Erin Home Show cancelled for 2018

The East Wellington Chamber of Commerce (EWCC) is taking a break from staging the Erin Home Show this spring, but plans to bring it back with a renewed format in April 2019.

Notices of the cancellation went out to previous exhibitors on Feb. 22. EWCC took over the show from the town several years ago, and it has attracted good public attendance at Centre 2000.

EWCC Vice Chair Chris Bailey said the amount of volunteer time required to put on the show was one of the factors.

In addition, EWCC is going through a reorganization with several new board members, and they are taking time to plan how the group will operate, and how the Home Show will fit into that plan.

“We will be reaching out for input from businesses and the public,” he said.

Community Improvement Plan takes shape

An open house on Feb. 13 will present the public with various options for the Town of Erin Community Improvement Plan (CIP), expected to launch this spring.

Town council has endorsed the general idea of the program, which will provide grants or loans to local businesses to help pay eligible costs for physical improvements that will benefit the community.

Initial funding of $20,000 has been approved for the CIP, which could cover the entire town. A variety of incentive programs will be possible, but there has been no decision yet on which ones would initially be used.

The Feb. 13 open house will be held at Centre 2000, 6 to 8 p.m. There will be a presentation at 6.30 p.m., light refreshments and a question and answer time.

 “The main focus will be getting input from the community,” said Economic Development Officer Robyn Mulder.

Council received an update on the plan at their Jan. 16 meeting from Mulder, and Nancy Reid of Stantec, the consultant hired to help design the program. It would work in cooperation with a Wellington County CIP called Invest Well, which could provide additional support in Erin.

“The CIP should help reshape the town and provide support for certain types of redevelopment,” said Mulder. “It should communicate that the town is ‘open for business’. It could generate revenue to help balance out the taxes in this town, and attract other investors.”

Substantial improvements to buildings would mean greater tax assessment, though one of the possible incentives could defer those tax increases.

The ratio of grants to loans has not been determined, but repayment of loans could put money back into the program.

Other incentives include façade, signage and property improvements, accessibility projects, design and study funding, and building conversions and expansions.

Councillor Matt Sammut was concerned that the program not cast too wide a net. “I don’t want to put public money into private hands and have no value to the community,” he said.

Mulder assured him that council will still have input on the eligibility criteria, and that the experience of other communities shows that business owners invested substantially in the projects. The total value of the construction was three to five times more than the grants in Haldimand County, Elgin County and the Township of Centre Wellington.

Mayor’s Breakfast good for information and connections

As published in The Erin Advocate

The Mayor‘s bi-annual breakfast meetings can be useful not only to business people, but to anyone willing to get up early for an update on activities at the Town and County, and a chance to talk to other people who care about local affairs.

Al Alls hosted one at David’s Restaurant on January 19, including presentations by Economic Development Officer Robyn Mulder, her Wellington counterpart Jana Burns and County Warden George Bridge.

The mayor covered a few highlights of recent Town activities, such as digging out soft spots and old corduroy logs during reconstruction of 17 Sideroad, replacing rotted boards at Hull’s Dam and installing new boards at the Hillsburgh arena – which could become a sledge hockey centre.

He took the opportunity to publicly introduce two new members of Town staff, Michael Tapp (IT Systems Administration) and Carol House (Chief Building Official), and to remind people that the Town would like to hold a major celebration for Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017.

He stressed the importance of getting the Wastewater Environmental Assessment done during this term of council, and of implementing the Momentum Economic Action Plan to build up the commercial and industrial tax base.

“We need to kickstart this community and get it going,” he said. “The Town is open for business.”

Warden Bridge said Wellington is actively promoting local benefits to potential new residents.

“We want make sure people understand that they can do everything they can do in the big city, and have a quality of life they will never have the big city.”

He said rural areas and small towns need access to reliable, high speed internet, especially for high-tech farms and home-based entrepreneurs. The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus is working on a $287 million project called SWIFT, to build a fibre optic cable backbone that would enable private firms to deliver the service more economically.

They’re hoping for $100 million from the federal government and $50 million from the province, plus major private sector investment to make the plan a reality. He points out there are 3.5 million people living to the west of the GTA-Hamilton area who don’t get enough support from senior governments. He said municipal property taxes cannot bear the cost of needed improvements, so major infrastructure funding is needed.

