Horseshoe Valley Kaleidoscope
— by Valerie Thornton
Ah, October and our beautiful fall season. I love the changing colours of the trees, with many shades of orange and red appearing in the green foliage; how fortunate we are that we have SO many forests dotted around Oro-Medonte. Even in September it is lovely when just a few red branches appear among the green boughs. Autumn in England was never as beautiful as it is here in our Township!
As it is so close I want to remind everyone that our annual Images Studio Tour (in its 43rd year) is taking place between October 9th-12th, the long Thanksgiving weekend, with almost twenty local artists (original fine art, photography, pottery, etc. etc.) The official digital map for this year’s tour should be live now. You can download the interactive map directly on the official Images Studio Tour Website Map page. Some brochures are available and if you cannot find one beforehand you can pick one up at your first stop.
Good news. At last, the railway crossing in Craighurst was repaired. There are still a few small bumps but it’s so, so much better than before. I hope that this is checked regularly and not allowed to deteriorate to the state it was earlier.
There is not much movement at the moment on the development at the crossroads in Craighurst. Although many people aren’t keen on a Tim Horton’s I am sure that Georgian will do a commendable development at that site that will add to the feeling of Craighurst becoming a more vibrant centre for locals. I will try and find out more about what is planned and when work will continue as I know we are all anxious to know what the plans are and when work will begin. Some sidewalks are necessary so that people can walk safely so that must also be taken into consideration.
Did you know that there is a Craighurst Women’s Institute Group and others in our Township? I always thought that this worthy group began in England, but it actually started here in Canada. CONGRATULATIONS to Marg Patterson, a member of this active group who was awarded the Oro-Medonte Citizen of the Year for 2026. What an achievement! At the Oro World’s Fair on September 16 and 17, several Women’s Institute groups in Oro-Medonte played a vital role by sponsoring and organizing the Babies Feeds and Needs station. A comfortable, private area for parents and caregivers to look after the needs of their infants and stretch out in a quiet spot during a busy day. A BIG thank you Ladies!
On September 10 at the Horseshoe Resort the LON Charity Golf Event was held in support of COPE Service Dogs (a charitable organization that breeds, trains, and places service dogs with individuals with physical disabilities and care facilities). More in my next column as all the information re the donations etc. has not come in yet. A wonderful event though, that every year raises a substantial amount for a very worthy cause.
Our municipal election is on October 26, 2026 but online voting will begin October 14. The term of office will be November 15, 2026 to November 14, 2030. Check the Township at www.oro-medonte.ca.
The Chamber of Commerce is not holding any sponsored candidates’ forum this year, but the EROM (Engaged Residents of Oro-Medonte) is holding two. This is not simply a FB group, but a volunteer community organization made up of Oro-Medonte residents from all areas who care about the future of the Township. EROM does not endorse or support individual candidates, but gives out voting information/voter help centres, etc. EROM believes that we deserve a township, province and country where everyone, candidates, elected officials and the public can participate in democracy free from fear or intimidation.
Two candidates forums/meetings were arranged some time ago by the EROM. The first was for Oro-Medonte’s mayoral race, deputy-mayor and wards 2, 4 and 5 and held on September 17 at the Oro-Medonte Community Arena at 71 Line 4 North. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this as I was away but I hope to attend the next one on September 22 at the Simcoe Woods Community Centre on Line 4.
Regarding the first meeting on the 17, Ward 4 candidate Jane Voorheis (already acclaimed) attended, plus mayoral candidate Randy Greenlaw. The two other mayoral candidates, Cathy Keane and Joanie Pritchett did not attend. Re the deputy-mayor contest, incumbent Peter Lavoie, Jenn Dahinton and Donald Smith all attended. Incumbent John Bard (ward 2) also attended but Brandyn Dormer did not. Likewise in Ward 5 Diane Wells attended but Rick Schell was absent. The procedure was that the moderator presented questions that had been submitted by members of the audience. I heard that it was a very civil, interesting meeting.
One question that came up from the Moderator was regarding MZOs (Minister’s Zoning Orders) – assessing how many people knew what these were. The candidates were asked for essentially a “yes” or “no” answer on the use of MZO’s. I think that most candidates replied no but I wasn’t there to confirm this. Jenn Dahinten thought there could be “grey” areas and Randy Greenlaw raised hospitals as an example of circumstances in which an MZO might be necessary.
Apparently under Ontario’s planning Act, an MZO allows the province to directly zone land; when an MZO conflicts with a municipal zoning bylaw, the provincial order prevails. Unlike an ordinary municipal zoning decision the minister’s decision to issue an MZO cannot be appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal.
An MZO does not eliminate every subsequent environmental subdivision or building approval, but it can remove a fundamental part of the normal municipal planning process and with it an important measured local decision-making.
Why was I so interested in this and trying to understand MZO’s? I had just driven back from the Mississauga/Brampton area north rather than go on the highways, a usual habit of mine. It had been a while since I had done this and there was so much country there before; I was shocked at all the building that had occurred and how much farmland and green spaces were disappearing. It is no longer a pleasant drive.
Reminders:
November 15 May Court Club of Barrie Homes for the Holidays – decorated homes and Maker’s Market and Tea Room at The Heights. One day only.
October 9-12 Thanksgiving Weekend and Images Studio Tour in Oro Medonte
Please contact me at vmt4141@gmail.com if you are starting a group, e.g. a book club etc. or are new to the area and have some questions. This area really is a terrific place to live and has many hidden gems.
Don’t forget to support our local businesses and pop into Dwellings in Craighurst; lots of treasures in there.
A bonus earlier was Loobie’s ice cream parlour which was open for a few hours a day in the summer/early fall months. I got to try all the different flavours of wonderful Kawartha ice cream (except for a bubble gum one). Delicious!
Enjoy this changing season and remember to vote; but please think wisely when you do vote.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter”
Martin Luther King Jr.