Archives 2021

Residents assaulted in their Midland home: Updated

The lone man who broke into a Midland home Monday night and robbed the residents after assaulting and threatening them with a weapon has been identified as Ryan Dicks, 35, of Midland.

Dicks was arrested by Southern Georgian Bay OPP officers and taken into police custody. He was held in custody until an Aug. 23 bail hearing. He will continue to remain in custody until a Sept. 6 Ontario Court of Justice appearance in Midland.

When Southern Georgian Bay OPP officers arrived at the home after 7:35 p.m. on Aug. 20 to investigate the robbery, they discovered one person with non-life threatening injuries from the altercation.  

The Southern Georgian Bay crime unit, Southern Georgian Bay scenes of crime officer and K-9 unit were called in to assist in the investigation.  

One person has been arrested and charged with robbery with weapon, assault with a weapon, assault, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, break and enter and fail to comply with probation order.

Collingwood doctors screen patients for poverty to improve health

While the rising cost of living is making it difficult for some in South Georgian Bay to make ends meet, this could have a negative impact on their health

“We know poverty is linked to a lot of illness in health,” said Dr. Harry O’Halloran.

The Georgian Bay Family Health Team, 211 Community Connection and County of Simcoe Paramedicine Services have partnered to help improve the health of Collingwood residents.

O’Halloran said doctors in the area are using a poverty-screening tool in hopes of connecting patients with services.

“Within the screening tool there are resources that we can use to help people,” he said. “People appreciate you asking, you have to be sensitive in how you ask.”

O’Halloran said he asks patients a number of questions to determine what their living situation is.

“There has been a lot of evidence around asking them if they’ve got their income taxes done or do they have trouble making ends meet at the end of the month,” he said. “Those simple questions often tell you a lot.”

He said not submitting income taxes often correlates with poverty, and as a result, people aren’t aware they could be eligible for social programs.

“People who have trouble making ends meet aren’t able to access community services, so they don’t know or haven’t got the resources (for) how to access disability,” he said. “They may not know there is help to get medications covered, so they don’t take care of themselves as well. They can’t necessarily afford to join fitness clubs or they don’t know the YMCA would subsidize them.”

Kyle MacCallum is a community paramedicine co-ordinator with the County of Simcoe.

He said local paramedics screen individuals after receiving 911 calls.

“The call originates for a reason that isn’t going to be fixed by going to the hospital,” he said.

MacCallum said when they visit the home, paramedics ask patients a variety of questions.

“You start to ask them questions around how they’re coping at home,” he said.

“What the barriers are and what they don’t have in their living situation that they need to thrive.”

In both cases, the information is referred to 211, an organization that has access to a network of community services and organizations who do a needs assessment.

Call centre manager for 211, Rhonda Thompson said the centre receives a lot of calls about people struggling with financial issues, especially if they are on social assistance or disability.

“If they are requiring community services, there isn’t a lot of extra money to pay for paid services,” she said. “Is there subsidized programs? Can we advocate? Can we go to service clubs, can we go to church groups, can we go to other programs to see where we can get these people help?”

MacCallum said they’ve seen about a 29 per cent reduction in 911 calls as a result of the program.

“We’re just not bringing those patients in; they’re not being seen at the emergency department because we’re having those needs met at home where the patients want to be,” he said.

Fresh options abound at Wasaga’s new Potato Factory

Michael Mikhail is putting the finishing touches on the bar overlooking Potato Factory’s .

“It’s 120-year-old wood. They were about to throw it out and I said, ‘wait, you can’t do that!’” said the restaurant’s vice-president of operations.

The pieces will accent the bar at the 200-seat restaurant, which opened on June 29.

The menu features burgers, sandwiches, fish and chips, and their signature ‘appetizer wheel’ of a minimum of four items.

The restaurant can also cater to customers based on allergies and religious considerations.

Mikhail emphasized all the food is fresh.

“From prepped to dish, it’s been marinated here, blanched here, cut here, and you can taste the difference,” he said. “We know exactly what goes into our food.”

What’s going on here in Creemore?

The should be complete by fall, after a new contractor was picked for the job in June.

Last September, Clearview Township council accepted a $193,000 bid from Consolidated to construct the Gowan Park pavilion, replacing a derelict building.

By late fall, however, construction stalled, and the second-lowest bidder, Cherokee Contracting, was called in this spring to fill in the hole left by the contractor.

