Upcoming Events
past events
2025 International Women’s Day
March 8, 2025
Gwen Lamont was the guest speaker for the 2025 Women’s Day Breakfast hosted by the Women’s Centre Grey Bruce at the Inn on the Bay in Owen Sound.
She told the large crowd about her family background that predicted a different outcome for her life. She acknowledged the women who went before her creating the conditions for the many opportunities she’s enjoyed. As a result of sharing her story through her memoir, she has heard from countless women who are now able to break their silence as well.
As part of the global theme #AccelerateAction, community leaders, advocates and change makers came together to highlight the essential role of women to advocate for a more inclusive society and to empower women.
From left to right, front row: Julie Stanley (TWC Board Member), Mariam Fares (TWC Board Member), Gwen Lamont, Heather Sheldrick (Executive Director), Alissa Angel (TWC Board Chair)
Back Row: Colleen Saker (TWC Board Member), Stacey Barry (Fund Development & Communications Manager)
owen sound book launch
Harmony Centre - January 30, 2025
A packed house of over 100 people were part of the Owen Sound Book Launch at Harmony Centre in Owen Sound on Thursday January 30th .
Community guests included Andrea Matrosovs, Warden Grey County; Scott Greig, Deputy Mayor, Owen Sound City Council; Angela Reid, Detective Constable, Owen Sound Police Department; Heather Sheldrick, Executive Director, Women’s Centre Grey Bruce; Beth Aubrey, Executive Director, Big Sisters Big Brothers Grey Bruce West Simcoe; Dr. Elisa Levi, Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre; Kristy Andre, Fundraising Champion, United Way Grey Bruce; and Brenda Lang; Financial Officer M’Kwikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre.
United Way Grey Bruce, Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre and M’Kwikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre were grateful to receive donations from the author to support their work providing services to children and families.
The role played by Harmony Centre in the author’s journey was highlighted. Gwen Lamont was the first resident writer who rented space there. Leigh Greaves co-founder of this community gem is grateful for the part it played in supporting Gwen’s memoir. Operations Manager Amy Stewart was thanked for the professional and accommodating planning and logistical support.
Left to right: Brenda Lang, M'Kwikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre; Kristy Andre, United Way Grey Bruce; Heather Sheldrick, Women's Centre Grey Bruce; Gwen Lamont, Andrea Matrosovs, Grey County Warden; Scott Greig, Owen Sound Deputy Mayor, Dr. Elisa Levi, Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre. Missing from photograph: Angela Reid, Owen Sound Police Department; Beth Aubrey, Big Brothers Big Sisters Grey Bruce West Simcoe.
Left to right: Mary Jane Murray (Q&A Facilitator), Gwen Lamont, Mary Anne Alton (Publicist)
ginger press local author open house
Ginger Press Bookshop and Coffee Bar - December 1, 2024
Gwen Lamont participated in the 39th annual Open House featuring 17 local authors whose books are published by Ginger Press.
The Ginger Press has been a hub for the literary community in Owen Sound for close to four decades.
As always, this is a great networking opportunity for diverse local authors and a golden opportunity to engage with appreciative readers.
Women’s Centres Staff Discussion
Coffin Ridge Winery - November 26, 2024
Staff and Board Members from Women’s Centre Grey Bruce & Saugeen First Nation Women’s Centre gathered at Coffin Ridge Winery with author Gwen Lamont on November 26th .
This event marked the second day of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) which ends on December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
The discussion was based on Gwen’s lived experience, her Master of Social Work thesis on femicide, and strategies to address intimate partner violence. A commitment to taking steps to encourage Grey Bruce municipalities to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic was made.
Markdale book launch
Marilynne Restaurant - November 20, 2024
Markdale was the sixth stop on the fall book tour celebrating the launch of Gwen Lamont’s memoir. It was held at Marilynne Restaurant on November 20th .
Community guests were Nadia Dubyk, Grey Highlands Councillor; Mary Thompson, Housing Program Manager, Women’s Centre Grey Bruce; Jillian Serkowney, Detective Constable Grey Bruce OPP; Jenny Hanley, Executive Director at the Hanley Institute and Kevin Land, Speaking Volumes Books.
Publicist Mary Anne Alton acknowledged the community support in promoting the event and Larry Hincks & Brandon Bannon from Marilynne’s Restaurant for their logistical and hospitality roles.
Highlighting National Child’s Day in Canada, a quote from a recent Lamont speech was shared “I am not a miracle. I am the result of everyday people doing good for a child, being good to a child. We can have fancy theories, but ultimately, it comes down to kindness and patience to search through the dross to get to the gold.”
