September 27, 2012
Let us be persistent in hope
As published in The Erin Advocate
I am not comfortable in the role of victim. I would rather be known for the things I do, rather than the things that have happened to me.
After the death of my son Thomas last May, I was determined to generate more public discussion about mental illness, which led me to speak at McMillan Park, on World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10). Here is the text of those personal reflections:
Thank you to my wife Jean for her strength and patience, and to my son Michael for his courage. I think this ordeal has brought us closer together.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to support us. Not just those close to us, but remote acquaintances, total strangers, and those whose job it is to comfort the afflicted. It is not just a job though, when you have to confront life and death issues, it is a special calling. All that reaching out makes us a strong, caring community.
If we are going to fight the battle, to prevent suicides, then we need to know our enemies. And death is not our enemy. We know that death is certain – we can only delay it. And we know that our species is weak, vulnerable to illnesses.
We can't change the reality that suffering is part of the human condition. But we can improve the quality of life for those with mental illnesses, whether it is a brief crisis or a struggle over many decades. And we can also change the way we think and behave about these issues.
With so much suffering, and over 4,000 Canadian lives lost to suicide each year, it is unacceptable to sweep mental illness under the carpet, as a shameful secret. It is all around us, and we have to face it with courage.
Fear and guilt – these are our enemies. We cannot put them to death, since they are woven right through us, but we can put them in their place, and not allow them to rule our lives. There is healthy fear, the type that protects us from danger. But then there is unreasonable fear, blown out of all proportion to the actual threat.
When our children succeed in the ways of this world, we are tempted to take credit. "We must have been doing something right!" But when they are crushed by the ways of this world, and their own fears, we ask, "Where did we go wrong?"
If we actually did something wrong, we might feel a natural guilt. But why are we tempted to feel guilty about things that are out of our control or that happen in spite of our best efforts. That guilt is not healthy.
We all walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Death is difficult, but the shadow that surrounds it is much worse. So we have to be brave. And we are all fortunate, because love does not come to an end – it is constantly renewed.
When Thomas was eight years old, he was diagnosed with a birth defect, a flaw in his aorta. He needed surgery, and had to understand the risk that he might not survive. He was afraid, but he was brave. The surgery went fine, but what if he had died then? Emotionally, it would have been more efficient for us. It was out of our control – not our fault.
When Thomas was 14, he came to us and said he had urges to kill himself. He was afraid, but he was brave. We scrambled to help him, and never gave up hope, but I wonder what it would have been like for us if he had died then. If he had been afraid to speak to us, and just done it. It would have been simpler, but it would not have been better.
For those with a loved one at risk, try to make a deal with them, to come and talk when things get bad, no matter what. Tell them you can handle it, even if you are not sure. We made that deal with Thomas, and he helped us understand his world. We helped him take responsibility for his own happiness and opened up options for him, and he helped us to be brave.
It was a privilege to accompany him in his struggles. Despite the frustrations and uncertainty, those ten years had many positive times, and he enriched our lives.
Eventually, Thomas could not keep up his end of the bargain. He was being crushed with pain, and he kept the worst of it away from us. He had decided to end his life, but he procrastinated for a long time, hoping for – hope. I don't think his final act was one of cowardice or selfishness. In his mind, it was an act of bravery.
The most difficult thing to accept is that suicide is a choice, a way to escape the pain of existing in this world, the result of a tortured reasoning process. If Thomas felt he had no chance of fitting in to this world, did he make the right choice? We don't think he did, because he had many options, but it was ultimately his choice to make.
Normally, humans are programmed to love life and fear death. But we are also programmed to avoid pain, and pain can change everything. When the socially acceptable treatments are not working well, self-treatment becomes a reality. Unfortunately, many self-treatments are destructive, and provide only short-term relief.
Patients need to take primary responsibility for their mental health, but they need a partnership with family members, friends, doctors, counsellors and the community. The goal is reduce sources of pain, and increase the capacity to cope with it.
This does not work well in an atmosphere of fear and secrecy. Being open and honest about mental illness will not cure it, but it will increase the opportunities for improvement. It is a tragedy that many families suffer in isolation, because of an illness they are not allowed to talk about.
Take all the help you can get from psychiatry, but do not put all your hopes there. Scientific understanding of brain disorders is very limited. The system is poorly funded, waiting times are long, and there is a heavy reliance on drugs. Educate yourself about different illnesses and strategies, and about the side effects and risks of medications.
There are no magic pills, and no special words from a trained professional that will make this go away. The best we can expect is some support for a natural healing process.
Don't let a loved one's illness drag you into despair. Get counselling for yourself and do whatever it takes to build up your strength for the journey.
Collectively, we can also be brave. It is estimated at least one in five Canadians each year will be affected by a mental illness, costing the economy $51 billion dollars annually. So it is encouraging that Canada this year has proclaimed a Mental Health Strategy, to improve access to support services.
We need to demand that this plan gets the funding it deserves. The same goes for the new Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention, now before the Senate. It will formally recognize suicide as a public health issue.
All the positive talk at the top end of the system needs to trickle down to the local level. We need support groups and access to treatment, close to where we live. Very close.
Most importantly, as individuals, let us be brave. Let us discuss the risk of suicide, as openly as we discuss the risk of death by cancer or heart disease. Let us be willing to ask for help when we need it, and accept it when it is offered. Let us reach out to those in need, and be persistent in hope.
September 26, 2012
Agency seeks regular food bank donations
As published in The Erin Advocate
As it launches its Thanksgiving Food Drive, East Wellington Community Services is hoping more people will consider making donations on a regular basis.
Special events in September brought in 1,000 pounds of food and more than $800 in financial support for the Food Bank.
"We are fortunate to have such a supportive community, filled with individuals, groups and organizations that continue to go above and beyond when help is required," said Erika Westcott, Manager of Client Services and Volunteers at EWCS. "We need to keep up the momentum – there is such on ongoing need."
Thanksgiving is a traditional time for an appeal, since people are more mindful of their prosperity. According to a recent Wellington County presentation, the median family income in Erin in 2010 was $97,400 (up 6.2% since 2008). That compares to the county median of $80,300, and the provincial median of $67,300.
The cost of living can put a severe strain on families, though, especially with the high cost of housing and our reliance on gasoline to get to distant workplaces.
"Some families are carrying very heavy debt loads, and may be a paycheque or two away from not being able to pay their mortgage," said EWCS Executive Director Nancy Henry. "If there is a loss of a job, or an illness in the family, or if someone needs retraining and their income is limited, we will very discretely provide supports for the family to get them through."
Non-perishable food is the primary need at the Food Bank, everything from soups, coffee, and noodles to canned fruit, canned fish and juice. Families in crisis receive food on a monthly basis.
Drop food off at the EWCS office at 45 Main Street in Erin (next to the liquor store). They can handle small quantities of garden produce, but call them at 519-833-9696 before you bring it. Also needed are personal products such as soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Donations of money can also be directed to the Food Bank, partly for EWCS to buy needed supplies. Families in crisis may also receive a pre-paid card with a small credit, which they can use at the grocery store.
"This allows them the choice to figure out what they need," said Henry. "Needing food is only a symptom of other problems. Respect is such a huge issue. Everybody carries a burden."
Some people organize their charitable donations through the website www.canadahelps.org, which offers the options of a one-time donation or regular monthly contributions through a credit card. It has a section to provide instructions on how the money is to be used. For a quick link to the EWCS section of canadahelps, go to www.eastwellingtoncommunityservices.com.
It is also worth noting that if you make a bulk purchase over $20 to donate needed food or supplies, such as cases of Kraft dinner, and bring in a receipt for that item alone, a tax receipt will be issued.
