theborderline.ca

Carey Smith, first time novelist, is from a small Northern Ontario town. With the support of her husband and her two adult children, creating this fictional action packed novel has been on her bucket list and has been a topic of conversation for over 20 years. With her love of crime shows, Carey draws on her personal connection to Northern Ontario in hopes to make the novel as realistic as possible.

Operation Highway 129 – Tess, a bank manager, is offered a “special project” which requires her to travel to Chapleau, a remote town in Northern Ontario, which will put her on one of the most dangerous roads in the North. Excited for the challenge, Tess and her bank team are tasked with opening a branch in the small northern town so a local gold company can use the branch as a distribution point to transport their refined gold to the city of Sault Falls. After Tess catches her husband in bed with another woman, she builds a relationship with a younger man named Jake. As Tess and Jake’s relationship flourishes, they begin planning a gold heist. This adventure has many twists and turns, and, in the end, their adventure turns to survival.

The route is isolated and lightly travelled throughout its length; while providing access to several remote settlements, the only sizable communities along the route are the two termini.

Date:29 April 2025 .

Deborah Kaye, known professionally as Debbie Lori Kaye, has been recognized by the Museum Of Canadian Music, a one-of-a-kind digital archive dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing the rich and diverse history of Canadian music.

Deb Kaye’s father was a disc jockey at CKCY. At 14, Debbie signed a contract with Columbia Records. For much of its 27-year run on CBC, she was a regular on The Tommy Hunter Show. Debbie was nominated for two Juno Awards – for Best Country Female Artist and for Best Female Artist. Debbie was inducted into the Northern Ontario Country Music Hall Of Fame in 2005.

A live cassette, recorded in 1973, became a cherished keepsake among admirers, passed down and replayed for decades — a personal soundtrack to friendships, parties, and fond memories. Following her vehicle accident in 2006 that ended Debbie’s singing career, the rediscovery of this tape and the fans’ testimonials became part of her recovery story, illustrating the profound and lasting impression she left on those who encountered her voice and spirit.

Recently, Debbie’s unreleased song “I Remember You” was re-created by Larry Babic, with Debbie’s consent. He put Debbie’s lyrics through artificial intelligence technology to create a recording.

I Remember You
(Written by Debbie Lori Kaye, 2005)

I remember driving Daddy’s car down Queen Street after dark,
Slowing down past Muio’s then off to Bellvue Park,
Coffee breaks at Guffins, and parking at the locks,
Before the mall and boardwalk, taking walks along the docks.
Sneaking cigarettes and kisses out behind Marconi Hall,
Go-go boots and mini skirts all led to our downfall.
Pictures of our faces show us young and full of hope,
We had to learn our lessons and we had to learn to cope.
I remember you — do you remember me?
I remember everything, and I remember you.
Pictures of our faces and the things we used to do,
Everything I ever had began in time with you.
You and I are older now, our hair is full of gray,
And children of our own have grown up and moved away.
Algoma Steel got some of us, and some just passed away,
I wonder what you’re thinking now about your childhood days.
I used to walk in graveyards just to catch a call of time,
The names upon the stones are good old friends of mine.
I beg you now to call someone and tell them you’re still here —
Success in life is how you love, not your damn career.
I remember you — do you remember me?
I remember everything… and I remember you.

“Thanks again for making me part of history.”
— Debbie Lori Kaye, in a personal note to Robert Williston/Museum of Canadian Music

Running time: 52 minutes.

Date:28 April 2025 .

Pat Temple is one of those musical artists that mines good times music with stories that are often melancholic, sometimes fun and light – and always compelling. The end result absorbs the listener, lifts the spirit, and gets the dance floor bumping. Temple’s extensive catalogue leads his band, The High Lonesome Players, a group of exceptional musicians, through musical styles that draw from western swing, jump blues, rockabilly and folk jazz. Temple has released several quality albums over a decades long career and continues touring as a crowd favourite and Canadian music icon.

HiLO Players > Rob Foreman, bass / Brian Ferguson, drums / Dave Allen, violin / Kyler Tapscott, guitar

As well as appearing at basically every major folk and roots festival in this country, Pat has been a feature act at huge venues –  such as Massey Hall, The National Art Gallery, Canadian National Exhibition, and received positive reviews and interviews from CBC Radio, The Toronto Star, The Ottawa Citizen, The Winnipeg Free Press, The Vancouver Sun among others. He has appeared live on Much Music television and CBC radio. 

