Drayton Community News January 12, 2018

SERVING THE MAPLETON COMMUNITY

THE

COMMUNITY NEWS VOLUME 51 ISSUE 02

DRAYTON, ONTARIO

1 Year GIC - 2.30% 3 Year GIC - 2.66% 5 Year GIC - 2.95% Daily Interest 2.25%*

638-3328

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2018

www.jackfinancial.ca

Manny Baron appointed CAO/clerk for Mapleton

By Patrick Raftis MAPLETON - Mayor Neil Driscoll said Mapleton council is confident in its choice of a new CAO/clerk, despite a controversial exit from his previous position.

The township announced the hiring of Manny Baron as its new chief administrative officer at a special meeting on Jan. 3.

Baron, who was CAO/ clerk for the Town of Petrolia for the past five-plus years, resigned on Nov. 14 in the wake of conflict of interest allegations involving the leasing of property he owned to the municipality.

Driscoll said Baron is the right person for the job despite the controversy.

“Council is confident that Manny brings the right mix of experience and skill to lead our senior management group to success and to translate council’s vision for the township into solid corporate and fiscal programming,” stated Driscoll in a Jan. 3 press release announcing Baron’s appointment.

In a later telephone interview, Driscoll told the Community News council investigated the allegations against Baron prior to the hiring.

“Once we heard Manny’s side of the story, and actually we spoke with his mayor (Petrolia Mayor John McCharles) and we got that

New CAO - Mayor Neil Driscoll, left, and members of Mapleton council officially approved the hiring of former Petrolia CAO/clerk Murray Baron as CAO/clerk of Mapleton Township at a special meeting on Jan. 3.

Photo by Patrick Raftis side of the story, we believed what Manny told us in the interview and we’re quite confident he’ll do a great job in Mapleton,” said Driscoll.

According to published reports, Baron was placed on paid administrative leave in October after a local newspaper, The Independent, reported he had been charging the town rent, and utilities in lieu of rent, on facilities he owns through a numbered company.

The town then appointed an investigator, John Fleming, to look into the deal for the properties, which were used by the town for a

youth/seniors centre and a storage area.

Baron resigned on Nov. 14, after Fleming’s report was presented to Petrolia town council.

Though council declined to make the report public, citing personnel issues, McCharles provided a summary in a Nov. 30 interview with the Postmedia Network.

“It dealt (with) the two buildings that Mr. Baron owned and that basically was it … There were no other accusations in the report other than Mr. Baron made an error in judgment and

Ice time - Outdoor rinks in Mapleton were popular spots over the holidays. TOP: Local residents got together for a game of hockey on the Moorefield Optimist rink. ABOVE: Enjoying some ice time at the Alma Optimist Club’s rink, known locally as the“Cow Palace,” on Jan. 4 were, from left: Sophia Wilson, Megan Thalen, Hannah Thalen, Lily Vanderzwaag and Theo Wilson. Photos by Patrick Raftis

SEE NEW CAO » 3

2017: The Year in Review for Mapleton Township

By Patrick Raftis MAPLETON The Community News would like to wish everyone a safe and happy 2018, as we take a look back on an eventful year in 2017.

The following is just a small sample of the news that made headlines in Mapleton Township in the past 12 months.

January The Maryborough Community Centre here will be upgraded with the assistance of provincial grant funding. CAO Brad McRoberts reported at the Jan. 10 meeting the Township of Mapleton was successful in obtaining a grant for upgrades to the facility through the Ontario 150

Community Capital Grant Program. The total project costs were estimated to be $526,000 with $249,800 being funded by the Ontario 150 program and $10,000 being funding through the Wellington County Accessibility Grant Program. The remaining $266,700 will be funded by the municipality.

Seasonal operators with the township’s public works department were granted more guaranteed work hours. At the Jan. 10 meeting, council approved a staff recommendation that the standard work week for seasonal operators become 42 hours.

In addition to retention and recruitment advantages, the change would provide the public works department with “greater operational

JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE Friday and Saturday 8pm & Sunday 7pm HELD OVER

RATED PG & 119 MINUTES

BIG FILM FEST: Jan 15 at 7:15pm, Featuring “Bombshell”, Admission $10

MAIN ST. W. PALMERSTON 519.343.3640 www.norgantheatre.com

flexibility to address winter maintenance needs particularly during extended active weather conditions,” a staff report stated.

Local farmers mounted a letter writing campaign in an effort to convince Mapleton council not to proceed with a proposal to implement development charges on rural construction. Correspondence received at the Jan. 10 meeting included 14 nearly-identical letters (a few contained hand-written additions) from Mapleton farmers and farm families. Mapleton’s current development charges bylaw includes a 100 per cent exemption for buildings constructed for “a bona fide farm use.” A proposal presented at a public meeting on Oct. 11 would see the exemption

‘‘

reduced to 75%.

February Quick responses from two local farmers and Mapleton Fire and Rescue prevented what could have been a large loss in the farming community near Drayton. Moorefield and Drayton firefighters responded to a call at 8:23am on Feb. 3 for a structure fire at on the 4th Line of Mapleton Township.

“The farm owners had installed ABC fire extinguishers recommended by the Mapleton Fire Department.

These extinguishers, along with the quick actions of the farm’s owners and the Mapleton firefighters, saved approximately 90 head housed in the dairy barn,” Fire Chief Rick Richardson said.

WEEKLY WAG

“It’s amazing that the amount of news that happens in the world every day always just exactly fits the newspaper.”- Jerry Seinfeld

‘‘

There will be no development charges on farm building construction in Mapleton.

At its Feb. 7 meeting, council passed a resolution amending a proposed development charges bylaw update to maintain the status quo on agricultural buildings. Local farmers and leaders of area farm organizations voiced opposition to the proposal at council meetings on Oct. 11 and Nov. 8, and the idea was met with nothing but opposition at a public meeting in Moorefield on Jan. 26.

Two Drayton youths competed at the national level in synchronized skating and came home with gold medals.

Micayla Shantz and Rachel VanAnkum, skating with the Burlington-based Nexxice Intermediate Synchronized

BILL’S

Club, participated at the Skate Canada National Synchronized Skating Championships in Calgary Feb. 24 to 26.

March Residential taxes were increased by about $15 per $100,000 worth of assessment. At a special meeting on March 7, Mapleton council approved a budget that called for expenditures of $9,626,413 in 2017, compared to $8,774,003 budgeted in 2016.

The projected tax levy of $6,554,085 was up by $671,849, or about 11.4 per cent from the budgeted 2016 levy of $5,882,236. The budget called for a tax rate increase of 3.3%.

The township hired a new director of public works.

SEE 2017 » 4

PAINT and COLLISION Specializing in...

Collision and Complete Re-Finishing, One Mile East of Moorefield.

519 638-2048

2 | THE COMMUNITY NEWS | JANUARY 12, 2018

Scoring surges in Monday night hockey as Drayton, Community record wins MISSIONARY 6 FLORADALE 6 A lone goal in the first period by Pat Landman gave Missionary the early lead and began what looked like a low-scoring game. However a rash of goals in the next two periods kept the scoreboard active.

Floradale scored three to take a solid second period lead. Ryan Weber tied the game, with Corey Wideman and Gary Martin giving Floradale the momentary lead. Assists went to Corey Wideman, Willis Martin and Javan Martin.

Missionary responded with a pair of goals to tie the game back up. Zack Leslie scored and set up Matt

Burnett for the tying goal.

Assists also went to Brady Franklin, Burnett and Devin McGuire.

Floradale snuck in one more goal to keep the lead after two periods. Josh Brohman scored the goal, assisted by Greg Martin.

Corey Wideman padded the Floradale lead with an unassisted goal to start the third.

Zack Leslie took a pass from Scott Vandepas and scored a goal to keep Missionary close.

However, Gary Martin sniped a shot to give Floradale the edge again, assisted by Corey Wideman and Tim Martin.

With just a couple minutes

TRADES & SERVICES

left in the game Missionary stormed back. Zack Franklin scored in the final minutes to bring the team within one.

