The Citizen - April 1, 2021

4 10 13 16

The

THIS WEEK • Editorials • Cancer • Agriculture • Obituaries

Citizen

Huron County’s most trusted independent news source

Thursday, April 1, 2021

$1.50 GST included

Volume 37 No. 13

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

Budget passes in HE

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

That time of year Easter is the first holiday to mark its second year during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was one of the first holidays affected by the virus and continues to be as the pandemic rages on. There have been some events, however, that have been able to move ahead in a safe manner, like the Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt held in Brussels on Saturday

by the Brussels Leo Club. Dozens were out to take advantage of the club’s efforts and an opportunity to get outside. Some even took the chance to get their picture taken with the Easter Bunny, like four-year-old Alyssa, left, and six-year-old Logan Weber from Wingham, who took a second to pose next to the Easter Bunny to help mark the occasion. (John Stephenson photo)

Huron East Council has passed its 2021 budget with an overall tax levy increase of 2.89 per cent.

Council passed the final draft of the budget at its March 23 meeting, held in-person at the Seaforth and District Community Centre. It included operating expenditures of $10.5 million and an increase of $431,487 in general municipal levies, which resulted in a 5.71 per cent increase to the municipal portion of the levy to be used for Huron East’s purposes. The overall tax rate increase of 2.89 is reached by factoring in the Huron County and education levies.

The overall tax rate will rise in Grey by 6.59 per cent, followed by 2.94 per cent in Brussels, 2.17 per cent in Tuckersmith, 1.45 per cent in Seaforth and 0.97 per cent in McKillop, resulting in the average increase of 2.89 per cent.

In her presentation, Treasurer Paula Michiels stated that the municipal portion of property taxes on the average assessment, valued at $216,341, would be $1,658 for Seaforth, $1,565 for Brussels, $1,178 for Tuckersmith, $1,092 for Grey and $1,060 for McKillop. The general municipal tax levy sits at $5,531,293 in 2021, which is up from $5,099,806 in 2020.

The municipality’s reserves have Continued on page 20

HC remains hesitant on intersection redevelopment

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron County Council is still looking for answers at two of the county’s most dangerous intersections, but remains noncommittal to a solution in 2022.

At its March 24 meeting, council discussed the intersections of Blyth and London Roads in the south end of Blyth and County Road and Airport Line just west of Exeter. The price tag of over $295,000 for detailed design, contract administration and site inspection for the two intersections gave some councillors pause. In addition, some councillors still felt further research was needed before committing to potentially millions of dollars for traffic solutions.

Huron County Engineer Steve Lund presented a report prepared by Cameron Harper, the county’s engineering project manager of bridges, detailing the tendering process, which had been won by

B.M. Ross & Associates Ltd. for just over $295,000. The tender was the lowest of the six received, with prices ranging from $295,294.29 to $822,341.86.

“The purpose of the [request for proposals] was to engage with a consultant in order to provide the county with all available options to upgrade each intersection and a recommended alternative based on social, environmental and financial impacts,” wrote Harper in his report to council. “It is expected that the final alternatives presented to the county will consist of a signalized intersection and a roundabout.”

Harper went on to explain that the consultants would conduct a full traffic study and a topographic and legal survey of the area. Then they would review and assess intersection traffic control options, undertake a geotechnical investigation, assess impacts on drainage and other utilities, complete an environmental assessment, prepare the detailed design and prepare all tender

contract specifications and drawings.

Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn was the first to cast doubt on the recommendation, saying he wasn’t comfortable with the proposals at all.

First and foremost, he said he didn’t think the same company should be deciding what is needed at the intersections and then carrying out that work. He said he felt that if the same company was doing both, the most expensive option would

certainly be the one recommended to council.

He also said he wasn’t sold on the need for an advanced solution at either of the intersections and felt a “needs” study should be conducted.

However, as several councillors pointed out, that was essentially done late last year by Lund and his team. When the study was presented, council voted to approve it, moving ahead to the request for proposals stage.

At the time, Lund said the Exeter

intersection had reached the traffic count capacity indicating a solution was necessary and the Blyth intersection was 85 per cent of the way there. However, that research was conducted in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and he said that when things open up, traffic counts are destined to rise, increasing the need for a solution at both intersections.

However, Ginn said the larger issue at hand was that council Continued on page 9

Klassen marks grim anniversary

By Denny Scott The Citizen Monday marked a solemn occasion for Dr. Miriam Klassen, the Medical Officer of Health for Huron and Perth Counties, as it was one year since the area’s first COVID19-linked fatality.

During a teleconference hosted by

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH), Klassen said that, since then, 49 other individuals have died due to the disease, many of whom were in long-term care or retirement homes.

She said the moment should remind everyone that, even though vaccines are coming and case numbers may be low in Huron and Perth Counties, the COVID-19 virus

is deadly and could cause more pain and problems if steps like hand hygiene, wearing a mask and physical distancing aren’t taken.

Those rules are especially important with the coming Easter holiday weekend, she said.

Klassen also spoke to vaccine hesitancy, specifically with what the Continued on page 3

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021.

Shaw tournament set for August 13

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Blyth Lions Club is hoping to host the Charlie Shaw Memorial Golf Tournament this August after having to cancel the event last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, the Lions hoped to honour Shaw, a long-time member of the club, with the tournament, which the Lions hope will become an annual event. However, the pandemic turned plans for the tournament upside down and the club postponed the first-ever tournament until 2021.

The tournament will now go ahead on Friday, Aug. 13 at Goderich Sunset Golf Club with proceeds to be split between improvements to the Blyth Lions Park and the District A9 Youth Exchange Camp, which also bears Shaw’s name.

Some changes have been implemented to ensure the tournament can be COVID-19 safe and will be able to move ahead even in the era of the pandemic as long as a provincial lockdown doesn’t force the closure of the golf course.

While the tournament had been set to have a shotgun start, now tee times will be assigned, beginning at 11:30 a.m. that day to ensure separation between groups on the course. There also won’t be a large banquet and sit-down meal with

speeches and awards as had been planned. The day will feature a box lunch, according to long-time Lion John Stewart.

It will cost $80 per person to be part of the tournament, which includes 18 holes of golf in a best ball format, a golf cart and a box lunch. The tournament will run with four-person teams with two divisions: a men’s division and a women’s and mixed team division.

The tournament is limited to 80 golfers and registration forms can be downloaded from the Lions Club’s Facebook page. Payment can be made through either cheque or etransfer.

Shaw passed away in late 2017 in his 92nd year. At the time of his death, Shaw had been an active member of the Lions Club for over 55 years.

He served as an advisor for the village’s Leo Club and a Guiding Lion for several other area clubs during the process of their formation.

Over the course of his time with the Lions, Shaw was named a Helen Keller Fellow, a Melvin Jones Fellow, a Life Member of the Lions Foundation of Canada and a Life Member of Multiple District A Lions.

For more information on the tournament, or to register, look for details on the Blyth Lions Club’s Facebook page.

Just hanging out Whether it’s winter weather requiring woolen mitts and hats or nearly 20°C, students at Hullett Central Public School were glad to get back on the equipment last month after avoiding it for most of the winter. Shown above are Brayden Watson-Hart, front, and Hayden Thompson playing on the monkey bars at the school. (Denny Scott photo)

A harmless coffee break can do more harm than you think.

ȓIEV E QEWO ȅEWL ]SYV LERHW and physically distance to stop XLI WTVIEH SJ (4:.) Ȧȟ Xå±ųĹ ĵŅųå ±Ƌ ŅĹƋ±ųĜŅţϱxÏŅƴĜÚěŏŀ

Paid for by the Government of Ontario

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021. PAGE 3.

Lowe calls on councillors to follow COVID rules

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen As Huron East Council returned to in-person meetings on March 23, Councillor John Lowe excoriated some council members for flouting COVID-19 safety protocols.

Lowe, who is a healthcare professional, told councillors that, if they wanted to safely return to inperson meetings, they needed to conduct themselves properly, which meant wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing guidelines and basically taking all possible measures to keep themselves and one another safe.

The meeting was held in the auditorium of the Seaforth and District Community Centre and Lowe said that having “COVID fatigue” should not be considered an excuse. As a healthcare worker, he said he is very “COVID-fatigued”, but that was not a reason to start letting down guards.

Lowe began his comments speaking about a recent water and sewer committee meeting, which was held in council chambers in Seaforth, at which Lowe said he was the only person wearing a mask.

Basically, he said, councillors needed to do better and any noncompliant behaviour that could put people in danger needed to stop.

*** Lowe also had some concerns with the level of service Brussels was receiving from Waste Management, the municipality’s contracted sanitation company.

Specifically regarding recycling, Lowe said recent weeks had seen a “pathetic” level of service that left recyclable items strewn along the streets of Brussels. He suspected that cans are not being fully emptied into trucks before being swung back onto lawns, but said he couldn’t know for sure.

He asked that a member of Huron East staff contact the company and air council’s concerns because, for the money being paid, the company needs to be doing a better job.

Mayor Bernie MacLellan supported Lowe’s concerns, though he couldn’t speak to the specifics of what was happening in Brussels. He said that in Brucefield, there was plenty of confusion regarding pickup days over the holidays and that garbage wasn’t picked up two different times, leading to frustration in the community.

He suggested that councillors be in touch with Chief Administrative Officer Brad Knight as soon as an incident has happened, so action can be taken, rather than sitting on the information for weeks, as he had. ***

Despite calls to provide a much higher level of funding, Huron East Council has voted to fund training for two youth peer support individuals for the Tanner Steffler Foundation and its My Journey program, which represents a partnership with the Huron Community Family Health Team.

Council discussed a request from the two groups at its March 23 meeting. It outlined the program and the hope that eventually 12 people would be trained to provide peer support for youth in the area. The letter, which came from Kelly Buchanan, executive director of the Huron Community Family Health Team, stated that the Tanner Steffler Foundation had committed to training two, while the Family Health Team would be training three. They were hoping to raise funds to meet the cost of $850 per person.

Deputy-Mayor Bob Fisher recommended that Huron East pay to train all 12 individuals, allowing both the Tanner Steffler Foundation and the Family Health Team to save their money and not have to seek further fundraising as a result. The total cost would be $10,200 to train all of the individuals.

Fisher didn’t find support for that direction, however, as council settled on training two peer support

volunteers at a cost of $1,700.

Councillor John Lowe, however, reminded council that it was putting funds towards healthcare, which many councillors had spoken against in past situations, including a recent grant request from the Huron Residential Hospice.

Council approved providing funding for the training of two peer support volunteers for a total cost of $1,700. *** Council released its annual statement of remuneration and expenses for 2020 and total council costs equated to $138,821.14 for the year, significantly less than the $163,434.19 spent in 2019.

Mayor Bernie MacLellan was the municipality’s highest earner with a

total amount of remuneration and expenses – containing an honourarium, meeting costs, convention costs, mileage and miscellaneous expenses – of $20,613.32.

Total remuneration and expense costs for the rest of council are as follows: Councillor John Lowe, $13,938; Deputy-Mayor Bob Fisher, $13,110.87; Councillor Gloria Wilbee, $12,813.76; Councillor Joe Steffler, $12,108.45; Councillor Dianne Diehl, $11,836.67; Councillor Zoellyn Onn, $11,740.46; Councillor Ray Chartrand, $11,004.27; Councillor Brenda Dalton, $10,705.06; Councillor Larry McGrath, $10,593.44 and Councillor Alvin McLellan, $10,356.84.

His master-purpose!

(Charles Spurgeon, “Christ’s Incarnation, the Foundation of Christianity”) “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us — that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1 The great object of our Lord’s coming here was not to live, but to die.

He appeared, not so much to subdue sin by His teaching, or to manifest goodness, or to perfect an example for us to imitate — but “to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”

The modern teachers of error would thrust the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus into the background — but our Lord placed it in the forefront. He came to take away our sins.

Do not think of Jesus without remembering the design of His coming.

We preach Christ — so do a great many more. But, “we preach Christ crucified!”

1 Corinthians 1:23. We preach, concerning our Lord — His cross, His blood, His death!

Upon the blood of His cross we lay great stress, extolling much “the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

“Christ Jesus cam into the world to save sinners,” by putting away their sin “by the sacrifice of Himself.”

We will not deny, or conceal, or depreciate His master-purpose — lest we be found guilty of trampling upon His blood, and treating it as an unholy thing.

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst!” 1 Timothy 1:15 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-492-1359

Touch-up The Brussels Optimist Club organized volunteers over the weekend to replace parts of the bleachers at the Brussels baseball diamond. (John Stephenson photo)

Cases remain steady in Huron Continued from page 1 AstraZeneca company is facing regarding its vaccine, which has been linked to blood clotting problems in rare occasions.

She said that, while the vaccines for COVID-19 have been brought to the public faster than most other vaccines, no safety steps were skipped. She said steps in the process may have happened simultaneously and other steps were accelerated to make the vaccines available, but all steps were taken, including after-market research that is following the vaccines currently.

Locally, COVID-19 case counts have increased by 13 over the past week, climbing from 1,401 on March 22 to 1,414 on March 29. All but one of those new cases are in Perth County.

In Huron County, only South Huron increased its cumulative case count, having one new case reported over the past week, bringing its total to 104 since the pandemic began. All other Huron County municipalities stayed at the same case count from last week, including Huron East (101), Central Huron (53), North Huron (46), Morris-Turnberry (45), Bluewater (36), Howick (35),

Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh (23) and Goderich (19).

In Perth County, Stratford saw its case count climb by seven cumulative cases, bringing its pandemic-long total to 357. North Perth reported one new case, bringing its total to 349. Perth South climbed two cases to 42 while West Perth also climbed two cases to 33.

Perth East (138) and St. Marys (33) remained at the same case count as last week.

Sixteen active cases remain active throughout the area, including six in Stratford, three each in Perth South and South Huron, two in West Perth and one each in North Perth and Central Huron.

There are currently 73 individuals in isolation in Huron and Perth Counties and there have been 4,056 isolation orders placed since Aug. 13, when the HPPH first reported that information publicly.

Over the past week, over 6,000 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 by HPPH, bringing the total to 17,451 administered first and second doses.

Since January of last year, 117,730 COVID-19 tests have been performed across Huron

and Perth Counties, according to HPPH. Ritz Lutheran Villa in West Perth has the only active COVID-19 outbreak across Huron and Perth Counties with a single staff member having tested positive. The outbreak was declared on March 27 and, as of press time, is still considered active.

Likely acquisition sources of the virus in Huron and Perth Counties continue to be primarily linked to outbreaks and household contacts with those categories claiming 29 and 27 per cent of all cases, respectively.

Close contact represents 16.9 per cent of cases, while travel is responsible for 1.2 per cent. Unknown vectors are responsible for 25.9 per cent of likely acquisition.

With two days left in the month as of Monday, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Huron and Perth Counties in March was at 60, the lowest of the past five months, however higher than every month that preceded the significant spikes seen in November and December of 2020 and January and February of this year.

For more information, visit hpph.ca.

The Citizen Offices

will be closed for

Good Friday April 2 Deadline for advertising will remain the same for the April 8th paper Monday, April 5 at 2:00 pm 405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114

info@northhuron.on.ca

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 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.

Advertising Deadlines: Mon. 2 p.m. - Brussels; Mon. 4 p.m. - Blyth.

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40050141 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPT. We acknowledge the financial support PO BOX 152 of the Government of Canada.

BRUSSELS ON N0G 1H0 email: info@northhuron.on.ca

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

Living in a bubble Statistics are now confirming what we’ve seen happening. Real estate markets are overheated and “highly vulnerable to a price correction” in many markets, according to a report last week by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. The research didn’t even look at small towns or rural areas that have seen housing costs escalate in recent years.

