The Citizen - April 29, 2021

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• Editorials • Obituaries • Tourin’ Huron • Throwback

The

THIS WEEK

Citizen

Huron County’s most trusted independent news source Volume 37 No. 17

Thursday, April 29, 2021

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Large Stratford rally disappoints HPPH

By Denny Scott The Citizen

In the elements Spring in Canada - specifically Huron County - means shorts and flip-flops one day and a snowsuit the next and this year’s spring offering has been no exception. Regardless of the temperature, the sun has been showing its face (and rays) more and more recently, which is why Charlotte and Harvey Jutzi took the time out of their busy schedules for a nature walk. To share your photos with The Citizen during this stay-athome order, e-mail Denny Scott at reporter@northhuron.on.ca. (Photo submitted)

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) representatives say the organization is disappointed with the large anti-lockdown rally held in Stratford on Sunday.

Katherine Horst, Acting Communications Co-ordinator for HPPH, provided comments regarding the event, which saw hundreds rally in Stratford with the intent of marching to the community’s cenotaph. “[HPPH] was disappointed to see footage of the large crowd that gathered in Stratford on Sunday,” Horst wrote in an e-mail to The Citizen, “and the many attendees who came from outside of [Huron and Perth Counties].”

Horst said the rally wasn’t in compliance with current provincial orders regarding gatherings and against suggestions to not travel between regions “except for essential reasons.”

“We know that public health measures, especially staying at home as much as possible and avoiding close contact with others from outside the household, do help to limit transmission of COVID-19 and thus reduce cases,” Horst wrote. “While these measures may be inconvenient and difficult at times, they are intended to help keep people safe and prevent the risk of serious illness and

hospitalization from COVID-19.”

HPPH understands the exhaustion and frustration that accompanies the pandemic, Horst said, however everyone needs to support the healthcare system by following rules like hand washing, wearing masks and employing physical distancing.

“Like surrounding regions, our area has seen an increase in the most easily-transmissible [COVID19] variants of concern,” she said.

“In addition to rising case numbers, our local hospitals have been accepting patients from outside the area in order to help the strained healthcare system.”

Finally, Horst said the HPPH, working with healthcare providers and pharmacies, are working to vaccinate as many people as possible, and credits community members for working hard to keep case numbers low.

“Working together in this way is how we will get out of the COVID19 pandemic,” she wrote, “we thank everyone who continues to follow public health measures.”

While there was no teleconference held on Monday with HPPH, the updated statistics on COVID-19 in Huron and Perth Counties show that numbers continue to rise in both counties.

As of Monday, there were 1,557 total cases of COVID-19 in Huron and Perth Counties since the Continued on page 24

SWIFT project brings internet to over 1,800 homes

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen There were plenty of smiles around the virtual Huron County Council table last week as Director of Economic Development Cody Joudry rolled out the local geographic details of the recentlyapproved South West Integrated Fibre Technology (SWIFT) project.

The recent announcement, which included approved funding from partner counties, as well as the federal and provincial governments, means that fibre-optic internet capability will be rolled out to thousands of underserved or unserved Huron County households. As several councillors noted at council’s April 21 meeting, this project has been several years in the making.

Warden Glen McNeil said the SWIFT announcement was a good news story for the entire county and that many connected to the county deserved thanks for their hard work and dedication to get to this point, including Past-Warden Jim Ginn, Chief Administrative Officer

Meighan Wark, Councillor Roger Watt (who was the county’s representative on the SWIFT board) and Joudry.

Ginn and Wark, particularly, he said, worked tirelessly to make the project a reality, not just through Huron County, but as chair and secretary, respectively, of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus.

He also cited Watt’s expertise in bringing information back to Huron County Council. McNeil said that Watt’s decades of experience in the world of internet connectivity in his professional life, made him a tremendous asset for the duration of this process and an invaluable voice at the SWIFT table.

Joudry detailed 10 projects that had been approved throughout the county. This included an additional $2.7 million investment by Huron County, which was approved in a recent closed-to-the-public session, due to the nature of the agreements, to ensure all 10 projects went ahead. Under the current SWIFT model, Joudry said, not all of them would have been approved if council hadn’t stepped in

and invested further funds.

All of the projects will also be carried out by local internet providers. This had been a bone of contention with Huron County Council and local internet providers over the course of the process, as the local companies felt they would be squeezed out after years of hard work to get to this point, only to hand over the SWIFT project to a national telecommunications company.

The 10 projects are: • The Porter’s Hill project, to be implemented by Tuckersmith Communications. It will cost $1.92 million (including $0.72 million in funding) and will service 235 premises along over 60 kilometres of road.

It is estimated to be completed by February, 2023.

• The Summerhill project, also to be implemented by Tuckersmith Communications, is valued at $1.12 million (including $0.51 million in funding). It will service 121 premises along just over 42 kilometres of road.

It is also estimated to be

completed by February, 2023.

• The Roxboro project is valued at $0.19 million (including $0.09 million in funding) and it will service 25 premises along 5.4 kilometres of road. Implemented by Tuckersmith Communications, the project is expected to be completed

by March of 2022.

• The Henfryn project will also be completed by Tuckersmith Communications. Valued at $0.25 million (including $0.06 million in funding), it will service 37 premises along just under eight kilometres of road.

The project is estimated to be completed by February of 2022.

• The Blue Water Beach project will be implemented by HuronTel, servicing 185 premises along over 23 kilometres of road. It is valued at $1.62 million (including $1.09 million in funding).

• The Marnoch project will also be implemented by HuronTel. It’s valued at $2.1 million (including $0.68 million in funding) and it will service 177 premises along 57 kilometres of road.

The project is scheduled to be

completed by June, 2023.

• The Lumley project will be implemented by Hay Communications. The project is valued at $2.7 million (including $1.48 million in funding) and it will service 234 premises along just over 70 kilometres of road.

The project is scheduled to be completed by February of 2022.

• The South Benmiller project will be completed by HuronTel. Valued at $1.1 million (including $0.74 million in funding), it will service 125 premises along 29 kilometres of road.

The project is scheduled to be completed by June of 2023.

• The Sunshine project will also be implemented by HuronTel. It is valued at $0.38 million (including $0.12 million in funding) and will service 47 premises along just over 12 kilometres of road.

The project is estimated to be completed by February of 2022.

• The Wroxeter project will be implemented by Wightman Telecom and will service 668 premises along just under 24 Continued on page 9

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021.

Clinton hall, library heritage designation removal proceeding

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Central Huron Council has begun the process of de-designating the Clinton Town Hall and Clinton Library as heritage properties under the Ontario Heritage Act. Council discussed the issue at its April 19 meeting, saying that costs to renovate the buildings in the coming years will be very high as a result of the designation. Chief Administrative Officer Steve Doherty said renovations to the buildings would be made with the heritage of the buildings in mind, but by de-designating the buildings, the municipality would have much more freedom in regards to materials and contractors when it comes time to make improvements to the buildings.

“The Clinton Town Hall and Library properties were designated under the Heritage Act in 1978 after the Town of Clinton received a heritage grant to perform some much-needed building renovations/maintenance. Under the current designation, staff have to consult with the Ontario Heritage Trust on every aspect of maintenance/replacement/renovatio n. The Trust’s perspective requirements not only increase the costs of repair and maintenance work, but also introduce project delays because many local vendors can’t perform the work to a heritage standard or the materials required aren’t readily available,” Doherty said in his report.

“Staff understand the value of the architectural features of the Town Hall and Library and the pride that residents have in these buildings and we would aspire to maintain the look and feel of each building as ongoing maintenance work continues. Staff recommend that council should apply to de-designate so maintenance costs and future building decisions can reside with council

as opposed to the province.”

Doherty mentioned some of the work that needs to be done and options that would not be available to staff if the heritage designation is upheld. First and foremost, he said, would be windows that open. That option, he said, would be good for staff’s comfort in the building and essential in the era of COVID-19.

Doherty suggested that the dedesignation process is warranted because, after 43 years, any improvements the province’s heritage grant funding paid for are well beyond their useful life and thus, any obligations under that funding agreement should have ended.

He also said that, since that decision was made, amalgamation has taken place and two-thirds of Central Huron citizens have seen their municipal offices closed, but now they would have to pay “excessive” costs to maintain the building in Clinton.

“The 43-year-old designation prescribes current councillors to financial obligations that they never agreed to. Moreover, in this era of provincial cutbacks and service downloads, Central Huron can not be expected to maintain assets to the heritage standard when even basic maintenance and material costs are exceedingly higher than they were in 1978,” Doherty said in his report.

“The Ontario Heritage Trust prescribes that we renovate to a certain standard, but [does] not offer funding or alternatives when we cannot afford to proceed based on their requirements. This can result in the municipality being forced to do nothing, in which case building features deteriorate and other issues arise.”

Council agreed with Doherty, saying renovations to the building have simply grown too expensive as a result of the designation and passed a motion based on his recommendation.

Your turn is coming soon.

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

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

Wash your hands. Keep your distance.

A different hue Kathy Burkholder found this deep purple trillium and snapped a photo to share it with readers of The Citizen.

You can do the same by e-mailing your photos to reporter@northhuron.on.ca. (Photo submitted)

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

Paid for by the Government of Ontario

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021. PAGE 3.

HC to consider county-wide beach closure system

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen As the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, Huron County Council is seeking uniformity along the

lakeshore when it comes to the closure of local public beaches.

The conversation began with Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn at his home council meeting on April 19, but then he brought the issue to

the Huron County Council table on April 21. He suggested there should be co-ordination amongst municipalities along the Lake Huron shoreline for an all-ornothing approach to closing

beaches to visitors due to COVID19 concerns.

Last summer, he said, if one municipality would close its beaches for fear of inviting the spread of COVID-19, visitors, many of whom came from outside of Huron County, would simply travel along the shoreline to a different municipality and access its beaches. Ginn suggested that if one municipality moves to close its beaches due to the pandemic, the rest of the shoreline municipalities should follow suit and that public beaches should be closed at the county level.

Goderich Mayor John Grace agreed and said he’d like the county to get ahead of the situation and implement a system sooner, rather than later with warmer weather on the way.

After a question from Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan regarding water quality closures, Ginn specified that he was only talking about closures pertaining to COVID-19 and not beach-specific water quality issues.

Ginn also suggested bringing in mayors and staff members from Lambton and Bruce Counties with

all of their lakeshore communities, which Wark said could be considered as the process continues.

Wark said she would arrange a meeting of mayors and staff members from Huron’s lakeshore communities to discuss the possibility of a unified front when it comes to beach closures related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Central Huron Deputy-Mayor Dave Jewitt suggested including the deputy-mayors from Goderich, Central Huron and Bluewater, saying they all, including himself, also sit on water quality committees and could bring helpful insight to the discussion, in addition to governing over the communities that run along the lakeshore.

Wark said that could also be considered, but that if too many councillors were involved, there could be concerns with achieving quorum, and inadvertently making the meeting an official meeting of Huron County Council.

Wark will move ahead with a meeting and the issue will be discussed in the coming weeks.

Ordering, arranging, and controlling all.

(From Winslow’s, “The Man of God Divinely Prospered”) “...the Lord was with Joseph, and whatever he did, the Lord made it to prosper.”

Genesis 39:23

A rocky flower Mrs. Taylor’s Grade 1/2 class marked Earth Day last week with some special activities including a free-form project that allowed students to use environmentally-friendly materials to make a collage or image. Averly Huhtala, above, made a flower with some pebbles she found outside. Teachers, parents and students are encouraged to follow Mrs. Taylor’s example and share their online learning photos with The Citizen by emailing them to reporter@northhuron.on.ca. (Denny Scott photo)

NH awards tendered projects

By Denny Scott The Citizen North Huron Township Council awarded a tender for the application of hot mix to several municipal roads to Armstrong Paving and Materials Group Ltd. for $94,637.

Director of Public Works and Facilities Jamie McCarthy explained, during council’s April 19 meeting, that four stretches of road, including Wellington Street from Morris Street to Gypsy Lane in Blyth and portions of Owen Street, Jordan Crest and Jordan Drive in Belgrave, would be surfaced.

Two companies submitted proposals for the project: Armstrong Paving and Materials Group at $94,637.09 plus taxes and Lavis Contracting Co. Ltd at $97,898 plus taxes. McCarthy recommended going with the lowest bidder and estimated the taxes would bring the total bill to $101,892, nearly 10 per cent lower than the budgeted amount of $110,000.

Councillor Kevin Falconer inquired as to why only the portion of Wellington Street that was torn up due to construction last year was being resurfaced when the entire road could use work and had been historically resurfaced all at once.

McCarthy explained that the rest of the road was in passable condition and only the parts impacted by having services run to the new development on the street needed to be done.

Council unanimously approved the recommendation. *** During North Huron Township Council’s April 19 meeting, council awarded the replacement of a section of the Blyth and District Community Centre roof to AtlasApex Roofing Limited.

Atlas-Apex didn’t have the lowest bid for the project, with its request for proposal (RFP) response coming in at $65,328, $2,328 higher than low bidder Destiny Roofing Corp., however, Director of Public Works and Facilities Jamie McCarthy said the recommendation was due to the warranty offered on the project and reputation of the company.

The project includes replacing 6,000 square foot flat roof and installing two drains and working around two heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units and five venting pipes, McCarthy said.

