April 28, 2023

Back-to-basics approach to education

Bill Atwood

Observer Staff

IN ANNOUNCING BILL

98, THE Better Schools and Student Outcomes

Act, the Ministry of Education is looking to

increase its oversight over school boards and bring in further regulations on how they operate.

The bill, which got second reading on Monday, focuses on five key areas: accountability and transparency, gover-

Act, also gives ministry more tools for accountability

nance and leadership, maximizing capital assets, teacher training and oversight, consistent information, and approaches to student learning.

The act would require school boards to report on progress and student

outcome priorities and require them to be more financially transparent.

It would also give the minister more powers to strengthen financial accountability and transparency rules and limit school boards from

participating in business activities depending on risk.

The bill would allow the ministry to establish a performance appraisal process for directors of education. It also permits the province to take → EDUCATION 6

unused lands from the school boards for other provincial projects such as affordable housing or long-term care homes.

The bill also aims to further protect students by expediting disciplinary

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Woolwich council this week approved the closure of Mill Street in Elmira each summer. The blanket approval for the remainder of council’s term permits the installation of a patio from the Victoria Day weekend through to Labour Day.

With the sudden expulsion of MPP Michael Harris from the PC caucus earlier this month, the party opted to appoint its own candidate for Kitchener-Conestoga. Mike Harris Jr., who has no relation to the riding’s current MPP Michael Harris but is instead the son of the former Ontario premier Mike Harris. From the Apr. 26, 2018 edition of The Observer

Moving ahead with plans for two roundabouts in Woolwich

Leah Gerber

Observer Staff

TWO MORE ROUNDABOUTS ARE PLANNED for Woolwich Township in the near future. One at Floradale Road and Line 86 west of Elmira, and the other at Sawmill and Ebycrest roads near

Bloomingdale. Regional council approved the Floradale Road roundabout in 2021, and work is scheduled for this summer. The roundabout on Sawmill Road was approved by regional council in 2022 and construction is planned for next year.

Last week, regional council approved lower speed limits for new roundabouts, dropping them to 60 km/h from 80 km/h.

“Based on research, the general consensus is that [roundabouts are] safer in terms of reducing fatalities,” said Liping Fu,

Region ready to open temporary location for homeless residents

Leah Gerber

Observer Staff

“THIS WAS MUD UP

UNTIL yesterday,” Chris McEvoy said cheerfully Tuesday about the recycled asphalt covering the site of Waterloo Region’s temporary outdoor shelter at 1001 Erb’s Road near the border of the city of Waterloo and Wilmot Township. Workers are busy finishing up the communal space at the site, as residents are expected to be moving into the circle of temporary outdoor shelter cabins as early as this week.

“This is not housing, it’s not permanent housing. We want to support people into affordable and permanent supportive housing. The Working Center and other partners will be supporting folks as quickly as they can to move into those housing units,” said McEvoy, the manager of housing policy and homelessness prevention with the region. Each cabin of about 107 square feet has a bed, desk, chair, and

mini-fridge and comes equipped with heating and cooling.

A larger communal space on site has running water, a common area, a kitchen, washrooms, laundry services, heating and electricity.

The site is managed by the Working Centre and will have expectations and guidelines for staying. The site will be staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with support services and security.

The services include mental health and addictions supports with the goal to help connect the residents to permanent housing. Food will be supplied from the Working Centre.

A shuttle will run between the site and the downtown core several times a day.

Region staff estimate there are about 1,000 people experiencing homelessness in the region right now, including about 450 people who are chronically homeless, meaning they are experiencing homelessness for

long periods of time.

The first people invited to come live in the outdoor space are people in the highest visibility areas, priority areas, people living in camps, McEvoy said. Residents were invited individually through the Working Centre staff who have developed relationships with people in the homeless population.

“We’re starting with those in the high risk or high visibility encampments, those the most disconnected from services, so starting with the folks at the encampment at 150 Main Street in Cambridge, Roos Island in Victoria Park in downtown Kitchener, at 100 Victoria in Kitchener. Starting with individuals there, I believe we’re up to 40 individuals who have signed with expressed interest and signed participation agreements,” McEvoy said.

So far, about 40 people are signed up and ready to move in to the site. That includes 11 couples and

→ SHELTERS 6

a professor in the department of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Waterloo and director of the Innovative Transportation System Solutions Lab.

“At roundabouts, the idea is to convert every other movement into merging and diverging,

which has eliminated this certain type of conflict like right angle or head-on conflicts, which are usually associated or could lead to failure and fatalities,” he said.

The two new circles in Woolwich Township will be single-lane roundabouts, with landscaping → ROUNDABOUTS 5

in the middle. Pedestrian crossings with medians in between the lanes and reduced speed limits in the area surrounding the roundabouts will be included as safety features.

Steve van de Keere, the director of transportation

Chris McEvoy from the Region of Waterloo (above) leads a public tour Tuesday of the almost complete temporary outdoor shelter site at 1001 Erbs Rd. Jay Straus of the Working Centre (middle row), the organization managing the site, opens the door to one of the shelter cabins. Leah Gerber

Specializing in local products. New

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Any questions feel free to call and ask Allan @ 519-504-1925

Shelter Movers to hold fundraising event

Bill Atwood Observer Staff

SHELTER MOVERS

WATERLOO REGION,

Board of Director Applications for the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation

The Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation is a non-profit Corporation that assists in the preservation of the heritage and culture for the Region of Waterloo. The Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation provides grants for investment in heritage-related endeavours and advises on a wide number of heritage issues throughout the Region.

This is an exciting time for the Foundation, as it completes a strategic review to consider how the role of our heritage and historic environment is evolving as we mature as a community, and to evaluate how it aligns with Regional Council’s strategic priorities, including Climate Action, Reconciliation, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. The review aims to ensure grant funding is robust, transparent, equitable, and purposeful; meets the needs of a growing and diverse community; and supports the Region’s strategic objectives. Committing to set clear priorities, the Foundation will work to ensure its programs make meaningful and strategic impacts in the community based on known pressures on the historic environment and the heritage sector and complements the work of other heritage stakeholders in the Region.

Board of Director applications are available via website (www.wrhf.org), or email wrhf@regionofwaterloo.ca. The application deadline is May 31, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.

The By-laws for the Foundation provide for the election of ten members-at-large to its Board of Directors. As of the 2023 Annual Meeting, there will be three (3) vacancies to be filled for three-year terms. The Board of Directors currently meet at 5:30 p.m. on the 4th Tuesday of each month, except July, August and December. Currently, participation in all meetings is electronic. However, some meeting months may also have an in-person option.

Elections will be held at the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

Meeting to be held in the Waterloo County Room/Electronically Advertised positions on a particular Board may be filled by current members whose terms have expired. All applicants will receive written notification about the result of their application.

Personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act and will be used to determine suitability for appointment. Questions regarding the collection of personal information should be referred to the Office of the Regional Clerk at 519-575-4493 or regionalclerk@regionofwaterloo.ca.

A non-profit that aids residents leaving abusive domestic living situations, is holding its firstever fundraiser, Shelter Movers Shuffle, on May 6.

The organization founded its Waterloo Region chapter in December of 2002, and has since carried out 280 moves, including 59 so far in 2023. Each move costs around $250, said chapter director Courtney Waterfall.

“Fuel is getting more and more expensive. The

funds go directly to help on those moves, whether it’s our rental vehicles, fuel, security, storage and the behind-the-scenes things that go together to make our moves happen,” Waterfall said.

The organization has received support from local businesses to help reduce their costs, Waterfall said.

“So our rental trucks, for example, Penske, have been wonderful to us. We have gotten donated storage units across the region from a variety of storage facilities. We work with a couple of security partners that donate their time to us when they can

so that we don’t have to pay for security. And we try to have a variety of locations for our storage units so that the travel time between locations is shorter as well, so we’re not using as much fuel.”

As a new organization in the area, it is trying to raise awareness of their presence in the region as well as address any stigmas around talking about intimate partner violence, Waterfall added.

“There can be a lot of shame around it or embarrassment, so people that are impacted by it but just are afraid to speak up about it.”

→ MOVERS 10

Crews were busy this week repairing the road surface at the railway crossing on Arthur Street be tween St. Jacobs and Elmira, which closed the road for the week. See p. 23. Bill Atwood

Volunteers and help from the likes of truck-rental companies allow Shelter Movers to provide services to those looking to get away from abusive situations. Submitted

Grand River kayaking event a fundraiser for hospital

Steve Kannon Observer Staff

PADDLERS TAKING

TO THE RIVER is not an unusual sight in West Montrose. Next weekend, they’ll be there for a cause.

For a third year, the Grand Kayak event will raise money for the Grand River Hospital Foundation. This year’s outing is set for May 7.

Event participants will kayak, canoe or paddle board down the Grand River, choosing either the 46-kilometre, eight-hour journey or a leisurely fourhour afternoon paddle.

The long course will begin from Wilson’s Flats located at #4-6285 8 Line W, West Montrose at 8 a.m., while the short course will begin at Kaufman Flats located 546 Woolwich Pl., Waterloo at 12 p.m. Both courses finish at Grand River Hospital’s Freeport Campus (Freeport Bridge).

The fundraiser was the brainchild of Dr. Neil Naik, an avid kayaker who was looking for a way to give back to the community that he’s called home for the past seven years.

“[I thought] let’s use

the namesake of Grand River Hospital, the Grand River, and go for the entire region that the hospital serves – just south of Elora and going all the way down to Freeport. It was really nice to end up at Freeport campus, and bring awareness to what the foundation does.”

Even as a physician, he says he was surprised at how much of the hospitals’ equipment relies on donated money rather than government funding.

“So as we’re embarking on building a new hospital, let’s build awareness that we need the community to rally together,” he

ROUNDABOUTS: There’s still a learning curve for drivers

→ FROM 1 for the Region of Waterloo, says the two new roundabouts in Woolwich Township will be similar to the roundabout at Ament Line and Herrgott Road. Temporary signals were installed at these intersections in 2018 as interim measures.

Van de Keere says for these intersections, roundabouts were preferred over more permanent signalization by region staff because of construction costs and safety.

Staff assess every intersection in the region each year, he noted. They look at safety indicators like number and severity of accidents, effectiveness of the intersection, paying attention to the length of waiting times to see how the intersection is processing cars. They also investigate complaints or concerns about specific intersections. Ultimately, staff are looking for problem locations.

While he acknowledges that drivers are inconsistent at roundabouts, he notes “drivers are very inconsistent how they drive everywhere. The last time we checked,

they weren’t doing such a great job of traffic signals either.”

He says the collisions tend to be much more serious at signalized intersections.

The correct way to drive, walk or cycle through a roundabout can be found at the region’s website under the “living here” tab. Pedestrians have the right of way, and drivers must yield to them when entering or exiting.

To turn right in a roundabout, drivers must use the outer, or right lane.

To go straight through a roundabout, drivers may use the left or right lanes, but must exit the roundabout in the lane they start in – they cannot pass in a roundabout. To turn left in a roundabout, drivers must enter into the left lane, travel this lane around the roundabout and exit directly from the lane.

Drivers must signal the direction they are intending to travel in a roundabout. That means, they signal left to go left, signal right to go right, and do not signal if they are going straight through. However, drivers must signal right whenever they

are exiting a roundabout to show they are exiting.

Fu and van de Keere both say it is generally agreed in the industry that roundabouts reduce fatal and serious accidents by about 80 to 90 per cent, with van de Keere noting this is generally what has been experienced in the region.

Depending on size, a roundabout can process upwards of 50,000 vehicles in a day.

Fu notes that the bigger roundabouts are built, the more stressful they become for drivers, adding that the more lanes, the more complicated they become. However, if wait times become too big at a roundabouts, this is also an issue. Drivers start to take risks if they have to wait too long.

In van de Keere’s eyes, roundabouts are a tool in the region’s toolbox when it comes to managing traffic flow. He says region staff make decisions for each intersection based on its individual needs, adding that if people feel uncomfortable at roundabouts, it means they will be more cautious, which reduces accidents as well.

said of fundraiser efforts such as Grand Kayak.

The event itself is starting to catch on: from just a couple of people taking part initially, there are already 10 teams registered this year, said Naik.

“We are thrilled that our community is supporting the hospital with

Grand Kayak again this year. The event is not only a lot of fun but also supports a great cause,” said Paul Amaral, director of community partnerships & entertainment with Grand River Hospital Foundation, in a release announcing the event. “Participants will have

the opportunity to spend time being active outdoors while raising funds to support the vision of a world class health system for our community. It’s a win-win!”

The fundraiser is in support of the foundation’s ‘Care Never Stops Campaign,’ a six-year, $258-million comprehensive fundraising campaign launched three years ago. Those taking part in the event can choose to target the funds they raise to specific areas of the hospitals’ operations: cancer care, continuum of care, emergency & critical care, Grand River kids, kidney care, learning + innovation, mental health or patient experience. More information and registration details can be found online at www. GrandKayak.ca. For participants who do not have their own, canoe and kayak rentals are available from Canoeing The Grand and include an exclusive 50 per cent discount. Reservations can be made by contacting owner Shelly Jo Holmes at (519) 896-0290 or customerservice@canoethegrand. com.

Notice of Pesticide Use

Please be advised of the application of larvicide to the following locations for the control of West Nile Virus Vectors:

•Catch basins

•Sewage lagoons

•Ditches and standing water

Between June 1, 2023 and August 31, 2023, municipalities within the Region of Waterloo will be conducting a larviciding program under the authority of the Region of Waterloo Medical Officer of Health to prevent the development of mosquito larvae into vectors of West Nile Virus. Altosid Pellets (PCP #21809, pellet) or VectoLex WSP (PCP #28009, pouch) will be placed by hand into catch basins of storm drains within the Region. The larvicide VectoLex CG (PCP #28008, granular), may be applied to sewage lagoons, if larvae are present. The larvicides VectoBac 1200L (PCP #21062, liquid) or VectoBac 200G (PCP #18158, granular) may be applied to standing water throughout the Region, if larvae are present. All larvicide will be applied by licensed applicators or trained technicians employed by Pestalto Environmental Health Services following Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks guidelines.

For additional details on exact locations and dates of treatments, please call Region of Waterloo Public Health, Health Protection and Investigation at 519-575-4400 or Pestalto Environmental Health Services Inc. at 519-362-5185. For information about West Nile: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/fightthebite

Participants from last year’s Grand Kayak event pass under the covered bridge in West Montrose. Submitted

SHELTERS: Temporary housing

eight dogs. McEvoy says children are not allowed to live at the site.

McEvoy says the region is exploring ways that residents will contribute to being there, potentially through the shelter portion of Ontario Works or ODSP payments.

While at the outdoor shelter site, residents will also be connected to the Working Centre’s Job Café program, which provides help for people outside the traditional job pool to find work.

“People living here will be invited into that program and they will be participating in the cleaning and upkeep of this space, and getting paid for it,” said Jay Straus, the transitional housing lead with the Working Centre. There is no maximum length of stay, though the program has a rough timeline of two years when it will be re-evaluated.

McEvoy said once this site is set up and running, the region will evaluate to see if similar sites in Kitchener and Cambridge would be advisable.

