Tuesday, June 30, 2009

No Water to Waste: Walk, Concert and Rally at Site 41

Community and Council of Canadians Walk to Save the Water and Fight Controversial Dump

WHAT: Opponents of Site 41 will hold a 7km walk, rally and concert to stop Simcoe County from building a dump site on top of the Alliston aquifer, which would forever destroy some of the purest water in the world. Community members have fought tirelessly against the Site 41 project for over fifteen years but it is scheduled to open this fall and construction or 'de-watering' of the site has begun. Due to this added urgency, opposition to Site 41 is growing, with new organizations joining the fight this past week including the Métis Nation of Ontario, the United Church of Canada (Toronto), and the David Suzuki Foundation. The concert will be headlined by Fiddes•Lefaive with additional local artists.

WHERE: The 7km walk will leave from Elmvale Arena in Elmvale. The rally and concert will take place, cross from Site 41 in Tiny Township on Concession Rd. 2 between Baseline Rd and Highway 6, just west of Waverley just north of Elmvale and just south of Penetanguishene and Midland. Site 41 is about a half hour drive north of Barrie.

WHEN: Saturday July 4. The walk will begin at 10:30 am at the Elmvale Arena. The rally and concert will begin at 1pm.

WHO: Maude Barlow, the Council of Canadians, CUPE Ontario, Simcoe County community members and women from the aboriginal camp, which has been erected across from the site since mid May.


WHY:
“Water, in my opinion, is the single most important environmental and human-rights threat of our time,” says Maude Barlow, Chairperson, Council of Canadians and Senior Advisor to the President of the UN General Assembly, who will be participating in the protest. “But while millions around the world are dying and going thirsty, Simcoe County is about to violate this unique and precious Canadian aquifer.”

For more information about Site 41, visit:
www.stopdumpsite41.ca
www.canadians.org/water/issues/Site41/index.html

Monday, June 29, 2009

CELEBRATE CANADA!

(Barrie, ON) Come celebrate our great country at Canada Day festivities in Barrie! From 1:00pm to 9:00pm, families can enjoy fun activities in Heritage Park including face painting, inflatables and games. Entertainment on the stage in Memorial Square features Atlantis Blueprint at 4:00pm, Errol Lee at 5:45pm,2112 (a tribute to Rush) at 6:45pm, and Hot Rocks (a tribute to The Rolling Stones) at 8:30pm.

The City of Barrie and Downtown Barrie Business Association are hosting a very special Citizenship Reaffirmation Ceremony. All current Canadian citizens are invited to repeat the Oath of Citizenship and express their commitment to our country. The ceremony is being held on the stage in Memorial Square beginning at 6:30pm and will be followed by a birthday celebration with free birthday cake.

In the evening, the City of Barrie is proud to present our annual Canada Day tradition of a spectacular fireworks show over Kempenfelt Bay starting at 10:00pm. In case of inclement weather, fireworks will be held Thursday, July 2nd.

The Canada Day festivities kick off the 33rd annual Promenade Days running July 1st to 4th in downtown Barrie. The event features vendors, family activities, and entertainment along Dunlop Street.

For more details, visit www.barrie.ca and click on ‘Special Events’.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

St. John Ambulance Week proclaimed in Barrie

St. John Ambulance week, June 22nd to June 28th is a celebration that pays special tribute to St. John Ambulance volunteers in our community who give of themselves to improve the health, safety and quality of life of Canadians by providing training and community services. St. John Ambulance is celebrating their 125th anniversary of service in Ontario and has set aside St. John Ambulance week as a time to recognize, honour and celebrate the volunteers.

Community service is the backbone of St. John Ambulance. Volunteer time reduces the burden on the Canadian health care system and volunteering builds healthier communities. When a community need arises, St. John Ambulance volunteers are ready and able to help. When a natural or human disaster strikes, St. John Ambulance’s uniformed Medical First Response teams are there with advance first aid and life saving skills, experience and leadership. When companionship is needed, St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog handlers and their dogs offer warmth and friendship. Whenever and wherever people gather, event organizers and communities count on St. John Ambulance volunteers to be a familiar and comforting sight.

The Barrie Simcoe Muskoka branch volunteers were hard at work throughout 2008. The 60 Medical First Response members covered over 225 duties and treated over 350 casualties. These volunteers are trained to an advanced level first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The Therapy Dog program continues to be a successful community care offering with more than 10,440 service hours by trained dogs and their handlers. More and more the impact of these canine caregivers is felt as the therapy dog program reaches into new markets such as helping young ones to read.

The branch continues to engage Youth in a variety of ways and has begun strategic planning initiatives to help determine the future of the youth programs, and bolster youth engagement within the St. John Ambulance mission.

The Barrie Simcoe Muskoka branch has been an active member in our community for over 66 years. St. John Ambulance saves lives at work, home and play by teaching first aid to people at their work sites and to the general public so they know what to do when someone needs help. To celebrate 125 years of service in Ontario St. John Ambulance will be holding a free CPR seminar Saturday November 14, 2009 at Lampman Lane Community Centre in Barrie. For more information please check the website at www.sja.ca/on/barrie or contact the Barrie Simcoe Muskoka office at (705) 726-0991.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

New Canadian beef brand launched

Calgary, AB – (June 24, 2009) – Canadians love Canadian beef; in a recent
survey, 96 per cent of consumers expressed a preference for purchasing
beef produced in Canada versus imported product. Even when imported beef
costs less, more than eight out of 10 respondents say they would buy
Canadian beef.

Based on extensive consumer research, the Canadian Cattlemen's Association
and the Beef Information Centre (BIC), along with Canada Beef Export
Federation and Canadian Beef Breeds Council, developed a global Canadian
beef brand logo.

