horses suitable for first-time riders. 1 hour $45; 2 hours $90; lunch and ride (1.5 hours) $100. Proceeds to horse program. Teen Ranch Barn, 20682 Hurontario St, Caledon. 519-9414501 x29; teenranch.on.ca JUL 3 – 27 (MONDAY–FRIDAY) : THE MAPLES SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS

Crafts, games, campfires, sports, rural setting, full-size gym, sports fields. $150/ wk. 513047 2nd Line Amaranth. 519-9423310; themaplesschool.com continued on next page IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

77

A

C A L E N D A R

O F

S U M M E R

H A P P E N I N G S JUL 11 – 22 : LATE FLOWERING The Marriage

continued from page 77 JUL 3 – 6, 9 – 13; AUG 13 – 17, 20 – 24: IMAGINARIUM – ADVENTURES IN ART FOR CHILDREN Dance, drama, art,

outdoor play. Ages 4-7/8 & 8-12. 9am4pm. Pay what you can $250-$150/wk or $50/day. Station on the Green, Creemore.

Mad & Noisy Art Gallery, 705-444-0550; ayrlie@hugsforlife.com JUL 3 – AUG 31 : KEYS OF FUN SUMMER CAMP Weekly with music-based games

to teach composing, theory, playing and singing skills. 9am-4pm. $200 (incl lunch). 26 Brookhaven Cres, Orangeville.

519-943-4552; keysoffun.ca JUL 7 : LOVE YOUR PET DAY Displays, demonstrations on adoption or volunteering at local animal shelters/stores.

10am-4pm. Regular museum admission or donation of pet food. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com JULY 7, 10 – AUG 25 : TD CHILDREN’S SUMMER READING PROGRAM This

year’s theme is Imagine, covers fantasybased topics. Kick-off July 7, 10:30am.

Weekly movies, crafts and activities. Ages 2 to 12. Free, register. Shelburne Public Library, 201 Owen Sound St, 519-925-2168; shelburnelibrary.ca JUL 8 – 13 : ORANGEVILLE FIDDLE & STEP DANCE CAMP Traditional Canadian old time

fiddle music, Ottawa Valley step dance, piano chording and guitar. 9am-4pm. $775.

Upper Canada Camp, 1713 Conc 2 Adjala.

Bill Elliott, 519-941-5683; fiddle.on.ca JUL 11, 18 & 25 : SHARING THE PLANET – UNDERSTANDING ANIMALS & YOU SUMMER PROGRAM A hands-on

component, pioneer methods, historic literature and a take-home project. Ages 8-12. 9am-4pm. $25. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com JUL 15 – AUG 19 (SUNDAYS) : 3-ON-3 SUMMER HOCKEY Team work, effort,

To submit your community, arts or non-profit event, go to inthehills.ca and click what’s on on the menu bar. That takes you to the listings page.

Click submit your event and complete the easy form.

For the autumn (September) issue, submit by August 1o.

We reserve the right to edit submissions for print and web publication.

For up-to-date listings between issues, go to www.inthehills.ca and click what’s on on the menu bar.

Lipman and Robert Ireland talk bees and honey. 2-3pm. $10. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com

music

Ages 9-12. 9am-4pm. $130 half/$220 full day. Citrus Dance Studio, 62 Broadway.

Theatre Orangeville, 519-942-3423; theatreorangeville.ca

Family Band plays classic country music.

(Cancelled if it rains.) 2-4pm. Hillsburgh Historical Park, 105 Trafalgar Rd. Let’s Get Hillsburgh Growing Committee, lghgcommittee@gmail.com

AUG 1, 8 & 15 : BONES AND STONES KIDS’ SUMMER PROGRAM Identify real

JUL 6 & AUG 3 : MUSIC AT THE MILL

her best-selling children’s book. Marci 78

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

jammin’ classics. 2-3pm. Jul 29 & Aug 12: Classical & Contemporary Favourites, symphony musicians; Aug 12 features Jeremy Bauman on viola. 7-9pm. $10 each concert. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-9417787; dufferinmuseum.com

For munchkins of all ages. June 21-23, 8pm. June 23, 2pm. $20; under 12, $15.

Town Hall Opera House, 87 Broadway.

