Angelstone zoning approved by OMB

A challenge to the zoning of the Angelstone Farms show jumping facility on Wellington Road 50 has been rejected by the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).

Frederick and Nancy Gilbert who live next to the facility complained about the disruption of their rural lifestyle caused by an annual series of tournaments, attracting up to 1,000 spectators.

They argued at a five-day OMB hearing that the entertainment aspect of the events was not a proper agricultural use of the property.

Angelstone and the Town of Erin argued successfully that the farm’s primary use is horse training, and the events are a permissible secondary “value added” activity within the bylaw. They said adequate measures had been taken, as demanded by the town, to offset complaints about noise, traffic, trespassing and bright light.

The hearing was conducted by OMB member Sharyn Vincent. She ruled that the “innovative techniques” used by the Angelstone business are in the public interest, do not hinder neighbouring agricultural operations, and conform to the official plan, provincial policy and Ontario’s growth plan.

She ordered that the maximum number of event days be limited to 25 per year.

Angelstone originally held its equestrian events without proper zoning, but was allowed to continue under a series of temporary zoning bylaws. Last April, Erin council approved permanent zoning for the operation.

Former County Planning Director Gary Cousins told council he believes the show jumping, plus musical entertainment and the sale of merchandise, food and beverages, qualifies as a permitted use in an agricultural area.

Ambitious plan studied for economic development

As published in The Erin Advocate

Erin’s new Economic Development Action Plan outlines a series of initiatives that will build some valuable momentum towards a stronger community, for the benefit of local businesses and residents.

Town council received the first draft of the plan, written by Economic Development Coordinator Bob Cheetham, on August 11. They hope to finalize it in September, as a guide for the next four years.

“It’s an aggressive plan – a roadmap to follow,” said Cheetham. “It’s a transparent process, and it’s always open to change. It will take the leadership of the municipal council to foster a proactive, collaborative presence and respond to the desire for change and managed growth within the Town of Erin.”

Written comments and suggestions from the public about the 68-page draft plan were requested by August 25 – a very brief opportunity, especially during the summer.

On the other hand, people have had many opportunities to comment on most of these issues in recent years, and can provide input to council and staff at any time.

The Action Plan draft can be downloaded from the Economic Development page, under Departments on the Town website, www.erin.ca.

Even if you don’t expect to offer suggestions, the document is a good read for anyone who cares about the community – an overview of what’s going on, or could soon be surfacing.

On September 3, the draft and the public comments will go for further discussion to the Erin Economic Development Committee, which along with four sector focus groups helped create the plan. The final version will be presented to Town Council for approval on September 15.

If councillors disagree with parts of the Action Plan, or feel that more public input is needed, they should seek agreement on amending it or deferring some sections. But they must avoid the trap of endless talk and no action. Some version of the plan should be approved soon, to move the process to specific measures in a “doing” phase.

The plan is not carved in stone, but is rather a framework in which “action” can actually take place. Council should choose some targets and get on with them.

While there are 51 initiatives in the plan, six are rated as “top priority”. One is to hire an Economic Development Officer – Cheetham has been on a one-year contract since last November, and expects to pass the torch to a permanent staff person.

Others include establishment of an overall Community Improvement Plan that would benefit targeted areas. There should be applications for funding for a feasibility study on a Riverside Trail / Boardwalk, and for developing Erin as an “Equine Hub”.

The Plan urges council to develop terms of reference for the Wastewater Environmental Assessment and to move forward with it, and to provide direction on which urban areas should get sewer servicing.

All of the suggested actions work towards achieving various goals: fostering a more positive business climate, building partnerships with business groups and government agencies, establishing Erin as a premier location for equine enthusiasts, promoting the town as a tourism destination and developing a sustainable economy.

Some actions relate to retaining existing business, supporting the development of under-used business properties, encouraging growth in sectors where Erin has an advantage and diversifying the economy to be more resilient.

