Elora ‘challenge’
Dear Editor:
An open letter to the merchants of Elora.
Sorry that I didn’t get to do my annual Christmas shopping at your location this year, but the challenge to get into town some days was just too much to attempt.
Just getting off the street was difficult when the traffic was lined up beyond the roundabout and everyone was scrambling to find a bare spot to park in.
But I found that if I left early enough I was able to accomplish errands to the E and G Bakery, Shoppers Drug Mart, The Apothecary, Magic Pebble Books and the Geddes Street Market.
When your business doesn’t open until 10am I couldn’t fit in with the incoming crowds. Looking forward to when the lights go out and we can again see the stars in the dark sky.
I’m just glad that there were no emergencies downtown as there would be no way for the emergency vehicles to get to the scene in good time. See you in the spring.
Susan Edwards,
Elora
‘Evidence of problem’
Dear Editor:
On the issue of homelessness, to me and others the answer to the lack of shelter is not to run them out of where they may have pitched their bed. The answer is not, “Oh, they are just druggies, lazy, dirty and (whatever adjective that you use).”
Stop bringing in bulldozers and dropping planters to chase them out. Look at solutions to this lack, listen to the answers that people are presenting and help those without a roof.
The following quote is part of the answer. Let’s be a part of it.
“People experiencing homelessness are not the problem. They’re the evidence of the problem.”
Lucy Dyment,
Fergus
Logo ‘burden’
Dear Editor:
An open letter to Erin Mayor Michael Dehn and town councillors.
Thank you for finally listening to your citizens, opening the Erin Engaged site for those unable to attend municipal meetings, relieving town staff’s time and talents of the burden of pursuing that logo refresh project and avoiding further expenses it would entail.
When we found our dream home south of Erin village 40 years ago, we soon learned from the first neighbours who befriended our family that we’d always be “newbies” as their roots reached several generations deep.
That influenced our attitude.
Our sons flourished in the unique character of small-town Erin, its friendly nature, solid education, seasonal events and well-established businesses.
Folks will choose to move to Erin if new subdivisions are well built, with energy-efficient features, within their budget, the commute time to work is reasonable and there’s space in our schools for their children.
The logo is irrelevant, though it’s great that it needs no further interpretation. These folks will shop locally when they receive good quality products and friendly service, at fair prices.
Sixty years ago, when I taught high school, I used a National Film Board film in class, entitled Nobody’s Perfect. Looking forward, please focus on being a good, responsible government.
Louise McMullen,
Erin
‘The need for change’
Dear Editor:
RE: Enough already, Dec. 12.
I couldn’t agree more with your editorial – enough already indeed!
Enough of suggesting women should “wait their turn” while watching the same male faces rotate through leadership positions. Enough of implying that sitting on a specific committee somehow outweighs years of proven leadership experience and fresh perspectives.
Enough of dismissing legitimate concerns about representation as “self-serving.” Enough of suggesting that questioning the status quo somehow disrupts well-being or impact. Enough of being so afraid of change that we take an entire editorial column to model what protectionist thinking and language look like.
And finally, enough of implying that advocating for change must be about money. Since you mentioned my business, let me be clear: as my accountant likes to remind me, municipal campaign school is all volunteer time. Like many in our community, I put energy into actions I feel will build a stronger Wellington County.
Your dismissal of these efforts is telling. You suggest critics “don’t understand the process.” Actually, we understand it perfectly. That’s exactly why we are putting time, effort and money toward changing it.
The real inconvenient truth is that our current county council does not reflect the makeup of our community. Different perspectives around decision-making tables matter, even (especially) when they make the traditional power structure uncomfortable.
Yes, enough already. Enough of the same old approaches. Enough of suggesting women should be grateful for whatever role they’re allowed to play. Enough of defending systems that have lost their commitment to service in favour of those already in power.
So rather than giving up as it seems you were asking of me, I will continue to invite our community to think about the type of local government we want. Based on the response to my letter that I have received and your attention to it, I am not alone in seeing the need for change.
Curt Hammond,
Elora
‘Divisiveness’
Dear Editor:
RE: Enough already, Dec. 12.
