September Business Venture 2014

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Cast your vote on October 27

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With just over a month until the Guelph 2014 Municipal Election on October 27, it’s time to consider the issues that matter to you and our city as we focus on selecting the city officials for the next four years.

With six candidates running beside the current mayor, at press time it appears the race is down to two, with Cam Guthrie holding twice the approval rate over mayor Karen Farbridge.

In a random public opinion poll, conducted on August 30 by the Forum Poll™, among 891 Guelph voters, over a third will vote for Cam Guthrie in the municipal election (36%), compared to the 21% who will vote to re-elect Mayor Karen Farbridge. Jason Blokhuis attracts only 4% of the vote and no other candidate gets a significant share.

With eight out of ten voters aware of him, 73% approve of Cam Guthrie, compared to just over a third who approve of the job Karen Farbridge is doing as mayor at 37%. Awareness of any of the other candidates is limited, as is their approval, with the exception of Andrew Donovan, of whom 15% are aware but only one half approve.

The poll notes that 40% of voters say the transit lockout will affect their vote, while just over half say it will not.

However, the majority, at 53%, say the wrongful dismissal suit connected with the building of city hall will affect their vote, over the 38% who say it won't.

Guthrie supporters are especially concerned with the dismissal suit, as 75% say it will affect their vote, while only 11% of Farbridge voters seemed concerned.

The City of Guelph and Urbacon Buildings Group Corp. recently settled their legal dispute out of court for $6.635 million. A city press release on September 8 quoted Mayor Farbridge as saying,“By reaching a settlement out of

Stone Road Mall recently donated a cheque for over $8000 to The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital (GGH).

The money was raised at Stone Road Mall’s Annual Children’s Charity Golf Tournament held on June 26, 2014. The money will go towards the purchase of two new cribs and additional supplies for the Paediatric Care Unit at Guelph General. The Paediatric Unit provides primary care for infants, children and adolescents up to the age of 19. Pictured left to right: Tony Stapley - General Manager Stone Road Mall, Janet Trowbridge - Director Inpatient Surgery and Paediatrics GGH, Christina Magee - Marketing Manager Stone Road Mall, Chelsea Smit - Administrative Assistant Stone Road Mall, Linda Craig - Senior Development Officer GGH, Annual Giving. (Photo by Mary Ellen Wales)

court, the City avoids further legal costs and gains certainty on the cost impact.

The cost will be accommodated within the City’s capital financing guideline to ensure it does not result in an increase in property taxes, and that the City’s financial position is protected. As we move on from the litigation, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that today, Guelph has a well-functioning, award-winning City Hall and Market Square that will serve our community well for decades to come.”

While the settlement is over $6 million, a Statement from the Office of the CAO shows, after legal fees and settlement costs, the total project deficit is $8,346,261.

The City will fund the settlement costs not already provided for from its capital asset renewal reserve, the Legal/OMB reserve and the Capital Tax Reserve fund. The funds transferred from the capital asset renewal reserve fund will be repaid over a five-year period.

As follow up, the City’s internal auditor has been asked to conduct a full review of risk associated with complex

capital projects so that the city administration can have the benefit of lessons learned during this project, and so that information can be applied to future projects.

Of the proposed future projects, a South End Recreation Centre and a new main library are two developments being considered by Guelph residents with the election approaching. Voters are relatively split on spending tax dollars on a South End Recreation Centre during this term, with 44% in support and 48% opposed, while about one fifth have no opinion. Mayor Farbridge's supporters are more likely to favour the idea (55%) than are Guthrie voters (39%).

When it comes to spending tax dollars during this term on a new library downtown, 58% disapprove, while just over a third approve at 36%. It seems again Farbridge voters are far more supportive of the development projects at 67% than the 14% of Guthrie voters who favour the additional spending.

"It looks like the controversies of her administration have caught up with her,

and Karen Farbridge may have to surrender her chain of office. Cam Guthrie has obviously tapped into a vein of conservative-leaning support that sees big money city-building projects as unnecessary," said Forum Research President, Dr. Lorne Bozinoff in a recent press release.

Increases to property tax is always a concern among land owners, however voters are evenly split when it comes to increases in the upcoming term with 52% of those polled not expecting to see property tax increases over the rate of inflation during this term.

Last fall city staff originally recommended a 3.36 % increase to the proposed 2014 Tax-supported Operating Budget, representing an average property tax increase of $107 for the average residential taxpayer with a property valued at $311,136. An updated figure, close to one per cent less, was approved a month later at a 2.37 % increase over the previous year.

While the numbers are close, the inflation rate in Canada was recorded by Statistics Canada at - continued page 3

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Rotary Corner

Rotary Club of Guelph-Trillium News

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Rotary 2014 Changeover and Awards Night On June 25, 2014 over 250 Rotarians, Rotaract members, and guests came together at the Hanlon Convention Centre in Guelph for the Rotary District 7080 Changeover and Awards Night. This event, held to coincide with the new “Rotary Year” which starts each July 1st, celebrated the accomplishments of all District Clubs under outgoing District Governor Mike Gauthier during 2013-14, and ushered in Patsy Marshall as District Governor for 2014-15. Patsy Marshall is a Guelph resident, and the first member of the Rotary Club of Guelph Trillium to be District Governor, the top position in the District.

Mike and Patsy presented citations to 48 clubs in the District, ably assisted by our special guest, Rotary International Director Bryn Styles from Barrie, Ontario.

Citations were presented to all six of our local Rotary Clubs–the Rotary Club of Guelph, Guelph Trillium, Guelph South, Guelph Wellington, Fergus, and Centre Wellington.

District 7080 also has a vibrant group of Rotaract Clubs, with members between 18 and 30 years old.

The Rotaract Club of Guelph, based at the University of Guelph, received a citation for their outstanding work in raising funds and awareness for a number of causes over the past year.

Awards were also presented to a number of individuals in the District for their outstanding contributions to the work of Rotary and the Rotary Foundation.

The new District Leadership Team was introduced with the traditional passing of the pins – Immediate Past District Governor Mike Gauthier, District Governor Patsy Marshall, District Governor Elect Will Pugh, and District Governor Nominee Bill Proctor.

A photo album of the evening’s highlights can be seen on the Guelph Trillium website by visiting the link http://trilliumrotary.org/PhotoAlbums/2014-district-changeover-awards-night If you are interested in getting involved in Rotary, visit the website www.rotary.org

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to Würth Canada and all of their employees on a successful move to the Hanlon Creek Business Park, and our community.

Thank you for your confidence in the City of Guelph and for your support of our Community Energy Initiative.

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September 2014 page 2

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Election–cont’d from pg 1 2.10 % in July of 2014. Over the last four years, inflation ranged from just below 2% in January 2010 to its current level, with the highest peak at 3.25% in 2011.

In the 2010 Municipal Election, of the 82,794 eligible Guelph voters, only 33.91% cast a ballot. As one method of increasing civic participation, Guelph City Council approved the use of Internet voting as an alternative voting method for the upcoming election and three out of ten voters intend to cast their ballot online. Voting will take place from October 7 to 24, 2014.

Although the ballots have not yet been cast, you can expect to see

Art of Denim celebrates 15 years

by Heather Grummett

Founded by Paul and Marc Brombal, Art of Denim is a premier denim store on Wyndham St. in Guelph. The two brothers grew up in the clothing business, having worked with their father at Sidonio’s Custom Men’s Shop, and opened the downtown location in 1999.

As a store that began with a focus on mainly jeans and tops in junior styles, the business has grown and evolved through the years to offer casual wear for teens to senioraged adults. Art of Denim offers jeans for all who are young or who are young at heart.

The extensive selection includes sizes 0 to 18 for women, and sizes 29 to 40 for men.

Tailoring service is also available to get that perfect fit.

Customers can choose from a wide variety of tops, shirts, and outerwear from great brands you know and love–including Mackage, Soia & Kyo, and Canada Goose.

Plus, a sophisticated line of both men’s and women’s work apparel is available. A unique accessory line of scarves, gloves, socks, belts, bags, and shoes, is a great way to complete your look.

Built on personal and friendly service, Marc and his staff will ensure you leave feeling great and looking your best. Stop by to check out the fresh, brand new look for the fall season.

Art of Denim is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday 10:00am to 5:30pm, Thursday and Friday 10:00am to 7:00pm.

