MAKING BEAUTIFUL MUSIC TOGETHER - Former Uxbridge resident Lesley Joosten performed with her partner, Campbell Forbes (on bass), at the UxbridgeMusic Scholarship Trust’s ‘Leap Day 2020’ concert, held last Saturday evening at St. Andrews-Chalmers Presbyterian Church. Photo by John Cavers

by Lisha Van Nieuwenhove

Sections of two concession roads in Uxbridgewill get some much-needed resurfacing, thanksto provincial money being granted through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund(OCIF).

MPP for Pickering-Uxbridge Peter Bethlen-falvy made the announcement at the worksyard on Reg. Rd. 8 last Friday afternoon, tellingthe few who braved a winter storm to gatherthere that Uxbridge will receive $405,588 toaddress local community infrastructure needs.

“This funding will help build and repairroads, bridges, water and wastewater infrastruc-ture in this community,” said Bethlenfalvy.The two locations that this money will go to-

wards are Conc. 6 between Davis Dr. andSandford Rd., and Conc. 3 from Wagg Rd. to0.8 km north. According to a report presentedto council by treasurer Donna Condon atMonday’s council meeting, Conc. 3 will use

$200,000 from the 2020 OCIF. The Conc. 6project is estimated to cost $210,000, so$205,588 of that total will come from the 2020OCIF, with the remaining $4,412 comingfrom the Asset Preservation Reserve. Work on the resurfacing of these two locations

will, according to a different report made tocouncil by Condon, occur in 2021.

“These two roads are very popular cyclingroutes. These paving improvements will be ap-preciated by our local cycling clubs and visitingcyclists who will be able to enjoy our spectacu-lar country roads without worrying about flattires or dangerous pavement conditions. As theCouncillor responsible for Active Transporta-tion and a passionate cyclist, I am very appre-ciative of this funding to improve ouractive-transportation options in Uxbridge!”said Ward 4 councillor Willie Popp.Mayor Dave Barton, also an avid cyclist, said,

“We are thankful to receive this funding andexcited to partner with Minister Bethlenfalvy

to complete these paving projects. We knowthat improving the condition of these roads isextremely important to the residents ofUxbridge.” According to a release from Bethlenfalvy’s of-

fice, this funding is a part of the provincial gov-ernment’s approximately $200 millioncommitment to 424 communities, addressingcore infrastructure projects and asset manage-ment planning needs in 2020.“This investment provides the predictable and

stable infrastructure funding small, rural andnorthern municipalities have asked for,” saidLaurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure. “Withthis OCIF funding we are working directlywith our municipal partners to deliver commu-nity infrastructure.”The OCIF is intended to provide stable, pre-

dictable funding for communities with popu-lations under 100,000, along with all rural andnorthern communities.

New money paves the way for cyclists to enjoy local roads

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Volume 16 No. 9 YOUR UNIVERSE Thursday, March 5, 2020

Inside Your CosmosBruins are still in (at press time) . . . . .page 3Smile! You’re on Goodwood camera! . .page 3

AngieSmithSales Representative

Uxbridge

416 564-3916 Direct905 953-0550 Office

Right At Home Realty Inc. Brokerage

29 Toronto St. S., Uxbridge

View this week’s flyer online atpharmasaveuxbridge.com

Winter Ice ConditionsElgin Pond

He Township of Uxbridge will be testingthe ice conditions at Elgin Pond throughout

the winter.NO FLAGS

TESTING HAS NOT STARTED RED FLAGS

ICE IS NOT SAFE TO BE ONYELLOW FLAGS

SKATE WITH CAUTIONPlease keep away from water inlets andoutlets as ice thickness is compromised. Please note: Flags are located at the north

end of Elgin Pond.

Thursday, March 5, 20202The Uxbridge Cosmos

Uxbridge at a GlanceThe Corporation of The Township of Uxbridge51 Toronto Street South, P.O. Box 190Uxbridge L9P 1T1905-852-9181 info@uxbridge.ca

FOLLOW US

MORE INFO www.uxbridge.ca

Township of Uxbridge documents are available in alternate formats upon request. Please fill out the Request for Alternate Formats Form at uxbridge.ca/accessibility

email: accessibility@uxbridge.ca phone: 905-852-9181 ext.209

Council & Committee MeetingsMeeting Schedule for the Month

of March, 2020

Monday, March 9, 10:00 a.m.COUNCIL MEETINGMonday, March 16

NO MEETING – MARCH BREAKWednesday, March 18, 7:00 p.m.

COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT MEETINGMonday, March 23, 7:00 p.m.COUNCIL MEETING

Proclamations for the Month of March• Purple Day to Promote Epilepsy -

March 26, 2020• Pi Day of Giving to Ontario Tech University -

March 14• March is Epilepsy Awareness Month

• Register for March Break Camps at the Uxpool,by phone at 905-852-7831 or online athttps://bit.ly/396J4jd

• ‘Meet Maud’ - March 16th Day Camp includesstorytelling, crafts, scavenger hunt for ages 8-12.$25 per person. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Snacks includedbut please bring a lunch. Located at the HistoricLeaskdale Church, 11850 Durham Rd 1,Leaskdale. Contact 705-228-8155 for moreinformation.

