Simcoe Strong

Last week we had the privilege of joining the Simcoe Lions Club

Josh and Ryan kicked things off with a downtown walk, taking in the streets, the corners, the opportunities and the challenges that are hiding in plain sight for anyone willing to slow down and look. There is something about walking a place together that no slideshow can replicate.

Josh spoke about the ideas behind Simcoe Strong.

Why does walkability matter? Not because it looks nice but because it’s how towns like Simcoe survive financially. Sprawl costs more than it generates. Walkable, dense neighbourhoods pay for themselves.

He talked about the corner of Norfolk and Robinson: what’s leaving, what could replace it, and why what gets built there will matter to this community for decades.

And he made the case for bringing more people into the core. More households on existing streets. More neighbours. More life downtown. Small changes, made consistently, that add up to something real.

The Lions Club has served this community for decades. The fact that they welcomed us is a reminder that the big tent approach to downtown restoration is already happening.

Thank you to Simcoe Lions Club for having us!

(PS our monthly newsletter is live! Reach out to sign up)

The downtown conversation is happening.

This is your chance to be in the room.

Reminder!

We’re gathering this Saturday September 19th at 2pm at thecreativebrutique and we’d love to see you there.

With a municipal election just around the corner, this is exactly the kind of moment where showing up matters.

Come meet the people who are actively shaping the conversation around downtown Simcoe - asking the hard questions, pushing for real answers, and building something worth showing up for.

Josh, Jennifer and Emily will be sharing the stage for a look at where Simcoe Strong started, where we are now, and where we’re headed next.

It’s going to be a good one.

See you Saturday. 💪

Our newsletter drops tomorrow morning!

The first issue of the Simcoe Strong newsletter , a monthly digest featuring community action, local urbanism, and what it actually looks like to try to build a better downtown from the ground up.

This first issue covers where we've been, what we've learned, and where we're actually headed

We want to be clear that Simcoe Strong is a lot more than a cleanup group. We have lofty goals for this downtown and we're not shy about saying so!

One issue a month.

If you want it in your inbox tomorrow, DM us your email!

We have an announcement!

Our next general meeting is next Saturday September 19th at 2pm at thecreativebrutique and this one is a little special.

Jennifer, Emily and Josh will be sharing the stage for a bit of a retrospective - where Simcoe Strong started, where we are right now, and where we’re headed.

A lot has happened in the past year and we think it’s worth taking a breath, looking back at what we’ve built together, and talking honestly about what comes next.

If you’ve been curious about getting involved or just want to be part of the conversation, this is the meeting to come to.

These gatherings are full of ideas, full of people who genuinely care about this downtown, and full of the kind of connections that actually lead somewhere.

ALSO!

We’re also launching our monthly newsletter this Friday: a regular reflection on community action and urbanism that makes sense for Simcoe.

If you want to be on the list, DM us your email and we’ll make sure you’re on it.

See you next Saturday!

Please share this around! The more the merrier!

Great folks carrying on a great local tradition.

Please give Norfolk Has Talent a follow if you have some time!

This one means a lot to us.

The Simcoe Firefighters Association presented Simcoe Strong with a $500 donation this week.

While we are deeply grateful for the financial support, what this moment represents goes beyond the cheque.

The firefighters who serve this community show up every single day for the people who live here. That instinct - to show up, to care about what happens on these streets, to invest in the place you call home - is exactly the instinct Simcoe Strong was built on.

Downtown restoration isn’t a job for one kind of person or one kind of organization. It’s going to take business owners and union workers and service clubs and community groups.

All of us.

The big tent is the whole point. Because downtown belongs to everyone who lives here, and getting it back to what it can be is going to take exactly that.

All of us.

We are honoured by this partnership and we don’t take it lightly. Every dollar goes toward the work of making downtown Simcoe a place this whole community can be proud of.

Thank you, Simcoe Firefighters Association.

We’re glad you thought of us!

Volunteers Needed: Simcoe Lions Club BBQ, This Saturday

Please share widely!

Downtown Simcoe BIA is proud to be partnering with the Simcoe Lions Club for this Saturday’s community BBQ, and we’re looking for a few extra hands to help make the day a success.

With over 400 people expected across three hours, some friendly, reliable support will go a long way.
Here’s where help is needed:

Kids Zone / Bouncy Castle Supervision

Staff will be on site, but an additional adult nearby to keep an eye on things would be a great help.

Picnic Table Upkeep

We’re looking for two volunteers to help tidy the picnic table area between families throughout the event. With 16 tables in use, a bit of ongoing cleanup will make a big difference.

Drive-Thru Assistance

Lion Doug and his team will be running the drive-thru for guests on the go. A hand or two is needed to help answer questions and safely direct traffic into the Riversyde parking lot.

General Support

From time to time, a Lion or volunteer may need someone to cover their station for a short break. Extra hands here would be much appreciated.

If you’re able to lend some time this Saturday, please reach out.

It’s a great chance to support a wonderful downtown Simcoe tradition - many hands make light work, and it’s shaping up to be a fun afternoon.

Just message us, the Lions or text 226 931 6101 if you are interested in helping!

Tomorrow is a bad day to be a w**d in Downtown Simcoe

We’re back at it with our friends from OPSEU/SEFPO Local 204 for another morning of rolling up our sleeves and showing the core some love.

If you are a morning spirit, join us bright and early for 7am!

This time the focus is w**ds and cigarette butts — bulk garbage has actually been holding up well thanks to the ongoing efforts of residents who keep at it on their own.

(Though I’m sure we will manage to find some)

If you’re joining us, here’s what would make a real difference tomorrow:

Garden tools - clippers, loppers, hand w**ders, even a w**d wacker if you’ve got one.

The more firepower we have on the w**d front the better.

Gloves and grabbers as always.

And if you have a truck and a generous spirit - we need you.

Haul-away help at the end of the morning is one of the biggest things we can ask for and one of the most impactful things you can offer.

See you out there tomorrow.

This is our downtown.