The Villager 2019 March by Villager Community News

March 2019

Knowledge and expertise to guide you through changing market conditions.

Paul Cleary B.B.A. BROKER 705-327-6002

Washago carving event . . . . . . . . . . 6

Visit

Township updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

paulcleary.com

Recipe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Community Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Beautiful barns – Ontario’s ‘castles’

The Simcoe County Historical Association is preserving old barns through a photographic archives. They are looking for volunteer photographers to help with this project.

By Ellen Cohen In the 1950’s, our family lived across the road from the Reid farm on Telford Line. Old Mr. Reid used to let my sister and me ‘help’ him in that barn. We thought he was wonderful and wise. The sounds and smells inside that barn are as sharp in my mind today as they were all those years ago. The horse whinnies and the echo of hooves on the concrete floor; the cows at the other end of barn mooing, restless, perhaps asking for their dinner; and I seem to remember birds of some kind, maybe swallows? The smells inside that barn are also clear in my mind. Oats and straw, hay and manure. Musty and pungent while still clean and natural. Today, if I drive along any rural road in Severn Township I’m bound to see at least a few of these old barns including the one on Telford Line. There are one or two beauties on Grass Lake Line and a few on Highway 12 West between Orillia and Coldwater. Some barns in the area look to be in use, maybe just for storage, I’m not sure. But sadly, many other barns appear to be ready to fall over. Sometimes I think I should hold my breath and drive by very slowly lest I be the cause of that one last, fateful breath of air to knock down one of these grand old country structures. As with everything on this earth, time eventually has its way and these barns are

naturally disappearing forever. Thankfully, the Simcoe County Historical Association (SCHA) have initiated a project and found a way to preserve these wonderful pieces of our history, not by fixing them up of course, but by organizing a photographic archive that will document barn locations, age and other identifying information. The following is from files submitted by Ted Duncan, President of the Simcoe County Historical Association. The Barns Project Pictures to Remember Ontario’s ‘castles’ are everywhere you may travel along country roads around the province. They come in all sizes, shapes and designs. These barns were built within the last 200 years by the first European families

who settled here. They cleared the land for farming and used the lumber to construct homes and barns to house themselves and the animals they brought with them. The first buildings of logs are mostly gone, although a few exist and are found near back roads and in isolated parts of Ontario. Early log homes were replaced with fine brick homes. And as farmers prospered, farm families were able to build barns greater in structure and strength. Most of those, some of which still exist, were built between the 1850’s and 1950’s and most were built with the help of their nearby neighbours. In fact, raising a barn was a great social event of the times. There are many photographic records of

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Home grown cannabis & fire safety By Jake Hawkins, Firefighter, Severn Fire & Emergency Services

Now that homegrown Cannabis is legal in Canada, fire departments are preparing fire safety information concerning possible home/occupant hazards that coincide with growing and cultivating home grown cannabis plants. Although the legal limit for personal growing is only four (4) plants, those who decide to grow and cultivate should always consider safety. The safety concerns of grow operations is so serious in nature that the National Fire Protection Association has added an entire new chapter (38) to the National Fire Code for growing and extracting operations. It is important that all concerned have the ability to recognize and address the dangers associated with these operations. An important resource that is publicly available is the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes (ACMPR) regulation available at www.canada.ca. Home growers should also be aware that indoor cannabis growing uses a substantial amount of electricity. A January 24, 2018 article on the CBC website reported it uses the same amount of electricity as the average home would use in two months, 200 kWh to produce 1 lb of product. Unfortunately, added to that high electricity usage, home growers have historically had a tendency to take a “whatever works” approach, which may include dangerous electrical practices such as overloading circuits or using extension cords throughout the home. Or, many

home growers may choose a small room, such as a walk-in closet as their ‘grow room’. This only compounds safety issues as these rooms rarely have electrical outlets and it may be difficult to be aware of safety issues with the equipment and plants when it is all crammed into such a small area. The risk of a fire going undetected for some time is a concern in these circumstances. It is also important that your grow space does not interfere with ingress or egress from the home. Remember - do not block your attic access. Another caveat about small space growing is inadequate ventilation as these small rooms are prone to moisture build-up which may result in mold or damage to the

