LOOKING BACK – Erin soldier gassed

From the Advocate – 100 years ago (1918)

Erin soldier gassed

The Toronto Star of Wednesday last contains the photo of R.E. Speers, who has been gassed. He is the son of Mrs. J. Speers, 10th Line, and their many friends join in the hope that he may fully recover. Mrs. Speers also has another son at the Front.

Part of Category B men of Class 1 under the Military Service Act in this No. 1 Military District, have been notified by the Deputy Registrar to report for service on April 15th.

During the past week, Mrs. Justice received a letter from her husband, Major Justice, in Belgium. He speaks of not being far from the cemetery in which the late Pte. G. Sutton was buried and that he intends to go and see the grave. 

Referring to Mrs. Tarzwell, he hopes that the citizens of Erin will take an interest in her welfare and see that she does not want for anything, through the loss of her son. He also thanks the Women's Institute for the Xmas boxes sent to the Boys from this vicinity.

From the Advocate – 35 years ago (1983)

New grant for non-profit housing

Erin Township is receiving a $20,102 interest free provincial loan for the 29-unit senior citizen non-profit rental building planned for Hillsburgh. The announcement was made by MPP Jack Johnson. The Non-Profit Housing Corporation has already received a $4,000 grant and a $7,000 interest-free loan. Rent-geared-to-income units can be up to 50 per cent of the building.

New plan to save soil

A new soil conservation and environmental assistance program begins this month, according to Mel Chamberlain, Wellington County agricultural representative. Farmers can get grants of up to 50 per cent of construction costs to a maximum of $7,500 for erosion control devices and up to $5,000 for one third of the cost of manure storage facilities.

From the Advocate – 25 years ago (1993)

Erin Public officially “Green”

Erin Public School has joined an elite group of less than 300 schools across Canada in being declared “Green” by a group called SEEDS (Society, Environment and Energy Development Studies). Students had to initiate and participate in 100 action projects related to the environment. Teacher Librarian Barb McKinnon said this would influence them for a lifetime. SEEDS has donated $135 for planting trees, and provided a Green banner and trophy.

Village needs a vision

An open invitation is extended to all 1,500 eligible voters to attend an upcoming meeting on updating the Erin Village Official Plan. Reeve Terry Mundell is calling it the Vision Meeting. “We’re trying to determine what the people in our community feel the municipality should look like in the next 10, 15 to 20 years,” he said.

From the Advocate – 20 years ago (1998)

Bell’s Hardware closing

After operating for three generations at the same premises on Erin’s Main Street, Bell’s Hardware has closed. Dwight and Judy Bell, who have resided their entire married life in the apartment above the store, decided to retire. The business was started by R.M. (Robert) Bell and continued by Dwight’s father Donald – who was known for selling TVs starting in the early 1950s.

109 Main gets new lease on life

The old village office at 109 Main Street is likely to be preserved. The garage is to be demolished, and but the OPP will use two offices, and EWAG will take over the council chamber and two other offices. EWAG Executive Director Irene Smedley said one room would be a drop-in centre for healthy seniors over 55. The basement of the building could become a youth centre, with support from Erin Optimists.

LOOKING BACK – Brother home safely

From the Advocate – 100 years ago (1918)

Brother home safely

Pte. W. Sutton, who has been overseas for the past two years, has returned home. It will be remembered that his brother Pte. Geo. Sutton made the supreme sacrifice some months ago. In Hillsburg, Mr. E. Royce, son of Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Royce is home from the Front, where he has been for over three years.

Remembering George Short

George Short was born in Erin on April 4, 1918 and lived much of his life in the village. He passed away in his 100^thyear, on March 16, 2018. I interviewed the World War Two veteran and his wife Florence a few years ago to hear stories of earlier times in Erin, and found them to be most hospitable. George helped develop minor hockey in Erin and once managed the arena on the Agricultural Society grounds. He was well loved and respected in the community and will be sadly missed.

From the Advocate – 35 years ago (1983)

New firehall needed

The volunteer firemen of the Erin Fire Department have decided to “take the bull by the horns” and raise the needed money to build a new fire hall. “We can’t count on any government money or grants,” said firefighter Terry Osborne. “We have decided to get the ball rolling and do it ourselves.” 

Deputy Chief Bob Bates said they need more space for their equipment. The vehicles have to be washed and maintained outside, and there is no room for lockers or showers for the men after they come back from a call. The department has a 1943 vehicle that has to be parked elsewhere due to lack of space. Hoses are dried on the floor, which can produce mold and rot. 

