opportunities

cost to the consumers.”

According to Hofbauer, many employers in the region struggle to tap into the already existing talent pool, something that Lang sees happening in the trades.

“When it comes to the trades, not everybody is as computer literate and computer savvy. So trying to get in touch with the rest of the talent pool is kind of difficult. Something that we have a lot of issues with is finding the right spots to advertise and how to engage with people that are looking for a job in this industry,” he said.

To combat the challenges, his company is trying to reach the younger generation to promote the trade.

“[We’re] trying to get

To Extend Technology Into Agriculture

it’s not usually hi-tech positions that are being unfilled. With this latest development, recruiters are looking for workers to create machines to replace other workers. That’s ironic. And it’s all further to the ultimate irony that consumers trust farmers but not technology.

Consumers have been conditioned to associate technology with the likes of products such as pesticides and herbicides, and biotechnology. That sounds menacing to them, and therefore so does technology.

It’s not. It’s necessary, and it’s what most modern farmers are using to produce our food. We accept robotics and technology in sectors such as transportation where our very lives are on the line every time we put our vehicle in gear and go barreling down the highway. So isn’t it time to take another look at technology’s role in food production? into the high schools and trying to show that it is a viable career path. One of the things that Landscape Ontario does is they have apprenticeship grants, where people wanting to get into this industry if they’re trying to go for a postsecondary degree through horticulture technician or apprenticeships can almost get their entire university course covered through different bursaries and grants and all that through Landscape Ontario,” he explained.

This is a strategy that other employers in the region have adopted, Hofbuaer said.

“It’s easy to get somebody involved in your organization really early. We’re really encouraging employers to connect to the post-secondary [schools]. And we’re encouraging them to connect to Employment Ontario.…if you’re not connected to those three start there.”

Hofbauer also suggested that employers connect with organiza- tions supporting immigrants, Indigenous youth and people with disabilities.

Gibson agreed, noting that employers need to tap into the influx of newcomers in the region.

“They’re talented, but maybe not Canadian educated or have limited Canadian work experience. I think that’s a huge market we’re not tapping into, and I think we have people with disabilities that are undervalued and overlooked. I think there’s a huge talent pool as well that employers need to tap into because those two populations are highly under-employed at this time.”

In 2022, the unemployment for landed immigrants who had been in Canada for less than five years was 8.2 per cent, with that figure falling for those who had been here for five to 10 years to 5.8 per cent and 5.1 per cent after 10 years. Just 59 per cent of people with disabilities were employed last year.

Advertising

Seven

Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 104

Email:

Help Wanted HELP WANTED IN BAKERY - FULL OR part time. Hillcrest Home Baking 519-669-1381.

PERSONAL SUPPORT WORKER - MONDAY Friday, 9 a.m. to as late as 4 p.m. Duties: Companionship and assisting a sociable female resident of Caressant Care Retirement Home in Listowel with daily activities. Must have car and speak fluent english. Pay $20/hour. Phone 519-648-3386.

Work Wanted

For Sale

Country Lane

FABRICS SPRING

Sale. February 13th - 25th. 10% less on fabrics, quilt and comforter batts, tableflex, gloves, hosiery, box cards, rubber stamps and accessories. Selected fabrics and small ware items at half price. 519-664-0701.

HILLTOP FABRICS SPRING SALE.

February 20 February 25th. Open every day that week. 10% off storewide. 4785 Perth Line 67, Milverton. 519-595-4344.

WALLENSTEIN GENERAL STORE INC 7278 Line 86 519 669 2231. Sale

Feb 13, to 24. Closed Family Day and Sat Feb 25th Inventory.

For Sale

UNWANTED GUNS??? PROPERLY Licenced Buyer. Guns, Cabinets, Collections 705-795-7516.

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.

FERTILIZER AND SEED GRAIN - AT COMPETItive pricing. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141.

