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70

Elmira, Ontario, Canada | observerxtra.com | Volume 26 | Issue 12

Woolwich gets funding for $4.2M in new projects Federal and provincial money supports upgrades to WMC, drain improvements Sean Heeger Observer Staff

Graham and LuAnn Snyder received multiple nominations to the Region of Waterloo Hall of Fame.

Damon MacLean

Couple’s long-time volunteer work earns official kudos

Graham and LuAnn Snyder to be inducted into the region’s hall of fame next month Damon MacLean Observer Staff

KNOWN FOR THEIR YEARS OF volunteer work, particularly in the Elmira hockey community, Graham and LuAnn Snyder are among those to be inducted this year into the Region of Waterloo Hall of Fame.

A virtual ceremony

next month will mark the occasion, highlighting their contributions to the community.

“On an annual basis, the board inducts up to eight people into the hall of fame, and that’s usually divided between sports people, and then what’s called the pioneers and community builders group,” explained Stacy

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McLennan, collection curator for the Region of Waterloo Museums and staff liaison for the Waterloo Region Hall of Fame board.

Also joining the hall this year are Nathan Brannen (distance runner), Colin Doyle (lacrosse player), Kenneth Goodman (formed a militia company that became the

29th Waterloo Battalion of Infantry), Jean Haalboom (heritage preservation), Keith Priestman (badminton player), Marilyn Straus (heritage advocate) and Vincent Smith (involvement with the Caribbean community).

The ceremony will be held online, as it was last year, due to the ongoing → HALL OF FAMERS 4

WITH FUNDING FROM THE FEDERAL and provincial governments, Woolwich will be spending $4.2 million on two projects in Elmira: upgrades at the Woolwich Memorial Centre and improvements to the underground drain that runs under much of the core.

Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis and his provincial colleague, MPP Mike Harris, joined township Mayor Sandy Shantz in a virtual session Tuesday to announce the new funding.

Improvements to the WMC include replacing the existing refrigeration system and installing a new geothermal system to capture and use reclaimed heat throughout the facility.

Work on the Weigel stormwater management drain includes replacing 11 culverts, as well as a degrading headwall and wingwalls. Installing erosion protection and removing sediment from a

stormwater pond is also on the agenda. The upgrades are expected to reduce the potential for flooding and extend the lifecycle and functioning of the drain.

Ottawa will provide $792,000 towards the WMC projects, and $899,928 for improving the drain. The provincial funding totals more than $1.4 million ($659,934 for WMC and $749,865 for the drain), while the township will be contributing more than $1.1 million ($528,066 for WMC and $600,027 for stormwater management drain).

“I’m so pleased to join the province to announce federal support for improvements to the Woolwich Memorial Centre and rehabilitation to the Weigel stormwater management drain in Woolwich Township,” said Louis during Tuesday’s announcement.

“Investing in community, culture and recreation infrastructure as well as green infrastructure is an essential part of our economy and supporting communities and Canadi→ GRANTS 4

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Page Three

If it matters to you.

It matters to us.

News tips are always welcome.

Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com

Union St. reconstruction

From the archives

The reconstruction of Union Street in Elmira moved one step closer this week as Woolwich council awarded a $4.3-million tender to J. Weber Contracting Ltd. to carry out the work. GHD Limited won a $110,000 bid to carry out contract administration, inspection, and post-construction services.

With flights from Breslau’s Region of Waterloo International Airport to Ottawa set to begin Mar. 29, Quickair Inc. is optimistic about the opportunities. The flights mark the return of service from Breslau to Ottawa, which ceased after Trillium Air stopped servicing the route in June 2002.

From the Mar. 27, 2004 edition of The Observer

Online: observerxtra.com/tips

Residents decry installation of barricades on Peel St. bridge Steve Kannon Observer Staff

THE ERECTION LAST WEEK OF large barricades on either end of the Peel Street bridge saw an immediate backlash from Winterbourne residents, who very quickly expressed their displeasure to Woolwich officials.

The steel panels were welded into place, making the bridge completely impassable.

The structure was closed to all traffic in 2017 due to safety concerns, but pedestrians have continued to cross it. Concerned about liability issues, particularly as vehicles have also used the bridge,

sabotaging the previous barriers, the township wanted to make sure that was no longer possible, explained Jared Puppe, Woolwich’s director of infrastructure services.

“We have experienced recent vandalism on the Peel Street bridge, where someone had cut the lock from the gate and drove

across the bridge. We appreciate that the barricades are not very popular [with] some in the community, unfortunately, we do live in a litigious world and they are required to protect the ratepayers and organization from known violations and any potential claims,” he said in an email.

Acknowledging the negative feedback, Puppe stressed the barricades are temporary, to be kept in place until the bridge is rehabilitated for pedestrian use, which was council’s decision about the fate of the century-old span.

Residents decried the closure, in particular the

unsightly method they say spoils the historic structure. Many had some sport with the situation, circulating photos of a fully laden pickup truck parked on the bridge as workers welded in place the heavy steel plates.

“You’re concerned about pedestrians walking safely → BARRICADE 4

Province releases sunshine list of those making more than $100K Steve Kannon Observer Staff

WOOLWICH AND WELLESLEY TOWNSHIPS CONTRIBUTED 15 members to a list of people on the public dime who earned more than $100,000 in 2020.

Across Ontario, the list – which includes doctors, nurses, teachers, police and firefighters in addition to civil servants – includes 205,607, up 23 per cent from 166,997 in 2019.

The provincially mandated salary information, known as the sunshine list, was released last week. Ontario Power Generation head Kenneth Hartwick was paid $1.2 million. OPG also provided the second-highest salary on the list, Dominque Miniere’s $1,131,767 as president of the nuclear division, followed by chief operations officer Sean Granville at $901,606 and chief projects officer Michael Martelli at $850,332.

Rounding out the top

five was Kevin Smith, president and CEO of the University Health Network, who was paid $844,992.

In Woolwich, chief administrative officer David Brenneman was the highest paid of township employees, taking in $157,289.05. Director of finance/treasurer Richard Petherick received $121,717.97, as did clerk Val Hummel. Recreation director Ann McArthur received $122,174.69.

Director of development services Mark Pomponi was paid $121,719.00. Director of infrastructure Jared Puppe received $114,463.15.

Fire chief Dale Martin got $113,539.24, while chief building official David Heuchert received $105,360.29 and manager of operations Carter Maguire was paid $106,189.92 In Wellesley, chief administrative officer Rik Louwagie was paid $145,435.46. Clerk Grace Kosch made $107,263.32, and now-retired treasurer → SUNSHINE LIST 5

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Natalie Martin is leading a fundraising effort in support of the Linwood family who lost their home in a fire.

Community rallies to raise funds for family after fire levels their Linwood home Sean Heeger Observer Staff

A FUNDRAISING EFFORT TO HELP a Linwood family who lost their home in a March 12 fire quickly surpassed its $5,000 goal, and now stands at some $40,000.

A mother and her four daughters escaped the early-morning blaze unscathed, but the home on Manser Road was destroyed, along with the family’s possessions. The community quickly rallied around them to offer support.

Hearing about the fire from one of the family’s neighbours about 5 a.m., long-time friend Natalie Martin jumped into action and started a fundraiser to help those affected by the fire just a few hours after it took place.

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4 | COMMUNITY NEWS

HALL OF FAMERS: This year’s ceremony will be virtual due to the pandemic →FROM 1

pandemic.

“This year and last year, with the pandemic, we weren’t able to hold the physical ceremonies that we normally hold. So we created online videos for each inductee instead; that’s what we’re trying to do for the 2021 inductees as well,” said McLennan, noting the information will be part of a physical display at the Region of Waterloo Museum, as is the case with all recipients since the initiative began in 1974.

Perhaps apropos of the current situation, the Snyders first learned of their inclusion into the class of 2021 via email.

“We got an email from the hall of fame, just

outlining it a little bit.

That was, I think, a few months back.... We’re very honored, and wanted to know more information about where, how it all came about and that sort of thing,” said Graham Snyder, noting it was a humbling surprise.

The entry into the hall recognized the couple’s volunteer work, something that Snyder says is just second nature.

“I just think that we felt or feel it’s important to give back to the community because it was there for us, me in particular. In the Elmira area, we have lots of support. I happened to come along at exactly the right time to play for the Elmira Sugar Kings in their first year – there’s

been lots of support from the hockey community, so it’s nice to be able to give some of that back,” said Snyder.

McLennan notes the hall of fame board received numerous nominations for the couple, acknowledging much of the pair’s hard work and dedication.

“They’ve been involved with local hockey, especially in Woolwich Township. I know Graham was one of the first players on the very first Elmira Sugar Kings hockey team. And then he was the general manager of the team for a while. He’s been on the board of Woolwich Minor Hockey Association. And he and LuAnn also billeted sugar King players for many years, as well.

“And then, of course, when their son Dan was killed in the automobile accident, they created two separate scholarships that go towards athletes and athletic associations. So that was part of the rationale for inducting them – that they have done a lot of good in the community and have had a lot of very positive impact for sports in Woolwich Township,” said McLennan, noting that Graham was also a large part of Elmira’s 2009 Hockeyville application.

Instead of this year’s in-person ceremony being cancelled, the videos are expected to be released on the last Sunday of April on the museum’s website, when the in-person event would typically be held.

Both sides of the Peel Street bridge had steel panels welded in place last week as the township moved to prevent crossings.

Damon MacLean

BARRICADE: Temporary measure pending rehabilitation, says twp. →FROM 3

across this bridge so you’re having it blocked off? Do pedestrians weigh two tons?” resident Judi Poll asked township officials in an email that included a photo of the work in progess.

“I mean, you DID tell the contractor why he’s been contracted to block the bridge, correct?”

Puppe noted neither the short-term parking of a truck nor the added weight of the barricades is an issue.

“While the bridge has been deemed unsafe for public access, we are not aware of any immediate structural issue that would cause the bridge to collapse.”

In an email to some of the residents, engineering project supervisor Ryan Tucker responded to the installation issue.

“I appreciate your continued concern for the Peel Street bridge. Staff were aware of the contractor accessing the structure in order to install the barricades and felt that the short duration access was

warranted and the bridge was safe to complete the work. The other option that staff explored was to remove the existing bridge deck instead of installing the barricades. The deck removal was the more expensive option and also had the potential to accelerate the deterioration of the structure by exposing the beams under the deck to the elements. The barricades will be removed once the rehabilitation work commences and should not have any lasting effect on the existing structure,” he wrote.

Installing the barricades cost $15,000.

The township will be taking similar action on Middlebrook Place on the border with Centre Wellington Township, where another old steel bridge has been closed since 2004.

“Staff are planning to install the same barricade system and ‘no trespassing’ signage on the Middlebrook Place structure, as well, to prevent the public from accessing the closed bridge,” said Puppe.

Emergency crews responded to Line 86 and Mallott Road near Wallenstein after a transport truck collided with a commercial van early Monday afternoon. No injuries were reported. The road was closed for a few hours while police investigated and the a clean-up was carried out at the scene.

GRANTS: Funding from feds, province lets twp. move ahead with projects →FROM 1

ans.

“By investing in community and cultural infrastructure projects, like those announced today, we’re building up in a way that makes our communities more livable, more resilient, and more sustainable places to live, work and raise our families. We’re bringing Canadians together, while also creating jobs. The Government of Canada is working

closely with municipalities, provinces and other partners and stakeholders to get these projects built quickly, projects that make a positive difference in the lives of Canadians in these trying times.”

Harris says improving the stormwater management drain right now is key as we move into the spring thaw and rainy season.

“This work is going to reduce the risk of flood-

ing and provide better protection for residents, which is really key as we move into the spring.…

This particular piece of infrastructure is really crucial in stormwater management, handling runoff and different things like that. It’s actually a pretty complex system – there are 11 different sort of culverts that feed into this greater stormwater pond. And then there’s a larger portion that’s where

the actual collection takes place where it feeds into the pond, and then that is getting pretty much a whole retrofit,” said Harris.

The senior government support was welcomed by Shantz.

“These partnership grants allow the township to adapt to the ever-changing environment and help to provide the residents of Woolwich with safe and manageable infrastructure.”

FUNDRAISER: Support started rolling in almost immediately, and GoFundMe drive quickly surpassed its goal →FROM 3

is what’s happening.’ I just felt really helpless that I was here and I couldn’t leave. And so that’s kind of why I went into action with the GoFundMe – that’s the only thing that I could do,” said Martin.

“I wasn’t sure what kind of outreach we would get because I think a lot of people are struggling financially and all those

kinds of things. So, I just wanted to help. And that was really the only way that I could have helped being here, and not being there with her.

“I think that the page was like up and running probably an hour, like the fire wasn’t even out yet. And the page was like shared probably 20 times already.”

Starting with a modest

fundraising goal of $5,000, Martin says she wanted to be able to ensure the family would be able to purchase items such as clothing right away.

However, she quickly saw the fundraising goal surpass even her hopeful goal of $10,000, bringing in a total of almost $40,000.

“I thought $5,000 was a good amount [that] could

cover what they needed immediately. Then eventually, hopefully, insurance would take over and then they’d be able to go from there. So, I thought $5,000 was a good goal.

I secretly hoped that we would get $10,000, but I think it’s easier to go a little bit lower and then be happy that you got a little more.”

