SERVING THE MAPLETON COMMUNITY
THE
COMMUNITY NEWS VOLUME 50 ISSUE 51
DRAYTON, ONTARIO
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Councillor says loss of tax break could deter candidates By Patrick Raftis
Last stop: TOP LEFT: Santa made his arrival at the Alma Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 17 in a hydro bucket. Alma is Santa’s last parade stop in Wellington County for the 2017 season. ABOVE: Wellington County Queen of the Furrow Katrina Martin of Alma and Wellington County Princess of the Furrow Tate Driscoll of Drayton took part in the Alma parade. LEFT: Geddes Garage also had a float in the parade. More photos on pages 4 and 5. Photos by Jaime Myslik
MAPLETON – Council members here are pondering their response to the looming end to a tax exemption on one-third of their salaries. Council did not act on a request for direction from staff on Dec. 12. However, one councillor suggested a reduction in compensation could have negative impacts on the township’s ability to attract candidates for elected office. In its budget last March, the federal government announced that effective in January of 2019, it is ending an exemption that allowed one-third of the salary paid to elected members of council to be classified as “expenses incurred in the discharge of the member’s duties.” As such, this portion of a councillor’s salary was not subject to income tax. In order to maintain the exemption, which has SEE LOSS » 7
MYAC presents first Youth of the Year awards MAPLETON The Mapleton Youth Action Council (MYAC) presented its inaugural Youth of the Year awards. MYAC plans to present the awards annually to Wellington County residents between the ages of 13 and 24 who are making a difference in their communities. The 2017 awards were presented prior to the Mapleton Township council meeting on Dec. 12 to the following recipients. Amber Cowen Amber has been an active member of a variety of clubs throughout her high school career. She is actively involved in student council, Interact Club, the school band and play at Norwell District Secondary School. She has worked on planning the school’s pep rally and was a LINK leader assisting incoming Grade 9 students. Cessale Koch Cessale has been a strong LINK leader over the last two and half years at Norwell.
Youth awards - The Mapleton Youth Action Council (MYAC) has initiated a Youth of the Year award program to recognize youth from across Wellington County. The inaugural awards were presented at the Dec. 12 Mapleton Township council meeting. From left: front, Parker Cummings, Morgan Quirke (MYAC), Gabby Ieropoli (MYAC adult ally), Shayna Morphy, Amber Cowen, Taylor Good, Cessale Coch; back, Chloe Collins, Rainen Oates, Alexis Kuper (MYAC), Tammy McQueen (MYAC adult ally), Mapleton Mayor Neil Driscoll, Luke Whale, Tate Driscoll (MYAC), Jody DeVries and Jordan Turk. Absent: Isaac Hirtle Photo by Patrick Raftis She works with Grade 9 students to ensure they have a positive transition from Grade 8. She has also volunteer volunteered to run the Java Junction case one to two days a week on her lunch hour. She often volunteers to help at various student council events and is Grade 12 representative.
