The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to ask all residents and business owners to be mindful of not blocking or obstructing fire hydrants when clearing snow.
For your safety and the safety of your neighbours, it is important to keep fire hydrants clear and unobstructed so that they can be used by the Fire Department in case of an emergency. If there is a hydrant in front of or adjacent to your property, the Town asks for your cooperation to ensure it is clearly visible and unobstructed. Please help yourself, your neighbours, and the municipality, by ensuring it is kept free and clear of snow at all times. We appreciate your assistance.
(TOWN OF WASAGA BEACH, ON) – The Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have charged four individuals with impaired driving related charges this past Saturday.
On January 18, 2025, between the hours of 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM, the Huronia West OPP arrested and charged four different people with operation while impaired.
At 6:30 PM Saturday night, Huronia West OPP officers were dispatched to a single motor vehicle in the ditch on Forbes Road in Springwater township with multiple witnesses on scene that believed the driver was intoxicated. The driver, a 48-year-old female from Barrie, was subsequently arrested for operation while impaired. The driver was also charged with failure or refusal to comply with demand.
Roughly at the same time officers were on scene for the vehicle in the ditch on Forbes Road, a member of the Huronia West OPP initiated a traffic stop on Mosley Street in Wasaga Beach for a driving related offence. The officer immediately detected an odour of alcohol from the breath of the driver which initiated an impaired driving investigation. A roadside test with an approved screening device resulted in a fail. The driver, a 51-year-old male from Thornbury was arrested and charged with operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
Just after midnight, an officer initiated a traffic stop on Highway 26 in Springwater township. After speaking with the driver, the officer suspected the driver had been drinking. A roadside test with an approved screening device resulted in a fail. The driver, a 25-year-old male from Scarborough was arrested and charged with operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus). The driver was also charged with Novice driver – B.A.C. above zero, as well as Driving motor vehicle with open container of liquor.
Around 2:00 AM, the Huronia West OPP were dispatched to a suspicious vehicle call for service in a parking lot in Elmvale. Officers located the vehicle and spoke to the lone occupant in the driver’s seat and formed suspicion of impaired. A roadside test with an approved screening device resulted in a fail. The driver, a 32-year-old female from Elmvale was arrested and charged with operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration (80 plus).
Each driver was served a 90-day administrative driver’s licence suspension, 7-day vehicle impoundment and an appearance before the Ontario Court of Justice at a future date.
Drivers and members of the public are reminded to respect our communities, comply with all laws, and not jeopardize the safety of our citizens or our neighborhoods with risky, illegal, and dangerous actions.
The OPP and Traffic Safety partners remain committed to saving lives on our roads. For safety and crime prevention tips, please visit our website at www.opp.ca.
The Huronia West OPP is committed to serving our province, including the Town of Wasaga Beach and the Townships of Springwater and Clearview. If you have any information about crime in our community, please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display, and you will remain anonymous. You will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.
The Ontario Provincial Police is committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities.
Navigating the Storm: Three Ways to Cope with Political Anxiety
In today’s hyper-connected world, the relentless stream of news can often feel overwhelming, leaving many of us grappling with feelings of political anxiety. From social media debates to 24-hour news cycles, it’s easy to feel powerless against the tide of information—and misinformation. However, managing this anxiety is essential for maintaining our mental well-being and staying engaged with the world around us. Here are three effective strategies to cope with political anxiety.
1. Limit Your Exposure
One of the most impactful steps you can take is to set boundaries around your media consumption. Constantly refreshing news feeds or scrolling through social media can exacerbate feelings of anxiety. Consider designating specific times to check the news or engaging with social media, rather than allowing it to permeate your entire day. Curate your sources by following reputable outlets and experts in the field, and take a break from sensationalist headlines that heighten distress. By controlling your exposure, you can create a more balanced perspective on the events that shape our world.
2. Engage in Constructive Conversations
Rather than stewing in anxiety or isolating yourself in echo chambers, seek out constructive discussions with friends, family, or community groups. Sharing your thoughts and feelings about political issues can foster a sense of connection and solidarity. Engaging in dialogues that encourage diverse viewpoints can also enrich your understanding and help you feel less alone in your concerns. Look for local forums, town halls, or online communities where you can express your views while also learning from others. Constructive communication can transform anxiety into awareness, empowerment, and action.
