From the Advocate – 100 years ago (1914)
An editorial in the Advocate supports a suggestion being distributed in Ontario that no municipal elections be held this winter, and that the money saved be put in a fund for the people of Belgium, many of whom have been left homeless in a war-ravaged countryside. “Very few of our municipalities would be greatly deranged by letting the present officers control another year,” it said.
From the Advocate – 45 years ago (1969)
George Haws, 101, formerly of Hillsburgh and now living in Orangeville, was the oldest person at the Erin Fall Fair. He’s been at every Erin fair since 1889. Rud Whiting, MP for Halton North (which includes Erin) also came to the fair with his family. Ken Marsh of Erin Township was the winner of a Sno Prince snowmobile, in a draw at the fair conducted by the Erin District Lions Club.
An economic study of Waterloo and Wellington Counties predicts that within 30 years, the population of the region will triple – with similar increases in stores, industries, offices and hospitals. Attendance is soaring at conservation areas, and new ones are expected to be overcrowded as soon as they are opened.
The As We Were column recounted an Advocate story from 1910, in which the store built by Hillsburgh pioneer William How was destroyed in an explosion. A trail of gunpower had leaked from storage kegs, and was ignited by a discarded match. Edward How was seriously injured, according to the History of Erin Township, and the other men in the store were saved by the full length counter, which held the weight of the fallen roof off them.
From the Advocate – 35 years ago (1979)
Erin Township taxpayers are facing a 26% tax increase this year, while Erin village taxes are up only 2%. Board of Education Finance Superintendent Cliff Chamberlain says it is due to new provincial government equalized property assessment system designed to more fairly share the costs of education.
The Ly family has arrived in Erin, five months after escaping from Viet Nam in a small boat. They were met at the airport by Rick and Freddi McLarnon, Erin restaurant owner Kay Soo and Bill Rutka, members of Erin’s Save the Boat People Group. They have been provided with a furnished home thanks to local donations. Two days after their arrival, oldest son Ly Thanh started work at the Foodland grocery store.
Machine gun fire was heard in the Forks of the Credit area, but it was for the shooting of a new Canadian movie at the Caledon Ski Club entitled The Last Chance, starring Lee Majors.
From the Advocate – 25 years ago (1989)
A fierce storm blasted Hillsburgh on Saturday, with winds up to 120 km per hour and large hail stones causing an estimated $500,000 in damage. Trees were toppled, roofs were lifted, traffic lights were smashed, Hwy. 25 was closed and power was cut for almost 20 hours, with a row of 16 Hydro poles down. Gary Robertson of the Hillsburgh Fire Department said the Township’s Emergency Plan was activated, and they responded to calls for tree and chimney fires, downed power lines and medical assistance. Firefighters did not get home until 3 pm Sunday. Guelph OPP reported that no one was injured. The Weather Office said there were over 1,500 lightning strikes per hour at the storm’s peak.
Marion Chambers, Executive Director at East Wellington Advisory Group (EWAG) is retiring. She helped establish the social service agency in 1984. She served on Erin Village Council and was once the President of the New Democratic Party of Canada.
October 15, 2014
Pierre Brianceau sees need for change
As published in The Erin Advocate - by the candidate
With my wife Gina and our four children, our family moved to the village of Erin in 1981. In 1991, frustrated with out-of-control property taxes, aging schools and a lack of community facilities, I decided that it was time to make a difference in my family’s home town and became the public school board trustee for the then Village of Erin and the Township of Erin at the Wellington County Board of Education.
Back then, the Village of Erin taxpayers had had a decade of 15% average tax increases for the village council, school board and county council, the highest in the 21 municipalities of Wellington and including the City of Guelph.
At the same time it was also evident that all area schools were at capacity, with no more room for portables and no plans for growth. The village office was half condemned. The local active seniors group, led by Jack Dyce, and also EWAG now known as EWCS (East Wellington Community Services) were looking for a stand alone building. Erin had a 1,000 sq.ft. public library that was open only 15 hours a week!
I proposed a very unique and creative vision for Erin to develop a multi-use facility with the goal of delivering the maximum number of public services while minimizing building, land and operating costs for the local taxpayers.
I spent two terms (6 years) as one of 17 trustees, winning the second term election with the high school on the ballot. With the support of the school board’s senior management and that of the trustees from the East Wellington Attendance Area Study committee, plus our local MPP Ted Arnott, our project was granted over 20 million dollars for a new “multi-use” facility featuring a 560 student high school in Centre 2000, a renovated Erin P.S. and an expansion of Brisbane P.S.
The only reason our community received funding for the high school and beat other projects in Peel region was because of the pioneering partnerships established between the town, the county and the board. Erin now has a centre with state of the art high school, theatre, public library, fragile senior centre, nursery school and medical centre attached to a traditional arena and community centre. Officials came from across Canada to see our achievement.
After two terms as public school board trustee, I was appointed for six years as a volunteer on the Waterloo-Wellington-Dufferin Trillium foundation with the net result of over 2 million dollars granted in support for non-profit entities serving the needs of Erin.
I have the work ethics, knowledge, creativity and passion for the well-being of our community and would be a great asset in the position of County Councillor. Once again, I see a desperate need for change and am ready, willing and able to get our community back on track!!
With my wife Gina and our four children, our family moved to the village of Erin in 1981. In 1991, frustrated with out-of-control property taxes, aging schools and a lack of community facilities, I decided that it was time to make a difference in my family’s home town and became the public school board trustee for the then Village of Erin and the Township of Erin at the Wellington County Board of Education.
Back then, the Village of Erin taxpayers had had a decade of 15% average tax increases for the village council, school board and county council, the highest in the 21 municipalities of Wellington and including the City of Guelph.
At the same time it was also evident that all area schools were at capacity, with no more room for portables and no plans for growth. The village office was half condemned. The local active seniors group, led by Jack Dyce, and also EWAG now known as EWCS (East Wellington Community Services) were looking for a stand alone building. Erin had a 1,000 sq.ft. public library that was open only 15 hours a week!
I proposed a very unique and creative vision for Erin to develop a multi-use facility with the goal of delivering the maximum number of public services while minimizing building, land and operating costs for the local taxpayers.
I spent two terms (6 years) as one of 17 trustees, winning the second term election with the high school on the ballot. With the support of the school board’s senior management and that of the trustees from the East Wellington Attendance Area Study committee, plus our local MPP Ted Arnott, our project was granted over 20 million dollars for a new “multi-use” facility featuring a 560 student high school in Centre 2000, a renovated Erin P.S. and an expansion of Brisbane P.S.
The only reason our community received funding for the high school and beat other projects in Peel region was because of the pioneering partnerships established between the town, the county and the board. Erin now has a centre with state of the art high school, theatre, public library, fragile senior centre, nursery school and medical centre attached to a traditional arena and community centre. Officials came from across Canada to see our achievement.
After two terms as public school board trustee, I was appointed for six years as a volunteer on the Waterloo-Wellington-Dufferin Trillium foundation with the net result of over 2 million dollars granted in support for non-profit entities serving the needs of Erin.
I have the work ethics, knowledge, creativity and passion for the well-being of our community and would be a great asset in the position of County Councillor. Once again, I see a desperate need for change and am ready, willing and able to get our community back on track!!
Evelyn McLean promises respectful leadership
As published in The Erin Advocate - by the candidate
I am running for a position on Erin Council on October 27, and I would like to let you know a little bit about me.
I have lived in the Erin village area since 1974. I retired from the Ontario Provincial Police as an officer in 1999 and subsequently opened up my own business as a Paralegal representing individuals and companies that had been charged with offences under the Provincial Offences Act in Court. I retired from this business in 2009.
During my time with the OPP I sat on the Board of Directors for a Women’s Shelter for victims of Domestic Violence and became the liaison between them and the OPP.
I also was the Community Services Officer for the Town of Caledon, doing presentations for Schools, Elder Abuse, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Sexual Abuse and many other programmes for several years before transferring into Court Services and establishing a system for OPP officers’ court matters in Brampton and Orangeville before retiring.
My husband and I have attended council meetings since 1988, through four different mayors and councils.
The next four years will be very difficult for the new members of Town of Erin Council as there will be some very serious and difficult decisions to be made.
Some of the more important decisions include:
• continuation of the SSMP, which is very important for the growth of Erin
* the Mill Pond/Station Street rebuild issue
• how to attract economic development to Erin and build on it
• Residents are moving from Erin, especially Seniors and young people. With no employment opportunities, high cost of housing and taxes plus the cost of living going up constantly, people find it difficult to remain here. We must find a way to attract people to our beautiful community.
• The amount of fill being brought in from outside our area has to be addressed.
NOW is your chance to bring the Town of Erin into the future with a strong, responsible and respectful leadership who work with the residents to make the Town of Erin a better place to live.
I look forward to your support on October 27, and working FOR you for the next four years.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at evelyn.mclean@sympatico.ca.
I am running for a position on Erin Council on October 27, and I would like to let you know a little bit about me.
I have lived in the Erin village area since 1974. I retired from the Ontario Provincial Police as an officer in 1999 and subsequently opened up my own business as a Paralegal representing individuals and companies that had been charged with offences under the Provincial Offences Act in Court. I retired from this business in 2009.
During my time with the OPP I sat on the Board of Directors for a Women’s Shelter for victims of Domestic Violence and became the liaison between them and the OPP.
I also was the Community Services Officer for the Town of Caledon, doing presentations for Schools, Elder Abuse, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, Sexual Abuse and many other programmes for several years before transferring into Court Services and establishing a system for OPP officers’ court matters in Brampton and Orangeville before retiring.
My husband and I have attended council meetings since 1988, through four different mayors and councils.
The next four years will be very difficult for the new members of Town of Erin Council as there will be some very serious and difficult decisions to be made.