According to John Gillespie, BIC Chairman and a cattle feedlot operator in
Ayr, Ont., BIC is building its brand identity through the use of the new
brand logo across all beef consumption markets, including the consumer,
retail and foodservice trades.

"The new Canadian beef brand provides a consistent, unified voice within
Canada and the United States, as well as other international markets, on
the attributes of the Canadian Beef Advantage," he says. The Canadian Beef
Advantage (CBA) communicates the quality and food safety attributes that
differentiates Canadian beef from competitors.

An important element of BIC's consumer brand launch campaign is to
encourage Canadian retailers and foodservice operators to take advantage
of the brand logo and tagline: 'Canadian beef. Goodness in every bite'.
The tagline was based on research that showed the greatest growth
opportunity is among consumers who eat beef one to two times per week.

"This group represents almost 70 per cent of beef eaters in Canada," notes
Gillespie. "Persuading these consumers to eat beef more often has the most
potential for maximizing market growth."

BIC launched its new brand identity to consumers this spring with an
integrated multimedia campaign that included trade marketing roll-out,
recipe booklets, and public relations and health professional
communications. The multimedia campaign focused on Canada's light
beef-eater, those people who enjoy beef one to two times a week, in the
Greater Toronto Area. The campaign also incorporated radio, print and web
outlets, and posters displayed in shopping malls and health clubs.

The new brand is also a permanent fixture on BIC’s consumer websites,
www.beefinfo.org (English) and www.boeufinfo.org (French).

The new Canadian beef brand logo replaces the widely used Make it Beef
logo.

The Beef Information Centre (BIC) is a national organization formed in
1973 as the beef market development division of the Canadian Cattlemen's
Association (CCA). BIC currently provides marketing services for Canadian
beef in Canada and the United States, for both fed and non-fed beef. BIC’s
mission is to increase the demand for Canadian beef and optimize the value
of beef products for the future.

The Gibson Centre celebrates 2nd Anniversary this Canada Day

June 24, 2009 (Alliston, ON) The Gibson Centre for Community, Arts and Culture has been offering exceptional arts and cultural programs, performances, exhibits and events for 2 years now and our community has supported it’success all the way. The Grand Opening was held Canada Day, 2007 and the arts community has never looked back.

“We are amazed and so very thankfull for the wonderful support from our community and beyond”, says Cathy Morden, President of The Gibson Cultural Centre Corporation. “The vibrant arts and cultural atmosphere that eminates from The Gibson Centre is a great asset to our community and we look forward to increasing audience and programs.”

The Gibson Centre is an 1889 heritage building that began it's life as a factory. Located at 63 Tupper St. W., Alliston, it has been transformed into a Centre for community, arts & culture and offers a performance hall, art gallery, cafe, studio spaces, banquet facilities, 54 Plus Seniors centre and much, much more.

The Gibson Centre is celebrating their 2nd anniversary on Wednesday, July 1st with a Pancake Breakfast and open house from 9:30am – 11am. 54 Plus Seniors Centre is preparing the pancakes and you are invited to partake for a nominal cost. Call The Gibson Centre at 705 435 2828 to reserve your space or to find out more information.

Discover The Gibson Experience…Rich in Heritage, Alive with Culture!!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Elmvale & District Lions Club Donate $100,000 to Hospice Simcoe

Elmvale & District Lions Club have donated $100,000 to the Hospice Simcoe
Capital Campaign and in doing so have taken the lead in raising the final
million for the completion of Hospice House.

This gift is the largest donation ever given by this 35 member club,
surpassing previous donations by $50,000.

When asked why this sizable donation, Murry Turax, club president had this
to say, "The members of the Elmvale & District Lions Club, are very
enthusiastic about the donation of $100,000 to Hospice Simcoe. We believe
that Hospice Simcoe is a very worthwhile endeavour, it is our privilege to
help bring solace and comfort as well as dignity in the final days of
resident's lives at hospice Simcoe. The Lions motto is "we serve" and we're
proud to serve the residents of Simcoe County."

Hospice House is a ten bed residential hospice, the first in the North
Muskoka LHIN. The residential hospice will provide care to individuals who
are dying and their families in a home-like caring environment. Our spacious
private rooms enable family members to stay together.

Hospice House will be staffed twenty-four hours a day by trained
compassionate volunteers and a professional palliative care team. The
emphasis is on caring not curing and assisting residents to live with
dignity and comfort in a place that feels like home. Within this setting,
residents and their families are supported physically, emotionally and
spiritually, allowing them to live their life as fully as possible.

Faith Orlando, Manager of Resource Development at Hospice Simcoe feels
encouraged by this tremendous gift, "I feel confident that this campaign
will finish strongly with the support such as the Elmvale & District Lions
Club has shown. We are hosting tours of the nearly completed building and
community residents are in awe of what the local organizations, individuals
and business are contributing in order to achieve the campaign goal of
$3,600, 000. The outstanding amount to complete the campaign is $900,000,
and I'd like to let others know it isn't too late to get involved and help
your friends and neighbours by contributing to this wonderful facility."

Have a Hand in History with Barrie’s Heritage Committee

(Barrie, ON) Barrie City Council invites applications/resumes from citizens who desire to have their names considered for appointment to the Heritage Barrie Committee. The Heritage Barrie Committee is responsible for establishing the criteria for the evaluation of properties of architectural or historical value and to prepare and maintain a list of all properties worthy of conservation under the Heritage Act.

“This is a great opportunity for citizens to become involved with history in our city. Barrie is rich in history and working on this Committee will offer a rewarding experience allowing members to work towards preservation and education efforts by telling others about our historical areas right here in our City,” says Councillor Andrew Prince, Chair of The Heritage Barrie Committee. The Committee keeps up to date on all heritage conservation legislation and programs and recommends to Council any programs worthy of consideration by the City. It provides information to property owners about the preservation of heritage properties and supplies information about the conservation of such properties.

