BUYING OR SELLING A HOME? CALL:
June 2021
West Shore update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 jeanpaullogiacco@rogers.com
Township update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 14,957 protected acres. . . . . . . . . . 12 MP talks budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Our ‘township family’ serves the residents News and words from Severn Mayor Mike Burkett Now in the 15th month, the pandemic has tested all of us beyond imagination and those who work in the township administrative office are no exception. To keep staff well distanced from each other, they have been working alternate days, split into A and B teams instead of working from home full time. Their presence in the office is necessary so that they can access files and generally look after residents but the office feels a little lonely. Mayor Mike Burkett says the current arrangement is, of course, not ideal but it allows them to get the work done efficiently even though they never actually see all of their colleagues. He spends a significant amount of time in his office on Zoom meetings with council, committee and county meetings. Mike said, “Our staff and council are one big family. We are one team. The way things are now is difficult. We don’t see everyone. Many of us haven’t met the new hires. We’ve also had multiple retirements including several with 30+ years of service to the township. Because of COVID restrictions, we haven’t been able to recognize and celebrate their dedicated service – but we will as soon as we can.”
In addition to the day-to-day needs of the residents, the township has some very significant projects under way. Those include the Official Plan which determines the use of land in the community; the Recreation Master plan which deals with all parks and recreation facilities; the transportation master plan; and the review of the current by-law regarding Airbnb’s. These four projects have major impact on the future of the township and your input will be invaluable. The township’s new and easy-to-manage website includes a place for residents to submit their input. Stay tuned at severn.ca/haveyoursay. The most convenient way for residents to manage this is to subscribe to that page. As the projects progress, emails will be sent to subscribers with updates and requests for input. High speed internet has become, if possible, an even more important issue to resolve in Severn and the township is working with all levels of government to get funding. Mike said work from home is likely to be widely accepted by many businesses in the future, as will be the choice for children to continue with online in-home learning. Getting high speed to our entire township is critical. Everyone should have the same education and work opportunities. Mike’s comments to The Villager ended with remarks about COVID and how well the township has managed through these most difficult times. As of May 18th, there were only 72 reported cases in Severn. He is confident that it is because residents and businesses have followed the advice of our
Chief Medical Officer. “Today, the majority of those eligible in our community is taking advantage of getting protected through the vaccine. Case numbers across the region have been falling. We even had a community pop up clinic in Coldwater organized by Councillor Judith Cox, the Coldwater pharmacist and medical officials. This meant that anyone without transportation to Orillia or Midland, or those unable to book online, were able to get the shot. This is a remarkable example of community caring for each other.” The mayor’s last words were about those who live alone. “Please, please, please check on your neighbours who live alone. They may not always ask for help but you could call them regularly to make sure they’re okay, or just go knock on their door, keep your distance, and have a quick conversation. You will make a difference.”