• Free swimming at the Uxpool March 16 to March20, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. courtesy of Cindy Wood,Re/Max All-Starts Realty Inc.

• Public swimming - additional evenings TuesdayMarch 17 and Hursday March 19, 7:00-8:30p.m. Visit www.uxbridge.ca to view all regularswim times available throughout the week.

• 4th Annual free family skate on Monday March16, from 12:45-2:45 p.m. on Pad 2 at theUxbridge Arena, courtesy of MP JenniferO’Connell.

• Public Skating - additional daily times fromMonday March 16 to Friday March 20, 1:30-3:00p.m. Visit www.uxbridge.ca to view all regularskate times available throughout the week.

Township of Uxbridge SummerEmployment OpportunitiesFull details on employment opportunities for

students and adults looking for summeremployment within the Township of Uxbridge

can be found at

uxbridge.ca/employment_opportunities

March Break Events

He Council of the Township of Uxbridge invitesapplications from members of the public who arequaliGed electors of the Township of Uxbridgewho wish to have their names considered forappointment for the remaining term of Council(expiring Nov.30, 2022) to the ClimateAdaptation Committee. He Township issearching for volunteers for this committee withvarying skills and backgrounds speciGcally in theareas of:- engineering- alternative energy- HVAC- IT- representation from the agricultural community- representation from the building industryHe Township will be looking to this team of 7-9individuals to develop and move our climateaction plan forward by providing advice, supportand guidance to Council regarding climate changeadaptation.

Any person interested in oFering their services,and would accept an appointment, are invited tosubmit a Volunteer-Committee MemberApplication Form available on the Township’sWebsite www.uxbridge.ca/volunteering along witha letter of interest outlining relevant qualiGcationsand experience to the undersigned by 4:30 pm onMonday, March 9, 2020.

Any questions regarding these appointments maybe directed to the Clerk.

Debbie Leroux Director of Legislative Services/ClerkP.O. Box 19051 Toronto Street SouthUxbridge, ON L9P 1T1Telephone: 905-852-9181Fax: 905-852-9674e-mail: dleroux@uxbridge.ca

Board & Committee AppointmentsClimate Adaptation Committee

Public NoticeNOTICE is hereby given that the Council of theCorporation of the Township of Uxbridgeproposes to enact a By-law to stop up and closethe following described road allowance:

Donland Lane from Brock Street East northerlyto a point adjacent to 301 Herrema Blvd., in theTownship of Uxbridge, Regional Municipality ofDurham

It is proposed that the road will be closed onMarch 16, 2020.

A copy of the plan showing the location of theroad allowance is attached.

Dated at Uxbridge this 4th day of March, 2020.

Debbie Leroux Director of Legislative Services/Clerk

Tender U20-02APPLICATION OF DRIVEWAY PAVING

AND PATHWAYS UXBRIDGE HISTORICAL CENTRE, 7239CONCESSION ROAD 6, UXBRIDGE ON

MANDATORY SITE MEETING: A sitemeeting will be held at 10 a.m. on March 11,2020, at 7239 Concession Rd. 6, Uxbridge,ON. Acceptance of bids will be dependent onproponent’s attendance at this meeting. SealedQuotes will be received until 2:00 p.m. on

March 25, 2020 by:

Debbie Leroux, ClerkTownship of Uxbridge, 51 Toronto Street S., P.O. Box 190, Uxbridge, Ontario, L9P 1T1

Lowest or any bid not necessarily accepted. His Bid Document is posted on the Township

of Uxbridge’s website at

http://www.uxbridge.ca/bids_and_tendersunder Current Bid Opportunities

by Roger Varley

anks in part to last week's snow storm, theUxbridge Bruins Junior C team remains alivein the PJHL's Orr Division Cougar Cupsemi-finals.

Following a dismal performance at theArena last Wednesday, which saw the Clar-ington Eagles thump the hometown boys 6-1 and take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-sevenseries, the snow storm caused the postpone-ment of the following night's game and gavethe Bruins time to regroup. e result was a4-1 victory for Uxbridge on Sunday.

Despite statistics which showed the Bruinsmatched the Eagles in shots on goal, lastWednesday's game saw only one instancewhere the Bruins played well. at came atthe end of the first period when Daniel Gior-gio was perfectly positioned to take a perfectpass from Justin Bennett for a perfect power-play goal. Andrew Swan was also creditedwith an assist. However, Clarington had al-ready scored three goals, the first two comingin the first 71 seconds of the game. Startinggoalie Cam Smith was pulled after facing justtwo shots.

e Eagles scored two more in the second,including a power-play marker, and toppedoff the game with another goal late in thethird period.e Bruins were never in the game.But, with a few days rest behind them, the

