January 5, 2023

JANUARY

 Wellesley Twp. homeowners will see 5.2% tax increase this year

Wellesley residents are looking at a 5.2 per cent increase on the township portion of their property tax bills as coun cil approved the budget for 2022. That will add $54.97 to the average charge, based on a home with an assessed value of $383,000.

The increase represents an increase of 2.72 per cent for servicelevel increases, 1.97 per cent for a general levy increase, and 0.5 per cent for a special

greening levy.



Province imposes new restrictions as COVID cases spike

Nobody asked for an easily transmissible new COVID variant for Christmas. Likewise for a return to lockdown conditions. But that’s what Ontarians got, as the Omicron strain of the virus saw a massive spike in cases that prompted the government to impose new restrictions. 

Overwhelmed hospitals delay non-urgent procedures yet again Area hospitals that had been trying to deal with the backlog of surgeries, testing and other

non-pandemic-related cases are in the midst of a setback. To start the year, such procedures are on hold again.

The spike in COVID-19 cases saw Ontario Health advise hospitals to proceed only with the likes of emergency and cancer care surgical procedures for at least a couple of weeks. 

Omicron spike

having impact on waste collection

Even as the post-holiday waste stream hits its zenith, the pandemic left collectors short-staffed, leading to a backlog the region is still trying to

process. Residents have been left holding the bag –literally – for an extra day or two as workers were delayed in picking up the trash, the result of illness and mandatory isolation periods. 

Woolwich hires new deputy fire chief

The job title and location are different, but Craig Eveson finds plenty to be familiar with as the new deputy chief of the Woolwich Fire Department. Eveson comes to Woolwich after some 20 years as a volunteer with the King Township department, most recently as a captain.

Region sees COVID-19 situation as “stable”

DESPITE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN the number of COVID-19 cases per person in the region in December, Waterloo Region Public Health is describing the current situation as “stable.”

On December 1 the region had 4.2 cases per 100,000 people, and on December 28, the most recent update, there were 5.5 cases per 100,000, an increase of 227 net new cases. There are 296 active cases, an increase of 26.

The number of resolved cases increased by 189 in the last month representing a pandemic total of 53,344. The seven-day moving average positivity rate was 25 per cent and there were no deaths reported last month.

Provincially, the most recent update – covering the previous seven days – was on December 17. In total there were 6,022 cases reported province wide during that time.

There were 308 hospitalizations, and 40 deaths reported. This brings the total provincial pandemic case count to 1,536,865 or 10,365.8 per 100,000 people. There have been 62,801 total deaths across Ontario.

On the vaccine side of things, 83.9 per cent of Ontarians have had at least one dose, while 80.8 per cent have had two doses, considered the “primary series.” Some 50.7 per cent of Ontarians have had one booster, while 22.5 per cent of the population have had two boosters.

Each of these numbers represent just an increase of 0.1 per cent of the previous week, except the primary series with two boosters which saw a 0.3 per cent increase.

In Waterloo Region, 82 per cent of resident have had at least one dose, 79.1 have received their primary series, while those who have received third and fourth doses represent 48 per cent and 20.8 per cent respectively.

Bill Atwood

Observer Staff

New chief of paramedics From the archives

News tips are always welcome.

Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Online: observerxtra.com/tips

She shows that every little bit helps in support of Ukraine

Bill Atwood Observer Staff

A JOHN MAHOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL student has joined in the giving act with her donation to the Mennonite Central Committee’s Ukrainian relief fund.

After Grade 2 student Peyton Leyland’s school sold sunflower kits in a fundraising effort earlier in the year, she decided to keep it going over the spring and summer. In total she raised $230, which she delivered to MCC Thrift’s Elmira location in the run-up to the holidays.

“Someone else did it. So I thought I would do it too And I was trying to do it for Ukraine,” she said.

Peyton’s mom, Sarah

Playford, said that even at a young age Peyton understood what was happening when Russia’s invasion of Ukraine started.

“She said that she wanted to help support them because she was feeling sad because they’re the community and their houses were lost,” Playford said.

“That’s why I supported it because I thought ‘we can keep carrying this on and we can do this to help support, even if it was $100.’ She kept thinking of this herself to keep it going.”

Peyton said she felt “good and little bit nervous” delivering her donation.

The donation came at a time of dire need for Ukrainians.

“When we dropped it off, one lady said that they had just gotten an email from Ukraine saying that

it’s really cold over there so they’re needing some heat in their houses. I know she was happy and

she was nervous, I think because she wasn’t sure how maybe that would make people feel [about]

Funding will help local tree-planting

the region.

GREEN SOLUTIONS HAS DONE it again. They’ve just received a grant for some $250,000 from the Canadian government’s 2 Billion Trees program. The money will go toward planting 800 trees across multiple sites in the region. It will also be used to build up the nursery at the Elmira Nature Reserve. The organization also plans to establish a new nursery at RARE Charitable Research Reserve. It will be next to a community garden which has a partnership with the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank.

At both locations, volunteers will grow trees for greening projects across

“We wanted to make sure that this is accessible so people can visit, volunteer at the space and really be engaged in the process right from the seed collection,” explained Patrick Gilbride, Reep’s associate director and manager of green infrastructure programs.

“I don’t want to say that the end goal is to plant the tree, because after that it needs to be looked after too. It’s really sort of involving people in all aspects of caring for trees right from the beginning. We want to be able to do that where people are at, so that’s one reason we want to have both locations,” he said.

“It’s been recognized for a while that there’s a need to plant trees and that’s

why all these organizations have been doing it. But what I find really exciting with this particular grant is that we’re all going to be working together and sort of coordinating our efforts so that we can really get more trees in the ground and do it well.”

He says some of the funds will go toward installing solar panels at the Elmira Nature Reserve to automate the irrigation system.

“The Elmira one, that’s been up and running for 10 years, totally volunteer driven. And I would say it’s been a success, but I think they’re running into a point where if they really want to expand their operations, they have to make a few investments, both in terms of capital investments and some people

investments.”

Gilbride says the nurseries will focus on native species, and give the community opportunities to participate in green industries.

“The goal is to really ramp up the number of native trees that we grow, but also to engage the public in the process of doing that. To educate people.”

Trees that are sourced natively have a better chance of survival, said Gilbride.

“One of the reasons that we felt that we fit a niche that isn’t being fulfilled currently, is we want to collect seeds for the trees locally, because we know that the seeds that are from trees that have grown here are going to be adapted to the climate

here.”

Once they’re big enough, the trees grown will go towards community greening projects such as the microforest model that Reep staff install on private properties in cooperation with landowners, as well as restoration projects such as the Elmira Nature Reserve and the Mike Schout Wetlands in Wilmot Township.

Gilbride says the idea for this came when he was looking to source more trees for the organization’s backyard tree planting program, and multiple organizations came alongside to submit the grant together including RARE, Trees for Woolwich, Sustainable Waterloo Region and the Region of Waterloo.

“It’s the collaboration

her donating,” Playford said.

Playford said she was very proud of her daughter for taking the initiative.

“[I felt] very proud of her that she would just take that ownership, keep going with it and raise the money and want to donate. It’s just so amazing at this age, 8 years old, but she wanted to help out. It shows that there’s good in the children that we’re raising in this generation, and what a big heart some kids have.”

Leyland is already looking forward to her next project.

“I’m going to start a project for [this] year, maybe like blossoms or roses or something,” she said.

piece between all these really passionate organizations and people,” said Gilbride. “It’s really great that we will be working together on this project going forward. We’ve always sort of been friends and shared information, but to really have a shared vision for being able to work together on this and work a little more efficiently because of that, I think that’s the most exciting piece of this.”

He says he is hoping to hire someone to manage the nursery at RARE starting in the spring, and to have it at least semi-operational this year.

The best way for people to get involved is to contact Trees for Woolwich, because they already have a nursery set up and running, said Gilbride.

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John Riches was this week named as Waterloo Region’s new chief of paramedic services. He has some 25 years in the field, most recently as deputy chief of paramedic services with the Region of Durham. He starts the new post on Jan. 30.

The WMC is recovering from a break-in on the night of New Year’s Eve that left thousands of dollars worth of destruction. Trophy cases, glass panels, computer monitors, telephones, and office windows were smashed with fire extinguishers. Both pools have been drained to clear shards of glass. From the Jan. 4, 2014 edition of The Observer

Leah Gerber Observer Staff

REEP

Peyton Leyland, 8, dropped off her donation to the MCC’s Ukrainian relief fund at MCC Thrift’s Elmira location last month. Submitted

„ Firefighters get 7% raise

Falling farther behind the wages paid their counterparts in the other rural townships, Woolwich’s firefighters will get a seven per cent raise in each of the next three years under a budget given preliminary approval January 13. All told, the Woolwich Fire Department is looking at an operating budget of $2,274,921 in 2022, up 6.8 per cent over 2021’s budget.

„

tent this spring, as the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival will again be a virtual event.

FEBRUARY

„ Woolwich passes budget with 5.37% tax hike

represents a dozen employees in the recreation and public works departments.

ing to provide rural residents with greater access to primary-care services.

Province

announces funding for new schools, including one in Breslau

A new public school in Breslau is one of three new facilities planned for Waterloo Region that moved forward with a formal funding announcement from the province. The Waterloo Region District School Board will build a second school in the rapidly growing Thomasfield Homes subdivision on the east side of the village. The building will provide space for some 600 elementary students and 73 childcare spots. The province is providing $16.6 million.

„

Woolwich residents will see a 5.37 per cent tax hike this year under a budget approved February 7 during an at-times contentious council session. That amounts to an extra $50, based on a home with an average assessed value of $400,000.

The budget includes an operating budget of $21,165,461, a 10 per cent increase from the 2021 budget, and capital spending of $25,541,316, up 18.6 per cent over what was budgeted last year.

„ Wellesley launches campaign for new recreation centre

The contract awarded to build the new Wellesley Township Recreation Centre, the committee charged with raising the community’s portion of the $27-million price tag has now launched its campaign.

„ St. Mary’s Hospital one of 15 centres prescribing Paxlovid Ottawa approved Pfizer’s Paxlovid to treat COVID19 as an at-home prescription medication in Canada, 11,000 doses were shipped across the province to clinics such as the COVID assessment clinic (CAC) at St. Mary’s General Hospital in Kitchener.

This the first oral medication that can prevent people with COVID from becoming severely ill, helping to relieve some of the pressure COVID has put on hospitals. It’s not a replacement for vaccination and is in short supply currently, so only those considered high-risk are being prescribed Paxlovid in the region.

„ Province speeds up reopening as case numbers decline

„ Maryhill will get new fire hall as Woolwich council changes course

Maryhill residents could have a new fire hall as early as later this year, or perhaps by 2023.

Woolwich councillors voted February 28 to scrap tenders received to renovate the facility in favour of replacing it completely.

Having debated the issue of renovating or building new a couple of times already, councillors quickly chose the replacement option. That the latest staff report indicated a new station could be built for the original $1.4 million budget rather than $1.7 million to renovate was likely a factor in the decision.

MARCH

the number of people that are coming,” said Tara Bedard, executive director of Waterloo Immigration Partnership.

