The Community News would like to wish everyone a safe and happy 2013, as we take a look back on an eventful year in 2012.
The following is just a small sample of the News that made headlines in Mapleton Township in the past 12 months.
January
A group opposing NextEra Energy’s Conestogo Wind Energy Centre appealed the Ministry of Environment’s decision to approve the facility to an environmental tribunal. The group opposed NextEra’s plans for a 10-turbine, 22-megawatt wind farm southwest of Arthur. Residents in the area have opposed the project almost since it was announced three years ago.
A report from the township’s chief building official revealed building activity in Mapleton decreased slightly last year. David Kopp’s Jan. 10 report showed the number of permits in 2011 was 278, compared to 306 in 2010. The estimated value of construction activity decreased from $31.97 million in 2010 to $26.21 million. Consequently, the permit fees dropped from $241,278 in 2010 to $219,020 in 2011.
Halfway through the National Hockey League season, Drayton native Nick Spaling was on pace for a career year. As of Jan. 24, Spaling had registered 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) for the Nashville Predators, to go along with 10 penalty minutes, 62 shots on goal and a plus-one rating. His 2011-12 point total surpassed his previous high of 14, which he tallied in 74 games in 2010-11.
Rhythm On Ice, a synchronized skating team from Arthur that features several Mapleton Township skaters, brought home a gold medal from the Synchro Capers Invitational Competition event in Newmarket. Thirteen teams from across southern Ontario competed in the pre-novice level competition.
The township’s newest committee – economic development – held its first meeting on Jan. 17 and council approved its first recommendation on Jan. 24. That recommendation was to erect an industrial park sign and to offer space on it to businesses in the park. Liz Samis was the unanimous choice to chair the committee.
Moorefield’s Josh Kueneman and Riley Cribbin helped the major bantam ‘A’ Woolwich Wildcats capture the championship at the International Silverstick tournament in Port Huron, Michigan. The team came out on top with a record of 6-0, including four shutouts, and outscored their opponents 24-3.
February
A group of residents stepped up its battle to stop ten wind turbines from being erected near Arthur – and used the courts to do so. Preserve Mapleton Incorporated filed a judicial appeal of the Ministry of Environment’s approval of NextEra Energy’s Conestogo Wind Energy Centre. That meant delaying its appeal to the Environmental Appeals Tribunal until after the court hearing.
Mayor Bruce Whale told Fire Chief Rick Richardson to extend council’s thanks to the volunteer fire department after council heard the year-end report. Richardson said the department responded to 164 calls between Dec. 1, 2010 and Nov. 30, 2011. The department uses those dates for the annual report. The numbers are up 30% from 126 calls in the previous year.
The Ontario Fire Marshal’s office instructed fire chiefs to be on the lookout for barn parties – in particular stag and does and wedding receptions – and ensure they do not take place. But Rick Richardson, fire chief of Mapleton Township, said until an official announcement is made, most fire chiefs in the province have no interest in enforcing the Fire Marshal’s request, first unveiled at a fall chief’s meeting. “Every fire chief in that room said we’ll quit before we do that,” said Richardson.
Tyler Robinson continued to take the Ontario arm wrestling world by storm. The 22-year-old Moorefield resident, named 2011 Rookie of the Year by the Ontario Armwrestling Association, captured the overall championship belt (left arm) at the Arm Melter 13 event in Belleville on Feb. 11.
March
Mapleton came out on the winning side of the leger when it comes to the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund grant. Former finance director Mike Givens reported to council on Feb. 14 that the province issued its main transfer payment, and Mapleton would receive $1,321,800. That was an increase of $76,400 or 6.1% over the 2011 allocation. “It’s trending in the right direction,” Givens told council. “It’s not the same for all municipalities.”
The Grand River Conservation Authority approved a “stand pat” budget for 2012, calling for a small reduction in total spending – from $33.6 million in 2011 to $32.8 million in 2012. Local projects included in last year’s budget were the design of an emergency spillway at the Conestogo Dam ($150,000) and a restoration project at Conestogo Lake ($110,000).
About 100 people gathered at the Drayton Christian Reformed Church on March 3 to salute volunteer firefighters from Drayton and Moorefield. The event was organized by a Bible study group that considered the topic 40 Days of Community. One of the organizers, John Zwart, said the challenge to the group was “to do something that was loving in the community.”
