Drayton Community News January 22, 2016

THE

SERVING THE MAPLETON COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY NEWS Volume 49 Issue 03

Drayton, Ontario

1 Year GIC - 1.82% 3 Year GIC - 2.00% 5 Year GIC - 2.40% Daily Interest 1.00%

638-3328

Friday, January 22, 2016

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Uncertain future for skate park project

by Patrick Raftis MAPLETON - Township staff will meet with local skate park proponents to discuss possible next steps toward construction of a facility in Drayton.

After an extensive consultation process, council determined the best available location for the facility would be at Kinsmen Park in Drayton.

The estimated $100,000

cost of the facility was to be funded through a combination of community fundraising, local business sponsorship, municipal dollars and grant funding. However, last month council learned an application to the Ontario Trillium Foundation was unsuccessful, leaving the project in limbo.

Councillor Michael Martin inquired about the next steps in the process at the Jan. 8

meeting.

CAO Brad McRoberts suggested council “let staff meet with the committee and determine what the next steps would be, if any.�

A local skate park has been in the planning stages since December 2012, when Drayton resident Jo-Ann Brown put out a call for volunteers to form a committee to work toward a facility.

Agriculture drives local building boom

It’s ba-a-ck! - After a mild beginning, wicked winter weather returned to the area with a vengeance over the past couple of weeks, beginning with some heavy snowfalls last week. Snow squalls were expected to dominate the weather picture for much of this past week, particularly in the northern portion of Wellington County. A Mapleton public works employee clears some heavily-drifted sidewalks on Jan. 14. photo by Caroline Sealey

by Patrick Raftis MAPLETON - 2015 was a big year for building here, as the township’s building department issued permits for construction valued at more than double the previous year.

Chief building official Patty Wright reported at the Jan. 12 council meeting that the Mapleton building department issued 339 permits for nearly $58.5 million in 2015, $30 million more than 2014, when the municipality issued 267 permits for construction valued at $28.5 million.

Building activity in 2015 generated $384,517 in permit

fees, compared to $187,492 in 2015.

Agricultural construction was the busiest sector last year, with $22.4 million worth of construction generating $181,216 in fees on 133 permits, almost 40 per cent of the total number of permits issued. “That’s not a big surprise for us,� Wright said.

Councillor Dennis Craven commented that the 19 permits for industrial construction seemed surprisingly high. “We’ve have a strong agricultural community, but it’s nice to diversify and get a bunch of industrial permits,� he

noted. construction Industrial worth $17.7 million generated $65,611 in permit fees. dwellings Single-family were the next largest segment, with 26 permits for just under $9 million in construction value generating $58,154 in fees. “It was a very good year and it looks like things are already starting to go well this year. We’ve got some applications in,� Wright said.

December 2015 numbers were also strong relative to the same period in 2014. There were 13 permits issued last Continued on page 3

Mayor answers questions on 2016 budget at well-attended meeting

by Patrick Raftis MOOREFIELD - A municipal budget open house here became a town hall meetingstyle dialogue, after a largerthan-expected crowd showed up at the Maryborough Community Centre on Jan. 14.

In contrast to past years, when only a handful of local residents turned up at budget open house sessions set up to allow for informal one-on-onechats with councillors and staff, more than 50 people attended the meeting last Thursday.

The turnout prompted Mayor Neil Driscoll to change formats and deliver a formal presentation and answer questions from the assembled group. “There were a whole lot of questions about the same thing and we thought, let’s just try and make it easier and do it this way,� Driscoll told the Community News in an telephone interview the next day.

At the meeting, questions were asked on topics ranging from the cost of a new municipal maintenance facility to the parting of ways with a former CAO, but everything came back to the theme of budget and taxes.

Driscoll explained the latest budget revisions have the total increase in the levy for township purposes down to 17.29 per cent from the 20.3 figure in the draft prior to a Jan. 6

Budget dialogue - Mapleton Mayor Neil Driscoll, right, addresses members of the public at a public open house on the 2016 municipal budget in Moorefield on Jan. 14. photo by Patrick Raftis budget meeting. That reduction lowers the proposed levy increase over the amount raised by taxation in 2015 to about $867,303. A levy increase of $1.03 million had been under consideration.

Lower county tax rates provided following the Jan. 6 meeting brought the increase in the total tax bill (including county and school taxes) on a residence assessed at $300,000 to $121, down from the $184 previously proposed.

The latest figures mean the blended tax rate increase, including township, county and school board taxes, is at 2.91%, while the township tax rate increase stands at 9.7%.

Properties on which assessment changed between 2015 an 2016 will face a higher Main St. W. Palmerston

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increase. For example, on a property with a 2015 assessment of $308,628, increased to $319,373 this year, the owner would see an increase of $264.

On the average single family dwelling assessed at $300,000, a total 2016 tax bill of $4,150 would include a township portion of $1,454, a county portion of $2,073 and education taxes of $623.

The budget includes capital spending of about $8.7 million, including $4.6 million on wastewater projects, much of that earmarked for projects designed to increase capacity.

Of the capital spending, only $407,811 will come from current taxation, while $921,950 will come from reserves and reserve funds, $491,189 from grants, donations and user fees,

and $6.8 million from borrowing.

Driscoll was asked why, on top of this year’s increase, substantial rate increases continue to be projected over the next five years.

The mayor explained the province’s decision to require municipalities to prepare asset management plans has shed light on the need for increased spending to address the township’s infrastructure deficit. “With due respect to former councils, sometimes they were scared to raise taxes,� said Driscoll. “But why not tell you the truth? If you’re going to elect us to let your infrastructure fail, I don’t want that job.�

He also said the township may eventually be compelled to hire an asset management

Weekly Wag

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coordinator to keep up with ensuring the plan is current.

Driscoll said increased spending in other areas is also needed to avoid falling behind.

Pointing out ratepayers often comment on taxes rising while they “haven’t had a raise in five years,� Driscoll said, “If I had been an employer at a business where someone didn’t get an increase in five years, he wouldn’t have been (there).�

He noted the township has lost some employees and potential employees in recent years by not being competitive on compensation.

On the cost of a $5.4-million maintenance facility being built to replace one destroyed by fire in 2013, Driscoll stated, “It’s not a Taj Mahal.�

He noted the new building will allow the township to operate more efficiently by combining operations previously conducted from shops located in Moorefield and at the township’s administration centre on Sideroad 16. “It’s twice the size of the building it’s replacing so obviously it’s going to cost more,� he said in reference to the cost gap between the insurance settlement on the previous building and the new facility.

Driscoll was asked if measures were in place to prevent a repeat of the circumstances that led to the termination of former CAO Patty Sinnamon on July

2, 2015.

The mayor responded clauses were included in the current CAO’s employment contract to address such situations.

