The Community News would like to wish everyone a safe and happy 2011, as it takes a look back at an eventful 2010.
The following is just a small sample of what made headlines in Mapleton Township over the past 12 months.
January
Erica Zantinge kicked off the New Year in style, as the Drayton teen was nominated for the Ontario Citizen of the Year awards. She was recognized for not only outstanding academic achievements, but also her many extra curricular commitments.
Puslinch Township supported Mapleton council’s call for a moratorium on wind energy projects until studies can prove no negative impacts on groundwater and human and animal health. The county would also support the move. Officials with NextEra Energy, which was planning a 10-turbine wind farm southwest of Arthur, later called Mapleton’s call for a moratorium an unnecessary and “drastic” step.
Local business owner Allan Cherrey received the lifetime achievement award from the Ontario Motor Coach Association. His business, Cherrey Bus Lines, also announced it was sending five buses and 10 drivers to Vancouver to work during the Olympic Games there.
Alma area nurse Yvonne Martin, 67, was killed in the devastating earthquake that rocked Haiti on Jan. 12. Over 200,000 people reportedly died as a result of the disaster.
Local Sports volunteers Allan Walter and David Franklin were recognized for many years of selfless dedication by MPP John Wilkinson at a ceremony in Stratford.
The Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health unit laid off 13 employees, including five nurses and various clerical and professional staffers.
The Drayton Legion lost its last remaining veteran of the Second World War when John Wallis “Wally” Perkins passed away on Jan. 22 at the age of 86. Perkins moved from Mapleton decades earlier, but always made a point of attending Drayton Legion events, as he was proud to call Drayton his home town and boasted of being a charter member of the local Legion.
Holocaust survivor Dr. Eva Olsson, 85, used her personal experience to deliver a message of eliminating hatred and bullying to about 200 students at Drayton Heights Public School.
February
Council approved the $12,349 purchase of two new radios for the Mapleton Fire Department, which Fire Chief Rick Richardson said would improve communication with Guelph dispatchers and also with police and ambulance personnel.
After some debate, council also approved the $199,008 purchase of a dump truck for the public works department.
Norwell Dairy had a zoning bylaw amendment approved by council, which allowed the company to proceed with plans to expand its facility on County Road 8, just southeast of Drayton. However, the company would later decide to move into the Drayton industrial park.
As usual, council expressed concern with rising levies from the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA). Yet they approved payment of the levies – $84,645 total – commenting they had little choice in the matter.
Bus companies throughout the county were not impressed with the local school bus consortium’s tender process, which left up to four county providers out of the mix (including Dave and Anna Langdon, of Alma, who did not bid on three routes they had held for years).
Officials with the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) confirmed they had no plans to close the Palmerston and District Hospital, despite rumours to the contrary in the community. However, the LHIN officials stated services offered at the hospital could change over time.
The Drayton Icemen lobbied for ice time to host home games at the PMD Arena on Friday or Saturday nights, as opposed to Sunday afternoons.
Locals seemed to have a blast at the second annual Family Fun Day in Alma, which was organized by the Alma Optimist club.
Invenergy Canada announced it is still committed to constructing a 69-megawatt wind farm (about 46 turbines) in southeast Mapleton, with the first phase consisting of about 14 turbines.
The Minto-Mapleton Bowl for Kids event raised over $18,270 for Big Brothers Big Sisters programs in north Wellington.
Mapleton Township approved the use of voting by mail for the 2010 municipal election.
Local high school students packed the auditions for Drayton Entertainment’s production of High School Musical. Officials were looking for 30 to 48 actors for minor roles in the play.
March
MPP John Wilkinson announced provincial funding for the hiring of a new physician assistant, Jim Tolmie, for the Minto Mapleton Family Health Team.
A 2008 summary report from the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) showed 13 issues of non-compliance within the Moorefield water system. Public works director Larry Lynch told council all the issues, which range from improper well maintenance to failure to collect and analyze samples often enough, have been addressed.
Local agricultural officials took part in MPP John Wilkinson’s Toronto 101 tour, a compliment to the Ag 101 Tour, which is intended to “build bridges between rural and urban Ontario.”
