Real Living Winter 2022

Real Living Winter 2022

REAL LIVING Rural Elgin Agricultural

WINTER 2022 Issue 11

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Why is that small number SO BIG?

SOLD AT AUCTION

Cosens Auctions & Appraisals

To advertise here, please contact [email protected] Call or Text 519-282-8044 777 Talbot St., St. Thomas ON N5P 1E3 [email protected] • www.cosenauctions.com 2% is commission charged at Cosens Auctions for all of our real estate auctions. Have an estate you need to deal with but you don’t have the time or energy? Skip the yard sales and call Cosens Auctions & Appraisals first. We don’t just auction the home, we will get it ready for sale, including clean up. The estate auction wouldn’t just be the home, it would be the furniture, collectables, vehicles, Bric a Brac etc. • Cosens Auctions & Appraisals was established in 1969 • Save your free time and family drama • Listed on MLS, REALTOR.ca, Auction Sites, Social Media and Mailing lists • Maximize your offer with multiple open bids • You have final approval of auction sale price With so much to gain, and nothing to lose, make sure you call Mark first! Mark Cosens

Page 2 Real Living • Winter 2022

Harvest Hands Helping to Feed Our Community

Back in September, a local community group called Harvest Hands moved from the basement of Grace Hall in St. Thomas to a large warehouse located on Edward St. in St. Thomas. Harvest Hands is not a food bank; it gathers food from processors, bakers, retailers, growers and farmers and donates it to food banks, soup kitchens, etc.. Amy Collins, Administration Director of Harvest Hands, says of the move “It’s made it possible for us to significantly increase the amount of food that we are able to rescue. It also enables us to reach asmany as three times asmany people, from Windsor to Oshawa. We now have sufficient space to store hard goods, organize clothing donations and adequately store perishable food in refrigerated and freezer storage. We rescue food that would otherwise end up in the landfills and distribute it to over 100 locations across SW Ontario.” Adds Jim Collins, Executive Director of Harvest Hands, “Over 50% of the food produced in Canada is wasted. At the same time, one in eight Canadians experiences some measure of food insecurity every single day, meaning they have either no food or not enough to sustain themselves. We are able to deliver three meals a day for $1.00, because there is no cost for the food, no cost for the labour, only the cost for delivery.” Harvest Hands was started almost three years ago because Jim and his team thought to ask a simple question. “It was a simple matter of saying, ‘Do you have produce you don’t need, or product that is close to its best-before-date that we could take and share and help some folks out?’ To our surprise, the suppliers all stepped up.” “The potential is enormous; it is easy, but it requires a lot of hard work,” Jim continues. “Our job is to bridge the gap between the producer throwing out perishable product and the people who don’t have enough to eat. I remember when I went to pick up two pallets of peppers and tomatoes from a local producer and ended up with seven. By the end of the next day, they were all gone. I called the supplier and I said to her, ‘I can’t thank you enough for what you did,’ and she said, ‘Stop. I can’t thank you enough. It hurts us to throw it out.’ Worse than that, the suppliers would have to pay to deliver the wasted food to a landfill. The benefit to the producer is enormous, as is the benefit to humanity.” Amy adds that if any local producers have any product that they are looking to donate, Harvest Hands can assist. “Call us at 800-439-1898

or email to [email protected] so we can make a plan for pick up or delivery. We are so thankful to receive the product locally. It helps both the farmer and the people.” Amy points out that “The success of Harvest Hands is a due to several factors; the generosity of those who have donated food to us, our faithful volunteers and many people who financially support our mission. We respond to requests from many agencies with whom we partner within the region. We can supply a wide variety of foods, fresh, canned and frozen and hard goods that may not necessarily be available. We also bring food in, in large quantities and then break it down into more manageable portions that can then be easily distributed to our partner agencies.” Jim Collins of Harvest Hands with a recent donation of fruit.

Harvest Hands is located at 122 Edward St. St. Thomas.

