As published in The Erin Advocate
2015 is shaping up as a momentous year for MP Michael Chong, with his Reform Act expected to come up for Third Reading and a final vote in the House of Commons this month.
It would be turning point in the history of Canadian democracy, tipping the balance of power away from party leaders, in favour of members of parliament.
“I am cautiously optimistic that the Reform Act will be passed into law,” he said. “We are up against the hard deadline of the 2015 federal election. It’s important that the bill be passed into law before the House rises next June.”
The act would reinforce the traditional concept of “responsible government”, making the executive (prime minister and cabinet) more accountable to the legislature and ensure that leaders maintain the confidence of their MPs – similar to systems in the United Kingdom and Australia.
December 31, 2014
Exchange program reduces fentanyl misuse
As published in The Erin Advocate
In an effort to reduce the black market supply of the lethal prescription drug fentanyl, Wellington County is promoting an exchange program that requires patients to return all their used medication patches before getting new ones from a pharmacist.
Modeled on a successful program in North Bay, it is an initiative of the Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy (WGDS), which tries to reduce substance misuse through prevention, treatment, harm reduction and law enforcement.
“There is a lot of concern because of the lethality of the drug,” said WGDS Manager Adrienne Crowder, noting that the patch exchange reduces risks to individuals and the community. “The program creates a partnership between patients, doctors and pharmacists. It’s a more connected care pathway that is good for everyone.”
Use of the program is optional for pharmacists and doctors, but WGDS is urging them to participate. The County has produced a video on the issue, created by Ironcloud Productions of Hillsburgh, which can be accessed at www.wellington.ca or through a “fentanyl patch” search on YouTube.
It says police and health care providers in Guelph and Wellington are seeing increased misuse of the drug. It includes a first-person account of a recovering addict, an 18-year-old girl who started by taking painkillers from the family medicine cabinet at age 14, then moved on to stronger substances. Addicts may end up selling their possessions and resorting to crime in order to buy more of the drug.
In North Bay, where fentanyl addition was a particularly severe problem, a patch exchange program has made the drug much more difficult to obtain on the street – forcing dealers to import it from other areas.
In October, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli proposed a private members bill that would mandate the Patch-for-Patch program for pharmacies across Ontario. Patients who do not return their used patches undamaged would have to provide an explanation, and their doctor could refuse to authorize a further supply.
Known by the brand name Duragesic, fentanyl is a painkiller 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. It was originally an operating room drug and a treatment for terminally-ill patients, but is now used for various types of chronic pain.
In 2011, it caused 102 overdose deaths in Ontario. It has come into wider use since then, after the Canadian government pulled OxyContin from pharmacy shelves in 2012, due to its high level of abuse. Fentanyl is intended for slow release through a patch over 72 hours, but addicts remove the drug from the patch so it can be smoked, injected, chewed or made into pills. Police say its potency is dangerously unpredictable.
It has become a street commodity, with some addicts stealing patches from legal users or retrieving used patches from garbage cans to get a residual amount of the drug.
Even legal use of the drug is risky, with 30 million tablets or patches of high-dose opioids (oxycodone and fentanyl) dispensed in Canada annually from 2006 to 2011. Statistics Canada estimates that approximately 1 in 10 Canadians suffers from a chronic pain condition.
A six-year study led by Tara Gomes at St. Michael’s Hospital, reported in the November, 2014 issue of Canadian Family Physician, showed that with Canada and the US leading the world in high-dose opioid prescriptions, Ontario had the highest rate of fentanyl dispensing – 112 patches annually per 1,000 population.
Some researchers believe it is being over-prescribed, with little evidence of safety or effectiveness at high doses, and with wide variations in provincial guidelines for doctors.
Methadone is used to treat addiction to heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, percocet and morphine, blocking their euphoric effects and reducing withdrawal symptoms. Guelph has four methadone clinics; Orangeville has one and Georgetown will have one this January. Addicts can also be treated in residential rehabilitation programs, but there are waiting lists.
In an effort to reduce the black market supply of the lethal prescription drug fentanyl, Wellington County is promoting an exchange program that requires patients to return all their used medication patches before getting new ones from a pharmacist.
Modeled on a successful program in North Bay, it is an initiative of the Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy (WGDS), which tries to reduce substance misuse through prevention, treatment, harm reduction and law enforcement.
“There is a lot of concern because of the lethality of the drug,” said WGDS Manager Adrienne Crowder, noting that the patch exchange reduces risks to individuals and the community. “The program creates a partnership between patients, doctors and pharmacists. It’s a more connected care pathway that is good for everyone.”
Use of the program is optional for pharmacists and doctors, but WGDS is urging them to participate. The County has produced a video on the issue, created by Ironcloud Productions of Hillsburgh, which can be accessed at www.wellington.ca or through a “fentanyl patch” search on YouTube.
It says police and health care providers in Guelph and Wellington are seeing increased misuse of the drug. It includes a first-person account of a recovering addict, an 18-year-old girl who started by taking painkillers from the family medicine cabinet at age 14, then moved on to stronger substances. Addicts may end up selling their possessions and resorting to crime in order to buy more of the drug.
In North Bay, where fentanyl addition was a particularly severe problem, a patch exchange program has made the drug much more difficult to obtain on the street – forcing dealers to import it from other areas.
In October, Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli proposed a private members bill that would mandate the Patch-for-Patch program for pharmacies across Ontario. Patients who do not return their used patches undamaged would have to provide an explanation, and their doctor could refuse to authorize a further supply.
Known by the brand name Duragesic, fentanyl is a painkiller 100 times stronger than morphine and 50 times stronger than heroin. It was originally an operating room drug and a treatment for terminally-ill patients, but is now used for various types of chronic pain.
In 2011, it caused 102 overdose deaths in Ontario. It has come into wider use since then, after the Canadian government pulled OxyContin from pharmacy shelves in 2012, due to its high level of abuse. Fentanyl is intended for slow release through a patch over 72 hours, but addicts remove the drug from the patch so it can be smoked, injected, chewed or made into pills. Police say its potency is dangerously unpredictable.
It has become a street commodity, with some addicts stealing patches from legal users or retrieving used patches from garbage cans to get a residual amount of the drug.
Even legal use of the drug is risky, with 30 million tablets or patches of high-dose opioids (oxycodone and fentanyl) dispensed in Canada annually from 2006 to 2011. Statistics Canada estimates that approximately 1 in 10 Canadians suffers from a chronic pain condition.
