2015 Profile Book - Bluewater Blooms

333
CONTENTS
Message from Committee Chair
-
Bluewater Blooms
3
What’s New
Bluewater Blooms Committee
4
Floral Displays
7
Tidiness
11
Heritage Conservation
16
Environmental Action
26
Landscape
38
Urban Forestry
41
Community Involvement
47
Page 2
Message from Committee Chair
On behalf of the Bluewater Blooms Committee, I would like to welcome the Communities in
Bloom judges to the Municipality of Bluewater. The Committee, supported by many volunteers, is
proud to showcase the Municipality and demonstrate the strong community involvement in the CIB
program. The previous 5 Blooms award is a significant achievement and everyone has worked hard
this year on continuous improvements to maintain that level of excellence.
The municipal program, that we have named “Bluewater Blooms”, has been well received
throughout the Villages of Bayfield, Hensall and Zurich. Our farm community and our Great Lake
Huron shoreline residents have embraced our ‘Sunny side Up’ theme with enthusiasm. There has been
a special effort put forward to bringing this very important part of our community into focus.
We are blessed to have a large number of Master Gardeners and gardening enthusiasts in our
community. They offered their fabulous expertise and we gladly accepted their ideas and help in
establishing our red, deep blue and rosy pink with white accents colour scheme for 2015. Council is so
enthusiastic about the program, for the second year, it declared the second week of June to be
Communities in Bloom Week in the Municipality of Bluewater.
Municipal Community Improvement Plans over the past few
years have supported catalyst projects such as a core parkette
and façade improvements involving municipal, individuals and
partners. Through this program public and private investment of
over
$500,000
improvements.
was
generated
in
Village
of
Hensall
Building on this success in 2015 Council
developed a Municipal wide CIP.
An official blue daylily is being developed.
Participation in the Communities in Blooms program has fostered an attitude of pride and
cohesiveness within our communities bringing people together under one common goal. This is
obvious as one travels throughout the Municipality. Also of note is the strong connection to our roots
through the preservation of our heritage assets. Every part of Bluewater is unique and grew up
differently. The Committee pays tribute to the people, places and events that have built Bluewater.
It has been a pleasure to work with my Co-chair and all our volunteers in bringing the
Communities in Bloom program to Bluewater, and we look forward to showing the Judges the efforts
made across the Municipality! I am very proud to have been a part of the 2015 Communities in Bloom
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program and wish to thank all of the participants for their interest and dedication. I also thank the staff
of the Municipality of Bluewater for their assistance in the program.
Jim Fergusson Chair
Kay Wise Co-Chair
What’s New?
-Earth Day activities – Earth Hour & Village Cleanup
-Focus on Urban Forestry: Rare Osage Orange Tree Planted in Bayfield
Bayfield Tree Project is at it again!
Heritage Designation of Slippery Elm Tree
-Major investments in marina and technology
-Two new libraries built in Bayfield and Zurich
-Focus on the Environment: Blue Flag - Non-Mechanical Beach Cleanup
Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup – Year Three
-CIB Project – Year Two - The ‘Bluewater Day Lily’ is Named
-The ‘Hay Bale Contest’
-Neighbor to Neighbor Award: The ‘Garden Gallery’ recognition signage
-Focus on Community Involvement: Economic Development Co-ordinator – Year Three
Splash pads open in Bayfield and Hensall
Community Improvement Plan for villages and hamlets
Fundraising and renovation for Hensall Heritage Hall
-Drinking Water Source Protection program
- Planting of new Dr. Jennie Smillie Parkette in Hensall (opened by CIB in 2014)
- Establishment of website: www.bluewaterblooms.ca
-Municipality of Bluewater declares Communities in Bloom Week; creates a new municipal logo and
initiates an update of the Strategic Plan
-Bayfield Beach and Marina receive 2015 Blue Flag (seventh time for Marina)
Bluewater Blooms 2015 Core Committee
The Municipality of Bluewater approved the establishment of the “Communities in Bloom Planning
Committee” as an advisory committee to Council with the mandate to:

Foster civic pride, environmental protection and beautification through
community participation

Improve tidiness, appearance and visual appeal of neighbourhoods, parks,
open spaces and streets

