It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of Paul James Flaherty on October 4, 2026. Paul was born on July 22, 1932, on a farm in the Caledon Hills to James A. and Margaret Flaherty, where he lived his entire life. He and his older brother, Michael (predeceased), and younger brother, Gerald, often told of their antics on the farm and their adventures walking to and from Beechgrove School. He married Mary Rosanne Ellis (Rosie) on July 3, 1954, who predeceased him in July 1988. Paul and Rosie welcomed four children: Gail (Rick), Brian (Alexandra), Diane (predeceased, survived by Ron and the late Ian), and Kevin (Kim). He is also remembered by his grandchildren—Michael, Ryan, Dylan, Megan, Adam, and Yuri—and his great-grandchildren—Evan, Etta, Bennet, Stanley, and Aurielle. His spouse, Sylvia Patterson, was his constant companion after the passing of Rosie. Paul was a like a father to her children Deborah and David and Papa Paul to Stephanie, Jessica, Kanda, Dakota, Hudson and Prescott. Paul had some wonderful accomplishments in his life of which he was most proud. One of those was the building of his house on the foundation of an old cottage that had burned down on the corner of the family farm. It was built in 1954 and he lived there until his passing. For Paul, there was no other place on earth he ever wanted to live. Another was his work at Avro Aircraft. He transferred clients to and from and also worked in the parts department while The Avro Arrow was being built. He treasured his photos of The Avro Arrow and loved to tell the stories behind them to all who visited. Following his employment at Avro Aircraft, he became a certified industrial mechanic and worked at Imperial Tobacco in Guelph until his retirement. He loved the beauty of Algonquin Park, and for over 10 consecutive years, he took his family camping at Lake of Two Rivers, where cherished memories were made. His quick wit, laughter, and storytelling were hallmarks that everyone will remember fondly. Visitation and a reception will take place from 1pm to 3pm on Thursday October 29, 2026 at Jones Funeral Home (11582 Trafalgar Rd, Georgetown). Interment to follow at 3:45pm at St. Cornelius Cemetery (16631 Kennedy Rd N, Caledon Village). For more information, please call the funeral home at 905 877-3631.

Growth, gravel pits and artificial intelligence were top of mind for Woolwich’s mayoral hopefuls and Ward 3 candidates as they met at a town hall event October 8. 

Evan Burgess and Eric Schwindt are vying to replace outgoing Mayor Sandy Shantz, while incumbent Bonnie Bryant, Jeff Carruthers, Janet Cox and Eryn Koncir are competing for Ward 3’s two seats. 

The third mayoral candidate, Glenn Fern, did not make an appearance at the packed Bloomingdale Community Centre, where more than 70 residents listened in. 

Students arriving at Woodland Christian High School this year are now making use of the latest addition to their campus, an agricultural and technology building.

The new $5-million facility opens as the school celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The idea for the addition got started when the school purchased the 72-acre farm beside the school on Spitzig Road in Breslau in 2024 for just under $2 million.

Some additions to the collective agreement signed last week between the Region of Waterloo and CUPE 1883 focus on inclusion and gender issues.

Besides securing job security and a wage hike for the roughly 850 employees it represents, the union also successfully lobbied for benefits that would provide voice therapy and sex-change surgery for its employees – a move uncommon in the municipal sector and the province of Ontario.

“We are pleased to get gender-affirming care into our collective agreement. We really want to be an inclusive workplace, and we think this is one way we are moving towards that. So that was a really big win for us. That was one privately when the region left the room, we were really cheering for,” union president Noelle Fletcher told The Observer.

Before it was a village, it was a forest.

Twenty years before it earned the name Elmira, the tree-packed bush near the recently established Conestogo was owned by a sawmill owner named David Musselman. In 1832, he brought on a young Englishman named Edward Bristow as an employee, and eventually sold him a 53-acre parcel for somewhere between 50 cents and one dollar an acre. And though there was a disparate smattering of immigrant families roughing it in the area, it was Bristow’s eventual trading post that gave the place its first name: Bristow’s Corners. This would become the foundation on which a village would form, and then flourish.

The Woolwich Memorial Centre is exploring options on how to offer skate-sharpening services, and began soliciting expressions of interest at the beginning of the month. They’ve already heard back from interested parties.

According to Thomas van der Hoff, deputy director of recreation, they haven’t had much luck so far.

“Council asked the recreation and community services department to explore options for facilitating skate sharpening services,” he told The Observer.

As harvest wraps up, avid gardeners are already thinking about next season, and it starts with seeds.

