The Citizen - April 15, 2021

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The

THIS WEEK

Citizen

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Thursday, April 15, 2021

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Volume 37 No. 15

Publications Mail Agreement No. 40050141 Return Undeliverable Items to North Huron Publishing Company Inc., P.O. Box 152, BRUSSELS, ON N0G 1H0

Vaccine rollout to slow in H-P

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Taking a break Ontario’s students are now on April Break, but that break looks like it will be extended, to a certain extent, with the provincial government moving to suspend inperson learning indefinitely after the break in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 as case numbers rise across the province. In Huron County, however, spring

is here and so is warmer weather, which meant comfortable outdoor recesses for students like Emma Howson, left, Lucia Dale, centre, and Jordan Shannon, right, at Hullett Central Public School. They waited out a long, cold and messy winter for warm weather and now it’s finally here. (Denny Scott photo)

Official Plan review nearing approval

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen After years of work, the five-year review for the Huron County Official Plan has been completed by the Planning and Development Department and Planner Monica Walker-Bolton and will be up for final approval next month.

Walker-Bolton presented the proposed changes to Huron County Council at a special meeting of council on April 7. She outlined the changes being made and the process the department embarked upon to arrive where it did.

The process began in 2019 with a series of workshops, pop-up

information tables at public events and presentations at lower-tier council meetings. In November of 2019, a draft copy of the update was sent to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing for review and comment, which came back to the county in March of 2020. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic hit, further discussions were delayed several months as a result.

Final verbal comments on the proposed update were finally received in January of 2021, clearing the way for public consultation ahead of final approval.

Walker-Bolton told councillors

that a public open house, held via Zoom, was held on March 30, which had over 15 members of the public present to discuss a range of topics.

The five-year review includes policies to address climate change, updated language regarding public consultation and consultation with Indigenous communities, the inclusion of Drinking Water Source Protection policies, updates to reflect Huron County’s economic development strategy, policy updates to the agriculture, natural environment, extractive resources, settlement patterns and community services sections of the plan as identified through the consultation

process and policy additions to reflect changes to the Provincial Policy Statement. There are also a number of housing policies in the update, including defining the term “attainable housing” and recognition of community support for a wide variety of housing types and forms and permitting the reallocation of settlement area designations to respond to housing demand.

The process, Walker-Bolton said, represented the continuation of a process of planning in the county that has been ongoing since the 1970s when Huron County’s first Official Plan was developed. The Continued on page 8

With vaccines going elsewhere in the province due to “hotspots” and shifting priorities, Huron and Perth Counties will be receiving less in the future according to Medical Officer of Health Dr. Miriam Klassen.

On Monday, during a teleconference hosted through the Huron Perth Public Health organization, Klassen said there were fewer vaccines being delivered to the area than expected, so clinic availability has been adjusted.

“No clinics are currently open and we won’t be posting additional clinics until we get additional vaccine deliveries,” she said.

Klassen explained that all the vaccines that the HPPH receives will be used, but for the time being, those numbers were lower than expected. She also said that advertisements that said that people aged 60 and over could get their vaccines were now incorrect and people should go to the HPPH website for the most up-to-date information on vaccine eligibility.

Currently, 22.3 per cent of the total population of Huron and Perth Counties over the age of 16 have gotten their shot, Klassen said, though clinics are primarily open only to seniors. As far as specific age groups, Klassen said 98.78 per cent of adults over the age of 80 have been vaccinated, 86.76 per cent of adults 75 to 79 years old have been vaccinated and 64.9 per cent of adults 70 to 74 years old have been vaccinated.

Klassen also spoke to the possible closure of schools as the press conference, held at 2 p.m., was held before Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Education Stephen Lecce announced that students would be going back to online learning indefinitely while case counts remain high. This was despite the fact that, the day before, Lecce had addressed parents saying students would return to in-person learning when the rescheduled March Break ended tomorrow, April 16.

As far as local cases are concerned, 44 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Huron and Perth Counties, more than the previous two weeks Continued on page 3

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021.

Lunch time Mary Jane Scott, a student at Hullett Central Public School, took a break for a bite to eat during one of her long school days recently. Students are now on April Break, which will be extended indefinitely as a result of rising cases of COVID-19 in the province. (Denny Scott photo)

CH considers new dog park in Clinton Despite some clear recommendations from staff, Central Huron Council has pressed pause on a plan to create a dog park in Clinton, requesting more information on both capital and operational costs.

Council discussed the request at its April 6 meeting after a resident had asked that council consider a park earlier this year. Staff presented council with three options for a dog park location: Sloman Park, Kinsmen Park and Hawkins Park.

Councillor Dan Colquhoun spoke first, saying his first choice would be Kinsmen Park on Hill Street.

That park, he said, is the biggest and it has plenty of room for parking. However, choosing that location wouldn’t be without its challenges. There are a few neighbours of the park, he said, with pools, which meant the municipality would likely have to erect some privacy fencing if that site was chosen.

Councillor Alison Lobb said she would prefer if the park would be created at Sloman Park on Victoria Terrace. Several councillors echoed this sentiment, including DeputyMayor Dave Jewitt and Councillors Michael Russo.

However, Colquhoun said he had been approached by residents who said that creating a dog park at Sloman Park would create an incompatibility problem between the dogs and Canadian Geese laying their eggs. Mayor Jim Ginn said council could consult Animal Control Officer Bob Trick regarding geese at the site.

In his report for council, Facilities Manager Steve Duizer said that Hawkins Park is located among residential properties and would likely require the creation of a parking lot. He also said the installation of fencing at the site would cost over $14,000.

He outlined additional concerns, such as the proximity to area

backyards on three nearby streets.

At Kinsmen Park, he said, there would be ample parking, as Colquhoun had noted. However, the lot is not owned or managed by the municipality, which would require a letter of agreement for use.

He said that, similar to Hawkins Park, there would be concerns with nearby backyards and fencing at the site would also exceed costs of over $14,000 for the municipality.

In regards to Sloman Park, Duizer suggested that the plot of grass between the municipal sewage treatment plant fencing and the Bayfield River could accommodate a dog park. He also noted that parking is already in place in front of the Sloman School Car and there are few residential properties nearby.

Fencing at the Sloman Park site would cost the municipality just under $10,000, but the construction of approximately 200 feet of pathway would be required using cement, asphalt or stone dust.

For any of the locations, Duizer said, a doggie bag dispenser, garbage receptacle, signage and a picnic table would be necessary at an estimated cost of $500.

He also noted that municipal staff already maintain grass at all three locations, so a park at any location would result in an additional hour of maintenance time per week for trimming around the fencing and the disposal of additional garbage.

Several councillors asked for costing figures from when the Auburn dog park was created several years ago. Duizer said the municipality spends $2,700 per year to maintain the park, but that he couldn’t speak to the municipality’s capital investment when it was created.

Council then voted to defer the decision until its next meeting when those figures could be presented and council could make an informed decision. That motion was carried.

Your turn is coming soon.

Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine plan is helping to stop the spread and save lives. Thousands of people across the province are getting vaccinated every day.

As vaccinations continue, we need to stay the course to protect those we love. Wear a mask.

Wash your hands. Keep your distance.

Find out when, where and how to get vaccinated at ontario.ca/covidvaccineplan or call 1-888-999-6488 for assistance in more than 300 languages.

Paid for by the Government of Ontario

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021. PAGE 3.

Huron East’s Knight to retire after over 37 years

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen After over 37 years in municipal public service, Huron East Chief Administrative Officer Brad Knight will be retiring later this year.

Knight had submitted a document signifying his intent to retire to the municipality’s personnel committee and it was made official in a closedto-the-public session at Huron East Council’s April 6 meeting. Knight’s time with the municipality will end on June 30.

Mayor Bernie MacLellan has indicated that the municipality has already enlisted the services of consultant Nigel Bellchamber to fill find someone to fill the position, though Knight has informed the municipality that he will be happy to assist in the transition after June 30 if necessary.

Knight began his municipal career with the County of Perth and the Town of Mitchell approximately 37 years ago. He moved on to Grey Township after just over a year in Mitchell, working there until amalgamation in 2001 when he earned the position of treasurer with the newly-established Huron East.

With Huron East, he served under Chief Administrative Officer Jack

McLachlan, until just over 10 years ago, when McLachlan retired and Knight replaced him as the municipality’s chief administrative officer.

In an interview with The Citizen, MacLellan said the entire council is going to miss Knight. He said Knight put so much of himself into the job that it was common to find Knight working over the weekend or well into the evening. MacLellan also said that Knight applied his own sensibilities to the job, treating the municipality’s money as if it was his own when purchases needed to be made.

MacLellan said he and Knight often found themselves on the same page on issues, especially in the last year or so, as the municipality worked to battle through the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping employees and residents safe, while providing as many services as the municipality could.

Knight’s retirement was unexpected, MacLellan said, but on the other hand, he said he certainly didn’t begrudge Knight for deciding to call it a career. Had Knight wanted to move on to another municipal position, MacLellan said, he certainly would have provided the highest of recommendations,

adding that he wishes Knight well in the next chapter of his life.

As far as Knight’s legacy, MacLellan said you didn’t have to look much further than the amount of development happening in the municipality in the last year or two.

He said the municipality has taken a “big step forward” in regards to development and Knight has been instrumental in that.

“We’re building more houses right now in Huron East than we have in the last 10 years,” MacLellan said, alluding to a number of additional projects that are enriching the municipality thanks to Knight’s hard work and dedication.

In an interview with The Citizen, Knight said he had begun seriously considering retirement just before Christmas of 2020. However, not wanting to bog the municipality down over the holidays and with another provincial lockdown on the horizon, he put the idea on the back burner.

Knight had wanted to provide six months’ notice so the municipality could find a replacement, but a personal loss resulted in another delay and he felt it was finally time in April, giving Huron East three months.

Feeding the masses The Brussels Optimist Club, led by President Shawn Daw, centre, served over 600 meals on the weekend by way of its drive-through pork chop dinner, held at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. (John Stephenson photo)

HPPH tops 30,000 vaccines Continued from page 1 combined. That brings the cumulative total to 1,480 since the pandemic began in March of 2020.

Klassen said it will still be another week before the impact of the “emergency brake” and the stay-at-home orders are seen, but that she wasn’t happy to see the case counts rising.

In terms of municipal case counts, several Huron County towns and municipalities have reported increases. South Huron has three new cases, bringing its cumulative total to 109 since the pandemic began. Morris-Turnberry has six new cases, bringing its total to 51 cumulative cases since the beginning of the pandemic while North Huron has four new cases, bringing its total to 50. Goderich gained one new case, bringing its total to 21.

Other Huron municipalities have static case numbers, having gone

unchanged since last week, including Huron East (103), Central Huron (54), Bluewater (38), Howick (35) and AshfieldColborne-Wawanosh (23).

In Perth County, new cases were reported, bringing Stratford’s case total to 376 from 361 and North Perth’s total 360 up from 352, West Perth’s total to 42 up from 38 and St. Marys’ total from 34 to 38.

Perth East remained at 138 cumulative cases, while Perth South remained at 42.

Across Huron and Perth Counties there are currently 49 active cases.

The area has also had 32 probable Variant of Concern (VOC) cases since those strains first showed up.

Active cases in Huron County are located in Morris-Turnberry (six), North Huron and South Huron (four each), Huron East (two) and Goderich (one).

In Perth County there are active cases in Stratford (16), North Perth

(seven), St. Marys (five) and West Perth (four).

There is currently one individual in hospital due to COVID-19 in Huron and Perth Counties and 145 individuals in isolation.

The most likely means of being exposed to COVID-19 in Huron and Perth Counties continues to be through outbreaks with 27.9 per cent of cases likely tied to outbreaks. Household contacts are nearly as likely at 27.5 per cent with close contact with a known case being responsible for 17.8 per cent of likely acquisitions. Travel is listed as the likely acquisition source for 1.2 per cent of cases.

Unknown vectors continue to be responsible for more than a quarter of cases at 25.7 per cent.

As of Monday, nearly 30,000 vaccine doses had been administered throughout the region and 123,297 residents had been tested for COVID-19.

However, he said, with the COVID-19 pandemic still very active in the province, he said it’s not as if he will be travelling very far, so he has made himself available to the municipality into July and beyond to ensure a smooth transition.

Reflecting on his time in the municipal world, Knight said he feels Huron East has truly benefited from stability over the past 20 years with many long-term employees dedicating their professional lives to the community.

Growing up in Grey Township and neighbouring Brussels, but attending high school in Seaforth, Knight said he had a great feel for the municipality his whole life, which is likely what led to the staff’s approach to Huron East.

While some councillors may have been hung up on the wards and their borders, he said the staff never did and truly did their work in a way

that was always trying to do the best for all of Huron East.

Looking back, Knight said he is proud of many projects that have gone ahead in Huron East, so much so that it’s hard to pick just one.

But, he said the municipality, especially in its rural wards, looks a lot different than it did 20 years ago.

Many projects take time, he said.

Looking at a road allowance that will be opening soon, allowing a second access to the hospital in Seaforth, he said that is a project that began 11 or 12 years ago.

In retirement, Knight said he hopes to make up for some lost time and travel, once the pandemic has subsided, while also spending more time with his family.