“Staff reviewed all submissions for compliance and specifications as detailed in the RFP,” McCarthy said in her report to council.

“During their review, staff noted the lowest bidder’s warranty was very vague. For an additional $2,238 plus applicable taxes, AtlasApex Roofing is offering a clear 20-year parts and [labour] warranty.

Staff recommend Atlas-Apex Roofing LTD be awarded the roof replacement contract.”

McCarthy then went on to say the company has over 85 years of experience in the field and met or

exceeded all the requirements in the RFP process.

“If council agrees to award the project to this firm, the work would commence immediately,” McCarthy said, adding that the company has prior commitments starting in the fall of this year. “The [Blyth and District Community Centre] is currently closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This closure period provides a great opportunity to complete a majority of the work when no the public is not present.”

The project is expected to cost $70,293 after HST and tax recovery, nearly $15,000 lower than the $85,000 that was budgeted.

Council approved the recommended motion to award the project to Atlas-Apex Roofing Limited.

The Lord is with His saints, ordaining and shaping their every step. The man of God advances in no uncertain, unprepared path in life. His whole career, from his cradle to his grave, is a divinely constructed map, prepared in the eternal mind, purpose, and counsel of Jehovah.

Nothing is left to contingency.

There is no divergence in his path, no event that bends, or shades, or burdens it; but the Lord is in it; ordering, arranging, and controlling all.

A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-492-1359

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PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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

Life goes on...

As vaccination rates begin to rise here, we can look to the United Kingdom and Israel for inspiration. They are ahead of us on their vaccine distribution as they begin tentative steps to open their economies and return life to near normal.

Israel is poised to lift attendance caps for stadium events by admitting only those with a “Green Pass”, given for either full vaccination or recovery from the virus. Most of the economy is already open and the country’s infection rate has remained low. Indoor events will still require masks and physical distancing but attendance caps will be lifted.

The UK has set a range of pilot events to provide data and research into how both large- and small-scale events can begin to reopen. At events such as soccer, racing, nightclub, concerts and theatre performances, participants will be tested both before and after the event and COVID-19-status certification will also be trialed. On May 11, 4,000 fans will attend the BRIT Awards without masks or physical distancing at the first large-scale indoor musical event in England in more than a year. Participants will be tested before and after the ceremony, and provide contact information for tracing.

The research gained at all of these events will be instrumental in getting economies open and seeing life resume and will be a great step in overcoming any lingering vaccine hesitancy. – DS

Stuck in the middle Canadian homes are for people to live in, not stocks to be traded by the global elite. That’s the message the federal government wants to send in its proposed one per cent tax on foreign-owned vacant homes. “[Canadian homes] are not assets for parking offshore money,” said Federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland last week. “So, this tax measure will work to ensure that that is the case.”

Disengaged foreign ownership of land has been identified as a factor in Canada’s recent real estate boom and how hard it has become for regular Canadians to find homes to buy, let alone afford them.

The tax would take effect on Jan. 1. It is expected to raise an additional $200 million the first year and $700 million over four years.

Also included in the budget is $2.1 million over two years to create a public corporate beneficial ownership registry for 2025 in an effort to curb tax evasion and money laundering through the housing market.

This will be welcome news for those living in Toronto or Vancouver, two of the country’s hottest real estate markets, but also for many small towns across the country, which have seen dead-end foreign investment tie up homes, subdivisions and large parcels of land for years. The eyes of hopeful rural communities light up at the thought of significant foreign investment and the promise of development, only to see it languish for years as ownership changes hands and nothing happens. Meanwhile, that land is now tied up, making it impossible for other buyers or local governments to emancipate it and fulfill its promise for those who live and work in those rural communities.

Foreign ownership is not a bad thing; it can breathe exciting new life into a community. But too many towns are being held hostage for years as a property sits empty, courtesy of a foreign millionaire who doesn’t care about that community, and that needs to stop. – SL

We need a captain Ontario Premier Doug Ford has stumbled a number of times recently, leading to many calling for a change in provincial leadership, including David Moscrop of The Washington Post, who penned an editorial calling for Ford’s resignation. It’s not surprising that people are calling for Ford to resign or be replaced, as his popularity, and that of his government, has plummeted to levels not seen since the pandemic hit. Undoubtedly, that has to do with either the decisions he’s made or the decisions he’s unmade recently, as well as why he’s making those decisions.

It’s been pointed out that Ford, who early on in the pandemic claimed to always be following the advice of experts, has stopped doing that (although he hasn’t stopped saying that he is). However, he can only really stop following expert advice if he ever did in the first place, not just cherry-pick the information that follows his narrative.

If it’s not the decisions he’s making that are eroding confidence in his government, it could be the decisions he’s walked back. Whether or not those unmade decisions are for the good or not, they show a complete lack of research and preparation when it comes to leading the province.

All of his actions have painted his leadership with an unflattering brush.

Regardless of whether Ford’s actions are awesome or appalling, regardless of whether he has gained trust or lost it, now is not the time to be calling for anyone to step aside or resign. Whether or not Ford is the right man for the job, he is the one there now and removing him would only lead to further chaos and mistakes being made. For the time being, the ship that is Ontario needs its captain, regardless of whether or not mutiny is on the crew’s mind. – JDS

Looking Back Through the Years April 30, 1964 The Brussels Lions Club welcomed three new members to its ranks at its April 27 meeting, with Jan van Vliet, James Armstrong Jr. and Gordon Stiles all being inducted. Lion Selwyn Baker presented the new members, while President Cecil Parker conducted the induction ritual.

The Huron Liberals met in Clinton to name the delegates to represent Huron ridings at the annual meeting of the Ontario Liberal Association, scheduled to take place in Toronto in May. The Brussels 4-H Dairy Calf Club met at the Brussels Library and elected its officers under the supervision of Don Pullen.

Nellie Bann was named the club president, while Andrew Hiemstra was the vice-president.

April 24, 1974 A barnyard oddity was born on the farm shared by Bruce Hulley and Don Papple on RR4, Walton, as he showed off a piglet born with five legs on the front page of The Blyth Standard.

The Huron County Board of Education approved a budget of over $13 million for the coming year, which was a new spending record for the board. The figure represented an increase of over nine per cent when compared to the previous year’s budget.

Blyth Reeve Robbie Lawrie was among the 80 elected officials from Huron County who attended a special workshop in Goderich to further discuss local government.

Sound planning and an open line of communication between county and municipal governments emerged as a key factor to restructuring Huron County’s government. The meeting was one

of several held across the province by the Ontario Association of Counties and Regions of Ontario and the Ontario Association of Rural Municipalities.

The Village of Blyth showed a deficit of nearly $5,000 when its numbers from the previous year were tallied up.

Clerk-Treasurer Larry Walsh said the major reason for the deficit was the construction of a new water reservoir, which was not included in the 1973 budget when it was prepared. He also said the village’s general government budget was also higher than expected due to the hiring of a full-time clerk, rather than someone part-time.

April 24, 1996 The Huron County Board of Education reached a collective agreement with the Huron branch of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation for the next three school years.

While the contract contained a wage freeze for the duration of the contract, it also included job security, meaning that teachers would not be laid off during that period.

Two young Auburn hockey players and former Blyth Bulldogs, Jason Rutledge and Ryan Chamney, made contributions as members of the Exeter Hawks on the team’s way to winning an Ontario Hockey Association Junior Development All-Ontario Championship. The team triumphed in the final sevengame series of the season over the Wellesley Apple Jacks.

The Brussels Lions Club was set to host its 50th anniversary Elimination Draw on June 22 at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre with 25 prizes totalling $7,500 up for grabs.

The club said there would only be 500 tickets available that night, which would include a buffet dinner and entertainment courtesy of comic mentalist Mike Mandel.

April 28, 2011 Lisa Thompson, a former resident of Belgrave, was elected to be the next Conservative candidate for the Huron-Bruce provincial riding in the next election, which was scheduled for later in the year.

The announcement was made on April 16 at the Ripley-Huron Community Centre. It came after a close nomination vote in which Thompson edged out HuronKinloss Mayor Mitch Twolan by 447 votes to 436.

Though she grew up in Belgrave, Thompson then lived in Teeswater, working as the general manager of the Ontario Dairy Goat Cooperative.

In her emotional victory speech, Thompson thanked her family for their help with her campaign and said she planned to focus on engaging residents of the riding, rural economic development and the spending of the previous Liberal government.

The country was also on the brink of a federal election, with incumbent Conservative Ben Lobb, Liberal Charlie Bagnato, Grant Robertson of the NDP, Eric Shelley of the Green Party and independent candidate Dennis Valenta all hoping to be the next person to represent the riding in Ottawa.

At the April meeting of the Belgrave Women’s Institute, which also served as its annual meeting, Doreen Marks was installed as the organization’s president. District President Nancy Jardin was on hand to conduct the installation of officers for the coming year.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021. PAGE 5.

Other Views

The good and bad of amalgamation

A

s North Huron and Morris-Turnberry Councils prepare for a negotiation session to try to solve the cross-border servicing issues between the two municipalities, it’s interesting to note that we’re in the 20th anniversary of the shotgun weddings that created the municipalities in the first place.

Both municipalities were created in 2001 after Ontario Premier Mike Harris gave municipalities the choice of finding their own partners in a municipal amalgamation or having the province impose its own union of local governments. Having witnessed the expensive disaster of provincially-imposed regional governments in more urban areas, rural municipalities rushed to find partners.

New municipalities were created across Huron County — except for rebel Howick Township that gambled on staying on its own and got away with it.

Across the province, the Harris ultimatum resulted in the number of municipalities being reduced from 815 to 447. As it announced the creation of each new partnership, the Harris government touted the supposed savings from the marriage and the reduction in the number of elected local politicians. Harris, like current Premier Doug Ford, seemed to think having more local people involved in community decision-making was a problem, not an asset.

The idea that amalgamations would save money seemed natural, given that each municipality had its own administrative staff, road crew and equipment, municipal office, etc. Surely there were duplications that would be eliminated when borders were reduced.

But, as a 2015 analysis by the Fraser Institute showed, the amalgamations actually increased property taxes, public sector employee compensation, and long-term debt throughout the province. The analysis found

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk there wasn’t any tangible financial gain from amalgamation.

One benefit of combining the tax bases of neighbouring municipalities was the increased financial muscle that could be applied to larger, more expensive projects. I’m benefitting from that right now because the amalgamated Township of North Huron is paving the section of Moncrieff Rd. in front of my property with tar and chips. I suspect the old Township of East Wawanosh could never have afforded that.

But the same project also shows the disadvantage of larger, more distant municipal governments. The construction project included changing the road’s profile and recontouring the roadsides. Supposedly someone was hired to replant the roadsides with grass seed but only a strip immediately along the road was planted, leaving a much wider area down to the edge of neighbouring fields to grow up in weeds. No one with decision-making power seems to have noticed this, or the fact that the seeder seems to have run out of grass seed even in the roadside strip for a substantial part of our block.

But, getting back to the current dispute between Morris-Turnberry and North Huron over funding of things like recreational services and the extension of water and sanitary sewage services into developments outside urban areas, a side effect of creating

larger municipalities seems to be hardened boundaries. Because municipalities are larger, they seem to forget they still need each other.

I covered municipal councils off and on for 40 years before amalgamation. What I remember is that despite municipal boundary lines, services operated on a community basis.

When Blyth and Brussels had to build new arenas, councillors and residents of neighbouring rural areas joined right in to provide the money to build the arenas they’d all use, and in doing so, wove a tight social network that pulled people together.

Blyth had one of the first district fire departments, serving beyond its borders to fight fires in Hullett, East Wawanosh, Morris, McKillop and West Wawanosh Townships. It was run by a board that included representatives of all municipalities served, again pulling a community together. Postamalgamation, squabbles over paying for fire protection had Morris-Turnberry proposing to start its own fire department at one point, which would have created an expensive duplication of service.

I always felt the provincial rules for amalgamation set up the system to fail.

Splitting of existing municipalities was forbidden. Yet life revolves around communities, not municipal boundaries. Almost every town and village in the county sits on a boundary of two or more rural townships.

Amalgamation rules left communities tugged apart in different directions.

There have been attempts to create “communities” around the amalgamation lines, but these municipalities are artificial marriages of convenience and bear little resemblance to living communities. Municipal councillors must remember that it’s communities that matter, not boundary lines.

Learning to respect the creative vision

I

’ll warn our readers ahead of time that there’s going to be some pretty modern pop culture in this column. However, the message is a timeless one: respect the creator's vision for his or her creations. Oh, and millennials are just the worst, aren’t they?

Earlier this year,the “Snyder Cut”, or its official name Zack Snyder’s Justice League, was released. It’s a re-imagining of the 2017 superhero mash-up movie Justice League. The story behind the film is that Zack Snyder, the original director of the movie, had a much different vision for the film than what ended up on the screen in 2017. Snyder, due to a personal catastrophe, stepped away from the film during its development, leaving nowmaligned Hollywood mainstay Joss Whedon to take over and finish the movie. Whedon’s take on the film was controversial and critically panned. In the months following its release there came whispers about the “Snyder Cut”, the film as it was meant to be shown, leading fans to try and pressure Warner Brothers to release the cut.

