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.

Poverty concerns should move to the front burner

As published in The Erin Advocate

Poverty is big problem, but it doesn’t seem to be a big issue in the current federal election. Perhaps there is a feeling that it is too complex a problem to do anything about. Perhaps issues that will take decades or centuries to fully solve are beyond the interest span of a four-year government.

Internationally, is Canada willing to look beyond its short-term goals as an elite nation, by fostering improvements in human rights and economic self-sufficiency in poorer nations?

Domestically, are we willing to tackle the challenge of respecting the rights of First Nations people, while enabling them to prosper within our broader society?

Canada can be proud of its social safety net, but the cost could become unaffordable if we don’t fix some of the underlying economic problems.

Are we willing to write off whole sectors of the population to chronic poverty – the addicted, the mentally ill, the pensionless, the disabled, the ones poorly served by our schools, the ones with unexpected burdens and the ones with simple bad luck? Or do we look for dignified ways for them to contribute and have some hope of improving their situation?

Taken one at a time, the problems are solvable. At the All Candidates meeting last week, I asked candidates if they support a substantial increase to the federal minimum wage.

As Conservative Michael Chong pointed out, there is no actual minimum wage for federally regulated industries, where many workers already earn substantially more. The Liberals cancelled the minimum almost 20 years ago, but the NDP and Greens want to bring it back and increase it to $15 per hour over several years.

Chong said it is better for provinces to set the main minimum wage (currently in the $10 to $11.25 range in Canada) since the cost of living varies regionally. Still, I think would be valid for the federal government to send a signal that the status quo for the working poor is unacceptable.

Some economists say minimum wage increases cause harm, since employers hesitate to hire more workers, and that added wage costs drive up prices. These are legitimate concerns, but I believe the employment impact would be short term for viable businesses. And I’d be glad to pay a little more at Walmart or McDonald’s.

Brent Bouteiller of the Green Party backs a $15 per hour minimum wage, but said the impetus needs to come from the grassroots level to affect provincial policies.

Liberal Don Trant did not address the minimum wage. “Our approach would be to increase the income taxes on the wealthiest 1% of the population and redistribute that money to the middle class,” he said. “The middle class needs the money, and their spending stimulates the economy.”

That is all valid, but it doesn’t deal with the people who are struggling to join the middle class. Those who pay little income tax, but are often uncertain if they will be able to pay the rent and buy groceries next month. The minimum wage affects not only young people trying to break into the job market, but middle agers hurt by lack of opportunity in the economy and seniors who must work to supplement their pensions.

“It’s not the middle class people who are making $60,000 or $70,000 a year who need a $15 per hour minimum wage,” said the NDP’s Anne Gajerski-Cauley.

“It’s the poor people that need it. When we can lift those people out of poverty, all of us will be dignified, so I strongly support it.” For that, she received a round of applause.

Social justice requires choices for common good

As published in The Erin Advocate

Of course, we should pay heed to events like Hunger Awareness Week, now in progress. It is so easy to let it slide by, since the issue never seems to go away. We should not be lulled into thinking, however, that there are no solutions.

Poverty may well be part of the human condition, but that does not relieve us of an obligation to better the lives of people other than ourselves. We have the capacity to ensure that everyone gets enough food.

East Wellington Community Services (EWCS) is urging us to wear red this week, to show common cause with those in need and others who care. We can certainly educate ourselves at sites like foodbankscanada.ca.

But what does it profit a wealthy town, in a wealthy nation, to merely read up on the problem, to wring its hands and say to the hungry, “Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill”, yet not supply their bodily needs?

We can make the leap from words to action by actually bringing food to the EWCS office at 45 Main Street, or donating money to help their food banks in Erin and Rockwood.

In the last year, EWCS distributed 50,000 pounds of food, valued at $125,000. They handled 1,350 visits and provided for some 300 individuals – 42% of them children.

With food bank use rising 25% in the last seven years, Canadians need to ask themselves what kind of country they want to live in, and identify the areas where the social values we cherish have been eroded.

We live in a world dominated by competition, but we are not mere victims of market forces. We can make choices that promote the common good. We can ask questions that push the discussion of hunger beyond the need for charity.

What does it profit a wealthy nation to channel more and more of its wealth into the hands of a very few, who are already wealthy? Will that promote prosperity and stability?

The creation of a middle class, imperfect as it may be, has been about sharing the wealth. Its impending demise is quite properly an election issue.

If we are forced to become a less wealthy nation, perhaps due to the rise of previously impoverished nations, are we willing to share the reduction equitably? Can we abandon the myth of perpetual growth?

What does it profit a wealthy nation to channel more and more of its workers into low-wage jobs – part-time, casual, temporary and casual work, with no security or benefits – while allowing real estate values to skyrocket? It is the epitome of unsustainability.

How can we lie to our children, telling them that education and hard work will allow them to maintain a standard of living that is, in fact, slipping away from the majority? Does their education include ways to be happy with less?

One of the pieces in this economic puzzle is the minimum wage, which finally hit $11 last year and will soar to $11.25 next month. Considering the value of these jobs to our economy, it is not nearly enough.