We have watched urban real estate soar, especially in hot markets like Toronto and Vancouver, without thinking that it would ever stretch this far. With limited inventory for sale and an increase in the number of buyers who can work from home, “blind bidding” has driven most properties in our area to fetch far above the asking prices.

On top of the high real estate prices, young families are also feeling the pinch in the rental markets. Landlords are either asking exorbitant rents to cover these highly valued properties or turning their rental units to short-term accommodation such as Airbnb units, which give a high return on their investment without the hassle of long-term tenants.

Canadians are already living with one of the highest consumer debtto-income ratios, largely due to our housing costs, leaving many in a precarious position should interest rates rise.

The recent rapid rise in house prices may or may not be a bubble and it may or may not burst in the near future, but it has certainly put a strain on families, especially younger ones just starting out. Let’s hope that the market finds its level on its own without interventions like interest rate hikes or taxing the capital gains on principal residences. – DS

Mo’ money mo’ problems While many have struggled to pay bills and keep revenue flowing throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, here in Canada our various levels of government have taken step after step to help soften the blow. Justin Trudeau’s federal government was quick to enact the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and many other programs to support small businesses that faced closure or drastically reduced revenue. Doug Ford and the provincial government have done the same, enacting program after program aimed at keeping the province’s economy robust.

It’s safe to say most Ontarians have seen the benefit of these programs in one way or another. And while our economy has fared rather well in the face of the pandemic, it was sobering to see that the provincial government is projecting deficits until at least the end of the decade that just began as a result of pandemic spending. And while the federal government hasn’t come out with it directly, it’s safe to assume the country’s books will be in similar shape for years to come.

“It’s clear we have spared no expense to defeat COVID-19,” Ontario’s Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said to the legislature as he presented the new budget. And while that could be up for debate, the position in which our upper levels of government find themselves cannot be unexpected. The pandemic hit and they opened the public coffers to ensure we could pay bills, stay in our homes and put food on the table.

This is a reminder that there is no money tree and while we may agree with the governments’ response, it comes at a cost. As Ontarians and Canadians we will be paying off this bill for quite some time as the cost of keeping ourselves afloat during this unprecedented time. – SL

The cross-border mindset Last week, the Supreme Court of Canada determined, as part of a ruling that the federal government can impose carbon tax requirements on provinces, that climate change is real. Whether people agree with the decision or not is important, but not as important as the fact that the court did something important: it ignored borders.

The members of the Supreme Court stated that climate change is a worldwide threat and that, because of the magnitude of it, the federal government can implement changes like the national carbon tax plan.

While climate change is a clear and present danger, whether Canada should react as a nation or as provinces could be debated. What can’t be debated, however, is that the reaction needs to be unilateral, and our local politicians could learn a thing or two from that kind of mindset.

Whether it’s North Huron and Morris-Turnberry’s debate over crossborder servicing, fire department mergers of over a decade ago or Morris-Turnberry’s failed drive to create its own fire department, Huron County is divided by borders that are nothing but lines on a map.

When Huron County and its municipalities start looking at things on a broader scale, everyone can benefit. Fire coverage wouldn’t need to be debated and infrastructure could be handled at a higher level, nipping heated cross-border disputes in the bud.

Like the Supreme Court, Huron County’s politicians need to realize that, as much as they need to be responsible to their own ratepayers, no municipality will thrive without the help of its neighbours. That’s a lesson the people of Huron County have known for years and it’s time our municipal leaders were reminded of it. – JDS

Looking Back Through the Years April 2, 1964 “The Wonderful World of Music”, the first ice revue to be presented by the Brussels Figure Skating Club, attracted a crowd that packed the village’s arena with over 800 spectators to see the 75 club members take to the ice.

A prompt response from the Brussels Fire Department saved the home of John Cousins from being destroyed by fire. However, the fire did level Cousins’ garage and its contents, which included a sow and a litter of pigs. The siren sounded in the morning hours of March 27 during a snow storm that was made worse by high winds.

The firefighters were unable to save the garage and quickly focused their attention to saving the house.

March 27, 1974 While road costs were on the rise at the Huron County level, the amount of work due to be done in the coming year was down, which led some to be concerned.

“This program falls considerably short of the amount of work we had hoped to do,” said Huron County Engineer Jim Britnell.

The Blyth Bantam hockey team claimed a 10-5 win over Huron Park in the second game of the teams’ Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) semifinal series. The win gave the team a 2-0 lead in the series, with the third game scheduled to be played in Blyth on March 27.

With an increase expected to the number of tourists in the area in the summer of 1974, R.S. Cummings, Huron County’s Development Officer, said the county needed to create a Tourist Promotion Association.

“The worldwide shortage of gasoline and the desire of people for

vacations indicate that we should have an influx of tourists this season,” he said.

March 27, 1996 Striking Ontario Public Service Employees’ Union (OPSEU) workers proved to be a hot issue in Wingham as vandals had set fire to a shack built as a shelter for the striking workers outside of the Wingham Ministry of Natural Resources office.

The Wingham detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police arrived on the scene just before 3 a.m. on March 23 and the Wingham Fire Department also reported to the scene. Staff-Sergeant McKee said there were no suspects, but the investigation was ongoing.

Local police officers were busy on March 23 as they attended a break and enter at Stickers in Auburn.

Just after 6:30 a.m. that morning, police attended the restaurant with reports that a plate glass window at the front of the restaurant had been broken so the thieves could gain entry to the building.

The thieves, however, only stole an unknown quantity of cigarettes before taking off.

The Blyth Atom Bulldogs finished their season with a 2-0 win over Goderich in the ‘A’ Championship game in a Seaforth tournament.

The Bulldogs first beat the home team by a score of 4-3 in overtime, followed by a 3-1 win over Clinton and then the 2-0 win over Goderich in the championship game.

The Brussels Crusaders took a 20 series lead in their best-of-seven Senior ‘A’ Final series over Ripley, with the third game scheduled to take place on March 30 in Brussels.

Reeves, councillors, clerks,

treasurers and road superintendents from across Huron County all met in Clinton to discuss options regarding amalgamation.

The group focused on 10 distinct discussion options and Blyth Councillor Doug Scrimgeour represented one of them, which meant he had a turn to speak.

The North Huron Community Food Share was set to open its doors for the very first time on March 27 and every Wednesday to follow. Its mandate was to be a year-round source of food for those in need who live in the northern portion of Huron County.

March 31, 2011 The Brussels Optimist Club held its annual spring dinner and auction and raised approximately $21,000 for charity.

Canadians would be heading back to the polls for the fifth time in the previous 10 years after the passing of a non-confidence vote in Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government.

Grey Central Public School marked the end of an era with a second volume of the school’s cookbook.

The school’s first cookbook volume was released in 1996 and many on the school council, according to Alicia Deitner, felt it was time for a new one.

Huron East Council decided to reconsider a bylaw on wind turbines that would almost certainly expose the municipality to potential legal action from both wind turbine companies and the provincial government.

After a lengthy closed-to-thepublic session, council decided that the bylaw would be up for discussion at council’s April 5 meeting.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021. PAGE 5.

Other Views

The future matters, when it suits us

I

t’s interesting that politicians and ordinary voters often express concerns for future generations when it suits their argument, but ignore the plight of their grandchildren and great-grandchildren when it goes against their views.

Take the case of many conservatives (and Conservatives). When they look at deficit spending by Liberal and NDP governments, even to fight a cause like COVID-19 and its ramifications, they worry about the generations of taxpayers in the future who will eventually have to pay the bill for today’s spending.

When it comes to the repercussions of climate change, however, these same people often care only about cramping their current lifestyle if measures to avoid climate change are taken. They ignore warnings of dire consequences for future Canadians if we don’t take immediate action to reverse the build-up of greenhouse gases, which is raising the world temperatures.

At the recent conference of the federal Conservative Party, held virtually, a majority of delegates voted against a resolution that would have admitted that climate change is real. They prefer to continue to stick their heads in the sand and pretend it’s not happening because it might mean painful changes. Meanwhile they ignore the pain that will be borne by their grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Party leader Erin O’Toole vowed that his party will have a policy to mitigate against the causes of climate change before the next federal election because he knows that many Canadians won’t vote for a party that isn’t ready to fight this existential danger.

Still, when the Supreme Court of Canada ruled last week that climate change is such an

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk urgent problem that the federal government is justified in imposing a tax on carbon in those provinces that refuse to come up with their own price on carbon, O’Toole reiterated his pledge to cancel the tax if he’s elected.

Many economists and environmental experts say a carbon tax is one of the most efficient tools in changing our habits and reducing the creation of greenhouse gases. In fact while environmentalists accuse the government of Justin Trudeau of not doing enough on the climate change issue, the carbon tax is the one government policy they praise.

But if Conservatives worry about the financial consequences of deficits on future generations but not a harsher climate, “progressives” in the Liberal, New Democratic and Green parties are just the opposite. They worry tomorrow’s Canadians will pay the price for a more volatile climate but they don’t seem to think anything about borrowing money for today’s desires that future taxpayers will have to repay.

The mammoth debt the federal government has taken on to support people and businesses sideswiped by the lockdown of our society in order to fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus should probably be a separate issue when it comes to deficit spending. This one-time debt we’ve taken on is more similar to the borrowing required to fight the Second World

War: both are borrowing from the future to fight an existential threat.

But the Trudeau Liberals were already running up substantial deficits long before the pandemic hit in order to provide services they thought Canadians deserved. The NDP and Greens, meanwhile, were condemning them for not giving us even more goodies like universal pharmacare and dental coverage and free daycare from coast to coast.

Last week when the Ontario ProgressiveConservative government of Premier Doug Ford forecast a deficit of $33.1 billion for 2021-22, (down from $38.5 billion last year), NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said if she were premier she would have provided more money for long-term care, funded paid sick days, offered paid leave for workers to get a COVID-19 vaccination and built a new hospital in Brampton, among other good things. There was no word of how she’d pay for all this other than the long-time progressive idea that the rich should pay for services for the rest of us.

Ever since I heard of the First Nations’ seven-generation policy, I’ve thought it’s something that should be incorporated into Canadian society’s fabric. The concept is an ancient Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) philosophy that the decisions we make today should result in a sustainable world seven generations into the future.

What we have instead are current generations wanting to live comfortably, either through government services we’re not willing to pay for today, or through ignoring the uncomfortable changes we must make to combat climate change. It’s really a selfish way of life that thinks nothing of future generations, despite our invoking them to justify our political arguments.

‘Sunshining’ a light on pay inequity

E

very year around this time I’m handed the onerous task of combing through the province’s salary disclosure list, also known as the “Sunshine List” and shining a spotlight on the public employees in our community who make $100,000 or more.

It’s an unpleasant experience, though maybe not for the reason that people may assume. It’s not about the fact that people get a lot of money to do their jobs. I’d imagine most of them can prove they’re worth it. I’m also not angry that I’m not anywhere near making the list, nor am I angry that so many people are, what I’m angry about is the relationship between the private and public sectors.

There’s a lot to unpack here because the list is indicative of a lot of problems in our province, including the disparity between private sector employees and public sector wages, the issues with unions and just overall government spending.

I guess, to get it out of the way, I’ll start with unions. As I’ve said before, I think that some unions, specifically those representing public employees or crown employees, have gone well past their best-before date. Unions were important before there were laws protecting Canadian citizens and some unions do need to exist to continue that fight. However, for years, unions for public sector employees have become a bulwark against some people facing consequences for their actions.

That probably won’t be a popular statement among all our readers, but the simple fact is I’ve got my lifetime worth of proof to back it up. Feel free to ask me about it, but I’m not going to detail it here.

Next is the disparity between private sector employees and their public sector counterparts which, again, could be tied to the unions, but we’ll take it as an à la carte option this time.

As of 2019, based on 2018 numbers, the Fraser Institute says that, just factoring in

Denny Scott Denny’s Den wages, public-sector workers make 10 per cent more than their private sector counterparts.

When you consider the fact that the latters’ taxes are what’s used to pay the formers’ wages, there should probably be some kind of parity there. The report also states that public sector employees are more than three times more likely to have a registered pension plan than private sector workers (82.7 per cent of public sector employees versus 24.6 per cent of private sector) and that private sector employees take just over half as many personal days as public sector workers (7.8 days versus 13.7).

No matter how you slice it, public sector employees usually out-earn their private sector counterparts and, typically, also enjoy more job security and benefits.

So now that I’ve spent most of my space here laying out my own personal belief system, I’ll explain why the “Sunshine List” really frustrates me: we forget where that money comes from.

When a private sector employee, who isn’t anywhere near $100,000 a year, loses a fifth or a quarter of their pay cheque to taxes, it goes to pay for these people who are making at least $1.10 to every dollar the private sector employee takes home. Again, I’m not saying any particular individual deserves less (save those hiding behind unions to keep jobs they don’t deserve), but as a province we need to see more parity between the private and public sectors.

My technological glitch

Somewhere in this edition of The Citizen readers will find a correction relating to the story that appeared in last week’s issue regarding the “Sunshine List”. Due to a technological glitch, the number of people on the list was drastically misreported and the blame for that problem is squarely on my shoulders.

I could (and will) explain how the mistake happened, but the fact of the matter is it doesn’t really matter how it happened, the simple fact is it did and it was my actions that led to it.

The only reason I’ll detail the situation here is because it kind of adds to my gripes about the list: it’s too darned big.

The reason we had 8,225 entries on the list instead of the actual 205,607 entries is because my computer, which is just over five years old, didn’t have enough memory to load the entire list. It got to just past the four per cent mark and ran out of memory.

Now, that’s probably because I was editing photos and stories, but the fact is there are so many people on the list that a “not old” computer can have trouble opening the file.

Again, there’s no excuse here. I didn’t check my work the way I should have.

However, the fact that the file only partially loaded does raise a question in my mind: how do so many people make so much while the national average salary is sitting around $51,000?

Final Thought To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.

– Eleanor Roosevelt

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Expert testimony

W

hile my colleague Denny tends to spill a lot more ink on this issue than I do, I’ll say that I don’t often agree with North Huron Reeve Bernie Bailey.

However, he touched on something last week that many of his colleagues would be well served to understand. It goes back to former U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

“Reports that say that something hasn’t happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns – the ones we don’t know we don’t know....”

Indeed. We don’t know what we don’t know.

Bailey made that point as council discussed potential traffic solutions in both Blyth and South Huron. Some councillors wanted to circle back to a “needs” report (which Huron County Engineer Steven Lund completed last year) while others questioned the reasoning behind information presented by Lund.

Bailey didn’t make the point that he knew better. He instead implored council to listen to Lund, making the case that he knew better.

In order to make this point – not that it should need making – he cited Lund’s years of experience, qualifications, etc. While elected officials are in charge of the purse strings in order to safeguard our money, they turn to expert opinions to decide how to best use tax dollars. However, councillors are the final authority and this can sometimes devolve into a professional fantasy camp and councillors are often all too willing to play along.

In this case, it was Civil Engineering Day at the fantasy camp. Really, though, it doesn’t matter what the topic of the day is, these conversations are often full of nitpicking, micromanaging and second-guessing.

Many municipal councils, for example, just went through the budget process. The number of times councillors would question a price given to the treasurer by a company or try to nickel-and-dime a project or an initiative is just out of this world. There is a fine line between doing due diligence and thinking you know more than the experts and too often, our elected officials are falling on the wrong side.

One thing we were taught in journalism school was that we didn’t need to be experts, we just had to find experts and present their expertise in a way our readers will understand.