Anniversary celebrations will run October 16, 17, 18–visit www.artofdenimonline.com for more details.

some different faces around the council table as four incumbents are not seeking re-election –Lise Burcher (Ward 5), Ian Findlay (Ward 2), Jim Furfaro (Ward 1), and after 23 years councillor Gloria Kovach is not running.

There are several opportunities to learn about the candidates and decide what platforms work for you. The Guelph Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a mayoral candidate discussion at City Hall the evening of October 9 and is working with Rogers TV on a schedule for City Councillor Candidate discussions.

Educate yourself about the money being spent in our community

and the projects that are on the table. Look into what the candidates stand for and be wise when considering the choices for our city’s future. Most importantly, cast a vote.

For a full list of candidates and details for online voting visit www.vote.guelph.ca.

Employer of Distinction Awards 2014 The Guelph & District Chapter Human Resources Professionals Association (GDHRPA) is proud to announce the recipients of its fifth annual Employer of Distinction Awards. The Awards recognize local companies for being outstanding employers who shape organizational excellence and raise awareness of the Human Resources Profession through their organizations’ success.

The GDHRPA is pleased to recognize Guelph General Hospital as the 2014 Employer of Distinction in the large employer category with over 200 employees and MEDUCOM Health Inc. as the 2014 Employer of Distinction in the small employer category with less than 200 employees. Both organizations are commended for their person-centered approach, and fostering environments that encourage employee health and wellness, communication, flexibility and support resulting in an engaged workforce that has allowed these organizations to achieve significant success in their operational and organizational goals.

The Awards were presented during the GDHRPA’s June chapter event held at the Delta Guelph Hotel and Conference Center.

The recognition of being an Employer of Distinction gives employers the opportunity to share their initiatives and success stories with other local business professionals, while showcasing that they are great places to work.

The Guelph & District Human Resources Professionals Association was established in 1953 to promote the value of people in achieving the business goals that result in organizational success. It provides resources and education to Human Resources Professionals within the Guelph community and surrounding areas.

Human Resources Professionals Association Guelph and District Chapter

Guelph General Hospital was recognized as the 2014 Employer of Distinction in the large employer category with over 200 employees. Pictured from left to right are: Wendy Broeckel, Annette Harrington, Jane Cabral, Alison Adamson, Karen Suk-Patrick, Diane Bell-Smith, and Cindy Embro. (supplied photo)

MEDUCOM Health Inc. was named the 2014 Employer of Distinction in the small employer category with less than 200 employees. Pictured left to right are: Sherry Moraca, Cristi Orth, Patricia Chisamore-Roberts, Darryl Vaz, Courtney Barker, Nicola Ingram, Noemie Villeneuve-Cloutier, and Serge Moraca.(supplied photo)

Congratulations!

The Guelph & District Chapter Human Resources Professionals Association is proud to recognize and congratulate the recipients of the 2014 Employer of Distinction Awards:

Guelph General Hospital

MEDUCOM Health Inc.

(over 200 employees)

(under 200 employees)

We sincerely thank all the nominees.

Visit www.gdhrpa.ca for information on the

September 2014 page 3

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Employer of Distinction

Message from the editor Welcome to our September issue of Business Venture.

Every year Labour Day arrives and so does a change in the weather. However, with the change in the weather comes a transformation as young students get back to school and older students leave home to pursue a post secondary education. Companies get busier as employees return from holidays and the final push begins as we head toward the final quarter of the year.

As I think of these changes, I think of our feature on Woodlawn Memorial Park–-and how often we may drive up Woolwich St and take for granted the cemetery that has been part of our community for 160 years.

It is so much more than a cemetery; it is an important part of Guelph’s history, with many recognizable members of our community now resting there.

Arthur Cutten, philanthropist and founder of Cutten Fields Golf and Recreational Club–who also made large financial contributions to the cemetery. Orin Reid, builder, developer and founder of Reid's Heritage Homes--are just two of the many who come to mind.

Today Woodlawn Memorial has become an urban arboretum filled with gardens and over 4km of trails.

Hopefully you have taken the time to read our lead story. As one of the more important elections in our community approaches, we encourage everyone to get out and vote.

Our next issue of Business Venture is in October.

We welcome your business news and announcements at infoventure@golden.net.

Heather Grummett Editor ventureguelph.ca

2014–The opinions and stories that appear in the columns of Business Venture are for information purposes only. Statements and opinions within the pages of Business Venture are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the publisher, advertisers or Venture Guelph Publications Ltd.

Mandatory Occupational Health and Safety Awareness Training

by Evan Campbell The Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”) imposes numerous obligations on Ontario Employers. One such requirement is to provide mandatory safety awareness training to all workers and supervisors. This requirement is outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training regulation, which came into force on July 1, 2014.

Employers must ensure that a worker completes a safety awareness training program as soon as practicable, which covers the following topics: • the duties and rights of workers, supervisors and employers under the OHSA; • the roles of health and safety representatives and joint health and safety committees under the OHSA; • the role of the Ministry of Labour, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), and entitles designated under section 22.5 of the OHSA such as health and safety associations; • common workplace hazards; • the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS); and, • occupational illness.

Employers are also required to ensure that supervisors complete a safety awareness

training program within one week of performing work as a supervisor, which includes instruction on: • the duties and rights of workers, supervisors and employers under the OHSA; • the roles of health and safety representatives and joint health and safety committees under the OHSA; • the role of the Ministry of Labour, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), and entitles designated under section 22.5 of the OHSA such as health and safety associations; • how to recognize, assess and control workplace hazards and evaluate controls designed to prevent workplace accidents; • and, sources of information on the OHSA. The new regulation also imposes record keeping obligations on employers. An employer must maintain records demonstrating that workers and supervisors completed the safety awareness training or that they are exempt from doing so. Further, upon request an employer must provide workers or supervisors with written proof of the completion of training for up to six months after a worker or supervisor has been employed.

Employers should ensure that all workers

Greenway to start new business After 13 years at Greenway Home Products Ltd., Laura Greenway-Balnar has stepped away from her roll at the family owned business and is moving forward with a new business opportunity.

Laura is returning to the Community & Healthcare sector by owning and operating Right at Home Canada–Guelph Wellington, with additional Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo locations to follow.

As a registered Nurse with a B.A.Sc degree in Gerontology, Laura is pursuing her passion of supporting seniors and families by providing a wide variety of services to the older population, so that they may stay happy and healthy in their home for as

long as they wish.

These services include a range of healthcare assistance, discharge planning and appointment coordination, transportation and meal preparation, homemaking, and much more. For more information visit www.rightathomecanada.com

and supervisors have completed training covering the above noted topics.

Employers should also have in place systems to maintain training and exemption records. It is important to note that the above noted topics are the minimum that should be covered in workplace training. Providing more thorough training will not only increase workplace safety but will assist in demonstrating due diligence in relation to any workplace accident.

The discussed regulation is one of many requirements with respect to Health and Safety.

Evan Campbell is an Associate in the Guelph office of Miller Thomson LLP working in the areas of employment law and litigation. Contact him at 519-780-4634 or ecampbell@millerthomson.com

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Together, on October 27, we can create BETTER Authorized by CFO of Cam Guthrie Campaign

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Local students learn abroad

Business of Downtown

submitted by Wellington Catholic District School Board Thirty-five local high school students from Wellington Catholic District School Board and Upper Grand District School Board participated in a 23-day international educational opportunity in Italy and gained a High School credit while immersed in the Italian culture.

Sponsored by the Wellington Catholic District School Board and The Hamilton Dante Centre, the students embarked on this intensive summer program designed to enrich students’ academic lives by providing an exciting educational environment and an interesting international experience.

Excursions included overnight stays in Rome, Florence, Venice, Ortona, Chieti and Sulmona, plus day visits to famous cities such as Pompeii, Assisi, Pisa, Verona, and Padua.

Students from the Wellington Catholic District School Board and Upper Grand District School Board pose during their visit to Pompeii. The photo is taken in front of the Temple of Jupiter with Mt. Vesuvius in the background. (supplied photo)

downtownguelph.com Guelph’s public assets benefit everyone

by Marty Williams, Executive Director, Downtown Guelph Business Association Believe it or not, there is a movement afoot in California to divide that state into six pieces. Tim Draper, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist is pushing the proposal and has put $5 million of his own money to get it on the ballot this fall. So far he is the only one to pony up any cash for the project.

He says that,“California has reached the breaking point . . .smaller governments would be more responsive to the needs of residents and communities.”

