The Villager 2022 July

By Courtney

Every year hundreds of volunteers descend on our nature reserves to help with stewardship, citizen science monitoring and more, too many activities and events going on to describe in this column But you can learn more about our work and the exploits of staff and volunteers on our website under ‘Notes from the Field’ This blog goes back years and is a great window into the beating heart of the work of conservation in our region

In spring, Carden Alvar, a globally rare ecosystem, sees a flurry of activity including May’s Carden Challenge, where this year participants raised more than $33,000 for its continued care This is conservation is our own back yard in an ecological treasure that is a jewel in Ontario’s crown

On Saturday, June 4th The Conservancy hosted ten teams of expert birders who participated in the 15th Carden Bird Blitz, a plot-based study of grassland birds For a single spring morning, avid ornithologists who were selected to participate in the study gain exclusive access to Carden Alvar Provincial Park (CAPP) This 4,500 acre park is normally off limits to the public due to the

presence of grazing cattle . On this day only it becomes a hive of activity

This event began in 2005 as a thankyou from The Conservancy to the many ornithologists throughout Ontario who donated funds to protect Cameron and Windmill Ranches It is now a scientific testament to the alvar’s role in protecting grassland birds, particularly important because according to Birds Canada, nearly 60% of Canada’s grassland birds have disappeared since 1970, largely due to habitat loss

Using low-density cattle grazing to maintain the landscape as a working grassland, this protected area is a safe haven for a few hundred bird species including threatened and endangered Eastern Loggerhead Shrike, Upland Sandpiper,

Golden-winged warblers, Bobolink, and Eastern Meadowlark .

With over 8,000 data entries (thanks, Aiesha), we can see some declines in population, but relative to the dramatic declines elsewhere, we can also see our conservation efforts are working . Thank you to all participants

As you’ll also read in Notes from the Field, local farmers are able to help The Conservancy end further decline Managing hay and pasture for grassland birds, including cutting later in the season, is a welcome practice from a conservation perspective . If you know a local farmer who is interested in learning how they can help, encourage them to call us We have a number of resources we would love to share . 705-326-1620 .

60% of grassland birds have disappeared. Farmers can help.

The beautiful Carden Alvar Provincial Park. Photo by Ryan Lamoreaux.

Baker, Administrative Assistant, The Couchiching Conservancy, couchichingconserv ca

Township update

Municipal Election 2022

The next Municipal Election will take place in October 2022 . Are you registered to vote in the 2022 Ontario Municipal and School Board Elections? Check that you are on the list and that your information is accurate at voterlookup ca

Voters in the Township of Severn will be able to cast their vote in the municipal election from the comfort of their own homes or from anywhere they can access the internet In addition to internet voting, there will be in-person Voter Help Centers for those who wish to cast their vote in person either electronically or by paper ballot . Voter Help Centers will be listed on your Voter Information Letter and available on Severn’s website in fall 2022 Eligible voters will elect a number of different positions including:

One Mayor; One Deputy Mayor; Five ward Councillors (one for each of Severn’s five wards); School Board Trustee

The next four-year term of office for Council begins on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 Visit severn ca/election to learn more about how to vote or to file your nomination

Recreation Master Plan nearing completion

Township of Severn is preparing a Recreation Master Plan It’s a 15-year plan that will guide the development of municipal indoor and outdoor recreation facilities, parks, trails, programs, and events for residents and visitors .

See some background at: severn ca/en/ourcommunity/recreation-master-plan aspx

The final plan currently in development; presentation to Council in summer 2022 followed by approval and implementation . Visit severn ca/haveyoursay to subscribe to updates

Westshore Recreation Facility site update

Site improvements continue . The Westshore playground to be replaced in 2022 if no delays are experienced (supply chain, cost, etc )

Recreation programs

Severn offers a variety of recreation programs for all ages and abilities, including: adult and seniors programs, preschool programs, teen programs and youth programs

This season, Severn was able to offer 17 programs, such as beginner soccer for ages 3-5 years, Big Kickers soccer for ages 10-12 years, and Teen Fit for youth 13 plus . These programs are dependent on the support of the community and the involvement of paid and volunteer Program Instructors Visit severn ca/jobs to apply, or to subscribe for updates to Severn’s job postings .

