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03 | 21 | 2015 VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 12
Sap producers moving into the flow of things Venture PAGE 12
COMMENT PAGE 6
Income splitting nothing but electioneering
Rural ambulance services to remain part of region’s budget
Kings sweep past waterloo
ambulance | 2
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With Wellesley Community Food Cupboard, organizers look to provide service to neighbours in need
Scott Barber Ambulance response times, traditionally well above average in the townships, could start trending in a positive direction. Regional council voted unanimously in favour of a motion put forward by Wellesley Mayor Joe Nowak to add a 12-hour ambulance to its fleet, while maintaining all four rural emergency response units (RERU) currently in operation. The measure was part of the 2015 budget approved March 4. The decision rebuffed a staff proposal which called for the addition of the region wide ambulance at the expense of one of the four RERUs, which focus on medical emergencies in the rural townships, Woolwich, Wellesley, North Dumfries and Wilmot. Nowak was pleased with council’s decision. “It was unanimous with all the regional councillors, which was a good thing. What it will do is it will improve the response times regionwide,” he said. “So it’s a win-win, I think, for everybody.” The cost of keeping the RERU and adding an ambulance totals $484,000 annually, although half of the tab will be covered by a provincial subsidy. The equivalence of six full-time staff members will also be added to the
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SCOTT BARBER
Elmira Sugar King forwards Brendan Schneider and Klayton Hoelscher celebrate after Schneider opened the scoring in a 3-0 win over the Waterloo Siskins at the WMC Mar. 15. The Kings swept the second round match up with a 6-3 victory at the Waterloo Rec. Complex Tuesday and will take on the Stratford Cullitons in the Cherrey Cup finals starting this week. [Scott Barber / THe Observer]
Looking to fill the gap between social programs and out-of-town food banks, a group of dedicated community volunteers have teamed up to fight hunger in the Township of Wellesley. The Wellesley Community Food Cupboard will officially open next month, but first the group behind the pilot program will host open houses on March 28-29 in an effort to raise awareness and fill the shelves at their 146 David St. location in the village. “In response to a growing community need, a group of individuals representing area churches, businesses and organizations have partnered together to reduce hunger in Wellesley Township and surrounding area,” the group said in a statement. “Providing supplemental food to people struggling with food security in Wellesley Township and surround-
ing area is the mission of the Wellesley Community Food Cupboard. Really, it’s about neighbours helping neighbours in a welcoming, non-judgmental, respectful and confidential way. The goal is to maximize fairness, choice and service excellence. Participants will have access to non-perishable food to supplement what they may receive from a food bank.” Christa Gerber, chair of the Wellesley Community Food Cupboard board, described how the project came to be. “There is a lady named Sue Martin and she is a social worker who works with underfunded families in Wellesley Township and this is something that she has had going for about 12 years now,” Gerber said. “It started in her garage and she always had a dream that it would be bigger and that it could service all people that are underfunded WCFC | 4
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Local kids made good use of recycled products at the Elmira Library on Wednesday, turning them into all sorts of crafts. Clockwise: Alexandra Stamila colours her Easter egg box, Aiden Frankena shows off his guitar, Ethan Petro holds a paper snowflake, and Melanie Petro enjoys her egg carton ladybug. [Scott Barber / THe Observer]
Ambulance: No guarantee of better response from | COVER
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region’s payroll. For Nowak, it will be money well spent. “We had pre-budget consultations with the region (staff) and at one of the meetings in January the staff report they gave us outlined three options,” he said. “One was to replace the RERU with a regular ambulance; in essence it was an upgrade. I think the rationale there was that the ambulance is able to transport patients while the RERU is not able to. The second option was to do nothing and the third was
to keep the RERU and add the ambulance. … In their report it suggested that by (replacing the RERU with a region wide ambulance) that it could negatively affect response times in the rural areas and so that was my first clue, so to speak, that there was an issue that was developing and I thought there was no need to go backwards. We’ve already got times where it can be 20-25 minutes for an ambulance to get out here (to Wellesley Township) and that’s on average. We had an incident there the other week in the far corner
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near Linwood where it took almost 35 minutes – that’s not acceptable. For the region to suggest that by doing this it could actually make things worse, that was a red flag for me.” Wellesley Township had the worst response times in the region in 2014, as 90 per cent of calls took up to 20:53 minutes or less to arrive on scene. Last year, the 90th percentile mark in the cities was 10:46, compared to a township wide average of 17:14. The RERUs are located at the Ayr fire hall, the St. Jacobs paramedic station and the Baden paramedic station. The location of the new ambulance has not been determined, and the addition does not guarantee improvements to response times, said Stephen Van Valkenburg, Waterloo Region director of paramedic services. “Response times are largely dependent on location of calls in relation to the location of the ambulance or RERU resources, therefore difficult to predict. We would anticipate that the addition of an ambulance resource will improve overall response time, provided call volumes stay at the same level. Should call volumes outpace our ability to have available resources, response times may not show as positive of a decrease as desired.” The region currently has 18 ambulances in its fleet, with three more planned for the 2016 budget.
NEWS | 3
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, March 21, 2015
Township schools hold steady in latest rankings Some Woolwich and Wellesley schools come in above provincial average, others well below in Fraser Institute report SCOTT BARBER Right-wing think tank the Fraser Institute unveiled its annual elementary school rankings this month, and it was a mixed bag for local schools. Based on the reading, writing and math EQAO scores by Grades 3 and 6 students, the eight schools ranked in Woolwich and Wellesley averaged a score of 6.1, nearly identical to the provincial average of 6.0 out of 10. But the individual scores were all over the map. St. Jacobs Public School continues to excel with an 8.5, up a bit from its 8.0 five-year average and good enough for the 149th spot of the 3,047 schools ranked across Canada. St. Theresa of Avila made a huge jump up to 7.8 from its five year average of 6.2 (391 overall). St. Clement Catholic School improved five points to 7.4 (603), while Conestogo Public School increased to 7.2 from 6.8 (721). Others did not fare well. At the bottom, Floradale Public School received a
grade of 3.2, down from its 4.6 average. That puts the school way down the list at 2,841st overall. Linwood Public School also saw a significant decline, to 4.5 from 4.9 (2,470), as did Wellesley Public School which dropped six points to 4.7 (2,375) Finally, Breslau Public School continues to struggle below the provincial average at 5.7, but they improved slightly over their average of 5.4 (1,824). Schools must have both Grade 3 and 6 tests results to be included in the rankings, excluding Elmira’s Riverside, Park Manor and John Mahood schools from the study. Peter Cowley, the Fraser Institute’s director of school performance studies, says the rankings should help parents hold school officials accountable. “Parents can be very powerful advocates for improvement if they don’t like the direction their schools are going in,” he said. “If they see a situation like we have with Floradale, where Rankings | 4
Community Care Concepts president Dan Holt donated a print of his water colour painting “Bull Frog Valley Ensemble” for the fundraiser event on March 24 at the Waterloo Inn. [scott barber / the observer]
A taste of Scotland, including wee dram or two, part of CCC fundraiser SCOTT BARBER Looking for a fun twist on the typical fundraiser event, Community Care Concepts is throwing a party in celebration of all things Scottish. And what would a good Scottish themed event be without a little scotch? On March 24, the Elmirabased senior care charity will host its first annual “Wee Toast” at the Waterloo Inn. With highland dancers, the “piping in of the haggis” and a five-course meal paired with some of the finest whisky the Scots have
to offer, it is sure to be an evening to remember. “So along with the dinner and the whisky pairings, we’ll have a scotch enthusiast who will lead the group through, explaining about the scotch, its history and what makes each scotch unique,” Community Care Concepts director Cathy Harrington said. “There will also be entertainment and a live auction.” Items up for grabs include a number of beautiful paintings, and of course, some truly remarkable bottles of scotch. “This year we decided to go with Scottish whiskies,”
Harrington said. “But we are certainly hoping that this will become an ongoing annual event and perhaps in the coming years we can celebrate the whiskies from a number of other countries as well.” And the money goes to a great cause. “At Community Care we provide services and supports for seniors and other with special needs to help them live in their homes,” Harrington explained. “So everything from Meals on Wheels, to dining and day programs, and homemaking support services. And what we have seen is the demand
for our programs has continued to increase and so these dollars go directly to supporting individuals to participate in those programs.” If you want in, you better act fast, as some 80 per cent of the tickets have already been sold. “We have had a very positive response,” Harrington said. “We have sold about 190 tickets already, so we have a very limited number of seats left.” Tickets cost $125 per person or $1,050 for a table of eight. For more information, check out www.aweetoast.ca or e-mail info.aweetoast@ gmail.com.
Community Care Concepts puts the spotlight on the Meals on Wheels program SCOTT BARBER Each year, Community Care Concepts delivers some 15,000 meals to seniors in the region through its Meals on Wheels program. It’s quite an undertaking, with upwards of 55 volunteers providing hot or frozen meals each weekday. Annually, CCC and community service groups
across the country celebrate March on Meals month to help raise awareness about the vital program. “The Meals on Wheels program is a hot, noon meal delivered by volunteers,” CCC Meals on Wheels coordinator Barb Speers said. “The meal itself consists of soup, salad, a hot entree and dessert. The cost is $6.75 and we
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can accommodate special diets such as diabetics, low-salt, gluten-free, as well as low-fat healthy diets, so whatever the needs of the clients are we certainly try to accommodate them. ...The goal of the Meals on Wheels program is to keep our seniors healthy and in their homes as long as we can.” Clients can receive meals five days a week or just
once a week, depending on their needs or preference, Speers added. In Wellesley Township, some 1,600 meals each year are provided by the Schmidtsville Restaurant. In Woolwich, more than 6,000 meals are made by the Village Manor. But it’s not just about serving healthy, affordable food. Meals on Wheels also has
social benefits for the community. “The program provides a safety check by having a volunteer in the home to check on the client and take a quick look around to make sure everything is okay,” Speers said. “For some of our seniors, the volunteer may be the only person they see in a day or a week. So it is an important program in that way,
especially when family members might live a distance away and might not be able to check on mom or dad.” That’s why Community Care Concepts added a lunch companion program last year, giving seniors the option of having company when they sit down to eat. “We have a side proMeals | 4
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4 | NEWS
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, March 21, 2015
WCFC: Group is now looking for donations to help with stocking the shelves from | COVER
and have food security issues within the Township of Wellesley.” Most social service agencies target low-income families or seniors, Gerber said. That leaves out singles and other groups who may need support in the event of a sudden financial crisis or a health emergency. “There are marginal groups that fall in between,” Gerber explained. “And sometimes it’s just a matter of a family having a rough month. Maybe the kids needed emergency dental work or the car broke down and dad got laid off for a couple of weeks and all of a sudden it’s the end of the month and there’s nothing left for groceries. Our hope is to service those people who have kind of fallen in between the crack
Items needed by the Wellesley Community Food Cupboard will be tagged at Pym’s Village Market, WCFC chair Christa Gerber said. The facility will open Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Thursdays 5:30-7:30 p.m. beginning Apr. 13. [Scott Barber / THe Observer] in Wellesley Township.” Food banks are an important resource for those struggling to make ends meet, but for many in the township, getting to the closest banks in Elmira and
New Hamburg is a challenge, Gerber said. “If you’re a person who is struggling, it isn’t always as easy to access programs that might be more readily available in the cities,”
she said, while noting that the WCFC will carry items not typically found at food banks such as diapers, under garments for adults and laundry detergent. Spearheaded by Sue Mar-
tin and the Wellesley ministerial team, the WCFC will strive to serve anyone and everyone in need across the whole township. Their David Street facility in Wellesley Village was donated by Menno Homes – two years rent-free – and renovated by local contractors Arnie Bender and Ron Roth. The community is encouraged to stop by during the open house March 2829 from 1-3 p.m. Attendees are asked to bring one grocery item to stock the shelves for opening day, which is planned for mid-April. Some of the most needed items at this point are laundry detergent, meal-replacement drinks, adult undergarments, diapers, flour, cereal, coffee and tea, lunch snacks and Easter treats.
Rankings: School boards put no stock in ratings system, dismissing the findings from | 3
their low (EQAO) performance has flat lined and there has been no improvement indicated, they have a responsibility, I think, to consider using these data and taking them to school and saying, ‘here’s the deal, as far as the Fraser Institute is concerned, and it is backed up by EQAO data, we are really not changing very much and we are achieving at a rate considerably below the average for the province, so what should we be doing?’” School board administrators often try to steer questions about the rankings towards long-term plans and goals, Cowley added,
but parents should not let them off the hook. “Parents (at low performance schools) should be asking school administrators about what they are doing about an improvement program. They should be asking the schools and the board if they have a program in place and if so, when do they think the results of the plan will show up in test results. It’s a fair question.” These are public employees, after all, and they are tasked with the incredibly important job of educating our children; they have a responsibility to answer these questions, Cowley said.
Local school boards, on the other hand, are dismissive of the FI school ranking project. “We don’t support the use of EQAO results to rank schools,” Waterloo Region District School Board superintendent of education Mary Lou Mackie said. “It is not really what the (EQAO) results were ever intended to be used for. We understand that it is something that people naturally want to do and that the Fraser Institute has been doing this for many years, but our main reason for not feeling that the results should be used in this way is because EQAO is really developed to help school board systems
and the provincial government identify on a macro level, areas of growth and things we need to consider in terms of improvement.” John Shewchuk, an official with the Waterloo Region Catholic School Board, issued a similar statement via e-mail. “As with EQAO and other performance measures that track our schools the information provided by Fraser gives us an additional set of data to consider as we weigh all inputs that may assist decision-making (we are sponges when it comes to solid, reliable data relating to our schools), but using the data to rank schools without taking into account
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gram that goes hand in hand called the lunch date program and sometimes we have requests for somebody to come in and eat with one of our clients because eating is so social,” Speers said. “If you put a meal down in front of somebody who is on their own sometimes they will pick at it but they won’t really eat as well, in some cases. But if you put a person there across from them, also with a meal, it’s amazing the difference in how much they will eat.” Over the last couple weeks, mayors from Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot townships got a chance to tag along with Meals on Wheels volunteers. Wellesley Mayor Joe Nowak visited nine clients on March 16. “I went out with Elayne Futher and her husband Bill,” Nowak said. “Elayne has been doing this for over five years now and she just seems to love it. ... I think what impressed me the most was the enthusiasm that the volunteers like Elayne show for the program. Elayne seemed to have a very good relationship with the recipients and they all seemed to really look forward to her visit. It wasn’t so much about the food, although that is an important part of course, but the social aspect is so important.”
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the myriad intangible influences impacting each school is not fair to either the schools being ranked or the general public who may make important decisions based on them. Our best advice is if people are shopping for a school they should attend an open house, ask to meet with a school administrator, request a school tour, talk to parents with children already in the school and then make an informed decision based on their own personal research rather than relying on think tank rankings.” Full results can be viewed at www.compareschoolrankings.org.
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NEWS | 5
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, March 21, 2015
Wellesley names building inspector With Rik Louwagie doing double duty as chief administrative officer and chief building official, building permit coordinator Kaitlyn Draker will now take on building inspections as part of her role with the Township of Wellesley. At its committee meeting Tuesday, council voted unanimously in favour of appointing Draker as an official inspector. The township also employs primary building inspector and plan examiner Travis Knopf.
