GUELPH – Just before Christmas in 2019, Dr. Nicola Mercer, medical officer of health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, was briefed about a new virus that was spreading in China. Mercer reflected on the past five years as WDGPH fought COVID-19.
Fergus man launches Global Aerosol Recycling Association
FERGUS – Mike MacKay is a hydraulic engineer by trade, but he’s now shifted gears. Instead of selling a product, he’s selling the idea that aerosol cans can and should be recycled.
U of G researchers receive grant to study relationship between domestic violence, homelessness
GUELPH – Two University of Guelph professors hope to better understand how the housing crisis is impacting women experiencing and fleeing violence and how violence can lead to homelessness and vice versa.
Puslinch site alteration bylaw doing its job: staff
ABERFOYLE – Almost a year after passing a site alteration bylaw, Puslinch council heard from staff that the bylaw is serving the community well and there should be no changes.
Short-term rental bylaw expected to return to council in new year
CENTRE WELLINGTON – There was plenty of discussion on the topic of establishing a bylaw to regulate short-term rentals (STR) in the township at the Dec. 16 council meeting, but little discussion about the content of such a bylaw.
Centre Wellington passes 2025 budget; residents will see 3.5% increase on tax bill
ELORA – The budget includes a 3.49 per cent increase on the township portion of the tax bill, which amounts to an extra $50 a year on a home assessed at $393,972.
Report: it costs $315 per week to feed family of four
GUELPH – The average family of four can eat a nutritious diet for $315 per week, according to the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health monitoring of food affordability report that was presented to the board of health on Dec. 4.
Women in Crisis marks 35th anniversary of Montreal Massacre
GUELPH – Remembering matters. Memorializing matters. And standing up against femicide really matters, said public educator Cindy McMann at the Dec. 6 vigil organized by Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis.
Centre Wellington looking at 3.5% tax increase in 2025
CENTRE WELLINGTON – Homeowners in Centre Wellington are likely facing a 3.49 per cent increase in the township portion of their property tax bill after council approved the recommendation at its committee of the whole meeting on Dec. 3.
Angel wings soaring at Heritage River
ELORA – Hand-crafted angel wing key chain ornaments have been flying off the shelves at Heritage River Retirement Residence, with proceeds going to the Centre Wellington Food Bank.
Christmas Wonderland Home Tour to benefit Fergus Curling Club
BELWOOD – The problem in Kathy Sievert’s home is not the number of Christmas trees she has on display – and there are 50 this year. It’s the number of tree ornaments she and her daughter have collected over the years.
Puslinch growth target is 600 new homes by 2051
PUSLINCH – Wellington County has determined that Puslinch needs 600 more homes to meet its housing obligations to 2051.
Puslinch mayor and council getting a pay raise
ABERFOYLE – Puslinch Mayor James Seeley's salary will rise by 33% next year, and councillors will be paid 3.4% more, in an effort to bring their compensation more in line with comparable municipalities.
Puslinch council approves grant requests for 2025
ABERFOYLE – As it works on the 2025 budget, Puslinch council decided on Nov. 27 to increase the amount the township distributes through its grant program.
Fergus eye clinic among first in Ontario to offer treatment to reverse blindness
FERGUS – Lenore Prickett was all ears when she learned a treatment that could reverse blindness for people with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) had been developed and was soon to be approved by Health Canada.