And a rush at the net gave Zack Leslie his hat trick and the tying goal with one second left on the clock.

COMMUNITY 6 BETHEL 1 After a scoreless first period, Community took the lead with the only goal in the second. Tony Martin ripped the puck for the goal, assisted

by Colin Snyder and Kevin Gingrich.

It was five-goal third period that secured the win for Community.

Kevin Gingrich started the period with a goal; Kyle Wideman added a pair, with single goals scored by Calvin Martin and Dustin Bults. Assists were earned by Dustin Bults, Gerald Martin, Kevin Gingrich, Calvin Martin, Delmer Frey and Ryco Martin.

Bethels’ goal came earlier in the second with Nathan Holland stuffing the puck into the net for an unassisted goal.

DRAYTON 7 LISTOWEL 6 One more high scoring game rounded off the busy night.

Phil Shantz scored the opening goal and Zach

Gingrich added a pair of goals to give Listowel the first period lead, assisted

by Trevor Kuepfer and Brad Gratz.

Jessie Hoekstra scored the only Drayton goal in the first, assisted by Colton Hoekstra.

Zack Gingrich completed his hat trick with an unassisted goal early in the second to pad a Listowel lead.

However a string of three Drayton goals tied the game.

Mark Grasman, Jason Mohle, and Darrin Mohle scored the goals, assisted by Eric Deckers (2), Brandon Rumph and Mark Grasman.

Listowel responded with a pair of unanswered goals before the period ended to regain the two goal lead. Mike Gingrich and Josh Shantz gave Listowel the lead with the goals, assisted by Curtis Wagler and Zach Gingrich.

It was the third period that decided the game, with Drayton storming back for three unanswered goals to steal the win.

Jessie Hoekstra started the comeback with a goal.

Dave Mulder tied the game, and Colton Hoekstra scored the winning goal. Assisted

by Scott Nieuwland, Mike Hessels (2) and Eric Deckers (2).

Free Karate!

HOME ENERGY SYSTEMS inc.

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Your OIL, PROPANE and NATURAL GAS EXPERTS Sales s Service s Installation

By Jaime Myslik WELLINGTON COUNTY – Half of Wellington County elementary schools have improved or maintained their rating on the annual education performance report card released in December by the Fraser Institute.

In data measuring each county elementary school’s performance in both 201516 and 2016-17, there were 13 schools that improved or maintained their rating and there were 13 schools that fell in the rankings.

Scores for elementary schools in Mapleton are: - Alma Public School ranked 2,623 based on a score of 4.1 last year (down from 6.1 the previous year); - Centre Peel Public School received a 2,962 ranking on a score of 2.3 (down from 3.2 the year before); - Drayton Heights Public School ranked 694 with a score of 7.3 (up from 7.1 the previous year); - Maryborough Public School ranked 404 last year with a score of 7.8 (up from 6.8 the year before).

County Councillor, Ward 2 Mapleton

2 FREE WEEKS ON NOW !

Offer valid for new students only.

REGISTER TODAY! Call 519-575-3865 or email mapleton@CNGK.ca

With the County’s population growing at a rate of 1.5% yearly, land ambulance call volumes are predicted to increase by 5,600 calls each year.

Questions or Comments: email greggd@wellington.ca or phone or text 226-929-7481

Mapleton Martial Arts Masonic Hall, 61 Wellington St S., Drayton

519-664-2008

11 Henry Street Unit 9

Mapleton schools ranked

GREGG DAVIDSON

Beginner Classes for both Children & Adults

TOTAL

Food bank supporters - Palmerston Lions Club donated $500 to complement the donation to the local food bank given by Foodland and its customers. In 2016 Foodland and customers donated over $2,000 and the Lions added $500. The same or more is expected with the present campaign. From left: Palmerston Foodland owner Ron McTaggart, Palmerston Lions vice-president Barb Richmond and Palmerston Food Bank chair Barb Burrows.

Submitted photo

ST JACOBS

WHAT’S HAPPENING @ THE ARENA FRIDAY JANUARY 12 9:00pm – 10:20pm, Recreational Hockey- Players welcome

GENERAL CONTRACTOR RESIDENTIAL DAVID MARTIN P 519-638-5462 8012 8th Line C 519-895-6234 RR#2 F 519-638-3833 Drayton, ON N0G 1P0 Check out our website: www.stirtonconstruction.ca

COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURAL

Consider US First!

BROKERS FOR ALL LINES OF INSURANCE Licensed brokers for

9 Wellington St. S., Drayton, Ontario N0G 1P0

(519) 638-3091

www.secureinsurance.ca

SATURDAY JANUARY 13 7:00pm – 8:50pm, Community Christian School Family Skating All Welcome SUNDAY JANUARY 14 1:00pm, Novice Orange vs Hanover Falcons 2:00pm, Novice Black vs West Grey Warriors 2 4:00pm, Pee Wee LL vs Minot Mad Dogs 5:30pm, Bantam LL vs Lucknow Sepoys MONDAY JANUARY 15 7:00pm, Novice Black vs Walkerton Capitals

NEW BUILDINGS

WEDNESDAY JANUARY 17 11:00am – 12:00pm, Parent and Tot Skating 12:00pm – 1:00pm, Adult Skating

RENOVATIONS

Gary Hawkins

John Hagarty

Garett Hawkins

THURSDAY JANUARY 18 11:00am – 12:00pm, Parent and Tot Skating 12:00pm – 1:00pm, Adult Skating

COMMUNITY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

195 Main Street, Palmerston ON N0G 2P0 519-343-2420

3 Hilwood Drive Moorefield ON N0G 2K0 519-638-3039

January 18 - Palmerston Blood Donor Clinic, 5-8pm. Palmerston Community Centre, book appts at www.blood.ca/1-888-236-6283.

January 19 - Euchre, Drayton Legion, 8pm. 15 Elm Street.

Everyone welcome.

January 22 - Drayton Blood Donor Clinic, 3:30-7:30pm, Community Christian School, 35 High Street, Drayton. Book appointments at www.blood.ca or 1-888-236-6283.

February 2 - Writers Unite monthly meeting, 7:30pm. Studio Factor. Everyone welcome. Info Glynis 519-638-3215.

February 12 - Monthly meeting Drayton Mapleton Agricultural Society, 7:30pm. Drayton Agricultural Building, 49 Elm Street.

Everyone welcome. Info Arlie 519-638-3323.

February 13 - Monthly meeting, Drayton Legion, 8pm. 15 Elm Street. New members always welcome.

February 16 - Euchre, Drayton Legion, 7:30pm. 15 Elm Street.

Everyone welcome.

*TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) - Do you need support with weight loss? We can help. Every Thursday, 6:45-8:00pm, weigh-in 6:45-7:15pm, Palmerston United Church, side door.

All welcome. Come check us out. Call Susan 519-343-3711 or Connie 519-343-5149 for more info. *1943 Army Cadets - Wednesdays, 7-9pm, Free. Norwell H.S. Guys/girls 12-19. Captain Bill Dobson 519-343-4305. *Seniors Lunch - 2nd Thursday of each month, 12 noon, Alma Community Centre, Alma. Music by various local entertainers.

Everyone welcome. *New members needed - Drayton Bridge Club, every other Monday, September - April. Call 519-581-8978. *Healing Paws, Drayton - Volunteer cat rescue is in need of donations. Cats available for adoption. Info contact Hana 226750-5651 or sunset092001@hotmail.com. *Rent Drayton Legion for functions Call Eliza 519-638-2950.

JANUARY 12, 2018 | THE COMMUNITY NEWS | 3

MP pleased initiatives included in PC platform PERTH WELLINGTON — Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece says his party’s election platform, the “People’s Guarantee,” which Ontario PC Leader Patrick Brown unveiled on Nov. 25, “shows we are ready to form government.”

Pettapiece stated in a Dec. 7 press release the PC platform includes tax cuts for the middle class, a refund for childcare expenses, a further 12 per cent cut to hydro bills, investments in mental health, and “measures to restore trust and accountability following years of Liberal scandals.”