The department’s ladies’ auxiliary will have a fundraising garage sale, and there will be a door-to-door blitz of residents in the village, and the eastern corner of the township serviced by the village department. Their workload has increased from 59 calls in 1979 to 92 calls in 1982.

From the Advocate – 25 years ago (1993)

Tight purse strings at Township

Organizations requesting funding from Erin Township should be warned that early signs point to tight control of 1993 expenditures. Barb Tocher presented the Library Board’s request for an extra $3,000 in operating funds and $20,000 in capital funding, and Karen Smith of the Ballinafad Community Centre presented a pared down operating budget and a request for $5,000 in capital funding. 

Council made no promises on the funding, with Reeve Duncan Armstrong saying, “We have no problem with needs, but wants are another matter.” Clayton Leigh told council the 16,000 books now housed by the library is low for a community of this size. In 1982 the library received $13,800 when they had an annual circulation of 25,000, but in 1992 funding had only gone up to $14,700 for a circulation of 41,000.

From the Advocate – 20 years ago (1998)

Ice storm wrecks havoc

A severe ice storm caused major damage to trees and knocked out power to many in the Erin area last week. Erin Rent-All owner Carol Mercer said her husband Vic had been out all night Wednesday delivering generators. Police were busy directing traffic at major intersections, and people were checking in on seniors to make sure they had assistance if needed. On Dundas Street, half a tree crashed down on the roof of a home. Ontario Hydro said about 60,000 people in Southern Ontario were without power for more than two days. 

LOOKING BACK – Strike at Graham Fibre Glass

From the Advocate – 35 years ago (1983)

Graham Fibre Glass workers on strike

Graham Fibre Glass, Erin’s largest employer, has been quiet since March 17 when 71 production workers walked off the job. The members of Local 271 of the International Aluminum, Brick and Glassworkers had been working without a contract since Jan. 11. Their average wage is $8.33 an hour. Local president Bob Anderson said the main issues are wages and benefits. General manager Ian Graham said the company was completely surprised by the strike and breakdown of negotiations. “Money didn’t seem to be the issue,” he said.

Caledon residents want farmland preserved

A survey by Caledon Ward One Councillor shows strong support for the preservation of agricultural lands, low growth, control of gravel pits and a plebiscite on regional government. John Alexander got responses from over 300 residents in the western part of the town, including Belfountain, Alton and Caledon Village. More than two thirds supported policies of low residential and commercial/industrial growth. Most also favoured maintaining the Niagara Escarpment Commission, and most said urban services such as street lighting, curbs and road paving are not needed.

From the Advocate – 25 years ago (1993)

Village to keep up with the times

Residents learned about Erin’s plan to keep abreast of changing economic and social trends, at a public meeting to discuss a background report on the Village Official Plan. Deputy Reeve Carolann Osborne was pleased with the high turnout. Updating the plan will cost about $10,840 according to Wellington County Senior Planner Aldo Salis.

The report said the village population has had slow growth, from 2,315 in 1981 to 2,489 in 1993. The average household size is 2.9. The schools have portables, and new schools may be needed to handle future growth, but growth is currently restrained by lack of municipal sewage treatment. The municipal landfill site will reach capacity in 1995.

No extra policing for Erin

Reeve Terry Mundell is continuing to press for a greater police presence in the village, but Wellington OPP Inspector Walter Trachsel told village council that current coverage is adequate. “Someone who lives in a small town can’t expect the same level of policing they would get in an urban area, because they are not paying the high taxes,” he said. While the OPP has had gradual improvements in staffing and efficiency, the village has lobbied the provincial government for more police funding. 

Mundell has been investigating the cost of Erin hiring its own police officers. Trachsel said residents and store owners must be more proactive in preventing crime. There are plans to revive the Community Oriented Policing group, and the Business Improvement Area has started a reward program to help solve petty crimes in the area. 

From the Advocate – 20 years ago (1998)

$40,000 pledged for youth centre

The 60-member audience at a public meeting on the new Erin Multi-use facility applauded as Everett Roberts, Director of Youth Activities for the Erin Optimist Club, pledged $40,000 towards a youth centre in the facility. The meeting included a presentation on options from the project management firm C.A. Ventin, and was a chance for councillors to assess public support for town involvement. 

Councillors Rod Finnie, Ken Chapman and Culver Riley want the town to be involved, but Mayor Barb Tocher and Councillor George Root have expressed serious reservations. Tocher said she was concerned about taking on debt, while Dave Dautovich, head of the high school council, responded by saying “elected members have to show leadership”. 

