On June 18, 2026, Nutrition for Learning hosted a Day of Belonging event at Steckle Heritage Farm where Jess Dixon, MPP of Kitchener South-Hespeler, announced their Food for All model for the 2026-2027 school year.  

This model will provide a free weekly lunch to all students regardless of their financial situation.   

Nutrition for Learning is a local non-profit organization that works to provide food for students that may lack access. Nutrition for Learning aims to provide food for students for their health as well as their academic success.  

The organization was started in 1997 and over the years, Nutrition for Learning has grown to provide approximately two million lunches for local children per year.  

Nutrition for Learning is aiming to adjust their model to provide food not only for students in need but for all students. They believe that food is not only important for growth and learning but can also be used to foster community.  

Steckle Heritage Farm at 811 Bleams Rd., Kitchener is a non-profit urban farm and heritage site that hosts school trips, summer camps, events and community tours.   

The barn hosted activities for children such as a dance class by Legends Academy of the Performing Arts and a painting activity by Grand River Pride Fest. There were also samples of local foods such as pizza, a charcuterie board and parfaits with local strawberries.   

Nutrition for Learning is able to expand their program in this way due to a new Ontario Trillium Foundation grant of $596,700 across three years.   

The organization hopes to provide food to local children not merely as a stop-gap measure or a band-aid but as a concentrated effort to foster community and bring nutritious food to all children.  

For more information, visit nutritionforlearning.ca. 

From June 18 to June 20, 2026, the Underdog Dance Corp. hosted their first Waterloo Salsa Bachata Festival. The event included workshops on different styles of dance—including salsa, bachata, dancehall and Afro-Cuban—led by instructors from Underdog; as well as from different studios from Halifax, Toronto, Oakville, Montreal and Spain; performances; and three socials. It was attended by approximately 300 dancers.   

Raquel DiazGranados Monroy is the studio manager at the Underdog Dance Corp. and one of the key organizers of the festival. After attending her first dance congress last year, she was inspired to have one in the region. Emily Peat, owner and director of Underdog, was supportive of the idea.   

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity of being able to work together with [Emily] to make this event happen,” DiazGranados Monroy said.   

The festival took place across four venues—it kicked off at the weekly Salsa in the Square social at Waterloo Town Square, then migrated to the Underdog studio, Maxwell’s Concerts and Events, and finished at the Delta Hotels Waterloo. DiazGranados Monroy said they wanted to encourage attendees to also support local businesses.   

“We wanted to be able to support different local businesses in the area, so we wanted the people who were coming to visit Waterloo to travel around Uptown Waterloo and support different local businesses,” she said.   

Zheng Li is an aircraft mechanic from Halifax. When he first moved to Canada, his English needed improvement, so he decided to join dance classes to connect to people without having to talk as much.   

Li said that the festival was well-organized, and the workshops taught transferable dance skills rather than just combinations of moves.   

“I felt it was very well organized. I enjoy the classes a lot,” he said.   

“[…A] lot of times, they teach you a combo [of moves] and you practice and I never use them and I forgot them…[a concept] not a certain move that I have to remember, but it’s an idea that I can constantly work on, like energy, the weight transfer,” Li said.  

In Halifax, the annual Halifax Salsa & Bachata Festival is a major community event.   

“It’s something that everybody in the community looks forward to,” Li said.  

DiazGranados Monroy said she hopes the festival is something that can put Waterloo on the map.   

“In the future, I hope a lot of people come and visit us,” she said.  

The heat of the day was waning when I met CAFKA Director and multimedia artist Julie Hall for an evening walk. They picked the trails in the Stanley Park Optimist Natural Area as our destination, a chance to walk by the Grand River as we talked about Kitchener in the summer.  

“I love people here,” Hall said. “All walks of life. Anyone I run into on the street, I have these funny interactions with… just bodies on the street, give me anybody!”  

Hall cited their East Coast upbringing as the source of their friendliness and made a point of greeting everyone we passed on the trail.  

“One of the reasons I’m successful at my job is that I literally just go around town complaining about all my problems,” Hall said. “And then someone says something that’s insightful or connects an idea for me or puts me in touch with the answer.”  

Hall was drawn to art at an early age, first through poetry and writing, before discovering a love of drawing.  

“I think I wanted to become an artist when I saw Titanic when I was 11, because what a sexy skill,” they said. “Look at this guy getting hella laid because he just drew somebody…I think the first thing I drew was quite possibly a picture of Leonardo DiCaprio.”  

Growing up in Middle Sackville, Nova Scotia, in a largely rural area and with a childhood mainly spent outdoors, Hall developed a connection to nature and the land. They moved to Edmonton to get a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta where they experienced culture-shock and struggled to find community.   

The 2008 financial crisis sent them back to Nova Scotia to work in their field and, in 2013, they enrolled at Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) University to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts, Interdisciplinary, where they also met their partner, Jacob Irish.   

“I was going to go to NSCAD for a year just to dry out and stop being so miserable as a scientist,” Hall said. “Then I met Jacob in first year…and Jacob said ‘oh, you must finish your degree’…and I’m super glad I did; school is where I found my peers.”  

After completing their degrees in 2017, Hall and Irish moved to Ontario and tried living in different communities, none of which felt right. Then, on a trip to Kitchener in 2019 to visit Irish’s brother, a connection was made.  

 “Kitchener chose me hard,” Hall said. “From the first time I ever came here, Kitchener pointed right at me and was like, ‘you like it here’. And I said, ‘alright, who am I to disagree’…this city’s got the right amount of grit.”  

Once they landed in Waterloo Region, Hall and their partner Irish returned to school to complete the Masters of Fine Arts program at the University of Waterloo in 2022 and establish their practice in visual arts. Hall’s focus is multidisciplinary. They are drawn to fibre arts and performance art where the body is the medium which explores the moment when an artistic impulse connects with and experiences reality.  

Hall’s artistic creations are driven by following an impulse and imposing constraints to explore ideas. Although they often work in the visual mediums of fibre arts and sculpture, Hall does not have a visual mind and thinks in words, not images.  

“I don’t imagine the artwork, I imagine an idea. I imagine a process,” Hall said. “I can look at raw materials and I can imagine very clearly, but I don’t imagine visually…like I can look at a bunch of ingredients for a recipe and I can taste it and I know exactly what to do with those things.”  

Cooking and baking are another means of expression for Hall. They grew up learning from classic Canadian cooking shows such as Wok With Yan and The Urban Peasant, which they asked their mother to record for them. And in-between working in science and as an artist, Hall honed their leadership skills working in kitchens.  

“Cooking is about understanding what’s happening and adjusting. You have to be very flexible with cooking,” Hall said. “I like food for the same reason I like comedy—you can’t fake the reaction,” they said.  

As we finished our loop around the JA Pollock Family Trailway in the natural area, our conversation turned back to summer and Hall’s hopes for the season. They have plans to reconnect with their East Coast roots through swimming and also want to disconnect from work during off-hours and focus on relaxing and pleasurable pursuits.  

“I think with the stability in my life right now I can actually not sell every minute of my time to survive,” they said. “[Jacob and I have] a level of everyday stability that we’ve never experienced [before]…we just keep looking at each other and [saying] ‘life’s good’.”  

That optimism and contentment is something that Hall receives from living in Kitchener and  from the people they interact with, and it is also something that they give back to the community through their work and their art. 

June was Bike Month in Ontario, but who’s to say that the fun can’t continue for the rest of the summer?  

There are several bicycle shops in the region to help you get set up, with everything from second hand bikes to specialized steeds. Many of them also offer repairs and servicing. Waterloo Region has one bike rental company which also provides local tours.  

Where to Buy and Rent Bicycles  

Two well-known local cycling shops with expert customer service teams are McPhail’s Cycle and Sports in Uptown Waterloo and Ziggy’s Cycle in Downtown Kitchener. McPhail’s began in 17-year-old Stu McPhail’s parents’ garage and has been serving the community for 110 years. Today, sibling duo Jennifer and Jordan Bonneville co-own the family business.  

Ziggy’s Cycle is run by Marta Generoux, the second-generation owner of her family’s business. Since 1985, Ziggy’s Cycle has supported many local events and cycling clubs, as well as advocated on behalf of local cyclists.  

Newer to the cycling scene, though already in business for 11 years, is Black Arrow Cycles in Downtown Kitchener. They specialize in commuter and touring bikes, accessories, offer custom builds and are a full-service shop.  

A real community hub, Recycle Cycles, is also located in Downtown Kitchener. Part of The Working Centre, it is a space where people can purchase affordable refurbished bikes—kids’ bikes are $5 to $25 and adult bikes are $60 to $150—volunteer, learn how to fix bikes or meet fellow cycling enthusiasts. They are also piloting the Cycling Smarts school program with the City of Waterloo to educate grade 5 and 6 students.  

If you prefer to rent a bicycle, River City Cycle Rentals, located on Peter St. in Downtown Kitchener seconds away from the Iron Horse Trail, has commuter, mountain, road and e-bikes available for four or 24 hours. They also offer three Pedals and Pints tours, along the Iron Horse Trail, to St. Jacobs Village and in “DTK South”.  

Stop by Willow River (Victoria) Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. or Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to visit Red Raccoon Bike Rescue.  A local not-for-profit organization, they assist newcomers to Canada and low- and no-income community members through repairs, servicing and bicycle education.  

Where to go with your bike  

Bike paths and multi-purpose trails are spread throughout urban and rural areas in Waterloo Region. To plan your two-wheeled explorations, there are several helpful websites such as BikeWR, Ontario by Bike, the Hydrocut, Bikemap.net, GrandTrails.ca and Trailforks.com. Here are a few quick ideas to get you started.  

Cambridge 

A local favourite, the Cambridge to Paris Trail is an 18-kilometre fine gravel trail that accompanies the Grand River through Carolinian forest, with beautiful views in every season. The bonus with this trail is that there are plenty of food stops to fuel up, refresh at and enjoy along the way.  

