The Villager 2021 October by Villager Community News

October 2021

Important news in your community?

Autumn gulls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Tragedy in our community . . . . . . . 7 Short-term rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Tell us about it. com thevillagerpress@rogers.

Election analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Urgently needed - good land stewardship By Courtney Baker

Administrative Assistant at The Couchiching Conservancy, a local land trust dedicated to protecting nature for future generations.

Being a land steward means being a caretaker. It is a concept with deep roots. Those roots run from the European aristocracy who saw themselves as stewards of estates, passing the power of their wealth and social standing to future generations; to the good stewardship practiced by Indigenous people, who continue to keep the next 7 generations in mind, while seeking a reciprocal relationship with the earth. Whatever the motivation, the heart of the idea remains the same: caring for the good things you have and leaving a legacy for the future that will be better than the present. When this is done, the next generation will build on your foundation and create something even better. Today I am making a case for stewardship on a larger scale, on a landscape scale; on a community scale, because it is critical. Being caretakers for the land is more important than ever before. We must fight the climate crisis and show our love to our children and grandchildren and their children by giving them a future better than we have. We need to preserve the land, to hold on to the best parts of Canada. With the utmost urgency, we must aid in the survival of 230 species at risk in this province, victims of the 6th mass extinction. Luckily, stewarding the land for a healthy future is something we can undertake together. You may know from previous articles that The Couchiching Conservancy works with partners including other land trusts, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and Ontario Parks to create a corridor of connected wilderness in our region. In order to protect and steward our shared natural heritage, we link our lands using the hard work, knowledge and expertise of staff and volunteers.

Land Stewardship Program participants Evelyn and Robert laying salamander boards on their property. Photo by Toby Rowland.

In a province with over 15 million acres in the hands of private owners, the Couchiching Conservancy believes there are more people who have the potential to become part of this incredible stewardship network, more people who can help. People like you. If you own a large acreage, one way to care for your land is through The Couchiching Conservancy’s free Landowner Stewardship Program. The Landowner Stewardship Program (LSP) supports landowners who are interested in preserving the environmental values of their property. Through this voluntary program, staff work with you to implement long-term stewardship projects that are tailored to your environmental goals. We can give you the skills and knowledge to protect your land and the species it supports. Whether you know your property like the back of your hand or it’s a recent purchase and you are learning about it for the first time, the Landowner Stewardship Program will give you the opportunity to join us in passing a thriving region of healthy lands and waters to future generations. To learn more or sign up, please visit our website http://couchichingconserv.ca/landowner-stewardship-program/

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UPDATE FIRE PREVENTION WEEK Fire Prevention Week runs from October 3-9 and Severn Fire and Emergency Services is urging everyone in Severn to get loud and “learn the sounds of fire safety.™” By law, every home in Ontario must have a working smoke alarm on every storey and outside all sleeping areas. However, too often fatal fires in Ontario occur in homes where there were no working smoke alarms. Do you know what your smoke alarm is telling you with those beeps? Severn Fire and Emergency Services is challenging you to get loud and push the test button on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month to learn the sound alarms make. Testing alarms by pushing the test button produces the same series of beeps the alarm will make in an emergency. If your alarm is making a consistent chirp on its own or does not make the alarm sounds when tested, replace the batteries. If the alarm is still chirping after battery replacement or does not sound when tested, replace the alarm. Testing your alarms is the only way to ensure they are working and that you and your family can be alerted in the event of a fire. Jake Hawkins, the fire prevention officer for Severn Township, has two important pieces of advice. 1. Knowing the different sounds your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

make can save you, your loved ones, and your home. Get loud by testing your alarms every month to learn the sound they make and to ensure the batteries work.” 2. Take immediate action if your smoke or carbon monoxide alarms sound. If the alarms beep in an emergency get everyone out of the home. If your alarms chirp, replace the batteries or alarms immediately. RAIL SAFETY The Township of Severn recognized September 20-26th as Rail Safety Week. In partnership with Operation Lifesaver, and in the public’s interest, the township is committed to raise awareness of the dangers of ignoring safety warnings at level crossing and trespassing on rail property. As declared by Severn Mayor Mike Burkett, in addition to improving public safety, recognizing and proclaiming Rail Safety Week supports the ongoing efforts of Canadian National Railway (CN) and Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) to save lives and prevent injuries in our community. Every year, more than 2,100 North