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Isaac Hirtle Isaac has been helping with the Drayton Youth Centre for the past six years. The centre requires two volunteers at all times to keep the doors opens. Isaac usually volunteers two evenings a week. He continues to offer support to other volunteers when they have a scheduling
‘‘
conflict. When the Drayton Youth Centre Mud Run was organized he helped recruit volunteers from among his peers. Jordan Turk In the fall of last year, Jordan created a community games night in Mount Forest. The imaginative idea took flight with the help of anoth-
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“The avoidance of taxes is the only intellectual pursuit that still carries any reward.” - John Maynard Keynes
er passionate community member, family and friends and was hosted in an accessible, welcoming environment to promote inclusion for all. Jordan hosts community games night every third week of the month and welcomes regular and new members with enthusiasm and hospitality. Snacks and bev-
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erages are offered to all who attend and the atmosphere is always light and enjoyable. Jody Devries Jody has been a member of Norwell’s student council for the past two years and has participated as activity director and media director. She is also part of the leadership class where she takes part in various events and activities planned throughout the year. She organized the candy-gram campaign for the last two years and proceeds have been used to purchase agricultural packages through World Vision. Jody also helps with the food drives at Thanksgiving and Christmas. She is actively involved in her church community and has volunteered with VBS and other initiatives. Luke Whale Luke is past president on this year’s Norwell student council. He is also a CELP coop student and actively participates in the school play. He worked extremely SEE YOUTH » 3
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FLORADALE 3 LISTOWEL 2 Floradale stormed into this game stacking up three unanswered goals in the first period. Corey Wideman started things off with an unassisted goal in the high short side corner. Greg Martin snapped in a low shot under the goalie’s pads and Braeden Gingerich tipped in a powerplay goal. Assists were earned by Tim, Nick, Javan, and Andrew Martin. After a scoreless second period Listowel came back in the third period with a goal. A giveaway in the Listowel zone gave Listowel a two-onone rush. Josh Shantz carried the puck to the right side and snapped the puck into the top corner with a wrist shot. Assists went to Zack Gingrich and Phil Shantz. Listowel pulled their goaltender late in the game for an extra skater. It paid off for one goal with Travis Shantz stuffing the puck into the net, assisted by Phil and Josh Shantz. DRAYTON 9 BETHEL 2 The first goal didn’t materialize until midway through the second period. Drayton then surged on the Bethel net for a pair of goals in less than a minute. Herman Mulder scored a short handed goal and Mark Scholten scored on a break away shortly after. The goals were assisted by Brandon Rumph and Mike Hessels. Drayton added one more goal before the period ended. A tip-in by Rob DeWerd sent the puck under the pads of the net-minder. Herman Mulder and Scott Nieuwland assisted. Bethel connected for a couple of goals in the third
period. Nathan Holland scored both goals, assisted by Jason Horst and Ben Wideman. However Drayton stacked up six goals to put the game away. Jessie Hoekstra scored a hat trick, with the other goals scored by Herman Mulder, Eric Deckers and Dave Mulder. Assists were earned by Deckers (3), Aaron Keunan (2), Rob DeWeerd, and Brent Mulder. COMMUNITY 5 MISSIONARY 2 Community got off to a quick start scoring a goal in the opening two minutes. Dustin Bults centred a pass and Kevin Gingrich snapped the puck into the net. Gingrich scored his second goal later in the period. A tidy feed by Joe Gerbe gave Gingrich a shot into the open corner. Missionary capitalized on a Community error. A fanned shot allowed Matt Duff to pick up the and flip it into the top corner for the unassisted goal. After a scoreless second period Community scored from the opening face off of the third. A tip-in by Tony Martin secured the goal. Assisted by Delmer Frey and Kyle Wideman. Missionary came back with a rush on net. Thomas Ruttimann played the role of the finisher for the goal. assisted by Dave Scholten. Community added the insurance goal once again. Gerbe drifted across the net and snapped the puck underneath the crossbar. Assisted by Bults and Frey. Gingrich completed his hat trick to finish off the Community win. Good puck movement by Gerbe and Bults gave Gingrich the wide open corner for the goal. Submitted by Willard Metzger
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December 21 & 22 - Let the Whole World Sing, Christmas musical, 8pm, Drayton Reformed Church, 74 Wellington St. Drayton. Freewill offering. Refreshments. December 30 & 31 - Free Public Skate at the PMD Arena sponsored by Edge Mutual on December 30 from 3:00-4:30pm and December 31 from 11:30am-1:00pm. December 31 - Palmerston Legion Jamboree, 1pm, Roast Beef Dinner 5pm, take outs welcome. Call 519.343.3749. January 8 - Challenge Euchre, 7:30pm, Palmerston Legion Upstairs Hall, $5/person, must bring your partner. Light lunch provided. All Welcome. *Drayton Kinsmen Christmas Trees, Dobben’s Hardware. Frasier Firs $40 /tree. Proceeds Cystic Fibrosis Research. *Christmas Food Drive, Drayton and Community Food Bank. Drop off donations at Drayton Food Market, Drayton Reformed Church, Drayton and Moorefield RBC branches or call 519-504-2346.
