Words of Support for Blueberry Creek Forest School 2018-2025

Support for Blueberry from FB posts 2018-2025

Wow. I just found out about your story. I don’t understand how they have maintained their hate of this endeavor for so long. I am sorry for you and the children.

Corruption starts at the lowest levels of our so-called governments!!!

It is awful the way you have been treated by the Township of Tay Valley and by the sounds of things you aren't the only one. It seems to me like one person has control and no one is willing to stand up and make things right. So sorry for everything you went through

Here is hoping common sense will prevail!  The Township is just wasting our hard-earned tax dollars yet again!  You have done everything you can to educate them on what you are doing.  It isn't hurting anyone it is only trying to help little ones. I feel so badly for you and seriously hope common sense will soon prevail!

That really sucks! I’m so sorry your elected officials keep harassing you.

Yes, call or email the council but also speak to the people who live in Tay Valley Township as I am sure many are not aware of the money they have wasted fighting the school. Is there a Tay Valley news where you can write letters to the editor? Everyone needs to know, or the same people will get in again.

My granddaughter (F.C.) attends once a week.  My wife (33 years a primary teacher) and I (from Vancouver) visited early October and were so appreciative of the learning environment you are providing.  Every kid on this planet deserves such nurturing.  This morning, I read your September 28th press release.  It is incomprehensible to me that your local government isn't bending over backwards to ensure every aspect of Blueberry Creek's existence is supported. Any infraction Tay Valley's bureaucracy perceives that you have made must certainly be innocuous and surmountable. The yardstick that rules and guidelines represent are, by nature, alterable and capable of being revisited; variations are given, and amendments are applied daily everywhere when common sense and empathy dictate. I saw how my granddaughter benefitted and knowing that someone would get out of bed one morning and choose to oppose the nurturing of a little soul in favour of the feeling of the questionable accomplishment that comes with the upholding of a bylaw that was established to benefit the community in the first place totally confuses me. "What were we thinking? - we are sorry - please accept our apologies" is a truly acceptable Canadian way of offering healing to an oppositional situation. This is not about big words on paper - this is about little hearts in little people. It might take courage and a willingness to cannibalize one's own ego, but I'm sure there are a few adults in Tay Valley capable of manning-up.

My kids attended this and loved every minute of it!  To have something so close to home for them to explore outdoors and see what life has to offer us, is an amazing thing! 

Sad people feel the need to attempt to destroy others in this day and age. 

Bullying is NOT OKAY at any age!

It is ridiculous how they have treated this amazing Forest school. Having this amazing learning environment in our community should be celebrated not harassed. Thank you for everything and not giving up.

Overreach by government and further insanity.

Unbelievable. I thought this was resolved. It is so beneficial to today's children to have this experience.  What a waste of time and money.

X they use these attacks to wear down their opponent.  Only people who can fight them are the ones who have financial backing to keep going.  This has been the case for decades.

Have you gone to the news? Like CTV?

Unbelievable!

So sorry this is happening and still going on!

So much time, energy and money being wasted on this.

Blueberry Creek Forest School and Nature Centre is a wonderful place!

Have stayed and enjoyed this air bnb many times. It’s a truly beautiful place that does nothing but good.

Shared in many groups related to schooling. We need to protect alternative schools at all costs. I would love to send my children here if only I lived slightly closer. 🩷

I am not happy to have my tax dollars to be wasted by Tay Valley Twp fighting Blueberry Creek Forest School. The children look so happy. As a retired teacher we need many more schools like this. Shame on Tay Valley Twp. Is there a petition one can sign?

How can we help?  What pressure needs to be applied.  Please post name, email address of whichever tvt contact needs to be contacted and I will expand this network with you.   We absolutely cannot allow this overreach.

This is such a beautiful place for children, I wish my kids could have experienced this kind community when they were young. Completely shocked that TVT would choose to do this to you.

Honestly, this institution has brought so much to us, our kid still talks about it years later. He had the opportunity to learn and share real life experiences with other kids that remain his friends to these days. As a veteran I can't emphasize how much stress some kids are subjected to, and this school provides the perfect ambiance so they can be kids with no outside pressure. I'm not even talking about the several fundraisers and events that have been accomplished to help out many members of our community. It would be a real shame to dismantle this jewel of our community. I really hope the Tay Valley Township turns around on their decision and realizes all the potential and positive impact this small school has provided instead of constantly battling the school.

