The Villager 2021 March by Villager Community News

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March 2021

Township mourns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 jeanpaullogiacco@rogers.com

Save the SS Keewatin . . . . . . . . . . 6, 7 Covid and your taxes. . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Residential hospice opens. . . . . . . 16

Spring is near and the sap is rising By Ron Reid The taste of spring is in the air, and for most of us, that taste is maple. March is the month of bringing off the maple syrup, a tradition that dates back hundreds of years to Algonquians and other local peoples. This activity marked a welcome break from the deep-midwinter period called the Hunger moon; the Sugar moon was celebrated by dances honouring the coming of spring. As the days of late winter grew warmer, they would watch for squirrels gnawing on the branches of maple trees to access the sap. That was the signal to make V-shaped notches in the maple trunks and insert reeds to guide the dripping sap into buckets made of birch bark. The sweetness in maple sap is dilute, so indigenous peoples dropped hot stones into those buckets to steam off the water, and scooped away the frozen film of ice each morning to further concentrate the sap. Much of that sap was boiled away to the final sugary stage, producing a sweet seasoning that would keep well for months. As the European settler peoples arrived, the art of making maple syrup and sugar was one of the many gifts they received from these natives. Metal pots and buckets made the process of boiling down the sap easier, and gradually new technology became part of this spring tradition. Now nearly all sap is harvested from the trees through a network of plastic tubing that

leads to a central sugar shack with metal pans for efficient processing. While maple syrup is produced widely in northeastern America, the province of Quebec supplies fully 70% of the annual harvest, with Vermont and southern Ontario following far behind. The technology may have changed, but the same springtime processes within maple trees provide us this sweet gift. During the fall and winter months, trees accumulate starches in their roots. As the weather grows milder, these starches convert to sugary sap, which rises through the inner bark to feed the buds. During cold nights this sap either stops rising or even flows down somewhat. Ideal weather for a good run of sap is a chain of mild sunny days and freezing nights, especially while a carpet of snow still clads the bush. By early April, the taste of the sap begins to be

affected by minerals being drawn up into the swelling buds, and the season is over. Visiting a sugar bush such as Shaws south of Orillia provides a taste of the final product on pancakes and sausages, and maybe a horse-drawn ride through the woods. It also gives you a glimpse of the rich history of the indigenous peoples of this area, who were the first to discover this hidden gift within sugar maple trees. As you admire the sunshine slanting through the maple woods, and the incomparable taste of fresh maple syrup, keep in mind this is not just a gift from the trees, but as well a gift from the native peoples who first lived here. Ron Reid is a natural heritage consultant and the co-founder and former executive director of The Couchiching Conservancy. He has written numerous magazine articles and co-authored three books. Ron lives in Washago with his wife, Janet Grand.

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Township update SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS CHANGE THE BATTERIES Clocks will spring forward one hour at 2 a.m. on March 14 and Severn Fire and Emergency Services remind residents to install new batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when they change their clocks. “In order for smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to do their job, they need to have working batteries,” explained Jake Hawkins, Fire Prevention Officer for the Township of Severn. “Once a year, old batteries should be replaced with new ones. When you change your clocks on March 14, Severn Fire and Emergency Services wants everyone to take the time to install new batteries in all alarms.” Some of the key messages from Dr. Gardner, Simcoe Muskoka Working smoke alarms are required on every storey of the Medical Officer of Health include: home and outside all sleeping areas. For added protection, it is • Red Control level: even though the stay-at-home order has recommended to also install smoke alarms inside all bedrooms; been lifted, Dr. Gardner’s message has not changed. Staying carbon monoxide alarms must be installed outside all sleeping home is still the best way to protect yourself and avoid social areas if your home has a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace or gatherings. Limit close contact to your household, screen daily attached garage. for symptoms for those attending school, childcare or work; Tampering with or removing the batteries from your smoke and and avoid travel. carbon monoxide alarms is against the law. Failure to comply with • Businesses should remain vigilant in their efforts to reduce the the Fire Code can result in a ticket for $360 or a fine of up to $50,000. COVID-19 spread; consult with the health unit regarding current laws and recommendations. Refer to the Operating Businesses TOWNSHIP OFFICE OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Safely webpage which is updated continuously. Severn residents can now get full customer service support • Long-term Care Homes now require additional screening by during regular business hours by calling 705-325-2315, or through essential visitors and staff including whether any members of our digital channels. Cheques and packages can continue to be the same household are symptomatic. If screening identifies mailed or placed in our drop box (to the left of the front door). symptoms, staff or essential visitors shall be excluded from the To limit the spread of COVID-19, the township encourages use facility until proof of a negative COVID-19 test is provided. of virtual options such as pre-authorized payments and online • Vaccination priority continues to be residents, staff and banking, whenever possible. #StaySafeSevern. essential caregivers in LTC, retirement homes, First Nations elder care homes, and healthcare staff in hospitals. Planning for COVID-19 UPDATES the next priority populations for first-dose vaccination include The municipality is in regular contact with the health unit for mass immunization clinics in collaboration with local partners. the vaccine rollout. The township recommends residents visit Community vaccination clinics open March 1 in anticipation of the health unit’s website for regular updates and comprehensive receiving doses. information at SMDHU.org. Continued on page 19

