GUELPH – Guelph General Hospital celebrated a milestone on Aug. 14: 150 years of serving the community.

There was cake. There were dignitaries. There was free food from Harvey’s for staff and visitors.

And in the background there was construction going on and patients entering and leaving the hospital.

Hospitals never stop, not even for big anniversaries, although a large number of staff stopped by to enjoy the festivities.

The hospital’s story begins in 1872, when residents of Guelph raised $3,046 to purchase land on Delhi Street for a hospital.

With support from local government and churches, the hospital was constructed and opened to patients on Aug. 16, 1875.

The 12-bed facility included a small infectious ward and dispensary, all of it run by three nurses.

The original Guelph General Hospital building in 1875. The citizens of Guelph and the surrounding area raised more than $3,000 to help build it. At opening, the hospital had 12 beds and the original steward and nurses would farm the property to supply patients with eggs, milk, vegetables, and meat. Advertiser file photo

It grew as the city grew, adding the Jubilee Wing in 1888 and the Albert Wing in 1897, making it a 90-bed hospital.

“By the mid-20th century, it was time to build a new hospital, which was constructed in 1951 adjacent to the original buildings,” states the Guelph General Hospital website.

“This is the hospital we still occupy today, with only north and east wings at that point.”

Over the years it has grown in stature as well as scope.

In 2007 it installed Guelph’s first magnetic resonance imaging machine. In 2008 it was named the lead hospital for a regional vascular services program.

And in 2009 was designated one of four bariatric centres of excellence in the province.

It now employs almost 2,000 doctors, nurses and associated staff and has a robust volunteer force of 106 individuals, who provide a variety of functions critical to improving the patient experience.

Cindy Good experienced the growth of the hospital from inside its walls.

She and her three sisters, Ruby, Kathy and Ginny, all worked at GGH and have a combined 150 years of service.

Cindy is now retired after 42 years working at the hospital, as are Ruby and Kathy, while Ginny still works there.

(Guelph General Hospital image)

Cindy said she worked in almost every department and now works as a volunteer in the maternity unit.

She said the hospital is in her blood and she wouldn’t miss such an important milestone.

“We all love medicine and helping and community,” she said of her family’s involvement at Guelph General.

“It’s a big hospital now but still a tight community.”

A century and a half after its early beginnings, growth is still a challenge at Guelph General said president and CEO Mark Walton.

“The big challenge is how to last another 150 years with the infrastructure we’ve got,” he told the Advertiser.

He noted the parking lot is full beyond capacity, the emergency department is undergoing an expansion and then every inch of the property will be used.

“We’ve got nowhere to expand. So we’re working with governments to plan for a new hospital in the city. That’s my biggest challenge right now,” he said.

Walton said he was pleased to see Guelph MP Dominique O’Rourke, Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner and Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie at the celebration, so he could bend their ears and impress on them the urgency of building a new hospital elsewhere in the city.

But for now, redevelopment of the emergency department is underway, and the addition of a new mental health and addiction unit is expected to be completed in 2026.

These changes will add capacity and improve services to patients, Walton said.

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GUELPH – Ontario Veterinary College professor and forensic veterinarian Dr. Shane Bateman decided to take a stand against animal abuse/neglect and now empowers the next generation to be the voice for the voiceless.

In 2018 Bateman attended a conference for Humane Canada, an animal welfare advocacy organization.

“[It] focused on bringing together interdisciplinary professionals to discuss how cruelty against animals is part of a cycle of family violence that affects children, intimate partners and elders in the home,” Bateman told the Advertiser, noting the cycle is often called “the violence link.”

During the conference, veterinarian Dr. Melinda Merck spoke about victims of animal abuse and how they rarely see justice in the current system.

“She was the inspiring force” behind Bateman’s actions today, he said.

Bateman and colleague Emily Brouwer now teach final-year students ways to identify and report animal abuse with confidence.

“When asked, almost 90 per cent, and sometimes higher, of veterinarians will say ‘yes I believe that I have … seen a patient that has been intentionally harmed,” he said.

• New project teaches veterinarians to recognize, investigate equine cruelty

But according to Bateman only 30 to 40% report these cases.