Pettapiece noted the platform includes three of his own initiatives: protecting firefighters with truss- and lightweight-construction identification; reforming joint and several liability insurance for municipalities; and support for horse racing.

“It’s really encouraging to see these included,” Pettapiece said. “It tells me that we are doing something right in Perth-Wellington.”

In April 2017, the Ontario

legislature endorsed the Rea and Walter Act, Pettapiece’s private member’s bill, which would mandate commercial, industrial, and many residential buildings to clearly show if they were constructed with lightweight materials. Those buildings burn quicker and pose significant danger to firefighters.

That bill was named in honour of North Perth firefighters Ken Rea and Ray Walter, who died in 2011 while fighting a fire in a lightweight-constructed building.

“All parties thought [truss and lightweight identification] was a good idea when they supported my bill, but so far, Patrick Brown is the only leader committed to taking it the rest of the way and writing it into law, once and for all,” Pettapiece observed.

In 2014, all parties in the Ontario legislature approved Pettapiece’s motion calling on the government to reform Ontario’s joint and several liability insurance system, often blamed for higher insurance premiums for

municipalities. Pettapiece said the Liberal government “later backtracked on its promise, and refused to make any changes.”

As his party’s critic for horse racing, Pettapiece has often called on the government to better support the industry and make it viable - especially for smaller tracks and those in rural Ontario who rely on them.

“Again, it goes to show we are the only party that understands horse racing,” Pettapiece stated.

He said the party would “fix joint and several liability issues - while still ensuring adequate protection for victims, in order to clarify that taxpayer-funded entities can only be held jointly liable when they are truly responsible for negligence.”

Pettapiece also stated the PCs will get horse racing back on track by creating a horse racing scratch ticket and reviewing and fixing the sharing agreements between Woodbine and community tracks for off-track wagering revenue.

Need for blood high during post-holiday period

Outdoor auction - A traditional farm auction always draws a crowd in a rural community like Mapleton.

Despite colder temperatures and snow, a large crowd was on hand for the estate auction of Neil Faulkner of Moorefield on Dec. 6. Hei-View auctioneer Jason Heimpel sold the farm, equipment, straw and household items during the sale.

Photos by Caroline Sealey

OTTAWA - Canadian Blood Services has seen a notable increase in donations since Dec. 18 when it issued an urgent call for eligible donors to fill 35,000 open appointments by Jan. 6. However, more new and returning donors are still needed to help fill 18,000 open appointments.

“We are pleased so many

New CAO puts priority on capacity issues » FROM PAGE 1

owned the two buildings,” McCharles told Postmedia.

The Independent filed a request for the report under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, but it was turned down by the Town of Petrolia. The newspaper then filed an appeal of the decision.

Driscoll said Mapleton officials have not seen Fleming’s report, but a consultant assisting the township with the hiring process made inquiries on Mapleton’s behalf.

“The consultant made lots of contacts within his old community and his references for sure,” said Driscoll.

He suggested media reports on the issue may have been misleading.

“Not to be rude, but you know sometimes stories get twisted in the paper a little bit too, right? So that’s why we researched this like we did,” the mayor said.

Asked to expand on Baron’s explanation for the conflict allegations, Driscoll said, “I don’t think it all happened as the report had (it) in the paper.”

Prior to joining the staff in Petrolia, Baron, a native of Timmins, worked as general manager of Brooke Telecom Cooperative for seven years.

He was also briefly a member of Petrolia town council, having been appointed in 2008 to fill a vacancy created by a mid-term resignation.

He didn’t run in the 2010 municipal election.

“I know both sides of the fence,” Baron observed in a Jan. 4 interview with the Community News.

In the interview, Baron conceded his ownership of the Petrolia properties constituted a conflict, but he said his intent was to contribute to the community, not profit from the transaction.

“There’s no doubt at the time I was in direct conflict of interest in the sense that council was unaware that I owned the building - ah, buildings,” said Baron.

“However, I can assure you that the town was not out money. They didn’t pay me rent on a monthly basis.

They paid their portion of the utilities. They did pay first and last, but did their own leasehold improvements.

“Apart from that, I personally went and got donations to cover the expense of the youth centre and the seniors centre so the town wasn’t out any money, which in hindsight I wish I had told council at the time, but here we are now.”

Baron added, “I regret not telling council at the time, but if I had it do over again we’d donate the spot and we still do. The seniors and youth centre still occupy the spot in our house and still pay their portion of utilities and pay no rent.”

Asked why he didn’t disclose ownership of the buildings, Baron said he wanted to make a contribution anonymously.

“My wife and I felt that being a small community in

the position that we’re in we wanted to give back, but give back in silence ... and allow the seniors and the youth to enjoy the space as they see fit without knowing who’s donating it to them.”

Baron told the Community News he sees Mapleton’s long-standing water and wastewater capacity issues as a priority and noted, “I’m very fond of economic development.”

He also said he plans to promptly “meet with all staff and figure out where we’re at and what priorities they have.”

At the Jan. 3 meeting, Mapleton council repealed bylaws appointing Murray Clarke as acting CAO, and Ben Cornell as deputy clerk “for CAO recruitment purposes.”

Cornell is an employee of Ward and Uptigrove, the accounting and consulting firm engaged to assist the township with replacing the township’s former CAO. Brad McRoberts resigned, effective Nov. 20, to take a CAO position with South Bruce Peninsula.

Councillor Michael Martin expressed thanks to Clarke for his efforts.

“As much as I’m excited about having Manny come aboard, I really enjoyed our acting CAO and getting to know you in your time with us. So thank you very much, it’s been a pleasure honestly,” said Martin.

Driscoll added, “We’d like to welcome Manny Baron to our staff here as our CAO

… Thank you Murray for all your time. Thank you council for committing the time to go through the hiring process just before Christmas …

It was a good process and I know we’ve come up with the perfect candidate for Mapleton once again.”

At the meeting Baron said, “I’m extremely excited to join the Township of Mapleton team. I’m very much looking forward to our time together and looking forward to meeting everybody …

“I appreciate the welcome and appreciate council for choosing me as the new CAO/clerk.”

Canadians have stepped up to fill open appointments to give blood and are confident others will join them by year-end or early in the New Year,” said Rick Prinzen, Canadian Blood Services’ chief supply chain officer.

The holiday season and the beginning of the New Year is a slower time for blood donations. Travel, family activities and changes in routines pose challenges to blood collections, especially the last half of December into the New Year, CBS officials note.

While all blood types help patients, the supply of O-negative blood is in particular demand. Donors with O-negative blood are part of a

DRAYTON, ONTARIO

select group whose donations are compatible with everyone. As the universal blood type, patients in an emergency situation can all receive O-negative blood.

To book an appointment, download the GiveBlood app available for iOS on the App Store or for Android on Google Play, call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-2366283), or visit blood.ca.

Upcoming local clinics will be held at: the Palmerston Community Centre, 525 Cavan Street, Palmelrston, on Jan. 18 from 5 to 8pm; and - Community Christian School, 35 High Street, Drayton, on Jan. 22 from 3:30 to 7:30pm.

ECRA/ESA LIC 7004134

CALL NOW FOR YOUR WINTER AND SPRING ELECTRICAL PROJECTS!

Servicing all your Electrical Needs Residential/Custom Homes | Agricultural Commercial | Service | Generators robdeweerdelectric@hotmail.com 519.638.2229

Breaking up is easy

Save $150 when you switch providers.

• The latest devices • Keep your number • Local sales & service • Canada’s largest LTE

21 Wellington Street South, Drayton 800 250 8750 www.mornington.ca See store for details. Offer ends January 31, 2018. *Minimum $60/mth plan, 2 yr term required. Requires port-in from an active number (wireless or landline) and activation at time of purchase. Only Canadian carriers and Ontario numbers are eligible for porting. Please see store for availability.

Available to new or existing customers adding a line. Credit of $150 will be applied on monthly bill. Credit may take up to 60 days to process. Cannot be combined with any other promotion, except January Member promotion.