There’s a movement for higher increases (read up at 15andfairness.org), which make good economic sense. People need hope of decent work, not charity. A higher minimum wage would stimulate growth in the economy, providing more spending at small, local businesses.

Tax cuts for profitable corporations do not produce the same benefits. They are under no obligation to create more jobs or pay better wages.

That’s why we elect governments, whose job it is to do what’s best for society as a whole. Let’s make sure they get on with it.

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.

Public school cannon brings back memories

As published in The Erin Advocate

These days, people would never expect to see a World War I cannon mounted in a schoolyard, but there was such an installation for many years at Erin Public School – and George Short has the photo to prove it.

The picture is of his first wife Emily, sitting on the wheel of the big gun, taken in 1939.

George Short's wife Emily with the Erin Public School cannon

The cannon was a tribute to veterans of the war, but George recalls that when he was a teenager in the early ‘30s, the boys of the village were known to have some fun with it on Halloween night.

To avoid the problem, the cannon was moved to the barn across the road owned by school trustee Tom Scott, but this simply created a challenge for the young folks. One year they managed to get it out and started rolling it down the road, only to have it collapse when one of the wheels broke.

George happened to arrive at the scene and was rounded up with the other mischief makers. They all had to contribute a hefty 75 cents for the repair job and endure the wrath of their embarrassed parents.

“We should have had a kick in the rump, because it was an honour thing for the soldiers from the First World War,” said George, who served overseas in the Second World War. He doesn’t know what was eventually done with the cannon.

I met recently with him and his current wife Florence, who are approaching their 25th anniversary this year, to look at some old photos and talk about Erin as it was in the early 20th century. George was born in Erin in 1918 and has lived most of his life here. He worked at the Ford plant in Oakville, and was a welder at Massey-Harris in Brantford and General Electric in Guelph.

He’s been around long enough to remember Wellington Hull, the influential publisher of the Advocate, who also loaned money, issued marriage licenses and was the local auctioneer.

He also remembers Harry Gear, Erin’s long-serving doctor, who once sewed up a gash in George’s foot after an axe accident in the bush. No anesthetic was used – the doctor just had one of George’s brothers sit on his leg to keep it still. Gear’s house (next to the drug store) remains a village landmark, built by William Graham.

George still lives on a section of the land owned by his family just north of Erin Public School. When his mother Ada passed away, he ended up with a new photo collection. One example of that is a postcard showing the members of the 1915 Erin Shamrocks.

Top left in the photo is Bill Bush, whose family had a hardware store that he operated until 1973, then Humph Matthews, a harness dealer. In the centre is Dr. Henry Gear, followed by William Ramesbottom, who owned a large general store on Main Street, George Saunders, who lived on Charles Street and Wibb Small, who ran a downtown grocery store.

In the front row are Archie Chisholm, Harry Saunders, goalie Jack Trimble, a blacksmith who operated a garage in Belfountain, Tom Bush and Abe Hurd.

The photo was taken before his time, but George has heard that they were “a pretty hot hockey team”. They played in a red horse barn near the river on the Agricultural Society grounds. George would one day manage the arena that was later built on those grounds, with curling a very popular pastime in addition to hockey.

For those who are interested in more details about the olden days of Erin Village, Hillsburgh and Erin Township, I highly recommend a visit to the local history section at either branch of the library. Also explore the history articles on my blog, erininsight.blogspot.com, and on the Town website, erin.ca, in the About Our Community section.

Sitting down for a chat with the Dutch Queen

As published in The Erin Advocate

Freda Leenders of Erin had the thrill of a lifetime when she had the opportunity to meet the King and Queen of the Netherlands during their recent visit to Canada.

During a reception at the Art Gallery of Ontario on May 29, Freda was among 400 people chosen to shake hands with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima. TV coverage of the event happened to show her greeting the couple – which was seen by acquaintances in Europe.

She was also one of 40 people selected to sit down for a chat, with four groups of five people meeting the king, and four groups meeting the queen, each with different preselected topics. She and four other seniors talked to the queen about what it was like to leave Holland and make a new life in Canada.
“It was very special and exciting – a great experience,” said Freda. “We were so nervous, but as soon as they came, it was relaxed.”

The event was organized by the Dutch consulate, which included an application process. Participants were not allowed to give any gifts, but Freda was able to slip the queen a copy of a poem she had had written about the experience of immigrating to Canada.

It was something she had written previously as part of a project for the Coningsby Women’s Institute, of which she is the president. The opening of the poem reads:

“A long, long time ago

My parents said we must go

To a far away land

Where our liberators are at hand

The winds of war brushed across our favourite land

But Canadian soldiers knew where to stand

They served by land, sea and air

Wherever the urgent need they were there

The very least that is their due

Is to be remembered by me and you.”

Freda’s family came by ship in the spring of 1951 when she was 15, initially to New York and then by train to Oakville where they had a sponsor. They learned English and returned to farming, which had helped them survive the war.

Joe and Freda Leenders operated a farm in Erin for many years and have been very active in the Dutch community, organizing events and hosting visitors at their home.