Students, friends and staff at Drayton Heights Public School chose to support Angel Hair For Kids at a special hair cutting session on March 7. Spearheaded by kindergarten teacher Amanda Marson, students managed to raise $1,005 for the charity, which supplies wigs for children who have lost their own hair due to medical or health issues.
The Upper Canada Two-Cylinder Club’s show was on the move. Show officials announced the event was expected to mark its 20th anniversary in a new home. In 2012 the three-day event ran from July 27 to 29 at the Grand Valley Fairgrounds. Club member Kyle Bosomworth noted the decision to move was based on a survey of club members.
Mapleton Grade 5 students Tate Driscoll, Abby Wiens, Brittany Culling and Jana Bieman organized a fundraiser to help the family of one of their friends, Sheyanne O’Donnell, who has cancer. The girls made fabric handbags, selling them for $5, with all proceeds going to the O’Donnell family, of Arthur.
Councillor Neil Driscoll presented a notice of motion on March 13 directing staff to “request that the chief building official provide immediate notice to the township, through [the chief administrative officer and clerk Patty Sinnamon], of any applications for building permits submitted by NextEra so that the township can, at that time, review the application in the context of other required approvals for the wind turbine project.”
Bruce, Deb and Korb Whale hosted the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs at their Clovermead Farms in Mapleton on March 23 and Ted McMeekin was impressed with the way their biogas project could solve some of Ontario’s power supply woes. Nearly two dozen people, including a group from Austria, toured the project that cost over $1 million but will supply 500kw of electric power by using methane from cow manure and other organic materials.
April
The only appeals against the NextEra Energy Canada wind turbine proposal would come from citizens, after Mapleton council rejected the idea of a municipal appeal. Council met behind closed doors for nearly an hour on March 27 to consider advice from its lawyer, Guelph solicitor Peter Pickfield. They then re-opened the meeting and unanimously agreed (councillor Neil Driscoll was absent) they could not spend taxpayers’ money on an appeal that was unlikely to succeed. Earlier in the meeting, Preserve Mapleton Incorporated, the citizen group opposing the turbine project, had president Tyler Struyk remind all councillors they campaigned against wind turbines.
After council heard about a number of Grand River Conservation Authority programs and the 2012 budget, Mayor Bruce Whale told GRCA officials no one has any complaints about the programs the GRCA delivers. “The big question is why can’t you do it for a little less money,” Whale said. GRCA CAO Joe Farwell noted the Grand River watershed is 300km long and, at 6,800 square kilometres, is larger than Prince Edward Island. It flows from Dundalk in Dufferin County to Lake Erie. The Grand has four major tributaries, the Nith, Speed and Eramosa Rivers, plus the Conestogo River that runs through Mapleton. It amounts, said Farwell, to over 11,000km of streams. Mapleton’s 2012 levy is about $79,000 an increase of just over 2%.
Mapleton council decided to fix entrance signs to the municipality rather than take them down. Councillor Jim Curry wanted all the signs removed because they are in such poor condition they reflect badly on the township. Councillor Mike Downey said, “We’ve spent good money on these signs. Why don’t we spend a little to touch them up?”
Once again, this village is abuzz with excitement and talk about Nick Spaling. The 23-year-old Drayton native helped the Nashville Predators advance to the second round of the National Hockey League playoffs with a 4-1 series victory over the Detroit Red Wings in the opening round. The Predators were set face the Phoenix Coyotes in the second round. Spaling to this point, has registered two assists in the playoffs, as well as a plus-three rating and over 15 minutes of ice time per game.
Grade 10 CELP (Community Environmental Leadership Program) students from Norwell District Secondary School in Palmerston joined grade 5 students from Maryborough Public School in Moorefield for a tree planting project on April 20 at Guelph Lake Conservation Area. Over 400 students from the Upper Grand District School Board took part in the project, in cooperation with the GRCA and Wellington County’s Green Legacy Program.
