Undated image of a participant at the fall ag fair at Rocklyn, Ont., about 40 km southeast of Owen Sound. (Ontario Visited video screengrab via YouTube)

Ontario trims minimum memberships for ag, hort societies

Eligibility thresholds for provincial operating grants lowered

Rules taking effect with the new year are expected to make it easier for Ontario agricultural and horticultural societies to qualify for provincial grants in the face of a membership crunch. The province on Friday confirmed amendments to regulation 16, attached to its Agricultural and Horticultural Organizations Act, kick in effective Sunday (Jan. 1, 2023).

Group of people standing outside a rural hall.

Keys to the hall hold secret to vibrant community

Serving on the hall board has become a family tradition in these parts

It’s where newlyweds dance, long-marrieds celebrate anniversaries, and countless gifts have been opened at bridal and baby showers. It’s where families have reunited and mourners have paid their final respects. Don’t even try to figure out how much beer has been served at all the socials. Now, on the eve of reaching a milestone of


Festivals – for Jun. 30, 2011

Contact the us with your event, dates, location & contact information at [email protected]. June 30-July 1:Glenboro Fair. Contact Geraldine Kovar at 204-827-2661. June 30-July 2:Dauphin Agricultural Society 120th annual Fair, DMCC fairgrounds, Dauphin. Call 204-638-4428 or visit www.tourismdauphin.ca. June 30-July 3:Dauphin’s Countryfest. Visit http://countryfest.ca. July 2-3:Great Western Harness Racing, Holland. Contact Joyce Elder at 204-526-2005.

Festivals – for Jun. 23, 2011

Contact the us with your event, dates, location and contact information at [email protected]. June 24-25:Killarney Agricultural Society Fair. Visit www.killarneyagriculturalsociety.ca or contact Gladys Mason at 204-523-8495 or [email protected]. June 25:McGregor/North Norfolk Fair. Free admission. Contact Karen Klywak at 204- 274-2273 or [email protected]. June 25-26:Treherne Fair. Contact Josie Robinson at 204- 723-2275 or fax 204-723-2144. June

Mortlach Embodies Small-Town Revitalization

Twelve years ago, Mortlach, population 240, seemed just another small Prairie town dying on the vine. The downtown business section consisted of a failing store and an insurance office. There wasn’t even a place to have coffee. No one expected new people would move to town, much less build a house. No one thought new


Agriculture Hall Of Fame – for Sep. 24, 2009

Ralph Jacob “Clint” Whetter was born June 20, 1919, in the R. M. of Winchester. He attended both public and high school in Dand. In 1938, Clint enrolled in agriculture at the University of Manitoba. In 1942, following graduation, he enlisted and went overseas with the RCAF. In 1945, after flying 55 bombing missions, Clint