3. Take Action, Big or Small
Feeling powerless in the face of political events is a common trigger for anxiety. To counter this, channel your energy into action. Whether it’s volunteering for political campaigns, participating in community organizing, or simply writing to your elected officials, taking tangible steps can foster a sense of agency. Additionally, consider donating to organizations that align with your values, or engaging in grassroots efforts that advocate for change. Empowering yourself through action not only alleviates anxiety but also reinforces your commitment to the issues that matter most to you.
As we navigate this complex political landscape, it’s crucial to prioritize our mental health. By limiting exposure to distressing news, engaging in meaningful conversations, and taking proactive steps, we can transform political anxiety into a force for resilience and positive change. Remember, while it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, we have the power to shape our responses and foster a healthier relationship with the political world around us.
The raging infernos devastating the Los Angeles area are tragic and horrifying — thousands of homes lost, at least 100,000 people under evacuation order or in emergency shelters and dozens killed. One consolation is the number of people and organizations from all over that have stepped up to help —individuals, faith groups, food providers, firefighters from the U.S., Mexico and Canada and more. When tragedy strikes, good people pitch in.
It’s also a tragedy that these wildfires weren’t unexpected. They’re mainly the result of a human-caused double whammy: climate change and urban sprawl. About 80 per cent of Los Angeles is zoned for single-family homes, so the city has built out into the surrounding hills rather than densifying.
For decades, fires have burned through the “firebelt suburbs,” as the late activist and urban theorist Mike Davis called the L.A. outskirts 30 years ago. After each fire, communities were rebuilt, sometimes under relaxed building codes and standards to promote rebuilding, including around water pressure, access road widths and even fire codes. But these fires are worse than ever, powered by hotter, drier conditions for longer periods, buildup of flammable vegetation and strong, dry Santa Ana winds.
Suburban development also means suppression of natural systems. Native shrubs, bushes and small trees that made up much of the original landscape go through natural burning cycles — or, for centuries, cycles helped by Indigenous Peoples using controlled burns. Those smaller fires replenish soils, spread tree seeds, help small animals and prevent flammable vegetation from building up.
Now, as masses of dead vegetation burn and spark larger fires, hills are denuded, which leads to more flooding and landslides.
L.A. isn’t the first or only place to get hit by a climate-related disaster, nor will it be the last. These events are increasing worldwide as we burn more oil, gas and coal, rapidly increasing emissions and average global temperatures.
Climate “whiplash” events — swings between very wet and very dry conditions — have increased between 31 and 66 per cent in most of the world since the mid-20th century, a recent study found. They’re expected to continue to rise exponentially, mainly because a warmer atmosphere holds more water — sucking moisture from waters and from soil and vegetation, creating drier conditions and then falling as torrential rain, causing floods.
As the Guardian reports, the L.A. fires illustrate the whiplash effect, as “years of drought were followed by record-breaking winter rain and snow, leading to abundant grass and brush. Then a record-hot summer in 2024 and record-dry start to the rainy season dried out the vegetation enabling the terrible wildfires.”
The Guardian also points to East Africa, where drought from 2020 to 2023 brought on food scarcity, followed by torrential rains later in 2023 that wiped out crops and displaced more than two million people. “In recent years, whiplash events have been linked to disastrous floods in east Africa, Pakistan and Australia and to worsening heatwaves in Europe and China.”
According to the whiplash report in Nature Reviews Earth and Environment, “increasingly rapid and large transitions between extreme wet and dry states are likely to challenge not only water and flood management infrastructure, but also disaster management, emergency response and public health systems that are designed for twentieth-century extremes.”
Disasters such as the L.A. wildfires are extremely costly in terms of lives, property, infrastructure, response and rebuilding — but they’re also preventable, to some extent. We’ve delayed the transition away from gas, oil and coal to renewable energy for so long that we’ve now reached a crisis stage when many more horrific climate impacts are inevitable — and far more unpredictable.
But there are ways to avoid or reduce the impacts of some of the threats we’re facing. First, we need to leave remaining fossil fuels in the ground. We also have to design human habitation in sustainable ways, away from flood plains, slide zones and fire-prone areas. And we need to protect natural areas that sequester carbon, prevent flooding and erosion, maintain water supplies and remind us that we, too, are part of the web of life.