Applications and resumes containing details regarding qualifications and applicable experience for the above appointments may be directed to the undersigned at the City Clerk's Office at City Hall 70 Collier Street, P.O. Box 400, L4M 4T5. Please return your completed application to the address noted below, in person, by mail, or by fax 739-4243 no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2009.

Application forms are available on the City of Barrie’s website www.barrie.ca. Personal information received in response to this notice is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, S.O. 2001.

PowerStream employee fights cancer in multiple ways

Survives disease and helps to raise more than $27,000 for cancer research

VAUGHAN, ON – When Patrick Guran originally became PowerStream Barrie Hydro Distribution’s Chief Energy Conservation Officer in 2004, he knew that he would be involved in programs and activities that would help save the planet. Little did he know that his journey would also involve him in an event that would help save lives, perhaps even his own.

Last year, Guran, an accomplished cyclist, had planned to sign up for the Princess Margaret Hospital’s Ride to Conquer Cancer cycling fundraiser, but became ill and was diagnosed with NonHodgkins Lymphoma. However, a year later, he was not only able to overcome his cancer, but also managed to team up with three PowerStream Barrie Hydro Distribution colleagues – Paula Conboy, Irv Klajman and John Neogi – to participate in this event and raise a total of $27,776.

“I find it ironic that the reason why I entered the ride this year was the reason why I didn’t feel well last year,” said Guran. “Last year, my goal was to be alive to do this ride, and this year, I wanted to share my recovery with other people in a way that I could help others. I also wanted my team to not only raise money, but I wanted to encourage them to accomplish their goals – that is important!” Guran commented on how he was touched by the generosity and support he received from his co-workers at PowerStream Barrie Hydro Distribution, adding that the amount of money donated by the company’s employees “was incredible.”

The team joined the cycling fundraiser for several different reasons, some philanthropic in nature and others more personal.

“I want to do what I can to help raise awareness and funds to conquer cancer; this dreadful disease that has affected too many people I know and love,” said Conboy, Vice President of Regulatory and Government Affairs at PowerStream.

The money collected by the PowerStream foursome in just over five-months contributed to the total of $14.5 million raised by the 3,526 riders who participated in the 216 kilometre cycling event held on June 13 – 14. All proceeds were donated to the Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Eight candidates vying for positions on the OSMH Board of Directors

Orillia, ON) – Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) has released the names of the eight (8) individuals who will be considered for election, or re-election, to the hospital’s Board of Directors at its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2009.

The terms of four (4) current Board members, Robert Middaugh, Carol Nass, Rob Mauro and Nora Sawyer will expire at the AGM. Middaugh, who is Board Chair, and Nass have indicated they will allow their names to stand for consideration for another term. Joining them on the ballot will be Michael Clark, Gregory Gee, Brian Jewitt, Roger Lippert, Robert Watson and Robert Welsh.

“We are extremely pleased to announce the names of the individuals seeking a spot on our board,” said Paul Leskew, Chair of the Board’s Nominating Committee. “After a thorough interview process, we are presenting a diverse group of candidates from all parts of the community with experience and proven leadership abilities for the membership to consider.”

At the AGM, each candidate will have three minutes to address the membership in attendance, at which time the corporate members will vote by secret ballot. A profile of each candidate can be found on the hospital website, www.osmh.on.ca, under the tab entitled AGM 2009.

The hospital’s AGM is set for 7:00 pm on Tuesday, June 23, 2009 in the Normandy Room at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 34. Business will include the approval of corporate and credentialed staff by-laws. Members may obtain the AGM agenda at the hospital’s information desk or online at www.osmh.on.ca.

Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) is a 230-bed hospital located in Orillia, Ontario (just 114 kilometres north of Toronto) that serves more than 440,000 residents in North Simcoe Muskoka. OSMH provides a comprehensive range of programs and services, including medical, surgical and emergency care, dialysis, obstetrical and paediatric care, oncology, complex continuing care, mental health and rehabilitation services. While it remains Orillia’s community hospital, OSMH has a new role as a regional healthcare centre. For more information please visit our website at www.osmh.on.ca.

SUNSHINE ON A CLOUDY DAY IS HELPING TO BREAK DOWN BARRIERS FOR THE THIRD YEAR IN A ROW

WASAGA BEACH (June 18, 2009) – Sunshine on a Cloudy Day will hold its Third Birthday Celebration Extravaganza between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm on Saturday June 27th, 2009 at 174 Main Street and at Dusk at 198 Main Street in Wasaga Beach. Chris Carrigan of 97.7 The Beach will be live on location from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. The day’s festivities will include give-aways, “P.O.P.” Raffles, a Dunk Tank and a row of midway style games with prizes: 3 in a Row, Plinko, Ring Toss, Basketball Challenge and Golf Challenge. There will be live performances by Teknical Difficulties and Ear Candy, and a “Wet and Wild Car Wash” in the Dusk parking lot at 198 Main Street. Boston Pizza will be onsite serving lemonade and pizza samples. All of the day’s proceeds will be donated to Breaking Down Barriers Independent Living Resource Centre. Breaking Down Barriers strives to create a supportive community where people with disabilities can live independent lives.

Sunshine on a Cloudy Day is a new concept specialty Canadian gift store featuring homemade fudge, truffles, hand crafted art, jewellery, gourmet food, candy shoppe, bath & body products, gift baskets galore and so much more. We proudly support Canada every day - over 80% of our “smile approved” product lines are Canadian made and designed. Conveniently located on Main Street, which is home to many of the town’s motels, restaurants and campgrounds, and Faythe Pal’s other retail store Dusk located at 198 Main Street. Sunshine on a Cloudy Day offers an all around unique shopping experience at its upbeat, stylish, one-of-a-kind Wasaga Beach location.

