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Wellington Advertiser Logo

Friday, December 5, 2025 | Vol 58 Issue 49

Community News
  • Elections 2025
    • Federal Election 2025
    • Provincial Election 2025
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    • Erin
    • Guelph Eramosa
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Patrick Raftis

Reporter

Minto and Wellington North make plans to share drainage superintendent post

Patrick Raftis June 19, 2020Community News, News

MINTO – The Town of Minto has agreed to work with Wellington North on a plan to share a full-time municipal drainage superintendent.

Mapleton and Minto partner on new youth services hub

Patrick Raftis June 18, 2020Community News, News

PALMERSTON - Mapleton and Minto will be partners on a new Integrated Youth Services Network (IYSN) hub to be located next to Norwell District Secondary School here.

Fate of Beehive Park will have to wait

Patrick Raftis June 18, 2020Community News, News

MINTO – It appears the fate of Beehive Park won’t be settled until larger public gatherings are possible. Minto town council declared the park land surplus on Dec. 3 and directed staff to provide public notices of the proposed sale.

Minto councillor concerned about availability of PPE

Patrick Raftis June 17, 2020Community News, COVID-19, News

MINTO – Councillor Jean Anderson has raised concerns about the increasing use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by businesses and the general public and the potential impact on PPE availability for health care workers.

‘These Booths Were Made for Talking’ public art project unveiled in Clifford

Patrick Raftis June 16, 2020Arts & Entertainment

CLIFFORD – The latest public art project in the Town of Minto has hit the streets and is definitely getting people talking.

Group pushes for referendum on South Bruce nuclear waste repository proposal

Patrick Raftis June 12, 2020News

SOUTH BRUCE – A group attempting to prevent the location of an underground repository for high level nuclear waste in this municipality held a well-attended vehicle rally as members of the group petitioned their council to hold a referendum on the proposal.

WFA pushes back on Mapleton farm tax resolution

Patrick Raftis June 12, 2020Community News, News, Rural

WELLINGTON COUNTY – The Wellington Federation of Agriculture is pushing back against a resolution circulated by the Township of Mapleton calling for the province to undertake a review of the Farm Property Tax Class Rate Program.

Local politicians promote growth through Metz Community Giant Pumpkin Challenge

Patrick Raftis June 11, 2020News

CENTRE WELLINGTON – Anyone hoping to show up at the 2020 Metz Community Giant Pumpkin Challenge with the largest orange fruit will be facing stiff competition from some of Wellington County’s top political figures.

Township makes plans to work with chamber, BIA on downtown Arthur street enhancements

Patrick Raftis June 10, 2020Business, Community News, News

WELLINGTON NORTH – Township council has agreed to discuss potential streetscape and landscape enhancements in relation to the upcoming Arthur Connecting Link project with the local business community.

Mapleton Buds and Blooms held its annual plant sale on June 6

Patrick Raftis June 10, 2020Community News, News

Plant sale – Mapleton Buds and Blooms held its annual plant sale on June 6 from 9am to noon…

Linton: Move to stage two ‘good news’ for county

Patrick Raftis June 10, 2020COVID-19, News

WELLINGTON COUNTY – The inclusion of the county among the areas allowed to loosen restrictions designed to combat the spread of COVID-19 is good news, but comes with challenges, says Wellington County Warden Kelly Linton.

Breanna Frey happy to be home after life-changing trip to Africa

Patrick Raftis June 8, 2020COVID-19, News

MAPLETON – When Breanna Frey left Mapleton for Botswana last September, she wasn’t prepared for was a global pandemic that would make getting home a daunting and dangerous endeavour.

Arrest made in heavy equipment theft that sparked massive police response

Patrick Raftis June 7, 2020Community News, News

CLIFFORD – A heavy equipment theft in Brant Township ended with the arrest of a Brockton man near here on June 5.

Minto projects $250,000 budget impact from COVID-19

Patrick Raftis June 6, 2020Community News, COVID-19, News

MINTO – A treasury department report is tentatively projecting a combined $250,000 bottom line impact from COVID-19 on operations and water budgets for the municipality.

Local doctor receives national Rural Long Service Award

Patrick Raftis June 4, 2020Community News, News

PALMERSTON – Dr. Christopher Cressey has been recognized for his lengthy service to patients in rural communities.

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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.

Guelph Wish Fund for Children launches Season of Wishes campaign

FERGUS – If you need a reason to smile, look no further than Rowan Black, a bubbly four-year-old from Fergus who sports his signature red eyeglasses and an infectious smile.

Council gets first look at benefits, challenges of starting public transit system

ELORA – It’s not feasible yet, but a township study indicates a good proportion of people in Centre Wellington would like and would use public transit if it was available.

See all Centre Wellington area articles.

Province mandates new ‘student and family support offices’

WELLINGTON COUNTY – All Ontario school boards must open “student and family support offices” by next September.

Public health’s infection control training program gaining popularity

GUELPH – What started as a measure during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the spread of infection in long-term care and congregate setting homes, has become a regular program at Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health.

See all Dufferin County area articles.

Erin draft budget proposes 2.5% tax increase

ERIN – Town staff presented the 2026 draft budget to Erin council on Nov. 27. It includes a proposed 2.5% tax increase to cover total operating expenses of $10.5 million and capital expenditures close to $9 million.