People are being creative in finding ways to help, such as donating to mark a special event, or in someone's honour, or even in lieu of a birthday present, said Westcott. Local churches and service clubs also continue to provide valuable assistance.
The EWCS Active Adults Line Dancers have been collecting supplies for the food bank, and on Sept. 7, they presented EWCS with a $100 food donation.
On Sept. 8, ReMax Real Estate Centre in Erin had a “free BBQ for food donation” event between 11 am and 3 pm. People got a free hot dog and drink in return for a food or money donation. The event raised $100, plus 385 pounds of food.
Dawn and Anthony Pulver hosted their 12th Annual Community Golf Tournament and selected the food bank as the recipient of this fundraiser. The 68 golfers raised $644, and collected a truckload of non-perishable food items, weighing a total of 615 pounds.
EWCS thanks Hillsburgh Foodland, Erin Valu-Mart, Mundell’s, and Erin Country Crops for supplying food for the BBQ and all the people who donated tournament golf prizes.
Looking ahead, the agency will also be seeking support during its Christmas Hamper Program.
As it launches its Thanksgiving Food Drive, East Wellington Community Services is hoping more people will consider making donations on a regular basis.
Special events in September brought in 1,000 pounds of food and more than $800 in financial support for the Food Bank.
"We are fortunate to have such a supportive community, filled with individuals, groups and organizations that continue to go above and beyond when help is required," said Erika Westcott, Manager of Client Services and Volunteers at EWCS. "We need to keep up the momentum – there is such on ongoing need."
Thanksgiving is a traditional time for an appeal, since people are more mindful of their prosperity. According to a recent Wellington County presentation, the median family income in Erin in 2010 was $97,400 (up 6.2% since 2008). That compares to the county median of $80,300, and the provincial median of $67,300.
The cost of living can put a severe strain on families, though, especially with the high cost of housing and our reliance on gasoline to get to distant workplaces.
"Some families are carrying very heavy debt loads, and may be a paycheque or two away from not being able to pay their mortgage," said EWCS Executive Director Nancy Henry. "If there is a loss of a job, or an illness in the family, or if someone needs retraining and their income is limited, we will very discretely provide supports for the family to get them through."
Non-perishable food is the primary need at the Food Bank, everything from soups, coffee, and noodles to canned fruit, canned fish and juice. Families in crisis receive food on a monthly basis.
Drop food off at the EWCS office at 45 Main Street in Erin (next to the liquor store). They can handle small quantities of garden produce, but call them at 519-833-9696 before you bring it. Also needed are personal products such as soap, deodorant, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Donations of money can also be directed to the Food Bank, partly for EWCS to buy needed supplies. Families in crisis may also receive a pre-paid card with a small credit, which they can use at the grocery store.
"This allows them the choice to figure out what they need," said Henry. "Needing food is only a symptom of other problems. Respect is such a huge issue. Everybody carries a burden."
Some people organize their charitable donations through the website www.canadahelps.org, which offers the options of a one-time donation or regular monthly contributions through a credit card. It has a section to provide instructions on how the money is to be used. For a quick link to the EWCS section of canadahelps, go to www.eastwellingtoncommunityservices.com.
It is also worth noting that if you make a bulk purchase over $20 to donate needed food or supplies, such as cases of Kraft dinner, and bring in a receipt for that item alone, a tax receipt will be issued.
People are being creative in finding ways to help, such as donating to mark a special event, or in someone's honour, or even in lieu of a birthday present, said Westcott. Local churches and service clubs also continue to provide valuable assistance.
The EWCS Active Adults Line Dancers have been collecting supplies for the food bank, and on Sept. 7, they presented EWCS with a $100 food donation.
On Sept. 8, ReMax Real Estate Centre in Erin had a “free BBQ for food donation” event between 11 am and 3 pm. People got a free hot dog and drink in return for a food or money donation. The event raised $100, plus 385 pounds of food.
Dawn and Anthony Pulver hosted their 12th Annual Community Golf Tournament and selected the food bank as the recipient of this fundraiser. The 68 golfers raised $644, and collected a truckload of non-perishable food items, weighing a total of 615 pounds.
EWCS thanks Hillsburgh Foodland, Erin Valu-Mart, Mundell’s, and Erin Country Crops for supplying food for the BBQ and all the people who donated tournament golf prizes.
Looking ahead, the agency will also be seeking support during its Christmas Hamper Program.
Fire chief gets fire engine red Ford
As published in The Erin Advocate
The Town went shopping for a fire engine red pick-up truck and opted for a Ford – even though the mayor admitted to be a "Dodge guy".
The four-door truck is to be used by Fire Chief Dan Callaghan as part of the first response to fires and serious medical emergencies, instead of his own vehicle. It would also get day-to-day use in the department, for fire prevention activities and transportation of equipment, and would serve as a command post at major incidents.
A pick-up had been included in the capital forecast in 2009 and $33,000 was designated for it in the current budget. Council decided last week to spend up to $36,000, which will include a cap for the bed, a slide-out tray for easy access to equipment and an emergency light package.
After two rounds of quotations for fleet pricing, the choice was narrowed down to a Dodge at $28,108 or a Ford F150 at $29,841. Councillors agreed with the chief's preference for the Ford, based on better gas mileage.
Councillor Deb Callaghan declared a conflict of interest, since the Fire Chief is her husband, and left the council table during the discussion and vote.
The Town went shopping for a fire engine red pick-up truck and opted for a Ford – even though the mayor admitted to be a "Dodge guy".
The four-door truck is to be used by Fire Chief Dan Callaghan as part of the first response to fires and serious medical emergencies, instead of his own vehicle. It would also get day-to-day use in the department, for fire prevention activities and transportation of equipment, and would serve as a command post at major incidents.
A pick-up had been included in the capital forecast in 2009 and $33,000 was designated for it in the current budget. Council decided last week to spend up to $36,000, which will include a cap for the bed, a slide-out tray for easy access to equipment and an emergency light package.
After two rounds of quotations for fleet pricing, the choice was narrowed down to a Dodge at $28,108 or a Ford F150 at $29,841. Councillors agreed with the chief's preference for the Ford, based on better gas mileage.
Councillor Deb Callaghan declared a conflict of interest, since the Fire Chief is her husband, and left the council table during the discussion and vote.
September 19, 2012
Quiet Reading Area takes shape at library
As published in The Erin Advocate
Patrons of the Erin Library can now enjoy a quieter area to sit and read, as noise-reduction renovations are almost complete.
The new Quite Reading Area is not a separate room, since the only new wall is just 10 feet long (9.5 feet tall), located next to the doorway. There is a wide-open passageway, then a row of shelving 20 feet long (6 feet tall) towards the windows, to create a barrier for the area.
The new zone has a carpeted floor, while the main area of computers and work tables has ceramic tile. Sound-dampening panels on the wall behind the check-out desk reduce the reflection of sound into the area.
Three new padded chairs, with swing-in writing surfaces on the arms, have been added, along with small tables and additional chairs with wooden arms. Two computer stations are included in the area.
The doors to the library have been upgraded, and an enclosure has been built around the drop-off box.
The County of Wellington allocated $100,000 to this project in its 2012 capital budget.
Patrons of the Erin Library can now enjoy a quieter area to sit and read, as noise-reduction renovations are almost complete.
The new Quite Reading Area is not a separate room, since the only new wall is just 10 feet long (9.5 feet tall), located next to the doorway. There is a wide-open passageway, then a row of shelving 20 feet long (6 feet tall) towards the windows, to create a barrier for the area.
The new zone has a carpeted floor, while the main area of computers and work tables has ceramic tile. Sound-dampening panels on the wall behind the check-out desk reduce the reflection of sound into the area.
Three new padded chairs, with swing-in writing surfaces on the arms, have been added, along with small tables and additional chairs with wooden arms. Two computer stations are included in the area.
