Bayfield councilor facilitates freezer donation for vaccine  

It was announced on Jan. 22 that Bruce Power has donated a freezer unit to Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) to assist in the safe and timely roll-out of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

The ultra-low temperature unit, which will be housed at the Health Unit’s Clinton location, will allow HPPH to keep the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine at its necessary temperature as vaccinations in Huron-Perth for priority populations continue.

“We are grateful to have the support of Bruce Power as we continue this important phase of protecting the public against COVID-19,” said Huron Perth’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Miriam Klassen. “Having access to this freezer unit will facilitate the continued roll-out of our local vaccine program as it will allow us to receive vaccine directly into our community once supplies permit. As our vaccination program progresses, we ask that all residents remain safe, stay at home, and follow all provincial health guidelines. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, so let’s all do our part to get there safely.”

Bill Whetstone, a Commercial Lead with Bruce Power’s Supply Chain as well as a councilor in the Municipality of Bluewater, helped facilitate the donation of the freezer. Whetstone said this donation will help ensure the integrity of the vaccines.

“The residents of Bluewater, and everyone in Huron-Perth, has been waiting a long time for the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, and I’m proud to work for a company that was quick to help us in our time of need,” Whetstone said. “I thank our health and Long-Term Care workers, as well as the staff at Huron Perth Public Health, for what they’ve done during the pandemic. We all look forward to better days, when we can truly show our appreciation for all you do.”

Bruce Power has also donated a similar freezer to the Grey Bruce Health Unit as it prepares for its vaccination roll-out program to begin.

HPPH is working closely with partners to provide vaccine to all residents of Long-Term Care Homes and then Retirement Homes across Huron and Perth counties over the next few weeks.

The province has a three-phase distribution plan and an ethical framework to ensure Ontario is prepared to receive, store and administer COVID-19 vaccines as they continue to arrive over the next several months. At this time, vaccine supply is very limited. Distribution focuses first on vulnerable populations that are at greatest risk of COVID-19 and severe illness and those who care for them.

The Huron-Perth Mass Vaccination Advisory Committee (HPMVAC) is creating a Huron-Perth sequencing model, as well as an administration and distribution plan, based on the province’s distribution plan and ethical framework.

Currently the focus is on Long-Term Care homes and then Retirement Homes. Additional groups will be identified in the sequencing model; as vaccines become available those groups will be contacted. For the general public, this is not likely for a few months. HPPH asks the public to be patient and await further information. There is no vaccination waiting list set up for the general public.

Snook Stout sales continue to benefit Community Centre 

Ron Keys (left), representing Bayfield Brewing Company, presented a cheque to representatives form the Bayfield Community Centre recently. Sandy Scotchmer, Operations Lead; and Jeff Kish (right), Marketing Director, were very pleased to accept the donation proceeds of which were generated from the sale of "Snook Stout". (Submitted photo)  

On Jan. 20, the Bayfield Brewing Company made their second donation to the Bayfield Community Centre from the sales of their “Snook Stout”.

Introduced by the brewery in the fall of 2019, Snook Stout is named in honor of Huron County native and Captain of the St. Louis Blues hockey team, Ryan O’Reilly. Snook is his nickname!

Donating a portion of the sales of this brew to the Bayfield Community Centre is the Bayfield Brewing Company’s way to help out their community. They made their first donation in July of 2020. The total donated to date is $529.50.

Sunset community foundation to develop regional funding 

In early December of 2020, Krista Evely, of Huron Women’s Shelter, and Jim Jean, Grand Bend Community Foundation director, celebrate a grant from the Foundation to support the work of the Shelter. (Submitted photo)  

Twenty years ago, farsighted local politicians created the Grand Bend Community Foundation (GBCF) from the proceeds of the sale of Grand Bend’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Beginning Feb. 1, that vision will be expanded to serve a wider region under the name Sunset Community Foundation (SCF).

“The name change reflects our commitment to support the development of community funds in Huron County and beyond,” said Chair Deb Gill. “While staying true to the vision of our founders and original donors, we also want to ensure that charities across our region have access to the services of a community foundation.”

Established in 2001, the GBCF now has more than $3 million permanently invested and has made grants totaling nearly $2 million. Among the projects supported: a beachfront stage, food banks, sports and recreation facilities, mentorship programs for vulnerable children, scholarships for local students, tree planting, and much more. The Grand Bend funds will continue to be held, managed, administered, and granted as they currently are.