*Healing Paws, Drayton - Volunteer cat rescue is in need of donations. Cats available for adoption. Info contact Hana 226750-5651 or sunset092001@hotmail.com. *TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) - Do you need support with weight loss? We can help. Every Thursday, 6:45-8:00pm, weigh-in 6:45-7:15pm, Palmerston United Church, side door. All welcome. Come check us out. Call Susan 519-343-3711 or Connie 519-343-5149 for more info. *1943 Army Cadets - Wednesdays, 7-9pm, Free. Norwell H.S. Guys/girls 12-19. Captain Bill Dobson 519-343-4305. *Seniors Lunch - 2nd Thursday of each month, 12 noon, Alma Community Centre, Alma. Music by various local entertainers. Everyone welcome. *New members needed - Drayton Bridge Club, every other Monday, September - April. Call 519-581-8978. *Rent Drayton Legion for functions Call Eliza 519-638-2950.
DECEMBER 22, 2017 | THE COMMUNITY NEWS | 3
Wild weather doesn’t dampen success of agricultural society By Caroline Sealey DRAYTON - The Drayton Mapleton Agricultural Society held its annual general meeting on Nov. 24. The year was declared a success in spite of a flood that ravaged the fairgrounds on June 23 and inclement weather on opening night of the annual Drayton Fair, which ran Aug. 11 to 13. “We did a lot of squeegeeing and washing after the flood. The camping groups that were to use the
grounds that weekend were cancelled,” society treasurer Arlie Zantinge said. “The Friday night of the fair, there was inclement weather in the area and the local pulls were cancelled.” Despite the resulting loss of income, the society was able to complete some renovations to the agricultural hall earlier in the year. Cement floor work, wall painting, general maintenance and the addition of a pallet cart mover kept society members busy.
Each fair committee gave a year-end report: - the heavy horse show attracts participants from Belmont, Fergus, Forest and Damascus and each year the show improves; - the beef and dairy shows continue to be competitive with the peewee and senior class entrant numbers increasing each year; and - the sheep show had 100 head on show, with competitors going on to win at the Royal Agricultural Fair in Toronto.
With the unusual weather this past year, the quantity of entries in the roots and vegetables and hay and grain classes was slightly down but new exhibitors displayed their produce. Display cards with the top three finishers listed, was a new addition to the compe-
tition this year. New recipes are the trend for pickle exhibitors with many longtime exhibitors continuing to compete year after year. Volunteers are needed for the leisure and arts division on Friday morning when exhibitors place their items for judging. School entries
hard last year during his time as student council president to ensure students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that would engage and inspire them to get involved and have fun. Parker Cummings Parker recently joined the Minto Youth Action Council and quickly become one of the most proactive members; always eager and willing to help with any events and projects. The group is currently in the process of designing a youth space at LaunchIt Minto and Parker identified the need for computers for youth to use for homework/projects, then went out and arranged with local businesses to have computers donated. The computers will be a great addition to the space and can decrease barriers for youth in the community. Rainen Oates Rainen volunteers every Tuesday evening from September through to March with the Centre Wellington Children’s Drama Club and has been doing this for the last four years. As the stage manager she works very closely with the director and the 21 children in Grades 4 to 8, helping them to learn their lines while maintaining a fun, respectful and safe
environment. She helps build their self-confidence, acceptance of others, teamwork, pride and responsibility. Shayna Morphy Shayna has helped at the Drayton Fair for several years and is now a junior director of the culinary section. She spends three days straight during the fair helping in the offices, running tractor pull results, or manning a play station. Shayna is also an active 4-H member, often helping with fundraising events and is also a church youth group member. She often helps with the annual turkey supper by clearing tables for 500 people. She is also an usher at the Drayton Festival Theatre. Taylor Good Taylor volunteers, steps up, helps students in her school, serves the local Rotary Club and is president of Centre Wellington District High School Interact Club. She also helps raise funds for the local hospital, parks and fellow students and has taken numerous courses, including suicide awareness training, which enable her to better serve her peers. She works hard, is caring, dedicated, intelligent, focused, kind and generous. You can always count on Taylor and her smiles to help when it is needed. Taylor has visited the
UN, India and Washingtonall with the goal of learning how to become strong and educated enough to make a difference. Chloe Collins As a result of Chloe’s passion and commitment to preserving and improving the environment, she started the Ecology Club at Norwell. She offers tips and suggestions to help improve the ecological status through daily announcements at school and various projects she leads. Chloe is a caring, generous and passionate individual who welcomes everyone with her friendly smile.
