The Bayfield BreezeIssue 864 Week 05 Vol 17
January 28, 2026
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BAYFIELD RESIDENTS SOUGHT FOR COAST WATCHERS
The Lake Huron Coastal Centre (LHCC), Coast Watchers serve as the “eyes and ears” of Lake Huron’s coastline. Volunteers for the Coast Watchers Community Science Monitoring Program are now being sought to monitor the Bayfield and area shoreline. (Submitted photo)
The Coast Watchers Community Science Monitoring Program marked its 20th year in 2025. Run by the Lake Huron Coastal Centre (LHCC), Coast Watchers serve as the “eyes and ears” of Lake Huron’s coastline.
Volunteers systematically and consistently collect data along the shoreline making it possible to track long-term trends in shoreline conditions and contribute to both short-term sustainability efforts and long-term resiliency goals of the LHCC. Given Lake Huron’s vast 6,170 km shoreline – the longest of any Great Lake – monitoring it in detail is a challenge for any single agency. This is where community scientists play a critical role in tracking and documenting changes along the coast.
Once again, Coast Watchers collected data from May to October 2025 on atmospheric conditions, wildlife, algae washups, plastic pollution, human activities, and storm damage. Over 800 reports were made from volunteers monitoring the Canadian shoreline, all the way from Sarnia to the Bruce Peninsula. This data informs conservation programs run by the LHCC, and will be shared with partners, including researchers, government bodies, private companies, and other non-profit organizations, to dive deeper on issues facing Lake Huron.
According to data, it was a hot year! In the 2025 Coast Watchers Annual Report, LHCC staff compared Coast Watchers temperature data to Lake Huron Climate Normals, generated by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and United States National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Climate Normals are developed through averaging long-term data (more than 15 years) to describe the average conditions of climate in a specific location. The LHCC found that average air and water temperatures collected by Coast Watchers were warmer than the historical average. Due to the known effects of climate change, it is expected that there will continue to be summers with higher temperatures like what was observed in 2025.
Lots of critters were spotted on the beach! As wildlife is an integral part of the Lake Huron ecosystem, Coast Watchers reported on wildlife observed on the beach, both living and deceased. These reports help to record the presence of at-risk species or the occurrence of wildlife die-off events.
In 2025, the most common animal observed by volunteers was a gull, followed by Canadian geese. Also observed were swans, buffleheads, gizzard shad fish, mergansers, turkey vultures, monarch butterflies, cormorants, egrets, minnows, and potentially a piping plover – an endangered species!
Coast Watchers reported 51 deceased or decomposing fish on the shoreline this year, which is over double what was reported by Coast Watchers last year. The majority of these reports were made from May to July, which corresponds to a gizzard shad fish die off recognized in the news, suggested by fisheries scientists to be due to an outbreak of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS).
There was no shortage of beachgoers! Coast Watchers monitor the shoreline for human activity, tracking the number of people, cars, and pets on the beach or in the lake through the season. The busiest beach this year was Saugeen Beach, and the busiest time was July. Sixty-six per cent of vehicles observed on the beach were at Oliphant, which has a unique, gently sloping beach, in which large areas of the lakebed are exposed during low water levels. Driving along the beach to access the Fishing Islands or waterfront is common, although it can damage native wildlife habitats and increase vulnerability to invasive species such as the Common Reed (Phragmites australis).
Almost all of the shoreline is being monitored. Most of the shoreline was monitored in 2025, but there’s a large gap in volunteers reporting from Goderich to Camlachie. The Lake Huron Coastal Centre is actively looking for new volunteers for the Coast Watchers program, especially if people live in Bayfield, Grand Bend, Port Franks, or Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, or frequent these areas of the shoreline.
To become a Coast Watcher or learn more about the program visit: Coast Watchers. To read the full report from 2025, visit: Coast Watchers Annual Report 2025.
Anyone interested in becoming a data sharing partner, is asked to please contact coastwatchers@lakehuron.ca.
This program was made possible due to the generous support of Bruce Power, the McCall MacBain Foundation, and the Government of Ontario.
GROUP DEDICATED TO IMPROVING SAFETY ALONG VILLAGE HIGHWAY FORMED
A group of concerned Bayfield-area residents has come together to form a Community Safety Focus Group (CSFG) dedicated to advocating for improved traffic and pedestrian safety along the 3 km stretch of Highway 21 through the Village of Bayfield, from the Constable David Mounsey Bridge to Crystal Spring Road.
The formation of this group follows growing concerns among residents about the number and severity of vehicle accidents along this corridor, particularly at the intersection of Highway 21, Mill County Road 3, and Cameron Street, where several serious collisions and close calls have occurred over the past year.
Interest in addressing road safety was initially identified through feedback from residents responding to a Bayfield Ratepayers Association (BRA) seasonal newsletter, which invited community members to share concerns and express interest in getting involved. In response, interested residents came together to establish this CSFG, which is supported by the BRA.
The group is currently focused on several priority areas, including:
- Advocation for a consistent 50 km/h speed limit throughout the full 3 km village stretch of Highway 21
- Requesting the installation of solar-powered radar speed indicator signs
- Encouraging interim safety measures to reduce risk at the Highway 21/Mill County Road 3/Cameron Street intersection while longer-term solutions are being reviewed and implemented by the Ministry of Transportation (MTO)
The CSFG meets virtually on a monthly basis. The group is being facilitated by Pat Heffernan, secretary, and Anette Christensen Kalm, committee chair, who are coordinating communication and organization on behalf of participating residents.