Surprisingly, a completely different cut of the film, which would’ve cost millions to make, didn’t exist. However, Warner Brothers, undoubtedly looking for a way to connect with streaming audiences, decided it should release the cut, giving Snyder the chance to reshoot scenes and adding two hours to the film, resulting in a final length of over four hours.

The film was then streamed on Warner Brothers’ fledgling streaming service HBO Max. The entire experiment cost $70 million, or just under a quarter of the original film’s $300 million budget.

The decision may have been a good one as film-critic-aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reports that audiences have rated the new cut at a 95 per cent positivity rate, while critics give it an average rating of 70 per cent.

That’s definitely better than the 71 per cent

Denny Scott Denny’s Den audience rating and 40 per cent critical rating the original film received.

However, in my mind, I can’t help but see this as the ultimate appeasement to millennial whining. They weren’t happy with the movie they got so they whined until something better was provided.

With one poor choice, Warner Brothers has opened the floodgates of entitled millennial groups that want to push for what they feel a story should be, and for anyone thinking I’m being dramatic, it’s already started.

Another superhero mash-up film, Marvel’s Avengers: Endgame and the entire “Marvel Cinematic Universe” is now being picked apart with fans wanting Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man/Tony Stark character brought back to life.

Unlike the Justice League, 2019’s Endgame is a nearly perfect film according to critics, who gave it a 94 per cent rating, and audiences, who gave it a 90 per cent rating.

Apparently that wasn’t good enough. One die-hard fan, through a giant billboard in Los Angeles, asked fans unhappy with the departure of Iron Man to flood Twitter with the #BringBackTonyStarkToLife over the weekend.

I won’t go too far into how I felt about the movie, but I will say that Stark’s death felt well done and the perfect ending to his character arc, so yes, I do have a bias on this.

Bias aside, there are some forms of creative media that can’t, or shouldn’t, be changed just

because the fans don’t like it. Movies, television shows, books and others should exist as they are: we don’t need to edit them to fit our modern sensibilities, our biases or, and maybe especially not, our personal preferences.

Some forms of creative media do allow for changes: music, for example, changes with the age of the performer and even between performances. Theatre performances change with the different people performing it and the scripts are changed year-by-year and playhouse-by-playhouse.

However, even in theatre, the important parts of the play have to stay the same: Meatloaf’s “Bat” is always heading out of or back into hell, Romeo and Juliet still die; The Phantom continues to stalk Christina Daaé and The Pigeon King is always going to get caught.

Bad movies, bad television shows and bad books happen. Heck, some of them are so bad they inspire cult-followings as a result and find success, but regardless, bad art is made.

There’s a whole slew of movies, television shows and video games that I wish had turned out better, including the second Ghostbusters movie, Ryan Reynolds’ Green Lantern flick, the most recent Indiana Jones movie, the last season of Scrubs… it’s a long list. However, that doesn’t mean I’m about to say the production companies, directors, cast, crew and everyone else needs to go back to work to remedy what I see as being a slight against the intellectual properties I enjoy.

In conclusion, it seems to me there’s a whole world of people (again, likely millennials) who need to learn that art is what the creator makes, not what we demand. They all need to take a step back, realize the world doesn’t revolve around them, and find some other movie to grab their attention.

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Night at the movies

T

he other day, on a walk with Jess (and a sleeping Tallulah) we talked about filling The Citizen each week. I relayed an analogy to Jess that I had first used when talking to Publisher Deb Sholdice.

Before the pandemic, I said, Denny and I looked at each week’s issue as game one of the World Series. Your best pitcher is on the hill, your lineup is just the way you want it and you do everything you can to win. Knowing all of that, however, it takes four games to win the World Series, so there are always games two, three, four and beyond. Pandemic-era issues, however, feel like a game seven in extra innings every week with a starting pitcher on one day’s rest coming out of the bullpen, your back-up catcher playing right field and middle relievers pinch running for you - all to just not lose the game before the next inning.

The thing about a game seven is that there is no tomorrow. So, all the wild stuff you do isn’t going to matter in a few hours if you win the game, because you have the whole offseason to recuperate. You have to “leave it all out on the field” as they say.

We’re now on about our 55th game seven and we are always having to be creative.

Jess, always one to be helpful, said I should be writing about what I’ve been doing with my spare time lately: going back through old movies I’ve always wanted to watch.

The way I see it, I’m probably months away from losing the television for good, at least unless Tallulah is sleeping, until she’s in her teens, always out with her friends. So, now is ideal for working through that back catalogue.

While Jess’s suggestion of movie reviews didn’t exactly do it for me, it did make me think about my column and the role it plays in the lives of readers. With the newspaper, by necessity, so COVID-19-heavy, I thought I could provide a bit of a respite in this space.

A recent article about the new season of Curb Your Enthusiasm said that, despite being filmed post-COVID-19, there would only be one episode that dealt with the virus. Creator and star Larry David (also the co-creator of Seinfeld) said, frankly, no one wants to watch a show all about COVID-19. And he’s right.

So, back to my roster of movies. This endeavour has ushered in an era of weird conversations when Jess comes downstairs to eat dinner after putting Tallulah to bed. All she wants to do is eat some dinner and head to bed, when all I want to do is talk about Gordon Willis’s cinematography, how good an actor Warren Beatty was in the 1970s, the beauty of a young Cybill Shepherd or Jane Fonda or Leonard Cohen’s music in McCabe and Mrs. Miller. There are the early, non-crazy Jack Nicholson performances, how weird David Lynch’s movies are and why, as Canadians, it is our patriotic duty to better appreciate David Cronenberg’s movie Scanners.

Funny enough, my cousin Mike seems to be on his own similar journey. So, when I push forward Sissy Spacek in Badlands, he’ll raise me Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (I seem to be in the 1970s, while he’s in the 1950s and 1960s). Then there’s convincing Jess that Marlon Brando used to be the most handsome man in the history of civilization.

Knowing only old, heavy and sweaty Brando, Jess needed A Streetcar Named Desire and On The Waterfront in her life to understand.

So, while I’ll spare you a thorough review of the beauty of Days of Heaven or the genius (and persistent relevance) of the film Nashville, they may pop up in future columns.

At least until it’s all Peppa Pig, all the time at the Loughlin house. It won’t be long now.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021.

Brussels Community Garden re-opens on main street

Help yourself, help the garden The Brussels Community Garden will once again be open on Brussels’ main street to help locals get some fresh veggies. While the site has faced problems, the group behind it says that lack of harvesting is an issue and welcomes the community to enjoy the produce. Organizers are, from left: Donna Bauer, Sharon Freeman, Jean Sutcliffe and Gail Dobie (Photo submitted)

Lions Club restarting fundraiser A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 We certainly live in a land of changing weather. That’s a good thing. First it keeps us alert, it offers an opportunity to wear a variety of clothes, it keeps us from having static moods and it gives us great conversation openers. So hurrah for

this sunny day and thanks for the cleansing rain of last week.

Every spring we are offered the opportunity of seeing rebirth, renewal and resurrection and every spring we celebrate the newness that comes our way.

Reshuffling is another thing that comes with spring. The college and university kids are home and with them come their treasures that keep them sane during the school year, so basements and garages and spare rooms have been filled with treasures not seen for awhile. It can be like looking at photo albums, as you catch a glimpse of furniture not seen in a while. Recycling is done on many levels.

The Brussels Lions Club is recycling one of its good ideas from last year. It was needed and appreciated then and will be again.

Kickstart was the name of the club’s idea to help our businesses which gives the community an opportunity to support both these groups with the purchase of a ticket.

Members will be approaching you soon, so lend your support to the Lions and our area businesses. Good idea and good work.

You have until Friday to get your income tax papers away,then spring can really begin.

Be safe. Be kind.

Bye now, Betty G.W.

At the Branch

Mother’s Day meal selling fast

By Jo-Ann McDonald It was another quiet week around the Brussels Legion Branch, but the e-mails keep coming and the phone is ringing for tickets for the fish fry on Mother’s Day. Book now and don’t be disappointed. Call Deb at 519-531-1125 or e-mail legion218@ezlink.ca.

I want to thank all the folks who have stepped forward with information about their family members who served in the First and Second World Wars, or peacekeeping duties, for the Military Service Recognition Book.

It does take a little time, but for many, it has been a good project during the lockdown.

The deadline for this issue is almost here, but I will welcome anyone’s information and keep it until the next opening for submissions in the fall. I hope to contact folks now and have them work on gathering the information while they have time during lockdown and hopefully get more submissions.

Our sympathies are extended to

member Don Martin on the passing of his wife, Yvonne. She was a

lovely lady who could be counted on for sandwiches or pies.

Plants, seeds are needed, as well as weekend waterers when the weather is dry. Everyone hates weeding, but pick up your mail and pick a weed or two while in the area. Also help yourself to what is growing.

If you need more information or want to help, leave your name and number with Julie Pearce at 519531-1606.

It’s getting to be that time of year - spring! Perennials are popping up around town in everyone’s yards and some people have already planted some of their vegetable gardens.

The Brussels Sprouts cooking instructor, Donna Bauer, was very instrumental in getting garden boxes set up across the village’s post office for community use for the last couple of years. A few people helped with planting and many helped themselves to the bounty.

Huron East has arranged to move and water the planters (along with flowers planted by Brussels Horticultural Society) throughout the season.

Although damage and theft have been issues, the group believes the community is benefitting in harvesting some vegetables as well as educating the young ones. In fact, parents with little ones can often be seen picking and eating a bean or cherry tomato to their amazement! The other issue that occurs is lack of harvesting, so please help yourself.

The group hopes to continue this garden, but members need your help. A planting date has not been set up yet, but it will be soon.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion

Mother’s Day Drive Thru

Fish Fry with all the fixins’ May 9 Reservations for drive thru times from 5-7 pm Call 519-531-1125 or email the Branch at legion218@ezlink.ca Delivery available in town between 4:30-5:00 pm

$

1500

Correct cash only

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!

Macro Local photographer Liz Allan snapped this photo of a pollinator at work. Get your photos in print! E-mail your pictures to to repoter@northhuron.on.ca (Photo courtesy of Liz Allan of the Maitland Valley Camera Club)

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 29, 2021. PAGE 7.

NH Council approves $75,000 for well repairs, studies

By Denny Scott The Citizen North Huron Council approved an increase in spending for

inspections and repairs of two Blyth wells after significant damage had been discovered in Well 1.

Director of Public Works and Facilities Jamie McCarthy

explained, during council’s April 19 meeting, that more money was needed for the process after a hole had been discovered in the casing of the well.

“It is a concern,” McCarthy said.

“The hole is located above the static level. Well 1 is offline until a new well casing can be installed.”

She said that all stakeholders were notified and she recommended moving forward with the scheduled Well 2 investigation.

McCarthy suggested allowing up to $75,000 be made available for the repair to Well 1 and the inspection and possible repair of Well 2. The repair to Well 1 is anticipated to cost $32,000, she said, leaving $43,000 for Well 2. If the total for the work at both wells is expected to cost more than $75,000, McCarthy said she would bring the issue back to council.

Deputy-Reeve Trevor Seip wondered if the $75,000 would be enough. He pointed out that Well 2 hadn’t been inspected for nearly a decade, so similar problems could be discovered.

“I guess my question is, are we going to be covered enough to do [the repairs for Well 2]?” he asked.

Seip also questioned why it had been so long between inspections (10 years for Well 1 and nine years for Well 2) and McCarty said that’s standard practice because the inspection process is invasive and should only be done when necessary.

Council decided to go ahead with McCarthy’s recommendation.

Keeping busy with homemade projects From Marilyn’s Desk

Online learning Students like Mary Jane Scott have had to find space at home to attend classes online due to the provincial stay-at-home order. From her Junior Kindergarten classes right through to post-secondary courses, most education has moved online. Share your learning-from-home photos with The Citizen by e-mailing them to reporter@northhuron.on.ca. (Denny Scott photo)

Letter to the Editor Councils urged to solve issue THE EDITOR, To the councils of MorrisTurnberry and North Huron: As ratepayers of both municipalities we have grown increasingly appalled by the amount of time and energy you are spending on the dispute between you, and the effects it has on businesses like Green’s Meat Market.

I am sure both municipalities have valid concerns, but in the interests of your taxpayers, it needs to be resolved. I was going to suggest mediation/arbitration because there seems to be no solution, but then I saw in The Citizen that Morris-Turnberry has been asking for this for months. So I guess I will ask why not bring someone in to settle the issues?

Going a little nuts Just because everyone is supposed to stay at home, it doesn’t mean nature has to be far away. Look out your back window and you may discover some furry friends keeping an eye on you. Send your backyard shots to The Citizen to see them in print. E-mail photos to reporter@northhuron.on.ca. (Denny Scott photo)

I can only see two reasons not to do so.

First, cost. But North Huron seems to have no problem adding $50,000 or $60,000 of taxpayers’ money to the price of a wheelchair ramp at the Wingham town hall or $50,000 once or twice to try to get an engineer because the money they already spent on other engineers told them they either had to replace or rebuild the Howson dam – that seems close to the Donald Trump approach (the experts are wrong and I know better).

Second, fear that you will be shown to be wrong. If that is the case then try acting like adults and admit that you can be wrong.

Otherwise you are just like the twoyear-old standing screaming in the grocery store because his parents wouldn’t buy him candy.

