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Up Close and Personal with Jim Cuddy Raises $59,525 for Tomorrow’s Hospital 

John Malloy
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Up Close and Personal with Jim Cuddy Raises $59,525 for Tomorrow’s Hospital 

Collingwood, ON — An unforgettable evening of music, generosity, and community spirit took place on Wednesday, October 29, at Osler Bluff Ski Club, as community members gathered for Up Close and Personal with Jim Cuddy in support of Tomorrow’s Hospital. 

Hosted by David Barrett, a grateful CGMH patient, and his wife, Karen, the event welcomed guests for an intimate performance by Jim Cuddy, joined on stage by his sons Devin and Sam. The evening also featured a live auction for an acoustic guitar signed by Jim Cuddy, along with a silent auction showcasing generous contributions from local businesses, from golf passes to gift cards. 

Thanks to the overwhelming support of attendees, donors, sponsors, and volunteers, the event raised an incredible $59,525 to support Tomorrow’s Hospital. 

“The event was truly magical and full of warmth,” says Sandra Taylor, President and CEO of the CGMH Foundation. “It was moving to see the community come together in such a meaningful way. A heartfelt thank you to David and Karen for bringing this special evening to life and for their incredible support.” 

The CGMH Foundation extends sincere gratitude to everyone who attended, donated, and helped make the evening such a success.  

About the CGMH Foundation:  

The CGMH Foundation is leading the charge to raise over $100+ million to build Tomorrow’s Hospital: a new, state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the growing healthcare needs of South Georgian Bay.   

With community support at the heart of our mission, we want to inspire individuals, families, businesses, and organizations to help bring this vision to life. Your generosity will shape the future of healthcare in our region, ensuring access to modern, compassionate care for generations to come.  

Thank you helping us build the hospital our community needs and deserves.   

Southern Georgian Bay Real Estate Update: More Choice, More Leverage | Rick Crouch

John Malloy
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Southern Georgian Bay Real Estate Update: More Choice, More Leverage | Rick Crouch

by Rick Crouch 

2025 Real Estate Market Update & Trends, Real Estate Buying, Real Estate Market Report, Real Estate Selling, Real Estate Statistics, Real Estate Values

If you’ve been watching the real estate market including here in Southern Georgian Bay and wondering, “Is it finally shifting in favour of Buyers?” — the short answer is yes. Interest rate cuts (and the expectation of more stability ahead) combined with a high level of inventory have created a market where Buyers have more options and negotiating power, and Sellers need a sharper plan than we did a few years ago when they appeared to be no such things as “asking too much.”  Back in 2020 and 2021 most home and condominiums drew multiple offers and sold for over 100% of the asking price.  In all but a few cases, those days are gone.

This update is based on total MLS® activity in Clearview Township, Collingwood, Grey Highlands, the Municipality of Meaford, the Blue Mountains, and Wasaga Beach.

Many people refer to me as a “numbers guy” and I am sharing herein what the numbers are telling us right now.

Let’s translate the stats into what they mean for real people:

1) Sales are down vs. last year — but not “dead.”

  • November MLS® unit sales: 136 (down 42% from 238 in Nov 2024, but up 20% from Nov 2023).
  • November MLS® dollar volume: $108.8M (down 47% from Nov 2024).

Thats “down from 2024” headline matters, but so does the fact that some activity is better than 2023. This looks less like a collapse and more like a market still finding its footing after the COVID-19 post-pandemic coupled with the historically low mortgage rate surge.

  • YTD MLS® dollar volume: totals $1.530 billion down $645.4 million (30%) from 2024 and $687.8 million (31%) from 2023.

2) Inventory is still the big story — and it’s shaping everything.

  • New MLS® listins in November:  Totaled 380 units up 6% from last year.  YTD new MLS® listings total 6,208 units also up 6% from 2024.

Even though active listings at the end of November were 1,309 (down 18% from 2024), inventory remains near a 10-year high. What does this mean?

