Whether you are selling or buying, my proven expertise can help put
Oct. 12 Nov. 13, 2013
more money in your pocket! Paul Cleary B.B.A., BROKER 705-327-6002 Direct 705-325-1373 Office paulcleary.com
Work to start at Wasdell Falls – finally By Kim Goggins If all goes as planned, a hydroelectric generating station at the Wasdell Falls Dam will operate again exactly 100 years after the original one first began in 1914. After three years of meetings, discussions, environmental assessments, testing and site preparations, Coastal Hydro Power, which owns 50 percent of the Wasdell Falls Power Corporation, has started to blast the bedrock near the dam to clear the way for excavation of a new channel on the southwest side. For Paddy and Doug Taylor, whose property abuts the upper and lower levels of the dam, this comes as good news. Both have been involved with meetings and discussions over the last three years, and were even lead reviewers of the environmental assessment that has taken place. They say the thousand-page document adequately addresses the concerns that local riparian residents initially had when talks about putting the dam back to work to generate electricity started getting serious. “The environmental report is so thorough on all of these issues,” Paddy told The Villager. “They’ve worked closely with (various) ministries and with all of us. There
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 1
The Wasdell Falls Power Plant initially generated hydroelectricity between 1914 and 1955.
are really no outstanding issues that I’m aware of.” Issues that have been discussed and dealt with include the pickerel spawning ground at the foot of the falls, noise, as well as water level and water flow, once three turbines are in place and running. “We need to operate the dam in line with the existing operational protocol that the MNR has determined. So, we’re restricted by how much water can pass through. We’re not going to be changing the water levels or the water flow in the area. We will stick to what the MNR has done,” said Joe Slater, Continued page 21
Business profile ��������������������������� 5 Local volunteers ������������������������� 6 News in review ���������������������������13 Recipe of the month ���������������17 Community happenings �������22
13-10-02 6:26 PM
Top Safety Pick All New Driver Assist System
385 West Street South. Orillia 705.329.4277 www.davenportsubaru.com
Home of the 10-year 200,000 km. Warranty
388 West Street South, Orillia 705.558.4542 www.davenportkia.ca
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 2
13-10-02 6:26 PM
3
Train whistle request falls on deaf ears By Kim Goggins Washago resident Bill Mair is tired. Tired of the CN trains waking him up in the middle of the night. One night he even counted 27 whistles in a row as the train rolled through the village. “Obviously someone had decided if he’s awake in the middle of the night then everyone else will be,” said Mair, conceding also that some conductors are good with only three or four beeps. “(Another time), I counted 10 seconds that the guy leaned on the horn in the middle of the night. You don’t need to lean on the horn in the middle of the night in an area with no traffic. After 11 p.m. (the Quetton Street crossing) may get one car.” Mair and another local resident, Joan Randall-Tuck, wrote to Severn Council to request that they support having the train whistles eliminated completely at the Rama Road and Quetton Street crossings, or at least between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. The two requests were completely separate as Mair and Randall-Tuck do not know each other. “I am aware of the wonderful history Washago has with the railway, which continues on to present times,” Randall-Tuck wrote in her email to Severn Township Council, Ramara Council, Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton and Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop. “However, with the ever increasing volume of train traffic, the improved barriers, bells and whistles, I ask that you ACT on putting an (sic) end to them during the hours of 11:00 p.m. through to 7:00 a.m. and return
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 3
Train whistles through Washago are keeping residents up at night.
our evening hours to the pristine and quiet environment that it is.” In Mair’s letter to Severn Council asking for complete elimination of the whistle, he points out that the process to have it stopped would not be costly. “… It should be pointed out that both crossing have more protection; i.e. lights, bells and barriers, than what is required for the speed of the crossing which would mean no expense for CN. Also, the process would not incur a lot of cost to the municipality as most of the procedure is simply notifying different people and departments,” he wrote. But Severn Council members are concerned about liability issues if a collision should occur after the whistles are eliminated and turned down the request at their Aug. 28 Corporate Services Committee meeting. Without the support of Council, it’s unlikely CN will move forward with the request, says CN spokesperson, Lyndsay Fedchyshyn. “The first thing that needs to happen is that (municipal) Council needs to pass
a resolution. We whistle because we’re required to by federal regulation. So we certainly don’t advocate for anti-whistling. However, if a Council wants to push that process through we will support them.” If Council were to pass a resolution, safety assessments and audits are then completed and an application must be made to Transport Canada. “We’ve dealt with this issue in other areas of the township numerous times and despite what the letters before us indicate, we’ve always been advised through our legal opinion that once we advocate for that removal, we take on the onus of responsibility for that crossing,” says Coun. Rob Ferguson, the representative for Washago. “It opens the township up for third party liability and that liability just isn’t worth it from the township’s point of view.” The issue isn’t completely dead. Mair has been told he can present his case in a deputation before Council at a future date.
