HIKERS DISCOVER A WAKING WOOD

PHOTOS BY JACK PAL

Hikers on the Woodland Trail learned some of the early signs of spring with environmental specialist Michele Martin on Saturday, Apr. 16th.

Hikers on the Woodland Trail learned some of the early signs of spring with environmental specialist Michele Martin on Saturday, Apr. 16th as the theme of the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association’s (BRVTA) hike was “The Woods Are Waking Up”.

Martin, who teaches environmental studies at York University, pointed out the changes in the trees and the earliest wildflowers to show their heads from the forest floor.  The next few weeks will bring lots of new greenery to the woods – she promised!  Just in time for the next BRVTA hike with Robert Tremain who will take participants on a guided wildflower hike on Saturday, May 7th,

Tremain, former director of the Lambton Heritage Museum as well as a wildflower enthusiast, will point out some of the wide variety of forest plants and flowers in the diverse environment known as Naftel’s Creek Conservation Area. Hikers are asked to meet at the Naftels Creek Conservation Area, located off Hwy 21 just north of Kitchigami Road, at 11 a.m. A map is available here for Naftel’s Creek . The trail is an easy natural path with some bridges and boardwalks. Participants are asked to dress according to the weather and wear sturdy shoes.  This hike will be about 3 km and last about two hours. No pre-registration necessary and no dogs please.

Looking ahead, Avid birder George Ebers will lead a Birdwatching Hike at Windmill Lake Farm in search of spring birds at this unique area surrounding a 40-acre lake. This hike set for Sunday, May 15 is open to BRVTA Members only and there is a limit of 20 participants. No dogs please. Those who take part are reminded to bring their binoculars on the hike that will commence at 8:30 a.m.

Hikers are asked to meet and park at the Windmill Lake Farm parking lot, 35957 Bayfield River Road.  The hike will cover about 3-4 km and last about 90 min.  This is a natural trail with gentle inclines; participants are advised to watch the weather and dress accordingly.

To pre-register for the Birdwatching Hike please contact Ralph Blasting by email at rjblastingjr@gmail.com or phone 519 525-3205.

For more information on any event, contact hike coordinator Blasting using the contact info listed above.

And a reminder, hikers should be aware that the Woodland Trail will be closed from Apr. 25 to May 31 for turkey hunting season.  For the safety of all please do not use the Woodland Trail during this time!

The next BRVTA hike will be held on May 7th with Robert Tremain who will take participants on a guided wildflower hike.

PIONEER PARK RECEIVES GENEROUS GIFT

Seventy-seven years after Pioneer Park was created for the enjoyment of all, the Pioneer Park Association (PPA) are both pleased and proud to announce that property is expanding due to a generous gift from a family long synonymous with the village.

The PPA is the new owner of one acre of land comprising three lots gifted and fully transferred/deeded to the association by the Thompson family. These three South-facing lots that run along Colina Street are shown on the town plan as lot 57, B, and 58. It is a beautiful piece of property that has an abundance of untouched flora and fauna that contribute to a bountiful ecosystem. The PPA is very grateful for this generous donation made by The Thompson family and is committed to honoring their wishes that the land donation becomes a part of the park.

It is PPA’s intention to take its time to fully appreciate and understand the full natural beauty of both the flora and fauna of the property, thus better understanding the ecosystems that are supported in the natural habitat, before moving forward with any notable changes to the property.

The PPA has established a working group, which consists of three Board members: Scott Gregory, Peter Brent and Bud Robinson plus five additional PPA members that bring forth diverse talents and skills such as Landscape Architects and Arborists. These five are: Maggie McLean, Carl Humphries, Alex Shevchuk, Klasina VanderPloeg and Pattie MacDonald. This group will identify and make recommendations to the Board of Directors on how the PPA can best develop this generous donation of land.

The development of this newly donated park by the Thompson Family will be done in accordance with the PPA Master Plan. The top priorities of the working group are honoring the Thompson Family with a plaque, the construction of a three-rail split fence between the two properties, a pedestrian walkway off Tuyll St. into the new park, and planting 30 cedar trees around the north property line to provide privacy for the VanDer Ploeg family, the new owners of Century House that abuts the newly donated land.

The PPA Board Executive would like to thank the Thompson family for their extreme generosity. They would also like to thank its members who have been instrumental in making this happen along with professional assistance from the Ross Law Firm, Culbert’s Surveying, Roger Lewington, Peter Brent, Bud Robinson and Pattie MacDonald. They look forward to the memories that will be created and the moments that will be shared by all in the new addition to the community’s beloved Pioneer Park.