The general manager of parks, culture and recreation, Terry Vachon, said he was unsure whether the municipality will be taking action against Consolidated.

At council’s June 25 meeting, councillors awarded the contract to build the pavilion to Cherokee at a price of $161,000, plus HST and a 10 per cent contingency, for a total of more than $200,000.

Cherokee had been paid just under $57,000 to bring the site up to grade, while Consolidated had been paid nearly $40,000 for the work that had been completed in the fall. Vachon noted the total cost of the project, including HST, will now be $296,000 — not including engineering and architectural fees.

Just the facts:

— The pavilion will be 75-by-25 feet, located on the north side of the park beside the ball diamond.

— Services will include washrooms, electricity, and a canteen area.

— Once it’s complete, the pavilion can be booked by calling Dan Gowan at the Creemore Arena,


Scott W. Anderson — Adjala-Tosorontio Ward 5

Name: Scott W. Anderson

Position: Councillor Ward 5, Township of Adjala-Tosorontio

Website:

Email:

Phone:

I am seeking re-election to the position of councillor of Ward 5 for the Township of Adjala-Tosorontio. Over the past eight years on council I have devoted time and energy to bring a sound and common-sense approach to the issues dealt with by council. This will not change if re-elected.

Personally, I continue to call Lisle home and am employed as the postmaster at the Lisle Post Office. I volunteer my time to help organize many community events as well as operate a community outdoor ice rink during the winter.

During my previous two terms, I have been pleased to take an active role in serving on the following committees: economic development committee, Museum on the Boyne advisory committee, recreation services review committee, committee of adjustment, savings by design committee, audit committee and procedural review committee.

More recently council has faced some tough issues but has also initiated many meaningful projects, including the development of a new fire station in Everett, a new combined public works operations building, a review of recreation needs and increase of recreation amenities and trails. My experience and approach to these projects and others will help steer our township in a positive direction.

If re-elected, I will continue to serve the residents of Ward 5, listen to issues and work cohesively with members of council, staff and residents to accomplish our goals in the interest of the township.

Jack Contin – Midland mayor

Work at Georgian Bay Islands National Park brought my wife Judy, our daughter Caitlyn and me to Midland 28 years ago — We have never once regretted that move.

Caitlyn is now married to Geoff and they have a beautiful son, Jack. Grandchildren must have been one of the motivators for Midland’s motto, Persequi qualitatem vitea, meaning “in pursuit of quality of life.” It’s that quality of life for all I work to preserve.

I graduated from Trent University with bachelor of arts degree in 1986. I have 25 years in the public service including work with Parks Canada, Environment Canada, the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs and as the executive director of an Indigenous tourism organization.

Last term as a municipal councillor for the Town of Midland, I forged a commitment to represent the community honestly and openly, as a team player. I am proud of the work I have accomplished.   

A mayor is the leader of the government that is closest to the people and must be inclusive, impartial and respectful.

I plan to enhance relationships with neighbouring municipalities, First Nations and other levels of government to foster prosperity for Midland and hold the line on taxes, while delivering quality services.

I am creative, conciliatory, honest, diplomatic and competent; all traits well-suited for taking progressive action for community benefit.

I firmly pledge to listen to all. Your voice will be heard and respected. I will stand bravely for you and demonstrate honesty and integrity in my judgment. I will work to resolve public safety concerns, housing issues, aging infrastructure and the repositioning of Midland Bay Landing, as well as, ensuring that Midland is both senior and youth-friendly.

I will lead on economic development, inform and consult, protect the environment and promote Midland as a place to invest.

I will work for you to leave a legacy for our grandchildren and future generations.  

Campaign office address: Home — 699 Aberdeen Blvd., Unit 207, Midland, ON, L4R 5P2

Telephone Number:

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Tottenham Mall renovations will be completed soon, says owner

The owner of the Tottenham Mall says the massive renovation project that started last year will be completed soon.

Property owner Justin Piersanti said the work will wrap up at the end of June or by mid-July.

The reno didn’t move as fast as he had hoped.

“It’s an old building, so when you start to substantially dig into it, you find unexpected or unforeseen things you need to deal with, and it causes delays,” he wrote.

Piersanti said the site is being transformed into a “hybrid mall/plaza,” with the LCBO, Pet Valu, the Beer Store and Pharmasave facing the street.

He said CIBC is also staying, and Pharmasave will also have a doctor’s office.