Sure, we may get a little preachy on this page from time to time, but I don’t think any of us have ever purported to be experts on anything. We leave that to, well, the experts.

And when it comes to municipal politics, these experts come at a high price. So, when a councillor wants to spit on an expert opinion, they’re really spitting on, often, hundreds of thousands of taxpayers’ dollars spent as well.

The whole “expert” thing has taken centre stage as of late during the pandemic, as every loudmouth with internet access has claimed to know more about the virus, vaccines and masks than the world’s leading scientists and doctors. I can likely be accused of being a bit too careful about the virus with a child under the age of one at home, but, call me crazy, I’ve been listening to the advice of our doctors.

The humility of admitting someone knows better isn’t as common as you might think and it has come at the detriment of society.

As taxpayers, we should hope the people we elect are trusting the experts with our money and not taking the opportunity to play one themselves. After all, admitting you don’t know everything can be quite liberating.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021.

At the Branch

Legion moves to more in-person events, fundraisers

By Jo-Ann McDonald The week at the Brussels Legion Branch began with the in-person

gathering of the executive of the Branch. Reports were heard from the chairman, most being very short.

Keeping it going After hosting a take-out wing meal late last month, more inperson events have been held at the Brussels Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion, like the recent executive meeting. The fundraising committee reports that the event, which was made possible with the help of dedicated volunteers like Sandra Brown, above, was a big success.

(Denny Scott photo)

It was great news to hear the North Woods Public School would still like to have its own public speaking event. The Branch will fully support the school in its efforts to encourage and promote self-confidence in their students to be able to speak in public. Youth Chairman Nanci Ducharme will co-ordinate with the school and help in any way she can and the Brussels Legion will provide prizes for the children.

The Branch received another application for membership, which was approved. The Branch has gained five new members this month and the executive would like to match it again next month. Pick up an application today.

Nevada Chairman Andy Overholt reported that the current Nevada licence has been renewed for another year. There is a new beer at the Branch called Legion Lager and folks think it is quite good. Part of the proceeds from the sales goes to support veterans. All Legion sports and track events have been cancelled until fall due to COVID19.

House Chairperson Deb Ross reported that there are two suggestions for the furnace replacement and quotations will be forthcoming. The one cooler is not working and will need to be serviced. The alarm system will be updated within the next couple of months.

The fundraising committee reports a very successful wing night and will plan more in the upcoming months.

A Mother’s Day fish fry is planned.

It will be a drive-thru event like last

Unique Easter event planned A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 Holy, we’re moving right along. A new month and with most days, a new season. The pandemic days seem to drag and then poof, another month is gone. I guess we really are doing OK. It really, really is the time to look after yourself in regards to COVID19. It’s nearly a habit: get on the mask, keep your distance, know your bubble, make a choice to go out and wash your hands. Watching television can be quite irritating sometimes, as selfish folk tour about with no regard for the safety of others. Ontario’s numbers are higher than in the fall, oh my, my. We can’t get slack now, just because we’re still looking good. Big breath and do the right thing for you and others.

Little people just make you smile.

There were lots of smiles on Saturday, as the Leo Club set up its desk for a scavenger hunt at Richmond Square.

Several generations were enjoying the sunshine, the walk, the adventure and the treats as they made their way along the route that the Easter Bunny had approved. So good job and thanks to the club for this fun opportunity.

Palm Sunday was celebrated in many ways, as churches around the world noted the start of Holy Week.

For the United folk here, we waved palm branches in the rain as we

celebrated a service together; another time of shaking your head at the changes in our world. It was an opportunity to see a new way of being the church in community.

Thank goodness for technology and Alex and Jean-Luc’s ability to keep us connected.

To celebrate Easter, we’re heading to the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre. Join us at 10 a.m. on Sunday to share the good news of the Easter story. This is a combined Blyth and Brussels United Church worship service, with sound coming through your vehicle radio.

Join us to celebrate this Easter season and have a joyous start to this season of renewal, growth and life.

Hydro was interrupted last week

in several spots. For the students who are learning online or have an exam scheduled, the anxiety level was a touch high. Listowel’s hydro was out at that time, so we ended up with a lovely day when Jordan and Jill arrived to do their work. Of course a few extra things seemed to be important, including a FaceTime with Robyn in North Bay. So we all learned a little something new that day. Oh, being a grandparent is so enlightening!

Enjoy the days of April with all the surprising changes that come in our view of the world. Hope you have a Happy Easter with just the right amount of chocolate and flowers.

Be safe. Be kind.

Betty G.W.

Neews depends endss on facts. ts. Whe Where are you our facts ts coming com ng from? ro

year. You can call Deb Ross or email the Branch to book your meals.

Look for the advertisement and posters around town for more details.

The Catch the Ace draw was held on Friday evening and there is another happy person from Brussels.

Elaine Nichol was happy to win the weekly prize of $213. She chose envelope number 24 and the queen of clubs was revealed. The estimated jackpot for the next draw on April 2 is $1,000.

The first light supper on Friday night was turkey pot pie and salad.

It was enjoyed by a small group. This week will be chili and a roll.

The Brussels Legion offers its condolences to the family of member Ron Cardiff. He was a 46year member of the Branch. He will be missed by his sons Larry and Brian and their families. Our sympathies to all.

Sunday was the zone convention in Exeter and Comrade Jo-Ann McDonald attended in the absence of President Jamie Mitchell. There were 27 in attendance, spaced about the huge auditorium. It is always

interesting to learn how other Branches are doing and what they are doing in these troubled times.

New ideas for fundraising and keeping up to date with any changes or initiatives from Ontario Command were also a part of the meeting.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Elaine Nichol won $213 Envelope #24 found the Queen of Clubs Estimated jackpot for April 2 is $1,000

Brussels Legion 218 Keep May 9th open and treat Mom on Mother’s Day Brussels Legion drive-thru Fish Fry dinner with all the fixin’s Watch for details

Are you tired of getting a second-hand newspaper?

Be first in line and get your own One year subscription to

The Citizen $ only

4000

Enclosed is $40.00 for a 1-year subscription Name . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

News Media Canada is a passion ssionate advocate for the news industry. We support our mem mber m publications in their pursuit of quality journalism nalism.

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

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Town . . . . . . . . . . . . .Postal Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

On-line subscriptions available too at www.northhuron.on.ca

newsmediacanada.ca

Phone or mail cheque made payable to North Huron Publishing to: P.O. Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021. PAGE 7.

Sparling wants BIA to capitalize on cyclist influx

The new norm for tourists Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA) Chair David Sparling wants Blyth to capitalize on the increase of cyclists making their way through the village. While Sparling was specifically talking about cyclists using the Goderich-to-Guelph (G2G) Rail Trail, the roads in and around Blyth also saw a significant increase in cycling traffic last year, likely as a result of the COVID19 pandemic. Above are members of a cycling group on their way to Goderich last July. (File photo)

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA) Chair David Sparling is worried that local businesses are

missing out on a lucrative local market.

During the BIA’s March 25 meeting, Sparling said there are opportunities for local businesses to capitalize on the cyclists currently

coming to Blyth via the Goderich-toGuelph (G2G) Rail Trail. However, the cyclists, by following the G2G, are avoiding the community’s downtown.

During a previous meeting,

BIA looks to draw Cowbell crowd

By Denny Scott The Citizen

The Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA) executive wants to draw customers waiting for their tables at Blyth Cowbell Brewing Company to the community’s downtown commercial core.

During the BIA’s March 25 meeting, members of the board spoke to the fact that, as Cowbell

isn’t currently taking reservations, there are customers waiting between one and two hours for their seats.

To capitalize on that captive audience, members discussed creating an information card that could be handed out by staff detailing what downtown Blyth has to offer.

The initiative would see businesses pay a fee to be on the card and the BIA would orchestrate

Shelter donations sought

by Blyth United Church From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Happy birthday to Carla Pawitch, who celebrates April 3; Adeline Campbell of Huronlea, Brussels and John Stadelmann, April 5.

Happy birthday everyone enjoy your day.

Happy anniversary to Gerald and Nancy Hakkers, who celebrate April 7.

What a difference a day makes.

On Sunday it was windy, rainy and snowing at times. Mother Nature

was letting us know that winter has not completely disappeared and that it is still March and on Monday the sun was shining, with blue sky and the snow that came on Sunday disappeared and it had turned into a beautiful spring day.

We are slowly coming back to some kind of normal. There are things to do again. The Blyth United Church has been collecting for the Women’s Shelter for the month of March. The Women’s Shelter is in need of shampoo, body wash, towels and facecloths and twin bed sheets.

If you can donate any of these items you can leave them at the Blyth United Church on Thursday or call the office at 519-523-4224 and leave a message and someone will get back to you.

Stay safe this week and call someone to let them know you are thinking of them.

the program, however there are some caveats to participation, according to BIA Chair David Sparling.

“The requests are that businesses must be open on Saturday and Sunday,” he said, adding the request was from both the BIA executive and Cowbell. “We don’t want to send people up to businesses that aren’t open.”

Sparling said businesses would need to commit to be opening for Cowbell’s busiest days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, to make the initiative worthwhile.

There was some debate as to whether the card should just include addresses for businesses and advertisements or whether a map would be beneficial, though no action was taken as a result of the discussion.

Sparling suggested trying to encourage cyclists to use the alleyway west of Queen Street to expose the cyclists to some of the downtown businesses. During the March 25 meeting, he explained there were hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions, being missed out on by having cyclists follow the G2G to the Blyth campground and then to County Road 25.

Sparling researched the issue, saying that a single cyclist will spend an average of $225 during a cycling trip, which on average lasts three days.

Sparling then pointed out that, during a community-wide event several years ago, there were 200 cyclists on the trail in a single day, meaning there was $15,000 in sales skirting the community, only seven to 10 per cent of which was captured.

“The inability to attract riders to our main street is costing us $13,850 worth of sales on one Saturday,” he said.

By calculating the number of weekend/holidays between Victoria Day and Labour Day as 38 potential days for heavy trail usages, Sparling said he estimates the community is missing out on $526,300 in lost sales. He then said experts have said his numbers are low and it could be over $1 million.

“We’re leaving money on the table,” he said. “The opportunity is huge if cyclists can find the downtown.”

Sparling said cyclists will spend money on accommodation, food and shopping, adding the latter can be lucrative if businesses will offer to ship goods back to the cyclists’ homes.

Sparling also spoke about how important an asset Blyth Lions Park is as far as cyclists are concerned.

He said if cyclists can be routed down the proposed route using the community’s alleyway, it will naturally direct them to the site. He said the amenities that riders want public washrooms, water refill stations, picnic areas, a play

area for kids and electrical receptacles to charge phones and e-bikes - are all present at the location.

Sparling said North Huron has suggested that the BIA create a subcommittee to focus on capitalizing on the cyclist opportunities, and Sparling said he had already reached out to landowners who would be impacted by his proposal to have cyclists directed down the alleyway as well as representatives from the G2G. “Not doing everything we can to get people to spend money in Blyth would be a failure on our part,” he said. “For a viable main street that is tourist friendly, this has to be part of the discussion.”

While the BIA took no action as a result of the discussion, several stated Sparling should pursue creating the committee.

NEWS FROM BLYTH Let us Wash Your Winter Coats Blyth Laundromat 191 Westmoreland St., Blyth 519-523-9687

PRINTING IS OUR BUSINESS • Colour • Business Printing Forms • Posters • Brochures • Letterheads • Flyers • Envelopes • Carbonless • Business Forms Cards • Labels WE CAN DO IT ALL!

Welcome Your New Arrival

in

The Citizen

Call or email to book your ad today 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

BLYTH PRINTING INC. BLYTH 523-9211

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021.

Marking one year since COVID-19 hit rural Ontario PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

The month of March has slipped by very quickly. Spring has sprung and we can hope there are better days ahead for all. The one-year anniversary of COVID-19 was observed, but not celebrated, as a

part of our lives today. We were thrown into a very different lifestyle one year ago. Stay home, work from home, school your kids at home, no sports, venture out only when necessary, wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, use sanitizer often, don’t touch your face, only touch what you are going to buy, don’t squeeze the tomatoes, no gatherings, no parties, no visiting our elderly – the list goes on and on. But it is all for the sake of keeping everyone as safe as we can.

We are lucky in our area that people are good at respecting and following the rules. Those folks who are over 70 are able to get their

COVID-19 shots and many have.

That does not mean they can throw their masks away or take gatherings for granted. The shot does not guarantee you will not get the COVID-19. We still need to take precautions and keep safe.

Congratulations to Bruce and Michelle Blake on the arrival of another beautiful granddaughter.

Proud parents are Bridget and Jacob Williams. They have welcomed Wren Gray to their family and she will be welcomed home by big sister Leighton. Congratulations!

More signs of springs! Lawns are covered with snowdrops. Very pretty! Farmers are on the land doing

Get looking!

The Brussels Leo Club, alongside the Easter Bunny, held a physically-distanced Easter scavenger hunt over the weekend feautring prizes and photos with the titular rabbit. (John Stephenson photo)

CH resident facing several charges A Central Huron resident is facing 10 criminal charges following a string of incidents that took place last weekend near Hensall.

Police say that, at approximately 2:40 p.m. on March 27, Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Huron County Paramedic Services received several calls about a possible impaired driver who had just rolled a vehicle at the intersection of Walnut Road and Morrison Line.

The OPP reported that, following the crash, the accused confronted a passerby who stopped at the crash scene. The accused brandished a weapon and attempted to steal the passerby's vehicle. After his failed attempt, the accused fled the scene on foot to a nearby farmhouse where he attempted to steal another vehicle. After this second failed carjacking, the accused located and started up a farm tractor that was on the property.

Police say the tractor owner attempted to stop the accused, however the accused set the tractor in motion and began driving dangerously around the property.

The owner clung onto the side of the tractor as he tried to gain control of the machine. The owner was able to veer the tractor away from the residence, however the tractor collided with a large tree on the property. Ultimately, the owner gained control of the tractor and stopped it. . Upon doing so, the accused exited the machine and once again took off running.

According to the OPP, moments

later, officers arrived on scene whereupon they located the accused running in a nearby field. A conducted energy weapon was utilized by officers to gain control of the subject.

A 30-year-old from Central Huron has been charged with: • Robbery with Intent • Robbery with a Weapon • Dangerous Operation • Resist a Peace Officer

• Operation While Prohibited • Theft Over $5,000 of a Motor Vehicle • Fail to Comply with Probation Order - Two Counts • Possession of a Weapon Contrary to a Prohibition Order • Operation While Impaired.

The accused remained in custody with a court appearance scheduled for March 31 at the Ontario Court of Justice in Goderich.

NOTICE Surplus of Property Notice is hereby given that the Corporation of the Township of the Township of North Huron has declared the following property to be surplus to its needs. The property is 2.85 acres and is located at: 166 John Street West, Wingham, Ontario N0G 2W0 PLAN 410 LOT 367 TO LOT 376; INCL ARTHUR ST & PT JOHN ST The Township of North Huron invites Expressions of Interest for residential development of these lands. Copies of the Expressions of Interest are available by contacting the Municipal Office at: 519-3573550 ext. 121 or okempel@northhuron.ca. Written submissions will be received by the undersigned until Friday, April 30, 2021 at 3:00 PM and need to include the design, construction and purchase offer for the lands.

For more information, please contact the Municipal Office.

Dwayne Evans, CAO/Deputy Clerk Township of North Huron P.O. Box 90, 274 Josephine St. Wingham, Ontario N0G 2W0 Dated at the Township of North Huron this 4th day of March, 2021.

a variety of things. Great weather means clothes are out on the lines blowing in the wind and now have that smell of “fresh air”.

