July 8, 2026

The always-topical Team Fergmeijer intended to start the column this week with references to all the buzz going around about a local roaming swarm of bees, however the recent heat wave has melted our brains and all we can think of are weather related puns and jokes. It’s so hot, cows are giving evaporated milk; we saw a bird pull a worm out of the ground with an oven mitt; chickens are laying hard-boiled eggs; Optimus Prime transformed into an air conditioner; hot water comes out of both taps; catfish are already fried when you catch them; the only waves at the beach were heatwaves; and you need a spatula to remove your clothing. In fact, it’s been so hot outside we’re pretty sure we spotted two hobbits throwing a ring off our roof.

Don’t forget to check out all the fantastic stops along the 2026 Manitoulin Art Tour, July 17, 18, 19. There are 39 tour stops across the Island (4 in Kagawong!) representing a wide range of artists: graphic artists, painters, artisans, photographers, and craftspeople. You can visit FB.com/ManitoulinArtTour for more information. 

Great deals and tasty treats were enjoyed by all at the annual Anglican church yard sale extravaganza last weekend! Many thanks to all the organizers who go to great lengths to gather, organize and haul the huge collection of items for our shopping pleasure. 

Have you been to the Kagawong market yet this summer? Once again this year there is an incredible lineup of vendors under the roof of the pickledome, in the colourful cabanas, and set up all throughout the parking lot. Check it out Wednesdays from 10am - 3pm in the Kagawong Park Centre lot.

Happy birthday wishes go out to Laura H this week as she celebrates her 29th birthday. Don’t let anyone tell you you are old. You are a young person at heart. A young person who has been alive a long, long, long, long, long time.  

Get your eco-art on with Manitoulin’s own Sophie Edwards July 9, 16, 23, 30 The acclaimed environmental artist will help participants explore a range of materials, ecological voices,and nature observations in a series of sessions designed for children and adults. Different activities each week! Pre-registration via Sophie’s website is encouraged (www.sophieanneedwards.ca).  

The Manitoulin Tennis Club is still meeting every Wednesday at 6pm and Sunday at 10am at the Manitoulin Secondary School tennis courts. New players of all ability levels are always welcome! Free lessons are coming in July; check out Manitoulin Tennis Club on Facebook for more information.

While summer librarian Dana keeps the Billings Library ticking along (summer hours 9am-noon; 1-5pm) and running the kids activities Tuesdays from 10-11am, the library board is busy manning the market table on Wednesday (now with snow cones!), prepping for the annual used book sale (Saturday, July 25th), and organizing the annual beach movie night (Saturday, August 8th). 

Sadly, but necessarily, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Kagawong River Trail remain closed to the public due extensive washout damage from the floods this spring. Repairs are currently being undertaken; updates from the township will be provided as more information becomes available.

While you are enjoying the sun this summer, don’t forget that come the fall you’ll be voting in municipal elections. Make sure you are on the voter list! Visit registertovoteON.ca to make sure your name is on the list and to get it added if it’s not.

Well, that’s Team Fergmeijer’s hot take on this week’s goings-on. Until next week, “Sun’s out, puns out!” Have a great week!

July 1, 2026

As Canada Day approaches, we've been reflecting on what it means to be Canadian. Some say it's our politeness—after all, one of the best ways to get a Canadian to apologize is to step on their foot. Others point to our resilience, forged by living in a country where sunburn and frostbite can happen on the same day. Maybe it's our patience, because Canadian summers prove that good things come to those who wait.  Now, we aren’t saying Canada is perfect, but we do have universal health care and All Dressed chips, which is  pretty close. We're lucky to call this country home. Even if Canada geese are proof that nature occasionally creates something simply to keep humans humble. 

The St. John’s Anglican church is holding its annual yard sale extravaganza this weekend! Saturday, June 4th come out to the covered rink to browse a huge selection of glassware, mugs, dinnerware, books, household items, lamps, outdoor goods, books, DVDs, toys, and collectibles. The sale runs from 10am - 2pm and with a delicious lunch available for purchase, you can make a day of it. 

Sadly, but necessarily, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Kagawong River Trail remain closed to the public due extensive washout damage from the floods this spring. Repairs are currently being undertaken; updates from the township will be provided as more information becomes available.

The Kagawong summer market is all dressed up and ready to go for Canada day! Stop by between 10am and 3pm at the Kagawong River Complex / Park Centre parking lot. We can’t wait to see you there! 