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4 From the Publisher:

Forest Fairy Condo?

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

Could these fungi be fairy balconies or decks? It’s hard to tell but behind the snow there could be doorways. The little forest fairies might be staying inside until the snow melts. It is fun to imagine. Take a walk on a trail at Grant’s Woods on Division Rd. in Severn and you’ll also see some delightful sights. Don’t be discouraged if you arrive to see an almost full parking lot. There are several trails and plenty of room throughout the vast acreage to keep safe.

Community in mourning Late January and February were particularly sad, tragic and difficult for several families and many friends in our community. Three well-known and much loved Washago area business owners and valued community members passed away: Jack Calvert, John Bull and Dan Gavin. We extend our very deepest condolences to their families and friends. All three of these men are examples of what makes life and living in Severn Township so rewarding and memorable. Jack Calvert: passed away on January 29, 2020. He was in his 93rd year. Locals remember Jack as a loyal member of the Washago Rotary Club with the skill to put on fabulous fireworks events at Washago Centennial Park, and the owner of Jax Bootery on Muskoka Street. His tiny store was loaded to the rafters with shoes, sandals and boots but he knew precisely what was on every shelf and in every box. Jack also repaired shoes and boots, one of the last repair experts in the province. Even in failing health, he would work as hard as he physically could until he finished repairs. The village will miss his smiling face, his indomitable good humour and optimism. Jack is survived by his three daughters, and many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. John Bull: Tragically, John died in a car accident on February 5, 2020 at the age of 60, leaving his wife of 42 years, Mary Louise and their children devastated, and his friends in shock. John was the proud owner of A/C Plus

Photo by Ellen Cohen. Automotive Repairs in Severn, a business the community relied upon for 35 years. John’s son, Mitch, vows to take over and operate the popular shop. His daughter, Justine who was quoted in a local news story, said her father “will be remembered for his laugh and infectious personality…he was truly a one-of-a-kind man.” Members of the community loved John for his generous and spontaneous smile, his love for his family, and his loyalty to his friends and his customers. Dan Gavin: 36 years of age, passed away suddenly at his home on February 15th. Dan leaves behind his wife, Brandi, his daughter Lily, his parents, siblings, in-laws, his grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Dan was known for his amazing energy, optimism and unfaltering enthusiasm for entrepreneurship. Although now closed, Gavin’s Grub on County Rd. 169 is where people going to and from their cottages and many locals lined up for some quick and good take out, the ‘good grub’ Dan wanted to provide. The Washago community will remember and miss Dan’s engaging personality. Dan worked as a professional real estate agent at the Century 21 BJ Roth office in Orillia where he will be sorely missed.

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

The Couchiching Conservancy AGM IN 2020. Better time and without masks, a record number of 260 people attended.

Help us celebrate. Join our AGM on March 6th. By Courtney Baker My sister recently noted she is beginning to see social media posts from the last time she did things – before Covid-19: the last time the kids played in the park; the last time we ate in a restaurant; the last time we visited family at their house. March 2021 marks a year since the pandemic was declared. This anniversary makes all of us look back on how things used to be. For my sister and for those involved in The Conservancy, it also means moving into the future a little older, a little wiser, and with a lot of local conservation success to celebrate. The ‘last time’ we hosted our Annual General Meeting was March 7th 2020, shortly before our first lockdown. We hosted a record number of people at the event – 260. Two hundred and sixty community members like you joined us to hear about conservation success, and enjoy a talk given by Indigenous artist Rick Beaver. It was a wonderful day of friendship and comradery. The air was buzzing with energy and enthusiasm for the coming year and

