COUNCILOR’S CORNER

There is a considerable number of items on the agenda for the next Councilor’s Corner hosted by Bayfield Ward Councilor for the Municipality of Bluewater Bill Whetstone scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena.

The public is invited to attend the session that will run from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The topics on the docket include: 2026 Budget Review; Mill Road-Cameron Street and  Hwy 21 intersection; Coyote Bounty Program; Bluewater Generation Project on Mill Road; Bayfield Sewage Capacity Expansion Update; Bayfield Community Centre Expansion Update; Short Term Rental Program Licensing Update.

As always there will be time set aside for open discussion as well.

The Bayfield Community Centre and Arena is located at 4 Jane Street in the village.

CANDY CANE HUNT

The third annual Candy Cane Hunt will be happening at the Varna Nature Trails on Sunday, Dec. 7.

The countdown to this free event will begin at 1 p.m. and it will happen rain or shine – so those who attend should dress for the weather.

The Municipality of Bluewater is partnering with the Bayfield River Valley Trails Association (BRVTA), Seeds Rooted in Youth, and the Bayfield Optimists to provide this community event for kids under 12 years old.

Participants are invited to walk along the Taylor Trail to find candy canes “growing” from the trees! Hot chocolate and treats will be available afterwards in the community centre, as well as a special activity provided by Seeds Rooted in Youth and the Bayfield Optimists.  No registration is necessary, but all children must be accompanied by an adult.  Dogs must be kept on leash at all times.

Organizers would like to thank Exeter Canadian Tire for donating the candy canes and Tim Horton’s in Bayfield for generously providing the hot beverages and snacks!

The Varna Nature Trails are located at 38594 Mill Road in Varna. The Taylor Trail is 1 km in length and is stroller/wagon accessible.

SELECTION COMMITTEE

The Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) is excited to announce plans of a Public Art Sculpture to be installed in Clan Gregor Square to celebrate Bayfield’s founding in 2026! This piece will not be a monument or statue, but rather an artist’s interpretation of what makes Bayfield truly special – its character, history, and surroundings.

The BCA is now looking for six individuals who would be willing to be members of a selection committee for the intended public art installation in Clan Gregor Square in 2026.

“Members do not need to have a background in the arts. In fact we encourage diversity in this representation of Bayfield’s community,” said Leslee Squirrell, president of the BCA.

Meetings will take place in December and again in early Spring.

“This is not an onerous undertaking. It is a few meetings to ensure that the community has input into the project along with our previous survey outreach,”said Squirrell.

Those who are interested in participating are asked to kindly email lsquirrell@bayfieldarts.ca with their interest.

TURKEY BINGO

One of the village’s favorite pre-Christmas events returns with the Bayfield Lions’ Turkey Bingo on Monday, Dec. 8.

The games will begin  at 7 p.m. sharp at the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena. The doors to the centre will open on this three hour event at 6:15 p.m.

This fun evening is always well-attended. There will be 16 turkeys up for grabs (14 game prizes and two as door prizes) and in addition, there will be five Share-the-Wealth games to boost the lucky winners’ holiday spending allowances. Participants must be 18 years and up to play.

The funds raised are to be split between the Bayfield Area Food Bank (BAFB) and Artemis Huron (Women’s Shelter). The Lions will also accept donations of non-perishable items and toys at the door. AGCO Licence #: M855521

SANTA VISITS

Every holiday season for many years the volunteers with the Bayfield Lions Club have organized visits from Santa Claus for village residents over the age of 80 as well as to people who may be shut-in due to health reasons. Just a reminder that, for those that have contacted the Lions and confirmed they will be home Santa will be visiting this Saturday, Nov. 29.

Santa’s visit also extends to former residents of Bayfield who are now living in assisted living facilities in the Municipality of Bluewater and have been made known to the Lions.

BRICK FUNDRAISER

Looking for a unique Christmas gift idea? The Bayfield Optimist Club is organizing their annual “Engrave Your Brick” campaign starting now instead of in the winter months to allow people the opportunity to give them as presents!

Large bricks are available for $130 while medium size bricks will cost $100.

Bricks will be engraved in the Spring but can be purchased in advance by contacting Optimist Jeff Kish via email at jeff.kish.home@gmail.com.

