Winter In The Hills

Curl up with new books by Headwaters authors, meet our annual Local Heroes, and head outside for snowy adventures.

December 1, 2025 | | Back Issues, Winter 2025

As the cold sets in, join us in celebrating the season with an issue filled with engaging reads and winter-worthy happenings close to home.

It has been an exceptionally busy year for Headwaters authors (pro tip: local books always make great gifts!) as the annual Year in Books roundup attests. We salute those whose kindness, service and spirit uplift others in Local Heroes, which includes nurses, a mountain biker, a ukulele band leader and more. And we take a look at the ‘Swan Lake‘ controversy brewing in Caledon over the fate of a rehabilitated gravel pit.

In Dating in a Small Town,” writer James Gerus delves into the risks and rewards of swiping right in a place that is already full of familiar faces. Photographer Rosemary Hasner goes behind the scenes at a Muay Thai gym with fighter and instructor Martello Jones

Behind the snowy Caledon cover scene painted by local artist Andie Trépanier, you’ll find inspiration for the season with fun activities that get you and the family outdoors, including winter markets, the Fire & Ice Festival, and Ignite the Night, a nocturnal wander through illuminated forests. 

Happy reading, and happy winter. 

bayshore health care solutions

LOCAL HEROES

Our annual celebration of the people in our community whose kindness, service and spirit uplift others.

Learn more.

ontario authors

THE YEAR IN BOOKS: 2025

Add some new books to your home library with our roundup of compelling titles published by Headwaters authors.

Learn more.

dating in a small town

DATING IN A SMALL TOWN

In the country, the pool of potential mates is shallow so looking for love can feel impossible – until, just maybe, you put down the phone and start finding community.

Learn more.

NORTHERN IMPRESSIONS

Caledon may be home for Bridget Cauthery, but the Far North has left an indelible impression on her heart.

Learn more.

swan lake caledon

EXPLAINER: WHY IS CONTROVERSY SWIRLING AROUND CALEDON’S ‘SWAN LAKE’?

While activists and their allies fight to protect a rehabilitated gravel pit, Caledon is considering new bylaws that could alter future land use regulations.

Learn more.

MADE IN THE HILLS: INSIDE OUR LOCAL CREATIVE SCENE

Discover custom gems, crochet stuffies, sleek pottery and more on our list of local buys made close to home.

Learn more.

creemore village

CREEMORE CHRISTMAS

An intrepid illustrator captures the charming winter vibes of a secluded countryside village.

Learn more.

Art of 8 Muay Thai orangeville

MARTELLO JONES ON HOW HARD WORK CONQUERS ALL

The Orangeville Muay Thai fighter and instructor leads by example at his studio where passion and discipline go hand in hand.

Learn more.

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  • andie trepanier

    ON OUR COVER: ANDIE TRÉPANIER

    Inspired by a deep connection to the land, this Caledon artist draws energy from weather, light and serendipity.

    Learn more.

    two brothers TPC osprey

    FOOD + DRINK: WHAT’S ON THE MENU THIS WINTER

    Indulge in pan-seared duck breast, try a blueberry maple sausage, and warm your soul with three hot and hearty soups.

    Learn more.

    zina street orangeville

    HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

    Todd and Laurie Taylor celebrate the season – and their luck at being the stewards of a historic Orangeville home.

    Learn more.

    hawkly jewelry lost wax casting

    GILLIAN JOHNSON’S JEWELRY EMBRACES THE ‘PERFECTLY IMPERFECT’

    This Mulmur jeweller designs earthy silver and bronze pieces inspired by the hills she calls home.

    Learn more.

    how to prepare your roof for winter

    HOW TO PREPARE YOUR ROOF FOR WINTER

    If snow and ice wreak havoc on your roof every year, try these tips to weather the storms.

    Learn more.

    christmas traditions canada

    MARKING TIME THROUGH TRADITION AND CEREMONY

    By honouring our customs, we celebrate continuity and remember a shared history.

    Learn more.

    island lake conservation area

    FIELD NOTES FOR WINTER 2025

    Gear up for festive markets, live music, outdoor adventure, and the annual Fire & Ice Festival.

    Learn more.

    dan needles

    THE APPLIANCE GUY

    Back when things were built to last, a little know-how went a long way when it came to fixing things.

    Learn more.

    Shelburne ontario history

    WHEN CATTLE WERE A TRAFFIC HAZARD

    Cattle drives were once a familiar sight on Owen Sound Street in Shelburne – often to the dismay of local residents.

    Learn more.

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