A six-year study led by Tara Gomes at St. Michael’s Hospital, reported in the November, 2014 issue of Canadian Family Physician, showed that with Canada and the US leading the world in high-dose opioid prescriptions, Ontario had the highest rate of fentanyl dispensing – 112 patches annually per 1,000 population.
Some researchers believe it is being over-prescribed, with little evidence of safety or effectiveness at high doses, and with wide variations in provincial guidelines for doctors.
Methadone is used to treat addiction to heroin, oxycodone, fentanyl, percocet and morphine, blocking their euphoric effects and reducing withdrawal symptoms. Guelph has four methadone clinics; Orangeville has one and Georgetown will have one this January. Addicts can also be treated in residential rehabilitation programs, but there are waiting lists.
Hillsburgh urges Erin to do its war duty
From the Advocate – 100 years ago (1914)
After the people of Hillsburgh raised $800 for Belgian war relief, a correspondent identified only as Uncle Dan issued a challenge in The Advocate: “Come, Erin, come, get in the race, you have no need to hide your face; you’re just as loyal as the rest, it’s up to you to do your best. Come, Erin’s Reeve, pull up your sleeve, and then throw off your sweater; you lead a town that’s sane and sound, come on and lead one better. You’ve citizens of worth and wealth, who all enjoy the best of health; they’ll do their duty, bet your pants, if you will only give the chance. Don’t let the little Hillsburg street, your patriotic spirit beat; your ladies have been good and true, come Erin’s men, now do your do.”
From the Advocate – 45 years ago (1969)
4H Achievement Day was held at Erin District High School recently. Receiving Provincial Honours were Susan Burt, Donna Ismond, Elizabeth Jackson, Barbara Smith and Marilyn Winters. County Honours went to Jeannie Simpson, Elaine Winters, Nancy Millson, Karen Sutton, Lillian Hindley, Carolyn Slote, Phyllis Bayne, Diane Beatty, Teresa Morrison and Lois Marshall.
The long-awaited time clock in the Erin arena has become a reality, to the delight of players and fans. Donated by the Erin Lions Club, the clock is painted in their colours and displays the time, score and penalties.
From the Advocate – 35 years ago (1979)
The Down Memory Lane column recalled the Christmas of 1954, when the residents of Erin village got a new water system as a “present”. Reeve Stanley Leitch made the announcement with Councillors P.J. Sinclair, Cecil Carney, Fred Steen and James Robertson. Leitch said he hoped the system would serve as many as 150 customers by the end of 1955.
Erin Township Council will urge the Wellington County Board of Education to reconsider its decision to cancel bus service for students in the new Hillsburgh subdivision. They do not qualify for transportation under the board’s policy. Council will also ask the province for sidewalks when it resurfaces Highway 25, but Reeve Bert Wheeler said he wants to bus service to continue, regardless of whether sidewalks are built.
From the Advocate – 25 years ago (1989)
Bill Dalley, a former publisher of the Erin Advocate and the Orangeville Banner, died Tuesday night of a heart attack at the age of 67. He came from England in 1954 and worked about 12 years for the Thompson newspaper chain before taking over the Banner in 1962. After five years there, he operated a dress shop in Orangeville for several years. In 1976 he joined The Advocate as publisher and sales manager. He retired in 1987, but continued to do occasional work for the paper until last spring, along with running a photography and framing studio in Orangeville. Friends described him as a happy-go-lucky guy who was dedicated to helping the Big Brothers organization.
The EWAG Toy Lending Library may be asked to vacate the space it now uses at the Township Public Library. Library Board CEO Anne Higginbottom told council that while they appreciate having the toy library in the village of Hillsburgh, the regular library has cramped quarters that limit the services they can offer to the public. Currently, they cannot open the library to the public while Storyhour is in progress. They could also use the space for an Audio Visual Centre, and a Reading and Study Area.
After the people of Hillsburgh raised $800 for Belgian war relief, a correspondent identified only as Uncle Dan issued a challenge in The Advocate: “Come, Erin, come, get in the race, you have no need to hide your face; you’re just as loyal as the rest, it’s up to you to do your best. Come, Erin’s Reeve, pull up your sleeve, and then throw off your sweater; you lead a town that’s sane and sound, come on and lead one better. You’ve citizens of worth and wealth, who all enjoy the best of health; they’ll do their duty, bet your pants, if you will only give the chance. Don’t let the little Hillsburg street, your patriotic spirit beat; your ladies have been good and true, come Erin’s men, now do your do.”
From the Advocate – 45 years ago (1969)
4H Achievement Day was held at Erin District High School recently. Receiving Provincial Honours were Susan Burt, Donna Ismond, Elizabeth Jackson, Barbara Smith and Marilyn Winters. County Honours went to Jeannie Simpson, Elaine Winters, Nancy Millson, Karen Sutton, Lillian Hindley, Carolyn Slote, Phyllis Bayne, Diane Beatty, Teresa Morrison and Lois Marshall.
The long-awaited time clock in the Erin arena has become a reality, to the delight of players and fans. Donated by the Erin Lions Club, the clock is painted in their colours and displays the time, score and penalties.
From the Advocate – 35 years ago (1979)
The Down Memory Lane column recalled the Christmas of 1954, when the residents of Erin village got a new water system as a “present”. Reeve Stanley Leitch made the announcement with Councillors P.J. Sinclair, Cecil Carney, Fred Steen and James Robertson. Leitch said he hoped the system would serve as many as 150 customers by the end of 1955.
Erin Township Council will urge the Wellington County Board of Education to reconsider its decision to cancel bus service for students in the new Hillsburgh subdivision. They do not qualify for transportation under the board’s policy. Council will also ask the province for sidewalks when it resurfaces Highway 25, but Reeve Bert Wheeler said he wants to bus service to continue, regardless of whether sidewalks are built.
From the Advocate – 25 years ago (1989)
Bill Dalley, a former publisher of the Erin Advocate and the Orangeville Banner, died Tuesday night of a heart attack at the age of 67. He came from England in 1954 and worked about 12 years for the Thompson newspaper chain before taking over the Banner in 1962. After five years there, he operated a dress shop in Orangeville for several years. In 1976 he joined The Advocate as publisher and sales manager. He retired in 1987, but continued to do occasional work for the paper until last spring, along with running a photography and framing studio in Orangeville. Friends described him as a happy-go-lucky guy who was dedicated to helping the Big Brothers organization.
The EWAG Toy Lending Library may be asked to vacate the space it now uses at the Township Public Library. Library Board CEO Anne Higginbottom told council that while they appreciate having the toy library in the village of Hillsburgh, the regular library has cramped quarters that limit the services they can offer to the public. Currently, they cannot open the library to the public while Storyhour is in progress. They could also use the space for an Audio Visual Centre, and a Reading and Study Area.
