On behalf of the Family Physician Recruitment Working Group, the Town of The Blue Mountains is excited to welcome Dr. Sonia Bali as a new family doctor serving the local community.
Dr. Bali is an internationally trained Family Physician who will be joining Dr. Naomi Klages at The Blue Mountains Community Health Centre, located at 78 King Street East in Thornbury. Before coming to The Blue Mountains, Dr. Bali practiced in health care facilities across Alberta and Manitoba. In addition to providing care at the Blue Mountains Health Centre, Dr. Bali will also support patients at Meaford Hospital and residents in Long-Term Care facilities in Thornbury and Meaford.
“As Chair of the Family Physician Recruitment Working Group, I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Bali to our community,” said Councillor June Porter. “Dr. Bali is the first new family doctor to join our community in recent years and will provide much-needed service to local residents.”
Efforts to recruit new family doctors have been supported by the Town’s Family Physician Recruitment Working Group. The working group is guided by the expertise of local residents, Erin Deviney, Todd Kaufman, Donna McNicol and Robert Turner, along with participation from Brian Harkness and Robert Johnston from the North East Grey Health Clinics. The working group’s mandate is to leverage municipal leadership to support the recruitment of new physicians and support the community by addressing the critical need for local healthcare services.
Please join the Town and the Family Physician Recruitment Working Group in welcoming Dr. Bali to the community!
But until recently most companies have grossly over sized the Heat Pump systems they install for fear of leaving the client with a cold home. In the age of super-efficiency that level of shoddy service is completely unacceptable.
That’s all changed now though with the launch of the ZERO DISRUPT Heat Pump system – an AI algorithmic calculator based on millions of real world data points collected over the last 3 years. Combine that with a water cylinder that’s smaller than a gas combi boiler and we’ve got ourselves a GAMECHANGER!
Under Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy, the government promises to be “a powerhouse in the extraction and upgrading of critical minerals,” starting with new and expanded mines in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Ontario’s “Ring of Fire.”
Mining and minerals have always been important, but the renewable energy revolution will require even more copper, zinc, cobalt, nickel, lithium and “rare earth” minerals. As Christopher Pollon writes in Pitfall: The Race to Mine the World’s Most Vulnerable Places, “metals and minerals extraction rose almost five-fold between 1970 and 2017.” Demand for renewable energy technologies, data centres, artificial intelligence and weapons is fuelling increasingly faster growth.
Along with Canada’s plans, the United States administration is eyeing Greenland and Canada (both sources of “critical minerals”), Russia has invaded mineral-rich Ukraine and is making moves in the Arctic, and China is opening mines worldwide.
Pollon writes that, “mining by its very definition is unsustainable.” Toxic tailings ponds, excessive water use, scarred landscapes, pollution-related health problems, massive amounts of energy required for operations, worker exploitation — mining is a costly enterprise. That’s true no matter how or where it’s done — open pit or underground, using fossil-fuelled or renewable-powered machinery, on land, in the ocean, in urban scrapyards or in space.
Those living in regions or countries where mines are located often see few, if any benefits, with minerals and profits going to foreign corporations, while locals, mostly Indigenous Peoples, are left with the damage.
Mining is necessary, though, if we’re to move away from coal, oil and gas, and enjoy modern conveniences such as smartphones, electric vehicles, efficient appliances and more.
Most of us, especially in cities, rarely think about mining, but its products surround us. In Power Metal: The Race for Resources that Will Shape the Future, Vince Beiser writes that, “Mobile phones can contain as many as two thirds of all the elements in the periodic table, including dozens of different metals.” To obtain copper alone, “Seventy-five pounds of ore have to be wrested out of the earth to build a single four-and-a-half-ounce iPhone.”
“How do we secure the metals our civilization needs without destroying the environment and violating the rights of the planet’s most vulnerable people?” Pollon asks. Both authors argue that we must change more than how we extract minerals.
We often hear of the three Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle. Recycling is important, and is already being done. “Urban mining,” for example, is the practice of collecting discarded metals or metal-containing products to extract valuable minerals such as copper. Pollon writes that recycling EV batteries can reduce “primary demand” (i.e., from mining) by 25 per cent for lithium, 35 per cent for cobalt and nickel and 55 per cent for copper.
But, as Beiser notes, “Recycling helps. But as a solution, it’s utterly inadequate. While recycling does save energy and can reduce the amount of raw materials we use, it too comes with tremendous costs.” It’s energy-intensive, can create pollution and toxic byproducts and is often done by poor people under dangerous conditions.
Reusing is better, although that can be difficult in an era of planned obsolescence. Pollon writes that metals reuse is a growing industry, “worth at least $230 billion in 2021.” Think refurbished electronic devices and expanding Asian and African markets for used products.
