All posts by SHLF

Jodi Lloyd — SCDSB trustee Orillia-Ramara-Severn

When asked why I want to be a trustee: it is my passion. 

I have a long history of volunteerism whether it be with the Community Foundation, sports, YMCA, Cancer Society or hospital.  I strongly believe in giving back and enhancing the lives of others, especially children. Building a strong education system builds a strong society.

I am married, with three children with strong connections with our youth, their parents and our community. As an insurance adjuster, whose territory includes Orillia, Ramara and Severn and having lived in all three communities,  I understand the uniqueness and needs of each and the challenges of the current labour market.  

I am vice chair of the board and have been for three years, and during my three trustee terms have held various leadership positions including chair business facilities committee, audit committee and the transportation board for eight years, four years as vice chair. I have sat on our special education advisory committee and currently sit on the First Nations education advisory committee. During the last term I participated in a directors search and four supervisory officer selections.

 I am 100 per cent committed to my role. I am a strong voice at the board table and advocate on behalf of all students. I believe in strong fiscal accountability with a long-term vision for making informed decisions. My most important role is that of advocate for students. It Is my responsibility to hold administration responsible for student outcomes and ensure they hear and listen to local communities.

Moving forward we must immediately address under performance in math. We must build stronger transition planning for students grades 8 to 9 and high school to post-secondary to enable our youth to better understand and plan their pathways. We must enhance our guidance and counselling/mentorship services for our students. In this current climate of fiscal restraint, we must maximize our efficiencies, align resources to ensure we deliver programming that meets student needs equitably.  

I can be contacted at:  or

Website:      Twitter

Three-year prison term for Midland parking lot death

A London man was sentenced to prison last week (Aug. 7) for causing the death of a Wyevale man in a crowded Midland parking lot two years ago.

Jason Heffernan, 25, was sentenced to three years in prison with an eight-year driving prohibition after he pleaded guilty to criminal negligence causing the death of Corby Stott, 29, a father of two young children who witnessed the incident.

Court heard how hundreds of drivers were trapped in an overcrowded parking lot at the Midland Walmart plaza during a heat wave on Canada Day weekend July 2, 2016 when the incident happened.

Several drivers tried to escape the mayhem by driving the wrong way in a one-way shipping lane, blocking up traffic even more. The victim, Stott, got out of his vehicle and stood in front of the wrong-way drivers and urged them to turn around. In some cases he was polite, in others he was hostile, court heard. Witnesses testified at a preliminary hearing that Stott stood in front of vehicles with his arms folded. He taunted  drivers, saying “hit me, hit,” court heard.

Stott ended up on the hood of Heffernan’s vehicle and then was thrown off as Heffernan drove at about 43 kilometres per hour. He landed face-down on the pavement and died of severe head trauma.

In court the judge stated she believed Heffernan did not “intend” to hurt anyone, however he should have known that driving with a man on his hood had potential to cause harm or death.

The Crown had asked for an eight-year sentence and 20-year driving prohibition, stating Heffernan used his vehicle as a weapon.

Heffernan, a licensed mechanic, dabbed at tears with a tissue and quietly nodded goodbye to his family as a police officer took him away. The judge recommended Heffernan be sent to a minimum-security prison, but he will first be sent to a maximum-security prison for about a two-month assessment period.

Outside of court the victim’s family members wept and said a three-year sentence was not enough.

“My son was just trying to get his life in gear for his two young boys,” said the victim’s mother, Paulett Stott, outside of court following the sentencing. “His life was taken away from him.” She broke into tears and could not comment further.

Rob Potter — Blue Mountains councillor

I am Rob Potter and I’m a candidate for councillor in The Blue Mountains. I serve on council now, having been appointed June 29, to fill a vacancy on council.

My background is primarily in the community newspaper business as editor of the Courier-Herald and its predecessor, the Valley Courier, for a total of about 28 years. I have also worked in municipal government, filling in as communications and economic development co-ordinator for The Blue Mountains in 2009-2010.

I have a long and varied history in community service including being founding president of the Marsh Street Centre, a member of the steering committee that brought the Craigleith Heritage Depot project to fruition, and serving on several municipal committees including the CAUSE program, the Sustainable Path steering committee and the attainable housing committee in its early years. I’ve also been involved in Thornbury Community Theatre, minor sports, Relay for Life and others.

My professional and volunteer works have taken me to every corner of The Blue Mountains and allowed me opportunities to engage with people in all sectors.

I am running for council because I believe my background and experience will serve the citizens of our community well as we move into a challenging term. There are lots of issues to deal with including:

• Improving communications so that the public receive information early in the process and have a full understanding of what the town is planning and how it will be carried out and funded.

• A new approach to economic development, that supports not only the existing agricultural and tourism sectors but encourages new opportunities.

• A major effort to diversify our housing stock with a view to making attainable housing available for young workers and young families at rents and prices they can afford.

• Protecting our shoreline from any effort to “urbanize” Highway 26 by widening it.