Bedard noted the system in place for Ukrainians coming to Canada is different from the normal refugee process.

„ Hospitals still experiencing staffing shortages, look to address backlogs

Local hospitals are playing catch-up again as they start to recover from the latest pandemic-related restrictions. From staffing shortages to backlogged surgeries, there’s been a big impact on their operations as restrictions lift, hospitals in the region are trying to return to normal.

„ Woolwich backs call for moratorium on gravel pits

meant rolling out reimbursements retroactive to April 1 when the funding model – and the money itself – was finalized.

„ Volunteers step up to save minor baseball season

After some doubt about whether or not it could continue to operate, the South Woolwich Minor Baseball season was saved.

According to co-president Rob Elson, the pandemic, combined with multiple people stepping away from their committee volunteer roles, led to the possibility of the league shutting down permanently. After the organization put out the call for volunteers they had several people step forward to help.

Council gives Breslau splash pad project another greenlight

A renewed bid to build a splash pad in Breslau won the endorsement of Woolwich council January 24. The idea was first approved in 2012, then reaffirmed by council five years ago.

The latest plan calls for a scaled-back version – to 1,650 square feet from 4,300 sq. ft. – at a cost of $275,000, with all of the money to be provided by the community.

„ 2022 EMSF committee opts for virtual festival again There’ll be no firing up the griddle at the pancake

“There are two campaign goals. The first is to raise $2.5 million to offset the township’s costs. The second is to foster community ownership in the project. We’re confident we’ll meet both goals, and maybe even exceed them,” said campaign chair Chris Martin.

„ Wellesley Twp. reaches deal with unionized workers Wellesley reached a deal with its outside workers that provides for raises of 1.9 per cent annually over a four-year term.

The new contract with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 1542 is retroactive to Jan. 1, 2021. The previous deal had expired on Dec. 31, 2020. The union

Declines in the number of COVID-19 cases and related hospitalizations, the province is stepping up its reopening schedule. As of February 17, Ontario will be moving to the next phase, allowing restaurants, bars, cinemas and other indoor public settings to increase capacity limits.

„ Breslau among sites chosen for nurse practitioner-led health clinic

In a bid to boost healthcare services in the area, the province will set up a new nurse practitioner-led clinic (NPLC) in Breslau.

On February 18, Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris announced $900,000 in annual fund-

„ $1-million donation a big boost to Wellesley rec. centre project

Charged with raising $2.5 million towards the new Wellesley Township Recreation Centre, the fundraising committee got a big boost in the form a cheque for $1 million.

Bill Gies, who was born on a farm in St. Clements and who got his start as a developer in Wellesley, provided the signature on the cheque. His name will adorn the project’s main facility, which will be known as the Bill Gies Recreation Centre.

„ Mask usage to be eased

Citing continued improvements in the pandemic situation, the Ontario government announced March 9 it will remove the mandatory masking requirement for most situations on March 21, with the exception of the likes of public transit, health care facilities, long-term care homes and congregate care settings.

„ Region prepares to welcome Ukrainian refugees fleeing war

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, Waterloo Region is preparing to welcome refugees to the area, though just how many will arrive here remains up in the air.

“It makes it more difficult in some ways, but the same types of things need to happen, regardless of

While it has fewer gravel pits than North Dumfries, Woolwich is nonetheless joining its fellow rural township’s call for a moratorium on new operations and a comprehensive review of provincial policies related to aggregate extraction. North Dumfries’ resolution won the backing of Woolwich councillors meeting March 21.

„ Region remains in emergency mode; pandemic not over yet

Along with the easing of pandemic restrictions, Woolwich, Wellesley and the other lower-tier municipalities have pulled the plug on the state of emergencies each declared. At the regional level, however, the declaration remains, though that means little to the average resident.

The decision came as the number of COVID-19 cases remained largely unchanged as mask mandates were lifted.

„ Region welcomes new deal leading to $10/day daycare Administering licensed daycare centres got a whole lot more involved, but it’s a move being welcomed by regional officials.

There were few details, but a new agreement between the federal and provincial governments will move operations towards a $10-per-day target for childcare services. There was a 25 per cent reduction in fees charged at participating daycare facilities. That

„ Mennonite Central Committee Thrift shops celebrate golden anniversary

That its thrift stores have helped fund Mennonite Central Committee projects around the world for 50 years is due to the dedication of volunteer workers, the organization said.

MCC Thrift was started by four Manitoban women who opened what they thought would be a temporary location to receive clothing donations and raise money selling the items. Since that first shop opened in Altona, Man. in March of 1972, MCC Thrift has raised more than $300 million to help fund the myriad of activities undertaken by the charitable organization.

„ Region hospitals to get $13.6 million to help offset pandemic Hospitals in Waterloo Region got a funding boost of more than $13.6 million from the provincial government, a share of the $572 million that is being spent across the province to help reimburse hospitals for revenue lost during the pandemic.

Cambridge Memorial Hospital received $2,957,500 while St Mary’s General Hospital got $2,539,638. Grand River Hospital was tagged for the largest amount, $8,155,752, for a total of $13,652,890.

„ Woolwich site among reported cases of bird flu

Much of Woolwich was deemed a control zone for the avian flu after

cases were found in the area. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) took extra precaution in their efforts to curb the spread of the virus, which was first found on a Guelph-area poultry farm on March 27. A second case was reported in a poultry flock closer to London before another instance of bird flu was found at a poultry operation in Woolwich on March 30.

„ Province looks to speed up planning process to boost supply of housing Speeding up the process will allow developers to build more homes more quickly, leading to lower prices, the province stressed in its effort to ease Ontario’s affordability crisis, the More Homes for Everyone Act.

Among its measures, the new bill would impose penalties on municipalities that slow down the process by which developers seek to rezone land and obtain permissions to build new homes.

The legislation draws on the industry-led Housing Affordability Task Force that concluded an increased supply was the route needed to make housing more accessible to Ontarians. That group called for the construction of 1.5 million homes over the next 10 years.

„ Kings finish season in first, open playoffs vs Brantford

Having clinched top spot in the Midwestern Conference, the Elmira Sugar Kings took on the eighth-place Brantford Bandits in the first round of the playoffs. The Kings took two of the final three games of the regular season to finish with a record of 35-11-1-1, their 72 points three ahead of second-place Cambridge.

Going into the final week of the season, the Kings needed just one point to clinch first place. They did just that in the first opportunity, defeating the Caledon Bombers 4-2 on March 30.

APRIL

„ Chartwell plans to sell off longterm care homes

Chartwell’s Long Term Care Residence and Retirement Residence in Elmira were sold along with the rest

of Chartwell’s Ontario long-term care platform in a $446.5-million deal. Ownership of the facilities transitioned to AgeCare Health Services, pending government approvals.

AgeCare took on Chartwell’s Ontario Long Term Care platform, including 22 facilities and 3,284 beds, plus a home under construction with 244 beds, and management of the current 100-bed home on that site.

„ Bus route cancellations on the rise due to COVID-19

More school bus routes were being cancelled or delayed throughout Waterloo Region as drivers are forced to isolate due to COVID-19. In the first week of April, there were seven cancellations alone.

The measure to cancel bus routes due to COVID19-related absenteeism was implemented as a last resort on January 24, and was expected to end in February. Since January there have been 36 route cancellations due to drivers isolating because of COVID-19, whereas earlier in March there were weeks with no cancellations.

„ Board reopening facilities to the public

The region’s high school gyms were re-opened for community bookings. The Waterloo Region District School Board announced it’s cautiously reopening facilities for use by the public. The reopening was in four phases, beginning with allowing secondary school gyms to be booked during the weekends in phase one, which began the first week of April. Spectators were not allowed, however.

„ Long-term care homes receive provincial funding to help boost staffing numbers

Local long-term care homes shared in some $7.1 million in provincial funding to help with staffing shortages. The money was directed at the province’s commitment that residents of such homes receive an average of four hours of direct care each day by 2025.

„ Region looks to lower bag limits on garbage collection

The region rolled out new restrictions on garbage collection, dropping to three from four the number of bags that can be put at the curb every

two weeks. The reduction followed 2017’s introduction of biweekly collection and bag limits. The new measures were planned for October .

„ Sugar Kings sweep through first round of GOJHL playoffs

The Elmira Sugar Kings swept through the Bandits, winning game four by a score of 6-1 April 12 in Brantford to wrap up the first round of the Midwestern Conference playoffs.

official opening of the domestic arrivals building on April 21, part of the $44million terminal expansion at Waterloo Region International Airport in Breslau.

corner of Queens Bush and Hutchison roads. The targeted completion date is in the fall of 2023. The project is budgeted to cost $27.2 million.

donates $500K to Wellesley rec. project

„ Breslau residents fed up with post office vandalism

Changes to the outlet in Breslau following a string of vandalism incidents that had some residents picking up their mail elsewhere.

The post office was reported as being in rough shape: the glass in the front door was broken, and the door boarded up, a large hole was kicked in the vestibule drywall and holes punched in many of the small glass windows in the metal postboxes.

„ Neighbours concerned about plans for former auto-wrecking site in Elmira

A northeast-Elmira neighbourhood abutted by industrial sites got a new worry in the form of a planned expansion of the operational area of a former auto-wrecking site. The owners of 39 Arthur St. N. are seeking zoning and official plan amendments to permit what is now some 7.7 acres of open space covered with trees and scrub-brush to be converted to a gravel parking lot. The applications were discussed at a public meeting as Woolwich councillors met April 11.

Part of the property also sits atop a former municipal landfill site decommissioned decades ago, but with lingering methane issues.

„ New arrivals area opened at airport

In the morning, Waterloo Region Chair Karen Redman deemed it a “great day for the airport and our region,” in the afternoon the CEO of Flair, the very airline that is expected to lead service out of the newly expanded airport, had to reassure customers that it would be able to continue flying past May 3.

The region held the

„ Sale of Quarry Integrated Communications St. Jacobs-based Quarry Integrated Communications didn’t have far to go in changing hands: the company was acquired by long-time employees. The company was founded by former chair Alan Quarry’s father, Bob Quarry, in 1973. Alan joined in 1983 and bought out his father five years later.

The move sees Tony Mohr, Meredith Fuller, Mandey Moote and Richard Hill each take a 25 per cent stake in the company. While the actual sale was made in October 2020, the ownership succession plan was completed in April.

„ Kings defeat Stratford to advance

The Elmira Sugar Kings moved on to face Cambridge in the Midwestern Conference finals after defeating the Stratford Warriors in six games. The Kings closed out the second-round series April 29 with a 5-2 win in Stratford. That followed a 3-1 victory two nights earlier at home.

MAY

„ Breaking new ground After years of anticipation, work finally began on the new Wellesley Township Recreation Centre. A ground-breaking ceremony took place May 2 at the site, located at the

„ Region looks to expropriate lands for new roundabout Region of Waterloo staff sought approval to expropriate land to build a roundabout at the intersection of Floradale Road and Line 86 west of Elmira.

In this case, small portions of land near the roads at the intersection are being expropriated in a permanent easement to allow regional staff to enter the land at any time for the purpose of installing and maintaining stormwater management infrastructure.

