The Citizen - Oct. 28, 2021

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Thursday, October 28, 2021

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Volume 37 No. 43

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

User fees affecting revenue

By Denny Scott The Citizen

The back of the net!

This triumphant moment for the Blyth Brussels U11 Rep Crusaders, who took on the Listowel Cyclones on Saturday in Blyth, would be singular, unfortunately, as it was the only goal scored by the home team that day.

The Blyth Brussels team would fall to their neighbours

to the north by a score of 4-1, their second loss of the season.

Hockey is now in full swing at the Blyth and Brussels community centres, with games being held throughout the week and over the weekend. The U11 Rep team next plays the Huron-Bruce Blizzard on Saturday in Blyth. (John Stephenson photo)

Non-resident user fees will be reviewed by North Huron Township Council next month after staff members telling council they’re detrimental to programming.

During a special council meeting on Friday, councillors debated the issue at length. While some council members said more of an effort should be made to work with Morris-Turnberry Council to codify an annual payment to North Huron to offset the impact MorrisTurnberry users have on North Huron programs and facilities, others said Morris-Turnberry Council had made its stance on those kinds of donations very clear, and that user fees were the only way to offset reduced contributions from North Huron’s neighbouring municipality.

In a report to council, Director of Recreation and Community Services Vicky Luttenberger explained that there had been financial impacts to council’s decision to implement non-user fees. She said the move had resulted in eight children being pulled out of or having their attendance in childcare programs reduced, reducing program income by $60,000. She also highlighted 27 people who had either downgraded, cancelled or declined to purchase a Continued on page 2

HE Council remains optimistic on BMG project

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen After a public presentation of the rising renovation and expansion costs for the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre, Huron East Council is hoping that MorrisTurnberry Council sees the value in the project for the community and its residents.

Huron East Council briefly addressed the issue at its Oct. 19 meeting. This comes after Chief Administrative Officer Brad McRoberts and Mayor Bernie MacLellan presented the revised project plans and associated costs to Morris-Turnberry Council at a special meeting held the previous week.

While Morris-Turnberry Mayor Jamie Heffer said his council felt the project was “no longer viable”, as reported in the Oct. 14 issue of The Citizen, council took no official action as a result of the Huron East presentation.

McRoberts told council that Morris-Turnberry had posed a number of questions about the project and the next steps and he was in the process of formally answering them in the coming days.

Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan said Morris-Turnberry is required to pay 20 per cent of the cost of capital projects and, if Morris-Turnberry Council chooses not to honour its agreement, the two councils would reach somewhat of a “stalemate”, according to McRoberts.

MacLellan said he found some of the comments from MorrisTurnberry Council to be “leading”, especially when it came to who should be making decisions first.

Morris-Turnberry Council, he said, expressed its disappointment that it wasn’t consulted earlier when the cost of the project rose dramatically. However, MacLellan said, he’s never heard of a situation where a minority stakeholder needed to be consulted before the

majority stakeholder, so he didn’t feel that was the proper course of action.

Having said that, MacLellan said he was still hopeful that MorrisTurnberry Council would see the value in the project.

Under the revised budget, the total cost of the renovation and expansion of the community centre, including the replacement of the roof and the inclusion of a gym, would be over $7.2 million. While the federal government would pay $1.9 million and the provincial government would pay just under $1.6 million, Huron East would be responsible for $1,879,700 and Morris-Turnberry would have to pay just under $470,000, leaving $1.4 million to be raised by the community through fundraising, which is said to be feasible.

Also at the Oct. 19 meeting, council authorized the transfer payment from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (Community, Culture and

Recreation Stream Project) for the renovation and expansion project.

McRoberts explained that, because of when Huron East held its council meetings, it was granted a small extension for signing the agreement. As a result, it needed to

be signed the following morning (Oct. 20).

Council approved the signing of the transfer payment agreement.

Meanwhile, Morris-Turnberry Council did not address the issue at its Oct. 19 meeting.

‘The Citizen’ wants your holiday recipes This holiday season, The Citizen is hoping to inspire home cooks throughout the community with its first-ever “Home Cooking for the Holidays” special section, but we need help from you.

In the Dec. 2 issue of The Citizen, the staff wants to get mouths watering with holiday recipes for all courses. So, if your friends and family come to you for cooking advice or beg for your recipes, The Citizen wants in on that action.

Send in your recipes for your favourite holiday meals, desserts, appetizers, sides or cocktails and you may be featured in The Citizen’s “Home Cooking for the Holidays” section.

Submissions can be e-mailed to info@northhuron.on.ca or mailed to The Citizen at PO Box 429, Blyth, Ontario, N0M 1H0.

The deadline for submissions is Friday, Nov. 26 in order to be included in the Dec. 2 issue.

PAGE 2. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021.

NH to revisit user fee debate after losses reported Continued from page 1 membership at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex over the last year due to the non-resident fees, costing the municipality $17,160.

Staff also addressed council, saying that, as a result of nonresidents pulling out of municipally-led programs, those programs may not be viable and result in residents losing those programs altogether.

Reeve Bernie Bailey established that previous Morris-Turnberry Councils had been happy to pay more than $105,000, and upwards of $130,000, annually to compensate North Huron taxpayers for the fact that they shoulder overages that benefit MorrisTurnberry residents. The current council, he said, reversed course on that decision, dropping its payment to $83,000 last year, costing North Huron taxpayers $40,000 to $50,000. He then said that, for this year’s budget, if Morris-Turnberry didn’t contribute anything, as there’s no obligation for them to do so, it will mean a 2.5 per cent increase in spending that will be passed on to North Huron taxpayers.

“For the previous year, we already had to put the taxes up one per cent” he said. “We have to look at a situation where we handle a 2.5 per cent increase simply because the sitting council of MorrisTurnberry wants [its residents] to use our facilities and not pay for it.”

He then said it didn’t matter if programs were under-attended because, if so, they could be cancelled, likening it to a service company taking vehicles and drivers off the road if there weren’t sufficient calls to justify them.

“We have to wait to see what Morris-Turnberry does,” he said, before saying that, in order, Wingham, East Wawanosh and Blyth were the highest-taxed wards in Huron County while MorrisTurnberry’s residents pay some of the lowest taxes in the county.

Bailey then said this wasn’t a grudge match, but about the bottom line.

“It’s not about being mean, it’s about business,” he said. “All these people complaining are not from North Huron. If we [don’t charge non-resident fees], in three months it will be North Huron residents complaining because taxes were raised 2.5 per cent.”

Deputy-Reeve Trevor Seip suggested that non-resident users petition their own councils to reimburse them for the cost, explaining that, without nonresident user fees, residents of neighbouring municipalities only pay for programs and not the infrastructure that makes them possible, and that’s not fair.

“This is a user-pay system,” he said.

“If [neighbouring municipalities’ councils] want to subsidize your ratepayers for utilization, have at it. If not, that’s a discussion between [those councils and their] residents.”

Bailey pointed out that, as was discussed previously in the meeting, North Huron child care year-to-date figures had the department running at a $118,000 deficit, partly due to COVID-19. He said that shortfall wouldn’t fall on the users of the facility, but North Huron ratepayers as a whole. He went on to explain that, if that money was spread over the estimated 50 people who complained about the fees, it would cost each of them an extra $2,360,

but instead North Huron ratepayers will shoulder that burden.

Councillor Chris Palmer felt that council needed to go back to the negotiating table with MorrisTurnberry and request an agreement separate from the cross-border servicing agreement, which the two councils have been debating for years. Originally, the financial contribution Morris-Turnberry gave to North Huron was codified in the municipalities’ cross-border servicing bylaw under a document called Schedule F, however that bylaw had expired prior to the existing council being elected.

In the meantime, Palmer said council should submit a grant request, which Morris-Turnberry staff and council had suggested earlier. He said he had wanted to pursue that option last year, and his request was waylaid.

“I asked the question, why the hell not?” he said. “Someone put the brakes on it. I think that cost us money. We would have got something and something is better than nothing.”

He pointed out that losing nearly $90,000 between recreation programs and childcare costs proved that the issue needed to be resolved.

“Why don’t we try [submitting a grant application]?” he asked.

“What have we got to lose? We should try and forge an agreement [and in the meantime] ask for a grant.”

Councillor Kevin Falconer felt that Palmer’s suggestion had already been answered, saying that Morris-Turnberry had consistently said no whenever agreements had been proposed.

“I think the assumption of making a deal is great, [and would provide] a happy feeling,” he said.

“However, you can’t make a deal with someone who won’t talk to you. It’s not that we haven’t tried to make a deal.

“We had two years of meetings with just a ‘no’,” he said. “It takes two to make an agreement and they won’t even tell us what they feel is fair.”

Falconer went on to say that Palmer’s suggestions of “just trying” had been attempted multiple times over the past three years.

Seip said Morris-Turnberry wasn’t interested in talking about anything else as part of the crossborder servicing agreement except water and sewer, saying they felt “agreements inside agreements” weren’t suitable.

“Their terminology was they believed it to be blackmail,” he said. “They felt if they took away something, we would take away [water and sewer services]. We haven’t tried to get [a soft services] agreement because they wanted to focus on water services.”

Seip said Morris-Turnberry Council knows the value of what North Huron is providing them, that’s why Morris-Turnberry Council members helped to create Schedule F. Seip said MorrisTurnberry Council wanted to know exactly what was being paid so council could justify it to ratepayers. Since the value of providing a community centre and childcare hasn’t changed, Seip said, there must be something else causing Morris-Turnberry to not want to negotiate.

“The question is, what has changed other than Schedule F?” Seip asked. “Is it just a pissing match between Morris-Turnberry and North Huron?”

He said the non-resident fees

were not intended to “piss off” Morris-Turnberry Council, but to help balance the deficit accumulated by operating a community centre across all its users and not laying it all on North Huron taxpayers.

Palmer also said North Huron needs to consider a similar agreement with Central Huron Council since he believes 40 per cent of the people using the Blyth and District Community Centre are from Central Huron.

“They haven’t paid diddily as a municipality,” he said. “We don’t have an agreement with them. I’m hoping that [is addressed] sometime soon.”

Luttenberger pointed out that non-resident user fees hadn’t been

Luttenberger said many nonresidents were confused, saying some didn’t realize where they lived and didn’t realize they were Morris-Turnberry residents. She also reiterated that, if council wanted to charge non-resident user fees, it should apply to all users of the facilities, including groups like the minor hockey associations.

Councillor Paul Heffer said that, when the non-resident user fees were first approved last November, he anticipated these problems, however there wasn’t a robust enough discussion of the issue before it was approved by council.

“We need to put our hissy fits away and start working towards [a solution],” he said. “I know, if we Continued on page 20

applied to all users of North Huron facilities, with only North Huron recreation programs and childcare programs using them. She said hockey associations aren’t charged based on where the players are from and implementing that could be difficult, especially in Blyth with the Blyth Brussels Minor Hockey Association.

Another staff member pointed out that council needed to consider each user lost as money walking out the door, saying that the non-resident user fees and the COVID-19 pandemic had resulted in a 75 per cent of a loss in membership fees.

Bailey then admonished MorrisTurnberry Council, literally shaming them for their part in the need for user fees.

Quite a boost The provincial government recently granted $275,000 to the Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health to study the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health and substance use on the workforce in Huron and Perth Counties. For a full story, see page 20. From left: Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, Project Co-Lead Bonnie Baynham and Gateway President Gwen Devereaux. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

Halloween Costume Contest

Enter if you Dare!

Submit a photo of yourself or your pet in your Halloween Costume for a chance to win a spooky prize!

Winners will be featured in a special photo display in the November 4 issue of The Citizen as well as on The Citizen’s website

Categories include: * Under 12 years of age * 12 years old to 18 years old * 19 years or older * Best dressed pet Photos must be submitted digitally to reporter@northhuron.on.ca or through The

Citizen’s Facebook page or mail to

The Citizen, PO Box 429, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 All entries must be received by November 1 to be eligible for prizes.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021. PAGE 3.

Some NH departmental budgets as expected: White

By Denny Scott The Citizen Some of North Huron’s departmental budgets are exactly where they are expected to be,according to Director of Finance Donna White, while others are already showing surpluses or deficits.

During a special meeting held last Friday, White said many budgets were close to the expected 75 per cent budget spending, however there were outliers. She, alongside several other senior staff members, informed North Huron Township Council of spending throughout the year.

White said that protection-ofproperty budgets, which includes police and fire protection, were at 72 per cent of their estimated expenditures for the year, as was public works.

Water and sewer expenses were at 102 per cent of the expected expenditures, she said, but transfers would bring it in line by the end of the year.

Health services, which consists of

cemetery expenditures, was expected to be sitting at a deficit of $65,000, however White said it’s showing a profit of $3,800.

“It’s not going to stay that way,” she said. “As we sell plots, a portion of that plot is transferred to perpetual care at year end.”

Social and family services, which includes the municipal daycare system and affiliated programs, was expected to turn a profit of $1,800 by the end of the year, however, as of the meeting, it was sitting at a deficit of $38,000, which staff attributed to the programs not being able to run at full capacity. In the report, it noted that programs, due to COVID-19, are sitting at approximately 60 per cent capacity.

Recreation spending is on target, White said, and planning and development will be in line by the end of the year, she said.

While many of the departmental year-to-date spending reports are as expected, White said there are still wages, benefits, invoices and revenue posted too late to make it into the year-to-date reporting, meaning the numbers will change

somewhat going forward.

Wages and benefits, she said, are at 67.01 per cent, as an example.

She also said that electricity costs, which should be at 75 per cent of the budgeted $651,637, are currently at 39.27 per cent, with bills outstanding.

Several different budgets, including administration, fire protection and council spending were showing surpluses because of a lack of external training opportunities and seminars, White said.

Staff and council members may attend training throughout the year, as well as conferences, White said, however those events had not happened this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deputy-Reeve Trevor Seip said the surplus didn’t surprise him and that he anticipated that many councils may make virtual attendance to conferences or training seminars a priority where possible.

“I see municipalities all across Ontario having to reevaluate their policy on conferences if virtual

Big event P-Zazz Salon, just north of Goderich, hosted a Street Tea Party on Saturday despite the wild weekend weather. The event featured vendors and a live comedy act. (John Stephenson photo)

Your treasure!

