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Wellington Advertiser Logo

Monday, January 12, 2026 | Vol 59 Issue 02

Community News
  • Elections 2025
    • Federal Election 2025
    • Provincial Election 2025
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    • Erin
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    • Minto
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COVID-19

Public health reports first case of Brazilian COVID-19 variant

Chris Daponte April 16, 2021COVID-19, News

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Local public health officials are reporting the first local case of the Brazilian COVID-19 variant and urging residents to take all possible precautions to protect themselves.

Province announces enhanced restrictions to deal with third wave

Chris Daponte April 16, 2021COVID-19, News

TORONTO – With health officials suggesting the province's health care system is about to reach a breaking point, Premier Doug Ford has announced more restrictive public health measures to try to slow the spread of COVID-19 during the third wave.

Modelling: third wave could continue through summer without more strict measures

Chris Daponte April 16, 2021COVID-19, News

TORONTO – Provincial health officials are urging Ontarians to take the COVID-19 situation seriously, as provincial modelling shows the third wave could continue through summer without more strict measures in place.

Students will remain at home despite expiration of WDGPH order

Chris Daponte April 15, 2021COVID-19, News

WELLINGTON COUNTY – The local public health order prohibiting in-person learning will expire following the break this week. However, students will still be restricted to remote learning indefinitely.

Local school boards receive $13 million for infrastructure upgrades

Advertiser Staff April 15, 2021COVID-19, News

TORONTO – Local schools will receive about $13 million in federal/provincial funding to upgrade infrastructure and protect against COVID-19.

COVID-19 third wave drives surge of criticism for Kenney, Ford, and other premiers

Submitted April 15, 2021COVID-19, News

VANCOUVER – Early hope for a spring season that would have marked the beginning of the end of the…

Ontario beef farmers applaud funding for processing facilities

Submitted April 15, 2021COVID-19, Rural

GUELPH – The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) are pleased with the $12.2 million in financial…

Virtual volunteers help community organizations adapt to new realities

Patrick Raftis April 15, 2021COVID-19, News

GUELPH  - With COVID-19 pandemic restrictions forcing community organizations to find new ways to continue their service and charitable work, the idea of virtual volunteering is gaining traction throughout the sector.

Students will move to online learning following April break

Advertiser Staff April 12, 2021COVID-19, News

TORONTO – As many expected, the province has announced that elementary and secondary schools will move to remote learning following the break this week. "As I have always said ,we will do whatever it takes to ensure everyone stays safe," said Premier Doug Ford.

Active COVID-19 cases now at a record high in WDGPH region

Chris Daponte April 12, 2021COVID-19, News

Public health reported 278 new COVID-19 cases in the region over the weekend - the highest total to date for a regular weekend. Cases have risen dramatically in the region over the last several weeks, with active cases now at a record-high of 630. The previous high was 489, set on Jan. 11.

Nearly a quarter of residents vaccinated; everyone over 16 can now pre-register

Advertiser Staff April 12, 2021COVID-19, News

GUELPH – Nearly a quarter of eligible residents in the region have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination - and public health is now inviting everyone over the age of 16 to pre-register for their first shot. “This is something to celebrate,” stated Dr. Nicola Mercer, Medical Officer of Health.

Caressant Care Arthur resumes management of long-term care facility

Advertiser Staff April 12, 2021Community News, COVID-19, News

ARTHUR – North Wellington Health Care (NWHC), which operates hospitals in Mount Forest and Palmerston, took over management of the facility through a voluntary management contract on Jan. 13, during a devastating COVID-19 outbreak at the home.

Public health: B117 variant driving local COVID-19 numbers

Joanne Shuttleworth April 8, 2021COVID-19, News

GUELPH – A suspected COVID-19 outbreak at the Wellington Terrace in Aboyne is proof the vaccine offers protection against the B117 variant now spreading in the community and is the way out of the pandemic, says the local medical officer of health.

Chamber of Commerce members can access new Chamber Partnership Initiative

Advertiser Staff April 8, 2021Business, COVID-19, News

CENTRE WELLINGTON - The Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce (CWCC) is among the local chambers and boards of trade across Canada to take part in a program to help businesses, post-secondary students and to support the economic recovery.

Student ‘Letters of Love’ to be delivered to retirement homes

Advertiser Staff April 8, 2021COVID-19, News

GUELPH - In an effort to bring joy to the community, Isabelle Peverley, a Grade 6 St. Michael Catholic School student, started a school wide letter writing campaign, ‘Letters of Love.’

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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.

Catholic school board seeking feedback on 2026-27 school year calendar

GUELPH – The Wellington Catholic District School Board seeks input on its proposed calendar for the 2026-27 school year, with a Jan. 12 deadline for submissions.

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.  

See all Guelph area articles.

Sacred Heart Catholic School to get $2.5-million addition

ROCKWOOD – After several attempts to secure expansion funding, Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School in Rockwood is getting a $2.5-million addition to replace portables and accommodate 72 students at the growing school.

Rockwood streets lined for Santa Claus parade

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

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.

Catholic school board seeking feedback on 2026-27 school year calendar

GUELPH – The Wellington Catholic District School Board seeks input on its proposed calendar for the 2026-27 school year, with a Jan. 12 deadline for submissions.

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.

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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