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Ward 4 - West Shore update
As always, there is much activity in Ward 4, the West Shore area of Severn. The most significant, says Ron Stevens, the ward councillor is the residential development. The area is the fastest growing in the township. Its proximity to water along with all the services makes it one of the most desirable locations in the region. The current development underway is just off Highway 11 in the Turnbull Drive area. The builder’s first application for this project was about 15 years ago but the land, which was once farmland, sat dormant. It wasn’t until 2012, the section of land having grown wild, that the builder began working with the township again, finally completing the process and getting approval for 173 homes. Even so, the project has just recently begun. “The developer has met and exceeded all requirements before starting the project. As usual, the township will monitor as it progresses including resident concerns about the marsh and the lakefront”, said Councillor Stevens. Ron has a concern and is determined to make sure the new residents have lake access as do all other pockets of homes in the community. At the time of The Villager interview with Ron, it wasn’t clear if the builder has already made plans for this, or if there needs to be more planning to ensure
this happens. “This development agreement is ongoing. When it comes to final moves, we can discuss outstanding issues at council,” he added. Other developments in this area include Menoke Beach, a 90 home project on which is included the 10 acre plot for the proposed community centre; 42 townhomes will be built behind the local Tim Hortons on Grand Tamarack Crescent; and another 80-home development is in the planning stage. Mayor Burkett says that these larger projects in Ward 4, plus the large number of residents rebuilding or renovating, are keeping the planning department inundated. “We’ve never seen growth like this. It is good for the township but the planners are so stretched that even after hiring an additional planner, we had to bring on another firm to help with what is three times the normal volume of work. I thank the residents for their patience and we will work as quickly as possible to complete what can sometimes be very complex planning issues,” said the mayor. In spite of the pandemic, Ron said that council, of course, meets regularly and moves critical issues forward expeditiously; management and staff has been amazing and has ensured the administration is on
top of everything; and all infrastructure is in good shape. There has been very little, if any, delay on needed road work. He is very impressed with how everyone, although working different shifts and never all together at one time, manages the day-today business of looking after residents. Lastly, Ron commented on how well all residents and businesses have handled themselves through a very difficult 14 months. “People are tired but they are managing. Anyone working in a retail store is exhausted. It’s been very difficult for parents who work from home and also have children doing their schooling online. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. Many people are waiting for their 2nd shot and feeling more hopeful that one day soon we can spend time safely with our family, friends and neighbours.”
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4 From the Publisher:
Rare sighting
Ellen Cohen Publisher
thevillagerpress@rogers.com
705-717-0322 The Villager, a Severn Township community news magazine, is an independently owned and operated publication delivered to households and businesses on or before the first day of every month. It is mailed through Canada Post north from the Severn Township/Orillia border to Severn Bridge and includes parts of Ramara Township. In addition to Canada Post delivery, The Villager is distributed each month through high traffic locations along the Highway 11 corridor and in many other select locations in Orillia. For a complete list of locations email thevillagerpress@rogers.com. Editorial and advertising material is 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 Art director: Cathy Cleary
Just a glimpse was enough for Deb Halbot to get a photo of this beautiful and unusual bird. Sighted in the Coldwater/Matchedash Bay area, it’s a Redwing Blackbird with leucism, a rare genetic condition that effects the melanin and pigment in the feathers. This bird’s colouring is not pure white (as in albinism) but much lighter than the normal dark brown colouring. She is almost a perfect match to the colour of the reeds. Many thanks to Deb Halbot for allowing The Villager to publish this photo of such a rare find.
Photo Credit: Through My Eyes - Photography Deb Halbot
Community events are back Slowly but surely, residents will find some outdoor events to attend – not the big ones like Canada Day celebrations or Mariposa, but there will be some very welcome small community happenings. It is likely there will still be some restrictions and necessary health protocols for many months to come, but the fact that we can mark our calendars and anticipate something fun is a definite sign of progress. Here’s what’s happening in the neighbourhood: • The new Washago Farmers’ Market presented by the Lions. Details in their column on page 9. • There’s a golf tournament in July at Bonaire - see page 10. • Melanie Rimkay of Green River Yoga takes yoga to the park this summer. See page 7. • The United Church in Washago and Ardtrea are holding a ‘Time and Talent’ Auction. See page 19.
Mariposa House Hospice and Hospice Orillia announcements Both of these organizations collaborated again this year for the annual Hike for Hospice, an event that increases awareness about hospice palliative care and raises much needed funds. 100% of the proceeds stay in the area. The fundraising goal this year was $15,000. The community came together in an extraordinary way. At the May 2021 event, there were more than 60 participants who raised over $30,000. Hot off that event, Mariposa House Hospice is extending a new community opportunity. The recently opened residential palliative care facility on Brodie Drive in Severn, has been readying the outdoor portion of the
residence for use by clients, their families and staff. The community has an opportunity to support this project by purchasing bricks that will be laid in the beautiful and peaceful patio area. Annalise Stenekes, the executive director, said that donors may use the bricks as memorials, for sayings or quotes, a corporate name, or other reasons. Each will be professionally engraved. The price of a brick begins at $150, a price that will enable a wider portion of the community to be personally involved in this facility. All proceeds will be used for operational costs. For more information visit mariposahousehospice.com.