“I think it comes down to education. This hasn’t been something that has been taught in the curriculum,” he said.

That’s where the educational rotation comes in.

The veterinary forensic science elective rotation is offered to students in final last year, when they deal with real world situations and experiential learning.

“[We] try to create as close to real life as we can go, so that students aren’t afraid of the judicial system,” Bateman said.

“It’s all part of ensuring the story of what happened to this animal falls on ears and (it’s a) personal call to action for every person, every professional that’s involved.”

One of the exercises is a mock crime scene that prepares students to present an animal case to volunteer lawyers who act as defence attorneys and prosecutors.

Two students participating in a mock crime scene involving animal abuse. Submitted photo

“Students need to understand they’re a really important part of the overall process,” Bateman said.

He listed key issues in the justice system regarding animal abuse cases.

“The first is the way that animal welfare and the legal view of animals has developed, has really come from a very strong colonial lens,” he explained.

“Animals were always believed to be dumb creatures that couldn’t feel, that couldn’t think … and that humans were supposed to care for them.”

With that attitude, animals found a place within the law as property.

“When we look at the fines, punishments and jail sentences that arise from crimes against animals, they are sort of in the same line as major property crime,” Bateman said.

As much as he wishes for change in the legislature, it doesn’t come without controversy.

“These kinds of positive and progressive changes are often met with fear and backlash, especially from animal producer organizations … that utilize animals,” he said.

According to Bateman, most of the Criminal Code that applies to animals was written in 1892, with barely any updates since, leading to an increase in crimes against animals.

“As a result, every province also has its own animal welfare act that deals with anything the Criminal Code isn’t,” he said.

The investigation process tends to “land on the shoulders of charitable organizations” that are then responsible for funding.

Expensive investigations can also be a deterrent in animal cases.

“There’s not good data to understand. We can’t compare from province to province, and we certainly don’t have any national data,” Bateman said.

According to Statistics Canada, no data is collected on animal cruelty or animal testing. Bateman explained domestic violence and family violence were “out of control” during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There was a dramatic increase in the number of people who were harmed,” Bateman said.

“And what we know about the violence link is that violence didn’t just happen to intimate partners.

“We can’t lose sight of the fact that animals are in the crossfire too.”

Someone may be a pillar of the community or on the outside have a beautiful farm/house, but “these things happen in the dark” and that’s something he aims to teach his students.

“The human mind is cruel and awful sometimes,” he said.

Bateman asks police officers to be aware and get involved in investigations related to animal crime.

“[Police] have all the authority an animal welfare investigator has in Ontario,” he said.

“They don’t necessarily see that as being in their job description sometimes, but it’s really important.”

He urges officers with questions to contact a local veterinarian who can provide support and resources.

Bateman is also developing an educational training course for equine veterinarians across Canada.

The series will comprise of a webinar on Sept. 18 and a full-day workshop on Oct. 1.

“Horses are such an important part of our life,” he said.

“The laws in Canada tend to be very focused on dogs, cats or farm animals.”

Horses tend to bridge the gap between the home and farm.

The workshop is for graduated veterinarians who want to learn about identification factors of abuse in horses and who to report to gain justice in the barn.

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MINTO – The Clifford Community Hall may be home to a 70-space child care facility sometime in the near future.

KinderRise Academy representative Kasia Baniak presented a proposal for an early learning centre to Minto council on Aug. 12.

“Our proposed licensed centre will meet the growing demand for spaces in underserved areas while supporting the goals of the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care System (CWELCC),” she explained.

CWELCC aims to provide more accessible child care options and to lower fees.

Baniak identified a significant gap in licensed child care spaces in rural areas, noting the access rates fall “well below” the provincial goal of 37 per cent.

The proposed centre at 2 William St. N. would have a capacity for 70 children, including nine infants, 45 toddlers and 16 preschoolers.

“By investing in this project council members will be helping to create an essential community asset,” said Baniak.

“One that reduces wait lists, strengthens family stability [and] supports workforce participation.”

As for how much the project will cost, Baniak told the Advertiser, “There’s no way to tell at this point, we’re not in the financial part of it yet.”

