The Bayfield BreezeIssue 867 Week 08 Vol 17
February 18, 2026
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FOURTH GENERATION SUMMER RESIDENT TO DEFEND NOVEL
Each year, The Village Bookshop presents Bayfield Reads and adopts the theme identified by CBC’s Canada Reads. This year will be no different and on Sunday, March 29, they will determine which of the five books will be the “one book to build bridges.”
“A Minor Chorus” is a novel by Billy-Ray Belcourt (Penguin Canada, Jaye Simpson) and it will be defended by Anna Peirce.
Over 100 years ago Anna Peirce’s great-grandparents bought a cottage in Bayfield and this began a love for this community that is now in its fourth generation. Like her ancestors before her, Anna spent her summers and holidays growing up in Bayfield, spending hours reading on the beach.
Anna is an event planner in Toronto. Her reading is diversified these days. She finds herself reading event contracts for work, reading home decor blogs to redo her living room, and reading mostly fiction for fun. If anyone would like a recommendation on a great mystery series, come see Anna after the debate.
Anna will be defending A Minor Chorus, a novel that follows an unnamed narrator who abandons his thesis and goes back to his hometown, where he has a series of conversations, bringing modern queer and Indigenous experiences into focus.
A Minor Chorus is written by award winning author, Billy-Ray Belcourt. The author is from Driftpile Cree Nation in Alberta. He currently lives in Vancouver where he teaches creative writing at the University of British Columbia.
The five selected books and their defenders include: “A Minor Chorus” by Billy-Ray Belcourt, defended by Anna Peirce; “Searching for Terry Punchout” by Tyler Hellard, defended by Jo Dean; “The Cure for Drowning” by Loghan Paylor, defended by Brian Heagle; “Foe” by Iain Reid, defended by Pat Heffernan; ”It’s Different This Time” by Joss Richard, defended by Maggie Peirce.
This year’s panel of Judges include: Gemma James-Smith, Shannon Lough and Ben Woodward all three of whom were defenders at last year’s event. The audience will also have a chance to determine which book best meets the theme.
This year, Bayfield Reads will be held at the Bayfield Town Hall on March 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door. Light refreshments will be served.
All of the books in the competition are now available at The Village Bookshop. To learn more drop by The Village Bookshop Thursday through Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. or check their website at www.villagebookshop.ca
The Village Bookshop is located at 24 Bayfield Main Street North in Bayfield.
CANADA’S INDIANA JONES TO SHARE STORIES AT TOWN HALL
Adam Shoalts (Submitted photo)
Adam Shoalts, bestselling author and “Canada’s most accomplished adventurer aka Canada’s Indiana Jones”, will be speaking at the Bayfield Town Hall on Wednesday, April 1st.
The evening which will commence at 7 p.m. is sponsored by the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA), The Village Bookshop, and 1851 Bayfield Landing. Shoalts will discuss his expeditions into Canada’s North, spotlighting his most recent book, “Vanished Beyond the Map”.
Named one of the “greatest living explorers” by Canadian Geographic, Shoalts has written six books and is one of Canada’s bestselling authors. His career has included mapping rivers, leading expeditions for the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, tracking endangered species, archaeological digs, and completing a nearly 4,000 km solo journey across Canada’s Arctic. In 2022, he set off by canoe 3,400 km from his doorstep to the Arctic. His most recent book tries to unravel the mystery of lost explorer Hubert Darrell, who vanished near the northern end of the Mackenzie River in 1910.
Tickets sales begin at noon on Saturday, Feb. 21. They are $20 each and are available in person at The Village Bookshop, or by calling 519 565-5600. The Village Bookshop’s winter hours are Thursday-Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
The Village Bookshop is located at 24 Bayfield Main Street North in Bayfield.
LOVE-BUG READY FOR A FOREVER FAMILY
Boots (Submitted photo)
Volunteers with Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) do their best everyday to try and ensure healthy and happy lives for those who come into their care including this week’s featured feline.
Boots is the Adopt a BFF cat of the week.
Boots is a gorgeous young Tabby who is about three years old.