Americans are killed or seriously injured in railway crossing and trespassing incidents. Almost all of these incidents are preventable – but that starts with knowing how to act safely around tracks and trains. Operation Lifesaver, a national not-for-profit dedicated to rail safety, has developed some easy-to-follow tips that will help protect you and your family and friends. You can find rail safety tips and resources at www.operationlifesaver.ca. In summary, advice includes staying off the tracks; using designated railway crossings; removing ear phones/buds when approaching tracks; obeying all signs and signals and staying alert; and staying at least 5 metres away when you’re stopped at a crossing. Residents may report concerns to the CN or CP Police. Issues of concern include emergencies, trespassing on railway tracks, unlawful activity and crossing signal defects. For general non-emergency issues such as noise, train whistling or general property maintenance, contact the CN public inquiry line or CP’s Community Connect resource.

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4 From the Publisher:

The magic in our lives

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

Life has been brutal since the early spring of 2020. It’s been difficult to be active and to find joy in our daily lives. But most of us try to take at least a little time to appreciate the magic we do have in our lives. I was determined to do this on August 31st, my annual trek to the top of Lake Couchiching to take photos of the sunrise. I do this in honour of my late partner and every year I am blown away by the quiet of the lake, the first bit of silver on the horizon, and the burst of light and colour over the period of only a few minutes. This year, having captured some great sunrise shots and still feeling a little blue, I decided to head over to the park in Washago, one of my favourite spots in the region. I love the rock and the water, the turtles resting on the logs in the water, and the Wild Asters blowing in the breeze. Early in the morning it is so quiet. It’s quite wonderful. It was a gorgeous day. I walked over to the observation deck, turned on my camera and there appeared, like magic, a pair of Great Blue Herons. They flew low over the water only about 30 feet from where I stood. They flew over three times. I had never captured a pair of Herons in my camera lens before this day and I was thrilled.

A pair of Great Blue Herons flying over the water at Washago Centennial Park. August 31, 2021. Photo by Ellen Cohen I was so happy that I decided to go look for a little magic that morning, especially since I often feel the world has gone mad and bad news, and bad behaviour, seem to rule. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been to that spot a few times but that pair of Herons did not come to visit. So, for now, I will fantasize that they came by together on that day just to remind me that there is so much wonder in the world but to see the magic I must look up and beyond the little circle of my life.

Grandson update All is good. He is back to work having recovered from his bout with COVID-19. Thank you to everyone who wrote and called to wish him well and to express concern. I am so very grateful.

Congratulations Ramona Under normal circumstances, there is an incredible amount of work that goes into planning a community event. Just to get moving on the initiative, the committee in charge has to fundraise, apply for grants and get sponsors. They also have to find enough volunteers who will work for weeks, sometimes months, to help with preparations and to work at the event. If it’s an outdoor event, the organization is one rainfall away from losing their shirts. If it’s an indoor event, too few tickets sold means they lose money. Add in the complications of a pandemic and some might say let’s cancel everything. In spite of this, it is remarkable what some organizations have managed to do in the past few months, most notably in Severn the Ramona Fun Day on September 18th and the Orillia Fall Fair at ODAS Park on September 11th. Congratulations to the organizers – all of whom are volunteers! You enrich our community beyond measure. Letters to the publisher are welcome and may be emailed to thevillagerpress@rogers.com. Letters may be edited.

