FALLEN BAYFIELD FIREFIGHTER RECOGNIZED AT MEMORIAL CEREMONY IN OTTAWA

PHOTOS COURTESY DELLA VANDERHAAR

Members of John Vanderhaar’s family traveled to Ottawa on the weekend of Sept. 6-8 to attend the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony for 2024. They are shown here highlighting John’s name now engraved on the memorial wall. From l-r: right are: Doug Vanderhaar, Brad Vanderhaar, Della Vanderhaar, Anita Vanderhaar, Barb Desjardins and Bill Hayden.

Volunteer firefighter John Vanderhaar, of Bayfield, died suddenly and unexpectedly at age 46, after experiencing a medical emergency while responding to a marine incident on the afternoon of June 10, 2023.

On Sept. 8, 2024, John was recognized at the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Memorial held in Ottawa. Several members of his family traveled to the capital to attend the ceremony and to see firsthand where John’s name had been engraved on the memorial wall.

John had volunteered with the Bayfield Fire Department, a part of Bluewater Fire Services, since 2009.

According to the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation website, “The pre-ceremony begins with the posting of the silent sentries at the (red) ceremonial table. Once in place, the Headdress Party carrying the helmets or caps, begins its march toward the ceremonial table. The Headdress Party is randomly made up of firefighters from all parts of the country and does the presentation to the family of the fallen. The fallen firefighter’s own fire service and Foundation members are purposely excluded from presenting as the presentation is symbolically from the entire Canadian Fire Service. Honoring the Fallen includes a medal and helmet presentation to the family of those firefighters who were killed on duty or died from a work related illness while still actively employed. An extra helmet is placed on a raised pedestal to represent all Canadian line of duty deaths since 1848. This helmet remains from year to year with the hopes that no other helmet or cap will accompany it at the annual ceremony.”

During the ceremony, John’s wife, Della, and his brother Brad, accepted a memorial helmet and a medallion in memory of John. There were 159 names added to the memorial wall for the 2024 ceremony.

The Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation is a registered, non-profit charitable corporation, governed by a Board of Directors composed of members of the Canadian Fire Service and other interested Canadians dedicated to honoring Canada’s fallen firefighters. To learn more about the organization visit: www.cfff.ca

John is listed among the Fallen on the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Founder website. What appears there is shared below: 

BLUEWATER POISED FOR GROWTH DUE TO GRANT

On Sept. 18, MPP Lisa Thompson (right) presented a cheque to Mayor Paul Klopp in recognition of Bluewater’s successful application to the Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund through the Province of Ontario. (Submitted photo)

The Municipality of Bluewater will be moving forward with the expansion of the Bayfield Wastewater Treatment Facility thanks to grant funding received from the Province of Ontario through the Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF). The Fund was established by the provincial government to assist municipalities in developing, repairing, rehabilitating and expanding drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems in support of housing growth.

Bluewater is to receive funding in the amount of $8,347,185 for the wastewater treatment facility expansion project which is estimated to cost around $11.4 million. Construction of this project is expected to begin early next year, with completion scheduled for spring 2027.

MPP Lisa Thompson presented the cheque to Mayor Paul Klopp on Sept. 18, in recognition of Bluewater’s successful funding application.

“This funding plays a crucial role in enabling the development of more homes in the Municipality of Bluewater,” said MPP for Huron-Bruce, Lisa Thompson. “To meet the growing housing demand in rural communities across Ontario, investing in drinking water and wastewater treatment infrastructure is essential.”

Bluewater Mayor, Paul Klopp, said of the funding, “Being part of a rural council, we appreciate the Province of Ontario supporting growth in our rural communities through grants like the Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund. And with the help of the Minister of Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson, the province is putting words into action by awarding the residents of Bluewater with $8,347,185.00 through HEWSF in support of expanding the Bayfield Wastewater Treatment Facility. This funding is paramount to supporting growth in the Municipality of Bluewater and providing much needed housing for families and individuals choosing to make Bluewater home.”