Letters to the publisher are welcome and may be emailed to thevillagerpress@rogers.com. Letters may be edited.
5
Birdwatching as science By Ron Reid
This spring marks the beginning of a massive “citizen science” project called the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas. Over the next five years, thousands of recreational birders will use their skills to gather records on every species of bird that nests in the Province. To make this all work, the landscape is divided up into “squares”, each one 10 km to the side. Conveniently enough, the Washago square covers from roughly Cooper’s Falls Road down to the northern part of Lake St. John. So, with the help of a few friends, I have signed up to cover this square and report our results to the Atlas database. That means a lot of very early mornings because most birds are active and vocal shortly after dawn. We can walk the trails on the Alexander Hope-Smith and FerryFawcett nature reserves, and stop along quiet roadsides to look and listen for different species. Finding a nest is the holy grail for ‘atlassers’, but far easier for some birds than others. Already this spring we have checked off Great Blue Herons on their nests in a beaver pond, Common Mergansers using nest boxes, Robins and Phoebes nesting on buildings, and a handful of others. But confirming the nesting of wood warblers or sparrows, for example, is difficult because these species hide their nests well to avoid predators. Fortunately, the Atlas allows the use of a whole series of breeding evidence codes
in three layers – possible, probable, and confirmed. If I see a Green-winged Teal in a local marsh during its breeding season, that gets classed as a possible nester. If I hear a Chestnut-sided Warbler in the same spot at least 10 days apart, that stronger evidence links to a probable breeding classification. But if I am lucky enough to see a Savannah Sparrow carrying a juicy caterpillar to its well-hidden nest, that counts as breeding confirmation. This might all sound complicated, but for birders it is actually a challenging bit of fun. (I know, we are an odd lot!) Plus there is the satisfaction of contributing to an incredibly valuable database as the results from thousands of squares comes together. One of the interesting aspects for me is seeing how our results will compare to the previous rounds of Ontario ‘atlassing’ in the 1980s and early 2000s. We already know that some species have shifted their range northwards, likely in response to climate change. The Atlas results will give a much clearer picture of how much change there has been for Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Carolina Wrens, and Blue-grey Gnatcatchers. And there will be surprises as the provincewide maps unfold. So if you are sipping your morning coffee and see a Black Crosstrek poking along your road, that will be Janet and me, looking for birds. If you would like more information about the Atlas, visit the website www. birdsontario.org. If you might have uncommon birds nesting on your property
© Can Stock Photo / calvste
or nearby (please, no robins!) contact me at bobolink.reid@gmail.com. Your help will be much appreciated. 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.
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A little more patience… By Marylynne White, President As we head into June, I would suspect we are all hoping that soon again we will be able to visit with family and friends. It has been quite the challenge to remain patient and hopeful. But we have and we should be proud that we have done what’s necessary. Without the vaccines, we would be not as far along, so we should be thankful for science. As far as starting up our senior meetings again, I have not been informed as to when the Washago Community Centre will reopen. As soon as I know, your Executive Board will meet to discuss the future of our Club activities and Township regulations. It is important to know how many members plan to renew their memberships so we will email those who are online and phone those who are not, and ask for your feedback regarding your Club membership. We look forward to seeing you all in the near future. Have a happy summer and stay safe. Cheers!!
Yoga in the park – and goat yoga Melanie Rimkay had already been offering online classes for about 1½ years at the time the pandemic hit so she was well-equipped to increase those virtual classes. In fact, the demand for online classes became so great, she closed her physical studio so she could focus on her clients’ needs. “At a time when more and more people were stressed and full of anxiety, when they needed physical, mental and spiritual release more than ever, I had a way to help. I am so grateful I could do this,” said Melanie, the proprietor of Green River Yoga Company. Melanie will add outdoor classes over the summer, timed with the disappearance of black flies, likely midJune. Classes will take place at Washago Centennial Park.