Robyn Mulder said that she would be producing a monthly Business Newsletter for Erin. There is a section of the Town website, erin.ca, dedicated to economic development, with links to various reports and initiatives.

For example, business respondents are needed for the EmployerOne Survey, by the Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin. It will analyze hiring trends and recruitment strategies, to provide guidance to schools, community partners and government on the local labour market.

Jana Burns highlighted some County initiatives, including Global Talent Attraction, which helps businesses access the people they need from the “talent pool”. That’s one part of the Business Retention and Expansion project, which this year will focus on the downtown retail sector.

Burns also highlighted the promotion of events, especially the 2016 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, to be held September 20-24 in Harriston. It will bring in about 75,000 visitors, an opportunity to promote Wellington’s assets, including food and entertainment.

They continue to promote the Taste•Real initiative, with the Source It Here food networking event February 8 at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre near Guelph.

The County is also working on a visitors map, a signage strategy, live & work bus tours, an Agri-Food Forum on international trade, and has released a Welcome to Wellington video that features Erin.

Residents’ Association builds neighbourhood connections

As published in The Erin Advocate

The Erin Residents’ Association (ERA) has been building new links of friendship and support in the community, and is inviting more people to get involved.

“We try to connect people with each other,” said founder David Spencer, who saw the benefit of a multi-interest group, in addition to existing networks such as service clubs, church groups and sports associations.

The spark was a series of power blackouts in recent years, where there was a need for more support among neighbours and communication with the Town and Ontario Hydro. The group has succeeded in getting a transformer replaced. They are also keeping the Town informed about burned-out or malfunctioning streetlights.

The primary activity, however, is community building, including social events, encouraging people to support local businesses and an informal Neighbourhood Watch effort to promote a safe environment and provide information to the OPP when necessary.

The group is marking its first anniversary with a fundraising dinner at David’s Restaurant this Saturday, November 28, at 5:30 pm. Tickets are $40. Funds raised will go to finance ERA projects and charity initiatives within the village of Erin.

More information about the dinner and the group is available at erinresidents.wordpress.com, and Spencer can be contacted at https://erinresidents.wordpress.com/contact/

There is a regular e-newsletter with information on coming events (like the Teen Battle of The Bands), local services (like the Education Workshops hosted by the East Wellington Family Health Team) and links to other community organizations (like Transition Erin). Past issues of the newsletter are available on-line through Google Groups.

The ERA is inclusive and non-political, and membership is free. People can sign up as members, or just to receive the newsletter.

Volunteers are needed to expand the group’s activities, which could include making residents more aware of all the goods and services that can be purchased in Erin. Businesses can arrange to have their name and web link on the Resources page of the ERA website.

“It is sad to see stores and restaurants closing,” said Spencer. He is a teacher in Peel, and one of the people who helped start Erin Radio following the major power blackout of 2003.

There are no strict boundaries for ERA membership, but their area of interest is Erin village, with about 30-40 active participants. They have organized activities such as bowling, campfires, dog days, street parties, home music jams and yard sales, and have made an effort to welcome new families that move to the village. They help educate people about how to maintain a septic system.

Members have the option of sharing information about their children, to promote connections between families with children of similar ages, and about their dogs, to facilitate joint dog walking.

If the organization expands in the future, Spencer said there is the possibility of having different zones in the Town, so people could connect with their relatively close neighbours, but also be part of a larger community group.

The ERA is separate from other local organizations such as the Hills of Erin Residents’ Group, which is focused on opposition to expansion of the CBM gravel pit north of Hillsburgh. It is also separate from the Concerned Erin Citizens (CEC) group, which is focused on concerns about local taxation, spending and wastewater issues.

Mayor says wastewater essential for economic growth

As published in The Erin Advocate

Mayor Al Alls continues to push for an Environmental Assessment (EA) of wastewater options, saying that sewer service is essential for economic growth.

He provided an update on economic development initiatives during a breakfast meeting for local business people on May 6 at David’s Restaurant.

“We’ve changed our idea of economic development in Erin and we want to do more,” said Alls. “We all need to work together – there’s no one route.”

Economic Development Coordinator Bob Cheetham has brought together a 14-member advisory committee to develop a 4-year Action Plan. Community focus groups will have a chance to provide input before it goes to council for approval in July.