our hope for what we would achieve. And achieve we did. The pandemic didn’t stop us. In many ways it became an opportunity to see how strong and resilient our supporters, members and volunteers are. It turns out they are diamonds. Yes, the energy, support and goodwill are all still here at The Conservancy and among our volunteers who are waiting in the wings for the day we can open our doors again. Our work isn’t on pause. We are still forging ahead with creating corridors of connected wilderness, a resilient Couchiching region and a community of people who care. In 2020, The Couchiching Conservancy brought two new properties under protection; began the Landowner Stewardship Program for private landowners; converted our Passport to Nature program into an online success and so much more. See for yourself. Join us on March 6th from 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. EST from your home. We will celebrate the year’s successes, thank

our community, and even host a mini-film festival featuring your favourite nature reserves! Let’s mark the anniversary of that great day in 2020 with another record attendance. We would love to have you even if you are snuggled up under a blanket with some popcorn. We won’t judge. Sign up to become a monthly donor before March 1st and we will send you a free bag of popcorn to enjoy during the meeting. To register for the meeting and to sign up as a monthly donor, please visit our website at www.couchichingconserv.ca. Registration is mandatory. Registrants will be sent a link. The meeting will be recorded for future viewing, so even if you are not able to attend on this date, please register and we will send you the link afterwards.

Courtney Baker is the Administrative Assistant at The Couchiching Conservancy, Protecting Nature for Future Generations. www.couchichingconserv.ca

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House of Commons Petition #3034 By Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton I wish to thank The Villager for providing me this opportunity to bring its readers attention to the potential departure of one of our region’s most well-known historical landmarks. I mean, of course, the S.S. Keewatin in Port McNicoll. Her importance, however, extends to our entire region with the booming 20th century commerce and development she brought, which also impacted Washago and the eastern shores of Georgian Bay. The Keewatin served as a Canadian Pacific Railway ship for sixty years before being retired in Port McNicoll in 1965. After the Keewatin was retired, she was taken from Port McNicoll and served as a Marine Museum in Michigan. In June 2012, the S.S. Keewatin, the last passenger steam vessel of its era was triumphantly returned to Port McNicoll thanks to the leadership of Eric Conroy and its owner, Skyline Investments. For the last eight years, hundreds of volunteers, the Friends of S.S. Keewatin have helped restore her interior and have attracted thousands of visitors to our region each season. But, at the moment, the owner is looking toward selling S.S. Keewatin as a Canadian cultural property – something that requires the concurrence of the Minister of Heritage. The S.S. Keewatin’s history is rooted here in Simcoe North and for that reason, I am sponsoring an E-petition to the House of Commons calling on the Minister of Heritage to intervene in the

matter. We ask that the government of Canada reject the current proposal to relocate the S.S. Keewatin and instead, to work with local stakeholders to ensure she remains in her rightful home port of Port McNicoll. Petition to the Government of Canada Whereas: • The S.S. Keewatin is the only remaining passenger steam vessel of the RMS Titanic era still floating and available for public tours, interpretation and witnessing, in-person, the grandeur and relevance of her story; • The Canadian Pacific Railway operated S.S. Keewatin as part of their Great Lakes Steamship fleet between Port McNicoll and Port Arthur (now Thunder Bay), Ontario, from 1912 to 1965; • The vessel’s current owner purchased and brought it back to Port McNicoll in 2012 to become a village destination and attraction, prompting hundreds of volunteers under the direction of The R.J. and Diane Peterson Keewatin Foundation (the Foundation) to spend the last eight years staffing the vessel, restoring her interior and conducting tens of thousands of public tours; and • The owner has recently announced the vessel will be moved to Kingston, Ontario. We, the undersigned, Residents of Simcoe County, call upon the Government of Canada to reject the application by the Marine Continued on page 7