Pickleball update

If you’re 16 years of age or older, come out to adult drop-in pickleball in Washago or Coldwater Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis . Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood

or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net The sport shares features of other racquet sports: the dimensions and layout of a badminton court, and a net and rules somewhat similar to tennis, with several modifications This is a free drop-in program . Please bring your own paddles and balls

The program runs May 25 to September 30 Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:00 a m to 1:00 p m at the Washago Community Centre Four courts with one hour of play per court

Washago Community Centre outdoor rink Available to the public for drop-in or scheduled use . Hockey nets available for ball hockey

The rink surface is great for roller derby, roller skating or roller blading

Continued on page 6

Pickleball is easy to learn, great exercise, and lots of fun. Join a Severn group today.

© Can Stock Photo / nameinfame

Ellen Cohen

Publisher

thevillagerpress@rogers.com

705-717-0322

www.villagernews.ca

The Villager, a Severn Township community news magazine, is an independently owned and operated publication, serving the community since March, 2013 We publish monthly from February to December

The Villager is delivered online to subscribers through villagernews.ca .

There is no charge for subscribing but registration is required Once registered, the subscriber will receive the magazine via email on the first of the month

Editorial and advertising materials are protected by copyright Reproduction of any article, photograph or graphic is forbidden without the express permission of the publisher The sentiments of our columnists do not necessarily reflect those of The Villager

The Villager’s liability to advertisers for errors is limited to the portion of the advertisement in which an error occurs and only if the error is the fault of The Villager.

Community event submissions and prearranged editorial contributions must be received by the 10th of each month for the following month’s publication .

Advertising space must be booked by the 10th of each month in order to appear in the following month’s publication, with 5 business days thereafter to complete the advertising artwork and proof approval process

The Villager

P.O. Box 5, Washago, ON L0K 2B0

villagernews.ca

Art Director: Cathy Cleary

From the Publisher:

Music brings love and joy

On June 18th, I attended a Melissa Etheridge concert . It was wonderful to be out . With people . In public .

Melissa Etheridge is a smoky/bluesyvoiced rock singer, songwriter and legend guitar player She performed one of her first live concerts since the pandemic She sings from the heart and has an amazing talent to engage the audience, so present, talking easily between songs, entertaining everyone in the most diverse audience one could hope to join

Ms Etheridge acknowledged that everyone is coming out of the pandemic . She reminded us to feel fortunate every day and reminded us to live our lives with love .

When I got home, I felt far too charged to go to bed so I decided to learn more about Melissa Etheridge I looked online and was instantly taken aback I learned her son, Beckett Cypher had died on May 13, 2020 as a result of what was reported as an opioid overdose . He was 21 years old .

Speaking of events…

It is a mystery to me how Ms . Etheridge was able to crawl out of the pandemic seclusion while suffering such despair and misery because of her terrible personal loss, and then make her way to the stage to make her audience feel better .

My heart hurts for this woman who performed so flawlessly while surely deeply grieving I hope that for a little while she had some joy My gratitude knows no bounds for how she lifted my spirits and allowed me to share an evening with her .

Thank you, Ms . Etheridge . You rock .

As performers and community organizations get back to what is very close to normal, the region is filled with events this summer . It’s been a long drought .