For more information on Sunshine on a Cloudy Day, its products and its services please contact Faythe Pal at 705-422-1154 or visit www.sunshineonacloudyday.ca

For more information on Breaking Down Barriers please contact Andrea Abbott-Kokosin at 705-445-1543 Ext. 203 or visit their website at www.breakingdownbarriers.org

Local youth a catalyst for sustainability Chosen among 180 students for national conference

Elmvale, Ontario, June 15, 2009 – With both interest and professional programs devoted to sustainability on the rise, a select group of students have a leading-edge opportunity to lead the way to lasting social change. Now, James Stephens, of Elmvale, is preparing to lend his energy to addressing the serious economic, social and environmental challenges our world currently faces. Stephens is among 180 college and university students chosen from more than 900 across Canada to attend a one-of-a-kind conference on sustainability leadership entitled, Impact! The Co-operators Youth Conference for Sustainability Leadership – a one-of-a-kind conference on sustainability leadership.

“The conference in September will be a hot-bed for new ideas and progressive thinking,” says Stephens, an environmental science student at the University of Guelph. “It is a great honour to be representing both the City of Guelph and my hometown of Elmvale. It is crucial to provide a rural perspective to sustainable policy and planning.”

Impact! The Co-operators Youth Conference for Sustainability Leadership is particularly timely as demand rises for employees who are familiar with the concept of sustainability with its triple-bottom line approach of balancing economic, social and environmental factors, and this awareness expands in response to concerns about climate change and global warming.

David Suzuki, award-winning scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster, and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation, will be the keynote speaker at Impact! The Co-operators Youth Conference for Sustainability Leadership. Other speakers include Peter Schiefke, National Manager of The Climate Project Canada, and experts in such fields as community engagement, networking and activism, poverty, ethics, working with government and the media, innovation and leadership, and people management. More information on the roster of experts can be found at www.impactyouthsustainability.ca.

As part of a think-tank researching municipal public services, Stephens will be reporting on the City of Guelph. “It is my hope to work alongside local organisations and government to build the best foundation on which to launch future action,” said Stephens. “The big thing for me here is to come home with something solid and applicable to local issues.”

Stephens joins his colleagues at the University of Guelph campus in Guelph, Ontario from September 24 to 27, 2009 where they will team up with experts to develop real sustainability solutions to take back to their campuses, communities, and current and future workplaces. The participants, ages 19 to 25, represent many fields of study, perspectives and geography so the conference will offer a diverse and multi-disciplinary approach.

“In many ways, students already are leaders in sustainability,” said Kathy Bardswick, president and CEO of The Co-operators. “This conference is a way to give young people the tools and networks to become catalysts for a more sustainable society.”

The work of the conference participants begins long before the event itself. Already, participants have started an online sustainability course created by The Natural Step, are conducting interviews with Canadian business and sectoral leaders, and are exploring existing sustainability practices within a given sector. More importantly, participants will be assigned to a project on which to explore the unique sustainability issues facing a chosen industry. The work includes interviews with Canadian business and sectoral leaders, and developing practical sustainability solutions. Participants will also continue their actions after the conference.

Partnering with The Co-operators are the Research Network for Business Sustainability, AIESEC, the David Suzuki Foundation, the Natural Step Canada, the University of Guelph, Wilfrid Laurier University, the Centre for the Study of Co-operatives at the University of Saskatchewan, Coopsco and the Richard Ivey School of Business.

About The Co-operators:

Based in Guelph, Ontario, The Co-operators is a group of Canadian companies offering home, auto, life, group, travel, commercial and farm insurance, as well as investment products. The Co-operators Group Limited is a 100 per cent Canadian-owned co-operative with assets of more than $7 billion. It is owned by a group of Canadian co-operatives, credit union centrals and like-minded organizations. The Co-operators is well known for its community involvement, and is listed among the 50 Best Employers in Canada.

MP BROWN Launches Proud to be Canadian Campaign

Barrie - June 18th, 2009 - Local Member of Parliament Patrick Brown announces the launch of the Barrie Proud to be Canadian Campaign.

The objective of the campaign is to have as many households as possible displaying the Canadian Flag on Canada Day. All households in the riding will receive a large paper flag, a flag sticker, a reply card and a detailed explanation of the campaign.

Constituents are asked to place the flags on their door or in a window that is visible to pedestrians. Households that wish to be counted as participants must fill out the reply card indicating their participation and mail it back to MP Brown’s office. No postage is required.

“My hope is that this campaign will get people excited about Canada Day and give my constituents a means to voice their pride in this great country,” said MP Brown. “I’m optimistic that by Canada Day, nearly every household in this riding will have a flag on display showing how proud they are to be Canadian. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Canada Day.”

The concept behind the campaign was developed during a discussion by MP’s on how to best celebrate Canada Day. The Proud to be Canadian campaign will be launched this week in many ridings across the country. Those that participate in the campaign will be vying for the title of “Most Patriotic Riding in Canada.” The riding with the highest percentage of residences displaying a flag on Canada Day will be declared the winner and announced in the House of Commons when Parliament resumes in the fall.
The level of participation in each riding will be measured using the reply cards that are returned. Therefore, it is critical that the houses that do participate ensure they send back their reply card.

“It’s easy to forget sometimes that we truly do live in the greatest country in the world,” said Patrick. “I hope this campaign gets people thinking about how fortunate we are to be Canadians and why we need to be proud of Canada and what it represents.”

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

2009 Business Plan & Budget Draws International Recognition

(Barrie, ON) Accolades were among items received at Council Monday night. The City of Barrie has received the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada’s (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award in recognition of its 2009 Business Plan and Budget. The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association of 17,600 government finance professionals throughout North America.

Mayor Dave Aspden was presented the award from Ed Archer, General Manager of Corporate Services. “This is a wonderful accomplishment. To receive international recognition for a plan that outlines how City Hall will continue to provide quality services to its residents is something to be proud of. This could only have been possible through great efforts from staff,” says Aspden.