Town to continue discussion on Fill Bylaw
As published in The Erin Advocate
The hot potato known as the Fill Bylaw landed again in the hands of councillors on December 16, but they were not ready to take action and have tossed it back to Town staff.
Recommendations from the Site Alteration Committee, which would make it much tougher for landowners to import tons of soil, will now be examined by a working group made up of CAO Kathryn Ironmonger, Planner Sally Stull, Road Superintendent Larry Van Wyck, Mayor Al Alls and Councillor Matt Sammut.
Stull had asked for a Yes or No preference from council on each of 10 detailed committee recommendations, noting that there would be legal costs to review a new bylaw for enforceability.
Councillor John Brennan highlighted a measure that would require the fill hauling operation to provide the Town (or County) with a financial deposit equal to the cost of replacing the haul route road. He said this was so “onerous” that no one would apply, making it more likely that the hauling would be done illegally.
Stull said the existing bylaw is already so “heavy in process and expensive for the applicant” that virtually no one is applying for a permit. The issue is further complicated by the fact that many rural lands are controlled by conservation authorities, and that there are exemptions that include normal farm practices and building projects.
Brennan said the “loophole” of the current system is the difficulty and high expense of catching and prosecuting offenders. He wants the haulers or recipients of the fill to pay all of those costs.
Mayor Al Alls said he is determined to find a way to stop the flow of unregulated excess soil, which has sparked concern about contamination and damage to roads. He has seen photos of the Third Line and plans to inspect an area that he calls “a disgusting mess” that will cost the Town money.
“People hauling fill in for profit may be good for them, but it sure as heck isn’t good for the Town,” he said.
The other recommendations on the table include a permanent Site Alteration Committee to advise council. The committee wants fill applications affecting farmland to have a justification report from a qualified agronomist, plus notification of neighbours, with signage and newspaper advertisements noting the quantity of fill, as well as public meetings.
They suggest that the limit on number of loads for exemption from the by law be increased from 20 to 30, as long as there is no impact on water drainage. But then they want every 30th load tested for contamination at a qualified soil chemistry laboratory.
The hot potato known as the Fill Bylaw landed again in the hands of councillors on December 16, but they were not ready to take action and have tossed it back to Town staff.
Recommendations from the Site Alteration Committee, which would make it much tougher for landowners to import tons of soil, will now be examined by a working group made up of CAO Kathryn Ironmonger, Planner Sally Stull, Road Superintendent Larry Van Wyck, Mayor Al Alls and Councillor Matt Sammut.
Stull had asked for a Yes or No preference from council on each of 10 detailed committee recommendations, noting that there would be legal costs to review a new bylaw for enforceability.
Councillor John Brennan highlighted a measure that would require the fill hauling operation to provide the Town (or County) with a financial deposit equal to the cost of replacing the haul route road. He said this was so “onerous” that no one would apply, making it more likely that the hauling would be done illegally.
Stull said the existing bylaw is already so “heavy in process and expensive for the applicant” that virtually no one is applying for a permit. The issue is further complicated by the fact that many rural lands are controlled by conservation authorities, and that there are exemptions that include normal farm practices and building projects.
Brennan said the “loophole” of the current system is the difficulty and high expense of catching and prosecuting offenders. He wants the haulers or recipients of the fill to pay all of those costs.
Mayor Al Alls said he is determined to find a way to stop the flow of unregulated excess soil, which has sparked concern about contamination and damage to roads. He has seen photos of the Third Line and plans to inspect an area that he calls “a disgusting mess” that will cost the Town money.
“People hauling fill in for profit may be good for them, but it sure as heck isn’t good for the Town,” he said.
The other recommendations on the table include a permanent Site Alteration Committee to advise council. The committee wants fill applications affecting farmland to have a justification report from a qualified agronomist, plus notification of neighbours, with signage and newspaper advertisements noting the quantity of fill, as well as public meetings.
They suggest that the limit on number of loads for exemption from the by law be increased from 20 to 30, as long as there is no impact on water drainage. But then they want every 30th load tested for contamination at a qualified soil chemistry laboratory.
Register for Town info service
As published in The Erin Advocate
The Town of Erin has launched ERINinfo, a new Information & Emergency Notification service.
ERINinfo will provide prompt updates on important town information or emergency notices, either by text message or email. Messages could include details on how the Town is responding to events such as an ice storm, or about public meetings hosted by Town Council.
Residents can register for the free service at www.erin.ca, and may cancel at any time. The service uses the Hubzio communications tool, which helps organizations deliver messages without violating anti-spam rules. Recipients may need to approve the sender on their computer, if initial emails go to the spam folder.
The Town of Erin has launched ERINinfo, a new Information & Emergency Notification service.
ERINinfo will provide prompt updates on important town information or emergency notices, either by text message or email. Messages could include details on how the Town is responding to events such as an ice storm, or about public meetings hosted by Town Council.
Residents can register for the free service at www.erin.ca, and may cancel at any time. The service uses the Hubzio communications tool, which helps organizations deliver messages without violating anti-spam rules. Recipients may need to approve the sender on their computer, if initial emails go to the spam folder.
Closed meeting investigator hired
As published in The Erin Advocate
Town Council has agreed to engage John Maddox of JGM Consulting as its Closed Meeting Investigator, to replace Norm Gamble who is retiring.
Maddox had already been hired by Wellington County, which agreed to pay the $300 retainer for any local municipality that wants to use his services. Erin will still have to pay $100 per hour, plus expenses, for any investigations that are held.
Mayor Al Alls, on the advice of other county councillors, recommended against using the services of the Ontario Ombudsman’s Office, which could provide the service at no charge. Investigations in Erin have been rare.
The Municipal Act allows any person to request an investigation of whether a municipality or local board has followed the rules about going into a session that is closed to the public and media. In general, closed sessions are allowed for council to get legal advice, to deal with staff issues or discuss matters about an identifiable individual.
Maddox has 30 years of experience as a municipal CAO and a Regional Director with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. Since retiring in 2006, he has been retained by more than 50 municipalities as a Closed Meeting Investigator.
Town Council has agreed to engage John Maddox of JGM Consulting as its Closed Meeting Investigator, to replace Norm Gamble who is retiring.
Maddox had already been hired by Wellington County, which agreed to pay the $300 retainer for any local municipality that wants to use his services. Erin will still have to pay $100 per hour, plus expenses, for any investigations that are held.
