PHOTOS AND STORY BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER

Bayfield’s Main Street was closed for a period of time mid-day on July 15 so that the community could come together and celebrate its grand reopening.

Bill Whetstone, Bayfield Ward Councilor for the Municipality of Bluewater, hosted the ceremony in-turn inviting honored guests to speak including, Bill Strong, representing Huron Bruce MP Ben Lobb as well as the Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency, Filomena Tassi; Huron Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson; Bluewater Mayor Paul Klopp; and Secretary-Treasurer of the Bayfield and Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) Terri Louch.

Strong shared greetings from both Lobb and Tassi saying, “Congratulations on today’s reopening of Bayfield’s Main Street. We applaud your efforts in revitalizing the downtown of Bayfield making it a destination for residents and visitors to enjoy. These improvements honor the village landscape while supporting the success of many local shops, restaurants and other attractions in that line. Our government was happy to support the Municipality of Bluewater with $650,000 to support the revitalization of the town’s main business district.”

MPP Thompson shared that she was happy to be in Bayfield to both celebrate and to say thank you.

“First to the Municipality of Bluewater thank you for the vision that you had for this community. Bill I know you are a very proud representative on the municipal council and to you and to Mayor Klopp and to the team this mattered,” she said.

The project has been on the docket for a long time, some long-time residents could perhaps trace its origins to the early 1980s, while Mayor Klopp shared with those gathered that he recalled talk of the project during the era of amalgamation around the year 2000. He recognized the focus and trust of both the council and municipal staff for finally getting the job done, paying special tribute to the late former mayor, Bill Dowson. He also acknowledged past and current councillors present at the ceremony inviting them to step forward to be recognized. He noted that it was a true community effort, thanking the residents of Bluewater as well as the upper levels of government for seeing the plan to fruition.

Louch shared that it has been a very tough stretch for the Bayfield businesses first weathering the pandemic storm and then having to navigate the construction project that began in the spring of 2022. The work was stretched out over two years to allow a break for the busy summer tourist season followed by more construction from Labour Day to just prior to Christmas in Bayfield weekend with the finishing work being completed this spring ending just prior to Victoria Day weekend. Louch praised the businesses for their patience and the municipality for keeping the lines of communication open throughout the construction period ensuring the work remained on schedule and was done properly. As Secretary-Treasurer Louch monitors the BACC email and she was pleased to report that comments from visitors regarding the revitalization have been very positive with people liking how user-friendly the street is now while still having maintained that historic feel. She also shared that businesses have already seen an increase in visitors with mobility issues since the work has been completed.

Whetstone was the last to speak and he acknowledged contractor Lavis Contracting and consultant B.M. Ross for their work in making the vision a reality.

“This village is my passion,” said the councilor, who has served the Bayfield Ward for nine years. He cited the burying of the hydro lines as a game changer in the project as this will allow the tree canopy once a unique focal point of the street to return its former splendour. He also noted that the new aggregate sidewalks, although at times  contentious during the planning stages, work very well to allow for ease of use as well as maintaining the heritage look and feel that the village is known for.

Following the speeches, Paul Hill, portraying Admiral Henry Wolsey Bayfield, the village’s namesake, acted as town-cryer proclaiming the news that the project was complete.

And then Mayor Klopp gripping a big pair of red handled scissors snipped the blue ribbon that was draped across the street in front of Admiral Bayfield Square held by several of the key players in the final evolution of the revitalization of Bayfield’s Main Street.

But the festivities were far from over as Admiral Bayfield, followed by bagpipers Alan Grant and Scott Macaulay led an eight minute procession of politicians, municipal staff, chamber and community members up and down both sides of Main Street crossing at Charles and Catherine Streets. This was to allow people to see and experience the work that had been done first hand – the sidewalks, stormwater infrastructure, heritage streetlights, pedestrian lighting and landscaping as well as acknowledge the work essential to the end result but no longer visible – road construction, stormwater infrastructure and the burying of the hydro.

The formal part of the ceremony, complete, people enjoyed a social time over refreshments on the grounds of the Bayfield Branch Library where a display of before and after panels could be viewed.