“When we were in Holland in May for the 70th anniversary of the liberation, we really felt their connection and friendship with Canada,” she said.

King Willem-Alexander assumed the throne of the Netherlands in 2013 after his mother, Queen Beatrix, abdicated the position. The state visit included a meeting with Prime Minister Harper, and several Dutch cabinet ministers came to discuss foreign policy, trade and education issues with the “Dutch Caucus” of Canadian Members of Parliament.

When the Dutch royal family fled the German invasion of the Netherlands to England at the start of World War II, Queen Wilhelmina sent Willem-Alexander's mother and grandmother, Beatrix and Juliana, to live in Ottawa. Willem-Alexander's Aunt Margriet was born there.

The First Canadian Army was responsible for defeating the Nazis in Holland in May of 1945. About 8,000 Canadian soldiers died in the campaign, which allowed relief supplies to reach millions of starving people in the north of the country.

After the war, Princess Juliana sent Canada 100,000 tulip bulbs as a gesture of thanks, a tradition that has continued and is celebrated with the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa.

Joe Kelly looking forward to new retirement challenges

As published in The Erin Advocate

Joe Kelly is not sure what he will do next, but he knows he will be working in the service of others – as he has done for the last 14 years as pastor at St. John Brebeuf Church in Erin.

He is retiring in June at the age of 80, returning to the Spiritan community in Toronto where he lived and worked after coming to Canada from Ireland in 1967.

“I’m happy to be able to move on to new things,” he said. “I’m going to look for a job. I’d like to minister to the abandoned and work for the disadvantaged.”

Fr. Joe Kelly CSSp
(Photo by Kellie Angerilli, principal at St. John Brebeuf Catholic School)     

Moving to Erin in 2001 was a major transition, since his previous work had been as a teacher, guidance counselor and chaplain at Neil McNeil High School in Scarborough. Instead of retiring, he learned how to run a parish, live on his own and appreciate the benefits of a small town lifestyle.

“The wonderful thing about living in a small town is that you meet the same people over and over, and you get to know them,” he said.

Kelly grew up in Dublin and worked for the Bank of Ireland from 1953 to 1960. He felt called to a religious life, however, and eventually was ordained with the Spiritans, a congregation within the Roman Catholic Church that dates back to 1703.

The previous pastor at St John Brebeuf, Fr. Gus Arthurs who passed away in 2001, was also a member of the Spiritan order, which has priests and other members in 57 countries, serving in parishes, schools, health care facilities and refugee assistance programs.

In 1967, Kelly was expecting to go to Kenya, but ended up being assigned to the mission in English Canada, and studied to become a teacher in Toronto. With his banking background, he initially taught business and computer programming, but later moved into religious education and counseling.

“I learned how to engage with young people,” he said. “It takes patience, but kids want to engage and respond, and I am amazed at how perceptive they are.”

Students at St. John Brebeuf Catholic School (next door to the church) can certainly attest to Fr. Joe’s interest in their development. He visits the school constantly, knows all of their names and has given strong support to parish youth programs, including an annual retreat.

Adults in the parish and beyond also have many stories of how he has shared his time and energy to make personal connections. “Sometimes you have to make an extra effort,” he says.

For my own family, Fr. Joe was a great support when my son Thomas died, three years ago this week. We are grateful that he took the time to learn about the situation and find the right words to say at the funeral.

Working with him as a musician, I admire his singing ability and his dedication to the liturgical traditions of the church. And after hearing at least 650 of his homilies, I also appreciate his passion for the scriptures and social justice.

With many good memories of his time in Erin, he has particular praise for his colleagues in the Ministerial Association.

“One thing that is special about this place is the way the churches work together and people cooperate,” he said. A retirement dinner is being held for Fr. Joe on Friday, June 5 at Centre 2000.

As with other caring professions, the life of a minister often involves making strong friendships, and then moving on. Sometimes, however, the paths of life can cross again unexpectedly.

Such is the case with our new pastor, Fr. Ralph Diodati. I knew him as a dedicated priest and a friend of my family when I was a high school student in Hamilton. I haven’t seen him in almost 40 years, so I am looking forward to welcoming him to Erin.

Improvements for end-of-life health care

As published in The Erin Advocate

The certainty of eventual death may bind us all together, but thinking about how and where we would prefer it to happen is a difficult process. Actually discussing our choices for end-of-life health care with family and friends is even harder.

The Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (WWLHIN) Board of Directors has approved an investment of $1.2 million over three years to help individuals create a personal Advance Care Plan (ACP) – while they are still capable of doing so.

Health care workers will be trained to give patients and families an opportunity to consider what medical and social care a person would prefer, or refuse, during a crisis or period of time when death is expected. An ACP is a holistic record of a person’s needs and wishes, in a standardized format that is consistent with Ontario law.

“Improving end-of-life care is a significant priority,” said WWLHIN Chair Joan Fisk. “One of the key components of improving this care is engaging more residents in a conversation about their end-of-life care wishes.”

The initiative will be led by the Hospice of Waterloo Region, but apply to all of Wellington County as well.

According to a 2013 survey, 55% of Canadians had never had a discussion with a family member, doctor, lawyer, friend or financial advisor about their end-of-life care preferences.