Mayor Al Alls, on the advice of other county councillors, recommended against using the services of the Ontario Ombudsman’s Office, which could provide the service at no charge. Investigations in Erin have been rare.
The Municipal Act allows any person to request an investigation of whether a municipality or local board has followed the rules about going into a session that is closed to the public and media. In general, closed sessions are allowed for council to get legal advice, to deal with staff issues or discuss matters about an identifiable individual.
Maddox has 30 years of experience as a municipal CAO and a Regional Director with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. Since retiring in 2006, he has been retained by more than 50 municipalities as a Closed Meeting Investigator.
Town gets a low price on Water Rates Study
As published in The Erin Advocate
The Town of Erin will gain a substantial saving by switching to a new consultant for its Water Rates Study and Financial Plan.
Councillors approved a contract with GSS Engineering Consultants of Owen Sound at a fixed cost of $13,795.
Financial Analyst Larry Wheeler said there will be “a significant loss of continuity” in not employing Watson & Associates, which has done extensive work for the Town.
The similar water rates project in 2010-2011 cost $39,000. The cost estimate in the 5 Year Capital Plan for 2015 was $29,000. Five bids came in for the job, ranging from GSS at $13,795 to Watson’s at $22,900.
Staff and Mayor Alls have reviewed the qualifications and experience of the new firm, especially with small, rural water systems in Ontario, and are confident in awarding the contract.
The Town of Erin will gain a substantial saving by switching to a new consultant for its Water Rates Study and Financial Plan.
Councillors approved a contract with GSS Engineering Consultants of Owen Sound at a fixed cost of $13,795.
Financial Analyst Larry Wheeler said there will be “a significant loss of continuity” in not employing Watson & Associates, which has done extensive work for the Town.
The similar water rates project in 2010-2011 cost $39,000. The cost estimate in the 5 Year Capital Plan for 2015 was $29,000. Five bids came in for the job, ranging from GSS at $13,795 to Watson’s at $22,900.
Staff and Mayor Alls have reviewed the qualifications and experience of the new firm, especially with small, rural water systems in Ontario, and are confident in awarding the contract.
December 24, 2014
Town seeks Economic Development volunteers
As published in The Erin Advocate
Erin’s new Town Council is appealing for participation from all sectors of the community as it establishes an Economic Development Committee.
Bob Cheetham, the Town’s Economic Development Coordinator, presented the Terms of Reference (TOR) to councillors on December 16, and they gave unanimous support.
“This has got to work,” said Councillor Matt Sammut. “I’m really hoping our community steps forward and we get some really good economic minds that are passionate about this. We need our economy to not only stabilize, but revitalize.”
The committee will help create an action plan and be dedicated to the “economic well-being and future prosperity of the community”. Principles will include enhanced quality of life and “responsible and sustainable growth”.
Councillor Jeff Duncan noted that the local economy consists of residents and businesses, not the Town.
“The government can’t make this stuff happen,” he said. “We can facilitate and try our best to get things to happen, but we really do need some good people to really drive this and make it successful.”
Councillor John Brennan, who has represented Erin at the Wellington County Municipal Economic Development Group and Hills of Headwaters Tourism, said the timing is right for this initiative, with opportunities to leverage funding from various sources.
“What starts out as a relatively modest investment by the Town grows into something that can really make some great change. We’re never going to get a better opportunity,” he said.
Specifics of the mandate include marketing the Town as a destination, enhancing growth in specific sectors, identifying new trends and looking for partnerships.
Cheetham said the TOR follows the general principles of several others he has been worked on, and of earlier consultations in Erin. Calls for expressions of interest will be advertised in local media, and the TOR is available at www.erin.ca.
“The make-up of the committee is sectoral, with broad-based representation from the community, which is important if you are going to have good collaboration and a bottom-up approach,” said Cheetham.
Although he’s only been on the job for a month, he says, “This is a community with a heart. I’ve seen that. It’s got all kinds of potential. The assets are there. They just need that vehicle to move them forward. And we’ll be coming back to the rest of you in the community to be part of that.”
Mayor Al Alls noted that County Councillor Pierre Brianceau has a seat on the County Economic Development Committee and that the new Warden, George Bridge is a strong supporter of the process.
Members will be appointed to the Town committee by a vote of council. Prospective members will fill out an application by January 15, where they will indicate their interests, experience and priorities. Those will be reviewed by Town staff, who will make recommendations at the next council meeting on who should be appointed.
Initially, one member of council will be appointed as the committee chair. The normal term of committee membership will be three years. The meetings will be open to the public.
The committee will have no binding authority, but will advise and assist council. They will report to Chief Administrative Officer Kathryn Ironmonger or her designate. They will normally communicate to council through staff, but may appear before council as a delegation.
They will be expected to seek consensus and normally the majority opinion would be communicated to council. On matters of significant disagreement, the chair will have the option of reporting minority positions to council.
The committee will have up to 14 members and the Town hopes to include representatives of commercial and industrial businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Improvement Area, agriculture, the equine sector, recreation, culture, tourism, education, health care, information technology, social services and youth (18-24).
Erin’s new Town Council is appealing for participation from all sectors of the community as it establishes an Economic Development Committee.
Bob Cheetham, the Town’s Economic Development Coordinator, presented the Terms of Reference (TOR) to councillors on December 16, and they gave unanimous support.
“This has got to work,” said Councillor Matt Sammut. “I’m really hoping our community steps forward and we get some really good economic minds that are passionate about this. We need our economy to not only stabilize, but revitalize.”
The committee will help create an action plan and be dedicated to the “economic well-being and future prosperity of the community”. Principles will include enhanced quality of life and “responsible and sustainable growth”.
Councillor Jeff Duncan noted that the local economy consists of residents and businesses, not the Town.
“The government can’t make this stuff happen,” he said. “We can facilitate and try our best to get things to happen, but we really do need some good people to really drive this and make it successful.”
Councillor John Brennan, who has represented Erin at the Wellington County Municipal Economic Development Group and Hills of Headwaters Tourism, said the timing is right for this initiative, with opportunities to leverage funding from various sources.
“What starts out as a relatively modest investment by the Town grows into something that can really make some great change. We’re never going to get a better opportunity,” he said.
Specifics of the mandate include marketing the Town as a destination, enhancing growth in specific sectors, identifying new trends and looking for partnerships.
Cheetham said the TOR follows the general principles of several others he has been worked on, and of earlier consultations in Erin. Calls for expressions of interest will be advertised in local media, and the TOR is available at www.erin.ca.