Knight will sit down with The Citizen for a full look back at his nearly 40 years in the municipal world this summer when his time with Huron East comes to a close.

M-T willing to meet on servicing issues Morris-Turnberry Council members are willing to go ahead with a cross-border services meeting with their North Huron counterparts, however some questions need to be answered first.

During Morris-Turnberry Council’s April 6 meeting, Chief Administrative Officer Trevor Hallam said that North Huron had, last month, sent a letter inviting Morris-Turnberry representatives to return to the negotiation process through a full-day cross-border servicing committee meeting. He explained the goal was to have an agreement in place by the end of the meeting.

Hallam said he was seeking clarification from his counterpart at North Huron, Dwayne Evans, as to whether the intent was to start the negotiations fresh or work from the agreement the two had proposed in January of last year, and was awaiting a response.

Hallam also explained that while Huron County had recently attempted to broker a mediated

discussion between the municipalities: Morris-Turnberry was in favour, but North Huron Council had dismissed the proposal.

He said his recommendation, which he had discussed with Mayor Jamie Heffer, was to go ahead with the meeting, but have it mediated by a third party to help keep the discussion on track.

“The chair should come from outside of the committee and not [be from either side],” he said. “I would propose that in our response.”

Heffer said it was a good idea and suggested current Huron County Warden Glen McNeil, a past warden or local rural academic Wayne Caldwell.

Councillor Jim Nelemans agreed that Caldwell would be worth asking, saying he did a good job handling a similar issue when the Belgrave water system was installed. Nelemans doubted, however, that the entire process could be completed in a day.

My heart feels for you, my dear friend, in your deep, deep trial “Letters of Mary Winslow” My heart feels for you, my dear friend, in your deep, deep trial. This present world is a world of sadness; but when we think of that glorious world which is to come, into which sorrow never enters, and how soon we may be there — we may well “rejoice in tribulation.” Our “light affliction, which is but for a moment, works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory!”

In all your sorrows, pour out your heart to the Man of sorrows. He will bow down His ear and listen to all that you say. He will either remove or moderate your trial, or give you strength to bear it. Even this bitter draught He has given you to drink shall result both in your good and His glory.

Remember, not a sparrow falls upon the ground without His guidance, and that the very hairs of your head are all numbered. How much more has this trying event been ordered and arranged by Him who loves you! Infinite wisdom has appointed the whole!

Never doubt that He loves you, when He most deeply afflicts.

May He lift up upon you the light of His countenance, drawing you nearer to Himself, that you may see what a tender, loving heart He has for you, and how deeply and tenderly and considerately He cares for you—as if there were not another poor sorrowful one to care for on the face of the whole earth!

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-492-1359

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021.

Editorials & Opinions

Founding Publisher: Keith Roulston Publisher & President: Deb Sholdice Editor: Shawn Loughlin • Reporter: Denny Scott Advertising Sales: Brenda Nyveld • Heather Fraser The Citizen is published 51 times a year in Brussels, Ontario by North Huron Publishing Company Inc. Subscriptions are payable in advance at a rate of $40.00/year ($38.10 + $1.90 G.S.T.) in Canada; $190.00/year in U.S.A. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, only that portion of the advertisement will be credited.

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The Citizen P.O. Box 429, P.O. Box 152, BLYTH, Ont. BRUSSELS, Ont. N0M 1H0 N0G 1H0 Ph. 519-523-4792 Phone Fax 519-523-9140 519-887-9114 E-mail info@northhuron.on.ca Website www.huroncitizen.ca Member CCNA

Member of the Ontario Press Council We are not responsible for unsolicited newsscripts or photographs. Contents of The Citizen are © Copyright

The arts endure Even as Ontario enters its third lockdown in as many waves, the juggernauts of the Ontario theatre world are striving to find safe ways to deliver plays on their stages.

The Stratford Festival is exploring a return to its roots by performing outdoors under a canopy. The season will be shortened with about a dozen performances mixing plays and cabarets. The Shaw Festival is planning a return to indoor theatre, but with strict capacity restrictions and safety protocols in place. Their already-truncated offerings have been delayed with the latest lockdown impacting their rehearsal period.

Other smaller companies, like Blyth Festival and Huron Country Playhouse, are hoping to deliver some kind of playbill by midsummer.

While many companies have been working to engage audiences digitally, at its heart, theatre is based on a shared physical experience.

Both audience and performers are looking forward to vaccines and lockdowns bringing the COVID-19 pandemic under control so that they once again return to the stage.

Whether the 2021 season can go ahead, indoors or out, even with the most stringent planning, remains to be seen. In the meantime, support the arts by making a donation or buying a ticket to a virtual performance.

When this is all over, it's important that these institutions still be there for us. – DS

Thinking ahead Last week, Huron County Forest Conservation Officer Dave Pullen presented his annual report to Huron County and, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, it stood apart from any other of his reports.

Under the heading of “County Forests and the Pandemic”, he reported on the decision to keep the county forests open so residents could re-discover the “value of nature for physical and mental health.”

When everybody rushed to close, the county saw not only a chance to increase the usage of its county forests and trails, but there was the foresight to know that mental and physical fatigue would play a role in the lives of so many residents if the pandemic were to wear on.

Pullen’s department rushed the production of signs for the county’s numerous managed forests to encourage physical distancing while using the trails. He told Huron County Council last week that his thought was that if you can’t maintain physical distancing in hundreds of acres of bush, then you couldn’t do it anywhere.

In recent months, the effects of the pandemic on people’s mental health have been discussed heavily and, in the county itself, a recent University of Guelph survey showed that both the mental and physical health of residents had eroded since last March. That Pullen and his department could see further down the road than many other highranking officials the world over is a testament to the work being done there and county residents have been the beneficiaries.

Huron County is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the province and it’s always there for us, even during a pandemic, thanks to a few staff members placing themselves ahead of the curve. – SL

It knows no borders Despite the stay-at-home orders, lockdowns and increasing case counts, Huron County residents can be proud that they have recently weathered the COVID-19 pandemic with few cases, fewer deaths and good support for its neighbours.

While things are getting worse across the country, the province and even across the Huron Perth Public Health area, the municipalities in Huron County have been able to keep active cases down compared to its neighbours in Perth County. That’s undoubtedly why so many local people are frustrated the province is painting every area with the same brush when it comes to lockdowns, “emergency brake” actions and stayat-home orders. However, as Huron Perth Medical Officer of Health Dr. Miriam Klassen has explained, those measures are meant to protect the areas that have low case counts as much as they are meant to curtail growing numbers in larger areas.

Klassen has said that, as long as our neighbours are having problems with COVID-19 numbers (and they are, with most nearby health units still seeing high numbers of new cases and variants of concern), Huron and Perth Counties are at risk, as the virus knows no borders.

So while it can be frustrating for all Ontario to be treated equally, it is the best way to make sure those of us following the rules and keeping the virus at bay are able to continue to do so.

We’re doing a great job, it would be a shame for that to end now.

Keep washing your hands, employing physical distancing and wearing a mask and we will get through this. Remember, we’re all in it together. – JDS

Looking Back Through the Years April 16, 1964 The Brussels Lions Club held its annual Ladies’ Night under the direction of President Cecil Parker.

Lion George Mutter conducted a few games that night, while Ivan Lloyd served as the guest speaker, showing slides and speaking about the Douglas Point nuclear station.

The Majestic Women’s Institute installed its officers for the coming year, with Mrs. J. Lowe being named the president, Mrs. James Smith as the first vice-president and Mrs. William Evans as the second vice-president.

April 10, 1974 The long-lost village of Alma, which was situated in the southern end of Hullett Township, was set to re-emerge after a special meeting of Hullett Township Council.

Don Watson, who owned the land that had formerly made up Alma, was asking council to open a pair of streets in the former community and issue a building permit so he could build a house there. The newly-opened road allowances would measure 170 feet and allow Watson to build his house on three lots.

The fight against the “gobbling up” of land by Ontario Hydro for use for a power corridor was already paying dividends, according to those carrying it out.

George Underwood of Wingham, one of the leaders of the fight, told members of the Huron County Federation of Agriculture at their April meeting that Ontario was negotiating for a 490-foot strip of land in Bruce County, where the company had originally sought 900 feet. If that change continued for the length of the proposed corridor, Underwood said that meant nearly 800 acres of farmland would be

saved then as a result.

Morris Township showed a deficit of over $7,300 for 1973 in the year’s auditor’s report, which was adopted at Morris Township Council’s April 1 meeting.

Five women from Blyth were among the top 10 bowlers in the Clinton-Blyth Bowling League: Mary Davey, Susan Howson, Yvonne Youngblut, Theresa Machan and Ruth Dougherty.

Davey’s average of 223 topped the league, while Machan’s top single of 353 was also a league best.

In team play, the Busty Beauties topped the league’s second series with 76 points, followed by the Slow Pokes at 72, the Six Pin Pals at 62, the Teatotalers at 61, the Happy Hookers at 56, the BooBoos at 55, the Alley Cats at 52 and the Swinging Mamas with 46.

April 10, 1996 With just three months left to plan, organize and prepare for the 140th anniversary of Grey Township, residents gathered to discuss the schedule of events and how they planned to mark the occasion.

Opening ceremonies were set to take place on the evening of Friday, June 28 at the Ethel ball diamond, with a baseball tournament to commence thereafter. Anniversary Committee Chair Bob Cunningham said he hoped all communities in the area would consider entering teams, as well as neighbours on concessions or sideroads.

With a reduction in operating expenditures of about $2 million, the Huron County Board of Education had brought its budget down by more than $5 million since 1993.

The Blyth Lions Club installed its new executive with the help of

Lions Past Governor Mel Bogie.

President Andy Lubbers would take over the club’s top position, succeeding Darren Richmond.

April 14, 2011 After an unexpected revenue infusion of over $350,000 thanks to a surplus from the previous year, the 2011 Huron County tax levy came in at just under $34 million, an increase of 2.74 per cent.

The surplus dropped the proposed tax levy increase by over one full percentage point, after councillors expected to pass a tax levy increase of just over 3.8 per cent for the year.

A referendum of sorts on the Regional Equine and Agricultural Centre of Huron (REACH) in Clinton took place after word began circulating that a number of the centre’s critics planned to speak to Central Huron Council. In response many of the centre’s supporters also attended the meeting, making both their presence and support of the centre known to council, as well as the centre’s critics.

Despite the heated debate, the toand-fro on the centre didn’t alter the proposed municipal budget, which passed unchanged.

A breakfast at the Old 86 Farmers’ Market just west of Molesworth was set to benefit the families of fallen Listowel firefighters Kenneth Rea and Raymond Walter. Firefighters from both the Brussels and Grey departments were due to donate their time as cooks.

An open house was scheduled to honour former Blyth Fire Chief Paul Josling, who was retiring from the department after over 35 years as a firefighter and then chief. The event was set for the Blyth and District Community Centre.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Taking a shot at a safer country With U.S. President Joe Biden taking baby steps toward controlling the epidemic of gun deaths in the U.S. and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau making much bolder moves by introducing legislation to ban the sale of assault-style weapons and offer to buy them from current owners, the vast difference between our two countries is once again on display.

In announcing his executive actions on Thursday that would, among other things, ban weapons assembled from kits that have no serial numbers, President Biden said, “Gun violence in this country is an epidemic, and it’s an international embarrassment.”

Reaction from the usual sources was swift.

Republicans like Colorado Representative Ken Buck overreacted with the all usual charges: “Biden wants to take away your guns, raise your taxes, abolish your jobs, create a border crisis and keep the schools closed.”

We have a tendency to think that public opinion is so much more positive toward the right to own weapons in the U.S. than in Canada. Yet after Prime Minister Trudeau introduced Bill C-21 proposing a voluntary buyback of many recently banned firearms, a poll by Leger and the Association for Canadian Studies suggests two-thirds of Canadians favour stricter gun-control laws – and more than half believe that should include a mandatory buyback program for prohibited firearms.

In the U.S., meanwhile, a 2019 PBS NewsHour, NPR and Marist poll found 57 per cent of Americans supported legislation to ban the sale of semi-automatic weapons and 47 per cent supported a mandatory assault weapon buyback program. The figures in the two countries don’t vary that much.

It must be said, of course, that Americans

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk act differently than they feel. The COVID-19 pandemic actually saw eight million Americans buy a gun for the first time in 2020 as they felt uncertainty about their safety.

Americans already owned 120 guns for every 100 people.

But regular mass shootings like recent rampages in Atlanta and Boulder, Colorado, return attention to the toll these weapons exert on the U.S. In 2017, there were 12.21 gun deaths per 100,000 Americans. By comparison, Canada had 1.94 gun deaths per 100,000 in 2018.

And yet even after horrific events like the deadly mass shootings at schools in Parkland, Florida, and Newtown, Connecticut, it’s impossible to get political support for greater controls on the sale and ownership of guns.

Spouting the need to defend the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution’s “right to bear arms”, Republican legislators in particular quickly beat down any talk of restrictions.

Most Canadians would demand change after similar shootings.

What’s the difference? The National Rifle Association in the U.S. Politicians both love the NRA for its financial support for their reelection campaigns and fear its opposition if they favour changes that might cramp the style of gun owners even slightly. In 2018, CNN reported that more than half of congressional incumbents had received money and

organizational help from the group over the years. Eight, including high-profile Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio, had received more than $1 million in campaign support.