“We know that when asked, many residents would prefer to die at home surrounded by their loved ones rather than in hospital,” said Bruce Lauckner, CEO at the WWLHIN.

“Unfortunately, this isn’t happening as often as it could. Improving Advance Care Planning practices in Waterloo Wellington will help more residents experience the end-of-life care that best matches their wishes.”

While a majority of people say they want to die at home, about 70% die in a hospital.

Dying at home may appear preferable, but in some cases it is not practical for providing the care and comfort that a person may need. Hospices can provide a good alternative, but there are only 271 hospice beds in Ontario. The Auditor-General says 1,080 are needed.

Clearly, as part of its mandate, the LHIN is spending money in hopes of saving even more. Dying in a hospital is an expensive process, and as the baby boom goes bust, there will be a huge strain on the health care system.

According to a report by Health Quality Ontario, by 2026, the number of Canadians dying will increase by 40%, to 330,000 every year. Of hospitalized Canadian elderly, 70% reported wanting comfort measures rather than life-prolonging treatment, but more than two-thirds were admitted to intensive care units.

The Auditor-General recently reported that palliative care costs $1,100 per day in an acute-care hospital bed, $630 to $770 daily in a palliative-care unit, $460 in a standalone hospice, and about $100 when at-home care is provided.

The process of dying will never be an easy one, but it is within the capacity of our health system to provide consistency in the provision of high quality palliative care for everyone who needs it, and better support for families in their time of need.

Community Services expands 55 Plus activities

As published in The Erin Advocate

A partnership with the Erin Legion has enabled a successful expansion of activities in the 55 Plus Club, provided through East Wellington Community Services (EWCS).

Darts, billiards, cards, board games and shuffleboard have attracted participants to a new, free drop-in recreation program. It is at the Legion, 12 Dundas Street, from 10 am to 1 pm every Wednesday, with lunch available at a moderate cost.

“It really helps seniors in our community to connect with others that share a common interest or hobby, make new friendships or even have the opportunity to help mentor and teach others,” says Sherri Plourde, Manager, Senior Services with EWCS.

The agency is highlighting its service to mark the 30^th annual Seniors Month in Ontario, with the theme, Aging Without Boundaries: 30 Years of Celebrating Seniors. The 55 Plus Club is for active community members looking for social activities.

“It’s all about community partners – volunteer driven and volunteer led,” said Erika Westcott, Manager, Community and Volunteer Services. “It tends to give them a purpose, to use their skills and stay connected. They have a great energy and commitment to their community and the agency – we couldn’t do what we do without them.”

She thanked the Legion for making their facility available, as well as ARC Industries with whom they have a reciprocal arrangement. ARC participants with intellectual disabilities visit with seniors at the Centre 2000 Day Program, and the 55 Plus Club uses space at the new ARC facility for Line Dancing classes.

The Club still uses the Centre 2000 Seniors Room for In Stitches (Knitting) Tuesday mornings, Scottish Dancing Tuesday afternoons, Yoga and Zumba Wednesday mornings and Bridge Friday afternoons. Some of the programs have fees. Check the website www.eastwellingtoncommunityservices.com for times and other details, or call Sherri at 519-833-0087.

There are also regular 55 Plus Club bus trips to popular destinations in Ontario, but for Seniors Month a special free show has been arranged for Thursday, June 12, 2-4 pm at the Rockmosa Community Centre at 74 Christie Street in Rockwood.

Smile Theatre is presenting the professional song and dance show Art Meets Havoc, with Mark Allan as Art Linkletter and Lesley Ballantyne as June Havoc. Free-will donations to EWCS will be accepted, but the event is at no charge thanks to the sponsorship of Foodland, All in a Basket, Living Assistance Services, the Village of Arbour Trails, Rockwood Financial, Solutions 2 Organize U, Right at Home and Denny’s Bus Lines, which is providing free transportation from Centre 2000 and Meadow View Place in Hillsburgh. Call Barb or Rick at 519-856-2113 for reservations.

EWCS continues to offer its Adult Day Program Mondays and Thursdays in Erin (and on Tuesdays in Rockwood), and there are currently three openings.

The Gentle Exercise Program for Seniors runs Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons in Erin. It is designed to “promote well-being and healthy aging, while focusing on seniors being able to remain active, independent and decrease their risk of falls.”

The agency has transportation services with a nominal fee for those over 60 and disabled adults. They now have a bus and two vans, including the new wheelchair accessible van. Call 519-856-2113 to enquire about low-cost transportation for medical appointments or shopping needs.

EWCS is a charitable organization that also runs Food Banks, INFO Centres and Children’s Programs. Check the website for ways to contribute, including their stores Bookends and New To You, and sponsorship or participation at their July 15 Golf Tournament at Guelph Lakes Golf and Country Club.

Sidewalk to Tim Hortons would be costly

As published in The Erin Advocate

Installing a sidewalk from Ross Street up to Tim Hortons and the Medical Centre would cost the Town of Erin about $310,000, but it only has $100,000 set aside for the project.

