PEOPLE SOUGHT FOR INPUT ON BAYFIELD MURAL PROJECT

Huron County Economic Development is working with six communities to provide grant funding to create murals to be completed by the end of 2022 and Bayfield is one of them!

Bayfield’s contribution to the Huron County Mural Project will be located on the south wall of the Bayfield arena, facing Jane Street.  Bluewater Council has granted permission for the mural to be located on a portion of this wall with the Facilities Manager, Maggie Off, in support.

A  Selection Committee made up of local community members will be convened to help steer the concept and make final selection, ensuring that it fairly represents the Bayfield community.  The artist’s concept of the work will be shared along with virtual voting on the final design via social media. Council will also have final approval as it will be painted on Municipal property.

The Bayfield Centre For The Arts (BCA) will be the managing partner in this public art project.

Anyone with interest in being on this Public Mural Committee, who may represent any of the following sectors of the community are encouraged to contact the BCA immediately: any Bayfield residents, Chamber businesses, non-profit organizations, service providers, Heritage Committee members,  Art Gallery owners, artists, youths, or under-represented communities.

Please send a short paragraph explaining the group you would represent and reasons for your interest. Six successful people will be contacted. Please email hello@bayfieldarts.ca.

The other Huron County communities that have been awarded a public mural are Goderich, Wingham, Exeter, Seaforth and Clinton.

Each of these murals will be included in a digital mural trail.

“Public art has many benefits, not the least of which is enhancing the human experience, celebrating community identity and culture, promoting economic development and tourism, creating jobs in creative industries — for artists, and enhancing the human experience in the public realm,” said Huron County Economic Development Officer, Rick Sickinger.

PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR IN-PERSON COMMUNITY FAIR

The Bayfield Community Fair is 166 years young and organizers invite everyone to “put the Fair in your summer plans”! (Photo courtesy Pixabay)

“Blossoms, Butterflies & Bees!” Nature’s hard-working pollinators are a fitting theme for the 166th Bayfield Community Fair, which will be held at the Bayfield Arena and Agricultural Park on Aug. 19-21. The Bayfield Agricultural Society (BAS) is excited to host a fully in-person fair experience for the first time in three long years!

The Bayfield Community Fair has something for everyone: fireworks, a midway, a parade, evening entertainment, as well as unique events for all ages, competitions, demonstrations, vendors, educational displays, and so much more. A complete schedule of events and the 2022 Fair Book will soon be available on the Bayfield Fair website to visit click here: Bayfield Fair. 

For those who have been expanding their culinary skills or exploring other creative endeavors, there will be plenty of opportunities to enter exhibits in the Homecraft show.

Over the past few years, some community members have taken an interest in making maple syrup and producing honey.  The Fair offers a perfect opportunity to showcase these two products. This year, two new classes – Maple Syrup and Liquid Honey – have been added to the renamed section of Farm Products. There are three classes for maple syrup entries: Golden, Amber, and Dark. There are also three classes for the liquid honey entries: White, Golden, and Amber. The BAS encourages local producers, both amateur and seasoned, to compete for the best maple syrup and honey in this community.

An exciting addition to the Fair this year is a Poultry Show on Saturday, Aug. 20 featuring more than 100 categories. The exhibits will include large fowl, bantams, waterfowl, turkeys, pigeons, and a full section for junior exhibitors to enter. This is sure to be a hit with breeders and everyone attending the Fair, both young and old. More information on this special show will be available in the coming weeks.

Vendors who wish to have an indoor or outdoor booth to sell crafts or promote a business should click on: Vendors to learn more about rates and for contact information.

Volunteers from the community are needed to help make the Bayfield Community Fair a success. Whether it’s a few hours or a few days, volunteer help is always appreciated. High school students who need extra hours to complete their volunteer service requirements for graduation are most welcome. Anyone interested in volunteering can email: info@bayfieldfair.ca.

TOWN HALL BOARD IN NEED OF MEMBERS

The Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society (BTHHS) is currently looking for additional members to join their Board of Directors including a Secretary, a “House” director and  a “Rental” director.

