The Otterville Falls

The Community Magazine for the Township of Norwich SPRING/SUMMER 2013 The Otterville Falls The story behind Ontario's oldest watermill

Township of Norwich T 3rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament When: Friday, September 6, 2013 Where: Otter Creek Golf Club Cost: $160.00 per person Time: 1:00pm Shot-Gun Start Format: Scramble Dinner Only: $45.00 per person In Support of Community Youth Projects Includes: Golf, Cart, Range Balls, Light Lunch, Full Dinner, Golf Shirt, and Prize. Plus a Chance at Great Prizes for: Low Score, Long Drive, Closest-To-The-Pin, Holes-In-One and more! REGISTRATION FORM Name: Address: Phone: Email: Sponsorships & Donations There are many ways that you and your business can get involved in supporting our event. We have a variety of sponsorship and donation opportunities available and we will ensure that your contributions are well recognized during the tournament. Please contact Mike directly for more info. Phone: 519-863-2707 ext. 233 Fax: 519-879-6385 Email: mlegge@twp.norwich.on.ca For more information contact Mike at 519-863-2709 ext. 233 mlegge@twp.norwich.on.ca Foursome Individual Dinner Only My Foursome: 1. 2. 3. 4. Deadline for Registration is: August 30th Please note that registration fees must be paid in advanced. Forms can be mailed, emailed, faxed or dropped off at our office but please note that your registration will not be officially accepted until your full payment has been received. Cheques should be made payable to: The Township of Norwich 210 Main St. E., PO Box 100 Otterville ON N0J 1R0

The Community Magazine for the Township of Norwich 6 Table of Contents 4...Heritage Sites receive Trillium Grants 6... The Opti-Mist Splash Zone opens this summer! 8... Parent's Council raises $36,000 for playground 10...The Otterville Falls 14... Former Golf Course will house the new administration building and more 16... Service Directory 18... Community Centre parking lot gets a makeover 4 COVER STORY From the Mayor's desk We have just passed the half way mark of our four year term and the Council remains focused on continuing to improve our Township while remaining fiscally responsible to all our residents and business owners. 2013 will see the continued effort to improve our area roads with several capital projects including the repaving of a segment of Middletown Line, the repaving of a segment of Baseline Road, and the continuation of the reconstruction project on Quaker Street. The Recreation Department have several projects on the go including renovation work at the Pioneer Rooms, a new roof on the Oxford Centre Hall, and the construction of a picnic shelter at Curries Park. The Pioneer Rooms project is a combined effort between the Friends of the Pioneer Rooms, the East Oxford/Oxford Centre Optimists, the Trillium Foundation and the Township. The largest recreation project this year will definitely be the expansion and rehabilitation of the Community Centre parking lot, which will begin this Spring. Staff will also be working with the Otterville Optimists to start plans to put in an infantsplash pad at the Otterville Park. This year s Canada Day Celebrations will be held in Burgessville. We look forward to a fun, enjoyable day and a night of great fireworks. Best Wishes for a Safe and Healthy 2013 Mayor Donald Doan You can reach the mayor at the information below. Phone: (519) 468-5609 Email: ddoan@twp.norwich.on.ca Township Connections Magazine is published bi-annually by Oxford Media Group. Circulation is 4,500 copies delivered to the residents and businesses of Norwich Township and surrounding area. Magazine produced by: Oxford Media Group 70 Wellington St. S., Woodstock, ON N4S 3H6 Tel: 519-539-9762 Fax: 519-539-7063 oxfordmediagroup.com Jeff Culp Publisher jeff@oxfordmediagroup.com Karyn Matwey Staff Writer/Photographer karyn@oxfordmediagroup.com Sarah Acchione Account Executive sarah@oxfordmediagroup.com To Reserve Your Spot in the 2014 Issue of Township Connections, Contact Sarah at 519-539-9762 or sarah@oxfordmediagroup.com Spring/Summer 2013 Township Connections 3