According to Louwagie’s report, Draker will not perform site inspections “as a normal part of her job duties, but rather on an as needed basis to perform inspections due to an absence of other inspectors.” There will be no salary adjustment as a result of the change, the report adds. The Ontario Building Code requires municipal councils to approve all official building inspectors within their jurisdiction. Staff are expected to produce a report detailing additional staffing requirements during the nine-month period in which Louwagie will be serving in a dual capacity.
Relay For Life date change The Canadian Cancer Society is making some changes to its Relay For Life events in Woolwich. The charity’s signature fundraiser will now take place on June 20 from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. at St. John’s Kilmarnock School. Participants can join the event as individuals, or as part of a team of friends, relatives or coworkers. To make the best use of its promotional resources, the Society will be hosting all of its community-based Relay For Life events across the
province in June. By concentrating its events into one month, the charity says it will maximize its promotional efforts by issuing a stronger call to action for participants. “Just as April is Daffodil Month, June will be the month to fight back at Relay For Life,” says Karen Griffiths, community office manager of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Waterloo Region office. “We are excited to evolve and strengthen our signature fundraiser in order to raise more money for our important mission work,” she adds. This year marks the 16th anniversary for Relay For Life in Ontario. In 2014
local residents fought back against cancer at Relay For Life in Woolwich by raising $126,841 to fund research, support services for local patients and other work carried out by the agency.
WRPS appoints deputy chief
Superintendent Kevin Thaler was this week appointed Waterloo Region’s deputy chief of police. He assumes the role April 1. Thaler joined the Waterloo Regional Police Service in 1988 as a cadet and in 1990 became a front-line patrol officer. Following ten years in patrol
services and the traffic branch, he was promoted to sergeant in 2000 and was assigned supervisory duties in the communications centre, and the homicide and detective branches. He was promoted to staff sergeant in 2004, serving in professional standards, Central Division and quality assurance. He was promoted to inspector in 2011 and assumed responsibilities at North Division. In 2012, he was assigned as the chief’s executive officer and in 2013 became the inspector for Central Division. Promoted to superintendent in August of 2014, he oversaw the Neighbourhood Policing Division.
POLICE BLOTTER
Body of Kitchener man found at Elora Gorge Conservation Area The body of a man found last weekend at the Elora Gorge Conservation Area has been identified as that of a missing Kitchener man. Gerald Derouin, 55, had been reported missing to Waterloo Regional Police in January.
Wellington County OPP had been called to the Elora site just before noon on March 14. They identified the body and ordered a post-mortem, but the death is not being treated as suspicious. Derouin had last been seen in early December.
MARCH 1 1
struck a 16-year-old boy who had been attempting to cross the road to catch his school bus. The boy was transported to hospital by ambulance suffering a leg and head injury. No charges will be laid against the 53-year-old driver as bright sunshine and inattention by the boy were likely factors in the collision.
9:21 AM | Two pickup trucks collided outside of a business on Bonnie Crescent in Elmira. 11:59 AM | A gas bar on Victoria Street North in Woolwich reported that a customer drove off without paying for gasoline. 4:40 PM | A small amount of cash was stolen from a business on Herrgott Road in Wellesley Township. Entry was gained through an unlocked door. MARCH 1 2
8:04 AM |An eastbound vehicle on Weimar Line in Wellesley
8:12 AM | An 18-year-old Elmira man driving a Jeep struck the rear of a tractor-trailer rig at South Field Drive and Arthur Street in Elmira. The driver of the Jeep suffered a minor injury. He was subsequently charged with ‘careless driving.’
Small fire at elmira pet food plant
Elmira firefighters used an aerial ladder to water down a large container of ingredients which began smoldering and producing smoke at the Elmira Pet Products plant at 43 Arthur St. N. around noon Mar. 17. [Scott Barber / THe Observer]
8:38 AM | A 16-year-old boy was operating an industrial metal working machine at a business outside of Elmira when the machine cycled, crushing his right hand. EMS responded and the youth was taken by ambulance to Grand River Hospital, and then airlifted to London Health Sciences Centre for treatment. The Ministry
of Labour was contacted and attended the scene to investigate. MARCH 1 4
1:50 PM |Emergency crews responded to the farm property at 2191 Arthur St. N. in Woolwich Township. An employee of the farm was inside the greenhouse, standing on a piece of equipment
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7:31 AM | A Wellington County OPP officer patrolling Wellington Road 7, north of Wellington Road 10, in Mapleton Township observed a man driving a 2007 Dodge van well above the posted speed limit. The northbound vehicle was caught on radar doing 112 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. His driver’s licence and vehicle were seized for a period of seven days as per statute. The 46-year-old Kitchener man was charged with ‘race a motor vehicle contrary to the Highway Traffic Act.’ He was scheduled to appear in Guelph Provincial Court on May 20 to answer the charge.
attempting to fix an electric motor near the ceiling when he lost his footing and fell approximately 14 feet to the floor. The 24-year-old male victim was transported to Hamilton General Hospital by air ambulance with head and back injuries. The Ministry of Labor was notified.
4:31 PM | Police received a report of a minor rear-end collision at the intersection of Arthur Street and Listowel Road in Elmira. There were no charges. 9:41 PM | A business on Union Street in Elmira had copper materials stolen from its site, likely the previous afternoon. The theft is under investigation.
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Income splitting is all about the re-election bid Facing a weakening economy, lower commodity revenues and a sinking loonie, the federal government is pressing ahead with its re-election plans, the costs be damned. That includes income splitting, which came under fire this week when the Parliamentary Budget Officer released a report saying the move would cost $2.2 billion while benefitting just 15 per cent of Canadian households. Of course, that will tend to be the top 15 per cent of households in the country, a prime target in Stephen Harper’s election bid. Known as the family tax cut, the move allows someone to transfer up to $50,000 of taxable income to a spouse in lower tax bracket. The benefits are restricted to households with children under age 18, to an upper limit of $2,000 in reduced tax per household each year. It’s to be retroactive to the 2014 taxation year. When the cut was announced last year, the government expected a small surplus in 2015. Income splitting and some other boutique tax cuts favoured by Harper – aimed at currying favour from voters with the most potential, i.e. vote buying – would have eaten away most of the surplus. The goal was re-election, not good fiscal management. As a bonus, the cuts would handcuff a new government should the Conservatives lose. Now, of course, the financial picture is much different, largely due to falling oil prices. Still, there’s an election looming, so it’s full speed ahead, consequences be damned. Harper was on the defensive this week given the PBO’s report, but pushed on, ignoring the near-universal panning of the scheme, just as he did the advice of his former finance minister, the late Jim Flaherty. As critics have noted, income splitting as it’s now devised contradicts the stated goal of helping families with children, as those who need the most help will receive little if any benefit from the cuts. Instead, those families in the best financial situation already will profit most – 40 per cent of the benefit to those earning more than $125,000 a year, for instance. The average benefit of income splitting across all households is only $185, though nine out of 10 households will receive nothing. “The majority of Canadian families with children under 18 would get no benefit at all from the Conservatives’ income splitting scheme, despite this group being the express target of the tax policy,” says a report from the Broadbent Institute, which also found the policy will likely impose other costs on Canadians due to foregone federal revenues. If forced to answer honestly, the government would have to admit the $2.2 billion would go much further if directed at those who really need it. That would, however, involve the government putting what’s right and proper ahead of politicking. As such, don’t count on it ever happening. Instead, the Conservatives will continue on with a policy that turns upside down the standard goal of a progressive tax system, giving the biggest benefits to the people who need them the least. When large ‘across the board’ tax cuts are made to that progressive system, those tax cuts will always give the biggest tax benefits to those with the biggest incomes. That’s the reality of many of the Conservative budgetary moves. There has been little progress in reducing child poverty, for instance, and Canadians have been losing ground on the employment and income fronts, with government policies making the situation worse.
For some people, it may have been March, but it was certainly no Break at all ... except in comparison to what’s to come in June. WORLD view / GWYNNE DYER
The big question: How long will the oil stay cheap? WORLD AFFAIRS I’m in Alberta, the province that produces most of Canada’s oil, and there’s only one question on everybody’s lips: How long will the oil price stay down? It has fallen by more than half in the past nine months – West Texas Intermediate is $48 per barrel today – and further falls are predicted for the coming weeks. This hits jobs and government revenues hard in big oil-producing centres like Alberta, Texas and the British North Sea, but its effects reach farther than that. “Clean” energy producers are seeing demand for their solar panels and windmills drop as oil gets more competitive. Electric cars, which were expected to make a major market breakthrough this year, are losing out to traditional gas-guzzlers that are now cheap to run again. Countries that have become too dependent on oil revenues are in deep trouble, like Russia (where
the rouble has lost half its value in six months) and Venezuela. Countries like India, which imports most of its oil, are getting a big economic boost from the lower oil price. So how long this goes on matters to a great many people. The answer may lie in two key numbers. Saudi Arabia has $900 billion in cash reserves, so it can afford to keep the oil price low for at least a couple of years. The “frackers” who have added four million barrels/day to U.S. oil production in the past five years (and effectively flooded the market) already owe an estimated $160 billion to the banks. They will have to borrow a lot more to stay in business while the oil price is low, because almost none of them can make a profit at the current price. Production costs in the oil world are deep, dark secrets, but nobody believes that oil produced by hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) comes in at less than $60-$70 per barrel. The real struggle is between the frackers and Saudi Arabia, because the latter is the “swing producer”
in OPEC (the Organisation of Petroleum-Exporting Countries), the cartel that has dominated the global oil market for the past 50 years. All oil exporters want to keep the price high, but Saudi Arabia was the one OPEC member that could and would cut its production sharply for a while when an over-supply of oil in the market was driving prices down. It could afford to do that because it has a relatively small population, very large savings – and a cost of production so low that it can make some profit on its oil at almost any price. But even the Saudis cannot work miracles. They can aim for maximum production or maximum price; they cannot do both at the same time. Normally they would cut production temporarily to get the price back up. This time they refused to cut production and let the price collapse, despite the anguished pleas of some other OPEC members that need money now. The Saudis are thinking strategically. OPEC only controls about 30 per cent
of world oil production, which is a very low share for a cartel that seeks to control the price. If fracking continues to expand in the United States, then OPEC’s market share will fall even further. So it has to drive the frackers out of business now. At first glance the Saudis look like sure winners, because they can live with low prices a lot longer than the deeply indebted frackers can. The banks that have lent the frackers so much money already won’t get it back if the industry implodes in a wave of bankruptcies, but they don’t want to throw good money after bad. The real wild card here is the U.S. government, which wants the “energy independence” that only more domestic oil production through fracking can provide. Will it let the American fracking industry go under, or will it give it the loan guarantees and direct subsidies that would let it wait the Saudis out? Stupid question. Of course it will do what is necessary to save the frackDYER | 8
COMMENT | 7
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, March 21, 2015
Their view / question OF THE WEEK
What are you looking forward to with spring’s arrival?
»»Myah Shantz
»»Sydney Meunier
No more snow.
Not having to wear a winter jacket and boots. Riding my bike.
»»Veronica Mensch
»»Marlee Kernick
»»Regan Schneider
Being active outdoors.
The warm weather.
“The fact that CSIS is given no oversight, should be a major concern to all Canadians, as this potential for abuse of power.” Stefan Beaudoin | 8 HIS view / STEVE KANNON
Bill C-51 poses far more threats to you than terrorism does EDITOR'S NOTES Feel like you’re under siege, in imminent danger? Probably not, but the Conservative government wants you to be. That’s why Stephen Harper and his band of not-so-merry cronies spend so much time talking about terrorism, Islamists and guns. They want you to be afraid, just like they fear losing the next election. With a penchant for control – in this case, a drift towards a police state – and a pressing need right now to change the channel away from his government’s numerous miscues, misdemeanours and felonies, Harper is going all in with the fear motif. For critics, and there are many, it’s a clear indication of some fascist tendencies. Such is the impetus for the latest poorly devised and even more poorly received legislation, Bill C-51, the purported Antiterrorism Act. The government moved
to push ahead with this latest anti-democratic legislation to take advantage of the public relations value of the attacks in Ottawa and Quebec in this country, as well as the widely discussed Charlie Hebdo case and attacks in Sydney and Copenhagen. The goal is not your protection, but the stripping of your rights and privacy. The more urgent goal is fomenting fear as a re-election strategy. With Canadians finally taking note of Harper’s fiscal incompetence, persistent mismanagement on just about every file – from veteran support and military procurement, for those on the gung-ho front, to weakening environmental oversight, abasement of science and fawning corporatism, for those of us who care about the quality of life and the future of the country – fear is the only page left in the Republican playbook. The fear-mongering struck a chord right off the bat, but the more Canadians come to know about Bill C-51 – and the farther removed we come from the emotionally charged incidents – the more we grow
HOW TO REACH US
dians want to change Bill C-51 – just 19 per cent want to pass the bill as written. Thirty-four per cent want to see more oversight, while 38 per cent want to fight the bill unless it’s changed significantly. “These remarkable polling numbers prove that the more Canadians learn about Bill C-51, the less they like it,” says David Christopher of OpenMedia. “Opposition to this reckless, dangerous, and ineffective legislation is surging across Canada, as awareness spreads about how it would undermine our privacy and democratic freedoms.” OpenMedia is one of many groups opposed to C-51. The long list includes Democracy Watch, which this week pressed for whistleblower provisions for those who see firsthand the abuses that the legislation is open to. “Conduct codes and independent, effective whistleblower protection are essential to prevent abuses of power and it is extremely dangerous that Canada’s spy agencies and military are not required
to have these key accountability measures,” says Duff Conacher, the group’s cofounder and visiting professor at the University of Ottawa. “Even if the federal government’s unconstitutional proposed Bill C-51 doesn’t become law, these measures are essential to increase the ethics and accountability of Canada’s spy agencies and military.” Democracy Watch’s position is, as most experts have concluded, that the proposed Bill C-51 is unconstitutional in its current form because it increases the police powers of CSIS in overly vague ways that include actions that violate Charter rights. The sweeping powers and vague language of the bill leaves Canadians open to routine violations of their rights, particularly their privacy. The prospect exists for almost anyone to be treated as suspect. It’s not difficult to foresee the label of “enemy” being affixed to environmentalists opposed to a pipeline project, or to anyone opposed to Harper – he of the already established Nixonian enemies list.
Certain types have always had the urge to spy on people; in the post-9/11 world, the paranoid and dictatorial have found new ways to curtail public freedoms. Their attempts to play on current fears have many precedents – think of McCarthyism and the state police of hundreds of oppressive regimes. Those who would take your freedoms argue such measures are little grief if only one terrorist is thwarted or one criminal swept up. The argument holds no merit, as taking away the rights of everyone to round up a few smacks of a bad deal – as Benjamin Franklin noted, “Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.” Information gathered will do nothing to deter real crime, but would serve as an excellent vehicle for public control. Misuse would be rampant. Throw in a lack of data security and oversight and we quickly see the perils become even greater. Kannon | 8
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to see it as a fundamental attack on us all. A newly published poll by Forum Research tracks the swing in public assessment of what’s being called the “secret police” bill. The poll shows that 50 per cent of Canadians now oppose the bill, with just 38 per cent approving, a dramatic shift away from the initial acceptance shown by citizens. The poll was published just days after thousands of Canadians took to the streets in some 70 communities across Canada, as part of a National Day of Action last weekend. Overall, the poll found 56 per cent agreed Canada needs stiffer anti-terrorism legislation compared to 70 per cent in November. When asked their approval of a number of specific provisions of Bill C-51, the majority disapprove of allowing security services to infiltrate and track environmentalists, First Nations and pipeline protesters (61 per cent), and the lack of parliamentary oversight included in the bill (52 per cent). More than 4 in 5 Cana-
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8 | COMMENT
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, March 21, 2015
The MONITOR
VERBATIM
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
Canada’s population was estimated at 35,702,700 on Jan. 1, 2015, up 26,900 from Oct. 1, 2014. The population growth rate in Canada was 0.1% in the fourth quarter, similar to the growth rate in the fourth quarter of 2013. Yearly population growth stood at 1.0% in 2014, also similar to the growth rate observed in 2013 (+1.1%).