According to existing members of the Executive, the workload for a Director is not daunting…and it’s fun!  Participation includes: attendance at monthly Board meetings;

bringing ideas and participation in an annual Town Hall Planning session for the following year; volunteer time to help at Town Hall Events (there are six this year); and participate in the annual Town Hall spring yard clean-up.

The “House” Director position will be available soon. This position involves the maintenance and upkeep of the building working closely with the part-time custodian. The person in the “Rental” Director position will work closely with the rental coordinator for weddings and events. The person who fulfils the “Secretary” position will participate in Board decisions, take minutes and help the President set the agenda.

The Bayfield Town Hall was built in 1882, then moved to its present location on Clan Gregor Square in 1920.  The Town Hall was the seat of Village government from that date until 1927 and again from 1965 to 1984 at which point, the aging building was closed and in disrepair.

In 1989, a committee was formed to restore and re-energize the Town Hall.  The committee was known as the “Friends of the Town Hall” and after years of fundraising, private donations and grants, monies were raised to restore and maintain the historic building.

Today, the BTHHS, a non-profit corporation with a volunteer Board of Directors, is responsible for its maintenance and upkeep with a mandate to provide cultural events and activities for the Village. All of this is possible through the many fundraising events run by the Board as well as generous donations from Bayfield residents.

The following is an overview of what these fundraising efforts pay for:

• Repairs and upgrades to the building
• Heat, hydro and operation of the building
• Maintenance and cleaning including a part-time staff custodian
• Renting the hall for weddings and community use including a part-time staff rental coordinator
• Hosting events and performances at the Town Hall

To learn more or to apply for a position please email bayfieldtownhall@gmail.com.

WEBSITE WILL TELL STORY OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE

Jordan George (Submitted photo)

A new website under construction by the Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) and Archives will do far more than recreate a timeline of First Nations people from the Ice Age to settlement of the Huron Tract to present day, predicts researcher and writer Jordan George.

“It’s going to benefit people because they’re going to learn about the history, and the present-day too,” said George, who has spent the past two months immersed in researching and sometimes transcribing documents, history books, treaties and agreements for the website, “A Brief History of Indigenous People in Huron County Prior to European Settlement”, which is expected to launch by September.

“When it gets to the end it’s really going to tie it nicely to the meaning, the impact, of the treaties and of the sacred connection to today; the interactions between First Nations people and non-First Nations people to protect the waters and be aware of what’s going on in the lands, and to find comfort in talking about collaborative learning,” he said.

The site will outline the activities of Indigenous Peoples along the eastern shore of Lake Huron from Paleoindians to the developments of the Algonquian peoples from the northwest and the Iroquoian groups from the east.  The site will describe the social structures of these various First Nations along with their seasonal activities of hunting, fishing, maple sugaring, and agriculture.  Ending with notes on the first contact with European explorers, the web site will illuminate the continuing importance of Indigenous culture in the 21st Century.

“The audience is the people of Huron County in Southwestern Ontario, youth and elders, native and non-native,” George said. He expects to make a number of public presentations on the project shortly after its launch.

George, who lives and is from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, has a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Western University and will be returning in September to pursue a teaching degree. He has taught Ojibwe and is interested in language revitalization.

Funding for this project was provided by Michael and Stephanie McDonald. It is being overseen by Ralph Blasting, of Bayfield, a retired professor of theatre history, Towson University, Maryland.

Community Futures Huron is a proud partner of the BHS and Archives.

ADMIRAL BAYFIELD MEMORIAL TO BE DEDICATED IN EARLY JULY

The Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) extends an invitation to two events, an official book launch and a memorial dedication.

They invite the community to join them on Wednesday, July 6 at 7 p.m. for the official launch of the book “Admiral Henry Wolsey Bayfield: Master Chart Maker of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River”, written by historian David Yates and published by BHS. The event will be held in the Bayfield Town Hall.

Yates will present an illustrated talk about Bayfield’s fascinating career as a naval surveyor.

Admission is $20 and includes a copy of the book signed by the author. There will be a cash bar.

Tickets are available in person at the Bayfield Archives and Heritage Centre located at 20 Main St. N. or online here via: Eventbrite.  For additional information visit www.bayfieldhistorical.ca.