To connect the local gardening community, the Ignatius Jesuit Centre is hosting a seed swap on October 19 from 4-5 p.m. at the location on Hwy. 6 north of Guelph. Anyone is welcome to attend. Visiting gardeners can trade with one another as well as the Ignatius farm team, who have saved a variety of seeds from their own crops.

Woolwich’s plans for an affordable-housing development in downtown Elmira are on hold after the agency partnering with the township withdrew from the project.

Services and Housing in the Province (SHIP) last week notified the municipality it was bailing on the contract it won through a competitive bidding process.

Now it’s back to the drawing board with plans to redevelop the former Elmira Home Hardware site at Church and Maple streets. Woolwich bought the property for $4 million using money provided by Ottawa under the Housing Accelerator Fund.

Ontario Provincial Police reported that officers issues more than 9,800 charges as part of Operation Impact over the Thanksgiving weekend.

Throughout the long weekend, police were focused on behaviours that continue to contribute to serious and fatal collisions, including impaired driving, inattentive driving, speeding and improper use of or failure to wear seatbelts.

Between October 9 and October 12, the OPP laid over 9,800 traffic-related charges including:

• 4,924 speeding

• 506 seatbelt

• 174 impaired driving

• 108 distracted driving

Canada’s new 100 year cooperation agreement with Ukraine marks a profound shift in how this country understands its responsibilities in a world destabilized by an increasingly unhinged Donald Trump.

For decades, Canadians have been wary of entanglement in the military industrial complex, and rightly so: defence spending can sprawl, accountability can blur, and the line between preparedness and excess can fade. But today’s geopolitical reality is not the one Canada faced even five years ago. Trump’s second administration in Washington – and its alarming willingness to comfort, excuse, and financially enable Vladimir Putin’s Russia – has forced Canada to confront a hard truth: in an era when democratic allies can no longer rely on the United States for consistent leadership, Canada must strengthen its own defence posture and deepen ties with partners who share its values.

A long time ago, I was interviewing a professor at the University of Michigan (whose name I cannot recall) on various topics of no great interest. I was about to give up when I accidentally asked the right question.

“Have any major human behaviours really changed in the past few centuries?” I asked, and he said “No, but the sociopaths are multiplying.”

I was dealing with a full-time sociopath in my work at that time, so I immediately went back into interview mode. (‘Sociopath’ and ‘psychopath’ both describe essentially the same behaviours, although they may be more extreme in the latter case.) And the professor proceeded to explain it in evolutionary terms.

Not a lot of people know this, but the original purpose of a duck call was to quickly put an end to any social event or peasant uprising. Sure, you could meet an angry mob of peasants with archers, or the Lord’s men bearing shields and cudgels, but that was not nearly as effective as the town crier blowing on an untuned duck call.

In fact, the name duck call was given to it after, the local sheriff and his henchmen tried to quell the “Twelve-Man March” on the outskirts of a marsh near Ducksburg. That’s when they discovered that they repel ducks too.

This remains true to this day.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Elmira & District Curling Club. To celebrate that milestone, the club will host a members-only bonspiel, dubbed the Platinum Pebbles Spiel, on November 14.

“It’s a day for people to meet other members or rekindle relationships with others,” said curler Pat Johnson.

With the club celebrating seven decades, this year marks Susan Martin’s 49th year with the curling crew.

The Elmira Sugar Kings had little to be thankful for last weekend, as they dropped all three games on the schedule. The team settled for just one point in an overtime loss Sunday.

Following a 6-2 loss in St. Marys on October 9, the Kings dropped a 3-1 decision to visiting Welland on Saturday and lost 3-2 in OT to Stratford on Sunday.

Elmira now sits in sixth place in the GOHL’s Western Conference with a record of 4-6-1.

There were goals aplenty as the Wellesley Applejacks won a pair of games last weekend.

The Jacks beat the Hespeler Shamrocks 6-3 on Friday night at The Orchard, then travelled to the Brant Sports Complex the following evening where they posted a 7-5 victory over the Paris Mounties.

Wellesley is now in second place in the PJHL’s South Doherty Division with a record of 7-3-0-1.

Grassroots advocacy is surging across Ontario as a coalition of community organizers, agriculture leaders, and Queen’s Park politicians make a coordinated push to pass Bill 21, the Protect Our Food Act. Coinciding with Ontario Agriculture Week, the escalating campaign aims to establish a permanent, protected “Foodbelt” across the province to halt the rapid erosion of prime agricultural fields.

The push comes alongside a striking statement from Ontario Green Party leader and Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner, who criticized the current administration’s land-use priorities.

It’s well and good to have a National Food Strategy and a commitment to drive productivity and competitiveness in this country by strengthening resilience across the food chain.

But first, the country better have a national plant-breeding strategy, say farm groups. Because without a diversity of plants, the rest of the food chain collapses.

Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO), representing 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers in the province, is the latest of several groups asking for a national plant-breeding strategy.

It began with a small lot in Floradale.

Steve Frey was in his early twenties when he decided to lease a 15,000-square-foot space so that he could strike off on his own, manufacturing agricultural products for his family’s business. At that point, there were only two employees doing contract welding, but pretty soon he was building excavator attachments for friends. The business expanded into the construction industry.

It may seem confusing at first, but this play isn’t actually about Waterloo.

The latest Kitchener-Waterloo Little Theatre production to hit the stage, written by local playwright Zivy Hardy, seems at first to be named after the local Ontario city. In fact, it’s a coy allusion to the culminating battle of the Napoleonic Wars – a metaphorical reference to a moment of defeat for one of the main characters.

Peter passed away peacefully in Niagara Falls, ON, on October 3, 2026 with his wife Margaret by his side, after facing the challenges of living with Alzheimer’s for the past 8 years. He remained loving, witty and pleasant up to his final days. Peter is predeceased by his father and mother, Fred and Liely Johnson, and older brother David. He leaves behind his best friend and wife Margaret Pickles (Niagara Falls); his son Robin and daughter-in-law Jen and grandchildren Matthew and Megan (Edin Mills, ON) and nieces Cindy and Wendy (Arthur, ON) and nephew Davey (Luxembourg, Europe); dear life long friend Alice Johnson (Guelph, ON); and all of Margaret’s family who loved him dearly. Peter immigrated from Portsmouth, England, at the age 9, with his parents who wanted to give their sons a life full of opportunity. Growing up he enjoyed the care and excellent cooking of his mother and learned his house building skills from his father. Peter took every opportunity to make a better life, especially through education. In the 60s, after recovering from a life altering head injury, and while working as school bus driver and caretaker at Rockwood Public School, (and celebrating the birth of his son Robin with his first wife, Alice) he completed his Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), at Waterloo Lutheran University. For a few years Peter and his brother David built many custom houses and horse barns in Guelph and area. In the late 80s and early 90s, during his time as the friendly city bus driver for Guelph Transit, he completed a Bachelor of Sociology and Psychology (BA) as a warm-up for his Masters in Business Administration (MBA) at his newly named Alma Mater, Wilfred Laurier University, Waterloo. During his tenure as ATU Local Union president, he attended many training sessions and earned certificates at the George Meany Center for Labor Relations, Washington, DC. In the late 90s, Margaret and Peter moved to Niagara Falls when Margaret became the Assistant Curator of the New Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory. Peter soon found his new, and very satisfying, career as Professor, in the Business Department, Niagara College. Later Margaret also joined the faculty of Niagara College, as Science Professor in the General Arts and Science Department. Under Margaret’s influence, Peter learned the joy of travelling during their many trips that included the Alberta Rockies, Vancouver Island, the Rugged coastline of Newfoundland, the Near North of Ontario, the spectacular coast of California’s Monterey Bay, the amazing rocks of Utah, and a visit to his British hometown. They also spent lots of time discovering the nature around our second home in central Florida. They had many adventurous and joyful days kayaking in the lush cypress swamps of central Florida, alongside the alligators, plentiful birds, insects, and other wildlife. Closer to home they enjoyed many days riding their recumbent trikes on the many cycling trails of Niagara. Peter and Margaret spent many happy hours walking the trails at Heartland Forest, Niagara Falls. Margaret would like to invite our friends to join her on a walk at the forest on the morning of Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 9:30am. We will meet at the entrance to the Nature Center. We appreciate the care, compassion, and guidance we both received from Alzheimer’s Society Niagara during Peter’s Alzheimer’s journey. Donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Niagara Society Niagara and Heartland Forest. Online condolences may be shared at www.essentialscbs.com

Wilbert Alfred Freeman of Gorrie passed away peacefully at Listowel Memorial Hospital on Monday, October 5, 2026, in his 88th year. Son of the late John & Mabel (Shepherd) Freeman. Survived by his sister Gertie Downs of Guelph and her family. Also sadly missed by special friends Murray & Dianne Steven of Gorrie, Sue Robinson of Gorrie, Troy & Lindsey Robinson of Kurtzville, Bill & Linda Walker of Fordwich, Adam & Sylvia Walker of Palmerston, Doug & Marilyn King of Listowel, and Ken & Vicki Stark of Listowel, as well as many in the community. Predeceased by his sister Berenice (Jerry) Shea, and brother-in-law Alex Downs. Wilbert was a prominent dairyman with a love for cattle and was awarded Holstein Canada’s prestigious Master Breeder Shield in 1987 under his Freeland prefix. After the sale of his herd and the farm, masonry played a large role in Wilbert’s life.  He joined Fordwich Lodge in 1992 where he was the Master of the Lodge in 1998 and was elected District Deputy Grand Master in 2010. He was a member of Chapter of Royal Arch Masons where he rose to the rank of Grand Superintendent.  He was a member of Sovereign Great Priority of Canada where he rose to the rank of Grand Guard of Sovereign Great Priority.  He was also a member of the Shriners. These are just some of his affiliations and a handful of his accomplishments as he had a very full and admirable Masonic journey.  We cherish his memory in our hearts. Private family arrangements have been entrusted to Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel. Memorial donations to Listowel Memorial Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.  Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca

Miss him already. Forever in our hearts and minds. He was a humorous man, a fierce man, an intelligent man, and a loving man. He was an adventurous world traveler, pilot, sailor, pyramid climber, and much, much more. He had integrity, was honest, and the protector of his family. The man who used to say, “Are you listening?!” He leaves behind his loving wife, Dolores, and six children; Patricia Whitechurch (Jim), Paul (Laurie), Brian (Annette), Howard (Wendy), Marion MacRae (Shane), and Linda Wong (K.C.). He also leaves behind a brother Johnny. He is predeceased by his daughter Donna Page (John), and granddaughter Jessica Saunders (Wes). He is also predeceased by his two sisters, Norma Taylor and Joan Sorbara, and brother Bruce Cordes. He leaves behind eighteen grandchildren and twenty-one great-grandchildren. When the Lord said, “Go forth and multiply,” Dad took it literally. Dad loved the cottage and sailing around the lake. During dad’s illness, we came to know the wonderful staff at St. Joseph’s Health Center. They laughed with us, cried with us, and gave dad the best support we could have ever asked for. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Ron’s Life will be announced at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, donations made to Lakehead University in memory of Jessica Saunders would be greatly appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences can be made online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com

Patrick “Mario” Lopes, loving husband to Carol for 47 years and devoted father, grandfather, brother and neighbour, passed away peacefully on Oct. 8, 2026, just weeks before his 74th birthday in Guelph, Ont. Born on Oct. 30, 1952, in Georgetown, Guyana, Mario, as he was affectionally known by everyone who loved him, spent much of his youth on his family farm with his 10 siblings, before immigrating to Canada in 1972. He was a lover of puzzles, summers at the cottage along Sauble Beach, the winter retreat to the sunny shores of Cancun, and a good project to tinker at his Fergus home. Mario was a loyal employee of Gerrie Electric in Cambridge, Ont., where he was a respected and beloved colleague, leader and friend for more than 25 years. He was also a fan of cricket, hockey, soccer, and baseball – especially his cherished Toronto Blue Jays – as well as Motown and oldies tunes, spaghetti western films of the ‘60s, and classic Fords like his dream Mustang and Shelby Cobra. He was a reliable member of the Knights of Columbus and St Joseph Parish of Fergus. More than anything, family was most important to Mario, who loved nothing more than spending weekends with the people he cared for, especially his children and grandchildren, and playing games, eating delicious dishes from his homeland Guyana and sharing a good chuckle. His quiet kindness and strong work ethic will be remembered by all that knew him – as well as his hilarious mischievousness pulling off the odd prank. Mario may not have been the loudest in the room, but his presence was certainly one of the biggest. He was a fighter, survivor and caregiver. He was the loyal and faithful partner to Carol, who he met in 1976 after easy phone conversations working at Union Electric of Toronto and Goodwill Electric of Guelph. He will be immensely missed by everyone who loved him. Mario is lovingly remembered by his wife Carol, children Michelle (Sebastian), David (Jeff), Ryan (Crystal), and Gillian (Justin), and grandchildren Joey, Alena, Willow, Keaton and Elias. He is also survived by siblings Leon (the late Philipa), Stephen (the late Eileen), Sylvia (the late Bernard), Christopher (Marlene), Gregory (the late Margaret), Vicky (William), Christine (Bernie), Bryan (Jennifer), Rose (Chuck) and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents Romeo and Winnie Lopes and brother Lawrence (Doreen). The family would like to express their deepest appreciation to the staff at Hospice Wellington for their dedicated care and compassion. Visitation was held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00pm and 6:00 to 8:00pm at the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home, 280 St. David Street South, Fergus. A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 11:00am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 760 St. David Street North, Fergus. Following the service, family and friends were warmly invited to gather in the Parish Hall for a time of fellowship and refreshments. A private family interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Hospice Wellington would be deeply appreciated by the family. To view Mario’s memorial page and leave online condolences, please visit www.grahamgiddyfh.com.

