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THIS WEEK 2 • Town Hall 4 • Editorials 10 • Anniversary 15 • Obituaries
Citizen
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Friday, October 18, 2024
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Volume 40 No. 42
Publications Mail Agreement No. 40050141 Return Undeliverable Items to North Huron Publishing Company Inc., P.O. Box 429, BLYTH, ON N0M 1H0
Crusaders hockey is back in Brussels By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen
In the midst of a slide After a blistering first five games of the regular season, the Wingham Ironmen have since lost their subsequent five games, pulling even to a 5-5 record with their fivegame losing streak still alive. To make matters worse, head coach Dawson Smith is taking a step back from the team to spend more time with his family. Above, the
Ironmen lost to the Hanover Barons in Wingham last Saturday by a score of 2-1. This came after their Friday night game with the Mount Forest Patriots was postponed due to an ice resurfacer issue at the North Huron Wescast Community (John Complex in Wingham. See page 8 for the full story. Stephenson photo)
Slowly but surely, the Blyth Brussels Minor Hockey Association season is getting underway for another winter, with most teams practising, but others hitting the ice with some real competition. Last Saturday, the U11 Rep Crusaders lost to the Wingham Ironmen on the road by a score of 7-3, while the U21 team fell to the Saugeen Valley Steelheads by a score of 1-0, also on the road. The previous weekend, the U15 Rep Crusaders beat the Kincardine Kinucks on the road by a score of 5-4. On Tuesday, the U11 Rep team played the Listowel Cyclones in an exhibition game on the road. The next night, the U18 Rep team played the Mid-Huron Huskies and the U15 Rep Crusaders played the South Bruce Blades, both on the road, but scores were not available for those games at press time. Looking ahead, tonight (Friday, Oct. 18), will see the first regular season action for the Crusaders at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, when the U11 Rep team plays the Kincardine Continued on page 9
Festival mounts defence in Factory suit, countersues By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen In the face of a lawsuit filed by Toronto’s Factory Theatre last month seeking $115,000 over the 2023 cancellation of The Waltz at the Blyth Festival, the Festival’s parent company, the Blyth Centre for the Arts is now countersuing Factory for over $250,000, according to court filings obtained by The Citizen. The Blyth Festival’s counterclaim was filed with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice last week. The Festival points the finger at Factory, alleging “over unpreparedness and unwillingness to co-operate” on the part of the Toronto theatre on what it claims was always a touring production. Neither Factory’s nor the Festival’s claims have been tested in court. In its claim, the Festival alleges that the Factory Theatre did not provide a complete technical rider for the show, thus, breaching the contract between the two theatres.
The Festival also claimed that there had been extensive correspondence between numerous parties from both sides regarding set and lighting requirements that were never fully settled, leading to the Festival pulling the plug on the 2023 production. According to the court filings, while Factory acknowledged that there was a delay in delivering its technical rider, the theatre claimed that the Festival accepted a new timeline as a result, not raising any issues. In its counterclaim, the Festival said that Factory failed to include set measurements in the technical rider of January of 2023 and that when those measurements were provided, the set would not fit on the Memorial Hall stage. Furthermore, the Festival has claimed that the proposed installation schedule would have been a week-and-a-half, shutting down the Festival during the process, which the Festival claimed was “untenable”. The two theatres, according to the
Festival’s claim, eventually agreed, in May of that year, to use a scaleddown version of the set to be funded and built by the Festival. The Festival further claims that the lighting component of the technical rider was incomplete, with Factory saying on May 31 that the theatre’s lighting designer might not be able to travel to Blyth for the process and then, on June 3, Factory sent the Festival 41 additional lighting requirements. Two days later, the Festival says it informed Factory that it was cancelling the production due to the disagreement on lighting design and the absence of a complete technical rider. This is argued by Factory in its original claim, which states that, “Blyth did not cite any basis for the termination by the terms of the presenting agreement itself.” And while the ultimatelycancelled 2022 production of The Waltz, commissioned by the Blyth Festival in 2018, is not part of either lawsuit, there is information
in the documents that is being disputed by the two theatres. In its claim, Factory said the 2022 show, outdoors at the Harvest Stage, was to be a joint production by the theatres, with the Festival building sets, costumes and props and later invoicing Factory for half of the cost. The Toronto theatre claims that the sets were never built, leading to Factory having to make them for a cost of $34,000. The Festival, however, is contending that the 2022 show was never supposed to be a coproduction, alleging that the required notification of a joint production to the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association and the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres was never filed. The Festival statement of defence says that early discussions about the play as a joint production took place, but no joint production agreement was negotiated or finalized. The statement goes on to say that the Festival created props for the
show and shared them with Factory in 2022 for free, calling the gesture “good faith” and a “courtesy”, but not evidence of a joint production agreement. After entering into a presenting agreement with Factory in December of 2022, according to the Festival’s statement of defence, the Festival paid a deposit of $15,000 plus HST to Factory days later. The claim then alleges that Factory failed to provide a technical rider for the show by the Dec. 14, 2022 deadline. The statement of defence further alleges that over a month later, Factory turned in an incomplete technical rider and that the Festival never accepted it, nor signed it. The Festival also says in its statement of defence that it never waived the requirement of a technical rider, noting that it was a condition of the presenting agreement between the two theatres. In regards to damages, the Continued on page 20
PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024.
North Huron hosts town hall meeting in Blyth By Scott Stephenson The Citizen Last Thursday, 110 North Huron citizens came out to the Blyth and District Community Centre in order to participate in their municipality's town hall public meeting. The annual meeting is the community’s chance to ask questions directly to the members of North Huron Council ahead of budget season. Moderator Chris Watson, from Huron County’s Economic Development Department, explained some basic rules of decorum for the evening, and then invited members of the public to take turns coming up to a microphone to ask a question or speak briefly about a subject that they felt deserved attention from council. Winter snow safety was of concern to a number of Wingham residents, as were overall snow removal policies throughout the municipality. Potentially over-sized plow blades were pointed to as a possible culprit when it comes to an on-going issue with damage caused by snow removal. The danger to pedestrians caused by uncleared municipal sidewalks was top of mind for a Wingham-based business owner, and Reeve Paul Heffer assured him that the township would work to rectify the situation. Some North Huron citizens also took issue with the management of the trailer dumping station in Blyth. Complaints of poor upkeep, an unpleasant odour and misuse by out-of-towners were all brought up
Pre-Thanksgiving gathering North Huron residents attended a town hall meeting at the Blyth and District Community Centre last Thursday to voice their concerns and ask questions of their municipal council ahead of budget season. The meeting allowed community members to address various local issues and suggest improvements to council. The discussions grew tense at times, with frustrations emerging over perceived communication gaps and council’s willingness to engage with public input. (Scott Stephenson photo)
as dumping station problems, but members of the community also brought forth a few ideas that could improve the situation, namely, defraying the cost of operating the dumping station by installing a metered system that would charge customers based on use. The future of the very community
hall where the meeting was being held turned out to be a hot topic during the meeting itself. A number of residents asked council to clarify rumours swirling around a recent staff report that broached the possibility of moving Blyth’s library into the large space above the arena.
Some expressed skepticism in the feasibility of such a move, and others asked if it wouldn’t be easier and more cost effective to build a new secondary building near the arena rather than renovating the second floor of an older building. Megan Lee-Gahan of the Blyth Kids Club expressed concern about
potentially losing the club’s weekly meeting space, which they rent from the township on a weekly basis throughout the winter. “This is the space where hundreds of children come and enjoy themselves in a safe, friendly environment, making friends. If you take that away, where are our kids going to go?” she asked. Despite assurances from several members of council that this was just one of the possible options being considered at this time, it remained a point of contention throughout the meeting. Local athletes advocated for optimizing the use of North Huron’s recreational facilities, including the baseball diamonds, which a number of people declared to be underutilized due to prohibitively high diamond rental fees. Joe Gahan, also of the Blyth Kids Club, expressed frustration at the difficulties he’s encountered while attempting to construct a proper soccer field for the children of Blyth. “It’s all just red tape,” he stated. The Blyth Campground was also brought up as one of North Huron’s hidden gems that could potentially earn revenue for the township, were they to increase advertising and invest more in nearby cultural events. When Blyth resident Herman Mooy came to the microphone to calmly explain why he had quit his volunteer position assisting with the management of the Blyth Campground in the face of what he sees as recent mismanagement of the asset by the municipality, he Continued on page 3
Anniversary A nniversary O pen H House ouse Open
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Join us as we Celebrate!
THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024. PAGE 3.
Rancorous discourse dominates two-hour session
Joe Gahan
North Huron Council
North Huron Reeve Paul Heffer
The airing of grievances North Huron Council members answer questions from the public at a town hall meeting in Blyth on Thursday, Oct. 10. (Scott Stephenson photos) Continued from page 2 said he disagreed with the decision to switch the campground’s payment method to a QR Codebased system, which he felt was not senior-friendly. There were also concerns about the quality of the water in Blyth, the number of staff employed by the township, a lack of communication from council, and of course, the increasingly high cost of living in North Huron. It was noted by a recent transplant to the area that North Huron seems to have some transparency issues in regards to official business like land transactions and the tendering of bids, citing the sale of Wingham’s airport as an example. Councillor Mitch Wright agreed with the man’s desire for more transparent governance, but explained that he had no insight on the airport issue. “That was before my time,” he told him.
At times, moderator Watson struggled to keep the meeting on
track. A number of people spoke for far longer than the allotted minute, and occasional shouts and jeers were heard from the audience. The questions became increasingly pointed as the evening carried on, and a number of people voiced frustration at what they perceived as a lack of desire on the part of council to receive community input and help from potential volunteers. When the meeting was finally brought to a close, many of those who had been in attendance gathered in small groups near their cars or on front porches to continue the discussion.
Satan promises the best--but pays with the worst! (Thomas Brooks) "The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!" Romans 6:23 Satan promises the best--but pays with the worst! He promises honour--and pays with disgrace. He promises pleasure--and pays with pain. He promises profit--and pays with loss. He promises life--and pays with death. But God pays as He promises--all His payments are made in pure gold! "You have made known to me the path of life! You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand!" Psalm 16:11 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church Listowel, ON 519-291-3887
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PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024.
