Port Stanley Villager April 2026 Issue 77
Letter from the Editor When I first met my late wife, Staci, I experienced what can only be described as family culture shock. I grew up in what you might call a tiny family – my parents, my brother, two aunts, two uncles, two sets of grandparents … and one cousin. One. Total. If we’d held a family reunion, we could’ve met at Tim Hortons without moving any tables.
One of Staci’s favourite cousins, Brad, went out on Georgian Bay in a paddle boat with his girlfriend. No life jackets. They paddled a little too far. The boat flipped. Brad didn’t make it. He was just 27. I will never forget the image of so many family members sitting on that beach, stunned, grieving, helpless as searchers combed the water. The shock. The silence. The unbearable waiting. Twenty years later, the family still gathers. There is still laughter. There is still love. But when they look out at that beach, once everyone’s favourite place to be, there is also a space where Brad should be. A son. A brother. A cousin. Gone far too soon. Life on the beach is not always a life at the beach. Water is beautiful. It draws us in. It’s part of what puts Port Stanley on the map. But it demands respect. Too often, we forget that. That’s why, in the next three issues, we’ll feature Nathan MacIntyre, CEO of the Rip Current Information Project. Nathan will share practical, potentially life-saving information about water safety, from understanding rip currents to making smart decisions before heading out. If sharing Brad’s story helps one family avoid that nightmare, if it helps one person put on a life jacket, if it prevents one more empty seat at a family reunion, then it will be worth sharing. I hope you’ll read Nathan’s commentary. I hope you’ll take it to heart. And I hope together, we can help ensure that a day at the beach remains exactly that, a day. Stay safe out there.
Then I met Staci. She came from a big Newfoundland family. Her mom was one of eight siblings; her dad was one of nine. Staci had nearly 50 first cousins. Fifty. I needed flashcards. And unfortunately, I have what I can only describe as a black hole in my brain where names go to disappear forever. Learning everyone’s name was an Olympic event. But what a family – loud, loving, welcoming, and fiercely connected. More than 20 years later, I’m still proud to say I’m family. One of their cherished traditions was an annual reunion at their cottage on Christian Island. Picture it: 50 tents scattered across the lawn; aunts and uncles catching up, cousins everywhere; kids running barefoot from beach to deck and back again; one working bathroom; one outhouse, both extremely popular. It was chaotic. It was beautiful. It was something we looked
forward to every single year. Then, in 2006, tragedy struck.
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Page 2 Port Stanley Villager • April 2026
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Organ Donation Month: The Gift of Life April is Organ Donation Month, a time to reflect on what may be the greatest gift one person can give another – the Gift of Life. One donor can save up to eight lives and improve the quality of life for as many as 75 people through the donation of corneas, skin tissue, bone and bone marrow, heart valves and stem cells. Yet, as of February 5, 2026, 1,722 people in Ontario are waiting for a transplant. Every three days, someone waiting dies. According to the Trillium Gift of Life Network, 90 percent of Ontarians say they support organ donation, but only 35 per cent are actually registered. That’s just 4.4 million of 12.7 million eligible residents. Sherry Wismer, Ontario President of the Swans and a member of the Kettle Creek Swans, is very passionate about organ donation. “The Gift of Life is the greatest gift anyone can give,” she says. “When the time comes, would not your heart vote to go on beating, your lungs breathing, your eyes seeing?” Sherry’s passion is deeply rooted in her professional and personal life. A retired nursing instructor who taught at the former St. Thomas Elgin General School of Nursing and at Fanshawe, she recalls witnessing medical history firsthand. “When I was a nursing student in London, from 1965 to 1968, the first kidney transplant was done. You can imagine how exciting that was for the entire medical field.” Her husband, Harry, is a retired optometrist and former Chair of the Lions Sight Conservation Foundation, promoting corneal transplants across southwestern Ontario. Together, they have long supported awareness efforts. Despite strong public support, Sherry believes the gap in registration often comes down to hesitation. “People pro- crastinate. They intend to register then forget,” she explains. “I also believe many state they are in favour, but they have doubts and questions about being donors themselves.” She cannot overstate the importance of family conversations. “Even if you are registered, the surgeons must have the family’s approval. They do not want to upset the grieving family.” She shares a personal regret: although her mother had registered as a donor, other family members were unaware of her wishes, and her corneas were ultimately not donated. “To this day,” she adds, “It is still one of my biggest regrets.” There is encouraging news locally. Many southwestern Ontario communities exceed the provincial average. Port Stanley
and Lambton County sit at 58 per cent registration – among the highest in Ontario, and Elgin County as a whole stands at 53 percent. “I am so very proud of our residents,” Sherry says. “Please talk to your friends and families about being registered as a donor.” You can register online at beadonor.ca or when renewing your driver’s licence or health card. We all have the power to save lives.