On Friday, October 9th, our family lost a truly wonderful man. My husband Joesph the love of my life passed away, leaving behind his children his son Thomas Robert Darryl King (Alexandra) and daughter Elizabeth Ann King. Predeceased  by his daughter Rosanne Miranda King. Joseph my husband will be sadly remembered by his beautiful grandchildren, Abigail Broadbent, (Tristan), his grandson Rodger King and Janis Pauline Bury and his great grand children, Carson Joseph Thomas Stanova-King, Sonny Joseph King, Rosie King-Joseph, Jaxson Matthew Gerald Stanova-King, Allie Ann Rose King, Matthew Wesley James Stanova-King, Zion Joseph-king, Anthony Edward Stanova-King, Xaviour Joseph-King, Tommi Mary Elizabeth king, Elliot King. Also remembered by his brothers and sisters, Malcolm King (Loraine), Mary Snow (Eugene), Monica Hilliard (Tom), Robert King (Marlane), Barb Thompson (Craig), Jack King, (Norma) Larry King (Sandy) Karen Clarke (Jim), Paul King (Kim), Craig King (Wanda), Wayne King (Sharon), Sandra Whalen (Brain), Debbie Underwood (Rob), Gary King (Mary), Sean King (April), Tammy King (Andy), Dean King, Glen King. Predeceased by, Ivy McPherson, (Charlie), James King, Terry King, Violet King (Shirley). My husband, Joseph, lived a life filled with love, cherished memories, and family. His passing has left a hole in our hearts that can never truly be filled. Joseph and I were married for 42 beautiful years. For 42 years, we stood by each other, shared life’s ups and downs, and built a family filled with love. My heart breaks for my family and myself as we face life without the man I spent 42 years loving. No words can take away that pain, but I hope we find comfort in the beautiful memories we made together and in the love that will always remain. Joseph was a wonderful person with a big heart. He loved spending time with his son, Tommy, working on mechanical projects together and going fishing. The time they shared, the laughter, the projects, and the memories they made will always be special. He was also blessed with 11 beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each of whom will forever hold a special place for their grandpa in their hearts. The memories they made, the time they spent together, and the love he gave them will never be forgotten. We shared so many amazing memories, and I wish we could have made so many more. The kids and grandkids will miss you dearly, and so will I. It is hard to put into words how much one person can mean to a family until they are no longer here. I would give anything for one more conversation, one more laugh, and one more day with you, Joe Rest peacefully, my love. You were a wonderful man, a loving husband, a devoted dad, and a cherished grandpa. Thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the love you gave us all. 42 years of marriage. A lifetime of memories. 11 beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A family who will love and miss you forever. Gone from our sight but never from our hearts. Until we meet again.

It is with deep sadness, shock, and relief, that we share the news of the passing of our beloved Dad and Poppa, Eric Sharpe, on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at home in Mount Forest after a quick decline in health. He took his last breath surrounded by love, care and his “girls”. Poppa may not have been able to cast a line recently, but that never stopped him from sharing stories of his favourite fishing spot under the willow, his latest conspiracy theories, his political views, and, most importantly, how proud and thankful he was to have been given the chance to watch his great-grandchildren grow. He will be extremely missed by his forever love, best friend and wife, Sharon (Riddell); his daughter, Terry Lynn (Baccin); his grandchildren, Mathew Johnson, Austin Sharpe (Adrienne Morrison), and Kylie Baccin (Nathan Post); and his treasured great-grandchildren, Paige Post, Phoebe Post, Wyatt Post, Benjamin Sharpe, Madelyn Sharpe, Brady Baccin, and Daphne “Ducky” Baccin. Though we will miss having him here, we find comfort in knowing that they have gained a new guardian angel. His humour, kindness and stubbornness will be remembered by siblings Particia (Vittorio “Vic” Paneghel), Frederick (Carol), Bradley (Brenda), Stephen “Paul” (Lisa), in-laws, his many nieces and nephews and closest friends. We find peace knowing he was reunited with his late son Steven; his brother, Joseph; his mother, Marion; his brother-in-law, Lorne Riddell; his sister-in-law, Marjorie Tilley (Riddell); and many others who went before him. His memory will live on in the praise, confidence, support, and even the criticisms he left ingrained in our souls throughout our lives. And we know that every uncommon bird that appears, every squirrel that stops by, and every salmon we watch swimming upstream to spawn will be his way of reminding us that he is never going to leave us on our own. No visitation or funeral will be held at this time. A small memorial for the immediate family will be scheduled for a later date. Flowers and donations are not necessary. Instead, please take a moment to find the beauty in nature—and, if you happen to hook a salmon on your line, dedicate your next one to Poppa. Online condolences may be made at www.englandfuneralhome.com

Age 83, Born April 12, 1943 in Woodstock, Ontario and passed away on September 29, 2026 in Guelph, Ontario. He worked at GSW and, following his years of dedicated service, retired as a Union representative. His working life reflected a steady commitment to those around him and to the responsibilities he carried. Ron is survived by his daughter, Angela (Ken Bell); his sisters, Pat of Kitchener and Sandra of Woodstock; and by his nephews and niece. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Margaret. A private cremation will take place. He will be resting with his family in Woodstock.