I would have loved my children and grandchildren to have the opportunity to experience this wonderful way of learning. What a shame - time to find a compromise- stop this waste of time and taxpayer expense.

So sorry to hear you have to deal with this.  What a crime!

TVT... you are so transparently biased and in the wrong!!! Lay off!!!!!!

This is so incredibly unfair, and exhausting. They must have a lot of time on their hands over at TVT!

I can't imagine what our lives would be like without Blueberry Creek Forest School and Nature Centre, its existence has literally shaped the fabric of our lives - who our children are becoming!

This school combined with home schooling has given our kids a childhood I could have only ever wished for growing up. They are thriving, compassionate, nature adoring people because of Blueberry and its educators.

How to people help? What can we do?

Don't take away this incredible community and resource!

I thought all the bullshit had stopped finally. What a waste of tax payers money they should be ashamed of themselves it seems like they keep making up rules and not following the ones that they have in place. It is sad for people whose kids have attended or are attending. Keep fighting

So maddening and unfair!! If they are serving you, they had better serve every other vacation rental in the Township!

I don't even know the diff between B&B and Lodge... but I love your Blueberry Creek Forest School and Nature Centre and enjoy seeing all of the smiling children's faces (including my own children who attended)! I'm sorry to hear you are having yet another legal issue with TVT. They must have too much time on their hands to nitpick.

The BCFS and Nature Centre is such a lovely place. I have no idea why the township wants to shut it down. It seems vindictive of them.

The township should be ashamed of itself!! 

Blueberry creek brings so much joy to people and if anything, it is a great addition to the township. It is a reason for people to come here.  How foolish of them to attack such an amazing place.

It makes me very sad that instead of finding ways to make this work, something that is great for families and children, and contributes to the economy of Tay Valley Township by bringing people to the community to stay, eat and shop that otherwise would never come to Tay Valley, they keep trying to find ways to shut you down. It doesn't seem right and is a waste of staff time, taxpayers’ money and energy. Keep sending out your positive energy and hopefully that will repel the negative people. :)

It feels like it is a personal vendetta at this point.  I see no point but wasted money on their part. I am sorry this is happening. Have you spoke with the media about this? I think this is something the newspaper and local tv stations would do a story about. Maybe Hometown News Lanark, North Leeds & Grenville would be a start.

I just find this entire thing despicable. This Township should be standing on its head to promote the school going forward. I’m just so disgusted and turned off, I can’t even put it into words.

Through Algonquin College I spent some time here learning about the school program and all it had to offer, It is truly outstanding !!! I graduated as an Early Childhood Educator and have always remembered this Beautiful Centre for Learning. We need more places like this for our children!!!

Shame on Tay Valley Township for being such bullies and doing everything in their power to destroy something that’s been nothing but a wonderful environment. If I was a homeowner and taxpayer in that township, I’d be outraged that my tax dollars were being used this way! So sorry, Robyn!

What a wonderful place to learn!

Your space is beautiful, and I know you serve your community and offer beautiful child-centred programming.

A magical and beautiful space for children and adults💕

We love you, Robyn Mulcahy! Is there anything we can do to show our support on July 11th?

Blueberry Creek Forest School and Nature Centre it's seems anything that improves our love of nature is heavily targeted. You have my full support to thrive 🌱

My children loved attending this Forrest school. I do not understand Tay Valley township and what they are trying to gain.

So charming and fantastical! I'm so sorry to hear that this nonsense is still going on. What a waste!

It is such a beautiful spot. Shame on Tay Valley.

Can someone explain the reason or legal grounds TVT is wanting to shut down the blueberry creek forest nature centre? I don’t understand why this is happening & am trying to understand the reasoning.

There are so many challenging things our kids are facing right now - excessive consumption causing environmental destruction, inattention exacerbated by screens, lack of connection to the land they grow up on, apathy, obesity, fear culture etc. Everything the research says is actually good for our kids can be found at Blueberry creek. I respect I’s that need to be dotted and t’s that need to be crossed but this school needs to be celebrated and heralded for the good it is doing for our children, for our town and for the land. Tay Valley needs to work with and not against this courageous and creative program. I sign for a fresh start and for the beginning of a mutually respectful relationship creating progress and peace.