Orangeville Music Theatre, 519-942-3423; orangevillemusictheatre.com

JUN 24 : MUSIC IN THE PARK Muir

AUG 12 : THE QUEEN, THE BEAR AND THE BUMBLEBEE Dini Petty reads from

JUL 15 & 29, AUG 12 : SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Jul 15: Animal Musical Revue,

theatre+film

JUL 23 – 27 : MASK, MOVEMENT, MAGIC AND IMPROV! Full- or half-day programs.

Clip Clop the donkey’s birthday party with cake, face painting. 11am-2pm. $6. Downey’s Farm Market, 13682 Heart Lake Rd, Caledon.

905-838-2990; downeysfarm.com

AUG 3 – 25 : STORM WARNING Jack, a

celebration for animals at the historic Corbetton Church. Free, collection taken.

2-3pm. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com

sportsmanship. Novice 7-8yrs, 7pm. Atom 9-10yrs, 7pm. Pee Wee 11-12yrs, 8pm.

Bantam 13-15yrs, 8pm. $150, register. Teen Ranch Ice Corral, 20682 Hurontario St, Caledon. 519-941-4501; teenranchon.ca

AUG 12 : CORN MAZE ADVENTURE Also

Orangeville Summer Young Company presents a play suitable for all ages. July 20, 7:30pm. Jul 21, 2pm & 7:30pm. Jul 22, 2pm. Theatre Orangeville, 87 Broadway.

519-942-3423; theatreorangeville.ca

Learn the basics of musical theatre (am) and drama (pm). Ages 7-10. 9am-4pm. $130 half day/$220 full day. Held at Citrus Dance Studio, 62 Broadway. Theatre Orangeville, 519-942-3423; theatreorangeville.ca

JUN 24 : OC & FRIENDS Fundraising concert by Orangeville Chorus, Sweet Adelines International, local entertainers.

Strawberry social 1:15-1:45pm. 2-4pm. $20. Horizons Event Centre, 633419 Hwy 10, Orangeville. 519-941-4490; orangevillechorus.com

fossils, learn about past civilizations with games, activities and a mock dig. 9am4pm. $25. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-9417787; dufferinmuseum.com

JUL 20 – 22 : INTO THE WOODS JR Theatre

AUG 20 – 24 : SCENE IT ALL THIS SUMMER!

SEP 16 : ANIMAL BLESSINGS – ANIMALS IN THE BIBLE Bring your pets to a special

July 6: Tom Savage & David Celia. Aug 3: The Roughnotes. Cash bar, food. 8-11pm. $15. Alton Mill, 1402 Queen St, Alton.

MELT Media, 519-278-6135; facebook. com/meltpublicity

singers killed in a car crash are revived to perform the show that never was. TueSat 7:30. Sun, Wed 2pm. $32-$37. Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Ln, Brampton. 905-8742800; rosetheatre.ca

Food & cash bar pre-performance. $20 at humberrivershakespeare.ca. $15 suggested donation. Alton Mill, 1402 Queen St, Alton. 519-941-9300; altonmill.ca

Harvest, cook, eat and learn about local seasonal food. Ages 9-13. 9am-4pm. $225; $200 before Jul 1. Palgrave Community Kitchen, 34 Pine Ave. 905-880-0303; palgravekitchen.org

accessories provided for both of you.

Prizes. 1-3pm. $10. Dufferin County Museum & Archives, Hwy 89 & Airport Rd. 1-877-941-7787; dufferinmuseum.com

JUL 13 – 28 : FOREVER PLAID Four young

JUL 20 & 21 : SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK – MACBETH Madness and mystery.

AUG 13 – 17 : KIDS’ COOKING CAMP

AUG 22 : DOG DAY AFTERNOON FASHION SHOW Bring your pet. Animal

Bureau is rampant with frustration until Martin becomes embroiled in everyone’s relationships. Sun, Wed, Thurs 2:30pm. Fri 8pm. Sat 2:30 & 8pm. July 19 2pm. $23-$27.

Century Church Theatre, 3 Hill St, Hillsburgh.