Port Stanley Villager April 2026 cover
Chief VanRybroeck along with three Central Elgin volunteer firefighters, are ready to celebrate National Volunteer Week April 19th to 25th. Photo by Geoff Rae
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Port Stanley Villager • April 2026 • Page 3
Work Begins on Port Stanley Storm Sewer Upsizing Project The Municipality of Central Elgin has begun the first phase of the Port Stanley Storm Sewer Upsizing project, an infrastructure upgrade designed to improve stormwater capacity and reduce the risk of flooding in the lakeside community. The project addresses long-standing challenges related to heavy rainfall, including localized flooding, water pooling on roadways, and increased strain on aging infrastructure. By increasing the capacity of the storm sewer system, the upgrades aim to improve drainage and make the community more resilient to increasingly intense storms linked to climate change. Phase 1A of the project is currently underway and focuses on work along William Street between Erie Street and the southern turnaround at Hofhuis Park, as well as portions of Edith Cavell Boulevard and the stormwater outlet near the park. Construction has begun and is expected to continue until approximately May 15. The work includes installing larger storm sewer mains and improv- ing drainage outlets to better handle heavy rainfall events. In addi- tion to the storm sewer upgrades, a portion of the watermain along William Street will be replaced with new PVC piping, and water ser- vice connections to properties along the route will also be updated. As construction progresses, residents and visitors can expect temporary disruptions in the project area. Work will generally take place between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday, in accordance with municipal noise by-laws. In certain circumstances, work outside those hours may be required to maintain the project schedule.
Traffic restrictions will also be in place. Portions of the affected roads may be limited to local traffic only, and drivers are asked to proceed slowly through the work zone as road conditions may vary during excavation. On-street parking will not be per-mitted within the construction area during work hours. Residents may also notice coloured flags and paint
markings in the right-of-way as utility locates are completed ahead of construction. Temporary water connections may be installed while sections of the watermain are replaced, and property owners will receive notice if short water service interruptions are required. The project has been carefully scheduled to avoid Port Stanley’s busy summer tourism season. No construction will take place between the May long weekend and Labour Day weekend. The remaining portion of Phase 1—referred to as Part 1B—will begin in fall 2026 and continue into spring 2027. This stage will include work along Maud Street, Bessie Street, and Lotus Lane, including the installation of new storm sewers and road reconstruction with new curb and gutter. Residents can follow project updates and learn more at letstalkcentralelgin.ca/port-stanley-phase-1a.
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Page 4 Port Stanley Villager • April 2026
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Councillor’s Corner by Morgan Griffin While at March’s public meeting, opinions differed widely on new housing for the hospital lands, one concern unified many in attendance: the desire to preserve the historic architecture. This opens a broader question for the community: what is the relationship between preserving local history and creating the landmarks of our future? Describing the old psychiatric hospital, people admire its elegance and gravitas. The buildings were constructed with limestone, natural light, and careful attention to detail. According to one speaker, this attention to aesthetics raised the construction cost to ten times that of its contemporaries. That cost was calculated. It was an investment in vulnerable people, made by an earlier generation who believed the spaces we build for our community should convey dignity to the people who use them. Communities regularly wrestle with this question. Should we spend only on what is necessary for function? Or should we invest more to elevate the places we experience together? Do we see our role primarily as preserving the cultural investments made by those who came before us? Or do we also feel responsible for creating new elements of beauty that future generations may one day choose to preserve? Our community must find its compass point between affordability and character, between cost and care. That direction belongs in a municipality’s strategic plan. A strategic plan is a philosophy that helps guide a Council’s decisions, especially difficult and subjective ones.
