‘So many questions’
Dear Editor:
RE: More office space to be added at sportsplex, Aug. 1.
Thanks for your article about conversion of Fergus sportsplex weight room space to offices. Public awareness of such matters is so important. It points to so many questions about decisions in our beautiful township.
Why spend $160,000 to replace existing recreational space with offices before completion of a parks and recreational plan – a plan meant to identify future recreational needs?
Why spend $4.8 million to purchase 90 acres of farm land next to the sportsplex on speculation of future needs, in advance of a plan which will determine parks and recreation needs in future?
Why spend $90,000 of a $350,000 MacDonald endowment, to assess how many millions of tax dollars an artificial refrigerated outdoor ice surface at Bissell Park will cost? Instead why not use all $413,000 (including funds raised) to enhance Bissell Park in an environmentally responsible way, without adding unnecessarily to emissions, maintenance, staffing and already-excessive tax pressures?
And why put a 2023 tax revenue surplus of $1.7 million into capital reserves when it could be used to offset the record-high 2024 tax rate increase of 7.38%? Why not provide council with projected actual 2024 expenditures in the 2025 budget direction document, especially when it recommends another near record 6.3% tax rate increase next year?
Why no mention of the $5 million of new revenue from the sale of lots in the Fergus Industrial Park in 2024, when proposing significant tax rate increases for 2025?
And then there are the designated levies! One for asset management (2%), one for termite control (1%) and one for bridges and culverts (9%), all on top of the base tax rate increase. So many questions.
Peter van Vloten,
Fergus
‘Eyesore, fire hazard’
Dear Editor:
The hamlet of Inverhaugh is growing larger with two new subdivisions on the go. It is the gateway to Centre Wellington from the Region of Waterloo.
The former Blondies Lunch location is an eyesore and fire hazard. It would have been nice if the location could have remained a restaurant, but the buildings have not been used for many years and they look like they are beyond repair.
Would it be possible for Centre Wellington to purchase the property, remove the buildings and make it into a small park? Or at least ask the property owners to remove the buildings and clean up the site and perhaps sell it for a housing site?
Brian Paleczny,
Inverhaugh
Fun family event
Dear Editor:
A heartfelt appreciation to the Deter Family from Puslinch for hosting the John Deere Heritage Days event on Wellington Road 32 last weekend.
The event, presented by the 1st Ontario Two-Cylinder Club and organized by the Deter Family, was a huge success and drew in a large and diverse crowd. Participants from all over gathered to enjoy a weekend filled with excitement. The event showcased numerous tractors, vintage trucks, memorabilia and more.
The Deter family’s dedication, meticulous planning and time invested in organizing this event were truly commendable. Adults savoured tractor games, parades, and remarkable demonstrations, while children delighted in play areas, face painting, delicious maple syrup and ice cream treats.
The event brought the community together for a memorable weekend of classic “green and yellow” fun! A big thank-you to everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this a fun-filled family event for our community.
The Speers Family,
Puslinch
Thanks to sponsors
Dear Editor:
Elora Mohawks Alumni held their fourth annual golf tournament on June 22.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Wildwinds Golf Links for hosting and the Elora Legion for hosting the meal.
An event like this would not be successful without all our amazing hole sponsors and prize donators, your generosity was greatly appreciated. Thanks again to the following sponsors…
Gold
Pro Vision Printing, Yard Weasels
Natural Pet Nutrition
RCR Concrete
Mack Truck Canada
H.D.P. Network Solutions
Blown Away Glass Studio
CW Sports
Grand View Concrete Groving
DeBoers Equipment
Garage Doors Elora
Centre Wellington Dental
Gorge Country Kitchen
Fergus Legion Branch 275
Silver
C.L.McManus
O’Sullivan Concrete Floors LTD.
Brian Gammie Realtor
Vista Railing Systems
Some R New and Used Tires
Select Ground Maintenance / Connor Mann
Mark Martin Complete Home Exteriors
Sunbelt
James Keating Construction
GL Industries LTD
Bronze
Brodericks Clothiers
Highlander Landscapes
Centre Wellington Massage
Elora Legion Branch 229
Adrian Duiker Construction
Smith Concrete Forming
Body Mechanik
The Goofie Newfie
Kris Miller Construction
Fleming Fast Freight and Warehouse Inc.
Impact Reality Group
Geddes Market
Prize table
Village Barber
Absolute Filtration
Nexans
Dixon Home Hardware
Guelph Lakes Golf Course
Wildwinds Golf Links
Pike Lake Golf Course
Action Golf Course
Remember to save the date for next year: June 21, 2025. Hope to see you all then!
Jeff Spies,
Elora Mohawks Alumni
‘Free’ flag?
Dear Editor:
RE: Council agrees to accept Christmas light donation – with some trepidation, July 18.
Here we go again: off-shore money taking over control of your little town of Elora.
They are waving the “free” flag and the township is going for it hook, line and sinker.
Who pays for the hydro, adjusting the street lights and all equipment needed to bring power to the lights?
Councillor Bronwynne Wilton’s concerns where quite valid.
It appears Pat Newsom has more control of what goes on in the township than the councillors.
J. Alexander,
Fergus