The prestige attached to chairing a committee may be overstated, but some people seem fixated on titles. Publisher Dave Adsett recently suggested that county councillor Diane Ballantyne’s desire to chair the roads committee “made little sense” because she had never served on it before. This argument is not only flawed but reveals a troubling bias.
Firstly, does Adsett truly believe, based on logic, reason or inference, that Ballantyne is merely “hung up on titles”? Such an assertion lacks evidence and feels more like an unwarranted personal attack. Respectfully, Mr. Adsett, your bias is showing.
Secondly, using similar logic, does Adsett argue that a lack of direct experience on a committee disqualifies someone from effectively leading it? Leadership is not solely about prior participation; it is about transferable skills, a fact Ballantyne has demonstrated repeatedly.
Over the years, she has shown proficiency in communication, adaptability, creativity, dependability, analytical thinking, data literacy, empathy, organization, and teamwork.
Many of these skills were honed during her career in education and her service in municipal government. These qualities are the very foundation of effective leadership.
The New Oxford Dictionary defines leadership as, “The process of persuasion or example by which an individual (or leadership team) induces a group to pursue objectives held by the leader and his or her followers.” By this measure, Ballantyne is well-equipped to chair the roads committee, bringing a fresh perspective and proven abilities to the role.
I encourage Adsett and others to focus on qualifications and constructive debate rather than speculative assumptions about motivation or capability. Leadership is about relationships and efficacy not favouritism and divisiveness.
Also, the points made in Curt Hammond’s letter (‘Lack of diversity,’ Dec. 12) were exceptionally well-articulated and resonate deeply. Well said and absolutely spot on.
Elizabeth Avery,
Fergus
‘Passive consumption’
Dear Editor:
As a U.S. resident with pen pals in New Zealand, I’ve been increasingly asked about the political climate in the United States. It’s clear that our globalized world makes us all interconnected, and the decisions made in one country can have far-reaching consequences.
I vividly recall my visit to New Zealand several years ago, where I was deeply impressed by the country’s emphasis on respectful political discourse.
Despite the inevitable political differences, there seemed to be a shared understanding of the importance of civil dialogue and a commitment to finding common ground. In our increasingly interconnected world, the flow of information has never been more rapid. Social media, 24-hour news cycles, and countless online articles bombard us with a constant stream of news and opinion. While this access to information is unprecedented, it also presents a significant challenge: the risk of passive consumption.
We have become accustomed to passively absorbing information, rather than actively engaging with it. This passive approach can lead to a dangerous complacency, where we allow others to shape our opinions without critical thought. The absence of critical thinking can foster a culture of division and misinformation.
The repeal of the Fairness Doctrine in the United States in 1987 serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked information. This FCC regulation required broadcasters to present multiple viewpoints on controversial issues. Its absence has allowed the rise of partisan media outlets that often prioritize opinion over fact.
Even fact-checking organizations, while invaluable, are not infallible. It is essential to remember that no source of information is entirely objective. To combat this trend, we must cultivate a mindset of curiosity and skepticism. We should question the sources of information, analyze the underlying biases, and seek out diverse perspectives.
The future of our democracies depends on an informed and engaged citizenry.
By actively seeking out truth, challenging assumptions and participating in civil discourse, we can ensure that our voices are heard and our values are upheld.
Philip Pomposi,
Denver, Colorado
‘Deep blind trust’
Dear Editor:
RE: Centre Wellington looking at 3.5% tax increase in 2025, Dec. 5.
There is something profoundly troubling when elected representatives have such a deep blind trust of the information they receive from senior staff that they cannot even form a question and do basic addition concerning fiscal matters.
The mayor and council of Centre Wellington exhibited this at the Dec. 3 budget meeting.
I understood that in June the staff projected the tax increase would be 6.28% and assessment growth would be 1.38% for a total increase of revenue from both to be 7.66% for the operations budget. Council wanted taxes to be 4.5% or less.
In a July letter I predicted MPAC assessment would increase tax revenues for Centre Wellington.The new budget presented on Dec. 3 reported a huge assessment income growth of 6.69% so senior staff proposed a 3.49% tax increase. It appears the mayor and council were so delighted they immediately stopped thinking because they asserted themselves to staff in June to have taxes less than 4.5% and they got 3.49%. Aren’t we a bold and assertive council?
