So what makes an e-bike the best? Well, that’s highly person to YOUR situation; there is no one best e-bike for everybody. But dang it, we’re trying to test each and every one out there under the sun so you can at least make an educated choice! Our team has tested 300+ e-bikes out there on the market today, and these are the ones that stood out the most to us.
Whether it was awesome performance, value, or just a simple “man, I want to ride THAT one again” feeling, these are our picks for the best electric bikes of 2024.
Explore the lasting popularity of Blue Mountain Pottery in a new temporary exhibit featured in our Community Collectors case.
Collingwood, ON [01 May 2024] – The Collingwood Museum is offering a lineup of exciting activities and programs in celebration of museums and all they offer to our communities! From a travelling exhibit from Science North to free admission and extended hours, there’s something for everyone!
Make your mark at Science North’s travelling exhibition, Our Climate Quest: Small Steps to Big Change! Hosted by the Collingwood Museum, Our Climate Quest will be on display from May 8 to May 29, 2024, on Central Park Arena’s first and second floors at 85 Paterson Street. This exciting exhibit is jam-packed with activities for all ages. Admission is free.
Join Museum and Town staff at the Our Climate Quest Kick-Off on Wednesday, May 8 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and be a climate quest hero! Explore the interactive exhibit, chat with Collingwood’s Climate Action Specialist, Nicole Yardy, and complete a scavenger hunt for a chance to win one of two exciting, climate-themed prizes each valued at over $80.00 from the Museum Gift Shop. You’ll also have a chance to win a week of free programs in the Museum’s popular summer programs.
Community members, near and far, can access more than 45 episodes of the Collingwood Museum’s podcast, Stories from Another Day. Episodes cover local triumphs, tragedies, and everything in between. The next episode will drop on Tuesday, May 6 at 9:00 a.m. Listen on Spotify or wherever you access your podcasts.
Explore the lasting popularity of Blue Mountain Pottery in a new temporary exhibit featured in our Community Collectors case. This exhibit, produced in partnership with the Blue Mountain Pottery Collectors Club, will dive into the iconic glazes and styles that gained Blue Mountain Pottery worldwide attention.
Explore the surprising stories and insights that museum collections can share about museums’ changing values and objectives through the ‘Staff Picks’ temporary exhibition, curated by Collingwood Museum staff. Learn about museums’ unique challenges in caring for collections and interact with never-before-exhibited items that initiate big discussions, touching on everything from the problematic legacy of colonial collecting to conservation and missing outgoing loans.
Celebrate International Museum Day on Saturday, May 18, with free admission to the Collingwood Museum between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Make a button, challenge yourself with a scavenger hunt, and more!
The Collingwood Museum is conveniently located along the Train Trail at 45 St. Paul Street. Admission to the museum is by donation. Regular hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Come by to meet our friendly staff and say hello!
For up-to-date information on activities throughout May, follow the Collingwood Museum on Facebook or visit www.collingwood.ca/museum.
Rooted in colonial history, these barren, thirsty, high-maintenance landscapes have become ingrained in our culture and communities.
By David Suzuki
The saying “the grass is always greener on the other side” encapsulates the eternal, often futile quest for something better. When it comes to the vast swathes of turfgrass lawn that carpet Canada, the phrase takes on deeper significance. Beneath their seemingly innocuous appearance lies the troubling reality that lawns consume excessive water, rely on harmful chemicals and offer little ecological value.
The ubiquity of traditional lawns is staggering, dominating urban and suburban areas throughout North America. Often regarded as the largest irrigated crop in the United States, their omnipresence is mirrored in Canadian communities. While lawns have long been valued for outdoor recreation and leisure, their ornamental nature belies their ecological costs.
Although the exact extent of lawns in Canada remains uncertain, new research analyzing seven communities indicates that between eight and 22 per cent of each is covered in lawn. To put this into perspective, Toronto has nearly 80 square kilometres of lawns. That’s 50 times more area than High Park, one of the city’s largest green spaces. Similarly, Montreal’s 97 square kilometres of lawns are approximately 43 times bigger than Mount Royal Park. Even densely urbanized cities boast significant lawn coverage.
Given the pervasiveness of lawns, it’s difficult to argue with the wisdom of horticulturalist Rebecca McMackin in her recent TED talk “Let your garden grow wild.” She suggests lawns should be seen as area rugs, not wall-to-wall carpeting. This shift in perspective is not just a clever analogy; it’s a call to action, a reimagining of our outdoor spaces as havens for biodiversity rather than sterile monocultures.
