SERVING MAPLETON AND MINTO
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COMMUNITY NEWS VOLUME 51 ISSUE 48
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2018
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Public health recommends opting out of cannabis sales By Patrick Raftis
Clowning around - Clifford firefighters hosted an evening Musical Madness parade on Nov. 24. ABOVE: Clowning around was Val E. Joy, a perennial favourite at local parades. RIGHT: Youngsters followed Santa’s sleigh back to the fire hall after the parade to meet Santa, pick up a treat bag and enjoy hot dogs and hot chocolate. Carson, left, and Parker Van Dyk were among those visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Photos by Bonnie Whitehead
Building continues strong in Mapleton By Patrick Raftis MAPLETON – Construction activity in Mapleton continued strong through October, boosted by building in the agricultural sector. The township issued 40 building permits last month, for construction valued at nearly $7.3 million, generating fees of $76,241. That’s down in terms of construction value from October of 2017, when 31 permits for about $9 million worth of
construction were issued, netting fees of $63,933. Year to date, the municipality has issued 327 building permits, the same issued to this point last year. However construction value is up; $76.8 million in 2018 compared to $54.3 million to the end of October 2017. The town has collected over $522,000 in permit fees in 2018, compared to $489,860 last year. The agricultural sector led the way in October, with 17 permits for construction
worth over $5 million issued during the month. Year to date, the township has issued 110 permits for agricultural construction valued at about $27.7 million. Only the industrial sector has generated more construction value in 2018, with 12 permits for projects worth $28.2 million issued so far. “We’re very busy. We’re having a good year and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight,” said chief building official Patty Wright at the Nov. 13 council meeting.
DRAYTON – Wellington OPP officials are encouraging local councils to craft “enforceable” bylaws to deal with legalized marijuana and public health officials are urging municipalities to just say no on the question of allowing cannabis stores in their communities. About 50 people attended an information meeting at the PMD arena on Nov. 22 to hear speakers from the OPP and public health discuss potential impacts of marijuana legalization and provide input for Mapleton council on local cannabis sales. “Council has a really difficult decision to make, but clearly they’re here, they’re interested and they’re very willing to hear what you have to say and hear your opinions about what to do,” said Mapleton CAO Manny Baron. He pointed out Mapleton’s three returning councillors, Dennis Craven, Michael Martin and Marlene Ottens, were in attendance, along with councillor-elect Paul Douglas and mayor-elect Gregg Davidson. Baron also advised the gathering of an apparent change of direction on provincial funding to municipalities for cannabis legalization costs. Baron said municipal officials had been anticipating a $10,000 grant from the province for costs related to legalization, regardless of whether they opted in or out of allowing local sales. “Just last night we got a memo from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario letting us know that if we opt out, we opt out of any future funding whatsoever,”
Medical perspective - Dr. Matthew Tanenbaum of WellingtonDufferin-Guelph Public Health spoke on health impacts at a cannabis information meeting at the PMD arena on Nov. 22. Photo by Patrick Raftis said Baron. He continued, “In this case, I’m not sure if that matters or not. “You can’t bribe us with our own money first of all. I think it’s a shame the way they’ve done it, but they are the provincial government after all.” Despite the potential loss of funding, Dr. Matthew Tanenbaum of WellingtonDufferin-Guelph Public Health said the agency is encouraging municipalities to opt out. “If we had to offer a recommendation, our recommendation would be to opt out of allowing retail out-
lets for the time being, so we can wait until we have more information,” Tanenbaum stated. “One thing we’re keeping in mind is if, as a municipality, you choose to opt in to allow retail cannabis outlets, a lot of the way that would roll out is out of your hands.” Tanenbaum added, “We do hope municipalities choose to pursue rigorous bylaws around where people can consume it.” Legalization “will have impacts on the health and social well-being of the people in this community for many years to come,” SEE CANNABIS » 3
Mapleton, Minto organizations bringing holiday cheer to families and individuals in need WELLINGTON COUNTY - It’s that time of year again; when food banks and other organizations across Mapleton and Minto are busy putting together Christmas hampers and festive treats for people in need. Clifford Food Bank The Clifford Food Bank has already sent out notices
to people and families who may be in need of a Christmas hamper. Food bank chair Bruce Shannon said the food bank expects to provide 25 to 30 hampers this season. “There’s a number of applications already,” he said. Clifford Food Bank hampers include a full Christmas dinner with a turkey, ham or
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chicken, as well as about two weeks worth of additional food. Much of the items included in the hamper are donated at the Santa Claus parade and at the library. The food bank also purchases items through cash donations, Shannon said. The food bank tries to provide a gift for children under the age of 14 and gift cards for
children aged 14 and older. The best way to make a donation is to call the food bank at 519-327-8588 and leave a message. Volunteers will return the call, Shannon said. The cut off date to apply for a hamper is Dec. 10, with assembly commencing on Dec. 17 and pick up on Dec. 18. “We want to thank any-
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body who donates food or gifts,” Shannon said. “We really appreciate it. “We’ve been pretty lucky over the years; just when we think we’re getting low, somebody runs a food drive.” Drayton Food Bank The Drayton Food Bank anticipates about 30 Christmas hampers will be distributed in the community this season.
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“Our hampers include all the items that would normally be in our regular hampers, as well as items to prepare a Christmas dinner,” volunteer Lauren DeVries explained in an email. “Families will be given either a turkey or ham, a dessert, and several fresh items (vegetables, fruit, milk, cheese, bread, etc.).” COMMUNITY » 3
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