„ Wellesley approves pilot project to allow food trucks

The weather finally allowing for food-truck season in earnest, Wellesley council approved a pilot project May 10 that allows such vehicles to operate on municipal property.

„ Elmira’s season ends after thirdround playoff loss to Cambridge

A strong season that included finishing atop the Midwestern Conference came to an end May 12 when the Elmira Sugar Kings lost 4-1 to the Cambridge Redhawks, the same tally as the best-of-seven series. The Kings swept through the Brantford Bandits in the first round of the GOJHL playoffs, then defeated the Stratford Warriors in six games. But after winning the first game of the Cambridge series, the Kings lost the next four.

„ Jones family

REVIVAL 69

When the Wellesley Township Community Health Centre makes the move to the new rec. complex, the name above the entrance will be the Jones Family Health and Wellness Centre. Jeff and Julie Jones of Linwood pledged $500,000 to the construction of the new Wellesley Township Recreation Centre.

„ Woolwich takes next step in converting Kiwanis House site into affordable housing

Plans to convert the former Kiwanis House property in Elmira into affordable housing moved closer May 30 as the township declared the land surplus.

The property at 28 South St. W. will also be rezoned to allow for medium-density residential use, with an eye on preparing the site for sale. Woolwich will also seek proposals from organizations able to build affordable/low-income housing there.

„ Woolwich awards contract to build new Maryhill fire station

Maryhill will have a brand spanking new fire hall next year, with Woolwich council meeting May 30 awarding a $1.6-million contract to carry out the project. Domm Construction Ltd. was the lower of two bids received. The new 5,200-square-foot building will replace the aging 1966 structure located at 17 St. Charles St. E. The final price tag is some $200,000 higher than budgeted due to some additions beyond the winning bid’s specifications, including upgraded windows, the addition of a mezzanine and paving the parking lot.

JUNE

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Jakobstettel site to host Ukrainian refugees

The old Jakobstettel Country Inn in St. Jacobs will be put to good use in the coming months as community members work together to prepare it for welcoming and temporarily housing Ukrainian refugees.

 Harris easily retains Kitchener-Conestoga seat

Mike Harris Jr. handily won re-election in the Kitchener-Conestoga riding as part of June 2’s big win for the Progressive Conservatives. Where the local race was close in 2018, Harris edging the NDP candidate by 700 votes, this time around the PC candidate won by more than 4,000.

Unofficial results from Elections Ontario show Harris captured 15,045 votes, just over 40 per cent of those cast in the riding. The NDP’s Karen Meissner was second with 10,851 votes (28.9 per cent), followed by Liberal Melanie Van Alphen (17.5 per cent) and Nasir Abdulle of the Green Party with 2,315 (6.2 per cent). The field was rounded out by Jim Karahalious of the New Blue Party (2,223 votes, 5.9 per cent), Elisabeth Perrin Snyder of the Ontario Party (501, 1.3 per cent) and Jason Adair of Populist Ontario (64, 0.17 per cent). Voter turnout was 48.55 per cent.

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time administrative staff. Meeting June 7, Wellesley council voted to allow fulltime administration staff at Wellesley township to work a compressed work week and flexible work arrangement in a year-long pilot.

township who presented the report to council, suggested the project could expand the housing mix in the village.

New WCHC facility will include dental facility for low-income seniors

A new dental facility for low-income seniors will be built at the new location of the Wellesley Township Community Health Centre, which will be part of the municipality’s new recreation complex.

The Ontario Seniors Dental Care program is a provincial program to help low-income seniors with their dental care that is already up and running, but patients must travel to facilities in Cambridge or Kitchener for treatment. The new facility is expected to lessen wait times.

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Wellesley admin. trying out a fourday work week

There are more long weekends at the Wellesley Township office for full-

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Region’s hospitals to maintain mask mandate

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While the provincial government lifted mask mandates in most settings, including public transit and healthcare settings, Waterloo-Wellington hospitals will keep the mandate in place for the time being.

Region looks to expand ambulance services to meet growing demand

Expanded ambulance services are on tap for Waterloo Region. Officials are looking at adding some 30 vehicles and 55 paramedics to the mix. Regional councillors unanimously approved a proposal that would implement three 12-hour ambulances, one emergency response unit and the required staff in October at a total cost of $717,000. It would add eight more ambulances in 2023 pending budget approval. Council also approved the pre-ordering of up to 17 more ambulances. The total cost of the ambulances would be $10 million, with $5.3 million coming out of the region’s tax stabilization reserve.

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 Access to the Grand Woolwich formally launched a new partnership with the West Montrose Family Camp, and Regional Tourism Organization 4 to create a new river access point in West Montrose. Tubers, kayakers, canoers, and other water users can access the new point via the campground located at 6344 Line 86 from mid-May to mid-October.

 Woolwich to look at video cameras to counter vandalism

Cameras are to appear in Breslau Memorial Park and Lions Park in Elmira in response to acts of vandalism. The township had seen some $8,000 in damage at the two locations, along with vandalism at some of its other recreation facilities. Woolwich councillors agreed to the option of video surveillance. Beyond graffiti, the principal areas of destructive vandalism have been park washroom facilities and fieldhouses, manager of operations and projects Thomas van der Hoff told councillors meeting June 27.

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opened at Waterloo Airport July 5. The lounge is part of the $44-million terminal expansion project at the airport, which is expected to see between 500,000 and 700,000 pass through by the end of the year.

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Province looking to chemical producer to check for Canagagigue hotspots

The Ministry of Environment asked Lanxess and consultants to do more evaluation of the hotspots along the Canagagigue Creek, among other requests related to the Elmira chemical plant. Provincial staff looked over and provided comments on the human health and ecological risk assessment draft prepared last month by Lanxess Canada and its environmental consultants.

 Rotary Club fetes new Drayton park

To mark their 75th anniversary, the Drayton Rotary Club, along with the Township of Mapleton, held a grand-opening event July 16 at the new park on Queen Street East. The township financed the $100,000 cost of the park, with the Rotary Club fundraising to reimburse the municipality.

Woolwich to buy former childcare site in Elmira

 Data breached at school board

Developer unveils plan for 166-unit subdivision in Wellesley village

Plans for a 166-unit residential subdivision in Wellesley village were rolled out at a public meeting during a June 21 township council session.

Located on Gerber Road, the proposed subdivision includes 66 single-detached units, 34 semi-detached and 66 townhouse units. The development also includes a park, linear park and stormwater management facility. It would include five roads and two walkways. Strohvest Ontario Inc. needs a change to the zoning bylaw to proceed. The 25-acre site is currently used for agriculture.

Tim Van Hinte, director of development for the

Given the $2 price tag, buying the former Elmira Children’s Centre at 22 Mockingbird Dr. in Elmira was an easy decision for Woolwich council. Deciding what to do with the property may require more thought.

At just under an acre, the landlocked site owned by the Region of Waterloo is surrounded by Park Manor Park. In buying the property, Woolwich plans to tear down the existing 6,700-square-foot building, which has been vacant since 2016 and is in poor repair. Recreation staff suggest a new storage facility be built on the site, but that idea met with some reservations at councillors agreed to the land deal on June 27.

JULY

 Airport makes it official with latest terminal expansion

In a move to further accommodate the increasing number of passengers leaving from the region, a new departure lounge

In July, the Waterloo Region District Schoolboard was the victim of illegal cybercrime when attackers gained unauthorized access to the board’s information technology system.

The attackers gained access to the personal information of current and past employees, as well as students. The information they gained about employees included names, birthdates, banking information and social insurance numbers of current and past employees back to 1970. Payment history to 2012 was also accessed.

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Dry spell putting pressure on farmers in Ontario

Farmers in the area are faced a time of dryness.

Agriculture Canada classified most of southwestern Ontario as “abnormally dry” in a July 30 report, with little relief since.

Abnormally dry is considered a one-in-three year event. That said, local farmers and researchers may say it is much, much drier than normal. That lack of rain could impact crop yields in the fall, particularly corn, which relies on precipitation in June and July.

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Rezoned Conestogo mill property back on the market

The former mill in Conestogo, which could be redeveloped into an event space, was back up for sale or lease. After a multi-year process to change the zoning to allow for a commercial space, the owners put the properties at 1795 and 1805 Sawmill Rd. back on the market.

The planning report submitted to the township outlines a plan to operate the site as an event venue, but the owners say they never intended to operate the venue themselves.

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Woolwich backs decreased land allocation as region moves on needs assessment

Higher densities and less land designated for development are targets in the latest version of Waterloo Region’s growth forecast for the next 30 years. In Woolwich, where councillors on August 8 endorsed the revisions, that means the allocation of some 560 acres of land for development of residential, commercial and industrial projects instead of the 1,165 acres earmarked in the draft from just two months ago. 

Cost recovery is key as Woolwich continues vetting on-farm businesses

Concerned about recovering costs of the program, Woolwich nonetheless pressed ahead with an effort to bring problematic on-farm business into legal compliance.

Township planning staff began contacting farm operators two years ago, seeking out non-compliant operations and trying to bring them back into conformity with zoning bylaws and the building code.

The process began in the north end of the township and is moving south, manager of planning Jeremy Vink told councillors meeting August 8. The agricultural enforcement program had then covered about a third of the township. At the current pace, he expects it would take another six years to get to all the operations.

Council takes on ABC Fest

Wellesley council voted August 30 to establish the Apple Butter and Cheese Festival committee as an official committee of the township. The move was requested by ABC Fest chair Jamie Reid in June, citing the rising cost of insurance to cover the event. As an official committee of council, this expense would be covered under the township’s blanket insurance policy.

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cent) and Wellesley (6.6 per cent), began exploring options for merging with other local distribution companies in 2017.

The merger with Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro was announced on October 1 of 2021. Representatives from the two local distribution companies (LDCs) and the five impacted municipalities were on hand September 8 to celebrate the merger and announce the name of the newly formed Enova Power Corp. The company officially began operations on September 12.

Woolwich councillor receiving criticism following rainbow comment

A request to be inclusive quickly got divisive at a Woolwich council meeting August 22, provoking some heated comments and generating an ongoing controversy.

The discussion was prompted by a letter from the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington about the creation of a “progress rainbow crosswalk” for the town of Elmira in support of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Comments from Coun. Murray Martin taking issue with the use of the rainbow symbol on religious grounds immediately shifted the tenor of the meeting.

“I’m not in favour of it. It’s not in keeping with the values of this community They can send this letter right back where it came from,” Martin said of the CMHA’s request, objecting to the co-opting of the rainbow symbol: “So now we use that and we trash it to promote a lifestyle that is not correct.”

SEPTEMBER



 Ali Khan named first male ambassador of Wellesley Fall Fair

On top of being feted as the township’s junior citizen of the year September 13, Ali Khan was named the first male ambassador in the Wellesley Fall Fair’s 169-year history.

Alexis Boyd Koudys was named as a co-ambassador and will be asked to participate in events throughout the year.

 Region reducing school-zone speeds, rolling out more cameras

The Region of Waterloo launched a new pilot program to slow the speed limit in school zones, fully operating its automated speed enforcement program. The speed limit can adjust depending on the time of day, week and month to reflect when kids are in school. School zone areas are reduce speed by 10 to 20 kilometres per hour, set it at 40 kilometres per hour in others.

