We can all do better
Dear Editor:
RE: No courage, Dec. 8.
This letter is in response to Linda Rosier’s open letter to Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott.
Rosier’s comments were absolutely and unequivocally correct. Our politicians are not standing up for their party’s promises.
But we are not writing this merely in support of Rosier’s letter but to enlighten our politicians that Linda and dozens of other climate change activists have spent not weeks, not months, not years, but decades of their lives and personal time advocating for positive environmental change.
This was not done in their “spare” time, nor in their “off” time. This has been done in their daily lives at the expense of abandoning their personal dreams and goals. Why? Because they hold the space for the rest of us who have not made the commitment that needs to be made.
And shame on us – we can probably all do better (or even much better) in being change agents for our environment. But this needs to be not only led, but also committed to, by our political leaders.
Doug, Ted, Michael, please leave our Greenbelt alone. And commit to it – not only for all of our sakes but for the sakes of our children and our grandchildren.
And also to continue to support those who work tirelessly to inspire all of us to do the same.
Leslie and Andrew Salisbury,
Erin
‘How refreshing’
Dear Editor:
RE: Newly-elected Centre Wellington council gets down to business, Dec. 15.
How refreshing to read the account of the successful, collaborative first Centre Wellington council meeting. And what a smart idea to rotate the deputy mayor position through each member of the team.
Seeing our mayor take a stand for Bill 23 at the recent public demonstration is added evidence that our community is in good hands.
To Mayor Shawn Watters and members of council: thank you for your public service over the next four years.
Toni Ellis,
Elora
Take the time
Dear Editor:
As we come to this Christmas season, may we reflect on what Christmas is really about.
Christmas is about Jesus’ birth. Why was He born? Why did He die? If it wasn’t for the baby in the manger, we wouldn’t celebrate Christmas. He also died on the cross. The best-selling book in the world relates the plain truth. It has nothing to do with religion. It can be a life-changing experience.
We must count our blessings, be thankful for family and friends. take time to care about others.
Put Christ in Christmas, enjoy the season.
Marilyn Fowler,
Guelph
Needs your help
Dear Editor:
The pandemic has turned the charitable industry completely upside down.
At a time when we most need mental health and community services, our organizations are least able to provide them. Canadian donations have decreased by 12% each year since the start of the pandemic – and at Compass Community Services, we’re feeling the pinch.
Our team works hard to reduce the impacts of isolation, job stress, family challenges, and more.
Thinking of ending your life? Worried about a loved elder and need someone to check up on them? We have a telephone support line for you. Pick up the phone any day of the week and you’ll hear the kind voice of one of our trained volunteers, ready to lend an ear and a helping hand.
We are doing everything we can to support our community. In fact, in 2022, our telephone support staff made over 30,000 contacts (up from 2,634 contacts in 2019) with people in need from Guelph, north Wellington, and the surrounding areas. I’m so proud of our team.
Despite this, I’m worried that we won’t be able to provide the same hours of service next year. Suicidal ideation doesn’t stop at 5pm.
Every week, I hear a story of how one of our phone line volunteers diverted a suicide attempt, connected a queer youth to critical resources, or reminded a senior to take their life-saving medication. With your help, we can continue our vital work.
You can make a difference in our community.
Please visit our Canada Helps page.
Because everyone needs a little help now and then.
Joanne Young Evans,
Executive director, Compass Community Services
‘It is what it is’
Dear Editor:
Throughout Canada we are undergoing a situation where the media and politicians have decided the views of Indigenous activists should be protected, with the public’s views being ignored.
Many examples exist, including the Queen Victoria monument removal from a public park in Kitchener, the removal of statues of Sir John A. Macdonald and other past Canadian prime ministers from public display in Wilmot Township, and the defacing and destruction of other historical figures throughout the country.
Residential schools went wrong in the implementation. Sir John and other politicians are not the villains; religious educators who operated the schools are.
Why do we cave to people who demand name changes and vandalize at night? Why do we capitulate to people who distort history for their own narrow agendas? Some of our colonial past is shameful, but much of it was magnificent. We were and are only human.
To categorize every view that is different from those of activists as hate is incorrect. It is a different view only – it is what it is.