The doors to the library have been upgraded, and an enclosure has been built around the drop-off box.
The County of Wellington allocated $100,000 to this project in its 2012 capital budget.
September 12, 2012
Hillsburgh dam reinforced
As published in The Erin Advocate
Steel beams are lowered into the pond next to the Station Street dam in Hillsburgh, and pounded into the sediment with a pile driver attached to a backhoe bucket. They will help stabilize the roadway where a new culvert is being installed.
September 05, 2012
Worldwide events promote suicide prevention
As published in The Erin Advocate
Having a special "day" may not seem like much, in the struggle to keep people from taking their own lives. But when it is an issue that we are afraid to talk about, public discussion is a valuable key that can open up channels of hope and support.
World Suicide Prevention Day will be marked with a brief event in Erin on Monday, September 10, at McMillan Park on Main Street, at 12:30 p.m. It is partly to mourn the many lives lost to suicide, but more importantly to encourage those who are still at risk, and to reduce the stigma that makes it difficult to talk about mental illness and seek help.
I have been asked to share some personal reflections at this event, since Jean and I had ten years of experience in suicide prevention, before losing our son Thomas last May.
"Until it touches somebody's life, they don't realize how common it is," said Kim Bell, Program Lead/Mental Health Worker at the East Wellington Family Health Team, who is helping organize the event.
It is also sponsored by the Suicide Awareness Council (formerly the Suicide Resource Group) of Wellington-Dufferin, which has been in existence since 1999. Its goal is to reduce the incidence of suicide and its impact, through access to credible information, education and resources.
There is valuable information at www.suicideawarenesscouncil.wordpress.com and at www.suicideprevention.ca. It is also worthwhile to learn about the Collateral Damage Project, at www.leftbehindbysuicide.org, which promotes training in how to deal with the risk of suicide.
Preventing suicide requires a core partnership that includes the person in distress, the immediate family and health professionals – family doctor, psychiatrist and counsellor.
"It's about asking tough questions, hearing tough answers and taking action," said Bell. She said suicide is rarely an impulsive act, as people normally seek out many other options to alleviate their pain.
"You have to be honest with each other. Asking about suicide does not make it more likely. It gives the person permission to talk about it."
The suicides of almost 4,000 people per year in Canada create a painful reminder that this is a major public health issue, one that affects all walks of life.
“It speaks loudly about the need for the Government of Canada to pay heed to the call from thousands of Canadians, the United Nations and the World Health Organization to establish a national suicide prevention strategy,” said Tim Wall, Executive Director for the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.
Bill C-300, to create Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention is now before the Senate. It would recognize suicide as a public health issue, provide guidelines, and promote collaboration, knowledge exchange and best practices.
When it was passed in the House of Commons in June, the Bill’s sponsor, Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht thanked all MPs for the quality of discussion through all the debates, which remained free of partisanship.
He challenged MPs to keep the conversations on suicide and its prevention alive in their own communities, as Canada remains a long way from breaking the stigma surrounding this issue.
Having a special "day" may not seem like much, in the struggle to keep people from taking their own lives. But when it is an issue that we are afraid to talk about, public discussion is a valuable key that can open up channels of hope and support.
World Suicide Prevention Day will be marked with a brief event in Erin on Monday, September 10, at McMillan Park on Main Street, at 12:30 p.m. It is partly to mourn the many lives lost to suicide, but more importantly to encourage those who are still at risk, and to reduce the stigma that makes it difficult to talk about mental illness and seek help.
I have been asked to share some personal reflections at this event, since Jean and I had ten years of experience in suicide prevention, before losing our son Thomas last May.
"Until it touches somebody's life, they don't realize how common it is," said Kim Bell, Program Lead/Mental Health Worker at the East Wellington Family Health Team, who is helping organize the event.
It is also sponsored by the Suicide Awareness Council (formerly the Suicide Resource Group) of Wellington-Dufferin, which has been in existence since 1999. Its goal is to reduce the incidence of suicide and its impact, through access to credible information, education and resources.
There is valuable information at www.suicideawarenesscouncil.wordpress.com and at www.suicideprevention.ca. It is also worthwhile to learn about the Collateral Damage Project, at www.leftbehindbysuicide.org, which promotes training in how to deal with the risk of suicide.
Preventing suicide requires a core partnership that includes the person in distress, the immediate family and health professionals – family doctor, psychiatrist and counsellor.
"It's about asking tough questions, hearing tough answers and taking action," said Bell. She said suicide is rarely an impulsive act, as people normally seek out many other options to alleviate their pain.
"You have to be honest with each other. Asking about suicide does not make it more likely. It gives the person permission to talk about it."
The suicides of almost 4,000 people per year in Canada create a painful reminder that this is a major public health issue, one that affects all walks of life.
“It speaks loudly about the need for the Government of Canada to pay heed to the call from thousands of Canadians, the United Nations and the World Health Organization to establish a national suicide prevention strategy,” said Tim Wall, Executive Director for the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention.
Bill C-300, to create Federal Framework for Suicide Prevention is now before the Senate. It would recognize suicide as a public health issue, provide guidelines, and promote collaboration, knowledge exchange and best practices.
When it was passed in the House of Commons in June, the Bill’s sponsor, Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht thanked all MPs for the quality of discussion through all the debates, which remained free of partisanship.
He challenged MPs to keep the conversations on suicide and its prevention alive in their own communities, as Canada remains a long way from breaking the stigma surrounding this issue.
Electrofishing helps monitor river health
As published in The Erin Advocate
Stunning fish with electricity might seem a bit unfair, compared to traditional fishing. But electrofishing is not about sport, or catching your dinner – it is about science, and preserving the health of rivers.
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) runs volunteer Electrofishing Days throughout the summer, at locations such as Shaw's Creek in Alton, the West Credit in Belfountain, the main river in Terra Cotta, and Silver Creek, just upstream of where it joins the Credit in Norval.
It is a chance for the public to help CVC staff collect fish (mainly small ones), which are identified by species and measured for length.
After a short stay in an aerated bucket of water, the fish are released unharmed into the water – though they might have wondered why their environment was invaded by a squad of humans with hip waders, arm-length gloves and nets, who appeared to be having fun.
The volunteers are led by a CVC technician with a battery-powered generator backpack, which has a rat-tail wire dangling behind into the water, and a long rod with a metal hoop at the front. As the hoop is moved along the rocks and gravel of the river bed, it emits an electrical charge that immobilizes fish that are close by.
A pair of netters stand ready to aggressively scoop the fish out of the quickly moving water, and any that they miss are likely to be caught by several rows of back-up fishers, who keep their nets pressed to the stream bed.
CVC staff carry out a broader fish monitoring program at about 100 points in the watershed, some of which have been established for many years. They are interested in knowing just how much aquatic life different segments of the river can support.
Fisheries Technician Phil Bird said it important to monitor the fish populations consistently over time to determine their sensitivity to temperature changes and pollution.
Having a crew of volunteers allows them to a sample a wide section of river, moving back and forth from bank to bank and working their way upstream. Volunteers also help by shuttling buckets, and learn how to identify various fish.
The Credit watershed is home to rainbow trout, brook trout and brown trout; and various salmon travel up from the lake to spawn. There are lesser-known species such as rainbow darters, similar to minnow or perch, a forage food for the bigger fish. The electrofishing volunteers also end up with many crayfish in their nets.
The Credit River Anglers Association (CRAA) is hoping to develop a wild, self-sustaining Atlantic salmon run in the next 20 years. Atlantic salmon were once abundant in the river, but were extinct from Lake Ontario by 1896. They are making a comeback, with restocking by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the CRAA.
