ABERFOYLE – Residents of Puslinch could be looking at a 3.82 per cent increase in the township portion of their tax bill, which amounts to an extra $51 per year.

Officials say the increase is due to rising gas and winter maintenance costs, staff salaries and benefits, contracted services and insurance, as well as some new projects, initiatives and service level changes already approved by council during the course of the year.

Treasurer Mary Hasan presented the 2026 draft operating budget to council at its Dec. 17 meeting. 

The proposed operating tax levy totals $4.41 million and the proposed capital tax levy is $4.5 million, for a combined $5.92 million increase in the levy or 3.82%.

Farmland property would see a $13 per year increase; small retail/commercial properties $9 and industrial property would see an annual impact of $301.

Council didn’t approve the budget – that’s expected to happen in February.

But it did approve funding two, one-time increases from the 2025 surplus: $2,100 for peer review of cultural heritage statements and $23,100 to register heritage designation bylaws.

Council also agreed to add $10,000 to the base operating budget – $5,000 for economic development and community events, and $5,000 for planning act training.

“I see other mayors at county council and we’re all dealing with hard decisions,” said Mayor James Seeley.

“There’s not a lot of fat in these budgets.

“But we haven’t used the tax subsidy discretionary reserve, and $13 on an average assessed home is a great place to be.”

There is still opportunity for residents to weigh in through a survey at engagepuslinch.ca and through a public meeting slated for Jan. 21 at 7pm. 

Attendance is in-person at the municipal office or through Zoom.

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The organizers of the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival have chosen a new leader as they prepare to stage its next edition a week later than usual.

Marc McInerney has replaced Matt Jessop as the latter stepped down after a three-year term as committee chair.

One change under his watch is pushing back the festival’s usual start date, traditionally the first Saturday in April since its inaugural event in 1965, to April 11 next year.

When the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) schedule got underway last month, Elmira’s Marlowe Schott was one of the officials donning linesmen’s stripes.

The 28-year-old said she was “very honoured to get to share the ice with such phenomenal female athletes and see what’s going on to grow the game.”

Schott said the call telling her she was heading to the PWHL caught her by surprise, adding she felt honoured to take the next step in her officiating career. 

It was a journey Penny Nickel had been carrying in her heart for years.

Yet as the Conestogo grandmother took her first steps on a momentous 780-kilometre Camino de Santiago pilgrimage through France and Spain, she admitted some trepidation.

“I did question myself, thinking, ‘What have I gotten myself into on this trip?’” she said of the moment she trekked into the foothills of the Pyrenees after leaving the rustic town of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in southern France.

Local minor hockey organizations see the benefits in an artificial intelligence (AI) system developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo to enhance game analysis.

The AI system dubbed Puck Localization Using Contextual Cues (PLUCC) boosts the accuracy of the puck location by 12 per cent, say the UW researchers. 

It also helped reduce localization errors by more than 25 per cent compared to existing technology.

First painted almost 30 years ago, the mural on the side of the St. Jacobs Emporium on Spring Street will be enjoyed by visitors for years to come thanks to a recent restoration.

The project was carried out by Kae Drawehn, whose handiwork first completed the horse-and-buggy scene, in conjunction with Keisha Thomas.

That Drawehn got involved in the first place was purely happenstance.

Alma sheep breeders took home the Supreme Champion Flock at Toronto’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair last month.

Jim and Wendy Driscoll also took home the Premier Exhibitor, Premier Breeder, and Supreme Progeny of Dam awards after taking their flock of nine into the city.

Additionally, in the junior ewe lamb category of the polled Dorset lambs, they took first place and were the overall reserve champion.

When Ballet Jörgen’s Nutcracker takes to the stage later this month at the Centre In The Square, among the dancers taking part will be Elmira’s Eliza Domzella.

The Nutcracker is set against the backdrop of Tchaikovsky’s traditional score from 1892, but Ballet Jörgen places it in a Canadian context rather than its original German setting, using the lakefront areas that inspired the artists who became the Group of Seven.

In this version, Klara is actually an orphan from another country who gets sent to a northern location where she reunites with her sister on Christmas Eve.

FERGUS – Students at JD Hogarth Public School were in celebratory moods on the last day of school prior to the holidays.  

Slick, snowy roads meant school buses were cancelled on Dec. 19, but that didn’t stop hundreds of kids from showing up to school, many wearing Christmas-themed sweaters, Santa hats, elf caps,  reindeer antlers or sparkling tinsel. 

They started the day with a high-energy assembly to celebrate another successful food drive. 

The school collects for the Centre Wellington Food Bank every year, and this year set a goal of donating 5,000 items. It blew that goal out of the water, collecting about 6,500 items. 

The kids had an idea of what to expect for the assembly, as they held one every time they reached a 1,000-item milestone during the drive.

The excitement in the air was palpable as they flooded into the gymnasium, sitting cross-legged in rows.

• J.D. Hogarth celebrates successful holiday food drive
• Grade 7, 8 students at JD Hogarth collect over 6,000 food bank donations
• Close shave for two J.D. Hogarth teachers; new record for students
• School food drive teaches value of giving

The chatter quieted quickly when student emcees Brooklyn Vermunt and Reagan Rogers got the assembly going.

When they announced the number of items raised for the food bank, the room erupted, with students screaming, hollering and throwing their arms in the air to rejoice. 

“It has been amazing watching our pile for the food drive grow every day,” Rogers said.

Students watched a video emphasizing the joy of giving and student Daniel Small, also known as “Paper Shredder,” made his way onto the stage with a mic in hand and Santa hat atop his head to perform an original rap song about the students’ generosity.

Before long, his peers were all clapping along to the beat.

The emcees were then joined by the school’s dance group, which lead the students in  a chicken dance. 

Students who made top contributions to the drive were honoured with very messy pies in the face, which had students laughing loudly.

Gia Brodie looks shocked at the mess she made throwing a pie in Lily Tunney’s face. Photo by Robin George

Skyla Ramsy brought more than 300 items to school for the drive, and emcee Vermunt brought more than 500.  

Also receiving a pie in the face was vice principal Nathan Adams.

It was his last day working at JD Hogarth, as he will serve as principal of James McQueen Public School next year.  