Another Cambridge trail to put on your list is the 45-kilometre Cambridge Ayr Loop. With a mixture of paved country roads and gravel roads, start your loop at Glen Morris. This one is ideal for those looking to explore historic downtown Galt. It also links up with the Cambridge to Paris Trail.  

Kitchener  

The 35-kilometre Hydrocut Trail is one of the top mountain biking spots in Ontario. With boardwalks, bridges and technical challenges, there are plenty of opportunities to engage the mind and body. Access to the trails is free to the public. Volunteer committees help maintain the trail and are a great way to connect with fellow adrenaline seekers. Speaking of community, check out their website for special events.  

Waterloo 

Novice cyclists and families will enjoy the Uptown Waterloo to Downtown Kitchener Loop. At seven kilometres, this urban route offers protected and paved bike paths on flat terrain away from traffic, as well as plenty of food and drink stops.  

Townships  

The Woolwich Cycling Club offers more than a dozen route ideas on their website, including rest and lunch spots, as well as where to find bathrooms. Some of their routes include the 32-kilometre Woolwich Mountain Run, the 16-kilometre West Woolwich Farm Produce Tour and the 40-kilometre Elmira to Kissing Bridge Cycling Route.  

Before You Depart  

Before you jet off on an adventure, make sure to be prepared with a helmet, water bottle, sunscreen, layers in case the weather changes and a snack or two. Enjoy!  

I kept my head down as I ventured out to the old oak tree, shuffl ing my feet through the soaked, jade grass. My heart began to speed up as I approached. The sound of its beating blended into the thunder that echoed through the silver sky. I jumped at the roar of sound, but settled quickly back into my skin. Anxiety infi ltrated and swiftly attacked my immune system years ago, so I resorted to a couple common tactics to calm myself down. I absently rubbed the scar on my hand—the raised ridge on my palm provided some sort of twisted comfort.

I hesitated to sit, but took a smooth, deep inhale and slid my spine down the trunk of the tree. The foliage provided little coverage from the wind and the icy raindrops parted the leaves to greet me at the base of the tree. I closed my eyes and rested my head against the bark. It felt like home, but something was missing; or rather someone. I let the water droplets soak my face, it helped to mask the tears that silently fell from my blue eyes. I always hate to admit it: I miss him. I miss him so much, it threatens to eat me alive. Our love was magnifi cent, bigger than the whole sky. My finger found the scar on my palm once again, traced it from left to right. It was here, under this old oak tree, that we made our pact: friends forever, lovers for always. My forever seemed to last much longer than his.

He disappeared into the night last year and I never heard from him again. The pain of grieving someone who is still alive and roaming the earth is one of the worst aches a person could feel. It made me believe that I was born to suffer. I remembered how it felt to glide the knife along my hand. It ached, but it was comforting to know I had the love of my life by my side. Our hands stung when we clasped them together. We both winced as we interlocked our fi ngers. “I’ll never let go,” he said, but that was a snake tongued lie. The heat from my tears replaced the chill from the raindrops and I sobbed silently under the old oak tree. I screamed into the stormy night, my bellowing lost in the crash of thunder across the world. My heart ached and my head pounded. I nearly jumped out of my skin when his hand grabbed my shoulder and pulled me in for

You may have heard the saying, “Every cloud has a silver lining” when facing life’s difficulties.  

I argue that most people have heard statements that are in the same vein: sayings that are meant to help people positively reframe bad situations, such as “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”, “Everything happens for a reason”, and “Look on the bright side.”  

They can be empowering statements when used in appropriate situations. What is meant to give power to people can actually end up taking it away, especially when used within the context of the capitalistic, unequal world we occupy that is filled with systematic barriers.  

I have reached a place in life where I am able to position the bad things I’ve experienced in a more positive place—even hardships caused by the barriers I have and do face as someone with multiple intersecting identities. But my truth is not a universal truth. And there are many things in life that do not and should not have a “silver lining.”  

There is no “silver lining” to people being unhoused, to people going hungry because of rising food costs, to billionaires and politicians depriving people of the basic necessities for survival. The “silver lining” that can be found here is for billionaires and politicians as a means to get richer and more powerful. And that is no silver lining at all if it comes at the cost of human suffering.  

Society’s use of the phrase, “Every cloud has a silver lining” can almost be a form of victim blaming—one of capitalism and systemic inequality’s most powerful weapons. Telling someone working at a job that does not pay a livable wage to find the silver lining in their situation is, in my eyes, keeping someone trapped in a toxic environment.

This statement in this context reads to me as, “Don’t try to work on emotionally processing the awful situation you’re in or ever ask for better, just look on the bright side!” It comes off as a “pick yourself up by your bootstraps” mentality, which gaslights people into viewing their misfortune as their own fault for not trying hard enough rather than as a result of broken systems.  

But even telling people to find the silver lining in inevitable hardships that the majority of people will experience at some point in their lives (loss, grief, heartbreak, etc.) can be harmful. Practicing self-care in a healthy, effective way and allowing yourself time to process your emotions is the first step towards healing.  

Telling people to find the good in their bad situations can sometimes cause more stress and unhappiness. Ralph Lewis, a psychiatrist working through Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, gave his thoughts on statements similar to “every cloud has a silver lining” that he developed through his work in psychiatry in a blog post.  

“I’ve observed how this type of thinking can have powerful effects, both positive and negative, on motivation: it can be reassuring and comforting, but can also lead to disillusionment, feelings of anguish, and feelings of abandonment, leaving someone to ask ‘why me’ when cruel adversity happens.”  

There may indeed be some clouds that have a silver lining, but one should not have to stay outside in the rain looking for the sun behind the clouds. That can result in people ending up stuck in a bigger storm, colder and wetter than they were before.  

If people do choose to find a silver lining in the clouds of their life, society needs to provide them with two things: an umbrella and a dry place to shelter under. That umbrella, the one that helped me find the sun behind the clouds in my life, was and is a solid support network of friends, community, loved ones, and universal or at least affordable mental health care.  

That dry place was and is a stable and livable housing situation and income source. People need their basic needs met before they can start addressing and working through hardships.   

But in a society built on exploitation, inequality, and human suffering, “every cloud has a silver lining” is the only “solution” said society can offer when people are trapped in a rainstorm. Essentially, you must either be born with an umbrella or a dry place to go, or the people in power will leave you out in the rain, telling you to find a ray of sunshine while they block out the sun. 

Bzzzz. Bzzzzz. Bzzzzz.   

It’s a new and peculiar sound amongst the assortment of rumbles, squeaks and groans that the AC unit has been making. Sitting sadly along the window and sputtering pitifully, waiting for the service request I put in to yield any response at all. I can’t even bear to look. Instead, I do what I can to focus attention on Elizabeth’s story. She’s ranting angrily about her and Autumn’s decision to move out, motivated by their scummy landlord Bruno who owns a guitar store and three other rentals, who calls himself a businessman and is both unable and unwilling to fix their washing machine.   

There is noise all around. The TV that doesn’t work much anymore, emitting a peculiar, low frequency static even while off. The CD player is always skipping and occasionally restarting the disc. Bzzz. Bzzz. Bzzz goes the AC unit.  

I shake my head. I nod my head in agreement. I feel a bit of guilt too, that I’m not more invested in her plight, when really I should be up in arms about our shared struggle. And maybe if I had an ounce of conviction in my body I might stand up, declaring with a fiery passion my intentions to begin a grassroots alliance advocating for tenant rights and rallying against dishonest landlords.   

But I just listen, and I sit with a guilt that seems to be carrying with it a greater weight than I had realized, and all the while my technologies that once brought me great joy moan and groan and chop up my CD in a way that briefly sounded cool but is now sonically abrasive and—  

Breathe.   

In.   

Out.   

Nod.  

A mosquito buzzes lazily above, but it leaves us be so we return the favor. I offer Elizabeth a bit of my brownie. She takes it, not losing a step in her story. Fortunately, she doesn’t seem to have noticed any disruption in my demeanour, which I proudly chalk up to my recent attempts at meditating and letting go of earthly attachments. I have to give credit to Thomas, who lent me his books and showed me some breathing techniques he had been trying. Of course, at the time I had found it ridiculous and stupid—until, suddenly, it wasn’t. But you can’t let go of everything.  

“Where’s Thomas at?” Elizabeth asks suddenly.  

“Should be on his way home,” I say. “Had to stop to get some more boxes”  

“Really? I didn’t think he had that much stuff.” She shakes her head, a bit of a sad smile on her face. “He’s really moving out. Never thought I’d see the day.”  

It had to come eventually. Maybe I always figured it would be me to do it, to get the big job and look at Thomas, whom the word “friend” or “roommate” seems too simple and too reductive to really capture, to tell him that I’m moving on to bigger things. Maybe with awesome amenities like a gym and a heated towel rack or bidet in the bathroom. Or even a nice big balcony with a beautifully functioning door! But it wasn’t me, it was him. He told me gently, his voice low and soft like it sometimes is when greeting squirrels or birds.   

I should’ve reacted better, with more enthusiasm for him. Maybe I did. I don’t remember. It’s been a blur, these past few weeks, and everything feels loud. But I know it’ll be okay. I remind myself of this as Elizabeth turns her head, her eyes immediately widening in complete shock, yelling out a “Holy fuck!” as she points her finger behind me in the direction of the kitchen window.   

A cloud of mosquitoes the size of a basketball, bulging against the screen adjacent to the AC unit—which seems to be working fine after all. They move as a unit as though controlled by a hive mind. I snap out my shock and race to slam the window shut, but several stragglers have managed to squeeze through a gap in the mesh. The one earlier must have been a scout.   

