As we say so long to candy stashes and pumpkin spice, November invites us to settle in and look ahead with cozy anticipation. Luckily, shorter days and chilly temperatures mingle with opportunities to enjoy the last traces of autumn and to delight in the first twinkling lights of the holiday season. November is a month of contrasts, ready to be noticed right here in Orangeville. 
A dedication to bravery

A Canada flag proudly marks the location of Orangeville’s new Bravery Park. Officially opened in September, it is a meaningful place where the realities of war, bravery, freedom, and healing are embedded in the park’s many features. The open space invites visitors to explore each element while offering opportunities for reflection and appreciation.

The story behind the space
The creation of Bravery Park was inspired by the life and service of Cpl. Matthew McCully, a member of Canada’s elite Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team, responsible for training the Afghan National forces. On May 25, 2007, while conducting a joint Afghan-Canadian foot patrol west of Kandahar, Cpl. McCully stepped on an improvised explosive device. He died not only trying to protect his country, but training Afghan soldiers to protect their own.  

Cpl. McCully’s mother, Valerie McGrady and sister, Shannon McGrady, turned their grief into a vision of creating a living testament to Canadian soldiers. Over several years, their passion and determination drove an extensive fundraising campaign and fostered steadfast community support. On September 3, 2021, the park was officially opened. 

An invitation to reflect
Bravery Park features several installations, each offering a unique way to honour the sacrifices, achievements, and bravery of our country’s soldiers and veterans.

The park’s centrepiece is a bronze statue of a Canadian soldier kneeling before two Afghan children who are presenting him with a butterfly. Created by local artists Donna Pascoe and Peter Turrell, the piece took many hours to conceptualize, and received input from different parties, including Canadian soldiers themselves. When designing the model for the statue, Ms. Pascoe says she tried to imagine the thoughts and feelings soldiers and citizens must have struggled with every day. “There had to be issues of duty, trust and fear. In the end, I chose to show a compassionate human side reflected in the heartfelt exchange between two children and the kind soldier.” 
The statue is mounted in the centre of a depiction of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award of the Canadian honours system. Other elements placed in the park aim to enrich the space while creating opportunities to play, learn, and reflect. A memorial stone honours Canadian Armed Forces personnel and features an image entitled “Not Alone,” a striking piece created by U. S. Armed Forces veteran Danny Hahlbohm. Another art installation – “Remember Always” by Robert Allen – uses oils on tempered glass to display a maple leaf and other symbolic elements. Nearby, the Indigenous Medicine Wheel Garden, contributed by the Dufferin County Cultural Resource Circle, provides a sacred space for peace and reflection while the playground stays true to the park’s theme and captures the essence of freedom – the freedom to play. 
Enduring dedication
Although the park is now open to visitors to enjoy and experience, Bravery Park was always meant to be a living and interactive project. Work now continues to promote awareness and understanding of the sacrifices and struggles facing our Canadian Armed Forces. Educational resources, a park guide, and guided tours will soon be available for anyone looking to heighten their connection with the space and those who it honours. “Many Canadians remain unaware of the daily sacrifices our troops make in service to our country,” says Shannon McGrady. “Bravery Park will help foster a culture of support for our soldiers, so that they can feel supported both on and off the battleground.” 
The grand opening of Bravery Park was a meaningful celebration that featured a military parade, a Snowbird fly-by, and attendance by invited community members, dignitaries and representatives of the Canadian Armed Forces. Ontario’s Lieutenant-Governor, The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, was on hand to inspect the troops and officially open the park. A video of the grand opening was created to commemorate the special event. 
Orangeville Winter Market
Every Saturday starting November 6
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Inside Town Hall

