FATAL COLLISION ON COUNTY ROAD 27
By Huronia West OPP Detachment, February 9, 2025
(Huronia West, ON) – Members of the Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) closed County Road 27 for a serious collision involving three vehicles, on February 8, 2025.
On February 8, 2025, at approximately 11:55 a.m., officers responded, alongside with local Firefighters and EMS, to a head on collision involving three motor vehicles on County Road 27 between Flos Road 11 East and Baseline Road.
An 80-year-old male and a 77-year-old female, both of Midland, were pronounced deceased at the scene, two others were transported to local area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and one was transported a Toronto Area Trauma Centre.
County Road 27 remained closed for most of the day on February 8, 2025, while members of the OPP Traffic Incident Management Team conducted a reconstruction investigation.
As of February 9, 2025, County Road 27 has been reopened and if you were a witness or have video footage of the collision, we ask you contact the Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or your local area Crimestoppers.
The Ontario Provincial Police is committed to serving our province by protecting its’ citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety.
Lions Roaring for Housing
By Randy Hargrave, Feb. 8, 2025
Guatemala—A team of Lions has traveled to Guatemala to help build homes for families in need. The initiative, part of an effort to address housing insecurity, has brought together people from different backgrounds with the goal of providing stable shelter for those who need it.
The project, now in its 12th year, was undertaken by members of Lions International in the village of San Pedro La Laguna. It is led by Len Day of the Barrie South Lions Club, a nonprofit service club focused on improving living conditions in vulnerable communities, locally and worldwide. Lions from Ontario including Penetanguishene and Tiny Township have participated in constructing durable homes to enhance the quality of life for Guatemalan families.
“For many of us this experience has been significant, it’s the most rewarding service project I have ever done,” said Len. “Seeing the families’ reactions to these homes has been rewarding and very moving.”
Guatemala faces housing challenges, with many families living in structures that provide little protection from the elements. This initiative aims to address this issue by providing sturdy homes made from sustainable materials, ensuring longevity and safety.
Local community members have also participated in the building process, working alongside Lions to construct homes tailored to their specific needs. This collaboration helps ensure that the new housing aligns with local customs and preferences.
“The impact of these homes extends beyond just providing shelter,” said Efraín Alva Calvo, a community leader in Guatemala. “It brings security and a foundation for the future.”
In addition to construction efforts, volunteers have engaged in cultural exchanges, learning about Guatemalan traditions, cuisine, and daily life. Many have appreciated the opportunity to contribute while gaining perspectives from the people they are helping.
With plans to continue the project in the coming years, organizers hope to expand efforts and build more homes, relying on ongoing support from donors and volunteers.
For those interested in getting involved, Lions Guatemala Community Development Project encourages donations, sponsorships, and participation in future builds. Contact the Barrie South or Penetanguishene Lions Club through their Facebook pages for more information.
As hammers swing and foundations are laid, the volunteers in Guatemala are demonstrating that collaborative efforts can make a substantial difference—one home at a time.
Penetanguishene Lions Roaring for Health
By GBGH, Feb. 7, 2025
On January 22, 2025, the Lions Club of Penetanguishene presented a cheque for $5,200 to Victoria Evans, community Giving Officer, Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Foundation. The donation will fund a new Smart IV Infusion Pump for GBGH, to ensure safe, effective medication delivery for every patient.
GBGH is investing in 50 new IV Infusion Pumps this year, to support the significant increase in patient visits to the hospital. This gift brings total giving from the Penetanguishene Lions Club to $61,000.
Who Murdered Michael Kent?
By Mike Townes
Everyone has events and dates that have taken place in their lifetime that they will never forget. If you are around my age, born in 1953, you remember Elvis and the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show, the assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Neil Armstrong walking on the moon, and yes, even the Toronto Maple Leafs winning the Stanley Cup.