Here is a sampling of just a few of the other action items:

• Develop a Community Profile (print and web-based);

• Work with the County for a Main Street Crosswalk in Erin village;

• Undertake a Trails Master Plan;

• Establish public washroom facilities in Erin village;

• Host a regular Business Showcase event;

• Undertake an “Open for Business” marketing campaign;

• Promote Bed and Breakfast businesses;

• Work with Headwaters Tourism on a Four-Seasons Attractions Strategy;

• Investigate a St. Patrick’s Day Festival in March;

• Investigate a winter skating environment on the Charles Street pond;

• Undertake a Transportation and Parking Plan for the urban centres of Hillsburgh and Erin village.

Catching a glimpse of steampunk horsepower

As published in The Erin Advocate
The title of the painted horse sculpture at McMillan Park, which has arrived during the Pan Am Games as part of the Headwaters Parade of Horses, has had a few people scratching their heads.

The words of “Future Past 2412” make sense enough. The work is in the steampunk mode, which uses imagery of old-fashioned steam powered mechanics and Victorian aesthetics to create a futuristic style of art, as well as science fiction, attire and lifestyle.

But what about the 2412? Could it be a secret code or an allusion to something that will happen 397 years from now? Or maybe an obscure numerological reference – 24 being the 12th even number, the number of ribs in the human body and the number of furlongs in one league.

Clicking around the world wide web got me nowhere, so I just emailed the artists, Eva Folks and Judy Sherman, and asked about the horse’s name.

“We decided we wanted to add something personal to his name,” said Folks. “Judy came up with the idea of using our birthdays. I’m July 24th and Judy is September 12th. So there is the 2412. Mystery solved.”

The idea of man-made mechanics as part of a living being is central to the steampunk genre. The fiberglass horse stands 15 hands tall and appears to be held together with leather straps, chains, rivets, nuts and bolts, and has an ornate steam gauge that recalls the industrial revolution. There are portals into its interior showing a fiery furnace, gears and a gentleman with his hand on a lever. He is formally dressed, with a Victorian mustache and round goggles that are a trademark of steampunk fashion. 

He reminds me of Captain Nemo, from the 1870 science fiction novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, by Jules Verne. Nemo is a mysterious, vengeful scientist; a foe of imperialism; a connoisseur of art and technology; an anti-hero who roams the oceans in the battery-powered submarine Nautilus. He has been adopted by steampunk culture.

Folks said the man was nicknamed George Frankenstein IV by two young friends of the artists who saw the painting in progress. Strangely enough, Mary Shelley’s gothic Frankenstein character from 1818 is also a favourite of steampunkers because of its quest for identity and the experimental merging of mechanical and human elements.
Steampunk seems to have only a distant link to punk music – perhaps in a gritty, anti-establishment attitude. It is also linked to cyberpunk, which can be seen in stories and movies about technology and the future breakdown of social order.

The sculpture has been funded by the Town of Erin and by Chris Naraysingh of Rapid Rentals. For more about the 26 horses (including Rosie at Century Church Theatre in Hillsburgh) and artists, visit headwatershorsecountry.ca, in the Parade of Horses section under Happenings.

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).

Conservation Conversation for rural residents

As published in Sideroads Magazine

A new social media website will allow rural landowners to share their expertise, building a network of people who care about preserving the countryside.

The Countryside Stewardship Connection is a project of Credit Valley Conservation (CVC), supported by a $30,000 grant from the Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation.

It provides residents with an interactive online tool to engage in dialogue, post events, read success stories and ask for advice. Businesses and community groups can become partners and display information on the site as well.

Shannon Lem, CVC Program Assistant for Landowner Outreach, said there is a need to provide better support for non-farm rural residents, who don’t have the strong organizations that benefit farmers.

“We saw the opportunity to create something on-line for rural landowners within the Credit River watershed where they could really talk to each other and share all the things that they’ve learned over their years of caring for their own properties,” she said. The forum will also make it easy for people to access CVC staff expertise.

“In this age of social media, there’s a growing expectation that we can access people and information in a much faster way. Primarily, it’s intended to be a spot to foster community engagement,” she said.
Burkhard Mausberg, CEO of the Greenbelt Foundation, says the site will “build strong connections across the Greenbelt”, with CVC making the platform available to other interested conservation authorities.