“My goat yoga classes will begin about the same time, at a Menoke Beach location with sweet, beautiful baby goats. Nothing is better than fresh air, exercise and some great laughs.” To join the ongoing virtual programs, or to register for Yoga in the Park and/or Goat Yoga, contact greenriveryogacompany.com or call 705-721-2799.
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250 bags of litter were collected by residents.
Township update DAY OF ACTION ON LITTER Volunteers in Severn collected over 250 bags of litter during Pitch-In-Canada. Thank you for making our community a cleaner, healthier place to live, work and grow. We all have the power to stop waste and litter from getting into our environment. All actions – big or small – can make a difference. Learn how you can #actONlitter at Ontario.ca/actONlitter.
website carts.simcoe.ca. Residents will also receive a mailer with details. Details on the new website site includes size of carts, instruction for set out, storage tips, visuals, videos and FAQ’s. Between August and October, eligible locations will receive three complimentary carts for garbage, recycling and organics. All carts will be easy-to-use wheeled carts. The new carts create more vertical space and, therefore, require less storage room. By adding more space to the larger organics AUTOMATED CART cart this encourages their use rather than WASTE COLLECTION PROGRAM The new Simcoe County waste collection using garbage. This is positive for the program begins on November 1, 2021. environment. This new system will provide an easy and safe solution for residents to manage their WATER CONSERVATION To protect our water source for waste each week. To support this upcoming change, the county has launched a new generations to come, The Township of
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Severn is committed to reducing water use, loss and waste. To help conserve water and reduce costs, the township has in place a Lawn Water ByLaw: if your address is even numbered, you can water your lawn on even numbered days. If your address is odd numbered, water your lawn on odd numbered days. Watering is allowed from the hours of 6 a.m. – 8 a.m., and from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Water leaks create high water bills, usually the result of a running toilet, leaky faucets or malfunctioning automatic trap filers. Call a plumber for repairs. Contact the township if you suspect a leak in your main service line.
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Lions service gets in your blood If you are considering community work and the Lions looks like a place you’d feel at home, consider the following long-time Lions dedicated volunteers. As of this October, PZC Lion George has been a Lion for 55 years with districts districts A9 and A11. He has held the positions of president, treasurer (twice), director five times, and membership chair 5 times. He was the committee chair for eyeglass collection, delivering over 50,000 pairs in five years. Lion George is 89 years old, currently acts as treasurer and is still quite active on the club level. The second example of longevity and loyalty to the club and all the good work it does, is PCS Lion Evelyn who has been a Lioness and a Lion for the past 44 years. Like George, Lion Evelyn participated in District A11 as well as A9 where she chartered the Lioness and went on to charter the Scenic City Lions. Lion Evelyn has been zone chair four times, a region chair, a cabinet secretary 3 times; and on a club level, president five times, secretary four times. Lion Evelyn continues to be very active in her club and is presently the chair of Lake Joseph/CNIB. Regarding membership and service, Dr. Jung Yul Choi, International President, of
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Dedicated volunteers, PZC Lion George and PCS Lion Evelyn. Lions International says, “Let us celebrate our service because what we accomplish today will continue to make a difference for years to come.” To get more information about membership, contact Jim Rice, club president at 705-6273638. Farmers’ Market update: Runs every Friday from 2-7 p.m. at the Washago Lions Hall from June 4 – October 15. There are still some vendor spots available. Contact: washagolions.farmersmarket@ gmail.com or Craig at 705-9552133. Social distancing and masks will be required and depending on COVID restrictions, we will offer a Lions BBQ and provide live music. See you there!
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Hit the links in support of Green Haven Shelter It’s the things we take for granted that we’ve missed so much during this 15 month-long pandemic – family gatherings and fun with friends. Normal activity and recreation. Well, now there’s hope because of the loosening of some restrictions. In fact, you can plan to hit the links. The Green Haven Shelter for Women (GHWS) Annual Charity Golf Classic at Bonaire Golf Club in Coldwater is back. To be safe in light of what has been unpredictable COVID restrictions, it is a virtual tournament.
