Hello Gardener’s
By Nancy Lockhart
The time has come to get your hands dirty. I know your fingers are itching to play in the dirt. Oops soil. Let the gardening season begin.
Whether you wait until warmer weather to clean up your beds. To let the important insects wake up, or have already done your clean up. You’ve probably thought of adding to your flower beds. Or after the ice storm, your garden has more sun than before.
I have a suggestion for you. E.D.G.E is having our second annual plant sale. Flowers from our members gardens. Reasonably priced, wide varieties from shade to sun. Take a little or a lot, remember there’s always room for more plants. They brighten and beautify spaces and bring in birds and bees.
I hear you asking, Where do I go to get these wondrous plants. Join us on Saturday May 24th at the Heritage Park, Hwy 92 in Elmvale from 9-1, rain or shine. What’s a little rain for us gardener’s. It’s a Cash only plant sale.
Our next meeting we will be talking about ticks. Get important information to protect yourself and dog, while taking those nice long walks in the woods. And working in your garden. May 28 at the Elmvale Legion at 7:00.
Karla Trewin Appointed as New Director of Care at Hospice Huronia
Penetanguishene, ON – Hospice Huronia is pleased to announce the appointment of Karla Trewin, a Master’s prepared Registered Nurse with 20 years of acute medicine experience, as its new Director of Care, effective Thursday April 24, 2025.
Hospice Huronia operates Tomkins House, a six-bed hospice home that also offers community grief and bereavement programs, as well as hospice volunteer visiting services. Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for individuals and families facing life-threatening illness or loss, Hospice Huronia’s mission is to provide comfort, care, and compassion to those they serve.
Karla brings a wealth of experience in patient safety, compassionate care, and professional development to her new role. Her specialty areas include clinical teaching, mentorship, and critical incident planning and management. Throughout her career, Karla has demonstrated a passion for supporting both patients and healthcare teams, with a leadership paradigm focused on minimizing obstacles to exceptional patient care.
“In Palliative care, the person determines what is valuable and important to them based on their unique life experience”, says Trewin. “The role of our team is to provide safety, dignity, support, and strategies to achieve the person’s goals. I am excited to join Hospice Huronia and contribute to its mission of providing compassionate care to our community.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Karla to Hospice Huronia,” says Debbie Kesheshian, Executive Director. “Her extensive experience and commitment to patient-centered care align perfectly with our values. We believe her leadership will be invaluable in continuing to provide exceptional support to individuals and families in our community.”
Ontario Taking Action to Strengthen Local Governance
Province re-introducing legislation to create a standardized municipal code of conduct
By Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, May 01, 2025
TORONTO — Today, the Ontario government is protecting communities by re-introducing legislation that would, if passed, strengthen municipal governance and accountability.
Ontario is proposing changes through the Municipal Accountability Act, 2025 that would enable the creation of a new, standardized municipal code of conduct, an integrity commissioner inquiry process that would be consistent throughout the province and mandatory code of conduct training for members of council and certain local boards.
“Strong local governance begins with accountability,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “People across Ontario trust their members of council to uphold high standards for how they conduct themselves and address the decisions before them. We have worked closely with Ontario’s Integrity Commissioner to provide municipal leaders with new tools and resources to deliver good government.”
If passed, the changes would include a penalty of removing and disqualifying a member from office if they are in serious violation of the code. Removal and disqualification could only occur upon the recommendation of the municipal integrity commissioner, a concurring report from the Integrity Commissioner of Ontario and a unanimous vote of council.
“Municipal councils in Ontario have asked for legislation that holds elected officials to a higher standard of accountability,” said Robin Jones, AMO President and Mayor of Westport. “If passed, this bill would deliver on ensuring that as members of council, we are living up to the trust that residents put in us. We commend Minister Flack for getting to this point.”
Quick Facts
- The proposed changes in the Municipal Accountability Act, 2025 would amend the Municipal Act, 2001 and the City of Toronto Act, 2006, to strengthen the municipal code of conduct and integrity commissioner framework.
- Decisions about what is included in the standardized code of conduct will be made after consultations with the municipal sector. It could include rules for ethical behaviour with respect to, for example, harassment and discrimination and training requirements for members of council and certain local boards.
- Working with the municipal sector, Ontario plans to develop the necessary regulations to support the new framework to come into effect for the new term of councils in 2026.
CHIGAMIK Community Health Centre Launches Free On-Demand Wellness Courses
Midland, ON – April 23, 2025 — CHIGAMIK Community Health Centre (CHIGAMIK) is pleased to launch a new suite of free, expert-led, on-demand wellness programs designed to support individuals, families, and healthcare providers across the region.
Created with accessibility and community empowerment in mind, CHIGAMIK’s online courses cover a wide range of health and wellness topics—from mindfulness and nutrition to culturally safe pregnancy care. These flexible programs are available anytime, anywhere, making it easier than ever for people to engage in their own health and wellbeing.
“We’re so pleased to launch this great initiative for our community,” says Suzanne Marchand, Executive Director of CHIGAMIK Community Health Centre. “These ondemand courses reflect our commitment to inclusive, culturally safe care and education.