A fixture in Kagawong over the past few years, Team Aelick will be taking a break from their Stroll/Move for Liver fundraising walk through the village this summer. Instead, they will be hosting a yard sale on June 27th, at 30 Maple Drive in Kagawong with proceeds going to Liver Canada, supporting public understanding and awareness of liver diseases, and providing support to those affected. Visit liver.ca to find out more!

Get your eco-art on with Manitoulin’s own Sophie Edwards July 9, 16, 23, 30 The acclaimed environmental artist will help participants explore a range of materials, ecological voices,and nature observations in a series of sessions designed for children and adults. Different activities each week! Pre-registration via Sophie’s website is encouraged (www.sophieanneedwards.ca).  

Want to know if there is currently a ban on fires/burning in the township? Since we have to submit this column a week before the paper gets delivered to your mailbox, we are not a reliable source of information for that question. Best to check with the township office, or on the township Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/billingstownshipkagawong

The library will be starting their summer hours starting this Saturday (July 4th). During July and August, the you can check out the library Tuesday - Saturday 9-5 (closed noon-1pm). Summer librarian Dana will be holding things together at the library while the library board tackles the various fundraisers and activities running throughout the summer. There’s the annual used book sale on Saturday, July 25th (11-3pm at the red-roofed pavilion), beach movie night on Saturday August 8th (showing Labryrinth!), and of course their busy table at the market each week. 

While you are enjoying the sun this summer, don’t forget that come the fall you’ll be voting in municipal elections. Make sure you are on the voter list! Visit registertovoteON.ca to make sure your name is on the list and to get it added if it’s not.

Thanks for poutine up with us as we celebrate another Canada Day and all the wonderfully strange things that make this country unique. Happy Canada Day and have a great week!

June 24, 2026

One half of Team Fergmeijer suffered a bit of an unfortunate accident over the weekend. She was taking a group photo for a family visiting the village when a giant wheel of cheddar fell from the sky, crushing her leg. It’s especially tragic as the family being photographed tried to warn her. 

Sadly, but necessarily, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Kagawong River Trail remain closed to the public due extensive washout damage from the floods this spring. Repairs are currently being undertaken; updates from the township will be provided as more information becomes available.

It’s finally here! The first Kagawong market of the summer is today! Stop by between 10am and 3pm at the Kagawong River Complex / Park Centre parking lot. We can’t wait to see you there! 

A fixture in Kagawong over the past few years, Team Aelick will be taking a break from their Stroll/Move for Liver fundraising walk through the village this summer. Instead, they will be hosting a yard sale on June 27th, at 30 Maple Drive in Kagawong with proceeds going to Liver Canada, supporting public understanding and awareness of liver diseases, and providing support to those affected. Visit liver.ca to find out more!

Get your eco-art on with Manitoulin’s own Sophie Edwards July 9, 16, 23, 30 The acclaimed environmental artist will help participants explore a range of materials, ecological voices,and nature observations in a series of sessions designed for children and adults. Different activities each week! Pre-registration via Sophie’s website is encouraged (www.sophieanneedwards.ca).  

Want to know if there is currently a ban on fires/burning in the township? Since we have to submit this column a week before the paper gets delivered to your mailbox, we are not a reliable source of information for that question. Best to check with the township office, or on the township Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/billingstownshipkagawong

The library is pleased to welcome back Dana as the summer librarian this year. They will be starting their summer hours starting the Saturday after Canada Day (July 4th). Dana will be holding things together at the library while the library board tackles the various fundraisers and activities running throughout the summer. There’s the annual used book sale on Saturday, July 25th (11-3pm at the red-roofed pavilion), beach movie night on Saturday August 8th (showing Labryrinth!), and of course their busy table at the market each week. 

Happy 29th birthday to occasional Kagawongian, Abbie N who is celebrating her big day this week. They say wisdom comes with age, and we know that’s true from our own family. Our favourite great-aunt has enough wisdom to fill a library. She has the soul of a poet, the memory of an elephant, and advice for just about every situation. She also has the heart of a lion and a lifetime ban from the zoo, which raises a few questions. 

The starting lineup has been announced! Don’t miss former MCTV Sports Director John Walton, Keeper-of-the-Cup (yes, that’s THE cup!) Phil Pritchard, and former NHL veteran Rod Schutt live and in-person at “History Day in Kagawong” on August 13th at the Park Centre. Also joining the celebrations that day will be the Conn Smythe, Norris, and Canada Cup trophies, courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame! Tickets on sale now at the Old Mill Heritage Centre in Kagawong.