I would also suggest to both municipalities that while you sort this dispute out, it appears totally wrong to hold individual ratepayers like Green’s Meat Market as hostages. Help businesses to get the job done by helping them, and sort your disagreements out separately.

Finally, I would like to understand why North Huron feels it should get what was good farmland from Morris-Turnberry for development when they have good farmland in the former township of East Wawanosh in their own municipality? Could you explain this?

Thank you in advance for answering my questions.

P.S.: Our councils are sure making a case for one municipality for the whole county.

Doug Garniss, RR 2, Wingham.

Follow The Citizen online at huroncitizen.ca

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Happy birthday to Mae Ritchie, Sheron Stadelmann, Alice Hakkers of Goderich and Samatha Kerr, who will all celebrate on May 2; Kay Buchanan, May 4 and Nancy Daer of Wingham, May 5. Hope everyone has a good day.

There is not much that we can report on as there are very few events happening in the area because of the lockdown we are experiencing with the COVID-19 virus. I believe many of us are getting bored with being at home for so long and not able to go anywhere.

Many of our projects are coming to their final stages or have been completed. I have been making a granny square afghan that, if I don’t stop making squares, I will need to find someone who has a king-sized bed to put it on or I will have to start another blanket. Making the squares keeps my mind at work and y enc erg ess Em aredn p Pre

Deadline April 30

it uses up all the ends left over from other projects that have been done throughout the years.

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

NEWS FROM BLYTH Laundromat Blyth Laundromat 191 Westmoreland St., Blyth 519-523-9687

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PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021.

Tax deadline of April 30 quickly approaching PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

There are only a couple of days left to get your income tax done and submitted by the April 30 deadline.

Tax preparers are working overtime these last two weeks and will heave a sigh of relief when April 30 is here. The average Canadian must file by April 30 but many businesses and corporations have different deadlines.

It was reported in the news that

Smile of the day Paula and Wren Brodie posed with a new lamb and its mother, just peaking her head in the frame, at the Brodie family’s farm in Westfield earlier this month.

Wren’s grandmother Pat sent the photo along to The Citizen to share the smiles of the happy moment. Send your photos to reporter@northhuron.on.ca for a chance to see them in print. (Photo submitted)

many of the people who received the government CERB subsidy last year forgot that the money was all taxable and are now getting quite a surprise on what they owe. I remember hearing at the time that accountants advised keeping at least $400 of the $2,000 they were getting, for income tax purposes.

COVID-19 has made it difficult for many, and let us be honest, the money was a help to many, but there is no such thing as free money.

Sooner or later, the government will want some of it back.

April showers bring May flowers and we have had a variety of weather this month. Week one was a beautiful week of warm weather that had children wearing shorts and putting all the windows on the bus down. Holiday week hit and the temperatures cooled off and we were back to jackets and some rain.

Week three turned cold with snow and then we enjoyed another couple of nice days and it turned cold again. Daffodils have filled a couple of my flower beds and the tulips have started to bloom. I don’t think we have had a lot of rain, but the flowers are coming along nicely, so we will welcome May! Our condolences to Don Martin on the passing of his wife Yvonne.

Yvonne was a teacher who was dedicated to her profession and students; a lovely, caring woman who enjoyed teaching, helping on the farm, the outdoors and nature, music and playing the piano and singing in choirs and dancing. A wonderful cook and baker, she loved adventure, to travel and photograph all the beauty of the world. Our sympathies to Don and the extended Martin and Connelly families.

A devastating fire in Listowel has left a former Brussels family out of their home. Dan and Mary Jane Pearson have lost many of their belongings. The home beside them

M-T council reviews complaints

By Denny Scott The Citizen

After receiving a number of complaints regarding gravel roads in the municipality, MorrisTurnberry Director of Public Works Mike Alcock reviewed the situation with council.

During its April 6 meeting, council received Alcock’s report, in which he addressed a number of concerns.

In his report, Alcock explained that a number of complaints were made to a councillor last month, including the amount of gravel in ditches, despite the short winter, the increased height of the roads over the past six years, side slopes becoming “so steep that property owners can no longer cut along [the] edge of the road]” and road users “falling off the sides of the road” because of the height of the crown (the centre of the road).

Alcock said, in his report, that gravel is applied in a two-year cycle, meaning each road receives between 250 and 500 tonnes of granular “M” gravel per kilometre every second year.

“In terms of… the average depth of maintenance gravel applied to Morris-Turnberry Roads is between 15 millimetres (9/16 of an inch) and 27 millimetres (approximately one inch),” Alcock said in his report. “If no gravel had been lost due to dust,

traffic, snow plowing, ice blading or any other means the elevation of the roads would have increased on average 45 to 81 millimetres (1-3/4 inches to 3-1/4 inches) in the sixyear time frame referred to in the complaint.”

Alcock said even those numbers were unlikely as material is lost under normal circumstances, such as those listed above. He said that gravel appearing in ditches isn’t new, and it might appear worse than it is due to the grass being flattened by the snow melt. He said the most likely cause of it is winter maintenance, which will see “loose-top roads” maintained between 80 and 90 times in a regular year. He did admit that the 2020-2021 winter season was irregular, but roads were still maintained between 75 and 80 times a year depending on location in the municipality.

As for the drop-offs or high crown, he said the roads have had the same grade for a number of years and that grade would need to be more than doubled to start causing problems with vehicles sliding off the road, however heavy agricultural equipment could cause “mushrooming” of the road which could cause steeper drop-offs near the side of the road. He encouraged the community to contact the Public Works Department with information about the location of

the drop-offs so they can be evaluated.

“In general, roads should be maintained well above the surrounding area to provide good drainage which improves the loadcarrying capacity of the road structure and also to prevent drifting and trapping snow,” Alcock said in his report’s conclusion. “The action of the wind on a well-shaped road cross section helps prevent the accumulation of snow and, in some circumstances, actually provides snow clearing.”

He also said that gravel laneways could be partially to blame for people thinking the roads are getting higher as some laneways the municipality grades are worn down to pit-run gravel, meaning there has been a loss of four to six inches of crushed gravel on those laneways.

“A better indication of whether a road is getting higher is the actual distance from the mailbox to the road,” he said.

Alcock said the condition of the loose-top roads in MorrisTurnberry rivals any local municipality thanks to the professional municipal operators taking pride in their work.

Deputy-Reeve Sharen Zinn thanked Alcock for his report, stating that the complaints have come in over several years and each year Alcock provides a little more information to combat the problem.

caught fire and theirs suffered major damage. We hope they are coping well under the circumstances.

We congratulate Jacob McGavin on soon starting his family medical residency training at the University of Western Ontario in London. He will be happy to be closer to home after spending many of his schooling years on the east coast and in Toronto.

We congratulate Christine Knight on her retirement from Listowel Canadian Tire after 35 years. She has worked for 12 different owners and met and worked with hundreds of employees. She was met with cake and balloons on her final day and when she returned home, she found more balloons, pictures and decorations to celebrate her retirement!

The Goderich-to-Guelph Rail Trail again was a busy place this past week, except for the snowy, windy, cold day. No cars were parked that day. The rest of the week was good for walking the sheltered end of the trail from Walton.

It is disheartening to see the people even in our local towns, protesting with no masks, for their rights of choice and against the lockdowns. Where will you see these people next? In our town, on the street, on the bus, at church or grocery stores, again with no masks?

Here we are trying to follow the rules while they are out there carrying and spreading the virus.

The masks not only protect them from us, but us from them. Yet, when they do get sick, they will expect to be treated with respect and get all the treatments they “deserve” from our overworked medical staff, because they didn’t wear a mask.

Yes, you have the choice to protest or not - to wear a mask or not - but at what cost to your family, friends and neighbours? Your next choice should be to stay at home, if you do not want to follow

Send photos of lockdown living to reporter@northhuron.on.ca

the directives given by authorities.

Our family has had an accident that will affect my daughter’s family for months. Kelly and Adam’s son, Owen and his brother were fighting, as boys do, and he was kicked and fell and hit the headboard of the bed and hit his head. He has suffered a serious concussion from the fall and suffered fractures in his face from the kick. It was near his eyes and he has suffered a trauma injury to his eyes. He had surgery but will require months of therapy to recover from both the eye trauma and the concussion.

In a blink of an eye, something can happen and their lives are changed. Unfortunately, we cannot be much help because of lockdown, but calling and talking and assuring them with hope and prayers, is our job.

Celebrating birthdays this past week were Sandra Pepper, Gail Searle, Sheldon Courtney, Karter Young, Darrell McClure, Tammy Martene, Amanda Morrison, Jeff McKee, Avery Boven, Dean Glanville, Derick Bachert, Spencer Hackwell, Cody Terpstra, Paul Humphries, Casey Bernard, Jessica Fraser, Kelly Marks, Jenna Regele, Kelsey Eckert, Marcy McCall MacBain, Pat Parr, Donald Dalton and Landon Gemmel. Happy birthday to all!

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021. PAGE 9.

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Brussels Livestock report

Fed steers, heifers sell on strong trade Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending April 23 were 2,215 cattle and 677 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday, fed steers and heifers sold on a strong trade with fully steady prices. Choice steers and heifers sold $145 to $155.50 with sales to $158. Second-cut cattle sold $138 to $144. Aged and medium-fed steers and heifers sold $115 to $135. Holstein steers and heifers sold $80 to $118. Cows sold on a strong demand with prices $2 to $3 higher.

On Thursday, veal sold on an easier market. Lambs, sheep and goats sold steady.

On Friday, calves and yearlings sold actively with steady prices.

Larry Reinhart Jr. of Mildmay, consigned 12 head. On red steer weighed 1,445 lbs. and sold for a price of $158.

Art Bos of Blyth consigned two head. One pied heifer weighed 1,400 lbs. and sold for a price of $155.50.

There were 250 cows on offer.

Beef sold $85 to $95 with sales to $98; good holstein cows, $77 to $83; medium holstein cows, $73 to $76; plain cows, $65 to $72.

There were 145 head of veal on offer. Good holsteins sold $116 to $132; SL heavy holsteins, $108 to

$115; heavy holsteins, $102 to $135; medium holsteins, $102 to $114; plain holsteins, $75 to $105.

Lloyd Kuepfer of Kincardine, consigned four head. One holstein steer weighed 795 lbs. and sold for a price of $128.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $451.25 to $505; 50 - 64 lbs., $432 to $481; 65 - 79 lbs., $399.50 to $434; 80 94 lbs., $355 to $380; 95 - 109 lbs., $350 to $355; 110 lbs. and over, $324 to $352.

Sheep sold $70 to $250.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $350; nannies, $100 to $250; kids: meat, $520 to $595; dairy, $400 to $537.

Ian Croft of Blyth, consigned

seven head. Two kid goats averaged 46 lbs. and sold for an average price of $595.

Top quality stocker steers under 400 lbs. sold $156 to $202; 400 499 lbs., $225.75 to $259; 500 - 599 lbs., $227.50 to $249; 600 - 699 lbs., $218 to $243.50; 700 - 799 lbs., $181 to $220.50; 800 - 899 lbs., $184 to $200; 900 - 999 lbs., $166.50 to $184; 1,000 lbs. and over, $160.50 to $171.

Top quality stocker heifers, 400 499 lbs. sold $175 to $212; 500 599 lbs., $195 to $227; 600 - 699 lbs., $182 to $224; 700 - 799 lbs., $162.50 to $178; 800 - 899 lbs., $157.50 to $178; 900 lbs. and over,

$151.50 to $165.75.

Don Lamont of Mount Forest, consigned 60 head. Thirteen charolais heifers averaged 965 lbs. and sold for an average price of $165.25. Middlekamp Farms Ltd. of Ripley, consigned 73 head. Ten charolais steers averaged 765 lbs. and sold for an average price of $220.50.

Steve Pastoor of Kerwood, consigned 30 head. Eighteen gold steers averaged 896 lbs. and sold for an average price of $190.25.

Ross Baird of Wingham, consigned 26 head. Three blue heifers averaged 683 lbs. and sold for an average price of $224.

Gaps, vulnerabilities highlighted by report

By Teresa Van Raay, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture A truth that is deemed to be universal is the fact that the most valuable resource of any business is the people.

Regardless of technology, automation or other means, human capital remains essential in ensuring the continued production of high-quality food, fibre and fuel. The entire food value chain relies on people to fill planting, production, quality control, processing and distribution roles to keep the agri-food system strong and viable.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the struggles of Ontario’s agri-food sector to attract and retain people to fill job vacancies. The Canadian Agriculture Human Resource Council (CAHRC) identified key vulnerabilities within the industry as part of its recent report titled, “Understanding the Effects of COVID-19 on Canada’s Agriculture Workforce”. The report offers key findings from research gathered over the past year, identifying weaknesses of current labour strategies within the industry. The data collected to compile the report came from over 450 farm operators across Canada between November of 2020 and January of 2021.

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) continues to prioritize addressing workforce challenges and the issue of labour shortages within the agri-food sector. This work is being done by supporting organizations that promote agri-food careers to the next generation, developing and

launching the “Feeding Your Future” initiative, and lobbying the government for COVID-19 regulations that ensure essential seasonal workers and temporary foreign workers (TFWs) arrive safely and securely to Ontario farm businesses. Feeding Your Future aims to connect Ontario agri-food employers with Ontario residents looking for meaningful jobs.