TVT should be celebrating having such an incredible resource in their area. Blueberry Creek has offered so much to so many in this community. The school and everyone associated with it make this town a better place, and the fact that TVT has spent years harassing and using law-fare against such a wonderful resource is truly shameful. Is this really what our community resources are being used for?!

Children are so fortunate that such a school exists, rather than being on a tablet. They learn about nature as well as sharing and learning to socialize with others.

TVT - leave our school alone! Children are happy, families are happy, and you are creating chaos for no good reason.

Blueberry Creek Forest School and Nature Centre Thank you for taking the time to explain what is going on; I will sign your petition promptly. Having your centre in our area is a wonderful opportunity for the children and a positive alternative option for way of mindful learning

I think this nonsense has gone on for far too long! I believe someone has to step in and remove this council! It should be taken over and the staff should all be fired! They have been the reason that this council has caused numerous problems in this area! We all know it! Many, many of us have been told one thing, we follow that guideline, only to be told, that is not the rule! No one on the staff is able to speak with a straight tongue! We need them all gone! Department heads!

Any of my thoughts to retire in beautiful Tay Valley to be closer to family and friends has vanished after witnessing this continuing abhorrent treatment by TVT … sorry, the worry and expense of having to possibly deal with this council is not the welcome change of pace I seek for my retirement 💔

This is a total shit show....

So sorry this nightmare continues!

The taxpayers money that is going into this must be ridiculous!

I feel for you with all this unnecessary stress.

Sending positive energy your way.

Blueberry is a gem!

Sharing.

Insanity. Blueberry Creek Forest School is amazing. I have seen firsthand the joy of this wonderful place. We need more, not less of these true oases of learning.

Keep fighting! I can only imagine that this is a personal attack related to your husbands’ ties in politics. Absolutely nothing makes sense whatsoever! This has baffled my mind, and I can’t understand why such personal and ridiculous attacks have been put forth against you.

We stand with Blueberry!! My children are both students and are so grateful that Robyn has continued to advocate for the school despite the harassment she’s received.

Surely there are better uses of taxpayer money than harassing a beloved learning and nature centre!

This makes me so sad for you, Robyn. How exhausting! The kids are lucky to have you in their corner. TVT ought to be ashamed of themselves and answer to the people who are paying their taxes (me!) what they are spending our $ on!

A little power can be dangerous.  Blueberry Creek is a wonderful place for children to learn the joys of nature.   I commend your fortitude for not backing down and for standing up for justice.

What on earth does TVT have against your school?  My 9-year-old granddaughter attended the one in North Bay this past summer for a couple of weeks and loved every minute!  Blueberry Creek school sounds like an amazing place to learn.  Keep fighting!! 

There are no words to explain the joy the Blueberry has brought my daughter and myself. Seeing the pure joy at drop off and pick up is my favourite.

Robyn, the teachers and all of the families involved are such an amazing community all around. To hear what Robyn has been through to keep Blueberry going breaks my heart. I’m so proud to know Robyn and all she has done to provide this happy place to SO many.

I had wondered if things had quieted down on these matters over the last few years and new councils, but I am dismayed that they apparently have not.  I am sorry for what our municipal government is doing to you!  The biggest issue seems to be that council is ineffective or complicit in the dealings of the permanent staff of TVT (“deep township”).  Hiding their activities from council ought to bring punitive measures against the relevant parties.  I think this must be at least partially motivated by partisan motives- not because of your political beliefs but simply because you are married to an MP who is a member of the CPC, and they align with others (not that they can publicly declare an alignment). I cannot imagine any other reason they would oppose your forest school and do so much as to prove their intent is to shut you down since they clearly want to lift the bar so high no one can satisfy their demands.  I cannot imagine anyone else in TVT has gone through what you have, even though TVT has been known to be a challenge for some.  By comparison, all other such issues just seem relatively reasonable.  Your case is uniquely extreme and personal.  May you prevail in court!

I cannot believe this is still going on but in your last part where they say you can't rent or have livestock. I am sure they are going to every person in the township and advising them they cannot rent their houses, cottages or land to anyone or they could be fined or put in jail. Do they plan on visiting every household in the township to make sure they are not housing rabbits or goats on their property. If I was a taxpayer in that township, I sure would be causing a raucous for the amount of taxpayers money they have wasted on all these issues. Shame on you elected to represent the Tay Valley Township somebody better sit down and look at what you are saying and maybe some of your taxpayers will be treated as atrociously as Blueberry Creek Forest School has been.