Three days later, on Saturday, July 9 at 1 p.m. members of the BHS will gather to officially dedicate Admiral Bayfield Square on Main Street and they invite people in the community to join them. Special guests will bring congratulations: Municipality of Bluewater Mayor Paul Klopp, Huron County Warden Glen McNeil, Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb, and Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson.

Thompson will also take the opportunity to present the Remarkable Citizen Award to two Bayfield residents. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, all are invited to browse the display in the Bayfield Archives and Heritage Centre.

This memorial – which includes a landscaped area with rose compass, a commemorative plaque, and information panels – was established by BHS through the leadership of the Admiral Bayfield Project Committee and with the generous support of Huron County, the Municipality of Bluewater, the Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce, the Bayfield Lions Club, and Diamond Concrete Inc. In addition, Bayfield resident and sculptor Frank Moore has created a statue of Admiral Bayfield, which is in the process of being installed.

PUBLIC INVITED TO TAKE SURVEY ON SHORT TERM RENTALS

The Municipality of Bluewater staff and Council would like to create a short term rental policy that balances the economic benefits of short term rentals with the needs of the neighborhoods. A key part of this process is to work with the community toward this goal. The Municipality would like public feedback to draft a by-law to regulate short term rentals.

As part of the process, the Municipality of Bluewater invites the public across the municipality to provide feedback on short term rentals and the draft by-law. This includes feedback from short term rental operators, neighbors of short term rentals, other residents in the municipality, and visitors who use short term rentals. A variety of perspectives will help to develop a by-law that balances the needs of residents and short term rental operators.

The purpose of the proposed by-law is to ensure safety of all parties in and around all properties. It will include considerations for protection of renters and neighbours. Some items to be included in the by-law are:

• A parking management plan to ensure that people do not park on streets outside of permitted areas and to prohibit parking on private lots where damage to septic systems could happen.
• A maximum occupancy limit that reflects a maximum number of people per bedroom and/or per dwelling.
• A requirement that the owner must be able to attend the property within thirty minutes.
• A demerit point system is proposed to give negative points to rentals that do not comply with the licensing by-law or other municipal by-laws. If a maximum number of demerit points is reached, the license may be revoked. This will ensure that all municipal by-laws and requirements will be followed within the most vulnerable residential areas.

The Municipality welcomes individuals to complete the short term rental consultation survey by Aug. 31. It can be found by clicking here: Survey. This survey has different questions geared towards people’s role as either a neighbor, short term rental operator, visitor, etc. Any information collected may be included in a report to Council, but personal information will not be shared.

FINAL DROP OFF SATURDAY ON HORIZON

Honk! Honk! The last drop-off day at the Quonset Hut is this Saturday, July 2. This is everyone’s last chance to load up all those used and once-loved treasures before Rummage Sale day, July 8!

The  Quonset Hut is located on Hwy 21 just North of the village at 76614 Bluewater Highway. The final drop off opportunity will be from 9 a.m. to noon.

“It’s been so exciting to see the turnout of donors and volunteers. It is clear the community is thrilled to have this Annual event back again,” said Catherine Tillmann, one of the convenors of the 73rd Rummage Sale for the Pioneer Park Association. “We can report that the donations are already many and there is definitely going to be something for everybody… and then some.”

She added, “There will be furniture finds that are a perfect fit, dishware to add to a collection, that one illusive album or book will finally be rewarded, and perhaps a few new pieces of art to decorate your home or cottage.  There is no telling what you will find, but find something fabulous you will.”

The following items are welcome for donation: indoor and outdoor furniture, tables and chairs, linens, draperies, antiques, dishware, housewares, tools of all sorts, gardening tools, decorative items, festive decor, games, books, DVDs, record albums and stereo equipment, lamps and lighting, sports and recreational items, home electronics and small appliances provided they are CSA approved and in good working order. These are just some of the items in great demand and always popular.

The following items cannot be accepted: mattresses of any size, sofa beds, children’s furniture or strollers, damaged or soiled toys, large appliances, televisions or monitors, printers or fax machines, no clothing or shoes, Tupperware or plastic kitchen utensils, water bottles, lone coffee mugs and no used candles please.

