2016 Profile Book - Bluewater Blooms

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Contents
Message from Committee Chair
Bluewater Blooms 2015 Core Committee
Floral Displays
Tidiness
Heritage Conservation
Environmental Action
Landscape
Urban Forestry
Community Involvement
Major Investments in Community
Bluewater community groups and organizations
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Message from Committee Chair – Jim Fergusson
On behalf of the Bluewater Blooms Committee, I would like to welcome the Communities in Bloom judges to our
Municipality of Bluewater. The Committee, supported by many volunteers, is proud to showcase our Municipality and
demonstrate the strong community involvement in the CIB program. The previous 5 Blooms awards are 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 gardening enthusiasts in our community. They offer their fabulous expertise
and we gladly accept their ideas and help in establishing our colour themes each year. Council also, is very enthusiastic
about the program exemplified by declaring the second week of June to be Communities in Bloom Week.
Municipal Community Improvement Plans over the past few years have supported catalyst projects such as a core parkette and façade improvements
involving municipal, individuals, businesses and other partners, with public and private investment of over $500,000. Building on this success, the
Municipaliy has recently developed a Municipal wide Community Improvement Plan.
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. The Committee pays tribute to the people, places and events that have built Bluewater.
Visit Jim on facebook.
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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; to improve tidiness,
appearance and visual appeal of neighbourhoods, parks, open spaces and streets; to focus on environmental awareness and preservation of heritage
and culture; and, to co-ordinate a host program.
Co-Chair: Kay Wise
Citizen Representative
Heather Redick
Business Representative
Susan Beatty
Garden Club Representative
Liz Sangster
Citizen Representative
Sondra Buchner
Bayfield Tree Project
Harlie Johnston
Citizen Representative
Leigh Selk
Citizen Representative
Carol Steckle
Business Representative
Nellie Evans
Administrative Assistant
Special thanks to Nellie for her
dedication to this committee.
Mayor Tyler Hessel
Ex-officio
Kyle Pratt
Bluewater CAO
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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 is challenging and impressive.
Flower arrangements are located in Hensall, Zurich and Bayfield. The watering is done on
an alternating day schedule including weekends. The Bluewater Blooms Committee wishes
to thank Doug Brandie and Doug McBeath for the time and effort necessary to maintain
these floral displays. 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 colour for the arrangements. Bluewater businesses and residents are
encouraged to participate in developing or expanding their ‘floral’ presentations using the
chosen colour scheme. The Committee is pleased with its growing awareness and the
building of cooperation within the community.
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 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.
Once
blooming, in July 2014 the residents voted and their choice
was named and registered in 2015 “Bluewater Sunset”.
There is a proposal for the Municipal government to accept this lily as the official flower for Bluewater.
Volunteers from the Hensall Horticultural Society plant and maintain the Jennie Smillie Park; the Zurich Library
evening program participants plant the beds around the library along with Carol Steckle from Huron Ridge Acres; and, Friends of the Bayfield
Library developed a Public Reading Garden to compliment the Bayfield Library/Post Office complex. 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.
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The “Garden Gallery” is a popular initiative. The Bluewater Blooms Committee recognizes
outstanding gardens including streetscapes, planters and trees. Members place recognition signs
at a location they feel worthy and after two weeks the recipient of the sign is responsible for
placing it on another worthy property. The signs have popped up all across the municipality with
media mention. 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. An abundance of private gardens are located throughout the entire Municipality
featuring great attention to detail and design. The private gardens featured exemplify a variety of
styles and diversity in plant materials. Designs are being developed using the new Bluewater
Sunset lily for all Bluewater Blooms initiatives.
In an effort to further conservation in Bluewater
the Blooms Committee has established experimental displays featuring
drought-resistant plantings. The principles of xeriscape today have an
ever broadening appeal. With water now considered an expensive and
limited resource, all landscaping projects, residential or commercial, can
benefit from this alternative. The Committee plans to implement
xericaping throughout Bluewater over the next few years, once a
sustainable plan can be finalized.
2016 marks the first year of the Street Planter
Sponsorship program. Contributions from
businesses and individuals will be applied to
the cost of maintaining and upgrading the
street planters throughout the Municipality.