Running time: 64 minutes.

Date:27 April 2025 .

Getting older is a challenge everyone faces – if we are lucky enough to be alive. Once that obstacle is overcome then the battles are never ending – until, you know, the end. The ladies gather to discuss the ageing process that they are living. The discovery is surprising them because so much is new, so many things occurring that they have not expected – because no one told them. To share this newly learned knowledge, the ladies engage humour as the method of choice to deal with this new reality. And shouldn’t everyone know what’s coming down the pipe?

Date:26 April 2025 .

Mike Robillard created The Taxi Passenger Revue, a podcast series. in which he told the story of Sault Ste. Marie through the eyes of the passengers riding in his cab. This three act tribute remembers the man through his musical journey and in his own words. Along for The Mike Robillard Ride are his friends and bandmates. Together they tell a story of a time where the music bonded a ragtag community to create a special era in Sault Ste. Marie. And how Mike Robillard was always the driver.

STARRING (in order of appearance) ***

Mike Robillard * Dwayne Slack * Craig West * Ian McDougal * Bill Cowen * Scott Kaija * Darryl Patterson * Patti Goodwin (A.I. mix)

THE MIKE ROBILLARD RIDE Act I Playlist

Rhythm Rats – Boogie Thing
Spiderback – Acrobiotics (Instrumental)
The Vox – Last Good Byes
4 Really Nice Guys – Don’t Drink Tears
4 Really Nice Guys – Dying At The Disco
4 Really Nice Guys – Human
Falco – Rock Me Amadeus
Harry Connick, Jr. – The Gypsy
John Lee Hooker & Miles Davis – Murder
4 Really Nice Guys – Not My Day
Bauhaus – Bela Lugosi’s Dead
The Doors – Break On Through (To The Other Side)
X Pats – Dead Fish
Spiderback – Jazzy Riff
4 Really Nice Guys – Babba Oua
Spiderback – Wicked Drama
Skeleton Closet – On Lookers Of Love
Deathwatch Beetle Repairman – Violet And Green
David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust

Meeting Mike by Adrian Vilaca

When the time had arrived for the idea of The Borderline Network to hit the world wide wavelength, there were a few people in mind that we knew could be key contributors. At the front of that list was Mike Robillard.

It was the summer of 1988. I was the owner of Jersey Dean, a downtown clothing store at the Paul Mall, specializing in graphic design wear. Jersey Dean was planning to shoot a tv commercial and I had asked some teens to participate. They had been hanging around downtown riding skateboards and unicycles. It turned out they also were musicians. One of them was Mike Robillard, another was Bill Cowen.

They shot the commercial for laughs and a free t-shirt. They were in the beginnings of forming a band, 4 Really Nice Guys. I got a kick out of the name and the fact that they were an 8-piece, with horns. Mike, of course, played bass. Mike played in a lot of bands over the following years.

Mike also traveled to Europe. Prague, Czechoslovakia in particular was a favourite for him. French was a natural language for him. He read extensively and took keen interest in world events. He had nuanced political views with a passionate way of expressing them. He was somewhat of a music historian with detailed knowledge of the 1990’s era. He knew the local history inside out. He was an artist beyond the music he loved playing. He loved to draw, paint, sketch and write. He loved cats.

Mike lived in an apartment downtown on Queen Street, next door to where The Borderline would make its home. I had only bumped into Mike on and off over the years. He was always open with me, as I imagined he must be with everyone he knew, and would sometimes share with me his battle with his mental health. Often, it would be outside a club, late night as he awaited a fare for his cab. Mike was a taxi driver.

We reconnected on the idea of The Borderline. This hyper local, hyper sonic platform appealed to Mike’s creative soul. He agreed to start a podcast of his own, an idea he had actually had in mind for many years. Over a long period of time he had collected music and sound bites for this very purpose. He dove in and began creating something smart, unique, entertaining, informative, cutting-edge, a world perspective from his distinctly personal point of view. Mike called the podcast, The Taxi Passenger Revue.

Date:25 April 2025 .

Mike Robillard created The Taxi Passenger Revue, a podcast series. in which he told the story of Sault Ste. Marie through the eyes of the passengers riding in his cab. This three act tribute remembers the man through his musical journey and in his own words. Along for The Mike Robillard Ride are his friends and bandmates. Together they tell a story of a time where the music bonded a ragtag community to create a special era in Sault Ste. Marie. And how Mike Robillard was always the driver.