The sale will be held at the Bayfield Community Centre,  4 Jane Street. The outdoor sale will start at 6 p.m. with the Zamboni door opening to the arena floor at 6:30 p.m. Those who attend are encouraged to come early, there will no doubt be a line-up so people are encouraged to bring a mask. They should also bring plenty of loonies and toonies as prices have been streamlined this year.

Another highlight of the Rummage Sale is the Silent Auction table. People won’t want to miss out on the chance to take home one or two of these treasures.

All sales proceeds go directly to Pioneer Park, a privately owned public space that all can enjoy. People will soon be able to drop by to see progress at the new addition to the park, a generous donation of neighboring land by the Thompson family.

ZINNIA AND KITTENS FAMILY OF THE WEEK

Zinnia and her brood (Submitted photo)

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

Zinnia and her four adorable babies are the Adopt-A-BFF family of the week.

Zinnia welcomed two boys and two girls. Rescuers believe that this poor Mama was likely dumped when people discovered she was in the family way. Zinnia was very timid but a lovely woman took her in, as well as another young, pregnant feline. This person generously cared for the two Mothers and their 11 kittens.

“She obviously couldn’t keep everyone, along with her own cats but she did take care of them and did a great job in socializing everyone to this point,” said Deb Pehale, representing the Rescue.

Anyone who would like to meet Zinnia and/or her kittens are asked to please email bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com for more information.

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.

NEW BUSINESS

LAST LIGHT EXHIBIT TO PREMIERE AT THE GALLERY HOUSE

The Gallery House, located at 16 The Square in Bayfield will be premiering Christine Fitzgerald’s Last Light series at 11 a.m. on July 9 and the community is welcome to attend. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

Christine Fitzgerald’s pieces are one-of-a-kind, hand printed photographs on the best quality archival cotton paper. Images for Last Light were captured using both digital and analog cameras. She created her pieces using historical photographic processes from the 19th century merged with modern technology. Her process is labor intensive, complex and prints take several days to create.

“Last Light” a new art series by photo-based artist Christine Fitzgerald, of Ottawa, ON is making its debut in Bayfield on July 9th at The Gallery House and the gallery owners couldn’t be more delighted to be able to share Fitzgerald’s work with the community.

Fitzgerald herself explained that “the images in the series present vulnerable places and species at risk along the majestic St. Lawrence River from Lake Ontario to the Atlantic coast.”

The American Eel, birds, plant life, fish and fossils have all been captured through Fitzgerald’s vision and meticulous eye for detail. In creating the series, she returned to what many consider to be obsolete photography techniques using wet plate collodion camera work first invented in the 1850s. She combined this process with specialized printing techniques such as cyanotype or pigmented gum bichromate impressions on platinotypes to create stunning monochromatic images in shades of blue.

“I have used blue as a tool to express how we are ultimately all connected with the health of the planet,” said Fitzgerald.

Sandra May, and her husband Rob, are the owners of The Gallery House, 16 The Square in Bayfield and they are delighted to be premiering Fitzgerald’s Last Light series at 11 a.m. on July 9.

“As a gallerist it is an exciting opportunity to show the work of such talented Canadian artists as Fitzgerald,” said Sandra.

Sandra first connected with Fitzgerald in May of 2021.

“I was looking for a photographer-artist to display in our gallery and I was connected to her through an east coast gallery owner who felt that she and I would be a good match. I drove to Ottawa to meet her and see her studio,” said Sandra.

Sandra was enthralled with her process. “How she does things is so different from everyone else. For example, she is one of few artists in the world that has used salt water in the processing of her photos before she adds multiple layers of pigments using a separate technique also from the 19th century .”

Only a limited number of pieces from this series will be available for purchase at each gallery as the exhibition travels. Last Light will be showcased in an exhibition in Toronto and then Ottawa later this fall.

Fitzgerald’s passion for both photographic art and the environment translated on a global scale when she had the privilege of creating a portrait of Dr. Jane Goodall to commemorate the conservationist’s 85th birthday. She was recently a featured speaker during Ocean Week Canada. Fitzgerald’s work has been featured by the CBC, The Washington Post and National Geographic.