This school is a beautiful space where I have seen my child become confident, connected with their peers, and create so many meaningful fun memories. The bullying needs to stop let our children learn.

A very clear and concise re-telling.  I will most certainly write a letter.    Unlike most of the Councilors, I have been to Blueberry Creek.  My grandson who accompanied me did not want to leave and has made me promise we will go back.

So ridiculous...I sincerely hope you have a positive resolution soon. What a waste of time and money. Stay strong!❤️

This is just so wrong, come on Tay Valley step up & do the right thing!

This is very well written. It's unbelievable and completely disgusting what TVT has done to you for so many years. I hope this will be what forces them to finally leave you alone!

This memory popped up the other day, and I thought to myself how absolutely absurd it is that this fight has continued for almost a decade. What a complete waste of energy & funds. I can only imagine how long it took to compile all of this information, but the breakdown with the timeline and facts are effective, and I hope your voice is heard. We stand beside you forever, Robyn 🌿

When you lay it all out with the timeline it’s unbelievable!

OMG Robyn you’ve been through sooo much. It sounds so unjust and who’s the winner!!! Well written with clear timelines. Hopefully it won’t be ignored 🤞 Good luck

Trying to bring awareness!!!! I wish I had known about you when my kids were little!!!! ❤️

This has been going on for years, it is time for Tay Valley to stop the nonsense and for once consider the children. I stayed here several times when it was Riverdale and I certainly never heard of a problem with the flood plain before.

I could be wrong, but this sounds like a personal vendetta, against individuals running and/or associated with the school 🤷

I knew the previous owners at the time it was run as a B&B. As a board member of PPAC in the 90's I often organized receptions there when performers stayed in the beautifully appointed rooms.

My own son even stayed there as a young guest when they babysat him for me.

With such fond memories I can only think this is such a beautiful property and environment for children to be schooled that it seems very nit-picky of the township to not allow a fourth guest bedroom.

Do they give a reason why they won't make a variance in this case? It's somehow appears that there is another underlying motivation. But what?

If it's before the courts, then we who are paying the costs can't get any answers

And I agree with you. I really don't like so much of our taxpayer’s money being spent on this.

The next question is with all this upset and stress why not sell it and actually go into a more forested area that is not bogged down with flood plain or other permit problems?

Tay Valley, time to stop this!! ☹️

This is ridiculous. Government run rampant.

I went there today for the very first time, and even though I had already heard so many stories, nothing could compare to actually being there.

Every corner of that house is overflowing with love and joy. You can see that everything was created with children in mind, a place for them to learn, grow, and just be happy. And oh, those children… their smiles say it all.

Did you see the chickens? They actually come running to greet you, like little feathered friends. And the goats! Then there’s the tiny fairy house, like pure magic.

I completely fell in love with Blueberry.

I only wish the people who speak badly about it could come and stand there, just for a moment. If they truly felt the love that lives in that home, if they had even a spark of kindness in their hearts, they would change their minds instantly.

It's time for a council change, and staff changes.

TVT should be required to pay back all the legal costs they have stolen from tat gem of a school!

What a joke when they let their “friends” build huge cottages in the waterfront but give existing properties not doing anything wrong and literally living/building/teaching the eco lifestyle a hard time.

Robyn I’m so sorry you and all the families are going through this. You’ve built something so beautiful and that is life changing for so many children and I have no doubt goodness will prevail eventually over the obvious villains!

Cowards. They know they are in the wrong.

Shame on the township!

Fascinating that not one individual came out and spoke to anyone! They completely ignored the sweet gathering! So nice that some locals joined in because they felt this whole thing is uncalled for.

This is abhorrent.

They had police show up?

Cowardice and spineless. That’s what every person working there should acknowledge about themselves for being silent and “doing their duty” while children have more backbone, morals and values then they do. A police presence for children, what a complete waste of tax payer money. Someone should go after them for denying/ interfering children access to education. At least these kids have a head start in understanding the sheer corruption that these institutions have. Certainly, they are NOT for the people or their community.

That sign will make another appearance at tomorrow’s peaceful protest. It’s sad how many times we have used it.