May
It will cost over $12,000 to create a mural in Moorefield and Mapleton council agreed to pay some of the cost up front to help pay the artist. Public works director Larry Lynch gave council a report on the project and made the request for a $5,400 down payment to artist Allan Hillgendorf, who will create the mural on panels and place it on the K.A. Hammond building in the village. The mural will be 12 feet high and 32 feet long. Council had already agreed to pay half the cost of the project, which will depict the history of Moorefield.
The 4th Annual Zeal for Teal fundraiser for the Ovarian Cancer Canada Walk of Hope was held at the PMD Arena in Drayton last weekend. Over 100 women gathered to scrapbook and craft their way through the day – while raising funds for a good cause. This year’s event had a wild west theme.
Walter Grose was the Mapleton Township winner when Wellington County and the Volunteer Centre of Guelph Wellington presented the annual county awards for volunteering. Grose was recognized for his work with the Wellington County Farm and Home Safety Association, Work Place Safety Prevention Services advisory group, University of Guelph Chapter of the Canadian Agri-Marketing Association, Alma United Church and Silver Lake United Church Camp and the Alma Strawberry Social, as well as other organziations.
Tina, a three-year-old standard poodle, owned buy Allison Cowie, of Moorefield, beat out 750 other poodles to become the only Canadian dog to ever win the overall Best of Breed title at the Poodle Club of America’s (PCA) 80th National Specialty Dog Show in Salisbury, Maryland. “It’s pretty much the biggest poodle show on earth,” said Cowie.
Preserve Mapleton Incorporated (PMI) lost its judicial appeal of NextEra Energy’s 10-turbine wind farm southwest of Arthur. The Superior Court of Justice has suggested an award of costs of $5,000 to the province and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) director who issued the decision, and another $30,000 to NextEra Energy. PMI was given three weeks to formally argue against those suggested costs and the appellants given ten days after that submission to argue against it.
One community’s loss turned into a gain for a neighbour. Minto is losing a ballpark with the construction of a new OPP detachment in Teviotdale. The lights from that ball diamond will be moved to the Moorefield ball park, which is receiving a number of improvements this year.
It was a perfect day as the Conestoga Sailing Club to open its new dock on May 22. The dock building project was spread over two years. With the upgrade to the dock, approximately 40 years old, came modern amenities, making it wheelchair accessible, with bumpers built right into it so boats do not have to carry them for docking protection.
June
Winners of the annual Moorefield Bicycle Rodeo at the Moorefield optimist Hall were: Renee Babin, Connor Scheerer, Chloe Brooklyn, Jillian McIntryre and Dawson Grey.
Drayton Heights Public School cheered on four of their student athletes on May 23 as they attended the Special Olympics held at St. James Catholic High School in Guelph. Over 50 other surrounding schools were in attendance to take part in a day of track and field events.
Chris Kurz’s “ultra marathon” raised close to $15,000 for two charities. The Listowel resident said he was “ecstatic” to successfully complete his June 9 run from Listowel to Drayton and back – a total distance of about 64km – in bunker gear traditionally reserved for firefighters. The run itself raised between $10,000 and $12,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Canada. A pancake breakfast held in conjunction with the run raised about $1,270 for a memorial to North Perth firefighters Ray Walter, and Ken Rea, who died in a Listowel fire in 2011.
Hamilton resident John Varty was in Drayton on June 15 as part of his cross-Canada tractor tour to film a documentary about farming. He quit his job as a history professor to concentrate full time on the project, which included several days in rural Wellington County.
Council held a public meeting on June 12 to consider an application by Wellington Construction Limited of Palmerston to remove a holding designation on lands in Drayton so a 17-unit apartment building could proceed. The applicant was also proposing eight single family homes.
A pair of international fastball teams entertained about 500 people in Moorefield on June 20 – with a local mural project the big winner. The New Zealand Black Sox swept the doubleheader against the Argentina national team at the newly-refurbished ball diamond. New Zealand players had nothing but praise for the refurbished ball park, with the fence moved back and new lights installed. The event raised about $3,000 for the Moorefield historical mural project.
July
If the smiles were any indication, the Canada Day celebrations across Mapleton were a resounding success. Events included a breakfast in Moorefield, a motor-less parade in Alma and a host of events at the Drayton Fairgrounds, ranging from horseshoes to beach volleyball.
