Housing in Thedford warehouse needs MOE’s approval
Rita and Bert Veens, Debbie and Pete Geerts with Jeremy Veens and Curtis Geerts
Birnam Orchard honoured for innovation
March 6, 2025
An Arkona family is being honoured with the Sollio Next Generation Award.
Cousins Jeremy Veens and Chris Geerts took over Birnam Orchards from their fathers who started the business in 1985. The orchard has 200 acres of apples and grows peaches, sweet corn, pumpkins, gourds, and squash.
Guided by their fathers’ experience, Veens and Geerts “embraced innovation” including high-density planting and sustainable irrigation.
“The Sollio Next Generation Award plays an important role not only in recognizing entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated a farm transition or launched a new agricultural enterprise, but also in showcasing innovative farming practices across Canada,” said Casper Kaastra, Chief Executive Officer of Sollio Agriculture in a news release
Sollio officials added Veens an Geert’s ability to integrate modern techniques while preserving family expertise makes Birnam Orchards a model of succession planning in Canadian agriculture.
Front Page
Housing in Thedford warehouse needs MOE’s approval
June 19, 2026
The Independent A developer’ plans to build apartments in Thedford will have to wait. Robert Hewitt owns a former Grand Trunk Railway warehouse on Pearl Street and wants to create apartments upstairs. Lambton Shores council isn’t opposed, but says benzene has been found on the property. The amount is small and doesn’t affect the commercial use of the property, but,
Read More
Front Page
IODE honours elementary leaders
June 19, 2026
The Independent The IODE in Petrolia presented the Margaret Stokes Award to the best all-round student at each of the elementary schools in Petrolia and area. Recipients not only had high academic standards but were active in their school and a leader in their school and their community. The students recognized from left to right are William Edgar of St.
Read More
Front Page
Sarnia acquires Emerton from Barrie Colts
June 19, 2026
Barry Wright/The Independent The Sting bolstered its blueline with the acquisition of right-shot defenceman Cole Emerton from the Barrie Colts in exchange for six draft choices, including two conditional picks this week. The draft selections range from 2027-29. A former minor hockey teammate of Alessandro Di Iorio with the Vaughan Kings, Emerton had four goals and 39 points in 86
Read More
Front Page
St. Clair Township projects shut out of new power contracts
June 19, 2026
IESO chooses battery storage projects over natural gas powered electricity plants Heather Wright/The Independent Mayor Jeff Agar dream of St. Clair Township becoming “the gas turbine capital of Ontario” is not going to happen. The province put out a call for large power projects in 2025, saying Ontario will need 75 per cent more electricity by 2050. Companies interested in
Read More