The Citizen - Feb. 13, 2020

INSIDE THIS WEEK:

PROTESTS - Pg. 7

SPORTS - Pg. 8

GROTTO - Pg. 20

Blyth BIA urges members to see protests as opportunities

Wingham Ironmen take lead in playoff series

Blyth man opens new indoor climbing facility in Goderich

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Volume 36 No. 7

Serving the communities of Blyth and Brussels and northern Huron County

Thursday, February 13, 2020

County approves budget

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

We have a good goal Much to the disappointment of the Mount Forest Rams’ goalie, the Atom Rep Crusaders would score six goals in their Saturday morning contest at the Blyth and District Community Centre to win the game by a score of 6-2. This

game preceded the Crusaders’ next playoff series against their neighbours to the north in the Wingham Ironmen, which began on Feb. 12 with three games scheduled to be played in Blyth on Feb. 12, Feb. 15 and Feb. 23. (Hannah Dickie photo)

Huron County Council passed its 2020 budget on Feb. 5 with a five per cent increase to the tax levy, bringing in an additional $2.08 million for the county through taxation. The county’s total budget will come in just under $44 million.

Huron County Treasurer Michael Blumhagen, in his presentation of the final draft of the budget to council, said staff faced significant challenges during the 2020 budget process, including looming provincial funding cuts, labour pressures and costs associated with infrastructure repairs.

Because of the county’s assessment roll increase in 2020, the five per cent increase to the tax levy actually represents a 1.55 per cent decrease to the tax rate. According to Blumhagen’s report, if the county were to maintain the same tax rate as 2019, it would support a 6.66 per cent increase on the levy, equalling $2.77 million, which is why the tax rate will decrease with the five per cent increase in 2020.

“It is important to note that with the new current value assessment data for 2020, there are some significant taxation shifts occurring amongst both property classes Continued on page 20

Huron East final budget draft coming March 17

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East Treasurer Paula Michiels will present the first draft of the municipal budget to council at its Feb. 18 meeting with a proposed eight per cent increase to the tax levy.

As reported in last week’s issue of The Citizen, Huron East is facing a $232,000 hole in its budget due to provincial funding cuts and rising policing costs before the process even begins. In order to cover that loss and begin budget deliberations on equal footing to 2019, Michiels said, council will have to raise the levy by five per cent. Michiels’ proposal of an eight per cent increase would not only cover that loss, but also assist in increased costs across the board related to wages and benefits.

With an eight per cent increase proposed for the Huron East portion of the budget, she told council that Huron County is proposing a five per cent increase to its portion of the budget and the school boards’ budget

has decreased slightly from the 2019 budget.

She also told council that for her first draft of the budget, she has incorporated 2.7 per cent increases to the budgets of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, the Seaforth and District Community Centre and the Vanastra Recreation Centre.

Michiels said that much of the municipality’s capital budget will be tied up in 2020 with the reconstruction of the main street in Seaforth. She said the tender for the project was due to close on Feb. 4 and Huron East’s portion of the project will be included in the first draft of the budget.

Michiels told council the first draft of the budget will be presented at council’s Feb. 18 meeting, followed by the second draft being presented at the March 3 meeting with the final consideration of the budget scheduled for council’s March 17 meeting.

Mayor Bernie MacLellan also proposed a meeting of himself, Michiels, Deputy-Mayor Bob Fisher

and Chief Administrative Officer Brad Knight to review current reserve fund levels.

MacLellan asked council members if they were comfortable with that meeting, saying any

recommendations would come to council for approval, so he thought it made sense for the meeting to begin with a small group. Council agreed and authorized MacLellan, Michiels, Fisher and Knight to meet in the

coming weeks to discuss the municipality’s reserve levels and report back to council at a future meeting.

Council approved Michiels’ proposed budget schedule.

Wingham to host first-ever mixed doubles championship

By Denny Scott The Citizen Team Cottrill, alongside the Wingham Golf and Curling Club, is hosting the first-ever Ontario Mixed Doubles Tour Championship later this month.

The tournament, set for Feb. 2123, is the finale for the season, Katie Cottrill, one half of Team Cottrill said.

“There will be additional cash prizes for the team with the most points in all of the tour events,” she said in an e-mail to The Citizen.

The event is set to draw teams from around the world, Cottrill said, including Canada, the U.S.A. and China. Also competing will be a former two-time world champion team from Hungary and former Canadian champion teams and the reigning Ontario Champions, Team Cottrill.

The event will start Friday evening at 6 p.m. with a preliminary round that runs Friday night and Saturday.

Saturday’s games start at 9 a.m. and the finals begin at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Team Cottrill plays at 7 p.m. on

Friday and 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Saturday.

Katie explained that she and her husband Shawn, the other half of Team Cottrill, have hosted numerous events in the area and wanted to bring this one home.

“We have hosted various events in the area over the past couple years in Palmerston, Listowel and Ilderton as part of growing the Ontario tour,” she said. “Since Wingham is our home club, we felt it was appropriate to make it the host of the first annual tour championship. Wingham is a Continued on page 19

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020.

M-T remuneration comes in $15k under budget

By Denny Scott The Citizen For the second year in a row, Morris-Turnberry Council’s remuneration was below budget.

As a result of being under budget in 2018, council budgeted $95,000 for the 2019 year to cover council wages, honourariums, conference expenses and mileage, but costs came in at $79,814.02,

Forts of snow Students at Hullett Central Public School enjoyed some snowy recesses last week. From left: Brooklyn Hakkers, Charlotte Hakkers and Alice Neeb. (Denny Scott photo)

$15,185.98 under budget.

The 2019 remuneration costs of $79,814.02 represent a significant savings over the 2018 remuneration and expenses of $102,658.54, however council did have one additional member during most of that year.

Mayor Jamie Heffer attended 61 meetings, the most of any council member, earning $7,350.07 in meeting remuneration on top of his $9,073.68 honourarium. He attended a single conference which, with other meeting registrations, cost the municipality $979.17, tallied up $1,124.28 in conference expenses and $334.66 in mileage. The municipality paid $659.19 in Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and $320.26 in Employer Health Tax (EHT) for Heffer. Like all members of council, Heffer received $338.04 to off-set home internet costs used for the municipality, bringing his total for 2019 to $20,179.28 in wages, benefits and covered expenses.

Deputy-Reeve Sharen Zinn attended 48 meetings, the least of any council member, earning $6,338.80 in meeting remuneration on top of her $5,713.20

honourarium. She attended one conference, which, with other meetings she registered for, cost $750.56 and claimed a conference per diem of $583.32. Her conference expenses were $1,150.13 and mileage was $353.80. With the additions of internet costs ($338.04), $465.89 in CPP and $246.39 in EHT, Zinn’s total was $15,950.13.

Councillor Jim Nelemans attended 51 meetings, totalling $6,611.01 in meeting remuneration and $4,430.52 for his honourarium. Nelemans attended one conference which cost, along with other meetings, $997.05 and claimed $777.76 for his conference per diem. His conference expenses totalled $1,115.98 and mileage totalled $1,025.44.

Nelemans had no CPP cost, so, with his EHT ($230.48) and internet costs $338.04, his total was $15,651.38.

Councillor Kevin Freiburger attended 57 meetings, earning $6,573.24 in meeting remuneration and $4,430.52 in honourarium. He attended a single conference which cost, alongside other meeting registrations, $1,301.80 and claimed $777.76 in conference per diem. His conference expenses were $1,115.98

and mileage was $294.99. With internet ($338.04), CPP ($422.36) and EHT ($229.74), Freiburger’s total was $15,484.43.

Councillor Jamie McCallum attended 52 meetings, totalling $6,635.29 in meeting remuneration on top of his $4,430.52 honourarium. He didn’t attend any conferences, but had meeting registration costs $157 and mileage of $386.32. With internet ($338.04), CPP ($385.85) and EHT ($215.78), McCallum’s total was $12,548.80.

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Kraemer pushes HE for study

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Jim Kraemer of Kraemer Concrete Ltd. is pushing Huron East Council for research, study and trial into a new way of building roads, in addition to changes surrounding restricted load seasons, which he hopes will save money across the board.

Kraemer spoke to council at its Jan. 28 meeting, saying his proposal could save the municipality money while keeping contractors and their employees working throughout the year, bucking the current system that he says keeps many employees out of work for March and April.

He said researchers at both the University of Western Ontario and

Fatal collision on OFSC trail Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), with the assistance of the West Region OPP Traffic Incident Management and Enforcement (TIME) Team, investigated a fatal snowmobile crash on Monday evening southeast of Ethel.

On Feb. 10 at approximately 8:46 p.m., members from the Huron County and Perth County OPP Detachments, Huron County Paramedic Services and Grey Township Fire Department responded to a report of a crash involving two snowmobiles located on the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) trail section located between Krauter Line and Henfryn Line.

Two snowmobile operators were transported from the scene to a local hospital.

One of the operators has died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. The other operator sustained minor injuries.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.

Huron County OPP has closed the snowmobile trail between Krauter Line and Henfryn Line for the collision investigation.

Watch The Citizen, including our website huroncitizen.ca, for updates on the incident.

the University of Guelph have begun work on studying ways to lengthen the life of roads as much of Ontario faces an infrastructure crisis.

Kraemer suggested Huron East connect with these universities and collaborate on a pilot project that would utilize better quality road construction, combined with adjusted load regulations, to save money and improve the longevity of municipal roads.

Kraemer’s proposal includes a project-based permit or bond system to be held in trust by the township to cover costs incurred, a mutuallyagreed-upon travel route for a project and a reduced speed limit of 25 kilometres per hour on affected load-restricted roads on the travel route. He also listed six local contracting companies that have expressed interest in Kraemer’s proposal.

“With construction trends changing dramatically in the past 20-plus years, and projects getting larger, I believe discussion on this issue could benefit all parties involved,” Kraemer wrote in his letter to council.

In speaking with council, Kraemer said he didn’t know if his proposal was the correct approach to the issue of deteriorating road quality, but he said further research is necessary to find out. If his proposal isn’t the answer, further research could potentially find out what is the answer.

Kraemer said damage to the top coat or asphalt may be caused by damage to the ground underneath, as well as the gravel’s water content and drainage methods during thaws throughout the fall, winter and spring.

Councillors looked to Public Works Manager Barry Mills for his comments, but Mills said he would have to give it more consideration, leading to council requesting a report from Mills.

Kraemer said that when his father was a working contractor, employees would be off from December until April. Now, with the demand for construction in southwestern Ontario, the job has become a year-round position. He said the research needs to happen so municipalities can know if there’s a better way to build and maintain roads.

He said it was unlikely that any roads in Huron East, with the exception of county or provincial roads running through the municipality, had been built up to the standards Kraemer was suggesting.

Mills also said that if council were to go ahead with a pilot project to implement Kraemer’s recommendations, the municipality would have an enforcement problem that could likely burden Huron East staff because the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) will not enforce such regulations in municipalities like Huron East.

Kraemer said a change to better practices won’t be easy, but that with co-operation from all of the heavy traffic users like contractors, trucking companies, farmers and municipalities and credible research, the discovery of a better way to preserve municipal roadways may be on the horizon.

Council directed Mills to prepare a report on Kraemer’s recommendations to be presented at a future meeting.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020. PAGE 3.

NH Council starts process to sell heritage building

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Proficient painters The Blyth Legion Branch recently recognized the efforts of Hullett Central Public School in the Royal Canadian Legion’s annual Remembrance Day art and literature contests. Above are the artists who finished atop the Primary-level poster contests. From left: Braxton Stryker (second place black and white), Corbin Hoonard (first place black and white), Aiden Hoekmeijer (second place colour), Alexis Ansley (third place colour) and Isla DeBoer (first place colour) and Legion representative Donna Govier. (Denny Scott photo)

North Huron will be considering selling the Wingham Armories building, the former Wingham Police Station, or, if a buyer can’t be found, demolishing it to create a municipal parking lot.

The heritage building was the focus of a building condition review undertaken by Capital Management Engineering after the Wingham Police Service was shuttered last year. That review revealed the facility is in “poor condition” with

North Huron council unveils strategic plan

By Denny Scott The Citizen North Huron Council has given the first glimpse of how it hopes the next several years will proceed with its strategic plan.

During council’s Feb. 3 meeting, Chief Administrative Officer Dwayne Evans presented the document, which will guide the council through 2023.

The vision behind the creation of the document, according to the presentation, is to create a “prosperous and engaged municipality that welcomes visitors, families and residents through strong agriculture, development, culture and tourism.” The mission statement included “offering an affordable and sustainable highquality of life by delivering excellent and efficient services to our residents, businesses and visitors.”

The plan, created by LURA Consulting, is split into several sections from economy to environment, each with its own goal.

ECONOMY The plan for the municipality’s economy is to increase growth in residential, commercial and industrial development, alongside tourism and agriculture. To achieve those goals, council set seven actions, each with a different timeline.

The first goal is to improve the efficiency and timeliness of the development approval system to expedite building and development in the municipality.

The goal is short-term, meaning within a year, and the metric set to determine if the municipality achieves it is whether or not a reduced timeframe from the submission of an application to the permit being issued has been achieved.

The next action is to complete and maintain an inventory of developable land, focusing on municipally-owned properties, and promote them to developers.

The hope is that, by pursuing that plan, an increase in shovel-ready parcels of land can be realized.

Completing the inventory is listed as a short-term project.

The third action listed is to work with Huron County to promote development opportunities and tourism in North Huron, with the hope that will increase the number of businesses in North Huron. This goal is listed as a medium-term goal, or one that should be completed in two to three years.

The fourth goal is to determine a

future for the Richard W. LeVan Airport in Morris-Turnberry to determine the best use for the North Huron-owned asset. That goal is also set as a medium-term goal.

Council set reviewing grant funding as the fifth economic goal, the intent of which is to improve aesthetics in downtown areas. By reviewing grant and funding information, council, alongside the North Huron Economic Development Committee, hopes to allocate funds to North Huron’s Community Improvement Plan. The goal was established as a mediumterm goal.

Goal six is to establish a visitor information centre, a long-term project taking more than two years.

The final economic goal is to facilitate the development of Hutton Heights. Council has, in previous meetings, expressed an intent to run services to developable areas in Hutton Heights, southwest of Wingham. The goal is listed as a short-term project.

COMMUNITY Five achievables comprise the municipality’s community goals, ranging from helping community events to completing a community safety plan.

The first goal, developing a more efficient events approval policy process, including marketing community events, will enable the continued success of local events.

The project is considered an ongoing one with no specific timeline.

Secondly, council wishes to develop a long-term process to recognize volunteers in the community.

Council’s third goal is to

investigate opportunities to recognize North Huron as a youthfriendly community. The efforts will ideally result in youth involvement in community discussions. The goal is a long-term one.

The fourth community goal is to prioritize accessibility in the township’s buildings and services.

The ongoing project aims to create fully-accessible spaces to allow everyone to participate in municipal events.