J.C. Ryle, “The Gospel of Luke” “Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.” Luke 12:34 Let us see whether we have treasure in heaven, or whether all our good things are here upon earth.

Would we know what our treasure is?

Let us ask ourselves what we love most.

This is the true test of character.

It matters little... what we say, or what we profess, or what preaching we admire, or what place of worship we attend.

What do we love?

On what are our affections set?

This is the great question.

“Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.” Luke 12:34 A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-492-1359

Keep up to date with The Citizen at huroncitizen.ca

participation is available,” he said. “[It] may not be ideal, but it saves the taxpayer overall and provides the same exposure to information.”

White advised council that, in order to hit the July 1, 2022 deadline for having an updated asset management plan, council would likely need to look at prebudget approval, since the budget isn’t typically passed until February and the process takes six months.

When talking about policing, White noted multiple recent reconciliation payments had been issued to North Huron by the OPP for due to lower-than-expected call volumes in recent years. This prompted Councillor Anita van Hittersum to ask if council should budget for that money to come back.

Seip, who is the head of the North Huron Police Services Board, said council could plan for it, but he wouldn’t suggest budgeting for it.

“Calls could go up,” he said. “[The Police Services Board] talks about calls-for-service all the time.”

He said while calls have been relatively lower in Wingham, they could go up, eliminating the reconciliation payments or seeing North Huron taxpayers having to pay extra for policing.

North Huron’s COVID-19 funding is likely completely gone, White said, with the audio purchase for the relocated council chambers costing $11,000 and the cost of security services at local community centres to monitor vaccination of incoming patrons and spectators.

“No COVID-19 money will be left by the end of the year,” White said. “You have $5,900 and we have over $10,000 in bills for security already.”

She said she didn’t know if the province would provide more funding in the future, but did say that Huron County staff had asked her to provide cost information for the vaccine clinics North Huron hosted, which totalled $9,372. She said that may indicate the county is looking to reimburse some of those costs.

Later in the meeting, council and staff discussed sending a letter to all levels of government above it asking for help with the security costs, which are directly related to COVID-19 control measures.

Council approved sending the letter

to Huron County Warden Glen McNeil, Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as well as local provincial and federal representatives.

The Fire Department of North Huron was able to purchase two new defibrillators this year thanks to a donation from Green’s Meat Market. Fire Chief Marty Bedard explained that the business, which reopened earlier this year after a devastating fire closed it for months, donated $4,000 from a barbecue held at their grand opening as well as funds from the business itself, which purchased two new defibrillators for the Wingham hall of the department.

Two more were purchased through the FDNH budget for the Blyth hall.

Bedard explained the in-use defibrillators were a decade old and not compatible with Huron County systems so they needed to be replaced. Bedard then went over the call cost for each municipality served, explaining that each municipality pays for its own costs, so they didn’t impact North Huron’s budget.

What did impact North Huron’s budget was the fact that the FDNH had to outfit new firefighters with new equipment. Bedard said that, while firefighters can usually use equipment on hand, the fire department had brought on several “tall firefighters” requiring new equipment.

Seip asked if the existing equipment could be moved between halls or sold, however Bedard said it’s typically retained so it can be used if there are back-to-back calls and fire equipment needs to be cleaned. As a result of the purchase, Bedard said the equipment budget of $25,000 fell $6,000 short of what Continued on page 10

PAGE 4. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021.

Editorials & Opinions

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

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

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

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

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

Concern brewing Canada’s inflation rate hit 4.4 per cent in September, the highest that it’s been in nearly two decades. The pandemic has wreaked havoc on supply chains worldwide, causing prices on nearly every commodity to be on a steep upward trend for almost every month of the pandemic.

Gasoline prices alone have shot up 33 per cent in the last year and new cars are up over seven per cent. What’s most troubling, though, is the high cost of food. Almost every item has shot up in price, but beef has risen by 13 per cent and chicken and pork have also seen increases.

If these trends continue, basic protein will be out of reach for many.

Already, according to Statistics Canada, nearly half of Canadians have cut their meat consumption in the last six months due to rising prices.

Early response to the inflation rates was that the pandemic was causing a temporary disruption and that things would eventually level out, but economists are now cautioning that the high cost of goods and services is beyond what they expected in a “transitory” period and the Bank of Canada may impose higher interest rates in an effort to control inflation, despite its efforts to keep those rates low to stimulate economic recovery. With many Canadians buying homes at record levels, interest rates are a huge concern for most families.

Caught between investors, producers, retailers and the Bank of Canada, most of us feel like the shoe on a big game of Monopoly, just getting pushed around the board until we pass “go”. – DS

A path forward?

Last week, the provincial government released “A Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term”, its plan to gradually ease COVID-19 restrictions, all leading towards March 28, 2022, when it’s anticipated that all safety measures will be lifted.

After intense scrutiny and several back-tracks and reconsiderations, earlier this year Premier Doug Ford introduced a plan that seemed to work. His government tied easing restrictions to vaccination and virus caseload milestones, following the advice of medical and scientific professionals. With this smattering of dates, one has to wonder how they were chosen and why. Furthermore, this plan has given those against vaccination a goal. Now they can simply wait it out until Ford says it’s OK for them to resurface. With an economy bouncing back thanks in large part to people feeling confident in returning to settings that require vaccination, this seems counterproductive.

It’s easy to see the move as politically-motivated with the next provincial election set for next June, but even through that lens it seems foolhardy. If Ford is making his play for the votes of the unvaccinated, he may have miscalculated. Ford is, after all, the man who brought in the proof of vaccination program in the first place. Those votes, surely, are destined for People’s Party candidates. Furthermore, with first-dose figures approaching 90 per cent of those eligible, you have to wonder why he would bend over backwards for 10 per cent of the population at the potential cost of alienating the rest.

There are plenty of off-ramps in the plan, allowing the government to change course if cases rise or new variants develop. However, while the proof of vaccination program worked in getting more shots into arms, Ford pleading with people to get vaccinated, despite giving them every reason to wait it out, isn’t going to have the same impact. – SL

We expect and need better Families are coming out against Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston MPP Randy Hillier after he not only used images of their deceased loved ones, but did so erroneously, in his bid to fight against the COVID-19 vaccine.

In a social media post, Hillier, who was kicked out of the Conservative Party of Ontario and is now an independent, attached several individuals’ deaths to the COVID-19 vaccine, only to have two families say Hillier had not only used their loved ones’ likeness without permission, but also using falsified information about the cause of death.

Ammarah Navab, a Cambridge woman, says that her sister Farisa was highlighted in a social media post by Hillier, linking Farisa’s death to the COVID-19 vaccine. In reality, Ammarah says her sister died of a rare blood disease and her death had nothing to do with COVID-19 or the vaccine. Natalie Preddie, a friend of another person in the post, said her friend passed away from a genetic disease, and not the COVID-19 shot.

While Hillier’s post was in bad taste, the problem here isn’t his lack of humanity or respect for the deceased, but in his continuing spread of misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine. Regardless of his, or anyone’s stance on the vaccine, connecting deaths with the vaccine with no evidence to support those claims is irresponsible. If Hillier weren’t a person in a position of power, this disgraceful behaviour could be written off, however given his role he needs to be held to a higher standard.

Our elected officials need to do a better job of vetting their information before they release it into the wild. We rely on them for the truth and, as Hillier has proven, that reliance may be misplaced. – JDS

Looking Back Through the Years October 29, 1964 The annual pot luck supper for the graduating class of Brussels Public School was set for Nov. 6 at Brussels United Church. Rev. A. Johnston was announced as the guest speaker for the evening and former members of the Home and School Association were encouraged to attend.

The Morning Star Rebekah Lodge No. 315, Brussels installed its new slate of officers, with Mrs. Betty Bronson being named the Noble Grand and Mrs. Ethel Long being named the Vice-Grand. Mrs. Jean Little would be the recording secretary, while Mrs. Laura Williamson would be the treasurer and Mrs. Verna Thomas would serve as the group’s musician.

October 30, 1974 Blyth Village Council was sure to have a new look after Dec. 2 with only two of council’s five elected representatives indicating that they would seek re-election in the coming municipal election.

Reeve Robbie Lawrie and Councillor Bill Howson had said they would likely run again, while the other three representatives said they wouldn’t run or failed to give definitive answers to the question of re-election.

Doug Fortune of Wingham would again lead the Huron County Federation of Agriculture after being named the president of the organization following its annual meeting, held the previous week in Clinton.

This would be the second consecutive one-year term at the head of the federation for Fortune, who was acclaimed to the position.

Adrian Vos also returned as first vice-president, while Vince Austin was named second vice-president,

both won by way of acclamation.

The Huron County Federation of Agriculture also directed members to withhold beef and pork deadstock from stock removal companies. Mason Bailey put forward the resolution, which stated that meat from those dead animals would find its way into commercial use for pet food and mink farm feed. If that meat was withheld, the resolution stated, those processors would have to use meat from regular sources, such as older animals put on the market.

October 30, 1996 Shawn Cottrill was named the overall winner at the annual Belgrave School Fair with a total of 134 points.

The Brussels Bulls had taken up residency in the basement of the Ontario Junior C League standings with six losses and one tie. The team’s most recent loss was a 7-0 shutout courtesy of the Wiarton Wolves.

Morris Township farmer Doug Garniss was presented with the Huron County Federation of Agriculture’s annual award for an outstanding contribution to agriculture.

October 27, 2011 John Van Vliet, president of the Blyth Brussels Minor Hockey Association, said the amalgamation between the two associations was going well, just over a month into the new arrangement.

The association had just over 500 young people enlisted to play hockey, which was more than the combined total of both associations in the past year. Van Vliet said there were some logistical hoops to jump through, including ensuring that ice time was being split evenly between community centres in the

two villages, but that generally things were going well.

As part of its 80th anniversary celebration, the Brussels Legion welcomed three new members to the Branch: Judith Lee, Daisy Wong and Dan Byersbergen.

The F.E. Madill Senior crosscountry team earned a Huron-Perth gold medal at the regional championships, which were held at the Morrison Dam in Exeter. This was the second straight year the team won gold in the competition.

Julie-Anne Staehli placed first in the overall race, followed by Madeline Yungblut in second, Brianna Bird in fourth and Erin Yungblut in fifth. Team members Rachael Nivins, Michele Studhalter and Kaitlyn Bloemberg all held their own as well, contributing to the team’s gold medal win.

Jamie Newell of Brussels Public School took home the top prize in the nine-year-olds’ bracket of the Avon-Maitland District School Board’s annual district elementary school cross-country meet, which was held in Benmiller on Oct. 17.

She was one of over 950 area students who took part in the event.

At its annual meeting, the Huron County Federation of Agriculture presented its award for outstanding contribution to agriculture to longtime Huron-Bruce MP Paul Steckle.

The Blyth division of the Fire Department of North Huron made it official and moved into the Emergency Services Training Centre from the department’s former hall location on Mill Street.

Chief John Black said that while there was still some work to be done, the rescue engines and fire trucks had been moved to the new location and the firefighters’ gear was hung in their lockers.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021. PAGE 5.

Other Views

Are democracy’s days numbered?

A

s Remembrance Day approaches, and we prepare to honour the memories of those who sacrificed their lives and youth to protect democracy from the threat of aggressive foreign dictatorships, it’s frightening to realize that the threat to our way of life today lies much closer to home.

Watching the capitulation of the Republican Party in the U.S. to the authoritarian inclinations of disgraced former President Donald Trump, and his ongoing claim that he is still the rightful inhabitant of the White House, even though audit after audit and court challenge after court challenge has proven he lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden, makes one wonder if the world’s most powerful democracy could willingly abandon the principles on which it was created.

We, in western democracies, have come to think that democracy – the willing delegation of governing powers from a country’s grassroots public through free and fair elections – is the culmination of the natural progression of humanity. There are many examples, though, such as Nazi Germany, where people willingly gave up their power to authoritarian figures.

Shachi Kurl, Executive Director of the Angus Reid Institute, in a recent opinion piece in the Globe and Mail, brought up a view of democracy from an interesting historical figure I’d never heard of before. Alexander Fraser Tytler was an 18th-century Scottish philosopher, who wrote that democracy lasts only about 200 years. Startled by this statement, I looked up a little more information about Tytler (who was a friend of famous Scottish poet Robbie Burns).

“A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government,” he wrote. “A democracy

Keith Roulston From the cluttered desk will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship.”

Tytler’s quote seems to be a conservative’s lament about irresponsible liberalism in government, yet the threat to democracy south of the border is coming from the conservative side of the spectrum, rather than the liberals.

Perhaps the thinking is that after too much liberal spending, conservatives will stage a coup to put a right-leaning government in charge.

On the U.S. cable news network CNN, host Pamela Brown recently interviewed Rick Hasen, Chancellor’s Professor of Law and Political Science at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, who is an American legal scholar and expert in legislation, election law and campaign finance and Ian Bassin, an American lawyer, writer, and activist who serves as executive director of Protect Democracy and who previously served as Associate White House Counsel under President Barack Obama.

Hasen said widespread acceptance of the “Big Lie” has greatly increased the chances

that “we could see a stolen election in 2024”.

Bassin added a global point of view, pointing out that “if you look around the world, democracy is actually in the midst of a grave recession”.

As examples, he pointed to countries like Hungary, Poland and Venezuela. “They’re no longer really democratic, although they still purportedly hold elections. And now three of the four largest democracies in the world – India, Brazil, United States – have been governed by autocrats in recent years,” he said.

“The thing that is going to stop us from falling down that path is if we recognize that we are not immune to this global trend. It’s only by thinking that it can't happen here that it could.”

If the name Shachi Kurl, mentioned earlier, rings a bell, she was the moderator of the English-language federal leaders’ debate during Canada’s recent election. She caused a political storm when she asked Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet how he could contend Quebecers were not racist while defending bills 96 and 21, which marginalize religious minorities, anglophones, and allophones.

In reality, the two bills, popular with French-speaking Quebecers, demonstrate the dangers of democracy. Governments have given the majority what they want, even as it discriminates against minorities.

Still, Winston Churchill once said that: “democracy is the worst form of government – except for all the others that have been tried.”

Cynical as it is, it shows democracy is worth fighting for.

Here’s hoping Alexander Tytler is wrong, but in our American neighbour at least, it’s going to require extraordinary efforts by those who care about democracy to keep this dream of responsible government alive.