Our current strategic plan straddles two values at once: maintaining affordability while also protecting our heritage and sense of place. But that plan ends in 2027, just as decisions about the future of the hospital lands begin to take shape. The next Council will need to arrive with clear positions on that balance — addressing historic preservation and also the kind of community we want to continue building together. Until then, with a strategic plan that opens itself to broad possibilities, it is vitally important that those interested in the future neighbourhood be vocal advocates for their visions of Central Elgin’s future.
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Port Stanley Villager • April 2026 • Page 5
Volunteer Appreciation: Lions Club of Port Stanley Lioness by Peri Hayes Serving as President of the Lions Club of Port Stanley Lioness, Laura Gallagher proudly introduces her involvement: “The Lions have been a family tradition with my grandfather, father and mother – all members. My children were involved with the Leos, which is the teen club. I am driven by the idea of serving my community, and hopefully making it better for everyone.” As Laura delightedly describes, “The Lioness cover a huge range of community support, from large funding donations to community projects — like Hospice and Project Tiny Hope — to serving meals at The INN, donating to local charities that support homelessness, community health and mental health, as well as supporting local kids’ sports teams, clubs and activities.” To date, there are approximately 20 members involved with the Lions Club of Port Stanley Lioness. Laura offers the following background: “On a global scale, Lions were charged years ago to be knights of the blind by Helen Keller. We support the training of guide dogs, Eyes Right, and many other initiatives for those affected by vision impairment. We also support an international relief fund that can be accessed by clubs around the world to assist during disasters.” With various avenues through which the Lions Club of Port Stanley Lioness serves the community, Laura earnestly admits, “It’s hard to fully capture everything we are involved in.” With evident passion, Laura expresses, “A position with the club offers the opportunity to socialize and work with like-minded individuals for the betterment of the local community and beyond. Volunteering gives me a great sense of satisfaction. To
know I have impacted someone’s life in a positive way, even a small way, means a lot to me. I’d like to thank our greater community for supporting us through attending our events, donations of prizes, and sharing our posts to bring visibility to our club.” Laura concludes by warmly welcoming, “Our meetings are open for interested people to attend and see if they would like to join us.” To learn further about this service club, kindly connect through their ‘Lions Club of Port Stanley Lioness’ Facebook page or directly through a member. Moreover, ‘Lions District A-1’ can be researched online to discover more about their extensive community efforts.
The Board Members of Christmas Care would like to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to our volunteers, our corporate donors, our individual donors, Ardent Industries (Steelway Building Systems), the City of St. Thomas, Elgin Centre, local Emergency Services, area schools, area places of worship, area service clubs, and our individual and anonymous donors. A special shout-out to all the local groups which provided donations of their services. Our community is most appreciative.
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Page 6 Port Stanley Villager • April 2026
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Volunteer Appreciation: Kiwanis Club of Port Stanley by Peri Hayes Involved for approximately four years and counting, Kathryn Kenney offers insight into the Kiwanis Club of Port Stanley: “I sit on the Board of Directors for the club. My motivation to join was due to my interest in a service club that puts children at the focus of their projects. After retiring from the profession of teaching, it was fulfilling to continue to work in service of improving the lives of children.” A guest speaker introduced Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Canada, about which Kathryn highlights, “This book gifting program provides monthly free books to children from birth to their fifth birthday. With my background in teaching elementary children, I was thrilled to take the lead on managing this program for the club.” Kiwanis Club of Port Stanley presents members with abundant opportunities to be immersed in the community. “Some notable projects include our involvement during CALIPSO with many fun activities for kids, and our participation in the Port Stanley Dickens’ Days Night Parade, as well as assisting at Santa’s House during the Holly Harbour Days weekend.” “Through our involvement in the Kiwanis/Staples School Supply Drive, we have been able to annually provide thousands of dollars worth of much-needed supplies to many of our local schools.” Moreover, a couple of free public skating events at the Port Stanley Arena are sponsored every year, encouraging families to come together and create memories on the ice. “This past year, we hosted a very informative evening entitled ‘Parenting in the Digital Age’, with renowned guest speaker and On-Line Child Protection Specialist, Dr. Charlene Doak-Gebauer. These are just a few of the many projects and partnerships that we are involved in, and we are always looking for other opportunities to be of service to our community.”