ICE SALT & ICE MELT - ICE SALT COMES IN 20kg, Ice melt comes in 20kg bags. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

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)

Farm Services

KILN DRIED CORN & CORN SCREENING Delivered by Einwechter. Minimum 15 ton lots. Call George Haffner Trucking 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

Pets

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD/BORDER Collie Puppies for sale. 4 males 5 females left. $750 each. Text 226-820-0078.

WANTED - LOOKING FOR KITTENS, 10 weeks old or younger. Call 519-444-5092.

Coming Events

The Woolwich Seniors Association held their first Valentine’s Day social last week. More than a hundred tickets for the event were sold, and organizers say they hope it will be annual. Entertainment was provided by the Classic Chordsmen quartet. Leah Gerber

Help Wanted

10% off Selected Hardware Garant Forks and Shovels, Barn Owl Forks. Sico Latex Evolution or Kitchen & Bath Paints, Clothing, Fabric, 15% off Housewares, Giftware.

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.

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 Church2925 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg EARLY BIRD SPECIAL ONLY $105+HST FOR 10 WEEKS Uniform extra. Special ends Feb. 13. Regular price $125+HST Call 519-580-1418 or e-mail becky_ schweitzer@ hotmail.com www.schweitzers martialarts.com

Kurtz Auctions Inc. LIVE AUCTION SALE for

Chests//Cherry Entertainment Unit//Love Seat//An�que Dressers & Chests//Large collec�on of Norman Rockwell Plates c/w Authen�city cert.//Variety of Vinyl Records// Fleetwood Console Stereo with Turn Table//Old Blue Original Pitcher &bowl set c/w 2 accent pieces// Coca Cola Collec�on includes Trays, Bo�les & Misc. Memorabilia //Old Tins, Games, Wooden Skis & Snow shoes// An�que Wash Boards, Drying Racks & Clay Jugs//Old Brass Torch & Oil Lamps//Singer Sewing Machine// Quality Ole Crystal and Dish Sets//Lots of unique collectable items.

TOOLS & Misc.: New4Drawer Job MateTool Box c/w 304 pieces tools//50 and 96 pc Socket Sets//Large Variety of New Pliers, Screw Driver & Pry Bar Sets//New Microwave//Variety New Storage Shelving Units (s�ll in box)//New Heaters// Floor Jack& plas�c tool boxes//4 Horizontal Legal Metal File Cabinets//2 doors Metal Storage Cabinet 3’w x6’H//Pro Form Exercise bike.

Only those receiving an interview will be contacted. WE ARE HIRING Woodworking Machinist Cabinet Sales & Design Cabinet Installer Cabinet Installer (Bracebridge Location) If you are interested in joining a vibrant and growing company, please send your resume to laverne@woodlandhorizon.com or call 519.638.5961 ext 104 DATE: Sat. Feb.,25 @ 10:00 am LOCATION: 5461, Hwy 86, 1km north of Guelph Auto Mall PREVIEW: Friday, Feb.24, 1-4 pm and sale day 9 am CONSISTING OF ANTIQUES, SHOP TOOLS FURNITURE & ANTIQUES: 5 pc Solid Birch Dine�e Set c/w 2 leaves//6 pc Oak Victoriaville Bed Suite// Oak Dining Table 43” x 43” c/w 5 leaves, circa 1930//Genuine Leather Occasional Chair//2 matching Krug Corner Cabinets 68”H//Cedar

Auctions Inc. 519-836-0342

The Woolwich Wild U9b team took part in the London Devilettes 32nd annual tournament Feb. 4-6. Front row: Mia Desmeules, Abby Wood, Morgan McKenzie Taylor. Second row (kneeling): Kandis Heckendorn, Everly McCoubrey, Peyton Robinson, Myla Castle, Hazel Weiss, Harper Trimble, Reese Hinbest. Third row: Michaela Denbok, Charlotte Rank, Georgia Roes, Caelen Fitzgerald. Back row: Amy Desmeules, Mark Trimble, Tony Roes, Kyle Rank. Submitted