The end of our camping season

O

ct. 31 will mark the official end of my family’s first “seasonal” camping season, where we left our trailer at a local campground through spring, summer and fall and visited (nearly) every weekend.

While that arrangement doesn’t have the variety that comes with camping at a different spot every two or three weeks, it did provide a reliable chance to get away from everything and spend some time reading a good book, swimming or even getting out for a bit of rowing in a dinghy.

It certainly wasn’t what I anticipated when Ashleigh and I decided to put money we had saved up for a vacation (which we figured wouldn’t happen due to COVID-19) and instead use it as a down payment on a new trailer. After spending last year as transient campers and this year as seasonal, we have decided to do another year of seasonal camping next year, as it works well with a five-to-six-year-old. We also anticipated that COVID-19 still might be an issue next year, and, since then, Premier Doug Ford has said the soonest we’ll be free and clear of COVID-19 restrictions is likely to be March of next year, so the decision was probably a wise one.

So with a full (camping) year to look back on, and the knowledge that plenty of folks may be looking into similar practices next year, I figured I’d share what I had learned over the last year, either by trial and error or through wisdom passed on by friends and family.

• Ignore touchy sensors: After trying to figure out why our grey and black water tanks weren’t (seemingly) emptying properly, despite being on a perfectly level piece of land, I found out that the sensors on the darn things are next to useless.

With the black water tanks, an errant piece of toilet paper can make the system believe the

Denny Scott Denny’s Den tank is full when it’s bone dry. Similarly, with anything that gets down the sink (and nothing should, as I keep sternly repeating when anyone washes their hands or dishes indoors without rinsing them off outside first), it can clog up the sensors on the gray water. Just pay attention to your water usage, fill the tank up when you think it’s getting close to empty, and always empty the black water first and you should be good.

• Give up on beating the bugs: Okay, I’ll admit it: I absolutely hate creepy crawlies. One of the hardest parts of being the parent of a little girl who loves to go outside and explore is getting over my squeamishness with everything from snakes to frogs to caterpillars. Unfortunately, bugs are pretty much a constant when you’re camping.

No matter how often you remind your family members to keep the screen door and the slider on it closed, you will end up with bugs. Get a fly swatter, keep a cup on hand for the more unique bugs and just try to survive with them.

• Take a nap: My wife, over the past decade or so of us living together, has come to realize that, like anyone who likely has attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyper-activity disorder (ADHD) (and I say likely because there is no diagnostic test to confirm it), I follow the serotonin. What does that mean? Well it means that my mind likes to focus on things that make me

feel like I’m happy or have accomplished something. “Don’t we all?” you might say?

Well, we do, but for folks like me it can be difficult to turn off. That’s why Ashleigh knows that, if she asks me to accomplish some DIY or cleaning task at 9 a.m. on a Saturday, she better be ready for my brain to want to chase that kind of sense of accomplishment all day, resulting in a day of work instead of a day of enjoying nature, the playgrounds, the pool or the lake. So how does that apply to neurotypical individuals?

Well the only way for me to break that “chasing serotonin” thing is to take a nap.

I’d suggest everyone do the same. Enjoy dozing in nature because, even in rural Blyth, there’s always a car going past or a truck squealing to a stop at 4 and 25 to interrupt the great outdoors.

Happy Halloween!

Shawn Loughlin Shawn’s Sense

Seeking the truth

A

t the risk of repeating a story I’ve told in this space before, I’ll always remember my very first day in a journalism class. It was very cinematic in that our teacher came in and addressed us as “truth seekers” before getting into the basics of the world of reporting. No doubt he did this on purpose so that years later people like me could think back to that moment and how it set the tone for their careers.

Another famous quote about journalism also comes to mind. It’s been attributed to Jonathan Foster of the Department of Journalism Studies at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom as a tenet of Journalism 101.

“If someone says it’s raining and another person says it’s dry, it’s not your job to quote them both. Your job is to look out the f...ing window and find out which is true.”

This brings us back to the world of truth seekers, which journalists most certainly are.

There are some exceptions, of course, which sounds weird, but it’ll make more sense once you hear some examples.

Think of a court case. Both the prosecution and the defence each have their opportunity to make arguments, question witnesses and bring evidence forward. If you’re a court reporter, your job is to report the goings-on of the day.

Whether a witness or a lawyer is telling the truth or not presenting the facts in an honest manner can certainly be up for interpretation.

However, you can’t fact-check those witnesses live and in real time (that’s the judge’s and lawyers’ job), so the “fact” becomes that someone made a particular statement on the witness stand, which is true, whether the statement itself ends up being true or not.

If a lawyer says the evidence proves that a man killed his wife, for example, and that man insists that he didn’t, both statements cannot be true, but they need to be reported just the same as happenings of the court case.

The same, unfortunately, can be true for council meetings. Journalists are covered in their reporting of council meetings when it comes to an elected representative making an untrue statement. If a councillor states that something is true, and it turns out it isn’t, the reporter in question was simply doing his/her job by reporting on the meeting.

If we can clear things up, we will, but when it comes to fact-checking beyond the standard editing process or long-term investigations, The Citizen and other smaller news outlets simply aren’t equipped to handle that work.

Some of you may have noticed that we did have a little note in a North Huron story in which a member presented some incorrect information regarding COVID-19 vaccination.

I’ve heard from some readers that they’d never seen that before, but appreciated that we did it.

We could have likely deployed such notes when we did our federal election profiles or any of the stories on the calls to remove a certain racist street name (which would then go on to print that slur several times in what would follow), but we very often just let the coverage speak for itself, for better or worse.

If my journalism school training left me with one thing it was to get the facts straight. Other things like quality and clarity of writing, structure, etc., are all very important, but the foundation upon which a news story is built is knowing that the facts are correct. People can then trust you as a reporter if they know that.

So, while we may not be able to tuck into an investigation for a year or more or fact-check every single quote, we certainly do our best to seek and present the truth, and I think The Citizen’s track record speaks for itself.

PAGE 6. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021.

Leo Club’s dog park taking shape in Brussels A NOTE FROM BETTY

By Betty Graber Watson Call 887-9231

This week seems to be starting out with more hope than I’ve felt for a while. Hope is one of those thoughts that comes and goes. Each person feels hope differently. For me this week, several things fell into place giving me a very good feeling about community and life in general.

Under the guidance of our Huron Perth Public Health, our COVID-19

case numbers are improving and this virus is becoming a little less scary because of increased vaccination rates and approved masked activities. We’ll be keeping masks handy for a while yet, but hope for increased social time is on the horizon.

Wow, a new fence by Richmond Square indicates the Brussels Leo Club’s dog park is ready to roll.

Good effort club, working together with Huron East, the Lions and your members, you once again have improved our community.

The Citizen of the Year Award is another sign of hope. To recognize the people who improve our lives is a worthy thing. Zoey Onn is an excellent choice. Each idea, project or work needs a variety of people to make it a success. When all the right talents mesh for an agreed project, everybody wins. So, congratulations Zoey, you do good work as a volunteer. It was good to read The Citizen article outlining the many things Zoey has helped accomplish since moving to Brussels. Thank you so much.

To all the people who listened to Zoey, reasoned with her and worked alongside her, thank you for your part in helping Zoey make our community a better place.

Children are always a sign of hope, so it was a fun afternoon at the United Church on Sunday where George Adams bird houses were painted, with great enthusiasm. Imagine, just imagine, Ralph Watson and Frank Workman being the supervisors for this part of the afternoon. Pumpkins were carved or decorated in very personal ways, highlighting the

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NEWS FROM BRUSSELS

Brussels Legion 218 Catch the Ace Weekly Winner

A tough loss The Mooretown Lady Flags made the trip to Brussels over the weekend to take on the Huron Heat HL U13 squad. The home-ice advantage wasn’t enough, however, as the Heat dropped a 4-0 decision to the Lady Flags. (John Stephenson photo)

At the Branch

Poppy campaign starts Oct. 29

By Jo-Ann McDonald I hope everyone is looking up at the Remembrance banners on the main street of Brussels. We have 26 banners up now and hope to have more. People interested in having a banner in memory of their loved ones who served in service of their country can contact President Jamie or the Brussels Legion Branch for the information. We are looking ahead to next year and it is never too early to start the process.

This week, Oct. 29, is the start of the 2021 poppy campaign. On Saturday, Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to noon, members of the Branch Poppy committee will be outside the Branch to have poppies available to those who stop by.

There will also be car poppies, signs, pins and will accept charitable donations to the Poppy Fund. There will be no door-to-door campaign again this year. Poppy boxes will be placed in the stores.

The Catch the Ace draw was held Friday evening and Gord Haggitt was the lucky weekly winner. He won $215 and he chose envelope number 28. He found the nine of hearts, so the ace stays hidden. The estimated jackpot will be $4,000.

talents and ages of the children. To listen to their chatter and laughter is good for your soul. A surprise for Minister Alex was the spontaneous visit from sister Rachel. She had had a fun time in Grand Bend and then came to check on Alex. Her introduction to this crew would give her lots to ponder on her drive back east.

We did a colour tour last week and found hope there as well. New building is happening all over and very few derelict places were seen as we graded the leaf extravaganza heading toward eastern Ontario.

Lowville, Erin, Peterborough, Napanee, Whitney, Barrie and Mulmur were some of the points examined by us through the leaf lens.

Hope you have your Halloween outfit all picked out, it will help you smile as the dreary days happen.

Be safe. Be kind.

Bye now, Betty G.W.

The crowd enjoyed poutine before the draw. This week will be sausage and sauerkraut.

This week following the draw will be karaoke with Stubby D.

Music starts about 7:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Come on out and enjoy some fun. COVID-19 protocols will be enforced and proof of vaccination is required.

The Brussels 5R’s Community Thrift Shop

30th Annual Meeting Tuesday, November 9, 2021 Brussels United Church 6:30 pm - Supper (meal provided) 7:00 pm - Business Meeting RSVP at the store or call 519-887-9072 COVID-19 distancing and masks required

Agenda: • • • •

Report of activities of 5R’s financial statement and report of auditors Appointment of auditors for current year Election of Directors Transaction of business either special or general, pertinent to the membership.

Only paid members are eligible to vote

Thank you to our members and patrons who have helped us in these past two difficult years. Everyone is welcome at this meeting.

Winning Ticket: Gord Haggitt $215 Envelope #28 found the 9 of Hearts Estimated jackpot for October 29 is $4000

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021. PAGE 7.

N. Huron Council direct staff to review landfill operations

By Denny Scott The Citizen

On the rush The Blyth Brussels U11 Rep Crusaders managed only one goal when they welcomed the Listowel Cyclones to the Blyth and District Community Centre on the weekend. The Cyclones posted a 4-1 win over the Crusaders. (John Stephenson photo)

Local groups set to host meals From Marilyn’s Desk

By Marilyn Craig Call 523-9318

Happy birthday to Bill Young and Dave Craig, who both celebrate Oct. 28; Danielle Bromley and Bonnie Bearss, Oct. 29; Cecil Wittich, former minister of Blyth United Church, Oct. 31; Mike Courtney and Floyd Herman, Nov. 2 and Hebo Siertsema, Nov. 3.

Happy birthday everyone.

Winners of the recent euchre party are: first, Nancy Turner, 71; Jewel Plunkett and Harold McClinchey, tied, 66; second,

Susan Harman, 63 and David Caesar, 67; lone hands, Edna McLellan and Con van Vliet, two; share the wealth, Nancy Turner and Doris McClinchey.

Don’t forget to support the local groups with their take-outs and drive-through meals. Blyth United Church is sponsoring a drivethrough lasagna lunch and supper Nov. 4; Blyth Lions Club Smoked Pork Chop drive-through is on Saturday, Nov. 13; Blyth Legion is having its monthly take-out meat loaf lunch on Thursday, Nov. 18.

What a week we have had. It has been raining most of the month of October and as I typed this column, Monday was no different. The farmers in the area are having difficulty getting their crops off the fields as the ground is very wet.

Hopefully November will be a better month.

Stay safe and have a good week.

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During North Huron Township Council’s Oct. 18 meeting, council and staff resolved to research ways to extend the life of the Wingham landfill site.

The discussion and eventual decision came about as a result of council revisiting the Foodcycler food waste reduction system, which council rejected.

The Foodcycler, according to a presentation from Foodcycler representatives, offers an opportunity for residents to reduce food waste in homes through dehydration. Council asked staff to review the counter-top unit, system and proposal from the organization, which would have council sell it at a reduced rate to residents as part of a pilot project.

While Deputy-Reeve Trevor Seip saw the value in the project, council decided not to pursue it as recommended by Director of Public Works Jamie McCarthy.

In her report, McCarthy said there were questions about how much the project would cost the municipality beyond the $27,000 up-front costs and whether or not there was interest in it from the community.

After the failed vote, McCarthy explained that, since 2016, the amount of refuse going into the landfill had doubled, resulting in a big decline in its lifespan. While the Foodcycler program might help with that, she said, there are other opportunities for the municipality

to spend that kind of money.

“It’s not just organic waste,” she said, adding landfill operations need to be changed.

McCarthy explained that practices at the landfill were in need of updating, saying that, while the practices may have worked before, they were out of date now.

“Instead of spending $27,000 on these units, I recommend bettering the landfill as a whole,” she said.

McCarthy said that construction and demolition waste shouldn’t continue to go to the landfill and that the municipality needs a better system for monitoring cover material at the landfill.

“There are other things that could be put in place to maintain or extend the life of that landfill,” she said.

Councillor Ric McBurney asked if the recent changes in recycling that saw certain plastics no longer accepted was also to blame for the increase. McCarthy said that many things that had previously been accepted as recyclables no longer were, resulting in them going to the landfill.

As a result of the discussion, council directed staff to prepare a report reviewing landfill operations.

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Blyth Legion Branch 420

November 7, 2021 NEWS FROM BLYTH

Blyth Branch 420 Church Service will be held at the Trinity Anglican Church, Blyth. Service will begin at 9:00 a.m. Please be ready to assemble at the church at 8:45 a.m.

PAGE 8. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021.

Airport report controversial for some at county

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen

Huron County Council accepted a report on the creation of a strategic plan for the Goderich Airport at its Oct. 20 meeting, but even that step proved controversial, winning the vote by the slimmest of margins.

