The Wellington Advertiser would like to wish everyone a safe and happy 2015, as we take a look back on an eventful year in 2014.
The following is just a small sample of the News that made headlines in Mapleton Township in the past 12 months.
January
Members of the newly formed Drayton Kinette Club hosted a successful toy drive and proposed new projects such as a splash pad for the Kinsmen park.
Mount Forest was designated as the Health Link for rural Wellington County. The Health Link program helps redirect patients to services needed, making it easier for seniors and patients with complex conditions to get the care they need. Health Link areas established in Ontario bring together health care providers in a given geographic area, including primary care providers, specialists, hospitals, home care, long-term care and community agencies.
A major winter storm struck southwestern Ontario on Jan. 5, playing havoc with traffic around the county and creating “life threatening conditions” across the region.
Heavy snowfalls began moving into the area on Jan. 5 and turned heavy overnight. By Jan. 7, Environment Canada had issued a blizzard warning. Approximately 15 to 30cm of snow accumulated along with extreme wind chills of minus 35 to minus 40.
The Community Awareness Training Seminar (CATS) team disbanded due to the difficulty of recruiting new members. Its last seminar entitled Open Our Hearts/Breaking the Silence was held Nov. 16, 2013.
Mapleton councillor Neil Driscoll announced he would run for mayor in the 2014 municipal election. Incumbent Mayor Bruce Whale said he would not be seeking re-election.
Council indicated it plans to remove a controversial exemption from minimum distance separation (MDS) regulations in the township’s comprehensive zoning bylaw.
The controversial section of the bylaw, which was passed in 2010, provides an exemption from MDS 1 requirements for new non-farm uses of property on existing lots in agricultural zones that are less than four hectares (9.9 acres).
The exemption had been the subject of considerable controversy, as it allowed for residential construction on several previously-dormant lots near Moorefield within the MDS radius of an existing but unoccupied hog barn.
A motion passed by council at the Jan. 14 meeting called for a return to the approach taken under the pre-2010 bylaw, with regard to both lots created by checkerboard and “lots of record” in the township.
Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) attended the Maranatha church and school at 31 John Street in Drayton for two break and enter and mischief complaints issued on Jan. 17 at 10pm and Jan. 18 at 9am. Unknown suspect(s) gained entry to the school through a window and spray painted graffiti on walls with white paint.
The area was paralyzed by yet another winter storm on Jan. 24. Strong winds and snow squalls led to the closure of Highway 6 between Fergus and Arthur, which remained shut down until Jan. 26.
By early evening on Jan. 24 Wellington County OPP had closed all roads in the county north of Wellington Road 17 due to blowing snow and poor visibility.
At the height of the storm in the early morning hours on Jan. 25, most roads in Wellington, Huron and Bruce counties were closed, with major highways and many county roads through Perth, Grey and Dufferin counties also shut down.
Minor soccer organizations in Harriston and Palmerston amalgamated to form the Minto United Soccer Club (MUSC). A minor soccer program was not offered in Palmerston in 2013, while the Harriston club was only able to offer soccer at three age levels.
In 2014, the two groups joined forces to play out of the North Perth Soccer League, using soccer pitches located in Palmerston and Clifford.
February
Mapleton council agreed to spend up to $40,000 to renovate the basement of the Mapleton administration centre and provide office space for the building department.
In their third season of play since the amalgamation of the Drayton Icemen and the Palmerston 81’s, the Mapleton Minto 81’s won the WOAA Senior AA North division regular season championship with a pair of wins on Feb. 2.
Raymond Ash of Moorefield received a cheque for a $10,000 prize he won in McDonalds Restaurants’ Monopoly game. Ash found an instant win stamp on the wrapper of an Egg McMuffin he purchased at the McDonalds in Listowel on Oct. 14, 2013. He received the cash from Listowel restaurant manager Joe Vinen on Feb. 11.