Some of the more important decisions include:
• continuation of the SSMP, which is very important for the growth of Erin
* the Mill Pond/Station Street rebuild issue
• how to attract economic development to Erin and build on it
• Residents are moving from Erin, especially Seniors and young people. With no employment opportunities, high cost of housing and taxes plus the cost of living going up constantly, people find it difficult to remain here. We must find a way to attract people to our beautiful community.
• The amount of fill being brought in from outside our area has to be addressed.
NOW is your chance to bring the Town of Erin into the future with a strong, responsible and respectful leadership who work with the residents to make the Town of Erin a better place to live.
I look forward to your support on October 27, and working FOR you for the next four years.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at evelyn.mclean@sympatico.ca.
George Silva has a vision for Erin
As published in The Erin Advocate - by the candidate
Hi neighbour! My name is George Silva and I’m running for Erin Town Council. I believe our Town is at a crossroads and the new council you elect on October 27 will determine our future success.
The last four years have not been helpful; we have had a dysfunctional council that has spent more time arguing with each other rather than caring for their constituents.
Here’s my vision for Erin:
1. The empty storefronts and lack of shoppers on Main St. saddens me. Council needs to work closely with the BIA to develop a strategy to turn our shopping district into one that both locals and tourists want to visit.
2. We need a plan of action in place for future development. We need to make informed decisions and have standards that ensure our Town maintains its charm.
3. I believe there are alternatives to putting a big pipe down the middle of Main St. We need to move forward with the study so our final decision is both smart and affordable.
4. Improve how council works with each other, with Town employees, and of course, with you.
Visit www.electgeorgesilva.ca today for more details.
The last four years have not been helpful; we have had a dysfunctional council that has spent more time arguing with each other rather than caring for their constituents.
Here’s my vision for Erin:
1. The empty storefronts and lack of shoppers on Main St. saddens me. Council needs to work closely with the BIA to develop a strategy to turn our shopping district into one that both locals and tourists want to visit.
2. We need a plan of action in place for future development. We need to make informed decisions and have standards that ensure our Town maintains its charm.
3. I believe there are alternatives to putting a big pipe down the middle of Main St. We need to move forward with the study so our final decision is both smart and affordable.
4. Improve how council works with each other, with Town employees, and of course, with you.
Visit www.electgeorgesilva.ca today for more details.
David Lyver says people deserve choice
As published in The Erin Advocate - by the candidate
l’m David Lyver, running for Mayor because I believe the taxpayer deserves another choice. I’ve served on Erin’s Environment Committee and ran Clean-up Day for 10+ years. I also won a CVC (Credit Valley Conservation) award for same. Lived in Town 20+ years & raised my family here. Been active in Erin sports, both soccer & hockey & currently coach a competitive soccer team in Peel.
Running for office, to bring positive change to this community. Last term we elected a mayor for change, but gave him a council of same old same old; that cannot be repeated. If elected I would improve the following:
Our taxes support county planning, some $400,000+/yr. Past councils have chosen against County Planning services, why? Before spending another cent to support Erin’s planning department, especially as our growth is SSMP frozen, I would utilize county planning to its maximum, saving Erin taxpayers up to 150K.
Recreation lost over $800,000 last year. I would combine the two community centres into one recreation department and have a Sports board, inclusive of citizens, making recommendations to Town Council on how to manage recreation more efficiently.
On the three remaining EA phases of the SSMP, I want full costing estimates before spending another cent.
If we want Erin to grow, we should consider working with developers, taking their offer of 250 sewage units to resolve the downtown septic issues in both villages.
Proceeding with the current $56 million proposal, based on receiving 66% grants, maximizing our municipal debt 100% does not appear feasible at this time.
The Credit River is currently in great shape and we’re only estimating 500 new homes in the 20 year planning period – not significant by provincial requirements.
Finding savings through efficiency and economy to fund a Erin road paving reserve makes sense as annual gravel cost & application are exorbitant.
Wellington County, we need fair service for taxes paid & not supportive of $ 1.5 million donation from Erin taxpayers for hospitals we don’t use.
Compare my message to mayoral candidates Finnie & Alls and decide who’s looking after the taxpayer.
Questions & offers of support are welcome – see candidate information on the election page of the Town of Erin website (www.erin.ca).
For positive change vote David Lyver, Mayor.
l’m David Lyver, running for Mayor because I believe the taxpayer deserves another choice. I’ve served on Erin’s Environment Committee and ran Clean-up Day for 10+ years. I also won a CVC (Credit Valley Conservation) award for same. Lived in Town 20+ years & raised my family here. Been active in Erin sports, both soccer & hockey & currently coach a competitive soccer team in Peel.
Running for office, to bring positive change to this community. Last term we elected a mayor for change, but gave him a council of same old same old; that cannot be repeated. If elected I would improve the following:
Our taxes support county planning, some $400,000+/yr. Past councils have chosen against County Planning services, why? Before spending another cent to support Erin’s planning department, especially as our growth is SSMP frozen, I would utilize county planning to its maximum, saving Erin taxpayers up to 150K.
Recreation lost over $800,000 last year. I would combine the two community centres into one recreation department and have a Sports board, inclusive of citizens, making recommendations to Town Council on how to manage recreation more efficiently.
On the three remaining EA phases of the SSMP, I want full costing estimates before spending another cent.
If we want Erin to grow, we should consider working with developers, taking their offer of 250 sewage units to resolve the downtown septic issues in both villages.
Proceeding with the current $56 million proposal, based on receiving 66% grants, maximizing our municipal debt 100% does not appear feasible at this time.
The Credit River is currently in great shape and we’re only estimating 500 new homes in the 20 year planning period – not significant by provincial requirements.
Finding savings through efficiency and economy to fund a Erin road paving reserve makes sense as annual gravel cost & application are exorbitant.
Wellington County, we need fair service for taxes paid & not supportive of $ 1.5 million donation from Erin taxpayers for hospitals we don’t use.
Compare my message to mayoral candidates Finnie & Alls and decide who’s looking after the taxpayer.
Questions & offers of support are welcome – see candidate information on the election page of the Town of Erin website (www.erin.ca).
For positive change vote David Lyver, Mayor.
October 08, 2014
Pierre Brianceau sees need for change
As published in The Erin Advocate - by the candidate
With my wife Gina and our four children, our family moved to the village of Erin in 1981. In 1991, frustrated with out-of-control property taxes, aging schools and a lack of community facilities, I decided that it was time to make a difference in my family’s home town and became the public school board trustee for the then Village of Erin and the Township of Erin at the Wellington County Board of Education.
Back then, the Village of Erin taxpayers had had a decade of 15% average tax increases for the village council, school board and county council, the highest in the 21 municipalities of Wellington and including the City of Guelph.
At the same time it was also evident that all area schools were at capacity, with no more room for portables and no plans for growth. The village office was half condemned. The local active seniors group, led by Jack Dyce, and also EWAG now known as EWCS (East Wellington Community Services) were looking for a stand alone building. Erin had a 1,000 sq.ft. public library that was open only 15 hours a week!
I proposed a very unique and creative vision for Erin to develop a multi-use facility with the goal of delivering the maximum number of public services while minimizing building, land and operating costs for the local taxpayers.
I spent two terms (6 years) as one of 17 trustees, winning the second term election with the high school on the ballot. With the support of the school board’s senior management and that of the trustees from the East Wellington Attendance Area Study committee, plus our local MPP Ted Arnott, our project was granted over 20 million dollars for a new “multi-use” facility featuring a 560 student high school in Centre 2000, a renovated Erin P.S. and an expansion of Brisbane P.S.
The only reason our community received funding for the high school and beat other projects in Peel region was because of the pioneering partnerships established between the town, the county and the board. Erin now has a centre with state of the art high school, theatre, public library, fragile senior centre, nursery school and medical centre attached to a traditional arena and community centre. Officials came from across Canada to see our achievement.
After two terms as public school board trustee, I was appointed for six years as a volunteer on the Waterloo-Wellington-Dufferin Trillium foundation with the net result of over 2 million dollars granted in support for non-profit entities serving the needs of Erin.
I have the work ethics, knowledge, creativity and passion for the well-being of our community and would be a great asset in the position of County Councillor. Once again, I see a desperate need for change and am ready, willing and able to get our community back on track!!
With my wife Gina and our four children, our family moved to the village of Erin in 1981. In 1991, frustrated with out-of-control property taxes, aging schools and a lack of community facilities, I decided that it was time to make a difference in my family’s home town and became the public school board trustee for the then Village of Erin and the Township of Erin at the Wellington County Board of Education.
Back then, the Village of Erin taxpayers had had a decade of 15% average tax increases for the village council, school board and county council, the highest in the 21 municipalities of Wellington and including the City of Guelph.
At the same time it was also evident that all area schools were at capacity, with no more room for portables and no plans for growth. The village office was half condemned. The local active seniors group, led by Jack Dyce, and also EWAG now known as EWCS (East Wellington Community Services) were looking for a stand alone building. Erin had a 1,000 sq.ft. public library that was open only 15 hours a week!
I proposed a very unique and creative vision for Erin to develop a multi-use facility with the goal of delivering the maximum number of public services while minimizing building, land and operating costs for the local taxpayers.
I spent two terms (6 years) as one of 17 trustees, winning the second term election with the high school on the ballot. With the support of the school board’s senior management and that of the trustees from the East Wellington Attendance Area Study committee, plus our local MPP Ted Arnott, our project was granted over 20 million dollars for a new “multi-use” facility featuring a 560 student high school in Centre 2000, a renovated Erin P.S. and an expansion of Brisbane P.S.
The only reason our community received funding for the high school and beat other projects in Peel region was because of the pioneering partnerships established between the town, the county and the board. Erin now has a centre with state of the art high school, theatre, public library, fragile senior centre, nursery school and medical centre attached to a traditional arena and community centre. Officials came from across Canada to see our achievement.
After two terms as public school board trustee, I was appointed for six years as a volunteer on the Waterloo-Wellington-Dufferin Trillium foundation with the net result of over 2 million dollars granted in support for non-profit entities serving the needs of Erin.
