Jobs, health care top local concerns in campaign

Quality-of-life issues such as the economy and health care are top of mind with residents as candidates in Kitchener-Conestoga make the rounds in the early going of the federal election campaign.

Away from the melodrama of the national campaigns, the three candidates in the local riding are getting immediate feedback at town-hall meetings and knocking on doors.

People are concerned about jobs, health care and their retirements, says the NDP hopeful, who spent the middle part of the week at forums in Wilmot Township.

“A lot of people are identifying with the NDP message about getting back to basics with how the government runs,” said Lorne Bruce. “When you hear Jack Layton talking about CPP and GIS (Guaranteed Income Supplement) – ways of making life more affordable – it resonates with people.”

Rather than theories and promises off in the future, the party is focusing on issues that matter in the day-to-day lives of Canadians, he added.

The experience has been much the same for Liberal candidate Bob Rosehart, who sees economic issues at play in both the rural and urban areas of the riding. In the townships, the health of the agricultural industry is a big topic, as is the need for good jobs in the smaller communities. In the southwest portion of Kitchener, with its many new Canadians, there’s a pressing need for job opportunities: first jobs for the newer arrivals, and better jobs for those skilled workers who are often underemployed despite their previous training, he said.

A former university president, Rosehart said education and training programs are important parts of a stronger economy.

“We’re facing some economic challenges, particularly in opportunities for young people.”

For the Conservative incumbent, the doorstep issues “run the gamut,” with economic concerns leading the way.

“The economy is improving, but we’re not out of the woods yet,” said Harold Albrecht, noting “people want us to stay the course in terms of the economy.”

He points to plans to lower corporate taxes, reduce the impact of employment insurance costs and support small businesses as his party’s answer to unemployment rates that still hover around 7.8 per cent.

With no riding-specific concerns at play, the local race is following the platforms outlined at the national level, where the battle is playing out between a tightly-controlled Conservative campaign calling for stability and opposition stances that put the emphasis on middle-class standard of living rather than a corporate focus.

Opponents are also focusing on the character of Stephen Harper’s government.

“There are ethical issues. People are telling me they don’t like the way Harper does business,” said Bruce, suggesting there’s dissatisfaction with both Conservatives and Liberals – “people are fed up with the other two parties.”

Rosehart, too, says a general mood of change in the air. The Liberals are hoping to place themselves as the alternative for those unhappy with Harper’s leadership.

“It’s time for some new ideas,” he said.

Snow gone, lawn repair next up in Elmira

Call it the in-between time. Not yet safe enough to put away the shovels; too early to start on the lawn. Unless, of course, you’re part of a crew touching up the aftermath of a winter spent clearing sidewalks in Elmira.

Torn-up lawns are an unavoidable byproduct of the machines used to push snow off the walkways, say both township officials and the contractor charged with doing the job. That means now’s the time for making repairs, while the ground is still wet and the ripped-up pieces of lawn can be put back in place with a reasonable expectation of regrowth.

Beyond that, any work involving re-sodding or re-seeding will come later in the season, suggests Woolwich’s director of engineering and planning.

“They will be out over the course of the next few weeks fixing those spots needing repairs,” Dan Kennaley said this week, noting his department will be having a season wrap-up meeting with thecontractor.

Given the rough winter and the amount of snow, there was an increased amount of grumbling from the public this season, not just about lawn edging but about timeliness and the quality of the job done.

“The bottom line is we got too many complaints – we want to look for improvement next year,” he said.

Creative Asphalt and Landscape Works of St. Clements is the contractor, hired on in 2009 to clear Elmira’s sidewalks. The bill of some $70,000 a year is covered by a special levy of $20 a year collected from each Elmira homeowner.

While the weather has been too unpredictable to say crews won’t be out clearing sidewalks again this spring, the focus now is on lawn repairs, with the other service issues to be sorted out in advance of next season. There’s little to be done to prevent harm to parts of the lawn bordering the sidewalks, said Kennaley, noting Elmira has walkways of varying widths, making it impossible to standardize the equipment used, for instance.

“It’s unfortunate, but a certain amount of damage to the lawns in inevitable.”

Creative’s Rick Draves said measures are taken to avoid damage, but it can’t be prevented.

“That’s an ongoing issue,” he said, adding damage happens in any municipality where snow is cleared from the sidewalks by machine.

Draves said he will have to speak with township staff before any new course of action is taken.

Trails plan would help ease debate in Wellesley

Wellesley should develop a trails master plan, boosting public awareness to avoid the kinds of problems that emerged recently over a trail proposed for a new subdivision in Wellesley Village, says a new study.