The Oppose Belwood Wind Farm Assocation (OBWFA) took a bus trip to Toronto to take part in an anti-turbine protest at Queen’s Park on Feb. 24.
On Feb. 11, Mapleton council heard a presentation from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) on the recently-completed Smoke Free Outdoor Spaces Survey.
The survey includes a recommendation to ban smoking in outdoor public spaces across the region, with bylaws implemented in Wellington on a county-wide basis.
Public health recommended the bylaw consist of a complete smoking ban in designated outdoor locations rather than a partial ban.
March
MPPs at Queen’s Park supported a motion calling on the government to reform joint and several liability insurance.
Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece introduced the motion in an effort to protect municipalities facing high insurance premiums. The motion called on the government to protect taxpayers from higher property taxes by implementing a comprehensive, long-term solution to reform joint and several liability insurance by June 2014.
Three people were taken to hospital after an accident involving 18 vehicles on Highway 6, just south of Arthur on March 15. Blowing snow and gusting winds created difficult driving conditions and poor visibility. Three people were transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Mapleton council hired a consultant to assist with an organizational restructuring of municipal operations after the dismissal of former public works superintendent Larry Lynch in December.
The process included meeting with public works staff to gain feedback on what was working, what was not working and what was needed to move forward. The cost of the appointment was in the $15,000 to $20,000 range, including approximately $5,000 for advertising.
Five Wellington County ringette players, including one from Mapleton, were chosen to play for Team Ontario in the Tim Horton’s Canadian ringette championships on April 7 in Regina. Hayley Chase of Alma and Katie McKersie of Ariss attended from the U-19 ‘AA’ level. They are members of the Guelph Predators team.
Two Moorefield-area residents, Markus Frei and Bill Van Zwol, climbed to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro during a trip to Africa from Feb. 12 to March 3. Kilimanjaro is the highest peak on the African continent, rising 20,000 feet above sea level, and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.
April
Drayton Reformed Church hosted the Men of Praise and the Men of Note male voice choir on April 12. It was the second annual Stand in the Gap benefit concert for Countryside Camp and Conference Centre.
Stand in the Gap identifies marginalized children, youth and individuals with special needs and provides the opportunity to attend Camp Shalom at a reduced cost.
The 33rd annual Drayton Farm Show was a resounding success, with attendance up, even in comparison to the previous well-attended event. Approximately 2,300 people attended the show at the PMD Arena Complex, plus the many children under 12 who attend the show for free. One dollar from each admission went to support cystic fibrosis research, so $2,300 was donated. The balance of the proceeds was used to support the Kinsmen’s local community betterment projects.
Two Mapleton residents were among 30 individuals from Wellington County who were recognized with Ontario Volunteer Service Awards for their contribution to community groups. Award ceremonies were held across the province to acknowledge the dedication of more than 11,000 volunteers.
Victor Roberts of Drayton was recognized for 20 years of service to Drayton Entertainment and Lenora Arbuckle of Alma was recognized for 20 years of service to Groves hospital in Fergus.
Residents along Yatton Sideroad spoke up about the road’s condition, calling it “a disgrace” and asked the township to improve it. About 15 area residents were part of a delegation at the April 8 meeting and presented council with a petition containing over 20 signatures. The residents’ concerns focussed on the stretch of sideroad between Yatton and Floradale Road.
County council acknowledged the end of the annual County of Wellington appreciation awards program.
The decision came as a result of a decrease in nominations and towns/townships developing their own programs. Past recipients of the award from Mapleton included: Rob McKay, Walter Grose, Paul Day and Ray and Ruth Grose.
May
Mapleton council approved a new logo as part of a branding exercise underway in the township. Focus groups involving about 20 local residents helped select a short list of three logos designed by a London consulting firm were displayed at the township’s booth at the Drayton Farm Show on April 2 and 3. Residents were asked to vote on the one they preferred.
The chosen design, features a stylized three-colour maple leaf over the text, “Rooted in Tradition – Growing for the Future,” and was preferred by 55 per cent of 152 ballots cast at the farm show.
