Fall 2026 COMMUNITY EVENTS & SERVICES MAGAZINE Uniondale Fire Station celebrates 50 years of emergency response Page14
2 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 3 Message from the Mayor Thank you all for giving me the honour and the privilege to serve as Ward Three Councillor, Zorra Mayor, Oxford Warden, and the Chair of the Western Ontario Wardens and raise rural and small town issues with the Provincial and Federal governments. When I set out with people to keep AJ Baker P.S. open I never imagined it would lead to this. • Stopping High Speed Rail • Stopping Dump • Thamesford and Embro Splash pads • Managing through COVID • Protecting farmland • 100% renewable buildings • The Maple Leaf redevelopment in Thamesford • Childcare • New road safety policies • Keeping schools open or building a new one • Keeping tax pressure low (there were three years where Council(s) delivered a reduction in tax rate, and two more where the increase was less than inflation) • Getting housing, and particularly affordable housing and a Homelessness Support Centre, built • Protecting farmland and green spaces with a new Official Plan • A Climate Action Plan • An Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan The goal was always to leave my community, Zorra, Oxford, better. Without a doubt this has been the most challenging, satisfying, and rewarding job I have ever had. And by far the best people I have ever worked with. When you get this issue of Zorra Now the municipal election will be the next month. I strongly encourage you to engage with candidates and vote. Council matters, and it matters more when residents engage with it. Visit Zorra.ca for election information and how to vote. And when the election is over, support your new Council. They are your representatives. They are your friends, neighbours, and family. Support them in doing their part for all of us to grow stronger together. I really hope they find ways to do better than I did. I’m still going to be a resident, I’m still going to use the services, and I’m still going to pay taxes. I wish them all the best. Marcus Ryan Mayor, Zorra Township (and Warden, Oxford County) email: mryan@zorra.ca Phone: 1.519.425.2338 Zorra Now Magazine is published electronically and paper copies are available at all Township Facilities. If you have any questions or comments or would like to advertise in the magazine, please contact: Alycia Wettlaufer, Deputy Clerk/Legislative Coordinator Township of Zorra 163 Brock Street, PO Box 189 Thamesford, ON N0M 2M0 Ph. 519-425-2313 Toll Free 1-888-699-3868 awettlaufer@zorra.ca www.zorra.ca COMMUNITY EVENTS & SERVICES MAGAZINE 4 Township Department Information 20 Senior and Volunteer 23 Thank you to our summer students! 26 Villages of Zorra Word Search In this issue... 28 Township & Community Contacts 30 Beavers receive North Star Award 32 Zorra Wardens 34 Trojans Hockey celebrates 50 years For up-to-date library information and hours call your local branch or visit DISCOVER YOUR OXFORD COUNTY LIBRARY Oxford Reads: The 2026 winning title is How to Survive a Bear Attack: A Memoir by Claire Cameron. This memoir weaves together a real-life tragedy and the author’s own experiences to explore grief, fear, and our relationship with the wild. Visit www.oxfordreads.ca for a full list of Oxford Reads programs. Brainfuse: An online homework help resource for students in grades K-12. Brainfuse also offers practice tests and support for adult learners, writing assistance, skills building and more! Access this resource with your library card number and PIN. Ox on the Run: A year-round service. As the weather turns cold, find the bookmobile indoors at community spaces. For more information and to see the schedule of Zorra stops, visit www.ocl.net/our-services/ox-on-the-run UPCOMING PROGRAMS Unbook Book Club When: First Wednesday of every month, 3:00-4:00 p.m. Where: Embro Branch Free adult program. Drop-in and share books, shows, films, podcasts and articles in a community-led conversation. Cooking demonstration with Chef Jed Lau When: Tuesday, October 6 at 6:00 p.m. Where: Thamesford Branch Adult program and space is limited. Live cooking demonstration of German cuisine. Registration is required; visit www.ocl.net or call the branch at 519-285-3219. For up-to-date library information, program details and hours, call your local branch or visit www.ocl.net Feature Story Uniondale Fire Station celebrates 50 years of emergency response 14
TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION 4 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 5 Any building or drainage questions should be addressed to Mike Hughes, Chief Building Official/Drainage Superintendent 519-425-2306 or mhughes@zorra.ca Public Works Department Share the Road Farm operations are always extremely active in the fall with harvest season. Please pay special attention to the large equipment moving about on Zorra roads. Especially during this busy time of the year, we like everyone to share the road equally, be aware, and be courteous. We know farmers are extremely busy during harvest time and it is important to take that extra care regardless of which vehicle they are using. Brush, Leaf and Yard Waste Depot Zorra has a Depot for brush, leaf, and yard waste. Located across the road from the Kintore Public Works Shop at 783045 Road 78, just east of Highway 19. • Acceptable materials include: fruits and vegetables, garden hedge and tree trimmings, grass, leaves, Halloween pumpkins, house and garden plants, brush (no longer than 6ft). and Christmas trees. • Unacceptable materials include: garbage, old fencing, plastic bags, hazardous waste, top soil, rocks, and stumps. This depot is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is no charge for this service. Construction Zone Sign Classification In a Construction Zone, “Local Traffic Only” means you are accessing a property inside the section of road that is closed. It does NOT mean that you live in the area adjacent to the construction and the closed road is the shortest distance to your destination. It is a Highway Traffic Act Offence to misuse this privilege. Steve Oliver, Director of Public Services 519-425-2302 or soliver@zorra.ca Building Department Building Permit A building permit is the written authorization which grants legal permission to begin demolition or construction of any structure, addition, or renovation. It is reviewed and issued when a complete application has been submitted and the plans comply with the Ontario Building Code, the Township of Zorra Zoning By-Law and other applicable laws and regulations. Building Permit Applications To apply for a building, demolition or septic permit, please visit the Building & Drainage section of the Township website for full details and instructions. All permit applications