A chinook salmon run has been established with a combination of wild and hatchery fish, and increase stocking has also promoted the return of the coho salmon.
The population of wild steelhead, a popular fighting fish for anglers, has also been growing thanks to CRAA volunteers, who have transported adult fish to the spawning grounds north of the Norval dam.
Electrofishing is one of the activities for teens in the CVC's Conservation Youth Corp, a summer program of environmental stewardship and hands-on education. They earn volunteer hours for their high school requirements, make a difference with tree planting, removal of invasive species, construction of boardwalks and fish habitat structures, and rehabilitating stream banks.
The best way to keep track of volunteer and educational events run by CVC is to check their calendar at www.creditvalleyca.ca, or subscribe to their on-line newsletter The Source – visit the Media & Publications section of the website to sign up.
Stunning fish with electricity might seem a bit unfair, compared to traditional fishing. But electrofishing is not about sport, or catching your dinner – it is about science, and preserving the health of rivers.
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) runs volunteer Electrofishing Days throughout the summer, at locations such as Shaw's Creek in Alton, the West Credit in Belfountain, the main river in Terra Cotta, and Silver Creek, just upstream of where it joins the Credit in Norval.
It is a chance for the public to help CVC staff collect fish (mainly small ones), which are identified by species and measured for length.
After a short stay in an aerated bucket of water, the fish are released unharmed into the water – though they might have wondered why their environment was invaded by a squad of humans with hip waders, arm-length gloves and nets, who appeared to be having fun.
The volunteers are led by a CVC technician with a battery-powered generator backpack, which has a rat-tail wire dangling behind into the water, and a long rod with a metal hoop at the front. As the hoop is moved along the rocks and gravel of the river bed, it emits an electrical charge that immobilizes fish that are close by.
A pair of netters stand ready to aggressively scoop the fish out of the quickly moving water, and any that they miss are likely to be caught by several rows of back-up fishers, who keep their nets pressed to the stream bed.
CVC staff carry out a broader fish monitoring program at about 100 points in the watershed, some of which have been established for many years. They are interested in knowing just how much aquatic life different segments of the river can support.
Fisheries Technician Phil Bird said it important to monitor the fish populations consistently over time to determine their sensitivity to temperature changes and pollution.
Having a crew of volunteers allows them to a sample a wide section of river, moving back and forth from bank to bank and working their way upstream. Volunteers also help by shuttling buckets, and learn how to identify various fish.
The Credit watershed is home to rainbow trout, brook trout and brown trout; and various salmon travel up from the lake to spawn. There are lesser-known species such as rainbow darters, similar to minnow or perch, a forage food for the bigger fish. The electrofishing volunteers also end up with many crayfish in their nets.
The Credit River Anglers Association (CRAA) is hoping to develop a wild, self-sustaining Atlantic salmon run in the next 20 years. Atlantic salmon were once abundant in the river, but were extinct from Lake Ontario by 1896. They are making a comeback, with restocking by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the CRAA.
A chinook salmon run has been established with a combination of wild and hatchery fish, and increase stocking has also promoted the return of the coho salmon.
The population of wild steelhead, a popular fighting fish for anglers, has also been growing thanks to CRAA volunteers, who have transported adult fish to the spawning grounds north of the Norval dam.
Electrofishing is one of the activities for teens in the CVC's Conservation Youth Corp, a summer program of environmental stewardship and hands-on education. They earn volunteer hours for their high school requirements, make a difference with tree planting, removal of invasive species, construction of boardwalks and fish habitat structures, and rehabilitating stream banks.
The best way to keep track of volunteer and educational events run by CVC is to check their calendar at www.creditvalleyca.ca, or subscribe to their on-line newsletter The Source – visit the Media & Publications section of the website to sign up.
August 29, 2012
Progress still slow in helping the disabled
As published in The Erin Advocate
Since talking is always cheaper than doing, I am always skeptical when governments talk about the need for additional talking. Such was the case when I read MP Michael Chong's announcement of a Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities.
I may be a fine one to talk, being in the word trade, but like most people I am not in a position to directly make things better for the disabled. I wrote about this issue in 2010, but strangely, nothing appears to have changed.
Maybe businesses would pay more attention to customers than to columnists. If you were to walk into a downtown store and notice a three or four-inch concrete step, a difficult barrier for anyone in a wheelchair, would you be willing to ask the shopkeeper what could be done about it?
Removing these barriers in some older buildings might present a prohibitive cost, but there are other buildings where relatively inexpensive concrete work could make a big difference.
Municipalities with more than 10,000 people (like Erin) are required to set up an Accessibility Advisory Committee, with a majority of the members having disabilities, according to the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Erin's obligation is being met through an initiative at the County level. Store steps could be a topic for discussion.
Since one in seven people have a disability (one in five by 2036), the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act aims to make the province accessible – by 2025.
The federal government initiative focuses on employment issues, since that falls within their jurisdiction.
"The future of growth and prosperity in Canada is dependent on getting more people into the labour force, including Canadians with disabilities," said Chong. "The Panel is interested in hearing about the various ways employers have recruited and supported employees with disabilities at various stages in their careers, and how these best practices have benefitted their businesses."
This is all well and good, of course, but some disabled folks might be surprised that the Panel is setting out to identify barriers and disincentives to their employment. I thought they were fairly well-known, along with the need for laws and incentives to help change behaviours and attitudes.
An on-line consultation process starts next month, so if you want to participate or get more information, email: panel@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca or go to www.hrsdc.gc.ca, where you can also reach the federal Office for Disability Issues.
On the provincial side, where most disability issues reside, new rules came into effect this year. The Accessibility Standard for Customer Service applies to any person or company that provides goods or services and has one or more employees.
Businesses (and non-profit groups) must now make a plan to accommodate the disabled, including communication, allowing assistive devices and service animals, welcoming support persons and telling customers when accessible services are not available. They must also train their staff to make sure this happens.
Businesses can go to www.ontario.ca/AccessON to find out all the requirements, and run the Compliance Wizard software to help sort it all out.
Other provincial initiatives include mandatory changes to recruitment and hiring processes, and changes to workplace equipment. An emergency plan is already a must, but other measures will not be required until 2015 for the public sector, and 2017 for the private and non-profit sectors.
Some accessibility changes will come through the Building Code, and there will be other standards for the built environment in public spaces, which will apply only to new construction and redevelopment. These will cover not only buildings, but recreational trails, outdoor patios, playgrounds, pedestrian traffic signals and parking lots.
Change may be happening as slow as molasses in January, but at least it is flowing in the right direction.
Since talking is always cheaper than doing, I am always skeptical when governments talk about the need for additional talking. Such was the case when I read MP Michael Chong's announcement of a Panel on Labour Market Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities.
I may be a fine one to talk, being in the word trade, but like most people I am not in a position to directly make things better for the disabled. I wrote about this issue in 2010, but strangely, nothing appears to have changed.
Maybe businesses would pay more attention to customers than to columnists. If you were to walk into a downtown store and notice a three or four-inch concrete step, a difficult barrier for anyone in a wheelchair, would you be willing to ask the shopkeeper what could be done about it?
Removing these barriers in some older buildings might present a prohibitive cost, but there are other buildings where relatively inexpensive concrete work could make a big difference.
Municipalities with more than 10,000 people (like Erin) are required to set up an Accessibility Advisory Committee, with a majority of the members having disabilities, according to the Ministry of Community and Social Services. Erin's obligation is being met through an initiative at the County level. Store steps could be a topic for discussion.
Since one in seven people have a disability (one in five by 2036), the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act aims to make the province accessible – by 2025.
The federal government initiative focuses on employment issues, since that falls within their jurisdiction.
