This Week in Photos - April 16, 2026

PHOTO 1: Seth Leistra, a grade 10 student from Emmanuel Christian High School (ECHS) in Fergus, captured the junior boys singles title at the District Four badminton championships on April 8 in Erin, finishing the day undefeated. Leistra advanced to the Central Western Ontario Secondary Schools Association (CWOSSA) championships on April 15. PHOTO 2: ECHS students Sullivan Leistra and Davin Toet captured the D4 senior boys doubles badminton championship title on April 8 in Shelburne, going undefeated all day. They were to head to the CWOSSA championships on April 16. Submitted photos

Vimy Ridge Day – Erin Branch 442 honoured Vimy Ridge Day at McMillan Park in Erin on April 9. The Canadian flag at the cenotaph and local Legion branch hall were lowered to half staff. The service was conducted by branch chaplain Reverend Deacon Irene Walback. Vimy Ridge Day is a national day of remembrance commemorating Canadian casualties at the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which took place April 9 to 12, 1917, during the First World War. The Canadian Corps fought against upwards of 10,000 German soldiers and by April 12, the Canadians had captured Vimy Ridge after years of failed attempts by the French and British that claimed 150,000 lives. About 3,598 Canadians died in the four-day battle, with another 7,000 wounded. Submitted photo

Memorial award – On March 24 during World Theatre festivities at the Fergus Grand Theatre, John Dibben (centre) was awarded the 2026 Liz Pieper Memorial Award for his long standing theatre contributions in the township of Centre Wellington. Dibben started his acting career after graduating in the arts program from Ryerson back in his earlier years. He also studied at the Actor’s Lab in Toronto under the famous Marrie Mumford and at HB Studios in New York under the tutelage of the legendary Uta Hagen. He has worked in stage, film and TV for over forty years across Canada, the US and Europe. John was in a handful of movies and TV commercials during the ‘90s and 2000s. This period also includes his long running portrayal of George Burns in the very successful touring show called George and Gracie which he starred in and co-wrote. Locally he focused on doing local productions for Grinder Productions, KW Little Theatre, Vision Theatre and Elora Community Theatre (ECT). He has helped out ECT with fundraisers, has play polished for ECT when called upon and has directed here too. With him are ECT director Jim Monaghan left, and Fergus Grand Theatre coordinator Eric Goudie. Submitted photo

Foodies from across Wellington County crowded the GrandWay events centre in Elora on April 12 for the 15th annual Grand Taste of Centre Wellington, organized by the Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora. Many local restaurants and vendors offered food and drink to those attending. The event helps the Rotary Club support community initiatives. PHOTO 1: From The Elora Mill, from left, server Liz Lucking, butcher and Wag & Stin Mushrooms owner Darly Wagler, and restaurant manager Shay Drummond. PHOTO 2: Rotary Club members, from left, marketing director Jenn Locke, past president Rob Galloway, Grand Taste chair Lisa MacDonald, treasurer Sheri Mullin and president Arlene Coates. PHOTO 3: Elora Coffee Roasters co-founder Paula Allen. PHOTO 4: Lisa and Ted Arnott enjoy a chat with The Cellar Restaurant owner Kevin Zuber. PHOTO 5: From left, Nathalie McNeill, Tala Pelkman, and Julia Tyndall-Biscoe of The Red Door in Fergus serve up delights made with ingredients from The Wacky Welly Farm near Belwood. Photos by Duncan Hossack

Skills – St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School hosted a Wellington Catholic District Schoool Board skills competition on April 9. Elementary students competed in green technology, technology challenges, construction and Lego robotics in the school’s gym and technology room, as well as Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church next door. PHOTO 1: From left, St. Joseph students Isabella Kurtz, Hadley Heathers, Dallas Giarton and Winnie Goethals test out the catapult they made during the competition. PHOTO 2: St. Joseph students Reid Azeredo, left, and Eden Michalek worked on a windmill during the competition. Photos by Robin George

Over a century – Farnworth Superior Memorials recently hosted a breakfast that included local funeral homes and cemetery coordinators for an annual industry meeting. To commemorate Farnworth’s 105th year in business, Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie, right, was in attendance and presented Steve Lemieux, certified master memorialist and Farnworth manager, with a certificate acknowledging the company’s achievement. Submitted photo

Like a phoenix – Rising from the Earth is the new operations centre on Gartshore Street in Fergus, although the workers on site probably had something to do with it too. The centre will house many Centre Wellington departments and relieve some pressure on the municipal office in Elora. Several public works sites will be consolidated in the operations centre as well and those properties will be sold. The facility is to be substantially complete by fall. Photo by Joanne Shuttleworth

Trailway AGM – The Elora Cataract Trailway Association held its annual general meeting at the Victoria Park Seniors Centre on April 12 and elected a new board of directors. From left are: Renee Hadenko, David Strang, Ian MacRae, Pat Tepperen, Mike Celetti, Sean Carson, and Rick Goodfellow. Biedgett Hadenko was absent for the photo. Nearly 12,000 people used the trail from Gerrie Road in Elora to Gartshore Street in Fergus in July alone last year. The association is seeking new members to help oversee its 47km of trails. Anyone interested can email info@trailway.org. Photo by Bill Longshaw

Badminton – Students from Wellington Heights Secondary School’s (WHSS) badminton teams have qualified for the CWOSSA (Central Western Ontario Secondary Schools Association) championships. PHOTO 1: Junior badminton District 4 winners, from left, Lily Baker, Kylie Dalal and Claire Widmeyer. PHOTO 2: Senior badminton D4 winners Ben Troyer, left, and Faith Wilde. Submitted photos

Hair styling skills – PHOTO 1: Norwell District Secondary School student Kassey I. won gold at the Regional High School Skills competition for hairstyling on March 30. Kassey will be heading to the provincial competition on May 5 in Toronto. PHOTO 2: Kassey, centre, and teachers Jaime Cribbin, left, and Jessica Broadley. Submitted photos

Outdoor show – PHOTO 1: The third Clifford Life Outdoors Show took place April 11 and 12 at the Clifford and Community Arena, featuring retailers of outdoor recreation and leisure products, as well as environmental organizations. The free-entry event has raised more than $10,000 for the Clifford Rotary Club. PHOTO 2: Mike Kipp of Wilderness Paddle Works stands with his canoe paddles, made from ash or cherry wood and taking up to seven hours to produce. PHOTO 3: Wellington County Green Legacy community tree planting coordinator James Giddings. Photos by Jordan Snobelen

Curling – The Norwell District Secondary School girls curling team returned home from the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) Curling Championships on March 29 after six days in Thunder Bay. They finished as one of Ontario’s top eight teams. From left: Ellie R., Olivia D., Kate W., Chloe D., Leah M. and teacher Mr. Shortt. The team was recognized for its enthusiasm and joyful spirit with an award for sportsmanship and team spirit based on feedback from the other teams and the organizing committee. Submitted photo

Transportation donation – Blessings to You Palmerston recently donated $500 to the Residents’ Council at Royal Terrace to offset transport costs (buses) for outings in the community. Pictured are Wanda, Lois, Ethel, Lorraine, Lorne, Brianne, Faye, George, Tracy, Pat, Sandy and Myrna. Submitted photo