The county is to provide funding through CWELCC but “it’s already been communicated that they do not have enough funding already,” Baniak said.

She added the county will be allocating per-space funding, but she isn’t sure of specifics as the project is in the early stages.

Based on the service agreement with the county, KinderRise will have to be operational by the end of 2026.

“We are hoping we don’t have to wait that long,” she said.

No draft designs have been created to transform the Clifford hall, but Baniak said her vision is to “provide care to these little people who are our future.”

Councillor Judy Dirkson asked if KinderRise is a franchise, to which Baniak replied, “We have an expansion that is in Wellington County, York region [and] Peel (region).

“We’re starting here [as] we believe the smaller communities that are underserved have a greater need for childcare spaces.

“If all is approved by the county and Minto, this will be the first KinderRise daycare in all the areas mentioned.

“We have a CWELCC application in Peel region that’s being reviewed,” she said.

“We have to align with the timelines of the municipalities and regions that distribute the funding.”

The proposed centre would occupy the community hall from Monday to Friday.

“We have looked at the Clifford Community Hall as an opportunity given its availability currently,” chief administrative officer Gregg Furtney told council.

Baniak noted the academy will be starting from the ground up and is actively looking to hire staff.

“It’s certainly sorely needed in our community,” said  Mayor Dave Turton.

“If people don’t have a place to take their children, then we’re in trouble.”

Director of economic and community development Belinda Wick-Graham noted the town’s business retention expansion survey identifies the continued challenge of childcare.

Fifty surveys have been completed, she said, with childcare identified as a disadvantage for businesses in Minto.

Council unanimously agreed to direct staff to prepare and forward a letter of  intent and support to KinderRise Academy, which will be provided to the county.

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Caution: This story contains details of racism that readers may find upsetting.

FERGUS – Parents of Black children are speaking out about repeated racism they say has been directed at their kids, both online and in public spaces.

 “People say racism isn’t bad anymore, but it’s very alive and well in Fergus,” Kasandra Coleman said. 

Kids are called the N-word  walking down the street,  experience racism at parks, splashpads and schools, and are sent racist messages online, she said.

She wants parents to know “what their children are out there doing and saying.”

“What kind of community are we if we can’t protect the children from this kind of blatant racism?” Coleman asked.

Nadiya Nicoll said her eight- and 11-year-old children have been called the N-word “many times” in Fergus.

This summer, while they played at a park near their home, Nicoll’s children said two boys “started throwing around the N-word.” 

One boy then “put his hand around [Nicoll’s eight-year-old’s] throat to choke him,” while the other chanted the N-word under his breath, she said.

Her son used what he learned in karate and hit the child in the nose to stop him.

The two boys ran away, and their dad came to ask who hit his son. 

Nicoll said her children explained what happened, including the N-word and choking, and the dad said “Okay, as long as everyone is okay.”

That incident was the last straw for Nicoll, who said she no longer feels safe in Fergus. 

It was part of a pattern, with peers frequently asking her kids for an “N-word pass,” meaning they want permission to say it, she said. Her kids say no, but their peers often say it regardless. 

Nicoll’s 11-year-old told her, “‘I don’t want to be brown anymore, I’m ashamed,’” she said, adding, “That felt like a punch to the stomach.” 

It’s important for young children to feel included, she said, and her daughter is feeling ostracized instead.

Nicoll and her husband are exploring options for their children to attend high school outside Fergus, as they said high schools here are not safe for Black students.  

They’ve lived in Fergus since 2015, and Nicoll said she likely wouldn’t have come if she’d known how bad the racism would be. She said she has tried to work with school officials, but little has been done. 

• Black Parents Council, school board at odds over group’s delegation refusal
• UGDSB appoints lawyers for human rights review
• UGDSB human rights practices to be reviewed by independent third party
• Parents pen public letter alleging ‘Black children in UGDSB are not safe’
• School board should do more to prevent, address anti-Black racism: parents

It seems all the students get is a “slap on the wrist,” which doesn’t stop them from repeating the behaviours.  

Signs posted throughout schools about inclusivity feel like “a façade” when little is done to stop racism, she said.