Wait a minute … 6.69% assessment growth and 3.49% tax increase is a 10.18% tax increase in revenue for Centre Wellington. The 3.49% is not a neutral increase of taxes, nor did the staff have to do a lot of work to reduce the taxes from 6.28% as the CAO claimed.
The tax increase should only have been 1.38% using the June 2025 expenses, but with the termite expense reduction it could have been zero tax increase. That would have been good budgeting in these inflationary times that is also a recession.
Exploiting the windfall opportunity from the assessment growth, and blind trust of council, the senior staff “worked hard” to add 8.5 more staff to fill the $44-million Taj Mahal operations facility.
Stephen Kitras,
Centre Wellington
‘Last person’ to rely on
Dear Editor:
RE: ‘Get with the program,’ Dec. 12.
Regarding president-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats, Arlene Callaghan states “Trudeau and the Liberal party managed Trump’s agenda in 2018 and, using that experience, will stand in good stead to protect our national interests now.” Really?
In 2018, as in 2024, Trump said he was bringing in tariffs for a specific reason. He warned the Trudeau government as far back as 2017 that he had an issue with Chinese steel and aluminum being dumped into Canada at cheap prices and then shipped south to the U.S. as Canadian product.
After the tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum were put into place the Trudeau government, not wanting to offend their friends in Beijing, responded by putting in counter tariffs on American products such as bourbon and ketchup.
It wasn’t until May 2019 that both countries lifted their tariffs after an official joint statement from both governments made it clear that the issue was resolved by Canada agreeing to deal with China’s dumping of steel and aluminum products.
Trump has legitimate reasons to be concerned about the border, as illegal crossings from Canada to the U.S. have increased by 82% over two years, and 87% of terror suspects caught trying to enter the U.S. cross at the Canadian border.
Trudeau’s response this time appears to be to insult Trump and those who voted for him, as he has done on at least two recent occasions. He likely did this to try to boost his low poll numbers, knowing Trump’s unpopularity in Canada.
Trudeau is the last person I would rely on to protect our national interests.
Henry Brunsveld,
Puslinch
‘Amazed spectators’
Dear Editor:
Area farmers once again amazed spectators with their farm machinery covered in lights at the Rockwood Farmers’ Annual Santa Claus Parade of Lights on Dec. 12.
The 32nd annual parade was a cold one, however the crowds stuck it out. Many people from further distances were able to watch a livestream on Facebook.
The parade would not be a success without the great work the participants do to decorate. The Township of Guelph/Eramosa is fundamental in organizing permits and preparing the route for the parade.
The OPP, the Guelph/Eramosa Fire department as well as Erin, Puslinch and Centre Wellington departments escort the equipment safely along the route.
The organizing committee would also like to thank: the local farmers who host the event and car parking, Rockwood Lions Club, Drexler Construction, Sunbelt Rentals, Mimosa 4-H and Wellington Marketplace. See everyone next year on Dec. 11.
Glenn Storey,
Guelph/Eramosa
Christmas poetry
Dear Editor:
Waiting for Eternity
Jessie ran her hand along the shiny silver wrap,
Wondering at the treasure that lay upon her lap.
It was too hard to guess at all the things that it might be,
But in a flash the secret would be plain for all to see.
Jessie lost her patience on the night the snowfall came.
It left her on the driveway when it turned to freezing rain,
And after that the waiting became more than she could bear,
And she almost snuck out in the night to find out what was there.
Her sisters caught her on the stairs as they creaked out an alarm,
And they coaxed her back to bed before she did any harm.
If only dad had fixed the noise that whispered of her schemes,
She would have made it to the tree in more than just her dreams.
Instead, anticipation grew for Jessie every day,
Reminding her of Mary and the manger and the hay,
Reminding her of angels and shepherds in the snow –
How long had they been waiting, those people long ago?
But we are also waiting for a great and glorious day,
When angels herald Jesus who is coming back to stay.
With wide-eyed expectation every day we’re living in,
Could be the day that we will see God’s Kingdom ushered in!
What a day that will be.
Sid Bakker,
Fergus