welcome to port dover 2015

Community Newspaper

RESTAURANTS AND SHOPPING, THEATRE AND THINGS TO DO

Discover the Best of Port Dover!

WELCOME TO

EVENTSWHAT’S HAPPENING IN PORT DOVER

LIVING HEREHOME BUYERS LOOK TO PORT DOVER

2015 COMPLIMENTARY COPY l ENJOY YOUR STAY IN PORT DOVER

Port Dover Maple Leaf Summer 2015 l 3

Special thanks to Earl Hartlen www.earlhartlen.com for the cover photo and many of the photographs in this magazine.

HAVEFUN

AND

ENJOYYOUR STAY

Port Dover has been a welcoming place for visitors coming by road or by water since the mid-1800s.

There are many attractions here that visitors to this lakeside town enjoy. The post card perfect beach, our pier and historic lighthouse, the many boats and soaring seagulls are what many people will mention � rst about a visit to Port Dover.

Port Dover has festivals and events throughout the year to entertain everyone. The unique shops throughout town delight visitors and most are open all year.

There is a wide selection of restaurants and bars to meet everyone’s wishes... you’ll have your favourite and want to return again and again.

Whether it’s your very � rst visit to Port Dover or you’ve been here many times, you’re sure to � nd a friendly wel-come. From the ‘Welcome’ signs at the entrances to town to free public parking and friendly shops and diverse restaurants, it’s all part of the welcome feeling we hope you experience in Port Dover throughout 2015!

Welcome … and enjoy your visit to Port Dover.

WELCOME TO PORT DOVER

4 l WELCOME TO PORT DOVER | Summer 2015

Welcome to Port Dover

is published by

Port Dover Maple Leaf Ltd351 Main St.,

Port Dover N0A 1N0519-583-0112

info@portdover

mapleleaf.comPublisher Paul Morris

Editor Stan MorrisSales

Todd Dewell, Kerstein MallonWriters & PhotosDonna McMillan, Heather Walters,

Earl Hartlen, David Judd

Production & OfficeShelley Wenige,

Lynn Sonnenberg,Elizabeth Schuyler,

Bev Snow,Trevor Stephens, Cindy Macaulay.

Enjoy a cruise on Lynn River and Black Creek aboard a ‘River Rider’ boat.

The one hour round trip cruises are a delightful excursion. Passengers go under the lift bridge, past Port Dover Yacht Club, admire some of Port Dover’s grandest homes and wit-ness up close the birds, plants and natural marine wildlife.

Cruises start at the main pier along Harbour Street.

MOVING AROUND

ENOY A RIVER CRUISE

SOUTH COAST SHUTTLE

On weekends, Ride Norfolk operates the South Coast Shuttle Service connecting Port Dover, Vittoria, Normandale, Turkey Point, Port Rowan and Long Point. Two buses make six or seven round trips every Saturday, Sunday and holiday.

2015 is the first year for the service which is operating from May 16 to September 27 on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. One-way out of town fare is $6; In town fare is $2. Riders receive transfer for making multiple stops going one way. Multi-ride passes are available at public libraries for $25 ($30 value). Children aged 5 and under ride free. Information at www.ridenorfolk.ca

RIDE NORFOLK

Ride Norfolk offers Thursday and Friday bus service to other parts of Norfolk County. For routes and schedules, visit www.ridenorfolk.ca



You’ll fi nd great shopping in Port Dover in several areas of town. Visit all the shops near the waterfront and along Walker Street that off er a wide range of items. Then walk up Main Street where you’ll fi nd unique and interesting shops all along the street for several blocks. There’s a wide range of shops and you’re invited to wander around and check them all. And don’t forget a visit to Len’s Mill Store on St. George Street North.

Visitors to this lakeside community can visit the wonder-ful Silver Lake Farmers Market in Port Dover every Saturday morning in the Market Building at Silver Lake Park.

The popular location is three blocks from downtown. At Main and Nelson Streets turn east to St. Patrick Street (two blocks), then turn left … Silver Lake Park is on the right.

Port Dover’s Tourist Information Centre is at 19 Market St. West in the Port Dover Board of Trade offi ce. It is staff ed by a Norfolk County tourist ambassador Thursday through Mon-day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays and Wednesdays with

limited hours until Labour Day weekend to answer questions about Port Dover and help with visits throughout Norfolk County. Tourist brochures are available to help plan a fun and enjoyable stay.

Other services include a listing of accommodations off ered by Port Dover Board of Trade members.

The Tourist Information Centre can be reached at 519-583-1314 or [email protected] or in person.

If you’re looking for a little sports action during your visit, drop by the Sports Park on St. George Street north behind the arena.

You’ll fi nd tennis courts, an outdoor ball hockey rink and a state-of-the-art concrete skateboard park waiting for you to enjoy.

Nearby is the Todd Eaton Memorial Track and a children’s play park. A baseball diamond is at the nearby Harry Misner Park and on Brant Hill at Kinsmen Park.

Looking for a quiet place to relax or a spot to have a picnic? There are a number of parks in town. Powell Park in the downtown, Silver Lake Park, Kinsmen Park, the new Riverfront Park and many more quiet places to sit and enjoy the town.

SHOPPING

FARMERS MARKET

TOURIST INFO

SPORTS PARK

PARKS

Port Dover has celebrated Canada Day with fun ac-tivities every year since 1867. It is believed to be the only community in Canada that can make this claim. The town has a boat parade and Calithumpian Parade.