Community members who would like more information, wish to share observations, or are interested in contributing to the group’s work are encouraged to reach out by email to achristensenkalm@gmail.com.
Further updates will be shared in upcoming editions of the “Bayfield Breeze”.
FOUR DAYS LEFT TO APPLY FOR COMMUNITY GRANTS
Bayfield Lions Club President Karen Scott would like to announce that the deadline for the club’s community grants to be used in conjunction with the village’s 150th anniversary has been extended to midnight, Saturday, Jan. 31st.
To celebrate Bayfield’s 150th anniversary since incorporation, happening this calendar year, the Lions have dedicated $10,000 for community grants of up to $1,000 per project.
They are inviting community groups to bring forward ideas that celebrate Bayfield’s history, arts, culture, heritage, and community vitality that could benefit from a grant. Lions involvement is not required beyond funding support.
The Project Proposal Form must be sent in prior to the deadline to qualify. No exceptions will be made. Approval notices will be emailed to successful applicants between Feb. 11–13. Funds will be distributed on or before Feb. 28.
In addition to filling out the form, applicants can also forward supporting documents such as promotional scripts or digital posters, press releases or partner confirmations that indicate the scope, support and excitement for the project. These can be sent to bayfieldlions@gmail.com under the subject “150 Celebration Proposal”.
The Lions members encourage everyone to work together to celebrate 150 years of Bayfield pride and thank people in advance for helping make this milestone year unforgettable.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT PHOTOGRAPHS THIS FRIDAY
To help celebrate Bayfield’s 150th anniversary, the Photography Club of Bayfield (PCoB), the Bayfield Lions Club, and the Bayfield Historical Society are producing a high-quality coffee table book featuring photos of Bayfield. The call is now going out for people to submit images for possible inclusion. The images above are examples of what organizers are looking for. (Submitted photos)
In 1876, with a population of 800 people, Bayfield was incorporated as a village.
To help celebrate Bayfield’s 150th anniversary, the Photography Club of Bayfield (PCoB), the Bayfield Lions Club (Lions) and the Bayfield Historical Society (BHS) are producing a high-quality coffee table book featuring photos of Bayfield.
This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who have created great Bayfield images over the years to have their photos take a place of honor in what will be a legacy book that will be valued for decades.
The book will be a high-quality, hard-covered book with stunning photographs and short historical vignettes celebrating 150 years of Bayfield. The book will be developed and produced wholly in Canada with photos contributed from PCoB members, the BHS and other area photographers. The book will be sold through multiple channels in and around Bayfield, making this a great opportunity to showcase a photographer’s work.
To participate:
- Please submit high resolution (>7.5 MPixels) stunning photos of Bayfield to pcob.book150@gmail.com.
- Photos can be emailed directly (no more than two per gmail) or via DropBox, Google Drive or any other transfer app.
- Photos can be any size/aspect ratio, and portrait, landscape, square or panorama.
- Individuals may submit as many as they like and are encouraged to invite their friends to submit as well.
Organizers are seeking photos of all aspects of Bayfield: Main Street, historic buildings, beaches, Bayfield Harbour, sailing, bridges, fishing, industry, retail, hospitality, parks, Two-Cow Barns, war memorial, churches, trails, sunsets, seasons, golf course, croquet court etc.
Participants are asked to please submit as soon as possible, the deadline for submissions is Friday, Jan. 30th. The sooner organizers can collect the photos; the sooner they can get the book into print.
Please note that submission will constitute permission to use these images in both the book and marketing materials.
Those who wish to take part should feel free to reply with any questions or suggestions to the email listed above. Organizers are very excited about this project and feel it will be a great legacy gift for Bayfield that all can be an integral part of it!
VOTE FOR BFF
Readers can help Osprey win the title of “America’s Favorite Pet” by casting a free vote via Facebook. (Submitted photo)
Volunteers with Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines’ (BFF) have helped countless cats and kittens find their forever homes over the last several years – but it takes more than good intentions to make a difference – it takes money! That is why they have entered one of their shelter cats into a contest for a chance to win a tidy sum that could indeed make a difference and all they need from people is a daily free vote.
Anyone with a Facebook account can help by voting for a BFF kitten named Osprey who has been nominated to be “America’s Favorite Pet”. The exciting news is Osprey made it past the first and second rounds and is two steps closer to winning $10,000 USD for the shelter and to also be on the cover of “Modern Cat Magazine”, but she’s got to make it through the third round of voting and into the Top 10. This third round of voting ends at 7 p.m. PST tomorrow (Jan. 29). Voters are allowed one free vote per day. Please visit Osprey – America’s Favorite Pet to learn more and to cast a vote for BFF!
FRIENDS OF BAYFIELD LIBRARY
Friends of Bayfield Library (FOBL) is seeking volunteers to serve on their Board. This may be the perfect position for someone who not only loves the library but enjoys volunteering and working with an enthusiastic team to support their community library!
FOBL supports the Bayfield library by fundraising for library events, activities and priorities.
FOBL Board members are asked to attend monthly meetings at the library; create, organize and help with fundraising events like paint nights as well as the annual book sales and the “Red Cart”. Board Members also act as ambassadors for the library in the community and serve on the FOBL Executive.
Skills or experience in fundraising, event planning, finance/treasury or communications/social media are welcomed but not necessary.
Individuals who are interested or would like more information are asked to please send their name and phone number to contact@fobl.ca and they will be contacted by a Board member.
BAYFIELD TRAILS
Volunteers with the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) advise folks not to let the weather get them down. They believe that Winter can be the most enjoyable season. One way to embrace the season is to get outside for a hike or snowshoe. A few of the benefits of winter hiking are the beautiful scenery, the ability to spot animal tracks and there are no bugs!