The GRCA board approved a 2010 budget of just under $33-million, an increase of $1.6-million over 2009.
Cottage owners and GRCA officials lobbied thew township for fire number signs for about 375 cottages around Conestogo Lake. The total cost would be $10,125 and the GRCA agreed to install them if the municipality purchased them. The township later agreed to the purchase.
Drika Foster, of Moorefield, won the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies competition for hand made quilts at a convention in Toronto.
Councillors and staff debated at length the fee structure for hall rentals throughout the township. Some felt price increases would deter rentals, while others argued increases would have no effect, as the price was still on the lower end of the scale (considering prices elsewhere).
The Drayton Defenders Bantam rep teams captured the Ontario Minor Hockey Association “D” championship by defeating Deseronto 3-1 in the best-of-five final series. The win marked the first time a Drayton Bantam team ever won the OMHA championship.
April
Council unanimously passed the 2010 budget, including a 2.08% levy hike, which translated into a $14 tax increase for the average Mapleton homeowner. The budget included over $5.95-million in expenditures, requiring a municipal levy of $3,022,478.
Two county bylaws that had been in the works for several years were passed by Mapleton council. A taxi bylaw to regulate any local cab companies, was delayed because OPP officials said they would not be administering it. That job is now being taken on by county officials. The anti-fortification bylaw to deter the fortifying of buildings by possible criminal groups, was delayed because of concerns about enforcement.
Police located the body of Robert Golbeck, 59, of Kitchener, in Conestogo Lake. Golbeck was reported missing the previous November. A post mortem determined he drowned.
David Guy King, 24, was charged with murder in relation to an auto collision in February that killed 21-year-old Katherine McNally, of Palmerston.
Mapleton council committed up to $3,000 to the fire department for the 2010 fireworks display. Officials had told council the 2009 event ran a deficit of $2,522 and future events were in jeopardy without the township’s help.
The Ministry of Finance released its annual “Sunshine List” of public sector employees who received a 2009 salary over $100,000 before taxes. The total, up 19% over 2008, included 16 Wellington County employees, eight from Centre Wellington, two from Guelph-Eramosa and one each from Erin and Puslinch. The list also included 138 school board employees (up from 95), 16 from conservation authorities, 12 from the Community Care Access Centre, 11 in the field of health care and promotion and seven from the Children’s Aid Society.
Both the NextEra Energy (23mW) and Invenergy Canada (69mW) wind energy projects received approval under the Green Energy Act’s feed-in tariff program. The contract offers do not mean the two projects are approved, but they are an important step for both companies moving forward.
Former Moorefield resident Anna Kaljas passed away at the age of 98. Kaljas, who received the Order of Canada for her humanitarian efforts, first opened “Houses of Friendship” hostels in Kitchener over 50 years ago.
Several county residents were among those that took part in a demonstration at Queen’s Park to oppose municipal government’s lack of say in approval of wind energy projects.
Council unanimously approved a $151,000 tender for work on various sidewalk and curb work throughout the township, primarily in Drayton and Alma.
Council also supported the idea of designating highway 6, from Guelph to Tobermory, “Veteran’s Way,” and approved the site plan drawings for the new community hall in Wallace Cumming Park in Alma.
Drayton native Nathan Spaling was named the 2009-10 male athlete of the year for the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. Spaling averaged a point per game and played in key situations, helping his team make its first ever playoff appearance.
Cherrey Bus Lines announced it was moving to Listowel in late May after 60 years in Drayton. Owner Allan Cherrey said the move was made in order to help the business grow.
May
Ruth and Ray Grose were honoured as volunteers of the year for Mapleton Township at a county council ceremony. The couple was recognized for numerous contributions to their community.
Councillors and staff received a 2% raise in 2010. The mayor’s remuneration was $15,273, while councillors made $11,879 and staff wages ranged from $9.60 to $48.93.
Over 2,700 people attended the May 15 Tulip Festival in Drayton to celebrate the rich Dutch culture in the area and also to recognize the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands during the Second World War. Festival organizers stated they want to make the celebration an annual event.