“He’d been hanging around a neighborhood for about six months and several people were feeding him as the weather got colder. One family felt very sorry for him as he had to weather a few storms so they brought him into their heated porch,” said Deb Penhale, representing BFF. “They supplied him with all the necessities hoping to possibly integrate him in with their other cats. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be one as one of their cats, a senior with health issues, just refused to accept Boots.”
Penhale went on to say that the kind people realized that life on the heated porch was rather limiting for Boots so they surrendered him to BFF in hopes of finding him the loving forever home he deserves.
Boots is described as a very loving, affectionate guy and a little bit of a talker.
“If you think this big, love-bug would be a great addition to your family then Boots is ready to meet you,” concluded Penhale.
Please reach out to bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com to learn more about adopting Boots 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.
Want to visit with some really great potential best friends? Pet Valu in Goderich will be hosting an Adoption Event featuring felines from BFF on Saturday, Feb. 21 and Sunday, Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Pet Valu is located at 35400 Huron Road in Goderich.
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.
CORTINA CONNECTIONS
COLD WAR ICE: FAMILY, FAITH AND THE LONG ROAD OF CANADIAN HOCKEY
Editor’s Note: Seventy-years ago, the Winter Olympics were held in Cortino, Italy. In 2026, this same community is playing host yet again as the games are happening now until Feb. 22. This recurrence has sparked some nostalgia for Bayfield resident, EJ Bauer whose father and uncles played a role in the hockey portion of those games. In this, and coming issues, EJ will share his family’s special connection to Canada’s game which began with his uncles playing the sport on a backyard rink in Waterloo, ON. Their passion for the sport would eventually take them to rinks across the globe offering them remarkable experiences both on and off the ice.
STORY BY E.J. BAUER PHOTOS COURTESY BAUER FAMILY
Canadian hockey history never moved in a straight line. It moved in circles — through families, parishes, small towns, frozen ponds, and Olympic rinks thousands of miles from home. For the Bauer family, that was certainly true.
The Bauers grew up in Waterloo, ON in a world without indoor rinks, where the family tennis court doubled as a hockey arena — complete with full dasher boards, lights, dressing rooms, and painted lines. From there, the older Bauer boys moved through St. Louis, St. Jerome’s, and St. Michael’s College School in Toronto. By the early 1930s, Bobby and Frank Bauer were playing at St. Mike’s, part of the team that captured the 1934 Memorial Cup — a moment that connected backyard ice in Waterloo to the highest level of amateur hockey in Canada.
After World War I, Edgar and Bertha Bauer sought a place where their family could escape city life. In 1920, they purchased a home in Goderich, nestled between the Catholic Church and the Gaol, overlooking the Maitland River. For nearly two decades, the town became the family’s summer refuge — a place of slow rhythms, lake air, and community.
In 1938, the family moved further down the shoreline to Bayfield to a Tuyll Street residence, quietly anchoring themselves in Huron County. Bayfield would become more than a home; it would be a touchstone, a place where summers could heal and recharge a family whose winter lives revolved around business and competitive hockey.
By the mid-1930s, Bobby Bauer was drafted to the Boston Bruins and would soon join the famed Kraut Line with Milt Schmidt and Woody Dumart but all the Bauer children were multi-sport athletes. Hockey was central, but so were baseball, tennis, and swimming. Bobby, in particular, became known for his discipline: in Goderich, he was known to swim to the harbor breakwall and back daily. Across the family and their circle, baseball was the off-season constant, with teams winning championship after championship in local and regional leagues. In Bayfield, Clan Gregor Square’s ball diamond became a hub of community excitement. When Bobby and his Boston Bruins teammates visited in the summer, locals packed the bleachers. Only after complaints from the churches that games were too loud were the diamonds moved to the Agricultural Park — a small but telling example of how professional sport intersected with local life.
At home, the Bauers’ backyard league, the BHL, offered structure, competition, and a culture rooted in discipline, teamwork, and civic duty. Edgar Bauer’s guiding principle — education, sport, and community responsibility — remained a constant, threading through backyard ice, Bayfield summers, and ultimately international competition.
