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Published monthly by Riverside Press, Box 340, Clarksburg, N0H 1J0 519-599-3345 JULY 2019 Vol 5 Issue #7

COMMUNITY EVENTSTo be included in this listing add your

event on www.visitblue.caSubject To Change - Confirm With Organizers

SIGN UP FOR EMAIL NEWSLETTERon the home page of

www.bluemountainsreview.ca

Thornbury Yacht Club will be hosting “The Georgian Bay Laser Regatta” July 12th through the 14th. The Laser is a single person sailboat originally designed and developed by Canadians. Today there exists in excess of 215,000 Laser sailboats around the world and in 1996 it became an Olympic class boat for the Atlanta games and has been included in the Olympics since that time.

Races will be held just offshore from the Thornbury Harbour and will run from approximately 11am through 4pm on the 13th and 14th of July and will be viewable from the shore. At time of writing there are in excess of 50 boats entered but many more are expected. The competition includes the “Great Lakes Master’s Championship” but there is also a Youth and Corinthian Class to accommodate competitors ranging in age at this point from 14 through 81 years of age. Competitors are both local but some coming as far away as Australia, USA and many provinces in Canada represented.

Further information about the event can be found at www.thornburylaser.com.

The Georgian Bay Laser Regatta July 12-14

The property at 229 Bruce Street South is currently being developed and the existing Thornbury-Clarksburg Cenotaph at Jack Acres Park will be relocated to this site.

The property development will include walkways, flag poles, cenotaph and vegetation plantings.

Work is expected to be completed later this summer or early fall and in advance of the November 11 Remembrance Day Services.

Thornbury-Clarksburg Cenotaph Relocation

Bayview Park, 106 Bay St E, Thornbury8:00 a.m. 3K , 5Km Challenge, 10Km Super ChallengeIndividual and Relay categories10:30 am 200 m. Super sprint10:45 am 400 m. Sprint11:00 am 800 m. Endurance swim Individual and Relay categories11:25 am 1500 m. Olympic triathlon distance11:30 am The Mighty Minnows Race! 200 m. For kids under 12 years old. The race for new swimmers developing skills.Short distances: There will be visible buoys marking a 200m diamond off the shore. The 200 will be one loop around, the 400 is 2 loops and the 800 will be 4 loops or one for each relay member. The 1500 will be a different course set up on its own.Long distances: 1 km Loop Course. The 5 km will be 5 loops and 10 loops for the 10 km.www.embraceopenwater.com

Embrace Open Water Swim Sunday July 28

Thank You To Everyone Who Participated In The Canada Day Parade

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Published monthly with 4000 copies mailed throughout the Blue Mountains. Publisher Linda Wykes, printed by Riverside Press, Box 340, Clarksburg. Your events, stories and photos of interest to our community can be emailed to info@bluemountainsreview.ca for inclusion in the newsletter by the 4th Friday of each month. Advertising rates are available by calling 519-599-3345 or from our website www.bluemountainsreview.ca DONATIONS - This newsletter is distributed for free and is supported by advertising and donations. We are starting year #5 and if you would like to donate email info@bluemountainsreview.ca

Vacation Bible SchoolBlue Mountain

Community Church 219 Bruce Street S., ThornburyAugust 19-23, 9:00- 11:30 am

For ages 5-12Call 519-599-5570 to register

SUMMIT 700 TRAIL RUNSaturday July 13, 8-noon

MOUNTAIN MUSIC SERIESSaturday-Sunday July 13-14

PEAK TO SHORE MUSIC FESTIVAL Wed July 17 - Sun July 20

OPERA UNDER THE STARSWednesday, July 17, 8-10pm

COLLINGWOOD ELVIS FESTIVAL AT BLUE

Friday, July 26 - Sunday July 28 MOSAIC WORLD MUSIC

Saturday, Aug 3 - Monday, Aug 5 MOUNTAIN MUSIC SERIESAugust 10-11, 17-18 & 24-25

www.bluemountainvillage.ca

LIFEJACKET COLLECTION INITIATIVE

The Thornbury Harbour office will be a collection point for gently used lifejackets.

Life jackets and education are needed in First Nation communities in Northern Canada where the supply is limited and cost of buying a life jacket is prohibitive. Life jackets, when they are available in isolated Northern communities, can cost in excess of $100 each, making them beyond the financial resources of most families. The drowning death rate in the northern regions continues to be significantly higher than anywhere else in Canada, at nearly seven times the national average.

Once collected, life jackets will be distributed with the expertise of volunteer Canadian Rangers. During distribution, educational programs covering life jackets, cold water, reboarding and the need for a trip plan will be taught by Rangers in remote and isolated communities.

The Canadian Power Squadron has collaborated with the Canadian Safe Boating Council and Canadian Rangers Foundation (Canada’s paramilitary northern native patrol program) to collect gently used life jackets that will be sent to the indigenous communities in Northern Canada.

Just drop off your gently used lifejackets to the Thornbury Harbour office between July 15 and August 15.

Formerly Bridges Tavern, Thornbury

Rock Union Church 121st Anniversary Service will be Sunday, July 14, beginning at 2 p.m. This historic stone church is located at the crossroads of the 6th Concession and Sideroads 12 & 13 within The Blue Mountains 555798 6 Line, Ravenna.

Guest Speaker will be Henry Reinders, a member of Knox Presbyterian Church, Meaford, who will speak about his commitment to and efforts in support of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

Please bring your lawn chairs, plates and cutlery, and something to share for our early 4 p.m. picnic supper at the nearby home of James and Joan McKinlay.