The current wastewater treatment facility primarily services the Village of Bayfield. Expanding the facility has long been noted as an essential step in supporting housing and economic growth in the Bayfield area. The proposed project aligns with the Municipality of Bluewater’s Asset Management Plan and the Bayfield Secondary Plan, both key financial and urban planning documents created to support strategic investment in the Bayfield area and Bluewater as a whole. The Bayfield Secondary Plan sets the stage for well-planned growth with a vision and plan set by the community.

This welcome investment in Bluewater’s rural-urban infrastructure is integral to meeting housing needs in the Municipality of Bluewater. With the treatment facility at capacity, housing growth in the Bayfield area has been slowed for several years. Limited capacity meant no new housing development proposals could be added until more sewage treatment capacity was made available. The expansion of the facility is expected to enable upwards of 500 housing units – both new and additional residential units – in the community, filling a need for homes in the area and helping to meet provincial and federal housing targets.

CAO Laurie Spence Bannerman is encouraging developers to start scheduling pre-consultation meetings with the Bluewater Development Services department in order to have subdivision lots shovel ready as soon as the expanded plant is operational.

FILM SHOT IN BAYFIELD SCREENING THIS SATURDAY MORNING IN LONDON

The crew of “To Hold the Night” working into the night. (Photo by Dianne Brandon)

Early in October 2023, Bayfield was the location for the making of a short film, “To Hold the Night”, with Bayfield resident Jessica Petelle at the helm as director and producer.

Since August of this year,  the film has received several accolades on its tour of North American film festivals and Petelle is pleased to share that it will be shown closer to home near the end of the month at the Forest City Film Festival (FCFF) in London, ON.

The short was filmed in various locations around the village including Pioneer Park, the area around Catherine and Main Street, as well as Jowett Lane to the beach and pier areas, the harbor and The Little Inn.

Executive Director of FCFF Dorothy Downs said, “We have so much talent that lives among us throughout all of Southwestern Ontario, and the beauty of our Great Lakes countryside and shores are ideal for filmmaking.  We are always so excited at the Forest City Film Festival when we can celebrate the talent that chooses to call this region home.  They are respected and work across the country and worldwide, but this region is where their heart is.

“Jessica Petelle is a great example of this with her deep roots in Bayfield and a talent and skill that has her in demand all across the country!  We are thrilled to have her short film To Hold The Night at the FCFF!”

The screening of To Hold the Night  will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 10 a.m. at the Wolf Performance Hall.  Tickets are on sale now. Adults are $15 and students and seniors are $12.75. The film will be presented as a part of the shorts program: “Human Connections”.  Tickets can be purchased at: To Hold the Night.

“There are a lot of Bayfield residents planning to come and I wanted to get the word out to invite others,” said Petelle.  The director and producer of the short film will be attending and she will be joined by Brad Turner, cinematographer and producer; and Nikki Andrew, producer; along with other cast and crew.

The story is set in the 1960s, where Nadine wakes up in her father’s house on her wedding day.  Not only does she not remember getting there, she doesn’t remember the groom or their courtship…

To Hold the Night stars Anwen O’Driscoll, Megan Hutchings, Mike Taylor and a very special resident of Bayfield, Chris Potter. It was written by Alyson Shelton, who is also credited as a producer.

The Wolf Performance Hall is located at 251 Dundas Street, London, ON.

OWL PROWL COMING TO SAWMILL TRAIL

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) are offering just two more guided hiking opportunities to participate in this year.

On Saturday, Oct. 26 at 11 a.m. people are invited to take part in a “Soup and Stroll”. This will be a guided group hike followed by soup and fellowship at the Pavilion at the Varna Nature Trails. Please bring a non-perishable food item for donation to the Bayfield Area Food Bank. Participants are asked to meet at the Stanley Community Centre parking lot (38572 Mill Road). Dogs on leash are welcome. No registration necessary.

The final guided hike of the year will be an “Owl Prowl” on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to be active in nature, to listen for owls and to learn about local animals that are active at night. BRVTA will be joined by special guest Cassie Greidanus of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority. The Owl Prowl will take place at the Sawmill Trail. The Sawmill Trail entrance can be found by turning right off of Hwy 21, north of the Bayfield Bridge, onto Old River Road, then proceed about ½ km and turn right at Sawmill Rd. The trail entrance is at the end of this short road. Be sure to wear sturdy footwear and some listening ears. Please do not bring lights as red lights will be provided.