I have the work ethics, knowledge, creativity and passion for the well-being of our community and would be a great asset in the position of County Councillor. Once again, I see a desperate need for change and am ready, willing and able to get our community back on track!!
Commissioner dismisses 17 Code complaints
As published in The Erin Advocate
A total of 17 complaints against Town councillors under the Code of Ethics, made by Mayor Lou Maieron and two residents, have been thrown out by Integrity Commissioner Robert Williams.
All of the allegations were unsupported, he said, ruling that two of the mayor’s complaints were “vexatious – intended solely to cause trouble for someone or to annoy that person without having a legitimate claim requiring resolution”.
Council received his reports at a meeting on October 7. The full text is available in the meeting agenda on the Town website. The mayor announced that he would launch a challenge of the Code of Conduct in Ontario Superior Court.
A total of 17 complaints against Town councillors under the Code of Ethics, made by Mayor Lou Maieron and two residents, have been thrown out by Integrity Commissioner Robert Williams.
All of the allegations were unsupported, he said, ruling that two of the mayor’s complaints were “vexatious – intended solely to cause trouble for someone or to annoy that person without having a legitimate claim requiring resolution”.
Council received his reports at a meeting on October 7. The full text is available in the meeting agenda on the Town website. The mayor announced that he would launch a challenge of the Code of Conduct in Ontario Superior Court.
This article provides highlights of each complaint and the commissioner’s comments.
Resident Nyola Holliday, Mayoral candidate David Lyver and Maieron each filed separate complaints, alleging that Councillors Barb Tocher, Josie Wintersinger and Deb Callaghan had shown “lack of respect for the public” and violated the Code by walking out of a meeting on August 12.
“Mr. Lyver was not present when the alleged violation occurred but provided no independent evidence to support his own claim,” he said, adding that none of the complaints explained what section of the Code had been violated.
Williams said council’s reconsideration of a previous motion, about a Code case in which the mayor was found guilty, was procedurally correct. He said the mayor violated the Procedural Bylaw by refusing to allow the vote and by exceeding the 10-minute speaking limit. He said the three councillors did not violate the bylaw or the Code of Ethics by leaving the meeting, though they could have used “alternative tactics”.
“While it is a regrettable and extraordinary to break quorum to force an issue to a vote, I am persuaded that this was not a coordinated strategy,” he said.
Maieron’s complaint alleges the action was pre-planned, and that councillors had no new information to justify reconsideration of a motion. Williams said it is unlikely the councillors would work out a plan “for something that no one knew was going to occur.” He said something had changed since the previous meeting, since Councillor Wintersinger “believed that Mr. Maieron had misled Council and the public at the July 22 meeting” about his lawsuit against the Town.
Williams said a previous case where Maieron was sanctioned for leaving a meeting is not a precedent in this case, since the mayor has a legal duty to chair meetings, and since the previous case involved his refusal to “respect the majority vote of council”.
In another complaint, the mayor says Councillor John Brennan violated the Code of Ethics with “dishonest” and “misleading” statements and improper conduct at the August 12 meeting. Williams said there is no evidence of false or misleading statements by Brennan, that there was no conspiracy to reconsider a motion, and that if Brennan was acting for “political self-interest”, it was not a violation of the Code of Ethics.
Williams admitted that he himself was responsible for some of the confusion at that meeting since he had grouped two recommendations – one to receive his report on the mayor and the other to penalize the mayor.
“It was an error that clearly complicated the decision before Council on July 22. I will learn from it,” he said. Brennan was right to seek agreement to allow the recommendations to be voted on separately, he said.
In a separate complaint, the mayor alleges that Councillor Tocher violated the Code by “disrupting almost every meeting”, making “disrespectful facial gestures” and showing “general disregard of proper process”. He suggests that his complaint could be expanded to other council members for allowing her behaviour.
Williams said Maieron provided no dates, exhibits or witnesses to corroborate his allegations, but that he suggested the commissioner interview regular council attendees. Williams said it is not his job to seek out evidence in support of a complaint.
“I do not doubt that Erin Council meetings have been at times passionate, at times casual or perhaps even disorderly in character. Mr. Maieron, however, chooses to place primary blame for these aspects of Erin Council’s meetings at the feet of Councillor Tocher and paints a portrait of himself as the victim of his colleague’s actions.”
Williams said various rules are in place to control councillors’ conduct, and he finds it “extraordinary” that this complaint coincides with Maieron and Tocher competing for the same office in this month’s election. He suggests Erin follow the lead of other municipalities and impose an election black-out period for Code cases.
In addition to finding no case against Tocher, Williams ruled the complaint vexatious, in that it was “intended solely to cause trouble”.
In another complaint, the mayor alleges that all other council members violated the Code, the Procedural Bylaw and the Municipal Act by allowing an “impromptu delegation” on February 18. Even though the signed complaint arrived slightly after the 6-month deadline, Williams agreed to deal with it.
The mayor makes various allegations of misconduct against staff that “verge on the defamatory”, said Williams, noting that has no authority to investigate staff, or violations of laws outside the Code of Ethics. He said Maieron is protected by the confidential status of his complaint.
Williams ruled that the complaint is based on “a faulty interpretation of what occurred”, that the agenda was properly amended to allow a delegation, and that for the mayor “to contrive to spin this event into the trigger for an avalanche” (a later code complaint against him) was “untenable”.
In another complaint, the mayor alleges that Councillor Callaghan violated the Code by failing to declare a pecuniary interest in relation to the CAO’s review of the Town’s Personal Policy, since her husband is the Fire Chief. Williams said the mayor “appears not to have understood the agenda item”.
The commissioner said that since it was only an update on a review of the policy to see if it met provincial rules, and not an actual change to the policy, it is “completely groundless” to suggest a conflict of interest. He said the complaint is vexatious, “intended solely to cause trouble for or to annoy Councillor Callaghan and serves no public purpose.”
Maieron submitted a batch of ten other complaints against Councillor Callaghan, which Williams dealt with in a single report.
On an allegation that she made a false statement about her training on the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, Williams found her statement was actually truthful.
On an allegation that she stopped her vehicle many times near the home of a resident who has filed a legal complaint against her, and that she or a supporter may have made a retaliatory property standards complaint against him, Williams said there is no evidence to support it. He said there is a complaint against the resident, but that Callaghan did not file it.
The mayor alleges that Callaghan has failed to declare a conflict regarding discussions of the Servicing and Settlement Master Plan, since she and her husband own rental properties and that a decision on sewers could affect them financially. Williams said that since there has been no outcome to the process, and no recommendations for action, there is no conflict.
“At some point though, it will be necessary for those with personal interests to step back. That point has not yet been reached on SSMP.”
An allegation that Callaghan improperly received a direct personal benefit by attending an educational session on conflict of interest, organized by CAO Frank Miele, paid for by the Town, and open to all councillors, cannot be sustained, said Williams.
An allegation that Callaghan violated the Code by asking for a summary report of all Town legal expenses over eight years left Williams “perplexed” about what to investigate. He said asking for the report cannot be construed as a violation. When the actual report came to council, listing the firm that hosted the above-mentioned meeting, both Callaghan and Maieron declared a conflict.
On allegations that Callaghan revealed confidential information in a court affidavit, Williams said the information was properly obtained, and did not reveal details from a closed council session.
On an allegation that Callaghan did not on various occasions provide details about why she was declaring a conflict of interest on Fire Department matters, Williams said, “I find that this complaint has some validity.” However, the issue falls outside his authority under the Code of Ethics, he said.
The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act says that when members declare a conflict, they shall “disclose the interest and the general nature thereof”. Williams said members should provide clearer explanations for their declarations, and that these should be included in the minutes.
Maieron alleges that Callaghan “apparently”, in a closed session in April 2013, voted to fire former CAO Frank Miele, her husband’s supervisor, without declaring a pecuniary interest in open council, and then participated in the decision to hire a new CAO.
Williams said sections of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act might apply to this situation if proven in court. But he said no direct violation of the Code of Ethics has been clearly identified. He said the firing was not related to Miele’s role as Chief Callaghan’s supervisor, and that no CAO can affect the Fire Chief’s employment, salary or hours. In any case, the time limit for a Code complaint on these events has expired.
“If the action of an elected official is not serious enough to prompt someone to address it within six months, this must surely cast doubt on the seriousness of the offence,” said Williams.
The mayor complains about the appearance of “nepotism in the Town of Erin’s hiring’s” and questions the hiring of Councillor Callaghan’s son Mackenzie as a firefighter. Williams said there is no foundation to the complaint, that the hiring was properly conducted under Town policy without involvement of the Fire Chief, and that other fire officers will handle all employment decisions and supervision related to this firefighter.
The mayor alleges that Callaghan met with and received help from the CAO and Clerk with a Code of Ethics complaint against him, and received information that was not shared with other council members. Williams said no investigation is warranted, since Maieron is offering only “anonymous and unsubstantiated accusations”, with no evidence about the topics of meetings or the sharing of information.
Resident Nyola Holliday, Mayoral candidate David Lyver and Maieron each filed separate complaints, alleging that Councillors Barb Tocher, Josie Wintersinger and Deb Callaghan had shown “lack of respect for the public” and violated the Code by walking out of a meeting on August 12.
“Mr. Lyver was not present when the alleged violation occurred but provided no independent evidence to support his own claim,” he said, adding that none of the complaints explained what section of the Code had been violated.
Williams said council’s reconsideration of a previous motion, about a Code case in which the mayor was found guilty, was procedurally correct. He said the mayor violated the Procedural Bylaw by refusing to allow the vote and by exceeding the 10-minute speaking limit. He said the three councillors did not violate the bylaw or the Code of Ethics by leaving the meeting, though they could have used “alternative tactics”.
“While it is a regrettable and extraordinary to break quorum to force an issue to a vote, I am persuaded that this was not a coordinated strategy,” he said.
