Commentary

A Blue Box full of trash

March 27, 2024

By Nate Smelle

IF YOU HAVE’NT already heard the chatter regarding the Ford government’s changes to the Blue Box Program, buckle up buck-a-roos you’re in for a bumpy and confusing ride.
In what the Premier is claiming will be “a move towards more efficient and sustainable waste management practices,” Ontario is trashing its existing Blue Box Program and replacing it with one that removes responsibility for the service from municipalities, and makes the producers of recyclables “fully” responsible for keeping them out of our landfills.
When I initially caught wind that between 2023 and 2026 the Ford government was planning to transition our provincial recycling program to a system that makes the producers pay for the cost of recycling, re-using, and/or disposing of the products they manufacture, I thought “wow, I actually agree with the Premier on something.” But, as I have found to be the case with every single thing this government says or does, the Devil is in the details.
Under the current system, municipalities throughout the province are responsible for designing and operating their own residential recycling programs. Costs are split between municipalities and the manufacturers and those responsible for producing plastics, metal, household glass, and paper products in the province. Once the new system fully comes into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, the producers – some of which include small businesses such as McDonald’s, Loblaws and Unilever, will have to pick up the tab for the implementation and operation of the program.
Big business covering the cost of responsibly collecting and processing the excessive amount of packaging they produced sounds good, right. Unfortunately it’s not quite that simple. Because these corporate giants are going to be responsible for covering the cost of the new Blue Box Program, many who truly care about the main goal of program – diverting more waste from Ontario’s landfills and cleaning up our environment – are expressing their anger with the Ford government for bowing to corporate lobbyists and setting a low bar in terms of the provincial waste diversion targets these companies must adhere to.
According to several waste diversion experts in the province, the one thing everybody seems to agree upon when it comes to the new system is that it raises more questions than answers. For instance, considering the fact that the large corporations which produce the packaging have been instrumental in setting the Ford government’s waste diversion targets, would it not make “good” financial sense, at least from their shareholders’ perspective on the bottom line, to push for targets as low as possible, so that they are not responsible for processing recyclables that are more costly to recycle?
What about commercial entities and other sources of recyclables that no longer qualify to receive recycling services under the new Blue Box Program? Will such non-eligible sources continue recycling when they have to pay out of pocket? If not, and I suspect for many their bottom line will be the deciding factor, what will be the impact of this potentially massive influx of trash on our communities and local landfills?
For now, municipalities such as Bancroft will continue providing their own collection and processing services, as they have done for many years. However, we will really start to feel the winds of change blowing on July 1, 2025 when the provincial government takes over until the new system fully kicks in on Jan. 1, 2026.
In the past week, councils from both Carlow Mayo Township and the Town of Bancroft have addressed the province’s new recycling strategy, so it is fair to say that this issue is officially on our radar locally. To some, January 2026 may seem like a long time away, but as we all know, time flies when we are having fun. Looking ahead to 2026 when it will be too late to add the public’s input to the program, now is the time for our governments on all levels to answer all necessary questions and smooth out all wrinkles.
If we fail or refuse to participate in the process and allow industry to ride our government like a rented mule, the only thing our blue boxes will be good for is collecting trash.

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Carlow Mayo opts in as recyclingdepot to keep recycling out of landfill