Heritage Sites receive Trillium Grants Story and photo by Karyn Matwey Two Township of Norwich heritage sites have had the honour of receiving grants from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The Norwich & District Historical Society received the first grant of $35,400 for the preservation of Gore Church, which was moved to the museum site in 2011. According to the Ontario Trillium Foundation website, the funding will help add to the heritage experience and education programs available at the Norwich Museum Site. A rare example of Regency style, Gore Church dates back to 1861 when it was constructed to house the growing number of worshippers in the area. In 2002 it was given designation for its historic and architectural significance and then moved in order to preserve it for future use. Now in its new home, work on the church has been moving along quickly. The basement will be used for archival storage while the upstairs has been entirely renovated and restored back to its original surfaces. We have taken out the floors, as they were a later addition, and restored the original flooring, we also removed the panelling on the wall and the pews, all to be restored and put back in again, says Rebecca Crocker, curator for the Norwich & District Historical Society. They have also installed turn of the century lighting and refinished the old front doors. While the original windows are mostly untouched, the vestibule that was added later has been removed and the window it covered has been reframed. The front entry way has been made fully accessible and given a facelift with landscaping but fundraising and an application for another grant will be needed to finish exterior work. The second Trillium Grant was bestowed upon the Oxford Centre Pioneer Rooms. In 2011 the Friends of the Pioneer Rooms committee was formed to identify the repairs needed to maintain the old school built in 1872 and the 1954 addition. Many families and organizations have been able to take advantage of the warm country atmosphere provided by the Pioneer Rooms including the Ontario Early Years Program, 4-H Clubs, the East Oxford-Oxford Centre Optimists, Oxford Centre Fire Fighters and many groups and organizations from beyond our small community, says the committee. The grant of $24,000 will be used to make the community centre fully accessible to all community members, states the Ontario Trillium Grants website. While the older part of the school has already been updated, this funding will go towards work needed in the newer section. The grant was primarily to make the washrooms and the facilities more accessible, says Wayne Buchanan, cochair of the Friends of the Pioneer Rooms Committee. Wider doorways, wheelchair accessible washrooms, and more resistant flooring will make the building more open. Other parts of the grant are going towards energy efficient windows. The Township of Norwich also provided $10,000 towards these renovations along with extra funds for smaller projects including a restoration of the old belfry and an upgrade of the kitchen. While there is no definite completion date, work has been moving along swiftly and there are plans for more renovations in the future depending on funding. We hope to have everything ship shape by the Canada Day Celebrations in 2014 as they are scheduled for Oxford Centre that year, says Buchanan. Donations can be mailed to Liz Buchanan at 525505 Oxford Centre Road, RR8, Woodstock ON, N4S 7W3. 4 Township Connections Spring/Summer 2013

24 Hour Emergency Service STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER Mini Excavator Service Available 519-879-9990 www.brsplumbingandheating.com Make the most of summer! By following these simple steps, you can help protect yourself and others from getting sick or injured. 1. Wear a hat and use sunscreen. 2. Keep cool and stay hydrated in the heat, especially children, seniors and outdoor workers. 3. Wear a bug spray with DEET to protect against West Nile Virus (from mosquitoes) and Lyme Disease (from ticks). 4. Always supervise kids when they are in or near water, and don t swim if you have diarrhea. 5. Test your drinking water three times a year if you own a private well. Find out more at www.oxfordcounty.ca/health Find us on Facebook: Oxford County Health Health posts beach water quality alerts and heat alerts from May to September at www.oxfordcounty.ca/health Spring/Summer 2013 Township Connections 5

The Opti-Mist Splash Zone opens this summer! Story and photo by Karyn Matwey The Opti-Mist Splash Zone in Harold Bishop Park is finally ready to open just in time for the hot weather! While a grand opening date has not yet been decided, Clayton Tokarz, chairman of the Splash Zone committee, believes they will be ready to go sometime in July. This is fitting as it was in July two years ago that the entire process began. From the initial idea, through all of the fundraising and building, it has been a long, but worthwhile journey. The final cost is estimated at around $200,000. The Township of Norwich put in $50,000 while a grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation of $75,000 helped offset the majority of the costs. But it still never would have happened if not for the wonderful community support received through fundraising and donations. Some of the larger donors include the Norwich Optimist Club, the Hamulecki Family, Berrylicious Fruit Farms, WRC Purifying, Malcolm Excavating and Stubbe s Pre-Cast. Stubbe s Concrete also donated the pump house on the property. In total there were over 100 donors for the project who will be honoured throughout the park on brick walk ways and armour stones. While funding was taken care of, there were some delays in construction. They were putting a pump house building in, says Tokarz, and they were told they didn t need a building permit and then found out after that they did. This was due to proximity to the roadway and a minor variance was required to proceed, delaying building for three months. But that is all behind them now and the splash zone has taken shape. Most of the hard work parts are done, it s mainly landscaping now, says Tokarz. Some of the features include water cannons, dumping buckets, rainy palm trees and spray loops to provide entertainment and keep kids cool. The splash zone is also water efficient and low maintenance, as it will run on a timer. Kids will be able to start the water by pushing a button and it will shut off automatically after a set time. It is expected that it will be open from 10am until 8pm every day throughout the summer. Tokarz is unsure of how long the park will be open during the season, but he believes that it will be active through July, August and September depending on the weather. There are still opportunities to donate to cover any operating costs, so if you would like to donate, contact Clayton Tokarz at 519-468-3983. RABIES Rabies is rare in Ontario, but it s still a risk to people and animals. Help stop the spread: 1 2 3 Immunize your dogs and cats against rabies. Teach kids not to pet dogs or other animals they don t know. Never touch or feed wild animals. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal Call your doctor or Oxford County Health 519-539-9800 or 1-800-755-0394 www.oxfordcounty.ca/health Find us on Facebook: Oxford County Health 6 Township Connections Spring/Summer 2013