The address is www.csconnection.ca, accessible via cell phone, tablet or computer. Conversations are grouped into 17 general forums such as Gardens & Landscaping, Wells, Septic Systems, Grasslands, Local Food, Ponds and Wetlands. The first question under Pollinators was about the Rusty-patched bumble bee, an endangered species in Ontario.

The first topic under Grasslands was the Bird-Friendly Certified Hay Program, supporting the declining populations of bobolink and eastern meadowlark, which nest in grasslands and are threatened by habitat loss. Hay growers who agree to delay their first cutting until July 15 enable the young birds to mature and leave their nests.

CVC hosts a web page for hay producers and buyers, promoting certified hay as a niche product that can create an advantage in the marketplace among environment-conscious consumers.

The on-line Connection project is just one part of CVC’s Countryside Stewardship Program. In 2014, there has been a series of Twilight Tours, covering topics such as the benefits of stream restoration and the value of agricultural cover crops. One session at the Ken Whillans Resource Management Area in Caledon dealt with management of invasive plant species, one of many areas where CVC offers free consultation, with financial assistance for plant removal and site restoration.

Another event showed landowners how to create gardens that specifically benefit plant pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths, flies, wasps and beetles.

“Many pollinators, particularly bees, are in decline due to human activity and habitat loss,” said Mike Puddister, Director of Restoration and Stewardship at CVC. “Native plants provide habitat and food for these important species, improving the overall health of the environment.”

CVC also has regulatory authority over land use that affects wetlands and streams, and landowners are sometimes upset when they are restricted in what they can build or change on their property.

“Overcoming distrust or negative impressions is often really about creating a dialogue, and through communication, misunderstandings are very frequently sorted out,” said Lem.

“Our stewardship staff strive to engage with landowners in a meaningful way so that we can build positive relationships. I know people don’t like to be told what they can and can’t do on their property. And it is theirs, but only to the point that we can own something that we all share. Our natural resources are shared, and we all have a shared responsibility to protect those resources. That is always our goal. We’re not trying to put obstacles in people’s way.”

Conservation Authorities are on the front lines when it comes to dealing with the effects of climate change and more frequent severe storms. In urban areas, CVC promotes Low Impact Development to cushion the impact of stormwater, while in rural areas the goals are similar – reducing erosion, stream contamination and surface water volume.

CVC’s stewardship efforts are part of a broader movement, including the Stewardship Network of Ontario and the Ontario Biodiversity Council, dedicated to preserving long-term sustainable use of lands and waters that are threatened by human development and climate change.

With 90% of land in the watershed privately owned, the cooperation of owners is critical to the success of conservation efforts. Farmers have traditionally considered themselves stewards of the land, while many non-farm rural residents have moved to the country with an interest in preserving the attractive natural environment.

CVC can be a partner, providing not only scientific advice, but also funding that can make conservation projects affordable. A new grant program called the Landowner Action Fund is expected this fall, supporting a wide range of improvements not directly related to farming.

There is an ongoing series of workshops where residents get a copy of “Your Guide to Caring for the Credit”, and assistance in creating personalized property plans to protect the integrity of their land and water.

Brian Boyd, CVC Forestry Planting Project Coordinator, takes 

members of the public on a forest tour during a Tree ID Workshop. 

Photo courtesy of CVC.

CVC is known for its tree planting and woodlot management services. With an available subsidy, landowners can get two acres of seedlings planted for $225.

For rural non-farm residents of Erin and north Caledon, the CVC Stewardship contact is Holly Nadalin, while in south Caledon it is Alison Qua-Enno. Extensive information, including a Landowner Resource Centre, is available at the CVC website, www.creditvalleyca.ca, in the section called “Your Land and Water”.

Program Coordinator Mark Eastman is part of the CVC effort to build trusting relationships with farmers. In July, Ontario Nature awarded him the J.R. Dymond Public Service Award for his environmental achievements. He has led numerous private land stewardship initiatives, including pasture and manure management, invasive species control, wetland fencing and wildlife habitat protection. Under Healthy Lands for Healthy Horses, landowners are connected to funding and service providers for the implementation of best management practices.