Fire Chief Rick Richardson was presented with the Fire Services Exemplary Services medal at the April 22 Mapleton council meeting. Richardson joined the Drayton Peel Fire Department in 1983. He was appointed fire chief in 2002.
A controversial exemption from minimum distance separation (MDS) regulations in the township’s comprehensive zoning bylaw was removed.
A bylaw amendment approved by council on April 22 means 32 lots in the Moorefield area will require a rezoning before they can be developed, and eight larger lots elsewhere in the township would be allowed to develop provided they can meet certain requirements, including compliance with MDS.
Residents of Alma celebrated World Labyrinth Day on May 3 by unveiling a labyrinth constructed from concrete stones, along with a memory arboretum, behind the community hall in Wallace Cumming park. The 54 Chartres-style labyrinth, surrounded by a native species Memory Arboretum, is meant to provide a multi-generational oasis for the mind, body and spirit. The project directed focus to the spiritual needs within the community.
Drayton experienced a sewer backup that affected numerous commercial and residential buildings in the core.
Township workers were on the scene quickly and started pumping and soon after, the flooding stopped. This spring was the second time there has been flooding. Local businesses had been advised the flooding was due to a broken pump at the sewage treatment facility.
June
The township approved a new two-year agreement with the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) for operation of its municipal water and wastewater systems. The contract amount is $214,574, up seven per cent from $199,884 in 2013.
Mapleton Mayor Bruce Whale asked Wellington County to look at ways to deal with climate change. On May 29, Whale presented a notice of motion at a county planning meeting requesting, “Staff be directed to oversee the establishment of a broad-based committee to identify probable impacts of climate change and to propose a course of adaptation and remediation for Wellington County.”
At its regular meeting on June 10, Mapleton council appointed Brad McRoberts as the township’s new public works director. McRoberts has 25 years of experience in public works, having served previously with the Town of South Bruce Peninsula, where he was manager of public works, and the City of Owen Sound as director of operations.
The township is aiming to reduce municipal consumption of fuel and electricity by an average of two per cent per year between now and 2020. That’s the overall target of a new energy management plan approved by Mapleton council at its June 10 meeting.
July
The Township of Mapleton celebrated its 15th anniversary with a wide range of activities around the municipality on July 1. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the Township of Mapleton.
Council made township employees eligible to join the Ontario Municipal Retirement System (OMERS) as of Aug. 1. Council approved a recommendation and passed a bylaw making the township an OMERS employer at its June 24 meeting. The move follows well over a year of investigation of the pros and cons of joining the pension plan.
The second annual Mapleton Rodeo was a success benefiting from great weather, top calibre rodeo participants, enthusiastic spectators and a massive volunteer effort. The event, organized by the Drayton Kinsmen and Moorefield Optimist clubs was held in Moorefield.
Clovermead Farms, owned and operated by the Whale family, won the Dairy Farmers Sustainability Award, sponsored by DeLaval Canada. The award was presented at the Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) annual general meeting in Fredericton, NB on July 16.
August
Under sunny skies, people came from far and wide to take in a jam-packed weekend of activities at the Drayton Fair, Aug. 8 to 10.
“We couldn’t have asked for a better weekend. The weather was perfect and the crowds came from all over Ontario to support the fair,” said Arlie Zantinge of the Drayton Mapleton Agricultural Society.
The Palmerston Novice Marlins placed first at the Provincial Women’s Softball Association wrap-up tournament for the Grand Valley League.
Members of the team from Mapleton included: Jana Bieman, Daphne Culp, Erica Culp, Julia Mantler and coach Kelly Culp.
A small beige pickup led police on an Aug. 22 chase through Mapleton Township causing minor damage to public and private property. The usually tranquil Drayton Memorial Park was abuzz with action shortly after noon as a vehicle ripped through the park and tore down the cenotaph flagpole.