I scan the apartment, my face becoming hot with anger as I see a few of them in Thomas’ room, buzzing obnoxiously and hovering around his boxes as though looking for a way in. Elizabeth is behind me but fixated on the mosquito hive mind still rapping against the window, she’s stammering and trying to piece together the ecology of how this might be possible, and truthfully those questions are with me too but all I can think to do right now is save the boxes. I grab a book from my shelf, waving frantically but missing badly, destroying the binding, pages spilling everywhere. A wild swing using the backscratcher I keep in my dresser—a miss—and it splinters into pieces. Next is my own belt, which I whip around frantically. I leave several holes in the wall, but just as many dead mosquitoes. The battle is won.  

“It’s okay!” I assure Elizabeth as I gasp for breath. “We still have some joint compound somewhere!”  

One of the boxes has a gash in it from my belt. I scramble to wrap it up with duct tape.   

“Weird reaction to this,” Elizabeth says, still in a bit of shock, looking at me with a confused smile.   

We gather by the window, marveling at the cloud of mosquitoes that has now moved on to the unit beside us. Muffled screams echoing through the wall to the right tells us they must have found a way in. I re-open the gashed box, squishing in a lightly used bottle of bug spray before re-taping it again.   

He’ll be home any minute now.   

A Crow comes and sits on the
opalescent wind;
a speck, a bird.

What has this got to do with you?
Nothing, I would argue.
I would argue that we live in little
enclosures now;
that a wingbeat may ruffle your
collar
but is actually only a thimbleful of
life;
that a fresh red car will
take you where you want to go;
that a finely lacquered pen will
teach you, finally, yourself;
that those binoculars, still sealed in
clear plastic
like the pond above the pond,
and a colour book of 500 species
will
help you grasp, at last, what it is
that you’re seeing.

The Crow shrinks like
a raindrop falling sideways,
laughing.

This is nothing to me?
What is it that I’m seeing?

FERGUS – Could a massive brownfield property on Gartshore Street one day host an AI data centre?

If Spur Innovation’s vision comes to life, the 25-acre property at 865 Gartshore Street, site of the former Wolverine Tube copper tubing plant, would be home to that and more.

Spread across social media, a since-removed website used AI-rendered imagery to illustrate a concept for an AI data centre campus with a two-acre vertical farm and greenhouse.

A paragraph on the site painted the picture: “A 165,000-square-foot heritage shell with three clear-height zones reborn as a sovereign Canadian AI data centre — paired with vertical farms, a closed-loop cooling pond, and an on-site innovation centre for the founders, operators and engineers who will build what the rest of the country runs on.”

Spur Innovation CEO Sharif Virani confirmed to the Advertiser the property is being considered for an AI data centre campus — an extension of Spur’s Waterloo-based plans for the former BlackBerry/RIM Park campus in Waterloo.

According to Virani, Spur is developing “AI compute infrastructure” in Waterloo, but does not have an operating AI data centre.

Described as an “AI-first company,” Spur was founded last year by Krishan (Kapley) Judge, according to corporate records. Judge, who keeps a low public profile, is an entrepreneur working in real estate, tech and crypto.

(He bought the 600,000-square-foot RIM Park campus, since renamed the Spur Innovation Centre, for just under $80 million according to a 2024 Colliers Canada Office Market Report.)

The former Fergus Wolverine property was purchased in 2005 for $1.35 million by a numbered Ontario corporation – briefly registered as PharmaHemp – listing Judge as its director, according to records.

Virani said the property has been part of Spur’s portfolio since it was purchased that year.

“It is part of a broader strategy focused on identifying opportunities where existing infrastructure, available power and regional economic priorities align,” Virani stated in an email, noting the Wolverine building, constructed in 1986, supports energy-intensive industrial operations.

But Virani cautioned it’s still early days.

“If the project were ever to move beyond the evaluation stage, we would look forward to engaging with [Centre Wellington Township] and participating in the appropriate planning, regulatory and public consultation processes,” Virani said.

The Gartshore Street concept website was intended to help broadcast the company’s superficial vision for the property, Virani explained, not to serve as a development plan.

“We believe it's important to engage with local stakeholders, understand regional priorities and carefully evaluate whether a project is appropriate before any future development decisions are made,” he added.

Centre Wellington spokesperson Kendra Martin confirmed the township has no applications from Spur, nor has the municipality been contacted by the company or made aware of plans for the property.

The Gartshore Street concept, previously available on Spur Innovations’ website, has since been removed, along with several others, including one in Haldimand County, where Spur appeared to have plans for a 350-acre AI data centre concept in Hagersville.

That site was taken down, Virani told The Haldimand Free Press, after it was published “in error” during a May launch of Spur’s main website.

Virani said the Gartshore Street brownfield will remain in its current state without development activity as the company considers its long-term potential.

“Our immediate focus as an organization is the redevelopment of the Spur campus in Waterloo,” Virani said.

CENTRE WELLINGTON – A year ago, Geranium Homes announced it was putting a pause on its estate development planned and approved between Fergus and Belwood due to changes in housing market conditions.

While not quite ready to divulge its new plans publicly, the developer wishes to start a new environmental assessment (EA) addendum “to evaluate wastewater treatment options for the site and identify a preferred alternative based on a municipally serviced development concept,” states a June 29 report to Centre Wellington council.

The original plan was for 118 private homes on half-acre lots on the south side of Wellington Road 19, immediately south of the former Fergus Golf Club and west of 3rd Line.

The site was to operate under a condominium agreement with private roads and, notably, communal water and wastewater treatment systems on the north edge of the former golf course.

In a June email, Geranium senior project manager Theyonas Manoharan said the company has been working on a new plan for the subdivision and expects to amend its previous proposal very soon.

Along with that is the amended EA, which will “review alternative servicing strategies in support of the revised development plan,” he said.

Council seemed surprised to learn at its June 29 meeting that Geranium now wants to hook up to municipal servicing for the site.

“What has changed is the developer is looking at a rezoning application,” said managing director of infrastructure services Colin Baker.

“There was (to be) a plan of condominium; now there’s a (proposed) plan of subdivision with the municipality.”

That would include roads, water and wastewater treatment, he said, so an additional environmental assessment is required, he added.

“The draft EA addendum report and preferred servicing alternative will be presented to council for information in early 2027," Baker stated in his report.

"A public information centre will follow with council consideration of the EA addendum and preferred servicing alternative in the spring of 2027.”

Source Water Protection will also be involved as the wellhead protection area will change with the new scenario.

Baker said that generally, the township would prefer to own and operate the water and wastewater system as opposed to private systems, as the township can ensure surrounding wells and properties are safe.

“We want to walk down this path and see if what’s proposed is amenable to staff,” he explained to council.

The outcome of the EA will determine the number and size of possible units and potentially the layout of the property.

Manoharan stated in his email that construction of the sales centre will be commencing in the next few weeks.

It will be positioned on the north part of the golf course lands and will eventually become a new golf course clubhouse.

GUELPH/ERAMOSA – The Guelph Fire Department’s water rescue team retrieved 10 people from Guelph Lake on July 1 after a sudden and severe storm.

Heavy winds, lightning and rain "created dangerous conditions on the water," fire officials said of the late-afternoon storm on Canada Day.

At 5:09pm, the department responded to two paddleboarders in distress at Guelph Lake Conservation Area.

"After the water rescue boat launched, responders quickly located two individuals in distress – one clinging to a kayak and another stranded in open water on the opposite side of the island," stated a July 2 press release from the fire department.

"During the initial rescue operation, responders spotted several additional people stranded at multiple locations around the lake.

"Crews then safely rescued and transported an additional eight individuals to the main dock."

Multiple ambulances responded but "no injuries were reported and no one required [transportation] to the hospital," officials stated.

The Guelph Fire Department is reminding everyone to "prioritize safety when participating in water activities."

It offers the following tips to "reduce the risk of injury or death during emergencies on the water":

• wear a properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) at all times;
• check weather conditions before and during water activities;
• return to shore immediately if severe weather approaches; and
• ensure appropriate safety equipment is readily available.

COAST TOWN—These Days

(Single)

Release Date: May. 30, 2026

City: Kitchener, Waterloo, Manila

Genre: City Pop

COAST TOWN’s latest single release is a collaboration with Manila-based vocalist belle eve. The song receives further support from local talents Pauline Tolentino and Caleb Khuu on vocals and guitar respectively. The band’s heavily reverbed soundscape and spacey instrumentation comfortably complement belle eve’s gentle and ethereal vocal performance. 

Shrieking—music not noise (EP) 

Release Date: June 6, 2026

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Electronic, Harsh Noise

The debut EP from Shrieking is a relentless, abrasive and unforgiving musical experience. Dissonant screams and shrieks harmonize with high tempo drum machines and electronic synths with the album segmented by four brief interludes, each uniquely different from the rest of the project. Living up to its title, Shrieking playfully toes the line between music and noise.  

rhx34—i want ur bl00d

(EP) 

Release Date: June 11, 2026

City: Kitchener 

Genre: Electronic, Hyperpop

With eight tracks and a runtime of just over fifteen minutes, rhx34’s latest addition to their burgeoning discography manages to cover vast sonic ground despite its brevity.  The album blends acoustic guitar, audio samples, heavily autotuned vocals, and a variety of electronic synths and effects, culminating in a sound that is truly unique. 

insyt—360°  (Single) 

Release Date: June 12, 2026

City: Cambridge

Genre: Hip-Hop, Rap

With a sound and style reminiscent of 90s downtempo hip-hop, “360°” oozes with nostalgia. The track has a slow, relaxed and introspective flow, combining laid-back vocals with undeniably catchy lo-fi synth loops as the foundation for the song’s key melodies. The mellow instrumentation allows space for the vocal performance, which explores themes of change and personal growth.  

Awake & Dreaming—Antidote

(Single) 

Release Date: Jun. 12, 2026

City: Waterloo

Genre: Alternative, Rock

“Antidote” is Awake & Dreaming’s second single release of 2026 and is anticipated to be on their debut album Inevitable, slated for release later this summer. The song features slow piano-driven melodies, soft rock guitars, and a powerful performance from lead vocalist Sasha Kristoff which brings a welcome balance to the song, rather than detracting from its delicacy.