Yet like many organizations that have been powerful for a long time, the NRA has been infested with rot, particularly its long-time CEO Wayne LaPierre. His annual salary in 2017 was $1.4 million. While the retirement pension plan for the non-profit organization’s employees is underfunded by $41 million and benefits for employees have been frozen, at the same time a special payment of $3.7 million was made to top up LaPierre’s pension.

Recently details of his extravagant lifestyle have been disclosed in a hearing in which the NRA, formerly based in New York but under investigation by that state, seeks to declare bankruptcy and re-incorporate in friendly Texas. It’s been revealed the NRA paid hundreds of thousands for private jets for LaPierre’s travelling security. He wanted the NRA to pay for mosquito control at his mansion in the name of his security. He even charged the NRA $65,000 for Christmas gifts.

After those school shootings, LaPierre said he was so afraid for his safety that he sought refuge on a friend’s 108-foot yacht (with a permanent staff of three) – and this is from the same NRA leader who regularly claims that guns protect people’s lives.

At least these expenses were not paid by taxpayers, unlike former Liberal Justice Minister Allan Rock’s long gun registry that was supposed to cost $30 million and ended up costing $2 billion before it was scrapped by Stephen Harper’s government. Still, if you’re a supporter of the NRA you must feel like a bit of a sucker when you hear LaPierre is living like a king.

Big Brother’s trade-offs

A

couple weeks back I was trying to figure out where our relatives had purchased a chair they gifted to us.

The chair, which was “the feeding chair” when my daughter Mary Jane was nursing, was an expensive and welcome gift that to this day remains in Mary Jane’s room and is a great piece of furniture.

The store it came from, however, is no longer under the same name, which made it very difficult to track down. Thankfully, Google came to the rescue.

After a few minutes of fruitless searching through various keywords through the omnipresent search engine, I was about to give up when I noticed that one of the results said, “You visited this business five years ago.”

Now, I know for a fact I didn’t visit a store by that name five years ago. The price of what was purchased, alongside the delivery price, is something that will forever be burned into my memory (alongside the name of the store).

However, a quick spin through the store’s indoor photos showed that it was the place I remembered and seemed to carry the same brands.

The reason Google had recorded me visiting it was because I had used my Google phone’s GPS to get there, so the visit was saved.

It was great to be able to turn to the relative who had requested the information and say, without a doubt, that this was the place.

My relative aptly pointed out that it was a little disturbing how much of our lives is recorded and under the watchful eye of Big Brother.

However, that’s the deal we make, right? We give up a little bit of our privacy to make our lives easier.

It’s not a new notion. The very idea of society is that we give up a little bit of our earnings and our individual rights for the better of the community at large. When,

Denny Scott Denny’s Den however, we start giving up our privacy to private companies like Google, some people balk.

Personally, I’ve got no problem with it. The old adage of, “I’ve got nothing to hide” comes to mind, but in reality, I find the value I get for a little bit of my personal data is worthwhile.

You probably do it as well. Have you ever signed up for a customer loyalty program? If so, your shopping preferences are being recorded to help businesses better understand what you like. What do you get in return? A discount.

Companies like Facebook and Google always seem to be listening to what we’re saying, as ads show up the next day based on it. It’s a little intrusive, but there are ways to turn off those features.

If you’re uncomfortable with these situations, the answer is simple: Don’t buy an Alexa or a Siri speaker, buy burner phones with no data or Google/Android/Apple operating systems on them and buy as much “dumb” technology (or technology that doesn’t connect to companies like Google) as possible: manual thermostats, regular lightbulbs and basic televisions.

Oh, and don’t have a Google account. Don’t use Google and stay away from any software/websites that request your data.

It’s a lot to do, and, in my opinion it’s fruitless: governments and businesses have been tracking people for years, from government-issued IDs to asking for your

postal code when you shop anywhere.

However, there is one line I’ve always felt uncomfortable with and that’s my employer spying on me.

Before I go any further, I’ll say that The Citizen and its parent company North Huron Publishing Company Ltd. aren’t guilty of that kind of activity. What I say I’m doing and where I say I’m going are taken at face value because we’re all adults and we’re all, presumably, working towards the same goals.

However that wasn’t the experience of a school custodian in Alberta.

In a CBC story this week, Michelle Dionne explained that she was fired for not downloading “tattleware”, or software designed to track employees. Her employer says declining to download the software, which would track when she got to work and when she left, was not the only cause of her dismissal.

“Tattleware” is software that tracks employees and can take many forms: it can track a person’s location while in a specific area (like a workplace), track activity on a computer or track all movement.

The problem with Dionne’s situation, in my opinion, is that the company required her to install the software on her own personal phone. Granted, I’ve acquired a number of programs to help with my job, but I’ve done so of my own free will and not been forced to do that.

If it was a business phone, provided to her by her employer, I’d say she has to do as asked, but at what point do we stop our employers from invading our home lives?

In the end, it comes down to agency. We should be able to choose how much of our lives we’re giving up to our employers. I’m on Dionne’s side here in that she should not have been asked to install the software, let alone required to do so. Choice is what matters.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Top of the heap

Y

ears and years ago, when I watched Bowling for Columbine, the Academy Award-winning documentary, for the first time, I remember I was blown away by its confrontational nature. Not only did I largely agree with director (and star) Michael Moore on gun control, but I had never really seen anyone “take it to the man” like he did. As a teenager, that kind of thing speaks to you.

I remember though, even in real time, not thinking he was being fair to Dick Clark. Yes, that Dick Clark, of American Bandstand and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve fame.

Moore approached Clark because Clark was a major shareholder in a restaurant that utilized a welfare-to-work program in Michigan. How this all comes together is that a six-year-old boy fatally shot his six-year-old classmate in 2000 and the shooter’s mother worked for one of Clark’s restaurants. In order to make ends meet, the woman worked two jobs, travelling from one to the other. Moore claimed that, if she had been paid a living wage, perhaps the shooting wouldn’t have happened.

A quick Google search shows that the 2002 me was hardly alone and plenty of people have thought Moore was stretching the narrative a bit thin in implicating Clark in the incident.

In just about any context, the 2021 me thinks Moore is a bit much (perhaps my muckraker tendencies have melted away with age and fatherhood) but, funny enough, I think I may have flipped on the Clark situation (or at least the idea of it, if not the confrontation itself).

Let’s be clear: Clark, who passed away in 2012, had nothing to do with this tragedy. But, the idea that the bigwigs who set the terms of employment for so many of us are culpable when things go bad because they cut corners is worth exploring, especially in today’s world as the rich get richer and, stop me if you’ve heard this one before, the poor get poorer.

This is even more of an issue now than it was when Moore made that documentary nearly 20 years ago. Now, we have Jeff Bezos, the owner of Amazon, worth almost $200 billion, while he employs thousands of workers who live in cars, vans and recreational vehicles for low wages under harsh conditions.

It also didn’t just happen. It’s a program that has a name: Amazon CamperForce.

Of course, it’s not just Bezos and Amazon.

There are plenty of examples. For years, I think many of us wouldn’t begrudge heads of companies for being smart enough to improve their station in life. Whether it was through tax loopholes or always being on the hunt for a more efficient way to buy something for a dollar and sell it for two, for the most part, I think North Americans accepted that as life in business.

However, as workers have been pushed into unlivable conditions, a select few have been pocketing more money than anyone could spend in 1,000 lifetimes. I think we’ve reached the point when we can point the finger at the metaphorical Dick Clarks of the world and say that how they’re conducting business does affect us, and very often not in a good way.

A living wage is now something groups like the United Way and others have to advocate for, rather than what many organizations see as their duty to their employees. All this while the wage gap continues to widen.

So, while the exchange between Clark and Moore might make many of us cringe today (for more reasons than one), there are things worth thinking about buried in there. The lives of many have changed in recent years and, in many cases, we have the rich to thank (or blame), for better or worse.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021.

Service, dinner bring community together

Feeding the masses The Brussels Optimist Club held a drive-thru pork chop dinner on the weekend. The event was just one way that community groups and local churches are finding ways to make their events work while under the stay-at-home orders issued by the provincial government earlier this month. (John Stephenson photo)

A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

Oh my! Over 4,400 people tested positive for the dreaded COVID-19 on Sunday. Those kinds of numbers are hard to relate to, but put a face you know on any of those thousands and your response changes rapidly. Like all other tragedies, it seems it has to affect us, or someone near us, to truly feel the pain.

So, as the increasingly large

numbers get thrown around, remember each one of those is someone’s brother or mother or friend. Keep living your lifestyle and doing all the right things to keep our part of the world safe.

This is a tough time for many, but acknowledging that it feels bad is the best thing you can do.

Awareness of our words is a good thing as well. So when someone

asks how you are, be honest. Very few feel fine, like the answer we often spout. Instead, find a word that suits your mood of that moment. Chatting with Jeanette Boynton last week, we decided that “despondent” would be our word for that day. Find your own word, check its proper meaning and use it freely. Everyone wins in that one.

In usual times we are social beings, so with the restrictions of the past year, it feels good to see others in the social sense. The recent Optimist Club pick-up pork chop dinner showed this, as the vehicles made their way to their meal, the smiles and waves were as good as the dinner they procured.

Well, almost.

Like church at the arena last week, it was so good to see faces unseen for the last many months.

Spring and warmer weather is offering hope. Good work once again Optimists.

Prince Philip had a life of change and challenge over 99 years. As an exile, an immigrant, a near orphan, he took his big breath and made the best of a life offered. His love with his wife showed up in 73 years of a marriage that started with resistance and showed that Philip and Elizabeth had true love, determination and stamina. These were all needed during their life together. Their marriage in 1947 was by 1951 no longer the usual naval life.

With the death of her father King George VI, life changed again, she was Queen by June 1952. Philip’s

role was a big adjustment and no one could have done it with more personality, patience and humour.

He was her strength and also led environmental groups before others saw the coming disasters. He was champion for 785 charities and organizations. He kept his own interests as well, booking 5,900 hours in 59 different types of aircraft.

Queen Elizabeth’s words of thanks for his service to family say it best “a debt greater than he would ever claim or we shall ever know.”

Farewell Philip, a life well lived.

Be safe. Be kind.

Bye now, Betty G.W.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

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Call or email to book your ad today 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca Locally owned and serving Huron County for 14 years

New this year offering pest control for spiders, cluster flies and other creepy crawlers, as well as mice and rats.

Book now for your lawn fertilizer and weed control package.

Call or text Todd at 519-357-7580 e-mail walkerspropertycare@gmail.com

SUDOKU Fun By The Numbers

Ready to go Thanks to the hard work and initiative of the Brussels Optimist Club, the village’s main baseball diamond has a set of new bleachers, which members constructed in recent weeks in preparation for the baseball season, which may or may not move ahead, depending on the state of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

At the Branch

Legion offers services to veterans

By Jo-Ann McDonald Not much happening at the Brussels Legion Branch because of the closure and lockdown.

It’s time to refresh everyone’s memory on joining the Legion. The Legion is the biggest service organization in Canada. Our duty lies in promoting remembrance and

saluting those veterans who served and lost their lives in battle, who served and survived the battle and to support those who serve today.

The Royal Canadian Legion has many programs to help veterans with medical benefits, living accommodations, rehabilitation, medical devices, support at home

and many other things. These things all take monetary support, which is derived through the contributions made by the Branches across the country. Money donated during the yearly poppy campaign is the major source of the monies given to command for the support of these many projects.

Like puzzles?

Then you’ll love sudoku. This mindbending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!

Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021. PAGE 7.

Blyth Campground upgrades narrowly pass

By Denny Scott The Citizen

In a tight vote, North Huron Township Council decided to go ahead with plans to enrich some of the sites at the Blyth Campground in hopes of attracting more users.

The plans include putting fire pits and picnic tables at a number of sites to increase use by transient campers. Originally the plan was brought to council by the Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA).

During council’s April 6 meeting, Director of Recreation and Facilities Vicky Luttenberger detailed what the project would cost, also warning council there were several unknowns that came along with increased usage of the park.

“Staff couldn’t include costs like [increased] policing, staff time on nights or weekends to deal with arrivals or departures and enforcing campground rules,” she said, adding that issues or disputes would also require more staff time.

She estimated the project would cost $13,000 plus HST for supplies, including 25 picnic tables at $350 per table, 25 portable fire pits at

$150 per pit and 100 concrete patio stones for fire pit bases at $5 per stone.

She also estimated $4,840 in operating costs, including moving and returning picnic tables and cleaning out the fire pits both throughout the camping season (May through October) and for the annual reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association.

She also said the province’s “emergency brake” that was declared prior to the meeting had put a stop to almost all camping opportunities, save those that are contracted for a full season or needed for housing.

“Temporary camping and tents are not allowed,” she said, adding the “emergency brake”, which ended up being replaced by a stayat-home order, could run much longer than 28 days.

Councillor Kevin Falconer felt that pointing at staff time as a potential cost was misleading as overnight camping at the site was nothing new. He said people had been using it either by the honour system or having fees collected since before

municipal amalgamation.

