Zorra-Now-Winter 2025-Web

TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY INFORMATION TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY INFORMATION 34 Zorra Now | Winter 2025 Zorra Now | Winter 2025 35 Zorra PublicWorks Replaces 23rd Line Culvert Jim Verwer, member of Heritage Zorra Zorra Township’s roads cross over numerous watercourses with various bridges and culverts. One of these crossings, consisting of a large steel culvert that was in place on the 23rd Line between Road 96 and Road 92 for many years, was recently replaced by Zorra Public Works staff- in just 3 days- with an estimated cost of between $40,000.00 to $50,000.00. Interestingly, the 1857 Tremaine Map of Oxford County shows the creek flowing under what then referred to as the 11th concession of the former township of East Nissouri, as “German Creek”, named after one of the first settlers whose land encompassed the creek in the westerly direction. Later maps also show the creek named “Coles Creek” after blacksmith Samuel Cole whose shop was located nearby. Today the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority classifies the environmentally significant stream as a branch of Gregory Creek, named after the prominent local pioneer family, as it lies within what is designated as the Gregory Creek Watershed which empties into the north branch of the Thames River. However, no one can recall the concrete bridge from the early 1900s that pre- dated the old culvert installed by East Nissouri or reminisce about how the creek was used to cool milk cans destined for the Uniondale Cheese Factory from the nearby Beacham Homestead. Over time the gravel road was built up resulting in a large amount of overburden that had to be dealt with when it became time to reconstruct the crossing. All bridges and culverts that Zorra Township is responsible for are monitored and scheduled for replacement as required. When Steve Oliver, Zorra’s Public Works Director, was made aware that its structural integrity had become compromised after a recent inspection, rehabilitation was pushed forward. Prior to any work being done though, a report from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority was required due to the stream’s significance in the watershed as well as providing a habitat for several fish species. The new culvert, sized for current standards, larger in diameter and length than the existing one, was delivered in 3 sections and stored in a nearby field prior to installation. Notices were sent to affected residents as well as Emergency Services of the upcoming project to start October 20th. On the following Monday morning a multitude of Zorra Township public works staff and trucks as well as other pieces of equipment converged on the scene under the direction of supervisor Derek Collins. Paul Leversage, local contractor, who has extensive experience working within waterways and with the Upper Thames Conservation Authority, was hired to assist Zorra staff with the replacement. Paul supplied two excavators to speed up the process, allowing an excavator to work from each side of the large trench required to remove, position, and backfill the new culvert. Equipment also had to operate within the width of the road due to the steep embankment and marshland on both sides, which posed an additional challenge for the job. An engine-driven pump was put into service to divert the creek’s steady flow through a large discharge hose while the base could be prepared for the culvert. Fortunately, the weather cooperated, and by Wednesday October 22nd the installation was finalized with a grader levelling off the backfilled section of the road. With minimal disruption and timely completion before wet fall weather arrived, residents of the 23rd line, operators of large farm machinery and trucks are thankful for a wider and safer road crossing that will last for several decades to come. This winter, the lights are shining at Beachville District Museum. On December 5th, the museum celebrated Light Up The Museum with members of the community. Over 115 visitors came out, in their winter gear, to enjoy the museum grounds, roast s’mores over the campfire, listen to Christmas tunes, enjoy hot cider and festive snacks in the barns, take photos with Santa Claus and watch the light displays flicker on for the season. The light displays are sponsored by local organizations, businesses and families and will continue to shine bright into the New Year. On December 6th, the museum’s Assistant Curator, Sidney Williams, was recognized as the winner of the Ontario Historical Society’s Dorothy Duncan Leadership in Heritage Award. The award recognizes an individual or an organization that has shown exceptional leadership in public history education or programming in Ontario. The OHS’s awards committee applauded Sidney’s work on “highly engaging programs rooted in the cultural traditions, agricultural heritage, and industrial history of Oxford County.” They highlighted the “Hands-On Heritage” programs at the Beachville District Museum — including historic baseball-making, Victorian quilting, and butter-churning experiences — which offer “immersive, intergenerational learning opportunities that make history personal, tangible, and meaningful.” In its press release the OHS noted that “these programs have garnered regional and national attention, strengthening heritage tourism and showcasing the power of small museums to deliver innovative, high-impact experiences. Sidney Williams exemplifies the spirit of this award through her leadership, creativity, community-first approach, and tireless advocacy for rural and regional histories. Her work has reinvigorated public interest in local heritage and inspired others across the cultural sector to think boldly about what community museums can achieve.” Beachville District Museum is proud to celebrate Sidney’s accomplishments, which stem from her passion for volunteering, preserving local histories and mentoring others who are interested in arts and culture. The museum will be closed for the holidays from December 23rd until January 2nd. You can still catch local-history updates and program registration announcements on our museum webpage and our social media accounts. The Beachville District Historical Society’s Speaker Series will resume at 7pm on January 13th, with guest speaker Carol Bossenberry. If you weren’t able to catch the November talk about the military in Oxford, with Stephen Smith, you can now find it online at the museum’s Youtube page. On January 30th, the museum will be hosting a P.A. Day Camp that will centre on the theme of the Ice Age, register your children online for a full day of fossils, cave painting, outdoor play, sculpting and other activities. If you are looking for an exciting way to usher in 2026, consider participating in the museum’s online New Year’s 50/50 raffle. Tickets can be purchased online at www. beachvilledistrictmuseum.com and a winner will be drawn on January 5th. All proceeds from this fundraiser will be directed to support projects of the Beachville District Historical Society, a charitable not-for-profit organization serving Zorra and South-West Oxford. If you miss our first draw, keep an eye out for our Sweetheart Draw in February. Beachville District Museum: Updates