Album artwork sourced from Bandcamp. 

On May 20, 2026, the Region of Waterloo removed the community garden beds from the front yards of 60 Paulander Dr., a subsidized housing complex. In a statement made to CTV News, they cite infrastructure issues as the main reason why the garden boxes had to be removed. The residents are low-income, have disabilities and/or are immigrants who relied on these gardens for food.   

The garden boxes were originally installed in 2023 by the Region of Waterloo and the Waterloo Regional Police Services to boost morale. Boxes were also installed on the second floor of the property above the parking garage. Any extra produce was often donated to the food back operated by Camino Wellbeing and Mental Health.   

“It’s underhanded and dirty work, the Region’s strong-arming us, taking away our garden and our right to garden, and the other tenants, and all using these false pretenses, this kind of pressuring people who have less is exactly what they’re doing at the encampment,” Daryl Warren, the lead organizer for the gardens and a tenant of 60 Paulander Dr., said.  

While Camino claims they had nothing to do with the removal of the gardens, there is evidence to suggest they knew the gardens were going to be removed before the residents.   

In an email provided to TCE, Mina Gomes, Tenant and Community Relations Specialist (Housing) told Tashi Thomson, Camino Facilitation Manager, that the gardens may need to be scaled back for safety concerns due to potential weight risks to the garage underneath.  

“We have no idea, like we don’t know, we’re thinking it’s okay, the next day they take everything away, that’s just a waste of our money, our time, our energy,” Taslima Begum, a tenant of 60 Paulander Dr., said.   

Region of Waterloo representatives dismantled most of the garden boxes on both floors of 60 Paulander Dr. Many garden boxes still had crops growing in them according to residents.  

The housing complex has 52 total units, and many of the residents relied on the food they grew themselves.   

“[The gardens were] having maintenance problems. We did not know this before. No one told us until I found out on CTV News,” Begum said.  

Wood, nails and soil for the gardens were provided by the Region of Waterloo. Tenants of 60 Paulander Dr. put the garden boxes together and purchased the seeds. Warren purchased and provided barrels and premium soil and various nutrients for the gardens.  

“My girlfriend and I are both on low income, and we’re both struggling with the cost of food,” Warren said.  

“We were really looking forward to growing our vegetables again, like we always had. And now we can’t. They took it away.”  

On June 4, 2026, the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) named Ira Needles Blvd. in Waterloo the worst road in Western Ontario. Marking the fourth consecutive year the boulevard has held the top spot, the ranking follows widespread driver criticism regarding crumbling infrastructure, including potholes and uneven pavement, as well as persistent traffic congestion.  

The ranking was the outcome of the CAA’s annual Worst Roads campaign, an initiative now in its 20th year. Brian Pirvu, a Government Relations Consultant for CAA South Central Ontario, said the campaign serves as a vital tool for bridging the communication gap between frustrated residents and municipal decision-makers.  

“We serve this as a way to give road users the opportunity to voice their concerns,” Pirvu said. “Once the campaign concludes, we then begin or continue conversations with municipalities to look for opportunities to prioritize some of the roads that are up on our list.”  

Campaign critics sometimes dismiss the results as a popularity contest or a platform for disgruntled venting. However, Pirvu said that the CAA employs a rigorous vetting process.

The organization partners with the Residential and Civil Construction Alliance of Ontario (RCCAO), whose members conduct independent analyses to ensure that the road issues—such as potholes, uneven pavement or traffic congestion—are technically accurate and relevant to the streets nominated.  

Kitchener Ward 7 Councillor Bil Ioannidis said the road’s persistent presence on the list is a direct reflection of its role as a high-traffic artery that has fundamentally outgrown its original design.  

“It has access to a lot of shopping, and it has heavy use. It’s not surprising to me that it’s one of the worst roads with regard to the issues that have been raised,” Ioannidis said.  

Ioannidis pointed to historical planning errors as the root of the problem. When Ira Needles Blvd. was first integrated, the region opted for a design that underestimated future volume.  

“They just didn’t do the proper pavement work that was needed for the amount of volume that was anticipated,” Ioannidis said. “They kind of did a sort of patchwork to raise the volume of traffic.”  

The road’s status is further complicated by jurisdictional boundaries. Because Ira Needles acts as a continuous artery for various municipalities and feeds into regional infrastructure, coordinating long-term fixes often requires navigating multiple layers of bureaucracy, including the Ministry of Transportation and the Region of Waterloo.  

“We wait on different timelines from different municipalities to get things done,” Ioannidis said. “I try to coordinate it so it’s more efficient at one time, rather than doing part of the work and then having someone come in a year or two later. It’s all better constructed under one project rather than several.”  

The Region of Waterloo has acknowledged these concerns. In a recent statement, the Region noted that the decision to prioritize Ira Needles Blvd. for reconstruction reflects the road’s deteriorating state.  

“Ira Needles is a major corridor used by nearly 34,000 vehicles a day, including transit and goods movement, so keeping it safe and reliable is a priority,” the statement said. “Resurfacing the road now is expected to cost less over time than continuing with repeated patching and will extend the road’s life until full rehabilitation is needed.”  

Beyond asphalt, the campaign is also highlighting a shift in how residents view and understand road safety. Pirvu noted that the campaign has evolved since 2003, moving from a pothole focus to include pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.  

“We’ve seen traffic congestion become a more dominant issue and we’ve seen road safety concerns being mentioned as well,” Pirvu said. “There is more emphasis on pedestrian and cycling infrastructure safety.”  

While Ioannidis acknowledged that roundabouts and intersections on the route remain challenging for cyclists and pedestrians, he expressed hope that current pilot projects would lead to better integration. As the region gears up for summer construction, the CAA remains optimistic that this Worst Road designation will serve as the final catalyst for much-needed funding.  

“We’ve seen municipalities respond,” Pirvu said. “We know that they are aware that these roads need attention, and we’re just looking to give an alternative snapshot or a friendly reminder that people are concerned.”   

UW students and alumni join Explore Waterloo Region (EWR) to prepare for the 2026 Ontario Summer Games in Waterloo. “This is the future of sport in Ontario,” said Riley Webster, second-year sport and recreation business student.

Webster will be found supporting around 4,200 athletes, aged 12-18, as they step foot into Waterloo region to compete in the multi-sport event. He began volunteering with EWR as a media and signage coordinator in September 2025 before starting his eight-month long co-op position as a fit-out and sport equipment coordinator this January. Webster now works on both committees and is keen on continuing to develop his time-management skills in order to balance his responsibilities.

As a receiver on UW’s varsity football team, Webster credits his ability to keep up with the varying demands of his job to the skills he grew, and continues to grow, by being a student athlete. “I feel that [the difficulties of managing being at football for six hours a day, but also going to class and being able to manage my workload] in my first and second year in the fall set me up pretty well for being able to manage two different aspects of this job,” he explained.

A challenge Webster and his EWR team overcame involved bringing refreshments to each of the event’s venues. With the ministry’s budget and environmental limitations on serving plastic water bottles to keep in mind, he had to be strategic in finding the solution. “Trying to manage the logistics behind that has been pretty difficult, but overcoming it, I was able to use connections I’ve had in the past to solve these problems,” he said. Through networking, Webster found potable water tanks available for rent and made orders of ice by calling local businesses and asking some of them for donations.

Having just graduated from UW’s sport and recreation management program this spring, Logan Landriault also values making meaningful connections in the athletic workspace. His volunteer position at EWR as an opening ceremony coordinator started in November 2025. Since then, Landriault has grown particularly excited to see the community of student athletes and supportive spectators come together later this month. “It’s nice to give [young athletes] a nice send into that competition [while] feeling celebrated and feeling proud of themselves,” he shared.

The courses, part-time jobs, and volunteer positions Landriault encountered throughout his undergrad are what he believes prepared him to step into his current work. They each led to him developing his critical thinking skills, which he says are crucial in the hands-on realm of athletics.

Landriault feels especially connected to the Ontario Summer Games this year because they are being held in Waterloo. “The area where they get to [compete] is pretty impactful because… they’re setting the example to their brother, sister, or friends, who are also in the crowd [and may be] younger, hoping to maybe go along that same path. It’s pretty cool to see it all,” he shared.

Interested in spreading the message about the Ontario Summer Games, Landriault reached out to his friend and former colleague, Diane Choi, in February to see if she was interested in joining the event as an opening ceremonies coordinator & stage manager/volunteer. “Instantly, I [thought] this is something that I know really impacts the athletes, the families, and all those who are involved within the sport. I [thought] that’d be something that I would love to contribute to,” Choi explained.

Landriault and Choi previously worked together on U Sports Women’s Hockey National Championships committees around two years ago. What they expected to be a short-term collaboration turned into a long-term connection that continues to grow today. “There were long days together… which led to friendship and working with someone you can trust, [who] is also a hard worker,” she noted.

Like Landriault, Choi’s experience in the sport and recreation program has allowed her to discover what she enjoys the most about her line of work. “[The program] wants to give everyone hands-on experience. . . that’s how I learn best. That’s what really helped me kind of take these experiences in Waterloo, which is a city that’s very involved with sporting events,” she said.

With the Ontario Summer Games launching on July 30, Webster, Landriault, and Choi urge the Waterloo community to come out and support the young athletes by spectating their tournaments. The event’s basketball and rugby tournaments are set to be held at UW. Some of the other sports are planned to take place at Laurier, Guelph Lake Park, RIM Park, and many more venues.

UW students helping out with the Ontario Summer Games

Diane Choi (she/her)

♦

• Going into 4A this fall
• Sport and recreation management program + co-op
• She took this term off from co-op and is volunteering with the Ontario Summer Games to build skills

Logan Landriault (he/him)

♦

• Just graduated this year from the recreation and sport business program
• He is volunteering at the Ontario Summer Games to build skills

Riley Webster

♦

• He is in his 2B term in rec and sport business co-op
• He is working at Explore Waterloo Region, specifically on the Ontario Summer Games committee as an 8 month long fit-out & sport equipment coordinator co-op student
• Prior to his co-op, he volunteered on the company’s media and signage side from September 2025 to December 2025 to network and build skills

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Tire drop-offs are temporarily paused at Wellington County waste facilities as the county grapples with what do with overflowing piles of rubber.