The Working Centre staff and volunteers will be providing food to the residents. The centre staff will put out a call for any specific items needed at the site. If people want to donate food, Straus suggests donating food or funds to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region, which supplies the food they use to distribute to their programs.

McEvoy says this tempo -

EDUCATION: Province looks to alter curriculum, take more control of process

rary outdoor shelter site is another tool to tackle the region’s housing problem. Other temporary housing solutions the region uses include transitional housing, home-based supports like scattered-site supportive housing, which are housing units with rental supplements and supports, and emergency shelters. Funding for the outdoor site will be from the municipal levy and other sources, says McEvoy.

McEvoy was clear to state that the region and the partners are working on longer-term solutions as well as short-term solutions at the same time.

The region staff are working on a ‘Plan to End Homelessness,’ with the first step being to gather representatives from all the organizations and people who need to be at the table, including people with lived experience of homelessness.

“As we work on this community-led and determined plan for what it’s going to take for our communities to end chronic homelessness in terms of collaboration and resources, what is it going to take? As we pull together that community-led plan, we know we also can’t wait for that plan to take shape, we need to do something in the here and now. And so that’s where Erb’s Road fits into the interim solutions, as well as the longerterm plan to end chronic homelessness in Waterloo Region,” said McEvoy.

decisions for educators convicted of a criminal offense and expanding eligibility for therapy funding to all students that have been impacted by sexual abuse by teachers through the Ontario College of Teachers (OTC)

Finally, the bill would “strengthen parent involvement” by “authorizing the minister to require school boards to provide parent-friendly information about their child’s education.”

While the OTC supported the announcement, several unions, including the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO), voiced their opposition to the plan.

“I think most educators feel frustrated that frontline education workers have not been consulted in many of the announcements that this government makes,” said Jeff Pelich, president of ETFO Waterloo.

“We’re looking for consultation with frontline workers, frontline education workers, and we’re looking for actual investments in public education.”

His comments echo a statement from the provincial union, which claimed the legislation was drafted without their input.

“We were asked to provide input by mid-May. But given their track record, we do not believe the request for feedback is genuine. The voices of

ETFO’s 83,000 members, who have a vested interest in better student outcomes, deserve to be heard,” the ETFO said in a release.

However, Diana Miles, chair of council for the OTC, said the act would better equip the college to serve the public.

“Protecting the well-being of Ontario’s more than two million students is the college’s top priority,” she said.

The college’s mandate as Ontario’s teaching regulator is to serve and protect the public interest by protecting the safety and well-being of students, said senior communications officer Andrew Fifield.

“As such, we are supportive of legislation that will strengthen our capacity to do so by enhancing the college’s investigation and discipline processes. For example, providing the College’s Investigation Committee with increased authority to order remedial training or education for members,” Fifield said.

Bill 98 does include proposed amendments that the college requested “improve our investigation and disciplinary processes and better protect student safety and well-being,” Fifield said.

He added that it would be inappropriate for the OTC to comment on the position of other organizations or stakeholders.

Both school boards in Waterloo Region declined to comment on the act,

with chief managing officer for the Catholic School Board John Shewchuk saying via email that “The boards senior team has not yet had an opportunity to review the legislation or to understand the implications of what it may or may not mean for our schools and students.”

→ FROM 1 time-limited.

According to Peilch, the announcement was born from the 157 recommendations in the Ontario Human Right Commission’s Right to Read report, released last year.

“[Being] able to read is the great equalizer.

The same week as Bill 98 was unveiled, the ministry announced $180 million in funding, including $71 million for a new math plan and $109 million to boost literacy rates.

Under the plan, the province will support more than 300 educators to support student learning in math, double the number of school math coaches in classrooms, and hire one math lead per board to aid in the implementation of the math curriculum. It will also cover the costs of additional math qualification courses for teachers.

The province will introduce an overhauled language curriculum in September of 2023, including early reading screening requirements for all students in year two of kindergarten to Grade 2, along with a standardized and fully funded screening tool and training for educators. It will also fund additional specialist teachers for those who need additional support in reading. It will also invest in almost 700 educators.

While Pelich welcomed the additional educators to improve literacy skills, he noted the funding is

We know that and so the minister’s announcement really looks at one of those 150 recommendations and that is the investments in reading screening tools.

And, unfortunately, that is not enough,” he said.

Pelich called for additional funding per student, saying that funding only went up 0.83 per cent per cent compared to inflation estimated at around 6.8 per cent.

“We have huge concerns, because that means cuts to education, that means school boards are going to struggle to pay the bills. The shortterm investments are not enough to actually address the concerns,” he said.

While the ministry made both announcements under the guise of bringing more consistency to the education system, Pelich disagreed.

“We already have a consistently mandated curriculum across all school boards. We already have expectations about the topics that are supposed to be covered and how we’re supposed to be addressing them. The government’s new interventions do very little to actually improve transparency.”

Emergency crews responded to a collision involving three pickup trucks late Monday morning at the intersection of Three Bridges and Listowel roads near Elmira. Leah Gerber

POL ICE REPORT

Contest allows student to be WRPS ‘Chief for a Day’

The Waterloo Regional Police Service is looking for a new junior chief for its annual ‘Chief for a Day’ contest.

The department this week launched the contest that’s open to all Waterloo Region students in Grade 5 to Grade 7. Students are asked to write a short essay describing what they would do to make a positive contribution in their community if they were chief for a day.

A winner will be announced on May 19 during Police Week in Ontario.

Once chosen, the

APRIL 17

12:00 PM | A member of the Wellington County OPP stopped the driver of a grey sedan on Scotland Street, Fergus. As a result of the investigation, a 62-yearold driver from Centre Wellington was charged with ‘driving while under suspension,’ ‘drive motor vehicle – no currently validated permit,’ ‘use plate not authorized for vehicle’ and ‘fail to notify change of address.’ Further, the driver was charged with ‘operate a motor vehicle without insurance.’ The defendant is scheduled to appear in provincial offences court – Guelph, on July 19.

4:00 PM | A member of the Wellington County OPP initiated a commercial motor vehicle inspection of a van on Wellington Road 7, Pilkington. As a result of the investigation, an Arthur business faces a list of seven charges that includes ‘permit operation of vehicle – fail to display inspection sticker of proof’ and ‘fail to ensure daily inspection report is accurately completed.’

APRIL 18

junior chief will have the opportunity to get fitted in a police uniform, tour police headquarters, check out the inside of a police cruiser, visit our canine unit, interact with police officers throughout the day, and take part in a media conference.

Essays can be submitted to police headquarters, located at 200 Maple Grove Rd. in Cambridge, through the department’s social media accounts, or by e-mail at publicinfo@ wrps.on.ca.

Essays must be submitted by May 15 and include a name and contact information.

8:00 AM | Wellington

County OPP stopped the driver of a white station wagon on Wellington Road 18, Elora. As a result of the investigation, a 42-yearold Fergus resident was charged with ‘permit motor vehicle to be operated without insurance contrary’ and ‘drive motor vehicleno validation on plate.’ The defendant is scheduled to appear in provincial offences court – Guelph on July 19.

APRIL 19

3 : 48 PM | Waterloo

Regional Police received a report of a shoplifting incident at a store in Elmira. The previous evening, two unknown females entered a store on Arthur Street North and stole merchandise. The first subject is described as a white female in her mid-30s, with a heavy build, with blond hair. She was wearing a red jacket, black shirt, black pants and sandals. The second subject is described as a white female in her early 30s, with a thin build and dark brown hair. She was wearing a black jacket, grey track pants, and yellow boots. Anyone with information is asked to call

police. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers.

APRIL 20

2:53 AM | Police received a report of a single-vehicle collision in Wellesley Township. A Honda travelling north on Hutchison Road lost control on a curve in the roadway, left the road and struck a tree. The driver of the vehicle, a 37-year-old woman from Mitchell, was charged with ‘operation while impaired – alcohol and drugs’ and ‘operation while impaired – blood alcohol concentration.’ The driver was transported to a local hospital with minor physical injuries.

APRIL 22

10 : 48 AM | Police received a report of a motor vehicle collision in Wellesley Township. A blue Nissan was travelling south on Moser Young Road when it was struck by a silver Toyota travelling west on Weimar Line that failed to yield the right of way. There were no physical injuries reported as a result of the collision.

11:36 PM | Police received a report of a vehicle leav-

ing Scotch Line Road in Woolwich Township and entering a field. Officers responded to the area and determined that the driver of the vehicle was an unlicensed youth who was subsequently charged with ‘driving with no license.’ No injuries or damage to property occurred were reported.

APRIL 23

8:00 AM | Wellington County OPP responded to a break-in at a property on Eighteenth Line, Mapleton, where a building had been entered overnight. A 24-year-old man from Conn was charged with numerous offences, including ‘break, enter, a dwelling house with intent to commit indictable offence,’ ‘theft over $5,000 of a motor vehicle,’ ‘trespassing at night,’ ‘theft under $5,000,’ ‘possession property obtained by crime under $5,000’ and ‘mischief over $5,000.’ He is scheduled to appear in the Ontario court of justice – Guelph on June 16.

5:25 PM | Police received a report of a residential break-in in Wilmot Township. Sometime between April 19 and April 23, an

unknown suspect(s) entered a home on Erhardt Wagner Place and stole personal property and currency. Anyone with information is asked to call police. Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers.

6:00 PM | Wellington County OPP responded to an assault at a private residential community on Highway 7, west of Guelph. It was reported that two known individuals had assaulted a resident and that the injuries were severe. A 60-year-old resident was transported to a local hospital with serious, non-life-threatening injuries. The investigation is continuing and is believed to be an isolated incident. Any person with information regarding this incident should contact the Wellington County OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 (TIPS) or submit a tip on-line at www.csgw.tips. You may be eligible for a reward from Crime Stoppers of up to $2,000.

10:09 PM | A member of Waterloo Regional Police Service’s Traffic Services

Unit was conducting proactive enforcement on St. Charles Street West in the village of Maryhill when the officer observed a black Ford truck and through investigative means, determined that the registered owner of the truck was a suspended and unlicensed driver in Ontario, leading to a traffic stop. As a result of the investigation, the driver, a 70-year-old male from Woolwich Township, was charged with ‘drive while under suspension,’ ‘drive motor vehicle – no license,’ ‘produce false evidence (insurance)’ and ‘owner operate motor vehicle – no insurance.’

APRIL 24

11:01 AM | Police received a report of a break-in at a business in Woolwich Township. Sometime between April 22 at 8 p.m. and April 24 at 8 a.m., an unknown suspect(s) broke into the yard of a business located on Balsam Grove Road and stole property from inside sea cans located in the yard. Anyone with information is asked to call police. Anonymous information can be provided to Crime Stoppers.

Emergency crews responded to a collision at Line 86 and Listowel Road in Woolwich Twp. around 4 p.m. on April 20. Bill Atwood

Opinion

When local news matters ...

Connect: observerxtra.com/staff

Getting back to basics is key for all government spending

The Ford government’s education plan to shift the focus on the fundamentals – reading, writing and arithmetic – is sure to resonate with many parents concerned that students no longer have a good grounding in the proverbial three Rs.

The need for a back-to-basics approach is clear. Hopefully Ford realizes the same is true of every other aspect of government, provincial or otherwise. Along with poorer student outcomes year over year, Ford is also dealing with a troublesome healthcare file. Both come in a climate of economic uncertainties exacerbated by a housing crisis that is much more pressing to the bulk of Ontarians.

Clearly, the economy is the top priority, intertwined with our education and health care systems. The latter are important to us, but both will require a deft hand to get runaway expenses under control. While the go-to move is looking for more money from Ottawa, wages will be a big part of the equation while trying to reel in costs that have far outstripped inflation and economic growth. As the two biggest draws on the public purse, those sectors will need the most attention: we can no longer throw money away as we have in the past.

As everyone is now aware, there’s a major infrastructure deficit as aging roads, sewers, bridges and public buildings need hundreds of billions of dollars worth of repairs, upgrades and replacements. These are basic and essential government services; if we’re going to do what’s necessary – and we have no choice – the government will have to cut a host of other programs, many of which provide little use to the bulk of Ontarians, in order to cover the costs while freezing taxes.

We’ve seen little of this from any government. Instead, we’re subjected to mission creep, none of it done well, much of it done poorly.

What we need is a government willing to the hard work necessary to get the budget under control.

As noted, this is not simply a provincial problem. In fact, we’ve seen a considerable amount of waste, poor decision-making and unnecessary spending from municipal governments.

Much of what municipalities do isn’t essential, the result of years of mission creep and empire building. That’s where cuts can be made, providing immediate and long-lasting relief to beleaguered taxpayers. As a bonus, a smaller, more efficient staff can concentrate on the core competencies rather than expanding into areas that provide benefits to few at the expense of everybody else – transportation policy is a longstanding culprit in the region, for instance, with other virtue-signalling exercises posing a real threat to the citizenry.

What we need are politicians prepared to define the real priorities and to make the adjustments – i.e. cuts – needed to bring soaring property taxes under control while delivering on those basic quality of life issues with which most of us are concerned.

That would help restore legitimacy of government in general. There’s been a gradual erosion of the overall respect for democratic and active government because our politicians have lobbed up too many easy targets. Every time they fall down on the job – and there are many ‘every times’ –they provide ammunition to those who would see the entire system pulled down.

That’s why a back-to-basics approach appeals to so many of us: intrinsically, we know government is getting too big, too wasteful and too unaccountable. Leaders who actually get us back on track – as opposed to talking the talk simply to get elected – will be doing us a much larger favour than simply providing good government for their term of office.

If that’s the approach Ford is taking to education changes and to municipal reform – admittedly rocky ground – then he’ll find plenty of support.

Verbatim The Monitor

“Food banks are now the norm for more individuals and families in our community. Our March numbers paint a grim picture of how many of our neighbours can’t afford to put food on the table.”

Kim Wilhelm, interim CEO of The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, on the record-setting demand for services.

Last month, The Food Bank of Waterloo Region recorded record-breaking demand. In March, 735 unique households accessed food assistance for the first time, a year-over-year increase of 89%; 14,692 hampers were distributed to community members, a year-over-year increase of 45%.

Food Bank of Waterloo Region

Starship’s iterative design methodology

“ Obviously, this is not a nominal situation,” said John Insprucker, a senior engineer at Space-X, who was doing a webcast on last week’s launch attempt of Elon Musk’s gigantic Starship rocket. So why did Musk’s employees, hundreds of whom were watching live, cheer when it blew up only four minutes into flight?

Because it made it off the pad. In fact, it reached 39 km. high before the range safety system blew it up: not bad with at least six of its 33 engines out of commission.

It was never intended to land again. The plan, if it got that far, was for both components, the Super Heavy first stage and ‘Starship,’ the payload, to crash into the sea.

This is actually how Musk’s development strategy, also known as the ‘iterative design methodology,’ is supposed to work. You push the system under development until something breaks; you figure out what went wrong and fix it; then you push the system further until something else breaks. Repeat until nothing breaks, and you have a system that works.

Large, government-funded organizations like NASA can’t do this. They have to sit around for years exploring and

hedging against every imaginable risk, because failure is a big black mark against them. Whereas in the iterative model, failures are how you advance.