Don Kruger,
Fergus
Generous stranger
Dear Editor:
Recently a group of four of us were dining at the Elora Mill. It was a birthday celebration for two. We were one of many tables enjoying the magnificent view and the incredible lunch.
As we were getting ready to pay our bill a gentleman sitting at the table behind us got up and asked the waiter to see our bill. We were somewhat confused, however we did not object; our thinking was perhaps he thought we had received his bill by mistake.
The gentleman then proceeded to remove cash from his wallet and paid our bill, including gratuity. Needless to say, we were both shocked and grateful. He would not tell us his name, wanting to remain anonymous.
To this gentleman and his lunch companion, we say again, thank you and merry Christmas!
Gib Lovelock,
Exeter
Calling out Arnott
Dear Editor:
An open letter to Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott.
We are appalled to read that not one member of the Conservative Party opposed Bill 23.
As our elected representative, we are calling on you to have the courage to stand up for what is right. If we do not protect our natural ecologically sensitive areas while they exist, we shall be facing the destruction of irreplaceable natural areas which help to sustain our planet.
Our wetland and forests are vital to sustaining the ecosystems so that we have a diversity of wildlife, forests and habitats for God’s creatures. Most importantly we require a sustainable watershed for life, as without water we die.
In the 1990s I chaired an organization opposed to a landfill on the Niagara Escarpment. That landfill likewise would have affected the downstream water supply. After nine years of opposing the dump, the victory was won. The 20 million-tonne dump pales before Bill 23.
Conservation areas have been put at the mercy of this government. Municipal input has been overruled.
This land grab benefits a few developers at the expense of the citizens of Ontario. We lose forests, wetlands, farmlands, tourist and recreational space and face higher taxes, fees, and a reduction in building community services.
We can hardly believe that this Conservative government, which was elected to represent the people, has so little regard for its constituents.
The Conservative Party presented itself as representing the people. It should have run on a platform of representing developers if it had the notion of being honest.
Pat and Chris Woode,
Fergus
‘Disheartening’
Dear Editor:
Since March of this year there have been six wreaths vandalized at the Elora cenotaph.
Ribbons on the wreaths provided by the governments of Canada, Ontario, County of Wellington, and Township of Centre Wellington have been removed and are missing. Snow at the cenotaph this month indicated a large set of boot prints – not children!
If this disrespectful behaviour is some form of anti-government protest, it is misplaced. The responsible party should realize that these wreaths and ribbons are to honour those who gave the supreme sacrifice and thus are the names etched on the cenotaph.
They were Canadians, from the Province of Ontario, County of Wellington and the previous Township of Pilkington and Village of Elora, now recognized as Centre Wellington.
To replace a ribbon is at the cost of the Legion Poppy Fund, whose account we just supplemented due to the incredible generosity of our supporters.
As noted in my letter previously announcing the campaign efforts and results, I included the many projects and organizations that we donate these funds to, which includes several that have or are serving their country, just as those who came before them.
We are now very wary of our normal display practice at the cenotaph. There are a lot of volunteer hours and effort that lead up to Remembrance Day, and it is disheartening to be plagued by someone’s misguided actions.
Please treat the cenotaph and the honouring wreaths with the respect deserved.
Lest we forget! Lest we forget!
Jim Paterson,
Poppy chair, Royal Canadian Legion, Elora Br.229
Parade success
Dear Editor:
The 30th anniversary Rockwood Farmers’ Santa Claus Parade of Lights was a huge success this year.
The participants all outdid themselves with more lights and decorations than ever before.
The parade could not go on for 30 years without help from the community.
The parade committee really appreciates all the time and effort we receive from the staff at the Township of Guelph/Eramosa.
We would also like to thank: Guelph/Eramosa Fire Department and surrounding departments, OPP, Rockwood Lions Club, Drexler Construction, Sunbelt Rentals, Chantler’s Environmental, Wellington Marketplace, Wellington Advertiser, Mimosa 4-H and the 4th line farmers for the use of their land
Without the 24 farmers and farm business and their families who put on a great show there would be no parade! A huge thank you to them!
Glenn Storey,
Rockwood Farmers’ Parade Committee