519-855-4586; centurychurchtheatre.com

JUN 21 – 23 : THE WIZARD OF OZ

JUL 6 – 28 : THE LAST 5 YEARS A young

couple’s romance unfolds in a heartbreaking and uplifting way. Tue-Sat 7:30pm. Sun, Wed 2pm. $27. Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Ln, Brampton. 905-874-2800; rosetheatre.ca JUL 10 & 11 : SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK – MACBETH Swords, witches,

madness and mystery. 7pm. Suggested donation $15. Dick’s Dam Park, 250 Glasgow Rd, Bolton. Humber River Shakespeare Company, 416-209-2026; humberrivershakespeare.ca

damaged WWII veteran, retreats from life to a small cabin until Emma moves in next door. By Norm Foster. Aug 3, 7 & 8, 7:30pm. Aug 5, 2pm. Aug 14-18, 21-25, 7:30pm. Aug 15, 19, 22, 2pm. $27. Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Ln, Brampton. 905-8742800; rosetheatre.ca AUG 12 : AUDITIONS FOR “THERE GOES THE BRIDE” Four men and four women

of various ages required. A man bumps his head on the morning of his daughter’s wedding. 2-4pm. Grace Tipling Hall, 120 Main St, Shelburne. Tipling Stage Company, 519-925-2600; tiplingstagecompany.com AUG 15 – 26 : NOBODY’S PERFECT Leonard submits a winning manuscript to a romantic fiction by women contest, then must maintain the charade. Wed, Thurs, Sat, Sun 2:30pm. Fri, Sat 8pm. Aug 23, 8pm. $23-$27.

Century Church Theatre, 3 Hill St, Hillsburgh.

519-855-4586; centurychurchtheatre.com AUG 17 – 25 : BAREFOOT IN THE PARK

Newlyweds, straight-laced Paul and freespirit Corie, adjust to married life. Tue-Sat 7:30pm. Sun, Wed 2pm. $32-$37. Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Ln, Brampton. 905-8742800; rosetheatre.ca AUG 24 – 26 : THE THREE MUSKETEERS

First play in the new outdoor theatre. Aug 24, 6pm. Aug 25, 2 & 6pm. Aug 26, 2pm.

Theatre Orangeville Outdoor Theatre, 065371 Cty Rd 3 & Hwy 9 (Broadway).

Theatre Orangeville Young Company Drama, 519-942-3423; theatreorangeville.ca AUG 28 : ARABIAN NIGHTS Share the magic and wildness of the Arabian Nights.

7-8pm. $2. Albion Bolton Community Centre, 150 Queen St S. Little Red Theatre, Caledon Public Library, 905-857-1400 x231; caledon.library.on.ca SEP 19 – 23 : JUST THE TICKET Susan

retraces and tries to relive a trip she took to Australia 30 years ago. Wed, Thurs, Sat, Sun 2:30pm. Fri, Sat 8pm. $23-$27. Century Church Theatre, 3 Hill St, Hillsburgh. 519855-4586; centurychurchtheatre.com ≈

MARKETPLACE C AT E R I N G

ALPACAS

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

Forrest Custom Carpentry

Catering all of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special occasions.

Established 1986

Design, Build, Install Wall Units, Bars, Home Offices Call Gary for a Free Estimate

Weddings & Special Events www.gourmandissimo.com 905­584­0005

ART & CRAFT

(contâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d)

Caledon Culinary Challenge Winner 2011

519-323-1121/1-877-454-9522

Best Customer Service Hills of Headwaters 2011

www.forrestcustomcarpentry.com

CLEANING SERVICES

PET Portraits ction Satisfa NTEED GUARA

Casey

of Caledon

by Joan Gray

! ! !

"! !

BED & BREAKFAST Indulge Yourself â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an Overnight Stay at Clearview Station B&B is Priceless!

ZOLTAN POTOVSZKY

MASONRY

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

ALL-MONT LTD.

R.R.#2 Creemore ON LOM 1GO Toll Free: 1-855-KABOOSE Hosts: Ann and Dave Huskinson

519-942-1956

BEES

RETRACTABLE SCREEN DOORS

by Eclipse Technologies Inc.

â&#x20AC;˘ Wild Birdseed / Feeders / Nesting Boxes â&#x20AC;˘ Pet Food & Supplies / Wildlife Feeds â&#x20AC;˘ Crafts / Books / Nature Accessories

B. A. WOOD MASONRY Specializing in Stone & Restoration Work Brick â&#x20AC;˘ Block

New for 2012

Year round practices and dances!

Group classes begin Sept 2012.

Serving the Greater Orangeville Area since 2010

FURNITURE www.yesterdayshome.weebly.com

Yesterdays HOME FURNISHINGS

Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t beat our prices!

