The Town of The Blue Mountains Fire Department would like to advise the public that the total fire ban across the municipality has been lifted as of Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
The Blue Mountains Fire Department recommends that the Town’s Open Air Burning Guidelines be reviewed before any burning in the Town.
Collingwood, ON [20 August 2025] The Town of Collingwood is proud to receive a prestigious award for its Rapid ARU (Additional Residential Unit) Deployment initiative and innovative work towards encouraging and supporting affordable and rental housing in the community. The award was presented at the 2025 AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) conference in Ottawa on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
The Peter J. Marshall Innovation Award recognizes creativity and success in implementing new, innovative ways of serving the public among Ontario municipalities. It is a competitive process sponsored by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario, the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships, the Municipal Finance Officers’ Association, and the Ontario Municipal Administrators’ Association.
Mayor Yvonne Hamlin received the award and shared, “We are honoured to receive this recognition for our work in housing innovation. This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and creative problem-solving in addressing today’s housing challenges. Collingwood Council, staff, and the Affordable Housing Task Force remain committed to advancing solutions that create more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable communities.”
The Rapid ARU Deployment initiative launched in 2023 – the first of its kind in Ontario – and to date has issued 58 permits and secured 24 long-term, rental units in Collingwood though the distribution of $172,000 in grant dollars as well as making a gallery of seven pre-approved designs available to streamline processes and remove the guesswork that many property owners face when they decide to build an ARU. The program provides support and resources to homeowners embarking on their ARU journey, including a concierge service, pre-approved designs, and financial incentives of up to $15,000 for eligible projects. This program is stackable with grants from the County of Simcoe and serves as a model for other municipalities in the province and country.
Collingwood punches well above its weight with the key ingredients of political will, engaged community volunteers, and expert staff coming together to make measurable gains in combating the housing crisis.
Learn more about the Rapid ARU Initiative in Collingwood at www.collingwood.ca/rapidARU
By David Suzuki
An economic approach that rewards waste, greed and endless growth isn’t compatible with today’s reality. But as some cling to this destructive, outdated, fossil-fuelled system in their pursuit of greater wealth and power, others are experimenting with better ways.
We invent economic systems to facilitate production and distribution of goods, services and wealth, and to maintain societal stability. We’ve experimented with different forms over the course of human history, with mixed results.
Our current system — a form of hyper-consumer capitalism — evolved alongside the coal, oil and gas and automobile industries, with wars and an infrastructure-building boom topping up the coffers, especially in the United States and Canada.
These enterprises exemplify a rapacious form of capitalism: manufacture big, inefficient cars that wastefully burn lots of processed oil, and create car-centric cities, suburbs and infrastructure so polluting auto and fossil fuel industries can rake in enormous profits and the economy can keep growing. It’s not about efficiency, safety or better living; it’s about profit!
Even when we recognize that these industries have fuelled air, water and land contamination, global heating and wealth inequality, we get hypnotized into thinking this suicidal course is “normal” or “inevitable,” thanks to a system in which the obscenely rich can buy politicians and media voices and suppress dissent.
But people around the world are showing that better economic systems exist. From Nanaimo, British Columbia, to Tomelilla, Sweden, from Mexico City to Barcelona to Amsterdam, cities are integrating “doughnut economics” and “circular economy” principles into financial planning and decision-making.
A circular economy decouples economic activity from consumption of finite resources by ensuring that materials and products are kept from waste streams through reducing, reusing, refurbishing, recycling and composting.
Doughnut economics, developed by British economist Kate Raworth, places planetary boundaries at the outside of a ring, with social foundations at the centre. It sees the economy as a tool for living within ecological limits and providing for societal needs in a more equitable way. Unfortunately, we’ve already exceeded seven of the ring’s nine planetary boundaries, beyond which human life becomes more precarious.
These interdependent boundaries were first quantified in 2009 by 28 internationally renowned scientists led by former Stockholm Resilience Centre director Johan Rockström. The world has exceeded those relating to climate change, novel entities, ocean acidification, modification of biogeochemical flows, freshwater change, land system change and biosphere integrity. Stratospheric ozone depletion has been somewhat resolved, thanks to an international agreement, and atmospheric aerosol loading has yet to be transgressed.
The social foundations at the centre of the doughnut — based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — are food security, health, education, income and work (including occupations such as housekeeping), peace and justice, political voice, social equity, gender equality, housing, networks (community and virtual), energy and water.
Exceeding critical boundaries (and failing to ensure crucial social needs are met) clearly results from adhering to an outdated scheme that encourages waste, greed and inefficiency in the name of endless growth and excessive profit for a small number of people, and that puts the economy above the natural systems our health and lives depend on.