“Yeah I understand that, but somebody has to stand up to corrupt politicians and civil servants. That’s my line. Civil servants are supposed to work for the people. They’re paid a certain amount of money, and that’s it. These people are looting the government for huge amounts of money for their own interest and their own benefits. The people of Canada should not accept this. This is a big deal, it really is.”
High school athletes are on track to better facilities in the wake of a $750,000 funding commitment made this week. The decision by the Waterloo Region District School Board will see a $450,000 regulation-size football field and five-lane cinder track built on part of the former Elmira Raceway lands. A further $300,000 will be used to revamp the current sports field behind the school.
»»Statistics Canada
»»Reflecting the views many Canadians, Barry Ceminchuk, a 62-year-old Edmonton
»»From the Mar. 24, 2007 edition of The Observer
man, discusses the impetus for launching his own federal political party, the Looter Party
Dyer: Expect some upheavel
National view
before oil prices start climbing
FROM | 6
ing industry. Ideology goes out the window in a case like this: you can get bipartisan support in Washington for protecting a key American industry from “unfair” foreign competition. That will certainly be enough to keep the frackers in the game for another two or three years. Meanwhile, the OPEC members that depend on oil income to keep large populations well fed and at least marginally content (e.g. Iran, Nigeria and Venezuela) will be facing
massive public protest, and possibly even the threat of revolution. Their governments will be putting huge pressure on Saudi Arabia to save them by cutting production and driving the price back up. It’s impossible to say how this game will end, but it’s pretty easy to say when. Two years ought to do it. Once the outcome is clear, the price of oil will start going back up no matter which side wins, but it will go up relatively slowly. We are unlikely to see $100-abarrel oil again before 2020 at the earliest.
Kannon: Governments will do
you more harm than terrorists
FROM | 7
There is a very small chance Islamic terrorists will have a negative impact on your life. There’s a 100 per cent chance the government will do you harm,
from undermining your rights to picking your pocket. Bill C-51, like all of the government’s policies, is not being rammed through for your benefit. We are bright enough, however, to see who stands to gain.
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Your view / letter To the Editor, Harper’s Bill C-51, or the terror bill, is an attack against law-abiding Canadian citizens’ freedoms and right to free speech, under the guise of helping us. There is no law that can stop someone from strapping on a pipe bomb and blowing themselves up somewhere in Canada. So there is no reason to curtail our freedoms over the actions of a criminal few. The fact that CSIS is given no oversight, should be a major concern to all Canadians, as this potential for abuse of power. The fact that Harper is trying to ram this bill through
with no debate should also be a sign that this bill is intended for something other than what we are being told. Everyone should stand up against this bill, as it’s dangerous because it opens the door for violations of our Charter rights including censorship of free expression online. “Any society that gives up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.” – Benjamin Franklin I encourage Canadians to learn more about how we can work together to stop this “secret police” bill at StopC51.ca
Stefan Beaudoin | Elora
SPORTS | 9
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, March 21, 2015
SPORTS Hockey / Junior b
Kings sweep Waterloo Siskins Elmira to face the Stratford Cullitons in showdown for Midwestern Conference’s Cherrey Cup SCOTT BARBER After sweeping away the Waterloo Siskins this week, the Elmira Sugar Kings are headed to the Cherrey Cup finals. Coming off a first place finish in the GOJHL Midwestern Conference, the Kings are a perfect 8-0 through the first two rounds of the playoffs. And it’s taken a total team effort, director of hockey operations Jeff Snyder said. “I thought our guys really played well and really ramped their game up from the first round against Brampton to the second round against Waterloo where they played much better.” Head coach Jeff Flanagan concurred. “We’ve been playing a strong defensive game,” he said. “That’s what we identified as a whole heading into the playoffs; defence is going to be the key difference as we head on through.” Rookie forward Klayton Hoelscher has been on fire, notching 10 goals and a pair of assists in the post season so far. It’s been quite a stretch for the West Montrose native, Snyder and Flanagan said. Wellesley resident Brendan Schneider has also been very good, they added. They’ve needed the young guys to step up in the absence of veterans Rob Kohli and Cash Seraphim.
not so great outdoorsman / STEVE GALEA
Keeping track of your ice fishing rods OPEN COUNTRY
Sugar Kings defenceman Adam Brubacher evades a defender during Elmira’s 3-0 victory over the Waterloo Siskins Mar. 15 at the WMC. Ethan Skinner has also missed time, though the coaching staff is hopeful the break between rounds two and three will help their ailing guys to heal up. “(Schneider and Hoelscher) were down in our lineup during the year, but I think that shows the benefit of Jeff (Flanagan) playing all four lines during the season, because those guys got a chance to really develop and now that they’ve got an opportunity to move up in the lineup they have really stepped up,” Snyder said. On the backend, Mid-
western Conference defenceman of the year Mac Clutsam has continued to be a force at both ends of the ice. He leads the team with four goals and 12 assists. The series with the Siskins – a rematch of last year’s second round, which saw Waterloo come back from a 3-1 hole to take the series in seven games – started with a 4-2 win at home on March 11. The Kings doubled up Waterloo again on March 14 at the Waterloo Recreation Centre. It was more of the same
[Scott Barber / The Observer]
the next night at the WMC where the home side cruised to a 3-0 victory. And finally, they sealed the deal with another 6-3 road win on Tuesday. “I thought we really played well as a team throughout the series and (Jonathan Reinhart) was really good in goal when we needed him to be,” Snyder said. Now, the Kings will battle the Stratford Cullitons for the Cherrey Cup. The series schedule has not been made official yet, but it is expected to start in Elmira this week.
If they can better the Cullies in the best of seven series, they’ll get a shot at the Sutherland Cup, which will pit the winner of each GOJHL conference (Midwestern, Golden Horseshoe and West) along with a wildcard (top team in the league by winning percentage that did not win their conference) in a two-round showdown. The Elmira Sugar Kings have won seven Cherrey Cups and three Sutherland Cups in their history. The last championship title came during the 2010-11 campaign.
Right now, a lot of people will tell you that we are entering the turkey or trout season – and that’s true. But we are also entering a season that few outdoorsmen openly speak about. I’m talking about the new ice fishing rod season. We don’t speak about it because remaining silent on this touchy subject promotes peace in the household. Plus, you don’t want other ice anglers to beat you to the deals out there. Yet, if you look around any ice angler’s basement, garage or secret closet right about now, you’ll probably see several new ice fishing rods and reels. Some with the price tags still on them. The reason is simple. First, most stores put them on sale right now. That’s because in summer no one buys them. That is a shame too, because fish look huge in comparison. Second, only a heartless angler could walk by a lonely ice fishing rod and not feel obliged to provide it with a loving home. This is something best left unsaid, however. And lastly, a new rod Galea | 11
Girls hockey marks a strong year in Woolwich
Five WGMHA teams heading to provincials, while four LL teams to compete in Kitchener semi-finals Whitney Neilson
While many minor hockey teams are hanging up their skates for the season, the Woolwich Girls Minor Hockey Association must be doing something right because five of their teams are off to provincials, while another four local league teams will compete in the Kitchener Minor
Hockey Association semifinals in the coming weeks. The provincials-bound teams are Novice C, Atom C, Atom B, Peewee BB and Midget BB. The Novice LL, Peewee LL, Bantam LL and Intermediate LL will head to the KMHA semi-finals. WGMHA president Kevin Schmitt said they certainly didn’t have this good of a showing last season.
“Four of six of our local league teams are going to the semi finals, which is outstanding as well, given the size of our centre and the fact that this year we had over 200 registrants in our association, that’s outstanding,” Schmitt said. To his knowledge, it’s the most teams they’ve ever sent to provincials. The last banner they won was a
silver banner two years ago by the Novice C team. “I would say it’s the hard work and a great bunch of volunteers that we have that coach for them,” Schmitt said. “Things just seemed to go well for the teams, and some years you get that, some years you don’t.” Some of them had to qualify to keep playing,
while others got byes to continue based on where they play. “Depending upon how many teams are in each division in that area would depend upon how many get to go,” Schmitt said. “An example would be the Atom B team. There were six teams in the division and three get to go.” While the playdowns are
going, they’re also doing Lower Lakes championships, Lower Lakes being the league that all but one of their teams are in. The other team lost out on a fourth round tiebreaker. “That was disappointing for the girls, but in the same breath they still have provincials to look forward Hockey | 11
10 | SPORTS
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, March 21, 2015
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SPORTS | 11
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, March 21, 2015
galea: Out
of sight is out of your mind from | 9
provides hope that next ice season will be better than the last. By the way, I don’t care how great last ice season was, an angler is always looking to improve upon it. The good news is ice fishing rods are easy to hide. Some are so small you could probably stick them up a nostril in a pinch. True, the cork handle might make this a little uncomfortable but far less uncomfortable than trying to explain why you bought yet another rod to add to the already huge collection your spouse knows about. The problem with this is that, if you are not careful, things can rapidly get out of hand. A quick survey of my basement man-cave area shows that I’ve got at least eight ice fishing rods in plain sight and, those are just the ones rigged up. There are probably four or five more that are stashed away somewhere. I’m not saying having so many ice fishing rods is wrong. I’m just saying it’s something you’d be wise to keep quiet about – especially since everyone is on about global warming these days. That’s a problem, too. You see, there once was a time when I could defend the number of ice fishing rods, reels and lures I had by suggesting that the next ice age was coming and we’d probably need them. These days, you are just as likely to have them confiscated and used as a stake for house plants. Because of this I believe the very best thing to do is just slip them in the house. I prefer inside my pant leg – which, by the way is not something you can do with most open-water rods. Trust me. The cork handle can cause issues. My experience is that it is best to hide your ice fishing rods in several locations in case one stash gets found. For us 50-somethings, however, this can be problematic, memories not being what they used to be. If you are like me and most of my middle-aged fishing buddies, next winter you’ll be scurrying around like a chipmunk with memory loss. You’ll be digging through all sorts of places until you find one of those ice fishing treasures you buried last spring. Heck, I just found a rod I bought last spring yesterday. It was propping up my spouse’s Amaryllis.
Race on, whatever the weather
3rd annual Steaming Nostril event will see cyclists take to the roads of Wellesley and Woolwich Mar. 29 SCOTT BARBER
They say hockey players are tough with their fighting, missing teeth and open-ice body checks. But this month, Waterloo Region cyclists will give them a run for their money. The third annual Steaming Nostril race is set to take over the back roads of Woolwich and Wellesley townships March 29, and if last year’s event is any indication, completing the course won’t be for the faint of heart. “The riders make this a really fun event,” organizer Malcolm Steven said. “There is a core group of wave one riders who are out there racing and definitely want to win, and everyone is basically out there just trying to survive.” Last year, the temperature was around minus-13 Celsius with a wind chill making it feel closer to minus-17, Steven said. But cyclists here in the Waterloo Region are a hardy bunch, and they are plenty eager to get back
into racing shape at Cycle Waterloo’s next event. And rider safety is paramount, as paramedics and pick-up vehicles are always at the ready should a participant need assistance, and off-duty police will be on hand to make sure roads are closed and vehicles are kept away from racers. This year, the start and finish point has moved from the Woolwich Memorial Centre in Elmira to the Woolwich Township Arena in St. Jacobs. The event features two races, the 68 km Steaming Nostril and the 35 km Runny Nose. For the big course, riders will need to be on their game. “It leaves Parkside Drive right by the Snider Park, and riders will take King Street north, up towards the Hawkesville area,” Steven said. “We try to find as much gravel road as possible for this race. So they head up to Three Bridges and take a left onto Hemlock Hill, and then it changes over to Township of Wellesley as riders
Instead of starting in Elmira, as was the case last spring, this year’s event starts and finishes in St. Jacobs. move towards Temperance which pops out at Herrgott, and then they take Lawson, which goes all the way out towards Ament Line. Then it goes over to Hackbart, and I guess the best way to explain it is that it goes north from there up all the way as far as Chalmers Forest Road before moving its way through the rural roads back towards St. Jacobs.” The finish will be unique, as riders will need
to disembark and carry their bikes up a number of steps to the finish line in the cross-racing fashion. The exact routes for the races have not been made public yet, because a number of private farm lanes will be used and organizers don’t want racers to ride those lanes in preparation for the event. Steven helps put together the race with Blake Ellis of Cycle Waterloo and the Waterloo Cycling Club.
[File PHoto]
Steaming Nostril is the first event of four races they put on each year, with the KW Classic in Hawkesville, the Kitchener Twilight Grand Prix and the St. Jacobsbased Tour de Waterloo all scheduled for June. With 225 riders already preregistered for this month’s ride, Steven is expecting upwards of 300 participants this year. For more information, visit: www.cyclewaterloo. com.
Hockey: Each team working hard to be the best in the province at its level from | 9
to,” Schmitt said. He said the teams are getting ready for provincials and the semis with their usual practices, along with exhibition games, leading up to it. For a few teams, it was a tight race
just to get to provincials. “The Midget BBs just qualified late last week in Cambridge and I think it was a very close game,” Schmitt said. “The Atom B team, they didn’t think they made it until they got a phone call that it came
down to a tiebreaker and it was a very close one for them to get in as well.” He noted the PeeWee BBs did very well this year and qualifying wasn’t easy, but it also wasn’t too tough. The Novice C team had to beat Twin Centre and they
put them out in a best of three series. They’ll be going to provincials instead of Twin Centre. Schmitt said the idea of provincials from the Ontario Minor Hockey Association’s perspective is to try to have a team from
every zone in the province represented in a year-end tournament. “Every team tries to strive to go to provincials,” Schmitt said. “It’s the best in the province. In theory, it’s the best teams in the province in that level.”