September
Residential developments in Drayton and Moorefield were at a standstill, as issues with Mapleton Township’s wastewater capacity remained unsolved. A motion to remove the holding provision from 14 lots on Faith Drive in Drayton, originally introduced on July 22, was deferred after an Aug. 26 engineers’ report from R.J. Burnside and Associates stated the township actually has a capacity deficit of 61 units.
On Sept. 5, executive volunteer, Trish Kieswetter was presented with the Tim Hahn Memorial Award, given to the individual who has dedicated exceptional time and effort for the benefit of Alma Minor Ball.
Cool, cloudy weather couldn’t put a chill on Drayton’s Terry Fox Run on Sept. 14, as 177 participants and volunteers helped raise $20,915 for life-saving cancer research. Head organizer Louise Ellis remarked, “I love seeing how many younger people come out. It makes me feel very positive and hopeful for the run; that we’ll keep it going.”
October
Mapleton council approved the selection of Millier, Dickieson and Blais to develop a municipal cultural plan. The firm’s proposal to do the project for $26,275 was chosen from among five bidders at the Sept. 16 meeting of the economic development committee and approved by council on Sept. 22.
Wellington County’s current Drayton public works garage will be replaced with a new facility on or adjacent to the Township of Mapleton’s administration centre property. County council has confirmed the roads committee decision to build a new shop on Mapleton Sideroad 16. The move will allow for sharing of some facilities between the county and the township, which is also planning to build a new shop at the location to replace one that burned to the ground in December.
Neil Driscoll was elected Mayor of Mapleton after out-polling Jim Curry in the Oct. 27 election. Elected to the positions of councillor were Dennis Craven, Michael Martin, Marlene Ottens and Lori Woodham.
November
Wind turbine opponents questioned the results of a federal study on wind turbine noise and health impacts that concludes there is no evidence of a link between exposure to turbines and a wide range of adverse health effects.
The two-year, $2-million Health Canada study, released on Nov. 6, concludes there is no evidence to link wind turbine noise to self-reported illnesses such as dizziness, tinnitus and migraines, or chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes. Likewise, no association was found between exposure to turbine noise and measures of stress such as blood pressure and heart rate.
Mapleton council approved the terms of a new lease allowing Drayton Entertainment’s continued use of the Festival Theatre. The current lease, which has a 25-year term, was set to expire on Dec. 31.
Alma Optimist president John Broadfoot presented long-time member Barry Johnson with the club’s Optimist of the Year Award at the group’s Nov. 18 dinner meeting. The award goes to an individual who demonstrates outstanding dedication and hard work toward advancing Optimism in the club and community. Club officials said Johnson, a member since 1975, has devoted an exceptional amount of time and “embodies the true spirit of giving.”
Outgoing Mapleton Mayor Bruce Whale suggested at the final meeting of the outgoing council on Nov. 25 that further amalgamation may be necessary to keep costs under control.
“We may have to look at further amalgamation to make some of these small communities more manageable,” said Whale.
“A municipality of 10,000 people isn’t really that big,” Whale added, noting municipalities 10 times the size of Mapleton are common in the province. “The question is how do we put that together so it’s effective, so that there is still local input, but we get some of those efficiencies of a bigger municipality?”
December
In his inaugural address, Mapleton Mayor Driscoll noted maintaining and improving the infrastructure needs of a growing township will be among the challenges of this term.
“It’s going to be our job to see that the infrastructure is kept up and we have to do it financially responsibly,” he stated at the Dec. 1 inaugural meeting.
Mapleton Mayor Neil Driscoll, was sworn in as a county councillor at the Warden’s inaugural meeting on Dec. 12. Driscoll was appointed to the roads committee and the information, heritage and seniors committee. He was also appointed the county’s representative to the Wellington Federation of Agriculture.
The entire township council will serve as Mapleton’s committee of adjustment for the next four years. Council was split at the Dec. 9 meeting on the decision to serve as the committee, which deals with issues such as minor variance applications. During the last term of council, the committee was made up of citizen appointees.