The Bayfield Ward Councilor shared that during the social time visitors that had been to Bayfield previously commented to him what a great job was done.

“They said it still looks old but it’s new and that is exactly what we were shooting for,” he said.

Whetstone went on to say that having the project come in under budget and on schedule was a team effort.

“It was truly an amazing job by all to make that happen,” he said.

The final costs on the project came in  at just under $3 million dollars with funding coming from the Canada Community Revitalization Fund, Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund and the Ontario Rural Economic Development Fund with a portion being derived from municipal reserves and the Canada Community Building Fund (the former Gas Tax Fund).

FOOD TRUCK FEATURE OF FAIR

The countdown is on! The Bayfield Community Fair is just four weeks away – Aug. 18-20. Fair organizers encourage everyone in the community to come out and experience the “small-town fair with a big heart”.

The Fair has something for everyone: food, a full parade, homecraft exhibits, activities and entertainment for kids, as well as unique events for all ages, competitions, demonstrations, vendors, educational displays, fireworks, a Rock Revival concert, and so much more.

One of the questions that fairgoers frequently ask is, “What food can I get at the Fair?” Well, the Bayfield Fair has that covered!

Fair organizers are delighted to welcome “Truckin Mamas on the Run”, a food truck with a great menu. Among their specialties are burgers, wraps, hot dogs and sausages, tacos, fries (including pickle fries!), poutine, churros, and old-fashioned milkshakes. Truckin Mamas offers lots of choices to satisfy every craving!

Naomi’s food booth will feature thirst-quenching lemonade and ice cream to beat the heat.

And what’s a community fair without candy floss? Yes, there will be candy floss!

This is also a good time to remind everyone about the Fish Fry Dinner that will be held at the Bayfield Agricultural Park on Friday, Aug. 18 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Full details and ticket information can be found by visiting: Fish Fry Details.

Organizers are fine tuning the food lineup for this year’s fair. If there are still food, or craft, vendors who would like to be part of the Bayfield Fair, they are encouraged to visit the: Vendors Page. Booth spaces are filling up quickly. Anyone interested should secure their space soon.

Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) will be providing filtered water at a booth close to the back door of the arena. Attendees are asked to bring a reusable water bottle and OCWA will be happy to fill it with refreshing water. There is also a water refill station in the arena foyer area.

For the full 2023 schedule and details, please visit www.BayfieldFair.ca.

There are lots of fun events and activities in the works, so check back often and stay tuned.

Join in the fun – enjoy the food choices at the Fair!

CRAZY DIAMONDS, ZED AND SOUTHERN FRIED ALL COMING TO TOWN

ZED is one of two bands that will perform in Agriculture Park on Aug. 19. Tickets are available now! (Submitted photo).

Music lovers can look forward to two more concerts this summer with three tribute bands sharing their talents.

Sunday, Aug. 6 is the day that “Crazy Diamonds”, a Pink Floyd Tribute Band from Kitchener, ON will perform on the outdoor stage at the town hall. This is a great opportunity for Pink Floyd fans to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the release of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side Of The Moon” album and hear it in its entirety.  The band will also perform other Pink Floyd classics.

The gates for this outdoor concert open at 7 p.m. with the tribute beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are selling for $40.

A cash bar selling beer and wine will be available. Those who attend are asked to bring their own chair.

And then on the third weekend in August, the BTHHS and the Bayfield Agricultural Society are joining forces to bring a “Rock Revival” to the Bayfield Community Fair! Two bands – “ZED” and “Southern Fried” – will take over the Bayfield Fairgrounds at Agricultural Park on Saturday, Aug. 19.

ZED will bring Led Zeppelin’s rock to life as this band faithfully recreates the sound of Led Zeppelin’s studio albums to an astonishing level of accuracy while also capturing the magical aura of the Led Zeppelin live experience.

Established in 2003, Southern Fried has been stunning audiences with a true experience of Southern rock music. They have been hailed as simply the most authentic-sounding Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute anywhere! In addition to Lynyrd Skinner tunes, Southern Fried plays southern classics by such groups as the Allman Brothers, ZZ Top and more.

Tickets are $30. Fairground gates for this Rock Revival will open at 6:30 p.m. while the concert will start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available now for $30. There will be a cash bar. Attendees are asked to bring their own chair.