The above events were all seen on television and were many miles away, but closer to home, most people my age in our area will remember February 11, 1966. That is the date that Elmvale went from a sleepy, innocent small town to the place where six-year-old Michael Kent was murdered.
February 11th was a normal busy Friday night at the Elmvale Arena and Curling Club. The weather was a little snowy but the parking lot was full of cars as teams from Midland came to play hockey against Elmvale.
Michael came to the arena with his father and mother to watch his older brother play against Elmvale. At some point, he became separated from his parents. Investigators are not sure if Michael was taken from the arena or he had followed his father outside. The family’s car had become stuck in the parking lot, so after getting the family inside, his father left the arena to try to get the car out of the snow bank.
After a quick look inside the arena, a search party moved outside in the hope of finding Michael. At about 8:40 pm, he was found outside lying near the hydro pole on the west side of the Curling Club. (The addition to the Curling Club was not there in 1966.)
Michael was rushed to the office of the late Doctor Douglas Patchell located where Superior Cleaning is now situated. At the time, the search party had thought Michael had been hit by a car, but after removing his snowsuit, Dr. Patchell soon realized that young boy had been stabbed several times. Doctor John McKenzie was called to rush down to the office to assist, but it was too late to save the six-year-old.
Almost instantly, the Ontario Provincial Police were everywhere in Elmvale, especially at the arena. Everyone leaving or coming had their cars searched for the murder weapon or clues that would help find the murderer. Eventually, the knife was found on the roof of the Curling Club. The knife had no fingerprints and could not be traced to any stores or owners in the area.
I can remember being at the Arena that night. I had refereed my youngest brother’s hockey game from 6-7 pm and had stayed around the rink because I played at 8:00 pm. I played goal, so halfway through the game I was called to the bench for a goalie change. That is when I first heard about the murder of Michael Kent. I will never forget that night. Life in Elmvale changed that night.
Kids who walked to the arena or any other place in town were now driven or accompanied by an adult. Neighbours looked at each other differently as rumours ran rampant on who was being investigated for the murder.
All the kids and adults who were at the arena that night were interviewed by the O.P.P. We were mostly asked if we had seen anything unusual in the lobby or outside. I remember, after telling the officers that I had arrived at the arena 2 hours before my game, why I was there so early.
After fifty-nine years, the murder case of Michael Kent is still an open investigation. Over that time span, numerous leads have been followed up, but these did not lead to any arrests. Officers involved in the investigation over the years have met to see if anything has been missed. A few years ago, an officer traveled to the east coast to interview the family just in case any new facts about the case had surfaced. I was told that any new investigation tools that were not around in the 60’s also were not of any help in solving the murder of Michael Kent.
Police still cannot reveal details of the case because the investigation is still open and the case is being looked at periodically when new information becomes available. I had a chance to talk to a police detective several years ago about my memories, the rumours and the weapon used but, again, since it is still an open case, they could not confirm or deny most of my questions.
It is good to know that the investigation of this case is still active, even after such a long time. It is a day I will never forget. Michael Kent will always be part of my life. Hopefully, if still alive, the person responsible will come forward, or anyone who has information leading to that person(s) will contact the authorities for further investigation. If you can help, please make the call to Crime Stoppers.
Today, we still do not know who murdered Michael Kent. I hope the person responsible for this crime is still not walking among us. If they are, they must have been living their life with a guilty conscience eating away at them for almost 60 years. The family of Michael Kent needs closure. Elmvale needs closure. I know I do.
It’s official! The Town of Wasaga Beach has a second high school on the way.
“The Town of Wasaga Beach welcomes this latest investment by the Ontario government to ensure that kids in Wasaga Beach can go to high school right here in our fast-growing community,” said Mayor Brian Smith. “Our Town and Council have been relentless in advocating on behalf of students and families in Wasaga Beach, and in less than nine months, we are thrilled to welcome over $116 million in provincial funding for not just one, but two high schools in Wasaga Beach. This government continues to listen and invest in new schools and improved infrastructure in Wasaga Beach that will positively impact our community for generations to come.”