We must also learn to adapt to the impacts of a changing climate, with better planning and more attention to nature. We simply can’t let the fossil fuel industry and its media and political lackeys call the shots when our health and survival are at stake.
David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington.
As the festive lights dim and the cheer of the holiday season fades, many people experience a dip in mood commonly referred to as the post-holiday blues.
This phenomenon can be particularly challenging during the winter months when daylight is scarce. Known more clinically as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), this type of depression can affect your energy, sleep patterns, and overall well-being. Here are nine surprising ways to combat these blues and regain your vitality.
For readers in Canada and the USA, here are some supportive links and resources to help with addressing and managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Each of these resources offers insights, tools, and guidance on effectively dealing with SAD, promoting mental wellness through informed action and support networks.
PLEASE REMEMBER that Ally Vitally is a chatbot in learning mode (smarter every moment 😉
WARM UP WITH THIS AMAZING LINEUP FOR THE LOVE CABARET
A Night of Extraordinary Talent on February 10th at New Life Church
Love is in the air, and Theatre Collingwood is thrilled to bring you an unforgettable evening of world-class entertainment at The LOVE Cabaret! On Monday, February 10th, join us at New Life Church for a spectacular showcase of artistry featuring a stunning lineup of performers who will warm your heart and uplift your spirit.
PRE-SHOW: LOCAL STARS SHINE BRIGHT
The evening begins at 6:30 PM with complimentary “mocktails” and a magical 45-minute pre- show featuring two of Collingwood’s finest: Deb Fitzsimmons, whose voice has been likened to that of an angel, is renowned for her heartfelt performances and deep connection to the music of Joni Mitchell. Her soothing vocals and emotive delivery are sure to leave you spellbound. Greg Gibson, just off travelling and performing around the world, who is an accomplished musician and musical director (most recently for Alice in Wonderland – The Panto), will bring his immense talent to the stage. A familiar face from Theatre Collingwood’s Porchside Festival, Greg’s music will warm your heart!
THE CABARET
At 7:30 PM, the auditorium doors open (OK maybe a little sooner than that), and the magic continues with a lineup of some of Canada’s most extraordinary talents.
Anne Raciunas and Chelsea Coulter will kick off the main show with their dynamic energy and passion for performance, setting the tone for the spectacular evening ahead. David Ball, fresh from his star turn in the Stratford Festival’s La Cage Aux Folles, will bring his incredible stage presence and versatility to the cabaret. A true triple threat, David will guide us through the evening as our MC and deliver unforgettable performances, including a stirring rendition of I Will Cover You from RENT. Thomas Alderson, known for his storytelling prowess and versatility in comedy, drama, dance, and music, joins David for a duet that will leave you in awe. A director with credits at both the Stratford and Shaw Festivals, Thomas is a master of his craft. Cleopatra Williams, a powerhouse vocalist and one of Canada’s leading female performers, will take the stage by storm. With a résumé that includes sharing stages with Sting, Justin Bieber, and Alessia Cara, Cleopatra has also starred in Broadway mega-musicals Jukebox Hero, Kinky Boots, Jersey Boys, We Will Rock You, Wizard of Oz and West Side Story to name a few. Jennifer Stewart, the incoming Artistic Director of Theatre Orangeville, will showcase her incredible talent. With nine seasons at the Stratford Festival, roles in Mirvish productions like Hairspray and Mamma Mia and experience directing and performing across Canada, Jennifer is a force to be reckoned with. Laura Kelly, a classically trained opera soloist with a résumé that includes performances with Andrea Bocelli and Placido Domingo, will grace us with her stunning voice. Laura’s experience with ensembles like the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir makes her a standout in any lineup. Graham Scott Fleming, a small town boy (he’s from Elmvale) turned Broadway star, will captivate audiences with his heartfelt performances. Known for his lead role in Kinky Boots, Graham’s now following his other passion in country music and performed last summer on the main stage at the Boots & Hearts Festival. Shealyn Angus, Kristin Alary, and Isaac Haig, three dynamic and versatile performers, will add their unique artistry to the evening. An incredible band, under the expert direction of Renée Cingolani, will provide the perfect musical backdrop for the evening. Renée, a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Glenn Gould Professional School, has toured North America, performed with Cirque du Soleil, and shared stages with legends like Christopher Plummer and Colm Wilkinson.
