Empowering
Learning Centre program helping folks access benefits and refunds they didn’t know existed Getting help to those who need it is the aim of every aid or support program, whether devised by government, NGOs or private agencies. It can be a challenge, however, when those who are struggling don’t know what is available to them […]
McMahon Bluff
Scenic South Shore property on road to conservation The Nature Conservancy of Canada recently announced a new conservation project at McMahon Bluff adjacent to Black River in South Bay. The 97-hectare (241-acre) property was donated by owner Mike Wilson, and is an important and biologically diverse area that is one of the few relatively undisturbed […]
Council looks ahead
Renewed optimism after the challenges of 2020 Last year began like any other before it, with the annual Mayor’s Levee outlining the municipality’s accomplishments of the previous year and providing a set of goals for the current year. The event typically draws in over a hundred residents who get to meet their mayor and councillors […]
Wellington update
A look back and ahead at the halfway point of my term BY COUNCILLOR MIKE HARPER As we find ourselves at the halfway mark of this term of council, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on what you identified during the election as the top issues facing Wellington—where progress has been […]
Onwards and upwards
County council passes 2021 budget with 3.2 per cent increase County taxpayers will have to pay $41.6 million in property taxes in 2021, up from $40.3 million budgeted, but not yet fully spent, in 2020. The tax levy—the amount of the County budget property taxpayers fund—will rise 3.2 per cent, a $1.3 million increase. Despite […]
Santa Extravaganza
Smiles and lights bring Christmas magic The community needed a welcome boost in spirits this Christmas season, and the reverse parade at Loch Sloy on a rainy December night delivered in spades. Well before the event started at 6 p.m. on Saturday night, there was a line of cars that stretched along County Road 22 […]
Ten years
Wellington and District Community Centre reaches milestone anniversary There should have been a gala celebration for the Wellington and District Community Centre’s 10th anniversary this coming weekend. An acknowledgement of the vital role it has assumed in the life of the County. It is not just an arena where the hometown junior hockey team plays—and […]
Back Forty Special
Instant Rivalry hosts a virtual Christmas program For several months at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Back Forty Productions was offering free musical programming to County residents and beyond. The live-streamed shows were each on a different theme, featured call-in requests and provided giveaways—sometimes valued into the thousands of dollars— to viewers. Hosted by […]
‘Tis the season
Council gets underway with 2021 budget deliberations Monday evening marked the start of budget deliberations at Shire Hall. For those with a short memory, during the last budget, council added a four per cent roads levy onto the staff-presented flat budget, meaning County taxpayers paid $40.3 million in property taxes—a $1.8 million increase. At the […]
Lay away plan
Council passes backyard hen bylaw amid squawking After a strident and energetic outcry by backyard hen enthusiasts across the County, council reversed its decision to bar the raising of chickens in urban areas and has now passed a bylaw allowing the practice. Town dwellers can now have up to six hens and rural residential can […]