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.
News
Experts call on governments to address wait times for mental health services
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
BBBSCW raises $50,000 at ‘Big Night In’ virtual gala
CENTRE WELLINGTON - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington (BBBSCW) raised $50,000 at its virtual gala, called the Big Night In, on March 13.
County reopening EarlyOn Centres next week for first time in a year
WELLINGTON COUNTY – EarlyON Centres in Drayton, Erin and Mount Forest will be among those opening next week for the first time in a year. Five facilities in total will reopen on March 22.
Mapleton Township council approves funds for Alma pollinator garden
MAPLETON – Council here will provide a grant of $3,000 to assist with creation of a pollinator habitat at Wallace Cumming Park in Alma.