Focus on environmental awareness and preservation of heritage and culture

Co-ordinate a host program
Chair: Jim Fergusson, Council Member
Co-Chair: Kay Wise, Citizen Representative
Ex Officio: Mayor Tyler Hessel
Staff: Gary Long, CAO
Administrative Assistant: Nellie Evans
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From left – Jim Fergusson, Liz Sangster, Kay Wise, Heather Redick, Harlie Johnson, Leigh Selk,
Carol Steckle and Nellie Evans.
Absent from photo: Susan Beatty, Janisse Zimmerman, and Sondra Buchner.
Volunteers
Susan Beatty, Garden Club Representative and Master Gardener;
Heather Redick, Business Representative; Leigh Selk, Citizen Representative;
Sondra Buchner, Bayfield Tree Project; Carol Steckle, Business Representative;
Harlie Johnston, Citizen Representative; Janisse Zimmerman, Citizen Representative, and,
Kay Wise, Citizen Representative.
Bayfield Garden Club at the Octagon garden in Clan Gregor Square, Bayfield
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Floral Displays
The Municipality, many organizations, businesses and residents including farm owners, all strive to
make our home visually appealing, well-kept, safe and healthy. Considering the immense diversity of
the Municipality, which encompasses vast acreage of farmland, a strong tourism market with Lake
Huron beaches as the focal point, residential villages and a viable industrial sector (making Bluewater
unique among Municipalities in Ontario) the continuity and overall presentation challenging and
impressive.
Flower arrangements are located in Hensall, Zurich and Bayfield. Through public participation, the
watering is done on an alternating day schedule including weekends in Bayfield, Zurich and Hensall.
The Bluewater Blooms Committee wishes to thank Mr. Doug McBeath and Mr. Doug Brandy for the
time and effort necessary to maintain these flower pots. Huron Ridge Acres, a local gardening
supplier, provides the arrangements for all of Bluewater, with the assistance of the Hensall
Horticultural Society, Bayfield Garden Club and guidance from the Bluewater Blooms Committee.
Planters, unique to each of the Bluewater communities, feature different colors each year. The 'planter'
variety has allowed for each village to sustain its unique personality, with the duplication of style and
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colour of the floral arrangements developing unity within the Municipality. Letters are sent to
businesses and media releases published, alerting and encouraging Bluewater businesses and residents
to participate in developing or expanding their ‘floral’ presentations, as well as suggesting use of the
chosen colour scheme. The Committee is pleased with its growing awareness and the building of cooperation within the community.
The Bluewater Blooms Committee is changing its designated flower from the sunflower to the daylily
and hopes to sell them in a few years. Thanks to Michael Falconer and Huron Ridge Acres for their
assistance in growing and naming the variety. Registered in 2015, the Bluewater Day Lily was named
Bluewater Sunset.
Public school children enthusiastic about their
successful flower/seed plantings!
Volunteers from the Hensall Branch of the Royal
Canadian Legion prepare the flower beds around
the Hensall Town Hall and cenotaph. Pictured
here are Master Gardeners and Garden Club
volunteers working on floral displays in Bayfield.
An abundance of private gardens are located
throughout the entire Municipality featuring great
attention to detail and design, including that of
The Brokenshire House in Zurich, pictured
below.
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Bluewater Day-Lily”
In October of 2012 plans were set in motion for this exciting project to grow an official flower for the
Municipality of Bluewater. Seedlings of three varieties of blue-toned lilies were planted in the ‘display
gardens’ at Huron Ridge Acres, with the generous assistance and expertise of ‘day-lily hybridizer’,
Mike Falconer of Falhaven Farm & Nursery. (Carol Steckle with Mike Falconer)
Once bloomed in July 2014, the residents of Bluewater had the opportunity to vote on their favourite
and the one they want to represent our Municipality. This flower was named and registered, as
Bluewater Sunset, and then will be reproduced by Mike Falconer to be made available for purchase by
the general public. This is a very exciting project of the Bluewater Blooms Committee.
Public Reading Garden
The Friends of the Bayfield Library have also
finished a Public Reading Garden to compliment
the Bayfield Public Library and Post Office
complex. After receiving council approval, the
FOBL has developed a master landscape plan and
fundraising agenda. The garden includes open
space for outdoor library programming, treed
areas for shade and a seating area where reading
and Wi-Fi connections are available. The entire
cost of the project was fundraised by FOBL with
the Bayfield Garden Club committing to maintain
the planted areas for the garden.
Garden Gallery
The “Garden Gallery” was a popular new initiative in 2013. The Bluewater Blooms Committee
recognized outstanding gardens including streetscapes, planters and trees. Members placed
recognition signs at a location they felt worthy and after two weeks the recipient of the sign was
responsible for placing it on another property that they liked within Bluewater. The signs popped up
all across the municipality and mentioned in newspapers. The goal is to encourage all residents to
maintain or upgrade their properties and to ‘participate’ in the recognition process resulting in further
beautification across the Municipality. Signage matches that designed for the beach cleanup
furthering awareness of the Committee.
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Tidiness
The Municipality of Bluewater works hard to keep its streets, parks,
ball diamonds, and all other areas clean and free of debris. Public
garbage cans are emptied on a daily basis. Pet waste dispensers are
accessible at all municipal ball diamonds, parks, beaches and the
marina.
In order to achieve the goal of keeping our municipality clean and
appealing to all, the following by-laws in place:
1.
Property Standard By-law which states that all building and
dwellings are to be maintained at an acceptable level
2.
Lot Maintenance By-law which requires and regulates the
maintenance of property in a clean and clear condition.
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The Great Canadian Shoreline Clean-up
The Great Canadian Shoreline
Cleanup is a national program,
providing all Canadians the
opportunity to make a difference
in their local communities.
Aquatic debris is one of the
biggest threats currently facing
our oceans, lakes and waterways.
This is a hands-on and
community building program.
Bluewater Blooms is proud to be
a part of this endeavour.
Bluewater
shoreline
communities - subdivisions, coordinated by volunteer, Harlie
Johnston and supported by the
Friends of the Bayfield River
made this endeavour possible.
The Municipality provided garbage bags and pick-up of the man-made refuse, including tires.
Recyclables were separated and some items were included in Bluewater’s ‘Large Item Pickup’ at no
expense to individual residents. The impact of this project was one that could be seen over the course
of only one day!
In recognition of this great work by volunteers along Bluewater’s vast shoreline, the Bluewater Blooms
Committee has produced signage to be displayed at the entrances of subdivisions.
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Council has demonstrated its commitment to improving the tidiness of the various communities by
increasing the staffing of by-law enforcement to a full-time position. All urban centres are patrolled
weekly with a focus on 'property standards'. This increase in by-law attention to property standards has
been very beneficial with several long-standing problem properties having been cleaned up voluntarily
by owners, working with municipal staff. Proactively working with citizens and showing them the
benefits of a tidy neighbourhood changes some behaviour such as that of a cluttered back yard now
being enjoyed by the homeowner. The focus of the by-law program is to bring the individual property
owners into compliance with acceptable property standards on a voluntary basis.
Every Summer, gardens and planters in Bayfield, Hensall and Zurich are cared to maintain a colorful welcome to visitors.
The Operations Department staff have assigned duties in the areas of urban and roadside grass cutting,
tree maintenance, waste container removal, road maintenance, sidewalk cleaning and sweeping. Of
particular note is the assignment of dedicated staff to the individual communities prior to and following
community events to ensure appropriate levels of attention to waste removal and recycling,
exemplified by the sweeping of Zurich for the annual Bean Festival. The Municipality hosts an annual
large-garbage pickup for the urban centres and the lake shore community so as to ensure citizens are
able to dispose of those items in a responsible manner and keep their properties tidy. The 800 lane
kilometres of rural roads are patrolled weekly by Roads Department employees to maintain tidiness.
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Recreation staff inspect playgrounds and sports fields on a regular basis and highlight areas that require attention so as to
ensure the work gets scheduled for follow up.
The Municipality assists community groups with tidiness efforts. As an example, $2,000 was granted
to the Pioneer Park Association, comprised of over 60 workers and several service groups, to help with
the costs of garbage removal so that this important space, used by the public (but in the Association’s
ownership) is kept in a clean state and tidy appearance. This is a unique situation exemplifying
community involvement and pride.
Cleanup around the shores of the Bayfield River near Highway 21 – a favourite fishing area.
Facilities staff has worked hard in the area behind the Zurich Arena to facilitate the establishment of an
agricultural park. This area required a great deal of attention to ready it for public events as it was
formerly a drop-off area for brush awaiting transport to the local landfill. Over the last 3 years the site
has been completed, the Municipality erected a coverall type building, and the Zurich Agricultural
Society built a show ring and corral to host their events. This is another ‘unique’ Bluewater facility
made possible only by collaboration between the Municipal government, community members and
groups.
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Beach grooming by machine was replaced by caring human hands to avoid disturbing the ecosystem.
An extensive cleanup was undertaken by the members of the Friends of the Bayfield River and the
Bayfield River Valley Trail Association, all volunteers, along the shores of the Bayfield River, as well
as the roads leading to the harbor and the Bayfield Main Beach – all now free of litter! The garbage
bags were provided by the Municipality as well as the hauling away of the garbage collected
The Bayfield Marina and beach has achieved international recognition with the “Blue Flag”
designation. The criteria for this achievement included efforts in the area of tidiness for waste,
recycling, boat fueling procedures and maintenance, Environment/water quality management, and
animal-dropping clean up. Mechanical cleaning of the beach was replaced with manual clean up in
2015 to avoid disturbing the organisms in the sand. A more in-depth description of the Blue Flag
programme can be found in the Environmental section of this booklet.
Additional tidiness items in Bluewater would include the continued Facade Program in Hensall; the
new designated ‘yard waste’ depot in Hensall (free of charge to all Bluewater residents); and,
maintaining the waste receptacles all year round in Bayfield significantly reducing Spring garbage
cleanup.
New roads for shoreline residents
Over a million dollars will be spent to upgrade and pave lakeshore concession roads (funded by
OMAFRA). This will add to the beautification of areas, as well as cut down on dust. Tidying up the
roads to the west of highway 21 will create a better quality of life for all those affected.
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Municipal Duties include, but are not limited to:
Spring Clean-up
Spring clean-up takes place during the first four to six weeks following the end of winter, approximately mid-April.
Residential Streets
Curb and gutter sections swept once per year generally following the end of winter, approximately mid-April.
Con-curb and gutter sections swept once per year generally following the end of winter, approximately mid-April.
Persistently soft or wet areas of shoulder repaired.
Water should not be allowed to run along shoulders during periods of runoff. Rocks and debris removed.
Correct crossfall maintained on all shoulders.
Crossfall at driveway entrances conform to adjacent shoulder. Reverse slope shoulders be maintained as close to original construction
as possible.
Gravel windrow at pavement edge, outside should edge or under guide rail eliminated.
Excessively dusty conditions corrected by application of calcium chloride/dust suppressant
Shoulder washouts repaired.
Gravel added to build up gravel shoulders even with the pavement edge when required.
Sweeping
Streets in areas of high population density or high profile areas are swept in the spring and if necessary cleaned as required through
the summer season.
Sweepings removed and deposited at an approved site.
Sweeping of asphalt intersections done at the discretion of the Road Foreman or General Manager of Operations
Roadside Grass Mowing
Areas cut a minimum of twice a year.
All intersections cut to allow for vision from vehicles entering from cross roads.
Slopes greater than 2:1 shall not be cut.
All roads cut to property line once per year.
Brush and Tree Removal
Dangerous trees and limbs on the right-of-way presenting a hazard to vehicles or pedestrians removed.
Stumps removed from urban areas, maintained area in front of rural households within the right-of-way and at the discretion of the
General Manager of Operations.
Brush growing in such a manner that restricts drainage or sight vision removed.
Brush catching snow and forming drifts on the traveled road removed.
Trees that are trimmed shall be done in such a manner as to preserve their natural state.
Stumps and brush removed will be disposed of at an approved site.
Permission must be obtained before entering onto private property to remove limbs encroaching on municipal property.
Catch basins
All catch basins cleaned a minimum once per year.
Debris Pick-Up