March 27, 2024

By Mike Riley

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Carlow Mayo Township public works manager made a recommendation to council at their March 13 meeting that they opt in as a contractor for Circular Materials to collect materials from the recycling depot in the township so that residents won’t be forced to bring their recycling materials to Bancroft to dispose of it, or get rid of it in the township’s landfill. Council voted to approve Mayhew’s recommendation on this matter and have let Circular Materials know they’ve opted in to the program.  
Mayhew presented his recommendation in a report to council at their March 13 meeting. He said if they opt out, Circular Materials will move the depot elsewhere, likely to Bancroft, and Carlow Mayo residents would have to take their recyclables to Bancroft. If they opt in, the township looks after making sure the recycling makes it into the bins and Circular Materials would pick it up from the depot. They also get a residual payment back from them for running this recycling depot.
“So, I’m looking for council to approve my recommendation to opt in, as they need to know by March 15,” he says.
Mayhew said he’d sought an extension to the deadline, but hadn’t heard back yet. He apologized for the tight deadline and said the paperwork had gotten lost on his desk until recently.
Jenny Snider, the CAO, told Bancroft This Week that the transition from the blue box program to full producer responsibility started back around 2019.
“I believe Circular Materials started in 2021 and we have been in communication with them since mid-2022. John put forth the recommendation for us to opt in as a depot as this allows us to keep recycling depots within the township,” she says.
As Snider mentioned, the province released its new Blue Box regulation under the 2016 Resource Recovery and Circular Economy Act, which makes Canadian producers fully financially and operationally responsible for their recyclables. Commencing last summer, communities across Ontario, like Carlow Mayo, began transitioning to this new system, which will be fully in place by 2026.
Circular Materials is a national not for profit producer responsibility organization helping producers like Carlow Mayo meet their obligations under the extended producer responsibility regulations. These regulations create effective recycling programs that Circular Materials use that contribute to a circular economy. More information can be found at www.circularmaterials.ca.
After discussing the matter, and realizing that if they opted out, not only would there be more pressure on the landfill as residents would most likely throw out their recycling into the garbage, and the increased pressure and financial strain on Carlow Mayo residents as some of them may drive to Bancroft to dispose of their recyclables, council voted to opt in to the program with Circular Materials.  
Snider told Bancroft This Week that they think it is very important to keep as much recyclable material out of the township landfill as possible.
“We have let Circular Materials know that it is our intent to opt in as a depot.”

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Walking for Gaza: A pilgrimage through Hastings Highlands

March 26, 2024

By Kaitlin Sylvester

Amidst the serene landscapes and winding roads of Hastings Highlands, a pilgrimage for peace unfolds. Organized by Erin Crecelius and other local activists, the pilgrimage was a peaceful protest against the violence happening against Palestine. At its core, the March 25 pilgrimage was a journey guided by intention and a commitment to nonviolent solidarity. It is not merely a walk; but is a spiritual endeavor.
Beginning at 5 a.m. at Whitney Park the walkers planned to cover a route 41.4 kilometres long, representing the length from Gaza to Rafah, a similar distance to that of people fleeing violence in Palestine. Indigenous elder, Margaret Haskin performed a Smudging Ceremony for the early morning walkers, sending them on their journey along old Hwy. 127, through Lake St. Peter, and ultimately into Maynooth. Stops were pre-selected roughly every 5 km so interested parties could join in for sections of the walk based on their ability and capacity.
One pilgrim did the full 41.4 kilometre walk, arriving at the Maynooth UC Church shortly after 6 p.m where he and other walkers were welcomed with hearty soup, music, and prayers. Volunteer supporters were a crucial part of the day with folks contributing rides, event coordination, and food to the pilgrims. Long distance walker, Peter Morrison said the group were pleasantly surprised by the amount of community support they received. “We had a couple nice surprises,” said Morrison. “We had one lady from the church… [who] picked up timbits and she drove down the highway until she found us.”
“There’s something about walking that gives you time to reflect.” said Crecelius, who meticulously designed articles for contemplation along the route. Each station was marked with a wooden cross, with bags that included scripture readings, Palestinian art, and notebooks for personal reflections. “It is a protest because we’re making a statement,” said Crecelius, “these people [in Gaza] are starving and we’re walking in solidarity with them.”
Typically, a pilgrimage is not only a physical walk but a symbolic passage towards understanding and reconciliation. “I thought the stations would be a good idea,” said Crecelius. “Since this wouldn’t be a traditional pilgrimage with a thousand people walking, this way people could reflect and commune with the issue on a more personal level.” Morrison said of the contemplation bags, “some of that was eye opening. You know what you see on the news, but the news doesn’t cover all the details of what’s going on to the people there.”
To celebrate the pilgrims journey, almost thirty people were waiting in celebration at the Maynooth United Church. Local musician Catherine Loa, welcomed the pilgrims back with an uplifting song on the piano, as well as sharing her own thoughts on music, meditation, and peace. At the celebration dinner Crecelius shared that the pilgrims had raised over one thousand dollars to be donated to Palestinian families in need.
The group was given an extra boost of good news Monday morning when word came that the United Nations Security Council demanded an immediate Gaza ceasefire. Spirits were high throughout the day as local activists showed up to lend their support in whatever ways they could. Whether through movement, coordination or cooking, Hastings Highlands locals took to the streets to stand with Palestinians.