Tickets for all the concerts listed in this summer line-up can be purchased online by visiting: www.bayfieldtownhall.com.

SOCIAL BUTTERFLIES ENJOY ALL THE FUN MINUS THE ART TO TAKE HOME

The Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) will be holding their second  “Off the Wall” fundraising event on Saturday, Aug. 26 at the Bayfield Town Hall.

“We invite you to light up your Saturday and be a part of this delightful summer art event!” said Leslee Squirrell, president of the BCA.

More than 45 artists answered the call to explore the theme, “Year of Land or Lakes” and the results will be open to the public for a free exhibition from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and then in the evening from 4-7:30 p.m. those with tickets will have the opportunity to take home a piece of art right off the wall!

Ticket purchasers will be treated to delightful hor d’oeuvres and adult beverages (beer/wine) as well as an opportunity to bid on both live and silent auction items while waiting for their opportunity to choose a painting…off the wall.

There are three ticket types available for purchase: Golden Ticket, Art Lovers Ticket and Social Butterfly Ticket.

The one and only Golden Ticket is $500 and gives two guests “front of the line” access to choose their painting first from all the works available.

The cost of the Art Lovers Ticket has been set at $175 for two guests and includes one painting. They will have the opportunity to pick a single painting from the wall when their ticket is drawn at random.

Social Butterfly Tickets are available for $45 each. These tickets are for those guests who want to experience all the evening has to offer, including the food, beverages and bidding on the auction items but without the art to take home.

To purchase tickets for the BCA Off the Wall fundraising event please visit: Year of Land or Lakes Tickets.

The premier sponsor for this event is Diane Snell of Royal LePage Heartland Realty.

BFF RESCUE EXPANDS AS NEED GROWS

The kitten care satellite-centre also has three smaller cages for shorter term stays, often prior to spay/neuter appointments.

Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) are busier than ever with over 80 kittens looking for their forever homes.

They have been extremely fortunate to have a wonderful team of foster care volunteers who have taken on a mother and kittens, often from birth, providing housing, care and love. These volunteers have raised beautiful, socialized kittens. However, BFF found they needed more space for kittens coming back from foster and additional litters. To accommodate these little ones, BFF added a kitten care satellite-centre with additional caging aimed at keeping these young ones healthy and happy until their big adoption day. The new site has three large enclosures with windows, cat trees and space to run around and play. There are also three smaller cages for shorter term stays, often prior to spay/neuter appointments. This space also allows BFF to have more kittens in one location for people to visit and find their perfect match. They have cuddle chairs and toys to interact with the kittens, giving prospective adopters a better look at the different personalities.

With all these kittens and adult cats, BFF needs a great many supplies. People have been so generous with their donations in the past but the need continues.

In addition to monetary donations, BFF now has an Amazon wish list. This list contains items they need for the day-to-day care of their cats and kittens as well as some truly “wish” items. Items are marked as to their priority, number needed, and many explain what their use will be. There is a wide variety of prices and BFF appreciates whatever you can supply. Items need not be purchased through Amazon, the list is merely a guideline.

To view the items on the list please visit:  BFF Amazon Wish List.

BFF continues to receive requests to take in more cats and kittens and unfortunately, they are at maximum capacity and are only accepting cats on an emergency, case-by-case basis. As they receive more adoptions, they will be able to open their doors once more.

Austin is the Adopt a BFF kitten of the week.

This handsome man was born on a back porch. At only two days old, he, his siblings and mother were brought into BFF. His sisters have gone to their forever homes but sadly Austin was overlooked. He is a playful kitten but is happy to take a break for a snuggle and can this little guy purr! He is also a talker. Austin is neutered and has all his shots. He is ready to go to his forever home. He is currently housed at BFF’s new satellite in Bayfield, and people are welcome to visit him. Just contact BFF through facebook or email bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com.

Financial donations may also be sent via E-transfer to the email listed above or mailed to P.O. Box 33, Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0. The adoption fee is $250. Adopted cats are vetted, shots are up-to-date and they are also spayed or neutered. Adoption inquiries may also be made to the BFF’s email address above.