Canada faced record levels of unemployment within the first few months of the public health crisis with around three million Canadians losing their jobs between February and April of last year.

Still, agriculture employers struggled to find workers as 41 per cent of employers surveyed could not find enough employees to fill their vacancies, and 86 per cent of respondents believed this to be a direct result of COVID-19.

The delayed arrival or absence of temporary foreign workers in 2020 was the first shock to the agri-food sector as it left many farm employers scrambling to source local labour on short notice to ensure the planting and harvesting of spring crops was completed. It is estimated that employers were unable to fill one in five TFW positions they would usually employ.

Canadian farmers, especially those in the labour-intensive horticulture industry, have become reliant on essential seasonal and foreign workers. These workers come back year after year and bring expertise that only comes with experience. And yes, at times there is a lack of domestic interest in farm jobs. The challenges of getting TFWs across the border were

tremendous last spring and have certainly remained an issue in 2021.

Additionally, providing accommodations to meet all the new regulations, requirements and extensive documentation became a significant financial and red tape barrier for many employers to secure the arrival of foreign workers.

Rural location, seasonality, wages and physical requirements are all key barriers to local recruitment. To support our garlic and pork business, we have relied on a combination of local labour and contract farm workers. We did experience labour shortages this past year with our garlic harvest.

To fill gaps in our workforce, we were able to recruit local high school students. This experience was good overall and gave us hope for the upcoming future workforce.

A number of these students will be joining us again this year. However, when hiring students or local labour, a steep learning curve exists with the potential of a high turnover rate, impacting productivity.

Lower productivity, which is a direct result of labour challenges, has resulted in an estimated total loss of $2.9 billion in sales for farm businesses across Canada. More than 60 per cent of respondents reported production delays, which impact the whole food system. For our pork business, we are very dependent on our processing plant to take weekly shipments. Plant closures because of COVID-19 this past year caused havoc throughout the entire food chain. We have noticed, however, that local sales are increasing because Ontarians have an appetite for eating local,

Projects mark a turning point Continued from page 1 kilometres of road. The project value is $3.69 million (including $1.14 million in funding). It is estimated to be completed by March of 2022.

The total value of projects approved through the first phase of SWIFT is more than $15.2 million (an investment multiplier of over 4.5), servicing over 1,800 premises along nearly 265 kilometres of road. In his report, Joudry said those figures equate to an

investment of $8,400 per premise and an average density of 6.89 premises per kilometre.

While several councillors were pleased with what they were hearing, those who have been involved in the process, like Ginn, Watt and Chief Administrative Officer Wark, said the investment is a great start, but there is much more work still to be done. Watt even went so far as to say the most difficult work for the county still lies ahead.

Watt said the projects listed to be completed in the next few years constituted the “low-hanging fruit” in terms of fibre connectivity in the county and that connecting the remaining households would be much more challenging and expensive.

Wark and Ginn both agreed, saying the approved projects were a good start, but there was plenty of work to be done until every Huron County resident was given highspeed internet capability.

want to know where their food comes from and are making more meals at home.

The survey also noted that over 40 per cent of employers expect a delay or termination of investments in their farm business. This poses a major issue because a lack of investment or expansion has the potential to impact the economic growth of farms and the agri-food industry.

According to the data, the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) was relied on by 47 per cent of employers. Farm businesses had to learn to adapt to virtual sales and curbside pick-up which has been met with internet and broadband connectivity issues in rural locations.

During the pandemic, an increased demand for local food means that more consumers are consciously choosing to purchase Ontario-made products. This is welcome news for producers, but we cannot grow and raise our products without human capital. As employers adapt to the future and a new growing season, 53 per cent of respondents are concerned about finding enough workers for the new year. Therefore, we must continue to invest in ways that attract and retain employees to continue to grow the industry.

The report concluded that industry stakeholders play an important role in attracting Canadian workers by promoting jobs in agriculture, improving broadband connectivity and providing education for Canadians who do not have a direct connection to the agri-food sector.

Together, we can help support employers from field-to-fork to fill labour shortages and encourage our youth to consider a career in the dynamic and innovative agri-food sector.

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PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021.

Huron Hygge initiative a success says Joudry

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron County Director of Economic Development Cody Joudry says the Huron Hygge campaign, carried out over the winter months, proved to be very successful.

Joudry spoke to the initiative at Huron County Council’s April 21 meeting. He detailed over 35 events, activities, workshops and classes that were held over the winter months and partnerships with over 20 businesses, organizations and community groups to carry them out.

“Weekly Thursday evening concerts took place from Jan. 14 to Feb. 25. Participation for those live streaming concerts averaged around 1,000 people each week with another 2,000-3,000 people

watching the concert video on Facebook each week,” the report read. “A video ride-along with dog sled champion Luke Siertsema of Blyth created for Family Day garnered close to 6,000 views on Ontario’s West Coast Facebook page.”

The Huron Hygge project wasn’t the only successful Huron County Economic Development Department project in recent months, Joudry said.

The panel series focused on diversity has also been a success with a number of presentations being held this month.

In conjunction with the video panel series, Joudry said that Forum Research Inc. was still working on a survey in the community to measure and better understand the experience and effects of discrimination at the local level.

Joudry also said that the county’s annual Summer Company program is now accepting applications with a deadline of May 23.

The program caters to students between the ages of 15 and 29 who want to start their own business over the summer. It offers grants of up to $3,000 and business coaching

Developed by researchers at the University of Western Ontario, the survey will be administered throughout a number of communities in southwestern Ontario.

He also updated council on a new direction for the Taste of Huron website, in partnership with Community Futures Huron, in an effort to create a “one-stop shop” for all things food in Huron County.

The site will include information on farmers’ markets, producer and processor profiles, access to online ordering, industry and consumer information and a guide to where to buy, eat and support food grown and produced in Huron County, according to the report.

Joudry said the site is expected to relaunch in late May, just in time for the beginning of the summer tourism season.

All The Best For

Mother’s Day

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The county is also continuing work on its housing demand survey, workforce development and housing projects, as well as the development of a new economic development indicator dashboard, which launched this month.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021. PAGE 11.

Spotty safety plan compliance leads to workshops

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen According to Brittany Wise, Huron County’s Entrepreneur and Business Program Co-ordinator, COVID-19 safety plan compliance has been spotty across the county.

Wise presented a report on the subject to Huron County Council at its April 21 meeting, saying that during an inspection blitz throughout Huron and Perth Counties in February, 64 per cent of businesses were found to be in compliance with the Reopening Ontario Act. However, she said some communities were very compliant, while others were not, which skewed the results. Some, she said, were found to be as low as 30 per cent compliant.

As a result of the blitz, Wise said the top three contraventions were failing to have/post a COVID-19

workplace safety plan, lack of proper screening requirements in place and failure to adhere to and/or post capacity limits.

As a result, she said the Huron County Economic Development Department joined forces with the Stratford Perth Centre for Business, a department of investStratford, to offer free webinars throughout March and April on how to develop a COVID-19 safety plan. The webinars were aimed at general businesses, festivals, events and cultural industries.

Howick Reeve Doug Harding was concerned with the statistics being skewed, he said, when he heard a rumour that Howick businesses were found to be 100 per cent non-compliant, so he asked Wise how that could happen.

She said she didn’t have the figures in front of her, so she couldn’t confirm what Harding was

saying. However, she said the enforcement blitz wasn’t perfect.

One factor, for example, she said, was that many of the inspections were done on Mondays, a day of the week on which many local restaurants are often closed. She also said that a community being 100 per cent non-compliant wouldn’t tell the whole story, as not all businesses were inspected, just a

cross-section for sectors and communities.

She also said that the blitz was also about bringing people up to compliance and directing them as to where they were going wrong, so she expected that many businesses that were non-compliant during the blitz had remedied the situation.

Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan also weighed in, saying

that a business being non-compliant could mean that they were missing just one aspect of a COVID-19 safety work plan, while many others were firmly in place.

The workshops ran from March 25 to April 28. Wise said early registration figures were encouraging, but they were hoping to see more people register by the time the webinars had concluded.

Listowel Ag. Fair to be modified Over the past 14 months, the community has endured challenging and difficult times.

Residents have had to learn how to adapt to ever-changing conditions and to not take anything for granted, including being able to come together for community gatherings such as the Listowel Fair.

All The Best For

Mother’s Day Great Gifts For Mom!

The Board of Directors of the Listowel Agricultural Society have made the decision that the 165th Listowel Agricultural Fair will go forward this year, but will be presented in a modified format.

This year’s edition of the fair will take place in the first two weeks of July.

Plans are being explored for

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021. PAGE 13.

Pandemic Survival Guide

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• Virtual karate classes are a great way to learn and stay active while in the comfort and safety of your own home.

• Karate is one sport that can be done anywhere, without the use of special equipment.

• Karate is a great form of stress relief, especially in these trying times.

Taught by Renshi Becky Schweitzer 4th Degree Black Belt and 5X World Karate Champion 519-580-1418 becky_schweitzer@hotmail.com

Tourin’ Huron: a fun game of facts and challenges Welcome to Tourin’ Huron, the game of owning landmarks and letting people visit (for a nominal fee).

Here’s what you need: • Two six-sided dice • Player tokens (up to six) • Some time to research the sites on the board.

• 12 property ownership markers per player. These are unique to the player and should be no bigger than the size of the coloured bar on the landmarks/properties.

• Property Transfer System points, called Pts. For this, it is suggested you use similar tokens to represent different values of points in one, three and five denominations. Poker chips, different-sized coins or even homemade paper money can be used.

There should be enough tokens for each player to start with 15 Pts and an additional 50 Pts, split as evenly as possible across the three denominations in the bank.

Set-up: Set-up requires each player to have 15 Pts’ worth of markers, their 12 ownership markers and their player token set on the “Go” start.

One player, or an impartial spectator, should be identified as the banker. In cases of two people

wanting to be banker, the individual who can balance a die on their nose the longest will be named the banker for the game.

How to play:

The youngest player goes first (down to the minute, in case of twins), taking both dice and rolling them, then moving their token the number of spaces.

What to do when you land: Unowned Landmarks/Properties

When landing on landmarks/properties (like the one to the left), the person who landed has the first right of refusal to buy the property for the listed Pts amount. If they don’t want to, or can’t, the property goes up for auction starting at the listed Pts amount.

The auction is over when no one else wants to bid higher than the existing bids. In the case of a tie when announcing the final bids, players will roll off using one die each until a

winner is crowned.

If a player doesn’t have any more property ownership markers, they can’t purchase any more properties, and, if they land on one, it immediately goes up for auction.

The Huron County Gaol

When landing on the Gaol, as shown on the right, players are taking a tour of the historical site and enjoying the history behind the structure, including the building of the unique structure, how it was used until 1972 and how it hosted Canada’s last public execution in 1869.

Players directed to the Gaol by the corner space opposite of the landmark have to spend two turns reliving the life of an inmate in a cell and forego rolling for those two turns. After that, they can leave through the gift shop and enjoy the rest of the game.

Owned Properties/Landmarks

Players landing on an owned landmark/property have to pay the owner its purchase value in Pts. for a personalized tour. At that point, the owner must

provide at least one fun fact about the site from memory. No phones or notes are allowed during that phase of the turn, and repeats are fine, but not consecutive repeats. If the owner can’t provide a fun fact, the visiting player’s Pts. are returned. Better do some research!

All Other Spaces

Any other space just requires you to follow the instructions printed on them. Roll again, miss a turn or two or just relax with your feet in the river until the next turn, it’s as simple as that. If you have to miss a turn or two, that’s a great time to pull out your phone and bone up on some of the spaces you own to make sure you don’t forfeit that all-important tour revenue.

Landing on the Go space earns the player five Pts while passing it earns the player two Pts. For any questions or comments about the rules, yell them as loud as possible and maybe someone will answer them, though it is not likely.

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021. PAGE 13.

Pandemic Survival Guide

Virtual Online Karate Classes!

• No experience necessary • Group classes ages 4 to adult • Private and semi-private Beginners lessons also available Welcome Spring Special One month of group classes

plus club t-shirt only

$

4999 + tax

• Virtual karate classes are a great way to learn and stay active while in the comfort and safety of your own home.

• Karate is one sport that can be done anywhere, without the use of special equipment.

• Karate is a great form of stress relief, especially in these trying times.

Taught by Renshi Becky Schweitzer 4th Degree Black Belt and 5X World Karate Champion 519-580-1418 becky_schweitzer@hotmail.com

Tourin’ Huron: a fun game of facts and challenges Welcome to Tourin’ Huron, the game of owning landmarks and letting people visit (for a nominal fee).

Here’s what you need: • Two six-sided dice • Player tokens (up to six) • Some time to research the sites on the board.

• 12 property ownership markers per player. These are unique to the player and should be no bigger than the size of the coloured bar on the landmarks/properties.

• Property Transfer System points, called Pts. For this, it is suggested you use similar tokens to represent different values of points in one, three and five denominations. Poker chips, different-sized coins or even homemade paper money can be used.

There should be enough tokens for each player to start with 15 Pts and an additional 50 Pts, split as evenly as possible across the three denominations in the bank.

Set-up: Set-up requires each player to have 15 Pts’ worth of markers, their 12 ownership markers and their player token set on the “Go” start.