Sponsors are thanked with a sign in the planter
containing a few words of their choice.
video link to Planters being put together by Huron Ridge Acres
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Tidiness
The Municipality of Bluewater works hard to keep its streetscapes, parks, ball diamonds, and all other public areas clean and free of debris. Citizens
also respect public areas and consequently, issues such as graffiti are not a problem in Bluewater.
By-laws are in place to ensure the upkeep of all properties:
 Property Standard By-law which states that all building and dwellings are to be maintained at an acceptable level.
 Lot Maintenance By-law which requires and regulates the maintenance of property in a clean and clear condition.
Council demonstrates its commitment to tidiness improvement by showing property owners the benefits of a
tidy neighbourhood:
 by-law enforcement is a full-time position
 urban areas are patrolled weekly with a focus on property standards. Increased attention to bylaws has eliminated several long-standing problem properties with voluntary co-operation by
owners and municipal staff. This focus brings individual property owners into compliance.
 the Municipality assists community groups with tidiness efforts, exemplified by the $2000
granted to the Pioneer Park Association, comprised of over 60 workers and several service
groups, to help with the costs of garbage removal in this important public space, owned by the
Association.
 Municipal Roads department has a Winter Minimum Maintenance Standards and Minimum
Maintenance Standards guidelines set in place to ensure safety and maintenance.
Municipal employees take ownership and pride in their community. Public garbage cans are emptied on a daily
basis. Pet waste dispensers are accessible at all municipal ball diamonds, parks, beaches, libraries and the
marina. Tree trimming, grass cutting, weeding – all affect the overall neatness and presentation of Bluewater.
Residents and employees alike deal with any issues of litter.
Other notable council initiatives include:
● 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.
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● Additional tidiness items in Bluewater would include the continued Facade Program in Hensall and Zurich.
● the new designated ‘yard waste’ depot in Hensall (free of charge to all Bluewater residents).,
● maintaining the waste receptacles all year round in Bayfield significantly reducing Spring garbage cleanup.
● New roads for shoreline residents. Over a million dollars was 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.
Facilities staff created an agricultural park behind the Zurich Complex from an area used
as a transfer-area for brush headed to landfill. 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.
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. Bluewater
Blooms is proud to be a part of this community endeavour. For the past 4 years Bluewater shoreline communities - subdivisions,
coordinated by volunteer, Harlie Johnston, supported by the Bluewater Shoreline Residents’ Association, make this endeavour
possible. This year they were joined by The Lake Huron Centre for Coastal Conservation who did the cleanup of Main and
Howard beaches in Bayfield as part of the Butt Free Beaches program. The Municipality provides garbage bags and pick-up of
the man-made refuse, including tires. Recyclables were carefully separated for regular weekly pickup and bags and large items
picked up at no expense to individual residents. As part of the The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup program everything is
counted and reported so the significance of the improvement to the environment can be demonstrated and included in research.
The Bluewater Blooms Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup keeps large amounts(estimate of 100 kg) of plastic from reentering the
lake and data collected contributes to studies done by the Great Lakes Commission, The Lake Huron Centre for Shoreline
Conservation and others.
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Typically:
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Over 9 km of the 24km shoreline are cleaned
Over 200 kg collected
1,800 small bits (less than 1 inch) of plastic and foam are removed from the environment.
120 beverage containers, 110 caps and lids and numerous packages, bags, balloon remnants.
Large items include tires(10), lawn chairs/pieces, lumber, foam blocks, boat parts, plastic drainage pipe
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!
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.
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Dedicated staff are assigned to the individual communities prior to and following community events to ensure proper levels of attention to waste removal and recycling,
exemplified by the sweeping of Zurich at the annual Bean Festival.
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
800 kilometres of rural roads are patrolled weekly by Roads Department employees to maintain tidiness.
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,
Bluewater also offer Christmas Tree Recycling with drop-offs in Hensall, Zurich and Bayfield.
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Heritage Conservation
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.
Each area of Bluewater boasts it cherished heritage with amazing attention to preserving and
maintaining the past for the future.
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.
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.
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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).
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.