Martin says despite

everything going on, Britt and her girls are all doing well, and they are extremely grateful for all the support they have received from the community.

“She’s so grateful for everybody that has reached out and has helped and donated things and all that stuff… they’re doing really well though, the girls are doing

really well. Everybody’s back to school and everybody’s feeling really, I think they’re just happy to be back to normal,” Martin added.

Donations can still be made to help the family who lost their home to an accidental fire. To donate visit the GoFundMe at ca.gofundme.com/f/bringing-sunshine-to-brittand-her-girls.

Thursday, March 25, 2021 | THE OBSERVER

COMMUNITY NEWS | 5

Woolwich looking for nominations for new “Pandemic Heroes” awards Damon MacLean Observer Staff

THE TOWNSHIP OF WOOLWICH IS looking to recognize the efforts of residents who’ve shown themselves to be “Pandemic Heroes” through the coronavirus crisis, calling for nominations for a new award.

“These are individuals that have gone above and beyond their day-to-day jobs to help, essentially help us live through the pandemic and cope with a pandemic,” explained the townships Rae Ann Bauman.

Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz launched the program to recognize remarkable people in the community.

“Pandemic Heroes are Woolwich residents, groups or organizations who have gone above and beyond to support their community during one of the most unprecedented times in our townships’

history,” she said in a statement. “We want to honour these heroes, and I encourage our community to consider those who have done extraordinary things over the last year and to honour them by nominating them as a Pandemic Hero.”

The program seeks “heroes who don’t wear capes,” who’ll being recognized under different categories, said Bauman.

“We broke it up into three categories: we have healthcare, community and not-for-profit. So, under health care, we’re looking for individuals who have created or promoted ways to keep physical health, mental wellbeing at the forefront of COVID-19, despite physical or personal sacrifices of their own.

The community-based category is individuals who have contributed to the overall wellbeing of township residents, either by spearheading large- or

Rae Ann Bauman is leading Woolwich’s search for those who’ve gone above and beyond.

small-scale initiatives, which we have seen quite a number of in our community.

“And then the last category is not-for-profit, which is individuals or organizations that have or continued through selfless acts or ongoing actions to assist those in need within which township during their daily lives – specifically, when

it’s kind of outside of their realm of their day-to-day roles and jobs.”

Nominations can be made through the township’s website at woolwich.ca/pandemicheroes until April 16.

“We’ve asked for the pandemic’s heroes names and contact information, because we want to make them aware that they have been nominated so that

DamonMacLean

they aren’t kind of caught off guard. And then we’ve looked for information on this form that gives us which sector they’re identified in whether it’s healthcare community or not for profits. And then we’ve asked for a story as to what they’ve done to support the community and why the nominator feels that they should be recognized as a hero,” said

Bauman.

Those named as a ‘pandemic hero’ will be announced during the township’s ‘positive pandemic impacts’ virtual event on May 26, which is running instead of the normal state of the township. “[The mayor] wanted to do an event that was more community based.

And she wanted to highlight positive things that have come out of this pandemic, whether it is things that we’ve been able to offer for services to our residents. And again, to recognize these heroes that have gone above and beyond, whether it was sewing these masks for the community to handing food out to the community, or recognize individuals who have done community events such as scavenger hunts.”

More details on the Township’s positive impact event are yet to come.

Gearing up for another gypsy moth season in Waterloo Region Sean Heeger Observer Staff

WITH SPRING NOW UPON US, warmer weather, gardening season and watching the trees come back to life are just a few things to which we have to look forward. But with the change in season comes the birth of an invasive species, the gypsy moth.

Every spring this critter bursts forth from the egg sacks laid the previous summer with a singular goal of eating the leaves on trees where they were hatched, defoliating them to the point some of the trees won’t survive.

The impact is cyclical and not uniform across the area – you can drive down one road and see defoliated woodlots and then drive down another that’s completely fine, says Albert Hovingh, principal planner and stewardship planner with the Region of Waterloo.

“It looks like it will be bad in some places and worse in others. I haven’t done a formal survey, but

Albert Hovingh is stewardship planner for the Region of Waterloo.

I’ve certainly been around a lot and looked at different woodlots and things like that, and there’s certainly some areas where there’s a lot of egg masses. So, it’ll probably be like last year: kind of gross for people in their backyards,” said Hovingh.

Scrapping away the eggs before they hatch is a first step, but there are also some natural aids in the battle against the moths.

“I also did notice last

summer that there were signs of a fungus, and there’s also a virus that impacts the gypsy moth… it’s kind of a naturally occurring phenomena fungus. It does affect them, but it also depends a bit on the right conditions. For any fungus to grow, it’s got to be kind of moist and things like that.

So, depending on what happens in the spring, that may encourage that growth, but then there’s

Sean Heeger

also this virus and again that’s also naturally occurring.”

Gypsy moths, first introduced to North America more than a century ago, create chaos within woodlots and other forested areas each year. In their caterpillar form, they eat trees to the point of defoliation, before entering their “adult” stage and cocooning themselves before becoming a moth. It is this stage where they lay

SUNSHINE LIST: Those on the list make almost double average income →FROM 3

Theresa Bisch was paid $107,163.32. Chief building official Darryl Denny, director of planning Geoff Vanderbaaren and fire chief Paul Redman each received $107,128.90.

The Region of Waterloo has 416 employees on the list, up from 364 the year before, while the police contributed 672 names, down from 689 in 2019, led

by Chief Bryan Larkin at $330,811.23.

When first introduced in 1996, the list contained 4,319 names. Inflation is responsible for much of the increase: adjusted for inflation, $100,000 then is now the equivalent of about $167,000 today.

In 2020, the average Ontario worker made about $55,000. That includes overtime pay, and assumes no weeks off, amounting to a little more than half of the sunshine list threshold.

their egg sacks – which can contain up to 1,000 eggs – before dying.

One acceptable way to get rid of the moths is by using Bacillus Thuringiensis (Btk). However, Hovingh says the region does not spray for the moths as the problem does not seem that widespread here – in order for them to consider such an act would require about four years of extreme defoliation.

While the woodlots and other areas of trees will not be looked after by the region, residents can do something on their own properties – and expand their work if they wish.

Some acceptable practices include going out before the caterpillars hatch and scraping the egg sacks into a bucket of soapy water; while another would be to apply burlap and a “sticky barrier band” to the trunks of potential

host trees and going out to remove the caterpillars each day.

Hovingh says these are steps that can be taken on a small scale, however, because so many eggs are held within a sack, missing even one could still leave a tree infested with 1,000 or more caterpillars.

While the defoliation of trees is a problem, Hovingh says the one upside to something like this happening early in the spring is that the “understory plants” get extra sunlight earlier in the season and have the ability to grow. He says another upside is the fact that the digested leaves turn into fertilizer from the caterpillar, which in turn helps ground vegetation earlier in the year.

For more information on the gypsy moth and ways to get rid of them, visit www.invasivespeciescentre.ca.

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Opinion

When local news matters ... ... it matters where you get your local news.

Connect: observerxtra.com/staff

Verbatim

The Monitor

“There is no short-term fix for long-term care. We need federal funding for longterm care to be tied to provincial compliance with national standards, and to transitioning for-profit providers out of the system.”

Mental health concerns are on the rise among Canada's working women, especially mothers, as the COVID-19 pandemic persists.

Working mothers reported experiencing higher levels of stress (52%), anxiety (47%) and depression (43%) compared to working women without children (36%; 38%; 29%).

Pauline Worsfold, chairperson of the Canadian Health Coalition, advocates for national standards for long-term residential care.

Prosperity Project tracking poll

OBSERVER EDITORIAL

Sunshine list does its job of highlighting disparities

T

here’s nothing like the annual sunshine list of those public sector employees making more than $100,000 a year to get the blood boiling.

Ontarians are rightly upset at the lack of fiscal oversight that sees the list grow in leaps and bounds each year.

Ticking off Ontarians was precisely the intent of the Harris government, which made reporting such salaries mandatory beginning in 1996. The idea was to show the public how many government employees were pulling in large dollars, even as their unions cried poor in the face of the Conservatives’ fiscal policies.

If people were incensed by the 4,319 names on that first list, what are they to make of the 205,607 who made north of $100,000 in 2020? This list has grown precipitously over the years – the number of people grew by 23 per cent compared to 2019 – that fact not dampened by talk of inflation over the last 25 years.

There are nine employees on the sunshine list in Woolwich and six in Wellesley. At the regional level, 416 people made the list, while the Waterloo Regional Police added another 672 names.

Inclusion on the list puts those government employees in the top five per cent of all earners in the province.

Once seen as a place where job security came with lower wages, public service now means higher-than-average pay, benefits and working conditions.

The average wage for Ontarians in 2020 was about $55,000, just over half of what it takes to make the sunshine list. And that’s without factoring in the hit to many paycheques due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The economic downturn and layoffs had a much bigger impact on the private sector, disproportionately burdening those with the most precarious work, particularly in the hospitality industry.

For years, wages, stagnant or even shrinking for some in the private sector, have increased only in name, moving much more slowly than in the public sector. That contrast is likely to be even more stark given the vicissitudes of the pandemic.

The discrepancy between government workers and those in the private sector is likely to rise. Average industry wages are expected to increase in marginally this year, nothing like the pace expected in the public sector.

Yet, as we’ve seen in this area, government employees are receiving deals above the private sector average. With no bottom line – politicians seem to have few qualms about dipping deeper on their repeated trips to the well – governments simply pass the increases along to a public forced to pay taxes, a far cry from the situation faced in the private sector.

The argument that the threshold for reporting salaries should be adjusted for inflation makes sense only to those who would seek to hide runaway grown in public sector salaries. It’s no overstatement to say $100,000 is still a significant amount of money, far more than most Ontarians make.

Saying someone has a six-figure salary has meant something for decades. Though inflation has eroded the buying power, it’s still enough to put the recipient in a category that excludes 95 per cent of the public.

Few would begrudge civil servants a decent wage, but when those supported by public money begin making more than those paying the freight, friction is bound to follow – a boiling point may be reached as the gap widens and the public becomes more mindful of the inequalities, systemic and otherwise, that have been creeping back into the economy at a quickened pace.

The pandemic has put inequities into greater relief, and revealed the fragility of the economy generally and wage income more specifically, particularly the contrast between private and public sectors.

ANALYSIS ON CURRENT WORLD EVENTS

A way to end the sanctions in Syria

T

he Syrian civil war is ten years old this month, and it’s time to stop it. At least half a million Syrians are dead, a quarter of the pre-war population are refugees abroad, and another quarter are refugees inside Syria.

Thirty per cent of the country’s housing stock is destroyed or badly damaged – and we have known who won the war for at least four years now.

More fighting cannot change anything. All the big cities are back under the regime’s control, as is at least 80 per cent of the territory and of the population that’s still within the borders. The Russian military intervention in 2015 turned the tide, the remaining rebels are all crammed into one province, Idlib, and local ceasefires have silenced the guns in most places.

Yet there is no peace, because neither the rebels in Idlib nor their foreign backers are willing to recognize the victory of long-ruling dictator Bashar al-Assad and his Baath Party.

You can see why, because this is a regime that pitilessly tortures and murders those who defy it, and in a world where divine justice prevailed it would surely have been destroyed.

Unfortunately, this is not that world. Assad came down with coronavirus earlier this month, but he’s very unlikely to die

GWYNNE DYER

Global Outlook on World Affairs

from it (he’s only 55), and it’s hard to think of anything else that might change the outcome.

Indeed, even Assad’s death might not do the trick. It’s a whole regime with deep roots, not just one man, and it has survived lost wars, attempted coups and rebellions for almost 60 years. Moreover, the only plausible successor to the ruling Baath Party at this point is the murderous Islamist fanatics of the al-Qaeda affiliates who control Idlib.

The real reason Assad has won the war is that enough people in Syria believe the Islamist jihadis would kill them if they came to power. All the religious minorities, Shia Muslim, Christian and Druze, believe that, plus anybody secular and anybody who works for the government, including teachers. They think of the jihadis as an Islamic version of the Khmer Rouge, and they’re not far wrong.

The jihadis didn’t dominate the original uprising in 2011, but Assad is not stupid. He immediately freed around 6,000 Islamists from his jails, in the hope that they were ruthless enough to win control

of the opposition and frighten people into backing him instead. It worked.

Foreign countries, some ignorant, some naive and some ‘soft’ Islamist themselves (Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar), poured in guns and money, and the Syrian Islamists did take over the revolt. That drove a lot of Syrians to Assad’s side – and then Russia sent its air force in to save him in 2015. By 2017, the war was effectively settled – but it did not stop.

It slowed down almost to a stop after Assad had regained control of everything except Idlib province (occupied by Turkey) and the sparsely populated east of the country (partly held by Kurdish and American troops). But the anti-Assad foreigners won’t acknowledge his victory.

The United States actually strengthened its already savage sanctions against Syria last year, so Assad’s key supporters are still scraping by but everybody else is on the brink of starvation. The Syrian pound is worth less than a fifth of its value a year ago, and 80 per cent of the population is below the poverty line.