Community Information Page
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Toll Free: 1-800-385-7248 www.mapleton.ca
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Natural Tree Collection
Collected in urban curbside collection areas the week of January 9 on your regular collection day. Kinsmen curbside collection will be on Saturday, January 6 in Drayton and Moorefield (attach Food bank donations to base of tree). Accepted at all County waste facilities December 27 to January 31 at no charge. Food Bank donations are gratefully accepted. Have you received your 2018 Solid Waste Services Calendar? If not, please call: 519.837.2601 or 1.866.899.0248
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SEE SOCIETY » 6
Township of Mapleton
Youth of the Year awards presented » FROM PAGE 1
increased 10 per cent with significant increases in penmanship and mural classes. The pet show has available spaces for pets and their owners and the Excavator Games always provide a challenge to those interested in testing their skills.
u o Y k n a Th The 16th Annual CKNX Radiothon has raised over
$104,000
towards the purchase of the new mobile x-ray machine for the hospital.
Thank you for helping us to surpass our $100,000 goal!
All the best in the New Year from the Palmerston & District Hospital Foundation
Thank you again for helping us to keep
“Quality care close to home”!
4 | THE COMMUNITY NEWS | DECEMBER 22,, 2017
THE
COMMUNITY NEWS Published by W.H.A. Publications Limited P.O. Box 189, Drayton, Ontario, N0G 1P0 24 Wood St., Unit B, Drayton (inside Studio Factor) Telephone 519-638-3066 Fax 519-638-2875 drayton@wellingtonadvertiser.com Published on Fridays Deadline: Monday at 10am Subscriptions $52 plus HST in Canada W.H. Adsett, Publisher Chris Daponte, Editor Patrick Raftis, Reporter Caroline Sealey, Office Manager Alicia Roza, Graphic Designer
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YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER
EDITORIAL By Patrick Raftis
A reality ‘cheque’ Residents of Wellington County should, apparently, be embarrassed by the miserly fashion in which we compensate our local politicians. The level of salary provided to municipal councillors throughout the region has been variously described as “ridiculous” and mere “coffee money,” while the reimbursement system for expenses so meagre as to leave some council members “out of pocket on a regular basis.” Granted, I’m cherry picking quotes here, but those descriptions all come from elected members of council from across the county in the past nine months. Municipal politicians have been habitually dismissive of their level of compensation, but the latest pleas of privation have been inspired by the federal government’s decision to end, as of 2019, a long-standing tax break allowing council members to declare one third of their salaries tax free as “expenses incurred in the discharge of the member’s duties.” (Never mind, I guess, that they are all duly compensated for legitimate, receipted expenses.) At a meeting last July, Erin Mayor Alan Alls stated during a discussion on the end of the exemption, “Quite frankly, $15,000 a year for the kind of work that you gentlemen put in is not at all reasonable – actually ridiculous.” Erin council for their part responded to the pending loss of the tax break by raising council salaries by $4,722 for the mayor and $2,833 for councillors, implemented a policy of annual increases of $600 per year for the mayor and $400 a year for each councillor, and instituted the same benefit package for council as the town’s staff. In an interview last March, Wellington County Warden Dennis Lever, the mayor of Puslinch, said one example of expenses covered by the “tax-free allowance” could be travel. “In Puslinch, people driving ... don’t get mileage, unless you go out of the municipality,” he explained. “I know I’m out of pocket on a regular basis.” Perhaps, but the warden also draws a salary of just under $90,000 from the county and almost $23,000 from Puslinch. The Puslinch salary alone would be equal to someone earning $12.63 cents per hour and putting in a 35-hour work week. Combine the two salaries and divide by a typical work week and the rate becomes slightly more than $60 an hour. While the warden will come closer than any other politician in the county to working full time, a 35-hour week on a regular basis is probably a stretch. He’s also reimbursed for any