"The future of growth and prosperity in Canada is dependent on getting more people into the labour force, including Canadians with disabilities," said Chong. "The Panel is interested in hearing about the various ways employers have recruited and supported employees with disabilities at various stages in their careers, and how these best practices have benefitted their businesses."
This is all well and good, of course, but some disabled folks might be surprised that the Panel is setting out to identify barriers and disincentives to their employment. I thought they were fairly well-known, along with the need for laws and incentives to help change behaviours and attitudes.
An on-line consultation process starts next month, so if you want to participate or get more information, email: panel@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca or go to www.hrsdc.gc.ca, where you can also reach the federal Office for Disability Issues.
On the provincial side, where most disability issues reside, new rules came into effect this year. The Accessibility Standard for Customer Service applies to any person or company that provides goods or services and has one or more employees.
Businesses (and non-profit groups) must now make a plan to accommodate the disabled, including communication, allowing assistive devices and service animals, welcoming support persons and telling customers when accessible services are not available. They must also train their staff to make sure this happens.
Businesses can go to www.ontario.ca/AccessON to find out all the requirements, and run the Compliance Wizard software to help sort it all out.
Other provincial initiatives include mandatory changes to recruitment and hiring processes, and changes to workplace equipment. An emergency plan is already a must, but other measures will not be required until 2015 for the public sector, and 2017 for the private and non-profit sectors.
Some accessibility changes will come through the Building Code, and there will be other standards for the built environment in public spaces, which will apply only to new construction and redevelopment. These will cover not only buildings, but recreational trails, outdoor patios, playgrounds, pedestrian traffic signals and parking lots.
Change may be happening as slow as molasses in January, but at least it is flowing in the right direction.
Councillors could lose pay for breaking Code
As published in The Erin Advocate
Town Council will discuss a new Code of Conduct for themselves next month, which could result in councillors having their pay suspended for up to 90 days if they breach it.
A draft of the Code was presented to Council in April by former Town Manager Lisa Hass, and a revised version came up at the August meeting. Discussion was deferred to the September 25 meeting, but not before Mayor Lou Maieron expressed reservations about such a Code.
He said existing laws are sufficient to regulate local politicians. These include the Municipal Act, the Town's Procedural Bylaw, other Ontario statutes on conflict of interest, elections and privacy, and the Criminal Code. The Code of Conduct is an option that allows municipalities to set further standards.
"A written Code of Conduct helps to ensure that the members of Council share a common basis of acceptable conduct," the draft says. "These standards should serve to enhance public confidence that the Town's elected and appointed representatives operate from a base of integrity, justice and courtesy...It is not intended to replace personal ethics."
Other towns have adopted such Codes, including Caledon, where investigations are done by an Integrity Commissioner. In Erin, it is proposed to have investigations by a "Special Committee made up of persons not directly involved in the complaint". They would review the complaint form, written submissions and background documents, and interview witnesses.
In Caledon, there's a $125 fee for making a complaint, which is refunded so long as the complaint is not frivolous, vexatious or not made in good faith. It is also not refunded if it turns out that there was no offence, or that the offence was trivial, unavoidable, or "committed through inadvertence or an error of judgement made in good faith."
The Erin process would include opportunity to resolve the complaint informally. Council would be advised in a confidential report of any formal complaints, but the public would not be informed unless the Committee finds that there was a breach of the Code. Then there would be a public report to the full council, including recommendations on a penalty.
In addition to other consequence imposed by law, the Municipal Act allows these penalties for Code violations: a reprimand; repaying money received; returning a gift or benefit; a requested apology; removal from a local Board or Committee; or suspension of pay for up to 90 days.
Here are some highlights of the proposed provisions:
• Members must not make false or misleading statements.
• Members must not use their influence of office for other than official duties.
• Members must not accept fees or gifts related to their duties, for themselves or their families, unless permitted by various exceptions. These include gifts of social protocol, legal political donations, volunteer work, benefits provided by other governments, and food at community events.
• Confidential information and details of in-camera meetings must not be released, or used for personal gain.
• Town property, equipment, supplies and on-duty staff must not be used for personal purposes, including a re-election campaign.
• "Members shall conduct themselves with decorum at Council...Respect for delegations and for fellow members and staff requires that all members show courtesy and not distract from the business of Council during presentations and when other members have the floor."
• Unless business is legally required to dealt with in closed session, members are to conduct their duties in an "open and transparent manner", so that the public "can view the process and rationale which was used to reach decisions."
• Members are to communicate council decisions accurately to the media and public, even if they disagree with them, in order to maintain respect for and integrity in the decision process. "A member should refrain from making disparaging comments about Members of Council and Council's processes and decisions."
• No member shall borrow money from any person who regularly does business with the Town (except banks), or accept payment or benefits in exchange for referring business to any person or company.
• Members must show respect for staff and not interfere with their duties.
• "Members shall conduct themselves with appropriate decorum at all times. As leaders in the community, members are held to a higher standard of behaviour and accordingly their behaviour should be exemplary."
Town Council will discuss a new Code of Conduct for themselves next month, which could result in councillors having their pay suspended for up to 90 days if they breach it.
A draft of the Code was presented to Council in April by former Town Manager Lisa Hass, and a revised version came up at the August meeting. Discussion was deferred to the September 25 meeting, but not before Mayor Lou Maieron expressed reservations about such a Code.
He said existing laws are sufficient to regulate local politicians. These include the Municipal Act, the Town's Procedural Bylaw, other Ontario statutes on conflict of interest, elections and privacy, and the Criminal Code. The Code of Conduct is an option that allows municipalities to set further standards.
"A written Code of Conduct helps to ensure that the members of Council share a common basis of acceptable conduct," the draft says. "These standards should serve to enhance public confidence that the Town's elected and appointed representatives operate from a base of integrity, justice and courtesy...It is not intended to replace personal ethics."
Other towns have adopted such Codes, including Caledon, where investigations are done by an Integrity Commissioner. In Erin, it is proposed to have investigations by a "Special Committee made up of persons not directly involved in the complaint". They would review the complaint form, written submissions and background documents, and interview witnesses.
In Caledon, there's a $125 fee for making a complaint, which is refunded so long as the complaint is not frivolous, vexatious or not made in good faith. It is also not refunded if it turns out that there was no offence, or that the offence was trivial, unavoidable, or "committed through inadvertence or an error of judgement made in good faith."
The Erin process would include opportunity to resolve the complaint informally. Council would be advised in a confidential report of any formal complaints, but the public would not be informed unless the Committee finds that there was a breach of the Code. Then there would be a public report to the full council, including recommendations on a penalty.
In addition to other consequence imposed by law, the Municipal Act allows these penalties for Code violations: a reprimand; repaying money received; returning a gift or benefit; a requested apology; removal from a local Board or Committee; or suspension of pay for up to 90 days.
Here are some highlights of the proposed provisions:
• Members must not make false or misleading statements.
• Members must not use their influence of office for other than official duties.
• Members must not accept fees or gifts related to their duties, for themselves or their families, unless permitted by various exceptions. These include gifts of social protocol, legal political donations, volunteer work, benefits provided by other governments, and food at community events.
• Confidential information and details of in-camera meetings must not be released, or used for personal gain.
• Town property, equipment, supplies and on-duty staff must not be used for personal purposes, including a re-election campaign.
• "Members shall conduct themselves with decorum at Council...Respect for delegations and for fellow members and staff requires that all members show courtesy and not distract from the business of Council during presentations and when other members have the floor."
• Unless business is legally required to dealt with in closed session, members are to conduct their duties in an "open and transparent manner", so that the public "can view the process and rationale which was used to reach decisions."
• Members are to communicate council decisions accurately to the media and public, even if they disagree with them, in order to maintain respect for and integrity in the decision process. "A member should refrain from making disparaging comments about Members of Council and Council's processes and decisions."
