FUN RACE IN SUPPORT OF PIONEER PARK SET FOR THIS COMING MONDAY

The Annual Pioneer Park Association 5 km Fun Race is this Monday, Aug. 7th! Participants can walk, run, roll or bike this year, all four categories will be open. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

Pump up your tires and dust off your sneakers – the time set for the Annual Pioneer Park Association 5 km Fun Race is this Monday, Aug. 7th! People of all ages and categories are welcome and encouraged to participate.

“It will mark over 30 years we’ve had this race and we are looking forward to seeing returning racers and newcomers for another year,” said Ann Laudenbach, one of the event organizers.

Participants can walk, run, roll or bike this year, all four categories will be open.

Registration will be held in the park from 8:45-9:30 a.m. Walkers will depart at 9:30 p.m. Dogs on leash are welcome. Cyclists and runners will leave within a space of five minutes starting at 10 a.m. Please remember that helmets for cyclists under the age of 18 years is an Ontario legal requirement.

The entry fee remains at $5 per participant. Donations will also be very much appreciated with all proceeds going to help with the general maintenance of Pioneer Park.

Hope to see you on Monday!

IMPLEMENTING BAYFIELD SECONDARY PLAN

The Bayfield Secondary Plan was approved by Bluewater Council in February of this year and included several ‘Implementation Actions’. Two of these actions are underway with proposed amendments to the Bluewater Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw to formally integrate the policy direction of the Secondary Plan.

The Plan included specific policy recommendations for various sections of the Official Plan including Urban Settlement Area, Natural Environment, Heritage and Community Design. A series of changes to the Zoning Bylaw are recommended to provide more specific direction for land uses and lot development requirements in Bayfield. The entire amendment is available on the Municipal website.

The implementing amendments will set out the policy framework for future residential and commercial development with the understanding that the majority of development will not proceed until capacity is available within the Bayfield Wastewater Treatment Plant. Further, the amendment will achieve compliance with recent Provincial legislation (e.g. Bills 23 and 97) and will consider the draft Provincial Planning Statement (2023).

A small number of property-specific zone changes have been included in the amendment; these changes are minor, address errors or facilitate improved development options.

Staff completed public consultation as part of the Secondary Plan development including an Open House (50 attendees) and Public Meeting (100 attendees) in November of 2023. Feedback from both sessions was incorporated into the draft document prior to Council approval.

Additional public consultation is required as per the Planning Act process and will include much of the same information.

This next Open House will be held at the Bayfield Branch Library on Friday, Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The formal Public Meeting will be held at a regular Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 2nd at 6:30 p.m.

Have a question? Get in touch with Denise Van Amersfoort, manager of Planning and Staff Lead for the Bayfield Secondary Plan at planning@huroncounty.ca or call 1-888-524-8394 Ext. 3.

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 BAYFIELD FAIR WEEKEND JUST THREE WEEKS AWAY

A row of maple syrup and honey entries at last year’s fair, complete with Entry Tags and prize ribbons. (Photo by Janet Vogelsang)

The Bayfield Community Fair is now less than three weeks away – Aug. 18-20. Fair organizers encourage everyone to get their exhibit entries ready for the Bayfield Fair. The opportunities for all ages to enter art and photography, baking and canning, flowers and plants, fruits and vegetables, as well as handcrafted quilting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and woodworking are at the heart of the indoor Homecraft show. All entries are welcome and add to the wealth of exhibits that fairgoers have come to appreciate each year.

The exhibit categories and entry requirements can be viewed online in the: 2023 Fair Book, and entries can be completed online. Here in Bayfield, printed copies of the Fair Book can be picked up at the Bayfield Library and the Bayfield Convenience Store. In Goderich, copies can be picked up at the Goderich Public Library, Elizabeth’s Art Gallery, N’ Sew On Custom Embroidery, and Peavey Mart as well as craft/quilt shops, garden centres, and other libraries in the area.

To avoid congestion, there are two time periods for dropping off exhibits prior to the Fair: Thursday, Aug. 17 from 7-9 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 18 from 8:30-11:45 a.m. All exhibits for inside departments must be received at the Bayfield Arena before 11:45 a.m. on Friday, Aug 18.