However, it’s only weeks since the last of the pandemic restrictions were lifted . Organizers will need you to have a little patience and understand if things aren’t exactly as they were pre-pandemic Understandably, some of the usual volunteers are not quite ready to work in a large crowd resulting in challenges Also, there is still a serious supply chain issue which means infrastructure needs such as tents, tables, chairs, even paper for programs, are scarce

Start making your plans now . Look through this issue of The Villager for some ideas . You can expand your search by regularly visiting these websites: www ontarioslakecountry . com; www .experiencesimcoe ca; www .orillia .ca/events

A reminder to the elderly or immuno-compromised, although not mandatory in most settings, consider protecting yourself with a mask while in a crowd, especially if indoors Lastly, if you have some time on your hands, consider volunteering for one of the local events . Call your local Lions or Rotary Club, your church or nearby school . They’ll be grateful and, guaranteed, you will feel terrific for helping .

Is our voting system flawed?

Only 43% of eligible voters showed up for Ontario’s June 2nd election The successful party received 40% of those votes . This means only 17 .5% of Ontarians voted for the winners who didn’t just win, they received an even greater majority than the previous election Would a different voting system have made a difference?

Melissa Etheridge produces magic with one of her dozens of guitars.

Inflation, affordability, spending and the fragile supply chain

By Simcoe North MP Adam Chambers

At the time of writing this update, the first session of the 44th Parliament is nearing an end . It will resume in September, with much more work to be done It is a good time, therefore, to reflect on the issues facing Simcoe North, across Canada and the rest of the world

Nationally, affordability and inflation are significant concerns Inflation hurts everyone, especially the most vulnerable and those whose wages will not keep up with the cost of living . It acts like another tax, causing our dollars able to purchase less and less Higher gas prices and higher prices overall have meant greater tax revenues for the government . I have asked the government to return some of these windfall revenues to Canadians in the form of GST cuts, tax rebates or tax holidays, especially on gasoline and diesel Since these extra government revenues come from Canadians, I think it is time for the government to give Canadians a break . Of course, supply chain issues relating to COVID and the war waged against Ukraine by Russia are responsible for some of the inflation we see, but so too have been soaring housing prices and excess government spending . Before the budget, experts warned the government that additional spending would create more inflationary pressure This is why I criticized the most recent budget for increasing government spending 25% annually over pre-pandemic levels

I have been clear in my opinion . Instead of making tough decisions on which

programs Canadians can afford during the post-pandemic recovery, the Government has said yes to everything and taken on even more debt This is not sustainable We must show restraint in certain areas so that we have the funds to spend on the areas that are most important (healthcare, social transfers, support for families and seniors and defense)

Finally, minority parliaments require some collaboration to pass legislation Opposition parties have worked together, sometimes with or without the support of the government, to better serve the interests of Canada . For example, opposition parties on the Finance Committee, teamed up to cut COVID 19 supports to publicly traded companies that also pay dividends As of December 2021, taxpayers had already paid over $6B dollars to these companies that

did not need support . As a member of the Finance Committee, I was proud to work with my colleagues to stop this waste Separately, all opposition parties (NDP, Bloc and Green) voted to pass a Conservative Private Member’s Bill to provide much needed relief from the carbon tax to Canadian farmers . In both cases, I have enjoyed being part of this cooperation to see legislation that better reflects the interests of Canada and Simcoe North My role as MP has taught me a lot in my first 8 months . I wake up every morning excited to serve constituents of Simcoe North and know there is a lot of work still to do and more to learn I look forward to seeing you all over the summer recess as we get back to reengaging with our communities Have fun, be patient with each other and support our local businesses .

A Conservative private member’s bill exempted Canadian farmers from paying farm fuel carbon tax.

© Can Stock Photo / stignace

Township update

Continued from page 3

Washago Centennial Park amenities

Plan your visit to Washago Centennial Park this summer This family-friendly park is located at 3398 Quetton Street and includes:

Washrooms; picnic tables; park benches; playground; baseball diamond; soccer pitch; dog park; beach; pavilion; walking trail, boat launch ramp

Facility bookings

Interested in booking Severn’s facilities or outdoor pavilion for an event or renting a sports field for a practice or tournament? You can fill out the Township’s Parks and Sports Field Permit application and submit it by email Visit the Township’s website at: severn ca/parks for more information

Ice rentals

Looking for ice time for the 2022 to 2023 season? Visit severn .ca/facilities for fees and information or contact staff at 705325-2315 x241 or by email at recreation@ severn ca .