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Page 3

Real Living • Winter 2022 •

Take a Staycation and Get a Tax Break! by Kate Burns Gallagher, Manager of Economic Development and Tourism for Elgin County If working from home has you dreaming about spending time somewhereother than your house, start planningyour Staycation! Ontario’s staycation tax credit is now in effect. Anyone planning a vacation within Ontario in 2022 could be eligible for a tax refund under the new “Ontario Staycation Tax Credit” program. Ontarians can get a 20 per cent personal income tax credit on eligible accommodation between January 1 and December 31, up to a maximum of $1,000 for an individual and $2,000 for a family, for a maximum credit of $200 or $400. Ontario residents can apply for this refundable credit when they file their 2022 personal tax returns and benefit even if they do not owe any tax. Eligible accommodation expenses include: • A stay of less than a month at an eligible accommodation such as a hotel, motel, resort, lodge, bed-and-breakfast establishment, cottage or campground in Ontario • A stay between January 1 and December 31 of 2022 • A stay incurred for leisure • A stay whose costs are not reimbursed to the tax filer, their spouse or common-law partner, or their eligible child, by any person, including by a friend or an employer • Subject to Goods and Services Tax (GST)/Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), as set out on a detailed receipt.

Photo courtesy of the Elgin County Economic Development & Tourism

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In Elgin County there are abundant options to get you closer to that tax credit! Starting off in West Elgin, stop in with your tent or trailer for a stay at Port Glasgow Trailer Park. Overlooking beautiful Lake Erie from 75 feet, the park has everything to make a brief visit, picnic, family reunion, overnight, weekend holiday or seasonal camping stay very enjoyable. Moving east across the county, in Dutton Dunwich is Lumley & Co. Bed & Breakfast. Stay in the second-floor apartment of the 1888 Lumley & Co. general store where the interior has been restored to circa 1920. The restoration was recognized by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario.

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Page 4 Real Living • Winter 2022

Nature’s Oasis Retreat is nestled in the heart of Southwold Township and is the perfect getaway that not only embraces all nature has to offer but also the true meaning of luxury. Guests can enjoy trails, ponds, wildlife and nature where they can experience the peaceful quiet of the countryside. Conny’s B&B on the Farm in Central Elgin, sits atop the ridge overlooking Sparta on Fruit Ridge Line. Enjoy spectacular views of the valley and a quiet setting in the middle of nature. Relax on your private deck, enjoy a campfire, go for a walk around the farm and visit the farm animals. If you need a place to rest while visiting Aylmer, stop in at the Comfort Inn, just a few minutes down the road. Newly renovated with a free hot breakfast, wifi, and parking, the Inn is conveniently located on Highway 3 for quick access to a number of Elgin’s communities. Pinecroft is known for their amazing pottery but did you know that they are also home to Selma’s Cabin B&B in Malahide? The Muskoka -like scenery gives the log cabin B&B the feel of

a cottage retreat. Your stay will be highlighted with a serene forest location and tantalizing breakfasts. When visiting the shores of Lake Erie in Bayham, book into Grey Gables Bed and Breakfast. Located minutes by foot from the beach, Grey Gables is a meticulously restored heritage home. Enjoy the village atmosphere; visit the historic lighthouse or dine at one of Port Burwell’s fine restaurants. There are boundless opportunities to get out of your house and take advantage of the Ontario Staycation Tax Credit right here in Elgin County. For more ideas visit: www.elgintourist.com/stay About the Author Kate Burns Gallagher is the Manager of Economic Development and Tourism for Elgin County. Kate has been part of the Economic Development profession for fifteen years, helping to successfully develop and launch an award-winning culinary program as well as a Community Improvement Plan. Volunteerism is a passion of Kate’s, as she serves on Elgin-Middlesex United Way’s Board of Directors and is a Director with the Economic Development Council of Ontario.

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Page 5

Real Living • Winter 2022 •

West Elgin Mutual, Supporting the Community that Supports Them In December, it was announced that West Elgin Mutual Insurance (WE Mutual) had donated $100,000 to the local organization, Hospice of Elgin. Giving back is just part of who WE Mutual is, says Brian Downie, CEO/President, West Elgin Mutual Insurance. “West Elgin Mutual is committed to supporting the community throughout Elgin. Community is important to the success of the company and without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today. This donation is our way of giving back.” Brian also says that Hospice of Elgin was chosen because it helps the entire community. “WE Mutual sees the new Hospice as becoming an integral part of the region. The support it will offer to the sick and their families will go way beyond anything that is available in the area now. Having something “local” is so important for palliative care and support. We see our gift as getting the project one step closure to fruition. It will hopefully encourage more organizations in the region to support this worthy cause, as you never know when you, your family or your customers might need to access this facility.” While every insurance company is a business and needs to turn a profit, Brian says that for WE Mutual it is more than that. “Mutual insurance companies likeWEMutual are ‘owned’ by their policyholders, and as noted above, without these policyholders and their support we wouldn’t be where we are today. Hopefully, our sense of commitment will be something that will help us continue to grow in years to come. Therefore, while we need to ensure we make a profit, it’s important also to return some of the money we make back to help our policyholders.” Brian also points out that this donation goes beyond the usual charitable

Donation cheque presentation which includes the West Elgin Mutual Insurance Board of Directors and CEO & President Brian Downie, along with Hospice of Elgin Representatives Dan Reith, Dr. Bob Jones and Carrie Ford.