So sad, shame on u Tay Valley

Well, fair - after all, the most dangerous thing to a corrupt system is educating and empowering children!

Blueberry not only helped x in those ways, but it also helped him develop self confidence. He went to public school 4 days a week during his Blueberry creek days, and he was able to navigate that system with confidence and awareness that he did not have before prior to blueberry. Blueberry is an incredible place with leaders / teachers who want to be there for every single child.

I think it might be time the township revisits this issue... just what exactly are they trying to gain from attacking innocent children. How evil are these people?

As much as l love being part of this community it’s very disappointing to see this disgusting overreach from the municipality.

Robyn it has long been my dream to visit Canada again and see, what was still in the concept stage when we met in 2016, for myself. As a visitor from Australia, I intend to stay at this Airbnb and explore the wider Tay Valley area. It looks beautiful.

I’m devastated that my tax dollars are still “hard at work” trying to destroy something so beautiful and desperately needed in this community. 😓 I’m really sorry.

I’ll say it again it all depends on who you are. Between Rideau Valley and Tay Valley someone must know how to make friends to get things to work out for them, I guess.

My family stayed in this B&B some time ago, but I still remember how comfortable it was, how peaceful and quiet with nature and how accommodating the owner was. I cannot understand why Tay Valley Township is still on your case, this has been going on for years. If I had school age children, I would love for them to spend a day here. We walked around the property and saw things the children had made, one being a wooden ship, saw the lazy creek running past, so lovely. So many children today only know animals at the zoo. Wish I lived closer, and I would help with your case. I did send a letter to Tay Valley years ago, but of course they listen to no one.

My tax dollars are going towards shutting down a place that has had such a huge impact on my entire family.  My husband and I volunteer to care for the animals their (3 goats and 7 chickens).  My children have attended as students and now volunteers.  I am now an educator at Blueberry and my heart heals and grows every day I spend onsite with the students.  This land, nor Robyn, do not deserve all the trauma TVT has inflicted upon it.

I can 100% attest to the fact that this is a proper Airbnb and that it is not a lodge.

This is appalling bullying behaviour from the township. They need to find a new hobby!

LEAVE OUR SCHOOL ALONE!

Renaming a use of a building contrary to the history of its use is not new news to us either unfortunately. Anything to get themselves out of trouble or attack those that stand up for themselves. It seems certain people at Tay Valley use their discretions in their position too liberally. Your citizens are 👀Tay Valley and we don’t like what we see.

I remember 8 years ago, standing shoulder to shoulder with other fellow forest school families, with toddlers and babies in our arms as we watched you and Scott fight for Blueberry Creek in a meeting with Tay Valley Township. I cannot fathom that so many years later this fight continues. Blueberry Creek is probably the most wholesome, forward-thinking, inclusive, educational experience around. The children adore their school where they thrive, learn to handle hardships with respect, and explore. I cannot for the life of me understand why Tay Valley continues to roadblock you, Robyn. It is so unjust. You deserve to be acknowledged for the outstanding environment you have created for so many children and families, not bullied & torn down like TVT continues to do.

LEAVE OUR SCHOOL ALONE!

Blueberry Creek Forest School has worked hard to contribute to the betterment of our natural world and to foster in our many children a love of nature and a desire to protect it.

Tay Valley preaches living in connection with and protection of nature. What better way to promote that than in educating the next generation?!

Each time Robyn has fulfilled whatever decree you have demanded, you find something new to lay on her. Vindictive and cruel. Shame on you Tay Valley!

Quit dragging our Forest School through this stupidity!

Leave our school ALONE!

This is absolutely terrible behaviour. There are many other Airbnb properties in Tay Valley and Blueberry Creek Blueberry Creek Forest School and Nature Centre is zoned correctly to run an Airbnb. The Airbnb offers families a chance to be in nature and I have personally witnessed the joy on children’s faces and the educational opportunities children get to experience on the premises. It is a gift to the children and to our community.

This is absolutely shameful behaviour Tay Valley Township.

Leave this beautiful little school alone

Speechless.

Sorry to hear about this interaction with the town. Here's a show of support, hopefully things will take a different direction soon and you can smoothly continue the important work you do.

It’s always about this floodplain..or that’s what they hang their pathetic hats on. Tay Valley Township: what a bitter, sad and malevolent group.