Principal Jim Newton kept the energy going at the end of the assembly by leading the school in a call and response, chanting “When I say food, you say drive – food!” 

“Drive!” the kids yelled back, many grinning from ear to ear. 

The work wasn’t over once the assembly finished.

While most students headed back to their classrooms, members of the food drive team stuck around. 

A volunteer from the food bank had parked a trailer outside the school’s main doors, and the students quickly got to work loading it up with box after box of donated food. 

The post JD Hogarth students celebrate collecting 6,500 items for food bank appeared first on Wellington Advertiser.

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Four counties have created a survey to explore the possibility of a unified regional transit network. 

Bruce, Dufferin, Grey and Wellington counties, in collaboration with Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit (SMART), have released a survey to gain a better understanding of transportation needs and priorities. 

The survey is part of a new regional transit study to explore how to better connect and move residents across all four counties.

“We really wanted to work together and collaborate and see what a unified network could look like to provide a seamless passenger experience,” county manager of economic development Christina Mann told the Advertiser.

The survey, which contains 17 questions, is available to all residents in the four counties until Jan. 25.

 “We have people of all ages and all abilities living across Wellington County and not all have access to a vehicle,” Mann said.

“Public transit is important to get people to their appointments, to work, to school and activities. It’s a quality-of-life question.”

County economic development officer Krista Chapman stressed the need to hear from all demographics.

“We want to hear from as many different people as possible,” she said.

“No matter what your transit needs are right now, we want to hear from you.”

Mann explained the four-county collaboration “was created by our colleagues in Grey County,” with whom Wellington officials have connected through the Guelph Owen Sound Transit (GOST) bus.

Grey County also works on a regular basis with Bruce County so, “It was a natural connection,” Mann said.  

The confidential survey can be accessed online at surveymonkey.com/r/BDGWtransitsurvey.

The study will assess if a regional network is possible, identify possible routes and service levels, and look at the cost and opportunities for integration.

Dillon Consulting Limited will complete the study and results will be presented to all four county councils for consideration in mid-2026.

“We’ve been in this transit journey since 2019 and understand there is a need in our community,” Mann said.

The county launched its rural transit program, Ride Well, in October 2019. The service travels through Guelph, but doesn’t service trips starting and ending there. 

The need for additional transit options is a result of population growth, aging demographics and rising costs for transportation, stated a Wellington County press release. 

To date, the county has contributed $25,000 to the study “through our transit budget,” Mann said. 

The project is also receiving $50,000 from the federal Rural Transit Solutions Fund.

The Saugeen Mobility and Regional Transit bus provides services for medical appointments, social visits, employment and more. Image from SMART website.

The project includes two phases (the second dependent on approval of the first):

• developing the plan, from fall 2025 to spring 2026; and
• implementation and operation, from 2026 to 2030.

If approved, the project will proceed with partial operating funding from the Ontario Transit Investment Fund over a four-year period. 

Input from the public is included in phase one and feedback is to be gathered through the survey, public meetings and community events. 

“There will be three open houses, two in person and one virtual, in January,” Mann said. 

The first public open house is slated for Jan. 10 from 11:30am to 3:30pm at the Alder Street Arena in Orangeville.

The virtual option is on Jan. 14 from 6:30 to 8pm with online registration available soon.

The last open house is Jan. 17 from 11:30am to 2:30pm at the Mount Forest Arena.

Project staff are to attend community events throughout January to answer questions and gather feedback.

The events include:

• public skate, Jan. 4, Arthur Arena from 11:30am to 2pm (158 Domville St.);
• Grey Bruce Farmers’ Week, Jan. 7 from 10:30am to 3pm (38 Concession Rd. 10, Elmwood), and
• Orangeville Farmers’ Market, Jan. 10 from 9 to 11am (87 Broadway, Orangeville).

Paper copies of the survey are available at 74 Woolwich St. in Guelph for county residents. 

Additional information can be found at grey.ca/regional-transit.

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GUELPH – Two men charged in connection with the beating and murder of a 43-year-old Kitchener man kidnapped from Harriston Cemetery in 2019 were sentenced in Guelph court on Monday.

Steven Jon Walsom-Gerigs and Travis Willard Wand both pleaded guilty in Superior Court to aggravated assault against Jason John Brown, and to causing bodily harm to Brown’s friend, Alan Marchand.

Walsom-Gerigs, of Brantford, was initially charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping in 2023.

Wand, of Wellington North, was initially charged in 2024 with first-degree murder, kidnapping, two counts of assault with a weapon  and three other offences.

Justice Clayton Conlan sentenced Walsom-Gerigs to five days, in addition to just over two years of time already served (considered by the courts to be a sentence of more than three years when of a credit for pre-sentence custody is applied).

Conlan sentenced Wand to 11 months, in addition to the year — credited as 19 months — he already spent locked up.

Walsom-Gerigs was involved in arranging a fake drug deal to lure Brown to the cemetery on March 12, 2019, assistant Crown attorney Peter Keen said.

Marchand, who was driving Brown, was beaten and left bleeding in the Jessie Street cemetery while Brown was beaten with a baseball bat, bound with duct tape and taken to the Scarborough chapter of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club.

Brown’s body was found the next day, on March 13, dumped off Stevenson Road north of Whitby.

A collage of photos arranged by Tara Brown of her brother, Jason John Brown, who in 2019 was beaten at and kidnapped from the Harriston Cemetery before being murdered. Submitted image

“Jason Brown was severely beaten and murdered at some point after he was removed from the Harriston Cemetery,” Keen, the prosecutor, said.

“He had multiple fractures, a brain injury, multiple broken bones, and was obviously beaten to death.”

Brown was killed by blunt force trauma and a cocktail of drugs he was later given after being kidnapped, Keen added.

More than four and a half years after his slaying, police would make the first arrests, in November 2023.

Police first charged Joshua Alexander Drumond, of Edmonton, and Walsom-Gerigs with first-degree murder and kidnapping.

Joshua Drumond is now serving an eight-year sentence for manslaughter.

In June 2024, Wand was charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping and other charges.

In January 2025, Brown’s best friend (and Joshua’s brother) Mathew Drumond, of London, was charged with first degree murder and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

Brown and his friend were once prospects for the Outlaws Motorcycle Club. Drumond went on to become a patched member and Brown did not.

