The Town is pleased to announce that James Hindle has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Province of Ontario Senior of the Year Award for the Town of The Blue Mountains.
Established in 1994, the Senior of the Year Award honours one outstanding local senior in each municipality in Ontario. The nominee must be over the age of 65 and have enriched the social, cultural or civic life of the community.
James received the award from Mayor Matrosovs and Council at the June 22 Council Meeting. “James Hindle is a true institution in Clarksburg and beyond, and his dedication to this community over the years has left a lasting impact on residents and visitors alike,” said Mayor Andrea Matrosovs. “James is not only a trusted local business owner, but a generous resident who is always ready to lend a helping hand. His kindness, knowledge and commitment to others make him an incredibly deserving recipient of this year’s Ontario Senior of the Year Award.”
Mayor Matrosovs continued: “For more than five decades, James has been at the heart of Clarksburg through Hindle’s Clarksburg Hardware, a beloved family-owned business that has served as far more than a hardware store. Since opening in 1971, Hindle’s has become a community gathering place. Locals know that he has every hard-to-find part imaginable, along with the expert advice and friendly conversation that you simply cannot find anywhere else.”
His nominator wrote how James consistently goes above and beyond in service to the community: “James Hindle has been a cornerstone for many residents and visitors to Clarksburg, Thornbury and its surrounding area for decades. He freely shares his knowledge, love of and history of the area with locals, visitors, customers and even the just curious that enter his hardware store, whether it be to buy or only browse. He has helped me and countless others on numerous occasions, in every type of weather… to clear dangerous snow and ice, provided sump pumps, and helped to clean during times of excessive rainfall. He shows up in the Canada Day Parade every year, all with friendly grace, temperament, smile and a snicker.”
Mayor Matrosovs added: “There’s a popular saying around here that goes ‘If it’s not at Hindle’s, you don’t need it.' Well, it’s a good thing you can find James there, because he’s exactly what we need in The Blue Mountains.”
A video of the award presentation is available on the Town’s website, beginning at 8:55 (eight minutes & fifty-five seconds). To learn more about the Ontario Senior of the Year Award, please visit Province's website.
For more information, please contact:
Andrea Matrosovs
Mayor
(519) 599-3131 ext. 406