Archives 2021

Debra Edwards — Orillia, Ramara, Severn SCDSB trustee

I am retired and I have the luxury of “time” to devote to serving the public and assisting families and children to navigate the public county education system; a system that can seem difficult and sometimes confusing to connect the dots when assistance is required with educational issues.

I believe all constituents deserve to be represented and I would advocate on their behalf as their elected representation on the Simcoe County District School Board.

I previously served as trustee, vice-chairperson and chairperson on the SCDSB until 2014 when I was defeated in the municipal election (Orillia/Ramara Township).

I am a mother of four adult children and a grandmother to three grandchildren. I profoundly believe in the importance of family values and leaving the world a better place for our young citizens of tomorrow!

Every child has a fundamental right to an education in a safe, secure and sustainably funded school environment that endeavours as a No. 1 priority to align educational dollar resources with programs as equitably as possible.

Simcoe County is diverse and large geographically with area specific needs having both old and new schools, both large and small in size and various enrolments, but all must be served equitably within SCDSB.

Teachers must be supported to maintain a safe work environment in classrooms. The importance of dedicated teachers in our system is essential to student success!

The needs of all students must be planned and provided for. Accountability in both classrooms and the school boardroom is essential to functionality as we will be judged as an educational system by how well our students achieve globally.

School trustees are held both responsible and accountable for how well all of our students learn locally, nationally and internationally as the world has become very challenging. We must prepare our students to strive for academic achievement, as well as help them develop good character traits.

I believe that my knowledge, experience and expertise would be a great benefit to serving the public as I previously served as: member of the First Nations advisory committee, special education advisory committee, Student Alternative Leave Ed program chair/member of bylaw/policy committee, member of both elementary and secondary accommodation review committees, director search committee strategic planning committee/mission statement, governance review /public consultation leadership, and numerous public speaking engagements.

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Ontario Parks finds no takers to build Wasaga washrooms

Ontario Parks will be back to the drawing board after a second effort to find a contractor to rebuild the washrooms at New Wasaga and Allenwood had no takers.

The province had requested bids in March; a second submission was published in May with a closing date of June 15 and a construction start date of Sept. 10.

Ontario Parks director Bruce Bateman confirmed no one responded to either bid.

“We are currently reviewing our options regarding next steps,” he stated in an email to Simcoe.com, noting Ontario Parks has “worked collaboratively with municipal staff to develop options for improving the washroom facilities, and we are pleased that design plans have been finalized.

“Ontario Parks recognizes the importance of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and the recreational and economic benefits it provides to the local area.”

That may not be comfort to either visitors to the beach or nearby residents, noted Simcoe-Grey MPP Jim Wilson, who promised during the provincial election campaign to make the reconstruction of the washrooms a priority.

“On muggy days, the smell is unbelievable when your cottage is literally a few yards away.

Wilson said he’s already been in the ear of the new Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, Jeff Yurek, to advance the issue.

“I took five minutes to explain it to him (prior to their first cabinet meeting) and he couldn’t believe it. It’s definitely a priority,” Wilson said. “He said he’ll look into it and get back to me … I don’t understand why (a company) wouldn’t want to do this project.

“Some people think it’s funny when we mention (vault privies) down here, but it’s not funny when you’re trying to enjoy a day at the beach. It’s affecting our tourism business.”

Coun. Ron Ego, , said there may be an opportunity for the municipality and Ontario Parks to work together on seeking a contractor.

Ego said he hoped that could open the job up to a broader range of contractors — which might make it more likely that someone would submit a bid.

Minds get to work at Innisfil’s Makerfest

The creative juices were flowing for young and old at the annual Makerfest July 14. Participants could make their drawing come to life in a virtual reality simulation, make a pinata, create a tote bag or make their own clay piece of jewelry. More fun was happening outside of the Cookstown branch of the Innisfil IdeaLAB and Library, with free hotdogs, a splash pad and sneaker painting for an upcoming art project.

The annual Makerfest showcases art and technology created by area residents.