Kathryn passionately expresses, “The Kiwanis motto is ‘Serving the Children of the World’, and we do this one child and one community at a time. It gives me a lot of pride to belong to a service club that is making a difference in the lives of children, and I believe that the Kiwanis Club of Port Stanley does this very well.” On the third Wednesday of each month, the Kiwanis Club meets at 6:30 pm in the Port Stanley Legion’s Upper Peacekeepers Room. Kathryn assures, “There is no minimum amount of service which is required, only a willingness to be involved. New ideas are always welcomed.” Membership Chair, Colleen Gemmell, graciously accepts member- ship and general inquiries at portstanleykiwanis@gmail.com.
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Thank you to our Amazing Volunteers You bring so much joy into our home!
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Port Stanley Villager • April 2026 • Page 7
Four Stations, One Team: Chief Jeff VanRybroeck’s Vision for Central Elgin Fire Rescue by Peri Hayes Fire Chief VanRybroeck, otherwise known as Jeff, details his extensive background: “I volunteered in Tillsonburg for 13 years, as well as in Bayham for two. I was Fire Chief in
Our community thanks
f or their continued support of our local charities, such as those featured in this month’s Volunteer Appreciation Features: Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin, Port Stanley Kiwanis, Port Stanley Lioness, St. Thomas Elgin Food Bank, and STEGH Auxiliary.
Southwest Oxford for 10 years. Following my time as Chief Training Officer and Head of Emergency Management in Elgin County, I ran training and certification as the Assistant and Deputy Fire Marshal for the province. This required extensive travel and when the opportunity arose to return to Elgin County, I knew that I enjoyed my time here. I was familiar with the area, with the people. I feel that the good pieces fell into place.” Jeff was in his twenties when he was seeking service club ex- perience. A friend had recommended fire service, to which he became immersed in the camradery and the work. “I joined to help the community, and once I got into the fire service, this became a real passion. After about 10 years as a volunteer, I dedicated myself to earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Emer- gency Management Administration.” As the local Fire Chief since September of 2025, Jeff reflects on his experience thus far: “With county, municipal and provincial exposure through various roles, I can’t express enough how much I enjoy being part of this department and this community. Public events and opportunities for community engagement are certainly a nice side of the fire service.” Chief VanRybroeck shares what his ongoing role means to him: “A sense of pride in this community. We have a lot of amazing, committed firefighters. With the provincial side of fire service being in a state of change, I see how valuable our team is and I strive to help them navigate these changes.”
We are extremely grateful for our team of hardworking and dedicated volunteers, who make all things possible! #KidsNeedKiwanis Port Stanley Kiwanis Club
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Page 8 Port Stanley Villager • April 2026
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As Chief of Central Elgin, Jeff’s responsibilities branch from Belmont, to Yarmouth Centre, Union and Port Stanley. “What excites me is bringing the four stations together to unify the fire department, and that we have more sharing of services across the municipality. I am a big advocate for training and raising the level of professionalism that our firefighters have, facilitating opportunities to hone in on their skills and stay safe. The commonality allows the firefighters to feel part of a team.” Chief VanRybroeck reveals, “One of our goals includes prior- itizing the retention of our firefighters. We are fortunate with our recruitment, and want to make it easier to have balance between family, work and fire; to stay part of our team and have the opportunity to serve the community the way they want to – and the way we need them to.” These volunteer firefighters are on-call, 24/7. While volunteer service, these members are considered employees and must abide by government requirements and compliance components. Volunteers are expected to sign off on policies and procedures, train every week in-station to maintain their skills, earn first-aid certification and so forth. As Jeff proceeds, “Our volunteers are in this service because of their admirable desire to serve the community. We have a very strong team of firefighters here in Central Elgin, and I’m honoured to serve as their Fire Chief. The dedication they have — and their integration they’ve accomplished in the community where they connect with the people — shows a community aspect that I believe is a dying thing in the world today. These volunteers are selfless, offering their time for the sake of supporting their community.” Moreover, District Chief, Ken Rogers, delightedly offers, “The volunteer firefighters at the Port Stanley station are a dedicated
group of people who care deeply about this community. It’s an honour to work alongside them, and see the commitment they bring to training and responding when someone in our community is experiencing one of the worst days of their lives.” For those interested in joining the team, the formal process begins with resumé submission which will be followed by a physical abilities test, aptitude written test and interview process. In late August or early September, a posting which highlights the vacancy at each station is announced on their municipal website and social media. Visit Central Elgin Fire Rescue on Facebook for further details, and email firerescue@centralelgin.org with inquiries about joining, fire safety, or upcoming public events.