Entry tags can be picked up at the next General Meeting of the Bayfield Agricultural Society, which will be held in the basement of St. Andrew’s United Church in Bayfield on Monday, Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. By picking them up ahead of time, entries can be delivered on the Thursday night (Aug. 17) or Friday morning (Aug. 18) drop-off times with their Entry Tags already attached, saving everyone a bit of time.

The parade, which will be held on Saturday, Aug. 19, still has room for more participants. Members of the community are encouraged to enter a float or group to represent their organization, business, community group, or neighborhood. This is a great opportunity to get exposure for a business or organization. Musicians, dance groups, classic cars, vintage tractors, campgrounds – all are welcome! Please visit: 2023 Parade for details and contact information.

As with all community events, volunteers are very much needed to help make the Bayfield Fair a success. Fair organizers are still looking for extra volunteers to help with set up, take down, parade, and activities during the Fair. 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 who is interested in volunteering and has not already been contacted can email: info@bayfieldfair.ca

Join in the fun – exhibit, participate, volunteer!

CRAZY DIAMONDS TO PERFORM SUNDAY  

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

Tickets are still available to see Crazy Diamonds perform their tribute to Pink Floyd at the Bayfield Town Hall on Sunday, Aug. 6. (Photo courtesy LRG Photography)

This 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.

ART LOVERS TICKETS INCLUDE THE SELECTION OF AN ART PIECE OFF THE WALL

This piece of art by Rick Cullis (www.rickcullis.com) is just one of the pieces that will be available “Off the Wall” on Aug. 26. (Submitted photo)

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 CREATES WISH LIST

From l-r: Asher, Jonah, Noah and Jude are the Adopt a BFF kittens of the week. (Submitted photo)

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

Asher, Jonah, Noah and Jude are the Adopt a BFF kittens of the week.

“This adorable quartet came to BFF recently from an ‘oops’ litter – while waiting to get their cat spayed, someone let the cat out because ‘she really wanted out’ – yes, she sure did because she was in heat and all the boys came running! And ‘oops’ the cat got pregnant,” shared Deb Penhale, representing BFF.

This female, a beautiful Tuxedo cat, proved to also be very fertile as she had seven kittens – three of which have found their forever homes.

Momma is now spayed and staying inside, her desire to “go outside” has pretty much diminished.

“The remaining four cutie pies are very social and have been raised by a loving, albeit embarrassed, human who says she learned the hard way that letting your unaltered cat outside is never a good idea and continues to add to the kitten/cat overpopulation crisis,” said Penhale. “Their human did the best she could in an unexpected situation and raised the babies along with Momma and managed to find furever homes for three of the kittens while she fostered them,” said Penhale.

Anyone interested in adopting from the Tuxedo quartet are asked to reach to 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.

TURTLE RELEASE TEACHES PUBLIC HOW TO PROTECT SPECIES AT RISK

People of all ages had an opportunity to learn about turtles at the 2019 Turtle Hatchling Release and they will be able to do so again at the eighth annual event to be held on Aug. 31. (Submitted photo)

On Thursday, Aug. 31, the Huron Stewardship Council (HSC), in partnership with Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA), is bringing back the Annual Hatchling Turtle Release for the eighth year.

This event, to release turtle hatchlings back into the wild and to show the public how to protect Ontario’s at-risk freshwater turtle species, will take place at Morrison Dam Conservation Area, 71108 Morrison Line, 2 km east of Exeter, from 1-4 p.m.

The turtle release will take place rain or shine. Admission is free but the organizers encourage donations. The afternoon will include live reptiles, family-friendly activities, educational displays, a bake sale and merchandise for sale. Proceeds from the turtle event support Ontario turtle conservation.

Sheldon Paul is a HSC Fieldwork Coordinator. He said the turtle event draws crowds every year and is a great way to educate people of all ages about the need to protect Ontario’s eight turtle species.

“It’s fun, it’s free and we look forward to seeing everyone there,” he said.