Asked why details of a settlement with the former CAO were not made public, Driscoll responded, “because that person has certain rights.�

When someone in the crowd remarked “if you won’t tell us, then we won’t pay for it,� Driscoll replied, “I could tell you what the situation was and when we get sued then everyone will be happy.�

The mayor told the Community News he was pleased with the way the meeting turned out. “It was great. That’s the input that we’re trying to get, we just don’t know how to get it more often,� said Driscoll. “I got seven emails this morning saying how much they appreciated the meeting, so I think that means a lot.�

Driscoll also said he felt further changes to the budget, which is scheduled to be presented for passage at the Feb. 9 meeting, are unlikely. “I honestly think we’re there, because council’s looked over the budget on all these occasions and we’ve realized there isn’t anything more we can cut,� he said. “There’s a lot more we can add, but our residents just aren’t ready to pay that.�

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PAGE TWO The Community News, Friday, January 22, 2016

Translation helping communicate at Drayton Heights Music for technology Young Children aidsSyrians development, improves self esteem

reading, fine and skills confidence an listening, system Tanis Cowan- knew great MYC’s for refuTranslate technology provingatGoogle of the areasand and so to help with translation, the lowing staff and students to tour all ar- English, who haveinteractive Syriana children DRAYTON gross motor, social skills and Tanis. motivates and engages parents music when and volunteers. gees forth.age” said Ms. provided the school with Google Nexus school and ask questions back andearly UGDSB translation Google usingshe the area are rived inopportunity to Translate enhance She to offers MYC’s children, family saw it fivetoyears ago,communicate after and at launched giantproven techbeen year thehas Last use, four of The technology doesn’t require WiFi equipped with Google Translate.

7 tablets, school. nurturing help them technology children’s development musicat home programs: Sunrise, through deliveringGoogle valuable being introduced to a unique enthu“language whichsocial Community, Translate allows users to communi- so the children can use the tool when school began and children bonds of Syrian A number and learning skills, improve Sunshine, Sunbeam experiences program acquality,” translation help improve siasts can and either speaking, typing, handwriting or as well. cate by while on Monday, Schoolco-learning Public for HeightsMusic at Draytoncalled and problem a firm,scanning fundamental Young Children blog. solving, on the Google a post memory cording towho out additional Children The board is hoping to send Moonbeam. text and have it translated between Engat their new excitement to bedeveloping with (MYC). “bubbling and community bolster confidence and complete the most Members advanced of the understanding Having taught private translate words as more tablets equipped with Google Translate lish and Arabic. from the of music. press release 19 piano a Jan. states school,” self-esteem. of MYC are pre-and check A unique aspect of MYC is to school principal Jeff Crawford, Syrian children begin school in thelevel lessons for 15 District years, Ms. Tanis, if translations are correct, phrases and well district.

According Board (UGDSB).

School Upper Grand Ms. Tanis offers a for imearly earning intermediate thedon’t parentspeak learns along with the communication was seamless, alas her contributions. for theiralso points and badges for help Meanwhile, Google is askingpared the two-way families their was and her, children call The students piano studies, or the study of Music Pups program, which is looking to expand her teaching child because they are so especially unique since it is a another instrument. horizons and her music studio, involved. In fact, Ms. Tanis Sunrise is a pre-keyboard music program for babies. This credits the success of the proand found it through MYC. music and movement program is a playful and creative music Ms. Tanis recognized the gram to the parents of her stuthat teaches music concepts and movement class for parents program’s potential since it had dents.

GUELPH - Rural residents urban areas saw consistent net immigration and internal Ragetlie, “a paltry number of places have actually been gain- sheets are based on Statistics through singing, rhythm and with children ages newborn to “I am the teacher once a never been offered in Drayton, ing people from other Ontario Canada data and are part of a comprised 25% of Ontario’s growth during the same period. migration). 20% of rural (non- international immigrants settle games.

This program is for age 4. Children are introduced it was fun for students, parents week; they are the at-home series that profile and communities a netdevelbasis to metro) census divisions are in small towns and rural com- children As a result the rural population accorda wide varietykey of facts musical ages but 2 toon 4 and several daysproportion a week,” and teacher,in 2006, and itand offered a ‘coach’ figures on rural socio-economwere losing rural residents munities.

There are no easy consistently growing and about of the Ontario population went ing to the data in the newest set Festive fun - Students at Music for Young Children enjoy a ops listening awareness, fine scales, tonal and rhythm patpiano-keyboard program for she said. ic trends such as population to other provinces.

Perhaps terns answers for howsubmitted to changephoto that motor 20% are consistently declining. down. of Focus as onyoung Rural Ontario and instruments that help concert every year. skills, social interaction, An initial goal for each of Christmas children as 3½ infact a change, migration the recent relative economic and it may require federal and By contrast, all urban areas Norman Ragetlie, direcsheets, rural citizens accounted growth. confidence and attention span. to stimulate musical patterns, Ms. Tanis’ students is to develgroup setting. income/education and at employdownturncan in easily western Canadian provincial policy special changes in Children throughout thefor province con- spring. tor the of happy policyhabit and of stakeholdfor “I 21% of the pop- op child participates his or attend with Each practic- paper loved theprovince’s idea of group Of course, holimittens five happy ment. in or thecaregiver, past yearplus will her how we immigrants.” tinue to grow over year.” er engagement at the ulation in 2014. own All level.Focus To findon out Rural more grandparent She encourages herRural stu- practices. lessons, since it’s always more ing. are recruit incorporated into Ms. aeconomies Theyear mittens were days Ontario factand sheets are availshow upcan in attend next year’s interRagetlie continues, International migration Ontario “There thoughand the learn population Pups to view class the class as about to Institute practice says, by giving a placed fun Even to explore in a dents MYC classes, such as siblings on the studio wall inconthe Tanis’ able atvisit www.ruralontarioinstiprovincial migration balance.” videos “Looking at just internal tinuesoftothe flow almost entirely are three drivers of populaof ruralregardless Ontario remained fairly special “super duper” sticker shape group, of the topic,” themusicclass.com.

Canada Music Week, well.

5 Olympic rings.

FocusSunshine on Rural Ontario fact tute.ca/focus-on-rural-ontario. migrant flows we see that and according to Christmas, tion week. change (natural balance, to urban stable between 2006 and 2014, each The keyboard explained Ms. Tanis.

The ultimate success of any Valentine’s Dayrural and Whenareas the rings were comprogram is geared towards “Practicing does not need to She also liked that it was a MYC program lies behind the plete students enjoyed an Easter. Theme days are children ages 3½ and 4; the teacher and Ms. Tanis is no program that was tested, tried be long; 10 to 15 minutes a day Olympics music class. This planned as well. and true, being taught by more to start,” she said.

Throughout the year her Sunbeam keyboard program exception to that rule. It’s obvipast year Ms. Tanis encouraged Ms. Tanis’ creativity shines the students not only to prac- students participate in a toward ages 5 and 6; and the ous she is an enthusiastic than 800 teachers to over 24,000 students on three differ- through by offering several tice but also to think of others, Christmas concert, and a spring Moonbeam keyboard program teacher who cares a great deal MAPLETON - The Grand River are asked to use extra caution and to slow scheduled thinnings done periodically to ent continents and touting extra practice incentives by practicing for pennies. Once recital and have the option to is for ages 7 through 9. All for her students. give growing space to the healthiest trees, Conservation Authority (GRCA) is carry- down in the vicinity of the work.

Canadian origins, being found- throughout the year to ensure the pennies were all collected participate in the Palmerston three keyboard programs inte“Their struggles are my The work is part of the GRCA’s long- allow for hardwoods to seed naturally and ing out forest improvement operations in students attain their musical they were donated to Camp Canada Music Week Festival grate creative movement, struggles,” she states. “And ed in 1980. the conifer plantations at Conestogo Lake term management program to convert to improve the general health and condiRENOVATIONS Once students have col- Bucko, for burn victims.

