Woolwich adopts encroachment policy
Woolwich’s new get-tough approach to dealing with encroachments on public land now has a written policy. And a number of requests for exemptions.
Earlier this summer, the township identified more than 100 cases where homeowners had taken over use of abutting township property. In about 20 instances, that involved erecting structures such as fences, sheds and gazebos. Other violations included expansion of gardens and walkways Read more
Maryhill resident launches bid to take Ward 3 seat in fall election
Woolwich will have at least one ward battle in the Oct. 25 municipal election, as Maryhill resident Bonnie Bryant has entered the fray to take on longtime incumbent Murray Martin in Ward 3.
A avid follower of political issues, she said it was time to “throw her hat in the ring” rather than just talking about the issues. Recent debates over gravel pits and grievances in Breslau, including water issues Read more
Millions needed to bring Woolwich roads up to snuff
Woolwich should set aside millions of dollars to maintain its roads, according to a report released this week.
The road needs study calls for a big increase in preventative maintenance, arguing every dollar spent today saves four or five dollars years down the road. To follow the prescribed course, however, the township would have to commit multiples of what it now spends each year on roadwork Read more
Arena users asked to swap
Blame it on the popularity of the new twin arenas. Demand for ice time has Woolwich scrambling to meet the needs of user groups. Officials think they have a possible solution in a swap meet of sorts.
Woolwich Minor Ringette requires some additional ice time at the Woolwich Memorial Centre, but the slots available – Saturday evening and early Sunday morning – don’t fit the organization’s schedule. Recreation Read more
Expect a backlash in wake of terrorist plot
There will be far more speculation than actual facts in the immediate aftermath of the arrests this week of terrorism suspects in Ottawa.
That’s to be expected, as this is no ordinary crime. Since the events of Sept. 11, anything linked to terrorism and Muslims has been under intense scrutiny. From kudos for the beleaguered RCMP and CSIS agencies to calls for a crackdown on Muslims, public reaction has been swift and vocal Read more
Biogas opponents rally for support
Mike Hicknell found a larger and more receptive audience this week for a presentation of his concerns about a biogas plant in Elmira. Some 70 residents who turned out at the Woolwich Memorial Centre Wednesday evening heard him discuss possible traffic woes associated with trucks visiting the proposed location in the north end of town Read more
Critics expose Harper’s weak points
It’s little wonder the Conservatives are continually unhappy with oversight agencies, despite oft-repeated and never-delivered promises of transparency: most of what’s unearthed casts the Harper government in a negative light.
From Auditor General Sheila Fraser to Parliamentary Budget Officer Kevin Page, the prime minister has Read more
Resident grills council over biogas
Woolwich may have no say in the decision, but that’s no reason not to be vocal about the impacts of a biogas plant proposed for Elmira, says a local resident who gave councillors an earful Tuesday night.
Mike Hicknell told township officials they aren’t putting enough pressure on the province to prevent the project from going ahead in Elmira’s north end Read more
Budget shortfalls at new WMC
Revenues are down and expenses up, but councillors aren’t pressing the panic button over the situation at the Woolwich Memorial Centre. Rather, they’re prepared to complete a full year of operations before reviewing the budget numbers, forecasts for which were partly guesswork, staff admits.
In a report to council Tuesday night, director of finance Richard Petherick noted the township’s overall Read more
Region to review Woolwich’s wastewater needs
St. Jacobs is not flush with sewage capacity, but finding a solution for that will be part of a forthcoming Region of Waterloo wastewater master plan. In Elmira, where capacity issues were addressed a few years back, longer-term planning will be part of the process.
Work on the new plan is expected to get underway later this year, with a completion date in 2012. Work on Read more