All are welcome! 519-599-6236

AESOP’S FABLES at The MarshJuly 13, 4pm, July 14, 11amMarsh Street Centre, Clarksburg

The magical world of Aesop springs to life in this show for the whole family. $10/kids and $15/adults, 519-599-7837 www.marshstreetcentre.com

THANK-YOUI’d like to thank everyone

who came to my surprise 80th birthday celebration. Special thanks to my family and the ladies at the Baptist Church for the lovely lunch and cake. Thank you for your cards, gifts and well-wishes. I truly appreciate.

Frances Lanktree ___________________________

Celebrating 60th Anniversary

Congratulations to Mom and Dad on your 60 years together from all your kids, Linda, Ron, Debbie, Bonnie and Lisa Cundy.

16TH ANNUAL BRUCE POWER BLOCK PARTY

Saturday, July 20, 11am - 6pm Kincardine Davidson Centre

Every summer, Bruce Power thanks its surrounding communities for their ongoing support. Free public swimming from noon-1 p.m., 2-3 p.m. and 4-5 p.m., with space limited based on pool capacity. Free shows by the Zacada Circus will be held at 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., and free midway. There will also be face painting, carnival food and more, and a premiere fireworks display, at dusk at the Kincardine Harbour. Shuttle buses will be running from five parking locations in Kincardine;

•Bruce Power’s MCR Training Facility, 380 Gary St.

•Huron Heights Public School, at 785 Russell St.

•Bruce Power’s Training Centre, at 705 Princes St.

•Kincardine District Secondary School, 885 River Lane

•Kincardine Curling Club, 277 Penetangore Row

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Meaford Creative Arts Association

Art in the Harbour PavilionSat. August 3rd & Sun. August 4th

11am - 5pm

Painting, Pottery,

Jewellery, Fabric Art

Proceeds from a donation jar will be donated to the Meaford Hospital Auxiliary

AngelA CHristen “Waterlily” acrylic

judy sHield “Promise of spring” acrylic

Web Application (App)The apps features are many andhighlights are listed below:

• Collection Calendar – based on house address that can link to electronic calendars or be printed;• Notice and Reminder Subscriptions – weekly email, text or phone call of the pick-up schedule and what else might be available at the depot. The message can include education pieces that can be targeted to collection routes or days;• Emergency Messaging – if weather or service delays occur a special message can instantly be sent out to subscribers;• Waste Wizard – type the item into the search and the wizard shows the resident where it goes – if it is an item not yet in the wizard a message can be sent to add that item;• Multiple Platforms

• Online a widget is located on the Town website

• Mobile app available in the Apple and Android stores customized and branded to TBM

• Text to cells phones and Robo-calls to land lines;

• Analytics – Monthly and real-time reports of app use and sign-ups; and• Accessibility – Ontario AODA compliant.

MUNICIPAL ACT Regarding Resignation of A Council Member259 (1) The office of a member of council of a municipality becomes vacant if the member,

(a) becomes disqualified from holding the office of a member of council under section 256, 257 or 258;

(b) fails to make the declaration of office before the deadline in section 232;

(c) is absent from the meetings of council for three successive months without being authorized to do so by a resolution of council;

(d) resigns from his or her office and the resignation is effective under section 260;

(e) is appointed or elected to fill any vacancy in any other office on the same council;

(f ) has his or her office declared vacant in any judicial proceeding;

(g) forfeits his or her office under this or any other Act; or

(h) dies, whether before or after accepting office and making the prescribed declarations. Dual vacancies

(3) If one of the offices of a person who is a member of council of both a local municipality and its upper-tier municipality becomes vacant under this section, the other office also become vacant. 2001, c. 25, s. 259 (3).Resignation as member

260 (1) A member of council of a municipality may resign from office by notice in writing filed with the clerk of the municipality. Declaration

262 (1) If the office of a member of a council becomes vacant under section 259, the council shall at its next meeting declare the office to be vacant, except if a vacancy occurs as a result of the death of a member, the declaration may be made at either of its next two meetings. 2001, c. 25, s. 262 (1).Rules applying to filling vacancies263 (5) The following rules apply to filling vacancies:

1. Within 60 days after the day a declaration of vacancy is made with respect to the vacancy under section 262, the municipality shall,

i. appoint a person to fill the vacancy under subsection (1) or (4), or

ii. pass a by-law requiring a by-election be held to fill the vacancy under subsection (1).

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CLARIFICATION REGARDING SINGLE-USE PLASTICS

At the Council meeting on June 3rd, 2019 a Notice of Motion was put forward by Deputy Mayor Odette Bartnicki and approved unanimously by Council. Since the meeting, there has been a lot of discussion and inquiries received by members of Council and staff regarding clarification and further information related to the motion regarding single-use plastics.

The motion unanimously approved by Council at the June 3rd, 2019 meeting consisted of the following three parts:

1. Direct staff to promote a voluntary ban on the use of single-use plastic bags, plastic straws and stir sticks effective July 1st, 2019; including the promotion of the voluntary ban through a coordinated media campaign that states and includes the following text:

“Council supports the protection of the environment of the Town of The Blue Mountains through the reduction and future elimination of single-use plastic bags, straws, stir sticks and water bottles, and encourages all businesses, community members and visitors to avoid the use of these products whenever possible. Council recognizes and appreciates the efforts of all stakeholders towards measures that support the sustainability of the natural environment in the Town of The Blue Mountains.”

2. The referral to the Sustainability Committee for consideration and recommend-ation to Council by August 26th, 2019 regarding four specific actions (as outlined in question #3 below) that the Town could take by December 2019 regarding single-use plastics in Town-owned facilities, which would assist with the reduction of single-use plastics within the community.

3. The direction to staff to work with the Sustainability Committee and all stakeholders through a public consultation process to develop a plan for inclusion in the 2020 budget to reduce and/or eliminate single-use plastics by July 2020.