3rd bedroom and 5 piece bathroom. The basement offers so much versatility with a spacious rec room, 2 bedrooms, a 3 piece bathroom and kitchenette area with sink and fridge, which could easily be converted to a full kitchen for multi-generational living. This space has been well thought out with large egress windows and extra windows in the kitchen area letting in loads of natural light. Additional Features: double garage, new concrete driveway & walkway, main floor laundry, top quality wood used in construction, ceiling fan on back deck, wide stairs, insulation under the poured concrete basement floor, upgrade trim, large tile. MLS

Notice Of Public Meeting

Tuesday March 21, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

Regarding Zone Change Application 2/2023

1066626 Ontario Ltd. and Marhome Farms Ltd.

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 Development Services staff by sending an email to planning@woolwich.ca or by phone at 519-669-6040 if you have any questions. Take Notice that in accordance with the Planning Act, R.S.O., 1990, c.P.13, as amended, the Township of Woolwich has received a complete application for the proposed zoning amendment application more specifically described below. This notice summarizes the details of this application and includes a location map of the subject lands. Please be advised that Notice of a Complete Application does not indicate whether the municipality is in support of, or in opposition to the proposal. That determination will be made at a later date.

The Township of Woolwich will hold a Public Meeting, under Section 34 of the Planning Act, to consider the following Zone Change application. No decisions will be made at this meeting; its purpose is to provide additional information to the public and agencies and to receive comments and information from them.

Application Details

The subject lands consist of a portion of two parcels totaling 2.8 hectares and are located on the north side of King Street North, west of Arthur Street South (see Map 1). The 1.6 hectare portion owned by 1066626 Ontario Ltd. is designated as Industrial/Commercial Area and zoned Stockyards Industrial Commercial Area (C-8) and contains a golf centre. The 1.2-hectare portion owned by Marhome Farms Ltd. is designated Rural and Restricted Land Use Area and zoned Agricultural (A) and contains a farm. Both properties have sitespecific zoning regulations pertaining to the Temporary Use By-law.

The purpose of the application is to extend the Temporary Use By-law for an additional three year period to allow 1066626 Ontario Ltd. to use the 1.2 hectare parcel owned by Marhome Farms Ltd. for a driving range, while Marhome Farms Ltd. uses the 1.6 hectare parcel owned by 1066626 Ontario Ltd. for crop farming (see Site Plan).

Appeal Rights

TAKE NOTICE that if a person or public body would otherwise have an ability to appeal the decision of the Township of Woolwich to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal but the person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Township of Woolwich before the by-law is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision.

AND TAKE NOTICE that if a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting, or make written submissions to the Township of Woolwich before the bylaw is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party.

How To Participate

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

VIEW the Public Meeting / Council meeting livestream on the Woolwich Township YouTube channel at the following link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOnLlF3Srk2gLEBjkq8pIMQ ; PARTICIPATE in the Public Meeting by REGISTERING with Council/Committee Facilitator on or before 1:00 pm on Thursday Mart 16, 2023.

To register please:

• visit www.woolwich.ca/delegations for more information on speaking before Council and to register through the online delegation request form; or

• email council meetings@woolwich.ca or phone 519-669-6004.

When registering you must provide your name, phone number, email and the application number you would like to comment on. Once you are registered staff will forward information on how to connect to the Zoom meeting (i.e. zoom Wi-Fi login or conference call number).

If you are concerned that you do not have access to phone or internet or are otherwise concerned about the reliability of your signal, please ensure that you submit written comments. Written comments do not negate your opportunity to also speak at the Public Meeting but do ensure your voice is heard should your electronic connection to the meeting not work.

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 Council/ Committee Facilitator. 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 meeting disruptions.