Finally, council wants to complete a community safety and well-being plan to address risks and promote safety in the community.

Council hopes the short-term project will be completed within a year.

GOVERNANCE AND MODERNIZATION In terms of governance and modernization, the municipality has seven actions listed, ranging from reviewing the composition of council to seeking support for rural communities.

Council’s first action is an ongoing project to advocate for high-speed internet, with the goal of making high-speed internet available for all residents and businesses.

The second action is to meet Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act requirements. The project aims to make sure all municipal facilities are in compliance as an ongoing goal.

The third action set, another ongoing project, will support the Association of Municipalities of Ontario’s advocacy efforts to support rural communities, ideally resulting in increased financial support from the government. The

project will fall to council to pursue.

The fourth action is to develop a strategy for engagement and communications for North Huron.

The medium-term project will be undertaken using consultants, the senior management team and council.

Council’s fifth goal is to update the municipality’s digital processes, including updating its website and offering online payment options.

The project is a short-term goal that will fall to the municipality’s employees and council.

The sixth governance and modernization action is to implement professional development plans for municipal staff, which will support growth, development and retention of township staff. The project is set as a medium-term goal.

The final goal under governance and modernization is to evaluate the current size and structure of council to make sure it “is the right size and structure.” The project is Continued on page 12

an index value of 25 per cent.

The review, Director of Public Works Sean McGhee said, is noninvasive and included only what could be observed of the structure itself, the property around it and mechanical, electrical, plumbing and heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems.

Restoration of the structure could cost between $158,000 and $570,000 over five years, McGhee said, depending on what council wanted to do with the 110-year-old structure. Some uses, such as storage, would cost less, however if the municipality wanted to use the heritage structure for offices, the work needed could cost as much as $570,000.

Part of the problem with the building, McGhee said, is that it has been upgraded numerous times using different materials and different approaches to construction, making its restoration a difficult project to consider.

Staff didn’t feel the structure was worth the investment to keep.

Council agreed and decided to try and sell the building. If, however, there is no interest, council directed staff to begin the process to have its heritage designation removed, subsequently destroying the structure to create a parking lot, potentially with pay-to-charge electric vehicle chargers. Regardless of which path is taken, the municipality will be on the hook for at least $26,000 to relocate the electrical systems for town hall, which are housed on the property.

Council declared the structure surplus as the first step in the process last week.

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17 for

When I die I shall then have my greatest grief and my greatest joy (J.C. Ryle, Christian Leaders of the Last Century) ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ Luke 18:13 William Grimshaw was, above all, a man of rare humility. Few gifted men, perhaps, ever thought so humbly of themselves, or were so truly ready to honour others.

“What have we to boast of?” he once said. “What do we have, that we have not received? Freely by grace we are saved. When I die I shall then have my greatest grief and my greatest joy: my greatest grief that I have done so little for Jesus; and my greatest joy that Jesus has done so much for me. My last words shall be, “Here goes an unprofitable servant!”

On his deathbed he said, “Alas! what have my wretched services been. I have now need to cry, at the end of my unprofitable course: God be merciful to me a sinner!”

Shortly after, laying his hand on his heart, he said, “I am quite exhausted; but I shall soon be at home, forever with the Lord — a poor miserable sinner” redeemed by His precious blood!”

A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-291-1956

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PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020.

Editorials & Opinions

President: Keith Roulston • Publisher: Deb Sholdice Editor: Shawn Loughlin • Reporter: Denny Scott Advertising Sales: Brenda Nyveld • Heather Fraser

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A licence for responsibility Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault is updating the antiquated Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulations for the digital age. Last week he muddied those updates when he was discussing a recommendation to license media outlets. On Monday, he clarified, stating the government does not intend to license news outlets. Later that day, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau defended the rookie minister in the House of Commons by stating “I want to be unequivocal. We will not impose licensing requirements on news organizations, nor will we regulate news content.”

In an era where social media dominates communications, the balance between protecting the public from misinformation and ensuring a free press is a tricky one, as the firestorm that this one comment demonstrates.

The public has long expected truth in journalism and advertising, due to the efforts of agencies like the CRTC to ensure broadcasters are held accountable for their content. As we are inundated with content that originates outside of Canada, we do need to find a level playing field – a system that provides Canadians with the content that they need and want, but with sureties that the media outlets are held to the same standards as the content generated within our borders. On the other hand, limiting news broadcasts from outside media smacks of Orwellian control.

Advertising revenue is also under pressure. Internet giants like Facebook and Google attract more and more of our local advertising budgets but have no taxation or responsibility to the local communities.

We are at risk of creating “news deserts” as local news outlets can no longer afford to serve these areas. Hopefully, the CRTC can level the field for local media without compromising their independence. – DS

Good money after bad The criticism of government of any level has always been waste. Our elected officials take in our tax money and we instill our trust in them to spend it intelligently and efficiently. This frequently runs aground, whether through incompetence and bad decisions or greed and fraud.

Another hallmark of government, the previous issue notwithstanding, is wanting to please everyone, so straight talk can be rare coming out of the mouth of a politician. That’s why councils end up with situations like that of the Howson Dam currently facing North Huron Council.

As former Reeve Neil Vincent pointed out last week, the Howson Dam has been a non-issue for years. With full rebuilding costs in the multimillion-dollar range and North Huron already sitting with one of the highest tax rates in the province, no one sees it as feasible (as Vincent pointed out, all candidates but one at the 2018 all-candidates meeting in Blyth spoke against using tax dollars to rebuild the dam) with the exception of a small special interest group with pipe dreams of Wingham being Huron County’s Australia with wakeboarding and water-skiing.

Despite decision-maker consensus and a bare financial cupboard, a committee has been struck, carrying on with meetings, advertising and remuneration, which cost taxpayers money, all in the name of a project everyone agrees will not move forward with municipal funding.

In cases like these, the many suffer at the hands of the few. Here we have a council too afraid to say no, wasting money that’s not theirs just so councillors can say they tried. No real person spends money this way, but in politics it’s all about optics and placation, so money is spent with no regard for potential accomplishment at the end of the tunnel. – SL

Follow the leader As the sun sets on the proceedings following President Donald Trump being impeached, he has finally made history and been impeached and yet continues to lead the country. That is a damning indictment of not only politics in the United States, but across the world as other governments follow suit.

What we saw south of the border was a matter of partisan politics taking the place of common sense. Whether or not Trump should have been impeached is inconsequential. Either Republicans ignored the evidence when they didn’t remove Trump from office or Democrats ignored evidence when they voted to impeach him. Both were voting along party lines cancelling each other out. Thoughtful politicians with their own ideas are being replaced by political platforms with faces.

One needs to look no further than Huron County to see this. In years past, there have been politicians who proudly represented this area, going against their party when the need arose and always voting for what’s best in Huron, not the leading party. Now, when debates are held for provincial and federal elections, voters basically pick the colour of binder they best relate with because that’s how our MPs and MPPs will likely vote anyway, lest they run afoul of their party and lose standing.

It’s a sad state of affairs that won’t get better until voters and political parties the world over stop voting for people who dominate their subordinates instead of discussing issues with them. – JDS

Looking Back Through the Years February 14, 1963 L.E. Cardiff, the veteran Progressive Conservative MP for Huron announced that he would let his name stand again in the April 8 federal election.

Sharon Jones remained at the top of the bowling standings after action in Wingham on Feb. 11. Jones sat at 574 points with Dave Hastings hot on her tail with 532 points and George Cousins sitting in third place with 479 points.

Brussels Lions Club President Cecil McFadden, at the club’s Feb. 11 meeting, spoke to the progress being made on the club’s plans to build a new swimming pool or curling rink in the village. He assured his fellow Lions Club members they would achieve great satisfaction by completing such a project.

February 17, 1971 The new Blyth Library was set to officially open to the public on Saturday, Feb. 20 with new books and improved facilities.

The library, which had been moved from Memorial Hall to the former telephone office and Blyth Municipal Building, would be offering improved facilities and resources for area students.

Mrs. Howard Campbell said her niece and her husband had the honour of accompanying Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau while he had toured Java.

The Blyth Midget hockey team defeated their cross-town rivals from Brussels by a score of 11-5 to win their group championship. That came after Blyth beat Brussels 16-3 in their previous game.

February 18, 2010 A Wingham man and a Culross Township man were arrested in connection with the death of

a 22-year-old Wingham man.

In the event of a decision that would close Grey Central Public School, it appeared there would not be a partnership between the site and the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority to keep the environmental learning grounds on the site active.

As members of the accommodation review committee weighed the potential for closure of several area schools, the Avon Maitland District School Board heard from Huron County Warden Bert Dykstra who pleaded to keep schools in Huron County open for a variety of reasons.

The Taste of Huron culinary festival won the Best New Event Award from the Ontario Economic Development Awards. This was the second consecutive year Huron County had been honoured in the Best New Event category, having won for the creation of Haunted Huron the previous year.

Jim Rutledge’s Men of Huron: A Book of Honour and Remembrance, had proven so popular that it was going into a second printing.

Rutledge said his first printing consisted of 350 copies and he planned an additional 100 copies for the second printing.

February 14, 2019 A report on Huron County’s controversial Natural Heritage Plan was due to be presented to Huron County Council later in 2019 according to members of the Huron County Planning Department.

Planner Monica Walker-Bolton told council she was working towards the five-year review of the county’s official plan and, with it, the Natural Heritage Plan. Through the report she hoped to address a number of concerns that had arisen with

the plan since it was first presented.

The Alice Munro Festival of the Short Story was hoping to expand its presence in Huron County. Karen Stewart of the festival said that in addition to on-stage presentations and workshops, the festival would be expanding to include youthfocused activities.

North Huron Council was due to consider the formation of a Howson Dam and Pond Committee in the coming months, a move that would make the existing committee an official committee of council.

While council directed staff to prepare a report on the committee and its hope of restoring the Howson Dam and Pond to its historic water levels, the majority of council had not voiced support of the project.

A committee representative said he had garnered the support of 1,000 residents and numerous service groups for the project.

Avon Maitland District School Board staff hoped their voices would be heard as they protested in front of the Blyth office of Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson. Members of the group said they were protesting in fear of potential cuts to the education system.

The Blyth Midget Girls Bullets broomball team returned home from a tournament in Barrie with silver medals around their necks after trading wins with a team from Kilsyth.

Freedom Syrup, based in Walton, was honoured twice for its work in the community. Bob Rowe, the man behind the organization, received a Remarkable Citizen Award from Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, while he also received an Order of the Good Samaritan Award from the Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund for his work with Freedom Syrup.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Taxes can be in our best interest

L

iving in Canada, there are many things we take for granted, until something like the current panic over the spread of the novel coronavirus reminds us what we have going for us.

Writing recently in The Globe and Mail, Dr. Vincent Lam, who was an emergency room physician during the SARS outbreak in 2003, pointed out the importance of the very design of our healthcare system when it comes to an emergency like the one we’re now facing.

“I realized during SARS that we relied upon the capacities within our systems, institutions, culture and people, which need to be in place prior to the emergence of a new virus,” Dr. Lam wrote. We think of the value of our universally accessible healthcare system for the individual, but in a time like this, the fact that someone who is ill isn’t afraid of the costs of getting treatment is a protection for the rest of us too, because there aren’t sick people going around spreading the disease.

“Our hospitals are non-profit, publicly funded institutions, such that in a disease outbreak, the motivation is to act in the public interest, and without profit concerns,” he noted.

And, though we might scoff at our politicians, our political culture values openness and transparency in public communication. It builds public trust in the system.

But some of the elements of such a prepared system cost money. Recently several hospitals have been showing off their negative-pressure rooms that have been built since the SARS outbreak. They prevent infections spreading from patients ill with communicable diseases.

Building the air-exchange systems required for these rooms isn’t cheap, and they may really only be required now and then – but when they’re needed not having them might cost lives.

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk The system Dr. Lam praises is paid for by taxpayers. There’s a constant tension between wanting to have the best service available and resenting the amount of our income which is taken by all levels of government. Often people look at what they pay in taxes and start thinking of all the things they’d rather spend that money on: perhaps furniture, a new car or a vacation.

Periodically, people elect a government to cut back on how much government spends and leave more money for taxpayers’ needs and wants. Sometimes this might simply trim the fat in the public service, but often cost-slashing governments cut into the muscle of government services.

Premier Doug Ford’s government, as it sought to cut taxes and still balance a provincial government budget after the huge deficit under Kathleen Wynne’s Liberals, forced local governments to pick up a larger share of the cost of public health agencies just prior to the outbreak of the coronavirus scare – precisely the sort of situation these bodies were created to handle. Here’s hoping the health units remain robust enough to do their jobs well.

Recently, the head of cardiac surgery at the London Health Sciences Centre, a world leader in robotic heart surgery (and the doctor who was originally to have conducted my heart surgery) resigned and moved to California, complaining that cuts in the

hospital’s budget showed management didn’t care about having world-class cardiac care anymore. We can see tax cuts but do we see what it costs to lose one of the world’s best surgeons?

In a way we face a similar situation in education in Ontario. Since health and education are the two biggest items in the province’s budget, it makes sense that a tax-cutting government must tackle these big-ticket items. Enlarging class sizes will mean 10,000 fewer teachers will be needed.

According to the Ontario Ministry of Education, the average teacher makes $90,000 a year so it’s easy to see the savings. What we can’t see is how much this may cost down the line. If students who might have graduated because of extra care from those 10,000 laid-off teachers drop out of school, how much might it cost the economy from the lost potential of these students or in extra social service costs?

The government envisions high school students taking courses online, saving the salaries of extra teachers. No doubt this will work well for some students but those who need extra supervision or are limited in their computer skills or don’t have access to computers at home because of financial issues, may fail to achieve the way the government envisions.

As Dr. Lam wrote about the healthcare system in the time of this coronavirus emergency, the system needs to be strong and prepared for when we require it to react quickly. Taxes are like an insurance policy, really. Most of us would prefer not to spend the money on car insurance or house insurance, but we know we’ll need it if we have an accident or fire. It can seem like a waste of money until we need it.

Calling the government’s bluff

S

omething broke in me as I sat in my second-floor office last Thursday listening to another horn honking in support of the protesting educators on Blyth’s main street.

It was the first province-wide protest by the public elementary school teachers, and the second protest of the week, as the protesters, along with their Catholic counterparts had protested on the Tuesday before. If memory serves right, however, it must be near the 10th protest since Doug Ford’s government was elected with many more still to come.

No, it wasn’t the fact that the protestors seem to be protesting all of Blyth’s downtown core instead of staying close to MPP Lisa Thompson’s office. Nor was it the fact that, since Thompson is no longer the Minister of Education for the province, striking here has about as much impact as striking in front of a cornfield (because, let’s be honest educators and support staff, Lisa isn’t there. You’re not even striking on Fridays, when she may be in her office.) It’s not even the fact that these rotating strikes are about as effective as building a sandcastle before the tide comes in.

