North Simcoe Life Community Hero
June/July
Community Hero:
Steve Caston
—by Hillary Handy and Anna Proctor
We are continuing in our trip down memory lane as we celebrate 20 years of North Simcoe Life. A crucial part of our story and our ability to tell your stories is through the hard work of our own Steve Caston. Steve is the backbone of our publication and has worked tirelessly for two decades to continually shape and reshape the publication to meet modern designs and changing times.
From the physical layout of the tabloid-sized paper, to now adapting our magazine-like publication for desktop and mobile reading, Steve has been instrumental in all things North Simcoe Life. He is also a valued member of our community! As such, we are thrilled to recognize Steve Caston as this issue’s Community Hero. We are trusting he will post this article…but what photos or art he will choose to use is beyond our control!
It was actually Steve’s idea to buy North Simcoe Community News, as it was known at the time. Anna and Steve were neighbours in Hawkestone, and worked together on the little local newsletter, The Hawkester. They were also involved in the band Honey Ears, as well as a later band, Boris and Milfred. And they just loved hanging out together, along with their families.
Steve was doing some website design work for North Simcoe Community News, and Anna wrote the Hawkestone News column. When Steve heard the owners were selling the publication, he reached out to Anna. “You should buy it, and we could run it together,” he said. Anna agreed. They have worked together, happily and amicably, for twenty years. Anna always says, “Steve makes North Simcoe Life look fantastic, and I make sure things are spelled right!”
Creative Genius
Steve is a well-known creative figure in the North Simcoe region whose work spans graphic design, publishing, writing, music, and the arts community.
Originally associated with the Hawkestone area, Steve has long been part of the local arts and music scene before becoming more connected with Orillia and the wider North Simcoe creative community. You have likely heard Steve perform at Mariposa Folk Festival. His catchy tunes and creative lyrics resonate with audiences everywhere. But more than just that, he is funny! His personality and comedy shine through his songs.
Steve is also an artist. You can see his creative work blending illustration, visual design, humour, and commentary through his “Random Samplings” in North Simcoe Life, and online through his social media pages.
He also has some pretty sweet dance moves. One of our favourite memories of Steve was being pulled up on stage at Roots North in 2025 and dancing with Jully Black to her hit song Seven Day Fool. Do you have to see it to believe it? Don’t worry, we have the proof: https://www.facebook.com/reel/612430501803101. Check out his dance moves front and centre at Mariposa Folk Festival’s main stage, too!
Mental Health Advocate
Alongside his wife, psychotherapist Candy Potter, Steve founded Cocoon Orillia. This is a community hub for mental health and wellness practitioners located in downtown Orillia. The two worked hard to restyle a century home to act as a comfortable, homey, flex space with a cozy vintage vibe for various service providers. Practitioners offer one-on-one therapy sessions for adults and children, family and group workshops, and even art therapy. By providing physical spaces in Orillia, Cocoon offers emotional spaces for healing to occur. This is a testament to Steve’s commitment to the community.
Community Connection
People in the region often describe Steve as one of those behind-the-scenes community builders. He promotes local stories, arts, small businesses, and events through his creative work, his web and graphic design work, and his publishing. He shows up for people in real ways. You will often find Steve at events, such as handing out candy at Trunk or Treat in full costume, enjoying music at Mariposa and Roots North, or even accepting an award for North Simcoe life at the recent Oro-Medonte Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala.
His contributions help document and celebrate life in North Simcoe, and we are so thankful to know him, work alongside him and call him friend! Steve, for all that you do for all of us, for North Simcoe life, and for the North Simcoe region, you are our June/July Community Hero! Thank you!