“The make-up of the committee is sectoral, with broad-based representation from the community, which is important if you are going to have good collaboration and a bottom-up approach,” said Cheetham.
Although he’s only been on the job for a month, he says, “This is a community with a heart. I’ve seen that. It’s got all kinds of potential. The assets are there. They just need that vehicle to move them forward. And we’ll be coming back to the rest of you in the community to be part of that.”
Mayor Al Alls noted that County Councillor Pierre Brianceau has a seat on the County Economic Development Committee and that the new Warden, George Bridge is a strong supporter of the process.
Members will be appointed to the Town committee by a vote of council. Prospective members will fill out an application by January 15, where they will indicate their interests, experience and priorities. Those will be reviewed by Town staff, who will make recommendations at the next council meeting on who should be appointed.
Initially, one member of council will be appointed as the committee chair. The normal term of committee membership will be three years. The meetings will be open to the public.
The committee will have no binding authority, but will advise and assist council. They will report to Chief Administrative Officer Kathryn Ironmonger or her designate. They will normally communicate to council through staff, but may appear before council as a delegation.
They will be expected to seek consensus and normally the majority opinion would be communicated to council. On matters of significant disagreement, the chair will have the option of reporting minority positions to council.
The committee will have up to 14 members and the Town hopes to include representatives of commercial and industrial businesses, the Chamber of Commerce, the Business Improvement Area, agriculture, the equine sector, recreation, culture, tourism, education, health care, information technology, social services and youth (18-24).
Committees need more specific tasks
As published in The Erin Advocate
Councillors divided up their duties in the Town’s committee system at their meeting last week, but they did not deal with a key problem – the system is not working well and needs an overhaul.
One year ago, I reported that committees were in need of new members, but not much has changed. At that time, CAO Kathryn Ironmonger suggested council provide committees with more specific projects to help focus their efforts. She’s given the same good advice to the new council.
Economic Development is only now being restarted after being disbanded more than two years ago. The Environmental Advisory Committee and the Recreation and Culture committees don’t have enough members to operate effectively. There is still useful work being done in some areas, but it could be much better.
It’s the right time for reform, with a new council in place and the Operational Review analyzing the efficiency of Town activities.
Jay Mowat and Liz Armstrong of Transition Erin appeared as a delegation to council on December 16 to suggest a new Citizen’s Committee on Alternative and Renewable Energy. Any time citizens enthusiastically offer to do free work for the Town, council should find a way to take them up on it – but only if they believe the work is really needed and are prepared to give the results some serious consideration.
Councillor Rob Smith pointed out there would be an overlap of interests between this new committee and the Environmental committee. Mowat said Environmental already has many duties, and it would be “too onerous” to add the energy analysis task.
The problem is that the existing committee has a lofty, wide-ranging mandate that sounds wonderful, but in fact, members have ben frustrated by the lack of useful tasks and simply given up after years of being largely ignored by council.
Maybe we don’t need so many committees where members are expected to serve continuously for several years. Committees should not be a window dressing, an attempt to make it look like citizens are being consulted.
Maybe the Energy Committee should be one of several ad-hoc committees – similar to the one that studied issues surrounding the Hillsburgh mill pond.
They had several meetings, and between the meetings they did research. They wrote a report, gave their information and opinions to council, and they were done.
Committee members are not elected, just interested, and their advice should never be binding on the elected council. The politicians already get plenty of advice on how to govern the Town from citizens, businesses, lobby groups and their own staff.
Committee work could be seen as volunteer service to help Town staff with their jobs, doing tasks that don’t require professional qualifications, but for which staff do not have time. This requires some supervision.
Tasks can include organizing and staffing events, gathering and analyzing information, finding out what options are in the marketplace and how other Towns handle similar issues. Shorter term commitments and limited, well-defined projects will yield more participation.
Here are the new assignments for councillors: Matt Sammut on Recreation, Culture and Trails and representative at East Wellington Community Services; Jeff Duncan on Heritage, Let’s Get Hillsburgh Growing, Committee of Adjustment and Property Standards; Rob Smith on Community Oriented Policing and the Business Improvement Area; and John Brennan on the Ballinafad Community Centre board and the Erin representative with Hills of Headwaters Tourism and the Wellington County Municipal Economic Development Group.
John Brennan was also appointed as the Erin member on the Credit Valley Conservation Board of Directors, a posting normally occupied by the mayor. Brennan has recent experience on the Grand River Conservation board, but their territory is so large that small municipalities have to take turns on the board.
For the coming term, Erin’s interests there will be represented by Chris White, Mayor of Guelph-Eramosa.
Councillors divided up their duties in the Town’s committee system at their meeting last week, but they did not deal with a key problem – the system is not working well and needs an overhaul.
One year ago, I reported that committees were in need of new members, but not much has changed. At that time, CAO Kathryn Ironmonger suggested council provide committees with more specific projects to help focus their efforts. She’s given the same good advice to the new council.
Economic Development is only now being restarted after being disbanded more than two years ago. The Environmental Advisory Committee and the Recreation and Culture committees don’t have enough members to operate effectively. There is still useful work being done in some areas, but it could be much better.
It’s the right time for reform, with a new council in place and the Operational Review analyzing the efficiency of Town activities.
Jay Mowat and Liz Armstrong of Transition Erin appeared as a delegation to council on December 16 to suggest a new Citizen’s Committee on Alternative and Renewable Energy. Any time citizens enthusiastically offer to do free work for the Town, council should find a way to take them up on it – but only if they believe the work is really needed and are prepared to give the results some serious consideration.
Councillor Rob Smith pointed out there would be an overlap of interests between this new committee and the Environmental committee. Mowat said Environmental already has many duties, and it would be “too onerous” to add the energy analysis task.
The problem is that the existing committee has a lofty, wide-ranging mandate that sounds wonderful, but in fact, members have ben frustrated by the lack of useful tasks and simply given up after years of being largely ignored by council.
Maybe we don’t need so many committees where members are expected to serve continuously for several years. Committees should not be a window dressing, an attempt to make it look like citizens are being consulted.
Maybe the Energy Committee should be one of several ad-hoc committees – similar to the one that studied issues surrounding the Hillsburgh mill pond.
They had several meetings, and between the meetings they did research. They wrote a report, gave their information and opinions to council, and they were done.
Committee members are not elected, just interested, and their advice should never be binding on the elected council. The politicians already get plenty of advice on how to govern the Town from citizens, businesses, lobby groups and their own staff.
Committee work could be seen as volunteer service to help Town staff with their jobs, doing tasks that don’t require professional qualifications, but for which staff do not have time. This requires some supervision.