Maieron’s complaint alleges the action was pre-planned, and that councillors had no new information to justify reconsideration of a motion. Williams said it is unlikely the councillors would work out a plan “for something that no one knew was going to occur.” He said something had changed since the previous meeting, since Councillor Wintersinger “believed that Mr. Maieron had misled Council and the public at the July 22 meeting” about his lawsuit against the Town.
Williams said a previous case where Maieron was sanctioned for leaving a meeting is not a precedent in this case, since the mayor has a legal duty to chair meetings, and since the previous case involved his refusal to “respect the majority vote of council”.
In another complaint, the mayor says Councillor John Brennan violated the Code of Ethics with “dishonest” and “misleading” statements and improper conduct at the August 12 meeting. Williams said there is no evidence of false or misleading statements by Brennan, that there was no conspiracy to reconsider a motion, and that if Brennan was acting for “political self-interest”, it was not a violation of the Code of Ethics.
Williams admitted that he himself was responsible for some of the confusion at that meeting since he had grouped two recommendations – one to receive his report on the mayor and the other to penalize the mayor.
“It was an error that clearly complicated the decision before Council on July 22. I will learn from it,” he said. Brennan was right to seek agreement to allow the recommendations to be voted on separately, he said.
In a separate complaint, the mayor alleges that Councillor Tocher violated the Code by “disrupting almost every meeting”, making “disrespectful facial gestures” and showing “general disregard of proper process”. He suggests that his complaint could be expanded to other council members for allowing her behaviour.
Williams said Maieron provided no dates, exhibits or witnesses to corroborate his allegations, but that he suggested the commissioner interview regular council attendees. Williams said it is not his job to seek out evidence in support of a complaint.
“I do not doubt that Erin Council meetings have been at times passionate, at times casual or perhaps even disorderly in character. Mr. Maieron, however, chooses to place primary blame for these aspects of Erin Council’s meetings at the feet of Councillor Tocher and paints a portrait of himself as the victim of his colleague’s actions.”
Williams said various rules are in place to control councillors’ conduct, and he finds it “extraordinary” that this complaint coincides with Maieron and Tocher competing for the same office in this month’s election. He suggests Erin follow the lead of other municipalities and impose an election black-out period for Code cases.
In addition to finding no case against Tocher, Williams ruled the complaint vexatious, in that it was “intended solely to cause trouble”.
In another complaint, the mayor alleges that all other council members violated the Code, the Procedural Bylaw and the Municipal Act by allowing an “impromptu delegation” on February 18. Even though the signed complaint arrived slightly after the 6-month deadline, Williams agreed to deal with it.
The mayor makes various allegations of misconduct against staff that “verge on the defamatory”, said Williams, noting that has no authority to investigate staff, or violations of laws outside the Code of Ethics. He said Maieron is protected by the confidential status of his complaint.
Williams ruled that the complaint is based on “a faulty interpretation of what occurred”, that the agenda was properly amended to allow a delegation, and that for the mayor “to contrive to spin this event into the trigger for an avalanche” (a later code complaint against him) was “untenable”.
In another complaint, the mayor alleges that Councillor Callaghan violated the Code by failing to declare a pecuniary interest in relation to the CAO’s review of the Town’s Personal Policy, since her husband is the Fire Chief. Williams said the mayor “appears not to have understood the agenda item”.
The commissioner said that since it was only an update on a review of the policy to see if it met provincial rules, and not an actual change to the policy, it is “completely groundless” to suggest a conflict of interest. He said the complaint is vexatious, “intended solely to cause trouble for or to annoy Councillor Callaghan and serves no public purpose.”
Maieron submitted a batch of ten other complaints against Councillor Callaghan, which Williams dealt with in a single report.
On an allegation that she made a false statement about her training on the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, Williams found her statement was actually truthful.
On an allegation that she stopped her vehicle many times near the home of a resident who has filed a legal complaint against her, and that she or a supporter may have made a retaliatory property standards complaint against him, Williams said there is no evidence to support it. He said there is a complaint against the resident, but that Callaghan did not file it.
The mayor alleges that Callaghan has failed to declare a conflict regarding discussions of the Servicing and Settlement Master Plan, since she and her husband own rental properties and that a decision on sewers could affect them financially. Williams said that since there has been no outcome to the process, and no recommendations for action, there is no conflict.
“At some point though, it will be necessary for those with personal interests to step back. That point has not yet been reached on SSMP.”
An allegation that Callaghan improperly received a direct personal benefit by attending an educational session on conflict of interest, organized by CAO Frank Miele, paid for by the Town, and open to all councillors, cannot be sustained, said Williams.
An allegation that Callaghan violated the Code by asking for a summary report of all Town legal expenses over eight years left Williams “perplexed” about what to investigate. He said asking for the report cannot be construed as a violation. When the actual report came to council, listing the firm that hosted the above-mentioned meeting, both Callaghan and Maieron declared a conflict.
On allegations that Callaghan revealed confidential information in a court affidavit, Williams said the information was properly obtained, and did not reveal details from a closed council session.
On an allegation that Callaghan did not on various occasions provide details about why she was declaring a conflict of interest on Fire Department matters, Williams said, “I find that this complaint has some validity.” However, the issue falls outside his authority under the Code of Ethics, he said.
The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act says that when members declare a conflict, they shall “disclose the interest and the general nature thereof”. Williams said members should provide clearer explanations for their declarations, and that these should be included in the minutes.
Maieron alleges that Callaghan “apparently”, in a closed session in April 2013, voted to fire former CAO Frank Miele, her husband’s supervisor, without declaring a pecuniary interest in open council, and then participated in the decision to hire a new CAO.
Williams said sections of the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act might apply to this situation if proven in court. But he said no direct violation of the Code of Ethics has been clearly identified. He said the firing was not related to Miele’s role as Chief Callaghan’s supervisor, and that no CAO can affect the Fire Chief’s employment, salary or hours. In any case, the time limit for a Code complaint on these events has expired.
“If the action of an elected official is not serious enough to prompt someone to address it within six months, this must surely cast doubt on the seriousness of the offence,” said Williams.
The mayor complains about the appearance of “nepotism in the Town of Erin’s hiring’s” and questions the hiring of Councillor Callaghan’s son Mackenzie as a firefighter. Williams said there is no foundation to the complaint, that the hiring was properly conducted under Town policy without involvement of the Fire Chief, and that other fire officers will handle all employment decisions and supervision related to this firefighter.
The mayor alleges that Callaghan met with and received help from the CAO and Clerk with a Code of Ethics complaint against him, and received information that was not shared with other council members. Williams said no investigation is warranted, since Maieron is offering only “anonymous and unsubstantiated accusations”, with no evidence about the topics of meetings or the sharing of information.
Staying busy with this, that & the other thing
As published in the Erin Advocate
It always seems like there’s more stuff going on than a person could ever get to, but on one recent weekend I tried to cram in as much as possible. After helping to build picnic tables for the new Riverside Park in Erin (official opening soon) and doing a ton of garden work, I got to four local events.
Rock ‘n’ Roll etc. at Legion
Thanks to Jerry Staples and Norma Pokocky for making everyone feel welcome at their Band Showcase and Jam at the Erin Legion. They had invited four bands to come out and play for fun, and the music was good.
Between the main sets Jerry and Norma did some guitar pieces in classical style. I brought my guitar and did a few selections from my songbook.
They’ve been having these jams for a couple of years, and people are welcome to show up and play on their own or with an informal group. Or just have a beer and listen. The next one is on October 18, starting at 7 pm. Admission is $5.
Demanding action on climate change
A group of eight Erin area residents was among the 300,000 plus at the New York Climate March.
“This event will serve as a huge signal to the powers-that-be that drastic actions and a commitment to huge reductions in greenhouse gases are needed when nations of the world gather in Paris in December 2015 to ratify a new climate agreement, in order to preserve a livable climate,” said marcher Liz Armstrong.
Meanwhile, a group met at the All Saints church hall to show some solidarity with the travellers (one of 2,646 rallies in 162 countries) and see an excellent film called Disruption, presented by Transition Erin. Check it out at www.watchdisruption.com, or visit www.peoplesclimate.org and www.citizensclimatelobby.ca
The Value Crisis
A large crowd turned out to a book launch at the Historic Alton Mill Arts Centre, in support of author Andrew Welch, who is also Town Crier for Erin and Caledon and a leader with Transition Erin.
His book, entitled “The Value Crisis – From dollars to democracy, why numbers are ruining our world”, provides an entertaining and thought-provoking analysis of our value systems.
It seems the more we rely on numbers and dollars to measure value, the less attention we pay to traditional systems that could support a better quality of life. The website: www.thevaluecrisis.com.
Interfaith Speakers Series
Speaking of traditional value systems, I ventured over to a fascinating talk on the ancient Hindu faith by Shirish Nathwani. It was sponsored by Central Peel United Churches and organized by Rev. Felicia Urbanski of Erin United.
“Our communities are becoming more diverse, so it’s important to be in dialogue and see the face of each religion by meeting the people,” she said. The next session is October 26, 2-4 pm at Caledon Village Place, with Idrisa Pandit speaking on the Muslim faith.
Election stuff
Voters should have received their mail-in ballots by now for the municipal election – if not they should call the Town at 519-855-4407. Kits can be returned by mail until October 18, or in person to the Municipal Office any time until 8:00 pm on Election Day, October 27.
Municipal office hours are extended on Thursday, October 23 to 8:00 pm and they are open on Saturday, October 25 from 10 am to 2 pm. Voters may also deposit their kits after hours through the mail slot at the office main entrance.
Previously I had written that a sealed ballot box would be attached to the mail slot, but actually it is the whole entranceway that is sealed off so that only election officials will have access to kit envelopes.
It always seems like there’s more stuff going on than a person could ever get to, but on one recent weekend I tried to cram in as much as possible. After helping to build picnic tables for the new Riverside Park in Erin (official opening soon) and doing a ton of garden work, I got to four local events.
Rock ‘n’ Roll etc. at Legion
Thanks to Jerry Staples and Norma Pokocky for making everyone feel welcome at their Band Showcase and Jam at the Erin Legion. They had invited four bands to come out and play for fun, and the music was good.