Plans for construction of an 11,000-square-foot health centre on the Palmerston and District Hospital site moved one step closer to reality. The North Wellington Health Care (NWHC) board approved a preliminary financing plan for the project, which will be financed through a joint effort of municipal financing, hospital investment and allocated special funding from the hospital’s foundation. Stephen Street, acting CEO for NWHC, said plans for the project are “in their infancy” so it’s impossible to attach a dollar figure until the project goes to tender.
Preserve Mapleton Inc. (PMI) announced a last-minute decision to withdraw from an Environmental Review Tribunal (ERT) hearing on a controversial 10-turbine wind farm project southwest of Arthur. PMI issued a statement indicating the unavailability of a key medical expert caused the group to withdraw from the process, which was slated to begin July 13. PMI concluded the testimony of Dr. Robert McMurtry, who was unable to participate due to a medical condition, was “essential to substantiate” the testimony of other witnesses.
Groundwater sources in Mapleton will be mapped as part of an upcoming geological survey by the provincial Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. Abigail Burl, a geologist with the ministry, informed Mapleton council of plans for a multi-year 3-D mapping project covering a region from Mount Forest to Elmira. The study will take in parts of four counties or regions (Grey, Wellington, Perth and Waterloo) and provide a better understanding of “the distribution and characteristics of subsurface aquifers (buried sand and gravel) that host important groundwater resources,” Burl explained.
To mark its 125th anniversary Peel Maryborough Mutual Insurance (PMI) erected a new digital sign. The official unveiling of the sign was held on July 20, and officials said it had already proven to be beneficial, helping to publicize a county-wide fire ban and Mapleton watering restrictions declared the week prior.
Mapleton saved the cost of a $10,570 inspection and maintenance contract for aeration tubing in cell 3 at the Drayton Lagoon, after consultation proved the work would be superfluous. At the July 10 Mapleton council meeting, director of public works Larry Lynch reported that after further consultation, he has determined the work he had recommended on May 22 would be “redundant.”
August
The Township of Mapleton started looking for a new director of finance, as Michael Givens accepted the position of treasurer with the Township of Wellington North, where he will replace former treasurer John Jeffery who retired in early May.
Four area school bus companies have filed a claim against the Ontario government, claiming a new tendering policy for bus routes has killed their businesses. Epoch’s Garage in Kenilworth, Cook Bus Lines in Mount Forest, Doug Akitt Bus Lines in Belwood and a numbered company owned by Alma’s Dave and Anna Langdon filed the claim last month with the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. The government introduced the new system in a bid to save money, but small bus companies contend the system is unfair. The companies say they were unable to complete the bidding process or lost routes they had run for years.
A proposed master plan for recreation in the township was unveiled to the public at an open house at the municipal council chambers on Aug. 8. Five key concerns surfaced through citizen input to the plan:
– poor playground conditions;
– the need for upgraded washrooms at recreation facilities;
– accessibility and safety issues at most recreational facilities;
– the need to fine tune service delivery and organization; and
– better signage and emergency addressing.
Fairgoers came out for a fine time in Drayton, enjoying a great array of events despite a wet weekend. While the rain washed out the truck pull planned for Friday night and a lawn tractor pull on Saturday, most of the events, including all the livestock shows, went off as planned and were well attended, said Schieck. A rain delay Saturday night backed the tractor pull up by about an hour and a half and a problem with the pull boat created another half-hour delay, causing the event to wrap up around 3am. Sunday’s demolition derby drew as well as in past years, filling the stands with about 1,200 people, Schieck estimated.
Staff and councilors here will receive a 1.9 per cent pay increase for 2012. Council passed bylaws implementing the increase at its Aug. 19 regular meeting. Raises for staff and council were made retroactive to Jan. 1, 2012. Mayor Bruce Whale will be paid $15,952, and councillors will be paid $12,407. That pay includes all council and committee of the whole meetings, as well as all special meetings for which the mayor has requested all councillors attend.
Upgrades to the Maryborough Community Centre got the nod from Mapleton council as the priority project for a Canadian Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF) grant program Council will apply for one-third funding for $265,000 worth of work on the facility. Proposed upgrades include an access ramp, roof replacement, building retrofit and a new entrance sign.
