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12 THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2011 Guelph/ Eramosa Council passes reasonable budget Township Digest Township money for student safety Any school board trustee reluctant to continue sharing the cost of bussing Rockwood south students to Centennial Public School should be made to walk the dangerous route. Guelph/Eramosa Councillor Doug Breen made the comment last Monday as Council approved contributing its share for this year, $15,000, to bus the students, who otherwise would walk along Highway 7, where there are limited proper sidewalks. Three years ago, Council petitioned the Upper Grand District School Board for the bus service after the Board restricted bus eligibility, that it offers as a courtesy, not a right, to urban Kindergarten The "average" Guelph/ Eramosa resident will pay $38 more in Township property taxes this year ­ a total Hillside cash Guelph/Eramosa Township of $829 ­ or just over 10 will contribute $2,000 in in- cents a day for services like kind services to support the recreation and parks, puband Grade one students who Hillside Community Festival, lic works, planning and fire live more than 1.6-kilometres which will stage the 28th festi- protection. Township Council apfrom the school, and Grade val on July 22 to 24 at Guelph p r oved a $4.3-million two to Grade six students Lake Conservation Area. operating and capital budget who live more than 2.4-kiloFestival officials apologized on Monday. When County metres from the school. for the last-minute request Council sets its tax rate later Councillor Breen said to for Township help, but said it this month, the combined make Grade three students would lead to a collaborative County/Township and Eduwalk along Highway 7 is grant to extend the festival to cation property tax changes "ridiculous" and for Kinder- include a new Thursday night will result in a 2.8 per cent garten and Grade one, it is performance. tax increase for the owner "beyond stupid," especially Mayor Chris White noted since the school board is the event is in the Township, of a Guelph/Eramosa resi"bussing people around wood- and they should be proud. dential property assessed at lots in Guelph, because some "We need to start connecting $335,000. That's $106 more one was in their five years ago with it and branding with than last year, for a total tax as a flasher. We should haul it..."White said, like they do bill of $3,898. At a statutory public all those old guys out here to with the Rockwood Parade of budget meeting last Monday, walk that road," Breen said. Lights and Eden Mills WritLinda Cheyne, the TownMayor Chris White, who ers' Festival. ship's Manager of Finance noted the extra bussing was a The Township's in-kind said the budgets allow the temporary fix until Highway contribution includes adver7 is reconstructed, echoed tising space in the summer Councillor Breen's call for the news letter, allowing linkBoard to declare Highway 7 a ing opportunities through "dangerous route," and con- the Township website, and tinue the bussing for students providing meeting space at A 25-year-old Limehouse living south of Harris Street. Township buildings. Township to continue initiates that promote a healthy and prosperous community. "We want to expand our economic viability, although, you know, we have limited funds to do so...we want to pursue funding opportunities," Cheyne said, adding they've been very fortunate to get government funding in the past years to help build roads and bridges. Cheyne said the Township debt levels is good, and within three or four years, it will pay off all its taxpayersupported debt ­ a "pretty good position to be in," according to Mayor Chris White. The Township faces an "extraordinary increase" in insurance costs, with premiums up 18.5 per cent to $316,000 ­ almost double just four years ago. Cheyne said new challenges include costs to comply with mandatory regulation changes ­ one that forced the Township to unexpectedly buy a $25,000 UV system at the Rockwood splash pad. In a press release issued after the budget was approved, Mayor Chris White said faced with significant increases in insurance and inflation costs, it is a responsible budget with a tax increase less than inflation. "This budget allows us to pursue funding opportunities and support a prosperous, healthy and growing community for future years," White said. For every Township tax dollar collected, 56 cents is spent on roads and transportation, 21 cents on fire and emergency services, 17 cents on parks and recreation, seven cents on general government and three cents on planning. Speeder of the week man was charged with Wellington O.P.P. Report Join us Do you, or someone you care about, suffer from depression? Do you struggle with what to do to best manage your symptoms? Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 1 1 am - 3 pm at St. Johns Church HALL in Rockwood for great gift ideas for Mothers Day! Race a Motor Vehicle after a 1998 Lincoln MX8 was clocked at 142-km/h in an 80-km/h zone in Guelph/ Eramosa Township. We l l i n g t o n O P P stopped the car on Highway 6 near Wellington Road 51 last Wednesday. The driver appears in Guelph court on May 18. The East Wellington Family Health Team presents a panel presentation on depression: More Than Just the Blues We will discuss: · what depressive symptoms look like · what's going on in the brain of someone who is depressed · what the current treatment options are, with both conventional medicine and alternative therapies · how to offer support to someone who has depression When: Wednesday, May 4th, 7:00-9:00pm Where: Centre 2000, 14 Boland Drive, Erin; Community Room, off the main lobby RSVP: Space is limited so please RSVP by either calling (519) 833-7576 ext. 341 or go to www.ewfht.ca and register under "Workshops" Panelists include: Dr. Wendy Davis B.Kin., N.D. - A Naturopathic doctor who will discuss complementary and alternative remedies for depression Amy Cousineau, is an Anglican Priest. She was the minister at All Saints Anglican Church in Erin until 2007 when she was overcome by depression and anxiety and will be sharing her story. Fred Cousineau is Amy's husband of 40 years, who will discuss his experience supporting Amy through her depression. Dr. Alejandra Marin, MD is a Family Physician with the East Wellington Family Health Team; she will give an overview of the current medical interventions for depression Kim Bell is a Mental Health Worker at the East Wellington Family Health Team with a 23yr history working in mental health, supporting individuals experiencing a variety of mental health issues. Vendors include health and wellness, childrens fashions, jewellry home shows, specialty baking, artists and artisans, home decor and much, much more. FREE ADMISSION and FREE PARKING FABULOUS DOOR PRIZES!! SHOP LOCAL SHOP SMART SHOP ROCKWOOD Brought to You by Rockwood Women in Business 175 Alma Street, Rockwood 6 Thompson Crescent, Erin Dependable Real Estate Services 519-833-7576 ext.341 www.ewfht.ca