13-10-02 6:26 PM
4
Kim Goggins Publisher, Editor-in-Chief thevillager@xplornet.com Ellen Cohen Publisher, General Manager thevillagerpress@rogers.com 705-689-5398 Register for the most current Severn news – delivered regularly
www.severnnewsonline.com The Villager, a Severn Township community news magazine, is an independently owned and operated publication delivered to households and businesses by the middle of each month. Our delivery area is north from the Orillia/Severn Township border to Severn Bridge and includes parts of Ramara Township. The Villager is also available in select retail shops and restaurants along the Highway 11 corridor from the north end of Orillia to Severn Bridge, including Washago. 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 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. Advertising, editorial and community event submissions are due on the 22nd of the month for the following month’s publication. Advertising inquiries: email Ellen Cohen at thevillagerpress@rogers.com
The Villager P.O. Box 5 Washago, ON L0K 2B0 Art direction and logo design: Cathy Cleary, www.cathycleary.tel
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 4
A word in edgewise October is the month that we think about what we’re thankful for and in this issue, we asked people that very question. Not surprisingly, many pointed to their friends and family. As I toured around the area this past month, I realized that I’m thankful for the opportunity The Villager has afforded me to meet so many unique individuals and people with such big hearts. From meeting those who received the prestigious Volunteer Service Award from the township, to the friendly folks out in Ramona, I have really enjoyed myself. I also have to thank the Taylor and Fox families for inviting me into their homes and sharing their wealth of information and knowledge with me. I’ve learned a lot!
Take good care, Kim
Letters from our readers First canoe-a-thon a success The Orillia Youth Symphony Orchestra hosted a canoe-a-thon on the Green River in Washago and is happy to report that the event raised over $500 for the orchestra. Many thanks to paddlers Art Ranney, Norma Smirle, Lauren Moore, Trevor Fairchild, Cole Mendez, Bobbi-Jo Corbett, Jennifer Joseph, Tom Johnston, Mayumi Kumagai, Steve Caston and Chris Carmen. Thank you to volunteers Rod Mendez, Max Metcalf, and Nelson Javet and a warm thanks to Kim Goggins and Ellen Cohen of The Villager who sponsored the event. Lastly, thank you to all the individuals, including members of the Washago Rotary Club and staff at Home Depot in Bracebridge who pledged donations for our paddlers. Anyone interested in finding out more about the Orillia Youth Orchestra can find us on facebook or at www.oyso.ca. Kathie Mendez Letters to the editor are welcome and may be emailed to thevillager@xplornet.com. Letters may be edited.
13-10-02 6:26 PM
5
Care and compassion with each visit By Kim Goggins In hindsight, even Dr. Kathy Marchildon has to admit that keeping a pig fetus in her bedroom may seem a little odd for a 10-year-old girl. “When I look back, I think, how many kids looked at (animal) body parts and wanted to do all of that stuff?” she laughs, explaining that her mother had brought it home as a school project. But she wasn’t a typical 10-year-old girl. The first time she ever assisted in a surgery -- at the age of 8 -- was on one of her beloved goats that had been attacked by a dog. She and her mother had brought the injured animal to the Ark Animal Hospital, after hours. “It was just Dr. Giddings and I. I was his assistant. So, right from the beginning, I wanted to be in there,” she says. As a veterinarian for the past 14-and-a-half years, her passion for parts seems to have paid off for the owner of Lake Country Animal Hospital — and for this community. With the eighth anniversary of opening the clinic coming up in Feburary, Marchildon can still remember renovating the former canoe shop owned by Ron Ward. Between December 2005 and February 2006, friends and family pitched in to help turn the building into her dream. While the business has grown by leaps and bounds — Dr. Sandy Drury came on board two years after she opened — she says she has no plans for expansion at this time. ”I like keeping it personal,” she explains. “I like knowing every client. When we say so-and-so is coming in, well, I know who so-and-so is.” ‘Dr. Kathy’, as she is affectionately called by her clients, never rushes through a visit and only offers 30-minute appointments to ensure that her clients understand the issues and have their questions answered.
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 5
Dr. Kathy Marchildon is seen here with ‘Penny’, last year’s winner in the ‘Best Costume’ category at the annual Howl-a-ween Party to support the Farley Foundation.
“Because I get to make a difference, whether it’s for my patients or whether it’s for their owners, being able to make a difference in society or to my community is huge,” says Marchildon, who grew up in the Telford Line and Washago areas. “That, I think, is the most rewarding thing about what we do. The whole team is involved in that. This is a unique job in that it’s not just that you’re providing a service, you’re improving lives. People’s lives, animal’s lives, that’s what’s so exciting about it.” The team at Lake Country Animal Hospital takes this very seriously and at this time of year, they really get behind their annual Howl-a-ween Costume Party to raise money for the Farley Foundation, a charity set up by the Ontario Veterinarian Medical Association to help people on limited incomes with the financial burden of having an injured or ill pet.
The party takes place at the clinic (3843 Soules Road), which will turn into a haunted house on Oct. 26 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Be sure to bring your pets and dress them up in costume. Entry is $10 for a family and $5 for a single person with all proceeds going to the Farley Foundation. When Marchildon first opened Lake Country Animal Hospital, her daughters were five and two and as the business has grown, so have they. She admits she sees a lot of herself in them. “Morgan said she wants to be a teacher and Madison said she wants to be a veterinarian. So far, I can see how that can be because Maddie said to me, ‘You know, if you have an eyeball, I’d really like an eyeball.’ I said, ‘Okay, next time I have an eyeball.’ So Madison has already started a collection. Her eyeball is in a jar of formalin in her room,” she laughs.