Bluewater Heritage Committee
The Bluewater Heritage Committee evolved out the Bayfield Local Architectural
Conservation Advisory Committee (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
they administered the Preserving Ontario Architectural Designated Property grants with
the municipality, as well as overseeing the requirements of the sign by-law (676-1995).
They worked with the Bayfield Historical Society to erect over 25 plaques recognizing
historical properties in the Bayfield area
In 2001 the Bluewater Heritage Committee was formed. 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.
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In the fall of 2009 a plaque was erected 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’s initiative is to plaque properties of historical interest in all three villages; the latest being the
Dominion Hotel in Zurich.
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 long-time home at St. Joseph Park.
The Committee works 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 the committee completed work with a heritage consultant to develop
registers of designated historical properties. View here.
Zurich and Hensall self-guided walking tour brochures were another initiative. 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.
Pioneer Park Association
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. 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. 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.
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Bayfield Historical Society
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 is 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,
municipal heritage register work and a walking tour of the village in both booklet and presentation form. 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.
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 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 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.
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The Bayfield branch of the Huron County library opened at new location. The $1.3 million
facility also houses a post office and public washrooms, which were funded by a $7.49
million Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs grant provided by the municipal
government to Bluewater.
But in the Bayfield tradition, the old Library has been taken over by the Bayfield Historical
Society. It has received a face-lift and will continue to be used to expand the archive
collection. Volunteers moved the contents of the old library just across the way into the new
building and, filled the new shelves.
Bayfield Heritage Properties
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.
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.
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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 ho me 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 and Area Historical Society created an
archive and museum, housed in the beautifully landscaped Hessenland Country Inn, 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 descendants of families buried at the site, was performed to sold out audiences.
St. Joseph and Area Historical Society
The St. Joseph and Area Historical Society placed third in the annual Communities in
Bloom 2015 Gardens of Remembrance program with their submission, the “St. Joseph
Memorial Park”. The garden in St. Joseph’s Memorial Park was the only Ontario award
recipient in the Garden of Remembrance program and the Historical Society was
presented with a $100.00 gift card from Home Hardware.
The staff and owner, Gary MacLean of Home Hardware, Grand Bend are pictured with St. Joseph and
Area Historical Society representatives, Martha Mungar and Mark Tucker.
This volunteer organization has also created a photographic reference file for all St. Peter’s Cemetery tombstones. The
results are on-line at here.
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Great Storm of 1913, Wexford Plaque erected in St. Joseph’s Memorial Park
A very successful dinner theatre “The White Hurricane” was presented and during the evening
we raffled off prints of the ships we featured in the production. Proceeds of the raffle and a
generous grant from the Municipality of Bluewater allowed for the erection of another historical
plaque in St Joseph’s Memorial Park. The plaque faces the location in the lake where the
Wexford lies.
Martha Munger, Joan Karstens, Dianne Tucker, Mike Miller, Mark Tucker, Nancy Robison, Joe Wooden, Pat
Rowe, Frank and Liz Ihrig
To read more about St. Joseph and the village’s connection to Saint Andre as well as in-depth information about the incredible history surrounding
this part of Bluewater, go here.
Hensall
Hensall is a vibrant Victorian era village that boasts several thriving industries and holds the title of
the "Largest Inland Granary in the World."
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
brothers - George and James 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. In the early days of Hensall, building materials were by
necessity sourced from as close to the village site as possible. The first homes featured foundations
of local field stone boulders. Well proportioned Victorian era homes favored buff (yellow) brick from local clay deposits manufactured in nearby
Seaforth. By Edwardian times field stone foundation were often superceded by decorative concrete block manufactured in Hensall by Wm.Pfaff Co.
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Hensall Heritage Hall
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 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 project is nearing completion, restored to its old glory treasuring the memories of its past while showcasing its importance to our community’s
future. 2017 Judges will have the opportunity to view this restoration first hand, along with the general public. Interest is already high for use for
functions.
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.
Dr. Jennie Smillie Parkette
A new parkette in Hensall pays tribute to this female trailblazer in Canadian medical
history.
She was born on a farm just outside Hensall in 1878 and later became Canada's first
female surgeon. Dr. Jennie Smillie-Roberston also co-founded the Women's College
Hospital in Toronto.
In 2016, Dr. Smilie-Robertson has been nominated to be the first Canadian woman to appear on Canadian currency.