  • Buyers can be selective in most price segments there are plenty of choices.
  • Sellers must compete harder for attention.
  • Pricing and presentation matter a lot more.

3) We’re seeing the “price adjustment era” continue.
Expired listings were 590 at the end of November down from a year ago by 26%.  Many of these will relist, and some Sellers are simply waiting for “better conditions.” But the the current marlket conditions nail the core reason so many listings don’t sell:

  • Competition is stiff (lots of choices for Buyers)
  • Overpricing is common (the market is less forgiving than in 2020/2021)

In 2020–2021, price reductions were rare. Now, price improvements happen weekly as Sellers reposition to meet the current market and attract Buyers.

4) Prices have softened, mostly at the top end.
The YTD median MLS® residential sale price is $717,000, down about 3% from $738,200 last year (prices rounded) and well below $811,955 at this time in 2022. The chart below points out something important: the median price moves month-to-month hence year-to-year based on the mix of sales, and fewer $1M+ sales has helped pull that median down.

5) Negotiation is “normal” again.
The overall YTD list-to-sale price ratio is 96.3%, compared to 96.8% last year — and well below the “anything goes” days of 2021/2022 when list-to-sale-price ratios were at times 102% to 103% of asking and more. In other words: we’re back to a more historic pattern where Buyers negotiate and Sellers need to be rational in both thier pricing expectations and offer terms.  Too often when addressing the issue of price, a Seller(s) will say “we need to get…..dollars.”  Perhaps they paid too much when they purchased, they’ve invested too much into their property or they have othjer financial obligations to meet creatoing reasons to set the price they “need.”  While their goals may be admirable often they are not realistic.

  • Single Family Home Sales: Every price segment is showing a reduction in the sale of homes from prior years with those priced over $1 million reflectoing the largest declines.  These segments are also the ones with the highest levels of inventory listed for sale.

What this means if you’re buying

It is clearly a Buyer’s market in Southern Georgian Bay as in many markets across Canada where the inventory of homes listed for sale is high and I don’t expect that to dramatically change in the short term.  The rate of inflation is holding steady, 2.2% in November which matched October.  The impact of U.S. tariffs is still not fully known, this is causing uncertainty among consumers when it comes to major purchases like real estate.  There is however a silver lining in every cloud if you look hard enough.

Here’s how Buyers can use that to their advantage without overplaying their hand:

  • Be picky (in a good way): With more choice, you can prioritize layout, location, condition, and long-term resale.
  • Use conditions intelligently: Financing, inspection, and status certificate reviews for condominiums are powerful tools when used properly.
  • Negotiate based on facts: Days on market, competing listings, recent comparable sales, and visible price reductions all help you make a strong case.
  • Don’t confuse “list price” with “market value”: Some homes are priced to sell, others are priced to “test the market.” Knowing the difference is everything.

My advice: In this market, the best buys tend to be homes that are properly priced but need clarity and confidence from a qualified Buyer. That’s where strong analysis and a clean offer strategy matter.

What this means if you’re selling

You can absolutely sell successfully in this market — but the approach is different than it was a few years ago.

Two realities for Sellers in late 2025 and into 2026:

1) You’re competing with a lot of choice

Even with active listings down from last year, Buyers still have plenty to look at. That means your home must win the comparison online before it wins the showing.

2) Pricing is now a strategy, not a wish

The market is punishing overpricing — and the expired listing count reflects that. The goal isn’t to “leave room to negotiate” and hope. The goal is to:

  • price within the band where your most likely Buyer is shopping
  • generate enough urgency to create competition
  • avoid the slow-drip price reductions that chase the market downward

My advice: The most successful Sellers right now are the ones who treat pricing, staging, and marketing like a coordinated plan — not separate decisions.

