Latest news with #TEMISKAMINGSHORES


Hamilton Spectator
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Local historian's paintings now showing at TAG
TEMISKAMING SHORES ‒ A retrospective exhibition of the artwork of the late Peter Fancy is now on display at TAG in Haileybury. Titled 'View from the Studio,' the exhibition is on display at the Temiskaming Art Gallery (TAG) until September 5. One of the leading local historians of the area, in addition to being a writer, English teacher and painter, Fancy was known throughout the area and his work continues to serve as a historical resource. He attended elementary and high school in Haileybury and then went on to Queen's University to obtain a B.A. and a certificate in industrial relations. He later moved to Barrie, but his interest in writing and painting was focused on the Temiskaming area which he regularly visited. At the opening reception July 27, TAG curator Melissa La Porte noted the presence of Fancy's family and friends. His daughter Susan Spadafora related that she and her mother Betty Lou Fancy had visited the gallery two years ago to discuss whether the gallery could be a home for some of her father's paintings. At that time, a suggestion was made for an exhibition of his works. 'My dad would have been moved, honoured and excited to have been here,' said Spadafora. She said her father's parents had been born in Haileybury and he and his wife had met and married in Haileybury. Her father kept a journal about family life in Haileybury and his memories growing up there, she said. She said the journals contain Fancy's feelings about the north, the shores of Lake Temiskaming, his visions, memories and his creative imagination. CONTRIBUTIONS TO TEMISKAMING Local historian Chris Oslund related his memories of time spent with Fancy and about Fancy's contributions to a better understanding of the area's history. 'He had a great love for his hometown, the Temiskaming region and its people,' said Oslund In the Temiskaming Treasure Trails local history series, there are 'more than just dates and events,' said Oslund. 'Peter captured the lives of the people ... Peter was a rich storyteller. 'Like his writing, Peter's art is intended for us to reflect on the beauty and potential of this region. He also intended to inspire us to cherish what we have, inspire us to celebrate our past and to inspire us to embrace the future and share Temiskaming's story with the world.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .


Hamilton Spectator
23-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
New roof coming to New Liskeard arena
TEMISKAMING SHORES – The Don Shepherdson Memorial Arena is getting a new roof. The Ontario government announced $484,100 in funding last week to replace the roof at the New Liskeard arena. The new roof is expected to improve energy efficiency and extend the building's lifespan. The provincial funding enables the city to move ahead with a greatly needed infrastructure upgrade, said Mayor Jeff Laferriere in a statement. 'Replacing the aging roof will protect this well-used facility and extend its lifespan, benefiting not just our local residents, but also the broader region that relies on the facility for sports, recreation and events,' Laferriere said. 'The funding received by the province is provided on a 50 per cent matching contribution basis. We are targeting spring/summer 2026 to have this work completed,' said Matt Bahm, the city's director of recreation, in an email. The funding for the New Liskeard arena roof was included in $12.6 million announced for projects in Northeastern Ontario on July 18. Funding comes from the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund, which the provincial government describes as an initiative to help communities revitalize local facilities, grow the economy and promote active, healthy living. 'At a time when Ontario families are facing rising costs due to tariffs, our government is proud to support organizations focused on delivering better services for people while breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for children and young people,' said Sport Minister Neil Lumsden in a news release. 'With investments in infrastructure like this, we are protecting Ontario jobs, strengthening our communities and building a more resilient and self-reliant economy.' The lion's share of the recent funding – $10 million – is earmarked for the construction of a new Valley East twin-pad multipurpose sports complex in the City of Greater Sudbury. The Espanola Arena will receive $1 million to replace its aging refrigeration system with a state-of-the-art carbon dioxide system. Just over $614,000 is going for critical repairs at the Kashechewan Arena. Markstay-Warren's multiplex is getting $585,250 for renovations to enable expanded programming, including floor hockey, pickleball and Zumba. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .


Hamilton Spectator
07-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Haileybury Heritage Museum honours volunteers
Darlene Wroe Local Journalism Initiative Reporter TEMISKAMING SHORES - Four volunteers and members of the Haileybury Heritage Museum officially received life memberships at a special ceremony at the museum April 25. Museum board chair Darren Woods told a gathering of museum supporters, family members and friends that the four individuals 'have given countless hours of their time to help preserve our Haileybury heritage.' A life membership has been bestowed annually but 'the COVID virus took the world by storm, and most things came to a complete stop, including the museum,' said Woods. The museum members and volunteers have been working on projects in the years since, and decided to hold an official gathering to honour past recipients as well as the newest, Dan Lavigne. PAST HONOUREES Past recipients include Chris Oslund, Pat Rhiness, and Brian Dobbs. Outlining the contributions of the honourees, Woods said Oslund, the 2022 recipient, 'has been the backbone of our museum for decades.' Rhiness, the 2023 recipient, has also been a member of the museum for years, as well as volunteering for the Haileybury food bank, and serving on the board for the Royal Canadian Legion Zone K1 and Area Veterans Home in Haileybury, said Woods. 'He is a great example of what a volunteer means to any community.' Dobbs, the 2024 recipient, is 'an accomplished author, historian and community volunteer,' Woods related. 'He serves on the Cobalt Historical Society as well as being a member of our museum.' Museum secretary Sarah Johnston related that Dobbs had worked with her on the museum's centennial project for the Great Fire of 1922 book. 'He welcomed me to the museum and he spent countless hours helping me do research. He introduced me to people in the community who could help me with the project.' She noted his presence on local history Facebook group chats, and his willingness to answer questions and post pictures. DAN LAVIGNE Woods shared that Lavigne, the 2025 life membership recipient, is able to remember the people and events of Haileybury throughout his lifetime. 'His knowledge of the people and the events of Haileybury is astonishing. You can see Dan walking downtown stopping to talk to everyone.' Woods noted that local singer/songwriter Steve Benoit has written a song about Lavigne. Oslund made the presentation to Lavigne, stating that 'this individual has gone above and beyond to promote the history of our community and has been a supporter of the museum for over 35 years. He is endeared by many for his friendliness, good nature and his love of his hometown and for the Toronto Maple Leafs. He shares his wealth of knowledge without hesitation and can recall stories, dates and events of days gone by with great ease.' Oslund said that he and Lavigne both started working at the museum in 1990. 'Danny was an integral part of the Great Fire of 1922 committee for both the 75th anniversary and the 80th anniversary.' The seventy-fifth anniversary was the year in which the committee worked on the Great Fire book, and the eightieth anniversary was the year in which the Pioneer Spirit sculpture by Ernie Fauvelle (located at the Haileybury waterfront) was commemorated, Oslund noted. Lavigne also worked to promote the fact Haileybury resident Leslie McFarlane, who had lived in Lavigne's home at one point before the Lavigne family, was the first ghostwriter of the Hardy Boys series of novels. 'Danny lent a helping hand on some major projects over the years including the restoration of the streetcar that we have here and the tugboat and ONR caboose.' Together they have helped set up for numerous fundraisers to support the museum, he said. He thanked Lavigne for being a volunteer 'for the best hometown by Farr,' a nod to Haileybury's founder C.C. Farr.


Hamilton Spectator
30-04-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Renewing ties at 2025 Legion convention
Darlene Wroe Local Journalism Initiative Reporter TEMISKAMING SHORES - It was a time for renewing networks and old friendships during the Royal Canadian Legion District K Spring Convention 2025. Haileybury Branch 54 hosted this year's event April 25 to 27, attracting 70 delegates from the region that stretches from Iroquois Falls in the northeast and Hornepayne in the Northwest to Temagami in the south. The event's business included the election of officials. With 20 branches divided into two zones, the delegates work for one main purpose, explained Deputy District Commander John Hill. 'We are all Legionnaires and we are all supporting our veterans or those that have served in Canada's armed forces or RCMP to make sure that their rights are looked after and to make sure their health and wellbeing is maintained until they depart,' said Hill. He said among their goals is the education - of the public and of their members – as to what the Legion can provide, including advocacy for veterans, and fighting for their rights and benefits. Convention coordinator Hank Moorlag said planning for the convention has been underway over the past few weeks. 'There have been a lot of moving parts in trying to get this all organized.' Saturday evening included a formal meal in the form of a military regimental dinner. Sunday morning included a parade to the cenotaph. The last time the district convention was held in Haileybury was in 2019. 'One of the beauties of these gatherings is the kind of networking that goes on because we've got these branches that are so far-flung,' said Moorlag. People see each other very infrequently, he said. 'It's nice when we get together for a convention like this.'