Join the County of Simcoe and Lakehead University on Tuesday, March 31 at Horseshoe Valley Resort, 9:00AM – 12:00PM for an interactive workshop designed to give organizations tools to embed Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) principles into everyday work practices.

Through guided discussion, practical exercises, and collaborative breakout sessions, participants will explore how to integrate EDIA into strategic plans, policies, procedures, and workplace culture.

This session is ideal for leaders, contributors, teams, and partners who are committed to strengthening human‑rights‑focused, inclusive organizational growth.

The County of Simcoe and the Office of Community Engagement & Lifelong Learning at Lakehead University are pleased to offer a dedicated lunch‑and‑learn session on Emotional Intelligence for business leaders and professionals across Simcoe County.
Join us on March 25 from 12:00–1:30 p.m. via Zoom for an engaging and practical workshop with Dr. David Richards, designed to strengthen your interpersonal and leadership skills.

This session will explore:
• The core components of emotional intelligence
• Practical tools for emotion regulation
• How to understand and strengthen your own emotional intelligence
• Strategies to support effective leadership and collaboration

Don’t miss your chance to learn how to apply emotional regulation strategies to real workplace scenarios and enhance your effectiveness as a leader and collaborator.

In an era of global uncertainty brought on by escalating tariffs, global trade policy, and geopolitical tensions, economic security and resilience have never been more critical at the local, provincial, and national level.

Join academics, policy makers, business leaders, and community innovators at the Summit on Economic Security and Local Resilience (SESLR) as they share practical solutions and evidence-based research to support local resilience in Canadian municipalities.

Explore key topics including:

• Economic security in Canadian cities
• Urban planning and sustainability
• Sustainable innovation and creative local economy
• Climate resilient development 

Whether you’re driving policy or shaping community development, you’ll gain valuable insights into evidence-based practices from some of Canada’s leading researchers, and walk away with creative, actionable solutions to drive resilience and sustainability locally, as our communities and cities look to succeed in a changing and challenging global economy.

Reserve your seat and be part of the local conversation on resiliency and sustainability.  

Date(s): February 5, 19 and 26, and March 5
Time: 12 to 1 p.m.
Place: Zoom
Price: FREE

#ITSTARTS with dialogue.  Join us for this webinar to hear from representatives of different faiths to explore the role of interfaith dialogue against polarization. 

Mosaics are an art form that long predate our contemporary "pixelated" world. This four-hour session will begin with a short talk about remarkable mosaics from ancient to contemporary times and about the materials, tools and techniques. Then roll up your sleeves to make a stunning geometric or abstracted artwork with guidance from and assistance of the workshop leader. You will leave with a handcrafted memento to adorn your home and newfound skills to create more!

This workshop is suitable for beginner and advanced DIYers. Participants are strongly encouraged to bring one or more decorative designs, patterns, or photographs that inspire them.

For over 25 years, Josh Heuman has developed a wide array of public programs for audiences of all ages. Heuman has planned and led numerous hands-on workshops in addition to public speaking about historical and contemporary art, organizing exhibitions, and serving as juror for art competitions and exhibitions. He works currently as Head of Artistic Engagement at Koffler Arts (Toronto), and previously held positions in education, exhibitions, and administration at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery (Toronto) as well as art museums in the USA. He earned a BA in Visual Art and MA in Art History at York University (Toronto).

This free session, co-hosted by the County of Simcoe Economic Development Office, introduces the agile approach in project management as an alternative to the traditional methods. It explores how agile methodologies enable teams to respond quickly to changing requirements, deliver value incrementally, and foster collaboration for better outcomes in dynamic environments. You'll learn why agile is ideal for projects with uncertainty, with a focus on the Scrum framework, emphasizing adaptability, continuous improvement, and customer feedback to reduce risks and enhance project success. It provides foundational knowledge with a set of tools and techniques for managing agile projects, as well as practical documents and templates. A mini case is used for demonstrations.

Michael S. Dohan, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Information Systems at Lakehead University's Faculty of Business Administration, where he also directs the Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship Research (CIER). With a doctorate from McMaster University's DeGroote School of Business, Dr. Dohan has over 10 years teaching Agile Project Management in a business school context. He also has over 10 years developing software and managing software development teams in various projects in industry.

The County of Simcoe Economic Development Office co-presents this free session introducing the classic approach in project management, aligned with the Project Management Institute's (PMI) guidelines. It covers the PMI framework, the project life cycle and typical phases, the key processes, and the main knowledge areas. It provides the foundational knowledge with a set of tools and techniques for managing projects, as well as the essential project documents and templates. A mini case is used for demonstrations. The session also shares information about PMI certifications such as Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) and Project Management Professional (PMP).

Dr. ShiKui Wu is an associate professor in Business Analytics and Information Systems in the Faculty of Business Administration at Lakehead University (Thunder Bay Campus). He joined the university in August 2017, before then he taught at Concordia University, University of Windsor and Ryerson University. He holds a Ph.D. degree in Management Information Systems from Concordia University and an M.Sc. degree in Systems Science from University of Ottawa. He also holds the PMI PMP, SAP ERPsim Trainer, SAS Educate and Microsoft MCSE credentials. His research interests include digital innovation with emerging technologies and digital transformation in various sectors, particularly smart contracts, e-sourcing, health information systems and agribusiness. His work has been funded by the Canadian government agencies and industrial partners, and appears in leading journals and at prominent conferences. He has also developed two e-procurement systems and received a patent on multi-attribute auctions.

This engaging lecture series is designed especially for retired and senior folks (and their networks!) who want to embrace aging with confidence, vitality, and clarity. Blending the latest scientific insights with practical life strategies, the series explores how today’s older adults can thrive—physically, mentally, socially, and politically—in a rapidly changing world. Each lecture is approachable, inspiring, and led by subject matter experts!

Please bring your own mug to enjoy a hot beverage during the intermission. Alternatively, TALL branded travel mugs will be available for purchase for $5 (cash only).
If you are unable to attend the lectures in person, a link will be sent to all registered participants for viewing from the comfort of your own places and spaces! Be sure to invite folks in your network, near and far!

The Ontario Master Naturalist Certificate Program is aimed at naturalists and those dedicated to environmental stewardship, empowering them to learn and share knowledge of the natural world, and engage as stewards of their local ecosystems and resources.

The Winter 2026 program includes eight learning modules taught in a hybrid model, including interactive videos and PowerPoints created for the program, virtual learning resources, a virtual trailhead meeting space, and weekly Zoom webinars with the program's content experts. The eight learning modules are as follows: Geology & Anthropology, Mammals, Plants, Birds, Reptiles & Amphibians, Wetlands, Invasive Species, and Insects.

While this program does include live weekly Zoom webinars, it can also be completed asynchronously. The weekly webinars are recorded and posted to the online course site, allowing for students to go back and review the recordings on their own time.

Participants will receive a certificate after successfully completing eight modules that combine in-class instruction and fieldwork.

Embrace the freshly fallen snow and get outside in nature to learn something new this winter! Join Ontario Master Naturalist Program facilitator Bob Bowles at the Robert L. Bowles Nature Centre to learn key techniques for tracking mammals and identifying species, such as observing the different gaits mammals use during winter, and measuring stride, straddle, and other components.

Dress warmly in layers for an interactive hike on the trails, and don't forget to wear sturdy snow boots that work well with the snowshoe harnesses. Pack a lunch and spend time by the fire with the group discussing the day's discoveries.

Participants will receive a field brochure and hot drinks will be provided. Snowshoes will also be available to rent for $10 directly at the Robert L. Bowles Natures Centre for those who do not have their own.