must be submitted online through Cloudpermit. First-time users will need to create an account before starting an application. Step-bystep instructions on how to register and use Cloudpermit are also available on our website to guide you through the process. Building Resources Visit the Building Department webpage for helpful guides on decks, temporary tents, and additional residential units. These guides have been developed to help property owners understand applicable building requirements. While they are a useful resource, it is important to consult the Ontario Building Code to ensure your project complies with all applicable regulations and requirements. Building Permits and Property Assessment Improvements to your property may impact your property assessment. Changes such as additions, renovations, or new construction can affect the assessment value of your property as determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). This may affect your property taxes. For more information on property assessment, please refer directly to MPAC’s website: http://www.mpac.ca/en/UnderstandingYourAssessment. Drainage Legal Outlets With the pressure of too much work and not enough time, there may be a temptation to take shortcuts. This is a reminder that the following are NOT legal outlets: • Roadside Ditches: You can only use roadside ditches as an outlet if permission is granted by the road authority. If permission is granted, we recommend that you secure the permission in WRITING. • Private Ditches: Private ditches are private infrastructure and unless permission is given, another property owner has no right to connect a newly installed tile drainage system to a private ditch that flows across a neighbouring property. Similar to using a roadside ditch as an outlet, if permission is given, make sure it is in WRITING. If work needs to be done on the neighbouring property, make sure all parties are clear on cost-sharing and also that all parties are clear on the extent of work and the potential disruption of land. • Municipal Drains: Municipal drains have a defined watershed; the lands within that watershed have paid for the construction and management of that drain and only these lands have the right to connect to the municipal drain. If you are installing tile drainage on a property, it is possible that only a portion of that property has the legal right to connect into that drain. If you are not sure, check with the local drainage superintendent before undertaking the work. If there is a section of land that is outside the limits of the watershed, you must ask for permission to connect those lands to the drain. • Wetland or low area: Sometimes it’s tempting to outlet a tile drainage system into a wetland area, particularly if the wetland is located on your client’s property. However, before doing so, you should examine the area to determine if the out letting of the tile drainage system could be any impact on other property owners. If there could be, don’t do it without first acquiring permission. If a property owner is unable to secure an outlet, that owner has the right to petition their municipality under the Drainage Act for an outlet. Although it takes longer to get the outlet using the Drainage Act, when it is done, you can have confidence that the tile drainage work you perform will not result in legal action. If you still decide to take shortcuts on legal outlets, remember that the courts consider the tile drainage contractor to be an expert. You may want to check out the liability risk of you and your business. See Drainage FAQ on next page
TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION 6 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 7 Drainage: Frequently Asked Questions Why am I being charged under the Drainage Act? In rural Ontario, drainage systems—such as municipal drains, ditches, tiles, and culverts—are essential infrastructure. They help remove excess water from farmland, roads, and properties to prevent flooding, protect buildings, and keep land usable. The Ontario Drainage Act is provincial legislation that allows municipalities to: Construct and maintain these drainage systems, and Recover the cost from the properties that benefit from them. How are the costs determined? When a municipal drain is created or improved, an engineer prepares a report that: Identifies all properties that benefit from the drain Assigns a share of the cost to each property based on benefit, outlet use, and responsibility This process ensures that: Properties that benefit more from the drain pay a larger share Costs are distributed fairly, rather than paid by all taxpayers equally Why am I paying if the Drain is not on my property? You may still benefit from the drainage system even if its not located directly on your land. For example: Your property may drain into the system (called an “outlet") The drain may reduce flooding risks in your area Municipal roads you use are protected by the drainage system Because of these indirect benefits, the Act allows costs to be shared among all affected properties. What are the charges for? Charges under the Drainage Act typically cover: Regular maintenance (cleaning, repairs, vegetation removal) Major repairs or improvements to aging systems New drainage works (if applicable) Maintenance costs are usually smaller and occur periodically, while construction or major upgrades may result in one-time or financed charges. **Many of the reports used for drain maintenance are over 50 years old** Any building or drainage questions should be addressed to Mike Hughes, Chief Building Official/Drainage Superintendent 519-425-2306 or mhughes@zorra.ca How are maintenance costs charged? Municipal drains require ongoing maintenance to continue functioning properly. This includes: Cleaning out sediment and debris Removing vegetation and blockages Repairing erosion or damaged sections Under the Drainage Act Maintenance is arranged by the municipality when needed The cost of this work is charged out to the properties listed in the original engineer's report Each property pays its assigned percentage (assessment) of the total cost Unlike new construction projects, maintenance does not require a new engineer's report each time. Instead, costs are distributed using the existing schedule of assessment already in place for that drain. This means: Charges may appear periodically, depending on when maintenance is required Smaller maintenance activities will still be billed proportionally The municipality is responsible for coordinating the work, but not for absorbing the cost Why can't the Municipality pay for it? Drainage systems are different from general municipal services. Under the Drainage Act: Costs must be assigned to benefiting landowners Municipal taxpayers at large are not responsible for privately benefiting drainage works This ensures fairness—those who receive the benefit contribute to the cost. **The Municipality pays for the drains that run within municipal-owned property (roads, parks, etc.)** Drainage Questions? For drainage and drainage related questions, please contact the Drainage Superintendent, Mike Hughes, by phone 519-485-2490 x7224 or by email at mhughes@zorra.ca
TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION 8 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 9 Fire & Emergency Services Department If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Shane Caskanette firechief@zorra.ca On behalf of the Townships of Zorra and South-West Oxford, we are pleased to announce the promotion of Jeremy Wallace to the position of Shared Deputy Fire Chief, serving both municipalities. Deputy Chief Wallace brings more than 20 years of fire service experience and a strong commitment to leadership, firefighter safety, training, and community service. As part of a proud multigenerational fire service family, he is well known for his collaborative approach, professionalism, and dedication to continuous improvement. In addition to his municipal fire service experience, Deputy Chief Wallace also serves with the London International Airport as a Firefighter and Team Lead, bringing valuable expertise in specialized and high-risk emergency response operations. The establishment of the Shared Deputy Fire Chief position represents a continued commitment by both Townships to enhancing fire service leadership, operational resilience, and long-term succession planning. We are excited to see Deputy Chief Wallace step into this important role and are confident he will make a positive impact in both Zorra and South-West Oxford. Congratulations, Deputy Chief Wallace! Keep up to date on news and events in Zorra Township www.zorra.ca Follow us on Instagram! @ZorraTwp Find us on Facebook! Township of Zorra Follow us on LinkedIn! Township of Zorra Township of Zorra Fire Chief Shane Caskanette 519-535-7408 Zorra Fire & Emergency Services REVIEW YOUR PLAN AND CHECK YOUR SUPPLIES Sit down as a family to talk about different kinds of emergencies and review your family emergency plan. Does everyone know what to do and where you will meet if you are not together when an emergency takes place? Work as a family to prepare an emergency kit if you don't already have one or use the time to check your emergency supplies to make sure you have key items on hand and that the items inside are not expired. BE AWARE OF SCHOOL EMERGENCY PROCEDURES Make sure you read information from the school about their plan for emergencies, emergency procedures and alternate locations should an emergency take place. Check that the school has current emergency contact information for your children. This includes work, mobile and home telephone numbers. DO YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN It will take you about 20 minutes to make a family emergency plan. Work as a family to discuss the following, then record them as part of your plan: Safe exits from home and neighbourhood Meeting places to reunite with family or roommates Designated person to pick up children should you be unavailable Contact persons close-by and out-of-town Health and insurance information Places for your pet to stay Risks in your region Location of your fire extinguisher, water valve, electrical panel, gas valve and floor drain Get Prepared Back to School BACK TO SCHOOL SAFETY AND PLANNING FOR EMERGENCIES
TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION 10 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 11 By-Law Enforcement Recreation Vehicle (RV) Parking: Notice to all RV/boat owners. Our Zoning By-law allows front driveway storage of RVs and boats from May 1 – October 31. After October 31, front driveway storage of these vehicles shall be removed and stored elsewhere. After October 31, the vehicles may be stored on your side lot or rear lot provided that they meet the 5-foot setback from adjacent properties. Winter Parking Please be advised that the winter parking restrictions will be enforced starting November 15th and remain in place until March 31, 2027 in accordance with By-law 48-20. For snow removal purposes, parking is not permitted on any road or street from 1:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. 7 days a week during this period. Any vehicle owner found in violation of this by-law could be fined or have their vehicle removed/towed at owners’ expense. The set fine for this violation is set at $50. No unauthorized overnight parking is permitted at the Thamesford District Recreation Centre. Leaves/snow removal on to Roadways The autumn season is quickly approaching and therefore the leaves will begin to fall. As a reminder to all residents, depositing your leaves onto the roadway and sidewalk is dangerous and is a contravention of the Clearing Refuse from Land By-law No. 16-18. If you wish to drop off your yard waste, visit the County of Oxford website to view all brush, leaf, and yard waste depot locations. Pushing or placing any leaves, snow or ice on to roadway, or any other obstruction of a roadway is an offence that carries a Provincial Offences Fine of $200.00. Keeping Properties Clean and Clear In the Township of Zorra, all grass and weeds must be maintained at a height less than 8 inches. This is done to promote safety in the Township, including pest-control, as well as to maintain the appearance of Zorra. Further, property owners and tenants shall keep their land free from industrial and domestic wastes, inoperable motorized vehicles (both licensed or unlicensed), vehicle parts, construction materials, and other refuse. If refuse has started to accumulate on your property, you are required to place it in appropriate containers, stored at the side or rear of your lot, and placed curbside within 14 days. Dave Robertson, By-law Enforcement Officer 226-374-6795 drobertson@zorra.ca Keep up to date on news and events in Zorra Township www.zorra.ca Follow us on Instagram! @ZorraTwp Find us on Facebook! Township of Zorra Follow us on LinkedIn! Township of Zorra Tax Department Payment Due Dates: August 31, 2026 October 30, 2026 By End of Business Day PAYMENT OPTIONS: Pre-Authorized Payment (PAP) Plan We offer various PAP Plans to make it easier to pay your tax bill and to help avoid late fees. There is no cost for this service. If you pay by PAP Plan you will receive a final tax bill for your records. Visit zorra.ca/our-services/forms/ to sign up for PAP or e-billing. Internet Banking We are set up with most major banks to accept payments using internet banking. You must use your Property Roll Number indicated on your tax bill to register. To setup your property taxes as a bill payment through your online banking, go