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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 in some of the local architecture but primarily in 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, some 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. 2016 marks 51 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 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.
Pioneer Cemetery
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
th
sealed. After 90 years, the cairn deteriorated and became unsafe. In celebration of the 150 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
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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.
The Hess Clock Tower
The clock tower/steeple of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church at its height of over 100 ‘ and its age of 135 years is one of the cultural
heritage landmarks of the village of Zurich and in the municipality of Bluewater. It is a beacon, a landmark on which persons
travelling from any of the four directions rely. It bears a Bluewater Heritage Plaque. The graphic artist for the village signs in
Bluewater chose a sunset to represent Bayfield, grain elevators to represent Hensall and a tower clock to represent Zurich. The
clock has been identified by Graham Jones of NAWCC Bulletin, as Canadiana, meeting the criteria of: 1) That the item be
made in the 19th century; 2) That the item has a unique or historic Canadian feature, and 3) That the item is available for close
inspection.
The clock is one of seven clocks in Canada which meet this criteria and one of three clocks which are still in running order, the
Halifax Town Clock, Halifax Nova Scotia, Christ Church Cathedral Clock in Fredericton, New Brunswick and the clock in St.
Peter’s, Zurich. The clock was designed and built by George Hess, the first of three clocks which he built, one in St.
Sebastical Lutheran Church in Tavistock and one in the Exeter Town Hall. Neither of the later two clocks is running as
originally built.
For several years the police village of Zurich contributed to the cost of the winding of the
clock. To- day the supervision and winding of the clock is done by a dedicated volunteer,
Doug Thiel, who is now training new guardian of the clock. With grants from all levels of
Government and private fundraising, restorations to this clock include the replacement of
the faces, hand-done, by local volunteers to match the original, repairs to the clock
assembly and to the tower itself.
Access to the clock in the clock tower is limited to private viewing. However, the
committee has developed a documentary to bring the clock and its operation to the people
and to compliment tourist visits to this heritage landmark.
Zurich is also home to boomtown false front storefronts. Original buildings of this style are few and far between.
To view all of the heritage sites in Zurich go here.
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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 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.”
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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.
In an effort to further promote environmental action, Bluewater Blooms is moving from a printed profile book to digital. Over the next 12 months
the new format will be able to feature video sections emphasizing the different criteria areas of Community in Blooms Ontario.
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
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 year-round 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. 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.
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!
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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 employees save an average of 10 trees each year by shredding unwanted documents. Bluewater is also a member municipality of the MidHuron landfill site which operates a year round hazardous waste depot for Bluewater residents to safely dispose of their Hazardous waste.
Bluewater takes 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 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 Lakes 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
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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.
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 science-based 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.
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.
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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 and after installation photo.
Bluewater has partnered with Pioneer Park Association to build a rain garden to collect storm water
from a nearby municipal street. The plants in the garden will hold and absorb nutrients improving
water quality before the water enters Lake Huron.
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.
The Blooms committee has also developed recommendations for a Tree
Policy for all of Bluewater. The Municipality is currently reviewing
those recommendations before implementing.
Bluewater landowners have 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
Environmental Defence 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 three Ontario 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.
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.
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.
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“Blessings” recycling
Blessings Community Store 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.
Landscape
Bluewater is fortunate to have many local community groups and horticultural societies who combine efforts with the Municipality to keep our
landscape beautiful.
Clan Gregor Square, Bayfield
A gem of Bayfield is Clan Gregor Square. This beautiful park offers enjoyment for people of
all ages with playground areas, picnic areas, new washrooms, war memorial monument,
Friday farmers market and pathways for a scenic relaxing walk.
The Bayfield Garden Club maintains the flower beds and planters throughout the park and
other public areas in Bayfield, including the Clan Gregor Square park, Lion’s Building, south
entrance to Bayfield and numerous aggregate planters and urns in the community.
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Klopp Commemorative Woods
The 150 acre Klopp Commemorative Woods located between the villages of Zurich and
Hensal achieves reforestation goals and provides families an opportunity to celebrate the lives
of their loved ones. Burt and Clara Klopp purchased the land in 1942 from the Canada
Company. It was transferred to the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA) in
1953. In 1998 ABCA proposed development of the property for public educational and
recreational purposes. An area was set aside for a commemorative arboretum. This site also
contains a walking trail managed by the Lions, and bluebird nesting boxes handmade by
Scouts. Each year, nearly 200 members of these families participate in a dedication ceremony
on the grounds.