THIRTY-FIVE TREES TO BE PLANTED

The Bayfield Main Street Revitalization Project (BMSR) is now underway!

The Municipality of Bluewater Council awarded the tender for the BMSR construction to Lavis Contracting Co. Limited during the council meeting held on Jan. 24th and following some site prep work the project commenced on Apr. 7.

Over the last two weeks, Main Street and Catherine Street have seen the removal of the asphalt. Upcoming work will include work on the Main St. and Catherine St. storm sewer heading West from Catherine St. and South on Main St. towards Charles Street. The electrical contractor will be on-site installing hydro vaults and ductwork. Due to a recent site visit from the Ministry of Labour, work crews were directed to put up metal fencing around active construction zones. Pedestrians will have to be mindful to go around these fences and stay on the sidewalks.

During the consultation process for the BMSR it became clear that trees are beloved by the majority of Bayfield residents. Through consultation with Ron Koudys Landscape Architects it was decided by both the landscape architecture firm and BM Ross and Associates which trees would have to be removed in preparation for the project.

Some trees were removed to make way for the proposed sidewalk location, proposed parking location and the installation of services and utilities. However, there are plans to replace these trees and add many more, 35 in total, along Bayfield Main Street during the later phase of construction in fall of 2022.

Here are the plans for the tree planting:

On Apr. 14, a work crew was busy lifting the asphalt from Main Street in front of the Bayfield Public Library. (Photo courtesy Municipality of Bluewater)

Regular services continue in the area during construction. Business owners are reminded that their garbage and recycling bins should be put out in their usual location (i.e. roadside or alley). On Monday, Apr. 25, the Contractor will double check their list of the bin serial numbers and addresses provided by the Bluewater Recycling Association (BRA) and place an adhesive sticker with your address on the inside lid of your bin. The Contractor will ensure that the garbage and recycling are collected. BRA has requested that residents make note of the serial number on their wheelie bin rather than writing permanently onto the wheelie bin.

There will be a break in construction activities in July and August. During which, the Main Street roadway will be open to two lanes of traffic. Parking spaces will also be available. The road will remain gravel. The Municipality of Bluewater will take care of maintenance (i.e., dust control and grading). The existing sidewalk will remain functional. During the summer shut down, the metal fencing that is currently around the active construction area will be removed. There will be a few holes and areas around hydro-poles that will remain fenced off with orange mesh fencing. Signage will be posted on the mesh fencing to communicate construction info to visitors.

Communication with the community as the project evolves is a key component and the Municipality of Bluewater will endeavor to provide updates in the Bayfield Breeze on the first and third Wednesdays of every month.

They also welcome people to sign up for the municipality’s “Beautifying Bayfield” newsletter to get all the latest updates! This bi-weekly construction newsletter will continue to be issued with construction schedule, info and updates. Share the subscription link above with friends and neighbors who may also want to receive the latest information!

Other ways of keeping up with Public Works construction news and updates in the Municipality of Bluewater can be found by visiting:

• The Municipality of Bluewater website
• Huron County Connects
• https://www.facebook.com/BluewaterOntario/
• https://twitter.com/BluewaterOn

FOLK MUSIC KICKS OFF CONCERT SERIES

Ken Yates (Submitted photos)

Jaeda Kelly

After a long hiatus and depleted resources, the Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society will be hosting several concerts this year to raise funds to continue in their efforts to maintain and enjoy the Bayfield Town Hall. The first of the concert series for 2022 will feature folk music sensations Ken Yates and Jadea Kelly on June 18.

Yates, who was born and raised in London, ON, has gained a reputation as one of this country’s brightest rising singer-songwriters. The winner of two Canadian Folk Music Awards for Songwriter of the Year and New Artist of the Year, Yates has spent recent years expanding his sound and touring North America and Europe.  The Bayfield Town Hall concert occurs days before the launch of his upcoming album “Cerulean”.

Kelly, described by CBC’s Tom Power as “one of the shining jewels in the crown of Canadian songwriters”, has performed and showcased her music across the United States and Europe and in Canada at the Winnipeg Folk Festival, Calgary Folk Festival, Edmonton’s Interstellar Rodeo, Metal Toronto and Peterborough Folk Festival.  Kelly was also a recipient of the Contemporary Singer of the Year award at the Canadian Folk Music Awards.

The concert, which will feature Yates and Kelly performing separately, will begin at 7:30 p.m. with the doors opening at 7 p.m. There will be a cash bar. Tickets for this concert are available online for $25 (no additional surcharges) at www.bayfieldtownhall.com.