OCTOBER

 Education workers vote in favour of strike

available from mid-September. It is recommended as a booster dose for people 18 and up. Now, as of October 17, the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty bivalent vaccine is available in Ontario, and is recommended as a booster dose for people ages 12 and up. 

Still rolling on down the road after 30 years

Kiwanis Transit, the Elmira-based specialty transportation service, celebrated 30 years of being a fixture in the community. The service grew from one bus and 85 riders in 1992 to nine buses and almost 60,000 riders per year before the pandemic hit.  Shantz re-elected mayor in Woolwich

Re-elected for a third term October 24, Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz would see new faces around the council table in the next term. Shantz garnered 3,929 votes in the municipal election, while challenger Patrick Merlihan, a Ward 1 councillor at the time, received 2,857. Neither incumbent ran in Ward 1, so two newcomers – Evan Burgess and Nathan Cadeau – joined council following the vote.

In Ward 2, Eric Schwindt defeated incumbent Fred Redekop, while in Ward 3, former councillor Bonnie Bryant and first-time candidate Kayla Grant prevailed.  Wellesley sees three new faces at the council table

Wellesley council got three new faces – two who won seats in the October 24 municipal election and one by acclamation – in the new session.

Exclusive gear for newspaper readers now available.

Local hydro merger now official

In the works for several years, the merger of Waterloo North Hydro and Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro was completed.

Waterloo North Hydro, which was owned by the City of Waterloo (73.2 per cent) and the Townships of Woolwich (20.2 per

Gearing up for a battle with the province, educational support staff have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action if needed. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) reported October 3 that 96.5 per cent of workers – the likes of educational assistants, early childhood educators and custodians – supported the stance. CUPE represents some 55,000 such school workers.

 Bivalent booster available for those aged 12 and up

The Moderna spikevax bivalent vaccine was made

In Ward 2, Derek Brick defeated Mary Lichty by 613 to 356, while Claude Hergott beat Robert Caskanette 423 votes to 297 to take Ward 4. The newly elected representatives joined Mayor Nowak, who was acclaimed to a third term, and Ward 1 Coun. Shelley Wagner, who was acclaimed to a fifth term. Newcomer Lori Sebben was acclaimed in Ward 2. 

Company gets nod for new Elmira gas station

The gas station proposed by Grant Castle Corp. for Arthur Street South and Earl Martin Drive in Elmira was approved. Construction is expected to begin in May. It will be the third gas station, and fourth carwash in a 700-metre radius at the south end of town.

OBSERVER EDITORIAL

When local news matters

Connect: observerxtra.com/staff

Lack of oversight continues in Rogers-Shaw merger

Canadians already battling with higher costs across the board had better hope the federal Competition Bureau can derail the planned takeover of Shaw Communications by Rogers Communications. The alternative is almost certainly higher prices and a more fragile telecom system.

The Competition Bureau has asked the Federal Court of Appeal to set aside a decision by the Competition Tribunal dismissing the bureau’s case against Rogers’ $26-billion buyout of Shaw.

While the tribunal says the merger would not likely lead to higher prices, consumer groups think otherwise.

Groups such as OpenMedia argue Canada is doing little to protect citizens from corporate practices for mobile and internet services. The government has consistently scuttled attempts to lower internet rates, for instance, by caving into the large corporate interests. That’s what makes the proposed merger of Rogers and Shaw an important bellwether case, not just for competition but for maintaining alternative channels when it comes to connectivity. We’re too dependent on the technology to put our eggs in just a few baskets.

Critics have been calling attention to business practices and government legislation that threaten to harm Canadian consumers, and the very internet infrastructure upon which we’re increasingly dependent.

Through multiple pieces of legislation and policy proposals, the Canadian government has been taking aim at Canada's free and open internet that obliges by the principles of net neutrality, opponents argue.

While talking a good game at times, the feds have routinely acted against the public good in all facets of internet regulation. Effective regulation is needed if the technology is to live up to its historic image.

The internet has long been touted as a great equalizer, providing everyone with a voice on a global network.

That myth is an enduring part of the internet’s promise. By now we know – or should know – all of that is simply a nice hypothetical. The reality is much different. The power imbalance means dictators block access to communications and kill dissidents, that large corporate interests squeeze out the little guys and take control of the internet. They also buy off politicians and bureaucrats – nothing new there – to kill off any democratic regulatory leanings

In this country, high rates and lack of regulation on the likes of social media companies are the more pressing issues.

The public backlash that followed the Rogers outage last summer led to some lip service from Ottawa, but little in the way of action. If the Rogers-Shaw merger proceeds, the situation is likely to get much worse.

Already, the cost of basic wireless packages in this country are typically ranked among the world’s highest, consistently six or more times more per GB of data when compared to other OECD countries. The industry’s oligopolistic practices will not improve with the merger.

The history of the internet is full of attempts to keep it open, accessible and democratic. As it’s become more corporate, it’s become less of those things. From open societies, we migrate to gated communities.

Keeping the technology open to all users, particularly by limiting corporate ownership and manipulation, will do much more than governments throwing around tax dollars.

A survey last fall found 71 per cent of Canadians are angry about telecom bills specifically, the third highest of 13 cost-ofliving pressures tested. Amidst rising interest rates, inflation, and other pressing financial challenges, an overwhelming majority of Canadians (82 per cent) see the lowering of telecom bills as being a responsibility of the Canadian government.

Reining in rapacious corporations, fostering more competition in supporting an open, accessible system should be priorities for Ottawa. A Competition Act victory would be a good start.

Repaying debt is the number-one goal for Canadians in 2023 (18%), while inflation (65%), rising interest rates (30%) and recessionary fears (24%) top the list of financial concerns.

Planning on the next Ukrainian offensive

It’s still unseasonably warm in Ukraine, but there’s a chance of a hard freeze next weekend. By mid-month it should be reliably below zero almost all the time: the ground will be hard and the smaller streams will have frozen over. Expect the next Ukrainian offensive in late January or early February.

Do not be distracted by the Russian missiles and drones bombarding Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian civilian casualties are in single digits most days, and the local power outages rarely last more than half a day. These attacks are more a Russian temper tantrum than a strategy, because the Ukrainian electricity supply system is among the least vulnerable in the world.

It was mostly built in Soviet times, and was therefore designed to remain functional even during a full-scale nuclear war. The substations are spread over huge areas and even the individual transformers are widely separated. A singe missile strike can never take out all the transformers in a substation, and they are quick and easy to repair.

Ukraine is so energy-rich that it was selling electricity to Moldova, Belarus and even the European Union in pre-war times. The missiles the Russians are using cannot do much damage to big generating stations – and at least 80 per

cent of them are now being shot down.

Moreover, most of Ukraine’s power plants are either big dams (practically invulnerable) or nuclear plants (untouchable unless the Russians want fallout on their own territory). If the ‘energy offensive’ is the worst thing Vladimir Putin’s regime can do to Ukraine’s civilian population, they haven’t got much to worry about.

So, then, where will the next big Ukrainian ground offensive hit? It will definitely happen, because Kyiv feels obliged to show it is making progress in the war in order to keep its Western supporters committed.

Talk of the fighting being stalemated, like Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyryko Budanov’s remarks to the BBC last week – “The situation is just stuck. It doesn’t move.” – is merely diversionary. It’s just part of the psychological war before the attack.

Ukrainian generals have about a thousand kilometres of front to choose from, and enough artillery now, including 50 HIMARS long-range rocket systems (counting some equivalent non-US systems) to isolate

almost any bit of the Russian front from its rear support. They will try to take another big bite out of it, and the likeliest choice is Melitopol.

The goal would be to cut Russian road and rail links across the Russian-occupied stretch of Ukraine’s south coast and roll up the Russian forces west of there. Barring a wholesale collapse of the Russian army, it would not culminate in the reconquest of Crimea, but it would bring Ukrainian forces to the peninsula’s northern border.

An alternative would be an attack to retake the parts of Luhansk province that were under Ukrainian control until the Russian invasion last February. The Ukrainians have been hacking away at the SvatoveKreminna line for a while already, and it may be ready to crumble.

This was where the Ukrainians had their first big victory last September, and although it’s of little strategic or economic importance it would serve well enough as a demonstration that their army is still making progress.

Or the Ukrainian attack could fail, of course: this is a war, not a movie. But they are past the point where one defeat would be decisive.

The constant journalistic

...

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

“Today was the last nail in the coffin of telecom affordability in a dismal 2022.

Experts, MPs and ordinary Canadians all know it: this buyout means higher prices and fewer choices, in a telecom market that’s already far too concentrated.”

OpenMedia campaigns director Matt Hatfield reacts to the Competition Tribunal decision advancing the merger of Rogers and Shaw.

CIBC poll

ANALYSIS OF CURRENT WORLD EVENTS

GWYNNE DYER Global Outlook on World Affairs

I’m not one for resolutions per se, though this time of year brings to mind changes. When it comes to diet – eating less, eating better – there’s nothing like the holiday indulgences to make us aware that at least a little detoxing would be a good idea. Eating better is, after all, a prime resolution at this time of year – a recent poll show 29.5 per cent of Canadians list improving their personal fitness and nutrition goals as the top resolution in 2023.

So, here we are five days into the new year. Have you broken any resolutions yet? Chances are if you made a resolution, you’ll break it.

Studies show fewer than half of us still make resolutions, with only about eight per cent sticking with them through the year.

As Mark Twain put it more colourfully, “Yesterday, everybody smoked his last cigar, took his last drink and swore his last oath. Today, we are a pious and exemplary community. Thirty days from now, we shall have cast our reformation to the winds and gone to cutting our ancient shortcomings considerably shorter than ever.”

Of New Year’s intentions, he added, “Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.”

What is it about a new calendar year that makes us eager to reinvent ourselves, if only a little bit? The coming of a new year is seen as a fresh start and a time for deciding what needs to be changed and where to go next. It’s for these reasons that so many people make new year’s resolutions

Following through with resolutions is great, but don’t sweat it otherwise

KANNON

to accomplish things such as to exercise more, quit smoking, pay off debt, save more money, complete projects, get organized, further education, lose weight, and the like.

Perhaps there’s an endless optimism that we can change, that we can be better – which, of course, recognizes that we all have something in our lives that we wish to alter. Psychologists tells us this is normal human behaviour, adding that the tough part is actually following through on the impulse for self improvement. In other words, fantasizing about a better you, about an idealized

version of you – most of us can actually picture ourselves that way – will remain just that: a fantasy. Unless, that is, we are willing to work hard to make the dream a reality.

Each December people around the world are filled with motivation and enthusiasm. They promise themselves that in the New Year they’ll start going to the gym, give up smoking, start saving money, and begin a new career… But year after year people continue to fail to achieve their New Year’s resolutions, often by the time they reach February or March.

Countless studies indicate that anywhere between 75 to 95 per cent of people fail to achieve their resolutions. Maybe that’s why fewer of us are even bothering to do so. A recent survey shows

almost 70 per cent said they don’t make New Year’s resolutions, up 10 percentage points from just a few years ago.