"Vast parts of our state are poorly served by a representative government," he is quoted as saying, and California residents "would be better served by six smaller state governments."

Draper, recommends dividing California regionally, including establishing a state called Silicon Valley, which would include San Francisco and nearby counties that are home to technology giants like Facebook and Apple. The proposal is far from universally applauded. Many people have pointed out that Californians have too much in common, and are so interdependent that dividing the whole into six bits makes no sense at all. Yes, you can draw a line around a part of the state that has a focus on high tech, or agriculture, or show business – but that doesn’t tell the whole story.

Hey, that reminds me of Guelph: we have six wards, we have “regional strengths,” and some places have more stuff than other places. So maybe if each ward was its own city, we’d be better off too. Ridiculous?

Maybe. But some of the narrowing and insular attitude I’ve heard regarding the various “states” of Guelph (or sometimes, its informal “East, West, North, South and Downtown component parts) make me wonder just how short-sighted some citizens can be.

Sometimes people forget that all our public assets are for all Guelpites regardless of address. Like the folks who didn’t want to have parking included in the development of a new park because they didn’t want to share “their” greenspace with the rest of the city.

What? Did they forget that every public thing any part of the city “gets” we all get?

When I go to Victor Davis Pool or the West End Recreation Centre or City Hall or Riverside Park nobody asks me where I live in the city. I can check out a book from any Library in town (and take it back to any library too). City facilities are facilities for us all. Period.

UNTIL OCTOBER 8TH

June 2014 page 6

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The real question should be “where in our city does investment of public money make sense?” In my opinion, building a recreation centre on Clair Road (which I support) has more to do with the need for more skating and swimming and other facilities for all Guelphites than it has to do with the concept of fairness for the South End. I think it’s fine to locate there, but the main driver is need: we are underserved as a city, not as a particular ward.

Which is why I think that it’s pointless to add up what civic assets we have in each area to establish priorities. We have invested our public money wisely and appropriately throughout the city and have a smart plan for future capital investment across the city where it makes the most sense. That means we pave roads and upgrade services, add parks and recreation, turn parking lots in to multi-use high public revenue assets-and so on–based on citywide benefit. If the sidewalks are wider on Wyndham Street than on Water Street, that is because there are more Guelphites using them, and not because some part of town is “due” more sidewalk than some other.

I fully acknowledge that lots of public money has been invested in Downtown Guelph, and that no matter how economically and socially sensible that is, some folks will grouse. It is to be expected, of course.

Most Guelphites care about Downtown intensely and are willing to offer opinions on all manner of developments here. Most people don’t know what the cost of digging up Wellington Road is–that’s just a necessary construction project–but when infrastructure money is spent Downtown, everybody has an opinion on the cost, the need, and the planned outcome.

I fully acknowledge that each part of town has a distinct flavour and history (no matter how short or long). And I get that there are specific needs and wants and aspirations that are asymmetrical. But it is much more important to invest public money where it is the most efficient, where it does the most good for the whole city, than it is to chunk it out in equal parts.

Guelph is one city not six, and we need to invest in it as such.

Even if for no other reason than to be a good example to our friends in California.

Quotes from Tim Draper come from a story in the San Jose Mercury (http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_25195077/tim-drapers-plandivide-california-into-6-states)

160

YEARS

Because every life is worth remembering always

by Heather Grummett

“

T

hrough the years, Woodlawn Memorial Park just continues to get better and better.

The early Board members were always so forward thinking and had the foresight to know the cemetery would be here for a long time. Perhaps they didn’t realize it, but that and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender sympathies foresight was an important step in our history,” says Paul Taylor, General Manager, Woodlawn Memorial Park. of its people, their respect for the laws of the land and their loyalty to In the early years of the cemetery, family members paid an annual fee to have plots high ideals.”–William Gladstone, former British Prime Minister maintained by a grounds keeper. In 1914, perpetual care was introduced at Woodlawn Cemetery on a voluntary basis. The first family paid a large one-time payment, at that time $25, to maintain the plot forever. The money was put into a trust and the property maintenance was paid for from the interest. Families continued to have the option of History making annual payments until 1927.

In 1919, Arthur Cutten donated $10,000 to beautify the cemetery with the stipulation ohn Galt designed the city of Guelph during a time when a great importance was placed on churches, and with every church was a cemetery. Galt placed the Catholic that a proper recognizable Board be formed to oversee the spending of the money.

The Guelph Cemetery Commission was formed with two members from each Church, Church of our Lady, on the hill and he placed the Anglican Church, the original of the original purchasers–the Anglican Church, the City of Guelph and the Township St. George’s Church, downtown in the square. of Guelph. The Board’s responsibilities included hiring a Cemetery Keeper, Having the foresight to realize there would be people who died with no religious Superintendent, or General Manager to oversee the day to day operations and hiring affiliation, he also created the Union Cemetery, which was owned by the City of Guelph and the Township of Guelph, and today the parcel of land is the Baker Street parking lot. of any additional staff.

In 1927, the Guelph Cemetery Commission decided that a perpetual care payment When, in 1853, a bylaw was passed stating that burials would no longer be permitted would be mandatory to all families purchasing new plots, and through time the existing within the city limits, the Catholic cemetery was moved to St. Joseph’s Cemetery; the plots would also be converted to perpetual care.

5-acre parcel of land was given to the cemetery by the sisters of St. Josephs.

The Anglican Church purchased 10-acres of land outside of Guelph and partnered with This decision came 25 years ahead of the rest of the province, when in 1952, the Ontario Government made it mandatory under the Cemetery Act for all cemeteries to the City and Township to purchase an additional 30-acres. The new plot was a big step collect perpetual care payments. away from the tiny cemeteries that were dotted across the province. At 40-acres, the “Known today as a Care and Maintenance Trust Fund, perpetual care is the heart and new Woodlawn Cemetery was the largest track of cemetery land in Wellington County, soul of the cemetery,” says Taylor.“If the trust is healthy, the cemetery will be maintained reducing the need to maintain many smaller parcels of land. properly and will remain healthy forever. Tens of thousands of dollars enter the trust 160 years later, Woodlawn Memorial Park sits on 80-acres–it is once again within the every year, added to that initial $25. The interest made goes strictly towards the city limits, and 35,000 bodies rest within the park. As a not-for-profit organization, maintenance of the property; it does not pay for administration costs or overhead.”

Woodlawn Memorial Park is dedicated to preserving the importance and beauty of For every grave acquired, provincial cemeteries are mandated to put 40% into a trust. the cemetery. Available land still remains at Nicklin and Woodlawn Road that will “This cemetery has seen five to six generations. Our goal is to improve the property as accommodate the community’s needs for many decades to come. best we can during our years, to make it better than when we received it, and to pass it on to the next generation for it to be improved more,” adds Taylor.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

“Show me the manner in which a nation or a community cares for its dead

J

September 2014 page 7

Feature: Woodlawn Memorial Park 160 Years VENTURE GUELPH PUBLICATIONS LTD. Business Venture ventureguelph.ca

An urban arboretum Timeline of the keepers

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oodlawn Memorial Park and Arboretum is the only cemetery on the Trans Canada Trail. Over 4 km of roadways and pathways wind through the grounds. Of the hundreds of trees in the park, many are more than a century old and several specimens are rare and unique to the city.

“Our cemetery is a place to celebrate life, to visit loved ones and friends, and to reflect on memories of the lives lived,” says Paul Taylor, General Manager.“We encourage visitors to concentrate on the life, not the death. Community members are welcome to use the cemetery in a respectful way to enhance their lives.”

With a 42% tree canopy, the grounds make a peaceful area to enjoy a walk or run. Extensive gardens, waterfalls and fountains are featured throughout for those interested in horticultural, and the cemetery also makes a great learning tool, with the trees named in both English and Latin.

Rich in history, visitors can experience the early monument carvings in various materials including marble, granite, and bronze.

Woodlawn Memorial partners with area schools and the Guelph Civic Museum to offer additional opportunities for youth to learn about the history of Guelph and early pioneers. Plus, occasional Spirit Walks use volunteer actors to re-live the lives of prominent Guelph citizens who now rest within the park.

Over the past 160 years, the care and operations of Woodlawn Cemetery–now known as Woodlawn Memorial Park–has been overseen by an individual carrying the title of Cemetery Keeper, Superintendent, and is known today as the General Manager.

There is limited recorded history on the early keepers, who were responsible for all operations, including grounds maintenance.