Both authors stress that we have to rethink our relationship to mining, energy and natural resources. Many solutions are necessary, including better mining techniques and practices, along with recycling and reusing, but we must also reduce consumption, especially in the wasteful West.
Above all, we have to jettison “the idea that we will need to replace the roughly 1.4 billion gasoline- and diesel-burning cars, trucks, and buses in the world with EVs,” Pollon says. Private automobiles are wasteful, inefficient and, ultimately, unnecessary. As Beiser writes, “Reducing demand for cars will do more than anything to reduce demand for critical metals.” It will also save lives lost to pollution and collisions.
That means expanding (electric) public transit and other transportation services, as well as improving urban design to make cities more amenable to walking, cycling and more.
We must phase out fossil fuels, but we also have to ensure we’re not trading one set of problems for another. These important books offer some sensible solutions.
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.
The Town of The Blue Mountains would like to remind residents that the final Council workshop for the Corporate Strategic Plan project will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Town Hall.
The final workshop, led by StrategyCorp, will feature a presentation to review the draft Corporate Strategic Plan framework, followed by Council discussion to collect feedback on the drafted vision, mission, values, pillars and initiatives. Residents can attend in person to stay informed and engaged. For those unable to attend, a recording of the meeting will be posted on the project webpage following the workshop.
As the final version of the draft plan comes together, there are several upcoming opportunities for residents to get involved and share feedback before the Corporate Strategic Plan is finalized.
Public Information Sessions:
Following the final Council workshop, the draft plan will be posted for public review on the project webpage. To ensure that the draft plan resonates with and reflects the priorities of the community, the Town has scheduled two public information sessions to gather feedback. The sessions have been scheduled to provide flexibility for residents to attend a session that best fits their schedule. Each session will begin with a formal presentation, which will include an open question-and-answer period, followed by an informal opportunity for residents to share comments with project team members.
Session #1: Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall.
Session #2: Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Town Hall.
Both sessions are open to the public and no pre-registration is required. For those unable to attend, the presentation and question-and-answer portions will be recorded and posted on the project webpage following each session.
Community Engagement:
The Town’s project team will be out in the community at events and local businesses to share the draft plan directly with residents. Details will be posted to the Town’s social media accounts and staff look forward to connecting in person.
Share Your Feedback:
If you are unable to attend one of the scheduled Public Information Sessions, the Project Team wants to ensure that your voice is still heard. Members of the public can share their feedback on the draft Corporate Strategic Plan at any time by emailing SI@thebluemountains.ca.
The Project Team looks forward to connecting with members of the community as work continues to refine and finalize the Corporate Strategic Plan for final adoption.
To be held October 10, 2025, at the County of Simcoe Administration Centre
Midhurst/October 7, 2025 – On October 10 the Simcoe County Tri-Service Public Safety Communications Awards Ceremony will shine a spotlight on the exceptional dedication and service of call-takers, dispatchers, supervisors and a young 9-1-1 caller from 2024.
These unsung heroes are the critical first responders behind the scenes, offering an essential lifeline to those in distress and ensuring smooth communication between emergency personnel in the field. Their expertise and commitment help save lives, making them a crucial part of our community’s safety and emergency response systems.
“These incredible professionals are the silent heroes who ensure that help is always just a call away, making them the backbone of our emergency response system”, said Warden Basil Clarke. “We are proud to recognize their exceptional contributions at this ceremony, and we are grateful for the work they do to keep our communities safe.”
The event, initially slated for April 2025 to coincide with National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, was rescheduled due to an unprecedented ice storm that swept through our region.
Award Recipient Stories Krystle Dillon, a Communications Operator from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Provincial Communication Centre in Orillia, is the recipient of the 2024 Simcoe County Public Safety Communicator-of-the-Year Award. Krystle’s exemplary performance as a call taker during a challenging three-hour crisis underscores her professionalism, empathy, and teamwork. By skillfully engaging the caller, she supported with critical law enforcement response and community safety, while embodying core values like honour and integrity. Her outstanding dedication, leadership, and positive impact on the team truly personify the qualities of an exceptional communicator.
The 2024 Simcoe County Public Safety Communications Team Award will be presented to Georgian Central Ambulance Communication Centre (CACC) communicators Meghan Oliver, Shawn Richison, Courtney Hiscock, Mystyslaw Litwin, Stephanie Dranitsaris and Christopher Smith for their actions in responding to a four-vehicle collision that resulted in seven patients with varying injuries. The seamless collaboration between emergency services and Georgian CACC ensured timely care and efficient triage. On-scene updates, detailed communication, and resource prioritization highlighted the professionalism and dedication of all responders, while also showcasing exemplary teamwork while managing a complex incident.