The Huron County Economic Development Board presented the report, which it commissioned months ago with the blessing of council for a total cost of $60,000.

However, several councillors were very down on the county getting involved in the rehabilitation and management of the airport and voted against the motion to accept the report, feeling that by even accepting the report for

information, the county was demonstrating its support for the project.

In a recorded vote, the motion to receive the report passed, with eight councillors voting in favour and seven voting against it. Warden Glen McNeil and Councillors Bernie MacLellan, Myles Murdock, Jim Ginn, John Grace, Roger Watt, Dave Jewitt and Jim Fergusson voted to accept the report, while Councillors Paul Klopp, Bernie Bailey, Jamie Heffer, Bob Fisher, Jim Dietrich, Doug Harding and George Finch voted against it.

John Marshall and Brad Chandler from the Economic Development Board and Taylor Lambert of the Goderich Airport Task Force made the presentation alongside Ben

Crooks of Ottawa-based HM Aero Aviation Consultants. The proposal would support the airport as a joint venture between the Town of Goderich, the Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh and Huron County for the benefit of the entire county.

Crooks began his presentation by detailing the community value associated with the airport, saying that approximately 200 respondents to the firm’s survey listed the airport as being either “important” or “very important” to them, while over 40 people said it was “moderately important”, compared to just over 20 people saying it was not very important and under 20 saying it was unimportant.

Current airport benefits, he said,

are both social and economic.

Social benefits include air ambulance access (including an average of 25 Ornge missions per year, as well as critical care and time-sensitive missions), use by the air force (in supporting over-water search and rescue missions and training with the Coast Guard), serving as a refueling station for the Coast Guard and overland search and rescue for the Ontario Provincial Police, as well as tangible and historic benefits and intangible and future-oriented ones.

Crooks said that current economic benefits include flight training from schools throughout southern Ontario, corporate and business aviation, aerial tourism and guest and tourist access into the

region from both chartered and private aircraft.

As part of his research, Crooks also outlined a number of future airport opportunities and benefits, including aerial tourism, corporate and charter air services to support key regional employers, flight training, aviation service businesses and more. The benefits, he said, would be the generation of additional revenue, more use of the airport, a continued social role for the airport within the community and direct and indirect benefits, including employment, labour earnings, etc.

Crooks included information from similar-sized airports in Stratford, Tillsonburg and Barrie Continued on page 16

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To the left is a coat closet, and the laundry room, with a sink, is also to the left.

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Upstairs, the staircase leads into the great room, with its dramatic sloping ceiling and a gas fireplace.

The dining area is open to the great room and enjoys French doors out to a partially covered deck.

The kitchen’s L-shaped counter configuration promises efficiency, and natural light will flood through the window over the sink. A prep island adds to the available counter space, and a pantry will provide room for extra storage.

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Ceilings are nine feet high on the main floor.

Exterior finishes include horizontal siding and stucco, as well as a panel of natural wood siding for contrast. The decorative bracing on the second floor is repeated on the garage entrance, with its decorative door. The front door is flanked by sidelights. Sundeck enclosures are glass.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021. PAGE 9.

Sports Ironmen drop to third place after weekend split

Splitting up The Wingham Ironmen split their games over the weekend, beating the Goderich Flyers at home, above, by a score of 5-2, but losing to the Mitchell Hawks by a score of 3-0.

The mixed bag of results means that the Ironmen dropped from first place in their division to third behind the Hawks and the Hanover Barons. (John Stephenson photo)

By Denny Scott The Citizen

By splitting two games over the weekend, the Wingham Ironmen fell from first to third place, now trailing the Mitchell Hawks (six wins, two losses) and the Hanover Barons (six wins, one loss and one overtime loss) in the division standings.

The Ironmen, who have a record of six wins and three losses, were blanked by the Mitchell Hawks in a 3-0 contest on Sunday after downing the Goderich Flyers 5-2 on Friday.

HAWKS 3 IRONMEN 0 In Sunday’s contest, Tyson Hall earned the only marker of the first period at 17:51 with a goal assisted

by Nolan Gagnier. In the third, Braeden Burdett scored, with assists by Mark Cassidy and Seth Huygen, who then went on to score his own unassisted goal, the last of the game.

Devon Carson and Garrett Golley shared goaltending responsibilities for the Ironmen with Carson playing the first 54 and a half minutes of the game and Golley coming in for the last five minutes.

Carson stopped 41 of 44 shots while Golley stopped one. Tyler Parr was

in net for Mitchell, earning a shutout with 29 saves.

Both teams had double-digit penalty minutes, with the Ironmen serving 35 minutes on eight infractions while the Hawks served 31 minutes on six infractions.

In the first period, Payten Wheeler of the Ironmen had the only penalty with a two-minute holding minor.

Mitchell’s Huygen had the first penalty in the second with a twominute roughing minor. An incident just past the six-minute mark saw Wingham’s Austin McKeachnie and Mitchell’s Zach Dow and Aiden McMann each serve two-minute penalties for roughing after the whistle.

Wingham’s David Kozak had the first penalty of the third period, serving a two-minute crosschecking minor. An incident just before the 15-minute mark saw Wingham’s Trevor Klee and Josh Pham, as well as Mitchell’s Sean Chisholm and Malcom McLeod, each assessed a 10-minute inciting an opponent penalty. Pham also served a two-minute kneeing penalty, while Mitchell’s Charlie Rankin served five minutes for fighting. Wingham’s Jett Tokiwa served the last penalty of the game,

a two-minute tripping minor with just over one minute left in play.

The three stars of the game were all awarded to Mitchell players,

including, in order, Parr for his shutout and Burdett and Hall for their offensive play.

IRONMEN 5 FLYERS 2 After leaving the first period down 2-1, the Ironmen rallied over the second and third periods to post a 5-2 victory over the last-place Goderich Flyers.

Wingham started strong with Jacob Rauser earning an unassisted goal, however Goderich’s Parker Gibbings was able to tie up the game with his own unassisted goal later in the first.

With less than 30 seconds before the end of the period, Ryan Kowalczyk of the Flyers found the back of the net for a power play goal, assisted by Riley Kuepfer and Ethan Hill, to give the Flyers a onegoal lead.

Kyle Stanbury started scoring in the second with a marker assisted

by Hayden Robinson. Robinson then went on to score his own goal assisted by Nate Bloemberg and Stanbury.

Stanbury scored the first goal of the third as well, his 11th of the season. The power play goal was assisted by Trevor Klee and Robinson. Robinson then scored again, assisted by Stanbury, to give the Ironmen the three-goal lead that would stand until the end of the game.

Goderich’s goaltender Tomas Brintnell saved 28 of 33 shots while Golley earned the win for Wingham, saving 25 of 27 goals.

The Flyers served 10 penalty minutes on five infractions, while the Ironmen served 22 on eight infractions.

Goderich’s Connor Hill was the first to visit the penalty box with a two-minute tripping minor early in

the first. Jonah Burley of Wingham followed with a two-minute interference penalty.

Goderich’s Bryce Lee was assessed the first penalty of the second with a two-minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Burley would then be assessed two- and 10-minute penalties, both for head contact. Klee was assessed a two-minute penalty for crosschecking before Chris Adlys received a game misconduct for derogatory comments.

The third period saw Connor Hill serve a two-minute roughing penalty for the Flyers. Dana Smith of Wingham then served a twominute hooking penalty. Goderich’s Gibbings was assessed a twominute high sticking penalty.

Kuepfer served a two-minute slashing penalty before Wingham’s Burley was assessed a two-minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Wingham’s Klee was assessed the last penalty of the game, a twominute tripping minor.

The three stars of the game went to Wingham, including Robinson, with two goals and two assists, Stanbury with the same and Rauser with one goal.

Stanbury is currently two points out of the first-place spot for the entire Provincial Junior Hockey League with 18 points on 11 goals, the most in the league, and seven assists over nine games.

He trails Marc Bottero of the Schomberg Cougars, who has 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points.

The Ironmen next take to the ice on Oct. 29 when they host the Mount Forest Patriots, who shut them out 3-0 when they last met this season.

Getting started The Wingham Golf and Curling Club held its “Come Throw Your First Stone” learn-tocurl event on Sunday, with Wayne and Kathy Waechter at the helm. The ice at the club is expected to be ready to host curlers within the next two weeks. (John Stephenson photo)

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• Chameleon’s of Wingham • The Gift Chest • Christine’s Clothes Closet • The 2 Step • Homegrown • The Workshop • Family Tree •Teenie Tiny Tots • Pandora’s Pantry • Lone Wolf Antiques • Stainton’s Home Hardware • Finishing Touches

PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021.

COVID-19 case counts, metrics down in Huron, Perth

By Denny Scott The Citizen The number of active COVID-19 cases in Huron and Perth County has dropped markedly over the past week.

Since last Monday, there have only been 22 new cases reported across Huron and Perth Counties, according to Huron Perth Public

Health, significantly less than the weekly increases of between 30 and 50 that have been posted over the past two months.

There remain two active unidentified outbreaks: one community and one workplace, and no outbreaks reported at local retirement, long-term care, child care or hospital facilities.

The outbreak at Huron Christian

School in Clinton, declared active on Oct. 8, continues with one new student case being reported over the past week, bringing the total to 25.

New school outbreaks include Milverton Secondary School where, on Oct. 24, one reported case resulted in three classes being dismissed, and Stratford District Secondary School where, on the same day, one case was reported.

What an honour Members of the Seaforth Business Improvement Area recently presented Huron East Council with the award the organization won at this year’s Ontario Business Improvement Area Association annual awards. From left: Kelly Miller, Shelly Stanley and Maureen Agar, all of the BIA, and Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan. (Shawn Loughlin photo)

Security drains COVID funds Continued from page 3 needed to be spent.

He also said that there were expenses maintaining the FDNH’s current ladder truck, saying the rear axle and main cylinder for the ladder needed major repairs. He said new tires would be necessary next year due to wear caused by the axle needing a repair.

Councillor Kevin Falconer asked if council could start saving for a replacement truck with development charges, noting that the ladder truck would be essential with a proposed four-storey apartment building possibly being built at the former Wingham trailer park.

Seip said that replacing existing equipment wasn’t something development charges could be used for, but that council would need to start talking about what to do to prepare to replace infrastructure like the truck.

As part of Director of Public Works and Facilities Jamie McCarthy’s presentation, Reeve Bernie Bailey suggested changing the period during which staff was available for interments at local

cemeteries. He said he had received complaints that interment couldn’t be done on Saturday afternoons.

McCarthy explained that the past update of the cemetery bylaw, which was passed in 2018, set out those rules after consultation between local funeral homes and staff, however Bailey persisted, saying he wanted the issue to come back before council, saying people should be able to bury their loved ones “on a nice, sunny Saturday afternoon.”

When making her presentation, Director of Recreation and Community Services Vicky Luttenberger said the childcare department was facing a deficit of $38,000 due, in part, to COVID-19.

Bailey asked if that cost was going to be borne by all the users of the facility, including non-resident users, or by North Huron ratepayers and Luttenberger confirmed the cost would fall to North Huron.

“We have to look around and see how to take care of [the deficit],” he said, saying it shouldn’t be through taxes but through higher user fees for people not from North Huron.

Councillor Chris Palmer,

however, felt it was a one-off situation due to COVID-19 and shouldn’t be the basis for any major changes.

Seip said the main centre of the daycare runs a deficit every year and that other programs, like the before- and after-school offerings, help to fund the entire system. He said that’s why other centres, like London, charge $70 to $80 for infant care while North Huron charges $45-50.

Bailey said he wasn’t interested in having a discussion about increasing childcare services, citing his own experience, years ago, as a widowed father who was trying to make ends meet, and was only interested in asking neighbouring municipalities who use the service to help pay the cost.

Council talked briefly about several other issues, including capital projects, economic development issues and the process for the year-in-review reporting before receiving White’s complete report, which included the scheduling of the first meeting for the 2022 draft budget process on Dec. 9.

However, no classes were cancelled as a result.

The new cases in Huron and Perth bring the area’s cumulative total to 2,306 since the pandemic began, with the majority of the new cases being reported in Perth County.

New cases in Huron County have been reported in Huron East, where three new cases bring the municipality’s cumulative subtotal to 167, Ashfield-ColborneWawanosh (ACW), where two new cases resulted in a cumulative total of 44, and Morris-Turnberry, where one new case resulted in a cumulative total of 78.

In Perth County, 12 new cases have been reported in Perth East, bringing its cumulative total to 244.

Three cases have been reported in North Perth, bringing its total to 499 and one new case has been reported in Stratford, bringing its cumulative total to 526.

Active cases are located in Perth East (13), North Perth and Huron East, which have three each, and Stratford, ACW and Morris-Turnberry, which have one each.

Acquisition continues to be driven by household- and outbreak-linked vectors, with cases tied to those sources being responsible for 30.4 and 23.7 per cent, respectively, of all cases in Huron and Perth Counties.

Close contact with a known case is responsible for 19.4 per cent of cases while travel is responsible for 1.3 per cent. Unknown vectors are responsible for 25.2 per cent of cases in Huron and Perth Counties.

There are currently 113 active COVID-19 contacts in Huron and Perth Counties, the lowest number in over a month, and 7,732 cumulative contacts since the pandemic began. Prior to Oct. 4, these contacts were considered as individuals under isolation order, however isolation orders are no longer recorded by HPPH. The incidence rate in Ontario, or the number of cases between per 100,000 people in a health unit, has dropped from 40.8, or the “red”

Home Cooking for the Holidays Do your friends come to you for cooking advice and ask (or beg) you for your delicious recipes?

Well, we want your recipe too!

Send in recipes for your favourite holiday meals, desserts, appetizers, sides or cocktails, and be featured in The Citizen’s upcoming special section on December 2, Home Cooking for the Holidays. This section will feature tons of delicious recipes from talented readers like yourself, just in time for holiday entertaining!

Mail your recipe(s) to:

The Citizen PO Box 429 Blyth, ON N0M 1H0 or email them to info@northhuron.on.ca

What a view Clara Blake of the Maitland Valley Camera Club recently captured this picture-perfect image that screams relaxation. (Photo courtesy of Clara Blake of the Maitland Valley Camera Club)

zone in the former provincial colour-coded system, to 14.3, or the “yellow” zone. The positivity per cent rate, or the percentage of COVID-19 tests with a positive outcome, is at 0.86, also in the “yellow” zone, down from 2.16, or the “orange” zone.