Between the main sets Jerry and Norma did some guitar pieces in classical style. I brought my guitar and did a few selections from my songbook.
They’ve been having these jams for a couple of years, and people are welcome to show up and play on their own or with an informal group. Or just have a beer and listen. The next one is on October 18, starting at 7 pm. Admission is $5.
Demanding action on climate change
A group of eight Erin area residents was among the 300,000 plus at the New York Climate March.
“This event will serve as a huge signal to the powers-that-be that drastic actions and a commitment to huge reductions in greenhouse gases are needed when nations of the world gather in Paris in December 2015 to ratify a new climate agreement, in order to preserve a livable climate,” said marcher Liz Armstrong.
Meanwhile, a group met at the All Saints church hall to show some solidarity with the travellers (one of 2,646 rallies in 162 countries) and see an excellent film called Disruption, presented by Transition Erin. Check it out at www.watchdisruption.com, or visit www.peoplesclimate.org and www.citizensclimatelobby.ca
The Value Crisis
A large crowd turned out to a book launch at the Historic Alton Mill Arts Centre, in support of author Andrew Welch, who is also Town Crier for Erin and Caledon and a leader with Transition Erin.
His book, entitled “The Value Crisis – From dollars to democracy, why numbers are ruining our world”, provides an entertaining and thought-provoking analysis of our value systems.
It seems the more we rely on numbers and dollars to measure value, the less attention we pay to traditional systems that could support a better quality of life. The website: www.thevaluecrisis.com.
Interfaith Speakers Series
Speaking of traditional value systems, I ventured over to a fascinating talk on the ancient Hindu faith by Shirish Nathwani. It was sponsored by Central Peel United Churches and organized by Rev. Felicia Urbanski of Erin United.
“Our communities are becoming more diverse, so it’s important to be in dialogue and see the face of each religion by meeting the people,” she said. The next session is October 26, 2-4 pm at Caledon Village Place, with Idrisa Pandit speaking on the Muslim faith.
Election stuff
Voters should have received their mail-in ballots by now for the municipal election – if not they should call the Town at 519-855-4407. Kits can be returned by mail until October 18, or in person to the Municipal Office any time until 8:00 pm on Election Day, October 27.
Municipal office hours are extended on Thursday, October 23 to 8:00 pm and they are open on Saturday, October 25 from 10 am to 2 pm. Voters may also deposit their kits after hours through the mail slot at the office main entrance.
Previously I had written that a sealed ballot box would be attached to the mail slot, but actually it is the whole entranceway that is sealed off so that only election officials will have access to kit envelopes.
1,000,000 casualties in six weeks of war
From the Advocate – 100 years ago (1914)
Total losses in the first six weeks of the war are estimated at more than 1,000,000, including those killed, wounded or taken prisoner among all combatants. The total cost in dollars is estimated at $2 billion per month. Turkey plans to enter the conflict, as an ally of Germany against Russia.
In Kingston, the Canadian Locomotive Company will employ 60 men to fill a large order for shrapnel from the Imperial Government. In Prince Rupert, the Grand Trunk Railway will build a new ship building plant, with a drydock capable of holding a 20,000-ton battleship, which will provide thousands of jobs this winter.
From the Advocate – 45 years ago (1969)
Participants at the Erin District High School Track Meet broke 31 records. The individual champions for the girls were Elizabeth Strokov (midget), Frances Hodge (junior) and Janice Brown (senior); and for the boys, Jim Marshall (midget), Laveen Parker (junior) and Tom O’Donnell (senior). Brown’s records included 8.0 seconds for the 60-yrd dash, while Gail Barbour set a record of 1:20.65 for 440 yards. O’Donnell set records in High Jump (5’10”), Long Jump and Triple Jump, while Doug Metler set records in the 100, 220 and 440 yard races, and Kent Miller set a record of 36’11” in the shot put.
The Hillsburgh Juvenile Girls baseball team, coached by Jack Hunter, is leading the series two games to one in the Western Ontario finals. The fourth game is Friday night in St. Mary’s.
The “As We Were” column reported from the Advocate of 1910 that Erin Township council had approved payment of $100, as the half-year’s salary for the municipal clerk. They also approved reconstruction of the Barden’s Mill Bridge on 22 Sideroad south of Hillsburgh. Jim Barden was one of the owners of the Lower Dam, originally built by village founder William How.
From the Advocate – 35 years ago (1979)Despite heavy rain about 20,000 people turned out to the Erin Fall Fair, up about 1,000 since 1978. The western horse show was the biggest ever, and the children’s pet show was a new event.
Terry Gregson, 25, son of Gord and Loreen Gregson, has signed a three-year contract as an NHL referee. Last Tuesday he was referee at an exhibition game in Kitchener between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Minnesota North Stars. He was a referee in Erin Minor Hockey, got his European qualifications in Holland and later worked in various North American Pro leagues as an NHL referee in training.
St. John Brebeuf, Erin’s new Catholic school, will have an official opening and blessing. But it won’t be the normal ceremony with politicians and Ministry of Education representatives, since it is only a temporary structure. Board Chair Richard Gazzola said it’s “not the ultimate” in a school, and suggested holding a more elaborate ceremony once they have a proper building.
From the Advocate – 25 years ago (1989)The Country Routes supplement carried an invitation for people to join the Caledon Handbell Ringers Club. Founded by Elizabeth Boreman, the club has two separate groups of seniors, and has performed at the Caledon Fall Fair.
Darren Tomkinson, 11, or Erin Village, recently caught a 40-pound salmon while out fishing with his father on the Credit River, south of Burnhamthorpe Road in Mississauga.
The Erin Fall Fair promises “more smoke and noise” than ever before. President Jim Reid said it’s the first year there has been a separate class for modified trucks in the Truck and Tractor Pull and the first year for them to host the Wellington-Waterloo-Dufferin Jersey Cattle Association Parish Show.
Total losses in the first six weeks of the war are estimated at more than 1,000,000, including those killed, wounded or taken prisoner among all combatants. The total cost in dollars is estimated at $2 billion per month. Turkey plans to enter the conflict, as an ally of Germany against Russia.
In Kingston, the Canadian Locomotive Company will employ 60 men to fill a large order for shrapnel from the Imperial Government. In Prince Rupert, the Grand Trunk Railway will build a new ship building plant, with a drydock capable of holding a 20,000-ton battleship, which will provide thousands of jobs this winter.
From the Advocate – 45 years ago (1969)
Participants at the Erin District High School Track Meet broke 31 records. The individual champions for the girls were Elizabeth Strokov (midget), Frances Hodge (junior) and Janice Brown (senior); and for the boys, Jim Marshall (midget), Laveen Parker (junior) and Tom O’Donnell (senior). Brown’s records included 8.0 seconds for the 60-yrd dash, while Gail Barbour set a record of 1:20.65 for 440 yards. O’Donnell set records in High Jump (5’10”), Long Jump and Triple Jump, while Doug Metler set records in the 100, 220 and 440 yard races, and Kent Miller set a record of 36’11” in the shot put.
The Hillsburgh Juvenile Girls baseball team, coached by Jack Hunter, is leading the series two games to one in the Western Ontario finals. The fourth game is Friday night in St. Mary’s.
The “As We Were” column reported from the Advocate of 1910 that Erin Township council had approved payment of $100, as the half-year’s salary for the municipal clerk. They also approved reconstruction of the Barden’s Mill Bridge on 22 Sideroad south of Hillsburgh. Jim Barden was one of the owners of the Lower Dam, originally built by village founder William How.
From the Advocate – 35 years ago (1979)Despite heavy rain about 20,000 people turned out to the Erin Fall Fair, up about 1,000 since 1978. The western horse show was the biggest ever, and the children’s pet show was a new event.
Terry Gregson, 25, son of Gord and Loreen Gregson, has signed a three-year contract as an NHL referee. Last Tuesday he was referee at an exhibition game in Kitchener between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Minnesota North Stars. He was a referee in Erin Minor Hockey, got his European qualifications in Holland and later worked in various North American Pro leagues as an NHL referee in training.
St. John Brebeuf, Erin’s new Catholic school, will have an official opening and blessing. But it won’t be the normal ceremony with politicians and Ministry of Education representatives, since it is only a temporary structure. Board Chair Richard Gazzola said it’s “not the ultimate” in a school, and suggested holding a more elaborate ceremony once they have a proper building.
From the Advocate – 25 years ago (1989)The Country Routes supplement carried an invitation for people to join the Caledon Handbell Ringers Club. Founded by Elizabeth Boreman, the club has two separate groups of seniors, and has performed at the Caledon Fall Fair.
Darren Tomkinson, 11, or Erin Village, recently caught a 40-pound salmon while out fishing with his father on the Credit River, south of Burnhamthorpe Road in Mississauga.
The Erin Fall Fair promises “more smoke and noise” than ever before. President Jim Reid said it’s the first year there has been a separate class for modified trucks in the Truck and Tractor Pull and the first year for them to host the Wellington-Waterloo-Dufferin Jersey Cattle Association Parish Show.
October 01, 2014
EA Terms of Reference to be set by Triton
As published in the Erin Advocate
Triton Engineering has been authorized to start work on the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Environmental Assessment (EA) on sewage options for the Town of Erin.
This could take 3-6 months and cost an estimated $35,500, including the TOR, consultation with approval agencies and review of proposals from consultants bidding to conduct the EA. Only after the EA could the Town proceed with various phases of budgeting, detailed design, provincial approval and eventually construction of a sewer system.
At its September 23 meeting, Town Council also decided to split the study process, with one EA for improvements to the water system, including more storage and new wells, and a separate EA for the more complex sewage issues. This has been endorsed by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC).
The recommendations from Christine Furlong of Triton, the Town’s engineering consultant, have been made in consultation with the Town’s solicitor.