other type of realistic expense, so he’s probably well ahead of the game even if he pays for the occasional tank of gas. The “coffee money” comment came from Mapleton Township councillor Michael Martin at the Dec. 12 meeting, again during discussion on the loss of the tax break. Martin stated “this is certainly coffee money,” in reference to a Mapleton councillor’s annual salary of $13,440. To be clear, Martin was making a very valid point that the size of the stipend provided council members makes it difficult for anyone working for a living to make the decision to commit the necessary time. This is why most councils are made up almost entirely of retirees or business owners with the necessary flexibility, and financial security, in their work SEE SALARIES » 8
Festive horses - John Northcote brought his team of percheron horses, Linda and Roda, from Arthur for this year’s Canada 150 themed Alma Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 17. Photo by Jaime Myslik
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DECEMBER 22, 2017 | THE COMMUNITY NEWS | 5
ay we take this time to send you all our brightest greetings for the Christmas season, and our sincere thanks for your kind support.
Signs of the season - Outdoor decorations are popping up across Mapleton as the countdown to Christmas continues. LEFT: Santa and his reindeer were spotted recently on Concession 12 near Drayton. LOWER LEFT: Frosty the Snowman was last seen on Wood Street in Drayton. Photos by Caroline Sealey
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6 | THE COMMUNITY NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2017
God is with you
Each year as Christmas approaches, we pause to reflect on the meaning of the Christ child story. The gentle picture of an infant lying in a manger soothes us. How does such a peaceful portrait speak to our current reality? Not all births are sur-
rounded by angelic voices. Not all newborns are welcomed with gifts. Not all young mothers are heralded as holy. Not all young fathers stand stoically beside their new families. But to limit our understanding of the birth in a manger to the Christmas card image is to miss the richness of the story.
Longtime volunteers - Matt Dorscht, left, presented Jim and Marion Walker with the Meritorious Service Award and pins from the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies for their 60 years of service to the Drayton Mapleton Agricultural Society. The annual Campin’ and Jammin’ Jamboree has been renamed The Walkers’ Campin’ and Jammin’ Jamboree in recognition of the couple’s contribution since its inception 47 years ago. Photos by Caroline Sealey
The truth is, the birth of Jesus was not a picture perfect event. The context is one of confusion and panic. The young couple were refugees. The time of birth came before proper plans could be made. The young couple were caught unprepared. They could not find any lodging. There was no room for them
in the inn. So in a hurried panic the couple resorted to a manger where at least the animals provided some heat. No crib had been constructed. No baby room prepared. No hand-me-downs gathered. Instead, ill-prepared and ill-equipped the infant Jesus was born. This is the true gift of the story. Not an unrealistic por-
Most points - The Arlene Martin Memorial Trophy presented each year for the most points in the horticulture section at the Drayton Fair was presented to Marlene Ottens by Drayton Mapleton Agricultural Society president Jim Zantinge.
Immanuel, which means ‘God with us.’” (Matt. 1:23) That is the gift of the Christmas story. So this Christmas, in the midst of your chaos and panic, take a breath and embrace the gift God is with you. Submitted by Willard Metzger Executive Director Mennonite Church Canada
trait of peace and tranquillity, but a picture of hurried chaos and worry. In such an environment - much like our environment today - Jesus, the child of God, was born. This is the beauty of the incarnation. In the midst of everyday life, with all its worry and imperfection, the child was born. “And they shall call him
Dedicated volunteer- LEFT: John Zantinge received the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies Accomplishment Award for his contribution to the success of the Drayton Mapleton Agricultural Society at the society’s recent AGM. RIGHT: Helen Moffat was the recipient of the Drayton Mapleton Agricultural Society’s Longtime Service Award.