4 | THE COMMUNITY NEWS | JANUARY 12, 2018

THE

COMMUNITY NEWS Published by W.H.A. Publications Limited P.O. Box 189, Drayton, Ontario, N0G 1P0 24 Wood St., Unit B, Drayton (inside Studio Factor) Telephone 519-638-3066 Fax 519-638-2875 drayton@wellingtonadvertiser.com Published on Fridays Deadline: Monday at 10am Subscriptions $52 plus HST in Canada W.H. Adsett, Publisher Chris Daponte, Editor Patrick Raftis, Reporter Caroline Sealey, Office Manager Alicia Roza, Graphic Designer

Ontario Community Newspaper Association

Canadian Community Newspaper Association

Circulation: 5,048

GENERAL POLICY Persons wishing information regarding circulation, rates and additional service, etc. should feel free to contact the staff. The Publisher accepts responsibility for claims and honours agreements made by himself or by regular staff on his behalf. No responsibility is accepted for actions of persons not in the employ of the paper, or otherwise over whom the Publisher has no control. All advertising accepted is done so in good faith. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of typographical error, that portion of the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowances for signatures, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisements will be paid for at the applicable rate. In the event of a typographical error advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell, and may be withdrawn at any time.

STAFF Office Manager: Caroline Sealey OFFICE HOURS: Monday 9am-12pm, Tuesday to Friday 9am-5pm DEADLINE: MONDAY 10AM

YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER

EDITORIAL

By Patrick Raftis

Sobering statistics There’s not a lot to be concluded from the results, released by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) on Jan. 8, of the annual Festive RIDE (Reduce Impaired Driving Everywhere) initiative.

The OPP charged 587 drivers with impaired driving during the campaign, which ran from Nov. 24 to Jan. 2. An additional 366 drivers were issued a warning-range suspension and had their driver’s licence suspended for having a blood alcohol concentration between .05 and .08. By comparison, the agency charged 623 impaired drivers and issued 407 warning-range suspensions during the 2016-17 holiday season.

Given the numerous variables that go into timing, location and duration of any given RIDE check, the difference in the figures year to year can’t really be considered an indication there are fewer impaired drivers on the road, although the number of checks conducted were up substantially in 2017 from the previous year (9,830 compared to 7,343).

What the numbers do show for certain is there are still some people taking the enormous risks associated with drinking and driving, which truly begs the question, “Why?” In addition to the potentially life-altering penalties (loss of license, requirement for interlock ignition installation and even incarceration), the tragic consequences of serious or fatal automobile accidents are always magnified when alcohol is a factor. Police note 44 lives were lost in alcohol/drugrelated collisions on OPP-patrolled roads in 2017. Maiming or killing someone while drunk at the wheel is not something anyone can easily move on from.

In addition to the holiday season RIDE effort, the OPP and other policing agencies expend enormous resources enforcing impaired driving laws. In 2017, the OPP charged 4,915 drivers with alcohol-impaired charges and 238 drivers with drug-impaired charges and issued 2,995 warning-range suspensions. Many believe the addition of legalized marijuana consumption beginning this summer will further complicate enforcement efforts which, it should be remembered, come with substantial tax-funded costs.

The ideal solution is for everyone to recognize that sober is the only way to drive. However, as there will inevitably be those who ignore the sobering realities, the OPP is again reminding the public to call 911 if they suspect that someone is driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

It could be a life-saving call.

We wo u ld lo ve t o n. h e a r yo u r o p in io

to th e edit or to Em ai l yo ur le tter om gt on ad ve rt is er.c dr ay to n@ wel lin

2017: The Year in Review » FROM PAGE 1

Mapleton council passed a bylaw on March 14 appointing Salvatore (Sam) Mattina to the position, effective March 20. Mattina is a civil engineering technologist (CET) with over 35 years of experience, including 14 years of municipal experience working for the City of Guelph, Town of Milton and City of Brantford.

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) hosted a public open house on “Preparing for Flooding in Drayton and Mapleton Township” on March 23 at the PMD arena. On hand to answer questions from local residents were representatives from the GRCA, WellingtonDufferin-Guelph Public Health, Insurance Bureau of Canada, Office of the Fire Marshall, Wellington County Emergency Management Services and Mapleton Township emergency responders and planners.

Information was also available on the flood warning system, how to reduce risks to property and what to do after a flood. About 10 members of the public attended the event.

“Once again the Drayton Farm Show exhibitors and our community has exceeded all expectations,” said Drayton Kinsmen Farm Show chair Glenn Dobben.

He noted more than 3,000 people, including many youngsters, checked out the event on March 29 and 30.

April Township council approved a $12,000 expenditure for Mapleton Fire and Rescue’s share of a new computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system. The City of Guelph Fire Department has provided pager and radio dispatching for Wellington County fire departments for several years. The city recently moved to the CAD system and has updated it to allow county departments to utilize it. Fire Chief Rick Richardson said Guelph will invoice a one-time charge of $12,000 for each Wellington County fire department.

JANUARY - The outdoor rink at the Moorefield Optimist Hall was in fine form for a winter break skate on Jan. 6. Silas, left, and Orrin Tamlyn hit the ice for a game of one-on-one hockey.

Community News file photo There will also be an annual fee of $1,800.

Implementation of a Community Improvement Plan for the township moved a step closer following a public meeting on April 11.

Among the goals of the plan, outlined by consultant Nancy Reid of Vitality Planning, are to promote Mapleton as a business friendly community and an inviting destination for visitors. The plan would establish a program of municipal financial incentives to encourage the rehabilitation and improvement of private lands and buildings in Mapleton.

Participants in Norwell District Secondary School’s inaugural Amazing Race took to the streets of Palmerston on April 26.

The event, organized by the Norwell Student Council, was created to raise funds for

the Troy McLaughlin Sports Foundation in honour of Troy McLaughlin, who was tragically killed in a car accident in Mapleton in 2014.

May The third annual Empowerment Day on May 4 drew more than 5,000 students to the Sleeman Centre

in Guelph. Empowerment Day began in 2015 as a project of two students on the Drayton Heights student council. The first year saw 1,300 Grade 6 to 8 students at PMD arena in Drayton. In 2016 the event grew to over 3,000 students at the Fergus SEE 2017 » 5

THE DRAYTON KINETTE CLUB Would like to extend a big

THANK YOU to the community for its support of the

2017 KINETTE TOY DRIVE Your generosity helped make Christmas morning extra special for the families that received toy hampers.

Decision Drivers of Canada SEE THINGS YOU DON’T SEE.

UPCOMING DRIVING COURSES:

4 Saturdays: February 3, 10, 17 and 24 9am-2:30pm March Break (4 Days): March 12 to 15, 9am-2:30pm Only Area Driving School that offers 11 Hrs of in-car instruction!

ASK ABOUT OUR FREE ROAD TEST PACKAGE. Driving Simulator offered in Drayton MTO Approved Beginner Driver Education Course Provider

10 WELLINGTON ST. NORTH UNIT 1, DRAYTON

519-638-9990

www.decisiondrivers.ca

APRIL - Adam Deen guided his daughter Carly around the maze of Easter eggs waiting to be gathered in the 0 to 3-year-old group at the Mapleton Preschool Community Easter Egg Hunt on April 15 at Kinsmen Park in Drayton. Despite the rainy conditions over 100 children from the community filled baskets with Easter goodies during the hunt. Donations collected at the event will be used for preschool operations.

Community News file photo

y u w G i t e h T “ e Brush h th ” 519-502-4969

15% NT DISCl OMaUrch unti 2018

53 Edward St. Drayton

PROOF OF YOUR AD for every 2nd & 4th week

JANUARY 12, 2018 | THE COMMUNITY NEWS | 5

MAPLETON MUSINGS

Column courtesy of Mapleton Historical Society Did you know?

Mapleton Township is made of many little hamlets and places. Some that no longer exist are identified only by a name on a roadside sign.

