SERVING THE MAPLETON COMMUNITY
THE
COMMUNITY NEWS VOLUME 49 ISSUE 50
DRAYTON, ONTARIO
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Driscoll, Davidson edged out for committee chair posts Dennis Lever acclaimed as county warden By Patrick Raftis
Host of angels - Dawn Williams, left, and Eunice Bosomworth of the Ayton area viewed the display of angels at the Drayton United Church. The angel display was part of the United Church’s Christmas House Tour on Dec. 3 Photo by Caroline Sealey
Council sets public meeting on development charges bylaw By Patrick Raftis MAPLETON - The township will hold a public meeting in the new year on proposed changes to the municipality’s development charges bylaw.
The changes include a controversial proposal to implement development charges for agricultural construction projects, as well as plans to amend the 2016 development Charges Update Study to factor in increased estimates for
the cost of upgrading water capacity. The agricultural development charge proposal has been discussed several times at Mapleton council meetings, with local residents SEE MEETING » 3
GUELPH - Puslinch township Mayor Dennis Lever was acclaimed warden of Wellington County at county council’s inaugural meeting on Dec. 9. Lever was the only councillor to announce his intention to seek the office for the 2017-18 term. Lever was elected mayor of Puslinch in 2010 and 2014. He is past chair of the county’s administration, finance and human resources committee and has also served on the information, heritage and seniors committee. “Warden Lever has an impressive political résume,” said outgoing warden George Bridge, mayor of Minto. “His effective leadership as administration, finance and human resources chair, has prepared him for his new role as warden. The county will continue to be in very
capable hands.” After he was officially sworn in, Lever addressed the packed council chamber. “We will continue our involvement in provincial issues. It is imperative that we are at the table to help guide the process,” stated Lever. “I’m looking forward to our ongoing focus on economic development and also reaping the rewards of our past and current efforts. We have, and will have, future challenges and we in this chamber will deal with them as others have in the past.” While most of the committee chair positions were filled by acclamation, elections were held for three positions. Erin Mayor Allan Alls was elected chair of the planning and land division committee over Ward 6 councillor Shawn Watters by a 10-6 margin. Ward 3 councillor Gary
Williamson, the incumbent roads committee chair, was elected in a contest with Mapleton Mayor Neil Driscoll in a 9-7 vote. Incumbent chair Don McKay, councillor for Ward 7, was re-elected to the chair of the solid waste services committee over Ward 2 councillor Gregg Davidson, also by a 9-7 count. Bridge was acclaimed chair of the economic development committee and Guelph-Eramosa mayor Chris White was acclaimed as chair of the administration, finance and human resources committee. Councillor Rob Black will continue as chair of the information, heritage and seniors committee. Councillor David Anderson will again chair the social services committee. Councillor Lynda White was acclaimed as Wellington County’s police services board representative.
Thankful Syrian family learning to adapt to life in Canada by Caroline Sealey DRAYTON - The goal of bringing a Syrian refugee family to their community became a reality on June 6 for Drayton Reformed Church members. With an identification sign in hand, members of a committee from the church greeted Mohammad Kheir Al Hawari, his wife Amal and their four-year-old son Loay and daughter Lama, 18 months, at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport on June 6. “Mohammad and Amal spoke quite a bit of English when they came. The committee knew they both were educated at the University of Damascus. It was an exciting experience at the airport,” said committee member Mariska Roubos. Amal said, “We didn’t know how we find our Canadian sponsors. Mariska have sign. It was good feeling.” With the assistance of Roubos and cell phones apps that translate Arabic to English, the couple shared their journey from Syria to Drayton in an interview with
the Community News. The family lived a good life in Syria before a civil war started, with Mohammad working in a government job and Amal working with young children. As the war progressed it became more difficult to work, buy food or even be outside of their home. The couple remained hopeful but eventually found their only option was to leave Syria and seek refuge in the country of Jordan. After travelling in the back of a livestock truck to Jordan, the family received aid from the Jordanian government and army upon their arrival. “Sad, scary time but we no lose hope. We got tent and food and cooking place. Washrooms share with others. Two-room tent share with other people. Very dusty,” Mohammad said. “No special time with wife and family.” The journey from Syria to Drayton took three and a half years. One year was spent at the camp and the remainder of the time in an apartment in Jordan. During this time Mohammad received the dev-
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astating news of his father’s passing. Unable to return to Syria , he struggles with leaving family behind and not knowing if he will ever see them again. Jordanians were reluctant to give the Syrian refugees jobs that Jordanians could be employed in. The couple received volunteer training from the Red Cross, Care Canada and the German Cultural Centre. Their volunteer positions included reading to children, working with home-based businesses and youth. The employment Mohammad received as a painter in Jordan paid very little. “Too busy volunteering and forgot our problems. Sitting, talking to other people,” said Mohammad, adding they learned “other people’s problems bigger than ours.” Tasked with finding a place to live that would provide a good future for not only the children but for themselves, the couple inquired about moving to Canada or the United States. Immigration officials offered the family an opportunity to relocate to Canada.
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Even knowing nothing about the country, the couple knew it was what they needed to do, so they said yes. In the beginning they thought the offer was a joke or trick. As the reality of the situation became apparent and with only six days to pack, the family felt overwhelmed. “Family thankful to Jordanian government for help. Come with sponsors, better off than first 25,000. God gave us help,” Amal said. Since arriving in Canada, the family has settled into its new home. Church committee members have arranged transportation to English classes, medical appointments and have been a constant support. Roubos said, “Mohammad and Amal and their children are a good fit for our committee and our community. They are willing to learn, help and work. The committee has arranged cooking classes for Amal and Mohammad has done odd jobs in the community. He is looking for work as a painter. We have named him, ‘The guy with the brush.’” SEE FAMILY
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WEEKLY WAG
“Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone.” - Charles M. Schultz
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Thankful family - The Drayton Reformed Church’s sponsored Syrian family has settled into its new home in Drayton and is quickly adapting to life in Canada. Since their arrival in June, Mohammad Kheir Al Hawari, left, and wife Amal have attended English classes, cooking classes and have worked at odd jobs in the community. Mohammad and Amal have two children: Lama, right, and Loay. Photo by Caroline Sealey
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