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Wellington Advertiser Logo

Thursday, January 1, 2026 | Vol 59 Issue 01

Community News
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News

March is Epilepsy Awareness Month

Advertiser Staff March 20, 2021News

LONDON - March is national Epilepsy Awareness Month and Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario hopes to correct some misconceptions by sharing stories of real people.

WDGPH region moving to province’s orange COVID-19 alert level on Monday

Chris Daponte March 19, 2021COVID-19, News

GUELPH — It turns out the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) will move to the orange level of the province's COVID-19 framework on March 22 after all.

Davidson says county mayors favour maintaining local state of emergency

Patrick Raftis March 19, 2021Community News, COVID-19, News

MAPLETON – Mayor Gregg Davidson says the consensus among Wellington County mayors is the existing local state of emergency should stay in place until the majority of county residents are vaccinated against COVID-19.

Council designates Safe Restart funds to cover past, pending pandemic expenses

Patrick Raftis March 19, 2021Community News, COVID-19, News

MINTO – Council here has approved a plan to utilize just under $140,000 in federal/provincial Safe Restart Agreement funds to cover pandemic-related operational expenses from 2020, leaving about $125,000 in reserve for 2021.

Experts call on governments to address wait times for mental health services

Lori-Anne Little March 19, 2021COVID-19, News

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Mental health experts throughout Ontario are calling on the province to take immediate action to help reduce wait times for access to mental health care.

Pandemic has been tough – but also an opportunity to come back stronger

Joanne Shuttleworth March 19, 2021COVID-19, News

GUELPH - If anyone can say how residents of Guelph and Wellington County have been managing this past year, it’s Sarah Haanstra.

‘It’s ruining all of our lives’: COVID-19 long haulers still dealing with impacts of virus

Chris Daponte March 18, 2021COVID-19, News

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Jackie Loree wakes up every day wondering when her COVID-19 symptoms will subside. She’s been dealing with chest pain, shortness of breath and fatigue for a year now.

Wellington County council costs lower in 2020

Patrick Raftis March 18, 2021News

WELLINGTON COUNTY - Wages, benefits and expenses paid to the 16 members of Wellington County council totalled $928,962 in 2020, down about $50,788 from 2019.

Local economy in recovery mode after year of turbulence

Patrick Raftis March 18, 2021COVID-19, News

WELLINGTON COUNTY – As the entire country rolled into lockdown mode to protect against an unprecedented new health threat in March of 2020, municipal politicians and staff in Wellington County had to consider action to protect all elements of the community.

Police beat: Fergus man charged after false report of car theft

Advertiser Staff March 18, 2021Police

WATERLOO – A Fergus man is facing several charges, including impaired driving and child abandonment, after he falsely reported to police his vehicle was stolen with his child inside.

Wellington County designated regional fire training centre

Patrick Raftis March 18, 2021News

CENTRE WELLINGTON – The County of Wellington has been designated as a regional fire training centre by the Ontario government. Fire training officer Charles Hamilton said the change won’t be drastic, as some training was already being offered on a county-wide basis.

Town saves over $15,000 as pandemic reduces council travel

Patrick Raftis March 18, 2021Community News, News

MINTO – The cost of paying local politicians in Minto decreased by more than $17,000 last year. The report, an annual requirement under the Municipal Act, shows salary and expenses paid to members of Minto council between Dec. 1, 2019 and Nov. 30, 2020 totalled $148,770.

Calls to support lines surge as pandemic continues to take toll on mental health

Lori-Anne Little March 18, 2021COVID-19, News

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Experts say Canadians’ mental health has been put to the test, with stress, anxiety and depression at all-time highs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. John Stickney retiring from Groves hospital after 43 years

Submitted March 17, 2021News

ABOYNE - After 43 years of hard work and dedication to his staff and patients at Groves Memorial Community Hospital (GMCH), Dr. John Stickney is retiring. 

Water Watchers to participate in North America-wide protest

Advertiser Staff March 17, 2021News

GUELPH - Wellington Water Watchers (WWW) will join communities from Maine, California, Michigan, Colorado, and Florida in an online protest, calling on regulatory agencies and legislators to closely examine Nestle´s sale of its North American operations to a private equity firm.

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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.

Tow truck driver dies two days after being struck by vehicle

CENTRE WELLINGTON – A tow truck driver has died two days after a being hit by a vehicle while trying to assist another motorist.

Paid parking on pause in downtown Elora

ELORA – The township has put a pause on paid parking in downtown Elora due to “weather-related challenges” it states on its Facebook page.

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.

Speeder of the Week

GUELPH – On Dec. 19 at about 8:40pm, a Wellington County OPP officer was monitoring traffic on the Hanlon Expressway.

Students host successful toy drive

GUELPH – A group of Grade 11 Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute International Baccalaureate students, along with their teacher adviser Mr. Lloyd, collected over $300 in cash and $500 worth of new toys to give to local children and families

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.

Driver charged in Mapleton crash that sent three to hospital

MAPLETON – Emergency crews responded to the single-vehicle collision on Wellington Road 12 in Mapleton Township on Dec. 28 at about 4:45pm.

Moorefield Optimists welcome community to outdoor ice rink

MOOREFIELD – The Moorefield Optimists maintain an ice rink outside their hall at 14 Ball Ave. 

See all Mapleton area articles.

Minto’s Fire and Ice New Year’s Eve event cancelled

PALMERSTON – Organizers say they are "very disappointed to make the difficult decision to cancel the event, as Fire and Ice is a much-loved community celebration."

Town awards water tower painting for over $251,000

MINTO – The Clifford Water Tower is set to get a $251,000 makeover sometime in the spring. 

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.

White Wolf remains silent on plans for Aberfoyle, Hillsburgh wells

ABERFOYLE – White Wolf Inc. held its first stakeholder meeting since taking over the wells in Aberfoyle and Hillsburgh from Blue Triton Canada.

Puslinch Township to purchase recreational land; silent on details

ABERFOYLE – It appears Puslinch Township is planning to purchase property to be used for recreational purposes.

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.

Local school board trustees refuse to speak to media

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Asked for interviews about their roles, Wellington County trustees from both the Upper Grand District School Board and Wellington Catholic District School Board refused to be interviewed on record.

Volunteers work hard on outdoor skating rinks

WELLINGTON COUNTY  – There are many community ice rinks available this winter to county residents.

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

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.

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.

Columnists

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…

Unbothered

By Kelly Waterhouse

This may be a lofty goal, but if I write it down it will help me stay focused. Keep me accountable. 

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. 

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