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14,957 protected acres – including the essential 1,362-acre Cedarhurst Alvar By Courtney Baker, Administrative Assistant at The Couchiching Conservancy • www.couchichingconserv.ca The Couchiching Conservancy works in many ways to protect nature close to home. Most recently we worked with our longtime partner in the Carden Alvar, The Nature Conservancy of Canada, to protect the 1,362 acre Cedarhurst Alvar property. Cedarhurst is an essential piece of the Carden Alvar puzzle. It strengthens the corridor created with other conservation areas owned by The Couchiching Conservancy, Ontario Parks, The Nature Conservancy of Canada and private landowners with conservation easements. Working together as organizations, individuals and as a community with hundreds of local citizens who support the alvar has saved a huge swath of wilderness right in our back yard. Couchiching Conservancy supporters raised $200,000 of the total $1,000,000 price tag for the project. Cedarhurst is
home to many species, several species at risk and rare alvar specialist plants. It also provides $10,000,000 per year in ecosystem services including flood mitigation, clean air and carbon storage. A great bargain. All this may have you asking, if we sometimes help raise money for other organizations, how else do you protect land? The Conservancy may purchase a property, have a property donated to the cause, help private land owners put conservation easements on their land, or partner with other organizations to protect land as we did with the Cedarhurst Alvar. Donations are the way many land trusts get off the ground. A generous individual or family who wants their land to remain undeveloped forever will work with The Conservancy to donate the land. There are incentives available to land donors, such as the significant tax benefits available
through the Ecological Gifts Program (EGP) administrated by Environment and Climate Change Canada. That’s right, you can get a tax receipt for donating your property to conservation. The second most popular method for protecting land is to create a conservation easement. This is created when a land owner decides that they never want their land to be developed, but they also want to retain ownership, or even sell it someday. An agreement is made with The Conservancy to decide what is and isn’t allowed on the property (from hunting to snowmobiles the decisions are yours) and again, there are significant tax benefits provided by the EGP. The Conservancy also purchases some properties, such as the Ron Reid Nature Reserve on the Black River. When this Continued on page 13
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Clouded Sulphur butterflies enjoying themselves at Cedarhurst Alvar. Photo by Tanya Clark. happens, we ask for a great deal of community support in order to raise the funds for the purchase. Some properties, like the Sweetwater Nature Reserve, can be part donation by the family, and part purchase, funded by donations from the community, charitable foundations and sometimes government agencies. And finally we work in partnership with other organizations as we did for the Cedarhurst reserve. Ultimately, the goal is the same no matter who owns it in the end, protecting nature, providing habitat for the beautiful diversity of life in our region, and giving future generations a place to explore nature’s beauty. The moral of this happy story is that we are stronger together. When we work in different ways with different partners toward a common goal, we can achieve so much more than we ever could alone. Thanks to our partners, local naturalist clubs, private landowners and the generosity of donors and volunteers The Couchiching Conservancy has now helped to protect 14,957 acres of ecologically significant land in our region. Long may we thrive together.
A FRAME SIGN 24x36” 4mm Coro 2 Inserts Hardware included
$145 +HST SMALL ENGINE REPAIR We specialize in ALL SMALL MOTORS: Snow Blowers • Chainsaws • Lawn/Rider Mowers THE BEST PRICES ON CHAINSAW CHAIN SHARPENING & WELDING!
Call 705-689-5837
5276 Dean Trail, Washago
Some conditions may apply. Special must be mentioned at time of order. ‘Ready to print’ file(s) required. Prices do not include HST.
www.georgianbayprinters.com 17 Colborne St. East, Unit 101 – Orillia, ON
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MUSKOKA DENTURE CLINIC MARK J. FANTUZ, D.D. Denture Specialist
Complete and Partial Dentures Relines and Repairs Mouthguards Free Consultations
Serving Severn, Muskoka & Area for 25 years
705-687-5152 • 1-800-315-5229
455 Muskoka Road N. Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1G3 Email: info@muskokadenture.com Website: www.muskokadentureclinic.net
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Grilled rustic flatbread - AKA pizza By Chef Becky Lennerton
Proprietor of Black River Food Company and a teacher in our region for Loblaw Companies Limited.