The market is moving indoors for the winter season. Every Saturday, you'll find a selection of local vendors set up inside Town Hall. To find a list of each week's offerings, visit downtownorangeville.ca.
Orangeville Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, November 13, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Santa Claus is coming to town! The Kin Club of Orangeville will host the 2021 Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 13. This year's theme is "A Holly, Jolly Christmas." Businesses and organizations are invited to register their parade entries by November 8. Volunteers are also needed to help during the parade. Find details on Facebook or email for more information.
A Christmas Carol presented by Theatre Orangeville
Live on the Opera House stage, December 1 to 23
Theatre Orangeville presents this holiday classic with a twist. Rod Beattie sheds Walt Wingfield’s overalls to inhabit all our favourite characters – from Scrooge to Tiny Tim – in his lively adaptation of A Christmas Carol. Embrace the spirit of the season with this heartwarming tale of redemption and hope. Tickets are now available.
Christmas in the Park
Opening night, Friday, December 3, 7:30 p.m.
Every night, December 4 to 31, 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Christmas in the Park is back! Get in the holiday spirit with a visit to Kay Cee Gardens. The Optimist Club of Orangeville is preparing a festive assortment of bright lights and colourful displays for this year's event.
Sponsorship opportunities are available and more details are available here.
New utility box art features work by local artists
Six new installations have been added to Orangeville’s Utility Box Art Display Program. Functional utility boxes located throughout the community have been transformed into colourful works of art to showcase local artists, celebrate the Town’s culture, and promote Orangeville as an arts and culture hub for the region.

“The program is a unique way to showcase the talent of our local artists while beautifying the Town,” says Councillor Lisa Post, Chair of the Cultural Plan Task Force. “Each piece contributes to our growing public art collection and demonstrates the richness of our community’s creative talent.”
“Northern Lights” by Stella Capogna of Mono replicates the awe-inspiring sight of the aurora borealis using a mixed application of impasto and thinly poured acrylic. This piece is displayed at 97 First Street.
“Peaceful Clearing” by Carol DiRamio of Orangeville is a digital illustration showcasing a section of trail at the Upper Credit Conservation Area. The piece brings a sense of calm to its bustling location at Broadway and Ada Street.
"Kindred” by Ricky Schaede of Orangeville is a depiction of home and family. Displayed at John Street and Town Line, the piece features a gathering of diverse animals and represents the love and safety felt when we surround ourselves with those who make us feel understood.
"Crystal Queer" is an expressive piece created by the GLOW Youth Group, a social and support group for LGBTQ2S+ youth operating out of Dufferin Child & Family Services. Installed at Broadway and Mill Street, a complementary mural can also be found at 5 First Street.
“The Ride” by Wendy Reid of Melancthon is a playful piece that celebrates the region’s rural roots. The contemporary portrait features the artist’s grandson enjoying a tractor ride. The piece complements other public art pieces installed in Kay Cee Gardens.
“Legacy Leaves” was also painted by Wendy Reid. This piece was specifically selected for its location at Alexandra Park. The patriotic painting features a vibrant showing of maple leaves and was designed to honour our Canadian veterans. This installation was sponsored by Orangeville Hydro. 

An online listing of all utility box locations can be found online. A free, interactive mobile app called Driftscape can also be used to learn more about each piece as well as other public art in Orangeville. 
Deadline extended for Digital Main Street grant

The deadline for the Digital Main Street Ontario Grant Program has been extended until November 30. The program aims to help small businesses increase their online presence and enhance their operations with digital technologies. Eligible small businesses can now apply until November 30, 2021 or until grant funds have been exhausted.

To learn more about the Digital Transformation Grant program, business eligibility, and the application process visit digitalmainstreet.ca or contact Christine Hann, Digital Services Co-ordinator at the Town of Orangeville.
Upcoming webinar for restaurant and hospitality businesses

Did you know that 90% of Ontario restaurant workers struggle with mental health and substance abuse challenges?

Join Hassel Aviles of non-profit foodservice group Not 9 to 5 to discuss the challenges and solutions specific to mental health in Dufferin’s restaurant/hospitality spaces and examine how better mental health at work can create a healthier business overall.

Hosted online by Dufferin County Development & Tourism on Tuesday, November 9 from 7 to 8 p.m. Register online.
Networking event hosted by Central Counties Tourism

On Monday, November 15, tourism-related businesses and stakeholders are invited to join Central Counties Tourism (CCT) to network and discuss collaboration opportunities in 2022.

The event runs from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Alabaster Acres and proof of double vaccination is required. RSVP by November 11 to CCT Representative Sarah Gratta at sgratta@centralcounties.ca.
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