The Villager 2013 March

March 2013

“Having dealt with many real estate agents, we would have to say unequivocally that

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For the love of nature

By Kim Goggins There is something different in the air when you turn off Division Road and onto the Grant’s Woods property. It’s soothing and tranquil — and yet, there is an energy that is palpable.

Ask anyone who has walked the five-acre trail or explored this exceptional site in Severn Township, and they will tell you that being enveloped in the purity of nature brings with it a renewal of sorts.

There is also a uniqueness about the Couchiching Conservancy, the organization that oversees the 52-acre property as well as an additional 11,400 acres it protects.

“There is a spirit in this organization of cooperation, of hope,” notes executive director, Mark Bisset. “I think this organization gives its members and people out there a real feeling of hope in what is quite often a bleak landscape when it comes to environmental issues.”

Since 1993, the Couchiching Conservancy has consistently acquired lands as well as aligned with landowners and other organizations through partnerships and easement agreements, to protect the natural environment. In the spirit of working with people rather than pushing against them, they plan carefully, work steadily, and get things done.

Photo: David A. Homer Red-breasted nuthatch contemplating a snack.

“That’s one of the greatest strengths of the conservancy,” says Bisset. “That’s what has always attracted me to it.”

Twenty years ago, the original founders set out with a goal to protect the natural land and 40 properties later, the Couchiching Conservancy continues to achieve this goal while attracting strong support from the community. Bisset credits founding board president and former executive director, Ron Reid, for setting the standard they have continued to follow.

Last year, the conservancy carried out numerous stewardship projects including Continued page 14

Tax decrease for many ��������������� 3 Garbage service changes ��������� 5 Business profile ��������������������������� 7 Winter fires ����������������������������������� 8 Community happenings �������16

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Tax decrease for many in Severn Township

By Kim Goggins Approximately 22 kilometres of road construction will top the list of capital projects that Severn residents will see included in the 2013 budget.

As part of its ongoing plan to upgrade and pave all of the roads in Severn Township, the municipality will spend over $1.6 million this year. Just under $640,000 will come from the tax levy while $1 million will come from the municipality’s capital reserve.

Members of council met three times to deliberate the 2013 budget during Corporate Services Committee meetings in February.

At the end of the corporate services meeting where the budget was given its first approval, Mayor Mike Burkett said he was pleased with the result. “I’m very thankful to staff for the work they put into (the budget) and I’m happy with council,” he said. “We argued over what we should spend and what we shouldn’t spend and I think it’s a great budget.”

The average home owner in Severn Township should see a reduction in their 2013 residential tax bill by approximately 1.55 percent.

The residential tax bill is made up of three components: the municipal tax levy (what Severn Council decides on), school board tax levy and county tax levy.

Although the municipal portion of the tax rate for Severn Township residents will increase by 1.58 percent ($11.26 more for the year, based on the average single family home assessment of $254,250) when factored in with the county and school tax levies, including the garbage charge that is now based on MPAC assessment, the tax bill based on that same $254,250 assessment will

amount to a decrease of $34.43 for the year.

Severn Township CAO Henry Sander cautions residents that this number could change slightly due to the fact that the county tax rate has not yet been established.

“They haven’t given us one yet but I think we’ll be really close,” he told The Villager. In fact, anyone with an assessed value of $307,000 or less should see a reduction in taxes this year, added Andrew Plunkett, Director of Corporate Services/Clerk-Treasurer.

While the municipal tax rate increased by 1.58 percent, the police tax rate went up significantly more, by 14.65 percent, or $18.54 based on the average home assessment.

Sander points out that the policing increase is partly due to the increase on the provincial bill to municipalities and partly due to the two new community policing offices just being established in Coldwater (last fall) and Westshore (this spring).

Other big ticket items in the municipal budget include $422,000 worth of water system upgrades and $104,000 worth of sewer projects. Money for these projects will come from user fees and reserve funds.

The replacement of a municipal dock and dredging in Severn Falls will cost $90,000, a new grader/plough will be $300,000 and a new tanker for Fire Station 1 (Sparrow Lake Road) was approved as long as it did not cost more than $350,000. Money for the vehicles will not come from taxpayers, but from reserve funds already set aside.

At The Villager’s press deadline of Feb. 22, the budget still hadn’t been officially passed by council, although it was agreed on by members of council at its corporate services committee meeting on Feb. 20. It was officially passed on March 7 at their monthly Council meeting.

Mayor Mike Burkett and Deputy Mayor Judith Cox go over some numbers before budget deliberations.

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Kim Goggins Publisher, Editor-in-Chief kim@severnnewsonline.com Ellen Cohen Publisher, General Manager thevillagerpress@gmail.com 705-689-5398 Register for the most current Severn Township news – delivered daily

www.severnnewsonline.com

The Villager, a Severn Township community news magazine, is an independently owned and operated publication delivered to households and businesses on the 15th of each month. Our delivery area includes: north from the City of Orillia/Severn Township border to Severn Bridge and to parts of western Ramara Township.