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First youth sports fair held at York River Public School

March 26, 2024

By Bill Kilpatrick

On Wednesday March 20 from 6-8 p.m. York River Public School held the first North Hastings Youth Sport Registration Fair. The event saw more than a dozen not-for-profit sports organizations from throughout North Hastings gather in the gymnasium with displays, information, and some hands-on demonstrations of what these organizations have to offer local youth. The event was also attended by members from North Hastings Children Services, North Hastings Community Integration Association, and the Children’s Foundation who were there to raise awareness of financial supports that are available to families and to help them get access to those funds. Well over 100 local families and youth attended the event which showcased, along with Bird’s Creek minor baseball, Bancroft FC soccer and Bancroft Jets hockey leagues, Snow Tigers martial arts, Bancroft Sea Cadets, Girl Guides, Scouts, curling, and Bancroft Broken Spokes bike club, just to name a few.
The idea was the brainchild of the Vice Principal of York River Public school Tarras Humen, who wants to see more youth involved in local clubs and sports. “This entire enterprise arose rather organically out of conversations in the school about how do we increase participation of our 208 students?” said Humen. Through his son’s experience with hockey Humen has witnessed the positive power that participation in local sports and clubs can have on the physical health and growth of youth’s character. “I’ve seen some of his teammates grow through their participation in ways that I don’t they could get from school or anywhere else,” said Humen, “I’ve witnessed the power of these opportunities.” And it’s for this reason that Humen wanted to bring those opportunities to as many youths as possible.
While Humen’s goal was to expose as many families as possible to what is offered in Bancroft in terms of opportunities for youth activities, he specifically was hoping to involve youth who might otherwise not participate in those activities. “These are the kids who in some ways will benefit the most from this,” said Humen. This was why Humen invited groups like North Hastings Children Services, North Hastings Community Integration Association, and the Children’s Foundation to ensure that all youth, no matter their familial resources, have the chance to partake in extracurricular activities. “What I’m hoping is to help to introduce the idea of doing this, by either making it easier [for families] to see what the available choices are and arranging for on-the-spot funding.” One of those people who were arranging for families to access funds was Sarah Phoenix, the youth and family support manager for North Hastings Children Services. Phoenix was bringing attention to funding programs such as Jumpstart, the Hockey Canada Foundation Assist Fund, Playing for Keeps and Strive to Thrive through The Children’s Foundation, Kid Sport Ontario Provincial Fund, and the OPP Youth Foundation, because as Phoenix pointed out, “not everything is affordable for all families.”
When Humen began to plan the event he started with only a few participants, but as word got out the list of participants continued to grow, “We put out our original list and have been receiving regular inquiries from people about attending” said Human who was impressed by the amount of youth activities that are available within the community, “It’s kinda cool, Bancroft’s got a lot going on.”
However, not all youth sporting clubs were able to attend the event which was limited by the Hastings Prince Edward District School Board’s procedure 181 entitled “Requests to distribute information by outside organizations.” The procedure only allows for “Information from charitable, non-profit, non-political or non-faith-based groups” to be distributed in schools, and by extension groups that did not fit into the aforementioned categories could not attend the sports fair event. One of those organizations was the Fighting Griffins North martial arts club who was excluded because they are considered a for-profit group. Shelly Finigan, the club’s treasurer/secretary, spoke with a representative at the board, which is where decisions like this are made, who told her that in order to attend an event or distribute material they needed to meet a certain criteria, “When I talked to the board they said that there is criteria that you have to meet before they allow you to promote anything in the school. Your program has to be delivered to the youth, it has to be for the betterment of their physical or mental health, and you have to be a not for profit,” explained Finigan, “so, we obviously fit the first two categories, but not the third.” This barrier got Finigan questioning about how many other youth centered sports have also been excluded and how they could get beyond the barrier because as she points out, “The real idea behind all of this [the youth sports fair] is to make sure that families in Bancroft and the surrounding areas know all of the things that are available to their children.”
Humen was in complete agreement with the notion that youth should be exposed to as many extracurricular options as possible, but noted that because the event was held at a public school he was bound to follow the procedure. “This is the first time we’ve done this,” said Humen, “Will things be different next time, I’m sure in some ways they will be and is there room for discussion about this? I think there’s always room to discuss changing things and making them better because in the end it’s about getting kids busy.” Humen said that the event was well attended and was in fact, “far better” than he expected. “In the end,” said Humen, “I learned a great deal about the depths of opportunities for kids and families in Bancroft beyond the mainstream, soccer, football, hockey. There’s a lot of really talented people in Bancroft who have a lot to offer kids.” Humen said that there are plans to hold another event, but those plans, he explained, are still in their early stages. The desire is that it will be held in larger venue like the North Hastings Community Arena or at Loyalist College due to the large turn out, said Humen, adding, “I really do hope that was just the beginning of something that continues to improve over time.”