Mathew Drumond’s matter is still before the courts.

Also in January, Jessica Martin, of North Perth, was charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, obstructing justice and other offences.

Martin, who was pregnant with Wand’s twins at the time of Brown’s slaying, pleaded guilty earlier this year to being an accessory after the fact to manslaughter.

She was released, credited with time already served.

On Monday, court heard Brown struggled with addiction, racked up drug debt, and had an intimate relationship with Mathew Drumond’s girlfriend while Mathew was serving time.

Close to seven years later, questions remain for Brown’s family about a motive and what exactly happened to the father of two in the 24 hours after he was kidnapped.

“Christmas is three days away … this is the seventh Christmas without my brother,” said Nancy Brown, the second of three Brown siblings, reading aloud from a victim impact statement.

Tara Brown, the youngest, said in a statement read aloud by the prosecutor that she would give anything to have her older brother back.

Family members of the late Jason John Brown, who was kidnapped and murdered in 2019, stand outside of the Superior courthouse in Guelph on Dec. 22 wearing shirts featuring Brown. Two men pleaded guilty to charges in connection with the killing, and were sentenced on Monday. From left: Jason Baxter-Brown, Andrea Baxter, Nancy Brown, Tara Brown and Emily Baxter-Brown. Photo by Jordan Snobelen

Sitting in the court gallery, her right hand raised to a reddened face, Tara bent forward and wept as she listened.

Her brother, Keen said reading from the statement, was “left on the side of the road with so many questions unanswered.”

Brown’s son, Jason Baxter-Brown, now a pre-med student, said he has yet to see the full effects of his father’s absence on his life.

Jason’s sister Emily Baxter-Brown, in a statement read aloud by Keen, recalled her father’s pride when she made the high school honour roll.

“I wish I got to say goodbye,” she said in the statement.

Andrea Baxter, the mother of Brown’s children, said Walsom-Gerigs and Wand gave her children a “life sentence without their father.”

Walsom-Gerigs declined to address the court.

Wand stood and briefly apologized for his actions before asking to serve the rest of his time at Algoma Treatment and Remand Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, for which Keen and Conlan advocated.

As Wand was led from court, he turned and blew an unwelcome kiss to Tara.

“He doesn’t feel bad for what he did,” Tara said afterwards, adding she has never met Wand, nor seen him in person before Monday.

She told the Advertiser the two families are “disgusted” with the sentences.

“I feel really angry,” Tara said, adding, “the judicial system needs to change.”

Keen empathized with the families’ “deep sense of frustration” with a plea deal failing to match the severity of what was done to Brown.

But Conlan, the judge, called the sentences “significant” considering the charges and a frail case against the men.

Unable to prove what happened when its sole witness, Marchand, died of esophageal cancer last year, Keen said the Crown wanted some measure of justice.

But justice, in the families’ eyes, can never truly be served; it’s another Christmas spent without a brother, a father, an uncle.

“It’s not the same,” Tara said, speaking for Nancy, Jason, Emily and Andrea.

“He would always call in the morning (of Christmas) and wake me up, and it was so annoying, but I miss that,” she said.

The post Two men plead guilty in connection with beating, murder of Jason John Brown appeared first on Wellington Advertiser.

MINTO – Staff here have recommended lowering the town tax levy increase from 4.08 per cent to 3.98%.

The change, included as part the proposed final 2026 Minto budget, was presented at a Dec. 16 council meeting by treasurer Gordon Duff.

The tax-supported operating budget totals about $7.18 million and based on a typical house assessed at $250,000, there would be an increase of $73 in town taxes next year.

The decreased tax levy is due to “one of the major capital grants” falling through for a proposed capital project, Duff said.

“There weren’t a lot of changes but it affected a lot of accounts,” he added.

“The good news is … our OMPF (Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund) funding … is coming in at $1.579 million.”

Fourteen changes were made by staff to the operating budget since a Nov. 4 presentation.

Major changes include:

• $1.5 million in OMPF funding revised to $1.579;
• administration/finance: transfers from reserves raised from $106,000 to $125,000;  and
• public works: principal on long-term debt lowered from $398,000 to $370,000.

The capital budget totals close to $17 million. 

Three changes occurred since the Nov. 25 capital budget presentation, including:

• Webb and Raglan project in Harriston moved from priority one to priority three due to unsuccessful grant;
• an increase of $25,000 to the Harriston Arena HVAC and refrigeration upgrade (total is now $150,000); and
• new temporary water lines project added to water services (total of $40,000).

Capital budget priority-one projects are not funded by taxation and will be funded through reserve accounts, grant funding and long-term borrowing, officials say.

Council had no comments or questions regarding the budget on Dec. 16 and received it for information.

That set into motion “the strong mayor powers budget process clock,” Duff stated in his report, which includes a 15-day review period.

If there are any councillor amendments proposed, a 10-day veto/override period for the mayor would follow, pushing the budget process into January.

If no amendments are proposed by council, the budget will be deemed adopted by Dec. 31. 

“Hopefully come January 1 we can get at it [and] spend some of this capital money and others,” Mayor Dave Turton said at the end of the meeting. 

The post Minto lowers tax levy increase; budget now in council review period appeared first on Wellington Advertiser.

GUELPH – A lot has changed over the past six decades, but Robinson Buick GMC has survived it all, thanks to strong family connections and a consistent approach to customer service. 

This year marks the 60th anniversary for the Guelph-based auto dealership.

The original company, Robinson Pontiac Buick GMC, was opened in 1965 by Howard Robinson.

In 1975, the dealership moved to its current location at 875 Woodlawn Rd. W.

“We were the first ones in the Guelph Auto Mall,” president Ted Kohli told the Advertiser.

Ted has been with the company since October 1974, when he applied to be a salesperson. 

“After a few interviews I was hired,” he said.

A promotion to assistant sales manager was in store 18 months later, and Ted climbed the ladder to be general sales manager another three-and-a-half years after that, a position he remained in until 2007.

Shortly after Robinson retired, Ted stepped up as a partner with Sam Hirani and Robinson’s daughter Cynthia.

The three partners joined in order to keep the business going, but ran into trouble in 2009.

