A heartwarming comedy of a scattered family who is reunited and determined to recapture something they seem to have lost, forcing them all to come home for Christmas.
Midhurst/November 27, 2025 – County of Simcoe Paramedic Services’ 23rd annual Food and Toy Drive is in full swing!
Community generosity is already shining through with 708 toys, 891 pounds of food, and $6,053.23 in donations and gift cards collected so far. These contributions will make a real difference for residents in need across Simcoe County.
You can help too! Donations of new, unwrapped toys and non‑perishable food items can be dropped off at participating locations until December 21, 2025, or be made virtually by visiting CanadaHelps.org.
This weekend, volunteers will be collecting donations at:
Friday, November 28, 2025
Penetanguishene Foodland ~ 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Elmvale Foodland ~ 12 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, November 29, 2025:
Craighurst Foodland ~ 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Midland Walmart ~ 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tottenham Santa Claus Parade ~ 3 to 4 p.m.
Hockey Game Donations – Peggy Hill Community Centre ~ 3 to 4 p.m.
Singhampton Santa Claus Parade ~ 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Collingwood Walmart ~ 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sunday, November 30, 2025:
Waubaushene Santa Claus Parade ~1 to 2 p.m.
Tanger Cookstown ~ 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The 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.
Collingwood, ON (27 November 2025) – On behalf of the Town of Collingwood, Mayor Yvonne Hamlin is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of the Order of Collingwood.
Order of Collingwood
• Barbara Keyser-Pattison
• Deb Piggot
• Pearl Simmons
• Claire Tucker-Reid
• Paula Zubeck
Companion to the Order of Collingwood
• Robert Graham
• Larry Hogarth
The Town of Collingwood annually honours those who, through their exemplary volunteer efforts within the community, enrich the social, well-being, natural or cultural environment, or the recreational character of the Town, by bestowing the prestigious Order of Collingwood.
“I warmly invite each of you to join Council and me in celebrating this year’s outstanding recipients at the upcoming Mayor’s Annual New Year’s Levee,” says Mayor Yvonne Hamlin. “This event offers us a meaningful opportunity to come together as a community and recognize the remarkable dedication, compassion, and countless hours of service these volunteers have devoted to improving the lives of others.”
The official awards will be presented at the Mayor’s Annual New Year’s Levee, which will be held Sunday, January 11, 2026, at The Bear Estate (at Living Water Resort), 300 Balsam Street, in Collingwood. Doors open at 1:30 for a fun and interactive component. The ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. All are welcome to come and celebrate the new year and the award recipients. Further event details will be released in the coming weeks.
(CLEARVIEW TOWNSHIP, SPRINGWATER TOWNSHIP, WASAGA BEACH, ON) – On November 26, 2025, members of the Huronia West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) conducted a traffic safety enforcement initiative throughout Clearview Township, Springwater Township and Wasaga Beach, with increased attention to school and community safety zones. During a 12-hour shift, officers charged 41 drivers with distracted driving, including 15 offences committed in a school zone while officers were monitoring a crosswalk as students made their way to school.
Penalties for distracted driving include:
1st offence: $615 ticket (up to $1,000 in court), 3 demerit points, 3-day licence suspension
Members of Huronia West OPP are committed to public safety, delivering proactive and innovative policing in partnership with our communities. Officers value your contribution to building safe communities.
Workers in Bozeman & Big Sky Montana are sleeping in vans, while the uber-rich buy massive mansions next door.
Montana’s Republican governors promised that huge tax cuts would be a boon to the economy. Instead, they’re a giveaway to billionaires and private equity firms.
More Perfect Union’s mission is to build power for working people. Here’s what that means: We report on the real struggles and challenges of the working class from a working-class perspective, and we attempt to connect those problems to potential solutions. We report on the abuses and wrongdoing of corporate power, and we seek to hold accountable the ultra-rich who have too much power over America’s political and economic systems. We’re an independent, nonprofit newsroom.
Pawsome furiends! Share far and wide to find our furry friends a new home – Love, Frankie Malloy
Meet Jessie
Jessie is a 1 year old female Domestic Medium Hair/Mix cat who weighs 2 kilograms.
Hi, I’m Jessie!
I’m a 1-year-old sweetheart with a gentle soul and a curious heart. I might be a little shy when you first meet me, but once I feel safe and comfortable, my loving personality really starts to shine. I love cozy hidey spots where I can curl up for a nap or quietly watch the world go by-it’s my favorite way to relax!