William Haskins & George Bates, Term: 1855 - 1856 William Snelling, Term: 1856 -1857 George Canham, Term: 1857 - 1861 Barnabus Gibson, Term: 1861- 1868 and his son William Gibson, Term: 1868 - 1869 Samuel Calver, Term: 1854, 1869 - 1882

••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Peter Gokey was born in Sydenham on March 1,1845.He was the 7th Cemetery Keeper and the last to be given that title, replacing Mr.Calver,who died in 1882.The Gokey’s were the first family to occupy the Cemetery Lodge,Peter was well known and the entrance to the Cemetery was facetiously spoken of as“Gokey’s Gates”.Term: 1883 –1907 George L.M.C. Steele was born in Guelph on December 15, 1862.The second family to live in the Cemetery Lodge, Steele was appointed to replace Peter Gokey in 1907.He was the first Superintendent when the Guelph Cemetery Commission was formed in 1919.

That same year he was the first to be provided with a uniform for attendance at funerals.We learned from son Doug, that George called the Mayor of Guelph during the Spanish flu epidemic for help, and a bus load of workers arrived the next day to help with interments. They were doing more than 50 burials a month during the epidemic. During the time they lived in the lodge electricity was installed in the house through the upstairs floor. Term: 1907–1921

John T. Crosby

Special services and events With the goal of keeping memories alive, and not to forget about past generations, Woodlawn Memorial holds several public services and events throughout the year–some sad, some entertaining, for theatre, for history and for remembrance.

John Thomas Crosby was born in 1867 at Dearham Centre near London. In 1884 the Crosby family moved to Guelph Township where he farmed along side his father at Marden.John worked at one time for the Guelph Radial Railway and in 1921 was appointed second Superintendent of the Cemetery Commission.The Crosby’s were the third family to live in the Cemetery Lodge.He served for 21 years and when he became ill, Ross Armitage became acting superintendent.Crosby died November 7, 1942 at the age of 75.His loss was deeply felt by the public and the Cemetery Commission.

Term: 1921-1942

Mother’s Eve Every May families gather to send kisses to heaven during a brief and gentle service of remembrance. In remembrance of mothers everywhere, notes are planted at the foot of a shrub in the Mothers’ Grove.

Ross Ferguson Armitage was born in Fergus on May 7,1896.Ross worked at Raymond’s Sewing Machine Co.and at Bond Hardware and then moved to Buffalo where he worked assembling horseless carriages for the Pierce-Arrow plant during 1915 and 1916.Upon returning to Guelph he joined the army and served overseas almost three years with the Canadian Signal Corps.He began working for the Cemetery Commission and was appointed third Superintendent of Woodlawn Cemetery following Mr.Crosby’s death.The fourth family to live Cemetery Lodge,Ross held the position for 23 years.During his term of employment Ross saw many changes,enlarging the garage and workshop,removal of many shrub beds at the front when Woolwich St.was widened; the roads were paved until 3/4 of the roads were completed by 1963.

The modern office with fireproof vault and washroom facilities were added for the public about 1960.Mr.Armitage estimated it would be about 35-40 years before it became necessary to develop the land on the other side of the tracks and that land will serve for at least 100 years.Term: 1942-1965

Lilac Remembrance Service In partnership with Hospice Wellington, Gilchrist Chapel and the staff at Woodlawn Memorial, this event takes place in late May. A Lilac is planted in remembrance of families served throughout the year.

160

YEARS

Rockwood Summer Service Every June loved ones gather at the Hanna Chapel at the Rockwood Cemetery for an annual service of remembrance and evening of fellowship in a charming country cemetery.

Summer Walking Tour Annual themed walking tours take place throughout the summer months.

United Nations Day This self-directed event each October allows community members to walk the Trans Canada Trail and visit the Peace Pole in the Garden of Peace, where there are more than 18 different languages displayed on the pole.

Remembrance Day Woodlawn Memorial holds an annual, very personal service at the Veterans’ area, below the Canadian flag.

International Children’s Day Every November community members are encouraged to visit the Children’s Memorial Garden and add an ornament to the living Angel Tree in remembrance of the more than 900 children there; to remember a special child or celebrate the children in your life.

Blue Christmas This is a unique Christmas event to remember loved ones near and far or to simply enjoy the experience of carol singing in the cemetery. In early December community members gather at the mausoleum for the annual carolling by candlelight.

Veterans’Winter Wreath Service Each December Veterans are honoured with the placing of fresh winter wreaths on the more than 180 graves in the veterans’ areas.

For more details visit www.woodlawnmemorialpark.ca or find Woodlawn Memorial Park on Facebook.

Thank you,

Woodlawn Memorial Park, for supporting Guelph and area families with compassion for 160 years.

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September 2014 page 8

Feature: Woodlawn Memorial Park 160 Years VENTURE GUELPH PUBLICATIONS LTD. Business Venture ventureguelph.ca

Congratulations to Woodlawn Memorial Park in celebration of more than 160 years in the Guelph community!

Timeline of the keepers - continued

by Robert Hilton, Senior Cemetery Consultant /Landscape Architect, Hilton Landmarks Inc.

John Penrice was born in Morriston on May 29, 1903. John worked under Mr.Armitage for approximately 10 years as assistant Superintendent before taking on the position of fourth Superintendent in 1966.During the first year of Mr. Penrice’s term the January minutes show the main entrance will be extended by removing the pedestrian gates and resetting the large stone posts, the small gates then to be welded to the main gates which will in effect give a wider entrance to the Cemetery. The Penrices were the fifth family to live in Cemetery Lodge.After four years as Woodlawn Cemetery Superintendent he resigned in 1970.Term: 1966-1970

Woodlawn Memorial Park–keeping pace with change

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re cemeteries still relevant in today’s changing cultural environment? Woodlawn Memorial Park Cemetery provides a great deal of value to the citizens of Guelph and surrounding areas.

These values extend far beyond the simple disposition (e.g. interment, inurnment, scattering, etc.) of human remains. Guelph’s municipal cemetery provides a tranquil, respectful, park-like environment for peaceful reflection for all who visit there. There is a fundamental human desire to remember our ancestors and to be remembered by our descendants.

Cemeteries’operations and appearances are changing as a result of after death care consumers’growing demand for cremation.Greater burial densities are achieved on a smaller land base but increasingly more creative appealing and attractive“garden”ambiances are afforded those making the choice for cremation.Guelph currently has a cremation rate in excess of 61%,that is,more than three out of every five deaths results in cremation rather than traditional casket burial.This rate has been rising since the early 1970’s and continues to rise by almost 1% annually.

Unlike traditional casket interment, which is mandated under provincial legislation to occur in a cemetery, cremation dispositions may occur anywhere. Cremated remains may be scattered on land, over water or simply kept at home. Disposition and memorialization at the cemetery is entirely optional to the cremation consumer. The cremation consumer must perceive the value in cemetery products in order to consider purchasing them. Under Taylor’s prudent and knowledgeable stewardship, Woodlawn Memorial Park has addressed the after death care consumers’ ever growing demand for cremation by providing cremation interment alternatives in beautiful settings. This choice carries with it a wide array of cremation interment and memorialization alternatives and Woodlawn Memorial Park continues to grow such choice options for those selecting Woodlawn as the final resting place for themselves or a loved one.

Woodlawn Memorial Park offers a variety of disposition and memorialization options to appeal to the modern cremation customer.

Cremated remains may be interred in in-ground lots or cremorials,inurned in columbarium niches,commingled in an ossuary or scattered in a scattering garden.Memorializations include upright and flat monuments, niche/cremorial plaques and memorial trees,benches and‘memory stones’.

The Royal Belvedere Cremation Garden features benches, a fountain and waterfalls, a Belvedere, an ossuary incorporated into attractive ornamental plantings and nine different inurnment options and as many memorialization opportunities.

The public choosing cremation readily buys into the plethora of choices offered in this distinctive garden setting.

While a growing percentage choose cremation, there is an ongoing and will likely always be, demand for traditional casket burial. The Woodlawn team has met this demand by developing‘over the tracks’ at Woodlawn.‘Lilac Section’ has proven very popular for those choosing casket interments in this 30-acre expansion area at Woodlawn Memorial Park. Preliminary planning and design for a “green burials” section within a treed location in these expansion lands has already been initiated. Real “green burial” demand is predicted to come from the Baby Boomers’ offspring, the environmentally conscious “Gen Xers”. However, this demographic group is not yet of an age where such decision making has entered their current life choices, so their buying effect for‘green burials’ may not be felt for another 20 years at the cemetery.