Rooted in colonial history, these barren, thirsty, high-maintenance landscapes have become ingrained in our culture and communities. A Globe and Mail article notes that most lawn grasses aren’t native to North America: “Kentucky bluegrass, rye grass, tall fescues and even Canada bluegrass have origins linking back to Europe.” Yet, this vast tapestry of yards, fields and roadsides offers incredible possibilities for cultivating healthier environments for wildlife and humans.
Enter the LawnShare campaign (and its French-language partner Partage ta pelouse), a national effort to reimagine turfgrass lawns as vital habitat. Led by the David Suzuki Foundation, Dark Matter Labs and Nouveaux Voisins, this initiative seeks to revolutionize our relationship with lawns. No longer mere patches of green to be meticulously manicured, lawns present opportunities for creating habitats, sanctuaries for native plants and animals.
LawnShare goals are as noble as they are imperative. By reducing water, fertilizer and pesticide use, we can alleviate the burden on the ecosystems that keep our communities healthy. Embracing rather than demonizing native plants and insects as weeds and pests fosters biodiversity and a deeper, more meaningful connection with the natural world that sustains us.
As with any cultural change, there are challenges. The U.K.-based No Mow May movement, while well-intentioned, can pose drawbacks for Canadian landscapes. Allowing grass to grow wild for a month may benefit some pollinators, but it also risks alienating neighbours and can allow non-native and invasive plant species to take over. What we need is to normalize acceptance of rewilding our yards and communities.
Fortunately, the tide is turning. The popularity of native plant gardening is growing by the day. By embracing locally adapted plants, we not only beautify our surroundings but also provide essential food and shelter for wild bees, butterflies and birds. It’s a win-win scenario that benefits humans and the environment we depend on. Transforming lawns also reduces noise and pollution from power mowers, often requires less effort and lessens the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
The benefits of embracing alternative types of landscaping and lawn-care practices extend beyond environmental stewardship. Studies have shown that reducing mowing frequency can yield substantial cost savings. By replacing traditional lawns with habitat, communities can enhance ecological resilience and reduce maintenance expenses over the long run.
To help reimagine lawns, the LawnShare campaign provides practical guidance and resources, empowering people to transform them into vibrant ecosystems teeming with life. Whether it’s through reducing mowing frequency or embracing alternative seed mixes, every action, no matter how small, contributes to a better, more environmentally friendly future.
It’s time to act. Together, let’s unlock the untapped potential of our lawns and cultivate communities where nature thrives. The opportunity is literally at our doorstep.
David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with David Suzuki Foundation Rewilding Communities Program Manager Jode Roberts.
Collingwood, ON [29 April 2024] – The Town of Collingwood has commenced the second phase (Phase II) of the Stormwater Management Master Plan (SWMMP) and is inviting the community to provide input. The Plan will identify alternative solutions to address flooding issues within Collingwood and establish preferred solutions to effectively mitigate these flood issues.
The Master Plan is a planning document that will outline proposed mitigation solutions for the next 25 years and beyond. It ensures that while individual developments refine our model, the model is in place such that when infrastructure is improved it will be sufficient for the long term.
If you are a resident of Collingwood and have experienced flooding on your property, please fill out the survey at: engage.collingwood.ca/swmmp. You can also use the ‘Map’ tool on the project page to drop a pin and describe where you have flooding concerns.
The Town completed the initial background information collection phase of the SWMMP in January 2022. During Phase I, a comprehensive model was created to assess the existing conditions of Collingwood’s stormwater management system. The purpose was to gain a better understanding of the existing capacity of the stormwater infrastructure and riverine systems and identify potential flood damage zones within the Town of Collingwood. Phase II of the SWMMP will identify alternative solutions to address flooding issues within Collingwood and establish preferred solutions to effectively mitigate these flood issues.
The primary objectives of this assignment are to:
Analyze the model results obtained during Phase I, identify and fill any data gaps, and identify all existing flooding problems and opportunities related to current conditions;
Update the modeling to account for future development scenarios; and,
To determine mitigation solutions that align with the Municipal Class EA process.
The Phase II Town-wide SWMMP for Collingwood is being conducted under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) process, a Schedule ‘B’ activity as defined by the Municipal Engineers Association Class EA documentation. The Class EA process:
Identifies and confirms problems and opportunities related to the Project;
Develops alternative solutions to address the identified problems and opportunities;
Assesses potential environmental, cultural, social, and economic impacts of the problems, opportunities and related alternative solutions;
Recommends preferred solutions/projects; and,
Identifies monitoring and mitigation measures to facilitate implementation.