structure of the home. Also of concern is indoor pesticide use and, in some cases, carbon monoxide buildup due to the process (chemicals) being used. The Canada “Homeowner Guideline for Using Pesticides” may be a good starting point for reference information on this topic. It is essential that adequate ventilation is established and all detectors and alarms within the home are functional and in their proper locations. The use of chemicals in growing operations is important to note. The ACMPR (Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations) states that no organic solvents such as butane or benzene are permitted in home operations. For oil extraction, any industry style “open blasting” and “closed blasting” operations must not be used in the home, as these are extremely dangerous and can result in fire or explosion. These chemicals could dramatically add to the fire load of your home. Finally, in instances of any emergency in your home, it is essential to inform attending emergency personnel of what chemicals are present in the home. All chemicals should be properly labeled and stored. Severn Fire & Emergency Services encourages an open dialog between residents and our fire officials on this matter. We want to ensure public safety for you, your family, and your neighbours.

Carpets • Customized Area Rugs • Cork • Bamboo

Christina Westcott, left, and Louise Buchan, Washago Garden Club members. Photo from the front page of The Villager, July 2015.

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

From the Publisher: This month I write about someone with whom I had just slightly more than handful of encounters, Christina Westcott. She was someone who left an indelible impression on me. At her memorial service on February 4th, with mourners wearing red in her honour, it was evident that everyone there had been touched by her life. The following are some of my memories of Christina Westcott that I share with readers and, most especially, her family.

Remembering a great Canadian Christina Westcott, daughter of Don and Cathy Westcott, sister to Doug and Becky, teacher at Anderson Collegiate Vocational Institute in Whitby, passed away on January 12, 2019 at the age of 42. The first time I met Christina was only about 4 years ago. She was lugging a wheelbarrow full of annuals and leading a small group of Washago Garden Club volunteers towards very large flower pots where, she said, those flowers would be planted and displayed close to the side of the road for all residents and travelers to see. It was a hot, sunny day. The gardeners were tired, having worked a long, physically gruelling day. I’m sure I was in the way but I needed a photo for The Villager and I asked Christina if she wouldn’t mind posing for one. She didn’t brush me off. In fact, she seemed to relish the opportunity to explain what made her choose certain annuals, what

kind of care they’d need, and how important the garden was to the community. I walked away with a photo and an amazing first impression of Christina. This woman seemed inspired to do good work and to enrich the community. She was generous with her time, enthusiastic, sincere and knowledgeable, and just plain wonderful. Then, in the spring and summer of 2017, I worked with her for a Yesteryears story, and on the Washago Canada 150 committee. Some of us on the Canada 150 committee, maybe everyone, knew that she hadn’t been well but we said nothing. Christina was a very private person and we knew better than to comment on her illness, to pry in any way, or to offer any words that might be construed as sympathy. She was on the committee to work and to help. She had a job to do and she had fun doing it. And while she was working on the Canada Day committee, she was also co-chair of the Ramara Historical Society’s Yesteryears special sesquicentennial event, a huge event for which she spent countless hours organizing. Of course, both events were wildly successful. But it’s not the volunteer work Christina did that inspired me to write this. It’s about her selflessness, her complete lack of selfpity or self-absorption. Her love for country and community that kept her moving forward and helped her stay focused on the tasks at hand. From my brief, and to me meaningful, time spent with Christina I learned: a great Canadian does not have to wear a uniform or be famous. A great community leader does not need a fancy title or, indeed, any recognition. A great Canadian needs to be like Christina. A leader by example, full of love and compassion, humour and dignity, patriotism and hope. Christina Westcott will be sorely missed.

Letters to the publisher are welcome and may be emailed to thevillagerpress@rogers.com. Letters may be edited.