Landscapers are getting lots of calls for lawn sweeping and we have ours done.

The Huron East street sweeper is busy in towns and the concession corners cleaning up the gravel and sand. The sideroads now have the frost coming up and are wet and will probably get a little rough; more of the joys of spring.

Another unpleasant sign of spring are the recurring snowfalls every once and awhile. We are out in just sweaters and runners and the next thing we know, we need snow boots and heavy coats, like Monday morning. Good thing we know the snow will be short-lived.

Sadness for many of the Walton folks on learning of the passing of Pauline Thamer Gulutzen Tompkins.

Pauline will be missed by her husband Dave and her children Bill, Darlene and Charles and their families. Grieving her loss are her sisters Shirley Hertlien, Judy Emmrich and Ruthie Uyl. Pauline was one of a kind, full of fun and laughter. Pauline was a hairdresser and had her own shop in Walton many years ago. She and her husband Alex moved to Hullett McKillop Road and farmed and worked away as well. I met Pauline when she joined the George of Brussels shop and we worked together for several years. What Christmas parties we had back then.

We would go snowmobiling together and even when we would get stuck in deep snow, Pauline would just laugh and start to dig. We would dress up for Halloween and go trick-or-drink at some of our customers’ houses and never speak or remove our masks.

We had a straw you see. We could hardly keep a straight face, when at their next appointment, they would tell us about the crazy pair that came to their house and they had no idea who they were.

We had a lot of fun together years

ago. The couple moved to Westfield and started Grain Stoves Inc. and Pauline travelled the province delivering stoves. She was not afraid to tackle anything. She returned to hairdressing and worked at Huronlea for several years and you can bet she kept her clients entertained while they had their hair done. She had a heart of gold, she was fun and friendly and an all-around great person. She loved music, especially Elvis, and at many concerts she would be front and centre dancing in front of the stage or even on stage.

Pauline found love again and married and moved to Michigan with her new husband, Dave. She made new friends easily and fit right in. She will be missed by her family and her many friends and all who knew her. Our condolences to all.

Celebrating birthdays this past week were Christopher Gulutzen, Ashley Hoegy, Wyatt Dale, Ken Dalton, Janet Bachert, Becky Laverty Chadwick, Andrea Gingerich, Dave Soontiens, Barb Watts, Judy Shortreed, Weston Murray, Connor den Dekker, Nicole Williamson Murray, John Baan, Brandy Leslie and Jack McLachlan, Happy birthday to all.

NEWS FROM WALTON

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 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 1, 2021. PAGE 9.

Blyth, Exeter intersections debate continues Continued from page 1 should be discussing the level of service it wants to be providing to ratepayers. If it costs the county several million dollars to provide traffic solutions at the county’s two most dangerous intersections, he said, then once they’re fixed, there will be two new “most dangerous” intersections the county will have to spend millions to improve.

Furthermore, he said, if the majority of collisions occurring at the intersections are the result of driver error, rather than a flaw in the design or construction of the intersection, he didn’t necessarily feel it was up to the county to be finding a solution.

He also wanted more information from the local Ontario Provincial Police detachment regarding collisions at the two intersections.

South Huron Mayor George Finch, however, who is a retired police officer, said that while there have been many collisions, he has seen many near-misses at the Exeter intersection as well and those won’t be reflected in any report.

North Huron Reeve Bernie Bailey then went back to Manager of Public Works Mike Hausser’s report from last September and asked about potential costs. Initially, he said traffic lights typically cost $400,000, while the construction of a roundabout would be in the range of $1.5 million.

However, Bailey referred back to a meeting of the Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA) at which Hausser said that, in Blyth, either solution would be likely to cost $1.5 million.

Lund said Bailey was right and the

bulk of the cost would be to improve sightlines and grading at the Blyth intersection, as opposed to the installation of traffic lights or a roundabout.

Finch also spoke in favour of taking steps to address traffic concerns at the two intersections, saying it was a matter of making the right decision in order to save lives.

“Lives could be lost if we don’t do the right thing,” he said. “We need to do it right the first time.”

Lund addressed concerns about the potential for one-lane roundabouts, with councillors worried about heavy truck and farm equipment traffic. He said one-lane roundabouts can accommodate both large trucks and farm equipment. He also stated that if a potential roundabout was to be expanded to two lanes, there would be serious concerns about taking up too much land and disrupting neighbours. He also said that two-lane roundabouts are more suitable for urban areas on roads that see in excess of 20,000 vehicles per day and neither intersection is even close to that kind of traffic.

Lund said that most of the collisions at the intersections are caused by drivers failing to yield or not paying attention, which has only been exacerbated by the advent of smartphones. A roundabout, he said, would take measures to reduce driver speed, reducing the potential for high-speed collisions and Tbone-style collisions.

In a recorded vote, council then voted down the proposed motion to award the tender to B.M. Ross & Associates Ltd. by a vote of 8-7 against the motion, with Warden

Glen McNeil and Councillors Bernie MacLellan, Myles Murdock, Doug Harding, Dave Jewitt, Jim Ginn, John Grace and Jamie Heffer voting against it and Councillors Paul Klopp, Bernie Bailey, Roger Watt, Jim Dietrich, Bob Fisher, George Finch and Jim Fergusson voting in favour.

The discussion, however, was far from over, as councillors said it was clear a solution was necessary at the two intersections. MacLellan said he wanted to see something done at the intersections, he just didn’t want to pay for unnecessary design work.

MacLellan then asked for a staff report featuring some analysis on the intersections, but Lund said the contract council had just voted down included that analysis.

Lund said that between $160,000 and $170,000 of the tender council had just voted down would be what council is looking for. After spending that amount to get answers from the consultant, council would be under no obligation to spend any further money if that was its decision.

He said council could reconsider the motion and tender, placing a cap on the work of $180,000 for the preferred option between traffic lights and a roundabout, with a report to return to council in August.

Finch said council’s inaction and indecisiveness meant ratepayers were losing faith, adding that if council takes action, people live, and if council doesn’t, people will die.

Councillors then crafted a motion

to approve the first part of the original motion with a price cap of $180,000, still awarding the work to B.M. Ross & Associates Ltd. Ginn, who had originally seconded the motion, then withdrew his support for it, saying he really felt council needed to establish reasonable expectations for its level of service. Watt stepped in and seconded the motion.

Bailey also said he felt it was important for council to trust its experts. He pointed to Lund, his years of experience and expertise and said that councillors should trust what he is telling them.

Council then voted to approve the motion, in another recorded vote, with all councillors but Ginn voting in favour of it.

On the hunt The Brussels Leo Club held a special scavenger hunt on Saturday, sending young ones throughout the village in search of clues and Easter eggs to mark the occasion, all while keeping COVID-19 safety at top of mind. (John Stephenson photo)

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.

!

Re

g

er t s i

w No

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

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

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

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021. PAGE 11.

APRIL IS CANCER AWARENESS MONTH LET'S MAKE CANCER HISTORY Brussels’ Adams turns woodworking hobby into fundraiser

BY DENNY SCOTT THE CITIZEN George Adams, through his work with the Masonic Lodge, has raised $12,000 to fund research of prostate cancer, the second-most prevalent type of cancer in men worldwide, and it all comes back to his woodworking.

The Brussels resident, who beat cancer several years ago, builds and sells birdhouses, barbecue scrapers, folding lawn chairs and other woodworking projects to raise money to promote research and awareness into the cancer, though the birdhouses are likely his trademark.

For 25 years, after moving off his family farm to a double lot in Brussels, on which he built a workshop he has been putting together simple birdhouses to give the local avian population a place to call home.

“When I was a young lad at home, we had a bluebird nested in a hollow post in the lane,” he said, when asked why he started building birdhouses.

“You don’t see those kinds of posts anymore, so when I moved, I started building birdhouses to make up for it.

I always liked woodworking, but when I was farming, I didn’t have too much time to follow up on it.”

Brussels’ George Adams has had his story of building birdhouses, which he has turned into a As a farmer, he had 800 acres of crops to work on and 400 to 500 head fundraiser for combatting prostate cancer, told across the world. (Denny Scott photo)

Far and wide

Check out cancer.ca to see how you can help fight cancer

226-422-4200 250 Josephine St., Wingham www.houseofbloom.ca

Dr L McCarthy • Dr K Alton • Dr S Doorn 9 Patrick Street West, Box 88, Wingham, ON N0G 2W0 Tel : 519-357-1282 • Fax: 519-357-4509 email: reception@winghamoptometry. com

. $ ( . )( ) . . '-. . "& ! %. . . .

*.

. .

. .

. . (" $"& (" $#& ',&+#& .

Dumpster Rental and Service

of cows, and when he left all that, he noticed that there weren’t many fence rows left in the county. So, he built a few dozen birdhouses and put them on the hydro poles between Brussels and County Road 4.

Adams believes prostate cancer is important to combat because, despite it being one of the more survivable cancers, it does claim its fair share of victims.

He credits an experimental drug treatment with his triumph over the disease, explaining that he went through a compressed drug regimen once a week for a month instead of the daily chemotherapy sessions that those with prostate cancer can have to take for six weeks.

“I’ve lost a number of fishing friends to prostate cancer,” he said.

“You have to get checked regularly.”

His own experience, alongside the efforts of the Masons, led to his practice of raising money through selling the birdhouses to fight prostate cancer.

Adams sells the birdhouses for $10, usually carrying them with him in his vehicle, to make sure the birds of the area have a home.

While he was warned away from installing the birdhouses due to concerns they would be destroyed, Adams said he’s found no problems

GJAJ Holdings Ltd. 519-955-2323

519-523-9781

Certified General Accountant

AGENT: TODD WHEELER PO Box 394 75 Sports Dr., Brussels, ON N0G 1H0

Safe, Dependable Trucking Service • Livestock • Bulk Brussels, Ontario 519-887-6122 1-800-667-8399

235 Turnberry St., BRUSSELS 519-887-9661

Brussels Lions Club

3878 Wellington St., MITCHELL 519-348-8485 20 King St., CLINTON 519-482-3445

Touchstone Therapies 625 Turnberry St, Brussels (226) 889-5654

Blyth Office: Phone: 519-523-4251 Toll Free: 1-800-668-9320 Kincardine Office: Phone: 519-396-3007 Toll Free: 1-866-396-3007 Website: www.lisathompsonmpp.ca Email: lisa.thompsonco@pc.ola.org

Huron-Bruce Matters

“GOOD OLD-FASHIONED SERVICE”

For all your vehicle and repair needs

519-887-6336 407 Queen Street Box 199 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

twheeler@mckillopmutual.com OFFICE: 519-357-0155

519-524-9878

519-523-4577 email: riversidefuneralhome@hotmail.com www.riversidefuneralhome.ca

& Intimately Yours

Help beat the fight against Cancer.

Visit cancer.ca 208 Josephine St., Wingham 519-357-1051

Jacquie Gowing Accounting Howson & Howson Ltd. Flour Mill Blyth 519-523-4241

Join in the Fight against Cancer

The Citizen

Support the Canadian Cancer Society

1-877-839-3742 www.mcconvilleomni.ca

CONCRETE FORMING For All Your Concrete Needs!

541 Turnberry St., Brussels

519-887-9114

519-523-9971

405 Queen St., Blyth

Accounting, Income Tax & Business Management Personal, Farm, Business & Corporate

• Monthly Bookkeeping Services • Electronic Tax Filing jgowing623@gmail.com

519-887-9248

Dave Franken COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL • Foundations • Floor Finishing • Circular Tanks • Sandwich Walls FREE ESTIMATES RR#3 Blyth ~ Fax 519-523-9604

519-523-4792 37117 Blyth Rd., Goderich, ON

Christine s Clothes Closet 401 Albert Street Box 340 Brussels, ON N0G 1H0

• Personal & Corporate Tax • Accounting & Bookkeeping • Agricultural Services

"You will find it at CARQUEST"

CONSTITUENCY OFFICES

Londesborough

(Denny Scott photo)

Todd Wheeler Insurance Inc.

Email: brian@wightmancpa.ca

MPP Huron-Bruce

R.R. #1, 39843 Londesboro Rd.,

Brussels’ woodworker George Adams has turned his passion for woodworking into something to keep him busy, but more importantly, something to battle prostate cancer, which he survived. He sells items like the birdhouses above to raise money to fight the disease.

Brian E. Wightman

Seaforth ~ 519-527-1331

Lisa Thompson

• HANGING BASKETS • ANNUALS • • PERENNIALS • NURSERY STOCK •

Quite the collection

Rutledge Subdivision-Blyth

RADAR AUTO PARTS Residential & Commercial Dumpster Rental & Service R.R. #1 41403 Londesboro Road, Londesboro Jim Anderson 519-523-4894 Cell 519-440-6007 Jason Fleet: Cell 519-525-9473

with utility providers taking them down, going so far as to thank Festival Hydro for putting the birdhouses back up on some of the poles they’ve replaced locally.

Adams said that the fundraising and construction of the birdhouses in general has been supported by a good number of people, including himself, through the donation of supplies.

“Some of the lumber is donated, and some I’ve bought,” he said.

“Right now I’m working on the last bit of lumber from a large donation that came as a result of an interview I did with CBC.” The interview and accompanying story was published several years ago, he said, and local writer Bonnie Sitter picked it up. He said he knew Sitter when she used to work in a travel agency he used to book fishing trips.

As a result of the CBC story and his connection with Sitter, his story appeared in a number of magazines, which put him in connection with people who have donated to the cause, including new wood and scrap wood.

The CBC story also led to The Times, a British daily newspaper, writing a story on Adams, which has spread his story across the world.

519-523-4311 www.ruralvoice.ca STEVEN NIXON Broker WILFRED MCINTEE & CO. LIMITED

Engineers and Environmental Consultants 1-800-265-9662 www.rjburnside.com

Serving the area since 1999 Bus: 519-357-2222 • Cell: 519-531-0252 Email: nixon@execulink.com Web:www.stevennixon.com 318 Josephine St., WINGHAM, ON N0G 2W0

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021. PAGE 11.

APRIL IS CANCER AWARENESS MONTH LET'S MAKE CANCER HISTORY Brussels’ Adams turns woodworking hobby into fundraiser

BY DENNY SCOTT THE CITIZEN George Adams, through his work with the Masonic Lodge, has raised $12,000 to fund research of prostate cancer, the second-most prevalent type of cancer in men worldwide, and it all comes back to his woodworking.

The Brussels resident, who beat cancer several years ago, builds and sells birdhouses, barbecue scrapers, folding lawn chairs and other woodworking projects to raise money to promote research and awareness into the cancer, though the birdhouses are likely his trademark.

For 25 years, after moving off his family farm to a double lot in Brussels, on which he built a workshop he has been putting together simple birdhouses to give the local avian population a place to call home.

“When I was a young lad at home, we had a bluebird nested in a hollow post in the lane,” he said, when asked why he started building birdhouses.

“You don’t see those kinds of posts anymore, so when I moved, I started building birdhouses to make up for it.

I always liked woodworking, but when I was farming, I didn’t have too much time to follow up on it.”

Brussels’ George Adams has had his story of building birdhouses, which he has turned into a As a farmer, he had 800 acres of crops to work on and 400 to 500 head fundraiser for combatting prostate cancer, told across the world. (Denny Scott photo)

Far and wide

Check out cancer.ca to see how you can help fight cancer

226-422-4200 250 Josephine St., Wingham www.houseofbloom.ca

Dr L McCarthy • Dr K Alton • Dr S Doorn 9 Patrick Street West, Box 88, Wingham, ON N0G 2W0 Tel : 519-357-1282 • Fax: 519-357-4509 email: reception@winghamoptometry. com

. $ ( . )( ) . . '-. . "& ! %. . . .