If there is debris on a roadway, the minimum standard is to deploy resources, as soon as practicable after becoming aware of the fact,
to remove the debris. In this section, “debris” means any material or object on a roadway.(a) that is not an integral part of the
roadway or has not been intentionally placed on the roadway by a municipality, and(b) that is reasonably likely to cause damage to a
motor vehicle or to injure a person in a motor vehicle.
Debris such as cans, bottles, paper and other trash on the roadside, shoulders, road surfaces and boulevard or within the median
removed.
Debris not be allowed to obstruct drainage ways.
Debris not be allowed to accumulate on lightly traveled roads and thus encourage littering.
Waste Receptacles Waste receptacles in urban areas to be placed by April 30th , weather dependant,
Waste receptacles in urban areas to be removed by November 15th, weather dependant,
Waste receptacles to be emptied at minimum, weekly prior to May 15thWaste receptacles to be checked daily and emptied as
required, weekend monitoring to commence June 1 st,
Heritage Conservation
Bluewater also offer Christmas Tree Recycling with drop-offs in Hensall, Zurich and Bayfield.
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Municipal History
Bluewater is a mix of vibrant sun-soaked Lake Huron coastline, the bountiful agricultural lands of the
former Stanley and Hay Townships, the environmentally beneficial Hay Swamp and picturesque
villages and ghost towns. Formed in 2001 the municipality of Bluewater consists of the amalgamated
townships of Hay and Stanley and the villages of Bayfield, Hensall and Zurich. Bringing five
municipalities-urban, rural, and lake shore, together to work as one has had its challenges and rewards.
Bayfield
The Bayfield Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) is located within the western portion of the road allowance
of Bayfield Main Street at 19 Bayfield Main Street North, a property designated in 1983 as part of the
Bayfield Heritage Conservation District. It is a noble landmark on the Bayfield Main Street that is recognized across Canada and the United States. The tree stands in front the old Erwin house and a complex of stores and cafes that have been built behind it. The Bayfield Slippery Elm Tree’s age is unknown, though its size indicates it pre-dates the settlement of Bayfield, which was surveyed in 1828.
The town plot was bought in 1830 by Baron de Tuyll, a Belgian nobleman and the first building was
built in 1833.
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In 2015, the Bluewater Heritage Advisory Committee proceeded to designate the Slippery Elm as a
heritage tree. The tree is known in North America as the largest Slippery Elm Tree in Canada and has
been listed since 1987 on the Honour Roll of Ontario Trees. The Honour Roll of Ontario Trees was
begun in 1967 by the Ontario Forestry Association. Its height and girth have been recorded in Gerry
Waldron’s 2002 book, Trees of the Carolinian Forest as the largest slippery elm tree in Ontario.
The Bayfield Slippery Elm exceeds the average growth for an Ulmus rubra, which is 12-19m (40-60
ft). It has been measured several times - in 1987 its diameter was 150 cm (59 inches) with a circumference of 471 cm (185 inches) and a height of 26.5 m (87 feet). In 2011, it was measured by Ainslie
Willock and Bill Rowat and found to have grown significantly to 513 cm (202 inches).
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The lake shore village of Bayfield was one of the first areas in Bluewater settled because it could be
reached by water. The Bayfield River, at whose mouth the village is located, was named by the Canada
Company when surveying the Huron Tract in 1827. Although Bayfield had some residents in the
1830s, it was not a separate municipality until 1875.
The village of Bayfield evolved from a large land purchase made by Carl Lodewyck, Baron van Tuyll
van Serooskereken of the Netherlands in 1828. He purchased the land, sight unseen, on the
recommendation of Henry Wolsey Bayfield, a British Naval officer, cartographer and nautical
surveyor, who later attained the rank of Admiral. It began as a bustling fishing village and has evolved
into one of Ontario’s best known tourism destinations with its tree-lined main street, quaint shops and
bistros, mix of impressive architectural styles, harbour and beachfront.
An Archive created in front of the old Library has expanded into the former Library and opened in
May 2015 as the Bayfield Historical Society Archives and Heritage Centre. Over the past few years,
both buildings have received face-lifts.
Hay & Stanley Townships
The Canada Company, a land company established around 1825, opened up the Huron Tract, which
included Stanley and Hay Townships. Once a road was built from Guelph to Goderich and the land
surveyed, settlers from all over Ontario and immigrants from the British Isles and Europe bought land
and began the long trek necessary into the wilderness. Early settlers arrived in Stanley and Hay
Townships around 1832. They came first in a trickle, then a flood. The land they settled was rich and
plentiful and has been developed by their labour into the abundant agricultural townships they are
today. The land and area farmers produce corn, wheat, canola, soy beans, white beans and more for
food production as well as supports livestock - cattle, pigs, fowl and sheep. Vegetables and fruits for
market gardening and greenhouses full of flowers and nursery stock grow abundantly in Stanley and
Hay Townships.
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Those farmlands border Lake Huron where a thriving lakeside community of cottages and year-round
properties have developed. Both townships
draw tourists and seasonal residents from
across Canada and the United States with their
beaches and sunsets. All residents, permanent
and seasonal, take pride in their community
enhancing it with gardens and community
projects.
St. Joseph
Of special note is the lakeside community of
St. Joseph that was founded in the 1830s by
the glowing words of praise lumberjacks from
Quebec took back to their home communities
after working in the area. Many of those lumberjacks returned to the area with their families and
established a French-Canadian settlement on the lake shore in Hay and Stanley Townships. One of St.
Joseph’s residents, Narcisse Cantin, worked hard to make St. Joseph a city and centre of industry.
Although not all his dreams came to fruition, the story of his plans and heroic endeavours imbue the
community with special pride. The St. Joseph Historical Society created an archive and museum,
housed in the beautifully landscaped Hessenland Resort, that preserves the continuing story of this
unique Franco-Ontarian community. In July of 2011, a play about Narcisse Cantin was performed on
the grounds of St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
The Bluewater Blooms committee was excited to be able to show 2011 judges the outstanding
community built outdoor theatre and introduce local actors. In 2012 “Grave Matters” starring
decendants of families buried at the site was performed.
Hensall
As people began farming the land, transportation of their crops to the larger markets of London,
Toronto and beyond was needed. In the 1870s, railway companies were asking municipalities to invest
in their future by supporting the building of railways into the area. A pair of enterprising brothersGeorge and John Petty-courted the London, Huron & Bruce Railway company and convinced them to
lay track into a non-existent village where they would give the railway land for a station and tracks.
That was the start of Hensall. The Petty brothers bought land and had it surveyed into village lots after
the railway agreed to establish a station. Their different businesses, a pork packing factory and a
stockyard, attracted workers who needed homes. This in turn attracted builders and carpenters. The
agricultural bounty of the land inspired other businessmen to establish mills, processing facilities and
factories.
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Hensall Opera House was renamed Hensall Heritage Hall in 2014
In 1913 Mr. McEwan willed land to the village to build a Town Hall, and in 1914 G.C. Petty submitted
to council a petition signed by 84 ratepayers asking that a Town Hall be built at an approximate cost of
$5,000. The council and reeve Thyomads Hudson voted in favour of the petition and tenders were
called. Two bids were submitted. Welsh and Soldan were chosen for $6,998. H. Reynolds was hired as
architect. The Hall plans
called for a building 40 feet
by 70 feet with a seating
capacity of 450. The Town
Hall became the village
activity
centre
drawing
crowds from miles away to
the dances. Many concerts
were held including minstrel
shows. The acoustics in the
hall were excellent which
made it an ideal place for live
performances.
A board of directors was
established and the hall
renamed to Hensall Heritage
Hall for its 100th birthday
which
enabled
Ontario
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Trillium Foundation funding of $87,600 for renovations. Events to raise awareness and funds are
planned for each month including a community barbeque and art show. Volunteers have logged more
than 400 hours of service to this project including creation of a website. This group hopes to restore the
glory of this venue by treasuring the memories of its past while showcasing its importance to our
community’s future.
The railway still runs through Hensall, although now it is trucks as well as trains that serve the many
industries in the village. Today, Hensall has a skyline of elevators and a residential area boasting a
beautiful array of housing styles from the late 1800s and early 20th century.
Zurich
Zurich, a village located between London Road and the lake shore on Hwy 84, was created by settlers
from Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as Mennonites from the Kitchener area. Their
influence can be seen most prominently in the local architecture and the village street names. Zurich,
the centre for Hay Township, was incorporated as a police village in 1896. Like Hensall, Zurich has
been host to many businesses and industries over the years. In the 1970s, in recognition of the Swiss
founder of the village, several public and private residences were built in a Swiss Revival style.
Zurich is well-known regionally for its annual Zurich Bean Festival celebrations organized by local
volunteers on the 4th Saturday in August. 2014 marks 49 successful years of volunteer work by many
Zurich residents...a feat by any standard!. The village of less than 1000 residents swells to many times
its size. Visitors flock to town to see one of the largest car shows in the Ontario, eat cooked white
beans (secret Zurich recipe) with smoked pork chops, and enjoy a day of entertainment, kids’ activities,
and a large craft show. All proceeds from Zurich Bean Festival are used for community betterment.
The first cemetery in Zurich served the community for 26 years from 1860 to 1886 and was operated
by St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. During those twenty-six years, over 130 persons were interred. Early
grave stone materials and installations were vulnerable and by 1920 it was necessary to clean up the
cemetery. Grave stones were gathered together, a cairn was built around them and it was sealed. After
90 years, the cairn deteriorated and became unsafe. In celebration of the 150th Anniversary of St.
Peter’s Lutheran Church, the congregation identified the restoration of the original cemetery as a
priority. The plan has involved the dismantling the cairn, relocating its contents, and installing a
permanent monument containing the names of all those interred at the site. Over 40 grave stones were
encased in the cairn. These stones represented a cross section of those interred at this site, from
children of less than one year to mature individuals. They represent the challenges of life as it was
experienced during the early development of this community. The cairn preserved a cultural heritage
and over 90 years later, the community can appreciate its beginnings. Members of the Lutheran Church
deserve immense praise for this historic undertaking.
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Junior Farmers Century Farm Designation Program
The Ontario Century Farm Sign (CFS) was initiated in 1967 as a Canadian Centennial project of the
Junior Farmers' Association of Ontario (JFAO). The project continues today because of the popular
demand for these centennial celebrant signs. The fee supports the cost of the program and leadership
development within JFAO.
The regulations governing designation of an
Ontario Century Farm are as follows:
- Direct descendants of the same family
must have owned the farm for 100, 125, or
150 consecutive years.
- A family member must still be living on
the farm, and it must be in active operation
within the family.
-Incorporated farms and farm properties that
were divided among several descendents are
eligible provided both of the above
regulations are met.
In 1846, William Lamont came to Huron with his Aunt and Uncle (Mr. and Mrs. William Duke) as
William Lamont was an orphan. They built their first log cabin near the present road, but it was
burned with the original deed. At this point a second log cabin was erected and then William returned
to Hamilton to marry Jein Campbell and the second log cabin was built - one for each family. Jein had
four boys and two girls and suddenly William died of galloping consumption and the next generation
spelled their name as Lamont. As the lumber had been saved for the house, Jein built the frame house
in 1867. At this point she married her hired hand and six more children were born - four girls and two
boys. The new house was a vast improvement over the log cabin and certainly much roomier for the
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twelve children while they were all still there. The boys had the south rooms upstairs and the girls the
north side and there were two bedrooms in the south side downstairs. The old house has seen many
changes - in 1912 William Lamont the second added an upstairs to the back kitchen only sadly to lose
his dear wife Agnes McKinley Lamont when she fell through the floor and hit her head on the kitchen
stove. In the late 1920’s, after the death of their daughter, the third generation of William (Roy) and
Jessie Lamont, removed the drafty hall downstairs by changing the stairs around, rearranged the
rooms downstairs and made a bathroom upstairs. Electricity came in 1939 and what a change that
made. The fourth generation of Margaret Lamont and Melvin Elliott, dug out under the kitchen,
installed a furnace and insulated the home. The fifth generation of Joan Elliott and Evert Van