Phenomenal school! Highly recommend!!!

I admire your dedication to children's learning.

One of the most incredible forest schools that we are so lucky to be a part of! Thank you Blueberry Creek Forest School and Nature Centre for all of the great adventures!

The world definitely needs more Forest school ❤️

Oh Robyn Mulcahy, thank you for your vision, leadership and perseverance in the face of this terrible Tay Valley abusive and illogical behaviour. 💐

Blueberry Creek Forest School and Nature Centre just don't understand what drives Tay Valley?

Such a wonderful place. A little sanctuary.

Thank you so much for the magic you create and the space you make possible for children to create their own magic!

Huge hugs and goaty kisses all around to the Blueberry community!

Now I’m starting to get the feeling TVT are desperately trying to hide the fact they are as incompetent as they are corrupt.

This is so beautiful to see the children supporting their school.❤️ What a great turn out!

You guys rock! Beautiful play, work and learning. Thanks for sharing.

Magical place, incredible staff, amazing children! Thank you Robyn!❤️

This is amazing! I wish we had had something like this when my daughter was in school!

As a family, we all lovingly restored the log house and added on the addition, many, many hours, too many to count. It truly warmed our hearts to see it transformed into Blueberry Creek. Yes, it’s so very sad to see what has happened over the last six years.  Tay Valley has so much to answer for!

Sending courage and much love ❤️

Hurts the heart. This space could have had such an impact.

Why?

Good question! No one knows why TVT is so against Blueberry Creek Forest School.

That’s awful! Thinking of you and what your community has been going through. Hopefully, there will be repercussions for them. Stay strong in your efforts. Forest schools are really important and needed in all communities.

I wonder if the sad, Machiavellian players at Tay Valley Township sleep ok at night? I hope not.

Disgusting! Shame on TVT no wonder people don’t want to build there! 😞

So sad. What a waste of resources, money, time and most importantly sanity. This should have been a place that children made art and learned amazing things. Sorry to see this dream get destroyed.

I’ve witnessed first-hand the ongoing battles you’ve fought keeping our little school in the running and the toll it has taken on you. Each time they try to find a new way to manipulate and destroy you pull it together and keep fighting. Thank you for all you do. ❤️

😳😳 Ugh. This is devastating.  I'm sorry this is what it has come to.

Wishing you all the shiniest silver lining, as I know somewhere, somehow you will continue to make the magic happen for your community and the children.

This is horrible. Tay Valley is completely out of line here. 😡

It's very sad times when government can abuse their power to dictate, censor and squash a school with a learning environment different from 'their way.' This is not freedom.

The art studio is absolutely beautiful. Also, very obviously an integral part of learning and exploring creatively at the school.

I am so very sorry this is happening to people who simply want what's best for the children. 🥹

And yet, as I said, someone got to build a huge cottage right on the water lol. There was a few months waiting period while everyone was notified and many objected, but it went up and was done by the end of the summer. All while dumping their contaminated soil on someone else. And on the same property also drain a swamp that was half on someone else’s property and Tay Valley, Rideau Lakes and RVCA did absolutely nothing. (It borders both Tay Valley and Rideau Lakes. I just don’t get it. The same rules don’t apply to everyone. Unfortunately for this place I think there is something very very personal. Maybe that’s just me. Honestly, it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than get permission, at least that’s what I hear from the big guys that do what they want.

Well said.

This is what education of young children should be everywhere.

If educators don't have access to forest environments and outside spaces, find a way of creating it in the spaces that they do have available.

And value teachers that are authentic and consistent with their own educational growth.

Blueberry Creek is an excellent model for change and transformation! 💪🏼

I am so sorry Blueberry Creek Forest School, and her owner are being bullied and harassed by Tay Valley Council.

I had the privilege to know some children who benefited from this amazing centre and caring adults. We all need to protect alternatives as we live in a World where diversity and neurodivergent humans are more the norm than not. I commend you for having the courage, the beliefs and the tenacity to do what you know is right. I and others are sending prayers for the best possible outcomes for all.

Wow. Just wow. This seems like a wasteful use of staff resources and tax dollars for them to pursue this. You are a not-for-profit providing a benefit to the community. It also seems like a stretch of the interpretation of the by-laws. Very odd indeed.  It almost looks like there is some ulterior motive at work here.