It is often said that cemeteries are for the living. It is the living who decide where and how the dead are placed into the cemetery and it is the living who visit the cemetery. However,Woodlawn visitors do more than just visit their deceased family members in Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Additional alternate uses and passive recreational opportunities are provided for in Woodlawn Memorial Park.An extension of the Trans-Canada Trail runs through the cemetery; the grounds serve as a sanctuary for urban wildlife; plantings of many beautiful specimen trees provide an Arboretum-like setting with signage identifying their scientific and common names; and genealogists research historical connections owing to the cemetery’s 160 year presence in the community. Under the Woodlawn team’s direction, former cemetery public outreach programs included Spirit Walks, a local drama groups’ re-enactments of historical events, related to persons buried at this special community facility.

The‘business’ of cemeteries is under constant change but a tour of Woodlawn Memorial Park clearly indicates this special community asset is both prepared and preparing for its next 160 years.

“We have provided design and consulting services to Paul Taylor and Woodlawn since the 1990’s and have long considered ‘his’ property one

J.W. Clements Hanna was an assistant under John Penrice and upon his retirement, Hanna became the fifth Superintendent on July 1, 1970.Mr. Hanna was born in Ireland, January 1916 and came to Guelph in 1969.

The Hanna family was the sixth family to live in the lodge. He retired in the spring of 1981.He died April 20, 2003. Term: 1970-1981

Paul A.Taylor was appointed the sixth Superintendent of Woodlawn Cemetery in June 1981 and today holds the title General Manager. He began working for the cemetery in 1977. Paul, his wife Cindy and their sons Chadd and Brett continue on the tradition that started in 1854 of residing in the white brick Cemetery Lodge. They are the seventh family to live in Cemetery Lodge. On his many tours, Paul often mentions James Scroggie the first burial site in Union cemetery near the Cemetery Lodge. During the winter of 2014 Mr. Scroggie’s monument was damaged. Paul has had his monument restored and returned to its original position by Chris Killam and Kate Paterson and the site safeguarded from further damage.Paul Taylor’s count of burials as of 2014 is over 35,500 after 160 years compared to Peter Gokey’s count of 5000 in 1884 after 30 years.While preserving the past, Paul also makes plans for the generations to come. Term: 1981 - present General Manager/Treasurer Timeline Photographs provided by Judy Steele and research

by Charlotte Mackie. Charlotte has been a volunteer with Woodlawn Memorial Park for over 30 years.It is through her dedication that so much of the history of Woodlawn has been recorded.

Additional Photographs by Hilton Landmarks Inc., and Woodlawn Memorial Park.

160

YEARS

of the premier cemeteries in Canada!” –Rob Hilton, Hilton Landmarks Inc.

Congratulations Woodlawn Memorial Park on your 160th anniversary. Hilton Landmarks is proud of our long-term role providing planning and design for the Lilac section, Royal Belvedere Cremation Garden and other features.

“Wellington County’s Oldest Family Owned Funeral Home” Our Family Serving Yours 75 Years (2008)

hiltonlandmarks.com

Cam Skipper Owner & Managing Director

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www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com September 2014 page 9

Feature: Woodlawn Memorial Park 160 Years VENTURE GUELPH PUBLICATIONS LTD. Business Venture ventureguelph.ca

160

YEARS

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Lost but not forgotten Every life at Woodlawn Memorial Park is a life to be remembered, but how moving when the history of someone’s life can reach out and touch the heart of a complete stranger, decades later. ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• William Holloway (1892-1922) was the first Guelph police officer killed in the line of duty.He was killed while directing traffic on Eramosa Road at Queen Street while patrolling with a fellow officer on the morning of May 2,1922.The officers were standing at the edge of the road,trying to stop a car speeding up the Eramosa Road hill from Woolwich Street just before 2am.

Holloway was struck hard as the car braked and skidded,and he died several hours later in the hospital.

A First World War veteran,Holloway was given a military funeral and it was reported that a large crowd gathered to watch the funeral procession to Woodlawn Cemetery.His widow was an English war bride and returned to her family with their baby daughter following his death.

In 2000,the Ontario Police Memorial was unveiled in Queen’s Park to honour those police officers in Ontario’s history who lost their lives in the line of duty.The names of all known fallen officers are inscribed upon the Wall of Honour.

Having heard the story of the fallen Guelph officer during a Spirit Walk at Woodlawn Memorial Park, a local reporter looked,but did not find,Holloway’s name on the memorial.

Knowing the man existed and feeling he deserved to be recognized,the local resident contacted both the Guelph Police and the city to find the line of duty death had somehow fallen from the records.

Through this kind act,William Holloway’s name has now been added to the list of fallen Ontario officers.

••••••• Royal Canadian Air Force Leading Aircraftman Ted Bates of Guelph and Flight Lieutenant Peter Campbell of the Royal Air Force were both lost when their plane crashed into Lake Muskoka during the Second World War. The two men died on December 13, 1940 when their Nomad aircraft collided with another after taking off from Camp Borden on a mission to search for a missing colleague.

While the other plane was found a month later,it was presumed that the two men had landed in the lake.At over 120 feet deep,the equipment did not exist at the time to search inland waters of that depth.

The wreckage of their downed plane had rested at the bottom of Lake Muskoka for more than 60 years, when two area residents, Matt Fairbrass and Al Bacon began searching the lake in 2001 hoping to find artifacts for a proposed museum.

A story about the search eventually made its way to Tom Bates in Guelph, a brother of the fallen airman, who called Fairbrass and told him of the missing plane.

The knowledge of the two lost men prompted Fairbrass to spend hundreds of hours in his boat searching the lakebed with his sonar equipment.After finally narrowing the possible locations he called the OPP Underwater Search and Recovery Unit based in the Lake Muskoka area.With the confirmation of his discovery, the Royal Canadian Navy’s Fleet Diving Unit recovered the remains.

After over 70 years, the two men were laid to rest in matching caskets in the fall of 2013 at Woodlawn Memorial Park. The men were honoured with a full military service in the veteran’s garden.

Tom Bates, who was 86 at the time, was able to attend the service for his brother, as were family members for the British pilot who felt the two men should continue to rest together.

Memorials memorial is a way to express the story of a life at an individual’s grave with either a monument or a marker.A cemetery full of monuments tells us about the history of our community. They show us the kind of people who lived in our community at any one time and the kinds of people in our community today.

Along with quality, personalization can be one of the most important aspects of designing a memorial that truly reflects the life to be remembered. Memorial designer Erin Tosh has the experience and creative background to help families express the words and feelings they may be wishing to convey in their memorial.

Families are often surprised at what they can show and say on their monuments.Woodlawn Memorial offers quality memorials from bronze markers to granite monuments. Erin is available to help you choose the right memorial for you and your family.Call for an appointment at 519-822-1271.

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The following products and services are available:

• Outdoor Columbarium Niches • Private Family Heritage Estates • Ossuary–Cremation Garden • Glass faced Indoor Niches • Marble faced Indoor Niches • Bronze faced Indoor Niches • Memorial Trees and Benches • Wreaths for Winter Season • Wreaths for Veterans • Artificial Floral Wreaths

• Full Sized Traditional Graves • Upright Granite Monuments • Personalized Granite Monuments • Flat Markers in Granite or Bronze • Photo Montage Bronze Markers • Inscription services • Crematorium • Cremation Graves • Cremation Urns and Urn Vaults • Outdoor Bronze Cermorial Niches

Thank you Woodlawn Memorial Park, your service to our community continues to be invaluable.

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Random Act of Kindness Day Something incredible is about to happen

in Guelph, on November 7th 2014.

Organizations, community groups and individuals alike will be going out and celebrating the kindest day of the year.

Being kind is providing someone else’s needs before your own. It is not about donating money, but rather donating time bringing smiles or cheer to someone’s day.

Random Act of Kindness Day is an opportunity to do something thoughtful

for someone else to prove that we live in a great community. The concept is simple. For example, last year one person did a kind act for another and gave that person a Random Act of Kindness card. The recipient of the act “pays it forward� by then doing something kind for someone else. “It is so easy to be kind to another person, even in a very small way, but the rewards are tremendous,� says RAK Day Chair Hilary Coates. “The recipient of

Time to get ready for your flu shots

your kindness appreciates the gesture and you feel great as well. We have enough sadness and turmoil in the world–RAK Day can remind us that we can make a positive difference in someone’s life.� Research shows that kindness is contagious and increases group cohesion and employee engagement. It involves and empowers everyone. It builds community and helps keep Guelph a great place to live. The day is an invitation to make kindness a way of life.