Dave MacKenzie Member of Parliament for Oxford, Deputy Government Whip Please contact any of my offices for assistance with federal government issues, such as employment insurance, citizenship, immigration and passports. Celebrating a birthday? An anniversary? I would be pleased to arrange for a special greeting to be sent. www.davemackenzie.ca e.ca Ingersoll Office 28 King St. E., Unit A, Ingersoll, ON N5C 3L8 Office: 519-485-5225 Fax: 519-485-3993 Email: dave.mackenzie.c1@parl.gc.ca Tillsonburg Office 43 Brock St. E., Tillsonburg, ON N4G 1Z7 Office: 519-688-3620 Fax: 519-688-3622 Email: dave.mackenzie.c2@parl.gc.ca Woodstock Office 208 Huron St., Woodstock, ON N4S 7A1 Office: 519-421-7690 Fax: 519-421-9704 Toll Free: 1-888-644-0637 Email: dave.mackenzie.c1a@parl.gc.ca Dave MacKenzie You can rely on us! Sales Service Rentals Free Delivery Your Ostomy Headquarters Contact us today for a FREE consultation Scooters Wheelchairs Hospital Beds Lift Chairs Walkers Stair Lifts Daily Living Aids Compression Stockings Incontinent Supplies 519-533-0376 1-877-568-3558 225 Main Street, Woodstock, ON N4S 1T1 Authorized for D.V.A. and A.D.P. Insurance Companies ODSP WSIB Spring/Summer 2013 Township Connections 7

Parent's Council raises $36,000 for playground Story and photo by Karyn Matwey dinner and auction A recently held by the Emily Stowe School Parent s Council was a smashing success! The community came together to raise $36,000 to help fund new playground equipment for the school. Our expectation at the auction was $20,000, so we raised $16,000 more than we hoped for, says Susie McCauley, co-chair of the fundraising committee. While the council is planning on holding other fundraising events including a Mom 2 Mom sale, they are buoyed by the amount they have already raised. Because the Thames Valley District School Board does not supply or install playground equipment, there was a hole left to be filled. Given the go ahead by the TVDSB to do it themselves, the Parent s Council rallied around and immediately got to work fundraising and designing plans for the school. The goal this year is to purchase and install equipment for the kindergarten classes. The design will be specific for younger kids including a set of monkey bars, slides and other climbing equipment. McCauley s own son is in Junior Kindergarten at the school and she wants to make it a more enriching experience for him. He likes recess, but not as much as he could like recess, she says. For her, having a proper place to play is an important part of a child s day. Anything to make a kid s day at school a better experience is worth it. A timeline on building the playground is not firmly set as they continue putting the project together. The Parent s Council is working out the final budget since there are still some costs that need to be covered before ground is broken. These include things such as excavation, ground materials and labour. McCauley is hoping for a community effort to cover these. The fire departments from Norwich and Otterville will be helping to install the equipment, and she is hoping for even more donated time and energy from the community. My goal is to have it installed so the kids are playing on it before school is done this June. This is, however, only the first goal the council has for the school. The kindergarten is not where we are stopping, we would like to be able to put in playground equipment for the bigger kids and the community would like to see a track put in there, says McCauley. They are planning on making the dinner and auction an annual event to continue fundraising for future projects. RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL FARM Since 1966 Low pressure? No water? Well Drilling & Abandonment nm Constant Pressure Systems Drinking Water Systems Hot Water Heating Water Softeners Water leaks? Chlorine smell? Iron? Call us today at 519-863-3000 Visit us at www.wrcpurifying.com Norwich Insurance Brokers (1129337 Ontario Inc.) Sulphur smell? Every member of the family deserves quality drinking water Julie Couwenberg CAIB Owner/Broker Joy Mackowiak CAIB Broker Brenda Webber CAIB Broker Nicole Couwenberg-Warboys Broker 13 Stover Street North, Norwich Phone: 519-863-2014 Fax: 519-863-2015 24 HOUR EMERGENCY FARM SERVICE REGISTERED INSURANCE BROKERS Let us shop the market for you! 8 Township Connections Spring/Summer 2013

Test your Well Water for FREE WATER is important to the well-being of your family. Many factors contribute to the safety of your drinking water. Your water may seem fine but there may be bacteria that you can t taste, see, or smell. Test your water 3 times per year and, after a major storm or flood, if you have had work done on your well or, if you suspect an issue. Pick-up / drop-off locations: Embro Library 135 Huron St. Wed: 2:00-5:00pm Sindeen Feed & Seed 15 Main St. Princeton Wed: 8:30-10:30am South-West Oxford Twp. Office 312915 Dereham Line Mon: 1-4pm Tues: 8:30-10am Norwich Library 10 Tidey St. Wed: 5-8pm Thamesford Library 165 Dundas St. W Wed: 5:00-8:00pm Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital (Information desk) 167 Rolph St. Mon-Thur: 8-8pm Plattsville Library 112 Mill E Thurs: 9-12pm Tavistock Library 40 Woodstock St. S. Wed: 3:00-5:00pm Alexandra Hospital (Switchboard) 29 Noxon St. Ingersoll Mon: 8-8pm Fri: 8-11am Dates I tested my water: test date test date test date Health & Emergency Serv. 410 Buller St., Woodstock Mon-Thur: 8:30-4:30 Fri: 8:30-11:30am Oxford County Health & Emergency Services 410 Buller Street, Woodstock 519-539-9800 Ext. 3520 www.oxfordcounty.ca Ad design funded by Oxford County Health & Emergency Services. Supported by Ontario s Health Laboratories Spring/Summer 2013 Township Connections 9