Budget overview

For every dollar that you pay in property taxes, only 42 cents go to the Township of Severn . The rest of the money goes to the County of Simcoe, local school boards, and police The municipality works to ensure that the portion of your taxes that goes to the Township is put toward important services and infrastructure that help keep our residents healthy and safe Here are some examples:

• parks and recreation • planning and development • roads and bridge maintenance • public library • protection to persons and property • general government operations

Learn more at: severn .ca/budget

Roads Needs Study update

Staff are completing an evaluation of the road network as a follow-up/complement to our Road Needs Assessment completed in 2017 . The study results will assist in the preparation of a plan to repair and maintain roads to a higher level of service; assist Severn with road infrastructure management and budgetary needs; and supports asset management decisions Reviews are completed every five years .

The Great Waterfront Trail Adventure (GWTA) • August 7-12

Township of Severn is a partner in the GWTA, a 6-day supported cycle touring event (not a race) . Cyclists ride at their own pace experiencing the different communities in their own way

Visit waterfronttrail org for route information and event details

© Can Stock Photo / ezumeimages

The Villager • www .villagernews .ca

ODAC was proud to be involved in the Washago water tower restoration. Receiving the 2019 Heritage, Restoration, Renovation and Publication Award are, from left to right: Richard Morton, installer of the art and owner of Pixels & Print; John LeBarr, mural designer; Kathy Nicholson, chair of the water tower committee; Ted Duncan, Board Chair OMAH; Lynn Fisher, Board Chair, ODAC.

Artists in Severn will be wellserved with ODAC

By Mike Bailey, Director Communications, Orillia and District Arts Council

The Orillia and District Art Council, or ODAC for short, is an organization that many have probably heard of but not many know what it does

This group brings people and resources together to enrich the cultural, economic and intellectual life of our community

ODAC started in 1999 when a small band of artists came together to work with other local artists to find ways of helping each other .

By 2005 ODAC was incorporated and in 2006 it was granted charitable status, which it still holds

Work then started on developing a strategic plan and other key documents which remain the cornerstones of ODAC’s vision, mission, and values of today ODAC’s mission is to empower, advocate for, and celebrate all art forms in our community and region . ODAC’s values are inclusiveness, life-long learning, respect for art and artists, diversity, community, and freedom of expression

Even ODAC’s logo has a deep-rooted meaning, reflecting its vision of a strong united creative community working together . It was designed by local artist Rodney Frost in 2007 and represents the many disciplines of art

ODAC has expanded in leaps and bounds The Board of Directors currently comprises six diversified artists and non-artists and its growing membership consists of 42 artists

Funding for programs are derived from public donations and grants .

A few programs supported, funded in whole, or in part by ODAC, are Streets Alive, Orillia Regional Arts & Heritage Awards, Expressive Arts for Mental Health, Professional Development Workshops, and more This year, ODAC is working together with the Orillia Center for Arts & Culture to explore possibilities to bring even more opportunity to local artists, musicians, dancers, and others in the creative community .

All board members volunteer to secure local donations and program sponsors, write grant applications, and design projects with the community Because of ODAC’s charitable organization status, sponsors could be eligible for a tax deduction

Membership from the greater community is for artists in all disciplines . Learn more about ODAC at orilliaartscouncil .ca .

Even a naturalist may not like every bird

By Ron Reid

Anyone who feeds birds is likely familiar with Common Grackles –fairly large all-black birds with long tails and a harsh, croaky voice In the spring months especially, male grackles show off a blueish sheen around the head and neck, and a set of bright yellow eyes . You could almost think them handsome .