Let me be clear here: I agree with every single demand the unions are making in principle. Seriously, I don’t think anything they are asking for isn’t right or earned. The problem, however, is that all this money has to come from somewhere and someone has to foot that bill.

To make these things happen, something else has to give. Will infrastructure suffer?

Will health care suffer? Or will the taxpayers suffer? My money, or should I say my taxes, are on the latter.

All these changes cost everyone in the province. Whether it’s reinstating absolutely essential Educational Assistants, lowering class size caps, a one or two per cent wage

Denny Scott Denny’s Den

bump for teachers or Ford giving pay increases to Deputy-Ministers that he appointed last year, everything has a price tag.

There’s a purse in Ontario and every time a government union strikes, it gets stretched a little further. It’s a problem.

It becomes more of a problem with “cost of living adjustments” that government employees seem to believe they are entitled to when the people whose taxes pay their wages (80 per cent of the population of Canada according to 2010 numbers) aren’t guaranteed any kind of raises (unless they’re part of a union that has bargained for such things).

That’s on top of the fact that the government has held most of its other public sector employees to a one per cent increase this year.

There’s no two ways about it, it’s a problem, however, the government has made it seem that the wages are the only contentious issue, hoping to drive support away from the teachers.

Are educators worth the two per cent? I’d say most teachers I know are. But that’s not the question, the question is who is going to walk away with the support of the people?

At this point, if things continue the way they are, I’d wager that neither group will come out ahead by the time this war of attrition is done.

To that end, I’d say it’s time for the unions to call the government’s bluff and take the wage increase off the table.

Why? It will prove to those who are on the fence about the negotiations that the teachers really are fighting for the students and not trying to bury a pay increase in the unions’ other demands. It will also take away the government’s ability to say, “Look, they just want more money.”

I’ve also done the research: teachers in Ontario make an average of approximately $86,000 annually, $10,000 more than the income of the average Ontario household ($74,287 in 2015, the most readily available information, and that includes homes with two breadwinners), so maybe that two per cent raise isn’t the hill on which to die.

Removing the wage increase will also take away some of the ammunition the government has to try and divide the unions and the teachers as that has become an all-too-familiar refrain for the government: that the unions aren’t working in the teachers’ best interest, but in the interest of justifying the existence of the union.

So, call Ford and Minister of Education Stephen Lecce’s bluff and settle on the one per cent wage increase: show Ontario taxpayers exactly who they voted in during the last provincial election, and hopefully get everyone – teachers, educational assistants, support staff and students – back where they need to be.

Final Thought All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed in a single word: freedom, justice, honour, duty, mercy, hope.

– Winston Churchill

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Child’s play

D

espite my thrilling, much-anticipated announcement from a fortnight ago, I am determined not to make this space a weekly pontification on parenting and the anticipation of fatherhood. Having said that, I felt early parental instincts kicking in last week as I watched the State of the Union.

This certainly wasn’t the first time I’d watched as seemingly intelligent and capable adults, elected by other seemingly intelligent and capable adults, resorted to schoolyard tactics to get their points across in the political arena. In the case of U.S. President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, it was his snub of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s outstretched hand (replayed like the Zapruder film on every news network for days afterwards), followed by her very visible and deliberate ripping in half of Trump’s speech.

Both made me hope an agitated mother from the 1980s would run into the frame wielding a wooden spoon, ready to give both of them a crack on the hand like the children they are.

This childish behaviour is, of course, in addition to the juvenile spectacle the State of the Union already is. No matter the president, party members are forced into dozens of standing ovations, showing their support for the president, all while the opposing party sits and sulks, making their point through head shakes, eye rolls and crossed arms.

It’s all just such a show. And while some of these addresses have worked to reach across the aisle, you’d be a fool if you thought Trump would take that approach, which escalates the immaturity. There’s a world leader deriding the opposing party inaction, telling them things would get done if only they would do their jobs. Sounds like whining to me – and I’m not even getting into the Space Force stuff.

That doesn’t even get into the protest of some members of Congress who refused to attend the State of the Union altogether and others who walked out during certain points in Trump’s address. Sure, there were plenty of protest-worthy moments in the speech, but walking out doesn’t exactly denote the impression of taking something seriously.

We see this in our own politics at home as well. Not so much at the local level, but certainly at the federal and provincial levels.

You’ll recall the Premier Doug Ford clapping seal scandal that saw MPPs under Ford chastised for not clapping enough when he spoke at Queen’s Park. Plus, we also have that forementioned Premier sneaking into Queen’s Park through the back door to avoid reporters – Abbott and Costello stuff.

Getting away from pointing fingers at specific individuals, it is disheartening to see elected officials behave like children. There is something about party politics that can turn back the clock on grown human beings.

Maybe it’s being forced into close quarters with many people with whom you’ll never agree or maybe it’s the lack of repercussions, but it seems we’ll never rid ourselves of this childish behaviour from our representatives.

Whether it’s Queen’s Park, the House of Commons or any number of other political bodies across the world, it all seems to be the same. People shout at one another, they shout over one another and sometimes they even get into fistfights. Luckily we haven’t had that in Canada – at least as long as I can remember.

From a very young age, we’re told not to yell, sulk, taunt or hit others in order to resolve our issues. We deserve the same from our politicians. Grow up and maybe we’ll get something accomplished instead of paying people six-figure salaries to yell at each other.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020.

At the Branch

Huffman, Bachert, Schuit top public speaking School with her speech on “Chocolate”. Congratulations to her.

The over 50 in attendance were all very appreciative of the work and effort every student put into their speeches and enjoyed the evening.

They enjoyed donuts and

refreshments while the judges finished their jobs in a very difficult decision-making process. Public speaking is not an easy thing to do and we congratulate all students on a job well done.

Use 2020 to learn says Graber Watson A NOTE FROM BETTY

Super speakers The Brussels Legion Branch held its youth public speaking competition on Sunday. Above are the competitors in the Junior category. Back row, from left: Branch Youth Chairman Nanci Ducharme, District Youth Chairman John Lowe and Branch President Jamie Mitchell. Front row, from left: North Woods Elementary School (NWES) student Kaleigh McCallum (second place), Holly Huffman (NWES, first place), Maitland River Elementary School (MRES) student Annah Gibbons, Olivia Al (MRES), Hailey Beuermann (NWES) and James Speer (MRES).

(Photo submitted)

By Jo-Ann McDonald It was another great week at the Brussels Legion Branch for our sports folks. Our darters were off to Owen Sound for senior district darts and again we had some Comrades who did very well. There were two teams of darters including the team of Kathy Burkholder, Linda Bird, Sandra and Jim Brown, who had a great day and finished fifth and will advance to provincial darts in Port Credit in March. The second team was Eric and Deb Ross and Bob and Monica Richardson, who had a good day, but will not advance.

Bob and Eric paired up for senior doubles darts and had better luck and finished fourth and will advance to provincial play in doubles.

Congratulations to all our Comrades.

The regular Thursday night darts had 16 darters out to play. The firstplace team was Rhonda Davis and Sandra Brown and second place went to Kathy Burkholder and Roger McHardy. The high shot of the night was by Joan Smith hitting 125.

The Friday night Catch the Ace draw had a nice group around hoping to be winners. The lucky lady of the evening was Sheila Prescott winning the weekly draw receiving

$232. She chose envelope number 52 and the eight of diamonds was revealed, so the draw goes on. Week 12 expects to see the jackpot grow to $3,900.

Remember every time you attend the Friday night draw, you can put your name in for a surprise extra prize article draw to be drawn on the night the Ace of Spades is found and the jackpot won. There is also food available on Friday night. This week it will be chili.

The youth public speaking was held on Sunday afternoon for the youth of the area at the Branch.

There were six speakers in the Primary section and six in the Junior section, and one in the Senior category. Youth Chairman Nanci Ducharme was very pleased with the day and her helpers for the day.

The winner of the Primary section was Vaughan Bachert of North Woods Elementary School with his speech on “House of Boys”. Second place went to Harper Watson of Maitland River Elementary School and her topic “Happiness”. The other speakers and their topics included Conall Couture of Maitland River Elementary School and his topic of “Funny World Records”,

Paislee Ribey of North Woods Elementary School on “Alpacas”.

Jessa Fischer of North Woods Elementary School and her topic “Hockey”, and Alayna Shaw of Maitland River Elementary School and her topic “Siblings”. All were very good speeches and congratulations to Vaughan as he advances to the next level.

The winner of the Junior section was Holly Huffman of North Woods Elementary School with her speech on “Fair Trade”. Kaleigh McCallum of North Woods Elementary School was second with her speech on “My Life in Commercial Jingles”. Other speakers included Hailey Beuerman of North Woods Elementary School, “Heart Attacks”; James Speer of Maitland River Elementary School, “Secret Hidden Ingredients”, Annah Gibbons of Maitland River Elementary School, “Sewing” and Olivia Al of Maitland River Elementary School, “Planning for Retirement”. All were very good speeches and congratulations to Holly as she advances to the next level.

There was one speaker for the Senior level and she was Maradith Schuit of F.E. Madill Secondary

Atom Crusaders go 3-1 last week

By Denny Scott The Citizen Local hockey action continues as the Blyth Brussels Crusaders teams work their way through the end of the regualr season and the postseason.

The Atom Rep squad had a busy week, playing four postseason games between Feb. 3 and Feb. 8.

On Feb. 8, the team earned a 4-2 win over the Mount Forest Rams in Blyth. Feb. 6 saw the Crusaders best the Minto Mad Dogs 5-1 after dropping a 4-3 decision on Feb. 5.

On Feb. 3, the Crusaders posted a 30 win over the Mad Dogs.

The squad will next face off against the Rams in playoff action on March 1 with a game set for 1 p.m. in Mount Forest.

The PeeWee Rep squad will take on the Arthur Vipers on Feb. 15 in Brussels at 3 p.m. The game comes after the Crusaders bested the Vipers 5-3 on Feb. 1.

The Bantam Rep squad posted a 31 win over the Wingham Ironmen on Feb. 6, turning around a three-game postseason losing streak. The squad

faced off against the Mitchell Meteors on Feb. 12 in Blyth, however a score was unavailable as of press time. The team will next take to the ice for a rematch with the Ironmen in Brussels on Feb. 18. The game is set to start at 7:30 p.m.

The Midget Rep Crusaders posted their third straight loss to the South Bruce Blades on Feb. 3, with the

Crusaders on the wrong side of a 5-2 decision. The Crusaders also faced off against the BCH Ice Dogs on Feb. 11, however a score was unavailable as of press time. The Crusaders will face off against the Ice Dogs again on Feb. 17 in Zurich with puck drop set for 8 p.m.

In regular season action, the Continued on page 7

OPP investigating robbery Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officers are investigating a robbery that took place this past weekend in Brussels.

On Feb. 8 at approximately 10:55 p.m. Huron County OPP officers responded to a commercial alarm located at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) outlet on Turnberry Street in Brussels. Upon arrival officers found a large doublepaned window had been smashed and two large three-litre “Texas Mickey” bottles of liquor had been stolen from the business.

Officers cleared the building and

searched for the suspect, however the officers didn’t find anyone.

The stolen bottles were vodka and whisky. The total value of the stolen goods is about $300.

The male suspect was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt with a cargo pants.

Any person with information regarding this incident should immediately contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 524-8314.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231 There is something about the days of winter that make you pause. It might be the feeling that the world is hibernating and you want to join that gang or perhaps it’s the pile of snow on the step that makes you think about your real reason for leaving home. Either way, now is a good time to think about why and even how we do everyday things.

It’s very easy to get a routine going in life and that can be good, but it can also make things stale and even uninteresting. So, as 2020 progresses, it might be a good thing to try something new. The choices are unending. It could be learning to play a musical instrument or learning a new language or going for a swim or trying yoga or volunteering for something you know little about. As you age, it’s even more important to keep your brain growing. As you meet new people, and get out of your usual schedule, you will probably find your mood too has improved. Wins all around.

Take some time to think about the activities and groups in our community that make it better. Most of them would be pleased to have your time, if you tell them what you could do for them. The library, your church, school groups, service clubs of many interests and purpose, Soup & More 2, 5Rs, youth groups, that’s a general start to the people and groups that would welcome your talents and give you a new thing to think about.

Old friends is another area that gets your brain moving. Jeanette Boynton spent a few days with us and that brought lots of chatter, laughs and memories. Mutual friends came to call and with checking out the Village, Soup and 5Rs, the time flew.

Memories flooded in when Ruth Townsend called to tell us that Sharon Warwick died. Sharon was part of my growing up, and part of a gang of girls from Bluevale. She was one gutsy girl to let us put her right in the middle of some of our escapades. Sharon handled her abilities and knew what she could do, and more important what she could trust us to do. I still marvel that she let us to put her on a bike, hoping someone would get her stopped at the destination. A ride down the Centre sideroad with the whole gang on a beautiful summer day still makes me laugh in wonder.

Take care of yourself and those around you and be sure to keep washing your hands.

Bye now, Betty G.W.

NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner Winning Ticket: Sheila Prescott $232 Envelope #52 found the 8 of Diamonds Estimated jackpot for February 14 draw is

COMMUNITY

BREAKFAST Sunday, February 16, 2020 8:00 a.m. - 12 noon BMG Community Centre

“Let the Lions cook for you!”

Eggs, sausage, toast, coffee, juice...and their famous pancakes served with real maple syrup!

Family Skating from 9:00 to 10:20 a.m. ~ Admission by Donation ~

Proceeds to Subsidize Swimming Lesson Registration at Brussels Pool

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020. PAGE 7.

Businesses encouraged to see protests as opportunity

By Denny Scott The Citizen The Blyth Business Improvement Area (BIA) has some suggestions for local businesses facing reduced traffic due to ongoing education union protests.

Some business owners have reported to the BIA that the rotating strikes by teachers’ unions on Blyth’s main street are having a negative impact on their businesses.

BIA Chair David Sparling asked the group’s executive how to deal with the issue, and members suggested those owners look at the protest as an opportunity.

“I’m getting a lot of comments from people about the protests,” Sparling said during the BIA’s Jan. 30 meeting. “People don’t want to cross their picket lines to go to local business and spend money. On the

other side, teachers aren’t spending a lot of money. The strikes are a downday for business.”

He said that while the teachers aren’t parking on the main street, which is appreciated, their presence is making it difficult for clients and customers to attend downtown businesses. Sparling said he completely understood shoppers’ hesitations, admitting he had put off visits to downtown businesses during the protest himself.

“I do get it, they have a right to strike and it’s public land,” he said.

“However, as a BIA, we have to recognize this isn’t improving business.”

Kelly Wharton, owner of Spa Essentials, urged caution in dealing with the protestors saying that, while they may not be shopping downtown, people they know and are related to may, and those

relationships could be damaged by taking an adversarial stance to the protestors.