Society declares 2017 a success despite weather-related struggles » FROM PAGE 3
“On Friday night we threw in the towel on the local truck and tractor pulls after trying everything we could to make it go,” presi-
dent Jim Zantinge said. “The Saturday pulls had an exceptional number of competitors. The pull finished in good time in order to respect our neighbours who
live near the fairgrounds.” The Smash Brothers kept things moving during the demolition derby and introduced the figure eight, a new event at the Drayton Fair.
A good turnout of participants, good weather and good crowds made the Sunday afternoon event a success. The society continues to fundraise by catering events
in the community. Winter storage at the old arena is filled to capacity. Anyone interested in volunteering with the Drayton Mapleton Agricultural
Society or anyone who would like more information on the society may contact secretary Amy Hennessy at 519993-2646 or email draytonfair@hotmail.com.
TO THE EDITOR: Alma parade success result of community effort Dear Editor: The Alma Optimist Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 17 was a wonderfully seasonal success thanks to the Ontario
Provincial Police, who ensured the traffic flowed safely around the parade route. Adults and children
Drayton Christian Reformed Church Sharing God’s Grace and Hope 88 Main Street East, Drayton
www.draytoncrc.org
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 Morning worship at 10am
MONDAY, DECEMBER 25 Christmas Day Service at 10am
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 Morning Worship at 10am New Year’s Eve Service at 6pm
Community MENNONITE
Fellowship Please join us for our Christmas Eve Service at 7:00pm 109 Wellington St. S. Drayton
519-638-3012
watching this magical event gave the Sparks and Brownies gifts for the Centre Wellington Food Bank in Fergus.
Our Mapleton roads crew displayed the township’s powerful grader and snow plows. The family and busi-
Christmas
ness floats, the music and of course Santa, on his last parade stop, brought peace and joy to all. Thank you for your effort
CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOUR THIS CHRISTMAS
Come home for
CHRISTMAS WORSHIP Drayton Reformed Church
(across from Drayton Heights School) CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE December 24 @ 8:00pm
REGULAR SUNDAY SERVICES are @ 10:00am throughout the holiday season
‘Good news of great joy for all, for you!’
Join us and Rev. Mark Laird at DRAYTON UNITED CHURCH, 34 MAIN ST. E., DRAYTON Christmas Pageant & Communion:
Christmas Eve morning, 10:30am CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICE: 7pm
CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICE December 25 @ 10:00am
and participation in the parade. Jacobus de Bock, Parade marshal, Alma
NEW YEAR’S EVE MORNING SERVICE:
Morning Service, 10:30am
Compelled by Filled with on earth A taste of Come and Worship at
iraveen F h la e S he in is it as On earth
Dec 24, 7:30 pm
tian School Community Chris ayton 35 High Street, Dr
DECEMBER 22, 2017 | THE COMMUNITY NEWS | 7
Loss of tax break could deter candidates: Martin » FROM PAGE 1
been in place since 1947, the Municipal Act previously required each council to review the option to exempt one-third of the salary at least once during each fouryear term of council after a regular election. Mapleton, like most municipalities, has traditionally done that. The federal budget document directs the removal of what it calls “a non-accountable expense allowance” and notes, “This exemption is only available to certain provincial, territorial and municipal office holders, and provides an advantage that other Canadians do not enjoy.” In a written report Mapleton finance director Karmen Krueger stated, “Council should determine whether a review of remuneration should be undertaken, and the form of that review (internal, task force, consultant, etc.) and whether an increase to the base pay should be implemented to keep net remuneration levels at similar levels, or some other level. “This presents challenges as to what this should look like, as each individual member is personally taxed differently.” Krueger added the County of Wellington opted to increase council remuneration to maintain net income at the pre-legislationchange level, based on the highest marginal tax rate. The report points out there will be a financial implication to the township relating to required remittances on the currentlyexempt one-third portion, regardless of whether the remuneration changes or not. Based on current council remuneration, the cost to taxpayers will be $5,125 due mainly to CPP, WSIB and Employer Health Tax.