The Villager is also available at Orillia Square Mall and in select retail shops and restaurants along the Highway 11 corridor north to Washago and beyond.

Editorial and advertising material is protected by copyright. Reproduction of any article, photograph or graphic is forbidden without the express permission of the publishers.

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.

To book your advertising, please contact us by the 22nd of the month for the following month’s publication.

Letters to the editor are welcome and may be emailed to kim@severnnewsonline.com Advertising inquiries, email thevillagerpress@gmail.com

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

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Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Villager Published monthly and delivered to your mailbox by the middle of each month, we’ll present Severn Township information, feature articles, as well as community and business news. We will also feature columns by local groups and associations that make this area the wonderful place it is to live and cottage.

Monthly features in The Villager will include: • News in Review: the most comprehensive published review of what your Severn Township elected officials have discussed or decided upon in the previous month — issues that will affect your community, today and tomorrow.

• Your community: The Villager will feature some of the many township attractions, activities and places of interest; inform you of unique and exciting events; and look at special projects and development.

• Political features: in a lively and engaging manner, The Villager will review some of the most current and significant decisions or issues that face Severn Township residents, examine them closely, and talk about how it impacts your life.

• Monthly profiles: we will feature up-close and personal profiles of community and business leaders, the quiet, selfless dedication of our volunteer community, and the accomplishments of some of our citizens including seniors and youth.

As enthusiastic and committed residents of Severn Township, it is our privilege and very great pleasure to launch this publication. Please do not hesitate to contact either one of us with your comments or suggestions. And please support The Villager advertisers. They make this publication possible.

Sincerely,

Kim Goggins, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief

Ellen Cohen, Publisher & General Manager

13-03-04 4:18 PM

Big changes to waste collection

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By Kim Goggins Claire Island resident Brandon Copegog is one happy guy after learning he won’t have to load up his garbage, green bin and blue boxes every week to take to the dump.

“I’m very happy — ecstatic,” he grinned.

Copegog and about 20 other property owners on the small island accessed by a private bridge near Washago were angry when they were told that as of April 2013, the County of Simcoe will no longer provide service to central garbage points or islands. The residents currently have a wellmaintained garbage shed where garbage is picked up just before the bridge to the island.

But Rob McCullough, director of solid waste management with the County of Simcoe confirmed with The Villager that the new contractor’s smaller trucks will be able to pick up garbage at each residence on the island.

“We’re going on to Claire Island,” announced McCullough in a phone interview.

“Originally, we had said we’re not going on to any island. The only difference was we didn’t consider all of the scenarios. We weren’t aware that this island had a bridge that goes on to the island, but it’s a private bridge that’s limited to five tonne capacity and we needed to look at it along with all of the other little private roads that we’re going on. The collections contractor had some concerns about the capacity for the bridge and how it would affect their collection equipment. So it did take some time to work out because it’s such a unique situation.”

Residents who live on other islands in the county will be given a pass card and have

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Although Claire Island near Washago will get waste pickup, residents who live or cottage on other islands in Simcoe County will have to take their garbage, blue boxes and green bin to the dump each week.

to dump their garbage, green bin waste and recycling every week at a county waste facility at no charge. Weekly limits will apply.

This is just one of a number of changes coming to Simcoe County residents as of April 1, 2013.

Currently, the overall cost for waste management services is $21.7 million but the County of Simcoe will save $1.7 million this year, with a new collection contract with BFI Canada.

“The only real thing that is changing is the collections,” said McCullough. “The amount we’re paying for garbage disposal is about the same. The revenue we expect for the blue box is about the same. So, the real

change is the reduction in the collection cost.”

That decrease will come with its set of challenges to sell the changes as ‘good’ to all residents in Simcoe County, especially those in Severn Township with vacant lots or cottages with high property values.

Rather than every tax payer in Severn Township paying the same rate for garbage collection as it is now, the levy will change to reflect payment based on MPAC assessment of the property whether it is a full-time residence, seasonal cottage, business or industrial land. Vacant lots will also be charged for garbage pickup, but Continued page 18

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Washago seniors’ club news By: Marylynne White, president

On Feb. 6, we were fortunate to have Janet Turner of the “Fish Fence Circle” speak to us about the Fishing Weirs at The Atherley Narrows. Janet and her group are petitioning UNESCO to make this area a Historical Site.

Slides of a possible future Museum on the site were shown. This was of great interest to all. A big thank you goes out to Janet, for an informative presentation.

Every meeting involves our “Travel Masters” (Bill & Bill) keeping us up to date regarding our member trips, domestic and international.