CANADA DAY


Powell Park in downtown Port Dover off ers a cool and quiet place to rest or have a picnic lunch. Each Sunday night during July and August, a free concert is held in the park and hundreds of residents and visitors relax and enjoy the early evening music.

Port Dover’s “Summer Festival” and Art-in-the-Park is the third weekend in August. This year that’s August 15 and 16. The Summer Festival in Powell Park features arts and crafts of every description plus thousands of used books.

This Port Dover Board of Trade-organized event allows only juried exhibitors so everything on display is quality-made by the people selling it.

Local crafters and artists are joined by selected vendors from across Ontario who look forward to off ering their wares at this event. The antiques and collectibles always attract much interest.

There is also live music in the park and tasty foods by local service organizations. There is no admission cost for people to come and browse for hours at the upwards of 100 exhibits and booths.

The same weekend, Port Dover merchants hold their annual Sidewalk Sale Days with special off ers in almost every store along the street. A great weekend to visit Port Dover.

Port Dover’s lighthouse is a Rec-ognized Heritage Building. There was concern it could be replaced with a standpipe, and a group of citizens petitioned Norfolk County to purchase the building from the federal govt.

FUN IN TOWN

SUNDAY CONCERTS

SUMMER FESTIVAL

LIGHTHOUSE


Erie Beach Hotel is a Port Dover tradition

The famous Arbor has been a Port Dover landmark for almost a century.

The Arbor is the home of Golden Glow fruit drinks and Ritz Red Hots (foot-long hot dogs), hamburgers, fries and ice cream treats. Tony Sch-neider and sta� continue the tradi-tions as patrons dress up their Red Hots and hamburgers with a wide selection of homemade condiments.

Just across Main Street is Ar-bortown Mini Golf that provides children and adults 18-holes of fun.

The Arbor for a hot dog and Golden GlowTM

The popularity of the landmark Erie Beach Hotel on Walker Street is about hospitality and great food. For three generations the Schneider family has perfected the way to cook fresh Lake Erie perch … it is a mat-ter of great pride with them.

The Cove Room on the main floor is open daily year round with an extensive menu of tempting choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The salad cart that is brought to each table offers specialty salads and pick-led treats. Mouth watering celery bread is a traditional favourite.

The Cove Room, shown at right, has undergone a stylish new look with its beach and lake motifs creat-ing a welcoming ambience. Patrons will also admire the recent new uniforms of the wait staff, being the first change since 1946.

Pub-style dining at The Terrace Room on the upper level is the gath-ering place by the jug-of-beer and platter of fish crowd. The Terrace Room serves a wide menu of favou-rite foods from noon until late night in pleasant surroundings and is open to all ages.

Whether it’s dinner out, a family gathering or a business meeting, Andrew and Pam Schneider of The Erie Beach Hotel can accommodate many groups in a number of dining rooms.

THREEGENERATIONS

Harold and Marjorie Schneider purchased the Erie Beach Hotel in 1946 and quickly made it famous for good food and good hospital-ity. Their son Tony and his wife Betty carried on the tradi-tion and expanded the business. Today, third generation owner Andrew Schneider and his wife Pam own and operate the hotel.

GREAT FOOD


Lighthouse Festival Theatre in downtown Port Dover offers profes-sional plays throughout the sum-mer with both evening and matinee shows.

‘Corpse!’ opened the season from May 27 to June 13 with a “whodun-nit comedy” by Gerald Moon with hijinks that don’t go as expected.

‘Stag and Doe’ is on stage June 17 to July 4. This comedy by Mark Crawford tells the story of one cou-ple celebrating their Stag and Doe, another getting married, a catering staff in jail and a broken heart .. all in the same hall, in the same town, at the same time!

‘One Moment’ runs July 8 to July 25. Six employees of a call centre discover their very different lives altered in one moment during a regular working day. This is a funny and touching comedy musical by Norm Foster and Steve Thomas.

‘Same Time, Next Year’ (July 29

to August 15) is the hugely successful romantic comedy by Bernard Slade that ran four years on Broadway. The audience follows a once-a-year love affair that spans 25 years. Hilarious moments ensue during the many years of manners, morals and at-titudes mirrored by the lovers.

‘The Ghost Island Light’ (Aug. 26 to Sept. 12) tells of Josiah and Rowena Tollifsen who are the new lighthouse keepers on Ghost Island. This comedy thriller by Peter Colley brings a ghoulish history of an is-land that is starting to show its true colours to Josiah and Rowena.

The Judy Garland Story (Sep-tember 15 to September 19) is the season topper.

For ticket information on all Lighthouse Festival Theatre shows go to lighthousetheatre.com or call the box office at 519-583-2221 or drop into the box office at 247 Main Street, Port Dover.

See plays at Lighthouse

TOWN CLOCK

The century-old mechanism behind the clock faces was repaired this spring by Richard Dupp and the clock is once again keeping time for everyone.

LIVE THEATRE

Black Creek Developments is pleased to announce Port Dover's Newest Community, The Flats at Black Creek.

Nestled on 21 acres of old growth forest overlooking Black Creek River, this 39 unit freehold condominium project will offer six modern craftsman style models. All will be built with luxurious appointments and large covered porches to ensure full enjoyment of your home both inside and out. Unique designs will offer energy efficient living and meet the needs and desires of today's families. A variety of lots will offer walk out basements along with wooded privacy. The property is complimented by 14 acres of walking trails through basements along with wooded privacy. The property is complimented by 14 acres of walking trails through pristine Carolinian forests. You are steps from the river and all of its natural beauty. A common dock featuring a kayak launch and optional boat slips will be offered as a part of the condominium elements providing boaters direct access to Lake Erie.

