Couchiching Conservancy Passport to Nature: Print Making in the Woods
2022-06-18 10:30 - 12:00 UTC
Sign up to create a piece of wearable, eco-friendly art under the Grant’s Woods Gazebo with local artist Gillian Lowry.
Known for her ecological designs that celebrate local gems, Gillian has created a special design for The Couchiching Conservancy to share with everyone.
Bring your cotton clothing item to print on, and prepare to get messy!
Free event. Register at the link below

Gathering: Festival of First Nations Stories
2022-06-09 19:00 - 2022-06-11 17:30
The popular event, Gathering: Festival of First Nations Stories, is slated to return to Rama First Nation June 9, 10, and 11 after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The three-day event features presentations by First Nations authors, storytellers and presenters including Norma Dunning, Lisa Bird-Wilson, Drew Hayden Taylor, Waub Rice, Shanika MacEachern, Armand Garnet Ruffo, Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Sid Bobb, Sherry Lawson, Brenda Wastasecoot and a live music performance by Ronnie Douglas and Ritchie Benson made possible by the Mariposa Folk Festival.
See the entire program at the link below

National Indigenous History Month at Orillia City Council Meeting
2022-06-06 16:00 - 17:00
Orillia Council invites residents to join them virtually on June 6, 2022, at 4 p.m. as the city recognizes National Indigenous History Month with local culture and history.
The virtual June 6 Council meeting can be viewed on Rogers TV or streamed online beginning at 4 p.m. Access the livestreaming link at orillia.ca/councilmeetings.

Jill Dunlop Search Party/Rally for Local Democracy
2022-05-28 11:00
PC CANDIDATE JILL DUNLOP SKIPPED FOUR DEBATES LAST WEEK. We acknowledge that Jill is just following orders from her boss, which unfortunately is not us in Simcoe North. But this is deeply disappointing and frustrating. Having our incumbent skip four debates in one week feels unaccountable, arrogant, and disrespectful to her constituents and the whole democratic process. Not to mention that Jill is the Ontario Minister of Colleges and Universities, and did not attend the debate held by Lakehead University. If you want a job you should show up for the interviews.
Jill’s excuse for not attending debates has been that she’s been door knocking instead. Attending a handful of public debates won’t detract from her ability to speak to and hear from constituents, in fact quite the opposite. Unlike her door knocking, these events that are recorded and broadcast to all constituents are the only way most of us will have a chance to hear from Jill. The questions asked at the debates are typically pooled from submissions of constituents to address the most popular issues we are experiencing.
In the absence of representation for the majority of us in Simcoe North, it’s our responsibility to organize and represent ourselves. The issues facing our environment and community are urgent and severe and we need cooperation from all members of society and all levels of government. We are holding a rally for democracy Saturday May 28th and hope you will join us. RSVP on the Facebook event – see link below.

Rally to Save the Oro Moraine
2022-05-24 13:00 - 14:00 | Horseshoe Valley Memorial Park, 331 4 Line N Oro-Medonte
Did you know we have a smaller cousin of the Oak Ridges Moraine right here in
Oro-Medonte? It is under threat of development and needs our help and protection!
Join us at Horseshoe Valley Memorial Park as we gather to Stop the Sprawl including hearing naturalist David Hawke speak about its history, wildlife, threats and more. Hosted by Save the Oro Moraine, Stop Sprawl Oro-Medonte, and the Green Party of Ontario Campaign to Elect Elyse Robinson.
RSVP on the Facebook event – see link below

Lakehead University All-Candidates Panel Discussion
2022-05-20 12:00 - 13:30
Virtual All-Candidates Panel Discussion for Simcoe North – see link below to register

Orillia Chamber All-Candidates Meeting
2022-05-19 18:30 - 20:30
Simcoe North All-Candidates Meeting hosted by The Orillia District Chamber of Commerce, which will run in the council chambers at the Orillia City Centre. It will also be televised on Rogers TV. The event will be moderated by local attorney and chamber member Fay McFarlane.
Each candidate will provide a brief introduction before responding to questions prepared by the chamber based on input from its members. Members of the media and the public will then have a chance to ask questions.
Members of the public are invited to attend.