We also have “Speakers Corner” where members inform the club of upcoming community events. As well, “Comedy Corner” provides us with fun and laughter!

At our second meeting of the month, on Feb. 20, we enjoyed an “Open Mike” format, where the members were encouraged to present their talents. It was terrific.

Members sang, told stories and jokes, lip synced, and much more!! Also, we played a game called “Heart Race”, which was hilarious. (No hearts were hurt or broken during this game.)

Homemade chocolate hearts, made by Donna Molloy, were distributed to the members.

Along with this delicious treat, birthday cake and coffee/tea was served.

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Washago business strengthens community

By Kim Goggins Maybe it’s in the way people are greeted when they walk through the door, or the smiles they get when they ask a question.

It may be difficult to put a finger on it, but from every encounter to everything they buy, customers of Canoe Fresh Food Market are revelling in the fact that it’s just different.

Not only has the market provided a local grocery store, it has helped kick start the process of improving the streetscape in Washago, bringing a fresh country feel on the outside and a warm, welcoming experience on the inside.

The idea began on a canvas about a year ago, with pretty water colours and a vision to renovate old buildings and rejuvenate a struggling main street. What has been realized in a short time is nothing short of amazing. Since they opened the doors on Aug. 31, 2012, owners Mary and Rod Harth have continually exceeded expectations — their own and those of the local residents.

As entrepreneurs, they saw an opportunity to fill a need and took that to the next level with the purchase of three side-byside buildings on Muskoka Street. What used to be a corner store, liquor store and upholstery shop, were being recreated in their minds and eventually on the canvas with every stroke of Mary’s brush.

“I sat down and put the buildings on paper and started to paint and came up with sort of a preliminary look and we were pretty excited once that happened,” recalls Mary.

They weren’t the only ones. Last spring, as soon as word got out that a grocery store was on its way, there was an energized buzz around the village.

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Rod and Mary Harth receive an award from the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce within six months of opening their store.

But nothing really prepared residents for the impact it would have on their lives, offering them a close place to shop for necessities, socialize and even get woodfired pizza and other Italian specialties at Ciao Chow Ciao, the bistro at the back of the store. Even seven months after opening, it’s not unusual for Rod or Mary to be thanked by at least one person every day.

“They’re rooting for us,” Rod says with a smile, noting the effort it has taken to make the store what they want. “I’m tired but those things keep me going.”

With Mary’s background in cooking and baking as a youth, and Rod’s grocery experience through his 20s, the couple had

initially imagined creating a marketplace on Hamilton Street, but they changed their course.

“One of the reasons we bought the buildings is we were afraid of what was going to happen with downtown Washago with the liquor store leaving,” says Mary. “… We knew it needed to be improved, it needed to look better. When we bought the buildings we thought, okay, how can we change these to make them look the way we think Washago should look in the future?”

And now, all of the work that went into creating the 4,500-square-foot store out of two of the buildings has been recognized by the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce Continued page 12

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Winter fires – a firsthand account

By Dianne Kyle, fire prevention officer

It’s 1 a.m. and the pager sounds, with an urgency that launches you out of that peaceful slumber and sits you straight up in bed. You stop for a second to collect your thoughts, “What is this call going to be?” you wonder. The pager sounds again and this time with a description of the emergency. A structure fire … possibly … and everyone is out of the home.

It is -20 degrees and the ice and snow have become one, making those back roads daunting while firefighters strive to respond quickly.

Winter calls like this are challenging. The dispatcher continues to update firefighters with information as it comes in, including which apparatus are responding, when they arrive on scene, and status updates of the situation at the scene.

Fire trucks respond to the call from up to four stations within Severn Township, along with volunteer firefighters in their personal vehicles.

In these temperatures jumping into fire gear from the trunk of a car is at best a rude awakening. At -20 degrees, skin can freeze in minutes, but these firefighters quickly get on duty and report to scene command for task assignment. The scene command is quick to confirm that the structure is not occupied; that search and rescue is not required.

The fire ground is busy as they pull the hose,

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set up a portable tank, establish a water source, assemble suppression crews and commence the fire attack strategy in order to knock down the fire before it destroys the home entirely. This is just a short rendition of what takes place on a fire scene.

Winter conditions present challenges, as you can imagine; the safety of the firefighters who are rushing to get to the scene is precarious, as they break through the ice of the nearest pond, river or lake to establish a water source and enter a home they have never seen before, in the dark, with smoke and flames challenging their advance.

The homeowners watch helplessly as their possessions are at risk of going up in smoke.

Some items may be heirlooms, passed down through the family, others recent or expensive acquisitions, as well as family pictures. In their heart they hope that these things can be saved.

As homeowners are interviewed by the Fire Department, they stand motionless, not even sensing the cold as they answer questions while wondering what they could have done to prevent this loss.