13-10-02 6:26 PM
6
Hoorah for our volunteers The Township of Severn honoured eight outstanding citizens at its Council meeting on Oct. 3. Each were nominated for the dedication they have shown to
their community through volunteering. from the Washago, Westshore and Sparrow Joanne Sine of Matchedash, as well as Lake areas who were awarded with the Janet Coombs and Patricia Doughty of prestigious Volunteer Service Award. Coldwater joined the following volunteers
Wilma Carter has been a dedicated member of the Women’s Institute for the past 31 years, helping to form the West Shore branch in 1997. She has held the positions of chair, president, convenor and is currently serving as secretary and Tweedsmuir history convenor. She has also contributed to her community by volunteering for the Neighbourhood Watch Program, Block Parents and Community Policing.
Irene Groome has been a dedicated member of the West Shore Women’s Institute for the past 18 years, holding positions such as chair, president, secretary, Tweedsmuir history convenor and membership convenor. She also has an impressive volunteer record within her community including her involvement with the Cumberland Beach School Library, West Shore Community Policing, Neighbourhood Watch, Block Parents, and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion.
David Stanton has been a dedicated member of the Sparrow Lake Historical Society for the past 29 years, actively promoting history for Sparrow Lake and the surrounding area. During that time, he has held positions such as president, membership director, website master and collector of historical documents and memorabilia. Without his steady hand and interest, this organization would not be as viable as it is today. Continued page 19
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 6
13-10-02 6:26 PM
Canal Road fire takes home
Photos and story by Kim Goggins Kathy McSweeney was in a rush to get to work when she could hear crackling from inside her Canal Road home on Oct 2, 2013. It was just after 9 a.m. and she thought it was unlikely that her neighbour was having a fire on his property. When she walked into her kitchen she could smell it — then she could see it. The side of her next door neighbour’s home was engulfed in flames. “When I saw it, I yelled, ‘Call 9-1-1’”, she told The Villager, as she watched the flames
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 7
come close to the cedar hedges between the two homes. Fearing the fire could move to her own home, she immediately grabbed her two small dogs and put them in her car, while her husband, Jim, ran to the neighbour’s home, opened the door and yelled for him. There was no answer and they noticed his truck was gone. Satisfied he wasn’t in his home, they began thinking about the safety of their own home, and Jim and another neighbour began hosing down the cedar hedges between the buildings.
7
At one point, 24 Severn Township fire fighters from Station 1 and Station 2 and a tanker from Station 4 were on scene. As fire fighters worked on the blaze, popping sounds could be heard coming from inside the building and live hydro lines were sparking on the ground. It took approximately two hours to get the fire under control, but fire fighters were on scene most of the day dealing with hot spots. The home was completely destroyed. The damage is estimated at $125,000.
13-10-02 6:26 PM
8
Bazaar bigger than ever By Eileen Cronk Mark Saturday, Oct. 26 on your calendar. That’s the day the Ramona Hall will host its 15th Annual Fall Bazaar and Luncheon. Doors open at 11 a.m. and close at 3 p.m. Ramona’s Bazaar has been rated the best the area has to offer and this year it will be bigger and better than ever. We have been preparing for this event since the fair ended in September. The indoor and outdoor fall display is a must see. Plan to visit all of our terrific vendors and start your Christmas shopping early. There will be a wide range of beautiful gift items available for you to choose from, plus a huge baking table and the popular “Granny’s Bargain Barn” with deals abound. We also invite you to sit back, relax, and have a great lunch with us where you will be greeted at your table by one of Ramona’s beautiful serving chicks. On the menu will be two kinds of homemade soups, a delicious sandwich, and a mouthwatering dessert. All this washed down with our “bottomless” cup of coffee. Visit our bake table on your way out and take home some treats to enjoy later. Rumour has it those famous blueberry pies will be back again this year. As our way of thanking all of our patrons, we will hold several lucky draws throughout the bazaar. You will be given your draw ticket when you are greeted at the door by Ramona’s own Isobel Cronk. You must be in attendance to receive your prize if your name is drawn. So come on out. We’ll give you a good old Country Welcome. Ramona is located three miles South of Washago on Fairgrounds Road. Please call Eileen Cronk at 705-689-6101 for further information.
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 8
SERVICE DEPARTMENT OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK Subaru factory-trained technicians. Call to book your appointment: 705-329-4277 385 West Street South, Orillia www.davenportsubaru.com
AAAA SANITATION 24 HR Emergency Service
Brent Bunker, Owner/Operator Pumping Septic & Holding Tanks Pump Replacements
1400 COOPER’S FALLS RD. R.R.1, WASHAGO, ON LOK 2B0
BUSINESS/CELL 705-689-5991
13-10-02 6:26 PM
• What are you thankful for? •
Carol McDonald: I’m grateful to be healthy enough to still help out my family and friends. Family and friends are everything.
Rick Pearce: I’m thankful for God, friends and family — especially the grandchildren.
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 9
Not forgotten
9
Mayor Mike Burkett: I’m thankful that we live in this township, this province and this country after living six years in third world countries. I kiss the ground that we walk on here in this place we call home.
Connie Chassie: I’m thankful for my friends and family.