The Otterville Falls Story and photos by HeatHer a. rennalls Otterville Falls. Located in the heart of the quaint village of Otterville in the South of Norwich Township, these picturesque falls were once the hub and bustle of this community at the turn of the 19th century. It was a popular site for skating in the winter and a favourite spot for picnics in the summer. From Otterville Park, Big Otter Creek is to the east and Sweet s Creek, named after the early pioneer John Sweet, is north; here they join. During that time, there were twelve steam mills and fourteen water mills which dotted in, on and around Big Otter Creek in Otterville. To fully appreciate the historic significance of Otterville Falls, one has to step back into history to understand its role in the community and to Otterville Mill. Mill owners became entrepreneurs and prominent citizens of their community. The Otterville Mill is a grist mill that was known by other names, the Bullock Flour and Grist Mill and Treffry Mill. The first mills, sawmills, were of lumber as there were bountiful stands of large white pine in the area. After timber was cleared from the land, mills were converted to grinding all kinds of grains supplying area farmers with oats and corn to feed their livestock. Some mills were adapted to the production of woolen goods. When farmers started growing tobacco, the use of mills subsided, and then became less scarce when farmers switched to cash crops like corn and soybeans. Known as the pioneers of Otterville, John Earl and Paul Averill (mistakenly known as Paul Avery which is the name on the plaque at Otterville Mill) were United Empire Loyalists who received a grant of land from the government where they built the first known grist and saw mills in Otterville in 1807. These mills were located near the present mill on the south side of Main Street. In 1808, Cook and Calloway purchased land on the north side of Main Street and built mills. The three mills were eventually sold to William Cromwell in 1819 who built his home near Otterville Falls that still stands today. In 1845, Edward Bullock purchased the three mills known as Otter Creek Mills or Cromwell Mills. He kept the saw mill but converted the grist mill into a custom woolen mill and erected another grist mill east of the river which is the present Otterville Mill. This three-story mill is powered by water turbine and constructed of quality white pine. Huge beams rested on a fieldstone foundation, clapboard covered the mill with numerous double hung, twelve over twelve window sashes. Edward Bullock also built the first brick house in Otterville for his family across from Otterville Cemetery on Church St. Edward s son James operated the mills until 1877. Solomon Lossing purchased the mills in 1880. At that time, there was a mill at the west end of the dam and a woolen mill at the east end that were connected by a footbridge. The Lossing family ran these mills for three generations which included Solomon, LeRoy and Reginald. In 1904, Lossing built a cement dam in front of the 1845 wooden dam at the cost of $2,000.00. As such, the Otterville Falls became known as the Lossing Dam. The strength of the dam was put to the test during the flood on April 26, 1937 when the embankments of the dam were washed out along with the road on Main Street. At one time the mill made flour and was known as 10 Township Connections Spring/Summer 2013