The province requires tire suppliers to fund and manage used tire recycling, but dropped recycling targets last year. 

Without an incentive to collect the rubber, tires  have accumulated to the point where capacity is overflowing across the county.

County waste services manager Das Soligo asked council to temporarily halt incoming tire drop-offs on June 25 — a move council approved. 

Previously, residents could drop off 10 tires per day.

“We have no other option but to temporarily pause tire disposal,” Soligo said in a press release.

“Many municipalities do not accept tires at all, and a number are also pausing drop-off services during this time. The county has always accepted residential-generated tires at its waste facilities and we look forward providing this diversion service again as soon as it is possible to do so.”

Tires can be dropped-off at most tire retailers, mechanics and auto-wreckers, but residents should call ahead to locations to ensure acceptance.

GUELPH – A children’s summer camp about 10km southwest Drayton has been fined $11,000 after failing to test its drinking water during two months in the summer of 2023.

Conestoga Bible Camp, a not-for-profit at 6791 Leslie Lane on the edge of Conestogo Lake, was convicted on Dec. 18 in Guelph court of four violations under the Safe Drinking Water Act, according to a June 24 news release from the province. The camp is also on the hook for a $2,750 victim fine surcharge.

The charges stem from July and August of 2023, when an Environmental Investigations and Enforcement Branch investigation found the camp did not carry out required monthly bacteria testing on its raw well water or on treated water running through its distribution system.

The camp draws its water from a well, treating it with ultraviolet light and chlorine. Children, adolescents and staff use the water during day camps and week-long overnight camps.

The property is also rented to groups throughout the year.

The lack of testing surfaced in February 2024, when the province reviewed a year of sampling records and found tests hadn’t been logged during the two months.

On June 21, 2026 an Indigenous Peoples Gathering Space officially opened at Willow River Park, also known as Victoria Park, in Kitchener. The new ceremonial fire space will be a dedicated space for Indigenous organizations to come together for ceremonies, sacred fires and traditional wellness practices.

“The City has been consulting with local Indigenous groups to identify Indigenous placemaking opportunities within Victoria Park since 2020. Through that consultation, the City committed to the installation of a gathering space represented by a ceremonial fire location,” the City of Kitchener said in a press release.

The design of the space was led by Bangishimo and Amy Smoke, co-directors of Willow River Centre, and is based on the Indigenous Thirteen Moons and Turtle teachings. Bangishimo said the idea to build an official Gathering Space began back in 2020 at the height of Land Back Camp as a way to reclaim outdoor space.

“We lit a fire in the middle of the park and it burned for the whole division of the camp, and then when we left, we filled up the hole with sacred medicines and cement, and it became our makeshift space for the last six years,” they said.

Ever since, Bangishimo and Smoke have been working with the City of Kitchener to build an official space,a key aspect being that the space is outside.

“Everything we do includes fire—whether it be our feast or we’re grieving someone, or we’re celebrating something, a chapter in our lives, an accomplishment in our lives. It always has to do with fire and fire has always been a place that brings us together,” Bangishimo said.

With the creation of the Gathering Space, Bangishimo said that the space is the final of four original demands that have been met by the city. The first being the ability for Indigenous groups to gather in a regional space for free.

“Before that, we would have to watch our own community members post fundraisers online just to pay the $500 fee to have a community gathering in the pavilion. We were like, why are we having to pay to gather on our own lands?” Bangishimo said.

The three are: the ability for any Indigenous group to gather in any regional space for free, a community centre and the third being that more Indigenous, racialized folks be hired at all levels as well as the creation of municipal advisory committees.

Bangishimo and Smoke were excited for the official opening of the ceremonial fire space to take place in June, which is also both Pride month and National Indigenous History month.

On the morning of the ceremonial opening of the space, tea and bannock were served. Skye Smoke gave opening words, followed by local Mohawk Elder, Totah Rhea, who also gave opening remarks.

“It [was] a day for community to come together as usual, around the fire and just enjoy each other’s company, make some new friends and eat some delicious food,” Bangishimo said.

Peacefully, at Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus, on Friday, June 26, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer, John Paul passed away at the age of 84. Beloved husband of Jean Van Wyck-Paul of Fergus, and predeceased by his first wife, Karen Kathleen Paul of Fergus. Loving father of Rob (Suzy) Paul of Fergus, Janie (Scott) Munro of Alberta, and Scottie (Nahtanha) Paul of Niagara Falls. Cherished grandfather of MacGregor Munro, Jordan (Natalie) Paul, Cameron Munro, Braydan (Amelia) Paul, Mayghan Paul, Isaiah Paul, Maliah Paul, Elijah Paul, and Jesiah Paul, and proud great-grandfather of Celina Paul. Beloved brother of Peg and Pat. Predeceased by his brothers, Allan, Don, and Peter, his sister, Joan, brother-in-law, Morris, and his parents, Clifford and Lavina Paul. He will also be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. John was a longtime member of UA Local 527 Plumbers, Steamfitters & Welders and a devoted member of St. Joseph’s Parish. He dedicated much of his life to his faith and parish community. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Groves Memorial Community Hospital for the compassionate care they provided to John. A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 11:00am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 760 St. David St. N., Fergus. Interment will immediately follow at St. Mary/St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 343 Wellington Rd. 7, Elora, after which all are welcome to join the family for a reception in the church hall. As expressions of sympathy in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Groves Memorial Community Hospital, St. Joseph’s Parish Building Fund, or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home. 

www.grahamgiddyfh.com

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Susan Jo Ann Penner (née Taber) on June 22, 2026, at the age of 69. Susan will be remembered for many things, especially her unwavering faith in God, her deep love for her family, and her gift for caring for children. Her faith shaped the way she loved, served, and cared for others, and above all else, her family was her greatest joy. Susan leaves behind her husband of 52 years, Larry Penner; her daughters, Melany Cook and Tammy Nollert; her sons-in-law, Brad Cook and Mike Nollert; and her grandchildren, Mackenzie, Zac, Katie, and Jonah, who brought immeasurable joy to her life.  The loss of our wife, mother, and grandmother is impossible to put into words. She was the heartbeat of our family—the one who kept us connected, cared for, and loved—and her absence will be felt every day. To many in the Fergus community, she was known simply as Susie. Through Young Hearts Childcare, she created far more than a childcare business; she created a home away from home for countless children and families. Susie had a remarkable gift for making every child feel safe, valued, and loved. Susan leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue to be felt in the lives of her family, the children she nurtured, and the many friends whose lives she touched. While our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing that Susan is with the Lord she faithfully loved and served. We are grateful for every moment we were given with her and for the lasting impact she made on our lives. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Susan’s memory may make a donation to SickKids Foundation, a cause that reflects her lifelong love and care for children.

REMEMBERING SUSAN 
In keeping with Susan’s warm and welcoming spirit, family and friends are invited to join us for a casual drop-in time of remembrance and fellowship on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the Marden Community Centre (7368 Wellington Road 30, Guelph) between 2:00–4:00pm and 6:00–8:00pm. To view Susan’s memorial page and leave online condolences, please visit www.grahamgiddyfh.com.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Deanna Hayes (née Tesarski), in her 88th year. Deanna passed peacefully after a brief hospitalization, on the eve of what would have been her 67th wedding anniversary with her beloved Frank, who left us in 2023. Born in Winnipeg to Felix and Sofia Tesarski, Deanna was raised in a family shaped by faith, hard work, tradition, and a proud Ukrainian heritage. Those roots remained with her throughout her life and were reflected in the way she cared for her own family. Deanna was predeceased by her husband, Frank, with whom she shared 64 years of marriage, and by her precious son, Bradley, in 1997. She will be deeply missed by her children, Holly Graham (Paul) and Heather Hayes (Mike Shaw), her brother Daniel, her sisters Sonia and Patricia, and her sister-in-law Sandra Hayes. She was a loving grandmother to Melissa, Amanda, Rebecca, Alexandra, Christina, Joey, Leah, Allie, and Jenn, and a great-grandmother to six great-grandchildren. Deanna and Frank built a full life together, first in Manitoba and then in Ontario, where they moved with their young family in 1968. They made their long-time home in Bolton, where they raised their family and created decades of memories. Later in life, they settled in Fergus, where Deanna remained close to family and continued to be a steady, calming presence to those around her. Deanna will be remembered for her patience and her thoughtful way of listening. She was deeply observant, never needing to be the loudest person in the room, but often noticing more than anyone realized. When she spoke, it was with care – and sometimes, with a perfectly timed, dry sense of humour that those close to her will always remember. She faced many difficult chapters without making herself the centre, meeting sorrow and hardship with grace, resilience, and faith. Creativity was woven throughout Deanna’s life. She found joy in sewing, cooking, painting, and other artistic pursuits, pouring care and intention into all that she created. Her family will especially remember the countless pairs of pajamas she sewed, the costumes she made, and the beautiful handmade clothing that reflected both her creativity and her remarkable sense of style. In her later years, she filled canvases with landscapes, flowers, and portraits of family. In every stitch and brushstroke, Deanna left something of herself behind. Her legacy is found in the family she nurtured, the faith she carried, and the many beautiful things she made with her own hands. Her memory will remain a blessing and a comfort to all who knew and loved her – and with every hopeful Blue Jays season to come, we will smile knowing she would be cheering them on. Cremation has taken place, and a private family burial will be held in the fall at Boston Mills Cemetery.

Vichnaya Pamyat.