7 website www.BruceStantonMP.ca. Following this link, you can enter your personal information and verify your signature by responding to a confirmation e-mail you will receive. It is very easy and secure. You must be a Canadian citizen (no minimum age) and provide a valid email address used to verify your identity. You may only sign the petition once. This E-petition (#3034) is open until April 9, 2021. Once certified, I will present our petition in the House of Commons for a response by the government within 45 days. It would be very helpful to this important cause if you shared information about the petition with your friends, family, and on social media. I will be posting future updates to my official MP Facebook Page www.Facebook.com/BruceStantonMP until the petition closure date. I will also be hosting a special Facebook LIVE Town Hall http://www.facebook.com/brucestantonmp on this topic on Monday March 29, at 7:00 pm. I hope to see you there. Bruce Stanton, M.P. Simcoe North S.S. Keewatin Photo credit: Dean Verner Photography Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston and Skyline Investments Inc. that would remove the S.S. Keewatin from her rightful place in Port McNicoll, and instead, work with the volunteers and the Foundation to ensure she remains in Port McNicoll to tell her story and that of the immense role she and her sister steamships played in the settlement of Canada in the late 19th and early 20th century and in the passenger steamship era on the Great Lakes. I ask for your help and support of this petition. A link to the House of Commons petitions web page may be found on my official MP

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Rotary Club of Orillia makes significant donation As you will read on page 16 in this issue of The Villager, the Mariposa House Hospice presented their virtual Grand Opening on Tuesday, February 16. The fact that they are now able to offer palliative care in a warm, modern and beautiful new building was not by accident. Hundreds of individuals, organizations and businesses gave so much to make this a reality. This includes the Rotary Club of Orillia. Members of this club recently donated a Murphy bed and six recliner chairs. Prior to making this choice of donation, the club wanted to make sure that whatever it was, it would offer comfort to patients and their families and give maximum value to the residential hospice. As a result of discussions with Mariposa House Hospice The Rotary Club of Orillia donated a Murphy bed and 6 recliner chairs to Mariposa executive director Annalise Stenekes, it was decided House Hospice. the Murphy bed and chairs would be welcome and useful additions. A cash donation enabled the purchase of the pandemic. It’s gratifying to see good and visible results of the work recliner chairs. The Murphy bed was made by volunteers from The Rotary does.” Rotary Club of Orillia. Anyone wishing more information on Rotary programs such Foundation Chair, Michel Rousseau commented, “Our club has as these and other initiatives that are carried out locally and been quietly doing many projects around the city during this internationally, should visit www.rotaryorillia.com.

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A charcuterie board is absolutely perfect for a small or intimate get-together and it is an interesting change in menu that can be made to suit one – or everyone. Typically thought of as a terrific dish for meat lovers, you control what goes on the platter. Vegetarians or vegans on your guest list? No problem. Also, you can prepare more than one charcuterie board because it can be served on individual platters or even in paper cones. The secret to creating a successful charcuterie is the mixture of textures: soft, hard, crunchy and creamy – a variety of complementary food items that can be easily eaten on a cracker or homemade crostini. Have some fun putting this together. Think colour and a variety • Fresh cut-up vegetables. • Assorted nuts and berries. of shapes and sizes. • Any dips such as hummus or tzatziki. CONSIDER INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING FOR YOUR CHARCUTERIE • Pickles • Meat: 300g portions of your choice of prepared meat or fish: • Use good quality crackers or bread/crostini. prosciutto, salami, smoked salmon or trout, Jerky sticks, smoked METHOD: ham or turkey. Piece sizes should easily fold or fit on crackers or Lay everything out in front of you and place items on a board or crostini. platter. • Cheese: choose a variety of 3 oz. pieces of all your favourites You will surprise yourself with how creative you can be and how (Chevre, Brie, Old Cheddar, Havarti, Blue or Swiss). Cut selections beautiful and appetizing it looks. into different shapes and sizes. Enjoy!

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Ramara Ward 1 Councillor David Snutch, left, and Ramara Fire Chief Tony Stong inspecting recently installed Alternate Power signage at Councillor Snutch’s home.

