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Wellington Advertiser Logo

Wednesday, December 24, 2025 | Vol 58 Issue 52

Community News
  • Elections 2025
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News

The night garden – where fireflies flicker and white flowers glow in the dark

Submitted June 26, 2024News

GUELPH - When my son was still in diapers, every night before bed we watched a quirky British television series by the co-creator of the Teletubbies called In the Night Garden.  

Highland Rugby hosts Club Day on June 22

Advertiser Staff June 26, 2024News

FERGUS –  Fergus’ Victoria Park was filled with activity throughout the day on June 22, as the Highland Rugby Club hosted its annual Club Day, which featured multiple matches for both junior and senior teams.

Sky-high entertainment at York Soaring open house

Advertiser Staff June 26, 2024News

BELWOOD – First World War planes and glider rides were the focus as the York Soaring Association hosted an open house and fly-in on June 22.  

At The Library: Summer reading has officially begun at the library

Community News Staff June 26, 2024Community News

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Our Summer Reading Club has officially begun! 

Beef farmers worry about impact of ongoing Cargill strike

Jessica Lovell June 26, 2024News, Rural

WELLINGTON COUNTY – The longer workers at a Guelph meat processing plant stay on strike, the more worrisome the situation becomes for local cattle farmers.

New policy supports Pride, rejects group’s ‘neutrality’ idea

Georgia York June 26, 2024Community News

MINTO – Town council has unanimously approved a new commemoration policy that effectively allows Pride banners to be displayed – but for one month only – and rejects a so-called  “neutrality” bylaw proposed by a group of residents.  

Township purchases 90-acre property beside Fergus sportsplex

Joanne Shuttleworth June 25, 2024News

FERGUS – Centre Wellington Township has purchased 90 acres of land beside the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex for $4.8 million.

Erin’s first Pride event a great success

Georgia York June 24, 2024News

ERIN – Organizers and town officials say the inaugural Erin Pride event at McMillan Park on June 22 was a remarkable success.

Hammond Manufacturing is first business in Fergus Business Park

Joanne Shuttleworth June 21, 2024Business, News

FERGUS – Hammond Manufacturing will be the first business in the new Fergus Business Park. The township and company made the announcement at the site, at the corner of First Line and Dickson Drive, on June 20.

Police seize close to $100,000 in meth; Mount Forest man charged

Advertiser Staff June 21, 2024Community News, News, Police

MOUNT FOREST – Wellington County OPP officials say an officer patrolling Main Street North in Mount Forest saw the driver of a sedan dealing drugs at about 11:15pm on June 19.

‘Garagemahal’ event raises thousands for Big Brothers Big Sisters

Lorie Black June 21, 2024Community, News

SALEM – June 20 marked the seventh year that John Stumpf and his wife Pam have presented Garagemahal in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Centre Wellington. Held on their property in Salem, the event is sponsored by several local businesses and a team of volunteers.

Wellington North man charged with murder in 2019 death of Jason Brown

Advertiser Staff June 21, 2024Community News, News, Police

MINTO – Police have charged a third person – a Wellington North man – in connection with the 2019 kidnapping and death of Jason John Brown.

Legal clinic supports Indigenous people with name change services

Robin George June 20, 2024News

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Indigenous people’s traditional names were often taken through the residential school system, the Indian Act, the Sixties Scoop, and other colonial practices.

Puslinch Township wants to shut down Badger Daylighting

Joanne Shuttleworth June 20, 2024Business, News

ABERFOYLE – Puslinch Township would like the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks to shut down a business it claims is operating illegally in the township.

UGDSB receives ministry approval to proceed with new schools in Fergus, Guelph

Chris Daponte June 20, 2024News

GUELPH – A new Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) elementary school in Fergus is one step closer to reality now that the province has approved construction and the board has received a building permit.

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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.

JD Hogarth students celebrate collecting 6,500 items for food bank

FERGUS – Students at JD Hoggarth kicked off the last day of school with an assembly to celebrate collecting about 6,500 items for the Centre Wellington Food Bank. . 

Not heard by local council? Township hopes to fix that with engagement charter, strategy

ELORA – In an effort to be inclusive, transparent and build trust in local government, the township has embarked on developing a community engagement charter and strategy.

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.

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.

Robinson Buick GMC celebrating 60 years of success

GUELPH – A lot has changed over the past six decades, but Robinson Buick GMC has survived it all, thanks to strong family connections and a consistent, proven approach to customer service. 

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.

Charity seeks council’s support for affordable housing project in Drayton

MAPLETON – “Our plan is not to build an apartment building, but to build ... a healthy, affordable and hope-filled community where everyone feels they belong.” 

Mapleton council considering stricter gun rules

MAPLETON – Council passed a motion directing staff to seek legal advice and investigate how other towns and townships regulate firearms. 

See all Mapleton 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.

Minto lowers tax levy increase; budget now in council review period

MINTO – Town staff have recommended a drop in the tax levy increase from 4.08 per cent to 3.9%.

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.

Municipality hopes natural gas heating can come to Puslinch

ABERFOYLE – Enbridge Gas found a supportive audience at the Puslinch council meeting on Nov. 19 as it explained its plans for natural gas expansion across the province and possibly into the township.

Santa Claus arrives in Puslinch with reindeer – and joy

PUSLINCH – Puslinch was the first in Wellington County to hold its Santa Claus parade and the streets were lined with locals on Nov. 23 ready to greet the big guy.

See all Puslinch area articles.

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. 

Province releases fall economic statement

TORONTO – The Ontario government released its fall economic statement last week (Nov. 6) with a smaller than projected deficit of $13.5-billion – less than the $14.6 billion forecasted in this year’s budget, but still well above the $1.1 billion deficit carried in 2024-25.

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.

Regional transit survey to explore unified network across four counties

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Four counties have joined forces to create a survey for a possible unified regional transit network. 

What happens after the holidays? Tips for giving Christmas trees a second life

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Memories are made as families gather around the twinkling lights, sparking ornaments and sentimental treasures hung on branches of evergreen trees brought inside to bring Yuletide joy. 

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

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.

Season of giving

Helping others is contagious this time of year.

Columnists

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. 

Fergus Legion branch received charter in May 1935

By Stephen Thorning

The following is a re-print of a past column by former Advertiser columnist Stephen Thorning, who…

Celebrating Christmas in Wellington County in 1954

By Stephen Thorning

The following is a re-print of a past column by former Advertiser columnist Stephen Thorning, who…

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