5000 Sq Ft Furniture (Previously Loved) Home Decor â&#x20AC;˘ Vintage â&#x20AC;˘ Retro Antiques â&#x20AC;˘ Collectables â&#x20AC;˘ Jewellery Lighting â&#x20AC;˘ Brand New Mattresses Wide Variety Chairs Delivery Far & Wide â&#x20AC;˘ Open 7 Days Gift Certificates Available

101 Main St, Shelburne 519-925-1011

Short drive N of Caledon/Orangeville up Hwy 10 left on Hwy 89

GOLF

Brian Wood

519-941-5396

DEVILâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PULPIT GOLF ASSOCIATION

MEMBERSHIP FOR SALE

18371 Hurontario Caledon Village Tel 519-927-3212 Fax 519-927-9186 Brian Thayer

For Fall Issue Call by August 10, 2012

DANCE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.â&#x20AC;?

When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready, call Casey at 519 307 0107

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here to help you help nature.â&#x20AC;?

MARKETPLACE: CLASSIFIEDS DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T GET ANY CLASSIER

Insured and Licensed

For more information & our class schedule visit www.iwanttolearntodance.com or call 519-925-9197

Let the fresh air in...

The screen door that is there when you need it... gone when you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.

Caledon Mountain Wildlife Supplies

(705) 434-3285

Garage Doors & Electric Operators Residential â&#x20AC;˘ Commercial Industrial Sales â&#x20AC;˘ Installation â&#x20AC;˘ Service Visit our showroom 48 Centennial Rd, #20 Orangeville

BIRD FEEDING

BRICK â&#x20AC;˘ BLOCK â&#x20AC;˘ CONCRETE â&#x20AC;˘ FIREPLACES â&#x20AC;˘ STONE Serving Dufferin County & Creemore Area

R&M Stucco Superior quality & service â&#x20AC;˘ Interior/exterior plaster/stucco finishing Marco or Rose Mary Andreozzi

705-434-0248

One of Canadaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premiere golf clubs with two 18­hole courses in Caledon. The Devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Paintbrush and Devilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pulpit are ranked by Score magazine as the 4th and 17th best courses respectively in Canada. See www.devilspulpit.com. It is an equity membership which can be resold by purchaser.

Priced for immediate sale at $18,000.

For further information call 416â&#x20AC;?802â&#x20AC;?6922

TO PLACE AN AD, CALL 519-942-8401 OR EMAIL INFO@INTHEHILLS.CA IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

79

MARKETPLACE HAIR SALONS

INTERIOR DESIGN

LAND SURVEYING P.J. Williams Ontario Land Surveyor

Wedding Specialists • Colour • Highlights • Perms Updo’s • Make-Up • Chemical Straightening 307 Broadway, Orangeville 519.415.4545

www.artizanhairsalon.ca

H E A LT H & W E L L - B E I N G

CPR TRAINING

Serving Caledon and all surrounding areas since 1994.

Quality Care, Professional Service for both Residential and Commercial needs.

Variety of seed mixes available including: Kentucky Bluegrass, Ornamental Wildflowers, Environmentally Friendly ‘Ecograss’

For Healthcare Providers, Business, Personal Daniel Fracassi, BCLS Instructor “May the Beat be with you” 519.942.9944

Open: 8am-4pm weekdays Free Consultation on Weekends by Appointment

Drapery and Blinds Furniture and Accessories Space and Colour Consultations 519-939-7193 Deborah @deborahjackson-interiors.com

LANDSCAPING & GARDENING

Phone: 519-925-0057 or 519-941-6231 Fax: 519-941-6231 www.pjwilliams.ca

MUSIC LESSONS Music for weddings and special events Guitar lessons labrashmusic.ca dlabrash@sympatico.ca 519-941-9319

Call for quote 905 880 8909 / 416 577 8909 Greg Frangakis caledonhydroseeding.com

daniel.fracassi@sympatico.ca

413 First Ave. East, Shelburne

PARTIES

CLEAR MIND

Psychotherapy & Counselling When you want to find alternatives, and bring improvement, clarity, and transformation to your life.

Individual, couples, and family therapy.

Treating depression, anxiety, grief, abuse, relationship issues, business stress, and more.

Costs may be covered by EAP or Extended Health Care plan.

Orangeville 519-942-4026 Brampton 289-325-0770

COLD CREEK

LANDSCAPING & L AWN MAINTENANCE INC. SPECIALIZING IN WEEKLY LAWN MAINTENANCE AND LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION SERVING THE AREA FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS

PHONE 1 888 880 4118

OR

905 880 4118

PEST CONTROL

LIFE COACH &

Personal Development

5 Birch Street Orangeville, ON L9W 3E8

patbradley@live.ca lifecoach-personaldevelopment.ca (519) 939-9894

PAT BRADLEY, CCP Certified Coach Practitioner

Garden Design & Installation Property Maintenance Nursery Stock Supplied & Planted Concrete Garden Ornaments David Teixeira 519-942-1421

• For Menopause • Andropause • Adrenal/Thyroid Imbalance • Low Testosterone

Lawn Care

The NATURAL Choice!