I’d be happiest in a calm, patient home where I can take my time to get to know my new family. If you give me the space and love I need, I’ll reward you with trust, affection, and all the quiet companionship you could ask for.
I’m not a fan of sharing my space with other kitties, so I’d love to be your one and only furry companion! Also, because I can be a bit timid, I’d likely do best in a home with older kids (12+) who understand how to read my signals and give me the gentle respect I deserve.
If you’re looking for a sweet, sensitive companion who will blossom under your care, I just might be your girl!
My adoption fee is $185 and includes my spay/neuter, internal and external parasite treatments, up to date vaccinations and an ID microchip! If you want to learn more about me, please come visit the GTHS and speak with one of the amazing Adoption Counsellors! The GTHS is open for adoptions from 12pm-4:00pm, every single day of the week and they would be thrilled to introduce you to me! I can’t wait to meet you and am looking forward to starting my new life with my new family!
Our resident chaos coordinator, “Frankie Malloy” is staging another animal-pocalypse, and this time it’s going down on a Wednesday (because why should weekends have all the fun?). Enjoy the video!!!
Meet Chomper (Special Paws)
Chomper (Special Paws) is a 7 years, 3 months old female Medium Mixed Breed who weighs 15 kilograms.
Hi there! I’m Chomper!
I’m a sweet, gentle 7-year-old northern girl looking for my forever home. I might take a little time to warm up to new people, but once I do, I’m a loyal companion who loves snuggling at your feet and soaking up affection. I’m calm, quiet, and I don’t bark-I just want to be near you and enjoy peaceful moments together.
I’m happiest in a calm, predictable environment, and I love spending time outdoors-lounging on the deck, sniffing around on walks, or exploring at a leisurely pace. My walks are my favorite part of the day, and I’m a pretty good walker in familiar areas, though I may need a harness and some patience in new places because I get excited (and sometimes chase squirrels or rabbits!).
I’m a thoughtful lady around other dogs. I’m curious but like to set my boundaries, and I sometimes need my humans to help me manage food and affection around my dog friends. I’m definitely not suitable for cats, though-I have a strong prey drive. I’d do best in a home with calm or respectful dogs, or as the only pup in the house. Older children who understand gentle handling would likely be okay, but I need slow introductions.
I’m in a special program here at the shelter because I need a little extra care for my bladder, and my humans have been helping me with that. I’m on medication and a daily supplement, and my forever family will get everything they need to help me continue thriving at home. I also am a little sore in my hind legs at times, so I need gentle exercise and love, and apparently help keeping slim and trim.
I sleep quietly through the night, love having my own comfy spot, and I respond really well to gentle guidance. I do have a bit of a startle response, so patience, routine, and encouragement go a long way with me. I promise, with a little time and care, I’ll be your devoted companion who always wants to be near you.
If you’re looking for a calm, affectionate, loyal dog who will bond closely with you and enjoy peaceful walks and quiet snuggles, I’d love to meet you. I’m ready for a home where I can feel safe, loved, and cherished.
My adoption fee is $100 and includes my spay/neuter, up to date vaccinations, dewormer and a microchip. If you want to learn more about me, please come visit the GTHS and speak with one of the amazing Adoption Counsellors! The GTHS is open for adoptions from 12pm-4:00pm, every single day of the week and they would be thrilled to introduce you to me! I can’t wait to meet you and am looking forward to starting my new life with my new family!
Pawsome furiends! Which adorable critter clips would make your heart go pitter-patter? Share your suggestions in the comments below! Whether it’s playful puppies, sleepy kitties, or bouncy bunnies, we’d love to hear what makes you smile! – Love, Frankie Malloy
Economic reporting could mislead one into believing that budget deficits are the most important challenge governments face.
They’re used as an excuse to curtail spending on necessary benefits, including health care, education, social security, climate action and more. Is it true that countries such as Canada and the United States can’t afford these services?
A U.S. study referenced by Guardian writer George Monbiot shows that the very rich consider budget deficits to be the top issue, with climate action at the bottom of the list.
“They were far more likely to insist that social security and federal healthcare should be cut, and far less likely to believe that the unemployed should have a ‘decent standard of living’, or that there should be more regulation of oil companies, banks and health insurers,” Monbiot writes. “They were fiercely opposed to redistribution.”
They want to protect their interests. A recent Oxfam study found that, over the past year, “The 10 richest U.S. billionaires got $698 billion wealthier, and the arrival of the world’s first trillionaire grew more imminent.” As Monbiot writes, “That money alone, the increment in the wealth of 10 people, is almost 10 times the annual amount required to end extreme poverty worldwide.”