WASAGA BEACH – It’s official! The Town of Wasaga Beach has a second high school on the way.
Mayor Brian Smith welcomed the good news today during a media event with MPP for Simcoe-Grey, Brian Saunderson, at the Town’s new Wasaga Stars Arena.
The Ontario Ministry of Education will invest more than $59.3 million to build a high school proposed by the Simcoe County District School Board, which has the full support of the Town and Council. This will support the creation of 1,145 secondary student spaces in Wasaga Beach.
This will be the second high school to be approved by the Ontario government for Wasaga Beach in less than nine months. Construction on the Town’s first provincially-funded high school started today.
Since taking office in November 2022, the Town and Council have been relentless in advocating at the county and provincial level on behalf of students and families in Wasaga Beach. This advocacy has continued right up to the most recent ROMA conference on January 20, 2025. As a result, in less than nine months, Council has welcomed over $116 million in provincial funding for not just one, but two high schools in Wasaga Beach.
Snowmobilers bask in local conditions during ‘comeback season’
By: Wayne Doyle, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Source: BarrieToday.com, Feb 06, 2025
The trails are alive with the sound of sledders.
Coming from near and far to experience the trails of Simcoe County, snowmobile enthusiasts are thrilled with this year’s winter wonderland.
“This is shaping up to be the best snowmobiling season in five years,” Kris Puhvel, executive director of Orillia and Lake Country Tourism (OLCT), told BarrieToday.
“So far, we have received close to 300 centimetres of snow and with a thick base. Barring any major warm-ups, it looks like conditions will be excellent well into March,” Puhvel added.
That’s great news for Burlington’s Clint Stock, because his annual goal is to sled until his birthday — which is at the end of March.
“I’ve been sledding since 1967 and that’s the plan every year,” Stock said this past Saturday at the Simcoe County Administration Building on Highway 26 in Midhurst, where he was loading up his sled from a morning ride.
“We did about 105 miles this morning — went up to Wasaga Beach, Midland and Orr Lake and then back here,” he added.
Stock said he wanted to keep sledding, but he had a commitment back in Burlington that night, so he was only going out for a quick day trip.
His morning ride took five hours.
Stock has been out 10 times already this season and he tries to get out every weekend. His itinerary changes based on commitments, but normally he leaves Burlington behind for the weekend, preferring to stay overnight in a hotel close to the trails.
“Normally, we’d go out on a Friday and find a hotel for a couple of nights and go from there,” he said. “We’ll grab something to eat in the morning and then again at night. We spend the day riding.”
According to the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC), this year’s conditions will have a positive impact on the local economy — a boon to make up for last year’s bust.
“This is the comeback season we all wish for and did our snow dances for and La Nina is not disappointing,” Lisa Stackhouse, director of programs and partnerships at OFSC, told BarrieToday. “The economic benefit of snowmobiling is huge.”
According to Stackhouse, full-season and multi-day in-season permit sales are up over last year and the OFSC is seeing an upward sales trend every weekend as more trails become available.
Last year, according to a spokesperson from the Ministry of Transportation, the OFSC sold 86,000 permits. The specific number of permits per available category was not provided.
A season permit for sleds made after 2000 is $294 plus a $7.50 processing fee. A classic permit, for sleds made in 1999 or earlier, is $201.20 plus a $7.50 processing fee. A multi-day pass is $45 per day, with a two-consecutive-day minimum.
As more permits are sold, the economic impact increases, trickling down to sled manufacturers, clothing makers, hotels, restaurants and a variety of sundry industries, including gas stations and convenience stores, officials say.
“This machine, all in, cost about $40,000,” Stock said of his winter ride, a fully equipped sled that has power steering and heated seats, among other luxury extras. “Add in permits, gas, hotels, meals and travel costs and it starts to add up.”