“They all get breaks from protesting,” she said. “There is no reason they can’t be in local businesses. We just have to train people to think outside the box.”

Vice-Chair Shane Yerema said he welcomed several of the teachers on a tour of his business, Hotel Lux, as an example of engaging protestors in a positive way.

Wharton said that was a good idea and said she would be shocked to hear that no one had used local businesses, using the Village Barber as an example.

“If [owner Dana Weber] tells me none of them got a haircut, I’d say she didn’t ask them,” she said.

Sparling said this could be a challenge or opportunity and asked the board how the BIA should be

supporting the businesses impacted by the protest while also encouraging protestors to shop at Blyth businesses.

“People aren’t stopping on main street because they see the protestors,” Sparling said. “What do we have to give these businesses and reach out to the protestors?”

Wharton said that teachers typically have good incomes, so it could be a big opportunity for local businesses if they can reach that audience.

Sparling suggested leaving information at the Blyth Royal Canadian Legion Branch, which is serving as a warming centre for the protestors. He said businesses could leave flyers there as well as having the BIA setting up a slideshow highlighting local businesses.

Other marketing suggestions were putting up signs encouraging the

PeeWee LL hits winning streak in tourney

Big win The Atom Rep Crusaders posted a 4-2 win over the Mount Forest Rams on Feb. 8, playing at the Blyth and District Community Centre. (Hannah Dickie photo)

Continued from page 6 Midget Local League Crusaders posted a 3-1 win over the South Bruce Blades on Sunday night in Teeswater.

The Novice Local League team found themselves on the wrong side of a lopsided 11-2 game against the Seaforth Stars in Blyth earlier that day.

Saturday saw the Novice Rep Crusaders fall 5-3 to the Seaforth Stars and the Atom Local League Crusaders fall 4-2 to the BCH Ice Dogs 2 teams.

The Atom Local League Crusaders dropped a 3-0 decision to the BCH Ice Dogs on Feb. 5.

The Midget Local League Crusaders were blanked by the Central Perth Predators in a 4-0 decision on Tuesday, Feb. 4.

The PeeWee Local League posted three wins in the Doug Perkes Memorial Tournament over the weekend. The squad bested Huron/Bruce on Saturday 4-3 after posting a 5-2 win over Tavistock on

Coleman acts as guest speaker From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Greeting worshippers at Blyth United Church on Sunday, Feb. 9 were Mary Lou Stewart and Marilyn Craig. Ushering were John Stewart and Marilyn Craig. Marilyn Scott was organist accompanied by John McDowell with the guitar. Katie Dockstader was choir director and Lorie Falconer ran the Power Point.

Gayle Coleman, guest speaker, welcomed everyone to church and drew the congregation’s attention to the announcements printed in the bulletin.

Gayle lit the Christ candle on the altar table. Gayle led the congregation in prayer and she invited everyone to greet one another with a handshake or an elbow bump. The first hymn, “Will You Come and See the Light”, was sung followed by the call to worship, repeated responsively and the opening prayer said in unison.

For the children’s story, Gayle

read a story from the book, The Wonky Donkey. The congregation repeated an echo prayer after Gayle.

The children’s hymn, “Jesus Bids Us Shine”, was sung. The scripture reading was from Psalm 111 and the Gospel reading was from Matthew 5:13-20. The choir sang the anthem, “God is Good to Me.” Gayle began her message with how good the weather had been this past week, full of sunshine and some snow, although not as much as predicted. Jesus tells us that, “We are the salt of the earth.” Salt is a seasoning that makes things taste good and the light helps us find our way. Everyday the daylight is getting longer as we look forward to Spring. Jesus calls us to be Disciples, to go out and tell the stories of Jesus. We are the light of the world. We can share the stories and not be afraid. We can do our part to take down the walls around us and around the world.

The next hymn, “In the Bulb There Is a Flower”, was sung. The offering was received followed by the singing of the response, “What Can I Do?”, the offertory prayer, the prayers for the people and the singing of the Lord’s Prayer. The last hymn, “I, the Lord of Sea and Sky”, was followed by the commissioning and benediction and the singing of

the response, “Thank You, Lord”.

Everyone was invited to go downstairs for lunch and the general meeting followed.

Condolences offered to Fraser family Sympathy is extended to Randy Fraser and family in the recent death of his wife Lorna who passed away a week ago.

Winners of the Feb. 3 euchre party were: first, Sharon Freeman, 79 and Randy Hugill, 74; second, Shirley Wood, 75 and Gord Haggitt, 71; most lone hands, Lillian Appleby, three and Jewel Plunkett, four; share the wealth, Harold McClinchey and Con van Vliet. The next Monday afternoon euchre is on Feb. 17 at the Blyth Legion Hall.

Doors open at 12:30 p.m. with cards beginning at 1 p.m. Come out and join your neighbours in the fun and laughter.

Two Toonie Tuesday is Feb. 18 at Blyth Trinity Anglican Church from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Menu this month is shepherd’s pie, coleslaw and dessert. Proceeds go to outreach projects.

Friday and a 4-3 win over the South Huron Sabres, also on Friday.

Regular season action for the coming week starts on Saturday with the Sr. Initiation squad hosting the Seaforth Stars at 9 a.m. in Brussels.

The Novice Local League Crusaders will tackle the BCH Ice Dogs, also on Saturday, in Brussels.

The Minor Novice (Tyke) Crusaders will travel to Clinton for a 2 p.m. match against the BCH Ice Dogs.

The Novice Local League Crusaders will then be on the ice again in Seaforth to take on the Stars on Sunday.

The PeeWee Local League posted three wins in the Doug Perkes Memorial Tournament over the weekend. The squad bested Huron/Bruce on Saturday 4-3 after posting a 5-2 win over Tavistock on Friday and a 4-3 win over the South Huron Sabres, also on Friday.

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teachers to shop and offering specials for protestors.

“Whether you agree or disagree with their stance, you want them as customers,” Wharton said. “We should be working towards having them be customers.”

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PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020.

Sports Ironmen dominate Hawks with three straight wins

By Denny Scott The Citizen

On the right foot The Wingham Ironmen started their drive for the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s North Pollock Division crown over the weekend, winning three of the four games needed to down the Walkerton Hawks. (Hannah Dickie photo)

The Wingham Ironmen have jumped to a 3-0 series lead ahead of the Walkerton Hawks in the first round of the North Pollock Division Provincial Junior Hockey League playoffs.

On Sunday, the Ironmen, on home ice, posted a 3-1 win over the Hawks. With both teams making 28 shots on net, the Ironmen were relying on goaltender Devon Carson to perform better than his Hawks counterpart.

The Ironmen jumped out to an early lead, leaving the first period with a 2-0 advantage.

Dana Smith scored first for the Ironmen, assisted by Rhys Vollmer, followed by Trevor Donaldson earning a marker assisted by Jett Tokiwa and Jacob Rauser.

Justin Donnelly earned a powerplay marker in the second as well, assisted by Vollmer and Dawson Fahrer.

Walkerton’s lone goal was a power-play marker scored in the third period by Trevor Fischer. It was assisted by Nathan Thibodeau and Brayden Fischer.

Carson stopped 27 of 28 shots to earn the win. Josh Silverman was in net for the Hawks, stopping 25 of 28 shots.

Walkerton served 12 penalty minutes on seven infractions, including a game misconduct for abuse of officials, while Wingham

served 14 minutes on seven infractions.

Saturday, the Ironmen visited Walkerton and posted a 7-2 road win over the Hawks.

While Walkerton struck first, with Connor Borth scoring a goal assisted

by Jordan Borth and Kyler Borth, the first period was dominated by the Ironmen with four subsequent goals.

Tokiwa struck first, assisted by Hayden Robinson and Fahrer. Kyle Stanbury then missed a penalty shot before Vollmer and Rauser both earned unassisted goals. Logan Tolton earned the last goal of the period, assisted by Chase Meurs.

Brayden Fischer opened scoring in the second, earning a marker for the Hawks, assisted by Ethan Visser.

Wingham then scored three unanswered goals over the second and third periods to reach seven.

Tanner Reid scored first, assisted by Fahrer and Corey Restoule, followed

by Vollmer earning a power-play marker assisted by Fahrer. Tolton earned an unassisted power-play marker in the third period.

The match was a highly-penalized game with Wingham serving 48 penalty minutes on 13 infractions and Walkerton serving 58 on 14 infractions.

Wingham’s goaltending responsibilities were split between Carson, who earned the win by stopping 26 of 28 shots, and Garrett Golley who stopped all four shots he faced. Silverman stopped 20 of 21 shots when he was in net for the

Hawks, while Tyler Thomas stopped 17 of 23 when he backed the team.

Friday, the Ironmen set the pace for the series, posting a 4-3 win over the Hawks in Wingham.

Wingham struck first with Brady Becker earning a power-play marker, assisted by Vollmer. Walkerton’s Kyle Durrer responded with assists from Austin VanWyck and Owen Torrie.

Wingham’s Dana Smith scored, assisted by Austin McKeachnie before Becker got his second of the game, an unassisted marker and the last goal of the first period.

Walkerton’s Fischer earned a power-play marker early in the second, assisted by Brown and Torrie, before Vollmer scored for Wingham, assisted by Stanbury.

Fischer scored for Walkerton early in the third, however it wasn’t enough as the Hawks ended the game trailing by one.

Carson earned the win for the Ironmen, stopping 23 of 26 shots while Silverman was in net for the Hawks, stopping 24 of 28 shots.

Walkerton served four penalty minutes over two infractions while Wingham had four infractions totalling eight minutes.

The Ironmen were set to travel to Walkerton for a fourth and potentially final game in the series on Wednesday, Feb. 12. A score was unavailable as of press time. Game five in the series, if needed, is set for 8 p.m. in Wingham on Friday night.

Goderich down early in series against Kincardine

By Denny Scott The Citizen The Goderich Flyers currently trail the Kincardine Bulldogs two games to one in the first round of the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s North Pollock Division playoffs.

On Sunday, the Bulldogs scored a convincing 7-2 win over the Flyers in Kincardine thanks to the Bulldogs capitalizing on power-play opportunities.

The Bulldogs’ Logan Swanton started scoring in the game with a marker assisted by Tyler Sutter and Logan Freiburger. Goderich’s David Fincher responded with an assist from Colton Quipp.

The second period saw Kincardine

jump to a commanding lead with four straight goals.

Bryce McFadden started the run with a marker assisted by Brett Burrows and Brady Stewart.

Freiburger followed up with a powerplay marker assisted by Swanton and Mike Fiegehen. McFadden then scored again, this time on the powerplay, assisted by Fiegehen.

Jerrid Fossold earned the last goal of the period, assisted by Fiegehen and Swanton.

Kincardine’s Jacob Traynor scored a power-play marker in the first, assisted by Jake Fair.

McFadden then completed his hattrick with a marker assisted by Brett Burrows. Goderich’s Cody Treble earned the last goal of the game with

Third draw underway The Brussels Curling Club has finished its second draw of the season and celebrated with snacks and laughs.

Winners were: first, George Zwep, Martin Thomet, Ken Penfound and Barbara Cadote, 46 points; second, Jo-Ann McDonald, Jeff Cardiff and Reg Vinnicombe, 40.5; third, Steve Steiss, Katherine Thomet, Karen Uhler and Zach Bowles, 39; fourth, Matthew Cardiff, Sarah Alexander, Tyler Jutzi and Brian Warwick, 36.5; fifth, Carman Bernard, Danica Janmaat, Jamie Hickling and Cody Sanders, 28; sixth, Steve Knight, Halee McCann, Steve Bowers, 24.5; seventh, Doug Bremner, Dianna Dolmage, Mike Bernard and Janelle Caldwell, 23.5; eighth, Don Chesher, MaryAnn Thompson, Dona Knight and Nicole Alexander, 21.5.

The club had a great five weeks of play and the ice has been very good.

The survey handed out to the curlers before Christmas was due back and a large percentage returned the survey. The committee will review and meet with the Brussels Recreation board about the results.

The curling club has a 55-year history in Brussels arenas and hopes to continue.

The third draw is underway and will finish up in early March. The club is in the early planning stages for the Brussels Bonspiel to be held on March 7. The committee will soon start collecting prizes and arranging the food. If you have a team that would like to play, call Steve Knight 519-887-6588 and get in on the fun. Two draws, three sixend games, two meals and prizes for all.

a power-play marker assisted by Kaden Hoggarth.

The game saw a significant number of penalties issued with Goderich serving 10 infractions

totalling 28 minutes and Kincardine being assessed 11 infractions totalling 30 minutes.

Jamie Brock got the win in net for the Bulldogs, stopping 36 of 38

shots while Spencer Lazarevich was in net for Goderich, stopping 38 of 45 shots.

On Saturday, the home-ice Continued on page 9

Have We Got Your Number?

The Citizen is now planning its 2020 Telephone Book.

Is your number correct in the recently delivered Bell Canada phone book?

Do you have a new listing since that book was compiled?

If so, please let us know so we can make our phone book as complete and useful as possible.

Call 519-523-4792.

WANT TO ADD YOU CELL PHONE LISTING? If you would like your cell number listed in our listings we can add it if you give us the information. You can choose to have either your cell phone or landline listed.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020. PAGE 9.

Heat takes to the ice in postseason action

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Chasing it down The Atom HL (Haggit) Heat squad gained a two-game advantage over the Mooretown Lady Flags HL squad over the weekend, besting their competition in Blyth on Feb. 8 10 and 3-0 on the road the next day. (Hannah Dickie photo)

Playoffs and regular season play continued for the Huron Heat over the weekend making for plenty of action on the ice.

In playoff action, the Novice B Heat dropped a 4-2 decision to the Lucan Irish on Feb. 8. The squad will next take to the ice on Feb. 15 to face off against the St. Marys Rock in Seaforth with puck drop set for 2 p.m.

The Novice HL 1 (Vanstone) team ended up on the wrong side of a 4-1 game against the Stratford Aces Red team on the road on Feb. 8. The squad will have a chance to get even on Feb. 16 when they host the Aces in Hensall with the puck set to drop at 12:30 p.m.

The Novice HL 2 (Calder) team continued to struggle in the playoffs, posting their third straight post season loss. The squad was blanked 5-0 by the Stratford Aces Red on Feb. 9. The squad also played on Feb. 12 against the Mitchell Meteors in Seaforth, but a score was unavailable as of press time. The Heat will have a rematch against the Aces in Seaforth on Feb. 22 with the puck set to drop at 2 p.m.

The Atom A squad started off the first round of their Lower Lakes Female Hockey League (LLFHL) playoffs with a 2-1 win over the Kitchener Lady Rangers in Clinton.

Game two of the series is set for Feb. 15 in Kitchener with game three, if necessary, set for Clinton on Feb. 16 at 11:30 a.m.