*.

. .

. .

. . (" $"& (" $#& ',&+#& .

Dumpster Rental and Service

of cows, and when he left all that, he noticed that there weren’t many fence rows left in the county. So, he built a few dozen birdhouses and put them on the hydro poles between Brussels and County Road 4.

Adams believes prostate cancer is important to combat because, despite it being one of the more survivable cancers, it does claim its fair share of victims.

He credits an experimental drug treatment with his triumph over the disease, explaining that he went through a compressed drug regimen once a week for a month instead of the daily chemotherapy sessions that those with prostate cancer can have to take for six weeks.

“I’ve lost a number of fishing friends to prostate cancer,” he said.

“You have to get checked regularly.”

His own experience, alongside the efforts of the Masons, led to his practice of raising money through selling the birdhouses to fight prostate cancer.

Adams sells the birdhouses for $10, usually carrying them with him in his vehicle, to make sure the birds of the area have a home.

While he was warned away from installing the birdhouses due to concerns they would be destroyed, Adams said he’s found no problems

GJAJ Holdings Ltd. 519-955-2323

519-523-9781

Certified General Accountant

AGENT: TODD WHEELER PO Box 394 75 Sports Dr., Brussels, ON N0G 1H0

Safe, Dependable Trucking Service • Livestock • Bulk Brussels, Ontario 519-887-6122 1-800-667-8399

235 Turnberry St., BRUSSELS 519-887-9661

Brussels Lions Club

3878 Wellington St., MITCHELL 519-348-8485 20 King St., CLINTON 519-482-3445

Touchstone Therapies 625 Turnberry St, Brussels (226) 889-5654

Blyth Office: Phone: 519-523-4251 Toll Free: 1-800-668-9320 Kincardine Office: Phone: 519-396-3007 Toll Free: 1-866-396-3007 Website: www.lisathompsonmpp.ca Email: lisa.thompsonco@pc.ola.org

Huron-Bruce Matters

“GOOD OLD-FASHIONED SERVICE”

For all your vehicle and repair needs

519-887-6336 407 Queen Street Box 199 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0

twheeler@mckillopmutual.com OFFICE: 519-357-0155

519-524-9878

519-523-4577 email: riversidefuneralhome@hotmail.com www.riversidefuneralhome.ca

& Intimately Yours

Help beat the fight against Cancer.

Visit cancer.ca 208 Josephine St., Wingham 519-357-1051

Jacquie Gowing Accounting Howson & Howson Ltd. Flour Mill Blyth 519-523-4241

Join in the Fight against Cancer

The Citizen

Support the Canadian Cancer Society

1-877-839-3742 www.mcconvilleomni.ca

CONCRETE FORMING For All Your Concrete Needs!

541 Turnberry St., Brussels

519-887-9114

519-523-9971

405 Queen St., Blyth

Accounting, Income Tax & Business Management Personal, Farm, Business & Corporate

• Monthly Bookkeeping Services • Electronic Tax Filing jgowing623@gmail.com

519-887-9248

Dave Franken COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL • Foundations • Floor Finishing • Circular Tanks • Sandwich Walls FREE ESTIMATES RR#3 Blyth ~ Fax 519-523-9604

519-523-4792 37117 Blyth Rd., Goderich, ON

Christine s Clothes Closet 401 Albert Street Box 340 Brussels, ON N0G 1H0

• Personal & Corporate Tax • Accounting & Bookkeeping • Agricultural Services

"You will find it at CARQUEST"

CONSTITUENCY OFFICES

Londesborough

(Denny Scott photo)

Todd Wheeler Insurance Inc.

Email: brian@wightmancpa.ca

MPP Huron-Bruce

R.R. #1, 39843 Londesboro Rd.,

Brussels’ woodworker George Adams has turned his passion for woodworking into something to keep him busy, but more importantly, something to battle prostate cancer, which he survived. He sells items like the birdhouses above to raise money to fight the disease.

Brian E. Wightman

Seaforth ~ 519-527-1331

Lisa Thompson

• HANGING BASKETS • ANNUALS • • PERENNIALS • NURSERY STOCK •

Quite the collection

Rutledge Subdivision-Blyth

RADAR AUTO PARTS Residential & Commercial Dumpster Rental & Service R.R. #1 41403 Londesboro Road, Londesboro Jim Anderson 519-523-4894 Cell 519-440-6007 Jason Fleet: Cell 519-525-9473

with utility providers taking them down, going so far as to thank Festival Hydro for putting the birdhouses back up on some of the poles they’ve replaced locally.

Adams said that the fundraising and construction of the birdhouses in general has been supported by a good number of people, including himself, through the donation of supplies.

“Some of the lumber is donated, and some I’ve bought,” he said.

“Right now I’m working on the last bit of lumber from a large donation that came as a result of an interview I did with CBC.” The interview and accompanying story was published several years ago, he said, and local writer Bonnie Sitter picked it up. He said he knew Sitter when she used to work in a travel agency he used to book fishing trips.

As a result of the CBC story and his connection with Sitter, his story appeared in a number of magazines, which put him in connection with people who have donated to the cause, including new wood and scrap wood.

The CBC story also led to The Times, a British daily newspaper, writing a story on Adams, which has spread his story across the world.

519-523-4311 www.ruralvoice.ca STEVEN NIXON Broker WILFRED MCINTEE & CO. LIMITED

Engineers and Environmental Consultants 1-800-265-9662 www.rjburnside.com

Serving the area since 1999 Bus: 519-357-2222 • Cell: 519-531-0252 Email: nixon@execulink.com Web:www.stevennixon.com 318 Josephine St., WINGHAM, ON N0G 2W0

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021.

H. East Council marks passing of Steffler, Hawley

Gone, but not forgotten Huron East staff compiled a display for council’s March 23 meeting, honouring the municipality’s first-ever Mayor Lin Steffler, left, and Economic Development Officer Jan Hawley, right, who both passed away late last month. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen After losing two prominent members of the Huron East municipal government family since council’s last meeting, Mayor Bernie MacLellan offered his thoughts as

council reconvened for in-person meetings on March 23.

Lin Steffler, a long-time councillor and the Reeve of Seaforth prior to amalgamation and then Huron East’s first-ever Mayor, passed away on March 11. She was in her 75th year.

Jan Hawley, who had served as the municipality’s Economic Development Officer since 2008, passed away suddenly on March 16 at the age of 68. An outdoor funeral procession and small service honouring Hawley was held on Seaforth’s main street on March 22.

Development charges considered

By Denny Scott The Citizen North Huron Township Council took the first step to establishing its new development charges bylaw during a special meeting held online on March 26.

During a presentation to council, B.M. Ross and Associates representative Lisa Courtney explained that development charges are additional fees for certain types of development to help cover the costs associated with growth in a community. Courtney said the charges can help pay for expenses like enhanced or upgraded water or wastewater infrastructure or road work and they can be charged on numerous kinds of development, including commercial and industrial properties. However, numerous local municipalities, including North Huron, only charge them on residential developments, Courtney said.

Currently, North Huron applies three different levels of development charges: $5,104.38 in Wingham, a portion of the approximately $8,000 that could be charged for development in the town, $2,563.56 in Blyth and $1,651.26 in East Wawanosh, 100 per cent of the applicable charge in those communities. The charges are arearated to the wards, though with future projects, Courtney said, like the Hutton Heights project, the charges could be applied directly to the areas impacted by the work.

Courtney went on to explain how development charges could be applied and what projects could benefit from them. She added that council needed to push ahead with research to create the new document outlining development charges with the existing document set to expire in October because the research document needs to be available for review for 60 days prior to it being passed.

Courtney also explained that it’s difficult to compare development charges between municipalities because each municipality and area has its own projects to fund.

She then said the next step for council to take is to start getting

information to prepare for forecasting models to help establish recommendations for the next development change document, which will remain in effect for five years.

In response to the presentation, Councillor Kevin Falconer asked if it was possible to impose development charges on developments that occur in other municipalities, but benefit from North Huron infrastructure.

Courtney said it would be difficult to recoup those kinds of costs because development charges can’t be applied outside the municipality.

“There really isn’t a good mechanism to ask other municipalities to collect it,” she said.

Falconer continued to ask how it would be possible and Courtney said that, without an existing agreement, it would rely on the neighbouring municipality collecting on behalf of the municipality with the infrastructure.

Reeve Bernie Bailey asked the same question, but regarding existing infrastructure and was given the same answer: development charges can’t be applied across borders.

Bailey then pointed out that North Huron had spent money preparing infrastructure for properties in both Morris-Turnberry and Central Huron that were paid for by North Huron ratepayers who don’t directly benefit from the projects.

“Seventy-five to 90 per cent of the growth in the last few years has been

Drop by our office in Blyth or Brussels and check out our wonderful selection of books. We have books for all ages.

413 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114

outside of the township,” he said.

“There are no development charges in Central Huron or MorrisTurnberry [to recoup those costs].”

Falconer also asked if development charges could be applied for technological infrastructure. Courtney said it couldn’t as the provincial acts are written.

After several more questions, council received Courtney’s report and directed staff to proceed with the next steps to create a new development charges bylaw. The project will cost the township $19,500.

MacLellan said Steffler’s record as a municipal councillor and community volunteer was unrivalled. He also said she was charged with a tremendous job as the first mayor of Huron East, ensuring that amalgamation went smoothly, which was very complicated and nuanced.

He said Steffler was a champion for her community and, once she stepped away from politics, her involvement continued, working with the Seaforth Community Development Trust and other organizations. She was one of the driving forces behind the Gateway Community Health Centre, which started in Seaforth.

Regarding Hawley, MacLellan said he had a very supportive friendship with her during her time with Huron East. Often serving as a sounding board for new ideas, MacLellan said he and Hawley would talk often and it was always about how she could do something to better the Huron East community.

While MacLellan said he served as a colleague of Hawley’s over the years, he also knew they supported one another wholly. He said he supported her 100 per cent in her

work and that she supported him 100 per cent as the mayor.

At public functions, he said, Hawley always insisted that he spoke before federal or provincial representatives, which isn’t normally done. However, a move like that is indicative of Hawley’s motivation, he said, which was to always put Huron East first.

MacLellan then called on Councillor Gloria Wilbee, who is also a lay worship leader, to lead council in prayer, after which there was a moment of silence for the two women.

Getting Married?

Announce your upcoming wedding in

The Citizen Call or email to book your ad today 519-523-4792 info@northhuron.on.ca

Opening April 6 mapleandmoose.com Vendor Cooperative ~ We Welcome New Vendors

Unique works of art, gift baskets, gourmet foods.

We ship!

398 Queen Street Blyth, Ontario Phone: 519.523.4276 Tues.-Sat. 11 am - 5 pm

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021. PAGE 13.

Agriculture

519-523-4311

www.ruralvoice.ca

BLYTH 519-523-4244

www.hurontractor.com

Brussels Livestock report

Lambs sell steady while goats go higher Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending March 26 were 1,750 cattle and 1,479 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday, fed steers and heifers sold steady on a selective demand.

Choice steers and heifers sold $138 to $145. Second-cut cattle sold $129 to $137. Aged and medium-fed steers and heifers sold $110 to $126.

Cows sold actively with prices $2 to $3 higher.

On Thursday, veal sold actively on an easier market.

Lambs and sheep sold steady. Goats sold higher.

On Friday, grass-type calves sold actively with firm prices.

Yard-fed calves sold on an easier market with quality

considered. Yearlings sold lower.

Art Bos of Teeswater, consigned two head. One Pied steer weighed 1,535 lbs. and sold for a price of $142.

Elma W. Martin of Harriston, consigned nine head. One limousin heifer weighed 1,280 lbs. and sold for a price of $143. Ron Smith of Denfield, consigned seven head.

Three gold heifers averaged 1,353 lbs. and sold for an average price of $141.50.

There were 300 cows on offer.

Beef sold $75 to $85 with sales to $92.50; good holstein cows, $69 to $74 with sales to $78; medium holstein cows, $60 to $63.

There were 195 head of veal on offer. Beef veal sold $155 to $185

with sales to $204; good holsteins, $114 to $124; SL heavy holsteins, $108 to $114; heavy holsteins, $98 to $114; medium holsteins, $100 to $112; plain holsteins, $85 to $105.

Allen Sherk of Wellesley, consigned one black heifer that weighed 795 lbs. and sold for a price of $204.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $491 to $523; 50 - 64 lbs., $465 to $506; 65 - 79 lbs., $405.50 to $460; 80 - 94 lbs., $365 to $390; 95 - 109 lbs., $337 to $380; 110 lbs. and over, $294 to $335.

Sheep sold $150 to $260.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $350; nannies, $100 to $200; kids: meat, $400 - $590; dairy, $400 to $450.

Ger Miedema of Brucefield, consigned 65 head. Nineteen lambs averaged 47 lbs. and sold for an average price of $523. Rick Patterson of Appin, consigned 14 head. Three kid goats averaged 38 lbs. and sold for an average price of $590.

Top quality stocker steers under 400 lbs. sold $269.75 to $275; 400 - 499 lbs., $246 to $272; 500 - 599 lbs., $214.50 to $235; 600 - 699 lbs., $167.50 to $209; 700 - 799 lbs., $166.75. to $195; 800 - 899 lbs., $171 to $183.50; 900 - 999 lbs., $164 to $183.50; 1,000 lbs. and over, $151.50 to $164.

Top quality stocker heifers, 400 499 lbs. sold $194 to $220; 500 - 599

lbs., $176 to $188; 600 - 699 lbs., $178 to $199; 700 - 799 lbs., $146 to $174.50; 800 - 899 lbs., $159.50 to $175; 900 lbs. and over, $154.50 to $164.

Ronald Menary of Lucknow, consigned 34 head. Eight gold heifers averaged 850 lbs. and sold for an average price of $169.

Seventeen charolais steers averaged 914 lbs. and sold for an average price of $183. Joseph Sherk of Wellesley, consigned 12 head. Six charolais heifers averaged 1,005 lbs. and sold for an average price of $162.50.

Robert Arsenault from P.E.I. consigned 49 head. Two red steers averaged 1,023 lbs. and sold for an average price of $164.

Survey shows need for for more, affordable PPE

By Steve Brackenridge, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture Across Ontario’s agri-food sector, health and safety have always been a main priority in keeping farms, employees and customers safe.

However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the importance of health and safety was taken to a new level with additional practices and procedures put in place to help control and slow the spread of the coronavirus in an effort to keep businesses up and running.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) understands that farmers need appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to safely run their farm businesses.

Ensuring that a steady, reliable supply of PPE is allocated to the agri-food sector is vital to keeping our food supply chain intact.

The OFA recently conducted an agricultural personal protective equipment survey to collect membership input on how PPE protocols have impacted Ontario agri-businesses. The survey, which

was completed by 498 members across the province, aimed to better understand the supply and demand for PPE in the agricultural industry.

It also provided the OFA with tangible results that can help to support our ability to represent and advocate for farmers as we engage in discussions with government policymakers and industry stakeholders.

The consensus of the survey indicated that farmers are concerned with the increased cost of PPE and the unavailability of certain safety supplies. As a farmer, we regularly experience unforeseeable challenges in our day-to-day work. Having to deal with the stress of tracking down PPE and obtaining the right materials necessary to keep our business open adds another layer of worry to managing our farm.

As a business owner with three employees, I was fortunate enough to receive all the supplies I needed in order to successfully run my retail shop. However, according to OFA’s survey, 16 per cent of farmers are

currently unsure if they will be able to keep their farm businesses open due to a lack of accessible PPE. For farms and agri-businesses that are open to the public, adequate PPE is especially crucial in keeping their doors open.