“I would like to see more tangible accountability and stronger punishments,” she said. “I just want to see action, not just talk.”

Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) human rights, equity and accessibility comissioner Alicia Ralph said the board “acknowledge that acts of anti-Black racism, including the use of the N-word and other racist language, occur in our schools.”

This is not supported or tolerated, she said, and “when incidents occur, we take swift, decisive action to respond, ensure appropriate discipline and provide education” while centering impacted students.

“Students engaging in anti-Black racist behaviour face serious repercussions.”

The UGDSB is in the midst of a human rights review, which Ralph said will help officials respond to anti-Black racism with more accountability and transparency.  

Wellington Catholic District School Board  (WCDSB) officials stated “we do not tolerate racism … in our schools,” and incidents are “taken very seriously.” 

They encourage people to report racist incidents at schools to staff or through the board website. 

The WCDSB “actively prioritizes creating safe, inclusive environments … [and is] proud to be a diverse community,” officials stated. 

“All students are educated about the importance and contributions of diverse cultures, including Black history and excellence.”  

For Josie M’Msafiri, education is key. 

“Kids only know what they’re taught,” she said, adding they’re exposed to racist language through social media, music and at home, and repeat words without understanding the implications.

“It’s getting out of hand with our youth,” who are using the N-word as though it’s regular, day-to-day language, M’Msafiri said. 

A group of Fergus youth added M’Msafiri’s son and a Black friend of his to a group chat and wrote “You N-ers get out of here,” and “You don’t belong here, N-ers,” she said.  

Incidents like this lead children to “hate the colour they are and begin to hate who they are because they don’t fit in,” she noted.

It made M’Msafiri and her son fear for his safety.

Education is needed so  children understand the historic context of racism and its impact, she said.

That’s why she visits schools to talk with students about bullying and inclusion. 

It’s important that this education go beyond “Black excellence,” she said, which is where schools often focus.

Children should understand the challenges Black people have to overcome to achieve success, M’Msafiri said, and should know the ancestors of many Black people were slaves. 

And they should be taught how the N-word was used to justify slavery,  and that Black people were often called it while facing extreme violence, she added, so children understand why the word is threatening.

Ralph said UGDSB officials “agree that celebrating Black excellence must be paired with deeper learning about Black history and the lived realities of Black communities in the present day.” 

M’Msafiri said the onus shouldn’t be on school boards alone to educate – it should begin at home. Parents should start by educating themselves – reading books and connecting with people in their community.

She said the local Black community in Fergus would host educational events if people reached out.  

Learning about history and working to understand how it continues to impact people today helps people learn how to be more mindful and treat minorities with dignity and respect, she said.   

“Our ancestors fought so hard,” she said, which makes it even more important to stand against racism today. 

The impacts of racism are exacerbated in small communities, M’Msafiri said, as there is less diversity so kids may feel alone as one of few Black students in their schools and without Black teachers to turn to. 

She said there isn’t enough diversity for most white children to have Black friends, which makes it even more important to educate them about people’s culture and background. 

But Fergus is becoming more diverse so it’s important to create a community where everyone feels welcome, safe and included, M’Msafiri said.  

“We are all human beings living in the same community,” she said. “We have a lot to offer, and our children will have a lot to offer.”

And Fergus has a lot to offer too, she said, and could build a strong reputation for being diverse and inclusive if people worked to educate themselves and their children. 

The post Fergus youth face racism at school, parks, online: parents appeared first on Wellington Advertiser.

FERGUS  – Tucked along the lush green banks of the Grand River in Fergus, author Sonia Day lounges on her back porch quietly reflecting on not only her latest novel, but her lifelong writing career.

“I’ve been a writer all my life, and I’m quite proud of the fact that I’ve always earned a living as a writer,” said Day.

She began her career as a reporter, working for different newspapers all over the world. 

However, it was her sudden passion for gardening that took her career to the next level.

“I got interested in gardening when I was middle aged simply because I bought a house,” said Day. 

“I got interested in growing things.”

• Sonia Day has written second novel in three-book series

It was this love of gardening that led her to work as a gardening columnist for the Toronto Star, and ultimately writing her Sisters of the Soil novel series – including her latest award-winning novel The Newfoundland Lunch Party: A Sisters of the Soil novel. With recipes.