On June 16, 2026, Ralph chose to take his journey to his heavenly home, surrounded by his family, after a 4-year courageous battle with cancer. He leaves his loving and caring wife of nearly 66 years Patricia. He was so proud of his children and their spouses, Mark (the late Lori – 2026), Scott (Danielle), and Michelle (Dan) Morrison. He was the devoted grandfather to 5 beautiful granddaughters; Sheri, Jessica (Stephen), Jocelyn (Barry), Kylie, and Jaydan. Cherished great grandfather to Mason, Kayden, and Asher. Treasured brother to Bill (Linda) and his sister-in-law Nancy Hill. He will be dearly missed by his nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and all his extended family. His second family was the 11th Field Regiment in Guelph. He started out as a cadet in Fergus high school then joined the 11th Field Regiment where he rose from a gunner to a Lieutenant-Colonel. He commanded the regiment twice and then retired. He still was involved right up until his passing. Ralph was also the past president of Navy League Guelph and commander of the 1943 Army Cadet Corp in Palmerston. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the doctors and nurses in both London and Kitchener for their compassionate care and kindness. A special thank you to Emili, his devoted nurse, who came every day for over a year and provided exceptional support and comfort. They are also deeply grateful to Dr. Ruddock for his dedication, attentiveness, and genuine compassion in guiding him through his care, and to Dr. Lund for his commitment and support. Resting at Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery, 2723 Victoria St. N. Breslau where cremation has taken place and the family invites friends and relatives for a Drop In Celebration of Life on Sunday, July 5, 2026 from 1:00pm-4:00pm with formal speaking at 2:00pm. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Aboyne Rural Hospice would be greatly appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences may be made on his memorial page at www.MemoryFuneral.com.

Passed away peacefully at Groves Memorial Hospital on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the age of 70. Mary will be lovingly remembered by her son, Mackenzie (Chantelle Gear); her cherished grandchildren, Rowan and Griffin Gaines; her brother, Doug Allen (Jane), and their family, Kivor Allen and Ashleigh Allen; and her sister, Susan Taylor (Tom), and their family, Jackie Taylor and Heather Taylor. In keeping with Mary’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations to the Centre Wellington Food Bank would be greatly appreciated by the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home. 

www.grahamgiddyfh.com

It is with deep sorrow and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Wendy Jeanne Butland on June 25, 2026, at the age of 64. She will be remembered with much love and fond memories. Wendy is survived by two sons, Christopher and Aaron Butland, Mother Velma (John) Black, sister Pam (Dave) Hyde, brother Steve (Brenda) Black, and brother Tim (Jennifer) Black. She was predeceased by her husband Brian Butland, father John “Jack” Black, sister-in-law Brenda, and brother-in-law Dave. Wendy also had many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends with whom she shared her love and who will miss her greatly. Wendy was born in Fergus to John and Velma Black on January 29, 1962. She attended Centre Wellington District High School, achieving post-secondary certificates in general business courses. She had been a dedicated employee of Linex Manufacturing (Division of Linamar) in Guelph for the past 35+ years in payroll administration. Wendy had a generous spirit and was kind and supportive to all. She passed peacefully at home at the end of a long illness, with many loved ones near in her final hours. A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00pm on Friday, July 3, 2026, at The Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home, 280 St. David Street South, Fergus. A reception will follow upstairs in the Wellington Room, where guests are invited to join the family for a time of fellowship and refreshments. Elevator access is available. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or Diabetes Canada would be greatly appreciated by the family. 

You are near, even if I don’t see you.
You are with me, even if you are far away.
You are in my heart, in my thoughts, in my life always.
(Unknown)

It is with love and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Verna Woynarski, peacefully at Royal Terrace Long Term Care in Palmerston, at the age of 94. Beloved mother of Ken (Melanie) and Carol. Cherished grandmother of Melissa (Austin), Ken Jr. (Jill), and Emily, and proud great-grandmother of Haven, Bryan, Issac, Eli, Teahn, Noah, and Xavier. Affectionately known as “GG” to her family, Verna treasured every opportunity to spend time with those she loved. Verna was predeceased by her first husband, Henry Kron; her second husband, Edward Woynarski; her three sisters; and her parents, whom she lost at a young age. Despite facing significant adversity throughout her life, she met each challenge with determination, resilience, and unwavering faith. She will be fondly remembered by her nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends. After beginning her career as a hairstylist, Verna courageously returned to school as a single mother of two young children to pursue an education in clerical work. She went on to dedicate 25 years of service to the Guelph Police Service, where she was respected for her hard work and commitment. A faithful Catholic, Verna was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate. She was a social and caring person who enjoyed bringing people together, organizing the Coffee Club in her apartment building and fostering a strong sense of community. Verna found joy in many creative pursuits, including needlecrafts, painting, ceramics, and cooking. She was known for her exacting standards and attention to detail—qualities that reflected the care and pride she took in everything she did. Verna’s strength, generosity, steadfast faith, and devotion to her family will be remembered always. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the staff at Royal Terrace Long Term Care for their exceptional care and wonderful compassion over the past two years. Friends will be received on Thursday, July 9 from 9:30 to 11:00am at Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, 1099 Gordon St. Guelph.  A service will take place in the chapel at 11:00am, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Lounge.  Private interment. As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of Verna would be appreciated by the family. For donations and condolences, please visit www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com. 

Margaret Rowe (Archibald, nee Clements) passed peacefully into the arms of her Saviour on June 25, 2026. Born in Salem / Elora Ontario, Margaret was a woman of faith, a devoted wife to Peter Rowe and to Lloyd Archibald (pre-deceased), beloved sister of Bill and Colleen (predeceased by John, Hap (Alan), Alec, Jimmie and Aileen) and loving aunt to her many nieces and nephews. She loved God, flowers, her cats, art and music, and was a member of the Sweet Adelines in the 1970s. Throughout her life, she gave back to her community – first as a teacher, then as a caregiver to nieces and nephews, and for over 20 years was an active volunteer at Sunnyside Home. Perhaps now she is having afternoon tea with her late Queen and the Queen Mum in heaven. Many thanks to the kind and supportive staff at Freeport. Margaret’s family will receive relatives and friends from 6:00pm - 8:00pm on Friday, July 3, 2026 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick Street, Kitchener, 519-749-8467. Graveside service will take place at 11:30am on Saturday, July 4, 2026 at Woodland Cemetery, 119 Arlington Blvd, Kitchener. Donations in Margaret’s memory can be made to Glen Acres Baptist Church, the WRHN Foundation, or the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. Donations may be made at the funeral home or online directly through the charity’s website. Please call the funeral home 519-749-8467 to inform the family of your online donation. Visit www.henrywalser.com for Margaret’s memorial.

Passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of family on June 25th, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Lorne Richmond for 68 years. Devoted mother of Mary Richmond, Donna (Bob) McFarlane, and Dave (Michelle) Richmond. Predeceased by her son Jamie Richmond. Cherished Dee of Matt (Carly) McFarlane, Maggie (Hari) McFarlane, Andrew (Jessica) McFarlane, Becca (Colin) Moran, Faith (Sean), Hope (JR), Sadie (Matt) and Molly Rose Richmond. Great Dee of Braeden, Paige, Carter, Everleigh, Lachlan, Huon and Nesh. Survived by her brother-in-law Myril Howlett and sisters-in-law Irene Cavell and Grace Saul. Loved and admired by many nieces, nephews, and relatives. Predeceased by her parents Reginald and Mae Stickney, parents-in-law Chester and Margaret Richmond, brothers George and John Stickney, sister Betty Howlett, brothers-in-law Donald Richmond and Gerald Cavell. Helen was born February 25th 1932 at her grandparents home on the 6th of Peel. She had a wonderful childhood as part of a loving farm family. Her church community and social relationships at Goldstone were important in forming her lifelong Christian faith and her compassion for others. She was a diligent student beginning in a one room schoolhouse and eventually attending high school in Drayton. She attended teacher’s college in Toronto and began her teaching career at SS#15, a one room schoolhouse. After the birth of her two daughters she stayed home temporarily, restarting her career at Riverside Public School, continuing at Glen Allan. David and Jamie arrived during her teaching years at Winterbourne. Eventually she also taught at Floradale, and retired from Linwood Public School. Everywhere she taught she created and maintained lifelong relationships with students, families and staff. Even in her 95th year former students dropped by for visits at AgeCare in Elmira. Despite a busy life she had hobbies and interests she enjoyed. She was an active member of Wesley United/Trinity United Church. She belonged to UCW, chaired Christian Education, spent years in the choir, helped with many fundraisers and made more funeral sandwiches than she cared to admit. Mom loved music and played piano well enough to accompany choirs. On the home front, she always had a garden and canned every vegetable and fruit imaginable. Mom sewed endless outfits for her children, knit sweaters, stitched beautiful quilts, decorated birthday cakes and gingerbread houses, did folk art painting, ceramics and worked as a team with Lorne creating wonderful woodworking gifts. She enjoyed dancing and attending social outings involving Lorne’s love of cars. She also loved visits both at James St. and the cottage at Wasaga Beach. Helen always tried to be a caring friend and compassionate neighbour. We are so thankful for people who have returned this kindness as she aged and become more frail. We would like to thank our family, friends and incredible neighbours for their support and kindness during these difficult times. We are blessed! Mom loved family above all. She was a proud mother/mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. We want to acknowledge the PSWs who cared for Mom and made it possible for her to live in her own home as long as she could. Thanks to the very caring staff at AgeCare who were so attentive in her last years. We are so grateful for the unbelievable compassionate care shown by 5th floor staff and the palliative care doctors at WRHN Queen’s Blvd. Visitation will take place on Monday, July 6, 2026 from 3-6pm at the Dreisinger Funeral Home, 62 Arthur St. S., Elmira. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at Gale Presbyterian Church, 10 Barnswallow Dr., Elmira with a reception to follow in the church hall. Interment will follow in Elmira Union Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Diabetes Canada or Muscular Dystrophy Canada would be appreciated and may be made through the Dreisinger Funeral Home.