Town Councillors took no action after receiving a report from Road Superintendent Larry Van Wyck on April 15, other than to request a list of potential sidewalk jobs so they could discuss priorities.

“We’ve encouraged development there, and there is a lot of pedestrian traffic – a lot of kids are using the area,” said Mayor Lou Maieron.

Truck drivers often pull to the side of the road and cross the ditch to get to Tim Hortons, and high school students have beaten a trail across the Deer Pit for a more direct route to the restaurant.

The Town would be responsible for building the 550-metre sidewalk, but since Main Street is a County Road, it would also have to convince Wellington council to fund construction of curbs and gutters, or a physical barrier between pedestrians and traffic, plus storm sewers and catch basins.

There are two ditches there, and the one closest to the road, which handles little water, would have to be filled in.

Contributions totalling about $100,000 were required from the developer of new buildings in the area, and this money is being held in reserve for the sidewalk, but the Town would have to cover the balance. This project is not in the current budget or the five-year capital forecast.

Phosphorous levels limiting population growth

As published in The Erin Advocate

The amount of phosphorus contamination in the West Credit River is “a key parameter of concern” that will limit the future population of Erin village and Hillsburgh to 6,000 people, according to a presentation from SSMP Consultant BM Ross.

At a meeting of the Liaison Committee for the Servicing and Settlement Master Plan on April 9, factors surrounding the Assimilative Capacity Study (ACS) were discussed.

Early last year, BM Ross Project Manager Matt Pearson was estimating that the ACS could result in an urban population cap of more than 9,000, depending on treatment methods and comments from the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) and Credit Valley Conservation (CVC).

Additional stream monitoring, plus a reduction to account for climate change, has resulted in a more conservative cap of 6,000. Town Council recently endorsed the strategy of reserving sewage capacity for the 4,500 existing residents of the villages, leaving 1,500 (33%) for growth.

A detailed financial analysis of costs per household will now be done, for both traditional gravity based sewers and the alternative small bore collection method.

The final SSMP report will examine the implications of three scenarios, including the status quo – no sewers. That could lead to a rigorous inspection system and upgrading of septic systems. For those with large enough properties to upgrade, the cost could be similar to a sewer system.

Mayor Lou Maieron has speculated that the Town might have to try to get special permission to allow new housing on septic systems. A new housing development is being allowed in Cheltenham on medium sized lots close to the river, but strict effluent criteria mean that each septic system will cost about $40,000.

The scenario of a “big pipe” delivering waste to another municipality would allow a much higher population in Erin, but BM Ross says this option is very expensive, and may not be desirable or practical.

Building sewers for existing urban homes, plus about 500 new homes, will be the prime scenario for discussion. Pearson says it will only work if all the urban households are obliged to contribute to the cost, though he said those with newer septic systems could be offered a grace period to delay hook-up.

“There are going to be some people who are going to have to take one for the team,” said Pearson, who has always contended that substantial funding from senior governments would be essential to the feasibility of a sewer project. “Communal servicing is cheaper in the long run, if you get some help.”

Many river contaminants were analyzed as part of the SSMP, but there was particular concern about phosphorous and nitrates, nutrients that can come from fertilizers and other human activity. Certain amounts exist naturally, but excessive levels can increase vegetation growth such as algae and deplete dissolved oxygen, affecting fish and other aquatic life.

Phosphorous levels are always changing. Concentrations have been measured monthly over the last 35 years, with readings tracked at their 75th percentile level according to MOE standards.

Levels drop every April, August and November, but spike high in June, September and December. Having 6,000 people on sewers would put those peaks at the MOE maximum of 0.03 mg of phosphorus per litre of river water.

Nitrates are the next limiting factor, so the treatment plant may need special de-nitrification technology to keep levels in a safe range. There is also the possibility of storing fully-treated effluent in lagoons during months when river contamination is already high, and releasing it later when levels drop.

Any technology that reduces the impact on the river could be used to argue in favour of more housing, but no dramatic changes to the 6,000 limit are expected.

Even an aggressive water conservation system (mandatory low-flow toilets, for example) could lower the amount of sewage and create extra capacity.

Discharging effluent at the Tenth Line has been discussed in the past, but river water quality is better at Winston Churchill Blvd., making it a better discharge point. The sewage treatment plant does not have to be the discharge point. It could be piped to another spot for discharge – although John Kinkead of CVC warned against a pipe next to the West Credit, since river flows can shift over time.

Erin honours its volunteers

As published in The Erin Advocate

The legion of volunteers who uphold the quality of life in this area got a huge “Thank-you” at the Celebrate Erin event on April 12.

The 2nd Annual Volunteer Appreciation Awards Dinner was held in the Shamrock Room at Centre 2000. Seven residents received awards for Citizenship and Outstanding Community Service, and the late Steve Revell was named the 2014 Citizen of the Year.

His wife Donna accepted the award, expressing appreciation on behalf of her family for the support of the community.

Steve Revell, who passed away last year, was a teacher and a volunteer, devoting more than 20 years to protection and clean-up of the Credit River. He promoted awareness of local history, researched Erin architecture, organized tree plantings, helped establish the Elora Cataract Trailway and a network of other trails, and volunteered with East Wellington Community Services (EWCS).