These communities, whether or not they still exist, played an important role in the building of the township.

Dorking, surveyed in 1843, was first called Bethlehem. Around 1860, pioneers settled in the area and renamed the village Dorking, after Dorking, England. As Dorking, England was situated within three counties and four townships and Highway 86 ran through the centre of Dorking at the junction of three counties (Wellington, Waterloo and Perth) as well as four townships (Peel, Maryborough, Wellesley and Mornington) until 1999, settlers noted the similarities and renamed the area Dorking.

The first telephone line

was built in 1911 and in 1908, the CPR built the GuelphGoderich line through Dorking. The rail line was discontinued in 1938.

Macton is located on Highway 86 above Wallenstein on the way to Listowel. From the late 1840s to 1860, many Irish refugees and Scottish immigrants came to the Macton area.

In 1864, the first Macton postmaster made two trips a week to nearby Hawkesville, by foot or on horseback, to collect and deliver mail. The postmaster received payment of $12 a year.

The Parish of St. Joseph, Macton was organized in 1864 and the beautiful church that is still standing today was built in 1878. In 1890, women teachers were paid $260 annually and the men were paid $349 annually.

Wallenstein was surveyed in the 1840s and first settled in 1847, with the exception of

enslaved blacks who settled in the Queens Bush area in the 1820s.

A black Abolitionist church and school were located near where the CPR train station would later be built.

The 6th Division Court was held in Wallenstein. The Wallenstein store was built as a hotel in the late 1800s with the post office located inside, drawing patrons to the store.

After supper, the men would congregate to trade stories and happenings of the day.

The air was reported to be blue with tobacco smoke and the spittoon rang loudly with every splat. Highway 86 runs through the centre of Wallenstein and today it is a busy intersection serving a thriving business community.

Conestogo Dam and Lake near Glen Allan, situated on lot 2, Concession 4 of the former Peel Township, con-

sumed 5,400 acres of farmland. Construction of the dam began in 1955 and it was completed in 1958 at a cost of $4,850,000. Upon completion, the Conestogo River was converted into a long, narrow and deep lake. Nearby Stirton had the only remaining bridge between Drayton and the dam, thus placing Stirton as the main tourist route around the lake. Today, the lake is used for summer recreation including boating, waterskiing, sailing and fishing. Many people enjoy their cottages located around the lake and contribute to the local economy and participate in local happenings.

These tidbits of information were provided by members of the Mapleton Historical Society from history books written about the Mapleton area.

Submitted by Liz Samis of the Mapleton Historical Society

Support for Groves - Norwell Dairy has donated $25,000 to the construction of the new Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Aboyne. From left: Norwell Dairy director of customer relations Kerry Reibeling and director of sales and operations Rick Bauman with Groves Hospital Foundation executive director Lori Arsenault and communications officer Sarah Sheehan.

Submitted photo

Call 843.5410 519.8 with News Tips

Blooming Dale’s

2017 in Mapleton: The Year in Review » FROM PAGE 4

sportsplex. Though the event has grown exponentially over three years, the Drayton Heights student council is still responsible for organizing the day.

The Friends of the Grand River and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) released 14,750 brown trout into the Conestogo River. The project took place on May 10 and 11 at about 30 sites along a 19km stretch below the Conestogo Dam in the communities of Glen Allan, Macton, Wallenstein and Hawkesville. The fish have been stocked annually in the Conestogo River since 2003.

The stocking program has resulted in “a great brown trout tailwater fishery,” officials state.

June Alex Mustakas, founding and current artistic director of Drayton Entertainment,

was honoured by Governor General David Johnston with the Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division).

Created by Queen Elizabeth II, the Meritorious Service Decorations recognize Canadians for exceptional deeds that bring honour to the country. Mustakas was celebrated for his commitment to making the performing arts affordable and accessible throughout Ontario.

The township’s new $5.5-million municipal maintenance facility was completed under budget, with about $15,000 to spare, according to a final cost summary presented to council on June 13. The report from CAO Brad McRoberts indicates the final tally for the project was $5,540,879, $15,590 under the total project budget of $5,556,469. The new facility was officially opened on May 24. The previous public works building at the same

Sideroad 16 loaction was destroyed by fire in 2013.

Mayor Neil Driscoll declared an emergency at 11:15am on June 23 in response to massive flooding. The PMD Arena in Drayton was set up as the township’s evacuation centre. Emergency crews began warning residents and business owners in Drayton that flooding was still imminent in some areas. Data from the Grand River Conservation Authority indicates just over 88mm of rain fell in Mapleton between Thursday night and Friday morning.

July A local developer eager to see the municipality expand its water and sewage capacity to end a development freeze indicated its willingness to contribute financially to a solution. Representatives of Glenaviland Development Corporation (GDC) advised Mapleton council the com-

Don’t let winter get you down!

pany is open to working with council and contributing funding assistance for proposed wastewater capacity and water service upgrades through a special per-lot surcharge beyond the regular development charges.

We have winter flowers in all the colours of the season to complement your décor.

Come browse our selection! www.bloomingdalesflorist.ca N 28 MAIN STREET E., DRAYTO

SEE 2017 » 8

519.638.7723

We do Phone Orders

Stock up on

d ComfortthFooseo today for

harrdasyh s! winte

Daily Lunch Specials FRIDAY January 12 Cheeseburger & Wedges $ .99

MONDAY January 15 Quiche & Wedges $5.99

6

Old ips Dutch Ch

Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo & Bun

Bakery

$

Shop Local MAY - Wellington County emergency management assistant Heather Lawson discussed the contents of an emergency preparedness kit with Community Christian School students Liberty Thalen, Iris Nieuwland and Kaeley Parker at the Safe Kids Day at the PMD arena on May 18. Students from area schools attended the annual event, which focuses on all aspects of safety from electrical to bicycle.

Community News file photo

6

WEDNESDAY January 17

Instore

Arriba Gourmet, runch hC and Dutc 200- 2 280g for

TUESDAY January 16 Sloppy Joe & Wedges $5.99

Special orders taken for

$5.99

THURSDAY January 18 Taco Salad $ .99

6

Two instore Butchers Wider selection of meats, store made sausage & custom orders

Caudle’s Catch Monday for Thursday delivery.

Weather pending.

Drayton

Dutch Section

90 WELLINGTON ST. S, DRAYTON | 519.638.2041 WINTER HOURS (January - March): Mon-Wed 8-7, Thu-Fri 8-9, Sat 8-6, Sun 12-5

Drayton Freshmart

6 | THE COMMUNITY NEWS | JANUARY 12, 2018

By Pastor Mark McCready Alma Bible Church

If I was God....

Have you ever made a statement along those lines?

“Well if I was in charge, I would ... ” I hear people say this quite often. I know I have. All you have to do is read the paper, and take note of the most recent plans by the provincial or federal government. For some it may be a previous government. But the point is that we read the paper from time to time and shake our head, “Why are they doing that? Why don’t they just...”

I have been in more than one counselling situation where I am trying to help someone who is struggling.

Take a hypothetical situation like helping someone who

was physically abused. They will tell me how hard it was.

They will speak of how much pain their past has brought them. When they get to the root of it all, they will say something like “Why did God do this to me?” or “Why did God allow this to happen?”

The next part of the conversation is the suggestion of how God could have acted differently and in so doing prevented so much grief.

God often acts in ways that we don’t understand. In fact, if pushed, most if not all of us could come up with scenarios in our life that if we had the chance we would go back and ask God to do things differently. But how about this ... what if God were to ask us our opinion before He makes his decision?

What if God were to tell us His plans, and then ask us what we thought?

There is a situation in the book of Genesis from the Bible where God actually does this. Not that He asks for permission, but in God’s gracious way, He informs Abraham of his plans to destroy the town of Sodom.

Now if you were to visit Sodom, you would look back on it as a terrible episode in your life. It was a terrible place. But Abraham was a gracious man, and he knew that his nephew Lot lived in Sodom. But the way he responds speaks to his heart for people.