Left to right: Jenny Hanley, The Hanley Institute; Jillian Serkowney, Grey Bruce OPP; Gwen Lamont, Author; Mary Thompson, Women's Centre Grey Bruce; Nadia Dubyk, Grey Highlands Councillor
The art of caring gala
Cobble Beach - November 16, 2024
Three community organizations providing support to children and families presented The Art of Caring Gala at Cobble Beach on November 16th . Big Brothers Big Sisters Grey Bruce & West Simcoe, Keystone Child, Youth & Family Services and Bruce Grey Child & Family Services worked together to showcase the services being provided within the region and hear stories from people whose lives changed as a result of support from those agencies.
Author Gwen Lamont was invited to amplify the messages of the three organizations by sharing her story.
Lamont said “I am not a miracle. I am the result of everyday people doing good for a child, being good to a child. We can have fancy theories but ultimately it comes down to kindness and patience to search through the dross to get to the gold.”
And that’s what organizations represented here tonight have the power to do. Make a difference in the life of a child.
She closed with at 1952 quote from John Steinbeck’s novel East of Eden. “The greatest terror a child can have is that he is not loved, and rejection is the hell he fears. And with rejection comes anger, and with anger some kind of crime in revenge for rejection, and with crime guilt- and there is the story of humankind.”
His observations ring true now just as they did then.
COlpoy’s Bay book launch
Women’s Institute Hall - November 15, 2024
Colpoy’s Bay was the fifth stop on the fall book tour celebrating the launch of Gwen Lamont’s memoir. It was held at the Colpoy’s Bay Women’s Institute Hall on November 15th.
Community guests were Tobin Day, Georgian Bluffs Councillor; Kathy Durst, South Bruce Peninsula Councillor; and Deborah Diebel from Bluewater Outdoor Education Centre.
Wiarton Salvation Army and the Outdoor Education Centre were grateful to receive a donation from the author to support their work supporting children and families.
Owen Sound Nurse and playwright, Sheilah Spurr, conducted the Question & Answer segment of the program. Tobin Day was acknowledged for her help in promoting the event. Women’s Institute members Tara Stanton, Gayle MacDonald and Sharon Person supported the planning and logistics.
Left to right: Councillor Kathy Durst, Gwen Lamont, and Councillor Tobin Day.
Left to right: Mary Anne Alton, Gwen Lamont, and Sheilah Spurr.
Author Meet & Greet
Coffin Ridge Christmas Market - November 10, 2024
Author Meet & Greet
Hungry Hiker, Ferndale - November 7, 2024
local Author book fair
Owen Sound & North Grey Union Public Library - October 19, 2024
Gwen Lamont was one of the authors featured at the Oct 19, 2024, Local Author Book Fair at the Owen Sound Library. It was a great opportunity to meet with other authors and speak to the many people who attended this popular event organized by the Library staff.
london book launch
London Hunt & Country Club - October 17, 2024
London was the fourth stop on the Fall Launch Series held at the London Hunt & Country Club.
Community guests were Gayle McVicar, Community Engagement Manager, London Abused Womens’ Centre, Kim Tetley, Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters London, and Wendy Sanderson, Director of Fund Development and Communications and Jennifer Martin, Donor Stewardship and Events at My Sister’s Place.
London Abused Women’s Centre, BBBS London and My Sister’s Place were grateful to receive a donation from the author to support their work.
Margaret Whitley conducted the Q&A and she and Paula Jenkins promoted the event and provided logistical support. Megan Walker, London Police Services Board member and unapologetic advocate on spousal abuse was acknowledged for her support in promoting the event.
Left to right: Kim Tetley BBBS London, Gwen Lamont, Jennifer Martin My Sister's Place
From left to right: Margaret Whitley, Gwen Lamont, Paula Hiscox Jenkins, Mary Anne Alton.
Stratford book launch
Stratford Country Club - October 16, 2024
Stratford was the third stop on the Fall Launch Series held at the Stratford County Club.
Community guests were Leanne Gabel, Board Member Optimism Place and Rhea Birk, Executive Director Big Brothers Big Sisters Listowel and District. Members of the media in attendance were Melissa Dunphy and Julia Paul.
Optimism Place and BBBS Listowel and District were grateful to receive a donation from the author to support their work.
Stratford resident Sue Little was acknowledged for her support in promoting the event and assistance with event logistics.
Author Gwen Lamont was thrilled to reconnect with Rick Attridge for the first time in 47 years.
Rick Attridge with Author Gwen Lamont
From left to right: Sue Little, Gwen Lamont, Mary Anne Alton
Collingwood book launch
Black Bellows Brewing Company - October 10, 2024
Collingwood was the second stop on the Fall Launch Series held at Black Bellows Brewing Company.
