Feels secure
Dear Editor:
RE: ‘Callousness,’ Oct. 12.
I feel very secure knowing that Canada’s courts are populated with judges like Justice Stanley who hear cases impartially, who apply the country’s legal code, who balance the rights of individuals with the needs of maintaining a secure and civil society, etc., when deciding their sentences.
But I would not feel secure if we populated our courts with justices the likes of which Brett Davis desires: those who would be influenced by their emotions and apply their personal sentiments and biases when deciding the sentence of a guilty verdict.
I have yet to find “wilfully hiding guilt” in the Criminal Code of Canada.
David Fast,
Ariss
‘Calculated, selfish’
Dear Editor:
RE: ‘Callousness,’ Oct. 12.
Before I begin, I just want to express my sympathy to Lucas Shortreed’s family and friends.
I too was appalled and very disappointed with the light sentencing of David Halliburton for the fatal hit and run of Lucas Shortreed in 2008.
Accidentally hitting someone who is walking in the middle of the road at night is plausible. However, the calculated and selfish callousness of hiding this, turned an accident into a crime.
When reading this case, one can presume that David Halliburton had been driving under the influence, as he even admits to “having a few beers” before driving home with his 11-year-old son. But that is not all.
The amount of deception David and Anastasia carry out following this motor vehicle crash is astounding:
– leaving the scene of the crash;
– fabricating a story about the crash to their son;
– hiding injuries to evade suspicion;
– not calling EMS for obvious life-threatening injuries to Lucas (no chance of survival);
– hiding the vehicle, changing license plates and switching VINs;
– intentionally contaminating and hiding evidence (bleaching car, hid it in trailer, etc.); and
– lying to police on multiple occasions.
And the list could go on and on. What was surprising to me was that his wife, Anastasia, collaborated. She could have done the right thing and informed the authorities. The sentence was so light for both.
The intentional deception in this case was staggering. The length of time for the truth to be found out ought to have dictated a longer sentence too. More resources and funds were spent trying to find the culprit(s) for those long 14-plus years.
As a member of the Wellington County community, I was expecting more: a 10-year jail sentence and a substantial fine to help recuperate funds and to help Lucas’ family in what his mom called an “emotional marathon”.
The time to reveal the truth should not by any means have given David and Anastasia a lighter sentence but ought to have lengthened it, due to the languishing years for the grieving family and community.
I hope we can restore faith in humankind to do the right thing even when it costs.
Evelyn McComb,
Harriston
‘Imperative for society’
Dear Editor:
RE: Facing $3-million deficit, Community Living intends to close day programs, lay off staff, Oct. 12.
I’m disgusted to read that our government has not increased cost of living expenses for Community Living Guelph Wellington since 2009.
Persons with disabilities need encouragement to fulfill capabilities they possess and not be totally dependent on parents and other family. Everyone has been given capabilities of some sort. Often it requires a team effort to bring out the best in those who have barriers in their lives. Caregivers also suffer burnout.
It is imperative for society to offer a helping hand and some financial assistance where needed.
Pat Woode,
Fergus
‘Trump syndrome’?
Dear Editor:
RE: ‘Same grifters,’ Oct. 12.
Well, I see our old friend Jim Trautman has reared his head again. This American thinks he knows about what Canadians are thinking. He really has Trump syndrome in the worst way, but he loves to take it out in our little vocal paper.
I was at the convoy in Ottawa and I don’t think he can understand what was going on there. As for the 1 million March, this is freedom of speech at its best, as it brought out the real feelings of Canadians not just a few.
Very soon, and not soon enough, Pierre Poilievre will be our prime minister and he is going to have quite a job in front of him to get this country back in order. The mess our present prime minister has caused will take years of hard work to correct.
As Canadians, we are proud people and we don’t want to be the laughingstock of the world or be the hand bag of cash for the next cause that erupts in the world.
Scott Rae,
Hillsburgh
*Editor’s note: Jim Trautman is a past resident of Wellington County. He relocated to California in recent years.
Funding priorities
Dear Editor:
RE: UGDSB will appoint, not elect, new Orangeville trustee, Oct. 12.
When a Member of Parliament resigns from office, we never seem to consider the cost of democracy into the equation, but for some reason the Upper Grand District School Board does.
When it comes to being cost-effective at the UGDSB, apparently an election isn’t seen as important as a $70,000 new logo.
And of course, at some point the UGDSB we have to cough up funding for an election in 2026. Very interesting to see what the school board prioritizes funding for.
Avery Milbury,
Guelph
Walser ruins update
Dear Editor:
As the busy summer season in Elora comes to a close, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide a further update on our latest restoration project.
Originally called the Henderson Block, the building was first constructed in 1851 and through its lifetime, housed several different manufacturing operations inlcuding household furniture. It is now named the Walser Building after one of its primary owners, Joseph Walser.
We are pleased to be able to showcase the beautiful stonework of that time and to bring these ruins back to their original state. We have been working collaboratively with Heritage Centre Wellington on the Elora Mill project for over 10 years.