Mark Eastman

Another of CVC’s longstanding programs is the Peel Rural Water Quality Program, in partnership with the Region of Peel. Farm projects that qualify under best practices criteria can receive grants covering 50% to 100% of total costs.

These include up to $10,000 for barnyard runoff control, irrigation management, milkhouse washwater disposal, erosion control and tree planting, $20,000 for fencing livestock away from environmentally sensitive features, or enhancing natural areas, and $25,000 for manure storage systems. Well capping is available directly through the Region of Peel for all landowners.

The Greenbelt Foundation has also funded the placement of signs along trails in Caledon and Erin in an effort to educate people about the efforts farmers have made to reduce their impact on the environment. These include Nutrient Management Plans, keeping animals out of streams and development of buffer strip vegetation to reduce runoff of soil, manure, fertilizers and pesticides. Learn more at www.caringfortheland.com.

Upper Credit Conservation Area near Alton, showing the
streambank buffer zones of vegetation that reduce erosion. 

A horse farm next to Erin village, with the
Elora-Cataract Trailway running beside it.    

Captain Canada rides to victory

As published in The Erin Advocate

Photo – Phil Gravelle

Canadian Olympic equestrian Ian Millar, 67, clears the first jump in a fault-free ride to win the Champions Grand Prix competition at Angelstone Farm in Erin on Saturday. Riding Star Power, the horse with whom he competed at the 2012 London Games (his 10th Olympics), Millar won $30,000. Liubov Kochetova of Russia picked up $22,000 in second place. Millar’s son Jonathon received $3,000 in eighth spot, one of ten other riders splitting prize money that totaled $100,000. There will be an identical purse under the lights this coming Saturday, August 30, when Angelstone hosts the National Grand Prix. The farm is located on County Road 50 west of 1st Line, and admission to all events is free.

Angelstone gets permit

As published in The Erin Advocate

Angelstone Tournaments on County Road 50 has been granted a Major Events Permit for the remaining events in its show jumping season, after satisfying Town Council that problems on the site have been largely resolved.

Angelstone says it has provided the Town with a site plan, significantly lowered their speaker volumes, adopted softer music for entertainment, conducted a sound study, complied with a traffic study, created an emergency evacuation plan, built an eight-foot privacy fence in sensitive areas and made efforts to improve relations with neighbours.

“”We went to neighbouring properties and in some cases stood in their living rooms to run sound tests to determine a mutually agree upon level that would not be intrusive to them even with their windows open,” said Lianne Selke.

“We kept within these levels during the shows. We were pleased to hear positive comments from many of them. We have ensured all neighbours have been invited to attend each Saturday evening event in our VIP pavilion at no cost.”

Angelstone has promised to deal with a water drainage issue as soon as possible.

Angelstone zoning and events bylaw passed

As published in The Erin Advocate

Town Council has given Angelstone Tournaments approval to launch its show jumping season and a chance to prove that it can drastically reduce noise levels. It has also passed a Major Events Bylaw to regulate any gathering of more than 500 people in Erin.

The first step at the May 20 meeting was a temporary zoning bylaw, which was approved. It provides the basis for Angelstone, located on County Road 50, to engage in “agri-tourism” for this season only, including entertainment and the sale of food, alcohol and merchandise, to enhance five major equestrian event weekends and one smaller event.

“Everyone has a right to enjoy the rural calmness,” Mayor Lou Maieron told Angelstone officials. “This isn’t the wild west. If you get a second chance, don’t mess it up.”

The second step was approval of a bylaw for major events “that may cause a public nuisance”, as recommended by the Town solicitor. Anyone planning such an event will have to follow a series of procedures, get council approval for a permit that can include extra conditions, and pay a fee of $200 for a single event ($500 for multiple events).

Only Councillor John Brennan voted against the zoning and events bylaws, wanting a shorter deadline for Angelstone to resolve problems. Councillor Deb Callaghan declared a conflict and did not vote on the events bylaw, since as a member of the Optimists she may be involved in applying for a permit for the Rhythm and Ribs Festival.