to “add a bill” and search for “Zorra”. Select Zorra Township Tax and enter the Roll Number from your tax bill as your account number. Use your 15-digit roll number, excluding the dashes. Please allow 3 business days for the payment to reach the municipality. Mail If you are mailing a cheque (payable to Township of Zorra) allow sufficient time for delivery. Visit / Drop-Box at the Municipal Office Payment may be made in-person by cash, cheque, or debit at the Municipal Office during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). If paying in person, be sure to bring your bill with you. Payment may also be made via the drop box at the municipal office, beside the main door. Cheques only! Penalty and Interest Charges Payments are not applied to accounts until the funds are received by the Township. Payment through a financial institution can take up to 3 business days to reach us and mail delivery may be delayed. Penalty and interest charges of 1.25% will be added to instalments not paid (and received by the Township) by the due date. Interest charges are applied on the first day of each month until the balance is paid. Failure to receive a tax bill does not exempt the taxpayer from late payment charges. 2026 TAX NEWS mdeluca@zorra.ca 519-425-2304 www.zorra.ca Property Tax Billing Your 2026 final tax bill is enclosed. If you are set up on a pre-authorized plan over 10 or 12 months, you will receive notice of the payments that will be withdrawn from your bank account on the last business day of each month from July to October or July to December. Of your total tax bill, 44% goes to services provided by the Township, while the other 56% goes to service delivery partners including local conservation authorities, the Ontario Provincial Police, the County of Oxford, and local school boards. For tax inquiries, contact Melissa De Luca, Tax Collector *** PLEASE KEEP YOUR PROPERTY TAX BILL FOR YOUR RECORDS *** There is a $10 fee for an Annual Statement of your account or for a replacement property tax bill (paper or electronic) Did You Know? Please be advised that improvements to your property may impact your property assessment. Changes such as additions, renovations, or new construction can affect the assessed value of your property as determined by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). This may affect your property taxes. For more information, please refer directly to MPAC's website: https://www.mpac.ca/en/UnderstandingYourAssessment
TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION 12 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 13 Recreation Department Township Community Partnership Projects ZORRA MULTI-USE COURTS COMMITTEE Visual concept only: The outdoor multi-use courts are coming! The new parkland will be staked out soon with construction mobilizing in September. We’d like to acknowledge the many years of dedication of our committee: Andrew Goodwin, Katie Grigg, Kate Lockhart, Julie Riley, Rebecca Ruddy, Brenda Carnahan and Libby Wilkinson. Thanks also to every resident and business that made a donation, volunteered their time or participated in an event. The Zorra community made this project happen. Thank you to our generous donors who made this possible. Partner Sponsor ($50,000+) Doug & Patti Bell Family Foundation Thamesford Lions Club Township of Zorra Platinum Sponsor ($10,000+) Power Workers Union Gold Sponsor ($5,000+) Carmuese - Beachville Operation Semuniuk Farms Inc Tim Hortons Bronze Sponsor ($1,000+) Brunny’s Sports Bar & Grill Dr. Sandhu Dentistry Familia Homes Heartland Insurance Kate Lockhart Nox Concrete Ray Keddie c/o Barbara Keddie Staff of Children’s Aid Society of Oxford County Thamesford Beach Volleyball Club Thank you to the many other community donors who pledged their support to this project! *AGES 18+ *AGES 18+ EZCC- EMBRO-ZORRA COMMUNITY CENTRE TDRC - THAMESFORD DISTRICT RECREATION CENTRE BEATY ROOM - LOCATED IN THE THAMESFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY YOGA DROP-IN SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY THURSDAY ZORRA DROP-IN PROGAMS PICKLEBALL DROP-IN SCHEDULE MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 9:00 A.M.- 12:00 P.M. EZCC 9:00 A.M.- 12:00 P.M. EZCC 8:00 A.M.- 11:00 A.M. TDRC 8:00 A.M.- 11:00 A.M. TDRC 6:00 P.M.- 9:00 P.M. TDRC 6:00 P.M.- 9:00 P.M. TDRC* EXCLUDING THE 1 MONDAY OF THE MONTH ST 6:00 P.M.- 9:00 P.M. EZCC 6:00 P.M.- 9:00 P.M. EZCC* REGISTER TO PLAY ON PICKUP HUB SKATING DROP-IN SCHEDULE SUNDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY 2:00 P.M.- 3:00 P.M. PUBLIC SKATE EZCC & TDRC 9:30 A.M.- 10:30 A.M. ADULT SKATE TDRC 5:00 P.M.- 6:00 P.M. SHINNY TDRC 10:30 A.M.- 11:30 A.M. PARENT & TOT SKATE TDRC 9:30 A.M.- 10:30 A.M. ADULT SKATE EZCC 10:30 A.M.- 11:30 A.M. PARENT & TOT SKATE EZCC 1:00 P.M.- 2:00 P.M. SHINNY EZCC MONDAY 4:00 P.M.- 5:00 P.M. STUDENT (13+) SHINNY TDRC REGISTER ON PICKUP HUB 7:00 P.M.- 8:00 P.M. BEATY RM SEPT 17 OCT 15 NOV 19 9:30 A.M.- 10:30 A.M. ADULT SHINNY TDRC NEW FLOW YOGA 7:00 P.M.- 8:00 P.M. EZCC FLOW YOGA 7:00 P.M.- 8:00 P.M. BEATY RM TUESDAY FLOW YOGA 9:30 A.M.- 10:30 A.M. BEATY RM LINE DANCING DROP-IN SCHEDULE REGISTER ON PICKUP HUB
TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION 14 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 15 Recipients of 2026 Capital Grant Funding STAY UPDATED! Visit www.zorra.ca/our-township/committees or contact Sofia Caldwell, Manager of Recreation and Facilities, at scaldwell@zorra.ca. EMBRO DOG PARK COMMITTEE The Dog Park committee selected the location and received Council approval for Matheson Park. The committee formally evaluated two locations, Embro Community Centre and Matheson Park, based on accessibility, park amenities (washrooms and water fountains), community impact and other criteria. Did you know it is common for municipalities to create multi-use park spaces? This approach creates community hubs, where residents of all ages can enjoy a variety of recreation activities in a single, accessible location! The committee has officially reached their fundraising goal - thanks to the community for their generous support. Stay tuned for construction timelines and details! For more information follow the Embro Dog Park page on Facebook or visit the website: https://www.zorra.ca/our-township/committees/ EMBRO MINOR BASEBALL - MATHESON PARK MINI PITCH The mini pitch has been constructed thanks to the in-kind work of our Public Works staff. Current efforts are focused on outfield rehabilitation with in-kind help from Levy Trucking and D & M Services. Embro Minor Baseball Association is funding and coordinating installation of the backstop. The new diamond will be ready for play for the 2027 baseball season! STREAM 1: GENERAL OPERATION STREAM 2: LOCAL MINOR SPORTS GRANT STREAM 3: LAKESIDE TRIATHALON FUND DUE DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS SEPTEMBER 15TH. LEARN MORE BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE: WWW.ZORRA.CA/OUR-SERVICES/FINANCE-AND-TAXATION/GRANTS Updates to our Grant Policy xplor nextRec YOUR HUB FOR SOCIAL, ACTIVE LIVING We have moved to a NEW recreation platform called nextRec (Xplor) View Facility Availability and Rent Facilities View Ice Availability and Book Ice Register for Day Camps, Activities and Aquatics Programs Receive Email Communications from the Recreation Department NOTE: Drop-in Programs (Yoga, Pickleball) will still be registered through PickupHub https://zorra.perfectmind.com Click the sign up button Get your temporary password Create your new password Login to your account and XPLOR 1 2 3 4 Recipients of 2026 Capital Grant Funding
TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION 16 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 17 Uniondale Fire Station celebrates 50 years of emergency response By Stew Slater The Fire Hall building on Oxford Road 96 – and the emergency response crew it’s home to whose activities in the community are so appreciated – seem now like so much a part of the fabric of the Uniondale/Medina/Lakeside/Harrington district that it might be hard to believe there was a time none of that existed. But it was just over 50 years ago, on Jan. 1, 1976, that the Uniondale Fire Department officially came into being under the direction of inaugural Fire Chief Frank Rietmeyer. Until then, fire protection service for the area was provided by volunteer departments in St. Marys, Thamesford and Embro. Former District Fire Chief and current Zorra Township Councillor Paul Mitchell wrote a history of the department for the 2012 history book “East Nissouri Township: People, Perseverance, Progress.” He recalled how a decision was made at the township level to establish a volunteer Uniondale force and construct a new fire hall, with then ward Councillor Dave Slater “assigned the task of recruiting a group of people interested in and capable of becoming firefighters.” Those “Original 16” – as they’re referred to in an exhaustive scrapbook kept by the man who became the longest-serving among them, Ron King – spent the fall of 1975 training under the direction of Chief Joe Wallace of the Thamesford Fire Department. “Their first truck, a 1974 pumper with a 650-gallon tank,” Mitchell’s account relates, “was purchased from King Seagrave at a cost of $40,000. Keys to the new truck were presented to Rietmeyer at a ceremony on Oct. 25, 1975.” For six months, until the fire hall was completed in June of 1976, the force operated out of the yard and dispatch office of Hutton Transport across the road. During a recent interview, King recalled a Sunday morning fire call when a parked transport truck inadvertently blocked the Uniondale fire truck from exiting the yard. “(Hutton Transport President) Wallace Hutton didn’t get mad very often but he was pretty upset when he learned the fire truck had been blocked in,” King recalled. “It was a good job (Fire Chief) Frank was there because none of the rest of us knew how to drive truck.” The original fire hall had a flat asphalt roof. Subsequent improvements included a sloped steel roof, a radio repeater tower and a 5,000-gallon underwater water tank. But for the most part, the double-bay building has remained unchanged. Mitchell’s account in the East Nissouri history book states that the department’s “first official call was to a chimney fire at the farmhouse of Chester and Joyce West on Highway 19 south of Medina. The second call was to a shop fire at the home of Melville and Win Vannatter in Lakeside.” King remembers that, at the time, the department had two Scott Air-Paks (a selfcontained breathing apparatus manufactured by Scott Safety, a company now owned by 3M) and four of the oxygen cylinders needed for their use. The Uniondale station now has 12 Air-Paks and at least two cylinders for every Air-Pak. Mitchell wrote in 2012 that “the first personal protective equipment for the firefighters consisted of the traditional long black coats, thigh-high rubber boots and thin plastic helmets. These not only provided a minimum of protection but they were clumsy to work in and Current Uniondale District Fire Chief Scott Matheson, left, alongside the longest-serving member of the Uniondale Fire Department, Ron King, who retired from the force in 2021 cold in the winter.” In 1989, a transition began to outfitting the firefighters with more modern gear including helmets made of Kevlar. “Everything to do with the fire department has an expiry date,” current Uniondale Station District Chief Scott Matheson explained during a recent conversation at the fire hall. “That’s something you’ve always got to keep your eye on so that you know there’s a budget for inspections and upgrades and new equipment.” The biggest budget items, of course, are the vehicles. Mitchell wrote in his history book account that the Uniondale “fleet was soon doubled with the addition of a 1947 tanker which had just been replaced at the Thamesford hall. Despite having to replace the 500-gallon water tank, which sprang a huge leak going over some railway tracks, this antique remained in service until 1985 when it was replaced by a new tanker.” Lakeside News correspondent to the St. Marys Journal Argus Ruth Skillings provided some details about this story when she wrote about the retirement in 1996 of inaugural Fire Chief Frank Rietmeyer. “On the very first call (with the newlyacquired, then 31-year-old tanker truck), to a car fire east of Lakeside, while going over the tracks at Lakeside, a big chunk of rust fell off the bottom of the tank. By the time they got to the car, there wasn’t one drop of water left in the tank.” “The original pumper was replaced in 1997 and the second tanker was replaced in 2008 by a 2,000-gallon tandem truck,” Mitchell wrote in 2012. “They were both custom-built for Uniondale by the Metalfab Fire Apparatus Co. in New Brunswick.” Protective equipment definitely has improved since 1976, but King and Matheson agree that the biggest transformation since the Uniondale Fire Department formed is definitely the paging system. Fifty years ago, the 911 emergency dispatch system wasn’t yet in place in rural Ontario. As part of its launch, the department secured a dedicated seven-digit fire-call number in the Uniondale telephone exchange. If someone dialed that number, the phone rang simultaneously in the homes of four firefighters – Marjorie and George Whittaker, Gail and Don Adams, Fieke and Frank Rietmeyer, Teresa and Bill Rouvers – plus the dispatch office of Hutton Transport. In an era before voicemail, there had to be someone present in one of those locations at all times to ensure not just a timely response but a response