Silas King from the Town of Wasaga Beach will be recognized as the 2024 Youth Award. In February 2024, then 6-year-old Silas displayed remarkable bravery and composure during a family member’s medical emergency. He used a phone to call 9-1-1, provided detailed information to dispatch, unlocked the doors, and guided emergency responders in. His quick thinking and courage were vital in ensuring timely assistance.
EVENT:
What
14th Simcoe County 9-1-1 Management Board Public Safety Communications Awards
Where
County of Simcoe Administration Centre ~ Atrium 1110 Highway 26, Midhurst, Ontario
WhenPhoto and video
October 10, 2025 ~ 10 a.m.Ceremony and interviews with recipients. Media are asked to RSVP to [email protected].
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 [06 October 2025] – Join the Business Development Centre (BDC) partners in celebrating National Small Business Week and mark the completion of 10 years of collaborative service delivery by the BDC partners at the annual open house on Monday, October 20th. The Open House aims to connect local entrepreneurs, businesses, and community stakeholders with the BDC’s resources, services, and expert support.
BDC Partner Organizations: • Town of Collingwood Economic Development office • South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) • Community Futures South Georgian Bay (CFSBG) • Collingwood Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) • Collingwood Chamber of Commerce • Georgian Bay Accelerator
Business Development Centre Open House Monday, October 20, 2025 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Business Development Centre 105 Hurontario Street, Collingwood
Anyone is welcome to attend. However, the event is targeted at local businesses and entrepreneurs, the Town of Collingwood Council and Staff, Community organizations and boards, and residents with connections to budding entrepreneurs.
Attendees will have the opportunity to mingle with BDC partners and business experts and learn more about the services offered. Light refreshments will be provided.
October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, and this year’s theme is Get Cyber Safe – for future you. Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and so are tactics fraudsters use to exploit Canadians. The Canadian Anti- Fraud Centre (CAFC) would like to remind Canadians that bringing your devices up to speed can protect you from fraud. By learning how criminals operate and taking simple steps today, you can build strong cyber habits that will safeguard your money, your identity, and your future.
This week’s bulletin highlights that keeping your devices up to date is one of the most effective ways to prevent identity theft and identity fraud in the cyber environment. Fraudsters exploit weaknesses in old operating systems, browsers, and apps to steal personal information. Once they have your data, they can impersonate you to commit fraud by opening new accounts, applying for credit or accessing government benefits in your name.
How to Protect Yourself
• Turn on automatic updates
• Update routers and smart devices to secure your home network
• Use strong and unique passwords
• Use Multi-Factor Authentication on accounts
• Limit the information stored on devices (e.g., SIN, government ID’s, tax documents) unless necessary
• Monitor your accounts and credit reports regularly for unfamiliar transactions or credit inquiries
• Visit GetCyberSafe for more information on securing your devices
Remember! Keeping your devices up to date is one of the easiest ways to stop identity theft before it happens. A few minutes spent updating today can save months of stress if your identity is stolen tomorrow.
Anyone who suspects they have been the victim of cybercrime or fraud should report it to their local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s online reporting system or by phone at 1-888-495-8501. If not a victim, you should still report the incident to the CAFC.
As days shorten and temperatures begin to drop, prepare your garden to support pollinators that stay all winter.
Winterize your garden with year-round pollinators in mind. Leave key plants and natural materials in place and/or winter sow native seeds. You’ll create a vibrant, ecologically beneficial winter pollinator haven and help your garden thrive in spring.
What’s winter sowing and overwintering?
Winter sowing is a gardening technique in which seeds are planted in containers or directly into the soil during winter to mimic natural germination cycles and undergo cold stratification. Seeds stay dormant until conditions are right for sprouting in spring. This technique works especially well for native wildflowers, grasses and perennials which have evolved to thrive under such conditions.
Overwintering (a.k.a. winterizing) is the process of preparing plants for cooler months and adverse weather conditions. It helps plants that may otherwise succumb to the challenges of cooler months to survive from one year to the next.
Creating a pollinator sanctuary isn’t limited to spring and summer. Brown, dead leaves are Earth’s insect nurseries. Start “messy” yard practices in fall and continue into winter to support overwintering pollinators.
The importance of winter sowing native plant seeds
A native plant is one that has existed in an area for millennia and has evolved with other native species of plants, animals, fungi and bacteria in the presence of native soil and climatic conditions. Winter sowing native seeds in regions they would naturally exist gives them a much better chance at germinating and flourishing in spring.
Native plants play an important and foundational role in ecosystems, preserving biodiversity and supporting insects, birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles with food, shelter and nesting material. To support their growth, some native plants need to undergo cold stratification to break the seed’s dormancy and increase its ability to germinate in spring.
Examples of native plants that benefit from cold stratification:
How to prepare your garden and support pollinators over winter
Depending on where you live, begin to prepare your winter garden from late fall until the end of January.