According to respondents, the top three items that farmers experienced shortages of were N95 masks, dust masks and sterile gloves. Due to government guidelines, to meet proper safety protocols, masks, gloves and hand sanitizer are mandatory supplies needed to operate businesses. We have a responsibility to provide not only a safe workplace for employees, but a safe environment for customers as well.

Looking ahead to the 2021 growing season, 21 per cent of members still anticipate PPE shortages within the next three months, and 68 per cent have reported unexpected shortages in N95 masks specifically. With mandatory masks required to enter all businesses, this poses a serious

threat to productivity and business operation.

Preparing for the future has been a challenge throughout this public health crisis. It’s difficult to foresee when protocols and regulations for PPE are subject to change. More than 50 per cent of farmers who completed the survey stated they do not have an extended supply of PPE on hand, which leaves them vulnerable to future supply shortages. Only 12 per cent of farmers stated they have enough supply to last their business more than six months.

Collectively, farmers indicated they were unaware of various government programs that could assist them in offsetting the cost of PPE, managing financial strain due to making fundamental changes to their operations to protect the health and safety of their employees or accessing resources to order enough PPE needed to run their businesses safely and effectively.

The OFA worked extensively with the Ontario government on outreach and communication related to the Enhanced Agri-food Workplace Protection Program. The intent of the program, which received a $10 million extension in Ontario’s 2021 budget, is to provide financial assistance and help offset the cost of PPE, as well as additional expenses incurred due to COVID-19. The OFA’s survey showed that 43 per cent of respondents were unaware this funding was available to them.

Along with the Enhanced Agri-

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 9:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS

A special Sunday Student Minister Alex Jebson, left, of the Blyth and Brussels United Churches marked Palm Sunday, the last Sunday before Easter, with a special outdoor service in both Brussels and Blyth. With the help of his husband Jean-Luc, Jebson also livestreamed the service so it could be enjoyed by members of the congregation from the comfort of their homes. (John Stephenson photo)

8:00 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

food Workplace Protection Program, the Ontario government also provided a Workplace PPE Supplier Directory where business owners can search for the specific PPE needed for their employees. Sixtyseven per cent of farmers from our survey were unaware that this directory was available. One survey participant shared that the PPE Supplier Directory was easy to use and a good start to gather the basic knowledge and information needed to equip the workplace.

Additionally, the OFA has provided extensive resources through our COVID-19 online resource hub with updated information on rules and regulations, where to obtain PPE, how to find support, and government programs that could help assist farm business owners during these unprecedented times.

The OFA encourages anyone struggling with PPE shortages to utilize resources available to them to offset some of the financial burden, obtain appropriate materials, and keep their farm businesses profitable. Utilizing these resources will help Ontario farmers better adjust to a new normal to keep their farms up and running.

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

Advertise it in

The Citizen Call or email to book your ad today! **Buck & Doe **Anniversary **Wedding **New Baby **Graduation **Birthday

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

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 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

Help wanted

Municipality of Huron East BMG Community Centre - Brussels

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

Announcements

BLYTH LEGION LADIES Auxiliary Take-Out Luncheon – April 8, Turkey Dinner $10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. In-town deliveries. To order call 226-523-5888, April 1 cutoff date.

13-1p

HELP WANTED Positions available immediately 6 or 8 general labourers needed

(2) Full-time lifeguards

Full time hours April to November

for our outdoor pool. $17.00/hr. also may be some part-time hours

Join our team for grain bin assembly & concrete work Some climbing involved Valid driver’s licence preferred Own safety boots required Students welcome to apply

APPLY IN PERSON WITH RÉSUMÉ & REFERENCES

HURON FEEDING SYSTEMS 61 George Street Brussels, ON

Full-Time Farm Workers 24-month position

Articles for sale

Coming events

Help wanted

Help wanted

We are taking applications for

Please send résumé to P.O. Box 209, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0 or email bmgcc@huroneast.com

YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US at the graveside service for Mason Bailey at Blyth Union Cemetery on Thursday, April 8 at 1 p.m. Please adhere to masking and distancing rules. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Blyth Legion. 13-1

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.

Help wanted

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

Harriston, Ontario is looking to hire: Carpentry Crew Foreman: - Heritage Builders Ltd. is looking for an individual to hire as a carpentry crew foreman, who is a licensed carpenter with experience in organizing and managing a crew of carpentry labourers on a jobsite.

We will also train the right person who has assisted a Foreman and is ready to take the next step toward this position. Experience in agricultural, residential and light commercial construction would be an asset.

- The right individual will be paid industry competitive wages, benefit package (dental, eye care) and all safety training will be paid by Heritage Builders with the guarantee of year-round employment.

Carpentry Labourers: - These individuals will have some experience or a strong desire to learn on-site. These individuals will be paid industry competitive wages based on experience and will receive safety and jobsite training paid

by Heritage Builders. They will have the opportunity for advancement and a benefit package after 6 months of continuous employment.

Send résumé to heritagebuilders@bellnet.ca or call 519-881-7028 and ask for Mark.

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

Help wanted HELP WANTED TO WEED, CHOP, prune perennial flowerbeds. Some experience preferred. Includes raking, clean up of grounds if required. Approximately 12 hours per week, starting in April, ending in August. $14 per hour. 39213 HullettMcKillop Rd. Deanna Snell, 519523-4711.

13-1

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

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

www.huroncitizen.ca

In memoriam BROMLEY. In loving memory of Bev who passed away April 6, 2019.

We cried when you passed away, We still cry today, Although we loved you dearly, We couldn’t make you stay.

A golden heart stopped beating, Hard working hands at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.

– Always loved and never forgotten, Linda and family, Mom and family.

14-1p -------------------------------------------CHESTER. In memory of my dear granddaughter Ange who passed away April 4, 2017.

Just one more time, could we feel her warm touch, Or her kind loving voice that we miss so much, Just one more time could we see her real face, Instead of pictures that can’t be replaced.

Just one more time could we kiss her goodbye, And tell her we love her, just one more time.

– Sadly missed, but never forgotten, love always, her Grandma B. (Marie).

14-1p

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021. PAGE 15.

Classified Advertisements Tenders

Tenders

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

Let us help you turn that junk into $$ ➨ 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.

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

Spring Lawn Care Tender • Approximately five acres to be rolled and aerated • Approximately half acre to be swept BMG Community Centre, Box 209, Brussels, ON

CLOSING DATE APRIL 14 AT NOON Call Abi at 519-887-6621 or email: bmgcc@huroneast.com

Personals

Services

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING AN unplanned pregnancy? Are you a young parent? Do you feel overwhelmed and have questions?

We have answers and we’re here to help. Our services are free and completely confidential. Contact Room2Grow at 519-606-0046 or visit our website: www.room2grow.info e6w

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 BUY – SELL – TRY CLASSIFIED

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 test 519-441-0484.

13-3 ---------------------------------------------------------------FOR SALE – Raleigh Oasis ladies’ bicycle, 26", 6speed, $75. Call 519-522-0403.

13-3 ---------------------------------------------------------------FOR SALE – one brand new ObusForme office chair, $200; one antique two-furrow plow, $200. 519523-4460.

12-3 ---------------------------------------------------------------FOR SALE – five wooden kitchen chairs, $10 each; baby buggy, best offer. 519-887-6267.

12-3 ---------------------------------------------------------------FOR SALE – sectional with queen sofa bed, beige in colour, $100; two single beds complete with mattresses, headboards and frames, box springs, good condition, $150 for one, $100 for the other; swivel rocker, upholstery is rose velour, $20. Pet-free and smoke-free home. 519-523-4711.

12-3 ---------------------------------------------------------------FOR SALE – Bluebird birdhouses for sale, $10 each, funds go towards prostate cancer awareness. 519887-9550.

12-3 ---------------------------------------------------------------FOR SALE – box of pint and quart sealers, puzzles, plastic booster seat, kid’s ride-on car that converts to a walk-behind walker. Proceeds to Wingham Hospital Auxiliary. 519-357-2768.

12-3

Widowhood during COVID-19 Part 5

By Marguerite Oberle Thomas Ten years into my second marriage, I learned that my first husband, the 62-year-old father of my children, was dying. I turned to my current husband Charlie and said, “What should I do?” He replied, “Your job is to support your children and my job is to support you and them in any way I can.” I had never loved him more than in that moment. A mature and loving response is what the bereaved deserve.

I asked our local funeral director, Zoellyn Onn, to help with this column and the first thing she said was what everyone else has echoed: prepare a will and tell everyone what you want to happen when the time comes. Included in that advice was to choose your executor well, picking someone with both the skill and emotional maturity to do the job well. Executors need to be smart enough to understand things like the right of survivorship and to work well with the funeral director and lawyer. Grief-stricken people are stressed and deserve only kindness.

Consider having two executors, jointly and severally, to expedite handling the small details, especially if one lives at a distance.

Strongly consider preplanning.

Write it all out and share it with those who need to know. There are many books and handouts to assist including When I’m Gone by Kathleen Fraser and available through The Citizen.

My first thoughts about my own funeral arrangements are about whether or not it would be during the COVID-19 pandemic. Zoey helped solve this by working it out both ways.

• Pick your funeral home provider and prearrange. You don’t have to prepay, although you certainly can.

• Check out the Trillium Gift of Life at www.giftoflife.on.ca if you wish to donate organs. Be sure your donor card is signed. You can also donate your body to science.

• Decide about your disposal options. Will it be cremation or burial (interment). The funeral director will guide you among the

choices. Do you have a plot? Is there someone who will visit and care for it? Do you care?

• Inform your executor if you have purchased a plot. It is wise to do that well ahead if burial is your wish.

• Decide options if cremation is your choice. Will ashes be scattered or kept? Check out www.ontario.ca for interesting laws on scattering ashes and for crown use policy.

Generally, you are permitted to bury ashes and scatter ashes on private property or unoccupied Crown Land and Crown Land covered by water provided there are no signs prohibiting scattering.

• Write out all the pertinent information your executor will need.

Perhaps write a draft of your own obituary to ensure accuracy of spelling, dates, life events, etc. Share a copy of everything with him or her, as your executor cannot access your safety deposit box without proof of permission to access.

• Make out a list of all the friends and family to be notified, including addresses and telephone

FOR SALE – Samsung washing machine, top loading, all automatic, good condition, $250. 519482-7262.

11-3 ---------------------------------------------------------------FOR SALE – Bissell upright bagless vacuum, two years old, $25. 519-335-3382.

11-3 ---------------------------------------------------------------FOR SALE – four tires and mag rims, 5 bolt, low kms., off P.T. Cruiser, will fit other Dodge vehicles, $225 or best offer. Call 519-523-9668.

11-3 ---------------------------------------------------------------FOR SALE – eight-place setting of white dinnerware, square plates, no chips or stains, hardly used, $40. 519-335-3382.

11-3 ---------------------------------------------------------------FOR SALE – TMT hammerdrill like new, $75. 519357-9694.

11-3 ---------------------------------------------------------------FOR SALE – two twin beds complete with head and foot boards, side rails, box springs and mattresses, $250. 519-357-5714.

11-3 ----------------------------------------------------------------

numbers. Update as needed.

• Decide where you want notices to be shared – newspapers, radio, social media etc.

• Plan your own service if you wish. Start with your choice of officiant and a location. Choose who will say the eulogy and share ideas as to what you would like to be said.

Are there stories that you want to be told? Do you have memories or advice that you wish to share? You may well wish a poignant goodbye and/or some humour to make the day easier. Pick out the music, pallbearers, who will cater and how the graveside service will be held.

• Ensure that your executors have all your needed paperwork including your social insurance number, birth and marriage certificates, will, pension information, home and vehicle information, passport, health card, credit card, organ donation card, Veterans Affairs information, banking information, GST and HST information and passwords. Keep life insurance beneficiary information up to date and ensure that the account numbers are recorded as well as account numbers for shares in any companies. If you have a safety deposit box, store one of the keys with these documents.

• List your financial advisor and all your investments. Leave information about anything owing

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

www.huroncitizen.ca

including loans, lines of credit or mortgages. Leave a list on how to cancel your credit cards and insurances.

• Write out the list of smaller items that may not be in the will, such as leaving the good china or hockey card collection to someone who genuinely wants it. Talk about these items, especially jewellery, with the people involved so everyone knows.

• Set aside money for the postceremony gathering, but also consider starting an annual gettogether now for when you are gone.

Leave money for a meal so your loved ones can gather and share memories and stay connected to each other. We generally want our family to be there for each other at the end of our time, and this may help facilitate that happening.

• Tell your executors that if circumstances change, and it can’t all go as you planned, that you are content that they will use their best judgment. Life happens when you are making other plans. So does death. There is peace of mind in knowing that you did the best to prepare for when you are gone and done your best for your bereaved.

Above all, once the arrangements are all in place, live life as though every moment is meant to be savoured. It is. Thanks again to my many contributors and helpers.

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021.

BIA concerned with brightness of downtown lights

By Denny Scott The Citizen

After receiving a complaint from a board member, Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA) Chair David Sparling investigated street lights in Blyth and found they’re a little too bright.

During the BIA’s March 25 meeting, held virtually on Zoom, Sparling explained that Wonky Frog Studio owner Cat O’Donnell had complained about the streetlights being too bright several months ago.

O’Donnell reiterated that the lights cause problems with local wildlife. Sparling had been able to corroborate her complaint, finding that several countries had taken official stances on LED lights, especially those between 4,000 and

6,000 Kelvin, which produce a white or cool blue light. The new lights in Blyth fall into that range, which is significantly different from the softer light provided by traditional street lights with a lower Kelvin value of approximately 3,000.

Groups like the American Medical Association have issued warnings about LED lights, saying they can cause physical maladies and upset circadian rhythms in humans.

Aside from Sparling’s discovery that the new lights are of a higher Kelvin value, he also had a lighting expert comment on them, who said the bright white LED lights are “really bad for business and will chase people off of your main street at night.”

Sparling also noted that many of the streetlights are directly outside

second-floor residential apartments on main street, which could impact Blyth residents.

North Huron Director of Public Works Jamie McCarthy had looked into the issue, Sparling said, and said the only options to fix the problem were to reduce the brightness of the lights, but not the Kelvin value, which could cost $7,000 to $10,000, or change out the light fixtures, which would be cost-prohibitive because the current fixtures are still being paid for.

In a follow-up interview with The Citizen, McCarthy said the dimming of the lights would require the installation of a “mode selector switch” to allow for dimming photocontrols, allowing the existing lights to be dimmed. The $7,000 to $10,000 price tag would cover

converting all 30 decorative light standards in Blyth.

The new lights save the municipality money on electricity and those savings are currently being used to pay for the new fixtures, Sparling said, so replacing the fixtures wasn’t an appealing option.

“The reality is, there isn’t an endless pot of money,” he said.

“Replacing the fixtures without increasing taxes will mean cuts somewhere else.”

O’Donnell said she had noticed problems with birds and insects being active when they normally wouldn’t, and further saying her own home and property were impacted by the streetlight outside their home. She said she was in support of reducing the light by 20 per cent, but also wanted the

municipality to investigate putting shades or diffusers in the fixtures to direct light away from main street structures and on to the street.

North Huron Councillor Kevin Falconer said any kind of change like that would need to be reviewed

by North Huron staff and emergency services to make sure it doesn’t have a negative impact on professionals in those fields from completing their jobs.

Falconer also suggested having the BIA review the streetscape design policy that influenced the choice of the lights in the first place, which he believed originally came from the BIA. Sparling said the BIA would do that and revisit the issue at next month’s meeting set for April 29.