Clearly, these ultra-wealthy think differently than most of us. So why do so many people accept their reasoning about deficits and affordability? When it comes to politics, Monbiot notes, money talks. “The richer they become, the more they can bend the state and economic system to their will, ensuring that they become richer still.”
Or, as Oxfam states, “Rapidly increasing corporate concentration in recent decades has given large firms more political influence and market power — and thus more power to directly shape people’s lives, including through shaping policy and setting wages, working conditions, and prices.”
We’re seeing a blatant example in the U.S., where the current administration is lowering taxes for the rich while cutting essential services for the middle and working classes, along with climate change policies and more. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump threw a lavish Great Gatsby–themed party at Mar-a-Lago for wealthy planet-haters including Australia’s Gina Rhinehart (who has coal-mining interests in Alberta) while ordinary people struggled to feed themselves during a government shutdown.
Taxing the super affluent at rates that would still leave them with enough to maintain lavish lifestyles could generate enough money to resolve many societal issues, from health to hunger to global heating. Despite relentless propaganda and distractions from billionaire-owned media outlets and social media platforms, many people are starting to see through the smoke. A recent YouGov poll found 69 per cent of American adults (including 40 per cent of Republicans!) support raising taxes on millionaires and corporations.
Support was also high for free child care (66 per cent), rent freezes (65 per cent), free public transit (53 per cent) and increasing minimum wages (56 per cent).
Elon Musk alone could solve many of the world’s most serious problems and still remain obscenely rich — if he weren’t … well, Elon Musk. Oxfam reports that if the world’s 10 richest people lost 99 per cent of their wealth, they’d still be billionaires!
It’s hard to imagine that anybody would be worth billions, no matter how hard they worked or how much they contributed to society. The truth is, most don’t earn it. Oxfam points out that “Sixty percent of billionaire wealth is now derived from inheritance, monopoly power or crony connections.”
Humanity is facing numerous existential crises, from poverty and hunger to species extinction and climate disruption. We could resolve most or all these problems simply by making the mega-rich pay their fair share. But they hold the levers of power, though media ownership, political influence and having the time and resources to manipulate public opinion.
It’s up to us — the vast majority — to demand change.
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.
On Saturday December 6th at 3pm, come join the Collingwood Music Festival (CMF) family at First Presbyterian Church for a seasonal concert chock-full of sparkle and cheer with BROADSWAY, starring four of Canada’s finest musical theatre, jazz and cabaret artists singing their unique arrangements of Broadway yuletide classics and lesser-known seasonal gems with tons of musicality and humour. Titled “The Most Wonderful Time … Maybe!” this matinee performance features Dora Mavor Moore award-nominee Diane Leah, JUNO and ECMA nominee Heather Bambrick, international touring artist Julie Michels, and newest member, jazz / cabaret vocalist Kylie Martin. CBC Radio has called it the best Christmas party ever and it has delighted audiences and it has delighted audiences across the province and beyond.
The festival’s Artistic Director, Daniel Vnukowski is very excited about this show, stating “Around here, we like to chase away the winter blues with a healthy dose of joy, laughter, and song. That’s exactly what our holiday concert is all about this year – a chance to celebrate the season with friends, family, and plenty of music to keep your spirits bright. Music has the rare power to slow us down and bring us together. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this! In fact, tickets for this special concert are well on the way to selling out. And for the first time ever for our concerts, you may now choose your own seat when buying advance tickets.“ Another first: Just in time for the holidays, the festival is introducing Gift Certificates, the perfect way to surprise a friend or loved one with unforgettable musical experiences in 2026 and a lovely way to give the gift of music while supporting the Festival https://collingwoodmusicfestival.ticketspice.com/gift-certificates . If you prefer something you can wrap, they will happily mail you a beautifully-printed certificate instead – just email [email protected] to arrange it (a small mailing fee applies).
Mark your calendars: The dates for the Summer 2026 Collingwood Music Festival
will be: July 6 – 18!
