KENILWORTH – Wellington North is raising prices at the Mount Forest cemetery in an attempt to reach full cost recovery. 

There will be some significant hikes to get it there, with the burial of a child rising from $300 to $1,000, scattering garden internment increasing from $200 to $600 and niche internment rising from $407 to $600.

A single grave will cost $3,181, a cremation plot $2,400, a niche for two urns $2,247, adult internment for $1,910 and cremated remains in a standard plot for $600.

The changes will take effect Jan. 1. 

• Wellington north increases fees, charges for township services
• Council supports raising taxes to increase service at Mount Forest Cemetery
• Mount Forest cemetery fees increasing; entrance repairs expected this summer

The increases won’t bring the cemetery to full cost recovery, noted finance director Jerry Idialu during a Dec. 15 council meeting.

But it brings things to a “sustainable level to operate the cemetery.” 

Reaching full cost recovery would take a “much steeper climb than this,” he said.  

In order to reach full recovery by 2027, fees for plots or niches would need to increase from $1,910 to $5,201. 

Councillor Sherry Burke was the only member of council to vote against the fee increases.

“I just feel this is outrageous,” she said.  

She called the increases “much too aggressive,” and said while she’s not against moving towards cost recovery, she’d like to see the increases phased in “at a much slower pace.

“This is a service we have provided for generations in Mount Forest.” 

One argument against continuing to fund the cemetery, in part, with taxes is that not all taxpayers will use the cemetery. 

“But there’s lots of facilities within our community that folks pay for that they would never use, such as recreation facilities [and] schools,” Burke noted. 

“It takes a community to provide these services.” 

Burke said she compared the new Mount Forest Cemetery rates with local private cemeteries and is concerned increasing rates at the township cemetery will lead more people to go elsewhere. 

She asked how the township would cover maintenance costs at the cemetery if usage, and therefore revenue, dropped significantly. 

Township clerk Karren Wallace, who prepared the report about cost recovery at the cemetery, noted “private cemeteries are quite often operated with volunteers, so their expenses are much less,” enabling them to have lower fees. 

Idialu said cemetery maintenance is completed by township staff and if maintenance at the cemetery is reduced the staff would still have other work to do around the township. 

Wallace noted reducing maintenance would mean “less grass cutting … less tree canopy maintenance … less of everything. 

“And we have a beautiful cemetery that is well maintained.” 

Mayor Andy Lennox said, “We don’t know what is going to happen in terms of sales of units, so if there is a significant change we would have to revisit it at that time.

“We don’t have any way of predicting what’s going to happen to sales based on the price increase.” 

Lennox added he is “very supportive” of the rate increases.

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MAPLETON – The replacement of the rink and refrigeration system at the PMD Arena in Drayton will cost Mapleton $2,944,782, and be completed by Ball Construction Limited. 

That’s about $300,000 over budget. 

The 2026 budget includes $2.65 million for the project, with $1.65 million funded by a long-term debenture and $1 million funded by infrastructure reserves.

The extra $300,000 will be funded with additional long-term debt. 

The breakdown of the project cost is as follows: 

• design and engineering fees: $96,000; 
• base contract: $2,241,700; 
• provisional items: $405,950; 
• contingency: $150,000; and 
• HST: $50,932. 

In addition to a new rink and refrigeration system, the project includes dasher boards, glass, vertical netting and staircase improvements. 

Consulting engineers from RJ Burnside compiled project specifications and requirements, answered questions from interested contractors and summarized the bid.

The bid was published online in October.

Seventeen companies submitted bids on the project and attended a site meeting on Oct. 30 for further information about the job. 

The township created a committee to select a contractor from the bid submissions.

Committee members included public works director  Jamie Morgan, community services manager Amy Grose, deputy treasurer Rachel Carter and climate change coordinator Martin Tamlyn. 

Committee members independently evaluated each bid based on:

• project understanding, approach and methodology;
• experiences, references and subcontractors;
• schedule and work plan; and
• cost proposal. 

The committee unanimously recommended the contract be awarded to Ball Construction Ltd. 