Remembrance Day ceremonies will take place throughout the region around Remembrance Day on Nov. 11. In Rama, the ceremony will take place on Friday, Nov. 8, beginning at the community hall at 10:30 a.m. and continuing to the Cenotaph in front of the church on Rama Road. For information on other Remembrance Day ceremonies check our Community Happenings on Page 22.
13-10-02 6:26 PM
10
Washago prairies? By Ron Reid Prairie in Washago — that sounds unlikely! In fact, this part of Ontario doesn’t feature the wide-open plains of Saskatchewan, but we do have tiny pockets of prairie plants. How they came to be here is a bit of a mystery, but those plants hang on as ghosts of a distant past. The first part of the mystery is easy for anyone to see at this time of year. Along County Road 169 just east of Washago, near the former and much-lamented ‘swimming bridge’, several strands of loose grass as tall as your head rise just beyond the road shoulder. This is Big Bluestem, a native prairie plant that first appeared there several years ago. It seems to like the location, because this year it has spread along the roadside and even across the pavement to the north side. In spring and summer, you would need to be an expert to identify Big Bluestem, but in the fall it is one of the easiest grasses to name. Each stem features a trio of dense seed heads that jut out parallel to the ground. They form a track-like shape; hence the nick-name of this plant as ‘Turkey Foot’. This is not the only example of prairie grasses in our area. Along the Severn River between Sparrow Lake and Swift Rapids, prairie plants appear on sun-baked rock outcrops along the river’s edge. No Big Bluestem here, but rare occurrences of Indian Grass and a few other prairie plants survive in these hot dry conditions. Virtually all of these sites are tiny, and likely some of them have already been lost to cottage development. So where would these prairie plants have come from? No doubt some of them could have arrived recently, perhaps as seeds blown off a long-distance truck or train. But that source seems unlikely along the Severn River — not many of the passing boats have spent time on the western prairie! The origin of these sites set within the wilds is probably rooted in the past, about 3,500 years ago, when a period of warm dry weather called the Hypsithermal encouraged the spread of prairie plants into Ontario.
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 10
Most of the prairie influences spread into southern Ontario across the Detroit River, as part of an eastward spread of prairie communities across southern Michigan. When the first European settlers arrived in Ontario, not all of them had to contend with vast tracts of unbroken forest. In areas of dry sandy soils, some of these prairie communities were still present, maintained by frequent fires that kept the forest at bay. On the rolling landscape south of Rice Lake, for example, early authors relate an open landscape about eleven miles wide, dominated by prairie grasses.
Big Bluestem can be found along County Road 169 near the former ‘swimming bridge’.
Could some of these plants also reached the Severn River corridor? That certainly seems possible, or perhaps their spread was aided by native peoples who historically used this river as a frequent travel route. We will likely never know for sure, but perhaps a little mystery in our botanical history is not a bad thing. Wouldn’t nature be boring if we knew all the answers to its ancient secrets? 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.
13-10-02 6:26 PM
Westshore needs recreation centre By Kim Goggins There is absolutely no doubt in Coun. Ron Stevens’ mind that the Westshore area needs a community recreation centre — and fast. How to do it is the question. “The idea of having a community centre with regular programs for every age — not just children, but adults as well — is perfect,” he says. “We are missing out on a lot.” After looking into the possibility of partnering with the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) to provide a library facility for the Westshore area at Cumberland Beach Public School, members of Council decided that the $3 million it could take to partner on a library and gym was expensive enough to look at providing their own recreation centre with the possibility of housing a public library within it. Severn Township CAO Henry Sander came to the amount it could cost after reviewing partnerships that Essa Township and Innisfil have with SCDSB. It cost $2.2 million for Essa to partner with the school board for a
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 11
library and $800,000 for Innisfil to partner on a gym. One roadblock to building a facility similar to the recreation centre with a library that Ramara Township has on Highway 12 is that there is no land available on the east side of Highway 11 in the Westshore area and this is where the facility must go because it is serviced by municipal sewers and water. Council is in agreement that something needs to happen. “There’s a large taxpayer base up there and they’re a bedroom community with no services,” said Coun. Jane Dunlop at the Aug. 28 Corporate Services Committee meeting. “It’s not fair.” Mayor Mike Burkett agreed. “I think it’s a benefit to that community to have something of their own.” Deputy Mayor Judith Cox suggested that township staff talk to OMC Development Corporation, a major developer in Westshore that has promised to set aside 10 acres of land to devote to a park near Menoke Beach Road.
11
OMC has a number of development proposals in and around the Westshore area and each of the subdivision developments requires a parkland dedication that is equal to five percent of the total area. Rather than have a number of smaller parks, the developer agreed to consolidate the parkland to have a large, multi-use park, in keeping with the township’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan. While Stevens is in favour of a recreation centre, he still believes the Orillia Public Library is a viable option for Severn Township residents, especially those in Westshore and Washago. “The Orillia library is a first-class facility,” says Stevens. “I know we’re going through this issue about increased costs but I have a very difficult time comparing that to how good a library we might be able to provide here. To open a library is a tremendous cost factor.” Township staff is looking at a way to poll the Westshore area to learn what residents think about having a recreation centre in their community.