Editorials & Opinions
Founding Publisher: Keith Roulston Publisher & President: Deb Sholdice Editor: Shawn Loughlin • Reporter: Scott Stephenson Advertising Sales: Brenda Nyveld
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Playing politics The next scheduled federal election will take place some time in the next year (sooner than later, if the Conservatives have their way), and we are already seeing the usual posturing in the media by all of the main parties. The Liberals are playing up their successes, reminding Canadians that pharmacare is now law and that the carbon rebate went into our bank accounts this week. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is promising to “axe the (carbon) tax”, but without articulating any kind of alternative to cope with climate change, or to avoid possible tariffs from trading partners who will seek to punish any countries they see as “free-riders” who aren’t doing their share to reduce emissions. Last week, Poilievre made headlines by saying that he supports mandatory and involuntary psychiatric treatment and drug rehabilitation for children and prisoners. There is no question that there are instances in which individuals are too sick to recognize their own need for treatment, but blanket statements such as his seem to bring about a populist approach to a very complex issue. It is now up to the individual voter to dig behind the campaign promises and populist policy memes to determine which have the potential to become actual solutions to problems, and which are simply election candy. – DS
Beyond Thunderdome The Township of North Huron is a complicated place. Three wards are unceremoniously stitched together, despite their many differences. Blyth and East Wawanosh residents think Wingham gets everything. East Wawanosh residents think everyone else gets everything. And it’s safe to say that everyone thinks, to co-opt a phrase coined by 2000s New York City Mayoral candidate Jimmy McMillan, that the rent is too damn high. McMillan was the leader and chairman of the The Rent Is Too Damn High Party. Great name. Great issue. Poor voter turnout. As over 100 people filed into the Blyth and District Community Centre last week for North Huron’s regular town hall meeting, there were surely people looking for productive discourse with their local politicians on a number of pressing issues. Others, no doubt, were looking for a fight. Only one found what it was looking for. The town hall meeting - long held up as a bastian of public discourse and the bedrock upon which great democracies are built - has, most regrettably, devolved into something in between The Lord of the Flies and The Purge, with snappy insults taking over for brutal violence. Those hoping to attend and calmly raise an issue of real concern with their council must have left rather disappointed, while those there to lob insults and rile up the crowd must have been pretty pleased with themselves. Many left hoarse and few left satisfied. Unfortunately, the lack of civility in such settings and the smooth transition so many make to the mob mentality, strip such meetings of their core purpose. And then, because nothing is accomplished, those full of rage point the finger and laugh, as nothing was accomplished. If residents want a chance for meaningful dialogue with their local representatives, civility is a prerequisite. And if council members want the night to be more than a wasted arena rental, they and the moderator they select need to come with answers and maintain order. – SL
More in common As the United States grapples with the destruction caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton, the broadcast images are impossible to ignore. It’s a powerful reminder of how vulnerable we all are when faced with the forces of nature. While it’s unlikely that Huron County will ever experience hurricanes of that magnitude, disasters come in many forms. Whether through blizzards, ice storms or tornadoes, no one is entirely immune to nature’s power. But beyond the destruction itself, these images offer an opportunity to reflect on something deeper: empathy. In the face of disaster, the divisions we usually hold on to - whether in race, class or politics - become meaningless. What remains is the simple truth that all of us are fragile; human beings navigating forces far beyond our control. When we see people from all walks of life losing everything, we’re forced to confront the reality that our differences are superficial. This empathy shouldn’t stop at humans. The hurricanes have also ravaged ecosystems, displaced animals and uprooted trees. Nature, too, bears the scars of these storms. The suffering of wildlife and the destruction of habitats serve as a reminder that all life is interconnected. We’re part of a shared world and the empathy we extend to one another should also encompass the natural world that sustains us. These disasters remind us that the fragility we see in others is our own. We are not invincible and, in moments like these, empathy is not just an emotional response - it’s a necessary bridge that connects us. The pain and destruction we witness could easily be ours one day. What matters most is how we respond - with compassion, with understanding and with the realization that we are all in this together. – SBS
Looking Back Through the Years October 22, 1969 Three young men from the area, Doug McVittie, Dale Tasker and Dave Cooper, were set for an exciting moment on the coming Thursday in London. All three, members of the 21st Artillery, were to participate in the Royal Salute for Prince Philip during his visit to Wolseley Barracks. William Thuell, local Public Utilities Commission (P.U.C.) foreman, was recognized for fifty years of outstanding service in the electrical field at the annual meeting of the Association of Municipal Electric Utilities held in Stratford last Friday. He received a certificate of merit, presented by Gus Boussey, manager of Clinton P.U.C. The meeting was attended by 195 members of the Association. Bill began his career in Blyth on Aug. 1, 1910, when he took over from Walter Taylor as operator of the village’s electric light plant. Taylor had accepted a job as a stationary engineer in Chicago. Before that, the plant was run by Pete Uttley, who had come from Kitchener. Bill recalled that in 1919, the old plant was steam-powered, generating 1,100 volts and distributing 110 volts to homes. The annual Lions rummage sale, held last Saturday afternoon at the local arena, remained a valuable fundraising event for the organization, although it was less successful than in previous years. Total proceeds from the 1969 sale were down by a third compared to past events. October 19, 1977 Around 40 news correspondents from community weekly papers in Huron and Perth Counties attended
a day-long seminar in Clinton, organized by the Bluewater Regional Newspaper Network (BRNN). Rural correspondents write out of a sense of service and loyalty to their communities, Barry Wenger, publisher of the Wingham Advance Times, told the attendees. Editors of other BRNN papers encouraged correspondents to seek out feature stories and humour. “If Prime Minister Trudeau came to your door and asked to use the phone, first ask him what he’s doing in the area... that’s news,” joked Jim Haggarty, news editor of the Mitchell Advocate, sparking general laughter. Susan White, editor of the Seaforth Huron Expositor, advised correspondents to engage readers and encourage their participation. “Make your column the go-to source for news in your community for all ages, and you’ll see reader co-operation,” she said. Joanne Walters, a reporter with the Goderich Signal Star, explained that sometimes news is trimmed to fit the available space, but editors strive to retain the personality of each correspondent’s writing, all of whom are active members of their communities. Bill Batten, editor of the Exeter Times Advocate, spoke on managing community reactions to printed news, noting that lastminute breaking news can result in stories being cut. “We have to make judgment calls, and sometimes they’re wrong,” he admitted, adding, “The buck stops here.” He encouraged correspondents to direct readers with complaints about errors or omissions to contact their local editor directly. Recent efforts by the Brussels
council to secure a penitentiary for the village received mixed reactions from local residents when the Brussels Post asked how they felt about the idea. Some were hopeful that it would attract industry and create new jobs in the area. Others expressed concern about the potential risk of prison escapes. Overall, most people seemed unsure about the benefits and drawbacks a penitentiary might bring. October 18, 1989 Blyth village councillors decided to push the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) to reconsider its decision against opening an LCBO outlet in Blyth. The rejection was outlined in a letter sent to Huron MPP Jack Riddell by C. Ball, Director of Store Planning and Development for the LCBO. Plans for the reconstruction of Highway 4 between Blyth and Wingham would be revealed at a public information session in Blyth on Oct. 30. The reconstruction plans, initiated through efforts by the communities of North Huron, Riddell and former Minister of Transportation Ed Fulton, aimed to address issues with snowdrifts and whiteouts that had made the highway particularly hazardous for winter drivers. October 21, 2004 The Wingham Ironmen faced off against one of their long-time rivals, the Bulldogs, when they traveled to Kincardine on Friday evening, securing a 4-3 victory. Ironmen coach Louie Livingston remarked that this was one of the team’s best performances against such tough opponents. North Huron council approved the purchase of a camera for detecting sewer issues.
THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024. PAGE 5.
Other Views
Celebrating the Whitmores’ successes
I
was saddened, but not surprised, when I read the story in The Citizen a couple of weeks ago that Ken Whitmore was selling Blyth Printing to long-time employee Steve Dawe. Even though I knew it was coming, it was sad to see one of the oldest businesses in Blyth no longer under the Whitmore name. I first met Ken when he was about four years old when his parents, Doug and Lorna, came to Jill’s and my house for dinner when we bought The Blyth Standard in 1971. It was a time of change in the business. The coming of offset printing to the newspaper industry meant that newspapers were being printed in an hour in a centralized plant instead of half a week on the two-page letter-press printing machines owned by most publishers. Given the changing technology, many publishers were selling their newspapers to centralized printers like the Goderich SignalStar. Instead, we bought The Blyth Standard (I was editor of the Clinton News-Record at the time) from the Whitmores. With little space available on main street, we published the paper at first from the house beside Bainton Limited. Lorna Whitmore helped us out at first because I continued to edit the News-Record during the day and worked on The Standard nights and weekends for several months. Later on, after I became enraptured by professional theatre at the Blyth Festival, I sold The Standard to A. Y. McLean, publisher of The Huron Expositor (who also owned The Brussels Post and had bought The Rural Voice from us.) Andy was trying to assemble a viable business for his daughter, but when it became obvious she wasn’t interested, he sold off The Expositor, The Post and The Standard to Signal-Star, who included The Post as a single page in The Expositor and The Standard as a
Keith Roulston
From the cluttered desk single page in The News-Record. The Rural Voice he sold, at an attractive price, to Sheila Gunby and Bev Brown, who had been farming advisers on the magazine. Meanwhile, Blyth Printing progressed. I remember a photo in The Standard of Harvey McCallum and Doug dismantling the old flatbed newsprinting press. Doug got a small offset press and, with the space available with the newspaper press gone, got a larger offset press. Lorna provided the solid rock around which the new business grew. Ken went to Fanshawe College to study Business Finance and then came home to work with his parents. Both he and they were progressives and continued to adapt the latest technology. Meanwhile, the old printing businesses that survived alongside the newspapers in most towns gradually died off under the incoming internet, leaving Blyth Printing as a unique entity. The business had survived and thrived nearly a century since 1938 under the vision of Ken, his father Doug and grandfather Ken. We buried both Doug and Lorna, Lorna only recently, Doug years earlier. Doug was intimately involved in his community and I remember at his funeral the legendary actor David Fox attending. Doug was a former board member of the Blyth Festival. Ken recalls in
his own retirement story, how printing posters for the Festival kept them on their toes with multiple trips through the printing press to achieve the process colour needed. Blyth Printing has always been on top of recent technology. When I went in the door of the business in more recent years, I didn’t recognize any of the machines I was used to. Ken was up on recent technology and new machines are on hand for every job. Printing the Festival poster, for instance, has become easier with up-to-date equipment. Meanwhile the newspaper industry has also changed in major ways. After a few years in the theatre business, including a fruitless attempt to create a winter-based touring theatre, I went back in the newspaper business in 1985, starting, with the late Sheila Richards, a community-owned company to create a newspaper for Blyth and Brussels. Jill and the late Bev Brown were also keys, as were Dianne Josling and Joan Caldwell. We printed The Citizen for years with SignalStar Publishing, despite that company changing hands several times. Finally, about a dozen years ago, the printing plant was closed and we had to find a new printer. Nearly all the newspapers in Huron County are printed by two companies and, for many, the staff has been reduced to the point there isn’t even an editor. It’s ironic that back in 1971 the Whitmores sold the newspaper portion and continued commercial printing. Now, as the Whitmore ownership ends after 86 years, it is only their dedication to advanced technology that keeps them in business. Meanwhile, the creativity of Deb, Shawn, Scott, Brenda and Joan keeps The Citizen going - two unique businesses.
Whoopsies! ‘The Chaff’ is a werewolf now
J
ubilations were swiftly cut short last night as The Chaff, stalwart pillar of local discourse, underwent yet another supernatural metamorphosis. Yes, dear reader, the saga continues, and it’s more bizarre than ever. You may recall the “Great Infernal Incident” of last year, when The Chaff was hijacked by none other than Ignatius Grimwort, a daemon on retainer for the Devil himself. That episode resulted in a bureaucratic nightmare, culminating in an integrity commissioner’s report that strongly recommended The Chaff merge with Grimwort’s infernal rag, The Pumpkin, forming an abominable union known as The Chumpkin. The Chumpkin, for its part, was a Frankensteinian creation that only managed to limp through a single, horrifically muddled column before collapsing back into the familiar (if slightly singed) form of The Chaff. We thought - hoped - that was the end of it. But no. As the Hunter’s Moon hung ominously over us, The Chaff underwent a metamorphosis of a different sort. We could almost hear the paper fibres twitching and crackling as the lunar rays soaked into the ink. This was no Grimwortian possession - no infernal machination - but something raw, ancient and distinctly hairy. The Chaff, dear readers, has become a werewolf. Yes, you read that correctly. Not a figurative werewolf, not a clever metaphor for hard-hitting investigative journalism with “bite”. No. The Chaff has literally sprouted fur, grown fangs and is currently pacing the newsroom in lupine form, growling at typos and shredding headlines with its newlyacquired claws. But let’s pause to reflect on the gravity of this development. What does it mean when a community staple like The Chaff - a reliable
Scott Stephenson
Werewolf Chaff voice in these tumultuous times - becomes a creature of the night? For starters, we may need to rethink our deadlines. Werewolves, as we know from literature and reliable paranormal sources, are creatures of the moon, meaning night shifts are no longer optional, but mandatory. We might also have to adjust our coverage. Expect fewer stories on municipal budgets and more on the ancient art of howling in three-part harmony. Our investigative prowess remains undiminished, though now it’s enhanced with the keen senses of a wolf. The Chaff can now sniff out corruption with literally unprecedented accuracy. Forget paper trails we demand a scent trail. Expect future headlines like, “Local politician sweats nervously, ‘The Chaff’ smells crotch, confirms guilt.” Public figures beware: there is no pubic deodorant strong enough to cover up moral decay when The Chaff’s newlydeveloped sense of smell is on the case. This raises other questions. Will interviews now be conducted under moonlight, with reporters sitting at the interviewer’s feet, growling softly if they sense a lie? Will readers receive copies of The Chaff soaked in the unmistakable musk of the wild, dripping with news that has been thoroughly hunted and conquered? And what of the editorial process itself? Can we trust that this noble werewolf column will avoid shredding every comma it deems unnecessary, or worse,
howling through every semi-colon debate until grammar itself trembles? Of course, there are practical concerns to consider. As a lycanthropic entity, The Chaff may no longer be content to stick to print and digital formats. It’s inevitable that we will start scratching columns into trees and delivering news via territorial markings? Will our once-loyal readership be able to handle the shift from crisp, accurate, factual and facturate reportage to feral commentary, occasionally punctuated by long, mournful howls? In retrospect, perhaps this was inevitable. We should have seen the signs; after all, when you’ve been possessed by a daemon, the next logical step is clearly some kind of lunarbased transformation. Grimwort’s infernal meddling left us more vulnerable than we realized, paving the way for this unfortunate turn of events. Or fortunate, depending on your stance on werewolves in journalism. Still, for all the snarling and fur, The Chaff remains committed to its mission: to inform, to engage, and to occasionally hunt down its enemies (editorial enemies, that is) under the cover of night. And while we may have swapped quill and ink for claws and fangs, you can rest assured that our bite is as sharp as ever. So, lock your doors, readers, and doublecheck your subscriptions. The Chaff prowls the streets now, and it is hungry for news... and possibly a bit of raw meat. Until next time, when the moon wanes and we may, briefly, return to our regular state. Or not. The Werewolf Chaff, it seems, has entered a whole new phase. AWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense
The old (old!) man
Y
ou know in old movies - the ones in which the kids play stickball in the streets between trips to the malt shop when they would refer to their mothers with a coarse, aggressive, “Mah!” and they would always call their fathers their old man? Well, let’s talk about the old fathers of the world. This has been in the news as of late because storied actor Al Pacino is doing a big press tour for his new memoir. During this time, he has talked a lot about being the 84-year-old father of a 16-month-old. He and the child’s mother are no longer together, but he says they are coparenting and that “it’s fun” to be a father at this age (he has three other grown children). The other two guys who have really been dinged for this recently are Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, who welcomed a son into the world in 2016 when Jagger was 73, and Pacino’s The Godfather: Part II co-star Robert De Niro who welcomed his most recent child last year when De Niro was 79. So, let’s talk about old fathers. I consider myself to be an old father. At 42, I have two young children. We had the first when I was 38 and the second when I was 40. This is more common now than it was when I was a kid. Young people taking much, much longer to get established and get their feet under them well enough financially to even consider children, if they ever do, is a big factor, of course. I remember when I was a young boy and my mom talked to me about my friends’ mothers. She said they were all younger than her because she and my father waited so long to have children. My mom was in her late 20s when she had me and very early 30s when she had my sister. I know - scandalous! With our first, Jess may have just snuck under the line, but for our second, she had what is called a “geriatric pregnancy” in women who are 35 and over. First, can we get a better name for this? It conjures up images of women squeezing in breastfeeding sessions between card games in the retirement community. Second, advancements in medical and scientific technology have made it possible for women to have children much later in life than they used to. Cost concerns aside, to butcher a famous line from Jurassic Park, just because we can have children later and later in life, does it mean that we should? You can’t meet a bigger Al Pacino fan than I am, nor would it be wise for me to cross the man who played Michael Corleone, but what kind of fathering is my man doing at 84, really? Surely he’ll be able to afford nannies and young assistants who can help him change diapers and run around after the little guy, but it’s hard to envision much hands-on parenting. His would be more the role of a grandparent, you would think, spending some time with the little ones here and there. In 2022, the life expectancy for an American man was just under 75 years, so Pacino has already blown through that checkpoint. I think the more relevant thought here is whether or not young Roman will grow up without a father in his life. Of course, there will always be buses that could run any of us over at any time, but this seems like almost a disservice to these young children, almost guaranteeing that, by the time they’re in high school or even earlier, they will grow up without a father. It’s always fun to point the finger at the old guy having kids again with his much younger wife or girlfriend, especially in the tabloids and on entertainment news shows, but won’t someone think of the children? It’s the flip side of this coin that could lead to children missing out on life with a parent - a real shame.
PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024.
Bake sale a success despite church’s accessibility woes A NOTE FROM BETTY By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231
Tasty treats On Saturday, the Brussels United Church held its annual Thanksgiving bake sale and people were ready at 10 a.m. to get into the church basement and have their pick of the (John Stephenson litter in terms of fresh, homemade baked goods ahead of the holiday. photo)
At the Branch
Remembrance campaign to start By Jo-Ann McDonald It was another quiet week for the Branch, but not for many members. Poppy Chair Kathy Burkholder has been very busy getting ready for the Remembrance campaign, which begins on Oct. 25. The Poppy boxes will go out and you may start wearing your Poppy. Let us remember to show our respect for those who sacrificed for us, serving
and coming home and serving and making the ultimate sacrifice. The Poppy is to be worn on the left side above the heart. Please, show your respect. The Brussels Branch has taken on the Howick territory with the closing of the Howick Branch. Besides distributing the Poppy boxes to their many outlets, we now have two other villages in which to
Goal! On Sunday, the U13 B Huron Heat called the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre home for the day and welcomed the Owen Sound Ice Hawks to the village. It wasn’t a warm welcome, however, as the Heat shut out Owen Sound 3-0. (John Stephenson photo)
conduct a Remembrance Day service. The Fordwich and Wroxeter services will be conducted on Nov. 10 at the Fordwich cenotaph at 2 p.m. and at the Wroxeter cenotaph at 3:15 p.m. We ask members to reserve some time to attend these services. The Brussels service will be Nov. 11. The Catch the Ace draw was held on Friday night and the weekly winner was Mary Lou Driscoll, winning $275. Her envelope of choice was number 41 and the two of clubs was revealed. The estimated jackpot for next week could be $8,700. The Branch was the host venue for the Men’s Huron County Dart League competition over the weekend. The group of about 40 men play every other Saturday afternoon from about 1-4 p.m., using many venues across Huron County. Speaking of darts, the Thursday night blind mixed draw darts will begin on Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. You do not need to be a Legion member, it is open to anyone to come out and have a night out for fun. It costs only a toonie! We are now into October, so it’s another month of Early Bird pricing as a member. Pay your dues sometime during the month and maybe you can be an early bird winner of your next year’s dues. The winner for September for 2026 dues was Linda Bird. Maybe you can be the next winner. The early bird program continues for October and November. Prices go up in December. Have you been waiting for a wing night to come around? Stop waiting and plan on wings and fries for the Friday night pub grub on Oct. 25. What else will be happening? It happens to be the last Friday of the month, so karaoke with Stubby D will be on hand. Also, seeing it is just before Halloween, it is Halloween-themed, so get out your costume as well. Come on out and have some fun.
There’s something very relaxing when a gathering is over; everyone is fed, content and heading home. I truly enjoy the family gathering, deciding when it will be and then who will bring what to eat. Planning and doing is part of the adventure and each year offers a new memory. Each family knows what is needed at the meal to make it theirs. Family favourites remain and new items get added as families grow. I hope you had a lovely time, feeling full, catching up with individual news and marvelling at the growth and maturity of the young people. A good Thanksgiving was had here! Autumn weather has been at its most glorious, making life quite pleasant getting around over the long weekend. The United Church folk worried about the accessibility of their Thanksgiving bake sale. Of course, what you worry about often does not happen. Bingo. There were lots of happy people, including the shoppers, the bakers and the Stewards of the Church. The work on the streets surrounding the church is appreciated and frozen water will be right off our worry list, next winter. Listowel District Secondary School celebrated its 2024
graduates on Friday. Several familiar faces in attendance were looking pretty proud of their children and grandchildren; Alexanders, Machans and Grabers, to name a few. The number of Ontario Scholars, their present situations, their future plans and the number heading to mental health education sites were all good to hear. The COVID-19 pandemic was a big influence on these graduates and that was mentioned several times in the evening; the effects of the pandemic are far reaching. Were you one of the lucky ones who observed the pink and red streaks in the sky along with the usual blues and greens of the aurora borealis, over our area last week? We got to see the pictures! Enjoy the autumn. Betty G.W.
NEWS FROM BRUSSELS
Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Mary Lou Driscoll, $2756. Envelope #41 found the 2 of Clubs. Estimated jackpot for the next draw is $8,700.
Planning an Event? Don’t miss potential guests! Run your ad at least two weeks prior to the date or deadline to make sure everyone sees it.
The Citizen
info@northhuron.on.ca www.huroncitizen.ca
PO Box 429 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 519-523-4792
THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024. PAGE 7.
Foodgrains Bank beans harvested
An apple a day... Blyth’s Darren Richmond, right, was working to keep the doctor away with his apple purchase on Saturday from the Blyth Scouts on their annual Apple Day fundraiser. Local Scout members have been participating in this seasonal rite of passage for years now in an effort to raise money for their activities. (John Stephenson photo)
County well-positioned for changes: Van Amersfoort By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron County Manager of Planning Denise Van Amersfoort says the county is well positioned to implement the new Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) and has been proactive by bringing in many of the changes the PPS is now recommending. Van Amersfoort prepared a report for council and presented it to councillors at their Oct. 2 meeting. She brought it forward as a result of the provincial government consolidating the previous Provincial Policy Statement with “A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe” into the new Provincial Planning Statement. In the “Planning for People and Homes” provisions, the new statement calls for an “appropriate range and mix of land uses to meet projected needs for a time horizon of at least 20 years.” Van Amersfoot said the county has already done the groundwork for this. “Huron is well positioned to respond to provincial direction with the 2024 Huron County Population and Housing Projections report, prepared by Watson and Associates Economists; Huron adopted the medium growth scenario, which projects significant growth out to 2051, when the county’s population is projected to be 90,200 persons,” Van Amersfoort said in her report. She added that growth analyses are completed during municipalities’ five-year reviews of Official Plans and that privatelyinitiated applications for settlement area expansions have already gone ahead in areas like Seaforth, Grand Bend and Fordwich. Under “Housing” in the statement, the government requires planning authorities to implement minimum targets for affordable and low- and moderate-income homes. To this, Van Amersfoort said that the county’s municipalities have already implemented “as-of-right” housing options that promote compact forms of housing and create flexibility in regards to higher density.
In regards to settlement areas and boundary expansions, the statement directs that strategic growth areas be identified by municipalities and that they will be the focus of intensification and higher density mixed uses in a more compact form. This direction, Van Amersfoort said, underscores the importance of planning for growth in a coordinated fashion, meaning that the county will be focusing on aligning settlement area boundary expansions with sufficient infrastructure capacity, while avoiding or minimizing the impact on agriculture. “The altered provincial direction requires that planning authorities consider the capacity of [public service facilities, family doctors and other medical practitioners] in whether an expansion to a settlement area is appropriate,” Van Amersfoort said in her report. “This will require increased co-ordination between the county and various partners (e.g. healthcare alliances, school boards, childcare providers, local municipalities, etc.).” Regarding direction for sewage, water and stormwater services, Van Amersfoort said that the provincial direction on planning for the expansion of services is already consistent with existing policy frameworks in Huron County. This is also true in regards to the section of the statement that pertains to employment areas. The statement now requires, not encourages, planning authorities to use an agricultural system approach to “maintain and enhance a geographically continuous agricultural land base and support and foster the long-term economic prosperity and productive capacity of the agri-food network.” Again, Van Amersfoort said there were no concerns within the county, as this work is already being done, but she said it was encouraging to see the province further supporting agriculture in its planning policies. “Council can expect an increased focus on components of the agricultural system and the need to protect the system within planning
reports, including analysis of agricultural impact assessments,” Van Amersfoort said in her report. She said that while much of the updates from the provincial government were focused on larger urban centres, the county will work to align its direction with the new statement with a handful of changes. They are: enhanced requirements for early and meaningful consultation with Indigenous nations, enhanced direction for responding to impacts of a changing climate, to further reflect Housing-Friendly Lens work within the county’s Official Plan, align county policy with growth planning framework and update energy policies. “It is further recommended that the county Official Plan maps be updated to reflect recent changes to settlement area boundaries (north Continued on page 9
By Deb Hakkers The Hakkers family celebrated Thanksgiving at Fred’s mom’s house one last time while working at getting the house ready for sale. There was a lot of remembering of the times gone by as treasures were found and old pictures were gone through. The Craig family Thanksgiving had to be postponed to Oct. 27 because the plan was to have dinner at Huronlea with Mom, but I had developed a respiratory infection and therefore could not pass screening to go there, so we will be getting together later. Mom continues with rehab in Huronlea, she managed to stand again several times last week. They have also removed her footrests so she can paddle with her feet, allowing her more mobility and some independence, which is great for her morale and another step towards her goal of walking again. This week, we wish a happy birthday to Randy Fraser on Oct. 18, Cliff Snell on Oct. 22, Kennan MacDonald on Oct. 23 and Carson Lee on Oct. 24. This week, we also wish a happy 60th anniversary to Mac and Brenda Brooks. What a milestone! We hope they enjoy their special day! The local chapter of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank has harvested the beans for this year and planted the wheat to be ready for next year. Thanks to all those who volunteer their time and equipment to make this happen every year, and to those who donate to this worthy cause.
Results from the Oct. 7 euchre at the Legion were as follows: ladies, first place, Cheryl Beckham, 73; second place, Linda Campbell, 72; lone hands, Susan Van Sickle, two. Men’s: first place, Jane Glousher, 78; second place, Harold McClinchey, 71; lone hands, Pauline McMichael, four; share the wealth, Dianne Clark, Dave Caesar, Linda Hasyj and Brenda Brooks. The next euchre is on Oct. 21. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the game starts at 1 p.m. The cost is $5 per person, which includes light lunch. Until next week, take care of yourselves and each other. Remember - we have much to be thankful for!
NEWS FROM BLYTH
ESTATE FIREARMS SPECIALISTS FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 202ϰ AUCTION PROGRAM
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MAITLAND VALLEY CAMERA CLUB
Photography by Joan Perrie
PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024.
Sports Ironmen lose five straight, Smith steps down losses and one overtime loss for just three points. The Ironmen will now stay in Wingham for the rest of the month, welcoming the Kincardine Bulldogs on Friday, Oct. 18 and the division-leading Fergus Whalers on Friday, Oct. 25. On Friday, Nov. 1, the Ironmen will then head to Mitchell to play the Hawks, followed by three straight home games with the Hanover Barons on Nov. 3, the Goderich Flyers on Nov. 8 and the Mount Forest Patriots on Nov. 9. On Friday, Nov. 15, the Ironmen will be in Hanover to play the Barons and then, on Saturday, Nov. 16, the team will be part of the grand opening for the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, taking on the Fergus Whalers at the newly-renovated centre, beginning at 7 p.m. The team will then round out the weekend with a 3 p.m. matinee on
A tough stretch
Sunday, Nov. 17 with the Whalers again - this time in Fergus. *** Last Monday, in other Ironmenrelated news, head coach Dawson Smith announced he would be stepping away from the club, saying that he needed to spend more time with his family. “Last week, I made the very difficult, but necessary decision to step down as head coach of the Wingham Ironmen hockey team. The Ironmen have always been like a second family to me, however, it’s time that I devote more time to my family,” Smith said in a statement released by the team on Monday. “As this chapter in my life closes, know that I will always carry a piece of the Ironmen with me and I will be continuing my support towards the team as a fan. Thank you all,” Smith added, while also thanking everyone involved with the Ironmen organization.