THE SCORE
Woolwich Wildcats
TC novices sweep through finals
Minor Atom: A March 10 vs Milton Home: 2 Visitor: 6 Goals: Jordan Chang, Cade Beacom Assists: Ethan Bickerton, Joey Martin March 13 vs Milton Home: 2 Visitor: 1 Goals: Joey Martin, Cade Beacom Assists: Denver Martin, Eric Hutton
Midget: AE Feb. 27 vs Amherstburg Home: 2 Visitor: 4 Goals: Riley Brick (2) Assists: Dan Rennie, Kyle Brohman Feb. 28 vs Amherstburg Home: 1 Visitor: 3 Goal: Jacob Bruder Assists: Jordan Shantz, Adam Jokic March 1 vs Amherstburg Home: 4 Visitor: 1 Goals: Brant McLaughlin (2), Adam Jokic, Jacob Bruder Assists: Connor Goss (2), Jordan Shantz (2), Dan Rennie
Major PeeWee: A March 13 vs Oakville Home: 3 Visitor: 4 Goals: Keaton McLaughlin, Jesse Martin, Cole Chipman Assists: Nathan Taylor, Brett Allen, Blake Roemer, Jake Clemmer, Eric Martin, Cameron Martin
Major Bantam: A March 10 vs New Hamburg Home: 4 Visitor: 5 Goals: Evan Gowing (2), John Wang, Kyle Bruder Assists: Daniel Car, Devin Williams, Cade Schaus, Cole Altman (2) March 12 vs Caledon Home: 9 Visitor: 4 Goals: Nolan McLaughlin, Jesse Sterling, Riley
Runstedler (3), Cade Schaus (2), Evan Gowing, Zach Cribbin Assists: Evan Gowing, Devin Williams (2), Daniel Carr, Riley Runstedler (2), Jesse Sterling (4), Cade Schaus (2), Brad Hale, Kyle Bruder (2), Austin Flaherty
Juvenile: A The Twin Centre Stars Novice Rep hockey team won the OMHA finals against South Huron on Mar. 7, sweeping a best-of-five series. The Stars won game 1 (4-1), game 2 (3-1) and game 3 (3-2). The win capped a 55-3-3 season. The team also won 1st place in the Preston, BCH (Hensall) and Bill Batten Memorial (Exeter) tournaments. Front row: Alex Martin, Nate Gawthorn, Isaac Lorentz, Jackson Bowman, Evan Reid, Rowan Henderson. Middle row: Kayden Burger, Colton Henderson, Orrin Schieck, Jacob Pfohl, Brayden Stumpf. Back row: Andrew Henderson (manager), Kory Lorentz (head coach), Chad Stumpf (assistant coach), Joe Gawthorn (trainer). [Submitted]
March 14 vs Erie North Shore Home: 2 Visitor: 3 Goals: Logan White, Dalton Taylor Assists: Dalton Taylor, Conor Jansen, Clinton Dechert, Logan White March 15 vs Erie North Shore Home: 0 Visitor: 3
12 | VENTURE
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, March 21, 2015
Venture business is sweet / Going with the flow
Maple producers now on the run Winter may have been cold, but it should make for great yields and flavour for this year’s syrup Scott Barber Now that February’s record-breaking deep freeze is behind us, maple syrup producers across the region are hard at work harvesting some of the world’s best syrup. And so far, March has been a great month for the sap run. “We had an extremely cold February, as we all know, and we figured it would take a while for the trees to warm up,” West Montrose syrup producer Fred Martin said. “At the first tapping ceremony (February 27) I think it was minus -24 and we all knew full well we weren’t going to see any sap flow that day, but here we are two weeks later and we’ve made a third of a crop already. It’s a good reminder of how quickly the weather can change, and it’s been very favourable.” It’s all about the weather for the maple syrup industry. The season starts when temperatures fluctuate between roughly plus-five and minus-five degrees
Food for thought/ Owen Roberts
Let’s hear about the issue first, not opinion FIELD NOTES
Fred Martin of West Montrose Maple Products will run a mobile sugar shack at the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival on Mar. 28. Celsius during the day and night. It closes when extended warmth causes the maple tree to bud. So the longer temperatures stay in that minus-five to plusfive degree sweet spot, the more syrup that gets made. When things go well, the economic impact is huge.
A 2012 study by the Ontario Maple Syrup Producer’s Association estimated the impact to top $53 million. That figure takes into account the production of some 2,755 operations with four million taps creating nearly 3.9 million litres of syrup each year.
[Scott Barber / The OBserver]
Many of the best sugar bushes are right here in Woolwich and Wellesley townships. “The Ontario average is a litre of syrup per tap,” Martin explained. “A lot of producers in this area make 1.25 litres to as high as two litres per tap. And that has
to do with the area that we are in the Great Lakes basin and we get some ideal maple syrup days with the right temperature fluctuation. We’ve also got good soil which leads to healthy trees, and this area is Syrup | 24
Remember your parents telling you “If I want your opinion, I’ll ask for it!”? Well, too bad for them. Now, you have social media. You don’t need to seek permission anymore to give your opinion. You don’t even need anyone to ask you for it, you can just give it freely. And you sure don’t need anyone to tell you to keep it to yourself. You have the tools to give it, over and over again. But does that mean you should? I think so. Freedom of speech is a fundamental to democracy. But first, think, and make sure people understand what you’re talking about – that is, make sure they understand the issue, Roberts | 20
PUBLIC NOTICE for Waterloo North Hydro Inc. Customers
We are updating our Conditions of Service. This document is available for viewing at: http://www.wnhydro.com/en/conditions-ofservice.asp. Comments on the revised document should be directed to eclerk@wnhydro.com on or before Wednesday April 22, 2015. Revisions to this document are noted in Appendix ‘B’. These revised Conditions of Service are planned to come into effect on Friday April 24, 2015.
T:10.25”
VENTURE | 13
Love it
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, March 21, 2015
Drive it
GET UP TO IN TOTAL DISCOUNTS PULL-AHEAD
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ON SELECT MODELS
2015 RAM 1500 QUAD CAB SXT 4X4
26,995
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STEP UP TO THE 2015 RAM 1500 CREW CAB SXT 4X4 FOR ONLY
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REBUILDING YOUR CREDIT? NON-PRIME RATES FROM ONLY 4.99% OAC≈ Wise customers read the fine print: Ω, ◊, », *, ‡, ≈, § The Drive It Love It Sales Event offers are limited time offers which apply to retail deliveries of selected in-stock new and unused models purchased/leased from participating retailers on or after March 3, 2015. Offers subject to change and may be extended or changed without notice. All pricing includes freight ($1,695), air-conditioning charge (if applicable), tire levy and OMVIC fee. Pricing excludes licence, insurance, registration, any retailer administration fees, other retailer charges and other applicable fees and taxes. Financing and lease offers available to qualified customers on approved credit. Retailer order/trade may be necessary. Retailer may sell for less. ΩFinance Pull-Ahead Bonus Cash and 1% Rate Reduction are available to eligible customers on the retail purchase/lease of select 2015 Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram or FIAT models at participating retailers from March 3-31, 2015 inclusive. Pull-Ahead Bonus Cash will be deducted from the negotiated price after taxes. Excludes 2015 Chrysler 200, 2015 Dodge Journey CVP/SE, 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan CVP, 2015 Dodge Dart, 2015 Dodge Challenger/Charger SRT Hellcat, 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sport (JKJL72), 2015 Jeep Compass (select models), 2015 Jeep Patriot, 2015 Cherokee (Sport 4x2), 2015 Jeep Renegade, 2015 Ram Cargo Van (C/V), 2015 Ram ProMaster City, 2015 Ram 1500 (Reg Cab 4x2 & 4x4), 2015 FIAT 500 Pop/500L Pop. 1% Rate Reduction applies on approved credit to qualifying subvented financing transactions through RBC, TD Auto Finance & Scotiabank and cannot be used to reduce the final interest rate below 0%. Eligible customers include all original and current owners of a Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram or FIAT model with an eligible standard/subvented finance or lease contract maturing between September 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018. Trade-in not required. See retailers for complete details. ◊$10,000 in Total Discounts is available on new 2015 Ram 1500 models (excluding Reg Cab) and consists of $8,500 in Consumer Cash Discounts and $1,500 in Ram Truck Loyalty/Conquest Bonus Cash. See your retailer for complete details. »$1,500 Ram Truck Loyalty/Conquest/Skilled Trades Bonus Cash is available on the retail purchase/lease of 2014/2015 Ram 1500 (excludes Regular Cab), 2014 Ram 2500/3500, 2014 Ram ProMaster or 2014 Ram Cargo Van and is deducted from the negotiated price after taxes. Eligible customers include: 1. Current owners/lessees of a Dodge or Ram Pickup Truck or Large Van or any other manufacturer’s Pickup Truck or Large Van. The vehicle must have been owned/leased by the eligible customer and registered in their name on or before March 1, 2015. Proof of ownership/lease agreement will be required. 2. Customers who are skilled tradesmen or are acquiring a skilled trade. This includes Licensed Tradesmen, Certified Journeymen or customers who have completed an Apprenticeship Certification. A copy of the Trade Licence/Certification required. 3. Customers who are Baeumler Approved service providers. Proof of membership is required. Limit one $1,500 bonus cash offer per eligible truck transaction. Some conditions apply. See your retailer for complete details. *Consumer Cash Discounts are deducted from the negotiated price before taxes. ‡3.49% purchase financing for up to 96 months available on new select models through RBC, Scotiabank and TD Auto Finance. Retailer order/trade may be necessary. Examples: 2015 Ram 1500 Quad Cab SXT 4x4 (25A+AGR)/2015 Dodge Grand Caravan Canada Value Package/2015 Chrysler 200 LX/2015 Dodge Journey Canada Value Package with a Purchase Price of $26,995/$19,995/$19,995/$19,995, with a $0 down payment, financed at 3.49% for 96 months equals 208 bi-weekly payments of $149/$110/$110/$110 with a cost of borrowing of $3,983/$2,950/$2,950/$2,950 and a total obligation of $30,977.62/$22,944.90/$22,944.90/$22,944.90. ≈Non-prime financing available on approved credit. 4.99% financing available on 2015 Ram 1500 Quad 4x4 SXT/2015 Chrysler 200 LX/2015 Jeep Patriot Sport 4x2. 6.99% financing available on select 2015 models. Financing examples: 2015 Chrysler 200 LX/2015 Dodge Grand Caravan Canada Value Package with a Purchase Price of $19,995/$19,995 financed at 4.99%/6.99% over 84 months, equals 182 bi-weekly payments of $130/$139 for a total finance obligation of $23,731.14/$25,341.15. Some conditions apply. See your retailer for complete details. §Starting From Prices for vehicles shown include Consumer Cash Discounts and do not include upgrades (e.g., paint). Upgrades available for additional cost. ^Based on IHS Automotive: Polk Canadian Vehicles in Operation data available as of July, 2014 for Crossover Segments as defined by FCA Canada Inc. ±Based on 2014 Ward’s Lower Middle Sedan segmentation. Excludes other vehicles designed and manufactured by FCA US LLC. ®Jeep is a registered trademark of FCA US LLC used under license by FCA Canada Inc. TMThe SiriusXM logo is a registered trademark of SiriusXM Satellite Radio Inc.
T:14”
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14 | THE ARTS
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, March 21, 2015
THE ARTS on stage / Live theatre
A playwright’s view of life in Iraq UW professor offers up his postwar take on the situation in his home country in The Widow, to be staged Mar. 31 Whitney Neilson Previously showcased at Summerworks in Toronto, Canada’s largest juried performance festival, University of Waterloo professor Amir Al-Azraki’s The Widow takes the stage for a one-night-only performance in Waterloo at the end of the month. Al-Azraki, who lectures in the Islam department, came to Canada from Iraq in 2007. He started writing plays in late 2008, like this one which is based primarily in his home country. “I actually witnessed this story,” Al-Azraki said. “It’s not my story but one of my colleagues. I used to teach at the university there. This story happened when I was there to one of my colleagues so I was a witness, a very close witness to that story.” The play follows Nour, a widow from the 2003 Iraq War who has an affair with Samir, a young teacher. He leaves the country after being threatened by a militia group and winds up in Canada as a refugee. Eventually he returns to Iraq to be with Nour. He says it was essential for him to address the issue of oppression of women, particularly in Iraq. “I think it’s important and different from most of the plays written about the Iraq war,” Al-Azraki said. “I’m different because I believe the main problem is not with the invasion. I believe it’s the society itself, our society and the people who are responsible for the
completely understand the culture. “The difficulty is even though we have actors whose backgrounds are Arabs, they don’t speak Arabic, but their family they are Arabs, the problem of relating to that context and understanding it fully was problematic,” Al-Azraki said. “But they did a very good job at the end and I’m very happy with their acting and their integration into identifying with their characters as well.” He says the play is different from your typical Arab story because it tackles difficult subjects. It references questioning the belief in heaven or hell described in the Quran, for example, somewhat of a taboo idea. The play received rave reviews at Summerworks, and he notes they had almost a full house for the 10 days of productions. “I think blaming Americans for the chaos in the country for me became a cliché exhausted by the media and politicians, when really it’s pragmatic reasons,” Al-Azraki said. The Widow will be performed on March 31 at 6:30 p.m. at the Theatre of Arts, at the University of Waterloo. Tickets are free for students and $12 for nonstudents. Students can reserve their seats online.
things happening in Iraq. We try to blame Americans for everything we have here, for the division, the corruption, the violence, which is not true.” Al-Azraki was privy to many other stories in Iraq, as he worked not only as a teacher, but a fixer and translator for foreign journalists there to cover the post-war events. Those stories inspired him to write about the reality of living in Iraq, and the issues that persist. “I witnessed a lot of stories and things that happened that I feel I need to show these stories to the world, and to write about them, just personal and human stories that need a lot of attention,” Al-Azraki said. “My working with journalists was actually very useful and at the same time it was an avenue that I can remember most of the horrible stories that I witnessed as a translator and a fixer. I’m trying to write about them now.” He attempts to depict the fragile social construction of the country, while touching on a bevy of topics like love, hope, female sexuality, abortion, immigration, and refugee employment. Some of his other plays include Waiting for Gilgamesh: Scenes from Iraq, Courage: A Monologue on Nonsense, and Stuck, which were produced in Boston, the University of Toronto, and the University of Basra, Iraq. The characters in the play are Arabs, as are many of the cast members. But this doesn’t mean they
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Amir Al-Azraki’s The Widow follows the story of a widow in Iraq who falls for a young teacher. It plays for one night only at the University of Waterloo on Mar. 31. [Submitted]
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AGRICULTURAL | RESIDENTIAL FRAMING | ROOFING | RENOVATIONS | EAVESTROUGHS
519-504-2016 | darwayconstruction@icloud.com | Alma, ON
CLASSIFIED | 15
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, march 21, 2015
CLASSIFIED Help Wanted Ear & Hearing Clinic is looking for a part time, evening receptionist two nights a week 4:15 to 8:15 p.m. Please submit resumes to charmaine@earandhearingclinic.com
Health Care BOWEN THERAPY Your choice for effective treatment of specific health conditions or wellness maintenance. KEVIN BARTLEY, Professional Bowenwork Practitioner, Clock Tower Wellness Centre, 69 Arthur St. S., Elmira. 519-669-0112. Every Body is Better with Bowen!
HELP WANTED
Farm Equipment 1300 Litre fuel tank. Only 2 years old. With pump and counter. Pumped only gas. $850 O.B.O. Call 519-8074422.
thursdays by 10am
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
Choose more than a job, choose a CAREER! Orr Insurance & Investment is currently recruiting highly motivated individuals for the following positions:
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE With 7 locations throughout Southwestern Ontario, Orr Insurance & Investment is a progressive and growing brokerage. We are currently seeking highly motivated individuals with proven sales / customer service experience to sell Commercial and Personal Lines insurance products and service new and existing clients. The right candidates will be goal oriented individuals with proven personal and professional success, a natural drive to succeed and an entrepreneurial attitude. They will possess solid written and verbal communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills. A tradition of excellence. Orr is a leading insurance broker offering a rewarding career with room for growth. Our goal is to help you reach yours by encouraging teamwork, creativity and continuous learning. We offer competitive wages, tuition / course / certification coverage, a comprehensive benefits package, and an exciting, dynamic work environment. Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter
Attn: Human Resources to: Orr Insurance Brokers Inc. 50 Cobourg Street Stratford ON N5A 3E5
Fax: 519-271-7626 Email: hr@orrinsurance.net Orr Insurance is an equal opportunity employer. We appreciate all applications however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
For Sale 18 Place Settings of Noritake China, Raleigh Pattern. Soft green floral border & silver edging. Includes 3 large platters, 1 small platter, 4 serving bowls, 3 gravy boats, 3 cream & sugars, 1 coffee pot. Valued at over $2000.00. Asking $350.00. Mint condition. No chips. Call 519-897-2375.
classified deadline:
Wanted
HELP WANTED
Wanted to Rent Vehicle bay for small buses to do interior vehicle cleaning in Elmira or close proximity. Any size over 1000 sq feet would be considered. Must have minimum 12’ overhead door. Must have water supply. Contact Cheryl at 519-998-2290.