13-10-02 6:26 PM
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 12
13-10-02 6:27 PM
13
2014 election planning underway
Student had stun gun at school
The 2014 Municipal Election will be conducted with the traditional ballot method, with the enhancement of tabulators in Severn Township.
Orillia OPP charged a 14-year-old male with Possession of a Prohibited Weapon after they received a call from the principal of an Orillia high school on Sept. 16, 2013.
Severn Township broadens Ramara man taken its smoking ban into police custody
As of Sept. 6, smoking is not allowed at A 29-year-old Ramara Township man any outdoor developed parkland within was arrested and taken back to prison Severn Township. after the Orillia OPP Street Crime Unit assisted the Provincial Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement Squad with a parole violation warrant.
Severn man drinks in public and is arrested OPP helps youth who are sexually victimized A website has been developed to help young people manage the helplessness they feel when they realize the negative consequences that can occur when they create and send sexual images through social media.
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 13
Lightning hits tree – brings down hydro lines
Severn Fire responded to a call after lightning hit a tree in the Silver Creek On Sept. 11, 2013, a 35-year-old Severn Estates community and brought hydro Township man was charged with lines down on a home on Sept. 2, 2013. two counts of Failing to Comply and Undertaking or Recognizance after being caught drinking in public.
OPP policing office on hold
After six months, $4,000 in renovations and $6,000 spent in rent, plus the cost of utilities, the Westshore community still Severn Township council has decided not does not have an OPP community policing to pursue replacing the Highway 11 CNR office. Structure (30-079), which will stop the pathway from becoming a recreational trail in the future.
CNR underpass off the table
13-10-02 6:27 PM
14
Washago Lioness Club is busy all year long By Lioness Anna McDonnell
Well hello there! Greetings from the Washago and District Lioness Club. We meet every first Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. at the Lions’ Hall, 3434 Hamilton St. in Washago, and we are gearing up for another very active and fun-filled year. Watch for our upcoming ‘Court Whist’ card parties in September and November and our ‘Annual Bazaar’, Nov. 2, 2013, where we will have our famous meat pies for sale. This past summer was busy too. We sponsored a local softball team, made a visit and donation to a young boy born with cerebral palsy, visited Camp Huronda in Huntsville, a camp for children 7–15 with ‘Type 2’ diabetes, and presented a special award, the Helen Keller Award, to one of our members, Lioness Mary Burton.
This fall, we are bringing to the primary grades in our local schools an ‘Environmental Project’. We have a very interesting children’s book to read to the classes on the environment. This book was written by one of our members, Lioness Estelle Ness, and her friend, Grade 2 teacher Jane Michaud. We will plant tree seedlings with the children and follow up to see how they are growing. This year our Executive consists of President — Lioness Jean Stephens 705-326 8132, Secretary — Lioness Estelle Ness 705 325 5181 and Treasurer — Carol Buckley 705 689 3333, should you require any information on our club please contact us. Thanks to everyone for your continued support.
Washago Lioness Club president Jean Stephens (left) presents the prestigious Helen Keller Award to Lioness Mary Burton.
Advertising inquiries call 705-717-0322 or email thevillagerpress@rogers.com
COME OUT Discover Unique Products, Gifts and
Everyday Services
in your community
RIGHT HERE
tons of giveaways, draws and door prizes!
3rd Annual
Orillia & Lake Country where consumers
Tuesday October 22, 2013
Business Expo
meet business
3 - 9 pm
Casino Rama Ballrooms
SEVERN ORILLIA RAMA RAMARA ORO-MEDONTE
generously sponsored by
in partnership with
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 14
13-10-02 6:27 PM
Tradespeople feel personal privacy in jeopardy By Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop As the Progressive Conservative Critic for Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Reform I plan to present a new private member’s bill at Queen’s Park this fall to ensure the personal information of Ontario College of Trades members is protected. I receive hundreds of e-mails a week from tradespeople across the province. They continue to express concerns about the new Ontario College of Trades, the regulatory body for skilled trades which came into existence in April. Those in the trades pay a mandatory annual fee of $120 to be members. Trades workers were previously governed under the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) but since the creation of the College of Trades, many feel their personal privacy is in jeopardy. All of their personal information was transferred from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to the College of Trades. Trades people across the province have made it clear they do not support the College of Trades. Yet the NDP and Liberals have turned a deaf ear to the legitimate concerns of these people regarding this unnecessary Bay Street bureaucracy. This information about them gets passed along to a standalone agency, and tradespeople are very concerned, as am I, about what the Ontario College of Trades does with it. Information could include specifics of tradespeople’s licenses, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. It’s their general, private information that was always under the jurisdiction of the MTCU. It was held in confidence, and now there are concerns that it could be distributed to numerous people such as telemarketers, labour organizations or the media. Everything was forwarded that we know of, and that’s a problem because we’re not sure in some cases what they have from MTCU. I think the privacy commissioner for the province should have oversight on that particular agency. That’s what this is really about, so she can be called in to discuss any concerns that people may have with privacy.
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 15
15
Special Event On Friday, Oct. 18 my Annual Day for Senior’s in the Orillia area will be held in the eastern end of the riding at ODAS Park. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event also features a series of guest speakers and exhibitors. Contact my Orillia office at 705-326-3246 if you would like more information.