“We haven’t heard any complaints about the costs, like the overall costs for policing and staffing, at any other time,” he said.

“I wonder why that’s being brought up now. It’s been a campground, a source for overnight camping, since its inception.”

He said if council didn’t want to deal with those costs, which it has been for years, the site should be closed and council should pretend it doesn’t exist.

Luttenberger said the addition of fire pits led to her including that information.

“The whole thing with policing, the premise of it was because campgrounds that have fire pits tend to also have alcohol involved and when alcohol is involved, things can get a little rowdy and out of hand,” she said.

Councillor Trevor Seip said he didn’t believe it would be a problem.

“We’re not suspecting a lot of 20year-olds are going to the [Blyth Festival’s possible outdoor performances set to be held at the site] and staying overnight,” he said. “We know it could happen, but

that’s not the intent. That’s not the focus group we’re aiming at with this.”

Seip also said that assets like the picnic tables could be redeployed elsewhere if they weren’t being used.

“It’s a great idea to try,” he said.

“I’m not suggesting a permanent establishment.”

Seip did admit the plan may need to be pushed back by a month due to the provincial government’s COVID-19 control measures.

Falconer felt the plan should go ahead because the campground is a North Huron asset and should be treated as such.

“It’s unfortunate that past councils and past decision-making turned a blind-eye to it,” he said.

“They never assigned anyone for overnight fees.”

He said campers could stay at the site and, as long as they left early, never run into anyone to collect fees from them because of how the site had been mismanaged. He said the request wasn’t to change what the space is, but recognize it for what it could be.

“There needs to be more emphasis put into controlling and taking more pride in it being there,” he said. “It’s not a huge ask. We spend more than [the above expenses] putting up a stop sign or deciding where to put a crosswalk.”

Luttenberger said she wasn’t against the project, but wanted council to know about the potential costs, going on to say that while the BIA, Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association and other community groups are supportive of the project, they won’t be able to support it through volunteer hours.

Seip said he was in favour of attempting to do something to better utilize the ground, but didn’t want to tie the municipality to anything long-term at the site.

Falconer pointed out that the municipality spends money on

putting amenities at other sites, like a port-a-potty at the East Wawanosh park on County Road 4. He also said it doesn’t really compare to the Wingham campground the municipality is attempting to redevelop as residential sites.

“There are no permanent sites [and] no seasonal sites,” he said.

“We’re looking at a three-day maximum.”

Reeve Bernie Bailey said it would be best to be proactive and asked council for a motion to go ahead with a one-year pilot program at the site. Council approved the motion in a 4-3 vote with East Wawanosh representatives Councillors Anita van Hittersum and Chris Palmer and Wingham representative Councillor Paul Heffer voting against it.

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Last pitch of the year?

Students at Hullett Central Public School had no idea that the recesses they enjoyed with friends last week may have been the last they would see this school year as, earlier this week, the provincial government announced a return to virtual learning indefinitely.

The move was made due to the third wave of COVID-19 and its impact on hospitals and intensive care units (ICUs). Above, taking what could’ve been one of their last chances to pitch during a soccer baseball game at the school is Carali Hugill while Hailynn Greidanus looks on. (Denny Scott photo)

Lockdown cancels many events From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Happy birthday to Kaeden MacDonald, who will celebrate

April 16; Colin Howson, April 18; Bryce Glousher, April 19 and Gayle Poore, April 21. Happy birthday everyone, enjoy your day.

There are no events planned for this week as Ontario is still in lockdown until April 28. This is the spring break for the schools and so many parents are looking for something to do to entertain their children. The internet has many suggestions and many projects to do with the kids and there is always working outside like

raking the lawns and gathering up the sticks that fell during the winter.

The leaves are starting to come out on the trees and the spring flowers are showing up in the flowerbeds. We have had summerlike temperatures this past week and beautiful blue skies. On Monday, as I am writing this column, it is rainy and dull, but we do need the rain.

Have a safe week and remember to call someone to let them know you are thinking of them.

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PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021.

HC Official Plan vote set for May 5

Fancy footwork Miles Adams, left, Rodney Ansley, centre, and William Nesbit, right, gave their legs and feet a bit of a workout recently during recess at Hullett Central Public School, playing some soccer to get ready for their April Break, which has now been extended by the provincial government, which has suspended in-person learning indefinitely to combat rising COVID-19 case numbers across the province. (Denny Scott photo)

HC opts in to EVC strategy Huron County Council has approved a recommendation to be part of the development of a regional electric vehicle charging network.

Lily Morrow, Huron County’s climate change and energy specialist, spoke to the proposal at Huron County Council’s April 7 meeting. She told councillors that the concept of a regional electric vehicle charging network strategy is being spearheaded by Wellington County. Partners include Perth, Dufferin and Grey Counties, the City of Guelph, Grey-Bruce Public Health and Our Energy Guelph, as well as Huron County, if council were to approve her recommendation.

“The County of Wellington is working with neighbouring municipalities to apply for funding through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund to conduct a feasibility study.

The study will explore the development of a regional electric vehicle charging network that will bridge the gap of charging infrastructure between Highway 401 and the Lake Huron and Georgian Bay area,” Morrow said in her report. “The opportunity to create a network in this region has been identified as a key opportunity for tourism, economic development and the acceleration of electric vehicle adoption.”

The initiative, she said, would be the first multi-jurisdictional electric vehicle charging network geared towards supporting tourism and economic development in the province. She said it would build on the success the Federation of Canadian Municipalities has already found with a similar

regional network that has been planned and implemented in western Canada.

“The feasibility study will involve an assessment of the existing and planned charging stations, including a charging station gap analysis for the region.

The study will also include a modeled design of the future regional network, including the identification of proposed charging locations and criteria for site selection with an emphasis on tourism and economic development,” Morrow said in her report. “The results of this study will be used as a guide to help local and regional municipalities plan and install electric vehicle

infrastructure in the region.”

Morrow told councillors that the project is expected to begin in August of 2021 and be completed

by March of 2022.

All participating municipalities would have to contribute $5,000 towards the cost of the feasibility study, with an estimated total cost of $70,000, though 50 per cent of the cost is anticipated to be covered by the Green Municipal Fund.

Council approved Morrow’s recommendation and will participate in the study. She said the funds could either come from the county’s Economic Development Board (if a request is made) or the Sustainable Huron Reserve.

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Wee believe that when society has factss they can W trust, better decisions will be made.

Continued from page 1 county, she said, was one of the first regions in Ontario to have its own Official Plan at the time.

As part of the special council meeting, members of the public were invited to take part and have their say on any of the changes.

Joelle Lamport-Lewis of the United Way’s Social Research and Planning Council spoke first, praising the department for its foresight in including terms like attainable housing, saying it was an important step.

Chris Spaleta then commended the department for its changes to include infrastructure for electric vehicle charging, but then contended that the plan didn’t go far enough. He felt there should be a real push to install chargers throughout the county in the next five or 10 years.

Spaleta emphasized the installation of a charger specifically for Tesla vehicles, saying the county needed to express interest with the company to have one installed, and no one in Huron County had done so yet. He said the county should be the first to express interest, so one isn’t installed on private land, making it potentially more difficult for drivers.

Past-Warden Jim Ginn agreed with Spaleta wholeheartedly, saying he had been pushing for a greater electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Huron County for years. Councillor John Grace also agreed, saying some work to install chargers in Goderich was underway.

The final speaker was Tony McQuail, who said the plan update took some positive steps, but that it didn’t go far enough to address climate change.

He compared the existential threat of climate change to the

current challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that while the virus threatens lives, climate change is threatening the very existence of the human race.

While the effects of climate change are being felt by humans at a relatively slow rate, McQuail said, it’s important to note that in terms of geological time, the effects are like an avalanche and time is quickly running out.

Councillor Dave Jewitt agreed with McQuail and talked about the need for Huron County to rethink its economics, which has been evidenced in the short-term by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The five-year review of the Huron County Official Plan will be up for approval at the May 5 meeting of Huron County Council.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021. PAGE 9.

United Church switches to recorded services PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO

By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296

The province of Ontario hit another milestone on Monday, reporting nearly 4,500 cases of COVID-19, the largest number since the pandemic started over a year ago.

I read with interest the Letter to the Editor in last Thursday’s edition of The Citizen from Joan Van Der Meer. Dealing with this pandemic is different for everyone but we are all

coping now with COVID-19 fatigue. We are all so tired of being without the intimate aspects of our life - family and hugs, freedom and friends.

There are aspects of our former way of life that we are now questioning and all of us will move forward having adopted changes.

Platitudes, as Joan mentioned, are not a panacea any more. I think the

Swing!

Students at Hullett Central Public School enjoyed some warm weather last week, ditching the heavier coats and toques for shorts and shirts. Above, enjoying a game of soccer baseball are, from left: Keith Lindsay, Lukas Hubbard-Buffinga and Austin McLaughlin. (Denny Scott photo)

word hope, the message of Easter. should be on the front of all our fridges in big letters. Take heart/hope in the signs of new life that spring has brought us.

The stories following the resurrection of Easter show us that people changed their minds, their hearts and their lives to follow in Jesus’ way. Perhaps this will be the result of the pandemic, too.

The Queen has lost her loyal consort, Prince Philip. Whether you are a monarchist or not, we can all sympathize and pray for the Royal Family. When the life of a famed person such as Philip gets exposed in the media at a time like this, we all get a chance to see that those persons/couples/families are, in reality, just ordinary persons with faults and foibles, strengths and weaknesses, interests and duties.

In an earlier column I mentioned that the Queen has never given an interview, for which I admire her.

The personal aspects of anyone's life should be kept within their own four walls no matter how elaborate or humble those walls are. I wonder now whether Harry and Meghan regret their recent interview with Oprah. I am sure it weighed heavily on the Prince’s mind in his last weeks.

With the last orders from the provincial government, Londesborough United Church has decided to revert to pre-recorded services beginning on April 18 until it is considered safe to hold inperson services again.

Susan McIlveen, minister at Londesborough United, used Psalm 33 and Acts 4: 32-35 as supporting

scriptures for her message about unity. Diversity in our Christian belief in unity is a gift from God. Christians living as a community of believers will be united and in harmony but with diversity. As she stated, people looking for Jesus should find in our faith a place of belonging where each has respect and love and individuality.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO Share your photos of life during the stay-at-home order with The Citizen by e-mailing them to reporter@northhuron.on.ca

The 11th annual Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund Run Around The Square is virtual this year

May 28th - 30th All proceeds from the Run Around The Square go towards the Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund and the purchase of life-saving defibrillators.

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Register by April 29 at midnight to receive your run t-shirt Registration will remain open until May 28 at 6 p.m.

All runners will be entered into a draw to win a bike from 360 Bikes ’n Boards in Goderich valued at $700

Register at www.runaroundthesquare.ca Brought to you by:

Three distances 5K - $45 10K - $50 Half-marathon - $55

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021. PAGE 11.

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Blyth Lions Club

Brussels Lions Club would like to thank the community for their ongoing support and all the volunteers who help us throughout the year.

With special thanks to all our volunteers

victimserviceshuron.ca

BLYTH

United Church

BRUSSELS

HURON/BRUCE CHAPTER

United Church

Volunteers wear many hats, take on lots of tasks, and face lots of challenges.

Thank You volunteers email: madd@hurontel.on.ca 519-357-4552

Thank you to everyone who volunteers in and around our community Accessible

Municipality of Huron East

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to the countless volunteers who contribute tremendous time and energy within Huron East.

Your contribution plays a vital role in sustaining an extraordinary quality of life within our community.

Londesboro Lions Club We would like to thank all our volunteers for all the time they dedicate to make our Lions Club so successful. Thank you!

Though we have not been able to have volunteers in the building over the past year, we appreciate the role they play in supporting our students.

The Hullett school community has missed you and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Hullett Central Public School

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Huron County 4-H would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our volunteers, past, present and future.

They have donated their time to make the best better and the futures of many brighter.

Find us on Facebook or for more info Huron4-hsecretary@hotmail.com

Thanks to the many volunteers who help us throughout the year.

Optimist Club of Brussels Friend of Youth

ank you Your continued support and dedication throughout the pandemic has made a tremendous impact on the lives of many seniors living in your community.

1-877-502-8277 ONECARESUPPORT.CA

SPECIAL THANKS

Thank you!

Royal Canadian Legion Brussels Branch 218

Special thanks to all our volunteers for the time and care they give so generously!

No drugs, No alcohol, no victims

Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches

Thank you to all our volunteers!

With our deepest gratitude for your time & patience during such difficult times.

Thank you volunteers, we could not provide the wonderful services we do with out you.

would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who volunteers their time for the betterment of our community and surrounding area.

Volunteers are the heartbeat of our community!

Thank you to all our volunteers.

We appreciate all those who make our association run so smoothly.

Special thanks to all the comrades and friends of the branch who put so much time into making our branch a success

Thank You Volunteers!

Thanks to our dedicated members who work tirelessly to make our yearly Brussels Fall Fair a success.

• Crop Inputs • Crop Consulting • Crop Protection Products • Seed • Custom Application

www.brusselsagromart.ca

Brussels

519-887-6273

Corporation of the COUNTY OF HURON Huronview and Huronlea Homes for the Aged "Kind hearts are the garden, Kind thoughts are the roots, Kind words are the blossom, Kind deeds are the fruits, A friendly word, a kindly smile, A helpful act, and life's worthwhile."