St. Joseph Historical Walkway
The Municipality approved a civic beautification fund for small parks with floral and
landscape designs.
St Joseph's Memorial Park - War Memorial Monument
The St Joseph and Area Historical Society is relocating its monument to a more central place
and raising it to better accommodate the Remembrance Day service. The society raised
additional funds with generous support of the Municipality of Bluewater, Veteran Affairs
Canada and McCann Ready-Mix.
Dr. Jennie Smillie Memorial Parkette
A new addition to King Street, the Parkette provides a welcome spot for residents and
those who work in the village to sit and people watch or enjoy a picnic lunch. Benches
are strategically located throughout the village.
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Petty Brothers
Of particular interest is the bench /art installation of the Petty Brothers located in front of
the Heritage Hall. The bench commemorates James and George Petty the founders of
Hensall. The brothers named the village Hensall after their home in Yorkshire.
Zurich Parkette and Playground
Well maintained parks and parkettes can be found throughout the Municipality. A
playground, ball diamond and washroom facilities, along with a large picnic area and open
air pavilion make this a well used space. The annual Zurich Bean Festival car show uses
much of this land the 4th Saturday in August. This park also houses the founding historical
plaque.
Hensall Kinsmen Community Park
This Hensall park features a new splash pad and baseball diamond for
youth activities in the summer as well as rock gardens, memorial trees
and a mature woodland area that has provided hours of family fun
over the decades. The park adjoins the Hensall Complex and also
features a pavilion where such events as barbeques and family
reunions commonly take place. In June 2016, the 148th Hensall Spring
Fair took place with outdoor activities in the Park.
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Farm Properties
Agricultural properties take up most of the land space of Bluewater. A tour up and
down rural roads will confirm that this Municipality can boast a beautiful and well
kept agricultural landscape.
Residential Properties
The residential communities of Bluewater maintain properties to high standards.
Municipal by-laws have helped to ensure that all of the residential landscape is kept
neat and tidy.
Agricultural Landscape
Bluewater is home to fertile land and prosperous farms managed with the
environment and landscape in mind. They are among the most wellmanaged, beautiful and productive in Canada.
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Natural Landscape Park
Stanley Pavilion Park is only one of many areas in Bluewater that take advantage of
the beauty of the ‘natural landscape’ of the area.
Bluewater Theme
The different areas of Bluewater are designated with signs designed with one theme. Each uses the same font and format, but the graphic illustrates
the unique characteristics of each region. Note the “tidiness” so very evident in ‘all’ of these photographs.
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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, 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. Applications have been accepted under the categories of Heritage
Building Improvement Plan and Commercial Façade Improvement Plan. In 2016, $5000 matching
grant have been made available to homes, stores and significant community buildings in the
heritage area.
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 provide a lovely public space for citizens and visitors to enjoy. The
Communities in Bloom Committee hosted the opening of this parkette which was named Dr.
Jennie Smillie Park.
Turf & Ground Cover
Our municipal employees takes great
pride in keeping the public grounds
within
the
municipality
well
maintained and cared for. This results
in residents and visitors alike
enjoying 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
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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.
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.
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. 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.
Urban Forestry
Urban Forestry is one of Bluewater’s Blooms highest priorities. For years, the tree
canopies of our three villages, Bayfield, Hensall and Zurich, have been in decline.
Reversing this is an ongoing initiative.
The Municipality’s Official Plan has indicated that the citizens’ desire trees to be
protected through stewardship and regulations for land development and recognizes the
importance of trees in the fight again global warming and the role they play in air and soil
quality, aesthetics and psychological well-being.
The Bluewater Blooms committee has recently drafted a comprehensive Urban Tree
Policy which is being finalized to take to Council for affirmation. Guidelines will be in
place to assist all our citizens in building a strong and healthy urban tree environment.