MYC’s mission statement goals. H;DEL7J?EDI and the Drayton Music rhythm, singing, music theory their triumphs are equally triConservation Area. The project is expected conifer plantations to more natural for- tion of the plantation. and composition for parent and umphant for me.” enough stickers on their is to “provide the best quality lected ! 7::?J?EDI For the upcoming year she Festival. + ADDITIONS The contractor will remove most of to take four to six weeks to complete, but est lands. A plantation contractor will be music education to young chil- “happy practice thermome- is planning two new incentives; For more information visit “Children are so receptive child in a weekly one-hour sesthe felled trees from the forests, but some harvesting trees marked for removal in may continue up until March 15. +'/$,).$+(*( 519.638.5242 dren by blending the pleasure ters,” they have a party. This a “Tree of Thanks” incentive to music that it makes sense to sion. www.myc.com, email tanis9:H><C 7J>A9 other small pieces will be order to improve forest health and create Crews are thinning the forestuse plantaParticipating in abranches MYC and to celebrate the 2010 around and the joy of music making year, +'/$-'&$)&/cowan.myc@sympatico.ca or this medium to spark their Thanksgiving time and 519.710.3097 left on the forest floor where they will more varied habitats that support a greater tions in the area immediately northwest of with sound instruction.” Olympics, students earned a “Seed Incentive” in the creativity and develop their class helps children develop call 519-638-5715.

Conestogo Lake, between Sideroad 6 and mixture of plant, animal and bird species. decompose and replenish the soil. All Thinning is scheduled at this time of year work will be done in accordance with Wellington County Road 10.

Heavy equipment is crossing one of to avoid disrupting the spring and summer sustainable forest management guidelines in the GRCA’s Watershed Forest Plan, the the main snowmobile trails in the area and nesting seasons.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR January 25 - Drayton Blood Donor Clinic, 3:30-7:30pm. Community Christian School, 35 High St., Drayton. Book appts at www.blood. ca or 1-888-236-6283. Be the type to save a life.

January 31 - Jamboree at Palmerston Legion, 1pm. Hot meal: "Providing Quality Transportation Services” 5pm. Info: 519-343-3749.

February 1 - Challenge Euchre 7:30pm. Palmerston Legion Upstairs, $5/person, bring partner. Lunch provided. All Welcome.

February 23 4 -Wellington The War Room Drayton St.(movie), Drayton, ONCoffee Break Ministries, 7:30pm. Drayton Christian Reformed Church, 88 Main 519-638-3395 www.cherreybuslines.com Street East. Refreshments available.

February 5 - Monthly meeting Writer’s Unite, Studio Factor, 24 Wood Street, Drayton, 7:30pm. Guest Speaker: Jean Campbell Research and Writing A Newspaper Column. New members always welcome. No experience needed. Glynis 519-638-3215.

February 6 - Afternoon of Darts 2pm. Drayton Legion, 15 Elm Street. Beginners welcome. Doug 519-698-2864.

February 6 - Refuge Sponsorship Info Session, 9:30-11:30am.

Drayton Christian Reformed Church, 88 Main St. E, Drayton.

Anyone considering sponsoring, involved in sponsoring refugees or require info on refugee resettlement is welcome to attend. Info: Markus 519-638-3627 or Janelle 519-803-3698.

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The team of Marg Heinmiller and Shirley Pellett posted the high score at the Palmerston Legion Ladies Auxiliary Challenge Euchre on Jan. 4.

Collin Campbell and Ron Weber finished in second place, followed by Jim and Marion Walker in third.

Hidden number winners were Al Colwell and Ron Smith.

While Angela Bieman and Percy Caudle had the most lone hands.

The next Challenge Euchre is Feb. 1 at 7:30pm. All are welcome to participate.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22 Pee Wee LL vs. Central Perth, 7:00pm SATURDAY, JANUARY 23 Atom LL vs. Minto Mad Dog #1, 9:00am Mite A vs. Mite B, 10:15am Tyke vs. Twin Centres, 11:30am Public Skating, 5:30pm-6:50pm for SUNDAY, JANUARY 24 Lunch & Dinner Desperadoes vs. Bass, 12:00pm-1:20pm (Wed, Thurs & Fri) Novice LL vs. Listowel Cyclones #1, 3:30pm GREAT SPECIALS Atom LL vs. Mt. Forest Rams, 4:30pm IN THE STORE Novice Rep vs.

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The Community News, Friday, January 22, 2016 PAGE THREE

Council agrees to reduce arena rates for hockey, skating events

by Patrick Raftis DRAYTON - Mapleton council has approved reduced rental rates for two local organizations utilizing the PMD arena here for fundraising events.

At the Jan. 12 meeting, council approved a reduction on ice and hall rental rates totaling $1,387, or 30 per cent of the total bill, for the Drayton Skating Club for the upcoming Weskate competition on Jan. 30 and 31.

Club president Deb Mantler told council the event will involve 400 skaters from 15 skating clubs in the region and draw about 1,000 people into Drayton over the weekend.

She pointed out being selected to host the prestigious competition is a benefit to the club both financially and in terms of generating interest.

“It is a nice honour when we do receive it. We’ve had it a handful of times,” said Mantler She added if council agreed to the contribution the township would be considered a sponsor of the event and be recognized with: - a full page ad in the event

program; - inclusion on the sponsor board; - eight all-event tickets; - multiple public address announcements throughout the event; - a rink board banner to be hung on the glass at the ice surface; - a “best wishes” note in every skater’s goodie bag; - opportunity to award medals/certificates to skaters; and - recognition in the Community News following the event.

Without the reduction, the charges for the event would total $4,622, including $3,295 for ice rental and $1,327 for use of the community hall.

Also at the Jan. 12 meeting, Calvin Martin appeared before council to request a discount on ice rental for an upcoming hockey tournament held in support of the Drayton Youth Centre.

Martin requested organizers be afforded the same discounted ice time rate for the Nov. 18-19 event that the township provides to Drayton Minor Hockey. He also requested the

same rate be applied for the 2017 tournament, which will also be held in November.

The tournament involves 12 local teams competing for a small trophy and “bragging rights,” Martin explained.

ular rate, over the course of a 20-hour tournament, “We’re talking about 240 bucks and change.”

“While it’s not a huge sum of money, relatively speaking, it’s appreciated,” replied

‘Don’t take it that we’re not for you groups, but we’re really struggling with how to pay for it all. So thanks for your service to the community ... but we really do have to get a policy in place’.

- Mapleton Mayor Neil Driscoll “We’re looking to raise money,” said Martin, noting the youth centre is a 100 per cent volunteer-run organization, involving “about 25 volunteers that keep the doors open and have a lot of fun with youth there.” When the centre is open he noted, attendance averages between 12 and 20 youth.

Councillor Michael Martin observed that with a $12 per hour difference between the minor hockey rate and the reg-

Calvin Martin.

After councillor Martin moved a resolution to provide the youth centre with the requested reduction for the next two years, councillor Lori Woodham asked if this type of request would be handled in the future through a proposed community grants policy.

CAO Brad McRoberts pointed out “we are going to look at a grant program. It hasn’t been approved by council yet.” However, he suggested

Diabetes meeting focuses on mental health CLIFFORD - Chair George Van Ankum welcomed pharmacist Gail Choma to a recent diabetes information meeting held in Clifford.

Volunteers were thanked for keeping the branch office open Tuesday and Friday afternoons and for being branch representatives in their communities: Alice Van Ankum of Drayton; Nancy Dietrich, Cora Anne Morden, Audrey Morden, Henry Westendorp, Willa Westendorp of Harriston; Theresa Johnston of Atwood; Dorothy DeJong of Dundalk; Norma Madgett of Mount Forest; Everdina Bender of Listowel; Bonnie Whitehead of Clifford; and the newest recruit Bonnie Wilson of Fordwich.