While the stone is heating, roll out dough to desired size onto a surface that will make it easily transferrable. You can dust the rolling surface (a peel is best) with cornmeal to Enjoy this grilled rustic flatbread - AKA pizza – prevent sticking during transfer to stone. with your favourite chillin’ beverage!! Top the pizza as desired, using the freshest and best quality ingredients possible for the best outcome. Be leery of overloading with ingredients and keep the dough edges clean. Place pizza on the hot stone and grill for approximately 20 minutes or until the crust is brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
New Patients Welcome!
Washago Family Dentistry Dr. Debra Shoniker
8291 County Rd. 169, Washago • 705-689-6600
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Muskoka
Cou nty R
Street
Street
9 Rama Rd
Using the BBQ or indoor grill, place stone on half and preheat it at least 30 minutes at 450. This process could be started in the oven but make sure the stone is very hot in order to give you the wood-fired crust.
• 1½ tsp. extra virgin olive oil (the good stuff ) plus a little extra oil for brushing the crust • 1½ tsp. sea salt
Hamilt on
Ingredients for dough: • 5 cups 00 (double zero) flour. (All purpose flour is fine, too.) • 1½ tsp. dry active yeast • 2 cups cold water (distilled, if available) • ¼ cup warm water Method: In a large bowl, sprinkle yeast over warm water. Let stand 5-7 minutes. Add salt. Add cold water gradually, stirring in flour until incorporated. When dough starts to pull away from bowl, drop onto floured surface. Knead until soft and pliable, approximately 8-10 minutes. Divide dough into two and brush with olive oil. Store in fridge in a container large enough for it to rise overnight. Remove from fridge an hour before using.
• Exams • Cleanings • Sport Mouth Guards • Night Guards • Whitening • Mild Sedation (nitrous oxide/laughing gas)
• Bonding • Veneers • Crowns • Bridges • Implants • Dentures
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Relax and enjoy your time away from your cottage or home!
SECURITY • MAINTENANCE • CLEAN UP
Darren Rutledge 416-527-0507 rutledge.dt@gmail.com RutledgeCottageService.com
Better Value Plumbing & Heating Inc. • For all your plumbing and hydronic needs •
705-689-6676
(689-NORM)
“Proudly serving the local community.”
Dan The Wood Man Tree Removal Junk Removal Demolitions FULLY INSURED
705-689-2223
(ABCD)
www.danthewoodman.ca
cell: 705-323-7808 danthewoodman@hotmail.ca
Serving Gravenhurst to Barrie area
40 Years Experience
LANDSCAPE & CONSTRUCTION Walkways • Steps • Driveways • Patios Design and Build – Free estimates
Glenn Brochu • 705-321-2132 3901 Menoke Beach Rd., Severn
ENTERPRISES
Blown Fiberglass Insulation INSTALL QUALITY INSULATION IN YOUR ATTIC If you haven’t looked in your attic for years – or ever! – we could potentially save you 100s of $$ monthly.
Call today for an appointment and a free estimate.
Randy Tinline 705-835-3877
Professional • Reliable • Affordable Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed
Cheryl Hammell Orillia, Ontario
705 345-0615
info@cherylspainting.ca
www.cherylspainting.ca
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SIMCOE MUSKOKA’S ONLINE GARDEN CENTRE
2,00
0+ High Gard Quality en It Comp etitive ems ly P riced
www.nuscapestore.com Licensed & Insured
No Water?