The Foundation currently holds two funds serving the municipality of South Huron. Tom Prout of Exeter, Ontario, helped create these funds.

“I’ve learned how important it was for any community to have this resource,” Prout said. “By working with the Grand Bend Community Foundation, we were able to get something started that will benefit our community for many years to come.”

Prout hopes South Huron will provide a model for other communities in Huron County and elsewhere.

Gill says the name change is about being welcoming and inclusive.

“We want other communities to know we’re ready to help them. For donors who want to build stronger and more just and inclusive communities, now and forever, there is now a great option,” she concluded.

Bayfield Agricultural Society asking for Community Votes 

Community members are asked to show their support for the Bayfield Agricultural Society by voting for Bayfield's photo entry in the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) 175th Photo Competition.(Photo by Dianne Brandon)  

The Bayfield Agricultural Society (BAS) Executive is hoping the residents of the community will once again show how supportive they can be by voting, and inviting others to do so, in a fun little competition between local ag societies. And in the true spirit of small-town fairs – the prize is a red ribbon and bragging rights!

Community members are asked to show their support for the BAS by voting for Bayfield's photo entry in the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) 175th Photo Competition.The picture entered was to best depict the local Ag Society. It was taken, by photographer, Dianne Brandon, with members of all ages posing in the sunflower field at the south end of Bayfield last summer.

The BAS Executive selected this photograph to enter as they felt this image best illustrated their organization. This particular field of sunflowers was planted so that people taking pictures in it could also support a community fundraising effort with a health theme and as a community group these Society members wanted to be supportive of this cause. The BAS also promotes agricultural awareness and what better way to show that than by literally standing in a field! And finally, as fairs are held to attract all ages, a variety of age groups are depicted in the picture.

To vote use the following link: www.ontarioagsocieties.com/convention/2021-convention/303-175th-anniversary-photo-competition-voting-vote-here. Click on District 8 and then click on the first picture which is Bayfield's.

As of Jan. 25, Bayfield was trailing the Brussels’ Agricultural Society but had closed the gap somewhat. Help keep that trend going by voting and inviting others to do so. The deadline for voting is Jan. 31. Consider sharing with friends to have them support a Bayfield organization that has been around for 165 years.

britT and bibette - best buddies in need of a forever home 

Bayfield Forgotten Felines (BFF) has helped hundreds of feral and abandoned cats find their forever homes but many are still waiting.

Britt and Bibette are the Adopt-A-BFF featured cats of the week.

Although not related, Britt and Bibette seem to have bonded. Both were feral cats that were dropped off at a farm and brought to the rescue at the same time. They are constantly together. At first glance people might think they are both black cats but Britt is actually a Tortoiseshell. Britt is also the smaller of the two and she seems to have taken on the mother role. Bibette is younger but larger and is all black. Britt had a litter of kittens that were all adopted. Volunteers at the rescue note that she has taken her time coming around to letting them touch her but she is doing fine now. It would be perfect if Britt and Bibette could be adopted together!

Anyone interested in adopting Britt and Bibette is asked to reach out to Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines at bayfieldsforgottenfelines@gmail.com.

The cost of a vet visit is $150 per feline, a lot more for cats with special needs. Donations are always appreciated. E-transfers can be sent to the email above or email to arrange for a drop off or pick up of donations. Cheques can be mailed to Bayfield’s Forgotten Felines, P.O. Box 33, Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0.

farmers' market 

People may not be aware but the Bayfield Farmers’ Market didn’t close up shop at the end of Thanksgiving – the online store is still operating with bi-weekly pickups or contactless delivery. The next market pick-up day is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 29.

People can place their orders by visiting openfoodnetwork.ca/bayfield-farmers-market/
from Sunday, Jan. 24 at 8 a.m. to Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. Shoppers will be directed to pick up their items up on Jan. 29 sometime between 3-5 p.m. at Shopbike Coffee Roasters on Bayfield’s Main Street. They will receive an email confirmation (Thursday) with the approximate time of delivery on Friday afternoon.

Orders can be paid online with credit card or email transfer. Organizers are pleased to offer delivery within 15 KMs of Bayfield for a flat fee of $5. Shoppers can select their preference at checkout. 

Anyone who would like to receive a reminder to shop the market when it opens is invited to join the Bayfield Farmers’ Market email list. People can do so by visiting: eepurl.com/g1lpZ5

Life at the Rink 

In response to the many public inquiries it has received, the Board of Directors of the Bayfield Community Centre wishes to announce that, even though the COVID-19 shut-down mandate is being fully observed, the arena ice surface is not being removed.

