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Wellington Advertiser Logo

Saturday, December 13, 2025 | Vol 58 Issue 50

Community News
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Community

Federal government calls ‘timeout’ on postal strike

Ellouise Thompson December 16, 2024Business, Community, News

OTTAWA – The Canada Industrial Relations Board (CIRB) has ordered postal employees to return to work after federal Minister of Labour Steven MacKinnon asked the board to intervene.

Chilly night for Rockwood Farmers’ Santa Claus parade

Jessica Lovell December 14, 2024Community, News, Rural

ROCKWOOD – People bundled up tight against the cold to watch the spectacle of the Rockwood Farmers’ Santa Claus Parade of Lights on Dec. 12.

Co-operators, The Grove offer ‘Open the Door’ holiday campaign

Ellouise Thompson December 11, 2024Community, News

WELLINGTON COUNTY – For the month of December, Co-operators will be matching donations to The Grove Youth Wellness Hubs as part of the “Open the Door” campaign.

Grassroots Response opens guest house outside of Elora

Ellouise Thompson December 5, 2024Community, News

CENTRE WELLINGTON – Grassroots Response, based in Waterloo Region, has opened a new guest house just outside of Elora.

Local food banks report increased demand as holidays approach

Ellouise Thompson November 28, 2024Community, Community News, News

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Recent data from Feed Ontario shows the number of people visiting food banks across the province doubled between 2019 and 2023.

Storybrook subdivision residents concerned about speeding drivers

Ellouise Thompson October 29, 2024Community, News

FERGUS – Residents of the expanding Storybrook neighbourhood on Beatty Line North have raised concerns with the township over speeding drivers in the subdivision.

VON SMART exercise program to celebrate 30 years with record attempt

Ellouise Thompson October 10, 2024Community, Community News, News

WELLINGTON COUNTY – VON is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) exercise and falls prevention program on Oct. 17.

Over 15,000 Ontario college faculty to take strike mandate vote Oct. 15-17 amid contract conflicts

Advertiser Staff October 2, 2024Community, Community News, News

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) has announced that over 15,000 Ontario college faculty will be participating in a strike mandate vote between Oct. 15 and 17.

Parkinson’s group cycling across Canada meets with U of G researchers

Ellouise Thompson September 24, 2024Community, News

Spinning Wheels, a Parkinson’s awareness cycling group, made a pit stop at the University of Guelph to meet with cardiovascular physiology researcher Dr. Philip Millar and his research team on Sept. 19.

Wait is over: former Fergus resident receives Peace Tower flag after 16 years

Ellouise Thompson September 18, 2024Community, News

KITCHENER – After a long 16-year wait, a Kitchener man has received one of the many Canadian flags to mark the skies above the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Medieval Faire a popular draw in downtown Fergus

Lorie Black July 24, 2024Arts & Entertainment, Community, News

On July 20, the downtown core of Fergus was transformed into a thriving medieval village, complete with vikings, knights, and peasants for the Medieval Faire

‘Elora’s Longest BBQ’ on July 30 launches Food Day Canada 2024

Lorie Black July 18, 2024Arts & Entertainment, Community

ELORA – On July 30, Elora’s Longest BBQ will launch Food Day Canada, which falls on Aug. 3 this year. “It’s about fostering community, supporting local businesses and celebrating our vibrant food culture,” said Food Day Canada board director Jeff Stewart.

Fergus early childhood educator finds inspiration in following children’s lead

Jessica Lovell July 5, 2024Community, News

FERGUS – Barbara Henneberry has now been in the field of early childhood education for 38 years, and this year she received a special honour for her work: a Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education.

‘Garagemahal’ event raises thousands for Big Brothers Big Sisters

Lorie Black June 21, 2024Community, News

SALEM – June 20 marked the seventh year that John Stumpf and his wife Pam have presented Garagemahal in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Centre Wellington. Held on their property in Salem, the event is sponsored by several local businesses and a team of volunteers.

Groundwater festival inspires next generation of water stewards

Jessica Lovell June 11, 2024Community, News

MARDEN – How much water does the average toilet use? What prevents dog pee from ending up in…

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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.

St. David Street in Fergus to open by Christmas: township

FERGUS – Despite the snow and sub-zero temperatures that have come early this year, work on St. David Street North in Fergus is still expected to be completed by Christmas.

Belwood and District Lions Club sponsor annual Breakfast with Santa

BELWOOD – It was a snowy Saturday morning Dec. 6 and the Belwood Community Hall was filled with wide smiles and happy chatter as hundreds of people attended the annual Breakfast with Santa sponsored by the Belwood and District Lions Club.

See all Centre Wellington area articles.

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.

Report says it costs $273 per week for family of four to eat healthy

GUELPH – Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health put a human face on its annual Nutritious Food Basket report outlining the real cost of eating a healthy diet in Guelph and Wellington County.

See all Dufferin County area articles.

Two health workshops in December at EWFHT

ERIN – December will be light on community workshops at the East Wellington Family Health Team as only two workshops are on offer.

Erin Legion hosts 3rd annual Christmas Market

ERIN – Shoppers could find hand-crafted and unique gift ideas at the Erin Legion’s 3rd annual Christmas Market on Dec. 6.

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.

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.

Possession, trafficking charges after police stop

GUELPH – An Eden Mills woman and Guelph man  are facing drug charges following a traffic stop.

See all Guelph area articles.

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.

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

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.

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.

Festivities flooded Drayton for Santa’s parade

DRAYTON – Santa and Mrs. Claus prepare to make their grand entrance at the fire hall following Drayton’s festive parade on Dec. 5, ready to greet excited children and their parents

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. 

See all Mapleton area articles.

Another cyclist dies after being struck by a vehicle

MINTO – The most recent incident took place on Dec. 9 at about 5:30pm. Emergency crews responded to a collision between two vehicles and a cyclist on Highway 9 near Anna's Lane, just outside Harriston.

Minto water rate rising 4%; wastewater going up 2%

MINTO – Minto residents can expect their wastewater rates to increase by two per cent next year. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

See all Waterloo Region area articles.

County food banks seek donations to meet growing need

WELLINGTON COUNTY – The rising cost of living, compounded by annual holiday expectations, has left many county residents struggling to make ends meet.

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 Wellington County area articles.

Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation to ‘light up’ hospital until Dec. 23

MOUNT FOREST – The Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation is hoping to once again make things a little brighter for the staff and patients who will be spending time at the hospital this holiday season.

Dentists pledge $40,000 to new pool

MOUNT FOREST – McFarlane Family Dental of Mount Forest has committed $40,000 to the construction of the new Mount Forest outdoor pool, specifically two lifeguard chairs.

See all Wellington North area articles.

Editorial

Season of giving

Helping others is contagious this time of year.

The pickpocket

Travel anywhere crowds form and tourists are warned to watch for pickpockets.

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.

Columnists

To Santa

By Kelly Waterhouse

Hey Big Guy, I hope this letter finds you jolly and that your reindeer are healthy and ready for the epic Christmas Eve world tour, where I know children anticipate your mysterious arrival and the subsequent leaving of presents. 

Fergus widow horrified at empty grave of husband

By Stephen Thorning

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

Palmerston railroad worker proved hard to track

By Stephen Thorning

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

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