A local service second to none The eastern side of Severn Township is fortunate to have some local professionals such as a dentist, a fullservice physiotherapy clinic, accountants and more, but if residents are searching for social services assistance, resources specific to seniors, or general information about Orillia and the surrounding area, the search can be difficult and time consuming. Google searches, referrals from neighbours or friends, even looking in the phone book (if you have one of those!), won’t always result in the best or most up-to-date information. This is where Information Orillia comes in. Last year, they helped more than 5,000 people. They directed them to agencies that provide care and assistance; referred callers to specific services that many of us aren’t even aware exist; and helped many navigate through what can be complex and difficult government or other service organization searches. As well, they have information about arts and culture, the environment, local event information, and much more. Some examples of what they can do for their clients: assist

lower income seniors with a program that offers a monthly discount on their electricity bill, as much as $75/month; connect parents with agencies who can help with social or health challenges for their children; help those who are new to the area who don’t have a family doctor; or find out what is available and who to contact for anyone having difficulty finding appropriate housing. Information Orillia will also help lower income Orillia and area residents file their income tax, a service that will open the door, for example, to important tax credits not otherwise claimed. The service can be life altering for some. Nicolette Hawco is the operations manager of Information Orillia. She began her career with them in a student placement position while she was a social work student at Lakehead University. She is now a full-time employee and loves what she does for the community. “There are so many services available in this area - for people of any age, education or income level. Our staff and our student placements are here to help and they are well-qualified to give the best assistance possible. It’s

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Seated is Karissa Barker, Client Services and Records Administrator. Standing, left to right: Nicolette Hawco, Operations and Resources Manager, Kayla Young, Youth Quest participant; and Sukhi Kaur, Manager of Volunteer and Youth Engagement. what they do!,” she said. Information Orillia also has a volunteer placement service that assists non-profit organizations in finding qualified volunteers. This service is available to all residents in the area. Of great assistance to students, this service finds suitable volunteer work that helps them complete their volunteer hours as required by their school. Christine Hager, the president of the Information Orillia board of directors, said that as they celebrate their 50th anniversary

this year, and even with so much information available online, Information Orillia is as relevant and important to the community as it was in 1969. She said, “We get busier every year and I honestly can’t imagine this area not having Information Orillia. Where would people go for the answers?” Get the answers to your questions by calling Information Orillia at 705-326-7743 or go online, www.informationorillia. org. Their offices are located in the Orillia Public Library.

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More than a dozen carvers will demonstrate their carving skills on March 15, 16 and 17 at Washago Centennial Park. It’s the second time this event has been held at this venue but John Kerr of BackYard-Stuff, the organizer of the carving show, has produced this type of event for over a decade. John says that for those who haven’t attended a carving show in the past, this is the chance to see live and in person some of the most talented carvers in the world, artists who create pieces of extraordinary art out of variety of shapes and sizes of wood. Each of the artists, in addition to having pieces for sale, will be entering one of their pieces in a live auction that will take place on Sunday, March 17 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. One-half of the auction proceeds will go to the artist while the other half will be donated to the township to be used towards the purchase of a Mobi-Mat. A great addition to the park, this piece of equipment allows for simple access to the beach for those with mobility issues, wheelchair users, even parents with strollers. Last year, the auction raised over $2,200 for this initiative. There will be vendors on site and food and beverages will be available all weekend. CTV Barrie will be there live on Friday, March 16th. Admission to the park is free and there is ample parking on site. Washago Centennial Park is located on Lake Couchiching at the end of Quetton Street, off County Rd. 169.

Tell everyone about your event! All you have to do is email us the details and we’ll publish it for you – no charge.

DEADLINE: Send us your event details by the 12th of the month and it will appear in the following month’s issue.

thevillagerpress@rogers.com

New Lions member inducted District Governor for the Washago & District Lions Club, Byron McLellan attended the February 2019 meeting. A visit from a district governor makes it a special occasion and we added to that with an induction of a new member. Ian Thompson, of R Cottage Restaurant in Washago was inducted into the Lions Club by a memorable candlelight ceremony performed by pastpresident, Jim Rice, Ian’s sponsor. To enhance the celebrations, members and guests were (From left to right) Jim Rice, Past-President; new Lions member, Ian treated to a great meal prepared Thompson; and District Governor, Byron McLellan. by club member Eileen Wise. The meeting added one other Guide Dogs Training Center in Snowmobile Oval (O.S.O.R.) races noteworthy item. The Washago Oakville. on February 2-3. burn time Thank you to our volunteer Don’t forget our “Write a Lions ClubLong presented the District Governor with a donation his Lions who manned the front song about Washago” contest Uses 30% LESSforwood! very worthy 2019 project, the gate at the Sparrow Lake Ontario organized by Lion Doug. The