Bruins went into Clarington on Sunday af-ternoon with Smith back in the net and madeamends. After a scoreless first period, Clar-ington went ahead with the only goal of thesecond. en the Bruins set to work in thethird, with Cameron Moffitt tying the scoreafter five minutes, assisted by Cameron Gillisand Cole Bremner. Adam Bilyea notchedwhat proved to be the game winner just pastthe halfway mark, assisted by Spencer Maza-kian. A couple of minutes later, Bennettscored on thepower play,aided by TobyCooper, andGillis scored anempty-netter forgood measure,assisted by Mof-fitt and Bennett.With the series

now at 3-2 forClarington, thetwo teams wereset to meet againat 8:15 p.m. lastnight (Wednes-day) at thearena, with aseventh and de-ciding game - ifnecessary -scheduled for7:20 p.m.tonight in Clar-ington.e Bruins can

perhaps takeheart from theNorth KawarthaKnights, whoovercame a 3-1

deficit to defeat the Lakefield Chiefs 4-3 inthe other semi-final series. Another incentivefor the Bruins is the fact that Uxbridge play-ers lead all scoring categories in the playoffsso far. Giogio leads in goals with five, whileJoshua Cammalleri has four. In total points,Uxbridge players hold four of the top fivespots, with Cooper and Bennett leading theparade with nine each, Giorgio with eightand Cammalleri with seven. On assists,Cooper has seven and Bennett has six.

And despite last Wednesday's disastrousstart, Cam Smith has four wins and fourlosses, but leads the pack far and away in thenumber of saves made, a total of 241.

Thursday, March 5, 20203The Uxbridge Cosmos

905-487-8363Toll-free

888-982-8343

budgetblinds.com

Bruins are still in the huntby Lisha Van Nieuwenhove

Two well-used community halls have beengiven the go-ahead to install security cameras.Council moved on Monday that, in accordancewith a report made to council by Ben Kester,director of Public Works & Operations, boththe Zephyr Hall and the Goodwood Hall havecameras and security systems installed at theirrespective locations. e Goodwood Hall’s security camera system

will cost just over $3,000, and will be fundedfrom the sale of Goodwood Lions Hall. eZephyr Hall’s more complex security camerasystem will come in just under $5,900, thefunds coming from the sale of Siloam Hall. Ward 1 councillor Pamela Beach said installa-

tion of the security cameras is necessary because

there have been issues with vandalism and tres-passing in both locations.

“In Goodwood, we’ve had streaks of badbreak-ins in the subdivisions, and we think theculprits were possibly going and parking in thelot [at the Hall] and using the walkways andgoing into the subdivisions that way,” saidBeach. “Last year there was an episode of pickup trucks coming on to the recently pavedpathways behind the Hall. ey tore up thepavement, and tore up some of the grasslandwhere trees and shrubs had been planted. Nowposts are up and no one can drive through, butit’s costing the township time and money be-cause of these delinquent people,” she contin-ued.A date for the security camera installation has

not been confirmed.

Goodwood and Zephyr Halls getting security cameras

Thursday, March 5, 20204The Uxbridge Cosmos

During the last election, WilliePopp visited us and asked what thetop 10 events we as voters wouldlike to see in Uxbridge. He told usthat many people he had spokenwith stated the number one issuewas to have a hotel in town. Thiswould allow visitors to stay and usethe trails, as well as Uxbridge tohost hockey tournaments. I understand that, years ago, there

were hotels in Uxbridge. I onlymoved here from Toronto in 2017.

Cec MarrinerUxbridge

Re: Am I Wrong?, “ForkedTongues,” Feb. 20 edition

Roger, I wholeheartedly agree withyour sentiments regarding the In-digenous blockade in BC againstthe gas pipeline. This is the Indige-nous peoples only avenue ofprotest available to them, so it hasspread to other Indigenous na-tions.You and I are unpopular because

of our views on the injustice donefor the past 300 years to the FirstPeoples of this land. Canadians re-fuse to get informed about Indige-nous people and their inherentrights to their land, traditionalpractices, language and culture.

People don’t seem to realize thesystemic injustice done throughthe federal Indian Act to each andevery Indigenous person. It hasbeen perpetrated by successivelocal and federal governments forthe last 300 years. Indigenousband councils are an instrument ofthe Indian Act to divide Indige-nous peoples from their traditionalform of government that existedlong before the white man came tothis country. We have denied them

their language, culture, traditionalpractices, and destroyed familysupport systems through residen-tial schools.

We have not honoured treatiesmade with them, and ignored theirright to unceded land. This was af-firmed by the Canadian SupremeCourt back in 1997. So by whatright does the RCMP have to in-vade their territory? The RCMPare a Canadian police force, andthe Wet’Su’eten are a sovereign na-tion. And they refuse to negotiateuntil the RCMP are off their land.Can’t say I blame them!

Elizabeth ConveryUxbridge

While recently crossing TorontoSt. at the lights at Brock St. (fromthe Roxy, going up the hill) with aclear “Walk” sign ahead of me, Iwas required to wait IN the roadwhile the drivers of three vehiclesmade left hand turns in front ofme. Then, I had to choose toquicken my steps as the driver ofan 18-wheeler with an additionalpup trailer on the back made itclear he intended to ...make thelight!

I believe this is an issue forDurham Region to fix. GordHighet (ghighet@uxbridge.ca),Uxbridge’s regional councillor,please have the appropriate actiontaken to have the red light ex-tended until the “Walk” signal andthe red hand countdown are com-plete! I’m most thankful that, although

I am no spring chicken, I do nothave personal concerns aroundmobility. But many Uxbridge res-idents do! Let a fix for this be iden-tified before we have a traffictragedy in our Uxbridge down-

town!I believe Durham Region’s traffic

specialists have the “hands-on”technology to simply extend thered light with an appropriate clickon an appropriate keyboard. Let'sfind that keyboard.