“We’re very proud of the extensive efforts put forward by staff to make this happen. In just two years, Barrie's budget has become a leading edge example of accountability in public spending and forward thinking in financial planning. It underlines Council's priority for fiscal responsibility. This award goes out to the many staff who spent countless hours on an award winning document,” says Councillor Jeff Lehman, Chair of the Finance Committee

This award represents an important achievement and a mark of excellence in public sector financial reporting. Over the last year, the City of Barrie has made significant changes to its budget process aimed at improving efficiencies and making it feel more like a ‘business plan.’

“The 2009 Budget and Business Plan addresses Council's direction to develop a budget that not only describes how we plan to use the resources entrusted to us, but also describes the goals and objectives we intend to achieve,” says Archer.
In order to receive the award, the submission must meet nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation. These guidelines assess how well the budget serves as: a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide and a communications device.

The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award is valid for one year. To continue participation in the program, the City needs to submit the next budget document for consideration by the GFOA. The GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting.

About Barrie – Barrie is an exciting, caring and progressive community that 135,000 people call home. Situated 90 km north of the Greater Toronto Area on beautiful Kempenfelt Bay, Barrie offers an excellent life style and multitude of recreational opportunities. We are committed to the growth of prosperity of Central Ontario’s leading City and most dynamic waterfront community.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Curbside Shopping On Barrie’s Free Goods Exchange Days

(Barrie, ON) Think of it as two great big free environmentally friendly garage sales! That’s what Barrie’s annual Free Goods Exchange Days are all about. Take advantage of this terrific opportunity to clear out functional items from the garage, shed, or basement and place them out for others to enjoy. Items should be in good condition and could include unwanted items such as furniture, clothing, books, tools, sporting goods, toys, etc.


What: Free Goods Exchange Days

Why: To reduce the amount of waste generated within our community by promoting the reuse of desirable goods which decreases the amount of waste going to our landfill

When: Saturday, June 13, 2009 and NEW Saturday, June 27, 2009

Time: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Who: All City of Barrie residents are invited to participate, either by giving or receiving!

How: To place items out for the event, go to www.barrie.ca to download and print the Free Goods Exchange Day poster to place on your items notifying residents that you are participating in the event. Please place all items at the end of your driveway or edge of your lawn with the poster, by 8 a.m. on Saturday.

Leftovers must be removed by homeowners by 9 p.m. the same day. The City of Barrie will NOT provide a special collection for these materials. The City of Barrie does not accept responsibility for items inadvertently lost or stolen during Free Goods Exchange Days.

Food Partners Alliance of Simcoe County Hosts Information Session


Media, elected officials and public invited to learn how communities can assist local farmers


Midhurst/ June 12, 2009 – Bringing Local Food Home is the topic of an information session being hosted by the Food Partners Alliance of Simcoe County on Tuesday, June 16 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm.

“The County of Simcoe is pleased to be a part of this important initiative to mobilize our community in support of our local farmers,” stated Warden Tony Guergis. “Our residents are well served by partnerships such as the Food Partners Alliance of Simcoe County and I applaud the commitment of these volunteers to build a stronger local agriculture and food system for the benefit and enjoyment of everyone.”

The Food Partners Alliance of Simcoe County was created by a diverse group of stakeholders with a primary goal of mobilizing community support for the agricultural community through education.

“There is a growing consensus that one of the best ways to do this is to strengthen our local food system with a special emphasis on family scale farms,” stated John Hemsted, Chair of the Food Partners Alliance of Simcoe County. “We believe that with a strong local agriculture and food base Simcoe County communities will be more resilient and less vulnerable to changes of the global market.”

Guest speaker Maureen Carter-Whitney is the Research Director at the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy and author of Bringing Local Food Home: Legal, Regulatory and Institutional Barriers to Local Food, a report that will be presented to County Council.


EVENT:

What

Food Partners Alliance of Simcoe County Information Session

Who

Guest Speaker: Maureen Carter-Whitney Research Director, Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy

Where

Council Chamber
County of Simcoe Administration Centre, Midhurst

When

Tuesday, June 16 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Location Production To Donate Proceeds To Community Theatre

(Barrie, ON) The City of Barrie’s Department of Culture is pleased to announce that Lord Wolf and Madame Butterfly’s Champagne Dinner Theatre will be donating part of the proceeds from their June 18th showing of “The Long Weekend” to the Downtown Community Theatre. The play is currently running at Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club located at 556 Byrne Drive. The play, written by Canada’s favorite comedic playwright, Norm Foster, delivers hilarity with his insight into the foibles of married life, as he takes us on a very funny and human journey into the friendship between two women: Wynn Trueman, relationship 'expert' and psychologist, and Abby Nash, fashion designer, as they reunite for a long weekend. Their husbands, Max Trueman, high-powered divorce lawyer, and Roger Nash, ex-math teacher and aspiring screen play-write, are dragged along reluctantly for the visit, and the events that transpire promise to deliver plenty of surprises and side-splitting laughs for the delight of audiences!

Tickets can be purchased at www.ticketbreak.com or by calling 715-7161 or 436-4498. Dinner, a delicious three course meal can be included if ordered 72 hours in advance. The cost for dinner is $50.00 per person and for the show only $25.00. Tickets are also available at the door up until the show starts at 8:30 p.m. Please support your local community theatre by planning to attend this terrific production on Thursday June 18th.

Opportunities For Public Involvement Surrounding Allandale Redevelopment

(Barrie, ON) The public is invited to be part of the planning process surrounding the redevelopment of Allandale Station. The Correct Group and YMCA are spearheading a consultation process to obtain participation from Allandale residents as well as the rest of the City. The community will have various opportunities in which to become involved.