“As a collaborative gallery we work with other galleries to ensure that artists’ works can be seen across the country,” said Sandra. This is the second summer for The Gallery House, the business only represents and displays Canadian artists. They represent Senior Canadian Artists, Mid-Career Artists and a select group of important young artists.

“We as collectors only collect Canadian artists. We feel that it is important to support people within our own country and then in turn we are also supporting Canadian culture and Canadian museums as works can later be gifted to a museum,” Sandra said.

Sandra added that she and her husband both have a strong affinity for the village and the people who reside in it, noting how much creativity there is here with such groups as the  Photography Club of Bayfield, the Bayfield Centre for the Arts and the other art galleries along Main Street.

“We support the other galleries and encourage everybody to go explore and enjoy all the art options offered in town,” she said.

The Mays have also embraced being part of the village’s history, setting up The Gallery House in a property within the heritage district with a story going back to the 1840s when it was site of the barn and driving shed for The Albion Hotel. The previous tenants were Dr. Charles Wallace and nurse practitioner Marg Vischer who set up offices in the home in 1984, adding onto the building in 1994. Since taking ownership the Mays have done some minor upgrades installing new windows and doors, painting and enhancing the landscaping. Sandra said she found the Bluewater Heritage Committee great to work with, being exceptionally fair and helpful in providing guidance in keeping within the parameters of the heritage district.

Last Light is The Gallery House’s first show of the season and the Mays welcome everyone to come view Fitzgerald’s series, as well as the work of other artists currently on display. The Gallery House is open seven days a week from noon to 5 p.m. after July 1st. Visit thegalleryhouse.ca or skwirl.ca to learn more.

INTRODUCING GATEWAY’S STUDENTS

Summer 2022 Gateway Centre for Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) staff are back in the office and ready for a very busy summer! Gateway students are preparing for two camps. Discovery Healthcare Camp July 11-15 and GrandSparks July 18-22.

Thirty high school students will collect at Camp Klahanie, south of Goderich, to have a week of learning all about healthcare careers. GrandSparks brings grandparents and grandchildren together for some fun-filled bonding and learning.

All this and working hard on several research projects “Farmers Well Being”, “Be Well-Work Well”, “Skills in Healthcare Attraction Recruitment Project” (SHARP) and working with local producers with the “GREAT Project”.

President of Gateway Gwen Devereaux said, “Our students are so important to the operation of Gateway CERH. They gain great experience while building their resumes and we are rewarded with the talent and energy they bring to our organization. It is especially great this year because of working virtually the last two years. It is such a relief to be working together face to face on our projects.”

The Gateway Summer Students for 2022 are:

Cam Brenner (Submitted photos)

Cameron (Cam) Brenner has joined Gateway as a summer student working as a research assistant. Brenner is currently enrolled in his last year of Concurrent Education at Brock University with plans to become a high school PE and Mathematics teacher. He brings a variety of experiences and knowledge to the team in areas such as mental health, nutrition, and lifelong wellbeing. In his spare time, Brenner enjoys sports, being outdoors, and spending time with his family. He is very motivated and excited to join the Gateway team this summer.

Megan Kovats

Megan Kovats is joining Gateway this summer after completing her Co-op term as a GDCI student. In September, Kovats will be attending the University of Guelph in the One Health Program. In her spare time, Kovats enjoys being active in many activities, especially playing field hockey with her teammates. She is excited for this opportunity to learn from all that Gateway has to offer.

Becky Higgs

Becky Higgs has joined Gateway as a research assistant. Higgs is currently pursuing her Masters in Counseling Psychology. She was a student-athlete while completing her Psychology and Sociology degree. Higgs is grateful to have grown up on a farm in Huron County where she first understood the unique challenges rural residents face. Higgs enjoys spending time with family and friends and participating in activities to improve her overall health. She is thankful for the opportunity to join the Gateway team and contribute to local projects that will benefit the health of rural communities

Sage Milne

Sage Milne is a Research Assistant at Gateway. She is an Undergraduate Social Science student at Huron University who is involved in an interdisciplinary program combining Health Science and Global Development. She has been involved in previous projects in Health Care for the communication and promotion of “The Skeptics Guide to Emergency Medicine” podcast and has volunteered within her local community as a trainer for a Ringette team. She is passionate about photography and music. Milne hopes to contribute to the excellent development of health care within rural communities.

