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Scott W. Anderson — Adjala-Tosorontio Ward 5

Name: Scott W. Anderson

Position: Councillor Ward 5, Township of Adjala-Tosorontio

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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

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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

Barrie Zehrs store holds Eat Together event

Last year, President’s Choice embarked on a mission to bring Canadians to the table to #EatTogether.

This year, the journey continued with Eat Together Day on June 22 at the Zehrs at Cundles and Duckworth streets, as well as other Zehrs, Loblaws, and No Frills locations across Barrie.

Almost half (42 per cent) of all Canadians eat lunch alone every day at work. With 66 per cent of working Canadians agreeing they should be eating lunch with colleagues more on a regular basis, Eat Together is the perfect opportunity to start this habit.

Zehrs wants to address this in Barrie, so a barbecue was held at the store on June 22.

“It is a great way for everyone to come together over food which has mental and nutritional benefits,” store manager Dan Ward said. “We had live music, Clarabella the Clown doing face-painting and balloon art, and a jumpy castle for the kids.”

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An eagle feather and a bridging of cultures at the Orillia courthouse

Orillia’s usually staid courthouse took on a celebratory atmosphere during a historic moment that, in the words of one speaker, pointed the way to greater inclusiveness for First Nations people.

A pair of eagle feathers — considered sacred objects in Indigenous culture — were presented to court officials during a ceremony held in the traditional land of the Anishinabek.

“The eagle represents honesty, truth, majestic strength, courage, wisdom, power and freedom,” Chippewas of Rama First Nation Chief Rodney Noganosh told the standing-room only audience that gathered to witness the event.

Eagle feathers are currently in use in Barrie, Parry Sound and Bracebridge courts to ensure Indigenous people have the opportunity to honour their spiritual beliefs when swearing an affidavit or testifying under oath.

During the June 20 event, one feather was presented to the Orillia court and another to a representative for the Midland court.

Indigenous people, Noganosh told the crowd, have a “much higher incarceration rate across the country” than other groups.

“It is initiatives like these that can help to bridge that gap for our people,” he added.

The feathers will be kept under lock and key in the judiciary office of the courtroom, and logged in and out when in use.

In addition, they will be routinely smudged using traditional medicine and brought to cultural ceremonies.

Elder Hector Copegog, of Wausauksing First Nation conducted a prayer, smudging and ceremony assisted by Elder Lorraine McRae, of Rama First Nation.

The late-afternoon event also featured traditional drumming by the Intertribal Peace Keepers, a group of law enforcement officers representing the OPP, Rama Police Service and Barrie police.

The drum “represents the heart beat of each and every one of us here today,” said Tom Batisse, acting chief for Rama Police Service.

Noganosh noted that a restorative justice program, established in 1996, continues “to this day with much success.”

Restorative justice focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community.

“If we can bring our brothers and sisters home to their community to begin the justice process with the victims, families and community, that is the most restorative and human approach for our people,” he added.

RECALLS: Pepperidge Farm Goldfish crackers, more make this week’s list

Here is our weekly roundup of current product recalls. For more details on each, click on the links. Don’t forget to check back next week for new items.

Food

Campbell Company of Canada is recalling Pepperidge Farm brand Goldfish Flavour Blasted Xtreme Cheddar Crackers from the marketplace due to possible Salmonella contamination.

AJ International Trading is recalling Wulama brand Fish Tofu and Want Want brand Shake Jelly products. Healthy Canadians website/photo

AJ International Trading is recalling Wulama brand Fish Tofu and Want Want brand Shake Jelly products from the marketplace because they may contain egg, sesame, and milk which are not declared on the label.

Sports/Fitness

Trek Bicycle Corporation recalls Bontrager Line Pro Flat Bicycle Pedals. Healthy Canadians website/photo

The pedals may have been manufactured with hydrogen embrittlement in the spindle of the pedals, causing one or both of the pedals to fail. When it fails, the pedal body separates from the spindle. If this happens while the bicycle is being operated, the rider could potentially lose control of the bicycle and fall.

Planting the seed to protect Orillia’s cherished urban canopy

The best time to plant a tree is 40 years ago.

It’s a well-worn line that is bound to elicit a knowing chuckle from those tasked with ensuring a healthy abundance of this cherished natural resource.

For Michael Williams, it also points to a harder truth about the vital importance of protecting a city’s urban canopy through long-term planning.

“Some of the big beautiful ones that are out there, when you explain to your child or grandchild the age of that tree and how long it’s been around, I think it just brings a sense of wonderment, ” said the chair of Orillia’s environmental advisory committee.

The importance of planning — make that planting — is becoming increasingly apparent as the municipality comes to terms with the knowledge that a number of the mature trees that shade the streets and lend the city its bucolic charm are either dead or dying.

In partnership with the municipality, Williams and other volunteers are digging to the root of the issue as they work to determine how many of the stately specimens are at risk and how best to respond.

Residents who know of dead or dying trees will also be encouraged to contact the city once the project is underway, he said.

“Our hope is that we will get a lot of engagement,” Williams said, adding the effort will initially concentrate on public areas such as boulevards.

Trees have numerous environmental benefits and contribute substantially to the character of the community, agrees parks manager John McMullen.

In the same breath, McMullen stressed that planting trees along streets in a manner that achieves the characteristic canopy effect poses challenges due to space restrictions imposed by sidewalks and public utilities.

“A fair bit of forethought does need to go in to it, so that you don’t destroy what you’re trying to do there,” he said, adding the effects of road salt and sand on certain species must also be taken into consideration.

Beyond their esthetic appeal, trees provide substantial benefit to the local ecosystem, reducing soil erosion, cooling the air, and helping offset the greenhouse effect by storing carbon.

However, many local neighbourhoods are home to a larger number of overmature street trees, Williams said.

Ideally, replacements should already have been planted alongside these aging specimens, to ensure young stock is there to fill the eventual void.

To that end, the group has secured council support for a project that will identify dying and aging trees in neighbourhoods and on select streets for replacement, with an emphasis on areas where tree cover is jeopardized.

“They’ll be smaller, of course, and take years to grow,” Williams said.

A separate but related effort will explore potential long-term projects that include a focus on “urban corridor cover” — lining major roads with shallow-rooted trees to improve streetscapes.

In the fall the group will review a soon-to-expire rebate program that provides residents with up to $50 for the purchase of specific tree species, with recommendations to follow.