Canada’s international hockey system, however, was evolving slowly. In 1949, Ray Bauer Sr., skating for the Sudbury Wolves, stepped into international competition representing Canada with pride but often without the preparation or resources that other countries were beginning to build. Budgets were small, players had jobs, and expectations were enormous. By the 1950s, the media and public frustration over Canada failing to bring home gold was growing, but the hockey gods would not listen to the growing professionalization of European teams.
By 1956, Bobby Bauer had retired from the Bruins but returned to senior hockey with the Kitchener-Waterloo Dutchmen, winning multiple Allan Cups. That year, teachers, tradesmen, students, and salesmen — suddenly forming Team Canada — were sent to the Cortina Winter Olympics. They faced brutal schedules and elite international competition, while the USSR, making its Olympic debut under Nikita Khrushchev, used the Games as a global platform to demonstrate national strength and ideology. The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 added another layer of tension: athletes competed as unwilling symbols of nations under crisis. Hockey became more than sport; it was a Cold War proxy. Yet despite courage and commitment, the Dutchmen returned without gold, leaving the Canadian public and press frustrated — and Bobby stepping away from active involvement in hockey.
By the 1960 Squaw Valley Winter Olympics, the challenges persisted. Bill Durnan, six time Vesna Trophy winner (best goalie in the National Hockey League) had abruptly withdrawn as coach just prior to the Olympics. Scrambling for a coach, the great Joe Primeau, Hap Day and Ted Kennedy all respectfully declined, Bobby Bauer reluctantly stepped in once again to lead a team of amateurs representing Canada on a shoestring budget. They fought hard and earned silver, but the frustration of trying to compete against state-sponsored national programs with limited resources was clear.
Through it all, Bayfield remained a refuge. From backyard ice to Memorial Cups, Allen Cups, Stanley Cups, to Olympic Games the international game remains ladened with political pressure, it was never just about winning or losing.
The lead up to the 2026 Cortina Olympics, 70 years since the Dutchman represented Canada, there is another Kitchener-Bayfield connection in the leadership of Canada’s Olympic Team. After 17 years coaching, Peter DeBoer has shared how great Bayfield can be to allow you to recharge and decompress in the off seasons. And right now, Canadians are cheering on their women’s and men’s teams in Italy!
Editor’s Note: In his next instalment E.J. Bauer will expand on the development of the Canadian National Team in 1962-1968, Canada’s withdrawal from International hockey during the 1970s and the return of the National Team in 1980,1984 and 1988. He will also offer his reflections on the early rounds in Cortina 2026.
VOTE DAILY FOR BFF
The America’s Favorite Pet voting competition has now become Olympic level and Osprey is dreaming of gold and the opportunity to raise $10,000 USD for BFF. But she needs people to cast their free daily vote everyday to help make her dream comes true! (Submitted photo)
Osprey has made it to the Quarter Finals – the top one per cent!
The community, and beyond, has shown tremendous support in getting this kitten representing Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines (BFF) in the America’s Favorite Pet Competition, through the Group Round! She finished first to make it to the Quarter Finals beating out 58 other cats and kittens in her Grouping. She’s now up against 14 other furry competitors – so unofficially the competition may have started with about 840 entries!
The competition has now become Olympic level and Osprey is dreaming of gold and the opportunity to raise $10,000 USD for BFF. But this is a team sport and she can’t do it alone! Osprey needs everyone to cast their free daily votes through Facebook in this next aspect of the competition which runs until Thursday, Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. PST (10 p.m. our time). To ensure she makes it to the next round please Vote for Osprey.
The cat, and subsequently BFF, would also be greatly helped if people would share her story with their social media networks, family, friends, co-workers – once again it will take a village to make Osprey’s dreams of taking the Gold and the title of America’s Favorite Pet come true.
MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
An opportunity to take a globally recognized training that empowers everyday people to recognize when someone may be experiencing mental health challenges and equip them with practical skills to provide initial support is coming to Bayfield this Spring!