This type of EA includes public and agency consultation. Two Public Information Centres (PICs) have been included in the project scope to provide the opportunity for the public to contribute and help guide the EA process as the project moves forward. The first PIC has been tentatively scheduled for June 10th, 2024, with the second PIC in October 2024.
To develop alternative solutions to address problems and opportunities related to flooding, the public can provide input on the proposed alternatives to help the project team identify the preferred solution(s). The goal of public engagement is to provide the public with sufficient information to provide meaningful input and allow for the project team to reasonably address and incorporate any issues and concerns raised.
Once the public/agency/stakeholder input through the PICs and project process has been incorporated, the final report will be compiled and issued for review through the Engage Collingwood website. The draft report will be available for 30 days for public and agency review and comment period.
Please visit the project page at engage.collingwood.ca/swmmp to view project information, take the survey, and subscribe to be notified of upcoming Public Information Centres and other project updates.
Photo: Black Ash Creek Photo Credit: Martin Lamprecht
Thanks so much for the great efforts of our Collingwood Optimist Club!!!
The Mother Of All Yard Sales is an annual event held at the beginning of May each year on Saturday. This fabulous giant garage sale takes place at the Collingwood Curling Club. All items are donated by our community and resold at terrific prices. Watch for posters for exact times. Money raised from this event goes to support local youth programs.
When it comes to artificial intelligence, what are we actually creating?
Even those closest to its development are struggling to describe exactly where things are headed, says Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, one of the primary architects of the AI models many of us use today. He offers an honest and compelling new vision for the future of AI, proposing an unignorable metaphor — a new digital species — to focus attention on this extraordinary moment. (Followed by a Q&A with head of TED Chris Anderson)
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Watch the full-length feature film “Blue Clay” created by the Craigleith Heritage Depot & Mountain Goat Film Company, at the Simcoe Street Theatre in Collingwood. Discover the legends of Blue Mountain Pottery. How the skilled hands of immigrant craftsmen saved the Ski Resort and created a unique market for Canadian pottery using the clay from the hills to produce one of a kind shapes and coloured glazes. A remarkable story of passion and innovation that continues to this day. Followed by a Q&A with Director and Producer, Tracey Strnad. A 2023 Telly Award winning film: the world’s largest honour for video and television across all screens. Tickets
Event Date: Saturday, May 18 Time & Location: 7 – 9pm at Simcoe Street Theatre, Collingwood Films: “Blue Clay” by the Craigleith Heritage Depot & Mountain Goat Film Company Speaker: Tracey Strnad, filmmaker Q&A
Cost: $5 donation, goes towards the Museum creating more local history films
The series is curated and hosted by the Town’s Poet Laureate, Jillian Morris, and continues her commitment to bringing contemporary Indigenous storytelling to Collingwood.
Collingwood, ON [29 April 2024] – Yonnhe’ón:we Indigenous Arts Series returns May 30th, to the Simcoe Street Theatre, a unique evening of storytelling weaving video, dance, and music celebrating Kenkwite’:ne.
Kenkwite’:ne the Kanien’kehaka word for spring, a time of new life and beginnings, builds on storytelling shared as part of the Yonnhe’ón:we Indigenous Art Series which launched last November.
Dancers Kean Buffalo and Jaeili Rae will delight audiences with a mix of pow-wow and hip-hop creating a unique experience of dance performance. Set against the backdrop of music videos by contemporary Indigenous musicians STOIK, DJ Shub, Prolific the Rapper, and Halluci Nation (A Tribe Called Red), it will be an evening to remember.
Blended through the performance will be a video discussion featuring award-winning filmmaker, actor, and showrunner, Jennifer Podemski that looks at her evolution as a storyteller, starting as an actor to set up the first Indigenous-owned production company in the country. The common thread through her career is her passion to bring Indigenous representation to Canadian screens. Led by Jillian Morris the discussion dives into Podemski’s career as a mixed Anishinaabe-Ashkenazi storyteller, and her advocacy to build safer spaces for diverse storytellers within the film and television industry.
The series is curated and hosted by the Town’s Poet Laureate, Jillian Morris, and continues her commitment to bringing contemporary Indigenous storytelling to Collingwood.
“Spring serves up many reminders about the cyclical nature of life, interconnection, renewal, and growth. Hope for goodness ahead follows a harsh season. Our upcoming event will celebrate and honour the life-promoting teachings of this time,” says Jillian.
Come early or stay after for conversation, a strawberry drink, and an Indigenous art exhibit curated by Shorelane Arts.