“It’s a pretty aggressive plan to move forward, but we need to get moving on it,” said Cheetham. The mayor has been promoting a more helpful approach by Town staff, and said council wants to hear from people with ideas for investment or improvement to the Town’s service to businesses.

Calling wastewater the “elephant in the room”, Alls said council will make a definite decision on proceeding with the EA in June, which is expected to cost $200,000 per year over three years. He said the town has been “stymied” in its development, and that a plan is needed before senior governments will consider providing the essential funding of at least 66%.

“It is money well-spent in my opinion,” said Alls. “It is a gamble, but if you don’t take that first step in the journey, you’re not going to get through, and you’re not going to get this town to grow. We want it to grow – not to go crazy, but we need it to grow.

“Erin has been stalled, and we want to get it going. I want to make Erin the economic engine for Wellington County.”

On hand at the breakfast to promote Wellington County’s commitment to economic growth were Warden George Bridge, CAO Scott Wilson and Economic Development Officer Jana Reichert.

The County has developed an Economic Development Strategy and Sector Investment Profiles. They are actively recruiting new investment by Canadian and international firms, as well as supporting expansion plans for existing businesses.

They have an on-line business directory, promote a wide range of festivals and events, publish profiles of local businesses and have provided a grant of $25,000 to support Erin’s economic development activities.

Bridge said Minto has dealt with some of the same challenges facing Erin and has succeeded in boosting commercial and industrial assessment by more than 10%. They have programs that provide business plan advice, mentors and an incubation program for entrepreneurs. There is also a plan to attract “alumni” – people who grew up in the community and might want to move back and set up a business.

Cheetham showed off the banners that Erin now uses at public events, promoting the town as a destination and a place to live, with a thriving economy. He has been working with the Business Improvement Area, the Chamber of Commerce and Headwaters Tourism (no longer “Hills of Headwaters”).

He said Erin will soon be part of the Headwaters Parade of Horses, a series of 25 outdoor fiberglass horse sculptures painted in a whimsical fashion by various artists – like the moose sculptures of a few years ago in the Toronto area. There will be one at McMillan Park in Erin village and another at Century Church Theatre in Hillsburgh.

With 400 horse farms, Erin wants to to highlight this major base of business during the equine events in Caledon and Mono that are part this summer’s Pan-Am Games.

Town seeks Economic Development volunteers

As published in The Erin Advocate

Erin’s new Town Council is appealing for participation from all sectors of the community as it establishes an Economic Development Committee.

Bob Cheetham, the Town’s Economic Development Coordinator, presented the Terms of Reference (TOR) to councillors on December 16, and they gave unanimous support.

“This has got to work,” said Councillor Matt Sammut. “I’m really hoping our community steps forward and we get some really good economic minds that are passionate about this. We need our economy to not only stabilize, but revitalize.”

The committee will help create an action plan and be dedicated to the “economic well-being and future prosperity of the community”. Principles will include enhanced quality of life and “responsible and sustainable growth”.

Councillor Jeff Duncan noted that the local economy consists of residents and businesses, not the Town.

“The government can’t make this stuff happen,” he said. “We can facilitate and try our best to get things to happen, but we really do need some good people to really drive this and make it successful.”

Councillor John Brennan, who has represented Erin at the Wellington County Municipal Economic Development Group and Hills of Headwaters Tourism, said the timing is right for this initiative, with opportunities to leverage funding from various sources.

“What starts out as a relatively modest investment by the Town grows into something that can really make some great change. We’re never going to get a better opportunity,” he said.

Specifics of the mandate include marketing the Town as a destination, enhancing growth in specific sectors, identifying new trends and looking for partnerships.

Cheetham said the TOR follows the general principles of several others he has been worked on, and of earlier consultations in Erin. Calls for expressions of interest will be advertised in local media, and the TOR is available at www.erin.ca.

“The make-up of the committee is sectoral, with broad-based representation from the community, which is important if you are going to have good collaboration and a bottom-up approach,” said Cheetham.

Although he’s only been on the job for a month, he says, “This is a community with a heart. I’ve seen that. It’s got all kinds of potential. The assets are there. They just need that vehicle to move them forward. And we’ll be coming back to the rest of you in the community to be part of that.”

Mayor Al Alls noted that County Councillor Pierre Brianceau has a seat on the County Economic Development Committee and that the new Warden, George Bridge is a strong supporter of the process.