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Snow, wind and ice disrupt Seniors Club schedule By Marylynne White, President According to our club policy, we cancel meetings if the Simcoe County school buses are cancelled. And they were – due to icy conditions. As a result, we had to cancel our first meeting of the month in February which is normally our Business Meeting. It is always a disappointment for the members, especially since we all look forward to having the first meeting of the month, featuring a luncheon, fun and social time. However, at our second meeting of the month, which we call our “Birthday Social”, we were back together. We heard from our guest speaker, Catherine O’Connor who is a Hearing Care Counsellor with the Canadian Hearing Society. Catherine brought along her service dog, Ekko. Along with a discussion about the aspects of hearing loss, Catherine informed us about the work

with, and joys of having, a service dog. It was a very inspiring talk. Afterwards we acknowledged the birthday folks and enjoyed refreshments including cake, coffee and tea. We then turned our attention to “Bingo.” It was led and organized by Ruth and Irene. They kept the fun moving along with the winners receiving fun prizes. Just a reminder that Washago Seniors have bowling at Orillia Bowl on Memorial Ave. on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. The price is $11 which pays for two games and shoe rental. Ask for Andy when you come to bowl. You do not have to be a member of Washago Seniors to join in the fun. However, new members are always welcome! The Ground Hog indicated an early spring. Here’s hoping!!!

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Ontario government seeking input on real estate laws By Jill Dunlop, MPP Simcoe North The Ontario government is seeking public input in its effort to update laws surrounding real estate professionals. We believe that the people of Ontario deserve fair laws that truly reflect the reality of today’s market - encouraging transparency, cutting unnecessary red tape and, most importantly, protecting consumers. The Real Estate and Business Brokers Act of 2002 is currently the most recent review of laws regulating real estate, business brokerages and individuals employed by brokerages. Under the Act, brokers representing a seller can disclose the number of offers made on the property to others who have also made an offer, but they cannot legally disclose the prices. This is one example of a rule that our current government wishes to discuss and review in hopes of finding better and more modern solutions.

We know that real estate is important to Ontario’s success. Home sales in 2017 alone contributed approximately $95.5 billion to our economy. We understand its significance and we want to strengthen the legislation surrounding it in order to ensure that it is fair to all parties involved. We are looking for input from homeowners, renters, real estate professionals and the public to help us better serve the people. You can have a say by completing an online survey at ontario.ca/RealEstateAct. The government is also providing an opportunity to submit feedback on a consultation paper posted to the Ontario Regulatory Registry. This opportunity will be available until March 15, 2019 and can be accessed through the link above. Additional comments and ideas of 500 words or less can also be submitted to REBBA@ontario.ca. We know that the real estate industry

also believes in ethical standards that give the people of Ontario peace of mind when interacting with brokers and other industry members to purchase, lease, or sell a home. This review will ensure that these standards are met through consumer protection and transparency, improving the lives of the people of Ontario.

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Your Opportunity to Own A Landmark in Orillia

Miniature Golf Business for Sale

This thriving business in a prime Orillia location is a fantastic 19-hole mini golf course set amid beautifully landscaped gardens, complete with lighting for night-time play. The business also includes a popular ice cream bar plus a separate chip truck that offers a variety of delicious menu items. The owner’s residence consists of a 2 bedroom home plus a 3 bedroom in-law apartment on the lower level. The current zoning is C4i lending itself to a large variety of uses. Well-known and respected, this business has been in operation for over 25 years. It’s a wonderful opportunity for a family owned operation. Asking $889,000. MLS#176190.

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Washago Community Centre Hall Rentals for all your special occasions. Please check our web site for rental rates or call the Centre for more information. www.washagocommunitycentre.com • 705-689-6424 Board Members Needed If you are interested in making decisions about the activities and the future of our Community Centre, we would like to hear from you. CALLING ON YOUTH! You could be the board member who represents the interests of the youth in Washago and area, assisting with organizing events and programs of interest to this age demographic. Youth or adults interested in taking on a position on our board or directors, please call Rose at 705-689-6424 or email wccc@rogers.com. Annual General Meeting Please check the April issue of The Villager for the date of the annual general meeting. We hope to see you there. Everyone is welcome! Craft Day & Pot Luck Lunch March 8 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Please bring your own craft to work on - and a dish to share for the potluck lunch. This is a great opportunity to meet new friends and neighbours and better yet, the event is