Spokesman Jeff Kish advises that the community recreation organization feels it is a fundamental part of its mandate to “stay ready” to serve the needs of the public, especially in these uncertain times. Not only is the Bayfield Community Centre team optimistic they will re-open, but they will also be extending the ice season to the end of March 2021.

“We want to offer the public the best season we can,” said Kish. “Certainly, there is a cost to maintaining ice that can’t be used, but the cost of not keeping the facility in a position to serve the public is much greater."

The Bayfield Community Centre’s online booking system makes it easy to book family and friends in for a skate once the lockdown is lifted.
“We will keep you posted when we will be re-opening,” said Kish.

Visit www.bayfieldcommunitycentre.ca for updates and bookings.

Optimist Club

People often ask if they can add an engraved brick to the path around the Splash Pad in Clan Gregor Square and members of the Optimist Club of Bayfield are pleased to announce that there is further opportunity to have a name added to the circle in 2021.

The engraved pavers in Clan Gregor Square are a reminder of how great area residents and visitors are when it comes to supporting such projects as the Playground and the Splash Pad.

“In Memoriam” stones for loved ones as well as “just because” stones can be ordered with the work being done on site later in 2021 using the same two brick sizes that are already installed around the Splash Pad. The cost of these engraved bricks will be medium, $70; and large, $90. The plan is to have the bricks engraved in late May and/or early June.

Anyone with an interest in adding a brick can contact Mike Dixon via email at mikedixon@tcc.on.ca or by calling 519 955-5254 for further information.

BRVTA 

The Bayfield River Valley Trail Association (BRVTA) Executive reports that the Saturday 10 a.m. guided hikes at the Varna Nature Trails are suspended for the time being, in compliance with the Ontario government stay-at-home order. All trails maintained by the BRVTA remain open for personal exercise by groups of not more than five people. Please remember to comply with provincial policies and recommendations: maintain 2Ms (6ft) distance, wear a mask when distancing is not possible, stay at home except for work, exercise, or medical reasons. The executive thanks everyone for their cooperation.

Are you interested in a hiking buddy? If you are a new resident or hiker, single hiker, don’t want to hike alone, or would love to meet new people through hiking the BRVTA trails, you can now take advantage of the Hiking Buddy Program they have in place. This new program will enable hikers to connect with others on the trails and is available to all BRVTA members. If interested, or for more information, please send an email to info@bayfieldtrails.com

Anyone who enjoys walking the trails but has never got around to joining the Association, might consider that with an affordable $30 annual family membership, they would be making a valuable contribution toward the maintenance of our seven trails, ensuring their viability for the future. Membership funds are also needed for programming and insurance. Special thanks to all of you who have supported the BRVTA through membership; they’ve seen record numbers this past year.

If you already are a member, the BRVTA would love you to refer them to your friends! For a limited time – during January and February – they have a special offer. If you refer three new members during this period, please send the BRVTA an email with the details and you will receive “For the love of Bayfield”, a gorgeous and informative book, written by local historian and one of the founders of the BRVTA, Dave Gillians.

Memberships for 2021 are available through the BRVTA website, bayfieldtrails.com. Save the receipt, which will give you shopping privileges at the Columbia Sportswear discount store as well as to several other events and programs.

Anyone who would prefer to write a cheque, is asked to please mail it to P.O. Box 531, Bayfield N0M 1G0.

FOOD BANK

The generosity of the community continues to brighten the lives of the people who look to the Bayfield Area Food Bank (BAFB) for support.

Anyone in need of assistance at this time, is asked to please reach out through either an email to bayfieldareafoodbank@gmail.com or phone/text 519 955-7444. All enquiries are handled with complete confidentiality.

For anyone wanting to drop off a non-perishable food donation, the outdoor bin located at Trinity St. James Church on Keith Crescent, has been moved to the north entrance of the parish hall. This red bin is sitting next to the recycling container at that doorway facing the parking lot, and is emptied frequently, especially with the freezing temperatures to come.

Please note, monetary donations are always a very welcome gift as well, as this allows BAFB to purchase needed items that aren’t otherwise available.

For anyone who would like to support BAFB with a monetary gift, there are a few options available. Cheques can be mailed to: Bayfield Area Food Bank, 10 Keith Cres., Bayfield, ON, N0M 1G0. A collection container for cash donations is located at The Bayfield Garage at the corner of Hwy. 21 and Jane St. An e-transfer can be made through BAFB’s gmail account: bayfieldareafoodbank@gmail.com or a donation can be received on-line through the www.canadahelps.org website.