Due to financial pressures, General Motors began closing more than 200 dealerships across Canada. 

“Most of the dealers took the wind-down agreement and we chose not to and fought our case,” Ted said. “We were successful and won the franchise.”

Ted noted luck has been on his side since the start of his career.

“I had no knowledge of cars. I was 25 years old and I was in a new country,” he said. 

“You might want to call it fate.”

He had experience as a mechanical engineer, but loved dealing with people, which prompted the move to selling.

Asked how the industry has changed, Ted said, “I don’t think selling product has changed.”

Being hands-on is the key to being a successful businessman, he explained, and that has been consistentthroughout his time with the company.

“Be a customer, put yourself in their shoes and treat them with passion and caring,” he added. 

“Absentee ownerships in my books don’t work.”

Shiny new pickup trucks displayed inside the dealership waiting for new owners. Photo by Georgia York

Partner roles changed again in 2017 when Cynthia Robinson stepped down and Ted’s son, Amit, stepped in.

Amit’s journey as a salesperson started in 1991, when he worked at the reception desk for his required high school volunteer hours. He  joined the team full time in 1996. 

“My goal wasn’t to be in this business,” Amit said. “I went to the University of Waterloo for science.”

He added, “The plan was to work the summer [at the dealership] and go back to school in September,” Amit said. “I never went back.”

Amit said he feels immense pride for the company and for his father.

“It just wouldn’t happen without him,” Amit said.

He and his dad agree that entering the building every day no longer feels like work.

“[If] you enjoy and also master what you do, then it becomes second nature,” Ted said.

“I feel blessed to be where I am today.” 

As for the future, Ted isn’t leaving any time soon. He plans to stay on as president “as long as health allows me.”

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WELLINGTON COUNTY – Memories are made as families gather around the twinkling lights, sparking ornaments and sentimental treasures hung on branches of evergreen trees brought inside to bring Yuletide joy. 

But once the holidays come to a close, many are left wondering what to do with their well-loved Christmas trees. 

For people in Puslinch, Rockwood and Guelph, trees can be given a second life while also raising funds for the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington (CFGW). 

For a donation to the foundation (suggested minimum is $15), volunteers will collect the trees from curb sides. 

The trees will then be chipped and returned to nature – spread along walking trails and used for other community projects. 

People who register and make a donation by Jan. 6 can have their trees collected from outside their homes on Jan. 10. 

To register a tree visit donate.childrensfoundation.org/TreesforTots2026 and have your tree out by the curb by 7am on pick-up day (remove all decorations and do not put in a plastic bag). 

The funds will support various CFGW programs including:

• Keep Kids Fed at Home, which provides weekend snack packs for children;
• Keep Kids Fed at School, which provides meals to children and youth;
• Free to Grow, which funds recreational and life-skill opportunities including sports, arts, camps, driver’s education and leadership development; and
• Adopt-A-Family, which provides families with  gifts and groceries over the winter holiday season. 

Trees for Tots is now in its 14th year and last year the initiative raised $85,000 with more than 275 volunteers collecting over 3,600 trees. 

This year the presenting sponsor for Trees for Tots is Elevate Law Group. 

Others interested in sponsoring the program can explore various opportunities to do so at tinyurl.com/3uzs6t6u.  

People outside of Puslinch, Rockwood and Guelph, or who don’t have a tree to get rid of, can support by purchasing a Trees for Tots candle for $16 ($5  per candle is donated to the CFGW). 

The candles are made in reusable jars with plant-based, eco-friendly soy wax and come in Evergreen Orchard, Oh Christmas Tree and White Christmas scents. 

To purchase a candle visit Strawberry Sunshine at 3-15 Surrey St. W., Guelph or strawberrysunshine.ca/products/trees-for-tots.

For more information about Trees for Tots contact treesfortots@childrensfoundation.org. 

Another option to extend the life of a Christmas tree is simple – drag it outside and leave it alone. 

It takes minimal effort but can make a considerable impact, as the tree will offer shelter for pollinators, birds and small animals. 

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac,  chickadees and finches will utilize old Christmas trees during the winter months, especially during storms and cold nights. 

“Prop it up near a bird feeder, another tree, or against a fence. Or just lay it in your garden for animals of all sorts to enjoy,” the Almanac advises. 

The tree can also provide protection for plants such as the roots of perennials and shrubs, and help keep more moisture in the earth. 

And before long, the tree will decompose, adding nutrients to the soil. 

If there’s not enough space outside to leave it for the birds, the Almanac offers a range of other ways to repurpose a tree at home. 

Branches and logs can be cut into pieces, tied together, and stored in the cellar until next year, when they can be burned in the fireplace for a traditional Yule log. 

Out in the garden, cut Christmas tree branches can be used as mulch, offering similar benefits to leaving the whole tree in the garden – protection for roots, shelter for pollinators and wildlife, moisture retention and added nutrients for the soil

With a wood chipper, the tree can also be turned into wood chips and used as mulch. 

Trees can be redecorated outside as bird feeders, with tasty treats such as strings of popcorn, cranberry garlands or pinecones filled with peanut butter.

With a needle, thread and a few scraps of fabric, scented sachets can be created with fragrant Christmas tree needles and used to keep closets and drawers smelling fresh. 

Dried out sprigs from Christmas trees can be used to ignite kindling in wood stoves or fireplaces. 

The Almanac also cautions against a few post-Christmas tree practices:

• don’t burn the whole tree indoors as the needles and resin burn extremely hot and fast, creating serious fire hazards;
• don’t discard of the tree in a plastic bag, as this prevents it from decomposing;
• don’t throw them in waterways as they can alter water chemistry or become hazards;
• don’t leave any decorations (even tiny tinsel strands) as decorations can contaminate mulch, damage chippers or injure wildlife; and
• don’t keep it indoors too long, as dry trees are serious fire hazards (and cut trees will dry out even with regular watering). 

Christmas trees are also collected by Wellington County in urban areas of the county after Jan. 5. (Put trees out by 7am). 

All decorations must be removed and trees taller than 2.5m (eight feet) must be cut into shorter lengths.  

Christmas trees can be dropped off at county waste facilities, free of charge, until Jan. 31.

Guelph residents can drop off at the Guelph dump where fees do apply. 