Barbara BlowerUxbridge

Re: Am I Wrong? “Time to put upor shut up,” Feb. 27 edition

Time to put up, Roger. You stated, although with trepi-

dation, that you would accepttheir offer. So now you have totake it on with fervor. If you arethe only voice for B.O.B. [Bottomof Brock, or lower Brock StreetWest], then it better be a loud one.I have faith you can dig in deepand find solutions for the renais-sance of B.O.B. Noteworthy, this RED [rural eco-

nomic development fund], whichgives a boost to regional economicopportunities, had a deadline ofFebruary 24, 2020, for the grantapplication. I would say Uxbridgecouncil would have had to alreadyapplied for this grant?

It is also noteworthy that MayorDave Barton, [Ward 4] CouncillorWillie Popp and MPP Peter Beth-lenfalvy have been a consistent lit-tle trio around town of late.Obviously Uxbridge is on theradar for further opportunities ofgrowth. Hopefully you can keepthe residents of Uxbridge abreastof these plans in your new positionas resident committee.

Theresa Pilniuk Uxbridge

Letters to the Editor

The Cosmos ran the following story on its website last week, written by RogerVarley:

Uxbridge council was told [last] Monday night that it is time for the annualSanta Claus Parade to revert to its origins as a family-run event. Bernice and Chris Brown took over the running the parade about five years

ago, succeeding the Scott family, who had organized the event for 59 years.The Browns, who told council in a letter earlier this year that they did notwant the parade to be a committee of council any longer, said their objectiveis to keep it as a family event and not as an event sponsored by such groupsas the BIA or the Chamber of Commerce. They explained the parade becamea committee of council because of insurance concerns, but said that is nolonger a problem. They also said the township and the BIA have always beensponsors and they appreciated the help, but now want to run it as sole oper-ators.

Bernice Brown noted that the Scugog event is known as the Chamber ofCommerce Santa Claus Parade. “We don’t want logos on the side of (Santa’s)sleigh,” she said. “That’s not what this is about.”

Chris Brown said it wasn’t that the pair wanted to take the parade awayfrom council: “We just want to run it for you.” In keeping with a letter council received from Christina Curry, chair of the

BIA, council made no decisions or recommendations following the deputa-tion. Curry’s letter said the BIA “is seriously considering our future involve-ment and management of the Santa Claus Parade” and asked that nodecisions be made until the BIA can make a presentation.

That was the article. Now, the subject of ‘Our two cents’ of Nov. 21 lastyear talked about this very same parade, postulating that it could well be“marching into history,” as it was rather lacking in impressiveness. In light ofthe above, along with the lengthy Facebook post that was made on Saturdayby parade organizer Chris Brown concerning the same subject, we can onlysay this. It’s the Santa. Claus. Parade. We’re pretty sure that Santa himselfwould be none the too happy at people arguing over who can andcannot/should and should not run the parade. We know for a fact that thetownship (read: taxpayers) funds the majority of the parade costs, so it makessense that it should at least have a stick in the fire, so to speak, when it comesto accounting for what that money goes towards. The BIA’s sole purpose isto engage the town and member businesses in “beautification, marketing,events and sponsorship” in Uxbridge. We think the BIA is perfectly posi-tioned to help out with the parade. It seems to us that all the BIA wantedwhen it submitted its letter to council last week was a bit of time to put to-gether a solid presentation to parade organizers that would showcase whatthey could bring to the table.

As the saying goes, many hands make light work. If everyone works togetherand contributes their strengths, we could have one of the best gol-durnedlittle parades around. We ended our Nov. 21 ‘Two cents’ with the following:“To the parade organizers - please allow the Cosmos to help. Let us help createsome hype around the parade, and make it one of the events of the season.[This] year will be the 60th anniversary of our parade. Let’s do it for Santa!”

Our two centsDo it - for Santa?

9,500 copies of The Cosmos are published each Thursday in the Township ofUxbridge: 8,800 delivered by mail, 700 available in stores and boxes.

Publisher/Editor Lisha Van Nieuwenhove 905.852.1900Advertising/Sales 905.852.1900

38 Toronto Street North, Unit One, Uxbridge Ontario L9P 1E6e-mail: Lvann@thecosmos.ca web site: www.thecosmos.ca

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Friday to 4 p.m.

EDITORIAL POLICY: Opinions expressed by columnists, contributors and in letters to the editor are not necessarilythose of The Cosmos. Letters must be signed and the telephone number provided (number will not be pub-lished). Requests that a name be withheld will be honoured only if there is a compelling reason. Errors broughtto our attention will be corrected. The Cosmos reserves the right to edit and/or refuse to publish unsolicitedmaterial. ADVERTISING POLICY: Ad deadline is 12 noon Tuesday the week of publication. The Cosmos reservesthe right to refuse any advertisement. The Cosmos is not liable for slight changes or typographical errors inadvertisements or any other errors or omissions in advertisements. All material herein, including advertisingdesign, is copyrighted, and may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

Thursday, March 5, 20205The Uxbridge Cosmos

Many of you probably are already aware ofthe latest attack on Greta Thunberg, the 17-year-old Swedish schoolgirl who has takenher fight against climate change around theworld, including her remarkable appearanceat the United Nations, where she told worldleaders they should be ashamed of them-selves.