2019 in order to model good environmental practices;

- Developing a three-year plan to increase the number of water bottle re-filling stations on Town-owned properties, to be included in the 2020, 2021 and 2022 budget cycles;

-Developing recognition/reward signage (i.e. “We’ve gone green for a Blue future” or similar) for business operators who model good environmental practices by not supplying single-use shopping bags, water bottles, straws and stir sticks; - Investigating the development and costs of a Town of The Blue Mountains reusable bag-for-life or fabric bag options with appropriate logo for possible purchase by retailers at cost, and to be used for various promotional events by the Town;

2) That staff work with the Sustainability Committee and all stakeholders, including the business community, residents and visitors through a public consultation process to develop a plan for inclusion in the 2020 Budget to reduce and/or eliminate single use plastics effective July 1st, 2020.

Question #4: What does the following sentence within the motion mean?

“That Council directs staff to work with the Sustainability Committee and all stakeholders through a public consultation process, to develop a plan for inclusion in the 2020 Budget to reduce and/or eliminate single use plastics effective July 1, 2020”

This means that the Sustainability Committee and staff are directed to engage with

stakeholders including the business community, residents and visitors to receive feedback and develop a plan that will be included within the 2020 budget with the target of reducing and/or eliminate the use of single-use plastics, with initial implementation of the plan effective July 1st, 2020.

The target date of July 1st, 2020 does not indicate that all efforts to reduce and/or eliminate single-use plastics will be in effect at that time. The plan will be implemented as of that date, but individual actions will be phased in as determined through stakeholder consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

To help provide clarification, the following FAQ’s and answers have been provided:Question 1: Why was this Notice of Motion brought forward?

The Notice of Motion was brought forward by Deputy Mayor Odette Bartnicki to address the issue of single-use plastics which is of particular significance in the Town of The Blue Mountains as a major tourism destination. Other municipalities and cities across Canada, including tourist destinations such as Bayfield, Ontario, Vancouver, BC and world-class resorts such as Whistler Blackcomb have already started to consider this issue.

Council has referred any further consideration of single-use plastics to the Sustainability Committee.Question #2: What is a voluntary ban?

A voluntary ban is a request from the Town to all stakeholders including the business community, residents and visitors to consider opportunities for the reduction of single-use plastic wherever possible. This resolution does not mean that the Town is prescriptively banning the use of single-use plastics. In addition, this statement does not require local businesses to eliminate single-use plastics from their operations, however it encourages local businesses to continue their commitment to sustainable environmental initiatives.Question #3: What has the Town asked the Sustainability Committee to do?

The Sustainability Committee is an advisory committee of Council with a mandate to support sustainability and further sustainable initiatives on a community and regional level.

The motion passed by Council gave direction to the Sustainability Committee regarding two specific items.

1) Report back by August 26th, 2019 to Council with recommendations on the following items:

- Phasing out the sale of bottled water and the use of single-use plastic cups, straws and stir sticks at all Town-owned facilities and events by December

Question #5: How will this plan be coordinated with other levels of government?

Since the June 3rd, 2019 Council meeting, there have been announcements by both the Provincial and Federal Governments regarding a reduction and/or ban of single-use plastics. Through the government consultation process, Council will work to ensure that The Town of the Blue Mountains policies can be coordinated with the plans put forward by other levels of government, and that maximum use can be made of funding opportunities which may arise.

Question #6: How can I be involved going forward?

The Town will engage in a public media program that encourages all residents and taxpayers to reduce their use of single-use plastics wherever they can. The Town encourages all residents and taxpayers to participate in the consultation and planning to be completed.

For information, please contact: Alar Soever, Mayor519-599-3131 ext. 400mayor@thebluemountains.ca

For media inquiries, please contact: Tim HendryCommunications and Economic Development Coordinator519-599-3131 ext. 282communications@thebluemountains.ca

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POSTCARD TO PRAGUE The Blue Mountains, July 2, 2019Dear Pavel I wish you and Daniela and your two lovely daughters could have been here on July 1 for the annual Thornbury-Clarksburg Canada Day parade. Given our recent conversations in Prague about local politics and civic engagement, we’d have had a lot to talk about.

I don’t think our parade was in any way unique. You could probably have seen a similar sight in thousands of communities across the country. One exception, perhaps, was how it ended, with a heart-stopping display of aerobatics over the harbour by Gord Price, a 77-year-old local pub owner flying his Russian-made Yak 50. Afterwards, many flocked to his pub, perhaps to restore their normal heart-rate with a shot of one or two of the 1000+ of single-malt scotches Gord has on offer.

The parade itself, which lasted over half-an-hour, was full of tractor- and horse-drawn floats, a procession of lovingly restored classic automobiles, what you call in Czech “veterány.” There were crowds of

children on bicycles or horseback. Jimmy Hindle, who runs a local hardware store, gave us a taste of history by pulling what looked like a replica of a Red River cart, used by Métis in the 19th century to help settle the Canadian West. There were several rock groups playing on flat-bed trailers, and two marching bagpipe bands.

What was most remarkable to me, though, was the atmosphere of unforced, spontaneous patriotism

and celebration. The weather that day was fine, and well over an hour before the parade began, people were already sitting in lawn chairs or standing along the parade route, many carrying Canadian flags, or wearing items of clothing that were red or white, our national colours. Many of the houses along the way were also flying flags, and the volunteer firemen who were walking beside their huge red fire trucks at the beginning of the parade were handing out more.

Events like this always bring back vivid memories of my ten years in Czechoslovakia in the 1960s and 70s under a totalitarian communist regime. As you know, there were countless celebrations every year, and not a one of them was spontaneous or joyful, because they were all instruments used by the regime to vet the population. On each occasion, everyone was expected to display flags in their windows, and to show up for the parades that marked Mayday, or Lenin’s birthday, or the “Great October Revolution.” If you failed to go through the motions, you became a marked person, and could

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face serious consequences. Thank goodness that’s now almost three decades in the past.

