Lightning Alumna Brings Women’s Hockey Documentary Premiere to Collingwood
After years of unfair play in women’s sports, the PWHL has broken barriers and provided women with a league where they can pursue their hockey-playing dreams in a professional setting.
“It’s Been a Long Time Coming”, an upcoming 23-minute documentary directed by Toronto Metropolitan University students, Emma May Beckett and Rylee Cawthorne, shares real stories of the female hockey players, coaches and important hockey figures of one of Toronto’s most prestigious female hockey associations, the Toronto Leaside Wildcats.
Growing up in Collingwood, Emma spent many years playing for the Collingwood Minor Hockey Association as one of the only female players in the league. As Emma got older, she found being one of the only girls got lonely really fast, as she was missing out on the conversation and camaraderie in the dressing room.
In 2019, Emma switched over to the Collingwood Girls Hockey Association. Her years playing for and volunteering with the Collingwood Lightning changed the game for Emma, as the CGHA coaches, volunteers and her teammates welcomed her with open arms and provided her with a second family she didn’t know she was missing.
When tossing around ideas for their fourth-year media production practicum, Emma May Beckett and her co-director, co-producer and friend, Rylee Cawthorne, who grew up on the West Coast just outside of Vancouver, came to the realization that producing a documentary on a topic they are both equally passionate about, female hockey, was the perfect way to integrate their love for TV & film and women in sport. Through “It’s Been a Long Time Coming”, Emma and Rylee’s goal is to make a positive impact in women’s sports and to inspire female athletes of all ages.
As a way to give back to the Collingwood Lightning, Emma is bringing the premiere of “It’s Been a Long Time Coming” to Collingwood to share with her former hockey community. The two directors are donating the majority of ticket sales to an aspiring female hockey player who may not have the financial means to participle in the sport. Emma is encouraging both current Lightning players and those interested in joining to email her at [email protected] with a statement on what hockey means to you and why you would benefit from this donation.
The premiere is being held on Saturday, March 29th at the Simcoe Street Theatre with a screening at 2pm and another at 7pm. Tickets for both screenings can be purchased on the Simcoe Street Theatre website. Emma is encouraging Lightning players to wear their jerseys to the event, as she’s hired a photographer to capture the hockey community she knows and loves.
Florida based real estate broker Alexandra Dupont says some of her Canadian clients are selling their properties in Florida due to the decline of the Canadian dollar.
(MIDLAND,ON) – Riders on the local Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trails may have noticed the presence of the OPP Central Region snowmobile patrol making the rounds during the weekend January 25-26, 2025 helping to keep the trails safe for all riders.
Officers on sleds logged over 24 hours of patrol checking over 125 snowmobilers for equipment, required licences, registration and trail passes where applicable. Officers also conducted two separate reduce impaired driving everywhere (R.I.D.E.) programs checking over 40 snowmobilers for signs of impairment in an effort to maintain trail safety.
With a balance between rider education and enforcement in mind, officers deal with issues found on the trails on a daily basis under some extreme weather conditions and welcome your cooperation on the many trails here in North Simcoe.
Seventy three riders were warned for a variety of Motorized Snow Vehicle Act (MSVA) offences which were predominantly failing to have a valid ownership permit on their snowmobile.
Twenty five riders were charged with MSVA offences mostly for operating sleds with modified or improper exhaust systems
two crashes were reported or investigated during this time frame with one investigation resulting in a number of MSVA tickets in including Careless Operation for a driver under the age of 16 years.
officers note a proven fact that wearing a properly fastened helmet can help prevent serious injury or worse should you crash!
Another Did You Know (DYK) question asked almost daily since the start of the 2024-2025 snowmobile season is “can I get a ticket for cutting/modifying or changing out my exhaust system ultimately making the sled engine much louder than the stock system?
Short answer is YES, and upon conviction will cost you $110.00
18 (1) No person shall drive a motorized snow vehicle unless it is equipped with a muffler in good working order and in constant operation and no person shall drive a motorized snow vehicle which has a muffler cut-out, straight exhaust, gutted muffler, hollywood muffler, by-pass or similar device upon the motorized snow vehicle. R.S.O. 1990, c. M.44, s. 18 (1).
Removing or modifying any component
(2) No person shall drive or permit to be driven any motorized snow vehicle upon which any component or device, which was required under the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Canada) at the time that the motorized snow vehicle was manufactured or imported into Canada, has been removed, modified or rendered inoperative. R.S.O. 1990, c. M.44, s. 18 (2).