Hope Brock is ABCA Healthy Watersheds Technician. She said turtles help to control aquatic vegetation and to clean creeks and wetlands by eating algae and dead and decaying fish and other organisms. People can protect turtles, she said, by watching for turtles on roads when driving, helping them safely cross roads in the way they are headed, protecting nests from predators, and reporting turtle sightings to community monitoring projects. Enhancing turtle habitat is also vital.

“Preserving and creating habitat for turtles and other species is one of the most important things we can do to sustain our turtle species,” she said. “Planting native trees and shrubs, restoring and enhancing wetlands, and growing natural areas all help to protect turtles locally and across Ontario.”

The turtle hatchling release event has taken place since 2016 (it was held as a virtual event in 2020 and 2021).

People attending will not be able to hold the turtles. This is to protect the animals and reduce their stress. Those attending will be able to see the turtles as they are released. The HSC staff releasing the hatchlings are trained and authorized to release them. (Organizers would like to remind the public to never release species, especially non-native species, into the wild.)

Ontario’s native freshwater turtles face many threats including habitat loss and road mortality (death by cars and other vehicles). Hundreds of turtles in Ontario are hit by cars each year in the spring, summer and autumn. These could be gravid (pregnant) females looking for a place to lay eggs, or males and females looking for new ponds and mates. People can help turtles by creating nesting habitat on their properties, stopping to help turtles cross the road in the direction they are heading (when it is safe to do so), and working with their local municipalities and communities to erect turtle crossing signs and build safe passages. People can also arrange for transport of injured turtles to the turtle hospital. People can also act to protect, create, and enhance the natural areas that provide the habitat for turtle hatchlings to eat, drink, reproduce, and grow and become the adult turtles of tomorrow.

To learn more visit: Huron Stewardship Council  and the ABCA’s Turtles Page or email the HSC at huronstewardship@gmail.com.

AFFORDABLE COMMUNITY HOUSING ANNOUNCED FOR  EXETER

On July 28, it was announced that a 20-unit affordable housing project will be constructed in Exeter. This image is an architectural rendering of the project. (Photo courtesy Huron County)

The Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario are providing $6,424,000 to help create 20 affordable community housing units in the Municipality of South Huron. The new housing development will contribute to supporting a new diverse neighborhood and strengthen social networks of those residing in the community.

This project is part of an investment of over $46 million through the Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) to create 267 affordable housing units across the province. COCHI is an initiative of the Canada-Ontario Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy (NHS).

“This investment is good news for the people in our communities,” said MPP for Huron-Bruce Lisa Thompson. “Ensuring that our residents have comfort in accessing housing is critical to creating a place where they can live, grow and thrive, while simultaneously facilitating economic growth and development.”

Located at 134 Sanders St, Exeter, the two-storey, one-bedroom per unit apartment building will offer each future resident their own independent living space. This facility will include on-site laundry, an elevator and common space; as well as a kitchen, bathroom and living room in each individual unit. The new apartment building has been designed to exceed energy efficiency standards by 18 per cent, as well as exceed the Ontario Building Code’s accessibility standards by 20 per cent. The design also includes seven barrier free units.

“This investment is improving affordable and supportive housing in the region and is facilitating real change for those that need it most,” said Tim Louis, member of Parliament for Kitchener-Conestoga. “Projects like this one in Exeter are the result of a partnership between the Governments of Canada and Ontario, who are responding to local housing needs. Today’s announcement puts us one step closer to our goal of ensuring that every Canadian has a safe and affordable place to call home.”

“Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home”, said The Hon. Steve Clark, minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing for Ontario. “That is why our government is working hard to help more Ontarians find a home that is affordable and meets their needs. I am pleased to see the strong relationships we have built with all levels of government, and we will continue to work hard to tackle Ontario’s housing crisis.”

The Canada-Ontario Community Housing Initiative (COCHI) provides funding to repair, regenerate and expand community housing so tenants can live in a home that is affordable. It can also be used to support community housing providers whose original program arrangements are expiring and help them to become more sustainable.

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.