Council unanimously accepted the recommendations, pending an estimate for the cost of services from Blackport Hydrogeology Inc. for the water component. Ray Blackport has not had time to submit a cost estimate, since the project had only been discussed with him in the previous week, said Furlong.
“Ray has been with the Town forever as the hydrogeologist and participated in the SSMP process,” she said. “He’s worked side by side with Frank (Smedley) and has first hand knowledge of the ground water availability here, along with all the source water threats. He knows your water system like the back of his hand.”
Triton will prepare a TOR that “will include requirements to examine all wastewater collection and treatment options outlined in the SSMP and will also include requirements for the consultant to investigate public/private consortia.”
The document will require substantial review and input from approval agencies including Infrastructure Ontario, the MOECC and Credit Valley Conservation, as well as “the P3 interest groups that have voiced their concerns here” and the Town solicitor.
“The timeframe is probably going to be three to six months with all the consultation that’s going to be needed to make sure we get this right the first time,” she said.
Triton would issue requests for initial letters of interest and detailed requests for proposals, review documents submitted, participate in the interview process and make a recommendation to the Town regarding the most qualified firm.
“This is essentially the same process taken to get the SSMP up and running,” she said.
Councillor John Brennan reminded council that Infrastructure Ontario could provide some of the required services at a low cost. He suggested that Triton consult with the provincial agency before embarking on the process, but was assured that this would happen during the process.
“We’re not going to re-invent the wheel, and we’re going to take as much resources as we can possibly take that don’t cost us anything,” said CAO Kathryn Ironmonger.
“The new council will have the opportunity to review the Terms of Reference prior to it being issued,” she said, adding that she did not want to lose two or three months until the new council would authorize the start of the process.
Finance Director Sharon Marshall said only a portion of the $35,500 cost would be incurred this year, and that while there is very little left in the SSMP budget, there is also an EA Reserve Fund that may be used.
Once a consultant is hired, Triton proposes to act in a project management role to coordinate the actual EA, which would be for an additional fee.
Triton Engineering has been authorized to start work on the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Environmental Assessment (EA) on sewage options for the Town of Erin.
This could take 3-6 months and cost an estimated $35,500, including the TOR, consultation with approval agencies and review of proposals from consultants bidding to conduct the EA. Only after the EA could the Town proceed with various phases of budgeting, detailed design, provincial approval and eventually construction of a sewer system.
At its September 23 meeting, Town Council also decided to split the study process, with one EA for improvements to the water system, including more storage and new wells, and a separate EA for the more complex sewage issues. This has been endorsed by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC).
The recommendations from Christine Furlong of Triton, the Town’s engineering consultant, have been made in consultation with the Town’s solicitor.
Council unanimously accepted the recommendations, pending an estimate for the cost of services from Blackport Hydrogeology Inc. for the water component. Ray Blackport has not had time to submit a cost estimate, since the project had only been discussed with him in the previous week, said Furlong.
“Ray has been with the Town forever as the hydrogeologist and participated in the SSMP process,” she said. “He’s worked side by side with Frank (Smedley) and has first hand knowledge of the ground water availability here, along with all the source water threats. He knows your water system like the back of his hand.”
Triton will prepare a TOR that “will include requirements to examine all wastewater collection and treatment options outlined in the SSMP and will also include requirements for the consultant to investigate public/private consortia.”
The document will require substantial review and input from approval agencies including Infrastructure Ontario, the MOECC and Credit Valley Conservation, as well as “the P3 interest groups that have voiced their concerns here” and the Town solicitor.
“The timeframe is probably going to be three to six months with all the consultation that’s going to be needed to make sure we get this right the first time,” she said.
Triton would issue requests for initial letters of interest and detailed requests for proposals, review documents submitted, participate in the interview process and make a recommendation to the Town regarding the most qualified firm.
“This is essentially the same process taken to get the SSMP up and running,” she said.
Councillor John Brennan reminded council that Infrastructure Ontario could provide some of the required services at a low cost. He suggested that Triton consult with the provincial agency before embarking on the process, but was assured that this would happen during the process.
“We’re not going to re-invent the wheel, and we’re going to take as much resources as we can possibly take that don’t cost us anything,” said CAO Kathryn Ironmonger.
“The new council will have the opportunity to review the Terms of Reference prior to it being issued,” she said, adding that she did not want to lose two or three months until the new council would authorize the start of the process.
Finance Director Sharon Marshall said only a portion of the $35,500 cost would be incurred this year, and that while there is very little left in the SSMP budget, there is also an EA Reserve Fund that may be used.
Once a consultant is hired, Triton proposes to act in a project management role to coordinate the actual EA, which would be for an additional fee.
Hubzio will connect Town with residents
As published in the Erin Advocate
A new on-line tool called Hubzio will enable the Town of Erin to get messages out quickly to the community, especially during local emergencies such as an ice storm.
Town Councillors had a demonstration of the system at the September 23 meeting, receiving test messages on their smart phones. Residents will have to request that they be included in the service, which is up and running now, and can ask to unsubscribe at any time.
“It’s quite an innovative and progressive tool for the Town,” said Rudy Diemer of RKD Web Studios of Guelph, the company that is now redesigning the municipal website.
The Town will build up a contact list, which can have sub-groups or channels such as staff members. Recipients get notifications by whatever means they prefer: email, text message, voice, Facebook or Twitter. Messages may contain links to the Town website where people can get more information.
The system will cost nothing for those who receive messages, and will cost the Town a very low amount per subscriber, said Diemer. It can also be used to advertise other basic municipal information such as special meetings, events, programs or tax deadlines.
The Town has allocated $20,000 to make its website easier to access and navigate. It will have a streamlined structure, integrating social media and making it convenient to use with mobile devices.
The Town’s website is www.erin.ca, its Twitter username is @TownofErin and there is a Town of Erin Facebook page.
Hubzio is a commercial marketing tool that enables companies, agencies or community groups to communicate with people in various formats, while complying with Canada’s Anti-Spam Laws (CASL).
A new on-line tool called Hubzio will enable the Town of Erin to get messages out quickly to the community, especially during local emergencies such as an ice storm.
Town Councillors had a demonstration of the system at the September 23 meeting, receiving test messages on their smart phones. Residents will have to request that they be included in the service, which is up and running now, and can ask to unsubscribe at any time.
“It’s quite an innovative and progressive tool for the Town,” said Rudy Diemer of RKD Web Studios of Guelph, the company that is now redesigning the municipal website.
The Town will build up a contact list, which can have sub-groups or channels such as staff members. Recipients get notifications by whatever means they prefer: email, text message, voice, Facebook or Twitter. Messages may contain links to the Town website where people can get more information.
The system will cost nothing for those who receive messages, and will cost the Town a very low amount per subscriber, said Diemer. It can also be used to advertise other basic municipal information such as special meetings, events, programs or tax deadlines.
The Town has allocated $20,000 to make its website easier to access and navigate. It will have a streamlined structure, integrating social media and making it convenient to use with mobile devices.
The Town’s website is www.erin.ca, its Twitter username is @TownofErin and there is a Town of Erin Facebook page.
Hubzio is a commercial marketing tool that enables companies, agencies or community groups to communicate with people in various formats, while complying with Canada’s Anti-Spam Laws (CASL).
Ask questions sooner to prevent trouble later
As published in the Erin Advocate
Erin’s new Town Council should not just sit back and wait while the Environmental Assessment (EA) on wastewater runs its course, postponing real action as long as possible. That’s what generally happened with the SSMP and the results were disappointing.
The politicians need to supervise the EA actively and make decisions to move the whole process forward. As Triton engineer Christine Furlong told council on September 23, it’s important to make the effort to set up the Terms of Reference (TOR) right the first time.
Triton’s fee of $35,500 and a timeframe of up to 6 months might seem high, but considering the complexity of the assignment, it’s probably not out of line. At the risk of making it more complex, however, I would suggest that the TOR be set up so that bids from consultants would be made public before the contract is awarded.
This may not be the norm for a bidding process – for example, the public does not get to review tenders for bridge construction – but in this case there are so many policy issues for the future design of the community that the public should be involved.
Obviously, town consultants don’t take directions from newspaper columns or even the public comments of politicians. If councillors want something specific to happen, they need to pass a resolution to make their expectations perfectly clear and binding.
Council should make sure that there are, at the very least, no obstructions to the possibility of a performance-based process, which is more than just a Public-Private Partnership. This would allow companies to bid for the opportunity to do not only the EA, but take over responsibility for all the other steps leading to a sewer system (including some that would normally be done by Triton). Council needs to find out exactly when and how this strategy could be explored.
A letter from Triton says the future EA consultant would “examine all wastewater collection and treatment options outlined in the SSMP”. One of the things that frustrated many community members is that SSMP consultant B.M. Ross refused to outline various collection and treatment options, saying that was for the upcoming Phase 3. Council should ensure that there are no restrictions on the options to be investigated.
Once the EA is in progress, Triton proposes to supervise it. Problems with B.M. Ross not completely fulfilling the SSMP Terms of Reference were not caught until late in the process. Council needs to fully understand the new EA Terms of Reference and get regular reports to ensure that this does not happen again.
Outside of the actual EA, council needs to get busy on several fronts. They need an action plan to start lobbying for senior government funding.
One of the approved recommendations of the SSMP is that Council amend the Official Plan to implement key aspects of the SSMP and “allocate growth within its urban boundaries”.
Here’s what the Official Plan currently says: “The Servicing and Settlement Master Plan must be completed and approved before any major development is permitted. … The master plan will be implemented by an amendment to the Official Plan for the Town of Erin.”
SSMP consultant Matt Pearson repeatedly told council that they should decide where they want new homes to be built. A new consultant, hired to study exactly how a sewer system could be designed, is going to need a few details about what the Town actually wants.
The current council’s position is that sewer capacity must be reserved for all 4,500 existing urban residents, leaving very little for developers, especially if the growth is split between Erin village and Hillsburgh. Some of the council candidates disagree with this.
