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Wellington Advertiser Logo

Friday, January 9, 2026 | Vol 59 Issue 02

Community News
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Jordan Snobelen

Reporter

Southgate could provide $125,000 for use of sports complex

Jordan Snobelen January 25, 2024Community News

KENILWORTH – Southgate Township is anticipated to continue providing an annual contribution to Wellington North for its residents’ use of the Mount Forest Sports Complex for ice sports.

Mount Forest agriculture grounds to be re-purposed

Jordan Snobelen January 25, 2024Community News

KENILWORTH – The future of the Mount Forest agricultural grounds has been unknown since the agricultural society announced it was dissolving last spring.

Land tribunal ruling means local farmers can move forward with retirement plans

Jordan Snobelen January 24, 2024Community News, News

TORONTO – The Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) has sided with locals farmers and overruled a Wellington North committee in a Jan. 19 decision.

Ruling in trial of Mount Forest man accused of arson expected in February

Jordan Snobelen January 23, 2024News

GUELPH – A ruling in the four-day December trial of Mount Forest resident Rodney Grubb is expected in February. Grubb is accused of starting a fire in the basement unit of his home in September of 2021.

Michael Hurst returns to court as lawyers argue sentencing in third sexual assault trial

Jordan Snobelen January 22, 2024News

GUELPH – Palmerston resident Michael Hurst returned to Guelph Superior Court on Jan. 19 as lawyers made sentencing submissions to Justice Gordon Lemon in Hurst's third sexual assault trial. The crown and defence have suggested prison sentences of seven and four years, respectively.

Community safety, policing law bringing changes to county Police Services Board

Jordan Snobelen January 18, 2024News, Police

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Changes are coming to the membership of Wellington County’s Police Services Board this spring as the new Community Safety and Policing Act comes into effect after first being passed at Queen's Park around four years ago.

Lawyers challenging Wellington North, county indecision over proposed Arthur development

Jordan Snobelen January 17, 2024Community News, News

WELLINGTON NORTH – Lawyers for Wellington North and a local developer are scheduled to meet next month over an appeal filed to the Ontario Land Tribunal last year. 

Police Services Board supports communications strategy to promote Wellington OPP

Jordan Snobelen January 12, 2024News, Police

GUELPH – Ideas for promoting the OPP in Wellington County were presented on Wednesday to the county’s Police Services Board (PSB) following discussion last year about perception issues among residents.

Police Services Board supports $17.5-million policing budget for 2024

Jordan Snobelen January 12, 2024News, Police

GUELPH - The Wellington County Police Services Board (PSB) is in support of a $17.55-million operating budget for policing in the county.

Tax levy increase of 4.6% presented to Wellington County council

Jordan Snobelen January 10, 2024News

GUELPH - Wellington County treasurer Ken DeHart provided an updated overview of Wellington County’s proposed 2024 budget and a 10-year forecast of capital demands at a special meeting on Jan. 8.

Payment of $50,000 made for tip in Lucas Shortreed cold case

Jordan Snobelen January 5, 2024News, Police

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Police say the Province of Ontario has paid $50,000 for a tip that helped solve the investigation into the death of Lucas Shortreed.

Motivated by anger: Mount Forest arsonist jailed

Jordan Snobelen January 5, 2024News, Police

GUELPH – Former Mount Forest resident Chester Lewis, 21, was handed jail sentences on five counts of arson, two vehicle thefts, and one count of assault with a weapon. Eight additional charges were dropped.

Local research scientist appointed to Order of Canada

Jordan Snobelen December 29, 2023News

CENTRE WELLINGTON – Salem resident John Hirdes is one of 78 appointees to the Order of Canada. On Dec. 28 Governor General Mary Simon announced the order's new members, who are recognized for contributions that enrich and improve the lives of others.

Chong granted full participation rights in foreign interference inquiry

Jordan Snobelen December 22, 2023News

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Wellington-Halton Hills MP Michael Chong has been granted full participant status in an inquiry expected to begin next month looking into foreign interference in Canada’s past two federal elections.

North Wellington seniors conquer tech hurdles in eight-week course

Jordan Snobelen December 21, 2023Community News, News

DRAYTON – There were 60 north Wellington seniors who conquered a steep learning cuve and ovecame tech hurdles to master digital devices as part of a seniors training and support program that ran for its second year in 2023.

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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.

Missed recycling pickups frustrate residents amid countywide collection woes

WELLINGTON NORTH - Complaints to Wellington County about missed blue bin collections have nearly doubled in recent weeks, with rural areas hit hardest. Circular Materials, the group now in charge of collection under the province's new operating model, has blamed the weather for delays.

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.

See all Wellington County area articles.

Missed recycling pickups frustrate residents amid countywide collection woes

WELLINGTON NORTH - Complaints to Wellington County about missed blue bin collections have nearly doubled in recent weeks, with rural areas hit hardest. Circular Materials, the group now in charge of collection under the province's new operating model, has blamed the weather for delays.

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.

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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