George Van Ankum also expressed gratitude for those who offer to canvass and raise money during the annual residential campaign. Everyone praised George for continuing as chairman for the branch.

Alice Van Ankum discussed the benefits of membership in the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) and explained the assistance programs. Forms are available at the diabetes office.

Choma works at the Pharmasave in Harriston and is concerned about the mental health of each person who has diabetes. The stress of coping each moment of every day with diabetes is overwhelming, she stated. You can not take a break from diabetes, especially if you are Type 1 and rely on insulin to keep you alive and healthy, she added.

She focused on sadness, anxiety, depression and some of the ripple affects of more than a low blue mood. Good sleep, keeping active, altering your outlook, coping strategies and proper medications over

Building booming in Mapleton FROM PAGE ONE month for $659,400 worth of construction, generating $8,443 in fees. In December 2014, only seven permits were issued for construction valued at $187,492 and fees of $2,984.

in the future all such requests would probably need to be filed with the municipality by August. Council approved the requested reduction for the youth centre.

Councillor Dennis Craven then moved a resolution to provide the requested reduction for the skating club.

Woodham questioned the difference in the size of the two donations. “Can someone explain to me the difference?

Why we are giving such a huge discount to one organization and not to another?”

McRoberts pointed out the skating club is renting the community hall, as well as the ice surface, which involves different rates.

Woodham suggested council could provide the 30 per cent reduction on the community hall rental and reduce the ice rate to the same one provided for minor hockey and the youth centre.

The resolution to provide the 30 per cent reduction on the full rental was approved with only Woodham opposed.

Mayor Neil Driscoll explained to the delegations

and the gallery that council is simultaneously working through the township budget process and considering a policy to standardize and control the cost of grants and rate reductions requested by community groups.

“We’re sitting at, with our arena, at a $380,000 loss already. So that’s where the questions come from. How much more can we subsidize the use of the arena?” he said.

“We don’t have to make it show a profit, but I think we have to show our ratepayers that were not accepting such a huge loss every year.”

The mayor said the township is also planning an operational review in an attempt to save money on arena operations through methods like the recent installation of energy efficient LED lighting.

“Don’t take it that we’re not for you groups, but we’re really struggling with how to pay for it all,” Driscoll said.

“So thanks for your service to the community and thanks for coming to council to ask, but in the future we have to get a policy in place.”

GREGG DAVIDSON County Councillor, Ward 2 Mapleton

DID YOU KNOW...

The County’s bridges and culverts are inspected every two years by a bridge consultant, as required by the Province of Ontario

Questions or Concerns: email greggd@wellington.ca or phone or text 226-929-7481 Stay informed, follow me on Twitter @GreggTDavidson

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

UPCOMING DRIVING COURSES:

Four Saturdays: Feb. 6, 13, 20 & 27, 2016, 9:00am-2:30pm March Break (4 days): Mar. 14-17, 2016, 9:00am-2:30pm Only Area Driving School that offers 11 Hrs of in-car instruction!

Diabetes meeting - George Van Ankum, centre, thanked guest speaker pharmacist Gail Choma, right, and congratulated door prize winners (from left) Henry Westendorp, Audrey Morden and Coleen Bauman at the diabetes information meeting recently at the Knox United Church in Clifford. photo by Bonnie Whitehead

time will all help to ease the burden of depression.

Perhaps, it is time to discuss your fears and get the facts about controlling your diabetes; she suggested talking with a health professional is a good place to start. A publication The emotional side of diabetes offers a look at ten things you need to know to help you manage your diabetes. Keeping

blood sugars in good control and living a happy, healthier lifestyle was also recommended.

Coleen Bauman, Audrey Morden, and Henry Westendorp all won door prizes.

George Van Ankum encouraged everyone to look over the literature display set out by Bonnie Wilson. A light luncheon was prepared by

Alice Van Ankum, Cora Anne Morden, and Audrey Morden.

This meeting was sponsored by the North Perth - North Wellington Branch of the Canadian Diabetes Association located at 94B Elora St. S. in Harriston, open Tuesdays and Fridays from 1:30 to 4:30pm.

Volunteers can be reached by calling 519-338-3181 or npnw@diabetes.ca.

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

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REFUGEE AWARENESS & FUNDRAISING EVENT Join us for an informative evening on the current refugee Crisis in the Middle East

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016 LINWOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE 5279 AMENT LINE, LINWOOD

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(Recently served Refugees in Lesbos, Greece)

Soup / Salad Bar Buffet Deserts & Snacks All Proceeds Baking Auction go directly to i58 Silent Auction (Refugee Mission RSVP FOR SUPPER

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stationed in Greece)

FOR INFO, TO RSVP OR TO DONATE ITEMS FOR THE SILENT AUCTION, CALL OR TEXT: 226.789.5894

OR EMAIL: janicegerrie@gmail.com

TO DONATE FOOD ITEMS FOR OUR BAKE SALE: CALL OR TEXT: 519.949.1324!

21 Wellington Street South, Drayton 800 250 8750 www.mornington.ca

Donate / Volunteer: www.ififtyeight.com i58 Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com events/1112409482105527

PAGE FOUR The Community News, Friday, January 22, 2016

TOWNSHIP OF MAPLETON

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

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.

Ontario Community Newspaper Association

Canadian Community Newspaper Association

STAFF Office Manager: Caroline Sealey OFFICE HOURS: Monday and Tuesday 9am-12pm, Thursday 9am-3pm DEADLINE: MONDAY 10AM

YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER

EDITORIAL

Farm tax policy unfair It’s unfortunate when the municipal budget process pits neighbour against neighbour.

However, in recent years we’re seeing increasing evidence of an urban/rural divide in attitude, even here in a primarily rural area.

At the recent budget open house hosted by the Township of Mapleton, the high cost of maintaining the municipality’s network of rural roads and bridges prompted several citizens to ask if urban (if such a term can truly be applied to villagers) residents were subsidizing the farms which surround them at a time when the value of farmland is soaring.

It’s a fair question and, although it would take a great deal of accounting acumen to factor in all the trade-offs involved, it appears on the surface the answer would be yes. The reason has as much to do with revenue as expenses.

Prior to 1998, properties assessed as farmland paid 100% of their assessed tax to the local municipality, then filed an application with the province to receive a 75% rebate, paid directly by the province. Since then, farmland, other than the farm residence and one acre, has been allocated a tax ratio of 25%, meaning farmers pay property tax on only 25% of the assessed value of their property. That means the cost of providing the rebate, once shared province-wide, now falls on the non-farm municipal tax base, a policy which hits heavily-agricultural municipalities like Mapleton, and in fact all of Wellington County, hard.

It amounts to a cheap food policy, which benefits all Ontarians, provided free to city dwellers courtesy of their country cousins.

One farmer at the Jan. 14 meeting pointed out that farmland doesn’t generate a need for services provided by urban areas, such as sidewalks and arenas. However that could be countered by the reality urbanites don’t really need a massive web of back roads every mile and a quarter to get where they need to go most of the time.

It’s that kind of debate you don’t want to get too far into, or it becomes difficult to maintain a sense of community.