Hundreds, including many students from Alma Public School, attended the ground breaking for the new community hall at Wallace Cumming Park.
The provincial government announced a $161,159 grant towards the downtown revitalization project in Drayton.
Perth-Wellington MPP John Wilkinson visited Mapleton council and stressed wind farm companies require the signature of the township for applications to be complete. “If the application is not complete, the project will not proceed,” he said. Wellington Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott later questioned that statement, noting subsequent comments made by Wilkinson seemed to hint municipalities can provide input but may not be able to stop projects within their borders.
Mapleton residents Kevin Bowman and Cleon Gingrich were recognized by Canadian Blood Services for making at least 50 blood donations in their lifetime.
June
The Mapleton trio of Jeff Duimering, Jerry Roubos and Wiebe (Bill) Van Zwol competed in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, with fund raised (each rider had to raise at least $2,500) going to the Campbell Family Institute at the Princess Margaret Hospital.
County councillor Carl Hall announced his retirement after 25 years in municipal politics. Mapleton Mayor John Green he was not seeking re-election in the Oct. 25 election, but was instead seeking the county seat being vacated by Hall.
In his annual report to council, Mapleton Fire Chief Rick Richardson announced annual fire department calls have almost doubled over the last decade, with a growing trend towards more medical emergencies and fewer fires.
The 10th annual Starlight Gala benefitting the Palmerston and District Hospital was a great success. Over 600 people attended the event, raising over $195,000.
Lynne Flewwelling, chair of the Maryborough Public School council, was recognized as one of 10 “everyday hero” award winners honoured at by the Upper Grand District School Board.
Township officials contemplated a new solar energy project that could provide over $255,000 in net profit for the municipality over the next 20 years. Council agreed to pay Essex Energy Corporation $14,855 to determine the feasibility of installing a solar photovoltaic project – possibly up to 157 kilowatts in size and costing close to $1-million – on the roof of the PMD Arena.
Moorefield firefighters were praised by Muscular Dystrophy Canada for raising $8,000 for the charitable organization over the previous year.
Council approved a financial plan that would see the Moorefield water rate go up by 19% in 2010 – and rise by 37% by 2015. They later approved a bylaw making the move official. Council also approved a 1.3% water rate increase in Drayton for 2010 (and an 11% increase over the next five years).
Just hours after another successful custom car show on June 19 at the Moorefield ball park, a fire broke out that destroyed the scorekeeper’s booth and a section of bleachers.
Council unanimously approved a new cemetery bylaw that township officials said would address ongoing concerns and offer more choice to consumers.
July
Police charged a Guelph man with child luring after he allegedly contacted a 15-year-old Drayton girl and tried to meet her and supply her with marijuana.
The Ontario government claimed the new Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) will create jobs and benefit businesses, but many local residents awoke on Canada Day with one upsetting thought: they’ll now be paying more for basic costs of living. As of July 1, items previously taxed just a 5% goods and service tax (GST) will be levied the 13% HST, including gasoline, electricity, home heating, hair cuts, gym memberships, taxis, internet services and household renovations and repairs.
Paul Emerson retired as chief administrative officer of the GRCA, a job he had held for the past decade. He was hired by the County of Brant to be its new CAO.
Council awarded the contract to replace playground equipment at ABC Park in Drayton to Recreation Playsystems – RTS Companies Limited, for $52,000.
Gerrit Wimmenhove, an early publisher of the Community News who was instrumental in its development passed away on July 15 at age 67. In May of 1968 Wimmenhove became publisher and editor of the paper. In 1971 Wimmenhove sold the publication and its assets to William Adsett.
The 18th annual Upper Canada Club two Cylinder Show at the Drayton fairgrounds was another success. Over 1,000 people attended the weekend-long event.
Rod and Gail Lambert sold their Drayton business, Lambert’s Garage, and moved to Harriston. The Wellington Street garage was first opened by Rod’s father, Roy, in 1954.
August
Minto Mapleton Family Health Team officials announced nurse practitioner Jodi Colwill will work under the direction of Dr. Christine Peterkin at the Mapleton Health Centre in Drayton. Colwill was the second full-time nurse practitioner hired by the FHT, with a third completing her certification.