“If a remuneration increase is implemented to maintain net pay at similar levels, this levy impact would increase,” the report explains. “Something like this affects individual members of council differently depending on their employment situation, whether it’s self-employed, retired, semi-retired or salaried,” said councillor Michael Martin. “So speaking from my case, I look at this as yet another hurdle that people from my demographic have to work on … You know everyone wants involvement on municipal council from all ... demographics; old, young in-between, whatever.” “So to throw this in,” Martin continued, “in my case I’ll be taxed at probably the highest tax bracket on all of my council income, versus that one third, and while that overall salary, this is certainly coffee money, let’s say. “Nobody’s here really for the money. If you are, we can talk later, but you know to throw this in now ... it’s almost to the point where it’s costing me money to be here or I’m paying to be here.” In 2016 Mayor Neil Driscoll received total remuneration of $19,471, including a salary of $17,280 and meeting per diems of $1,030. Mapleton’s four councillors received $13,440 in salary and meeting per diems ranging from $1,670 to $3,320. Council members are also compensated for expenses. Although he noted money is “really not going to be your motivation for being here,” Martin said potential candidates do factor in compensation when deciding if they will run for office. “I know in the report it quotes something about that not all Canadians have the
same benefit or something like that … “I would say I agree if there was something like a hundred thousand dollar salary attached to it or something, but when we’re talking, what are we at 13 or 14 thousand, somewhere in there, I don’t understand it. “And like I said, it’s just yet another hurdle that someone from my demographic has to think about when you’re putting in your nomination papers.” Martin stated, “I think the easy thing to do is to just simply raise the remuneration. That’s easy just like raising fees, raising taxes, that’s always your easiest step.” However, he asked, “Is there a way we could … kind of get the best of both worlds so that were minimizing the effects on the taxpayer … “Would there be opportunities to potentially mitigate the tax ramifications with say our own policies and procedures that council
operates under or would there be other opportunities besides just simply raising the level of remuneration?” Krueger replied, “I’m just not sure exactly what you mean by that question. “But from the individual councillor perspective, that comes back to do we want to look at the overall remuneration of council, whether that be in the form of salary or some other types of benefits or allocations if you will - so that’s where, if you would like to explore that sort of thing, that’s where that part of the resolution comes into play,” she added. Aside from Martin’s comments, there was no other discussion on the report and no direction was provided to staff. “I expect there will be a follow-up report in the new year when we understand a little more about how the issue is trending in the sector,” explained interim CAO Murray Clarke in a Dec. 14 email.
Volunteer award - Caroline Sealey was presented with the Drayton Mapleton Agricultural Society Millennium Service Award by society president Jim Zantinge. Sealey received the award for volunteering and supporting the society. Submitted photo
Legion hosts euchre The Palmerston Legion Ladies Auxiliary hosted a Challenge Euchre on Dec.5. Earl Marquardt and Joe Riff had high score, followed by Jim and Ruth Ann Webb and Lois Kerr and Lois Whittaker. Hidden number
winners were Dorelene and Doug Anderson. Betty Gillies and Gord Northcott had the most lone hands. The next Challenge Euchre is on Jan. 8 at 7:30pm. Everyone is welcome. Must bring a partner.
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QUILT RAFFLE WINNER of the Moorefield United Church quilt raffle drawn on December 15 was Lena Yost, Waterloo.
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8 | THE COMMUNITY NEWS | DECEMBER 22, 2017
0HW]JHU·V519-510-4368 0HW]JHU·V
Youth council hosts Community Christmas Party
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Come to our Christmas Musical! “Let the Whole World Sing!” A celebration of Jesus’ birth through music and drama.
Thursday, Dec. 21, 8 pm Friday, Dec. 22, 8 pm Drayton Reformed Church (across from Drayton Heights School)
Refreshments to follow. Freewill offering for local charities.
Decision Drivers of Canada SEE THINGS YOU DON’T SEE.