A Mental Health First Aid course will be held in the village at the TSJ Hall on Wednesday, Apr. 29 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This full-day, in-person courses will equip participants with:
- Knowledge and confidence to recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges and crises
- Information on local, regional and national resources
- Enhanced knowledge and awareness of mental health and substance use issues and illnesses
- Strategies and tools to improve and maintain personal mental wellness
Those who take the course will build confidence to respond calmly and offer meaningful help during tough moments – all without need to be a mental health expert.
The cost of the training is $182.02 including fees and HST. To register visit: Mental Health First Aid Training.
Anyone would like to learn more about this valuable training opportunity to help build more supportive, healthy communities is asked to contact Grace Bonnett via email at mhfatraininggateway@gmail.com.
The TSJ Hall is located at 10 Keith Cres. in Bayfield.
MS HEALTH AND FITNESS
Jennifer Fleury (Submitted photo)
Bayfield entrepreneur, Jennifer Fleury, owner of Bluewater Fitness, has entered a contest to become Ms Health and Fitness, to appear on the cover of “Muscle & Fitness Hers” magazine, and to win $20,000 USD.
According to Jennifer’s husband, Mike Croteau, the contest is an annual activity in the Health and Fitness industry to promote and encourage a healthy lifestyle for women of all sizes, ages and abilities. It also serves as a major fundraiser to the “Be Positive Foundation” in the field of childhood cancer research. While a daily online vote is free, it is also possible to “purchase” votes through donation, however, this is not necessary.
The contest, which commenced on Jan. 28, will run through February and into March. Voting for the Top 10 of the Group Phase will end tomorrow night (Feb. 18) at 7 p.m. PST. There will be a series of voting rounds to pare the contestants down to three finalists by the end of the month. At the time of this writing, Jenn currently sits in second place in her grouping and with continued voter support should make it through to the next round.
To cast a daily free vote for Jenn please visit: Jennifer Fleury | Ms. Health & Fitness.
LIONS TREASURER NEEDED
For 79 years, the Bayfield Lions Club members have served this community – supporting those in need and helping enhance the quality of life in Bayfield and surrounding communities. People can learn more about their history and impact at www.bayfieldlions.ca
The members are currently looking for someone interested in applying their unique skills to the accounting needs of the Club.
This volunteer role offers a meaningful challenge and plays an important part in providing the membership with the financial information needed to continue their strong tradition of service.
They would welcome the chance to talk with those interested about the scope of their operations and the time commitment involved.
Anyone who is interested is asked to please speak with any Lions member or contact the Club at bayfieldlions@gmail.com.
CHESS CLUB
Check mate! The Bayfield Chess Club had determined that their meetings will be held on Thursday afternoons commencing March 5 at the TSJ Hall in the village.
The club is open to all ages and experience levels and will offer people an opportunity to improve their game or simply learn the basics to play. The afternoon sessions will run for two hours starting at 1 p.m. The participation fee is $5 per session.
Anyone who would like to join is asked to please contact Gayle Beuermann at 519 525-6498 or email gaylbeue@tcc.on.ca.
The TSJ Hall is located at 10 Keith Crescent in Bayfield.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
“Living in God’s Mission Today”, a study and discussion group for adults during the season of Lent, will begin on Monday, Feb. 23, at Knox Presbyterian Church in Bayfield.
The world is undergoing many changes, and people are finding themselves in a fresh and challenging context for mission. What does the word “mission” mean? If you were asked to explain what Christian mission is, what would you say? Is mission something that is done overseas by missionaries or something done by a congregation in its local situation or both? Do you consider yourself to be a kind of missionary?
Anyone who is interested in these and other similar questions, is invited to participate in this six-session study of Living in God’s Mission Today, a statement from The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
The study group will meet at Knox Church in Bayfield on Mondays at 2 p.m. from Feb. 23 to March 30th. Copies of the study are available at the church office and online at presbyterian.ca. For more information or to register for the study group please contact Rev. John Bannerman at 226 919-9180.
Knox Church also holds regular weekly services at 11 a.m. on Sundays.