• No member shall borrow money from any person who regularly does business with the Town (except banks), or accept payment or benefits in exchange for referring business to any person or company.
• Members must show respect for staff and not interfere with their duties.
• "Members shall conduct themselves with appropriate decorum at all times. As leaders in the community, members are held to a higher standard of behaviour and accordingly their behaviour should be exemplary."
August 22, 2012
Seniors group welcomes Erin participants
As published in The Erin Advocate
Erin seniors who are looking for a broad range of interesting social activities may want to get involved with the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association (GWSA).
Of course, it does mean getting yourself over to the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, on Woolwich Street near Speedvale Avenue in Guelph, but for many people, that is not a problem.
More difficult, perhaps, is the prospect of meeting a bunch of people you don't know. But as one the largest seniors associations in Canada, with almost 3,000 members, chances are you will find others with similar interests. The group has a mandate to serve all of Wellington County, so why not take advantage of what is available?
"The more, the merrier," says GWSA representative Pat Gage.
The GWSA mission is: "To empower older adults to be active, to be involved and to age successfully." The membership fee is only $22. Go to www.gwsa-guelph.ca for information, or call the centre at 519-823-1291.
I am not suggesting that anyone ignore the excellent services for seniors offered here in Erin by East Wellington Community Services (EWCS). The Seniors Centre at Centre 2000 is home to the Day Program for frail seniors and those with dementia, as well as a variety of weekly exercise, craft and card-playing events for more active seniors.
There are other local services such as foot care and hearing clinics, day trips, home help and guest speakers. Go to www.eastwellingtoncommunityservices.com for more information.
The Guelph group does things on a scale that is not possible in a small town. They have 90 organized programs, four full-time staff and more than 500 volunteers. They raised half of the $3.2 million needed to build and equip their 25,000 square foot seniors recreation facility, which opened in 1992, and now have an annual budget of more than $500,000. Major funding comes from the Ministry of Health, as well as the United Way, and there are some activity fees.
The centre not only has activity rooms, but a small library, a computer room, a billiards room, a gym/auditorium (with shuffleboard) and a dining room, plus outside activities such as golf, walking, canoeing, skiing and skating.
Courses are offered in everything from Chronic Pain Management to Watercolour Painting, and Yoga to Internet Social Networks.
Programs include a monthly hot lunch for isolated seniors, and senior volunteers who help other seniors find services they need, especially to live independently at home as long as possible. There is nutrition counselling, and the option of weekly in-home visits from a trained volunteer to help with exercise.
A newsletter called The Sentinel comes out 10 times a year, on paper or via download, as a forum for comments and a source of information on seniors issues. They have an on-line newspaper called Take Advantage of Your Seniority, at paper.li/gwsa/1335534623.
GWSA information is also available at gwsaguelph.blogspot.ca, plus Facebook, Myspace, Linkedin, Flickr, and of course, Twitter.
Their Twitter feed has 1,492 followers, including me, and it is consistently interesting. My Twitter feed is interesting too, but it has only 33 followers. I guess I need to post more often and promote myself more aggressively.
Maybe I'll get around to that next month. My employer of the last 20 years has just gone into receivership, and I'm not ready to retire, so I've got some more urgent fish to fry.
Erin seniors who are looking for a broad range of interesting social activities may want to get involved with the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association (GWSA).
Of course, it does mean getting yourself over to the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, on Woolwich Street near Speedvale Avenue in Guelph, but for many people, that is not a problem.
More difficult, perhaps, is the prospect of meeting a bunch of people you don't know. But as one the largest seniors associations in Canada, with almost 3,000 members, chances are you will find others with similar interests. The group has a mandate to serve all of Wellington County, so why not take advantage of what is available?
"The more, the merrier," says GWSA representative Pat Gage.
The GWSA mission is: "To empower older adults to be active, to be involved and to age successfully." The membership fee is only $22. Go to www.gwsa-guelph.ca for information, or call the centre at 519-823-1291.
I am not suggesting that anyone ignore the excellent services for seniors offered here in Erin by East Wellington Community Services (EWCS). The Seniors Centre at Centre 2000 is home to the Day Program for frail seniors and those with dementia, as well as a variety of weekly exercise, craft and card-playing events for more active seniors.
There are other local services such as foot care and hearing clinics, day trips, home help and guest speakers. Go to www.eastwellingtoncommunityservices.com for more information.
The Guelph group does things on a scale that is not possible in a small town. They have 90 organized programs, four full-time staff and more than 500 volunteers. They raised half of the $3.2 million needed to build and equip their 25,000 square foot seniors recreation facility, which opened in 1992, and now have an annual budget of more than $500,000. Major funding comes from the Ministry of Health, as well as the United Way, and there are some activity fees.
The centre not only has activity rooms, but a small library, a computer room, a billiards room, a gym/auditorium (with shuffleboard) and a dining room, plus outside activities such as golf, walking, canoeing, skiing and skating.
Courses are offered in everything from Chronic Pain Management to Watercolour Painting, and Yoga to Internet Social Networks.
Programs include a monthly hot lunch for isolated seniors, and senior volunteers who help other seniors find services they need, especially to live independently at home as long as possible. There is nutrition counselling, and the option of weekly in-home visits from a trained volunteer to help with exercise.
A newsletter called The Sentinel comes out 10 times a year, on paper or via download, as a forum for comments and a source of information on seniors issues. They have an on-line newspaper called Take Advantage of Your Seniority, at paper.li/gwsa/1335534623.
GWSA information is also available at gwsaguelph.blogspot.ca, plus Facebook, Myspace, Linkedin, Flickr, and of course, Twitter.
Their Twitter feed has 1,492 followers, including me, and it is consistently interesting. My Twitter feed is interesting too, but it has only 33 followers. I guess I need to post more often and promote myself more aggressively.
Maybe I'll get around to that next month. My employer of the last 20 years has just gone into receivership, and I'm not ready to retire, so I've got some more urgent fish to fry.
Skatepark noise angers residents
As published in The Erin Advocate
Loud noise from the newly-installed skateboard ramps near Centre 2000 has sparked a protest to Town council from nearby residents.
Several residents attended last Wednesday's council meeting, saying the noise level is severe on Daniel and Pine Streets, and that activity at the park was going on too late in the evening. OPP officers were on the scene several times to disperse skateboarders and BMX bike riders.
"I feel like my home has been stolen – I can't sleep in my own home," said one resident. "My property has been devalued."
"It is a nightmare," said another. "We need to educate the kids, and the kids' parents."
Council immediately authorized the spending of $21,600 from the skateboard park budget to have sound dampening equipment installed as soon as possible, and instructed staff to investigate options for a constructed or tree-based sound barrier.
Council also voted to limit park use to the hours of 9 am to 9 pm, which will require a change to signs that have been made, but not installed yet.
The sound dampening will include rubberizing the bottoms of the ramps ($5,400) and attaching walls to enclose the open area under the ramps ($16,200). Unlike in some skatepark parks, the Erin ramps are moveable structures sitting atop a flat concrete pad. Concrete ramps would have cost about $150,000 more, which was not considered feasible.
The pad and ramps were recently installed just west of the arena (less than 10 metres from the closest back yards), after many years of community fundraising and council debate, and with the help of a $60,000 Ontario Trillium Grant. The skateboard budget is $160,000, with only about $121,000 spent so far.
The ramps were ready earlier than expected, on the weekend of August 11, and kids were able to use them immediately, even though other elements of the park were not ready.
"It's a huge novelty now," said Centre 2000 Manager Graham Smith. "Right now it's out of control, but there won't be so many kids normally."
Two security cameras are installed in the area and monitored from the arena office, and two more will be installed soon. Smith said arena security lights should remain on in the area, to deter vandalism.