It’s been a long year, and we can’t wait to have you back!.

WE MISS YOU!

Thank you to the volunteers who work to keep our village beautiful and to the community for supporting our fundraising efforts. friendsofblyth@gmail.com

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021. PAGE 11.

www.brusselsfallfair.ca

• Farm • Residential • Commercial • Automobile

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1-800-265-3033

Blyth Lions Club

Brussels Lions Club would like to thank the community for their ongoing support and all the volunteers who help us throughout the year.

With special thanks to all our volunteers

victimserviceshuron.ca

BLYTH

United Church

BRUSSELS

HURON/BRUCE CHAPTER

United Church

Volunteers wear many hats, take on lots of tasks, and face lots of challenges.

Thank You volunteers email: madd@hurontel.on.ca 519-357-4552

Thank you to everyone who volunteers in and around our community Accessible

Municipality of Huron East

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to the countless volunteers who contribute tremendous time and energy within Huron East.

Your contribution plays a vital role in sustaining an extraordinary quality of life within our community.

Londesboro Lions Club We would like to thank all our volunteers for all the time they dedicate to make our Lions Club so successful. Thank you!

Though we have not been able to have volunteers in the building over the past year, we appreciate the role they play in supporting our students.

The Hullett school community has missed you and we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Hullett Central Public School

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Huron County 4-H would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our volunteers, past, present and future.

They have donated their time to make the best better and the futures of many brighter.

Find us on Facebook or for more info Huron4-hsecretary@hotmail.com

Thanks to the many volunteers who help us throughout the year.

Optimist Club of Brussels Friend of Youth

ank you Your continued support and dedication throughout the pandemic has made a tremendous impact on the lives of many seniors living in your community.

1-877-502-8277 ONECARESUPPORT.CA

SPECIAL THANKS

Thank you!

Royal Canadian Legion Brussels Branch 218

Special thanks to all our volunteers for the time and care they give so generously!

No drugs, No alcohol, no victims

Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches

Thank you to all our volunteers!

With our deepest gratitude for your time & patience during such difficult times.

Thank you volunteers, we could not provide the wonderful services we do with out you.

would like to give a huge thank you to everyone who volunteers their time for the betterment of our community and surrounding area.

Volunteers are the heartbeat of our community!

Thank you to all our volunteers.

We appreciate all those who make our association run so smoothly.

Special thanks to all the comrades and friends of the branch who put so much time into making our branch a success

Thank You Volunteers!

Thanks to our dedicated members who work tirelessly to make our yearly Brussels Fall Fair a success.

• Crop Inputs • Crop Consulting • Crop Protection Products • Seed • Custom Application

www.brusselsagromart.ca

Brussels

519-887-6273

Corporation of the COUNTY OF HURON Huronview and Huronlea Homes for the Aged "Kind hearts are the garden, Kind thoughts are the roots, Kind words are the blossom, Kind deeds are the fruits, A friendly word, a kindly smile, A helpful act, and life's worthwhile."

It’s been a long year, and we can’t wait to have you back!.

WE MISS YOU!

Thank you to the volunteers who work to keep our village beautiful and to the community for supporting our fundraising efforts. friendsofblyth@gmail.com

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021.

Brown worked way up through Legion Branch

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Helping out Sandra Brown, shown above at a recent pick-up meal hosted by the Brussels Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, is involved in many of the community group’s initiatives. She started at the Branch as a bar steward, becoming an active member and volunteer. (Denny Scott photo)

Volunteers are often said to be the lifeblood of small communities around the world and the towns, villages and hamlets of Huron County are no different.

Many simply volunteer their time on their own, cooking meals or knitting clothes and blankets for those who need them, while others are active members of organizations like Lions Clubs, Optimist Clubs, Kinsmen, Legions, Ladies Auxiliaries and more.

In small communities like those throughout Huron County, it’s not a stretch of the imagination to say that life would be very different if these people didn’t care enough to give of themselves to enrich the lives of others. And, very often, they seek no recognition and are happy to stay out of the spotlight, which can make it hard for members of the community to truly appreciate all that these people do.

One of the most active service groups in The Citizen’s coverage area in the Brussels Legion and one of that Branch’s most active and dedicated volunteers is Sandra Brown.

Brown began her time as a Legion volunteer with the Blyth Legion nearly 35 years ago, but she shifted her membership to the Brussels Branch soon after joining up in Blyth.

She worked at the Branch as a bar steward, but also served as an active member and volunteer. She said she was drawn to give back to the community after her grandfather, father and uncle all served in the

armed forces. In fact, she has celebrated the dedication of her father and uncle in the Second World War on a Remembrance Day banner in Brussels.

She has even worked to display a number of her family’s artifacts from various conflicts when they were discovered in a closet and given to her several years ago.

Everything from dog tags to telegrams were in that package, she said, and it was amazing to go through it. She said it would be a shame not to share it with the rest of the world.

Though Brown began as an employee and a standard member of the Branch, she is now one of the most active members it has. She is currently serving as the secretary, the chair of the membership committee, the Poppy Chair, chair of the Catch the Ace committee and a member of the fish fry committee.

If the Branch has a committee, Brown is likely on it in some capacity.

She said that while volunteering with the Branch has a lot to do with her family’s history and wanting to give back to the community, there is plenty of fun to be had as a member of a service club, working with other like-minded members. “It’s a blast,” she said.

One of the things she says she has seen change over the years has been the acceptance of members who were not active members of the armed forces. Decades ago, she said, there was a real movement to keep the organization for those who had served their country. Now, she said, many of those same people are working to welcome civilian

Ginn frustrated with re-routing

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen At Central Huron Council’s April 6 meeting, several members expressed their frustration with several aspects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and government control measures.

Mayor Jim Ginn responded to reports that had been circulating that day predicting the four-week stay-at-home order Premier Doug Ford would eventually issue the following day and the potential vaccine redistribution plan. Ginn said it was disappointing, but understandable that a stay-at-home order would be issued, saying that low case numbers in Huron and Perth Counties, among the lowest in the province, showed that local residents were taking the virus seriously and complying with government direction attempting to stop the spread of the virus.

It was frustrating, then, that the entire province was being “painted

with the same brush” when it came to the stay-at-home order.

Councillor Michael Russo expressed a similar frustration, saying it was unfair that small businesses throughout the province were being forced into closure while big box stores were being allowed to remain open. (The provincial government, while allowing big box stores to remain open under the stay-at-home order, has dictated that any non-essential items be cordoned off and not be allowed to be sold.)

Ginn also expressed frustration with “hot spot” city centres pleading for vaccines to be rerouted to them in order to stop soaring infection numbers. He said that while he can understand the intent behind such a move, those areas were not working to help themselves and he felt it was unfair they would have vaccines rerouted to them after areas like Huron and Perth Counties had done such a good job. This came as videos of

malls and shopping centres in the greater Toronto area (GTA) being full of people circulated.

He said he felt Huron and Perth residents were listening to government direction, but then being punished for it.

members with open arms.

Not only that, but she has seen a real jump in interest and involvement with young people, which is essential to the survival of any service club or volunteer organization. She says getting more involved with the young people of the community has been a positive step forward.

As far as her favourite activities with the Branch, Brown says she always looks forward to the public speaking and poster competitions, which likely dates back to her time as the youth chair of the organization. She also looks forward to Remembrance Day on the calendar, the most important day in a Legion Branch’s year.

Follow The Citizen on Facebook, Twitter and through our website at huroncitizen.ca

Leadership in energy and environmental design

Devon Henry 84772 McDonald Line • Box 616 • Brussels

devonjhenry@hotmail.com 519-505-2473

Huron Perth

www.hpph.ca/vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccination

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics Celebrating A Special Occasion? adults 65+ (born 1956 or earlier) Advertise it in Indigenous persons 16+ The Citizen other priority groups Call or email to book your ad today!

The Citizen 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

• Appointments online at www.hpph.ca/vaccinebooking or call 1-833-753-2098 • Eligibility and updates at www.hpph.ca/vaccine or call 1-888-221-2133, press 1.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021. PAGE 13.

519-523-4311

www.ruralvoice.ca

Agriculture

BLYTH 519-523-4244 www.hurontractor.com

Brussels Livestock report

Steers, heifers sell steady at weekly sale Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending April 9 were 2,170 cattle and 672 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday, choice steers and heifers and holstein steers and heifers sold with prices $1 to $2 higher. All other fed cattle sold steady. Cows sold on a stronger market.

On Thursday, veal sold actively with steady prices. Lambs sold steady to higher. Sheep sold steady and goats sold higher.

On Friday, calves sold on a strong active trade with grass-type cattle bringing a premium. Yearlings sold actively with prices $3 to $5 higher.

K/C McAlpine of Ailsa Craig, consigned eight head. Three charolais steers averaged 1,547 lbs. and sold for an average price of $146.50.

Art Bos of Blyth, consigned two head. One Pied steer weighed 1,580 lbs. and sold for a price of $147.

There were 250 cows on offer.

Beef sold $75 to $85; good holstein cows, $74 to $77; medium holstein cows, $70 to $73; plain cows, $60 to $69.

There were 195 head of veal on offer. Beef veal sold $175 to $201 with sales to $209; good holsteins, $120 to $130 with sales to $155; SL

heavy holsteins, $115 to $125; heavy holsteins, $109 to $135; medium holsteins, $110 to $115; plain holsteins, $75 to $115.

Reuben S. Martin of Wallenstein, consigned five head. One charolais heifer weighed 895 lbs. and sold for a price of $209.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $454 to $570; 50 - 64 lbs., $448 to $470; 65 - 79 lbs., $443 to $455; 80 - 94 lbs., $422 to $440; 95 - 109 lbs., $404.25 to $414 and 110 lbs. and over, $321 to $399.

Sheep sold $75 to $240.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $375; nannies, $150 to $250; kids: meat, $560 to $640; dairy, $400 to $585.

Heffer Farms of Wingham, consigned 19 head. Eleven lambs averaged 104 lbs. and sold for a price of $402. Jason Veenstra of Clinton, consigned 16 head. Seven lambs averaged 91 lbs. and sold for a price of $417.

Top quality stocker steers under 400 lbs. sold $222.50 to $265; 400 499 lbs., $245 to $269; 500 - 599 lbs., $232 to $259; 600 - 699 lbs., $219 to $237; 700 - 799 lbs., $209 to $218.50; 800 - 899 lbs., $193 to $208.25; 900 - 999 lbs., $171.50 to $183 and 1,000 lbs. and over, $159 to $167.

Top quality stocker heifers, 400 499 lbs. sold $193.50 to $264; 500 -

599 lbs., $193.50 to $225; 600 - 699 lbs., $191 to $209; 700 - 799 lbs., $168.50 to $180; 800 - 899 lbs., $164.50 to 171.25 and 900 lbs. and over, $159.50 to $169.50.

Joseph Sherk of Wellesley, consigned 44 head. Twenty charolais heifers averaged 962 lbs. and sold for an average price of $168.25. Ronald Menary of Lucknow, consigned 30 head.

Thirteen gold heifers averaged 833 lbs. and sold for an average price of $171.25. Casey and Cathy Hendriks of Lucknow, consigned 22 head.

Fourteen charolais steers averaged 724 lbs. and sold for an average price of $218.50.

OFA encourages farmers to have safe, productive season

By Larry Davis, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture As the days start to get warmer, farm equipment across the province will begin hitting the roadways for planting season. Many farmers spend a lot of time on the road throughout the spring, travelling long distances between fields and back to their farms. Similar to the farm, there are several best practices and protocols to follow to ensure the safety of all vehicles on the road, and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) reminds everyone to remember the rules of the road and take the time to put safety first.

Farm and road safety has always been a top priority for the OFA. Following proper road safety procedures helps to ensure farmers, as well as motorists, stay safe. To farmers, travelling on the road with large equipment is part of doing business and a necessary day-today task of spring planting. As we begin to move our farm equipment out of the barn and onto the road, it may be time to pause, talk to everyone on your farm team and consider the many steps we can take to ensure our roadways remain safe.

Some roads, bridges and traffic circles aren’t built to accommodate heavy machinery and a lot more motorists are increasingly impatient around slow-moving vehicles. It is our job as the drivers of our farm equipment to ensure we are doing everything we can to ensure safe travel.

It is important to always ensure that your farm tractors, combines or other self-propelled implements have a visible slow-moving vehicle sign on the back of your equipment.

It is also important to use lights, tail lights and signals to make your equipment visible to all motorists.

While you are required to use lights on equipment from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes after sunrise – if you keep them on all the time, you’ll always be visible.

Turns have the potential to pose many safety risks if you are not properly using your signals. When slowing down and making your turn, it is vital to indicate this movement to the motorist behind you to prevent collisions or confusion. I tell my employees to be extra cautious during left-hand turns. In my experience, I have seen many motorists try to pass farm equipment, not seeing that they’re

preparing to make a left-hand turn.

Therefore, it is essential to always be cautious and use your indicators when turning on roadways. I often advise my employees to take the time to check twice when turning on and off busy roadways to remain safe.