Several projects continue in order to meet goals of building, sustaining and appreciating
our Urban Forests, including tree planting at the Municipal Landfill sites in preparation
for their eventual return to native vegetation
The Great Tree Hunt
The Communities in Bloom Committee identified a half dozen heritage trees including the butternut tree which is in serious decline and a chestnut
tree that is referred to in the Bayfield Heritage District Conservation Plan.
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Education Week
As part of Education Week, the Bluewater Blooms committee planted maple
trees at the Hensall and Zurich Public Schools with students playing an active
role in the planting, and now the maintenance. Students learned in the classroom
the value of trees to the environment and participated enthusiastically in the
planting exercise. In total 16 maple trees were planted at the schools.
Huron Centennial also purchased 6 trees from the Bluewater Blooms Tree Sale
enhance their school property.
Community projects like the memorial tree planning at Klopp’s Park add greatly to
the reforestation on Bluewater land.
Community Tree Sale
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 and a fall sale in
2015 The trees are purchased from the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority.
Protecting our community’s natural features – trees – through land stewardship and protecting
areas from incompatible development is mandate of the Municipality of Bluewater and its
citizens as stated in its 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, a community-wide initiative intended to raise awareness and foster action to enhance community capacity in the face of global issues. A
strategy for sustainability is balanced, thoughtful, and planned.
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Bayfield Tree Project
The Bayfield Tree Project is managed by a volunteer group assisted by residents and youth and is now into its fifth year of planting. In the first year
over 70 trees along the Heritage Streets and in Clan Gregor Park were planted. The springtime planting concentrated 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.
As of 2016, 400 varied species many of which are native have been planted. The
mission is to “re-Tree Bayfield”. The planted species include Maples, Sycamores,
Locusts, Osage Orange, Kentucky Coffee, Hackberry, and Redbud to name a few.
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 followed by another large planting last spring in the Heritage
Section of the village, including n Howard Street. This planting selection included
Autumn Blaze Maples, Sycamores, Scarlet Hawthorns and White Angel Crab
Apples.
Planting will continue on Municipal property throughout Bayfield until such time
as the ‘canopied streetscape’ is restored, along with reforestation of the Sawmill
Trail to fill in areas lost to the Ash Borer. These projects have been generously
supported by many Bayfield residents, the Bayfield River Valley Trail
Association, the Municipality of Bluewater.
Young people from the community play in important role. The Bayfield Girl Guides and Sparks were out
finishing the planting of several of 17 trees they donated to the Bayfield Tree Project through a TD
Friends of the Environment Foundation grant, and in conjunction with Girl Guides of Canada.
A brochure identifying the importance of trees to our environment has been produced and is available at
the Municipal office.
A mature Osage-orange tree, donated by Brodie Tree Services was planted. 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 planted earlier in the same area.
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Hensall and Community Horticultural Society
This community group relates to all aspects of gardening in a sound and sustainable fashion. In recent years, a representative from Trees Ontario
provided a workshop. In 2016, using guidelines provided by Trees Ontario and supplemental information supplied by the Ontario Horticultural
Association, an inventory of trees within the community was initiated by an interested member.
Hensall has long been admired for its maple lined streets with a far wider
variety of healthy tree species throughout the Village, including: butternut,
black walnut, black locust, several varieties of oak, chestnut, several varieties
of maple, several varieties of pine, several varieties of spruce, cedar, larch,
hemlock, various fruit trees including heritage varieties, poplar, birch, beech
ironwood, tulip and osage orange.
Planting of native species is encouraged.
Nine trees have been planted in the Dr. Jennie Smillie parkette with the help
and donations from volunteers. These trees are carefully watered and cared for
by volunteers. Native species were highlighted.
Ferguson Apiaries, located
between Zurich and Hensall
is a nationally known
advocate for pollinators has
also provided presentations
outlining the importance of
planting for pollinators and
avoiding
chemical
and
physical agents that are
detrimental to pollinators.
