The Creemore
Ech
Thursday, March 24, 2016 Vol. 16 No. 13 www.creemore.com News and views in and around Creemore
Inside the Echo
Chick Magnets
Jigs and Reels
Public says yes to backyard chickens
Creemore gets its Irish on
PAGE 3
PAGE 12
Publications Mail Agreement # 40024973
Clearview gets jump on salary disclosure by Trina Berlo Clearview Township has released the salaries of five current municipal employees and one former employee in advance of the publication of the so-called Sunshine List. The list is released to the public each spring as required by law under the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act and reveals the annual salaries and taxable benefits of public sector employees who earn $100,000 or more. CAO Steve Sage made $124,724.20 in 2015 (plus $659.80 in taxable benefits); treasurer and director of finance Edward Henley made $118,750.20 (plus $629.24 in taxable benefits); clerk and director of legislative services Pamela Fettes made $108,942.32 (plus $577.28 in taxable benefits); Fire Chief Colin Shewell made $101,336.49 (plus $537.50 in taxable benefits); and general manager of environmental services Mike Rawn made $101,336.36 (plus $537.50 in taxable benefits). “In an effort of being transparent, we have decided to publish the salary information ahead of the scheduled release,” said Mayor Chris Vanderkruys in a media release. “Offering a competitive market wage is important for attracting and retaining professional talent. These individuals are hardworking, dedicated employees that have truly earned their salary.” Former director of planning, development and information services Michael Wynia was also on the list. He was paid $188,430.90 (plus $308.84 in taxable benefits) in 2015. “The salary consisted of salary, accrued vacation and lieu and also other,” said Vanderkruys. Wynia has not been working at the municipality since April. In 2014, he earned $109,839.36. “Clearview Township signed a confidentiality agreement and as a result cannot disclose the composition of the $188,431 paid out to Mr. Wynia in 2015,” said Sage.
Staff photo: Fred Mills
A spotlight shines on Troy Scott’s hockey jersey as team members place pucks around it with sentimental messages from the entire the team on Saturday night at the Creemore arena in front of a full house. The Creemore Valley Hawks held a tribute ceremony for their teammate, who was killed in a car accident on March 10. The Midget Rep team played the first two games of its playoff series against the Stayner Cyclones this weekend in honour of Scott and in support of his family.
Township to sign youth centre lease by Trina Berlo Clearview Township is opening a youth centre in Stayner. Council agreed March 21 to sign a lease at a commercial plaza located at 7458 Highway 26, in the vicinity of Reinhart’s and the Stayner Medical Centre. The plan is simply to provide a facility, said youth services committee chair Barry Burton, where agencies can offer youth services. Council has agreed to a three-year lease at $2,000 per month plus hydro and heating, estimated at $100 per month. The township is leasing two units, totalling 2,500 square feet. In the most recent budget, council
set aside $100,000 for the creation of a space to offer youth services. The lease, over the next three years, will cost an estimated $77,890, leaving just over $22,000 for other expenses. Burton reported it was the best location as it met budget targets and needed fewer upgrades to meet accessibility standards. Now that the lease agreement is approved, the youth services committee will connect with partners and volunteer organizations. The goal is to provide a safe location for a drop-in centre where youth can meet on a social level and have positive interaction with their peers, get guidance and mentorship along with mental health counselling.
“We want to open it wide open to as many youth services as we can,” said Burton. He said Big Brothers and Big Sisters and The Door (Youth for Christ) are ready to proceed and the township is also working with the United Way. All three agencies have representatives on the committee. “We are very excited about it,” said Mary Thomas of the United Way. “We are very impressed with how things are rolling along. She said the United Way is in the process of applying for additional funds, in collaboration with other agencies. (See “Details” on page 3)
Taking care of buyers and sellers in Mulmur and the Creemore hills for 39 years
RCR Realty. Brokerage
Come celebrate 15 years of The Creemore Echo Friday, April 1 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
at Creemore Springs Brewery
Ginny MacEachern
B.A., Broker
The Town & Country Agent with the City Connections 1-800-360-5821• 705-466-2607 • maceachern.ginny@gmail.com www.ginnymaceachern.com