The iterative strategy may cost more, at least in the short term, but Musk can afford it. You can’t do it with people aboard – but ideally you won’t put crew aboard until you have found and fixed all the failures. And it is fast: Musk first mentioned the idea for Starship only ten years ago. (That’s very fast, as these things go.)

So all the people who actually have money on the table (including NASA, which is depending on Musk to provide the lunar lander) are quite happy with his progress. All the more so if it turns out, as seems very likely, that last week’s problem was not with the rocket at all, but with the launch pad.

This is the biggest rocket ever launched: twice as powerful as its nearest rival. The blast from its 33 engines was enormous, and for fully eight seconds it was clamped to the pad while its engines wound up to full power. In the videos,

you can see the concrete of the pad disintegrating and flying around, and a hole being carved into the earth beneath it.

They’re working on a water deluge system to protect the tower, but it isn’t ready yet. Usually there’s a flame trench to divert the rocket blast away from the pad, but they thought they didn’t need it. The debris flew up and struck some engines on one side of the cluster, which flamed out. That unbalanced the thrust, and the rocket began to tumble. Boom! Space-X’s engineers are not infallible, but they’ll just try again. Three more Starships are already built, and Musk says they’ll test-fly another one “in a couple of months.” If the damage to the pad is bad enough it may take longer than that, but it will still probably be this year.

And what makes the partially successful test flight of a new rocket in south Texas worthy of more than 500 words in this estimable publication? The fact that this rocket is how the human race gets out into the universe. Maybe the only way.

Starship will cut the cost of getting material into low Earth orbit a hundredfold. It can refuel in space, and carry really

... it matters where you get your local news.

ANALYSIS OF CURRENT WORLD EVENTS

GWYNNE DYER Global Outlook on World Affairs

Massive handout for VW plant is corporate welfare writ large

If you live in St. Thomas, government plans committing up to $14 billion on a new VW battery plant probably seems like a good idea – it will certainly provide jobs and a host of financial benefits. For everyone else, the deal raises some big concerns.

The federal government offered to provide some $13 billion in tax subsidies over 10 years to entice Volkswagen to choose the southern Ontario location as the site of its first electric battery plant in North America. The province is kicking in another $500 million.

Government supports amount to double the $7 billion VW has earmarked to build the massive production facility, which is expected to open in 2027.

The plant will have the capacity to produce a million batteries per year, employing 3,000 workers.

Leaving aside the logistics and environmental considerations of mining and sourcing the materials needed to produce a million automotive batteries – as well as the long-term viability of the technology – the government subsidies wreak of corporate welfare writ large.

While this deal is likely the largest example of support for a single project, Canada is no stranger to corporate handouts.

Getting a handle on such payouts is notoriously difficult, not least of all because of secrecy, but a report released last month by the Fraser Institute estimated all levels of government in the country spent some $352.1 billion on subsidies between 2007 and 2019. The payoff for taxpayers? Not much.

STEVE KANNON

Editor's Point of View

and/or job creation. In fact, business subsidies might have a negative impact on economic development as governments’ attempts to pick winners by interfering in the free market ultimately distort private decisions and misallocate resources,” find Tegan Hill and Joel Emes, authors of ‘The Cost of Business Subsidies in Canada.’

The true level of government supports is likely much higher, they note.

The automotive sector is no stranger to handouts, of course, so the VW deal fits the mould. The companies have pocketed the cash and some pandering politicians have helped their cronies and got their pictures taken at ribbon-cuttings, but the rest of us are simply out a whole lot of money.

Advocates of perpetual handouts to businesses –often large and profitable businesses – say such deals create and/or protect jobs. Besides, they’ll say, every other government does the same thing, so we need to dole out cash to even the playing field.

Problem is, companies know this, and end up playing one jurisdiction off of another. Worse still, the benefits touted don’t materialize.

The history of corporate welfare is replete with unpaid loans, bankruptcies, undelivered jobs and shuttered factories despite assurances to the contrary. For a sad example of all of the above, check out Ontario’s steel industry, particularly what happened in Hamilton. The automotive sector, too, has seen plants close and jobs disappear even as governments poured in billions of dollars.

Given that all levels of government and a variety of ministries and departments are involved, it’s hard to get a handle on just how much money is doled out as corporate welfare. It’s made worse by the fact that officials try to hide what they’re doing: what we do know almost always comes through Access to Information requests. Documents redacted as a matter of course, with the transfer of your money to wealthy corporations treated in the same way as military secrets. Any documentable benefits are hard to come by.

In that light, it makes sense to scrap all subsidies to business. That’s not going to happen, however, as such programs are another vote-buying scheme for politicians. Political life is a perpetual election cycle, and the one thing politicians relish is doling out money – grants,

loans, subsidies – and the photo ops that accompany such announcements.

Staples throughout the year, they’re especially prevalent during the summer barbecue circuit.

With legislatures on a break, funding announcements are a way for members to keep themselves in the spotlight, reminding constituents they’ve still got representatives at work.

Will the money ever come with airtight guarantees for long-term employment, investment and eventual full return to tax coffers? Not likely. Instead, it will be just another gimme in the never-ending cycle of privatized profits and socialized costs, the real modus operandi of corporatism.

What would make the this and other welfare payments more palatable is a realistic cost-benefit analysis: if an investment

makes sense – i.e. pays back every dollar to the taxpayers directly, and then some – then it should be considered. If not, then take a pass. That applies to everything from massive, decades-long support for the likes of Bombardier and Pratt and Whitney to ersatz economic development efforts in Woolwich and the region. In almost every case, the decisions are bad ones, which, as we know, is pretty much business as usual for politicians and bureaucrats.

“It was an NDP leader, David Lewis, who coined the term corporate welfare bums in 1972. Unfortunately, in the past 30 years, too many corporations have been drawn into this trap by the available plethora of government loans, grants, and subsidies.”

Those words came not from Lewis’ successors or free-enterprisers of the Frontier Centre mould, but from then-opposition leader Stephen Harper in a 2004 speech to the Toronto Board of Trade, part of a pledge to tackle corporate welfare. We know how that’s played out in the past decade.

Political gain and an eagerness to channel public money into private hands aside – and that’s a big cultural change to reverse, as milking taxpayers is the norm – ending corporate welfare wouldn’t be that difficult. As it stands, reports show most of the country’s largest companies don’t take financial assistance.

Broader research tells us that any benefits of corporate welfare are, at best, fleeting and rarely successful in attracting highskilled, high-paying jobs. The money disappears down a sinkhole, with little lasting effect. But as long as politicians are allowed to control the money, they’ll

“A significant body of research finds little evidence that business subsidies generate widespread economic growth →KANNON 10

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The reprieve from a snowy March proved to be a little shorter than folks were hoping for as April moved along.

Arbor Day in Ontario is celebrated on the last Friday in April.

Canada’s first Arbor Day was celebrated on April 26, 1886 organized by the horticultural society in Bellefontaine.

Arbor Day is celebrated worldwide on the same day and the combined effort adds millions of new trees being planted.

ↆ LAST WEEK:

True – Milwaukee has only one the NBA championship one other time in 1971 when the team was lead by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson.

True – The Play-In Tournament was started in the 2019-2020 season as a one-time measure due to the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was seen to add more excitement at the end of the season and provide more opportunities for teams to make the playoffs. It is now permanent.

Lie - The shot clock remains at 24 seconds.

Time to Keep Federal Advertising Dollars in Canada

The Canadian government has supported journalism for generations. Since the founding of Canada’s first newspaper, the Halifax Gazette, which dates to 1752, government advertising has been an important source of revenue for newspapers. Even prior to Confederation, direct supports, like the former Publications Assistance Program, which subsidized the postal delivery of non-daily newspapers, ensured that Canadians have access to high-quality Canadian news.

Twenty years ago, the federal government spent $110 million on advertising, which was managed by 30 advertising agencies. Print newspapers and magazines accounted for about one-third of federal advertising spending, while internet advertising accounted for less than 1 per cent of the spend.

Last year, the Government of Canada spent a total of $140 million on advertising, involving one Agency of Record for media planning and placement. While the one Agency of Record model is efficient, we are concerned with where scarce ad dollars are being spent.

Last year, just $6 million

KANNON:

Handouts abound

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keep on wasting it to benefit only themselves and a few well-heeled friends.

For now, the Trudeau government is selling the $13-billion “investment” to beat the band. Some people in St. Thomas will eventually be happy. By the time everybody else finds out if they’ve been sold a bill of goods, there will have been many more handouts, handshakes and smiles for the camera.

or five per cent of federal advertising dollars went toward print publications. That is a far cry from the roughly one-third of twenty years ago. For comparison, government spending on Facebook/ Instagram ads alone accounted for almost double what is spent on all print advertising combined. And the spending on Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok combined was greater than all print expenditures.

Today, digital advertising accounts for more than 50 per cent of all federal ad spending. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, which is suing Google, the company “pockets on average more than 30 per cent of the advertising dollars that flow through its digital advertising technology products.”

Social media companies operating in Canada do not employ journalists and they are shielded from liability by Section 230 of Title 47 of the United States Code. They enjoy all the benefits of being a publisher without any of the obligations.

Digital search and social giants have contributed greatly to connecting people, businesses, and communities. Yet, there

have been unintended consequences. While they provide the essential plumbing of our digital age, they have not figured out a way to separate the clean drinking water (e.g., fact-based news and information) from the sewage (e.g., fake news).

Trusted news sources provide an important filter that helps Canadians make informed choices. Real journalism, which is based on editorial judgment and rigorous fact-checking, costs real money, which comes from advertising and/or subscription revenue. Canadian news publishers employ real journalists, who adhere to strict editorial standards, and publishers can be held liable for their content. Yet, federal advertising dollars that once helped fund our newsrooms have shifted largely to Big Tech companies that benefit from our content.

The federal government has recognized that the business of journalism is in trouble. It has taken steps to fill news deserts and areas of news poverty through the Local Journalism Initiative. It has also introduced Bill C-18, the Online News Act, which will allow publishers to come together to negoti-

ate fair content licensing agreements with web giants and level the digital playing field.

One of the most powerful tools in any government’s policy toolkit is procurement. Procurement can help governments advance socio economic policy objectives, including job creation, and deliver better outcomes. Indeed, the federal government’s Policy on Social Procurement facilitates and supports the inclusion of socio-economic measures in procurement to support the goal of achieving best value for the Crown and, in turn, for Canadians.

Isn’t it time for the federal government to align its advertising spending with its public policy goal of supporting accountable and trusted sources of information? Isn’t it time to support the home team and keep advertising dollars, which support factbased, fact-checked civic journalism, in Canada? The consequences of inaction are more misinformation and disinformation, a less informed and engaged citizenry, less robust public discourse, and a loss of community.

DYER: Gradually making our way out into space

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big payloads to most parts of the solar system. It is the game-changer: once this technology is fully operational, we are out for good. And what Elon Musk is doing now could have been done 40 years ago.

There’s no ground-breaking technology in Starship that wasn’t there or almost there by 1983, except some aspects of computing power. People just got distracted by wars and

MOVERS: Funding the transition

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The fundraiser is a 19+ country western dance from 7-11:30 p..m. on May 6 at Pine Valley Chalet, 1600 River Rd. E. in Kitchener. It will include line dancing lessons, appetizers and refreshments, a photo station, and a silent auction with a wide range of items up for bid. Tickets bought before May 1 are $49.95 and after that will cost $54.95. Beyond financial

support Shelter Movers is always looking for more volunteers, Waterfall said.

“We have a number of volunteer positions, both frontline movers and drivers that are actually out on the move helping you, and our administrative volunteers that are doing the behind-the-scenes work of raising money and marketing and communications, volunteer services and coordinating the moves,” she explained.

other crises in the 1970s, and the whole enterprise of space got shunted onto a siding. That could happen again.

The enthusiasm is back now, but even in this era Musk is the only person with the drive, the imagination and the resources to build something like Starship. Neither the man nor the era will last forever, and it could all slip away again if the foundations of a spacebased economy (which requires Starship) have

not been laid by the time one or the other is gone. Musk suffers from random enthusiasms (like Twitter) that leave him exposed to financial disaster. Some foolish war could draw in the great powers and turn everybody’s attention elsewhere. Some sudden lurch in the climate could leave us all struggling. But if none of those things go wrong, we will be a genuinely space-faring species in ten years. Fifteen, at the outside.

ↆ Paul Deegan is president and chief executive officer of News Media Canada

Sports

Finding an answer to “Are turkeys smart?”

Iam writing this on the eve of our wild turkey season in response to a question that we turkey hunters are frequently asked. That question is, “Are wild turkeys as smart as hunters say they are?”

This is a complicated question.

I mean characterizing all wild turkeys as stupid is unfair to the ones who don’t wear MAGA hats.

On the other hand, not all wild turkeys are geniuses either.

In my experience, there are two kinds of wild turkeys – the smart bird, the crafty old bird, and the incredibly stupid bird. Each of them is better at math than me.

How you characterize a wild turkey often depends on the bird, and more particularly on the outcome of your encounter with that bird.

For instance, any wild turkey that makes a fool of a hunter is immediately labelled “a smart bird.”

If that bird, catches you moving, sniffling, or looking the other way, or just stands behind a tree for the whole time it is in gun range, it is considered to be “smart” and perhaps even unhuntable.

GALEA 12

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News that hits home. Local people in action.

Sports tips are always welcome.

Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com

Team Scores: observerxtra.com/scores

Titans on home court On track at GRR

There’s basketball action aplenty this weekend as the KW Titans play a pair of home games. On Saturday, they welcome the Sudbury Five to The Aud for a 7 p.m. match. The following afternoon at 2 p.m., the London Lightning roll into town. www.kwtitans.com

Elmira’s Brady Martin taken third overall in OHL draft

Both Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds’ GM and current coach have plenty of praise for the 16-year-old center

Bill Atwood Observer Staff

WHEN HE WAS SELECTED THIRD overall last Friday by the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the OHL priority selection draft, Elmira native Brady Martin made history as the second highest-ever pick from Waterloo Region.

“I knew kind of where I was going a week before the draft, so it was not really a surprise. I think the top four were the right picks for the people [projected] in the draft,” Martin said.

“I was really excited. I knew they have a great organization, and the coach is really good, I’ve heard. The fan base

is really amazing down there, so I’m really excited to head down for the training camp,” he added.

The 16-year-old center is coming off a very successful season with the Waterloo Wolves U16 AAA team. After finishing with 42 points in 27 games in the 2021-22 season, he increased his point total to

The Grand River Raceway, with support from Ontario Racing, announced this week it will construct a 5⁄8-mile track, expanding the current half-mile oval. Work will begin mid-August and is to be completed by the end of April 2024. This season’s racing resumes June 2 as the raceway celebrates 20 years in Elora.

It’s a busy time in the crokinole game

Leah Gerber Observer Staff

WHILE MANY WERE WATCHING THE Toronto Maple Leafs playing the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night, there was another group of people gathered in the basement of the St. Jacobs Mennonite Church, quietly playing crokinole.

All throughout the basement, groups of four were huddled around the boards, concentrating, aiming and taking their shots.