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Trees Ontario Projects managed by the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority
ABCA Triebner Tract on McDonald Line, east side of Hay Swamp, acres, 3600 trees
Bill Campbell Property at SE corner of Bronson Line and Pavillion Road 10 acres 5600 trees
ABCA Linfield Wildlife Area at SW corner of Goshen Line and Pavillion Road 7 acres, 5000 trees
Municipality of South Huron Property east of Ausable Line Landfill Phase 3, 12 acres, 8500 trees
Municipality of South Huron Property east of Ausable Line Landfill Phase 2, 15 acres, 10,000 trees Scott Mellor Property on Parr Line north of Varna
2 acres, 1500 trees
Municipality of South Huron Property east of Ausable Line Landfill Phase 1, 15 acres, 10,550 trees
A total of 66 acres reforested with 44,750 trees.
Community Involvement
You will note that throughout the previous sections, community involvement is mentioned
frequently and without this contribution by citizens, groups and businesses, Bluewater could not
be the outstanding and beautiful Municipality that it now is. Participation by residents,
businesses, groups and organizations is the key to our “Five Stars” and we have dedicated this
separate section to further highlight Community Involvement.
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 assist 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 host events and fund-raise for important community improvements such as the
Cairn restoration, the Bayfield Lions Club facility improvement, the restoration of Clan Gregor
Square by the Restoration Committee, and the Tower clock project in Zurich, to name only a
very few.
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Zurich Bean Festival Committee
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. It is a day of family reunions, frog jumping
contests, car enthusiast excitement, markets and entertainment.
The Zurich Bean Festival Committee is comprised of volunteers
from Zurich and surrounding area. A core committee works
year-round planning and co-ordinating, but in the weeks just
before and after, hundreds of local volunteers jump in to cook
beans, re-organize the village, serve, and clean up. This volunteer group has managed to come together for 51 years with the same energy and
enthusiasm as when first formed.
Wrench Benders
Each year at the Zurich Bean Festival the Wrench Benders car
club hosts one of the largest meets in Ontario.
They collect donations for the local food bank and provide
financial support to other deserving endeavours.
Home 4 Good
Home 4 Good is a recently- formed volunteer community group. Their goal is to learn about and respond to some of the challenges facing Bayfieldarea residents who wish to remain here as they grow older. Their first project involved conducting interviews with potential participants to
understand the barriers that may prevent people from remaining in their own homes.
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From this information three committees were struck to access information regarding Housing,
Transportation and Communication needs. These three committees have been gathering information
and planning solutions to problems that will assist in overcoming the barriers which may keep folks
from having to move from the village they love.
The project is ongoing.
Hensall Kinsmen and Kinettes
These groups have a long history of service to the community - most recently successfully completing
a project to install a splash pad at the Hensall community park.
The Bayfield Garden Club
The Bayfield Garden Club is a group with approximately 100 members who meet
several times a year. Two members of the club sit on the Bluewater Communities
in Bloom Committee. Since 1979, the Bayfield Garden Club has fulfilled
landscape design needs and ongoing maintenance in Bayfield, incorporating both
realistic and environmentally responsible practices.
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, prepare the planting areas well, use
minimal fertilizer, mulch the beds and use perennials wherever possible.
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 through the Bluewater Blooms committee, provides the Main Street planters and
are supportive of the club’s activities from watering the planters to picking up shrub and trimming debris.
Friends of the Hay Township Hall
This volunteer group has a mandate to fundraise to modernize the Hall and make it accessible while maintaining its historical feature. The Hay
Township Hall celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2015. To date they have held a lottery event, obtained a grant and raised matching funds to repair
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the exterior brickwork and stone foundation of this heritage building. They have received the
Building/Structural Report from the Municipality and now face a long-term commitment to conduct
all renovations with privately raised dollars. They are always looking for like-minded people prepared
to work hard towards making this restoration a reality.
Hensall Royal Canadian Legion
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 468 supports good works across the community and maintains a small
garden at the village cenotaph commemorating Hensall citizens who gave their lives in 2 World Wars.
Bluewater and Area Family Health Team
A group of very energetic, hard working community volunteers along with the Grand Bend
Community Health Centre and Ministry of Health and Long Term Care put a Business Plan
together to address the shortage of physicians in this community. The idea behind a Family
Health Team is having a number of health care providers under one group, which would meet
the patients needs in the community.
The Bluewater Area Family Health Team was given its designation July 1, 2008. The
community agreed to purchase the original building through community donations and fund
raising events.