Belgrave Community Centre Board presents
After winning the first five games of the regular season, the Wingham Ironmen were riding high. Now, not so much, as the team has since lost its next five games, dropping to an even .500 record and the team’s coach, Dawson Smith, is stepping away from the team to spend more time with his family. The team lost to the Hanover Barons by a score of 2-1 on Saturday in Wingham. This came after the team’s Friday night game in Wingham against the Mount Forest Patriots was postponed due to an ice resurfacer issue at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex. (John Stephenson photos)
4th Annual Belgrave Vendor's Market and
By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The joy of winning the first five games of the 2024/2025 season has now been matched by the agony of losing the next five games, after the Wingham Ironmen lost to the Hanover Barons in Wingham on Saturday, the team’s fifth straight loss. The Saturday loss came after the team was scheduled to take on the Mount Forest Patriots on Friday night, also in Wingham, but an issue with the ice resurfacer caused
that game to be postponed. It will be played at a later date. The scoring on Saturday night was pretty straightforward, with three goals being scored, one in each period, with the Barons defeating the Ironmen by a score of 2-1. Curtis Arnold opened the scoring for the Barons, potting an unassisted power play goal at 13:24 of the first period. In the second period, Sam Barrett doubled the Barons’ lead with a goal at 11:27, assisted by Cohen McIsaac. At 18:33 of the third period, Tayt
Bramhill found the back of the net for the Ironmen, assisted by Logan Burnham, cutting the Barons’ lead in half, but that was the only goal the Ironmen would score. The Barons spent 26 minutes in the penalty box on 10 infractions, while the Ironmen were whistled six times for a total of 12 minutes in the box. In net, Derek Hartley won the game for the Barons, stopping 31 of the 32 shots he faced, while Noah Ricci stopped 19 of the 21 shots he faced in a losing effort for the Ironmen. Hartley was also the first star of the game, with Sam Barrett of the Barons and Tayt Bramhill of the Ironmen serving as the second and third stars, respectively. The Ironmen are now in fourth place in the North Pollock Division of the Provincial Junior Hockey League with a record of 5-5, though the team is tied on points with the fifth-place Mitchell Hawks, who have four wins, four losses, an overtime loss and a shootout loss. The Fergus Whalers are in first place in the division with a record of 9-2 and 18 points. In second place is Hanover with 17 points and eight wins, one loss and one shootout loss. The Mount Forest Patriots are in third place with 14 points with a record of six wins, two losses, two overtime losses and one shootout win, followed by the aforementioned Wingham Ironmen and Mitchell Hawks in fourth and fifth place, respectively. The Goderich Flyers are in sixth place with a record of 4-5 and eight points, followed by the seventhplace Walkerton Capitals with a record of three wins, eight losses and one shootout win for a total of six points, and the Kincardine Bulldogs, who have one win, seven
Silent Auction Sunday October 20, 2024 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Belgrave Kinsmen Food Booth
Home Cooking for the Holidays Do your friends come to you for cooking advice and ask (or beg) you for your delicious recipes? Well, we want your recipe too! Send in recipes for your favourite holiday meals, desserts, appetizers, sides or cocktails, and be featured in The Citizen’s upcoming special section on November 29, Home Cooking for the Holidays. This section will feature tons of delicious recipes from talented readers like yourself, just in time for holiday entertaining!
Mail your recipe(s) to:
The Citizen PO Box 429 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 or email them to info@northhuron.on.ca Be sure to include your name with your recipe. Deadline for submissions is November 15
THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024. PAGE 9.
Sports U13 B Huron Heat beat Owen Sound in Brussels season games on the schedule for Sunday, Oct. 20. The U15 A Heat will play the Lakeshore Lightning and the U15 B Heat will play the Kincardine Kinucks B, both in Clinton, and the Senior team will play the Kitchener Lady Rangers in Hensall. On the road, the U13 C Heat will play the South Huron Sabres C, the U18 C Heat will play the Twin Centre Hericanes, the U13 HL Heat will play the Bluewater Hawks HL, the U18 BB Heat will play the Owen Sound Ice Hawks and the U15 C Heat will play the Central Perth Predators. Through the week, on Wednesday, Oct. 23, the U13 C Heat will be on the road to play the St. Marys Rock. Then, on Saturday, Oct. 26, the U13 B Heat will be in Walkerton to play the Capitals and the U15 B team will play South Huron/Lucan, also on the road. Also that day, the U9 C and HL Heat teams will play two South Huron Sabres teams in Seaforth and the U11 C Heat will welcome the
Success! The U13 B Huron Heat welcomed the Owen Sound Ice Hawks to the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre on Sunday for a regular season contest and the locals won by a score of 3-0. The Brussels arena has not been a regular home for the Heat, but it looks as though there will be some games on the schedule in the newly-renovated community centre this winter. (John Stephenson photo)
By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen On Sunday, the U13 B Huron Heat called the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre home for their game with the Owen Sound Ice Hawks. And it was “home sweet home” for the Heat, who won the game by a score of 30. That was the only game on the schedule for the Heat organization after a busy Saturday in Huron County and beyond. The U18 BB Heat hosted the Owen Sound Ice Hawks in Clinton on Saturday and won by a score of 3-1, while the U11 HL team welcomed the Lambton Attack to Seaforth and won by a score of 5-1. The U13 HL team played Lucan/Ilderton on the road and won by a score of 4-0, while the U13 B Heat, also on the road, tied the Saugeen Shores Storm at one. The U13 A Heat was in South Huron to
play the Sabres and lost by a score of 2-1 and the U15 C Heat lost to the Stratford Aces by a score of 7-1 in Goderich. The U9 B team played the St. Marys Rock in Seaforth that day, but a score for that game was unavailable at press time. The following weekend will be a special two-day Huron Heat Day event at the Seaforth and District Community Centre, expanding upon last year’s one-day spectacular. On Friday night, the U13 A Heat will play the London Devilettes, the U15 A Heat will play the Stratford Aces in an exhibition game and the U18 BB Heat will play the Walkerton Capitals, all in Seaforth. Also that night, the U13 HL Heat will play the Bluewater Hawks HL team in Hensall. The next day, the U7, U9 C and U9 HL teams will all play exhibition games with Twin Centre Hericanes teams in Seaforth, while the U13 B, U11 HL, U11 C, U13
Heat come to Blyth Continued from page 1 Kinucks and the U21 team plays the Huron-Bruce Blizzard. On Saturday, the U21 team will be on the road to play the Shallow Lake Lakers and then again the next day to play the Walkerton Capitals. Also on Sunday, the U11 Rep team will play the Bruce Peninsula Predators and the U9 MD team will play the Wallace Sabres in Blyth and the U18 Rep team will play the Goderich Sailors on the road in a pair of exhibition games. On Tuesday, Oct. 22, the U15 Rep Crusaders will welcome the Central Perth Predators to the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre and then on Thursday, Oct. 24, the U18 LL team will play the Mid-Huron Huskies 2 team in Hensall. That weekend, the U11 LL
Crusaders will host the Drayton Defenders White team on Friday, Oct. 25 at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, while the U21 team will play the Shallow Lake Lakers, also in Brussels. On Saturday, Oct. 26, the U11 Rep team will play the Capitals in Walkerton, the U15 LL team will play the Kinucks in Kincardine and the U18 Rep Crusaders will welcome the Mitchell Meteors to Brussels. The U15 Rep team will play the first Crusaders game of the regular season at the Blyth and District Community Centre that day, welcoming the Owen Sound Junior Attack to the village. The next day, the U9 LL team will play the Minto Mad Dogs in Blyth and the U21 team will be in Mitchell to play the Meteors.
HL, U15 B and U18 C Heat teams will all play their Twin Centre Hericanes counterparts for Huron Heat Day. The U13 B Heat will play the Central Perth Predators B team and the U13 C Heat will play the Stratford Aces C in Seaforth that day, while the U13 A Heat will play the lone away game of the day, playing the South Huron Sabres. There are then eight regular
Tillsonburg Lightning to Seaforth. The U11 HL team will play the Ilderton Jets, also in Seaforth, while the U13 A Heat will play an exhibition game with the London Devilettes on the road. The U15 C Heat will play the St. Marys Rock on the road, the U15 A team will play the Panthers in St. Thomas and the Senior team will play the Lady Rangers in Kitchener. On Sunday, the U9 HL team will host the St. Marys Rock, the U15 B Heat will play the Walkerton Capitals and the U15 A team will play the Chatham Crush, all in Clinton, while the U13 B and U13 HL Heat teams will play the Saugeen Shores Storm and Lucan/Ilderton, respectively, both at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. On the road that day, the U15 C team will play the Stratford Aces, the U13 A Heat will play the Bluewater Hawks, the U11 C Heat will play the Woodstock Wildcats and the U18 BB Heat will play the Ayr Rockets.
Changes approved Continued from page 7 of Goderich in Ashfield-ColborneWawanosh, extension of Egmondville in Huron East, extension of Fordwich in Howick, etc.) and sourcewater protection (i.e. remove Wellhead Protection Area from Zurich, as the well has been decommissioned in favour of lake water pipeline),” Van Amersfoort said in her report. “The amendment can also include the direction of county council to
change the surplus residence criteria for the age of residence from 15 years to 10 years, as well as other recent legislative changes, such as lands adjacent to provincially-significant wetlands now being 30 metres, rather than the current 120-metre requirement in the plan.” Council received the report and authorized the department to make the recommended changes, rolled out as it makes sense to do so.
PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, OCTOBER 18, 2024.
Lions continue service with splash pad, draw Splash pad opening, 2023
Continued from page 11 and fence, which were cost prohibitive for the Seaforth Lions Club. Three years later, in 1964, a 36foot-by-86-foot picnic pavilion in the park was completed by the club at a cost of $12,000. The pavilion provided a sheltered area for picnics, dances, penny sales and bingo during the Summer Carnivals. The centennial year of 1967 marked the addition of a new flood-control dam, park entry gates and repairs to the clubhouse in the park. By 1980, the 25-year-old pool was experiencing leaks and water loss. Changes in ministry requirements covering the operation of public pools meant that a larger circulating pump and updated chlorination equipment was needed. Since the main concrete tank was in good condition, engineers advised that renovations of the existing pool could probably be done for less than one third the cost of a new pool. A 60-foot wooden light pole at the hardball diamond, weakened by age, crashed to the ground during a windstorm. Facility safety dictated removal of the other poles. In addition to the pool renovation, a new ball diamond with lighting on metal poles provided a modern facility for ball. The cost for the projects, in excess of $150,000, was raised through provincial grants and a Seaforth Lions Club fundraising campaign. With the relocation of the ball diamond to its current location in
1980, an area for playground equipment was available. In 1984, Seaforth Lions Club members purchased the equipment and assembled it in the park to make a play area for children. The two-bridge system for pedestrians entering the park required winter removal so that it wasn’t damaged by debris and ice flow. A higher, continuous bridge design was built in 2000, along with a new dam system to better control flooding in the park. In 2006, the issue of accessibility to the pool saw another phase of changes. The filtration system was moved from under the deck of the pool’s shallow end to an aboveground structure abutting the pool deck. Steps to the pool deck were replaced with a ramp and a hydraulic lift was installed to allow those with mobility issues access to the pool. The east end (deep end) wall of the pool was replaced, new underground piping was installed and a new cement deck was poured. The $225,000 needed for this project was raised through a provincial Trillium grant and community fundraising with Main Street merchants holding a “Cash for Splash” event. Over the past 99 years, tens of thousands of swimmers have taken lessons and enjoyed recreational swimming at the Seaforth Lions Pool. In 1927, the club began the first of many annual fundraisers to support the park and local needs. A mammoth Halloween Frolic was held annually until after the Second World War. Early in the evening, hundreds would assemble at the
Seaforth Lions Park for a huge bonfire. The Seaforth Highlanders Band then led the crowd, many dressed in costume, to the Palace Rink, where the games of chance and contests were held, prizes for costumes and comic events were awarded and there was free candy for all. There was a large dance floor and an orchestra. The great depression of the late 1920s and early 1930s saw the Seaforth Lions Club step up to provide the joys of Christmas to local children. Parcels of warm clothing, toys and food were delivered to many homes to assure a Merry Christmas. The Lions set up a big Christmas tree at the corner of Main and Goderich Streets. Children climbed up the wooden platform to meet Santa Claus and receive a stocking filled with fruit, candy and a toy. Annual Christmas visits to Huronview Home for the Aged began in these early years and continued for decades. Since 1977, the Seaforth Lions Club has been bringing Santa Claus to Seaforth with their annual parade. Lion Ross Ribey organized the first night-illuminated Santa Claus parade in the province in 1987. In 1935, the Seaforth Lions Club began its Summer Carnival at the park; an annual fundraising event that would last for 48 years. From 7-11 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night during the week after August Civic Holiday weekend, the Summer Carnival drew hundreds of people. Carter’s Midway Rides (ferris wheel, merry-go-round, swings) were all made by Mr. Carter. Two large
tents housed the penny sale and bingo, while a third smaller tent was the food booth. The talent contest drew contestants from all over. Attractions cost a nickel, a dime or a quarter. Each night after closing, Mr. Carter and Lions A.Y. McLean and Bob Beuttenmiller counted the money in the pool pump room. The Seaforth Lions Club received 15 per cent of the revenue. The best-attended years generated as much as $6,000, which was a sizeable amount. After the carnival closed, local children scavenged through the grass for coins dropped from the bingo and crown and anchor games. Proceeds from the carnival were used for park improvements and donations to sports groups, the hospital and the arena were also made. In the years before national healthcare, many disabled children in the county needed medical care that their families couldn’t afford. The Seaforth Lions Club Crippled Children’s Committee pioneered holding clinics so that scores of young people received orthopedic treatment and surgeries. Lions Clubs have been “Knights of the Blind” since 1925 when Helen Keller made the request. In 1984, the Seaforth Cathy Elliott, Seaforth Lions’ Lions Club sponsored a seeing eye dog through 100th anniversary, 2024
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Lions Canine Vision Canada. In recent years, the club sponsored a hearing ear dog, which was matched with a local woman. Service dogs through Lions Foundation of Canada are provided at no cost to the recipient through sponsorships from Lions Clubs. In 1990, membership was opened up to include men and women and Cathy Elliott joined the club, having been a Seaforth Lioness for many years. Currently, the Seaforth Lions Club has 18 members, three of whom are women. The Seaforth Lions Club’s main fundraising activity is now in its 54th year. In 1970 and 1971, a raffle draw was held with a car, purchased for $1,200 from McLaughlin Motors, as the top prize. The raffle draw was changed to an elimination draw the following year, with cash prizes awarded. Our elimination draw has sold out every year (with the exception of 2020, when COVID19 pandemic restrictions prevented the draw from being held) and we expect our 2025 draw to be no exception. The unwavering support of Seaforth and the surrounding community has been the key to the Seaforth Lions Club’s ability to provide events, facilities and aid to our residents for 100 years. Our membership numbers have declined over the years, but our commitment to our community remains strong. The Seaforth Lions are proud to have provided a century of service and look forward to carrying on this tradition. Seaforth Lions... We Serve.