Submitting Comments And Requesting Notification

You can express your concerns/ comments about the proposed changes in writing to the Township of Woolwich. Any comments received on or before Friday March 10, 2023 (Note that this date is before the public meeting) will be included in a report prepared by Development Services and presented at the Public Meeting. Any comments received after the Public Meeting, but prior to Council making a decision on the applications, will be considered. The personal information accompanying your submission is being collected under the authority of the Planning Act and may form part of the public record which may be released to the public. This information is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public at the Committee of the Whole and Council meetings. Please note that while the Committee of the Whole and Council may redact some personal information such as email addresses and phone numbers, your submissions will otherwise be made public in their entirety. Questions about this collection should be directed to the Records and Freedom of Information Officer at 519-669-1647 or 1-877-969-0094 ext. 6005.

Should you wish to be notified of future meetings and reports regarding the Zone Change application please:

• submit a written request, noting that you wish to be kept informed, to the Township of Woolwich, Development Services, 24 Church Street West, Box 158, Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z6, or

• email your request noting that you wish to be kept informed to planning@woolwich.ca

If Council approves the change, a notice will be mailed to you explaining the By-law.

More Information

Additional information related to these applications can be viewed or obtained as follows: Schedule an appointment to view the documents at the Township Administration building located at 24 Church Street West, Elmira weekdays between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm. To schedule an appointment please call 519-669-6040 or email planning@woolwich.ca

Dated at the Township of Woolwich this 16th day of February 2023.

AGRICULTURAL PROPERTIESIS YOUR NON FARM BUSINESS LEGAL?

The Township is reviewing all the Agricultural properties for compliance with the Zoning By-law. If you run any business from an Agriculturally zoned property such as a produce stand, industrial business, contractor’s operation, storage business, kennel, or any other use that is not directly farming, contact the Township Planning Department to ensure you conform under the zoning. We recommend that you check with Township staff now, as any operation that is discovered by the Township as part of our enforcement process could be subject to increased fees.

Contact Township planning staff in person at the Township Administration Building, by phone at 519-669-6040, or email at planning@woolwich.ca today.

Public Notice Of A Special Meeting Of Council Regarding Proposed New Official Plan

The Purpose Of The Special Meeting Of Council

The Council of the Township of Woolwich will hold a special meeting, pursuant to Section 26(3) of the Planning Act, R.S.O., 1990, as amended, for the purposes of discussing the proposed New Official Plan. The special meeting of Council will be held as follows:

TUESDAY MARCH 28, 2023 7:00 P.M.

TOWNSHIP OFFICE, TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH

THE SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNCIL is to discuss the proposed new Official Plan for the Township of Woolwich. The Special Meeting of Council is intended to provide an opportunity for the public to offer comments regarding any issue or matter that should be considered in creating the new Official Plan. Members of Council will also be providing input on their issues or matters to be considered during the new Official Plan process.

Background On The New Official Plan

The proposed new Official Plan would replace the existing in force and in effect Official Plan once approved. The proposed new Official Plan will affect all lands within the Township of Woolwich. The plan will outline the goals, objectives, and policies primarily used to support growth, economic development, and building the Township’s future as well as establish a framework for managing the effects of growth on the social, economic and natural environment of the Township.

The Planning Act requires that an Official Plan conform with provincial plans or does not conflict with them; has regard to matters of provincial interest; is consistent with provincial policy statements; and addresses recent legislative changes. Taking into account the timing of the approval of the current Official Plan, the introduction of a 2020 Provincial Policy Statement and amendments to the Planning Act, R.S.O., 1990, as well as a new Regional Official Plan, the Township has initiated the creation of a new Official Plan.

Subject Lands

The new Official Plan will affect all lands within the municipal boundary of the Township of Woolwich. Accordingly, no key map is provided.

Your Input Is Important

Any person can view the special public meeting and/or provide written comments or a verbal representation by virtual participation. Should in-person attendance be permitted, notice will be provided to the public, spaces will be limited, and a registration process will be in place. Register for the Meeting:

Contact the Committee Clerk on or before 10:00 am on Tuesday March 21, 2023

To register please:

• visit www.woolwich.ca/delegations for more information on speaking before Council and to register through the online delegation request form; or

• email councilmeetings@woolwich.ca or phone 519-669-6004

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 Clerk will forward information on how to connect to the Zoom meeting (i.e. zoom Wi-Fi login or conference call number).