Even without a formal resolution, there is something about rolling into a new year that gives us hope for a new start. Personal goals that have been neglected or forgotten, for instance, resurface with the beginning of a new year – hope springs eternal.

We all have things about ourselves we’d like to change or improve, habits we’d like to instil. Overly ambitious goals can be counterproductive, however.

“I’m all for ambition, but you know, you can start with something that’s smaller ... something that’s really achievable and attainable,” Jim Davies, a cognitive science

professor at Carleton University, tells CBC, noting many of us set targets that are too lofty, especially when it comes to health-related goals.

It’s best to pick something you’re really motivated to achieve, then break it down into manageable steps. You’re probably courting failure otherwise.

“If you want to install a good habit, you need to keep doing it until it feels habitual, which means that you’re not making a decision to do it every time.”

Research shows that we are biased in our predictions of the future by our present circumstances. This ‘presentism’ leads us to believe we’ll feel less stressed in January just as we did during the holidays.

Basking in the holiday

glow, we feel that we can make the changes we’re resolving to make – no problem. In the future. Later. After we keep doing what we’re doing for the time being. There’s nothing like a good intention for later to make us feel good now.

Getting up early and going for a walk seems like a fine idea as you enjoy yet another helping of enhanced eggnog sitting in your easy chair. Later, the alarm clock, darkness and sound of the wind howling quickly disabuse you of that warm glow.

Starting out slowly could help you get up from the recliner.

“Our desire for a ‘fresh start’ makes it tempting to set highly ambitious resolutions. For instance, after a particularly decadent Christmas, we may feel the need to set strict weight loss resolutions. However, when the New Year comes around, we often fall off the motivation wagon because the goal was unrealistic in the first place,” psychologist Dr. Mark Travers writes this week in Psychology Today.

“Instead of chasing an arbitrary weight loss goal, consider adopting a habit of doing a light 20-minute workout every other day for the first three months of the year. Choose something that is sustainable and effective.”

That you don’t immediately follow through on your often-too-grand goals is no reason to get down on yourself, however. The Canadian Mental Health Association, for instance, advises us to be kind to ourselves, noting being able to follow through – or not – on a New Year’s resolution doesn’t determine our worth.

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STEVE

Editor's Point of View

Holiday travel disruptions were widespread this year, though the impact varied from place to place.

ↆ

Placing broken plates on a loved ones door step on New Year's Eve is a tradition in Denmark.

Year’s

There’s no business like snow business

When it comes to dangerous winter sports, many people naturally assume bobsledding, extreme ice climbing or ski-jumping are high on the list. I can only surmise this is because those folks have never seen anyone over the age of 50 try to put on a pair of snowshoes.

I don’t want to get too graphic, but let’s just say this requires almost touching your toes, and other unspeakable contortions. I was reminded of this last weekend after Jenn said we should take advantage of a recent heavy snowfall and go snowshoeing.

“With snowshoes?” I asked.

“Yes,” she said. “They are an integral part of it.”

Jenn and I have been together long enough to interpret each other’s subtle non-verbal cues, so she immediately sensed I was not keen on the idea.

“Hey, it will be fun,” she said reassuringly. “Now get out from behind that couch.”

STEVE GALEA Not-So-Great Outdoorsman

To be clear, snowshoeing itself isn’t bad. It is the getting-into-them part. Frankly, it’s inhumane.

Need proof? The bindings attached to my old snowshoes are made of innertube rubber, the most vindictive material known to mankind. They have an opening for me to shove my big, clumsy boots through.

Theoretically, all you need to do is place the toe of your boot perpendicular to that opening. Then, while stepping on the snowshoe with the other foot, you force your boot right to the heel through the hole, so your entire boot is inside the binding. After that, you just pivot your foot, until your boot toe points to the front of the snowshoe. Then, repeat the process with as many feet as you have left.

It seems harmless

MINOR SPORTS SCOREBOARD

WOOLWICH WILDCATS

■ Atom U11A

Dec/27/2022 vs New Hamburg Huskies

HOME: 1 VISITOR: 5

GOALS: Dominic Blake

ASSISTS: Xaiden Weber

■ Atom U11A Dec/27/2022 vs TNT Tornadoes

HOME: 10 VISITOR: 0 Goals Gavin Castle (2), Colton Cooney (2), Reid Denbok (2), Jack Frede (1), Connor Gillies (2), Presley McFadden (1)

ASSISTS: Gavin Castle (1), Colton Cooney (2), Reid Denbok (1), Jack Frede

(3), Connor Gillies (1), Julia Hallman (2), Xaiden Weber (1)

SHUTOUTS: Will Manchur

■ Atom U11A Dec/28/2022 vs King Rebellion

HOME: 3 VISITOR: 0 GOALS: Gavin Castle, Reid Denbok, Connor Gillies Assists Colton Cooney, Jack Frede, Connor Gillies

SHUTOUTS: Blake Dally

■ Atom U11A Dec/28/2022 vs Barrie Colts

HOME: 1 VISITOR: 9 GOALS: Reid Denbok

ASSISTS: Colton Cooney, Xaiden Weber

DYER: A cheap option for the US

speculation about how long the West, and in particular the United States, will be willing to bear the cost of this war utterly misses the point. The war in Ukraine is a very low-cost solution to a problem the Americans didn’t even know they had.

Until last year, Russia ranked fourth or fifth on Washington’s list of foreign policy concerns. Putin’s regime was unattractive and sometimes aggressive towards its immediate neighbours, but it was an de-industrialized minnow (smaller economy than Canada’s) with a lot of nuclear weapons and legacy status as a great power (‘Upper Volta with rockets’).

Putin’s astonishingly

foolish invasion of Ukraine rapidly promoted Russia to second place (after China) in terms of getting Washington’s strategic attention. But it still wasn’t a major military threat to NATO, Europe or the United States, apart from the nukes – and the Russian invasion of Ukraine created its own antidote: the Ukrainian military resistance.

The United States doesn’t have to commit a single American soldier to combat to keep Russia fully occupied and drifting towards bankruptcy. US military aid to Ukraine so far is less than the annual cost of its long war in Iraq, and about one-tenth of the current US defence budget. This is the best bargain in American military history.

enough. But so does a bear trap until you step into it.

That’s how it should happen.

What actually happens is that the moment you attempt this, you turn your snowshoe into a dangerous rubber-powered propeller, which flies down the nearest slope with you attached.

Shortly after they pull you out of the snowbank, you muster up the courage to try again. That’s when your snowshoes lull you into a false sense of security by letting you get one foot inside the binding without anything untoward happening. But just as you smile and say, “I think I figured this out” both snowshoes flee the scene in opposite directions, causing you do the splits and reach a high note you never thought you could.

Round three involves sneaking up on the snowshoes when they are not looking. But then someone confiscates your axe.

So, once again you

wrestle your boot into the binding and hop around haphazardly until your boot is oriented forward. Then you do the same thing with the other snowshoe. And you are happy with the outcome, until someone points out your snowshoes are facing opposite directions.

By this point you are OK with that– so you rationalize it by insisting that you want to have a forward and reverse.

This convinces no one. So, you come up with the perfect solution. Unfortunately, in my case, Jenn made it clear that she would not be seen in public with anyone who has duct taped their snowshoes onto their boots.

She then insisted I put them on correctly. I countered by offering to put on just one and hop. Eventually, she got her way, and after a bit of exertion, I managed to slip into both.

This wouldn’t have happened if I was better at binding arbitration.

To the Editor, Christmas is over and the people of Ontario are once again left disappointed and frustrated as they have another example of who the provincial government regards as naughty and nice.

On December 22, the government released its decision to update the Ontario Wetland Evaluation System (OWES) despite receiving almost 15,000 comments expressing concern about this move. The updates will make it easier for devel-

opers (the nice guys??) to have access to most wetlands in southern Ontario. Continued disruption of this critical natural feature will increase our vulnerability to climate change since wetlands are very important for storing carbon and controlling the floods that result from extreme weather events.

Adding destruction of wetlands to the negative impacts of Bill 23 and the changes to the Greenbelt disregards the future health and well-being of our province. The people of Ontario do not deserve to be given more lumps of coal.

Traditionally, Portuguese children go door to door to collect treats on New Year’s Day

Brazilians believe that wearing blue clothes on

Eve will bring good luck

„ Ford’s wetland policy another blow to Ontarians

Dorothy Wilson NEW HAMBURG

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

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Farm Services

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Farm Services

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Woolwich Community Services is hiring a Full-time Office Receptionist to coordinate and implement the various supports and services offered through the WCS Community Information Centre.

Requirements:

•well-rounded community focused individual

•Post-secondary diploma in social services, office administration or equivalent with community focused work experience.

•Computer proficiency, excellent communication skills, fully vaccinated against Covid -19.

Offered benefit package, 2 weeks paid vacation, paid sick days and RRSP matching program

Apply to 5 Memorial Ave Elmira, or woolwichcommunityservices@yahoo.com

44 ACRE FARM FOR SALE

44 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, sandy loam soil, 25 acres workable, approx. 10 acres bush, a large, picturesque spring fed pond, well-maintained lawns & gardens. House (Built in 1990) – Brick and angel stone bungalow, 2 car garage & 12 X 24ft. deck, asphalt roof, vinyl windows. Main floor –(approx. 1750 sq. ft.) – Large kitchen with oak cabinetry, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, washroom, living room & laundry room. Finished walkout basement – Kitchenette, 2 bedrooms, bathroom, large rec-room with wood stove, cistern. Heating/cooling - 6 year old propane “air to air” furnace. Detached 24 X 32ft. insulated storage shed. Drilled well. A beautiful farm in a good location. 5 minutes to Elmira, 20 minutes to Waterloo, 25 to Guelph. See www.gerberauctions.net for photos. Contact Gerber Auctions for more info on process and to view.

AUCTIONEERS: Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

Monday, January 30, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

Regarding Draft Plan of Subdivision 30T20702 and Zone Change Application 3/2023

Old Scout Limited – 1065 Old Scout Place, St. Jacobs

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 complete applications for the following zone change applications and the Region of Waterloo has received and circulated a complete application for the proposed plan of Subdivision, which are more specifically described below. This notice summarizes the details of these applications and includes location maps. 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 Sections 34 and 51 of the Planning Act, to consider the following Zone Change and Draft Plan of Subdivision applications. 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

GSP Group on behalf of Old Scout Limited has submitted the above-noted applications proposing to develop, for residential purposes, the lands are described as Plan 1502 Lot 7 and located at 1065 Old Scout Place, St. Jacobs (see Map). The 0.4 ha property is located within the Settlement Boundary of St. Jacobs, is designated Residential and Ancillary Use in the Township’s Official Plan and is zoned Agricultural (A).

Zone Change Application 3/2023: The applicant is proposing to rezone the property from Agricultural (A) to Residential – Mixed High Density with Design Guidelines (R-5A) to permit the development of six lots for 12 semi-detached units. The applicant is also proposing a site specific amendment to permit a reduced lot frontage and lot width of 8.375 metres whereas 9 metres is required.

