2015 Profile Book!

A nice place to visit….a great place to live!
The Township of Southwold is a mixed urban and rural
municipality located in the County of Elgin on the North Shore of
Lake Erie and along the Highway 401 corridor near the cities of St.
Thomas and London.
The rural area boasts of many family farms still in operation after
many generations. This “class A” land allows for a diverse
agriculture base including livestock operations, cash crop and
specialty crops such as orchards and organic vegetables.
The approximately 4700 residents enjoy the country lifestyle but
are close to the cities, excellent hospitals and schools, shopping,
beaches and entertainment. The small settlement areas of
Ferndale, Fingal, Frome, Iona, Iona Station, Lawrence Station,
Lynhurst, Middlemarch, Paynes Mills, Shedden, Talbot Meadows
and Talbotville are a mix of modern subdivisions and older
settlements that provide the small town feel while offering soccer
fields, baseball diamonds, play grounds, community centre, Dr’s
office, hiking trails, farm fresh produce and so much more
throughout Southwold Township.
“IT’S NOT WHAT YOU HAVE, BUT HOW YOU KEEP IT.”
That is the motto Southwold Communities in Bloom chose to use because we
believe it expresses what is most important in our community. We want
everyone to know that it’s all the little things put together that make our
community special. It doesn’t matter if the owner is a master gardener or
doesn’t have a single flower growing on the property, if the yard is neat, the
mail box is painted and the long grass is kept trimmed around the post, then
they have made a positive contribution to the Township of Southwold.
2015 is the first time Southwold Township has been involved with
Communities in Bloom and our goal was to get as many people as possible
doing some little thing that would make a difference. We asked rural people
to clean up around their mail boxes, and village people to put a wreath on
their door or decorate the entrance to their homes. What people did was
truly amazing. Sadly we don’t have before and after pictures, but the results
have been wonderful and pictures are now being taken so we can watch the
changes over the ensuing years.
One of many successful community events: the Spring Seminar
The following actions have been completed in 2015:
•20,690 trees from Kettle Creek
Conservation Authority were planted
in Southwold
• 3 Flyers have been mailed and/or
hand delivered to the community
promoting CIB
•A spring seminar introducing CIB in
Southwold was well attended
•Women’s Institute donated flowers to
use in landscaping/flower beds
• Fingal designed and hung banners
and flags in the village
• All parts of the community are
participating in some way
• All 8 “Township of Southwold”
boundary signs have been boxed and
a local landscape company has
volunteered to plant and maintain
them
• Miracle grow supplied fertilizer and a
sign to award to the top 10 gardens
• The Township has a summer student
working 2 days per week supporting
the CIB committee
• “Winner” signs, placed about the
community and moved every 2 weeks • And most importantly, everyone is
were donated by a local farm supply
learning about all the wonderful things
company
Southwold has to offer
In 2016, we plan to build on our successes and offer a fall seminar dedicated
to tree planting, encouraging all the villages to plant and maintain their
village signs and motivating one more village to “dress themselves up” as
Fingal did this year. We want to develop an interactive CIB facebook page and
involve children in the CIB program. In addition, we intend to fund raise to
support the work of CIB in Southwold by: creating and selling “I’m a proud
Southwold CIB participant” sign to be placed in predominate areas and
selling trees in our community.
In the pouch at the back of the book you will find flyers,
newspaper articles and information regarding the many projects
and events done, not only by the Southwold Communities in Bloom
Committee, but also other organizations within our Township.
In response to our residents requests, Council has passed complaint driven
Anti-Littering and Cleaning and Clearing of Land by-laws to help maintain
the neat and tidy appearance of our Township.
A number of other initiatives have also been undertaken, including the
Sidewalk Replacement Program, the revitalization of the Roadside
Spraying/Cutting Program and acquiring a Tree/Weed Commissioner.
Before
After
The best way to combat graffiti
and vandalism is to keep things
well maintained, neat and tidy.