But grackles have an attitude problem . They strut around your lawn in search of tasty grubs or anything edible, striding around like they own the place If you have feeders left out to tempt the woodpeckers and nuthatches during the warmer months, you will soon discover that grackles are the bullies in the avian pecking order . Not for them to share peanuts or sunflower seeds with others; they seem to take pride in swooping in and chasing off any other hungry birds

A grackle’s bill is sharply pointed and glossy black, and the males don’t hesitate to take a stab at anyone who hesitates to leave In the literal “pecking order” at our feeders, nearly every other bird will give way to a grackle Nearly, but not all A Pileated woodpecker has a considerable size advantage, and will hold its place and spread its wings to send a threat message; almost always the grackle will find it has pressing business elsewhere

Surprisingly, the one other species which will fend off a grackle is the Red-bellied woodpecker; in the same size range as the grackle, but

Continued on page 9

© Can Stock Photo / stevebyland

reluctant to give up its place at a peanut feeder Sometimes a stand-off will last for a minute or two, with lots of threats and even a few pokes, but usually the grackle will give way .

We also keep a hanging feeder with a little tray around its perimeter, filled with the white safflower seeds so loved by purple finches and rose-breasted grosbeaks . Grackles often land on this feeder as well, not because they like safflower, but seemingly because they enjoy swishing their bills back and forth to spray the seeds everywhere

Seeds and nuts are only one part of a grackle’s summer diet Whenever its beady eyes can track another bird’s route back to its nest, a meal of eggs or helpless fledglings becomes its preferred menu All part of the rhythm of nature, but nonetheless unpleasant to watch .

Grackles arrive in flocks in the spring, and by June only a pair or two remain close enough to raid our feeders Last summer I watched one pair enough to discover their nest hidden high among the dense branches of a spruce tree But not hidden well enough; I had a quiet little moment of satisfaction as I watched a crow drop onto the grackle’s nest and gobble up it contents . A classic act of Nature’s karma!

When I was trained as a wildlife biologist, some decades ago, my response would have been scorned as “anthropomorphism” – projecting human emotions onto the actions of wild species Guess that’s true; I have to confess that grackles are one of the few birds that I don’t really like . Perhaps I can be forgiven for my lapse of scientific objectivity for this bully of the backyard

A regular contributor to The Villager, Ron Reid is a natural heritage consultant and the co-founder and former executive director of The Couchiching Conservancy He has written more than 30 magazine articles and co-authored three books . He lives in Washago with his wife, Janet Grand

Remembering Cooper the Concierge Dog

Submitted by Joan Mizzi-Fry

He was the ‘cat’s meow’ according to his human mom and local physiotherapist, Jenna Welch For years, he would meet and greet patients in exchange to for a head rub or the occasional treat

I was one of his many fans who looked forward to appointments at Junction Rehabilitation because I knew Cooper would be there .

Recently, Cooper ‘earned his wings’ and left behind many broken hearts . Thank you Cooper for comforting those who needed it and for being so darn sweet

A quote I recall from an unknown author says it all: Dogs may not be our whole life, but they do make our lives whole .

We are open for business!

Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm

INTRODUCING Henry

Henry is one of the family members of our newest line of advanced vacuums by NaceCare

• Recovers 20% more soil

• Reduces energy consumption by over 40%

• Reduces noise levels

• Doubles average motor life

• Canister, upright, wet vac

Summer fun at the Washago Lions Club

Summer is in full-swing at the Lions Club in Washago . July 1st was the first major Canada Day celebration since the dawning of COVID in 2020 If you’re reading this on Canada Day and you’re planning on attending, you will be sure to see a fabulous turnout We know people will celebrate like no time has passed since the last event Locals and visitors to the area always enjoy the pancake breakfast in the morning, followed by live music, great food and beverages . We have an incredible community who never disappoints with their red and white Canada Day outfits and decorations . Head to the Lions Hall at 4343 Hamilton St , Washago The Lions volunteers start serving breakfast at 8:00 a m

A big thank you to our volunteers and club members who make the day possible

Jam Nights at the club have come to an end for the summer . We thank everyone who came out and supported the Lions on Wednesday evenings and we look forward to bringing the town more events in the coming months .