Window Wonderland event kicks off festive season in Erin

ERIN – Erin’s Main Street came alive on Nov. 21 as residents and visitors took to the street for the town’s Window Wonderland event.

See all Erin area articles.

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.

‘Gourd’ times to be had at this year’s Grand Valley Fall Fair

GRAND VALLEY – “Gourd” times are sure to be had at this year’s Grand Valley Fall Fair.

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.

Guelph Wish Fund for Children launches Season of Wishes campaign

FERGUS – If you need a reason to smile, look no further than Rowan Black, a bubbly four-year-old from Fergus who sports his signature red eyeglasses and an infectious smile.

Holiday Giving Guide to be released Nov. 28

GUELPH – The University of Guelph is almost ready to release its Holiday Giving Guide and officials are reporting significantly higher participation this year. 

See all Guelph area articles.

Guelph/Eramosa acquiring new tractor

BRUCEDALE – Guelph/Eramosa council has awarded the purchase of a new compact tractor to DeBoer’s Equipment in Salem. 

Wellington, Guelph police services launch Festive RIDE campaign

ROCKWOOD – The season of holiday parties and clinking glasses is fast approaching — and so are Festive RIDE programs. 

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.

Mapleton residents will vote online, by phone in 2026 municipal election

MAPLETON – Residents here will be voting online and by phone in next year’s municipal election. 

One person dead following three-vehicle crash near Moorefield

MAPLETON – Police say emergency crews responded to the collision, on Wellington Road 10 between Booth Street (Concession 8) and Concession 6, at about 8:30am on Dec. 2.

See all Mapleton area articles.

Minto’s draft capital budget totals close to $17 million

MINTO – The town’s 2026 draft capital budget totals just under $16.9 million and is split into three priority groups. 

Hundreds attend Harriston Santa Claus parade

HARRISTON – The Harriston Santa Claus parade took place on Nov. 22.

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.

All Aboard Palmerston hosts Kris Kringle market downtown

PALMERSTON – All Aboard Palmerston held its annual Kris Kringle Market on Nov. 20. 

Annual Santa Claus parade returns to Palmerston

PALMERSTON – Community members may hear jingle bells on Dec. 6 as a certain jolly man is coming to town for the Palmerston Santa Claus Parade.

See all Palmerston area articles.

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.

MPP Rae announces over $20 million in housing enabling infrastructure funding

PERTH-WELLINGTON – Matthew Rae, MPP for Perth-Wellington, announced the province has provided four municipalities with over $20.4 million through the Ministry of Infrastructure’s Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund (HEWSF) program.

See all Perth County area articles.

Municipality hopes natural gas heating can come to Puslinch

ABERFOYLE – Enbridge Gas found a supportive audience at the Puslinch council meeting on Nov. 19 as it explained its plans for natural gas expansion across the province and possibly into the township.

Santa Claus arrives in Puslinch with reindeer – and joy

PUSLINCH – Puslinch was the first in Wellington County to hold its Santa Claus parade and the streets were lined with locals on Nov. 23 ready to greet the big guy.

See all Puslinch area articles.

Province releases fall economic statement

TORONTO – The Ontario government released its fall economic statement last week (Nov. 6) with a smaller than projected deficit of $13.5-billion – less than the $14.6 billion forecasted in this year’s budget, but still well above the $1.1 billion deficit carried in 2024-25.

Cheering from the big screen at World Series game

TORONTO – Callum Sweeting was on the big screen at game one of the World Series at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on Oct. 24.

See all Toronto area articles.

Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy announces youth theatre camps

WATERLOO – The Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy has announced its lineup of march break and summer camps for 2026. 

Seniors get a digital boost with funding from Retired Teachers of Ontario

KITCHENER – For some seniors, especially those with cognitive challenges, technology can feel overwhelming. 

See all Waterloo Region area articles.

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

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.

Guelph Wish Fund for Children launches Season of Wishes campaign

FERGUS – If you need a reason to smile, look no further than Rowan Black, a bubbly four-year-old from Fergus who sports his signature red eyeglasses and an infectious smile.

See all Wellington County area articles.

Council supports 3.2% tax increase in Wellington North

KENILWORTH – Taxpayers in Wellington North will likely see a 3.16 per cent increase in township property taxes next year. 

Drain work awarded for $330,000

KENILWORTH – Two contractors have been selected to complete work on the George Kirkness Municipal drain in Asbridge. 

See all Wellington North area articles.

Editorial

In the darkness

Where there is one, there are usually more. That was the advice handed down in the truck as we headed off to practice. A good-sized buck ambled across the road not far from our farm.

Betcha

It was a long shot, but when the soccer ball landed in the dog kennel it was time to pay up.

Time for action

Yet again, serious accidents have occurred in the valley of Highway 6 where it intersects Wellington Road 22 and 8th line.

Columnists

Critic’s 1925 novel caused a sensation in Elora

By Stephen Thorning

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

Riverfriends

By Kelly Waterhouse

His face said it all. Crushed.  Sad. Grateful. Lost. It was over. And with it, a very beautiful piece of his generous, joyful essence that I unabashedly adore. 

‘Honest John’ McGowan combined farming, business, politics

By Stephen Thorning

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

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