Sligtenhorst completely reinsulated the house and added an addition to the front. “Now all we wait for
is the sixth generation to love it as we do.”
Bluewater Heritage Committee
The Bluewater Heritage Committee evolved out the Bayfield Local Architectural Conservation
Advisory Committee (LACAC). Out of the five former municipalities (Bayfield, Hensall, Zurich, Hay
& Stanley Townships), only Bayfield had a LACAC. Between its formation in 1976 and 1983, the
Bayfield LACAC and the Village of Bayfield designated a heritage conservation district that included
most of the properties around Clan Gregor Square and Main St. Bayfield and designated three
individual properties in Bayfield. Between 1984 and 2001, the Bayfield LACAC also administered the
Preserving Ontario Architectural Designated Property grants with the municipality, as well as oversaw
the requirements required by the sign by-law (676-1995). They also worked with the Bayfield
Historical Society to erect over 25 plaques recognizing historical properties in the Bayfield area. The
LACAC also funded the annual provision of 15 floral containers placed downtown Bayfield and
around Clan Gregor Square.
In 2001, after amalgamation, the Bayfield
LACAC was disbanded and a Bluewater
Heritage Committee (BHC) formed in its
place by the new Council of Bluewater. This
committee of volunteers and council
representatives continues to oversee the sign
by-law requirements, identify significant
historical structures by erecting historical
plaques and work on heritage matters as
defined in the newly expanded Ontario
Heritage Act.
In the fall of 2009, the BHC erected a plaque
in Hensall, the first in that area of the municipality. The Hay Township Hall in Zurich received a
plaque in 2010 outlining its significance. The Committee continues LACAC’s initiative to plaque
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properties of historical interest in all three villages; the latest being the Dominion Hotel in Zurich.
Public education advanced one step further in 2011 with a monthly programme of short property
features in local newspapers. Local editors have been very supportive. In 2012, the Junior Farmers of
Ontario joined with the Committee in the promotion of installing Century Farm signs on agricultural
properties 100 years old and greater. And in 2013, the Committee took the lead in a project to replace
the Narcisse M. Cantin Provincial Plaque that was removed in an unauthorized manner from its longtime home at St. Joseph Park. The unveiling ceremony was held at the annual breakfast in August.
The Committee is working hard to identify agricultural and residential properties of historical interest
to add to its registry of designated historical properties. With the help of a grant from the Huron
Economic Business Development Corp. in January 2010, the committee began work with a heritage
consultant to develop registers of designated historical properties, all the properties in their heritage
conservation district and properties of historical interest. The registers were completed and scheduled
to be available to the public via the municipality’s website.
The BHC also worked on walking tour brochures to complement the one produced for Bayfield. The
Zurich self-guided walking tour brochure was finished as scheduled and printed. The Hensall selfguided walking tour brochure is underway. These walking tour brochures will be augmented by more
in-depth materials on the heritage properties and histories of Zurich and Hensall drawn from research
and recollections provided by local residents. These materials will be available for residents and
visitors to download or view from the municipal website. In order to help prospective home buyers in
the heritage conservation district and those residents in the designated heritage conservation district,
the committee is preparing a guide that outlines the history of each property designated, the
recommendations for that property from the heritage plan, a resource section on where to find heritage
building information and a FAQ section for those considering designation of their property.
In order to keep the community aware of the BHC and their work, various committee members make
presentations to interested groups around the municipality. The BHC continues to serve council by
advising them on matters concerning local heritage.
Pioneer Park Association
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The Pioneer Park Association began in 1948 when Lucy Diehl and 8 friends pooled their funds and
bought 1/4 acre of the last remaining lakefront property on the bluff in Bayfield to preserve it and keep
it available to the public. She and her friends began an association that is now an incorporated charity
whose mission is to own and manage Pioneer Park and maintain free access for the public to the park
and other parks, as well as fund community projects. Pioneer Park grew in size when Phillip Rhynas
donated 4 adjoining lots in memory of his mother and his grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. John Ferguson.
The Association continues to raise the funds necessary to maintain the Park through events like its
annual rummage sale (held since 1948) and its annual 5 K Fun Run every August. Every Saturday
night in the summer, the Association provides entertainment in the park - music, movies, or kids’
activities - for the public to enjoy. Lake Huron sunsets received world recognition by National
Geographic as one of the 10 best sunsets in the world. The park is the best place in Bayfield to see the
sun go down over Lake Huron, painting the sky with stunning colours.
Bayfield Historical Society
In the days before amalgamation, Bayfield recognized its heritage jewels and began working to
preserve them. The Bayfield Historical Society was formed in 1977 to gather information about the
area’s history which evolved into the creation of the Bayfield Archives. The group remains very active
in the collection, preservation and presentation of Bayfield history. Their collection supports the
development of many other community projects, like the Heritage Trail, the Bayfield Town Hall, and
municipal heritage register work. In 2009, the Archives developed a walking tour of the village in both
booklet and presentation form. In 2010, the Huron County Historical Society’s annual publication,
Huron Historical Notes, concentrated on the history of Bayfield and featured many write-ups by
Bayfield’s members and photos from the archives.
Members of the Historical Society give weekly
walking tours, highlighting the history of the buildings
and the village. Daily during the summer volunteers
man the Archive Building providing assistance to
those doing research in the Archives.
In 2014, plans began to designate the Archives
building under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Bayfield Town Hall Heritage
Society
Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society was organized to
save the Bayfield Town Hall after it was deemed
unsafe for the public. They became a non-profit
incorporation and raised the money necessary to
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renovate the building, restoring it to its 1882 condition. Since the renovation, they have promoted use
of the town hall and use the donations and rental fees to maintain its exterior and interior. They host
many events and private gatherings throughout the year. They have hosted the Adleburgh Festival of
Song, Vette Fest - a celebration of the classic Corvette car, a Thunderbird car rally, movie nights,
zumba classes and numerous private functions.
The Bayfield International Croquet Club
Village historians have identified that the game of croquet was always popular in Bayfield. In the early
1950’s a group of Bayfield backyard croquet enthusiasts developed a loosely structured croquet
competition, awarding its first trophy in 1951. In 1974 the group became more serious and the
Bayfield
International
Croquet
Association was born.
From the
beginning the club has grown from 11
members to over 100 members today
and boasts the reputation of the largest
club in Canada.
In 2005 with the need to relocate their
facilities
the
club
approached
Bluewater Council with a proposal to
rehabilitate an abandoned Municipality
owned gravel pit and establish 2
croquet courts. Council endorsed the
idea and
through club savings,
donations and a Trillium Grant, a new
home for the Bayfield International Croquet Club was established. This facility is the result of the
efforts of many enthusiastic members and supporters of the club. Unique and ever expanding, the
Municipality is proud to continue to support the activities of the Bayfield Croquet Club.
Environmental Action
The Municipality of Bluewater is a diverse mix of fertile farm lands and 26 kms of breathtaking
shoreline along Lake Huron. The Municipality has recognized that it needs to be a leader in
environmental protection, conservation, and stewardship and has taken a proactive approach to ensure
that bumper crops continue to grow and our sandy beaches can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Bayfield River Valley Trail Association
The volunteer members of the Bayfield River Valley Trail group have a vision to develop a series of
interesting walking trails along the Bayfield River Valley that stretches from Bayfield to Clinton,
through Stanley and Goderich Township giving all a chance to enjoy the natural environment of
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Bluewater. Since 2008, they have
opened 5 trails - the Sawmill Trail, the
Heritage Trail and the Woodland Trail that begin at Clan Gregor Square; and
the Taylor Trail and the Mavis Trail that
originate at the Stanley Complex in
Varna. All trails are designed to be yearround walking trails that explore the
natural beauty of the area. Organized
hikes are held weekly and publicized on
their website. Most challenging project
yet for Trail builders: The 65 foot, Scott
Robeson Bridge on Mavis’ Trail in
Varna, which was completed in
December 2011, was the most
challenging project ever undertaken by the volunteer work crews in the five year history of the
Bayfield River Valley Trail Association.They said it couldn’t be done without expensive engineering
plans and supervision, the bridge support piers couldn’t have any concrete and no heavy equipment
could be used. Experts projected a final cost of at least $250,000 for labour and materials. Despite all
of these obstacles, supporters and volunteers from Bayfield, over a period of two years, built this
bridge for less than $5000 and met and exceeded all construction requirements.
Now the walking path through a mixed forest to a scenic lookout on the beautiful Bayfield River is one
of the prized jewels for area nature lovers and visitors.
Taylor Trail was developed for “Universal Accessibility”. Soon after completing the Scott Robeson
Bridge, the Bayfield River Valley
Trail
Association
trail
development team, which is
entirely
composed
of
grandfathers, started another
legacy project. They began
redeveloping the Taylor Trail in
Varna into a mobility trail. The
objective was to have a hard
surface path with gentle slopes
and curves so that wheelchairs,
baby strollers and individuals of
all ages with limited mobility
will have the opportunity to
savour a mixed forest nature
Trail.
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Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority
The ABCA owns a significant amount of land in the Municipality of Bluewater, who pay the majority
of the assessment, – nearly 3,000 acres of forests. Most of these forests are in the Hay Swamp, a
provincially significant wetland. Much of the area had been cleared for agriculture in the 1800’s and
early 1900’s. The ABCA began acquiring the unproductive farmland in the 1950’s and began planting
trees. These lands help control flooding and soil erosion and provide excellent wildlife habitat. The
public use these lands for snowmobiling (part of the provincial network of snowmobile trails), hunting,
hiking and nature appreciation.
Most recently the ABCA purchased the Triebner Tract, a 100 acre farm in Hay Swamp. Part of the
property is a natural silver map/ash forest and part is rented out as farmland. Shortly after acquiring
the property the ABCA enlarged the woodlot by planting trees and creating wetlands that will treat the
field runoff before it enters the forest.
A few years ago, the ABCA acquired the Linfield Wildlife Area – a 95 acre property donated by Linda
Linfield near Bayfield. The property helps protect and improve water quality in one of the small
watersheds draining directly to Lake Huron. It also demonstrates that agriculture and the environment
can go hand-in-hand. Erosion prone, steep slopes and floodplains have been reforested and the
woodlot is managed in a way for sustainable wood production and environmental protection.
Friends of the Bayfield River
This environmental group formed in the late 1990s and continues to work to promote awareness about
environmental issues that threaten the quality of water both within and beyond the Bayfield River
watershed. They have put on yearly symposiums since 2002, provide speakers for local community
groups, produce pamphlets, act as community watchdogs by reporting questionable environmental
practices to local conservation authorities, work with local councils to effect positive change in
practices that affect the watershed, provide volunteer guides for visitors and groups to the
Bannockburn Conservation Area and support local youth involved in environmental activities.
Community members are working with the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority to create a
watershed plan for the Bayfield River watershed. The river is the boundary between Bluewater and
Central Huron between Bayfield and Clinton. By using a watershed approach to manage our
resources, we can identify harmful impact on the local environment. We can take steps to address
challenges in both the short term and long term. A watershed plan can prevent future water shortages
and poor water quality.
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Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
The Municipality of Bluewater is one of the member municipalities with
the Bluewater Recycling Association (BRA) contracted to collect waste
and recyclable materials on a bi-weekly basis. A user-pay system has
been implemented to encourage residents to recycle, and its working! In
BRA’s annual report to its member municipalities, Bluewater placed
second with the second best recyclables diversion rate of 57.23%. Also,
Bluewater was able to beat the provincial goal for waste generation of
900 kg/household/year by a whopping 625 kg/household/per year!
Since its inception, Bluewater’s recycling program has resulted in the following environmental
benefits:






19,609 cubic yards of landfill space saved
102,296,075 litres of water conserved, or the same amount that 623 Bluewater residents would
use in one year.
91,129 trees saved
30,335,231 kWh of electricity saved, enough to power 3,035 Bluewater homes for one year.
17,854 barrels of oil saved, or enough fuel for 700 Bluewater vehicles for 1 year.
3,258,072 kg of pollutants to air avoided.
Municipal staff save an average of 10 trees each year by shredding unwanted documents.
Since 2012, Bluewater’s Council had committed
funds to operate the annual large item pick-up for
the various communities. However in 2015, the
program was cancelled in favor of two half-price
days that allow citizens to take their refuse to the
landfill and be charged half of the usual tipping
fee.
Bluewater is also a member municipality of the
Mid-Huron landfill site which operates a year
round hazardous waste depot for Bluewater
residents to safely dispose of their Hazardous
waste.
Bluewater’s Council is taking a proactive
approach to waste management. A landfill
management study was commissioned to review
Bluewater’s waste management activities to
determine where there could be additional
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efficiencies. The result was closing two of three existing landfills and expansion of the remaining
Stanley Landfill. This site continues to offer recycling options that have been in place in the
municipality for many years. Citizens may recycle everything from A to Z including Christmas trees,
electronics, leaves and large household items through curbside and depot programs.
Water Protection and Conservation
The citizens and government officials of the Municipality of Bluewater have long been concerned for
the quality of our groundwater and great lake and have recognized its responsibility to protect the
Great Lakes from contamination. Since the 1990s, when Bluewater was five separate municipalities,
partnerships were forged and programs created for studying and improving water quality and reducing
sources of pollution. One of those lasting partnerships is for a water quality testing program of the
shoreline and numerous feeder ravines with the Bluewater Shoreline Residents’ Association (BSRA),
an umbrella group that represents numerous residents’ associations along the Lake Huron shoreline
from Bayfield to Grand Bend. This program, which is funded by the Municipality and managed by the
BSRA, has evolved in scope and involved the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority and the Huron
County Health Unit.
The Bluewater Council has taken a proactive approach by investing in infrastructure to ensure that our
activities will not contaminate Lake Huron. Bluewater is currently involved in two separate sewer
projects to improve the quality of treated effluent that ultimately discharges to Lake Huron.
Since 2011, an approximately $3.4 million project to upgrade the Zurich sewage treatment lagoons was
completed as well as upgrades to the Hensall lagoon to upgrade the treatment technology resulting in a
higher quality of effluent. Bluewater has also partnered with the Municipalities of South Huron and
Lambton Shores in a tri-municipal sewage treatment plant and collection system project however the
local portion of the project is on hold.
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Bluewater’s Council provided its support for the Huron County septic system inspection program.
Septic systems are recognized as a potential contaminant to source water, and the program involves a 7
year rotation of inspections for all Bluewater residents who own a septic system. The goal of this
program is to reduce potential contamination by septic systems.
The Municipality of Bluewater is also focused on water conservation. During summer months, the
Municipality of Bluewater enforces their water restriction by-law which includes the following:
1) Water restrictions shall be in effect from the first day of June through the first day of October on a
yearly basis.
2) Consumers who receive water from any Municipality of Bluewater system must refrain from
watering their lawns or excessive uses of water namely flower gardens or vegetable gardens except
between the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the following dates – Odd numbered houses on odd
numbered days and even numbered houses on even numbered days. (The last number of the property
(house) or 911 numbers determines which property is odd or even).
A more recent municipal partnership is with the Ausable Bayfield Maitland Valley source protection
project, which is managed by a source protection committee and facilitated by conservation authorities.
This is a legislated role as source protection authorities have the responsibility to develop sciencebased drinking water source protection plans for each source protection area (the Ausable Bayfield
River Watershed area is located within Bluewater) as prescribed by the Ontario Clean Water Act, 2006.
The local plans will help ensure appropriate uses, safeguards and practices in areas close to sources of
public drinking water near municipal wellheads or intakes.
This is extremely important because it
helps to reduce the demands on water,
which in turn ensures adequate fire
protection should the need arise.
Bluewater has completed a project in its
Bayfield community to provide safe
drinking water to all residents. As a part
of this project, all residents are required
to install a water meter, which is
considered key to promoting water
conservation amongst residents. May of
2011 saw a grant from the Provincial Government to Bluewater for completion of the installation of
water meters in all residences currently serviced by Municipal water.
Conservation of this
undervalued resource is a high priority for the Municipality.
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Environmental Stewardship & Community Partnerships
The Municipality of Bluewater has made proactive efforts to become an environmental steward and
foster community partnerships and has formed a Council based Environment Committee. The
committee meets on an annual basis with key local stakeholders to discuss the current status of local
environmental conservation, and to share best management practices.
As an environmental steward we recognize the importance of vegetative growth especially trees. We
take great effort to preserve trees that may be impacted by our projects. For example, throughout the
course of our water-main installation project in Bayfield we have requested that our engineers employ
alternative methods necessary to avoid damage or removing trees. This may involve changes in the
design of the water-main location to accommodate existing trees, or grooming to ensure that equipment
does not impact affected trees.
Before
Water-main installation
After
Community partnerships are also an important part of Bluewater’s stewardship efforts. Each year
Bluewater provides funding to local residents’ associations to conduct water quality testing along the
Bluewater lake shore, and for water monitoring projects in tributaries of the Bayfield River. This
funding is provided to increase the information available to the Municipality regarding potential
sources of water pollution in the area, and to determine what additional efforts the Municipality can
undertake to protect local waters.
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In the spring of 2011, Bluewater partnered with a local environmental group to host its annual litter
clean-up day at one of Bluewater’s landfills as part of Earth Week. Through this event a healthy
relationship has developed ensuring Bluewater’s landfills have no adverse effects for our neighbours.
In 2011 Bluewater landowners completed 29 stewardship projects to protect and improve ground water
and surface water. This is more than any other member municipality. The projects included: one
barn eaves trough, one manure storage decommissions; one erosion control project; six tree planting
projects; one septic system upgrade, and 19 well decommissioning.
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Blue Flag Environmental Program
Bluewater proud to fly two Blue Flags in Bayfield
Environmental Defence has announced the Canadian recipients of the Blue Flag awards for the 2015.
The Blue Flag is an exclusive international eco-label awarded to beaches and marinas meeting high
environmental standards. More than 3,744 beaches and marinas in 46 countries have succeeded in
attaining this coveted certification worldwide.
Bluewater is the proud recipient of two Blue Flag awards – one for the Bayfield Main Beach and one
for the Bluewater Marina in Bayfield. Bayfield Main Beach joins 13 Great Lake beaches and
Bluewater Marina in Bayfield is one of 3Ontario marinas that have received an award for this season.
Blue Flag is an international symbol of excellence and awarded to beaches and marinas that meet strict
criteria that cover everything from water quality to education programs. Beaches and marinas are
certified by two independent juries – the Blue Flag Great Lakes Regional Jury and the International
Blue Flag Jury. People seek out Blue Flag beaches because they are assured the beach is clean and
their use of the beach will not harm the integrity of the ecosystem.
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The main beach in Bayfield is located on the shores of the great Lake Huron. This small sandy beach
has a fully equipped lifesaving station. Amenities close to the beach include accessible public
washrooms and parking. On the north side of the beach, the pier at the mouth of the Bayfield River
provides opportunities for boat watching, fishing or strolling at sunset. The Mara Street Walkway is a
short distance east of the beach and joins beach and marina visitors to the scenic Main Street of
Bayfield. The beach contains natural sensitive features such as dunes and bluffs.
The Bluewater Marina is a municipal facility located on the south side of the Bayfield River, close to
the mouth of the River as it empties into Lake Huron. There are 60 seasonal berths and 20 guest berths
at the marina. This facility offers pump out service, 20, 30 and 50 amp electrical service, washrooms
and showers. The Marina is equipped with a public phone, first aid and lifesaving equipment.
Wireless internet services, picnic tables and a pet waste station are provided. There is beach access and
public launch nearby. The world famous Lake Huron sunsets are viewable from the marina.
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Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition
The Environmental Farm Plan program is a farmer driven initiative, supported through the Agricultural
Policy Framework by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,
Food and Rural Affairs.
Farmers are provided with a book describing different environmental areas to consider along with a
workbook where they complete an Action Plan. Each farmer identifies areas of concern in his own
operation, then completes a Short Term Action (within 2 years) Plan; then A Long Term (more than 2
years) Action Plan, any barriers, and provides a completion Date.
Areas addressed include Soil & Site Evaluation, Water Wells, Pesticide Handling & Storage, Fertilizer
Handling & Storage, Storage of Petroleum Products, disposal of Farm Wastes, Treatment of
Household Water, On-Farm storage of livestock manures, Livestock yards & outdoor confinement
areas, Silage Storage, Milking Centre Washwater, Water Efficiency, Energy efficiency, soil
Management, Nutrient Management in Growing crops, Use and Management of Manure and other
organic materials, Horticultural production, field crop management, pest management, Stream Ditch
and floodplain Management, wetlands and wildlife ponds, woodlands and wildlife.
After completing the workbook, the Huron County Peer Review Committee reviews the environmental
plan and if criteria are met, then the operation will be "deemed appropriate". Several area farms have
complied and many more signs will be visible in the future.
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Bluewater agricultural/farm/business properties host many solar energy producing panels that feed
power into the Ontario grid. Over the next few years hundreds of industrial wind turbines will blanket
the Municipality furthering the Ontario Green Energy goals. All Bluewater residents will be affected
by the massive installations, making their contribution to the green initiatives significant. This is
somewhat unique and not something any Ontario ‘urban’ centers can claim. It has been said that rural
Ontario feeds the cities, and as time progresses it will be said that rural communities also ‘light’ the
cities.
“Blessings” recycling
Blessings is an integral part of this community, recycling tons of goods from golf clubs to televisions
to clothing to furniture and appliances -- well you name it! Their operation is to be commended not
only for its environmental impact, but also for the good-will it provides. Proceeds from turning goods
around supply a food bank which feeds more than 60 local families! They also provide funding to
hospitals, women’s shelters, the handicapped and other worthy recipients. The huge volunteer