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.
PILATES
The Bayfield Community Centre and Arena invites people to experience Pilates for all levels – from complete beginners to seasoned practitioners on Mondays and Thursdays beginning in March.
“Classical Pilates with Props” will be held on Mondays for six weeks starting on March 9 at 6:30 p.m.
This class will be a wonderful opportunity to explore the transformative benefits of Pilates. Using hand-held weights and a small Pilates ball, participants will deepen their practice, build strength, and enhance overall well‑being. The class is adaptable for all levels, offering a supportive environment to boost energy, improve mobility, and cultivate a sense of calm.
“Foam Roller and Pilates Props” will be held on Thursdays for eight weeks, starting on March 5 at 6:30 p.m.
This dynamic class will blend Pilates fundamentals with the foam roller, a small Pilates ball, and resistance bands. Participants will lengthen and tone their muscles while enjoying the added benefit of gentle myofascial release. It’s an invigorating and restorative way to elevate a weekly movement routine.
Ready to join the fun? Register online at www.thewellnesspotion.com.
TOWN HALL TREASURER NEEDED
The Treasurer at the Bayfield Town Hall is retiring and an individual is now being sought to to replace her on their Board of Directors.
They are actively seeking a person, who has some bookkeeping experience and some knowledge of Quick Books, to join the Board.
Their responsibilities would include: reporting financial status, balance sheet, statement of income and expense reports, at monthly Board meetings; paying invoices; making bank deposits; HST and CRA submissions; and related Treasurer/bookkeeping duties.
In addition, Board member duties include attendance at monthly Board meetings; bringing ideas and participation in an annual Town Hall planning session for the following year; volunteering time to help at Town Hall concerts and events; and participating in the annual Town Hall spring yard clean up.
As a member, they will play a vital role in keeping the Town Hall vibrant and active. The benefits to being a member of the board include: making a meaningful impact in the community; connecting with like-minded individuals who share the same passion; gaining valuable experience in event planning and non-profit management; and having fun while giving back!
The Bayfield Town Hall was built in 1882 and was situated in Clan Gregor Square, then moved to its present location in 1920. The Town Hall was the seat of Village government from that date until 1927 and again from 1965 to 1984 at which point, the aging building was closed and in disrepair.
In 1989, a committee was formed to restore and re-energize the Town Hall. The committee was known as the “Friends of the Town Hall” and after years of fundraising, private donations and grants, monies were raised to restore and maintain the historic building.
Today, the Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society, a registered charity with a volunteer Board of Directors, is responsible for its maintenance and upkeep with a mandate to provide cultural events and activities for the village. All of this is possible through the many fundraising events run by the Board as well as generous donations from Bayfield residents.
The following is an overview of what these fundraising efforts pay for: repairs and upgrades to the building; heat, hydro and operation of the building; maintenance and cleaning including a part-time staff custodian; renting the hall for weddings and community use including a part-time staff rental coordinator; and hosting events and performances at the Town Hall
Anyone who is interested in joining the Town Hall team is asked to please contact Diane Snell, chair of the Board of Directors, diane@dianesnell.ca.
SHARING A COMMON GOAL OF KEEPING RURAL RESIDENTS HEALTHY
Gwen Devereaux, president of the Gateway Board of Directors; Matt Hoy (middle), Executive director of Maitland Valley Family Health Team; and Dan Stringer, chair of Gateway’s Board of Directors, all signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Feb. 10 to establish a collaborative partnership aimed at advancing rural health through research, education, communication, and innovation. (Submitted photo)
On Friday, Feb. 6, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) and the Maitland Valley Family Health Team (MVFHT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a collaborative partnership aimed at advancing rural health through research, education, communication, and innovation.
The agreement reflects a shared commitment to working together on initiatives that support rural healthcare. By aligning efforts, both organizations aim to strengthen rural healthcare, support evidence-informed practice, and enhance connections across the rural healthcare system.