Council asked that signage and a planned 10-foot fence around the pad be installed as soon as possible. Some residents said that the park should not have been open for use until all construction was complete.
"We are reacting as quickly as possible to an unanticipated problem," said Mayor Lou Maieron.
The Town's 2005 Noise Bylaw says: "The people have a right to and should be ensured an environment free from unusual, unnecessary or excessive sound or noise which may degrade the quality and tranquility of their life or cause nuisance."
However, the noise bylaw does not apply to activities that are specifically exempt, including: "Sporting, recreational and entertainment events in public parks, buildings or grounds authorized by the municipality."
Loud noise from the newly-installed skateboard ramps near Centre 2000 has sparked a protest to Town council from nearby residents.
Several residents attended last Wednesday's council meeting, saying the noise level is severe on Daniel and Pine Streets, and that activity at the park was going on too late in the evening. OPP officers were on the scene several times to disperse skateboarders and BMX bike riders.
"I feel like my home has been stolen – I can't sleep in my own home," said one resident. "My property has been devalued."
"It is a nightmare," said another. "We need to educate the kids, and the kids' parents."
Council immediately authorized the spending of $21,600 from the skateboard park budget to have sound dampening equipment installed as soon as possible, and instructed staff to investigate options for a constructed or tree-based sound barrier.
Council also voted to limit park use to the hours of 9 am to 9 pm, which will require a change to signs that have been made, but not installed yet.
The sound dampening will include rubberizing the bottoms of the ramps ($5,400) and attaching walls to enclose the open area under the ramps ($16,200). Unlike in some skatepark parks, the Erin ramps are moveable structures sitting atop a flat concrete pad. Concrete ramps would have cost about $150,000 more, which was not considered feasible.
The pad and ramps were recently installed just west of the arena (less than 10 metres from the closest back yards), after many years of community fundraising and council debate, and with the help of a $60,000 Ontario Trillium Grant. The skateboard budget is $160,000, with only about $121,000 spent so far.
The ramps were ready earlier than expected, on the weekend of August 11, and kids were able to use them immediately, even though other elements of the park were not ready.
"It's a huge novelty now," said Centre 2000 Manager Graham Smith. "Right now it's out of control, but there won't be so many kids normally."
Two security cameras are installed in the area and monitored from the arena office, and two more will be installed soon. Smith said arena security lights should remain on in the area, to deter vandalism.
Council asked that signage and a planned 10-foot fence around the pad be installed as soon as possible. Some residents said that the park should not have been open for use until all construction was complete.
"We are reacting as quickly as possible to an unanticipated problem," said Mayor Lou Maieron.
The Town's 2005 Noise Bylaw says: "The people have a right to and should be ensured an environment free from unusual, unnecessary or excessive sound or noise which may degrade the quality and tranquility of their life or cause nuisance."
However, the noise bylaw does not apply to activities that are specifically exempt, including: "Sporting, recreational and entertainment events in public parks, buildings or grounds authorized by the municipality."
Mayor takes heat after forgetting party emails
As published in The Erin Advocate
Mayor Lou Maieron came under scathing criticism at last week's council meeting, after he said he had forgotten about an email informing him in advance about a taxpayer-funded retirement party held in April.
In a June 5 report, the mayor said he had been unable to answer taxpayer questions about a party for former Town Manager Lisa Hass. "Please explain how $5,000 of taxpayers' money was spent on this celebration without Council approval? Without the mayor knowing at all, until he signed cheques?" he wrote, and concluded, "Other than being invited and asked to bring greetings as the Mayor, I was not involved or consulted in this at all."
But an email from three months earlier, from the mayor to Treasurer Sharon Marshall, addressed as Personal and Confidential, was published with the council agenda last week. On March 5, the mayor asked about the planned party:
"Is funding for this coming out of the employee social fund or will it come from the 2012 budget? ...just getting the information as I know I will be asked the Q's...Lisa deserves a wonderful retirement send off. But like anyone else, she had her friends and her foes, and her foes will ask the tough Q's. Being prepared is the good boy scout motto."
Marshall responded the next day, "We do not have a formal, consistent 'party' policy. The scale – and therefore 'costs' – are tailored to the person retiring. The taxpayer pays the cost of any function run by staff – including retirement parties...Where does this end up in a budget? The costs are allocated to "admin misc" if it is for an admin staff (as Lisa is)."
At last week's meeting Maieron said, "I honestly forgot about those two emails."
Councillor John Brennan told the mayor, "The whole thing troubles me. I don't think you handled this as well as you should have. Your report was fraudulent – it wasn't true...I can see why staff would see this as a personal attack.
"You didn't bring forward concerns when you had ample opportunity. The June 5 report was misleading."
Maieron said he had not been misleading, but just forgetful. He complimented Administrative Assistant Connie Cox for doing a great job on the party, but said he had been unaware of the traditions involved and maintained his right to question the cost and lack of clear policy.
Councillor Barb Tocher said staff acted properly and that Maieron could have got more information through discussion with them before launching his public protest.
"You talk about being clear and transparent...but it seems to me you were not doing your homework," she said. The mayor could have suggested the need for a celebration policy, "but the rest of the gobbledygook in that report didn't need to be there."
Council did vote unanimously to have staff work on a celebration policy.
In his latest report to council (submitted in July but deferred to August), the mayor suggests that the three "lady councillors" should not have discussed the retiree's gift. Cox had asked Tocher for advice about the gift, and whether the mayor should be consulted.
Tocher said she later had an informal conversation in the hallway with a councillor about the gift, and that a third councillor walked up and joined the discussion. She said there was no intent to meet behind the mayor's back, but that she was under no obligation to report the conversation to him or the full council.
"These types of non-transparent, un-accountable actions need to stop now," said Maieron, suggesting that the councillors' conversation "could be considered an improper council meeting". He said that it effectively bumped up the value of the gift from the 25-year long-service award level of $250, to a final amount of $676.
The appropriate gift amount is unclear, however, since what Cox called "very extravagant" gifts had been given to retiring department heads in the past. The gift for Hass was a single retirement gift, with the $250 long-service award amount applied towards it. "This enabled me to purchase a suitable gift for Lisa's status without overspending," said Cox, in her June response to the mayor.
In his last report, the mayor says that some taxpayers "state that there seems to be a sense of entitlement and subterfuge in how this event came to be".
Treasurer Marshall says that all the invoices were properly processed as per the Procurement Bylaw, and paid out of amounts designated for celebrations in the budget approved by council.
Councillor Deb Callaghan apologized to staff who were embarrassed by the controversy. "Staff did follow policy. I don't think staff did anything wrong, and there was no intent to mislead council or the public."
Councillor Josie Wintersinger said, "There were errors on both sides to some degree. We'll all take some of the blame and move on."
Maieron summed up the situation in his opening comment of last week's debate: "It's too bad it turned out this way."
Mayor Lou Maieron came under scathing criticism at last week's council meeting, after he said he had forgotten about an email informing him in advance about a taxpayer-funded retirement party held in April.
In a June 5 report, the mayor said he had been unable to answer taxpayer questions about a party for former Town Manager Lisa Hass. "Please explain how $5,000 of taxpayers' money was spent on this celebration without Council approval? Without the mayor knowing at all, until he signed cheques?" he wrote, and concluded, "Other than being invited and asked to bring greetings as the Mayor, I was not involved or consulted in this at all."
But an email from three months earlier, from the mayor to Treasurer Sharon Marshall, addressed as Personal and Confidential, was published with the council agenda last week. On March 5, the mayor asked about the planned party:
"Is funding for this coming out of the employee social fund or will it come from the 2012 budget? ...just getting the information as I know I will be asked the Q's...Lisa deserves a wonderful retirement send off. But like anyone else, she had her friends and her foes, and her foes will ask the tough Q's. Being prepared is the good boy scout motto."