Jeremy Tracey, a crokinole board maker and tournament organizer, says there is lots happening in the crokinole world right now. Seven players from Ontario are preparing to go to the US Open tournament in New York this weekend, most of them local to the area.

As well, May 6, the Ontario Singles Crokinole Championships and finale of the National Crokinole Association season will be taking place in Elmira at Gale Presbyterian Church.

Down the road in Tavistock, the World Crokinole Championships will be happening in June for the first time since 2019.

Tracey is amped that crokinole is picking up in popularity.

“The Elmira tournament in January replaced one that used to be in Hamilton, and it had about double the attendance that we used to see at that event,” he said, adding that a new event held in February in Chatham was sold out.

“London’s tournament

in March had approximately 40 per cent higher attendance than normal.

At this point, our sign-ups for May’s Ontario Singles Championship is 20 per cent higher than usual, and I believe we will still see more registrations come in.

One of Tracey’s biggest challenges right now is finding enough space to house tournaments. The players need enough space for all the crokinole boards, but they also need to keep costs down so that the entry fee for tournaments is low and that the prize money is somewhat substantial and worth winning.

His other problem is figuring out how to expand the game so that there can be quality tournaments in the southern United States to enable people to compete. The game has grown in popularity down there, enough so that people want to start playing in their own tournaments, but not enough yet to ensure the competition is at the same level as the more northern tournaments, he says.

In Tracey’s eyes, these are good problems to have.

Nathan Walsh is a competitive player and member of the St. Jacobs Crokinole Club. He’ll be travelling to New York this weekend to play in the open tournament.

“I always liked it as a kid, because when I was like 11-years-old, I played tons of sports. But even if you’re really good as a kid, you can never actually be the best at hockey, or

Brady Martin was picked third in the OHL draft by the Soo Greyhounds. Submitted

Elmira man to take on challengers in simultaneous chess games

Bill Atwood Observer Staff

EDSS WILL BE THE

SCENE of skill and critical thinking as Elmira’s resident chess expert, Scott Kuehl, will take on students and teachers over their lunch hour on May 6 in simultaneous play. The event will see Kuehl take on several opponents at once in multiple games.

According to Kuehl, there are two types of simultaneous play; the first is where one player physically walks around and makes moves at each game, the second is called “blindfold chess,” where the player doesn’t actually see the boards and they make every move from memory.

“Only so many people actually can do that,”

Kuehl explained of the latter form, noting the record number of blindfolds simultaneously is 75.

“Seventy-five opponents, at the same time, remembering all those positions on every board just in his mind. Person-

ally, I think he’s crazy. I can’t do that. I know I can’t do that, but a simultaneous, that I should be able to do because the board is right there in front of me,” he said.

Kuehl first got introduced to the game by his dad and grandfather when he was a kid.

“I was basically a nerd at school. We actually did have a travel chess team, and the three or four of us would travel to various other schools that also had a team and you play. I don’t know if such a thing even exists anymore,”

Over time, he became quite skilled at the game.

“I was the one that usually would win. If everybody else would lose, I would still win. It’s basically the only time I ever got to shine in the limelight.”

Kuehl is using the upcoming event to promote chess in southwestern Ontario. He’s been a booster of the game for years.

“Even though chess is starting to open up in Ontario, there still isn’t

GALEA: Displaying your smarts

You can see a lot of these at birdfeeders in most small towns.

If that same bird, however, were to hear your call and immediately run off towards safety, then it is an “incredibly stupid” bird. To a non-hunter, this might seem counterintuitive. In fact, most people would probably think that the bird was smart or even crafty to hear an artificial call and run away. But we turkey hunters know that what we’ve encountered is a bird that is actually so incredibly stupid that it didn’t understand how good our calling was.

These incredibly stupid birds are the ones most non-hunters see close up all the time.

Generally speaking, a crafty old bird is what we hunters prefer. That’s because they are the only kind a hunter harvests. If you doubt that, just ask any successful wild turkey hunter to retell the story of his or her epic hunt –provided you have an hour or so to spare.

He will immediately describe a bird that would have made Stephen Hawking look like a C-plus student – one that only the most skilled of hunters could outwit. I’m talking about a crafty old bird that understands his guzintas.

As in, five guzinta 10 twice and so forth. The kind of student the teacher brings an apple to.

If the story is to be believed, outsmarting this turkey requires an advanced degree in ornithology. I mean, we are talking about a bird that reads Dostoevsky while on the roost. Hunting this bird and winning is akin to playing chess with a grandmaster. You must think three moves ahead.

Sure, the hunter who bags this bird will conveniently forget to mention that it fell in love with his rubber turkey decoy. Or that it was seen the day before pecking at its own reflection.

Instead, the hunter will suggest that the turkey “knew something was wrong” but the set up and calling were too good for it to resist. He or she will then detail all the things they did flawlessly, including waking up at just the right time. They will also take credit for calling just the right amount and knowing exactly when to move. (When your legs cramp up.)

And, in the end, they will proudly tell you they are smarter than a bird. Ninety per cent of the time that’s true. As for the other 20 per cent? Well, that’s debatable.

very much in southern Ontario. There’s an event this year in Port Elgin, one in Collingwood, other than that [there is] the odd

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more than two a game this year with 56 in 23 regular season games and 29 in 11 playoff games. He was also the Wolves’ captain this season and took home a gold medal with team Ontario at the Canada Games.

“There was some growth in the game and he’s been given some more positive responsibility, both in the dressing room and on the ice. His work ethic in the offseason is great, and how he works in practice throughout the year is incredible,” said Wolves coach Tyler Ertel.

Ertel knew Martin, a 5’11”, 170-pound righthanded shooter, would be a high pick before the season even started.

“He’s been special for a while, so, yeah, no surprise. I did not expect him to be in the running for number-one overall and he was just a hair away from being selected number-one overall, which is amazing,” he said.

This season helped prepare him for the OHL, Martin said.

“You always gotta show up, and in the OHL you’ve got to show up even more, because there’s a lot of talent in the OHL and you don’t show up and you’re gonna be walked over and

on their radar all year, and the team became worried that he might not be available when their turn to pick came up.

“Just because of how good a second half he had. It was such a performance in that second half and the playoffs and everything that you can just kind of see him taking off in the rankings. You’re just never sure how the draft is going to play out, so we’re really excited.”

Rafts said Martin is the complete package of

kids are becoming better at a young age than when he was a child, Kuel said.

“Nowadays, you’ve got kids that are being tutored and are not just good but very good at the game. It’s so much younger in age, with the internet and being able to get a hold of tutors and stuff like that. I wasn’t capable of that when I was that age, because, of course, the internet didn’t exist,” he added.

In 2021, American Abhimanyu Mishra became the youngest ever grandmaster (the highest title for a chess player) at just 12 years, 4 months and 25 days old, beating the previous record set in 2002 by Sergey Karjakin, who was 12 years and 7 months old.

In his efforts to grow the game, Kuehl will be hosting his third Horse and Buggy Chess Open at the Woolwich Memorial Centre on August 12 and 13. Any player that defeats him during the May event will receive free entry into the summer tournament.

“You don’t want to put pressure on a player…our expectation is he’s going to come in and make an impact on our team next year, whether that’s right out of September or it takes until October or whatever it’s going to be.

I don’t think he’s the type of player that’s going to sit back and try and just quietly get himself on the

Playing with 20 year olds will be a different experience, Martin acknowledged.

“I think if I’m surrounded by players, that’s a good atmosphere for it. I can make a difference in a hockey game but I still have to work my tail off and do what I can, keep going like in the last couple of years.”

where they needed to be.

“Just a kid that wants the puck on his stick in big moments, and I think getting to know him and his family a little bit better off the ice, you get a real sense of just how bad this guy wants to be a player,” Raftis added.

The GM has an expectation that he will make an impact for the Soo next season with the plan the team has in place for him, however he also acknowledges there will be an adjustment period.

If Martin continues on the current trajectory, Ertel would not be surprised to see Martin as first-round NHL draft pick in two years, and later donning the maple leaf at the world juniors.

“This kid is a very, very special human being and a very special player. We’re all very blessed to have him come from this community and especially more of a smaller town farm boy – this is quite an amazing story. I can’t say enough good things about him,” Ertel said.

A long-time chess enthusiast, Scott Kuehl will take on multiple challengers at EDSS on May 6. Bill Atwood

tournament in Kitchener, that are running regular

OHL: Martin will have more than a few adjustments to make in the Soo

Current coach says he knew Brady Martin would be a high pick at this year’s draft. Submitted

CROKINOLE: Contingent heading to US tournament

→ FROM 11

basketball or volleyball, you’d always have to wait to get older. But I knew with crokinole, right away, as soon as I started playing it when I was 11, I knew that immediately, I could theoretically be the best player in the world. So I was kind of attracted to that idea of a competition that was super

accessible right from the beginning.”

Reid Tracey, Jeremy Tracey’s son, will also be participating in the New York tournament. He says he is excited to play with new people, and that this is his first stateside tournament.

“It’s awesome that anybody, kid, man, woman, child can partic-

ipate in this game,” said Paul Brubacher, another member of the club who’ll also be going to the tournament in New York.

“It’s very manageable for anybody to put in some time and become decently skilled at the game. They could have a pretty competitive game, even with a top player,” said Walsh.

Top, Bob Jones, Leroy Shantz, Howard Martin and Josh Carrafiello play a game of crokinole together. Leroy Shantz lines up his shot. Nathan Walsh feels good about his game. Jeremy Tracey concentrates on his shot. Leah Gerber

The St. Jacobs Crokinole Club was founded in the 1955. Current members include Ron Langill, Reid Tracey, Paul Brubacher, Jeremy Tracey, Roy Campbell, Andrew Klein, Nathan Walsh, Leroy Shantz, Bob Jones, Howard Martin, Josh Carrafiello. Leah Gerber

Rural Connections

A harvest of local farming innovation.

Connect to the land.

Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 103

Tips: observerxtra.com/tips

Our grocers’ demographic party may be ending

If your job is to feed people, the coming population implosion presents a challenge presents a challenge.

Canada’s population grew by more than one million for the first time in its history in 2022. The population in Prince Edward Island grew the most, with a jump of 4.3 per cent in only one year, followed by Alberta at 3.7 per cent, and Nova Scotia in third place with a jump of 3.5 per cent. Canada’s population could reach 40 million by June of this year. As of last fall, the world’s population has already reached eight billion.

Demographic growth will help grocers and the rest of the food supply chain, with food expenditures increasing by $3.6 billion. This is because there are over one million more mouths to feed and the consumer needs to spend an average of $3,500 to eat this year. Good news for the industry, but the party won’t last.

For the longest time, demographic experts have been concerned about the planet’s overpopulation. Most of them are now more concerned about a declining population. Some are even talking about a demographic implosion, suggesting that the Earth will never reach nine billion inhabitants. In fact, some experts predict that the earth’s population could start declining in less than 20 years. Canada’s population could peak within that time frame as well. If your job is to feed people, this type of decline

In most areas of the world, including Canada, people are having fewer children. About 75 per cent of the world has a birth rate below replacement levels. Canada is relying heavily on immigration to support its demographic ambitions, but we will reach a point when that option is no longer there, either. Immigration rules are being tightened across the Western World. The recent closure of Roxham Road in Quebec is one of many examples.

Despite generous social programs to support families, many expect birth or replacement rates to continue declining. There isn’t any dominant factor to explain this trend. Citizens everywhere are just having fewer children for numerous reasons.

What’s more, the demographic gap between the young and the not-soyoung is growing. The number of people between the ages of 25 and 64 –those who significantly contribute to our economy – will continue to shrink.

Therefore, the size of our population won’t be the main challenge for our food industry. The age of the population, however, should be the focus. The food industry needs to embrace the massive social change that is about to hit the world.

Not having children is not necessarily a problem,

→ CHARLEBOIS 15

FCC AgriSpirit Fund AgEx coming to Guelph

Farm Credit Canada is now accepting applications from registered charities, non-profit organizations and First Nations, Métis or Inuit governments/communities in rural Canada for the FCC AgriSpirit Fund, which will award $1.5 million in funding this year. The application deadline is May 15. www.fccagrispiritfund.ca.

Unintended

Farm Management Canada’s flagship Agricultural Excellence Conference (AgEx) is taking place this year from Nov. 21-23 in the agriculture hub of eastern Canada, Guelph. The Conference focuses on building the business acumen of Canada’s farmers. www.AgExcellenceConference.ca

of new federal housing tax

Canada is in the midst of a housing crisis and different levels of government are introducing various measures to try to ease the pressure. For the federal government, one of those measures is the Underused Housing Tax Act that became law last year.

It is a one percent tax on the value of vacant or underused housing, and the new federal legislation requires that individuals who aren’t Canadian citizens or permanent residents, as well as private corporations and partnerships – which includes farms – who own residential housing to file an Underused Housing Tax return even if they don’t

have to pay any tax. The legislation was designed to address urban homes, condominiums and apartments that have been purchased for investment purposes, often by foreign buyers, and are now unused or not used to their full extent. Farmers don’t play a meaningful role in Canada’s rental housing market, but they’re now forced to deal with the unintended consequences of these new rules.

That’s because many farmers do in fact own more than one residence, but not because they’re keen to be landlords or residential investors. Rather, their interest lies in the land, and they’ve

bought additional farmland over the years to expand their business or, for example, make it possible for a son or daughter to become part of the farm.

Much of that farmland often includes a farmhouse and as those older, smaller farms are absorbed into larger ones, farmers inadvertently become the owners of multiple residences. And regardless of whether those homes are subject to the new tax or not, the new legislation requires that farmers must now file a return under the Underused Housing Tax Act.

a farm corporation owns, and if that return isn’t filed, the penalties are substantial – up to $10,000 or more.

As farmers, we are in the business of farming, not real estate, and although most of us are exempt from paying the actual tax, many may still be unaware of the new legislation, its requirements, and its penalties. The paperwork is onerous and time consuming, and the information available on government websites is not terribly detailed or easy to understand.

That’s why the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), along with the Canadian Federation of

A separate return has to be filed every year by April 30 for each property → OFA 15

Some farmers are getting caught up in policy aimed at investors in the residential housing market.

OFA: Farmers looking for action from feds

Agriculture and other farm organizations, has been actively advocating for the federal government to exempt farmers from having to file an Underused Housing Tax return.

We’ve been raising awareness and meeting with elected officials and government staff to explain the issue of multiple dwellings in rural areas when farmers buy farmland, and the unintended consequences this legislation now has for the farming community.

Late last month, the federal government announced it is delaying any fees or penalties until October 31, giving affected property owners an extra six months to file their first return under the new act. Although this is a welcome reprieve to give us more time to make sense of the legislation, it doesn’t address the greater long-term impact and burden it places on farm businesses.

Farmers are caught in the middle of governments trying to find housing solutions and the unique realities of farm businesses who unintentionally find themselves with multiple dwellings through the purchase of additional farmland.

OFA and our partner organizations will continue to advocate strongly for a filing exemption for farmers, but while we do, we encourage all farmers to make sure they file their Underused Housing Tax return in order to avoid the substantial penalties, and to contact their accountants with any questions.