The answer, which rural municipalities have been requesting for years, is for the province to rethink its blatantly unfair approach to funding the farm tax rebate. Few would complain about the money that goes back to farmers through the rebate, if it were shared more equally across the province. It’s a discussion that needs to take place, but one that does not seem to be on the current government’s radar.

Patrick Raftis

Letter to the Editor ‘Gouge’ reduction Dear Editor: I suppose Mapleton council members are out congratulating themselves on reducing the gouge in taxes by a mere 4.87%, because as Mayor Neil Driscoll mentions, it’s only $356. Of course that’s net money, so really it’s closer to $500 gross earnings to cover.

Worse, all numbers they are happy to quote are under the guise that nobody’s MPAC assessment is increasing, which I’m sure isn’t the case for anybody in town. So not only does council benefit in the 4.87% increase, but also the uptick on

all our assessments.

With comments like “Is $356 too much for a family to afford? Is $1,500 too much for a business?” no wonder downtown Drayton is a ghost town. I couldn’t think of a less appealing excuse for tax increases to businesses in the township.

I challenge the council to get more creative to fill their reserve coffers without the need to increase taxes. They gain the benefit of increased MPAC assessments without the need to increase the tax rate. How is the PMD arena not Continued on page 6

Community Information Page

7275 Sideroad 16, P.O. Box 160, Drayton, ON N0G 1P0 Phone: 519-638-3313, Fax: 519-638-5113, Toll Free: 1-800-385-7248 www.mapleton.ca

Notice to Ratepayers

2016 BUDGET “GROWING FOR THE FUTURE” Council intends to pass the 2016 Budget at a Meeting of Council on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.

Any person who wishes to speak to the 2016 Budget must notify the Clerk at the address above, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday February 2, 2016, to make representation as a delegation with respect to this proposed budget.

Any written submissions received by the Clerk, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday February 2, 2016, will be included in the Council Agenda for the February 9, 2016 Meeting of Council.

A copy of the budget will be made available by Tuesday, January 26, 2016 without charge at the Township Office. Alternatively, the by-law may be viewed on the Township website (www.mapleton.ca).

HELP KEEP OUR ROADS AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE THIS WINTER! The Township of Mapleton has important information on how we can all work together to keep our roads, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots as safe as possible during the winter season

When You Shovel: • Shovel as soon as possible after a snowfall • Use a proper sized shovel • Do not shovel, blow, or plow snow onto or over roads. Section 181 of the Highway Traffic Act states: “No person shall deposit snow or ice on a roadway without permission in writing so to do from the Ministry or the road authority responsible for the maintenance of the road. R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, s. 181.”

• Keep snow piles low so as not to obstruct visibility of pedestrians and drivers • Carefully use, and only as necessary, safety salt and/or sand on the ice •� If you are going away during the winter months, please arrange for your sidewalks to be cleared • If you suffer heart or other medical problems, do not attempt to shovel snow • Wherever possible, help your neighbours!

The Township of Mapleton is asking for your cooperation with the following: • Don’t park on the street during a snow storm • Keep snow away from fire hydrants • Remind children not to climb or play on snow banks or to dig forts in snow, as it is dangerous • Drive smart – Give yourself extra time and distance • Respect the Blue Light - when sharing the road with plows always have your headlights on and give the plow plenty of room, oncoming vehicles should stay to the right • Reduce your use of salt – Look for environmentally friendly alternatives • Remember, it is dangerous to pass a snow plow on the right side, the operator may not be able to see you.

NOTICE TO ALL RESIDENTS

WINTER PARKING Pursuant to Township of Mapleton By-law 5000-05, Section 9.10, please take notice of the following prohibition: • No person shall park a vehicle upon a highway or on a municipal parking lot between the hours of 2 and 6 am of any day during the months of November, December, January, February and March of any year.

ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTY PROVISIONS: Any person violating any provisions of this by-law is guilty of an offence and upon conviction shall be subject to a fine, pursuant to the provisions set out in Part II of the Provincial Offences Act.

IMPORTANT DATES Tuesday, January 26, 2016 Tuesday, February 2, 2016

1:00pm 6:00pm

Tuesday, February 9, 2016 Tuesday, February 23, 2016

7:00pm

Regular Meeting of Council Mapleton Youth Action Council, Drayton Library Regular Meeting of Council Council Meeting Cancelled

The Community News, Friday, January 22, 2016 PAGE FIVE

MAPLETON MUSINGS Column courtesy of Mapleton Historical Society

Tree cover in Mapleton As one travels through our township it is easy to note the growing number of trees planted as wind breaks, and wooded corridors.

The trees planted some 15 years ago are now tall enough to make an impact and many planted in the intervening years are thriving.

It is difficult to envision what our township looked like when the first European settlers arrived some 170 years ago. The field notes recorded by Robert Kerr, land surveyor, describe the species of trees and the types of soil he encountered while surveying the Township of Peel in 1843.

Hardwoods growing in clay and clay loam soils with swampy areas covered in cedars and other swamp species with the Conestogo River and its tributaries providing drainage.

Surveyor Patrick Callaghan recorded similar conditions in the Township of Maryborough in 1849. The land was covered in forest so dense that they had to travel on foot.

By 1851 both Maryborough and Peel were incorporated townships with municipal councils. Settlers had made applications to purchase lots from the Crown for a good portion of the land. One of the requirements of the pur-

chase, which could be accomplished in ten annual payments, was that homes and outbuildings must be erected and land cleared for crops. Thus began the felling of the forest. Although most landowners kept a small acreage for a wood lot, by the 1880s most of the land was cleared.

By the early 1900s farmers were using mechanical ditching machines to dig drains that drained water from swampy areas, adding more tillable acreage. Previously, drains were dug in by hand. Farmers also straighten natural drainage ditches and creeks to make their fields easier to work. All this increased runoff during

heavy rains, causing flooding and decreasing the soil’s water retention.

In the 1950s government, in its wisdom, provided grants to farmers to clear their fence bottoms by bull dozing the shrubbery and trees and thus gaining extra producing acreage. It may have added to the profitability of the farm, but with wind breaks removed there was more wind damage to crops and soil lost in the wind. This still seems an odd thing for the government to promote because in the early 1950s in our high school agriculture class we were shown a film promoting, and given lectures on the benefits of, windbreaks

surrounding field crops.

In 1997 a group of farmers, lawyers, planners, foresters and landowners, including Paul Day, a founding member of the Mapleton Historical Society, organized a volunteer environment group the Wellington Stewardship Council. The council decided to establish a data base of the natural resources of Wellington, the agriculture land, water quality and forest cover. A group of six masters students from the University of Guelph researched and delivered a study based on 1991 data. This study showed that on average the County of Wellington had only 50% of what is con-

sidered by environmentalists as a healthy tree cover and Mapleton Township had only 25% healthy tree cover.

The Stewardship Council partnered with the Grand River Conservation Authority and Mapleton Township.

Programs were established to provide free trees to landowners and schools.

Today Trees for Mapleton works with Wellington County Green Legacy and others to continue to provide trees to landowners who have only the cost of planting them.

Hopefully the goal of a healthy tree cover in the township and county wide will be attained. submitted by Jean Campbell

Drayton Entertainment performance dates for 2016 season CAMBRIDGE - Drayton Entertainment, Canada’s thirdlargest professional theatre company, entertaining over 250,000 theatregoers annually, has released a complete list of it’s productions for the 2016 season.

Regular performance tickets cost $44; previews are $36; 20 years of age and under are $26; groups of 20 or more are $36. HST will be applied to all tickets.

