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Wellington Advertiser Logo

Tuesday, December 23, 2025 | Vol 58 Issue 50

Community News
  • Elections 2025
    • Federal Election 2025
    • Provincial Election 2025
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News

Trafalgar Road reopened

Submitted May 28, 2024News

HILLSBURGH – Trafalgar Road, travelling through downtown Hillsburgh, reopened at last on May 25.

Gayle Ackroyd performs at Guelph Little Theatre

Submitted May 28, 2024Arts & Entertainment, News

GUELPH – Local singer-songwriter Gayle Ackroyd is teaming up with 2BJazz for a performance at Guelph Little Theatre on May 31.

Generous donation to Rural Women’s Support Program

Submitted May 28, 2024News

CENTRE WELLINGTON – On May 23, 100 Women Who Care Centre Wellington presented a cheque for $12,000 to Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis’ Rural Women’s Support Program (RWSP).

Scholarships available through Grand River Conservation Foundation

Submitted May 28, 2024News

GRAND RIVER – For students planning a career in an environmental field, now is the time to apply for scholarships available through the Grand River Conservation Foundation.

One day, two bridge openings

Joanne Shuttleworth May 27, 2024News

FERGUS – Two bridges in rural Centre Wellington that have been closed for several years celebrated their grand opening on May 22.

Wellington North man fined, on probation for livestock bylaw offences

Jordan Snobelen May 24, 2024Community News, Court, News, Rural

GUELPH – A Wellington North man must pay fines of over $3,000 after repeatedly allowing pigs to roam from his property, south of Conn.

Things may look bleak now but there are ‘Sunny Days Ahead’

Joanne Shuttleworth May 24, 2024News

FERGUS – It’s scarcely a week into the road and infrastructure project and downtown Fergus businesses are already feeling the burn from construction on St. David Street North. But there are "Sunny Days Ahead," says a local businesswoman.

Advertiser earns top honours in community newspaper competition

Advertiser Staff May 24, 2024Community News, News

WELLINGTON COUNTY – The Wellington Advertiser has won big for the fifth year in a row. On May 24 the local newspaper took first place in the General Excellence category of the Ontario Community Newspapers Association's 2023 Better Newspaper Competition.

Could a science centre be coming to Puslinch Township?

Joanne Shuttleworth May 24, 2024News

PUSLINCH – A group of local scientists thinks there’s enough need for another science centre in the province and they think it should be in Puslinch. Royal City Science hopes to build the $50-million venue on a rehabilitated gravel pit owned by the University of Guelph.

Harm reduction the humane way to help people addicted to drugs and alcohol: panel

Joanne Shuttleworth May 23, 2024News

ABOYNE – Using a harm reduction approach to helping people with addictions is more effective and more humane, panelists said at the “Reducing Harms, Building Community: A Wellington County Conversation” event hosted by the Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy.

Fifty years after Elmira Case, restorative justice still going strong

Joanne Shuttleworth May 23, 2024News

FERGUS – Russ Kelly is not the hero of this story, although he is the impetus behind it. Fifty years ago, Kelly and his buddy Paul Liebold went on a vandalism spree through Elmira, slashing tires, breaking windows and defacing property.

Local riders to showcase horse-breeding knowledge at Denmark competition

Jessica Lovell May 23, 2024Equine, News, Rural

CENTRE WELLINGTON – Four local horse enthusiasts are heading to Denmark as part of a team representing Canada in an international competition aimed at helping young people learn about sport horse breeding.

Planning departments disagree on Mapleton trucking business

Robin George May 23, 2024Business, Community News, News

MAPLETON – “I love it when planners duke it out,” township councillor Michael Martin said with a laugh during a public meeting on May 14. 

Emotions run high as group returns to council for answers on ‘neutrality’ bylaw

Georgia York May 23, 2024Community News, News

MINTO – A delegation returned to town council on Tuesday, as proponents of a petition pushed for answers regarding a requested “neutrality” bylaw.

Township shifting responsibility for tenant water utilities to landowners

Jordan Snobelen May 23, 2024Community News, News

KENILWORTH – Wellington North is putting landowners and landlords on the hook when tenants don’t pay utility bills for water and wastewater.

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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.

Not heard by local council? Township hopes to fix that with engagement charter, strategy

ELORA – In an effort to be inclusive, transparent and build trust in local government, the township has embarked on developing a community engagement charter and strategy.

Centre Wellington council grapples with implications of strong mayor powers

ELORA – Centre Wellington council learned a little more about “strong mayor powers” and what it will mean for process and procedure in the coming year.

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 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.

Locals enjoyed a festive breakfast with Santa at the Erin Legion Dec. 14.

ERIN – Santa got some down-time at the Breakfast with Santa event at the Erin Legion on Dec. 14.

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.

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

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.

Robinson Buick GMC celebrating 60 years of success

GUELPH – A lot has changed over the past six decades, but Robinson Buick GMC has survived it all, thanks to strong family connections and a consistent, proven approach to customer service. 

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.

Charity seeks council’s support for affordable housing project in Drayton

MAPLETON – “Our plan is not to build an apartment building, but to build ... a healthy, affordable and hope-filled community where everyone feels they belong.” 

Mapleton council considering stricter gun rules

MAPLETON – Council passed a motion directing staff to seek legal advice and investigate how other towns and townships regulate firearms. 

See all Mapleton area articles.

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

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.

Minto lowers tax levy increase; budget now in council review period

MINTO – Town staff have recommended a drop in the tax levy increase from 4.08 per cent to 3.9%.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

What happens after the holidays? Tips for giving Christmas trees a second life

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Memories are made as families gather around the twinkling lights, sparking ornaments and sentimental treasures hung on branches of evergreen trees brought inside to bring Yuletide joy. 

Mother gives back to NICU families during the holidays

HOWICK – Ivy Lorraine spent 52 days in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) watching her vulnerable and premature son struggle to survive.

See all Wellington County area articles.

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

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.

Knox church hosts nativity scene exhibit

WELLINGTON NORTH – Knox Presbyterian Church in Conn hosted its annual nativity scene exhibit over the last weekend of November and first weekend of December.

See all Wellington North area articles.

Editorial

So this is Christmas

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

There’s a chill out there

This coming Sunday marks the winter solstice. It’s a day we look forward to because it signals that daylight will last longer.

Season of giving

Helping others is contagious this time of year.

Columnists

Christmas bliss

By Kelly Waterhouse

In the quiet darkness of a December morning, before the thick ribbon of bright pink sunrise expands, pulling the winter sun from the horizon line, there is a beautiful weight to the stillness. 

Fergus Legion branch received charter in May 1935

By Stephen Thorning

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

Celebrating Christmas in Wellington County in 1954

By Stephen Thorning

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

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