A 2023 report called ‘The Economic Impact of Snowmobile Trails in Ontario,’ based on expenditure data from the 2022-23 season and commissioned by the OFSC, shows that the provincial network of more than 30,000 kilometres of OFSC-prescribed snowmobile trails is Ontario’s “most valuable recreational trail network and a key pillar of our winter tourism economy.”
The report found that in the 2022-23 season: expenditures by snowmobilers riding OFSC trails increased to $1.48 billion, up from $843 million in 2019 those expenditures resulted in an estimated $3 billion of snowmobiling-related economic activity for Ontario snowmobile trails directly supported 9,307 full-time jobs snowmobiling generated $538 million in taxes across three levels of government: $239 million in federal taxes, $258 million in provincial taxes, and $41 million in municipal taxes.
The study also found that the $3 billion of 2022-23 economic activity was almost double what was reported in two previous studies — $1.6 billion in 2019 and $1.7 billion in 2014.
“The new study estimates that OFSC snowmobile trails have the potential to generate a total annual economic impact of between $3 billion and $6 billion in any given season, dependent on factors such as weather,” wrote the report’s authors, Harry Cummings & Associates, an evaluation and planning consulting firm based in Guelph.
Some riders are reporting this year’s conditions are providing additional value for permit purchasers, something that was basically non-existent last year.
Daryl Alexander, who hails from Bethany, near Peterborough, has been sledding for 15 years.
He said he paid the same amount for his permit this year as he did last. The only difference, Alexander added, is that he’s actually getting out this year.
“Last year was a terrible season,” he said as he prepped his ride last Saturday in a county parking lot just north of Midhurst. “I got out once.”
This year, he’s hoping to cover about 4,000 kilometres of trail before the snow melts, what he considers an average year.
“Today we’ll go out for probably five hours or so and we’ll do about 160 to 170 kilometres,” he said. “On the trails you get to see stuff you’ve never seen before because the trails go through areas roads don’t.
“It gives you something to look forward to over the winter rather than staying indoors all the time.”
Triple the impact of donations to bring care closer to home – Submitted by GBGH
For the first two weeks of February, the Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) Foundation is raising funds for surgical tools and instruments to help expand the type of surgeries available at GBGH. This year’s Kickstart Your Heart campaign will be supported by two incredible match gifts of $25,000 each, tripling the impact of every donation given between January 31 and February 15, 2025.
Since 2021, GBGH has been focused on increasing surgical volumes to reduce wait times for patients. To achieve this, the hospital has strategically invested in specialized surgical instruments and technology for gynecology, orthopedics, urology and ENT (ear, nose and throat). This year, the hospital will be investing in additional laparoscopic instruments and scopes that will allow for even more procedures to take place at GBGH.
“Growing our surgical program means that new specialists can come to our hospital and perform procedures on patients in our community in our operating rooms at GBGH,” shares Bonne Shum, chief of surgery, GBGH. “Patients can receive a more comprehensive range of care all while travelling less and staying closer to their homes. The addition of new operating tools this year also allows our surgical teams to provide excellent patient care that is in keeping with current standards in a setting where medicine and technology is constantly evolving and improving.”
In its first four years, the Kickstart Your Heart campaign raised more than $500,000 to replace all the defibrillators and crash carts at the Midland hospital, update the cardiac monitoring system and purchase a cardiac coil for the hospital’s new MRI. The annual campaign was first inspired by the Hubers, who consider their support of the campaign a gift to each other.
Fifteen local businesses are also stepping up this year, offering special promotions that kick back a portion of sales to the GBGH Foundation. Individuals can show love for local businesses, the community and the hospital by supporting one of the participating businesses during the first two weeks of February. Bell Media’s Pure Country 106 and Bounce 104.1 are also collaborating with the GBGH Foundation to get the entire community involved.
“We love how the community comes together for Kickstart Your Heart each year,” shares Josh Duncan, program director, Bounce 104.1 and Pure Country 106. “To make it even bigger, we are offering a contest to encourage people to get out and support the businesses. Take a photo with the Kickstart Your Heart balloons found in any of the participating businesses, and submit it for your chance to win a gift pack worth more than $600.”