HOME AND GARDEN SHOW RETURNS AFTER TWO YEAR ABSENCE

The Bayfield Lions Home & Garden Show is back, Apr. 29 to May 1st, at the Bayfield Community Centre after a two year absence due to the COVID pandemic. (Photo by Jack Pal)

The Bayfield Lions Home & Garden Show is back, Apr. 29 to May 1st, at the Bayfield Community Centre. The Show is returning after two years of “COVID-interruptus”. Prior to that, the annual Show had run every April for over 20 years.

The largest and most successful spring expo along the Huron coast offers free admission for all, although a donation to the Bayfield Area Food Bank is greatly appreciated. Those who attend also have a chance to win some pretty fabulous door prizes – a Gas BBQ donated by Bayfield Garage and gift certificates from Bayfield Foodland.

Over 70 exhibitors will be featured in the show which will run Friday, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Home and Garden Show regularly welcomes over 2,000 visitors who enjoy the displays set up by a wide array of exhibitors. The exhibitors’ areas of expertise include: lawn and garden, home décor, landscaping, porches and decks, windows and doors, renovations, home comfort, leisure pursuits, health, travel, investment and insurance, real estate and so much more.

A unique component of this Home and Garden show are displays set up by local community groups to promote their mandates and potentially recruit new members. And always a highlight for the younger set, a talented clown will be on hand offering face painting.

And for those who work up an appetite walking around the exhibits, there is a food booth. It is an attraction in and of itself with a selection of delicious lunches, snacks, beverages and a variety of pies and other desserts – all for modest prices.

People are encouraged to mark their calendars, inform their family and friends and bring the kids. All who attend are sure to find something of interest. For more information on the show or to become an exhibitor, visit www.BayfieldLions.ca

FRIENDS AND FAMILY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

The Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) is asking people to help fuel the arts in Huron County.

“The BCA is grateful for the support the Bayfield community has shown us over the past two years,” said Leslee Squirrell, president. “With your help we have been able to accomplish some amazing milestones.”

The Centre had more than 400 people participate in 50 BCA classes led by five full-time students and they had over 450 people participate in their successful Year of the Barn Exhibit.

“With the support of Lake Huron Chrysler and government partners, our unique Art Truck travelling studio was launched, and the ‘Arts Trails on 21’ driving adventure began,” she said.

In addition, more than 1,500 people now follow the BCA on social media and their posts engage with more than 35,000 people.

“All this during one of the most difficult times in history as pandemic restrictions affected our ability to operate. While we do receive some government grants, as with many arts organizations the bulk of support comes from individuals who believe in our vision,” said Squirrell.

For this reason, they have launched a “Friends and Family Campaign” to ask for financial help.

“Your donation will help us operate the Art Truck, offer visual art workshops and events and move closer to our goal of making Bayfield and Huron County a more vibrant place to live and work,” she noted.

To assist with the campaign, BCA has partnered with Canada Helps, a national agency that has supported over 24,000 partner charities in their 21-year history. Please donate now by going to: bayfieldarts.ca/donate/ One time or monthly donations will receive an instant tax receipt.

CUDDLE-PUDDLE SEASON HAS ARRIVED

Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) has helped hundreds of feral and abandoned cats find their forever homes but many are still waiting.

It’s cuddle-puddle season! This week, our Adopt-a-BFF’s are all the kittens that have arrived and will soon be arriving at the Rescue!

According to Deb Penhale, representing BFF, “It’s the start of kitten season and we are receiving calls daily about kittens and pregnant cats. This past weekend alone we took in three expectant Mamas. We also have three litters that will soon be moving around and starting to wander, getting into things and doing all things kittenish!”

She added that while the arrival of kittens has always been associated with spring, with many more being born at this time, they would seem to be a year-round concern now as well.

Penhale also noted that if someone is interested in adopting a more mature feline, the Rescue has a wonderful array of cats aged six months to six years currently ready to be adopted.

She was pleased to share that the senior cats that were at the Rescue all found their forever homes over the winter months.

“We have had some amazing and heartwarming reports from their adopters that bring a tear to the eye and a smile to the heart,” she said.

If you have been waiting to adopt a kitten or a cat, now is the perfect time! Please email bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com for more information.

An update on Moose who was the featured Adopt-a-BFF cat of the week in Issue 666.  He has since been to the vet for his neuter and health check. It was there that it was discovered that his tail was fractured in multiple places and it had to be completely amputated. Volunteers are pleased to report that he is coming along well following the surgery.

The adoption fee is now $200. Adopted cats are vetted, shots are up-to-date and they are also spayed or neutered. Donations are also always appreciated. E-transfers can be sent to the Rescue’s email or email to arrange for a drop off or pick up of donations. Cheques can be mailed to Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines, P.O. Box 33, Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0.