Another aspect of safety is to always remain alert and aware of your surroundings. I always encourage my employees to stay alert, regardless if there are other vehicles on the road. Attentive drivers are safe drivers. The OFA encourages all farmers to keep it hands-free and stay off smartphones while operating farm equipment.

The road requires our full attention to ensure safe trips. Although our equipment may look different, we are still required to follow the rules of the road.

On the road, it’s important to drive your equipment on the main part of the highway. It is not illegal to drive on the shoulder, but it can be dangerous as it may not support the weight of your equipment.

When driving on back roads, there may be cases where a sign indicating a soft shoulder is not present. By driving towards the middle of your lane, you ensure that

your farm equipment remains safe and on the road.

The OFA also encourages farmers to be mindful of their speed and stopping times. Many of us travel with heavy loads that have the capability to overpower our brakes.

It is imperative to watch our stopping times and ensure that we are mindful of the distance between vehicles and steep grades. It’s also important to remember that all farm equipment on the road, plus trucks towing farm implements, must not exceed the 40 kilometres-per-hour speed limit.

Lastly, always complete your safety checks to confirm that your farm equipment is safe to drive on the road. Check that your brakes and lights are working correctly, and be sure that every piece of farm equipment travelling on roadways has a slow-moving vehicle sign that is visible to motorists. Following these best practices and regulations will help make sure that everyone has a safe and productive planting season. ing Spr Care r a C

Deadline April 16

Remember to take the time to put safety first on the roadways, on your farm and for your family.

For additional information on road safety, visit ofa.on.ca/roadsafety or check out our fact sheets on transportation.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS

9:00 a.m. Drop Calves 10:00 a.m.Veal 11:30 a.m. Lambs, Goats & Sheep

FRIDAYS

10:00 a.m. Stockers Visit our webpage at: www.brusselslivestock.ca email us at: info@brusselslivestock.ca

Call us 519-887-6461

WHO’S LOOKING AT YOU?

y enc erg ess Em aredn p Pre

Deadline April 30

Put your business in front of the R I G H T eyes!

The Citizen has special interest issues coming up.

A new season

al Ment dian k Cana alth Wee He

As spring blossoms around Huron County, Liz Allan of the Maitland Valley Camera Club was in Brussels to snap this picture of Logan’s Mill in Brussels, which hopes to find new life someday soon thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers. (Photo courtesy of Liz Allan of the Maitland Valley Camera Club)

Deadline April 30

Call or email our marketing specialists today!

519-523-4792 ads@northhuron.on.ca

’s her Mot ay D

Deadline April 30

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021.

Classified Advertisements – RATES – 20 words or less only $7.00 + HST. Additional words 20¢ each + HST. 50¢ will be deducted if ad is paid in advance

In memoriam Personals ARE YOU PREGNANT AND unsure about your future? Contact Ramoth House. We can help you discover your parenting potential.

You can get more information about our services on our website www.ramoth.ca or by phone 519323-3751 or email: office@ramoth.ca e6w

DEADLINE 2 p.m. Monday in Brussels 4 p.m. Monday in Blyth Phone 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 e-mail: info@northhuron.on.ca

Articles for sale GERBERS FIREWOOD SERVING you for over 10 years. Your number one source of quality slabwood and bodywood. Delivery available. No Sunday calls. 519-656-2057, 519441-2085.

01-50p ----------------------------------------REPRINTS OF PHOTOS taken by Citizen photographers are available to purchase. All are in colour. 4x6 – $5.00, 5x7 – $6.00, 8x10 – $10.00. Phone to order 519523-4792 or 519-887-9114. tfn -----------------------------------------THE CITIZEN IS AVAILABLE TO purchase at these locations – Auburn Co-op, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Dean’s Valu-Mart in Wingham, Wingham Mini Mart, Seaforth Foodland, GT Mini Mart in Seaforth, Fincher’s in Goderich and The Citizen Blyth.

SNELL. Thanks for the special care by nursing staff at both Clinton and Seaforth Public Hospitals. A big thank you to family, friends and neighbours for their concern, cards, phone calls and food brought to the farm. Most greatly appreciated! Ken Snell.

15-1p

SUE’S FAMOUS FISH FRY Take-Out Style, Friday, April 23, noon to 7 p.m., Wingham Columbus Centre. Grilled or battered white fish or chicken fingers – Take-out $16 (fish, fries or baked potato and a dinner roll) – half price for kids! Add $1.50 for caesar or garden salad. Add $2 for a butter tart. HST is included in all prices. Call 519-357-1270 to order your fish and to reserve a pick-up time. Pay by e-transfer, credit card, debit or cash.

15-1

In memoriam DAVIDSON, Cal - A loving husband and my best friend who passed away April 18, 1996.

Memory drifts to scenes long past, Time rolls on, but memories last, Sunshine passes, shadows fall, Love’s remembrance outlasts us all.

- Love Jean.

15-1

Help wanted Help wanted Dale Pump and Farm Service Ltd. 269 Ontario Street, Clinton Has an immediate opening for a full-time

Licensed Plumber Experience is an asset Competitive Wages Email your confidential résumé to steve_dalepump@yahoo.ca or fax to 519-482-9540

Services McADAM. In loving memory of Lynda McAdam who passed away April 7, 2011.

The saying goes, “where does the time go?” After ten years we can say it has gone to searching. When you lose someone as significant as Mom, you search everywhere. It goes to rooting through cupboards in the hunt for a favourite recipe she made - brownies, pie or a comforting meal. Searching a crowd for her face. Ten years have gone to memories of her laughter, of her need to feed anyone who walked through her door. Memories of meeting with friends at the Grand View for coffee. We have memories of the compassion she had for her clients and volunteering at the Threshers and phone calls letting us know of any gossip she may have picked up during coffee. Time has gone to butterflies, feathers, numbers and flowers, all the little things that remind us she is near.

And time has certainly gone to tears.

When the memories become a painful reminder that the amazing woman we call Mom had to leave us before we were ready. Missing this mom, grandma, great-grandma, wife and friend. We hope we are making you proud up there.

- Love from your entire family.15-1

LOVED ONES’ GRAVESTONES need cared for? I can do this for you. Call 519-887-9257.

13-4p -----------------------------------------INCOME TAX PREPARATION – farm, business, personal. Stephen Thompson, 519-482-3244. 09-8b

Take control of your arthritis 1 in 6 Canadians have arthritis

That’s nearly 4.5 million people living with the pain and disability of arthritis

Call the Arthritis Information Line at 1.800.321.1433 or visit our website at www.arthritis.ca to get the support and information you need.

You can join the FREE Arthritis Registry to get updates on Society programs and events.

Commit to a world without arthritis

Help wanted Help wanted Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk The Municipality of Huron East is seeking applicants for the position of CAO/Clerk due to the pending retirement of the incumbent. Huron East, with offices in Seaforth Ontario is a thriving municipality composed of nearly 700 sq km of highly productive farmland, and several fully serviced urban areas, with a growing population of nearly 10,000, an annual budget of nearly $15 million and municipal assets providing service with a replacement value of approximately $200 million. The CAO/Clerk provides professional advice to Council and leads a talented team of approximately 65 full and part time employees providing a complete range of local services.

The preferred candidate will have a relevant post secondary education and at least five years’ management experience in a municipal or related position. The municipality will provide a competitive compensation and benefits package commensurate with skills and qualifications.

Applications and inquiries will be received until noon on April 29, 2021, directed to: Nigel Bellchamber N.G. Bellchamber & Assoc. bellchamber@sympatico.ca Personal information submitted will be used for the purpose of determining suitability for this position only in accordance with The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Full-Time Farm Workers 24-month position Brussels Livestock, Div. of Gamble & Rogers Limited has two positions available for full-time farm workers for a 24-month period.

Job Start Date: on or about April 15, 2021 End Date: on or about March 14, 2023 Rate of Pay: $14.25/hour Hours: 40-80 Hours / Week. (Working hours are variable due to position being dependent upon weather conditions) Number of Vacancies: 2 Terms of Employment: 24 months, full-time Job Location: Brussels, Ontario Job • • • •

Description: Feed and tend livestock Plant, fertilize, cultivate, spray, irrigate and harvest crops Operate and maintain farm machinery and equipment Follow food safety and security and animal bio-security procedures • Detect disease and health problems in crops, livestock and poultry • Set and monitor water lines, air flow and temperature in barns, and pens • Maintain or assist in the maintenance of facilities and farm infrastructure including cleaning stables, barns, barnyards and pens

Work Conditions and Physical Capabilities: • Inside and outdoors • Fast-paced environment • Work under pressure • Tight deadlines • Repetitive tasks • Handling heavy loads and physically demanding • Attention to detail • Combination of sitting, walking, or standing for extended periods of time • Work any shift: days or evenings; including weekends and holidays Personal Suitability: Flexible, organized, team player, effective interpersonal skills, works well with others, but also should be able to be independent and take initiative.

Skills Required: • Fluent English speaker • Tending to livestock • Planting, hoeing/weeding, grading/sorting, harvesting crops • Property/farm maintenance • Ability to safely operate farm equipment Education: None required.

Experience: Experience is an asset; but willing to train.

Work Eligibility: Only applicants legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered.

Equal opportunity Employer: Brussels Livestock is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Applications can be emailed to: Cindy Ferraro: cindyf@brusselslivestock.ca P.O. Box 59, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0 Canada

See more “Help Wanted” on Page 15

All word ads in The Citizen classifieds are put on our webpage at

www.huroncitizen.ca

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021. PAGE 15

Classified Advertisements Help wanted Help wanted Tender

Tender

FOR SALE BY TENDER 60 Southampton St. Dungannon Dungannon United Church built 1909 on 0.33 acres, spacious, theatre-style sanctuary with full basement of 2700 ft2 For details contact Kay Logtenberg: logtenbg@hurontel.on.ca or 519-529-7439 before May 6.

Appraised at $225,000.

Tender acceptance must be approved by the United Church of Canada - therefore, lowest or any bid not necessarily accepted.

DeWit, school work to brighten Huronlea

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Citizen-To-Citizen “SWAP SHOP” ad “One person’s junk is another’s treasure”

Municipality of Huron East

Let us help you turn that junk into $$

is accepting applications for a position with the Brussels Cemetery

• Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less. Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster!

• The Citizen reserves the right to limit the number of items or ads per person.

Grass Cutting and General Grounds Maintenance Responsibilities include general maintenance and upkeep of the Brussels Cemetery, including assisting with burials.

This position is 40 hours/week for the period of approximately May 1 to October 31.

An option of additional employment during the winter months may be available within Huron East Recreation or Public Works Departments.

This position has a salary range of between $19.37 and $22.46 per hour.

Applications are to be submitted to the undersigned prior to 5:00 pm on April 20, 2021.

Doug Sholdice, Chairman Brussels Cemetery Board PO Box 69, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0 Phone: 519-887-6100 Email: dsholdice@orrinsurance.net

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca FOR SALE - lawnmower Craftsman 21" cut, variable speed rear wheel drive, bagging/mulching discharge deck, 8" wheels, includes bag, $75. 519-357-2850, Wingham.

15-3 -----------------------------------------WANTED - one wire rabbit cage in good clean condition, approx.

30x36x15 inches high. Call 519440-6647.

15-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE – 6-foot patio door, white millennium covered, $200.

519-527-1687.

14-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE – JVC 32" TV, free; Xpressvu HD receiver with PVR, $50; two garden tillers, $50 and $75; two push mowers, $20 your choice; Maytag washer and dryer, $75 for pair. 519-523-4711. 14-3

FOR SALE – Black and Decker belt sander 3"x24", $50. 519-3579694.

14-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE – four-head HiFi stereo, $25, Sony DVD player, $25; small freezer, $75. 226-420-2067.

14-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE – patio set, high top table and six chairs with covers, plexiglass top, no umbrella, $100.

Call or text 519-441-0484. 13-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE – three panel room divider, wooden, holds 15 pictures, 10"x8" or 5"x7", $50. Call or text 519-441-0484.

13-3 ------------------------------------------

Forest trail usage up during pandemic

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron County Forest Conservation Officer Dave Pullen says it was another great year for the county’s forest system, which involved some foresight and outreach into the community.

Pullen presented his annual report to Huron County Council at its April 7 meeting, which was held virtually over Zoom.

With the COVID-19 pandemic dominating much of 2020, Pullen said the Huron County forest system played a large role in his department’s response to the pandemic.

He said they saw an opportunity when the pandemic took hold locally and felt people would need to reconnect to the outdoors to aid both their physical and mental health. So, the county forests remained open and the department rushed to print signs encouraging physical distancing. Pullen told

council that he felt if physical distancing couldn’t be maintained in hundreds of acres of bush, it couldn’t be maintained anywhere.

As a result, he said, the county forests saw great usage over the course of the summer and fall and people were encouraged to get out and see all that Huron County has to offer.

Pullen also updated council on a number of other aspects of his job, including ongoing legal action.

In his report, Pullen detailed three woodland clearing cases that are still in progress from 2019 due to delays associated with the COVID19 pandemic, though stop-work orders have remained in place during that time.

He said he had to issue two stopwork orders on woodland clearing in 2020 with charges pending and another three have been issued already by the end of March, 2021, with investigations in progress.