I’m not much of a flag-waver myself, but as I stood there watching the parade, I felt fortunate to live a country where you can celebrate Canada Day, as several did, by fishing off the end of the dock or, as Joan Gaudet did, in her vivid red fright wig and flag-bedecked electric cart, by throwing oneself into it one hundred percent.

I celebrated the day by giving up a silent prayer to the memory of our greatest prime minister, Wilfrid Laurier, who understood that Canada was, above all, a political nation, where the political culture that binds all our diverse identities together is really what defines us.Your friend Paul Wilson

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THE 2019 Y7 SUMMIT by Melanie Roderiguez (Goldmintz)

The 2019 G7 Summit was recently held in Paris France and as the Head Delegate for Canada, my role was to speak on behalf of all Canadian youth, especially the youth who suffer from the growing inequalities in our country. As a Thornbury native, this also meant representing rural youth, who are rarely represented in the policy decision-making process.

Through interviews and negotiations, it was clear that for youth, equitable access to necessities such as education, technology, housing, health care, and employment are nonpartisan issues. Youth want an equitable world. A world where every child has access to quality education. A world where protecting the planet is more important than promoting corporate greed. A world where eliminating poverty for all is more important than increasing privilege for the few.

To help build this world, the Y7 presented 116 recommendations for Justin Trudeau and G7 leaders. These recommendations aim to reduce gender, climate, technological, and economic inequalities. Many of you reading may think this idealistic world is out of reach. That a world of equity and inclusion is cost prohibitive. But our recommendations don’t just add social value, they add economic value to our local and global communities.

Take providing access to early childhood education to all children as an example. Studies

spanning numerous d e c a d e s in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the U n i t e d S t a t e s h a v e found that increasing a c c e s s to early childhood education, such as daycare or preschool, reduces inequalities and benefits the nation. The American Educational Research Association discovered that access alone led to an 8.1% decrease in special education placements, an 8.3% decrease in grade retention and an 11.4% increase in secondary school graduation rates. Per individual, this translates into a US $689,000 increase in lifetime earnings and a US $262,000 in cost savings to the national economy.

But it’s not just G7 leaders who need to act. We, as youth, must collaborate across sectors, nations and political parties to make change. We need to participate in elections, contact our MPs and MPPs, connect with other change makers, and advocate for the voices who can’t. Most importantly though, we must never become apathetic.

Our governments are listening. So please, raise your voice and collaborate for change...because nothing in government about us should be done without us. melgoldmintz@gmail.com

The Y7/Y8 and Y20 Summits, formerly known as the G8 & G20 Youth Summits, are a premier international youth conferences that bring together young leaders representing the Group of Seven (G7) / Group of Eight (G8) and Group of Twenty (G20), the European Union and as of 2019, the African Union. The Summits enable the young generation to put their concerns and solutions on the global agenda.

DEANNA POSEY HEADS TO WISCONSIN - Join us at Winifred’s British Pub formerly Bridges Tavern on Sunday July 21, from 4-6 pm. Donations will be accepted to support Deanna’s trip.

Deanna has qualified first place in the 40-44 age group, sending her to the 2019 Crossfit Games. This win takes her to Madison Wisconsin, July 31st, to complete against the world’s top 10 fittest women in her division.

Every country with a CrossFit affiliate in good standing has an opportunity to send its top female and top male competitor to the CrossFit Games. More than 150 leaderboards will host their own national competitions as part of the Open. Participants will see where they rank among their fellow countrymen and women throughout the five weeks.

Each year the Games are a more comprehensive test of fitness, and the athletes raise the level of competition to unprecedented

heights. The average regional athlete in 2019 will be dramatically more capable than the worlds best in 2007.

Several unique characteristics define the CrossFit Games. The Games change every year and oftentimes, the details are not announced until right before each event. Athletes train year-round for a competition that is almost completely a mystery. When they reach the Games, they put their training and mental fortitude to the test and take on a rigorous, broad-ranging test of overall physical capacity. At the close of competition, the Fittest on Earth™will have clearly distinguished themselves.

OPEN DIVISION - Deannas Placings World Canada2019 Women (40-44) 3rd 1st 2018 Women (35-39) 51st 6th 2017 Women (35-39) 203rd 9th 2016 Individual Women 1361st 119th2015 Individual Women 7528th 594th

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Staying on Track! Summer 2019 Vol. 27 No. 1

Published by The Georgian Cycle & Ski Trail Associationwww.GeorgianTrail.ca

Removal of Ash Trees Along the Trail

Keeping the Trail Rolling

While moving along the Georgian Trail it’s easy to believe this amazing network just exists. A lot of people were involved in organizing the removal of railroad ties and tracks and laying down some gravel back in1989 and that’s it. But ever since there’s a lot to maintaining a 34-kilometre trail year after year. There was a time when there was a Board of Management represented by individuals from the three Municipalities and the trail was maintained by one person (who would contract out for the required help). But since 2017, the towns that the trail rolls through have taken on the yearly maintenance. They are Collingwood, The Blue Mountains and Meaford. “Each individual municipality is responsible for their section of trail,” says Blue Mountains’ manager of parks and trails, Terry Green. “We have about 21 kilometres which is the majority of the trail.” This unique arrangement allows the municipalities to work together, to share information and equipment and even contract out the work to each other. “We actually look after cutting the grass for the town of Meaford,” he says. “They don’t have the equipment to do it.” And that constant communication helps the municipalities time things correctly too.“ Recently we spot sprayed for poison ivy. I notified Collingwood and Meaford so we could all do it at the same time.” Recognizing the importance of the Trail to the local tourism economy, the municipalities have agreed to a uniform approach, establishing a common set of standards. The towns strive to ensure this trail is in tip top shape during the busiest season of the year, summer, but it isn’t easy.