What the…?!?!

When we went en masse to the township when they were going to ban short term rentals last year (?), I spoke to Noelle. She said she was not aware that you were renting it as an air b&b to cover school costs, she thought you and Scott were covering all the costs!

We talked about how the proposed air b&b ban was initiated by some complaints on a nearby lake and that it would be reasonable to consider this a non-profit community service and could be allowed as an exception. They knew all of this! I don’t know why they keep lying and trying to hurt the community!

This is absolutely ridiculous! How can the Township be so obstinate?! Please let me know how I/we can help!

It’s been almost 7 months since we’ve left Canada and there have been so many amazing things that have happened since. However, almost weekly, my daughter asks me if when we go back home, if she can go to Forest School! It’s had such a positive impact in just the handful of times she went!

Blueberry Creek is an oasis for children, the REAL education our children should be receiving, connected to nature and our planet!

If there is any way I can help, please say the word ❤️ Sending love and light

I am very sorry that this has not been resolved in a manner that supports education at Blueberry Creek Forest School. It has been an illogical and wasteful process, and I hope it is resolved quickly, that you are compensated, and that Tay Valley staff and Council and the Conservation Authority learn from this process. I would like to see them both shift and start treating residents no matter who they are with respect and transparent communication and problem-solving best practices.

A memory came up a few days ago in my Facebook memories so I am glad to have this update. When I tried to support this Centre over the past few years, I did not know that my grandson would benefit from this magical place. Thank you, Robyn, for your strength and courage.

I'm so sorry you're STILL dealing with this insanity. It blows my mind.

Unbelievable!! What a shame !! Such an amazing school this is!! I just loved it during my college visit . The town should be ashamed of the nonsense they ate causing. Who's running the show? Trump??

Providing such a rich outdoor learning opportunity for kids is needed now more than anytime in our history. For the Tay Township not to bend over backwards to support this is mind boggling! But to set up roadblocks is unfathomable. These are your community kids that will benifit from this. These kids grow up to support us we need kids to appreciate the importance of the forest, earth and environment in general. I think going to the media is now your best bet to make public what you have desperately tried to solve in house. Shame on the Township and its elected officials. Let's find out who is not supporting so we can speak clearly in the next election. Good luck in your fight.

What a sad state of affairs that this is still continuing.  Unnecessary expenses to both taxpayers and the owners, and particularly concerning is the withholding of the MFIPPA (freedom of information) documents ... I have to wonder what withheld information is causing such concern that taxpayers hard earned money is being used to keep the Blueberry owners from seeing these documents?  And now when schools will be re-opening due to Covid-19 and the very best model for children is social distancing, this beautiful and loving school model is already set up to keep children safe with a large property and a low child/educator ratio ... this is simply unbelievable that this situation has dragged on for so long.   This is a beautiful and positive educational experience for all children and their educators, and for the community.  I hope a resolution will be found soon. 

Perhaps the people who live in that community and are the taxpayers paying the bill need to step up and retaliate.  This is all so unacceptable.   Someone is not doing their job.

I can’t understand this as a tax payer and person working in the environmental sector. This is not right and not reasonable from what I can see. This is politics and I can only assume attached to your political ties. Why else would this happen to a children’s program and amazing service that we need in our community for our children?

Our grandson is a Tuesday Turtle. This place is magnificent ❤️

I just stumbled onto this site recently. Blueberry Creek Forest School sounds like an amazing place! Can't believe at how petty, shortsighted and corrupt council is being. I don't yet live in the area, but please let me know if there's anything I can do to help to keep the school up and running.

The proposed procedural bylaw amendments by the Tay Valley Township CAO are outrageous and disturbingly anti-democratic.  These attempt to silence dissent from council members and citizens shall not stand.

Robyn, all I can do is take a breath after reading this most recent post. It is unbelievable to me that such conduct has been allowed. I am disgusted. My heart goes out to you because I know your intentions were always and continue to be in the best interest of children. According to past posts, to my knowledge, no breach was committed. It is unbelievable to me that this continues to now defame your character! Very anti-democratic and blown way out of proportion here Tay Valley Township! You need to be accountable.