Admiring the autumn gulls of the lake By Ron Reid We celebrated a lovely early fall afternoon with friends on their sailboat, tacking to and fro across Lake Couchiching south of Chief Island. Well in the middle of the lake, we came across a dozen or so whitish birds settled on the choppy waters. Every few minutes, one of two would rise and circle, then drop to the surface in search of small fish. At first glance, we were already thinking of gulls or terns as the most likely suspects. Now of course we were sailing, enjoying gentle breezes and good companionship. But a birder is never really off duty; sorting through the challenge of identifying these birds more specifically just could not be passed up. Gulls and terns are a difficult group, especially during the late autumn months when more northern species make their appearance, and juvenile birds – those raised in the nest this summer – add to the complexity of plumages. Almost intuitively, we looked at size and overall shape first, as we considered the possibilities. Although judging the size of birds is often tricky, these seemed relatively small and much more delicate than the common Ring-billed Gulls and Herring Gulls often seen feeding along local shorelines and fields. Their slender shape made us consider one of the terns; just after we had concluded that our summer terns had all departed southwards, a lone Common Tern

Bonaparte’s Gull passed right over us, crying raucously. Not so fast in that conclusion! But the tern was ignored by the flock on the water, a good clue that they were not close kin. Time to look more closely at the feather patterns on our birds. As our wind-borne course brought us closer, we could pick out one distinctive pattern on the slender wings of each bird as it flew: a gleaming white wedge of feathers forming a triangle shape along the leading edge of the wing, ending in a narrow black tip. A few birds in the group still featured black hoods over the head which signalled breeding plumage; other birds were further along in their annual moult and showed only a black dot behind their eyes. Without doubt, these were Bonaparte’s Gulls. That conclusion was strengthened further by their fluttering flight pattern. This was an early flock on migration; not often will you see Bonaparte’s Gulls while the weather still makes for pleasant sailing. While we only see Bonaparte’s Gulls on local lakes during the autumn, they can

be numerous at times. Kempenfelt Bay on Lake Simcoe is an especially good spot for them to gather by the thousands from late October to freeze-up. In those massive flocks, birders are challenged to pick out similar species such as Little Gull, which are much rarer. Bonaparte’s Gulls appear to be doing well, as they breed across the vast span of boreal forest across Canada. This species prefers small shallow lakes where it can feed on insects that are so abundant in the boreal summer. It is peculiar in that it nests in trees, the only gull that does so. So as you scan the cold waves of Lake Couchiching this fall, have an eye for this special kind of gull that flies like a tern and nests like a robin. 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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Tragedy beyond imagination We can thank our lucky stars if we can go through life without a tragedy in our family that brings us to a full stop. The family of Douglas Coppin are not among the lucky ones. On July 14, 2021, Douglas and his family were vacationing at a cottage and doing what they loved most – being together and creating new memories. But instead of enjoying the week together, his wife and children watched horrified and helpless as Douglas, 35 years of age, drowned. There are no words that will serve to describe the utter shock and extreme trauma his wife, Lindsey Maier must have felt then and continues to experience. Today, Lindsey relies on her deep community roots, her nearby family and her close friends to help her get through one day at a time. They are offering what is needed right now – kindness and compassion and as much practical help as they can give. Both Douglas and Lindsey worked for many years at a Severn Bridge business owned by Lindsey’s parents. Only 2 years

ago, the couple decided to move from Barrie to be closer to work and family. They bought Lindsey’s grandparents’ home, just down the street from Lindsey’s parents. This arrangement made both Lindsey and Douglas very happy. The couple felt that giving their children, ages 10, 3½, and two, close relationships with family was a priceless treasure that would last forever. Lindsey said, “Douglas always loved his work so much and even more so after being able to give up the commute from Barrie. We settled down in our house near family and during these past two years he was the happiest he’s ever been.” Today, Lindsey and her children need a little help. Lindsey is now back at work but after funeral costs and now a single income family, she is fearful that she won’t be able to catch up financially and care for her family the way she and Douglas had imagined. To help her, Lindsey’s godmother is managing much need fundraising. If anyone Douglas Coppin, Severn Bridge resident, in the community can contribute, please go tragically drowned on July 14th while on to the Go Fund Me site for Douglas Coppin. vacation.

