Remembrance month with virtual lecture series
Midhurst/November 1, 2024 – In honour of Remembrance Month, the Simcoe County Museum will host a virtual lecture series every Thursday throughout November. Each week, historical experts will lead sessions covering a range of topics. The series is open to individuals and groups, with free virtual admission available by registering at museum.simcoe.ca.
Program Schedule:
Topic: Liberation of the Netherlands
Date: November 14, 2024 – 1:00 p.m.
Mark Zuehlke, award-winning author of the Canadian Battle Series, will delve into Canada’s role in the liberation of the Netherlands during WWII, marking the 80th anniversary of these pivotal events.
Topic: Collingwood and the transition from wooden to steel shipbuilding, 1880-1916
Date: November 21, 2024 – 1:00 p.m.
Michael Moir will trace Collingwood’s transformation from wooden boat production to steel shipbuilding, highlighting the shipyard’s impact on Canada’s wartime efforts.
Topic: The Barrie Legion Wall Clock: Nine World War Two Barrie Men Remembered
Date: November 28, 2024 – 1:00 p.m.
Steve Glover will recount the touching story behind the Barrie Legion’s Wall Clock, which commemorates nine local WWII soldiers lost in combat.
For further information on speakers and topics, visit museum.simcoe.ca
Take the Infinite Journey with the Simcoe County Museum, a cultural exploration of our historical past and exciting future. The Simcoe County Museum is owned and operated by the County of Simcoe and offers year-round exhibits, events and educational programs for visitors of every age. Visit our website at museum.simcoe.ca for further details.
Basil Clarke acclaimed as County of Simcoe Warden for a second term
Midhurst/October 22, 2024 – County Council held mid-term nominations during its meeting on October 22, 2024. Basil Clarke was acclaimed as Simcoe County Warden for 2025-2026. Warden Clarke was elected as Warden for 2023-2024 and will continue in the role until the 2026 Municipal Election.
Additionally, Jennifer Coughlin was acclaimed as Simcoe County Deputy Warden for 2025-2026. Deputy Warden Coughlin was also elected as Deputy Warden for 2023-2024 and will now continue in the role until the 2026 Municipal Election.
Bios for Warden Clarke and Deputy Warden Coughlin can be found here.
“I am humbled and honoured to receive the support of our Council and to continue representing them, our residents and communities as Simcoe County Warden,” said Basil Clarke. “In my opinion, Simcoe County is one of the best places to live in Ontario and I’m committed to continuing to help our communities thrive. I also look forward to continuing to work with Deputy Warden Jenny Coughlin as we address both challenges and opportunities across our great region.”
During its meeting on November 26, 2024, County Council will elect Chairs and Vice Chairs for its three Business Section Committees for 2025-2026.
County of Simcoe supports local students through the 2024 Bursary program
Midhurst/November 1, 2024 – The County of Simcoe is supporting 21 local students through the Student Bursary program. Each student will receive at minimum a $3,000 bursary towards their post-secondary studies. This year, the County received a record number of applications, which were anonymized and independently reviewed by members of the Bursary Committee.
“The County is proud to continue our collaboration with local municipalities and Georgia College to support Simcoe County students financially,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “Our County Council is committed to enhancing our communities and aiding our residents, including fostering the growth of our future workforce. On behalf of County Council, I congratulate this year’s award recipients and wish them great success in their educational pursuits.”
This year, the County partnered with all 16 member municipalities to offer 16 bursaries that are jointly funded ($2,000 from the County, $1,000 from the member municipality). Congratulations to the following recipients:
- Wesley Barzo, Township of Adjala-Tosorontio
- Elizabeth Simpson-Hillis, Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury
- Lindsay McDermid, Township of Clearview
- Benjamin Mundle, Town of Collingwood
- Emalee Alderson, Township of Essa
- Madelyn Burton, Town of Innisfil
- Halle Pike, Town of Midland
- Meagan Houle, Township of New Tecumseth
- Nicolas Lancione, Township of Oro-Medonte
- Jayneigh Hesler, Town of Penetanguishene
- Taylor Bechthold-Coon, Township of Ramara
- Brianna Wilson, Township of Severn
- Jake Lance, Township of Springwater
- Olivia Ferlito, Township of Tay
- Karys Littlejohns, Township of Tiny
- Rosalena Galdamez-Keeling, Town of Wasaga Beach
In addition, the County is providing five bursaries that are fully funded by the County. Congratulations to the following recipients:
- Finlay Kennie, Township of Oro-Medonte
- Findlay Nischan, Town of Collingwood
- Olivia Nothrop, Township of Springwater
- Mark Trumble, Township of Adjala-Tosorontio
- Chloe Tyers, Township of Clearview
In addition, the County has once again partnered with Georgian College, who will provide an additional $1,500 in financial assistance to recipients that are enrolled in their institution.
“We’re pleased to continue our partnership with the County of Simcoe on this bursary program which recognizes the power of both post-secondary education and community,” said Nene Brode, Manager of Financial Aid and Awards, Georgian College. “At Georgian College, we encourage students to connect more outside of the classroom. For those already living in Simcoe County, they know the power of the outdoors and this important bursary provides an extra incentive to stay, play, study and begin their careers here.”
The application process for the Student Bursary program typically will re-open in the spring. Once announced, the program will be promoted through various channels, including all the County of Simcoe’s social media accounts. Residents and students looking for more information on the bursary program, eligibility and the application process are encouraged to visit simcoe.ca/studentbursary.
Submitted by County of Simcoe
Simcoe County Museum temporary closure begins November 1
Midhurst/October 31, 2024 – The Simcoe County Museum will temporarily close from November until the end of March to facilitate ongoing renovations as part of an expansion project. The full closure will save approximately 2 per cent of the project’s $16.6 million cost, allowing for quicker and more efficient construction.
The renovations are part of the Matthews Innovation and Transportation Gallery Project, which broke ground in October. The expansion will occur in three phases, with this first phase anticipated to finish in February 2026 and the entire project slated to be completed by 2030. The project will significantly expand gallery space, introduce an environmentally friendly zero-carbon design, and create new areas for curatorial functions and collections storage.
During the closure, the Museum will continue its operations through several initiatives:
- Outreach program: Staff will bring the Museum experience to classrooms around the County with dynamic, hands-on educational programs. These programs were carefully designed to continue to spark curiosity and inspire young minds. For more information or to book a program, please email education@simcoe.ca.
- Collections management: Staff will pack, re-house and document collections that are being moved as part of the renovations. They will also research, develop, and build two new major permanent exhibits: the People’s Gallery and the Innovation Gallery.
- Outdoor skate trail: The Museum’s outdoor skate trail will still operate this winter, weather permitting, with staff on-site to maintain the trail and supervise.
For more information and updates on the Museum throughout its closure, please visit museum.simcoe.ca.
Submitted by County of Simcoe