A group of University of Guelph planning students presented the ideas to township council Monday night, reporting the results of research that included a public meeting last month.

Their work came out of an effort to calm Wellesley residents’ fears in the on-going debate about where public trails should be established in the township.

The project was being graded by professors who were in attendance to hear Shannon McIntyre, Cristal Heintzman, Jeff Mederios and Rob Sissions give their recommendations to council about how to proceed with building the trails.

“The basic point of the project was to try to alleviate some of the contention that was going on within the community regarding the trail system that was being proposed back in December,” said Mederios.

The report found residents showed concern over two major issues, safety on the trails and the use of private land to create the trail space.

Although the Mar. 9 meeting was sparsely attended, attributed to snowy weather conditions, the students were able to form a recommendation of what was most agreeable to be done about the issue. The first step is to hold more public awareness meetings, they said. The township should also look into developing a trails master plan, so residents who are intending to move into the Wellesley area can do so knowing where the trails will be ahead of time.

“Starting communication is a very important aspect of building the trails master plan,” Mederios said.

“This is on different levels, municipal council, residents, real estate agents and developers within the community. This will help alleviate debate in the community.”

Council discussed the strategy, highlighting its use elsewhere in the region as an example of the type of success it may have in Wellesley.

“In Kitchener right now trails are there before the subdivision is even mapped out. That’s part of the parks plan, that’s part of the trails plan and when people walk in they know that trail is there,” said Coun. Jim Olender.

The final recommendation of the students was to hold more public meetings to create awareness and communication about the trails, something council deferred to another meeting, but felt favorably about doing.

“It was a good experience for all of us,” said Mederios. “By having a plan in place before they do any further development, that would alleviate any contention that exists.”

FIND THE SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2011 CLASSIFIEDS HERE!

HELP WANTED
Delivery Driver wanted. Evening and weekend shifts available. Must be mature and possess reliable transportation. Apply in person to New Orleans Pizza, 25 Industrial Dr., Elmira.

Pinacle Health & Fitness is now accepting applications for the following positions at both Elmira & Milverton locations. Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor & Membership Coordinator. Sales & Fitness experience is required. Applicants must show a high interest in growing and leading our company to build a career in the fitness industry. Only very passionate & motivated individuals need apply! Call 519-595-7205 or submit resume with cover letter via email to jobs@pinaclehealthand fitness.com

FOR SALE

Tree Seedlings Bareroot 10” to 24” tall. Field grown for hardiness. Mix and Match $2 each, 100+ $1.75 each, 300+ $1.50 each. HST extra. Book early to reserve. Limited supply. Colorado Blue Spruce, White Spruce, Norway Spruce, White Pine, Red Pine, Douglas Fir, White Cedar, Hemlock, Staghorn Sumac, Burr Oak, Red Oak, Red Maple, Sugar Maple, Silver Maple, Paper Birch. Asparagus Roots $2.50 each. To order, call Lorne at 519-638-3589 afternoons or leave message. Pick up at 8109 Wellington Rd. 8, (1 km west of Drayton). Thursday, Friday, Saturday, April 22, 23, 24.

TV & stereo cabinet $25. 519-669-1224.

Wicker Bedroom Furniture. 5-piece, sold wood frame, patina finish, made in USA by Henry Link: 2 night tables, 6-drawer dresser, lingerie tower, 3-drawer dresser. Excellent condition. $850. 519-664-2992.

Bridgewall Cook Stove with warmer and water tank. Was used daily. Needs grate repaired. 519-846-2080.

FARM EQUIPMENT

Case 1070 Tractor, 3PH, new pump $6500.00; Oliver 1800 diesel, 3PH $5500.00; Cockshutt 1750, western, $4200; 1060 Nuffield, 60 HP, new alternator $3200. Dan Seifried, Harriston 519-338-2688.

RENTALS

Apartment for Rent. 27 Robb St., Moorefield. 2 bedroom, fridge and stove included. Laundry in building. No pets. $725 + utilities. First & last month. 519-291-2590 or 519-291-4453, leave message.

Elmira. 1 Bedroom apt. 2nd floor. Central location . $475 + hydro only. Avail. May 1. Call 519-669-1472.

Large 2 Bedroom Apartment, close to downtown Elmira. Smoke free, no pets. $750/mth + utilities. Avail. May 1. 519-669-2786.

Two Bedroom Listowel – Comfortable living. Two bedroom apartments in new building. Big kitchen, living room, own laundry, walk out. May 1, 2011. 226-220-1196.

