Horseshoe Valley Kaleidoscope of Updates and Events

by Valerie Thornton

To quote V. E. Schwab: “That’s the trouble with March – the warmth never lasts. There’s that narrow stretch when it parades as spring, just enough for you to thaw if you’re sitting in the sun, but then it’s gone.”

Spring appeared to arrive early with the disappearance of the snow, warmer temperatures, and signs of the earth awakening with green shoots appearing in the earth. The temperatures have gone up and down; it has definitely not been our normal March weather. It rather felt like England, except there the harbinger of spring is the appearance of daffodils popping up en masse and the bluebells carpeting the woods. A snowfall, hopefully our final one,  has lightly dusted our valley overnight, giving us a beautiful pristine winter scene accompanied by some brilliant sunshine; yes, spring is just around the corner!

With the lack of snow and warmer temperatures this has been a challenging winter season for Horseshoe, Moonstone, Hardwood Hills and all those people who enjoy participating in the winter activities that require a good consistent snow base. The resorts fortunately had improved snowmaking equipment which has helped them; sometimes when I drove out past Horseshoe and the snow had melted/gone mushy there were still people out on the hills.  Sadly the many outdoor rinks, maintained by volunteers throughout the Township have not been able to be operational for much of the season.  Really frustrating for the hardworking rink rat volunteers who work at keeping these open and in shape!

Happily, the weather did co-operate for the Sugarbush annual Family Day on February 13 at Sweetwater Park, with plenty of snow and cold temperatures.  Once again so many amazing unique creations of toboggans for the race.  Snow was essential for this fun day and the skating rink was also solid for skating.  Thank you to the Friends of Sugarbush and Haley Wilson for organizing this very successful annual event.

People are now thinking of golf and the summer activities that are plentiful in Oro Medonte.  There are so many golf courses to choose from and this year Horseshoe will be opening up again as an 18-hole course. It had been a disappointment to many when they closed the back nine a few years ago (especially as the Highlands 18-hole course had also been closed). Last year holes 10, 11 and 12 in the Valley were reopened and the remaining six holes will be completed during the spring; hopefully with an “early” spring this will be no problem.

We also have popular Settlers just down the road and Braestone not too far away, plus several others close by. For anyone thinking about lessons Mary-Patt Quilty at Settlers is a popular teacher who gives private and group lessons. I am sure that all the other courses also offer lessons.

All types of biking is popular and I know that Hardwood Hills and Horseshoe Resort both offer these. Fat biking was really popular at Horseshoe this winter. Hardwood Hills especially offers clinics for all levels of mountain biking.

Copeland Forest Friends will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday April 24 from 6 to 9 pm at Hardwood Ski and Bike at 402 Old Barrie Road, between Lines 5 and 6.  The Copeland Forest Trail Plan is now finished after more than two years of study, community engagement and consultation.  Implementation will start this spring and volunteers are needed. We are so fortunate to have this at our doorstep. Consider getting involved and learning more about this gem of a forest and the “Friends” who are improving the trails, testing the water, weeding out invasive species, etc. etc.  The aim of the group is “to conserve the natural integrity of the forest and facilitate compatible recreational use”.  Find out more at www.Copelandfriends.ca.

Many fitness activities are also offered throughout the Township and many take place in our small community halls. Also, off Horseshoe Valley Road down Line 5 is the Vicki Tree Wellness Centre which offers an amazing array of workshops and events for all ages and fitness levels. Such a beautiful local in the forest. Find out more at www.Vickitree.com.

I believe several Easter Egg Hunts are being planned including at the 4^th Line Memorial Park and Sweetwater Park.  So don’t forget to check your local Facebook sites.

The work seems to be slowly progressing on the new school/community centre located at 739 Horseshoe Valley Road adjacent to the Horseshoe Valley Memorial Park. This elementary school is now larger than originally planned, accommodating 570 students, including 3 kindergarten classrooms and 11 regular classrooms. At this stage I am not sure what areas it will serve and if any decisions have been made. I do hope that parents concerned about this have been contacting the School Trustee. I will see if I can find out more information, but happy that at last work is being done.

What a change in the weather today; snow this morning then sun with the snow disappearing from my garden – all in one day.  High of 5 today and 13 tomorrow. I never know what clothes to put on!  So looking forward to working outside in my garden again and the joy and wonder of spring arriving.