1) June 10th — Community Information Open House, City Hall Rotunda, 4 pm to 8 pm.

The Correct Group, the YMCA and their architects will be available to listen to feedback and answer questions from the public.

2) June 16th — Community Consultation, South Shore Centre, 7 pm to 10 pm.

An evening of facilitated community consultation to obtain participation, insight and vision for the station lands site development in terms of the uses of public spaces, relationship to Allandale and the waterfront, the types of commercial and retail needs, site integration, train station uses, public use and programming, and arts, culture & heritage uses. The process will include: an overall scope presentation; similar urban density projects; heritage background and issues, and charrette-style breakout sessions to deal with specific areas of the development project.

3) Ongoing to July 30th — Meetings with Specific Community Leaders and Groups.

Meetings with arts community stakeholders, including the city in an effort to achieve an arts, culture & heritage vision and public-use direction for the Allandale Village development including: tourism and impact; arts, culture and heritage integration; public programming of events like festivals and concerts, and; historic train station use as a community asset. Issues included in the Community Consultation (2) will also be addressed. There will be a web-based component of this consultation process that allows for feedback and information.

The aim of the public consultation process is to build awareness of the station lands development project and its depth of opportunity for Barrie. Other outcomes include: commercial development market research; community buy-in and awareness; station use input; public space configuration and uses, and, input for the development of the overall architectural program. Each stage will include an update to council.

The consultation process will be used to draft Creative Allandale Plan that supports the city's existing culture plan.

About Barrie – Barrie is an exciting, caring and progressive community that 135,000 people call home. Situated 90 km north of the Greater Toronto Area on beautiful Kempenfelt Bay, Barrie offers an excellent life style and multitude of recreational opportunities. We are committed to the growth of prosperity of Central Ontario’s leading City and most dynamic waterfront community.

Le Méridien King Edward unveils its historical walking tour and afternoon tea package

TORONTO (June 9, 2009) – The King Edward, Toronto’s oldest luxury hotel, announced the launch of its historical walking tour and afternoon tea package featuring a two hour walking tour of Canada’s largest city with famed local historian Bruce Bell.

Available every Saturday from now until Saturday, October 10, 2009, this unique package includes Afternoon Tea for two, valet parking, a 3:00 p.m. late check out and a two hour historical walking tour led by Toronto’s well known historian and author Bruce Bell. The rates for this package start at $236.00 plus taxes per room per night (based on single occupancy) and $279.00 plus taxes per room per night (based on double occupancy).

“Toronto is an amazing city with a rich history,” explains famed historian Bruce Bell. “There is no better way to spend a Saturday afternoon than exploring Old Toronto and learning how Canada’s largest and most diverse city came to be.”

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, The King Edward is the city’s oldest remaining luxury hotel and the perfect place to rest your head—especially after taking in the amazing historical sites that Toronto has to offer. To take advantage of this incredible offer call 416- 863-9700 or visit www.lemeridien.com/kingedward.

About Le Méridien
Le Méridien brand, currently represented by approximately 120 luxury properties in 50 countries, was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide in November 2005. With close to 90 per cent of its properties located in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Le Méridien provides a strong international complement to Starwood’s primarily North American holdings. Plans call for dynamic expansion of Le Méridien-branded hotels within the next five years, concentrating in the U.S., Latin America, and Asia-Pacific, including destinations such as India, Thailand and China.

Friday, June 5, 2009

County Will Provide a Considered Response to Provincial Announcement in Due Course

All details in provincial plan need to be considered For the Greater Good

Midhurst/ June 5, 2009 – The Province of Ontario, Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, announced yesterday a potential provincial solution to the Barrie/ Innisfil land dispute. The announcement identifies that the Province will move forward with a plan called “Simcoe Area: A Strategic Vision For Growth” and legislation entitled the Barrie/Innisfil Boundary Adjustment Act 2009.

Although the County of Simcoe worked towards a local solution and acknowledges the efforts of the 17 municipalities that participated in that process, the County also expresses respect and understanding for the Province’s position and efforts in this matter.

“We are aware that there have been announcements and there are additional announcements coming from various provincial ministries,” stated Warden Tony Guergis. “We want to consider all of this information and input from all of the County’s partners to ensure the picture is complete.

“It’s the County’s responsibility to look at these issues as a whole with the interests and prosperity of the entire region in mind. We are the only municipal government responsible for delivering and co-ordinating responsible regional strategies and services with a big picture, long term perspective in this geography”.

Over the next number of weeks the County will be meeting with various partners and having discussions at County Council. Warden Guergis will be calling the 32 elected officials that represent County interests together for a strategic discussion around the impacts of this proposed provincial plan and assess the impacts.

Minister Smitherman has personally asked Warden Guergis to wait for discussions with himself and his Ministry prior to forming a position with respect to this provincial initiative. For these reasons, Warden Guergis is requesting all parties exercise patience as we work through this information.

Concerning local political posturing and influence associated with this announcement, the County recognizes there is a political imbalance with respect to representation at the province from this region. While we remain disappointed that communication, information sharing and local provincial political interests in relation to this matter appear to be inconsistent and not fairly undertaken between all parties, we will continue to work with the key Ministers and their staff at the province whom we regard as solution-oriented to ensure that all efforts are undertaken in the best interests of the residents and communities within this entire region.

The 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.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Barrie- Protecting Lake Simcoe

(Barrie, ON) Further demonstrating a strong commitment to preserving the health of our environment, Monday night, by consent, General Committee passed the preferred alternative solution for the Ford Street Stormwater Management Facility Retrofit Municipal Assessment.