New Installations and Repairs on Wells and Lake Draw Systems
GORD’S CARPENTRY BASEMENTS FRAMED TO FINISH
BASEMENTS FRAMED TO FINISH Renovations • T-Bar Ceilings • Decks & Fences
REASONABLE RATES FOR QUALITY WORKMANSHIP
Call today for a free estimate 705-259-2704
Pump & Electric Motor Repairs Call RICK Today
Just Fix It 705-689-RICK (7425)
Over 27 Years Experience
Licensed by Ministry of Natural Resources
BOARD YOUR DOG OR SMALL ANIMAL NO KENNEL. NO CRATE.
We’ll keep your pet happy and safe at our large house on 6 acres of fenced property. Young or old. Special needs accepted.
Family Owned & Operated
Serving Simcoe County & Muskoka
705-205-0713 sales@washagoplumbing.com
Stay safe & healthy!
We are designated as an essential business. See us for your homecare, mobility and other needs.
We are here to help with COVID-19: Gloves • Wipes • Masks • Hand Sanitizer OPEN Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm
SALES • SERVICE • RENTALS • www.homecomfortcare.ca
Gravenhurst 705-687-3890
Bracebridge 705-646-8846
Huntsville 705-788-3810
OPEN FOR BUSINESS Up-to-date Advantage application required.
REFERENCES PROVIDED OVERNIGHT OR WEEKLY RATES
705-689-6246 • frogpond@xplornet.ca
ORILLIA FOOT CLINIC & WELLNESS CENTRE Your One Stop Spot for Head-To-Toe Health
Tony Young BSc, DCh - Chiropodist Accepting New Patients for Professional Foot Care Services Chiropody appointments available. Call today for information & an appointment.
333 Mary Street, Orillia 705.259.2838 www.ofcwc.com
TWIN MAPLES FARM
WEDDINGS • WAGON RIDES • SLEIGH RIDES
705-689-0182
Christine Jameson: christine@twinmaplesfarm.ca
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Budget, broadband and more By Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton As we roll into the summer season ahead, just a few weeks away, we are also welcoming a gradual easing out of the pandemic that has so captivated and changed our routines these last 15 months. Intentions of residents to be vaccinated are high, in our region and across Canada. More than 70% plan to get vaccinated, providing a strong likelihood of reaching the fabled “herd immunity” from COVID-19 perhaps later this year. Health authorities will remove restrictions when vaccination rates are high and cases of COVID per day are low. Won’t it be good to resume our social habits with family, friends and neighbours without masks and physical distancing. We’re just about there. There has been a lot of news from Parliament since my last report. Bills are proceeding on environmental protection and changes to the Broadcasting Act that attempt to regulate use of the internet for distributing news and content. More than one standing committee is studying
the issues around sexual misconduct with Canada’s armed forces. And in the midst of this the government presented its budget plan on April 19th; it’s first since spring of 2019. In this article I will concentrate on the budget measures that may affect you, but if you have any questions on other topics, do not hesitate to contact me at bruce. stanton@parl.gc.ca. The budget introduced by the government expands some of the COVID support programs to further assist workers and businesses affected by the continuing restrictions of a 3rd wave. EI maximum benefit periods will expand from 24 to 50 weeks Canada Recovery Sickness benefit – expanded to four weeks from two, and the budget commits to moving the EI sickness benefit from the current 15 week maximum, to 26 weeks starting the summer of 2022 Canada Recovery Benefit (mostly for selfemployed, non EI eligible) extended to 50
weeks coverage from 38 weeks, dating from September 27, 2020. Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit – extended to 42 weeks from 38 weeks Canada Emergency Business Account and the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund applications for small business extended to June 30, 2021 Next, the centre-piece of this 2021 budget, was a commitment to bring broader based, affordable early learning and childcare to every province, modeled after the $10/day daycare program in Quebec. This will be the largest new, continuing commitment of this budget; $29.8 billion over five years and $8.3 billion per year following. TD Economics has pointed to a range of studies that show that for every dollar spent on early childhood education, the broader economy receives from $1.50 to $2.80 in return. There are also commitments to (1) expanding the Universal Broadband Access Continued on page 19
Kim Barron
Small Business Advisor
Phone: 705-327-7900 x 300 Fax: 705-327-0597 Email: Kim.Barron@td.com Westridge Place, 3300 Monarch Dr. Downtown Orillia: 39 Peter St. N.