Organic & Pesticide Free Programs Grub, Crab Grass, Weed & Insect Controls EnviroNatural Compost & Seeding Services Aeration, Dethatching, BioStimulants & more 1-888-925-5920 519-925-5920 Rob Foster rob@enviromasters.com enviromasters.com

PET SUPPLIES & SERVICES

HOMES FOR SALE Enchanting Country Estate with huge pond, extraordinary privacy, plentiful gardens & horse facilities for Private Sale

80

MARKETPLACE: CLASSIFIEDS DON’T GET ANY CLASSIER To view visit

www.dalriadameadows.com

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

For Fall Issue Call by August 10, 2012

These are signs that your pet’s current food needs to be looked at: • Overweight • Frequent paw licking • Hairballs • Biting root of the tail • Dry, flaky or greasy skin • Smelly ears or skin • Excessive shedding • Stiff joints/arthritis • Recurring ear infections 47 Broadway, Orangeville 519-942-8187 113 Victoria St W, Alliston 705-434-3311 226 First Ave E, Shelburne 519-925-3471

MARKETPLACE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

TREE SERVICES

SEPTIC SERVICES

TREESCAPES

Headwaters Homecare (519) 942-8880

Stephanie deRoux

fax (519) 942-8870 24 hour pager (519) 939-7790

519-942-1507

TREE SERVICES

TUTORING

Home Auto Commercial Farm Financial Services Life

since 1925

Call & Compare

Competitive Rates

MOVING TREES SINCE 1983

• Supply and Plant Trees • On-Site Transplanting • Deep Root and Intravenous Fertilizing • Pruning and Removal • Watering

Senior Care / Family Support 24 hours / 7 days a week

stephanie@headwatershomecare.com www.headwatershomecare.com

(cont’d)

homework help, personal tutoring, exam reviews, prep courses, mastery courses, video game design camp

Payment Plans

A member of the Precept Group Inc.

1-866-519-MATH (6284) 519-307-0989 295A Broadway, Orangeville www.mindovermath.ca

35 Main Street, Erin Tel: 519-833-9393 • 1-800-930-4293

CALL FOR THE MONTHLY SPECIALS

SUNSHINE TREES

AND

TYPE IMAGES

Supply plant and transplant services.

Various size trees and spades available.

MARKETPLACE: CLASSIFIEDS DON’T GET ANY CLASSIER

W H E R E G O O D D E S I G N M AT T E R S

design and illustration studio creative from concept to production 519.940.0192 marion@typeandimages.ca

typeandimages.ca

P U Z Z L I N G

S O L U T I O N S

A Prime Minister Quiz for Canada Day right on the money Laurier is on the $5 Macdonald is on the $10 King is on the $50 Borden is on the $100 Queen Elizabeth II is on the $20 coming and going c Two PMs have become fathers while in office: Macdonald (daughter Mary) in 1869; and Trudeau (son Justin) in 1971. c Two PMs have died in office, Macdonald in 1891 and John Thompson in 1894. who and when a Chretien in 1999 b Diefenbaker in 1959 c Laurier in 1909 d Mulroney in 1988 he came in second Alexander Mackenzie, PM 1873–78 a letter for what John Alexander Macdonald Lester Bowles Pearson Robert Laird Borden Richard Bedford Bennett

1.800.361.5296

www.sunshinetreeplanting.com

from page 82

Handshakes on Palgrave Pond The handshake total al this time is ten.

There’s a Letter Missing!

The letter missing from the only blank square is ‘L’ – the second letter in blue.

Strange Signs on the Albion Concession Roads on the fourth line 44 ÷ 4 = 11

For Fall Issue Call by August 10, 2012

find an advertiser Visitors nab your copy of In The Hills?

But now you really want to reach that advertiser?

You can find complete listings of all our recent advertisers, sorted by business category, at www.inthehills.ca

on the fifth line 5/5 x 5 = 5 or 5 + 5 – 5 = 5 on the first line 11 + 11/11 = 12 On a Trail North of Erin If the trail is in daily use as he says by hungry, wandering men, there would not be plenty of ripe raspberries at hand.