FREE. Please register by calling the Centre at 689-6424. We look forward to seeing you. Paint Nite Thursday, March 21 from 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Gather up your friends and neighbours and get ready for a fun evening. You may find hidden talents you did not know you had! Create an art masterpiece to take home. Acrylic painting led by Kathy Nicholson. Refreshments will be served to keep your creative juices flowing. Cost is $45/person. Registration and payment must be made by March 13 to ensure there are sufficient people registered and to be able to purchase the necessary supplies. Please call Rose if you need any more information. Euchre March 15th at 7:00 p.m. Come and join us for euchre. Light refreshments - and prizes. The cost is $7. Everyone is welcome. Summer Job Opportunity If you are interested in a day camp counsellor position at the Washago

Community Centre for July and August, please send us your resume. An interest in working with children is mandatory. Preference will be given to youth between the ages of 15 and 30 who would like to gain experience in working with children and pursue a future career in child care or teaching. Please send your resume by March 30 to wccc@rogers.com or mail to Washago Community Centre, 4361 Hamilton St., Box 419, Washago L0K 2B0. Summer Day Camp This popular activity will return to the Washago Community Centre from July 2 to August 23. Please check our web site for updated day camp and registration information or call Rose at the Centre. Day Camp is available for children ages 4 to 12 and provides programs related to the theme week, crafts, games, outdoor activities and FUN!! We are working on a new brochure to outline the theme weeks and should have it completed by the end of March.

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While we wait for spring to come, there is work to be done and fun to be had! Make sure you head to Washago Centennial Park on March 15, 16 and 17 for the 2nd Washago Carving Event. Carvers from across Canada and a few from overseas will be taking part. Watch the chainsaw magic! This is also a fundraising event for the park so be sure to set aside some time to drop by. Check out other township events online. In Coldwater, hockey playoffs have started and, on March 30th, the annual ice show by the Coldwater Figure Skating Club takes place. Check out the March Break Hockey Camp at the arena to improve your skills and agility. Spring Recreation Program registration begins on March 1st. Children’s activities soon start to move outdoors - TBall and

So much recreation in Severn Township!

Little Kickers. Various yoga programs are just some of the programs available for adults and seniors. …and for Coldwater and area residents, you’ll be happy to know a new playground is scheduled to be installed just in time for Canada Day. Many more projects are scheduled for improvements throughout the township. Ball season is fast upon us – check online for more information.

Have a buck and doe, a wedding reception or a birthday party to book? The township has hall space available in the Community Hall in the arena to meet your needs. To book facilities or to have a look at recreation programs, don’t forget to view them online 24/7on the Township of Severn’s website at www.townshipofsevern. com. Then, to confirm your booking, call 705-325-2315.

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Severn Township update TOWNSHIP CAO The search continues for a CAO to replace Henry Sander who retired late last year. There have been approximately 50 applications, a sign that Severn Township is a sought after community in which to work. The mayor and all council members have been involved in the hiring process for this, the most senior staff position at the township. An announcement will be made soon. SHORT-TERM RENTALS Often involving 3rd party agencies, Airbnb, for example, short-term rentals are geared to vacationers. Residents, particularly those on lakefront and/ or higher-density neighbourhoods, are concerned about this type of rental. A review of this issue is being led by acting CAO and planning department head, Andrew Plunkett. Council will review a report in the next few months and plan to have a solution by, or before summer. 2019 BUDGET At the time of this writing, the final budget document was not available. Highlights will be published in the April issue of The Villager. Ward 5 Highlights ICE RINK A subcommittee of the community centre will be addressing the future of the ice rink from all aspects including usage, maintenance, the possible future location, etc. Township staff and Councillor Valiquette Thompson are members of this committee.