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Page 10 Port Stanley Villager • April 2026
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Bathroom Renovation Trends Making a Splash Bathrooms are no longer just functional spaces; they are becoming personal retreats. Homeowners are reimagining their bathrooms with comfort, style, and practicality in mind. Whether planning a full renovation or a simple refresh, several key trends are shaping the modern bathroom. One of the biggest shifts is the move toward spa-inspired design. Homeowners are embracing calming colour palettes, natural materials, and layered lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere. Warm neutrals, soft greens, and muted blues are replacing stark white walls. Wood vanities, stone countertops, and textured tiles add warmth and character. Features like rainfall showerheads, steam showers, and deep soaker tubs help turn everyday routines into restorative experiences. Functionality remains just as important as aesthetics. Floating vanities continue to gain popularity, offering a sleek, contemporary look while making smaller bathrooms feel more spacious. Storage is becoming smarter as well, with built-in niches in showers, drawer organizers, and hidden medicine cabinets helping to reduce clutter. Homeowners want streamlined spaces that feel open and intentional. Sustainability is another strong influence. Water-saving fixtures, including low-flow toilets and faucets, are now standard in many renovations. LED lighting improves energy efficiency while offering customizable brightness and colour temperature. Many homeowners are also choosing durable materials that will stand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent updates. Bold design statements are making their mark, too. Patterned floor tiles, statement lighting, and matte black or brushed gold hardware add personality without overwhelming the space. Accent walls — whether through tile, wallpaper, or paint allow homeowners to introduce colour and texture in a manageable way. Mixing finishes, such as combining brushed nickel with matte black, adds visual interest and depth. Accessibility and aging-in-place considerations are becoming more common, even in homes where they are not immediately necessary. Curbless showers, wider doorways, and strategically placed grab bars can be integrated seamlessly into modern designs. These thoughtful choices ensure the bathroom remains functional and safe for years to come. Ultimately, today’s bathroom renovations focus on balancing beauty with everyday practicality. Homeowners are investing in
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Port Stanley Villager • April 2026 • Page 11
YOU ASKED, WE ANSWERED We install Luxury vinyl plank has become one of the most practical choices for waterfront living. Designed to mimic the look of hardwood, LVP offers impressive durability and water resistance. Unlike traditional hardwood, it won’t swell or warp when exposed to moisture from wet towels, dripping swimsuits, or humid lake air. Many LVP products are fully waterproof, making them ideal Beach-Ready Floors Living in Port Stanley means embracing sandy toes, lake breezes, and the relaxed rhythm of shoreline life. But it also means your home’s flooring needs to stand up to moisture, shifting temperatures, and the inevitable trail of beach sand that follows family and guests through the door. For many homeowners in beach communities, two options are rising to the top this spring: luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and engineered wood.