JD 6125, 6150 Tractors & Bobcat S300 for rent. Available May 1/15 - Oct. 15/15. Daily, weekly, monthly prices. 519-591-1274.
CONTINUED ON PG. 20
HELP WANTED
Full time
LOOKING FOR LABOURER with a strong work ethic for full-time seasonal employment to join a concrete crew placing and finishing concrete flatwork (mostly residential driveways, sidewalks, patios, and steps etc.) Must be able to work in a team environment. No concrete experience required. Competitive wages based in productivity. Please forward resumes to willis@marwilconcrete.ca or Call 519-577-0370 (Drayton, ON)
Required for local deliveries. Moffat experience an asset.
E-mail resume and cover letter to kdeckert@erbelectric.ca or FAX to 519-698-9920 HELP WANTED
Competitive wages and benefits are provided.
Forward resumé to: Attention: Godfrey Steinke PFI Farms 1580 Listowel Road Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z3 Email: godfreys@pfi-farms.com Fax: 519-669-4363
auction Looking to hire concrete pump operators. Experience preferred but will train qualified individual. Concrete construction and/or heavy equipment experience an asset. Must have DZ license. Positions available immediately. Breslau. Competitive wages, health/dental and pension plan benefits. Please fax resume 519-648-3528 or email rempelconcretepumping@msn.com
Contracting Operations Manager (full-time) Mar-Co Clay Products produces clay materials for the sport industry. The contracting division renovates and builds baseball fields, running tracks and equestrian arenas throughout Ontario. We are currently hiring for the position of Contracting Operations Manager. Job duties will include, but are not limited to, oversight of all contracting operations, management of jobs, equipment and crews. Previous construction experience and an AZ license are valuable assets.
General Labourers (seasonal)
Apply in person with resume to: Manager Fairway Lumber Company St. Jacobs, Ontario 519-664-2226
BRIDGELAND TERMINALS LIMITED
100% LOCAL HOW TO REACH US
Maternity Leave – Electrical contracting office; duties include, but not limited to phones, mail, invoicing, filing, inventory. Proficient in Sage Simply Accounting, Word and Excel software packages. Position commences May 4, 2015 but requires a few training sessions prior to start.
MILL OPERATOR
PFI farms require a self-motivated individual for a full-time position making livestock feed. This position includes mixing and pelleting of feed with accurate record keeping. Some experience would be an asset but we are willing to train. Must be flexible for shiftwork, with some overtime and weekends if required.
HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
A-Z Driver
Receptionist/Clerical
Bridgeland Terminals Ltd is currently accepting applications for a 310T mechanic. Full time day position. Good wage and benefit package. Consideration may be given to individuals nearing completion of an apprentice program. Send resume to; nicoleb@bridgelandterminals.com or drop off at; 35 Oriole Pkwy E. | Elmira, ON N3B 2Z7 Phone 519-669-1588 | Fax 519-669-1928
We are currently hiring general labourers for the crews of our contracting division. Job duties will include, but are not limited to, hands on labour and equipment operation for the purpose of renovating and constructing sports fields throughout Ontario. Overnight travel is required. Previous landscape/construction experience, equipment operation and an AZ license are valuable assets. Please send your resume to kirby@marcoclay.com
Auction SAle
Of Tractors, machinery and miscellaneous items, to be held at 7486 - 12th Line Mapleton Twp. (Wellington Rd. 12, then east on 12th Line, 3 miles west of Alma or 6 miles northeast of Drayton) for Kevin and Diane Martin, on
Wednesday, March 25th @ 11:00 a.M.
MACHiNerY: JD 7510 – 4wd diesel tractor,
cab, duals, 3150 hours, 1 owner – good. JD 6220L 4wd diesel tractor with Q55 loader, bucket, bale spear, 2300 hours, 1 owner – good. JD 3950 forage harvester with 2 row corn head and 6ft. pickup. JD 3800 harvester with pickup. Int Vibrashank 45 – 18 ½ ft. cultivator. 4 row 3ph corn scuffler. JD 8350 – 18 run seed drill, grass seeder, fertilizer. JD MoCo 935 – 12ft. discbine. Pequea HR1140 Haymaker rotary rake – good. JD 338 baler with 40 thrower. 3 – 18ft. steel bale thrower wagons. 2 Dion 1016 forage wagons, rebuilt, right hand unload – good. Dion forage wagon, rebuilt, right hand unload. CIH 600 forage blower. 7 ½ ft. 3ph snow blower with hyd. hood.
MisC. iteMs: 23kw pto generator on
trailer. Miller AC-DC welder. Welding table. Welding steel. Trig Chains. Wagon snagger. Cow foot bath. Calf hutches. Scrap metal plus a wagonload of farm related items.
Note – Farm is sold. No reserves. Well-
kept machinery. BE ON TIME, few small items. See www.auctionsfind.com/gerber for photos. Lunch booth. Terms – Cash or cheque with I.D. Proprietors and auctioneers not responsible for accidents day of sale.
ProPrietors: Kevin & Diane Martin 226-747-2491 AUCtioNeers:
Gerber Auctions Ltd.
519-699-4451 or 698-0138 2827 Hutchison Rd., RR#1 Millbank (Crosshill)
Phone 519.669.5790 | toll free 1.888.966.5942 | fax 519.669.5753 | online www.observerxtra.com
ADDRESS 20-b ARTHUR ST. N., ELMIRA, ON n3b 1Z9
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Residential cost $7.50 /20 WORDS EXTRA WORDS 20¢ PER WORD
COMMERCIAL COST $12.00 /20 WORDS EXTRA WORDS 30¢ PER WORD
Placing a classified WORD ad In person, email, phone or fax submissions are accepted during regular business hours. Deadline for Saturday publication is Wednesday by 5 p.m. All Classified ads are prepaid by cash, debit, Visa or MasterCard. Ask about Observer policies in regard to Display, Service Directory and Family Album advertising.
16 | CLASSIFIED
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, march 21, 2015
OBSERVER SERVICE DIRECTORY AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
TIRE
THOMPSON’S
Complete Collision Service
WHERE TIRES
general SERVICES
AUTO CLINIC
Auto Tech Inc.
ARE A
SPECIALTY, NOT A SIDE LINE.
Providing the latest technology to repair your vehicle with accuracy and confidence.
101 Bonnie Crescent, Elmira, ON N3B 3G2
519.669.8330
Farm • Auto • Truck Industrial On-The-Farm Service
FAX: 519.669.3210
35 Howard Ave., Elmira
AFTER HOURS
SHELLY & SCOTT TAYLOR 28 Pintail Drive, Elmira, ON, N3B 3G9
519-669-0003
taylortax@rogers.com
Accredited Test & Repair Facility
519-669-4400
519-669-7652
30 ORIOLE PKWY. E., ELMIRA www.thompsonsauto.ca
519.669.8917
519-669-3232
21 Industrial Dr. Elmira
...& SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTING
gENERAL SERVICES
MUSIC-LOVER GIFT ALERT!
Various sizes & rates
’s 60’s / 70
HIGH SCHOOSL BAND
GOSPEL
ROCK
MUSIC TRANSFERS FROM LPs, 45s, 78s, CASSETTES TO CD
CLEAN • DRY • SECURE Call
COUNTR Y
•Ratches, Hooks, Straps, Webbing etc. •Canvas, Vinyl, Polyester, Acrylic Fabrics
Your favourite albums get a whole new life on CD after we clean up the clicks, pops and surface noise.
519-669-4964
Boat Covers | Air Conditioner Covers | Small Tarps Storage Covers | BBQ Covers | Awnings & Canopies Replacement Gazebo Tops | Golf Cart Enclosures & Covers
WOOD GAS PELLET
CONESTOGO
519.595.4830
MORE INFO | 519.669.0541
100 SOUTH FIELD DRIVE, ELMIRA
General Repairs 180 St. Andrew St. W.
519-664-3800
6376 Perth Rd. 121 Poole, ON
EMAIL: vinylp2cd@gmail.com
FERGUS
1871 Sawmill Road
519-843-4845
877-664-3802
888-871-4592
www.fergusfireplace.com
general SERVICES “25 years in Business”
While you wait! Sharpening M
$275.00/
$4.99 per pair
pump
OUT
+H.S.T.
(1800 Gallon Residential)
5th pair FREE.
Not valid with any other special offers or coupons.
519-648-3004
22 Church St. W., Elmira
Tel: 519-669-5537
or
800-232-6396
www.biobobs.com
STORE HOURS: M-F: 8-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 12-5
general SERVICES BAUMAN PIANO
SERVICES TUNING & REPAIRS
WE FIX SLIPPERY WHEN WET
Propellant 49 The best ice and snow melter on the Planet. Safe for trees and plants, will not rust, corrode or stain. No residue. Continues past -50°C and keeps melting 36 hours after being applied.
Craftsman Member O.G.P.T. Inc NEW PHONE NUMBER
519-880-9165
(519) 569-0772 • Commercial & Industrial General Contracting • Specializing in Concrete Work & Excavation • Retaining Walls
info@trappconstruction.ca www.trappconstruction.ca
• • • •
Stamped Coloured Concrete Demolition Bin Service Machine Bases
Concrete Breaking & Removal
TROPHIES | CUPS | PLAQUES | MEDALLIONS RIBBONS | NAME TAGS | NAME PLATES DOOR PLATES | CUSTOM ENGRAVING
QUICK LOCAL SERVICE | 245 Labrador Dr., Waterloo
www.UniTwin.com | 519.886.2102
HOME IMPROVEMENTS SERVICES
BATHTUBS, CERAMIC AND PORCELAIN TILE BRICK, TERRAZZO AND OTHER SURFACES GUARANTEED, INVISIBLE, AND COST EFFECTIVE
JAMES BAUMAN
CONSTRUCTION INC.
For more info email noslipperyfloors@gmail.com or call 519-588-7413 | theredwolfcompany.com
WEICKERT& MEIROWSKI Concrete Foundations Limited
YES... WE DO RESIDENTIAL WORK!
6982 Millbank Main St., Millbank 519-595-2053 • 519-664-2914
space for rent
State of the acAhinrte
RECOGNIZE OUTSTANDING EFFORT!
Ltd.
RESIDENTIAL & AGRICULTURAL
Driveways • Sidewalks • Curbs • Barn Renovations Finished Floors • Retaining Walls • Short Walls Decorative/Stamped and coloured concrete www.marwilconcrete.ca
519-577-0370
The Right Window Treatment Can
Save you
Blinds by Elite or Mera
In home consultations Wide selection of styles & fabrics 1011 Industrial Crescent St. Clements | 519-699-5411 www.LetUsFloorYou.ca
FREE
INSTALLATION When you buy 3 or more
Hours: M-F 8:30 - 5:30 Sat 9:00 - 3:00
Evenings By Appointment
space for rent
HOME IMPROVEMENTS SERVICES
Wet Basement? Foundation Leaks Fixed Permanently Free Estimate Flexible Resin Injection • Professional Service • •
- Design and build -
AGRICULTURAL | RESIDENTIAL FRAMING • ROOFING RENOVATIONS • EAVESTROUGHS
519-504-2016
darwayconstruction@icloud.com | Alma, ON
Interior and Exterior Drainage Systems • Sump Pump Installation •
We Build our Reputation on your Foundation (519) 746 6611 1 866 449 2228 visit us at: thecrackspecialists.com
CLASSIFIED | 17
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, march 21, 2015
OBSERVER SERVICE DIRECTORY Home improvement SERVICES COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL
ST. JACOBS
GLASS SYSTEMS INC.
APPLIANCES – FURNACES – FIREPLACES AIR CONDITIONERS – WATER HEATERS SPRING SPECIAL ON AIR CONDITIONING TUNE UP $99, INSTALLED FROM $1999 FURNACES INSTALLED FROM $2499 FRIDGES $499, STOVES $399, WASHERS $399, DRYERS $369, FREEZERS $199 Come visit our show room FREE QUOTES
1553 King St. N., St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0
• Store Fronts • Thermopanes • Mirrors • Screen Repair • Replacement Windows • Shower Enclosures • Sash Repair
1 Union Street, Elmira
TEL:
ehc@hotmail.ca (519)-669-4600
519-664-1202 / 519-778-6104 FAX: 519 664-2759 • 24 Hour Emergency Service
Steve Co.
Plumbing and Maintenance Inc.
John Schaefer Painting FREE ESTIMATES Interior/exterior Painting, Wallpapering & Plaster | drywall Repairs
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
For all your Plumbing Needs. 24 HOUR SERVICE Steve Jacobi
ELMIRA
519-669-3652
NOW ACCEPTING VISA OR MASTERCARD
AMOS R O O F I N G
INC
IRA HOME COMFORT M L E (519) 669-4600
• Specializing in residential re-roofs • Repairs • Churches A Family owned and operated business serving KW, Elmira and surrounding area for over 35 years.
WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED
CALL JAYME FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE.
519-669-2251
519.501.2405 | 519.698.2114
36 Hampton St., Elmira
In Business since 1973 • Fully Insured
Home improvement SERVICES
Sew Special
100% SUPERIOR QUALITY CUSTOM WOODWORKING
KENJI ORITA • Custom Kitchens • Custom Furniture • Domestic & Exotic Woods
226-868-8131 oritakenji@gmail.com 20B ARTHUR ST. N., ELMIRA
• Residential • Commercial • Industrial
Randy Weber ECRA/ESA Licence # 7000605
519.669.1462 Fax: 519.669.9970 Tel:
18 Kingfisher Dr., Elmira
WINDOW FASHIONS
Custom Window Coverings
Free in-home Consultations. Call someone you can trust. Call Cindy.
Latest Styles of Window Blinds and Custom Drapery At competitive pricing
A Brand You Can Trust
Lois Weber 519-669-3985
22 Church St. W., Elmira
Tel: 519-669-5537
Elmira
STORE HOURS: M-F: 8-8, SAT 8-6, SUN 12-5
Serving the community for 25 years
Outdoor services
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
YOUR SOURCE FOR YEAR-ROUND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE • Lawn Mowing Packages • Lawn Maintenance & Landscaping • Top Dressing/Overseeding • Mulch Delivery & Installation • Commercial & Residential Full Flower Bed Maintenance • Snow Plowing & Ice Control • Tractor Snowblowing
Call Jeff Basler, Owner/Operator, today 519.669.9081 mobile: 519.505.0985 | fax: 519.669.9819 | ever-green@sympatico.ca
Outdoor
Services
> Commercial & Residential > Fully Insured > WSIB Clearance > Senior Discount
Lawn Maintenance Programs | Spring Clean-up Flower Bed Maintenance Programs Leaf Clean-up and Removal | Soil & Mulch Delivery & Installation | Snow Clearing & Removal | Ice Control 27 Brookemead, St, Elmira P: 519-669-1188 | F: 519-669-9369
kdetweiler@rogers.com
KEVIN DETWEILER
OWNER-OPERATOR
PRINTING | MAILING | SIGNAGE SERVICES
INTRODUCING OUR PIC BUCKET For digging through frozen ground!