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No luck of the Irish needed at St. Patrick’s Day event in Faraday

March 19, 2024

By Mike Riley

Local journalism Initiative Reporter

The Faraday Recreation Committee’s St. Patrick’s Day party on March 15 had no need for the luck of the Irish as it was a big success. It attracted some 130 people out to enjoy the festivities, which in addition to green beer and full Irish regalia, included a performance by the Charlie Bird Band. Proceeds from the event went to support the Faraday Township Fire Department. Amanda Stone with the Faraday Recreation Committee and David Reed, guitarist with the Charlie Bird Band, comment on this wonderful evening.
The Faraday Recreation Committee put on this St. Patrick’s Day party with music by the Charlie Bird Band on March 15 at the Faraday Community Centre, with proceeds going to the Faraday Fire Department.
Stone said that the preparations were going great on March 12 and they were ready for their St. Patrick’s Day party.
“We are excited to welcome our community to yet another fun event packed with live music, dancing and fun St. Patrick’s Day swag!” she says.
Reed said that Mary Brown with the Faraday Recreation Committee had reach out to them many months ago, to invite them to play at the St. Patrick’s Day party on March 15.
“We start at 9 p.m. We play mostly southern rock and rock with music by Neil Young, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Johnny Cash, The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, and more. Charlie has been playing around this area for decades, and the core of the band has been together for nearly 20 years,” he says.
After the St. Patrick’s Day party on March 16, Reed thought it was a great night.
“We had a lot of fun playing. Friendly bunch of folks and a good sounding hall,” he says.
Stone told Bancroft This Week that they had around 130 people come by to enjoy the festivities the previous evening.
“Everything went fantastic! We had such an amazing turnout, almost a sold-out event. So that’s great,” she says. “A great time was had by everyone and we can’t wait to do it again!”

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Winning season continues for Bancroft U-15 Girls Jets

March 19, 2024

By Nate Smelle

The Bancroft U-15 Girls Jets are having a truly remarkable 2023/2024 season.
This amazing group of up and coming hockey stars has been training and growing together as a team since June of last year. Although at the time they had yet to play together as a team, they began their season early with a strict training regiment which included: a virtual shooting clinic led by a NHL trainer; off-ice training and fitness testing; and two on-ice practices a week.
The team’s success this season clearly shows that their hard work and determination has paid off. First, the Jets were victorious at a tournament in Belleville in January; bringing home a new banner to hang from the rafters at the North Hastings Community Centre. Their next success came when the team completed their regular season play in February with a stunning 19-1-2 record.
But the Jets’ impressive performance this year didn’t stop there. Carrying their winning ways into the post-season, the team finished in first place among the seven teams in a Playdown series. In turn, the Jets earned a spot in the Provincial Championship Tournament, scheduled to take place from April 11 to April 14 in Toronto.
The U-15 Girls Jets also recently finished first in the league playoff series with a 5-1-0 record. Having qualified for round two of the playoffs, they will now face off against the Collingwood Lightning and Leaside Wildcats in a four game series to see who will move on to the championships on the weekend of April 6.
The Jets’ series began on Saturday, March 16 in Collingwood, with the game ending in a 2-2 tie. Both goals were scored by Hope Trotter, with the first assisted by Averi Card and Charlotte Fergusson; and the second assisted by Taylor Coe.
The Bancroft U-15 Girls Jets first playoff game on home ice will take place against the Collingwood squad at the North Hastings Community Centre on Saturday, March 23 at 6 p.m. The girls’ next home game is scheduled for Friday, March 29 at 7 p.m. against Leaside.
The Jets are hoping to see the community will come out to show their support for girls’ hockey and these fine young athletes that are representing Bancroft and North Hastings so well.