SANTA LETTERS

Santa Claus has gone digital! The good news is the North Pole has the technology to accept letters by email and so everyone is invited to send their wish lists to santaslittleworkshopnp@gmail.com.

Parents should ensure that their child’s full name is included with their letter. Please only send one letter so as not to overload the workshop! Emailed letters will be accepted until Dec. 19.

ANGLICAN  CHAPEL

Volunteers will soon be decorating Trinity St. James Chapel for the Christmas season enhancing the charm of the historic building and readying it for “Traditions and Carols” on Dec. 7. All denominations welcome. (Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder)

The Trinity St. James Chapel will host their last service for 2025 on Sunday, Dec. 7 and it is shaping up to be a very special one as those who gather will be treated to stories about the origins of beloved holiday traditions mixed with the singing of carols.

“Traditions and Carols” with Eucharist will be held starting at 2 p.m. led by Rev’d Justin Comber and is open to all in the community, including families. The origins of many Advent and Christmas symbols, such as, the colored candles and Poinsettia, will be explored in story and song.  Following the service there will be a time of fellowship and refreshment in the TSJ Hall. Rumour has it there may be gingerbread cookies!

Formerly known as the Parish Hall, the TSJ Hall, located at 10 Keith Crescent in the village, is now operated for community use by an Association and is available to rent for such uses as club and business meetings, family gatherings or events including, weddings and funerals.

The TSJ Hall and Trinity St James Chapel now has a dedicated website and people are invited to visit it to learn more about events and rental opportunities at www.trinitystjamesbayfield.com.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Pieter VanMeekeren (left) of Knox Presbyterian Church poses with special guest Brent Grein who led an AED training workshop at the church on Nov. 23. (Submitted photo)

On Sunday, Nov, 23, the congregation of Knox Presbyterian Church in Bayfield was delighted to host Brent Grein, an account manager with Rescue 7 of Markham, ON as well as a 20 year firefighter.

Grein conducted a workshop/training session on how to use Knox’s generously donated Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The AED was gifted to the church from a friend of a congregant.

The training was about an hour long and was not restricted to the Knox congregation as they had others from the local community join. Those who attended noted that it was a very informative session. The congregation is planning to host another session, open to all once again, in the Spring. More details to follow.

Knox, Bayfield holds weekly services on Sundays at 11 a.m. These services are open to everyone.

Knox Presbyterian Church Bayfield is located at 2 Bayfield Main Street North. To learn more visit knoxbayfield.ca or follow them on YouTube – Knox, Bayfield.

UNITED CHURCH

At St. Andrew’s United Church the Advent Season always begins with the “Hanging of the Greens”.

This year the congregation will meet for a potluck lunch at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29 and then stay afterwards to decorate the church.

Rev. Dr. Sheila Macgregor will be leading in worship during the season and on Christmas Eve. Sunday, Nov. 30, marks the first day of Advent during the worship service the Lord’s Supper will be celebrated. All are welcome to share!

On the third Sunday of Advent,  Dec. 14,  starting at 2:30 p.m. there will be a wonderful concert at St. Andrew’s with Martha Lawrence, harpist, Mary McGoldrick, pianist, and the Blyth Festival Strings!

On the fourth Sunday of Advent, Dec. 21, St. Andrew’s is delighted to welcome Rev. John Bannerman and the congregation of Knox Presbyterian Church to share in their service, at which Rev. Bannerman will be preaching. Later that same evening St. Andrew’s will join their friends at Knox at 7 p.m. for their very beautiful and meditative Longest Night worship service.

The Christmas cycle then begins on Christmas Eve with a worship service at St. Andrew’s at 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

SEASONAL SERENADE

All are welcome to attend “A Seasonal Serenade” with Harpist Martha Lawrance and Pianist Mary McGoldrick on the afternoon of Dec. 14 at St. Andrew’s United Church.

The duo will be joined by special musical guests, “The Blyth Festival Strings”, when the concert begins at 2:30 p.m.

Admission is by donation with proceeds going to the Huron-Perth Centre for child and youth mental health. Visit hpcentre.on.ca to learn more.

St. Andrew’s United Church is located at 6 The Square in Bayfield.