The Atom B squad dropped their

first game in round one of the LLFHL playoffs to the London Devilettes on Feb. 7 by a score of 40. Game two of the series is set for Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. in Blyth.

The Atom HL (Haggit) squad posted two wins in their postseason run, both against the Mooretown Lady Flags HL squad. On Feb. 8, in Blyth, the Heat posted a 1-0 win, then, on the road on Feb. 9, the Heat posted a 3-0 win. The team will next face off against the Lambton Attack HL on Feb. 15 in Blyth with the puck set to drop at 12:30 p.m.

The Atom HL 2 (Kerr) squad will start their postseason with a game against the Lucan Irish HL team in Blyth on Feb. 16. The puck is set to drop at 12 p.m.

In their LLFHL first round playoffs against the Grand River Mustangs, the PeeWee B Heat posted a 4-3 win on home ice in Clinton. Game two of the series is set for Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m. in Fergus with game three set for Clinton on Feb. 16 at 1:30 p.m.

The PeeWee HL squad started their postseason on the wrong foot with a 4-1 loss to the Lambton Attack HL team on Feb. 8 in Watford. The squad faced off against the West Oxford Inferno C in Thamesford on Feb. 12, but a score was unavailable as of press time.

The Bantam BB squad have earned a win and a tie in their threegame series against the Windsor Wildcats. On Feb. 8, the Heat posted a 2-0 win on the road and on Feb. 9, in Clinton, the teams played to a scoreless tie. The squads will next face off in Windsor on

Feb. 15 with a 2:55 p.m. start time.

The Bantam C squad’s postseason will start Feb. 18 with a match against the St. Marys Rock C in Zurich. The game starts at 7 p.m.

The Midget B Heat dropped the first game of their LLFHL playoff series to the Woolwich Wild 7109 on Feb. 8. The two teams then played to a 1-1 tie in Brussels on Feb. 9. Game three was set for Feb. 12 in Woolwich, however a score was unavailable as of press time.

In regular season play, the Midget A Heat hosted the Saugeen Maitland Lightning on Saturday night, playing to a 2-2 tie.

On Tuesday, Feb. 4 the Predators became the prey as the Bantam C Heat hosted and edged out the Central Perth Predators 2-1 in Zurich.

In the coming week, postseason action starts with the Midget A Heat taking on the Saugeen Maitland Lightning on Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. in Teeswater.

The Initiation Heat are set to take on the Mitchell Meteors on Saturday morning in Mitchell, while the PeeWee B Heat host the Meteors in Seaforth at 1 p.m. The Senior C Heat will be travelling to Elma Logan on Saturday night for a game at 6 p.m. while the Midget A heat will host the Stratford Aces in Clinton with an 8 p.m. start time.

On Feb. 16, the Midget B Heat will visit the Stratford Aces.

In a rare Monday night game on Feb. 17, the South Huron Sabres will host the Atom A Heat.

For more information, visit the Huron Heat website at huronheat.ca.

MacLellan, Heffer, councillors seek BMGCC support

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan and several other councillors worked to make the case for a funding application to aid the renovation and expansion of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre late last

month with promising results.

MacLellan and his fellow councillors, as well as MorrisTurnberry Mayor Jamie Heffer, spoke with Oakville MPP and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure Stephen Crawford in late January at the annual Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) conference in

Flyers, Bulldogs tangle in playoffs Continued from page 8 advantage helped the Flyers blank the Bulldogs 2-0.

The game saw little action on the scoreboard until the third period when Cody Treble scored part-way through the period, assisted by Parker Gibbings and Fincher.

Hoggarth put the final nail in the Bulldogs’ coffin that night with an empty net goal scored with just over 30 seconds left. Mitch Fisher and Reid Ramseyer assisted.

Lazarevich came up big for the Flyers, earning the win by saving 43 shots. Sean Andrus was in net for the Bulldogs, saving 28 of 29 shots.

Kincardine served two penalties totalling four minutes while Goderich had one two-minute penalty called against them.

Friday the Bulldogs posted a 7-1 win over the Flyers to start the series. The Bulldogs dominated the first period, scoring three unanswered goals.

Brady Stewart struck first, assisted

by Sutter and Joseph Pringle, followed by Fiegehen, assisted by Fossold and Freiburger. Jacob Traynor scored next, assisted by Josh Traynor and Jeremy Davidson.

Goderich’s Nolan Gagnier scored a power-play marker in the second period, assisted by Trent Michie.

Kincardine then scored four more unanswered goals throughout the second and third periods.

Fiegehen scored his second of the game, assisted by Kent Ribey.

Fiegehen then went on to assist a goal scored by Freiburger.

Logan Swanton scored the first goal of the third period, a powerplay marker assisted by Josh Traynor. Fossold followed that with an even-strength goal, assisted by Swanton and Freiburger.

Lazarevich and Logan Vermunt shared goalkeeping responsibilities for the Flyers with Vermunt stopping 35 of 28 shots and Lazarevich stopping all six shots he faced.

Andrus earned the win in net for the Bulldogs.

Goderich served 11 penalty minutes on five infractions while Kincardine served eight minutes on four infractions.

The Flyers hosted Kincardine on Tuesday night for game four of the series, but a score was unavailable as of press time. Game five is set for Friday, Feb. 14 in Kincardine.

Toronto. MacLellan said he thought some face time with a representative of the provincial government would help propel the application forward, putting a face to the name and some passion to the project and the community.

Huron East has applied for infrastructure funding for the multimillion-dollar project that would utilize federal, provincial and municipal dollars to complete the renovations. After making their presentation, council will now have to wait until May when the short list for winners is announced.

The problem is, however, that for the $1 billion available, over $11 billion in projects are the subject of

applications for the funding, MacLellan said.

He said the group’s goal in meeting with Crawford was to set their application apart from others.

While the centre is home to the community’s ice surface and hockey activities, it is very much a community centre that the entire community relies on, he said, which was part of their pitch to the government.

MacLellan said that Huron East’s recent purchase and hopeful development partnership of land adjacent to the centre would help strengthen the application as well.

Clearly, he said, Huron East Council is investing in Brussels as a

community and not just looking for funds to spruce up its community centre.

Nothing can be certain, MacLellan said, and the councils will have to wait and see, but he felt the community definitely put its best foot forward on the application and now all they can do is wait.

Celebrating A Special Occasion?

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

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020.

Columnist recalls great 1971 Londesborough snow storm LONDESBORO

By BRENDA RADFORD Call 523-4296

Piggy-backing With plenty of snow on the ground and the cold weather seemingly here to stay, it was time for some winter fun at Hullett Central Public School, as Lilly Fraser, top, and Emily-Elizabeth Spencer get their snowsuits snow-covered on a recess period last week. (Denny Scott photo)

After I had filed my column for the Feb. 6 edition of the local papers, I got around to reading the editions from Jan. 30. In that edition of The Citizen, as always, I checked out “Looking Back Through the Years” on the editorial page. Could any one of us who was involved in the snowstorm of January 1971 and living here in Londesborough ever forget that week? Mind you some of the details are a little fuzzy after all this time but the bigger ones will never fade. It was a very nasty storm, maybe a snowmageddon!

I recall the morning dawned bright and sunny with no reason to fear the weather. However, by noon conditions had changed drastically.

It was no time at all before sideroads became clogged and the visibility all over the area was down to nil. There was no question whatsoever about sending the buses out to deliver the children home from Hullett Central.

The news spread like wildfire through the village and we all prepared to accept pupils into our homes. Walking was not really an option, especially for the primary

pupils and our guests were brought by snowmobile.

It was an upsetting situation for the children, especially the younger ones. Lots of phone calls were made over the next four days as parents kept in touch with their children.

The senior pupils, along with the teachers, bunked down in the school gym with blankets ferried in by, you guessed it, snowmobiles. Once power was restored to the village, classes were held with children going from their respective billets for the day.

Streets in the village were cleared long before the sideroads, so most of the children didn’t go home until Friday afternoon. Some parents had made it to the village during the week to pick up children as the sideroads got cleared. At the time Londesborough had two grocery stores and apparently Bartliff’s bread truck and so feeding one’s extra guests was not too difficult.

Another thing I recall is that all the children who visited with us that week were well behaved and the older children were a great help. I’m certain the children were homesick, especially the younger ones, but may now remember it as a grand adventure, something to tell their

grandchildren. Such a situation would be unlikely to occur today what with the radar weather forecasting.

Londesborough United Church will hold its morning worship this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Be sure to pick up your annual report that morning so you will be well prepared for the meeting on the Feb. 23.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

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

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020. PAGE 11.

Investing tips for beginners MS – Investing is a key component of long-term financial planning. By choosing the right investments, investors can ensure their money outgrows inflation, making it possible for them to realize their retirement goals and live comfortably long after they have stopped working.

Risk is a part of investing and many veteran investors recognize that. However, the fear of losing their hard-earned money might compel would-be beginners to avoid the markets altogether. That can be a costly mistake, and it’s one research suggests millennials are making, choosing to keep their money in savings accounts, which provide very little return in terms of interest, rather than invest in the markets.

According to a recent analysis from the online financial resource NerdWallet, a 25-year-old millennial who is not investing today and does not invest until he or she retires at 65

could lose out on more than $3.3 million in retirement savings.

It can be nerve-wracking for novices to begin investing their money, but these three investment strategies can help calm those nerves and pave the way for a bright future.

• Identify your risk tolerance: Young investors may be told that they’re in prime position to choose risky investments because they have less responsibilities than older investors and more time in the workforce to make up for losses.

While that’s true, young investors should only be as risky as they’re comfortable being.

The financial experts at Principal® advise beginners to identify their risk tolerance before investing. Investments with a high potential for return, which might include emerging markets and limited partnerships, also generally have a higher potential risk for loss, and vice versa. Investors should only

accept a level of risk with which they’re comfortable.

• Diversify your investments: Principal® notes that one way to manage risk is choose a mix of investments from various asset classes. For example, stocks and bonds traditionally move in different directions. So when stocks are up, bonds may be down, and vice versa.

Investing in different types of assets is known as diversification, which can help investors protect themselves against risk.

• Make changes as you age: As investors age, their aversion to risk should grow. The closer you get to retirement the closer you are to needing all the money you have invested and earned over the years.

Speak with a financial planner about how to reallocate your investments as retirement draws near.

Investing requires risk, but novice investors should not allow that to keep them on the sidelines.

Help grow your credit score MS – Monthly budgets help people make the most of their money. While a person’s income will affect how much they can spend on housing, food and clothing each month, another more abstract factor can have a big impact on monthly budgets as well.

Nearly every adult has a credit score, which can fluctuate daily.

Various factors, including a person’s age and track record in regard to paying bills, combine to produce a credit score.

According to the credit reporting agency ExperianTM, credit scores range from 300 to 850, though most consumers’ scores fall somewhere between 600 and 750. The Fair Isaac Corporation create what’s known as a FICO® Score, which is used by many lenders to determine prospective borrowers’ credit worthiness. FICO® scores are often characterized using five terms:

• Very poor: Scores between 300 and 579 • Fair: Scores between 580 and 669 • Good: Scores between 670 and 739 • Very good: Scores between 740 and 799 • Exceptional: Score between 800 and 850.

Some consumers may feel that these are just numbers on a page.

But in certain instances, such as when consumers attempt to buy a home, a credit score can have a dramatic effect on a person’s monthly budget. When borrowing to buy a home, borrowers with desirable credit scores may be eligible for considerably lower interest rates than borrowers whose scores fall into the very poor or fair range. Over the length of a standard, 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage, a low interest rate can save borrowers tens

of thousands in interest fees.

In addition to paying more in interest fees, ExperianTM notes that borrowers with subpar credit scores may have to do even more to earn the trust of lenders. Borrowers whose scores fall into the very poor range may be required to pay a fee or make a deposit.

Consumers can benefit from knowing their credit scores and how to improve them. Taking measures to improve low or subpar credit scores can put more money in consumers' pockets, both in the immediate and distant future.

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Pre-planning and pre-paying your funeral is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give to your family. Pre-payment also protects you and your family from inflation, and the growth is non-taxable.

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020.

Cross-border service requests on hold

By Denny Scott The Citizen New cross border servicing agreements between the Township of North Huron and Morris-Turnberry residents may have been put on hold after a meeting last week.

North Huron Council, during its regular meeting on Monday night, deferred a servicing request from J.E. Hodgins Lumber Ltd. seeking an additional connection to water service to enable fire suppression and a water supply to an equipment wash bay for the company.

The Morris-Turnberry property already falls under an agreement

with North Huron, however council deferred adding the new service due to the ongoing negotiations between North Huron and Morris-Turnberry Councils revolving around a shared services agreement.

“We’re still going through negotiations with Morris-Turnberry,” Deputy-Reeve Trevor Seip said, adding the negotiations have been “very productive”.

“My suggestion is to defer any connection discussions until an agreement is signed with our neighbours,” he said.

Council agreed to defer the issue pending negotiations.

Drive shed burgled Here to help Dr. Farahnaz Farzadfar, left, opened her Blyth Walk-In Clinic, beside the Blyth Pharmacy last Friday. The clinic will be open Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Farzadfar and Hayley Hoffman, right, will be welcoming patients in need of outpatient services, offering an opportunity for locals to get their non-emergency medical care needs filled without leaving the community. (Denny Scott photo)

Huron County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are investigating a break, enter and theft of car parts from a drive shed located east of Bluevale on Amberley Road.

Sometime over the last three weeks those responsible attended the vacant farm property and forced entry into a driveshed. Once inside, the suspects stole various car parts and stereo equipment.

The total value of the stolen items is estimated to be around $1,000.

Any person with information regarding this incident should

NH to consider Blyth childcare services Continued from page 3 medium-term and will be handled by council and the clerk’s department.

INFRASTRUCTURE Council has set five infrastructure plans to be undertaken in the coming years.

The first action is to replace the current standpipe in Wingham, an aging piece of infrastructure that needs to be addressed. The goal is set as a medium-term project.

The second project is to develop a fleet replacement schedule to allow for capital forecasting and planning for the municipality. The project is listed as short-term and will include efforts by the Public Works Department, the Fire Department of North Huron and the Recreation Department.

The third action is to complete infrastructure mapping to update North Huron’s current service maps.

The project is set as a short-term one.

The only long-term project on the infrastructure list is updating the municipality’s asset management plan, including reviewing the condition of township facilities, auditing road conditions, establishing a 10-year capital plan and setting a road resurfacing schedule.

The project is designed to ensure asset replacement is more predictable to allow for forecasting and planning.

The last infrastructure project is to determine the next steps related to surplus municipal infrastructure and assets, which is a medium-term project.

SERVICES In reviewing services, the municipality set out eight actions to guide council in its decision-making process for the coming years.

The first action was to continue to be involved in physician recruitment efforts to reduce the local residentto-physician ratio. The project is listed as an ongoing one.

Another ongoing project set will continue to deliver fire prevention and service programs and public

education efforts, ensuring the safety of residents and visitors.