Offered from the Mid $300's.


There are many attractions at Port Dover’s harbourfront. Besides all the obvious activities -- swimming, boating, fi shing or enjoying the varied menus of Port Dover restaurants -- here are a few more things to do at the harbourfront. “River Rider” boat cruises last about

one hour along Lynn River and Black Creek.

“Sea Doo” personal water crafts are available for rent near the beach and let you enjoy their fun on the water. Visit the Tall Ships when they come

to port. Watch power boats as they pass by

the pier. Every Wednesday night in the summer local sailboats hold a race just

off shore. Boats leave the harbour about 6 p.m. and race around a course about a mile off shore. If your own fi shing doesn’t turn out

so well, visit one of the fresh fi sh shops on the harbour or across the river where the tugs moor and get your fi sh fresh off the tugs. Stand Up Paddle boards can be

rented in the beach area and off er a chance to get out on the water for fun and a little bit of exercise.

People watching can also be fun. Fishing from the government piers

at Port Dover’s waterfront can be pro-ductive … and it’s great fun, for sure. Watch the sun rise or set daily. Walk out to the end of the pier and

see the historic lighthouse up close. The light shines green at night and the top of the lighthouse is also green as a navi-gational aid to boaters. This is the most photographed building in Port Dover. Inside the small building behind

the lighthouse on the pier is equipment to measure the lake’s daily water level. To hear a recorded message telling you the present water level information, call 519-583-2259.

PIER JUMPING

Jumping or diving from the pier is against the law and very danger-ous. The Ontario Provincial Police regularly patrol the pier. Young people for generations have jumped from the pier.

HARBOUR SIGHTS


PERCH ISPOPULAR

Lake Erie perch can be enjoyed at almost every restaurant in town. You can also buy it fresh to take home at fi sh markets along the pier and across the river in the inner basin where the fi sh tugs dock. George Gibbons of Pleasant Port Fish Company, who only sells what he catches, is shown above with a load of fresh Lake Erie perch.

The beach

and the bikes

Of course it’s not always busy in Port Dover. But, week-ends in the summer can see a lot of visitors, especially if the weather is sunny and hot. On those days, like the photo above, the beach can be a very popular spot.

But visitors who come to the beach on a weekday will see much smaller crowds with room to spread out. Only a small portion of the beach is publicly owned by Norfolk County. The rest of the beach is privately owned but has been open to beachgoers for generations.

Another busy day in Port Dover is Friday the 13th. No matter what month it oc-curs, the number of visitors in town increases. In 2015, there are no Friday the 13ths in summer months but the February, March and Novem-ber events will see bikers and visitors come to meet friends and swap stories. In 2016, there is only one Friday the 13th in May.

Port Dover has a long and colourful history. Bring some of the commu-nity’s marine history alive with a visit to the Port Dover Harbour Museum. Explore the displays and learn about the town’s past. It is a great place to visit and is open daily with extended hours in the summer months. Admis-sion is by donation. The converted fi shermen’s shanty along with a large addition is located beside the water at 44 Harbour Street. The “Almidart” fi shing tug is on display outside the museum. The new Riverfront Park is adjacent to the museum.


The bronze monument honouring local fi shermen stands 11 feet high and is locat-ed at the end of Harbour Street near the Port Dover lighthouse. The monument was designed by artist Kathryn Hogg of Waterford and Alex Godden of Simcoe. Around the base of the monument are the names of the Lake Erie fi shermen from this area who lost their lives while engaged in fi shing. The sidewalk bricks on all sides of the memorial are inscribed with the names of the people, and families, who donated towards the cost of the monument.

BRONZE STATUE HONOURS FISHERMEN

PORT DOVER HARBOUR MUSEUM


In 1959 Fred Knechtel began run-ning a food concession for Don Ivey on Walker Street near the beach. A couple of years later the entrepre-neur purchased what was then a fish and chips and chicken place known as ‘Scotty’s’. At that same time he also managed the Port Dover Dairy Bar on Main Street. Eventually, Fred and his wife Betty purchased the ‘Dover Dairy Bar’ to become full-time, year-round restaurateurs.

Today, the family business has expanded and are some of this com-munity’s best-run businesses. For the first summer since 1959 Fred won’t be meeting his many friends along Walker Street -- he passed away last November but remained fully active in the business on a daily basis into his 86th year. Today, all five siblings continue the family traditions.

Son David and daughter Diane (Natte) run Knechtel Foods Ltd. and the Dover Dairy Bar.

Daughter Wendy operates the

upbeat retail clothing store Surf Shop neighbouring Knechtel Foods restaurant.

Daughter Debbie (Hunter) oper-

ates the popular Fisherman’s Catch Bar & Restaurant that came under the family umbrella in 1985.

Son Peter oversees ‘The Beach

Fisherman’s Catch on Walker Street

The Beach House Restaurant is on the beach at Walker Street

Knechtel’s booth open year-round on Walker Street at the beach.

Enjoy Knechtel family hospitality in Port Dover

House’ restaurant right on the beach with live palm trees growing in front of the popular patio.

Around the corner on St. George Street, Wendy also operates the well-stocked retail gift store ‘Grand Trunk Station’ that really was the Port Dover train station, moved to this site in 1998.

Now, the third generation of the Knechtel families are helping in the family businesses.