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we loved deeply becomes part of us.” -Helen Keller

www.dreisingerfuneralhome.com

Peacefully, but unexpectedly at Caressant Care Nursing Home, Fergus, on Friday, June 19, 2026, in her 73rd year. Beloved wife of the late Dirk Gooyer. Loving mother of Crystal Gooyer, and daughter of Margot Kiesau. She will be missed by her brother Wolfgang Kiesau, her nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Angie is predeceased by her father Otto Kiesau and by her brothers Peter and Klaus. Private funeral arrangements entrusted to the England Funeral Home, Mount Forest. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Angie are asked to consider Cancer Research, through the Canadian Cancer Society. Donations and online condolences may be made at www.englandfuneralhome.com

HARRISTON – Residents in Minto may have noticed a new veterans’ crosswalk has been installed, near the cenotaph and Grey Wellington Theatre Guild, at the intersection of Mill Street and Elora Street South.

Minto council agreed in April to investigate the next steps of placing a themed crosswalk to recognize the Royal Canadian Legion’s 100th anniversary.

Council ultimately approved the crosswalk at its May 5 meeting.

The Harriston Legion Branch 296 posted on its social media on June 24, “Thanks to the town and community for supporting this project. 

“We would also like to thank our ladies’ auxiliary, branch members and Minto council as a whole.”

FERGUS – Sorbara Development Group has changed its tune on wanting to demolish a historic home on property it plans to develop on Garafraxa Street (Wellington Road 19) near 1st Line.

Since the property is now included in the Fergus urban boundary, Sorbara wants to get going on the development and thought demolishing the old farmhouse would afford the best layout for a subdivision on the property.

The farmhouse is listed as a heritage property but has not been designated.

But since meeting with Heritage Centre Wellington in January, the company has changed its mind about demolition, Catherine Pan, senior development manager for Sorbara, told Centre Wellington council on June 29.

“We heard the importance of preserving the home,” said Pan, describing its “unique” Italianate architecture and the fact that descendants of the original family who built it still reside in the home.

“We want to work with the committee to make (the house) an enhancing feature of the development and withdraw our intention to demolish.

“We now support designation.”

The two-storey farmhouse  was built by James Skeoch and his sons sometime between 1880 and 1890, and it has been passed through family descendants ever since.

Pan said the tenant can remain in the house as long as he is willing and able to.

With that, council approved the intention to designate the property. 

A notice of intention to designate will be issued and the designation process will be followed.

Sorbara will also go through the normal planning process as it figures out the best design and layout for the subdivision.

ELORA – No one actually said “no brainer,” but Centre Wellington council had an easy time supporting Fire Chief Jason Benn’s two requests on June 29.

The first was to form an agreement with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, which will supply Centre Wellington Fire Rescue with naloxone kits, which has been proven to reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.

Public health has a program to distribute the kits for free and firefighters are already trained to recognize the signs of overdose and administer the drug.

“It’s a low-risk, no-cost agreement,” said.

His second request was for fire officials to sign technical rescue service agreements with participating municipalities.

Benn said Centre Wellington Fire Rescue has developed an expertise in technical rescue, including rope rescue and water and ice rescue, and is recognized regionally as a leader in this area.

The agreements would allow Centre Wellington to respond to requests for assistance from neighbouring fire departments that don’t have the expertise.

The agreements would include full cost recovery for Centre Wellington, Benn said.

“It’s great that firefighters have achieved this new skill,” he added.

Council had no trouble approving both requests.

ERIN – Council here has approved a lease extension for the Barbour Field and Erin Community Centre concession tenants for a term ending on Sept. 30, 2027, with the option to extend until April 30, 2029.

“The town provides concession services at municipal recreation facilities to enhance the experience of facility users and visitors,” states a June 25 report to council.

“To ensure the continued provision of these services, staff have negotiated a lease extension with the current operator known as 2853315 Ontario Inc. (Judy Parker) for the operation of snack bar concessions at the Erin Community Centre through the September to April arena season and at Barbour Field through the summer months.”

The report also states that after 16 months, “the leaseholder was willing to increase her monthly lease rate by almost $100 monthly for the proposed two summer seasons at Barbour Field and one winter season at Centre 2000.” 

The agreement will see a revenue of $309 to the town.

WELLINGTON NORTH – Flowers, fresh paint, a new sidewalk and lighting are coming to a dark, dingy alley in Mount Forest. 

Improvements to the laneway on Main Street South, between Pizza Hut and Hair on Main, are already underway. 

The work is a collaborative project between the Mount Forest BIA, the Township of Wellington North and the owners of 134 and 146 Main St. S., the properties on either side of the laneway. 

Township staff say the laneway is under-utilized, and BIA directors see significant potential for enhancements. 

“It lacks lighting at nighttime and is attracting garbage and graffiti,” states a staff report presented to council on June 22.

“As this laneway connects directly to a municipal parking lot, it serves as an important pedestrian access route,” the report states. 

“The Mount Forest BIA is committed to revitalizing this laneway to create an attractive, welcoming and functional public space for residents and visitors to enjoy.” 

That includes painting the exterior walls and  installing lighting, a landscaped garden (maintained by the BIA) and a clearly defined pedestrian pathway.

“The project has been thoughtfully designed to minimize ongoing maintenance requirements,” the report states.

“The garden will feature low-maintenance plantings, and the pathway has been configured to allow for efficient snow removal during the winter months. 

“Improving safety is a key objective of this initiative, particularly in response to concerns regarding poorly lit areas within the downtown core.” 

A memorandum of understanding has been formally signed by all stakeholders, including the Mount Forest BIA, township staff, property owners Thomas Meyer and Scott Hastie and the project design consultants. 

“The agreement establishes a collaborative framework and clearly defines the responsibilities of each party with respect to project implementation, maintenance and long-term management.” 

All existing asphalt in the laneway will be removed, and a new five-foot-wide concrete pedestrian walkway with flagstone landing areas will be installed. 

Granite boulders of various sizes “will be strategically placed to prevent unauthorized vehicle access while complementing the overall landscape design,” the report states. 

And about 32 cubic yards of top soil will be hauled in to fill planting beds and a landscaped berm, followed by nursery-grade plants and mulch.  

The improvements  are expected to cost $37,489, which will be split evenly between the property owners at 134 and 146 Main St. S.

Wellington North council approved a $2,500 façade improvement grant for Thomas Meyer, who owns number 134.

The grant is part of the township’s Community Improvement Program (CIP).  

“The property owner of 146 Main St. S. is (also) eligible to apply for a ($2,500) façade improvement grant,” the report states. 

The CIP is meant to support individuals, businesses and organizations making improvements to their buildings and properties to support revitalization and redevelopment. 

Before approving the grant for the laneway, the township had already approved nine CIP grants and allocated the full $35,000 budgeted for the CIP program in 2026. 

In order to make funds available for the laneway improvements as well as potential future projects, council voted to add $25,000 to the money available in the CIP. 

The funds will come from either Wellington North’s council community and contingency reserve or its tax rate stabilization reserve, which will have a combined balance of $1.34 million after the $25,000 is withdrawn.  

Township staff is currently assisting three more businesses with prospective applications, the report notes. 

“The additional funding will enable to township to continue supporting private-sector investment, downtown revitalization efforts, business growth and economic development initiatives throughout the community,” township staff state. 

Council unanimously approved the grant and the CIP increase during its June 22 meeting. 

Councillor Steve McCabe said of the laneway revitalization, “I think it’s great that this is coming to fruition ... It’s nice to see that it’s going to be reimagined and the site plan looks pretty nice.” 

Of the increase to the CIP program overall, councillor Penny Renken said, “I think it would improve the main street of our town and I’m quite in favour of going ahead and doing that.” 

HARRISTON – Prowind, a renewable energy company based in Germany, is exploring the possibility of developing wind and solar projects in Minto. 

Still, officials say no sites have been selected and no landowners have been approached as the company begins what it describes as an early consultation process with residents.

Helmut Schneider, vice-president of Ontario operations for Prowind, said the company is gathering public input before determining whether a project is even feasible.

“We have not planned a wind or solar project here in the Town of Minto, or in this entire area,” Schneider told residents during an information meeting on June 25. “We are coming to the community first.”

Schneider said Prowind has met with municipal staff and council, who recommended the company consult with residents before pursuing any planning.

“We have not talked to any landowners at this point in time. We don’t have a plan, we just have a potential vision,” he said.

However, areas of interest for wind development have been identified between Clifford and Drew. The company has also identified the Palmerston landfill site as a potential location for a solar project, according to a May 19 report to Minto council.

That report also outlined a preliminary vision for a 24-megawatt solar project and a 70-megawatt wind project with up to 10 turbines. It stated the solar facility could generate enough electricity to power about 5,000 homes, while the wind project could supply up to 20,000 homes.

Prowind has operated in Ontario for about 14 years and owns the 10-turbine Gunn’s Hill wind farm in Oxford County. Schneider said the company began looking at Minto after reviewing official planning maps showing areas designated as secondary agricultural land, and because of existing transmission lines that could support a renewable energy project. 

He also noted to the public in attendance that Prowind wants to “stay away” from building on prime agricultural farmland. Schneider said they are “not allowed” to build solar on prime agricultural land because a solar farm occupies more space, and the company prefers secondary land if possible.

He added Ontario’s growing electricity demand also makes communities such as Minto worth exploring for future renewable energy generation.

It was emphasized throughout the public meeting that the company is still years away from any potential development. A wind project would likely take four to six years to complete, while a solar project could take one to two years, depending on its size and permitting requirements. 

Any proposal would require environmental assessments, municipal approvals and voluntary agreements with participating landowners.

“We want to be transparent all through the process,” Schneider said. “We don’t want to appear to do anything that is not public.”

Schneider said Prowind’s model includes offering community ownership opportunities. He pointed to the Gunn’s Hill Wind Farm, where nearly half the project is community-owned and investors receive quarterly dividends.

The project also includes First Nations ownership, lease payments to participating landowners and municipal tax revenue.

