‘Lest we forget’
Dear Editor:
On behalf of the executive and members of our branch, I want to commend and thank Rev. Peter Bush for his excellent letter outlining the significant and memorable events leading up to the erection of the cenotaph on Tower St. in Fergus.
The determination and dedication of Dr. Norman Craig to see this happen is most noteworthy.
Remembering those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms today is not a once a year event and this cenotaph is a constant reminder to all who walk or drive past it.
Lest we forget.
Randy Graham,
Legion president, poppy chair,
Fergus
‘Lost forever’
Dear Editor:
The Ford government’s plan to sell 60 per cent of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park’s beach front for private development is a troubling step backward for Ontario.
These public lands protect endangered species like the piping plover, they shelter fragile dune ecosystems from erosion and they provide affordable, accessible opportunities for families to enjoy nature.
Once sold and developed, they will be lost forever.
Equally concerning is Bill 5, which guts the Endangered Species Act and weakens Indigenous consultation rights.
By removing oversight and public accountability, this legislation threatens not only Wasaga Beach but the long-term protection of all provincial parks and conservation lands.
Bill 5 must be repealed.
As a parent, I fear my young daughter will grow up in an Ontario where she is deprived of the chance to experience these extraordinary places as I have.
These parks belong to all Ontarians, now and for generations to come. We must urge our leaders to protect them – not sell them off for profit.
Louise Cumming,
Fergus
‘Power grab’
Dear Editor:
Premier Doug Ford’s Bill 5 was presented as a way to protect Ontario and its economy, but this could not be further from the truth.
This bill can be used for any purpose. It gives the premier and his cabinet the power to exempt any person or business they like from any provincial or municipal law they choose, in as much of the province as they like, for any purpose, based on whatever criteria they decide.
This power grab puts the environment and species at risk and communities across Ontario in grave danger. It opens the door for more provincial corruption and cronyism.
It appears that Premier Doug Ford is once again prioritizing his developer and donor friends over Ontarians and the environment. Bill 5 exempts the Dresden Dump from a necessary, comprehensive environmental assessment. The landfill proponent, York1, has close ties with Ford and his government, and has reportedly donated over $200,000 since 2018 to the Ontario PC party.
Accepting developer dollars, then changing provincial laws to benefit developer projects exemplifies a pattern of corruption we know all too well from the Greenbelt scandal.
The situation in Dresden is just the tip of the iceberg. The passage of Bill 5 means harmful developments are more likely to be approved without knowing the full impact they’ll have on surrounding communities and the environment.
If this project can happen here, it can happen anywhere in Ontario – maybe even your community.
The only reasonable path forward is to repeal Bill 5. Environmental protections are not red-tape, especially when it’s your community’s air and water quality under threat.
Bonnie Lesky,
Fergus
‘Something positive’
Dear Editor:
Due to the ongoing construction on Colborne Street in Elora, which is one of the two main east-west routes through our town, traffic is forced to use our formerly quiet street as a thoroughfare.
Drivers appear to be flustered and annoyed that they have been inconvenienced, hence by the time they reach our street they are in even more of a hurry to get to their destination.
The township had installed “please slow down” signs on Keating Drive and Gourlay Road but not on Steven Way or Wellington Drive (the other part of the revised route).
I emailed councillor Lisa MacDonald on July 25 and she replied immediately. On July 30, two signs were installed on our street and the lines at the crosswalk and four-way stop nearby were re-painted.
So, with all of the negativity being directed towards our politicians at all levels of government, some of it warranted, I wanted to share something positive.
Thank you councillor MacDonald for pushing this through on behalf of your constituents.
David Page,
Elora
Breakfast success
Dear Editor:
Once again, Breakfast on the Farm on June 21 was a huge success. There is a lot of hard work, months of planning and working with great people. An event this size takes a lot of volunteers , great people and dedication.
The success of any event is due to some of the following:
– organization – between two like-minded community groups (the Fergus Agricultural Society and the Alma Optimists) that are among many strong supporters in our community and that both enjoy volunteering and are committed to making everything we do a success and the best experience to you our community;
– ag advocates – once again we had the privilege and honour to work with another great family that promotes the importance of agriculture in our lives and community. Harracroft Acres (Ian, Janet, Ryan and Jessica Harrop) opened up their home, business and family for you to come and see, touch and enjoy a good homemade breakfast and experience on a farm; and
– volunteers – without all of the volunteers that worked tirelessly leading up to the breakfast (starting in March) and our 75-plus volunteers (on the breakfast day), this event would not be possible.
Sometimes “thank you” doesn’t seem enough, but from the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone involved.
And finally, to you, our community, for your continued support and attending events such as our breakfast, our ag. education day, our fair and/or any Optimist Club event.
Your eagerness and your enjoyment from anything we do is all we really want and enjoy.
Denise Kankainen,
Fergus Agricultural Society
Lost cane
Dear Editor:
Recently I was in Fergus and while shopping at Giant Tiger I lost my mother-in-law’s cane.
The silver cane, with a grey handle, had been put on the shopping cart handle and the cart was left at the permit parking spot beside where the car was parked.
When I noticed the cane was missing I went back to Giant Tiger and there was no cart where I left it.
I went into the store and asked if anyone had brought in a cane. They said no and asked other staff, and the answer was still no.
Two of the staff went out to the parking lot and checked the carts and did not find the cane.
They took my name and phone number and said if it shows up, they will give me a call.
If anyone in Fergus finds the cane (which has a sticker with my name on it) please drop it off at the Giant Tiger.
It would be much appreciated. Thank you.
David Emery,
Arthur
Trail tips
Dear Editor:
As a frequent user of the Elora Cataract Trailway, I have a few observations to share.
I am pleased to see dogs are being kept on a leash and are well managed as I pass on my bicycle.
Some cyclists (and pedestrians) are not visible to on-comers in the shady areas. I think it’s a good idea to have bike lights to be seen and light-coloured clothing is always a good idea for visibility.
When I ring my bike bell to notify pedestrians ahead, I appreciate a wave to indicate that the bell has been heard and the pedestrian is aware of me passing by on the left.
The Elora Cataract Trailway is a great resource in our area and membership is encouraged to help with costs.
Nancy Goodfellow,
Elora