GROUNDS AT BENDER HOUSE OPEN TO TOUR

Huron Hospice is fortunate to be located on a beautiful 12-acre property, and we are excited for a new opportunity to offer a guided grounds tour to the community. The volunteer grounds care team has been busy this year, and they can’t wait to show off their hard work and the variety of flora and fauna on the property.

During the tour, participants will walk the Tranquility Trail and explore the Memorial Forest and Pet Memorial Wall. They will learn more about the native species of trees that have been planted recently and discuss the variety of native plants on the grounds, as well as the impact of invasive species.

Participants will learn about the planned expansion of the Bender House, and future plans for the property, as they tour the many flower beds. They will have a chance to relax by the waterfall gardens and reflection pond. If they’re lucky, they will even get a chance to see one of the turtles on their new basking log.

Refreshments will follow the tour, with a chance to win one of the exciting door prizes!

Small group tours will be offered on Thursday, July 21 at 7 p.m. and Friday, July 22 at 9:30 a.m. Rain date will be the following week at the same time. There is no admission fee, but donations will be appreciated.

To register, please contact Helen Varekamp, the volunteer grounds care team lead, at: hvarekamp@tcc.on.ca or 519 565-5442. Limited space available; register today to avoid disappointment!

Huron Hospice Bender House is located at  37857 Huron Road, Clinton ON. To learn more visit: www.huronhospice.ca. 

CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES LAUNCH NEW VIDEO SERIES

The 2022 Shoreline Information Video Series provide information on four themes: shoreline processes; living with erosion; what you need to know before planning to build along the shoreline; and what you need to know before buying property along the shoreline.(Submitted photo)

Three local conservation authorities, working with community partners, have released four videos on shoreline themes for public information. The 2022 video series, videotaped by a professional video production company, includes two new videos and two updated videos.

The videos provide information on four themes: shoreline processes; living with erosion; what you need to know before planning to build along the shoreline; and what you need to know before buying property along the shoreline.

“We hope this series of videos will provide valuable information to people who own property near Lake Huron, to those who are considering a shoreline purchase or who are planning to build here or people who are simply planning to visit,” said Ashley Richards, Communications coordinator with Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA). “Some people who are new to Lake Huron, or who are considering moving here or building here, may want more information about the natural hazards that exist along the shoreline, such as erosion, the permits that are required, and how to find out more.”

The 2022 Shoreline Information Video Series is possible due to funding support from federal departments and provincial agencies supporting the Lake Huron-Georgian Bay Watershed Canadian Community Action Initiative; Healthy Lake Huron – Clean Water, Clean Beaches Partnership; and local sources through Ausable Bayfield Conservation; Maitland Conservation; and Saugeen Conservation. The Shoreline Processes and Living with Erosion videos were created thanks to the support of the Ashfield-Colborne Lakefront Association.

The video series includes participation of people in the community such as Wendy Little, real estate broker with Peter Benninger Realty.

To watch the videos, individuals may visit the YouTube channel of the Healthy Lake Huron – Clean Water, Clean Beaches Partnership click here: Healthy Lake Huron on YouTube Healthy Lake Huron on YouTube.  People may also visit the Healthy Lake Huron Facebook to view the videos. To do so click here: Healthy Lake Huron on Facebook.

SUMMER VACCINATION CLINICS FOR STUDENTS

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) will be holding community vaccination clinics this summer for students born in 2007-2009 to help them stay up to date with routine immunizations.

The clinics are open to youth who have previously received a dose of Hepatitis B (HB) or Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and/or the Meningococcal (MenC-ACYW-135) vaccine and need to complete the series; or have not yet received these vaccines and need to start the series.

Typically, students receive these immunizations at school-based clinics; however, HPPH was not able to hold school clinics during the COVID-19 pandemic.  As a result, many youth may not be up to date on immunizations.

“We encourage youth and their parents/guardians to take the opportunity to stay up-to-date on their immunizations,” said Medical Officer of Health for Huron Perth,Dr. Miriam Klassen. “Routine immunizations help build up and strengthen the immune system, protecting youth from serious diseases.”

