President's Message
February 2026

During the month of February 2026 most people I speak to are talking about one of two things. Either the extremely cold weather and record snowfall or how Mark Carney is responding to threats to Canadian sovereignty and our economy.

Let me deal with the easier topic first, the extreme cold temperatures, blowing snow storms and lack of sunlight. If you  speak to anyone who has to shovel snow or drive to work and you will hear stories of driveway snow piles of record height and white out drives on daily commutes. It’s been great for hardy skiers and snowboarders but difficult and dangerous for most other Collingwood and Barrie residents. The good news is now the Georgian Bay has substantially frozen over snow streamers developing from winds off the bay will be unable to pick up moisture resulting in far fewer snowstorms.

On to evolving world events where Mark Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland received a standing ovation for being the first major western leader to acknowledge that “The old international order is not coming back” and that “If you are not at the table, you are on the menu”.  European nations are now realizing that a global rupture is underway and they must work together to keep their economies and military strong and not rely on the US to protect them from Russian threats. Carney’s recent handling of threats to block the opening of the Detroit to Windsor Gordie Howe bridge is a master class in calm, effective diplomacy from a position of strength rather than compliance.       

Canada continues to live through unprecedented global threats however I am confident that our political leadership is rapidly responding by forging new trading relationships and building infrastructure using Canadian steel, lumber and labour to keep our country strong.         

Turning to club activities, we have been fortunate to have good turnout to the weekly snowshoe group outings led by David Howden, Richard Rood and John Kutcy. With a record snowfall this season many more Thursday morning outings are planned. 

The quarterly couples cocktail party was a great success with many members bringing their spouses to this enjoyable event at Fred and Lucille Chenoweth’s beautiful home.

The Ski Legends group is also having terrific Tuesday and Wednesday morning turnout at Blue Mountain and private club days. Check the club website for the balance of the year ski days under the Ski Legends activities tab. 

I am pleased to report that under the leadership of Chris Meleskie and Steve McGill, the Speakers committee has two new members, Tom Jopling and Nigel Hilliard. They will be bringing the club a great selection of monthly speakers over the next year.  

The club also has interesting openings for volunteers on the management committee. Please contact any management committee member to find out details on these opportunities.    

Looking forward to seeing you at the February monthly meeting. 

Respectfully ,

Michael Coward