Stay tuned for more information on upcoming events including the return of the Washago Octoberfest, happening on September 24th at the Washago Community Centre Mark your calendars for this always popular event

The Friday Farmers’ market continues every week at the Lion’s Club from 11 a .m . – 5 p .m .

Teresa and Richard Mount, owners of By the Rock Farm, had this update on how things are going:

“The [Farmers’ Market] season has started well. We are very happy to see our market friends again. We have a nice variety of meals, baked goods, pickles and jams throughout the season. Hopefully lots of vegetables. Our family sincerely appreciates the people of this community who have supported us from the beginning.”

Make sure to follow the Washago Lions Club on Facebook for all event updates

As the province opens for business, and in order to keep our customers and staff as safe as possible, we continue to follow all COVID-19 protocols that health experts advise. We ask you to participate and wear a mask when you enter our store.

Washago area residents have enjoyed the entertaining Wednesday night Jams at the Lions Hall, now on hiatus for the summer.

Slow smoked Black River brisket

By Chef Becky

Chef Becky Lennerton

proprietor

Black

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 whole brisket

• Spice/seasoning mix, in equal amounts:

• Brown sugar

• Smoked paprika

• Onion powder

• Garlic powder

METHOD:

• Cumin

• Dry mustard

• Salt

• Black pepper

Rub seasoning mix all over brisket

Place in smoker or roasting pan, covered tightly with foil . Roast at 250 degrees for 8 hours .

NOTE: if using a smoker, keep brisket uncovered for first 6 hours .

Remove, wrap in foil and return to smoker for the last 2 hours .

Remove from pan, drain and save any liquid that has accumulated .

Sear brisket on BBQ to create crust .

Whether using the BBQ or a smoker, let rest 15 minutes after searing and before slicing .

Unwrap brisket and slice against the grain

To make sauce: bring the set-aside liquid to a boil and then simmer until it reduces to BBQ sauce consistency

Garnish slices with the sauce or straight up!

Some conditions may apply. Special must be mentioned at time of order. ‘Ready to print ’file(s) required

is

of

River Food Company and the innkeeper at Sir William Mackenzie Inn, Kirkfield, Ontario

This recipe is great served with coleslaw, macaroni salad and fresh corn on the cob.

Watch for closures on waterway

If you’re a boater planning an extended boat vacation on the Trent Severn Waterway, don’t risk having to turn around partway through your trip Check for lock closures on a regular basis because on June 20th a total of 25 locks along the system were closed .

The reason for the closures: in June, over the course of 20 days, the Trent-Severn’s watersheds received significant amounts of precipitation, the equivalent of 100-200% above the normal amount expected for this time period .

The closures, or partial closures, protect boater safety and aid in the prevention of shoreline erosion and property damage that could happen to local residents and businesses . The closure status can change from day to day or week to week, depending on the amount of rainfall .

At the time of publication, the closures did not directly affect Lock 42, but boaters who plan to travel the waterway beyond this point should check the status of closures

farther along the system by following Facebook or Twitter @TrentSevernNHS, visit www parkscanada gc ca/trent Parks Canada asks residents and visitors

for

to exercise extreme caution around and on the water As well, they encourage boaters to lower their speeds and watch their wake

Allergies

Many pets suffer from seasonal allergies just like people. However, the symptoms are a bit different.

If you find that your pet is scratching and chewing, their ears are consistently bothering them, or they have a yellow/green discharge from their eyes or nose, we would like to know.

Getting your pet booked in for a visit can help determine if they have allergies and what treatment options would work best for them.

Pet Feeling Blue?