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Coe Hill Riders looks to extend land use agreement

March 19, 2024

By Bill Kilpatrick

In 2019, according to information by the Coe Hill Riders ATV club, “the Township of Wollaston signed a non-exclusive land use agreement with the Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicles covering the township owned multi-use rail trail, from Wollaston Lake Road to the Old Hastings Road, with Coe Hill Riders ATV, as the local club, assigned to maintain the trail.”
The agreement saw all maintenance taken care of by the Coe Hill ATV club with no cost to the municipality along with $15-million of liability insurance which is paid by the club. In a letter to Wollaston council, dated March 8, the ATV club was requesting a renewal of the land use agreement for another five years beginning on April 1 and running until April 1, 2029.
Councillor Paul Ordanis, speaking to the motion had this to say, “I want to start off by saying that the Coe Hill Riders ATV club does a tremendous amount for the community and exposes us to people from outside our community […] who can become future residents. They also do a lot of volunteer work and donate to the library and other worthwhile causes. The only consideration with respect to this contract, and the ATV club, that does concern me somewhat, is that signs have emerged along the rail trail that promotes exclusive use of that trail by the ATV club through the summer months and this trail used to be a multi-use trail for everybody in the township. And my concern is that we are seeing an increasing number of ATVs and recreational vehicles using Hwy 620 and I’m beginning to get concerned that this may be because these people do not have the appropriate pass to use the multi-use trail any longer. […] I think it needs to be clear in the contract whether or not this is exclusive use of that trail or if we are a multi-use trail.”
Councillor Currie also raised concerns about the state of the trail being multi-use stating, “You hear questions about, you know, if you see the sign and think, ‘I can’t be here,’ but it is supposed to be a multi-use trail. So, I think it would be useful to have a discussion about that.”
Another concern that was raised by Ordanis was the enforcement of the trail permits. Councillor J.D. Fentie, then spoke to this concern stating that the issue was raised at the most recent meeting of the Bancroft and Area Community Policing Advisory Committee.
Fentie went on to say that, “There is a clear difference between snowmobile trails and ATV trails because under provincial legislation, I think, police are required to police snowmobile trails, but there’s no such edict for ATV trails and every ATV trail system seems to have different rules. The comment that was made was that it was very difficult for the police to be involved because they really don’t know what the rules are and they haven’t been given a clear mandate to police it.”
Fentie also raised another issue concerning public input into the use of the trail. He said, “To the point of this being such a significant asset in the township and [since] we’re talking about what we are going to do with this for the next period of time, I think it would be worthwhile giving the public an opportunity to have input. This isn’t an urgent thing, as the trail cannot be used until the beginning of May anyway and if need be, we could extend the contract on a short-term basis until we get through the public consultation process. It’s been made very clear that public consultation is an important thing and I think we all agreed to that coming into council that we wanted the public involved. I think that this is a prime example of taking one of the biggest most important assets we have and giving the public a chance to have their input, and that includes the executive of the Coe Hill Riders ATV club as well.”
Council agreed to renew the land use agreement between Wollaston Township and the ATV club for three months beginning on April 1 to June 30 and directed the CAO to “set up an examination agreement with the ATV club with public input.” No details were discussed regarding the public consultation process or how the municipality would seek public input other than through delegations to council.
Bancroft This Week reached out to Darren Stevens, the president of the Coe Hill Riders ATV club for comment. Stevens said that he had no comment as the members of the club’s executive committee needed to meet to decide on a course of action, but he did point out that most of, if not all of, the questions raised by council could be answered by looking at the ATV club’s welcome letter that was sent to council and accepted as information at the Dec 12, 2022 meeting.
The letter points out that the ATV trails are monitored by the OPP SAVE team, Snowmobile, ATV and Vessel Enforcement team, who conduct RIDE checks, monitor safety, and check for insurance of those using the trails. In terms of policing for permits the letter stated that when the issue was discussed with the OPP prior to 2021, “The OPP requested that language be provided in a Wollaston township by law that speaks to the requirement for an ATV permit to use the trail that also identifies the ATV organization’s whose permits are allowed on the township owned trail. Coe Hill Riders recommended that the bylaw should specify that the Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicles, the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance, the Kawartha ATV Association, and the Haliburton ATV Association permits for ATV’s are accepted on the Township owned multi-use rail trail. The OPP recommended that signage should be also posted on the trail to reflect that an ATV permit is required and indicate which ATV permits are permitted.”
Steven’s said that with the passage of by law 05-2021, a by law to regulate the use of off-road vehicles within the township of Wollaston, the ATV club then went out and purchased signs for the trials that made it easier for the OPP to enforce permit infractions since they know what permits are required and accepted on the trails.
The bylaw stated that, “Permit means a trail access pass purchased by one of the following ATV Organizations to allow for travel on the Township owned multi-use trail: Ontario Federation of All Terrain Vehicles, the Eastern Ontario Trails Alliance, the Kawartha ATV Association, and the Haliburton ATV Association,” and adds that “The municipal corporation of the Township of Wollaston deems it necessary to ensure that a permit is required for use of the multi-use trail…”
While the 2019 land use agreement with the Coe Hill Riders does not state that the trail is a multi-use trail it also does not state that the trail is exclusively for ATVs only. However, the off-road vehicle by law does clearly state that the trail is a “township owned multi-use trail.”
Stevens further pointed out that there are multiple signs along the trail that state that the trail is a “multi-use” trail.
Former Mayor Lynn Kruger, who was attending the meeting spoke during the public question period and had this to say, “As far as the ATV trail goes there is signs that say multi-purpose trail. The only people that they are dinging on the trail are people who don’t have permits for their bikes. People can still walk it, they can still ride their horses on it, people can still use it as needed and if there ever is an emergency in there, they are the best cleared trails for emergency vehicles to get down. I don’t understand why there is such confusion on all this. […] I think it’s a really bad move to try and obsolete this group from doing anything here. It’s ridiculous. They’re trying to help and they are helping in so many capacities around, not just in Wollaston but in the North Kawarthas.[…] I think we really need to be careful what we do with this group because this group helps this community substantially.”