There will be guided hikes every Saturday in January at Mavis’ Trail starting at 11a.m. Anyone interested is asked to meet at the Stanley Community Centre parking lot at 38595 Mill Road in Varna. If conditions allow, people are invited to bring snowshoes. These hikes are open to all and free of charge. Canine companions are always welcome but it is asked that they please be kept on a leash.
Upcoming guided hikes are published in the “Bayfield Breeze”, on the Municipality of Bluewater calendar, through monthly electronic newsletters and on the BRVTA website: www.bayfieldtrails.com.
For more information, contact Ralph Blasting at 519 525-3205 or rjblastingjr@gmail.com.
BRICK FUNDRAISER
People often ask if they can add an engraved brick to the path around the Splash Pad in Clan Gregor Square and members of the Optimist Club of Bayfield are pleased to announce that there is further opportunity to have a name added to the circle in 2026.
The engraved pavers in Clan Gregor Square are a reminder of how great area residents and visitors are when it comes to supporting such projects as the Playground and the Splash Pad.
“In Memoriam” stones for loved ones as well as “just because” stones can be ordered with the work being done on site later in 2026 using the same two brick sizes that are already installed around the Splash Pad. The cost of these engraved bricks will be medium, $100; and large, $130. The plan is to have the bricks engraved in late May just prior to opening the Splash Pad.
Anyone with an interest in adding a brick can contact Jeff Kish via email at jeff.kish.home@gmail.com or by calling 416 435-8700 for further information.
BAYFIELD COMMUNITY BOOK CLUB
The Bayfield Branch Library staff are pleased to share that they are welcoming people to join their new community-led Book Club.
The members will meet on the first Friday of each month for a relaxed and welcoming discussion where readers can share their thoughts and connect with fellow book lovers. Conversations will be guided by group members with the help of provided prompts.
The next meeting of the Bayfield Community Book Club will be on Friday, Feb. 6, at 10:30 a.m. at the Bayfield Library. Registration is requested by emailing bayfieldlibrary@huroncounty.ca.
The Bayfield Branch Library is located at 18 Main Street North in the village.
PA DAY LEGO PLAY
The whole family is encouraged to drop by the Bayfield Branch Library on the next PA Day, Friday, Jan. 30, for some LEGO® fun!
The library staff will provide the bricks, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., library visitors just need to bring their creativity.
Whether building towering castles, speedy cars, or anything that can be dreamed up, there’s something for everyone. This unstructured, hands-on program is perfect for kids and parents to build and play together at their own pace.
The Bayfield Branch Library is located at 18 Main Street North in the village.
IN MEMORIAM
Marg Coughlin (Submitted photo)
People in the community will no doubt be saddened to learn of the recent death of a longtime area resident.
Margaret (Marg) Edith Coughlin born Nov. 17, 1941 died on Dec. 22, 2025.
It is with heavy hearts that Marg’s family announce her passing. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and cherished friend who left this world in her 85th year.
Marg was the heart of her family, as a wife, she shared a life filled with love, partnership and unwavering support with Len, as a mother she gave endlessly, patience, her wisdom and her unconditional love.
To her friends, Marg was a constant source of kindness, laughter, and strength. She had a remarkable way of making people feel seen and heard Marg’s generosity of spirit and warmth left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 2nd from 1-3:00 p.m. at the recreation centre at Bluewater Shores. Donations may be made to the Clinton Public Hospital in her memory.
ABCA OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT WETLANDS
This Woodland Sunflower is an example of a native species of plant used in local wetland restorations. (Submitted photo)
World Wetlands Day is Monday, Feb. 2nd and so the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) is encouraging people to “Get Rooted, Grow Native Plants”.
Angela Van Niekerk is ABCA Wetlands Specialist. She said wetlands are extremely important and provide many benefits to people and to water quality and quantity.
“Together, we can create healthier, more diverse wetlands and natural spaces,” she said. Since 2008, ABCA has helped more than 130 local landowners create 174 wetlands.
The wetland projects have been possible with low or no costs to the participating landowners. This is thanks to the support of funding partners such as: Fisheries and Oceans Canada; Environment and Climate Change Canada; the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks; and Huron County Clean Water Project. Other funding partners have included Ducks Unlimited Canada and ALUS Middlesex among others.
Anyone who thinks a wetland may enhance their property is encouraged to contact ABCA.
“Give us a call at Ausable Bayfield Conservation for a site visit and to find out about financial incentives to make your project possible,” said Van Niekerk. Staff make it easy for landowners to do these projects with little or no paperwork, she said.
Anyone who would like to contribute to more native plants being planted in the community, is invited to Donate on the ABCA website.
People can also contact ABCA for volunteer opportunities by visiting: Get Involved.
The theme for World Wetlands Day (WWD) 2026 is “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage”.
This year’s celebration “…highlights the deep-rooted connections between wetlands and cultural practices, traditions and knowledge systems of communities across the globe.” To learn more visit WorldWetlandsDay.org.
ABCA has partnered with Baker’s Nursery Ltd., in the Bayfield area, to host a workshop on seeds from native plant species. The workshop will be held on Feb. 5. The public interest in this workshop was so great it was fully registered within a couple of days.
Todd Baker, of Baker’s Nursery, will give insight, at the workshop, on the whole process of growing native species of seeds. He will share about seed cleaning to stratification. Workshop registrants can participate in some hands-on sowing of seeds. Angela Van Niekerk will discuss, at the workshop, where they plant native species of plants at local wetland restorations.