It can take seven hours or more to work a fire scene in these weather conditions, depending on when the call was received and where it is located.

According to the Ontario Fire Marshal, 45 percent of fires in Ontario are residential fires.

What causes these structure fires? Cooking, heating/cooling equipment, electrical wiring and smoking are the main causes.

How do you prevent fires in your home?

Pay attention to the public fire safety

messages that you hear on the radio or TV, or read in the paper. These are produced from statistics and provide information for your benefit. Practice fire safety at all times.

Stay in the kitchen while cooking, ensure appliances are off before going to bed, use space heaters carefully and keep them away from combustible materials, maintain your furnace and chimneys annually, and if you smoke, take it outside. These are the things that you can see.

Other issues may include electrical problems; things that you cannot always see. If you have an older home, have an electrician check your wiring, and complete upgrades if required. For any type of home, old or new, watch for signs of an electrical problem. If the lights dim every time you turn on an appliance it means that the circuit is overloaded or perhaps has a loose connection. If sparks appear when you insert or remove a plug, it could be a sign of loose connections. If an electrical cord is warm to the touch, the cord is underrated or defective. A fuse that frequently blows or circuit breaker that keeps tripping is an important warning sign of electrical issues.

Most importantly, in compliance with the law, have a working smoke alarm on every level of your home. Prepare and practice a family home fire escape plan so that you are always prepared to respond and escape safely should a fire occur.

Fire Safety in the home begins with you.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Fire Prevention Division at 705-325-9131, extension 248.

13-03-04 3:41 PM

Love your home

By Nancy Lem Photos by Peter Stranks The result was a more open kitchen area including multiple eating areas, dining area and adjoining kitchen lounge. With such a large open area, we needed to create a coziness in the new space and delineate functions.

By establishing functional zones in the kitchen, adding texture and interest to the ceilings, and incorporating a warm grey colour palette on walls and flooring, we were able to achieve this. The new dining area, kitchen and kitchen lounge flow and transition easily. The end result provided a new heart of the client’s home, perfect for entertaining family and friends, and a place the client could truly love coming home to.

Q: How to create intimate areas within a large kitchen space?

“I hate my home” were the first words gathered at the initial client meeting. A workaholic by nature, she would delay coming home as long as possible to avoid dealing with how unhappy her home made her feel. Tired of the colour scheme, dated finishes, and furnishings, she wanted to start with a clean slate.

Her son’s upcoming home-based wedding was the catalyst for this renovation. The clients desired a comfortable, modern, inviting home and a welcoming space suitable for entertaining family and friends.

Although the entire renovation included the foyer, family room, living room, a bedroom and bathrooms, the emphasis was to create impact with a larger kitchen area.

How to create multiple functions within the large kitchen was the priority, but we The blend of walnut wood cabinetry and also had to make these areas inviting and painted cream cabinetry provides interest, intimate for her guests. and opportunity for contrasting display niches throughout. The niches and cabinets are illuminated with energy saving warm white LED light fixtures.

Kitchen before shot. The existing wall dividing the old dining room area and kitchen was to be removed to create an adjoining lounge area in its place.

The challenges we faced were to enlarge the existing kitchen, by removing a wall separating a rarely used dining room. After ensuring the wall was non-load bearing and the structure would not be compromised, we were able to remove it, allowing for a much larger footprint for the kitchen.

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The new adjoining lounge area at one end of the kitchen allowed for additional seating for informal cocktails and appetizers. A deep-seated lounge sectional and swivel leather lounge chairs provided soft seating for animated conversation. A bold accent wall in the client’s favourite colour, eggplant purple, provided a wonderful backdrop for the extent of the new kitchen area. Custom fabricated drapery, blinds and area rug completed the look.

9 Solve yo ur desig n dilemm Nancy a a by sen n email. ding Your so featured lution co in an up uld be c oming is severnn sue or o ewsonlin n e.com.

Perhaps the most dramatic transformation to this area was the addition of the custom overhead ceiling beams and panelling work, creating texture and interest to an otherwise flat drywall ceiling. Recessed down lights wash the perimeter walls, while pendants provided task lighting for work surfaces. The new layout allowed for plenty of counter seating and additional eating areas at both the centre island and the peninsula.

There was plenty of space to take part in the activity in the kitchen — a place where everyone traditionally gathers. A durable porcelain tile flooring with a realistic honed limestone appearance was selected for the space throughout. The tile was installed in an interesting herringbone pattern.

Comfortable seating in the dining area almost always encourages guests to linger longer. The new adjoining dining area incorporated an oversized custom storage upholstered bench in the bay window, providing seating for 10–12 people. The 8-foot long custom live edge dining table made from salvaged black walnut wood provided an artisan element to the space.

Lighting was also carefully selected to add sparkle along the length of the table.