He was nominated by Bill Dinwoody and Phil Gravelle, and the award was presented by Councillor John Brennan, who also chaired this year’s Celebrate Erin Committee.

Dana Mundell was the MC for Saturday’s event, which was attended by about 170 people including MPP Ted Arnott, and catered by David’s Restaurant. Town Crier Andrew Welch reminded everyone that the dinner came at the conclusion of National Volunteer Week in Canada and urged people to recognize the “countless hours of personal time” donated by volunteers throughout the year.

“The words are simple: Thank-you for all you do – we appreciate your gift,” he said.

Here are the recipients of the awards, presented by Mayor Lou Maieron, Councillor Barb Tocher and Councillor Brennan:

Rachel Ingram, nominated by John Wilson for her contributions to the East Wellington Family Health Team. She helped establish the Team, and has served as Secretary and legal advisor for the Board.

Ted Forrest, nominated by George Wilson for his contributions to ARC Industries East. He chaired the Erin PhysioFitness campaign to buy two wheelchair bikes, and is organizing volunteers to take ARC participants with developmental challenges on trail rides.

Mary Smith, for the 230 hours of friendly service she has provided in the past year to the New-To-You store and the Seniors’ Adult Day Program. Sherri Plourde and Barb Carscadden of EWCS provided that nomination, as well as the next two.

Elinor Fuller, a volunteer with EWCS for more than two years, helping at the front desk, the food bank, the adult day program and the New-To-You store, contributing more than 1,800 hours.

Mary Porter, a front desk volunteer at EWCS for 15 years, and a driver for the Seniors Transportation Program for the last 14 years, bringing clients to medical appointments and on shopping trips.

Doug Smith, nominated by the Hillsburgh Lions’ Club, where he has been a member for more than 30 years. He organizes volunteers at the Erin Fall Fair, helps care for the parkette in Erin, organizes the ice rink project at Victoria Park in Hillsburgh and organizes the Lions’ roadside clean-up.

June Switzer, for her leadership role in the local 4H movement. She has operated many club projects, helped start the Clover Buds program for 6-9-year olds, coordinated the Life Skills Day, made school presentations for the Milk Marketing Board, worked with the Home Craft Board of the Erin Fair on the apple pie/fritter booth, and served as an elder and Sunday school teacher at Mimosa United Church.

Erika Westcott, Manager of Community Services and Volunteers at EWCS, presented a slide show featuring hundreds of local volunteers. She praised the “energy and enthusiasm” that they bring to their work.

The evening was organized by a committee that included representatives of Erin organizations (Erin and Hillsburgh Lions, Rotary, Optimists, East Wellington Community Services, Recreation and Culture Committee and the Business Improvement Area), Mayor Maieron, Town staff Kathryn Ironmonger and Connie Cox, and David Netherton.

Sewage capacity reserved

As published in The Erin Advocate

Hillsburgh could be left out in sewer plan

As published in The Erin Advocate

The Town of Erin will be restricted to 6,000 residents on sewers, after a review of data on the West Credit River’s ability to safely absorb the discharge from a sewage treatment plant.

The long-awaited number, set by Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) on behalf of the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), was announced at a public Town Council workshop last week. It could permanently limit total growth in Erin village and Hillsburgh to as few as 500 new homes.

Councillors are now being asked to narrow down their choices about which options should get detailed financial study in the last phase of the Servicing and Settlement Master Plan (SSMP) – including the possibility that Erin village will get servicing and Hillsburgh will not.

The option of servicing existing homes in both villages is also likely to be studied, but council is also being asked to decide very soon whether both villages will get a share of future housing growth. 

The option of giving most of the sewage allocation to developers, while leaving all existing homes on private septic systems, has been strongly discouraged by SSMP Consultant Matt Pearson of BM Ross.

The options for investigation could be chosen at the April 1 council meeting next week, as part of a schedule to complete the SSMP before this fall’s municipal election. Mayor Lou Maieron suggested there too many unknown factors to make any choices among options.

“Where do we get the basis of information to make an intelligent decision?” he asked.

Analysis of specific options by Watson & Associates will lay out the detailed costs for urban homeowners, which would become part of a combined water and sewer bill when they actually get service. In addition to a monthly fee, the bill will include the costs of construction, individual hook-up and debt interest, possibly spread over 30 years. Rural residents will not get service, and will not have to pay a share of the construction and interest charges. 

The 6,000 number is low compared to earlier estimates ranging from 6,500 to 13,500, and could dramatically restrict new housing development. CVC Deputy CAO John Kinkead warned council last May that the number would be near the low end. It was set after additional study of the river, with low flow measurements reduced an extra 10% to allow for the harmful effects of climate change and land use changes.

The number of existing urban residents has been set at 4,500 (1,400 in Hillsburgh and 3,100 in Erin village), leaving only 1,500 for new residents. At the accepted ratio of 2.83 residents per household, that would mean only 530 new homes, total for Hiillsburgh and Erin village – but only if all existing residents also get sewer service. The number could range from 500 to 600 based on housing styles.