Obituaries resting place will be at Wingham Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Wingham and District Hospital Foundation (Oncology) or the North Huron Family Health Team would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

Online condolences may be left at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com.

MARILYN BRIDGE Marilyn Bridge of Wingham, passed away peacefully at Wingham and District Hospital with her family by her side, on Monday, March 22, 2021. She was 80.

Marilyn was the loving mom of Sharon Shobbrook, Sheila and Terry Armstrong, Lyle and Audrey Bridge, Lynne and Don Armstrong, Brad and Diane Shobbrook, Susan Bridge and Don, Steven Bridge and Vicky and Krista Marston. She was the cherished grandma of 17 grandchildren and ten greatgrandchildren and the dear sister and sister-in-law of Phyllis Biggin and Denis Jewitt, Wayne and Barb Fear, Larry and Linda Fear, Bruce and Joyce Fear and Verna Edgar.

Marilyn will be lovingly remembered by the extended Shobbrook and Bridge families. She was predeceased by her first husband Rae Shobbrook, second husband Allan Bridge, brother Russell Fear, parents Samuel and Margaret Fear, daughter-in-law Cathy Bridge and son-in-law Marvin Fulmek.

Marilyn’s greatest accomplishment was her family, who meant the world to her. She took great pride in her grandchildren. She was so proud of each and every one of them and everything they had accomplished and she loved hearing about their lives. She loved when they would come to visit her or call, especially in the last few years while she was on her own. Marilyn was a social butterfly and would drop everything in an instant if an opportunity came to spend time with her family or her friends.

Visitation was held at McBurney Funeral Home, Wingham on March 25. A private funeral service was held at the Wingham United Church on Friday, March 26. Rev. Colin Snyder officiated. Marilyn’s final

EMMA ELIZABETH DEYELL Emma Deyell of Wingham passed away at Wingham and District Hospital on Sunday, March 28, 2021. She was in her 100th year.

Emma was the beloved wife of the late Norman Deyell who predeceased her in 2004. She was the devoted mother of Patricia Gaunt, Wingham; Dianne and Jim English, Wingham; Terry and Brenda Deyell, Wingham and Brian and Marj Deyell, Belmore. Emma was the loving grandma of Steve and Judith Gaunt, Stephanie and Jeff Bloemberg, Jim and Lauren English, Rhonda and Dwayne Hickey, Shawn and Bethany Deyell, David and Shelley Deyell, Helen Lockhart and Laura Deyel; the great-grandma of 21 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren and the dear sister and sister-in-law of Albertine Butcher, Mary Ortlieb and Helen Ortlieb. Emma will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her son Ronald Deyell, grandson John Deyell, son-in-law Murray Gaunt, great-granddaughter Amanda Gaunt, parents Frank and Emily Ortlieb and eight siblings.

A private funeral service will take place on Thursday, April 1 at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at 11 a.m. Due to current restrictions, the family asks that you watch from home. A link to view the service will be available on the funeral home’s website. Interment will take place at Wingham Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial

donations to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church or the Wingham and District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

Online condolences may be left at www.mcburneyfuneralhome.com

CHARLES “GORDON” SHOBBROOK Mr. Charles “Gordon” Shobbrook of Goderich and formerly of Londesborough, passed away peacefully at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, Goderich, on Friday, March 26, 2021. He was in his 86th year.

Gordon was the beloved husband of the late Darlene Shobbrook (2016) and the dear companion of Donna Shaw. He was the loving father of Darrell Shobbrook, Stratford and Diana and Mark Sjaarda, Auburn.

Gordon was predeceased by his son

Trent (1971). He was the cherished grandfather of Ryan and Abby Sjaarda and the dear brother and brother-in-law of Dennis and Carole Shobbrook, Cambridge; June Knox, Goderich; Ethel Adams, Wingham and Muriel Millson, Woodstock.

Gordon was predeceased by his brother Rae Shobbrook and sister Thelma Ellerby, and in-laws Charles Knox, Doris Laidlaw, James Laidlaw, James Pierce, Bernice Pierce, Sid Adams, Ross Millson and Marilyn Bridge. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews and by Donna’s family.

Friends were received at the Falconer Funeral Homes – Bluewater Chapel, Goderich on Tuesday, March 30 A private funeral service was held on Wednesday, March 31.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Londesborough United Church would be greatly appreciated.

Messages of condolence for the Shobbrook family are welcome at www.falconerfuneralhomes.com

Did you know?

The Citizen keeps an archive of obituaries going back several years on its website at huroncitizen.ca.

Remembering your loved one Honour your loved one by placing their obituary in

The Citizen.

This is a free service provided by The Citizen. We encourage you to share the story of your loved one in a special remembrance of their life.

Cards of thanks can be placed in our classified section, starting at just $7.00.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

‘Do not be afraid’ – words of our time

By Rev. Jo-Ann Todd Blyth, Brussels Anglican Churches Each of the four gospel writers have a narrative about the resurrection, and in our church we tend to alternate the reading of them each Easter. The gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John were the chroniclers of the story of Jesus’ life, and each puts the death and resurrection of Jesus at the end of their accounting of their gospels. But the resurrection story really isn’t the end is it? It’s really the beginning of a much greater story—the story of Christianity! For without the resurrection, Jesus would have been just another up-start prophet crucified by the Romans for civil disobedience!

It is the resurrection that definitively provides the evidence that Jesus was the Son of God. Despite all the forces of evil in the world, God is indestructible, the forces of love and goodness prevail; Jesus is alive! And even in death there is new life in Christ, with Christ and through Christ! That is the Good News that is given in all four gospels, despite the fact that they are all written slightly differently.

And I do get asked from time to time why the four gospel stories of the resurrection are different from each other. For example, there are more or less people present, more or fewer angels, different people in each story. Mark’s gospel is the first one of the four to be written, and in his accounting of the resurrection, Jesus isn’t even seen at the grave, but shows Himself afterwards.

Now, all the gospels of course were written after Jesus’ death and resurrection, and are based on accounts of those who were there when Jesus lived, or had heard of the stories of Jesus from others who were with Him. As we all know, if a group of people witness the same event, each one of them recounts it to others in a different way, because they all witness it from their own personal perspective.

And people are people – stories can change in the retelling. Some storytellers embellish slightly more, or will focus on a specific aspect of the event, because they felt it important for the point they are making, while another will discount it as immaterial, and maybe not even tell it.

So, irrespective of which of the resurrection accounts we read, there are key similarities to all of them.

The stone has been rolled away, the tomb is unexpectedly empty, Jesus’

body is missing – and no one is just quite sure why that is, or how that all happened. The people who are there are frightened and reassured by an angel. And each story has one or more angels who reveal the answer.

Angels are God’s messengers, and make themselves known to people when God wants people to be aware of very special divine occurrences— like the angels that announced Jesus’ birth. Mary of Magdalene is the primary witness in all four gospels, and the revelation of Jesus’ resurrection is first made to women and the names of the women are given. And it is they who are instructed to bring the good news to Jesus’ other followers. This is truly significant.

In Jesus’ “coming out” to the female disciples first, as it were, Jesus is making an extraordinary statement of the value of women in His life, which is very significant for the patriarchal society of the time!

Some scholars I have read over the years say that this actually adds to the credibility of the reality of the resurrection having occurred, as if the resurrection itself wasn’t extraordinary enough.

The resurrection story from Matthew’s gospel is written with a truly dramatic flair. It’s Sunday morning and Mary Magdalene and the other Mary – we’re not quite sure who this Mary is – are going to the tomb where Jesus was buried, much

like we would go to the cemetery to visit a loved one. There is an earthquake (possibly an aftershock?, because just two days before, on the day Jesus was crucified, there was a pretty significant earthquake. For ancient peoples, earthquakes were thought to be a sign of the presence of God. And suddenly, an angel appears like lightning, rolls the stone away, and the guards who have been posted at the tomb to ensure that Jesus’ body isn’t taken, actually pass out in fear.

The Jewish authorities had asked Pilate to post guards at the tomb because there was that rumour going around that He was expected to rise from the dead. Remember how Jesus brought Lazarus back to life and the stir that caused? And the number of people who hailed Him as King just the week before, on the day we now call Palm Sunday and the stir that caused?

The last thing the Romans or the temple leaders needed was Jesus’ body stolen and His disciples saying He was raised from the dead. This “Jesus as the Messiah being raised in three days” business had to be quashed. So, Pilate agreed to post guards, and the stone was even sealed in place.

So, the angel rolled the stone away from the mouth of the tomb, then calmly sat down on the stone – a very non-threatening presence – and the first thing the angel said to the

Our 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. services have resumed with a limited capacity.

Join us for:

Good Friday Service at 10:00 am Easter Sunday Service at 10:00 ~ no evening service Services are live streamed and can be watched by searching “Blyth Christian Reformed Church”

BLYTH CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Minister: Pastor Gary van Leeuwen Hwy. 4, Blyth www.blythcrc.ca 519-523-4743

- Pastor Lowell Hunking, “Through Jesus, Our Continual Sacrifice” (Heb.13:15)

Easter Sunday Apr. 4 - Pastor Ernest Dow, “Important News: Christ’s Appearing, God’s Grace” (1Cor.15:1ff) Call 519-526-1131 to pre-register if attending (max 30% capacity)

Youth Group Wednesdays 7 pm Check out our LifeGroups online and in-person!

huronchapel.com 119 John’s Ave., Auburn 519-526-1131

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship HE IS RISEN !

God’s ultimate promise to you is fulfilled.

Will you claim it?

“God raised the Lord from the dead, and by His power He will raise you also.” (1 Corinthians 6:14)

No in-person services until further notice 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519-887-6388 • Pastor Ken Gazley

The Regional Ministry of Hope Churches are now open for in-person worship or worship on our facebook page or on youtube @ St.Paul’s-Trinity Anglican Church Wingham.

Maundy Thursday & Good Friday Services in person at Trinity Blyth 10:30 a.m.

Easter Sunday Services at the usual times shown below Masks and social distancing in effect

Rev. JoAnn Todd, Rector 519-357-7781 email: revjoann@hurontel.on.ca The­Regional­Ministry­of­ Hope

Trinity Anglican

St. John’s Anglican

BLYTH

BRUSSELS

9:00 am

12 Noon

St. Paul’s Trinity Anglican

WINGHAM

10:30 am

COME WORSHIP WITH US!

BRUSSELS

United Church Holy Week Maundy Thursday, April 1 at 7 p.m.

ZOOM Communion Service online Email: minister.brusselsblythuc@gmail.com for link

Good Friday, April 2

MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

Easter Sunday, April 4 at 10 a.m.

Brussels & Blyth Joint Worship from your vehicle at BMG Community Centre, East parking lot, Brussels (everyone must stay in vehicles)

Search on YouTube for "St. Andrew's and Melville Sermon" for a new virtual worship every Sunday morning.

Stay safe and healthy!

Brussels Soup and More 2 is cancelled until further notice.

Evangelical Missionary Church

Good Friday Apr. 2 Communion 10:30 a.m.

unbelievable amazing joy in mere seconds? The one we loved and saw dead is really alive? Then the angelic messenger continues with the message: “Now, quickly, go tell the disciples that Jesus is raised from the dead. He is on the way to Galilee and you will see him there.” What an experience for them! Earthquakes, angels coming like lightning, Roman guards fainting dead away, an empty tomb, and Jesus really isn’t Continued on page 19

Pre-recorded service on YouTube

519-357-5273

Watch HuronChapel.com/VIDEOS Sundays 10:30 a.m.

women was: “Do not be afraid”, words of reassurance because the angel knows this is a frightening situation for them. And then the angel acknowledges their needs: I know you’re here to see the grave, to grieve Jesus’ death, but come and see, look inside, He’s not here, He really has been raised.

The women look at each other afraid, astonished, astounded and amazed! How do you respond to all of this – from grief to fear to

Blyth United Church Continue to follow us on YouTube or join us for a Drive-In Church Service Easter Sunday at 10 am at the BMG Arena parking lot "But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.

(Romans 6:8-9) Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com

Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches blythunited@tcc.on.ca ~ 519-523-4224

Contact Alex at minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Website: brusselsandblythuc.ca P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259

THE CATHOLIC PARISHES OF NORTH HURON AND NORTH PERTH

OUR CHURCHES HAVE RE-OPENED. WELCOME BACK. Brussels: St. Ambrose Saturday ~ 6:00 p.m.

17 Flora Street Wingham: Sacred Heart Sunday ~ 9:00 a.m.

220 Carling Terrace Listowel: St. Joseph’s Sunday ~ 11:00 a.m.

1025 Wallace Avenue N. Facebook: Search for St. Joseph/Sacred Heart/St. Ambrose Live Sunday Mass, Sundays at 10:00 a.m.

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021.

Local lacrosse league plans start-up this month The summer season of 2020 was to be the 20th anniversary of the North Perth Outlaws Lacrosse Association, and members were coming off a 2019 season which saw teams capture provincial championships at both the Bantam D and Midget D levels. The association also saw incredibly strong growth in membership, including a very high number of female players participating.

But all the momentum going into 2020 was halted, and as like most summer sports, the season was cancelled due to COVID-19. The Outlaws had to regroup and prepare for the summer of 2021. With continued public health restrictions in place, it became clear that the 2021 season would not be a traditional summer of lacrosse, and the executive needed a plan.

Being the only minor lacrosse association in Huron-Perth, the Outlaws are in a unique and challenging situation, but wanted to ensure that Canada's national

summer sport would be played and available to the youth of the region.

They decided to turn that challenge into an opportunity to offer a local, no-contact lacrosse league fully sanctioned by the Ontario Lacrosse Association.

After a preregistration campaign that saw well over 100 players express their interest in participating in some form of lacrosse this summer, it was evident that the North Perth Outlaws needed to deliver a program for young players to develop lacrosse skills and have fun playing the "fastest game on two feet" with friends, new and old, while following public health measures and keeping everybody safe.

Due to arena availability, North Perth Lacrosse will be operating primarily out of Wingham and Belmore arenas this summer.

Gameplay will be modified to follow all public health and Ontario Lacrosse Association guidelines, including no contact and no face-

offs. There will also be protocols in place at each arena, including participant limits on the floor, spectator limits and the wearing of masks when not participating in the sport.

The co-ed league will operate with small “bubble” leagues grouped by age, of no more than 50 players per league, as per public health restrictions. Each bubble will consist of four teams that will play a schedule against each other over the course of the summer, with the season concluding at the end of July.

Lacrosse will begin April 19 with skills and drills sessions twice per week for players born 2000 to 2014.

Gameplay will begin in mid-May. The Outlaws also offer an eightweek paperweight program for players born 2015-2017 to introduce its youngest players to the exciting game of lacrosse once a week.

With the growth in the number of female players playing box lacrosse in North Perth, the region, and Ontario, the Outlaws will also be

offering a girls lacrosse program for female players born 2005 to 2012.

All new players that register this summer in any of the Outlaws' programs will receive a free lacrosse stick.

With only local travel, lower costs and no-contact gameplay, this will be the perfect opportunity for new players to try Canada's national summer sport. Box lacrosse is an excellent off-season sport for hockey players and is fun for anybody looking to play a fast-paced game that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Wayne Gretzky, Bobby Orr, Brendan Shanahan, Steve Stamkos, Connor McDavid, and John Tavares are just some on the very long list of professional hockey players that played minor box lacrosse in their youth.

The planning stages for the season are almost complete, with registration set to open shortly.

Registration will include skills sessions, practices, games and team pictures.

Registration will only be open for a short period of time and space will be very limited. Lacrosse is set to return to Huron-Perth on April 19, 2021.