Congratulations Seaforth Lions on your 100th Anniversary! VAN EGMOND HOUSE - MUSEUM Follow us on Facebook for updated info
THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024. PAGE 13.
BLYTH Y 519-523-4244
+XURQ7UDFWRU FRP
519-523-4311
www.ruralvoice e.ca
Downloading of crossing a burden on farmers: OFA By Drew Spoelstra, President, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Several years ago, Transport Canada updated its safety standards for federally-regulated railway crossings. A deadline of Nov. 28, 2024 was set for all crossings to meet the new Grade Crossings Regulations. It’s fast approaching and farmers and rural landowners with private crossings on their properties are finding themselves facing hefty bills for both the mandated safety upgrades and their annual maintenance costs. That’s because rail companies, which have long borne these costs, are now stepping away from their financial responsibilities and looking to shift them onto someone else. A similar situation is happening with costs for drainage infrastructure. In recent years, federally regulated railways have advised municipalities across Ontario that they will no longer be responsible for any costs of drainage infrastructure under the Ontario Drainage Act. Proper drainage is essential to managing water on farmland and keeping soils productive; crops can’t grow in flooded or waterlogged areas. So, what’s the big deal? First, a bit of context. Private railway crossings are those where there is no public use of the crossing, and the same individual or
farm business owns the land on both sides of the tracks. The crossings were put in by the rail companies when rail lines were built so landowners wouldn’t be cut off from their own land as a result of the tracks going in. There are a significant number of farms across Ontario with active railway lines passing through their land, which means they have a private level crossing that is their only way to access fields on the opposite side of the tracks. Safety upgrades and ongoing maintenance of private railway crossings have always been performed by the railways, at the railways’ expense. Now, in cases without pre-existing agreements, the railways have decided to make rural landowners and farmers pay instead and are threatening to remove existing and active private railway crossings if they don’t. At the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), we are hearing from our members of cases in which farmers have had their crossing removed by the railway without notice, or that they’ve received 30-day notices of the closing of their crossings. In other cases, our members are being required by the railway company to sign a private crossing agreement contract, shifting costs and responsibilities from the railway company onto the farmer. The cost of the upgrades can be
prohibitive, especially in cases in which automated warning systems with gates must be installed, estimated to cost between $600,000 and $2 million per crossing, with annual maintenance costs of nearly $10,000. The shift in cost responsibility places an immense and unexpected burden on farmers, impacting both financial and mental health. Farmers who cannot afford these costs may face crossing closures, which will cut off their access to some of their own land, impacting agricultural production and threatening livelihoods. It’s a similar situation with land drainage. If railways refuse to meet their drainage-related assessments and responsibilities under the provincial legislation, it will mean millions of dollars in costs becoming the responsibility of property owners, with the majority of those costs becoming the responsibility of farmers. Businesses of all kinds, including farms, depend on agreements with stable terms and conditions and we believe it’s unacceptable to suddenly force new contracts that can have very negative impacts and consequences. That’s why, along with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), we’ve been urging the federal government to take action: • Immediate moratorium: Impose an immediate moratorium
on the closing of private grade railway crossings by the railway without the expressed consent of the property owner. • Railway responsibility: Direct the railway companies to continue to provide any necessary maintenance and improvements to existing private railway crossings at the railways’ expense, as they have always done in the past. • Stop unilateral agreements: Prevent railway companies from simply imposing new agreements that shift the cost burden for maintenance and upgrades of private crossings onto farmers. • Government funding: Fully fund the Rail Safety Improvement Program to cover the costs of compliance with new safety
standards for private grade crossings by the Nov. 28 deadline. The OFA has had multiple conversations with federal representatives in the past and will continue these in Ottawa alongside CFA representatives. We look forward to working with Canada’s newly appointed Minister of Transport Anita Anand to find an urgent solution to these challenges. We also continue to work closely with representatives from the Rural Ontario Municipal Association, Ministry of Rural Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and others on a resolution to the drainage issues farmers are facing that does not shift another cost burden onto farm businesses.
BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK REPORT For the week ending October 11, 2024 Total Receipts: 1730 cattle; 615 lambs, sheep and goats. Tuesday – Fed cattle sold at steady prices. Cows sold steady. Thursday – Veal sold steady to last week’s high market. Lambs sold on a strong active trade at higher prices. Sheep sold on a strong active trade at higher prices. Goats sold on a strong active trade at higher prices. Friday – Calves sold on a strong active trade at high prices. Yearlings sold $3 $5 higher. 250 head of the Simmental Influence Sale sold on a strong active market. Fed Cattle: There were 95 fed cattle on offer: Choice Fed Cattle: $245 – $259 up to $262 Second Cut Fed Cattle: $230 – $244 Aged and Medium Fed Cattle: $195 – $228 Holstein Fed Cattle: $180 – $220 Andrew Martin of Priceville, consigned eight head. Two black fed steers averaged 1,630 lbs. and sold for a price of $262. Larry Reinhart Jr. of Mildmay, consigned eight head. Two black fed heifers averaged 1,393 lbs. and sold for a price of $251. Cows: There were 240 cows on offer.
Beef Cows: $145 – $178 up to $205 Good Holstein Cows: $140 – $145.50 up to $154.50 Medium Holstein Cows: $128 – $139 Bulls: $208 – $225 Brydown Farms Inc. of Clinton, consigned two head. One red cow weighed 1,365 lbs. and sold for a price of $178. Vanderkuylen Holsteins Ltd. of Atwood, consigned seven head. One holstein cow weighed 1,480 lbs. and sold for a price of $156. Kevin Ferris of Tiverton, consigned two head. One charolais bull weighed 1,965 lbs. and sold for a price of $225. Veal: There were 120 veal and 25 bob calves on offer.
Lambs: Under 50 lbs.: $260 – $380 50-64 lbs.: $260 – $365 65-79 lbs.: $330 – $365 80-94 lbs.: $300 – $367.50 95-109 lbs.: $280 – $335 110 lbs. and over: $275.50 – $305 Sheep: $190 – $285 Brian and Craig Salverda of Londesborough, consigned 15 head. Seven lambs averaged 84 lbs. and sold for an average price of $367.50. Todd Sheep Company of Lucknow, consigned 19 head. Seven lambs averaged 103 lbs. and sold for an average price of $315. Goats:
Beef Veal: $265 – $295 Good Holsteins: $280 – $300 SL Heavy Holsteins: $265 – $288 Heavy Holsteins: $240 – $270 Medium Holsteins: $260 – $279 Plain Holsteins: $245 – $260 Holstein Drop Calves: $275 – $975 / HEAD Terry Greidanus of Londesborough, consigned 10 head. Two holstein veal averaged 700 lbs. and sold for a price of $300. Boern View Farms Ltd. of Gads Hill, consigned 10 head. One holstein veal weighed 710 lbs. and sold for a price of $293.
Meat Kids: $430 – $500 Dairy Kids: $370 – $440 Mature Bucks: $300 – $400 Mature Does: $110 – $250 Ryan Van Milttenburg of Staffa, consigned eight head. Four lambs averaged 51 lbs. and sold for an average price of $500. Janice Campbell of Chesley, consigned four head. Three kid goats averaged 63 lbs. and sold for a price of $490. Stockers: There were 1,250 stockers on offer.
Top Quality Steers: Under 400 lbs.: $522 – $522 400 – 499 lbs.: $430 – $537 500 – 599 lbs.: $402 – $466 600 – 699 lbs.: $370 – $397.50 700 – 799 lbs.: $337 – $374 800 – 899 lbs.: $319 – $350 900 – 999 lbs.: $300 – $335 1,000 lbs. and over: $274.50 – $327.75
Kevin Horsburgh of Holstein, consigned 62 head. Sixteen charolais steers averaged 1,007 lbs. and sold for an average price of $327.75.
Top Quality Heifers:
Jim Stewart of Kenilworth, consigned 18 head. Seven charolais heifers averaged 939 lbs. and sold for an average price of $310.75.
Under 400 lbs.: $310 – $325 400 – 499 lbs.: $350 – $465 500 – 599 lbs.: $348 – $408 600 – 699 lbs.: $270 – $375 700 – 799 lbs.: $283.50 – $336 800 – 899 lbs.: $295 – $329.50 900 lbs. and over: $267 – $307.50 up to $318 Mike Lyons of Londesborough, consigned 55 head. Fourteen charolais steers averaged 565 lbs. and sold for an average price of $466. Twenty-one charolias heifers averaged 549 lbs. and sold for $406.50. Crawford Farms Glencoe Ltd. of Glencoe, consigned 40 head. Nine black simmental steers averaged 622 lbs. and sold for an average price of $392. River Point Cattle Co. of Glencoe, consigned 32 head. Seven simmental steers averaged 689 lbs. and sold for an average price of $383. Bill Bell of Arthur, consigned 12 head. Eight simmental steers averaged 851 lbs. and sold for an average price of $347.
Dallas Coultes of Brussels, consigned 19 head. Ten black white face heifers averaged 816 lbs. and sold for an average price of $329.50.
BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.
UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS
10:00 a.m. Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows
THURSDAYS
9:00 a.m. Drop Calves 10:00 a.m.Veal 11:30 a.m. Lambs, Goats & Sheep
FRIDAYS
10:00 a.m. Stockers Visit our webpage at: www.brusselslivestock.ca email us at: info@brusselslivestock.ca
Call us 519-887-6461
PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024.
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Coming events BLYTH UNITED CHURCH Drive Thru Beef Supper. Saturday, Oct. 26, 4 to 6 p.m. Tickets $25. Call Joann at 519-523-9274. Order by Oct. 25. ------------------------------------------VELVET & IVORY - Join us for an evening of smooth jazz standards and classic favourites. Beverley Maranger, vocals and Tim Elliott, piano. Friday, November 1 at 7:30 pm at Trinity Anglican Church, 166 Dinsley St, Blyth. Free will offering or tax-creditable donations. Event is being held to raise funds for Huron Hospice. -------------------------------------------
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GERBERS FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 15 years. Your number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-274-1236, 519441-2085. ------------------------------------------Shade trees, Spruce, White Pine, Cedars, windbreaks and privacy hedges, Shrubs, Apples, Pears, Peaches, Plums, Sweet & sour Cherry Trees at (Emanuel E.M. Martin) Martin's Nursery 42661 Orangehill Rd, Wroxeter ON N0G 2X0 ------------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 $5.00, 5x7 - $6.00, 8x10 - $10.00. Phone to order 519-523-4792 or email info@northhuron.on.ca ------------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations - Auburn Esso, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Variety, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Fogal's YIG (Wingham), Seaforth Foodland, Fincher's (Goderich), Goderich Victoria St Shell, Goderich Petro-Canada Gas Bar, and The Citizen office in Blyth.
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For rent 10,000 bushell grain bin for rent. Contact Mark at 519-357-8896. 2228.
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• Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less. Price must be included in your ad.Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster! • The Citizen reserves the right to limit the number of items or ads per person. FOR SALE - Yardworks 10.5 HP / 29” snowblower; four new 17” Mopar factory steel rims, $100; Powerfist 2500W digital inverter generator, $675. For more info call 519-525-1863. 42-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - John Deere lawn mower, $200 or best offer. 519-357-6338. 41-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Body Break tread mill, $40; child’s bed and mattress, $30; Mastercraft scroll saw 500-1700 SPM, $50; expanding steel bed frame on rollers, $10. Call 519528-3717. 41-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Twenty-five pieces of wood 3”x3” square 29” long .75 each; 30 pieces wood 1 3/4” x 1 3/4” 29” long .50 each; 3 boards 14 3/4” (w) x 1”x69” $8. 519-8879083. 41-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Numerous old yard sticks $3 each; Insurance and Trust company collector items (signs, stationery, pens, etc.) 519-887-9083 41-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Two tires 235/65/R16. Antares. Grip 20. $35 each; 60 ft. 1” plastic pipe. $25. 226-880-1689. 40-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Four winter tires 225-55R 17 on rims - maybe driven 2,500 kms. Off of a Pontiac Grand Prix. Asking $350. 519233-5010. 40-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - 2007 Buick Allure CX, as is, $1,000. or best offer; Honeywell Cool Mist humidifier, $15; Pond pump 800 gal/hr. $50. 519-345-0446. 40-3 -------------------------------------------------FOR SALE - Frigidaire 18” built-in dishwasher, like new, asking $295. obo.; Lifetime water distiller, efficient free-standing unit. $400 obo; Vegetable dehydrator, 1,000 watt, 10 trays, 110 v. unit, $50; European clothes dryer, stackable, 7kg. capacity, like new. Asking $200. 519-357-3622. 40-3 --------------------------------------------------
CUSTOM APPLE PRESSING! Drop your apples off & pick up your fresh cider later ! Maitside Orchard, 23 Orchard Lane, Brussels 519-8352228.