Pullen told councillors that he still seeks “proactive solutions

without lengthy trials”, but they require guilty pleas. He also said a common thread in recent violations have been large agricultural operators who own and operate high hoes.

On the positive side, Pullen said there has been an increase in woodland owners using independent professional forestry advice (jumping from 30 per cent to 36 per cent) and 130 notices of intent for commercial timber harvests were filed over the course of 2020.

He also said there have been

county forest timber sales of approximately $55,000, including an additional $15,000 in valueadded sales through the website GovDeals (which allows government entities to sell online).

Pullen’s department also undertook numerous projects over the course of the year. One such project was at the Stingel Tract, near the Nine Mile River, where over 400 tonnes of stone were moved in and four culvert crossings were installed. Five-hundred metres of trail damage was also repaired there as well.

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Jackie DeWit turned one person’s problem into a solution benefiting the community of Brussels recently when the Brussels Bulk and Bargain closed its doors.

DeWit said she was able to buy the leftover stock from the business when it shuttered, helping the business owners to clear out their goods and creating an opportunity for herself in the meantime.

She put the stock in her garage and started selling it, giving a portion of the sale to the Brussels Bulk and Bargain owners and setting the rest aside to give to individuals in need. When some staff from Huronlea Home for the Aged came to find some personal care items for the nursing home, however, DeWit realized she could do more.

“I had seasonal decor,” she said.

“We had Valentine’s Day, Easter and every other holiday so we donated decor to Huronlea to help.”

When the second lockdown hit, however, she felt it would be a “cool initiative” to donate Valentine’s Day cards to North Woods Elementary School for students to decorate and send to the retirement and long-term care home.

“It would be cool to have all the kids during language block send messages to Huronlea staff and residents,” she said. “We did that, sent out over 150 messages, picked them up and took them to Huronlea. Then we did the same thing for Easter.”

Dipping into the decor she had left, students put messages inside of Easter eggs, which helped both students practising their writing and the residents at Huronlea who were cut off from the world.

“It was kind of like a pen pal system,” she said.

The funds from selling the other stock, she said, have gone to families in town that are struggling due to COVID-19 as well as to the service clubs.

She said she’ll donate goods and gift cards to families in need by just showing up at their door. She has also purchased meals from service clubs and delivered them to people without family or who have mobility issues.

“It’s all on a volunteer basis,” DeWit said. “It all came from the stock, so I was able to help out [the owners of Brussels Bulk and Bargain] and do all this work as well.”

DeWit said she hopes her action inspires others to help out their neighbours both during this difficult time and in perpetuity.

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021.

Farmers ready for season PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

Getting out While it can be tough finding things to do during the stay-at-home order issued by the provincial government, walks for exercise are still allowed. Get out, grab a camera like Liz Allan did and get your images, like Allan’s beautiful river landscape shown here, featured in The Citizen by e-mailing them to reporter@northhuron.on.ca. (Photo courtesy of Liz Allan of the

We can hope that the first week of lockdown went well for everyone.

The kids were still in school but now they have been home for the April Break this week.

We had great weather last week and we hope we have some nice weather for the kids to be outside this week, riding bikes, skipping rope, practising soccer moves or baseball skills.

Many folks out there have heard about the shortage of bus drivers in the area. All the companies are looking for new drivers. There is such a shortage that if a current driver has to miss his/her run, that run is cancelled and parents have to take/or pick up their children from school. Companies prefer drivers to drive full time, but are willing to work with applicants. Some maybe can only drive mornings or

afternoons, but someone else out there maybe can do the opposite. It is not a high paying job, but for many, it is a positive experience in their life to be out doing something, especially after retirement. In my case, my “job” can work between bus runs. Think about it and/or call a driver you know, or the bus company/companies to find out more details.

Do we need some more signs of spring? I consider seeing flocks of seagulls a sign and the killdeers are back looking for a place to build a nest. We have had them build nests just on the side of the laneway in the gravel. We watch and watch for the eggs to hatch and somehow we miss the hatching and they are gone. Maybe this year we will see the babies.

The farmers are busy getting machinery ready. Greasing, checking tires, replacing cultivator points and checking to make sure everything is ready to go. Spring grain has been planted by some, other fields have been worked and stones picked, ready for planting corn and some are finishing up the plowing from last fall. Lots of manure is being spread, which of course, is known as the “sweet” smell of spring.

Spring also means the start of

new life, whether we think of plants or weeds or baby animals, it is also the joyous arrival of babies in our area. We congratulate George and Jane Zwep on becoming first-time grandparents to a beautiful baby girl. Proud parents are Danica and Cody Janmaat and they are pleased to welcome McKinley Mary-Jane to their family. Ron and Colleen are also excited about being first-time grandparents and can’t wait to spoil wee McKinley.

Celebrating birthdays this past week are Marie McGavin, Heather Dunbar, Shannon Craig, Cole Zwep, Katie Emmrich Johnston, Jack Ryan, Theresa Pryce, Leighton Williams and Leah Janmaat.

Happy birthday to all.

Maitland Valley Camera Club)

Brussels Lions to hold new raffle

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen After a successful first year in 2020, the Brussels Lions Club is bringing back its KickStart draw with KickStart 2021, which will again take the place of the club’s annual Elimination Draw.

The draw was a hit last year, not only encouraging community members to buy tickets and earn a shot at winning some prizes, but it also stimulated the local economy,

as the club had purchased $100 gift certificates from over 40 local businesses, which found themselves struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic.

While Paul Mutter of the Lions Club said he had hoped that the Elimination Draw would return this year, little has changed. The draw cannot move forward and local businesses are still struggling due to the pandemic, so the club decided to move ahead with KickStart 2021.

This year, the entire draw will go

Obituaries

JOHN “GARY” RODGER Sept. 23, 1946 - March 24, 2021 John “Gary” Rodger passed away unexpectedly, at his home on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. He was 74 years of age.

Gary was predeceased by his parents Emerson and Phyllis Rodger and brothers William and Keith. He is survived by his sister Betty (Bill) Helesic and his brother Clare (Linda) Rodger and will be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Born in Goderich, Gary was raised on the family farm in the

Auburn area. Schooling was at the East Wawanosh S.S.#6 and he completed Grade 12 at Goderich District Collegiate Institute. After high school, Gary moved on to getting his apprenticeship and receiving his tool and die certificate. His career started at Speidel in Goderich and after various jobs he landed his career at Bruce Power as a mechanical maintainer.

Over many years, Gary’s passion in finding his family history inspired others to follow with interest in gathering knowledge to continue the family legacy. Gary’s pastime was to attend flea markets and sales to bring home an item or two to just tinker with and restore his finds.

His love of reading and knowledge always made for interesting conversations.

Online condolences may be left at McCallum & Palla Funeral Home.

As per Gary’s wish, cremation has taken place and there will be no funeral service.

Donations can be made in his name to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

ahead on one day: June 26. All of the gift certificates will find homes that day, as will five cash prizes, with the largest being $1,000. That differs slightly from last year’s draw, which included a grand prize of a Yeti cooler and other goodies.

Mutter says the club is in the final planning stages of the draw, contacting local businesses to procure their participation and establishing the lottery licence for the draw. With those pieces in place, he said he hopes tickets will

be available for sale online very soon.

He said this was a way for the club to try and make up for some lost funds due to cancelled events as a result of the pandemic, but also inject some funds into local businesses that sorely need a boost.

Tickets will be $25 each and there will be no limit to how many will be available.

Check back with The Citizen or the club for more details in the coming weeks.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

Take some time to reflect on your view

By Rev. Charmila Ireland Melville Presbyterian Church, Brussels It hasn’t been all that long since my 30th birthday. As part of that day, I felt that I really should listen to “My Next 30 Years” by Tim McGraw. For those unfamiliar with the song, it’s Tim singing about celebrating the life he’s lived so far, and looking ahead to the things that he wants to do in his next 30 years.

So on my 30th birthday, I sat and listened to that song and considered my hopes, dreams and fears for my next 30 years.

Those milestone years always seem cause for reflection. Our milestone birthdays like 18th, then 30th, then 50th, then 75th; the oneyear anniversary of COVID-19 hitting Ontario in full force; the new millennium, then 2010, then 2020 on our fifth, 10th, 25th anniversaries all are worth mentioning. Finally, and perhaps most poignantly, there is the reflecting that we do when and if we know that we are approaching death.

As the Psalmists sang in Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” When we number our days, we tend to consider the peace that we would like to try to make with others and ourselves. We take a retrospective view of our accomplishments, failures, loved ones, enemies, regrets and joys. In those reflections, there is often great wisdom.

Take a moment to read Deuteronomy 34. The final chapter of Deuteronomy is just such a moment for Moses. It doesn’t reveal his inner thoughts, but I can’t help but think that he must have been considering all of those things as he stood with God and gazed out at the Promised Land on which he would never set foot. What would it be like to walk with God to the mountaintop and gaze at the fulfillment of your life’s work, all the while knowing that you would never get to touch it? Bittersweet is the word that most often came to mind. How Moses’ heart must have soared with joy and sank with sorrow at the same moment.

As Moses stood with God at the top of Mount Nebo and looked ahead of and behind him, what do you think he saw? In those last moments of his life, what was he thinking?

I want us to take this opportunity, while most of us are stuck at home again, to check out the view of our lives from right where we are. To

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look outside of our current circumstances and consider our lives as a whole.

Moses surely considered the amazing twists that his life had taken. From a boy in a basket on the Nile, to a boy raised in Pharaoh’s household. From a pampered child to a murderer forced to flee for his life. From a shepherd in the desert to a prophet of God. Moses must have marveled that he once had the audacity to stand before the burning bush and tell God that he should send someone who was better at public speaking. That audacious man was now standing with God on a mountain in front of the Promised Land and was considered a prophet like none other. When young Moses considered who he wanted to be when he grew up, he couldn’t have imagined his true journey in his wildest dreams.

What about you? What did you want to be when you were a child?

Did it happen? Looking back, can you now see the hand of God on your life, guiding you in unexpected ways?

As Moses considered the twists of his life, I’m sure that he couldn’t help but think of the ultimate one.

One of the most perilous moments of his life, when he and the Israelites were trapped with nowhere to go. The fierce Egyptian army was chasing them down, trapping them against the Red Sea, leaving them nowhere to go, escaping Egypt only to die by Egyptian hands. I wonder if Moses smiled when he remembered the moment that he stood firm in the face of both the army and the fear

and doubt of the Israelite people. If he smiled as he remembered raising his staff and stretching his arm out over the sea and watching as the waters parted; an escape for his people, doom for the Egyptians, and glory for God. The moment that God did the impossible and delivered the Israelites from harm. Has there been such a moment in your life? A little faster or slower and you would have been hurt or killed? A little earlier or later and you would have been ruined? Trapped, feeling that there is no way out, only for God to show you where to put your feet and leading you to safety? A moment that left you wondering if that coincidence was no coincidence at all, but instead the hand of God? I wonder what Moses thought when he reflected on God’s unexpected leading. When they left Israel, there was a path that would have taken them a scant 100 miles straight to the Promised Land. Why not take it? God told them to take the long way around to avoid the Philistines, knowing that facing down such a fearsome enemy would strike the Israelites full of more fear than they could handle.

God was trying to protect them from themselves.

Sometimes our route to where we need or want to go is not a direct one. Sometimes God seems to take us on the scenic route, and we can’t see the reason why. But there always is one, which we can usually find in retrospect. If I hadn’t tried my hand at teacher’s college, I might not have found my call to

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ministry at all. Or I might have ended up at Knox College at a completely different time to when I did – which means I’d likely be short one amazing husband, a number of very good friends and two wonderful congregations. It didn’t make sense at the time, but it sure does now.

Consider your own life. Is this true for you as well? When did God take you on the scenic route, and what sights did you see while you were taking it? Why would God have led you down that path?

I think that as Moses stood on that mountain and looked out at the land that was promised to his people, a land that was supposed to be rich in milk and honey, that he

remembered all the ways that God had already come through for the Israelites; all the amazing ways that God had provided for their needs, like manna from heaven, water from a rock, quail showing up in their camp, all in the middle of the desert. When they needed, God provided.

For us, God hasn’t put us in a physical desert. Instead, God has blessed us very richly with the very fact that we live in Canada; that the majority of us know luxuries beyond any reason; that most of us have plentiful food, fresh clean water and snug shelters. For our material needs, we have been abundantly provisioned. Has there Continued on page 18

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PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021.

Look to Moses and the Promised Land: Ireland Continued from page 17 been a time in your life when that hasn’t been so? When you had more month than money, as the saying goes? How did you make it through? What changed your circumstances? Most importantly, if you have been blessed with material abundance; how can we use what we have to ensure abundance for all?

Finally, as Moses looked back on his life, he surely must have considered his failings and the failings of his people; the rebellion, fear and impatience that so often took root in their hearts; the golden calf that they built when they wanted to worship a god created by their own hands.

Two years into their wanderings in the desert when the 12 spies entered the Promised Land, 10 returned and said that it was too dangerous, while the other two said that it was good. In that moment, their fear was greater than their faith in God; the same God who had

parted the waters for them and who had been miraculously feeding them with manna from heaven and leading them with a pillar of cloud and light! Their fear was greater than their faith; their faith in the one who had done so much for them.