The population cap is intended to be permanent, since the Assimilative Capacity (AC) of the river is not expected to rise, but it only applies to sewered homes. If it was decided that Hillsburgh would never get sewers, not only would the village get virtually no development, but the sewage allocation of the 1,400 Hillsburgh residents could then be given to developers to build about 500 additional homes in Erin village.

That would mean a total of 1,030 new homes, almost the number being requested now by Solmar Developments, though the number is meant to include infilling, the process of adding small numbers of new homes or apartments in existing neighbourhoods.

Dale Murray of Triton Engineering told council last week that they should be considering whether they want to reserve sewage capacity for future use, if there are no plans to use it in the early stages of the process. Pearson said, “You can’t sit on 4,500 capacity forever.”

BM Ross has also outlined other options such as piping the sewage to another municipality, which is considered very expensive. There is also the possibility of servicing Hillsburgh, but not Erin village, which is considered unlikely.

Gary Cousins, Director of Planning and Development at Wellington County, told councillors that no large-scale housing developments will be approved using septic systems.

Roy Val of Transition Erin recently organized a workshop on alternative sewer methods, including Small Bore Systems (SBS), which use septic tanks at individual homes. The effluent is sent to a smaller treatment plant through narrow pipes that do not require the road to be dug up. 

He believes both Erin village and Hillsburgh are entitled to service, and contends that SBS is not just a technology issue to be studied later, but a concept that should be cost-analyzed now, since it could change the feasibility of the entire venture.

Kinkead said new technologies would have little impact on the 6,000 limit, and that the MOE is unlikely to approve any technology that does not have a proven track record in Ontario.

If all existing residents (4,500) kept their septic systems, and all the sewage allocation was given to developers (6,000), that would add up to an urban population of 10,500. Combined with the rural population of about 7,000, that would put the entire Town of Erin at 17,500 in 20-30 years.

If not for the restrictions imposed by the river, existing lands in the two villages could support an extra 24,000 people.

Pearson also favours servicing both existing communities. He said leaving a community unserviced would cause it to decline, with businesses and community services drawn away from the core, restricted ability to redevelop vacant buildings, and no resolution to problems such as aging septic beds and holding tanks, and lack of housing for young couples and seniors.

“Servicing one community creates inequalities,” he said. “Investment in properties will decline.”

Councillor Barb Tocher said, “You’ll get two classes of people.”

Pearson has suggested the best route for a pipe to move sewage from Hillsburgh to Erin village is the Elora Cataract Trailway, estimating it could cost $2 million.

There has been discussion of a possible treatment plant at Tenth Line and Wellington Road 52 (Bush Street). CVC said last year that the ideal discharge point is further downstream near Winston Churchill Boulevard, where the river has greater capacity.

The review of costs is scheduled for a public Town Council workshop in May, followed by a choice of one of the options. Council would review a draft SSMP report that would be presented at a public meeting in July. After final revisions, council could vote on August 5 to approve the SSMP, clearing the way for environmental studies of which technologies could be used for a sewer system.

“It’s an expensive proposition no matter what gets built,” said Pearson, who believes Erin has a good chance of getting senior government grants to offset costs. He said if there is substantial housing growth, there could be extra costs for a water tower in Hillsburgh, and a second one in Erin.

He reminded council that if residents had to replace all their aging septic systems, it would cost millions of dollars without any government grants or the option to spread costs over 30 years. He said the cost of a high-end septic system required for small properties is now about $40,000.

Council rejects bid for new Centre 2000 deal

As published in The Erin Advocate

Mayor Lou Maieron’s attempt to have the Centre 2000 agreement changed to a leasing deal was defeated by Town Council at its March 18 meeting.

Maieron has been a critic of the agreement for many years, saying the Town is a victim in “an unfair situation”, and that he has “a fiduciary duty to the taxpayers” to correct the Town’s spending on Centre 2000.

Others on council argued that problems can be worked out with the Upper Grand District School Board, within the current shared-use model.

Councillor John Brennan chaired that section of the meeting while Maieron made his presentation. When the question was called, Councillors Tocher, Callaghan and Wintersinger were opposed, with Maieron in favour and Brennan abstaining. The chair normally only votes in the event of a tie.

Brennan said he was open to either a shared-use or leasing arrangement, as long as service is maintained to residents.

The mayor said invoices from the Town totalling over $20,000 over several years remain unpaid, and he urged that these be resolved by June.

School Trustee Kathryn Cooper, who sits on the Centre 2000 board, was surprised at the mayor’s notice of motion.

“It’s disappointing, since we are well on our way to resolving these issues,” she said prior to the meeting.

She acknowledged that there are unpaid invoices from the Town, and she has recommended that the school board pay them. But she said there are also invoices from the school board that the Town has not paid.

Cooper said while it is costly, for example, for the Town to install a $40,000 sewage meter, it is “an investment in only paying for what they use”.

“A lease model makes sense to me,” said Maieron, claiming the existing deal is too complex. He is suggesting that each party own and maintain certain sections, and lease them to the other party as needed for an agreed fee.