Amsterdam adopted doughnut economic principles in 2020 to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing social wellbeing and environmental sustainability in renewable energy integration and housing development initiatives. In Tomelilla, doughnut economics has been used in public transit, education and recreation decisions.
It can be difficult for an economic system to work in isolation, especially if embedded in a larger system that encourages waste. But cities, while covering two per cent of the world’s terrestrial surface, use more than 70 per cent of natural resources and emit 70 per cent of greenhouse gases, making them a good place to initiate change.
We can’t hope to resolve the serious crises we face, from climate disruption to biodiversity loss, unless we change the systems that got us into the mess. It would be better to see this kind of economic sanity taking hold at higher levels of government, but if more cities lead, we might start to see a shift in our misguided economic perceptions.
Whether or not we can come to our senses before it’s too late is an open question. We can only hope and advocate for better, healthier ways of living.
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.
Learn more at davidsuzuki.org.
REFERENCES:
Tomelilla, Sweden:
Doughnut economics:
https://www.kateraworth.com/doughnut
Circular economy:
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview
Planetary boundaries:
https://www.stockholmresilience.org/research/planetary-boundaries.html
Ozone depletion has been somewhat resolved:
https://www.unep.org/ozonaction/index.php/who-we-are/about-montreal-protocol
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
Excessive profit for a small number of people:
Amsterdam:
Cities:
Pawsome furiends! Share far and wide to find our furry friends a new home – Love, Frankie Malloy
Hi. I’m Nissa.
Seven years of elegance, experience, and the purrfect amount of sass.
I’m what you’d call a classic beauty – a calm, easy-going queen with just the right mix of independence and affection. I may not come with a dramatic backstory or a mysterious past, but what I do offer is consistency, love, and top-tier snuggle vibes.
My hobbies? So glad you asked. I love gazing out windows like I’m pondering life’s great mysteries, and soaking up affection from my humans. Add some classical music in the background and a sprinkle of catnip? You’ve just created my personal paradise.
According to my previous humans, I’m affectionate, vocal, independent, and a lap cat – which basically makes me the feline equivalent of a cozy night in with your favorite playlist and a warm blanket. I’ve also been described as sweet and gentle while here at GTHS.
Temptations treats? Yes, please.
Catnip? Don’t even get me started.
And love from my people? Always.
I’m pretty chill with other cats and dogs too – as long as we’re introduced properly and everyone minds their manners. Kids? Sure! Especially the respectful, cat-savvy ones. You know, the type who can read a room and a tail flick.
So what do you say?
Got a quiet corner, a little background Bach, and a lap that needs a cat? I could be your girl.
My adoption fee is $185, which includes my spay, up-to-date vaccinations, parasite treatments, and an ID microchip to make sure I never get lost on the way to the treat jar.
Come meet me at the GTHS between 12:00pm-4:00pm any day of the week! The wonderful Adoption Counsellors will be thrilled to introduce us. I’m ready to find my person… or family… or orchestra.
Let’s make beautiful music together.
– Nissa
Georgian Triangle Humane Society (705) 445-5204
Hi, I’m Ryder – a 1.5-year-old handsome heartthrob with a whole lot of love to give and a whole lot of life to live. I’m hoping to find a home where I can be adored for who I am: a loyal, intelligent, and affectionate companion who thrives with structure, guidance, and love.
Let’s talk about the important stuff first – I’m a looker (if I do say so myself) and I walk beautifully on leash with minimal pulling. I’m neutral to people, bikes, and cars, and I’ve even been doing well on structured pack walks with known dogs here at the shelter. But when it comes to unfamiliar dogs? I’ve got some big feelings. I can get frustrated on leash when other dogs get too close, and I’ve been known to bark, growl, or lunge. Once the dog passes, I’m back to my calm, cool self – but I’ll definitely need someone who can read my cues and keep things low-stress for me.
I’ve lived with other dogs before and done well, but I’m a bit choosy with my canine companions and haven’t had any off-leash dog interactions since coming to the shelter. If there’s another dog in the home, we’d need a very slow, on-leash introduction, and I’d need space and time to feel safe.
Cats? Nope. Not for me. My prey drive is high and I need a home without small animals.
I’ve lived with children and I’m great with respectful kids who understand dog boundaries – I really enjoy being around people I trust.