According to a staff report presented to council on Dec. 9, “While multiple bids showcased a solid understanding of the project scope and requirements, the committee noted that Ball Construction Ltd. proposal had an overall project schedule that aligned well with the township’s needs, and that their wealth of experience on similar-sized projects would be greatly beneficial.” 

The township is expecting the project to be complete and the ice back in service by the 2026/27 ice season.  

Mapleton asset procurement manager Aman Bains told council Ball Construction is set to start the design process this month and begin construction next year. 

The Drayton Farm Show will be held in the arena in April as usual, and construction will begin immediately afterwards, Bains said. 

The project will probably be completed by mid-August, Bains said, with the ice installed around Sept. 12, as usual.

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FERGUS – Richard Wigmore recently led the men’s Team Canada Ball Hockey Team to a silver medal at the world championships. 

Co-captain Wigmore and his teammates flew to over 1,700 miles to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic to compete in the four-on-four World Ball and Dek Hockey Federation Championships. 

The Fergus resident’s ball hockey career began after his ice hockey career ended.

“I played junior hockey until I was 21 and then senior until I was 27/28 and somewhere in between the two I started dabbling with ball hockey,” Wigmore told the Advertiser.

“I missed competing and I didn’t have that outlet in life anymore.”

Over the last 10 years, Wigmore typically played for his club team in London. 

“You would go to provincials with your club team and then if you win provincials, you get a bid to go to nationals,” he explained. “[Nationals] is where you’re going to find the best players.”

And that’s where Team Canada scouts found Wigmore.

“It’s like every young hockey player’s dream … to wear the maple leaf on your chest means a lot,” he said of representing Canada.

Wigmore noted playing for the national teams became a “big goal” as soon as he began playing in competitive tournaments.

“It was something I didn’t see possible and it happened late in my career,” he said. “I’m 35 and there’s a lot of younger athletes on our team.”

Wigmore was also honoured to be named co-captain of the team, a first for the defenceman.

Wigmore showing off his silver medal on the beaches of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Submitted photo

The tournament ran from Nov. 22 to 29 and included seven teams. During round robin play, Canada beat the U.S., Czechia and Slovakia and lost 1-0 to Greece.

“In the quarter-finals we won in a shootout against Slovakia” Wigmore said.

Czechia was next in the semi-final.

“I scored in that game, it was the tying goal,” Wigmore said, adding the game ended 5-4 for Team Canada.

Unfortunately the team’s winning streak came to an end in the final against Greece. 

“We lost 3-2 in a shootout,” Wigmore said. “At that point in the game, it’s kind of a coin flip.”

Wigmore did not compete in the shootout and ended his fourth international event with Team Canada with five points in nine games.

“I did get player of the game against Greece and I’m proud of that, but it’s also bittersweet,” he added. “I would trade (that) for a gold medal.”

Wigmore told the Advertiser one of his proudest moments during the tournament was beating Czechia. 

“We’ve never beat [them]before,” he said. “It’s difficult to beat the same team twice in a tournament and we knew they would be stronger in the elimination game.”

During the last minute, Czechia pulled their goalie, giving their team an extra player against Canada.

“It was a shooting gallery and all of our guys were blocking shots and putting their bodies on the line,” Wigmore said.

“That’s when I was most proud. Just to see the commitment from the team … and doing what it takes to win and close off a game at that level.”

Richard Wigmore with his fiancée Cassie Silverthorn, left, after the final game. Submitted photo

The heat proved to be a challenge as “there was no air conditioning” in the arena, Wigmore said. “Whatever the temperature is outside, it was inside.”

Once off the arena floor, staff members were quick to apply ice packs and ensure players were hydrated. 

Wigmore and his team struggled with the heat,  but his career in personal training and owning a fitness facility in Elora (RT Health Company) supported him through the times of exertion.

Wigmore said it’s important to not give up because of age.

“If you take care of your body, health and mind there’s no reason for you to stop,” he said. “Keep pursuing your dreams because I definitely didn’t expect to be the captain of Team Canada [at] 35 years old.”