The washroom was upgraded and is accessible, and doors will be accessible once the entrances are completed, he added.

The north/south hallway was removed but the east/west one will remain.

Piersanti declined to say how much money has been spent on the renovations.

The project started early last summer after Vince’s Market announced it was moving into the old grocery store space.

The Pam Kirkpatrick branch of the New Tecumseth Public Library will leave the mall at the end of its lease this year.

The library will be relocated to a new building that has yet to be constructed at the Tottenham Community and Fitness Centre.

Innisfil entrepreneur creates food delivery service

Fresh out of university, Innisfil’s James Tonks has created his own business after seeing a need in the community.

“Innisfil doesn’t have a food delivery service, and there is some demand for it,” Tonks said.

Four years ago, , with a 95.6 per cent grade average. After going to the University of Waterloo for computer science, Tonks has created What’s For Dinner Today, supplying food, from both independent and franchised restaurants, to the Innisfil area.

“I started at the end of June. You can order online from lots of different restaurants that don’t normally deliver,” Tonks said.

Through his website , customers can easily place an order and will be charged a small delivery fee to get the items to their doorstep.

“In Alcona, there’s a $4.95 delivery fee. In Lefroy and Stroud, it’s $6, and in Gilford and Big Bay Point area, it’s $7,” he said.

Unlike some of the bigger companies, Tonks said, menu prices aren’t jacked up for customers.

He’s already delivering from nine local restaurants, and more are joining soon.

So whether you’re in the mood for pizza, wings, Chinese, burgers, pasta or breakfast, he’s got it covered.

What’s For Dinner Today is already making four to five food deliveries a day.

The delivery service runs from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. each day, depending on how late the restaurant is open.

Tonks aims to deliver the food within 40 minutes.

According to Eggsmart owner Dan Dufour, customers are happy with the service.

“They tell me everything is steaming hot and fresh,” Dufour said. “I’m sure once business picks up, there may be some hiccups, but I’m happy about it.

“It helps me to remain competitive, and it’s going to help grow our brand.”

He’s pleased to be supporting a local entrepreneur but said the Skip The Dishes company does plan to infiltrate Innisfil in the new year.

“This currently isn’t offered in Innisfil, and something like this will help all the businesses involved,” he said. “Everybody is going to third-party delivery, and it’s here to stay.”

For more information about the delivery service, visit .

Adjala-Tos man charged for driving while drunk and drugged

A 57-year-old Adjala-Tos man has been charged for driving while impaired by drugs and alcohol.

Nottawasaga OPP officers arrested the man after stopping a pickup truck Saturday, Aug. 11 around 1:30 a.m., on County Road 13 near 5 Sideroad.

Officers determined he was impaired after speaking to him.

He was arrested and charged.

His driver’s licence has been suspended for 90 days under the Administrative Driver’s Licence Suspension (ADLS) program and his vehicle was towed and impounded for seven days.

He was released from custody and will attend a future court date at the Ontario court of justice in Bradford.

The Nottawasaga OPP would like to remind the public to call 911 if they suspect someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.


Jasen Cronin — Penetanguishene councillor

My name is Jasen Cronin and I am excited about the prospect of representing the residents of Penetanguishene on council. My entire life has been lived by adhering to two fundamental principles: honesty and integrity. If elected, I guarantee that I will do the right thing, not for me and my inner circle, but for the town of Penetanguishene.

My education and professional career have been centred around the economic (economics degree from the University of Western Ontario) and financial sectors as both a pro trader on Bay Street right up to my current role as a financial adviser with Freedom 55 Financial (London Life). I am passionate about advocating for and protecting/growing the financial assets of my clients. I can assure you that I will carry this passion and discipline into my role as councillor. It is my responsibility and obligation to you, the taxpayer, to protect the public purse. This means that all monies spent on investment, job creation and infrastructure is done with the intent of maintaining a high level of service for current and future generations. It is a priority to allow future generations the opportunity to prosper in their hometown.

The catalyst for my candidacy was my involvement with Preserve and Protect Penetanguishene. We need to develop/grow our community in an environmentally responsible manner.

Our county has many great opportunities for investment and we need to be strategic/selective about the nature of development we invest in.

My campaign office is my basement, 26 Drummond Dr. You can find me on … just search my name. My home number is .

Please take the time to vote on Oct. 22, and check-off the box next to my name.

Sincerely,

Jasen Cronin