• • • •
Trenching Excavating Back fill compaction plate Laneway sanding available
Murray & Daniel Shantz
ALMA, ONTARIO | PHONE: 519.846.5427
18 | CLASSIFIED
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, march 21, 2015
REAL ESTATE LISTINGS
Don’t Wait, Now is the Time to List! A DONATION will be made with every home bought or sold by Alli, Paul or Sue.
NEW LISTING
THIS WEEKS OPEN HOUSE Sat. Mar. 21st, 1-3pm
$474,000 BACKING ON GREEN SPACE
SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL DIRECT
519-577-6248 allibauman@rogers.com
SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL DIRECT
SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL DIRECT
519-503-9533
226-750-9332
paul@remaxsolidgold.biz
suewidemanhomes@gmail.com
$775,000 ENJOY THE VIEW
$549,000 STORE FRONT IN ELMIRA
Heidelberg - Exceptional Custom Built 5 bedroom home boasts a 1500 square foot triple car garage with a drive through to the back yard. Situated on a 133 x 165 foot lot with a beautiful country view, enjoy relaxing on your back deck around the pool. MLS 151724.
Elmira - With a 2000 sq foot office space, a 1 bedroom unit, and 2 bedroom unit, this downtown property could be your ideal investment! MLS 1442236.
Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., Brokerage
$474,500 LIVE IN 1 AND RENT OUT 2!
< 6 8 8 ( 6 $ ; ( 1 2 ( / & / $ , ( 5 / 7 * . : ( + , ( 1 7
6 + , . , 0 , ) , , 6 0 : 2 3 2 ( , 2 7 2 $ 5 8 2 3 8 6 5 ( (
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Sudoku challenge
& 2 * ( , $ ( 1 7 + , , ' & 2
/ $ 6 $ 1 , 6 3 : , ( 5 / 7 / $ 7 ' 2 9 < , 6 6 ( 0 ' $
CROSSWORD PUZZLER
( ; 7 ( 5 1
Drayton - Located on 6 acres this extraordinary home is nestled in picturesque scenery. Featuring: Private lane, 1500 sqft, (30ft x 50ft) workshop with 60amp service, and 1600sqft home. Finished top to bottom with an open layout this rare find is extremely well kept. MLS 1442024.
Elmira - Make yourself at home in this beautiful bungalow. The master bedroom boasts 2 closets in the dressing area into the ensuite bath. With wet bar, games area, and a projector included, this rec room was made for entertaining or simply relaxing. MLS 1514312.
Hawkesville - No upgrades required for years! This beautifully maintained 3000 sq foot home features the following updates: new hickory custom kitchen, all windows & exterior doors, newer roof, furnace & a/c. Located in beautiful Hawkesville. Small town living at it's best. Minutes from KW. MLS 1517094.
FREE HOME EVALUATION
Building in Drayton where homes are affordable
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
$475,000 OPEN CONCEPT BUNGALOW
$569,000 SPACE FOR GROWING FAMILY
$649,000 PRIVATE HAVEN!
Elmira - Live in this updated 3 bedroom home with an ensuite bathroom, main floor laundry, and attached garage with a low mortgage payment offset by the income of the other 2 units. With separate meters for the utilities and all appliances included, this well maintained property is ready for you and the renters that you choose to move in! MLS 1441079 & 1441072.
Independently Owned and Operated
' 2 ( 6 . , 1
Elmira - This 3 bedroom bungalow is situated on a quiet street close to the park and public school. Cozy up to the wood burning fireplace in the rec room or BBQ with friends on the patio in the large back yard. This home includes an updated kitchen, central air, central vac, fridge, stove, dishwasher, microwave, washer and dryer. Ready for you to move in and relax. MLS 1444078.
Elmira - Charming Victorian style older home. Large fenced treed lot in central location. Natural original wood trim throughout. Pine & Oak floors. Maple floor in country kitchen. Finished attic with skylights for natural light. You won't want to miss this! MLS 1514389.
Call today and book a
WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT?
Elmira - In ground pool, Bungalow, Large lot, Beautiful view, Double car garage, Master ensuite & walk in closet, Main floor laundry. This home is a must see! MLS 1512120.
$309,900 BUNGALOW, GREAT YARD
$269,900 CENTURY HOME CHARM
3 Arthur St. S., Elmira 519-669-5426
$449,900
6 FINCH PLACE, ELMIRA
SO LD
Alli Bauman Paul Martin Sue Wideman
SO LD
Elmira - You'll be impressed with this upgraded open concept Verdone home. With a gourmet kitchen open to the dinette, and family room with a gas fireplace. Walk out into the private back yard, backing on green space and enjoy the 4 year old salt water heated pool. This home also has a kitchenette in the finished basement 187 BROOKMEAD STREET, with a living area, 3 piece bath, and bedroom with walk in ELMIRA closet. Perfect for an in-law suite. MLS 1517611.
NEW PRICE
THIS WEEKS OPEN HOUSE Sat. Mar. 21st, 1-3pm
TEAM
TWIN CITY REALTY INC. BROKERAGE
CUSTOM QUALITY Single Family
Visit our Model Home at:
Starting from
$350,900
42 Bedell Drive, Drayton Mon & Tues. 1-7pm | Sat. & Sun. 1-4:30pm | or by appointment
226-818-5311 | verdonehomes.com
Pat Crisostomo Mortgage Agent, M09001859
519-741-7125
Great Rates for 1st & 2nd Mortgages Contact Pat for details!
pat.crisostomo@excelmortgage.ca
CANADA’S TRUSTED MORTGAGE EXPERTS
Each VERICO Broker is an Independent Owner Operator.
FSCO License# 11621
519-579-4110 OFFICE
sold@clickthathouse.com
Warren McNeil - Sales Rep. | Melanie McNeil - Sales Rep.
$4
4
5 4,
00
Better than new! Immaculate, 3 b/r, 3 bath, Elmira Home. Open concept layout, great room w/gas firplace, gleaming hardwood floors & vaulted ceiling. Spacious kitchen w/ceramic tile, black appliances (included), abundance of cabinets, blanco sink and dinette with walkout to incredible, new deck and fenced yard. Upstairs features new flooring, 3 good sized bedrooms, huge master suite w/ walk-in closet and updated ensuite with glass shower and corner tub. Shows A+++!
FIND YOUR DREAM HOME IN CANADA’S BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
CLASSIFIED | 19
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, march 21, 2015
REAL ESTATE LISTINGS
Bert Martin Re/max Solid Gold Realty (II) Ltd., BROKER
SPRING 90 Earl Martin Dr., Unit 4, Elmira N3B 3L4
OFFICE: 519-669-5426
FREE Market Evaluation
Rozema
BROKER OF RECORD
ELMIRA CENTURY HOME! Many beautiful features in this 1888 home including 10’ ceilings main floor and 11’ ceilings on the second floor, original front door, pine flooring, nice foyer and staircase, two bathrooms, hot water heating. and stainless steel appliances. Unique detached double carport and beautiful exterior trim. MLS NEW PRICE $440,000. Call Bert to view.
BROKER
Bus: 519-669-3192 Fax: 519-669-3322
www.YourFamilyTeam.ca Ridgeview Dr., Drayton Sat., Mar. 21 & Sun., Mar. 22 , 1-3pm DRAYTON RIDGE | FURNISHED MODEL | OPEN HOUSE 168 st
nd
UPSCALE BUNGALOW TOWNHOMES
Priced From $322,900 − This 2nd phase is well underway, 3 bungalows and 2 bungalow lofts available, beautifully appointed, double car garage, hardwood/ceramic, gas FP, main floor master & laundry. EXCLUSIVE
BONUS $10,000 in FREE UPGRADES!
ELMIRA BUNGALOW! Brick home on a large lot located close to schools and amenities offers three bedrooms, two bathrooms, possible in-law suite, finished basement, some hardwood and some windows replaced. MLS NEW PRICE $315,000. Call Bert to view.
until March 31st, 2015
AMAZING SEMI $269,900 ELMIRA Don't miss
LARGE FAMILY HOME $379,900 DRAYTON 4
bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, double car garage, triple driveway, 2121 SQ.FT, open concept main floor, ceramic flrs, oak kitchen with granite counters & stainless appliances, raised breakfast bar, walkout to deck, fenced yd & shed, main floor laundry. MLS.
this one! 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, finished basement, well maintained, neutrally decorated, carpet free main floor, walkout to deck & deep yard, double driveway, appliances included, c/air, furnace/12, newer windows, patio door & front door. MLS.
EXQUISITE HOME $899,000 DRAYTON AREA
WOW! 1985 SQ.FT $349,900 ELMIRA Wonderful
3 bedroom, 3 bathroom two storey located across from park, double driveway, garage, main floor with hardwood & ceramic, living room with gas fireplace & open cathedral ceiling to upper level, separate dining area plus breakfast nook, walkout to fenced yard & shed. MLS.
One of a kind fieldstone home, 3800 SQ.FT, 5 BEDROOMS, 4 bathrooms situated on 2 acres with 20’x16‘ barn. Stunning features include, pine kitchen w/granite, hardwood flrs, 2 sided fieldstone fireplace, 9’ ceilings, wrap around porch, oversized dbl garage w/walkdown. MLS.
TIME FOR YOUR FREE SPRING MARKET HOME VALUATION! CALL TODAY!
SELLING YOUR HOME?
www.remaxsolidgold.biz
EMAIL: bert@remaxsolidgold.biz
Shanna
Brubacher
INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED, BROKERAGE
DIRECT: 519-572-2669 3 Arthur St. S. Elmira
IS HERE!
Bonnie Elmira Real Estate Services
Brokerage
Independently Owned and Operated
ADVERTISE IT IN CANADA’S BEST COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY! One storey building in a great location in the down town core area. Great store front, natural light, lots of parking, air conditioned, storage space in basement , two bathrooms. Zoning allows numerous businesses. MLS. $267,500. Call Bert to View.
Your referrals are appreciated!
® REALTY LTD., BROKERAGE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED
519.500.1865 (Direct)
Dale R. Keller
17 Church St. W., Elmira • 519.669.1544 (Business)
Sales Representative
www.KellerSellsRealEstate.com | dale@kellersellsrealestate.com
R.W. ThuR Real esTaTe lTd. 45 Arthur St. S., Elmira
BRad MaRTIN
Brokerage LET OUR 50+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WORK FOR YOU!
JulIe
TRaCeY
WIllIaMs Broker of record, heCKeNdORN Broker Sales rep. MVa residential res: 519.669.1068 res: 519.669.8629 Cell: 519.505.0627
519-669-2772 www.thurrealestate.com
NEW LISTING bEEf fArm – 148 acres, just north of Alma. Newer barn (1995) w/room for approx. 325 head of cattle. Concrete den floor — former veal stable. TWO dwellings. 3 silos (one sealed) plus bunker silos. TMR mixer. Large machinery shed. Manure storage and liquid tank. Some systematic tile drains. NEW MLS.
$2,450,000 NEW PRICE
NEW PRICE
Model Home | $371,900 Enjoy the covered deck out back this summer with walk out from both dining area and master bedroom. This bright open concept custom home by Verdone is sure to please the discriminating buyer looking for a bungalow on a generous sized lot .Gourmet kitchen and ceramic and hardwood floors. Other models and lots to choose from.MLS Call Dale.
Drayton | $359,000 A lot of house for the money. Large 4+1 bedroom, with walk-out finished basement, huge master and ensuite, separate detached insulated and wired workshop, above ground pool, large fenced yard and more. MLS Call Dale.
Worth a Look | Drayton | $489,000 For her - large 1/2 acre in town property with renovated 4 bdrm, 3 bth home, large front porch and rear deck, attached dble garage. For him - a detached dream workshop 2400 sq ft, chain hoist, hydraulic lift, air compressor and lines, insulated and heated, room for ALL your toys. MLS Call Dale.
Sale or Lease Elmira | $329,000 Commercial building, great exposure from 2 main streets, Arthur and Church, retail on main floor and large 2 bdrm upstairs. Upgraded and renovated 2011. Both up and down currently rented. Also available for lease. MLS Call Dale.
Take A Look Drayton | $319,000 Spacious open concept raised bungalow with cathedral ceiling, bright newer windows, a bright wide open rec. room, and many recent updates. Steps to school, medical centre, library, groceries, fitness gym. Fully fenced yard and walkout to deck. MLS. Call Dale.
Country | NEW PRICE | $419,000
$539,000
$239,999
LOT & LOCATION! Attractive ‘family home’ nestled in the trees. FOUR bdrms. Lots of updates – shingles, siding, furnace, CAC, carpeting, rec. room. Spacious kitchen + D.R. 2 decks (hot tub). Walkup bsmt. Wrought iron fence surrounds the INGROUND pool. Parking for 6-8 vehicles! EXCLUSIVE.
LINwOOd – 5 Bdrm. home on a Lge. lot – 66 x 165’. Main flr. master bdrm & 4 bdrms upstairs. L/R and D/R. Large kitchen PLUS office/pantry. Updated flooring, doors, windows and kitchen. New HWH (owned). Sliding dr.from kitchen to deck and back yard. Lots of house! MLS REDUCED.
$385,000 dEEP LOT – spotless 4 level backsplit offers lots of living space. Eat-in kitchen + din. room. Open concept to lower level family room w/large windows, gas fireplace & bar. 3 bdrms. 2 baths. Very well maintained. Lots of storage space! Mature trees in back yard . Concrete driveway. MLS.
Spring iS juSt around the corner … we have buyers waiting!
CALL FOR YOUR FREE MARKET EVALUATION
SOLD
Almost 3 acres with a bush and fully fenced pond. On a paved road central to Harriston, Mount Forest, Kenilworth, Drayton. Custom built bungalow with impressive front entrance, high ceilings, fireplace, loads of windows, 2 walk outs to huge back deck, walk up from basement and more. A great place to raise a family. MLS Call Dale.
Compare | $419,000 Custom built bungalow on a large lot. Covered deck, 3 gas fireplaces, vaulted and coffered ceilings, wired for sound, hard wood and ceramic flooring, granite counters, arches, pillars, and much more. MLS Call Dale.
For info on these or any other real estate enquiries, Call Dale
20 | CLASSIFIED
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, march 21, 2015
CONTINUED FROM PG. 15 Automotive 2007 Buick Lucerne, CXL. loaded, BLACK, 136,000 km, one owner. Selling private for estate. Asking $8,200 or BO. Call David at 519-465-8723.
Rentals Elmira - 1 Bedroom lower unit. Modern, clean and appealing. Unit requires mature, non smoking individual with no pets. Available April 1. $675 + utilities. Call 519-669-2212.
death notices Rentals
Rentals
Elmira - 2 bedroom townhouse. No smoking, no pets. $925 plus utilities. Suitable for quiet tenants. Call 519-580-6683. One Parking space included. Garage and car lot for rent in Bloomingdale. Call Jerry at 519213-1123 or cell 519-581-8859.