BEACH FUN

Everyone enjoys fun at the beach and these colour-ful fl oaters and much more can be found at “The Beach Store” on Walker Street.

GREAT FOOD


Canada Coast Guard maintains a search and rescue station at Port Dover that covers much of the north shore of Lake Erie. The ”Cape Lambton” is 48-feet long, has a beam of 14 feet and a speed of 25 knots or about 46 kilometres per hour. The boat is backed up by search and rescue operations from 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron at CFB Trenton.

You can take a glance back at Port Dover’s history by exploring the storyboards throughout the beach and harbour area and Powell Park. Some

of the community’s most interesting history is told in the location where it originally happened.

Port Dover Yacht Club Sailing School is a not-for-profi t organization that serves all ages that want to learn to sail or im-prove their skills. The classes follow Sail Canada-certifi ed programs for all ages and ability levels. Courses are available in the summer for adults as well as kids or visiting grandkids and last for varying lengths of time. The courses teach the

fundamentals of sailing in dinghy and keelboat courses. For more information, visit www.pdycsailingschool.com or call 519-583-1246.

For those who like to play golf, this area has a number of courses that welcome visitors. Lynn Meadows Golf Club, 580 Lynn Valley Road is just minutes outside Port Dover (www.lynnmeadowsgolf.com) The Greens at Renton, 969 Conces-sion 14, Simcoe, off ers 27 holes of chal-lenging golf (www.greensatrenton.com) Pine Valley Golf Course,1148 High-way 24 East, is a challenging yet fun 18 hole course (www.pinevalleygolf.com) Springview Farm Golf Course is a challenging par 66, 18 hole course at 657 Culver Side Road, Waterford (www.springviewfarmgolf.ca) And don’t forget that family fun can also be found at The Arbortown Mini Golf on Main Street at Walker Street.


PALM TREES

Those are living palm trees on the beach! Just like a tropical resort! They are placed there by the owners of Beach House Restaurant.

STORYBOARDS

COAST GUARD

SAILING SCHOOLS GOLF


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PORT DOVER MAP


Ed Robinson Homes We’ll work with you to build your dream home

Nestled along the forest’s edge and minutes from the sandy beaches of Port Dover sits a serene new home development known as Pine Ridge Es-tates where the homes are as impres-sive as the location.

With much of the third and final phase at Pine Ridge complete, Ed Rob-

inson Homes presently has a few love-ly lots including some beautiful tree-lined lots backing onto the ravine.

Those who have already joined the Pine Ridge Estates community have found it a great location; just minutes to downtown Port Dover, the Pier and the Beach. Forty-five minutes south of Hamilton, thirty minutes from Brantford and a short fifteen minutes to Simcoe, Port Dover has long been a popular location for those looking to escape the hectic pace of the city and still enjoy a wide variety of amenities.

Builder Glenn Morris, his wife Di-ane, and daughter Kate, continue to work with a great group of people at Ed Robinson Homes, each providing personal service to each homeowner in each stage of the building process.

“Andrew, Chris, Trevor, Courtney, Amy and Len each add their own con-tribution to every home we build. We enjoy working with all of the hom-eowners individually and encourage each to be involved as much as possi-

ble as we work together to build their dream home.”

Along with the many single family home designs available, Ed Robinson Homes is presently building a num-ber of freehold semi-detached homes at Pine Ridge Estates. Once finished at Pine Ridge, Ed Robinson Homes is planning on building eight more free-hold semi-detached homes in their new “Lions Court” development on St. George and Alma Streets, close to downtown on the old Lions Club ten-nis courts site near the Port Dover Community Centre and the brand new Port Dover library.

You can visit their model home in Pine Ridge Estates at 179 Angler Av-enue, just off Cockshutt Road which showcases many of their most popu-lar design features.

The model home is open most weekend afternoons but Glenn and Di-ane are on-site most weekdays as well. For an appointment call 1-866-546-0808 or email [email protected]

Freehold Semi-detached units starting at $244,888 (HST included with rebate to builder)

CROSS LAKEFERRY

LIVING IN PORT DOVER

In the 1920s, the Nicholson Erie-Dover Ferry Line crossed Lake Erie with cars and pas-sengers between Erie, PA and Port Dover. Cars coming off a ferry are lined up in photo above. The service con-tinued until 1931. The Nicholson line used three ships, ‘Erie”, ‘Dover’, and ‘Keystone’. In 1929 the Keystone came close to disaster when its engines failed in heavy seas and almost went aground on the tip of Long Point. Several fi sh tugs safely towed it back to Port Dover.



POETLAUREATE

John B. Lee is the Poet Laureate of Norfolk County. He has received let-ters of praise from Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Australian Poet, Les Murray, and Senator Romeo Dallaire. Called “the greatest living poet in English,” by poet George Whipple. He lives in Port Dover where he works as a full time author.

Explore the 10 kilometreLynn Valley Trail between Port Dover and Simcoe The Lynn Valley Trail is located on the former CNR rail line which was estab-

lished in 1873 and abandoned in 1988. The rail line was purchased as a

potential utilities corridor by the municipality in 1991. The 10 km trail connects Simcoe and Port Dover.

The Lynn Valley Trail starts at Silver Lake Park in Port Dover and passes through a number of diff erent habitats including mixed woods, wetlands, open grassland and agricultural land, all along the scenic Lynn River on the route to Simcoe.

Interesting examples of Carolinian fl ora and fauna may be found along the trail.