Thanks to a generous donor, every dollar given to CMF between now and Giving Tuesday (December 2nf) will be matched up to $15,000. As fundraising support grows, artist reveals are being unlocked for the 2026 festival – along with special giveaways along the way. The first two artists revealed so far are: Broadway star Louise Pitre, and, and the flamenco sounds of Tamara Ilanas and
The 2026 CMF Masterclass: July 6–10, 2026 at Osler Bluff Ski Club in the Blue Mountains: An inspiring setting for talented young musicians (25 years old and under) to learn from Canada’s best, collaborate, and perform. Faculty: Voice: Gino Quilico; Piano: Daniel Vnukowski; Violin: Sharon Lee; Trio in Residence: The Gryphon Trio with Roman Borys (cello), Jamie Parker (piano), Annalee Patipatanakoon (violin) Places are limited. Audition deadline: March 15, 2026 Learn more and apply here: https://collingwoodfestival.com/event/masterclass-2026/?mc_cid=a89864a006&mc_eid=011240fcd8Photo Caption: Broadsway is, Left to Right: Heather Bambrick, Diane Leah, Julie Michels, and, Kylie Martin.
“With this strategy, we’re committed to serving 20,996 households between 2025 and 2035 – including 5,081 through new housing units and subsidies, and 15,915 by addressing affordability gaps,” said Warden Basil Clarke. “This is an aggressive target, but it is one that we know that we can achieve through sustained investments from all levels of government and partnerships throughout our communities with municipalities, non-profits, and the private sector.”
Warden Clarke noted that by partnering with our communities, residents of Simcoe County will continue to thrive, become stronger, and create places that people are proud to call “home.”
Building Up Simcoe County – Our Community Blueprint for Affordable Housing and Homelessness Prevention
The new strategy focuses on three practical pillars: supply, people, and service system management. It is a balanced approach that moves from targeting units created into housing targets.
It sets a “households housed” target, which combines results achieved through both capital projects and operating programs. It also includes a broader households served target, which includes households housed plus households supported through diversion and prevention initiatives. This shift provides a more accurate measure of the County’s impact — showing not only how many new homes are created or accessed, but also how many residents are able to remain stably housed.
The strategy’s three pillars include:
1. Increasing supply through new builds, modular bridge housing, secondary suites, and conversions
2. Keeping people housed with prevention, rent supports, and repairs
3. Managing the system with coordinated data, stronger partnerships, and transparent reporting
To view the full strategy and to understand this new approach, visit simcoe.ca/ourahhps.
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.
Chabad Collingwood is excited to kick off Chanukah with the Grand Menorah Lighting in Blue Mountain Village on December 14 at 5:00 PM. Now in its third year, this beautiful celebration has already become a cherished South Georgian Bay tradition.
Chanukah this year runs from the evening of December 14 through December 21. From its very first year, the Blue Mountain lighting drew hundreds of participants, and the event has continued to grow in energy, visibility, and community spirit.
This year’s celebration will once again feature fresh donuts, sizzling latkes, personal Chanukah kits, joyous music, dancing, and the ceremonial lighting of the large menorah at the Subaru Stage. Residents and visitors are invited to join in this warm and uplifting public celebration.
The Miracle of Chanukah
Chanukah commemorates the Jewish triumph over the Syrian-Greek Empire more than 2,000 years ago, and the miracle that followed: a single jug of pure oil that should have lasted one day instead burned for eight days. Ever since, Jewish families have marked the holiday by lighting the menorah at home—adding one new light each night, symbolizing the idea of always growing and increasing light in the world.
A Global Tradition With Local Impact
Fifty years ago, the Lubavitcher Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of blessed memory—launched the now-global effort of public menorah lightings to share Chanukah’s universal message with the broader world.
Chabad, the worldwide Jewish outreach network inspired by his leadership, has since brought public menorahs to iconic places across the globe—from the Eiffel Tower to the Statue of Liberty, from the Sydney Opera House to Queen’s Park in Toronto—spreading light, pride, and unity each Chanukah.
Two years ago, Chabad Collingwood introduced the region’s first public menorah lighting in Blue Mountain Village. In keeping with Chanukah’s theme of continuously increasing light, Chabad has expanded its presence and activities in the region as well. Earlier this year, Chabad Collingwood established a full-time center serving the Jewish community and offering learning, engagement, and connection to anyone in the wider community wishing to participate in good faith.
A Warm Community Invitation
Chabad Collingwood invites all residents and visitors, regardless of background, to join the Grand Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 14 at 5:00 PM at the Subaru Stage in Blue Mountain Village. Celebrate the beginning of Chanukah and join in recognizing the tremendous growth and light our community has experienced since the first lighting.
Rabbi Berel Shur – Chabad Collingwood
New! Menorah Lighting in Meaford
Chabad Collingwood is also pleased to announce a new menorah lighting at the Meaford Public Library on the last night of Chanukah, Sunday, December 21 at 5:00 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy the beautiful new menorah display.
For more information or to learn more about Chabad’s activities throughout the region, please visit JewishCollingwood.com.