Anyone interested in being placed on a waiting list for future native plant species workshops, can provide their contact information (name and email address) to Angela Van Niekerk at avanniekerk@abca.ca
BLUEWATER OFFICIAL PLAN PUBLIC MEETING SET FOR EARLY MARCH
The Municipality of Bluewater has initiated a review of its Official Plan. After ongoing community consultation and revisions to Official Plan policies and mapping, Municipality of Bluewater Council has scheduled a Public Meeting to gather public input before they consider adopting the draft amendment.
The Bluewater Community is invited to participate in this Public Meeting on Monday, March 2, at 5:30 p.m. at the Bluewater Council Chambers, 38594 Mill Road, Varna. The purpose of this meeting is to consider the Official Plan amendment under Sections 17 & 26 of the Planning Act.
A number of policy and mapping changes are proposed in the Official Plan Amendment as a result of the review. Key proposed changes include:
- Aligning development direction with projected growth;
- Implementing policy changes in accordance with updated provincial planning legislation;
- Implementing policy changes in accordance with the Huron County Official Plan;
- Updating mapping for urban settlement, agricultural, and natural environment areas;
- Including a Land Acknowledgement statement in the document; and
- Providing direction for energy projects proposed on agricultural lands.
If approved, these changes will be incorporated into the document. A copy of the second draft document will be made available at the following site prior to the public meeting: Official Plan Review. A copy of the proposed amendment is also available for review at the Municipal office in Zurich Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (with the exception of statutory holidays).
Any person may attend the public meeting and/or make written or verbal representation, either in support of or in opposition to the proposed Official Plan amendment. Comments, objections, or concerns may be submitted by email to op@municipalityofbluewater.ca or they may be submitted by mail to Municipality of Bluewater, 14 Mill Ave., Zurich ON, N0M 2T0 Attention: Lindsay Whalen, Planning coordinator. People may also call the Planner at 519 524-8394 Ext. 3 or the Planning Coordinator at 519 236-4351 Ext. 235. Individuals may also speak during the public meeting. They are encouraged to submit their comments before the meeting for consideration. Staff encourage written comments to be submitted by Feb. 25.
Please note that comments and opinions submitted on these matters, including the originator’s name and address, become part of the public record and may be viewed by the general public and published in a Planning Report, council agenda, or council minutes.
Verbal representation may be made via electronic participation, however, in-person attendance is encouraged. For those persons who wish to request to participate electronically at the meeting, please contact the Planner and Planning Coordinator using the contact information listed above no later than 3 p.m. on the date of the public meeting. All public meetings will be livestreamed where possible to the Municipality of Bluewater’s YouTube channel.
Anyone who wishes to be notified of the decision of the County of Huron on the proposed Official Plan Amendment must make a written request to the Municipality of Bluewater, Attention: Lindsay Whalen, Planning coordinator.
The Office for the Municipality of Bluewater is located at 14 Mill Avenue, in Zurich.
NEED FOR TREE PLANTING TRACED BACK OVER DECADES
It’s time to think about Spring tree planting! Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority has opened their Spring tree orders and there is an online ordering option. These orders can be made until Feb. 28. (Submitted photo)
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) invites watershed landowners to purchase trees through the Spring tree order program.
To make it easier to purchase trees this year, there is a new online tree order option. (Or, for those who prefer, there is a hard-copy printed tree order form or a PDF file download). The Spring tree order form can be found by visiting Tree Orders. The new online purchasing portal link can be found at: ABCA Shop. Trees are available on a first-come basis and stock availability is limited. Spring tree orders accompanied by payment, and online orders, can be made until Feb. 28.
Ian Jean is ABCA Forestry Specialist. He said there is a long legacy of tree planting in local watersheds. One might assume tree planting hasn’t changed much over the years but, he said, a deeper look reveals shifting trends and approaches as knowledge, priorities and the landscape have evolved over time.
Large-scale tree planting began locally during the 1950s and 1960s. Tree cover was lower than today and there was great public concern for topsoil erosion by wind and water. The provincial government at that time operated tree nurseries and related infrastructure, in addition to providing funds to purchase land for reforestation.
“Tree seedlings grown at the government nurseries were provided at very low cost, a few cents per tree, to landowners willing to reforest large blocks of land,” Jean said.
During that period, properties in areas like Hay Swamp were purchased by ABCA. They were planted with trees by the provincial Department of Lands and Forests.
“Primarily these were conifers, mainly White Pine, planted at six feet apart or about 1,200 trees per acre,” he said.
During the 1970s and 1980s, changes to farming saw the proportion of land in pasture decrease, row cropping increase and crop fields grow larger. A shift to windbreak planting occurred to protect the larger fields from wind erosion.
“The ABCA tree program started around that time to fill the need for windbreak planting,” said Jean. This complemented the provincial program, targeted to larger reforestation projects.
The provincial tree nurseries and related government tree planting ended during the 1990s. Conservation authority tree planting programs continued by wholesale purchasing seedlings from private nursery growers to offer to watershed residents.
“Despite the increase in tree costs, people continued to plant trees,” said Jean. One advantage private growers offer is a greater range of species and types of planting stock. “The importance of biodiversity is widely recognized, and people today are more likely to plant a variety of trees than just one type.”
Today, ABCA offers a wide range of trees through its Spring tree planting program. The Forestry Specialist encourages interested landowners to visit abca.ca for the Spring tree order form or to give him a call at 519 235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610 to discuss planting projects.
“We can help with project design and help you to apply for funding for eligible projects,” he said. Funding programs are available in many areas for windbreaks or naturalization dependent on the type of project, location and specific program details.