the Bullock Flour and Grist Mill which produced 20,000 bushels annually. However, after 1920 the Bullock Mill stopped producing flour after larger flour mills dominated the business. Ernest Treffry purchased Otterville Mill during the 1940 s and took several months to restore the mill s operation and machinery after it had been idle for four or five years. Ernest s son, Lorne Treffry ran the mill from 1952 until retiring in April 1980. During that same year, the South Norwich Historical Society erected a plaque to commemorate Otterville Mill s 135 year history as well as to acknowledge the families who operated it. On a sunny day on July 2, 1980, 270 people were present to see Lorne Treffry and Bert Lossing unveil the plaque. Afraid to lose such a historic site, the South Norwich Historical Society, along with the Long Point Region Conservation Authority, encouraged South Norwich Council to purchase the mill and property for $60,000.00 in October 1981. The property includes the 2.6 acres mill site, 39 acres on the north side of County Road 19, the dam, the mill pond, plus water rights for the land as far as a mile up the Otter Creek. A year later the mill was designated as an architectural and historical site. Since February 1983, the South Norwich Historical Society restored and maintains Otterville Mill. The mill s restoration began in April 1983 with extensive foundation work, new siding, new windows and a new cedar shingle roof all by 1986. Restoration occurred inside the mill with updated electrical services and constant repairs to the turbine and equipment. To accommodate tours of the mill and picnics, tables and outdoor toilets were also erected. On June 28, 1987, the late Lieutenant Governor Lincoln Alexander officially opened the restored mill which commemorated the 180 Anniversary of the founding of Otterville. The Otterville Mill is the oldest, continually operating water-powered mill in Ontario. For this distinction, the Otterville Mill is mentioned on page 206 of George Fischer and Mark Harris s book Ontario s Historic Mills. President of the South Norwich Historical Society Gail Lewis reported that the mill is operational during special events like the Annual Mill Runners Car Show, happening on June 8, 2013 the Annual Cured Pork Chop BBQ on June 30, 2013 and the Annual Mill Meadow Chicken BBQ on August 25, 2013. (For information contact Gail Lewis 519-879- 6804 or Mae Leonard 519-879-6622.) Tours are available from May to October and include the mill, Station Museum, Blacksmith Shop, St. John's Anglican Church and the AME Cemetery. With its steep stairs, only the fi rst level of the Mill is accessible. Both locals and visitors to the site are told how the mill operates and shown various machinery used to process the grain. Faint paths can still be seen where farmers would cut blocks of ice from the pond which would be dragged out by horses to be stored in hay in barns to be used for refrigeration. Gail reported how this past February Otterville residents skated on the Mill Pond at dusk. A local resident took a lovely picture of the skaters in the moonlight, reminiscent of skaters in the 1800s. Providing area livestock producers with leading edge products, services and support Visit Nature Feed Centre today to see what we can offer you! 593797 Hwy 59 RR #1 Burgessville, ON (519) 424-2540 1-800-265-9290 www.naturefeedcentre.ca Big or small, we feed them all PURINA, CHOWS and the Checkerboard design are licensed trademarks of Nestlé Purina PetCare Company Spring/Summer 2013 Township Connections 11

Otterville Pool (519)-879-6572 2 North Street East Otterville, ON N0J 1R0 Pre Season Hours June 28 th July 1 st 1:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 7:00pm www.twp.norwich.on.ca Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 8 9 Swim Team 8 9 Swim Team 9 12 Group 9 12 Group 9 12 Group 9 12 Group 12 1 12 1 12 1 12 1 12 1 11 1 11 1 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 1 4 4 5 4 5 4 5 4 5 4 5 5 7 5 7 5 7 5 7 5 7 5 7 5 7 7 8 Swim Team 7 8 Swim Team 7 8 Swim Team 7 8 Swim Team 7 8 Swim Team Group Swimming Lessons Level Time (am) Cost Monday Thursday 9am 12noon SESSIONS Session 1: July 1 st July 11 th Session 2: July 15 th July 25 th Session 3: July 29 th August 8 th Session 4: August 12 th August 22 nd *Tax Included Preschool 1 Swimmer 3 $46.00 Swimmer 4 Star $50.00 12 Township Connections Spring/Summer 2013 Preschool 1 11:00 11:30 Preschool 2 11:00 11:30 Preschool 3 11:00 11:30 Preschool 4 11:00 11:30 Preschool 5 11:00 11:30 Swimmer 1 10:00 10:30 Swimmer 2 10:00 10:30 Swimmer 3 10:00 10:30 Swimmer 4 9:00 9:45 Swimmer 5 9:00 9:45 Swimmer 6 9:00 9:45 Rookie, Ranger, Star 9:00 9:45

Swimming *PLEASE NOTE Monday Sunday 1:00pm 4:00pm 5:00pm 7:00pm *Time Change* Cost 3 and under... FREE Children, Seniors and Students... $3.25 Adults... $5.25 Swimming Memberships Family Day Pass... $10.00 (5 people) Additional members... $2.00 each Season Pass... $200.00 (5 people) Additional members... $25.00 each Single Season Pass... $100.00 *Toonie Tuesdays* $2.00 each admissions for all! Children under 7 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian no less than 14 years of age. Children 7 years and older must use gender appropriate change rooms. Misbehaved children will be asked to leave the pool. Wednesday Evening public swims may be cancelled due to swim meets. Season Members will be required to bring their membership card to each and every swim no exceptions Aqua Fit Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:00pm 8:00pm *Time Change* Cost Per Class... $5.00 10 Classes... $45.00 August 27th & 29th Aqua Fit 5:00pm 6:00pm Come to the Otterville Pool for a low-impact, high intensity workout! Lane Swim Cost Per Class... s... $5.00 10 Classes... $45.00 Monday Friday 12noon n 1:00pm NEW 4:00pm 5:00pm Saturday & Sunday 11:00am 1:00pm Spring/Summer 2013 Township Connections 13