“Creating a partnership with the Maitland Valley Family Health Team is so important, as we share the common goal of keeping our rural residents healthy,” said Gwen Devereaux, president of Gateway, “We look forward to collaborating to support our communities through grassroot initiatives aimed at guiding healthcare organizations while developing a pipeline of rural healthcare practitioners.”
Matt Hoy, Executive director of MVFHT, echoed Devereaux’s remarks saying, “The Maitland Valley Family Health Team is excited to collaborate with Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health. We are particularly pleased to partner with this community organization to help identify gaps in local health needs and to develop programming that strengthens the overall health of our community. This partnership also provides valuable opportunities to recognize our dedicated health care professionals while supporting the development of the health care workforce of tomorrow.”
Together, Gateway and MVFHT are committed to fostering collaboration that strengthens rural healthcare systems and improves outcomes for rural populations.
CONSERVATION AUCTION RAFFLE TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE
The 36th Conservation Auction will be held online (Apr. 9-16) this year. During the auction week, the 50-50 raffle draw is to be held on Thursday, Apr. 16. (Submitted photo)
Ausable Bayfield Conservation Foundation (ABCF) is selling 50-50 raffle draw tickets. There are 1,500 tickets printed and they will be available until Apr. 16. The cash prize could be as high as $7,500 if all tickets are sold. Tickets are $10 each. The draw supports needed local community projects that could not happen otherwise.
Janet Clarke is Co-Chair of the Conservation Auction Committee. She said net proceeds from the draw are donated to local community projects.
“Buying a ticket for the 50-50 draw in 2026 is a great way to support needed projects in local communities while also giving the purchaser a chance to win up to $7,500,” she said.
The 36th Conservation Auction will be held online (Apr. 9-16) this year. During the auction week, the 50-50 raffle draw is to be held on Thursday, Apr. 16 at 4 p.m. at the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Administration Centre.
The Conservation Auction Committee already has some wonderful items donated but they are looking for more donations from the community. Anyone who may have items to donate, or would like to make a cash donation or sponsorship, is asked to please contact Ausable Bayfield Conservation. Donations before the end of February would be appreciated by the committee.
When the online Conservation Auction is live, a link will be posted on the web page: Online Auction. The virtual Conservation Auction will end at 8 p.m. on Apr. 16.
The Conservation Auction is a partnership of ABCF, Exeter Lions Club, and the community. The Auction and raffle draw have raised more than $1.42 million in support of needed local projects over the past 35 years. The 50-50 raffle draw and annual charitable auction support needed initiatives in the area. These local projects include parks and trails and conservation areas, outdoor recreation events and experiences for youth and families, conservation education for the young and young at heart, job and education opportunities for youth, and other local conservation projects that depend on the auction for support.
People can buy their ticket from a Conservation Auction Committee member or at 71108 Morrison Line, east of Exeter, just south of Highway 83. Alternatively, they can phone 519 235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610. Tickets must be sold in Ontario (Lottery Licence #M835243).
TREK TO ELORA ORGANIZED BY HURON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
After the success of previous treks, the Huron County Historical Society is planning another fully guided coach excursion on Wednesday, May 13. This year, their destination is the beautiful village of Elora in Wellington County, and it promises to be another memorable event.
Their first stop will be Drew House, where they will enjoy coffee and a snack in the lovely coach house dining room of this historic bed and breakfast. George Alexander Drew (1826–1891) purchased the property in 1855 and later had the large stone house and coach house constructed.
From Drew House, they will travel to downtown Elora, where local guides will lead participants on a walking tour of this historic village along the Grand River. The tour will conclude with free time to explore the many shops and sites in the downtown area. The group will then meet at the Elora Green Space and cross the street to The Wild Tart for a delicious pre-booked lunch, with three menu options to choose from.
Following lunch, they will board the coach for a short drive to Elora Gorge Conservation Area. There, they will see the “Hole in the Rock,” an important site for local Indigenous peoples, and take in the stunning scenery of the gorge.
Next, they will travel by shuttle to the Wellington County Museum and Archives, where they will enjoy behind-the-scenes tours of both facilities.