The third step was deciding on conditions to be imposed on Angelstone as part of a permit under the events bylaw. Council decided that all activity must end by 11 pm, instead of midnight as planned for the Saturday shows. The permit is good only for the first three shows up to July 13. If problems are resolved, council will consider a permit for the remaining three shows in August and October.

The firm has provided most of what the Town has required for zoning, except a Sound Study to be done with live events. They have submitted Traffic Study that will result in improvements to their entranceway, an Emergency Evacuation Plan and a Planning Justification to show how the operation will conform to planning policies and the County Official Plan.

“Long-term agricultural use of the land is not compromised,” said their consultant John Cox. A more detailed Site Plan will be provided. Angelstone has committed to erect fencing to prevent spectator trespass onto neighbouring properties and to deal with drainage issues. They have said that special show lighting will not have off-site impact.

Lawyer Nancy Smith, representing neighbours Fred and Nancy Gilbert, said in a letter that certain structures on the site should have building permits. She said provincial policy on agriculture-related uses requires that activity be small scale, and directly related to the farm operation.

“There is no farm operation on this site,” she said, and pointed out that with 35 days of activity, 200-400 competitors at events, 350-700 horses, 1,000 to 3,000 spectators and up to 1,200 vehicles, it is not small-scale.

Planner Sally Stull recommended that council approve the temporary zoning, noting that agri-tourism is promoted by the province, and that the Town’s own Equine Task Force has identified equestrian events as helpful for economic development. She said considering the high value of the elite horses involved, it is “reasonable” to allow competitors or their grooms to camp overnight during events, in an area more than 200m from existing residences.

Randy White, the new Chairman at Angelstone (and father of President Keean White, a top competitor) pointed out that they had been given a Headwaters award as Tourism Innovator of the Year in 2013.

He admitted that the music has been “outrageously loud” and that they had done “a poor job of neighbour relations”. The number of major event weekend this year has been cut from 10 to 5. They are now applying for required building permits.

He has met with some area residents to listen to concerns and try to reach agreement on acceptable activity at the farm. Some are willing to give Angelstone a chance, while others remain opposed, especially to the evening entertainment.

Sound levels will be reduced overall. Music levels will be turned down drastically for Thursday nights (piano and jazz music), and significantly for Saturday nights said White. A sound engineering firm has been hired to take readings throughout the nearby lands during the early shows (May 31-June 8). Adjustments to the system will be made for following shows.

The new Major Events Bylaw requires a permit for any event where illumination or sound affects neighbouring properties and which is expected to be attended by more that 500 people in one day (including participants, competitors, spectators, vendors and staff).

In considering whether to issue a permit, council may seek input from the public and various agencies, and may hold a public meeting. They can consider the applicant’s track record of compliance, and whether the event could be a “public nuisance” or pose an “unreasonable risk to public health or safety”.

Up to six events per permit will be allowed. Council can limit the dates and the number of attendees, and impose restrictions for sound, parking, security, traffic controls, lighting, vibration, odour and dust.

The bylaw can be enforced by the municipal bylaw enforcement officer or the police, and convicted persons can be fined under the Provincial Offences Act.

Life Profile – Patrick Feeney Suessmuth

Written by his good friend of many years: Robyn Peterson

Pat was born in Toronto in September of 1938. He spent his childhood in West Toronto. The family later moved to Etobicoke and Pat attended Etobicoke Collegiate. He went on to the University of Guelph, majoring in biology. After university, he took a position with the Department of Lands and Forests at Queen’s Park.

Pat served as the training officer for the Department. In this role he instituted instructional techniques and supervisory training programmes across the province. These were centred in the Forestry School in Dorset. Pat initiated programmes to which he invited trainers from other provincial departments. His series focusing on management training films became quite famous throughout the government.

In the early 1970s, Pat left his government position and launched his own training company, Cantra Training Limited. He bought a house on Bathurst Street a few blocks north of Bloor Street, which became the headquarters for his new company. His business thrived and Cantra became known for providing quality training programmes. Pat also became known for working with innovative techniques. Clients included Humber College, American Standard, the Department of Lands and Forests (later Natural Resources), the TTC, and others.

