WELLINGTON COUNTY – Now that random stops are off the table, OPP officers will focus on businesses and restaurants, complaints from the public and unlawful public gatherings.
News
Temporary-use clause considered to facilitate rezoning application
MAPLETON – Township council will consider a bylaw to rezone a property on Wellington Road 7 at its next meeting, but wants to ensure a business on a newly-created residential lot is moved within two years.
County, region continue to set new highs for active COVID-19 cases
WELLINGTON COUNTY – The region reported 231 new cases over the weekend (April 16 to 18), bringing active cases to a record high of 679, breaking the previous record of 634 set on April 15.
MP John Nater opens debate on bill to protect vulnerable Canadians
OTTAWA – The bill, originally introduced by Nater in January 2019 and re-introduced in February 2020, proposes to enhance protections from sexual exploitation for young people and Canadians living with disabilities.
OPP, Guelph Police statements suggest differing enforcement policies
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Guelph Police officials say Guelph officers will not conduct random vehicle or person stops despite having newly-granted powers to do so. However, it remains a little more unclear what the plan is for OPP officers in Wellington County – or across the province for that matter.
Public health reports first case of Brazilian COVID-19 variant
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
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.
Review board decision will raise assessment on gravel pits in county
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Warden Kelly Linton called a provincial Assessment Review Board (ARB) decision that will see assessment on some area gravel pits rise by more than 60 per cent “a step in the right direction.”
Modelling: third wave could continue through summer without more strict measures
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.
Smart Cities receives $5 million in federal funding for ‘Circular Opportunity Innovation Launchpad’
GUELPH – The Guelph-Wellington Smart Cities project has received nearly $5 million in federal funding to advance its circular economy aspirations by creating a test platform and accelerator.
Wellington County approves funding for LaunchIt operation
MINTO – Wellington County council has approved a $20,000 allocation from the county’s Business Retention and Expansion Municipal Implementation Fund to assist the Town of Minto with operation of the LaunchIt Business Exploration Centre in Harriston.
Committee approves minor variance for first phase of Elora housing development
ELORA – Centre Wellington's committee of adjustment has approved a minor variance application to allow street-level units of a proposed stacked townhouse building in Elora to be built as either commercial or residential units depending on market demands.
Students will remain at home despite expiration of WDGPH order
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.
Redmond retires from county planning department
WELLINGTON COUNTY – Linda Redmond, Wellington County’s manager of planning and environment, has retired after 17 years with the municipality.
Local school boards receive $13 million for infrastructure upgrades
TORONTO – Local schools will receive about $13 million in federal/provincial funding to upgrade infrastructure and protect against COVID-19.