Other possible partners expressing interest in the centre include the Rotary Club, the Tennis Club, Erin Hoops, Erin Little Theatre, Sue’s Moves, Dr. Walcott and Dr. Mathieson. Irene Smedley said EWAG would like to establish a seniors’ centre.

LOOKING BACK – Ladies keep on fundraising

From the Advocate – 100 years ago (1918)

Ladies keep on fundraising

The Ever Ready Club of Erin, composed of young ladies of the Village, have sent out invitations for an assembly, in the Town Hall, on Friday evening March 15th. Proceeds in aid of Erin Patriotic Society.

The Coningsby Women’s Institute held their monthly meeting at the home of Mrs. W. Sutton, on Thursday evening, March 7th. There were 104 present. The President in the chair. An excellent program was given by the following: Music by the Awrey Orchestra; Song by Mr. and Mrs. E. Awrey; Paper by Miss E.R. Burt; Reading by Miss E. Barbour; Recitations by Miss E. Thompson and Mr. E. Hindley. A collection was taken in aid of the Blind at Halifax, amounting to $7.75. A dainty lunch was served and a social hour spent by all present.

From the Advocate – 35 years ago (1983)

Hillsburgh seniors’ apartments approved

Zoning for the new senior citizens’ apartment complex in Hillsburgh has been approved by Erin Township Council. The building is to be situated on an extension of Spruce Street, on what was part of the Nodwell property, and will have 29 self-contained apartments. Non-profit housing chairman Lloyd Lang said not one negative comment was heard at a public meeting on the project.

Wives start fire department auxiliary

The Ladies Auxiliary of the Erin Fire Department held its first meeting to discuss plans and elect an executive, said public relations person Laura Pickett. The 23-member group will lend support to the firemen and let the public know what they do. The executive includes Jenny Franklin, president; Barb Hebbes, vice-president; Pat Evans, secretary; and Helen Lucas, treasurer. They will do fundraising and hold social events to bring the families of the department closer together. They will “bring refreshments when the men are fighting a grass fire on a hot day.”

From the Advocate – 25 years ago (1993)

Brewers’ Retail may be lost

After years of discussion and anticipation, construction of the new commercial plaza in south Erin is expected to begin in mid-April. Members of the Erin Business Improvement Area (BIA), in conjunction with Village Council, will have input into the appearance of the plaza. Councillors last week studied site plans and brick samples provided by developers Basilio Sinopoli and Vittoria Mauti. It has been an expensive three-year wait since the developers first brought plans to council, including Brewers’ Retail as a major tenant. Council approved a plan, but a group of citizens appealed it to the Ontario Municipal Board. The appeal was settled before the hearing, but Brewer’s Retail is now thinking of pulling out of the project. Reeve Terry Mundell said council is committed to having a building façade that will “fit in with Erin’s old-time charm and heritage.”

From the Advocate – 20 years ago (1998)

Feeling proud from a distance

A letter to the editor from Sarah Denison: I just finished reading Harry Smith’s editorial “Feeling Proud About Erin”. The news must cross the Pacific to reach me, since I’m teaching English in Japan, so it’s old but still cherished. I cherish memories of neighbours who greeted me on afternoon walks and friends who would “honk and wave” as they drove by. I remember hanging out at the arena to watch friends play hockey. Mention of the Erin Fall Fair stirs memories of warm woolen sweaters and cold beers as mini reunions took place all over the grounds. It is really true that you do not realize how important something is to you until it’s no longer at your immediate grasp or in your sight. I hope Erin can hold onto its charm and small town feeling that I love so much.

LOOKING BACK – More rental units needed in Hillsburgh

From the Advocate – 35 years ago (1983)

More rental units needed in Hillsburgh

A draft development plan predicts Hillsburgh’s population will grow by 350 in the next 12 years. Consulting firm R.J. Burnside and Associates advises that more rental accommodation will be needed, especially to retain young people and seniors as residents. The population was 1,061 in 1981, and is expected to grow by two per cent annually.

Responding to a questionnaire, residents said they wanted improved parking, more stores, a clean-up of the village and a reduction in loitering and vandalism.

Burnside is recommending that land north of the village and along County Road 22 east of the railroad tracks be zoned for industry. Hillsburgh’s current tax base is 92 per cent residential and eight per cent commercial-industrial. The village has advantages such as low land prices and a beautiful countryside, but disadvantages such as a lack of skilled labour and no wastewater service.

From the Advocate – 25 years ago (1993)

Composting facility proposed

A public meeting will be held concerning a proposed composting business in Erin Township, after council determined that the facility would comply with the municipal zoning bylaw. The Ministry of the Environment has been asked to host a hearing for a Certificate of Approval.