And so God gave them consequences – all those who were too fearful were never permitted to set foot in the Promised Land.

Instead, the Israelites wandered for 40 years, until that generation was gone. Harsh – yes. Righteous – yes.

Now, when the time was coming and the Israelites again approached the Promised Land, their faith would be great enough. They would want the promises of God more than they would fear the world. It was time.

It was time for Moses to see his life’s work, brought to the brink of completion; time for the people to mourn Moses and follow a new leader; time for them to show their faith and courage and step into the Promised Land.

When have we turned away from God? When have we doubted, feared or rebelled? When have we insisted on going our own way, thinking that we knew best? For surely there is a time in our lives when that has happened. How did you come back to God or how did God bring you back to Himself?

All of that is the view that Moses

saw from the summit of Mount Nebo. Behind him, his life and work, all of his failures and successes and the people he loved and led. And in front of him – well, that is best of all. The Promised Land. Moses stood beside God and gazed upon the promises of God. And so do we. We stand not on a physical mountaintop to look out on

a physical Promised Land. Instead, in the light of Easter just passed, we close our eyes and recall the promises of Jesus Christ. The promises of God for eternal life in relationship with God. That is the Promised Land. Can you see it?

Wherever you are in your life – how is the view from there? I pray that it is beautiful.

Pickleball coming to Holmesville Central Huron Council has approved the playing of pickleball at the Holmesville Hall during weekday hours. This comes after a group from Goderich had requested that Central Huron invest in new courts in Goderich.

Facilities Manager Steve Duizer presented a report for council at its April 6 meeting with several options. He proposed the Central Huron Secondary School tennis courts, several municipal parking

lots, the Eastlink Arena floor at the Central Huron Community Complex and the Clinton Community Park. Ultimately, however, Duizer recommended using the Holmesville Hall if the municipality wanted to offer pickleball.

There, he said, the hall could accommodate two courts and could have permanent lines painted at the hall.

Duizer said the start-up costs for

the municipality would not exceed $1,000. He also told council that neighbouring municipalities will often waive the standard rental fees for pickleball use, but instead take user fees as compensation, which tend to range between $2 and $5 per person.

Council approved the recommendation, authorizing the use of Holmesville Hall for pickleball games during the weekday hours.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021. PAGE 19.

Scott drain still to be included in project

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Despite concerns from one landowner, a controversial drainage project took its next step forward at a recent North Huron Township Council meeting.

The project, called the Scott Drain and Stream Rehabilitation Project 2021, named for the late Murray Scott, came to council last month, at which time both councillors and landowners questioned why conservation projects undertaken by the late Murray Scott were to be rolled into the drain.

The discussion grew heated with people questioning Engineer Jeff Dickson’s capabilities and eventually resulted in council

asking Dickson to revisit the issue.

Reeve Bernie Bailey, during council’s April 6 meeting, apologized for how the meeting in March played out.

Bailey apologized to Dickson as well as those who took in the meeting for the meeting going “astray”. He said he would “endeavour to control meetings a little better” to make sure they wouldn’t again get out of hand.

“There were a lot of things going back and forth and I should’ve controlled that,” he said. “I apologize. I will try to do a better job.”

However, as a result of the decision to revisit the issue, some lands were reassigned to other drains and there were increased

engineering costs.

The improvements undertaken by Scott, however, remain part of the project with some modification to the wording.

Dickson explained the wording was changed to include the term “maintained” to make sure there was no concern about the projects expanding in the future.

“Any improvement to or any removal of the environmental features or components in this report would (if even possible) presumably be under the auspices of Section 78 of the Drainage Act and would necessitate the completion and filing of a new engineer’s report,” he said in the report.

He said there was a very detailed

description of each item and each feature in the document as well as the minimum standard for maintenance.

Councillor Chris Palmer, who was highly critical of the report and Dickson during the last meeting, said he had heard no complaints as a result of the modified report from Dickson.

“I’m very satisfied with the report Mr. Dickson,” he said.

Luke Schilder, a landowner on the drain, however, wasn’t happy with the engineer’s report or the revised report presented on Tuesday.

He said the projects were done thanks to “generous support” from private stakeholders and questioned why it couldn’t be

M-T to work with county on survey

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Morris-Turnberry Council approved a motion to work with Huron County’s Economic Development Department on a business retention and expansion survey.

While the municipality agreed to move forward with the project, at staff’s suggestion, the survey will be carried out through the mail and phone system instead of in-person through volunteers as the county has suggested.

In a report to council, Chief Administrative Officer Trevor Hallam reported that Cole Nicholson, who was hired to coordinate the project, had discussed the issue with Hallam alongside Huron County Economic Development Director Cody Joudry.

“The Huron County Business Retention and Expansion project is a county-wide effort that proposes to conduct confidential, individual business surveys,” Hallam said, adding the surveys would identify needs and concerns of businesses, identify the future of local

businesses and prepare information that could be used for economic development activities in the future.

The municipality last did such a survey in 2012, Hallam said, so a modern report could be helpful.

The county’s suggestion of oneon-one interviews, however, was something Hallam took issue with.

“Staff suggest a modified approach to the one being suggested by the Economic Development Department,” he wrote in his report. “Of particular concern is the scale of resources needed to successfully complete one-on-one interviews with [business owners]. Direct staffing support like that received in 2012 from the Economic Development Partnership is not available and staff do not have the capacity to take on a project of this scope in addition to their regular duties.”

Hallam said the suggestion of using volunteers to conduct interviews is appreciated, but to facilitate that would also require significant staff time.

“Furthermore, one-on-one meetings for the purpose of gathering data may not be feasible due to [COVID-19 pandemic]

restrictions, given that in-person meetings may not be possible,” he wrote, also saying “varying technological abilities” and internet connectivity issues among business owners would also make hosting meetings through digital platforms unlikely.

“The diverse nature of agricultural, commercial, industrial, retail and home-based industries in Morris-Turnberry may warrant a different approach to data collection for the [business retention and expansion] project than those that may be successful or efficient in other municipalities,” he wrote. “Staff have considered the options available and suggest… a direct-mail campaign to distribute sector-specific surveys and

information on how the responses will be used to all Morris-Turnberry businesses for which we have contact information.”

Hallam also said staff could send second mailers or reach out via phone to businesses that haven’t responded as well.

“The commitment is staff time,” he told council. “Putting together mailing will be nothing close to trying to do interviews or recruit and train volunteers.”

Councillor Jim Nelemans suggested that staff offer some kind of raffle prize to be drawn from the businesses that participate as a way to encourage participation. Hallam said he would ask the municipality’s director of finance if that could be managed.

maintained the same way.

Dickson said the whole point of the projects was to naturally maintain the drain, reducing maintenance.

“The intent, especially in the wetlands, is to make the rest of the drain more cost effective regarding reduction of future maintenance,” he said. “Features like the berm and sediment control basin and French drain and wetland storage attempt to further reduce maintenance cost.”

Dickson did admit, however, the purpose and the intent included no guarantees.

The bylaw to accept the report and take the next steps was given the first and second readings, signifying the start of the court of revision process, which will determine how much each landowner, as well as the municipality, owes for the project.

Community Drive-By Bridal Shower for

Julena Pipe in celebration of her upcoming marriage to Jamie Mitchell

Saturday, April 24th 1:00-3:00 pm 54 McCutcheon Drive, Brussels (home of Gary & Lori Pipe) Please come share well wishes to the bride abiding by COVID-19 restrictions. With social distancing and maximum 5 gathering outdoors.

Please stay in your vehicle and one of the attendees will come to you. We ask that you turn onto McCutcheon Drive from Ainley Street and then exit onto Turnberry Street.

A big thank you to St. Ambrose and close friends for arranging the drive-by.

For Our New Teenager!

Breelle Walker April 15, 2021 We are beyond proud of your accomplishments and of the young lady you are becoming!

You are kind, respectful, smart and fun to be around!

We know you’re going to be an AMAZING teenager...

You already are!

We cannot wait to see what you achieve in your next 13 years Breelle!

“Only you can make your dreams come true” Happy Birthday Daughter!

With Love and Pride, Mom & Dad XO’s

Brighten Their Day with our Celebration Special During this time of social distancing don’t forget your loved one’s special day with our limited time special price for celebration ads (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)

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’Tis the season Liz Allan, a member of the Maitland Valley Camera Club, recently snapped this picture of a bee doing what it does best, as spring makes its way to Huron County.

(Photo courtesy of Liz Allan of the Maitland Valley Camera Club)

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Call or email today 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

$60 + tax

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2021.

Students raise money for NH Food Share

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Helping out The Hullett Central Public School Leadership Team organized a fundraiser earlier this month that raised $1,745 for the North Huron Food Share. The team includes, back row, from left: Amber Shannon, Tyler Boven, Elizabeth Howson, Clara deBoer and Tanner Brooks. Front row: Mikayla Ansley, Audrey Kreuger and Makenzie Smith. Missing is Bryce Dale. (Denny Scott photo)

NH to review user fees

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Shortly after implementing nonresident user fees, North Huron Township Council directed staff to review the fees after receiving negative feedback on the issue.

During council’s April 6 meeting, councillors reviewed a letter from Rebecca and Elliott Miller who are non-resident users of the North Huron childcare service. The couple took issue with paying extra fees for childcare services based on not being ratepayers.

The fees are charged for users of North Huron facilities and programs who don’t live in the municipality. Council pushed for the change to balance out the fact that residents pay to use the services on top of paying taxes that support the facilities, infrastructure and, in some cases, wages that make services possible.

In the letter, the couple explained that it will cost $2,163 more per year to enroll their children in the program part-time due to their nonresident status. They estimate a full-time non-resident family would pay $5,407.50 a year more than a resident family with the same familial make-up.

“This has prompted some families to leave the daycare centre to pursue other options,” the Millers wrote.

Aside from having problems with the new fee, the Millers also took issue with the three-weeks notice that was provided for the price increase, which was phased in near Christmas.

Finally, the Millers said that driving people away will drive business away. Making it more difficult for people to find childcare services will limit the number of employable individuals who move to the community, they said.

Councillor Anita van Hittersum wanted to address the issue, saying that North Huron Council should want to be more welcoming to residents and the non-resident fees may be in the way of that.

She also was surprised the nonresident fees were charged since she thought that childcare was funded through user fees and grants from the province and county.

Director of Community Services Vicky Luttenberger, however, said that wasn't necessarily the case.

“Non-resident fees are to offset costs incurred by North Huron residents or ratepayers,” she said, going on to explain that, while the childcare program as a whole is self-sustaining, the specific service that the Millers were talking about, the North Huron Childcare Centre, runs a deficit that is offset by the other parts of the childcare portfolio, like the before- and afterschool programs at Maitland River Elementary School and Sacred Heart Catholic School. The childcare centre is forecast to run a deficit of $139,000 for 2021.

Luttenberger further said the childcare centre is the only guaranteed childcare program in the entire portfolio as the other programs are contracted services.

“There’s nothing to say those services [will continue forever],” Chief Administrative Officer Dwayne Evans said. “[Someone else] could pick up and provide those services, and we would still have the main daycare centre, and, as Vicky has indicated, it operates at a deficit.”

However, van Hittersum still felt the fees were paid for through Huron County taxes. She pushed for a report to review the nonresident fees, which Reeve Bernie Bailey said he had already tasked staff with pursuing.

Councillor Kevin Falconer asked for more details on the cross-border usage, asking if there were North Huron residents on the waiting list while non-residents utilized childcare spaces. Luttenberger said that was likely the case, as the usage of the facilities is typically split in half between residents and non-residents and there was a waiting list.

Despite the explanation, van Hittersum still felt that charging non-resident fees on childcare services needed to be reviewed as funds were offered by the province through the county to help with the program.

Council was left with a direction to continue the report on the distribution of fees for childcare services to be reviewed at a future meeting.

A food drive spearheaded by two student-driven organizations at Hullett Central Public School raised over $1,700 for the North Huron Food Share.

Teacher Sydney Elder explained that two groups, the Youth Leadership Team and a youthdriven mental health team, suggested the project. The former backed it because it’s important to help the community, Elder said, and the latter said that taking on these kinds of projects can help make students feel good.

“The leadership committee spoke to the Food Share about doing breakfast food boxes for families that use the Food Share,” she said.

“I believe we were told one-third of people who benefit from the Food Share are children.”

The project raised $1,475 before the rescheduled March Break, happening this week, though Elder said more more online donations are still rolling in.

The entire project, she said, was really driven by students pointing

to Elizabeth Howson of the leadership committee who scripted and filmed a video to talk about the project, which is viewable on Hullett’s Facebook page.

The drive was the highest-earning fundraiser to date, she said, and a great initiative for the school.

She also highlighted the efforts of Leah Boven, a student at the school who revived a fundraiser she created earlier this year that saw her selling Hanna’s Maple products.

Boven, in an interview with The Citizen, said she raised approximately $280, selling several cases of product. Her efforts helped her class raise approximately $370, which was enough to earn them a pizza party as the top-earning class.

She said the fundraiser went smoothly, adding she hopes to continue to use similar fundraisers to help worthy causes.

Boven thanked everyone who helped her with fundraising.

Visit The Citizen online at huroncitizen.ca

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