The Lynn Valley Trail Association has done extensive work on the rail-trail

since its establishment in 1993. There are four original trestle bridges which have been reinforced and decking and railings built. The addition of benches, picnic tables, a portable washroom, fencing and signage have made the trail comfortable for walking, hiking, cycling or nature study.

Our Sales Representatives are ready to assist you. We have many years of experience and knowledge of Port Dover and surrounding area.

Coldwell Banker Coastline Realty Brokerage proudly represents new home builders who offer a variety of lot sizes, styles and locations to choose from. Whether you are going to build a compact home to retire to or your luxurious dream home … we can assist you.

Our resale market offers you many lifestyle choices. What is your prefer-ence? Condo or Freehold? Townhouse, Semi or Single Family? Vacation Property or Year Round Living? Town or Country?

For friendly professional service, call or drop by our office today. We are located at 217 Main Street, Port Dover. Phone numbers are 519-583-2333; 519-426-2666; 877-983-2333. Your local realtor knows the local market.

Coldwell Banker Coastline Realty welcomes youto Port Dover

LYNN VALLEY TRAIL


Port Dover Maple Leaf is the community’s newspaper. The paper has published the news of Port Dover and its residents every week since 1873. It is telling the stories of the people and events of this town that have always been the paper’s focus.

There have been a lot of changes in the community over the years. But some things have remained constant -- the community-minded spirit of Port Dover citizens and The Maple Leaf ’s desire to publish a newspaper that reflects the community.

Credit for establishing The Maple Leaf goes to Mr. E. D. Passmore. After chronicling the local news for nine years he sold the newspaper in 1882 to Llewelyn G. Morgan, a former

high school teacher. Sam H. Morris, a printer and re-

porter on staff, succeeded Publisher Morgan on Friday, February 13, 1920. His employment at the newspaper had been interrupted by World War One when he enlisted in Norfolk’s own battalion, the 133rd, and saw action in Europe. Shortly after his re-turn to Port Dover, he purchased the business. Sam remained active at the paper for the next fifty years.

The company’s operation was headed by sons F. G. Archie Morris and then Stan Morris -- who remains involved with the paper to this day after over 60 years at The Maple Leaf -- and now by his son Paul Morris.

The Maple Leaf has been located at the same downtown Port Dover lo-

cation for over a century. Today, with a dedicated, talented and knowledge-able staff, the paper produces both print and electronic editions each week, produces special publications and maintains a news website. With the way people are getting news to-day, the Maple Leaf can also be found at facebook.com/portdovermapleleaf and on twitter @PDMapleLeaf.

Printing of flyers, business stationery, tickets, post cards, busi-ness cards and more, the Maple Leaf operates a commercial printing department.

With all the changes over the years, one thing remains the same... The Maple Leaf still cares about and reports on the people and events important to Port Dover residents.

The Maple Leaf deliversthe news for Port Dover’s residents

ESTABLISHED 1873 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2015 o PORT DOVER, ONTARIO N0A 1N0 $1.43+HST 1$ 50

Knitters will take to the streets this Saturday to showcase knitting... page 11

By Heather Walters

THIS year’s “Blood, Sweat and Cheers” event is bigger and better than ever and will move to a new start location right in the heart of Port Dover’s downtown – Powell Park.

Saturday, June 20 is the day. The event begins at 9:30 a.m. with a warm-up ceremony. Walkers will start the 5k obstacle course at 10:30 a.m., followed by runners shortly after. The 5k course covers many of Port Dover’s most familiar land-marks, progressing from Powell Park, to Silver Lake, Lynn Valley Trail and the beach, and ending at Norfolk Tavern.

The $40 pre-registration fee entitles participants to run the course, a free T-shirt, one free beer at the finish line, and oodles of fun.

Throughout the event, which runs from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., a va-

riety of other fundraising activi-ties will be taking place.

Organizer Amy Martin says local businesses have been enor-mously supportive either by donat-ing “an obstacle” or by providing whatever services or goods they had to offer.

Throughout the day, there will be on-site massage by donation, yoga demonstrations, T-shirt deco-rating, and professional photogra-phy. The After Party at the Norfolk Tavern includes a drink, a special race day menu, Live DJ, 50-50 draw, and a raffle table “with amazing prizes to win.”

Amy reminds participants that there is so much to see and do dur-ing the event and every dollar goes directly back into the community.

Last year’s event raised $14,000 for playground equip-ment at Lakewood School.

This year’s event will be for re-pairs at the Todd Eaton Memori-

al Track and outdoor equipment needed at St. Cecilia’s School.

St. Cecilia’s is planning to pur-chase wheelchair accessible picnic tables for the playground, as well as bike racks.

Amy, who has nieces and neph-ews at Lakewood and attended the school when it was a high school, says she saw a need and was in-spired to help. She teamed up with Port Dover Health and Fitness and the “Blood, Sweat and Cheers” fundraiser was born.

Anyone interested in par-ticipating or volunteering at this event is urged to pre-register any-time at the Port Dover Health and Fitness Centre on Market Street. Pre-registration is $40 per person and $50 on the day of the event.

It is a walk-run event for all levels of fitness and will go ahead rain or shine. Scotiabank Port Do-ver has agreed to a matching dona-tion of up to the first $5000 raised.

Photo by Lynn Sonnenberg

Old mast to return to shallow lake waterTHE century old wooden mast that was snagged by the fishing tug ‘Ironfish’ on May 7 is destined to return to Lake Erie. However, that may not be its final resting place. It was the lower section of a mast from a schooner dating to the 1800s. The mast was in remarkably good condition with cleats and hard-ware still intact.