Anyone who has property on which they can plant trees, should consider purchasing a tree through the tree order program. Those who don’t have room on their property for trees can still help to improve forest conditions by donating to tree planting through the Footprints to Forests program.
NEW BUS STOP COMING TO BRUCEFIELD IN FEBRUARY
Huron Shores Area Transit (HSAT) has added a new bus stop in the Municipality of Bluewater in Brucefield, expanding access to affordable and accessible public transit for area residents and placing the service within easy reach of nearby communities such as Clinton and Vanastra.
The new bus stop is located on Ellen Street South at Mill Road and will be served by Route 3 (Grand Bend to Goderich via Bluewater) starting Monday, Feb. 2nd.
Route 3 operates on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons, stopping in Brucefield at 12:39 p.m. and 3:19 p.m. when travelling toward Goderich, and at 1:53 p.m. and 4:33 p.m. on return trips to Grand Bend. Other stops along Route 3 include St. Joseph (West Huron Care Centre), Zurich, Hensall, and Bayfield.
Passengers can travel to Goderich and return the same day by taking the 12:39 p.m. bus from Brucefield and returning on the 4 p.m. bus from Goderich. The Goderich stop is located at the RioCan plaza on Huron Road near the Walmart entrance, providing convenient access to major retailers including Walmart, Zehrs, PetValu, Canadian Tire, and Mark’s Work Warehouse.
When Route 3 returns to Grand Bend at 5:12 p.m., the bus switches over to operate Route 2 to London via South Huron, with stops in Dashwood, Exeter, Huron Park, and Centralia. This makes it possible to travel from Brucefield to London and arrive near the Masonville Mall at 6:20 p.m. Currently, same-day return service from London to Brucefield is not available.
Fares are $6 to Grand Bend and $12 to Goderich and London. A bike corral is scheduled to be installed at the Brucefield stop in Spring/Summer 2026, enabling passengers to bike to the stop and securely store their bicycles before boarding the bus.
For complete details on routes, schedules, fares, and Smart Cards, visit HuronShoresAreaTransit.ca.
GERIATRICIAN FEATURED AT VIRTUAL Q&A SESSION
Dr. Alexandrea Peel (Submitted photo)
During Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Alzheimer Societies across Canada unite to challenge dementia stigma and create a community where everyone feels more comfortable talking about dementia and sharing their own experience. Alzheimer Society Huron Perth is featuring three special education events in the community.
“Talk with the Doc! Top Five Geriatric Papers” with Dr. Alexandrea Peel will take place on ZOOM today (Jan. 28) from 1:30-3 p.m. Local geriatrician, Dr. Peel, will discuss hot topics from the research world. New medication and treatments? Join and find out! Talk with the Doc, an annual January event, also includes a lively Q&A session with Dr. Peel after the presentation. To self-register for this free event visit: Doc Talk 2026.
Alzheimer Society Huron Perth is also once again offering the “Dementia Basics Series” free one-hour online sessions that are designed to answer individual’s most frequently asked questions. What is the difference between Alzheimer’s disease and dementia? What are the early signs of dementia – and should I be worried? People can join on ZOOM this winter on Monday afternoons and evenings. To self-register visit Education Hour .
The dates and topics for the Dementia Basics Series are: Feb. 2nd, 10 Common Signs – Should I be Worried?; Feb. 9, Types of Dementia – What is the difference between Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease?; March 2nd, Brain Changes; and March 9, Communication Tips.
The “Virtual Memory and Aging Program” is the online version of the popular Memory & Aging course. It includes the review of age-related memory changes, how to optimize brain health, and helpful memory strategies. The Memory and Aging program will take place on ZOOM on Wednesdays, from Feb. 4th to Feb. 18, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. The cost for a workbook is $25 and financial assistance is available. To self-register visit: Memory and Aging Program Winter 2026.
To find out more about these and other upcoming programs, click on the Education Hour banner at www.alzheimer.ca/huronperth. People can also contact the offices directly by calling 1-800-561-5012 or emailing info@alzhp.ca.
ALZHEIMER AWARENESS MONTH MOVIES HAPPENING AT HURON COUNTY MUSEUM
Alzheimer Society Huron Perth’s free Awareness Month Movie event will return to the Huron County Museum in Goderich on Jan. 29 and Feb. 5.
Organizers chose these films to open heartfelt conversations about dementia and offer glimpses into the lives of families, caregivers, and friends as they navigate its challenges. While the stories aren’t perfect, they inspire people to reflect: How would we respond in similar moments? What can we learn from the successes, missteps, and joy they find along the way?
“Headful of Honey” (2019) returns this year after last year’s weather cancellation. Starring Nick Nolte as Amadeus, a widower facing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, the film follows his move to London, England to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and spirited granddaughter, Tilda. When Amadeus longs to revisit his past, Tilda takes him on an unexpected journey to Italy – an adventure that transforms their lives and strengthens family bonds.
Headful of Honey will be shown on Jan. 29 at 2 p.m. and Feb. 5 at 7 p.m
“The Leisure Seeker” (2018) stars Helen Mirren (Ella) and Donald Sutherland (John). The story has the characters’ reckon with their lives as they face severe health issues. They set out on a cross-county road tour, determined to escape their worried family for one last adventure in their old RV, “The Leisure Seeker”. Along the way, Ella and John explore their shared life history and confront the complexities of aging. Bittersweet humor, heartbreaking realities, and a surprise ending accompany their journey.
The Leisure Seeker will be featured on Jan. 29 at 7 p.m. and Feb. 5 at 2 p.m.