Subdivision Application 30T20702: The proposed changes to the Zoning By-law would provide for the subdivision plan totalling 12 semi-detached units (minimum 8.375 m by 36.7 m lot dimensions) which will connect to full municipal services (water, sanitary and storm) and have road access via Old Scout Place.

The subject lands are bounded by an existing retirement home (Valley Veiw Manor) to the north, a stormwater management block to the west and a residential subdivision under construction to the east (Valle View Phase 1). The subject lands were formerly used as a salvage yard, which has ceased operation, and the lands are now vacant.

APPEAL RIGHTS

TAKE NOTICE that if a person or public body would otherwise have an ability to appeal the decisions of the Township of Woolwich and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo to the Ontario Land 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 or the Regional Municipality of Waterloo in respect of the proposed plan of subdivision before the approval authority gives or refuses to give approval to the draft plan of subdivision, or before the By-law is passed, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision of the Council of the Township of Woolwich or the Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo.

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 or the Regional Municipality of Waterloo in respect of the proposed plan of subdivision before the approval authority gives or refuses to give approval to the draft plan of subdivision, or before the By-law is passed, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Ontario Land Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to do so.

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 the Committee Clerk on or before 1:00 pm on Tuesday, January 24, 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 Deputy Clerk 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 Deputy Clerk. 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.

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 Wednesday January 18, 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 David Gundrum, Planner at dgundrum@woolwich.ca

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

If you wish to be notified of the decision of the Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo in respect of the proposed plan of subdivision, you must make a written request to the Regional Clerk, Regional Municipality of Waterloo, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3 and to the Commissioner of Planning, Development and Legislative Services, Regional Municipality of Waterloo, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener, Ontario N2G 4J3.

MORE INFORMATION

Additional information related to these applications can be viewed or obtained as follows:

View / print the information from the Township webpage at www.woolwich.ca - Select Ongoing Planning Items on the home page / select the Subdivisions folder / select Old Scout Place –1065 Old Scout Place, St. Jacobs to view the relevant information.

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 5th day of January 2023.

Clarence Martin

5 years - January 7, 2018

Death takes the body, God takes the soul, Our mind holds the memories. Our heart keeps the love. Our faith lets us know we will meet again.

Eva and family

Death Notice

CASSIDY, ERNA - Erna passed away peacefully at Derbecker's Heritage House Long Term Care in St Jacobs on Saturday, December 24, 2022, at the age of 98.

MILLS, WAYNE - It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Wayne Samuel Mills at his home in Waterloo this December 23, 2022 in his 77th year. Local relatives are Doug Mills (Becky) of Elmira.

NEIL, GORDON

DOUGLAS HARVEY

- Gordon Neil passed away peacefully on December 23rd 2022 at Heritage House St. Jacobs.

Word ads continued from page 11

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.

Coming Events

KARATE HOLIDAY SPECIAL! SCHWEITZER'S MARTIAL ARTS 8 weeks plus uniform only $139.50! Taxes extra. Beginners only. Join now or give as a gift Special ends Jan. 7, 2023 Group classes for ages 4 to adult Classes taught by Renshi Becky Schweitzer, 4th Degree Black Belt and 12X World Karate Champion Location at St. Peters Lutheran Church - 2925 Lobsinger Line, Heidelberg Call 519-580-1418 or e-mail becky_schweitzer@ hotmail.com www. schweitzersmartialarts. com

Obituary

Martin, Nellie

Passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Heritage House, St. Jacobs at the age of 94 years. Beloved wife of the late Willis Martin (2010). Dear mother of Beverly Martin (Gary Smith), and Janice Perrault. Devoted to her grandchildren Jamie (Bree Galan), Sonya Perrault; and stepgrandma to Trent (Tammy) Smith, and Chad Smith. Great-grandma to Karlie, Ava and Remi; and Ryder. Nellie is the last surviving member of her family, having been predeceased by her siblings Mildred (Jake) Regier, Beulah (Willard) Cressman, John (Irene) Snyder, and Alice Snyder. Nellie and Willie owned and operated Elmira Purity Dairy and the Elmira Mini-Mart. Nellie did sewing for many people in Elmira and the surrounding area. She also did alterations for Town Talk and Carolyn’s dress shops. Following Nellie’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Friends and family are invited to visit and share memories on Saturday, January 7, 2023 from 2 – 4 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. Memorial donations to Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging or Woolwich Community Food Bank would be appreciated and can be made through the funeral home. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Trees felled near Elmira part of trail maintenance

Atwood Observer Staff

THE TREES CUT DOWN RECENTLY along a stretch of trail near Blind Line Road in Elmira are part of ongoing maintenance work by the G2G Rail Trail group.

The work is part of the continuing effort to make the 132-kilometre trail between Guelph and Goderich more accessible, executive coordinator Willow Hall said this week.

Since last summer, the charitable organization has been removing trees that are considered dead or dangerous.

“The focus of this project was on pieces of land that we leased, the majority of which are in Perth and Huron counties, but the work was done [in Elmira]. We worked with local stakeholders and steward groups with their permission to have those dangerous and disease trees removed as well,” explained Hall.

“In the places that we leased the land from the province of Ontario, we have a mandate to maintain an accessible trail for our users,” he said.

Locally, the Elmira Lions Club looks after the trail from Wallenstein to Northfield Drive. While they did not oversee the recent removal, they provided support to make it happen.

“We had a lot of dead or dying trees, ash trees, and we’ve had a few fall on the trail and obviously worried about someone getting hurt, so it seemed like a logical thing to do. I was surprised at the number of trees they saw fit to remove, but I’m not a learned arborist,” said chair club member Art Woods.

While Woods has received calls expressing concern about the number of trees that were removed, that was not his decision.

“I have to have faith in the professionals who did it. They took them down because they were

dead or in the process of dying. Well, we all know the problem with that,” Woods said.

“All my life I planted trees and encourage others to do so as well. It’s a shame to see them coming down, but it is what it is.”

Removing the trees is necessary because it impedes trail usage, Woods added.

“The Elmira Lions Club tries to be very cautious of removing trees. We do a lot of trimming,” he explained. “But our goal certainly is to maintain as many trees as we can, because people love walking on the trail when it’s warm in the shade. Of course, we planted a lot of trees along the trail and we’re going to plant more in the open spaces.

“It’s sad to see them come down, but I’ve been through here in the bush behind me and it’s amazing how the maples fill in. I’ve been really surprised at how they expand and broaden out when the ash trees are gone.”

Notice of Intent to Consider an Amending By-law to Impose Fees or Charges for Agricultural Enforcement Cost Recovery

The Council of the Township of Woolwich gives notice of its intent to consider a by-law to amend fees or charges for Agricultural enforcement cost recovery fees on January 23, 2023 for discussion at the Committee of the Whole meeting and January 30, 2023 for ratification at the Council meeting. Both meetings will be held remotely via Zoom and livestreamed to the Township of Woolwich YouTube Channel at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Township Administration building. For information on how to participate in these meetings please contact the Clerk’s department as follows; • visit www.woolwich.ca/delegations for more information on speaking before Committee of the Whole or Council and to register through the online delegation request form, • email councilmeetings@woolwich.ca, or • phone 519-669-6005.

In Memoriam

Bill

Obituary Obituary Obituary Obituary

LORNE ARTHUR REIST

June 11, 1938 – December 21, 2022

Sadly we announce the passing of Lorne Arthur Reist on December 21st, 2022 at GRH Freeport Palliative Care, Kitchener, Ontario in his 85th year. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Marks) who he married on September 13th, 1969, his son, Scott and his daughter Tracy. Lorne was grandfather of Alexis Reist (Craig Rheaume), Casey Langer (Randy Rheaume) and Emily Reist-Current and great grandfather of Sierra and Aubrey Rheaume.

He is also survived by his sisters, Pat (James) Meek, Susan (Jeff) Hinton, Louann (Ken) Neuzil, Deborah (Blehr) McIsaac and Diane Hipson., his sisters-in-law and brothers-in law, Dorothy (Jim) Holland, Susan (Raymond) Coté, and Barbara Schinkman (Henry Rozema).

Lorne was predeceased by his sister, Lorraine (2022) and brother-in-law, James (2012) Beggs, his parents, Leona (Beckner) (1981) and Arthur Reist (2004) and stepmother, Iris (Small) Kabel (2004). His motherin-law and father-in-law, Margaret (Peggy) and Roy Marks, and his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, James (Diane) Marks, and William (Carol) Marks also predeceased him.

Lorne lived in the Winterbourne and Elmira area and was a long time employee of Elmira Machine Industries Inc. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and his time at the Elmira & District Rod and Gun Club. Other hobbies included reading, making use specific knives and tooled leather belts.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or funeral service. A private inurnment will be held at a later date. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Elmira Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, 11 First Street East, Elmira, ON N3B 2Z5 on January 29th, 2023, from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.Donations could be made to the Canadian Cancer Society as expressions of sympathy.

Mary “Eileen” (Diller Baker) Martin

June 16, 1932 – December 28, 2022

Died peacefully at Hospice Wellington at the age of 90 years. Eileen was married to the late Henry Martin (1926-2021) for 12 years, and to the late Alvin Baker (1929-2003) for 48 years. She was the loving mother of James (Irene) Baker and Stephen Baker, caring grandmother of Angela (Corey) Hoffman and Laurah Baker, and great-grandmother to Ellie and Gracie Hoffman. Eileen was also a generous stepmother to Judith Martin, Lois (John) Yutzy, Anne (Verton) Miller, Gerald (Verna) Martin, John (Ladina) Martin, Andy (Colleen) Martin and Cam (Althea “Lisa”) Martin. She will be missed by her 21 step-grandchildren, 33 step great-grandchildren, and her siblings, Dorothy Reesor (late Murray), Herb (late Eva), Myrna Burkholder (Howard). Eileen was predeceased by her parents Levi and Alma (Barkey) Diller, stepmother Annie Diller, infant sister Marie, and sister Norma (Albert) Smith. Eileen was a committed member of Countryside Mennonite Fellowship. She was a loyal and fun friend to many, and loved to cook and host family and friends. She was a Scrabble champ and was known to play against herself when she did not have a friend over. For many years Eileen was actively involved with the family business, Mayan Cashews, packing and delivering nuts around Ontario. Thanks to Hospice Wellington for their extraordinary care for Eileen. Visitation was held from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022 at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. Funeral service took place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at Countryside Mennonite Fellowship, 3745 Herrgott Rd., Hawkesville followed by a reception. Family interment at Bethel Conservative Mennonite Cemetery, 3968 Perth Line 72, Millbank. Service will be livestreamed at live.countrysidemennonite.com. As expressions of sympathy donations to Christian Aid Ministries or Hospice Wellington would be appreciated and may be made through the funeral home. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Frey, Albert W. Passed away peacefully, with family by his side, on Friday, December 23, 2022 at Palmerston Hospital in his 65th year. Dearly beloved husband of Eileen (Martin) Frey of Palmerston. Dear father of Darryl (Chrissy) of Mt. Forest, Rosanne (Lester) Martin of Elmira, Steven (Dorothy) of Harriston, Dale (Melissa) of Breslau, and Donna (Derrick) Frey of Moorefield. Loving Grandfather to 13 grandchildren. Son of Mary Ann (Weber) Frey. Brother of Gordon (Marlene), Irene (Willard) Horst, Elmer (Doris), Mary (Donald) Horst, Erma (Willis) Horst, and Edward (Marilyn). Fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father Aden Frey and nephew Glen Frey. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at St. Mary’s General Hospital and Palmerston District Hospital. Thanking everyone for their prayers and support during this difficult time. Visitation was held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 from 5-8 p.m. and on Thursday, December 29, 2022 from 1-3 and 5-7 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. A family service took place on Friday, December 30, 2022 at 9 a.m. in the funeral home chapel, then to Maple View Mennonite Meeting House, 7184 14th Line, Alma, for burial and public service.

❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Obituary

Pilon, Danielle

Passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 24, 2022 at Lisaard House, Cambridge at the age of 78 years. Danielle will be greatly missed by her many family members and cousins from the Ottawa/Montreal area. Predeceased by her parents Ovila (1987) and Rhea (Paquette) (1970), and her step-mother Florence (Portolance) (1990). She was a lifelong member of St. Teresa of Avila Parish, Elmira. Danielle was cherished and deeply loved by her many friends. She spent 35 years teaching French in the Separate School Board in Cambridge / K-W area. She kept herself busy with many activities such as knitting for the Prayer Shawl Ministry, Probus Women’s Group, and various book clubs. Danielle was an active member of Cursillo for 50 years, along with the CWL at St. Teresa of Avila Parish, Elmira. Cremation has taken place. A memorial mass will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Teresa of Avila Parish, 19 Flamingo Dr., Elmira with reception to follow. Family interment will take place in St. Theresa’s R.C. Cemetery, RR 1, Elmira. As expressions of sympathy, donations to St. Teresa’s Parish Fund, or Lisaard House, Cambridge would be appreciated and can be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Bauman, Edna W. December 13, 1955 – December 23, 2022

Edna Bauman of Wallenstein passed away peacefully at her home on December 23, 2022 at the age of 67 years. Sister of Elam and Minerva of Fergus, Rebecca of Wallenstein, Katie and Murray Bauman of Millbank, Alice, Anna, and Sarah of Wallenstein, Melvin and Sharon Martin of Millbank. Remembered by 12 nieces and nephews, 36 great-nephews and nieces, and one great-great-niece. Predeceased by her parents Moses and Barbara (Wideman) Bauman, Lucinda Martin, Louisa and Mervin Gingrich, two nephews, and one great-niece in infancy. The family received relatives and friends on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 from 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. A private family service was held in the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 9 a.m. then to Elmira Mennonite Meeting House for burial and public service.

❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Obituary

Gingerich, Ralph

With broken hearts we announce the passing of Ralph Gingerich on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 surrounded by his family at Freeport Health Centre at the age of 74 years. Beloved husband of Yvonne (Shoemaker). Loving father of Ryan and Nancy Gingerich, Shannon and David Seiling. Dear Papa of Claire, Catherine, and Quinn. Brother of Don (Sharon) Gingerich, Delse (the late Cliff) Gingerich, Sandi (Leo) McCarron. Predeceased by his parents Curtis and Mary (Bender) Gingerich. Ralph will be fondly remembered by the Shoemaker family and his many nieces and nephews. Ralph was a faithful and respected employee at Home Hardware for over 40 years. Many people will miss his kind and gentle spirit. There will be no visitation but a private interment and reception took place to celebrate Ralph’s life. A special thank you to Leigh and the nurses at the Elmira Medical Clinic, the Home and Community Care nurses, and the doctors and nurses at Freeport Palliative Care. In lieu of flowers, donations to MCC or Grand River Regional Cancer Centre would be appreciated and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira.

❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Living Here

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

Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Report it: observerxtra.com/tips

Managing vaginal dryness

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I am 48 and the mother of two children, both teenagers. I have had an active sex life with my partner for more than 20 years, but recently I have been experiencing pain and increased vaginal dryness. I know I'm of the age that I might be going into menopause, but should I consult with a physician? Is there anything I can do other than abstain from intercourse or use additional lubrication?

ANSWER: Vaginal dryness can cause painful intercourse and persistent pelvic pain, among other symptoms. While it's more common in menopausal women, it also affects younger women, including those in perimenopause, which you may be experiencing.

A handful of factors can affect vaginal dryness. Estrogen is the most important hormonal influence on the health of the vulva and vagina. Low estrogen can contribute to dryness. Diet and the use of certain medications also are important factors. You can expect any medications that cause dry eyes and dry mouth to have a similar effect on the vagina.

Estrogen levels in the blood vary during the month and follow a common pattern to each menstrual cycle. For women who are not on hormonal birth control, levels are lowest in the days just before and after the start of menstrual bleeding. This low level sometimes can contribute to vulvar and vaginal

dryness. Very low-dose hormonal birth control can contribute to dryness. My recommendation is that women bothered by vaginal dryness should have a thorough exam and discussion with their primary health care provider or gynecologist to determine the most likely cause for these symptoms. Other causes of vulvovaginal pain and irritation may be responsible for the symptoms.

A physical exam will ensure the correct diagnosis is made and that less common, but more serious, conditions are not missed. Your health care provider will help you determine the best course of treatment. While painful intercourse may limit your desire for sexual intercourse, you should not feel avoiding intercourse is your only course of action. In fact, regular intercourse can maintain vaginal health, and avoiding it may allow the problem to get worse.

To remedy vaginal dryness and painful intercourse in the meantime, consider using vaginal moisturizers, such as Trimo-san or Replens, applied every few days – or about two to three times per week – to moisturize and keep vaginal tissues healthy.

You also may try vaginal lubricants, like Astroglide or K-Y Jelly, applied at the time of sexual activity to

Libraries sell off mags Platinum Jubilee pins

Looking to catch up on the back issues of your favourite periodicals? Branches of the Region of Waterloo Library are selling previous editions of their magazines until Jan. 31. Copies are $0.25 each or five for a buck. www.rwlibrary.ca

There’s a power to lifting heavy things

Beyond that, it’s about having a goal and sticking with it, says champion powerlifter

Gerber Observer Staff

ELMIRA’S EMILY ZUR

LINDEN JUST came home with a first-place international powerlifting win. Again.

Last month she was in New Zealand at the Commonwealth powerlifting Championship, placing first in her weight class. In June, she competed at the World Classic Powerlifting Championship in South Africa, placing seventh in the world in her weight class. Before that, in May, she won the Canadian Powerlifting Union Nationals in Newfoundland.

She also set a record for her deadlift at the commonwealth games for her 63 kg weight class at the last competition. Her stats include: 391.3 lbs for

squat, 220.5 for bench, and 427.7 for deadlift for a total of 1,039.5 lbs. The lady can lift.

While her performance at the international competitions are a highlight, the daily grind is, well, a grind.

Zur Linden, 35, balances powerlifting with her full schedule. She estimates she works more than 60 hours each week as a large animal veterinarian at Metzger Veterinarian Services in Linwood, where she’s worked for the last ten years, as well as participating as a member of her family with her husband and her fouryear-old daughter.

“My husband is absolutely incredible. I have his support, and without that there would be absolutely no way I could do this.

Maintaining Your Car and Your Schedule

This slogan is exactly our mission. Everything we do and the services we offer reflects that statement.

The days that it’s like, ‘OK, I have to lift today.’ He’s right there: ‘OK, that’s fine – mom lifts on Mondays.’ So he is in charge of bedtime.

She must constantly be watching her weight because if she loses or gains enough to push her out of her weight class when weighing in for a competition, she will be disqualified and unable to compete.

“As we get closer to the bigger events, there’s a much heavier focus on diet and making sure you’re either within striking distance within a couple days or you’re comfortably in your weight class going into it. That’s one of the things I get so nervous about. I have a travel scale, I weigh myself twice a day to make sure that I’m on

track for being on-weight so there’s no surprises on meet day where I don’t get to perform.”

She trains three days a week for about three to four hours at a time. “I have found that my sweet spot is I only lift three days a week. That way I can balance home and family and work and try to get all the obligations met in the week most effectively. So I only lift three days a week. They’re longer sessions.

“I work around a schedule where I work around 60 hours a week, if not more. So that’s a non-negotiable, and my husband’s quite busy with his work as well.

So we do try our best to [find the] days where I can fit my training in that makes the most sense,” she said.

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It's about all of us.

Drayton Entertainment artistic director Alex Mustakas and executive director Steven Karcher received Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Pins in recognition of their contributions to arts and culture in Canada. They were presented by Cambridge MP Bryan May on Dec. 20. The pins were given out to mark the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II on the throne.

▢ Mayo Clinic

Professional Clinical Health Advice

When she’s not busy as a veterinarian, Elmira’s Emily zur Linden can be found competing in powerlifting competitions, including last year’s world event in South Africa. Leah Gerber/submitted

Leah

A burger with the cheese on the inside! What’s not to love?

This recipe is a great way to start out the new year. But keep in mind: Turkey burgers can be delicious as long as they aren't too dry. Be sure to buy 93% lean ground turkey (99% fat-free ground turkey breast will be very dry). Also, mixing the cheese right into the burgers helps keep the

meat moist. The panko bread crumbs (crispy Japanese-style bread crumbs) and a little bit of mayonnaise lighten up the burgers and hold the patties together.

Turkey Burgers

1. In a large bowl, use your hands to gently mix together turkey, panko, cheese, mayonnaise, 1⁄4 teaspoon salt, and 1⁄8 teaspoon pepper.

2. Use your hands to divide turkey mixture into 4 lightly packed balls. Gently flatten each ball into a circle that measures 4 inches across. Place patties on a large plate.

3. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat for 1 minute (oil should be hot but not smoking).

Tilt and swirl skillet to coat evenly with oil. 4. Use a spatula to carefully place patties in the skillet. Cook, without moving patties, until well browned on the first side, about 5 minutes. Gently flip patties. Cook until burgers register 165 degrees on instantread thermometer, about 5 minutes.