Alternate power on your property? By Joan Mitzi Fry, Ramara Township Resident Because David Snutch, Ramara Ward 1 Councillor and Protective Services Committee chair has a generator for alternate power at his home, he understood the importance of letting fire fighters or hydro workers know about it in an emergency situation. When he read about an alternate power signage program, he reached out to the Ramara Township fire chief, Tony Strong. According to Chief Stong, although danger may not be imminent, residents should be aware of the potential issues. “Because we use a great deal of water on a fire, we must be aware when we show up if there is a backup generator or solar panels connected with the structure. If there is still power other than the typical hydro going to the house and we’re not aware, there’s an increased risk of electrocution.” Chief Stong credits Ramara firefighter, Rob Smith for creating the ‘alternate power sign’, a low-tech solution that could prevent potential complications = signs that can easily be mounted on a green address blade. The sign is yellow and is reflective. The sign alerts the officers responding to a call to look for standby generators or solar panels and ensures they isolate the power generation. This allows them to perform fire operations safely without the possibility of electrocution because of an unknown source. As far as Chief Stong is aware, Ramara is the only municipality in Ontario offering this program. The signs are available at www.ramara.ca. Fees start at $5.00. Jake Hawkins, Fire Prevention Officer for Severn Township told The Villager that he and his colleagues are aware of the sign program. They are in the early stages of reviewing the benefits and will keep Severn residents informed regarding next steps. • 7 0 5-71 7-03 2 2 •

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COVID19 - changes for preparing your taxes by Mary Bax For those who have been working from home, some since March 2020, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has made a temporary change that will make it easier to claim home office expenses for last year. On the CRA website, search for and use Form T777, Statement of Employment Expenses. The CRA website explains: “If you worked from home in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, or your employer required you to work from home” AND “you worked more than 50% of the time from home for a period of at least four consecutive weeks in 2020” you are eligible to claim home office expenses. If both you and your spouse/ partner worked from home and meet the above criteria, you can each claim this amount. The original method of submitting this claim included calculating the square footage of your office space and the square footage of your house. After gathering all eligible receipts (utilities and maintenance expenses), they then had to be kept for a period of 7 years. The amount you claimed

was a percentage of the receipts based on the square footage of your office space. You would also have to get a form T2200 completed and signed by your employer. While you can still use this method, you may prefer the new and simplified method of calculating this expense, only available for the tax year 2020. Also, for 2020, there is no need for the T2200 form from your employer and you may claim $2 for each day that you worked from home to a maximum of $400 (200 working days) per individual. Also, for all those people that could not work due to COVID, the federal government issued payments like CERB for individuals and CEWS for self employed individuals or companies. Both of these payments are taxable and you will be issued a slip such as a T4A or T4E from the government which you must give to your tax preparer and pay the appropriate tax on this income. If you received any of the above income and it is exempt under the Indian Act, you must complete a form T90, Income Exempt from Tax under the Indian Act.

2021 Tax Deadlines Last year, the deadline for filing your federal income tax return was pushed back to July 15, 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the deadline is April 30, 2021. June 15, 2021 is the deadline to file your taxes if you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed.

Visit Canada.ca for official tax information, including ways to file. Processing time: Remember to ask your tax preparer to file electronically. The CRA website states, “Taxes filed manually (on paper) may take up to 12 weeks due to COVID-19 paper processing delays.”

Mary Bax is the owner of Bax Financial Services and is semi-retired in Washago.

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Christine Jameson: christine@twinmaplesfarm.ca

Local seniors offered daily news by telephone 705-326-7743. Press 2

Seniors without internet access can now get daily news, information, tips and more by telephone. In 2016, only 68% of Severn seniors, according to Statistics Canada data released from the last census, reported using the internet a few times a month or more. Since then, internet service has increased exponentially. An educated guess by internet providers is that up to 90% of seniors now have access to the internet. Amazing growth but not enough. It’s true that number tells us that most seniors have internet. But it also shows us there may be hundreds of seniors in our township who don’t have access. They can’t read daily local news, information that impacts them personally. That gap in knowledge and lack of connection to their community, especially during the pandemic, is sure to add to anxiety and loneliness.

Seniors who don’t have internet face several barriers: this area is largely rural which means internet service is not widely available or reliable; even if there is internet available, it is an expensive proposition for many seniors who are often on a lower and a fixed income relative to the rest of the population; the cost of equipment such as a laptop or other device, and the inability to troubleshoot user issues may simply make connectivity too difficult to consider; and lastly, seniors with medical problems such as cognitive issues or poor sight, may not ever be able to use the internet successfully. Luckily, all seniors have a telephone and Information Orillia, a non-profit organization serving Orillia and the surrounding townships, in conjunction with Age-Friendly Orillia, has come up with one way to help seniors who are hungry for some daily news. They’ve launched a telephone service, Seniors News Line.

Recorded each morning and loaded with fresh news, the service is now available to seniors simply by picking up the telephone. If you are a senior, or you know a senior who could benefit from this service please take note of the number and share with your friends. 705-326-7743. Press 2.

