The Fox is guarding the Hen House!

We've been asking for a while now about why we do not see input from Mr. John Ford on any financial matters being brought before Council.  One would think that a General Manager of Financial Services would have some input into these matters.  At a cost of $112,935.69 per year for his salary shouldn't his input be mandatory?

In Norfolk County's recent Budget debate it should be noted that Mr. Ford's presentation to Council is not available for Public viewing.  We like to call this selective transparency.

http://www.norfolkcounty.ca/government/financial-information-taxes-rates/financial-information/budget-information/tax-budgets/2014-tax-budgets/ 

Citizens Turfed from Long Point Region Conservation Authority Meeting

We've received an email from a senior citizen saying that he and a younger resident were asked to leave the November 6th meeting at the LPRCA, just for being there.

Both residents were concerned with the neglect of Backus Mill and wanted to listen to the public meeting so they would know what was going on in the effort to get the Mill repaired.  They were allowed to listen in while the acceptance of the last meetings motions were being discussed.

As soon as new business was to be discussed the pair were asked to leave the meeting by Ms Betty Chanyi and then by Mr. Cliff Evaniski.

Is Norfolk Planning for a Zombie Apocalypse?

The Zombies are coming...  run for your life.
No wait, Norfolk County has 'planned' for this.

How else can you explain the fact that Norfolk County has more planning staff than the City of London?

We should feel secure in the fact that there must be a Civic Plan down at City Hall that will help the Citizens of Norfolk survive what Rick and his fellow citizens in The Walking Dead cannot.


Rest assured our 46 Members of the Planning Dept are hard at work right now saving us from certain demise.

Giant Sinkhole Discovered In Norfolk County.

A giant sinkhole has been discovered in Norfolk County, Ontario.

The recent discovery, has the local residents wondering how deep the hole actually is.

Sources close to the situation feel that the source of the sinkhole is located at 50 Colborne Street South, Simcoe, Ontario.

Our Beloved Backus Mill - Neglected but not forgotten

For many generations the Backus (Grist) Mill has been a monumental landmark in Norfolk County.  Built in 1798 it stands tall and proud as a representation of everything that has made not only Norfolk County but Canada what it is today.  It reminds us of the sense of community, the dedication, and the triumphs of our early settlers to the area and gives us all a tremendous amount of pride. 

Norfolk County Councillors at the Trough in LPRCA

Are Norfolk County Councillors the best choices for running the LPRCA?  Each meeting of Directors cost the LPRCA an estimated $9,500.  10 Directors for a Company with 20 full time employees.  $19,663 charitable donation receipts given.  The Directors alone cost $6.75 for each $1 donated.

Would you invest in a Company that loses money every single year?  Last year net profit was -$126,834.

Toads, Toads and more Toads.

So you received a brochure on an endangered species and are wondering how it will affect your property on Long Point?  We've put together the facts so that you are aware of the situation you are now facing.  It's not nearly as sugar coated as Councillor Chanyi would have you believe.

The long and short of it is that NO development must occur in the area.  The area is deemed to be 700 metres inland from the waters edge.  This includes all the cottages on Long Point.

This has not been finalized yet so you still have time.  If this does happen to go through you will need to get approval for any 'development' from LPRCA.  There is a cost and from all accounts working with LPRCA as a private citizen compares to a root canal.  If you happen to buy Backus Woods on the cheap from them, there is no issue getting whatever you want as in the case of NCC.

Another Norfolk County Boondoggle Costing The Residents More Money.

So, the Lagoon clean-up in Port Rowan will only go over the estimated budget by $200,000 to $300,000?

Council initially thought the job could get done for $291,000.  After that money had been spent, the new tender came in at a mere $774,500.  Not sure how they consider $200,000-$300,000 over budget equals $774,500, however, they have a way of doing math like we've never seen before.

Norfolk Council In Comittee Meeting - Oct 2, 2013 - 4th Concession Closure.

Who's said Town Council meetings are boring?  This one had it all.

Thanks for every one who came out to show support and to those that didn't, you don't know the fun you missed.  Not quite the FE-NA-LI of Breaking Bad but likely the most fun in Norfolk since Mumford and Son's left town.

With the Mayor feeling the need to tell a Councillor that he did not need to stand when addressing Mr. Cline, (which we assume was out of the councillor's respect for the gentleman; to a vote on whether to interrogate a private citizen at the meeting,  even though his Solicitor was giving the deputation (which was a Yea 5-4); to another Councillor addressing a member of the community in a way we personally found offensive.  Exciting times folks and make sure you're there for the next episode!

The 4th Concession Saga - Summary

Here's a summary of the documents and actions regarding the closure of the 4th Concession of South Walsingham and the attempt to reopen it for Public Access.  Left in limbo momentarily while Council consults it's Solicitors.