A quick look at what’s moving (and what isn’t)

  • Single-family homes: 1,352 YTD sales (down 30% from last year) — this explains why you’re seeing more “For Sale” signs that stay up longer.
  • Condos: 329 YTD sales (down 10%) — holding up better than many expect.
  • Vacant land: 15 sales (slightly up)

By municipality (YTD single family home sales):
Clearview (-16%), Collingwood (-38%), Grey Highlands (-43%), Meaford (-16%), Blue Mountains (-28%), Wasaga Beach (-29%).
This tells us the slowdown hasn’t been equal everywhere — and neighbourhood-level strategy matters more than ever.

How I help in a shifting market

Markets like this reward experience and discipline. As a Broker and Market Value Appraiser (MVA) with 20+ years in the profession, my job is to remove guesswork and help you make the smartest move—whether that’s buying now, selling now, or building a plan for the right timing.

What I do differently in this market:

  • Pricing and valuation grounded in evidence (not optimism, need or fear)
  • Local micro-market insight (street-by-street dynamics matter here)
  • Negotiation strategy built for today’s conditions
  • Clear game plans for Buyers and Sellers, including “what to do if it doesn’t sell in a reasonable time frame ie: 30 to 9p days”

If you’re thinking about making a move in Clearview, Collingwood, Grey Highlands, Meaford, the Blue Mountains, or Wasaga Beach or in the surrounding areas, I’m happy to help you interpret the market for your specific property or goals.

Contact me to learn more: [email protected]   Direct line: 705-443-1037

NOTE: The author is a Broker, Market Value Appraiser-Residential with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada and a Past President (2008) of the One Point Association of REALTORS®.

This post is not intended to solicit homes or other properties already listed for sale.

Skydiggers Après Holiday Winterlude, Saturday, January 17, 2026, 7:30PM | Meaford Hall Arts & Cultural Centre

John Malloy
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Skydiggers Après Holiday Winterlude, Saturday, January 17, 2026, 7:30PM | Meaford Hall Arts & Cultural Centre

Meaford Hall Opera House, Meaford Hall Arts & Cultural Centre, 12 Nelson St. E., Meaford

Après Holiday Winterlude

Sat. January 17
7:30pm | Premium $62.50, Regular $55

VIDEO: SKYDIGGERS – “Good King Wenceslas”

To Book Tickets CLICK HERE

For over 25 years, Skydiggers’ friends and fans have gathered during the holidays to celebrate the season to the soundtrack of the band’s distinctive rootsy Christmas tunes and Skydiggers’ classics. What started at Toronto’s Legendary Horseshoe Tavern grew into an annual tradition at the Danforth Music Hall and has since taken the holiday show on the road.

“We’ve realized that the most moving moments of the season are more than just expressions of glad tidings and comfort and joy,” says Skydigger Andy Maize. “That there are moments of melancholy, regret and truth that are, in their own way, as much a part of the Christmas experience as any joyous carol. We want to put on a show that both celebrates the season while leaving room for quieter, more personal moments.”

Please note that the balcony level is ONLY accessible by stairs.
♿ For accessible seating, please call the Box Office at 1-877-538-0463.

Updates to Blue Box Collection Coming into Effect January 1, 2026

John Malloy
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Updates to Blue Box Collection Coming into Effect January 1, 2026

The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to make residents and business owners aware of changes that are coming to blue box collection as of January 1, 2026. 

Updates for Residents 

Starting in January residents will be able to use their blue boxes for even more. Expanded collection is coming and will include:

  • Paper laminate packaging
  • Tubes (toothpaste, deodorant, creams)
  • Flexible plastic (bags, bubble wrap, liners)
  • Polystyrene foam (food trays, packaging)
  • Small item packaging (medication bottles, blister packs, plant pots) 

More information can be found on the Circular Materials website. If residents have any questions or collection issues related to blue box they must contact Miller Waste at [email protected] or (519) 372-1855. 