Community Christmas - ABOVE RIGHT: Dressed for the season at the Community Christmas Party hosted by the Mapleton Youth Action Council (MYAC) on Dec. 10 were, from left: MYAC members and adult allies Tammy McQueen, Gabby Ieropoli, Tate Driscoll, Alexis Kuper and Morgan Quirke. RIGHT: Skating was part of the fun at the event, sponsored by the Township of Mapleton, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health,and the Drayton Kinsmen and Kinette Clubs. ABOVE: Meghan Wiles, right, from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, shared anti-smoking information and paraphernalia with some of the youngsters attending. Submitted photos
Salaries for municipal councillors questioned » FROM PAGE 4
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PLEASE READ:
Are you attending a
s a m t s i Chr
Stock up on all your
situation. However, that doesn’t exactly promote diversity of opinion in local government. Martin is a paramedic and he would no doubt lose money if compelled to miss a shift for a council function. But does that mean the $13,440 is coffee money? (That’s around 7,680 mediums - 21 per day, 365 days a year - at Tim Hortons, if you’re counting). First of all, we need to
?
y t r a p s ’ r a e or New Y Please check to make sure that the information is correct. Mark any errors on this copy and email or fax back to (519) 843-7607 or call (519) 638-3066 or (519) 843-5410 BY MONDAY 3PM.
We have made to order IF WE DO NOT HEAR Gift Baskets & Party Trays
FROM YOU, YOUR AD WILL BE PRINTED IN THE NEWSPAPER AS IT IS HERE.
9-5 pm Open on Sundays in December DEADLINES:
Our deadlines for ad submission is MONDAY AT 10:00 A.M. Our deadline for error corrections is MONDAY 3PM Please feel free to call Assorted us to discuss your ad. Fruite
ter rate than most part-time work provides. A Wellington County councillor, other than the warden, gets a flat salary of $32,868. County council meetings run about two hours, but in the world of local politics this is considered a “halfday” meeting. So there was nine of those in 2017. County councillors are on at least two committees and/or boards - some are on three. Assuming three, and a two-hour meeting each month for each, and we’re at one eight-hour day. Let’s add another day for some drive time (since it’s a big county), some follow up discussion, etc. Let’s do a half-day for ceremonial functions and another full day for reading (the November county agenda package was 586 pages, but I would wager most councillors only deep dive on areas
ROB
We do Phone Orders
One Day Sale ! DEC 26, 2017
remember these jobs, with the possible exception of some mayors, are undeniably part-time positions. Mapleton councillors do put in a lot of hours by comparison to some councils, owing largely to their minimalist committee structure. They fairly often meet for whole- or half-day sessions in addition to regular meetings. Of late, regular meetings run between two and three hours, so let’s call it five hours total for two meetings monthly. If they do two full-day sessions every month (not likely, but possible), that’s 16 more hours. Add another four hours for committee meetings, eight hours for reading agenda packages and a couple more for ribbon cuttings, etc. That would get you to 35 hours for the month in return for $1,120 in salary. That’s $32 per hour, a bet-
Inc. DRAYTON, ONTARIO
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of specific responsibility). By my count that’s 28 hours a month, for nine months a year, at (wait for it) $130 an hour. Some councillors argue, although I’ve never heard it from the Mapleton group, that there are many phone calls and impromptu meetings with taxpayers in grocery stores, restaurants and “on the street” that constitute unrecognized hours of work. If that sounds familiar, it’s because a lot of jobs come with the same strings attached, maybe even yours. Reporters for example, sometimes get calls at home to advise about upcoming events or possible stories and casual encounters with readers regularly turn into conversations one could comfortably call work-related. A tax break for members of the fourth estate? Probably not a winning campaign platform. The point is not to devalue municipal councillors who are, by and large, a responsible, dedicated and generally competent group deserving of decent, but not necessarily exorbitant, compensation. Perhaps it’s even fair to argue some of that should come via a federal tax break, rather than local tax dollars. However, a reality check would seem to be in order for any who feel hard done-by under the current structure.
Naughty or Nice? We don’t care! Get a great deal on a new phone this Christmas.
OPEN BOXING DAY 11 AM - 5 PM Drayton
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