When Abraham learns that God is going to destroy Sodom he asks a basic question: “Would you really destroy the whole town? What

if there were 50 ‘righteous’ people in that town; would you still destroy it?” God responds that He wouldn’t do such a thing. So Abraham then doesn’t give up. If you won’t destroy the town if we find 50 righteous, what if we find 40? God responds again that He wouldn’t if he found 40. Then Abraham tries again, what if you find 30?

What about 20? What about 10. Each time God acknowledges that He would not destroy the town if that many righteous people were found.

Many of us would seriously question the nature of a God who just goes and destroys an entire town. Most of us would think that surely there would be at least 10 good people in a town. But here is the point: God would never destroy someone who

is righteous. God is merciful.

He also knows the hearts of men, and the heart of each one of us is deceitfully wicked.

Look around. There is so much evil. If God were a vengeful God He should just destroy us all now. But He is not. He is merciful. The Bible tells us that He holds back from destroying us in hopes that we will turn to Him for forgiveness. I am not sure that we would share the same measure of grace.

So think about this knowing God is waiting, that He is holding back on destroying you and I because He is hoping we will turn to Him - well, will you?

Another thing to think about ... we serve a great God. He is merciful, patient and kind. He is also infinitely

powerful and infinitely wise.

What kind of a God would He be if He had infinite power but lacked infinite knowledge? In my mind, that would result in a terrible unleashing of terror on this world. Consider the flip side: what would it be like if God had infinite knowledge but lacked the power to do anything? That would be very frightening, and God would be seen as very pathetic. It is for these reasons we can be very thankful that we have a God who is both infinite in wisdom and infinite in power. When He acts, He acts knowing the hearts of those He is impacting, and also is fully aware of all the implications His decision will have.

So it is probably a good thing that God is God and you and I are not.

Canada Summer Jobs program accepting applications for 2018 PERTH-WELLINGTON - Local MPP John Nater, announced Dec. 20 that employers can begin applying for funding under the Canada Summer Jobs 2018 program.

“The Canada Summer Jobs program provides young people with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and skills for the jobs of today and the future.

I encourage local businesses and community groups to submit an application. Last summer 109 young people were employed across PerthWellington, creating jobs in our local communities,” said Nater.

The application process is open from Dec. 19 to Feb. 2, 2018 with notifications to successful employers scheduled to be sent in April.

While he is strongly supportive of the program, Nater stated he is disappointed that the application window opened two weeks later than last year. After previously lobbying both

the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, Nater noted the date for employer notifications still has not been moved up to allow for earlier hiring.

“This government is moving in the wrong direction.

The application window should have been opened two weeks ago. This late start will only delay the notification to employers,” said Nater.

“The April notification date is already too late for most organizations who find it difficult to find students. Most post-secondary students are looking for summer work in mid-February. I continue to call on the responsible government ministers to re-evaluate the notification period.”

Canada Summer Jobs provides funding to help employers create summer job opportunities for students. It is designed to focus on local priorities, while helping both students and their communities.

Canada Summer Jobs

aims to: - provide work experience for students; - support organizations, including those that provide important community services; and - recognize that local circumstances, community needs and priorities vary widely.

Funding is available for not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses (under 50 employees) to hire qualified young people aged 15 to 30, who are full-time students and intend to return to school in the fall. Thousands of young Canadians benefit each year from summer employment through the program and it helps employers address severe skill shortages.

The application period for Canada Summer Jobs 2018 is from Dec. 19, 2017 to Feb. 2, 2018. Employers can find further information and submit applications at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/csj.

OPP offer tips for snowmobile safety

Community Christmas - John and Cindy Jefferson and their Selah Fire friends hosted their annual Community Christmas Dinner on Dec. 18 at Community Christian School. TOP: Guests at the event were entertained with Christmas music by Bonnie Brak on the keyboard. ABOVE: Helpers for the event, from left: Liz Hawkins, Chris Hawkins and Cathy Johnson were part of the kitchen crew who served up a traditional turkey dinner.

Photos by Caroline Sealey

LONDON - In light of a recent fatal snowmobile collision and an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crash that seriously injured another person the OPP is issuing a warning to would-be enthusiasts, taking advantage of the increased snow accumulations, to use extreme caution.

Police state owners and operators of snowmobiles

Do you know someone with a birthday Coming up?

Let everyone know with a celebratory ad!

Email your celebration ad details to drayton@wellingtonadvertiser.com or call 519-638-3066

and ATVs need to understand that these vehicles are very powerful, capable of reaching high speeds and are extremely dangerous in the hands of an inexperienced, careless, or impaired operator.

“Every year countless numbers of riders are injured or killed because of a preventable bad driving behavior,” police state in a Jan. 3 press release.

Safety tips In the release, police include the following safety tips: - know your vehicle and its capabilities; - know your own abilities to handle the vehicle;

- never drive impaired; - never drive carelessly; - never allow children to operate these vehicles without adult supervision; - always wear a helmet; and - take a riding course to become better acquainted with the vehicle.

“Driving a snowmobile or ATV can be a great deal of fun but in the wrong hands can become a lethal weapon capable seriously injuring or killing someone. Ride responsibly, know the rules, know the terrain and never operate while under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” states OPP traffic and marine Inspector S. Bertram.

0HW]JHU·V519-510-4368 0HW]JHU·V SALES & INSTALLATION

24 HOUR SERVICE +HDWLQJ &RROLQJ Ltd. +HDWLQJ &RROLQJ

& Air-conditioning

Furnaces • Fireplaces Hot Water Tanks • HRV • Barbecues

info@metzgerheating.ca

JANUARY 12, 2018 | THE COMMUNITY NEWS | 7

GRCA offering workshop on keeping soil on farmland ST. JACOBS - It may be cold and snowing outside, but the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is looking ahead toward warmer days.

The authority is hosting a free workshop to share ideas on what farmers can do to help protect soils from heavy rains.

It will take place at the St. Jacobs Lions Hall at 31 Parkside Drive, St. Jacobs, on Jan. 16 from 1 to 4pm.

Heavy rains can move soil and nutrients within fields and into nearby watercourses, officials say. will workshop This feature speakers from the GRCA and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and

Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) as well as local producers, and insight providing practical information on how to build soil resilience and keep soil in place.

Topics include a recap of significant local rainfall events and their impacts, water quality trends in the Grand River and Lake Erie, improving soil resilience through best management practices, and resources available to help farmers manage heavy rainfalls.

Certified crop advisors can receive three continuing (CEUs) units education through participation in this workshop. To register, email ruralwater@grandriver.ca or

call Anne Loeffler at 1-866900-4722 x2242. being is event The organized by the GRCA, with support from the Great Lakes Agricultural Initiative Stewardship (GLASI). Funding for GLASI is provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs through Growing Forward 2, a comprehensive federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

Christmas music - Carollers from Children’s Joy Foundation, from left: Rowel Villanneva, John Ballador and Acy Ceniza of Waterloo stopped in to the Community News office in Drayton on Dec. 19. One of the organization focuses is on helping disadvantaged children in the Philippines.

Photo by Caroline Sealey

CLASSIFIEDS Submit your classifieds for the Community News and Wellington Advertiser by calling 519.638.3066, Fax 519.638.2875, or email: drayton@wellingtonadvertiser.com Deadline: Monday at 10am.

FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

GAS TECHNICIAN

FROZEN BEEF & PRODUCTS

Hamburger, Steaks, Roasts and Pepperettes

LEAN

SPECIAL HAMBURGER PAUL & PAM ELLIS 519-638-2127

$395 a lb.

1 mile NE of Moorefield on Cty. Rd. 8 Fire #8329 For pricing information go to: www.ellcrest.ca

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9-9

HELP WANTED

We are currently seeking a G2 or G3 Gas Technician who is a team player and able to work with minimal supervision. Qualifications in Refrigeration, Plumbing, or Sheet Metal would be an asset but not a requirement.

Tri-Mech offers competitive wages and health benefits.