1 Road
147 Citizens and a private landowner who's been gated from his land
vs
Norfolk Council, the Norfolk Road Division & The Nature Conservancy of Canada

The Saga Continues...

The Historic Bridges of Norfolk County

The Historic Bridges of Norfolk County

What with the 4th Concession bridge being so prominent in the news lately, we thought it would be nice to feature some of the other historic and beautiful bridges that can be found throughout Norfolk County.

The Simcoe Reformer Article regarding the closing of the 4th Concession

http://www.simcoereformer.ca/2013/10/02/norfolk-revisits-road-closure-in-south-walsingham

An image of the  bridge that is being estimated as needing over $100,000 in repairs.  It measures 24 feet long by 10 feet wide and it's current age is roughly 20 years.

Council Meeting Today at 5PM! See you there.

Today the meeting to review the bylaw on the closing of the 4th Concession of South Walsingham will take place.

Hope to see you all there to support the reopening.


Norfolk County Administration Building,
50 Colborne St. S., Simcoe ON N3Y 4H3
Tuesday October 1st, 5PM.

Mr Ross Bateman's letter to CBC to allow everyone access to Backus Woods

Backus Woods is a forest of hundreds of acres north of Lake Erie in Norfolk County, Ontario.  It’s part of the Backhouse Mill and homestead, established in 1797 by John C. Backhouse.  In a past generation, many of the family members changed their name from Backhouse to Backus. (Who knows why?) Backus Woods is the best remnant of an extreme southern Canadian forest; the jewels of these woods are the groves of Tulip Trees that tower over the forest canopy. 

Should the Long Point Region Convervation Authority become an Endangered Species?

 Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) costs $3.5 million dollars every year.

$1.8  million dollars is generated in user fees.  They claim to manage any where between 8000 and 12000 acres depending on what document you read.  I'm not sure that they actually know themselves since every report I've read is different.

In 2011, the LPRCA sold the 875 acre Backus Woods to The Nature Conservancy of Canada for $5.25 million.

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Thank You Citizens of Norfolk County! Public Meeting Re: closing of the 4th Concession

Norfolk Voice would like to take a moment to thank everyone who turned out to last night’s public meeting. We had a great turn out and a very productive meeting. Thank you, Mr. Mike Squires, for your generosity and for being such a gracious host. Thank you, Mr. Tom Cline, for addressing us all and helping to clarify the issues at hand. This is what a sense of community is all about!

Many issues and concerns regarding the closing of the 4^th concession were addressed and a lot of questions asked by community members regarding further road closures. It is wonderful when so many people are willing to stand up and fight for what is right.

Attendees made many suggestions including ways to fix the 4^th, building a covered bridge, and ways to fix the road surface all while saving money and helping keep the municipal budgets in line. It was our feeling that the community is willing to help any way they can and make suggestions to prevent the county from leaving the 4^th concession closed or closing any additional roads. These ideas were innovative and were a direct reflection of what this community really wants.

Please do not forget that this was only the first step.  We need everyone's support at the council meeting as well.  Please see details below. 

DATE: TUESDAY OCTOBER 1^st . TIME: 5:00 PM (suggested arrival 4:45)

LOCATION: NORFOLK TOWN HALL

ADDRESS: 50 COLBORNE ST. S. SIMCOE, ON.

OFFICIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING - PRESENTATION TO NORFOLK TOWN COUNCIL BY COMMUNITY MEMBERS

We are proud of Norfolk County and hope this is the start of something great.

Norfolk Voice

Citizen's Meeting Today regarding the Closure of the 4th Concession

The Meeting today is scheduled for 7pm and the location is on the 4th Concession of South Walsingham.

The address is 995 4th Concession.  You must come in off of Highway 59 since you can't get in from the Quarter line because of the closure! It's East of Highway 59.  1st house on your left.

See you there  :)

Why are Farm's Important to Norfolk and the Rest of Ontario and Canada?

According to data from Statistics Canada’s 2011 Census of Agriculture, Norfolk County is the leading grower of many farm commodities in Ontario and Canada. In addition to the crops listed below, Norfolk County is also the Number One grower of peanuts, sweet potatoes and ginseng in Canada.

Can we really afford to lose more prime agricultural land in our community?

Is the Nature Conservancy Paying Fair Market Value For Their Properties?

Is the Nature Conservancy Paying Fair Market Value For Their Properties?

Depends on what you consider fair I suppose.

They own at least 59 properties in Norfolk County now.  It's a bit tricky to find all the details because as NCC was looking to buy all the farms in Norfolk they used various tactics to do so.  At first blush it would appear they were buying everything for $2.  That's not exactly the case as you dig deeper though.