Yonnhe’ón:we continues through Fall 2024, bringing a diverse celebration of Indigenous arts to Collingwood. This series is possible through the support of Shorelane Arts, the series sponsor, as well as a dedicated team of partners including Collingwood’s Poet Laureate, Indigenous 150+, Elephant Thoughts, and the Town of Collingwood.
Kean Buffalo, also known as Winterhawk, is a 25-year-old Indigenous hip-hop & freestyle dancer from Ermineskin Cree Nation (Maskwasic, Alberta). Winterhawk enjoys inspiring youth to strive for their goals and is a big believer that we can make our dreams into reality. He loves putting a smile on people’s faces and is a big believer that laughter is medicine. His love of dance has been with him since he was born, and he has been dancing hip-hop for over 13 years. Winterhawk is grateful for every opportunity to share the love of dance with others.
Jaeili Rae, Dancer
Jaeili Rae is an Indigenous dancer from Onion Lake Cree Nation, Saskatchewan, Treaty 6. She is a freestyler who continues to expand her style. She has been dancing pow-wow since she was 8 as fancy but then turned to jingle at 12 years old. She is currently studying theatre at the Centre for Indigenous Theatre in Toronto, Ontario.
Jennifer Podemski, Actor / Director / Producer / Showrunner
Jennifer is an actor, producer, director, and CEO of Redcloud Studios. As a result of her recognition in the Canadian film and television industry, Jennifer shifted her career to focus on producing in her attempt to address the lack of Indigenous representation in the industry. She co-founded Big Soul Productions, Canada’s first Indigenous-owned and operated production company, and later launched her current company, Redcloud Studios. In combination with her personal story and motivational words, Jennifer Podemski empowers her audience through a lens of advocacy and stories.
Jillian Morris is Kanien’kehaka and a band member of Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, currently living in Collingwood. She has established her presence in the community as a writer with local media, publishing pieces that contribute to fostering a healthier Indigenous/non-Indigenous relationship. She believes that art is an impactful medium to build bridges between cultures and worldviews. Jillian’s poetry layers traditional teachings and interconnection with the natural world to explore identity, redress untruths, and foster connection.
Join the Town of Collingwood and the Affordable Housing Task Force for a Community Conversation about Affordable Housing – Quick Wins around Additional Residential Units and Parking Requirements
Collingwood, ON – Have something to say about affordable housing in Collingwood? Join the Town and the Affordable Housing Task Force for a Community Conversation about Affordable Housing Quick Wins, specifically Additional Residential Units and reducing parking requirements.
Affordable housing has been identified as a key priority for Council and staff for several years. All residents of our community should have access to adequate housing and Collingwood needs more rental housing to assist in the housing crisis.
“The housing issue cannot be solved by any one group alone – it requires a collaborative effort from all of us. That’s why we’re asking you to come together as a community to address this issue,” said Mayor Yvonne Hamlin.
The Town, with support from our citizen-based Affordable Housing Task Force, and leadership from consultants N. Barry Lyon Consultants (NBLC) Ltd., developed an Affordable Housing Master Plan (AHMP), which was endorsed by Council in November 2023. The Master Plan provides the Town with a set of 26 initiatives that will affect change in the housing landscape of our community.
The Town of Collingwood is currently short of approximately 1,300 rental units to support the current housing needs in our community. Moderate-income households are currently priced out of both the ownership and rental housing market. Limited rental options drive up rental prices, creating a constrained market with few options available.
The AHMP identifies barriers to development within our policy and process frameworks that can make it more challenging for homeowners and developers to build more housing that meets the needs of our community.
In addition to the incentives offered through the Rapid Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Deployment Program and as one of the first steps in the implementation of the AHMP, the Town of Collingwood is initiating a Housing Focused Zoning By-law Amendment that will fast-track key AHMP recommendations to encourage an increase of housing supply in Collingwood. The purpose of this is to update the rules for Additional Residential Units (ARUs) to consider permitting three and potentially four dwelling units on serviced residential properties as of right, changing parking rules for ARUs and other housing types, and discussing other related matters covered under the implementation of the Affordable Housing Master Plan. Additional Residential Units are the most cost-effective way to increase rental housing supply in our existing neighbourhoods.
Residents are invited to join the Town and Affordable Housing Task Force at the Affordable Housing Community Conversation on May 13th, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in Community Rooms B & C on the third floor of the Collingwood Public Library, 55 Ste. Marie Street. We will discuss the possible paths toward regulatory amendments and the effects (positive or negative) of addressing housing stock through key policy changes. Registration is required to participate.