On Wednesday, May 13, participants will gather at the Huron County Museum on North Street in Goderich at 7:45 a.m., with a planned return to the museum at approximately 5:30 p.m.
The cost per person is $100. To reserve a seat and select a lunch choice, please email or call David Armstrong at 519 524-1156 or davidarmstrong@hurontel.on.ca.
GATEWAY WEBINAR
Transportation is one of the largest barriers for people in rural areas seeking health and healthcare services. On Tuesday, March 3rd, Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) will be featuring a collaborative conversation on transportation networks and the connection to rural health.
This one-hour of conversation will be held via ZOOM starting at noon.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Sarah-Patricia Breen, BC Regional Innovation chair (RIC) in Rural Economic Development at Selkirk Innovates. Dr. Breen’s goal is supporting rural communities across Canada to thrive under conditions of rapid economic and social change. Her more recent publications have focused on rural transportation funding and the need for public transit.
She is joined by Stephanie Ellens-Clark, Executive director and Charlene Tolton, manager of Programs and Services at ONE CARE, a not-for-profit based in Huron and Perth Counties. They will explain how their team provides instrumental home and community-based services, ranging from the transportation of patients for medical appointments to the facilitation of wellness programs for older adults and caregivers.
The final speaker is Stephanie Stewart, manager of Community Transit at County of Grey. She will be discussing the role of municipal governments and collaboration for regional transit networks.
Anyone in the community is welcome to attend. To attend this event and future presentations, please register on the Gateway website at Lecture Series.
HOCKEY HEROES FOR HOSPICE
On Sunday, March 8, former NHL hockey players will suit up against Goderich Firefighters at the Maitland Recreation Centre in Goderich. This benefit hockey game will support the Goderich Firefighters’ Charity of Choice, Huron Hospice.
The Goderich Firefighters will face off against a full line-up of NHL hockey heroes at 2 p.m. To date the NHL roster includes: Dave McIlwain, Gary Leeman, Adam Munro, Bernie Nicholls, and Dave Hutchison.
“Although the NHL Players call themselves the Hockey Heroes, both teams are heroes in our eyes.” said Huron Hospice Board Chair, Lisa Taylor. “This fantastic community event promises lots of skill and lots of laughs and is guaranteed to be a memorable event for all ages! The puck will drop in Goderich at 2 p.m. Doors will open at 1 p.m. The event usually sells out, so you want to be early to get a good seat.”
“For 30 years, families have turned to Huron Hospice to make moments matter at the end-of-life. Huron Hospice provides care in the community for people with life-limiting illnesses and at Bender House. Huron Hospice also provides loss and grief support for children, youth and adults. In the past year, 59 people died at Bender House. Forty-five individuals received Huron Hospice supplied care in the family home. One hundred and sixty-four people participated in the loss, grief and bereavement program,” said Willy Van Klooster, Huron Hospice Executive director.
Van Klooster added, “Over the past 18 months Bender House occupancy was over 80 per cent. Proceeds from fundraising and events like this hockey game ensure that there are no costs for any hospice services. Huron Hospice is a place where families make moments matter.”
Tickets can be purchased for $30 each or four for $100, from Christopher Walker at Huron Hospice 519 525-7352 or 1-888-777-9793 or at www.ProHockeyHeroes.com.
GOOD NEIGHBOURS OF BLUEWATER
On Feb. 19, those who attend Muffin Time at Good Neighbours of Bluewater (GNOB) will meet one of their new neighbors, Executive Director Chris Allan of the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre.
Muffin Time will begin at 10 a.m. and all are welcome.
Back by popular demand is a Pop-up Mending Café on Saturday, Feb. 21. People are encouraged to bring their mending to GNOB between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to have their experienced sewers assist them. All mending is done by donation – no zippers please!
On Saturday, Feb. 28, from 2-4 p.m. folks won’t want to miss the “Kitchen Party with Celtic Music” by Devon Martene and Becky Van Harn of “Feed The Ducks”. Admission will be $15 in advance so call soon to reserve tickets.