The magazine, Canadian Training Methods, was launched at about the same time as Cantra. Pat became one of the principal writers for this magazine, edited by Richard Guerrier. Marit Stengels was an associate editor. She and Pat met and later married. The marriage didn’t last and a divorce ensued. Pat then married Marigold McGregor, who worked for an advertising agency in Toronto. The pair of them hit it off well, and they made lots of plans for the future.

Pat and Marigold decided they would like a place in the country. Marigold loved horses and horseback riding. She dreamed of a beautiful place in the country where people could come to ride. They found a place on Erin’s Fourth Line and fell in love with it. They had all sorts of plans to fix the place up and make it a place where people would love to gather and, not incidentally, do some horseback riding.

In November of 1977, after a pre-Christmas visit to her sister’s place in Stayner, Marigold was killed in a head-on vehicle collision on Airport Road. Her loss devastated Pat. He didn’t know how he would carry on without her. The house on the Fourth Line, a place where so many dreams had been made, became a place of deepest sorrow and neglect.

Slowly, Pat recovered, at least a little. His business continued and he hosted meetings at his house of prominent trainers from different parts of the province and sometimes from other provinces. He became known as an excellent chef, and people made many good comments about the quality of the food he provided, as well as the stimulating discussions that occurred.

Pat became a well-known and respected figure in the Ontario Society for Training and Development (OSTD). He would take part prominently in OSTD meetings at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto. He also played a leading role in developing training standards for corporate and public trainers in Ontario. In 1985, along with Bill Cumberland, he served as editor of the seminal publication, Weighted Bibliography Learning Resources for TD/HRD Practitioners. This publication proved significant in laying the groundwork for training and educational practices related to the fields of business, industry, and public service.

In 1986 Pat founded, along with Art Horrox of Winnipeg, the publishing company “Paracan”.  This publishing company was formed to publish books and journals related to education and training across Canada. In 1987 Paracan published Competency Analysis for Trainers: A Professional Assessment and Development Guide. The editors of this publication were Pat and Stewart M. West. It was published with the support of the OSTD.

In 1986 Pat’s book, Training Ideas Found Useful, had come out. It was a compendium of his articles over the years in Canadian Training Methods. It met good acceptance in the training and education communities.

Unfortunately, Pat’s partnership with Art Horrox did not last. They fell out over disagreements related to publishing policies, and the partnership dissolved.

Although he dated different women, Pat never married again. He never forgot Marigold and didn’t find her like again.

In the late 1980s business began to dry up. The community colleges were becoming more active in the field of corporate training, and small operators gradually were pushed aside. This process was accelerated by the 1988 Free Trade Agreement with the United States, which led to large American training corporations entering the Canadian picture. Cantra faded and the magazine, Canadian Training Methods, was wound down.

Pat turned more and more to basketball as a focus for his activities. He had always loved the game, and he poured himself into it. He had a prominent role in the forming of Erin Hoops to promote basketball locally. He also worked for a time at Steen’s Dairy. He became well known and respected in the community, although he was sometimes seen as controversial because of his strong views about how to get things done.

A young man, Malcolm Vipond, joined Pat at the farm as a boarder in the 1990s. Malcolm worked as a supervisor at Lever Mushrooms in Campbellville, and he was able to help Pat with various tasks around the farm. At one point Malcolm hoped to establish a business at the farm for growing oyster mushrooms. Pat provided advice on this. Unfortunately, because of repeated viral outbreaks in the growing mushrooms, Malcolm was unable to establish his planned business.

Pat liked to organize different basketball events at local schools. This included Erin Public School and Erin District High School. From time to time he went to other schools such as the ones in Brisbane and Ospringe. When the latter school was closed as a public school, it re-opened as a special education centre for troubled teens. Pat participated in some of the founding activities and provided support to that centre whenever he could.

He would also drive into Guelph quite often to play basketball at his alma mater, the University of Guelph.

A major activity involved the organizing of summer camps in Erin. Over the years these expanded in an impressive way and took in many sports and recreational activities beyond basketball. 