“The problem is we can only do major work early in the spring or in the fall, because in the summer there are just too many people on it. And doing work on the trail is tough. You need spotters because some people don’t pay attention. We used to have an arm on the side of the tractor with a bush hog blade on it and it came out like an a-frame. And we had a cyclist go between the tractor and the blade. Scared the heck out of the guy running the tractor. That’s why we try to do it in the off season. But in the past years, September and October can be pretty nice, and we’re getting more and more tourists coming to the area, so our off season is getting shorter and shorter.”

This summer, sections along the Trail in The Blue Mountains will continue to be repaired, widened and resurfaced. Green’s crew still managed to fix a couple wet spots early this spring. Routine maintenance involves cutting the grass on either side of the trail which Green says they do about three times a year.“We do inspections monthly and then after any wind storms, we’ll send somebody out to check the trails,” he says. The major project for 2019 is to begin removing the ash trees that have been affected by the emerald ash borer. “We won’t get anywhere near finishing it this year,“ he says. “We start again this September. We’re doing three weeks.” So next time you’re travelling down the Georgian Trail, think of all the human-hours going into your local trail network. There’s a lot more going on than meets the eye.

Some of our Trail users noted the removal of trees this early spring just west of Osler Bluff Road. Mountains, Parks manager Terry Green explained that starting last November, all ash trees along the Trail affected by the emerald ash borer were being removed. The Parks Department had a representative from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry check the trees in that area to confirm the infestation of this Asian beetle. The Town has also begun a replanting program from Camperdown to Wards Road, and will continue to plant seedlings every year along the Trail as needed.

In Collingwood, a yellow ‘X’ will mark the trees along the Trail that won’t survive the invasion of Asian beetles.

According to Natural Resources Canada, Canadian Forest Service scientists

estimate Canadian municipalities will spend about $2 billion over a 30-year period dealing with the effects of the emerald ash borer. That total includes the treatment, removal, and replacement of trees.

The trees removed at the Trails junction near Black Ash Creek

An example of Ash tree damage at Timmons Street Park in The Blue Mountains not far from Camperdown Road.

Terry Green, The Blue Mountains Parks and Trails Manager, Keith Bumstead and Natha Plater

- PAGE 8 JULY 2019 -

Staying on Track! has been produced by the

Georgian Cycle & Ski Trail Association

Board of Directors 2019-2020Don DeGrandis, Janet Findlay, Steve Gorton, Murray Knowles,

Bill Remus, Richard Rood, Alan WardYour comments and ideas are welcome!

Please send them to: info.georgiantrail@bell.net

Celebrate • Contribute • Enjoy

Tree Inventory Along the Trail Support The Trail

A large Sugar Maple at the 10th line north of Thornbury that is in wonderful shape and the largest tree found (in terms of trunk circumference).

Over the winter the Association engaged Tobias Effinger of Arboreal Tree Care Professionals to survey the trees growing along the Georgian Trail. At a recent Board meeting Tobias reported his findings, noting that there is a good variety of specimens on the Trail. Up to 42 specimens have been identified on a Georgian Trail map and are documented through their GPS coordinates.

Tobias will provide the Georgian Cycle & Ski Trail Association with a report of his findings on key specimens (or groups), including a general description and the reason why they were considered significant. The GC&STA is looking into the possibility of noting their location on a Trail map to be published, as well as placing information signage, or perhaps a tree tag, identifying the trees of interest.

At the Board meeting, we had an opportunity to ask Tobias for his thoughts on whether it would be best, when trimming back growth on the Trail, to remove the cuttings or leave them. As long as it is not a dense pile, Tobias felt it is generally a good idea to leave the cuttings, as this is natural habitat and holds water for regrowth and woodland species.

SignageLast year we drew attention to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail which followsmuch of the Georgian Trail, providing a safe signed route. There were some areas where signage might have caused confusion, and the Association worked with the Waterfront Trail and town officials to have those locations addressed. We also took the opportunity to update additional way finding signage along the Trail at various crossroads.

Resurfacing the Trail between Lora Bay Drive and Christie Beach Road

Please Donate to the Georgian Cycle and Ski Trail AssociationDonations are welcomed and needed to:• Help with the cost of maintaining the

Georgian Trail• Enhancing the Trail experience for users• Investing in trail surface improvements

and drainage• Keeping donors and the public

informed and updated

Income tax receipts are issued for

donations of $20 or more. (issued under the charitable organization registration #0813576-56) Our Trail Map and Staying on Track! newsletters are dropped at various locations around Town, however supporters now receive a digital copy of the newsletter by email. Donate on Line at: www.GeorgianTrail.ca

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PETER DINSMOREPeacefully surrounded

by the love of his family at Chapman House Hospice in Owen Sound on Friday afternoon, June 7, 2019. Peter Murray Dinsmore of Thornbury at the age of 54. Dearly loved son of Murray and Donna (nee Smith) Dinsmore, of Thornbury. Fondly remembered by his brother of Paul Dinsmore, of Thunder Bay, his sister Theresa Dawn and her husband Gord, of Thornbury and their son Kraig and daughter Shelby. Remembered also by his aunts and uncles and their families. A Celebration of Peter’s Life was held at the Ferguson Funeral Home in Meaford on Saturday June 15th at 11 a.m.

A private family interment of Peter’s ashes will take place at Thornbury-Clarksburg Union Cemetery. As your expression of sympathy, donations to Chapman House Hospice would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted.

ELIZABETH ANNTITCOMBE

Elizabeth Ann passed peacefully on June 20, 2019, in her 101st year after a life of service to her lord and fellow man. She graduated as a registered nurse following studies at Toronto Wellesley Hospital. She married her beloved husband, Dr. Emerson Titcombe and worked with him in his medical practice in Thornbury for many years. They were lifelong members of the Thornbury Baptist Church.