Customers, neighbours & friends:

Please stay safe during these difficult times. Stay home as much as possible, practice social distancing, wash your hands often, and wear a mask in public.

WE ARE OPEN TUESDAY – SATURDAY, 10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. FOR SALES & SERVICE. FOLLOWING PROVINCIAL COVID-19 HEALTH & SAFETY GUIDELINES, OUR STORE WILL HAVE LIMITED CAPACITY FOR IN-STORE CUSTOMER SHOPPING. MASKS ARE REQUIRED.

• Quality vacuums & central vacuum systems • Extensive inventory of lamp shades • Vacuum repairs & expert lamp restoration/repairs

50/50 Raffle

The Mariposa House Hospice has 5 spacious resident rooms, all with access to the outdoors.

A very grand opening… Mariposa House Hospice is officially open. The virtual grand opening took place on February 16th. It featured special remarks from Dr. Erika Catford (Medical Director) and Dr. Josiah Lowry (Board Chair), two of the founding board members. They, along with many others, including several successful fundraisers, brought Mariposa House Hospice to Severn. Local municipalities have given generously to ensure this project became a reality, including Severn. Located at 1140 Brodie Drive in Severn, the dedicated hospice team led by executive director, Annalise Stenekes, will offer 24-hour specialized end-of-life palliative care in a peaceful and homelike setting while welcoming and supporting family and friends. The facility will serve Severn, Ramara, Rama First Nation, Oro and Orillia. You can learn more about this residential hospice, and watch the grand opening video, at www.mariposahousehospice.com.

The Lions Foundation of Canada is holding The Dog Guides’ Ontario 50/50 Raffle which has an estimated grand prize value of $100,000. In addition, participants have the ability to win an early bird prize of $500 which will be drawn on March 13, 2021. The winner of this draw, will be added back into the main draw which will take place on March 31, 2021. The Grand Prize winner will be announced on April 1, 2021. Proceeds go towards the breeding, training and placement of four Dog Guide teams. Ticket $20 each, three for $50. To order tickets go to www.dogguides5050.ca, or call 905-842-2891, ext. 0. You will need to supply your name, billing address and credit card number. Your tickets will be emailed to you.

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READY FOR TAX SEASON? Advice • Preparation • Filing

PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION

TERRY J. HEHN CPA CA 705-331-1570 • tjhehn@gmail.com

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

Family Owned & Operated tracy maday

3435 Timberline Ave Severn L3V 0V8 quality cuts

705-514-0068 & shaves

BayouBarber.ca

Serving Simcoe County & Muskoka

705-205-0713 sales@washagoplumbing.com

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

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

PET SITTER

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.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS Up-to-date Advantage application required.

REFERENCES PROVIDED

Call or text me for details.

OVERNIGHT OR WEEKLY RATES

705-826-3482

705-689-6246 • frogpond@xplornet.ca

References upon request.

Dan The Wood Man Tree Removal Junk Removal Demolitions FULLY INSURED

(ABCD)

www.danthewoodman.ca

575 West St. S., Unit 12 Orillia, ON L3V 7N6 Tel: 705-327-0513 • Fax: 705-327-8310 bruce.stanton@parl.gc.ca www.BruceStantonMP.ca

BOARD YOUR DOG OR SMALL ANIMAL

My name is Paul, a local resident, retired teacher, and someone who loves animals! I would love to care for your pet while you are at work, away for the weekend, or on vacation. $20 per visit (which includes walks and/ or spending time, topping up food and water, etc.)

705-689-2223

BRUCE STANTON, M.P. SIMCOE NORTH

cell: 705-323-7808 danthewoodman@hotmail.ca

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

Better Value Plumbing & Heating Inc. • For all your plumbing and hydronic needs •

705-689-6676

(689-NORM)

“Proudly serving the local community.” Licensed & Insured

Professional • Reliable • Affordable Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

GORD’S CARPENTRY BASEMENTS FRAMED TO FINISH

BASEMENTS FRAMED TO FINISH Renovations • T-Bar Ceilings • Decks & Fences

Cheryl Hammell Orillia, Ontario

REASONABLE RATES FOR QUALITY WORKMANSHIP

705 345-0615

Call today for a free estimate 705-259-2704

info@cherylspainting.ca

www.cherylspainting.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

No Water?