CHARLEBOIS: Changes in the market

but not planning for it certainly is. In the Western world, childlessness is slowly becoming a social norm which few governments have considered or accepted, at least not publicly. We need to accept that fewer people will have children. To respond to this, policies will have to support a reversed demographic pyramid, with fewer working adults, while supporting more seniors.

Pets are the new children. There are over 16 million pet cats and dogs in Canada. Since the start of the pandemic, the number of pet owners has increased by at least 15 per cent, according to some reports.

Pets are less costly and are arguably less life-changing than children. The commitment is simply different in many ways. For the food industry, that is certainly an area of tremendous growth to consider. With fewer children will come a greater number of pets.

The food industry will need to come to terms with a declining market and fewer physically abled workers. With fewer stomachs to fill, not having enough farmland should be less of a concern. Since 40 per cent of the Canadian population lives in the major cities of Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary, we need to figure out a way to re-purpose our

rural areas.

In processing, distribution, and retail, we see the same challenges. With both a shrinking and aging market, health and convenience will likely drive sales even more in years to come. We have seen nothing yet. And as for shrinkflation, since older people tend to eat less, this annoying trend of seeing smaller quantities with higher prices is far from over. The food industry will continue its quest to increase sales with less volume. Pre-cut, pre-prepared, pre-cooked, pre-this, pre-that, will be the main way to maintain sales levels.

So, if you think we’re not going to have enough food for everyone, think again. The world will continue to produce enough food with better precision agriculture, more sustainable practices, automation, the use of artificial intelligence, and sound distribution practices, which will improve over time.

The food industry is only one problem. Real estate, pension funds, health care, social programs, government debt – all of these aspects will need to be modified because there will soon be fewer people. And the planning needs to start now.

ↆ Crispin Colvin, vice president, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

ↆ Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University.

Woolwich gravel tender Day of Mourning

Leading the way.

Shining a light on local enterprise, stoking the economic engines.

Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com

New Business: observerxtra.com/enterprise

Twenty years later, Japan fully accepts Canadian beef

Japan is an excellent market for Canadian food exports – sophisticated, well-heeled and discerning. It’s Canada’s third-largest market for agriculture and food overall, and the second largest for beef.

But things went south for Canadian beef some 20 years ago, when a single animal in an Alberta cattle herd was diagnosed with BSE.

Japan, along with many other countries, closed to Canadian beef. It was a dramatic move, but Canada would have done the same thing if the disease had been found in their country.

There didn’t seem to be any middle ground or compromise. A lot of water needed to pass under the bridge, a lot of proof needed to be gathered to show Canada had managed the problem, and to Japan, a lot of time had to pass before Canada could be fully trusted again.

How much is a lot?

Well, in this case, it was 20 years.

Late last month, Japan removed the final restrictions on imported Canadian beef. That move followed several other milestones through the years in which limited access was granted. The biggest concession

occurred in 2019, when Canada was approved for market access for beef from cattle older than 30 months of age.

By that time, exports to Japan had long resumed and climbed to about $200 million. But after 2019, largely due to Canada’s preferential access under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, exports skyrocketed. By last year, the Japanese market for Canadian beef and beef products topped $500 million.

Canada’s beef exporters are among the country’s best at developing markets. And this one means a great deal, practically and image-wise. Japan has stringent standards, after some food safety missteps of its own resulted in deaths there. Access to the Japanese market is a nod that an exporter runs a tight ship.

It’s definitely a win for the Canadian government too, which took a lead role in the negotiations to get full access. Under the new Indo-Pacific Strategy, Ottawa committed to develop-

→ ROBERTS 20

Keep on truckin’ this summer

There are more than a few challenges, but food truck operators find plenty of satisfaction in what they do

Bill Atwood

Observer Staff WITH FOOD TRUCK SEASON COMING back into full swing, three operators are shining a light on what it takes to run such a business and the differences between it and having a stationary restaurant.

“It’s very much a scientific process,” said Alex Fegaras, owner of FunnelCloud, which specializes in funnel cakes.

Fegaras has been in the restaurant industry for

20 years. This is his third season operating FunnleCloud, after previously owning an Italian food truck. The biggest difference is the ability to go to a different scene each day, he said.

“As a restaurant chef, you’re going to the same location in the same four walls every day – it gets a little mundane. Whereas in a food truck, you have the opportunity to open up in a brand new spot every day of the week,” Fegaras said.

There is also a lot more behind the scenes work

than with a stationary restaurant, Fegaras explained.

“So, for me to go and set up somewhere in Kitchener, I need to get a special events permit. So every time I go somewhere where it’s a festival, I have paperwork to fill out from regional jurisdictions, health, fire licensing; I’d say probably 40 per cent of a food truck operator’s time is designated to administration and accounting.”

While festivals are a big part of what food trucks do, there is also a lot of prep work that goes into planning for the day, said Christian Giffin, owner of Hometown Hot Dogs,

which he started with his wife and son in 2021.

“For the week before, I’m setting up my orders, I am estimating what kind of volume we’re going to have. And based on that estimate, I order X amount of bread, X amount of meat, X amount of toppings. All these things have to be considered. You need to make sure your payment systems are working and make sure you have enough cash,” he said. Depending on the event, truck owners may change their menus to fit the crowds they’re expecting. For larger events with several thousand people, → FOOD TRUCKS 28

The Elmira District Community Living is recruiting board members who will bring leadership and strategic governance to a non-profit organization supporting people with intellectual disabilities.

Woolwich council this week awarded the tender for gravel work to Joe Kerr Ltd. at a tender cost of $17.20 per tonne. The township plans to spend $314,000 this year to replace gravel on Wittick Rd., Seiling Rd., Noah Rd., Yatton Sideroad, Ritter Rd., Cedar Springs Rd., Upper Woolwich Pl., Jesse Pl., Sheep Ln. and Brohman Rd.

The Waterloo Regional Labour Council (WRLC) will host its annual Day of Mourning ceremony on Friday at 11 a.m. at the workers’ monument in Victoria Park, Kitchener. This year, Canada’s unions are marking the Day of Mourning by encouraging and empowering workers to know their rights at work.

OWEN ROBERTS Food For Thought

Kevin Thomas of Big Jerk Smokehouse, Christian Giffin of Hometown Hot Dogs, and Alex Fegaras of FunnelCloud. Bill Atwood

Arts

Gross stars in King Lear Andy Shauf at CITS

After making his Stratford Festival debut as the Prince of Denmark more than 20 years ago, Paul Gross returns as the King of England, playing the title role in King Lear. The production began previews this week. www.stratfordfestival.ca

Touring his new album, Norm, Andy Shauf makes a stop May 4 at Kitchener’s Centre In The Square. Hailed as “a gifted storyteller” by NPR Music for 2016’s The Party and 2020’s The Neon Skyline, Shauf writes music akin to short fiction, full of colourful characters, fine details and a rich emotional depth. www.centreinthesquare.com

Going to The Prom becomes more inclusive

Real-life issues the inspiration for the latest Drayton Entertainment production at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse

Leah Gerber

Observer Staff

DRAYTON ENTERTAIN-

MENT HAS A NEW musical coming to you. This one’s called The Prom.

The story is about four New York-based Broadway stars who decided they need to revamp their image and gain more attention. To that end, they find a cause to support ... with the added advantage of putting themselves in the spotlight.

They find a small town in Indiana where a girl is barred from bringing her girlfriend to the local prom. The Broadway stars head to the conservative town of Edgewater, where they support the cause for all the wrong reasons.

Inspired by a true story, the concept for The Prom was developed by Broadway producer Jack Viertel after seeing news reports about gay students not being allowed to attend their proms.

“It reminds people that the best way to help yourself is to help others. That’s a really big theme. And another big theme of the show is that life is not a dress rehearsal – you know that we only have one shot at this thing and so be the best version of yourself that you can be now. Don’t wait until tomorrow, because tomorrow’s not guaranteed,”

said David Connolly, the director and choreographer.

The Prom opened on Broadway in 2018, said Connolly, and won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical. It was created by the same people behind The Book of Mormon, the Drowsy Chaperone and Aladdin,

Better Hearing Month Event

and was made into a Netflix movie in 2020.

“Only twice in my life have I left a show and gone to the box office to buy tickets to the next show, and that’s what happened to me at The Prom. I was so blown away by its heart and its message that I just had to see it again as soon as possible, so I left

the matinee, and bought tickets for that night,” Connolly said.

Connolly says his favourite part of directing a play comes after the performance. He loves to watch people leave the play, make their way to the exits and head to their cars in the parking lot.

“The best part of those

show, for me, is to stand in the parking lot after and see patrons leave singing and dancing and laughing and talking about, ‘Oh remember when she did this and when they did that?’ and I just know that’s going to continue in the car ride home. They’re going to talk about it the next day at work and

forget just for a moment, for as long as they choose to, kind of forget the worries that they walked into the theatre with.”

Rehearsals for The Prom start today (April 27) but Connolly says rehearsals and then the resulting performance is only the tip of the iceberg that is Drayton Entertainment:  a lot more goes on, with many people behind the scenes, before rehearsals even start, he says.

“So, really, the first day of rehearsals is the last chapter of a very long, a very robust blueprint of items that need to be accomplished before they get there. And then we have a relatively short amount of time to get the cast, who I consider to be kind of be the last runner in a relay.

“We give the baton to them and you’re like, ‘here’s all the information now take all of the labour and creativity and passion that all of these other people have put into the production and take it across the finish line.’”

The Drayton Entertainment production of The Prom will be on stage at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from May 17 to June 11. Tickets are $55, available through the Drayton Entertainment box office at  519-747-7788 or online at www.draytonentertainment.com.

David Connolly is the director and choreographer of The Prom, which opens May 17 in St. Jacobs. Submitted

Classifieds

Work Wanted

45 YEAR OLD MALE LOOKING FOR WORK. Have drivers licence and car. Call Rob at 519-664-2161.

WINDOWS WASHED?

YARD CLEANED UP?

Sidewalks , Decks, Siding Pressure Washed? Call or text Gary 519-577-1750.

For Sale

BEDROOM FURNITURE - 5 LARGE pieces, no bed. $500 for set. Call 519-669-8997 or leave message.

LAWN FERTILIZER AND LAWN SEEDCall George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

Hay & Straw

WHEAT STRAW FOR SALE. 4 X 5 ROUND bales, feed grade, stored inside. Call or text Kevin at 519-616-4985.

Farm Services

BAGGED PINE SHAVINGS AGRICULTURAL Spray Lime, 22.5kg. bag; feed grade lime, 25kg. Delivered. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

KILN DRIED CORN DELIVERED BY Einwechter. Minimum 15 ton lots. Call George Haffner Trucking 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

Seven days. One paper.

A bestseller every week.

Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 104

Email: ads@woolwichobserver.com

Job Listings: jobs.observerxtra.com

Advertising Placing a classified ad

Please call or email for display advertising quotes for Help Wanted, Auctions, Real Estate, Public Notices, Service Pro Directory and Obituaries.

Family Album Notices: Order and pay for family announcement notices online at: observerxtra.com/order-family-album

All classified advertising is prepaid. Ads will be accepted in person, email, or phone during regular office hours. Deadline is Wednesdays by 10am. Order and pay online at: observerxtra.com/classifieds

Residential: $9 per 20 words (20¢ per extra word)

Commercial: $15 per 20 words (30¢ per extra word)

Help Wanted Help Wanted Wanted

STILL BUYING ALL ANTIQUES, COINS, jewellery, wrist and pocket watches, Omega, Rolex, Tudor etc. Fair, honest prices. Over 40 years in business. gallamore@golden.net or call Terry at Elmira 519-242-6900.

WE BUY COLLECTIBLES, COINS, CHINA, antiques, partial and full estates, old pocket watches, tin toys, and anything interesting. Call Joe 519-889-0178.

Trades & Services

LAWN SEEDING AND OVER SEEDING. 519-503-5641.

Coming Events

KARATE! IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL CLASSES AVAILABLE SCHWEITZER'S MARTIAL ARTS

Self-defense, Self-discipline, Self-confidence GROUP CLASSES FOR AGES

4 TO ADULT Taught by Renshi Becky Schweitzer, 4th Degree Black Belt and 12X

World Karate Champion Location St. Peters Lutheran Church - 2925 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ONLY $85+HST FOR

8 WEEKS Uniform extra Special ends May 1. Regular price $105+HST Call 519-580-1418 or e-mail becky_ schweitzer@hotmail. com www.schweitzers martialarts.com

Coming Events

BEST FRIENDS OF BIG SISTER LADIES CARD party May 17 from 12 noon until 4 p.m. Polish Legion, 601 Wellington St. N., Kitchener. Cost $25 includes draws, prizes and light lunch. Information contact Diane 648-2432 or dstrickler@continuum. org

Garage Sales

GARAGE SALE. DOWNSIZING SALE. Fri. May 5, 9-4; Sat. May 6, 802. Misc. household, dishes, bedding, decor. 385 Florapine Rd., Floradale.

PART TIME

RECEPTIONIST

required for busy medical office in Woolwich Township.

The successful candidate will have excellent people skills, be able to work well with others, and be flexible to cover vacation, sick days etc.

Please submit your resumé to: elmiramedicalclinic@gmail.com

Help Wanted

We’re Hiring!

Do you love wireless technology? We do. Are you passionate about supporting global wireless communications? We are.

We are Trylon. Trylon has been supplying innovative, cell site steel infrastructure, as well as site acquisition, engineering services, installation and technical services for wireless networks since the introduction of cellular technology in the early 1980s. As technology has evolved, we’ve continued to facilitate its expansion and accessibility, more recently with internet broadband, LTE and small-cell installations.

Sound interesting? How would you like to join our team?

Full-time seasonal

required for fast-paced office. Strong keyboarding, organizational skills, attention to detail along with customer service.

Please forward resumes to marty@freyshatchery.com

Help Wanted

Millbank Family Furniture has a position available for a full time Sales Representative

The candidate must have good customer service skills, be detail oriented & have marketing knowledge. Previous knowledge in interior design/decorating would be an asset. Apply with resume at: Millbank Family Furniture Ltd. 4044 Line 72, Millbank , On. N0K 1L0 Fax: 519-595-7107 or email: joe@millbankfamilyfurniture.ca Only suitable candidates will be interviewed.

We currently have a need for GMAW and FCAW certified Finish Welders at our Elmira, ON manufacturing facility. You have:

•Experience as hardwire/fluxcore welder (ideally hold a CWB certification)

•Experience using a variety of welding equipment and procedures

•Experience in using electrical or manual tools (saws, squares, calipers etc.)

•Ability to read and interpret technical documents and drawings

•Knowledge of welding and manufacturing best practices, safety standards and willingness to use protective clothing (face-shield, gloves etc.)

•Professional Certification GMAW, and FCAW is required (those without certification may be considered and will be certified as a condition of employment)

•Previous experience working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment is an asset

You should be within commuting distance to Elmira, ON or willing to relocate at your own expense and must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Trylon is a 3 shift operation (Sunday night through Friday afternoon) and you will need to be available to work any of the 3 shifts (days, afternoons and nights – non-rotating) and overtime as needed. Check us out at www.Trylon.com. Send your resume to careers@trylon.com.