We’ve been getting into romantasy novels lately and it has raised some important questions. For example, do wizards with ADHD have trouble with hocus focus? Would they be prescribed Abracadadderall? Have a great week!

June 17, 2026

We had a couple of odd conversations this week. On the same day a friend asked us why we always sit leaning forward with our knees pressed up to our chests (we had to tell her, it’s just how we roll), we also got a call from our bank wanting to let us know about the outstanding balance we had. We said: “Thanks! We used to do gymnastics,” and hung up the phone. 

Sadly, but necessarily, the Bridal Veil Falls and the Kagawong River Trail remain closed to the public due extensive washout damage from the floods this spring. Repairs are currently being undertaken; updates from the township will be provided as more information becomes available.

Kagawong residents who normally pick their mail up at the post office in the village should note that Canada Post will be moving service to community boxes which will be installed this summer. Starting June 18th, for a time during the transition, you will need to drive to Gore Bay to get your mail. Contact Canada Post for more information. 

Get some financial, legal, and safety information (as well as breakfast and snacks!) at Manitoulin Legal Clinic’s Wise Futures: Sharing Safety, Estates, and Financial Knowledge, an all-day community event held at the Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre tomorrow (Thursday, June 18th). Learn from experts on elder safety, estates & financial planning, advocacy supports, and community resources, visit information booths, be entered for door prizes and give-aways! Register by phone: 705-368-3333 or email: info@mlc.clcj.ca 

Oh boy oh boy oh boy! The first Kagawong market of the summer will be Wednesday, June 24 from 10am until 3pm at the Kagawong River Complex / Park Centre parking lot. We can’t wait to see you there! 

A fixture in Kagawong over the past few years, Team Aelick will be taking a break from their Stroll/Move for Liver fundraising walk through the village this summer. Instead, they will be hosting a yard sale on June 27th, at 30 Maple Drive in Kagawong with proceeds going to Liver Canada, supporting public understanding and awareness of liver diseases, and providing support to those affected. Visit liver.ca to find out more!

Get your eco-art on with Manitoulin’s own Sophie Edwards July 9, 16, 23, 30 The acclaimed environmental artist will help participants explore a range of materials, ecological voices,and nature observations in a series of sessions designed for children and adults. Different activities each week! Pre-registration via Sophie’s website is encouraged (www.sophieanneedwards.ca).  

Want to know if there is currently a ban on fires/burning in the township? Since we have to submit this column a week before the paper gets delivered to your mailbox, we are not a reliable source of information for that question. Best to check with the township office, or on the township Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/billingstownshipkagawong

Never run out of summer reads! Stock up at the Billings Library used book sale Saturday, July 25th. Thousands of books will be available at the red-roofed pavilion (or the Pickledome if it has the nerve to rain on our parade). And that’s not all: August 8th, it’s BYOF (bring your own floatie) at the library’s annual beach movie. 

Happy birthday to FOF (Friend of Fergmeijer), Stephanie M. As a non-Islander, there’s no telling how old she is, but we wish her many happy returns anyway. One of the bright sides of getting older is that it can actually save you money. Why bother with alcohol when you can get the same effect just standing up too fast?

Don’t wait until double overtime to see the new hockey exhibit at the Old Mill Heritage Centre! The museum is now open 7 days a week.

Save the date! Former MCTV Sports Director John Walton will join the hockey panel at “History Day in Kagawong” on August 13th at the Park Centre. Also joining the celebrations that day will be the Conn Smythe, Norris, and Canada Cup trophies, courtesy of the Hockey Hall of Fame! Tickets on sale now at the Old Mill Heritage Centre in Kagawong.

Any time you are feeling a bit insecure about yourself, just remember that the mosquitoes (and black flies, and horse flies) find you very attractive! Have a great week!

June 10, 2026

Spring has finally arrived in Billings Township and we are cautiously optimistic for the rest of June after several consecutive days in which the weather forecast appears to be making a genuine effort. Conditions remain favourable for gardening, porch sitting, and explaining to visitors that "it's usually not this windy." (It makes a nice change from constantly saying, “Quite a bit of snow, eh?”) Most notably, the arrival of the warmer weather has seen Islanders engaging in the ancient ritual of driving around to see whose dock survived the winter. Of course, experienced Islanders know not to truly put the snow shovels away until at least Father’s Day. 

The big news in Billings is the change over from post office boxes to community boxes. With Michael’s retirement, Canada Post is moving everyone in the township to new community boxes (those who already have home delivery should be keeping that service - but don’t quote us on that). For a short time during the transition, residents who would normally get their mail at the post office in Kagawong will need to drive to Gore Bay to get their mail. You should have received a notice with all the specifics in the mail last week. 