Lots of other exciting things are in the works at GNOB so be sure to follow them on Facebook at “Good Neighbours of Bluewater“ or visit their website at www.gnob.org,, better yet, stop in for a visit at 28 Goshen Street North in Zurich.
UPPER HERITAGE HALL
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 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 the local government…
SLIDE PROJECTOR CASE
This is a case that would hold a “Tri-Purpose SVE Picturol Projector Model AAA” slide projector. The case is made out of wood and opens with two hinges on the left side. There are two locks on the right side. On the top of the case, “SVE Projector” is written in yellow text. The inside of the case is divided into two sections and is lined with a light blue fabric. There are miscellaneous pieces of metal and glass from slides inside the case. There is also broken glass inside. The case is estimated to have been manufactured in the 1940s.
This slide projector was used by the Bayfield Village Council at the Bayfield Municipal Building in the 1950s.
OPTIMIST CLUB OF BAYFIELD
FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN HAD BY FOLKS OF ALL AGES
PHOTOS BY MELODY FALCONER-POUNDER
Sunshine and mild temperatures marked Family Day 2026 and it was just the perfect weather for families to visit the Bayfield Community Centre and Arena for some family friendly fun organized by the Optimist Club of Bayfield.
Held mid-day on Monday, Feb. 16, Bayfield Optimist Club President Jeff KIsh shared some highlights from the event.
“We had another successful Optimist Community Family Day get-together for lunch and an afternoon skate,” Kish said. He estimated between 60 to 70 kids and their adults took part. “Everyone enjoyed great food from Parkside Sandwiches and Variety; coffee from ShopBike Coffee Roaster; and fresh popped corn,” he added. The Bayfield Community Centre and Arena was another event sponsor.
New this year was a visit from the folks behind Bayfield Maple who provided freshly rolled Maple taffy as a sweet treat!
The Optimists were joined by several volunteers from the Bayfield Area Food Bank who helped facilitate such stations as games, Lego building and crafts as well as dishing out plates of Macaroni and Cheese and hot dogs.
“An extra special thanks to the Food Bank volunteers who showed up ready to help out, and also to The Village Bookshop who sponsored the free skating times following the lunch,” said KIsh.
The next event for the Bayfield Optimist Club will be their always popular Easter Egg Hunt to be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Apr. 5.
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
Back in 2014, I was part of a team that worked together to win a large cash prize in the AVIVA voting competition. The money was used to build two amazing, accessible cabins at Camp Klahanie owned by the Goderich Lions Club for use by youth groups in Huron County and beyond. That was over 10 years ago and over those years I have had the good fortune to see a lot of kids benefit from their camp experiences and special times sleeping in those cabins. A couple of these kids recently shared with me that they even love the smell of the cabins. They’ve made a sensory memory of good times and great fun – something most adults would likely overlook.
However, I digress, the point is really great things can happen when the community rallies for such competitions and right now there are two that people can participate in and feel positive that they are making a difference.
The first is “America’s Favorite Pet”. Osprey, a kitten nominated by Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines, is doing extraordinarily well in this competition. As of this writing she is sitting first in a group of 14 remaining competitors in the Quarter Finals. The prize money of $10,000 USD would go a long way to help save more strays that come into the rescue’s care.
The second is “Muscle & Fitness Hers” magazine, where Bayfield entrepreneur, Jennifer Fleury, owner of Bluewater Fitness, is in the running to win $20,000 USD. Jennifer would like to “introduce a healthy lifestyle to kids and teens.” And if she were to take the top prize she “plans to give back to the community by starting strength and conditioning summer programs for youth.” She would also treat herself to a mini vacation to take a break from her busy schedule of running a fitness facility and personal training business.
Both admirable causes that can be helped when people remember to cast a daily free vote everyday. Using Camp Klahanie as an example I know for a fact that when we all work together we can achieve some wonderful goals not just for youth but for our most vulnerable creatures too. Scroll up for vote details for both Jen and Osprey and thanks in advance for voting! – Melody
Ideas and contributions to the Bayfield Breeze are always welcome.
Deadlines for submissions are Sundays at 4 p.m.