Upstairs Office Space – 3 rooms available from $450 per month depending on size. Includes heat & hydro. Main floor in an active real estate office. Call Mildred Frey, 519-669-1544.

REAL ESTATE

Three Bedroom Ranch style bungalow for sale in beautiful birdland. Large well treed lot. Price $319,000. 22 Bluejay Rd., Elmira. Call 519-669-3714 to view.

TRADES & SERVICES

“Limited Time Offer” Relaxing therapy includes muscles, nerves, lymphs, hormones, pain etc. Call Grant’s Hands On Therapy 519-577-3251. Elmira office $50.00, or house calls $57.00.

CRD Accounting Services – Income Tax (E-File) Services. Small business accounting, payroll & gov/t filings. Chuck Downs, 95 Aspen Cr., Elmira. 519-669-1498, cell 519-569-1744.

GARAGE SALES

April 1 & 2 Multifamily garage sale at Hawkesville Community Centre. Friday noon – 5, Saturday 8:30a.m – 1 p.m.

Multi-Family Garage Sale. Saturday, April 9/11/ 7 a.m. – noon. 10 Bauman St., Elmira.

Woolwich Memorial Centre, 24 Snyder Ave., S., Elmira. 24h Annual Indoor Garage Sale. Saturday, April 9, 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Space still available. Call to reserve your vendor space. 519-669-6026. For more information visit our website www.woolwich.ca

Birthday boy chooses to give rather than get

Elmira-resident Aaron Spurgeon celebrated his ninth birthday last Saturday at the Drayton arena, and like most parties, this one had chips, pretzels, cake and lots of friends, but there was one important difference. “No presents,” Aaron said with an enormous grin while sitting at his kitchen table and surrounded by birthday cards. “I asked for a donation for Kate instead.” …Read more

Healthy living takes center-stage

April marks the fifth-annual Healthy Communities Month in Woolwich, and there is a full slate of activities scheduled to help residents get out and enjoy the spring air and to realize just how much the region has to offer. “The goals are to work towards enhancing the social, economic, and environmental well-being of Woolwich Township, and so we’ve planned a real range of activities to really respond to all three,” said Joy Finney of Woolwich Healthy Communities, one of the countless organizers of the event. …Read more

Councils submit expense report

Woolwich councillors, who collected a total of $71,073 in remuneration in 2010, filed expense claims of $2,248 last year, a report tabled this week shows. That compares to $71,076 and $4,902, respectively, the year prior.

In a housekeeping measure mandated by the province, finance director Richard Petherick filed a statement of payments and expenses that was accepted by council at Tuesday night’s meeting.

The Ontario Municipal Act gives municipalities until Mar. 31 to make the details public.

Because 2010 was an election year, pay was divided between previous councillors and four newcomers, who were added to the payroll in December.

Former mayor Bill Strauss received $22,507, while new Mayor Todd Cowan got $1,185 before the calendar rolled over.

Coun. Mark Bauman, the only one of five councillors who returned for this term, last year received $11,846, the same compensation as in 2009.  He filed expense of $469.

Three former councillors took in $11,253 before their terms expired: Murray Martin (expenses of $1,093), Sandy Shantz and Ruby Weber ($686).

The three new councillors – Bonnie Bryant, Julie-Anne Herteis and Allan Poffenroth – were paid $592 for the last part of the year.

Petherick’s report also noted the township paid five members of its Committee of Adjustment remuneration totaling $2,000 and expenses that amounted to $657.

In Wellesley, a similar report tabled this week shows councillors received a total of $52,180.28 and filed expenses of $14,922.51. The corresponding figures for 2009 were $51,589.88 and $12,252.64.

Mayor Ross Kelterborn was paid $10,239.96, drawing a mileage allowance of $2,199.96 and expenses of $615.89. Each of the councillors received $10,485.08.48, and mileage allowances of $800.04. Coun. Herb Neher filed expenses of $2,479.56; Coun. Paul Hergott $4,512.86; Coun. Jim Olender $3,433.34 and Coun. Shelley Wagner $3,880.86.

Four committee of adjustment members received $945, and received mileage costs of $274.92. Seven members of the recreation committee received a total of $420.

Woolwich taxes to rise by 2.44%

Woolwich residents will pay 2.44 per cent more in township taxes this year, adding $13.31 to the average home valued at $225,000.

Councillors finalized the 2011 budget Tuesday night, wrapping up deliberations that began last fall under the previous term of council.

The recreation and facilities budget proved the most contentious – the department had cost overruns of $550,000 last year – as staff juggled money to cover a 9.4 per cent increase in that area while keeping the overall hike to 2.44.