The post What happens after the holidays? Tips for giving Christmas trees a second life appeared first on Wellington Advertiser.

HOWICK – Ivy Lorraine spent 52 days in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) watching her vulnerable and premature son struggle to survive.

After the experience, Lorraine wanted to give back to other families going through a similar situation – and thanks to many Wellington County residents, she was able to do just that.

Her story started in February, when her water broke about 11 weeks shy of a full-term pregnancy. 

“My baby (Liam) was born at 29 weeks and five days gestation,” Lorraine told the Advertiser. 

As she now lives in Gorrie, about 15 minutes outside of Minto, her plan was to give birth at Listowel Memorial Hospital.

This plan was quickly changed as she was immediately rushed by ambulance to the closest level three NICU around: London Health Sciences Centre.

“The week leading up to when he was born was the scariest,” Lorraine said.

She noted London hospital staff were “very sweet with explaining what was going on.”

Lorraine was told what to expect with a premature baby, including “a lot of tubes, wires, he would be very small and that we would have a very lengthy stay.”

During the 27 days in London, Lorraine had access to accommodations from the Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwestern Ontario.

Liam and Ronald McDonald House volunteer Kevin Dartch, who welcomed Lorraine into her accommodations during a difficult time. Submitted photo

“I had to use a lot of resources while I was there,” she said referring to her temporary stay.

Liam slowly got stronger and was transferred to Stratford General Hospital “which is a level two NICU,” Lorraine said.

Level two NICUs provide care for moderately ill infants, whereas level three provides the highest level of intensive care.

Once Lorraine could reflect on her experience in the comfort of her own home, she began creating care bags for families and their premature babies with the help of her friend. 

“I was just so thankful for the care they (medical staff) gave both me and my baby,” she said.

Lorraine specifically focused on donating during Christmas time “because we were there in February but I couldn’t imagine being there during the holidays,” she explained.

She reached out to her community and the response was overwhelming.

“The bags that I bought originally had to be scrapped for much larger bags,” Lorraine said.

She noted Wellington County residents donated the majority of items,  which included:

• cash;
• handmade blankets;
• knitted hats;
• bibs, diapers, onesies;
• self care items;
• healthy snacks; and
• gift cards and more.

Lorraine and her friend ended up with 12 giant bags; 10 filled with premature baby essentials and two with newborn essentials. Each bag contained approximately 30 items.

All 12 care bags were donated to the London hospital after a month of gathering donations. Additional donations went to the Ronald McDonald House. 

“I would like to do this yearly,” Lorraine said. “I want to give myself some more time to try and get more stuff together.”

Liam is now 10 months old and thriving.

“I’m very lucky because I know with pre-term babies who are born as early as him they can sometimes have some health issues,” she said.

Lorraine offered some advice for parents going through a similar situation: “Give yourself grace and take the days in softness rather than fear.”

She noted often being alone in the hospital as weather conditions kept her husband away.

“There’s a lot of guilt that can happen and it’s okay to not be okay,” Lorraine added.

One resource for families is the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation – “a great organization for premature families,” Lorraine said. 

The foundation can be found at cpbf-fbpc.org.

The post Mother gives back to NICU families during the holidays appeared first on Wellington Advertiser.

ELORA – In an effort to be inclusive, transparent and build trust in local government, the township has embarked on developing a community engagement charter and strategy.

“While departments are already frequently engaging with the community on a variety of topics, there is no standard framework for how to do this in a consistent, transparent and effective way,” stated manager of strategic initiatives and communications Kendra Martin in her Dec. 15 council report.

“This project aims to fill this gap by establishing the township’s very first community engagement charter, strategy, staff toolkit and action plan.”

A community engagement strategy helps with council and staff decision-making by understanding the community’s needs and priorities, officials say.

Establishing a consistent approach across all departments makes public consultation part of every process and not just relegated to the legislated public planning meetings, they add.

“By establishing a consistent and structured approach to engagement, the township can create meaningful opportunities for residents to contribute their perspectives, enhance understanding of municipal initiatives, and strengthen public trust in the decision-making process,” states the report.

“A formal strategy also supports more effective project planning and implementation, as initiatives developed with resident input are more responsive equitable, and aligned with council, staff and community expectations.” 

The township hired Tannis Topolnisky from Topent Ltd. to connect with residents and staff and develop a draft community engagement charter and strategy.

Council approved the moves at the meeting.

The next steps are to develop an action plan for the administrative team, tool kits for staff and templates to build community engagement into procedures.

Councillors lauded the consultant for their approach to developing the strategy, which included participation and feedback from the community.

“The process isn’t over for the community,” Martin said.

The post Not heard by local council? Township hopes to fix that with engagement charter, strategy appeared first on Wellington Advertiser.

MAPLETON – “Our plan is not to build an apartment building, but to build … a healthy, affordable and hope-filled community where everyone feels they belong.” 

That’s what Mapleton council heard from Laurie Langdon of Love Your Neighbour Communities (LYNC) on Dec. 9. 

Langdon is a pastor and realtor who has lived in Drayton for 17 years and chairs LYNC’s local advisory team.

At the meeting, Langdon said LYNC wants to “create beautiful spaces where intergenerational communities will thrive.” 

Its mission, he added, is to “revitalize people and rural communities through equitable housing and social enterprise.” 

The LYNC team, formed a couple years ago, is comprised of professionals (including councillor Marlene Ottens) wanting to strengthen the community through affordable rural housing, Langdon said.

And they’re looking for support from people wanting solutions to housing affordability, loneliness, social isolation and to food insecurity, he added. 

Langdon displayed a rendering of a 24-unit apartment building he said is designed to be built on half an acre, parking included.

“That’s just an idea of what we’re looking to do here in Drayton,” he said.  

A unit would be an ideal home for everyone from a young, single-parent family to seniors citizens, according to Langdon.

“We will create programs that actually bring people together,” he continued.

“Whether it be our community gardens … having meals in our community kitchen or having children stay in the childcare centre – the idea is to actually involve people in one another’s lives so that they can share together and support one another.” 

In addition to supporting residents socially, Langdon said LYNC aims to “contribute to the downtown … so much that we’re leaving the main floor area to be developed into community spaces where social enterprise and other community groups can get involved.” 