Enjoy Lake Huron with your family this summer at our water-view cottage on 5 acres of trees. Now booking for the summer. Just before Pike Bay, 25 min north of Sauble Beach. Details at www.rentmycottage.snappages.com
GRCA - 2015 Update - 500_2015.qxd 13/03/2015 12:13 PM Page 1
Public Notice
Public consultation
Updates to the Drinking Water Source Protection Plan for the Grand River watershed Members of the public are invited to review and comment on the Amended Proposed Source Protection Plan for the Grand River watershed. The Plan has been prepared under the Clean Water Act to protect the sources of municipal drinking water, such as wells, river intakes and Lake Erie intakes, from contamination. The Proposed Plan was submitted to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment in December 2012 for its approval. Since then, some amendments have been made to the plan: ■ Parts of the Plan have been revised to ensure it meets the requirements of the Clean Water Act and regulations ■ Two new water sources have been added: a well in Melanchton Township serving Shelburne and a backup intake in the Grand River at Dunnville ■ New scientific studies have resulted in changes to the Plan for water systems for Elora, Brant, Waterloo Region and Guelph (affecting properties in Puslinch).
MILLWRIGHTS NEEDED Listowel area Millwright Company is looking to hire experienced and detail oriented individuals to join our road crew for the following positions: • Licensed Millwrights – Construction &/or Industrial • Millwright Apprentices Applicants must be able to work independently as well as part of a team. Previous welding experience is required. Experience interpreting blueprint, schematics and drawings is considered an asset. Company Benefit and Group RRSP package offered. Please forward resume to: info@dynamicmillwrights.com We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 5442 Perth Line 88, Gowanstown, ON N0G 1Y0
CAMPBELL, Louie | Peacefully, at Leisureworld Long Term Care, Elmira on Thursday, March 12, 2015, at the age of 95. GAMMY, Alice H. (Bolender) | Passed away in the early
morning of March 18, 2015, at the age of 93. MARTIN, Clayton H. | Passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2015 at RR 1, Wallenstein, in his 95th year.
DEADLINE FOR FAMILY ALBUM IS WEDNESDAYS BY 5PM
PLACE A FAMILY ALBUM NOTICE!
Call: 519-669-5790 or Visit: www.observerxtra.com
WANTED:
NEWS TIPS Do you have a hot lead? Share it with us. Your tip could be tomorrow’s story: 519-669-5790 ext. 103 | editor@woolwichobserver.com
Drinking water systems
The Plan covers these municipal drinking water systems: Guelph/Eramosa Amaranth Haldimand (Dunnville) Brant Hamilton (Lynden) Brantford Mapleton Centre Wellington Oxford (Bright, East Garafraxa Drumbo, Plattsville) Grand Valley Perth East (Milverton) Guelph
HELP WANTED
Six Nations of the Grand River Shelburne Southgate (Dundalk) Wellington North (Arthur) Waterloo Region
See the Plan
The Amended Draft Source Protection Plan is available: ■ on the Internet at www.sourcewater.ca ■ at the head office of the GRCA, 400 Clyde Rd., Cambridge ■ at municipal offices in the Grand River watershed. A complete list of locations is available at www.sourcewater.ca
Attend a public meeting
Public meetings will give you an opportunity to learn more about the plan and provide your comments. All meetings are from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. ■ Tuesday, March 31 – Amaranth: Amaranth Recreation Hall, 374028 Sixth Line ■ Tuesday, March 31 – Fergus: Fergus SportsPlex Banquet Hall, 550 Belsyde Ave. E. ■ Wednesday, April 8 – Brantford: T.B. Costain Community Centre, 16 Morrell St. ■ Thursday, April 9 – Guelph: Guelph City Hall, 1 Carden St. ■ Thursday, April 9 – Waterloo: Waterloo Region Emergency Services Training and Research Complex (WRESTRC), 1001 Erb’s Rd. ■ Wednesday, April 15 – Cambridge: GRCA Office, 400 Clyde Rd. ■ Wednesday, April 15 – Dunnville: Dunnville Optimist Hall, 101 Main St. E. ■ Thursday, April 16 – Paris: Brant Sports Complex, Lafarge Hall, 944 Powerline Rd.
Submit a comment in writing
■ E-mail: comments@sourcewater.ca ■ Fax: 519-621-4844 ■ Mail: Martin Keller, Source Protection Program Manager
c/o Grand River Conservation Authority PO Box 729, 400 Clyde Rd., Cambridge ON N1R 5W6
Deadline for comments is April 24, 2015 Grand River Conservation Authority 400 Clyde Road, Cambridge (519) 621-2761
Find out more at www.sourcewater.ca
ROBERTS: Opinion should follow awareness from | 12
before they hear your opinion. I understand that this might sound funny coming from an opinion columnist. But the whole idea of making sure everyone is on the same page at the start of a discussion is becoming more evident to me as I prepare for a free webinar about blogging, to be presented next week by Farm Management Canada. Blogging is one of the pithier forms of social media, one writers can sink their teeth into. And it’s a grand forum for farmers trying to set the record straight about agriculture. Now, I understand why bloggers want to rush in and give their opinions. But in an Internet forum where so many people may not be aware of the issue, as much time should be spent explaining it as offering an opinion about it. Problems arise when bloggers – or a sector, such as agriculture itself – feels like its back is up against the wall. The natural inclination is to hurry to the defense of the sector you love, or the cause, or the rock star, whatever you’re blogging about, and try to
head off criticism at the pass. And indeed, getting out in front of criticism is a proven public relations tactic. But take a deep breath, which is another thing social media lets you do, at least in the case of blogging. Although you should publish your blog on some kind of a schedule (weekly, for example), you can publish more if you want to. That means you’ll have many opportunities to address whatever topics come to mind, on your own schedule. Even many additional opportunities though won’t serve a blogger well who skips the important step of talking about the issue first. You run the chance of alienating those who don’t get it, and reaching only those who are likeminded and know what you’re talking about without any background support. And if the goal of a blog is to invite dialogue and engage others, then the mission fails. This issue-first approach is not restricted to discussions about blogs. A University of Guelph student
pursuing a science elective told me about an experience that involved reaching out to the agricultural sector on the telephone to analyze meals that were grown through various farming methods. The first call was to a processor, where her request for a conversation was laughed at. The second call, to a farmer, was met immediately with the question “What’s your opinion of conventional farming?” after which followed a tirade against certain farming techniques. This does not advance people’s understanding of agriculture. I understand conventional agriculture is under attack on all sides. But unless those who are truly curious to learn about the sector have an opportunity to engage in some meaningful dialogue, the chasm will deepen. Remember this threestep process: the issue, then the development in the issue that’s sparking a conversation, news story, blog post or whatever, then your opinion. I believe that’s an effective way to communicate about complex issues and advance the dialogue about them.
LIVING HERE | 21
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, March 21, 2015
LIVING HERE Chef’s table/ Donna Gingrich
milestones / a change of pace
The next phase of healthy living After 40 years giving out advice at Elmira health food store, Delores Reger heads into retirement Whitney Neilson She’s seen Elmira’s local health food store change ownership three times during her career, among umpteen store updates and product changes, but after 40 years Delores Reger is ready for a quiet retirement. Reger applied to a job posting back when the current Green Valley Health and Herbs was Sunrise Mills Natural Foods. She says she enjoyed reading about what different vitamins and minerals did for the human body in her spare time, so it seemed like a perfect fit. “I was the only one who worked there then full-time,” Reger said. “It wasn’t all that busy right then because it was a new store just opening up. I didn’t really keep track of how long I worked for, it might have been three or four years.” The store was sold to Lothar Berg and she continued to work there on a part-time basis for 30-plus years. Current owner Brendan Davidson bought the store in 2005 when Berg retired. “When Brendan bought the store I thought I was going to retire then and Brendan asked me to work for him. I figured I’d only be there for a short time – I was there for 10 years,” Reger said. The opportunity to keep learning about health and wellness kept her coming back, along with the customers she could share her knowledge with.
Proof that it’s hip (and tasty) to be square RECIPE NOTES
Delores Reger finishes her 40-year career at Green Valley Health and Herbs this month. “I enjoyed doing it,” Reger said. “I just figure now is time. I made up my mind you can’t work forever. It’s not that I couldn’t but I just still have my house and my property to look after. I just figured it’s time for me to retire.” The store’s had numerous updates during her time there, including new freezers and fresh paint. The variety of products though, is probably the most significant change. When Berg owned the store they primarily carried the Swiss Natural products. Now there are too many brands to name, and sales-
people popping by to show off the latest creation. “My opinion is to just learn how to eat properly and then you wouldn’t even need to take your vitamins and minerals. Learn to eat good food, not processed food, and local food. Cook from scratch,” Reger says with a laugh. Their most common request lately has been cold remedies. She also has a lot of customers looking for gluten-free flours and baked goods, and omega 3 oils. “I think there are more and more people that are thinking about what they
[Whitney Neilson / The Observer]
eat and I think they realize they can help themselves by changing their ways,” Reger said. “At one time I think most of the population was Mennonite people but now we find all kinds of people.” Despite not necessarily needing to work, she says she looked forward to it because it was something different to do and her coworkers were always good to her. Before starting in the health industry she says she wasn’t an expert, but over the years she’s learned her fair share. She plans to enjoy some downtime in her retire-
ment, working on her house, tending to her garden, visiting her children, grandchildren, and great grandson, and walking in Elmira, where she’s lived for nearly her entire life. Her last day at the store is March 27, as they’re closed on the 28th for the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival. “I often just tell myself I think the most satisfaction I got working at that store was if you told somebody how to help them, then they would come back and thank you, what you told them had helped them a little bit,” Reger said.
I do believe spring is on its way now. And the calendar says spring arrives on Friday, so it must be so. Have you noticed how everyone is excited about spring this week? I’m going to share two square recipes today: Lemon Squares because it is spring and Krispie Peanut Butter Squares because they are for anytime! When I have to make squares for an occasion I tend to stick with a few recipes that work – they cut nicely, they look appealing and taste delicious. I had been making a few different Lemon Square recipes; some were flatter than a pancake, some so runny you could eat it with a spoon but recently I tried this recipe and I think it is the one.
chef’s table | 23
One Month to Go! That’s right the 3rd Annual Ladies Car Care Clinic is approaching quickly! Have you signed up? This is a FREE event taking place on Saturday April 18th from 10am12:30pm. Email melanie@leroysautocare.net or shavonne@leroysautocare.net or call the shop @ 519-669-1082 to register today! – Leroy & Donna
Tel: (519) 669-1082 Fax: (519) 669-3084
20 Oriole Parkway E., Elmira, ON
info@leroysautocare.net
www.leroysautocare.net
22 | LIVING HERE
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, March 21, 2015
“A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIME”
Skilled craftsmanship. Quality materials. CONSTRUCTION STARTS HERE.
Kleensweep Carpet Care
3435 Broadway St. Hawkesville 519-699-4641
Rugs and Upholstery
•Mattress Cleaning •Residential •Commercial •Personalized Service •Free Estimates
COMMUNITY EVENTS CALENDAR
West Montrose, ON
T. 519.669.2033
COLLEEN
Cell: 519.581.7868
Truck & Trailer Maintenance Cardlock Fuel Management
COMMERCIAL 24 CARDLOCK FUEL DEPOT HOUR M&G MILLWRIGHTS LTD. • Design • Installation • Custom Fabrication
MATERIAL HANDLING & PROCESSING SYSTEMS
519.669.5105 1540 FLORDALE ROAD
KIN KORNER
www.freybc.com
MARCH 21 Menno Singers invites you to come join us for our 3rd concert of the season. 7:30 pm., Waterloo North Mennonite Church, Waterloo, On. Tickets $20 each may be purchased online at www.mennosingers. com. You may also purchase tickets for this concert at Music Plus, Mennonite Savings and Credit Union, from choir members or at the door.
MARCH 23 Seniors Lunch Club at noon (doors open at 11:30 a.m.). Woolwich Memorial Centre, 24 Snyder Ave. S., Elmira (community room). Cost $6. Join us for a noonday light lunch and fellowship. Call Community Care Concepts 519-664-1900 for more information.
MARCH 24 bingo, upstairs at the St. Clements Community Centre, 7 p.m. Sponsored by the Paradise & District Lions Club. Wheelchair accessible. For more information, contact Joe Brick at 519-699-4022.
MARCH 25 Seniors Community Dining at noon (doors open at 11:30 a.m.). Linwood Community Centre, 5279 Ament Line, Linwood. Cost $11. Community Care Concepts invites you to join us for a hot noonday meal, fellowship and entertainment. Call 519-664-1900 or toll free 1-855-664-1900 for more information. 4-H sign-up night, 7 p.m., Wellesley Community Centre, 1000 Maple Leaf St., Wellesley. Come check us out - sign up for your favourite clubs and visit our
E-MAIL: ads@woolwichobserver.com
4-H showcase. Celebrating 100 years. Something for everyone, ages 9-21 as of Jan. 1, 2015. Also Cloverbuds available for ages 7-8.
MARCH 27 Hey Kids in grades 5-8, looking for a place to hang out? Get a bunch of your friends together and come join the dance party; 7 p.m., Breslau Community Centre, 100 Andover Dr., Breslau. Parents, looking for a few hours of free time while your kids enjoy three hours of fun in a supervised, safe place? Our kids’ dance is the event you are looking for! The Breslau Lions Club believes that kids in this age group need and deserve a fun, safe, secure, co-ed, social environment and it is our desire to provide such an opportunity. Woolwich Community Services has trained volunteers available to complete your income tax return. This service is offered free of charge to people with limited income. To find out if you qualify drop by or call Woolwich Community Services at 5 Memorial Ave., Elmira; 519-669-5139. Schnitzel Dinner, Elmira Legion at 6 p.m. Schnitzel dinner with mashed potatoes, vegetables & bread; $9 /person. For take-outs, please call by March 26; 519-669-2932.
MARCH 28 Springtime in the Country Bazaar 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 769 Erbsville Rd., Erbsville. Tea room, chili, hot dogs, Easter treats, pies, home baking etc. TV raffle draw at 2 p.m.
Breslau Mom to Mom sale at the Breslau Community Centre; $2 admission. Hosted by the Breslau Recreation Association. For more information call 519-213-3246 or breslaumomsale@gmail.com.
Check Us Out Online! woolwichkin.com
Visit the WTHHS Historical Room at the Old School, 1137 Henry St. Wellesley, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Free admission.
MARCH 31 bingo, upstairs at the St. Clements Community Centre, 7 p.m. Sponsored by the Paradise & District Lions Club. Wheelchair accessible. For more information, contact Joe Brick at 519-699-4022.
APRIL 2 The Lions Club of Elmira Bingo – 7 p.m. at Elmira Lions Hall, 40 South St., Elmira. All proceeds go to support the many projects of the Lions Club of Elmira. For more information call 519-572-2669.
21 INDUSTRIAL DR. ELMIRA
519-669-2884
APRIL 3 Fish Fry - Maryhill Heritage Community Centre, 58 St. Charles St. E., Maryhill. Good Friday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Eat in or take out. NO reservations: first come, first served. Haddock with fresh handcut fries served with coleslaw, tartar sauce and lemon. One-piece dinner $11; two-piece dinner $13. Dessert. Refreshments available. Cash only. For more information, call 519-648-2939 or email maryhillfishfry@outlook.com.
CORPORATE WEAR PROMOTIONAL APPAREL WORK & SAFETY WEAR | BAGS T-SHIRTS | JACKETS | HATS
245 Labrador Drive | Waterloo
519.886.2102
P.O. BOX 247, ELMIRA
www.mgmill.com
www.UniTwin.com
Submit an event The Events Calendar is reserved for Non-profit local community events that are offered free to the
public. Placement is not guaranteed. Registrations, corporate events, open houses and the like do not qualify in this section.
HOW CAN I HELP?
