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Serving the Mapleton Community
Community News Volume 44 Issue 14
Drayton, Ontario
1 Year GIC - 2.10% 3 Year GIC - 2.80% 5 Year GIC - 3.50% Daily Savings 1.50%
Friday, April 8, 2011
Arnott: Wilkinson must explain contradictions TORONTO PerthWellington MPP and Minister of the Environment John Wilkinson came under fire in the Legislature last week for deeming the NextEra Energy wind farm application complete, despite a lack of input from Mapleton Township and the county. “People in Wellington County are wondering if they can believe this minister any more,” charged WellingtonHalton Hills MPP Ted Arnott. “I would submit that they can’t.” Arnott was asked by Speaker Steve Peters to with-
draw that comment, which he did. Arnott’s questioning followed news the government had approved a plan to proceed with the NextEra wind farm in Mapleton Township, even though it lacked a key document - the municipal consultation form - because the county and township did not fill it out. “The County of Wellington and the Township of Mapleton are making a statement based on the minister’s assurance that they would have a say,” Arnott said in the Legislature. “But people were mistaken Continued on page 3
Council to consider budget on April 12 by Chris Daponte MAPLETON TWP. - On April 12 township council will consider a 2011 budget that will include over $6.2-million in capital expenditures. According to finance manager Mike Givens, the expected impact on the average residential property will be an increase of about 5.4% or $46 on their township tax bill (from $865 to $911), based on an average 2011 assessment of about $270,145. For the average agricultural property valued at $488,525, township taxes will increase about 5.3% or $21 from $391 to $412. All the above estimates are based on a recent draft budget only and council was expected to make some changes to that document. In fact, council met one last time this week to discuss the budget, but the results of that meeting were not known by press time. Previous revenue figures
provided at council’s last meeting in March included: provincial and federal grants of $1.6-million, utilization of over $860,000 of reserves and over $940,000 of reserve funds, and long-term debt (on a proposed 20-year debenture) of over $1.43-million. Proposed capital expenditures include: - $30,000 to provide streetlights and gas to the business park; - $40,000 for various parks projects; - $70,000 for electrical and roof repairs at the PMD Arena; - $164,275 to complete the downtown revitalization project in Drayton; - $306,000 for the purchase of more industrial land (financed through the debenture noted above); - $421,325 to complete work at the new Alma community hall; - $500,000 for the upgradContinued on page 3
Parading around town - With horns blasting and voices cheering, Drayton’s OMHA Peewee D Champions celebrated their victory by touring around Drayton in the Mapleton Fire Departments rescue truck after the Drayton Defenders awards ceremony on March 27. submitted photo
Township passes tow truck bylaw despite complaint by Chris Daponte MAPLETON TWP. - An independent tow truck driver from the Fergus area is making the rounds of municipal councils to ask that they delay the passage of a new accident scene solicitation bylaw. But Mapleton council ignored the plea of Roy Loveless and approved the bylaw anyhow at its last meeting in March. Loveless had argued that OPP Inspector Scott Smith is “pushing this bylaw through relatively quickly.” Loveless said he is concerned that according to the bylaw, even if he is the first on the scene of an accident, he can not bring his tow truck within 200 metres of the scene. Calling himself “a first
responder,” Loveless argued it is not safe to walk 200m to an accident at night or in a snow storm, and he noted he has a first aid kit and training that could assist those in an accident. Yet in a letter to Mapleton council, Smith said tow trucks are better off arriving later and staying a considerable distance from the scene. “I cannot think of any situation in Wellington County where it would have been beneficial to have a tow truck on scene before police, fire and ambulance - they only get in the way,” Smith said. He explained the intent of the bylaw is to deter the following: - accident chasing by two operators, which is dangerous
and has resulted in physical confrontations; - “unscrupulous” and “unfair” business practices, including towing vehicles to far away locations or stealing a job from another company already called and en route; and - congestion and safety issues created by “unwanted” tow trucks arriving at a scene. Loveless argued the bylaw would essentially enable members of the Wellington County Tow Group (WCTG) “to sit on their couch and watch TV” and wait for a call, while he has to be out on the road at all times. Councillor Neil Driscoll took exception to that comment, noting some members of the WCTG are local operators. He said they are not sitting
around watching TV - most of them also operate a garage and employ local residents so Loveless should be careful about making such comments about the tow group. Driscoll also added that staying back 200m from an accident would also let other operators know there is already a tow truck on the scene. Loveless acknowledged that could happen and he apologized for his remarks about the tow group, telling council he often gets too emotional about the matter. A representative of at least one local towing company was on hand to offer their support for the bylaw, which was unanimously approved by council (Jim Curry was absent).
At least five candidates in the running in Perth Wellington riding
PERTH WELLINGTON With at least five candidates running locally, a number of issues will be on the plate during the month-long campaign. Gary Schellenberger Incumbent Conservative MP Gary Schellenberger contends that the number one issue for Canadians is still the economy. And it is something he wants to deal with sooner than later. “I can hardly wait to get back to be able to pass the budget” He said that a lot of people out there who do not believe yet another election is needed
GARY SCHELLENBERGER
BOB McTAVISH
ELLEN PAPENBURG
JOHN COWLING
IRMA DEVRIES
“especially now” with the way the current economy is. Schellenberger added that many people simply believe the money could have been
better spent. Schellenberger was elected in the general elections of 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2008. Through his previ-
ous municipal experience, Schellenberger believes he has a keen understanding of the needs of rural and small-town Ontario.
“I’m running a bit on my record,” he added. He felt the people of Perth Wellington were well served by the results of Canada’s
Economic Action Plan. He pointed out numerous water/sewage and recreation projects which have taken Continued on page 3
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