This is just the latest initiative endorsed by the City aimed at improving the health of Lake Simcoe and the environment as a whole. Over the last 20 years the City of Barrie has grown significantly and despite this growth, phosphorus loads reported by the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) at station K39 in Kempenfelt Bay have generally declined over the same time period. “With Barrie’s state of the art wastewater treatment and water supply plants and storm water retrofit initiatives, growth in Barrie will have a lesser effect on the Lake than growth elsewhere in the watershed,” says Jon Babulic, CAO.

The Provincial and Federal Governments have provided significant leadership and funding commitment to the protection of the environment. This partnership between the City, the Federal and Provincial levels of Government has demonstrated the joint dedication in ensuring the health of Lake Simcoe.

The City’s continued commitment to environmental stewardship is demonstrated in numerous projects including:
• The construction of the state of the art Surface Water Treatment Plant to supply safe drinking water to Barrie Residents, protecting ground water resources
• The technologically advanced Wastewater Pollution Control Centre which is being expanded to 76,000 m3 per day to meet more stringent effluent criteria
• LSCUF (Lake Simcoe Clean Up Fund) projects include: o Kidds Creek (Donald to Eccles (property acquisition and naturalization of watercourse)
o Kidds Creek Tributary West of Eccles (naturalization and stabilization)
o Mechanical storm water quality devices (Heritage Park) o Sophia Creek (naturalization and stabilization)
• $19 million Storm Water retrofit program
o D’Ambrosio (partnership with LSRCA)
o LV14 north of Caplan Drive and west of Bryne Dr., detailed design underway (partnership with MOE and LSRA

“The health of Lake Simcoe is a top priority and we are always seeking new ways to improve efficiencies surrounding its well being. The City continues to develop and implement projects that focus not only on protecting the environment but also enhancing the quality of life for area residents,” says Richard Forward, G.M., Infrastructure, Development & Culture Division.

Positioning Barrie at the forefront of environmental issues and enhancing public spaces throughout the City are just a couple of Council’s Strategic Priorities.

For an extensive listing of other projects that the City has developed to address environmental improvements, as well as future projects, please go to www.barrie.ca.

Swimsuit Anxiety and Breast Implants

Expert Reveals Natural Alternatives to Surgery

It’s almost summer, and rising temperatures aren’t the only reason some women are sweating.

According to a study in Fitness Magazine, 50 percent of women have turned down invitations that required wearing a swimsuit, and 45 percent would never walk around the beach or pool without covering up first, according to the study. Fitness, in partnership with Lands' End, polled 500 women, ages 18-49, to understand how women's behavior, anxiety level, and self-confidence are affected when wearing a swimsuit. The results point to a discouraging trend.

Concurrently, breast augmentation overtook liposuction for the first time in recent history as the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure, according to the 2008 statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). In 2008, there were 355,671 breast augmentation surgeries performed in the United States, compared with 341,144 liposuction procedures.

It’s a disturbing trend, according to Dr. Sherrill Sellman (www.whatwomenmustknow.com), a naturopath and author who specializes in women’s health issues.

“It’s bad enough that the media encourages the national obsession with a woman’s bra size, but to know that hundreds or thousands of women every year are having risky elective surgery because of that cultural eccentricity is alarming,” said Dr. Sellman. “According to the National Institute of Medicine, 25 to 40 percent of people who get breast implants end up needing another operation to correct something wrong with the first one, adding to that risk. It’s unconscionable.”
Dr. Sellman said that the secrets to natural breast enhancement reside in either fat deposits or the lobes that regulate lactation. The woman’s breast is mostly made up of breast (connective) tissue, fat, lobes (milk glands) and ducts, she explained. Breast tissue and ducts do not change after puberty.

“Up to now, women wanting breast enhancement could increase the breast volume by surgical implants or by increasing body fat, which for some women, (if their body stores most of the fat in the breasts) may increase the fat in the breast and increase breast size,” she said. “If their body stores most fat in the hips or evenly throughout then the increase may not be as noticeable. Naturally exercise works against these products because it burns fat away.”

She added that new methods of breast enhancement now take advantage of the lobes’ ability to increase breasts size by activating the milk glands.

“Mother Nature made breasts on women and all other female mammals to feed its infants,” she said. “During pregnancy the lobes grow and get ready to produce milk, but usually it isn’t until the baby is born and milk is being demanded that milk production occurs. This natural phenomenon has been dissected and it has been determined how to mimic it without having to get pregnant, without using pills, hormones, creams or surgery.”

One such process that Dr. Sellman feels is safe and effective is the Grow Yours system (www.growyours.com) which focuses on exercises that stimulate the lobes to grow in the same way they grow during pregnancy, without actually lactating.

“The process works best and fastest on women who have been previously pregnant, and has been proven in private testing to produce results of bustline increases of two inches or more,” she said. “Since the process does not involve fat retention, women can exercise all they want. Exercising promotes a healthier lifestyle and can flatten the tummy which usually makes the breasts stand out even more.”

About Dr. Sherrill Sellman

Sherrill Sellman, N.D. is an educator, women's natural health expert, and journalist in the field of women's health. She is also a Naturopathic Doctor, a much sought after international lecturer, radio host, senior editor and contributing writer to numerous health publications. Dr. Sellman is the best-selling author of "Hormone Heresy: What Women MUST Know" and " What Women MUST Know to Protect Their Daughters from Breast Cancer". Her website is www.whatwomenmustknow.com

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

ARE YOU A CANADA DAY EZ ROCK IDOL?

SCIENCE NORTH AND 105.3 EZ ROCK TEAM UP ONCE AGAIN TO PRESENT AMATEUR SINGING COMPETITION

SUDBURY, ON – Do you sing in the shower, or belt your heart out singing karaoke every weekend? Do you have dreams of walking onto a stage in front of thousands of screaming fans? What if that could really happen? All you need to do is to get your hands on the 2009 Canada Day EZ Rock Idol Gold Ticket!