Tasks can include organizing and staffing events, gathering and analyzing information, finding out what options are in the marketplace and how other Towns handle similar issues. Shorter term commitments and limited, well-defined projects will yield more participation.
Here are the new assignments for councillors: Matt Sammut on Recreation, Culture and Trails and representative at East Wellington Community Services; Jeff Duncan on Heritage, Let’s Get Hillsburgh Growing, Committee of Adjustment and Property Standards; Rob Smith on Community Oriented Policing and the Business Improvement Area; and John Brennan on the Ballinafad Community Centre board and the Erin representative with Hills of Headwaters Tourism and the Wellington County Municipal Economic Development Group.
John Brennan was also appointed as the Erin member on the Credit Valley Conservation Board of Directors, a posting normally occupied by the mayor. Brennan has recent experience on the Grand River Conservation board, but their territory is so large that small municipalities have to take turns on the board.
For the coming term, Erin’s interests there will be represented by Chris White, Mayor of Guelph-Eramosa.
Afternoon council meetings, and “no surprises”
As published in The Erin Advocate
In an effort to save money and improve efficiency, Erin Town Council plans to hold the second of its two monthly meetings in the afternoon. Council endorsed the idea at its December 16 meeting, but it won’t affect the meeting schedule until February.
Council also approved a recommendation from Clerk Dina Lundy to change the procedure bylaw, so that council rules would prohibit new business being added to the agenda at the beginning of a meeting.
“In keeping with best practices of no surprises, and accountability and transparency, no new items should be added to the agenda without proper notice to the public and other Council members,” said Lundy in a report to council.
Council agendas are normally published on the Town website on the Friday prior to a meeting, providing an opportunity to consider the recommendations and read the background material. Council would still have the authority to add an urgent matter to the agenda at the start of a meeting, but they would have to vote to suspend the provisions of the procedure bylaw.
On the issue of afternoon meetings, council expects to pass a bylaw at its next evening meeting (January 20) to authorize a council meeting to be held at 1 pm on the third Tuesday of each month.
Lundy said the average staff cost for each evening meeting in 2014 was about $1,155, since staff members receive overtime pay when they are required to attend. There were also 14 extra meetings in 2014, with average extra pay totalling $315 for councillors and $1,751 for staff, per meeting.
In 2014, there were a total of 36 evening meetings, with compensation costs totalling $49,945 (not including benefits).
There has also been concern about the length of meetings, which have often gone past the 11 pm curfew. Part of the problem is the length of time needed for delegations, normally limited to three and officially restricted to 15 minutes each, but often taking much longer. Some of these delegations are consultants hired by council, with complex issues to report and many questions being asked.
“A majority of these extra costs can be avoided by incorporating one regular daytime meeting per month, as well as scheduling some of the special meetings during the day,” said Lundy.
The measure would provide greater efficiency, since staff members often have to sit idle at a meeting until their report or issue comes up on the agenda. A daytime meeting would allow them to be called in only when needed. Lundy noted that there would be other savings outside the Town, since many of the presenters are public employees from other levels of government.
She agreed with a suggestion by Councillor Jeff Duncan that when possible, less controversial issues be planned for the afternoon sessions, since the public would expect “barnburner issues” to be dealt with at an evening meeting.
Wellington County holds most of its council and committee meetings during the day, and the Townships of Puslinch, Mapleton and Minto each hold one regular daytime meeting per month.
In an effort to save money and improve efficiency, Erin Town Council plans to hold the second of its two monthly meetings in the afternoon. Council endorsed the idea at its December 16 meeting, but it won’t affect the meeting schedule until February.
Council also approved a recommendation from Clerk Dina Lundy to change the procedure bylaw, so that council rules would prohibit new business being added to the agenda at the beginning of a meeting.
“In keeping with best practices of no surprises, and accountability and transparency, no new items should be added to the agenda without proper notice to the public and other Council members,” said Lundy in a report to council.
Council agendas are normally published on the Town website on the Friday prior to a meeting, providing an opportunity to consider the recommendations and read the background material. Council would still have the authority to add an urgent matter to the agenda at the start of a meeting, but they would have to vote to suspend the provisions of the procedure bylaw.
On the issue of afternoon meetings, council expects to pass a bylaw at its next evening meeting (January 20) to authorize a council meeting to be held at 1 pm on the third Tuesday of each month.
Lundy said the average staff cost for each evening meeting in 2014 was about $1,155, since staff members receive overtime pay when they are required to attend. There were also 14 extra meetings in 2014, with average extra pay totalling $315 for councillors and $1,751 for staff, per meeting.
In 2014, there were a total of 36 evening meetings, with compensation costs totalling $49,945 (not including benefits).
There has also been concern about the length of meetings, which have often gone past the 11 pm curfew. Part of the problem is the length of time needed for delegations, normally limited to three and officially restricted to 15 minutes each, but often taking much longer. Some of these delegations are consultants hired by council, with complex issues to report and many questions being asked.
“A majority of these extra costs can be avoided by incorporating one regular daytime meeting per month, as well as scheduling some of the special meetings during the day,” said Lundy.
The measure would provide greater efficiency, since staff members often have to sit idle at a meeting until their report or issue comes up on the agenda. A daytime meeting would allow them to be called in only when needed. Lundy noted that there would be other savings outside the Town, since many of the presenters are public employees from other levels of government.
She agreed with a suggestion by Councillor Jeff Duncan that when possible, less controversial issues be planned for the afternoon sessions, since the public would expect “barnburner issues” to be dealt with at an evening meeting.
Wellington County holds most of its council and committee meetings during the day, and the Townships of Puslinch, Mapleton and Minto each hold one regular daytime meeting per month.
Main Place group plans new youth programs
As published in The Erin Advocate
The Main Place Optimist Club of Erin is organizing a renewed effort to provide social and recreational activities for local youth.
Mary Shields and Kevin MacPherson from the group appeared as a delegation at the December 16 meeting of Town Council to provide an update and seek ongoing support.
The extensive activities of Main Place and Erin Hoops were severely curtailed last year after the death of organizer Patrick Suessmuth, and the deterioration of the old public school building to an unusable condition.
“We’re finalizing our incorporation and hoping to run a March Break Camp,” said Shields. “We are determined to fill that void. We really can’t have our youth with no place to go outside of school, because they will start looking for their own fun, and that won’t be good.”
They will be arranging activities at new locations. Being an Optimist Club provides them with essential liability insurance.
“I worked 10 years with Pat, and we had 100 kids a week for summer camps,” said MacPherson. “It was a really good thing.”