The Palmerston Marlins Bantam girls fastball team earned a bronze medal at the Eastern Canadian Championships in North River, Nova Scotia. The team made it to the semi-final game, but lost 7-2 to the host Nova Scotia team, finishing with a 5-3 record and a bronze medal. Sarah Seifried of Drayton received the tournament all-star outfielder award, while Brianna Donaldson of Gorrie was named an all-star at second base. Team members include: Larissa Hill, Emily Duck, Michaela Tolton, Kadie Morrissey, Sarah Seifried, Brandi Grose, Briana Donaldson, Sierra Bertrand, Samantha Binkley, Nicole Ross, Jessica Thompson, manager Dwayne Binkley, head coach Mark Matheson, coach Laura Matheson, coach Paul Tolton and coach Jane Tolton.
September
Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) officials were hoping a new study would result in a lower cost for a major spillway construction project at the Conestogo Dam. The authority has been facing a 2015 deadline to address deficiencies to the Conestogo Dam spillway capacity identified in a 1997 dam safety study. Based on that study, a cost estimate of over $20 million was placed on the spillway project, which would involve constructing a channel around the dam to direct water into the Grand River. “Hopefully it will turn out to be less expensive. Then we will roll that into our five-year forecast,” said GRCA communications officer Dave Schultz.
A $250,000 expansion and renovation project to accommodate full-day kindergarten at Alma Public School received the go-ahead from the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB). The work at Alma Public School is part of a series of 10 renovation and construction projects for full-day kindergarten approved by the board, in June.
Drayton’s Terry Fox Run organizers were thrilled with the record turnout on Sept. 16, as over 200 participants and volunteers banded together to raise $25,143 for cancer research. “I’m so inspired by the families and individuals who come out every year and I think it is so cool that they consistently commit to this cause,” said head organizer Louise Ellis, who was also quick to point out that many new participants attended this year. In fact, participation more than doubled from 2011.
Some hope emerged for farmers in the 19 identified drought disaster areas in Ontario, including Wellington County, thanks to a program launched at the Canadian Federation of Agriculture roundtable at the federal, provincial and territorial agriculture ministers’ meeting in Whitehorse. Hay East is a program with an Ontario contingent co-chaired by Mennonite Disaster Service and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) and involves many other agricultural organizations across the country. The program has a mandate to work to sustain livestock through the winter by delivering much-needed hay from western Canada to eastern Canadian farmers affected by severe drought conditions this past summer.
October
Matt Ottens of Moorefield placed first in the 32,000 pound class, while Leon Altena of Alma topped the 22,000 pound class in the 2012 EkotuningCorn King of the Pull competition. Ottens recorded a pull of 295.7 at the final pull in Fergus on Sept. 16, scoring a total of 54 points for the three events including earlier pulls in Drayton and Elora. Altena, with a pull of 259.3 topped the Fergus event in his class and finished with a score of 60 points for the three events. In the 32,000 pound class, John Driscoll of Moorefield finished second with a three-pull total score of 50, followed by Michelle Ray of Drayton, with 48 points, and Joe Kieswetter of Alma with 47 points.
Mapleton council supported a call for the provincial government to take over responsibility for school crossing guards. Council agreed to support a resolution from the Municipality of Central Huron seeking changes to Ontario’s Education Act to make the Ministry of Education the responsible authority and have the ministry cover the cost of school crossing guard programs rather than local governments. “I think it would be something the school boards could probably do better than us having anything to do with it,” said councilor Neil Driscoll.
Wellington Junior Farmers completed their final road cleanup of the season on Oct. 14. The Drayton-based club, adopted Wellington County Road 7 three years ago and cleans up the stretch between Wellington Roads 10 and 11 three times a year. The club looks forward to serving their community on a regular basis and they try and do as many projects as they can to improve the Wellington community.
The official ribbon cutting for the Moorefield mural was held Oct.16. Dave Campbell of the Moorefield Mural Committee (MMC) thanked all those involved in bringing the project to fruition. A special thank-you was made in person to mural artist Allen Hilgendorf, was was unable to see the mural installed earlier this year. The artist has experienced a remarkable improvement in his health and hopes to continue decorating small towns across the province.