The first short-term project on the services list is to review service agreements with neighbouring municipalities and amend them as necessary, with a goal of ensuring North Huron receives fair compensation for services it provides to neighbours. The goal is set as a short-term project which is emphasized by the fact that North Huron and Morris-Turnberry Councils have been meeting for some time to set a future for sharing services.

Conducting a service delivery review contingent on external funding is the municipality’s fourth action in the services category. The project, designed to find efficiencies in service delivery, is set as a shortterm project.

The fifth project, an ongoingeffort, is for the municipality to support local housing initiatives to help lower-income earners and families get access to affordable housing.

The first medium-term service action item is to explore expanding the municipality’s daycare services to Blyth to establish sustainable daycare services.

Likewise, exploring the feasibility of relocating the Blyth Library to a municipally-owned site, eliminating the need for renting space, is set as a medium-term goal. The intended outcome, beyond eliminating the rent expense, is to offer a “one-stop shop for community services” in Blyth.

The last services action item, a short-term project, is to develop a recreation master plan for the municipality, which will help establish a long-term vision for recreation in the municipality.

ENVIRONMENT The final category for action items, environment, includes six plans to steer decision-making.

The first action item is to review the township’s involvement in a treeplanting program, looking to cost-

recovery options. The goal is to ensure long-term viability of local roadside and urban trees. The success of the project, a mediumterm endeavour, will be measured by the number of trees planted annually.

The second action is to explore educational opportunities for waste reduction and diversion in North Huron to extend the life of the North Huron landfill. The project is ongoing and will be deemed a success in the event of an increase in marketable recycling.

The third action item, a mediumterm project, is to explore adding electric vehicle charging stations in the township on a cost-recovery basis to enable a transition to cleaner technologies. The medium-term project won’t necessarily result in the placement of the chargers, but in a report detailing the feasibility of installing them.

The first long-term action item on the environment list is to strengthen the township’s procurement policy to put a priority on sustainable and/or energy-efficient products to reduce the municipality’s environmental footprint.

Implementing energy conservation efforts to reduce the carbon footprint in municipal facilities is the fifth project listed.

The long-term effort will be measured against the carbon footprint of the township to determine its success.

The final goal listed in the document is to explore the possibility of an environmental advisory committee for North Huron to focus on local environmental issues and solutions. Exploring the feasibility of such a group is set as a long-term goal.

Council received the report during its Feb. 3 meeting, but not before Councillor Chris Palmer asked how unplanned issues would be handled once council started measuring projects against the plan.

“How do we deal with future bylaws or policies that fall in our laps that we aren’t prepared for?” he

asked. “Is there a spot where we can just put in necessary bylaws?”

Clerk Carson Lamb explained that, in the future, staff may begin referring to actions as being required by legislation, bypassing the need to review them through the strategic plan. He also explained that, as with all municipal plans, council can decide to stray from the plan if necessary.

The full document is available on the municipality’s website at northhuron.ca.

immediately contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 524-8314.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, you may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

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Citizen Phone Book Cover

Contest

The Citizen 2019 PHONE BOOK

What does Huron County mean to you in one photo?

LISTINGS FOR: • • • •

AUBURN BLYTH BRUSSELS CLINTON

• GODERICH • GORRIE • SEAFORTH • WINGHAM Photo by Deb Sholdice

The winner will get the coveted cover spot

on our 2020 phone book (with credit) and a special North Huron Publishing prize package.

Submit your digital photo to: Citizen Phone Book Cover at: info@northhuron.on.ca Deadline is February 28, 2020

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020. PAGE 13.

519-523-4311

www.ruralvoice.ca

Agriculture

BLYTH 519-523-4244 www.hurontractor.com

Brussels Livestock report

Veal, lambs, goats sell steadily at sale Total receipts for the week ending Feb. 7 were 1,783 cattle and 336 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday fed steers and heifers sold steady with quality considered.

Choice steers and heifers sold $142 to $145 with sales to $149.50.

Second cut steers and heifers sold $138 to $142. Cows sold actively at higher prices. On Thursday veal sold steady. Lambs and goats sold steady while sheep sold higher. On Friday calves and yearlings sold actively at steady prices.

Dave Bowles of Brussels, consigned 10 head that averaged 1,334 lbs. and sold for an average price of $139.44. One roan steer weighed 1,115 lbs. and sold for $149.50. Larry Reinhard Jr. of Mildmay, consigned 13 steers that averaged 1,397 lbs. and sold for an average price of $138.37. Two red steers averaged 1,385 lbs. and sold

for an average price of $144.50.

Dwayne Dickert of Ayton, consigned four heifers that averaged 1,590 lbs. and sold for an average price of $136.39. One black heifer weighed 1,540 lbs. and sold for $142. Darryl Klein of Mildmay, consigned two heifers that averaged 1,428 lbs. and sold for an average price of $137.98. One red heifer weighed 1,410 lbs. and sold for $140.

There were 350 cows on offer.

Beef sold $68 to $88 with sales to $90; D1 and D2, $65 to $70; D3, $58 to $62; D4, $50 to $55. RJ Wilson of Walkerton, consigned one red cow that weighed 1,180 lbs. and sold for $90.

There were 13 bulls selling $86 to $111. Hans Straube consigned one holstein-cross bull that weighed 2,005 lbs. and sold for $100.

There were 120 head of veal on

offer. Beef veal sold $146 to $180 with sales to $190; good holsteins, $125 to $132 with sales to $134; SL heavy holsteins, $115 to $125; heavy holsteins, $95 to $110; medium holsteins, $110 to $120; plain holsteins, $80 to $90.

Lamar Frey of Listowel, consigned six heifers that averaged 807 lbs. and sold for an average price of $159.98. One limousin heifer weighed 835 lbs. and sold for $190. Melvin Frey of Wellesley, consigned three steers that averaged 828 lbs. and sold for an average price of $163.49. One charolais steer weighed 785 lbs. and sold for $184.

Josh Bennewies of Bornholm, consigned three holstein steers that averaged 688 lbs. and sold for an average price of $127.31. One holstein steer weighed 665 lbs. and sold for $131.

Lambs under 50 lbs. sold $337 to $347; 50 - 64 lbs., $328 to $345; 65 - 79 lbs., $310 to $343; 80 - 94 lbs., $272 to $274; 95 - 109 lbs., $261 to $267; 110 lbs. and over, $225 to $247.

Sheep sold $100 to $210.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $300; nannies, $100 to $180; kids: meat, $300 to $355; dairy, $250 to $315.

Blair and Mandy Wright of Ayton, consigned 16 lambs that averaged 59 lbs. and sold for an average price of $332.60. Eight lambs averaged 68 lbs. and sold for an average price of $340. Anthony Derijk of Clinton, consigned 14 lambs that averaged 92 lbs. and sold for an average price of $273.43.

Top quality stocker steers under 400 lbs. sold $200 to $232; 400 - 499 lbs., $222 to $255; 500 - 599 lbs., $245 to $267; 600 - 699 lbs., $206 to

$234; 700 - 799 lbs., $187 to $211.50; 800 - 899 lbs., $186 to $199; 900 - 999 lbs., $180.50 to $194; 1,000 lbs. and over, $174 to $185.25.

Top quality stocker heifers 300 399 lbs. sold $132 to $175; 400 - 499 lbs., $169.50 to $210; 500 - 599 lbs., $188 to $208; 600 - 699 lbs., $176.50 to $194; 700 - 799 lbs., $154 to $178; 800 - 899 lbs., $169 to $176; 900 lbs. and over, $162.50 to $192.

Murray Burkhart of Wallenstein, consigned 51 head. Eight charolais steers averaged 538 lbs. and sold for an average price of $256. Noah M. Frey of Badjeros, consigned 12 steers. Nine steers averaged 847 lbs. and sold for an average price of $199. Craig Simpson of Glencoe, consigned 13 head. Nine heifers averaged 941 lbs. and sold for an average price of $173.50.

Hardeman, Thompson meet with farmers in Blyth

Talking shop Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Ernie Hardeman and Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson hosted a roundtable discussion with area farmers late last week at Memorial Hall in Blyth. The politicians were on hand to discuss the provincial government’s newly-passed Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act. (Lisa B. Pot photo)

By Lisa B. Pot The Rural Voice Grain farmers want to be part of Bill 156, an act that promotes food safety, too.

In a roundtable meeting held at Blyth Memorial Hall on Feb. 7, Grain Farmers of Ontario Director Keith Black told Minister of Agriculture Ernie Hardeman and Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson that crop farmers also face trespassing from activists.

“We are very supportive of the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, but it does not go far enough,” said Black, who was one of 30 farmers, transporters and agriculture businesses attending the meeting.

“We have had anti-chemical and anti-GMO demonstrations on our farms. We have bins that are vulnerable to tampering. We need protection as well.”

“Bill 156 is about animal welfare but there is more to be done,” said Thompson. Hardeman agreed, saying there will be time in the future when the mandate of the bill can be broadened.

Now, though, is the time to teach rural and urban dwellers alike that this act is really about food safety.

“The challenge is to convince people that the actions of some organizations [animal rights groups] takes away from our ability to ensure food safety,” said Hardeman.

Though he didn’t have financial numbers, Hardeman says he knows farmers, transporters and processors make large investments to ensure animals are healthy and safe as they get to market.

“All that investment and effort is put at risk in one afternoon when people put their self-interests first over the safety of livestock,” he said.

Bill 156 was introduced in December to strengthen protection

for farmers, transporters and processors by trespassers by: • Increasing fines for the first offence up to $15,000 and up to $25,000 for subsequent offences • Allowing courts to order

restitution in cases where a farmer has suffered damages to their livestock or from theft • Protecting farmers from civil claims by people who were hurt on the farm while they were trespassing.

There has been an outcry from animal rights organizations saying the legislation will take away their right to “whistle blow” in cases where animals are being mistreated.

This is hardly the case, believes Hardeman, who said along with Bill 156, Ontario also created the new Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act which came into effect Jan. 1. The PAWS Act implements a provincially-funded animal welfare enforcement model, designed to protect animals from abuse and neglect, and creates uniformity across the province.

“PAWS will have 100 inspectors who, when called, will check out the situation and can make charges to the full extent of the law,” explained Hardeman.

Between the two acts, Hardeman said everyone is covered.

“When you put the two together, we have the best and strongest animal welfare and trespass protection in all of Canada,” said Hardeman.

The legislation was created after farmers started sharing stories of how activists were trespassing on their properties, leaving them feeling unsafe and vulnerable.

HE approves grants Huron East Council has authorized $19,780 in grants for 2020, just under its annual budgeted amount of $20,000, making the decision at its Feb. 4 meeting.

The grants are as follows: Brussels Agricultural Society (Fall Fair), $1,000; Brussels Horticultural Society, $550; Brussels Santa Claus parade, $1,000; Ethel Minor Ball, $500; Huron County Farm and Home Safety, $250; Huron Perth Agriculture and Water Festival, $250; Huron Plowmen’s Association, $250; Seaforth Lions Club (Santa Claus parade), $1,000;

Seaforth Lions Club (pool), $10,000; Maitland Bank Cemetery, $400; Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 468, Hensall), $55; Royal Canadian Legion (Remembrance Day, Brussels/Seaforth), $100; Seaforth Agricultural Society (Fall Fair), $1,000; Seaforth Food Bank hall rental, $375; Seaforth Horticultural Society, $550; St. Columban Soccer, $500; Van Egmond Foundation, $1,000; Walton Area Sports Club, $500 and Winthrop Ball Park, $500.

Council approved the grants for the 2020 budget year.

“People need to feel safe in their homes,” said Hardeman.”Everyone has a right to that.”

Also, farmers spend considerable time implementing biosecurity procedures on their farm to protect animals from disease. Animal rights activists will travel from farm to farm without respecting protocols.

Transport companies indicate some truck drivers are refusing to drive livestock trucks because of the hassle they receive from activists at processing plants.

The end result is that trespassing on farms and at processing plants affects the safety of the food supply.

This is the message farmers need to share with their urban neighbours to help everyone understand why the legislation is needed, suggested Hardeman.

“We have to do more outreach to help people understand the challenges activists cause the agriculture community,” said Hardeman. These roundtable events are part of that process, as he both listens to ideas on Bill 156 itself, and encourages farmers and agriculture businesses to set the protocols in place to ensure their livestock zones have signage.

The thing is, said Hardeman, that everyone wants and expects their food to be safe to eat. This legislation helps ensure that, he concluded.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 9:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS 8:00 a.m. Drop Calves 10:00 a.m.Veal 11:30 a.m. Lambs, Goats & Sheep

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

Call us 519-887-6461

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020.

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

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

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

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Citizen-ToCitizen

Card of thanks Card of thanks For rent

In memoriam

ANDERSON – The family of the late Barbara Anderson would like to thank everyone for their kindness and sympathy during the recent passing of their cherished mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother.

Special thanks to the staff of Goderich Place Retirement for making Mom feel at home during the last few years; to Dr. Mark Duckworth and the staff at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital for their exceptional care and compassion during her last days; to Dayna and staff at McBurney Funeral Home for their professionalism and attention to the final details; to Pastor Sandra Cable for her touching service; and to the Belgrave Knox United Church U.C.W. for the lunch served following the funeral service. Your thoughtfulness will never be forgotten. – Richard, Nancy, Doreen, Sheila and families.

07-1 --------------------------------------------

COOK. In loving memory of a son, brother and uncle, George Cook who passed away February 18, 2011.

Always so good, unselfish and kind, Few on this earth his equal we find.

Honourable and upright in all his ways, Loyal and true to the end of his days.

You are not forgotten, dear brother.

– Loved and remembered every day by your family.

07-1p

FRASER. The family of Lorna Fraser would like to thank family, friends and neighbours for all your kindness and support during this difficult time, for your visits, calls, flowers, food and donations to Huron Hospice and Blyth Lions Club. Special thanks to Riverside Funeral Home, Blyth Legion Ladies, Blyth Lions Club, Dr. Loretta Seevaratnam and the staff at Clinton Public Hospital. – Randy, Joe, Kathy and families.

07-1p -------------------------------------------HOWATT. The family of Colleen Howatt would like to thank relatives, friends and neighbours for their support after the sudden passing of Colleen. We appreciate the flowers, cards, food and donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Thanks to Falconer Funeral Homes for helping us through this trying time. Special thanks to Lieut. Derek Kerr for officiating the service. – Gordon and family.

07-1p --------------------------------------------

NEW SENIORS APARTMENT IN Belgrave, in quiet area, starting at $1,575/month (includes heat and hydro). Offers open concept kitchen and living area with natural gas fireplace, two bedrooms – master with ensuite and second 2 pc. bath, in-floor heating, air conditioning, single car garage with patio out back. Call Kevin Pletch 519-3575023 for more information.

07-2

Help wanted ROLLING LANDS FARMS IS looking for an enthusiastic, reliable evening milker, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Please call 519-523-4492.