Community guests were Jodi Petitpas, Development & Community Manager at My Friend’s House, a facilitiy that provides support for abused women and children living in the Georgian Triangle and Detective Constable Mark Smith from the Collingwood OPP who is in charge of overseeing all intimate partner violence and domestic violence occurrences in the Collingwood detachment.
My Friend’s House was grateful to receive a donation from the author to support their work.
Collingwood resident Carolyn Shearer conducted the Q&A and along with James Parsons was instrumental in promoting the event in the community.
Carolyn Shearer with Author Gwen Lamont
From left to right: Jodi Petitpas, Development & Community Manager Gwen Lamont, and Mark Smith.
Hanover book launch
From left to right: Chris Knoll Chief of Police, Mayor Sue Paterson, Author Gwen Lamont, Greg Dow of ED Bruce Grey Mentorship, and Council Member Susan Sakal.
Special Events Centre - September 25, 2024
Hanover was the first stop on the Fall Book Launch Series. Part of the book took place there; author Gwen Lamont read from one of those chapters at the September 25th launch.
The Q&A segment of the launch was conducted by former Mayor Kathi Maskell. Representatives from the community included Mayor Sue Paterson, Susan Sakal, Town Concillor, Chris Knoll, Chief of Police and Greg Dow, Executive Director Bruce Grey Mentorship.
Greg Dow received a donation from the author for Bruce Grey Mentorship. Dow expressed his gratitude for the support from Gwen Lamont.
The local planning committee members; Jeannette Wilken and Kathi Maskell were acknowledged for their work in ensuring the success of the event. Appreciation was extended to Ann Rahn and Ben Boyce for their logistical support at the venue.
From left to right: Former Mayor Kathi Maskell and Gwen Lamont.
Toronto international film festival
The Well Toronto - September 10, 2024
Gwen and publicist Mary Anne at the 40th anniversary of Women in Film and Television TIFF reception.
southampton book launch
Bruce Power Theatre, Bruce County Museum - August 29, 2024
The last stop on the Summer Book Launch series was the Bruce Power Theatre at the Bruce County Museum in Southampton. This was the largest event of the summer series with over 85 people in attendance.
It was also the largest turnout of invited guests. Seven attended the Southampton event: From Town of Saugeen Shores, Diane Huber, Deputy Mayor, and councillor Cheryl Ritchie, from Women’s Centre Grey Bruce, Executive Director Heather Sheldrick and Shelter Manager Joyce Ann Johnson, Marcia Ritchie, Shelter Manager Kaebashiwim Respite Women’s Centre Saugeen First Nation, Emma Fryday, Big Brothers Big Sisters Grey Bruce Board Member and Development Director Wes For Youth Online, and Kim Andrews owner of Larkspur Books in Southampton where the book can be purchased.
Margaret Whitley, the point person in Southampton for promotion was acknowledged as well at the staff at the Bruce County Museum whose planning and logistical support made for a perfect event.
Women’s Centre Grey Bruce and Kaebashiwim Respite Women’s Centre gratefully received donations from Gwen Lamont to support their work in the community.
From left to right: Gwen Lamont, author. Joyce Ann Johnson, Women's Centre Grey Bruce Shelter Manager. Heather Sheldrick, Women's Centre Grey Bruce Executive Director.
From left to right: Margaret Whitley, Mary Anne Alton, Gwen Lamont, Barbra Bryja, Cindy Trodden.
Kincardine book launch
The Walker House, Kincardine - August 22, 2024
The fourth stop on the Summer Book Launch series was The Walker House in Kincardine where Gwen was welcomed by the Museum and Industry Room staff and a full house of engaged audience members.
Invited guests at the Kincardine event in attendance were Marcy Stocking, Executive Director of Women’s House, Linda Johnson, President of the Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Bruce and North Huron, and Jessica De Vasser from the Bookshop where Gwen’s book is available.
Local planning committee Avis Dalgarno and Bonnie and Terry Bryan supported with logistics and promotion.
Women’s House and BBBS received donations from the author to support their work.
Parry Sound book launch
Mary Street Centre, Parry Sound - August 8, 2024
The third stop on the Summer Book Launch series was Mary Street Centre in Parry Sound where Gwen received the usual warm welcome from an appreciative and engaged audience.
Invited guests at the Parry Sound event were Lisa Cook, Deputy Mayor, Township of Carling, Jennifer Bouwmeester, Director of Women’s Services at Esprit Place Family Resource Centre, and Paula St. Anne, Program Coordinator at The Drop, a safe, inclusive space for youth in Parry Sound. Sarah Strachan, Owner of Parry Sound Books has welcomed Gwen’s memoir into her store.