HOMEMADE HOLIDAYS

“Homemade Holidays” is a program being offered at the Bayfield Branch Library in the days leading up to Dec. 25th, all sponsored by the Friends of Bayfield Library.

Those who take part in this series of holiday crafting will create beautiful, high-quality decorations and gifts. All one-hour sessions begin at 5:45 p.m. and are for ages 12 and up.

On Tuesday, Nov. 25 participants will make a “Simmer Pot Potpourri” by mixing and matching seasonal spices, fruits, and herbs. This fragrant simmer pot potpourri is sure to fill a home with the cozy scents of winter.

Then on Tuesday, Dec. 9, the theme of the evening will be “Cooke Sheet Countdown” as participants will create their own festive Christmas countdown using cookie sheets and Cricut-cut vinyl to mark the days leading up to Santa’s arrival!

Please note that registration is required for both of these sessions. People may register by contacting the library at 519 565-2886 or via email at bayfieldlibrary@huroncounty.ca.

The Bayfield Branch Library is located at 18 Main Street North in the village.

MAHJONG

Mahjong will be held on Wednesdays at the Bayfield Branch Library on a weekly basis.

Anyone who would like to learn this fun tile game are invited to join returning players starting at 1:30 p.m.  Instruction will be given to those wanting to learn. Individuals who already know how to play are encouraged to come out to enjoy meeting others in a social setting.

Those who would like to learn more about MahJong are asked to please contact Marlene McDougall by calling 226 441-2075  or  emailing  marlenemcdougall7@gmail.com.

The Bayfield Branch Library is located at 18 Main Street North in the village.

BAYFIELD CALENDAR

The Bayfield Lions Club is proud to announce that their 2026 Bayfield Calendar is now for sale. This is the 16th edition of the calendar and the 14th as a joint project of the Bayfield Lions and the Photography Club of Bayfield.

These beautiful calendars would make an ideal Christmas gift or souvenir and can be purchased for $20 from any Lion member as well as from Bayfield’s premiere volunteer salesperson, Justyne Chojnacka. The calendars can also be purchased at Bayfield Convenience and Gifts, Bayfield Foodland, or The Village Bookshop or by going directly to www.bayfieldcalendar.ca  and following the instructions there.

WEDNESDAY BRIDGE

The Bayfield Bridge Club meets on Wednesday afternoons at St. Andrew’s United Church.

Players do not need to attend with a partner to participate in these “drop-in” sessions. New people are invited to join in this great opportunity to make new friends as partners are switched after every four hands. There are weekly reviews on bidding responses at the beginning of each session for example, responses to a No Trump open etc. Snacks are served mid-session.

The cost to take part is $4 per player.  The cards are shuffled at 1 p.m.  All levels of players are welcome to take part in these games that are played year-round.

St Andrew’s United Church is located at 6 The Square in the village.

LIVERY FILM FEST

Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson steps behind the camera for the first time with “Eleanor The Great”, a tender, funny, and deeply human film that had audiences at recent festivals both laughing and wiping away tears.

The film stars 95 year-old Oscar nominee June Squibb (Thelma, Nebraska, The Humans), whose luminous performance anchors this moving story about loss, reinvention, and the courage it takes to start again.

Eleanor The Great is the next presentation by the Livery Film Fest and plays for one night only. Save the date, Thursday, Nov. 27, for this touching, poignant film. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m. and the film starts at 7 p.m.

The film follows Eleanor Morgenstein who, after the death of her best friend Bessie, leaves Florida and moves to New York City. She moves in with her daughter and grandson in Manhattan, but struggles with loneliness and grief.

Johansson, who also co-wrote and produced the film, demonstrates a natural instinct for storytelling and a gentle touch as a director. Her focus on character and emotional truth brings warmth and intimacy to every frame.

Squibb’s portrayal of Eleanor has been hailed as one of the finest performances of her career – wry, wise, and unexpectedly bold. The supporting cast includes Erin Kellyman, Jessica Hecht, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Scarlett Johansson herself in a brief but memorable appearance.

Critics have praised Eleanor The Great for its blend of humour and heart, calling it “a quietly profound reflection on aging, friendship, and the stories we tell to make sense of our lives.”

With Eleanor The Great, Johansson proves she is as compelling a storyteller behind the camera as she is on screen – delivering a film that reminds audiences it’s never too late to find your voice, or to begin again.