Select ‘Find an Advertiser’ from the menu bar.

Click a name to go directly to our advertiser’s site!

.ca IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012

81

a Puzzling Conclusion

by Ken Weber

A Prime Minister Quiz for Canada Day Right on the money!

Strange Signs on the Albion Concession Roads

Which of these Prime Ministers is featured on the $5 bill? The $10? $20? $50? $100?

Wilfrid Laurier Robert L. Borden William Lyon Mackenzie King John A. Macdonald Louis St. Laurent Lester B. Pearson

It could be that Jeannie was the first young person to notice the strange signs on the concession roads of Albion because her father was the township road foreman. Or it may have been that she was more perceptive than most people. In any case, Jeannie was first to see a sign on the Sixth Line that read: “Can you use three sixes to make seven?” And she was also first to come up with an answer: [6 + 6/6 = 7].

But other signs she saw along the township roads posed more difficult challenges.

How many PMs have become fathers while in office? a none b one c two

What is the handshake total this time?

How many PMs have died while in office? a none b one c two

Who and when?

Which of these PMs was in office when a Nunavut became a territory? b the St. Lawrence Seaway was officially opened? c the first Grey Cup game was played? d the Free Trade Agreement with the USA was signed?

On the Fourth Line a sign read:

On the Fifth Line:

Three players arrived before a scheduled hockey game on Palgrave Pond and each shook hands with the other two, a total of three handshakes. A fourth player then showed up and again each player shook hands with everyone else, a total of six handshakes.

Then a fifth player showed up and once more the complete ritual took place.

Coming and going!

Help Jeannie determine the answers.

Can you use three fours to make eleven?

Handshakes on Palgrave Pond

John Diefenbaker Jean Chretien Kim Campbell

Paul Martin Wilfrid Laurier

There’s a Letter Missing!

John Turner Brian Mulroney Arthur Meighen

He came in second.

Which one of these men became Canada’s second PM in 1873?

Can you use three fives to make five?

Mackenzie Bowell John Abbott

Charles Tupper Alexander Mackenzie

What was Matt and Cam’s answer?

A letter for what?

On the First Line:

Can you use half a dozen ones to make a dozen?

On a group hike along the Bruce Trail near Honeywood, Matt and Cam won a prize for figuring out the answer to this puzzle the group leader presented during the lunch break. The challenge was to figure out what letter belongs in the only blank square.

John A. Macdonald, Lester B. Pearson, Robert L. Borden and Richard B. Bennett were the only PMs to regularly use the initial of their middle names while in office.

What does Macdonald’s ‘A’ stand for?

Pearson’s ‘B’? Borden’s ‘L’? Bennett’s ‘B’?

A N

I N

T H E

H I L L S

M I N I

M Y S T E R Y

On a Trail North of Erin Well off the nearest road, where a farmer’s field blended into thick bush, an impossibly dirty man with wild hair and torn clothes was talking to a pair of police officers. He was waving one hand at a narrow trail that ran along the edge of the bush and constantly filling the other with wild raspberries from canes that grew beside the trail.

“The fellas,” he was saying, rudely stuffing his mouth full as he talked, “the fellas use this trail ever – mmmf – ever day. See – mmmf – the railway’s down that way. ’Course ya won’t see none a’ them today – mmmf – not with you lot around.”

The “fellas,” like the speaker, were transients – hoboes – and in the summer of 1931 the area where Erin Township met East Garafraxa was full of them.

The twentieth century’s worst ever economic depression had created a huge population of wandering, homeless men, and word had spread that generosity prevailed in the rural area north of Erin.

Not only would farmers here provide a free meal, but if a travelling man stopped and did a bit of work they’d even let him sleep in the barn for a night or two. For the hoboes, such kindness was a godsend.

For the farmers along the roads through Hillsburgh,

Marsville and beyond, it was a simple matter of charity and wary tolerance. Indeed there was such mutual satisfaction with the system that it might have continued indefinitely, but on a hot Sunday afternoon in July a little girl from Erin went missing.

Within hours the police were involved, a search party had formed and, predictably, the hoboes had become prime suspects. Also predictably, the hoboes were disinclined to co-operate with authority of any kind, which may explain why the scruffy man on the trail north of Erin was trying to mislead the pair of police officers.

What suggests the speaker was not speaking truthfully? solutions on page 81

82

IN THE HILLS SUMMER 2012