Barrie man says his wheelchair cushions were taken from a Rona parking lot

Walter Gyselinck was finally over the stress of leaving his house.

About a month ago, the Barrie resident — who can walk short distances but has consistent pain stemming from severe burns to his legs — was given a wheelchair by an Orillia business owner. But the equipment is virtually useless for now following an incident at the Rona store in the city’s south-end June 14, sometime between 5 and 6 p.m.

Gyselinck and his family had just finished shopping at the store. They folded the wheelchair and placed the device’s removable back and bottom cushions against their car. Walter’s wife then helped him get in the vehicle, a process that takes about “two to three minutes”, he said.

She then packed the purchases and wheelchair in the car and drove away. When he went to use the chair about two days later, he noticed the cushions had gone missing.

Gyselinck said the cushions were too heavy to be carried off by a strong wind and says they would have been picked up by someone. He can’t confirm whether they were taken while he was getting into the car, or grabbed after being mistakenly left behind.

He returned to Rona once the discovery was made but staff were unable to find the cushions.

“We’re still trying to get used to me being in a wheelchair,” he said, sitting on a couch in his living room recently. “Even if they were forgotten, at the end of the day, someone still took them. If you see medical equipment beside a wheelchair space, you’d think somebody left that behind.”

Both cushions are black, had labels sewn on that indicated their purpose as medical equipment, and will likely cost about $300 to $400 to replace. But the wheelchair is also an older model and cushions with an exact fit are difficult to find, Gyselinck said.

“I really started to enjoy going out again,” he said. “It was always such a chore; I’d have to mentally prepare myself to endure the pain. With the wheelchair, I could be around with my family.”

Gyselinck sustained third and fourth degree burns on his legs more than 20 years ago. He has severe nerve and muscle damage, drop foot, fibromyalgia and poor circulation. There is only a thin layer of skin left on his legs, and neither limb has sweat glands. He overheats easily and already wears a knee brace.

If he can’t find replacement cushions, he’ll either have to buy a new wheelchair or become reclusive again. The device can’t function properly without the missing pieces.

“For the past four or five years, I’ve been a complete shut-in,” he said. “I don’t like going out. It’s too hard and stressful.”

While Gyselinck is considering filing a police report, he’d just prefer to get the cushions back.

“I don’t want their story,” he said. “I wouldn’t go to the police if they just gave it back. They can just walk away and I’d be more than happy.”

Anyone with information on this incident can call Gyselinck at .

New water mains in Tay Township a ‘huge’ help to fight cottage fire

A visitor to Port McNicoll for a wedding looked out his kitchen window to see the next-door neighbour’s waterfront cottage on fire Wednesday afternoon.

Andrew Degenhardt called 911 before 4:30 p.m.

“They got here very fast and immediately went to work,” he said about the response from the Tay Township Fire Department to the fire at 155 Woodlands Ave. The fire was put out with the front of the building standing.

Tay Township fire Chief Brian Thomas said new water mains with hydrants were just installed in the area this year.

“That made a huge difference. Now we have six-inch mains, so our volume of water was readily accessible when we needed it,” he said.

Anderson Hoare, who lives year-round next door, said no one was at the cottage at the time of the fire and there had not been anyone around. He added the wood cottage is more than 60 years old. The owner is from Toronto and comes up only three to five times a year.

Hoare used his garden hose to prevent the fire from spreading to his house, where he stores large propane tanks.

The cause of the blaze is to be determined.

 

Maqsood Dogar — Clearview Ward 3

Maqsood Dogar moved from Mississauga to Stayner in 2004, where he has resided for 14 delightful years. 

He graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 2000, as well as George Brown College for business information systems in 1996. He has been managing Stayner’s Hasty Market for the past eight years; he also managed Macs from 2004 to 2008. 

He and his wife Javaria have been married for 19 years and together they have four loving children. 

Maqsood is a very energetic person; his brilliance and knowledge makes him a perfect candidate for the role of councillor because he may be young, but he is also wise.