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Page 6 Real Living • Winter 2022

on behalf of the company. They wanted to make a substantial donation to recognize the importance of the Hospice of Elgin project and didn’t want to take away from the other support we provide.” “Hospice of Elgin is truly grateful for this leadership gift,” says Carrie Ford, CampaignDirector for Hospiceof Elgin. “West ElginMutual Insurancehas always placed great importance on Elgin County through their support of many community projects. This gift signals strong business and commu- nity leadership, but also represents an important investment into much neededcareandservicesforfamilies, friendsandneighbours,especiallyat end-of-life.” “Hospice Palliative Care Ontario has identified that more than 70% of individuals wish to receive end-of-life care at home. Hospice will help support care in the desired setting of our community members,” says Carrie. “Everyone deserves the care and support for their end-of-life journey, everyone deserves a better ending. Hospice is the next big project for our community and will care for more than 500 individuals in our community each year, including caregivers and families at end- of-life. Over the next 18 months, we will build a facility providing 24-7 expert palliative care in a welcoming home-like environment, while offering services and programs onsite, in the community, or at home.” Says Carrie, “Hospice of Elgin’s success will be from the generosity of good corporate citizens like West Elgin Mutual Insurance, but also the generosity of individuals, services clubs and family-run businesses. We are truly grateful for everyone’s generosity, as it is our donors that will support our success.” If you would like to learn more about Hospice of Elgin, go to their website www.elginhospice.com. West Elgin Mutual Insurance has locations throughout Elgin County including Dutton, Shedden, Aylmer and Rodney.

work they do. “We do a lot of fundraising – Longest Day of Golf and The Shining and Light Campaign – but the decision to make this donation was made by our Board of Directors

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Real Living • Winter 2022 •

Page 7

Jeff Yurek Stepping Away, But Not Leaving

SCOTT LEWIS AUTO A name you can trust With each subsequent re-election (2014, 2018), Jeff’s support seemed to grow within the community, I asked him why he believed his community rallied around him. “I think it was In an announcement that came as a surprise to some on January 7th, our Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), Jeff Yurek announced his decision to step away from public service effective the end of February, 2022. Jeff was first elected back in 2011 as a member of the opposition party, and while in opposition he served as PC Health Critic, Natural Resources and Forestry Critic, and Transportation and Auto Insurance Reform Critic. In 2018, Jeff was elected as part of a majority government and served as Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, Minister of Transportation, and most recently, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. I asked Jeff what got him into politics in the first place. “Back eleven years ago,” says Jeff, “I had been dealing with government changes in my pharmacy profession, and it got me kind of engaged in local politics. I've always been interested in being a politician, at least since I was eight or nine years old. The opportunity arose; I put my name forward to try to win a seat here. And that's what I did. My goal at the time was to make the community a better place, but at the same time to ensure the governing party at the time was removed from office.” “When I entered politics over ten years ago, I made three promises to myself: represent the people of Elgin-Middlesex- London to my fullest ability; remain authentic and true to my values and beliefs, and recognize when it is the right time to step down,” Jeff said in his January 7th announcement. Winter is just getting started ! Don’t let your car leave you stuck in the cold. Call the name you have trusted for over 24 years!

my focus. You know, you can either be Riding politician or a Party politician. My focus was always on the riding. The people here, no matter what their convictions, I stood up and represented as best as possible; I tried to take care of everyone in our community and see that we are at the forefront of all conversations. I think people developed a trust in the way I operated. I'm very thankful they gave me the opportunity to represent them for ten years.” Locally, some highlights for Jeff include the recent announce- ment of securing an MRI facility for STEGH, the new Hospice for Elgin, and new homeless shelters for St. Thomas. Jeff also played a part in securing the funding for the new school in Belmont, while also saving two rural schools from being closed. He also halted the construction in Dutton-Dunwich of wind turbines. But after ten years the work Jeff is most proud of his Private Members Bill. “I am most proud of the work I did in opposition with Sandra Gibbons in the passage of Ryan’s