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Caldwell Farm: Part Lot 14, Concession 2 96 workable acres more or less. 39773 Moncrieff Road, North Huron (East Wawanosh) Craig Farm: South ½ Lot 10, Concession 7 101.50 workable acres more or less. 41006 St. Michaels Road, Morris-Turnberry (Morris) For tender forms and other particulars contact: Murray McKercher Professional Corporation 32A Centennial Drive, Seaforth, Ontario N0K 1W0 Phone: (519) 527-0850 x. 234 Email: tsmith@murraymckercher.ca Tenders to be submitted by 12:00 noon on Monday October 21, 2024 Interested buyers are permitted to submit tenders for one or both of the properties. Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted.
All word ads in The Citizen classifieds are put on our webpage at www.huroncitizen.ca
Time to chow down Late last month, the Belgrave Community Centre Board held its annual chicken dinner at the centre, with takeout options available for those wishing to eat at home. The meal has been a good fundraiser for the volunteerdriven board, essentially taking the place of the Belgrave Fowl Supper, a staple within the community for many years that met its demise in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. (John Stephenson photo)
Wingham United to mark anniversary PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188 Card results for Oct. 11 at the Belgrave Community Centre were: high gold card, Judy Hahn; most shoots gold card, Muriel Taylor; high white card; Jim Howard, and most shoots white card, Elmer Gamache. Cards will be played again on Friday, Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome. The coffee break is on Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Belgrave Community Centre. You are welcome to come and enjoy coffee, snacks and fellowship. Mary Vair played inspiring prelude piano music and accompanied the hymns and provided postlude music at Knox United Church on Thanksgiving Sunday, Oct. 13. The pulpit was adorned with gorgeous fall mums and a harvest table was beautifully laden with a horn of plenty of fruits, vegetables, preserves and grains. The worship leader Rev. Colin Snyder welcomed the congregation. Rev. Colin’s reflection was entitled “Thanks Giving”. We have much to be thankful for. We can be thankful for the many blessings we have been given, and it would be good for each of us to take a few minutes to look around us and take stock of just how much we have. The Wingham United Church
will be celebrating 161 years on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. with a Contemporary Southern Gospel Music Concert featuring Vocal Legacy. Belated birthday greetings are extended to Mary Vair and belated anniversary greetings to Don and Mary Vair, who celebrated earlier this month and to Bill and Doreen Taylor who celebrated on Oct. 17. Hopefully everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving weekend with family and friends. Mother Nature provided us with fall weather and some light frost. The trees are finally changing gorgeous colours of red, orange and yellow. If you can, get out and enjoy a walk, hike or drive in the country. We are supposed to get milder temperatures later this week. Many of us managed to see the northern lights last Thursday evening.
NEWS FROM BELGRAVE
THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024. PAGE 15.
ACW to support Menesetung Bridge repairs By Scott Stephenson The Citizen
Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh (ACW) Council passed a motion expressing financial support of $50,000 in principle for a repair project on the Menesetung Bridge. The Menesetung Bridge Association (MBA) approached ACW Council on Tuesday, seeking
financial assistance for essential repairs to the historic bridge. The delegation, led by Donna Appavoo and Treasurer Mike Dawson, outlined the growing structural concerns and their funding challenges. Appavoo began the presentation by acknowledging the township’s involvement in previous community projects, including
upgrades to the Meneset Siding Arboretum and improvements to connecting trails. She expressed gratitude on behalf of the association for the council’s continued support. Dawson followed with a detailed explanation of the critical repairs required for the bridge. He cited a 2020 engineering report by B.M.Ross and Associates that
Obituaries
HEINRICH JAKOB FRISCHKNECHT At Wingham and District Hospital on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, Heinrich Jakob Frischknecht of Wingham passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family at the age of 85. The beloved husband of Agnes Frischknecht for 61 years, Heinrich was the devoted dad of Marlen Tinner-Frischknecht of Switzerland and her children, Flurina Tinner and Dario Tinner; René and Natascha Frischknecht of Switzerland and their son Gian Frischknecht; Henry and Lisa Frischknecht of Wingham and their sons, Nick Frischknecht and Kayla McWhinney, Henri Frischknecht and Jessica Chrystian and Kurtis Frischknecht; Karin Peterhans-Frischknecht and Christoph Peterhans of Switzerland and their children, Jacqueline Eisenhut and Lukas Pfändler, Eric and Sabrina Eisenhut, Stéphanie and Raphael Hofmann, Fabrice Peterhans, and Rolf Frischknecht and Tara Plante of Wingham. He was the dear brother of Helene Aeberhard-Frischknecht of Switzerland. Heinrich was predeceased by his parents Heinrich and Maria Frischknecht. Heinrich was born in Switzerland and raised on a dairy farm. In 1963, he married his love, Agnes, and together they worked very hard to succeed in farming and raise five children. As the years went by, Heinrich had a dream to farm in Canada. In 1978, he took an agricultural trip touring farms in Canada and after seeing firsthand the opportunities in farming, his dream was one day to move there. In 1989 Heinrich, Agnes, and their son Henry made the big decision to move to Canada for a better farming future, leaving their eldest son René and daughters Marlen and Karin to follow their own paths in life back in Switzerland. Their son Henry came to Canada, first followed by Heinrich, Agnes, and their youngest son Rolf in the spring of 1990, and in 1992 Heinrich founded Great Land Farms Ltd. He embraced the move with challenges of learning
the English language and making new friends. Heinrich enjoyed playing cards and attending many events with the Swiss Club. He loved nothing more than operating farm equipment, especially the swather. As his family grew, both in Switzerland and Canada, he found much joy in becoming a Grossvater (Grandpa). Heinrich took much pride in watching the family farm grow and prosper. Although farming wasn’t always an easy task, he made light of the challenges and always had a great sense of humour with no complaints. He taught his family about the simple things in life, such as annual trips to the farm shows and filling his basement with wood for the winter. As years progressed and his family began to follow in his footsteps, he was able to spend more of his time with Agnes travelling back to Switzerland. He was known to love the warm temperatures of the south and relaxing on the beach. In the most recent years, Heinrich loved spending time out on the back porch with Agnes, friends and family, especially the grandkids and those visiting from Switzerland. It was the perfect spot for watching the daily happenings of the farm. Private arrangements have been entrusted to McBurney Funeral Home, Wingham. Interment will take place at Brandon Cemetery, Belgrave. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Wingham and District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. Online condolences at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com.
HELEN FRANCES FAYE (MARKS) WALLACE Helen Frances Faye (Marks) Wallace passed away at Huron Hospice Bender House, Clinton, on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 at the age of 86. The beloved mother of Deborah Wallace DeWolfe, Nancy Wallace (Bill Ward), Susan (Dan) Proctor, and Mark (Becky) Wallace, Helen was the cherished grandma of
Matthew DeWolfe, Ryan DeWolfe, Amanda DeWolfe (Brandon), Dustin Wallace, Hannah Wallace (Nick) Jocelyn Proctor, and Lyndsey (David) Dryburgh and the loving great-grandmother of Beverly, Aspen, Regan, Brooke, Landon, Abel, Jodi, Charley, Raelynn, Milo, Beau, and Nash. She is also survived by her sister Shirley Hopper and sisters-inlaw Agnes Marks and June Wallace. Helen was predeceased by her loving husband of 64 years, Bev Wallace, daughter Kimberly Mae in infancy, her parents Clara and Roland Marks, sister Agnes, brother Bobbie, her in-laws Irvine and Dorothy Wallace, sisters-in-law Irma and Shirley, and brothers-inlaw Howard, Les, and Robert. A graveside service will be held at the Blyth Union Cemetery at a later date. Donations of remembrance of Helen can be made to Huron Hospice Bender House, Clinton. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Falconer Funeral Homes Clinton. Messages of condolence for Helen’s family are welcome at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com.
identified spalling on the bridge’s concrete piers, which are nearing a point where they could affect the footplates supporting the steel girders. According to Dawson, engineers have warned that, without intervention, the bridge may fail inspections, become uninsurable and ultimately be closed to the public. The MBA estimates that the priority repairs will cost approximately $700,000. Dawson explained that, while they had applied for multiple grants, they were only recently informed that their application for a $200,000 grant from FedDev was under strong consideration. Although there has been no official public confirmation of the grant, Dawson expressed confidence that it would be approved soon. The MBA has committed to raising $200,000 from community contributions, with support already pledged from local organizations such as the Goderich Lions Club and Rotary Club. However, Dawson stressed that an additional $300,000 is still needed. He proposed that ACW Council contribute $50,000 toward the project, offering to personally match the township’s contribution. Deputy-Mayor Bill Vanstone indicated his support for the proposal, suggesting the township explore ways to secure the requested funds. Councillor Curtis Blake asked if additional repairs beyond the $700,000 were anticipated. Dawson assured council that no immediate additional work had been flagged by engineers, although ongoing maintenance would always be necessary. Councillor Jennifer Miltenberg inquired about how the funding
request aligns with the township’s community grants and capital improvement policies. In response, Treasurer Ellen McManus noted that there was about $20,000 available in the grants to organizations budget, but suggested that this request might better fit under the community partnership grant category. McManus offered to prepare a report for council, outlining potential funding options. Council agreed to request a staff report on the matter. Miltenberg emphasized the importance of ensuring that the regular schedule of council meetings would not hinder the project timeline. Clerk Florence Witherspoon clarified that no formal decision had been made, but suggested the council could express preliminary support for the project, pending the staff report. Witherspoon added that adjustments could be made if the grant situation changed.
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PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024.