Former Golf Course will house the new administration building and more Story and photo by Karyn Matwey The new Township of Norwich administrative building plan is underway. After purchasing 24 acres of land formerly known as the Fountainview Golf Course, the municipality now has the space it needs to move forward. They searched for several years to find a site that would be appropriate and wouldn t cost tax payers too much. We are trying to ensure we get the biggest bang for our buck and this site meets a lot of the criteria because it has a financial benefit that other sites do not, says Norwich Mayor Don Doan. While it will house a new administrative building, the rest of the purchased 24 acres are salable for economic development, thereby recouping some of the cost of purchase. Essentially the township was able to buy two properties for the price of one. By purchasing the 24 acres for $450,000 we effectively get property for a new administrative building and lands for development purposes all at the same cost, says Director of Finance Mike Legge. The final cost of the land plus the cost of the building was originally estimated to be around $2 million, with $500,000 of that allocated for land purchase. Because they were able to come in under budget on the land, and will be able to regain some of the cost through resale, CAO Michael Graves believes they will be able to bring down the cost of building as well. By selling the remaining land, that money can be utilized to offset the construction costs, providing us with additional monies to be used to pursue the other goals on the Township s Strategic Plan including a new Burgessville Fire Hall and a new centralized Works Building, says Graves. Of the 24 acres purchased, approximately 20 can be resold for potential industrial or commercial use and the remaining will be used for the new administrative building and possibly a community park. While specifics haven t been decided, there is also the potential for a soccer field to be installed. While the municipality had initially hoped to sell off the remaining 9 holes to continue operating as a golf course, they didn t receive any interest. Moreover, the vast majority of the equipment used previously by the golf course had already been sold. Cost wasn t the only consideration for the site. The goal was to have the new administrative building in a central location, but also on town services. The Fountainview Golf Course offers both. Representatives from the Township recently toured other municipal facilities in Brant County, the Town of Ingersoll, Zorra Township and Southwold Township. This allowed them the chance to view various design plans and learn from successes and failures the others had. From this they will formulate a site plan including zoning of excess land before sale. What is certain is that they will ensure the new administrative building is fully accessible. It s an aging population, says Graves, ensuring our constituents can get in is a key factor. While they plan to have more modern council chambers, they are not going over the top. It s going to be more professional, but will show council made practical choices as well, says Graves. The intention is to provide the municipality with a usable, accessible and modern administrative building that will also be efficient. Graves stresses that the decisions being made are prudent and beneficial to everyone. Healthy Dimensions For Men & Women 519-TO ENJOY Fitness Center Memberships Personal Fitness, Nutrition and Wellness Counselling Fitness Classes: Bootcamp, Pilates, Spinning, Strength and Yoga Older Adult Fitness Gift Certificates 519-863-6569 49 Main Street West, Norwich www.healthydimensions.ca Fitness Center & Spa Gel Nails & Nail Enhancements Lac It! Gel Polish by en Vogue Manicures, Pedicures, Facials Lash & Brow Tinting Relaxation Massage Gentle Hair Removal Mobile Services 14 Township Connections Spring/Summer 2013

Community Employment Services NORWICH opens doors to employment and training opportunities Our staff have years of experience in consulting and recruiting with job seekers and employers alike. We know what employers look for and can work with you to develop a strategy that will help you get the work you want. This strategy includes: Professional review and advice on your resume and job search Development of a personalized plan to achieve your goals Enrol in job specific training that is suited to your plan Motivational support as you work to achieve your goals Referral to employment opportunities through our Employer Services Staff Over 88% of people who work with us either find employment, enter a training program or return to school to upgrade their skills. Our staff are highly trained professionals who get results. Creekside Golf Course 2013 Season Come out to celebrate and enjoy yourself! Creekside is a user friendly course for any calibre of golfer. Senior Rates Monday - Friday until 4pm Children 12 years and under golf for FREE when accompanied by one paying adult per child. Come Join Our Leagues Tuesdays - Men s League Wednesday Mornings - Seniors (55 plus) League Wednesdays - Ladies League Be sure to check out our Monthly Specials! May Special: Two for One Golf Anytime (Excludes power carts and all league play) *Present this ad at the clubhouse to receive the May Special *Cannot be combined with any other promotion Community Employment Services ~ Norwich 41 Main Street West Norwich, ON, N0J 1P0 519-863-6611 www.ceswoodstock.org For more information go to our website: www.creeksidegolf.ca or call 519-456-4653 Spring/Summer 2013 Township Connections 15