For more information on the campaign, contest and business partners, or to have a gift matched*, you can visit GBGHF.ca/KickstartYourHeart.
*The first $25,000 in donations to the campaign will be tripled.
Cutline 1: Conrad & Donna Huber will match all donations to the Kickstart Your Heart campaign from February 1st to 14th, 2025, Thanks to another local couple, Steve & Brenda, each donation will
be matched again to triple the impact for surgical services at Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH). In partnership with Bell Media’s Pure Country 106 and Bounce 104.1, the GBGH Foundation has a goal to raise $75,000 this year.
One-of-a-kind Chinese New Year- By Michael Chorney, At the Scene Photography
On Sunday February 9, 2025 at noon this one-of-a-kind Chinese New Year event takes place at Centra food market on Bayfield Street in Barrie. The dragon’s Dance to bring in the New Year and the cabbage hanging represents wealth as the dragon climbs up and eats the cabbage then sprays it out to spread prosperity. Accompanying the dragons are percussionists and drummers as they make their way through the store. This is part to bring good luck in the Chinese culture as well as celebrating the New Year.
“Cancer Talks” Series One of Two New Programs at Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre Thanks to Ontario Seniors Community Grant
By Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre, Feb. 3, 2025
The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre (GBCSC) launched two new programs in the second half of 2024 thanks to an Ontario Seniors Community Grant. The grant of $24,225 is allowing the GBCSC to provide valuable information and a sense of community for people impacted by cancer locally.
Cancer Talks features local experts, story-tellers, and other speakers discussing topics relevant to people facing cancer. Each talk is followed by Soup for the Soul, a drop-in soup lunch which provides people impacted by the disease to connect over lunch with others who can relate to their experiences in a comfortable and informal setting over lunch.
Both programs take place monthly every other week at the GBCSC in Penetanguishene at 45 Edward Street. Cancer Talks happens at 11:30 a.m. followed by Soup for the Soul at 12:30 p.m. Both are free to all and the GBCSC encourages anyone dealing with cancer to come out for some talk, some soup, or both.
Angela Lee Harrison, Volunteer Coordinator/ Interim Member Services and Program Coordinator, GBCSC, says the programs offer those who are fighting cancer and their caregivers not only helpful information, but a connection to others on the same journey.
“The Cancer Talks Speaker Series coupled with Soup for the Soul is a powerful forum for those individuals affected by cancer to gather and share their life altering journey. The deep bonds of friendship that are established often supersede the test of time.”
A range speakers are scheduled for Cancer Talks for later this winter and early spring. On Valentine’s Day, February 14, counsellor Jay Sutton will be speaking about Relationships. On February 28, Terry Day and the GBCSC’s Legacy Group will speak about Legacy Writing and how to write your unique story and share it with others. Other upcoming talks include:
March 14 – Jocelyn Rasmussen – Singer, composer, teacher, author, speaker, and cancer survivor speaks about dealing with the impact of a life-threatening illness.
March 28 – Sandy Cornell – Cancer survivor and GBCSC founder will speak about her journey and her inspiration for starting the GBCSC.
April 11 – Brittany Gagnon – Registered dietician will talk about nutritional care during the cancer journey.
April 25 – Ilene Shiller – Social worker from Wellspring Cancer Foundation will focus on “Brain Fog/Chemo Brain.”
All Cancer Talks are followed by Soup for the Soul. Everyone attending are welcome to stay for soup and socializing.
To find out more about Cancer Talks, Soup for the Soup, and other GBCSC programs and services, go to gbcancersupportcentre.ca.
FROM COMPASSION TO ACTION
A Visit to “Life4Kids” in Kenya – By Fred Hacker, Jan. 27, 2025
In late October, a group of 11 local residents departed to travel to Nairobi Kenya. The purpose of the visit was to visit the Life4Kids Children’s Home.