The dining area allowed guests to enjoy a spectacular view of the client’s backyard pond and gardens — a perfect backdrop for a home-based wedding!

Nancy Lem Designs nancy.lem@rogers.com

13-03-05 11:23 AM

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Drugs and weapons seized at Ramara residence

Council looks at providing money to township’s hamlets

Orillia OPP laid 52 criminal charges against three people, including two Ramara Three wayfinding signs for Washago have residents and an Orillia man, after a search already gotten pre-budget approval, warrant was executed at a Ramara home at a cost of $1,430 plus HST and will be on County Road 46. installed before spring.

Dunlop family shows appreciation to fire department

Road work on the books for 2013 During budget deliberations at its corporate services committee meeting, council approved more than a $1.6 million budget for various road projects throughout the township in 2013.

Township will save almost $120,000 with new insurance coverage

The Severn Fire Department was the Before Severn Council went into budget recipient of a defibrillator after a barbecue deliberations, the township found a way to was held in its honour. save taxpayers almost $120,000 per year, simply by switching insurance providers.

Parks Canada proposes large fee increases Proposed changes to how boaters will pay lockage fees along the Trent-Severn Waterway have boaters and local business owners upset.

Volunteer recognition As part of its volunteer recognition policy, the municipality will soon be sending out nomination packages to local charity and non-profit groups with instructions to return by the end of June, 2013.

Ramona Winterfest a success With a Wizard of Oz theme, the Ramona Winterfest offered something for everyone on Family Day Weekend, including crafts for the kids, euchre tournament and a Cross Country Poker Run.

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13-03-04 3:41 PM

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Organizations to get more than $45,000 in grants

Internet tool helps car buyers

Cold water safety tips

With warm temperatures this winter, the OPP reminded anglers and snowmobilers During budget deliberations at the The OPP let the public know about an to be aware of the serious risk of Cold corporate services committee meeting, internet tool available to discover if a Water Immersion.

Township of Severn council members vehicle they want to purchase is stolen. approved setting aside $50,000 to help out local non-profit organizations in 2013.

Accreditation means lower insurance for residents

Public sessions discuss garbage changes

Township of Severn residents who live in non-hydrant areas should be getting a discount on their home insurance, due to a significant achievement of the Severn Fire Department.

The County of Simcoe will hold public open house sessions in March to talk about changes to garbage collection beginning April 1, 2013.

Subdivision plan faces opposition

Washago Jam names its best drummer

Police ask snowmobilers to be safe

After two fatal snowmobile collisions Seven drummers rocked the house at occurred within Central Region in 11 days, A developer’s proposal to build 10 single the Second Annual ‘So you think you can the OPP warned snowmobile enthusiasts family detached homes and one block Drum’ competition, held at the Washago to exercise caution at all times while out containing five townhouses in Westshore Lions Club Hall but only one prevailed. enjoying this winter pasttime. is facing some opposition by the County of Simcoe.

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13-03-04 3:41 PM

12 Business community

Continued from page 7 with a business achievement award for the Site Enhancement — Reno & Upgrade category.

“Orillia has a big chamber of commerce, so for a new start up in Washago to win an award out of all the new businesses that have started in the area, we’re really honoured,” said Rod. “This is something really special. I never imagined this coming from that water colour painting.”

A key piece to the market is the bakery where fresh bread and baked goods are pulled from the oven throughout the day. Their ‘Almost Famous’ butter tarts started with Mary’s mom’s recipe and have been tweaked to be original to Canoe. The sweet, gooey centre and light pastry will undoubtedly put Canoe’s bakery on the map.

The intimate space also features artwork from talented, local artists on the wall.

Each month, the work of a different artist is displayed.

While the bakery is a quiet spot to enjoy a coffee and sweets during the day, one evening a month it turns into a Coffee House with live acoustic music. After the grocery store closes, the space is almost unrecognizable as counters and shelves are moved and replaced with round tables made of hand-crafted wooden tops screwed into produce barrels. Another first for Washago.

Fresh baked bread, butter tarts and treats — the bakery is what Mary Harth (seen here) is most proud of. It’s become a real focal point of the market.

Their plans for Canoe are only just beginning, say Rod and Mary. Their first summer is coming up and they’re expecting ‘a little bit of crazy’, they say, but their customers can expect a new deli counter and fresh steaks being cut to order — perfect for the summer.

Whatever their plans, it will be with their customers and community in mind. That’s what sets them apart from the bigger stores, says Rod.

Do a really good job in your little town and you will get support.”

— Rod Harth

“I think (small towns) are starting to fight back. This shows that you can fight back and (win) … in Washago — in any place — because it’s not all about the big box store,” notes Rod. “It’s about old-fashioned customer service. Do the best you can.

Get the best and freshest. Try to do better in ways that you can control. Do a really good job in your little town and you will get support.”