commitment that it takes to run this 6-day a week facility includes sorters, clerks, pricers, drivers,
movers and more. Bluewater is proud to be the home of such a worthy endeavour.
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Landscape
Bluewater is fortunate to have many local community groups and horticultural societies who combine
efforts with the Municipality to keep our landscaped areas beautiful.
One of the gems of Bayfield would certainly be Clan Gregor Square. This beautiful park has a lovely
entrance way across from the Bayfield Horticultural Society bed, called “The Triangle” by local
Bayfield Garden Club Members with a landscaped signage area highlighting the contribution of the
local service club. This family park offers enjoyment for people of all ages. The new playground area
encourages hours of fun for young children. The picnic area invites people to come and enjoy their
lunch and dinner while taking in the scenic view the park has to offer. A relaxing stroll through the
park is a terrific way to end a day.
Clan Gregor Square, Bayfield
The Bayfield Garden Club maintains the flower beds and planters throughout the park and other public
areas in Bayfield, including the Clan Gregor park, Lion’s Building, post office, library, south entrance
to Bayfield and numerous aggregate planters.
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Klopp Commemorative Woods
The 150-acre Klopp Commemorative Woods located between the villages of Zurich and Hensall
achieves reforestation goals and provides families an opportunity to celebrate the lives of their loved
ones. Bert and Clara (Kalbfleisch) Klopp purchased the land in 1942 from the Canada Company and it
remained in the family until 1953 when it transferred to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority
(ABCA). In 1998, the ABCA proposed development of the property for educational and recreational
purposes for the general public. An area was set aside for a commemorative arboretum. Chief sponsor
of this area is J. M. McBeath Funeral Home of Zurich and Hensall. For more than a dozen years,
families are offered the chance to donate to the program and native trees are planted by the ABCA.
Each year, nearly 200 members of these families participate in a dedication ceremony on the grounds.
The Klopp Commemorative Woods also contains a walking trail managed by the Lions and blue bird
nesting boxes handmade by Scouts.
St. Joseph Historical Walkway – The Municipality approved a civic beautification fund for
small parks for floral and landscape arrangements.
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Community Improvement Plan
Community improvement is a tool used by municipalities to rehabilitate and revitalize targeted areas
such as specific properties, streets, neighborhoods and entire communities. Improvements can be made
to municipal infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer, to downtowns, to parks and recreation
facilities and to rehabilitating abandoned industrial and commercial sites for new uses. Municipalities
can encourage community improvement through incentive-based programs such as grants. Each year
period, monies are set in reserve for this program.
In 2015, the Community Improvement Plan was
expanded to all of the communities in Bluewater –
villages and hamlets. While final approval and
application details have yet to be ironed out, there may
be financial incentives for a Heritage Building
Improvement Plan and a Commercial Façade
Improvement Plan. For the first time, homes, stores and
significant community buildings in the heritage area
may qualify for a $5,000 grant from the Municipality of
Bluewater. Owners of the buildings must spend $5,000
or more of their own money to improve their heritage
building.
The previous Plan was a facade program focussed on
the village of Hensall and attracted nearly a dozen
participants over three years. Past projects included the
development of a core parkette which was landscaped to
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provide a lovely public space for citizens and visitors to enjoy. In 2014, the Communities in Bloom
Committee hosted the opening of this parkette which was named Dr. Jennie Smillie Park. Council has
also approved a partnership with Iceculture Inc. to landscape the municipal lands in front of Iceculture
and several businesses including the former hotel.
Turf & Ground Cover
Our municipal staff takes great pride in keeping the public grounds within the municipality well
maintained and cared for. This results in residents and visitors alike to enjoy all the amenities that
Bluewater has to offer.
The Operations Department ensures all grass on municipal properties including parks, sports fields,
cemeteries, etc. are cut on a weekly basis and the road side ditches are cut 2 to 3 times per season.
Council has approved the purchase of new lawn care equipment and staffing assignments have been
increased with regard to park and sports field maintenance.
The Municipality does have a pesticide policy and therefore does not use pesticides, herbicides or any
chemical controls.
For those who enjoy the game of golf, the Bayview Golf Course is located on Highway 21 and along
with several other local businesses with manicured greens and turf area. Our Lakeshore Association
also work hard to keep their entrances cut and weeded, and have participated in the sunflower
program! There are many magnificent campgrounds throughout the municipality who maintain their
grounds entertaining families from afar with access to the clean beaches and other parks in Bluewater.
The Municipality maintains one active cemetery in Bayfield, and a number of inactive cemeteries,
while all others are well cared for by
local churches and organizations.
Urban Forestry
Conspicuously absent from the
Communities in Bloom program in
the past and an area for significant
improvement
the
committee
continues to place a high priority on
the importance of the tree cover
within the Municipality.
The Communities in Bloom Committee held a Great Tree Hunt in 2011 A
half dozen heritage trees were identiCopper Beach on Tuyll Street Bayfield
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fied including the butternut tree which is in serious decline and a chestnut tree that is referred to in the
Bayfield Heritage District Conservation Plan.
Protecting our community’s natural features – trees – through land stewardship and protecting areas
from incompatible development is yet another goal sought by the Municipality of Bluewater and its
citizens as stated in its 2005 Official Plan. The County of Huron assists with this goal using the Forest
Conservation By-law enacted in 2006 whereby citizens may file a notice of intent for permission to cut
woodlot trees. The County of Huron has also created the initiative Sustainable Huron is a communitywide initiative intended to raise awareness and foster action to enhance community capacity in the face
of global issues. A strategy for sustainability must be balanced, thoughtful, and planned. It is an intentional approach to understand the three spheres - Environment, Society & Culture, and Economy - and
identify directions which incorporate all three.
“Hands-On”
Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder, Courtesy Bayfield Breeze.
The committee dedicated a great deal of effort in the development of a brochure identifying the
importance of trees to our environment. This literature is available in Municipal office as a hand out
and will be distributed to the residents as an insert in regular mailings. The Municipality also
embarked on a program to plant trees at the Municipal Landfill sites in preparation for their eventual
closure and return to native vegetation.
As part of Education Week in 2011, the Bluewater Blooms committee planted maple trees at the
Hensall and Zurich Public School. Students played an active role in the planting, and now the
maintenance. Zurich Public School was since sold by the school board to a private company which
has converted it to apartments. ZPS students were welcomed to Hensall Public School which was
renamed Bluewater Coast Elementary School. Despite the changes, the legacy of the hard work of
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former students decades ago. A stand of trees, small by rural standards but large when located inside a
village, grows thick and healthy on the west side of the school.
The Bluewater Blooms committee is proud of the accomplishments of the Bayfield Tree Project for
their successful fund raising and spring planting of hundreds of trees along several streets in Bayfield.
This volunteer group including Sondra Buchner (who also sits on the Blooms committee), Truus
Dragland, Roma Harris and Ainslie Willock are always planning additional plantings thus ensuring the
enjoyment of lovely tree lined streets by future generations.
Guides Boost
Tree Plantings
Wanting to join the work of
the Bayfield Tree Project in
2012, the members of Bayfield
Guiding successfully applied for
a tree-planting grant through TD
Friends of the Environment
Foundation as part of a program
offered by Girl Guides of Canada (GGC). Their project proposal, “Guides Need Shade”
earned them a $500 grant and
they planted four trees.
In the spring of 2015, the
Sparks,
Brownies,
Guides,
Pathfinders and Rangers decided
it was time to help again and so
they re-applied for the grant.
Their
project
proposal,
“Brownies for Branches” earned
them a $2,000 grant. The end
result was the planting of 17
trees: eight native Red Maples,
two Sycamores, six Red Oaks
and one Serviceberry.
Members
of
Bayfield
Guiding and their family
members as well as Sondra
Buchner with the Bayfield Tree
Project gathered at the end of
May to plant. After the fertilizer,
dirt and mulch were placed
around the trees roots and the
stake driven in the ground to
hold them firmly in place. The
GGC Tree Planting Program
was established in 2008.
(Courtesy of Bayfield Breeze)
Bluewater Blooms
The Bayfield Tree Project
The Bayfield Tree Project is now into its seventh season of
planting which has resulted in over 200 trees sprouting up in the
village. In their first year, volunteers planted over 70 trees along
the Heritage Streets and in Clan Gregor Park. The springtime
planting was on Louisa Street where Sunset Maple and Scarlet
Hawthorns were planted. Bayfield Terrace was the site for an
autumn planting of Green Mountain Maples, White Angel Crab
Apples and Lindens. In addition, with financial backing of a Clan
Gregor Square Group, a selection of Green Mountain Maples,
Linden, Sycamore, Tulip and Black Tupelo were planted in Clan
Gregor Park. The group completed another large planting this
spring, in the Heritage Section of the village, as well as on
Howard Street.
The girls in blue were out and about along Harbour Court and Jowett's Grove
Road finishing the planting of several of 17 trees they donated to the Bayfield Tree
Project through a TD Friends of the Environment Foundation grant in conjunction
with Girl Guides of Canada.
Page 43
Bayfield Tree Project leaves its mark all over Bayfield
The planting selection has included
Autumn Blaze Maples, Sycamores,
Scarlet Hawthorns and White Angel Crab
Apples. It is the group’s intention to
continue planting trees on the municipal
property throughout the village until the
‘canopied streetscape’ is restored. The
committee is grateful to the generous
support of many Bayfield residents,
Verbeek’s Garden Centre, Bayfield
Guides, Bayfield River Valley Trail
Association, Municipality of Bluewater,
T.D. Friends of the Environment, and the
Ministry of Natural Resources.
At Mill Rd. and Hwy. 21, north of the
willow tree and east of the Lions' sign,
there has been recently planted a very
full new tree.
Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder, Courtesy Bayfield Breeze.
It's a mature Osage-orange tree that was donated to the Bayfield Tree Project by Brodie Tree Services.
This tree was grown from a seed from the fruit of one of the Osage-orange trees at 74124 Airport Line,
south of Dave Brodie's tree farm. The tree is now about 10 years old and hasn't had any fruit yet, so it
may be a male. There are also three little Osage-orange trees now about two feet tall that were earlier
planted in the same area. They were grown from seeds Thyra Knudsen, of Clinton, was given by a
friend who got them from a cluster of trees
growing along the side of the road near
Skunk's Misery (a significant Carolinian
Forest located 60 km southwest of London,
ON). Knudsen noted that one big rotten fruit
produced close to 200 small trees.
According to Ainslie Willock, of the Bayfield
Tree Project, “We don't know where the seeds
came from for the five mature Osage-orange
trees that the Ministry of Transportation cut
down, in 2010, just south of where we planted
along the highway. And, we don't know when
they were planted.
Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder, Courtesy Bayfield Breeze.
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“What we do know now is that they
were planted by William "Big Bill"
Laurence Forrest (1871-1953). He lived
on a farm in Tuckersmith Twp. North
West of Seaforth.”
He was the eighth child of John Forrest
and Margaret McLeod. "Big Bill" is the
great-uncle of Jeanie and Heather
McLeod. Jeanie lived on the Bronson
Line.
In early September, Brodie Tree