With the various operating budgets out of the way, councillors finally tackled the big-ticket items on the capital spending side. This year’s budget includes a relatively modest slate of infrastructure projects, scaled down from the past couple of years when stimulus money was flowing from Ottawa and Queen’s Park. The township also finished with its building spree that included the $23-million Woolwich Memorial Centre.

For 2011, the engineering and planning department plans to spend $3.6 million on road, bridge and sewer projects. The biggest single chunk is $1.1 million for the reconstruction of Mockingbird Drive in Elmira, which includes underground services. The township also plans to do $600,000 in paving, including stretches of Benjamin Road, King Street North and Reid Woods Drive.

Another $518,000 is earmarked for bridge work, predominantly engineering and environmental assessments needed for upgrades on Floradale Road, Glasgow Street and New Jerusalem Road.

On a smaller scale, some $130,000 has been allocated for new sidewalks and repairs to others.

Noting the plethora of road projects in Elmira, Coun. Mark Bauman pushed for the inclusion of Queensway Drive in St. Jacobs on the list of streets to get new pavement.

While admitting Queensway Drive is a mess, engineering technologist Richard Sigurdson explained the road is so bad it needs a full reconstruction. But other roads are a higher priority for that kind of expensive work.

Major reconstruction usually involves doing the underground waterlines and sewers as well.

As Elmira’s underground systems are much older, reconstruction is more pressing there, he said, adding that there are still parts of the towns with asbestos and lead in the piping.

Queensway Drive and few others in the same condition will likely get some patching over the summer, however.

In approving the capital budget, councillors agreed to debenture some $400,000 to cover the costs. The move was necessary to get some of the most pressing projects done in a timely manner, said director of finance Richard Petherick, calling the move prudent. The borrowing, which will not increase the tax rate, does not come anywhere near the township’s maximum debt repayment capacity.

The loans will be covered by allocating one percentage point of future assessment growth revenues, rather than raising taxes, he explained.

Not overly happy with the final product, Mayor Todd Cowan called on each of the department heads to find a five-per-cent cost savings leading into the next round of budget discussions in the fall.

The Woolwich increase for 2011 joins a 1.47 per cent hike approved last week by Waterloo Region council. That budget decision will add $21.65 to the average tax bill.

Township happy with Lunor deal

A massive new subdivision in the northwest part of Elmira will go ahead as planned, complete with an extension of Barnswallow Drive and land for a potential new fire hall.

Following a report from senior planner John Scarfone, Woolwich councillors were satisfied the township reached a good deal with Lunor Group despite a presentation last week from another developer that has appealed the project to the Ontario Municipal Board.

Councillors were not swayed by Hawk Ridge Homes’ claims more parkland should be provided in the subdivision. Typically, a developer provides five per cent of the property to the municipality for parkland. Sometimes that’s taken as cash in lieu of land. In this case, the township will only get 2.8 per cent formally, but when a new trail system and open space are included, that number shoots up to 12 per cent, climbing higher still when naturalized stormwater management ponds are factored in, Scarfone explained.

Several years in the making, the deal sees the developer go above and beyond requirements, he added.

The decision came after a presentation from Lunor’s planner, Tom Hardacre of the IBI Group, refuting the statements made Mar. 22 by Hawk Ridge Homes spokesperson Arlene MacFarlane.

Along with the parkland numbers discussed by Scarfone, he pointed out the bulk of the plan had already been approved by the previous council, with only the road extension and fire hall land currently under discussion. Noting the changes were for the township’s benefit, he added passing on the additions would make no difference to Lunor – “my client is fine with that.”

Ultimately approved Tuesday night were the extension of Barnswallow Drive into the subdivision, and plans for the developer to provide a lot on Church Street suitable for a possible new fire hall. The township agreed to pay 55 per cent of the cost of the road extension, estimated at $775,000

The township would receive a 1.5-acre, fully serviced lot worth an estimated $456,000 to $775,000.

The changes would become part of the plan to build up to 1,700 residential units on 180 acres of land on Church Street West. The project is currently on hold pending the outcome of the OMB proceedings. Lunor has requested a quick prehearing to have the appeal dismissed, calling it frivolous.

One flight gets you hooked

While the snow may have been discouraging planes from landing in Breslau Wednesday night, it didn’t discourage a few adventurous souls from braving the roads to learn how to fly.  The Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre held a learn-to-fly open house and seminar Mar. 23 to give potential students a primer on what kind of commitment it would take to obtain a pilot’s license. …Read more