I’m looking for:
-A quiet home (rural or low-dog-traffic suburban would be amazing)
-A human who knows dog body language and has experience with leash reactivity
-Someone who believes in positive reinforcement and is ready to keep helping me grow into my best self
I’ve got so much potential – I just need the right person to help bring it out. If you’re patient, kind, and ready to fall in love, I’m ready too.
My adoption fee is $400 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!
Love,
Ryder
Georgian Triangle Humane Society (705) 445-5204
An inspiring evening of art and entertainment
Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Side Launch Brewing Company
The evening will feature:
The HeART of Red Gala presented by Chapman Private Wealth Group will raise funds to support My Friend’s House operations and the essential programming we provide to women and their children who have suffered abuse in South Georgian Bay. Last year, My Friend’s House received 5,358 calls to our 24/7 Crisis Line from women reaching out for support, immediate shelter and emergency preparedness information. 42 women and 27 children accessed our shelter services and we were at 102% occupancy rate.
The need for our services is great and continues to grow as our communities expand. Support My Friend’s House today by attending the HeART of Red Gala presented by Chapman Private Wealth Group.
Thank you to Noble Estates Wine & Spirits for their selections and to our Corporate Community Partners.
https://ca.rbcwealthmanagement.com/web/paul.chapman https://myfriendshouse.ca/heart-of-red/
(MIDLAND, On)- Weekend marine patrol by members of the Southern Georgian Bay Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) charged five mariners for failing to have sufficient lifejackets for everyone aboard their vessels while checking 43 vessels for required safety equipment and signs of impairment. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CE5MBE6RG/
During the officers 35 hours of patrol on area waterways between August 13-17, 2025, 15 operators were educated and three more were charged with Canada Shipping Act violations with one operator being charged with a liquor related offence. One vessel operator was required to provide a breath sample on the roadside screening device resulting in a 3-day drivers licence suspension in accordance to the Ministry of Transportation (ADLS) guidelines. This particular investigation was the result of a vessel stop in the dark hours of Saturday night of a personal watercraft being operated without navigation lights in the Main Channel of Honey Harbour. See the following Facebook post https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CE5MBE6RG/
Wearing your lifejacket while on the water will increase your chances of survival if you should go overboard into the water. Be prepared by having the appropriate number of approved lifejackets and or floater suits on board for all vessel occupants. https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/office-boating-safety?utm_campaign=tc-boating-safety-ongoing&utm_medium=vurl&utm_source=tc-gc-ca-boatingsafety
Educating Young Mariners to Wear Their Lifejackets
The “I Got Caught Wearing My Lifejacket” water safety program has been in place on OPP patrolled waterways for many years and continues to enjoy great success in educating young mariners in North Simcoe the value in having and wearing your lifejacket while on the water.
Remember, if you see a possible impaired operator “Make the Call” and dial 911 and help prevent a marine tragedy and always have an eye to the sky for changing weather conditions.
August 18, 2025, Mississauga, ON – The Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) announced today that it has renewed its agreement with streaming partner FloSports. The three-year agreement provides FloHockey with media rights to broadcast OJHL Hockey regular season and playoffs games.
OJHL fans will again be able to see the stream of all 672 regular season plus playoff games via a FloHockey subscription during the 2025-26 OJHL season.
The agreement includes the use of LeagueStat, a FloSports product, to power its official statistics and data infrastructure. When a goal happens on the ice, the FloHockey stream, league and team websites, and mobile apps are all updated in real time through LeagueStat, bridging the gap between the arena and watching from the comfort of your home.
“The OJHL is extremely excited with the renewal of our partnership with FloHockey. said Rick Morocco, VP Business Operations OJHL. “Fans will get to see every OJHL regular season and playoff game on Flo. With this agreement we plan to leverage our relationship to generate an increase of views on both FloHockey. and OJHL business channels.
“The OJHL offers some of the best Junior A hockey in the world,” said Josh Siskin, GM of FloHockey. “This extension ensures that we can continue to deliver the best offerings to fans across the globe, with seven of the nine CJHL (Canadian Junior Hockey League) leagues on FloHockey.”
This partnership with the OJHL marks a significant expansion of FloHockey’s commitment to Canadian hockey following on the heels of the recent addition of the QMJHL this year.
About FloSports
FloSports is a global sports media company committed to spotlighting the sports and athletes traditional media leaves behind. Founded in 2006, the company has become the digital home for die-hard communities in sports overlooked by traditional media—delivering live and on-demand coverage, award-winning original programming, and advanced data solutions to passionate fans worldwide.
FLO’s portfolio spans more than 25 sports and includes the leading destinations for devoted audiences, including motorsports, hockey, wrestling, cycling, Jiu-Jitsu , track & field, cheer, a range of NCAA sports, and more.