Benefits: start after the completion of the probation period; includes drug, dental, health care, STD and life insurance.

Salary: start at $24.33 per hour (uncertified), CWB Certified welders start at $26.91. Increase after 6 months to $29.44. Progression to Fitter Welder is available with higher pay rates. Trylon TSF Inc. is dedicated to diversity, inclusion and accessibility in the workplace. Please reach out to our recruitment team to discuss any accommodation needs that you may require during the hiring process.

LIVE AUCTION SALE

Of

JD compact tractor, Kubota zero turn mower, lawn & garden equipment, household goods, and miscellaneous items, to be held at 205 Sandy Hills Drive, Woolwich Twp. (5 miles north of Elmira on Arthur St. then East on Sandy Hills Drive), for Allan and Dorothy Frey, on WEDNESDAY, MAY 10TH @ 4:00 P.M.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS: JD 655 diesel tractor, with 51 loader, bucket, 50in. mower deck, 4wd, hydrostatic, 3ph, pto, front weights, tire chains, 3400 hours. Kubota ZD21 zero turn mower, diesel, heavy 60” deck with hydraulic lift (pto driven), 1885 hours. 6 X 10ft. steel tandem trailer with ramps. Troy Bilt “Horse” rear tine tiller with 8hp Kohler engine. Land Pride 42in. 3ph tiller. 4ft. pull type lawn roller (30in. diameter). Agri-Fab 42in. lawn sweeper with attached 36in. thatcher. Pull type fertilizer spreader. 6ft. 3ph chain harrow. Yard machines push mower. Meteor 50in. 3ph snow blower. 4ft. garden type dump trailer with extensions. Stihl MS211 chain saw. Wheel barrow. Live traps. Kanuck Kanoes 15ft. fiberglass canoe. Pelican 6ft. Kayak. Hand & garden tools. Plastic barrels, plus a wagonload of related items.

HOUSEHOLD: Amana Fridge (freezer on bottom), 30” wide X 67” tall. Frigidaire 30in. stove. 2 chest freezers. Inglis washer (sud saver). Maytag Dryer. Single bed. Bedroom furniture. Wooden storage cupboard. 20 place setting of china (Illusions by Excel “Centre Stage”, plus the usual household goods.

ANTIQUES/COLLECTIBLES: Oak china cabinet. Large oak ext. table with 7 leaves (table is 60” wide). Dresser. Pieced quilts (1 double, balance queen). 3 Queen quilt tops. Double tied comforter, etc.

NOTE – Farm sold. See www.gerberauctions.net for photos. Proprietors and auctioneers not responsible for accidents day of auction.

TERMS – Cash, debit or cheque with I.D. 5% buyer’s premium.

SALE ORDER – wagonload, household, miscellaneous items. Lunch booth.

AUCTIONEERS:

Gerber Auctions Ltd.

519-699-4451

2827 Hutchison Rd., RR#1 Millbank (Crosshill)

Sell

the

All classified advertising is prepaid. Ads will be accepted in person, email, or phone during regular office hours. Deadline is Wednesdays by 10am. Order online at: observerxtra.com/classifieds

Residential: $9 per 20 words

(20¢ per extra word)

Commercial: $15 per 20 words

Please call or email Donna Rudy: 519-669-5790 ext 104 donna@woolwichobserver.com

LARGE 2-DAY AUCTION SALE

Friday May 5th and Saturday May 6th

For R.J. Construction Ltd and the Graber Brothers

Held at: 156681 15th Line RR#1 Lakeside ON N0M 2G0 | Starts at 9am Farm Equipment, Buggies, Household etc. on Friday May 5th, 2023

Construction Tools, Trailers, Hunting Supplies etc. on Saturday May 6th 2023

Terms: Cash or Cheque with Proper I.D. | Announcements made day of sale take precedence over any advertising. | Auctioneers & owners not responsible for any accidents or theft | Lunch Stand on Grounds | Auctioneers: Graber Brothers and Calvin Kuepfer | For questions call 519-349-293

Day 1 – Friday May 5th

FARM EQUIPMENT

Wooden Favorite thrashing machine, McCormick 7’ grain binder, McCormick 6’ grain binder with new knives and guards, 3 binder trucks, 2 Int. 13 run seed drills with grass seeder, Int. corn binder, JD 290

2-row corn planter, JD 3-row corn planter, 2 1-row corn scufflers, Int. #9 hay mower with 6’ bar, 2 Int. #7 hay mowers with 5 bars, I&J hay mower with 7’ bar (like new with extra set of knives), 2 New Holland 268 balers with motors, 5 Massey Harris side rakes, 3 bale stookers

2 50’ Allied bale elevators (with undercarriage), 2 50’ Forage King bale elevators (with undercarriage),

1 25’ bale elevator, 1 Master 9’ hay tedder (ground drive like new), 3 kicker hay tedders, 3 flat-rack wagons, JD grain wagon on rubber, 5 section diamond harrows,

3 Int. 6’ field cultivators, JD 8’ cultivator with Power lift, 8’ field cultivator, 8’ sprocket packer, 3 6’ one-way discs, 2 8’ 32-plate disc,

1 Pioneer fore-cart (heavy duty), 2 fore-carts on steel,

1-furrow Pioneer foot-lift plow (with KV bottom)

1-furrow Pioneer Sulky plow (with KV bottom)

New Idea manure spreader, Int. 4-wheeled manure spreader, gravity wagon on steel, JD ground drive L&M manure spreader, potato plow, multiple garden scufflers, harrow cart, Int. W6 tractor, pull- type lane grade

BUGGIES

Multiple top buggies, democrat, pony cart, quick-hitch jog cart with buggy wheels, 3 horse drawn cutters, Mascott pony cart, 4 Mascott tri-wheel lawn mower, Mascott pony lawn mower (brand new), Multiple reel push mowers, neck yokes, whipple-trees, horse harnesses and collars, small wagon Gear on rubber

MISCELLANEOUS

Large selection of T-posts (like new), chicken crates, 3 – goat milk stand, 2 6-goat stands, Marweld creep feeder for sheep (new), Roll over hoof-trimming crate for sheep, 2 small feed mixers, Champion oat roller, bale chopper with motor, selection of gates and panels, selection of sheep and goat feeders, 800-gal. ss milk tank, Toledo 500kg platform scale, F.W. water pump, belt lacers, sap supplies, 2 smaller sap pans, selection of steel wheels, new v-belts.

** Approximately 6 wagon loads of miscellaneous items too numerous to mention**

HOUSEHOLD

Sausage stuffers, Victoria strainers, weight-lifting set, beds, dressers, singer treadle sewing machine, 3 3-burner kerosene stoves, portable bake oven, small China cabinet.

Day 2 – Saturday May 6th

TRAILERS

20’ Steel car hauler with loading ramps and beavertail with electric winch,

18’ aluminum landscaping trailer with aluminum sides and tool box, with ramp ( like new),

12’ aluminum trailer excellent condition,

18’ enclosed aluminum tool trailer with ramp and side door with shelving inside 2 years old,

8’ enclosed aluminum cargo trailer 2 years old,

8’ steel landscaping trailers with ramps in excellent condition, Gooseneck Belore Silver star 4-horse aluminum slant load trailer with ramp, good condition, Bumper hitch 2-horse trailer

** All trailers have been safetied on a regular basis**

CONSTRUCTION TOOLS

Several sections of scaffolding with braces and wheels and aluminum platforms, Bakers scaffolding, Numerous aluminum extension ladders at various lengths, Aluminum and fibreglass step ladders, selection of aluminum sawhorses, aluminum ladder horns,

2 Tapco pro19 aluminum 10’ brakes with coil holder and cutters in excellent condition,

2 DeWalt sliding dual compound mitre saws with stand (1 electric only and 1 with battery or electric),

12” Rigid electric mitre saw with stand, DeWalt laser level and stand, Stihl concrete chain saw (like new),

Quantity of DeWalt battery drills, impacts, saws-all, skill saws.

Quantity of Max and Bostich air-roofing nailers.

Air hoses, shingle strippers, electric air compressors, roof jacks, Battery DeWalt, Metabo, Milkwaukee

Framing nailers, Battery DeWalt trim nailers. DeWalt battery tool, Battery caulking guns.

Selection of Makita battery drills & impacts. Milwaukee drills & impacts. 2 DeWalt SDS concrete drills. DeWalt jigsaw & plainer. DeWalt grinder. Large selection of batteries & chargers. Bostich flooring nailer. Rigid shop vac. 2500watt Ducar gen. 3500watt Powertech gen. 7500watt Generac gen. like new. Walk behind battery forklift, electric fans & heaters, propane heater, air pegs, Bosch 10” table saw. DeWalt blowers and fans. Echo back pack leaf blower, 2 Stihl leaf blowers. Safety harness etc. Flack-Hill mechanical wood splitter, Selection of hand tools & shelving, DeWalt laser level, Brush mower with gas engine, DeWalt 60 volt battery powered table saw (like new), DeWalt table saw with wheeled stand, electric (like new), 2 DeWalt 20Volt 5000 Lumen work lights (new), DeWalt 1800 watt portable power station (new), DeWalt cordless roofing nailer, 2-DeWalt battery aircompressors (new), 2 Paslode cordless framing nailers (like new).

MISCELLANEOUS

Jaco-Lite 7’x9’ allum. Green house (nice)

S.S. Dog kennel 8’ x 10’, 2-DS circulator coal stoves, DS Anthra Max XV16 coal stove, S.S. Ashland water kettle.

3 S.S. Kettles, S.S. Water heater, Allum. Ice-saw with 13HP Honda, Apple chopper and cider press, 2 A Frame chain hoists, Trash Pump, 6” edger, power hacksaw, 26 school desks, 2 office desks, Filing cabinets

HUNTING

Selection of rifles, and shot guns, crossbows, hunt blinds, decoys, tree stands, 12’ aluminum boat, Wood gun cabinets, many items not mentioned.

ANTIQUES

No. 6 J. Fleurys & Sons two furrow walking plows, Maytag wringer & washer Sausage stuffers, old cash register, Hit & Miss Int. 1 ½ - 2 ½ HP (not running), Railroad lantern.

HORSES

Approximately 6-8 well Broke Standard Bred Buggy Horses. From Local consignments, 5 year old Shetland pony stallion, A few more Local pony consignments expected.

** Approximately 2 wagon loads of miscellaneous construction items**

Book

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16

ing economic opportunities for Canada by strengthening its regional partnerships, including with Japan. It clearly succeeded.

And in announcing full market access, the government noted how the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, with the support of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, “has worked tirelessly over the past few years to assert the highest production standards and quality assurance of Canadian beef in order to reopen full access in key markets, like Japan.”

Beef exports play a huge role in helping the country’s trade picture. But while helping arrange access on one hand, Canada’s beef producers say

Ottawa is failing them on farms and ranches by not recognizing their role in environmental sustainability.

Some members of the public point fingers at cattle for contributing to greenhouse gas through methane production. But cattle also fertilize grass in pastures, which sequesters carbon.

Where’s the balance?

Ottawa hasn’t put forward a clear research-based position on this, which is concerning to farmers and ranchers. I suspect our export markets wonder too, given that they are counting on a reliable flow of beef, from a sector that has its government’s full endorsement, publicly and privately.

COMMITTEE

OF ADJUSTMENT

NOTICE OF HEARING

MONDAY May 15, 2023 at 4:30 P.M.

Pursuant to the Planning Act and Ontario Regulations 197/96 and 200/96 take notice that the Committee of Adjustment for the Township of Woolwich will meet for the purpose of hearing all persons interested in support of or opposition to any of the following applications as described below.

Please note this will be a virtual meeting only and public attendance at the Township offices will not be permitted. Below is information on how you can submit comments, view or participate in the meeting. You may also contact the Committee Secretary by sending an email to planning@woolwich.ca or by phone at 519-669-6040 if you have any questions.

COMMITTEE OF ADJUSTMENT APPLICATIONS

MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A 16/2023 – DME Brubacher Holdings Inc., 8 Ratz Street, Elmira

ZONE / USE: General Industrial – Urban (M-2) / vacant land

PROPOSAL: The applicant is proposing to develop the property with a new two storey storage building and is requesting relief from the following:

1. Section 21.3.2 to recognize the existing lot width of 18 metres whereas 23 metres is required.

2. Section 21.3.3 to reduce the east side yard setback from 7.5 metres to approximately 1.52 metres;

3. Section 21.2.3 to reduce the west side yard setback from 4.5 metres to approximately 1.65 metres;

4. Section 21.3.4 to reduce the rear side yard setback from 7.5 metres to approximately 1.52 metres;

5. Section 21.3.5 and 6.15 to reduce the buffer strip adjacent to a Residential zone from 1.5 metres to 0 (zero) metres; and

The property is currently vacant and bisected diagonally by an underground sanitary sewer line contained within a 6 metre easement.

MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A 17/2023 – Valley View Heights (St. Jacobs) Ltd., 129 Mill Race Crescent, St. Jacobs

ZONE / USE: Residential Mixed High Density with Design Guidelines (R-5A) / vacant land

PROPOSAL: The applicant is proposing to construct a new single detached dwelling with an attached uncovered deck on the property and is requesting relief from the following:

1. Section 6.36.3 to reduce the rear yard setback to the uncovered attached deck from 4.0 metres to approximately 1.5 metres; and

2. Section 11B.3.7 to reduce the rear yard setback to the single detached dwelling from 7.5 metres to approximately 4.4 metres.

MINOR VARIANCE APPLICATION A 18/2023 – Richard Hennige, 53 Pintail Drive, Elmira

ZONE / USE: Residential One Unit Low Density (R-2) with site specific provisions (26.1.202) / single detached dwelling

PROPOSAL: The applicant is proposing to install a 58.5 square metre in-ground swimming pool, and an 8.9 square metre pool equipment shed in the rear yard of the property and is requesting relief from Site Specific Section 26.1.202 item 7. as follows:

1. to reduce the rear yard setback from 15 metres to approximately 5.5 metres to the swimming pool; and

2. to reduce the rear yard setback from 15 metres to approximately 1.0 metre to the pool equipment shed.

CONSENT APPLICATION B 4/2023 – Riverland Area II GP Ltd., Draft Plan of Subdivision 30T13701 Phase 5 – adjacent to extension of Shallow Creek Road and Ottawa Street extension

ZONE / USE: Agricultural (A) and Institutional (P) / vacant lands

PROPOSAL: The applicant is proposing to sever a 0.895 hectare rectangular parcel of land from their vacant future subdivision lands and convey it as a lot addition to the rear of the St. Boniface Catholic Elementary School property located at 225 Starlight Avenue for the

purpose of outdoor sports fields. The proposed severed lands are zoned Institutional (P) and will increase the school property to a total of approximately 2.1 hectares.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

As in-person meetings are not an option at this time, you can view or participate in the meeting as follows:

• view the Committee of Adjustment livestream on the Woolwich Township YouTube channel at the following link @woolwichtownship9588 OR

• participate by registering with the Committee Secretary on or before 12 noon on Wednesday May 10th. To register please email planning@woolwich.ca or phone 519669-6040. When registering you must provide your name, phone number, email and the application number you would like to comment on. Once you are registered the Committee Secretary will forward information on how to connect to the Zoom meeting (i.e. zoom Wi-Fi login or conference call number).