Updates for Industrial, Commercial and Institutional Properties 

As of October 2023, residential recycling collection in the Town of The Blue Mountains has been managed by Circular Materials, a not-for-profit organization appointed by the producers of blue box materials under Ontario’s legislated Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. Under the Provincial legislation, recycling collection is not included for industrial, commercial and institutional (business) properties. This includes:

  • Small businesses
  • Churches and places of worship
  • Not-for-profit organizations
  • Shops
  • Factories 

The Town has a separate contract in place for the continued collection of blue box materials from business properties. This program is not financially supported by the EPR, however the Town has approved it to continue into 2026. 

What Businesses Need to Know

  • Business blue box collection will continue in 2026
  • Collection will be on the same day as it has previously occurred (carts on Fridays, curbside on your day of the week)
  • Business blue box collection is a limited weekly service
    • Three 360 litre carts, or
    • Limited to 9 units (i.e. clear bags, recycle boxes, or cardboard bundles) – bundles limited to 61cm x 46cm x 15cm (24″ x 18″ x 6″) and 20 kg (45 lbs) per bag, box or bundle 
  • Curbside garbage and organics collection will continue on the same schedule – these services also have weekly set-out limits
  • Business locations may continue to use the Landfill and Recycling Depot to drop off blue box materials free of charge (other items have a minimum site use fee of $15) 

Business locations that have questions or collection issues can contact the Town through the online service request form or (519) 599-3131 ext. 276.

Advocacy and Provincial Response 

The Town, along with many other municipalities, strongly lobbied the provincial government to allow continued financial support of recycling collection for small business locations. However, municipalities were notified on October 1, 2025, by the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, that Circular Materials would not be able to fulfill this request. 

As a result, many municipalities are not collecting business location recycling. The Blue Mountains has chosen to continue providing blue box service to business locations. The Town will be investigating and considering options for business location blue box service in 2026. New service models could include a fee for service or a depot-based service. 

China’s ultra-high voltage transmission lines now breaking all records.

John Malloy
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China’s ultra-high voltage transmission lines now breaking all records.

Ultra-High Voltage Direct Current (UHVDC) electricity transmission ought to be the stuff of pure science fiction.

More than a million volts carrying the equivalent of 12 large power stations worth of power down a single line? Such a feat should be unthinkable. But it’s here right now. Today. And since it’s installation 3 years ago, it has delivered more than 300 BILLION kilowatt hours of electricity from wind and solar farms in the North West of China to the industrial centres 3000km away in the East.

Now China is building another 2700km UHVDC line from the Tibetan plateau to the Guangdong – Hong Kong -Macau region. And it’s planning another 10 lines by 2050. So can the West ever hope to compete with such ambition? Just Have a Think

Help support this channel’s independence at   / justhaveathink  

Or with a donation via Paypal by clicking here https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr…

You can also help keep my brain ticking over during the long hours of research and editing via the nice folks at BuyMeACoffee.com https://www.buymeacoffee.com/justhave…

Chabad Collingwood Expands Chanukah Celebrations and Community Outreach Across South Georgian Bay

John Malloy
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Chabad Collingwood Expands Chanukah Celebrations and Community Outreach Across South Georgian Bay

For many families across South Georgian Bay, Chanukah has become a familiar and visible part

of the winter landscape — marked by public menorah lightings, community gatherings, and

moments of reflection. What began two years ago as the region’s first public Chanukah

menorah lighting at Blue Mountain Village has since grown into a broader presence across the

area.

This year, following the establishment of a full-time Chabad presence in the region, Chanukah

was observed through a series of public celebrations and community outreach initiatives

spanning Collingwood, Blue Mountain, and Meaford, reflecting both growth and deepened

engagement with the wider community.

Among the Chanukah celebrations was a pre-Chanukah children’s program hosted at Home

Depot in Collingwood, where more than 40 children and families participated in a hands-on

activity exploring the holiday’s themes. Additional programming included a Chanukah pop-up at

Loblaws, offering residents an opportunity to learn about the holiday and take home menorah

kits and Chanukah treats.