Dunfield Theatre Cambridge - Mamma Mia! a musical based on the songs of ABBA

from March 23 to May 7.

- All Shook Up is inspired by and features the songs of Elvis Presley will be on stage from June 22 to July 10.

- Legends … of Rock ‘n’ Roll a tribute to musical pioneers will run from July 20 to Aug. 7.

- Unnecessary Farce, an undercover comedy will take the stage from Aug. 17 to Sept.

4.

- Footloose, a dance musical, will be on stage from Oct. 12 to 30.

- Sister Act, the divine

musical comedy will run from Nov. 23 to Dec. 24.

Drayton Festival Theatre - Mamma Mia! a musical based on the songs of ABBA will be on stage from May 12 to 28.

- Brighton Beach Memoirs, a coming of age comedy, will run from June 15 to July 2.

- It Runs In The Family, a madcap medical farce, will be on stage July 20 to Aug. 6.

- Smokey Joe’s Cafe, the songs of Leiber and Stoller, will run Aug. 17 to Sept. 3.

St. Jacobs Country

Playhouse - Little Shop of Horrors, the off-Broadway sensation, will be on stage from March 8 to 26.

- Anything Goes, the nautical musical comedy will be performed from May 11 to 29.

- The Men’s Foursome, a hold-in-one comedy will be on stage from July 13 to 30.

- It will be followed by The Ladies Foursome from Aug. 10 to 27.

- Marathon of Hope: The Musical, the story of Terry Fox, will be on stage from Oct.

5 to 30.

Cinderella: The Panto, a tradition for the entire family, will be on stage from Nov. 23 to Dec. 24.

St. Jacobs Schoolhouse - Red Rock Diner, the rock ‘n’ roll musical celebration will be on stage from Sept. 13 to Dec. 24.

Minto gallery hosts exhibit by Palmerston artist HARRISTON - The Minto Arts Council is pleased to host two local artists - Alexandra Cooke of Palmerston, with her exhibition of five works entitled My Life in Compressed Air, and Julianne von Westerholt’s collection entitled A Day of Art - until Jan. 30 at the Minto Arts Gallery in Harriston.

With a fine arts degree and a background in graphic arts, Cooke’s air brush technique is a highly technical drawing and

painting tool.

It is mostly used in the graphic arts and model painting sectors on items like T-shirts, helmets, canvases, posters and much more. Cooke’s art is a unique expression of her emotions, arts council officials state.

As well as teaching this technique, Cooke also designs and sprays outdoor and indoor murals. Many hockey helmets boast her design.

Von Westerholt is a planner but art is her passion. Her works, which are a study of women’s faces, are in the style of the impressionist/ post-impressionist masters like Renoir, Manet, Varley, Gustav Klimt and Gabriele Muenther.

She often uses a pallet knife, as opposed to always using a brush. Her largest piece, an abstract entitled Life and Death was entirely done with a pallet knife and a thick application of

ABC Life Literacy offers tips for family literacy activities TORONTO - Spending just 15 minutes a day doing literacy activities will improve your children’s skills dramatically, as well as your own.

Here are some fun and easy daily activities from ABC Life Literacy Canada: 1. Number walk: As you put on your shoes, choose something you want to count during your walk. It could be dogs, trees, stop signs, cars - anything you want! On your walk, count how many you can find.

2. Word wall: Learn one new word every day. Display them by creating a family word wall with Bristol board and markers.

Can you make a sentence with the words on your wall?

3. A course of course: Build an obstacle course through your family room, and draw a map of how to go through it from beginning to end.

4. Have a book-nic: Organize an indoor picnic with books and tasty treats. Choose a theme – try honey-flavoured cereal and read Winnie the Pooh.

5. Game on: Start family board game night and play a different game each week.

Family members can take turns

reading instructions and game cards as well as keeping score.

For more family literacy tips and activities, visit www.

FamilyLiteracyDay.ca.

You can celebrate learning together on Family Literacy Day this Jan. 27, but you can practice family literacy every day, officials state.

Lunch Specials January 22: Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes .................. $6.99 January 26: BLT and Small Soup or Wedges .................. $5.99 January 27: Hot Roast Beef on a Bun with Wedges ....... $5.99 January 28: Macaroni and Cheese................................. $4.99 January 29: Meatballs and Mashed Potatoes ................ $5.99

oil paint.

Some of the many paintings within this collection were completed in one day - alas the name of the show A Day of Art. The Minto Arts Gallery is located on the top floor of the Harriston Public Library at 88 Mill St. in Harriston.

For more information contact info@mintoartscouncil.ca, visit www.mintoartscouncil.ca or call Eleanor Butt at 519338-5242.

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PAGE SIX The Community News, Friday, January 22, 2016

By Dave Tiessen, Pastor, Bethel Mennonite Church (Elora)

Enchantment Jesus once said, “Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, will never enter it” (Mark 10:15; Luke 18:17; Matt. 18:3).

Growing up, I heard preachers interpret this to mean that we should have a simple faith, just believe, not ask questions and for sure, never doubt.

It seems to me that in recent years, at least in my faith tradition (Anabaptist/Mennonite), this saying of Jesus, has experienced significant neglect.

People have become highly educated and sophisticated in the ways of the world. We don’t like to have a simple faith and we ask questions and we doubt.

But maybe that’s not what

Jesus was meaning.

This past Sunday on the CBC radio program Tapestry, which deals with issues of spirituality and religion, host Mary Hynes interviewed Reverend Nadia Bolz-Weber, who founded a Lutheran church in Denver called House For All Sinners And Saints.

She is anything but a conventional pastor in most respects as Reverend Nadia is covered in tattoos and piercings and has some very “outthere” ideas and beliefs.

However, Reverend Nadia is quite traditional in her adherence to Lutheran worship liturgy, especially in her understanding of the scriptures.

In the interview, a somewhat incredulous Mary Hynes, pushed Reverend Nadia on her publicly stated belief that an angel actually did visit a young woman named Mary. Also, following this visit, the still-virgin

Drayton Christian Reformed Church Sharing God’s Grace and Hope 88 Main Street East, Drayton

www.draytoncrc.org

Sunday, January 24 at 10am Pastor Paul Droogers leads morning worship

LOVERS OF THE

BIRDS American Black Duck

(previously Black Duck and Dusky Duck)

The American black duck has quite a distinction. Birds of Ontario by Andy Bezener places Conestogo Lake first on the ‘best site’ list to see this bird. I haven’t had that privilege, but maybe one of you Mapleton residents has. Habitat: lakes, wetlands, rivers and agricultural areas. Beaver ponds are a favourite habitat. Nests are usually built on the ground, on muskrat houses or tree cavities. American black ducks may be found from the Hudson Bay and tundra down to northern Florida.

Their name is a misnomer, it appears black only at a distance. ID: dark brown-black body; light brown head and neck; bright orange feet; violet speculum (wing patch); bright orange feet. Sexes similar with male bill yellow-olive and female dull green, mottled grey or black. In flight: vivid, flashing white under-wings contrast dramatically with the very dark body.

Size: 51-63cm/19-22” or gull-sized. At one time, the American black duck was the most common and widely distributed duck in Ontario. The expansion of the abundant and adaptable mallard has adversely affected blacks. Where interbreeding has occurred, resulting hybrid offspring are less fertile. Status: rare to abundant, depending on season and location. In Mapleton they may be seen year round. Feeding: tips and dabbles in shallows for pondweed seeds and roots, aquatic invertebrates, larval amphibians and fish eggs. Voice: male a croak and female a loud quack. Where lead shot has been used in hunting these and other dabbling ducks ingest enough lead shot to cause extensive mortality from lead poisoning. Resources included Birds of Ontario and Audubon Field Guides.