Kane you believe how fantastic the hockey exhibit at the Old Mill Heritage Centre is? That’s right, unlike the Maple Leafs, the museum is still going strong in June! People have been Rushin to check out the exhibit. If you haven’t been yet, it’s worth taking a shot at - the museum is now open 7 days a week. We Bet-tman you’ll love it!  

Seniors can get valuable financial, legal, and safety information at Manitoulin Legal Clinic’s Wise Futures: Sharing Safety, Estates, and Financial Knowledge, an all-day community event held at the Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre on Thursday, June 18th. Learn from experts on elder safety, estates & financial planning, advocacy supports, and community resources, visit information booths, be entered for door prizes and give-aways, and enjoy breakfast and snacks as well! Register by phone: 705-368-3333 or email: info@mlc.clcj.ca 

Thinking of burning brush as you tidy up your yard? Don’t forget that burn permits are required in Billings! Stop by the township office to get your free permit, which is valid for one week. Burn permits are not required for a small bonfire.

Upcoming Seniors Active Living events at the Park Centre: Yoga, Mondays at 9am; indoor walking, Tuesdays at 2pm; Yoga with Sam, Wednesdays at 11am; and Fitness with Kelly, Thursdays at 9am. Contact Mary at 705 348-2285 for more information on any of the SAL activities.

Tennis, anyone? The Manitoulin Tennis Club is back to meeting Sunday mornings at 10am at the Manitoulin Secondary School courts. Players of all abilities are welcome, with lessons available in the near future.

Never run out of summer reads! Stock up at the Billings Library used book sale Saturday, July 25th. Thousands of books will be available at the red-roofed pavilion (or the Pickledome if it has the nerve to rain on our parade). And that’s not all: August 8th, it’s BYOF (bring your own floatie) at the library’s annual beach movie. 

Happy birthday to Mary N who is turning 29 this week! We aren’t saying this necessarily applies to Mary, but in general, you do hit a certain age where you tend to go from ‘I probably shouldn’t say that’ to ‘what the heck, let’s see what happens’. 

Save the date! The annual History Day in Kagawong will be August 13th. We’ll roll out more info as we get closer to the date.

In science news, scientists have grown human vocal cords in a petri dish. The results speak for themselves. Have a great week!

June 3, 2026

Though as singers, they are not very strong,

Local turkeys tried their hand at sweet birdsong,

They clucked and they squawked,

The tourists all gawked!

But it was just another day in fair Kagawong.

Well Hull-o there! Can you Beliveau it? The hockey exhibit at The Old Mill Heritage Centre is finally here! You might think we’re being Bossy, but you really should go and see it. Howe, you ask? Stop in from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays Orr Sundays for starters. You’ll be Fuhr-ious if you miss it!

This weekend! The Island Singers are hosting their spring concert on Saturday, June 6th at 7pm at Manitoulin Secondary School. Don’t miss this special choral presentation, as the choir welcomes guest conductor Lynn Janes, composer Stephanie Martin, and members of the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra for “Ambe: All Are Welcome” - a celebration of Canadian music. Tickets are $20, with children 12 and under free, and are available at the door.

Seniors can get valuable financial, legal, and safety information at Wise Futures: Sharing Safety, Estates, and Financial Knowledge, an all-day community event held at the Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre on Thursday, June 18th. Presented by the Manitoulin Legal Clinic, you can learn from experts on elder safety, estates & financial planning, advocacy supports, and community resources, visit information booths, be entered for door prizes and give-aways, and enjoy breakfast and snacks as well! Register by phone: 705-368-3333 or email: info@mlc.clcj.ca 

Thinking of burning brush as you tidy up your yard? Don’t forget that burn permits are required in Billings! Stop by the township office to get your free permit, which is valid for one week. Burn permits are not required for a small bonfire.

Upcoming Seniors Active Living events at the Park Centre: Yoga, Mondays at 9am; indoor walking, Tuesdays at 2pm; Yoga with Sam, Wednesdays at 11am; and Fitness with Kelly, Thursdays at 9am. Contact Mary at 705 348-2285 for more information on any of the SAL activities.

SAL is also offering a fun summer “Grands Day Camp” in July and August for some cross-generational fun, crafts, and skill-building! If you have grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or neighbours aged 5-12, sign up for day camps “Wilderness Ways & S’Mores” and “Creative Alley”. Contact Mary (705-348-2285) for more information or to book a spot. 