They are currently searching for a community member to join this team. This is an excellent opportunity to represent the community, give input, and help shape the future of this valuable community asset. If you are interested in joining this committee, please email sarahVT@townshipofsevern. com. ‘YOUR TOWN RISING’ Plan to attend a public meeting on Monday, March 25th at 1:00 p.m. at Lions Hall, Hamilton St., Washago. Featured speakers are Leslie Fournier and Gregg McLachlan. The session will discuss ways to make Severn’s beautiful villages and hamlets ‘shine’. Business owners, service clubs, community leaders, community groups and local residents will all benefit from this session. SIMCOE COUNTY RD.169 & MUSKOKA ST. INTERSECTION For many years, Ward 5 councillors have supported residents in Washago regarding concerns about the safety of this intersection. Traffic studies have been completed in the past, the last one was the summer of 2018. Based on the traffic count, the county denied any move to make changes. Residents continue to speak to council about their concerns and, as a result, Deputy Mayor Jane Dunlop intends to not give up on a solution. She has been successful in getting agreement for another traffic study. It will be conducted in May, 2019. $25,000 FOR PARK IMPROVEMENTS Council has approved $25,000 for

improvements to Washago Centennial Park. This large park is complete with a beach, playground, ball diamonds, a fenced dog run, and more. A well-used park, many improvements have been made over the past few years and now there is the opportunity for even more. Residents were invited to give their input and present ideas on how to best spend this new funding. A public meeting took place on February 23rd. Results of that public consultation will be published at a later date. OUTDOOR ART CONTINUES For the past several years, the Washago Art Club members have hung their art on poles on Muskoka Street. For this year’s display, the club received a $1,000 grant from the township, money that will be used to help pay for supplies. This year’s outdoor art will be displayed on live-edge wood.

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When you have few resources to work with, you have to be very thoughtful about how you use them. The Couchiching Conservancy has made a little go a long way over the years by carefully following a strategy set out very early in our history. We looked closely at the region to identify the most ecologically important points and the connections between them and then we set out to protect as much as we could. By 2016 our strategy, while still sound, was starting to look its age. It was created before Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and digital mapping. And things had changed on the ground: 25 years ago, the locations of species at risk hardly even figured into the picture. Today, there are dozens of species in serious trouble all around us. The updated strategy upholds most of the earlier work done, but using new tools and new data, we have been able to tighten our original vision. Some areas have taken on greater importance. One of those areas is the Black and Head River Corridor. The corridor runs roughly from Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park into north Ramara Township, taking in the two river runs. The area has been relatively undisturbed since the end of the age of logging and the rugged nature of the landscape - alternating between rock barrens, wetlands, succession forests - has created a hotbed for wildlife under siege elsewhere. Updated strategy in hand, we want to talk to landowners in the area to see what is possible. Through Government of Canada efforts like the Habitat Stewardship Program we are sometimes able to help private landowners improve habitat on their properties. We can bring funding to

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the table and work in partnership with landowners to make their property more hospitable for birds, amphibians and reptiles declining at alarming rates. We can also help landowners permanently protect the land they love and have cared for over their lifetimes. We have tools to help landowners protect their property at the same time they realize substantial tax benefits. Again, the federal government is a willing partner. It has created a series of funding programs that could help us protect environmentally sensitive land quickly over the next few years. But to get there, we’ve got to connect with people interested in these ideas. And sometimes that’s easier said than done. In December, we sent out an invitation to landowners in the Black and Head River Corridor to join us for a discussion about these opportunities but the mail strike and winter weather combined for a very small turnout. So we tried again, inviting people to another open house meeting on Feb. 12. That night, the worst winter storm of the season struck, and we had to cancel the meeting. But neither sleet nor snow, nor mail strikes nor howling winds will stop us. We want to talk. If you are interested in improving the natural landscape, or protecting it permanently, we want to hear from you. You can start the discussion by calling us at 705326-1620, or by emailing me at mbisset@ couchconservancy.ca. Mark Bisset is the executive director of The Couchiching Conservancy, a non-profit, charitable land trust that protects wild spaces in the region for future generations.