Mike Scruton of Scruton Marine Ser-vices lifted the 77-ft, mast onto a barge

late Sunday morning and transported it to his company dock on the Lynn River. It was then placed back in the water be-tween the barge and the dock. The mast was “fairly buoyant at that time,” he commented, but will sink as it soaks up water and becomes heavier.

Mr. Scruton told The Maple Leaf on Monday he will leave the mast un-derwater at the dock to soak for about eight days.

The present plan is to take the mast back out to the lake and leave it at an undetermined place west of the west pier in about 30 ft of water, someplace about midway to Port Ryerse. It will be away from commercial fishing grounds.

Sometime in the future when the mast’s fate has been determined it can be recovered easily from there. He com-mented, “all-in-all it is up to the Provin-cial Government” to decide what will

become of it.He says that once it is back in the wa-

ter the mast will quickly be covered in mussels. So much so that divers would not recognize the object as the old mast.

Captain Glen Spain and crewmem-ber Doug Baguley of the Ironfish were fishing east of the tip of Long Point and did not know what the nets had snagged onto until raising the mast onto Port Dover’s east pier later that day.

‘Blood, Sweat and Cheers’ fundraiser is Sat., June 20

Amy Martin is making the final preparation for the up-coming second annual ‘Blood, Sweat and Cheers’ fundraiser.

Photo by Lynn Sonnenberg

away from commercial fishing grounds.Sometime in the future when the

mast’s fate has been determined it can be recovered easily from there. He com-mented, “all-in-all it is up to the Provin-cial Government” to decide what will

Captain Glen Spain and crewmem-

Dover’s east pier later that day.

ber Doug Baguley of the Ironfish were fishing east of the tip of Long Point and did not know what the nets had snagged onto until raising the mast onto Port

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STREET SIGNS

Look closely at the street signs in downtown Port Dover and they have a series of nautical fl ags across the bottom that spell out “Port Dover” twice.

PORT DOVER NEWS


Stoney’s Home Hardware opened more than 60 years ago in the heart of Port Dover’s downtown. Located at 322 Main Street, this wonderfully stocked, service ori-ented hardware store is your stop for all your household and cottage hardware supply needs.

As locals often say, “if Stoney’s doesn’t have it, you probably don’t need it”.

Owner Paul Babcock has a wide selection of outdoor patio and cottage furniture. The beautiful poly and wick-er furniture comes in a selection of styles and colours to make your summer outdoors delightful.

The store carries fishing rods to hockey sticks, games and toys, small appliances, fans and heaters, casserole dishes and coffee makers and so much more.

For those who want to ride the local trails, Stoney’s carries Norco bicycles -- and do bike repairs.

The paint section of the store features Beauti Tone Designer paints. There is a custom colour matching machine and staff are pleased to help and explain the choices available to you.

When a window breaks on your summer home, Stoney’s is able to repair it with replacement glass or screens.

For the outdoor kitchen, Stoney’s has the Napoleon BBQ to suit every need. They have a large selection of built on-site grills for shoppers to look at. And, of course, there is all the hardware nuts and bolts of the business. Nails, screws and more can all be purchased for every need. From garden tools to bird seed, Stoney’s is filled with everything a hardware store could possibly carry.

The store is open Mondays to Saturdays 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fridays until 8 p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stoney’s Home Hardware has everything you need

FRIDAYTHE 13TH

There are three Friday the 13th this year but they are all in “off ” season months. The February and March events at-tracted a crowd of bikers but not the tens of thousands of people that summer events attract. The next event is November 13th.

SHOPPING IN PORT DOVER

MEET ‘ACE’

Norfolk County Fair’s mascot “Ace” helps celebrate the fair’s agriculture roots. There are over 10,000 entries from the public judged and displayed each year in the many categories.

Make plans now to visit the always populr Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show between October 6 and 12th.

This year marks the 175th anniversary of the fourth largest fair in Ontario, with over 120,000 visitors each year. The fair features agricultural displays, craft exhib-its, food vendors, art demonstrations, tal-ent competitions, midway rides, celebrity chefs and much more.

Each year, star performers entertain at the grandstand.

Enjoy a excitement-fi lled fair day where clouds of pink candy fl oss can stick to your fi ngers and the showmen beckon you to win a prize! Where the carousels spin round and round, lights fl ash and the music plays on. All of this is at the Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show in Simcoe.

But if you’ve ever been to Ontario’s oldest agricultural fair, you also know why it deserves to be ranked among the province’s top fairs each year.

Listen carefully and you might hear the bleat of baby lamb, all part of the menagerie of livestock that tweak the cu-riosity of urban dwellers and undergo the scrutiny of those who know a champion when they see one.

Listen carefully too for the sound of jingle bells. Wait a minute and a majestic team of horses will appear, outfi tted in fi n-ery fi t for a king! Add light harness racing, open western horse show, antique buggy classes, pony classes and jumpers to the mix you’ve got the largest outdoor horse show in Canada!

The grandstand features some extraordinary Canadian talent along with perennial fair favourites such as demoli-tion derbies, monster truck shows, tractor pulls and more. The educational programs attract students from near and far as they learn more about our food chain. Attractions and shows are included in admission to the fair.

Visit 175th Norfolk County Fair October 6-12

NORFOLK COUNTY FAIR


Over ten years ago, Eggink Homes Inc. began development along the town’s northern edge, initially building new homes on 52 lots in Inglewood Estates’ on the east side of Cockshutt Road.