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North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice honoured with compassionate company designation With files from North Simcoe Muskoka Palliative Care Network The Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) is happy to announce North Simcoe Muskoka Hospice Palliative Care Network (NSMHPCN) as the newest addition to the growing number of Canadian Compassionate Companies (CCC). CHPCA and its Champion’s Council award the designation of a CCC if a company meets at least three out of five criteria that offer support for employees who are grieving or caretakers of a loved one nearing end-of-life. It is an incredibly stressful and difficult time when a loved one is dying and/or near death. Among other things, the financial security of an employee’s family may be jeopardized while caring for a gravely ill family member. Employers who are changing their policies to support those going through these challenging times are rightfully recognized for taking this crucial step when becoming a CCC.

Being one of sixteen End of Life (EOL) networks, NSMHPCN’s goals are to provide a dedicated, compassionate, holistic palliative approach to care for all, and to achieve excellence and leadership in hospice palliative care. Above all, the organization values respect, collaboration, inclusivity, and integrity. “Companies need to recognize that employees may occasionally require more time off from work than is strictly accommodated by their regular leave policies. The Canadian Compassionate Company program is here for those who are willing to accommodate their employees and provide a space for them to succeed, regardless of their personal hardships,” stated CHPCA’s Champion’s Council Chair, Russell Williams. Proven compassionate

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Checking the Pulse of our Real Estate Market In SEVERN, the average sale price* for a residential free-hold, non-waterfront property sold in August 2021 vs August 2020 increased by 21% to $665,097. The monthly number of sales increased by 15 for a total of 27 sales, three of which were waterfront. *Data provided from our Matrix MLS System.

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Short-term rentals – the frustration and the next steps “Most cottage owners in Severn are very responsible. Some of those rent their cottages to responsible people for a few weeks a year just to help with annual expenses. However, some owners rent them year ‘round through Airbnb and some of those cause nightmares for the neighbours. These are the landlords only interested in making money, not improving the community.” said Mayor Mike Burkett. Two examples stand out – one in Sandcastle Estates and one in the Westshore

area. These aren’t the only trouble spots but they are shining examples of what harm irresponsible ownership can do to a neighbourhood: crowds of people - and their cars; parties day and night; loud music, also day and night; careless disposal of bottles and cans and other garbage; and a general disruption of the peace and quiet other owners cherish. The question residents have is why isn’t the township doing anything? The answer is: they have. One of the most significant efforts by the township was three years ago, in October, 2018. Mayor Burkett and council Kim Barron passed what is called an Small Business Advisor interim control by-law. Phone: 705-327-7900 x 300 This is a tactic they can Fax: 705-327-0597 take only once per term Email: Kim.Barron@td.com and the township chose to take on short-term Westridge Place, 3300 Monarch Dr. rentals because there so Downtown Orillia: 39 Peter St. N. many disruptions caused by irresponsible short-

term rental owners. This interim initiative which expires January 2022, was to give the township the power to force restrictions on short-term rental owners and give by-law officers the power to charge owners who contravened that by-law. At the time, it seemed certain they had the power to close them down if the by-law was broken. As it turned out, even after the township served papers on owners, the interim bylaw can only be enforced once a judge has ruled. The owners, who also have legal rights, challenged the township and began their own legal process. Continued on page 13