If you are unsure whether or not you would like to speak at the meeting but want to listen and have the option to comment on a particular application, please register with the Committee Secretary (see above information). You will not be required to speak if you do not want to.

WHY REGISTER

By registering staff can ensure that you are permitted access to the virtual meeting, we know which application you are commenting on and, can call on you at the appropriate time to comment if you wish to do so. As it is virtual, registering will provide a level of security that is necessary to prevent unwanted guests from disrupting the meeting. Applicants and their consultants will be automatically registered and contacted accordingly by the Committee Secretary ahead of the meeting.

SUBMITTING COMMENTS

If you would like to comment on a particular application, staff always recommend that you do so by:

• submitting a letter by mail or delivering it to the Township office at 24 Church Street West, Elmira and placing it in the drop box on the Maple Street side of the building; or

• submit an email to planning@woolwich.ca

You can also contact the Township Planner at 519-669-6033 to discuss any comments / concerns however, this is not considered a formal comment.

The Committee will consider submissions for or against the applications. All submissions must be made no later than 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday May 3rd (Note that this date is before the meeting). Any submissions received will be included in a comment package and presented at the meeting. This information is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public at the Committee of Adjustment hearing. Please note that while the Committee may redact some personal information such as email addresses and phone numbers, your submissions will otherwise be made public in their entirety.

This notice has been sent to commenting agencies, and to owners of property located within 60 metres (200 feet) of the subject properties. If you wish to be notified of any last minute changes to the agenda (i.e. withdrawal of an application) you must contact the Committee Secretary at 519-669-6040 or 1-877-969-0094 (Ext. 6040) or by email to planning@woolwich.ca.

Notice of Decision: Within 10 days of the meeting, a copy of each decision will be sent to owners, agents, those who submit written comments, and people who register for the meeting. If you wish to be notified of the decision of the Committee of Adjustment in respect to this application, you must submit a written request to the Committee Secretary or register ahead of the meeting. This will also entitle you to be advised of a possible Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.

Appeal of Minor Variance and Consent Applications: An appeal from a decision of the Committee of Adjustment to the Ontario Land Tribunal shall be filed with the SecretaryTreasurer of the Committee of Adjustment, in person at 24 Church Street West, Elmira. The Tribunal may dismiss an appeal without holding a hearing if the appellant did not make oral or written submissions to the Committee of Adjustment before a decision was given or does not provide a reasonable explanation for having failed to make a submission to the Committee.

QUESTIONS / FURTHER INFORMATION

Please feel free to reach out to Township Staff by phone or email to assist you should you have any questions. Contact the Committee Secretary at 519-669-6040 or 1-877-9690094 (Ext. 6040) or by email to planning@woolwich.ca

JANTZI, Kristine Faye

October 3, 1966 – April 22, 2023

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kristine Faye Jantzi at age 56 on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at Grand River Hospital due to complications from kidney failure. Kristine courageously fought her way through three kidney transplants, having a rare kidney disease most of her life. Her strong determination and will to live helped her achieve remarkable goals in spite of her health challenges.

Kristine is survived by her parents, Darrell and Florence Jantzi, a brother Brian and sister-in-law Susanne Frame, a sister Jennifer, and former husband and best friend, Ted Shapiro. She graduated from Rockway Mennonite Collegiate then, after her transplant, finished her BA in English and French Literature, and an MA in English Literature at U of W (with one year of study in France). She was in her PhD program at McGill where she had just been awarded a 3-year fellowship. This all came to a halt when her transplanted kidney of ten years failed eight months into marriage and two years into a PhD program. Kristine had another transplant in 2006, lived in Maine and Washington, DC before moving to Kitchener in November, 2017 when her third transplanted kidney failed. Kristine has always loved nature, enjoyed flower gardens, sitting on a porch or by a river to read poetry or a good book, petting her cat and shopping at fine art boutiques.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation was held on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. at Floradale Mennonite Church, 22 Florapine Rd., Floradale, with a celebration of life service that took place at 2:30 p.m. The service was livestreamed and can be accessed on Kristine’s tribute page of the Dreisinger Funeral Home website. A reception followed in the fellowship hall of the church. A family burial will be held at a later date.

Thank you to Grand River Hospital, especially the Dialysis Unit, for the care and compassion shown to Kristine. In lieu of flowers, donations to Grand River Hospital FoundationDialysis Unit or Rockway Mennonite Collegiate Tuition Assistance would be appreciated, and may be made through the funeral home.

❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Obituary

Repairs to railway crossing have drivers seeking alternate routes

Bill Atwood Observer Staff

Morrison, Timothy “Tim”

Passed away on Monday, April 24, 2023 at his residence in Elmira at the age of 59 years. Dear son of G. Neil Morrison and the late Susan (2003). Brother of Jamie and Allison, Rob Morrison and Monica Harley. Uncle of Jenette, Thomas; and Clare. Cremation has taken place. A graveside service will be held at a later date in Elmira Union Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.

❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Obituary

PEOPLE LOOKING TO MAKE THEIR way north of St. Jacobs, to Elmira or points beyond, were scrambling for alternative routes this week with the closure of Arthur Street at the railway crossing. That main northsouth corridor was out of service to allow for repairs to the road surface at the crossing itself. After years of disrepair, the region opted to close Arthur Street between Listowel Road and Sawmill Road for work being done by CN Rail. Repairs are expected to be done by Friday.

The work includes removal of the existing crossing, installation of a new crossing with concrete panels, and additional road work adjacent to the crossing.

Martin, Eileen

Passed into the presence of her Lord, surrounded by her family at Health Sciences North, Sudbury on Monday, April 24, 2023 at the age of 74 years. Cherished wife of Orleon Martin. Dear mother of Gary and Suanne, Christine and Ruben Guevara, Ron and Edith, David and Nichole, Steve and Katrina, Connie and Luke Erb, Victor and Sherri, Tim and Sara. Loving grandmother of Ted (Janae), Ben, Caleb, Danielle, Joshua, Mark; Jud (Janelle), Kirk (Janita), Taylor (Lori), Tenika, Nick, Nevin, Jeniva; Todd, Chenia, Raquel, Lysanna, Toby, Addison; Michael, Rebecca, Matthew, Jamie, Isaiah; Kirby, Shayna, Nikita, Anika, Casey, Shadrick; Taregan, Rayna, Talia, Quinn, Ava; Kaley, Zoe, Spencer, Lakelyn, Paxton, Griffin; Adam. Great-grandmother of Kolby, Hazel; Malik, and Cruz. Sister and sister-in-law of Earl (Lena), Gordon (Edna), Mary Martin, John Metzger, Leonard (Mildred), and Merle (Fern). Eileen will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by her parents Clayton and Susanna (Shoemaker) Martin, son Kirby (1998), daughterin-law Beverly, brothers Abner and Orvie, and sister Florence. Visitation will take place on Thursday, April 27, 2023 and on Friday, April 28, 2023 from 5-8 p.m. at Woodlawn Mennonite Fellowship, 6449 Wellington County Rd. 11, Dorking. Funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Woodlawn Mennonite Fellowship. Interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Christian Aid Ministries would be appreciated and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home.

❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

ing, and from the south up to the railway crossing, but not through, the region stated in a release

Although Arthur Street sees heavy traffic as a main road between Woolwich and Waterloo, the technical nature of the work required full closure of the crossing, said Darryl Spencer, manager of transportation engineering with the region.

“Part of the work involves the replacement of the railroad with a one-piece engineered section of track, and for that reason, the full crossing needs to be closed. There is also fairly extensive pavement work at and adjacent to the crossing that is required,” Spencer said.

planned ahead to make signal timing changes at critical intersections to better accommodate the extra traffic volumes, Spencer said.

While many drivers choose to use the shoulder of the road while crossing the track that will no longer be required, Spencer noted. The cost to the region is minimal, he added.

“The majority of the costs are covered through the region’s freight maintenance agreement with CN Rail. Outside of this, the region is only paying for the roadway detour costs, which is around $1,500.”

Arthur Street can be accessed from the north down to the railway cross -

Commuters will need to find alternative routes such as Church Street, Line 86 to Northfield Drive to Sawmill Road. As staff is aware there will be increased traffic along the alternative routes, they

ↆ PU ZZLE SOLUTIONS

The region is also looking to leverage the opportunity to conduct some roadway asphalt work immediately adjacent to the crossing, Spencer said. While the cost has not yet been confirmed, it is included in the region’s approved transportation capital program.

Living Here

It's about all of us.

Leading the way reporting about the people and places of home.

Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com

Report it: observerxtra.com/tips

The Grand River Regional Cancer Centre will be the second such facility in the province to join the Princess Margaret Cancer Care Network to share world-class expertise and bring enhanced access to cancer services, clinical trials and research to the residents of Waterloo Wellington, the hospital announced this week.

Guelph-based activist and former city councillor James Gordon – not to mention noted singer-songwriter, playwright and director – has teamed up with Kitchener resident Justin Zihindula for a fundraiser for the latter’s home village in the DRC. The event takes place May 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Elevation Church, 22 Willow St., Waterloo. www.jamesgordon.ca

Telling stories you can sink your teeth into

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My wife is African American, and we just learned that she is going to need a kidney transplant. I heard that most of the people on the waitlist are people of colour, and I’m wondering whether people from diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds end up having to wait longer for a transplant?

ANSWER: It is true that most people on the waitlist for a lifesaving organ are people of colour. Of the

▢ Mayo Clinic

Professional Clinical Health Advice

more than 106,000 on the waitlist in the U.S., roughly 60% are minorities. More than 30,000 Black patients are waiting for a transplant, followed by more than 22,000 Hispanic and Latino patients. I often am asked why people of colour make up such a large share of people on the waitlist. One of the reasons has to

Leah Gerber

Observer Staff

FOR ANYONE LOOKING FOR SOME inspiration when it comes to cooking pork, Ontario Pork has you covered with a new cookbook called “The Whole Hog: Recipes for those who love local food and yearn for everyday sustainability.”

The book features contributions from people who work behind the scenes to get pork from the farm to the table, including some local faces.

The idea for the cookbook was born while Ontario Pork staff were creating an advertising video campaign to bring attention to the lesser-known professionals in the pork supply chain, the likes of veterinarians,

drivers and chefs.

More than a cookbook, Ontario Pork’s “The Whole Hog” puts a spotlight on the variety of people involved in the sector reactions to the second question that really piqued her interest.

“We started doing some interviews where we wanted to reach beyond farmers. We wanted to talk about everybody that’s involved in getting pork to the plate, because it’s not just a story of farmers and consumers, it’s everybody along that chain that has to care and has to be committed to what they’re doing,” said Stacey Ash, the director of communications and consumer marketing for Ontario Pork, who coordinated the book.

During production of the video, Ash and her staff would ask the people they were interviewing two main questions: What do you wish people knew about pork grown here in Ontario, and what is your favourite way to eat pork?

Ash says it was peoples’

“People’s faces just changed. The conversation became completely different because food is so rooted in emotion. It’s part of our history, it’s where we come from, it’s about experience. And we saw people getting really excited, remembering great meals or their favourite family recipes,” she said.

“That was what said to us, 'this is more than just a short video.'  This is something that is real and solid, and it has the potential to be a really incredible book, not just a cookbook, but really a storybook about the pork sector as a whole.”

Ash and her team decided to create a recipe book. The recipes were

Transplant and people of colour

do with the conditions that prompted the need for a transplant in the first place. For instance, there are higher rates of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes in these communities. Those chronic diseases can eventually lead to organ failure.

African Americans are nearly four times more likely to have kidney failure compared to white people, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Latinos, Asian Americans and Native

Americans also have an increased risk of kidney failure.

Wait times for a transplant can vary depending on the area of the country and the organ needed. And while it is true that people of colour may end up having to wait longer for a transplant, it is important to understand that the number of people in need of a transplant far exceeds the number of willing donors. That is true for people of all backgrounds.

Do Your Vehicle & Wallet A Favor… Don’t Ignore the Warning Lights on Your Dash

A warning light on your dash is a vehicle’s way of telling you that something is not operating properly and could cause harm to the vehicle if not given attention.

There are a variety of lights that can come on for a variety of reasons; some critical and others quite minor. When a warning light comes on, it is important to call your automotive specialist right away to check in and see what they recommend the next step be.

We are only a phone call away 24/7. 519-669-1082

either supplied by the people featured in the book, or selected by them from their database of recipes.

Emily Miller, for instance, is a swine nutritionist at Wallenstein Feed and Supply. She was featured in the video series and the cookbook.

“It’s a little bit outside of my comfort zone. I’m not normally one to seek the spotlight, if you will, but I think it was a really good opportunity for me, and a good challenge as well. And gives me a chance to at least say how I got where I am and also read about how other people got where they are in the industry.”

She said her favourite way to eat pork is as meatballs in sauce.

“We were asked to pick

Every day, an estimated 17 people in the U.S. die while awaiting an organ transplant.

Organs are not matched based on race and ethnicity. However, people will generally have a better chance of matching with someone from a similar racial or ethnic background. The reason is that compatible blood types and tissue markers used for making a match are more likely to be found among members of the same ethnic group,

according to LifeSource, an organization that assists in the organ donation process. That is why it is so important to have a diverse pool of donors.

But only about 30% of organ donors come from communities of colour. Increasing the diversity of organ donors will improve access to transplants for people of colour.

Signing up to be an organ donor is a simple way to ensure people who need a lifesaving trans-

Cancer centre network Fundraiser for DRC

Neil Stephens, a feed truck driver with Wallenstein Feed and Supply, is featured in the book, noting his favourite way to eat pork is in a pulled pork sandwich. Leah Gerber

A different take on “noodle” soup

We’re making an Asian-style soup today with a bit of a twist. Soup is very much a part of the Chinese culture going back 2,000-3,000 years.

Pease porridge is good after nine days, but imagine 2,000 years!

Most Chinese-style soups involve a flavourful broth with, for lack of a better term, stuff in them. It could be meat, veggies, herbs, noodles, or even medicinal ingredients.

Of course, two different

CHEF DUFF

popular soups are noodle soups and egg drop soup.

The Greeks make an egg lemon soup and Italians make a broth-based egg drop soup with spinach and parmesan.

This soup will have the appearance of a noodle soup, but the noodles are really a sliced omelet – talk about a perfect disguise!

Shrimp and Mushroom Soup with Egg “Noodles”

▢ 1 Tbsp. cooking oil

▢ 1 onion, sliced thinly

▢ 1 lb mixed wild mushrooms

▢ 2L vegetable or chicken broth

▢ 3 cups leafy greens (spinach, chard, etc.), frozen or fresh

1. Prepare Soup: Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat; cook onion, mushrooms, salt and pepper, stirring occasionally, until onion and mushrooms are softened, about 5 minutes.

2. Stir in broth, scraping up any browned bits; bring to a boil. Stir in leafy greens. Reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer 10 minutes.