Tennis, anyone? The Manitoulin Tennis Club is back to meeting Sunday mornings at 10am at the Manitoulin Secondary School courts. Players of all abilities are welcome, with lessons available in the near future.

How many books can fit in the Kagawong PickleDome? Stop by the Billings Library used book sale Saturday, July 25th and find out! And that’s not all: dig out your favourite floatie - the library will also be bringing back the beach movie on Saturday August 8th. We can hardly wait!

Happy 29th birthday to Alison O, Trish T. and to a certain pair of sassy (oh-so young) Kagawongians. This feels like a good time to mention that technically, if you don’t cut a cake and eat the whole thing, you’ve only had one piece. 

And we have to make a birthday-related correction. Despite his youthful appearance, as of last week, David H has in fact passed the big 29 milestone (contrary to our reporting in last week’s paper). 

Did you know that the swordfish has few predators in the wild? Except, of course, for the rare penfish,which is said to be mightier. Have a great week!

May 27, 2026

Team Fergmeijer loves nothing more than a spring wedding. A close friend is getting married in Paris (Oh là là!) in a couple of weeks, and we have the honour of being part of it. We are quite nervous about the speech we have to make, though. So far, we have, “Eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, bread, maple syrup, and butter…” it’s a French toast. 

Thinking of running for municipal council in October? Start organizing now! Nominations for mayor, councillors, and school board trustee are officially open and the deadline to register is August 20th. Visit https://www.billingstwp.ca/townhall/elections for more information. 

The township is holding a public meeting at the Park Centre on Tuesday (June 2nd) at 6:30pm for residents to have their say about the proposed changes to zoning by-laws in regards to shipping containers. The actual by-law and other supporting materials can be accessed at the township office and on the township’s website. If you can’t make the public meeting, you can still submit your feedback via the township office.  

What a beauty! The Old Mill Heritage Centre’s hockey exhibit had rave reviews at their opening this past weekend. One attendee said it was over-the-glove, top shelf, “where momma keeps the peanut butter.” You can score a visit to this new exhibit weekends from 10am-5pm.

We’d like to offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Paul Darlaston who passed away last week. He lived a colourful life, was passionate in his convictions, and was always up for a quick (or not so quick!) chat. 

The Island Singers are hosting their spring concert on Saturday, June 6th at 7pm at Manitoulin Secondary School. Don’t miss this special choral presentation, as the choir welcomes guest conductor Lynn Janes,  composer Stephanie Martin, and members of the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra for “Ambe: All Are Welcome” - a celebration of Canadian music. Tickets are $20, with children 12 and under free, and are available at the door.

Upcoming Seniors Active Living events at the Park Centre: Yoga, Mondays at 9am; indoor walking, Tuesdays at 2pm; Yoga with Sam, Wednesdays at 11am; and Fitness with Kelly, Thursdays at 9am. Contact Mary at 705 348-2285 for more information on any of the SAL activities.

SAL is also offering a fun summer “Grands Day Camp” in July and August for some cross-generational fun, crafts, and skill-building! If you have grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or neighbours aged 5-12, sign up for day camps “Wilderness Ways & S’Mores” and “Creative Alley”. Contact Mary (705-348-2285) for more information or to book a spot. 

Seniors can get valuable financial, legal, and safety information at Wise Futures: Sharing Safety, Estates, and Financial Knowledge, an all-day community event held at the Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre. Presented by the Manitoulin Legal Clinic, you can learn from experts on elder safety, estates & financial planning, advocacy supports, and community resources, visit information booths, be entered for door prizes and give-aways, and enjoy breakfast and snacks as well! Register by phone: 705-368-3333 or email: info@mlc.clcj.ca 

If there are any aspiring digital entrepreneurs out there, may we humbly suggest developing a camera filter that makes the house look clean when we take pictures of our pets? We’re pretty sure it would make a killing. 

Summer days are not so far away and the Billings Public Library has plans for those warmer months! Their used book sale will be held on Saturday, July 25th. Mark your calendar for this annual must-see. And that’s not all: dig out your favourite floatie - the library will also be bringing back the beach movie on Saturday August 8th. We can hardly wait!

Happy birthday to Billings councillor David H who is turning 29 this week. Not to alarm anyone, but you know you are getting old when the radio stations and bars play music you can’t stand, but the grocery store is dropping hit after hit. 

Driving home last night we decided to go the long way so we could stop in to see our friend Nicholas. That’s right; we took the see Nick route. Have a great week!