These hikes are free and open to the public. For more information contact Ralph Blasting at 519-525-3205 or rjblastingjr@gmail.com.

“JAM FOR BRITAIN” CAMPAIGN FOCUS OF UPCOMING HISTORICAL SOCIETY TALK

The “Jam for Britain” campaign was launched by a small group in Norfolk County during WWII. The history behind the initiative will be the focus of the next online speaker event hosted by the Bayfield Historical Society on Nov. 6. (Submitted photo)

As Remembrance Day approaches, the Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) will host a second talk on women and the war effort. In September, Laurie Hazzard’s excellent presentation focused on the role of Canadian nurses during the First World War. And now, BHS turns to the Second World War and a story about Canadian women who mobilized on the homefront.

The “Jam for Britain” campaign was launched by a small group in Norfolk County who wondered what they could do to help. Britain relied on fruit imports; with access blocked, jam would need to be shipped! What started as a local campaign was featured in the press and spread across the province, with Women’s Institutes, the Red Cross, and even corporate kitchens joining in. Guest speaker Samantha George has delved into newspapers and other sources to uncover this grassroots war effort. George is a museum specialist and culinary historian. Since 2000, she has been the curator of Parkwood Estate National Historic Site in Oshawa.

The free talk will be presented on ZOOM on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 7 p.m. (there will not be a recording available). Both BHS members and non-members are welcome to attend. To register and receive the ZOOM link, please email bhsmembers@gmail.com.

ADOPTION EVENT HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND

Marley (Submitted photo)

Anyone who wasn’t able to attend Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines’ “Kittenpalooza” at the end of September will get another chance to see some potential forever friends in-person at an adoption event to be held this weekend at the Pet Valu in Goderich.

The adoption event will be held on Oct. 26-27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days,

Although Marley, the Adopt a BFF kitten of the week, is too young to attend the adoption event several of his fellow felines will be on hand.

“Marley is a gorgeous little boy, he and another kitten, a calico that is quite possibly his sister, were found in someone’s greenhouse and surrendered to BFF,” explained Deb Penhale, representing BFF.

Penhale went on to say that Marley will likely be medium haired as currently his coat is a little fluffy. He is about three months old but has retained blue eyes.

“This is unusual,” said Penhale. “Chances are he will remain a blue-eyed boy. He’s super energetic, loves to play, loves to be brushed, loves food, running and climbing. Although at this point in time being held is not his favorite thing, he will allow pets and once tired will curl up in your lap.”

Exciting news for BFF as they recently launched their website! Included on this website is lots of helpful information on how people can help feral kittens. The site, www.bayfieldsforgottenfelines.ca, features a searchable index of all the cats and kittens available for adoption. This includes pictures and descriptions of their personalities. Plus there is  a new option for making donations by credit card. The website also includes online forms that automate the adoption and volunteer application processes as well as testimonials from previous adopters who found their purrfect matches at BFF.

Please reach out to bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com to learn more about Marmalade and others. The adoption fee is $250. Adopted cats are vetted, shots are up-to-date and they are also spayed or neutered. Can’t adopt or foster at this time?  Consider donating for medical care and food to the email address listed above via E-transfer or mail financial donations to P.O. Box 33, Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0.

RETIRED TEACHERS AND EDUCATION WORKERS PLANT TREES TO COMMEMORATE MILESTONE

PHOTOS COURTESY WILHELMINA LAURIE

Job done! Pictured are some of the 22 RTO members and Thames Valley Conservation Authority staff who created a plantation of 50 trees and low growth shrubs at the West Perth Wetlands. The project was funded entirely by donations from RTO members in Huron-Perth.

On Oct. 17, RTO District 9-Huron Perth retired teachers and education workers brought their shovels and spades and set to work planting 50 trees to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of their organization. In conjunction with the Thames Valley Conservation Authority (TVCA)  the trees were planted at the West Perth Wetlands in Mitchell, ON.