View the Public Meeting / Council meeting livestream on the Woolwich Township YouTube channel at the following link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOnLlF3Srk2gLEBjkq8pIMQ

If you are unable to view / attend the public meeting, you may provide written comments in the following manner:

Email:

• Jeremy Vink, Township of Woolwich – jvink@woolwich.ca

• Heather Sewell, NPG Planning Solutions – hsewell@npgsolutions.ca

Mail / Drop off: Township of Woolwich, Attn: Jeremy Vink, RE: New Official Plan, P.O. Box 158, 24 Church Street West, Elmira, ON, N3B 2Z6

A copy of the agenda for the special public meeting of Council, including a staff report and any attachments, will be available by Thursday, March 23, 2023 at 3 pm.

The Township’s current Official Plan may be reviewed on the Township of Woolwich website at Woolwich.ca/officialplan

Notice Of Collection

Personal information collected as a result of this public meeting is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA), the Planning Act, and all other relevant legislation, and will be used to assist in making a decision on this matter. All personal information (as defined by MFIPPA), including (but not limited to) names, addresses, opinions and comments collected will be made available for public disclosure to members of the public, at the meeting, through requests, and through the website of the Township of Woolwich. Questions regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of this personal information may be directed to the Clerk, Township of Woolwich; P.O. Box 158, 24 Church Street West, Elmira, ON, N3B 2Z6. This notice published on February 16, 2023 and February 23, 2023.

COVID-19 Information:

The health and safety of residents, Council, and staff is the most important part of this meeting. If in-person attendance is permitted at this time, residents who do not wish to attend or are sick and unable to attend in-person, have the option of submitting their comments in writing. Both in person and written comments are equally valued.

Jeff Smith Clerk, Township of Woolwich

NOTICE: NOISE EXEMPTIONS

Did you know that you need to apply for a Noise Exemption for any events with excessive noise, amplified sound, and/or musical instruments?

Submit your fee with your complete application for staff to review.

A minimum of 21 business days notice is required when you apply for your exemption. For more information about how to apply for Noise Exemptions, go to www.woolwich.ca/bylaw.

Neighbours, you can now find approved Noise By-law Exemptions and after-hours noise complaint reporting information on our website at www.woolwich.ca/bylaw.

Notice To Residents

TAKE NOTICE that the Council of the Township of Woolwich intends to discuss and adopt the following 2023 budgets as required by section 290 of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended:

• Tax-supported operating budget

• Capital budget

• Water budget

• Wastewater budget at the regularly scheduled Council meeting on February 21, 2023, starting at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers situated at 24 Church Street West in Elmira and on Zoom and livestreamed to the Township of Woolwich YouTube Channel.

Richard Petherick, CPA, CMA Director of Finance & Treasurer

Apply to Join the Woolwich 2SLGBTQ+ Ad-hoc Working Group!

The Township of Woolwich is looking for engaged citizens who are passionate about ensuring a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community for all residents to join the Woolwich 2SLGBTQ+ Ad-hoc Working Group.

The Ad-hoc Working Group will meet as-needed to fulfill their mandate with two to four meetings expected. They will be asked for ideas to make the community a more inclusive place as well as considering specific initiatives like a recent request for a rainbow crosswalk. For more detailed information about the Woolwich 2SLGBTQ+ Ad-hoc Working Group and how to apply, please visit www.woolwich.ca/committees or contact the Clerk’s Office at 519-669-1647 ext. 6010.

The application deadline is Monday, March 6, 2023. Appointments will be in effect until the Group’s mandate is completed or the end of the term of Council, whichever is sooner. Interested, but want more information? Contact Jeff Smith, Director of Corporate Services/ Clerk at jsmith@woolwich.ca or by phone at 519-669-6010.