Pat ran into problems from time to time in his dealings with the Upper Grand District School Board. These generally focused on the fees charged and the scheduling arrangements. He was frustrated on different occasions when he put in a lot of work to organize something, thinking his schedule was all set, only to have his booking cancelled at the last moment by the school concerned. He began to think in terms of having his own centre where he could be sure about having space when needed for different activities.

When the new Erin District High School was built at the end of the 1990s, Pat saw an opportunity as discussion swirled around the establishment of Centre 2000. The Centre was to combine the high school with the Erin library, the old Shamrock Room, a theatre, and professional offices, as well as the hockey arena. Pat thought Erin Hoops and its activities could fit into this new arrangement.

Unfortunately, Pat ran into continuing problems with scheduling and costs at the new high school gymnasium. He would frequently drive into Guelph to go over matters with the officials at the Upper Grand District School Board. He found his dealings with different officials to be deeply frustrating and wondered why more couldn’t be done properly to accommodate the young people of the community.

When Erin Public School moved into the former Erin District High School structure, the old Erin Public School stood disused. Pat saw an opportunity. He arranged to rent the gymnasium part of the disused school. He named it Main Place and it became the base for Erin Hoops. He also made some connections with the Toronto Raptors and would enjoy occasional trips to the Air Canada Centre to take in games.

Pat turned to his friend, Dave Ingham, for advice and help on setting up Main Place properly. Dave had frequently helped Pat on the farm and was very capable with various kinds of tools and heavy equipment. Dave and Pat got on very well and together they were able to make Main Place suitable for the many activities being planned.

Over time, Main Place became the base for many other activities as well. Today, Main Place is an institution in its own right in Erin.

Early in the new century, Pat heard about an organization being formed in Toronto called SPACE. The acronym stood for: “Save Public Access to Community Space Everywhere”. Pat was intrigued. SPACE would bring together such organizations as the Childrens’ Aid Society of Toronto, Applegrove Community Centre, Guides Canada, Scouts Canada, the Ontario Sport Alliance, and many others. The purpose of the organization would be to provide a continuing forum for like-minded community groups interested in promoting more community participation for the people of Ontario. It was especially concerned with achieving better relationships and more accommodation with local school boards. Pat contacted Ann Fitzpatrick at Childrens’ Aid and started to attend the meetings Ann organized at the Childrens’ Aid offices in Toronto.

Pat hoped to see much more openness to the idea of building participation and opportunity for the youth of the province. He was particularly incensed about the way youth violence was dealt with. He felt that repressive methods were counter-productive. Not only that, but such methods ended up being much more expensive than providing proper accommodation for young people to begin with. He was deeply and passionately committed to this ideal.

Pat was very much a believer in the wise use of positive reinforcement. He felt that people weren’t rewarded often enough for their efforts. This applied to young people, but it also applied to adults. In fact, Pat very much liked the idea of trying to launch a programme in Erin to encourage people to be positive in all ways possible in their dealings with each other. He was sure that such a programme could result in a happier and healthier community.

The Optimist Club of Erin gave Pat public recognition and some support. Pat was very proud of this. He very much wanted to establish Main Place and its many activities as a viable, exciting, and continuing part of the community.

For the Summer Camps of 2014 Main Place has plans for camps involving baseball; badminton; basketball; the Erin Olympics; the Mighty, Mighty Dance Camp; arts, crafts and games; drama-skits; photography (digital); video/film production; floor hockey (with ball); skateboarding; biking; rollerblading; laser tag; archery; fine arts; scooters; plasma cars; unicycling; AM fort building, PM Movies; AM Variety Fun & PM Movies; variety sports; soccer. Things have gone well beyond basketball! Pat would certainly want all these camps (and more?) to continue.

Pat put his heart and soul into establishing and maintaining the activities of Main Place. He would work to exhaustion, often well into the night, to make things happen. He taught his coaches that the coach’s prime goal was to keep in mind, “kids first”. He believed in this deeply. For him the real needs of the young were of pre-eminent importance, first, last, and always. He lived this ideal with all the strength and conviction of his being.

Well done, Pat! Well done!