Passed away peacefully in Fergus, Ontario, on October 8, 2026, at the age of 79. Dianne’s greatest joy came from the time she spent with those closest to her. She was the beloved wife of the late Donald Kreller, and together they shared a life built on love, and cherished memories. Predeceased by her daughter, Sharlene Kreller, whose memory remained forever close to her heart. Loving mother to Scott Elliott and his partner Marcia, and daughter Shannon. She also held a special place in her heart for her son Jason Waters of Saskatchewan. She was a proud grandmother to Caitlin. Dianne is lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law Sharon and family, who held a special place in her life. She will also be fondly missed by her dear friend Meryll, as well as by her many friends who were fortunate to share in her kindness, laughter, and companionship over the years. Arrangements entrusted to Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home (280 St. David St. S., Fergus, ON, 519-843-3100). Visit www.grahamgiddyfh.com for Dianne’s online memorial.

GUELPH – A former Fergus fast-food restaurant manager found guilty of sexually assaulting two teenage employees was sentenced to a year in jail on Oct. 9 – but he was nowhere to be found.

Superior Court Justice Cynthia Petersen sentenced Navpreet Nahar, 35, in his absence in Guelph court last Friday after finding he has absconded.

Nahar was last seen in court on July 3, when Petersen found him guilty of sexually touching an underage person (interference), exploiting a young person by touching them sexually, and two counts of sexual assault, following a trial in May.

He was charged in 2021-22 after two women, aged 15 and 16 at the time, alleged Nahar touched their buttocks repeatedly and in one incident grabbed one of the women’s breasts at work while he was their supervisor.

The Advertiser is not naming the restaurant to avoid identifying the women, who cannot be named under a publication ban.

“I’m prepared to draw an adverse inference that he’s not here because he intentionally left the country to avoid the sentencing hearing, which I think amounts to absconding,” the judge said.

Court heard a probation officer was unable to reach Nahar by phone, and that he missed an appointment for a pre-sentencing report after a letter was hand-delivered to a Brampton address he was connected to.

Someone identifying themselves as Nahar later called the officer, claiming he was in India and unable to return to Canada because of his immigration status.

Petersen said the likelihood of the person pretending to be Nahar “is so far-fetched, it defies belief.”

Defence lawyer Robert Christie said he was unable to reach Nahar and had no instructions from him. Christie declined to make sentencing recommendations on Nahar’s behalf.

As suggested by prosecutor Stacey Hamilton, Petersen imposed two consecutive six-month sentences, for a year total, on a count of sexual assault and the count of sexual exploitation, followed by three years of probation. 

The remaining counts of sexual assault and interference were stayed.

Petersen said though Nahar’s offences were “not at the most intrusive end of the spectrum of sexual assaults,” they were repeated and had significant negative impact on the victims. 

One victim impact statement described self-blame, anxiety and ongoing psychological challenges, the judge noted.

“Six months is at the lower end of the range, and I would have entertained a submission for something heavier,” Petersen said, noting Nahar’s position of authority and that the victims were under 18 at the time of the offences.

The judge later issued an arrest warrant for Nahar, who faces jail if he returns to Canada.

PALMERSTON – Eight hockey teams are set to face off at the Palmerston and District Community Centre next weekend to benefit the Martin family.

It’s the fifth year the tournament, organized by Winston Shantz, will raise money for a local family in need.

Scott Martin, a mechanical engineer who grew up in Elmira, was left paralyzed from the neck down over the Mother’s Day weekend from a mysterious spinal cord infection.

His mother, Laurie Martin, told the Advertiser by phone from Yatton the paralysis quickly spread from his legs at the start of the weekend. By Sunday, he was intubated as he lost control of his lungs.

“There were two times during this journey where they thought he wasn’t going to survive,” Laurie said, adding doctors haven’t pinned down a definitive cause.

After three months in intensive care Scott is breathing on his own and working to regain mobility while staying at St. Joseph’s Health Care’s Parkwood Institute in London. 

Laurie said he faces years of recovery.

Scott’s wife, Hannah, visits him daily with their 20-month-old son Jack in tow in between shifts as a neonatal intensive care nurse.