But this latest attack shows there is noshame among her detractors and, sadly, itcame from, of all places, Canada. Alberta,to be specific. It seems an oil patch com-pany, X-Site Energy Services, produced adecal, which it distributed freely, showingthe naked back of a young female withsomeone pulling on her long braids frombehind. Across the lower portion of theback was the word "Greta." At the bottomof the decal was X-Site's company logo.

Although not specifically pornographic,the message carried by the decal was bla-tantly and disturbingly obvious.That some of our fellow countrymen have

stooped so low as to produce such a vile car-icature is almost beyond belief. But thestooping didn't stop there. It appears thatthe image on the decal was a stolen anddoctored version of an Argentinian tattooartist's work.However, as outrageous as this company's

actions were, what really has horrified me isthe comments from other Canadians onNational Post and Edmonton Journal articlesabout the decals. The hatred and vitriolaimed at Greta is beyond understanding.The least contemptuous comment referredto Greta as a "precious little toad."To her credit, Greta responded to the decal

by saying: "They are starting to get moreand more desperate… This shows thatwe're winning." That shows class and ma-turity.

How does the world come to the pointwhere a teenager fighting for a cause she be-lieves in is belittled, insulted and slanderedby men in power? Various politicians, in-cluding Canadian politicians, have claimedshe is mentally ill (because she is copingwith Asperger's Syndrome, a form ofautism), has anger management problems,is manipulated by her parents and is ill-in-formed, rather than responding to her con-

cerns in a civilized, responsible discussion.If you are in an argument with someoneand that someone punches you in the face,guess who won the argument?

Some of the above-mentioned com-menters came out with such statements as"the snowflakes should just get over it."How many, I wonder, would have the sameattitude if it was their own daughter whowas being depicted in such an egregiousmanner? How many of the oil patch work-ers went home to their own daughters andproudly displayed the decal affixed to theirworking helmets? But, if I may descend totheir level, what could one really expectfrom a province where men who couldn'ttell one end of a horse from the other strutaround in cowboy hats and cowboy boots?It should be noted that many of these samecommenters have decided that the Wet'-suwet'en people protesting the natural gaspipeline across their territory are "terror-ists."

Indeed, it seems the entire world is de-scending into this level of, for want of a bet-ter word, discussion. If someone's ideas oropinions are different than ours, instead ofentering into debate, we turn to name-call-ing, derision and vilification. Take our ownpremier, Doug Ford. His latest slap atteachers who are striking around theprovince is that "it's all about lining theirpockets." Actually, what they basically wantis a pay raise to meet the rising cost of liv-ing. But Ford prefers you to think they areall greedy money-grubbers.

Earlier this week, I had a conversationwith a young girl in Uxbridge about writ-ing. I was attempting to encourage her tostart writing about things that touched her,things she is concerned about, things inwhich we need the youth perspective. I toldher that her opinions are just as valid as any-one else's and she should not be afraid toexpress them merely because of her tenderage.

In light of what has happened - and con-tinues to happen - to Greta Thunberg, itseems to me I should take back what I saidto the local girl, just in case someone startsattacking her because of something she says.Tell me, am I wrong?

I don’t imagine it’s something you pay much at-tention to. When you rush into the well-knowndepartment store at Yonge and Bloor to buy anumbrella or a birthday card or maybe even acoat with the store’s iconic green, red, yellowand blue stripes on it, maybe that’s when youstop to realize that the symbol is three and a halfcenturies old. Indeed, as we learned from a storypublished this week, the Hudson’s Bay Com-pany store will be 350 years old come this May2, 2020.

“What’s more, the history of the Bay and thehistory of Canada are interconnected,” saysMark Bourrie, long-time journalist, historianand author of Bush Runner, a book aboutPierre-Esprit Radisson, the acknowledgedfounder of the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC).Indeed, when I received a ticket to a luncheon

at the King Edward Hotel last Monday after-noon, I had the good fortune to witness Bourrieand his book receive this year’s prestigiousCharles Taylor Prize. The win entitled Bourrieto a monetary prize of $25,000 and recognitionfor having written the best non-fiction book ofthe year in Canada. Coincidentally, Bourrie re-ceived the last Taylor Prize ever (as the founda-tion that has sponsored the award since the year2000 will cease to exist) and the final cashaward. Ironically, news stories published thisweek also reported that Richard Baker, the ex-ecutive chair of HBC, will take the retailer outof public hands. The so-called “company of ad-venturers” may disappear – via privatization –just as the Bay reaches its 350th birthday.