Creative Nomad Studios Lets Get Real About Small Business Debate
2022-05-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Creative Nomad Studios, 23 Mississaga St W
IN PERSON event

Sprawl: Its Costing You More Than You Think
2022-05-17 19:30
Online panel discussion about how sprawl impacts your health, housing affordability and climate action.
Special guest speakers from Canadian Association of Physicians for Environment, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives and grassroots “Stop Sprawl” advocates.
Hosted by the Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition and Small Change Fund. Please register ahead (see link below)

JustRecoverySimcoe Virtual Debate
2022-05-16 15:00 - 16:30
Before the upcoming provincial election, hear what your candidates intend to do to generate well-being in our communities. This debate will cover issues related to the environment, affordability, climate change and social issues.
Hosted by JustRecoverySimcoe.ca and endorsed by various local & regional groups.
Please register ahead (see link below)

How Does Your Garden Grow? With Jacob Kearey-Moreland
2022-05-15 14:00 - 15:00
Free information session at St. James Anglican Church with guest speaker Jacob Kearey-Moreland about garden basics with a Q&A. Please RSVP by emailing office@stjamesorillia.com or 705-325-2742

Birds of Orillia with David Hawke
2022-05-14 19:00 - 21:00
Nature groups across the country will bring their communities together on this day, virtually and in-person, to celebrate #WorldMigratoryBirdDay. Locally, Bird Friendly Orillia (a collaboration between the Orillia Naturalists’ Club and several like-minded organizations such as the Couchiching Conservancy, Green Orillia, Orillia Bee City and Sustainable Orillia) is pleased to announce an exciting event for all those who share a love of the outdoors and the almost 300 bird species that can be found in and around our community. Please register ahead (see link below)

Well-known naturalist, photographer and columnist, David J. Hawke, will highlight some of the many birds that make Orillia their home base in an interactive free zoom event.

The presentation will include practical suggestions to help birds survive and thrive in our area, following up with a Q&A Session. This event will contribute to Orillia’s progress in becoming Bird Friendly Certified for Nature Canada’s initiative.

Speaker info: David J. Hawke is well known to Orillians for his weekly nature column that he has penned for the past 33 years (originally with The Orillia Packet, now with OrilliaMatters.com). His writings are now read around the planet as readers share these nature insights with their own families and friends. An award-winning author, columnist and nature photographer, David has always drawn upon the local natural environment for his inspirations. Born and raised in Orillia, he has had opportunity to explore all the natural habitats that surround us: farmlands, wetlands, woodlands and urban habitats. As David often says, “May the beauty of Nature always surprise and delight you!”.

Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce Virtual All-Candidates Meeting
2022-05-11 19:00 - 20:00
Virtual Simcoe North All Candidates Meeting hosted by the Southern Georgian Bay Chamber of Commerce – This is an open invitation to attend and everyone is welcome. Please register ahead (see link below)

Seeds 101 Workshop with Jacob Kearey-Moreland
2022-05-11 18:30
In this virtual workshop in support of the Orillia Seed Library at the Orillia Public Library, local seed farmer Jacob Kearey-Moreland from Bass Lake Farms will explore the wonderful world of seeds – who they are and what they want, where to find them, how to grow them, and why saving them is so important. If you have ever wanted to start or expand your own garden – and to grow from seed to seed – this is the event for you! Everyone welcome. Please register ahead (see link below)

High Street Community Garden Spring Cleanup
2022-05-07 13:00 - 15:00 | High Street Community Garden, 433 Gill Street (behind Brian Orser Arena)
High Street Community Garden is ready to get growing!! Join us for drop-in gardening where you can check out the site and find out about how you can get involved in 2022! Everyone welcome. Some tools provided but you are encouraged to bring your own.

Why We Wear Red
2022-05-05 18:00 - 19:30 | Terry Fox Circle at Couchiching Beach Park
Event held by Krystal Brooks:
May 5th is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and LGBTQ2+ (MMIWG2S).
We’ve seen many issues take the spotlight in recent years, while MMIWG2S has taken a backseat. MMIWG2S is still happening. Everyday. Thousands have been lost and still lack answers, accountability and action. Thousands still fight to be seen and heard.
On this day, we wear red for all the women, girls and 2 spirit we have lost and to spread awareness on the colonial violence and systemic failures that lead to us going missing and being murdered at such high rates. Higher than any other race in Canada.
We will be meeting at Couchiching Beach Park in the Terry Fox Circle. You’re encouraged to wear red and bring hand drums, regalia, etc. Anything you would like to bring to help both celebrate and mourn those we have lost. Your voices are also welcomed and encouraged.
Miigwetch.
RSVP on the Facebook event – see link below

Laugh for Lake Simcoe Starring Brent Butt
2022-05-04 19:00 - 21:00
The Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition is hosting a night of laughter, fun and entertainment as World Renowned Comedian and Star of the hit show Corner Gas – Brent Butt will be performing live. This event is in support of the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition and its efforts to keep Lake Simcoe a habitable ecosytem for generations to come.
Silent Auction will be available.
See link below to purchase tickets.