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Art gallery celebrates local student artists

March 19, 2024

By Kaitlin Sylvester

The Art Gallery of Bancroft reopened their doors Friday, March 8 to celebrate the second Annual Juried Student Exhibition. This exhibition showcases the remarkable talents of the region’s young artists, offering them a platform to display their creations to the public. The student work will be available for viewing throughout the month.
The grand re-opening of the gallery was an evening filled with inspiration. The highlight of the event was the awards ceremony which recognized the outstanding achievements of the budding artists. Many of these artworks will be available for purchase, following the overwhelming response received during last year’s show. Visitors of the exhibition can expect a diverse array of artistic expressions, from paintings and sculptures to mixed media.
The recent closure of the gallery allowed the space to undergo a “much-needed renovation,” said Molly Moldovan curator of the AGB. The newly refurbished exhibition space was made possible through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, making the exhibition opening a double celebration. As the event was scheduled during March Break, the AGB were not expecting a large turn out and were delighted when the expectations were proven wrong. The event was a packed house, which Moldovan said “feels like a vindication for everything that the gallery is doing.”
The selection process for the exhibition was conducted by jurors Jennifer Delaney and Lynne Vegter, both of whom will be present at the opening reception. Their task was undoubtedly challenging, given the high caliber of submissions received. Nevertheless, their keen insights and discerning eye have ensured a collection of artworks that truly captivate and inspire. During their remarks, Delaney reminded the artists that just by showing their work they had achieved something to be proud of, “It’s a bit like the Olympics. You know, between gold and bronze there’s like a nanosecond. It’s the participating and the creating that really makes you a winner and if you didn’t win a prize, you still are all winners.”
Winner of Best in Show, Annabelle Borgdorff was stunned when she was awarded the sought after prize for her surrealist piece. Of her submission she said, “it was a school assignment . . . where we were just basically working on perspective and then I wanted to kind of add this piece of surrealism.” Annabelle’s piece is a thoughtful look at the magic of everyday life that she describes as “just the things [we miss] when we’re moving so fast and . . . we just need to stop and appreciate and look closer at what’s right in front of us and see the beauty.”
Another stunning piece that was the topic of much discussion was a collaboration between two young artists exploring race and culture in a visually impactful way. Moldovan said “when you get a piece like this that has been so beautifully done and at that size, it’s very brave . . . it takes a lot of courage to work that size.” Many of the student submissions tackled weighty topics such as climate change, race, personal identity. Vegtor said that she was “actually taken aback” by the quality and the topics on display, while another guest pointed out that you can see the shifts in our culture by examining what topics these students choose to cover.
As guests peruse the exhibition, they will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for the People’s Choice Award, which will be announced at the close of the exhibition on March 30. The goal of events like the Under 19 Annual Exhibition, said Moldovan, “extends far beyond the confines of our gallery walls. They serve as a testament to the importance of nurturing young talent and providing avenues for artistic expression.” Youth initiatives like these, support the growth and development of emerging artists while fostering a sense of community.
In her opening remarks, Moldovan reflected on the spirit of reconciliation, saying “true reconciliation begins with empathy, understanding and intention,” and reminded those gathered that reconciliation is an active process in which the gallery is engaged. She also made a point to recognize the invaluable contributions of the dedicated volunteers, who play a pivotal role in the daily operations of the gallery, saying “their commitment and passion are the lifeblood of our organization, ensuring that our doors remain open to all who seek inspiration and connection through art.”
Moving forward, AGB opening receptions will be held on the first Friday of each month, providing regular opportunities for the community to engage with the arts.