And the group builds energy efficient and carbon neutral housing, according to Langdon. 

LYNC CEO Borris Emanuel said “LYNC is all about rural communities. 

“We are about creating a … product that fits our rural community – not taking something from the city and bringing it to our rural communities.” 

Before moving forward, Emanuel said it’s important to ensure LYNC has “the support to make it sustainable financially.” 

The group is seeking federal funding, and has “strong support” from Edge Mutual Insurance Company, Emanuel said. 

Mapleton council has offered guidance and instruction, according to Emanuel. 

“They’ve been very, very supportive and provided a lot of information so that we can make some great decisions,” he said.

Councillor Michael Martin asked what motivated LYNC, a faith-based group, to focus on issues such as affordable housing, environmental responsibility and food security. 

“What’s in it for you?” he asked. “What are you looking for from us?”  

Emanuel said LYNC is “doing what God has called us to do – which is really to care for our neighbours.

“This is really a practical way of meeting the needs of our neighbours and demonstrating the love that we feel that we should be sharing with those around us. It is as simple as that.” 

Emanuel added LYNC wants council’s support.

“LYNC has made it one of our conditions as part of our strategic plan that we don’t go into a community unless the township, the council, those that are involved in the political leadership of the community, [are] supportive of the project.

“And so that’s what we’re looking for first and foremost from the [township] is that you be supportive and that you actually see the need in your community and that you also desire to address this need,” Emanuel said. 

Councillor Amanda Reid asked if the group had explored opportunities for land in Drayton. 

Nothing has yet panned out, Emanuel said, though he added, “We are very active in that process.”

The post Charity seeks council’s support for affordable housing project in Drayton appeared first on Wellington Advertiser.

ELORA – Centre Wellington council learned a little more about “strong mayor powers” and what it will mean for process and procedure in the coming year.

Eric Davis, a lawyer with SV Law, went over the changes at a Dec. 15 council meeting.

Mayor Shawn Watters received strong mayor powers from the province in April after the township was named one of 169 municipalities in the province to receive them.

To date, Watters hasn’t used them and has said he doesn’t intend to use them.

Still, some procedures and bylaws need to be updated and that was the task before council.

• Province to give strong mayor powers to Centre Wellington and Minto
• Strong mayor powers change budget procedure in Centre Wellington

It’s a long list of new powers and requirements:

• mayoral decisions and directions made under Part VI.1 of the Municipal Act must be in writing and must be circulated to council;
• a dedicated page will be created on the township website to post mayoral decisions and directions for the public to access;
• the mayor has the power to hire and fire the chief administrative officer (CAO), authority that used to be a decision of council. But the mayor can delegate that responsibility back to council through a mayoral decision;
• similarly, the mayor now has the authority to determine the organizational structure of the township and can hire and fire heads of departments, excluding statutory municipal officers such as clerk, deputy clerk, treasurer, deputy treasurer, chief building official, fire chief and the integrity commissioner. But he can delegate that responsibility back to the CAO through a mayoral decision;
• the mayor now has the authority to override council decisions if they go against provincial priorities such as transit, roads, utilities and servicing;
• the mayor has the power to introduce matters for council’s consideration without having to go through the normal process if the matter could advance a provincial priority. The mayor can also introduce bylaws and they require the support of just one-third of council (three votes in Centre Wellington) to be approved; and
• the mayor can veto a decision of council if he decides it interferes with provincial priorities. The mayor must also approve in writing, within 48 hours, bylaws passed by council. Council has 21 days to consider overriding a mayoral veto. Any override of a mayoral veto requires a two-third super majority vote (five councillors in Centre Wellington). The mayor is allowed to vote as a member of council in these situations.

There is also a statutory process for strong mayors when it comes to the annual budget. 

According to the municipal act, the mayor must, by Feb. 1 of each year, prepare and propose a municipal budget for council consideration. The mayor may issue a mayoral direction to staff to prepare the budget. 

Council has 30 days to meet and pass amendments to the budget. 

There are also timeframes for the mayor to veto amendments by council and for council to attempt to override decisions of the mayor.

Council no longer votes on the budget; it is considered “adopted” once the timelines for comment and vetoes has passed.

This is quite different from the process used in Centre Wellington, where staff typically begin work on the budget in June and present aspects of it to council in September, October and November, before adoption in December.

“Township staff will work with the mayor on a … budget schedule, considering these new rules,” the report reads.

All this will necessitate changes to the procedural bylaw, council code of conduct, CAO performance evaluation process and the township’s recruitment process.

“Staff require more time to fully understand the legislation, best practices and options regarding impacts of strong mayor powers to the township and will make best efforts to provide this in a timely manner,” the report states.

“Given the anticipated effort required, this work will take precedence over other … business plan initiatives for both the office of the CAO and corporate services.”

CAO Dan Wilson told council Watters has delegated his powers back to the CAO, so as it stands now, nothing will change except the dedicated web page outlining mayoral decisions and directions.

Councillors were acutely aware, however, that 2026 is an election year and all this could potentially change if new individuals are elected.

“Mayor Watters has delegated (authority) back to staff but a new incoming mayor could have those powers back,” said councillor Bronwynne Wilton.

“I appreciate the collegial nature of this mayor, but we need to be aware with an election coming.”

The post Centre Wellington council grapples with implications of strong mayor powers appeared first on Wellington Advertiser.

KENILWORTH – Wellington North is raising prices at the Mount Forest cemetery in an attempt to reach full cost recovery. 

There will be some significant hikes to get it there, with the burial of a child rising from $300 to $1,000, scattering garden internment increasing from $200 to $600 and niche internment rising from $407 to $600.

A single grave will cost $3,181, a cremation plot $2,400, a niche for two urns $2,247, adult internment for $1,910 and cremated remains in a standard plot for $600.

The changes will take effect Jan. 1. 

• Wellington north increases fees, charges for township services
• Council supports raising taxes to increase service at Mount Forest Cemetery
• Mount Forest cemetery fees increasing; entrance repairs expected this summer

The increases won’t bring the cemetery to full cost recovery, noted finance director Jerry Idialu during a Dec. 15 council meeting.

But it brings things to a “sustainable level to operate the cemetery.” 