Through strategic partnerships with NASCAR, USA Wrestling, Varsity Spirit, High Limit Racing, the American Hockey League (AHL), Tour de France, Wanda Diamond League and 18 NCAA conferences, FloSports streams over 50,000 events annually to a global subscriber base. For more information, please visit: flosports.tv.
About the OJHL – “League of Choice”
The Ontario Junior Hockey League is the largest Junior ‘A’ league operating under the auspices of the Canadian Junior Hockey League with 24 member clubs. The OJHL is the home of the 2024 Centennial Cup champion Collingwood Blues. A proud member of the CJHL and Ontario Hockey Association, the OJHL was originally named the Ontario Provincial Junior ‘A’ Hockey League and it was formed out of the Central Junior ‘B’ Hockey League in 1993-94. With a long and storied history of developing players for the next level, including U SPORTS, the NCAA, CHL, minor pro ranks and the NHL, the OJHL had more than 135 commitments during the 2024-25 season.
For more information on the Ontario Junior Hockey League, please visit www.ojhl.ca
(Orillia, ON) The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is urging families, caregivers, and communities to take proactive steps to protect individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, particularly when wandering or going missing becomes a concern. According to the Alzheimer’s Society of Ontario, 60% of people with dementia-related memory problems will become lost or wander at some point, often without warning.
The OPP encourages the use of multiple safety strategies, including tracking devices and community-based programs, to help locate individuals quickly and safely. No single product or strategy can guarantee safety, but combining technology with community awareness can make a critical difference.
Tracking Devices: What to Know
Tracking devices, also known as locator devices, use technologies such as GPS, radio frequency (RF), or Bluetooth to help caregivers and emergency responders locate a missing person. Each technology has its own strengths and limitations:
· GPS: Best for outdoor tracking; requires frequent charging.
· RF: Effective indoors; shorter range than GPS.
· Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): Long battery life; limited range, especially in rural areas.
Before choosing a device, families should consider several factors to ensure the right product is chosen. A comprehensive list of locator devices, including physical devices and mobile apps, has been compiled by the Aging and Innovation Research Program, in collaboration with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario and AGE-WELL NCE.
Project Lifesaver: A Proven Partnership
The OPP has partnered with several Alzheimer Societies across Ontario to implement Project Lifesaver, a program designed to protect and quickly locate individuals at risk of wandering. Participants wear a lightweight bracelet transmitter that emits a unique radio frequency signal. When someone goes missing, trained officers use specialized receivers to locate the signal, often within minutes.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) began its involvement with Project Lifesaver in 2005, when the Essex County Detachment launched a pilot program in partnership with Project Lifesaver International. In 2008, the Caledon Detachment followed with its own pilot initiative. These early successes demonstrated the program’s effectiveness in locating individuals at risk of wandering due to cognitive conditions such as dementia. As a result, the OPP formally endorsed the use of Project Lifesaver later in 2008, supporting its broader implementation across the province.
It is a community decision whether to adopt Project Lifesaver. The OPP is willing to partner with any community in our jurisdiction to support Project Lifesaver and will absorb the costs for all officer training associated with the program. More than 20 OPP-policed communities currently partner with Project Lifesaver. Visit projectlifesaver.org for more information.
Additional Resources and Safety Measures
· Finding Your Way helps people living with dementia, their families, caregivers and communities to recognize the risk of going missing, be prepared for incidents of going missing, and ensure that people with dementia can live safely in the community.
· The Alzheimer Society of Canada recommends early conversations about tracking devices and safety strategies, especially following a diagnosis. These discussions should reflect the individual’s values around privacy, independence, and safety.
· Door alarms can alert caregivers when someone leaves the home.
The OPP continues to work with health organizations, long-term care facilities, and families to promote safety and awareness. If someone you care for is living with dementia, please contact your local Alzheimer Society or OPP detachment to learn more about available resources.
To report a missing person, call 9-1-1 immediately.
The two talk about Franklin’s future in sports and specifically within pickleball, the company’s origin story with the President of Franklin Sports, Adam Franklin, why pickleball is so special, and a lot more. This insight-packed interview paints a proper picture of where pickleball is and where pickleball is heading, locally and globally. Adam talks about the evolution of Franklin Sports from small family business to now the leading manufacturer in the sporting goods industry and giant name in Pickleball.
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Now, the fashion world is reckoning with these changes as AI takes hold, from virtual fitting rooms to AI avatars starring in marketing campaigns. Ali Rogin reports on the refashioning of the industry and why it’s raising alarms.
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