BLUEWATER NEWS

The office of the Municipality of Bluewater Council has submitted the following to the Bayfield Breeze as highlights of their regular meeting of council held on Nov. 17.

• Directed that a report be brought back to amend the 2025-2026 Winter Maintenance Program to include maintenance of Hurondale Road from Bell’s Line to Airport Line. Approved staff to work with the Zurich Minor Athletic Association in 2026 on the installation of bench shelters at the Zurich baseball diamond, including an agreement outlining roles and responsibilities for design, procurement and construction, risk management, and ongoing maintenance, and ensuring compliance with all applicable municipal policies and procedures. Applicable municipal building permit fees will be funded through the Parks operating budget.
• Directed staff to submit a delegation request to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for the ROMA Conference requesting that the province take action to support rural areas experiencing ongoing conflict between humans and coyotes, and implement wildlife management solutions in an effort to prevent further loss of local livestock and pets.
• Directed the Treasurer to fund the purchase of the 2020 CAT 150 Motor Grader by internally borrowing from the Water Reserve Fund, with repayment to be made through the Fleet operating budget over a period of three years, at an interest rate of 4.45 per cent beginning in 2026.
• Approved the 2026 Council Meeting and Holiday Calendar.
• Entered into an updated water servicing agreement with the Municipality of Central Huron for Bluewater properties serviced by the Central Huron Water System on Dinsley Terrace and London Road (Hwy 4).
• Directed staff to put out a call for expression of interest for the repurposing of the salvaged Bayfield Willow tree materials, and that the submissions be brought back to Council for consideration.
• Directed staff to enter into an encroachment agreement with the owner of 72639 and 72636 Princess Street for encroachments within the road allowance.

WINGS OF A DOVE

A dedicated team of volunteers came out on Nov. 18 to put the letters in the mail. And with that, Huron Hospice launched its annual “Wings of a Dove” fundraiser. The annual campaign raises money to fund the Loss, Grief and Bereavement Service at Huron Hospice.

“The Grief Service helps children, as young as four, to youth, and adults of any age, learn how to manage their grief,” said Executive Director Willy Van Klooster. “Loss is something we experience at any age, and when we do, we grieve. Some people have difficulty managing their grief. That’s where Huron Hospice can help. It’s okay to say I need help.

“This year, when people give to Wings Of A Dove, Compass Minerals, Merner Contracting, the Lions Club of Brussels and an anonymous donor will match all gifts up to $20,000. Compass Minerals, the Lions Club, and Merner Contracting have been wonderful supporters of the Wings Of A Dove campaign for several years. This year, just after volunteers put the letters in the mail, an anonymous donor called and expressed interest in participating. The match means a gift of $100 becomes $200, and $250 grows to $500, or $500 becomes $1,000.”

People can support Huron Hospice by making a gift online at www.huronhospice.ca, by E-transfer, or over the phone. If people want to donate by cheque, it can be mailed to Huron Hospice at 98 Shipley Street in Clinton or dropped off at Bender House located near Clinton at 37857 Huron Road.

For any questions, please call Manager of Fund Development, Christopher Walker at 519 525-7352.

The grief service is offered at no cost to the user because the last thing a family should have to worry about at a challenging time is the cost of services. It’s all about ensuring that compassionate care is available throughout Huron County.

If anyone feels like they are having a difficult time managing their grief, they should call Sally at 519 525-6331.

GIFT OF LIGHTS

The Auxiliary of Clinton Public Hospital (CPH) is once again lighting the “Gift of Lights” trees.

The trees will be lit on Friday, Nov. 28 radiating their warmth throughout the holiday season. It has always been a sincere joy to celebrate the lighting of the lights on the hospital’s Front Entrance and the trees located across the street from the front entrance of CPH.

The lights are meant to honor the many memories of individuals and families or as a gift to special people. A donation towards the Gift of Lights honors or gifts those individuals. The donations that have been made over the past years have been a gift in another way as well. Those donations have assisted in the purchase of many new items and equipment that have been needed and used at CPH. By purchasing a ticket towards the Gift of Lights people are lighting up a memory or a gift and they are giving a donation that keeps on giving and giving.