Whether you’re caring for others or focusing on your own wellness, these courses offer practical, accessible support to help people take charge of their health—on their own schedule and at no cost.”
The on-demand course offerings include:
- Mindful Connections – A six-session course, offered in English and French,
focused on applying mindfulness to different areas of life, including emotions, relationships, and purpose.
- Nourish: Nutrition Essentials for Healthy Living – A practical course, offered in English and French, designed to help participants understand key nutrition principles and make informed food choices.
- Indigenous Culturally Appropriate Pregnancy Care (CAPC) Training – A sixweek professional development course for those supporting Indigenous families in pregnancy and postpartum care. (Please note: this course includes a registration fee.)
Julien Laramée, psychotherapist at CHIGAMIK and facilitator of the Mindful Connections course, says the demand for accessible mental health resources is growing: “People are increasingly seeking ways to manage stress and find balance.
Mindful Connections offers practical strategies to strengthen self-awareness, improve emotional regulation, and build meaningful relationships—skills that are essential for overall wellbeing.”
GBGH and RVH Team Up to Reduce Surgical Wait Times
By GBGH
May 5, 2025 – Georgian Bay General Hospital (GBGH) and Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) have formed a strategic partnership to address the growing need for timely surgical care across Simcoe County. By welcoming RVH surgeons to practice at GBGH, the collaboration is significantly reducing long wait times and helping more patients access the procedures they need, sooner.
The partnership between GBGH and RVH was started to address the surgical backlog at RVH while utilizing the available capacity at GBGH. By working together, both organizations are committed to benefiting all patients in Simcoe County by ensuring quicker access to surgeries.
“At GBGH, we understand the critical role partnerships play in meeting the healthcare needs of our community” said Dr. Bonnie Shum, Chief of Surgery at GBGH. “We are maximizing our surgical capacity and ensuring our operating rooms (OR) are utilized to their full potential. This approach not only improves access to care but also fosters a collaborative culture that benefits patients, and both hospitals.”
Between August 1, 2024 and February 28, 2025, RVH surgeons performed 145 surgeries at GBGH for patients who had been waiting extended periods for care – including 45 paediatric cases. Procedures have included vascular, plastics, orthopedics, and general surgery, demonstrating the broad scope and reach of the partnership. These efforts have already made an impact on reducing the surgical backlog and enhancing care delivery in the region
Pam Oertel, a vascular surgery patient, learned she would need surgery in June 2024 and was scheduled at RVH that fall. When the time came, her procedure had to be postponed due to urgent cases.
“When my surgery date was postponed, I didn’t know when I would be re-scheduled because the health centre’s surgical program is incredibly busy,” says Oertel. “I was so relieved when I received a call this past February from GBGH to schedule my procedure with my original RVH surgeon. Within a week, I was at GBGH having my day surgery with Dr. Devrome. I was so grateful to have that option. Not only was my experience at GBGH outstanding, because of this partnership, I was able to receive my care sooner while staying close to home.”
This partnership marks a significant step forward in enhancing the capacity and resilience of the region’s hospitals. Both GBGH and RVH remain committed to building on this success, continuing to explore innovative solutions and strengthening cooperation to better serve the residents of Simcoe County.
Senior Tiny Times
Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre
Jennifer Gray, Volunteer Writer, May 1, 2025
A cancer diagnosis is very scary. When we hear the dreaded words ‘you have cancer’, our worlds immediately change. No matter how mild or severe, it’s life changing. There are few of us if any, who have not been touched by this disease. Nearly 1 in 2 average Canadians are diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime.
The entire experience with cancer is exhausting, alienating and emotionally draining. Initial feelings can be overwhelming and you may feel that things are suddenly out of your control. It affects every part of your life and those close to you.
Fortunately, cancer survival rates have significantly improved in recent years due to advancements in treatment, early detection and lifestyle changes. The overall cancer mortality rate has declined and more people are surviving longer.
Psychosocial oncology is a specialty in cancer care that emphasises the understanding and treatment of the social, psychological, emotional, spiritual, and functional aspects of cancer, from prevention through to bereavement. It’s also proven to reduce emotional and psychological stress. It helps people complete their medical treatment and helps caregivers and family members avoid burnout. It is a whole-person approach to cancer care that addresses a range of human needs that can improve the quality of life for those affected.
The Southern Georgian Bay region is fortunate to have the first rural cancer support centre in Ontario that provides psychosocial oncology. Located in Penetanguishene, with satellite service in Collingwood. The Georgian Bay Cancer Support Centre (GBCSC) is a multi-purpose facility that offers services for adults and caregivers going through cancer treatment. GBCSC’s qualified and caring staff provide programs and support to cancer patients and their caregivers. The programs are designed to educate, provide a sense of community and meet the overall needs for those living with cancer. The Centre provides a wide variety of activities and services including gentle exercise, cooking classes, knitting, art, music, wig fitting and discussion support groups.