All donations of $20 or more will be receipted for tax purposes. BAFB is a registered charity with CRA. Anyone who would like a receipt, is asked to ensure that their name and address are clearly provided along with the donation.

Anglican Church

Trinity St. James Anglican Church has now suspended their in-church Wednesday morning, Communion Services. 

Sunday services will continue at 11 a.m. and are provided virtually over ZOOM. All are welcome. The congregation would also like to invite people to join in their relaxed Coffee and Conversation hour also held over ZOOM every Thursday and Friday starting at 11 a.m. To join any of these ZOOM sessions please contact Rev’d Mary Farmer at mary.e.r.farmer@gmail.com.

Centre for the arts 

The Bayfield Centre for the Arts (BCA) is planning a future fundraiser by paying homage to their temporary location – The Barn at 24 Main Street North in the village, the former home of Kryart Studio behind The Village Bookshop.

Artists are invited to donate an original 12” X 12” art piece depicting an Ontario barn in any medium and captured from any angle. These donated barn paintings will be hung and displayed for sale in The Barn in the Spring of 2021. All proceeds will go toward education and appreciation of the arts.

Please email hello@bayfieldarts.ca to let organizers know of intent to participate and to receive an information package.

Nominations now open for Conservationist of the Year 

Do you know a person, business, farm, community group, or organization doing work that protects water, soil, and habitat for living things in Ausable Bayfield watersheds? If so, you are invited to nominate them for the Conservationist of the Year Award.

Award nominations may be submitted until Feb. 24.

“The year 2021 is the 75th anniversary of our conservation authority and, on this special year, we are proud to once again present this award,” said Doug Cook, chair of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) Board of Directors. “This is just one way we can say ‘thank you’ to some of our participating local stewards who help to protect your water and soil resources and to improve forest and wetland conditions.”

To submit a nomination, visit abca.ca for the nomination form and award information. The nomination form is found on this web page link: www.abca.ca/community/conservationistoftheyear/

People may also email tcumming@abca.ca for more information.

ABCA has recognized outstanding achievements in conservation, each year since 1984, with conservation awards. Past award winners have included rural landowners and residents, agricultural producers and farms, service clubs, community organizations, companies, nature groups and municipalities.

Conservation educators offer lunch hour series for students 

Conservation educators at Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) continue to offer support to the watershed community though new learning opportunities. Two new online synchronous (when there is live interaction between ABCA educators and students) learning programs are available for watershed teachers.

The Species at Risk program teaches students about local species at risk, including turtles, mussels and fish, found in the Ausable River.

The second program, Wonderful Wetlands, focuses on the at-risk habitat of wetlands. Additional support for teachers is found on ABCA’s website, abca.ca, which has a teacher’s resources section with printables, lesson plans and educational website links.

During the provincial stay-at-home order, people can watch ABCA conservation educators live through a series of free “Lunch and Learn with ABCA” presentations. ABCA will broadcast from noon to 12:30 p.m. Registration information is available on the website at www.abca.ca/education/, via Facebook at Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority @WaterSoilLivingThings, and through Eventbrite.ca.

The viewing schedule, along with the topics to be presented, are: Friday, Jan. 29,
Species at Risk (geared to students in Grades 4-6); Tuesday, Feb. 2, Wonderful Wetlands (geared to students Grades 4-6); Friday, Feb. 5, Species at Risk (geared to students in Grades 7-12); Tuesday, Feb. 9, River Safety – Flooding Facts (geared to students in Grades 4-6); and Friday, Feb. 12, Water and Wetlands (geared to students K-3).

“Conservation educator Nina Sampson and myself are available to chat and we are keen to help teachers or parents in any way we can,” said Denise Iszczuk, conservation educator. “Step one to learning about nature is to plan time to get outside every day.”

The winter sessions of in-person, outdoor education programs including Oaks & Acorns; Coyotes & Pups; Muskrats; and Outdoor School are cancelled. ABCA will issue full refunds to all registered participants.

Spring sessions of Oaks and Acorns; Coyotes & Pups; Muskrats; and Outdoor School will begin in March and when it is safe to do so according to direction from the Province of Ontario and public health authorities. Registration is now open for the spring sessions of these programs at abca.ca.