Reaching full cost recovery would take a “much steeper climb than this,” he said.  

In order to reach full recovery by 2027, fees for plots or niches would need to increase from $1,910 to $5,201. 

Councillor Sherry Burke was the only member of council to vote against the fee increases.

“I just feel this is outrageous,” she said.  

She called the increases “much too aggressive,” and said while she’s not against moving towards cost recovery, she’d like to see the increases phased in “at a much slower pace.

“This is a service we have provided for generations in Mount Forest.” 

One argument against continuing to fund the cemetery, in part, with taxes is that not all taxpayers will use the cemetery. 

“But there’s lots of facilities within our community that folks pay for that they would never use, such as recreation facilities [and] schools,” Burke noted. 

“It takes a community to provide these services.” 

Burke said she compared the new Mount Forest Cemetery rates with local private cemeteries and is concerned increasing rates at the township cemetery will lead more people to go elsewhere. 

She asked how the township would cover maintenance costs at the cemetery if usage, and therefore revenue, dropped significantly. 

Township clerk Karren Wallace, who prepared the report about cost recovery at the cemetery, noted “private cemeteries are quite often operated with volunteers, so their expenses are much less,” enabling them to have lower fees. 

Idialu said cemetery maintenance is completed by township staff and if maintenance at the cemetery is reduced the staff would still have other work to do around the township. 

Wallace noted reducing maintenance would mean “less grass cutting … less tree canopy maintenance … less of everything. 

“And we have a beautiful cemetery that is well maintained.” 

Mayor Andy Lennox said, “We don’t know what is going to happen in terms of sales of units, so if there is a significant change we would have to revisit it at that time.

“We don’t have any way of predicting what’s going to happen to sales based on the price increase.” 

Lennox added he is “very supportive” of the rate increases.

The post New fees, charges approved at Mount Forest cemetery appeared first on Wellington Advertiser.

MAPLETON – The replacement of the rink and refrigeration system at the PMD Arena in Drayton will cost Mapleton $2,944,782, and be completed by Ball Construction Limited. 

That’s about $300,000 over budget. 

The 2026 budget includes $2.65 million for the project, with $1.65 million funded by a long-term debenture and $1 million funded by infrastructure reserves.

The extra $300,000 will be funded with additional long-term debt. 

The breakdown of the project cost is as follows: 

• design and engineering fees: $96,000; 
• base contract: $2,241,700; 
• provisional items: $405,950; 
• contingency: $150,000; and 
• HST: $50,932. 

In addition to a new rink and refrigeration system, the project includes dasher boards, glass, vertical netting and staircase improvements. 

Consulting engineers from RJ Burnside compiled project specifications and requirements, answered questions from interested contractors and summarized the bid.

The bid was published online in October.

Seventeen companies submitted bids on the project and attended a site meeting on Oct. 30 for further information about the job. 

The township created a committee to select a contractor from the bid submissions.

Committee members included public works director  Jamie Morgan, community services manager Amy Grose, deputy treasurer Rachel Carter and climate change coordinator Martin Tamlyn. 

Committee members independently evaluated each bid based on:

• project understanding, approach and methodology;
• experiences, references and subcontractors;
• schedule and work plan; and
• cost proposal. 

The committee unanimously recommended the contract be awarded to Ball Construction Ltd. 

According to a staff report presented to council on Dec. 9, “While multiple bids showcased a solid understanding of the project scope and requirements, the committee noted that Ball Construction Ltd. proposal had an overall project schedule that aligned well with the township’s needs, and that their wealth of experience on similar-sized projects would be greatly beneficial.” 

The township is expecting the project to be complete and the ice back in service by the 2026/27 ice season.  

Mapleton asset procurement manager Aman Bains told council Ball Construction is set to start the design process this month and begin construction next year. 

The Drayton Farm Show will be held in the arena in April as usual, and construction will begin immediately afterwards, Bains said. 

The project will probably be completed by mid-August, Bains said, with the ice installed around Sept. 12, as usual.

The post Rink project at PMD Arena in Drayton to cost $3 million appeared first on Wellington Advertiser.

FERGUS – Richard Wigmore recently led the men’s Team Canada Ball Hockey Team to a silver medal at the world championships. 

Co-captain Wigmore and his teammates flew to over 1,700 miles to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic to compete in the four-on-four World Ball and Dek Hockey Federation Championships. 

The Fergus resident’s ball hockey career began after his ice hockey career ended.

“I played junior hockey until I was 21 and then senior until I was 27/28 and somewhere in between the two I started dabbling with ball hockey,” Wigmore told the Advertiser.

“I missed competing and I didn’t have that outlet in life anymore.”

Over the last 10 years, Wigmore typically played for his club team in London. 

“You would go to provincials with your club team and then if you win provincials, you get a bid to go to nationals,” he explained. “[Nationals] is where you’re going to find the best players.”

And that’s where Team Canada scouts found Wigmore.

“It’s like every young hockey player’s dream … to wear the maple leaf on your chest means a lot,” he said of representing Canada.

Wigmore noted playing for the national teams became a “big goal” as soon as he began playing in competitive tournaments.

“It was something I didn’t see possible and it happened late in my career,” he said. “I’m 35 and there’s a lot of younger athletes on our team.”

Wigmore was also honoured to be named co-captain of the team, a first for the defenceman.

Wigmore showing off his silver medal on the beaches of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Submitted photo

The tournament ran from Nov. 22 to 29 and included seven teams. During round robin play, Canada beat the U.S., Czechia and Slovakia and lost 1-0 to Greece.

“In the quarter-finals we won in a shootout against Slovakia” Wigmore said.

Czechia was next in the semi-final.

“I scored in that game, it was the tying goal,” Wigmore said, adding the game ended 5-4 for Team Canada.

Unfortunately the team’s winning streak came to an end in the final against Greece. 

“We lost 3-2 in a shootout,” Wigmore said. “At that point in the game, it’s kind of a coin flip.”

Wigmore did not compete in the shootout and ended his fourth international event with Team Canada with five points in nine games.

“I did get player of the game against Greece and I’m proud of that, but it’s also bittersweet,” he added. “I would trade (that) for a gold medal.”

Wigmore told the Advertiser one of his proudest moments during the tournament was beating Czechia. 