We are looking forward to continuing to consult with them as we proceed with this eighth and final heritage restoration on the site. We will be working with local tradespeople on this restoration project as we did with the other restoration projects.
In the spring we worked to stabilize the structure to prevent any further decay of the building. After completing additional investigation on the building, it was determined that remaining building walls are deteriorated beyond repair to be able to restore them.
Based on this finding, we have had to re-design the restoration approach and will now be dismantling the building and reconstructing it, as we did with the Potter Foundry project. Initial timelines for the project have been pushed back based on these findings. We aim to move ahead with the deconstruction in the coming weeks.
We estimate the completion of the Walser Building in the spring of 2025. While we are in the final stages of concept and design, the upper level will have hotel rooms that will serve as an extension of the Elora Mill that will boast the same design style and finishing touches. The main level is slated to be a casual dining restaurant with patio and a counter for grab-and-go selections.
We will continue to keep you informed of all progress and projects along the way.
Jocelyn Maurice,
Managing partner,
Elora Mill Hotel and Spa
Housing issues
Dear Editor:
Since the expansion to Arthur’s wastewater treatment plant, there has been a massive boom on building houses. There have also been many apartments created.
This should be a good thing. However, there is a major problem. None of these are affordable housing. The houses are upwards of $1 million. The apartments aren’t much more than bachelor apartments. The rent is Toronto-style rent. This is Arthur, we’re a small farming community. Many of our residents are living on minimum wage.
None of these apartments were made for families and seniors have been left out completely. It seems like the entire country is on strike for a “cost of living increase.” I guarantee you that seniors don’t get this increase.
We are in desperate need of:
– an apartment building similar to the 32-unit one at the north end of town. It must be affordable rent, not high-end rent, with one-, two- and three-bedroom units; and
– a seniors complex. We have one with about 12 units. However, only a few dozen have been privileged over the years to occupy these units. We need about a 24-to-36-unit complex that is available to all seniors.
This also must be affordable rent, not high-end. Our seniors have absolutely nowhere to go except the nursing home. However, many aren’t ready for this, but their house has gotten too much. They want to downsize. For many, their children who are struggling to work and are busy with their own families, are forced to help their parents as well.
I wish it was possible for our council to put a halt on houses and search for someone who is interested in our seniors and apartments for families.
We do not need more low-income apartments. We need affordable housing.
Janice Wilson,
Arthur
The ‘best’ hospital
Dear Editor:
Groves Memorial Community Hospital is the best. We should all be grateful to have such an amazing hospital and staff in our community.
We have recently had the occasion to be involved with the medical profession. The ambulance arrived at our door in about seven minutes. The two men were amazing and quickly got the patient to Groves.
We were received and the staff in the emergency department were at work immediately and worked tirelessly long into the night. I received phone calls from doctors and nurses keeping me up to date on all that was happening with my very sick husband.
We’ve had many doctors involved and the nurses always had a smile no matter what the job was. You are all truly in the proper profession and a great tribute to our community.
How can two words, “thank you,” seem to be enough? We do thank you over and over, and not to forget our condo family.
Marg and Bill Rooney,
Fergus
Hoping for ‘a miracle’
Dear Editor:
Since the horrific attacks by Hamas in Israel nearly two weeks ago, conversation has quickly turned to the events taking place in Israel, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
We weep with the people of Israel over the killings, and we appreciate the rage expressed against the perpetrators of the attacks.
We weep with the people of the Gaza Strip over the violent deaths they are witnessing, and we appreciate the desperation they feel as they seek to find safety.
We plead for a miracle, for an end to the violence.
We who live in North America, we who do not have loved ones or friends in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, or Israel, we are invited to exercise great humility in our speaking. We are invited to exercise great humility in proposing solutions, in suggesting what should be done. Such humility is not an indication of our not caring, rather it is an acknowledgement of our limited knowledge and of the complexity of the situation. In fact, caring and compassion lead us to humble speaking.
With humility we cry out to God for a miracle. Hoping for the day when all the children of Abraham will walk the streets of Jerusalem in peace.
Peter Bush,
Fergus
Fundraiser a success
Dear Editor:
I am the owner of Hair With Care in Fergus.
On Sept. 10, I held a fundraiser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation and raised $4,100. On Oct. 13, I presented a cheque to Sara Felske, senior fundraising relationship manager from Heart and Stroke Ontario Southwest Region.
I would like to say a special thank you to the community for coming out, and local businesses in Fergus, Elora and Belwood for donating raffle prizes for the event.
Also a special thanks to Mary Brown’s Chicken, A&W Restaurant and Pizza Hut for their cash donations, Peter and Bob at Tim Hortons for donating coffee and donuts, Tom at Burke’s Rentals, and Matt and Amy at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex for donating tables for this event.
I am very thankful and appreciative of all the special people who helped make this fundraiser possible.
In September 2024, I am looking forward to holding my fourth annual event for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. I hope I can count on the community once again for their support.
Carrie Anne Kierstead,
Fergus