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Wellington Advertiser Logo

Friday, January 9, 2026 | Vol 59 Issue 02

Community News
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Jordan Snobelen

Reporter

Crash victim calls for immediate safety fixes at notorious Highway 6 intersection

Jordan Snobelen January 6, 2026News

GUELPH/ERAMOSA – A woman suffering long-term repercussions from a crash at a notorious Highway 6 intersection between Ennotville and Marden is calling for immediate safety measures before more people are hurt or killed.

Two men plead guilty in connection with beating, murder of Jason John Brown

Jordan Snobelen December 23, 2025Court

GUELPH – Travis Willard Wand and Steven Jon Walsom-Gerigs, both charged in connection with the 2019 beating, kidnapping and murder of 43-year-old Jason John Brown, were sentenced in Guelph court on Dec. 22.

New year brings expanded carbon monoxide alarm rules for homeowners, landlords

Jordan Snobelen December 19, 2025News

CENTRE WELLINGTON – A carbon monoxide alarm may not make it on anyone’s Christmas wish list, but come the new year, they’re required on every floor in many homes.

Food prices to rise 4 to 6% next year as food bank visits skyrocket: report

Jordan Snobelen December 19, 2025News

GUELPH – Whether it’s inflation, global conflict, energy costs, trade impediments or climate change – to name just some of the factors academics are blaming – one thing is for certain: food prices will continue to rise according to the 16th annual Canada's Food Price Report.

Sacred harmonies fill St. John’s Anglican Church in Elora

Jordan Snobelen December 17, 2025Arts & Entertainment

ELORA – On an otherwise cold and quiet night in Elora last week, St. John’s Anglican Church was filled with warm, layered voices singing sacred choral music that echoed off the building’s 150-year-old walls.

‘A Servant’s Heart’: Local man fighting food insecurity with grassroots ministry

Jordan Snobelen December 15, 2025News

FERGUS – Local business owner and electrician Nick Pittman has a servant’s heart and a desire to help struggling families and individuals put food on the table – not just during the Christmas season, but year-round.

Local retailers predict holiday spending decline amid economic ‘uncertainty’

Jordan Snobelen December 11, 2025Business

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Local retailers anticipate cautious spending habits this holiday season amid quieting buy-local sentiment and economic uncertainty.

Province gives green light to controversial ‘Hidden Quarry’ after 13-year saga

Jordan Snobelen December 10, 2025News

GUELPH/ERAMOSA – The province has green-lit a new aggregate operation 13 years after James Dick Construction first applied to tap into a dolomite deposit at the so-called “Hidden Quarry” southeast of Rockwood.

Town hall meeting responds to Mount Forest crime spree

Jordan Snobelen December 4, 2025News

MOUNT FOREST – Business owners and residents gathered at the Mount Forest sportsplex on Monday night to discuss what’s behind a recent spate of break-ins, vandalism and theft in the town.

Christmas tradition threatened by weather extremes: tree growers report harsher droughts

Jordan Snobelen December 4, 2025Rural

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Christmas tree growers in Wellington County and across southwestern Ontario are rethinking long-standing farming practices, and adapting how they farm to increasingly extreme weather patterns, including more drought events and intense rainfalls.

New ambulance dispatch system brings more questions for 911 callers

Jordan Snobelen December 1, 2025News

WELLINGTON COUNTY – A new Medical Priority Dispatch System is changing how paramedics are responding to 911 calls in Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin counties, and the Region of Waterloo.

Elora farmer cultivates potential in ancient crop

Jordan Snobelen November 26, 2025News

ELORA – Fava beans are one of the oldest cultivated plants on Earth – and they’re being grown right here in Wellington County.

Mount Forest taekwondo fighter taking on the world

Jordan Snobelen November 24, 2025News

MOUNT FOREST - Dave Reeves is a master taekwondo fighter out of Mount Forest, and at 50 years old, he’s at last representing Canada on the world stage in the United Arab Emirates this week.

‘The street has become a commuter route’: Fergus residents want more done to curb traffic woes

Jordan Snobelen November 20, 2025News

FERGUS - Garafraxa Street East residents want more done to curb traffic woes on the county roadway, currently part of a detour route around construction on St. David Street North. A March traffic study recorded 21,388 vehicles over a seven-day period — a number one councillor says is too high.

Wellington County looking to keep speed cameras for data collection

Jordan Snobelen November 18, 2025News

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Automated speed cameras in the county are no longer photographing speeders, but may be used to collect data on driver habits.

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Hanover theatre casting for School of Rock

HANOVER – Based on the hit 2003 film, School of Rock the musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who is down on his luck. 

