Mail bag: 06/18/26
‘Deeply concerning’
Dear Editor:
I am writing to you as a concerned citizen of Erin. I am a direct neighbour of the Strada Aggregates Hillsburgh Pit on Sideroad 27.
I recently attended the Erin council meeting on June 11, where I heard firsthand how much the pit fill operation would impact the community as a whole. I wholeheartedly agree with the concerns and facts that were thoughtfully expressed with great detail and passion from the delegates and the people of this community.
Living within 120 meters of the pit, we have never received any written notice about the proposal from the Town of Erin, despite the fact that they say they did notify residents.
I’d also like to note that the Earth Healing Foundation sign was recently painted over. The entire project feels deeply concerning, with many oversights related to road and public safety, noise, pollution, water contamination, etc.
Living directly across from the pit, I have a personal interest because it affects my family directly.
I have submitted a letter to the council asking them to respectfully put residents first and to do everything within their authority to stop this project.
Kimberly Van Den Hoek,
Erin
‘Dividing wall’
Dear Editor:
After attending the May 14 and June 11 Erin council meetings, it is very clear that there is a massively high dividing wall/barrier between the mayor and two councillors who voted yes for the Hillsburgh gravel pit 20-year fill agreement with pit owner Jay Fieger and the two councillors who voted no.
This dividing wall is higher than the Trump wall at U.S./Mexico border!
As a resident of Erin and on behalf the Erin Citizens Coalition, I have one ask.
The mayor and councillors need to knock down this dividing wall barrier and work together as leadership team to make this 20-year gravel pit fill agreement become null and void.
The Erin Citizens Coalition has researched and provided tons of valid information to the Town of Erin leadership team.
Work together with the Erin Citizens Coalition to right-side this gravel pit mess. Knock down the dividing wall and keep “the charm” in the Town of Erin.
Laurie Jardine,
Erin
‘Consideration’ for all
Dear Editor:
RE: Residents request removal of Watson Road speed humps, June 4.
There are some conflictions regarding the removal of speed bumps from Watson Road South. One source claims bumps were removed by unknown sources while this article suggests the concerns of a couple of residents was the reason for removal.
I can’t totally disagree with residents as I’m sure these are not a welcome front-of-home welcome. I agree more efforts and communications may have found a better location for these bumps. However the “noise, dust” factor of these bumps would not be an issue had officials enforced the “no heavy truck” signs on both the north and south Watson Road approaches to Arkell Road, along with the posted pole sign immediately upon turning south onto Watson Road.
The constant and regular unpermitted dump trucks and construction equipment travelling well above the speed limit all year long (including half-load season) are more to fault for the unnecessary noise, dust and excessive speed coming into the village.
Rather than eliminating the speed control bumps, perhaps the next step of addressing the issue is for council to encourage police monitoring of oversized trucks, loads and speed, and for council to continue further ideal placement locations for speed control. Consideration for the benefit of all.
James Rattray,
Arkell
Loves roundabout
Dear Editor:
RE: The new roundabout on Wellington Road 18 and 2nd Line, northeast of Fergus.
What an improvement and a greatly needed safety upgrade!
I am a longtime resident of the lower 2nd Line. Over the years I have become increasingly concerned about the increasing danger of making the left turn into Fergus.
Wellington Road 18 has a posted 70km/h speed limit going east out of town, which means the average motorist is traveling nearly 80km/h. Motorists coming west down the big hill from the dam towards Fergus can be approaching this corner in excess of that speed. There has been a great increase in traffic from Fergus turning north at this corner in the last few years as well.
The roundabout has a posted speed of 20km/h. That in itself increases the safety factor. Coupled with that, the very design of the roundabout necessitates that drivers must slow down. Kudos to Cox Construction for their quick delivery on this project.
Now my regular trips to town, as well as those of my neighbours, are safer and less stressful.
I thank the county planners who “saw the problem as a real one and did something about it.” We will never know how many serious injuries and deaths you have prevented.
My thanks for your foresight and the resolve of all those who got the job done!
Bruce Hawkins,
Centre Wellington
Sad about show
Dear Editor:
I was disappointed to learn that the Upper Canada Two Cylinder Club will not be hosting its annual John Deere show in Palmerston this year.
As an 18-year-old, this event has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My parents attended the show before I was born, and I grew up spending summers there. Some of my earliest memories are of being pulled around the grounds while my family volunteered with the tractor pull. Over the years, the show has become much more than a weekend event. It is a place where farmers, families, friends and visitors come together to celebrate our agricultural heritage and make lasting memories.
One thing I have always noticed is the respect shown by the volunteers, exhibitors and attendees. Many of them are farmers who understand the value of land and the importance of caring for it. Respect for property and community has always been part of the culture of this organization.
That is why it is difficult to hear allegations suggesting the club caused damage to property. My family became involved because they believed in preserving traditions for future generations. The people who volunteer countless hours to make this event happen do so because they care about their community and its history.
I hope the municipality can help bring the parties together to find a solution. Before blame is placed, it is reasonable to ask whether all possible causes of the damage were considered and how it was determined that this event was responsible.
The loss of this show would be a loss for our entire community. It preserves history, brings people together and provides an opportunity for younger generations to learn about the agricultural traditions that helped build this area.
I sincerely hope a way can be found to keep this tradition alive.
David Manion,
Durham
‘Incredible generosity’
Dear Editor:
Thank you, Guelph –Wellington- Fergus
A week ago, our community once again reminded us why we love this place so much. Thanks to your incredible generosity, our annual Women-to-Women vintage clothing event raised more than $13,000 for Bracelet of Hope.
When we founded Bracelet of Hope two decades ago, with the vital support of friends at the University of Guelph, our aim felt simple: helping children orphaned by HIV/AIDS crisis in the small African nation of Lesotho. However, we quickly realized that “simple” is rarely the reality on the ground.
Our vision expanded to support other vulnerable children and addressing the underlying challenges of poverty. Today, in addition to helping children at risk, we are proud to partner with the Swiss-based organization SolidarMed to provide essential health care through mobile clinics in remote mountainous regions.
This ensures children can remain with families and lead healthier, more stable lives. With cuts to aid around the world, this is more vital than ever. We are saving lives.
We owe our success to the incredible support of our volunteer board and our loyal community in Guelph, Rockwood, Fergus, Elora, Kitchener and Canadians across the country. To everyone in the Wellington region and beyond: thank you for making this work possible.
Special thanks to capital management company, Skyline Guelph for letting us use their facility. We could not do this without supporters like you. Reaching beyond just our community...
Dr. Anne-Marie Zajdlik and Tracey Curtis,
BraceletOfHope.ca, Guelph
Successful festival
Dear Editor:
The Harriston and District Horticultural Society held their 23rd annual Garden Festival on June 6 at the Harriston Arena.
Thirty children took part in the Fairy Garden workshop and the Master Gardeners’ free pruning workshop was also a success.
The raffle and silent auction were fantastic and people were very happy with the many prizes donated.
The society wishes to thank our volunteers, vendors, local business donors and the community for making the event another success. Proceeds are being used to fund the horticultural society’s community beautification projects including new landscaping at Minto-Clifford Public School.
Sally Andrade,
Harriston