Birthday

Happy 100th Birthday Jean Heckendorn

Obituary

Driedger, Elaine

Obituary

Lots of love from your family.

Joyce Kailing

From sunrise to sunset, every moment would have been more wonderful if you were here with us today. Your memories will never be forgotten. We miss you.

From Ernie, Jeff, Stephanie & family

Obituary

Weber, Laurene

Died peacefully at Grand River Hospital on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, in her 63rd year. Beloved wife of Lloyd Weber of RR 4, Elmira. Mother of Ruthann Weber of RR 1, St. Jacobs, Laverne and Sharlene Weber, Florence and Eldon Martin of RR 2, Dundalk, Leonard and Alma Weber, and Marie Weber of RR 4, Elmira. Survived by 11 grandchildren; four brothers: Orvie and Lena Martin, Murray and Naomi Martin, Edgar and Elsie Martin, Lloyd and Ellen Martin; brother-in-law

Oscar and Velina Martin; brothers and sisters-in-law, Eileen Weber, Martha and Delton Martin, John and Lorna Weber, Verna and Jesse Gingrich. Predeceased by her parents Edwin and Leah Martin, step-mother Hannah Martin, and sister Alice Martin (Mrs. Oscar). Visitation was held on Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 6-8 p.m., and Friday, February 10, 2023 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1-6 p.m. at her home, 3791 Steffler Rd., Elmira. Family service was held at the home on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 9 a.m. then to Conestoga Mennonite Meeting House for burial and public service.

❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Passed away peacefully at Freeport Hospital on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at the age of 69. Loving mother of Krista and Scott Veitch, and Timothy Mark Driedger. Proud Oma of Alex and Ashley Veitch, and Sara and Kathleen Driedger. Beloved daughter of Margaret and the late Peter Toews. Will be missed by her brother Ronald (Violet) Toews, sister Sharon (Peter) Neufeld, many nieces, nephews and their families. Remembered by her dear friend Gail. Following Elaine’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private service will be held. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Grand River Hospital Foundation –Continuum of Care, Freeport Campus would be appreciated, and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira. Thank you to the staff at Freeport for their compassion and care during Elaine’s time there.

❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Obituary

Passed away after a hard battle with brain cancer at Hospice Waterloo with Melissa by his side on Friday, February 10, 2023 at the age of 42. Beloved husband of Melissa for ten years. Loving Dad to Jackson. Survived by parents Dianna and Arthur Brown, sisters Sarah Van Opstal (Josh), Heather Reid (Jeff), as well as four nieces and one nephew. Lovingly missed by Melissa’s parents Darlene and Greg Turney, sisters Becky Richardson (Kyle), Jessica Weber (Mike) as well as two nieces and two nephews. Dave had many hobbies and interests including gardening, travel, woodworking, curling, hockey, music, cheering for the Green Bay Packers and the Toronto Blue Jays, and spending all the time he could creating constant memories with his little family. He enjoyed a successful career as a Certified Civil Engineering Technologist working for the Region of Waterloo, planning, designing and constructing roads, bridges and sewers. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held for family and friends in Elmira on Saturday, March 11, 2023, from 1 – 4 p.m. at the Lions Hall, 40 South St. W., Elmira. Refreshments will be served, and everyone is encouraged to dress casually. Words of remembrance and a toast to Dave at 2:30 pm. As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada or Hospice Waterloo would be appreciated, and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira. A special thank you to the wonderful Care Partners group of nurses, PSWs, Genesis Comfort Care team, our family doctor, and hospice staff who provided Dave with comfort and care to keep him comfortable in his last days.