He is particularly concerned about costs of the Shamrock Room, which was intended as the cafeteria in the original plan. He says the town is paying all of the heat, electrical, water and sewage costs for the room and the commercial kitchen, but is “stuck with” the less desirable rental hours.

Maieron is also concerned that the Town borrowed over $2 million for the Centre 2000 project. The bulk of it was for the theatre, he said, but while the Town generates little revenue by renting it out (about 30-40 nights a year), the school is making significant use of it.

Questions about the capital and operating costs of the on-site sewage treatment are also unresolved, he said.

County Councillor Ken Chapman has also been a harsh critic of the agreement. He had been on the board, representing the county’s role as the library operator. He was serving as chair of the board, but recently resigned without explanation.

Councillor Barb Tocher, who was mayor during the planning of Centre 2000, defended the shared-use concept.

“Neither party owns the shared-use portion. It’s not draw a line down the middle of the building. It’s a very unique facility – there are very few in Ontario,” she said. 

“It really doesn’t matter if the Upper Grand District School Board paid for the entire facility, if the Town of Erin paid for the cost of the entire facility. Guess what? It’s the same taxpayer.

“It’s the town of Erin that uses that facility. Very few outsiders use that facility. It’s only our children that go to that school. It’s our citizenship that uses the library. It’s our seniors in the seniors room. It’s our toddlers in the pre-school. It’s ours, all of ours.”

In a letter to the Town, Trustee Cooper praised municipal and school staff for their excellent day-to-day cooperation in running the building.

“We need to have objective measurement systems and transparency on the full costs of operations and upcoming capital needs,” she said.

“We do need to make sure the agreement is fair. But first, we must do the objective analysis to determine if it is or not. Let’s allow staff the priority time to work together to sort out the invoices and the measurement systems before deciding on next steps.”

Health Link helps patients with complex needs

As published in The Erin Advocate

A new effort to ensure that seniors and patients with complex problems don’t “fall through the cracks” of the health care system has been announced for rural Wellington.

A Health Link partnership will be led by the Family Health Team in Mount Forest, but it will be of equal benefit to residents of Erin, Hillsburgh, Rockwood and the rural area served by the East Wellington Family Health Team (EWFHT).

“We can do better with the health care dollars we are provided,” said EWFHT Executive Director Michelle Karker. “There are areas where we know we are lacking. There will be local coordination of records and we will look at all the services that are needed for a patient to be healthy.”

That includes not only treatment from doctors and nurses, but needs such as transportation, in-home support for housekeeping and personal care, addiction treatment, mental health counselling, support groups and video consultations via the Ontario Telemedicine Network.

“Health Links break down barriers for Ontarians, making access to health care easier and less complicated,” said Deb Matthews, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, announcing the Wellington initiative. “By encouraging local health providers to work together to co-ordinate care for individual patients, we’re ensuring our highest needs patients – seniors and those with complex conditions – get the care they need and don’t fall between the cracks.” 

Complex patients represent up to five per cent of Ontario’s population, but use two-thirds of the health care budget, so efficiency in treating that group can help the entire system. 

Joan Fisk, Chair of the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), said the new Health Link for rural Wellington will make a “significant difference”, by providing “one coordinated care plan that reflects their entire health situation.”

Family Health Teams are already working in partnership with organizations such as the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC), but the goal is to provide more comprehensive service and smooth transitions. 

Health Links bring together professionals in a given geographic area, including primary care providers, specialists, hospitals, home care, long-term care and community agencies. At the time a patient has contact with the system, it will be an opportunity to see what other services they might need.

The plan is to reduce avoidable emergency department visits and unnecessary hospital admissions and readmissions, provide same day or next day access to primary care, reduce referral time to specialists and home care, and reduce the number of Alternative Level of Care (ALC) patients – those taking up acute-care beds in hospitals while they wait to be discharged to other facilities. 

A recent study found that 75 per cent of seniors with complex conditions who are discharged from the hospital receive care from six or more physicians and 30 per cent get their drugs from three or more pharmacies.

A patient my still need to be seen by several doctors, but the plan is to have a common database of information on each patient, so that procedures such as X-rays and blood tests won’t be repeated unnecessarily.

“Patients need the health care system to respond quickly and seamlessly to their health care needs, especially those with complex conditions,” said Susan Eng of CARP (formerly the Canadian Association of Retired Persons). 

“Health Links is a major step towards a much needed comprehensive approach to care. CARP has called for a One Patient model – a comprehensive, well-coordinated, and integrated health care system that is easy to navigate and considers the full spectrum of health care needs as people age.”

If a patient lives in the Wellington territory but has their family doctor or specialist in another area such as Georgetown, Guelph or Orangeville, it is intended that there will be a seamless sharing of records among Health Link centres so that information is available to every health provider that needs it.

While the Health Link has been approved, the Ministry of Health will still need to approve a business plan to ensure that all the details have been worked out.

“Health Links present an exciting opportunity to collaborate and work together with our community health partners, including primary care, to put patients first,” said Liz Ruegg, President and CEO, Headwaters Health Care Centre. “This enhanced model of care will ensure higher-quality of care and improved access for our communities.”