In 2008 Elizabeth and Emerson relocated to the home of their elder daughter, Nancy and her husband John Ball in Uxbridge where they enjoyed the quiet life in the country. Following Emerson’s passing she continued living there until failing health lead to her final relocation to Chartwell Wynfield Retirement Residence in Oshawa, ON.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the dedicated caregivers for their loving care of Elizabeth and to Rev. Rob Denhoed and his wife Adri for their caring spiritual support in her final days. She leaves behind to mourn her passing and celebrate her life her children Nancy, Peter, and Margaret as well as 6 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Funeral service was conducted at the Thornbury First Baptist Church on Friday, June 28 at 1:30 p.m. with a service of committal and internment following at Thornbury-Clarksburg Union Cemetery.

She was a kind and generous lady supporting numerous charities throughout her life. In that spirit the family requests that those wishing to do so make a memorial donation to ‘SIM’ (Serving in Mission), the Meaford Hospital Foundation or a charity of their choice in lieu of flowers. To make a memorial donation please contact the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted.

R. KENNETH WELLERKen Weller of Duncan,

Ontario, a WWII veteran, entered into rest peacefully at Errinrung Long Term Care on June 27, 2019 at the age of 97. He was born in Collingwood Township on April 28, 1922, a son of the late Asa Weller and Ina Armstrong and was raised in the little community of Duncan. He was predeceased by his wife of 72 years, Betty (nee Jordan) in January of 2019. He will be dearly missed by his daughters Nancy Smith and husband Keith of Brighton and Brenda Smith and husband Harvey of Duncan.

Ken will be the sadly missed “Gramps” of Garry Shaw (Sandra Detmar) and their children Patrick and Gillian of Cambridge, Jamie Smith (Yu Jung Lee) and their children Lucius and Mark of Peterborough, Tracy Barfoot (Clinton) and their children Tristan, Chloe and Rayna of Meaford, Benjamin Smith (Sarah Morris) and their son Duncan of Vancouver B.C., Tricia Smith (Mark Handrahan) and their children Charlie and Eli of Moncton N.B., and Graham Smith (Leila Sepahi) of Toronto. Ken was predeceased by his siblings Mary Knibbs, Maurice, Eugene, Gary and Gordon Weller. He will be sadly missed by Marjorie Weller, Alan and Shirley Jordan, Jack Bradley and Bill Forbes and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service officiated by Rev. Peggy Kipfer celebrating Ken’s 97 years of sharing his love of the Beaver Valley was conducted at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Thornbury preceded by a service of remembrance by RCL Branch 281 on Wednesday July 3rd at 11 a.m. A service of committal and interment followed at Thornbury-Clarksburg Union Cemetery.

If so desired and as your expression of sympathy, donations to Beaver Valley Branch 281 RCL Poppy Fund or a charity of your choice would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements are entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca

ALVIN WILSONAlvin passed away

peacefully at Meaford General Hospital on Saturday, June 8, 2019. Alvin Wilfred Wilson of Kolapore, Ontario at the age of 83. Beloved husband of Anita Wilson (nee Pinnegar). Dear father of Jeff Wilson (Kerri) of P.E.I., Ellen Wilson of Kolapore, Esther Rodgers (Robert) of Mar, and Grace Cahoon (Scott) of Owen Sound. Grandfather of Ezra, Sophie, Odessa, James, Isaac, Georgia, Cyrus, Josiah, Tamzin & Zebedee Wilson; Levi, Owen, Peter & Andrea Rodgers; Amanda & Philip Cahoon. Survived by sisters Bernice Ford, Marjorie denBok, Doris Bowins, brother Alex Wilson and sister-in-law Gloria Wilson. Sadly missed by many friends and relatives.

Predeceased by parents Wilfred & Alma (nee Tracey) Wilson, daughter Mary Wilson (January 2019) granddaughter Linnea Rodgers and siblings Oliver James Wilson, Rhoda Ferguson (Archie), Ida Dwinnell (Gordon), Elva Legace (Langford), Berton Wilson (Alice), Eva Hollingworth (Henry), Inez Watson (Bob), and Frank Wilson. If desired, memorial donations to Kolapore Community Church or Parkinson Society would be appreciated. Condolences for the family may be arranged through May Funeral Home, 63 Main St. East, Markdale, ON N0C 1H0 (519- 986-3310) www.mayfh.ca.

- PAGE 10 JULY 2019 -

2020 BUDGET SURVEY The Town is seeking input

early on in the budget process from residents, businesses and stakeholders with respect to key priorities for the 2020 Corporate Budget. Your input is important!

The survey below is part of that public consultation process and is an important part of the Town’s Budget process. Your input is important so all survey responses will be reviewed by Town staff and a representative of Town Council.

The deadline to complete the survey is August 15th, 2019. Paper copies will be available at Town Hall or fill in this copy and mail to The Blue Mountains, Box 310, Thornbury ON N0H 2P0

To access the survey online, www.surveymonkey.com/r/TBMBudget

1. What type of resident do you consider yourself?— Full-Time— Part-Time— Seasonal

2. Where is your property in the Town of The Blue Mountains?— Camperdown— Castle Glen— Clarksburg— Craigleith— Heathcote— Lora Bay— Ravenna— Swiss Meadows— Thornbury

3. This year, the average property, valued at $600,000 will pay $2,330 in Town property taxes. Overall, do you feel that you receive good value for your tax dollars?— Strongly Agree— Agree— Neutral— Disagree— Strongly Disagree

4. Currently the Town spends minimal property taxes on supporting the construction of housing for individuals and families who can not afford the high property prices in the Town but need to live here for employment purposes – attainable housing. Would you be

willing to either have a tax increase or a reduction in other services to fund attainable housing? Or should the Town not invest money in attainable housing?— Property Tax Increase— Service Level Decrease— No Investment