The U.S. sanctions can go on forever at no cost to the United States, while American politicians feel virtuous and Syrians →DYER 8

Thursday, March 25, 2021 | THE OBSERVER

OPINION | 7

With so many uncertainties, now is probably not the time to spend more money on the Breslau airport

T

he federal government is currently soliciting input on the proposed runway extension at the Region of Waterloo International Airport in Breslau.

That’s the technical part. The bigger consideration for residents is whether or not the region should continue to put more into the money-losing operation.

The region’s airport master plan, approved in 2017, calls for spending of $375 million over the report’s 20-year scope, including $34.5 million for runway extensions.

First up is the extension of runway 14-32 to a length of 2,134 metres (7,000 feet) from 1,250 (4,100) at a budgeted cost of $23 million. (The region has already spent some $10 million of land acquisition.)

It’s for that project that the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is seeking public feedback until April 18.

A second proposed runway extension isn’t part of the current review.

The region expects the $11.5-million work on runway 08-26 – which would include unbudgeted costs for some kind of realignment of Shantz Station Road – is still years away, as it wouldn’t be required until annual passenger traffic hit 500,000, more than double the as-yet-unreached 250,000 being used to justify extending runway 14-32.

The region argues the runway needs to be longer to accommodate larger aircraft, making the airport a more attractive hub for airlines.

Therein lies the rub: the region has spent millions of dollars upgrading the

STEVE KANNON Editor's Point of View

facility to largely little avail. A number of airlines have attempted to offer service from Breslau over the years, most eventually winding down. In operating losses alone, taxpayers are on the hook for about $6 million annually.

While some on regional council have shown reluctance to push ahead with expansion plans, the region continues spending in the hope, on a wing and a prayer, that airlines and passengers will choose to fly from Breslau, though there’s no end in sight to the capital expenses and taxpayer subsidies.

Right now, it makes no sense to be spending money on the airport

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travel was a $1.3 trillion industry in 2019.

The local airport’s share of the business is a tiny slice, but the trend is likely to have an impact on every facet of the industry.

A number of the past airline services in Breslau have been aimed squarely at business travellers – vainly, in the end – which is less likely to drive passenger numbers. While the convenience is high for residents, the relatively few flight options means we have to look to flights from other locations, a situation compounded by ticket costs that were often much higher than comparable flights from even the likes of Toronto’s Pearson airport.

Cost being a significant factor for most travellers, Canadian airports are generally at a disadvan-

tage in comparison to U.S. facilities. Pre-pandemic, millions of Canadians flew from U.S. airports each year, largely for purely economic reasons.

Flying from, say, Buffalo to another U.S. city could be a fraction of the cost of taking off from Toronto, for instance. (The Canadian Airports Council (CAC) estimates a third of passengers at Buffalo-Niagara International Airport are Canadian.)

The pandemic has not been kind to the global airline industry as a whole. That’s especially true in Canada, which has been subjected to more stringent restrictions and lockdowns, particularly in relation to the U.S. A CAC report in December projected revenue losses for Canada’s airports to top $5.5 billion

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given the extreme losses the industry is experiencing due to the pandemic.

Some of the changes may be permanent, particularly when it comes to remote meetings replacing business travel, a practice that has also been hit by heightened environmental concerns.

As with a number of work-related practices in a post-pandemic world, business travel is expected to take a permanent hit, though how big the impact will be is up in the air.

Bill Gates, for instance, has suggested business travel will decline by half, while the head of Delta Air Lines expects the new normal will be 10 to 20 per cent lower than the pre-pandemic numbers.

Come what may, we’re talking significant figures, as international business

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for 2020 and 2021, up $1 billion from a previous report from last August.

Canada’s airports expect to take on about $2.8 billion in additional debt in 2020 and 2021, the group predicts, calling on the government to do more.

While the federal government has been supportive, it is missing the sense of urgency to act quickly and decisively.

The reality is that these losses are unsustainable.

Without government action, air travel will not only become a lot more expensive, but Canadians everywhere will have fewer choices of routes and destinations, including at the four major hub airport,” said CAC president Daniel-Robert Gooch in a statement.

Prior to the onset of COVID-19, the majority of Canada’s airports were almost entirely funded through passenger and aeronautical fees, which have dropped catastrophically with passenger traffic at zero to 15 per cent of pre-COVID levels at most airports. Government mitigations such as ground lease rent relief and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy provided only minimal aid, he said.

“These measures provided some assistance, but not enough to help support airports dealing with higher costs and cratering revenues. In fact, our analysis shows that even their modest impact was far less than the government projected.”

The Breslau airport has long been in the market for additional routes that connect the region to other parts of Canada. The current situation won’t →KANNON 8

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 25, 2021

8 | OPINION

A little advice on log cabins

T

wo days ago, I took down a dead hemlock about eight inches in diameter and about 30-feet high. I told Jenn this was because it was leaning towards the picture windows of our house, just a little too much for my liking.

In reality, it was because I bought a new folding camp saw and was bored.

And whenever an outdoorsman is bored, cutting wood is the cure.

If you don’t believe this, remember, we are the ones who perfected whittling and wood piles.

A new cutting implement in the hands of a bored outdoorsman is hell on the local forests.

STEVE GALEA

Not-So-Great Outdoorsman

This is not because we outdoorsy types hold resentment to all the trees that have conspired to let flushing grouse fly off unharmed. Although, I will admit, that shortly after dropping the tree, I looked into the forest and whispered, “Let this be a lesson to you all.”

No, it is because buried deep in the heart of every outdoorsman, there is a burning desire to yell “Timber!” at least once and actually mean it. By the way, you know you have cut down a tree

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

 There are other options for church services, gatherings To the Editor, Recently, Trinity Bible Chapel was fined for holding church services with too many people, breaking COVID laws of restricted assembly. This is a reasonable restriction for the common good. The COVID virus can be spread quickly, especially indoors just by one infected person.

Church meetings are still allowed with attendance of 15 per cent of legal capacity of that building. And there are

reasonable alternatives to assemble a religious meeting such as scheduling services two times Sunday and Saturday and weekday evenings. Some church members have backyards that could be used for small group meetings.

However, instead of being flexible and peaceable, a few church pastors would rather confront government authorities and break the law. The Bible teaches us “to pursue peace earnestly” and despise not government officials. Group and societal health and well-being trumps any group gathering than can be accommodated in other ways.

Peter Grainger WATERLOO

correctly, when “timber” is not used to describe what the shed has become after the tree has fallen.

I’m not sure why we have the urge to yell “timber!,” but I suspect it has something to do with the fact that we were subjected to far too many Paul Bunyon stories in our childhood.

To a child of my era, a Paul Bunyon-type of life seemed pretty good, I guess. He was big, muscular, well-liked, had a cool blue ox that he, apparently, never had to clean up after – and songs written about him. But mostly,

Bunyon got to run around with a cool, sharp object slung over his shoulder all day long, which ensured no one was ever going to make him take a bath. He basically lived a perfect life.

Paul Bunyon aside, I can tell you there is a certain pride that comes with felling a tree, especially when you realize that in doing so, you can now honestly tell your other outdoorsy friends that you finally started building that log cabin you always dreamed about. It doesn’t matter that you will never cut another log either. What

→FROM 6

suffer, but there is a way to end this. It has to start with accepting that Assad will stay in power, because that’s the only way that other countries get any leverage.

What price would Assad pay for an end to sanctions and renewed international recognition as Syria’s leader? Quite a lot, because it would enable

him to start rebuilding the country, however slowly, and free him from the isolation he has endured for the past decade.

He could be told that the price includes an amnesty for all Syrians, including those who fought against him, except for those who actually committed war crimes. Many of the refugees wouldn’t go home anyway because they don’t

→FROM 7

help with that goal. The facility is expecting a new carrier to begin operations in May, however. Flair Airlines is the latest carrier to offer up flights from the Region of Waterloo International Airport, looking to connect the area with six Canadian cities. The

company will fly several times each week from Breslau to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton and Halifax, adding Victoria and Winnipeg to the itinerary in July.

It's something of a leap of faith on the company's part given the current economic situation and

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Whether there’s now actual stability and growth in the local market remains to be seen, but as taxpayers, residents have every right to expect that past performance will frame future results, their hard-earned money at risk.

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the many uncertainties that remain, but only time will tell if the gamble pays off.

That said, we’ve seen this movie a number of times, with no happy endings, which is an even bigger problem given outright subsidies that saw everyone in the region

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ensure that those who fled recover their property), and all the children would be back in school (most haven’t been, for the past five years).

It would be something like the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, in other words, except with more international involvement and less vengeance against the losers. No promises, but it’s certainly worth a try.

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trust him, but international supervision and guarantees for those who take up the offer could probably be negotiated.

Turkey would try to block the deal, but Russia would go along with it and put pressure on the Turks. Syria would still be a police state, but most people would be back in their homes (some measures required to

KANNON: Business travel unlikely to return to pre-pandemic levels

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self-sufficiency, tranquil settings and rugged individualism. Plus, they are far more comfortable to hide in than a shed.

The point here is that one of the best things an outdoorsman can do is get himself a sharp implement that is capable of cutting down a tree, so you can finally cross yelling an authentic “timber!” off of your bucket list and start that log cabin you always dreamed about.

But, if I could offer just a word of advice: when it comes to log cabins, my philosophy is take your time and do it right.

DYER: U.S. and allies can use leverage to force concessions from Assad

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matters is that you can forevermore refer to your log cabin construction experience whenever the subject comes up – which is whenever a group of outdoorsmen meet – and dispense practical folksy advice, such as “When it comes to log cabins, my philosophy is take your time and do it right.”

People listen to this because the ultimate dream of every outdoorsman is to build a log cabin deep in the woods that you can slip away to whenever the lawn needs mowing..

Log cabins also conjure up romantic images of

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 25, 2021 | 9

Business

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Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com New Business: observerxtra.com/enterprise

Labour unrest at region

Sick leave disparities

Region of Waterloo paramedics and logistics and support workers have given their union a strong strike mandate in their current contract negotiations with the region. The paramedic services workers, represented

by CUPE Local 5191, held an online strike mandate vote on last week where 97% voted in favour of authorizing the union to take strike action if necessary.

As Canada entered the pandemic in March 2020, 52.1% of people who worked in the previous two years had access to paid sick leave. Some 66% of permanent employees had access to paid sick leave. Among temporary employees, 41% had access to paid sick leave, compared with 12.6% among other temporary employees, including on-call, seasonal, and casual workers.

How does their garden grow? Abundantly Bloomingdale couple expands their home garden into a new produce venture, Woolwich Veg Damon MacLean Observer Staff

WHAT STARTED AS A HOME garden when a couple moved to Bloomingdale has morphed into a new business that offers online ordering of fresh vegetables and herbs, with plans to set up a market stall in Elmira this spring.

Woolwich Veg is the handiwork of Najla Nureddin and Jacob Schering, who’ll begin selling produce as the growing season kicks off, primarily from their website, www.woolwichveg.com.

“Jacob and I got really lucky and found a farmhouse to rent just outside Bloomingdale in 2019.

The house came with a fairly large garden in the back and we immediately decided to grow our own vegetables and herbs,” noted Nureddin.

The transition from hobby to something larger grew from their passion for the garden, which took on a life of its own.

“Jacob’s really passionate about growing things, and it’s super contagious.

We love growing things

Jacob Schering and Najla Nureddin have expanded the garden at their Bloomingdale-area farm property.

together. When we first moved to a place that had a garden, we were like, ‘there’s no doubt about it – we’re going to start growing our own veggies.’

Why not? We have the space,” she said.

“After two years of doing that, I really wanted to upgrade a little bit.

We wanted to have some

more space, see how much else I could grow.

So, this December I was like, ‘why not try? What else do I have going on?’

I put some classified ads out, and in February, someone reached out just down the road. I’m like, ‘alright, this is fate – we’ve got to try it,’” said Nureddin in reflecting on

the journey to where the couple is at today.

The new business idea is simple: a learning experience growing products that are healthy for both the environment and the community. In keeping with that motto, the seeds have been sourced from Hawthorn Organic Seeds in Palmerston and have

Damon MacLean

been “untreated and open-pollinated.”

Nureddin said that the seed producer was in keeping with the couple’s philosophy, noting that Jacob had been impressed when he heard the owner speak at a conference.

“We’ll be using that to plant because we really

want to be sure of our seed source – make sure it’s ethical in terms of the environment where it’s grown.”

Woolwich Veg products can be ordered online for delivery, but the couple is currently only accepting cash payments. The website also features a crop calendar breakdown of each month’s range of veggies and herbs.

In addition to their online platform, the duo will also be opening up a stall at this year’s Elmira Farmers’ Market.

“I checked online, their Facebook page had an email address for Allan Martin, who runs it. And I just reached out asking, ‘Hey, are there any spaces available? Can we chat?’

And he reached out and said, ‘definitely, there’s spaces available.’ He just wanted to learn about us a bit and where we were growing, and once he heard we were outside Bloomingdale, he’s like ‘hop on board!’”

To keep up to date with the farm’s offerings, follow their Instagram account @woolwichveg, where they are documenting their farming journey.

I hear the train a-comin' — from Mexico benefits around in new ways.

It’s as timely as can be. With air travel being severely limited during the pandemic, rail transportation has risen like a phoenix. Forecasters say the movement of anything by air will take ages to recover, paving the way

for rail to step in and fill the void it once occupied… provided, of course, it has the capacity to do so.