With Scott now using a wheelchair, the couple sold its London home because it wasn’t accessible. Laurie said Scott will also need a costly motorized wheelchair and a modified vehicle to accommodate it.

Laurie said the family, now on a reduced income, will need help as expenses add up over the years ahead.

Two of Scott’s old hockey buddies, Alex Uttley and Luke Brown, reached out to Shantz on his behalf, Laurie said.

“We were looking for someone to do this year’s tournament for, so it just kind of fit perfectly,” Shantz said.

Money raised through the tournament, coined the Martin Comeback Classic,”will go toward Scott’s recovery and supporting his family.

The tournament raised $62,900 in 2023, $62,600 in 2024 and about $36,000 last year.

Shantz, who said attendance was down in 2025, expects the arena to be full again next weekend.

“We can’t thank the community enough for the support, not just financially, but the prayers, the notes, the food … just the love we feel through all of that,” Laurie said.

“That’s what’s getting us through this.”

The community can come out to watch a game, grab some food and donate toward a $60,000 fundraising goal.

Games run Oct. 23 from 7 to 11pm, and Oct. 24 from 8am to 7pm, with a ceremonial pick drop at noon. 

Eight teams will be whittled down until two face off in a 6pm final on Oct. 24.

Seven of the eight teams are returning, Shantz said.

“This year, we got one new team, and it’s a team of a bunch of Scott’s old teammates,” he said. 

New at this year’s tournament is a silent auction and raffle prizes donated by community members and businesses.

“I’m just looking forward to seeing the community come together again this year [to] support Scott and Hannah on their journey,” Shantz said.

HARRISTON – Since 2011, the LaunchIt Minto business centre has been supporting entrepreneurs and business owners in rural communities across northern Wellington County.

LaunchIt provides local access to workshops, business training, advisors and professional service providers to meet the needs of rural businesses.

“We have been seeing a lot of new businesses, startups and entrepreneurs reaching out to find what supports are available in and around Minto,” LaunchIt business development coordinator Raisa Abrahim told the Community News.

Abrahim, who has been with the centre since last January, stressed the importance of its yearly PitchIt! Minto Business Competition.

“The PitchIt competition is for existing businesses in Minto that are expanding, relocating or new businesses that are looking to get started,” Abrahim said.

In 2025 four businesses participated in the competition and this year seven took part.

“This year we noticed the participants … are service-based businesses, whereas last year it was a mix of service and products,” she added. “People are still willing to start businesses even when things are not always the easiest at this time.”

Abrahim believes the current economy is “unstable” as “a lot of people in the community are not shopping as they would have throughout the year.”

Several “brick and mortar businesses” associated with the centre expressed the need for more people visiting their stores on a regular basis.

“That’s something we can’t control but we always try to promote our local businesses and shop local campaigns,” she said.

Abrahim added how “blessed” the town is to have “unique businesses that bring a lot of character.”

New this year, the centre has started thinking more about its “solopreneurs” and service-based businesses such as local therapists.

The centre hopes to have business owners host networking sessions to build and grow their network with clients and colleagues.

The Construction Cafe Workshop Series, held on the second Monday of each month from 8 to 9:30am, includes free sessions offering practical tools, expert insights and hands-on strategies tailored specifically for downtown businesses.

Each series includes a different theme, such as e-commerce and online sales, financial preparedness, marketing and promotions planning and many more.

Upcoming events include:

• business continuity planning, Oct. 19;
• accessibility through construction, Nov. 9;
• staffing and workforce flexibility, Dec. 14; and
• collaboration and collective promotions, Jan. 11.

“Palmerston is going through a downtown revitalization … and so we knew this would be a challenge for our local businesses,” Abrahim said.

The idea behind the cafe series is to prepare those impacted by next year’s construction disruptions.

“One of the things that happens during construction, besides the roads being dug up and having limited access to your building, is sometimes the power can go or something happens to your water,” she noted.

The workshop received county funding which helped LaunchIt open the event to all businesses in Wellington County. Those interested can participate in the workshops at the Lions CRA Clubhouse at 120 Main St. W. in Palmerston.

For more information visit palmerstonfullsteamahead.ca.

GUELPH – Wellington County has no plans for changes to the main intersection in Arkell after a residents’ group petitioned Puslinch for safety measures.

Puslinch council voted in July to ask the county to review the intersection and present its findings and recommendations to township council.

County engineer Don Kudo told county council on Sept. 24 there was a “movement study” completed last year, and that no “further improvements to the stop control” were warranted at the “low collision intersection.”