CounCil & staff information listings Name POsitiON CONtaCt information COUNCiL Mayor Donald Doan Mayor of Norwich Township 285231 Pleasant Valley Road RR 1 Norwich, ON N0J 1P0 ddoan@twp.norwich.on.ca Councillor Pat Lee Ward One 244860 Milldale Road RR 1 Norwich, ON N0J 1P0 plee@twp.norwich.on.ca Councillor Lynne DePlanke Ward Two 82 Stover Street RR 3 Norwich ON N0J 1P0 ldeplanke@twp.norwich.on.ca Councillor Russel Jull Ward Three 285101 Pleasant Valley Road RR 1 Norwich, ON N0J 1P0 rjull@twp.norwich.on.ca Councillor Susan Hampson Ward Four 485586 Firehall Road RR 4 Woodstock, ON N4S 7V8 shampson@twp.norwich.on.ca CLerK s department Michael Graves Chief Administrative Officer/ 519-863-2709, Ext.227 mgraves@twp.norwich.on.ca Clerk Kimberley Armstrong Deputy Clerk 519-863-2709, Ext.226 karmstrong@twp.norwich.on.ca Kristen Szoczek Records Management/ Customer Service Clerk 519-863-2709, Ext. 232 kszoczek@twp.norwich.on.ca Brian Reid Dirk Kramer BUiLdiNg & drainage services Manager of Building Services/ Chief Building Official Building Inspector/ Drainage Superintendent 519-863-2709, Extension 231 breid@twp.norwich.on.ca 519-863-2709, Extension 234 dkramer@twp.norwich.on.ca Denise Rooke Building Services Clerk 519-863-2709, Extension 229 drooke@twp.norwich.on.ca COmmUNity development services Patrick Hovorka Director of Community 519-863-3733, Extension 23 phovorka@twp.norwich.on.ca Development Services James Schaafsma Facilities Supervisor 519-863-3733, Extension 22 jschaafsma@twp.norwich.on.ca Annette Carroll Community Services Clerk 519-863-3733, Extension 21 acarroll@twp.norwich.on.ca finance/human resources Mike Legge Director of Financial Services/ 519-863-2709, Extension 233 mlegge@twp.norwich.on.ca Treasurer Debbie Deklerck Deputy Treasurer 519-863-2709, Extension 223 ddeklerck@twp.norwich.on.ca Jodi Laur Revenue Coordinator 519-863-2709, Extension 222 jlaur@twp.norwich.on.ca Tina Deming Accounts Payable / Customer Service Clerk 519-863-2709, Extension 221 tdeming@twp.norwich.on.ca Mary Winegarden, Human Resources Coordinator 519-863-2709, Extension 225 mwinegarden@twp.norwich.on.ca fire & PrOteCtiVe services Bob Parsons Director of Fire & Protective Services Talya Jones Fire & Protective Services / Drainage Clerk CounCil & staff information listings PLaNNiNg 519-485-3910, Extension 236 bparsons@twp.norwich.on.ca 519-863-2709, Extension 235 tjones@twp.norwich.on.ca Heather St. Clair Development Planner 519-863-2709 Extension 237 hstclair@oxfordcounty.ca Economic Development Please contact CAO/Clerk PUBLiC WOrKs Ron Smith Works Superintendent 519-863-2709 Extension 228 ronsmith@twp.norwich.on.ca Marty Lenaers Road Supervisor NOrWiCh medical CeNtre A.J. Wells Manager of Medical Services 32 South Court Street East, Norwich, (519) 863-2338 awells@twp.norwich.on.ca OffiCe hours Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Telephone: 519-863-2709 or 519-879-6568 Fax: 519-879-6385 OxfOrd COUNty LaNdfiLL hours Monday to Friday: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Saturday: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm The landfill site is located at 384060 Salford Road (County Road 46) For more information regarding recycling, garbage, or special collections, please contact the County of Oxford at: 519-539-9800, Extension 3159 16 Township Connections Spring/Summer 2013

Community organizations Name/OrgaNizatiON CONtaCt PersON CONtaCt information Burgessville Braves Slo-Pitch Greg Couwenberg 519-468-3359 Burgessville Bulls James Schaafsma 519-863-9911 Norwich Rickshaws Slo-Pitch Rick Baxter Burgessville Minor Ball Troy Martin 519-424-3416 Norwich-Otterville Minor Ball Pat Lenehan 519-476-2603 Newark Slo-Pitch Dan Vanbesien 519-468-2313 Holbrook Slo-Pitch Larry Martin 519-424-2188 Norwich Jr. C Merchants Hockey Club Ken Gillanders 519-532-4631 Norwich Minor Hockey Association Kevin Bertrand 519-446-2458 Norwich Minor Hockey Association 3-on-3 Bart VanYmeren 519-863-2600 Norwich and District Skating Club Melissa Schut 226-228-8778 Norwich Minor Soccer Shawn Murray 519-582-3251 Otterville Otters Swim Team Karen Riddell 519-582-0270 East Oxford-Oxford Centre Optimist Gary Stevens 519-456-9506 Norwich B.I.A. Bob McLean 519-863-3019 Chamber of Commerce Vicky VanVliet P.O. Box 1028 Norwhich, ON vicky@norwichchamberofcommerce.ca Norwich Musical Society Band John Palmer 519-468-3753 Norwich Optimist Club P.O. Box 1019 Norwich, ON Otterville Optimist Club Valerie Haley 519-842-7820 South Norwich Historical Society Mae Leonard 519-879-6622 Norwich and District Historical Society 89 Stover St. N. N0J 1P0 519-863-3101 Municipal Heritage Committee Gail Lewis c/o Township Office 210 Main St. E P.O. Box 100 Otterville, ON N0J 1R0 Norwich and District Curling Club Cheryl Polfliet 17 Phebe St. P.O. Box 871 Norwich, ON 519-863-3932 Norwich Lawn Bowling Club Kay Couwenberg RR#2 Burgessville N0J 1C0 519-424-9922 7 Stover St. S Norwich Burgessville Library Sarah McDonald 604 Main St. Burgessville N0J 1C0 519-424-2404 Norwich Library Beverly Ott-Peon 10 Tidey St. Norwich N0J 1P0 519-863-3307 Otterville Library Robin Lauzon 207 Main St. W. Otterville N0J 1R0 519-879-6984 Community Employment Services (NLERC) 41 Main St. W. Norwich N0J 1P0 519-863-6611 Norwich Upper Deck Youth Centre Jackie Armstrong 4 Stover St. N Norwich N0J 1P0 519-863-6891 Oxford Centre 4-H Club Life Skills Barbara Taylor taylormctagg@hotmail.com Oxford County 4-H Linda Humphrey oxford4-h@xplornet.com Wolf Cub Pack/Norwich Scouts Sandi Campney 519-535-0150 or 519-456-5497 Burgessville Sparks/Brownies Nicole Jansen 519-424-9961 Oxford Community Child Care Sherry Kitchen 204 Huron St. Woodstock, ON N4S 7A1 519-539-4419 Zumba Lena Kovacs imaginedelhi@yahoo.com 519-582-2060 Club 33 Basketball John Duffy 519-863-6512 Norwich-Otterville Lions Club Edna Carroll P.O. Box 1000 Norwich, ON N0J 1P0 519-468-6469 Royal Canadian Legion 55 Stover St. S 519-468-3303 Community organizations Spring/Summer 2013 Township Connections 17

