Spring has arrived
Chesley mural deadline, healthcare scholarship, homecoming tickets, GSCA updates and more!
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You can feel it - spring is here and warm temperatures are around the corner. This weekend I slathered some sunscreen onto my see-through arms and sat in the sunshine for a nice hour. The smell of Hawaiian Tropic is one of my favourite summer smells. Indulging in early spring sun is such a treat after the long winter.
My neighbour’s crocuses also popped up this week and the birds are now singing every morning and evening. It’s possibly my favourite time of year.
~ Jen
Last Call for Artwork & Photos for for Chesley Mural
Deadline to submit content is Tuesday, April 15
In celebration of Chesley’s 145th anniversary, the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie and the Chesley Kinsmen Club, with support from Community Foundation Grey Bruce, are partnering to create a stunning mosaic mural made entirely from community submissions. The mural will be unveiled just in time for Chesley’s Homecoming Celebrations (July 31 – August 3, 2025).
Submit your high-resolution images of original photographs or artwork that capture the spirit of Chesley—its landmarks, history, nature, events, and traditions. This is your chance to showcase what makes our community special!
Submission Guidelines:
✔ Images must reflect the essence of Chesley—places, moments, and stories that define our town.
❌ Photos containing identifiable people will not be accepted.
📅 Submission deadline: April 15, 2025
How to Submit:
Submit Online Here
OR Drop off printed images at the Municipal Office (after-hours drop box available please include Name, phone#, email).
Welcome to the Tara Corner Store
New Ownership, Name and Look for Downtown Tara Business
Residents of Tara welcomed the opening of the new Tara Corner Store last weekend. Featuring Moore’s Meats, fresh produce and Kawartha Lakes ice cream, as well as your everyday staples, pop in to see what’s new! Open daily 8 AM - 8 PM and 8 - 6 PM on Sundays.
Chesley Homecoming Tickets on Sale
Tickets available online and in person at Chesley businesses
Individual dinner and dance tickets are now on sale for Chesley Homecoming happening July 31 - August 3, 2025. Purchase through the online store or at Denomy’s (cash or tap) or Team Tedford- Remax Grey/Bruce Reality Inc. (cash only).
GSCA Opens Applications for Stewardship Project Grants
Cover crops, clean water diversion, tree planting, alternative watering and exclusionary fencing among eligible projects
Are you interested in improving your environmental stewardship on your farm? Implement best management practices that support watershed health and benefit your farm and you could be eligible for funding from the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority Stewardship Program.
Projects can include cover crops, clean water diversion, tree planting, watercourse exclusion fencing, alternative watering systems, and more!
Learn more and find the Stewardship Application Form at www.greysauble.on.ca/stewardship_grants.
Rural Healthcare Scholarship Applications Now Open
Two $500 awards available to local students considering a career in healthcare
The Chesley Hospital Foundation is now accepting applications for their Rural Healthcare Student Scholarship. This award was created to encourage local students to consider a career in healthcare in the Chesley area and will provide two $500 awards annually to support tuition costs.
Applications accepted starting April 1st, 2025 and may be submitted by mail, email or in-person at our office until May 31st, 2025, 8pm EST.
To learn more on how to apply visit the Chesley Hospital Foundation website or contact chesleyhf@sbghc.on.ca or by phone at 519-363-2340 x 3140.
Know Where You Are: Respect the Rules Regarding Illegal Motorized Vehicle Use On Conservation and County Lands
Bruce County, Grey County, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, and Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Issue Joint Call for Respect of Lands.
Imagine asking your neighbour if you can ride your ATV across their property and then ignoring their answer. Would you? Most people wouldn’t. So why is it different when it comes to County and Conservation Authority land?
Bruce County, Grey County, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, and Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority are coming together to call for greater respect for trails, beaches, forests, and conservation lands. Illegal motorized vehicle use continues to cause damage, disrupt natural habitats, and divert critical funding away from recreational improvements.
Unauthorized use of ATVs, dirt bikes, trucks, and even golf carts is creating lasting damage on County and Conservation Authority lands. Deep ruts, eroded slopes, and crushed vegetation are not just unsightly, they impact ecosystems, destroy habitats, spread invasive species, and jeopardize the future of our natural spaces.
Every Dollar Spent on Repairs is a Dollar Not Spent on Recreation
Funds meant for trail maintenance, accessibility improvements, and new recreational opportunities are being swallowed up by costly repairs. When riders damage these lands, the cost of restoring them is left to municipalities, counties and conservation authorities, pulling resources away from enhancements that benefit all users.
Respecting Land, Respecting Community
Before hitting the trails, riders must "Know Where You Are." Counties and Conservation Authorities have clear rules to protect these spaces. If an area is not explicitly designated for motorized vehicle use, it is off-limits. No county or conservation lands allow for unauthorized off-road motorized vehicles.
Enforcement is Increasing
To protect public lands, enforcement efforts are ramping up in 2025. Riders caught operating motorized vehicles illegally may face fines, impoundment, or charges under municipal bylaws and provincial regulations.
By working together, Bruce County, Grey County, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, and Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority are committed to keeping lands safe and open for all. But it starts with respect. Know where you are. Respect the land. Ride responsibly.