13-10-02 6:27 PM
16
Polio still an issue in today’s world By Candy Potter
Polio was one of the most dreaded diseases of the last century because it targeted children under 5, can cripple them for life, and is highly contagious. Then, in the 1950s, a vaccine was invented and polio went away so parents could rest easy. Or so I used to think. We just stopped seeing polio in North America because all children here are vaccinated. This cruel disease continues to attack children in other parts of the world and the only reason is because they don’t receive the vaccine. Because it affects children and because it is preventable, Rotary has made the eradication of Polio one of its primary initiatives. Rotary International has partnered with the United Nations, UNICEF, The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to raise funds and awareness. Our efforts have reduced Polio by 99 percent! Polio has been eradicated in all but three countries: Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Our club alone has raised more than $15,000 in support of polio eradication, but being this close does not allow us to rest on our laurels. On the contrary, the urgency grows. As long as there are
any cases remaining there is the risk of an outbreak. When no one carries the disease any longer, all children will be safe. Imagine, being part of eliminating this dreadful disease from the world. To find out more you can go to www.endpolio.org. To find out more about our club go to www.washagorotary.ca or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/washagorotary. Or call me, Candy at 705-689-4039.
HEATING, COOLING & VENTILATION Will You Wait Until the Snow Flies? To Discover Your Heating System Has Failed!! Call us TODAY for a no-obligation assessment. ● Home comfort at its best – Ducane or Keeprite systems. 10-year warranty parts & labour ● 30 years experience – expert installation, service and custom duct fabrication ● 24-Hour emergency service
GUARANTEED PRICE MATCH - or better!
Huronia Duct Systems
Bus: 705.689.9983 Cell: 705.330.7317
Email: huronia94@hotmail.ca
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 16
Excellence Is Our Standard
13-10-02 6:27 PM
17
Dried cranberry and acorn squash salad Ingredients • 1 Acorn squash peeled seeded and cut in 1 inch slices • 1 tbsp Butter • 1 tbsp Brown sugar, maple syrup or honey • Salt and pepper to taste • 1/4 cup Dried cranberries • 1/4 cup Halved walnuts • 1 container Arugula • 1/4 cup Blue cheese, if desired or any other soft white cheese
Dressing • • • • •
3 tbsp Olive oil 4 tsp White wine vinegar 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp Maple syrup Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation 1. Pre heat oven to 400F. 2. Toss squash with oil. 3. Place on baking sheet and cook until fork tender but still holds shape. 4. Cool 5. Whisk together dressing ingredients. 6. On white platter place arugula, then the squash pieces, thin red pepper slices, red onion slices, dried cranberries, walnut pieces and then drizzle with dressing and lightly toss. 7. Add cheese in small pieces and randomly place on top. 8. Serve and enjoy!
Recipe provided by Chef Becky Lennerton of Black River Food Company.
Be well-advised at every stage of your life.
Assante Capital Management Ltd. 384 West Street North, Suite 1 Orillia, ON. L3V 5E6 www.assante.com
lferry@assante.com
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 17
Lisa Ferry
Financial Advisor
705-325-7743, Ext.227
13-10-02 6:27 PM
18
Chimney care important at this time of year By Dianne Kyle As fall begins to show its true colours the cooler evenings have us contemplating the upcoming winter. The yard furniture is put away the leaves are raked and wood is stacked as you prepare for the heating season. Whether you enjoy a fireplace or heat your home with a woodstove or furnace, maintenance of these items are important not only for smooth operation but fire safety. Ensure your chimney is inspected and cleaned by a certified chimney sweep before you use it every winter. Look for an individual who is a W.E.T.T. (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) certified technician. Check your chimney and side vents once a month for ice or snow build-up to prevent appliance malfunction or complete shutdown. From inside your home, check the flue or metal liner of your chimney or fireplace using a mirror inside the access panel and look for a circle of light. If you do not see light contact a WETT certified technician and do not use the appliance. Chimney fires occur with combustion of residue deposits (creosote) on the inner surfaces of chimney tiles, flue and stove pipes. The unburned creosote deposits are heated to the vapor state but not consumed due to lack of adequate heat and oxygen within the wood burning appliance. These vapour particles escape into the chimney where they contact cooler surfaces and condense into tar-like deposits. As layers of this tar accumulate the chimney can plug completely, or the chimney reaches a temperature and oxygen level at which the deposit will ignite. Due to the concentrated level of deposits/creosote at the time, these fires tend to burn very hot. The high temperatures stress the mechanical strength of the chimney causing distortion of metal structures, and failure of ceramic structures. What causes these deposits are burning green or wet fuels, operation of the appliance with insufficient air intake and low operating temperatures for long periods of time. A chimney fire in action can be overwhelming and moves quickly. Indications of a chimney fire have been described as creating a loud crackling and popping noise, a lot of dense smoke and an intense, hot smell. If a chimney fire happens, get everyone out of
the house and call 9-1-1. It is the law to have a working smoke alarm on every level and if using any fuel fired equipment install a carbon monoxide detector. Have a home fire escape plan and practice it to ensure everyone in your family knows what to do and where to meet in the event of a fire emergency. Severn Fire & Emergency Services reminds you that prevention is the best remedy, and that means regular chimney cleaning and maintenance.