Chanukah’s first night was marked by Chabad Collingwood’s third annual Grand Menorah

Lighting at Blue Mountain Village. Community members, visitors, and local leaders gathered for

the public celebration of the Festival of Lights. This year’s event also included a moment of

reflection, paying tribute to the victims of the tragic attack at a Chanukah celebration in Sydney,

Australia earlier that day.

Remarks were shared by representatives from Member of Parliament Terry Dowdall’s office,

Member of Provincial Parliament Brian Saunderson, and Blue Mountains Mayor Andrea

Matrosovs, who spoke about unity, resilience, and the importance of standing together during

challenging times.

Alongside public celebrations, Chanukah was also observed through a series of community

outreach visits. Rabbi Berel and Sara Shur of Chabad Collingwood visited Bay Haven

Retirement Community and Collingwood General and Marine Hospital, spending time with

residents, patients, and staff and sharing the spirit of the holiday. Visits were also made to the

Collingwood OPP detachment and the Collingwood Fire Department as a gesture of

appreciation for those who serve the community year-round.

Chanukah concluded with the first public menorah lighting in Meaford, marking the holiday’s

final night. The new event brought together local residents, visitors from surrounding

communities, and municipal leaders, including Meaford Mayor Ross Kentner, Deputy Mayor

Shirley Keaveny, and members of council, extending Chanukah celebrations further across the

region.

Chabad Collingwood says the expanded Chanukah programming reflects both a growing

Jewish presence in South Georgian Bay and an ongoing commitment to contributing to the

broader community. More information about Chabad Collingwood and its year-round

programming can be found at jewishcollingwood.com, with updates also shared through its

email list and social media channels.

Warmly,

Rabbi Berel Shur

Chabad Collingwood

SCAM ALERT: Exposing a $10,000,000,000 Debt Industry

John Malloy
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SCAM ALERT: Exposing a $10,000,000,000 Debt Industry

A deep-dive into an industry which preys on people in debt, misleads customers, and leaves many off worse than they started. Welcome to the insane world of debt-settlement. Coffeezilla

Get fully respected as a patron of journalism:   / coffeezilla   Follow: ► Twitter: @coffeebreak_yt ► Instagram: @coffeebreak_yt

DISCLAIMER – Updated May 2025 This program operates under the rhetorically hyperbolic banner “CRIME IS LEGAL” to highlight—and satirize—our view that modern enforcement mechanisms are lax, uneven and insufficient. The slogan does not assert that illegal conduct is actually permissible; it underscores regulatory gaps and the impossibility of declaring something as illegal on a factual basis. All content herein constitutes commentary and opinion based on investigative journalism conducted with (i) publicly available documents, (ii) interviews, and (iii) other verifiable sources. References to “scams,” “fraud,” “theft,” or related terms are made in the same rhetorically hyperbolic context of “CRIME IS LEGAL” and should not be taken as definitive findings of fact or legal conclusions. Facts, evidence, and independent analysis are used in this program to draw strongly opinionated conclusions, but it is important to draw a sharp distinction between the facts and evidence presented, and the opinions drawn based on such material. No statement can or should be interpreted as a categorical declaration that any person has violated civil or criminal law unless a court has so ruled. Viewers are encouraged to examine the cited materials and reach their own conclusions.

Five Persons Arrested – OPP Investigating Robbery at Collingwood Jewellery Store

John Malloy
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Five Persons Arrested – OPP Investigating Robbery at Collingwood Jewellery Store

Five persons arrested

(COLLINGWOOD, ON) – Members of the Crime Unit of the Collingwood and The Blue Mountains Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have now arrested five individuals in relation to a robbery at a jewellery store which took place in June.