Exception in racing area
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to a motorized snow vehicle while it is driven in a racing area sanctioned as such by the council of the municipality within which the racing area is located. R.S.O. 1990, c. M.44, s. 18 (3); 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table.
Snowmobiling is a wonderful sport for most family members to enjoy the great outdoors, but sadly we have to attend incidents involving snowmobiles being operated by persons who are suspected of being impaired, or operating carelessly and are tasked with an investigation that will have long lasting effects on all involved, victims and emergency services personnel.
Ride in control and to the trail conditions
Obey the posted speed limit.
Never, ever drive impaired
No Ice is Safe Ice
Snowmobilers planning to head out on the OFSC trail system this weekend would be well advised to check on the following website link to ensure the trail is open for use – Snowmobiling Ontario
It also goes without saying that it is still early in the cold weather winter season for local ice conditions to be up to expectations for ice surface travel by foot or by machine. Always remember that, “No Ice Is Safe Ice” and to check the ice surface or inquire with local residents, ice hut operators, weather stations or any other reliable source before heading out and possibly going through into the frigid waters below. Ultimately, you may be risking your life, the lives of others possibly with you and that of emergency service responders tasked to rescue you, or worse to locate and remove you from the lake.
The sport of snowmobiling has many associated inherent risks, dangers and hazards caused by the changing terrain & environment, your machine, and others on their machines to name a few. To help reduce these risks, riders are reminded to always check the Interactive Trail Guide before heading on the trails and wear all of the required safety equipment including floater suits if travelling on frozen water surfaces. It is highly recommended to have a fully charged cell phone with you, let a family member know where your heading to and a return time, load a location app on your cell phone such as What3Words and/or the Interactive Trail Guide and remember that “No Ice Is Safe Ice” . Self rescue maybe your only way out for reasons depicted in the following link – https://twitter.com/OPP_News/status/1342817627077488641
Collingwood, ON [27 January, 2025] – It is with understanding and respect that Council has accepted the resignation of Councillor Brandon Houston with immedate effect.
The Town received notice from Councillor Houston that he would be taking a temporary leave of absence due to personal reasons, last November and this past Thursday, he submitted his official letter of resignation from his position as Councillor for the Town of Collingwood.
Councillor Houston sat as a BIA Board of Management Director & Advisory Committee member and participated as a regular member of the Economic Development Roundtable. He has been a valued and passionate member of our Council, acting on behalf of our community and constituents. We recognize that this decision was not made lightly, and we support his decision to prioritize his personal and business responsibilities.
On behalf of Council I wish to thank him for his time serving as an active member of Council and wish him all the best moving forward.
Staff will prepare a report for Council consideration that outlines the process and options available to fill the vacancy; in the meantime, Council remains dedicated to serving the needs of our residents through this transition, and together, we will move forward collaboratively.
Ed Michel, Manager of the Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal Centre, delivers essential supplies to County staff at the Barrie East warming centre.
Expands safe winter warming opportunities for unhoused individuals
Midhurst/January 27, 2025 – The County of Simcoe and the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society have partnered to protect both unhoused people and their pets from harsh winter conditions. Through a generous donation from the Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal Centre, individuals experiencing homelessness can now bring their pets to the Barrie East warming centre. The donation includes essential supplies such as food, crates, dog jackets, and ongoing support throughout the winter season.
“This donation has the potential to save lives this winter for not only unhoused individuals but also the animals they love and care for by allowing people to come inside with their pets,” said County of Simcoe Warden Basil Clarke. “We recognize that pets are family members and often provide crucial emotional support and motivation for their owners. Thanks to this donation, we can now make the Barrie East warming centre pet friendly.”
“Our pets are part of our families, and no one should have to choose between seeking shelter and staying with their beloved companion,” says Shannon Laflamme, Community Outreach Coordinator with the Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal Centre. “This partnership ensures that both unhoused individuals and their pets can stay safe and warm during the harsh winter months.”
About the Barrie East Warming Centre The Barrie East Warming Centre welcomes up to 20 individuals at a time when temperatures dip below -10°C. This temperature-activated warming centre is now pet-friendly, and operates up to seven nights per week, 24 hours per day.
Visitors can access comprehensive support services, including assistance with finding shelter, housing, healthcare, and other essential resources. These services are part of a broader initiative to connect individuals with social and wellness-related assistance and help them access various housing support options.
The warming services, funded by the County of Simcoe, complement regular municipal service contributions as part of its 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy. Anyone needing shelter or warmth can call 2-1-1 to connect with a nearby shelter or visit simcoe.ca/WinterWarming for location information. For more information about the homelessness prevention plan and updates, visit simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem.