Call Us Today
705.327.5152
Magnets Business Cards FLYERS Qty 1000 $35.00 Envelopes Pocket Folders 8.5x11 Black/White Single Sided Flyers Brochures RACK CARDS Qty 1000 $170.61 Booklets Postcards 4x9 Colour- 2sided CAD Drawings DoorHangers ENVELOPES Qty 1000 $90.95 Binding Posters Size 10 Full Colour POST CARDS Qty 500 $99.95 Signs Finishing Services 6x4 Full Colour 2 Sided & Much More... 17 Colborne St,E. Unit#101 • Orillia,ON L3V 1T4 • info@GeogianBayPrinters.com • www.GeorgianBayPrinters.com
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 18
13-10-02 6:27 PM
19
• Another successful fair •
Hoorah for our volunteers Continued from page 6
Aubrey and Madeleine McArthur have given 45 years of dedicated service to the Bayou Park Ratepayers Association. In the 1960s, the McArthurs improved an empty lakefront lot by landscaping, installing horseshoe pits and maintaining the lawn. Corn roasts began in 1970 and continue this day as the ‘Annual Fun Day’. Madeleine has organized bake sales and supervises the barbecues, while Aubrey continues to maintain and keep an eye on the property. Andy Stothers has been honoured for his dedicated service to the Washago & District Lions Club over the past decade. He is always ready to help with any project including Canada Day, selling Christmas trees and being a designated driver. Andy has also been a Scout leader in Washago and assists with the Washago Community Centre by maintaining the ice rink. He is also honoured for his contributions to the handicapped group homes and driving cancer patients to appointments.
Congratulations to all.
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 19
13-10-02 6:27 PM
20
Local chef pairing up with brew masters By Kim Goggins A new venture is brewing for Chef Becky Lennerton of the Black River Food Company. She has been approached by Karla Dudley and Rob Engman of TAPS magazine to locate one of her food trucks at their new craft brewery in Gravenhurst. “I think the whole idea of being able to pair with a craft brewery is just perfect,” said Lennerton. “The food just matches. I’ll be designing a menu paired with their beers.” Oh, what a menu it will be. Lennerton is known for her unique menu items on her Rollin’ on the River food trucks. Local farmed game, trout, organic veggies — she has a way of preparing these foods that make them mouth-watering favourites at first bite. However this time, she’ll be pairing with unique beer flavours brewed by Sawdust City Brewery. While only a couple of years old, this craft brewery has really made an impact on the beer world and already has won awards for their beer they currently brew in Etobicoke, Ontario. They can also be found at the LCBO as well as in about a hundred restaurants throughout Ontario. And, their flavours are
as unique as their names. Skinny Dipping Stout, Ol’ Wood Alt, Lone Pine IPA (sold at the LCBO), Golden Beach Pale Ale and Gateway Kolsch-style Ale are their standards, offered all year long. But seasonally, they also offer The Princess Wears Girlpants and The Princess Wears Girlpants meet the ODB in the spring and summer; I Swear Sugarpants, it was Your Idea in the fall; and in the winter and spring, Long, Dark Voyage to Uranus (sold at the LCBO), Long, Dark Voyage to Uranus Whiskey Barrel Aged and Red Rocket Stout. Lennerton says she is up to the challenge and at The Villager’s press time, was in the process of moving her Rollin’ on the River trailer from Couchiching Beach Park in Orillia up to the former Canadian Tire buildingturned-brewery in Gravenhurst. “They’ll open their brew house before Christmas and I’ll do the food element for
them,” said Lennerton. “We’ll be outside the building to start. You’ll be able to get food from us outside but grab a beer inside and eat there.” Live entertainment is part of the plan and eventually, there may be a restaurant, as well. “They’re cool people and they’re very supportive of the community. I want to draw them here (Washago). It would be nice to have them put some support into the music festival next year,” said Lennerton.
GARFIELD DUNLOP, MPP Simcoe North
Email: Garfield.dunlopco@pc.ola.org Website: www.garfielddunlopmpp.com
ORILLIA OFFICE: 14 Coldwater Rd. W., P.O. Box 2320, Orillia, ON L3V 6S2 Telephone: 705-326-3246 of Toll Free 1-800-304-7341 Fax: 705-326-9579 MIDLAND OFFICE: 482 Elizabeth St. Midland. ON L4R 1Z8 Telephone: 705-526-8671 Fax: 705-526-8600
Leah C. Cavanaugh
Cavanaugh’s
o r n e r
Sales Representative
Thorough, thoughtful, confidential and professional service. 20+ years experience with proven success for buyers and sellers. Ask about my pre-listing consultation. email: leah@realestate.orillia.com • www.century21.ca/leah.cavanaugh
705.325.1366 Don Campbell Real Estate Limited, 36 Andrew Street South - Orillia, ON - L3V 5J1 Office 705-325-1366 • Toll Free 1-800-498-8775
*Brokerage
*Independently Owned and Operated
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 20
13-10-02 6:27 PM
21 Wasdell Falls
Continued from page 1 development manager for Coastal Hydro Power operations in Ontario. “We also can’t do any in-water work during spawning season,” he added, noting the protected pickerel spawning ground at the bottom of the falls. “We have to ensure there’s enough water running through there to keep that spawning ground healthy so that the walleye continue to use it.”