Wigmore said he’s looking forward to some time off as he and his fiancée Cassie prepare for their wedding in the new year. 

The thought of retiring has entered Wigmore’s head, but so too have the words of his fiancée.

“Cassie is always encouraging me that if I love it and want to keep competing then I should,” he added. “I don’t know if I would have continued without her support.”

Though his future in ball hockey is unclear, Wigmore said he “always seems to find a way to stay in the game.”

The post Fergus resident represents Canada, wins silver at international ball hockey tournament appeared first on Wellington Advertiser.

FERGUS – Arkells and Dallas Smith are the headliners for Meadows Music Festival in Fergus on May 29 and 30.

In making the announcement on Dec. 16, organizer Collin McKinnon crossed two things off his bucket list.

Arkells will take the main stage on May 30 and Dallas Smith on May 29.

“Of all the things I do with the music festival, today is the greatest day,” he said in an interview 15 minutes after the announcement was made.

McKinnon said Arkells were the first band he ever saw live, way back in high school and since starting the festival four years ago, “I made it my goal to bring them to Meadows,” he said.

“Every year we’d make an offer, every year we’d try. But with a band of that size, they were waiting to see first if the festival would grow.”

This year the stars aligned. 

“I’m just so excited,” he said.

Second bucket list wish: to book Dallas Smith.

McKinnon said he’s worked in the music promotion business for 15 years and his first job was a concert with Dallas Smith.

He has loved the band ever since and always wanted to book them.

“Nothing is quick in the music industry,” he said. “I just hope people will be happy with this event.”

This will be the fourth festival. It includes a day of country music and a day of rock.

McKinnon chose to hold it in May to kick off the summer season and loved that Riverfest Elora acted as a closing bookend to a musical summer.

He said he was distressed to hear that Riverfest, with its 15-year history in the community, is now finished.

“I was heartbroken when I heard that,” he said. “It just shows that one year can change everything.”

He worries what that means for Meadows, now approaching  its fourth year and still building an audience.

But hosting a festival has been a lifelong dream, he said, and he’s not about to give up yet.

“Nothing is guaranteed in this industry. Every year is like starting a new business,” he said.

But a big name like Arkells – a Canadian, Juno-winning, world touring band – should draw attention and hopefully ticket sales.

The full lineup will be released in the new year, but tickets are on sale now.

“We try to give a taste of the lineup before the holidays,” McKinnon said. “That’s our strategy.”

The festival is held on the grounds behind the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex where there is limited camping.

For tickets and details, visit meadowsfest.ca.

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ELORA – Road salt damages roads, bridges, cars, shoes, pet paws, vegetation and, most importantly, drinking water, Centre Wellington council heard on Dec. 15.

The solution is for the province to establish best practices and regulate the amount of road salt used by municipalities, private contractors and citizens, said Karen Rathwell, who addressed council on behalf of Water Watchers and the Ontario Salt Pollution Coalition.

“Since 2001, road salt was declared a toxic substance. It causes irreversible damage,” she told council. “But until liability is addressed, it will be a huge problem.”

Rathwell said there is no way to take chloride out of water, and that includes drinking water, which is a municipal responsibility.

She asked council to pass a resolution urging the province to convene a stakeholder advisory committee, review liability and establish best practices. Some 40 per cent of road salt is found in parking lots, she said.

Snow removal companies pay huge insurance costs and deductibles, and therefore over-salt “from fear of litigation,” she said, adding Landscape Ontario has also been lobbying the government to make changes.

“We need to take action,” Rathwell continued. “Surely we can find a way to live safely in winter without poisoning our water.”

Local resident Ernest Kalwa echoed Rathwell’s concerns.

As a fly fisher, Centre Wellington resident and environmentalist, he said his “goal is to see Centre Wellington as a leader and champion of the environment.”

He added Friends of the Grand River, Freshwater Conservation Canada (formerly Trout Unlimited) and the Suzuki Foundation also support safe use of road salt.