Residents raised questions throughout the meeting about turbine size, environmental impacts, electricity demand, wildlife, property agreements, energy storage, noise, battery storage and the potential effects on neighbouring farms.

One attendee said the presentation focused heavily on the benefits of renewable energy and suggested the community also needs information about potential long-term environmental, social and economic impacts.

Schneider agreed those concerns should be examined, saying environmental studies are a required part of the approval process.

“We need to address those issues or those questions through the environmental assessment,” he said.

He noted Prowind relies on peer-reviewed research and government-approved environmental consultants to study issues such as bird and bat mortality, noise and other potential impacts before any project can proceed.

Schneider also addressed concerns about landowner participation, saying the company does not support expropriation for renewable energy developments.

“The landowner has the full right to either say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in any case whatsoever,” he said. “We would never even think about that.”

Schneider said the meeting was intended to begin a conversation rather than promote a finalized proposal.

“We are here to listen,” he said. “That’s the only purpose for this today.”

It was mentioned that additional public meetings are expected to be planned following the municipal election as Prowind continues assessing, with the town and residents, whether a renewable energy project in Minto is viable.

FERGUS – A community-led initiative focused on improving food access has made its way from Guelph to Centre Wellington.

Food Uniting Neighbours (FUN) takes a co-design approach to improving access to food, meaning programs and activities are developed with community members rather than for them, Jen Ethier stated in an email describing the initiative.

“We hope to design solutions for the community that work in this community,” Ethier said in a follow-up interview. “The solutions in Centre Wellington will be very different from what works in Guelph.”

Ethier is a PhD student studying food security and rural studies at the University of Guelph. She’s been hired to oversee the project and to date, a group of community advisors has come forward to participate.

Now they are looking for community members to be part of a focus group, where participants will share their experiences and ideas to improve local food access initiatives.

Started in Guelph in 2022, FUN is a partnership between researchers at the University of Guelph and the Onward Willow neighbourhood group.

Twelve community advisors were hired and after some brainstorming sessions, they devised a number of projects to bring healthy food to the neighbourhood.

That included transportation to the food bank and grocery store, cooking workshops, a community garden and workshops, and community cafes where free meals and social time are offered.

The solutions in Centre Wellington will be different but key to finding solutions is identifying barriers and developing an action plan.

And that’s where the focus group plays a critical role, Ethier said.

Focus group sessions last about 90 minutes. Refreshments are provided and each participant will receive a $30 gift card. Additional supports, such as transportation, can be arranged on request.

The Centre Wellington advisors are holding an open house on July 13 from 4 to 7pm at the Fergus Rugby Club. It will be a kid-friendly drop-in format where folks can learn about the initiative.

“We want to get voices of people who are impacted by the high price of food,” Ethier said. “We want to see what that looks like in Centre Wellington and what are the barriers to accessing healthy, nutritious food.”

Ethier said the FUN advisors will also be at community events throughout the summer to spread the word.

“FUN believes that the people most affected by food access issues should help shape the solutions,” Ethier said.

“Community voices are at the centre of the work through focus groups, conversations and ongoing engagement activities. The goal is to identify gaps, build on existing strengths and create programs that reflect local needs. The outcome, we hope, will be an actual community solution to improve food access.”

Those interested can register by calling FUN at 226-337-4233 or emailing fun@10carden.ca.

GUELPH – Arts students have been out in the community for months, piecing together five historical stories that they shared with audiences on June 23 and 25. 

It’s the cumulative project for the Upper Grand District School Board’s MADE Urban Arts Program, taught by Gerard Gouthro and Lane Osborne at Heritage Hall in Guelph.  

Each performance was entirely student-created, Gouthro said, from the in-depth research ahead of time to planning the shows and executing the performances.

Each performance centred around an interesting person or group in Guelph’s history: harmonica player Tommy Reilly, author Jean Little, murder victim Albert Thomasson,  nurse Marisse Scott and band The Velvetones. 

The students told Guelph-born Reilly’s story with a short play that highlights the beginning of his musical training with his father; his arrest by the Gestapo in 1939; his six years living in a prisoner of war camp where he traded coffee for harmonicas in order to keep playing; his career after leaving the camp including his unusual, one-on-one teaching style; the Queen inducting him to the Order of the British Empire; and his romantic reconnection with a woman from his past. 

TOP LEFT: Tommy Reilly, played by Jesse Thibault, and his dad, played by Caleb Murdoch, who helped Reilly get his start playing harmonica. TOP RIGHT: Reilly is not impressed this young harmonica player, played by Sophia Townsend. ABOVE LEFT: Reilly is reconnected with a girl from his past, played by Sasha Baldwin. ABOVE RIGHT: Reilly, played by Sophie Beecraft, received an induction to the Order of the British Empire from Queen Elizabeth II, played by Alexa Roux. Photos by Robin George

A harmonica signed by Reilly was among the props at the show, something MADE student Asher Bronson was able to borrow from his neighbour. 

Little’s story was told with an animated film created by Lauren Ferrier, Kali Gonsalves, Sylvan Janleigh, Emily Lewis, Mia Ly, Breayan Singson and Shiro Lei. 

Little, who was legally blind from birth, was born in Taiwan but grew up in Guelph. She was a poet, novelist educator and Order of Canada recipient, and Guelph’s Jean Little Public School is named in her honour. 

The MADE students presented a short play that told Thomasson’s tragic tale. 

Three years after he moved to Guelph from England with his family in 1923, Thomasson was shot and killed while working at the International Malleable Iron Company in Guelph. 

TOP LEFT: Albert Thomasson and his wife, played by Asher Bronson and Priya Madan, had recently arrived in Guelph from England and were trying to find work for Albert. TOP RIGHT: Albert Thomasson introduces himself to his new boss at the foundry, James Hawkins, played by Marden resident Lauren Ferrier. ABOVE LEFT: International Malleable Iron Company watchman James Hawkins, played by Marden resident Lauren Ferrier, and murder victim Albert Thomasson, played by Asher Bronson. ABOVE RIGHT: Sasha Baldwin played an enthusiastic Boy Scout searching for clues to solve Thomasson's murder. Photos by Robin George

The play depicted how local police brought in the Boy Scouts of Canada to help them investigate.   

The enthusiastic Scouts did find a shell casing from the shot, but the murder remains unsolved to this day.  

In a short film, students outlined how Scott persevered to become the first Black practicing nurse in Ontario, working at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in Guelph.

It portrays the anguish Scott felt at receiving rejection letter after rejection letter and how she fought to be given the same consideration as white nurses applying for the same positions. 

Two of Scott’s children, Janice Griffith and Trevor Louisy, worked with the students to help bring their mother’s story to life. 

The story of The Velvetones, which included three Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute (GCVI) students who came together to form a band in the 1960s, was told though both film and live performance. 

It began with a video clip shot on band-member Norm Shaver’s real childhood front yard, where he fell in front of a lawn mower and injured his fingers as a kid. 

There were also video clips shot inside GCVI, showing how the band formed. 

On stage, students acted out parts of the Velvetones’ story and played their music live, including Sophia Townsend, granddaughter of original Velvetones member Stu Townsend. 

The show was dedicated to Stu’s memory, as well as the memory of band member Gerry LaFontaine. 

The show ended with a lively performance that included Shaver coming up on stage to sing and dance with the students. 

LEFT: Manager Carl McCrae, played by Sophie Beecraft, introduces the Velvetones as they prepare to play at the opening of Guelph’s first A&W. CENTRE, RIGHT: From left: Caleb Murdoch, Desmond Dale, Norm Shaver and Sidney Cooke. Photos by Robin George

Guthro said the MADE program is designed for kids who love the arts, and it pushes them to explore areas that may not be their forte. 

Each student had multiple roles across the five productions, with visual artists acting on stage, actors performing music and singers animating films.

That includes Marden resident and Grade 12 MADE student Lauren Ferrier, who animated a film; acted in a play; played sound, projector and video cues for two plays; and set up the stage and helped troubleshoot technical issues for musical performances. 

Ferrier also filled in for actors during rehearsals, made prop lists and helped with costume ideas. 

Ferrier said performing at Sonic Hall was a highlight of the experience, as they got to take what they’d learned in class and transfer it over to a new and unfamiliar space. 

They also appreciated working with Patrick Vilbar, a freelance audio engineer and member of the band The Last Armada, noting their sense of humour made it easy to joke around while they learned. 

Ferrier said throughout the MADE semester students went from being awkward and shy to developing a family-like bond. 

“It was nice to be able to have a semester full of things I enjoy doing, and being able to do them with people who actually want to be there,” they said. 

“It was also really fun to be able to joke around and have fun with the teachers Lane Osborne (Oz) and Gerard Gouthro (Guthy).

“I highly recommend that anyone who’s interested in any of the arts looks into partaking in MADE; the teachers are great and you’re very likely to find your people,” Ferrier said. 

Though most people take the course in Grade 11, it can be taken anytime after Grade 9, and Ferrier is glad they took it in Grade 12 when it didn’t fit their schedule in Grade 11.  

Next year Ferrier is heading to Sheridan College to study technical production in the performance arts industry program. 

For more information about MADE Urban Arts, visit ugdsbmade.ca. 

Residents strolling along the portion of the Trans Canada Trail that runs through Woolwich may not realize it, but they’re stepping foot on an elaborate network that runs all the way from the Atlantic to the Pacific and even up to the Arctic Ocean.

First established in 1992 – Canada’s 125th birthday – the trail was largely funded by the federal and provincial governments, with contributions from corporate and individual sponsors. Most recently, it received a five-year cash infusion from Ottawa in 2022, but that funding is due to dry up in 2027.

“Now that we’re coming to the end of the agreement, we really want to make sure that everybody is aware of how impactful the trail is on people’s day-to-day lives and make sure we get a renewal with the federal government before that funding runs out,” Trans Canada Trail’s manager of communications, Justin Fauteux, told The Observer.