In support of local dairy producers By Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton Canadian Dairy Farmers have a critical, but challenging role in our economy providing our families with daily, basic foods. After months of NAFTA renegotiation doubts, the government announced a new agreement; but many question and concerns for Canadian industries and farmers still remain. The trade deal has yet to be ratified by the governments of Canada, Mexico and the United States, but “NAFTA2” may be worse for Canadian Dairy Farmers than NAFTA. It bears close watching as the agreement is ratified by the partner countries. In particular the new deal concedes 3.59% of new market access to the United States. The U.S., meanwhile, will continue to subsidize their dairy industry, leaving our milk producers at a potential disadvantage. The Liberal government’s response is the creation of a new pan-Canadian committee to consult on the compensation package

for dairy producers. It will be comprised of national and provincial associations representing milk producers. But it should be noted that dairy farmers are faced with more uncertainty as the government has no compensation program in place. In contrast, Conservatives committed to a $4.3 billion compensation program following free trade deals with Europe and the TPP. The second challenge recently for Canada’s food suppliers recently was a revamping of the Canada Food Guide which demoted the importance of dairy and meat products. Gone in the new guide are the four traditional food groups. They have been replaced by a dinner plate graphic showing fruits and vegetables on half, a quarter reserved for protein foods and the other quarter for whole grains. The guide also advises people to choose protein foods that come from plants more often and to make water your drink choice.

While it is good to update consumer information based on changing habits and lifestyles, most Canadians already know the importance of eating a balanced diet and getting adequate exercise. Speaking broadly, the new Canada Food Guide seems to have found public support. There are some experts concerned that its recommendations are impractical and expensive for rural and remote community families. Some critics point out that the Guide ignores a growing body of evidence that shows the importance of dairy and meat in a healthy diet. Canada’s milk producers want certainty and support. That’s why I will continue to stand up for dairy farmers and call for the support that they need.

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13 years after opening her front door When Dr. Kathy Marchildon of Lake Country Animal Hospital opened the door to her new practice, she said “I unlocked the front door and just hoped someone would walk in”. That was 13 years ago. Today, celebrating her 13th anniversary in business, with an ever-growing list of clients who trust in her ability to look after their pets, Dr. Kathy’s practice has three veterinarians including Dr. Sandy Drury, who joined the practice 11 years ago, and Dr. Catherine Hunniset, who has just come on board. With a goal of making sure no clients feel rushed through an appointment, Dr. Kathy said, “I am so excited to have Dr. Hunniset join us. She is experienced and so compassionate. I know clients will feel comfortable with her right away.”

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18 Beautiful barns – Ontario’s ‘castles’ Continued from page 1 these barn building events memorializing the men, women and children as they sat on the barn frame under construction, showing off their handy work. Those barns were built to last a long time. Some of the remaining barns are well over 100 years old. These old barns had basements with a double wall of mortared stone with rock rubble in between. They were built on the surface with no frost wall, but the

heat of the cattle and horses served to keep the frost out. Farmers made sure that barn boards were replaced when necessary and, because water is the fiercest enemy of barns, roofs were well-maintained to keep rain and snow out. Unfortunately, many of these ‘castles of Ontario’ are falling down and most are not used for the same purpose for which they were originally built. Today, most don’t have animals in them

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Many of the barns we see on rural roads in this county were built 75-100 years ago. Time is working against them and most, if not all, are in irreparable condition.

through the winter and they are no longer used for hay or grain storage. The exceptions are barns for horses and dairy cattle. Costly to repair or re-purpose, so many of barns in Ontario are near the end of their long lives. But thankfully, there is still an opportunity to save them – at least through photography. To that end, the Simcoe County Historical Association (SCHA) has started a “Barns Photo Survey Project” to document all the barns still standing in the County. These photos will be donated to the Simcoe County Archives. The SCHA hopes people in the county will step forward to take pictures of these ‘castles’ in their

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home township. From what we know, the barns of old Oro have been photographed; and the project is almost complete in Ramara. Old Vespra Township and Innisfil have had books written about their barns and many calendars have been done on barns in other areas. Before the last of the great barns disappear from Severn Township, Villager readers who have a penchant for photography can volunteer with the SCHA and be instrumental in helping to document this important aspect of our local history. For more information, please e-mail Ted Duncan at tedcansher@ sympatico.ca.