The vision of Life4Kids Canada is that “no child be left homeless or abandoned.” The mission of the organization is “to provide a loving home for homeless and abandoned boys in Nairobi Kenya.” Life4Kids finds boys who are living on the streets, destitute, abandoned, and alone. The boys are brought into a home where love, acceptance, and belonging are key components. The home provides loving care, healing from trauma, emotional nurturing, excellent education, healthcare, and quality housing.
There are currently 26 boys living in the home as a family unit. In addition, 3 boys aged 18 or older are financially supported in their community as they complete high school. A further 4 boys are enrolled in post-secondary education. So, Life4Kids currently supports a total of 33 boys.
The travellers did not anticipate the warm and emotional reception that they received when they arrived at the home. As the group arrived at the gates to the home, the staff and boys came running down the roadway, singing, dancing, cheering, and waving Canadian and Kenyan flags.
The travellers brought 12 bags of gently used clothes and shoes.
The Canadian group built a library and computer lab with materials paid for by the Midland Rotary Club and Rotary District 7010. The boys had never had a computer at their disposal, either at home or at school. Now they have 5 desk top computers which will greatly enhance their academic pursuits. The computer lab/library was dedicated to the memory of Pastor Martin Giebel who died tragically this past summer. He had been a Director of Life4Kids Canada. Tribute was also paid to the Rotary Club of Midland and Rotary District 7010 for their support.
The other project for the travellers was establishing a fruit and vegetable garden. Preparing the garden was arduous work for the more than 30 staff, boys, and travellers. But the result is a flourishing vegetable and fruit garden. The garden was named “the Rotary Garden of Love.” And the garden is already yielding produce to feed the boys.
The group had three significant outings while visiting the Life4Kids home. The first was a visit to the slum. Most boys in Life4Kids were found living alone, abandoned in alleys or in a garbage dump in the slum. While visiting a slum, the local group were part of the identification of two boys who were subsequently brought into the home.
The second outing was to experience a worship service at the church where the boys attend.
The third outing was to take the boys to the Nairobi National Park where the group saw many of the wild animals of eastern Africa living in the wild. The boys were also taken to a swimming pool for what one boy described as “the best day of the year.”
Applications Now Open for the Glen Newby Scholarship Fund Supporting Youth in Simcoe County
Submitted by Dominika Zapolnik, Manager of Communications, New Path Youth and Family Services, The Common Roof, Feb. 4, 2025
Simcoe County, ON – The Glen Newby Scholarship Fund, a collaborative initiative between The Common Roof and New Path Youth and Family Services (New Path), is now accepting applications from youth in Simcoe County. $5,000 in scholarships is available, including one $2,500 scholarship and two $1,250 scholarships for eligible applicants.
This scholarship is dedicated to empowering youth who have faced adversity, providing them with financial support to pursue post-secondary education or apprenticeship opportunities. It celebrates the legacy of Glen Newby, the former CEO of New Path, who spent nearly 50 years championing child and youth mental health in the region. This scholarship honours Newby’s vision of offering supportive environments that enable young people to overcome challenges and achieve their potential.
“We’re excited to offer this scholarship as a way to support young people in reaching their educational and career goals,” says James Thomson, President and CEO of The Common Roof. “Our partnership with New Path strengthens our commitment to fostering opportunities for youth in Simcoe County.”
Applications are open until April 30, 2025. Eligible candidates include youth up to 24 years old residing in Simcoe County who are entering or continuing post-secondary studies or apprenticeship programs.
“We are fortunate to partner with The Common Roof to provide this important opportunity,” says Jim Harris, CEO of New Path Youth and Family Services. “This scholarship allows us to support youth in their academic pursuits while honoring the incredible legacy of Glen Newby and his work in the child and youth mental health sector.”
For more information and to apply, visit: www.thecommonroof.ca/scholarship.