Vaccination efforts continue in the area, with fewer than 5,000 people being partially-vaccinated according to HPPH. With 108,328 people partially- or fully-vaccinated, or 84.7 per cent, and 103,483 fully-vaccinated, or 81 per cent, the number of people fully- or partially-vaccinated continues to climb.

Demographic increases are as follows: • 12-17: 7,745 (81.9 per cent of eligible recipients) to 7,790 (82.4) • 18-24: 8,341 (71.5) to 8,410 (72.1) • 25-29: 6,563 (70.7) to 6,630 (71.4) • 30-39: 12,874 (72.9) to 12,967 (73.5) • 40-49: 12,924 (80.5) to 12,975 (80.8) • 50-59: 16,750 (86.1) to 16,814 (86.4) • 60-69: 20,208 (93.9) to 20,250 (94.1) • 70-79: 14,419 (99.6) to 14,432 (99.7) • 80+:8,049 (97.4) to 8,060 (97.5) Fully-vaccinated statistics are as follows: • 12-17: 7,172 (75.9) to 7,281 (77) • 18-24: 7,624 (65.4) to 7,743 (66.4) • 25-29: 5,981 (64.4) to 6,086 (65.5) • 30-39: 11,919 (67.5) to 12,076 (68.4) • 40-49: 12,267 (76.4) to 12,372 (77) • 50-59: 16,113 (82.8) to 16,222 (83.4) • 60-69: 19,684 (91.5) to 19,743 (91.7) • 70-79: 14,087 (97.3) to 14,105 (97.4) • 80+: 7,840 (94.8) to 7,855 (95) For more information, visit hpph.ca

Be sure to include your name with your recipe.

Deadline for submissions is November 26

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021. PAGE 11.

Huron East adopts COVID-19 vaccination policy

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East has adopted a COVID-19 vaccination and workplace accommodation policy, which is in line with the policy adopted at the Huron County level.

This comes after Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) made it mandatory that all owners, operators and people responsible for facilities used for sport and recreation fitness activities develop and implement a COVID-19 vaccination policy for facility staff, contractors, sub-contractors and volunteers. Chief Administrative Officer Brad McRoberts also added, at council’s Oct. 19 meeting, that both the federal and provincial governments have also recommended that employers implement a vaccination policy.

In his report to council, McRoberts said the new policy will take effect on Oct. 31, meaning that all Huron East employees, including councillors, board members, committees of council, volunteers and contractors will be required to provide proof of vaccination status by that day.

Employees who indicate that they have not been vaccinated, or who refuse to disclose their vaccination status, will be required to complete mandatory training on the benefits of vaccination and may be subject to additional safety measures, including antigen testing, by Nov. 12.

“The Municipality of Huron East remains committed to providing reasonable accommodations to employees who are unable to be vaccinated due to a medical exemption or other prohibited grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code,” McRoberts said in his report.

To complement the vaccination policy, McRoberts also prepared a

workplace accommodation policy, which was also presented to council that night for adoption.

McRoberts told councillors that he will be handling the declarations of vaccination status, so only he will have access to that information and it will remain secure.

He also said that the municipality has a “duty to accommodate”, ensuring that employees can work effectively by making adjustments or modifications to their work environment, up to the point of undue hardship for Huron East.

Councillor Ray Chartrand said he was concerned about losing staff who need to be tested regularly and McRoberts said that tests will be provided at the discretion of the municipality, adding that there may be costs associated with antigen tests, depending on the circumstances, saying it is up to the municipality to decide who pays for tests if they are deemed necessary.

McRoberts said that, once approved by council, he would be rolling out the policy to all who apply in Huron East. He said he anticipated using a “team” approach to the roll-out, with the help of senior management and committee and board chairs.

However, when someone completes their declaration form, he said he would be the only person who sees it.

The policy also notes that any new or rehired employees, including returning seasonal and student employees, will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of being hired or re-hired by the municipality.

Council approved the policy, which now comes into effect on Oct. 31.

MEETINGS McRoberts’ report also outlined a number of safety measures that the municipality has implemented since

CH moves ahead with new building Central Huron is moving ahead with the construction of a new water and sewer work centre with costs finally being settled.

Central Huron Council discussed the issue at its Oct. 18 meeting after addressing it numerous times in the previous months. The project fell victim to a drastic increase in cost as a result of COVID-19 pandemicrelated delays and material cost fluctuations.

The cost of the structure, when presented to council last month, was just under $1.5 million, representing a 40 per cent increase to the project cost, which was originally due to move ahead in the fall of 2020.

However, due to fluctuating steel costs, the project had to be delayed again until the contractor, Vanden Heuvel Structures Ltd., could obtain a new price for the steel needed to construct the building. At a previous meeting of council, it was reported that the increase would be approximately $30,000, but with how volatile the materials market had been, Central Huron staff anticipated an increase as high as $50,000.

As a result, council struck an ad hoc committee to handle any further fluctuations or decisions that needed to be made. However, when the new steel prices came in, the municipality only had a few

days to act and Mayor Jim Ginn made the decision to move ahead, despite not being able to secure council’s blessing because of the timing.

The new price came in to Central Huron’s municipal office, Ginn told councillors, on Thursday, Oct. 7 and was only valid until the end of the following day, which was the Friday before the Thanksgiving weekend. With an increase of $38,000 to the total cost of the project, Ginn discussed the figures with Chief Administrative Officer Steve Doherty and Ginn determined that the price was in line with what council had deemed acceptable at a previous meeting. They went ahead and approved it and signed the contract, despite not having the time to call an emergency council meeting before the proposal would expire.

Ginn explained to council that he has never liked acting without council’s approval, but he felt council would understand in this particular circumstance and that the cost was acceptable based on previous council discussions.

No councillors expressed any concerns with Ginn’s action on signing the contract. Furthermore, council passed a motion to dissolve the aforementioned ad hoc committee, as it was no longer needed.

the COVID-19 pandemic was declared, including provisions regarding mask wearing and physical distancing at the municipal office.

Councillor John Lowe, however, was concerned that council was not following its own best practices for in-person meetings, now being held at council chambers in Seaforth, in which the majority of those in the room weren’t able to maintain two metres apart, but removed their

masks once seated in the small, enclosed space.

He noted that he had less than one metre of space between himself and the councillors on either side of him and that many councillors who were not more than two metres from their closest colleague had chosen to remove their masks.

He said he felt that, with council meetings in a small, poorly ventilated space, masks should be worn at all times, saying it wasn’t

like being in a restaurant and there was no need for councillors to remove their masks. He added that, as of the Oct. 19 meeting, there was no vaccination policy in place, so, with councillors, staff and members of the public all in the chambers, council was simply hoping that “all is well”.

Chartrand said that, as of the next meeting, everyone will have disclosed their vaccination status Continued on page 20

Lowe to resign at end of year

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen John Lowe is resigning from his position as a Huron East Councillor for the Brussels Ward at the end of the year.

Lowe made the announcement at council’s Oct. 19 meeting, saying that his work-home balance had been unsustainable for well over a year and that “something had to give”, which is why he decided to vacate his council seat.

Despite the fact that a municipal election is set for October of 2022, less than a year after Lowe’s resignation becomes official, he encouraged council to fill his

position, rather than letting it sit empty until the election. He said it would give a candidate the opportunity to sit in as a member of council and learn the ropes ahead of running for a full four-year term in the fall of 2022.

Chief Administrative Officer Brad McRoberts said he had received Lowe’s resignation and was already in the process of preparing a report for a future meeting of council to present council with its options for filling Lowe’s position.

Mayor Bernie MacLellan said he was disappointed to see Lowe go, saying he had always appreciated him as a councillor, despite often

disagreeing with him. He added that Lowe is a passionate member of the community willing to stand up for his views and opinions, which is what makes the ideal councillor and that’s why people like Lowe get elected by their constituents.

Lowe was acclaimed as one of two Brussels Ward councillors in the 2014 municipal election, alongside long-time councillor David Blaney. In 2018, Lowe retained his seat, with he and Zoellyn Onn winning the two Brussels seats, beating out Blaney, the only other contender.

Lowe’s seat becomes vacant as of Jan. 1, 2022.

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PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021.

H. East’s McRoberts presents new BR&E strategies

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East’s new Chief Administrative Officer Brad McRoberts has presented his strategies for business retention and expansion in the municipality.

McRoberts presented his thoughts to council at its Oct. 19 meeting, saying business development was deemed his fifth and final deliverable based on his hiring, though he has taken it upon himself to create a sixth, which will be presented to council at a later date.

• Industrial lands: McRoberts recommended completing a list of vacant or unused industrial-zoned lands, while also identifying potential future development areas that could/should be considered for future industrial development.

The inventory, he said, could include a property summary -

including area, zoning, servicing, location and more - and will assist the municipality in identifying the need, if any, for new industrial areas.

• Highway commercial lands: New highway commercial lands should be identified and considered for rezoning to permit for franchisebased commercial development, McRoberts said in his report. This could attract chain restaurants, department stores, pharmacies and more.

He added that those kinds of developments generally require large plots of land with sufficient land for parking. In addition, he said that while some think franchise-based businesses might “push out” smaller businesses, they could serve to draw customers into the community, which would result in “ancillary” business purchases.

• Vacant land/businesses: He

also suggested an inventory of vacant businesses and commercial lands, complete with owners’ contact information.

McRoberts also recommended improved co-ordination with Huron County’s economic development department, ensuring that any inquiries on vacant lands and businesses in Huron East are properly directed to the municipality. In addition, he suggested that the municipality undertake a commercial service gap analysis to identify service areas not currently provided or sufficiently provided.

When it comes to business retention, McRoberts said the municipality should continue to advocate for and support local businesses by providing resources and information, as well as access to grant opportunities and expertise.

While the municipality has been

Defeated The Huron Heat U11 C squad was handed a difficult defeat on Saturday by the Mitchell Meteors. The Heat, playing host at the Blyth and District Community Centre, were handed a convincing 8-1 defeat by the Meteors. (John Stephenson photo)

Vaccination policy approved

By Denny Scott The Citizen North Huron Township Council, after deferring the issue during its meeting on Oct. 19, passed its vaccination policy at a special meeting on Friday.

As part of the discussion on the issue, staff noted the policy defers to provincial mandates or orders from Medical Officers of Health.

Chief Administrative Officer Dwayne Evans explained the document “strongly encourages” North Huron staff to get vaccinated and proposes further education for those hesitant.

The policy, however, doesn’t apply to all staff as provincial policy requires some workers, such as daycare staff, to be vaccinated, provide a medical exemption or produce a negative test 48 hours before entering the facility.

Evans said there was also some concern that a recent ruling made

by Huron Perth Medical Officer of Health Dr. Miriam Klassen would similarly require recreational facility staff to be vaccinated, however Huron Perth Public Health

recently issued a clarification that its new ruling, which requires anyone over the age of 12 to be vaccinated before entering a recreational facility, only applies to people not working there, such as volunteers, coaches or players.

Evans said the situation is complicated because the COVID19 vaccination requirements present a continuously moving target, though he said the policy clearly states that, if there’s conflict

between the policy and the bylaw, that the provincial legislation or orders from public health organizations take precedence.

“The policy doesn’t apply to recreational staff, but, if the province [suddenly requires them to be vaccinated], it supersedes our policy,” he said.

After some conversation that resulted in no changes to the document, council approved the policy.

supporting the Seaforth Business Improvement Area (BIA) and should continue to do so, McRoberts also suggested exploring the creation of a Brussels BIA. In his report, McRoberts suggested the creation of a Huron East Chamber of Commerce, but was subsequently informed by Deputy-Mayor Bob Fisher that one already exists, though it has been inactive in recent years. A chamber, McRoberts said, would provide a governing body for all businesses in the municipality to communicate with Huron East in a collective manner. Other benefits could include access to employee benefit plans, networking opportunities and training programs.

He also said that an important step in business retention for Huron East would be the continued support of the municipality’s business directory on the Huron East website.

As for business retention and expansion in Huron East, McRoberts suggested that the municipality enroll in the province’s Business Retention and Expansion Program, offered through the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. In addition, he is recommending the creation of a formal signage program that should assist in business marketing and promotion, as well as signage related to local public facilities, points or interest and businesses.

McRoberts also suggested the creation of a municipal community improvement plan. While council had approved the creation of areaspecific community improvement plans in previous years, they were focused on facade grants.

McRoberts suggested expanding the focus to include not just building facades, but grants for design and study, planning application and building permit fees, building improvements,

accessibility, building conversion or expansion, major redevelopment tax increment equivalent grants and residential conversion, rehabilitation and intensification.

McRoberts also suggested that council consider the development of a vacant building bylaw to reduce the number of vacant buildings or to provide council with the means to manage the conditions of the buildings. Such a bylaw, he said in his report, can be used to set annual fees and charges for inspection and registration of vacant buildings throughout the municipality.

Vacant building bylaws, he said, are being effectively used in Brantford, London, Hamilton and Welland.

To conclude, McRoberts also suggested that council review application processes for building permits and planning applications to ensure they’re straightforward, efficient and effective, encourage improved communication strategies with local businesses and consider further support for local businesses by developing, promoting or encouraging increases in the local labour force by way of affordable housing, government programs, resident attraction, etc.

He encouraged council to continue to support community programs like recreation, community centres, parks, open spaces, culture and heritage. In addition, when the economic development strategic plan is completed, he said, recruiting and hiring a new economic development officer who best suits the mandate of the plan will be imperative to its success.

McRoberts said that while there are no immediate financial implications from his proposals, undertaking some of the strategies presented will incur costs, but they could be allocated over a number of years, allowing for financial stability and long-term growth.

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Tight race After defeating the Goderich Flyers, above, and falling to Mitchell over the weekend, the Wingham Ironmen dropped from first to third place in their division. (John Stephenson photo)

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021. PAGE 13.

Agriculture

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From the Minister’s Study

Bulls, cows sell steadily at weekly Brussels sale Total receipts for Brussels Livestock for the week ending Oct. 22 were 1,880 cattle and 618 lambs and goats.