3. Stir in shrimp; cook, uncovered, until shrimp are pink and opaque throughout, about 5 minutes.

4. Ladle soup into serving bowls.

▢ Half pound frozen peeled shrimp

▢ 1 garlic clove

▢ 1 inch ginger, minced

▢ 2-3 Tbsp. soy sauce

▢ 2 large eggs

▢ Salt and pepper to taste

5. Meanwhile, prepare egg “noodles”: Whisk eggs with salt in small bowl until combined. Heat nonstick skillet over medium-low heat; mist with cooking spray. Pour half of the egg mixture into skillet, swirling to coat bottom; cook until surface is no longer shiny and edge begins to lift away from skillet, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip; cook until bottom is set, about 30 seconds.

6. Transfer to cutting board.

7. Repeat with remaining egg mixture; let cool enough to handle. Cut each in half; thinly slice crosswise. Sprinkle over top of soup.

FRIDAY, APRIL 28

▢ Friday Food at the Elmira Legion. Doors open at 4 p.m., tickets on sale at 4:30 p.m., serving at 5:45 p.m. Menu: Hot hamburger sandwich, fries, salad & dessert, $10/plate. Join us in the lounge. All welcome.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3

▢ Senior's Community Dining at Calvary United Church, St. Jacobs at noon. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch and fellowship. Cost: $12. Must pre-register by noon April 28 by calling 519-664-1900.

THURSDAY, MAY 4

▢ Music Jam at the Junction, 47 Arthur Street South, Elmira, 7 p.m. Musicians are welcome to come and join the band to play some fun music with us. If you can play or sing, bring a song or two that you might want to take the lead on, or just play/sing along. Popcorn, and pop are served for anyone who wants to just come and listen. Contact Stew Shantz 519-575-0345.

▢ Not Alone Conference, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Woodside Bible Fellowship, Elmira. The conference focuses on equipping rural congregations to effectively address family violence and promote healthy relationships. Our goal is to increase awareness and understanding of relationship abuse and to offer resources and support to spiritual caregivers. Family violence prevention experts from social services and faith communities will present workshops and this important event has been organized by the Woolwich Community Services Family Violence Prevention Program and the Church Outreach Working Group. www.notaloneevent.ca.

FRIDAY, MAY 5

▢ Friday Food at the Elmira Legion. Doors open at 4 p.m., tickets on sale at 4:30 p.m., serving at 5:45 p.m. Menu: sloppy joes, salad and dessert, $10/plate. Join us in the lounge. All welcome.

SATURDAY, MAY 6

▢ Schnitzel Dinner at the Elmira Legion, 6 p.m. Menu: schnitzel, mashed potato, vegetable, salad, roll & dessert, $15 per person. Tickets purchased in advance at the Legion. Take out also available.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

▢ Smoked Pork Chop Supper at Gale Presbyterian Church, Elmira. Join us from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eat in (limited seating) or take out. Adults $20, child $5. Menu: Adult - chop, baked potato, veg., coleslaw, cheesecake; Child - mac & cheese, carrot sticks, cookies, milk. Advance tickets only - deadlineMay 4th, 3 p.m. Call church office 519-669-2852 or office@galepresbyterianchurch.com.

▢ Senior's Community Dining at Wellesley Community Centre at noon. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch and fellowship. Cost: $12. Must pre-register by noon May 5 by calling 519-664-1900.

THURSDAY, MAY 11

▢ Woodside Evergreen for Seniors, 10:30 a.m. at Woodside Church, Elmira. "Uplifting Songs with Heartfelt Impact" by the Viscounts, Southern Gospel Vocal Harmony Trio. A concert of music and devotional reflections. Donation of $10 includes a hot lunch. Registration is required by Sun May 7 at www. woodsidechurch.ca/evergreen or 519-669-1296.

ↆ Chef Bruce Duff is the operator of “Chef Duff at RiverSong” Banquet hall, Café and Culinary Centre just outside of St. Jacobs, which hosts private events, banquets, team building and cooking classes and also run breakfast and lunch in the café from Wed. – Sat; info@chefduff.ca.

Recipes from the chef's table

Mini-Word

If your company would like to sponsor this page, please contact The Observer at 519-669-5790 ext.104 Or email donna@woolwichobserver.com

Sudoku EASY

Crossword

ACROSS

1. The westernmost municipality in the United States

5. "Space Ghost" cartoonist Alex

9. A delicious dish

14. Diva ___ Te Kanawa

15. Deep laugh

16. Former British prime minister

17. Tennis accessories

19. Bath scrubber

20. Turn in

21. Delay: Colloq.

23. Korean apricot

25. Berlioz's "Les nuits d'___"

26. Dole product

33. Actor Chaney

58. Saws

62. Literary postscript

63. Chinese Red. 65. Use your nose 66. Baedeker of the Baedeker travel guides 67. Cong. period 68. Japanese

emperor's title

69. Allied victory site of 1944 70. Joint with a cap

DOWN

1. Egyptian souls

2. "Mon ___!"

3. Kuwaiti, e.g.

4. American and Australian actress and producer

5. "However... "

6. British variant of OVEN

7. Doctors of theology

8. Lodge

9. City north of Oakland

10. Chemical suffix

11. Potato, on Indian menus

12. Actress Hildegarde

13. Not hearing

18. IQ tester

22. Dined 24. Ascend. 26. Pores 27. Kind of ink

28. 1992 also-ran

29. Geithner's dept. 30. Gaelic

31. Cat of Africa

32. Coll. major

33. Missing

37. Okay (Slang)

39. Storekeeper (abbr.)

40. Brazillian state

Sudoku HARD

34. Steel pin in the breech of an early rifle

35. "Hamlet" courtier

36. Catholic booklet

38. College housing

41. Popular video recorder

42. Watch word

44. Wood sorrels

46. Clinton, e.g.: Abbr.

47. Pondering process

51. Addition

52. Defaced as a prank, as trees

53. Tally accounts

43. 2.2 pounds 45. Glove material 48. Old 49. Bits

50. Birthplace of Solidarity

53. Numero uno 54. "I'll pay"

55. Cooker

56. City on the Rhein

57. Excellent (Informal) 59. Hidden valley 60. Comfort

Dice throw

Fla. NBA team

to the strength of mind that enables someone to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage.

a favourite from that list. And so the meatballs that I chose are actually very similar to a dish that my husband makes, so I chose that one,” she said.

Miller’s job is to formulate the feed that best suits the needs of each of Wallenstein Feed and Supply’s customers.  For example, farmers raising specialty pigs intended to have more marbling, or fat, will have a different diet than more typical pigs raised to be leaner, she said.

She likes her job because pigs are omnivores and can eat many things. This means nutritionists can

get creative about what to feed them. For example, they can use some products that come from the process of making dried distillers grain with solubles, which is a byproduct of the ethanol industry. “It allows us to also be a little bit more sustainable, use ingredients that perhaps might end up in a landfill, but we can feed them to pigs.”

Neil Stephens, a feed truck driver with Wallenstein Feed and Supply, was another person featured in the book and video series. He said his favourite way to eat pork is in a pulled pork sandwich.

Stephens said he

participated, “to be a good ambassador for the company.” His favourite part of his job is working with customers.

“I like the people I meet, the people I work with,” he said. He said driving the truck is kind of a means to an end and that he enjoys helping his customers get what they need.

He also appreciates the goal and message of the Whole Hog campaign.

“You know, the farmer raises the pigs, but he doesn’t do it alone,” he said.

Other locals featured in the book include Ed Metzger, a veterinarian from Linwood, and

Ash said any family recipes that were submitted were run through their partner chef Emily

MAYO CLINIC: Having more donors is the key to success

plant can get one. To sign up to be a donor, go to the Donate Life America website.

As someone needing a kidney transplant, your wife may have another option that would not likely require as long a wait time: receiving a kidney from a living donor.

Living-kidney donation is the most common type of living-donor transplant. Donors give one of their two healthy kidneys to the recipient. People only need one kidney to live a healthy, active life.

People also can donate a portion of their liver to someone in need. The donor’s liver regenerates within a matter of weeks.

People can consider donating a kidney or liver to a relative, friend, acquaintance or a stranger.

All potential donors undergo a medical evaluation to make sure that they are suitable for donation. Living donors must be 18 or older and be in good physical and mental health.

Sometimes, a potential kidney donor who wants

to give to a family member or friend isn’t the best match for that recipient. In those situations, paired donation is considered. Donors and recipients are matched with other donors and recipients, creating a so-called “kidney chain.”

Ultimately, we need more people from all backgrounds to sign up to be donors.

ↆ Mayo Clinic Q & A is an educational resource and doesn’t replace regular medical care. E-mail a question to MayoClinicQ&A@mayo.edu. For more information, visit www. mayoclinic.org.

Richard in Guelph who worked with the photographers to prepare and plate the recipes and make sure the recipes were ready for consumers to follow.

Ash says Ontario Pork is donating the proceeds

from the book to Feed Ontario, which supports food banks across the province.

The book is available at the Ontario Pork website (ontariopork.on.ca) and select stores.

Classic piccata sauce is perfect match for salmon

Piccata sauce is a simple, yet punchy mix of lemon, capers, white wine and butter. It’s tangy and takes your salmon dish in an exciting new direction.

Quick tips

1. Buy a whole centercut piece of salmon and cut it into individual portions to ensure that each fillet is a similar size to cook at the same rate.

2. Use skinless salmon fillets. More on this later.

▢ 1 (2-lb) center-cut skinless salmon fillet, about 1 1/2 inches thick

▢ 1 tsp table salt, divided

▢ 1 tsp pepper, divided

▢ 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1. Cut salmon crosswise into 4 equal fillets. Pat salmon dry with paper towels and sprinkle all over with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.

2. Heat oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add salmon flesh side down. Cover and cook until browned on bottom and regis-

▢America's Test Kitchen

Rigorously tested recipes that work.

3. Pat the fillets dry and sear them in oil in a preheated nonstick skillet to prevent them from sticking in the pan.

4. To keep the fish from breaking apart, cover the pan and let the steam gently cook the fish without flipping it. Note, this method means the fish only browns on one side.

Salmon Piccata

▢ 3 garlic cloves, sliced thin

▢ 2 tsp all-purpose flour

▢ 1/2 cup dry white wine

▢ 1/4 cup water

▢ 2 tbsp capers,

tering 125 degrees (for medium-rare), about 5 minutes, or 135 degrees (for medium), about 7 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and transfer salmon, browned side up, to platter or individual plates.

3. Return skillet to medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir

This is why you should use skinless salmon and then serve the fillets browned side up.

Serving suggestions

After cooking the fillets to 125 degrees (for medium-rare), let them rest on a platter to keep them juicy. While the salmon rests, start the piccata sauce.

Cook the sauce down before whisking in butter, one piece at a time, off heat to ensure a viscous pan sauce; then finish with a sprinkle of dill.

rinsed

▢ 1 tsp grated lemon zest plus 1 tbsp juice

▢ 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

▢ 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill

in flour and cook for 15 seconds. Whisk in wine, water, capers, lemon zest and juice, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Bring to boil and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Off heat, whisk in butter, 1 piece at a time, until combined. Stir in dill. Spoon sauce over salmon. Serve.

⚠ To ensure uniform pieces of fish, we prefer to purchase a whole center-cut salmon fillet and cut it into four equal pieces. For skinless salmon, we refer to the side opposite where the skin used to be, which is typically more pink in color and more rounded, as the flesh side.

ↆ For 25 years, confident cooks in the know have relied on America's Test Kitchen for rigourously tested recipes developed by professional test cooks and vetted by 60,000 at-home recipe testers. See more online at www. amercastestkitchen.com

Justine Parkinson, a producer services team leader at Conestoga Meats in Breslau.

Also featured in the book is Emily Miller, a swine nutritionist at Wallenstein Feed and Supply. Leah Gerber

WHOLE HOG: Series spotlights the contributions of the many people involved in the entire supply chain

a smaller menu is best in order to serve a large amount of people and get food to them quickly.

“So smaller events, you can bring out more products, because you’re giving the guest more chances to buy something. For an event where there’s 10,000 people, you don’t want guests [waiting] because if that guest at the back of the line is waiting for 20 minutes they are going to walk away,” Fegaras said.

“I think once you become a food truck, the onus is less about the food. Because once you’ve built the truck, and your menu is set, you’re known for [one thing].”

That’s done in order to bring a little more control to the environment, he explained. It is easier to set expectations with a staff of three instead of 45, he added.

“So they know what I expect, there’s a lot less things lost in translation because your staff is small, which means execution is better. Order times and pickups are a lot faster,” he said.

Owners will often focus on creating more of an overall experience putting less emphasis on the food.

“It makes it a party. If there was a DJ that’s spinning the music, we’d be like the DJ [with the food],” said Kevin Thomas, owner of Big Jerk Smokehouse which has both a commercial kitchen and a food truck.

Giffin agreed, noting that is the goal of the upcoming Food-a-Palooza

event he is organizing for May 6 at the Drayton municipal parking lot.

“So when you go you have FunnelCloud, you’ve got Jamaican food, you have German foods, and you have Hometown Hotdogs. So you have that whole variety. If you go have a hot dog over here, then go have a schnitzel. I’m gonna have dessert, we’re gonna have live music, and then there’s gonna be a craft show. It’s a whole-day event thing, so it’s that atmosphere that you create,” he said.

While each of the estimated 35 to 40 food trucks in the region are their own businesses that need to make a profit, most of the owners work together to promote the industry.

“There’s a mutual respect also between us, especially those of us who know each other,” Giffin said.

“There’s no competition, we all have our core competencies. So if I do like cinnamon sugar pretzels, which we do do, I wouldn’t do that if I have Alex around because I do hot dogs and sausages,” he added.

“We set up together, we share events, we share contact info. If I can’t make it to an event, I will reach out to another sweet truck in the group, so we do work together. However, we are our own businesses. At the end of the day, it’s up to the operator as to what they do,” Fegaras explained. This also helps with fluidity at big events, Thomas noted.

“The line-ups at some of these events are 100- 150

people long. You want to get the food in their hands as fast as possible. So I wouldn’t go to an event and have five, six things on my menu,” he said.

However there are a lot of barriers to operating a food truck, particularly regulations and how they are enforced. Food trucks have to renew their business license every year, and rules are different across the province and even in the different municipalities across Waterloo Region.

“If we can create these laws to be [uniform provincially so that once a truck is licensed in Toronto, they can now operate in and about all of Ontario. The differences [across the region] are astounding. Some of them ask for police checks, some of them won’t ask for a fire inspection,” Fegaras said.

“These expenses, combined with fees that some festivals require, which can be thousands of dollars, add up,” Giffin said.

“What we would want is that the provincial and local governments would want to support entrepreneurs, rather than create more roadblocks and make it more difficult to be successful.”

The smile of customers and the satisfaction they give is what keeps these food truck owners going.

“I was at an event on Saturday that was rained out but two people actually stopped and they said ‘This is the best hot dog I’ve ever had.’ They were so excited about that it made my whole day,” Giffin said.

FOOD TRUCKS: Owners face a number of different rules that vary from one municipality to the next

As food truck owners, Fegaras, Thomas and Giffin work together to promote the industry. Bill Atwood