“So what!” I can hear some of you say.Well, the survival of HBC symbolizes a great

deal more than just department store umbrellas,cards and multi-coloured striped coats. As Ilearned from author Bourrie, the company issynonymous with much of Canada’s 153-yearsof Confederation. But while Bourrie does notcast Radisson in the traditional role of “ex-plorer,” “fur trader” or “adventurer,” he does de-vote 314 pages of his book pointing out thatRadisson was “a hardware salesman with someof the most fascinating customers in the world.”And many of those customers – First Nationspeople, Jesuit missionaries, Louis XIV ofFrance, Charles I of England as well as countlessother wanderers – would ultimately shape theculture, language and politics of the northernhalf of North America in the 17th century.“(Radisson) is the Forrest Gump of his time,”

Bourrie writes in Bush Runner. “He’s every-where. And because he could read and write, hemanaged to tell us about it.”

And reading that story, I agree with Bourrie,is vitally important if Canadians are to under-stand their origins and perpetuate their nation-hood.But Mark Bourrie’s crusade to document such

unrecognized heroes as Radisson, faces an eventougher challenge. The day before Bourrielearned that he’d won the Taylor prize, he spokeat a preview of the five non-fiction finalists. Hepraised fellow finalist Robyn Doolittle (authorof Had it Coming) for spending her life fightingto tell the truth, and Ziya Tong (author of TheReality Bubble) for her environmental writing“explaining the most complex difficult ideasand making people think.” He called JessicaMcDiarmid (author of Highway of Tears aboutmissing and murdered Indigenous women) “thebravest, most tenacious journalist I’ve ever met,”and complimented the fifth finalist, Tim Wine-gard (author of The Mosquito: A Human Historyof our Deadliest Predator) for “taking vast, com-plex ideas and knit(ting) them into a greatstory.” But Bourrie also rang an alarm bell aboutthe potential crisis in the writing and publishingof history in Canada.

“People are buying as many books as ever,”Bourrie said. “They’re just not buying the kindsof books that I, and my four colleagues, arewriting.”

Statistics he quoted showed that Canadianbooks account for only 13 per cent of overallbook sales, and non-fiction books only four percent. And stats such as these, he said, send aclear message to non-fiction writers that no onecares whether they pursue their profession ornot.

When Mark Bourrie won the 20th and finalTaylor Prize on Monday afternoon, he worriedthat nobody would notice. “The end of thisprize,” he said, “is evidence of a crisis in re-searched and accessible non-fiction. … We needto have a conversation about why this is …about book retailing, media and promotion,and frankly national self-esteem. Why do we asa country value ourselves so little?”Sadly, his assessment is correct. That night,when I sat down to watch the evening news Ineither heard nor saw any coverage of MarkBourrie or the Taylor Prize. The annual cere-mony occurred with little or no notice in themainstream media. Like the 350-year history ofthe Hudson’s Bay Company and Radisson, oneof its co-founders, Canada’s non-fiction writingand its community of authors remain “comfort-ably forgotten.

For more Barris Beat columns, go to www.tedbarris.com

The Barris Beatcolumn by Ted Barris

Survival of history and a retail habit

INCLUDING AUTO SERVICEINSTALLED, PARTS, TIRES,and LABOUR.

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20X 40X

Am I Wrong?column by Roger Varley

Fighting with little girls

Thursday, March 5, 20206The Uxbridge Cosmos

THIS WEEKENDThurs., March 5: Wills & Powers of Attor-ney - A Lunch 'n Learn Event. St. Paul’s Angli-can Church, 12 - 2 p.m. Personal care & financialdecisions. Choosing an executor. Invite your adultchildren to attend with you. Lunch served by the

women volunteers ofSt Paul's, followedby presentation byRobert Sedore, Bai-ley & Sedore LegalSerices. Suggested

minimum donation for lunch is $5. Call 905-852-7016 to reserve a seat.Fri., March 6: Oak Ridges Trail AssociationHike, 9:30 a.m. Durham Forest. 10+ km; Fast; 2hr. hilly loop hike. You will need icers. Meet in the

Durham Forest park-ing area on the eastside of the 7thConc., 1 km southof Durham Rd. 21.Contact: Joan Tay-lor 905-477-2161.Sat., March 7:Oak RidgesTrail Associa-tion Hike, 7 a.m.Al Shaw. 1 hr., 5+km moderate pacehike. Meet at theroadside parkingon the west side ofConc. 6, 1.5 kmsouth of DurhamRd. 21. Contact:Joan Taylor 905-477-2161.

N E X TWEEKMon., March 9:Oak RidgesTrail Associa-tion Hike, 9:30a.m. CountrysidePreserve. Moderatepace 2 hr. hike.We l l - ma n n e r e ddogs welcome.Meet at conserva-tion parking lot be-hind the Walmartstore at the southend of Uxbridge,off Highway 47.Contact: Brian andWilma Millage905-853-2407.Mon., March 9:Artists ofUxbridge Demoon Colour Mix-ing. Zehrs Commu-nity Room, 7 - 9p.m. For informa-tion contact Ann,905 -852 -8831.artistsofuxbridge.caUPCOMINGTues., March 17:Uxbridge Sen-ior Citizens ClubLunch. SeniorsCentre, 12 noon.Scalloped potatoes,ham, salad,dessert, coffee/tea.Tickets $15 formembers, availableat the CommunityCare office.