Construction & Maintenance Electrical Apprentice

Fire and Ice - Organizers estimate about 1,000 people attended the Fire and Ice family New Year’s Eve celebration in Palmerston on Dec. 31.

The event featured fire pits with s’mores and hot chocolate stations a fire show, sled dog demonstrations and a spectacular fireworks display. The event was hosted by the Town of Minto and Minto Fire.

Photo by Patrick Raftis

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.

A licensed electrical contractor in Drayton and surrounding area is looking for a 1st or 2nd year electrical apprentice. Applicants will have some experience in the construction and maintenance electrical field. Experience in rural, residential, and commercial wiring will be an asset. Applicants must be quality focused, detail oriented and goal driven possessing the skills to be a productive part of our team. We are looking for a punctual, self-motivated individual seeking a position in a growing business with competitive wages and a chance for education and employment.

Interested qualified individuals can forward a resume by e-mail to robdeweerdelectric@hotmail.com

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

Heating • Cooling • Plumbing • Pressure Cleaning Systems

ADVERTISING DEADLINE:

MONDAYS AT 10AM

519.638.3066

EXTEND YOUR REACH - ADVERTISE PROVINCIALLY OR ACROSS THE COUNTRY! For more information visit www.ocna.org/network-advertising-program

FINANCIAL SERVICES

MORTGAGES

ADVERTISING

$$ CONSOLIDATE YOUR DEBT $$ TAP INTO HOME EQUITY! With home values skyrocketing, take advantage and pay down other high interest debt.

HOME EQUITY LOANS FOR ANY PURPOSE!!

Bank turn downs, Tax or Mortgage arrears, Self Employed, Bad Credit, Bankruptcy.

Creative Mortgage Specialists!

No proof of income 1st, 2nd, and 3rd’s Up to 85% Borrow: $50,000 $100,000

Pay Monthly: $237.11 $474.21

LOWER YOUR MONTHLY PAYMENTS AND CONSOLIDATE YOUR DEBT NOW!!!

REACH MILLIONS OF CUSTOMERS IN ONTARIO WITH ONE EASY CALL!

1st, 2nd, 3rd MORTGAGES Debt Consolidation Refinancing, Renovations Tax Arrears, No CMHC Fees

Your Classified Ad or Display Ad would appear in weekly newspapers each week across Ontario in urban, suburban and rural areas.

$50K YOU PAY: $208.33 / MONTH (OAC)

For more information Call Today 647-350-2558, Email: kmagill@rogers.com

LARGER AMOUNTS AND COMMERCIAL FUNDS AVAILABLE

No Income, Bad Credit Power of Sale Stopped!!!

!!Decrease monthly payments up to 75%!!

Based on 3% APR. OAC

BETTER OPTION MORTGAGE

FINANCIAL SERVICES

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL TODAY TOLL-FREE:

WORRIED ABOUT YOUR CREDIT CARD BALANCE? Let us eliminate your credit card debt with rates from 2.2%.

Bad credit OK (OAC). CALL TODAY TOLL-FREE 1-800-581-8288 (LIC #4733142)

1-888-307-7799 ONTARIO-WIDE FINANCIAL 1801347inc FSCO Licence #12456 www.ontario-widefinancial.com !! LET US HELP !!

1-800-282-1169 www.mortgageontario.com (Licence # 10969)

FOR SALE

WANTED

SAWMILLS from only $4,397 MAKE MONEY & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com/400OT 1-800-567-0404 Ext:400OT.

WA N T E D : O L D T U B E A U D I O E Q U I P M E N T. 4 0 y e a r s o r o l d e r. A m p l i f i e r s , S t e r e o , Recording and Theatre Sound Equipment. Hammond Organs, any condition. CALL Toll-Free 1-800947-0393 / 519-853-2157.

PERSONALS

EMPLOYMENT OPPS.

S T I L L S I N G L E ? Ti m e f o r a New Ye a r ' s Resolution.

Call MISTY RIVER INTRODUCTIONS & discover the reason we've been around for 20 years. Quality singles, careful screening, individual service, no computer required. CALL (519)6584204, www.mistyriverintros.com.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employer-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855-768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

STEEL BUILDINGS STEEL BUILDING SALE ..."REALLY BIG SALE IS BACK - EXTRA WINTER DISCOUNT ON NOW!" 20X23 $5,798. 25X27 $6,356. 30X31 $8,494. 32X33 $8,728.

35X35 $ 11 , 6 7 0 .

One End Wall Included.

Pioneer Steel 1-855-212-7036 www.pioneersteel.ca

HEALTH BODYADJUST – LET’S GET YOU MOVING... and keep you moving without medications. Loss of movement range, or pain when moving, should be corrected, or it can lead to other health issues. Whole body health. If moving easier is on your mind, contact for a free consultation: Serving twp of Mapleton: 519-417-1101; email move@ bodyadjust.ca

WANTED TO BUY SCRAP CARS, TRUCKS, FARM MACHINERY, HEAVY EQUIPMENT. Scrap metal bins available.

We sell quality used auto parts.

Kenilworth Auto Recyclers 519-323-1113.

FOLLOW THE COMMUNITY NEWS FACEBOOK

@CommunityNewsMapleton

AND TWITTER @MapletonNews

8 | THE COMMUNITY NEWS | JANUARY 12, 2018

2017: The Year in Review for Mapleton Township » FROM PAGE 5

Township council agreed to allow a Moorefield business to install an additional water meter to allow for manual calculation of wastewater discharge. Council agreed to the move on July 11, despite a staff recommendation to maintain the status quo. Spectrum Feeds general manager Mark Flaherty told council the business experienced a 534 per cent increase in water and wastewater charges for its two Moorefield facilities after metered water billing was implemented.

The Grand River Conservation Authority said flooding associated with a record rainfall event on June 23 was the direct result of more than 100 millimeters of rain falling in the span of two to three hours across a wide section of the northern portion of the watershed. In a flood debriefing posted on its website, the GRCA stated rain gauges at Luther Marsh indicated the flooding, which caused damage in Drayton

DONATE BLOOD TODAY!

and Glen Allan, was due to the highest recorded one-day rainfall for that area since record-keeping began in 1950.

The authority noted the heavy rainfall was not identified in any weather forecasts in advance of the event.

Environment Canada did identify a chance of “localized, severe thunderstorms” in a message put out shortly before midnight on June 22, but there was no indication those storms would include rainfall of that magnitude.

August Police charged two Brampton residents in connection with armed robberies in Drayton, Milverton and Brampton. On Aug. 8 the OPP announced that an investigation, in partnership with Peel Regional Police, led to the arrest of a man and woman who police said were suspects in two robberies: - on July 25 at about 1:35pm at the CIBC Bank on Main Street North in Milverton; and - on Aug. 1 at about 4pm at

Palmerston Community Centre 525 Cavan St., Palmerston Thursday, January 18th, 5-8pm

Community Christian School 35 High St., Drayton

Monday, January 22nd, 3:30-7:30pm For individual appts: blood.ca or 1-888-2-DONATE For group appts (3+): tara.gutscher@blood.ca 519-884-5646 x4883

FOR ALLOFOFYOUR YOUR FOR ALL

HOME HOME RENOVATION RENOVATION

SUPPLIES SUPPLIES

SERVICES Key Cutting Home HardwareBuilding Building Centre Home Hardware Centre Rug Doctor Home Hardware Building Centre 7873 Wellington Road ofofDrayton) (1kmeast east Drayton) 7873 Wellington Rd88(1km 7873 Phone: Wellington Road 8 (1kmSharpening east Drayton) Knife 519-638-2420 Fax: of 519-638-5015 Phone: 519-638-2420 Phone: 519-638-2420 Fax: 519-638-5015 Monday - Friday: 7:00am -519-638-5015 6:00pm Screen Saturday: 8:00am - 4:00pm Fax: Repair Monday - Friday:- 7:00am 6:00pm Saturday: 8:00am - 4:00pm Monday Friday:-7am-6pm | Saturday: 8am-4pm Artic Clear Water Mill Shop Custom Sheds Propane Paint Matching

MAR-SPAN OF YOUR MAR-SPAN MAR-SPAN

OME VATION

PLIES

R-SPAN

ardware Building Centre

gton Road 8 (1km east of Drayton)

638-2420

pm

Fax: 519-638-5015

Saturday: 8:00am - 4:00pm

JUNE - This aerial view shows the impact of the June 23 flooding on the village of Drayton.