Federal Election Information
The federal election is now only two weeks away. Voter cards have been mailed out and were supposed to be in mailboxes by Friday. The Elections Canada website seems quite difficult to find details and can’t find my address, so I’m hoping I have a voting card in my mailbox.
Advance Voting
Friday, April 18, 2025
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Monday, April 21, 2025
Vote anytime at one of the Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Returning Offices or on Election Day (April 28) at your poll. For more general information about the election (and civics 101) and you’re on Instagram, give Amanda Kingsley a follow - she has great, easy-to-understand info!
Finally, there will also be several all-candidates meetings held this week for the riding of Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.
Wednesday, April 16 from 9 - 11 am Radio 560 CFOS (podcast available on the website later that day)
Thursday, April 17 at 7 pm, Keady Community Centre
Tuesday, April 22 at 7 pm, Durham Community Centre
Wednesday, April 23 at 7 pm, Bayshore Community Centre
Arran-Elderslie in the News
In case you missed it, here’s some recent news clips about our community
Arran-Elderslie Mayor Recieves “Strong Mayor” - Arran-Elderslie was among 169 municipalities that were proposed last week by the provincial government to receive “strong mayor” powers.
Council Corner
DYK? The Council meeting agenda is posted online the Friday before the meeting. All meetings can also be viewed by livestream. You can find all information here.
On Today’s Agenda - April 14, 2025
Here are a few highlights from today’s Council agenda. The full agenda and livestream video can be found here.
Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Workshop Request
Chesley Kinette Request for Consideration of a Dog Park
Fire Protection Grant
Victoria Street (Paisley) Sidewalk Update
3rd Street SW (Chesley)
Barfoot Municipal Drain Cleanout
Bruce Grey Bulls Ice Request
Allenford Ball Diamond Replacement Lights
Tara Basketball Court Refurbishment
Paisley Ball Diamond Enhancements
Volunteer Policy
Battery Energy Storage System Policy
Plus several information items including Tara BESS Update, Welcoming Communities Together as One Gala, Media Release re: Illegal Motorized Vehicle Use on Conservation and County Lands
Upcoming Committee & Public Meetings
Council Meeting, Monday, April 14 at 9 AM, Council Chambers
Council Meeting, Monday, April 24 at 9 AM, Council Chambers
Community Events
A full list of events can be found on the website. If you have events you’d like to add to this list, you can email them to jshaw@arran-elderslie.ca.
Weekly Events
Mondays
Crokinole & Coffee, 9 AM, Paisley Legion
Learn to crochet or knit, 7 PM, Paisley Legion, $2 / night. Every Monday except holidays.
Euchre, 6:30 PM, Paisley Legion
Pickleball, 7 PM, Paisley Central School gym
Tuesdays
Euchre, 7 PM, Tara Legion
Wednesdays
Game Night, 7 PM, Tara Legion
Thursdays
Brockton & Area Family Heath Team Exercise Class, 9 AM, Paisley Legion
Community Meal, 12 Noon, Chelsey Baptist Church
Live Jammin’, 1 PM, Tara Legion
Fridays
Corn Hole, 4 PM, Paisley Legion
Sundays
Darts for Meat, 1 PM, Paisley Legion, $4 / round with meat prizes
April
Wednesday, April 16
How To Be Ready for a Ministry of Labour Inspection - Tara Legion, 1 - 4 PM, Hosted by the Arran-Elderslie Community & Business Association, Members $25, Non-Members $30
Drug Trafficking Town Hall - Walkerton Community Centre, Walkerton, 6-8 PM, Hosted by the CSWBP Crime Prevention Action Table
Thursday, April 17
Annual Family Dance Party - Tara Community Centre, 5 - 9:30 PM, Tickets through Arran-Tara Agricultural Society
Saturday, April 19
Easter Egg Hunt - Chesley Fire Hall, 10 AM, Hosted by the Chesley Kinette Club
Easter Egg Hunt - Paisley Missionary Church, 10:30 - 11:30 AM
Sunday, April 20
Easter Egg Hunt & Colouring Draw - Tara Community Centre, 1 PM, Sponsored by the Tara Festival of Crafts
Wednesday, April 23
Drug Trafficking Town Hall - Sydenham Campus, Owen Sound, 6-8 PM, Hosted by the CSWBP Crime Prevention Action Table
Thursday, April 24
Paisley Writing Group - Paisley Treasure Chest Museum, 2-4 PM by $5 donation to museum
Friday, April 25
Day of Mourning - Chesley Community Centre,
Together as One Welcoming Communities Gala - Klages Mill, Chesley, 5:30 - 10 PM, Tickets $100
Saturday, April 26
Beach Party - Paisley Legion, 9 - 12 PM Midnight, Tickets $15 through Paisley Legion
Sunday, April 27
Aldworth Lodge Mason Breakfast - Tara Legion, 10 AM - 1 PM, $15 Adults, $8 children
Monday, April 28
Drug Trafficking Town Hall - P&H Centre, Hanover, 6-8 PM, Hosted by the CSWBP Crime Prevention Action Table
That’s it for this edition of The Back Porch Brief! You can expect the next newsletter in your inbox in 2-ish weeks!