The 100-year-old dam is a concern so we’re taking lots of precautions.” —Joe Slater, Coastal Hydro Power Blasting is expected to continue into early November and then the excavation will take place before construction begins on a control building and three underwater turbines. There will also be a small transformer on site. Slater
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 21
This aerial photo of the Wasdell Falls dam was taken in 1948.
said the plan is to work through the winter to keep the project on time for a summer 2014 opening, but working with a century-old dam can be tricky and work needs to move forward cautiously at this early stage. “That’s our biggest concern,” he said, when talking about blasting at the MNR site. “The 100-year-old dam is a concern so we’re taking lots of precautions.”
When all is said and done, the $12-million project will provide a capacity of 1.65 megawatts and generate about 8,500 megawatt hours of renewable energy every year. Through a contract with the Ontario Power Authority through Ontario’s FeedIn Tariff (FIT) Program, the province is set to pay 13 cents per kilowatt hour for the electricity for 40 years.
13-10-02 6:27 PM
22
Nancy
Epps
Agent #M08003146
705-330-6438 www.nancyepps.ca
Residential
l
Commercial
l
Agricultural
MORTGAGES
Community Happenings Send your group’s upcoming community event to thevillager@xplornet.com.
Orillia Office: 773 Atherley Road, 705-325-7283
H.O. 440 Park Ave W., Chatham, ON N7M 1X2 Ph: 519.351.7283 - Lic. # 12114
Washago Jam
charge is $12/person or $20/couple with Washago Jam takes place every third all of the money going to the performers. Wednesday of the month, from 7 to 11 p.m. There will also be tea, coffee and baked treats for sale. at the Washago Lions Club Hall.
October 10, 2013
An information forum on the water levels of Lake Couchiching will be held at the Washago Community Centre between 7 and 10 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.
October 12, 2013
There will be a special dedication of a bench and plaque at the Washago Community Gardens on County Road 169 at 11 a.m. The family of Flossie Robinson, founder of the Washago Community Gardens would like to invite the public to view the ‘reveal’ and dedication in their mother’s memory. Flossie passed away in June 2012 at the age of 104 years old. She founded the community gardens in 1994 when she was in her eighties.
October 19, 2013
Coffee House: Afterhours at The Bakery will take place inside the bakery of Canoe Fresh Food Market in Washago. Doors open at 7 p.m. and music starts at 8. It’s best to get there early! The host band is Sassafras Trio with guest performers Hey Amy, Vincent Therrien, and Larry Christopher. Cover
The Orillia Youth Orchestra held its 1st Annual Canoe-a-thon on the Green River.
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 22
October 19, 2013
Heritage United Church will host its annual Fall Ham Dinner at the Washago Community Centre at 5:30 p.m. Cost for adults is $15, Children, ages 6–12, $6 and preschoolers free. Please phone 705-689-2461 for ticket reservations. Come and join chefs Chuck, Soo, & Don for a delicious dinner of ham, scalloped potatoes, seasonal vegetables, rolls, and a delicious dessert buffet!
October 23, 2013
Witches Walk takes place in Coldwater.
October 26, 2013
Country Animal Hospital, 3843 Soules Rd. This Farley Foundation fundraising initiative assists people who are in need of financial help to care for their pets. Call 705-3264800 for more information, or visit www. farleyfoundation.org.
November 2, 2013
Guy Fawkes Day Bonfire will take place at Washago Centennial Park.
November 8, 2013
The Chippewas of Rama First Nation Remembrance Day Ceremony will take place, beginning at 10:30 a.m. with a march from the Community Hall to the Cenotaph in front of the church on Rama Road.
November 11, 2013
A Remembrance Day ceremony will take place at the Cenotaph in Coldwater at 11 a.m.
Ramona Fall Bazaar at the Ramona Hall. November 11, 2013 Enjoy a luncheon, bake sale and craft sale. A Remembrance Day ceremony will take Doors open at 11 a.m. Huge array of draws place at the Cenotaph in Orillia, beginning and prizes. with a march from the Royal Canadian Legion October 26, 2013 Branch 34 to the Cenotaph at 10:50 a.m. Free movie night will take place at the November 30, 2013 Coldwater Community Centre. Free movie night will take place at the October 26, 2013 Coldwater Community Centre. Plan to attend a very special Howl-aween party for you and your pets at Lake
The Washago Jam kicked off a new season in Washago.
Caden Mullen pets a cow at the Ramona Fair with Uncle Kyle Mullen and sister Maya.
13-10-02 6:27 PM
NEW SIGN. SAME WINDSHIELD REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT EXPERTISE. We’re joining forces with Speedy Glass®, Canada’s leader in vehicle glass repair and replacement so you’ll get more great services like on line booking and a comprehensive national warranty. All that, and you still get the same folks you know behind the counter. Welcome to our new Speedy Glass® service centre.
®
Bill Farewell
This Apple Auto Glass® location is changing to Speedy Glass®
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 23
315 West St. S Orillia
705.325.3500 speedyglass.ca
13-10-02 6:27 PM
Villager_201310_final_131002.indd 24
13-10-02 6:28 PM