Student Council on duty for Hullett PS
Crisis averted On Oct. 10, just after 5 p.m. in a farm field just north of Bayfield Road near Tipperary Line in Central Huron, a 25-year-old student pilot was forced to make an emergency landing due to a problem with the plane’s engine. Luckily, the pilot was uninjured in the ordeal and the plane was not damaged. The pilot was flying from London, Ontario to Goderich before the emergency landing. (Photo courtesy of the Ontario Provincial Police)
NH to amend water rates By Scott Stephenson The Citizen North Huron Council received an update on its water and wastewater works financial plan on Monday. Ryan DeVries, a project engineer at B.M. Ross, presented the overview, which covered both the current state of the township’s water supply and an update on the financial forecast for North Huron’s next 10 years, waterwise. “You might recall that I was here in May, when we presented an earlier version of these financial plans,” he began. “And one of the items that came up there was, in regards to the wastewater financial plan, recognizing that the current 2024 replacement cost of the wastewater assets is higher than the water assets, but the wastewater revenue is lower than the water revenue. Out of that, we identified that the wastewater system currently didn’t have a metered charge on their revenue, and water did, so it was council’s wishes at the time that it go back to staff for consideration on that, and we’ve since received some comments from staff, so I’m here to present the revised version of those financial plans.” DeVries continued by saying, “The driving force for both financial plans, but particularly the water financial plan, is - your drinking water licence is coming up for renewal. I believe it’s December, the application for renewal has to go in, and there’s a number of things you have to provide with that application, and one of them is a resolution by council passing a financial plan.” He went on to refresh council on some basic details. As of 2023, North Huron had 1,849 customers, and the collective net book value of its water assets was $14.1 million. In 2023, water rates increased by 7.2 per cent, and in 2024, they increased by 8.2 per cent. “Revenue is $1.6 million that’s approximately what you’re bringing in on the water side,” DeVries explained. He pointed out that the annual cost of operating the water system is $800,000 a year, with an amortization expense of $300,000. “There’s no debt, and there’s healthy reserves at just about $11 million,” he said. The water financial plan is based on several assumptions: that operating costs and contracted services costs will each increase by three per cent every year, and that
energy costs will increase by five per cent. It’s also assumed that the earned interest rate of the current reserves will be 1.5 per cent. “We took out a new debenture in 2025 at $5 million for 15 years at six per cent interest, and also accounted for getting a grant at $2.1 million,” he added. The assumed growth is nine customers a year as of 2025, through 2033. The plan also adjusts for an assumed $6.1 million in capital upgrades over that time period. The predicted 2024 revenue was based on the amount budgeted for in 2023, inflated by 8.2 per cent. The presentation also included a proposed cost recovery plan intended to ensure the adequate funds needed to operate, maintain and replace infrastructure. This plan would eliminate metered rates for residential units, set fixed rates for Blyth and Wingham, and change the industrial and commercial rates to be more reflective of actual water usage, compared to residential usage. DeVries reminded council that these cost-recovery measures came out of the discussion had at the May meeting. “Staff wanted to get rid of the metered rate for residential,” he said. “I believe, the reason being, there’s a large number of these meters that are getting close to the end of their life, and it’s going to be pretty costly to replace them.” The projected revenue for 2025 is based on new proposed rates. “Currently, the residential rates are $21 fixed operating [per month], and then there was a metered rate. We’ve combined those into a $54 fixed operating rate, and that’s just based on the average monthly usage. The fixed reserve was $22, and we’ve kept that the same, so combined, you’re looking at $76 per month,” DeVries informed council. The fixed annual cost for residential units would therefore be $912. “And then, on the industrial/commercial side, previously, the fixed operating was $21 - we broke that out into a fixed portion and a metered portion. The metered portion is in the same sort of ballpark of what it was, but the main thing is that if you take the average monthly usage for industrial/commercial customers, on a per-customer basis, and you work that into those numbers, it comes out to $67 per month, which is about 25 per cent higher than your residential fixed. But that also reflects, on average, how much more water an industrial/commercial customer
uses than a residential customer.” The annual fixed cost for industrial or commercial customers would be $1,073, with a metered rate of 90 cents per cubic metre. The total replacement cost of North Huron’s water assets is currently $61.4 million. The average life expectancy of those assets is 72 years, which means the average weighted remaining life of each asset is about 39 years. The current rate of asset replacement is 37 years. DeVries outlined some possible options for annual rate increases that would allow North Huron to meet its rate-ofreplacement goal. If the annual water rate were to increase by 1.6 per cent, it would match the current life expectancy for the average water asset. A 5.8 per cent increase would mean matching the actual current remaining life expectancy of North Huron’s water assets. Councillor Mitch Wright wanted to know why the rate increase would need to be so much larger if North Huron chose to match the average life expectancy rather than the actual, if the difference were only two years. DeVries explained that the difference would be caused by 10 years of inflating the operating costs by three and five per cent. “You start to lose ground,” he said. Councillor Chris Palmer asked about the assumed increase of nine customers a year. “It doesn’t seem like enough - we have a 73-unit apartment building that will be coming on-stream soon, and hopefully Hutton Heights starts going soon.” DeVries pointed out that he had based his assumptions on the numbers he had received from North Huron staff. “If you look at the last three-to-five-year historical numbers, it works out to be about nine. If you have more than nine, or, especially much more than nine, then nine is still a very conservative number to use. You’re just going to be in better shape with more customers.” Palmer also expressed concerns about potential overuse and the costs associated with it. “I don’t feel like we’re ready to have a cost figure here. We could be up a creek here because of overuse. With a flat rate, people aren’t as careful.” He asked if nearby municipalities that had gone from metered to flat rates had been used as comparators. “There’s certainly lots of municipalities around here that have meters on their residences, Continued on page 20
Licensed Lay Worship Leader Sue Barnett was in the pulpit at Londesborough United Church for its Thanksgiving Sunday service on Oct. 13. The ladies of the choir sang the anthem, “Thank You, Lord For Your Blessings On Me”, most appropriate for a Thanksgiving service. Mark Mitchell offered a solo, “The Farmer’s Life”. Scriptures chosen that morning were Psalm 126 and Matt. 6:25-33. Mrs. Barnett reminded congregants that our Creator God gave us all the wonderful things for which we give thanks at this time of year. All the blessings from God outweigh the problems one faces in life. She suggested we should fixate on those blessings and live in faith, not fear. She encouraged the congregation to share God’s story and His blessings and keep Thanksgiving all year. The Londesborough United Church Women (UCW) will hold their October meeting on Monday, Oct. 21, beginning with light refreshments at 7 p.m. President Kim Roetsicoender has sent an email regarding topics for discussion at that meeting. Please look it over and come with ideas. Rev. Aylward will conduct Londesborough United Church’s anniversary service on Sunday, Oct 27. Cappy Onn, well known in this area, will share her musical talent throughout that service. This Sunday morning, Oct. 20, the Londesborough Lions will be
serving up their old-tyme country breakfast at the Community Hall until 11 a.m. With the start of the school year each fall, the School Council gears up for its activities in support of Hullett Central Public School. And members are always grateful to have parents come to their meetings and help out with projects, etc. At their recent meeting, they reviewed, for the benefit of new attendees, the various ways they enrich life at Hullett: helping with school trips and classroom purchases, buying things such as stage curtains and library furniture, looking after the front flower bed and serving pancake breakfasts to name a few. The spring carnival is also a fundraiser for the school organized by the council. It takes a village/community to raise a child and being part of this committee goes a long way to helping prepare our youngest children for their future. Perhaps you might consider being part of this committee.
NEWS FROM LONDESBORO
The Citizen
405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792
Advertise your business here! One of the most read areas of the paper
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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024. PAGE 17.
From the Minister’s Study
Thanksgiving: more than a footnote on the calendar By Douglas Allen, Huron Chapel, Auburn For me, holiday weekends mean two things: entertaining family and eating too much. Our extended family who, for the most part, live out-of-town will come, although now our daughter has assumed the role of hostess. A delightful participant in the festivities is our two-year-old greatgranddaughter, who amazes us with how much she has grown since the previous visit. The highlight will be the time we share a meal laden with traditional and favourite foods. No doubt we will indulge in them; more than what is good for us! And there will be no shortage of conversation as everyone brings us up to date with what’s happening in their lives. Yet, as much as I enjoy these gettogethers, I admit it takes a few days for me to recover from them. Those of you in my age bracket will understand. It occurs to me that these visits are evidence of how we have been blessed, at least according to the writers of the Old Testament; the abundance of children and the abundance of the harvest. Yet, Thanksgiving should inspire us to consider that, in addition to these, we have received so many other blessings: our income, our home, our health and much more. If we were to make a list of what God has done for us, the list would unending. It’s just a matter of taking the time to remember. David declares, “O LORD, my God, you have performed many wonders for us... if I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them.” (Psalm 40:5) Similarly, he writes in a kind of memo to self: “May I never forget the good things He does for me... He fills my life with good things.” (Psalm 103:2,5) Even having holidays might be seen as a blessing. One dictionary defines holiday as “a day or period of time set aside for festivities or recreation.” Another adds, “where no work is done.” Whether holidays may be taken depends largely on one’s own situation. For some, they will be allocated as part of the terms of one’s employment. Some are the result of government legislation, usually meant to draw attention to an event of national interest. Notice how the definition uses the phrase “set aside”. There is a purpose to justify the “time off” from one’s normal routine, along with the encouragement to do something different: enjoy certain festivities or
engage in recreational events. It’s no accident that the word “holiday” resembles the phrase “holy day”. In Old English usage, holidays were typically applied to special religious days. That makes sense given that “holy” refers to “something that is dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose; something sacred.” Admittedly, now this connection is not generally evident in our practice of holidays with the exception of Christmas and Easter, and even then, with much less enthusiasm. During my lifetime, several holidays have lost their original significance. Despite that, holidays never seem to be cancelled because they no longer have their original meaning. Most likely because we have gotten used to their strategic position on the calendar. Who can argue against a holiday in late May that many use as a launching point to their summer activities? Having a holiday in February serves as a welcome break to the routine of winter, etc. But have we allowed Thanksgiving to suffer the same fate? While its name ought to be self explanatory as to its purpose, has it simply become a day to participate in the activities made possible by the relatively fine fall weather? Does it serve as a day to prepare our properties for the forthcoming winter? Is it simply the last opportunity to visit family with the certainty of good traveling conditions? Wikipedia notes that Thanksgiving began as a day of “giving thanks for the blessings of the harvest and of the previous
year.” The earliest practice of Thanksgiving in North America occurred in 1579 when Arctic explorer Martin Frobisher narrowly escaped disaster while searching of the Northwest passage. The padre on board urged a service of thanksgiving for the crew’s deliverance. Since then, public observances of thanksgiving have been prompted by the recognition of God’s intervention in human affairs, such as wars being won, leaders being healed of sickness, deliverance from natural disasters, etc. Canadian Thanksgiving Day was instituted by a royal decree issued Jan. 31, 1957, which calls for “a day of general thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada had been blessed.” One would assume that the authors meant it to be celebrated as a “holy day” and as a time to express one’s thanks to God for what He had done. I was recently reminded how the expression “thank you” is so often reduced to that of just saying “thanks”. It’s probably just me, but the response seems almost without thought. So many are satisfied with saying “thanks” in the general direction of the giver, and then just moving on. There appears to be no evidence of a genuine sense of thankfulness for what someone else has done. Is it said more as a grudging fulfillment of a cultural expectation? Personally, I don’t find it very genuine. Based on current trends concerning modern-day spiritual practices, the same thing might be said about our sense of
Sunday, October 20, 10:30 a.m. Pastor Mike Stanley speaking on “Sabbath” (Nehemiah 13:15-22)
119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131
21 Jarvis St. Seaforth 519-527-1522
revjoann@hurontel.on.ca
holyspirit@tcc.on.ca
stpauls@hurontel.on.ca
www.holyspiritseaforth.ca
www.regionalministryof hope.com
The Regional Ministry of Hope
23 John St E Wingham 519-357-4883
Service Livestreamed Sundays at 11 a.m. on our facebook page
The Regional Ministry of
Sunday, October 20, 2 at 11:00 a.m. Worship leader: Bettty Graber-Watson Come be part of our Faith Community oint worship Oct. 27 at 11 a.m. in Brussels. Blyth and Brussels U.C.’s jo Guest Speaker, H. Reinders, Ont. Foodgrains Regional Rep. Everyone welco ome at lunch after worship. Donations to o Canadian Foodgrains, gratefully accep pted.
Join us Su unday y,, October 20
Sunday, October 20 at 10 a.m. BMG Community Centre (upstairs room) 800 Sports Drive, Brussels
Welcome to t our 10:00 am service There will be no evening service.
Worship and Prayer Time Loving Fellowship Expository Preaching
Free supper and Bible study! 6 p.m. on Wednesday nights starting Oct. 16 More details at: brusselscommunitybiblechapel.ca
Blyth United Church “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
To talk to Pastor Mike please email pastormike@huronchapel.com
Trinity: 9:00 a.m. Parish of the Holy Spirit: 9:30 a.m. St. Paul’s-Trinity: 11:00 a.m. 66 Dinsley St. W, Blyth
Note: For pastoral concerns Oct. 144 to 27 contact Pastor Sandra Cable at 5119-531-0696 Website: b brusselsandblythuc ca brusselsandblythuc.ca P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259 P.
at 9:30 a.m.
On-site and online - live.huronchapel.com
Welcome You to Sunday Service!
All are welcome e at Worship
Interim Pastor Elwin Garland 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519 887 6388
Sunday, October 20
Nursery & Sunday School during worship
The Anglican Churches of Blyth, Seaforth and Wingham
U United Chu ur urch
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. Psalm 106:1
Childcare and Sunday School provided for children 0 to 8 during the sermon Evangelical Missionary Church
the blessings given to us by others? What is called for is a sensitivity to the blessings we have received, and the nurturing of a constant sense of awe for the One who has given them, despite our unworthiness. I like how the Psalmist speaks of his determination not to be silent in his gratitude. “I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 40:10) Our thankfulness should not be limited to a single day. Instead, there ought to be a constant awareness of our need to be thankful; each and every day. Instead of a single day dedicated to the purpose, a thankful heart is to be part of our day-to-day experience of life. Instead of simply saying “thanks” or, worse still, nothing at all, let our response be such that declares, “Thank you, God, from whom all blessings flow....” If you’d like to discuss this topic further, give us a call! Contact information for the church can be found below.
BRUSSELS S
Brussels Mennonite Fellowship invites you to worship with us 10:00 a.m. Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Co ee Time 11:15 a.m. Sunday School
thanksgiving to God. Thanksgiving Day becomes another casualty of society’s disregard for the Sovereign God who reveals Himself as, among other things, the creator and sustainer of life as we know it. The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Christians in Rome, noted how, “[We] know the truth about God because He has made it obvious... for ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and the sky. Through everything God made, [we] can clearly see his invisible qualities His eternal power and divine nature.” (Romans 1:19-20) I wonder if our unwillingness to extend thanks to another person, much less God, is predicated by our notion of whether thanks is even deserved. Is what that person did of sufficient importance to require any acknowledgment on our part? And, more to the point, has our all-toofrequent sense of entitlement made us immune to the gestures that are offered without charge, without any expectation of reward? Have we become so isolated in our own world that we are unconscious of
The outreach program for October is the Christmas Bureau.
Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com
Services S ervices a are re llive-streamed ive-streamed a and nd c can an b be e ffo found ound b by ys searching earching ““Blyth “B Blly yth C Christian hristian R Reformed effo orrm med C Church” hurrc ch”
BLYT B TH CHRISTIAN REFO RE R EFO E RMED CHURCH Hwy. 4, Blyth 519-523-4743 www.blythcrc.ca
th
MEL LV VILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS
Sunday, October 20, 2024 9:30 a.m. (Please note time change) We extend a loving welcome to all to join us as Doug Sargent leads us in worship, prayer and praise to Godd. Refreshments and a time to visit will follow the service. Soup & More 2 Join us every Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. for lunch. This free meal is made possible by the Brussels churches and many volunteers working together to serve our community. c All are welcome!
Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224
For pastoral care concerns please call 519-524-7512 2
PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024.