The grand opening of the new Norwell Dairy building in Drayton was held on Oct. 27. The company has been operating out of the new facility since January. President Hilco Stevens said the company, which employs over 100 people, including about 65 at the Drayton location, is confident they are in the right spot. “We do believe with this move that, as Norwell Dairy, we are in the right location to serve the local dairy farmers.”
November
Three Mapleton Township employees were recognized for lengthy service to the municipality. Building inspector Becky Burnnett was recognized for 10 years of service, CAO Patty Sinnamon was recognized for 15 years of municipal service and Les Robinson was recognized for 20 years in public works. “It’s really great when you get a chance to recognize people with that much service to our municipality,” commented Mayor Bruce Whale.
Mapleton made plans to hire a consultant to identity financial impacts and set rates for a proposed water metering system in Mapleton. Council directed staff to prepare a request for proposals (RFP) to prepare a report for the potential metering of Drayton and Moorefield. In a report to council, public works director Larry Lynch noted that over the past several years there has been “considerable discussion and research regarding the merits of a water meter program for both Drayton and Moorefield.”
Nicole Hessels, a Grade 10 student at Norwell District Secondary School, competed at the OFSAA Cross-Country Championships in Brampton on Nov. 3. Competing against 266 of the province’s top qualifiers, Hessels finished second, earning a silver medal, in a time of 15:14. Hessels finished three seconds behind Charlotte Prouse of London Central. Hessels and Prouse raced previously this season at the Waterloo County and Fanshawe Park invitationals. Saturday’s finish marks their closest of 2012.
Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece presented Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medals to three Mapleton residents, Jean Campbell, Paul Day and Pat Salter, in Arthur on Nov. 7. The medals, honouring the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s assention to the throne and her contributions as the sitting monarch, are handed out to Canadians for contributions to their communities. Medals were also presented at the Arthur ceremony to Dr. Bob McFarlane and Donna McFarlane of Mount Forest and Ray Wightman of Clifford.
Mapleton council gave approval in principle to a Wellington County-wide plan for a $24 million trail system that calls for over $1.25 million in trail upgrades in the township. Wellington County planner Sarah Wilhelm told council the local contribution is projected to come in at $77,800 over 20 years, with the county picking up the lion’s share at $1,173,440. Wilhelm said much of the work to be done in Mapleton would be on county roads and funded 100 per cent by the county.
Building activity in Mapleton in 2012 continued at a pace well ahead of 2011 levels. Chief building official David Kopp filed a report updating council on building activity at the Nov. 13 council meeting. As of the end of October 2012, the municipality had issued building permits for construction valued at $36,968,069, compared to $23,168,065 in the first 10 months of 2011.
With the Minto-Mapleton area about to lose two long-serving doctors to retirement in the next year, Minto council was asked for support for physician recruitment efforts. Council agreed to consider a request for a $10,000 contribution to local health professional recruitment efforts in 2013 budget deliberations after hearing from members of the local recruitment committee at the Nov. 20 meeting. “In Minto-Mapleton, over the next year, we are preparing for the retirement of two long-standing physicians,” one each in Drayton (Dr. Chris Donald) and Harriston (Dr. John Vanderkooy), stated Shirley Borges, chair of the Minto-Mapleton Health Professional Recruitment Committee in a report to council.
December
Mapleton council directed staff to apply for funding for a water tower in Drayton, under a newly-announced provincial infrastructure program. On Nov. 15, the Ontario government announced a $51 million grant program, the Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative (MIII) a capital program for roads, bridges, water and wastewater projects. Council made the project a priority as staff reports indicated planned residential and industrial development will make water pressure and flow a concern for firefighting in the community.
Drayton resident Jo-Anne Brown began looking for members to join a volunteer committee to establish a skateboard park in the community. The committee’s goals will include establishing a budget to present to council and gathering resources and input from the community, and as well as determining a proper location for a skateboard park.
Mapleton’s committee of adjustment deferred a decision on minor variance applications for three properties on Wellington Road 10. All three properties are at the centre of a dispute over changes to Minimum Distance Separation (MDS) provisions in the township’s new comprehensive zoning bylaw. The three applications were deferred for further review at the next committee meeting on Jan. 9 at 9:30am.