Services planted a beautiful tulip tree
flanked by two sugar maples directly
east of Clan Gregor Square's
playground. The Bayfield Community
Group, that oversaw the park’s
revitalization, funded the planting that
was organized on their behalf by the
Bayfield Tree Project (BTP).
Sondra Buchner and Dave Brodie plant the Osage
Orange Tree.
Photo by Melody Falconer-Pounder,
Bayfield Breeze.
Community Tree Sale
2013 marked the Committee’s
first annual Community Tree Sale
which resulted in complete
success, with all trees sold out!
125 trees (native species) were
offered at an economical price to
promote reforestation. The sale
took place April 20, 2013, in
conjunction with Earth Day, and
was followed by another larger
sale in the spring of 2014. The
trees are purchased from the
Ausable Bayfield Conservation
Authority.
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Major Investments in Community
Technology
The Municipality of Bluewater is fast becoming the most connected community in Huron County,
thanks to multi-million dollar investments by local telecommunications companies. This year,
Tuckersmith Communications are scheduled to complete fibre construction in Varna, Brucefield, and
Bayfield (east side of Highway 21 and south of the bridge). This builds on other major fibre
construction projects completed in Bluewater over the past few years by Tuckersmith Communications
and Hay Communications. By the end of 2015, close to 80% of Bluewater’s land mass will be
covered with fibre optic cable.
Commercial Fishing
The Bayfield Harbour will receive a piece of a $288 million pie doled out by the Government of Canada to provide a safer and more efficient working environment for local fishermen and harbour users.
Work will include the rehabilitation of the north entrance pier by covering the existing structure with
steel sheet piling. Another major improvement project is planned for next year to rehabilitate the Fishermen’s Wharf. Bayfield Harbour is the busiest commercial fishing harbour on Lake Huron. The primary species landed at Bayfield Harbour are lake trout, lake whitefish, walleye and yellow perch. The
annual landings at this harbour in 2012 were valued at $1.03 million.
Housing
A sense of community was what drove Ivan Bedard to invest in the redevelopment of the former
Zurich Public School into apartments for senior citizens. When the 2.5 acre property in the heart of
Zurich became available for auction by the Avon Maitland District School Board in 2012, Mr. Bedard
saw a need for housing so that local seniors could remain in their community and near their families.
He also saw that not allowing the building to be demolished was in some way, a method of keeping the
memories alive of the former school. It’s closing was hard for the community to accept. He created
nine apartments and a common space in the 15,000 square foot building. This is part of a trend of
repurposing old schools as school boards downsize and consolidate.
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Health Care
The Bluewater Area Family Health Team announced in June 2015 receipt of a grant of nearly $1.5
million from the Ministry of Health to expand its clinic in Zurich. The 3,700 square foot expansion will
accommodate additional physicians and allow offering of more medical services such as diabetes
education. The building will grow into the existing parking lot and parking will become available
across the street. The clinic currently serves over 4,000 patients.
Community Involvement
You will note that throughout the previous sections, community involvement is mentioned frequently
and without this contribution by citizens, Bluewater could not be the outstanding and beautiful
Municipality that it now is.
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Community Support From Across the Municipality
The Villages of Hensall, Zurich and
Bayfield all host annual community
fairs organized by the local
agricultural societies. Municipal
staff assists in the events and there
are many grants-in-kind provided to
the groups to ensure success. The
Hensall Spring Fair takes place in
June, Zurich in July and Bayfield in
August.
The villages within the Bluewater
are unique and all have incredible
involvement from the community.
The Municipality is fortunate to
have many service clubs and
volunteer organizations to host
events, fund-raise for important
community improvements such as the Municipal Facilities Staff Kevin Geoffrey prepares for the CIB evaluation.
Cairn restoration, the Bayfield Lions Club facility improvement, and the restoration of Clan Gregor
Square by the Restoration Committee.
The Bayfield Garden Club
The Bayfield Garden Club is a group with approximately 100 members who meet several times a year.
There are about 20 core members who do the work including meetings, speaker/event arrangement,
trips, fundraising, and planning and working in the gardens. Four of these members are Master
Gardeners; three with 12 years of service, Susan Beatty, Leigh Selk and Sue van Baardwyk and one
with seven years, Jerry Selk. Two of these Master Gardeners, Susan and Leigh, are also members of
the Bluewater Communities in Bloom Committee.
Since 1979, the Bayfield Garden Club, formerly known as the Bayfield & Area Horticultural Society
under the Ontario Horticulture Association, has fulfilled landscape design needs and ongoing
maintenance in Bayfield, incorporating both realistic and environmentally responsible practices. In
2002, they formed an alliance with Huron Master Gardeners, and became an integral part of many
community events and projects, notably the Heritage Town Hall landscape, the Clan Gregor Square
revitalization project and Lion’s rock bed in 2005/06 and the Bayfield Library Reading Garden in
2013.
The club’s goals are to provide low maintenance, low watering, low cost and attractive landscapes. To
achieve this, they evaluate each site individually, use appropriate plants and xeriscape qualities,
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prepare the planting areas well, use minimal fertilizer, mulch the beds and use perennials wherever
possible, except in the planters located around Clan Gregor Square, at the Lion’s Community Building,
the Bayfield Community Centre, the Archives and the new Bayfield Library. The park’s landscape was
recently enhanced with the splash pad (a project of the Optimist Club) and new trees (planting
organized by Bayfield Tree Project). This practice works well knowing that people resources are
limited. Plants don’t always behave as they are expected; weather/disease and insects don’t always cooperate and older high-maintenance shrubs are replaced as required with lower maintenance cultivars.
The Bayfield Garden Club covers the costs with fundraising and contributions from their community
partners - Lion’s Club of Bayfield, Bayfield Community Group and Vettefest. The Municipality of
Bluewater provides the Main Street planters and are supportive of the club’s activities from watering
the planters to picking up shrub and trimming debris.
The Bayfield Garden Club
Volunteers - We generally ask for gardening volunteers every year in the spring (and many times
receive up to 25 people) and then send out a request every time help is needed.
Volunteer Hours - At least 200 hours are contributed, not including administration.
April & May - Spring clean-up – We generally start pruning and cleaning up after winter in April.
There is a work party to
prune and tidy up the
Triangle (Main Street &
The Square) followed by
individual
or
group
activities to clean and tidy
up gardens in Clan Gregor
Square and beds at Lions
Building, top & bottom of
Mara Street, Post Office,
Library,
Welcome
to
Bayfield sign and the Lions
Arch at the south entrance
to Bayfield, parkette at
Victoria and Fry Streets, 11
aggregate planters and 2
barrels.
May & June - Planting of
shrubs,
perennials
&
annuals throughout the park and areas mentioned above. There are 7 aggregate containers around the
park, 2 at the Lions Building and 2 at the Arena. These are tidied, topped up with potting soil,
fertilized and planted. Ongoing trimming, deadheading of these containers and beds continues until
November.
June & July - Mulch spreading on all the beds that need it. Communities in Bloom judges come in
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July therefore a big pruning, clean-up deadheading, and general tidying takes place.
August – Minor tidying.
September & October - Bulbs are planted throughout the park and public green places. Pre- winter
pruning of shrubs and deadheading.
November - Remove annuals from the aggregate containers and decorate the containers festively for
the Christmas in Bayfield weekend event.
Zurich is legendary for the Bean Festival the 4th Saturday of every August. Local roads are closed for
the celebrations during the day and the festivities end with a community “BEAN” dance at night.
People travel from all over to attend and indulge in the famous pork chop and bean (locally grown)
meals prepared by volunteers who begin the cooking many days prior to the event.
Friends of the Hay Township Hall consist of dedicated volunteers with a mandate to fundraise to
modernize the Hall and make it accessible while maintaining its historical feature. The Hay Township
Hall celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2015. To date they have held a lottery event, obtained a grant
and raised matching funds to repair the exterior brickwork and stone foundation of the heritage
building. They have received the Building/Structural Report and now face a long-term commitment
however the committee is not interested in asking the municipality for assistance. They are always
looking for like-minded people who want to spend hard work, not taxpayers' money, in making the
restoration a reality.
The local Horticultural Societies including the Hensall Horticultural Society work alongside the
municipality to ensure the parks floral arrangements are taken care of. In Hensall, society members
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maintain several beds. In Bayfield, an example of this would be Clan Gregor Square, completely
revitalized by volunteer groups who raised over $300,000 to invest into the square. All of the events
that take place throughout the year would not be possible without the dedicated volunteers and
committees that exist.
The Municipality has benefited from the efforts of the Bayfield River Valley Trail Association, an allvolunteer organization. This group has partnered with the Municipality to develop and maintain a wide
pedestrian trail system that many now enjoy!
Bluewater has several well known individuals whose talents and dedication to their locality is commendable. One such person is Judy Keightley who is an active member of the Bayfield Historical Society and has been promoting Bayfield's colourful past with plays and street theatre, in particularly,
"Yesterday's Bayfield", which involved many community players including some children. "The Murder at The Albion", was another historical play based loosely on events at the turn of the century. Judy's
latest historical play is a drama set in World War 1 and features one of Bayfield's own heroines, Maud
Stirling. Judy is also a member of the Town Hall Heritage Committee and has written and directed several fundraising productions, a Murder Mystery dinner -The Black Pearl Mystery', and a 1940's Cabaret,-"We'll Meet Again", all of which have involved many community people. Last July, a two-week
drama camp will be offered for children ages 6-14.
Others, like Stephen Ralls and Bruce Ubukata who host the annual Bayfield Festival of Song,
showcasing an exciting roster of artists who have performed around the globe, help to foster
community involvement and pride.
Blooms Committee member, Carol Steckle
presented a seminar in conjunction with the
Bayfield Lions Club annual Home and Garden
Show. The seminar, a first endeavor for the
Blooms Committee focused on the secrets of
planting herbs in a unique container garden and
included an informal question period with Master
Gardeners Susan Beatty of Bayfield and Pat
Rodney of Seaforth.
The success of this
community presentation will lead the committee
to planning further such events for the benefit of
Bluewater’s public.
The ‘Friends of the Bayfield and Zurich Libraries’ are groups also comprised of volunteers
providing community support and input into the two new branches (Bayfield underway; Zurich in the
planning stages). They sponsor events relative to the cultural and educational advancement of
Bluewater residents.
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Progressive Agriculture Kid’s Safety Day
This fun-filled day in July will host children, ages 5-12 and demonstrate
and discuss electrical safety, chemical safety, PTO safety, grain safety,
outdoor safety, fire safety, first aid, lawnmower safety and farm equipment
safety. This is only one of 425 such events held across North America, with
10 in Ontario.
This was a first for Bluewater who hosted the event at the Varna complex.
They repeated the fun in 2014 and 2015 (July 7). Plenty of financial and inkind donations make this day possible. Thirty to 40 volunteers usually
participate.
Bluewater community groups
and organizations include
but are not limited to:

Zurich & District Lions Club

Friends of the Zurich Library

Friends of the Hay Township

Zurich Agricultural Society

The Bluewater Community Development Foundation

Zurich Minor Athletic Association

Zurich Chamber of Commerce
 Bean Sprouts Nursery School
 Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society
 Bayfield Historical Society & Archives
 Bayfield Garden Club
 Bayfield Lions Club
 Friends of the Bayfield Library
Bayfield Girl Guides make bluebird houses.
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Bluewater community groups
and organizations include
but are not limited to:

Bayfield Optimists

Bayfield Agricultural Society

Bayfield River Valley Trail Association

Bayfield Tree Project
 Bayfield & Area Chamber of Commerce
 Photography Club of Bayfield
 Pioneer Park Association
 One Care sponsored Fitness in Bayfield
 Bayfield Guiding
 Bayfield Film Society
 Bayfield Bridge, Euchre & Mah Jongg Clubs
 Bayfield Book Clubs
 Glee Sisters Club
 Elliot’s Liquidation Band
 Bayfield International Croquet Club
 Hensall and District Kinsmen and Kinettes
 Hensall South Huron Agricultural Society

Hensall Horticultural Society

Royal Canadian Legion

Tinker Tots Co-op Nursery School
Bluewater Blooms
Page 54
Bluewater Blooms Profile Book Contributors
Photography credits:
Heather Redick
Nellie Evans, Dan Evans
Melody Falconer-Pounder, Bayfield Breeze
Emily Pounder-Dunbar, Bayfield Breeze
Carol Steckle
Inge Mowat
Ainslie Willock
Gary Lloyd-Rees
St. Joseph Museum & Archives
Design/layout/art/production:
Heather Redick www.heatherredick.com
Assisted by: Nellie Evans
We hope you enjoy your
visit to Bluewater.
We are proud of our
community and what we
have accomplished.
www.bluewaterblooms.ca
is hosted by Hay
Communications
Bluewater Blooms
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