Above information is from June 20, 2022. Visit

chart.

Pipes and drums return

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34 (Orillia) members and dozens of other community volunteers will be ready for you and your family from Friday evening July 15th until the last bagpipe skirl on Sunday afternoon on July 17th .

The full schedule for the Orillia Scottish Festival can be found at www orillialegion com or with the app TripVia

Here are some highlights:

The festival starts with a Ceilidh, a Scottish social event, on Friday, July 15th at the Orillia Legion Doors open at 6:30 p m for performances by the Orillia Legion Branch 34 pipe band and performers Strange Potatoes, a Scottish/Celtic group Tickets

$25/person .

Saturday’s celebration starts with a parade from Peter Street, down Mississaga towards the

lake, along Centennial Drive and into Terry Fox Circle at Couchiching Beach Park The massed pipes and drums then move to the main field to perform for the crowd

Official opening ceremonies are at 1 p m in the main field and stage on the hill The 2022 Festival is recognizing the McCrae clan and Mayor Steve Clarke will present to Bruce McCrae, the clan honouree

There are multiple events that take place all day long: Scottish Country Dancing in the park’s main field starting at 1:30; the beer tent features pipe bands from 2:00 p m ; and a Claidhmor will be on the main stage at 2:00 p .m .

The events are complemented by a good selection of food and other vendors, a children’s village, a 50/50 draw, and a

booth to visit if you’d like to discover your clan roots rounds out the day

For those who’d like to sit in the cool of the Legion instead of the park, visit the Legion at approximately 1:30-2:00 p m where the 48th Highlanders will perform

Sunday will feature a Ceilidh at 1:30 at the Legion with the Ontario Massed Band and Fiddlers Friends .

ONE LAST NOTE: please bring toonies with you and buy a festival button Your contribution will help offset the costs of the event

One block from Couchiching Beach Park!

This is the location you have been looking for. Well-established neighbourhood of fine homes just one block from Couchiching Beach Park. This legal duplex offers a main floor 2 bedroom apartment with stunning kitchen, 1.5 baths and attached garage. The upper level features a 1 bedroom apartment. Each unit has its own ensuite laundry, separate entrances and outdoor areas. Ample parking plus beautiful private gardens. This handsome brick Century home has been beautifully refurbished with high-end finishings. Asking $814,800. MLS#40269525.

CHECKING THE PULSE of our REAL ESTATE MARKET… Here is the beat!

In SEVERN the average sale price for a Residential free-hold non-waterfront property sold in May 2022 vs May 2021 decreased by 6% to $809,013.

The monthly number of all residential sales decreased by one for a total of 26 sales, of which ten were waterfront sales.*

* Data provided from our Matrix MLS System

Should you wish a confidential consultation on your real estate needs, please allow me to put my 20+ years of knowledge and experience to work for you. Call me today!

Happy Canada Day!

The Orillia Scottish Festival 2022 features a parade at noon on July 16th. It goes through the downtown into Couchiching Centennial Park. Photo courtesy of Deb Halbot Photography.

WANTED: HOUSE IN WASHAGO AREA

Couple from southern Ontario looking to purchase a home privately in the Washago area. We are looking for a home on 1-1½ acres with 2-3 bedrooms. A garage is a must. Pictures would be appreciated!

TWIN MAPLES

In-person events are back in full force but you’ll have difficult choices to make this month because most of the events listed here are on the same weekend .

Keep your eyes peeled to www ontarioslakecountry ca for more events to pop up throughout the month

Physiotherapy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic & Acupuncture

We

Our full line of services is provided by highly-trained, experienced professionals for injuries or accidents, arthritis, repetitive strain, post & pre-op, chronic pain, therapeutic and relaxation massage and more.