Currently, there is a Go Fund Me campaign being run to encourage more donations for BFF. For more information visit: Go Fund Me – BFF.

DRESS DOWN DAY DONATIONS

CAMP ALLOWS TEENS A CHANCE TO EXPLORE HEALTHCARE FIELDS

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) hosted their

“Discovery Healthcare Camp” (DHC) from July 10-14 at Camp Klahanie. The property owned by the Goderich Lions Club is located just south of Goderich. The camp was held in partnership with the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich.

This is a week-long camp allowing local high school students to explore career opportunities in the healthcare field. DHC counselors Aaron Lewis, Nathan Gould and Emily Horse, all medical students from Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University, engaged with students to serve as teachers and mentors throughout the program.

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

President and CEO of the Huron Health System for Goderich and Exeter Hospitals, Jimmy Trieu said, “I extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all involved in organizing this healthcare camp. As the healthcare industry grapples with significant human resources challenges, we recognize the importance of innovative approaches for recruiting healthcare professionals in the future. This camp serves as a remarkable platform to introduce the younger generation to the world of healthcare. I am grateful for the opportunity it provides participants to engage in informative sessions and gain hands-on experience. Through these interactive experiences, we hope to ignite a spark of interest in healthcare within their hearts, motivating and guiding them as they progress on their educational journey. This camp plays a vital role in nurturing and cultivating the potential talent that will contribute to the future of healthcare and make a positive impact on the well-being of our communities.”

A shortage of healthcare professionals 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. Gateway hopes to continue to grow and develop their Discovery Healthcare Camp in partnership with Schulich School of Medicine. Gateway is dedicated to supporting the sustainability of local healthcare resources. Through networking with local healthcare professionals and partners, they hope to continue to provide an educational camp experience that provides students both knowledge and hands-on skills related to rural healthcare for years to come.

“We are pleased to partner with Goderich Hospital at Schulich’s DHC for a second year. This is an innovative strategy for future recruitment of our health human resources. The students learn about healthcare careers in such a fun motivating environment,” said President of the Gateway Board of Directors, Gwen Devereaux.

Highlights of the 2023 camp included a career panel with local professionals where students were able to learn about careers such as general surgery, nursing, paramedic and more. They also participated in hands-on workshops with a surgeon where students learned to do sutures with real medical equipment on stuffed animals. In addition students took part in a workshop with a family medicine physician and obstetrical nurse regarding delivering babies, obstetrical assessments and more.

Students toured the Goderich hospital and were able to interact with professionals within departments and ask questions regarding their careers. A highlight of the week was also participating in a mock disaster where they could be the patient or on the treatment team!

COPA-45 gave a warm welcome with a dinner at the airport for Western’s medical students and Gateway’s students. These students are the future and welcoming communities can make the difference in where they establish their careers.

The week ended with a great barbeque provided by the Goderich Lions Club and a fun graduation ceremony with students’ families attending.

Several local organizations provided funding to ensure the success of this camp and Gateway welcomes additional support to guarantee this becomes an annual event. A special thanks goes out to the Goderich Lions Club for the beautiful camp and to the Lions members who provided custodial services through the week.

PROVINCE INVESTS IN HEALTHCARE FACILITIES UPGRADES AND REPAIRS

As part of “Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care”, the Ontario government is improving hospital and community care by investing $9,351,891 to support critical upgrades and repairs at hospitals and community health facilities in Huron, Bruce, Grey and Owen Sound. This funding is part of the government’s investment of over $208 million provided through the Health Infrastructure Renewal Fund (HIRF) and the Community Infrastructure Renewal Fund (CIRF) to 131 hospitals and 58 community health facilities across the province.

This year, Ontario has increased the HIRF by over 14 per cent and the CIRF by over 10 per cent.

“This funding is a significant investment by the Ontario government to our local hospitals and community health centres to help maintain and upgrade our facilities,” said Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers. “This funding from the province allows its health care system partners to address urgent infrastructure renewal needs such as upgrades or replacements of roofs, windows, security systems, fire alarms and back-up generators.”