With Clearview Township expanding and more houses being built around Stayner, his goal is to connect Stayner and Collingwood to Barrie and Toronto, through the expansion of public transit (GO Transit) and to work to support the development of local health-care facilities. 

Recent local school closures resulting in an influx of students attending Clearview Meadows Elementary School cause a safety concern at the intersection of Highway 26 and Locke Avenue.

Maqsood would also work to have a traffic light installed at this location and support the expansion of the school parking lot.

Canuck cuisine featured at Orillia’s Era 67

Era 67 likes to keep it local.  

“Our motto is a taste of Canadian history,” said Devon Spence, who owns and operates the upscale casual Orillia restaurant.

With that in mind, its culinary philosophy is to use fresh and local ingredients whenever possible.

“We believe in playing with the seasons, and building strong relationships with our local farmers and producers,” said the restaurateur, whose business partners include her sister, and brother-in-law Pam and Brian Patterson.

The menu serves up gourmet and casual cuisine inspired by our Canadian heritage, including Alberta steaks, lobster, P.E.I. mussels, smoked salmon, poutine and local duck — to name a few.

“We’re particularly well known for our steaks, rack of lamb, short ribs and duck,” she said. Everything is made from scratch, and made to order.  

While Era 67 has been a fixture on the Orillia dining scene for years, Spence took over the helm about three years ago.

“I’ve worked in the industry for about 25 years, and I was ready to run my own place,” she said.

Born and raised in Collingwood, Spence started busing tables when she was 13 and worked her way up. Before taking over Era 67, she managed Kaytoo in Collingwood and Hudson (now closed) in Barrie.

Primarily looking after the front of the house, she’s also handy in the kitchen, and can prepare any dish on the menu.

“I just put on my chef’s hat, change my heels for flats and away I go,” she says with a smile.

The popular 80-seat venue features a 12-seat private room, a lounge and a patio. “People can come in and have drinks with sharing plates or charcuterie boards or enjoy a three course dining experience,” she said. The decor is casual and features the artwork of local artists, oak booths, a fireplace and plenty of comfy cushions.

Specialty nights include No Corkage Tuesdays (you can bring in a bottle of wine and there is no corkage fee), Half-Priced Appetizer Wednesdays (half-priced appetizers from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.), All You Can Eat Mussels Thursdays, Fish Feature Fridays, Surf and Turf Saturdays, and Prime Rib Dinner Sundays.

The restaurant is also planning an upcoming wild game night.

Along with local wines and beers, Era 67 showcases a craft cocktail menu. “Our big sellers are freshly muddled raspberry mojitos and margaritas,” she said.

Local entertainment is showcased Thursdays through Saturdays.

While there are many dining establishments in and around Orillia to choose from, the restaurateur encourages diners to support local independent businesses.

“The summer is the perfect time to check us out because we have a wonderful patio with a historical fountain.”

“It’s a very peaceful setting and you can hear the water trickling when you are enjoying your meal.”

Era 67 is located at , Orillia.

For more information, call or visit

Five things you need to know about the Peak to Shore Music Festival

1. The Peak to Shore Music Festival takes place from July 4-7 in Collingwood, Thornbury and Blue Mountain.

2. The event will take place in 11 different venues including the Village Stage, MJ Byrne’s Irish Pub and Firehall Pizza at Blue Mountain Village, Gustav Chophouse, Crow Bar & Variety, Shipyards Amphitheatre in Collingwood,  and Bruce Wine Bar, the Corner Café and Maiolo’s Restaurant and Lounge in Thornbury.

3. More than 32 acts will perform during the festival including Bernadette Connors, Rebecca Rain, Shipyards Kitchen Party, Paul Reddick, Chad Price, Cold Jack, Karla Crawford and Kayla Diamond.

4. All of the concerts are free and start at 6 p.m., and run until 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 10 p.m. on Sunday.

5. There will be two open mike sessions on Thursday at 9 p.m., with Dave Russell at the Corner Café in Thornbury and Craig Smith at Crow Bar and Variety.