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13 And then – the pandemic. No short-term rental cases in Severn were able to go before the courts during the past 18 months. Now, because the interim by-law expires January ’22 and the first possible court date is in March 2022, all the township efforts have come to a grinding halt. It is a mess and not just in Severn. Oro enacted a by-law a couple of years ago and when they tried to enforce it they were legally challenged by the short-term rental owners. The first court date they could get is scheduled for April 2022, a full 2 years since the pandemic began. Those shortterm rentals can continue to operate until or unless a judge rules otherwise. Another example is Collingwood. They have spent millions of dollars to no avail. Mayor Burkett says he and council and staff are heartbroken. “A man who bought a house in Westshore actually reached out to the township and told us to our faces he would not be using the house as a shortterm rental. He told his new neighbours the same thing. The next thing we all find out is that the house is listed on Airbnb and there are problems with their short-term renters all the time.” While the township and their lawyers

work on next steps, residents can: cars parked illegally causing traffic issues or Get involved and have your say. There danger for pedestrians; excessive number of will be more virtual open houses on short- people as per provincial COVID restrictions; term rentals. MHBC Consulting runs the blatant aggressive behaviour. Only use 911 open houses and, based on your input, if you or your neighbours are in danger. The they make recommendations to staff and OPP non-emergency phone number is 705council regarding next steps. 329-6111. Whether you live next door to a Please note: a by-law officer does not troublesome short-term rental, live in have the responsibility of attending to the a community where short-term rentals above instances. impact your neighbourhood negatively, Call Airbnb. If they get multiple or responsibly rent your own property complaints from private individuals and/ occasionally, get involved. Keep informed or the OPP, they have been known to take a listing off their site. They don’t want a bad on severn.ca. Document and be heard: Keep track reputation. 415-800-5959 or 1-855-424of when and what is happening at a 7262 (toll-free). troublesome shortterm rental in your neighbourhood. Call the WEDDINGS • WAGON RIDES • SLEIGH RIDES township office or your councillor if you need assistance or information. Call the OPP. Troublesome short-term rentals are not above the law. Some examples of when calling the OPP is 705-689-0182 appropriate: excessive Christine Jameson: christine@twinmaplesfarm.ca noise or disturbances;

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ANNUAL PRIZE

AWARDED TO THE GROUP THAT

RAISES THE MOST!

www.georgianbayprinters.com 17 Colborne St. East, Unit 101 – Orillia, ON

visit MARIPOSAHOUSEHOSPICE.COM to learn more!

The season to give thanks By Jill Dunlop, MPP Simcoe North There is no doubt gratitude and giving thanks strengthen relationships, whether at home or in the workplace. This month of thanks, along with my continued appreciation for the work of all our frontline workers and first responders, I would like to acknowledge the dedicated staff I am fortunate to have at my constituency office. I want to express my sincere thanks for their ongoing commitment to helping members of our communities across Simcoe North with their needs. My staff have been integral frontline customer service providers working beside me in our communities to provide provincial support. Information sharing, guidance to local services, and assisting those in need of navigating systems during difficult times are vital. Whether helping with clarification on COVID-19 guidelines, assisting with birth certificate applications, helping to traverse systems like ODSP or WSIB, or sharing opportunities for provincial supports, I thank my staff for doing so with integrity and professionalism. As our business communities continue to recover and adapt, thanks go out to owners and their staff for providing community members with safe places to visit, work, shop, and play. This Thanksgiving may look a little brighter for you all this year gathering safely with guidelines in place. I encourage you to consider our community in its entirety and give thanks to the essence behind what makes it great: families, veterans, businesses, farmers, educators, service providers. The list is long. Reflect and remember those who made our communities and Ontario ideal to live, to raise a family, and to work. As MPP for Simcoe North, I am proud of the province’s support in helping our communities on the road to recovery. I am inspired by students and athletes learning and training under new conditions and the parents, educators, and coaches who encourage and support them. Our robust, caring community has undoubtedly continued to contribute to my family’s good mental health and well-being, as I hope it has yours. My advice has not changed: continue to do your part. Stay informed, practice self-care, be kind, and give thanks to our communities.

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

We`re Celebrating Fall & Winter Artists from the Washago Art Club have created special 6” x 6” art pieces depicting Fall and Winter. Visit the Art Gallery of Washago to check out their lovely creations – reasonably priced and great for gift-giving!