If you have any questions please call Hilary Coates at 519-821-9216 or send an email to hilary.coates@ca.ey.com

Join us in the next issue of Business Venture.

Visit our website for more of our specialty publications, Calendar of Community Events and more.

ventureguelph.ca

by Anna Bartolomucci Flu season is right around the corner and it’s a good time of year to be reminded of interesting influenza facts!

Influenza is a respiratory disease that spreads easily and quickly from person to person through the air by coughing or sneezing. This highly contagious disease is caused by a virus that often changes every year. People who suffer from influenza often have high fever, chills, and headache, dry cough, abdominal pain and muscle aches. Individuals may be sick for several days to a week or more. Workplace and school absenteeism increases considerably.

The impact on employees and employers is significant.

In Canada, it is estimated that 10-20 percent of the population becomes infected with the influenza virus each year. 1.5 million days of absenteeism are reported. Up

to 20,000 flu-related hospitalizations are reported in a given year. Although most people recover completely, as many as 4,000 Canadians, mostly seniors, die every year from pneumonia or serious complications of flu.

In addition to a healthy diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, disinfecting frequently used surfaces, coughing in your sleeve, disposing tissues properly, good hand washing, and staying at home if you are ill, the flu shot can also help to prevent getting the flu. Get a flu shot and help to protect yourself and others.

Anna Bartolomucci RN OHN, Workplace Wellness/Influenza Coordinator, WellServe Health Care Management–a division of Wellpoint Health Ltd. 519-837-3896 ext 17

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September 2014 page 11 VENTURE GUELPH PUBLICATIONS LTD. Business Venture ventureguelph.ca

Guelph Arts Council, Guelph Civic Museum and the City Of Guelph seek submissions for “Icons and the Iconic” The Guelph Civic Museum, Guelph Arts Council and the City of Guelph are pleased to open the call for submissions for the fourth installment of the “Wall of Art” exhibition series.

This exciting series aims to showcase the breadth of local talent that we have here in Guelph as well

as provide artists with a unique opportunity to share their work with a larger audience.

Submissions for the fourth installment, entitled “Icons and the Iconic”, are open now and will close on September 14 at 5pm*. Selected works will be shown from October 3, 2014 to January 4, 2015 at

the Guelph Civic Museum (52 Norfolk Street) with an opening reception on November 7 at the Guelph Civic Museum. *Submission details available online at guelpharts.ca/calls-for-submissions Icons are visual symbols that stand for something

beyond their face value. To be iconic is to be recognizable, all-pervasive. We invite artists to explore the theme of Icons and the Iconic and submit their work to this quarterly juried exhibition.

For more information, please contact Katie Wilde at admin@guelpharts.ca or call (519) 836-3280.

Show me the money

by Kevin Cahill

New owners to popular downtown business

If you are familiar with the 1996 film 'Jerry Maguire' then you will know the well-known phrase "Show me the money". It sounds like a pretty good way to run an organization, doesn’t it?

Any mayoral candidate for the upcoming municipal election who speaks about maximizing value and respecting tax payers are really saying they’re going to show citizens the money, aren’t they? Well I challenge all of the candidates across the board to show me the money at the same time as talking about your great and grand plans, because as most people are unaware the Provincial government will not be showing municipalities the money to the same extent for the duration of their term.

According to the Ontario Ministry of Finance through The Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF); which is the Province’s main transfer payment to municipalities, in 2014 it will provide a total of $550 million in funding to 388 municipalities across Ontario.

While the provincial government has uploaded some social program responsibilities, the funding through the OMPF is being scaled back. Although originally planned to be a $25 million per year reduction from 2013 to 2016, the recently passed 2014 Ontario Budget proposed additional reductions. In 2015 the OMPF will be $515 million compared to the $550 million for this current year.

These cuts in provincial funding will hit municipalities hard as this represents an unexpected funding cut of $10 million to the communities that can least afford it.

The province says that this funding, combined with the municipal benefit resulting from the provincial uploads, will total over $2 billion in 2014 – more than three times the level of funding provided in 2004. This is another case of smoke and mirrors as the Ontario Federation of

Agriculture and the Ontario Municipalities Association paint a very different picture of the future that none of the mayoral candidates spoke about leading up to the last provincial election.

Not all municipalities that are facing provincial transfer cuts have benefited to the same extent from the provincial uploading of some social programs.

The provincial government has uploaded a number of social services such as: the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB), the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), Ontario Works (OW) and court security and prisoner transportation that were previously provided at the municipal level. These uploaded services were estimated to save municipalities approximately $1.4 billion in 2013 but many municipalities will be facing more difficult financial situations due to these changes as the majority of financial gains from uploading these social services will be enjoyed by larger urban municipalities like Ottawa, Toronto, London and Hamilton.

In the movie ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’ there was a saying: 'When the destiny of a great fortune is at stake men's greed spreads like a poison in the blood stream'. Given their limited taxing authorities and ongoing reductions in the real value of transfers from the province, municipalities will have little choice but to raise property taxes to cover services they provide to citizens.

Political leaders of the recent past have governed by the motto: ' The world is there for the taking and that is exactly what we are going to do'. As we gear up for yet another election, when the dust settles hopefully the newly elected council will govern by a different credo such as: “Life is there for the taking, life is there for the sharing, when you realize that life is wonderful.”

After 14 years, downtown business owner Paul Smit is retiring from his business and has sold The Soccer Fanatic to new owners.

“I have had the privilege of working with players, families, coaches, managers, soccer organizations, and teams to support the development of soccer within the community,” says Smit. “For me it has been particularly exciting to see the growth of young soccer players and encourage their enthusiasm and engagement in ‘the beautiful game’.”

New owners Tony da Silva and his son

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September 2014 page 12

Pictured left to right are Paul Smit, with the new owners of The Soccer Fanatic, Tony da Silva and his son Ryan da Silva.

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“Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years. I leave feeling very confident that the new owners will bring the same enthusiasm, expertise and service that has made The Soccer Fanatic the place to be for the soccer community of Guelph,” adds Smit.

Welcome the new owners to downtown at the 49 Cork St E location. For more details visit www.soccerfanatic.ca.

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Finance Segregated Funds–a good safety option As more baby boomers retire in the coming years, estate protection and preservation has become a significant consideration in portfolio management. The use of segregated funds is often overlooked as part of the solution. For individuals who are looking for lower risk alternatives these funds do offer portfolio balance and stability.

Unlike mutual funds, segregated funds provide capital guarantees and death benefit guarantees-depending on the company and the product these funds provide a minimum of seventy-five percent and up to one hundred percent of the initial invested capital–certainly an advantage in volatile equity markets. As well, reset features, which allow the investor to lock in gains, is available on a periodic basis and could be a valuable portfolio saver. It is noteworthy to point out that utilization of the reset

Business and Personal

by John Moran

feature will extend the contract maturity date.

Segregated funds will also permit an investor to name a preferred beneficiary and the policy will be protected from the creditors of the dead investors estate. Named beneficiaries receive the proceeds of the investment policy directly, bypassing the delays, legal costs and taxes of the probate process. Another important feature lies in the fact that the investment provides creditor protection-for those in business or one of the professions the protection from lawsuits or bankruptcy could provide significant peace of mind.

Critics of segregated fund use often cite the marginally higher management expense ratios as a reason not to utilize these funds. One though must consider his\her needs when it comes to deciding whether or not to utilize the product. An older investor who may be nearing

ness of the tools will help prevent this problem.

Planning When owners and managers get busy dealing with all the short-term problems that rapid growth can bring they may stop looking at the medium to long-term goals that will keep the company going into the future. Without proper longer term vision and plans a company can start to drift and lose its way.

Establishing planning rituals in a company can ensure that the proper time and attention are paid to this important aspect of business management. Ensure that specific dates and times are set aside for monthly quarterly, annual and three-year planning processes. Ensure that there is an accountability process in place to track the progress toward these goals.

Driving your company in the directions listed above to avoid these potholes should ensure that the “wheels don’t fall off” when you experience strong growth. It will allow you to go after more business with the confidence that you, your systems and your people can handle the increased volume and thrive.