Community areas, such as
municipal parks, have been
outfitted with new, strategically
placed garbage and recycling
bins. Other improvements
include a new floor in the
Talbotville pavilion and
maintenance work at local
cemeteries.
The Southwold
Community Policing
Committee has educated
residents how to reduce
graffiti and vandalism
through environmental
design. These design
policies are equally
important for private
homes and municipal
parks and buildings.
Simple improvements
include sensor lighting
and opening sight-lines by
properly trimming shrubs.
The local ATV Club volunteer
their time, on an annual basis,
to pick up garbage on Blind
Line. The Township recently
installed camera surveillance
to deter dumping. This has
proven to be very effective.
Public Works is very quick to
respond
and
deal
with
complaints concerning littering
within the Township.
A drive through Southwold Township showcases the many areas of the
environment that both public and private sectors work to protect and
maintain, including: air, water, soil and green energy.
Recycling/Blue Box Program
Garbage and recycling pick-up are done on
alternating weeks, this has proven to be an effective
way to increase household recycling participation.
Arrangements have been made with local recycling
companies to accommodate larger items, such as
construction materials, scrap metal, etc. Household
Hazardous Waste collections are hosted by the
Township in partnership with the City of St.Thomas.
LED Light Replacement
Southwold initiated a Streetlight
Replacement Pilot Project in the
hamlet of Fingal. The new lights
have a life expectancy of 20 years
and will result in major reductions
in future energy and maintenance
costs.
Free Mulch Program
During winter
months Public
Works trim branches
and remove dead
trees and mulch
them. The mulch is
deposited in
strategic locations
for residents to use.
Southwold’s official plan deals with
a number of environmental issues,
including water resources, aquifer
and ground water protection,
intake protection zones and
sustainable agricultural practices.
In addition, our development
agreement states that within any
new subdivision plan an area of
green space, or funding specifically
allocated toward parkland, must be
provided.
The goal of the South
Mill Creek Coldwater
Fishery Restoration
Project is to restore,
protect and maintain
the coldwater fishery
in South Mill Creek. It
also offers an
opportunity to
enhance the natural
processes, achieving
greater success and
sustainability.
Programs at the Fingal Wildlife Management Area demonstrate how wildlife
and agriculture can co-exist.
Southwold Township has a proud and diverse past. With occupation dating
back to indigenous peoples and extending into early agricultural
settlements, both ancient and recent history is celebrated.
No. 4 Fingal Bombing and Gunnery
School
was a unit of the British
Commonwealth Air Training Plan
established for the Royal Canadian Air
Force at a site west of Fingal.
The school operated from November
1940 to February 1945.
Over 6,000 non-pilot aircrew
members graduated from the school.
Each November, Southwold hosts one of the largest (per capita)
Remembrance Day Services in Elgin County. It is one of the very few
ceremonies in Ontario to have the Harvard Missing Man fly-by.
DID YOU KNOW
The Southwold Official
Plan outlines a Natural
Heritage System which
provides protection for
significant natural
heritage areas.
Southwest
Ontario
Barn Quilt
Trail
Elgin, Oxford, and Norfolk members created more than
100 barn quilts. The trail was created to promote our
unique heritage and culture.
In Elgin County, the trail follows the historic Talbot Trail
and eight quilt patches are found in Southwold.
National Historic Site
The Southwold Prehistoric
Earthworks was recognized as a
National Historic Site in 1923. The
earthworks are the only visible
remains of a native village
inhabited around AD 1500 by the
Attiwondaronk Nation.
The community of Middlemarch
was a center of essential services
between the Talbot Settlement and
St.Thomas on the Talbot Road.
It included a school, a Methodist
Church and a general store and
post office.
The Dominion Hotel and Apple
Grove Grange Hall were also of
great importance for the
settlement.
The Township is home to a variety of Heritage Trees.