Art Gallery of Washago 3380 Muskoka Street Washago, ON washagoartclub@gmail.com

Gallery hours starting October 1st:

Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & Thanksgiving Monday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Simcoe North stays true blue In Simcoe North, approximately 69.8% of those eligible, voted in the most recent election. This compares favourably to the average of just under 60% of all Canadians. Of the 59,410 Simcoe North residents who voted, 42.8% or 25,414 chose the Adam Chambers Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) candidate, Adam Chambers as the next MP. With deep roots in the world of finance including work as a senior advisor to the late Jim Flaherty, Canada’s Minister of Finance 2006-2014, a major campaign focus for Mr. Chambers was economic recovery, including community investment and support for businesses and trades. Most recently, Mr. Chambers served as the assistant vice-

WANTED: HOUSE IN WASHAGO AREA Couple from southern Ontario looking to purchase a home privately in the Washago area for Spring 2022 possession. We are looking for a home on 1-1½ acres with 2-3 bedrooms. A garage is a must. Pictures would be appreciated!

Please email sandmhamilton@hotmail.com or call 1-519-442-6321

September 20, 2021 Election Results • • • • •

25,414 Conservative Party of Canada 17,983 Liberal Party of Canada 9,480 New Democratic Party of Canada 4,715 People’s Party of Canada 1,818 Green Party of Canada

Readers please note: the information in this article is based on numbers available as of Wednesday, September 22nd. Not all mail-in/ special ballots had been counted at this time.

president of Canada Life. He is a board member of the Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care in Penetanguishene, and a founding board member of Building Up, a non-profit whose mission is to create employment opportunities in the skilled trades for at-risk youth. Simcoe North votes majority left Except for between the years 1993-2005, since 1945, Simcoe County has voted in a Conservative candidate. However, the majority of voters mark their ‘X’ for left-leaning parties. In 2019, approximately 54% of electors voted for parties on the left (Liberal, NDP and Green) and 46% for the CPC, with only 1,144 votes going to the People’s Party of Canada (PPC). That changed in 2021. The percentage of votes for parties on the left dropped to 49.3% while the PPC increased their popularity to 4,715 votes, or 7.9% of the total.

LAKE COUNTRY CONTRACTING & SUPPLY General Contracting, Renovations & Repairs

Docks • Decks • Kayak Racks Bunkies • Boathouses Home Offices • Renovations Landscaping • Driveways Save 15% on Bunkies & Remote Offices

TRASH BIN STORAGE LOCKERS

Attractive wood storage lockers, perfect to house the newly issued large-sized trash, recycling and compost bins at the street.

$895 each Dependable, quality work at reasonable prices. For a free estimate, please call 705-818-0873 LakeCountryContracting.ca

SNOW CLEARING

Booking now for the upcoming season. Residential & Commercial

Harry Knight cottage_country@hotmail.com 705-327-3823

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

Beau Repairs Working for SENIORS

“Little Jobs, Little Prices”

705-689-6676

(689-NORM)

Board Fence & Deck Repairs - Plumbing - Odd Jobs

“Proudly serving the local community.”

Free Estimates

705-330-5182

For All Your Electrical Needs For all your electrical needs For a free estimate, Contact for free estimate contact Marek Marek - 416-880-9044 416-880-9044

polproelectric@gmail.com polproelectric@gmail.com 2342 Fairgrounds Rd, 2342 Fairgrounds Rd, Washago Washago

ESA/ECRA # 7014810

ESA/ECRA # 7014810 Licensed & Insured Serving Gravenhurst to Barrie area

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

40 Years Experience

LANDSCAPE & CONSTRUCTION Walkways • Steps • Driveways • Patios Design and Build – Free estimates

Glenn Brochu • 705-321-2132 3901 Menoke Beach Rd., Severn

C&B Property Maintenance and Cleaning Corey & Brittney Cruise 705-826-4912 • 705-706-3986 candbproperty@yahoo.com Serving Cottage Country • Competitive Rates Seasonal Yard Maintenance and Clean-up Year-round Home and Cottage Cleaning Seasonal Cottage Openings and Closures Painting • Renovations • New Builds Plumbing • Electrical • Masonry • Roofing and much more

Relax and enjoy your time away from your cottage or home!