Forecasters also point to how the world has evolved during the pandemic, underlining the need for dependable transportation and sourcing to → ROBERTS 10

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Mexico.

Early this week CP cut a hefty US$25-billion deal to buy a U.S. railway that has lines into Mexico, called Kansas City Southern

huge ramifications for agricultural trade, and beyond.

First, it does exactly what the recently rewritten Canada-U.S.-Mexico trade deal is supposed to do – that is, open up trade fairly and evenly among the three signatories, with the potential to spread

th

Food For Thought

(KCS).

CNBC market analyst Jim Cramer notes there are no overlapping lines involved in this deal, so approval is likely.

In some circles, the deal is being hailed as one for the ages.

Besides being a monumental purchase, it has

Ar

OWEN ROBERTS

r St

ometime next year, the graffiti you see on railway cars passing through our area may well be in Spanish.

Pending regulatory approval, Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) is set to become the first rail freight network to link Canada, the U.S. and

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 25, 2021

10 | B U S I N E S S

Elmira Farmers’ Market expands to new location Success of 2020 market prompts market to make the move to larger space still within view of their long-time site Damon MacLean Observer Staff

THE ELMIRA FARMERS’ MARKET IS on the move, though within a stone’s throw of its long-time location.

The operation has outgrown its season spot in the parking lot behind the Woolwich Township administration building on Maple Street, prompting a relocation to the nearby parking lot of the former Freiburger’s grocery store.

Following a busy 2020 season and high levels of interest from new vendors looking to join the lineup, it was time to find a bigger location, said market manager Allan Martin, who has been with the market since its inception almost two decades ago.

The market is scheduled to open at the new spot May 1.

“We had an excellent season last year after we opened. We were supported 100 per cent,” he said of the 2020 opening that was pushed back to mid-June due to the

pandemic.

Given that the market gives shoppers an option to pick up items in an outdoor venue, Martin said he expects to see a good turnout again this year.

“It just seemed that people would much rather come out and do their grocery shopping on a Saturday morning at the local farmers’ market than go into a grocery store. It’s an open-air market, and [they] felt more comfortable coming out there than otherwise.”

Martin says several new vendors have reached out to him expressing interest in setting up for the Saturday market day this time around. The increased demand in part prompted the relocation plans.

“We’re super excited [about] going to a bigger location and having more room to accommodate more vendors.”

Martin expects the number of shops for this season to grow from 18 to somewhere between the 22 to 25 range.

“We will be relocat-

Allan Martin in the parking lot that will be the new home of the Elmira Farmers' Market on Saturdays this summer.

ing to the Freiburger’s [lot], what I call the prime broker parking lot, to make more room so we can add additional vendors that have applied and want to come out this year,” he said, pointing to the likes of new organic vegetable

growers, a specialty baker and Bloomingdale-based Woolwich Veg. Though an outdoor location, the market will be taking all the virus-protection measures.

“We’re going to have everything in place the same as we did last year.

One way market: one entrance and one exit.

We’ll have to see how that all works out for us going to a new location, but that is our plan,” said Martin.

Other guidelines will include capacity limits and sanitizing stations as well as masking and the

Damon MacLean

posting of public health information. All of these regulations are subject to change under the Reopening of Ontario Act and the local bylaw for face coverings as well as the local Public Health unit’s requirements for businesses.

ROBERTS: CP's acquisition of a U.S. line with access to Mexico could be a game-changer for producers →FROM 9

restock depleted shelves of all kinds, not just retail.

In some sectors, North American manufacturers have been hammered by erratic supply chains involving goods from China, produced with cheap labour. Mexico started muscling in on that territory long ago.

And given the fragile relations between the U.S. and China, which leaves all of North America exposed to the ripple effect

of sanctions and trade wars, reliable sources of what’s called “near shore” (versus offshore) supplies are welcome.

Agriculture has a lot to gain. Mexico is a big wheat consumer, but a very limited producer.

Wheat’s growth cycle requires long days and cool nights, which makes the Canadian prairies and Midwest U.S. ideal for the crop. Luis Cervera, CEO of the Mexican Cereal Grains Institute, says millers

there are enthused about the railway’s potential to bring high-quality Canadian wheat to their country.

Fine Mexican restaurants have already developed a taste for quality Canadian beef. Coming the other way, Canada increasingly relies on a steady supply of Mexican fruit to get us through the winter. Who knows how trade in other commodities will benefit from more open trade?

Railway companies claim to be much more efficient at moving commodities than trucks.

Some of the promoters of the CP-KCS deal say its potential to positively impact the environment is significant because it will take so many trucks off the road for long hauls.

And if U.S. regulators are at all hesitant about approving the deal, that’s an angle they’ll have to consider. The U.S. is setting high environ-

mental standards that its trading partners will have to follow if they want to do business there. In doing so, the U.S. will also need to show it supports efforts by those partners to be more environmentally sensitive. This rail deal checks that box.

It also holds potential for more crude oil transportation from Western Canada to refineries in the U.S., a highly contentious issue that has seen pipeline projects squashed

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and Alberta cry mercy.

So no wonder the Alberta premier has publicly stated his support for the project.

And even though regulatory approval seems likely, everyone’s sitting tight, waiting to exhale.

CP failed at other mergers in 2014 and 2016 that would have extended its rail business in the U.S. But the world was different then. It seems like now’s the time for a new railroad trilogy.

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Farmland values up

Biogas funding

Canada’s farmland market remained strong during a year marked by economic turbulence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the latest Farm Credit Canada (FCC) report. The average value of Canadian farmland increased by 5.4% in 2020. In Ontario, average farmland values increased by 4.7% in 2020, following gains of 6.7% in 2019, and 3.6% in 2018.

The federal Ministry of Agriculture and Agri-Food last week announced funding of up to $116,800 for the Canadian Biogas Association (CBA) to accelerate sustainable agricultural development. With funding of up to $28,800 from the Agricultural Clean Technology Program, the CBA launched a campaign to help farmers learn more about biogas.

Canadian food autonomy takes a big step forward

McCain Foods ups the ante with its $65-million investment in TruLeaf Sustainable Agriculture, making it the largest shareholder

W

e learned recently that McCain Foods has upped the ante in TruLeaf Sustainable Agriculture and its wholly-owned subsidiary GoodLeaf Farms, Canada’s largest commercial vertical farming operation.

McCain has invested $65 million in GoodLeaf, making it the single largest shareholder in the venture. The idea is to create a national network of sustainable vertical farms that will bring fresh produce to several urban markets in the country.

These are exactly the type of projects we need in Canada.

GoodLeaf has come a long way from its humble beginnings in an abandoned school in Bible Hill, N.S. It now operates a fully-automated 45,000-square-foot facility in Guelph, and is looking to expand its operations nationally, with McCain’s support.

These are highly capital-intensive projects and

getting a private sector leader in partnership is nothing short of a coup.

The company has the technological experience and expertise to do well.

McCain brings to the table far more than just cash. The company is probably one of Canada’s best agri-food vertical integrators. It understands supply chain economics very well. The potato industry in Canada is amazingly well-co-ordinated, mostly due to McCain’s leadership. From farm to fork, farmers, distributors and even food service, including players like McDonald’s, all work together to improve efficiency and quality.

Last year, McCain had to deal with a 300-millionpound glut of potatoes due to the closure of thousands of restaurants. More than 75 per cent of fries are consumed through food service. Most of the glut was rerouted or repurposed within months, and 12 months later, the indus-

A step in the right direction for sustainable food in Canada.

try is back on its feet.

While milk was being dumped everywhere, the potato industry regrouped and got it done. It was an impressive feat.

McCain’s ability to work the food chain will help GoodLeaf. Since these projects are about generating business in a high-volume, low-margin environment, risks can be high. Dealing with grocers is never easy but understanding the stock-keeping unit (SKU) game and what happens in grocery stores will be critical. These

partnerships are key for Canada’s ongoing pursuit of more food autonomy.

Food autonomy is about moving the needle on domestic production.

It’s not about food sovereignty, which fosters the desire to produce and regulate everything within our borders. An autonomous food system is about building production capacity in an open economy.

Investing in controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) is about optimizing growing

conditions for any crops, throughout the year, regardless of weather patterns. CEA technologies have come a long way to include hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaculture and aquaponics.

There are several ways to grow crops effectively and safely. GoodLeaf uses hydroponic techniques to produce sustainable, safe, pesticide-free, nutrient-dense leafy greens, very much what a growing number of consumers are looking for.

Vertical farming also knows no limitations when designing a supply chain. To reduce logistical requirements and increase product quality and freshness, vertical farms can be built in cities, in suburbs, anywhere. Growing microgreens or produce generates no smell, unlike livestock.

The potential is substantial, especially for a country like Canada where produce price volatility has historically given

consumers sticker shock.

According to NielsenIQ numbers, vegetable prices over the last 12 months have increased by almost 11 per cent. Some products, like tomatoes and cauliflower, have seen higher increases.

When healthy food is perceived as financially out of reach, some consumers will walk away and their nutrition will suffer.

With climate change, CEA and vertical farming can become humanity’s best friend, no matter where you live in the world.

Conventional outdoor agriculture has also come a long way but it remains highly vulnerable to a variety of uncontrollable factors.

So the McCain-GoodLeaf partnership is a step in the right direction. We have access to clean water, clean energy and affordable land in Canada, compared to other places. All the main → CHARLEBOIS 13

OFA engages on federal priorities with provincial counterparts

E

ach year, farm leaders, industry stakeholders and government officials gather together to discuss key issues and priorities impacting Canadian agriculture at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) annual general meeting. This year’s event, although virtual, offered the chance to highlight Canada’s agri-food

sector, its contributions to the national economy and opportunities for economic growth.

As a director for both the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and CFA, I am always astounded by the similarities farmers across the nation share. CFA’s virtual AGM created a wonderful medium for

farmers with geological and political differences to come together to learn that many of us face similar hardships. The AGM provides an opportunity to highlight these key issues and the chance to understand the unique needs and differences of each province. This understanding allows us to work together as a

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united front to evoke positive change for Canada’s agri-food sector.

OFA is proud to be an active member of CFA, and work collaboratively to enhance the business of farming and produce prosperity for farmers nationwide. Annually, OFA board representatives participate in the meeting as delegates to engage

in conversations on key priorities and vote on resolutions affecting the Canadian agri-food sector.

This year, OFA took the opportunity to bring six young farmers and local leaders from across the province to join the organization at the annual meeting. It was a fantastic opportunity, not only for OFA, but also for the

young farmers involved as they had the chance to observe, engage and get a better understanding of OFA’s involvement on issues at the federal level.

Identifying young leaders in the agriculture community is extremely important, and I believe that it’s our responsibility to cultivate potential leadership → OFA 13

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CHARLEBOIS: McCain strategy → FROM 12

elements are there for this growth.

But $65 million is still a very modest sum compared to what we’re seeing elsewhere in the industrialized world.

AppHarvest, an agritech company operating one of the world’s largest CEA facilities in Morehead, Ky., became a publicly-traded company in the fall. The transition provides AppHarvest with more than $600 million of unrestricted cash, which will primarily be used to fund operations and the building of many other facilities around the United States.

With climate change affecting crops in Florida, Arizona and California, coupled with the emergence of better soil and plant science, agri-tech clearly has the attention of many investors. The pandemic just made the issue even more obvious.

America has now over 50 major vertical farming operations, with more to come.

We have much to do in Canada to catch up. But this new McCain-GoodLeaf venture should be a good case study. ↆ Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University.

R U R A L C O N N E C T I O N S | 13

OFA: Always looking to take the message of Ontario farmers to the federal level → FROM 12

when it is present.

The agriculture industry thrives on strong leadership and OFA continues to prioritize succession planning and recruitment. We actively recruit individuals that showcase those skills and qualities to participate in meetings, campaigns or advocacy activities at the local, provincial and federal levels.

Resolutions are a vital way for delegates to advocate for sector improvements and vocalize needs.

This year, OFA brought forward three resolutions pertaining to private grade crossings, the Fisheries Act and the need for incentive programs for soil health and sequestra-

tion.

We were very happy with the outcomes of our resolutions, as it was a big win for our organizations. CFA delegates voted to have OFA’s private grade crossing resolution referred to a committee; OFA’s Fisheries Act exemption resolution was carried with 98.51 per cent in favour; and OFA’s resolution on soil and sequestration incentive programs also carried with an amendment to reflect both the current and successor policy framework. We received positive outcomes with respect to our resolutions and believe their future implementation will greatly benefit our farm families and their businesses.

Another main priority for our organization is farmer mental health.

Annually, CFA awards a recipient with the Brigid Revoire Mental Health Award. We were pleased to see that Deb Vanberkel, OFA’s nominee, had been awarded this honour and recognized for her tremendous work on mental health. Vanberkel has been a champion for farmer mental health and is one of the founders of the Farmer Wellness Program, which is promoted in multiple eastern counties. The Farmer Wellness Program, which launched in February of 2019, was created to support the mental well-being of farmers by providing access to initial

counselling sessions free of charge.

Another highlight of the meeting was seeing OFA’s former president, Keith Currie, re-elected as 1st vice president of CFA. Currie is a proven leader and has been a critical contributor federally and provincially. We know that he will continue to excel in his role and look forward to his future contributions to Canadian agriculture.