5. Municipal water and wastewater services are fully paid for by user fees. Only properties that are connected to the Town system pay for water and wastewater services. Do you feel that you receive good value for your water and wastewater payments?— Strongly Agree— Agree— Neutral— Disagree— Strongly Disagree— My property is not connected to municipal water and wastewater services

6. This year, the average household will pay $434 in municipal property taxes to support the maintenance of roads, bridges and drainage infrastructure. This includes services such as general maintenance, snow plowing, signage and street sweeping. Should this investment be:— Enhanced— Maintained— Reduced

7. This year, the average household will pay $199 in municipal property taxes to support the maintenance of parks, trails, and recreational facilities. The Town currently operates and maintains the Thornbury Harbour, Beaver Valley Community Centre, Craigleith Community Centre, Ravenna Hall, 27 public parks / greenspaces, Tomahawk Golf Course, and three regulation soccer fields. Should this investment be:— Enhanced— Maintained— Reduced

8. This year, the average household will pay $11 in municipal property taxes to support public transit. The Blue Mountain Link Public Transit bus operates between the Town of Collingwood and Blue Mountain Village. Should this investment be:— Enhanced— Maintained— Reduced

9. Please rank your top three priorities where you believe that the Town should spend more tax dollars on?— Road Maintenance (including winter road maintenance)— Recreation Facilities (swimming pool, community fitness centre, etc.)— Policing— Full-Time Fire Department— Infrastructure Replacement and Investment— Attainable Housing— Health Care— Additional Waterfront Parks— Small Halls (Craigleith and Ravenna)— Special Community Events such as Canada Day— Grants and Donations— Garbage Pick-up (bi-weekly)— Recycling/Compost Pick-up— Library and Museum Services— Other (please specify)

10. Please rank your top three priorities that you believe that Town could spend less tax dollars on?— Road Maintenance (including winter road maintenance)— Recreation Facilities (swimming pool, community fitness centre, etc.)— Policing— Full-Time Fire Department— Infrastructure Replacement and Investment— Attainable Housing— Health Care— Additional Waterfront Parks— Small Halls (Craigleith and Ravenna)— Special Community Events such as Canada Day— Grants and Donations— Garbage Pick-up (bi-weekly)

— Recycling/Compost Pick-up— Library and Museum Services— Other (please specify)

11. How do you believe the Town should spend cost savings if any?— Lower next year property taxes— Spend on a one time project— Save for a rainy day

12. If the Town were to implement a parking charge at public beaches to cover the costs of the maintenance of those beaches, should the Town charge for parking at public beaches to visitors only or to all that use the parking lots?— Visitors Only— All — No fee

13. Do you believe that Planning Services, should be fully funded by user-fees or should property taxes help fund these services?— Full User-Fee—Combination of user-fee and taxation

14. Do you believe that Recreation Services, should be fully funded by user-fees or should property taxes help fund these services?— Full User-Fee— Combination of user-fee and taxation

15. How would you like to be involved in the 2020 budget process?— Attend special budget public meetings— Attend Public Information Sessions— Fill out online surveys, quest- ionnaires or budget tools— Other (please specify)

- PAGE 11 JULY 2019 -

Planting Billions Of Trees Could Save The Climate, Study Finds Scott Sutherland Meteorologist/Science Writer

Reforesting nearly a billion hectares of land could save us from the climate crisis. The climate crisis looms large for human civilization, threatening our food sources, our health, our security, our homes and even our lives. As we struggle to kick the habit of using fossil fuels to power our daily lives, a team of researchers has made a very important discovery that could help save us from ourselves.

It may seem a bit overly simplistic, but a new study out of the Crowther Lab, at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich), suggests that the solution to our problem could be to just plant more trees. “Our study provides a benchmark for a global action plan, showing where new forests can be restored around the globe,” says study lead author Dr Jean-François Bastin. “Action is urgent and governments must now factor this into their national strategies to tackle climate change.”

“We all knew restoring forests could play a part in tackling climate change, but we had no scientific understanding of what impact this could make,” says Professor Tom Crowther, a senior author of the research study. “Our study shows clearly that forest restoration is the best climate change solution available today and it provides hard evidence to justify investment.”

By using machine learning to crawl through satellite images of Earth’s surface, the researchers identified 4.4 billion hectares of land on Earth that could support continuous tree cover. Currently, only 2.8 billion hectares of that available land is covered by trees, leaving space for another 1.6 billion hectares. If we only count land that is not being used for cities, agriculture, etc, that leaves around 900 million hectares - roughly the size of the United States - where we can immediately start planting trees.

It’s important to note, the researchers say, that this is not land that is inherently unsuitable for forests, such as wetlands or grasslands, but areas that can easily support tree growth, such as degraded forests.

According to Crowther, if we started this tree-planting initiative now, it could reduce the carbon dioxide content of the atmosphere by up to 25 per cent. That would drop CO2 levels from the current concentration of 413 parts per million to around 310 parts per million. That is roughly where levels were at back in 1958 when we first started measuring global CO2 atop Mauna Loa.

Although this is a straightforward solution, it does not mean this is something we can put off, or take our time with.

As Crowther points out: “we must act quickly, as new forests will take decades to mature and achieve their full potential as a source of natural carbon storage.”

The top three countries where this forest restoration could take place, according to the study: Russia, with 151 million hectares, the United States, with 103 million hectares, and Canada in third place, with 78.4 million hectares.

Deforestation and forest loss from other sources (ie: wildfires) is a growing concern. In just 2017, for example, Global Forest Watch tallied up nearly 30 million hectares of tree loss around the world. In 2018, tropical ‘old growth’ rainforests suffered the loss of around 12 million hectares (global losses are still being tallied for the year).