Offering: Live Zoom Classes

SECURITY • MAINTENANCE • CLEAN UP

On-Line Yoga Studio Goat Yoga Destination Retreats

Darren Rutledge 416-527-0507 rutledge.dt@gmail.com RutledgeCottageService.com

www.greenriveryogacompany.com 705-721-2799

Family Owned & Operated tracy maday

3435 Timberline Ave Severn L3V 0V8 quality cuts

Serving Simcoe County & Muskoka

705-205-0713

705-514-0068 & shaves

BayouBarber.ca

sales@washagoplumbing.com Professional • Reliable • Affordable Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

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

Cheryl Hammell Orillia, Ontario

705 345-0615

info@cherylspainting.ca

www.cherylspainting.ca

No Water?

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

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

BOARD YOUR DOG OR SMALL ANIMAL NO KENNEL. NO CRATE.

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

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 OVERNIGHT OR WEEKLY RATES

705-689-6246 • frogpond@xplornet.ca

Vandalism at Lions Hall Lions members are feeling violated. They had organized a bottle drive as a way of fundraising for their club. It was an especially important initiative, a way to raise funds because so many fundraising events have been cancelled since the beginning of the pandemic. Last month their hopes were dashed when they discovered the bottles collected had been smashed and scattered in their driveway and onto the street. There was

bottle drive being cancelled. Instead of raising money, the club now has expenses it cannot afford. “All we want is to contribute to the community and have respect from our neighbours. This vandalism is so upsetting,” said Lions member, Sandra Galloway Crawford. To order your Dog Guide Puppy calendars, Vandals broke bottles and scattered broken glass across the Lions parking lot and onto a great Christmas gift, call Sandra at 705689-9646. Hamilton Street. also damage to picnic tables and awnings Please note: the last Farmers’ Market at costing the club money for repairs and the Lions Hall will be Friday, October 8th, clean up. This invasion has resulted in the 1-6 p.m.

ONTARIO-WIDE FINANCIAL

Tracy Green Mortgage Broker/Owner

Ontario-Wide Financial FSRA Lic# 12456

Money to lend for Farms and Rural properties for any purpose. We offer lending for the following: Farms, Working Farms, Hobby Farms including full acreage, rural properties, cottages, vacant land and multiple parcels of land, out of town properties anywhere in Ontario · Bank turndowns, property tax arrears, income tax arrears or mortgage arrears no problem · Self Employed, Bad Credit, Bankruptcy or in consumer proposal · 60-80% of the value including full acreage · On a case-by-case evaluation

We also offer lending on regular residential and commercial financing. We have been providing mortgages to satisfied customers for over 25 years.

120 Mary Street, Orillia, Ontario L3V 3E2 Phone 705-259-3974 or 1-888-307-7799 Fax 416-921-1754 www.ontario-widefinancial.com

Delicious Turkeys

A limited number of fresh, free range antibiotic-free turkeys are available. Reserve today. We will also have a supply of excellent quality frozen turkeys.

CANOE will stock all of your Thanksgiving Dinner needs.

Freshly Brewed! Serving only our Premium

Canadian Top Tier AAA

Take-out Sandwiches

CUSTOM ORDERS AVAILABLE.

Freshly prepared

We will cut to order beef, chicken & pork.

Ask for panini press.

• FRESH SALMON AVAILABLE •

• PIZZA • SALADS •

RESERVE THANKSGIVING BAKERY ITEMS Call us by Friday, October 7th at noon.

Or come in and see what’s available. Our bakers will be replenishing the shelves as fast as they can right up to Thanksgiving.

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

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.