JOIN US FOR A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
This incredible evening is your chance to experience a star-studded lineup of talent right here in Collingwood. Whether you’re a theatre lover, music enthusiast, or simply looking for a magical night out, The LOVE Cabaret promises to be the event of the season.
Gather your friends and family and secure your seats for an unforgettable evening. Let’s make The LOVE Cabaret a night to remember—see you there!
Tickets are on sale now! Discounted tickets are available for arts workers and students.
When: Monday, February 10th Where: New Life Church, Collingwood Book your tickets today at www.theatrecollingwood.ca or call 705-445-2200.
Let’s gather together to celebrate love, talent, and community. See you at the cabaret!
(MIDLAND, ON) – Roads in North Simcoe have seen their share of snow so far this winter season and the plow operators have been out doing a great job. How many times have we witnessed an impatient driver pass a snow plow and nearly cause a collision!
Did you know that in September 2023 Ontario passed a law making it illegal to pass a working snow plow. The law was changed to reduce unsafe passing maneuvers and collisions.
What is the law you ask?
Drivers can’t pass snow plows working in echelon formation on multi-lane roads or highways with a speed limit of 80 km/h or more
Drivers can only pass if the lane is completely clear of any part of the plow, including its blade
Could I be get a ticket for passing a working snow plow?
YES! Drivers who pass a working snow plow illegally could face a fine ranging from $150 to $1,000
Other charges could include stunt driving, careless driving, and dangerous driving
A driver’s license could be suspended and their vehicle could be impounded
Winter driving requires drivers to adapt to conditions!
Planning ahead can make a big difference and having your vehicle prepared for winter driving such as having winter tires installed, a functional windshield defroster, functional windshield wipers with plenty of -30 C washer fluid and driving with all of your vehicles lights on is a good start to being safer on the road.
Before heading out, check your favorite driving / weather road information app or Ontario 511 . Be sure to dress for the weather as getting stranded in your vehicle without a winter clothing could be a challenge! If the road conditions are above your driving ability simply stay home / reschedule or arrange alternate transportation so you arrive safe.
The February 11, 2025, Council, Public Meeting Agenda is now available for review.
The Public Meeting is being held to provide information to the public and allow the public the opportunity to review and comment on the following items:
The Public Meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. Comments for matters at a Public Meeting can be made in writing or verbally. For details, please review the Notice of Public Meeting documents listed above.
From Russia’s war in Ukraine to U.S. relations with China, the new year is a time of heightened geopolitical instability.
According to the Eurasia Group’s “Top Risks for 2025” forecast, President Trump’s policies could add fuel to the fire. Ian Bremmer is president and founder of the Eurasia Group, a global political risk research and consulting firm. Bremmer joins Walter Isaacson to discuss the dangers that lie ahead.
Major support for Amanpour and Company is provided by Jim Attwood and Leslie Williams, Candace King Weir, the Sylvia A. and Simon B. Poyta Programming Endowment to Fight Antisemitism, the Leila and Mickey Straus Family Charitable Trust, Mark J. Blechner, the Filomen M. D’Agostino Foundation, Seton J. Melvin, the Peter G. Peterson and Joan Ganz Cooney Fund, Charles Rosenblum, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Barbara Hope Zuckerberg, and Jeffrey Katz and Beth Rogers.
Join us in Collingwood to support your family, players and those less fortunate who can use the support of a strong community.
Eight teams from Collingwood Minor Hockey will be fundraising for Home Horizon and Barbara Weider House on Saturday, January 25th.
Collingwood A hockey teams are playing their rivals from Barrie in the first annual Battle of the 26 (reference to the highway that connects Collingwood and Barrie).
While exciting, competitive hockey games take place, volunteers from the teams will be welcoming fans and passersby and selling lottery tickets, baked goods and collecting donations. All proceeds will be used to buy tents and tarps for the Outreach Program at Home Horizon. Donations of gently used tents, tarps, toques, hats, flashlights and other hard goods will also be accepted.
The event is open to everyone – not just hockey families
Starting Noon til 8PM Collingwood, ON
BIG NEWS!!
Brady Films will be at Eddie Bush to catch our U10A – U18A players in action! This is AMAZING!!
Make sure to share this with your players and their buddies. They will know who Brady Films is and get HYPED!