M-T to purchase landfill-adjacent land parcel By Scott Stephenson The Citizen
Morris-Turnberry Council convened on Oct.1 to discuss the acquisition of a 50-acre property located at 41440 Brandon Road, directly north of the Morris Landfill. Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk Trevor Hallam presented a report highlighting the proposed purchase, aiming to secure essential land for landfill operations and reduce potential land-use conflicts in the future. The property, currently an exhausted aggregate pit, is being offered for $650,000. According to Hallam, the current owners could not use the land as intended and decided to offer it to the
municipality. Hallam noted that although the property’s assessed value stands at $560,000 based on 2016 evaluations, the asking price is reasonable given the anticipated benefits, which include a supply of sand and clay for landfill cover. “Their asking price seemed quite reasonable for what it was,” Hallam stated, emphasizing the property’s potential to reduce operational costs. During the meeting, Hallam underscored the strategic importance of the acquisition. He explained that purchasing the property would provide necessary materials for landfill operations and serve as a contamination attenuation zone to protect
neighbouring properties from potential landfill impacts. Hallam said the municipality’s engineer has strongly recommended the purchase to avoid future land-use conflicts. Despite the unbudgeted nature of the purchase, Hallam said Treasurer Sean Brophy outlined a plan to temporarily borrow from various reserves to fund the acquisition. Hallam assured council that these reserves would be replenished in subsequent budgets. Council’s decision to proceed with the purchase was met with unanimous support. Mayor Jamie Heffer remarked, “Opportunities like this don’t come up every day,” and highlighted that previous actions to build reserves enabled
expected to be presented at the Nov. 5 council meeting. Hallam added that although the municipality’s procurement policy does not specifically address this type of transaction, staff have interpreted the situation as permitting a sole-source purchase, as no alternative providers are available for such unique properties.
council to make this significant decision. In addition to the land, the deal includes the transfer of a Trojan 2000 Wheel Loader valued at approximately $5,000. The current owners will have access to the site until May 1, 2025, allowing them to remove personal property. The final closing date for the transaction is set for Nov. 7, with full costs
R.I.D.E. stops in Brussels, Walton had a R.I.D.E. program at the main corner in Brussels and on Sunday they were set up at the main corner in Walton. A busy time for them. Celebrating birthdays this past week include: Cheryl Ryan, Greg Ducharme, Kathy Nichol, Stefan Nichol, John Lowe, Sadie Van Driel, Lisa Glanville, Jim McDonald, Owen Taylor, Randy Fraser, Sarah Grobbink, Jessica Kelso and Mary Helen McLachlan. Happy birthday to all.
PEOPLE AROUND WALTON By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570
Getting to know you A recent “Meet Your Neighbour” night at the Brussels Library was well attended, with nearly 50 people making their way out. Linda Garland, above centre, served as the facilitator and dignitaries like Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, above left, Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan and others were in attendance. (Photo submitted)
Happy Thanksgiving to one and all! We hope everyone had a great visit with family, a good meal and a chance to plan Christmas! My mother always wanted a Christmas list for the grandchildren at Thanksgiving, so she had lots of time to buy gifts over the next couple of months. The time will fly! Farmers are still working at soybeans, some silage corn and dry grain corn and a few still planting wheat. Manure is being spread and the ground is being worked. The fall is always a busy time, but many are thankful that the weather has been so good. It has been cooler in the mornings now and, in the past week, we finally had some rain. While it may be wishful thinking by some, it would be nice if we keep the past weather a little bit longer. The police were busy in our area last weekend. On Saturday, they
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THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024. PAGE 19.
Entertainment & Leisure
Diwali celebration in Wingham on Oct. 20
Dinner, dancing and so much more Experience the joy of Diwali in Wingham on Oct. 20 at the Columbus Centre! This vibrant festival, organized by local business owner Gurpreet Singh, promises a night of fun for the whole family, with traditional dancing, lively dhol drumming, henna tattoos, turbantying demonstrations and a special presentation on the Sikh celebration of Diwali. Plus, don’t miss the chance to taste authentic Indian food! (Scott Stephenson photo)
By Scott Stephenson The Citizen
Even though Thanksgiving has just concluded, Halloween is weeks away and Christmas is not but a dot on the distant horizon, Huron County holiday lovers need not wait long for another chance to get festive with their families and friends. That’s because North Huron is home to its very own Diwali celebration, which will be taking place this year at the Wingham Columbus Centre on Oct. 20. In anticipation for the annual event, The Citizen sat down with local business owner and event organizer Gurpreet Singh to hear a little bit about why Diwali is one of his favourite holidays, and what people can expect from this year’s event. Even though each year’s celebration comes along with food and gifts, what Singh loves most about Diwali has nothing to do with material possessions. “You get a chance to see all the elder family members on this day, even if you haven’t seen a person in many years. Everybody tries to see
Sudoku Solution
their family,” he said. That doesn’t mean Singh is opposed to the gift-giving element of the festival. “As a family tradition, in India, everybody wants to buy something new for their house. Suppose they’ll buy a new T.V. on Diwali, or a new bike on Diwali... it’s always exciting to decide. ‘What are we going to get for Diwali?’” When he was growing up in India, Diwali was always an exciting time of year for Singh. “I remember, when we were in school, we had a chance to decorate our classroom. There was a competition going on in the whole school - ‘who will decorate the best class?’ And that class would get an award, like ‘Best Class of the Year.’” Inspired by the beloved traditions of one of their favourite holidays, his class decided to go all out. “As a group, we did our best thing,” he recalled. “We tried to decorate all the walls, the school boards, everything! And everyone was well-groomed on that
day, especially.” Their hard work paid off - they won! This year’s celebration in Wingham will have traditional dancing, dhol drumming, an educational presentation of the Sikh celebration of Diwali, henna tattoos, turban-tying demonstrations, and, of course, food. “Everybody has a chance to try something new. It’s a chance to try Indian food. People want to try Indian food, and we don’t have a good Indian restaurant close to this area, Singh explained. If the food served during Diwali is anything like the food served during Wingham’s Vaisakhi earlier this year, guests are in for something truly delicious. While different religious groups each have their own reasons for observing Diwali, Singh likes to look at it as one big celebration. “If we combine everything together, it’s one of the biggest religious events in India,” he said. Hindu Diwali marks the return of Prince
Congratulations to Harold & Doris McClinchey
Rama, who had been in exile for 14 years. “All the townspeople did celebrate that day,” Singh explained. “Since that day, Diwali started.” For Sikhs, Diwali is the celebration of the release of 52 innocent prisoners that was skillfully orchestrated by Guru Hargobind in 1619. Singh moved to Canada 10 years ago, and since then, he has not been able to be with his family back home for Diwali, but there were always loved ones in Brampton and Kitchener with whom to celebrate. When he came to Huron County, meeting up with those friends and family members became more difficult, so it was the natural next move to start a local version of the festival that one and all are encouraged to attend. “They are family for us too, now - this town is family, so let’s celebrate with them. And we can try to share our culture.” This year, Diwali is an even more exciting prospect for Singh than normal, because he’ll be celebrating twice - once in Wingham, and then once in India. It’s a prospect the hardworking entrepreneur is really looking forward to. “Finally, I’m going back to India and celebrating Diwali with my family!” Gurpreet Singh is hoping the people of Huron County will come
out on Oct. 20 to help make the first of his double Diwalis extra special. “I know we can go read from the internet why people celebrate Diwali, but when you become a part of the event, then you’re observing live what’s happening. It’s a great chance to learn. We’re trying our best to bring our culture to this town, so everybody can know who we are, and where we came from.” Tickets for Diwali on Oct. 20 are available at the Circle K in Wingham, located at 243 Josephine Street, and will be on sale until Oct. 19.
Please join us in celebrating the
40th Wedding Anniversary of
Don & Joan Deitner Come & Go Sunday, October 20th 2-4 pm at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Brussels Your presence is the only gift required.
Red Plaid Productions Presents Mudmen in Concert Canada's Celtic Rock Warriors Memorial Hall Blyth Friday, November 1 $35.00 All-Ages Doors 7pm Show 8pm www.blythmemorialcommunityhall.com ~ 519 523-9300 www.mudmen.ca
vs
Saturday, October 26 1 pm Central Huron YMCA, Clinton Join us for an afternoon of fast-paced, highly physical Sledge Hockey as these two teams face off in an effort to raise awareness of this incredible sport within our surrounding communities. Sledge Hockey, the Paralympic version of Ice Hockey, made its debut at the 1994 Lillehammer Paralympic Games and has since become a major attraction for spectators. The game is played by athletes with lower-body
who will celebrate their
disabilities as well as able-bodied players, offering an inclusive and
70th Wedding Anniversary
thrilling experience for all.
on October 23, 2024 With Much Love from: Your Family XOXO
Don’t miss the chance to witness this amazing sport and support your local community! Proceeds from this event will go toward purchasing Sledge Hockey equipment for the Central Huron Community Complex, ensuring that the game can be enjoyed by everyBODY.
PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2024.
Amended ’25 rates passed by council Continued from page 16 and there’s some that don’t... I don’t know what the implications of going from one to the other is,” DeVries replied. Clerk Carson Lamb reminded council that the water rates could be adjusted in 2025 if they are too low. DeVries also reminded councillors of the December deadline. “The Ministry just wants to see that you have a plan - they aren’t holding you to that plan,” he said. DeVries also presented the 10year financial plan for North Huron’s wastewater. Currently, the township’s wastewater assets are valued at approximately $8.7 million, with a total estimated replacement cost of $82.4 million. The average life expectancy of said assets is 72 years, but the current rate of replacement is only 67 years, meaning that the average weighted remaining life of North Huron’s wastewater assets is 25 years. “It’s not uncommon that your wastewater would have a higher replacement than your water,” DeVries explained. “That’s a pretty common theme across most municipalities - sewers are deeper than water mains, and they cost more.” North Huron’s wastewater revenue is about $1.2 million annually, with $700,000 in operating costs, an amortization expense of $200,000 a year, zero debt, and healthy reserves of $11 million. The wastewater financial plan assumes that both operating costs and contract services will increase three per cent annually, with energy costs increasing five per cent. Like the water financial plan, it assumes a minimum increase of nine customers in Wingham per year, for 10 years. It’s assumed that the money the township has in reserves will accrue interest at a rate of one and one-half per cent, with plans for $1.6 million in capital upgrades to be completed from 2024 to 2033. North Huron’s residential wastewater rate does not have a metered component. “In this case, you already had only a fixed operating rate for residential. It was $35 - we’re proposing $40 here. Fixed reserve, we stayed at $22. The reason for the $40 over the $35 was just recognizing that we’re a little bit off the mark here on where we want to be,” DeVries explained. A metered rate of 90 cents per cubic metre will be added to the Industrial/Commercial fixed operating rate, which is currently suggested to be $22.50, along with the fixed reserve rate of $22. DeVries also presented council with some potential options for annual wastewater rate increases to consider. An annual increase of 4.2 per cent would mean that the rate of replacement would match the current average life expectancy of
72 years, a 5.6 per cent increase would mean that, by 2033, revenue would match the annual cost of replacement, and an annual increase of 14 per cent would match the current remaining life expectancy of North Huron’s wastewater assets. Wright made a motion that North Huron set the annual water rate increase at 1.6 per cent, with the annual wastewater rate increase at 14 per cent. “I know it’s a lot, but it seems like we’re really falling behind on wastewater. We need to catch up,” he argued. The motion was seconded by Councillor Lonnie Whitfield. Van Hittersum asked if the potential replacement of the standpipe needed to be taken into account when deciding on the annual water rate increase. “Does it have influence on the cost of water in the foreseeable future? Because 1.6 per cent seems a little bit not too much.” Palmer added to her sentiment, saying “We need to stay ahead of the game, I feel. We do have these costs coming forward.” Falconer had some comments about the assumptions on which the water and wastewater financial plans were based. “We’ve got roughly $22 million in reserves for water and wastewater. And these increases are calculated on current status and life expectancy of the system. Constantly, every year, we’re losing 15 per cent or 20 per cent of our buying power, just through inflation. That soon dwindles down your $22 million by 30 per cent every year. If some of those reserves were placed into upgrading the systems currently, at a price that will probably be less than it would be in six or seven years... it’s hard to charge somebody 14 per cent when you’ve got $22 million in the bank and you’re not spending it to fix the problem. What are the reserves there for?” There was also the question of how water rates in East Wawanosh would fit into the equation following the construction of the Hutton Heights development. Whitfield said he’d like to see the water rates increase three or four per cent, with the wastewater rates increasing no more than eight or 10 per cent, not 14. “These are reviewed every year,” he said. After a brief discussion about procedure surrounding the motion, Whitfield moved that a friendly amendment be made that would change the water rates in Wright’s proposal from 1.6 per cent to 4.5 per cent, and the wastewater rate from 14 per cent to 10 per cent. Council then voted to approve the adoption of the water and wastewater financial plans with Whitfield’s amended 2025 rates in place. The motion passed, with Falconer casting the only opposing vote.
Festival countersues Continued from page 1 is seeking $150,000 in damages due to Factory’s alleged breach of contract. Further damages are alleged by the Festival to be related to advertising, marketing and promotional materials, employment costs and loss of revenue for a total of nearly $95,000. The Festival is also claiming that it is entitled to a refund of the
$15,000 plus HST that it claims to have sent to Factory as a deposit on the production. In Joshua Chong’s story for the Toronto Star, neither Factory Theatre Managing Director Mark Aikman nor Blyth Festival General Manager Rachael King provided comment with both saying it would be inappropriate to do so with the matter before the courts.
Colour your world Recently, students from both Central Huron Secondary School and St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary School in Clinton volunteered their time, talents and efforts to a mural project in Clinton. The students designed the murals themselves and then did all of the painting. Central Huron’s Angela Smith says that, when complete, they will lead people from the popular Clinton Raceway to the town’s shopping district. (Shawn Loughlin photo)
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