The project was spear-headed by RTO Executive members Joanne Carr and David McClure with help from Patrick Donnelly, retired conservation officer;  Nic Larson, director of Community Services for West Perth; and Vanni Azzano, supervisor of Community Education for the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.

Carolinian species such as Pin and Red Oak, Native Red and Sugar Maple, Nannyberry, Basswood and Eastern Pine trees were planted to create a mini-forest that will mitigate climate change, sequester carbon, provide a learning ground and give recreational enjoyment to generations to come.

As well as 50 native trees, the group also capitalized on the gift of almost as many low growth shrubs provided by Don Farwell, also an RTO member and member of the Tri-County Master Gardeners. Shrubs such as Dogwood, Elderberry, Serviceberry, Pussy Willow and more will help to naturalize the plantation more quickly and provide food and shelter for birds and wildlife.

For anyone who would like to visit the West Perth Wetlands and see the plantation it is located at the far south end of Wellington Street in Mitchell. The project, entirely funded by RTO District 9 members in cooperation with the TVCA, will eventually be marked with a rock and plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary of RTO in Huron-Perth.

RTO District 9 Huron-Perth represents 1,100 retired and actively employed teachers and education workers in the two counties. Across Canada, RTO represents over 85,000 members, and advocates for seniors, geriatric health care and the environment.

RADIOTHON RAISES THOUSANDS  FOR VITAL HEALTH CARE PROJECTS

Radio personalities Julie B. and Phil Main were on the air broadcasting during the CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon held over seven hours on Oct. 19 to raise funds for area hospitals. (Submitted photos)

On Oct. 19, the CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon took to the airwaves with a mission to inspire support for local hospitals in mid-western Ontario.

At the end of the seven-hour broadcast, $375,209 was raised toward vital health care projects for hospitals in the participating communities, including: Mount Forest, Wingham, Palmerston, Walkerton, Listowel, Clinton, Hanover and Seaforth.

Each year since 2002, the CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon has dedicated a day to helping local hospitals share their message and inspire giving within their communities. This year, the Radiothon was broadcast on AM920 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and featured heartwarming patient stories, interviews highlighting each foundation’s fundraising goals and projects, and motivational challenges encouraging listeners to make a donation and become a “Health Care Hero”. In addition to the on-air broadcast, many of the participating hospital foundations also held in-person events to support their cause, including community breakfasts, photo sessions and bake sales.

Prior to going on air, each foundation selected an important project for which they were raising funds, including essential equipment like hematology analyzers, IT support and upgrades, patient beds, laboratory equipment, and vital signs monitors. The cost of capital equipment in Ontario hospitals is not supported though government funding, and these projects depend on gifts made from within the community. A number of philanthropic businesses and organizations, including Germania Mutual Insurance, Bruce Power, Howick Mutual Insurance, and Axiom Mutual Insurance directed their support towards multiple participating hospital foundations.

Throughout its 23 years, the CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon has raised a grand total of $14,874,093 for local healthcare. For many of the participating hospitals, Radiothon is one of their major fundraising campaigns each year, helping them to fund essential capital projects and equipment.

Anyone who would like to contribute, text giving is open until the end of October, and they can make a $10 donation simply by texting the word “HERO” followed by the name of the hospital they are supporting to 41010. Alternatively, they can visit cknx.ca/health-care-heroes-radiothon.

The 24th Annual CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon will take place on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.

BUS SHELTER ILLUMINATION PROJECT COMPLETED

On Oct. 16, the ribbon was cut on the new look for the Points Plaza Huron Shores Area Transit bus stop. Taking part in the ceremony were from l-r: Lambton Shores Mayor Doug Cook, Artist Moses Lunham, Artist Bridget George and Kettle & Stony Point First Nation Chief Kimberly Bressette. (Submitted photos)

Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT) celebrated the completion of its Bus Shelter Illumination Project on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Lambton Shores Mayor Doug Cook and Kettle & Stony Point First Nation Chief Kimberly Bressette joined artists Moses Lunham and Bridget George in a shared ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Points Plaza illuminated bus shelter located at the First Nation.