The proposal is from Jon Dickey’s Grass Co. on Lot 27, Concession 4. He wants to blend grass clippings, leaves and vegetables to create a “soil additive” that could be used as a topdressing mixture suitable for turfgrass. The company would distribute and pick up bins at various waste producers such as grocery stores, feed mills and restaurants, as well as waste transfer stations.

30-hour fast by students

Forty-eight Erin District High School students experienced first-hand what many youths encounter daily when they participated in a 30-hour fast ending at 11 p.m. Friday. During the fast, students only drank water, milk and juice, but did not consume any solid foods.

The fast was organized to support World Vision, a Canadian charitable organization that helps poor people throughout the world. The money EDHS students raised in pledges will be directed to assist Brazilian and Canadian street kids.

By Friday afternoon, the kids admitted they were feeling hungry, but video games and gym activities helped ease their anxiety. The evening ended with a pizza “pig-out”, courtesy of Rainbow BBQ Grill. Steen’s, Hillsburgh IGA, Valu-Mart and Foodland supplied the liquid nourishment.

From the Advocate – 20 years ago (1998)

Reception for Dr. Bull

Last week at McMaster University, a reception was held to honour Erin family physician Dr. Duncan Bull, the first Canadian recipient of a bone marrow transplant from a donor who was not a relative. He received his transplant to cure a relapse of leukemia ten years ago, after a match was not possible from his siblings. “Dr. Bull was truly a pioneer, because the Canadian Unrelated Donor Program did not exist at the time of his transplant,” said a university press release. He offered thanks to all who cared for him and for the support of his wife Cecile and family. He had spent eight months in hospital during 12 admissions over 22 months, but since the transplant has worked full-time at his practice and not been admitted to hospital.

Senior Girls volleyball champs

Congratulations for the Erin District High School Seniors Girls Volleyball team who defeated Mount Forest to win the District 4 championship and earn a berth at CWOSSA. Coached by Ms. Brandt, the team includes Andrea Bates, Sadie Blacklock, Mel Brunskill, Vanessa Chaperlin, Sherri Fraser, Lorrie Hagyard, Laura Hamilton, Nicky Clughan, Corinna Miller, Sabrina Piercy, Jocelyn Shutt and Tara Smith.

Long distance area expands

Bell Canada has announced that the toll-free calling area for local exchanges will be expanded by this fall. Erin (833) residents will add Orangeville and Rockwood to their list of local calls, while Hillsburgh (855) will add Rockwood.

LOOKING BACK – Hillsburgh soldier wounded

From the Advocate – 100 years ago (1918)

Hillsburg soldier wounded

In the list of wounded in Wednesday’s papers we note the name of W. Hornett, No. 451015, of Hillsburg. In other war news, the Advocate reports that 15 British vessels were recently sunk by German U-Boats. The following is a list of articles, packed and sent to Red Cross Supplies, Toronto, from the Erin Ladies’ Patriotic Association during the past week: 14 trench caps $7.00, 7 trench shirts $17.50, 22 handkerchiefs $2.20, 2 and a half doz. comfort bags $7.50, 35 pairs socks $52.50, 17 pyjama suits $27.00, 22 wash cloths $2.20. Total $115.90.

From the Advocate – 35 years ago (1983)

11-year-old saves sister

Lisa Bint, 7, of Mill Street in Hillsburgh is a very lucky girl to have a cool-headed brother named Leigh. Lisa decided to go skating on Sunday on the creek behind the Medical Centre in Hillsburgh, and fell through the ice. Luckily, her brother Leigh, 11, and his friend Ryan Kent, 7, also of Hillsburgh were playing nearby and pulled the shivering child to safety before the cold could take its toll. Sunday was cold, but not cold enough to produce the ice necessary to skate. Before venturing out onto ponds or rivers, make sure it’s safe.

Water rates to rise in village

Erin Village council has announced that there will be an increase averaging five per cent on local water bills. Users who are metered will now be charged 33 cents per 100 gallons for the first 6,000 gallons. For those not metered the minimum payment will be $5.25 per month. For those with taps only, the cost will go to $4.50, with a 10 per cent discount for paying on time

From the Advocate – 25 years ago (1993)

Erin may get larger calling area

The isolation that many Erin-Hillsburgh Bell Telephone subscribers have felt for years may end this fall. Bell has a proposal to allow local subscribers to call as far as Burlington, Bowmanville and Bradford without long distance charges. That means Brampton, Milton, Acton, Georgetown and Caledon East would be local calls. Guelph and Orangeville, however, would remain long-distance calls. The proposed monthly cost of basic telephone service for a Hillsburgh area home would go up from $6.40 to $21.95. Jack Dyce, President of the Shamrock Seniors Club, plans to start a petition to have Orangeville included.