One player, or an impartial spectator, should be identified as the banker. In cases of two people

wanting to be banker, the individual who can balance a die on their nose the longest will be named the banker for the game.

How to play:

The youngest player goes first (down to the minute, in case of twins), taking both dice and rolling them, then moving their token the number of spaces.

What to do when you land: Unowned Landmarks/Properties

When landing on landmarks/properties (like the one to the left), the person who landed has the first right of refusal to buy the property for the listed Pts amount. If they don’t want to, or can’t, the property goes up for auction starting at the listed Pts amount.

The auction is over when no one else wants to bid higher than the existing bids. In the case of a tie when announcing the final bids, players will roll off using one die each until a

winner is crowned.

If a player doesn’t have any more property ownership markers, they can’t purchase any more properties, and, if they land on one, it immediately goes up for auction.

The Huron County Gaol

When landing on the Gaol, as shown on the right, players are taking a tour of the historical site and enjoying the history behind the structure, including the building of the unique structure, how it was used until 1972 and how it hosted Canada’s last public execution in 1869.

Players directed to the Gaol by the corner space opposite of the landmark have to spend two turns reliving the life of an inmate in a cell and forego rolling for those two turns. After that, they can leave through the gift shop and enjoy the rest of the game.

Owned Properties/Landmarks

Players landing on an owned landmark/property have to pay the owner its purchase value in Pts. for a personalized tour. At that point, the owner must

provide at least one fun fact about the site from memory. No phones or notes are allowed during that phase of the turn, and repeats are fine, but not consecutive repeats. If the owner can’t provide a fun fact, the visiting player’s Pts. are returned. Better do some research!

All Other Spaces

Any other space just requires you to follow the instructions printed on them. Roll again, miss a turn or two or just relax with your feet in the river until the next turn, it’s as simple as that. If you have to miss a turn or two, that’s a great time to pull out your phone and bone up on some of the spaces you own to make sure you don’t forfeit that all-important tour revenue.

Landing on the Go space earns the player five Pts while passing it earns the player two Pts. For any questions or comments about the rules, yell them as loud as possible and maybe someone will answer them, though it is not likely.

Opening May 3rd To Serve You with social distancing in place

Veggies, perennials, annuals, shrubs and so much more!

Come in or order by email, phone, Facebook or go to our website Next business day pick up on all orders

sunsetspringsgreenhouse.com Hours: Mon-Sat 9-6; Closed Sundays

Email or call sunsetsprings@outlook.com

519-527-0761

43079 Hullett-McKillop Rd. R.R. # 4 Walton

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021.

Pandemic Survival Guide The Gift that keeps on giving the whole year!

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021. PAGE 15.

HC economic department unveils new dashboard

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron County’s new economic development dashboard is ready

and members of Huron County Council are very impressed with what it means for the county.

Economic Development Officer Alexander Ripley presented the

new online tool in conjunction with Davie Lee, an advisor with Townfolio and Munisight, which developed the dashboard.

“The dashboard presents useful

Excited!

Emmeline Bosma was pretty excited about the sweet corn being planted at her family’s farm south of Blyth. Becky Bosma snapped this photo of Emmeline and mentioned that the corn will be on sale south of Blyth at Sisters Sweet Corn later this year. Share your photos and stories with The Citizen by e-mailing them to reporter@northhuron.on.ca and you may see them in print. (Photo submitted)

information about the labour force, real estate, overall economic health, employment trends, community wellbeing, quality of life and our agriculture sector. A ‘front page’ shows key indicators like the unemployment rate, hourly wages in key occupations, number (and size) of local businesses, house prices and the commercial property vacancy rate,” Ripley said in his report to council, presented at council’s April 21 meeting.

“The dashboard features much of the same information that was presented to council in our COVID19 economic updates last year. It streamlines the collection and reporting of key indicators.

Indicators are automatically updated as new information is published and relevant numbers from publically-available and internal sources are all gathered in one location.”

Ripley said his team, staff from the county’s ‘Recovery Team’, began working on the creation of a dashboard in September of 2020. A request for proposals was then issued in November and a contract with Townfolio was then signed in February.

“This project will bring our economic development web presence in line with many other municipalities. The dashboard will be a useful tool for businesses, policy-makers, planners and our investment attraction efforts,” Ripley said in his report. “It will allow us to more effectively track our recovery from the economic and social impacts of the COVID19 pandemic, as well as the

general economic health of the county.”

Lee then presented council with a tour of the new dashboard and all of the information available through it. He said the county should be proud of the positive indicators in the region when it comes to quality of life and others, as well as the quality of the research that will now be available to the world.

Past-Warden Jim Ginn was very impressed with the project, saying the dashboard and the information it contains will support councillors when they need to talk about the county or work to attract residents and businesses. He said that while councillors have always been convinced that Huron County is a great place to live and work, the dashboard will give them access to statistics and information to back up those claims.

Lee also said the information could easily be linked to lower-tier municipalities’ websites and, because the information is constantly being updated in real time, it would provide current and up-to-date information without those municipal staffs having to worry about updates or any further administrative work on the dashboard.

Information updates will be based on each agency’s schedule of updates, Lee said, with some updating monthly and others updating annually. However, he said the vast majority of information will be on a schedule of monthly updates.

The dashboard should be live on the Huron County website soon.

Morris-Turnberry awards tender in tight competition

By Denny Scott The Citizen In what was the closest bid process, percentage-wise, that Director of Public Works Mike Alcock had ever seen, MorrisTurnberry Council awarded a surface treatment contract for several roadways last week.

During its regular council meeting on Tuesday, April 20, council awarded surface treatment to Norjohn Contracting and Paving for $598,683.20 plus HST for work on Huron-Bruce Road from London Road to Belmore (seven kilometres, single application), Salem Road from east of Powell to Kieffer Line

(1.9 kilometres, single application) and Salem Road from Kieffer LIne to Belmore Line (three kilometres, double application).

Norjohn came in $512.72 under Cornell Construction, a difference of under one per cent.

Both Alcock and Mayor Jamie Heffer stated that they had never seen two bids come in so close.

According to Alcock, MorrisTurnberry, working collectively with North Huron, Howick and North Perth, is responsible for $361,828.80 plus HST of the total contract, representing 8.9 kilometres of single Class 1 surface treatment over existing surface treated roads (Huron-Bruce Road

Floral focus Local photographer Liz Allan captured this photo in such detail you can almost smell it. Share your photos, whether they have flora, fauna or folks, with reporter@northhuron.on.ca to see them in The Citizen.

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

and a portion of Salem Road) and three kilometres of double Class 1 surface treatment over gravel (another portion of Salem Road).

Councillor Jim Nelemans commented that Norjohn has done

work for the community before and he was satisfied, so he supported awarding the contract to the firm.

Alcock agreed, saying that Norjohn had done good work, but added that Cornell Construction had also

worked for the municipality before and did a fine job as well.

Council approved Alcock’s recommendation to award the contract to Norjohn Contracting and Paving.

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 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

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

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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.

Card of thanks BAILEY. The family of Mason Bailey wish to thank all those who sent cards, phone calls, texts and well wishes at the passing of our father, grandfather, greatgrandfather, uncle. Your kind thoughts were appreciated. Thank you to all who made donations to Blyth Legion in his name.

17-1 -------------------------------------------DEYELL. The family of Emma Deyell would like to thank friends and neighbours for the cards, gifts of food, and plants at the time of her passing. The donations to Wingham Hospital Foundation and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church were much appreciated. A special thanks to Dr. Moores and the hospital staff entrusted with her care after her fall.

Thank you also to Dayna, Doug, and Sean from McBurney Funeral Home for their attention to detail in the funeral arrangements; to Rev. Skinner for his kind words and to Rev. Grundlingh for providing the video for the service. Sincerely - The Deyell Family.

17-1p -------------------------------------------MITCHELL/PIPE. We wish to thank our friends, family and community for all their support through our raffle, drive-by shower and all the gifts and well wishes received for our upcoming wedding. Raffle winners were: 1. Lisa Montgomery 2. Steve Hall 3. Mike Niessen. We are very blessed to live in such a loving and caring community and thank you from the bottom of our hearts. - Julena Pipe and Jamie Mitchell.

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Card of thanks Help wanted Help wanted In memoriam SNELL. I would like to thank my family and friends for their love and support during my heart surgery and recovery. I appreciated your phone calls, cards, gifts and visits. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses for their excellent care. - Cliff Snell.

17-1p -------------------------------------------STEFFLER. We would like to express how much you have all touched our lives with your kind gestures following the passing of our wife, mother and Nana, Lin Steffler.

Thank you to the Seaforth Community Hospital, nurse John Lowe, and nurse Emily Hildebrand who accompanied Lin to London; the critical care team at University Hospital, Haskett’s Funeral Home and Father Philip Joseph. We will always remember your actions of kindness. Thank you to our families, friends and neighbours who showed us love in the form of cards, flowers, food, prayers, visits, phone calls, texts, emails and donations to the Tanner Steffler Foundation. Again your actions of kindness have helped us during this difficult time. - Joe, John and Heather and family. 17-1p

Howson Transportation Inc. Class AZ Drivers Howson Transportation Inc. has full-time, year-round openings for experienced Class AZ Drivers based out of Blyth, ON. Requirements: • Class AZ Licence • Clean Driver’s Abstract Interested persons can forward cover letter, résumé and driver’s abstract to: Email - rick@howsons.ca Fax - 519-523-4920 Mail - Howson Transportation Inc. Attn: Human Resources P.O. Box 390 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 We are an equal opportunity employer offering a competitive wage and benefits package.

We thank all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Coming events MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH Take-out Style! at the Wingham Columbus Centre, Sunday, May 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Adults $20 each plus tax; Kids $10 plus tax. An assortment of breakfast and dinner fare, French toast, homefries, scrambled eggs, ham, breakfast sausage, fruit salad, lasagna and Hawaiian chicken. Strawberry vanilla ice cream cake or Sin in a Tin for dessert! Orders in by Tuesday, May 4 please. Call 519-357-1270 to order your meal, pay etransfer or credit card and book your pick-up time.

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BRAECKER. In loving memory of Bruno Braecker who passed away on April 29, 2020.

You left without saying goodbye, Leaving us to wonder why.

But your time on earth was done, It was time to join the angels in the sky.

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17-1p -------------------------------------------McDOUGALL. Remembering our mother and grandmother, Marjorie (Toll) McDougall, who passed away 20 years ago on April 28, 2001.

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Take control of your arthritis 1 in 6 Canadians have arthritis

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

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

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

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021. PAGE 17.

Columnist puzzled by vaccine hesitancy issue PEOPLE AROUND LONDESBORO

By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296

All of us are tired of the restrictions imposed because of the pandemic. I have said all along that my household has actually been impacted the least. We are not having to go out to work each day, are not big consumers, stay relatively healthy in our own home and tend to be able to find things to do to fill our days. And most of those

living in rural areas can easily get out of doors for risk-free activity.

It may just be because we can’t that there are days when I resent the loss of freedom to be able to indulge a whim, a stroll through the mall, a drive to visit family and friends, a movie. On those days I find myself resentful of the people who continue to flaunt the rules. Why am I having to be cautious of the restrictions when they are openly endangering the lives of others?

What does it say about the goodness of others who don't seem to take the safety and health of others in their community or world into consideration? How do we remind them of “The Golden Rule”?

Wearing a mask is no big deal, so why are some endangering others by not wearing one? How is the

exercising of supposed personal freedom making our communities safe or ridding the province of COVID-19?

I don’t understand the thinking of the leaders of the congregation in Aylmer who continually encourage their people to meet unmasked and without physical distancing. What type of Christian example are they setting for their children and other groups? And what were those two police officers from Toronto thinking when they attended the last demonstration in Aylmer? Or the Members of Parliament?

Because of the selfishness of others, Ontario’s health system is reeling trying to care for COVID19 patients. And other surgeries, for which people may have been waiting in emergency situations, are being cancelled.

I fail to understand why anyone would refuse to get a vaccination unless there are exigent health circumstances. Isn’t that also looking out for your neighbour?

And why are doses not getting to the areas and people who need them?

We keep hearing about clinics shutting down because people are not showing up for the shots. We must be electing people who can’t organize. How can this be so hard?

Wearing a mask when one has been vaccinated is a minor inconvenience but to the general population, many of whom may not yet be vaccinated, it is a symbol of caring and goodwill to others. One only needs to consider the situation in India to recognize how fortunate we in Canada are and how we must all protect each other.

Emergency vehicles were back in the village on Monday, April 19 to a residence on Main Street.

Neighbours were concerned with the lighting of a brush fire in a confined area. The situation was quickly resolved.

For the third Sunday after Easter Sunday, Londesborough United Church Minister Susan McIlveen chose Acts 4: 1-14 as the scripture to support her message, “Because Something Good Was Done”.

Disciples Peter and John were questioned regarding their preaching and specifically the healing of a lame man. Being ordinary men, it was their allconsuming faith that gave them the power to do these things in the name of Jesus Christ.

Susan encouraged congregants to share something of their faith and the power of love with others. God works with who and what we are to

New option resets dog park process

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Environmental art Liam Kuntz of Mrs. Taylor’s Grade 1/2 class dove in to a project assigned by his teacher last week to celebrate Earth Day by creating art with found natural objects.