Made possible in part by a $2,500 grant from Lambton County’s Creative County Grant program, HSAT ran a contest during the summer for Kettle & Stony Point First Nation (KSPFN) artists to submit a design for installation on two bus shelters located at Points Plaza and Stony Point Community (on Army Camp Road). The project was designed to enhance the bus passenger experience while showcasing the rich cultural heritage of KSPFN. The project is the first of its kind in Southwest Ontario.

Admiring the new look of the Stony Point Community Huron Shores Area Transit bus stop were l-r: Lambton Shores Mayor Doug Cook, Artist Bridget George, Artist Moses Lunham, and Kettle & Stony Point First Nation Chief Kimberly Bressette and Southwind Corporate Development CEO Michael George.

Two winning entries, selected by Southwind Corporate Development’s Board of Directors, were digitally printed onto durable, weather-resistant vinyl and will adorn the bus shelters for many years. The winning artists, Moses Lunham (artwork installed at Points Plaza bus stop) and Bridget George (artwork installed at Stony Point Community bus stop), both received a $2,000 honorarium for their designs. Lunham and George are graduates of Fanshawe College’s graphic arts program. Lunham began expressing his artistic abilities through traditional arts and crafts at a young age, later developing his own work and style and has worked in the graphic arts field for more than 25 years. George is an award-winning illustrator and visual artist. She is also the author and illustrator of the Ojibwe children’s book “It’s a Mitig!”, a dual-language rhyming introduction to the Ojibwe language, and a TD Summer Reading Club’s recommended read.

“We are grateful for the support of the Creative County Grant program, Lambton Shores, KSPFN and Rotary Club of Grand Bend that made this project possible,” said HSAT Transit Coordinator Susan Mills. “The visually enhanced bus shelters create a positive and welcoming impression for bus passengers of what otherwise is basic, functional street furniture.”

For more information about bus schedules and routes, visit HuronShoresAreaTransit.ca or call 1-888-465-0783 (daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m). For more information about the bus shelter illumination project, contact Transit Coordinator Susan Mills at transit@lambtonshores.ca or call 519 243-1400 Ext. 8108.

WILD ONTARIO TO ATTEND OWL PROWL

Owls are incredible creatures of the night. Over the years, hundreds of people have learned about owls and their amazing nocturnal adaptations at the annual Owl Prowl.

People must pre-register to take part in this event to be held on Friday, Nov. 15.  To register go to Owl Prowl. Registration is free but organizers encourage donations to Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) in support of Foundation programming.

The event includes one group from 5:30-7 p.m. and a second group from 7:30-9 p.m. There are a maximum of 75 participants in each group. It has been confirmed that participants will have a chance to view live owls, courtesy of WILD Ontario.

Cassie Greidanus is the Conservation Education Coordinator with ABCA. She shared that the Owl Prowl offers people a way to be active in nature, listen for owls, learn about local animals active at night, and to show their support for conservation education.

“This event is possible thanks to the donations by those taking part,” she said. “That generous support raises money to support conservation education programs for the next year.”

She would like to invite participants to “explore our nocturnal world, including owls and other nocturnal species of Ontario.” She shared that people registered for the event should “…be prepared to learn all about the nightlife happening when we are normally tucked into bed…” and to “…discover the adaptations of our owls and the creatures with which they co-exist.”

To find out more visit the Ausable Bayfield Conservation events page: ABCA Events or contact Greidanus by emailing cgreidanus@abca.ca or by calling  519 235-2610, or toll-free 1-888-286-2610, Ext. 262.

The Owl Prowl will run rain, snow or shine but not if there is thunder or lightning. In the case of a cancellation, registrants will be notified via email.

The Owl Prowl is possible thanks to the support of ABCF, and its donors and community supporters, and the support of ABCA and its member municipalities.

Morrison Dam Conservation Area is located at 71108 Morrison Line, RR 3 Exeter. It is two km East of Exeter and just south of Hwy 83.