On Friday, June 20, 2025, at approximately 5:00 p.m., officers responded to reports of a robbery in progress at D.C. Taylor Jewellers located on Hurontario Street. Multiple masked individuals entered the store armed with tools and forcibly removed merchandise before fleeing the scene in a motor vehicle.

Preliminary investigation suggests the incident involved coordination and a degree of planning. Responding officers secured the scene and began an immediate investigation, supported by witness accounts and video surveillance from several nearby sources. The OPP’s Central Region Forensic Identification Services attended to assist with the collection and examination of physical evidence.

After several months of investigative work, detectives from the Collingwood OPP Crime Unit have now arrested and charged five individuals responsible for the incident.

They are:

21 year-old Ellora COTE of Mississauga, charged with Robbery with Violence and Possession of Break in Instruments.

19 year-old Malak Tafari RAWLINS of Toronto, charged with Robbery with Violence, Possession of Break In Instruments, Disguise with Intent and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.

16 year-old from Pickering, charged with Robbery with Violence, Possession of Break In Instruments, Disguise with Intent and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.

15 year-old from Mississauga, charged with Robbery with Violence, Possession of Break In Instruments, Disguise with Intent and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime.

17 year-old from Brampton, charged with Robbery with Violence, Disguise with Intent, Possession of Break In Instruments, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime and two counts of Fail to Comply with Sentence.

The above mentioned accused persons under the age of 18 years of age cannot be identified under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The accused parties in this matter are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Collingwood at a future date.

The OPP is asking anyone with information or video footage related to this incident to contact the Collingwood OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or submit a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.ontariocrimestoppers.ca.

In addition, the Collingwood and The Blue Mountains OPP encourage businesses and residents to register their security cameras with the CAMSafe program at www.camsafe.ca. This voluntary registry helps police identify potential video footage during investigations, as seen in recent cases in Collingwood. Police do not have live access to registered cameras, and participants retain full control, providing footage only upon request.

THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW – Some Of The Best

John Malloy
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THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW – Some Of The Best

Ed Sullivan (1901-1974) presented some of the greatest pop acts from the 1940’s to the 1970’s.

His YouTube channel is one of the best . Here is a selection from some of them . The Byrds, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Searchers, The Jackson 5, Tom Jones, Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood, Chubby Checker, Paul Anka, Bee Gees, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Temptations and Diana Ross, Beach Boys, Mamas and Papa, Animals and The Kim Sisters.

No copyright infringement intended. All shared from You Tube with thanks. My You Tube channel is not monetized and never will be. R.I.P. Ed

2026 Town Budget Approved by Council

John Malloy
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2026 Town Budget Approved by Council

The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to advise residents that Council approved the 2026 Town Budget during the Council Meeting on Monday, December 1, 2025. The approved budget includes the 2026 operating budget, a ten-year capital budget and the 2026 Fees and Charges.

The approved budget can be viewed by visiting the Budget Webpage. 

The 2026 Budget reflects the Town’s ongoing commitment to fiscal responsibility, service excellence and long-term sustainability. Following the release of the draft budget on October 7, 2025, and subsequent engagement with Council and the public, the final approved budget includes a 4.34% increase in the municipal levy. 

With the 4.34% levy increase, which incorporates a $345,000 contribution to the Asset Management Reserve, a median assessed home valued by MPAC at $530,000 is expected to see an increase of about $97.55 per year, or $8.13 per month.

“The 2026 Budget gives us a solid foundation not just for next year, but for the future of The Blue Mountains. Council has had difficult discussions and decisions to make over the past two months, and this Budget is a reflection of our priorities,” said Deputy Mayor Peter Bordignon. “I want to thank our Treasurer, Monica Quinlan, and her team for delivering a document that balances short-term affordability with the long-term investments required to ensure financial stability, and I want to thank all the members of the public who took the time to share their thoughts by participating in the Budget process.”

To learn more about the Town’s annual budget process, please visit www.thebluemountains.ca/budget.

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