On Tuesday, fed steers and heifers sold fully steady. Choice steers and heifers sold $155 to $164.50. Second-cut cattle sold $145 to $154. Aged and mediumfed steers and heifers sold $125 to $145. Fed holstein steers and heifers sold $75 to $135. Bulls sold steady selling $90 to $122. Cows sold steady.

On Thursday, veal, lambs and goats sold steady. Sheep sold higher.

On Friday, calves sold on an easier market. Yearlings sold

actively at steady prices.

Gary Caesar of Dungannon, consigned two head. One black white face heifer weighed 1,305 lbs. and sold for a price of $134.

There were 275 cows on offer.

Beef sold $65 to $85 with sales to $92; good holstein cows, $65 to $75; medium holstein cows, $55 to $64; plain cows, $45 to $54.

There were 140 head of veal on offer. Good holsteins sold $151 to $168 with sales to $173; SL heavy holsteins, $130 to $150; heavy holsteins, $117 to $137; medium holsteins, $130 to $150; plain holsteins, $119 to $127.

Paul Pennington of Mildmay, consigned five head. One holstein

steer weighed 700 lbs. and sold for a price of $168.

Lambs, 50 - 64 lbs. sold $259.50 to $280; 65 - 79 lbs., $263 to $276; 80 - 94 lbs., $219.75 to $249; 95 109 lbs., $186.75 to $214; 110 lbs. and over, $185.50 to $220.

Sheep sold $100 to $240.

Goats: billies sold $150 to $400; nannies, $100 to $240; kids: meat sold $330 to $405; dairy, $200 to $325.

Leanair Farms of Brussels, consigned four head. Four lambs averaged 82 lbs. and sold for an average price of $249.

Michael Groot of Crediton, consigned 23 head. Ten lambs averaged 62 lbs. and sold for an

average price of $280.

Jason Hoggart of Londesborough, consigned five head. One kid goat weighed 49 lbs. and sold for a price of $405.

Top quality stocker steers under 400 lbs. sold $238 to $285; 400 499 lbs., $211.75 to $260; 500 - 599 lbs., $208.50 to $250; 600 - 699 lbs., $200 to $242; 700 - 799 lbs., $191 to $220; 800 - 899 lbs., $187 to $201; 900 - 999 lbs., $188 to $204; 1,000 lbs. and over, $182.50 to $196.

Top quality stocker heifers 400 499 lbs. sold $166.50 to $210; 500 - 599 lbs., $180.50 to $206; 600 699 lbs., $179.50 to $203; 700 - 799 lbs., $160 to $191; 800 - 899 lbs., $162 to $185.50; 900 lbs. and over, $162 to $183.

George Martin of Conn, consigned 28 head. Eleven charolais heifers averaged 624 lbs. and sold for an average price of $203.

Scottslea Farms Ltd., consigned 27 head. Twelve charolais heifers averaged 882 lbs. and sold for an average price of $180.50.

Jayme Reid of Tiverton, consigned 36 head. Ten limousin

steers averaged 780 lbs. and sold for an average price of $202. Ten limousin heifers averaged 904 lbs. and sold for an average price of $173.50.

Reuben S. Martin of Wallenstein, consigned 14 head. Five charolais steers averaged 970 lbs. and sold for an average price of $194.

BRUSSELS LIVESTOCK Division of Gamble & Rogers Ltd.

UPCOMING SALES TUESDAYS 10:00 a.m.

Fed Cattle, Bulls & Cows

THURSDAYS

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

FRIDAYS

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

Call us 519-887-6461

Citizen-To-Citizen “SWAP SHOP” ad

Taking flight Cameron Yuill, a member of the Maitland Valley Camera Club, recently took this picture of three Canadian geese taking flight and shared it with The Citizen. If you’ve taken any interesting nature shots as the season changes from summer to fall, e-mail them to reporter@northhuron.on.ca and it may be published in The Citizen. (Photo courtesy of Cameron Yuill of the Maitland Valley Camera Club)

Walton Hall feeds almost 150 PEOPLE AROUND WALTON

By Jo-Ann McDonald Call 887-6570

It has been a good and bad week for farming. The bean farmers have not had much luck getting the beans off, but the corn farmers are hard at it. Farmers trying to get wheat planted are also not having much luck because of the wet fields. We have had enough rain and we need everyone to hope it stops for a while.

The Walton Hall had a very successful fundraiser for the hall on Sunday. They hosted a drivethrough turkey dinner for nearly 150 folks. A big job for a small group. We thank all our helpers who made it happen. Helping were Margaret McInroy, Judy Lee, Barb Durell, Jo-Ann McDonald, Jane Zwep, Marni Knight, Karen Hoegy Chris Lee and Murray and Sherry McCall. Great job by all and everything went smoothly.

The Ontario government is opening up more and more things starting this past Monday but with the stipulation of proof of vaccination. Capacity limits have been raised, which is great for the many struggling restaurants as well as other venues. Proof of vaccinations and masks are required for most places now even for personal service business. Get out and get your shots as we move forward to a more normal way of life.

We have had our nephew Mike and his daughter Sydney here from Calgary. They were checking out the University in Windsor for Syd. She will be heading to higher education next year and she is a very good soccer player, so had been invited to attend what is known as a showcase tournament to practise with the university team and to meet the girls. There were other young ladies looking over the team and university and Syd thought it was very nice. They were only here in Walton on Saturday and Sunday night and headed back west on Monday. A very short visit, but it was nice to see them. They stayed at Scott and Alicia’s home and enjoyed a Walton turkey dinner Sunday night.

Celebrating birthdays this past week were Brett Lee, Janice McCallum McGillvary, Mike Parr, Doug Bauer, Wayne Todd, Andrew Groothuis, Ray Wheeler, Teresa Baan, Tanner Leslie, Dan Taylor, Megan Flaxbard, Murray Dennis, Carol McLachlan, Shannon McGavin, John Steffler, Brianne Williamson and Liam Sutcliffe.

Happy birthday to all.

NEWS FROM WALTON

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

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

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

Call 519-523-4792 or email: info@northhuron.on.ca FOR SALE - electric seat for Dodge Grand Caravan (not Dodge sport van). Call Dwayne Martin, 519-450-8315, call day time. 43-3 -----------------------------------------FREE - beautiful three-shelf curio cabinet with back mirror and lighting, excellent condition, free to a good home. Pick up in Wroxeter, 519-335-3382.

43-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE - wood stove, excellent condition, brass door with glass front. Call 519-357-7131.

43-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE - beautiful handmade rugs, all different sizes and colours, 519-612-1112.

43-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE - Bateson Model Dairy milk bottles (Wingham), half pint $5 each or five for $20; Club chewing tobacco tins, $3 each or four for $10; honey tins, two sizes, $5 each; Coke bottles, clear or green, $3 each; Crush pop bottles, $2 each. 519-523-4711.

43-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE - 1968 Family Herald, $30; 1968 Canadian Magazine, $20; Dungannon 1915 newspaper, make an offer. Phone 519-357-9467.43-3 ------------------------------------------

FOR SALE - soft, roll-up tonneau cover to fit a 2007 GMC or Chevy extendacab, $100 or best offer; 4'x7' tilt and load trailer, new tires, new lights, new jack stand, $500 or best offer. 519-482-9645.

42-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE - two bucket seats from a 2001 Dodge Grand Caravan, free; Bainton’s Old Mill ladies leather winter coat, good condition, $50; 6 foot Mott flail mower, $499. 519523-4711.

42-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE - 7 ft. McKee snow blower, $975; chains for 10x28 tractor tire, $100; free Yamaha electric organ with upper and lower keyboard. 519-887-9083.

42-3 ----------------------------------------FOR SALE - Christmas tree stand, cast iron, $30, 519-440-2495. 42-3 -----------------------------------------FREE - to good homes feral kittens.

519-527-1687.

42-3 -----------------------------------------FOR SALE - change table – white, good condition, with two drawers and three cubbies, includes change pad, $50; Graco Stanton convertible crib (in espresso) with mattress and sheets, in good condition, $40.

Phone 519-887-6185.

41-3 ------------------------------------------

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021.

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

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

Articles for sale 1989 LYNX PROWLER 21.5' FIFTH wheel trailer with hitch for sale. 519525-2823.

43-3 -------------------------------------------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, Auburn Esso, Belgrave Variety, Blyth Variety, Blyth Food Market, Blyth Ultramar, Brussels Foodland, Brussels Variety, Clinton Convenience, Clinton Foodland, Dean’s Valu-Mart in Wingham, Wingham Mini Mart, Seaforth Foodland, GT Mini Mart in Seaforth, Fincher’s in Goderich, Goderich Victoria St. Shell and The Citizen Blyth.

Coming events SEAFORTH TOY AND CRAFT Show, Seaforth Agriplex, 140 Duke St., Seaforth, November 27, 9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.; November 28, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Farm and construction toys, hot wheels, toy banks, crafts, etc. $5 admission.

COVID-19 restrictions in place.

Proof of vaccine required. For more information contact the Agricultural Society at 519-527-1321.

43-2 -------------------------------------------WALKING TOGETHER IN GRIEF A six-week grief support group, starting November 3 at 7 p.m. at Trinity Anglican Church. For further information and to register phone or email either Diana at 416-569-1714 / diamen33@gmail.com or JoAnn at 519-357-7781 / revjoann@hurontel. on.ca Please register by October 29.

Participants must be double vaxxed.

Brought to you by Blyth Women Caring and Sharing.

42-2b

Help wanted Help wanted Tenders WHYTE BROS. FARMS LTD. IS hiring a full-time farm labourer position. We are a 5th generation family farm near Seaforth. Duties include cleaning and disinfecting barns, pressure washing, maintenance and repair. Most weekends off. Extra hours during planting and harvesting.

Competitive wages based on skills and experience. Will train. Must be willing to learn, follow instructions, be a team player, have a full G licence and a mature attitude. Please email résumé and solid work references to wbfl@tcc.on.ca or mail to Whyte Bros. Farms Ltd., 41992 Bridge Road, RR 2, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0.

42-4b --------------------------------------------

Tenders

HOUSE FOR SALE BY TENDER Craig and Blaine Hackwell invite tenders for the purchase of their house located at 42991 Hullett-McKillop Line, R.R. #4, Walton, legally described as Part Lot 23, Concession 12, McKillop Township, Municipality of Huron East with two acres more or less, barn and shed For tender forms & other particulars contact: Devereaux Murray Professional Corporation 77 Main St. South, Seaforth, Ontario N0K 1W0 Phone: (519) 527-0850 x 234 Email: tsmith@devereauxmurray.ca Tenders to be submitted by 12:00 noon on Monday, November 8, 2021 Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted

SALE OF LAND BY PUBLIC TENDER THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF MORRIS-TURNBERRY

The Municipality of Huron East is now accepting applications for the position of Accounts Payable Clerk/Receptionist The successful applicant will work closely with the Deputy Treasurer to co-ordinate the accounts payable functions of the Municipality. The successful candidate will also be responsible for handling the majority of the receptionist duties of the Municipal office including receiving and directing telephone inquiries and responding to emails.

Applicants should possess a community college diploma with a background in business/accounting. Applicants should have a working knowledge of accounting procedures and preference may be given to those applicants with experience in a municipal government setting.

Further information including a complete job description is available on the Huron East website (www.huroneast.com) Applicants are asked to submit a detailed résumé in confidence to the undersigned by 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Friday, November 15th, 2021.

Paula Michiels, Finance Manager-Treasurer Municipality of Huron East 72 Main Street South, PO Box 610 Seaforth, Ontario. N0K 1W0 519-527-2561 (fax) pmichiels@huroneast.com We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Take Notice that tenders are invited for the purchase of the land described below and will be received until 3:00 p.m. local time on November 3, 2021, at the Morris-Turnberry Municipal Office, 41342 Morris Rd., Brussels, Ontario.

Description of land: Roll No. 40 60 490 016 03515 0000; Wroxeter, Ont; PIN 41037-0050 (LT); File No. 19-05 Minimum tender amount: $9,298.52.

Except as follows, the municipality makes no representation regarding the title to or any other matters relating to the land to be sold. Responsibility for ascertaining these matters rests with the potential purchasers. This sale is governed by the Municipal Act, 2001 and the Municipal Tax Sales Rules made under that Act. A full copy of the tax sale advertisement and further information about this matter is available on line at www.OntarioTaxSales.ca or you can contact Kelly Tiffin, Tax Collector, The Corporation of the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry, 41342 Morris Rd., PO Box 310, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0, Telephone 519-887-6137 Ext. 223, ktiffin@morristurnberry.ca

FARM FOR SALE BY TENDER 7583 Road 158, Listowel, Ontario. N4W 3G9 Part of Lot 21, Concession 5 Elma, Being the North 1/2; North Perth (PIN 53047-0029) 50 acres, random tiling, three bedrooms, two bathrooms two-storey brick house and bank barn. House rented on month-to-month basis.

All offers shall be accompanied by a deposit of no less than $20,000.00 in the form of a certified cheque or bank draft to “TarBush Dickey Giller & Associates PC, In Trust” All offers must be delivered in a sealed envelope no later than 2:00 pm on November 26, 2021 to the following address: Attn: Alex Makhnachov TarBush Dickey Giller & Associates P.C P.O Box 67, 140 Barber Avenue South, Listowel, ON N4W 3H2 (519) 291-2710 Email: amakhnachov@targillaw.com • An approved form of offer is available at TarBush Dickey Giller & Associates PC • The vendor need not accept the highest, or any tenders submitted.

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

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

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

www.huroncitizen.ca

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021. PAGE 15.

Londesborough United hosts anniversary service

I have been somewhat disappointed in the fall scenery in our area. The brilliant colours of years past have been replaced this fall with yellows and dull oranges.

Perhaps it is the hard frosts that resulted in the beautiful reds of other falls. And there is no hope of that this fall as most trees are bare of this year's leaves.The prettiest, brightest trees I have noticed this week are the ones lining the driveway at John and Bev Elliott’s, just south of Blyth.

On our trip into Perth County on Saturday, the corn was coming off everywhere. Many fields were muddy and some had open water but the season is getting along.

Hensall Co-op had its dryers running full steam dealing with the crop. The work in the turnip field at Bornholm was definitely dealing with mud.