Marshall responded the next day, "We do not have a formal, consistent 'party' policy. The scale – and therefore 'costs' – are tailored to the person retiring. The taxpayer pays the cost of any function run by staff – including retirement parties...Where does this end up in a budget? The costs are allocated to "admin misc" if it is for an admin staff (as Lisa is)."
At last week's meeting Maieron said, "I honestly forgot about those two emails."
Councillor John Brennan told the mayor, "The whole thing troubles me. I don't think you handled this as well as you should have. Your report was fraudulent – it wasn't true...I can see why staff would see this as a personal attack.
"You didn't bring forward concerns when you had ample opportunity. The June 5 report was misleading."
Maieron said he had not been misleading, but just forgetful. He complimented Administrative Assistant Connie Cox for doing a great job on the party, but said he had been unaware of the traditions involved and maintained his right to question the cost and lack of clear policy.
Councillor Barb Tocher said staff acted properly and that Maieron could have got more information through discussion with them before launching his public protest.
"You talk about being clear and transparent...but it seems to me you were not doing your homework," she said. The mayor could have suggested the need for a celebration policy, "but the rest of the gobbledygook in that report didn't need to be there."
Council did vote unanimously to have staff work on a celebration policy.
In his latest report to council (submitted in July but deferred to August), the mayor suggests that the three "lady councillors" should not have discussed the retiree's gift. Cox had asked Tocher for advice about the gift, and whether the mayor should be consulted.
Tocher said she later had an informal conversation in the hallway with a councillor about the gift, and that a third councillor walked up and joined the discussion. She said there was no intent to meet behind the mayor's back, but that she was under no obligation to report the conversation to him or the full council.
"These types of non-transparent, un-accountable actions need to stop now," said Maieron, suggesting that the councillors' conversation "could be considered an improper council meeting". He said that it effectively bumped up the value of the gift from the 25-year long-service award level of $250, to a final amount of $676.
The appropriate gift amount is unclear, however, since what Cox called "very extravagant" gifts had been given to retiring department heads in the past. The gift for Hass was a single retirement gift, with the $250 long-service award amount applied towards it. "This enabled me to purchase a suitable gift for Lisa's status without overspending," said Cox, in her June response to the mayor.
In his last report, the mayor says that some taxpayers "state that there seems to be a sense of entitlement and subterfuge in how this event came to be".
Treasurer Marshall says that all the invoices were properly processed as per the Procurement Bylaw, and paid out of amounts designated for celebrations in the budget approved by council.
Councillor Deb Callaghan apologized to staff who were embarrassed by the controversy. "Staff did follow policy. I don't think staff did anything wrong, and there was no intent to mislead council or the public."
Councillor Josie Wintersinger said, "There were errors on both sides to some degree. We'll all take some of the blame and move on."
Maieron summed up the situation in his opening comment of last week's debate: "It's too bad it turned out this way."
Mayor blasts Town in fish farm dispute
As published in The Erin Advocate
Mayor Lou Maieron stepped down from his chair and appeared as a delegation before his own council last week, urging the Town to take action to resolve long-standing problems with land next to his fish farm.
Councillor John Brennan, temporarily chairing the meeting, told Maieron, his wife Karen, and their lawyer Kevin Sherkin, that council would hear the presentation but make no response, due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Silvercreek Aquaculture is located on Mountainview Crescent in Erin village. It is separated from the nearby Erinbrook Subdivison by a 17-acre wooded lot. Stormwater draining from the subdivision has caused serious problems for the fish-raising operation, Sherkin said.
Silvercreek was to be given possession of that land under the terms of an Ontario Municipal Board order, but the deed was never registered, he said, because of problems with use of an easement intended only to allow the developer to monitor drainage.
The Town has now advised that over $30,000 in taxes is owing on the land, and Sherkin said this should be paid by the developer or absorbed by the municipality.
Silvercreek also wants a fence erected, as specified in the OMB decision, said Sherkin. Silvercreek was not properly notified of a change to the subdivision agreement to remove the fencing requirement, he said.
He is also demanding resolution of problems with the drainage system, which he said, "is faulty and is damaging Mr. Maieron's business."
Mayor Lou Maieron stepped down from his chair and appeared as a delegation before his own council last week, urging the Town to take action to resolve long-standing problems with land next to his fish farm.
Councillor John Brennan, temporarily chairing the meeting, told Maieron, his wife Karen, and their lawyer Kevin Sherkin, that council would hear the presentation but make no response, due to ongoing legal proceedings.
Silvercreek Aquaculture is located on Mountainview Crescent in Erin village. It is separated from the nearby Erinbrook Subdivison by a 17-acre wooded lot. Stormwater draining from the subdivision has caused serious problems for the fish-raising operation, Sherkin said.
Silvercreek was to be given possession of that land under the terms of an Ontario Municipal Board order, but the deed was never registered, he said, because of problems with use of an easement intended only to allow the developer to monitor drainage.
The Town has now advised that over $30,000 in taxes is owing on the land, and Sherkin said this should be paid by the developer or absorbed by the municipality.
Silvercreek also wants a fence erected, as specified in the OMB decision, said Sherkin. Silvercreek was not properly notified of a change to the subdivision agreement to remove the fencing requirement, he said.
He is also demanding resolution of problems with the drainage system, which he said, "is faulty and is damaging Mr. Maieron's business."
Town applies for infrastructure grants
As published in The Erin Advocate
The Town of Erin will apply for federal grants of more than $1 million to offset the cost of the Station Street dam project, repairs to the water tower and new flooring at the Erin arena lobby.
With Station Street in Hillsburgh closed due to instability caused by the adjacent pond, council has authorized temporary work to get the road re-opened. No decision has been made about permanent work to replace the bridge, rebuild the road and rehabilitate the dam, which could cost $2.6 million.
The Town is seeking a grant of $1 million for that project from the Community Infrastructure Investment Fund (CIIF). Funding of 50% is possible in some cases, but the limit is $1 million. Projects for 33.3% funding have priority, said Treasurer Sharon Marshall.
Mayor Lou Maieron was assured by staff that the grant would not lock the Town into a plan of action, and that the grant could be scaled back if a less expensive project is undertaken.
Applications for 33.3% funding are also being made for two other projects. Repair and resurfacing of the interior of the Erin water tower is expected to cost $140,000. Replacement of the lobby flooring in the Erin arena is expected to cost $90,000.
The grant program is for improvements to existing infrastructure, and must be completed by March 2014. A project must be one that would not otherwise have been done by that date without the grant.
The Town of Erin will apply for federal grants of more than $1 million to offset the cost of the Station Street dam project, repairs to the water tower and new flooring at the Erin arena lobby.
With Station Street in Hillsburgh closed due to instability caused by the adjacent pond, council has authorized temporary work to get the road re-opened. No decision has been made about permanent work to replace the bridge, rebuild the road and rehabilitate the dam, which could cost $2.6 million.
The Town is seeking a grant of $1 million for that project from the Community Infrastructure Investment Fund (CIIF). Funding of 50% is possible in some cases, but the limit is $1 million. Projects for 33.3% funding have priority, said Treasurer Sharon Marshall.
Mayor Lou Maieron was assured by staff that the grant would not lock the Town into a plan of action, and that the grant could be scaled back if a less expensive project is undertaken.
Applications for 33.3% funding are also being made for two other projects. Repair and resurfacing of the interior of the Erin water tower is expected to cost $140,000. Replacement of the lobby flooring in the Erin arena is expected to cost $90,000.
The grant program is for improvements to existing infrastructure, and must be completed by March 2014. A project must be one that would not otherwise have been done by that date without the grant.
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