STARRING (in order of appearance) ***

* Mike Robillard * Dwayne Slack * Scott Kaija * Shayne Patrick Wigglesworth * Ian McDougal * Luke McCulloch * Ian McDougal *

THE MIKE ROBILLARD RIDE Act II Playlist

Scissors For Erica – Dig
Scissors For Erica – For A While
Scissors For Erica – Maple Creek
Skeleton Closet – Another Day
Sugarspun Sister – Soul Surfing
Sugarspun Sister – Turning The Screw
Sugarspun Sister – Offspring
Sugarspun Sister – Achilles’ Heel
Spiderback – Sun Is Always Shining Jam
Relinquish – Instrumental Jam
Relinquish – Forever End
Relinquish – Limelight
Relinquish – Not Quite Karma
Relinquish – Wishing Well
Relinquish – Circean
Iron Butterfly – In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Relinquish – Pressure
LSSU Campus Radio Interview w/ Relinquish

Meeting Mike by Adrian Vilaca

When the time had arrived for the idea of The Borderline Network to hit the world wide wavelength, there were a few people in mind that we knew could be key contributors. At the front of that list was Mike Robillard.

It was the summer of 1988. I was the owner of Jersey Dean, a downtown clothing store at the Paul Mall, specializing in graphic design wear. Jersey Dean was planning to shoot a tv commercial and I had asked some teens to participate. They had been hanging around downtown riding skateboards and unicycles. It turned out they also were musicians. One of them was Mike Robillard, another was Bill Cowen.

They shot the commercial for laughs and a free t-shirt. They were in the beginnings of forming a band, 4 Really Nice Guys. I got a kick out of the name and the fact that they were an 8-piece, with horns. Mike, of course, played bass. Mike played in a lot of bands over the following years.

Mike also traveled to Europe. Prague, Czechoslovakia in particular was a favourite for him. French was a natural language for him. He read extensively and took keen interest in world events. He had nuanced political views with a passionate way of expressing them. He was somewhat of a music historian with detailed knowledge of the 1990’s era. He knew the local history inside out. He was an artist beyond the music he loved playing. He loved to draw, paint, sketch and write. He loved cats.

Mike lived in an apartment downtown on Queen Street, next door to where The Borderline would make its home. I had only bumped into Mike on and off over the years. He was always open with me, as I imagined he must be with everyone he knew, and would sometimes share with me his battle with his mental health. Often, it would be outside a club, late night as he awaited a fare for his cab. Mike was a taxi driver.

We reconnected on the idea of The Borderline. This hyper local, hyper sonic platform appealed to Mike’s creative soul. He agreed to start a podcast of his own, an idea he had actually had in mind for many years. Over a long period of time he had collected music and sound bites for this very purpose. He dove in and began creating something smart, unique, entertaining, informative, cutting-edge, a world perspective from his distinctly personal point of view. Mike called the podcast, The Taxi Passenger Revue.

Date:25 April 2025 .

Mike Robillard created The Taxi Passenger Revue, a podcast series. in which he told the story of Sault Ste. Marie through the eyes of the passengers riding in his cab. This three act tribute remembers the man through his musical journey and in his own words. Along for The Mike Robillard Ride are his friends and bandmates. Together they tell a story of a time where the music bonded a ragtag community to create a special era in Sault Ste. Marie. And how Mike Robillard was always the driver.

STARRING (in order of appearance) ***

* Mike Robillard * Dwayne Slack * Craig West * Shayne Patrick Wigglesworth * Ian McDougal * Scott Kaija * Darryl Patterson * Bill Cowen *

THE MIKE ROBILLARD RIDE Act III Playlist

Spiderback – Acrobiotics (Instrumental)
Forty Thousand Years – Pensivity
Spiderback – Twisting Chills (Demo)
Spiderback – Vacuum Tube
Spiderback – Turn It Over (Demo)
Spiderback – Collapsing
Startlefish – Lazarus
Startlefish – Lazarus
Startlefish – Always Been Me
Shannon Weir and The Even Strangers – Cars In Kensington
Shannon Weir and The Even Strangers – Destination Nowhere
Shannon Weir and The Even Strangers – Castles In The Sand
Christopher Shoust – Different Eyes
Varmint – Dance Of The Fools
4 Really Nice Guys – Drunk Song
Wojtek Pilichowski – Incredible Bass Solo
Smetana – Moldou
Patti Goodwin & the Bads – I’m So Lonesome
Patti Goodwin & the Bads – Mansion On The Hill
Patti Goodwin & the Bads – Honky Tonk Blues
Spiderback – Bass Track 11

Meeting Mike by Adrian Vilaca

When the time had arrived for the idea of The Borderline Network to hit the world wide wavelength, there were a few people in mind that we knew could be key contributors. At the front of that list was Mike Robillard.