With the success of that devel-opment, in 2005 the family-owned business under the guidance of President George Eggink, began con-struction of Silver Lake Estates’ lo-cated on the west side of Cockshutt Road. Three phases later, 94 homes have been completed (21 in Phase 1, 41 in Phase 2 and 32 in Phase 3). Construction is nearing completion in Phase 3. Eggink Homes opened Phase 4 last fall.

The company, which also includes George’s wife Betty and their son Tyler, will have 108 lots in this and subsequent phases over the next few years. New model homes currently located on Magnolia Drive, feature architectural designs and plans for houses that can be built on sites in Phase 4. The model home can be visited on Saturday and Sunday, from 2 to 4 p.m. or by appointment.

The 40-year-old company credits

its success on the fact that strong personal relationships on a business level are developed with clients, who can also expect the highest quality construction for custom-built homes, from the design stages through to the finishing touches.

All home designs offered in Silver Lake Estates’ are for single family bungalows. Interior features include the installation of Heat Recovery Ventilating systems in every home, 8

foot and 9 foot ceilings, open concept, interior columns, tray ceilings, and window transoms. Exteriors are all brick veneer with combinations of stone/brick and stucco/brick, and some include covered front porches. Court lots and ravine lots are available with prices beginning at $284,200.00. The quiet and scenic neighbourhood near Silver Lake is just a 15-minute walk to downtown Port Dover.

Eggink Homes at Silver Lake Estatesin quiet and scenic neighbourhoods

SCHOONERMAST

This spring, this century old sailing schooner’s mast became caught in the fi shing nets of the “Ironfi sh” tug. It was dragged back to port and the crew only discov-ered what it was after a crane lifted it from the water. The mast rested on the east pier while offi cials deter-mined its future.



PORT DOVER HISTORY

THE FISH TUGS

Fishing tugs are the mainstay of the commercial fishery. The basic Lake Erie tug design, still used today, was developed in Port Dover by the Gamble family in the early 1920s.

THE BEACH

The photo at the right was taken during the sum-mer of 2014 and with sun, sand, the lighthouse, it has all the ingredients that beach-goers come to experience at Port Dover beach. Many now bring along sun umbrellas to pro-vide some shade.

The Port Dover beach with its clean sand and shallow water has attracted families from southern Ontario since the 1800s. A day on the beach is always popular. The familiar lighthouse on the pier was part of the natural attraction when this photo was taken an estimated five decades ago.

Times change, but

happily some things remain constant. Coming to Port Dover beach with its developing wa-terfront attractions and eateries drew crowds. Swim suit fashions and the selection of tasty foods and ice cream delights keep get-ting better.

This flashback pic-ture of Port Dover beach was taken in July 1907 when pho-tography was in its infancy. At that time many out-of-town visitors would have arrived by train. Another constant at Port Dover beach is the lake warms to comfortable temperatures for all to enjoy.


SANTA`S VISIT

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus make an annual visit to Port Dover the third Saturday in No-vember. Each year Santa arrives by fi sh tug and is escorted into the harbour by the Canada Coast Guard.

PORT DOVER FESTIVALS

You may have heard about this town’smany events that happen year-round!

The fun begins New Year’s Day on the (usually) frozen water of Lake Erie at the beach at 1:00 p.m. Several hundred brave men, women and even children, take a brief plunge. Then many go to the Harbour Museum for hot beverages and toe-tapping music.

The annual Port Dover Perch Derby is two weeks of fishing fun starting in late April with $23,500 in cash prizes.

Every mid-May our town ex-plodes into Springtime with a sunburst of yellow as we celebrate daffodils in Dover with Mellow Yellow.

Every Saturday morning visit the Farmers’ Market at Silver Lake

Park. A wide range of quality prod-ucts available year-round.

Canada Day on July 1st is big in Port Dover. The all-day program begins at 9:00 with a soap box derby, then a boat parade in the harbour, a dog show, a giant parade at 2:00 in the afternoon, harbourfront activities all day, a concert and fireworks display at 10 in the evening.

Every Sunday evening in July and August there is a free live concert in Powell Park.

Every Friday the 13th since 1981 there has been a motorcycle rally in Port Dover. The next event is in November but motorcycle enthusiasts visit the town almost every day that’s good to ride.

Powell Park in downtown Port Dover is the location of Port Dover Summer Festival. The third weekend in August marks the annual arts

and craft show and sale. About 150 selected crafters, artists, antique deal-ers and used book sellers show their wares in the shady park on Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, 2015. Also local merchants hold Sidewalk Sale Days Friday and continue through the weekend.

Port Dover observes Remem-brance Day every November 11th with a service at the Cenotaph in Powell Park.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus arrive at Port Dover pier via a fishing tug and Canada Coast Guard vessel at 1:00 p.m. the third Saturday in No-vember each year. Following a parade through downtown the popular couple from the North Pole greet children at Lighthouse Theatre. Merchants hold Christmasfest sales all day and night with fun activities including a community bonfire on the beach and fireworks over the lake.

Everyone invited to join the many local celebrations

Former 1,500-acre country estate of the Thompson family nestled along the Grand River. The site features Carolinian forests, wetlands, hiking trails, an 1840’s Greek

revival mansion, two cemetaries, former town site of Indiana and more.Guided mansion tours, special events, curriculum-based

education programs, hiking trails, kid camps, family programs, bird banding and rentals year round.

HoursGuided Mansion Tours

Open Victoria Day Weekend - Thanksgiving DayWednesday to Sunday and Holiday Mondays

10am to 4pm, tours on the hour.Group tours welcome year round.