Taylor shared his tree, made with a twig and rocks, with The Citizen. Share your photos of student work by emailing them to reporter@northhuron.on.ca. (Photo submitted)

Letter to the Editor

Focus on climate change THE EDITOR, I know an election is the last thing people want to talk about right now but, since it looks as if Canadians will be heading to the polls sooner than later, it’s time to have that conversation.

The climate emergency is my top voting issue and I know I’m not alone. Canadians consistently rank it among their top three priorities, even though the pandemic and the economic crisis have dominated our lives for over a year.

It’s clear that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is going to pitch himself as the climate leader this country needs. The Conservatives make him look pretty good in contrast but, the fact is, he keeps putting off the climate action we know Canada needs to take. In the six years since he took office,

Canada hasn’t decreased emissions, the federal government has continued to subsidize the fossil fuel industry, and the Liberals have failed to deliver on key climate promises like a Just Transition Act. We’re talking about an existential threat here. “At least they’re better than the Conservatives,” isn’t going to cut it. That’s why I support a Climate Emergency Alliance between the NDP and the Green Party. It would offer climateconcerned voters a clear choice and, importantly, it would eliminate the fear of splitting the progressive vote. It’s great to see momentum building behind this idea and I sincerely hope party leaders Jagmeet Singh and Annamie Paul will listen.

Sincerely, Franklin Taylor.

Central Huron Council has returned to the drawing board in regards to choosing a location for a new dog park in Clinton.

Council discussed the issue at its April 19 meeting, after deferring it two weeks earlier.

At council’s April 6 meeting, councillors were leaning towards directing staff to create a new dog park at Kinsmen Park in Clinton.

However, according to a new report prepared by Facilities Manager Steve Duizer, while researching, another location has been recommended. Further research has to be conducted, however, before it can be presented to council, he said.

Duizer told council that staff will continue to investigate the new alternative. While staff is unable to confirm the details of the

alternative, Duizer said in his report, he believes it has the potential to be the most viable option in the town.

Council passed the appropriate motions in accordance with Duizer’s recommendations and will revisit the issue when more details can be presented.

spread something good to others.

Like Peter, we must believe we can do Christ’s work.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO STRATFORD MEMORIALS Creating Memories in Stone for Over 95 years

We are now open but by appointment only and following government recommended protocols to ensure the safety of all visitors and our staff. Please call or email us to set up an appointment.

519-524-8457 email: mfalconer@stratfordmemorials.com

Goderich/Clinton Michael Falconer Memorial Counsellor www.stratfordmemorials.com

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.

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021.

County business consultations top 350 in 2020/2021

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen The Huron County Economic Development Department topped 350 one-on-one consultations with businesses in 2020 and 2021, which represents a significant jump from previous years.

Patrick Donnelly, the county’s entrepreneur and business coach, spoke to the sessions at Huron County Council’s April 21 meeting.

He said that, in the past 18 months, the department has expanded its range of business support services.

In 2020/2021, the department completed 351 one-on-one consultations, while 56 new businesses were created and 30 businesses were either purchased or expanded, creating 73 jobs.

In 2019/2020, there were 213 consultations, 48 new businesses, 34 expansions or purchases and 68 new jobs, while there were 260 consultations in 2018/2019, 52 new businesses, 23 business expansions

or purchases and 51 new jobs and 207 consultations in 2017/2018, 54 new businesses, 11 expansions or purchases and 70 new jobs.

“Starting in September, 2019 with the Digital Main Street program, the department was able to expand business services to include additional one-on-one support for digital transformation of existing businesses. The Digital Service Squad operated first from September, 2019 to March, 2020 and again from September, 2020 to present. To date, the Digital Service Squad has connected with 642 local businesses, on-boarded 281 businesses into various Digital Main Street programs, and assisted 96 local businesses in receiving a $2,500 digital transformation grant for a total of $240,000 investment leveraged across the region,” Donnelly said in his report.

“In February, 2021, the department also added a Virtual Business Advisor position through grant funding made available by the

Ontario Network of Small Business Enterprise Centers (SBEC). This position has allowed for an additional 24 hours per week of coaching and mentorship capacity to the department for new and existing businesses and will continue to be offered until August, 2021. The Virtual Business Advisor position is held by Abu Maiyaki.

Abu is the owner and principal consultant of DecisionXDesign, a hybrid management consultancy and digital firm focused on improving and innovating business operations. Abu’s services are offered digitally through one-onone meetings scheduled over Zoom video chat and are generally recommended for owners and entrepreneurs of existing businesses seeking advanced business development coaching.”

Donnelly said that coaching and support for new entrepreneurs and pre-start-up ventures continues to be delivered and key performance indicators for coaching and

mentorship are being collected and maintained.

“Although overall staff time dedicated to general client coaching has decreased since 2017, Huron County’s business support services have maintained a consistent level of service in helping new businesses start and existing businesses to grow,” Donnelly wrote in his report.

“With more opportunities to offer one-on-one support through the Digital Main Street and Virtual Business Advisor programs over the past 18 months, the department aims to continue providing value to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and to existing business owners across the county.”

Things have changed within the last year, of course, Donnelly said, with all client coaching and consultation services being delivered virtually as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most clients, he said, were seeking service from a business coach for help to access

government grants or financing for starting a business, business startup requirements, and general business coaching. He also said there has been a significant increase in inquiries related to public health measures and responsibilities for businesses under new government regulations.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021. PAGE 19.

From the Minister’s Study

Pray for our elected officials, raise them up

By Pastor Ernest Dow Huron Chapel EMC, Auburn COVID-19 is all about taking shots. Some are taking vaccine shots. Yet another lockdown prompts others to take shots of alcohol. And then, still others seize the opportunity to take pot-shots at our leaders.

It must be a tough time to be in leadership, with hospitals filling up and hundreds dying, and officials having to impose restrictive measures in order to try to help people safeguard their health. On social media we see memes poking fun at, or downright critical of, our elected leaders. One I saw recently depicted a woman with a frying pan raised, ready to whack our prime minister in the head from behind.

Another graphic showed our provincial premier with eyes superimposed from the main comic figure of Mrs. Brown’s Boys, supposedly making a humorous expletive statement. The situation isn’t helped by our premier’s recent confession of having made a mistake in threatening police action to investigate citizens’ movement during the lockdown.

I do not envy our politicians in their delicate and imposing task of guiding millions of independent, strong-willed, anxious citizens through a pandemic! I have the greatest respect for many of them.

Even when the freedom of churches to gather for public worship is curtailed, I recall Scripture’s injunction to submit to the governing authorities (Romans 13:1). The Apostle Paul also writes: “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour...” (1Tim.2:1-3) At the risk of criticism for being duped, I will admit I have been impressed by the verbal statements of three leaders in particular: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Quebec Premier Francois Legault, and Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Even though Premier Legault’s English is broken, for instance, I can still hear his heart coming through in his voice. All three have the sound of being genuine, sincere, trying to do their level best for the people they serve. Our elected officials remain fallible human beings prone to errors of judgment like the rest of us, and deserve our

ardent prayers through this present crisis.

It is perhaps endemic in human nature to be extra critical toward those who are in authority over us.

Adam and Eve rejected God’s instruction about which fruit to eat in the Garden of Eden. Cain rejected the Lord’s warning not to let envy override the need to be his brother’s keeper. The Hebrews throughout Old Testament history bucked at God’s laws transmitted through Moses, earning them the reputation of being a “stiffnecked”, rebellious people that eventually found themselves exiled to a foreign land as punishment for disobeying the covenant. In fact their first royal leader, King Saul, was roundly rebuked by the prophet Samuel for not carrying out God’s instruction: “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.” (1Samuel 15:23) The prevailing temptation for worldly leaders is to exploit power, to milk it for all it’s worth.

Scripture warns against politicians who take advantage of citizens to enrich themselves. “A ruler who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.”

(Proverbs 28:3) Jesus sought to show His followers a better way. He acknowledged the common failing of abuse of political rank. “And he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.’”

(Luke 22:25) However He held out a higher ideal, backed by His example. He went to say, “But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.

For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves?

Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.”

Jesus came to inaugurate an upside-down kingdom, different from the usual worldly political kingdoms where “big fish eat little fish” (as it were). He came not to establish a political entity such as just another country or state; He came to call a people to Himself, to give us ‘new birth’ as God’s very sons and daughters, who live not for this world but for love of God and others, with eyes on what God is seeking to bring about through us and in us. When we discover what His grace and forgiveness are all about, we are “graced” in turn by His Holy Spirit to pour out our lives in service for others just as He poured out His life on the cross for us, to bring us to God. Scripture reveals to us the ongoing role of our Risen Messiah – not so much ruling with an iron rod as interceding and pleading for His people, upholding us before our Heavenly Father. He is the Christ who has the “right” to recline at table (referring to the Roman style of banqueting) – but He becomes the waiter, serving us instead. This is His “High Priestly” role, interceding for us. Paul refers to this: “Christ Jesus, who died— more than that, who was raised to

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship God Is Good, All The Time, All The Time, God Is Good His Love Is Never Shut Down!!!

“God’s love is like an ocean.

You can see its beginning, but not its end ‐ Rick Warren No in­person services until further notice

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

Sunday May 2 (online only) Pastor Ernest Dow,

“Rejection, Repentance, Refreshing, & Restoration” (Acts 3:12ff)

Blyth United Church Stay home. Stay safe. Follow our services via YouTube “Brussels and Blyth United Churches” "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)

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

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

Stay safe and healthy!

Check out our LifeGroups online!

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

superintend and steer even the most powerful political figures. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.”

(Proverbs 21:1).

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

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The Regional Ministry of Hope Join us for worship on our facebook page or on youtube @ St.Paul’s-Trinity Anglican Church Wingham.

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

Trinity

St. John’s

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United Church No in-person worship at present, join us for worship via YouTube “Brussels and Blyth United Churches “With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.” (Acts 4:33) Contact Alex at minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Website: brusselsandblythuc.ca P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259

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life— is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”

(Romans 8:34) And the author of the Book of Hebrews puts it explicitly, “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”

If we have such a great High Priest whose ongoing task is lifting us up before His Heavenly Father, we can in turn be lifting up our elected officials! They may be imperfect, granted, but just as we are all too aware of our own imperfections, their human fallibility can prompt us to pray for them that much more intently.

We become aware God’s sovereignty is big enough to

Brussels Soup and More 2 is cancelled until further notice.

519-357-5273

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

THE CATHOLIC PARISHES OF NORTH HURON AND NORTH PERTH

OUR SUNDAY LITURGIES

ARE CANCELLED

UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

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.

PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021.

REACH seeks help in search for housing

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

While soaring prices and low housing stock is affecting the people of Huron County, it’s also putting a squeeze on student rental options for those attending the Regional Equine and Agricultural Centre of Huron (REACH).

REACH’s Samantha Green spoke to Central Huron Council at its April 19 meeting, saying that students planning to come to Clinton for the school’s next semester are facing shrinking options for housing and the problem looks to only be getting worse.

Right now, Green said, there are only nine listings in the area that

could accommodate as many as 17 students (11 within Clinton and six in nearby towns). However, 27 students have already been accepted to the school for its coming semester and as many as 40 students are expected by the time the semester begins.

The housing shortage will affect many students, Green said, especially as many of the students who come to Clinton do so without a car and are hoping to be able to walk to and from the school, meaning they would have to have housing options within the town.

As part of her presentation to council, Green also detailed the impact of the many REACH students on the local economy. Not only are they spending money at

local stores and restaurants, but many of them take part-time jobs within the community, which can add even more to the local economy.

If the program’s annual complement were to rise to 60 students, which Green says is a goal of the school, the financial impact between rent payments, tuition and money spent in the community could be between $500,000 and $750,000 per year.

The school accepts students for semesters from September through to April, she said, with many local housing rentals beginning in August.

Green said that those at the school had already been working tirelessly to spread the word,

reaching out to local landlords, connecting with local realtors, advertising via social media and in local newspapers and speaking to potential investors in hopes of sparking interest in opening up new options.

Mayor Jim Ginn said the municipality would be happy to help spread the word via its e-mail blast or through use of its digital sign, in addition to the school’s local advertising.

Councillor Alex Westerhout wondered if efficiency of use could be found by working with the Blyth Festival, with its season running essentially opposite to the REACH semester throughout the summer.

Councillor Alison Lobb, who is also a member of the Blyth Festival

board of directors, said that idea was worth investigating and that she’d be willing to look into it.

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Each home contains 1,195 square feet of living space. Together, the pair of homes measures 56 feet wide and 56 feet deep, for a total of 2,386 square feet.

Plans for design 8-2-250 are available for $915 (set of 5), $985(set of 8) and $1041 for a super set of 10. Also add $35.00 for Priority charges within B.C. or $60.00 outside of B.C. Please add H.S.T., PST, OR G.S.T (where applicable) to both the plan price and Priority charges.

Our 52ND Edition of the Home Plan Catalogue containing over 300 plans is available for $16.50 (includes taxes, postage and handling). Make all cheque and money orders payable to "Jenish House Design Ltd." and mail to: JENISH HOUSE DESIGN LTD. c/o The Blyth/Brussels Citizen, #201- 1658 Commerce Ave Kelowna, BC V1X 8A9 OR SEE OUR WEB PAGE ORDER FORM ON: www.jenish.com AND E-MAIL YOUR ORDER TO: homeplans@jenish.com

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021. PAGE 21.

