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8 THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2013 Township Shorts WELLINGTON COUNTY ­ SAFEST CANADIAN COMMUNITY Maintaining Wellington County the safest community in Canada ­ so designated recently by Maclean's magazine ­ is next according to OPP Inspector Scott Lawson who urged Guelph/Eramosa Township Council to forge new partnerships with existing injury prevention organizations. Inspector Lawson said Guelph/Eramosa is the only County of Wellington municipality without a COPS (Community Orientated Policing Services) or Safe Community program and "would love to partner" with a volunteer committee in the Township. He said initial "fear mongering" that COPS would takeover local group work are unfounded, and they want to "enhance" and "supplement" local injury prevention programs. Councillor Corey Woods asked what rural residents, unable to take advantage of programs like Neighbourhood Watch, can do. Inspector Lawson said they must decide what is important to their community ­ what is their biggest concern ­ and then partner with the OPP to deal with the issue. SAFE COMMUNITIES There is "no such thing as an accident," and no "magic wand" to make people take responsibility for their safety, but Wel- lington County's quest to become the first designated as a Safe Community was outlined for Council. Safe Community Chair, County Councillor Gary Williamson said injuries cost Canada $19-billion in 2004-2005, and investing in safety makes "real economic sense," because for every dollar invested in injury prevention saves $40. Williamson said falls, motor vehicle accidents and self-harm ­ a "real surprise" ­ are the top three causes in injuries in Wellington, followed by sports and recreation, agricultural, machinery or tool injuries, accidental poisonings and pedestrian and cyclist accidents. The top three will be the immediate focus of the Safe Community Committee, ANNIVERSARY ANTICS: There were crafts, songs, games and snacks at the Rockwood Nursery School for the under-three crowd who joined teachers Victoria Caufeild and Nicki Barens in the fun last Thursday. The school celebrates its 45th anniversary with spaghetti dinner/silent suction on March 2. ­ Frances Learment photo which will share safety information and expertise within the County. BYLAW ENFORCEMENT While refusing to discuss specific cases due to privacy issues, Guelph/ Eramosa Township's parttime Bylaw Enforcement and Property Standards Officers Matthew Williamson updated council on the year-end statistics recently that indicate a 15 per cent drop in complaints in 2012. Williamson investigated 121 complaints last year compared to 142 the previous year and 129 in 2009. Williamson issued 54 written notices, 14 orders and 40 parking tickets. Twenty-six complaints dealt with property standards issues, 17 were zoning issues and 16 were encroachments. Bylaws enforced include openair burning, discharge of firearms, noise, fencing, property standards, operation of off-road vehicles, water and zoning. Williamson also deals with health and safety maters including livestock at large, encroachments, depositing snow or objects on municipal roadways and illegal driveway installations. FEDS FUND BRIDGE Improving road safety and creating jobs are touted as the major benefits of Ottawa's recent announcement that it will provide $601,300 to replace the Benham Bridge on the Guelph/EramosaErin Townline. The funding, announced by Wellington - Halton Hills MP Michael Chong, comes from Ottawa's Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, established to create jobs and economic growth. Check out our FREE workshops this fall to help improve the health and quality of life of those living in East Wellington FEBRUARY FULL SERVICE SPECIAL · LUBE OIL FILTER · ROTATING TIRES · FRONT END INSPECTION · FLUID CHECK · LIGHT CHECK · CARBON AIR FILTER INSPECTION · AIR FILTER INSPECTION A group weight management approach that focuses on lifestyle changes HEALTHY YOU - 6WK SERIES Rockwood: Starts Tuesday February 5th ~ 9:30 am - 11:30 am Erin: Starts Thursday February 7th ~ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Session 3 of 3 Advanced Self-management skills Erin: Tuesday Feburary 5th ~ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Session 1: Understanding Pre-Diabetes Rockwood: Thursday Jan. 24th ~ 10:00 am - 12:00 Noon Session 2 of 3 Meal Planning for Diabetes and Heart Health Rockwood: Thursday February. 14th ~ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm LIVING WELL WITH DIABETES MOST VEHICLES - $59.99 +HST Rockwood Nursery School is celebrating 45 years with a Saturday March 2 - continuous sittings from 4pm - 9pm Rockmosa Community Hall - 74 Christie St., Rockwood Family $35, Adults $12, Seniors $8, Children $6 Kids under 2 FREE! Tickets available at T&A Automotive LIVING WELL WITH DIABETES Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction PRE-DIABETES: YOUR CHANCE TO CHANGE THE FUTURE Session 1 of 2 Erin: Tuesday, February 12th, 3:30-5:30pm Rockwood: Friday. February 8th 9:30-11:30am HEART HEALTH NUTRITION 108 Station St. 519-856-1531 (Just South of the Rockmosa Centre and Library) Erin Location: Erin WEllnEss CEntrE - 6 thompson CrEsCEnt Rockwood Location: roCkWood CliniC - 175 AlmA You MUST be registered to attend these events to avoid disappointment To register or for more information on other events call 519-833-7575 ext 341 or go to www.ewfht.ca under "workshops" ROCKWOOD