Councillor Lisa MacDonald put forth a motion for staff to explore ways to lobby the province to increase training for independent contractors, to set a single standard for road salt use, and to establish best practices to reduce the use of road salt.

Council approved the motion.

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ELORA – The Mayor’s Golf Tournament, held in September, raised almost $25,000 for the Centre Wellington Food Bank.

Mayor Shawn Watters presented food bank manager Curt McQueen with a cheque for $24,787 at a Dec. 15 council meeting.

“This is awesome. The funds will help us manage and sustain our numbers,” McQueen said. 

He added the food bank was averaging 10 new households per month until fall, when the numbers jumped to 20 in September, October and November.

The funds will also help the food bank with new initiatives “to fill all the gaps,” he continued.

The food bank serves all of Centre Wellington but is located in downtown Fergus, which may be a barrier to those outside of town.

“We want to help everyone,” McQueen said.

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It started with the spotlight on them as they skated, gliding across the rink like the only two people in the world, with the sparkle in their eyes reflected by the ice beneath their feet. 

That single romantic moment marked the beginning of a love story that has lasted more than seven decades.

The spotlight has remained, and the glow in their eyes has not dimmed since that first date, as Len and Millie Frey, both 89, celebrate their 70th – platinum – wedding anniversary.

Elmira’s Brady Martin said he will bring his “work ethic and compete level” to Team Canada as he joined its training camp ahead of the upcoming U.S.-hosted World Junior Championship.

The 18-year-old Nashville Predators fifth-overall draft pick, who returned to the OHL after a three-game NHL stint, said he was excited by the chance to help push his country toward gold.

Martin arrived late to the Niagara Falls camp following what he described as “frustrating” travel delays, but suggested his competitive edge could help Canada rebound from two straight quarter-final exits and win its first world junior title since 2023.

Woolwich Township has one of the highest ratios of staff to taxpayers among comparable municipalities, an Observer investigation found.

With 96 full-time workers – and plans to hire more – that equates to 10.26 employees for every 1,000 households.

Out of seven assessed Ontario municipalities with populations within a fifth of Woolwich’s, the township ranked third.

Some mild weather in the forecast at this point in the week is expected to help the sidewalk snow-clearing contractor play catch-up as complaints mount about the service in Elmira.

Aware of public complaints about the poor level of service, township staff this week had a “good meeting” with the contractor, with improvements expected, director of infrastructure services Jared Puppe told councillors meeting Tuesday night.

Ingersoll-based Verdant DBM Inc. was awarded the snow-clearing contract worth $310,000 last month, officially taking on the duties November 15. Since then, a combination of heavy snowfalls and equipment malfunctions has seen the company struggle with the work, said Puppe.

The Woolwich Wild U18A team brought home the gold after winning the CAN/AM Challenge Cup in Montréal.

The girls went undefeated in the tournament, culminating in a 4-0 shutout of the Québéc Rockettes in the November 23 final.

“They had one heck of a weekend – they played hard,” said head coach Stephanie Gaudet.

The Wellesley Applejacks’ incredible knack for thriving in overtime continued last weekend after the side stretched its perfect record to 7-0 this season.

But the extra-minutes 3-2 victory over the Hespeler Shamrocks, settled by a Ben Morton winner, followed a dispiriting 3-1 loss to the Norwich Merchants that squandered power-play chances.

The split meant that the fleet-leading Woodstock Navy Vets (18-5-4) were able to extend their advantage at the top of the PJHL South Doherty Division to a four-point margin, leaving them in clear water ahead of the chasing pack.

As businesses grapple with economic uncertainty due to Donald Trump’s aggressive new American protectionism, there is one Canadian industry that’s winning the trade war: tourism.

Both domestic and overseas visitor numbers have surged as travellers avoid the United States, with this area benefiting alongside other parts of the country, experts have revealed.

“As of July, tourism spending was up two per cent from last year, with the summer months coming in five per cent higher,” said Michele Saran, the CEO of the Explore Waterloo Region marketing agency.