“We’ve never beat [them]before,” he said. “It’s difficult to beat the same team twice in a tournament and we knew they would be stronger in the elimination game.”

During the last minute, Czechia pulled their goalie, giving their team an extra player against Canada.

“It was a shooting gallery and all of our guys were blocking shots and putting their bodies on the line,” Wigmore said.

“That’s when I was most proud. Just to see the commitment from the team … and doing what it takes to win and close off a game at that level.”

Richard Wigmore with his fiancée Cassie Silverthorn, left, after the final game. Submitted photo

The heat proved to be a challenge as “there was no air conditioning” in the arena, Wigmore said. “Whatever the temperature is outside, it was inside.”

Once off the arena floor, staff members were quick to apply ice packs and ensure players were hydrated. 

Wigmore and his team struggled with the heat,  but his career in personal training and owning a fitness facility in Elora (RT Health Company) supported him through the times of exertion.

Wigmore said it’s important to not give up because of age.

“If you take care of your body, health and mind there’s no reason for you to stop,” he said. “Keep pursuing your dreams because I definitely didn’t expect to be the captain of Team Canada [at] 35 years old.”

Wigmore said he’s looking forward to some time off as he and his fiancée Cassie prepare for their wedding in the new year. 

The thought of retiring has entered Wigmore’s head, but so too have the words of his fiancée.

“Cassie is always encouraging me that if I love it and want to keep competing then I should,” he added. “I don’t know if I would have continued without her support.”

Though his future in ball hockey is unclear, Wigmore said he “always seems to find a way to stay in the game.”

The post Fergus resident represents Canada, wins silver at international ball hockey tournament appeared first on Wellington Advertiser.

FERGUS – Arkells and Dallas Smith are the headliners for Meadows Music Festival in Fergus on May 29 and 30.

In making the announcement on Dec. 16, organizer Collin McKinnon crossed two things off his bucket list.

Arkells will take the main stage on May 30 and Dallas Smith on May 29.

“Of all the things I do with the music festival, today is the greatest day,” he said in an interview 15 minutes after the announcement was made.

McKinnon said Arkells were the first band he ever saw live, way back in high school and since starting the festival four years ago, “I made it my goal to bring them to Meadows,” he said.

“Every year we’d make an offer, every year we’d try. But with a band of that size, they were waiting to see first if the festival would grow.”

This year the stars aligned. 

“I’m just so excited,” he said.

Second bucket list wish: to book Dallas Smith.

McKinnon said he’s worked in the music promotion business for 15 years and his first job was a concert with Dallas Smith.

He has loved the band ever since and always wanted to book them.

“Nothing is quick in the music industry,” he said. “I just hope people will be happy with this event.”

This will be the fourth festival. It includes a day of country music and a day of rock.

McKinnon chose to hold it in May to kick off the summer season and loved that Riverfest Elora acted as a closing bookend to a musical summer.

He said he was distressed to hear that Riverfest, with its 15-year history in the community, is now finished.

“I was heartbroken when I heard that,” he said. “It just shows that one year can change everything.”

He worries what that means for Meadows, now approaching  its fourth year and still building an audience.

But hosting a festival has been a lifelong dream, he said, and he’s not about to give up yet.

“Nothing is guaranteed in this industry. Every year is like starting a new business,” he said.

But a big name like Arkells – a Canadian, Juno-winning, world touring band – should draw attention and hopefully ticket sales.

The full lineup will be released in the new year, but tickets are on sale now.

“We try to give a taste of the lineup before the holidays,” McKinnon said. “That’s our strategy.”

The festival is held on the grounds behind the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex where there is limited camping.

For tickets and details, visit meadowsfest.ca.

The post Arkells, Dallas Smith headlining Meadows Music Festival appeared first on Wellington Advertiser.

ELORA – Road salt damages roads, bridges, cars, shoes, pet paws, vegetation and, most importantly, drinking water, Centre Wellington council heard on Dec. 15.

The solution is for the province to establish best practices and regulate the amount of road salt used by municipalities, private contractors and citizens, said Karen Rathwell, who addressed council on behalf of Water Watchers and the Ontario Salt Pollution Coalition.

“Since 2001, road salt was declared a toxic substance. It causes irreversible damage,” she told council. “But until liability is addressed, it will be a huge problem.”

Rathwell said there is no way to take chloride out of water, and that includes drinking water, which is a municipal responsibility.

She asked council to pass a resolution urging the province to convene a stakeholder advisory committee, review liability and establish best practices. Some 40 per cent of road salt is found in parking lots, she said.

Snow removal companies pay huge insurance costs and deductibles, and therefore over-salt “from fear of litigation,” she said, adding Landscape Ontario has also been lobbying the government to make changes.

“We need to take action,” Rathwell continued. “Surely we can find a way to live safely in winter without poisoning our water.”

Local resident Ernest Kalwa echoed Rathwell’s concerns.

As a fly fisher, Centre Wellington resident and environmentalist, he said his “goal is to see Centre Wellington as a leader and champion of the environment.”

He added Friends of the Grand River, Freshwater Conservation Canada (formerly Trout Unlimited) and the Suzuki Foundation also support safe use of road salt.

Councillor Lisa MacDonald put forth a motion for staff to explore ways to lobby the province to increase training for independent contractors, to set a single standard for road salt use, and to establish best practices to reduce the use of road salt.

Council approved the motion.

The post Township exploring ways to reduce road salt use in winter appeared first on Wellington Advertiser.

ELORA – The Mayor’s Golf Tournament, held in September, raised almost $25,000 for the Centre Wellington Food Bank.

Mayor Shawn Watters presented food bank manager Curt McQueen with a cheque for $24,787 at a Dec. 15 council meeting.

“This is awesome. The funds will help us manage and sustain our numbers,” McQueen said. 

He added the food bank was averaging 10 new households per month until fall, when the numbers jumped to 20 in September, October and November.

The funds will also help the food bank with new initiatives “to fill all the gaps,” he continued.

The food bank serves all of Centre Wellington but is located in downtown Fergus, which may be a barrier to those outside of town.

“We want to help everyone,” McQueen said.

The post Mayor’s Golf Tournament raises almost $25,000 for food bank appeared first on Wellington Advertiser.