Tony Roy,Certified Business Coach, ActionCOACH. He can be contacted at 519-729-0033 or tonyroy@actioncoach.com

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GiveBackVillage.ca, a local non-profit social enterprise, will be merging its online shopping portal under the FunRaisers.ca banner in mid-October. Local non-profit organizations are invited to attend a Lunch & Learn session on September 16 at Innovation Guelph at 12:15 p.m. to find out more about how FunRaisers.ca can be of benefit to them.

GiveBackVillage.ca, with 30 non-profit collaborators and close to 200 business partners, and funded by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, paused its operations last winter. It has recently joined forces with FunRaisers.ca, a Kitchener-based social venture that has a similar mandate of supporting local community organizations.

FunRaisers.ca has developed a mobile app platform, which is an engagement tool for non-profits. It has been readily adopted by the United Way of KW among other charities in the Waterloo region and is quickly being embraced in the GuelphWellington area. The app also has a shopping feature, which offers deals on a wide range of products and services–generally a 30-40% discount off the retail cost of an item. During the sale

Celebrating 160 years

Business Venture Next issue: October.

(519) 824-1595 venture@golden.net

Guelph Municipal Election Debate Schedule Rogers TV and the Guelph Chamber of Commerce are once again partnering to provide the community coverage and rebroadcast of the municipal candidates discussions for each ward in Guelph as well as mayoral candidates on the following days. Rebroadcast schedules will be announced at www.rogers.com, or by viewing Rogers Cable 20.

September 23 Ward 1 6pm - 7 pm (60 min) 5 Candidates Ward 3 7:30pm - 9pm (90 min) 6 Candidates October 2 Ward 2 6pm - 7pm (60 min) 5 Candidates Ward 4 7:30pm - 9pm (90 min) 7 Candidates October 3 Ward 6 6pm - 7pm (60 min) 5 Candidates Ward 5 7:30pm - 9pm (90 min) 6 Candidates

Lloyd Longfield, President and CAO of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce will moderate discussions. The public is invited to attend and to provide questions to be brought forward as time permits. Cards will be circulated on the evening of each discussion and volunteers will be on hand to distribute and collect cards.

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transaction, the purchaser immediately directs 10% of the sale price to a local charity or non-profit of choice.

To become involved as a business owner or as a non-profit partner, or for further information, contact Joanne Grodzinski, Chair of GiveBackVillage.ca at joanne@givebackvillage.ca, 519-837-7728 or Dev Thakkar, CEO of FunRaisers.ca, at thakkar@funraisers.ca 226-606-7040, or visit www.funraisers.ca.

Thursday October 9 Mayoral Debate 6:00pm - 7:30pm

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September 2014 page 13

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Media release

Potholes on the Growth Road by Tony Roy We all know that potholes can do serious damage to our vehicle and sometimes even put us right off the road. When a business is growing rapidly there can be many “potholes” along the way that can seriously impair the company’s ability to maintain that growth and even stay in business long term.

In the April issue of Business Venture I discussed how Cash Flow, People and Product/Service Delivery can impair a company’s growth. Here are two other critical potholes I have witnessed along with some suggestions to help steer clear of them.

Marketing Whenever businesses get busy filling orders and servicing clients it is possible that they tend to allow their leads pipeline to dry up.

This creates a feast and famine situation with respect to new customers. It may also happen that, without proper attention to the Marketing programs, what worked to get you so busy to start with may stop working, leaving you short of new clients and flattening your growth curve.

Establish a number of Marketing tools that are consistently operating, each contributing 10-20% of the leads to your pipeline. Combining this with a Test and Measure system that monitors the effective-

retirement or who is retired may feel the elimination of risk and taking advantage of the aforementioned benefits is worth the extra price while a younger investor with a long time horizon may not be concerned of the benefits. Essentially, any guarantee comes with a cost but the excellent track record of stable returns from Canadian insurance companies may be a good investment and estate-planning tool for one’s portfolio.

Diversification is an important feature of any portfolio. Talk to your investment advisor to determine if segregated funds would be beneficial for you.

John M. Moran BA., EPC., ICIA. - Lyon Financial Services Inc. Contact him at jmoran@lyonfinancial.ca or 519-766-0001.

762 Woolwich St., Guelph 519-822-1271 www.woodlawnmemorialpark.ca

VENTURE GUELPH PUBLICATIONS LTD. Business Venture ventureguelph.ca

For more information, contact Lloyd Longfield, Guelph Chamber of Commerce at 519-822-8081 or lloyd@guelphchamber.com.

Guelph Hydro provides Denso Manufacturing $24,887.10 in incentives for energy-saving retrofits Submitted by Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. Denso Manufacturing utilized the saveONenergy Retrofit Program incentives funded by the Ontario Power Authority and administered

by Guelph Hydro to realize a rebate of $24,887.10 for updating their compressed air system.

Since 1999, Denso Manufacturing (Denso) in Guelph has been making heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) products for the North American automotive industry. More than 500 employees work out of their 30,000 square metre facility, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They manufacture more than 4,000 HVAC systems and close to 7,000 enginecooling modules a day, and rely on compressed air for process applications.

Denso’s compressed air system consists of a bank of six rotary screw compressors and a 9,690 litre dry air receiver which acts as storage. The compressors operate independently to maintain a 95-pound per square inch (psi) compressed air supply to the plant and are triggered by overall pressure, meaning more compressors were operating than needed to meet energy demand. Looking to reduce the energy used to produce compressed air by 30 per cent, Denso worked with Guelph Hydro to identify the options available to them.

Review of the compressed air system layout revealed that by installing a gate valve, Denso could reduce energy consumption by only running the compressors needed to maintain pressure, and a flow controller could be opened as needed to supplement or bal-

ance the pressure with maximum efficiency. Installation of an additional storage tank would minimize system pressure fluctuation and offer additional efficiency.

The system was installed over a weekend therefore occurring no down time in the plant. Prior to the system being retrofitted, the electricity cost to operate the compressors was more than $295,000 annually. After installation, electricity costs were reduced to $192,000–a savings of $103,000 annually. The total project cost $44,048 and resulted in energy savings of 461,039 kilowatt hours per year. In addition to the electricity savings, maintenance costs were reduced because the controller automatically cycles through the compressors to evenly share run time, reducing the amount of maintenance required.

“The process was easy,” says Cleo Valiquette of Denso.“Our contractor and Guelph Hydro worked together to help facilitate the application process and made it really easy for us to participate.

We’re very pleased with the results.”

Denso continues to work closely with Guelph Hydro to look for other potential projects that will be eligible for incentives.

Since 2007, Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. has provided more than $3.1 million in Ontario Power Authority incentives for retrofit projects to businesses in Guelph.

The RETROFIT PROGRAMOM, offered through local electricity distribution companies like Guelph Hydro and funded by the

Left to right: Kazi Marouf, Guelph Hydro; from DENSO Manufacturing Canada Inc. Rich VanOorschot, Cleo Valiquette, Michelle Dermody and Phil Evans; and Giorgio Boccalon, Guelph Hydro. (supplied photo)

Ontario Power Authority, provides businesses with substantial financial incentives for replacing existing equipment with highefficiency equipment and for installing new control systems to improve the efficiency of operational procedures and processes.

Local businesses interested in conducting their own retrofit project are encouraged to contact Guelph Hydro for direction on how to proceed. For more information about the RETROFIT PROGRAMOM, visit www.guelphhydro.saveonenergy.ca or contact Mark Britton at Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. at 519-822-1750 (ext. 2240) or via email at retrofit@guelphhydro.com.

Funded by Ontario Power Authority and offered by Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. Subject to additional terms and conditions found at saveonenergy.ca. Subject to change without notice.

OM Official mark of the Ontario Power Authority.

Used under licence.

Media release

9th Annual Around the World with the Children’s Foundation Gala is going to Vegas

IG’s Speedway just got a Fast Lane

Every year the Children’s Foundation brings their gala guests to another part of the world and this year they are bringing Las Vegas, Nevada to the Delta Guelph, Ontario.

With a grand prize valued at $5000 which includes two WestJet tickets anywhere they fly (they go to Hawaii!), and a performance by award winning Elvis tribute artist Steve Michaels; this event is sure to be over the top!

The evening will also boast a delicious fourcourse meal including a cupcake sampler from Guelph’s Decadently Yours. A live and silent auction will help the Foundation raise the muchneeded funds to support local children through their programs.

Tickets are $100 until September 18 and then they will go up to $110.

