The Friends of Ball's Bridge & Little Lakes is a community group dedicated to preserving the cultural, historical, and environmental significance of the Ball's Bridge and Little Lakes area in Huron County, Ontario. This area is rich in biodiversity, history, and cultural heritage, including its connection to the Ojibwa, Huron, and Algonquin peoples. The group actively works to protect this space from threats like gravel extraction and to maintain its beauty for future generations.

Ball's Bridge, built in 1885, is a historic structure that has become a beloved landmark. The Friends of Ball's Bridge successfully campaigned to save and rehabilitate the bridge in 2007, ensuring its preservation. The area is also a hub for community events, such as art hikes, open mic nights, and celebrations that bring people together to appreciate its natural and cultural treasures.

Currently the group is launching a defense to the Ontario Land Tribunal against a zoning change that would allow for the licensing of a proposed below-water-table gravel mine that would cover a massive area beside the Maitland River and devour a large area of prime agricultural land in addition to destroying the ecologically sensitive area that includes wetlands and a Highly Vulnerable Area that is both "provincially and locally significant" as well as "significant wildlife habitat".

The group is raising funds to cover the costs to hire experts to mount their defense at the Ontario Land Tribunal to be held from July 3-18, 2025. A silent auction will take place April 16th to April 30  at  Elizabeth's Art Gallery, 54 Courthouse Sq, Goderich in support their efforts.
Link HERE

For more information on FOBBLL see here

What a great opportunity to reflect on the joy of giving.
This festive season, we ALL have a unique chance to support our local community organizations,
whose tireless efforts make a significant difference in the lives of so many.
Together, we can spread the holiday spirit and ensure that everyone in our community feels the warmth and love of this special season.

A rare refuge for endangered species

The Lower Maitland River Valley Natural Area is part of the Eastern Great Lakes Lowland Forests region. This forest region occurs as a narrow band stretching from the central shores of Lake Huron in Ontario, across the north shore of Lake Ontario and along the St. Lawrence River corridor, into Quebec and northern New York State. The conservation status of this entire region is critical due to habitat loss, fragmentation and pollution.

Habitat

The Lower Maitland River Valley is influenced by the Great Lakes coast. As a result it has a high number of rare species and ecosystems. It features a large mature forest complex and cliffs. The Maitland River also serves as a high quality aquatic system. Watch the video at the bottom of this page and see the Maitland River as viewed from the shore.

Species

Significant animals in both the terrestrial and aquatic habitats include rare snakes, turtles and fish. The Lower Maitland River Valley is a rare stronghold for many species in southern Ontario. In particularly the nationally threatened queen snake can be found here. Its population in this valley is likely the most viable for this species in southern Ontario.

History 

Both Indigenous Peoples and European settlers have a long history in the Lower Maitland River Valley Natural Area. It is an important area for protecting terrestrial and freshwater biodiversity in the Great Lakes basin.

Conservation status 

NCC is working with conservation partners, including the Maitland River Conservation Authority and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, to ensure that this ecologically significant area is protected.

 Coast Watchers has been a major program designed to engage members of the community to take an active part in observing and improving the quality of our nearshore waters through individual actions since 2005 Community volunteers are trained to observe the coast, record qualitative and quantitative shoreline conditions, and take steps to initiate action , including beach clean-ups and habitat preservation. Coast Watchers volunteers were the eyes and ears of Lake Huron’s coast. With Coast Watcher volunteers collecting information methodically and consistently along the lakeshore, tracking conditions and trends long-term, and completing actions towards resiliency and sustainability in the short-term. With the development of the app volunteers will have enhanced capabilities to support their efforts.

The Columbus Park pickleball courts project received a major donation from West Wawanosh Mutual Insurance Company to assist with the construction of a pavilion at the courts. Shown is the Chair of the board of West Wawanosh Mutual, Lloyd McGillvray, presenting the cheque to the project coordinators (L) Earl Pennington (Kinsmen) and and (R) Bruce Thomasson (Rotary).  The pavilion will make a great addition to the facility.

The Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

The honor was established in 1957 to show appreciation for contributions that support our Annual Fund, PolioPlus, or an approved Foundation grant.

Speaking at our meeting January 28th, John Clarke gave a  presentation about the United Way's newest initiative focused on supporting and eliminating 'Chronic Homelessness' in our local community.  A few facts he highlighted: 1) in 2018, there were 100 identified individuals in Huron County that were experiencing homelessness, 2) affected individuals are not just those we see wandering the streets with shopping bags full of all their possessions; in fact this represents a small percentage of those affected.  Rather an estimated 80% of homelessness is hidden and not easily visible particularly with youth, 3) people who are homeless often also experience additional vulnerabilities such as physical disability, chronic health issues, mental health challenges, and solving the former can often dramatically improve the later issues.

We were invited to support the Coldest Day of the Year event in Goderich on February 22nd. 

 The ‘Read to Baby’ Bundle consists of a sturdy and colorful baby book, a specially designed booklet of rhymes, songs and developmental milestones and a complete list of service and support agencies – all housed in a reusable cloth bag displaying tips for reading to baby.