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Page 8 Real Living • Winter 2022

in March or April, it is to focus on the next election. I figured that's the best time to step to the side, and let them focus on the next campaign, which I wouldn't be a part of.” What is next for Jeff; what is he going to do with his first day off in ten years? “Probably go for a walk in Springwater, and just enjoy and just relax for the day. Then just kind of think of what's gone on over the last ten years and be thankful that I had the opportunity to serve as a Member of Provincial Parliament. What's next? I haven't figured it out totally. I'm still a pharmacist, will probably still work as a pharmacist, but you know, I'll take a look of what's available for me; I have full intention of staying in our community and being an active participant in supporting our community moving forward.” Finally, Jeff would like to say this to all of his constituents and those who supported him: “My time in public life has been productive and there are many people to whom I extend my sincere thanks and gratitude. Without your encouragement and counsel, the results may not have been as worthwhile for our community and province. I must extend a heartfelt appreciation to my wife, daughter, and family for their love, support and candour over these past years. You have kept me grounded and focused and were my source of strength. To my team in the constituency office: your devotion and enthusiasm for helping those in need of our assistance has been exemplary and a standard by which future constituency offices ought to be measured. To the constituents of Elgin- Middlesex-London: you provided me with a rare opportunity to fulfil an idealistic dream of making our community a better place and I am honoured and grateful to have served you. Your unwavering confidence and trust is appreciated and will be remembered. I wish you all much health and happiness.”

Law, ensuring the safety of children with asthma throughout our entire school system. I'm very proud of that work with Sandra, given that it really shows how a grassroots idea filters its way up to become a law; that's how government should operate.” Of course we could not talk about his time in office without addressing the past two years with the Pandemic, and how it affected his role. “It's been a stressful two years. This pandemic, it's been the focal point, I think of every level of government and it's been an ongoing challenge to ensure that information is provided to people and that supports and services are there. I've worked with my office here to try to ensure that people are getting timely information and the access to services they need. Also, at the same time, making sure the voices of people in our riding are heard in Toronto when decisions are to be made.” So why step down now, rather then wait until his term ends? “This,” Jeff explains, “is because when the MPPs head back

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Real Living • Winter 2022 •

See You at the Horton Farmer’s Market! by Tara McCaulley , Manager, Business Development & Entrepreneurship at the St.Thomas Economic Development Corporation Since 1878, the Horton Farmers’ Market has been an integral piece of our local culture. It is a best-in-class market destination that promotes civic pride, shapes local culture and supports the regional economy by providing access to high quality food producers, craftspeople and artisans. Each season, the market strives to source all our vendors and products from within a 60km radius of the market, ensuring our community has access to the very best fruits, vegetables, flowers, meats, cheese, and hand-crafted items our region has to offer.” In 2021, the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation took on the management of the Horton Market with the following objectives in the first year: - Under the supervision of the Elgin/St. Thomas Small Busi- ness Enterprise Centre (SBEC) and the overall direction of the St. Thomas EDC, utilize the full marketing breadth of the organization, through SBEC and Railway City Tourism, to continue to promote and grow the market - Create a full-time, year-round Business Advisor Role that would oversee the Horton Market and provide vendors support to assist with business growth and expansion - Add outdoor seating with sun protection and weekly live music - Utilize the Horton Market space to further stimulate entre- preneurial activity How did we do in our first year? - In comparison to pre-pandemic years, vendors saw a sales THE TURKEY SHOPPE

revenue increase of 24% during regular market weeks and a sales revenue increase of 78% at the Horton Farmers Christmas Market - Organic Facebook reach increased by 51% and Instagram reach increased by 1,626% - Vendorswereable toaccessadditionalmarketingandbusiness support through the dedicated Rural Business Advisor - Outdoor seating capacity increased from 26 seats to 66 seats - Hosted our first “Horton Market After Dark” featuring local food and beverage providers Thinking of becoming a vendor at the Horton Market in 2022? Maximizing earning potential is one of the many reasons to be a vendor. Here are other great benefits: - The Horton Market is FUN! You become part of a community of like-minded farmers and get to know consumers who are interested in you and what you do - You help educate consumers about what farmers do, and make them appreciate the contributions they make — not only to their dinner table but to the environment, as well - Free market research for improving or expanding your product line as you are constantly learning what people want to buy - You sell what you grow – however little that may be. This is great for new producers and/or producers in the process of converting to organic crops and/or small-scale producers who can’t meet supermarket minimum orders With so many vibrant producers in St. Thomas and Elgin County, we are excited about the possibilities in 2022! If you are interested in learning more about the Horton Farmer’s Market contact [email protected] or call 226-377-0064.

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Page 10 Real Living • Winter 2022