ↆ Mark Reusser is vice president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture.

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 25, 2021 | 14

Arts

Read a local best seller every week.

Local stories that inspire.

Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com

Molly Johnson streamed

In support of artists

As a fundraising event, the Registry Theatre is co-hosting a live stream concert by Molly Johnson. The show will be streamed from the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts on Apr. 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20.

The Department of Canadian Heritage announced $40 million in funding in support of artists and cultural workers. The funding will support the planning and presentation of COVID-19-safe events in the arts and music sectors—including both live and digital—and provide work opportunities in those sectors.

www.registrytheatre.com

Tips: observerxtra.com/tips

Paige Warner to release new single ‘Liquor’ reflects Heidelberg musician’s take on society’s state as we muddle through the pandemic Damon Maclean Observer Staff

LIQUOR ISN’T JUST SOMETHING WE’RE consuming more of during the pandemic, it’s also the name of the new song from Heidelberg musician Paige Warner.

What began as a hook recorded on her phone slowly transformed into the single scheduled for release on April 9.

In the same vein as the RnB pop-style sound displayed in her recent single ‘People Pleasing,’ the new song is described as “stripped back with an acoustic touch.” It’s also a product of the pandemic, making the process to release it a timely one, says Warner.

“I actually came up with a small, just tiny bit of the hook – I want to say over a year ago now – and it was saved in my voice memos. I was sitting down to write one day, and I thought, ‘Oh, let me go back to my voice memos,’ as I do sometimes. I came across this one over the summer, and it just kind of hit me in a new way again, which is when I knew that that’s the piece I should be working on. Then I kind of molded the original voice memo and created a song based around that original chorus hook,” she explained, estimating that it took between a year and a year and a half to bring the track into fruition.

As the name implies, the track deals with themes around alcohol, but it is written from the perspective of someone who’s had a few and is feeling philosophical.

“The lyrics center around that feeling after kind of getting out of an abusive situation, just feeling like it’s still dragging you down in life. It’s called ‘Liquor’ because the song is from the perspective of someone that’s drinking, while they’re kind of reflecting on these situations.”

It’s a circumstance that’s all too real, and one that doesn’t always have a happy ending, said Warner.

“Originally, when I started writing, it was kind of centered around abuse and people’s experience and how that can feel afterwards. I’m a strong believer that songs don't always have to have a happy ending, because I think their main reason or main purpose is for people to connect with them – this is definitely one of those songs. There’s not like a happy ending or a twist in the song that makes you feel good. It’s kind of just sad.”

She also credits the Region of Waterloo Arts Fund, which approved her request for $1,275 to help develop the new release.

“It was honestly a gamechanger, especially during COVID, with gigs not being

Paige Warner's latest single, 'Liquor,' will be released on Apr. 9.

open and venues not being open. It was definitely a game changer for me. I’m not sure if I could have released a single without that fund.”

In the vein, Warner says she realizes it’s been a tough time for musicians, and for their fans.

“For fans of mine, I would say thanks for sticking through it,” she said, noting the new music is a way to stay in touch with her fans while live shows remain out of reach for the time being.”

Warner aims to continue releasing tracks, but they may not be in quite the same tone as the most recent ones.

“During quarantine, these were the types of songs that were coming out for me because it was a pretty low mood and kind of depressing time when everything’s so locked down, isolated. That’s kind of why these songs that are more stripped back, sad, emotional... types of songs came out. But I think in the future, I’m open to a lot of different styles and genres, even based on how I feel the song can best portray the emotion that I’m writing at that moment.

‘Liquor’ will be available on all streaming services on April 9 and can be pre-saved on March 26.

More information about Warner can be found on her website at paigewarner.ca.

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 25, 2021 | 15

Classifieds

Advertising

Placing a classified ad

Seven days.

One paper.

Please call or email for display advertising quote for Help Wanted, Auctions, Real Estate, Public Notices and Obituaries.

A bestseller every week.

Please talk to our ad dept for pricing and to order a Pro Services Directory.

All classified advertising is prepaid. Ads will be accepted in person, email, or phone during regular office hours. Deadline is Wednesdays by 10am. Order online at: observerxtra.com/classifieds.

Phone: 519-669-5790 ext 104

Family Album Announcements pricing and info can be ordered online at: observerxtra.com/order-family-album.

Email: ads@woolwichobserver.com Job Listings: jobs.observerxtra.com

Help Wanted

Help Wanted James Thoume Construction Limited

is a family owned and operated excavating and gravel supply company. We are growing and are looking for hard working individuals to join our team and grow with us. Available positions: JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER (SERVICE)

Diesel Mechanic, Labourer & Dump Truck Driver .

We offer competitive wages and benefits package. Applicants must include a driver abstract with their resume and can apply by email: info@thoume.ca or drop it off at: 7270 Side Road 14, Ariss, ON

Help Wanted

Tri-Mech Inc. is a mechanical company specializing in Gas Fitting, Hydronic Heating, Geothermal, Furnaces, Air Conditioning, Sheet Metal, Plumbing, and High Pressure Cleaning Systems. We service agricultural, light commercial and residential systems.

We are currently seeking an experienced Journeyman Plumber who is interested in service work, a team player and able to work with minimal supervision. Qualifications in Refrigeration, Gas Fitting, or Sheet Metal would be an asset but not a requirement.

Tri-Mech offers competitive wages and health benefits. Wages are dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Applicants are invited to submit a letter of application or resume by fax to 519-638-3342, or by email to jobs@trimech.ca

NOW HIRING FULL TIME

Help Wanted

ROOF TRUSS ASSEMBLERS Must be team oriented, ambi�ous & responsible No experience required Mar-Span offers compe��ve wages, produc�on bonuses and employee benefits.

Please apply with resume in person or email resume to marv@marspan.com We would like to thank all applicants, however only those selected for interview will be contacted.

7221 Side Rd. 16 Drayton, ON Help Wanted

INVENTORY CONTROL/PURCHASING Tri-Mech Inc. is a mechanical company specializing in Gas Fitting, Hydronic Heating, Geothermal, Furnaces, Air Conditioning, Sheet Metal, Plumbing, and High Pressure Cleaning Systems. We service agricultural, light commercial and residential systems.

We are currently seeking an individual who is interested in purchasing, receiving, and inventory control, is a team player and able to work with minimal supervision. Computer skills would be an asset.

Tri-Mech offers competitive wages and health benefits. Wages are dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Applicants are invited to submit a letter of application or resume by fax to 519-638-3342, or by email to jobs@trimech.ca

Help Wanted

NOW HIRING JOURNEYMAN PLUMBER (LEAD INSTALLER) Are you looking for the opportunity to work with your hands, and create something that you can stand back and be proud of? Are you ready to work with a team of dedicated cra�speople who value collabora�on? This is the job for you!

Fermon Construc�on is looking for experienced construc�on workers to join our team. We work on a variety of projects in residen�al, commercial, and agricultural construc�on. We specialize in framing, concrete, and steel construc�on. If you are interested in an exci�ng career in the trades that offers variety and compe��ve compensa�on packages Please call Fermon @519-699-4095 or email your resume to Fermon@fermonconstruction.com

Residential:

$9 per 20 words (20¢ per extra word)

Commercial:

$15 per 20 words (30¢ per extra word)

Help Wanted ARRO CRUSHING IS HIRING CRUSHER operator/heavy equipment operator We offer competitive pay, overtime and production bonus. Position starting In March.

For more info call 519-897-0779 or email jared@arrocrushing. com

Farm Services ICE SALT & ICE MELT - ICE SALT COMES IN 20kg, Ice melt comes in 20kg bags. Call George Haffner Trucking, 519-574-4141 or 519-669-2045.

KILN DRIED CORN & CORN SCREENING Delivered by Einwechter. Minimum 15 ton For Sale lots. Call George Haffner Trucking MATTRESS AND BOX 5 19- 5 74 - 4141 o r SPRING, NEW, NEVER 519-669-2045. used, still in sealed bag. Sacrifice $195. Wanted Delivery available $35.

519-635-8737.

WANTED TO RENT 2-3000 SQ FT CLEAN Farm dry heated storage space St. Clements Services Area 519-699-4679.

BAGGED PINE SHAVINGS AGRICULTURAL Trades & Spray Lime, 22.5kg. Services bag; feed grade lime, 25kg. Delivered. Call PERSONAL INCOME George Haffner Truck- TAX PREPARATION ing, 519-574-4141 or and E-file. Please 519-669-2045. contact me, Amber McIntyre for confiFERTILIZER AND SEED dential professional GRAIN - AT COMPETI- service at reasontive pricing. Call able rates. Located George Haffner Truck- i n E l m i r a . C a l l ing, 519-574-4141.

519-239-4816 cell, or home 519-669-8442.

Help wanted, Rental and Auction listings continue on the next page

RON'S DRYWALL AND RENOVATIONS. OVER 35 years experience. Please call 519-496-7539 or email ron.spncr@gmail.com

Help Wanted

Protrans is actively seeking career minded professional FULL-TIME AZ DRIVERS for local tank truck carrier Bridgeland Terminals Limited. Local and long-distance trips.

Preference will be given to applicants with strong work ethic, who are team players and have good communication skills.

The company has a great wage, benefit, bonuses and profit-sharing programs.

For further details; Call Jim Taglietti 519-239-8979 or email Taglietti.jim@protrans.ca.

Help Wanted

Tri-Mech Inc. is a mechanical company specializing in Gas Fitting, Hydronic Heating, Geothermal, Furnaces, Air Conditioning, Sheet Metal, Plumbing, and High Pressure Cleaning Systems. We service agricultural, light commercial and residential systems.

We are currently seeking a Journeyman Plumber who is able to take leadership on jobs, team player, and able to work with minimal supervision. Qualifications in Refrigeration, Gas Fitting, or Sheet Metal would be an asset but not a requirement.

Tri-Mech offers competitive wages and health benefits. Wages are dependent upon qualifications and experience.

Applicants are invited to submit a letter of application or resume by fax to 519-638-3342, or by email to jobs@trimech.ca

IMMEDIATE FULL TIME POSITIONS AVAILABLE: - LOCAL DELIVERY DRIVER - LOAD BUILDER - FORKLIFT PLEASE DROP RESUME OFF 1205 KING ST N., ST.JACOBS

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 25, 2021

16 | C L A S S I F I E D S

Help wanted cont. from pg 15

Help Wanted

ↆ REAL

ES TAT E

Help Wanted

A/Z Flatbed Driver

As a growing Landscape Supply and Trucking company, we are looking to add an additional A/Z driver to our team. $24.00-$27.00 per hour Main Responsibilities • 8-10 hour shifts Monday to Friday (Daytime only).

Overtime is paid • Local deliveries and pickups of product.

• Self loading and unloading using a Moffat (willing to train) • Keeping paperwork in order • Proper circle checks every morning • Load security • • • • •

Qualifications Valid A/Z License with good driving record Able to communicate written and verbally Dependable and Reliable Flatbed experience an asset Forklift / Moffat experience an asset but will train Interested applicants please submit resumes in person to 30 Dumart place Kitchener Or by email to information@rmadams.ca

Part time driver needed for deliveries 1 or 2 days a week. Needs to be reliable, friendly and have knowledge of Elmira, Kitchener/Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph areas.

3 Arthur St. S., Elmira 519-669-5426

Rentals

LD O VACANCY •S D L CAMEO COURTO APARTMENTS S 30 Church•St. W., ELMIRA LD Rare Premium SO Downtown Elmira,

LD O •S

Alli Bauman 519-669-5426

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

suefrom17@gmail.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

NEW HAMBURG - If you love century old charm, this home is for you! From the high ceilings to the original banister and pine floors upstairs, this home's character has been lovingly maintained while adding some more modern finishes. The large windows shed loads of sunshine into this bright home with a separate dining room for entertaining guests or family gatherings. Show off your creative stylings on the custom built cabinetry in the living room. The high ceilings continue upstairs where you will find lots of room for your growing family in the 3 Bedroom's and a 4 piece bathroom. The 300 sq. ft front deck is ideal for long summer evenings of BBQing and entertaining. The main floor laundry room is roughed in for a bathroom and ready for your finishing touches. New roof on the detached garage in 2020. Don't miss out on this great starter home!

NEW LISTING

Requires a G License. Apply in person at Stemmler Meats in Heidelberg or email terry@stemmlermeats.ca

Sue From

226-750-9332

$475,000

SELLING? CALL US FOR A FREE MARKET EVALUATION.

spacious Single-Bedroom open-layout Apartment becoming AVAILABLE in modern (2012) Apartment Building complete with Elevator, Main floor Common Room, individual Central Heating / Air Conditioning in each Apt., as well as 5 appliances (washer/dryer in each Apt.)

3 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519.669.5426 | Direct 519.584.4400

“A Nice Place to Call Home”

26 Pheasant Drive, Elmira

Luke Shantz

REAL ESTATE BROKER

luke.shantz@outlook.com

L POO

Help Wanted

BOOKKEEPER

As a growing Landscape Supply and Trucking company we are looking to add an additional bookkeeper to our team.

Main Responsibilities • Performing day to day accounting activities including accounts payable (A/P), accounts receivable (A/R), payroll, general ledger, bank reconciliations and government reports and invoicing.