During the question and answer period conducted by Parry Sound business owner Peter Cramp, he shared the connection he felt after reading The View From Coffin Ridge: A Childhood Exhumed.
Local planning committee Patricia Cramp, Valerie Cramp and Alana Cramp were acknowledged for their support in planning the event.
Esprit Centre and The Drop received a donation from Gwen Lamont to support their work in the community.
Mary Anne Alton, Peter Cramp and Gwen Lamont
Rotary Hall, Lion’s Head - July 25, 2024
The second stop on the Summer Book Launch series was the Rotary Hall in Lion’s Head. Gwen received a warm welcome from an appreciative and engaged audience.
Invited guests at the Lion’s Head event were Rod Anderson, Deputy Mayor, North Bruce Peninsula; Cynthia Connelly, Board Member Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grey Bruce; Marydale Ashcroft, Owner of The Shops at 84 Main and Mona Goulette from Reader’s Haven Book Store in Tobermory, representing the two stores where the book is available for purchase on the Peninsula.
During the question and answer period conducted by Hazel Smith of Tobermory, Lamont spoke of the impact she hopes her book will have to enable others to tell their stories, remind her readers of the power of a caring adult to change the trajectory of a child’s life and to amplify the conversation about intimate partner violence.
Cynthia Connelly received a donation from the author for Big Brothers Big Sisters Grey Bruce. 20 youth and families are currently being served by BBBSGB in the Lion’s Head area. Connelly was moved by the event and expressed gratitude for the support from Gwen Lamont.
lion’s head book launch
East Street Cider Company - July 11, 2024
Goderich was the first stop on Summer Book Launch Series. The part of the book that took place there, describe a significant time in her life. Author Gwen Lamont read from one of those chapters at the July 11th launch.
She also spoke of her valiant but unsuccessful attempts to gain access to the Ontario Hospital Goderich, a place that plays a prominent role in exhuming her childhood.
Goderich Town Councillor Liz Petrie, spoke of the important role her council played as one of the 100 municipalities signing a resolution to encourage the province of Ontario to declare intimate partner violence an epidemic.
Vanessa Key received a donation from the author for the Huron Women’s Shelter. Key was moved by the event and expressed gratitude for the support from Gwen Lamont.
The local planning committee members; Karen Morrison, Cindy Fisher and Liz Pitrie were acknowledged for their work in ensuring the success of the event.
Goderich book launch
Gwen's grade 5 Monkton Public School classmate Roger Brown
coffin ridge book launch
Thanks to everyone who came out to the two book launches for Gwen Lamont’s newly released The View From Coffin Ridge: A Childhood Exhumed. Both events were sold out and were by all accounts a wonderful success.
Close to 200 people attended the first sold out launches of Gwen Lamont’s memoir on May 31 and June 2.
A small sample of the feedback received from those who attended:
“….Truly the best book launch I’ve attended – the obvious and careful preparation, beautiful venue, and most of all a courageous author sharing her story”
“Gwen is a powerful writer and a compelling speaker. I can highly recommend this book”
“Gwen was incredibly poised and had an intriguing delivery of her story. That could not have been easy, yet she seemed to emanate an inner strength and power
She Matters 2024
Gwen Lamont was invited to attend the SHE MATTERS annual Schlifer Clinic fundraiser brunch.
Gwen and her upcoming book, The View from Coffin Ridge: A Childhood Exhumed, were profiled at the event. 150 guests networked with clinic staff and members of the Board of Directors.
The Coffin Ridge gift basket donated by Gwen raised $285 contributing to the $51,000+ profits that support the much needed programs provided through the Barbra Schlifer Memorial Clinic.
Video from SheMatters 2024, courtesy of Arc + Crown Media and Schlifer Clinic.
2024 International Women’s Day
Gwen read Survivor’s Guilt which was longlisted in the 2023 CBC Non-Fiction Writing Contest. Survivor’s Guilt was first inspired by one murdered woman’s untold story, and how the intersection of her murder and Gwen’s life shook an ancient memory loose. Attendees at the IWD event, were moved by the reading and the powerful message it conveyed.
Survivor’s Guilt contains themes from Gwen’s book The View from Coffin Ridge: A Childhood Exhumed to be released May 31, 2024.
The Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic offers legal, counselling and interpretation services to marginalized and racialized populations of women and gender diverse people who have survived violence.
Gwen Lamont being recognized for her presentation at the International Women’s Day (IWD) event at the Schlifer Clinic in Toronto on March 8th, 2024.