06-3p --------------------------------------------

Coming events Coming events THE VILLAGE BARBER WILL be closed Feb. 14-22. Reopen Tuesday, Feb. 25.

07-1 -------------------------------------------COMMUNITY SHOWER FOR Victoria Hinschberger (fiancée of Evan Ducharme), Tuesday, Feb. 25, 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Brussels Library Common Room.

Registered at: Walmart, Pampered Chef.

06-3p -------------------------------------------TWO TOONIE TUESDAY, FEB. 18 at Trinity Anglican Church, 166 Dinsley St., Blyth, 11:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. Shepherd’s pie, coleslaw and dessert. Everyone welcome.

07-1 --------------------------------------------

ST. JOHN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, Brussels, annual sausage and pancake supper, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 5 to 7 p.m. Donation only. Everyone welcome.

07-2p -------------------------------------------PANCAKE SUPPER! ALL YOU can eat pancakes and ham, choice of beverage and dessert, Tuesday, February 25, 5 - 7 p.m., Trinity Anglican Church, 166 Dinsley St., Blyth. Adults $8, Children under 12 $4.

07-2 -------------------------------------------ST. PAUL’S TRINITY CHURCH, Wingham, Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Feb. 25, 5 - 7 p.m. Adults $12, children 12 and under $6. preschool free.

07-2 --------------------------------------------

FALLS RESERVE

Conservation Area

Maitland Conservation is accepting applications for seasonal positions at Falls Reserve Conservation Area, Benmiller. Positions include: n Maintenance & Security n Operations & Security

Land wanted WANTED FARMLAND FOR rent for Certified Organic. Good rates. Call 519-955-2746.

47-12

Personals POST ABORTION HEALING. Are you suffering from the emotional aftermath of an abortion? For support and healing please call Project Rachel at their confidential number 1-888-355-1110. e6w

Services FAXING SERVICE We can send or receive faxes for you for only $1.00 per page. The Citizen, 405 Queen St., Blyth. Phone 519523-4792. Fax 519-523-9140. tfn

n Maintenance n Gate Attendants

Visit www.mvca.on.ca for application details and job descriptions. The deadline for applications is 4:00 pm on Mon. March 2, 2020.

2 (two) Summer Students The Municipality of Morris-Turnberry is currently accepting applications for two (2) summer student positions for the summer of 2020.

“SWAP SHOP” ad

The successful applicant will work for approximately a 16-week period commencing in May 2020.

“One person’s junk is another’s treasure”

2 students for general labour duties: approximately 40 hours per week

Let us help you turn

Interested Candidates must: • Be capable of working independently • Have a minimum ‘G2‘ Driver’s Licence • Be returning to school in the fall of 2020.

• Preference will be given to students enrolled in Post Secondary education.

• Good written and oral communication skills will be an asset • Knowledge of Grass cutting equipment would be an asset

that junk into $$ ➨ Free ad up to 25 words, person to person only (no businesses), items valued at $1,000 or less.

Your ad will run three times unless it sells faster! ➨ The Citizen reserves the right to limit the number of items or ads per person.

Please submit your résumé and a letter of interest to the undersigned by:

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca FOR SALE – Fitnation exercise bike with all the extras plus DVD, $40. Phone 519-600-2208. 07-3 ---------------------------------------FOR SALE – Bell Expressvu receiver with PVR and remote, not hi-def., $50; JVC 32" TV, works good, $25; bunch of movies on DVD and VHS, $1 each. Take your choice, 519-523-4711. 05-3

12 noon on Friday, February 28, 2020.

Mike Alcock, Director of Public Works Municipality of Morris-Turnberry PO Box 310, 41342 Morris Road, Brussels, Ontario N0G 1H0 Telephone: 519-887-6137 Fax: 519-887-6424 Email: mail@morristurnberry.ca

Thinking about quitting?

TO L L - F R E E

1- 877- 513- 5333

Only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. Information is collected solely for the purpose of job selection under the provisions of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The Municipality of Morris-Turnberry is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process.

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

www.huroncitizen.ca

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2020. PAGE 15.

Classified Advertisements Notice

Notice

Tenders

Tenders

TOWNSHIP OF NORTH HURON

Beat the temptation.

NOTICE TO DOG OWNERS Please be advised that By-law No. 88-2019 requires all dogs within the Township of North Huron to be licensed.

TOLL-FREE

1-877-513-5333

A Dog Counter Licensee for the Township of North Huron will be going door to door with dog tags and collecting the required licensing fees.

This process will be starting on February 14, 2020. Dog tags are also available at the Township of North Huron Town Hall.

CASH IN

On payment of the licence, all dog owners will be furnished with a dog tag. The dog tag will be issued for the years of 2020-2022, however fees for this tag must be paid annually. It is the owner’s responsibility to keep the tag securely fixed on the dog at all times until the tag is renewed or replaced.

WITH THE CLASSIFIEDS!

Carson Lamb, Clerk Township of North Huron

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Sniff Out a Great Deal in the Classifieds.

Shoppers with a nose for bargains head straight for the Classifieds.

In the Classifieds, you can track down deals on everything from cars to canine companions. It’s easy to place an ad or find the items you want, and it’s used by hundreds of shoppers every day.

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The Citizen

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020.

Obituaries COLLEEN HOWATT Mrs. Colleen Howatt of Auburn passed away peacefully at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, Goderich on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020.

She was in her 87th year.

Colleen was the beloved wife of Gordon Howatt and the loving mother of Kevin Howatt, Waterloo and Keith (Shelley) Howatt, Chestermere, Alberta.

Colleen will be especially missed by her grandchildren Michael (Bre) and Matthew (Cailea). She was the dear sister of Sandra (Carl) Whitfield and Yvonne (Lyle) Youngblut.

Colleen will also be remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family and many good friends. She was predeceased by her parents Bernadette and Clarence Rath, son Kent Howatt and sister Joyce (Len) Radford.

A service to celebrate Colleen’s life took place at Falconer Funeral Homes, Clinton on Saturday, Feb. 1.

A luncheon followed at Londesborough United Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Messages of condolence for the Howatt family are welcome at www.falconer funeralhomes.com

STANLEY BENTLEY Stanley Bentley of Listowel and formerly of Cranbrook, passed away

peacefully surrounded by his family at Wingham and District Hospital on Friday, Feb. 7, 2020. He was 74.

Stan enjoyed gardening, fishing and sports, especially playing hockey.

Stan was the beloved husband of Beverley (Wood) Bentley whom he married in 1965 and the loving father of Dean (Lori) Bentley. He was the special grandpa of Jessica (Josh) Wesselink and John Bentley (Rolinda Nagel). Stan was the dear brother of Lee (Pauline), Sharon Murphy and Danny (Iowen). His special little furry friend and Friday playmate, Ozzie, will sadly miss him. Stan was the brother-in-law of Ruthann Siemon and Bruce Wood.

He will be fondly remembered by his goddaughter Jackie McKee and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Stan was predeceased by his parents Carl and Phyllis (Hendry) Bentley, brother Terry and sisters-inlaw Lillian McNaughton, Shirley Askett and Eileen Gill.

In keeping with Stan’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or service.

Spring interment will be in Elma Centre Cemetery, Atwood.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to Wingham and District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

Arrangements were entrusted to Brenneman Funeral Home, Atwood. www.brennemanfuneral home.ca

KEITH THOMAS CLARK Keith Thomas Clark passed away peacefully at Fordwich Nursing Home on Feb. 6, 2020. He was in his 65th year.

Keith was the beloved husband of the late Shirley for 40 years and the loving dad of Edward and Kathy and Kevin. He was the adoring grandpa of Colban, the brother of Bruce and Anne Clark and brother-in-law of Allan Johnston, Larry and Helen Johnston and Irene Bennett.

Keith will be fondly remembered

by Rob Herd and Don and Darlene Fischer and he will be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Keith was predeceased by his parents James and Kathleen and inlaws Hugh and Malinda, sisters-inlaw Linda Fischer and Joyce Colyer and brothers-in-law Walter Johnston and Kelly Bennett.

Cremation has taken place.

Friends and family were received for visitation on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at Gorrie United Church with the memorial service following. Rev. Jeff Hawkins officiated. Interment will take place in the spring.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to the Gorrie United Church, North Perth Community Hospice or the Fordwich Nursing Home Resident Council would be appreciated.

Cards of sympathy may be forwarded to Box 436, Wingham, ON N0G 2W0.

Condolences may be left at www.riversidefuneralhome.ca

SHARON RUTHANE WARWICK Sharon Ruthane Warwick passed away peacefully at Wingham and District Hospital on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020. She was in her 71st year.

Sharon was the beloved daughter of Edythe and the late Wilfred Warwick (1971). She was the special sister of Tom and Brian Warwick.

Sharon was the niece of Keith McLennan and will be missed by many cousins and friends.

Sharon was predeceased by her aunt Marjorie McLennan, aunt and uncle Doris and Ned Thompson, and cousin Vicki Philips.

Sharon loved to watch sports, especially the local baseball teams.

She liked to play euchre and loved having company.

Friends and family will be received at Riverside Funeral Home on Wednesday, Feb. 12 for visitation

Ryans welcome new child PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

It has been an interesting week for weather and also for school.

Beautiful sunny days, wet snowy days, mild and then very cold – hard to know what to wear it seems.

Parents are having to keep up with the ever-changing days their children are at school or at home. I can understand for working parents it can be difficult, but they do receive five days notice to make their arrangements. A mad scramble

it can be, but we all have family, or friends or having to use holidays from work. Employers also have families and go through the same problems.

Congratulations to some new parents in our area. A beautiful little girl has blessed the lives of Matthew and Meaghan Ryan. Rosie Grace will be welcomed home by big brother Colton and excited grandparents are Paul and Cheryl Ryan. Gerry and Anne Ryan are excited to have another greatgrandchild.

Congratulations to Mary and Carman Bernard on the arrival of their sixth grandchild. Macklin George is the firstborn child of Christopher Bernard and Katie Shoemaker. Congratulations to the new parents.

Our sympathies are extended to Continued on page 19

from 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at Riverside Funeral Home on Thursday, Feb. 13 at noon.

Rev. Charmila Ireland will officiate.

Interment will be in Brussels Cemetery in the spring.

In lieu of flowers and as expressions of sympathy, donations to the Wingham and District Hospital or the Royal Canadian Legion Brussels Branch 218 would be appreciated.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca

MARJORY AMELIA (née MacDonald) HUMPHRIES Marjory Amelia (née MacDonald) Humphries passed away, surrounded by family at Seaforth Community Hospital on Feb. 2, 2020. She was in her 92nd year.

Marjory was the beloved wife of the late William “Bill” Henry Humphries (2013) and the loving mother of Roger, Susan and Hugh, Paul, Peggy and Greg and Andrea.

She was the adoring grandma of Stefan, Terry and Mariel, Cody, Joshua and Jeannelle, Alexandra and Colin.

Marjory will be lovingly remembered by her siblings John and Joyce MacDonald, Donna Hetherington and Hugh and Bev MacDonald. She will be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Marjory was predeceased by her parents Lewis and Edna MacDonald, husband Bill, sister Shirley Carter,

#1 And Still Growing!

in-laws Mary and Horace Rutledge, Stewart and Mary Humphries and Maurice Hetherington.

A private family graveside service for Marjory and Bill Humphries will take place on Saturday, May 2 at 12:15 p.m. A Women’s Institute service will take place at 1 p.m. at the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre auditorium with a public celebration of both Marjory and Bill’s lives to follow from 2 - 4 p.m.

After Marjory and Bill’s retirement, they settled into the roles of grandparents and loving partners celebrating 58 years of marriage. So in lieu of flowers, please enjoy some of their favourite things: have a large family dinner; share memories and laughs; go out for ice cream; take a walk or drive in the brilliant colours of the autumn trees; cheer on your family at their sporting events.

After attending in Stratford Normal School, Marjory began her teaching career at Langside SS#8, a one-room schoolhouse. She then moved to Walton to teach at USS#11. She met Bill while boarding at his parents’ house, and they were married in 1955. While raising her family she was on call to help at the family general store, finishing her career as postmaster in Walton.

One of Marjory’s passions was the Walton Women’s Institute. Marjory joined the Walton W.I. in 1956 (the year it was formed) and served as Federated Women’s Institute of Ontario Board Director from 19911993.

Cards of sympathy may be sent to Box 340, Brussels. Condolences at riversidefuneralhome.ca

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Promoting our Community

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

We are the salt and the light says Todd

By JoAnn Todd Trinity Anglican Church, Blyth St. John’s Anglican Church, Brussels Matthew, in his gospel, has Jesus telling the people that they are the salt of the earth, and the light of the world. This salt and light story is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount as it’s come to be known. Now, Matthew writes it as a series of Jesus’ teachings. These teachings go on for three chapters in Matthew, from chapters 5 – 7. You want to know what it means to be a follower of Jesus? Read these three chapters, they’re Christian living in a nutshell!

The salt and light sayings come right after the Beatitudes. Jesus tells the people that they are blessed – whether they were poor in spirit, which means feeling a lack of God in their lives, or they were mourning, grieving a loss or hungering and thirsting for justice in the world.

Whatever was lacking, hurting, missing, Jesus is reassuring them that God was with them and would provide for them. Jesus was telling them they were all God’s children and blessed by God, loved by God. Just like us, we too are God’s Children, blessed by God, loved by God, cherished by God. I think we forget that sometimes; how much God loves us, cares about us and cares for us. God created us for love, to receive God’s love, to be cherished and to share that love. We need to be reminded of that, especially in the challenging times in our lives – and we need to remind others of that, we need to share that knowledge of God’s love and then actually share God’s love.

So, how do we do that? Well, quite handily, Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount tells us! Jesus is giving his followers their marching orders, so to speak. He tells his followers, “You are the salt of the earth”. He doesn’t say you should be or could be, He says, you are the salt of the earth.”

What does that mean, to be salt of the earth? Ever had popcorn without salt? Not much to it, is there? Ever bought that low-salt bacon? I find it tastes OK, but doesn’t keep as long as the regular bacon.

Salt enhances the flavour of food; salt preserves the goodness of food.

Salt is not only tasty, but a commodity that is valued for what it can do – and as it turns out, our bodies need a certainly amount of salt. It is necessary for our health and very survival.

So, by us being the salt, as Jesus said, we are necessary, needed to bring Jesus’ teachings to the earth, and keep the message fresh, as it were! We have been so blessed with the message of God’s love, God’s care, that we are to share that with those who either don’t know or have lost it, or to those for whom the message has gone stale. Why? Because we’re the salt! And we know what it means to be God’s blessed children, to be loved by God, regardless of our failings. And all people are God’s children, but not

everyone knows God’s love in Christ.

Is it easy to do? Nope, not always, but we are blessed by just trying.