Although free admission is offered, donations will be gratefully accepted at the door.
The Huron County Museum is located at 110 North Street in Goderich.
LIVERY FILM FEST
Tomorrow, (Jan. 29), the Livery Film Fest presents its next screening, “Blue Moon”, playing for one night only at the Park Theatre in Goderich. The film has just received two Oscar nominations for the 98th Annual Academy Awards, including Best Actor for Ethan Hawke.
Upon learning of his nomination, Hawke reflected, “It’s been a long road. And it means a lot to me. I’ve dedicated my life to this profession and our culture places a high value on that.”
Directed by Richard Linklater, Blue Moon is a biographical drama starring Hawke as Lorenz “Larry” Hart, the brilliant and troubled lyricist best known as one half of the legendary songwriting duo Rodgers and Hart. Over a partnership that spanned more than 20 years, the pair created enduring Broadway standards such as “The Lady Is a Tramp” and “My Funny Valentine”.
The film is set on March 31, 1943, during the opening night of the Broadway musical “Oklahoma!”. By this time, composer Richard Rodgers has stepped away from his long-standing collaboration with Hart, citing Hart’s alcoholism and increasing unreliability. As the evening’s celebrations unfold, Hart – bitter, wounded, and razor-sharp – offers caustic commentary on the show’s success, particularly the lyrics written by Rodgers’ new collaborator, Oscar Hammerstein.
As the party winds down, Hart lingers behind, sharing drinks and conversation with a bartender and a piano player he affectionately calls “Knuckles”. The night unfolds through a series of poignant and awkward encounters, including a chance meeting with author E. B. White, whom Hart urges to write a children’s story about a mouse named Stuart.
Wry, tender, and deeply human, Blue Moon is a poignant portrait of artistic genius at a crossroads.
Film enthusiasts are encouraged to experience this acclaimed film on the big screen. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m., with showtime at 7 p.m.
The Park Theatre is located at 30 Courthouse Square in Goderich.
UPPER HERITAGE HALL
The Upper Heritage Hall is part of a designated heritage building and has a shared entrance/lobby with the Huron County Library. (Submitted photo)
The Municipality of Bluewater is seeking Expressions of Interest for a long-term, multi-year lease of the Upper Heritage Hall in Hensall.
Examples of potential uses for the property include, but are not limited to: office or professional services; studio or creative workspace; community services; program delivery; arts and culture; rehearsal and/or theatre space.
The Upper Heritage Hall is part of a designated heritage building and has a shared entrance/lobby with the Huron County Library. This second-storey space is approximately 2,700 square feet and is accessible via stairs and a lift. Although there are no upper level washrooms there is an accessible washroom on the main floor. Public parking is adjacent. Walkthroughs are available by appointment.
To request the full Request for Expression of Interest (REOI) document and submission instructions, please email facilities@municipalityofbluewater.ca using the subject line: REOI – Upper Heritage Hall (Hensall). The closing for REOI has been set for Friday, Feb. 27 at noon.
The Upper Heritage Hall is located at 108 King Street in Hensall.
The Municipality of Bluewater is seeking Expressions of Interest for a long-term, multi-year lease of the Upper Heritage Hall in Hensall. (Submitted photo)
CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR
Each year, Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) recognizes outstanding achievements in conservation and stewardship with a conservation award. This year, in 2026, the award will be presented in the ABCA’s 80th anniversary year.
The local conservation authority has presented the Conservationist of the Year Award for more than four decades. Award winners have included rural landowners and residents, agricultural producers and farms, service clubs, community organizations, companies, nature groups, and municipalities.
ABCA invites the public to nominate a person, business, farm, community group, or organization in 2026 for the conservation award. They may submit a nomination form until Feb. 15. To submit a nomination, visit the abca.ca website. The nomination form can be found at: Conservation Award.
Ray Chartrand, chair of the ABCA Board of Directors, said the Conservationist of the Year Award is one of the ways the conservation authority can thank local stewards for protecting and enhancing local watershed resources.
“We are thankful for the land and water stewardship by watershed landowners, residents and community groups,” he said. “Our conservation authority began in 1946 and, in our 80th anniversary year, we are pleased to present this award of recognition once again. We encourage the public to nominate worthy nominees for this award.”
Individuals, organizations or companies who either reside in or have completed conservation work in the ABCA area are eligible to win the Conservationist of the Year award. Current ABCA staff members and directors are excluded. The Conservation Award acknowledges one individual or group per year who demonstrates positive, sustainable conservation principles. The nominee must have undertaken conservation efforts over a number of years showing long-term benefits for nature and society. Examples of conservation work include: improving local water quality; conservation farming; reforestation; conservation education; providing wildlife and fish habitat; and promoting awareness and action for soil, water, and habitat for all living things.
ABCA presents the winner with a hand-crafted gift and makes a donation towards a tree and plaque at a Commemorative Woods site maintained by Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation.
COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR
United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) invites Mid-Huron residents to register for the Goderich Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) walk happening Saturday, Feb. 28.
“Six years ago, I joined the Coldest Night of the Year walk in Goderich to help people living on the street,” said Bernice Glenn, “Bernie’s Bunch” team captain and CNOY Goderich committee member. “As I head into my seventh year being involved with CNOY, I can’t believe we are still facing this crisis — a crisis that continues to grow in our community and across Huron County.
“More than ever, the need is real. Please do whatever you can to support this event and to educate yourself before speaking. The people who endure these gruelling elements are someone’s neighbor, friend, colleague, son, daughter, brother or sister. Please, be kind. Help however you can. Register. Donate. Walk with us on February 28. And if nothing else, offer a simple hello to the people who need us more than ever.”