Nodwell a Lieut.-Colonel

A column called “Recycling the Advocate” looked back at the Advocate issue of February 18, 1943. Capt. R.J. Nodwell, son of Mr. and Mrs. R.D. Nodwell of Hillsburgh, had been promoted to the rank of Lieut.Colonel, commanding the 27th Canadian Field Ambulance. Nodwell enlisted at the outbreak of the war, served overseas for some time and returned to Canada the previous summer. The Advocate joined with R.J.’s many friends in extending congratulations on his promotion.

From the Advocate – 20 years ago (1998)

Doctorate at 22

Brenda Allen, formerly of Ballinafad, who graduated from Erin District High School in 1989 at the ripe old age of 13, is now “Dr. Allen”. Brenda has been attending Oxford University and recently completed her D.Phil. thesis in numerical analysis and computer modeling. She also joined the Oxford cycling club and became the women’s time trial champion, winning gold at all four distances – 10, 25, 50 and 100 miles. This achievement, plus several gold and silver performances in other student events, earned her a “Half-blue” award, never before awarded to a woman cyclist at the university. Shortly before her 22nd birthday, just after passing her final exams, she started working for the British government in the Ministry of Defence.

Daring daylight holdup

From the Advocate – 35 years ago (1983)

Daring daylight holdup

Two young men escaped carrying $4,000 in cash from the Toronto-Dominion Bank in Erin, after a daring daylight holdup on Feb. 10. Guelph OPP said the men entered the bank about 2 p.m. and approached a teller with a note saying they were armed, and “this is a robbery”. No weapons were seen. Officers from Guelph, Snelgrove, Mount Forest, Shelburne, Orangeville and Halton set up roadblocks, and an OPP helicopter joined the search, but no arrests were made.

From the Advocate – 25 years ago (1993)

No more police villages

Hillsburgh’s status as a police village will soon vanish – along with all the other police villages in Ontario. Police villages were established to allow small settlements with more than 150 residents to provide urban services, such as water or street lighting, and to collect a special tax to support the services.

Erin Township Council voted its support for a recommendation from the Wellington County planning department to dissolve all six police villages in the county, saying they had outlived their usefulness.

Community hall opened

Erin’s new community hall at the arena was officially opened on Sunday afternoon, with a large crowd of well wishers on hand to view the facility, and enjoy three hours of free skating. The following dignitaries participated in the ribbon cutting: Carolann Osborne, Frank Gray, Ivan Gray, Jim Shuttleworth, Ted Arnott, Duncan Armstrong, Robert Wilson, Terry Mundell, John Pritoula, Reay Sutherland, Paul Phillips, Doug Follett, Floyd Longbottom and Deborah Sutherland.

Pavement appeal

Residents of Erin Township’s Sideroad 5 have asked the municipality to pave a section of the road, saying “cavernous potholes” are wearing out vehicles and dust is affecting plants and animals. They submitted a 19-name petition requesting that the pavement be extended from the Eighth Line to the Ninth Line. Road superintendent Tony Wagenaar will report a traffic count to council before they consider a change to their five-year roads forecast.

From the Advocate – 20 years ago (1998)

Young girls in high-speed chase

Two young girls from a youth treatment centre in East Wellington got themselves into water hotter than they bargained for last week after locking up a case worker in a kitchen pantry, stealing a van and leading police on a high-speed chase on the 401.

Guelph OPP said an 11-year-old and a 14-year-old at the centre near Hillsburgh stole money and took off in the centre’s van with the 11-year-old at the wheel. They made it to Cobourg, where police spotted them.

There was a brief chase with speeds up to 140 km per hour before they were stopped. The 14-year-old was charged with possession of stolen property and breach of probation. The 11-year-old is too young to be charged, and was returned to the youth centre.

Caledon quarry plan raises fears

A 150-foot deep quarry proposed by James Dick Aggregates for the Caledon side of Winston Churchill Blvd. (at Olde Baseline Road) promises big problems for Erin, according to Penny Richardson, President of the Coalition of Concerned Citizens.

“That gigantic sucking sound we’ll all be hearing is going to be our well water filling up the hole they’ll leave behind,” she said. “Erin residents are about 100 feet away from where they’ll be blasting away at the countryside for the next 45 years.”