Todd Smith and Rod Harth show off some of the fresh produce Canoe has become known for.

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13-03-04 3:41 PM

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It’s maple syrup season

Maple planked Frenched Ontario pork roast with farmer’s market maple herb grainy mustard glaze.

Accompanied by maple glazed root vegetables.

• 1 Ontario sugar maple plank large enough to loosely fit in a normal sized roasting pan (try your local sugar bush) • 1 Ontario pork roast Frenched by your local butcher (flesh is cut back from bone so they protrude … hence ‘rack’).

• 1 litre organic Ontario apple cider • Cinnamon sticks • Nutmeg whole preferably so freshly grated 1 tbsp powder will do

• 1 head of roasted garlic chopped (about 6 cloves) • Coarse sea salt • Coarse black pepper • 4 tbsp fresh chopped herbs (rosemary, tarragon, thyme and oregano work well) • 6 whole cloves • ½ cup Orillia Farmer’s Market maple syrup • ¼ cup whole grain Canadian mustard

Pre-heat oven to 475 degrees.

Rinse off plank and place in the bottom of roasting pan. Add cider, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Place in oven for 10 minutes.

Score the top of roast in a diamond pattern as you would a whole ham, at least an inch deep.

Rub with salt and pepper making sure you get inside the cuts. Insert cloves in cuts.

Remove pan from oven and place pork on plank. Sear at 475 degrees for 15 minutes.

Lower oven temperature to 350 degrees and oven plank for one hour … check every so often so pan does not get dry. Top up with cider.

Mix maple syrup, grainy mustard and herbs in a bowl.

After one hour, brush roast with maple herb mustard glaze. Put back in the oven for 15 minutes.

Remove from oven and glaze again.

Tent with foil for 15 minutes (sliced pork should be slightly pink).

Bring pan drippings to a boil. Simmer until it’s reduced by half.

Drizzle over chops or serve with your favourite chutney preserves.

Recipe provided by Chef Becky Lennerton of the Black River Food Company.

Root Vegetables (Even non-vegetable lovers like these!!)

An assortment of your favourites (about 5 pounds worth) such as sweet potato or yam, purple potato, parsnips, turnips, field carrots, roast beets.

• ¼ cup coarsely chopped rosemary, thyme and oregano.

• Sea salt to taste.

• 6 garlic cloves • Coarse black pepper to taste • ½ cup olive oil • ½ cup maple syrup Slice up vegetables to the size you prefer but not smaller than 2 inch cubes. The presentation of large cuts is always nice (quartered large potatoes, turnips sliced in half lengthwise, etc.)

Toss with a mixture of olive oil, sea salt, coarse black pepper, fresh rosemary thyme, roughly chopped, 6 cloves of garlic roughly chopped until all vegetables are liberally coated.

Pour into a roasting pan, including all the drippings.

Liberally drizzle with local maple syrup but reserve half to pour over vegetables just before serving.

Place in preheated 350 degree oven for 30 to 45 minutes until fork tender. Serve immediately.

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14 For the love of nature

Continued from page 1 launching a new project with the Invasive Species Centre and Tides Canada to seek out, map and control invasive plant species; carrying out seasonal monitoring visits to look for threats occurring to the natural land; and mapping/ developing trails on suitable properties.

“One of the first things the organization did was they went out and looked at the region and asked, where should our priorities be? You can’t protect everything, it’s just not doable,” explains Bisset. “…

The conservation movement has come to understand that you can’t protect little islands of green and hope that it’s going to suffice for wildlife. They need connectivity.

They need to be able to move. They need wide expanses to survive. So, strategically, we try to cluster our properties.”

In Severn Township, besides Grant’s Woods, the Couchiching Conservancy stewards the Thomas C. Agnew property and the adjacent Fawcett Natural Area, as well as the Alexander Hope Smith Nature Reserve, McDarker Wetland, Severn Woodlands, Butler Reserve, Roehl Wetland, Wilson Point Wetland, Grant Wetland and is involved in a habitat enhancement project at Washago Centennial Park.

Its outreach program includes workshops, conferences, field trips, festivals and programming in schools. But none of this would be possible without the volunteers, members and supporters of the organization, Bisset acknowledges.

There is a spirit in this organization of cooperation, of hope.”

— Mark Bisset, executive director

“We couldn’t even come close to doing what we’re doing without (them)” he says.

“They’re the heart of our operation in so many ways.”

Approximately 150 people attended the recent 2012 Annual General Meeting —

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Some local areas that are protected by the Couchiching Conservancy.

a number virtually unheard of for most non-profit organizations but not for the Couchiching Conservancy, which sees high numbers at most of its events.

“I think it speaks to the passion for this organization and it speaks to their ownership of the organization,” notes Bisset.