All You Desire In Hospitality Excellence Perfect for relaxing on the patio or hosting your next gathering Come In and Enjoy! Theme Nights, Daily Drink Specials, Newly Renonated 136 Guest Rooms & Suites, Outdoor Pool, Complimentary Deluxe Hot Buffet Breakfast, Complimentary High Speed Internet In All Areas Of The Hotel, Complimentary Access To 14,000 Square Feet of Fitness Facility, Tanning Booths, Massage Chairs, Massage Therapy, Sauna s, Personal Trainers Available, Walking Distance To Golf Course Oxford Centre Hall Newly renovated in spring of 2010, this hall can accomodate up to orwich 175 people. An Community open concept facility with Cekitchen access makes this hall perfect for wedding receptions, family reunions, anniversaries, buck n' does, meetings, parties, and community events. 505 386 Old Stage Road, Woodstock, Oxford ON N4S 7V8Centre Hall Norwich Community Centre Frew Family Hall or Norwich-Otterville Lions Hall together these halls can accomodate up to 522 people. The Norwich Community Centre is one of the largest halls in the Township, the auditorium is available for any size event. 53 1/2 Stover St. South Norwich, ON N0J 1P0 Community Centre Parking Lot Gets A Makeover Story and photo by Karyn Matwey The parking lot at the Norwich Community Centre is about to be overhauled. Plans for the renovation include resurfacing the entire lot and updating accessibility. This has been coming for a while and we re proud to be finally addressing it this year, says Pat Hovorka, Director of Community Developmental Services for Norwich Township. We have been tucking monies away for the past couple of years and it s actually coming to fruition a year earlier than expected. The Township has budgeted $300,000 to cover the renovation. Parking has been an issue at the centre for a while, with lack of spaces being the top complaint during events with high attendance. While a larger expansion was a goal, the Township was unable to get another grant that would have allowed them to resurface the secondary lot. Primarily we lobbied to have the supplementary lot paved as well but the grant did not come through in this regard. As a result, we had to scale back the project accordingly, says Hovorka. In order to create more space, a neighbouring property was purchased and will be paved. They will also still go ahead with creating a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing layout. To make it more accessible they will build a new entrance with cement sidewalks for pedestrians to use. This will increase safety for those on foot or bikes and improve the flow of traffic. We have a lot of moms as well that push strollers or pull wagons and this addition will definitely enhance their personal safety, says Hovorka. The plans have been drafted by Spriet Associates and the project is set to begin in early summer with the goal of being finished prior to the first ice rental on July 7th. We have a small window of opportunity this summer to realize this project and our goal is to mitigate any inconvenience to the end user. It is inevitable that some hall rentals will be affected somewhat but only in the way they enter the building, says Hovorka. The entrance off Palmer Street will remain open during construction. For rates and more info call 519-863-3733 Email: acarroll@twp.norwich.on.ca 18 Township Connections Spring/Summer 2013

It s worth the drive to... Downtown Norwich Shop Norwich for the everyday and the out of the ordinary! Nostalgia Days Sidewalk Sales Friday, July 5, 2013 Saturday, July 6, 2013 Featuring specials from local merchants as well as outside vendors displaying their wares. 2 fun-filled days! Games for the Children Experience Local History Enjoy Nostalgic Music Wagon Rides Clothing Footwear Home Decor Gifts Baked Goods Groceries Flowers Health & Beauty Fitness & Day Spa Specialty Foods Items Office & Computer Supplies Crafts and so much more! www.norwichguide.ca