“These investments in our local hospitals not only ensure they are well-positioned to handle the medical needs of Huron, Bruce, Grey and Owen Sound for years to come – this funding is necessary in the spirit of providing the best-equipped work environment for our health care professionals, who in turn have good conditions in which they care for local residents across the riding,” said MPP for Huron-Bruce Lisa Thompson

Investments include: 

“Ensuring Ontario’s hospitals and community health facilities have the infrastructure in place to deliver the high-quality care patients expect and deserve is a priority for our government,” said Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Sylvia Jones. “This year’s increased funding will help these facilities address priority renewal needs while ensuring people can continue to receive the world-class care they need in a safe and comfortable environment.”

With “Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care”, the province is moving quickly to expand and modernize Ontario’s hospitals to ensure patients and their families are able to connect to the quality care they need, when they need it, closer to home.

“Hospital Infrastructure Renewal Funding is one of the most important provincial investments made by this government, and Minister Thompson’s ongoing commitment towards ensuring our hospitals receive the funds necessary to address facility needs is key in our ability to meet patient needs,” said Andrew Williams, CEO, Huron Perth Health Alliance

“This announcement of funding ensures the government’s visionary investment and commitment to quality healthcare will continue and allows hospitals to upgrade our facilities to meet the challenges of aging infrastructure. My sincerest thanks for the invaluable support in funding hospital infrastructure,” said President and CEO of the Huron Health System, Jimmy Trieu.

HURON HOSPICE BUTTERFLY RELEASE AND TELETHON CONCERT RETURN

Huron Hospice is pleased to announce the return of two of their most popular events as they were meant to be experienced. The Seventh Annual Butterfly Release will be back at Bender House and the “No Place Like Home” Telethon will be live.

The Telethon Concert is set for Saturday, Sept. 23 starting at 6:30 p.m. This year the Telethon Concert will be broadcast live from the Kingsbridge Centre. Set to perform are headliners:Amanda McClure and Tom Burke, from Seaforth; Josh Geddis, Steve Dawe and Jess Langan, from Bayfield and Clinton, and Clinton’s own Grant McMillan.

Artistic Director of the Blyth Festival, Gil Garratt and Member of Parliament, Ben Lobb, will join Huron County Coordinator of Tourism and Local Food, Alecia Anderson as celebrity emcees.

“We are pleased to have the three of them join us again. Each brings a deep understanding of Huron County and the arts scene. The fact that Alecia, Ben and Gil are making time for Huron Hospice shows how important the Hospice is for everyone across the County.” said Christopher Walker, Huron Hospice manager of Fund Development.

Walker also thanked the creative team at Faux Pop Studios in Goderich for their dedication to the event.

“Faux Pop helps us put together a wonderful show. It will be an entertaining evening,” he said.

For those who wish to attend the concert live and in-person, tickets are selling for $50 each. This ticket price includes a complimentary Concert Shuttle. Guests must reserve their shuttle seats when they buy their tickets on a first-come, first-serve basis. The event will have cash bar service and beef-on-a-bun. A vegetarian option and cookies will also be available. Goodwill donations will cover food costs.

The annual butterfly release is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 27, at 2 p.m., in the Huron Hospice Bender House garden.

“Butterflies are an important symbol of transformation for families at Huron Hospice. People gather and release butterflies each year as they remember loved ones who are no longer with them. Children marvel at the butterflies they release to begin their migration south,” said Walker.

He announced some changes to the event this year, “we always release ethically raised butterflies. We know that our pollinating friends, the butterflies and the bees, need us now more than ever. They are losing their habitat and their feeding grounds. Just as you have done in the past, you can purchase a butterfly for the commemorative release or you can do more for these remarkable butterflies. You can also buy a Butterfly Bush or a Black-eyed Susan for your garden.”

Please note these plants will be made available for planting next Spring.

Butterflies are $40 again this year. Butterfly bushes cost $35, and Black-eyed Susans are $20 and can be ordered at Butterfly Release.

Anyone who would prefer to order butterflies in-person are asked to email jilliansimmons@huronhospice.ca or Ben.Matlovich@huronhospice.ca for more information.

In case of rain, the release will be held on Monday, Aug. 28.

Huron Hospice Bender House is located at 37857 Huron Road in Clinton.