HURON STUDENT HONEY EARNS TOP AWARD

Central Huron’s Community Improvement Coordinator Angela Smith (left) and Councilor Alison Lobb accepted two awards for their Huron Student Honey project at the President’s Dinner hosted by the Economic Developers Council of Ontario at their 65th Annual Convention held the first week of April in Toronto. (Submitted photo)

What do the Huron Student Honey project and the Back Alley Artist Extravaganza have in common? They are both award winning initiatives started by Community Improvement Coordinator for the Municipality of Central Huron, Angela Smith.

“These two projects recently earned three separate awards at the President’s Dinner hosted by the Economic Developers Council of Ontario at their 65th Annual Convention,” said Smith

The Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) recognized excellence in economic development initiatives and leaders from communities across the province at the event held in Toronto the first week of April. EDCO’s membership encompasses over 1,100 members and is Canada’s largest provincial professional economic development association.

Communities made submissions for 88 projects commencing in 2021 across the province. The announcement celebrated winning communities of all sizes and for a variety of economic development projects: from tourism products to planning strategies. A large panel of experts, selected by the EDCO awards committee, judged submissions.

EDCO’s most prestigious award, the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Economic Development Excellence, was presented to the Municipality of Central Huron for their Huron Student Honey project.

“This award recognizes the best overall project by judging the winners of all categories. Out of the 88 outstanding submissions received from communities across the province, Central Huron took home the top prize,” said Smith.

In addition, Huron Student Honey earned the “Rural Excellence Award”.   According to the EDCO website, “This award aims to recognize a rural community that is doing extraordinary work in economic development with outstanding results.”

“You may remember the Huron Student Honey project that had students working alongside seniors, learning about honey bees and processing their own honey,” said Smith. “Huron Student Honey is a volunteer project that teaches people how to raise bees and harvest honey, which is then sold in the community. The project focuses on youth but also gives people of all ages the skills and knowledge to raise their own bees, thanks to the guidance of Jonathan Cucksey, Adi Treasurywala, and the Ausable Bee Club.  The project is sponsored by Community Futures Huron and Libro.”

The Back Alley Artist Extravaganza also brought Central Huron some hardware earning second place with the Honorable Mention Award in the “Tourist Attraction & Tourism Product Development” category. This project featured an outdoor art exhibit created to enhance Clinton’s business district during the summer and fall of 2021 when the town’s main street was under construction.

“As part of the Back Alley Artist Extravaganza paintings were created by residents ranging in age from nine months to 97 years and hung in the town’s back alleys. This project was sponsored by Bruce Power and Community Futures Huron,” said Smith.

She added, “Our success is 100 per cent attributed to our supporters: the volunteers, students, Council and sponsors!  So please join me in celebrating the success of these projects!”

“The EDCO’s Awards program recognizes leaders in economic development and their unique ideas and initiatives,” said Rob Nolan, EDCO 2022 president. “Sharing these award-winning projects with the community provides an opportunity to learn and grow economic development across Ontario.”

EDCO is proud of the many initiatives and projects it has helped celebrate that have contributed to the overall excellence of Ontario competitiveness. A complete list of 2021 award recipients can be found on the EDCO website at www.edco.on.ca.

To learn more about the two projects visit:  Huron Student Honey an: Back Alley Art Extravaganza .

BIKE OPTION ADDED TO HIKING EVENT

(Created by Latisha Van Beets)

The summer of ‘22 begins with the annual Hike and Bike for Huron Hospice.

Sunday, May 29, is the date set for the Hike and Bike for Huron Hospice. After two years of hiking on our own, this event will be live, and it will be a celebration. The hike will take place on the trails at the Varna Community Centre. However, people who are still nervous about COVID can continue to “Hike Where They Like”. The organizers have added the bike option on scenic Huron County roads which will start and finish at the community centre.

“After two years of COVID we are excited to be hiking in-person and have chosen Mavis’ Trail and the Taylor Trail in Varna because there is a mix of easy and moderate hiking. There are a number of scenic road routes close by for cyclists,” said event organizer Christopher Walker.

He went on to say, “We want to celebrate hiking in person and also celebrate coming out of one of the most challenging winters in Huron Hospice history. Hikers and bikers will finish their ride or hike at the community centre and swap stories while enjoying a barbecue. We will also share more photos of the newly renovated hospice.”

“The hike is one of Huron Hospice’s biggest fundraising events. Funds raised stay in Huron County and are used to fund compassionate end-of-life care for families. Each year, hikers and donors help pay for more than half our operational costs. They are an important part of the Huron Hospice family,” said Jay McFarlan, hiker and Board chair of Huron Hospice.