Contact me at PO Box 365, Thornbury, Ont., N0H 2P0, or , or at . My website is

Clearview Township councillors urged to close public access to this road

A road straddling the boundary between Clearview and Melancthon townships — that has been a bane to a neighbourhood — should be closed.

That’s the opinion of resident Allan Wargon, who has lived on the road for more than 50 years, though it’s not an opinion shared by the staff of both townships, as well as Simcoe County.

“It’s a nuisance to have the road open,” Wargon told Clearview Township councillors.

Councillors, at their July 30 meeting, deferred a recommendation from staff to stay status quo on a road that’s typically only accessible during the summer.

“To say that we would never need the road for utility or a trail … you could restrict traffic, and people would come to the edge of wherever it’s restricted and park there,” said chief administrative officer Steve Sage.

Wargon, along with other residents of the road — running from County Road 124 east to the municipal boundary of Mulmur and Melancthon, and Garden of Eden Road — have been asking both municipalities for measures to control parking. The road is used as a point to access nearby Lavender Falls, which is located on Wargon’s property.

Nearby residents have complained repeatedly of aggressive trespassers, vandalism and dumping.

In a report to council, the township’s general manager of transportation and drainage, Gerry LeMay, stated closing the road would not be in the best interest of the township.

“A road closure is a more permanent feature that is very difficult, if not impossible, to reverse in the future (if) the township and county decide they require this road open,” he wrote.

Councillors voted to defer the decision until municipal staff had further discussions with Wargon.

“It offers little benefit to the public,” said Ward 5 Coun. Thom Paterson.

Painting a sound stage to training the military: a look at Tundra Rescue in Stayner

When there is work to be done in a hard-to-reach place, Tundra Rescue offers a simple, cost-effective solution.

The Stayner-based business specializes in rope access maintenance, confined space standby, rescue operations, and developing safety plans for industrial organizations.

Their very niche service takes form in many ways and in many places.

When the Budweiser Stage in Toronto was being repainted, the wall facing the water proved a challenge to access. Tundra Rescue was called in and their rope access technicians were able finish the job within the contractor’s rigid timeline.

They could also be called to scale wind turbines or telecommunications towers. In the case of wind turbines, they are sometimes damaged by lighting or hail, and Tundra Rescue is able to access the turbines to perform repairs.

For those hard to reach jobs, organizations have a number of options. They could use scaffolding, which is time consuming, or they could bring in heavy equipment like a crane or scissor lift, which often proves costly.

Rope is easy to transport and much cheaper.

“Sometimes looking at the simple way to do it, the original way to do something, is the often the most cost effective,” said Brent Stockford, owner of Tundra Rescue. “It’s just another solution to your problem.”

Many manufacturers and industrial projects also rely on the company for their confined space expertise when work needs to be done underground or inside something like an industrial vat.

“The most recognizable Canadian manufacturers that would be out there, we’ve probably worked with them on some kind of industrial safety plan, confined space rescue plan, or rope access service,” Stockford said.

For example, Tundra Rescue has worked with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada.

“Quite often they have to go into storage vats to remove a liquid or a chemical that is used in the manufacturing process, so we provide the safe access in and out of those storage tanks,” Stockford explained.

They provide piece of mind for the cleaner, welder, electrician or whoever needs to access that space to complete a job.

In confined space situations, Tundra Rescue provides breathing apparatuses, a safety rescue plan, which is required by the Ministry of Labour, and a supervisor that is trained in advanced paramedicine.

Tundra Rescue, which was founded in 2011 by military veterans, also specializes in the training of other organizations in rope access.

“Today we do training with the OPP, we do it with the Canadian military, and we teach them how to use rope as a tool,” Stockford said. “From repairing airplanes, to jumping out of helicopters to repelling off of buildings, we teach that skill set.”

In 2017, Tundra Rescue was chosen through a public tender process to continue training the Canadian Armed Forces for another five years.

Stockford said he loves his work because of its variety.

“It’s the diversity in each day,” he said. “Every day brings us to a new community.”

Barrie Scouts, Sea Cadets volunteer awarded Canada’s Sovereign’s Medal

Elaine Abram is just trying to raise “good citizens of Canada.”

The Barrie resident has a long history of volunteering for youth-related causes. She’s led Beaver, Scout and Venturer troops, and was the commanding officer of the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps 53 Barrie for several years.

Abram was recognized for her effort and given the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers during a presentation at Barrie City Hall recently.

“I enjoy working with kids and mentoring,” she said, the medal in her hands. “It’s so overwhelming to see them grow from the little five-year-olds that I get in Beavers to the 18-year-olds in Venturers. It’s an amazing feeling to see them grow, mature and become leaders in the community.”

Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman presented the award to Abram.

“This is not a small honour,” he said, addressing Abram. “The medal pays tribute to the dedication and exemplary commitment of volunteers. It’s a delight to thank you for your commitment.”

Lehman said youngsters in these programs learn valuable lessons.

“If you’ve ever been out to see the skills the Sea Cadets learn, it’s tremendous,” he said. “It is well beyond learning to sail. They learn all sorts of things, in terms of communication skills and a little bit of discipline.”

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.

Phone:

Email:

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 .