Hanover Community Players thank all who made Bare, Bear Bones a success

HANOVER – Hanover Community Players are offering “A big thank you to all of our audience members who took the time from their busy schedules to attend and support our Bare, Bear Bones shows.”

See all Bruce County area articles.

Fergus family welcomes New Year’s baby at Groves

FERGUS – With a new year comes a new baby for the Molinary family of Fergus — the first of the year born at Groves Memorial Community Hospital.

Firefighters respond to fire behind Elora Brewing Company

ELORA – Elora and Fergus firefighters responded to a fire call in the alley behind the Elora Brewing Company at 107 Geddes St. at around 4:30am on Jan. 7. 

See all Centre Wellington area articles.

To avoid getting sick over holidays, get your shots now: public health

GUELPH – Local public health officials are echoing a statement from the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, to get flu and COVID-19 shots before the holidays arrive.

Local health unit first in Ontario to offer avian flu vaccines

GUELPH – Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) was the first health unit in Ontario to administer the H5N1 vaccine to humans in the fight against avian influenza.

See all Dufferin County area articles.

Erin man creating map platform encouraging community connection

ERIN – People will be able to browse local businesses and upcoming events, share information, and offer and request help with a map-based online platform called LocalXP. 

Erin council passes budget with 3.8% tax hike

ERIN – It wasn't a unanimous decision, but town council here has approved the 2026 budget with a tax rate increase of 3.8 per cent – up from the 2.5% originally proposed.

See all Erin area articles.

Grand Valley community chills out for charity

GRAND VALLEY – The 35th edition of the Grand Valley Lions Club Polar Bear Dip took place at Stuckey Park in Grand Valley on Jan. 3.

Enbridge, Grand Valley fire department partner on Safe Community Project Zero

GRAND VALLEY – On Nov. 4, Enbridge Gas Ontario and the Grand Valley and District Fire Department worked together to improve home safety and attempt to bring fire and carbon monoxide-related deaths down to zero.

See all Grand Valley area articles.

Hanover Community Players Drama Camp a success

HANOVER – The Hanover Community Players Drama Camp took place in July with mask making, drama games and auditions and a play.

Holstein to host an afternoon of bluegrass entertainment

HOLSTEIN – Residents of Holstein can look forward to an afternoon of bluegrass at the Love’s Sugarbush located at 392098 Grey Rd 109, on Aug. 17.

See all Grey County area articles.

Trustees conflicted over name for new Guelph school

GUELPH – Though there are no rivers in sight, the new high school in Guelph has been named Two Rivers Secondary School.  

UGDSB director highlights successes of 2024-25 school year

GUELPH – Momentum is the word director of education Peter Sovran says best characterizes the 2024-25 school year at the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB).

See all Guelph area articles.

Rockwood streets lined for Santa Claus parade

ROCKWOOD – The Rockwood Farmers’ Santa Claus Parade of Lights on Dec. 11 drew a large crowd.

Guelph/Eramosa passes budget with 2.7% tax rate increase

BRUCEDALE  – Gyelph/Eramosa council has passed the municipality’s 2026 budget, which will include a 2.71 per cent tax rate increase for 2026.

See all Guelph/Eramosa area articles.

Joseph Racinsky rides blue wave to Queen’s Park

WELLINGTON-HALTON HILLS – The blue wave that swept across Ontario Thursday night, swept across Wellington-Halton Hills as well as Progressive Conservative candidate Joseph Racinsky was elected with a sweeping majority. 

Health care, roads, voter turnout, local knowledge dominate discussion at Aberfoyle debate

ABERFOYLE – The debate hosted by the Optimist Club of Puslinch on Feb. 20 gave voters the opportunity to ask their own questions.

See all Halton area articles.

Youth pack shoeboxes to help kids through Operation Christmas Child

HANOVER – Lita Ernest, a young member of 1st Hanover Guides, worked hard this season to organize the packing of Operation Christmas Child (OCC) shoe box gifts with her troop.

See all Huron County area articles.

Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser expands to include Mapleton

MINTO – Mapleton will be joining Minto this year to raise funds at the Coldest Night of the Year event.

Art camp coming to Moorefield Community Centre on Jan. 30

MOOREFIELD – The Township of Mapleton is holding an Art Mayhem Camp at the Moorefield Community Centre on Jan. 30. 

See all Mapleton area articles.

Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser expands to include Mapleton

MINTO – Mapleton will be joining Minto this year to raise funds at the Coldest Night of the Year event.

Seniors Centre for Excellence brings dining program to Harriston

HARRISTON – Seniors are invited to lunch and story telling at the Harriston United Church, at 57 Young St. W. in Harriston, on Jan. 14. 

See all Minto area articles.