He added, “Operational funding covers the cost of day-to-day services like nursing and volunteer support and our grief support program. As you can see, donor support is an important part of how we provide service.”

People can form teams of family members or friends, to hike and obtain pledges to support the Hospice. Children could ask parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles to pledge their support by email, mail, or phone. Teams can have fun and challenge each other.

“There will be prizes for both the team and the individual who raises the most money,” said Walker.

To register for the hike, go to the Huron Hospice website Hike and Bike. Just follow the link to pledge or create a team. Please send the link to family, friends and contacts and ask them to pledge.

Remember, summer does not start until the Hike and Bike for Huron Hospice!

For further information, contact: Christopher Walker, manager Fund Development via email at Chris.walker@huronhospice.ca or by calling 519 525-7352.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR HEALTHCARE CAMP

Alexandra Hulley, RN Gateway (Submitted photos)

During the week of July 11-15, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway), in partnership with Alexandra Marine and General Hospital (AMGH) in Goderich, will be hosting the Discovery Healthcare Camp. This is a one-week camp allowing high school students in grades nine to 12 from local rural communities to explore career opportunities in the healthcare field. Discovery Healthcare Camp counselors (medical students from Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University) will be in the community and serve as teachers and mentors throughout the week-long program.

During the camp, representatives from the local government, economic development, the medical community, and the funding partners will have opportunities to meet with the medical students socially.

Sam Murray, BSc Gateway

President and CEO of AMGH and South Huron Hospital in Exeter, Jimmy Trieu said, “Recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals is an on-going challenge, and we welcome this unique opportunity to partner with Gateway in this important initiative.”

The camp will be held in Goderich this summer, where this region is currently experiencing a shortage of healthcare workers. This is an issue in many rural areas, a trend that has been exacerbated by the pandemic and is expected to continue in the future. The economic costs associated with this are severe. It is hoped that this matter can be proactively addressed through this initiative. Gateway feels strongly that if there ever was a time to reinforce youths’ dreams or goals of careers in the healthcare field, it’s now. Rural areas will always have the challenge of competing with urban centres for healthcare professionals and this camp will help support Gateway’s journey into encouraging more youth to consider a healthcare career.

“We are excited to partner with AMGH in Schulich’s summer camp. This is an innovative strategy for future recruitment of our health human resources and we plan to make this the best experience for our students,” said Gwen Devereaux, president of Gateway’s Board of Directors. “Several organizations have already provided funding to ensure the success of this camp and we welcome additional support to guarantee this becomes an annual event.”

Camp registration is open, and the local high schools have registration information.  To date they have 21 registrants and there are still a few spots left.

For more information visit Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health or call 519 612-1053

SIX DAY CAMPS OFFERED THROUGH ABCA

Conservation educators at Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) are offering six specialty one-day summer nature day camps, at three different locations in the watershed, in August. These one-day summer nature camps will be held on Aug. 3-5 and Aug. 9-11.

There are two different one-day camps at Rock Glen Conservation Area in Arkona; two one-day camps at Morrison Dam Conservation Area east of Exeter; and two one-day camps at Clinton Conservation Area. The camps have different themes such as: Fantastic Fossils, Beautiful Bugs, Delightful Decomposers, Wonderful Water, Tremendous Trees and Marvelous Macros (Bugs).

“These new, specialty one-day nature camps provide an opportunity for young people in different watershed communities to learn actively in the great outdoors and to connect with nature,” said Nina Sampson, Conservation educator. “Parents and guardians can choose the location that is most convenient or the theme that is of greatest interest.”

To learn more visit ABCA’s website (abca.ca) at this web page: www.abca.ca/education/daycamps/  The deadline to register for the camps is July 4.

Once parents/guardians have completed registrations, they receive an automatic email that includes what to pack, where to pick up and drop off and how to pay.

Here are the six one-day summer nature day camps and the links to register:

Aug. 3 – Rock Glen Conservation Area – Fantastic Fossils: (This camp is full.)

Aug. 4 – Clinton Conservation Area – Beautiful Bugs 

Aug. 5 – Morrison Dam Conservation Area – Delightful Decomposers 

Aug. 9 – Clinton Conservation Area –  Wonderful Water 

Aug. 10 – Rock Glen Conservation Area – Tremendous Trees 

Aug.  11 – Morrison Dam Conservation Area – Marvelous Macros (Bugs) 

Camps run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parents/guardians can drop off their children as early as 8:30 a.m. and pick them up until 4:30 p.m. The cost of each day camp is $40. Each camp will run only if there are enough registrations (at least 10) and the maximum number of campers on each day is 16.