“They feel like this is theirs, and rightly so; it is theirs.”

The successes of two specific fundraising campaigns illustrate this passion and commitment, as well as the public’s confidence in the organization.

Created by past board presidents, the Heartwood Fund was created as an endowment fund to support the future operations and stewardship of the organization. Created just over a year ago, with a goal to raise $500,000 in the first year, it has already reached $618,000 in pledges.

There is still a long way to go, with $10 million being the ultimate target, but they are well ahead of projections.

The Thomas C. Agnew Nature Reserve Appeal was created with a goal of raising $42,000 to cover the current and future costs of purchasing the land and developing a trail system with fencing to prevent motorized vehicles from damaging the site along the Trent-Severn Waterway. So far, about half the money has been raised.

Contributing to the Couchiching Conservancy, as a donor, member or volunteer ensures future sustainability of local wetlands, forests, wildlife and, really, a

way of life for area residents.

“It’s a benevolent organization that exists for the sole purpose of hanging on to some of the beautiful landscape around here …

It really generates passion in people and my sense is that the more involved people are, the more passionate they get about the whole concept,” says Bisset.

Visit www.couchichingconservancy.ca for more information.

Photo: John Challis Cathie Massig and friends snowshoeing at Alexander Hope Smith Nature Reserve Wetland.

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Rotary welcomes new member On Jan. 2, 2013, the Rotary Club of Washago & Area Centennial i n d u c t e d retired Toronto Police Service Superintendent Karl Barnhart (centre) as its newest member. In his retirement Barnhart serves society as a professional artist and has produced a series of paintings to promote “Kids Help Phone”, a national distress line for children. He was sponsored into Rotary

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by club member William Kinghorn (left) and peace in the world. For more information welcomed by club president Darren White about Rotary in Washago & Area, visit the club’s website at www.washagorotary.ca. (right).

The Washago club is a member of Rotary International which is a worldwide humanitarian service organization with 30,000 clubs in more than 160 countries.

Founded in 1905 in Chicago, members of Rotary are business and professional leaders united worldwide to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build good will and

Orillia Square Mall’s extreme makeover After more than $12 million in renovations, local residents are sure to appreciate the metamorphosis the Orillia Square Mall has gone through since 2012.

“It’s much brighter and more modern,” says property manager Karen Woolcox. “It hasn’t had a renovation in a number of years and we were overdue for a renovation.”

The exterior boasts new entrances and

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signage, as well as a redeveloped parking lot, while the ambiance of the interior is much warmer, with new tile work, lighting and paint. Washrooms have also been relocated, expanded and updated.

“It’s really a new shopping experience,” says Woolcox, noting that the addition of skylights, planters and new living room style furniture will create a more stylish atmosphere.

The addition of Target as the cornerstone of the mall has also been highly anticipated by shoppers in the area and Woolcox says other new stores will be added to the current 43 retailers.

Read more about the ‘new and improved’ Orillia Square Mall in the next issue of The Villager.

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Community happenings

Three-year-old Emma Bartlett enjoys the sunshine at Ramona Winterfest.

Myles Harmer and his dog ‘Jake’ get ready for the Cross Country Poker Run during Ramona Winterfest.

Washago Jam

available at the Conservancy office, 705- May 11, 2013 Every third Wednesday of the month, from 326-1620, or at Brewery Bay. Contact Gayle Join Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton and 7 to 11 p.m. at the Washago Lions Club Hall. Carlyle for more information, 705-326-1620 MPP Garfield Dunlop for a meet and greet at or gayle@couchconservancy.ca the Washago Community Centre between March 20, 2013 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Sandwiches and Join the Couchiching Conservancy for April 27, 2013 refreshments will be provided.

“Night out for Nature”, a fundraising dinner The Rotary Club of Washago and Area will for the Couchiching Conservancy. Held at host its Annual Wild Game Dinner at the Send your group’s upcoming community Brewery Bay in Orillia. Two dinner seatings, Washago Community Centre at 6 p.m. event to kim@severnnewsonline.com.

5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., raffles, silent Tickets are $50 and can be purchased from auction, and more! Tickets are $40/person, Rod Harth at Canoe Fresh Food Market.

Colette McCutcheon enjoyed a day of snowkiting on Bass Lake.

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Jammin’ at the Washago Jam.

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Washago Lions have fun while helping others

By Sandra Crawford, club president

Lions clubs have been around for 95 years and in Washago since 1949. Through more than eight decades their commitment to serving those in need has never wavered, although the way in which Lions clubs serve their communities has evolved to keep pace with an ever-changing world. Today, Lions are over 1.3 million strong, with active clubs located in 202 countries.