Credit Valley Conservation named one of Canada’s greenest employers

MISSISSAUGA  – Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) has been named one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for the sixth consecutive year.

See all Mississauga area articles.

Grand Valley business donates to food bank

ORANGEVILLE – Staff members from Grand Valley’s Clover Farm grocery store recently presented a $10,000 cheque to representatives from the Orangeville Food Bank’s Dufferin Food Share.

School board explores bringing IB diploma program to Wellington, Dufferin

GUELPH –  Some parents and students would like the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program to be offered in Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) schools in Wellington and Dufferin counties. 

See all Orangeville area articles.

Santa Claus parades through Palmerston

PALMERSTON – Crowds lined Palmerston’s main street on Dec. 6 to watch this year’s Santa Claus Parade. 

Minto hosting annual New Year’s Eve party

PALMERSTON – The Town of Minto, Minto Fire and the Palmerston Lions Club have joined forces to host Minto’s annual Fire and Ice Family New Year’s Eve Party.

See all Palmerston area articles.

Rae announces over $700,000 for police

PERTH-WELLINGTON –  On Dec. 11, Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae announced the province will spend over $700,000 to fund local police service programs. 

Over $6.6 million in OMPF funding to be split by seven local municipalities

PERTH-WELLINGTON –  On Nov. 24, Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae announced over $6.6 million for local municipalities through the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) for 2026.

See all Perth County area articles.

Family Day Winter Classic returns to Puslinch Feb. 14-16

PUSLINCH – Organizers are encouraging residents to bundle up and join the Optimist Club of Puslinch for one of the community’s favorite Family Day traditions. Since 2013, the Optimist Club has hosted a weekend packed with fun and community spirit for all ages. 

Hazardous waste depot moves to Aberfoyle

ABERFOYLE – The mobile household hazardous waste depot has moved to the Aberfoyle waste facility for the month of January and will be open to Wellington County residents on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 8am and 4pm. 

See all Puslinch area articles.

Government satisfaction scores fall like winter snow as Canadians blanketed in cost-of-living challenges

TORONTO – The year 2025 ends much the way it started: with political and economic turmoil that has persisted in some form or another for the duration, with Canada and the United States continuing to fail to reach a trade deal, and that relationship strained. 

Kenilworth cowgirl wins big at Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

TORONTO – Kaitlyn Wagg remembers clearly the first time she made the trip from her hometown of Kenilworth to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. 

See all Toronto area articles.

String of thefts at Rare Charitable Research Reserve’s Springbank Farm Hub

CAMBRIDGE – A recent series of thefts at the Springbank Farm Hub has resulted in the loss of essential equipment and left a mark on both operations and community spirit.

Cardiac director: pace yourself when shovelling snow this winter

KITCHENER  – As heavy snow hits the region, local emergency departments are preparing for a spike in cardiac events. 

See all Waterloo Region area articles.

Crash victim calls for immediate safety fixes at notorious Highway 6 intersection

GUELPH/ERAMOSA – A woman suffering long-term repercussions from a crash at a notorious Highway 6 intersection between Ennotville and Marden is calling for immediate safety measures before more people are hurt or killed.

Impaired driving charges down 44% during Festive Ride campaign

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Local OPP officers conducted 182 Festive RIDE events between Nov. 20 and Jan. 1, laid 18 impaired driving charges and issued seven warning-range suspensions.

See all Wellington County area articles.

Smokey the cat looking for his forever home

ARTHUR – Smokey, a cat at the Arthur Animal Rescue, is on the hunt for a safe barn or busy workshop where he can patrol, supervise and help keep critters under control, with a warm spot to curl up when he’s off-duty.

Mount Forest resident makes most of ice storm

MOUNT FOREST – Magda Kowalski made the most of the ice storm at the end of December, tying up her figure skates and skating down South Water Street in Mount Forest on Dec. 28.

See all Wellington North area articles.

Editorial

Snow man

As Wellington County faces a more traditional winter, replete with bus and event cancellations, outdoor workers and their good deeds came to mind.

Out with the old, who knows about the new

As the year ends, the best of hopes is wished for 2026.

So this is Christmas

It is a bit of a novelty to publish a newspaper on Christmas Day.

Columnists

Rivalry

By Kelly Waterhouse

Over the holiday season, I had inquiries asking if Santa Claus delivered my San Francisco 49ers George Kittle jersey.

News from the Mapleton Township area in 1958, 1983

By Stephen Thorning

The following is a re-print of a past column by former Advertiser columnist Stephen Thorning, who…

American woman acquitted in Harriston shooting

By Stephen Thorning

The following is a re-print of a past column by former Advertiser columnist Stephen Thorning, who…

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