COMING UP is afree community bul-letin board for com-munity eventsorganized by acharity or non-profitorganization only.Events are pub-lished as space per-mits. Email Lvann@thecosmos.ca orcall 905-852-1900.

COMING UP

3 Brock Street WestOPEN SUNDAYS 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.905-852-9892

WE HAVE JUST A FEW LEFT! DON’T MISS OUT!BREADED CHICKEN BREASTS, CASE OF 25 - $25

CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR THIS WEEK’S SPECIALS!

www.themeatmerchant.ca

In Loving Memoryof Ivan Martin

In loving memory of my dear husband. It’s hard to believe you’re no longer here. Words cannot describe how this makesme feel...You’ve passed on to the other side,Though I wish you could still be here with me.You were a remarkable man.Dependable, loving and caring -You were the center of my world.You were one in a million to me.You made me laugh, you made me smile.You were my companion, lover and dearfriend. You were a wonderful husbandfrom beginning to end. Forever you will live on, in my heart andmind. Forever will you live in my thoughtsand never die. With love always, I remember you. With fond memories, I think of you...I’mgrateful for the times we had together.I’ll cherish my memories of you forever.

Love Always,Marion

If love could have savedyou, you would still be

here with us.You are in our thoughts,

always! We miss you.

Love from 4 daughters,5 grandsons, and

11 great-grand children

Marie, Marjorie, Debbieand Pat

Claude WatsonMay 11, 1930 - February 25, 2000

Thursday, March 5, 20207The Uxbridge Cosmos

SERVICESTUTOR - FRASER EDUCATION. I provideprivate tutoring in my home for Elementary,Secondary, College and University students. 905-852-1145. www.Fraser-Education.ca 4/30QUALITY CLEANING. 20 years experience,accepting new clients. For a free quote, contactJanet, 905-473-3668. 3/26HOME SUPPORT: Seniors - are you lookingfor a home support care worker? A youngwoman, 21, trained as a nurse in Afghanistan,English-speaking, is seeking such a position withany senior or couple in the Uxbridge area as adomestic & personal worker. For details, pleasephone 905-862-2766 or 905-852-9176 3/5EXPERIENCE THE COMFORT OF A GREATBRA. The Girls Bra Boutique, 6316 Main St.,Stouffville. 905-642-3339. An upliftingexperience! 3/26OLE’ HANDYMAN & FAMILY. Interiors.Waterproofing. Electrical & plumbing. Licensed,

insured & guaranteed. Big or small. Kitchen,bath, stonework, cement, basements, flooring,pot lights. Bobcat. 48 years' experience.Financing. Senior discount. 905-473-5197 or647-225-3311 (cell). 3/26HOME-WATCH HOUSE/PET SITTINGSERVICES: Voted #1 for Protecting Your Homeand Caring for Your Pets. Home Owners havetrusted Heather Stewart for 16 years for herreliability and detailed professionalism. PropertyServices/Dog Walking/Cat Sitting/Doggie Sleep-Overs! Visit home-watch.ca for more info onHeather’s services. Call or text 905-852-8525,follow us on Instagram - HomeWatchUxbridge

FOR RENTFIELD. Approx. 5 acres, split in two, predatorwiring. Shelter, washroom, stalls optional. Haybales for sale. Also searching for experiencedcraftsman for interlocking brick. 905-852-7634.

HELP WANTEDUXBRIDGE MANOR SPA is currently seeking

a full-time and a part-time aesthetic professional.Candidate must be certified by a recognizedBeauty Institute in Ontario. 1 year experience inperforming massages, facials, manicures &pedicures., body treatments & waxing. On sitetraining will be provided for additional services.Interviews will be scheduled during the month ofFebruaury. Please send your resumé toLisa.borquez88@gmail.com No calls please.

EVENTSMindfulness/Insight Meditation - Meeting 2ndand 4th Thursdays of the month at Blue HeronStudio: 7:15 - 8:45 pm. Experienced and thosenew to meditation are welcome. Contact us at:ghorner@zing-net.ca 3/5

WANTEDFRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOKDONATIONS NEEDED. No encyclopedias,manuals or textbooks. Two boxes max. Drop offat library or request pickup by emailingbraunda222@gmail.com

CLASSIFIED

COSMOS BUSINESS BULLETIN BOARD

Classifieds are $15/week up to 25 words; $0.20 per additional word (plus HST). Payable in advance by cash, cheque, debit or credit card. Contact Lvann@thecosmos.ca or 905-852-1900 Deadline: Tuesday, 12 noon. Ask about online link possibilities, too.

Early Style CanadianHandcrafted Pine Furniture

905-852-2275www.gilldercroft.com

UXBRIDGE MEMORIAL COMPANY108 Brock Street West, Uxbridge L9P 1P4

Dave & Lori Tomkinson

Tel: 905-852.3472 • 1-888-672-4364 • Fax: 905-852-0085uxmemco@interhop.net

Windcrestelectrical contracting ltd

Paul FraserCell 416.527.0878windcrestelectrical@gmail.com

esa #7007893

“Let my whole being bless theLord! Let everything insideme bless His Holy Name!”

