Top Stories
Local Books for Kids and Young Readers
Nov 27, 2023 | | ArtsGet your kids reading during the holidays – and year-round – with this selection of stories for budding bookworms, written by local authors.
Sheet of Dreams – How Backyard Rinks Are a True Labour of Love
Nov 27, 2023 | | CommunityPeople don’t just ‘build rinks’, they build memories of embracing the winter and playing together, as a family.
In Retrospect – Winter 2023
Nov 27, 2023 | | CommunityIn the final instalment from our archives, we’ve selected a number of stories that embody the kindness and the neighbourly compassion that has helped our small towns grow and flourish.
It’s Time for Holiday Cheer!
Nov 17, 2023 | | The Current IssueDon’t miss out on the festive fun – get your mitts out, grab a hot cocoa, and enjoy the hometown holiday celebrations.
Three Species That Ontario Has Lost
Dec 6, 2023 | | Notes from the WildAs habitats shrink, these three animals have become ‘extirpated herptiles’ — reptiles and amphibians that are now regionally extinct in Ontario.
Local Heroes 2023
Nov 27, 2023 | | Local HeroesHere’s to the hard-working folk who are passionate about helping others, and making our communities a great place to call home.
Northern Connections – Tackling Food Security in Arctic Communities
Nov 27, 2023 | | EnvironmentTwo Headwaters residents are working with Indigenous people on innovative programs to enhance food security in the Far North.
A Feast to Ring in the Year of the Dragon
Nov 27, 2023 | | FoodDumplings shaped like half moons start in a menu inspired by the tasty traditions – and midwinter optimism – of lunar new year celebrations.
The Year in Books: 2023
Nov 27, 2023 | | ArtsDelve into mysteries, romance, suspenseful sagas, books of poetry, historic journeys, and maybe even a pinch of psychedelics in this year’s roundup of locally produced literature.
In Every Issue
Winter Preparedness for Rural Homes
Nov 27, 2023 | | Country Living 101How to prep your home, car – and psyche – for winter storm season and its inevitable hydro outages.
Local Buys: Winter 2023
Nov 27, 2023 | | Made in the HillsCozy crochet blankets, handmade ornaments and lusty lumberjacks are just some of the unique items made by our local artisans this gift giving season.
Hiking Island Lake Conservation area
Nov 27, 2023 | | Take a HikeStroll on scenic boardwalks, lush forest trails and dams while spotting lots of local wildlife at Island Lake Conservation Area.
A Sanctuary of Good Design
Nov 27, 2023 | | At Home in the HillsAn elegantly renovated former church in Mono fulfills its mission as a serene family nest for a mom and her two daughters.
Food + Drink Winter 2023
Nov 27, 2023 | | Food + DrinkHoliday cookies, festive tipples and tasty local gifts make it easy to eat, drink and be merry this season.
We Need to Stay in Touch – But Can Community Newspapers Survive?
Nov 27, 2023 | | Fence PostsVeteran writer Dan Needles laments the loss of printed news while pondering the future of journalism.
Letters – Our Readers Write: Winter 2023
Nov 27, 2023 | | Letters, Our Readers WriteWant to share your thoughts or insights about our stories? Drop us a line – we love to hear from our readers!
Meet a Community Elder: Carol Seglins
Nov 27, 2023 | | DepartmentsHaving served three terms as Caledon’s mayor, this advocate still cares deeply about the well-being of her beloved Caledon.
Artist in Residence: CJ Shelton
Nov 27, 2023 | | Artist in ResidenceAs a student of mysticism and esoteric philosophy, artist CJ Shelton’s works reflect her love of the archetypal realm.
Meet the Maker: Stephanie Casino Esguerra
Nov 27, 2023 | | Made in the HillsMeticulously applied lines of jet-black ink are a defining feature of the fanciful works of this Orangeville artist.
The Case for Kindness
Nov 27, 2023 | | Editor’s DeskAfter reflecting on 30 years of producing In The Hills, editor Signe Ball believes that what holds our community together is the willingness of people to care for other people.
Field Notes for Winter 2023
Nov 27, 2023 | | Field NotesFire & Ice at the Alton Mill, The Nutcracker live on stage, and lots of holiday markets will keep you busy this winter.
A “Snow Blockade” Wreaks Havoc
Nov 27, 2023 | | Back StoryAlmost 18 feet of snow fell in February 1904, bringing train travel to a halt and stranding hundreds of passengers north of Shelburne in the cold.
Portrait of the Art Therapist
Nov 27, 2023 | | A Day in the LifeRapinder Kaur built a therapy practice around encouraging children, and adults, to listen to the wisdom of their inner artists.
Some Secrets are Best Kept
Nov 27, 2023 | | Headwaters NestAn accidental discovery teaches an important life lesson, that knowing too much can spoil all the fun.
Home Safety Tips for Seniors
Nov 27, 2023 | | Over the Next HillThere are many steps older adults can take to prepare for the unexpected and avoid unhappy accidents.
Notes From the Wild
Walking Sticks
Nov 6, 2023 | | Notes from the WildLook closely in the forests of Headwaters and you’ll find walking sticks, one of nature’s cleverly disguised doppelgängers.
Caterpillars Darwin Would Love
Oct 12, 2023 | | Notes from the WildWith UV flashlight in hand, strolling in the night-shrouded escarpment woods reveals fantastic caterpillars, some of which glow under a black light.
A Monarch Magnet
Sep 5, 2023 | | Notes from the WildThe sweet nectar of liatris ligulistylis is renowned for its ability to lure monarch butterflies to gardens.
Midsummer Pollinator Plants
Aug 8, 2023 | | Notes from the WildSummer holidays might be halfway over, but the bees are still having a field day thanks to these flowering pollinator plants
Holiday Treat Time
Heatherlea Farm Shoppe Sugar Cookies
Use this sugar cookie as the base for your icing artistry.
Gourmandissimo Santa Fudgy Brownie Cookies
Make sure Santa’s batch has extra candies on top.
Le Finis Lavender Sugar Cookies
A staple cookie from the team at Lavender Blue and Le Finis.
Spirit Tree Estate Cidery Snowball Madeleines
This festive update to a French classic is perfect for the holiday season.
Snow Time Like The Present
Ice Angel: Ken Hunt
Thanks to this community builder, the Palgrave Mill Pond is a place where the village meets in winter to skate, play shinny and connect.
Cross-country Skiing
Night skiing, lit trails at Monora Park add magic to a cross-country outing.
Ice Skating Outside
Lacing up outdoors to hit the ice.
Tales of a Snowboarding Newbie
Strapping on a board for the first time can be daunting, but as Nicola Ross finds outs, hiring a knowledgeable instructor keeps bruising at bay.
Winter Wonderland
In the Bleak Midwinter
Don Scallen explores how birds, mammals and reptiles have adapted to survive our long, trying winter.
Winter Ducks
For sheer visual pleasure it’s hard to beat the splendour of ducks on a sunny winter’s day.
Winter Bird Watching
This is a special winter for bird watching in the hills.
Animal Tracks
Tracks inscribed on snow by unseen animals offer tantalizing multilayered puzzles.