Bruce Brockelbank was introduced as the township’s new bylaw enforcement officer. He said he had a lot of work to do, specifically mentioning the development of a clean yard bylaw.
Despite being held on the same weekend, the 154th annual Drayton fair and the 2nd Underground Railroad Music Festival at Glen Allan Park were both great successes.
Township consultants said during a public meeting a new lagoon cell is the preferred option to address ongoing problems at the Drayton Wastewater treatment plant.
In preparation for the coming election and given that it could be a lame duck – which means it is restricted in its ability to act if a new council “will include less than three-quarters of the members of the outgoing council” – Mapleton council designated some authority to clerk Patty Sinnamon.
Council supported a resolution from the Township of Malahide calling on the provincial government to increase gas tax funding provided to municipalities, given the $100-billion infrastructure deficit in the province and that the new HST would generate more revenue for the Ontario government.
A 26-year-old Drayton man was charged with sexual assault and sexual interference in connection with an alleged incident involving a 15-year-old Drayton girl who was staying over at a friend’s house in the village.
Perth-Wellington MPP John Wilkinson on Aug. 18 was named Minister of the Environment by Premier Dalton McGuinty. Wilkinson was previously Minister of Revenue and in charge of selling the HST to Ontarians.
September
The Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) proposed major changes to the contract for operating and maintaining the water and wastewater systems in Moorefield and Drayton. Services previously excluded in OCWA agreements are now included in the pricing, at a total additional cost of $32,700. Council decided to discuss the changes over the next few months.
Several councillors were not happy with a rash of vandalism that occurred during the second half of August, particularly in Drayton and Alma.
Council passed a new policy allowing township staff members to pay bills without council approval, provided the purchasing and procurement policy is always followed and that the items are included in the annual operating or capital budget.
The township decided to upgrade desktop computers to alleviate problems and ensure compatibility with new office software, although an exact price was not known at the time. The 2010 budget included $20,000 for a new IT server room and any costs for the computers over $20,000 were to be covered with funds from the administration reserve.
A full slate of candidates for the Oct. 25 election emerged after the Sept. 10 filing deadline. John Linde, Richard Molenaar and Bruce Whale filed for mayor, while 10 candidates filed for the four council seats. At the UGDSB Irma De Vries, Doris French, Timothy Myers and Bruce Schieck filed for trustee. At the Catholic board, James Coffey and Stephen Kitras filed for local trustee.
Township officials were shocked with a $5.47-million cost estimate – not including $43,000 in annual operating and maintenance costs – for expanding the Drayton wastewater treatment plant. The township received funding in 2009 based on a cost estimate of $1.7-million for a new lagoon cell.
Almost 150 participants raised over $26,000 in the 30th annual Drayton Terry Fox Run on Sept. 19.
October
Council approved the sale of five acres of land in the Drayton industrial park to Bosman and Steven Real Estate Holdings for $175,000.
Local candidates for the coming election faced off in several debates in and around Mapleton Township and tackled myriad issues.
For the second year in a row, the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) results showed grade 3 students in Mapleton schools, on average, perform worse than the provincial and school board averages in reading, writing and mathematics. However, most grade 6 students in the township met or exceeded the results of their peers at the board and across the province.
NextEra Energy officials finally unveiled the proposed layout for its 23mW, 10 turbine wind farm southwest of Arthur.The proposed location of all ten turbines is bordered to the north by 16th Line, to the east by Wellington Road 12, to the south by 14th Line and to the west by Sideroad 16.
The $14,855 feasibility study from Essex Energy Corporation suggested a 170kW solar energy project (on the PMD Arena roof) costing the township $1,044,782 would pay for itself in 12 years and, over its expected lifespan of about two decades, would have an “internal rate of return” of about 11%. Mayor John Green said council will consider the report and make a decision.
Gorrie resident Earl Mino, 70, died after falling from a ladder at the Drayton Food Market. The meat manager of the store, Mino fell, struck his head and later succumbed to his injuries. The Ministry of Labour was notified and conducted an investigation.