It was a full house, at least in respect to pandemic protocols, at Londesborough United Church on Sunday, Oct. 24 for its 161st anniversary service.

Rev. Jan Aylward chose Matt.

14:22-33 as the morning’s scripture passage. In these verses Jesus walks across the stormy water to approach the boat of His disciples. Peter asks Christ to allow him to walk over on the water to meet Him. Peter wanted to experience the power of his faith; to overcome his own fear and put his trust in Jesus.

Fear can prevent our growth in faith.

Rev. Aylward asked congregants to recognize the faith of Christians over the past 161 years and celebrate their commitment to their local church.

They, like Peter, tested their faith through storms in church life. She asked present members to pick up the challenges today’s faith community faces and go forward

trusting in God’s help.

Peter Postill, accompanied by Barb Bosman, offered four beautiful musical numbers befitting an anniversary service including “He” and “Bless This House”.

The Sunday school, which generally looks after the White Gift Service, has decided to offer help this Christmas to the Salvation Army. They will collect hats, scarves, mitts, underwear, etc. for children and Christmas dinner nonperishable items for food hampers.

Boxes will be put in the narthex for donations until Nov. 28. They ask that you share your blessings with others this holiday season.

Discussion was held at the UCW meeting on Monday, Oct. 18 regarding their next gathering. A Christmas program evening will take place on Monday, Nov. 15.

Watch for information regarding gifts for the groups usually supported at that evening in this column and in the church bulletin.

In a couple of recent conversations, it occurred to me that career choices have changed a great deal in the last few decades.

There was a time when the choices involved the medical field, the educational field or the trades. It wasn't until one was well entrenched in one of those streams that other avenues opened up.

Today's secondary school graduate has a veritable plethora of choices for a satisfying career.

I discovered another family in the village whose young folk have chosen to pursue interesting careers.

Ryan Kiss, who raced stock cars at tracks around the province and the side lawn of his family home during his high school years, will still be driving - sort of. Ryan is currently waiting on the airline industry to open up after the pandemic so he can take to the skies with his commercial pilot's licence.

Rumor has it that Jazz will be his employer.

Watching, reading and listening to the media throughout the pandemic, we were all aware of shortages in the various areas of the medical corp. Holly Edwards-Kiss was listening and is now enrolled in a Respiratory Technician Course.

This first semester is happening online. Those personnel were in short supply in ICUs across the country. The worry is that these pandemics will crop up again in the future. Holly will be there to answer the call.

NEWS FROM LONDESBORO

Obituaries

REV. MARIAN ELIZABETH RAYNARD Perpetual peace is now with her – Rev. Marian Elizabeth Raynard passed away on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021 at the Hospice of Niagara Region in St. Catharines. She was in her 60th year.

Born in Wingham on Oct. 5, 1962, Marian is survived by her mother Norma, siblings Glenn (Donna), Belgrave; Mae and Brock, West Wawanosh, her nephews Trevor (Emily) Raynard, Curtis Raynard and Craig (Bethan) Raynard, niece Heidi Raynard (Isaac Baker) and their daughters Kinsley and Kiera, and her uncles Doug (Mary Lou) Raynard and Chris Raynard and several cousins.

Marian’s memory will also be cherished by her godson Gedeon, son of Monika Bereczki-Farkas and Istvan Farkas. She was predeceased by her father Bruce in 2019, her grandparents Cliff and Frances Murray and Nelson and Clara Raynard, and aunts and uncles, Dorothy and Donald Murray, Lillian and Russel Irvin, Ruth and Fred Shropshall and Patricia Raynard.

Marian was proud to be the daughter of farmers, and was an enthusiastic global ambassador for her home village of Lucknow. The first badge sewn onto her Brownie uniform became a lifelong commitment to camping, learning and leadership with Girl Guides of Canada. The first Bible verses Marian learned at the Lucknow Presbyterian Church seeded a life in service to Christian ministry. In her

college days, Marian worked at Camp Kintail, a Presbyterian Church camp near Goderich on Lake Huron, and the spirit of that place and its beach, rocks and sunsets always drew her back.

After graduation from Centralia College, Marian worked for Wingham and District Community Living as a counsellor and manager of residential services. In 1993, Marian became a domestic supervisor for the Iona Community, an ecumenical retreat centre on the island of Iona, Scotland. Marian loved island life and greeting the thousands of visitors to the centre each year. She was part of Iona’s Wild Goose choral group that travelled around the United Kingdom to perform at worship services.

Returning to Canada in 1996, Marian began a demanding pursuit of education leading to her graduation from Tyndale University College with a Bachelor of Religious Education in 2004 and from Knox College, University of Toronto with a Masters of Divinity in 2012. She was ordained as a minister of word and sacraments in the Presbyterian Church in Canada in September, 2012.

For eight years while she was a student in ministry, she served the Ashfield and Ripley pastoral charge, and as an ordained minister, she served the St. John’s (Pittsburgh) and Sand Hill pastoral charge near Kingston and the North Pelham and Rockway pastoral charge in Niagara Region. Marian’s manse mouser, her cat Sally, was always in residence.

Marian created a circle of grace and hospitality wherever she went in the world. She was keen to know everyone’s story, with a great memory for faces, names and connections. While a patient in an operating room in Kingston, she discovered the university friendship between her surgeon and one of Marian’s high school friends.

She loved the adventure of travel, and she never took the same road twice to a destination because “how are you going to know what’s new

if you do that?” Every talent and resource Marian had she put into the service of caring for others. To be a friend of Marian’s was to be celebrated with a generous smile and hug, cards and flowers on days of joy, and supported with limitless compassion and the practical application of tea, cheese and crackers in the darkest hours.

Diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2016, Marian faced health issues with courage, wry humour and more than occasionally, ice cream.

Visitation was held from the MacKenzie & McCreath Funeral Home, Lucknow on Thursday, Oct. 14 and on Friday, Oct. 15 with a private graveside service and interment following at Greenhill Cemetery, Lucknow. A public celebration of Marian’s life will be held at Camp Kintail on Monday, Nov. 1 at 2 p.m. Please RSVP on the funeral home website if wishing to attend.

In lieu of flowers, Marian requested memorial donations be considered for Ovarian Cancer Canada, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, or Community Harvest to support the needs of others. www.mackenzieandmccreath.com

Teeswater; Susie and Marvin McLean, Wroxeter and Nancy and Brian Goetz, Wroxeter. She was the cherished grandma of Jenny and Bill McGrath, Dennis and Trisha McLean, Jason and Jane Anne Ireland, Jodie and Geoff Tummers, Adam and Julie Ireland, Josh and Marjan Ireland, Cody and Ashley Goetz and Jesse Goetz. Lorraine was the loving great-grandma of Jessica, Justin, Jasmine, Janessa, Zackery, Brycen, Cameron, Mac, Elyse, Joel, Tyson, Emily, Andrew, Austin, Connor, Nash, Jenna, Emmett and Veronica and greatgreat-grandma of Melody and Arnen.

Lorraine was the sister-in-law of Bob and Ardell and Mary and Joyce Steuernol. Lorraine will be missed by her many nieces, nephews, large extended family and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents George and Astella (Bell) Hall, her first husband Archie Steuernol (1992), second husband Donald Masse (2016), sisters Helen Scott (Danny) and Betty MacDonald (Alex), brothers Willis (Ida), Johnny and Melvin Hall, great-grandchildren Jordan Marie Ireland and Cole Tummers, both in infancy, brothers-in-law Mac Steuernol (Beryl), Bert Steuernol, John Steuernol and sisters-inlaw Wyn Howes (Jim), Ruby Howes (Les) and Jean Wilton (Wallace).

A private family service will be held at McBurney Funeral Home, Wingham on Friday, Oct. 29 at 12:30 p.m. A livestream

of the service with a link to view will be available shortly.

Interment will take place at Gorrie Cemetery.

A celebration of Lorraine’s life will be held at the Wingham Knights of Columbus Centre on Friday, Oct. 29 beginning at 2:30 p.m. Proof of vaccination and ID will be required prior to entry.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Huron County Food Bank or the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

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

STRATFORD MEMORIALS Creating Memories in Stone for Over 95 years

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

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

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

Remembering your loved one LORRAINE (STEUERNOL) MASSE Lorraine (Steuernol) Masse of Goderich, and formerly of Gorrie, passed away at Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, Goderich on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. She was 90.

Lorraine was the devoted mom of Debbie and Mark Ireland,

Honour your loved one by placing their obituary in

The Citizen.

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

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

PAGE 16. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021.

Board continues to champion airport rejuvenation Continued from page 8 that boast 27, 30 and 100 full-time equivalent positions, respectively, as well as economic activity of $3.3 million in Stratford and labour earnings of $960,000 in Tillsonburg and $8 million in Barrie at the Barrie Lake Simcoe Regional Airport.

Over the next 20 years, Crooks estimated that it would cost $10.3 million for rehabilitation and preservation projects in order to rehabilitate existing assets and preserve the core functions and level of service at the airport.

During that same time period, he said $2.2 million would be needed for infrastructure expansion and growth.

Moving forward, Crooks said, he proposed the formation of an intermunicipal airport commission, formed as a joint municipal services board or a municipal services corporation as well as a proportional split when it comes to decision-making, capital funds and

the operating deficit between the three partners.

He suggested concentrating on the airport’s existing strengths and associated industries for short-term success, while at the same time pursuing larger opportunities. He also suggested working collaboratively with Huron County’s economic development department for high-effort pursuits, as well as the Goderich Economic Development Committee and Huron County Economic Development Board. He also emphasized the airport’s unique selling points.

Howick Reeve Doug Harding was the first to voice his concerns, specifically with the proposed maintenance schedule. Crooks said it was a reality of maintaining infrastructure that assets degrade over time and need to be repaired or replaced.

North Huron Reeve Bernie Bailey made note of a number of airports in Huron County that are

privately owned. Not only would the county then be competing with them, he said, but it would open the county up to large costs moving forward, whether it be capital or operational.

He then drew a comparison to council haggling over costs associated with improving troubled intersections, saying that councillors have cried poor when it comes to those, so the county shouldn’t then have money to

maintain an airport that needs plenty of work.

South Huron Mayor George Finch said he was against the project, calling it a “money pit” and suggesting that the county shouldn’t be competing with other area private airports that have shown to be profitable and able and willing to handle increased capacity.

Central Huron Mayor Jim Ginn disagreed, however, saying that he

wasn’t one of the county’s foremost businessmen, but that the Huron County Economic Development Board is full of them and they have identified the airport as being an important asset moving forward. He would be inclined to listen to them on such an issue, based on their expertise and experience, he said.

Council then voted on receiving the report, with that motion passing with eight votes in favour and seven votes against.

MacLellan seeks daycare report

By Shawn Loughlin The Citizen Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan wants to investigate patronage of the Vanastra Early Childhood Learning Centre after receiving a call from North Huron Reeve Bernie Bailey.

MacLellan raised the issue at Huron East Council’s Oct. 19

meeting, saying that, after speaking with Bailey, he wanted to direct staff to prepare a report on exactly who is using the centre. He suspects many families are from outside of Huron East, specifically mentioning Bluewater and suspecting that as much as 60 per cent of the users come from that community.

If that’s the case, he said, and the majority of users are coming from

outside of the municipality, he suggested that council could potentially approach those neighbouring councils and discuss the possibility of funding support for the centre.

That motion will be brought forward and discussed at council’s next meeting, which is set for Tuesday, Nov. 2. It will be held virtually via Zoom.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021. PAGE 17.

From the Minister’s Study

Peace for all is God’s peace, says Jebson

By Student Minister Alex Jebson Blyth and Brussels United Churches This past Sunday, we celebrated Peace Sunday. In that spirit, I’d like you to take a moment to just unwind. Think of the place or time in which you found the greatest peace. What is the sound that you hear? Is it the sound of crunching leaves under foot as you wander through the woods? Is it the sound of cicadas in the distance as you lounge on the front porch, book and drink in hand? Is it the sound of a children’s choir singing “Silent Night”, enveloped in snow at a nativity scene? Or is it some other sound that screams “peace”, that calm and idyllic picture you always return to?

It’s certainly wonderful to have those experiences of peace, and to treasure them, especially if they’re not possible to replicate during the COVID-19 pandemic. But wait, what is that sound? It’s the sound of hundreds of voices bursting onto the scene; they are shouting, singing and rollicking away. There are suddenly horns and honks ringing in the air. The sights and smells start to match the sound’s intensity. This definitely isn’t that picture-perfect peaceful scene now.

As much as we value the peace that is calm and tranquility, this wild, chaotic-sounding scene is what we encounter more often in our scripture and our lives of faith.

And it is in the midst of this mess is God’s peace, or the promise of peace; peace that is as substantial and faith-filled as those tender moments. It also brings into focus those for whom God’s peace is most needed, and how we play into such peace.

In the clamour of voices, you might hear peace proclaimed in times of trouble. This is often the case in the Psalms and elsewhere.

While we hear joyous words in the psalms, tasting, seeing and hearing God’s goodness, we are reminded that the voice originally cried out for comfort and care. This voice is often portrayed as one of the anawim (pronounced ann-a-weem); often translated as “poor one”. This Hebrew word had connotations of both those who were broke, as well as those who just in general have voiced their dependence on God and others.

This voice doesn’t deny that difficulties aren’t experienced. But in faith, the voice cries out to God as the only source of comfort and change. And as we hear the Psalmist proclaim, God has

embraced the anawim and acted in ways that offered true peace. Rather than just the pittance of pity this voice might have expected from others, by taking refuge in God, a full-scale peace is present. This is the peace of comfort – the peace of being known and valued by God. This is a peace that echoes in those times of silences, holding the hand of someone who is working through loss. It echoes in the ears and heart of the person who has been shunned by family and friends, desperate for some kind of loving connection. It echoes in the peace of mind for a family who experiences community support when they lose the shirts off their backs, or the peace of a good night’s sleep for someone experiencing homelessness having their own roof over their heads for the first time in a while. This peace of comfort is God’s to offer and inspire in us.

But sometimes we don’t have the comfort and the resolution we would desire.

Sometimes everyone’s sense of peace and security is flipped on its head, and words of comfort are lost in the din.

This is a situation we hear of from the prophets, who speak to a nation that is now in exile.