Metzger, Herbert Henry

Passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at the age of 91. Herb is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Frances, children Karen Miersma (Pete), Kevin Metzger (Heather), Rodger Metzger (Lise) and Rennie Cockram (Steve), several grandchildren and great grandchildren, his brother Earl Metzger (Sharon), three sisters, Helen Vandermolen, Gladys Vollmer (John) and Annabelle Payson, half-brother Robert and half- sister Heather as well as extended family members. He was predeceased by his daughters Kim and Rosemarie, brother Bruce, and sister Dorothy. Herb was a loyal, loving husband, and a good provider to his children. He was also a well-respected Grader Operator, a member of Calvary Memorial United Church, and a very good neighbour, as he liked to help others. He enjoyed gardening and working in the greenhouse, and spending time on his word-working projects, but above all, he was a fisherman. Herb participated in many fishing derbys, kept a fishing journal, and even won a lifetime achievement award for his fishing skills. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Kristen Robinson of Blue Skies Senior Assistance Ltd, the staff at Victoria Place, the staff at Grand River ICU, and Dr. McKinnon for the excellent care and compassion they gave to Herb.

A Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Monday, February 20th from 2pm – 4pm. The Funeral Service will take place in the Funeral Home’s chapel on Tuesday, February 21st at 11am. A Reception will follow in the Funeral Home’s Fireside Room. Cremation will follow, and Herbert’s urn will be interred at St. Theresa Cemetery at a later date. Condolences for the family and donations to the KW Humane Society may be arranged at www.erbgood.com

❖ www.erbgood.com

EMSF: Sweet success

→ FROM 1 maple syrups, and they know what amber maple syrup should taste like. And if there’s any flaw in the process, they kind of unpack that flaw. And they can really tell you why maple syrup tastes a certain way based on what might happen during the process,” he said.

The winning entry was a “beautiful syrup,” Bainborough said.

“[It had] a good maple flavour, smooth from the time you tasted it to time you swallowed. It was excellent syrup,” he said.

Along with being named producer of the year, the winning farm will be given access to the prime mall spot on sap fest day and will provide the pancake tent with up to 500 litres of maple syrup. While the goal was to pick a producer of the year, the contest is also done to improve the local maple syrup industry, Bedard said.

“As much as we want to produce at the end, we want to also improve and give back to the community and really help everyone develop high quality maple syrup.”

Bainborough agreed.

“It’s education, too, and it makes all the industry better. If you make better syrup, it only helps me.

All of the entries were high quality, Bedard added.

“Just because you finished last or second last, or wherever you finish, it doesn’t mean that that’s a bad maple syrup. It just means we have to score it. And there’s always going to be a winner. The judges make the comment every year that they would buy any of these syrups from any of these producers,” he said.

HARRIS: Looking to talk

→ FROM 3

Death Notice

BRENNER, JEROME - Jerome Anthony Brenner of Listowel, and formerly of Crosshill, passed away at University Hospital on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, in his 85th year.

JANTZI, SIMEON JACOB - It is with sadness that we share the news of Simeon's passing at the age of 80 on the morning of Friday, February 10, 2023.

KENNELL, ALVIN "AL" - Passed away peacefully the morning of Tuesday, February 14, 2023, just 4 days after his 91st birthday.

MARTIN, BART S. - Died suddenly due to an accident on the farm on February 8, 2023 at the age of 20.

that never received a response acknowledging Harris had received it. “We’re here because we’re frustrated that we’re not getting any response,” said Dorothy Wilson, a member of the Nith Valley EcoBoosters.

Elmira’s Sandra Bray was another protestor present. “If you look across Ontario, communities are taking action independent of their provincial government,” she said.

“I think the public is looking for leadership and guidance for the [climate] chaos that is coming down the tracks.”

Kasia Kaminska, parliamentary assistant to Harris, said that as of this week, a meeting is in the works for the parties involved, the timing is still to be confirmed.

“Our staff works diligently to manage all incoming correspondence and calls and ensure it is forwarded to the appropriate ministries for attention and response. Due to a high volume of enquiries, we do our best to respond promptly, but sometimes unforeseen delays occur,” she said.