Under Ontario’s Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), all students attending elementary or secondary school are required to provide proof of immunization against certain diseases, including meningitis.

Anyone who isn’t sure whether their children are up to date on certain immunizations  can take a look at their child’s immunization record using the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) system. Visit www.hpph.ca/ICON to access the records. People can also call 1-888-221-2133.

Please note that ICON only lists immunizations that have been reported to HPPH; if a child received immunizations that haven’t been reported yet, they will not appear in this record. Parents are asked to report all immunizations to HPPH so they can ensure their child’s record is up-to-date.

Youth vaccine clinics dates are listed below please note that all clinics will take place from 1- 6 p.m.

• June 28 – Stratford Rotary Complex, 353 McCarthy Road, Stratford
• June 29 –  Libro Community Hall, 239 Bill Fleming Drive, Clinton
• July 6 – Pyramid Recreation Centre, 317 James Street South, St. Marys
• July 12 – Steve Kerr Memorial Complex, 965 Binning Street West, Listowel
• July 13 – Seaforth & District Community Centre, 122 Duke Street, Seaforth
• July 26 – Wingham Knights of Columbus Centre, 99 Kerr Drive, Wingham
•  Aug. 17 – Goderich Memorial Arena, 180 McDonald Street, Goderich
•  Aug. 18 – Stratford Intermediate School, 60 St. Andrew Street, Stratford
•  Aug. 23 –  West Perth Community Centre, 185 Wellington Street, Mitchell
•  Aug. 24 – South Huron District High School, 92 Gidley Street East, Exeter

Appointments are required and can be booked online at www.hpph.ca/schoolvaccines or by calling the booking line at 1-833-753-2098.

The clinics are also open to students born in 2004-2006 who need their Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis) immunization and were not able to attend one of the clinics held between May 25 and June 10.

In the fall, HPPH plans to resume school-based immunization clinics.  Immunizations are also available through a family doctor.

YOUTH CAN TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE THROUGH SUMMER PROGRAM

The Lake Huron Coastal Centre (LHCC) is encouraging youth ages 14 to 18 to join their Coastal Conservation Youth Corps program (CCYC) in Goderich and Port Elgin this July, August, and September. The free outdoor education program uses Lake Huron as a classroom to teach youth about coastal ecology, helping them learn new skills in the field while earning up to 30 volunteer hours towards their high school diploma requirements.

The CCYC program provides youth with an opportunity to learn about topics such as coastal processes, water quality, aquatic ecosystems, low-impact design and development, shoreline history, and coastal economies. Participants gain valuable experience with stewardship activities, like dune restoration, plant species identification, invasive plant removal, shoreline clean-ups, microplastic testing, and community planning.

Although Week One is full, some spaces are available for July 18-22 and July 25-29 in Saugeen Shores. In Goderich the sessions are Aug. 8-12 and in the fall over a pair of weekends Sept. 17-18 and Oct. 1-2. Interested participants can register or learn more at www.lakehuron.ca/ccyc.

Coastal Education Technician and ecology expert, Kerry Kennedy, will teach participants the practical skills commonly used by local environmental practitioners that help enhance shoreline resilience and reduce the impacts of climate change.

She said, “Many threats to the health of our water and shoreline such as temperature and plastic pollution are trending upward, which can be confusing and scary at times. Participating in the CCYC can be the first step in preparing youth with the skills and knowledge to care for our ever-changing environment”.

The LHCC shared a few of the many enthusiastic comments from past CCYC participants:

“I have learned a lot this week about the environment and all of it would be helpful in a future career.”

“I do believe this program brought me closer to nature. I didn’t know much about plants before joining this.”

“I now know more ways to conserve the natural areas and keep the great lakes great!”

The LHCC says that the positive feedback demonstrates the impact and success of the program and the importance of educating the next generation of decision-makers and conservationists.

Primary funding support for the program comes from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF), an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations.

The LHCC is a non-governmental charity dedicated to supporting a healthy coastal ecosystem through education, restoration, and research. To learn more, visit www.lakehuron.ca or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using @coastalcentre.

For further inquiries or to resolve potential barriers to participation, email education@lakehuron.ca.