Membership is free and open to those living with cancer as well as their families and caregivers. No medical referral is needed and joining is simple. To be eligible, a candidate must be involved in pre, current, or post-cancer treatment; or in remission and still followed by a treatment team or doctor; or a caregiver to someone involved in pre, current or post-treatment. Caregivers, include those directly involved as well as dependents and household members of the diagnosed individual. Candidates are required to complete an application to confirm suitability.
The Centre is also very active in fundraising to generate critical donations through community and corporate initiatives. Their largest event ‘Cycle for Hope’ will once again be held this August. Direct donations are always welcome. For more information on how to contribute, email the GBCSC at info@gbsc.com.
If you or someone you know could benefit or would like to learn more about their services, please contact GBCSC’s Member Service Co-ordinator at 705-549-6444 or fill out the application online on their website at: https://gbcancersupportcentre.ca/become-a-member.
The information in this article is provided as a public service by the Township of Tiny Senior’s Advisory Committee. We invite and welcome your feedback and suggestions on how we can make Senior Tiny Times a valuable information resource for our Seniors.
Website: www.tiny.ca/seniors – Phone: 705-526-4204 – Email: seniors@tiny.ca
Compost available for purchase at County of Simcoe waste facilities from May 5 to 24
Midhurst/May 2, 2025 – County of Simcoe residents will once again have the opportunity to purchase compost at all County waste facilities from May 5 to 24, 2025 (excluding residents from the cities of Barrie and Orillia). For a full list of waste facility locations and hours, please click here.
Compost is a soil amendment used in gardens to add nutrients, or as top dressing for lawns to help retain moisture and is produced in-house using leaf and yard waste material generated throughout the County of Simcoe. Learn more about how the County uses your leaf and yard waste to make compost.
Compost sales are self-service, and residents should bring their shovels to load bins, truck beds, or trailers. Cost is $5 per carload or $20 per truck or trailer load, while quantities last.
Mulch is also available free of charge while quantities last at County waste facilities. Mulch can be applied to soil surfaces, around trees, paths, flower beds, slopes and erosion prone areas, and as top dressing for flower and vegetable gardens. Mulch retains moisture, regulates soil temperatures, and supresses weed growth.
About the County of Simcoe
County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
Be prepared for an emergency, know your risk
By SMDHU, May 5, 2025
SIMCOE MUSKOKA – Each year, Emergency Preparedness Week is observed across Canada during the first week of May (4 to 10, 2025). The recent ice storm that resulted in extended power outages and flooding throughout Simcoe Muskoka are reminders that emergencies can affect everyone and can have long lasting effects.
From emergencies such as severe storms, flooding, and power outages to localized incidents like a watermain break, emergencies can happen anytime. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit encourages you to be aware of the potential risks in your community and to take steps to prepare so you know what to do before, during and after any emergency.
Preparedness goes a long way to help people cope better during and after both minor emergencies or major disasters. It can also help you reduce the impact on your family and property. By being aware of potential hazards and following a few steps, you can become better prepared to face a variety of emergencies ranging from natural disasters to infrastructure crises such as an explosion.
Be Prepared – Before an Emergency
- Know the risks specific to your community and region to help you be ready for different types of emergency situations. You can find information on your local municipality’s website to help you further understand the risks in your local area.
- Make a plan so that you and your family know what to do if an emergency occurs. This should include identifying a safe place for the members of your household to meet, emergency contact information for trusted neighbours and friends, and designating routes to evacuate your home and neighborhood.
- Prepare an emergency kit that includes an emergency food and water kit with some basic supplies that can get you by without power or tap water for a minimum of 72 hours. Your kit can include a flashlight, radio and extra batteries, a printed list of emergency and municipal numbers, bottled water, canned and packaged foods that won’t spoil, and prescription medications. Your kit should be easy to carry and be easily accessible and don’t forget to make a kit for your pets.
During and After an Emergency
- Depending on the type of emergency, your food/water supplies and immediate living space/environment may be negatively impacted, making them potentially unsafe. It is important to stay up to date on news/information and recommendations from local authorities and agencies.
- An emergency can have both short-term and long-term effects on individuals and their families, causing stress and trauma. Being aware of the available services in your community can help you during and after an emergency.
Additional information to help you and your family prepare for all types of emergencies, including a full list of items you should have in your emergency kit, is available at smdhu.org/BePrepared and getprepared.ca.
Agriculture and Home Economic Scholarship
By Myrna Jones, April 28, 2025
The Stewart L. Page Scholarships in Agriculture and Home Economics, primary by people and organizations of North Simcoe, are offered annually in recognition of the guidance given by the development of agriculture and rural life by Stewart L. Page, Agriculture Representative for North Simcoe during the years 1925 to 1967.
The Scholarship is open to residents of North Simcoe for at least one year at the time of application, who have attained acceptable Grade 12 standing as required by a selected college or university, and who wish to enroll in an approved Agriculture, Veterinary or Home Economics related degree or diploma course, as may be at Kemptville, Ridgetown, Alfred or University of Guelph, or any other similar institution with a course approved by the committee.
Applications are available from the School Guidance Departments and or by contacting Myrna Jones at myrna.jones48@ gmail.com