Our personal trainer is also offering exercise classes on evenings and

July 8-10

Mariposa Folk Festival, Tudhope Park, Orillia . Everything you need to know about this storied festival is online at www mariposafolk com Children under 12 free if accompanied by a ticket bearing adult More than 50 performing artists on stages throughout the park and outstanding evening main stage performances Artisans Village Food Trail Pub Stage

July 15-17

Scottish Festival returns to Orillia after a 2-year hiatus Brought to you by The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34 . Full schedule at www orillialegion . com or on the app TripVia See page 15 for more details

July 16

Paddle Party on the Black River 10:00 a m – 3:00 p m Start at the Rosebush entry at Reid Nature Reserve, to the foot of Ragged Rapids Bring your own canoe or kayak Life jackets are mandatory and must be worn Intermediate skill set Couchiching Conservancy – Passport to Nature Register at www eventbrite ca/e/passport-to-nature-paddle-party-on-the-black-riverregistration-262066296347 . Call 705-326-1620 for inquiries

July 16

Incredible Invertebrates, 10:00 a m – 1:30 p m Is a lady bug a bug? Is a firefly a fly? Find out at this tour through the world of invertebrates Presentation followed by an exploration through Wye Marsh . $15 per person All materials provided Event is 12+ Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 705-526-7809 www wyemarsh com/incredibleinvertebrates

July 16

10th Annual Ramara Classic Car Show, 10:00 a m – 4:00 p .m

Over 160 automobile exhibitors Vendors’ market, 50/50 draw, raffle, DJ Wild Willy’s 50’s & 60’s music, and food vendors . Brechin Dry Dock Marine, Lagoon City, Brechin 705-484-2141 Visit www ramarachamber com

July 16

Woodrow Family Farm Day at the Coldwater Museum Live music, craft demonstrations, veterinary room exhibit, vintage steam equipment, community vendors, Lions BBQ lunch, kids’ activities, and a dedication of an outdoor bake oven All are welcome Admission by donation

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Steampunk Festival 2022 • August 5 & 6

One of the largest festivals of its kind in North America, this very popular Coldwater event returns to an in-person, village-wide event Steampunk bicycle rickshaw; Time Machine, scavenger hunts, street art installations, craft tent, fairy garden, cosplay guests, pop-up live music and more Visit www .steampunkfestivalcoldwater .com .

Great investment or risk?

By Ellen Cohen

The significant slowdown in home sales plus decreasing prices will affect owners differently depending on their personal situation Those who own their house outright or have a reasonably low mortgage amount owing, can feel secure

Conversely, recent buyers may face some challenges A variable rate mortgage, or a mortgage renewing now, will mean an increase monthly mortgage payments The possible decrease in the value of their home may cause some difficulty on their ability to meet the financial stress test their lender requires There are no published statistics yet to show how many owners this will affect .

Even with the recent downturn in house prices, longer-term owners continue to realize healthy return on their investment .

In the Toronto market, the largest in the country, the house price index has fallen by 2 .5% in the past 3 months . In a market

where the average price is $1 204 million, that is -$30,100 To put that in perspective, the index is still up by 24% compared to a year ago, and up 62% compared to 3 years ago*

In this region, for example, newly built bungalow townhouses at the north end of Orillia sold 3 years ago for an average price of $410,000 During the height of the market in the past year, they were selling for as much as $830,000 . The prices in the past 3 months have gone down to as low as $729,000, a $99,000 decrease but still a 77 8% increase over 3 years

In Severn, according to data from the Century 21 Matrix MLS System, the average

sale price of a non-waterfront, residential free-hold property in May, 2022 was $809,013, a decrease of 6% compared to April To add context to this statistic, in 2019 the average was approximately $661,000** . Therefore, although prices have recently decreased, the average sale price is up 22 4% from 3 years ago

Financial institutions or accountants will help a home owner determine if selling now will result in optimum return; or if buying now is reasonable or a risk .

*Source: Canadian Real Estate Association

**Source: Ontario Real Estate Association

© Can Stock Photo / Feverpitched