‘Dangerous’ diversion
Dear Editor:
The first phase of the St. David Street North (Highway 6) reconstruction in Fergus has disrupted and redirected traffic on to side streets that have not been designed nor developed for the amount of traffic that have been diverted to these streets, which are deteriorating due the amount of this traffic.
And with phase two to commence next spring.
Does or has our council considered the extra cost of resurfacing these side streets?
The extra traffic burden has been a challenge and sometimes dangerous as a resident on a redesigned Highway 6 that was once quiet.
Also, encountering 18-wheel transport trucks traversing streets not designed for them. Quite dangerous!
There are other issues to consider in phase two. How many cyclists will traverse this strip when all said and done? What is the added cost?
What is the added cost from a maintenance perspective?
Brad Foell,
Fergus
Nothing’s changed
Dear Editor:
On Dec. 19, St. David Street North (Highway 6) reopened.
Racing through the traffic lights started basically right away. Trucks big and small ran red lights. Pedestrians walked illegally across as they made drivers who had the right of way wait. They also walked across the street as the light turned yellow then red. All starting to cross while the light was changing.
I thought the bike lanes and redo of the street was going to be something that was safe for all. To me nothing has changed in the attitudes of vehicle drivers and pedestrians. Now bikes are being added.
Is there some sort of barrier between the bike and the vehicles for safety? What about stopping at streets before crossing with their bikes like pedestrians should?
Maybe someone needs to hang around and hand out tickets or something else to put safety first. Not race through the lights first.
Lucy Dyment,
Fergus
Battery storage needed
Dear Editor:
RE: ‘Not willing’ hosts, Dec. 5.
This raised concerns regarding a proposed 210 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Centre Wellington.
Energy storage systems, specifically utility-scale BESS facilities, are proposed in several Ontario municipalities as part of an ongoing procurement by the province’s Independent Electricity System Operator. The procurement aims to meet the predicted 75% increase in electricity demand expected by 2050. Meeting the increased demand will require development at a scale not seen in Ontario in a generation and will need a range of storage technologies, including BESS installations.
Energy storage resources are optimizers, ensuring all generation assets in the system are used as efficiently as possible. Storage can take inexpensive energy from the system when it isn’t needed and gives it back to the system at low cost when demand is high, increasing reliability and affordability of electricity for ratepayers. Additionally, BESS specifically can be rapidly deployed, easily scaled, and respond quickly to an electricity grid’s variable needs throughout the system’s expansion.
Regarding the safety concerns expressed in the initial letter, none of the extensive testing or incident data recorded to date has indicated the release of toxic gas or any public safety risks. The application of water on site is not considered best practice, preserving water supply and the water table. In addition, energy storage resources have a smaller geographical footprint than many low-carbon or renewable resources, and often a less permanent one. BESS can be installed on skids or other movable infrastructure, enabling the land to be returned to its previous state and use at the end of the asset’s lifecycle.
Like all electricity grid assets, BESS is a highly regulated resource, subject to meeting the requirements of Canada’s electrical code and applicable provincial codes. Manufacturers adhere to internationally recognized standards developed by the Underwriters Laboratory, which are the basis for Canada’s code standards.
In addition, project developers work closely with local emergency responders to develop a site-specific emergency response plan tailored to the responders and needs of the local community. Developers often offer specialized training or resources to local emergency responders, in line with best practice and guidelines provided Ontario’s Association of Fire Chiefs.
At Energy Storage Canada, we understand BESS, and energy storage broadly, are new to Ontario’s electricity grid and its communities, meaning transparent conversations between developers, municipalities and residents is critical in their implementation.
We’re always happy to join the conversation about energy storage and the role it can play in Canada’s future grids, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’d like to talk more about BESS or any other storage-related topics.
Justin Rangooni,
CEO, Energy Storage Canada
‘Kind gesture’
Dear Editor:
A few weeks ago on garbage day in Elora Meadows where I live, one of the workers kindly brought our green receptacle to our garage door.
My husband and I were both outside bringing in the blue boxes. He would have noticed that we were both elderly. I said I would like him to have a small tip and he refused.
We were both taken by this kind gesture of the young worker taking the time to do this in his busy schedule. I wanted to point this out showing that there are still some wonderful people in this world who care.
Please make sure that your recycling materials are clean and put neatly in their proper containers – this will help the workers.
Florence VanGinkel,
Elora
‘Insulting behaviour’
Dear Editor:
RE: Canada Post strike, Dec. 5.