Psalm 103:1

More Bible help at:www.biblesociety.ca/the_word_and_you

LIGHT FOR YOUR PATH

UXBRIDGE BRANCH

For all yourhome

projects

RON BROWN AUTO

We will not be undersold.We service all

makes and models.We fix it right the first time!

170 Main Street North

905-852-5981

905-852-1981uprightdoorservice.com

DOOR SERVICE INC.

Garage Doors& Openers

PUT YOUR ADIN THIS SPACE and get seen by everyone in

Uxbridge Township!

Call905

852-1900for details

Pine FurnitureEarly Canadian Pine &Mid-Century Modern

by Ross Colby• In Uxbridge Since 1973 •

4 Sandy Hook Road 905-852-3617rosscolbyfurniture.com

Katie Clark MSW, RSW

Counselling ServicesFinding Solutions TogetherIndividual, marital and

family therapyElgin Centre

304 Toronto St. S., Unit 214Uxbridge

905-862-4100kclarkmsw@gmail.comkatieclarkcounselling.ca

Home renovations including: additions, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, garages,

hardwood flooring, trim etc

JONES PUMPINGSeptic & Holding Tanks

905-852-2486416-476-7170

Serving Port Perry,Uxbridge &

surrounding areas

MOE licensed

FREE TRIPLE PANE UPGRADE

CALL DOUG 905-852-9440

WINDOWSAND

DOORS

WINDOWSAND

DOORS

Limited Time!

905-852-5313 UTSTreeCare.ca

• ISA Certi$ed Arborists• Bucket & Crane Trucks• Consulting• Fertilizing

• Hydro Line Clearing• Stump Grinding• Tree Pruning and Removals• Planting and Plant Health Care

8The Uxbridge Cosmos Thursday, March 5, 2020

Proudly serving Uxbridge for 30 years

We have recently changed our location and are now located at:

304 Toronto Street South, Suite 200, Uxbridge, ON, L9P 1Y2416-431-3030

www.bassmurphy.com

Gerald LawrenceManager/Sales Representative

Shane CoxworthSales Representative

Gwen LaytonSales Representative

Judy EsmondeBroker

Dale O’NeillSales Representative

Marie PersaudSales Representative

Chris LarmerSales Representative

Judy Esmonde, Brokerwww.JudyEsmonde.comCell: 416-677-8709

Marie Persaud, Sales Representativewww.MariePersaud.caCell: 416-970-8979

Dale O’Neill, Sales Representativewww.DaleOneill.comCell: 647-924-0975

Gerald Lawrence, Sales Representativewww.MultipleListings.caCell: 416-556-0238

Chris Larmer, Sales Representativewww.powerofbluex2.caCell: 416-500-6377

Shane Coxworth, Sales Representativewww.powerofbluex2.caCell: 905-903-7965

Gwen Layton, Sales Representativewww.GwenLayton.caCell: 647-991-3276

R.M.R. REAL ESTATE, BROKERAGE

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

www.ColdwellBankerUxbridge.ca75 Brock St. W., Uxbridge

905-852-4338Toll Free 1-866-666-2696

www.ColdwellBanker.ca

www.ColdwellBankerLuxury.comThe Global Luxury Difference

CALLING FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS! 3 Bed, 1-1/2 Bath Circa 1890 Home.

5 Minutes to Sunderland & 12 Minutes to Uxbridge. Country Living Close to Everything!

Asking $499,999

Interested In Knowing The Value Of Your Home?

Call Dale today for your complimentaryand confidential property market

evaluation.

DESIRED QUAKER VILLAGE 4+2 Bedrooms, 3 BathroomsMain Floor Laundry/Mud RoomToo many upgrades to list.

Fully Upgraded Bungalow w/LoftApprox 3,500 SF

2622 SF Finished Basement4 Bedrooms & 5 Bathrooms3-Car Oversized GarageIn-Ground Swimming Pool

$2,499,000

Custom-built, all-brick, 3-bedroom bungalow.Prime location within historic downtown Port Perry. Bright & spacious with originalhardwood floors. Separate entrance forpotential secondary suite. $649,900.

NEW

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CMA

FORSALE

Very Happy sellers!For your real estate needs, whetherbuying or selling, call Marie.

Not intended to solicit buyers and sellers currently under contract.

SOLD

Thinking of Selling? Don't wait forSpring, buyers are out looking NOW!Call Judy today for a Comparative

Market Value Analysis of your property.

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Importation of 0ll is a sensitive topic inUxbridge. Two high-pro0le 0ll situationshave recently occurred in our neighbour-hood - at the Earthworx site on LakeridgeRoad in 2010, and at the Greenbank Air-port site in 2013. 1ere are other situationsin Uxbridge where improper importation of0ll has occurred, some of these have endedup in the courts.Earlier this year, local residents packedUxbridge council meetings with questionsand concerns about a proposal to import 0ll

to the Miller Boyington Aggregate Pit onConc. 7. 1eir concerns include water con-tamination, air quality, impact of truck traf-0c, e/ect on property values and controls onquality of 0ll. Green Durham Association would like tocontribute to a better understanding ofsome of these complex issues. It’s sponsoringan information evening about watershedsand importation of 0ll practices, contribut-ing to a general understanding of 0ll opera-tions and related areas.