Anyone who would like to chat with educators about these programs, please call 519 235-2610, or toll-free 1-888-286-2610, Ext. 255 or 262. 

nominations sought for Huron county technology innovators 

Focused on the resilience of innovators, ingenuity of industry, and transformation of world-class enterprises in the face of disruption, TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario proudly announces the launch of “Limitless: A Celebration of Regional Innovation”.

TechAlliance’s inaugural event will highlight individuals and businesses in the region who are leveraging technology to develop creative solutions, harnessing equitable practices to empower an inclusive and vibrant community, and growing some of the most promising ventures to bolster a globally competitive innovation economy.

“Innovators embraced transformation in 2020,” said Chief Executive Officer of TechAlliance, Christina Fox. “Navigating disruption with inventive and collaborative responses at the helm and demonstrating an unbreakable spirit in the face of uncertainty are achievements worthy of celebration. We are delighted to invite founders, industry and stakeholders to call attention to those who are fuelling a more prosperous future for us all.”

The virtual celebration, on March 31, will feature standout individuals and ventures demonstrating excellence in key categories.

Four of the five awards are now open for applications. Nominations will remain active until Feb. 22 at 5 p.m. Finalists in each category will be announced on March 1, at which time, The People’s Choice Award will open for public voting based on finalists from the following categories:

• The Breakthrough Award recognizes a company who has brought a novel solution to market, whose technology clearly demonstrates next-level innovation.
• The Gamechanger Award recognizes a company whose culture is paramount to the success of their business, accelerating growth and profitability while creating positive impact.
• The Scaleup Award recognizes a company that has realized substantial growth over the last 12 months.
• The Forthcomer Award recognizes a trailblazing young professional, 29 years of age and under, with an innovative solution or business.

This event is made possible by sponsorship from a cast of regional partners — MNP LLP, Stronghold Services Corporation, TD Ferrara Wealth Advisory Group, Fanshawe College School of Digital and Performing Arts, and Pierre L. Morrissette Institute for Entrepreneurship at Ivey Business School. Each committed to fostering innovation, their contributions will enable this experience to uplift and energize audiences in Elgin, Huron, Lambton, Middlesex and Oxford counties when the live celebration airs on March 31 at 7 p.m.

Find details including award criteria, eligibility, and sponsorship at techalliance.ca/limitless.

Gateway launches monthly lunch time lecture series 

With social isolation being top of mind as COVID-19 restrictions continue to tighten, what better time to tune into Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health’s (Gateway) first Virtual Lecture Series? Beginning in February, Gateway will host a monthly series of free virtual learning webinars for adults of all ages.

Gateway is currently partnered with local academic institutions and hospitals to advance rural health; with 14 Board members, 11 rural health research Chairs and three Research Associates within its core network. The Lecture Series will promote the experience and knowledge of Gateway’s chairs and associates to provide a one-hour lunchtime presentation. The presentations will cover a variety of topics on “rural healthy communities”, aligning with many of Gateway’s core values. Following a half-hour presentation, a three-member panel (a Gateway director, a Gateway donor and a health practitioner) will engage in a discussion and answer questions from participants.

With continuing restrictions on social gatherings and events, many adults have been motivated to improve their skills with technology in order to remain connected with family and friends, learn new skills and broaden their technological capabilities. Lifelong learning is beneficial in many regards, particularly for seniors (e.g. self-esteem, sense of purpose). Virtual webinar formats allow learners and presenters to interact with one another. During lockdown periods people are all seeking ways to safely connect with others, reduce feelings of loneliness and stimulate their minds.

The Lecture Series concept fulfills two of the three mandates in Gateway's Mission statement: to research, educate and communicate. This Lecture Series will cultivate a culture of rural health knowledge and innovation, while virtually connecting communities to reduce social isolation.

The first one-hour lecture in the series will take place Tuesday, Feb. 2nd, starting at noon.
Gateway Chair of Rural Economic Development Dr. Ryan Gibson, from the University of Guelph, will kick off the series with a talk on “Philanthropy, Wealth and Prosperity”.

Going forward, lectures will continue on the first Tuesday of each month, starting at noon. Anyone interested in sponsoring or attending the event, is asked to please visit the Gateway website, gatewayruralhealth.ca, for more information.

Leslie Walker, registrar of this new Gateway College concept, urges everyone to, “Mark your calendars now and keep the dates and times open for an interesting and insightful series of lectures.”

public health  

The Huron Perth Public Health website is updated regularly with confirmed case counts received.