I think it is irresponsible of TVT to burden the people with these unnecessary costs associated with this whole mess. Would it not be prudent for Council, CAO and staff to work together to solve disagreements rather than handing it over to lawyers to solve their problems????   I don’t understand why TVT feels they have to change the Bylaw when it directly affects a Nature Centre that has been successfully utilized for a good purpose.

Hopefully appropriate changes will be made after the municipal election both in bylaws and staff . It seems a lot of taxpayer funds are being used in unnecessary costs to push someone's personal agenda.

Tay Valley seems to relish giving business, new builders and existing businesses a hard time. As a taxpayer I resent my taxes going to fight this. This community needs to grow. Growth is good. Tay Valley seems to want to stay in the dark ages.

My experience with Tay Valley was shockingly similar. It was as though they were being purposely being vague and elusive. The more I tried to figure out the rules of the game, the more they seemed to change the rules.

I especially found the part where the meetings were ‘fishing expeditions’ to be true. They would take what we said and use it against us at the next meeting.

I’m sorry that this is happening to you, but I am happy to see they have finally taken on someone who is not easily pushed around. I’m watching with eager anticipation to see them put in their place. No one should have to feel powerless against their municipality because they can’t compete with the endless rule changes by the people in power over them.

Wow, not sure if laughing or crying is the proper response...

One sided or not I can't wait to see the Tay Valley version of events because most of what I just read will be near impossible to explain away.  I feel for the taxpayers in Tay Valley, we all know how much taxpayers love to see their money flushed down the drain.

All of Lanark County should be ashamed of Tay Valley Township.  Someone cares enough to bring an innovative program to our children and all TVT does is throw wrenches in their project.  Why?  Probably because they can, and it makes them feel important.

One has to wonder WHY Tay Valley governance creates so much controversy for themselves and their taxpayers!!!

Robyn Mulcahy I am sorry you are going through this but stay strong the children need this! Best of luck!

gasps in horror But...but....someone might develop natural immunities with all that mud? This definitely looks like a conspiracy to make children healthier and promote sustainable living.....you're just "promoting" it though and not actually doing it though right? Sorry for the sarcasm, but the way the township is handling this is completely ridiculous.

I am Broken hearted to think that the Tay Valley Township could close this beautiful place down. Tiny stewards of the land are being educated here in a beautiful way...

I have never heard of this place until a friend of mine told me Tay Valley was trying to shut it down and she explained to me what kind of school it is and it sounds wonderful!!! A place a way from technology to teach our kids... like what parent wouldn’t want that for their kids. You know it’s a matter of time for them to learn how to use it but keeping the fun in learning and the innocence children have for as long as possible is so important. I hope this doesn’t get shut down!! Give your head a shake Tay Vally Township!! 🤦🏼‍♀️

We stand with you and this beautiful school. Forest school is my kids’ favourite day of the week.

seems Tay Valley is always in litigation. This needs to stop!

Stay the course. They can be brought to their knees for expending so much time and resources on such frivolity. They really have bigger issues to deal with. Someone is giving them questionable advice.

Sad way to do business Tay Valley you rewrite a bylaw to suit yourself. Remember people elections are coming.

My question is who wants to buy your land, cause it looks like they want you to be shut down. So, either someone wants your land or someone has a personal issue with you. Otherwise, why would someone do this?

Why on earth are they so against your amazing little forest school? This is heartbreaking and absolutely unreal. I am so sorry. You are being treated like criminals for bringing a most valuable asset to your community. What a shame the township fails to recognize this.

I feel like I have whiplash from trying to keep up with the hurdles Tay Valley keeps throwing at our beautiful school. Thank you again Scott and Robyn for keeping up the good fight! This is so unfair.

Every day we live we learn something new. Today we learned how hard it is to do anything in Tay valley. And we didn’t go to a not-for-profit school to learn that.

Keep up the good work. Maybe TVT should stop wasting money on b.s and pretty flowers and deal with some of the real issues in our community.

This is unbelievable. How does this councils’ actions fulfill their mandate? We will do what we can from a distance and thank you for your vigilance and explanation.

What is Tay Valley council trying to prove. Blueberry Creek is an amazing nature school that every child would benefit from.

Anyone, regardless of where you live, who reads this please send an email to Tay Valley Council letting them know what they are doing to Blueberry Creek Forest School is not okay. Check the web site to see how great this is for kids.

That’s Tay Valley township for you!

Why is there such a vendetta against this wonderful establishment?!