Blyth Citizen’s Band @ 1930-1941 Some members: Bob Watt, Harvey Mason, Barrie McElroy, Franklin Bainton, Roy Toll, Edwin Bender, Murray Scrimgeour, Gordon Lyon, Bert Daer, John Daer, Jamie Sima, Fred Somers, Jack Tierney, Dud Leith, Harold Wightman, Jack Hardisty, Joe Heffron and Charles Toll (leader).

Read more in the Blyth Repository of History.

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792

#ThrowbackThursday

Leadership in energy and environmental design

Devon Henry 84772 McDonald Line • Box 616 • Brussels

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blythrepositoryofhistory.ca

The Citizen, April 21, 2011

The Citizen, April 14, 2011

The Citizen, April 17, 1996

The Citizen, April 14, 2011

The Blyth Standard, April 10, 1974

Did you know that you determine what goes on this page every month? The Citizen’s editorial staff feature the #ThrowbackThursday photos that have generated the most likes on Facebook here!

PAGE 22. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021.

M-T Council responds to letter critical of negotiations

By Denny Scott The Citizen Morris-Turnberry Council directed staff to respond to a letter

from resident Doug Garniss inquiring about the cross-border servicing negotiations between council and its North Huron counterpart.

Garniss’ letter was sent to both Morris-Turnberry and North Huron Councils (in addition to The Citizen), lambasting the ongoing cross-border negotiation process regarding water, wastewater and soft services. Morris-Turnberry Council addressed it during its April 20 meeting.

“As ratepayers of both municipalities we have grown increasingly appalled by the amount of time and energy you are spending on the dispute between you, and the effects it has on businesses like Green’s Meat Market,” Garniss wrote before putting forward his guesses for why mediation or arbitration hadn’t been pursued as Morris-Turnberry Councils suggested.

He said he can see two reasons why councils would not participate: not wanting to spend the money or fear of being wrong. The former, however, seemed unlikely to him,

given the spending practices of North Huron, he said.

“North Huron seems to have no problem adding $50,000 or $60,000 of taxpayers’ money to the price of a wheelchair ramp at the Wingham town hall,” he said, “or $50,000 once or twice to try to get an engineer [to once again tell] them they either had to replace or rebuild the Howson Dam.” With regards to councils feeling they may be proven wrong, he said both councils need to “try acting like adults and admit that you can be wrong.”

While Garniss had questions about the situation, including why the agreement was taking so long and why North Huron was requesting a border change (to incorporate North Huron-owned lands in Morris-Turnberry into North Huron), Morris-Turnberry Council agreed to respond by saying the issue will be dealt with at

Fair seeds ready soon

Earth Week Students in Mrs. Taylor’s Grade 1/2 class at Hullett Central Public School found ways to celebrate Earth Day at home last week with environmentally-friendly projects. Above, Connor Lyons shows his image of a world made with cut-outs from recyclable flyers and mailers. Teachers, parents and students are encouraged to do what Mrs. Taylor did and share their work with The Citizen by e-mailing it to reporter@northhuron.on.ca (Denny Scott photo)

Continued from page 11 underway with seed packages available soon.

Virtual competitions are also being planned with details for all Listowel Fair activities to be released soon.

During this time of uncertainty, and because of the rapid changes that COVID-19 presents, the fair board did not take this decision lightly.

The protection and safety of members, volunteers and the community were of the utmost importance in making this decision.

Members of the fair board are grateful for the support the community has shown to the organization during the pandemic.

The fair board looks forward to seeing everyone at the 2021 Listowel Agricultural Fair, whether at a drive-in or drive-thru event or virtually.

Watch the society’s social media pages and website (www.listowelfair.com) for

exciting event and competition announcements. The Listowel Agricultural Society can also be reached at 519-291-0644 or at listowelfair@gmail.com

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Continue COVID-19 safety steps PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

Belated birthday wishes are extended to Florence McArter on April 23 on her 92nd birthday; Muriel Taylor celebrated on April 22 and Emerson Marks who marked his second birthday on April 26.

Sympathy is extended to Elly Dow on the loss of her husband Ivan Dow. Congratulations to Matthew and Kathleen Cottrill on the birth of twins. Noah Riley and Grace Beverley Rose were born in Stratford Hospital on April 20.

Excited grandparents are Mike and Donelda Cottrill and greatgrandmother Irene Lamont.

The students are at home doing their online learning for an extended time. The lockdown continues until May 20 and maybe even longer. It depends on COVID-

19 and if everyone does their part to stop the spread of the virus.

Remember, even after you have been vaccinated you still have to keep your distance, wear a mask and wash your hands.

Take notice when you are out how beautifully Mother Nature has displayed all the colourful signs of spring.

Congratulations to first-time

grandparents Doug and Joan Cloakey and first-time parents Carter and Krista Cloakey on the birth of Cameron.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021. PAGE 23.

M-T approves ’21 budget

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Toad-ay’s the day Cameron Yuill of the Maitland Valley Camera Club recently snapped this picture of his friendly neighbourhood toad while out and about in Belgrave with his camera in hand. (Photo courtesy of Cameron Yuill of the Maitland Valley Camera Club)

Morris-Turnberry Council approved its 2021 budget and tax rates during its April 20 meeting, bringing the four-month budget process to an end and setting a total tax rate increase of 1.35 per cent.

The budget process was a difficult one, according to Treasurer Sean Brophy, starting with a $66,100 decrease in money from the Ontario Municipal Partnership Funding (OMPF), which marks a $453,200 reduction in the funding over the past five years, and going forward through the COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts it will have on the budget.

Despite that, the municipality will set aside reserve funds this year, including extra funds to help with

negotiations with North Huron, if necessary, Brophy said. In total, the municipality’s reserves will be $218,036.19 higher than they were before the budget process started, with funds being set aside for numerous projects, including recreation and grants, road work, policing, development and streetlights, while taking money from reserves for fire protection projects and the Belgrave water system.

The municipality’s levy will increase by 3.1 per cent under the proposed budget, Brophy said, and includes several significant capital projects, such as replacing the McCrea well in Belgrave, paving several roads and the lot at the Morris public works yard, the construction of the Smuck Bridge on Abraham Line and Morris-

Turnberry’s share of the purchase of a pumper truck by the Fire Department of North Huron.

The residential portion of the municipal tax rate will increase 1.959 per cent under the new budget. The county portion will increase by 0.774 per cent and the education rate will remain the same, for a total tax rate increase of 1.35 per cent, Brophy said. He explained that, on an average single-family home in Morris-Turnberry, which has a value of $226,031, taxes will go up $42.14 from $3,122.07 to $3,164.21.

Council received Brophy’s report and voted to adopt the tax rate by bylaw, including the tax rates.

Council also passed a motion to have staff return the final tax levy bylaw for 2021 to its next meeting for consideration.

Music students create pandemic-themed piece One year ago, students from St. Anne’s and St. Michael’s Catholic Secondary Schools, along with their music teachers, Josh Geddis and Jeff McIntyre, worked with composer Bill Thomas to commission a piece of music.

Typically, when a composition is commissioned, the ensemble that works on the piece with the composer has the rights to perform it and debut it for a year. Both schools decided collectively to allow this piece to be published ahead of this happening. There will be a lot of students who will find enjoyment in this piece once students are allowed to play music

in schools again.

The piece, entitled “After the Silence”, is meant to musically convey the hectic pace of life before the pandemic (Before the Silence), the abrupt interruption of routines and the opportunity for introspection that followed (the Silence), and a gradual, thankful, and optimistic return to our “normal” lives (After the Silence).

The St. Michael and St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary School music programs enjoy a rich history of excellence. During pre-COVID-19 times, the music rooms at both schools were active places with rehearsals for various ensembles

happening before and after school on most days. Due to COVID-19 playing restrictions, students have been unable to play at school for the past year.

Music teacher Josh Geddis commented, “When we moved online I had to pop back into the music room to pick up some supplies and I remember thinking about how dark and quiet the room was, almost lifeless. The music rooms in our schools are living, breathing and dynamic places. In our continued search for ways to engage students in an online environment with meaningful opportunities, Jeff and I talked

about the possibility of connecting our students with a composer and creating a piece of music. Bill Thomas met with our students via Zoom and an idea was born. I think that because of the context, this piece is something that students and their band directors will really be able to connect with. It tells a story of an experience that we all share.”

There are many ensembles both

within Canada and internationally that are excited about the piece.

Geddis and McIntyre also learned that the commissioned piece will be published internationally in the fall catalogue of a major music publishing company.

To listen to the computerized recording, visit the Eighth Note Publications website at enpmusic.com.

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.

!

er t s i

g

Re

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.

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

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

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PAGE 24. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 29, 2021.

Provincial silver win for ‘Citizen’ special section

A duck to water Blyth’s Tallulah Loughlin is on the verge of outgrowing her duck-themed robe, but that clearly hasn’t dampened her enthusiasm for bath time. To have your stay-at-home order pictures from home featured in The Citizen, e-mail them to reporter@northhuron.on.ca for consideration for a future issue. (Photo submitted)

The Citizen has won a silver medal at the 2020 Ontario Community Newspapers Association (OCNA) Better Newspapers Competition for Best Special Section (circulation under 9,999).

The OCNA handed out the awards virtually last Friday and it was The Citizen’s special section that celebrated the reunion of the Huron Pioneer Thresher and Hobby Association last September that earned the newspaper the award.

The Citizen was up against the “Farmers’ Harvest 2020” section by The Haldimand Press and the “9th Annual Irish Edition” by The Eganville Leader. The Haldimand Press finished in third place, while The Eganville Leader claimed the gold medal.

This is the fifth time in the last six years that The Citizen has won a provincial newspaper award, earning third place or higher and winning an OCNA Better Newspaper Competition Award in

2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 and 2015.

At the 2019 awards, The Citizen placed third in the General Excellence category for its circulation class and third for Best Sports Photograph of the Year with a picture taken by Editor Shawn Loughlin.

In 2018, The Citizen placed first in the Best Rural Story category for newspapers with a circulation of 9,999 or under for a story on rural homelessness written by Rural Voice Editor Lisa Boonstoppel-Pot, while in 2017, the newspaper won first place in the Best Community Website category for a newspaper with a circulation under 9,999.

In 2015, The Citizen placed third in General Excellence for its circulation class, as well as in the Best Community Website category for its circulation class.

In 2019, The Citizen won a News Media Canada national newspaper award in the Best Rural Story category, which followed several

years of national honours.

The Citizen received secondplace finishes in the Best Overall Newspaper, Best Front Page and Best Editorial Page categories for its circulation class at the 2014 awards before triumphing in all three categories the following year, being named the best newspaper in Canada, the best front page and the best editorial page in its circulation class that year.

Total vaccinations near 40,000 in H-P Continued from page 1 pandemic started, marking an increase of 29 cases over the last week.

Currently, there is one resident hospitalized across the region, marking 63 hospitalizations since the pandemic began. There are currently 111 people under isolation orders in Huron and Perth Counties, with 4,526 isolation orders issued since the pandemic started.

There have been 52 fatalities in Huron and Perth Counties linked to COVID-19 since the pandemic started. There are currently 10 active suspected variants of concern (VOC) cases in the area, with a total of 75 such cases being reported since they were first recorded locally.

There are two workplace outbreaks in Huron and Perth Counties. During a teleconference last Thursday, Medical Officer of Health for the counties Dr. Miriam Klassen said more workplace outbreaks are occuring due to the variants being spread. Those working in or visiting workplaces need to continue to follow suggested protocols to limit the spread of COVID-19, Klassen added.

As for active cases, numerous cases have been reported across both areas. In Huron County there are active cases in Central Huron (five), Bluewater (three) and one each in Ashfield-ColborneWawanosh (ACW) and South Huron.

In Perth County there are active cases in North Perth (13), Stratford (six) and one each in West Perth and Perth East.

In Huron County, new cases have been reported in South Huron, which increased its cumulative total from 109 to 110; Central Huron, in which five new cases were reported for a total of 59; Bluewater, which now has 42 cases, up from 39 and ACW, which has 29 cases, up from 28. Several municipalities reported no new cases, including Huron East (105), North Huron (54), Morris-

Turnberry (53), Howick (35) and Goderich (21).

In Perth County, Stratford reported six new cases, bringing its cumulative total to 392; North Perth has 386 cases, up 11 from last week; Perth East reported one new case, bringing its total to 141, while West Perth now has 50 cases, up one from last week. Perth South (42 cases) and St. Marys (38 cases) remained at the same cumulative count as last week.

In Huron and Perth Counties, there have been 121 COVID-19 cases reported since the start of April, more than both March, which had 79, and February, which saw 104 cases reported.

Suspected acquisition in Huron and Perth Counties continues to be tied to household exposure and outbreaks, which are responsible for 28.1 and 26.8 per cent of cases, respectively. Close contact is responsible for 18.5 per cent, while travel is tied to 1.1 per cent of cases. Unknown acquisition is responsible for 25.5 per cent of cases.

Over 5,000 new COVID-19 tests were performed in Huron and Perth Counties over the past week, bringing the total to 128,860. Over 5,000 vaccines were also administered, bringing the total vaccine doses to Huron and Perth residents both at local clinics and outside the area, to 39,440.

For more information, visit hpph.ca.

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