Southwold resident Lorne Spicer’s passion for nature led him
to initiate Heritage Trees Elgin in 1990. Since then, three
Heritage Tree maps have been produced; West Elgin, which
includes the Township of Southwold, St. Thomas and East
Elgin. There are 35 Heritage Tree plaques in Southwold.
Cemeteries across Southwold are well maintained, in many cases
by the Municipality, and are full of regional and family history.
DID YOU KNOW
This is a very special headstone!
It was made by The White Bronze Monument
Company, which existed in St. Thomas
between the years 1883 and 1900 having
obtained the sole Canadian franchise for the
products.
They created distinctly unique markers out of
commercial pure zinc.
Due to their composition, the markers were
practically indestructible, free from corrosion,
would not support moss or lichen growth and,
since they did not absorb moisture, were not
affected by frost.
The distinctive and pleasing blue-grey color
was achieved by the application of a chemical
oxidizing agent.
Beginning with the early lumber mills, sustainable forestry practices have
been important to the culture of Southwold residents. Farmers use trees as
wind breaks to prevent soil erosion and urban dwellers maintain trees for
shelter and beauty. Not to mention their importance to improving air quality.
Tree Seedling Program
In conjunction with the Township, the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority
offers landowners within the Kettle Creek watershed the opportunity to
purchase a minimum of 200 trees. Orders of over 750 trees include planting
by KCCA staff.
In 2015, KCCA planted 16,850 trees for Southwold landowners. Another
3,250 trees were sold to Southwold landowners to plant for themselves.
Greening Communities Program
In 2015, Southwold joined the program which offers a minimum of 20 trees,
of assorted species, varying from 30-100cm in height. Purchasers received
information on proper planting and maintenance practices, specifically for
those living in an urban environment.
Southwold residents planted 590 tress though this program. There is already
a waiting list for next year!
Ian and Josie
Chard had two
large maple
trees trimmed at
their home in
Fingal. This
machine is
specifically
designed to trim
trees in an urban
setting.
In the middle of
Fingal there is a
Black Walnut grove
of approximately
25 to 30 trees.
Black Walnuts are
a Carolinian
species and are,
therefore, native
to the area.
DID YOU KNOW
The Township of
Southwold adheres to
the Elgin County
Woodlands Conservation
bylaw which prohibits
and regulates the
harvest, destruction or
injuring of trees.
In 2015, the Township, KCCA and community
volunteers planted 150 trees at the new Ferndale
Community Park, adjacent to the Ferndale
subdivision.
In 2007, the Township
partnered with the KCCA
and the Shedden Scouts
to plant over 300 trees at
Fingal Park.
The Heritage Green Grove at Southwold Public School
This wonderful example of Carolinian Forest species provides shade for
students and is a place for teachers to conduct outdoor lessons.
With the help of numerous volunteers, 20 trees and 35 shrubs representing
27 native plant species were initially planted and labelled. A flagstone
walkway, stones and benches completed the design.
Fifty-five white spruce trees were donated to create a wind break on the west
side of the school yard.
The Memorial Garden located at the Keystone complex
. This garden is beautifully landscaped, including the gazebo and archway
shown below. It also serves a very special purpose. Throughout the Garden
there are purposefully planted and labeled Carolinian trees to replicate the
diversity of a natural Carolinian forest. The labeling of the trees serves as an
important educational tool and acts as a form of native tree directory.
There is a culture within Southwold of keeping
properties neat and tidy. Many residents invest
lots of time and effort in their properties.
An old plow, a
wagon wheel,
and cheery
painted wood
flowers, come
together to give
this yard some
character!
This Green
Lane Landfill
office is an
example of
a structural
retaining
wall done
right!
The war memorial
in Shedden is
both beautiful
and functional
boasting a unique
metal sculpture,
wide walkways
with benches and
a commemorative
plaque.
A rural resident
makes
fabulous
seasonal
roadside art
displays out of
natural
materials and
old farm
equipment.
After a harsh winter,
residents Dave and
Anita Ungar found
themselves with a dead
Black Walnut tree.