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Program nurtures mental health and cultural connection

March 12, 2024

By Kaitlin Sylvester

The Algonquin Inòdewiziwin Child and Family Centre, a branch of the North Hastings Children Service offers a monthly Indigenous led culture circle. The theme this month was mental wellbeing, with a talk about historic practises alongside a gratitude journal workshop. The event ran from 10 to noon on Saturday, March 9. Run by Diane Martin and Gidge Tinney, the event was a morning of creativity and cultural learning.
The Cultural Circle is an integral part of the Algonquin Inòdewiziwin Child and Family Centre, a space where Indigenous and non-Indigenous families can come together to delve into the rich tapestry of Algonquin culture. In a community still recovering from the impacts of colonization, the programs offered here play a crucial role in reconnecting with lost teachings and rebuilding the spiritual fabric of the Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini Algonquin First Nation.
Martin and Tinney, both proud members of the Algonquin First Nation, are personally invested in these programs, having designed them to address the needs of the community. Martin says they were driven by their own experiences growing up without the guidance of cultural teachings which create a need to ensure that future generations have the opportunities and cultural grounding they lacked in their youth.
This week’s focus on positive mindset aligns with the changing seasons, marking the departure from the darker months of winter. Martin said “We chose [to focus] on a positive mindset for the last two cultural circles, as we are leaving our darker months of winter where there has not been much sunlight, [which] can have a negative effect on many people.” Recognizing the impact of winter scarcity on mental health, the Algonquin Inòdewiziwin Child and Family Centre aims to equip attendees with tools like gratitude journals or worry stones to cultivate a positive frame of mind in their daily lives. “Our hope for our attendees is that they learn new tools to add to their everyday life, so they start their days off in a positive frame of mind,” offered Tinney.
During the workshop, local women engaged in a lively discussion with Martin and Tinney about the nature of Indigenous medicine and mental health. Tinney acknowledges ‘gratitude journals’ are a Western concept, but said, “spiritually and holistically Indigenous people [practice gratitude] every day without calling it gratitude … it is gratitude for Mother Earth, or for the Creator for providing all of everything we have. For providing the animals that could put clothing on our back, that put food on our tables. The plants could help us if we were sick.”
Discussions moved to Indigenous Medicine Wheel teachings, which focus on the connection between physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental health. Spirituality can be a tricky topic with a group of relative strangers, but Tinney skillfully navigated the conversation saying “where we have conflict between different cultures is that we forget spirituality is an individual experience. It’s a guideline of how to live a good life … We all live in different parts of the world. Does it make one [spirituality] right or wrong?”
Gratitude is a concept with roots in cultures around the world, a fact recognized by both Tinney and Martin, who also spoke eloquently about how music and movement also show up across cultures as a powerful means of shifting focus from negative occurrences to positive reflections. In a world filled with war, inflation, and other mundane challenges, Martin says taking a moment to identify three things for which one is grateful can be transformative. Tinney said she is grateful for the nourishing rain, the melodies of singing birds, and the presence of those who share in the journey of healing the community.
The Algonquin Inòdewiziwin Child and Family Centre emphasizes inclusivity, offering its programs free of charge to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous families. This commitment reflects a broader mission to enhance cultural awareness and foster a sense of community within and beyond the Algonquin First Nation. “As we know, it takes a village to raise children,” said Martin, “so let us raise them to the best of our abilities and encourage bias free and open-mindedness about all cultures and people with different abilities.”
The reach of the Algonquin Inòdewiziwin Child and Family Centre extends beyond a single event, and is instead reflected in their ongoing effort to build a foundation of strength and resilience within the community.The Algonquin Inòdewiziwin Child and Family Centre aims to uplift each individual and, by extension, the entire community. “In a world where no one is perfect,” said Tinney, “the emphasis is on mutual support and appreciation for the unique contributions each person brings.”
As participants engaged in creating gratitude journals, they were not merely creating art; they were weaving threads of connection, resilience, and cultural pride. The Algonquin Inòdewiziwin Cultural Circle serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini Algonquin First Nation, striving to reclaim its heritage and forge a path of healing for current and future generations. As Martin said, “the medicine wheel teaches us that when someone is lacking spiritual health it’s going to affect all of these other parts of their being – their mental health, their physical health, and their emotional health.” Miigwetch.

