Speakers at BIA Breakfast Outline Their Upcoming Events

The audience at last week’s BIA breakfast was provided with a synopsis of some new and special events scheduled for the upcoming season, explained by those in the know.

First on the agenda was Valerie Kent of Cavan Arts, who advised that she had begun to organize her next Outdoor Painting Festival scheduled for Culture Days during the last week of September. Last year’s inaugural event attracted 65 painters from across the country that came and painted scenes around the township as part of a weekend juried painting contest. Valerie plans to extend the long list of and hopes to find ways to get more local involvement in this event.

President of the Historical Society Celia Hunter explained that this organization strives to preserve and promote our local heritage. They host monthly meetings at Centennial Place where knowledgeable speakers share their expertise and build the public record about the past. Their biggest project to date has been the preservation of Needler’s Mill. Celia confirmed that ORCA has released ownership of the mill and the two organizations are finalizing a lease for the land on which it sits, which remain in the hands of the Conservation Authority. The Historical Society will develop passive display panels outlining the history and significance of local mills such as Needler’s in the community for installation once the dam project is complete. With no external funding source, the Historical Society hosts fundraising events; Celia invited attendees to support their upcoming March Masquerade to ensure the organization has the resources to continue its work.

Robert Winslow gave the audience a sample from 4th Line Theatre’s August play called “The History of Drinking in Cavan”.   The inspiration for this new piece came from stories from community leaders including former Reeve the late Laverne Gibson who has a role in the play. Switching easily from one character to another, Winslow demonstrated his sense of humour and gift of impersonation as he read through one of the scenes of the play, which surely prompted some early ticket sales for the production.

Director of Planning Karen Ellis expressed concern about her position in the line-up of speakers as she followed Robert Winslow. Hers was a less entertaining but very important topic regarding the new zoning by-law project for the township. She explained that the project was required to formalize and clarify the implementation of the township’s new Official Plan, approved in 2015. Some of the issues under consideration for the downtown area are the nature of occupancy that should be allowed on ground floor levels. The objective is to maximize retail opportunities and minimize other ground level uses that crowd out retail outlets. Currently no residential occupancy on ground floor levels is allowed and there is discussion about the level of office space should be permitted as well. In residential zones issues such as requirements for keeping urban chickens and horses will be determined, the use of shipping containers on residential sites and the possibility of establishing pre-zoning for commercial and residential mix in new developments is also on the table.   The Director encouraged residents to provide input to township staff to ensure their views are heard.

Cavan Monaghan Libraries CEO Karla Buckborough provided an update on the organization’s efforts to form partnerships with local organizations and outlined changes to programming and communication tools including their website. Library staff is working together with Centennial Place to host a joint Easter Event rather than hosting competing events in order to develop inclusive events that build on the strengths of each partner. For details on this event, see page___.

Certified Bowtech Practitioner Susan Brettell introduced herself to the community and outlined the nature of her heath care service. She will offer her services out of the Oasis Boutique location at 28 King Street East in Millbrook. For more information on this new business, see the article on page ___.

Glenn Spurrell provided an update on the progress of the Barn Quilt Trail project. The organizing committee has plans for 30 blocks in total, and so far 3 have been installed with several more ready to go once the weather improves. The Home Hardware block has received many compliments, as has the other blocks located at Wendy Gerolamy’s Yoga Studio on Tapley ¼ Line and the original one at the home of Jeanne Moran on Bank Street.

Carolyn Brackenridge encouraged the audience to attend next week’s Maple in the Township. After the demise of the popular Maplefest a few years ago, Carolyn has picked up the reins and is organizing this new fun, tasty and educational event where eight local maple syrup producers will open the doors to their sugar shacks and show you how syrup is made.

Finally Jessica Grieves announced the launch of a new grooming service offering hair removal through a sugaring technique. Her services for men and women will be provided at limited hours at Oasis Boutique. KG

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