Colleen Telford seemed to be attempting to rationalize the recent strike by mail workers. She does not say if she is a mail worker or a student, but I found the last few lines saying, “Let’s support our families, friends and neighbours in our community by not spreading misinformation,” rather strange.
The mail strike, as a whole, was a direct attack on Canada Post, at a vulnerable time, to extract as much wage and benefit increases as they could. They took small business, charities, gifts from family abroad, persons waiting for documents, letters to Santa, etc. as hostages.
They also endangered their own people by a total lack of concern for the future of Canada Post as a service that could be trusted and continue to employ them. In fact, they acted like a dangerous virus with intent to harm the host entity, if necessary, to get what they wanted.
It took the Liberal government way too long to step in, as they need the backing of the NDP to get anything done and they usually refuse to tangle with unions. Even they eventually decided that the Grinch was stealing Christmas, but too little, too late.
The response from the union was disgraceful, really, as it clearly showed their total lack of respect for their customers. If their case was as strong as they indicated, they could have waited until after Christmas and gave plenty of warning to their customers and maybe had some support from them.
It will take a long time to heal this insulting behaviour and we will remember.
Malcolm McCulloch,
Centre Wellington
‘Courage to speak out’
Dear Editor:
You kindly published an “election prediction” of mine on April 14, 2022. Making political predictions are foolish, but at that time I thought the Americans might elect a female president in 2024. They did come close, but ultimately failed to do so.
Also I surmised the Conservatives in 2022 might elect as their new leader a woman, but they didn’t.
When I looked to the Liberals back in 2022, I also thought if Justin Trudeau didn’t seek re-election in 2025, Chrystia Freeland would be an obvious choice. Her position as finance minister and deputy minister as well as her successful conclusion of our free trade negotiations with the U.S. and Mexico was a no-brainer. She obviously had the smarts.
But in December 2024, Chrystia Freeland resigned over a disagreement with the office of the prime minister, as is the right of any minister and especially the finance minister when it comes to the financial management of the country.
The fall financial statement in 2024 was the proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back” as well as Trudeau’s decision to remove her from her substantial portfolio. I applaud her because of her integrity. Others might disagree.
Maybe Chrystia Freeland isn’t the person the Liberals want to lead them into the next election. They have other strong male and female members on their team, but do they have the courage to speak out while the prime minister is still in office or are they “keeping their powder dry” in order to keep in good standing with the Liberal elite and safeguard their own chances to become the next leader of the Liberal Party? I think the answer to that is clear.
Janet Calderwood,
Rockwood
Parade with ‘heart’
Dear Editor:
“Tractor Tires and Toys” rolled down the main street of Alma on Dec. 22.
Floats of all sizes and colours decked out with waving children and adults is the heart of Alma’s Santa Claus Parade.
Thanks to the OPP and traffic volunteers for ensuring the traffic flowed safely through the community.
The creative floats from our village businesses, enthusiastic community groups, those beautiful horses you’d like to pat, the massive machines dwarfing the spectators avoiding the manure spreaders, construction crews without hard hats, marching cadets from the Elora Legion and our hardworking politicians make it a special parade – and of course Santa, as he makes his last stop before he heads home to the North Pole.
Jacobus de Bock,
Parade chair, Alma Optimist Club
‘Heartfelt gratitude’
Dear Editor:
The Wellington Terrace Team extends our heartfelt gratitude to all the incredible members of our community who showed such generosity this Christmas.
Your thoughtful gifts to residents in need and the delightful “stocking stuffer” items you donated brought joy and warmth to so many.
Your kindness and support mean the world to us. Thank you for making this season brighter!
Peg Muhlbauer,
Fergus
‘Fun pages’
Dear Editor:
I wanted to just write in to say how much I enjoyed completing the winter activity page in the Dec. 26 Advertiser.
My mom and I did some of them together, too! It was so fun. I think you should put more fun pages in for young readers like me.
Adaline Eisen,
East Garafraxa
‘Warm beds’
Dear Editor:
Re: A columnist from The Waterloo Record states we give the homeless toques, mitts and meals but where is the shelter – or the real warmth?
I want to say, part of the warmth – the thoughts, the toques and something to warm their bellies – is there.
But, something is seriously wrong when we close our minds and think it is correct to not provide proper resources.
Repurpose the old buildings and areas and stop getting rid of their belongings because the homeless are trying to create some warmth and shelter.
We need to turn empty cold nights into warm beds.
Lucy Dyment,
Fergus
‘Love’ letter
Dear Editor:
RE: ‘The need for change,’ Dec. 26.
Curt Hammond, have you been told today? I love you (don’t tell my husband).
Joanne Young Evans,
Executive director,
Compass Community Services