Although studies have shown that over the past few decades global gains in forest cover have compensated for global losses, the gains have mostly been spread out through low-density Boreal forests, such as in Canada and Siberia. Meanwhile, the losses have mostly been in regions with 90-100 per cent tree density. If this continues, losses will begin to far outweigh gains. By slowing and hopefully halting deforestation, and planting more trees to restore degraded forests, we have an exceptionally good method of carbon capture at our fingertips, to accompany our transition away from fossil fuels.

“It is vitally important that we protect the forests that exist today, pursue other climate solutions, and continue to phase out fossil fuels from our economies in order to avoid dangerous climate change,” Crowther said.

Sources: Crowther Lab/ETH Zurich | Scripps Institution of Oceanography | Global Forest Watch

The County of Grey acquired rural properties for forestry purposes under the Agreement Forest Program with the Ministry of Natural Resources from 1938-1965. The County of Grey formally enacted a by-law on March 5, 2002 to formally end the Agreement with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. Since 1996, the County has been solely responsible for the management of these forest properties. The County currently owns 45 forest properties containing approximately 8200 acres of forested land.

Grey Sauble Conservation owns and manages 28,995 acres of land within it’s area of jurisdiction. Their goal is to have healthy, diverse forest ecosystems, which will provide a sustained yield of wood products as well as environmental, ecological, social and cultural benefits. To achieve this goal, Grey Sauble has completed an inventory and mapping of all their forest stands and has finalized a Forest Management Plan that will guide the management of their forests. GSC undertakes active forest management on properties that have been deemed appropriate for management activities.

Bees First FoodAround here, zone 5, Ontario, their first important food source is tree

pollen. Long before flowers become important, honey bees are in the top of trees collecting pollen. Maples, elms, poplars and willows are important as a first food. Some trees are wind pollinated and produce a lot of pollen. They also have a very concentrated source which means bees don’t have to fly long distances between flowers to get it. Trees are a kind of one-stop food shop for bees. They provide a huge and dense supply of nectar, which makes it easier for bees to build up stores that can be turned into honey. Bees in turn help pollinate not only the trees, but shrubs, flowers and other plants. Some of the trees that bees are most attracted to include: Wolf Willow, Crabapple, Lilac, Red Elder, Maple, Russian Olive

If the heat bothers you, plant a tree. If you like fruits, plant a tree. If you like birds, plant a tree.And if you like life, plant many trees

Managed Forest Tax Incentive ProgramThrough the MFTIP, landowners who get their property classified as

‘Managed Forest’ pay 25% of the municipal tax rate set for residential properties. To participate, you must prepare and follow a 10-year Managed Forest Plan that details how you will manage your forest property responsibly. The plan must be approved by a Managed Forest Plan Approver. You also need to submit a 5-year progress report and update your management plan every 10 years to stay in the program. To be eligible you need to: own 4 hectares (9.88 acres) or more of forested land on a single property in Ontario on one municipal roll number and have a minimum number of trees on each hectare (acre) of forest you own. Call The Review at 519-599-3345

Ottawa will provide $15 million over four years to keep Ontario’s 50 Million Tree Program up and running.Town of the Blue Mountains Council held a Public Meeting on July 3rd for Proposed Amendments to the Municipal Tree Preservation By-law 2010-68. The intent of the changes is to extend the scope of the existing By-law to include trees on larger privately owned parcels of land located outside of residential plans of subdivision which do not currently meet the threshold for protection under the current Town or County By-law requirements. The proposed changes would require an owner of a property with a minimum area of 1acre and a maximum of 2 acres to obtain permission from the Town prior to destroying or removing trees, subject to various conditions and exemptions. There are developers who are clearcutting and John McGee mentioned having a registry of people who would accept trees that could be replanted. Email johnmcgee@rogers.com for info.

- PAGE 12 JULY 2019 -

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Moving the Needle – Attracting and Retaining Family Physicians to The Blue Mountains and Meaford

A quick update from the North East Grey Health Clinics.In April Mayor Alar Soever hosted an appreciation dinner for the

Doctors within our community. It not only gave our new Mayor a chance to meet and thank the Doctors for their important work but also provided an opportunity for the Doctors to share insight and feedback on physician recruitment.

In May the Town of The Blue Mountains approved the formation of a joint Municipal Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee. The committee will include Sandy Macaulay and June Porter, who both have significant knowledge and experience in healthcare, alongside Councillors Rob Potter and Andrea Matrosovs.

The committee are currently drafting their terms of reference for the Council; drafting job ads for family physicians for Health Force Ontario and other websites. They will also review how the area is marketed to potential recruits via websites and social media.

(At the time of printing the committee have posted their first job ad on Health Force Ontario)

We are also extremely fortunate to have two medical students participating in a rotation at the Blue Mountains Health Centre (more on their experience in the next issue). Currently both are being provided with accommodation in Collingwood, organized through the Rural Ontario Medical Program (ROMP). However, we would hope to provide future medical students and/or Residents with lodging locally in the Town of Blue Mountain. This would enable them to more fully experience our beautiful town and be closer to their work.

If you are interested in hosting a Medical Student / Resident or helping us in general then please contact June Porter or Sandy Mccaulay at neghcphysicianrecruitment@gmail.com

Grey County New Official Plan Approved After three years of engagement, drafts and reviews, the County’s

new official plan has been approved by the Province. The new official plan sets goals related to development, communities and natural resources in the County. It will be active for 20 years with reviews every ten years to ensure it is effective and relevant.

Move Grey focused on transportation; Cultivate Grey focused on farming and agriculture; Develop Grey focused on our need to grow; Live Grey focused on healthy communities and quality of life; Natural Grey focused on the environment and our natural heritage.

The new Grey County Official Plan has been circulated with all local municipalities. Its policies and guidelines are now in effect. Questions about the plan can be directed to planning@grey.ca or 1-800-567-4739.