Science North and 105.3 EZ Rock have up to 10 Canada Day EZ Rock Idol Gold Tickets to give away! Gold ticket recipients will perform on the main stage at Science North, during the annual Canada Day celebrations being held Wednesday, July 1st. A panel of judges will determine the top three finalists who will move on to the final leg of the competition, which will take place from 7 to 7:45 p.m. on Canada Day.

But first, you have to get a Canada Day EZ Rock Idol Gold Ticket! Auditions are being held Tuesday, June 9th and will be limited to the first 50 people who pre-register online at www.ezrocksudbury.com.

The competition is open to individuals between the ages of 11 and 25 years old. All participants will be required to sing one or two songs accapella (without musical accompaniment) as part of their audition.

The 2009 Canada Day EZ Rock Idol competition is presented by Science North and 105.3 EZ Rock.

PARDON ME - Commissionaires offers professional pardons service

Trusted experts and digital fingerprinting mean faster turnaround times


June 2, 2009 – Toronto – Commissionaires Great Lakes today announced a new, state-of-the-art professional pardons processing service across the golden horseshoe and southwestern Ontario to assist eligible Canadians in clearing their criminal records. Commissionaires’ leading edge digital fingerprinting and the expertise of fully trained and trusted staff, make securing a pardon fast, efficient and convenient. Commissionaires Great Lakes offers this new pardons service through its network of offices in Toronto, Scarborough, Mississauga, Barrie, Sarnia, and London.

“Many Canadians who have paid their debt to society and who now make productive contributions in the community often face real challenges in many parts of their lives because of a minor brush with the law in the distant past,” observed Jim Watts, President and CEO of Commissionaires Great Lakes. “Our new service takes this burden off the shoulders of eligible applicants by wiping their records clean; professionally, efficiently, and cost-effectively,” Watts concluded.

Law-abiding citizens with past criminal convictions confront significant barriers to full participation in society. A criminal record can severely limit job opportunities and freedom to travel outside of Canada. Renting an apartment, getting bonded, child custody and visitation rights can all be compromised by a prior criminal conviction. A pardon may be granted by the federal government to law-abiding citizens three years after a summary conviction sentence has been served and five years following a completed sentence for indictable offences.

“To many applicants, applying for a pardon can be a daunting, complex, and intimidating task,” noted Jim Watts. “Having a trusted expert lead them through it and handle the paperwork means that the entire process is faster and easier, giving the customer peace of mind”

Commissionaires’ new pardons service involves a simple three-step process:

Step 1: Digital fingerprinting:
All pardons require applicants to be finger printed. Commissionaires’ digital fingerprinting service means a faster turnaround time, usually in fewer than ten days.

Step 2: Forms and records:
Upon receipt of the digital fingerprinting report, the applicant attends a private and confidential meeting with a Commissionaires pardons expert to review the results, complete the necessary forms, and determine what, if any, additional records and documentation are required to complete the pardon application. This part of the process is critical and requires attention to detail to ensure the application is accurate and complete.

Step 3: Filing the application:
The completed application is formally filed with the National Parole Board for consideration. Having a fully completed and accurate application helps to eliminate delays at the NPB.

About Commissionaires
Commissionaires was founded to provide meaningful employment for former Canadian Forces and RCMP personnel. The organization has long been recognized as Canada’s premier security provider, protecting people and property for public and private sector clients from coast to coast. While employing leading-edge technology in delivering security services, Commissionaires has remained true to its roots by providing employment to those making the transition to civilian life after active service in the military and police forces. Commissionaires’ services and security solutions include: security guarding, enforcement, identification services, training and security consulting. The integrity, strong work ethic, proven skills and discipline of Commissionaires give clients confidence and security everyday, everywhere.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Melody Mayhem 2009

An evening of musical fun in support of Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County

Mix song and dance, trivia and pizza, add a few friends and what do you get? The answer can only be found at Melody Mayhem 2009, being held Saturday June 6 at the North Simcoe Sports & Recreation Centre, in Midland.

Held in support of Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County, Melody Mayhem 2009 is a “name that tune” game that challenges players to name musical artists, movies, jingles, TV shows and songs from every musical genre. Players are encouraged to register a team with friends, family or colleagues; however singles and couples are welcome to join in the fun.

The event begins at 6:00 p.m. and promises to be a fun evening out. The cost of $20 per person includes pizza. Soft drinks, beer and wine are available for purchase.
Tickets and registration forms can be obtained in advance by calling Catholic Family Services at 526-9397, Brabant & Kretzschmann Chartered Accountants at 526-2240 or Johnstone’s Musicland at 526-7821.

All Proceeds from this event go directly to Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County, a non-profit charitable organization that offers professional counselling services and education designed to strengthen and enrich family and individual lives.

Wheels & Tracks in Motion at the Simcoe County Museum June 13 and 14, 2009

Minesing/June 1, 2009 - Historical Construction Equipment Association of Canada (HCEA) and the Simcoe County Museum present Wheels & Tracks in Motion at the Simcoe County Museum on June 13 and 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Browse through the vintage construction equipment, tractors, classic trucks and other historic pieces set up around the Museum grounds. Take a wagon ride out to the gravel pits to see live demonstrations of steam powered rollers and shovels, vintage road building equipment, rock crushing, grading, hoisting and much more. Kids of all ages will love the hands-on, up-close experience of watching these machines in action!

In addition to the machinery displays and demonstrations, you will be able to stroll around the Museum grounds and see the permanent displays, as well as visit the indoor vendor area. Refreshments are available at the concession booth. Regular admission rates apply. Get your inner kid in gear and join us at the Museum for an unforgettable day of historical construction equipment in motion!

The Simcoe County Museum is located at 1151 Highway 26, minutes north of Barrie. For more information, visit museum.simcoe.ca or call (705)728-3721.

Take the Infinite Journey with Simcoe County Museum, a cultural exploration of our historical past and exciting future. 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.