Keeping pets safe during the coldest months of the year As winter progresses, it’s crucial to monitor your pet’s well-being during cold weather. Watch for signs that your pet may be too cold, including:
Shaking or shivering
Changes in behaviour
Lifting paws off the ground
Signs of hypothermia (weakness, lethargy, muscle stiffness)
It’s important to pay attention to these warning signs, but you shouldn’t wait to see the first signs of discomfort to find warm shelter. Remember: if you think it’s too cold for you, then it’s too cold for your dog.
While maintaining a dog’s exercise requirements during the winter is important, when conditions are especially cold, it’s a good idea to keep walks short and supplement your pet’s exercise with some indoor activities. For more tips on keeping your pets safe this winter, visit ontariospca.ca.
Additional support and information is just a phone call away:
Call 211 (24/7) or visit 211ontario.ca for information on other community services and programs for people who are experiencing homelessness, living on a low income, living alone, or coping with life changes. Services are available in over 150 languages.
Call 911 (24/7) if you’re concerned about someone experiencing homelessness or sleeping outdoors who may be at risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
Call 988 (24/7) if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis.
People across Canada can call and text 9-8-8, a new three-digit service, for help when they need it most. The service offers trauma-informed and culturally affirming support to anyone who is thinking of suicide, or who is worried about someone they know. While the focus of 9-8-8 is on suicide prevention, no one who reaches out to the service will be turned away. Whoever you are, wherever you are located in Canada, by calling or texting 9-8-8 you can connect with a trained responder who’s ready to listen without judgement.
About the County of Simcoe 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.
About the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity that has been changing the lives of animals for over 150 years. The Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario. It values all animals and advocates to treat them with respect and kindness. The Society strives to keep pets and families together and does so through a variety of community support services, such as sheltering and adoptions, including emergency sheltering, feral cat management programs, animal transfers, food distribution, humane education, animal advocacy, and spay/neuter services.
The Ontario SPCA does not receive annual government funding and relies on donations to provide programs and services to help animals in need. To learn more, or to donate, visit ontariospca.ca. Charitable Business # 88969-1044-RR0002.
China just released Deepseek R1 one of the most advanced open source AI tool that is an immediate rival to Open AI.
China built Deepseek in only two months with a budget of $6 million dollars completely shocking the entire AI industry and future of Silicon Valley. In today’s episode we break down everything you need to know about Deepseek and how China will influence the future of AI. – Cyrus Janssen
The Tesla Model Y has been updated! But this is no ordinary facelift – there are a whole load of changes both inside and out!
Mat’s had a chance to get his hands on one before the official unveiling, and he’s about to run you through what’s changed. In terms of the design, there have been a whole load of updates. There’s a new bonnet and new wings on either side, and the headlights have been updated as well.
A light bar has been added, too, which is giving serious Cybertruck vibes! Along the side, the only changes are new alloy designs, while around the back there’s an updated spoiler, new tail lights that reflect the light across the badge, and a new diffuser. All in all, the looks are a serious improvement over the original Y! On the inside the design is almost identical to the new Model 3.
However, there’s one BIG change – the indicator stalk has returned in place of buttons on the steering wheel! Elsewhere, the changes are the same as in the Model 3. The seats are comfier and are now ventilated, and the dash design has been updated too.
When it comes to performance, it comes with the same batteries and motors as the previous car. So this Launch Edition Model Y has dual motors to produce 384hp, as well as a 75kWh battery.
There will be a single-motor edition, but the stats are yet to be revealed. The previous Model Y had a price tag of £52,000. In contrast, this new edition starts at £61,000 – a £9,000 increase! So is it worth it? You’ll need to stick with Mat to see for yourself! Source: carwow
More than half of Canadians now have a pet in their home, and the cost of caring for those animals continues to climb.
Marketplace reveals the growing number of vet clinics being bought by international corporations across the country and reveals how those takeovers drive up cost of care across Canada.
A joint investigation between Marketplace, the Fifth Estate and Radio-Canada’s Enquete and La facture into the changing pet health sector in Canada.
I’m currently looking for a helper to do fun activities with. This would be a paid position. Email [email protected] or DM Casey Morrison for details.
Meet Collingwood local, Casey Morrison, in this Community Spotlight. Discover the heart behind the people we’re advocating for when we call for more accessibility options in our town. Plus, if you’re in need of a dedicated volunteer for your charity or non-profit, Casey’s your guy! – Nadia
Nadia and I made a video about getting a volunteer job and Accessible Transportation in Collingwood. I hope you enjoy – Casey