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Thoughts on a winter’s eve By Ron Reid

Even in March, between the lamb and the lion of late winter, the long cold evenings are likely to keep you in your favourite armchair. If we are lucky enough to have a balmy clear night, a sky full of distant stars might lure you out for a look. In either case, it’s a great time of year to ponder some of really big questions, such as what is our place in the universe? Perhaps no one in modern times has devoted more thought to that question than the late astronomer Carl Sagan, who took advantage of the insights provided by space technology in his writings. When the Voyager 1 probe was an incredible 3.7 billion miles from Earth, it looked back and took a photograph of a tiny dot in the vastness of space – our home planet. That photo prompted some of Carl Sagan’s most profound thoughts, somewhat condensed here: “Look again at that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives. The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every “superstar,” every “supreme leader,” every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there–on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam. The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the Universe, are challenged by this point of pale light. Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark. In our obscurity, in all this vastness, there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves. The Earth is the only world known so far to harbor life. There is nowhere else, at least in the near future, to which our species could migrate. Like it or not, for the moment the Earth is where

we make our stand. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we’ve ever known.”

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‘The Other Side’ “Look again at that dot. That’s here. That’s home. That’s us.” Quote by Carl Sagan, astronomer. A humbling perspective, is it not? All the more remarkable when you realize that in the five billion years that our planet has existed, it is only within our lifetimes that this distant perspective could be possible because of our ability to send and receive images from a piece of machinery far beyond our realm. Carl Sagan’s thoughts focus only on the human species, but we share our planet with countless thousands of other species, the only home they have ever known. Their fate, too, rests with our capacity to overcome the challenges that now face this pale blue dot. 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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March 2 Couchiching Conservancy Annual General Meeting. Guest speaker Janet Sumner, environmentalist. Doors open at 2 p.m. Meeting from 3-5 p.m. Social time until 6. Hawk Ridge Golf & Country Club. tanya@ couchconservancy.ca. March 2 The Cellar Singers – Inspired. Featuring works by JS Bach and Eleanor Daley. Tickets $25/$10. 7:30 p.m., St. James Anglican Church, 58 Peter St. N., Orillia. March 4 Beef Stew Lunch, including beverage and dessert. Prepared by the Severn Bridge Women’s Institute. 12 Noon. $8. Severn Bridge Community Hall, 1035 Southwood Rd. Severn Bridge. Fern at 705-687-4462. March 7/14/21/28 Mixed Dart Nights through March continue on Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. Severn Bridge Community Hall, $8.00. For information, call Blaine at 705-689-2291.

March 15, 16, 17 Washago Carving Event, Washago Centennial Park. Vendors. Food and beverage available all weekend. Live auction Sunday, March 17 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. More information at Back-Yard-Stuff@hotmail.com. March 16 Jammin’ at the Coldwater Legion from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. If you can sing or play an instrument, or both, come join us. Everyone is welcome. March 17 Get your green on and come on out to the Coldwater Legion and be Irish for the day! Listen to the fantastic music of Bruce Naismith. 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Green beer and much more! March 16/17 Barrie Spring Garden & Home Show. Home renovation, landscaping, interior design. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery, Barrie. 4346 Highway 90, 4 km. west of Hwy.400 on Dunlop. Admission and parking are free.

March 23 The Spirit of Dance, presented by Orillia Concert Band with guest artists from Tapps Performing Arts. 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at the door. $15/$10 students. St. Paul’s Centre, 62 Peter St. N., Orillia. March 25 “Your Town Rising”, a community session for business owners, service clubs, community leaders, community groups and residents. Speakers Gregg McLachlan and Leslie Fournier. Learn and discuss ideas on how our beautiful villages and hamlets can shine. Washago Lions Hall, Hamilton St. 1:00 p.m. March 30 The Coldwater Legion presents Clubroom Entertainment with Bill Dickenson from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Our canteen is open and great food is available.

April 4 - 14 Mariposa Arts Theatre presents the comedy “Living Together”, an account of events that occur at a country house over the course of one weekend. Orillia Opera House. Tickets at orilliaoperahouse.ca or call 705-326-8011. $25.00 per person; or $20.00 per person for groups of 10 or more. Mark Your Calendar April 20 – May 11 39th Annual Orillia Perch Festival, Canada’s largest registered fishing derby. Fun for all ages. Just fish to win! Details at www.orillia.com.

Tell everyone about your event!

Information Sessions

Email us the details and we’ll publish it for you – no charge. DEADLINE: Send us your event details by the 12th of the month and it will appear in the following month’s issue. thevillagerpress@rogers.com

Wednesday, March 13/19, 6-8 p.m.

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DOWNSIZING & MARKET AVAILABILITY Wednesday, April 17/19, 6-8 p.m.

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