It was the summer of 1988. I was the owner of Jersey Dean, a downtown clothing store at the Paul Mall, specializing in graphic design wear. Jersey Dean was planning to shoot a tv commercial and I had asked some teens to participate. They had been hanging around downtown riding skateboards and unicycles. It turned out they also were musicians. One of them was Mike Robillard, another was Bill Cowen.

They shot the commercial for laughs and a free t-shirt. They were in the beginnings of forming a band, 4 Really Nice Guys. I got a kick out of the name and the fact that they were an 8-piece, with horns. Mike, of course, played bass. Mike played in a lot of bands over the following years.

Mike also traveled to Europe. Prague, Czechoslovakia in particular was a favourite for him. French was a natural language for him. He read extensively and took keen interest in world events. He had nuanced political views with a passionate way of expressing them. He was somewhat of a music historian with detailed knowledge of the 1990’s era. He knew the local history inside out. He was an artist beyond the music he loved playing. He loved to draw, paint, sketch and write. He loved cats.

Mike lived in an apartment downtown on Queen Street, next door to where The Borderline would make its home. I had only bumped into Mike on and off over the years. He was always open with me, as I imagined he must be with everyone he knew, and would sometimes share with me his battle with his mental health. Often, it would be outside a club, late night as he awaited a fare for his cab. Mike was a taxi driver.

We reconnected on the idea of The Borderline. This hyper local, hyper sonic platform appealed to Mike’s creative soul. He agreed to start a podcast of his own, an idea he had actually had in mind for many years. Over a long period of time he had collected music and sound bites for this very purpose. He dove in and began creating something smart, unique, entertaining, informative, cutting-edge, a world perspective from his distinctly personal point of view. Mike called the podcast, The Taxi Passenger Revue.

Date:25 April 2025 .

Elbows Up Sault Ste. Marie!
Les coudes levés à Sault Ste. Marie !
Saturday, April 26th, 2025 | Samedi 26 avril 2025
Downtown Plaza, Sault Ste. Marie | Place du centre-ville, Sault Ste. Marie
Celebration: 1:00 – 2:00 PM | Célébration : 13 h – 14 h
Post-Event Social: 2:00 – 6:00 PM | Soirée après l’événement : 14 h – 18 h

Join us in downtown Sault Ste. Marie as we raise our elbows for unity, resilience, and Canadian pride! Following the energy of events in Ottawa, Toronto, and Halifax, the Elbows Up movement is coming to the Soo—and we’re inviting everyone to be part of this joyful, non-partisan celebration of what makes our country strong and free.

Joignez-vous à nous au centre-ville de Sault Ste. Marie pour unir nos forces et défendre l’unité, la résilience et la fierté canadienne ! Après l’énergie des événements d’Ottawa, de Toronto et d’Halifax, le mouvement Levez les coudes arrive à Sault Ste. Marie. Nous vous invitons tous à prendre part à cette célébration joyeuse et non partisane de ce qui fait la force et la liberté de notre pays.

What to Expect | À quoi s’attendre
Welcome & Land Acknowledgement by Garden River First Nation Chief Karen Bell, with traditional drumming and dancing in full regalia.
Live Performances by local bands: Big Wheel and the Spokes, Book Club, and The Northwest.
MC Jay Case—musician, filmmaker, and outdoor adventurer—will keep the pace lively.
Remarks from Mayor Shoemaker and local community voices.

Group Singing of “O Canada”, led by Sault Ste. Marie’s own Annette Bouchard.

Mot de bienvenue et reconnaissance territoriale par la cheffe de la Première Nation de Garden River, Karen Bell, au son des tambours et des danses traditionnels en grande tenue.Prestations en direct de groupes locaux : Big Wheel and the Spokes, Book Club et The Northwest.
Le maître de cérémonie Jay Case, musicien, cinéaste et aventurier de plein air, animera l’événement.
Allocution du maire Shoemaker et de représentants de la communauté locale.
Chant collectif de « Ô Canada », dirigé par Annette Bouchard, de Sault Ste. Marie.