New Installations and Repairs on Wells and Lake Draw Systems Pump & Electric Motor Repairs Call RICK Today

Just Fix It 705-689-RICK (7425)

Over 27 Years Experience

Licensed by Ministry of Natural Resources

LAKE COUNTRY CONTRACTING • Serving the Lake Country region •

Dependable, Quality Work • Renovations • Landscaping • Decks • Docks • Bunkies • Boathouses • Driveways • General Repairs and Installs

Shane Ross • 705-818-0873 • LakeCountryContracting.ca

19 DISCOUNTED LIFETIME DOG LICENCES If you own a dog in Severn, you must buy a dog licence. The dog licence will last for the entire lifetime of your dog and you’ll only need to buy the licence once. You can save $10 by licensing your dog early. Discounted Continued from page 3 lifetime dog licences are available for $40 • Mask use guidance has not changed. until March 8. Learn more at severn.ca/ To be effective, masks should be tight- animalcontrol. fitting over the nose and under the chin. A three-layer masks is recommended #WALK YOUR WARD and always wear a mask in indoor For the month of March, Township of public setting and anytime you cannot Severn is challenging you to walk your maintain a two metre distance from ward! To participate, take a photo of you others. walking in our community of communities • Continue with all precautions including and upload it to social media with the regular handwashing, avoid public #WalkYourWard hashtag for your chance settings, monitor for symptoms to to be featured! Follow Township of Severn’s determine if you need testing, and stay Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages for at home if you are unwell, self-isolating. inspiration. Learn more at severn.ca/events. 211: YOUR CONNECTION TO LOCAL SERVICES If you need mental health support, food services, financial services or more, help starts with 211 Ontario. Dial 211 or visit 211ontario.ca to find programs and services near you. It’s free, confidential and available 24/7.

COUCHICHING COMMUNITY SAFETY and WELL-BEING PLAN Severn is developing a Community Safety and Well-Being Plan with the City of Orillia, Township of Oro-Medonte and Township of Ramara. The plan will focus on the following areas of risk: 1. Mental health and addictions

Leah C. Cavanaugh Sales Representative

705-325-1366 or 1-800-498-8775 www.LeahCCavanaugh.ca leah.cavanaugh@century21.ca

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT… It is a rare occasion that I put myself “under the spotlight”! I am pleased to announce that I have been awarded the Century 21 Masters Silver Award for 2020. I am also very proud to further announce that our office has again received the Double Centurion Office Award for 2020. The awards continued with our Brokerage placing #5 in Units and #7 in Production for Canada and the #19 Century 21 Company in the World! Congratulations to all of my colleagues for their achievements. Heartfelt thanks to our Century 21 support staff working above and beyond to help us through the year. I also wish to extend many thanks to all of my clients for their continued confidence in me.

Stay Positive & Test Negative

This advertisement not intended to solicit property for sale or buyers under contract.

2. Preventable mortality 3. Access to services 4. Employment Your input will help us create strategies to help residents feel safe, have a sense of belonging and access support. Our survey is open until March 22 at 12 p.m. Complete our survey link to surveymonkey.com/r/CouchichingGMG.

Our office has also received high acclaim with the Easter Seals Golden Heart Award. Century 21 B.J. Roth Realty is #1 in Canada and #3 in North America Easter Seals Fundraiser – for 7 consecutive years! Since 2004, we have raised $1,240,000 for Easter Seals Kids in our community.

SALE PRICE INFORMATION SEVERN TOWNSHIP* Based on residential free-hold properties that sold in the month of January 2020 vs January 2021:

Severn Township sales prices increased an average of $249,616. The monthly number of sales increased by 11 for a total of 27 sales last month of which 8 were waterfront. * Data provided from our Matrix MLS System

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PLAN YOUR EASTER DINNER Assorted-size Turkeys, Hams & Spiral Hams. Get yours while supplies last!

Delicious, freshly prepared, take-out sandwiches, pizza and salads

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.

Freshly Brewed! Serving only our Premium

Muskoka Roastery Coffee Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte, Shag Fog, Chai Tea Latte, Green Tea Latte

EASTER TREATS! Leading up to Easter Weekend, Canoe bakers will prepare delicious and fun specialty bakery items for you and your family.

Always Daily Fresh Baking! Pies • Squares • Cookies Dinner Rolls • Bread Buns • Specialty Rolls

Canoe’s Meat Pies