for entryways, kitchens, bathrooms, and lower levels where dampness can be a concern. Sand is another reality of life near the shore. Over time, sand can scratch softer flooring materials. LVP is built with a tough wear layer that resists scratches and scuffs, making it a smart option for high-traffic areas. It’s also easy to clean; a quick sweep or vacuum keeps grit from settling in, and occasional damp mopping restores its fresh appearance. Engineered wood offers a different but equally appealing solution. Made with a real hardwood veneer on top of a layered core, engineered wood provides the warmth and authenticity of hardwood while offering greater stability in fluctuating humidity. In a lakeside climate like Port Stanley’s — where summers are humid, and winters are dry, that added dimensional stability can help reduce the risk of cupping or gapping. While engineered wood isn’t typically waterproof, it performs far better than solid hardwood in moisture-prone environments when properly installed and maintained. It’s an excellent choice for main living areas where homeowners want a timeless, natural aesthetic without sacrificing practicality. Both options also come in lighter tones and matte finishes that complement coastal-inspired interiors, think sandy oaks, soft greys, and sun-bleached textures that reflect the easy charm of beach living. Ultimately, choosing the right flooring in a beach town is about balancing beauty and durability. Luxury vinyl plank delivers worry-free resilience against water and sand, while engineered wood provides classic style with improved stability. With the right product and professional installation, homeowners can enjoy floors that look stunning and stand up to life by the lake for years to come.
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Page 12 Port Stanley Villager • April 2026
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Whodunit on the Waterfront: April’s Coastal Awakening in Port Stanley by Marna Berry, Travel Consultant & Experiential Guide
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Solve the Harbour Noir Mystery While Discovering the Village’s Rugged Spring Charm April marks the true awakening of Port Stanley’s maritime soul. While the summer crowds eventually come for the sand, April belongs to the anglers, the birdwatchers and the commercial fishing fleet that has defined this village for two centuries. For the local fishing community, April is a month of high anticipation. Port Stanley remains one of the most active commercial fishing ports on the north shore, and this month, the iconic fishing tugs are back in full force. Visitors can walk the pier to watch the crews unloading the first major hauls of Yellow Perch and Pickerel (Walleye). For recreational anglers, the “perch run” begins to heat up as the fish move into shallower waters to spawn. While perch are open year- round, April 25, 2026, marks the official opening of the trout season. The mouth of Kettle Creek becomes a hotspot for those casting for rainbow trout, providing a quiet, meditative start to the spring mornings. However, this April, there is more than just fish lurking beneath the surface. The village is buzzing with the news of Harbour Noir, a village-wide mystery event organized by The Village People. “The stakes are high: after a public debate about the future of the harbour, Councillor Michelle Graham was found dead near the waterfront. Now, the truth is hidden throughout the village. On April 11, from 10 am to 4 pm, you are invited to gather your team and see if you can solve the mystery before the final reveal.” With over 30 local businesses on board and teams already signing up, every clue found in a shop window or along the pier brings you closer to the truth. Beyond the intrigue, Port Stanley sits on a major migratory flyway, making April a ‘bucket list’ month for wildlife enthusiasts. At Hawk Cliff, the spring migration is in full swing. Keep your binoculars ready for Blue-winged Teals and Northern Pintails bobbing in the harbour. As the village comes to life, the familiar cry of the seagulls provides the soundtrack to any morning stroll along the harbour trails, beaches and lighthouse walkway. The village’s culture is actively preserved and celebrated by Heritage Port Stanley, which, on April 23, will host a session on the McKee Treaty. If the spring breeze turns chilly, retreat into the Port Stanley Festival Theatre for ‘Tart & Tangy’ Improv night on April 18. Whether you are hunting for clues or spotting rare avian migrants, April in Port Stanley is a celebration of life on the water — raw, resilient, and ready for the season.
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Port Stanley Villager • April 2026 • Page 13
Rip Currents & the Great Lakes by Nathan MacIntyre, CEO of the Rip Current Information Project Rethinking What We Think We Know When most people hear the words ‘rip current’, they picture the ocean, not the Great Lakes shoreline. Here’s the truth: the Great Lakes behave far more like inland seas than small lakes. With large surface
areas, wind-driven waves can build quickly. Shorelines reshape with every storm. Powerful currents can form quickly even on bright, seemingly calm days. It’s time to update our understanding of what these waters are capable of. Let’s Retire the Word ‘Undertow’. A grave misunderstanding about Great Lakes drownings is the term undertow – “a diffuse near-bottom current driven by breaking waves with a relatively weak velocity.” – Dr. Chris Houser, Coastal Geomorphologist, University of Waterloo. It’s a word that sounds dramatic, something that pulls swimmers straight down to the lake bottom – it doesn’t. What most people refer to as undertow (diffuse return), is actually a rip current: a strong, concentrated flow of water moving away from shore.