After the Main Event | Après l’événement principal
Stick around from 2:00 to 6:00 PM for more live music, local food vendors, and a community beer tent.

Bring a foldable lawn chair, your best singing voice, and your Elbows Up spirit!

Restez de 14h à 18h pour plus de musique live, des stands de restauration locale et une tente à bière communautaire.
Apportez une chaise de jardin pliable, votre meilleure voix et votre esprit « Elbows Up » !

Gear Up | Équipez-vous
Elbows Up Sault Ste. Marie T-shirts will be available for $25 (tax included), with proceeds supporting the Sault Ste. Marie Museum, where shirts can also be purchased in advance (Queen St. East).

Les t-shirts Elbows Up Sault Ste. Marie seront disponibles pour 25 $ (taxes incluses), les bénéfices soutenant le musée de Sault Ste. Marie, où les t-shirts peuvent également être achetés à l’avance (rue Queen Est).

Be Part of Something Bigger | Faites partie de quelque chose de plus grand
This celebration coincides with “Bridging Our Friendship” events at key Canada-U.S. crossings—including the International Bridge between Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and Michigan. Bring your Canadian flags, signs, and smiles to show the world what neighbourly love looks like.

Cette célébration coïncide avec les événements « Rapprocher notre amitié » organisés aux principaux points de passage frontaliers entre le Canada et les États-Unis, notamment le pont international reliant Sault Ste. Marie (Ontario) et le Michigan.

Apportez vos drapeaux canadiens, vos pancartes et votre sourire pour montrer au monde entier ce qu’est l’amour du prochain.

Why It Matters | Pourquoi c’est important
Elbows Up is about standing together—across differences, across generations, and across Canada. This is a non-partisan, family-friendly event rooted in respect, optimism, and action. Whether you’re new to the movement or have been with us from the beginning, come and be part of something bigger.

Elbows Up est un événement qui vise à se serrer les coudes, au-delà des différences, des générations et de tout le Canada. Il s’agit d’un événement non partisan et familial, ancré dans le respect, l’optimisme et l’action. Que vous soyez nouveau dans le mouvement ou que vous nous accompagniez depuis le début, venez prendre part à un projet plus grand.

LOVE Local!

Date:23 April 2025 .

S2.E5: JUDGEMENT

A decision that weighed facts and brought down by a court of law is one. An opinion formed by less than the facts and by personal beliefs is another. Judgement is unavoidable in the learning world. Maria, with Fidgal, have some insight on the good and the bad of making judgements.

THE NEW NORMAL PODCAST – Maria Iuliano with Fidgal

Maria guides a successful business called Fidgal, named after Maria’s guardian angel. They met when Maria was 5 years old.

Maria is a Peace Therapist, graduated with Honours in Peace and Conflict Studies from Sault College of Applied Arts and Technology. With this knowledge, along with her expertise in the afterlife and her ability to see auras, Maria helps others find and create peace in their lives.

Visit: fidgal.com

“People who judge you will leave you. Those who don’t judge you will always be there for you.”

Date:22 April 2025 .

Niagara Falls multi-media performance artist THUNDERCLAP! uses honesty and his own brand of absurdism to develop an intimate rapport with his audience. His songwriting structure is challenging yet accessible and although the song content is thought-provoking, it boils over with shock and comedy.

A live THUNDERCLAP! show is reminiscent of traditional storytelling. A few choice covers are sprinkled randomly amongst his originals, some spoken word pieces, stories about the songs, ramblings on contemporary issues and engaging banter with the audience. When THUNDERCLAP! slings his sonic sorcery it’ll leave unsuspecting spectators in shock. A hilarious and mind-rattling surrealism weaves throughout his unique brand of toe-tapping, gut-wrenching melodies. No two THUNDERCLAP! performances are the same, so you’re always in for a truly unique experience.

THUNDERCLAP!’s second LP “Strange Songs For Strange Times” released in August 2023. It features acclaimed Coast to Coast AM radio host George Noory, and has been (and in some cases still is) played on over 75 radio stations across North America and the UK.

Running time: 39 minutes.

Date:21 April 2025 .