Really? Just by trying to share the word? Yup. Matthew 5, 11-12: “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad for your reward in heaven is great.”

We are blessed by simply trying to share – by spreading the salt! And if we don’t? Well, we’re kind of like that salt that’s lost its flavour. What happens to salt that loses its ability to flavour or to preserve? It’s not of much use any more, is it? Rather like the light that is hidden under the basket!

What is the purpose of having a light and deliberately keeping it covered so it can’t shine? Then you, and others, are in the dark. Now, a lamp that is held up high gives the

most light to the greatest amount of space – the light spreads out, illuminates the dark, helping everyone to see. That’s why we hang lights from the ceilings!

Every light has its source, whether it’s the olive oil in the clay lamps of Jesus’ time, or water-powered hydro electricity, or from nuclear powered electric plants. All light is fueled by a source. So, if we are the light of the world, as Jesus said, what is the source of our light, what powers the light that is in us? Yes, God. God is our fuel source, you could say.

And what is Jesus calling us to do?

“Let your light shine before others.”

We are to hold it high, to spread the light, to invite others into the circle of the light. And just whose light are we spreading anyway? Christ’s light. And what is that light? Jesus’ message of love, forgiveness and eternal life.

As Christians, as believers in

The Regional Ministry of Hope These Anglican Churches Welcome You Rev. JoAnn Todd, Rector 519-357-7781 email: revjoann@hurontel.on.ca The­Regional­Ministry­of­ Hope

Trinity

St. John’s

BLYTH

BRUSSELS

9:15 am

11:15 am

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COME WORSHIP WITH US!

You’re Invited To Join Us In Worship SUNDAYS Morning Service Evening Service

10:00 am 7:30 pm

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

MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS

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BRUSSELS

United Church Sunday, February 16 Worship Service at 11:00 a.m.

Worship leader, Pastor Sandra Cable All are Welcome

650 Alexander St. (former Brussels Public School)

Sunday, February 16 at 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.

Sunday School for children 4 to 12 years of age at 9:30 a.m.

Guest Speaker: Richard Haverkamp Childcare provided for infants and preschoolers during the sermon.

Coffee & cookies after the morning service.

For additional details please contact Steve Klumpenhower 519.292.0965 Rick Packer 519.527.0173

Blyth United Church Sunday, February 16 Worship Service at 9:30 am Guest Speaker:

Pastor Sandra Cable

We invite you to join our church family in:

Worship & Sunday School - 11:00 am

Facebook: Blyth and Brussels United Churches

Coffee & Snacks following the service Fridays 11:30 am - 1:00 pm ~ Soup & More 2 - a free community meal held in Melville’s basement, and made possible by the Brussels churches working together.

519-887-6687

Evangelical Missionary Church

Sunday February 16 Ethnos ‘First Story’ Missionary Speaking Jordan Martin

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

I’m going to go so far as to suggest to you those words are the salt.

These are the words we need to live by, the salt we need to spread; it’s the faith that flavours our lives. Without the light to guide us, we’re just stumbling in the dark.

May God continue to bless us, shine the light of Christ upon the unknown path of our future, strengthen us with the Holy Spirit as we go forth into the world, sharing the word, by living the Word. Amen.

Office Hours: Thursday ~ 9:30 am - 2:00 pm blythunited@tcc.on.ca

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16

9:30 am Sunday School, 10:30 am Worship

Welcome Your New Arrival

Christ’s unconditional love and mercy, we know Christ is the light of our lives, and that we are saved by our faith in Christ. In fact we say it each time we come together, we reaffirm that faith: we believe in God, the almighty, the creator, we believe in Jesus, God’s son and our Lord, who will come again to judge the living and the dead, we believe in the Holy Spirit, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.

Tuesdays 7-9 pm Celebrate Recovery Wednesdays 9-11 am Drop-in Pickleball Wednesdays 6:30-8 pm Heirborn, 6:30-8 pm Youth Group Thurs. Feb. 20, 7 pm Annual Members Meeting huronchapel.com huronchapelkids.com huronchapelyouth.com 519-526-1131 ~ 119 John’s Ave., Auburn

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THE CATHOLIC PARISHES OF NORTH HURON AND NORTH PERTH CORDIALLY INVITE YOU TO ATTEND HOLY MASS. OUR SUNDAY LITURGIES ARE AS FOLLOWS: 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 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020.

CH to express interest in DGR after SON vote

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Canadian engineering Winters in Canada provide kids all kinds of opportunities to put their engineering and building skills to use. Here, Hullett Central Public School students Summer Shannon, left, Alexis Ansley, centre, and Kyla Shannon, right, were getting in some big snowball practice on a recess last week. (Denny Scott photo)

Central Huron Council wants back into the deep geological repository sweepstakes after members of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) voted down locating a site for lowand intermediate-level nuclear waste in Bruce County.

Deputy-Mayor Dave Jewitt raised the issue at Central Huron’s Feb. 3 meeting, mentioning the SON situation and recalling that Central Huron had been pretty far into the process when it was eventually dismissed. Jewitt said perhaps Central Huron should express an interest in hosting the facility and get back into the game with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) after being eliminated earlier in the process.

Council agreed with Jewitt, suggesting it wouldn’t hurt to look at becoming involved again and

recommended the issue be put on council’s strategic planning agenda for a future meeting. *** Central Huron Council is looking for an update on the status of the emergency department at the Clinton Public Hospital.

At its Feb. 3 meeting, council directed Chief Administrative Officer Steve Doherty to write a letter to the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) inquiring as to the status of the department.

Late last year, the HPHA reduced the emergency department’s hours by cutting them in half. At the time, council was assured this was simply a temporary measure and was not a precursor to closing the hospital.

However, after that first council meeting and a subsequent public meeting, councillors said they have yet to hear back from the HPHA, which is why they voted to reach out.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020. PAGE 19.

Cottrills, Wingham club to host provincial tourney Continued from page 1 great facility for hosting big events like this.”

The event is open to the public and features both a calcutta-style betting fundraiser and a special dinner on Saturday night.

The fundraiser, called the Mixed Doubles Calcutta, calls on betters to claim their favourite team for a chance to win money. Sixty per cent of the pot goes to the better with the winning team, 20 per cent to the

better behind the second-place squad and 20 per cent to the Wingham Golf and Curling Club.

Bids can be made through the club.

The tournament is free to attend, while the dinner costs $18 and tickets are available at the club. The meal starts at 7 p.m. The night will feature live music from local band Weekend Never Ends starting at 8 p.m.

For more information, visit Team Cottrill on Facebook.

M-T sets tax dates

By Denny Scott The Citizen

Defending champions Team Cottrill, also known as Team Ontario after winning the provincial mixed doubles championship last year, will be welcoming competitors from across Ontario to their home ice at the Wingham Golf and Curling Club for the first-ever Ontario Mixed Doubles Tour Championship later this month. (File photo)

Morris-Turnberry Council approved its 2020 tax dates during its Feb. 4 meeting.

Each installment falls on the last Thursday of April, June, September and November. The tax dates are set for April 30, June 25, Sept. 24 and Nov. 26.

While the budget is being deliberated, council also approved a 2020 interim tax billing schedule.

The municipality can charge as much as 50 per cent of the previous year’s taxes, so council approved a staff-recommended 45 per cent interim bill to be used until budgeting is completed.

This interim billing doesn’t

Bowles, Gillis, VanderVeen win dart games Continued from page 16 the Clark family on the passing of Keith Clark. He will be missed by his children Edward and Kathy and family.

The beloved grandpa of Colban will be remembered by brother Bruce and sister Ann. The Clark family grew up in Walton and lived across from McGavins. He will also be missed by members of the Johnston family. Our condolences to all.

We send out birthday wishes to Phyliss Coleman on celebrating her 90th birthday. She enjoyed a

birthday lunch with family and friends. Happy birthday!

The Cranbrook Dart Club had 15 darters come out to aim at the boards and to have a fun night with friends.

With six mixed up teams, two were the top winners. The team of Karen Bowles, John Gillis and Rob VanderVeen captured four games.

The team of Brad Speiran and Thea Rijkhoff also won four games. Thea was the high lady with 114 and Brad and Rob both hit 133. Both Thea and Gerry are very good new players and seem to be enjoying themselves.

Welcome!

Family Day events set in Belgrave area PEOPLE AROUND BELGRAVE

By Linda Campbell Call 357-2188

food booth. Fun for all ages.

Everyone is welcome.

Keith and Joyce VanCamp of RR 1, Cayley, Alberta were guests at the home of Joyce’s parents, Jim and Mary Hunter. While here they visited with other family members, relatives and friends.

It is with sadness we hear of the passing of Sharon Warwick. She was the loving daughter of Edythe and the late Wilfred Warwick and sister of Tom and Brian. She was a lovely girl who had her struggles in life but always could find a smile for all. A lover of baseball, she could be found in the bleachers at the Brussels Ball Park for almost every game during the Tigers Tournament. She would cheer on both teams but louder for the local teams. She watched baseball on TV when she couldn’t get out. She loved having company, playing euchre and her Tim Horton’s coffee, which her brothers brought her everyday. Our sympathies and condolences to Edythe, Tom and Brian and the extended families.

Celebrating birthdays this past week include Joan Lee, Emilee Bennett, Cody Nichol, Lois Todd, Matthew Coleman, Annette

Reach out to The Citizen through Facebook and Twitter Red Plaid Productions Presents

MUDMEN Celtic Concert Wingham Town Hall 274 Josephine Street

Friday, February 21 $28.00 All Ages General Seating Tickets at: ticketscene.ca Annette’s Treasures Galore 519-912-1515 Store 519-503-7666 cell

Doors 7:00 pm Show 7:30 pm This is a NON LCBO Event

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On Feb. 9, Jim Hess was the guest speaker at Knox United Church, Belgrave. Stuart Blyde will be the guest speaker on Feb. 16. Everyone is welcome.

The Belgrave Kinsmen are hosting a breakfast at the Belgrave Community Centre on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 8-11 a.m. by donation.

Following the breakfast a volleyball tournament will take place. If you are interested in participating in the tournament just show up by 10:30 a.m. and register.

On Feb. 16 the Community Centre board is hosting a Family Day carnival from noon to 4 p.m. There will be skating, face painting, balloon twisting, games, prizes, outdoor and indoor activities and a

Lewington, Ken Shortreed, Sydney Warwick, Mike Alexander, Sheila Bauer, Kendra Warwick, Michael Beuerman, Weldon Black, Maleah Taylor, Brady Dalton, Christine Lee and Marg Rogerson. Happy birthday to all.

include area-rated charges or local improvements.

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Mr. & Mrs. Ryan Cook are pleased to announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter Sarah to Michael son of Mr. & Mrs. Bill Smith The wedding will take place December 21 in London, Ontario

Drop in, call, email 405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 541 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9114 email: info@northhuron.on.ca

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020.

New climbing facility now open in Goderich

Hanging around Matt Elligson of Blyth, left, and Peter May of Goderich have worked for nearly three years to bring Maitland Valley Grotto to fruition, but now the indoor climbing facility in Goderich is open for all climbers, ranging from beginners to the more experienced. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Matt Elligson of Blyth and Peter May of Goderich are behind the creation of Maitland Valley Grotto, a new indoor climbing facility in Goderich that is now open to the public.

The facility has been in the works for three years and held a soft opening on Monday with a grand opening to come sometime in the future.

The two local men turned their passion for indoor climbing into a business plan when they identified a real hole in the climbing landscape throughout Huron County.

May found his way to climbing after being burnt out by his time in the corporate world. Searching for an outlet, he found climbing and was hooked after his first visit to an indoor climbing facility. Right around that time, Elligson was attending school in the Kitchener area and living with May, May introduced Elligson to the world of climbing and he was instantly hooked as well.

The concept of creating an indoor

climbing facility in Huron County first took hold with the pair three years ago when they began exploring the feasibility of the plan.

There would be several hurdles along the way, like finding a building suited to their idea with high ceilings and plenty of space and securing financing, but late last year everything fell into place and they found themselves in a position to finally get to work.

The pair would eventually secure funding with the help of Goderich’s economic development department and find a home in a former factory on Anglesea Street in the north end of the town. The building is now experiencing a renaissance and is home to several other recreational businesses like East End Gym, Huron BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu), Goderich Gymnastics, Menesetung Crossfit and Goderich Martial Arts.

The location proved to be perfect for Maitland Valley Grotto with ceilings well over 20 feet high, accommodating an extensive climbing wall with plans for expansion.

Elligson and May began work with Impact Climbing Inc. from

County council approves budget Continued from page 1 and local municipalities in Huron County,” Blumhagen noted in his report to council. “This is primarily due to the significant increase in the current market value of farmland in Huron County with an increase in value of 14.28 per cent.”

The average impact of the 2020 budget will be an increase of $4.77 on $100,000 of residential assessment while the farmland increase is $13.04 for $100,000 of assessment.

Blumhagen provided a handful of notes on the budget for council, including the setting of non-union salary increases at 1.5 per cent. He also informed council that no further

grants had been approved for 2020, with the exception of ongoing grant commitments to the Huron County Food Bank Distribution Centre, the Wingham and District Hospital, the Regional Equine and Agricultural Centre of Huron (REACH) and the Alexandra Marine and General Hospital in Goderich. He also told council that public works expenditures increased in 2020 and will continue to do so for the forseeable future.

Council had discussed the budget extensively at a full-day budget deliberation session late last month, so the budget was passed at the Feb. 5 meeting with no further discussion.

Milton to build the facility’s wall.

May said Impact was one of two companies being considered for the job and it was by far the most local, with the other company being Walltopia out of Belgium.

Impact Climbing designed the wall for the Maitland Valley Grotto and then installed it late last year with removable climbing holds that will be reset every two weeks to ensure a new experience for members and casual climbers alike on an ongoing basis.

For designing the climb paths, the Huron County duo has paired up with an experienced climbing instructor from the Kitchener area, who will be repositioning the holds every two weeks. Down the road, there will also be professional lessons, though the details have yet to be completely ironed out.

Both Elligson and May say the facility is perfect for climbers of all fitness and skill levels. From the experienced climber to the firsttimer, there will be a climbing route for them (they are colour-coded and identified by their level of difficulty). In addition, in their own personal experiences in learning to climb, both men have found people to be very patient and accommodating. The climbing community, they say, is inclusive and helpful, so no one should be

intimidated about coming to the Grotto for their first time.

The facility is laid out in an “L” shape with one side dedicated to the climbing wall. Elligson and May hope to expand the wall down the other side of the space, but that will take time and money, so it’s been slated as a project for the future.

Maitland Valley Grotto is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and from noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

A day pass is $15 plus the rental fee for climbing shoes. A family day pass is $45 plus rentals. The Grotto also has 10-pass packs and monthly memberships with plans to act as host for birthday parties, corporate parties or team-building outings.

For more information, visit online at maitlandvalleygrotto.com.

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