The 9th annual CKNX Health Care Heroes Radiothon raised over $621,000, putting the total funds raised by the events at over $6-million. The portion going towards the Palmerston and District Hospital helped cover vital in-patient and operating room equipment.
Three local school programs received provincial funding. Maryborough Public School received $500 for an after-school snack program, while Alma Public School got $1,000 for a workshop on effective communication for parents and St. Mary Catholic School in Mount Forest received $1,000 for a social networking workshop for parents.
The weather was damp, but the Alma Optimist Club raised over $4,200 during its second annual Roadkill Race for Muscular Dystrophy. Participant and club member John Fines alone raised $1,800 for the event.
Bruce Whale was elected mayor after garnering 55% of votes cast (1,273) in the Oct. 25 election. Richard Molenaar received 854 votes (37%), while John Linde placed a distant third with 195 votes (8%). Successful councillor candidates included: Neil Driscoll (1,419 votes), Andy Knetsch (823), Jim Curry (812) and Mike Downey (806). Brice Schieck was re-elected as the UGDSB trustee for the area, garnering 51% of all votes, while James Coffey took the Catholic board trustee race with 60% of all votes.
November
After months of deliberation and discussions – including several on restrictions for parking commercial vehicles in residential zones and on the minimum size of residential side lots – the township finally passed its new comprehensive zoning bylaw.
County officials announced there could be a significant surplus in 2010.
Due to unfavourable weather conditions, Mapleton officials decided to stop work on Drayton’s downtown revitalization project, including the installation of new sidewalks. The work will continue in the spring.
Fire Chief Rick Richardson was surprised to discover about 20% of township homes inspected by the Mapleton Fire Department had no smoke alarms or an insufficient number of alarms. A few weeks later, Richardson offered a similar statement, noting residents hadn’t heeded his advice to ensure there is a working smoke alarm on each level of the home, including the basement.
A 16-year-old Listowel area boy was killed in a single vehicle crash on Nov. 20 on the 12th Line of Mapleton, just south of County Road 11 and northeast of Drayton.
The PC riding association elected Randy Pettapiece as its candidate in the Perth-Wellington riding. Pettapiece will face off against current MPP John Wilkinson in the fall 2011 provincial election.
In lieu of a birthday party, Shaylen Visscher, a grade 6 student at Maryborough Public School in Moorefield, asked her teacher and parents if she could have a dance and instead of gifts, ask grade 5 and 6 students for donations to the “We Day” event, which helps raise awareness and money for children in need. The event raised over $200 for the children of Haiti.
December
Hundreds attended the second public meeting for NextEra Energy’s planned 10-turbine wind farm southwest of Arthur, including a large contingent of protesters. Issues raised during the meeting ranged from logistics to health concerns to taking away the say of municipalities and more.
Township officials announced the opening of the new community hall in Alma would likely be delayed until sometime in the new year, due to weather conditions that caused paving and curb work to be put off until the spring. The completion deadline for projects like the Alma hall, which received federal funding, was later extended from March 31 to Oct. 31, 2011.
Ken Buehler, who operates Buehler Automotive and Transmission in Alma, was named Wreckmaster of the Year for taking the highest training possible. He won the honour over 35,000 other two truck operators who belong to the Wrekcmaster school of towing.
Arlan Galbraith, the former owner of Pigeon King International, was charged with fraud and violations of the Bankruptcy Act. Galbraith is accused of conducting a pigeon breeding scheme in which over 1,000 investors, including many from mapleton and Wellington County, lost millions of dollars.
Mapleton’s new council was sworn in during a brief ceremony on Dec. 6. Township officials also paid tribute to former mayors John Green and Carl Hall.
Two local playgrounds benefitted from two separate funding announcementswithin two weeks. The Student Council Association at Maryborough Public School in Moorefield was awarded $7,000 through Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) AgriSpirit Fund to purchase playground equipment at the school. And Mapleton Township received $50,500 through the Ontario Trillium Foundation to be put towards the cost of replacing equipment at ABC Park.
Larry and Debbie Schill presented the Palmserston and District Hospital Foundation and the Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation with a $100,000 cheque from the sale of lands the Schills owned near Conn.