Everyone is encouraged to visit cnoy.org, register and start fundraising. Participants raising over $150, or $75 for youth under 18, receive a CNOY toque. Details on toque pick-ups to follow. For updates, follow the “Goderich Coldest Night of the Year” page on Facebook.
By fundraising and walking, people are helping support the Huron Homelessness Initiative, including emergency shelter for women and children escaping violence, youth shelter supports, counselling services, food insecurity, “Heart to Home”, transitional housing and the Huron Supportive Housing Advocate.
UWPH thanks returning Lead sponsor Jayden’s Mechanical, along with Canadian Tire Goderich, Capital Power, Compass Minerals, McDonald’s Goderich and the West Wawanosh Mutual Insurance Company.
UNITED WAY
United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) is looking for community members to volunteer in local tax clinics for the 2026 tax season.
“Volunteer tax clinics are one of the most direct ways we can help our neighbors struggling with affordability,” said UWPH Director of Community Impact and Research, Kristin Crane. “Filing taxes enables households to get the refunds and benefits they’re entitled to, which can make such a big difference. Supporting that process is an immensely rewarding volunteer opportunity.”
Volunteer clinics are powerful community initiatives supporting seniors, newcomers, students and those receiving income from social assistance programs. In 2024 alone, 1,780 returns were filed through the program in Huron and Perth, garnering an estimated $4.8 million in refunds and benefits for local households.
Volunteer tax filers work with local organizations to file taxes for individuals with modest incomes and simple tax situations. The CRA provides tax-filing software, training and funding for supplies.
Clinics across the region need volunteers to maintain their services and expand to serve new communities. South Huron in particular needs more volunteer support.
“For anyone with some experience and comfort with computers and paperwork, this is a great way to give back,” added Crane. “If you use online banking or have ever filed your own taxes online, you can play a valuable role helping others.”
To learn more about volunteering with tax clinics, please visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca.
HURON HOSPICE
The Goderich Firefighters will face off against a full line-up of former NHL hockey heroes on Sunday, March 8.
This fantastic community event promises lots of skill and lots of laughs, and is guaranteed to be a fun and memorable event for all ages! The puck will drop at Maitland Recreation Centre in Goderich starting at 2 p.m. The doors will open at 1 p.m.
This game is in support of Huron Hospice. For 31 years, families have turned to Huron Hospice for support at the end-of-life. Huron Hospice provides care at Bender House and in the community for people with life-limiting illnesses. Huron Hospice also provides loss and grief support for children, youth and adults.
Since opening the residence in 2018, Huron Hospice has made moments matter for more than 300 individuals and their families at Bender House, and for 700 individuals and their families in the community. There are no costs for any services. Huron Hospice is a place where families make moments matter.
If available tickets will be $34 each at the door but tickets purchased in advance are discounted. To learn more call the ticket and information line at 1-888-777-97923 or visit www.ProHockeyHeroes.com.
A portion of the promotion for this event will consist of a telemarketing campaign in Goderich and the surrounding area.
The Maitland Recreation Centre is located at 190 Suncoast Drive East in Goderich.
BAYFIELD ACTIVITIES
Looking for what is happening now in the village? Look no further than the Bayfield Activities Calendar . People are invited to refer to this website to learn what activities, from Pickleball to Mahjong, are happening and when.
Remember This
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.
Throughout 2026, Bayfield is celebrating 150 years since incorporation. This is the perfect excuse to occasionally feature artifacts that represent village history. This week, we highlight a piece in the Museum collection linked to a family of early settlers to the Bayfield area.
MEDICINE BOTTLE
This is a blue glass medicine bottle with raised lettering on the front that reads: “BROMO SELTZER EMERSON DRUG CO TORONTO ON.”
This bottle was among a group of items that were found near the log cabin built by the Elliott family at 78056 Bluewater Highway near Bayfield. Thomas Elliott was also known as “Tom of the Gully”, and he, and his wife, Jane (Currie) Elliott, built the log cabin and cleared the land. They had 10 children; nine daughters and one son. The Elliott family built their farmhouse to move into from the log cabin, then later moved back to the log cabin, feeling that the farmhouse was too large.
Screenshot
Medicine Bottle
ADOPT A BFF
BAYFIELD BREEZE RECURRING FEATURE FACILITATES ADOPTION SUCCESS STORIES
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Cinnamon, Sebastian, Hugo, Henrietta, Tigger, Oden, Dulce, Mikey, Jack, Maddy, Sasha, Bunny and Poe – these are just a few of Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) cats and kittens that found homes due to having their stories shared in the Bayfield Breeze.
“We are especially grateful for the opportunity to be able to use the Bayfield Breeze as a weekly forum to highlight the many cats and kittens that have come, and continue to come, into our care at BFF,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF. “The cats featured in this issue were directly adopted because of coverage in this publication and a few of them were adopted because people came in to see a highlighted cat and ended up adopting another cat. As we often say, ‘The cat chooses you!’”
This week the Bayfield Breeze staff are delighted to take a “scroll” down memory lane – offering a look at 30 of the cats that have been adopted since their appearance in this online paper.
“I would like to stress that these are just some of the cats that found forever homes because of the Bayfield Breeze – there are many, many more,” said Penhale. Several of the ones shown in this issue are being referred to by the names they had at the shelter – their adoptees may have given them new names, but no matter what they are called, we are just happy they found their people!”