Photo by Matt Fisher the RBC bank on Main Street in Drayton.

In both cases a suspect entered the banks with a weapon, stole an undisclosed amount of cash and left on foot. In the Drayton robbery the suspect’s face was covered by a bandana.

The Drayton RBC was the scene of a similar incident on March 2, 2015.

Mapleton council decided to work with local citizens and a supplier to build a splash pad in Drayton’s ABC Park by summer of 2018. At the Aug. 8 meeting, council authorized staff to work with the Mapleton Splash Pad Committee and Openspace Solutions Inc. to build the splash pad, at a cost of $226,755 plus tax. While the township will act as purchaser, the committee will contribute the bulk of the cost from fundraising efforts.

The 2017 Wellington County Plowing Match held near Alma on Aug. 17 was a success, despite some afternoon rain. “All the plowing got completed before the heavy rain, so it worked out

SERVICES SERVICES SERVICES Cutting KeyKey Cutting Doctor RugRug Doctor Knife Sharpening Knife Sharpening Screen Repair Screen Repair Artic Clear Water Artic Clear Water Mill Shop Mill Shop Custom Sheds Custom Sheds Propane Propane Paint Matching Paint Matching RENTALS RENTALS

Wood Splitter Mini Excavator Skid Steer Air Tools Generator Electric Tools Man-lift FREE ESTIMATES ESTIMATES FREE

quite well,” said Wellington County Plowmen’s Association president Walter Trachsel. He noted the match featured 34 plowing competitors, including five horse teams, “which is a pretty good show.” The match was hosted by Roger and Susan Harrop on Highway 6, north of Wellington Road 17.

September Three Mapleton youths were part of a provincial baseball championship team.

Moorefield residents Owen Ottens, Ethan Culling and Cody Frook are members of the Listowel Rookie Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) squad. The team is constructed of boys born in 2008 and 2009. The Listowel team qualified for the 2017 OBA Provincial Championships held in Wallaceburg, from Sept. 1 to 4, finishing the tournament with a perfect 6-0 record.

The 37th annual Drayton Terry Fox run raised around $20,000 for cancer research.

About 220 people participated in the event, with organizers reporting a fundraising total of $19,420 on Sept. 18, with donations still coming in. The 2017 event was the RENTALS first run organized by a new RENTALS localWood committee consisting of Splitter WoodScholten, Splitter Marieke Melissa Mini Excavator Gleeson, Kayla McGuire, Mini Excavator Skid Steer Leona Ottens, Paula Trinier Skid Steer and Air Jenny Bults. The local Tools Airregularly Tools places in the run Generator top 10 in per capita in fundGenerator raising and has raised more Electric Tools Electric Tools than $425,000 since its incepMan-lift tion.

The 2016 run raised Man-lift about $24,000, with just over 160 participants taking part.

FREE ESTIMATES FREE ESTIMATES Mapleton council planned to spend almost $20,000 to repair a tennis court damaged during massive flooding in Glen Allan on June 23. Council approved awarding the repair project to MEI Paving Contractors, which submitted the only quotation for the project at $19,860.

A report from public works director Sam Mattina notes the entire area of Glen Allan Park was submerged in over one metre of water during the flooding, which caused significant damage to the tennis court facility.

October A cold front pushing into the region produced winds up to 130km/h that downed trees and power lines across Wellington County. Centre Wellington and Mapleton were seemingly the hard-

est hit by the Oct. 15 wind storms that pummeled southern Ontario, leaving thousands without electricity, including upwards of 1,000 homes in Wellington County.

But Environment Canada officials say there were no confirmed tornadoes in the province. “Everything we’ve seen ... all point towards downbursts,” said warning preparedness meteorologist Geoff Coulson.

The township engaged the firm of Ward and Uptigrove as consultants to assist with hiring a new CAO. Mapleton Mayor Neil Driscoll told the Community News that council made the decision to hire the firm during an in-camera session at a special meeting on Oct. 17. The township announced the resignation of CAO/clerk Brad McRoberts on Oct. 13. McRoberts took a job as CAO of the Town of South Bruce Peninsula, where he formerly worked as manager of public works.

This year’s BMO Farm Family Award was presented to Morley and Thelma Trask of Alma at the Wellington County Plowman’s Banquet on Oct. 27 at the Alma Community Centre. The Trasks received a decorative bowl and plaque from Wellington County Queen of the Furrow Kayla Scott.

Tate Driscoll of Mapleton was named 2017/18 Princess of the Furrow at the banquet.

November An official tree planting and dedication ceremony was held for the Paul Day Forest on Nov. 4. A total of 10,000 trees are to be planted in Mapleton Township, one for each resident, as part of a Canada 150th legacy project in memory of Day. Volunteers and members of the Trees for Mapleton committee were to plant the area surrounding Mapleton’s soccer fields and river trails with 35 different tree species native to the area. Two trees originally planted at the Day farm in Goldstone by Paul Day will also be moved to the site. The plaque’s inscription says “The W. Paul Day Forest - A Living Legacy honouring Paul (1941-2016) and his vision and passion to create a more sustainable environment in Mapleton by planting the right trees, in the right places.”

The end of a long-standing development freeze in the villages of Drayton and

Moorefield may be at hand.

Mapleton Township’s proposed 2018 budget contains a $4.2-million allocation for wastewater capacity enhancement and $3 million for a water tower. While the allocations are provisional at this point, Mayor Neil Driscoll said council seems prepared to spend the money needed to put an end to local wastewater capacity problems that originated about two decades ago. “Our intent, as far as I can read from council … whatever system that the consultants recommend ... that’s what we’re willing to put the money in for,” Driscoll said.

Township council opted not to re-appoint the municipality’s current closed meeting investigator, meaning the job will fall to the provincial Office of the Ombudsman.

John Maddox, operating as JGM Consulting Inc., has been the investigator for the township since 2014 through an agreement between the County of Wellington, JGM and six of the county’s seven member municipalities. Under the Municipal Act municipalities have the option of appointing an investigator. The Ombudsman’s office is the default investigator for any municipality that doesn’t make an appointment. It does not charge for the service.

December The average residential tax bill in Mapleton will rise by about $177 in 2018, based on budget projections.

Mapleton council and township staff outnumbered members of the public 11 to six at a public presentation of the proposed 2018 budget at a special council meeting at the PMD arena on Dec. 6. The average residential assessment in Mapleton, $335,000 in 2017, is expected to rise to about $350,000 in 2018.

Property taxes on a $350,000 home are estimated at $4,690 for 2018, an increase of $177 a year or $15 per month.

The reorganized Mapleton Chamber of Commerce held a meeting and membership drive on Nov. 29 at the Drayton Festival Theatre. Mapleton resident Greg Durocher officiated the election of the board.

The newly-elected chamber executive consists of president Amber Tuck; treasurer Cathy Burton; secretary Dale Franklin; vice-presidents Jenn Landman, Wayne Mick and Donna Hirtle; and directors Jocelyn Martin, Dave Taylor, Beth Anne Rumph and Jeff Duimering.

Memberships were accepted from 25 businesses in Mapleton Township.

The Mapleton Youth Action Council (MYAC) presented its inaugural Youth of the Year awards on Dec. 12. MYAC plans to present the awards annually to Wellington County residents between the ages of 13 and 24 who are making a difference in their communities.

The 2017 awards were presented prior to the Mapleton Township council meeting on Dec. 12 to: Amber Cowan, Cessale Koch, Isaac Hirtle, Jordan Turk, Jody Devries, Luke Whale, Parker Cummings, Rainen Oates, Shayna Morphy, Taylor Good and Chloe Collins.