SERVING MAPLETON AND MINTO
THE
COMMUNITY NEWS VOLUME 53 ISSUE 01
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2020
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Alma celebrates the season - LEFT: Children in superhero costumes were featured on the Buehler Automotive and Transmission float at the Alma Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 22. RIGHT: Isabel Walser and Zayne Morton joined the parade with their canine friend Duke on a lawn tractor trailer driven by Tessa Morton. Additional photo on page 4 . Photos by Phil Gravelle
Rural Wellington health team 2019: The Year in Review By Olivia Rumbell application submitted to province can better serve patients and improve health outcomes for the entire population,” the release states. It adds that health care in rural Wellington is unique compared to health care in urban centres, in that “our rural physicians provide care not only in their offices, but also in long-term care, an after-hours clinic, the emergency department and throughout our hospitals.” The release notes chal-
‘We’ve brought together 26 health and social services partners across rural Wellington...’ - Rural Wellington OHT steering commitee chair Dr. Sarah Gower
lenges in rural areas are different due to transportation barriers, isolation, unstable or unaffordable housing issues and food insecurity which, combined with the cost of some services and health care aids (e.g., medications) as well as a lack of high-speed internet for all residents increase the risk of
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poor health. “The Rural Wellington OHT partners are committed to working together to improve the health care system and health outcomes for residents and individuals who provide care in Rural Wellington,” the release states. The Rural Wellington Ontario Health Team Steering Committee Partners include: Canadian Mental Health Association WaterlooWellington, the County of Wellington, eHealth Centre of Excellence, Groves Memorial Community Hospital, Guelph-Wellington Paramedic Services, Home and Community Care, Louise Marshall Hospital, Minto-Mapleton Family Health Organization, MintoMapleton Family Health Team, Mount Forest Family Health Organization, Mount Forest Family Health Team, Palmerston and District Hospital, patient advisors from each Family Health Team region, Upper Grand Family Health Organization, Upper Grand Family Health Team and VON Canada. To date, 24 Ontario Health Teams have been named across the province. In the coming weeks, the Ontario Ministry of Health will announce those who are accepted to move to full application and Rural Wellington hopes to be one moving to the next phase, the committee states.
MAPLETON/MINTO The Community News would like to wish everyone a safe and happy 2020 as we take a look back on an eventful 2019. The following is just a small sample of the news that made headlines in Mapleton Township and the Town of Minto during the past 12 months. JANUARY During a Jan. 3 budget meeting Mapleton council discussed placing the minimum 2019 tax rate increase at zero per cent and the tax levy increase at 7.8%. Such an increase would mark the first time in the last four years Mapleton will not have a double-digit levy increase, according to councillor Michael Martin. Adjusting the levy increase to 7.8% from the 3.75% originally proposed by finance director John Morrison, means raising an additional $298,000 in taxes. Council agreed that money should be used to increase reserve funds if the draft budget is approved. Mapleton councillors were unanimous in their decision to prohibit retail cannabis stores in the municipality. Residents filled the council chamber to capacity on Jan. 8 to witness a vote on whether to allow cannabis stores in the township. Some in the audience applauded when council voted to prohibit pot stores in Mapleton Township. Minto council passed a resolution to allow the
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MOUNT FOREST - Rural Wellington health care partners have officially applied to the Ministry of Health to become an Ontario Health Team (OHT). Ontario Health Teams are groups of health care providers and organizations that are clinically and fiscally accountable for delivering a full and coordinated continuum of care to a defined geographic population. “Over the last six months we’ve brought together 26 health and social service partners across rural Wellington to put together an application to become an OHT,” said Dr. Sarah Gower, chair of the Rural Wellington Ontario Health Team steering committee. A Dec. 17 press release from the committee states the formation of an OHT means residents and those accessing care in Centre Wellington, Minto, Mapleton or Wellington North, over time, will see improved access to services and smoother transitions between service providers, which will improve care and health outcomes. “The Rural Wellington OHT will work to improve the way our residents navigate through our health care system, will bring electronic access for those who wish to have services available electronically, and explore what the rural-specific needs are for our patients and providers, and how we
“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” - Oprah Winfrey
retail sale of cannabis in the municipality. The decision came in a 4-3 recorded vote at the Jan. 22 council meeting. Mayor George Bridge, deputy mayor Dave Turton and councillors Ron Elliott and Geoff Gunson voted in favour of allowing cannabis sales, while Jean Anderson, Judy Dirksen and Mark MacKenzie were opposed. FEBRUARY The Town of Minto was the recipient of a 2018 Award of Excellence from the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) at an awards ceremony at the Sheraton Centre Toronto. Minto placed first in the Collaboration and Partnership Awards category, for Local Collaboration and Partnership under 50,000 population. The town was selected for the summer of 2018’s Cool Cones Crawl public art project, which celebrated a reunion of former Canada Packers employees and the history of York Ice Cream production in Harriston. Sanguen Health Centre, which provides Hepatitis C testing, treatment, support, outreach and education in Guelph-Wellington and Waterloo Region, planned to bring a mobile service to Minto and Erin. A delegation from the organization, led by program director Colin McVicker, explained plans for the service to Minto council at the Feb. 7 meeting. The van offers a wide range of services, often over a cup of hot chocolate, including:
- food, clothing and hygiene products; - testing for Hepatitis A, B and C, HIV and syphilis; - vein and wound care; - referrals, supportive counselling, case management; - harm reduction supplies and returns; - sexual health support and education; - flu shots and vaccines; and - overdose prevention and naloxone. Hundreds of local residents enjoyed Family Day at an event held in memory of a devoted family man. In Palmerston on Feb. 18 Crime Stoppers Guelph Wellington (CSGW) hosted Darren’s Day in partnership with the Minto Fire department, Palmerston Marlins Softball Club, Palmerston Lions Club, Town of Minto and Wellington County OPP. The event was held in honour of Darren More, who was killed in a motor vehicle collision while on his way to work in July of 2018. The driver of the stolen truck that hit More was drug-impaired. A devoted family man, More was also active in his community and was a supporter of minor sports. MARCH The Mixed Bunch from Palmerston took on the Outcasts from Mildmay during a Saturday morning game in Harriston at the annual Palmerston Junior Broomball Tournament. The co-ed tournament provided SEE 2019 » 3
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