It seems appropriate that on the weekend celebrating Family Day, residents of Minto came together to celebrate the town’s 10th anniversary.
The town was created in 1999 by the amalgamation of the township of Minto, the towns of Harriston and Palmerston and the village of Clifford.
Mayor David Anderson said “It’s hard to believe it’s been ten years since we amalgamated.
“We’ve grown quite a bit since that time, and really looking forward to moving on.”
Anderson said the day’s events were held in Palmerston, Harriston and Clifford.
He noted outdoor events in Harriston would be capped with a bonfire.
Perth-Wellington MP Gary Schellenberger said he was a member of Downie Township council at the time of amalgamation, when it became part of Perth South.
“When we came together 10 years ago, there were a number of things said, including cutting costs,” he said. “I don’t know how many costs were cut, but I can tell you I view it a bit differently. I view it as a marriage … a marriage here of four municipalities which became one.
“As time goes on, I think we will learn what amalgamation was really all about was sharing various costs. When it becomes very costly for a small municipality to take on certain projects, the larger group can handle it a lot better.”
Schellenberger said he realizes it was still tough when things are done in some areas when people in other parts are paying for it. However he used the example of the City of Stratford, where sewer work on one street is partly paid for by people elsewhere in the city.
“You’re one big family; it’s everyone helping each other. On behalf of all of us, happy anniversary.”
Also at the event was Perth Wellington MPP John Wilkinson, who had taken part in the skating in Clifford earlier that day.
Wilkinson said “Happy Birthday … That’s the first thing.”
He saw great things happening in Minto.
“You have a lot to be proud of,” Wilkinson said.
He said the province had been searching for Ontario communities that are investment ready, as he alluded to a recent funding announcement for the wastewater system in Harriston.
He noted the infrastructure funding was a joint effort of three levels of government.
“We have all three levels of government working together,” something he believes is particularly important these days.
“There are a lot of people having a rough time these days, and we need to work closely together.”