“We have 16 intersections right across the county that do warrant improvements; those are in our capital budget, this is not one of those intersections, but we can continue to monitor the location for if there’s any change,” Kudo said.

County roads committee chair Gregg Davidson told council the area should have a 70km/h speed limit, as per Transportation Association of Canada guidelines, rather than the current 50km/h posted limit.

Puslinch Mayor James Seeley pushed back at the meeting.

“Is the review just to tell us that it should be a 70 instead of a 50 and we should be happy with a 50, and that there’s only been one collision? Because that was not the intent of council,” Seeley said.

Two county roads intersect in Arkell, Watson Road South (Wellington Road 41) and Arkell Road (Wellington Road 37). The intersection is busy with commuters travelling south to Highway 401 and with east-west traffic on Arkell Road.

The residents’ group Concerned Citizens of Puslinch has petitioned township council for painted pedestrian crosswalks and flashing red lights on the intersection stop signs. 

The group also wants a 40km/h speed limit through the hamlet, as well as police enforcement, bollards and an electronic speed sign on the township’s stretch of Watson Road South.

“There’s all sorts of options, but it was just simply a ‘no,’” Seeley told the Advertiser.

“We weren’t trying to jump the queue and get ahead of the other 16 intersections that have been identified.

“But we feel there’s some responsibility to help these citizens if there is a possibility, and we just didn’t see that.”

In an email, Kudo stated the Arkell intersection “has lower traffic volumes and lower collisions than intersections on the county’s intersection priority list.”

But Seeley argued the county can still take action, saying it lowered the speed limit near the new Two Rivers Secondary School on Arkell Road at the City of Guelph’s request without the same review.

In May, county council lowered the speed limit from 70km/h on the county’s stretch of Arkell Road leading into the new school zone to match Guelph’s speed reduction, Kudo said.

Seeley also argued bollards seemingly popped up on Brock Road (Wellington Road 46) in the spring without communication.

“Staff clearly have the ability to do some sort of traffic calming measures, and they’re just choosing not to in Arkell, and I’m just not satisfied with that,” the mayor said.

Kudo said the Brock Road measures – including bollards and speed radar signs approved by council this year – replaced automated speed enforcement there.

“Speed radar signs, centre line bollards and pedestrian crossing markings have been installed in Arkell over the past couple years,” Kudo added.

At the council meeting, Seeley asked Kudo relay the county’s decision in writing.

Kudo confirmed he emailed Puslinch on Oct. 2, also noting two other intersections in the township – where Wellington Road 35 meets Concessions 1 and 2 – meet requirements for improvements, and are on the county’s priority list.

Seeley said Puslinch council would report back to residents and “continue advocating for some improvements.”

The mayor also asked about speed monitoring on township roads now that the county has taken over installing and monitoring Black Cat radar units from the OPP.

Kudo said at the meeting the county hasn’t engaged municipalities about their use.

Previously, municipalities could raise concerns with police, who would install the units, which record vehicle speeds.

“So now we have a reduction in service,” Seeley told the Advertiser.

Kudo stated in an email the county is meeting with police this week to discuss road safety, including the Black Cats.

ERIN – After nearly a year of resident opposition to the Hillsburgh gravel pit commercial fill project, the issue has been deferred to the next term of council. 

The project, which was approved in January, will see 5.36 million cubic metres of fill brought in over 20 years. The project will also see roughly 150 trucks per day arriving and leaving the site.

Resident Paul Campbell delegated to council on Oct. 8 and spoke to the “potential poisoning” of Erin’s groundwater, as fill will be dumped into a pond on the property, which was created by mining below the water table. 

“He could literally be dumping foreign fill into that lake, which is our groundwater,” said Campbell. 

He asked that a member of council put forward a motion to reconsider or stop the project.

“Is this your legacy? Is your legacy going to say we’re afraid to be sued by this guy?” asked Campbell.

Councillor Cathy Aylard asked town clerk Justin Grainger if she could bring forward a motion, which prompted council to take a brief recess. 

“I did not support this; does that mean I cannot put forward a motion?” asked Aylard. 

Following the recess, CAO Rob Adams made a statement, letting council know that it would not be possible to put forth a motion without legal ramifications, as the contract has been signed and is underway. 

“Staff have gone back to legal counsel, and our legal counsel has advised that we have entered into an agreement and that we need to be cautious about breaking the agreement and the consequences of that,” said Adams. 

“And that legal counsel needs to do a thorough review of the matter prior to council making any decision.” 

Councillor Bridget Ryan asked if a special council meeting would be called at a later date so the current council could potentially put forward a motion.

Adams said this was unlikely and that “councils change, that’s the reality of it.” 

According to staff, the gravel pit will be brought up most likely at the second meeting of the new council.