Each of the Gala’s Platinum sponsors have been attending the event for several years: Contract Express Ltd, Ceramic Décor and Burnham Insurance & Financial Services Ltd.–The

Building prosperity is about maintaining a business ecosystem that supports the creation of new startups while actively growing existing companies. Over the past few years, significant investment on the part of the Federal and Provincial government and many private organizations has been focused on establishing a world-class entrepreneur culture in Canada, mainly focused on startups.

Innovation Guelph (IG) is an active member of a growing network of business support organizations dedicated to training new entrepreneurs and growing new companies. The Ontario Network of Entrepreneurs (ONE), to which IG belongs, really is a world-class network of top notch business incubators and accelerators that share resources and best practices to best serve companies in their early stages of development.

Regionally, IG belongs to a collaborative of Regional Innovation Centres (RICs) that includes Haltech in Oakville, Innovation Factory in Hamilton, and Innovate Niagara in St Catharines; we call ourselves the West GTA RICs. IG is also building links to VentureLab in Markham, LaunchIt in Minto, and the newly established Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Center located on campus at Georgian College in Barrie. These links provide channels for client referrals, joint events and workshops, and sharing of business expertise and mentors. Ultimately this collaborative network can focus resources on the companies with the greatest potential for success and, by working together on events and training sessions, we can lower the costs of delivering services.

However, as the local startup support ecosystem flourishes, we cannot neglect the needs of the small- and medium-sized companies (SMEs) that are looking to grow too. In most places in Canada, 80% of companies have fewer than 50 employees. We call these small companies; medium-sized companies are those with fewer than 500 employees.

Collectively, SMEs account for as much as 95% of businesses in Canada. At IG, we’re par-

Cooperators. Viva Las Vegas!

More details about The Around the World with the Children’s Foundation Gala can be found at childrensfoundation.org or 519-826-9551 x27.

The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington has four programs to support local children: • Grants Program provides financial assistance for children so that they can participate in sports, cultural and recreational activities.

• Adopt-A-Family Program ensures all children get the chance to create holiday memories, even if their family is in a challenging situation.

• Scholarships are awarded not on academic achievement but rather on life achievement and goals in the face of difficult life situations.

• Food & Friends Program supports breakfast, lunch and snack programs for students in a supportive, nonjudgemental environment where they feel cared for and safe. Food and Friends is a United Way supported program.

Prosperity 2020 progress in Guelph Five years ago the City of Guelph Economic Development partnered with business to create a 10-year economic development plan for Guelph, Prosperity 2020. A recap of the key elements of Prosperity 2020 appears below.

1 Invest in Infrastructure In the past 5 years, Guelph has seen development in new housing, buildings, roads, waste management, water, community energy, and employment lands.

2 Reposition Guelph as a Premier Business Investment Location The Guelph Chamber of Commerce (GCC) is working with the City to review financial performance, improve approval process, focus on the common good, and become known as "business friendly”.

3 Focus Investment and Growth in Key Sectors Thanks to research by two students working with the GCC this summer, we have collected information on over 3400 businesses in Guelph to help to inform us on growth in the business sectors that were identified as key in our economic development strategy: advanced manufacturing, agri-innovation, information and communications technology, professional/scientific/technical services, arts and culture. We have also divided Guelph into 8 business zones to understand where businesses are geographically.

4 Governance,Profile,and Reach The Chamber has participated in committee work at the City of Guelph, includ-

by Lloyd Longfield

ing Downtown Advisory, Waste Management Review, Water Conservation, Council Remuneration, Community Energy, and Internal Operations Review.

5 Invest in Downtown The GCC has supported planning reviews for the Market Square/City Hall development, as well as recent private residential development and plans for St. George’s Square.

6 Invest in Tourism Responding to Request for Proposal, the GCC has provided the City with ideas for managing tourism differently. These plans are currently under review by a third party consultant.

7 Invest in People and Ideas In the last five years, the GCC has developed Innovation Guelph, introduced a Workforce Development Committee and supported initiatives by the University of Guelph, Conestoga College, and both School Boards.

The Guelph Chamber will be working with the City of Guelph, University of Guelph, and other partners in Connect Guelph Wellington to present an Economic Summit on January 30, 2015.

Thanks to our students, we are getting some great details to inform this year's discussions.

Keep up to date with the Guelph Chamber of Commerce at www.guelphchamber.com Lloyd Longfield, President and CAO, Guelph Chamber of Commerce September 2014 page 14

by Jamie Doran

VENTURE GUELPH PUBLICATIONS LTD. Business Venture ventureguelph.ca

ticularly focused on assisting technology and manufacturing SMEs. In Guelph, that means automotive, agritech, food and beverage, biotech, cleantech, energy, high tech (ICT), materials, and other manufacturing-based businesses. In most cases, growth comes from developing existing or establishing new export markets for products made here. However, challenges to growth can be quite varied and often require customized support. In response to these sorts of issues, IG has launched a new component of our Speedway business advisory and education program called Fast Lane™.

IG’s Fast Lane™ targets the needs of SMEs by providing customized assistance to tackle major growth hurdles. The top issues facing local SMEs are how to: recruit and train talent/employees; access government programs; develop physical expansion plans; boost sales through online channels; source supplies locally to drive down costs; develop new markets, especially global; and implement process efficiency measures or lean manufacturing practices. Often, business expansion also requires changes to internal processes as well–what worked at $2M doesn’t at $5M. Other hurdles may arise from management or leadership issues. Some businesses need to refresh their brands or marketing plans to meet the needs of a global market. IG’s Fast Lane™ can help with all of these challenges.

Over the coming months, IG will be reaching out to local SMEs who can benefit from the Fast Lane™ service. Companies accepted into the program will gain access to top tier industry specialists and advisors that will help them identify and tackle their most pressing challenges. For a limited time, companies can take advantage of a mixture of free and paid services under the Fast Lane™ suite of services.

Visit InnovationGuelph.ca to learn more about the program.

Jamie Doran, Chief Executive Officer, Innovation Guelph

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VENTURE GUELPH PUBLICATIONS LTD. Business Venture ventureguelph.ca

Install Energy-Efficient Measures and Receive up to 50% of Your Project Costs RETROFIT PROGRAM Program benefits include: • Decreased operating and maintenance costs • Lowered energy consumption and costs • Reduced payback periods Incentives for: • Lighting and controls • Unitary air conditioning • Synch belt • Variable frequency drives • Agribusiness • Alternative energy measures • Motors • Pumps • Fans • Refrigeration, and more …

What incentives are available?

• $400/kW for Lighting • $800/kW for Non-lighting

For many business owners, capital costs prove to be the primary barrier to investing and participating in a retrofit project. The RETROFIT PROGRAM’S incentives tackle this barrier head on, making it possible for you to install and benefit from newer, more energy-efficient technologies.

Lighting projects

Participate and save

The greater of either: $800/kW of demand savings or $0.10/kWh of first year electricity savings to a maximum of 50% of project costs.

The RETROFIT program provides substantial financial incentives for replacing inefficient existing equipment with high efficiency equipment and for installing new control systems that will improve the efficiency of your operational procedures and processes.

Start saving sooner Getting your project underway without delay is our priority. We’ll work with you to make a quick pre-approval process so your project can move ahead as soon as possible.

Whether your project is PRESCRIPTIVE, ENGINEERED or CUSTOM, you’ll find plenty of available incentives.

The greater of either: $400/kW of demand savings or $0.05/kWh of first year electricity savings to a maximum of 50% of project costs.

Non-lighting projects, including lighting controls

Who is eligible?

Owners or tenants of commercial, institutional, industrial, agricultural and multi-residential facilities, including social housing.

To take part, your project must be worth a minimum PRESCRIPTIVE incentive of $100 to apply. For the ENGINEERED or CUSTOM measures, your project must have an estimated demand reduction of 1 kW and/or first-year annual savings of 2,000 kWh. If you are unsure of your eligibility contact your local electric utility.

Contact us today: Visit guelphhydro.saveonenergy.ca for more information, perspectives from experts and clients, or to apply online.

LOGO

Tel: 519-822-3017 Fax: 519-822-0960 Email: info@guelphhydro.com Subject to additional terms and conditions found at saveonenergy.ca. Subject to change without notice. Funded by the Ontario Power Authority and offered by Guelph Hydro Electric Systems Inc. A mark of the Province of Ontario protected under Canadian trademark law. Used under sublicence. OMOfficial Mark of the Ontario Power Authority. Used under licence.

September 2014 page 16

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