The Adopt a BFF feature in the Bayfield Breeze was started in Issue 576 on July 22, 2020. It all began with Callie’s story. She came from a small farm where people, unfortunately, kept dumping cats. The owners did their best to accommodate the constant arrival of cats and kittens and they found homes for many but when the numbers reached 20 they knew they couldn’t keep up and asked BFF for help.
There have been a lot of stories to tell since, including Britt’s – the matriarch of the shelter. Britt, or Queen B as she was called by very patient volunteers, was a resident of the shelter for almost as long as this feature has been running. From feral to regal was a headline six years in the making but she recently found her forever home.
And now, 288 issues since the inaugural article, the Adopt a BFF cat of the week is Max.
“Max is a loveable boy who was found wandering around, trying to find a safe home for himself and begging for food from neighbors,” said Penhale. “Several kind souls were putting food out for him. One kind person did eventually take him in, but because of allergies to cats could only be around him for a short period of time and had to keep him secured in a separate room. She found this very difficult because he is just so darn charming and just wanted love. And although she desperately wanted to reciprocate she could not. Then another neighbor took him for the short term but her other cats were not accepting. Once room became available he was surrendered to BFF.
“Max is ready for a forever home. Both people that took him in have attested to his loving and playful nature and how quickly he adapted to both situations – he was also immediately lap trained by his second foster.”
Max is the Adopt a BFF cat of the week.
So, this handsome, green-eyed boy would like to be another one of the lucky cats that finds his home after being featured in the Bayfield Breeze.
Please reach out to bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com to learn more about adopting Max and others. 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.
In addition to accepting monetary donations, BFF 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.
Want to see and learn more about the felines at the shelter? This can be done easily by visiting 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.
Email your photo in Jpeg format to hello@bayfield-breeze.com with the subject line Subscriber Photo of the Week. or…Upload your photo to Flickr.
I am looking for the Bayfield that is a delight to the eye – please share photos with a touch of whimsy, beauty, humor or a sense of fun. If you are to include people in your photos be sure to have their permission to publish their picture on-line and also send in their names and where they are from. And don’t forget to tell me who took the photo for proper credit to be issue
SUBMISSIONS
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Melody Falconer-Pounder
In 2021, I was introduced to Good Reads – a website devoted to book lovers who like to keep track of what they read. I think it is a pretty brilliant site and enjoy logging my books and setting yearly reading goals. In 2025, I decided that I would try and read two books per month and I am happy to report that I succeeded in surpassing that goal! I read 26 books! (The graphic says 25 books read but I managed to read one more before Jan. 1st after they published their end of year results.)
I also set another goal for myself and decided that over the summer I would read again a book series that I fell in love with in my early 20s and had never picked up again. I once again heartily enjoyed the antics of Anne, and later her children, in the seven books that followed author L.M. Montgomery’s most recognizable title, “Anne of Green Gables”. I started with book two in the series as I can likely recite sections of the first novel having read it so many times.
I also read for the second time “1984” by George Orwell having studied it in high school in the actual year it was set in. And I apparently wasn’t the only one that checked out this book. Good Reads stats told me that 9,631,016 others recorded having read this title in 2025. Gee, I wonder why?
In May, thanks to the volunteers with the Bayfield Writers Series I had the good fortune of meeting four historical fiction authors. I was quite familiar with two of these talented women and it was such an honor to meet and learn from them. Work by these authors, Jennifer Robson and Bryn Turnbull, can be found on my list. And I am currently reading a book by Madeline Martin…Heather Marshall is up next!
A number of the titles on my 2025 reading list are directed at the youth market, but I say never discount a book written for youngsters – anybody hear of Harry Potter? Well, I think I might have found an even better series! The adventures of Skandar by A.F. Steadman had me riveted and greedily anticipating every book that followed the first. These youth books were read in research as I am always on the look out for books to pack in my 11 year- old granddaughter’s Advent Book Box. Thanks to the Skandar series I’m well into organizing her box for 2026!
Sadly, my favorite modern day author, Sophie Kinsella, died at the age of 55 in December of 2025 following a hard fought battle with a type of brain cancer. I am so fortunate to have a number of her books in my collection and although her voice is now silent I will honor her by rediscovering her gentle humor again and again – perhaps a new reading goal for 2026.
Thanks to Good Reads I know I read 8,644 pages with my shortest book being “Lessons from Cats for Surviving Fascism” by Stewart Reynolds (Brittlestar) and the longest being “Skadar the Unicorn Thief” by A.F. Steadman at 448 pages.
So what were my Good Reads for 2025? Here they are in all their page-turning glory:
- Out of the Woods but not Over the Hill and Road to the Dales: The Story of a Yorkshire Lad, both by Gervase Phinn
- 1984 by George Orwell
- The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
- Goodnight from London and Our Darkest Night, both by Jennifer Robson
- Impossible Creatures by Katherine Kundell
- Super Sleuth and The Blunders by David Walliams
- Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson
- The Last Grand Duchess by Bryn Turnbull
- Marilla of Green Gables by Sarah McCoy
- Anne of Avonlea, Anne of the Island, Anne of Windy Poplars, Anne’s House of Dreams, Anne of Ingleside, Rainbow Valley and Rilla of Ingleside, all by Lucy Maud Montgomery
- Skandar and the Unicorn Thief, Skandar and the Phantom Rider, Skandar and the Chaos Trials, Skandar and the Skeleton Curse and Skandar and the Spirit War, all by A.F. Steadman
- James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl
- Lessons from Cats for Surviving Fascism by Stewart Reynolds (Brittlestar)
Here’s to turning more pages and reaching more reading goals in 2026! – Melody
Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m.