at all. This bit of trivia speaks to the valuable support provided in those early days to the fire department by two groups of people: management and employees of Hutton Transport; and the wives and family members of the original Uniondale firefighters. King remembers one Sunday morning call when the men in whose homes the first-call telephones were located were either attending a worship service or toiling in their dairy barn. Hutton Transport would also typically have been pretty quiet but employee Bill McKay just happened to be in the vicinity of the dispatch office and heard and answered the call. He also remembers it was always the women in the households receiving the initial fire call who immediately initiated a “telephone pyramid” to inform the rest of the department about the situation – not just that it was happening, but what type of call it was and where it was unfolding. Rietmeyer, interviewed for the St. Marys Journal Argus at the time of his retirement, stated, “the whole family was needed to make the system run smoothly and they never let us down.” It goes without saying, of course, that the dedication and support from spouses and family members of firefighters – and all first responders – continues today as a major factor in the ability of Ontario residents to be confident of timely and professional response to emergencies. In 1983, a pager system was purchased to alert each firefighter when a call came in, through a dispatch service based in Woodstock. They
TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION 18 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 19 would then have to call the fire dispatch number to find out the details. “Response times were further improved in 1997 with the introduction of the 911 system in Oxford County,” Mitchell wrote in his history book account. As part of the transition, “the roads and sideroads were renamed or renumbered to make locating the emergency scene faster and easier.” Updated versions of the pagers are still in use today. Because the radio frequency technology of the pagers is much more reliable across the Uniondale Station service area than any cellphone network, they still provide the initial signal to firefighters that they’re needed. Once a page is detected, firefighters use their smartphone to check the app and find out call details. Another big change is the coordination that now takes place between the three fire stations in Zorra Township. For many years, Embro, Thamesford and Uniondale operated as separate fire departments, competing in some ways for the attention and resources of the municipal government upon which they largely rely for funding. Throughout that time, it was a big thing if one department had to call upon another for support. For structure fires, it became common to send out a call to a neighbouring department for additional water in the form of a tanker truck. But actually putting out the call for additional help in the form of firefighters was rare. “Even when I started in 2011, it was a lot of ‘us’ and ‘them’,” current Uniondale District Chief Matheson said. Because there wasn’t regular interaction between members of the three departments and they had separate chiefs, there was a reluctance to call for additional help. The mindset persisted that the core Uniondale firefighters – or, correspondingly, the Embro and Thamesford crews in their service areas – should be able to handle it themselves. “In October 2009, the largest change to the fire service in Zorra Township in over 30 years took place when Council hired Jeff Smith from the Norfolk Fire Service as the first ever Fire Chief for the Zorra Fire and Emergency Services,” Mitchell wrote in his history book account. “With this re-organization, the individual fire departments in Thamesford, Embro and Uniondale became known as Station #1 Thamesford, Station #2 Embro, and Station #3 Uniondale.” Matheson says that since the amalgamation, thanks in large part to three successive Zorra Fire Chiefs who bought into and wholeheartedly supported the new model, the “us versus them” feeling is a thing of the past. A call to Embro or Thamesford for additional water is now “instantaneous” if it’s a structural fire call, he said. As for additional firefighters, “nobody’s afraid to call anybody else for help.” When a 911 call is directed Uniondale’s way and the firefighters’ pagers go off, their responses to the dispatch app on their smartphones informs Matheson how many crew members are available at that time. For those arriving at the fire station first who take on the task of loading the trucks with gear, a screen on the wall beside the big rolling doors shows where exactly each firefighter is in relation to the emergency site. “If I see that we might be short-staffed, I’ll call (the other Zorra stations) right away. If they come and it turns out they’re not needed, that’s fine. We can send them home.” Although this isn’t universal across Ontario or even across Zorra Township, Uniondale’s protocol has always been to load the trucks with gear then proceed to the emergency site with firefighters who arrived early to the station on the trucks. Any crew member too far away to respond that quickly proceeds to the call location on their own. Before the smartphone app, King recalls, the protocol was to proceed to the end of the firehall driveway, wait a few seconds to see if any other crew members were on their way to the station, then hurry to the emergency site. A version of that protocol remains in place today. Matheson notes that he’s currently the Uniondale firefighter residing furthest from the station and, often, he’ll know from his smartphone app that several firefighters are already en route to the station and he can instead proceed directly to the call location to assess the situation and establish a response plan. Training has also changed dramatically. Matheson was one of the first Uniondale firefighters hired under a training regimen introduced in 2010 requiring eight months of sessions held during weekends prior to the new recruits officially joining the force. “Before that it was basically ‘here’s your helmet. We’ll train you as we go’.” In the years since, training requirements have become even more rigorous. Liability – for the firefighters themselves and for the township for which they serve – is a major driver but so is the increasing complexity of the scenarios to which volunteer fire departments might find themselves summoned. “In the late 1970s and early 1980s the Uniondale Fire Department might respond to 10-15 emergency calls per year, almost all of which were some type of fire,” Mitchell wrote in his East Nissouri history book account. “Throughout the late 1980s and into the 1990s the role of the fire department evolved to include attending more motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) as well as medical emergencies.” “Currently the local station responds to 2530 calls per year including assisting Embro and Thamesford at larger fires.” Matheson confirmed that number is still roughly accurate today, referring to the Uniondale crew as “an average 30-to-40 call hall” – significantly fewer than some volunteer fire departments in Ontario that are located close to 400-series highways with a high number of MVC calls. Matheson explains that, nowadays, the training required of anyone joining a volunteer fire department in Ontario makes them fully qualified to apply for professional firefighter positions on any city force. That’s great for building a crew that can focus entirely on putting that training into action without hesitation, but he also knows that “some departments struggle” finding replacements when firefighters retire. So far, Uniondale has not faced that challenge. “For any of our new recruits, (the training regimen) is a huge ask in terms of commitment . . . And it always amazes me that, every time we need new recruits, we always find them.” Reflecting on this, and looking back at photos of “The original 16” in Ron King’s scrapbook, Matheson notes that the face of volunteer fire protection in the Uniondale area has changed in 50 years. Back then, a few of the men who answered Councillor Dave Slater’s call hadn’t yet begun having kids but most had young families at home. New recruits now, the current Uniondale District Chief says, tend to be younger with no kids and the availability to commit every weekend for several months for training. Plus, almost all of those “Original 16” worked – either on their farm or for an employer nearby – within the Uniondale force’s service area. “That’s part of the thinking in wanting to have a few more people recruited (Uniondale now has 18 firefighters and would like to recruit one more) or in putting out the call to another station for help.” “Because when you get to a fire scene, when things start rolling, you can sometimes need a lot of people.” One thing that certainly hasn’t changed is the camaraderie that forms the basis of every well-executed emergency response. From the beginning on Jan. 1, 1976, the firefighters from the Uniondale hall have been able to trust they have back-up from everyone else on the force. “The guys are like a big family,” King stated, while Matheson added that “you never worry about whether you’re making the right decision in the moment because you always know there are a bunch of other firefighters right there with you, looking at the same situation and supporting you.”
TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION 20 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 21 Senior of the Year 2026 At a recent Council meeting, Doug Turvey was presented with the Senior of the Year Award! Doug is a true cornerstone of our community. For many years, he has dedicated his time and talents to Thistle Theatre and the Embro-Zorra Agricultural Society, by serving on their respective boards, ensuring our local culture remains vibrant. As the owner of The Country Geek, Doug didn’t just run a business; he served Oxford County with essential technical skills and a generous heart - most notably through his electronics recycling initiative, which turned scrap into funds for our local 4-H group. Whether he is leading the way as our Town Crier, performing with the Ingersoll Pipe Band, or calling a square dance, Doug brings joy and tradition wherever he goes. We wish him a very happy retirement and thank him for his years of selfless service. Volunteer of the Year 2026 Doris Weir is the winner of the 2026 Volunteer of the Year award! Doris uses her photography skills to give back to our community in so many ways. She has been the official photographer for the Thamesford Trojans for several years and her photos have helped to elevate the teams social media presence in a huge way. She provides team photos, individual head shots, game photos, event photos, and even takes special requests from family members of the team! She does not ask for any money, and provides her services entirely for free! She attends most home games and many road games engaging with our players and their families and capturing action photos. Doris can be found at every Lions event with her camera in hand, capturing community events all year round. You can also find her at the Beachville Museum car shows and other events snapping photos. These are just a few ways that Doris gives back to our community using her gift of photography. Doris was instrumental in creating the Harvey Beaty Memoirs book which captured the life of Thamesford's Harvey Beaty using his own stories and those of many people who knew and worked with him. Doris continued the work of keeping the memory of Harvey Beaty alive with the creation of the Harvey Beaty Memorial Garden at the Lions River Park in Thamesford, which features a sign, two benches, walkway, and plants in Harvey's memory. Doris is a strong part of the community and shows this in all the ways she gives back! Update on Zorra Awards Council made a decision to combine the Senior of the Year award with the Volunteer of the Year award. Beginning in 2027, there will be one award given out for Volunteerism each year. Nominations for this Award can be made at anytime using the online form found on our website. Looking for a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner? If you or someone you know does not have a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner (NP), the Health Care Connect program can help. This free Ontario program connects residents with a valid Ontario Health Card to a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner who is accepting new patients in their community. Registration is simple and available in multiple languages. How to register: • Online: Ontario.ca/ HealthCareConnect • By phone: Call 8-1-1 (available 24 hours a day/7 days a week) You will be asked to provide your name, address, health card number, and some basic health information that will help determine your health needs. What to expect: A care connector in your community will work to match you with the right Family Doctor or NP that is accepting new patients. While a match cannot be guaranteed right away, registering is the best first step to finding ongoing Primary Care. While you wait, you can visit this site to find health care services locally. Why register? When you register, you’re not just taking a step toward finding a family doctor or NP – you are also helping your community. The information helps the municipality and health system partners better understand local needs and plan for the services people need most. Oxford Ontario Health Team is supported by funding from the Government of Ontario.
TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION 22 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 23 Thank you to our 2026 Summer Students! This summer, the Zorra Fire Department visited camp for a This summer, the Zorra Fire Department visited camp for a fun-filled morning all about fire prevention and safety! Our fun-filled morning all about fire prevention and safety! Our campers had a blast tackling an obstacle course, learning campers had a blast tackling an obstacle course, learning how firefighters put on their protective gear, and getting an how firefighters put on their protective gear, and getting an up-close tour of the fire truck. up-close tour of the fire truck. A huge thank you to the Zorra Fire Department for taking A huge thank you to the Zorra Fire Department for taking time out of your day to visit us and teach our campers some time out of your day to visit us and teach our campers some important fire safety skills! We had so much fun learning important fire safety skills! e had so much fun learning with you! with you! Zorra Fire Department Visits Summer Camp!
TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION TOWNSHIP DEPARTMENT INFORMATION 24 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 Zorra Now | Fall 2026 25 clerk@zorra.ca 519-425-2305 www.zorra.ca Municipal elections are held every four years, with the next municipal election being held on Monday, October 26, 2026. Eligible electors will cast their votes for Township of Zorra Council and School Board Trustee offices. Zorra Council Offices: Mayor, Four (4) Ward Councillors (Ward 1 Councillor, Ward 2 Councillor, Ward 3 Councillor, and Ward 4 Councillor). School Board Trustee Offices: Thames Valley District School Board Trustee (2); London District Catholic School Board Trustee (1); Conseil Scolaire Catholique Providence (1) for the Counties of Oxford, Perth & Grey; Conseil Scolaire Viamonde (1) for the Counties of Oxford, Elgin, Lambton, Municipalities of Haldimand-Norfolk & Chatham-Kent. 2026 ELECTION For election inquiries, contact the Township of Zorra Clerk The Township of Zorra will be using internet and telephone voting for the 2026 election. Zorra used the same voting method for the 2022 election. Eligible voters will be able to cast their vote by internet OR telephone. A Voting PIN Letter will be mailed to those that are on the Voters’ List in early October. The Voting PIN Letter will contain an individualized PIN for the voter to use to cast their vote. The voter simply follows the instructions in their kit and chooses between telephone voting or internet voting. To vote by telephone, the voter will call the number provided in the voting kit, enter the individualized PIN number and the voter’s birth day, and then the voter will cast their vote (and use the ‘#’ button to confirm the selections). To vote by internet, the voter will visit the voting website provided in the Voting PIN letter. The voter will enter their individualized PIN number and the voters’ birth date. The voter will follow the prompts through all contests and complete their ballot by pressing ‘Cast Ballot’. Beginning on Tuesday, October 13 until the end of Voting Day on Monday, October 26, eligible voters may attend the Zorra Municipal Centre during office hours to use the computer/tablet, internet access, or touch-tone telephone for voting purposes. If you haven’t already, please ensure that you are on the Voters’ List and your information is correct. From now until July 31, 2026, you may check if you are on the Voters’ List by visiting RegisterToVoteON.ca From August 1 to Election Day, please visit the Township website and submit a “Am I on the Voters’ List?” request. Voting Methods Elected Offices Are you on the Voters’ List? MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2026 Voting will open on Tuesday, October 13 at 9:00a.m. & close on Monday, October 26 at 8:00p.m. Zorra Parks Scavenger Hunt Ever wanted to explore all of what Zorra has to offer? Well, now you can! Zorra is offering free bag tags (3) or free public skate passes to families or individuals who explore Zorra. To participate, you and/or your family must take a picture in front of each park sign in Zorra Township. To claim your prize, email your photos, name, and address to contest@zorra.ca and stop by the Zorra Municipal Centre in Thamesford. Prizes are available to the first 5 families or individuals to participate. Three bag tags per entry, or one free public skate pass per individual (eg. a family with 3 kids and two adults gets 5 passes). Instructions While you are exploring Zorra, why not check out some locally owned businesses? Harrington Community Park Matheson Park Memorial Park Dr. Kosmal Park Grace Patterson Park Lions River Park Lions South Park North Park Robert Fisher Soccer Field Terry Fox Park Have FUN!! Wallace Park
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