Continuing its run of family-friendly pantomimes during the holiday season, Drayton Entertainment is now staging Cinderella: The Panto at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse.

It’s the classic story of the girl with the evil stepmother and the glass slippers told with a panto twist.

A pantomime is a British tradition that asks the audience to interact with the characters on stage, in effect becoming a character itself, explained director David Connolly.

KENILWORTH – Wellington North council has approved the township’s 2026 budget, including a tax levy increase of 3.16%. 

This means the owner of a typical single-family home assessed at $271,636, will pay about $47 more in township taxes next year.

The 2026 budget was passed on Dec. 15 without discussion.

It totals nearly $26 million, with about $10 million in operating expenses, $6.6 million in transfers to reserves, $565,000 in debt payments and capital costs of $8.7 million. 

• Council supports 3.2% tax increase in Wellington North
• Wellington North considers cuts to reduce proposed 4.1% tax levy increase

“This budget demonstrates our dedication to delivering the essential, high-quality services our residents depend on while meeting the growing infrastructure demands of our community,” said Mayor Andy Lennox.

“Even with the pressures of inflation, we have carefully prioritized resources to promote sustainable growth and development.

“I’m confident these investments will improve residents’ quality of life and foster Wellington North’s continued success.”

Of the operating budget:

• $7.5 million goes to salaries, wages and employee benefits;
• $4.3 million to materials, supplies and equipment;
• $2.9 million to contracted services;
• $749,000 is for internal charges;
• $741,000 is for rents, insurance and financial expenses; and
• $358,000 is for external transfers.

Big-ticket items in the capital budget include:

• $2,662,280 for the reconstruction of Clarke Street, between Smith and Walton (Arthur);
• $1,405,878 for asphalt resurfacing; 
• $790,000 for a new road grader; 
• $585,335 for linear water and wastewater projects in Arthur and Mount Forest; 
• $375,150 for the potential demolition of former Sacred Heart Catholic School in Kenilworth; 
• $350,000 for the Mount Forest outdoor pool construction levy; 
• $275,000 for a new backhoe; 
• $240,012 for a sidewalk program;  
• $185,000 for two pick up trucks and an SUV; 
• $173,800 for IT projects;
• $100,000 for watermain valve and fire hydrant replacement;
• $100,000 for reconstruction design of Cork Street (Mount Forest); 
• $86,300 for upgrades to Mount Forest cemetery grounds and equipment; 
• $75,000 for a recreation master plan update; and 
• $62,000 for a new score clock in the Arthur Arena. 

The post Wellington North approves budget, 3.2% tax levy increase appeared first on Wellington Advertiser.

Passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025 at Huntsville District Memorial Hospital at the age of 84 years. Beloved wife of the late Kenneth Lloyd Geisel (Auctioneer) (2015). Dear mother of Steve, Kim, David, and Sheryl (Rob White). Cherished grandmother of Rhea and Nick, Christopher and Kayla, and great-grandma of Olivia; Hailey, Isabella, and Brandon. Devoted sister of James (Gillian) Knarr. Lovingly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, and their families. Janet had a heart of gold and always made sure her children came first. Predeceased by her parents Elmer and Edna (Gloor) Knarr, her son Paul (1980), son-in-law Richard Spofford (1998), her siblings Barbara (Eddie), Elizabeth “Betsy” (Wayne), Alice (Bill), Doug (Doris), Gordon (Mary), and Robert (Sheila). Visitation will take place on Sunday, December 21, 2025 from 2-5 p.m. at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 27 Mill St., Elmira. Interment to follow the funeral service in Elmira Union Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Redeemer Lutheran Church, Waterloo would be appreciated and may be made through the funeral home.

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

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.

The decision came during a Dec. 11 meeting of Erin council.

“The budget at 3.8% is keeping within the range of similar municipalities within the county,” said CAO Rob Adams.

“It offers a fiscally responsible budget while still preparing us for the growth and the infrastructure that continues to be built in the community.”

The budget calls for a $139,055 increase in the total tax levy, which means an additional $12 in taxes per $100,000 of assessment for the average Erin homeowner.