19 program, (2) improving the Canada Workers Benefit and (3) new funding for hard hit sectors of our economy like tourism and the arts. Finally, the government delivered on its 2019 campaign commitment to increase the Old Age Security for pensioners age 75 and over. They will all get a one-time payment of $500 in August and starting in July 2022, all seniors 75 years and over will receive a 10% bump up in their Old Age Security benefit going forward, annually. I hope you find this article helpful. There is always more to say than the space made so generously available to me will allow. I salute publications like The Villager that help me get important information to its readers and residents in my riding.
Is your organization hosting an event?
Let us know by email by the middle of June to be included in the July issue.
thevillagerpress@rogers.com
‘Time and Talent’ auction On June 9 & 10, 2021, the United Churches in Ardtrea and Washago are holding what they’ve named a ‘Time and Talent’ auction. It is a unique event that ensures there are no large gatherings but gives everyone the opportunity to bid on a large number of items, from paintings to pies. The volunteers are working on gathering the items but as of mid-May, the organizers said things were pouring in.
Posters with the complete list of items will be posted at each of the churches as well as throughout Washago. Bids will be placed over the phone. Instructions for bidding will be included on those posters. For further information or to donate auction items, please call Mary at 519-4735053 or Eleanor @ 705-689-3826.
Art club plans change In the past two issues we published information about the unveiling of the ‘Washago Letters’ at Home Hardware. Unfortunately, COVID restrictions meant this event had to be cancelled. The art club will post revised information which was not available at time of publication. A new date and details will be displayed on an A-Frame in front of Home
Hardware as well as on flyers that will be distributed to the other retailers. Also at the time of publication, the art club wasn’t sure that they would be able to display the ice cream chairs by the end of the month…but these pieces of art will land in the village soon.
Dr. Kathy Marchildon 3843 Soules Road, Severn L3V 0V3 www.lakecountryanimal.ca 705-326-4800
WE NOW HAV E FULL-TIME CHIRO
Physiotherapy, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic & Acupuncture
Mon., Thur., Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. • Tues., Wed. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
We are grateful for the support of our community. We are open and offer our full line of services. We follow strict safety protocols. Injuries or accidents, arthritis, repetitive strain, post & pre-op, chronic pain, therapeutic and relaxation massage and more. Friendly, highly-trained and experienced professionals who will respect and accommodate your needs quickly and effectively. Also available: Cupping
Visit JunctionRehabilitation.com
for a complete list of services & online booking
OR CALL 705-796-3877 7550 Rama Rd. (just a few minutes outside of Washago)
Protect Your Pets From Fleas • Ticks • Heartworm Book your appointment today! CALL US TODAY FOR DETAILS ABOUT OUR EFFICIENT, SAFE CURBSIDE / NO CONTACT SERVICE.
Serving People & Their Pets Since 2006
Stock your Pantry & Fill your Fridge with our full line of competitively-priced groceries plus delicious, freshly-prepared, take-out sandwiches, pizza & salads.
Freshly Brewed! Serving only our Premium
Spoil yourself.
Muskoka Roastery Coffee Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Shag Fog, Chai Tea Latte, Green Tea Latte
Canadian Top Tier AAA CUSTOM ORDERS OF BEEF, CHICKEN & PORK We will cut to order any meat we carry. Call ahead to place your order. • FRESH SALMON AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER •
Always Daily Fresh Baking! Pies • Squares • Cookies Dinner Rolls • Bread Buns • Specialty Rolls
Canoe’s Meat Pies
CUSTOMERS PLEASE NOTE: in order to help keep everyone as safe as possible, please sanitize your hands when entering our store, wear a mask and practice social distancing. We are grateful for your efforts.