Even going through this pandemic together, and even though the exile is something that is voiced time and time again in our lives of faith, it can be difficult to appreciate just how upending that experience was for the Israelites. In this case, it wasn’t just the physical needs of life that were threatened; they had also been nearly completely cut off from their

culture and identity. To say that the air was full of weeping would be an understatement.

And yet, the prophets would still be a mouthpiece for God’s peace in such desolate times. They voice the peace of hope. It seems ridiculous to say such things to a people on the brink of exile. Yet peace is offered in its being promised; words of hope to cling on to that can make the current struggles more bearable.

This peace that is hope that moves us to look beyond ourselves and our current time, to see how God’s peace is at work in the long run. Peace and healing can be made known over years, even generations; the peace that is later known to the people as the embodied hope in Jesus Christ, offered throughout the ages afterwards. This is the peace of hope that we have found in God over the course of this pandemic; the peace that moves us to offer prayers for the future, for weeping in joy as we are slowly coming back together, and a peace that fends off apathy or temptations to give up on everything.

We have the peace that is comfort, and the peace that is hope.

But there is yet one more facet of God’s peace made known in our Scripture and our lives. This is the peace of solidarity, the peace that does not accept status quo or oppression. It seeks out the voice crying for peace and wholeness in a sea of other voices that are trying to cover it up. An example of this comes with the healing of Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). The crowds tell him to be quiet, but Bartimaeus refuses, calling for

Brussels Mennonite Fellowship We’re Back!!!

Worshipping Jesus Together All Are Welcome Sundays @ 10 am ­­ Face masks & social distancing in effect 250 Princess St., Brussels • 519­887­6388 • Pastor Ken Gazley

MELVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BRUSSELS Indoor Worship Sundays at 11:00 am All are welcome!

Virtual worship found on YouTube Search for “St. Andrew’s and Melville Sermon” Or subscribe to “Rev. Charmila”

peace and wholeness from Jesus, whom he recognizes as the true source of peace and healing.

One little contextual thing to note here is that the ministry of Jesus is happening during the time known as the “Pax Romana” or “Roman Peace”. Having gone through decades of political infighting, the Roman Empire was reaching its peak, conquering peoples left, right and centre. But this peace was at the expense of many of those being conquered and little relief for those like Bartimaeus, who was on the lowest rungs of society.

The Peace of Christ was different to this. It voiced a love and care for those who were struggling, and an honoured place for them at the table. Instead of a Messiah who

would continue on the tradition of military subjugation, this was a Messiah who brought peace in ways far more subversive and faithful.

It was an active peace of solidarity, demonstrated in two ways. Firstly, for Bartimaeus himself, he felt moved by the peace and wholeness he had been given

by God to go and follow Jesus, to learn how to bear God’s peace to others. And for the crowds there, they got a lesson in solidarity as well, learning to amplify the voice of one who was seeking peace, rather than drowning it out. They learned that peace for some is not true peace. Peace for all is God’s peace.

Hopefully from this reflection on Continued on page 19

The Regional Ministry of Hope Churches are now open for in-person worship.

Weekly service live-streamed at 10:30 a.m. on our facebook page or on youtube @St. Paul’s-Trinity Anglican Church Wingham.

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

Trinity

St. John’s

BLYTH 9:00 AM

BRUSSELS 12 NOON

St. Paul’s Trinity

WINGHAM 10:30 AM

COME WORSHIP WITH US!

BRUSSELS

United Church Welcome to worship in our Church sanctuary Sunday, October 31, 9:30 am or view the service later Sunday afternoon via YouTube COVID-19 distancing and masks required Contact Alex at minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com Website: brusselsandblythuc.ca P.O. Box 359, Brussels ~ 519-887-6259

Welcome Back!

We are open with limited capacity Join us for our 10:00 am and 7:30 pm services.

Video services can also be found by searching on YouTube “Blyth Christian Reformed Church”

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

THE CATHOLIC PARISHES OF NORTH HURON AND NORTH PERTH

OUR CHURCHES HAVE RE-OPENED. WELCOME BACK.

Brussels Soup and More 2 is cancelled until further notice.

519-357-5273 Come and hear a dynamic presentation by Teen Challenge, featuring students sharing their amazing stories of freedom from addiction!

Blyth United Church Join us each Sunday for in-house church service at 11 am or on-line later in the afternoon Service will be held in the sanctuary with COVID-19 protocols in place.

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth: break forth into joyous songs and sing praises.” (Psalm 98:4) Contact Alex at: minister.brusselsandblythuc@gmail.com

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

Brussels: St. Ambrose Saturday ~ 6:00 p.m.

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

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

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

PAGE 18. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021.

During the centenary of Auburn in 1954, 200 former students and seven former teachers attended “school” at No. 5 Hullett. The red brick school located on Blyth Road still stands and is now owned

by Larry and Linda Plaetzer.

Read more in the Blyth Repository of History.

405 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-4792 blythrepositoryofhistory.ca

#ThrowbackThursday

Leadership in energy and environmental design

Devon Henry 84772 McDonald Line • Box 616 • Brussels

devonjhenry@hotmail.com 519-505-2473

The Citizen Oct. 6, 2011

The Blyth Standard Oct. 23, 1974

The Citizen Oct. 16, 1996

The Citizen Oct. 6, 2011

Check The Citizen on Facebook for more #ThrowbackThursday photos and albums.

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021. PAGE 19.

NH Council considers cost-saving service reductions

By Denny Scott The Citizen North Huron Township Council is considering a slight reduction in street sweeping service in the future as a cost-saving measure.

As part of a review of fleet levels of services and plans for future fleet replacement, Director of Public Works and Facilities Jamie McCarthy gave council an overview of equipment that should have been replaced already according to best practices. The list included two half-ton pickup trucks, two tractors and a vacuum/sucker

truck, as well as a street sweeper.

The street sweeper was to be replaced in 2014, McCarthy said.

She also highlighted the need to replace a New Holland loader/tractor, which was to be replaced in 2016.

The tractor is used for landscaping in the latter part of the summer and for winter maintenance in the colder months, McCarthy said in her report.

The sweeper is used an average of 235 hours per year, she said in her report, costing between $125 and $150 per hour. Using those numbers, she said a conservative cost for street sweeping is $32,250

annually, meaning the purchase price of $300,000 would be equivalent to eight years of contracting out the service.

“It must be noted that the estimated cost could be higher due to the difficulty of purchasing equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic,” McCarthy reported.

McCarthy laid out four options for council with regards to the replacement of the above items, including “do nothing”, which she advised against; purchasing new equipment, which she advised against based on other equipment being needed; contracting out services, which she couldn’t

recommend as, for the same price, it would represent a significant decrease in service levels, or, lastly, purchasing a new tractor for roadside mowing and winter maintenance in 2025 and tendering out the street sweeping project.

“That would remove the need to budget for $300,000 [for a replacement sweeper],” she said.

“The hours required will also need to be decreased and only provide sweeping activities twice a year.

This will be a reduction in service level and may bring complaints but will save funds and fleet maintenance costs.”

McCarthy said staff recommended the last option.

Councillor Chris Palmer was in favour of the move, but said the existing tractor should be used as long as possible, and not replaced in 2025 unless necessary.

Deputy-Reeve Trevor Seip agreed with McCarthy’s expectation of complaints coming, saying that any time there’s a lowering of service levels or a suggestion of such, there are complaints.

That said, he was concerned about the 235 hours municipal staff

currently spend street sweeping, wondering if that was how much was needed or if it was part of minimum maintenance standards.

McCarthy didn’t respond, but council approved moving ahead with the recommended option of replacing the tractor when necessary and contracting out sweeping services when the municipality’s existing street sweeper is no longer serviceable.

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The Citizen Getting in close The Blyth Brussels Crusaders U11 Rep squad faced off against the Listowel Cyclones in Blyth last weekend, coming away on the wrong side of a 4-1 loss. The loss is one of two this year after falling to the BCH Ice Dogs in a tight 2-1 decision in Hensall earliler in the season. The U11 Rep Crusaders will next take to the ice against Huron-Bruce Blizzard in Blyth on Saturday. The team will then be on the road to take on Listowel again on Sunday. (John Stephenson)

Resist peace at others’ cost Continued from page 17 a few different narratives in our faith heritage, you have found connection to God’s peace in one or more ways; the peace that is comfort, the peace that is hope, the peace that is solidarity. Perhaps you feel the need to seek out this peace like Bartimaeus, or you find yourself in the midst of this peace and feel moved to share it with others.

God may move you from this time of worship to sing like the Psalmist, using the peace you have found in difficult situations in your own life to support and inspire others. You may use your voice like the prophets, speaking about the promises of peace that seem far-off,

but are close to God and we will know of in due time.

And just as importantly, live out God’s peace of solidarity alongside the Spirit. Resist the temptation to fall back on a “peace” that is built upon the suppressing of others, or the avoidance of tougher conversations. To avoid the “Pax Romana” attitude of keeping the peace at the expense of others, we need to listen for and amplify the voices that cry “no justice, no peace!” Our communities and society sometimes still avoid serious conversations around the spoken and unspoken ways that racism, sexism, classism and homophobia, among other things, still remain and keep the top on top.

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In faith and love, take time to reflect and talk to those impacted, that peace might be made more fully known for all, not just some.

The next time you are asked to think of a time of peace, take heart in those tranquil moments of serenity. But also take heart in these other ways of God’s peace – peace that is sometimes noisier and more active, but still Christ’s peace nonetheless. Thanks be to God.

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

Celebrating 67 Years!

John and Carol Boneschansker October 28th, 2021

With love from your family

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PAGE 20. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2021.

HE Council explores hybrid meetings

A stunning sky Liz Allan of the Maitland Valley Camera Club recently shared this stunning landscape photograph with The Citizen, in which she was able to capture the vivid colours of Huron County as summer turns to fall. (Photo courtesy of Liz Allan of the Maitland Valley Camera Club)

Province to support local health research The Launch of the “Be Well, Work Well” research project at Gateway Centre of Excellence in Rural Health (CERH) could not come at a more important time.

COVID-19 has placed an incredible, direct economic impact and social stress on businesses and communities worldwide. Rural communities and local businesses in Huron and Perth Counties have been uniquely impacted.

Gateway CERH has joined forces with the University of Guelph and other local partners in conjunction with the Ontario government to understand the impact of COVID19, mental health and substance use on rural workplaces.

On Nov. 1, a short survey will be distributed across both counties to explore workplace experiences, identifying both economic and social impacts throughout the pandemic. The project will aim to strengthen the rural communities within Huron and Perth Counties by ensuring that the voices of local employers and their employees are heard and reflected in the solutions.

By joining communities together through roundtable discussions and focus groups, the project will support the resiliency of local businesses, employers and employees into the future.

Gwen Devereaux, President of Gateway CERH, expressed her support for the project, saying, “it is very important that this project will be anchored in the current conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, as it is crucial that we take the time to listen to the unique experiences of rural businesses, employees and residents of Huron and Perth Counties.”

Ultimately, the project will be

driven by the voice of businesses in Huron and Perth Counties to develop strategies that optimize local assets, build resiliency to address business needs and improve the well-being of rural business and local communities within the two counties.

Lisa Thompson, MPP HuronBruce, reiterated the importance of this project. “This is indeed a very timely and important project. I always try to put a rural lens on various issues and topics as they arise and I am sure such an approach, using local business owners and residents, will be invaluable to this study.”

Mayor Bernie MacLellan said he hated wearing a mask when he had to talk a lot, but that he had been following public health guidelines, which is what he felt he was doing with the meeting.

Councillor Zoellyn Onn said she wasn’t a fan of wearing her mask either, but that she agreed with Lowe, saying that if it was the right thing to do, perhaps it was worth the inconvenience.

Lowe, who works as a nurse, asked councillors how they would feel if they were to pass the virus on to him and he were to infect someone who was sick or immunocompromised at the hospital, imploring councillors not to be selfish.

Council didn’t take any clear direction on councillors’ concerns about in-person meetings, aside from McRoberts saying staff was continuing to investigate a hybrid model that would include council and staff in-person and members of the public able to access the meeting virtually.

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NH fees debated Continued from page 2 would’ve discussed this, we wouldn’t be in this position today.”

Bailey then made a motion to have staff bring forward reports on each department and each program so council could consider the costs to the municipality and make some difficult decisions about which could continue, however his motion was defeated.

After a heated discussion, Seip eventually said that each councillor needed to review the situation and come to the first council meeting in November ready to decide whether non-resident user fees were worth the losses they were incurring, and whether or not the fees should be in the municipality’s new fee bylaw.

Council eventually received the report, but took no other action as a result of the debate.

Welcome Your New Arrival in

Continued from page 11 so that would no longer be an issue.

Councillors then suggested several alternatives, such as returning to meetings at the Seaforth and District Community Centre, or remaining in the council chambers, but spreading out even further, ensuring proper distance for councillors and staff and then streaming the meeting via Zoom for members of the public and delegations.

McRoberts said he and Treasurer Paula Michiels had begun work investigating a hybrid model that would allow members of the public to join virtually and that he hoped it would be in place for council’s next in-person meeting, which would be in late November.

Several councillors noted the challenges of meeting at the community centre, one of which was that it was difficult for some people to hear. Despite that, however, some councillors were in favour of returning to the community centre.

The Citizen

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DR. BLOOM’S EVENT Maxwell Bloom, a successful and respected surgeon in London, Ontario, stumbles into an opportunity to realize a hidden dream — sponsoring an Arts Event-of-the-Year for the community. But he soon finds his life in chaos when three struggling artists move into his stately home to help with the event. Each takes advantage of him in unique ways. Now he finds himself staring point-blank into the face of personal struggles from his past. $20.00

I WANT TO BE A FARMER ACTIVITY BOOK BREAD MAKING THE COOK’S COMPENDIUM A CENTURY OF EXCELLENCE DR. BLOOM’S EVENT SHEDS (4TH EDITION) Prices subject to change with increases in wholesale prices, postage, taxes, etc. Please refer to current issue for correct figures.

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Total for Books Shipping & Handling $9.00 Add 5% GST on subtotal Order Total

SHEDS 4th Edition: The Do-ItYourself Guide for Backyard Builders Award-winning designer David Stiles inspires you to see beyond the limited options of prefabricated sheds found at big box hardware stores and toward something more personal, appeals and functional. $24.95

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

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