Once the new council gets its bearings, it must set some policies on future growth – ones that it is willing to defend at the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) if necessary. Negotiations will be needed with developers in the near future to determine what is possible and preferable with Erin’s limited sewage capacity.
It would be a shame if we ended up at the OMB because we couldn’t make up our minds about what we want.
Erin’s new Town Council should not just sit back and wait while the Environmental Assessment (EA) on wastewater runs its course, postponing real action as long as possible. That’s what generally happened with the SSMP and the results were disappointing.
The politicians need to supervise the EA actively and make decisions to move the whole process forward. As Triton engineer Christine Furlong told council on September 23, it’s important to make the effort to set up the Terms of Reference (TOR) right the first time.
Triton’s fee of $35,500 and a timeframe of up to 6 months might seem high, but considering the complexity of the assignment, it’s probably not out of line. At the risk of making it more complex, however, I would suggest that the TOR be set up so that bids from consultants would be made public before the contract is awarded.
This may not be the norm for a bidding process – for example, the public does not get to review tenders for bridge construction – but in this case there are so many policy issues for the future design of the community that the public should be involved.
Obviously, town consultants don’t take directions from newspaper columns or even the public comments of politicians. If councillors want something specific to happen, they need to pass a resolution to make their expectations perfectly clear and binding.
Council should make sure that there are, at the very least, no obstructions to the possibility of a performance-based process, which is more than just a Public-Private Partnership. This would allow companies to bid for the opportunity to do not only the EA, but take over responsibility for all the other steps leading to a sewer system (including some that would normally be done by Triton). Council needs to find out exactly when and how this strategy could be explored.
A letter from Triton says the future EA consultant would “examine all wastewater collection and treatment options outlined in the SSMP”. One of the things that frustrated many community members is that SSMP consultant B.M. Ross refused to outline various collection and treatment options, saying that was for the upcoming Phase 3. Council should ensure that there are no restrictions on the options to be investigated.
Once the EA is in progress, Triton proposes to supervise it. Problems with B.M. Ross not completely fulfilling the SSMP Terms of Reference were not caught until late in the process. Council needs to fully understand the new EA Terms of Reference and get regular reports to ensure that this does not happen again.
Outside of the actual EA, council needs to get busy on several fronts. They need an action plan to start lobbying for senior government funding.
One of the approved recommendations of the SSMP is that Council amend the Official Plan to implement key aspects of the SSMP and “allocate growth within its urban boundaries”.
Here’s what the Official Plan currently says: “The Servicing and Settlement Master Plan must be completed and approved before any major development is permitted. … The master plan will be implemented by an amendment to the Official Plan for the Town of Erin.”
SSMP consultant Matt Pearson repeatedly told council that they should decide where they want new homes to be built. A new consultant, hired to study exactly how a sewer system could be designed, is going to need a few details about what the Town actually wants.
The current council’s position is that sewer capacity must be reserved for all 4,500 existing urban residents, leaving very little for developers, especially if the growth is split between Erin village and Hillsburgh. Some of the council candidates disagree with this.
Once the new council gets its bearings, it must set some policies on future growth – ones that it is willing to defend at the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) if necessary. Negotiations will be needed with developers in the near future to determine what is possible and preferable with Erin’s limited sewage capacity.
It would be a shame if we ended up at the OMB because we couldn’t make up our minds about what we want.
Candidates take positions on business issues
As published in the Erin Advocate
Erin election candidates had their first opportunity to publicly answer voters’ questions as the East Wellington Chamber of Commerce (EWCC) hosted an All Candidates Meeting on business issues.
The September 24 event featured 17 contenders – three running for the Mayor’s job, three for the County seat and 11 for the four Town Council positions. Candidates had just one minute each for opening statements, answers to questions and closing remarks.
Mayoral candidates were allowed to answer every question, while random groups of other candidates were selected to give answers. Only highlights are included in this article.
The first question posed by moderator Dave Doan, EWCC Vice-Chair, pointed out the importance of Main Street businesses and asked if candidates would support efforts to attract tourists, retain existing businesses and attract new ones.
Mayoral candidate Allan Alls said his answer is Yes, but noted that the Town has limited funds to spend outside its core functions.
“Most of the businesses told me, ‘Give us a 10-year plan, and then we can spend the money to look after our own businesses.’ I’m big on improving the downtown, but we have to look after our wastewater management system first.”
Rod Finnie, hoping to return as mayor, said it is important to target advertising at the people who are likely to come here.
“We have to invest in the infrastructure so it looks good, and we have to work together cooperatively to make things happen.”
Mayoral candidate David Lyver said better communication is needed with businesses.
“We have a lot of potential here,” he said, stressing the importance of lobbying for money from the provincial and federal governments to make the community better. “We are 60 km from the 11th most industrialized city in the world, and we seem to have issues. We shouldn’t have these issues.”
Council candidate Jamie Cheyne said that while infrastructure and advertising are important, the Town needs to create a attractive market that is more than just downtown Erin, with a greater choice of special events.
County candidate Pierre Brianceau said the pipeline of support from the county has been “shut down for more than ten years”, but that we should be drawing on Wellington’s economic development initiatives.
“Since the Town is in sort of dire straights, and development charges seem to be quite high, it would possibly be a good idea to have a moratorium on development charges (DCs) until the business community starts to catch up.”
Several candidates favour lower DCs as an incentive to businesses, but Finnie said DCs are reasonable compared to neighbouring towns, and warned that lower fees would mean higher taxes to make up the revenue shortfall. Porterfield said temporary tax relief might be a preferable incentive.
Council candidate Chris Naraysingh said the cost of lower DCs would be offset by improved revenue from business activity. He said the Town should be helping businesses “considerably”, adopting a more open, inviting attitude towards them, and establishing a committee to work with the county and business groups like EWCC and the BIA.
Council candidate John Brennan said he has worked with the BIA, Hills of Headwaters Tourism and the Wellington Economic Development Group where the Town could leverage help for local businesses. He supports the plan to hire an Economic Development Officer, wants to cut red tape and welcome new businesses, and says he can help “shepherd businesses through expansion”.
With limited sewage and river capacity, candidates were asked about adequate allowance for retail and industrial growth.
Finnie said he doesn’t think the idea of providing traditional sewers to 4,500 existing residents and 1,500 new ones can work. He urged the study of alternative methods including sub-surface land disposal, to allow for more effluent while still protecting the river.
Lyver suggested that growth be reallocated to the rural areas in west Erin, putting a sewage treatment plant on the Grand River watershed.
Alls said sewage capacity should be reserved first for all existing residents, and second for residential infill and business. “There’s no reason at all in the areas laid out for future development, that we not use the current half-acre for sewage treatment with septic beds – they work great in our soil.”
Council candidate Josie Wintersinger said she hopes the upcoming Environmental Assessment will provide alternatives that could include use of grey water and solar power, and which would avoid the need to dig up streets for sewers.
Council candidate Craig Porterfield said the Town should prioritize the sewage capacity to the areas that need it the most, and “apply other technologies to other sections of the Town, to reduce the need for capacity, such as separating the effluent from the biosolids and treating them separately.”
Council candidate George Silva promoted the use of alternative “green” wastewater technologies that have been successful in Europe, as a way to reduce the costs and impact of disposal.
Discussing ways to avoid ripping up Main Street, Finnie and Alls raised the possibility of a Small Bore system that would keep septic tanks, but treat the effluent. Finnie also suggested running sewer lines down Daniel Street and behind downtown stores on the opposite side, which would also create a route for a public boardwalk along the river as a tourist attraction.
County candidate Lou Maieron said it would best to phase in sewers, starting with the main streets of the two villages. He also questioned the current proposal to pave Daniel Street if it is to have a main sewer line. “You have to work cooperatively with developers, because they’re going to be looking at funding the plant, because they can’t build any houses unless they have a plant.”
Council candidate Rob Smith agreed that a river boardwalk would be a good idea and said the current use of holding tanks is a problem. He said the only alternatives appear to be the Small Bore, or the sewer pipes behind the buildings.
Council candidate Jeff Duncan said sewage capacity does not need to be reserved for all existing homes, since many have well-functioning septic systems, which would enable more capacity to be allocated to future development. He said 1,500 new residents over the next 25 years is not a sufficient growth rate.
Candidates generally agreed that the Operational Review is necessary, with Maieron reminding people that it was one of his promises in the last election. He got no support for a county review, but will push for one again if elected.
Council candidate Matt Sammut said a Town review should have been done a long time ago. “You don’t do it with a heavy hammer and make your staff feel like their jobs are threatened. We have to create a new vision for this community and the staff has to be part of it,” he said.
On a question about hostility towards business, Alls warned that if the downtown dies, property values will decline, and Silva said a friendly environment has to be established, from council to the front-line staff.
Council candidate Evelyn McLean said the Town is dying without economic development: “People need and deserve a cohesive council who can work together and move ahead on the issues before you, especially economic. Without a respectful council, you’re going to be in the same boat you’ve been in for the last four years.”
County candidate Barb Tocher said municipal governments need to be “enabling” for residents and businesses.
“When you come to council or staff, our job is to find a way to make you want to see happen, happen within the rules. That’s our job,” she said.
Council candidate Shawn Wilson said, “The Town is in what I would call dormancy, it’s not doing well. It’s time to revitalize Erin with a wider tax base in the industrial sector, also in tourism.”
Erin election candidates had their first opportunity to publicly answer voters’ questions as the East Wellington Chamber of Commerce (EWCC) hosted an All Candidates Meeting on business issues.
The September 24 event featured 17 contenders – three running for the Mayor’s job, three for the County seat and 11 for the four Town Council positions. Candidates had just one minute each for opening statements, answers to questions and closing remarks.
Mayoral candidates were allowed to answer every question, while random groups of other candidates were selected to give answers. Only highlights are included in this article.
The first question posed by moderator Dave Doan, EWCC Vice-Chair, pointed out the importance of Main Street businesses and asked if candidates would support efforts to attract tourists, retain existing businesses and attract new ones.