We were pleased to have Jodi attend our meeting to share with us the  ongoing success of the project.   Approximately 1300 babies are born in Huron and Perth each year.  Research shows that learning begins at birth and good literacy skills, built from the beginning, provide children with the best chance to live happy and productive lives.  

The cost of one bundle is approximately $10 and the bundles are distributed to families at no cost to them.

The ‘Read to Baby’ Bundle project is funded solely by way of community support.

Harbour Hill Retirement Suites is a Nautical Lands Group community in Goderich that is excited to be undergoing a 75 unit expansion. Nautical Lands Group (NLG) is an award-winning designer and developer committed to creating senior housing solutions throughout Ontario, all based on resident feedback and needs. For over 23 years, NLG has provided affordable and comfortable senior housing solutions in Ontario communities, and is proud to offer rental apartments designed and built with top-notch amenities and features. NLG seeks to improve the comfort and convenience of everyday life in a community residents can call home.

In collaboration with the Town of Goderich’s Environmental Committee, the Rotary Club of Goderich contributed to bringing the newest water filling station to town.

New water filling stations were installed at the Wheelhouse and Tourist Booth in the spring. Goderich Rotary Club contributed with the most recent installation at the Beach Hut.

In addition to the Rotary Club, Huron Water Ltd. assisted with the sourcing process for new bottle filling stations installed at the beach.

Supporting the newest filling station Rotarian Ann McCauley said this is one of many initiatives to help reduce single-use plastics in the community.

“I thought it was a great collaboration and it adds to public awareness for the reduction of single-use plastics,” admitted McCauley.

“I thought it was a great opportunity for education and awareness that I approached the environmental committee for partnership.”

The Town of Goderich has developed and instituted the Environmental Action Committee, which is engaged in putting forward progressive policies and visions for the community.

Early last week Mayor John Grace officially opened the filling station at the Beach Hut alongside Rotary Club members.

“We have been working with the Rotary Club of Goderich on a single-use bottled water project,” he said.

Mayor Grace added that he believes the environment is at a critical stage across the world and said that with its location to Lake Huron and the shoreline, Goderich is no exception and needs to step up to make a difference.

“It’s about community pride, leadership, moving our community forward and creating a culture of environmental awareness and action,” added Mayor Grace.

“It’s our future.”

Council has recently approved a motion and will bring two more water refill stations to Goderich within the next year.

Additionally, Council has approved the purchase of two electric vehicle-charging systems, with plans to have one located at the main beach and the other behind Town Hall.

Council and the Environmental Committee have stated that they are committed to developing environmental awareness, action and change to the town.

In addition to the water filling stations in locations across town, there are limited, branded re-fillable water bottles available for purchase to limit the amount of plastic used at the beach and in the community.

Bottles are available for purchase at spots where filling stations are located, such as at the Tourist Booth, Beach Hut, Wheelhouse, as well as at Bluewater Cleaners.

Added to the list of refill stations planned for Goderich, it was recently announced that a water filling station would soon be added to Lions Harbour Park in time for the Celtic Roots Festival in August.

After being encouraged by a 1993 invitation from the Stratford’s mayor to bring back summertime music, John’s dream came to reality with the first season of the new Stratford Summer Music in 2001. 

In its 2011 survey of North American summer music festivals, the respected British music journal, Gramophone, named Stratford Summer Music one of the top festivals on the continent and the only Canadian festival to make the distinguished designation of being in its top twelve summer music sites.

On Canada Day, 2014 the City of Stratford awarded John its ultimate honour – the naming and placing of his star at the heart of the city – where his name joins other prominent arts figures such as Glenn Gould, Loreena McKennitt and Christopher Plummer in this public recognition program.

This is Mr Miller's final year as Artistic Producer at  Stratford Summer Music. The Festival runs from July 16 to August 26 with 122 performances in and around Stratford.  Pictured with John is the Museum of the Moon which arrives on Tom Patterson Island for the last 10 days of the Festival for a variety of concerts and events. We wish John the very best as he embraces the next chapter of his distinguished life.

New Generations Service Exchange is a short-term, exchange program for university students and young professionals up to age 30.  Candidates make connections in their host countries, build their professional skills and gain international experience through travel and exploring a new culture while giving back through service.

                                                                                                                                                         The Goderich Rotary Club, in the spirit of supporting new entrepreneurial businesses and mindful of keeping our community fit and active, donated a large exercise mat to Ashley Kappas owner and head coach of Goderich Gymnastics. Ashley's business provides gymnastics training.

Rotary International has a unique way of recognizing contributions to the organization in the name of Rotary’s Founder, Paul Harris. People who make a contribution of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International — or have one made in their name – can become Paul Harris Fellows.
Today at our regular meeting we invited our District Governor - Diane Chantler - to present 11 Paul Harris Fellows. Present to receive their award are from left to right Mel Farnsworth, Wilf Higgins, Michael Strickland, Irene Gordon, Elizabeth Lotz, Doug Norsworthy, Ross Barnett with DG Diane Chantler.
All recipients are multiple Paul Harris Fellows.