“That equates to about a cup of coffee per week, so the increase, while significant, is very minor when spread out across the entire year for an average residential property,” said Adams.

• Erin draft budget proposes 2.5% tax increase
• Erin budget survey suggests road repairs, emergency services are top priorities

The tax increase also means less money will be taken from the town’s tax stabilization fund reserve, something councillor Cathy Aylard argued for during the meeting.

“I’m still not comfortable with this budget,” said Aylard. “It’s hard to explain.

“We’re not hiring anybody new and we’re not supplying any new services next year, so it’s hard to explain a tax increase and then dipping into reserves.”

She added, “Using any of the tax stabilization reserves really represents that we’re overspending.”

The original budget proposal suggested using $339,728 in tax rate stabilization funds, leaving just $50,154 in the reserve. The approved budget will see $57,099 taken from the reserve, leaving $332,783 for future use.

To cut back on costs, staff have deferred some capital projects and reduced spending in certain departments.

Operating budget cutbacks include:

• part-time salaries in the community services budget have been reduced by $80,110; and
• the communications, marketing and promotions budget has been reduced by $14,000. 

Capital budget cutbacks include:

• $42,000 removed for way finding signage;
• $35,000 removed for website modernization; and
• $40,000 removed for the town hall sign. 

The town’s capital budget will sit at $8.8 million for 2026 with an operating budget of $10.2 million, down from $10.5 million. 

Councillor John Brennan put forth a motion to allocate use an additional $30,000 from the tax stabilization reserve to reduce the tax rate increase to 3.5%. His motion failed after a vote.

Aylard again stressed she would have liked to see no funds drawn from the reserve. 

After much debate, councillor Bridget Ryan also put forth a motion.

She proposed council defer the budget decision until the new year so staff could have a better idea of year-end revenue and expenses.

This also failed as councillors agreed with Aylard, who said that would just “push the problem down the road.”

Both Aylard and Ryan voted against the budget, but it still passed 3-2, with approval from Brennan, councillor Jamie Cheyne and Mayor Michael Dehn.

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Charles Gordon Calder, known as Gord, loving husband to Martha for 56 years, passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at Brightshores Health System in Owen Sound. Gord was Martha’s best friend and partner for 56 years, the light of her life, her strength in good times and tough ones alike. They were a team.

Gord was proud father to Heather and Dave (Jinda), grandfather to Will, Claire, Parker and Finn, and special in the lives of Patrick Merlihan and Jill Calder.

Gord is predeceased by his brother Roy and his sister Suzanne, and remembered by their children as well as the Cartlidge family.

Gord was an officer with the OPP for 12 years, performing his duties to the community diligently. He wanted to spend more time with his family, so became a Hearing Instrument Specialist, and eventually founded Georgian Bay Hearing Aids. He served the large community around Owen Sound for 35 years. Many clients became friends over coffee at the kitchen table. Visiting with people and helping them gave Gord a tremendous amount of joy.

Gord loved to travel with Martha. He loved to have a cold Corona on a beach in the Caribbean, to sail on cruises, to see rivers in Europe by barge, and to bring back souvenirs. He loved to see all kinds of plays with Martha at the Stratford Festival. He loved to visit Grundy Lake and paddle the canoe. He loved his dogs, especially Brandy. He loved to eat good food with his family, to fish, to watch the Attack play hockey, and to visit the market and buy plants and pottery and talk to the vendors there. He loved to talk and tell stories of his adventures. Gord was always curious and never met a flashlight he didn’t like, or a gadget he wasn’t intrigued by. He was our own, our one-of-a-kind. We were lucky to know him and will miss him dearly.

A come and go memorial gathering will take place at Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, 250 14th St. W., Owen Sound, 519-376-7492, on December 28, 2025 from 1-4 pm, with words of remembrance at 2:30 pm.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations in Gord’s name would be appreciated to one of the causes dear to him: Operation Smile, Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, World Vision, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be sent to Gord’s family by visiting his memorial at: www.woodfuneralhome.ca