“Our online case reporting is not a real-time tool but is meant to keep the community informed on trends we are seeing,” explains Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Miriam Klassen.

For the latest statistics on COVID-19 cases in Huron and Perth Counties please visit: www.hpph.ca

quilt of the month 

The theme of the January quilt is antique pocket watches; what a fun reminder for taking time to reflect and to set new goals. This adorable quilt is made of earth-colored cotton by local members of the community. The quilt measures 75” x 63” and sells for $475.

The first person sending an email to Hospice Manager of Fundraising Christopher Walker will be the happy owner of the quilt: chris.walker@huronhospice.ca. If you would like further information before you can decide, please let Walker know. Proceeds of the quilt sale will go directly toward patient care!

connectedness Coaching 

The COVID-19 pandemic is now in its tenth month and many local organizations have been working tirelessly to provide support and care to Huron residents during these troubling times.

Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (Gateway) is helping cultivate resilience in Huron County through offering a series of free educational opportunities through their Connectedness Coaching Project to Huron residents this February. These educational opportunities are aimed at community members who are interested in learning more about peer support, coaching conversations, and system navigation, skills each individual can use to help strengthen their communities. Gateway is also inviting local social service agencies and groups to participate and attend these events to complement their invaluable work.

There is limited capacity for these educational events so anyone interested in attending is asked to please email Gateway’s Recruitment Lead at recruitmentlead@gatewayruralhealth.ca.

Alternatively, for more information please visit: www.gatewayruralhealth.ca.

small business support  

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson is encouraging all local small businesses to apply for the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant.

The grant, first announced in December, provides a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $20,000 to eligible small businesses who have had to restrict their operations due to the province wide shutdown. The tightened restrictions were put in place to help stop the alarming rise of COVID-19 cases in Ontario.

“These are very challenging times for all of us, but especially for small business owners who have endured a severe loss of revenue,” said Thompson. “This support grant is there to help them pay their bills and keep the lights on.”

Small businesses required to close or significantly restrict services under the province wide shutdown will be able to apply for a one-time grant and use this funding in whatever way makes the most sense for their individual business needs. For example, some businesses could need support paying employee wages, while others could need support with their rent.

Eligible small businesses include those that:
· Were required to close or significantly restrict services due to the province wide shutdown being imposed across the province effective 12:01 a.m. on Dec. 26.
· Have fewer than 100 employees
· Have experienced a minimum of 20 per cent revenue decline in April 2020 compared to April 2019. New businesses established since April 2019 will also be eligible if they meet the other eligibility criteria.

"As Ontario's employers do their part to defeat COVID-19, they are facing unprecedented challenges as a result of this global pandemic," said Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board, Peter Bethlenfalvy. "I encourage every eligible small business owner in Ontario to visit Ontario.ca/COVIDSupport to access the support our government has made available. While we still have a lot of work ahead of us, we can all look confidently to the future as we resolve to do our parts and put COVID-19 behind us."

Businesses impacted by the province wide shutdown are also eligible for additional supports, including the government's program to provide rebates to offset fixed costs such as property tax and energy bills. These rebates will continue to be available for businesses impacted by the province wide shutdown and earlier restrictions.

More information about the Ontario Small Business Support Grant and other rebates is available on Ontario.ca/COVIDsupport.

WATERSHED CHAMPIONS 

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) invites local schools to become champions for a healthy and clean watershed. There are grants for local schools to complete projects that: improve surface and groundwater quality, forest cover, and overall watershed health; or an educational school event or activity on one of these topics. The local conservation authority offers four grants of up to $500 each.

The 2020-2021 school year is the fourth year of the grant program. An application form and guidelines are available online at abca.ca. The deadline for applications is Monday, Feb. 1.

“We know schools want to improve their student outdoor learning spaces and we are excited to offer up to $500 to help local schools with watershed projects through our continued partnership with NextEra Energy Canada,” said Denise Iszczuk, Conservation educator with ABCA. “We have been impressed with the projects that have been completed by local schools and we look forward to reviewing applications which help to improve soil, water and living things in our watershed.”

Schools can apply for one of two categories: 1) Creating Awareness; and 2) Taking-Action.
In the past year, three schools, located in Parkhill, Mount Carmel and Hensall, were successful in the Taking-Action category

For videos of past school projects check out the ABCA YouTube Channel at this link: www.youtube.com/user/TheAusable

To learn more, or to apply, visit abca.ca.