• Ensure quality control over financial transactions and financial reporting.

• Some management of phone calls and dealing with correspondence, complaints and queries • Oversee office equipment, supplies, etc • Dealing with correspondence, complaints, and queries • Ensure required company information is up-to-date in Avetta and Cognitive programs Qualifications • 1-2 years in full cycle accounting • Above-average accuracy and attention to detail and high ability to problem solve • Excellent time management and organizational skills • Solid working knowledge of GAAP, professional and high degree of confidentiality • Excellent interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills • Self-motivated, pro-active, ability to work independently and with others • Proficient with SAGE, Microsoft Word and Excel • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and complete repetitive tasks • Dependable and Reliable Interested applicants please submit resumes in person to 30 Dumart place Kitchener Or by email to information@rmadams.ca

CONTACT: (519) 525-2222 or (226) 989-4627 (After 4PM) OR: evans@hurontel.on.ca

Auction 1 ACRE COUNTRY PROPERTY FOR SALE 6873 Line 86, 2km west of Elmira (near Pullets Plus), for The Eileen Frey Estate, Offers taken via our unique version of a tender process.

$709,900

ELMIRA – Fantastic all brick bungalow on large corner lot in Elmira's 'Birdland' neighbourhood. This 2+1 bed, 2 bath bungalow is one you don't want to miss. Outside features an oversized fenced yard with 18' x 36' in-ground pool, large pergola'd patio, w/ room for grass, gardens and a pear tree! This backyard oasis is sure to impress friends, keep the kids entertained, or make you the #1 Grandparents to visit.

Spacious oak kitchen w/ breakfast nook. large dining room flows into the living room w/ plenty of natural light throughout this level. 2 bedrooms at the back are larger than you typically see in a home of this age, 4 pce updated bath offers lots of counter space, new vinyl tiles and a modern look.

Downstairs potential to convert into a private apartment or in-law suite with side entrance. Features a large updated rec room, 3 piece bath, laundry w/ room to convert into kitchen area, and bedroom or office. This is your chance to enjoy your Summer by the water! MLS

DEADLINE APRIL 26/21.

1 ACRE, MORE OR LESS, mature trees,

nicely landscaped, paved drive, drilled well (water test completed), septic system (pumped last year).

HOUSE – Frame bungalow, attached

sunroom, central air & vac, natural gas furnace. Main Floor (approx. 1200 square ft.) – entry/laundry, kitchen, 2 bedroom, bathroom, large sitting room adjoining the sunroom overlooking the private backyard.

Finished basement provides additional living space c/w large rec-room (wood stove), bedroom and bathroom.

WORKSHOP/GARAGE – 22 X 56ft. with 2 small additions, fully insulated, natural gas furnace, suitable for any number of small businesses or hobbyists alike. 16 X 40ft. storage shed.

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY to enjoy country living, 2 minutes to Elmira, 12 minutes to KW.

VIEW BY APPOINTMENT, call Ted Frey at 519-502-3960. For info on our tender process & other details call Greg at 519-699-4451.

Initial offers accepted until Monday, April 26th @ 6pm.

AUCTIONEERS:

Gerber Auctions Ltd. 519-699-4451

2827 Hutchison Rd., RR#1 Millbank (Crosshill)

BROKERAGE

R.W. THUR REAL ESTATE LTD. Office: 519-669-2772 | Cell: 519-741-6231 45 Arthur St. S., Elmira | www.thurrealestate.com

BRAD MARTIN Broker of Record, MVA Residential

30+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE YOU CAN RELY ON! NEW LISTING | 38 Second St., Elmira One of a kind, custom built bungalow, 2110 sq. ft. 9’ ceilings & vaulted ceilings. Open concept family room, gorgeous kitchen with granite counters & high quality appliances. Formal dining room w/walk-out to a patio area.Extensive custom built cabinetry throughout.

Great room. 3 gas F.P.’s. Two bdrms on main flr. Walk-in pantry w/laundry facilities. Huge finished bsmt w/heated flrs, 3rd bdrm/office, built-ins and wet bar. Wine cellar, 3 piece & additional laundry room. Private rear yard w/pergola & built-in BBQ. Double garage w/heated floor& staircase to basement. New MLS $1,299,000.00

CALL FOR YOUR

FREE MARKET EVALUATION

Thursday, March 25, 2021 | THE OBSERVER

C L A S S I F I E D S | 17

“PROUDLY REMEMBERING OUR PAS T; CONFIDENTLY EMBRACING OUR FUTURE.”

Community Information Page NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING Proposed Amendment to the Regional Official Plan Housekeeping Amendment

The Region of Waterloo is holding a public meeting to receive comments from the community on a proposed amendment to the Regional Official Plan (ROP). The public meeting is being held pursuant to Section 17 of the Planning Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.P.13, as amended.

Date and Location Date: April 20, 2021 Time: 9:00 am Location: Region of Waterloo YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgeIpH- 3_AjIgxKJJBMdwDA?view_as=subscriber)

Purpose and Effect The purpose of this proposed housekeeping amendment to the Regional Official Plan (ROP) is to clean-up clerical errors, enhance definitions, update policies that are completed, and update various maps to maintain policy intent and ensure clear implementation of the plan. Housekeeping Amendments form part of the ongoing maintenance of the ROP, and are periodically undertaken to ensure the ROP is clear, accurate, and policy implementation is achievable.

How to Get More Information To view the proposed ROP amendment, please visit our Public Notices webpage at www.regionofwaterloo.ca; click on the Regional Government tab in the top right of the homepage, and then select News and Public Notices.

Planning, Development and Legislative Services Department Regional Municipality of Waterloo 8th Floor, 150 Frederick Street Kitchener, Ontario For more information about this matter, please contact: Brenna MacKinnon Manager, Planning Planning, Development and Legislative Services Telephone: 519-502-8298 Email: BMacKinnon@regionofwaterloo.ca If you wish to register to speak at the public meeting, please submit your request in writing to regionalclerk@regionofwaterloo.ca by 4:30 p.m. by Friday, April 16. If you require accessible or technical services in order to participate in the meeting, please contact regionalclerk@regionofwaterloo.ca at least 5 days in advance of the April 20, 2021 meeting date.

Any interested members of the public are encouraged to view the Committee meeting via our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgeIpH- 3_AjIgxKJJBMdwDA?view_as=subscriber). Interested parties are encouraged to submit written correspondence and questions prior to the meeting by emailing regionalclerk@regionofwaterloo.ca.

All comments and information received from individuals, stakeholder groups and agencies regarding the proposed amendment are being collected to assist the Region of Waterloo in making a decision under the Planning Act. Under the Municipal Act, personal information such as name, address, telephone number, and property location that may be included in a submission becomes part of the public record.

If you wish to be notified of the decision of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo on the proposed ROP amendment, you must make a written request to the Regional Clerk, Regional Municipality of Waterloo, 150 Frederick Street, 2nd Floor, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4J3.

If a person or public body would otherwise have an ability to appeal the decision of Regional Municipality of Waterloo to the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal but the person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo before the proposed regional official plan amendment is adopted, the person or public body is not entitled to appeal the decision.

If a person or public body does not make oral submissions at a public meeting or make written submissions to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo before the proposed regional official plan amendment is adopted, the person or public body may not be added as a party to the hearing of an appeal before the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal unless, in the opinion of the Tribunal, there are reasonable grounds to add the person or public body as a party.

P.O. Box 158

24 Church St. W. Elmira, Ontario N3B 2Z6

COVID-19 Woolwich Township Update Township Office The Township office is open walk-in public traffic; however, it is strongly recommended to have book an appointment before visiting the office to ensure staff are available to assist you. We do have several services that are available online and can be found on our website: Phone: 519-669-1647 or 877-969-0094 Fax: 519-669-1820 After Hours Emergency: 519-575-4400 www.woolwich.ca • Tax & Water Bills can now be paid online: www.woolwich.ca/taxes • Building Permits can be applied for and paid online: www.woolwich.ca/ buildingpermits • Report Issues or Service Requests (By-law Enforcement, Potholes, Signs, Streetlights, Trees, Winter Maintenance, etc..) online: www.woolwich.ca/reportit For current information on facilities and services, please see Woolwich.ca or call 519-669-1647. For health information, call Region of Waterloo Public Health 519-575-4400.

To view current media releases or to stay informed the township’s response to COVID-19, visit: www.Woolwich.ca/COVID19

Council Meetings – Remote For registration, help or alternative participation options, call 519-669-6004.

Recreation Programs and Facilities The Township of Woolwich is excited to welcome residents back to our recreation facilities and programs.

The Woolwich Memorial Centre is now open for aquafit, family & lane swims, walking track, fitness classes & fitness centre use pre-registered visits.

For additional information, including pre-registration & COVID protocol details please check the website at: Woolwich.ca/RecCheck Registration for Summer Day Camps at the Breslau Community Centre and the Woolwich Memorial Centre has opened! For information please check: www.woolwich.ca/summercamp

Local Business Resources Provincial business supports: https://www.ontario.ca/page/businesses-gethelp-covid-19-costs Federal business supports: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/ economic-response-plan.html#businesses Did you know? MPP Mike Harris launched a website to help businesses access available financial supports: https://reliefwithinreach.ca/waterloo-region/ COVID-19 Screening Requirements for Businesses: Public Health requires all businesses to screen patrons and workers before entering or coming to work.

Visit https://bit.ly/3sI9r9h for more information about when to actively or passively screen.

Visit www.shoplocalwoolwich.ca to buy gift cards and to list your business! For more information about government programs and other business supports call Jenna at 519-669-6020 or email: EconomicDevelopment@woolwich.ca

Regional Face Mask By-law Face coverings are required in transit, taxis, ride sharing and enclosed public places. Children under five and people with certain medical conditions or disabilities are exempt. Please be kind to those unable to wear a face covering. To make a complaint, call 519-575-4400.

Public Health Information There have been more than 50,000 doses have been administered so far in Waterloo Region! In case you missed it: • Pre-registered adults 80 years of age and older are at the top of the priority list and can expect to be contacted to book an appointment in the next few days.

• Pre-registered adults 70-79 years of age are beginning to be contacted to book an appointment.

• Anyone in these 70+ age groups (and other eligible priority groups) can still pre-register at regionofwaterloo.ca/VaccinePreReg • The fastest way to be contacted will be to select email and/or text as your preferred method of contact when you pre-register.

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 25, 2021

18 | C L A S S I F I E D S

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Thursday, March 25, 2021 | THE OBSERVER

C L A S S I F I E D S | 19

ↆ S E RV I CE S ↆ

ↆ FA M I LY

AL BU M

In Memoriam

GENERAL SERVICES

Obituary

Obituary

Brubacher, Saleda

Celebrating 10 Years of Service

...& SMALL BUSINESS ACCOUNTING

SHELLY & SCOTT TAYLOR 28 Pintail Drive, Elmira, ON, N3B 3G9

519-669-0003

taylortax@rogers.com

BEARINGER, Leonard Jan 20, 1936 – Mar 26, 2001 In loving memory of a dear husband, father and a grandfather, who was laid to rest twenty years ago on March 26th.

Romans 8:38,39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

♥ News media ads inspire action.

In a study done by Totum Research on Canadians over 18, 54% of readers visited a store after seeing an ad.

Remembered by his loving wife Vi, sons Ken (Carolyn), Rod and daughterin-law Charlene. Also missed by grandchildren Alli, Katelyn, Brianne, Kayla, Jocie, Tessa and Rylan.

Peacefully on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at her home, Saleda (Martin) Brubacher, of RR 1, Wallenstein, age 78. Wife of Irvin Brubacher. Mother of Martha and Aaron Wideman, Ruth Brubacher, James and Sarah Brubacher all of RR 4, Listowel, Enoch and Naomi Brubacher of RR 5, Lucknow, Abner and Miriam Brubacher of RR 1, Wallenstein, Anna and Sidney Brubacher of RR 1, Linwood, Ruth and Isaac Metzger of RR 1, Wallenstein, Mary and Mervin Bearinger of RR 3, Clifford, Jonas and Minerva Brubacher of RR 1, Wallenstein. Also survived by 64 grandchildren, and eight greatgrandchildren. Sister of Florence (Mrs. Gordon Martin), Irene Bauman, Luella (Mrs. Elam Martin), Ellen (Mrs. Abner Knorr), and sister-in-law of Salema (Mrs. Mahlon Martin), Malinda (Mrs. Ervin Martin) and Martha (Mrs. Ivan Martin). Predeceased by her son David Brubacher (2013), parents Melvin H. and Lydia Ann Martin, brothers Mahlon, Ervin, Abner, Ivan, and one grandson. A drive past viewing will be held on Thursday, March 25, 2021 from 1-5 and 6-8 p.m. at the family home, 5831 Buehler Line, RR 1, Wallenstein.

Please remain in your vehicle and follow the directions of the attendant.