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General News » Sports

Hastings Snowshoe Hustle cancelled due to weather

March 12, 2024

By Mike Riley

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

With Mother Nature refusing to cooperate, the Hastings Snowshoe Hustle, scheduled for March 10 at Camp Cedar Ridge in McArthurs Mills in Carlow Mayo Township, has been cancelled due to lack of snow. While the first such race in Hastings County was a big success last year, and this year’s event was a no-go due to weather, Carl Stefanski, chair of Hastings Destination Trails Inc. who helped organize the event, say that next year’s Hastings Snowshoe Hustle will be bigger and better than ever.
Grayson Burke, camp director at Camp Cedar Ridge, confirmed that the event had been cancelled due to lack of snow.
“So strange not to have any snow in early March. We are looking to reschedule an event for the [North Hastings] Community Cupboard in the spring,” he says.
Last year, the first year such a snowshoe race was held in Hastings County, the event was a big success, with 67 people attending, and another 26 that would have attended but were deterred by a big snowstorm that made travel difficult.
Burke told Bancroft This Week back in 2023 that their plan was to start an annual snowshoe race in Hastings County with two main goals; to attract tourism to showcase the incredible beauty of the region, and to provide an opportunity to local families to have fun and introduce them to the sport of snowshoe racing. He said the feedback to the 2023 race from participants was very positive.
Stefanski, the chair of Hastings Destination Trails Inc., who helped organize the event, says it was a great disappointment to all concerned but they don’t control Mother Nature.
“If you recall, our inaugural launch of the event last year on March 4 was a huge success with 62 participants in attendance, despite experiencing a horrendous snowstorm. While I sit here responding to your request and watching the rain, I reflect on the kindness of those willing to volunteer and participate in our venture,” he says.  
Stefanski says he wanted to thank the following individuals who stepped up; Foodland Bancroft, who supplied hot dogs, buns, condiments and hot chocolate, Trailhead Belleville, who supplied two $25 gift cards for prizes, Carlow Mayo Public Library, who provided arts and crafts, Julie Edwards, providing health and safety, Carlow Mayo Township staff and Mayor Randy Wallace, who provided site preparation, and Cedar Ridge Camp for providing the venue, the board of HDTI for assisting in the logistics, Hasting County Economic Development, and the many other volunteers, too numerous to mention.
Stefanski reveals that enquiries have been made as to what else HDTI is planning and the answer is “lots.” In addition to their waterways committee continuing the water trails mapping beginning in May and to be done by the fall, they are also in talks with the Kijicho Manito Madaouskarini Algonquins to collaborate on projects that would complement HDTI with their knowledge and experience.
“[We’ll be] exploring the possibility of connecting McGeachie Conservation east and west trails together with reigniting interest in the Trail of Broken Hearts, we’ll be doing educational events of environmental, geological and astronomical themes (similar to Dark Sky), and not to forget snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking and biking. We’ll also continue to participate in the Coe Hill and Madoc Fairs, and MACK (Marmora and Area Canoe and Kayak) Fest,” he says.
For more information, go to www.hastingstrails.ca.
Stefanski tells Bancroft This Week that this year’s event would have been quite a change from last year.
“This year’s estimated head count was close to 100 attendees and rather than a snowshoe race, we decided on a family fun day involving casual racing, a bonfire, archery, tobogganing, skating and a rock-climbing wall. Admission was a donation of one non perishable food item for the North Hastings Community Cupboard,” he says. “Based on the interest this year, preparations are being made for Hastings Snowshoe Hustle 2025.”

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