Mayoral candidate Allan Alls said his answer is Yes, but noted that the Town has limited funds to spend outside its core functions.
“Most of the businesses told me, ‘Give us a 10-year plan, and then we can spend the money to look after our own businesses.’ I’m big on improving the downtown, but we have to look after our wastewater management system first.”
Rod Finnie, hoping to return as mayor, said it is important to target advertising at the people who are likely to come here.
“We have to invest in the infrastructure so it looks good, and we have to work together cooperatively to make things happen.”
Mayoral candidate David Lyver said better communication is needed with businesses.
“We have a lot of potential here,” he said, stressing the importance of lobbying for money from the provincial and federal governments to make the community better. “We are 60 km from the 11th most industrialized city in the world, and we seem to have issues. We shouldn’t have these issues.”
Council candidate Jamie Cheyne said that while infrastructure and advertising are important, the Town needs to create a attractive market that is more than just downtown Erin, with a greater choice of special events.
County candidate Pierre Brianceau said the pipeline of support from the county has been “shut down for more than ten years”, but that we should be drawing on Wellington’s economic development initiatives.
“Since the Town is in sort of dire straights, and development charges seem to be quite high, it would possibly be a good idea to have a moratorium on development charges (DCs) until the business community starts to catch up.”
Several candidates favour lower DCs as an incentive to businesses, but Finnie said DCs are reasonable compared to neighbouring towns, and warned that lower fees would mean higher taxes to make up the revenue shortfall. Porterfield said temporary tax relief might be a preferable incentive.
Council candidate Chris Naraysingh said the cost of lower DCs would be offset by improved revenue from business activity. He said the Town should be helping businesses “considerably”, adopting a more open, inviting attitude towards them, and establishing a committee to work with the county and business groups like EWCC and the BIA.
Council candidate John Brennan said he has worked with the BIA, Hills of Headwaters Tourism and the Wellington Economic Development Group where the Town could leverage help for local businesses. He supports the plan to hire an Economic Development Officer, wants to cut red tape and welcome new businesses, and says he can help “shepherd businesses through expansion”.
With limited sewage and river capacity, candidates were asked about adequate allowance for retail and industrial growth.
Finnie said he doesn’t think the idea of providing traditional sewers to 4,500 existing residents and 1,500 new ones can work. He urged the study of alternative methods including sub-surface land disposal, to allow for more effluent while still protecting the river.
Lyver suggested that growth be reallocated to the rural areas in west Erin, putting a sewage treatment plant on the Grand River watershed.
Alls said sewage capacity should be reserved first for all existing residents, and second for residential infill and business. “There’s no reason at all in the areas laid out for future development, that we not use the current half-acre for sewage treatment with septic beds – they work great in our soil.”
Council candidate Josie Wintersinger said she hopes the upcoming Environmental Assessment will provide alternatives that could include use of grey water and solar power, and which would avoid the need to dig up streets for sewers.
Council candidate Craig Porterfield said the Town should prioritize the sewage capacity to the areas that need it the most, and “apply other technologies to other sections of the Town, to reduce the need for capacity, such as separating the effluent from the biosolids and treating them separately.”
Council candidate George Silva promoted the use of alternative “green” wastewater technologies that have been successful in Europe, as a way to reduce the costs and impact of disposal.
Discussing ways to avoid ripping up Main Street, Finnie and Alls raised the possibility of a Small Bore system that would keep septic tanks, but treat the effluent. Finnie also suggested running sewer lines down Daniel Street and behind downtown stores on the opposite side, which would also create a route for a public boardwalk along the river as a tourist attraction.
County candidate Lou Maieron said it would best to phase in sewers, starting with the main streets of the two villages. He also questioned the current proposal to pave Daniel Street if it is to have a main sewer line. “You have to work cooperatively with developers, because they’re going to be looking at funding the plant, because they can’t build any houses unless they have a plant.”
Council candidate Rob Smith agreed that a river boardwalk would be a good idea and said the current use of holding tanks is a problem. He said the only alternatives appear to be the Small Bore, or the sewer pipes behind the buildings.
Council candidate Jeff Duncan said sewage capacity does not need to be reserved for all existing homes, since many have well-functioning septic systems, which would enable more capacity to be allocated to future development. He said 1,500 new residents over the next 25 years is not a sufficient growth rate.
Candidates generally agreed that the Operational Review is necessary, with Maieron reminding people that it was one of his promises in the last election. He got no support for a county review, but will push for one again if elected.
Council candidate Matt Sammut said a Town review should have been done a long time ago. “You don’t do it with a heavy hammer and make your staff feel like their jobs are threatened. We have to create a new vision for this community and the staff has to be part of it,” he said.
On a question about hostility towards business, Alls warned that if the downtown dies, property values will decline, and Silva said a friendly environment has to be established, from council to the front-line staff.
Council candidate Evelyn McLean said the Town is dying without economic development: “People need and deserve a cohesive council who can work together and move ahead on the issues before you, especially economic. Without a respectful council, you’re going to be in the same boat you’ve been in for the last four years.”
County candidate Barb Tocher said municipal governments need to be “enabling” for residents and businesses.
“When you come to council or staff, our job is to find a way to make you want to see happen, happen within the rules. That’s our job,” she said.
Council candidate Shawn Wilson said, “The Town is in what I would call dormancy, it’s not doing well. It’s time to revitalize Erin with a wider tax base in the industrial sector, also in tourism.”
Lou Maieron would bring experience to County
As published in the Erin Advocate - written by the candidate
I’m Lou Maieron, current Mayor, seeking election to Wellington County Council. I bring the experience, expertise & leadership needed to assist our new Mayor/Council
Serving as your Mayor, has been challenging but productive. Taxpayers elected a Mayor for change but also the same stale council, lacking new ideas & resistant to changes/improvements. Council’s been somewhat negative and there’s much misinformation about me purposely bandied about.
I’m Lou Maieron, current Mayor, seeking election to Wellington County Council. I bring the experience, expertise & leadership needed to assist our new Mayor/Council
Serving as your Mayor, has been challenging but productive. Taxpayers elected a Mayor for change but also the same stale council, lacking new ideas & resistant to changes/improvements. Council’s been somewhat negative and there’s much misinformation about me purposely bandied about.
Being the Mayor for change that you voted for, I identified inadequacies and brought forward new ideas/solutions. It’s not been easy. I honoured my promise to the taxpayer & worked for your benefit. I have provided the leadership promised. Change is difficult when it challenges a culture of entitlement; it’s been a struggle bringing forth positive change, as I’m only 1 vote in a 5 member Council.
Every election I’ve campaigned on a platform, few candidates do, as accountability then applies. I’m results based and stand on my record. SSMP - completed. Ambulance service improved as promised & operates from Hillsburgh fire station. The Town’s corporate strategic plan- completed. The Ec.dev. Strategy initiated & the Ec.dev. Committee ToR approved for restructuring/restarting the committee.
A Re-Use/Recycle centre in principal is supported by both Town & County; I pledge to create this centre, generating revenues to fund local improvement projects. Additional rural garbage collection- in progress. Significant corporate/benefactor support for community swimming pool existed – unfortunately NO Council support. A Town-wide road paving plan begins with 17SR. I was Open, Transparent and Accountable - lavish staff retirement parties at public expense -Stopped.
The needed Town Operational Review, as promised is started. “Celebrate Erin” a Mayoral initiative recognizing volunteers donated $15,000.00+ to Erin’s foodbank. Mayor inspired, 120 acres corporate donation to CVC, protecting Credit headwaters, 40 acres to the Town for sportsfields. Taxpayer cost - $2.00.
New Hillsburgh Library scheduled for 2016. China trade mission encouraging Ec.dev. & Agricultural trade. County controlled spending, averaging a 2.5% increase annually, we can do better.
If elected County Councillor; Pledge fair & adequate County services returned for Erin taxes paid, County Operational review is required. Will continue opposing the $1.5 million County imposed donation on Erin taxpayers for hospitals. The province funds hospitals!
I’m a farmer bringing common sense & practicalities to County Council, please compare my brochure to other candidates, then decide. With a supportive, less quarrelsome Council much more could have been achieved.
For Common Sense Leadership .......vote Lou Maieron - County Councillor. Questions/offers of support -519-833-2559/ loumaieron@hotmail.ca.
Every election I’ve campaigned on a platform, few candidates do, as accountability then applies. I’m results based and stand on my record. SSMP - completed. Ambulance service improved as promised & operates from Hillsburgh fire station. The Town’s corporate strategic plan- completed. The Ec.dev. Strategy initiated & the Ec.dev. Committee ToR approved for restructuring/restarting the committee.
A Re-Use/Recycle centre in principal is supported by both Town & County; I pledge to create this centre, generating revenues to fund local improvement projects. Additional rural garbage collection- in progress. Significant corporate/benefactor support for community swimming pool existed – unfortunately NO Council support. A Town-wide road paving plan begins with 17SR. I was Open, Transparent and Accountable - lavish staff retirement parties at public expense -Stopped.
The needed Town Operational Review, as promised is started. “Celebrate Erin” a Mayoral initiative recognizing volunteers donated $15,000.00+ to Erin’s foodbank. Mayor inspired, 120 acres corporate donation to CVC, protecting Credit headwaters, 40 acres to the Town for sportsfields. Taxpayer cost - $2.00.
New Hillsburgh Library scheduled for 2016. China trade mission encouraging Ec.dev. & Agricultural trade. County controlled spending, averaging a 2.5% increase annually, we can do better.
If elected County Councillor; Pledge fair & adequate County services returned for Erin taxes paid, County Operational review is required. Will continue opposing the $1.5 million County imposed donation on Erin taxpayers for hospitals. The province funds hospitals!
I’m a farmer bringing common sense & practicalities to County Council, please compare my brochure to other candidates, then decide. With a supportive, less quarrelsome Council much more could have been achieved.
For Common Sense Leadership .......vote Lou Maieron - County Councillor. Questions/offers of support -519-833-2559/ loumaieron@hotmail.ca.
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