Tanya Saari – Barrie Ward 3

“My home … My community … My passion”

That’s how I feel about Barrie, particularly Ward 3! I have lived here for over a decade and there’s no place I’d rather be.

My husband and I have raised our three children in Ward 3 for the past 13 years. They all attended schools in the area, and I also work in the community.

As your Ward 3 councillor, one of my top priorities will be keeping open communication with the residents. To best represent the needs of the community, I will make myself available to hear your comments, concerns, and ideas for the area — and I will make sure I respond to you!

It is important that you have a voice in our ward, and I will be your voice at city hall.

As a local real estate agent, I am aware of the challenges we are facing with affordable housing in Barrie. We need to re-evaluate the Registered Second Suite process, as well as ensure that new builds delegate a portion of units to affordable housing so that all residents have a place to call home.

The City of Barrie is growing rapidly, and funds are being spent to support this growth. Although this is important, we need to ensure that Ward 3 remains a priority. Our roads, parks, and development are equally as important as the rest of the city.

I am excited to work hard being the voice of our community. My commitment to communication, relationship building, and strong ethics are just what is needed for Ward 3.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me! I look forward to getting to know you!

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Buck-a-beer ‘impossible’: Barrie brewers bail on Ontario’s ale plan

There’s a sobering reality for many of Ontario’s craft breweries: It costs a lot of money to make a quality product.

So it appears many local suds producers will be taking a pass on Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s buck-a-beer challenge. The Progressive Conservative government promised last week to lower the minimum price for any beer with an alcohol volume below 5.6 per cent to $1, effective Aug. 27.

“There’s a time and a place for the differences between a drive-thru meal and a good steak,” Redline Brewhouse owner Kari Williams said. “For us, as an independently owned and operated small business trying to create our own market in Barrie, the buck-a-beer concept is of no interest. Without taking a significant loss, it’s impossible. If anything, it erodes what craft beer culture is trying to do. I’m nervous about getting political. But I don’t think it was well thought out. It is aimed at, and potentially supports, the global conglomerates.”

Craft beer’s share of the market has grown steadily in recent years and currently sits at about eight per cent, she said.

“People are hungry for that quality, unique, consistent beer,” Williams said. “They’re prepared to pay for (that). We purposely source local (ingredients) first. We hire from the local population.”

The government plan is not mandatory. However, the province has promised to provide incentives to participating breweries for a limited time throughout the year, including LCBO promotional discounts, in-store displays on end aisles and shelf extenders, or advertising in LCBO flyers and newspaper inserts.

Buck-a-beer will not apply to draft brews sold in restaurants and bars, or ciders, spirits or wine.

“You can’t do buck-a-beer at the craft brew level,” Barnstormer Brewing and Distilling Co. president Dustin Norlund said. “It’s not going to benefit Ontario. The only brewers that could do it successfully are producing in cheap jurisdictions elsewhere. Our consumers aren’t interested in buck-a-beer. They fully understand you’re giving up quality to get the price.”

The minimum price was raised by the previous Liberal government, from $1 to $1.25, in 2008, Ford said.

However, production costs and taxes have climbed significantly over the last decade, Norlund noted.

Instead, the province should focus on updating “archaic” alcohol laws, disbanding the Beer Store and diversifying products at the LCBO, he said.

Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery expressed similar concerns in social media posts last week, and strongly asserted it will not participate in the challenge.

“ have come so far creating jobs, supporting our local communities, and brewing fantastic award-winning beers with international reputations for quality,” Flying Monkeys said in an Aug. 8 post. “That doesn’t happen for a dollar.”

The company also finished the statement with the hashtag.

Two days later, the brewery reaffirmed its position with a post about vintage stout.

“In , there are incomparable beers which become Standards of Faith testifying there are Brewers who care deeply about their art,” the brewery said. “Craft Beers are worth more than a Dollar.”

Representatives from Flying Monkeys could not be reached for comment.