Grounds are open during day light hours.

243 Haldimand Hwy # 54 Cayuga, ON N0A 1E0905-772-0560 • [email protected]

www.ruthvenpark.ca

2 for 1 Coupon For General Mansion

Tour Admission(of equal or less value)

Valid until October 12, 2015PDM2015









www.ruthvenpark.ca












www.ruthvenpark.ca




Group tours welcome year round.Grounds are open during day light hours.


A glorious new life style is waiting for you on the shores of beautiful Lake Erie. The forward thinking of Dover Coast Homes has created a unique community exclusively for adults with all the amenities of a luxury resort.

Our residents want the relaxed beach town life but still want to be close to family, friends and big box shopping. With walking trails, gyms, a hospital, theatre and won-derful restaurants, Port Dover is quickly becoming home to former city dwellers looking to enjoy life.

The homes being offered are a combination of bungalow town homes, with one and two car garages, and detached bungalows and bungalows with optional lofts. They range in size from 1288 to 2600 sq. ft. These homes are of unparalleled design and quality for worry free ownership. Changes can be made to the plans to ac-commodate our client’s unique lifestyles.

Our grounds crew will take all the worry out of your outdoor maintenance. No more grass cut-ting, no more weeding, no more shoveling. Your time is your own.

The restaurant “David’s of Dover Coast” offers an amazing menu and dazzling views of the

lake whether you are in the dining room, The Double Olive Martini Lounge or Elements Day Spa.

New amenities are popping up all the time, and this summer a beautiful three tiered slate infinity deck was added behind the restau-rant, with a wonderful swim dock extending over the lake.

Dover Coast is creating a stun-ning championship links style course by famed designer Darryl Huxham. When completed, this will certainly become a destina-tion course for golfers from near and far. Early summer 2015 will see the games begin!

Our residents are also enjoying one of the first world class pickle ball courts in an adult resort style community, and a wonderful leash free dog run. If sailing is your sport, you are minutes away from two marinas and the sparkling waters of Lake Erie.

No matter what your interests, Dover Coast has something to offer all year round!

Presentation Office is open seven days a week from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

163 New Lakeshore Road, Port Dover NOA 1N3 519-583-2049 www.dovercoast.ca

Dover Coast is active-adult lifestylecommunity off ering “carefree living”


FLOATINGDOCKS

Floating docks along the water-front at Riverside Park beside the Harbour Museum allow small boats to tie up and visit Port Dover. The docks are de-signed to allow air to fl ow through them which is meant to discour-age ducks and geese from sitting on the docks.

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PRESENTATION CENTRE& MODEL HOME

Hamilton Plank Rd

New Lake Shore Rd.

DAVID’S

Dover Coast Phase II is Coming Soon!

Cape-Cod-Style Freehold Condo Bungalows, Towns and Detached from

$259,900

A glorious new lifestyle is waitingfor you on the shores of sparkling Lake Erie

Dover Coast has created a new vision for Ontario Adult Luxury Resort-style living withfabulous 18-hole links-style golf course, David’s Restaurant and Double Olive Martini Lounge,Elements Day Spa, a three tiered infinity deck complete with swim dock and world class pickle ball courts. Port Dover offers art galleries, live theatre, a vibrant local music scene, biking,walking trails, a river and beautiful sandy beaches.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to own a two-car garage townhomeon a championship golf course.

Register Nowto be invited to our friends

and family previewat dovercoast.ca

or call 519-583-2049

Presentation Centre Hours:Monday to Sunday 12:00pm - 5:00pmPrices and specifications subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.

Dover Coast Adult Resort Lifestyle Community*163 New Lakeshore Road, Port Dover

Re/Max Erie Shores Realty located at 227 Main St. in downtown Port Dover has complete information on the local real estate market. Talk to them any time.

Re/Max Erie Shores is “Above the Crowd”

Re/Max Erie Shores Realty Inc. Brokerage is located at 227 Main Street in Port Dover. Sales associates in the downtown office have current listings for vacation properties, residential, commercial, building lots, investment properties and rentals.

The company has two other offices, located in Simcoe and Delhi, offering professional Real Estate services in Nor-folk County and surrounding areas. Re/Max has the most productive agents in Canada (Based on 2012 Closed Transac-tions. Source CREA and Re/Max).

The Erie Shores Realty Inc. Broker-age offices are part of Re/Max with more than 700 independently-owned and operated offices across the country, with the motto “Above the Crowd”.

Re/Max lists and sells more real estate than any other real estate network in the world with more than one million transactions in the last year.


THE LIFTBRIDGE

If you’re planning on pur-chasing property in Port Dover or anywhere in the area, drop into

the Re/Max Erie Shores Realty office at 227 Main St., Port Dover and talk to the professionals.

Port Dover’s pres-ent “lift bridge” is technically a bas-cule bridge and it replaces two earlier bridges across the river. For pleasure craft, the bridge is raised only on the hour and half hour when a boat is waiting. Commer-cial boats can get a lift at any time.

Port Dover Harbour Ma-rina at 50 Passmore Ave. is owned and operated by Norfolk County. It has 458 slips; 11 slips for visi-tors; daily ramp to launch a boat; secure grounds; mechanic on site; lift service; winter storage; pump out service; facility with washrooms & show-ers & laundromat; fuel – diesel and gasoline; BBQ areas & family pavilion; ice, pop machines, wire-less internet. Open from April 15 to October 15.

HARBOURMARINA

welcome to port dover 2015

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