Service and burial by invitation only will take place on Friday, March 26, 2021 at Weaverland Mennonite Meeting House. Masks are mandatory. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

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Passed away peacefully at Grand River Hospital on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at the age of 77. Beloved wife of Cleason for almost 60 years. Dear mother of Janice Bauman of Gorrie, Clare Bauman of Elmira, Doreen and Dennis Bowman of Glen Allan, and Theresa Cybulski of Elmira. Lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Derrick (Scotney) Bauman; Jeremy Bauman, Josh (Annie) Bauman; Kaitlin (Merle) Metzger; Krystal (Ron) Horst, Jessica (Jeremy) Martin, Janelle Bowman, Brandon Bowman, Courtney (Kevin) Bowman; and her 13 great-grandchildren. Sister of Wayne and Alice Martin of Elmira, Maurice and Margaret Martin of Moorefield, Oscar and Marylou Martin of Gowanstown, Elmeda and Clare Bauman of Elmira, and sister-in-law of Saloma Martin of Elmira, Erma Martin of Gowanstown, Edwin and Florence Martin of Mount Forest and Lloyd Brubacher of Listowel. Predeceased by her parents Orval and Elsie (Bowman) Martin, son Murrel Bauman, grandson Trevor Bauman, brothers Edmund and Eugene Martin, sisters Irene Martin and Alice Brubacher. A drive past visitation was held at the home of Dennis and Doreen Bowman, 7689 Wellington Road 45, RR 2, Wallenstein, on Friday, March 19, 2021, from 1-4 and 5-8 p.m. A private family service took place at the Dreisinger Funeral Home on Saturday, March 20, 2021 followed by burial and service by invitation at Elmira Mennonite Meeting House. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Family Album continues page 20 NEWSLETTERS

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 25, 2021

20 | C L A S S I F I E D S

ↆ F A M I L Y Death Notices METZGER, HETTIE (BAUMAN)- Peace-

fully passed away on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at her residence, RR 2, Wallenstein, in her 94th year.

A LB UM

Thank you

Thank You Thank you to friends and family for making my 80th Birthday so special with your cards, phone calls, emails, and drive by visits.

God bless each of you.

Birthday

Obituary

The show must go on!

Happy COVID-19 19th Birthday

Dave Metzger

SHANTZ, LAURA -

Laura Shantz died at Freeport Hospital in Kitchener on Monday, March 15, 2021. Wife of the late Milo Shantz.

Family Album continued from pg 19

W I D E M A N , LORRAINE RUTH

- Passed away peacefully at Groves Memorial Hospital, Fergus on March 16, 2021 at the age of 65 years. Local relative is her sister Karen Wideman of Elmira.

What can you advertise in Classifieds?

Help Wanted Auctions Upcoming Events Items For Sale Child Care Garage Sales Pets Real Estate Storage Trades & Services Wanted Farm Equipment Horses Produce Hay & Straw Rentals Training/ Lessons Work Wanted

What can you order for the Family Album?

Anniversaries Birthdays Engagements Marriage announcements Stag & Does Graduations Thank yous In Memoriams Obituaries Birth Notices

Obituary

WATKINS, Lois Doreen July 3, 1930 – March 18, 2021

We’re looking forward to you finding your audience in 2021 and the exciting prospects that the coming years have in store for you.

Your biggest fans ...

Mom, Dad & Finn + Billy

Obituary

Martin, Clements Louis In the silence of the early morning on Saturday, March 20, 2021 the first day of spring, God called a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather home. Clem passed away at Jessica’s House, Exeter at the age of 83 years. Our hearts are filled with grief but we find comfort knowing he is with our Heavenly Father and at peace.

Clem was born August 2, 1937 in Walkerton, Ontario, the son of Marion and Louis Martin. He is survived by his beloved soulmate of 62 years Lillian (Kresse) Martin of Bayfield. Their lives are forever intertwined by family and faith.

In 1969 Clem’s passion for building led him to create his own contracting business. Throughout his career he worked tirelessly to fulfill many family dreams. His success in business was only second to the pride and joy that he had for his family.

Clem is forever the cherished father of Rose and Rick Thoman of Elmira, Theresa and Pete Floto of Elmira, Christina Magwood and Dave Nufer of Collingwood, Angela and Derek Mercey of Oakville, Steve and Tracy Martin of Elmira, Julia and Greg Brubacher of Elmira. Adoring grandfather of Adam (Lindsay), Allie (Luke), Alana; Jeff (Erin), Michelle (Andrew), Jennifer; Connor, Zachary, Wyatt; Zoë, Jaxon; Tyler, Madi; Matthew, Ryan and Emily, and greatgrandfather of Layla, Anderson; and Nathan. Dear brother of Rose Elliot, Doris (Martin), Cecil Kavanaugh and 13 predeceased siblings. Will be missed by in-laws Norma Magier, Rich and Marg Kresse and predeceased by Ted Magier, Helen and Ted Logozny.

Visitation was held on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 from 2-6 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. A funeral mass was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at St. Teresa of Avila RC Church, 19 Flamingo Dr., Elmira. In lieu of flowers, donations to Jessica’s House Residential Hospice would be appreciated by the family. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Elsie Marie Cathrea Elsie Marie Cathrea of Kelowna, B.C. passed away at Kelowna General Hospital on March 18, 2021, at the age of 94. Born May 19, 1926 in Petoskey, Michigan to Lydia (Kilmer) and Clayton Brubacher.

When she was five years old, the family moved to St. Jacobs, Ontario.

After various employments throughout the years, it was at the Elmira Furniture Factory in Elmira, Ontario, where she met the love of her life, James Cathrea.

They married on October 28, 1950. James predeceased her in September 1983.

She has two surviving children, Patricia (Tricia) of Kelowna, B.C., and Michael (Katherine) of Victoria, B.C. She is also survived by her three granddaughters Morgan (Aaron Brooks), Leigh and Brynn of Victoria, B.C. Her granddaughters were a great joy to her and she was always proud of their accomplishments, especially in their rowing endeavours and loved to be able to be there to watch them compete.

She is also survived by many nieces and nephews in Ontario who she loved spending time with.

After many years being a wife and mother, she became the Cook/Food Supervisor at the Elmira Nursing Home/Chartwell. She was well-known for the wonderful meals served at the home. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking and sharing with her many family and friends her Cinnamon Buns and Hot Cross Buns.

In 1997, she and Tricia decided to make the move to Kelowna, B.C. to be closer to family. She enjoyed the mountains and the beautiful scenery around Kelowna and on her many drives to the coast.

Elsie is predeceased by her husband James and her parents. Also her brother Raymond and her sister-in-law Emma and her sister Lauretta and brother-in-law Zienas Martin. She was also predeceased by sister-in-law’s Ada (Harold Shamberger, Mervin Barber), Pearl (Art Munn, Robert Jasper); Violet (Carl Scheerer, Albert Lorentz); Lillian Wagner, and brother-inlaw, Edward (Lois) Cathrea. She is the last surviving member of her family.

Following cremation, her ashes will be taken back to her final resting place Elmira, Ontario beside her husband when it is safe to do so. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Mennonite Central Committee in Ontario.

Lois, in her 91st year, passed away peacefully at Innisfree House following a brief illness. She will be deeply missed by her daughters, Linda Coultes (Ken 2019) of Elmira and Debora (Paul) Bruder of Kitchener. Loving and proud Grandma and Great-Grandma to Darrell and Leigh, Evan, Taylor; Adam and Heather, Aaron, Becca, Brady; Trevor and Maggie, Robbie, Penny; Amanda and Jason; Laura and Christopher, Jakob, Olivia, Abbygail.

She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Barbara Watkins (Dave 2020) of Elora, Gwyneth Watkins (Robert Lyon) of Guelph, and Dorothy Ruller (Mel 2017) of Elora and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Ron (2016), daughter Dianne (1985), parents Charles and Gladys Ruller, and brothers Melvin Ruller and Clyde Ruller.

Mom enjoyed many adventures and activities over the course of her life. She ran the office of Watkins and Chatterson Mechanical Contractors until their retirement.

She was a Past Commander of The Canadian Power & Sail Squadron, Kitchener, a member of the Newmar Kountry Klub which allowed her and Dad to travel extensively in their motorhomes across Canada and the United States.

A fifty plus year annual subscriber to the KW Symphony Orchestra, a lover of fine wines and delicious food shared at too many to count family dinners, backyard parties and barbeques, and who was the Maestro of making apple pies and apple sauce. Mom shared her July 3rd birthday with Taylor and our memories of annually shared celebrations will always be so special. She loved her hair salon visits with Liz and in her last few years, weekly trips to Colleen, her lunch dates with Deb, and driving her shiny red car to pick up her favourite goodies from select bakeries. She loved reading, listening to music, watching the Blue Jays games, doing puzzles, and was a proud member of the 100 Woolwich Women Who Care organization since its inception. We will miss her being with us, but we take comfort in all of the wonderful memories that we will carry in our hearts forever.

Mom had many lifelong friends, and over the last five years, made very special friendships with her neighbours at the St. Jacobs Lofts. Thank you to them all for their kindness and caring to Mom. We would also like to thank Bev for the love and care you gave Mom these last weeks to allow her to continue living on her own until she could no longer do so.

We are forever thankful for your help. Thank you as well for the evening care provided by Home Instead; the comfort knowing someone was checking in on Mom when we could not always be there was wonderful. Our sincere thanks and deepest gratitude to all of the wonderful nurses and support staff at Innisfree House. The compassion, care and comfort you provided to Mom this final week, warmed our hearts and made her final days so peaceful. We thank you so much.

Cremation has taken place. A private family interment service at Elora Cemetery will be held in the spring.

Arrangements entrusted to Dreisinger Funeral Home, Elmira. As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, donations to Innisfree House or House of Friendship would be appreciated by the family and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home. ❖ www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

ↆ P U Z Z L E

S OL U T ION S

Solutions for this week's puzzles.

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THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 25, 2021 | 21

Living Here

It's about all of us.

Leading the way reporting about the people and places of home.

Email: newsroom@woolwichobserver.com Report it: observerxtra.com/tips

New LTC beds in region

Grants for festivals

Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris last week announced provincial funding for four new long-term care projects in the region that will lead to 281 new long-term care spaces. Trinity Village Care Centre in Kitchener is being allocated 60 new spaces; 80 for peopleCare Kitchener; 33 for Cambridge Country Manor; and Fairview Mennonite Home in Cambridge is being allocated 108.

Explore Waterloo Region has announced the launch of the 2021 Reconnect Festival and Event Program for eligible festivals and events taking place between Apr. 1, 2021 and Mar. 31, 2022. The organization is hosting a free virtual information session on Mar. 31 at 10:30 a.m. www. explorewaterloo.ca

How to reverse prediabetes DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I'm a 36-year-old man recently diagnosed with prediabetes. Is there a way to reverse this, or am I destined to eventually get diabetes?

My health care provider says I've likely been in the prediabetes stage for a year or more.

Chartwell Elmira administrator Penny Silva (left), Richard Bolender, Gurli Bolender and Charity-Mae Votary with the portrait of Richard Sean Heeger Bolender’s dog Tara painted by Votary.

Man’s best friend immortalized on canvas

Chartwell Elmira employee paints portrait of resident’s much-loved dog Sean Heeger Observer Staff

RICHARD “DICK” BOLENDER, A RESIDENT of Chartwell Elmira, has fond memories of his late dog Tara.

For years the two were an inseparable pair as they competed and trained weekly as an award-winning agility dog team.

Amassing about 500 ribbons, Tara and Bolender were a great team, an accomplishment he still talks about to this very day.

It was the story of Tara and hearing his love for the dog that drove one staff member at Chartwell to do something special for Bolender, helping him memorialize the dog he misses.

Charity-Mae Votary, programs & support services manager with Chartwell Elmira, took it upon herself to create a painting of Tara.

“I think it was the second day I started working here, I went and talked to Dick in his room and he immediately started

showing me pictures of his dog, and talked about her and all the training and stuff that he did.

In his room there's one picture of her on the wall and there’s so many beautiful, amazing pictures of her.

“So, then I thought I wanted to do something, and I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to do, and then I opted to do a painting for him,” said Votary. “It turned out really good and it was so emotional to do it all, give it to him and see his lip

quiver because he was so happy – it was right, it was worthwhile doing it. I love doing paintings, but I've never done an animal and I've never done something that was so personal. And I loved it, it was so nice.”

As a child, Votary had a clubfoot that required 13 surgeries and saw her confined to a wheelchair during that time. It was during this time that she developed her skills as an artist. While she does commissioned paintings in her spare time, this was → PAINTING 23

ANSWER: There are steps you can take to slow the progression of prediabetes to Type 2 diabetes.

You may even be able to stop or reverse it. That's important because once Type 2 diabetes develops, the disease can lead to complications that can cause serious, long-term health problems.

Diabetes occurs when the level of sugar in the blood is too high. That happens because of a problem with the hormone insulin, which is made in the pancreas. When you eat, the pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream. This allows sugar to enter your cells, lowering the amount of sugar in your blood.

In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin, and the body can't use insulin as well as it should. That means sugar cannot move into the cells, and it builds up in the blood. Prediabetes is a condition in which blood sugar is higher than normal, but it's not high enough to be considered Type 2 diabetes. People who have prediabetes are at high risk to develop Type 2 diabetes.

As in your case, a person's blood sugar can be at a prediabetes level for quite some time.

Although it doesn't carry

▢ Mayo Clinic

Professional Clinical Health Advice

all the risks of the full disease, prediabetes isn't harmless. The damage diabetes can do to your body may start in the prediabetes stage, particularly complications that affect the blood vessels, heart and kidneys.