5. Turn off heat. Use a clean spatula to transfer burgers to hamburger buns. Add your favorite burger toppings and serve.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 5

▢ Movie Shorts 4 Climate Change, Inspired by the work of Environmental Activist Greta Thunberg. Grade 9 to 12 students are invited to join us for a movie, snacks and discussion about climate change in our Township at the Woolwich Memorial Centre's the Hub from 6 p.m to 8:30 p.m. No Charge. RSVP to Kiara kiaram.wcs@gmail.com or 519-669-5139. ▢ Music Jam at The Junction, 47 Arthur St. S., Elmira at 7 p.m. Musicians are welcome to come and join the "base" band to play some fun music with us. If you can play or sing, bring a song or two that you might like to take the lead on, or just play/sing along. Popcorn, coffee and pop are served for anyone who wants to just come and listen.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6

▢ Friday Food at the Elmira Legion. Doors open at 4 p.m., serving at 5:45 p.m. Menu: sausage potato chowder, grilled cheese sandwich, Mississippi mud pie $10/plate. Join us in the lounge. All welcome.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11

▢ Senior's Community Dining at Wellesley Community Centre. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch and fellowship. Cost $12. Must register by noon on January 6 by calling 519-664-1900.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12

▢ Woodside Evergreen for Seniors at Woodside Church, Elmira, 10:30 a.m. "Providing Employment for Individuals With Dis(Abilities)" by Elena Haskell of The Raw Carrot Soup Enterprise. Music by an Acapella Quartet from Elmira Mennonite Church and Devotional Thoughts by Pastor Derek Osborne of Elmira Pentecostal Assembly. Suggested donation $10 includes hot lunch. Preregister by Jan 8 at www. woodsidechurch.ca/evergreen or 519-669-1296.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13

▢ Friday Food at the Elmira Legion. Doors open at 4 p.m., serving at 5:45 p.m. Menu: Mary's meat pie, mashed potato, veg, roll $15/plate. Join us in the lounge. All welcome.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 20

▢ Friday Food at the Elmira Legion. Doors open at 4 p.m., serving at 5:45 p.m. Menu: chicken drumsticks, noodles, veg, roll, dessert $10/plate. Join us in the lounge. All welcome.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25

▢

Senior's Community Dining at Linwood Community Centre. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for lunch and fellowship. Cost $12. Must register by noon on January 20 by calling 519-664-1900.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 28

▢ Elmira Legion's Take Out Spaghetti Dinner. Pick up from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Menu: spaghetti with meat sauce, ceasar salad, roll, dessert. $13 per person. Order in advance call Donna Vervoort 519-669-5894.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9

▢ Woodside Evergreen for Seniors at Woodside Church, Elmira. "Eating Well for Less" by Amy Sonnenberg, Registered Holistic Nutritionist. Music by Joyce Ruppert and Encouraging Words by Pastor Daniel Moes, Woodside. Suggested donation $10 includes hot lunch. Preregister by February 5 at www.woodsidechurch.ca/evergreen or 519-669-1296.

Her husband, Alex zur Linden, is with her every step of the way.

“She started powerlifting just before she was pregnant with our daughter and she was determined and committed to come back to the sport that she was pretty good at, even if she had just gotten started in it,” he said. “She made slow and steady progress and eventually made it back to lifting heavy weights. We were both committed to lifelong fitness and showing our daughter how fitness can be a part of your life, so we built a [gym] at our house to optimize our environment for achieving this goal.”

He says the best part of seeing his wife achieve her goals is watching her gain strength and seeing her level of determination.

“I’m glad that our daughter can witness this first hand,” he said.

Competing internationally with a full career and in midlife is not easy, but it does make the rewards sweeter, she says.

“Honestly it makes me incredibly more proud of myself for doing this at 35 with a full-time career and a family with a young daughter at home. And finding the time to train, finding the time to cook for myself, because when I’m deep into training mode, it might be pot pie for dinner for everyone else, but I’m having air-fried fish and broccoli. I have to do what I have to do to meet my goal – it’s not fun in those instances.”

She says the lessons she’s learned from powerlifting apply to all aspects of her life, noting the mental discipline that comes from forcing herself

to continually do hard things, even when she doesn’t want to, impacts her work and home life too.

“If you look at it objectively, if I have a good squat day or a bad squat day, I still show up and squat the next day I’m supposed to. And over time, I get better. And I get better with repeated exposures to it. And that’s the same thing with having difficult conversations with people. It’s hard to squat 400 pounds. It’s also hard to have a conversation with somebody – that’s not an easy one. But with more exposure to doing things like that, it gets easier.

“Same thing with parenting. It’s hard to listen to your kid cry it out or whatever your method of bedtime training is, it’s hard but with repeated exposure, it gets easier.

And I’ve seen that theme show up so many more times throughout my life.

I honestly never thought powerlifting would show me that. I thought it would just be like, ‘OK, this is my hobby, whatever.’ But it’s showing me so much about what consistency and dedication can get you.”

Zur Linden always kept active in her life. She was in gymnastics earlier in life, and later participated in crossfit. But she found it put too much stress on her body, and decided to focus on her strength. Then she began looking at the lifting numbers from past competitions and realized she wasn’t too far off from them.

Eventually she found a coach in Barrie who she works with remotely. She told him her goal was to compete at the world level.

“Putting that out there, I was just like, ‘I can’t

believe I said that – oh my gosh, no way. Here we go, this is that big, scary goal that I have.’

“It could have been met with, ‘well, you know, you’re not really there yet.’ And it was met with, ‘heck yeah, let’s go! Let’s do this! Let’s get you there.’ And it was just like, ‘Oh my God, he believes in me too. It’s real now.’”

In 2020, zur Linden competed in the Canadian nationals, and came in third. From there, she decided to apply to compete on Team Canada, not knowing if she had a good chance with a thirdplace finish. But she was accepted, and went on to win the North American Powerlifting Championship in 2021, and has kept winning since.

Now, zur Linden has her eye on winning nationals again in February. She hopes to compete at the World Classic Powerlifting Championships again, which will be held in Malta this year. She is aiming to place at least in the top five.

She is also aiming for an invitation to the elite, invitation-only international Sheffield Powerlifting Championships, “and setting more records on the way if I can,” she said.

“I’m going to be doing this as long as my body holds up, I’d say and I would like to do it for a while, because I feel like I’m just scratching the surface of what I’m capable of.”

Zur Linden’s advice for others?

“There’s immeasurable benefits to physical activity in whatever capacity that is,” she said. “So find something that you like to do and do it with consistency. And that will take you so far.”

alleviate pain during intercourse. A small amount of pure vegetable oil or olive oil can be more helpful than over-the-counter lubricants.

Many times, women inadvertently worsen their symptoms by using multiple creams or other home treatments before seeing their provider. Consider the following tips to avoid exacerbating symptoms:

„ Avoid bath soaps, lotions or gels that contain perfumes.

„ Avoid all bubble baths, bath salts and scented oils.

„ Do not use hot water while bathing or showering. Aim for

lukewarm or cool water, and ensure that you rinse the genital area very well to remove all soap.

„ Avoid all feminine hygiene sprays and perfumes.

„ Do not use adult or baby wipes on the area.

„ Avoid tight-fitting clothing and pantyhose. Wear white, 100% cotton underwear.

„ Avoid all over-thecounter creams and ointments, except A+D Ointment.

But do not use A+D Ointment if you have a wool allergy.

While these recommen-

dations can be helpful for many women, if symptoms persist despite these changes, your health care provider can suggest treatment options for vaginal dryness. A low-dose vaginal estrogen cream, tablet or ring also may help reinvigorate vaginal tissues.

Vaginal dryness is frustrating, but it is a manageable condition for most women, and treatment can be life-changing for those with severe symptoms.

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.

POWERLIFTING: A passion that provides many benefits

MAYO CLINIC:

A frustrating, but manageable condition

„

Development approved for Barnswallow Drive site

A piece of vacant land on Elmira’s west side slated for commercial development will now be predominantly residential, as Woolwich council approved the switch.

Nomadiq Elmira Towns Ltd. can now go ahead with the development of the 1.5-acre site at 15 Barnswallow Dr., which was originally slated for a one-level strip mall-type building. Instead, the location will be home to 45 stacked-townhouses along with six residential units above a much smaller ground-floor commercial space. Meeting October 31, councillors gave the go-ahead to the necessary changes to the township’s official plan and zoning on the property.

NOVEMBER

„ Ambulance wait times, offloading delays worsen

Waterloo Region paramedics lost a total of 465 days in offload delay times through the first nine months of this year. That’s up dramatically from the 249 days lost during all of 2021.

Offload delays measure the gap between the time an ambulance arrives at the hospital and the patient is transferred into the hospital’s care, releasing the ambulance back into service.

„ New provincial measures curtail development charges

Soaring development charges that add tens of thousands to the cost of a new home were a big target as the province rolled out Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act.

The bill impacts ten pieces of legislation, including the Conservation Authorities, Development Charges, Municipal, Ontario Heritage, Ontario Land Tribunal and Planning acts. Key changes have been made to the fees collected from builders for future development. When it comes to certain kinds of affordable, non-profit and inclusionary zoning housing, developers will be exempted from paying municipal development charges and other fees. The act also requires municipalities to spend or allocate 60 per cent of their reserve funds annually.

„ Education workers’ strike short-lived

Ontario’s 55,000 education workers were back on the job November 8 after ending their strike action when the province withdrew back-to-work legislation, but a new contract remains to be negotiated.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees says its ready to take action again if a deal is not reached.

The workers – custodians, educational assistants and early childhood educators – walked out November 4 and 7 in contravention of Ontario’s Bill 28, which made the strike illegal and imposed a new contract, the Ford government opting to use the Charter of Right’s notwithstanding clause to pre-empt legal action.

„ Greenbelt supporters protest at MPP’s office

Two weeks earlier it was education workers picketing outside the Elmira office of MPP Mike Harris. On November 16, the people gathered out in front were protesting the Ford government’s plans to alter the Greenbelt. Some 30 people rallied at the location to air concerns about recent government proposals to allow development in the Greenbelt, the protected area of green space, farms, forests and other land surrounding the Greater Golden Horseshoe.

„ EDSS senior girls capture first regional basketball title

The EDSS senior girls’ basketball team captured its first-ever regional AAA championship with a 48-45 win over the St. Benedict Saints at the November 21 final in Guelph. The win followed a disappointing finish in the WCSSAA final in which they were defeated 42-33 by Waterloo-Oxford after a 10-0 season. It was that loss that helped propel the team to the Central Western Ontario Secondary Schools Association (CWOSSA) championship.

„

over the course of the year compared to 2021.

From April through September of this year there were 1,242 patients who went to the emergency department, up from 456 over the same period last year. The number of pediatric patients being admitted to the hospital for respiratory illness has also gone up over the same timeframe, with 28 kids in GRH in 2021 versus 156 in 2022, a 457 per cent increase. The increase comes as cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in kids are going up across the province.

DECEMBER

„ Municipalities have concerns about Bill 23

Staff at Woolwich and Wellesley townships raised what they see are red flags about Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act. The wide-reaching bill affects multiple pieces of legislation at once.

Staff at both townships say they are worried this will reduce their capacity to fund the infrastructure needed for growth, that infrastructure projects and services could be eliminated, costs be passed on to existing taxpayers, or townships may be forced to rely on debt. Woolwich notes it already has an exemption on development charges for affordable housing.

„ Wellesley eyes large tax increase

Wellesley homeowners can expect A 14 per cent increase in the township portion of their property taxes in 2023, led by payments on the loan for the new township rec. complex.

Ratepayers will see a jump of $179.29 based on an average home assessed at $389,000. Of that, just shy of $100 will go towards repaying the debenture on the $27-million Wellesley Township Recreation Centre. That accounts for a 7.77 per cent increase in taxes.

Hospitals see increase in

gency visits

emer-

The number of patients under 18 years of age visiting the emergency department at Grand River Hospital with respiratory illnesses nearly tripled

The township is currently looking at a 4.43 per cent general tax levy increase, along with an extra one per cent for infrastructure projects and 0.75 per cent for greening initiatives. Those figures were arrived at following preliminary budget deliberations by Wellesley councillors.