Councillor John Brennan said, “You have a great deal of dedication and courage – you are treading in the footsteps of a giant.”
Councillor Matt Sammut said, “What you are doing is outstanding. It is important that youth have things to do, especially some of the economically challenged families. I hope we’ll be able to support in different ways.”
Mayor Al Alls said that some funding for the group might be available through East Wellington Community Services.
The Main Place Optimist Club of Erin is organizing a renewed effort to provide social and recreational activities for local youth.
Mary Shields and Kevin MacPherson from the group appeared as a delegation at the December 16 meeting of Town Council to provide an update and seek ongoing support.
The extensive activities of Main Place and Erin Hoops were severely curtailed last year after the death of organizer Patrick Suessmuth, and the deterioration of the old public school building to an unusable condition.
“We’re finalizing our incorporation and hoping to run a March Break Camp,” said Shields. “We are determined to fill that void. We really can’t have our youth with no place to go outside of school, because they will start looking for their own fun, and that won’t be good.”
They will be arranging activities at new locations. Being an Optimist Club provides them with essential liability insurance.
“I worked 10 years with Pat, and we had 100 kids a week for summer camps,” said MacPherson. “It was a really good thing.”
Councillor John Brennan said, “You have a great deal of dedication and courage – you are treading in the footsteps of a giant.”
Councillor Matt Sammut said, “What you are doing is outstanding. It is important that youth have things to do, especially some of the economically challenged families. I hope we’ll be able to support in different ways.”
Mayor Al Alls said that some funding for the group might be available through East Wellington Community Services.
Good Guys create $500 fund
As published in The Erin Advocate
Members of Erin Town Council will each chip in $100 of their own money for a Good Guys Fund. It will help deal with minor cost issues that are presented to them, but which do not qualify for normal Town funding.
Councillor Jeff Duncan said it is a revival of an idea used by the former Erin Village council to deal with “worthy” endeavours in need of support. “It would not impact the Town,” he said, at the December 16 meeting.
Later in the meeting, councillors considered a motion to accept a tax exemption on one third of their salaries. This is “deemed to be expenses incidental to the discharge of their duties”.
Under a new system approved by the previous council, members earn $15,600 and the mayor $26,000, plus other eligible expenses. The one third tax exemption allowed on federal and provincial taxes is at no cost to the Town. Members only have to vote to accept it, which they did unanimously.
“I didn’t think there’d be a problem with that one,” said Als.
Members of Erin Town Council will each chip in $100 of their own money for a Good Guys Fund. It will help deal with minor cost issues that are presented to them, but which do not qualify for normal Town funding.
Councillor Jeff Duncan said it is a revival of an idea used by the former Erin Village council to deal with “worthy” endeavours in need of support. “It would not impact the Town,” he said, at the December 16 meeting.
Later in the meeting, councillors considered a motion to accept a tax exemption on one third of their salaries. This is “deemed to be expenses incidental to the discharge of their duties”.
Under a new system approved by the previous council, members earn $15,600 and the mayor $26,000, plus other eligible expenses. The one third tax exemption allowed on federal and provincial taxes is at no cost to the Town. Members only have to vote to accept it, which they did unanimously.
“I didn’t think there’d be a problem with that one,” said Als.
Town to study requests on bottled water
As published in The Erin Advocate
Transition Erin has asked Town council to ban single-use bottled water at the municipal office, to install water bottle refilling stations at the arenas and to discontinue the sale of bottled water.
Councillors were not ready to make any immediate decisions, but they did welcome three Water Rockers from Erin Public School, who presented the politicians with re-usable water bottles.
The told council they are hoping to expand their Blue W campaign to 50 more businesses outside the Erin village core. The program to allow people to fill their own bottles with tap water is already endorsed by downtown stores.
Jay Mowat and Liz Armstrong said that 48 municipalities and five school boards have formal bans on the sale of bottled water, and reminded Mayor Al Alls that during the election campaign he supported a ban on bottled water in municipal facilities.
They suggested that the sulfury taste of well water at the Town office could be eliminated with a filter system. Council made no commitment to study a ban at the office.
Councillor John Brennan liked the idea of filling stations, essentially a high tap with room for a bottle, successfully being used at Erin Public and Erin District High Schools.
“It seems to be a no brainer to give people a choice,” he said.
Councillor Jeff Duncan said he would not support a ban that would restrict people’s freedom of choice, preferring education and persuasion. Council agreed with his suggestion to consider the cost of filling stations as part of the 2015 budget process.
Staff will also report to council on the issue of discontinuing the sale of bottled water at arenas. If that happens, people would still be allowed to bring their own bottled water to the sites.
Transition Erin and other community groups are concerned about the possible impact of Nestlé Waters Canada pumping up to 1.1 million litres of water per day at its Hillsburgh well and that even with up to 70% of bottles being diverted to recycling, huge volumes of plastic are still being dumped into landfill sites and ditches.
Transition Erin has asked Town council to ban single-use bottled water at the municipal office, to install water bottle refilling stations at the arenas and to discontinue the sale of bottled water.
Councillors were not ready to make any immediate decisions, but they did welcome three Water Rockers from Erin Public School, who presented the politicians with re-usable water bottles.
The told council they are hoping to expand their Blue W campaign to 50 more businesses outside the Erin village core. The program to allow people to fill their own bottles with tap water is already endorsed by downtown stores.
Jay Mowat and Liz Armstrong said that 48 municipalities and five school boards have formal bans on the sale of bottled water, and reminded Mayor Al Alls that during the election campaign he supported a ban on bottled water in municipal facilities.
They suggested that the sulfury taste of well water at the Town office could be eliminated with a filter system. Council made no commitment to study a ban at the office.
Councillor John Brennan liked the idea of filling stations, essentially a high tap with room for a bottle, successfully being used at Erin Public and Erin District High Schools.
“It seems to be a no brainer to give people a choice,” he said.
Councillor Jeff Duncan said he would not support a ban that would restrict people’s freedom of choice, preferring education and persuasion. Council agreed with his suggestion to consider the cost of filling stations as part of the 2015 budget process.
Staff will also report to council on the issue of discontinuing the sale of bottled water at arenas. If that happens, people would still be allowed to bring their own bottled water to the sites.
Transition Erin and other community groups are concerned about the possible impact of Nestlé Waters Canada pumping up to 1.1 million litres of water per day at its Hillsburgh well and that even with up to 70% of bottles being diverted to recycling, huge volumes of plastic are still being dumped into landfill sites and ditches.