Native plants are naturally resilient and adapted to survive the cold months of your ecoregion. But some will still benefit from preparation for overwintering. Proper overwintering supports plant roots during freezing conditions, prevents soil erosion, enriches soil and sets the stage for early growth in the next growing season. A bonus? They also provide refuge and food for overwintering pollinators!
Eight ways to prepare native plants for overwintering
Choose winter-friendly native plants and seeds. Opt for native species for your ecoregion that will do well in winter. Seek out local seed swaps, libraries and nurseries to source native seeds.
Leave the leaves. If your garden (and yard) has natural debris built up from fall in areas where you’re not winter sowing, leave it! Plant litter provides shelter to overwintering pollinators and insulation for newly planted perennials and overwintering native plants, and boosts pollinator communities that will support your garden in spring.
Rethink mulch. Many gardening guides suggest using wood mulch during cooler seasons as an insulator for overwintering plants. Instead, use compost, leaf litter and plant debris from your garden so ground-nesting bees can gain easier access to their nests. Avoid using plastic mulch, landscape fabric and heavy wood chips.
Preserve seed heads. Seeds heads of native wildflowers like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans and asters provide winter food for birds and habitat for insects. Prune them in early spring if needed.
Leave plant stalks standing. Hollow and pithy stems of native plants like goldenrod and coneflowers serve as refuge and nesting sites for cavity-nesting native bees. Only cut back diseased or invasive species.
Minimize soil disturbance. Leave parts of your garden with bare soil or light mulch untouched. If you must weed or mulch, avoid turning over the soil deeply. Many native bees and insects burrow deep into soil to overwinter. Disturbing the soil can destroy their nests.
Cover vulnerable plants. Some native perennials, like young shrubs or newly planted wildflowers, may need extra protection in harsh climates. Use burlap wraps or frost covers to protect plants from harsh winds and frost. Ensure these allow airflow to prevent rot.
Water before first freeze. A well-hydrated plant is better equipped to withstand winter stress. Plan to give your garden a good drink in late fall before the first freeze (especially if your region has had a dry fall). This ensures plants roots are hydrated before the ground freezes.
How to winter sow native seeds
Join the Seed Sitters Club — an inexpensive and simple way to grow native plants for personal use and/or to share in your community.
Watch Butterflyway Ranger and native plant enthusiast Dorte Windmuller share the first four steps of seed sitting to help you set your garden up for success in the spring.
All winter long, keep the container outside in a place where it will receive snow and rain.
Step 6
When the temperature rises in spring, place the pot in a partially sunny location, remove the leaves and wait for the seeds to sprout. Keep the soil moist.
Step 7
If seedlings become too crowded as they grow, carefully separate their roots and place some plants in separate pots.
Step 8
Seedlings can be planted in the garden in summer and fall. Keep them well watered for their first year.
Step 9
Most plants will come back stronger and larger in Year 2 and will persist for many years.
BECOME A SEED SITTER
Native plants can be expensive and hard to come by. Become your own native plant source with winter seed sitting!
Today we’re going on an ultimate Chinese street food tour in Shanghai for 24 hours!
We’ll eat some of the most famous and tastiest Shanghainese food and Chinese food.
Here are all the places we ate: Long Ming Xuan (笼铭轩（三林店）- You can’t come to Shanghai without eating xiao long bao, soup dumplings, one of the most famous Chinese foods in Shanghai, and this place is Aya’s favorite. Qiqi Egg Pancakes (琦琦蛋饼（上南店）- Next up for egg pancakes, and these were superb. Hui Jie Lobster (辉姐龙虾) – Crayfish, or crawfish, are extremely popular in China and we had four different ways, some of them spicy filled with mala, and the Shanghai version was marinated in sweet wine. Xiao Yangzhou Specialty Scallion Pancakes (小扬州特色葱油饼) – Scallion oil pancakes are a legendary Chinese street food, and something you have to try in Shanghai, China. Lantern Wonton (灯笼馄饨（奉贤路店）- Next up on this Chinese food tour in Shanghai we stopped to have a bowl of wonton dumplings. Aunt Huang’s Dumplings (黄阿姨锅贴大王) – Also known as go-tie, these pan fried dumplings are insanely tasty. Yongxing Restaurant (永兴餐厅) – Along with all the street food, we headed to Yongxing Restaurant (永兴餐厅), a legendary Shanghainese restaurant.
Typical Chinese food in Shanghai is quite sweet, but balanced and delicious. Haiwang Skewer – Finally we had one of the greatest food of the day, Sichuan hot pot but a huge communal hot pot! Aya and I had an amazing day eating our way through Shanghai for 24 hours! Thank you to Aya and to Xiaohongshu rednote for arranging my trip.