The good news is that there are ways to reverse this condition. Certain lifestyle changes can lower your blood sugar level and decrease your risk of developing diabetes.

One key is getting to and maintaining a healthy weight. The root cause of Type 2 diabetes is not completely clear, but being overweight plays a role. In people who are overweight, the body may need two to three times more insulin than it would at a healthy weight.

When the pancreas tries to produce that much additional insulin, it can be pushed beyond its capacity, and insulin-producing cells start to die.

That worsens the situation because the pancreas then has even fewer cells with which to make insulin.

Compounding the problem, research also has shown that the fat cells of people who are obese and who have more abdominal fat release molecules that can harm the pancreas.

So the more abdominal fat you have, the higher the risk of damage to your pancreas.

If you need to lose weight, changes in eating habits are often neces→ MAYO CLINIC 23

Life gets busy but also expensive.

Here’s how we help.

By looking over your vehicle every visit we are able to prioritize the work recommended so you can be prepared AD SPOTsurprises, - NON PRINTING for future repairs. This minimizes allowing you time to budget and schedule for what is needed to keep your vehicle safe and reliable.

Maintaining your car and schedule.

- Brad

Two locations in Elmira to serve you better

20 Oriole Parkway E. | 47 Industrial Drive

Tel: (519) 669-1082

www.leroysautocare.net

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 25, 2021

22 | L I V I N G H E R E

ↆ C O M M UNI TY

E V E NTS

A new spin on a weeknight favourite

CAL ENDAR

P “A GOOD JOB DONE EVERY TIME”

Kleensweep Carpet Care

Rugs and Upholstery

•Mattress Cleaning •Residential •Commercial •Personalized Service •Free Estimates 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 FLORADALE ROAD P.O. BOX 247, ELMIRA

www.mgmill.com

NANCY KOEBEL

Bus: 519.744.5433

Freedom 55 Financial is a division of The Canada Life Assurance Company

Email: nancy.koebel@f55f.com Individual life insurance, mortgage insurance, business insurance, employee benefits programs, critical illness insurance, disability coverage,

RRSPs, RESPs, RRIFs, LIFs and Annuities.

652 Waterbury Lane, Waterloo 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

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RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

YOUR OIL, PROPANE, NATURAL GAS AND AIR CONDITIONING EXPERTS VERMONT Castings

11 HENRY ST. - UNIT 9, ST. JACOBS

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Woolwich

THURSDAY, MARCH 26 ▢ Our Eye and Digital Fatigue vitually using Zoom at

6:30 p.m. How do digital devices cause eye fatigue?

What precautions can you take to reduce the symptoms associated with digital eye fatigue. Woolwich Community Health Centre Health Education session.

For your Zoom invitation email gberihun@wchc.on.ca

Vacuum Sales, Repairs Se Service All Makes & Models

TUESDAY, MARCH 30 ▢ Healthy Eating to Keep Blood Sugars in Range

virtually using Zoom at 6:30 p.m. Healthy foods can help keep your blood sugar in check. Join WCHC to will learn which foods turn to sugars in your blood stream, healthy lifestyle habits, tips on label reading.

Email gberihun@wchc.on.ca for your Zoom invitation.

TUESDAY, APRIL 6 ▢ Bone Health and Exercise. Exercise is an important

step towards protecting your bones. Learn virtually using Zoom, how exercise will improve your balance, help you to stand tall & how to strengthen your bones. Dr. Giagregorio will present on behalf of Woolwich Community Health Centre at 6:30 p.m.

Email gberihun@wchc.on.ca to register.

9 Church St. E., Elmira

519-669-8362 Email: elmiravacuum@gmail.com

Quality & Service you can trust.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14 ▢ Spring into Action. Get your body ready for Spring

gardening, potting, planting, digging and yard work.

Learn ways to prevent injuries using Zoom at 1:30 p.m. Bernadette Vanspall, Physiotherapist at WCHC will facilitate this workshop. Email gberihun@wchc. on.ca to register.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21 ▢ Living Well: The Power of Goal Setting. Join Berna-

dette Vanspall, Physiotherapist at Woolwich Community Health Centre using Zoom at 6:30 p.m. She will focus on exploring our internal/external drivers, setting SMART goals, identifying barriers and finding creative ways to get around our "hijackers". Email gberihun@wchc.on.ca to register.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28 ▢ Physical Activity and Seniors. Join Woolwich Community Health Centre virtually using Zoom at 6:30 p.m. You will learn about the new Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines for older adults. Rasha El-Kotob, U of W Kinesiology Department will discuss what the guidelines are and how to apply them. Email gberihun@wchc.on.ca to register.

WOOLWICH RESIDENTS SUPPORT FUND: Access to the Fund is available by contacting:    

Community Care Concepts of Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot Woolwich Community Services Woolwich Counseling Centre Woolwich Community Health Centre

Healthy Communities

• Volunteer Opportunities • Projects & News • Sub-Committee updates

Education and Treatment

Your First Step to Better Hearing

519-669-9919 charlene@bauerhearing.com 25 Industrial Drive, Elmira

▢ 1 (2-pound) centercut salmon fillet, about 1 1⁄2 inches thick ▢ 1 teaspoon table salt, divided

▢ 1 teaspoon pepper, divided

▢ 1 tablespoon

extra-virgin olive oil

▢ 3 garlic cloves, sliced thin

▢ 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour

SANYO CANADIAN

MACHINE WORKS INCORPORATED

Woolwich Township Ward 1 Councillor

How can I help you?

ↆ The Community Events Calendar is reserved for non-profit local events that are offered free to the public. Placement is not guaranteed. Registrations, corporate events, open houses and similar events do not qualify for free advertising. See complete policy online. All submissions are to be made online at observerxtra.com/event-listing/.

▢ America's Test Kitchen Rigorously tested recipes that work.

After cooking the fillets to 125 degrees (for medium-rare), we let them rest on a platter to ensure that they'd still be juicy when we dug in.

While the salmon was resting, we started the piccata sauce by sauteing some sliced garlic in the oil left behind in the pan.

Then we added flour to help thicken the sauce, along with a good glug of white wine, water to temper the sharpness, a handful of punchy capers, and lemon zest and juice for energetic citrus flavour. We cooked the mixture down before whisking in butter, one piece at a time, off the heat to ensure a viscous pan sauce and then finished with a sprinkle of dill.

Salmon Piccata

33 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.1591

Fund Administrator: Woolwich Community Services Fund Review Committee: Kelly Christie – Executive Director, Woolwich Community Services Cathy Harrington – Executive Director, Community Care Concepts

The place to get involved.

21 Industrial Dr., Elmira 519.669.2884 | martinselmira.com

iccata sauce is a simple but powerful mix of lemon, capers, white wine and butter.

This tangy, bold sauce is a great match (and foil) for salmon's rich, full flavour.

When cooking salmon fillets, we like to buy a whole center-cut piece and cut it into individual portions ourselves. Doing this ensures that each fillet is similar in size, which means that they'll cook at a similar rate.

Because fish is prone to sticking in the pan, we decided to pat the fillets dry and sear them in oil in a preheated nonstick skillet. We found that if we covered the pan, the steam gently cooked the fish without requiring a flip, keeping the fish from breaking apart. This method provided browning on only one side of the salmon, so we opted to use skinless salmon and served the fillets browned side up.

519.514.6051

pmerlihan@woolwich.ca

www.merlihan.com

healthywoolwich.org

1. Cut salmon crosswise into 4 equal fillets. Pat salmon dry with paper towels and sprinkle all over with 1⁄2 teaspoon salt and 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper.

2. Heat oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking.

Add salmon flesh side down. Cover and cook until browned on the bottom and registering 125 degrees (for medium-rare), about 5 minutes, or 135 degrees (for medium), about 7 minutes.

Remove skillet from heat and transfer

▢ 1⁄2 cup dry white wine ▢ 1⁄4 cup water ▢ 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed

▢ 1 teaspoon grated

lemon zest plus 1 tablespoon juice

▢ 4 tablespoons

unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces

▢ 3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

salmon, browned side up, to a platter or individual plates.

3. Return skillet to medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook for 15 seconds. Whisk in wine, water, capers, lemon zest and juice, remaining 1⁄2 teaspoon salt and remaining 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper.

Bring to boil and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Off heat, whisk in butter, 1 piece at a time, until combined.

Stir in dill. Spoon sauce over salmon. Serve.

⚠ Recipe note: For skinless salmon, we refer to the side opposite where the skin used to be, which is typically more pink in color and more rounded, as the flesh side.

2020 OCNA BNC Award Finalist In House Promotion

Thursday, March 25, 2021 | THE OBSERVER

L I V I N G H E R E | 23

ↆ X-WO R D The Observer Crossword looks to challenge you and get your brain firing on all synapes. This crossword is only published in The Observer handcrafted exclusively for our audience. Happy word-smithing!

OPEN 8am - 9pm | 7 DAYS A WEEK

DELIV SER ERY AVAILVICE Call fo ABLE rD

etails

315 Arthur St. S., Elmira | 519-669-5403

MAYO CLINIC: Prediabetes → FROM 21

terol can ease your risk of future disease, too. And because smoking can worsen insulin resistance in the body, don't smoke.

For help quitting, talk to your health care provider.

Preventing prediabetes from progressing to Type 2 diabetes is vital for your long-term health. Over time, Type 2 diabetes can affect nearly every major organ in your body, including the blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys. If left untreated, diabetes complications may be disabling or even life-threatening. But if you lower your blood sugar level, your risk of Type 2 diabetes and its potential complications decrease dramatically.

sary. Eat a healthy diet that's rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

For guidance, consider talking with a dietitian. To maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly. For best results, get 150 minutes or more of moderate aerobic physical activity a week or at least 30 minutes most days. If you count steps as a way to monitor activity, it probably will require 10,000 to 15,000 steps a day to stay at a lower weight. Another benefit of physical activity is that muscle can take up and burn sugar without insulin, taking pressure off the pancreas.

Controlling high blood pressure and high choles-

ↆ S U D O K U

45. Ceiling 46. Dated 47. Common to

17. Hokkaido native 18. Not perfectly round 20. Solo 21. First name in mystery 22. Heartfelt 25. Cabinet div.

26. Jest 27. ___ lily 29. Chop (off) 30. Apply 32. ___ Minor 33. Independent of

mosquitoes 51. Computer operator 52. "Hey ... over here!"

53. __ then, else 54. Coffee holder 56. ___ jacket 57. "If all ___ fails..."

58. Observer

feline and rug

PAINTING: Memorializing resident's beloved dog

perception by the senses 35. Animal hairs 37. And such __ 38. Liqueur flavorers 39. Arise 40. Corn used to make grits 42. Assortment

ↆ FAITH

WOODSIDE

11. Skin ailment on

48. Declaim 49. Send, in a way 50. Transmitted by

Theotokópoulos

ACROSS 1. Bar 5. Spherical bacterium 10. Jellied garnish 15. Rear 16. Doménikos

DOWN 1. Program 2. Attacks the immune

system 3. Yoko 4. Bye word 5. excludes others (adverb) 6. Eye amorously 7. Angry 8. 100th Anniversary 9. Diamonds, slangily

the buttocks 12. Mark 13. Out of place 14. Abrupt 19. Contents of some banks 23. Santa ___, Calif.

24. Rotten 26. Fine cotton or polyester 28. Enter 30. Why is it always out of focus on page one?

31. A way of completing a desired task 34. It's not you, it's __ 36. Oil tanker 38. This always happens before noon 41. Praiseful poem 43. John 44. "___ the fields we go" 48. Between part and whole 49. Living throughout the Amazon basin 55. Level, in London 56. Service charge

DIREC TORY

Join Us Online Each Sunday

woodsidechurch.ca/live

Elmira Mennonite Church

Worship service moved online

Palm Sunday Deep in the Current: Called to Deep Hope Erv Wiens Preaching

See www.elmiramennonite.ca.

58 Church St. W., Elmira • 519-669-5123

→ FROM 21

the first she had done of an animal, starting it in January and working on it over the course of four weeks.

In addition to creating the painting, Votary also obtained the records of Bolender and Tara from the Agility Association of Ontario where they would compete. She also prompted them to award Bolender a certificate of excellence for his years of work and success.

Receiving the painting was somewhat overwhelming to Bolender.

“It was so wonderful. I loved my Tara and it was so nice of Charity to put this together,” he said.

The dog was his companion for 12 years, and he recollected how she would love to swim and tow people around on a raft, that she loved to go after frogs, and how good she was at obedience training.

While he may not be able to have another dog now, Bolender is able to remember his dog fondly thanks to the kind work of a staff member at the place he calls home.

In that vein, Votary says she is already considering painting a photo for another family whose dog recently passed away.

Community Care Concepts of Woolwich, Wellesley and Wilmot

Helping Seniors and Adults with Disabilities to Live Independently in Their Own Home Meals on Wheels • Transportation Day Programs • Homemakers • Maintenance Friendly Visitors • Community Meals • Social Programs Transportation from Hospital to Home FREE Community Exercise and Falls Prevention Classes FREE Short Term Home Support For information, services or support contact Community Care Concepts

519-664-1900

|

1-855-664-1900

24 | T H E B A C K PA G E

THE OBSERVER | Thursday, March 25, 2021

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