24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE
TOTAL
NANCY KOEBEL
Bus: 519.744.5433 Home: 519.747.4388
Individual life insurance, mortgage insurance, business insurance, employee benefits programs, critical illness insurance, disability coverage,
HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
YOUR OIL, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS AND AIR CONDITIONING EXPERTS
RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, LIFs and Annuities. 652 Waterbury Lane, Waterloo
New to the Community? Do you have a new Baby?
Elmira & Surrounding Area
519.664.2008
SHARON GINGRICH 519.291.6763 psgingrich@hotmail.ca
226-266-2432 pmerlihan@woolwich.ca @PatMerlihan www.merlihan.com Wheelchair Accessible
places of faith | a directory of local houses of worship
building relationships with God, one another and the world
SUNDAYS - 9:00 & 11:00AM WEDNESDAYS - 7:00PM
St. James Lutheran Church
MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED
COUNCILLOR | WARD 1 WOOLWICH TOWNSHIP
VERMONT Castings
11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS
SANYO CANADIAN
PATRICK MERLIHAN
It’s time to call your Welcome Wagon Hostess.
9:00 am: Christian Education 10:15 am: Worship Pastor: Hans J.W. Borch Proclaiming Christ through Love and Service
60 Arthur St. S., Elmira 519-669-5591
Nursery Provided
Sunday School
Zion Mennonite Fellowship -The JunctionSunday School 9:30am Worship Service 10:45am Finding The Way Together 47 Arthur St., S. Elmira • 519-669-3153 www.thejunctionelmira.com
Sunday School at 9:30am
850 Sawmill Rd, Bloomingdale, ON N0B 1K0 (519) 744-7447 | kcf@kcf.org | www.kcf.org
33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591
Service at 10:30am Rev. Paul Snow
Hearing Assisted
Sun., March 22nd 11:00 am
“Helping” God Remember Ron Seabrooke
Discovering God Together
4522 Herrgott Rd., Wallenstein www.wbconline.ca • 519-669-2319
REACH OUT. KEEP FAITH ALIVE, ADVERTISE HERE.
REACH WITH LOVE. TEACH THE TRUTH. SEND IN POWER.
www.kcf.org/academy
Elmira Mennonite Church
290 Arthur St. South, Elmira • 519-669-3973 www.ElmiraAssembly.com (Across from Tim Horton’s)
Emmanuel
Worship: 9:30am Fifth Sunday of Lent Jason Haut, Lay Preaching Team
EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH
Sunday, March 22, 2015
58 Church St. W., Elmira • 519-669-5123
9:15 & 11:00 AM
Series: Trending
REACH OUT. KEEP FAITH ALIVE, ADVERTISE HERE.
www.OBSERVERXTRA.com
www.OBSERVERXTRA.com
SUNDAYS @ 10:30AM @ Park Manor School 18 Mockingbird Dr., Elmira • 519-669-1459 www.elmiracommunity.org
#Science
Speaker: Dr. Kirk Durston 200 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira • 519-669-1296 www.woodsidechurch.ca
Worship Service
Sundays 10:45am
elmiraemmanuel.com
519.669.5030
Sunday School 9:45am Worship Service 11:00am Hopping Thursdays 7-8:30pm 22 Florapine Rd., Floradale • 519-669-2861 www.floramc.org
LIVING HERE | 23
THE OBSERVER | SATURDAY, March 21, 2015
Strange but true / BILL & RICH SONES Ph.D.
Bad luck is more at play with cancer than are genetics or the environment WEIRD NOTES
Q. “Why me? Could I have prevented it? Or was it just in my genes?� Cancer patients are often tormented by such questions, but what other explanation might the research point to? A. Two-thirds of cancers are due to simple bad luck, suggest Johns Hopkins cancer geneticist Bert Vogelstein and biostatistician Cristian Tomasetti in “Science� magazine. The authors combed the literature for stem cell and cancer incidence data for 31 widely different human tissues (gallbladder, esophageal...).
Applying statistics to their data, they concluded that “only a third of the variation in cancer risk among tissues is attributable to environmental factors or inherited predispositions. The majority is due to ‘bad luck,’ that is, random mutations arising during DNA replication in normal, noncancerous stem cells.� Some cancers, such as lung cancer in smokers, have environmental or genetic components that are well documented. But, overall, it appears that the degree to which cancer can be prevented (through lifestyle changes, for example) is limited. As “Science� writer Jennifer Couzin-Frankel points out: The randomness of cancer is frightening. But
it may soften the blow for some patients to know that it is probably not their fault. Q. How did three convicts escape from the “inescapable� Alcatraz Island prison in 1962 using just a crude makeshift raft? Did they make it to shore?
A. On the night of June 11, 1962, the three bank robbers “escaped from their cells through holes they had dug using sharpened spoons, then inflated a raft made from a patchwork of stolen raincoats and cast off into the night, never to be seen again,� reports Thomas Sumner in “Science News� magazine. According to researchers using computer simulation of the Bay, whether the convicts’ escape was
is critical to a lot of important work,� Baart explained, but this turned out to be “a fun case study.� Q. What’s one of those little things about beer that just may add to its luster?
successful depended on the time and tides: If they cast off between 11 p.m. and midnight, they could have reached a beach just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, as the outgoing tide slackened; if, however, they set off before 11 p.m., strong tidal currents could have swept them into the Pacific Ocean. “Resolving the mysterious disappearance of the convicts wasn’t the team’s intention,� said coastal scientist Fedor Baart of Delft, Netherlands. Rather, they were studying how future sea level rise might affect industries on the banks of the Bay, enabling them to predict how rising sea level would affect coastal flooding during storms. “A good model of the bay
A. It’s one of those splashproof drinks you can carry around rather freely without having to worry about spillage, says “New Scientist� magazine. Coffee spills more easily than beer, as do water, tea, soda or wine. When carrying drinks from the bar, Princeton University’s Alban Sauret noted that they rarely sloshed out of the glass, provided they weren’t full to the brim. “The same was true of a latte, though less so, but not a regular coffee.� In studying this, Sauret
and colleagues mixed water with glycerol and surfactants and blew bubbles to create a stable foam, allowing them to control its thickness. Then the team “jolted� containers holding various mixes and filmed the results: “It turns out just 0.3 centimeters of foam is enough to dampen much of the sloshing motion, and 3 centimeters stops it almost completely,� Sauret reported. Though the study started as pub talk, it may have “useful applications in keeping hazardous fluids from spilling over.�
about the authors Bill is a journalist, Rich holds a doctorate in physics. Together the brothers bring you “Strange But True.� Send your questions to strangetrue@compuserve.com.
OBSERVER CROSSWORD PUZZLER
Across 1. Hold up 5. Bar offering 10. Plantain lily 15. Stubborn as an “__� 16. Go after, in a way 18. Whole alternative 19. Enter 20. In-flight info, for short 22. Can 24. Whenever 25. “__ girl� 26. Biochemistry abbr. 27. Clinton, e.g.: Abbr. 28. Christmas carol 30. Belief 32. Close to 33. Barbra’s “A Star Is Born� co-star 35. Cat’s scratcher 37. Stone of many Libras 39. Of me or myself 40. Inch 41. Chart type
43. Fish eggs 44. Mosque V.I.P. 46. Weaken 47. Follow a procedure 48. Toronto’s nickname 49. Lyric poet 52. Bozo 53. The two of us 54. Jack-in-the-pulpit, e.g. 55. Grassy area 56. Stallion, once 57. Used as a greeting 58. Sonata, e.g. 59. Curve 60. Come together 61. Main course 62. “Surely you ___!� 63. Expressing a point in time 65. Big deal 66. “Men always hate most what they ___ most�: Mencken 67. Have the quality of being 68. ___ Master’s Voice
70. Footnote word 72. Conclusion Down 1. Soft leather 2. Nonresident doctor or med student 3. Word in a simile 4. 10 jiao 6. Celeb-oriented magazine 7. Go downhill fast? 8. LP player 9. To be 10. Best seller 11. Upon 12. Active 13. Wine cask 14. Motor ataxia 17. French guided missile 21. “Wheel of Fortune� buy 23. Moray, e.g. 25. Godless 29. The “L� of XXL 31. With the result that
32. Give away 34. Sudden gush 36. Court 38. Before noon 42. Breed 45. Gents 46. Benefitting from careful prior advice or counsel 48. “How ___!� 50. Cost of living? 51. “Dear old� guy 52. “Mud� 53. Acquire 54. “Tarzan� extra 56. Special FX 57. Objective male pronoun 58. Operating room 59. To exist 64. 1992 Robin Williams movie 65. As if; as though 66. Body of good conduct 69. Altar avowal 71. Slang for mother
Crust: 2 cups flour 1/2 cup icing sugar 1 cup soft butter Lemon Layer: 4 eggs 2 cups white sugar 1/2 cup flour 1/2 tsp. salt 6 tbsp lemon juice 1-1/2 cups coconut
Mix crust ingredients with your hands or a pastry
Krispie Peanut Butter Squares 1 cup white sugar 1 cup corn syrup 1 cup peanut butter 6 cups rice krispies Topping: 1 cup chocolate chips (semisweet or milk) 1 cup peanut butter
Melt white sugar, corn syrup and peanut butter. Do not let it boil or your square
OPEN 24 HOURS | 7 DAYS A WEEK
DELIV SER ERY AVAILVICE Call fo ABLE rD
will crumble! Pour mixture over rice krispies and mix well. Press into a greased 13�x9� pan. Refrigerate while you make the topping. Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter. Spread over rice krispie layer. Refrigerate until chocolate is set, then cut into very large pieces because a small piece will not be enough!
about the author Donna is the author of A Taste of Nostalgia Cookbook, which is available by calling 519-638-5791 or email donna.atasteofnostalgia@gmail.com.
etails
315 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519-669-5403
Sudoku challenge
The challenge
Lemon Squares
cutter. Press into a 13�x9� pan. Set aside. For lemon layer, beat eggs until frothy. Gradually add sugar, beat until light in colour. Add remaining ingredients, mix until no flour lumps remain. Bake at 350º F for 30-40 minutes or until slightly golden on top and lemon layer is set. Cool. Dust with icing sugar. These squares are easier to cut if you refrigerate them overnight and cut them the next day.
Chef’s table: Go for big squares, as small ones won’t be enough From | 21
HOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. We’ve started you with a few numbers already placed in the boxes.
24 | BACK PAGE
THE OBSERVER | March 21, 2015
Syrup: After a slow start, the season is in gear from | 12
certainly blessed with that, that’s for sure.” With 10,000 taps here in Woolwich, Martin hopes to top 10,000 litres of syrup this season. Last year was the best on record for his company, West Montrose Maple Syrup Producers. “I always say what happens right in season has as much affect as what happens in the 10 or 11 months leading up to it,” he said. “And last year, we had another real cold winter. But it turned out to be the best season we’ve ever had. I always say, when everyone else is complaining about the spring, that’s probably when the syrup producers are enjoying some pretty
MARCH
With some 10,000 taps on trees across a number of sugar bushes in the township, Fred Martin hopes to produce more than 10,000 litres of maple syrup this year. [Scott Barber / The OBserver] good yields.” The key, he said, was that the Great Lakes were all frozen over, just like this year. That leads to a slower warm-up in the region. The slower the warm-
WELLESLEY SOCCER ONLINE REGISTRATION:
www.wellesleysoccerleague.org Late fee applies after March 25th, 2015
ing, the longer the syrup season. “We’re pleased with the way things are coming along,” Martin said, while standing amongst the trees, taps and lines that make up one of his smaller sugar bushes along Tilman Road in the north end of Elmira. Of course, there is still a ways to go and the weather can change in a hurry. But it’s not all about quantity. And relatively cool temperatures tend to produce syrup with great flavour. “The syrup has been excellent so far,” Martin said. “It looks like it’s going to be another great season.”
S S E N D A M SALE!
4 DAYS
SPECIAL HOURS
FRIDAY MARCH
SATURDAY MARCH
SUNDAY MARCH
MONDAY MARCH
9AM TO 9PM
9AM TO 6PM
11AM TO 5PM
9AM TO 9PM
ONLY! 20 HEAVY BERBER
FREE UNDERPAD!
89
¢
21 22 23
12MM THICK HANDSCRAPED LAMINATE
$ 37
1
per sq ft IN STOCK
REGULAR 2.29
per sq ft IN STOCK
12” X 24” PORCELAIN TILE
$ 47
1
from
REGULAR 3.99
per sq ft IN STOCK
REGULAR 5.99
MARCH LAMINATE MADNESS SALE 10MM LAMINATE
12MM HIGH GLOSS
12MM RANDOM LENGTH
$ 37
$ 57
$ 97
REGULAR 2.99
REGULAR 4.99
HOT DEAL!
1
LAMINATE
1
per sq ft IN STOCK
UP TO 7 FEET LONG!
1
per sq ft IN STOCK
per sq ft IN STOCK
REGULAR 4.99
MARCH HARDWOOD MADNESS SALE RED OAK HARDWOOD
3¼” OR 4¼” WIDE X ¾” THICK
$
WINTER $
5
1 Union St., Elmira The Shops At Roxton
519.669.3072 www.elmiragiftoutlet.com
HOURS: Mon.-Wed. 9:30-5:30 Thur.-Fri. 9:30-7:00 Saturday 9:30-5:30
3 97 per sq ft IN STOCK
REGULAR 6.99
PORCELAIN TILE
$ 07
$ 37
REGULAR 1.99
REGULAR 4.99
13” X 13”
1
per sq ft IN STOCK
BACKSPLASH TILES
$
per sq ft IN STOCK
FROM
4 97 per sq ft IN STOCK
REGULAR 8.99
MARCH CARPET MADNESS SALE HEAVY PLUSH
FREE UNDERPAD!
$ 27
1
HEAVY FRIEZE / SHAG
FREE UNDERPAD!
$ 27
1
per sq ft IN STOCK
REGULAR 3.99
CARPET REMNANTS 12 FT X 12 FT
$
per sq ft IN STOCK
REGULAR 3.99
79 97 each IN STOCK
REGULAR 149.99
MARCH VINYL MADNESS SALE
NEW!! DRY-BACK
Sale Starts March 20th
$
per sq ft IN STOCK
CERAMIC TILE
1
SCARVES, HATS & GLOVES
$
4¼” WIDE | 4 STAINS AVAIL.
REGULAR 5.99
13” X 13” | 3 COLOURS AVAIL
May not be exactly as shown. While quantities last.
15 10
$
2 97
SELECT GRADE MAPLE
MARCH STONE/TILE MADNESS SALE
SALE PURSES
$
per sq ft IN STOCK
REGULAR 5.99
CLEARANCE CLOTHING
2 97
HARD MAPLE
3¼” OR 4¼” WIDE X ¾” THICK
VINYL PLANKS
CLICK VINYL PLANKS 100% WATERPROOF
$ 37
1
CLICK VINYL TILES 100% WATERPROOF
$ 97
1
per sq ft IN STOCK
REGULAR 2.99
$
per sq ft IN STOCK
REGULAR 4.99
2 57 per sq ft IN STOCK
REGULAR 5.99
MARCH ADD-ONS MADNESS SALE
9MM X 37/8 X 12’ MDF PRIMED BASEBOARDS
47 ¢
/linear ft IN STOCK
REGULAR 1.29
SOLID OAK STAIR TREADS
36” WIDE
$
24 97
each IN STOCK
REGULAR 49.99
KITCHEN IN A BOX
INCLUDES FREE HANDLES
$
899
each IN STOCK
REGULAR 1599
1362 VICTORIA ST N KITCHENER 519.742.9188