For more information go to www.northperthoulaws.ca to find out more about their program offerings and registration.

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

Advertise it in

The Citizen Call or email to book your ad today!

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

Business Directory “Your Neighbourhood Mortgage Broker”

Christina Steplock, AMP Mortgage Agent LIC#10530

COME IN AND VISIT YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD PHARMASAVE

BROWN’S PHARMASAVE

T: (519) 357-2558 37452 Glen’s Hill Road R.R. #2, Auburn, Ont. N0M 1E0

198 Josephine St., Wingham, Ont. 519-357-1629

Ph: 519-529-7212 Fax: 519-529-3277

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 - 6 Sat. 9 - 4 Rear Parking Available

Snowblowers, Land Rollers, Stone Windrowers, Sweepers, Crimper Rollers, Quick Attach Buckets & Woodsplitters.

Full Machine Shop & Repair Services

Easy Prescription Transfer

PAUL COOK ELECTRIC Home, Farm & Commercial Wiring BELGRAVE

519-357-1537

Free delivery in Wingham & surrounding area

Email: info@smythwelding.com

www.smythwelding.com

Introduce Yourself to Hundreds of Local Customers

CARD Call Heather or Brenda to reserve this spot today!

MOVING?

519 743 3249 info@cleanerliving.ca

Bernard Enterprises

The Blyth Walk-In Clinic

519-523-4356

Large & Small Trucks

Central Boiler

full size or mini 344 Huron Rd. GODERICH

519-524-9381 1-800-338-1134

Lakeside

SHELVING & RACKING

Large instock selection of pallet racking, store shelving, display cases and more for Industrial, Residential, Farm & Retail

1-877-513-5333

Automotive Technician

Authorized dealer for

GODERICH TOYOTA

TO L L - F R E E

DAN SNELL,

CAR AND TRUCK RENTALS

Passenger Vans

Talk to us instead.

Owned and Operated by Dan & Heather Snell

(on the Westfield Rd.)

Our rates qualify for insurance replacement

For All Your Concrete Needs!

DAN'S AUTO REPAIR RR 3, Blyth, Ont. N0M 1H0

Complete Selection of Cars

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL • Foundations • Floor Finishing • Circular Tanks • Sandwich Walls FREE ESTIMATES RR#3 Blyth ~ Fax 519-523-9604 519-523-9971

200-2005 Sheppard Avenue E, Toronto, ON, M2J 5B4

We specialize in Homestaging

fridge carts - piano dollysmoving blankets

CONCRETE FORMING

519-524-0253

Decluttering and Move in/out cleans

Affordable

Dave Franken

Call

Follow me on social media!

- COMPLETE MECHANICAL SERVICE COMPUTERIZED TUNE-UPS - TIRES - BRAKES MUFFLERS - VEHICLE INSPECTION STATION Regular Home Cleanings Plus……

Here’s my

csteplock@tmacc.com www.christinasteplock.com

NEW CONSTRUCTION AGRICULTURAL RENOVATIONS RESIDENTIAL

Classic Outdoor Wood Furnaces, Edge Outdoor Wood Furnaces & Maxim Wood Pellet and Corn Burners Gasification units available Inquire about our new edges Carman Bernard

519-524-1740

3:30 pm to 5:30 pm with Family Physician Dr. Farahnaz Farzadfar

226-532-9500

BLYTH PHARMACY Easy prescription transfers Monday to Friday 9 am - 6 pm Free Delivery

519-887-6405

Ph: 226-256-8383 Fax: 226-256-8503

RR #4 Brussels centralboiler.com

442 Queen St., Blyth, ON

Take time to check out our great selection of books.

Perfect for all ages and all occasions.

www.lakesideshelving.com lakesidemarket@gmail.com 33842 Market Rd., North of Goderich, off Hwy. 21

Open Monday & Friday

The Citizen 405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

Call 519-523-4792 or 519-887-9114 to book your spot today!

541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021. PAGE 19.

BIA questions study

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Brawny Students at Hullett Central Public School, as part of a fundraiser for the food bank, were invited to wear plaid on Monday. Above are members of Mrs. Middleton’s class showing off their best impression of Brawny paper towel man and woman. Back row, from left: Lillian Oakes, Macy Smith and Spencer Huhtala. Middle row are William Howson and Reese DeBoer. Front row: Cole Greidanus, Jackson Campbell and Bailey Smith. (Denny Scott photo)

A survey proposed by the Huron County’s Economic Development Department raised some eyebrows during a recent Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA) meeting.

BIA Chair David Sparling announced that the economic development department is looking for volunteers to conduct surveys for a business retention and expansion program, which will involve 60-90minute interviews with local business owners. He said there had been some negative feedback regarding the initiative however, citing the length of the interview process.

Vice-Chair Shane Yerema also saw some problems with it, particularly the request for detailed financial information being provided by the business owners, which he said is a privacy concern.

Sparling said there will be a meeting this week about the issue.

Blyth Festival General Manager Rachael King also shared concerns about having in-person interviews in

the middle of a pandemic, saying the survey could be accomplished online with phone call follow-ups where necessary.

“They’re looking for quantitative and qualitative information,” she said. “The quantitative could be online with a follow-up for more detail.”

Yerema said the detailed financial information wouldn’t be necessary and that percentages could be provided and still give enough information.

Councillor Kevin Falconer defended the initiative, saying the goal was to get “a full view of the area” and that it was ambitious and would require “a special kind of volunteer” to make the interviews work.

“I can see what they’re trying to get at, and I would understand a small business wanting to protect their information, but I do believe the county would be very discreet,” he said.

“It’s information that [businesses] will be able to use.”

No action was taken as a result of the discussion.

Easter, resurrection the foundation of Christianity Continued from page 17 dead! And they would see him again! Could this really be?

Verse 8: “So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” With fear and great joy, they don’t walk to Galilee, but run. Imagine, two fully grown women running down the road! What a combination of emotions for the Marys; feeling both ends of the emotional spectrum at the same time – fear and great joy.

There is a sense of urgency about their mission – people need to know what’s happened. This is amazing news, but a bit scary just the same; our beloved one who was dead for three days is raised to live again.

What awesome power our Lord has, and the angels told us to tell the others!

Verse 9: “Suddenly Jesus met them and said “‘Greetings!”

Greetings, it’s an unusual word to our 21st century ears. It is a direct English translation from the Greek word of greeting, and a standard word of greeting of the time. But the Greek word means more than just “Hello” or “Hi there”, it implies a greeting with rejoicing. Jesus is rejoiced, he is delighted to meet the women too! And the two Marys fall

at Jesus’ feet! Jesus understands how they’re feeling, because the first thing He says to them is, “Don’t be afraid.”

It was along the way to Galilee that Jesus found the women. They were en-route; they hadn’t even had the chance to complete the mission the angel had given them and Jesus just shows up, out of the blue! Isn’t that just the way, sometimes? When we’re in situations and we’re not sure why God has put us into them, or busy single-mindedly pursuing a mission, or so overwhelmed with emotions that we can’t even think straight or unsure if we can even handle the job or the task at hand, that’s when unexpectedly Jesus can find us; wherever we are, whatever we’re doing. And he greets us, and says “It’s OK, don’t be afraid, I am with you.” This is just what we need to hear in this time of uncertainty, fear and loneliness, as we are busily, socially isolating, trying to avoid people and this virus.

My prayer is that the only illness you will get out of this pandemic is cabin fever! No matter how this coronavirus is hitting you and your loved ones, know that Jesus’ presence is in the midst of it as well.

Jesus is with you, and knows and

understands how you are feeling.

Jesus understands your fear for your families and other loved ones, your fear of contracting this virus.

I truly believe God’s presence is with those who are ill and with those mourning the loss of loved ones. Just watching the TV news makes your heart break for all the pain. Jesus’ love comes through the hands and in the many ways so many are responding.

Easter, the resurrection of our Lord, was the message of hope, for the disciples of Jesus time, and for our time. The evil forces that pursued Jesus literally to death did not provide the last word. Jesus could not be eradicated. The love and goodness of Almighty God does prevail, still today,

against even the deepest of evils.

Christians are an Easter people.

We are a people of hope, because we know that the light will always win over the darkness. Yes, there will be times of suffering and pain, but we need not be afraid, because Christ lives, and is with us, in all of our fearful and challenging times.

Correction

on April 8th, 2021

In last week’s edition of The Citizen, the number of individuals on the provincial salary disclosure list, also known as the “Sunshine List”, was reported incorrectly.

The list included 205,607 private sector individuals who made over $100,000 in the province.

The Citizen apologizes for the error.

From his family here: Betty Campbell, Emily (George) Cousins and John & Merle Cousins.

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.)

4" wide x 3" high 2" wide x 3" high

$30 + tax includes colour

The Citizen

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

$60 + tax includes colour

Happy 90th Birthday to

We are an Easter people, a resurrection people. This is our foundation, our faith, our hope and our trust, that through thick and thin, through fear and pain, through every evil, Jesus is always with us.

The tomb is empty, come and see!

Do not be afraid. Christ is risen, the Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Happy 80th Birthday

Wayne Dolmage April 4th

Lawrie Cousins of London, formerly Brussels

Love your family

Huron Perth

www.hpph.ca/vaccine

COVID-19 Vaccination

COVID-19 vaccination clinics adults 7 + (born 19 or earlier) Indigenous persons 16+ other priority groups • 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.

PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 1, 2021.

Thompson announces funding for Wingham, Goderich

Turning the page Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, left, was in Wingham last week to make announcement for Braemar Centre that will aid in its renovation and expansion. Later that day she would make a similar announcement in Goderich for Maitland Manor. Thompson is seen here with Braemar owner Archie MacGowan and members of the home’s staff. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson was in Huron County last week to make a pair of announcements regarding funding from the provincial government for area long-term care homes.

Thompson began the morning of March 25 in Wingham at Braemar Centre with an announcement and then made her way to Maitland Manor in Goderich for another.

At Braemar, Thompson announced that the provincial government would be funding an additional 27 new and 69 upgraded spaces. This will be part of the home’s renovation and expansion, which will roll out in the coming years.

There, Thompson talked about just how challenging the past 12 months have been, especially for those in

long-term care. That was why she was happy to call Archie MacGowan, the owner of Braemar, with the news of funding from the province.

When asked, members of Thompson’s staff said it would be difficult to attribute a dollar amount to the grant being given, with each project, timeline and region being different, but that the government was committing to a specific number of spaces for each of the homes.

In Goderich at Maitland Manor, Thompson announced government support for 69 new spaces and 91 upgraded spaces, resulting in a 160bed facility.

These two announcements come after the Southampton Care Centre announcement, that will provide 84 new long-term care beds to the facility.

At the Wingham announcement, Thompson lauded MacGowan and

Huron East Council approves ’21 budget Continued from page 1 also decreased as a result of this year’s budget, dropping from $13.9 million to $11.8 million. The main utilization of the reserves in this year’s budget, Michiels said, is from the working capital, bridge, water and wastewater reserves.

She also reiterated the reasons behind various pressures on the year’s budget, which include decreased money through the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF), a trend that has been ongoing for years, increased liability insurance premiums and annual inflation and cost increases.

All three levies have increased significantly over the past four years. As Michiels outlined in her presentation, Huron East’s levy has risen by 22.3 per cent since 2018. At the same time, the county levy has risen by 15.8 per cent and the education levy has increased by 5.6 per cent. Over that same four-year period, Huron East’s OMPF allocation has decreased by nearly $450,000, resulting in a 29 per cent decrease over the past four years.

Council made two final decisions on the budget at the March 23 meeting, aside from finally

approving it. The first was to include a $40,000 generator for town hall in the budget after removing it earlier in the process, while the second was to transfer $100,000 to the equipment reserve for the replacement of a public works tandem truck in 2022. The truck is expected to cost over $300,000 next year and council opted to save $100,000 for the truck in order to soften the blow next year.

Mayor Bernie MacLellan felt there was reason for optimism in looking ahead to the 2022 budget process. Michiels had said that, according to the provincial government, the municipality’s OMPF allotment should now stabilize after years of cuts. Without starting in a hole in 2022, MacLellan felt the end of those cuts should provide Huron East with some “disposable income” next year.

Michiels agreed with him, but did provide a caveat, saying that the provincial government could always change its mind and hand down further cuts, but there has been no indication that that will be the case.

Council approved the budget with the added expenditures of $140,000.

his family for decades of care at the centre, adding that she has a personal connection to it, with numerous family members either volunteering there or being residents in the past.

MacGowan said he was moved emotionally by the grant information, choking up when talking about his staff and the year they’ve had working to keep themselves and residents safe from the COVID-19 virus. He also said he was proud to continue the legacy started by his parents decades ago.

He also spoke of the size of the new facility, saying it will create a home unlike any other in the area. It will be big enough to accommodate more residents than before, but it won’t swell to the size that the staff loses a personal touch with residents, which is something he very much wants to retain.

He also thanked Thompson directly, saying she has long been a supporter of the home.

“We can’t wait to get started,” MacGowan said.

He also said the investment and the work being done to expand and renovate the location will “pay dividends” for years to come.

Thompson said the announcements of the day showed that the government is listening and responding to the need for improved long-term care facilities in the province.

She also that it was clear that many ministers have been working together to continue the fight against COVID-19.

The announcements were part of the provincial government’s $933 million investment in long-term care across the province. According to a press release from Thompson, that investment is in addition to the $1.75 billion already earmarked for the creation of 30,000 new long-term care spaces over the next 10 years.

This is in addition to $530,000 being granted locally to retirement homes – part of a province-wide announcement of $30 million being invested into the sector.

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

Advertise it in

The Citizen

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

“Egg”stra Special Books BACKROADS OF ONTARIO Ron Brown has updated and expanded this guide to hundreds of interesting places to visit throughout Ontario.

Mapped out routes for daytrips let you get to know rural Ontario with interesting stories about spots along the way. $29.95

CHICKEN COOPS Whether you’re looking for a project for the kids for the summer or want to grow more of your own food, this book provides plenty of ideas for housing chickens. 45 building plans for everything from a backyard coop to pastured flocks. $29.95

QUACK! MOO! OINK! Bring the barnyard to life with 10 farm animal sounds! Fun facts and sounds on every page for your little farmer. $17.95

HAVE MERCEY My First Sixty Years Making Music An autobiography of the music career of Larry Mercey and the awardwinning Canadian Country Music group, The Mercey Brothers. $25.00 Total

Qty.

BACKROADS OF ONTARIO QUACK! MOO! OINK! THE VIEW FROM CASTLE ROCK CHICKEN COOPS HAVE MERCEY HELLO FARM! LIFT-A-SOUND Prices subject to change with increases in wholesale prices, postage, taxes, etc. Please refer to current issue for correct figures.

Incorrect payment will delay delivery.

$29.95 $17.95 $21.00 $29.95 $25.00 $17.99 Total for Books Shipping & Handling $9.00 Add 5% GST on subtotal Order Total

THE VIEW FROM CASTLE ROCK This book traces the generations of Alice Munro’s family. Evocative, gripping, and unexpected, the stories in this collection are Munro’s most personal stories. $21.00

HELLO FARM! Lift-a-Sound Lift the big flaps! Push the big buttons! Listen to the farm animals say HELLO! Perfect for the little ones. $17.99

The Citizen

Send cheque or money order for full amount to: Books: North Huron Publishing P.O. Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 or call and pay by credit card 519-523-4792

MAIL BOOKS TO: Name:_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ______________________ Code _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Phone: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Visit our NEW online Marketplace at huroncitizen.ca for more rural living books and local authors.

New titles being added as we build the site.

Mail order or curbside pick up available.