Until next month, Susan Warren

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Mary gave birth to a son, Jesus.

Reverend Nadia’s interesting reply was that the Enlightenment, the revolution in philosophy, knowledge and study that transformed Western culture in Europe and North America from the 1700s onward, in a significant way robbed and left us impoverished. It was the Enlightenment that enshrined the scientific method and rationalism as the defining and only ways to understand reality and truth.

It was this Enlightenment approach that taught us that miracles, angels, spiritual worlds and God, do not exist.

Hence, in this day and age many (most?) people (even many in the church) do not believe that an angel appeared to Mary or the shepherds. Nor do they believe that Jesus performed actual miracles, was raised from the dead and actually exists. “Prove it,” we are told if we dare to disagree with this uncompromising worldview.

In calm counter to this,

Reverend Nadia, on the secular and liberal CBC, declared that the Enlightenment impoverished people by robbing us of the human quality of Enchantment. She explained that the Enlightenment declared the only way of understanding the world and finding truth is through the perception of our senses and the use of our minds. If it is not generally observable through the senses and explainable by rational thinking, it is not real or truthful.

Reverend Nadia said that human beings have always “known” truth and reality, in more ways than just “scientific observation” and rational thinking. Most notably, the Enlightenment robbed us of the sense of Enchantment. She described Enchantment as the historic human sense of “wonder and delight” that gives us the ability to see beyond the physical and rational. To see that there are many things that are “real” and that the scientific method and our five

physical senses are not able to observe or experience. Indeed, Reverend Nadia says that most of the things that give our lives meaning and purpose are “known” in this way, especially our knowledge of and faith in God. So the angel and the virgin birth? Reverend Nadia readily admits that she has no way of explaining or proving these, but through her sense of enchantment “knows” these to be true.

Over my years of pastoral ministry, I have been grieved to see so many people who have surrendered their all to Enlightenment thinking.

Willingly leaving behind their sense of enchantment and giving up believing in the truths of biblical stories and faith. For many of such folk, the absurd biblical stories about the birth of Jesus are embarrassing at best and disturbing at worst.

And by the way, years ago, I was once very much in this “frame of mind”.

This Christmas, I again had

the wonderful experience of seeing the Christmas stories through the eyes of children, both at church and in our home with our year-and-a-half-old granddaughter. I was reminded, again, of my childhood experiences of enchantment and mystery through the stories, songs, lights, decorations and celebrations.

Maybe, this is what Jesus was meaning - too many of us, as we grow up and become very rational, leave our sense of enchantment behind. We become unable (unwilling?) to see many of the deeper and greater truths of life that children have no problem comprehending.

Enlightenment and Enchantment, ways of “knowing,” are both real and necessary and very helpful. But our lives are never enriched by choosing only one or the other.

In a world dominated by adult/ Enlightenment “knowing”, there is much need for more childly/Enchantment “knowing”.

Mapleton council considers zoning change to allow workshop for implement business

by Patrick Raftis MAPLETON - Council here is set to approve a rezoning to allow construction of a 7,200-square-foot workshop/ implement shed for a tractor and farm implement repair business on Concession 12 in former Maryborough township.

Elmer Bearinger told council at a public meeting on Jan. 12 the facility is needed for operational, not expansion purposes.

Bearinger and his son are the only employees of the business, a situation he doesn’t see changing.

“We have no intent of changing what we’re doing.

We’re just acquiring more indoor space. We’re working outside quite a bit,” he explained.

Bearinger also said he has “no intention of keeping” an 2,000-square-foot existing shop building on the property.

Wellington County manager of planning and development Mark Van Patter said the application is “a good example for council to separate the difference between a commercial application and a home industry use.”

If the business was considered a home industry, he explained they would be limited to a smaller building size.

“The provincial policy statement used to talk about small scale agricultural uses (being allowed in agricultural zones).”

That qualifier has been removed at the provincial level, said Van Patter.

“I think it’s envisioning larger (commercial) operations, but they have to be related to the farm … In my mind that’s what these folks are doing on the property.”

Van Patter noted the county policy still contains the “small scale” qualifier in its wording, “but I’m anticipating that will be removed.”

He continued, “In my mind its a relatively small scale agriculture-related use. If it was a home industry they couldn’t go beyond 2,500 square feet.”

Among the potential concerns with this type of operation, said Van Patter, “is ending up with a sort of salvage or wrecking yard and we don’t want that and the bylaw prohibits it.”

Bearinger indicated that scrap metal is hauled off of the property every year and Van Patter said, “when I made a site visit to the property it’s as neat as can be.”

“I certainly agree with Mark that they keep the yard very, very neat now,” commented councillor Dennis Craven.

Van Patter recommended creating a zoning bylaw to break the property into two zones. Most of the farm is to stay as agricultural, while the building cluster and outdoor storage component is to be rezoned to agricultural commercial.

Following the public meeting, council directed Van Patter to prepare a draft zoning bylaw for council’s consideration.

OPP seeks tech-savvy applicants for police work Police service offers ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity ORILLIA - The OPP will be hosting a Technology Policing Symposium at Sheridan College (Davis Campus) located at 7899 McLaughlin Road in Brampton on March 5.

The symposium is scheduled for 8:30am to 4:30pm.

The OPP is looking to hire recent or potential graduates from Ontario community colleges and universities or applicants who have related training or experience in technologybased applications. Candidates will be required to submit an

online Application Form.

Upon review, 50 applicants will be selected to attend this “once in a lifetime opportunity” and will be invited to learn what it takes to become a provincial constable in today’s OPP, states a release from

COMMUNITY

CHRISTIAN SCHOOL A place where students belong to a learning community built on faith, love, excellence and passion

OPEN HOUSE ON FEBRUARY 2, 2016

Visit, call or email Community Christian School, 35 High Street, Drayton, 519-638-2935, office@ccsdrayton.org to find out how Community Christian School can meet the educational aspirations of your child and your family

the OPP’s Western Division head office. Keynote speakers will include Staff Sergeant Vern Crowley from the OPP Electronic Crime SectionTechnological Crime Unit along with frontline OPP officers, officers who work in specialized units within the OPP, the special constable program, auxiliary unit and provincial communication dispatchers.

Applications must be completed online and received no later than 11:59pm on Feb. 11. Late applications will not be considered. Further details are available at www.opp.ca/ careers.

Council urged to be creative FROM PAGE FOUR self-sufficient, breaking even on its own accord through ice rentals, hall rentals etc.?

Does council contact other local governments in need of pickups to increase buying power? I suspect none of this is done, nor contemplated, when you have an infinite supply of cash from taxpayers.

Mike Minogue, Drayton

The Community News, Friday, January 22, 2016 PAGE SEVEN

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PAGE EIGHT The Community News, Friday, January 22, 2016

Jenn Christie on list of guest speakers at Waterloo Rural Women’s event BADEN - Waterloo Rural Women’s annual Winter Mini Conference will be held at Steinman Mennonite Church, 1316 Snyder’s Rd. W., Baden, on Feb. 4.

Guest speakers will include: Jenn Christie, dealer development manager at John Deere, Sharon Grose, award-winning photographer from Alma; Lisa Akey of Interfaith Counselling Centre in New Hamburg; and William Hunter, Perth East fire chief.