Soldiers well-fed at training camp
From the Advocate – 100 years ago (1914)
The Government has set aside Sunday, January 3 as a special day of prayer for a speedy end to the war.
Members of the second contingent in camp at the Exhibition Grounds, Toronto, number about 4,000 men. In the matter of food they are well provided for. Nine tons of food are disposed of every day. Each man receives daily 1 lb of meat, 1.25 lb of bread, 1 lb of potatoes, 6 ozs of fresh vegetables, 2.5 ozs of bacon, beans, butter, sugar and jam, 1.5 oz of cheese and split peas, 1.25 oz of tea, and 1.125 oz of coffee, salt and pepper. An increase of bacon and sugar and an allowance of one pint of milk per man will be made in a day or two as soon as authority is sent in from Ottawa.
From the Advocate – 45 years ago (1969)
Charles Hull, Publisher and Editor of The Advocate, along with staff members Corey Herrington, Freda Hull, George Ware and Jeff Barry, wish everyone in the community the peace and happiness of Christmas. Greetings also from the correspondents: Dorothy McKinnon in Hillsburgh, Mrs. R. McCreary in Cedar Valley, Mrs. Robert Sloan in North Erin, Mrs. D.C. Kirkwood in Erin, Mrs. John Trimble in Belfountain, Mrs. D.G. Robertson in Ospringe, Mrs. K. Raeburn in Caledon, Mrs. F. MacArthur in Churchill, Mrs. H. Thompson in Marsville and Judi Petherick in Alton.
A proposal by Peel County Council to straighten and widen Winston Churchill Boulevard north of Terra Cotta to promote safety in the area has been temporarily stopped after objections from the Credit Valley Conservation Authority. Chairman R.K. McMillan said CVC must be notified of any future plans for the road.
From the Advocate – 35 years ago (1979)
Al Johnson’s 22-month-old bull terrier Gus won two competitions at the Credit Valley Dog Show held at the Canadian National Exhibition site. The Erin dog was the best male, and the best of both males and females in his class.
Many Erin residents were surprised on Sunday morning to discover they had been without power for up to four hours. Erin Hydro spokesman Weir Winter said workers had to shut off power to repair wires near the Greening Donald plant that were damaged in a wind storm last Tuesday.
Erin Village Fire Chief Wib Scott told council recently that the department needs a new $35,000 pumper to meet its obligations to fight fires in sections of Erin Township. The Township currently pays $11,000 a year for the service, but it is being renegotiated and the Ontario Fire Marshall’s office is investigating the situation. Scott says two reliable pumpers are needed so the village is not left unprotected while fighting a fire in the Township. If the Village gets out of the rural service, the Township could be forced to set up a substation, possibly in Ballinafad.
From the Advocate – 25 years ago (1989)
About 40 residents of Cedar Valley expressed their displeasure with a development proposal that would double the size of their hamlet. Sue Orr of R.J. Burnside and Associates, representing developer Don Kilgour, said 41 lots are proposed for the 75-acre site. A letter from Triton Engineering said limited development could be done with private wells, plus a possible fire-fighting storage reservoir, but that if there is to be even more development there in the future, the new homes should be on a communal water system. Residents were concerned about changes to the rural character of the area, the loss of farmland, the strain on already overcrowded schools and increased traffic flow. The land is currently agricultural. Council will decide on rezoning in about eight weeks.
The Government has set aside Sunday, January 3 as a special day of prayer for a speedy end to the war.
Members of the second contingent in camp at the Exhibition Grounds, Toronto, number about 4,000 men. In the matter of food they are well provided for. Nine tons of food are disposed of every day. Each man receives daily 1 lb of meat, 1.25 lb of bread, 1 lb of potatoes, 6 ozs of fresh vegetables, 2.5 ozs of bacon, beans, butter, sugar and jam, 1.5 oz of cheese and split peas, 1.25 oz of tea, and 1.125 oz of coffee, salt and pepper. An increase of bacon and sugar and an allowance of one pint of milk per man will be made in a day or two as soon as authority is sent in from Ottawa.
From the Advocate – 45 years ago (1969)
Charles Hull, Publisher and Editor of The Advocate, along with staff members Corey Herrington, Freda Hull, George Ware and Jeff Barry, wish everyone in the community the peace and happiness of Christmas. Greetings also from the correspondents: Dorothy McKinnon in Hillsburgh, Mrs. R. McCreary in Cedar Valley, Mrs. Robert Sloan in North Erin, Mrs. D.C. Kirkwood in Erin, Mrs. John Trimble in Belfountain, Mrs. D.G. Robertson in Ospringe, Mrs. K. Raeburn in Caledon, Mrs. F. MacArthur in Churchill, Mrs. H. Thompson in Marsville and Judi Petherick in Alton.
A proposal by Peel County Council to straighten and widen Winston Churchill Boulevard north of Terra Cotta to promote safety in the area has been temporarily stopped after objections from the Credit Valley Conservation Authority. Chairman R.K. McMillan said CVC must be notified of any future plans for the road.
From the Advocate – 35 years ago (1979)
Al Johnson’s 22-month-old bull terrier Gus won two competitions at the Credit Valley Dog Show held at the Canadian National Exhibition site. The Erin dog was the best male, and the best of both males and females in his class.
Many Erin residents were surprised on Sunday morning to discover they had been without power for up to four hours. Erin Hydro spokesman Weir Winter said workers had to shut off power to repair wires near the Greening Donald plant that were damaged in a wind storm last Tuesday.
Erin Village Fire Chief Wib Scott told council recently that the department needs a new $35,000 pumper to meet its obligations to fight fires in sections of Erin Township. The Township currently pays $11,000 a year for the service, but it is being renegotiated and the Ontario Fire Marshall’s office is investigating the situation. Scott says two reliable pumpers are needed so the village is not left unprotected while fighting a fire in the Township. If the Village gets out of the rural service, the Township could be forced to set up a substation, possibly in Ballinafad.
From the Advocate – 25 years ago (1989)
About 40 residents of Cedar Valley expressed their displeasure with a development proposal that would double the size of their hamlet. Sue Orr of R.J. Burnside and Associates, representing developer Don Kilgour, said 41 lots are proposed for the 75-acre site. A letter from Triton Engineering said limited development could be done with private wells, plus a possible fire-fighting storage reservoir, but that if there is to be even more development there in the future, the new homes should be on a communal water system. Residents were concerned about changes to the rural character of the area, the loss of farmland, the strain on already overcrowded schools and increased traffic flow. The land is currently agricultural. Council will decide on rezoning in about eight weeks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)