With a unique idea in
mind and a chainsaw
in hand, fellow
resident Mike Winia
created this
masterpiece!
Throughout Southwold, particularly in rural areas, shrubs, trees and
perennials are strategically planted to accommodate their growing
conditions. For example, many rural properties rely on wells and, therefore,
cannot sustain extensive watering.
This emphasis on planning in relation to location shows in the floral displays
found across the township.
Beautiful spring bulbs, including rhubarb of course!
Diverse beds and roaming groundcovers with ornamental trees.
Vibrant perennials high and low.
Natural beauties.
Trilliums are bountiful
throughout woodland
areas.
The best nest.
A smaller urban yard
still pays homage to
our agricultural roots
using simple
containers.
The Communities in Bloom Committee is a strong believer that every effort
made to make Southwold a more beautiful place is a step in the right
direction. They encouraged the community to make even small
improvements, such as keeping the yard neat, the mail box painted and the
grass trimmed. This encouragement was widely adopted and the results are
delightful!
Marvelous Mailboxes
Country Charm
Delightful Doors and Picturesque Porches
Great Garden Build
Nice Name Marker
Recycled Road Rock
Lovely Laneway
√
Canada Day Celebrations
√ Rosy
Rhubarb Festival
√ Tractor
Pull
√ Shedden
Fair
√ Volunteer
Fireman's Breakfast
√ Remembrance
√ Christmas
Day Service
Parade
SHEDDEN
Tractor Pull
Hosted by the Tractor
Pull Association in midJune this event always
draws a crowd.
Shedden Fair
The Shedden Agricultural Society
Fair has been continuously running
since 1854! It is a member of the
Ontario Association of Agricultural
Societies.
FINGAL
Canada Day
Canada Day firework and festivities
are put on by the Fingal-Shedden
and District Optimist Club and the
Township of Southwold.
Christmas
Parade
Hosted by the FingalShedden and District
Optimist Club the parade is
always a family favorite.
Shedden is host to one of the largest festivals
in Southwestern Ontario. Every year, on the
second weekend in June,
the Township
celebrates the plant that put our village on the
map. Gardens are lush with ripe rhubarb
waiting to be turned into tasty treats for
families, friends and visitors.
Only the best pies, tarts and cakes make it into
our annual rhubarb bake-off. The winning
entries are auctioned on the Friday night of the
festival, kicking off a weekend of fun,
community spirit and fundraising.
Every year, a portion of the profits go towards
Shedden community development projects. Todate the Rosy Rhubarb Fund has raised over
$322,000.00
for
the
community.
Lawrence Station
Monthly Breakfasts
 Frome United Church
Suppers
 Fingal Knox
Presbyterian Church
Suppers and Free
Community Breakfast
 Eastern Star Bazaar
 Palmers Maple Syrup
Sweet Maple
Experience
 Monthly Horse Shows
at the complex
 Numerous slow pitch
and soccer
tournaments
And many, many more!

Trails meandering through
Southwold
• Trans Canada Hiking Trail
• Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trail
• Elgin County Hiking Trail
• Elgin Trail Riders Snow Mobile Trail
• Waterfront Trail
• Fingal Wildlife Management Area Trail
Local Service Clubs
• Scouts Canada
• Community Policing Committee
• Masonic Lodge
• 4-H
• Girl Guides
• Optimists
• Eastern Star
• I.O.O.F.
BOX FOR PAVILION SIGN
For a small township, Southwold can boast of the high quantity and quality
of our recreational facilities and municipal parks.
For example, the ball diamond in Fingal is host to many major tournaments.
Shedden Soccer has house and
competitive leagues for everyone!
Leagues range from children age 5
to adult leagues.
Talbotville Minor Soccer also offers
children's leagues.
Talbotville Minor Ball is part
of the South Elgin Minor
Ball League that includes
teams from: Port Stanley,
Shedden, Sparta, Talbotville
and Union.
This book has shown some of Southwold’s best in bloom, but what about the
rest of the year?
FALL