In Washago, we support the local community in many ways, including donating to Habitat

for Humanity, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital, Telecare, the Canadian Cancer Society, Green Haven Shelter for Women and the Lighthouse Men’s Shelter. We also support the Salvation Army, the Severn and Ramara fire departments, Washago Girl Guides and Scouts Canada, Washago Community Baseball and the Ramara and Severn Bridge fairs, and many local schools.

In the broader local area, we support the Ontario Camp for the deaf in Parry Sound, CNIB Lake Joseph Centre in MacTier, Lions Camp in Dorset, and Camp Huronda in Huntsville, where we sponsor children, 8–15 years old, with diabetes. We are a hardworking club but we have a lot of fun, too!

Fundraising events include the Canada Day Pancake Breakfast and the beer tent with karaoke, and children’s activities. Every year, we organize a Scottish Festival, Grey Cup

event Raffle/Dinner and our Annual Super Bowl Party and steak dinner. Whether it’s raising money through bingo, Christmas tree sales or other events, we are very visible in the community. Every third Wednesday of the month, we host The Washago Jam at our Lions Hall on Hamilton Street. The fun starts at 7 p.m. and it’s free for all ages to play or just enjoy the entertainment.

Being a member of a Lions club gives men and women the opportunity to acquire new skills and make new friends in a social atmosphere.

For more information, contact me at 705689-9646 or sandytrim@hotmail.com Garnet Langille (vice president) at 705-6893974 or Severnriver@bell.net Linda Langille (membership) at 705-6893974 or severnriver@bell.net

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13-03-04 3:41 PM

18 Waste collection changes

Continued from page 5 residents will not be able to put out garbage for collection at empty lots.

However, McCullough said most residents will see a reduction in costs. For example, the cost will be about $127 per year for a property valued at $270,000 (the average across the county). In Severn Township the cost for garbage pickup was $184 per household in 2012.

McCullough said charging by the value of the property is a fair process and it’s how they already work out the charge for roads and paramedic services throughout the county.

Those whose home value has been assessed

by MPAC at a higher amount than $270,000 will pay more for curbside waste collection, whether they are a year-round or seasonal resident.

To figure out how much a home will pay for garbage collection in 2013, account for $47.08 for every $100,000 of assessment.

Residents in Severn Township may also miss the Bulky & Metal Collection they have gotten used to where they could leave a maximum of five bulky and five metal items at the curb for pick up one week each spring.

That service will be replaced with a full userpay service where residents must call the county to set up an appointment to have a maximum of five bulky items picked up for $35. With this new service, refrigerators and electronics are included, unlike before.

“Essentially, what we’re finding is that about 60 percent to a high of about 70 percent of the material that was placed out for that bulk collection was easily divertable to one of our programs, but once it gets compacted in the back of the truck, it just can’t be done that way,” said McCullough. “So what we’ve done is come up with a new service. We’re

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The county has confirmed that Claire Island residents who currently use this garbage shed for centralized pick up will get pickup on the island because of the private bridge to the right of the shed.

very interested in seeing how it catches on where it’s a full user-pay program … the same crews (that pick up the leaf and yard waste) will go out and collect material — up to five items — in straight trucks rather than compacting trucks, so it can be diverted at the landfill in the diversion areas.”

But this is where Severn Mayor Mike Burkett believes the township could see more items being dumped at the side of the road.

“I imagine we’re going to find (garbage) in the ditches and this is what we voiced at county council,” Burkett said. “Of course any of the other communities that have gone the other way (say) the first two or three months you find stuff in the ditches but then it stops. So they say.”

Burkett said residents will also not like to pay for what seemed ‘free’ before, but McCullough notes that it was never a free service.

“Nothing is free in life so essentially, (the new garbage program) reduces the cost for the municipality,” he said. “Essentially, those bulky waste collection programs had significant cost but it didn’t seem like money coming out of your pocket because it was money being collected as taxes.”

What all Severn residents will see under the new contract, beginning this spring, are nine collections of leaf and yard waste each year — four in the spring and five in the fall — as well as two collections of Christmas trees, two weeks apart, beginning in January 2014.

Some cottagers and residents who have not had garbage collection in the past may also

have it under the new contract because smaller trucks will be available to access some of the smaller roads the large trucks were unable to navigate.

“More people will be provided service than there is right now. We’re not going to be going out to islands (except Claire Island) to collect garbage and we’re not going to be going down those goat paths that are too

I imagine we’re going to find garbage in the ditches.”

— Mike Burkett, Severn Mayor

difficult for even a pickup truck. Those, we still won’t be able to do, but a lot more will have pick up,” confirmed McCullough.

The County of Simcoe will hold public sessions to talk to residents about changes to garbage collection. In this area, the public meetings will be held at the Coldwater & District Community Centre on Saturday, March 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. and at the Township of Ramara Municipal Office in Brechin on Monday, March 25, from 6 to 9 p.m.

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13-03-05 11:19 AM