The MOHLTC paid for renovations, medical and office equipment for start up. The BAFHT
is a Community Sponsored FHT, Blended Salary Model (BSM). This means all employees
including the physicians are on salary. The BAFHT annual budget is totally controlled by the MOHLTC and is based on the number of patients
registered to each physician. The clinic now serves over 4000 patients.
The Association gained its “Charitable Status” in October of 2015 and is now engaged in a $600,000 fundraising effort to meet the financial
requirements of the new expansion for the centre.
Hensall Horticultural Society
The local Horticultural Societies work alongside the municipality to ensure the parks floral arrangements are taken care of. In Hensall, society
members maintain several flowerbeds.
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Bayfield River Valley Trail Association
The Municipality has benefited greatly from the efforts of this all-volunteer organization, as a partner with the Municipality to develop and maintain
a wide pedestrian trail system that many now enjoy!
Bayfield Historical Society
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.
The ‘Friends of the Bayfield, Hensall and Zurich Libraries’ are groups also comprised of volunteers providing community support and input.
They sponsor events relative to the cultural and educational advancement of Bluewater residents. Two new libraries in Bayfield and in Zurich attest
to their dedication.
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.
Bluewater has hosted the event at the Varna complex with plenty of financial and in-kind donations to make this day possible. Thirty to 40 volunteers
participate.
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Major Investments in Community
We added one more small section to our profile book to highlight just a few examples of the investment, community enhancements, and caring – that
seem to fit into several areas of the criteria and further exemplify Bluewater’s best face.
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. Close to 80% of Bluewater’s land mass is covered with fibre optic cable.
Bluewater is also home to Virtual High School located in Bayfield. This school strives to
provide the best education possible via the Internet to its students. Virtual High School can
provide an advantage to the student over a traditional classroom with classes available 24
hours a day, 365 days a year. This amazing addition to Bluewater is fully accredited with
award-winning courses, hosted in the world's best student learning environment provided by
the Desire2LearnTM Learning Management System
(LMS).
Care was taken to ensure that the structure fit in with
the rest of the Heritage Main Street in Bayfield.
Commercial Fishing
The Bayfield Harbour received 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.
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Housing
A sense of community was what drove Ivan Bedard to investing the
redevelopment of the former Zurich Public School into “Centreview
Apts.” apartments. When the 2.5 acre property in the heart of Zurich
became available for auction he saw a need for housing. He also was
determined to have the structure remain in the community, one that had
provided so many memories for Zurich and area families. This
repurposing of an old school is environmentally and historically
important.
community groups and organizations,
include but are not limited to:
Photographic Credits:
Bayfield Agricultural Society
Bayfield Book Clubs
Bayfield Film Society
Bayfield Girl Guides
Bayfield Historical Society & Archives
Bayfield International Croquet Club
Bayfield Lions Club
Bayfield Tree Project
Bean Sprouts Nursery School
Hensall and District Kinsmen and Kinettes
Hensall Dog Park Committee
Hensall Streetscape and Infrastructure Improvement group
One Care sponsored Fitness in Bayfield
Photography Club of Bayfield
The Bluewater Community Development Foundation
Tinker Tots Co-op Nursery School
Zurich & District Lions Club
Zurich Agricultural Society
Zurich and Area Chamber of Commerce
Bayfield River Valley Trail Association
Glee Sisters Club
Bayfield Bridge, Euchre & Mah Jongg Clubs
Bayfield Optimists
Bayfield Garden Club
Friends of the Hay Township Hall
Friends of the Bayfield Library
Bayfield & Area Chamber of Commerce
Bayfield Town Hall Heritage Society
Hensall South Huron Agricultural Society
Royal Canadian Legion
Hensall Horticultural Society
Bayfield Guiding
Pioneer Park Association
Zurich Minor Athletic Association
St. Joseph and Area Historial Society
Friends of the Zurich Library
Bluewater and Area Family Health Team
Heather Redick
Nellie Evans
Gary Lloyd-Reese
St. Joseph Museum &
Archives
Melody Falconer-Pounder,
Bayfield Breeze
Fergusson Apiaries
Adam Garness, OFA
Bluewater and Area Health
Team
Leigh Selk
….with special thanks to our volunteer area fire departments…..
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