Members will be appointed to the Town committee by a vote of council. Prospective members will fill out an application by January 15, where they will indicate their interests, experience and priorities. Those will be reviewed by Town staff, who will make recommendations at the next council meeting on who should be appointed.

Initially, one member of council will be appointed as the committee chair. The normal term of committee membership will be three years. The meetings will be open to the public.

The committee will have no binding authority, but will advise and assist council. They will report to Chief Administrative Officer Kathryn Ironmonger or her designate. They will normally communicate to council through staff, but may appear before council as a delegation.

They will be expected to seek consensus and normally the majority opinion would be communicated to council. On matters of significant disagreement, the chair will have the option of reporting minority positions to council.

The committee will have up to 14 members and the Town hopes to include representatives of commercial and industrial businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Improvement Area, agriculture, the equine sector, recreation, culture, tourism, education, health care, information technology, social services and youth (18-24).

‘Tis the season for shopping close to home

As published in Country Routes

Whether you are looking for toys, clothing, food, practical supplies or indulgent specialty products, shops in the Erin area offer a wide selection for Christmas shoppers, with competitive prices and plenty of friendly personal service.

“We’re not just here to make the Town look nice,” said Chris Bailey of Brighten Up Toys and Games, the new chair of the Business Improvement Area (BIA).

Stores were beautifully decorated and very busy during Erin’s 12th Annual Window Wonderland last Friday night. They are ready to compete not just for tourist shoppers, but also for the business of Erin residents.

Here are a few gift ideas.

Brighten Up is always on the lookout for toys, games and puzzles that are a little bit different, but still meet the essential criteria – fun, durable, easy to learn and use, promoting creativity and reasonably priced.

He likes products such as the Imagine I Can Magnetic Play Sets, which have abstract shapes that kids use to create scenes and dress up characters. A float-along bath book for young children, with an attached collection of bath toys has also caught his attention.

“It’s popular with grandparents,” he said.

For older kids, teens and adults, one of his favourite games is Magic Labyrinth. Players are on a quest for rewards, with the game pieces guiding a magnetic ball through a hidden, changeable maze. Drop the ball and you’re back to square one.

“We look for games that are challenging, but still accessible,” he said. They sell traditional products such as Monopoly, wooden toys and building sets – including Lego at the same price you’d pay at Walmart.

Chris Bailey of Brighten Up Toys and Games    

Just down the street, Budson Farm and Feed is known for providing a wide selection of products, going beyond the needs of the farm community. Owner Alf Budweth wants to “bring people back to a traditional feeling” with practical gifts such as riding boots, toboggans and bird feeders (plus bird seed, of course), and clothing that ranges from whimsical onesie pyjamas to warm mitts, stylish hats and durable winter coats.

“We make a conscious effort to be different from the big stores,” said Manager Carol Wetering. They’ve created a farm store meeting place atmosphere and set up pathways of animal tracks on the floor that kids can follow to colouring stations. They got kindergarten and Grade 1 kids from Erin Public School to decorate their Christmas tree, and provide a stable full of animals to a village in Africa instead of buying gifts for their business associates.

Budson’s also offers a wide array of supplies for Erin’s many horse farms, while household gifts include dish towels, pet supplies, eco-soy candles and farm-themed toys.

Carol Wetering and Alf Budweth of Budson Farm and Feed    

On Old Main Street in Belfountain, Credit Creek Country Store provides a good browsing experience, with lots of affordable clothing, home decor and jewellery. Over the past 25 years, owner Linda Lewis has perfected the art of choosing products that move well in the Christmas gift-buying season.

These include Canadian-made sweaters, novelty gift books, floor puzzles and cute Jellycat stuffed animals. Clothing is the primary focus, with stocking stuffers such as pepperoni-print socks, plus unique scarves, hats, mitts and handbags.

There are gifts tailored to people with special hobbies such as cycling or golf, and themed earrings that you won’t find at the mall. In the personal care section there are coordinated soap products that can be combined as gifts, and hand sanitizers with funny sayings.

Decoration needs are well met, not just for the Christmas tree, but for various areas of the home, with flour sack tea towels, many types of candles, objects of art and craft creations that are suitable for any season.

Linda Lewis of Credit Creek Country Store