“This book really came out of my adventures working for the Toronto Star as their gardening columnist,” Day said with a smile.

The Newfoundland Lunch Party was awarded a Gold Laurel Medal from GardenComm International in July.

“I’m very flattered because it won a gold medal. There are only five recipients of gold medals,” said Day. 

GardenComm Inter-national is a U.S.-based  organization that showcases garden and growing enthusiasts from all around the world. 

Submissions range from books and magazines, to TV shows and blogs – anything that communicates a love of gardening and growing.

“I had [originally] heard that I got a silver medal, and there were about 20 of those,” said Day excitedly.

“I was excited about that and then discovered that I was one of the people selected for gold.”

The Sisters of the Soil series follows a group of women brought together by their love of horticulture. 

The group meets every few years in a new location, where friendship, horticulture and adventure take hold.

“These women, they’re all different nationalities, from different countries, and become friends and call themselves ‘the sisters of the soil,’” said Day. 

The Newfoundland Lunch Party follows the group to Newfoundland, where a horticultural discovery leaves them baffled. 

This discovery attracts the unwanted attention of the protagonist and plunges the women into an unexpected adventure.

Day chose Newfoundland as the setting for the book due to her immense love for the province.

“I discovered the place about 10 years ago through a friend who has a house there,” Day told the Advertiser. 

 “And I’ve been going there [ever] since. It’s like a world away from the rest of Canada. It really is like a different country.”

Day reflected on the reaction to her latest novel, saying the biggest compliment is that “people are willing to pay money to read it.”

Day expressed deep gratitude to her supporters and offered aspiring authors and poets a final piece of advice.

“Don’t listen too much to other people and don’t tell people what you’re working on until it’s done,” she said.

“Because people will always be saying to you, ‘Oh you should write about this, write about that.’ This is your thing. It’s not theirs.”

To learn more about Day or purchase a copy of her novels, visit soniaday.com.

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Laverne was born April 24th, 1944 in Elmira, Ontario to Cleason and Elizabeth “Lizzy” Martin. He grew up with two older brothers and three older sisters Harvey, Reta, Elsie, Margaret and Earl. Laverne attended New Jerusalem Public School. It was a one-room schoolhouse with one teacher and eight grades (after elementary school he worked on the farm before seeking employment elsewhere). Martin’s Feed Mill in Elmira was owned by Laverne’s uncle so he started working in the feed mill until he was old enough to start his truck driving career. He drove for a few trucking companies before Challanger Motor Freight where Laverne received the 5 Million Miles Accident Free Award.

Laverne married Adele Brubacher on October 12th, 1965. He also learned some carpentry skills from his father-in-law Tobias “Toby” (Selina) Brubacher which were put to good use when they built the first house, then also the second house in Conestogo. This is where they raised their four children Derek (Linda) Martin, Sue Anne (Brian Lammert) Trevor (Merly) Martin, Elizabeth (Mike Gingrich). Loving Grandfather of Caelan (Abby) Martin, Micah Martin, Samantha Lammert& Chris Weileder, Cody & Kristen Lammert, Katie Lammert (John), Austin Gingrich and Haley Gingrich. Cherished great-grandfather of Blake Robert Lammert.

Laverne and Adele shared 60 years of marriage with Christ at the centre of our family enjoying much travel and family celebrations together including BBQ’d steak in the living room fire place at Christmas. A family gathering was not complete without Laverne’s Kettle Popcorn; he always enjoyed carrying a tune on his harmonicas.

Thank you to the medical team of Doctors and nurses at St. Thomas Hospital and Victoria Hospital in London, especially the staff at Sukura House Hospice in Woodstock.

Friends and family will be received at North Park Church (1510 Fanshawe Park Road E., London) on Wednesday August 20th from 1:30-3:30 pm. Burial at Siloam Cemetery. The Funeral Service will commence at North Park Church following the burial.

Message of condolence may be placed at www.MemorialFuneral.ca. Please consider donations to the Sakura House Hospice or North Park Go Mission Services.

www.MemorialFuneral.ca