Organizers are happy to announce that they are holding a gathering to celebrate this event starting at 6:30 p.m. All are invited to attend. There will be entertainment, free draw prizes and refreshments.

The purchase of a ticket or tickets will help the trees to shine brightly and give honor to many special people past and present. Tickets can be purchased from Auxiliary members or at the hospital Gift Shop as a way of continuing to support the tree lighting and the hospital and as a way to continue to honor others by gifting them a light.

Any donation of $20 or more will be issued a tax receipt.

On Nov. 28 and in the days following, people are encouraged to drive up Shipley Street, past CPH to see the glowing lights as a happy reminder of how many people have been helped by this annual campaign.

Clinton Public Hospital is located at 98 Shipley Street.

SOUND OF GODERICH

The Christmas Sound of Goderich Concert has been sent for Sunday, Nov. 30 at Lakeshore United Church.

This concert will feature the Goderich Laketown Band, MacKay Choristers and special guests, “Lyrica Harps”. Performances will begin at 3 p.m. Admission is by donation.

Lakeshore United Church is located at 56 North Street in Goderich.

GATEWAY LECTURE SERIES

Technology and medication can be difficult to understand and use. On Tuesday, Dec. 2nd, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) will welcome Dr. Tejal Patel to present on “Taking Charge of Your Medications: What You Need to Know and the Tools That Can Help You.”

Dr. Patel, who is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy, will be present via ZOOM for one hour starting at noon.

Dr. Patel’s research centers on medication use by older adults. She focuses on addressing the design and role of technology in management of medications in the home and personalization of medication adherence aids based on person specific abilities.

Joining this discussion is Pharmacist and Owner of Kristen’s Pharmacy in Kincardine, Kristen Watt; and Sarah Milner, Executive director of the Central Lambton Family Health Team.

To attend this event and future presentations, please register at Gateway Lecture Series.

NEW DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS

The Bayfield Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) has been operating at capacity and therefore planning proposals for new and/or infill development have not been feasible within the settlement area.

The Municipality of Bluewater is currently undertaking an expansion to the WWTP; the project is projected to meet completion in Summer 2026, subject to weather and project milestones.  The Municipality is also working towards the development of a Servicing Allocation Policy which will help manage and distribute available allocation.  The expanded capacity, and allocation policy, will allow for new development.

In anticipation of this additional reserve capacity, the Council of the Municipality of Bluewater has authorized planning staff to begin accepting planning applications for new development.

Applications will be accepted as of Jan. 5, 2026 with the understanding that the expanded plant will not be fully operational until June, 2026 (estimated).  By accepting applications in January, this will allow time for applicants to prepare necessary studies, submit applications, and to allow for required review and processing time under the Planning Act.

Questions or requests for further information can be directed by mail to: Bluewater Municipal Office, 14 Mill Ave., Zurich ON, Attention: Lindsay Whalen, Planning coordinator or by emailing planninginfo@municipalityofbluewater.ca or  by calling 519 236-4351 Ext. 235. Individuals may also call Sarah Smith, planner at 519 524-8394 Ext. 3.

The Huron County Museum is home to thousands of artifacts that illustrate the history of both the rural and urban populations of the area. Space dictates what wonderful curiosities the public regularly gets to see when they visit the museum located at 110 North Street in Goderich. But where there is wifi, there is an opportunity to time-travel with over 6,700 pieces of the museum’s collection now available to view online at huroncountymuseum.pastperfectonline.com.

“Remember This” highlights items from the collection of the Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol. Items that have shaped the fabric of the county and the people who have lived here since before the county became the county in 1835 up until more recent times.

before the county became the county in 1835 up until more recent times.

The sending and receiving of holiday cards is a long-standing tradition for many…this week, we highlight one such card handcrafted by a county artist…

CHRISTMAS CARD

This Christmas Card is entitled, “Winter Scene”. The image was painted and the card was handmade by Dorothy Cruickshank. It depicts a snow covered house with a yardside, ice rink with four children playing –  three of them are ice skating while one is sitting on a sled.

Artist Dorothy (Wade) Cruickshank, was the wife of Gerald William “Bud” Cruickshank, and the daughter-on-law of Doc Cruickshank, the founder of CKNX. She was a member of the Wingham Art Club and was known for her watercolor drawings and paintings.