Rip currents do not pull you underwater, they relentlessly pull you outward, away from land and are strongest on the surface. The real danger is misunderstanding followed by panic, exhaustion and deep water. When swimmers fight the current head-on, their energy drains quickly, fatigue builds, panic escalates and what started as manageable, in seconds becomes critical. Understanding this distinction matters because when swimmers understand what is happening, they can respond differently and help themselves.
Page 14 Port Stanley Villager • April 2026
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Not All Rip Currents Look the Same The Great Lakes create multiple types of dangerous currents. Structural rip currents form near man-made features like piers, breakwalls, and jetties. Waves push water toward shore, and the structure funnels that water back out in concentrated flows. These flows (currents) can be especially strong and are often mistaken for safer areas because the structure is immovable and feels safe. Channelized rip currents form mid-beach between sandbars. Waves break over the sandbars; water builds up between the shore and the bar and then rushes back out (flows) through a weak point – like a narrow river. From the beach, these currents may appear as gaps between breaking waves and/or disorganized waves and/or areas where debris moves steadily offshore. Rips are not rare; they are not freak events; they are natural features of large Lakes and wave-driven shorelines. The Great Lakes Are Dynamic Systems We often speak about the Great Lakes as if they are gentle bodies of water, places for picnics and paddleboards. However, Great Lakes like Erie, Huron, Ontario, Superior and Michigan can generate surf conditions when wind aligns with fetch and shoreline angle. Rapid weather shifts can create wave heights and longshore currents within hours. Recognizing the Great Lakes as dynamic systems is not about fear it’s about respect and respect leads to preparation. A Simple Survival Shift: Float First The most powerful prevention message can also be the sim- plest: FLOAT.
Float. Signal. Conserve energy. If caught in a current: • Calm yourself. Don’t fight directly against it. • Flip onto your back. • Float to calm your breathing. • Follow the flow until the current weakens. • Then angle back toward shore. This concept can be summarized as: FLIP – FLOAT – FOLLOW. Floating interrupts panic; it buys time and it allows oxygen and clarity to return. Rip currents are not endless rivers pulling people to the horizon. They are powerful, but temporary. They weaken in deep water just beyond the breaking waves. Surviving rip currents often comes down to conserving energy long enough for that moment to arrive. Changing the Story Too often, drownings are framed as tragic accidents, unpre- dictable and unavoidable. Dangerous currents are not mysteries – they are identifiable, observable, and teachable. When we normalize conversations about rip currents on the Great Lakes, at schools, in community groups, in tourism materials, and at the beach itself, we shift from reaction to prevention. The Great Lakes will always be powerful. However, with ac- curate information, education, and simple, repeatable sur-vival messaging, we can ensure more people come home safely after a day at the beach. Knowing begins with understanding what’s really happening at the surface.
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Port Stanley Villager Geoffrey Rae, Managing Editor /Sales Geoff@villagerpublications.com 519-495-7177 All articles written by Geoffrey Rae unless otherwise indicated. Copy Editor – Peter Bloch-Hansen Publisher – Barb Botten barb@villagerpublications.com Bob the Pharmacist 519-782-3324 222 Colborne St., Port Stanley 519-672-3218 172 Currie Rd., Dutton All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions . Graphic Artist – Cathy Wood Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications.
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Port Stanley Villager • April 2026 • Page 15
Improving Stormwater Infrastructure in Port Stanley Port Stanley Storm Sewer Upsizing – Phase 1A
This spring, the Municipality of Central Elgin will begin Phase 1A of the Port Stanley Storm Sewer Upsizing Project. The project will improve stormwater capacity and help reduce localized flooding, roadway pooling, and strain on existing infrastructure. Part 1A will consist of work along William Street, Edith Cavell Boulevard, and the Hofhuis Park outlet. This work is part of the Port Stanley Flood Mitigation Program, a series of projects to improve stormwater infrastructure that increase resiliency from current and potential future large scale climate change storm events. Stay up-to-date on construction timelines and project updates at letstalkcentralelgin.ca
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
centralelgin.org
info@centralelgin.org
519-631-4860
450 Sunset Drive
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