Keynote speaker for the day will be Christie, on the topic, “Trike to tractor seat: my journey so far.”

Christie splits her time between her family’s sixth generation dairy and grain farm in Bruce County and developing marketing strategy with John Deere dealers across Canada.

Based out of Kitchener, She enjoys the learning opportunities of working in today’s agribusiness environment. She was named one of Canada’s 100 Most Powerful Women, in the Telus Future Leaders category, by the Women’s Executive Network in 2013.

Christie established a women’s agriculture network in southern Ontario and is co-founder of the Canadian

JENN CHRISTIE Agri-Business Education Foundation. She has served as John Deere’s representative on the Canadian 4-H Council for six of years, in addition to volunteering as a 4-H leader in Bruce County.

Grose will be sharing photos from her recent trip to New Zealand and Australia. Grose

attended the International Farm Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) conference in Hamilton, New Zealand where she was awarded the association’s DeLaval Star Prize Photography People’s Choice award.

Akey, executive director of Interfaith Counselling Centre, New Hamburg, will be talking about Understanding Depression and Anxiety.

Her presentation will discuss strategies to empower individuals to cope with the symptoms of mental illness, with specific relevance to women of rural communities.

Akey has worked in the mental health field for over 15 years.

Hunter, Perth East’s fire chief, will be talking about fire safety in his presentation entitled “There Is More at Stake than the Barn” Jenn Smerden of Green Door/Working Center will do a presentation about homemade soap, lip balm and body scrubs.

Cost of the event is $20, which includes a hot noon meal quiche, salad and homemade dessert. To register call 519576-1933 or 519-669-8066 or email Susan Martin at florahills24@gmail.com

Grose wins gold award in photography ALMA - Sharon Grose, whose photos capture moments in farm life, earned gold in the news photography category at the Canadian Farm Writers Conference for her photo entitled “The Girls at Miller’s Dairy.”

Canada’s top agricultural photographers, journalists, and communicators were honoured at the Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation (CFWF) Awards Banquet, held in Calgary, Alberta.

Gold, silver and bronze awards were presented in 14 categories, with a total of 44 awards given out. Awards included cheques for $300 (gold), $200 (silver) and $100 bronze.

Winners were chosen by 25 judges from across Canada and the United States.

Judges included journalists, professors, farmers and communicators from a mix of agricultural and non-agricultural backgrounds.

Winning gold topped Grose’s previous standing, as she earned a silver (2013) for her feature photo “Raise it Up” (barn raising), a bronze (2013) for her news photo “Tractor Heading Home” and a bronze (2012) for news photo, “Ontario Strawberries.”

Gold award - Sharon Grose of Alma with her CFWF gold award for agricultural photography. submitted photo

Pettapiece critical of government for disproportionate local OMPF reductions PERTH WELLINGTON – Eight of 10 municipalities in Perth-Wellington that receive transfers from the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) had their funding cut in 2016.

“The provincial government continues to shortchange area municipalities,” said Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece. “It’s unfair and it’s unacceptable.”

Since 2013 OMPF grants have been reduced provincewide by $70 million, or 12 per cent. The fund went from $575 million in 2013 to $505 million for 2016, states a Jan. 18 press release from Pettapiece’s office.

Pettapiece says the cuts have hit local municipalities, disproportionately, noting that since 2013 OMPF grants to the counties of Perth and Wellington were reduced by 42%. Across the riding in

2016, all six Perth municipalities and two in Wellington saw funding cuts.

Two Wellington municipalities saw increases, while the City of Stratford has not received any OMPF funding since 2011.

“We understand the province is in a financial mess, but it is not of municipalities’ making. The numbers are pretty clear; we in Perth-Wellington are paying way more than our fair share to clean up after the Liberals,” the MPP states.

Pettapiece states he intends to continue pressing the issue following the upcoming Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) and Ontario Good Roads Association (OGRA) conference, where area municipalities have requested meetings with provincial ministers.

Pettapiece also believes the Liberals must reveal the formula they use to calculate

LTD.

OMPF grants.

“It is anything but transparent,” he said.

The release states that Gary McNamara, president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), was critical of the government’s actions. At AMO’s conference in August, McNamara slammed the government’s position, stating, “What’s $50,000 here? What’s another $50,000 there? Well, it’s far more than they seem to appreciate. Almost half of Ontario’s municipalities have to hike property taxes by at least one full per cent to raise $50,000 dollars.”

In the press release, Pettapiece implies that partisanship is a factor in the distribution of OMPF funding.

The release points out that in October, MPPs from all parties endorsed a resolution he introduced aimed at ensuring that government-held and opposition-held ridings be given equal and transparent consideration on infrastructure funding.

In Wellington County, five of eight municipalities actually received increases in funding

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For 2016, the County of Wellington received $2,455,500 in OMPF funding, down from $2,888,800 in 2015.

However, the province states in allocation notices posted on its website that uploaded costs taken on by the province on the county’s behalf totaled $5,071,500 in 2016.

The 2016 uploads combined with the OMPF exceed the unconditional provincial grant received in 2004 by $6,269,500, the government states.

Centre Wellington saw its 2016 funding cut from $612,000 to $520,200.

Mapleton saw its OMPF allocation reduced from $840,500 last year to $714,500 in 2016. The province points out that even at the reduced figure, the township’s 2016 OMPF allocation is the equivalent of 16% of the township’s municipal property tax revenue.

In Puslinch, the OMPF grant increased by $800, from $404,600 last year to $405,400 in 2016. The township’s 2016

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allocation is the equivalent of 12% of the township’s municipal property tax revenue and exceeds the payments received in 2004 by $17,400, the province states.

The Town of Minto received an increase in its 2016 allocation, from $1,532,500 to $1,680,700. In Minto’s case, the province points out, OMPF funding is the equivalent of 39% of the town’s municipal property tax revenue. The funding exceeds the town’s 2015 OMPF by $148,200 and payments received in 2004 by $458,700, the province states.

In the Town of Erin, the OMPF allocation increased from $588,000 to $595,300.

The Town of Erin’s 2016 OMPF allocation is the equivalent of 10% of the town’s municipal property tax revenue. The figure exceeds the town’s 2015 OMPF by $7,300

and payments received in 2004 by $273,300.

Wellington North also saw an increase in OMPF funding this year. The 2016 allocation of $1,176,200 is up by $87,500 from $1,088,700 in 2015. The province says the township’s 2016 OMPF allocation is the equivalent of 18% of the township’s municipal property tax revenue.

Funding for GuelphEramosa was increased from $442,400 in 2015 to $469,400 this year. The province points out the 2016 allocation is the equivalent of 8% of the township’s municipal property tax revenue and exceeds the payments received in 2004 by $72,400.

OMPF was introduced in 2005 to replace the Community Reinvestment Fund as the province’s main funding model for municipalities.

Program creating student jobs PERTH-WELLINGTON Local MP John Nater recently announced employers can now apply for funding under the Canada Summer Jobs 2016 program. The program is expected to create thousands of job opportunities for students across the country.

“I encourage employers to apply for funding to create jobs that will help students, employers and their local economies.”

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 stu-

dents and their communities.

Funding will be available to 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 will benefit while helping employers address skills shortages, Nater states.

The application period for Canada Summer Jobs 2016 will end on Feb. 26. Employers can find further information and submit applications at: www. servicecanada.gc.ca/csj.

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