The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

THE NEW TANNERTHURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2018 9THE NEW TANNER THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 20188 ROCKWOODTh e Miller Guelph / Eramosa CounCil Chips By: Vivien Fleisher Delegation for Eden Mills Spirit Walk Resident and historian Barb Marshall spoke about a "Spirit Walk" planned for May 5 in Eden Mills, a historical walking tour of the village that will bring old buildings and their in- habitants to life, starting on the banks of the Eramosa River and weaving in in- digenous history along the way. Marshall requested stop signs for the part where the tour crosses the road. Two tours will take place, rain or shine. Grand River Conservation 2018 Budget and Programs In a presentation to council, Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) CAO Joe Far- well shared some facts about the watershed: it's 300 kilometers long, lar- ger than P.E.I. in area, includes 39 municipalities and two First Nations, and is home to almost one mil- lion people--80 per cent of whom live in five cities. And, it's one of the richest and fastest-growing re- gions in Ontario. Because of this population growth, the most critical issues fa- cing the GRCA are the need for water supplies, sewage treatment and groundwater recharging. The extent of agriculture and the threat of climate change round out that list. To that end, the strategic plan priori- tizes protecting life while minimizing property dam- age; improving watershed health; and, connecting people with the environ- ment. Rockwood is the busiest park and is chal- lenged with how to manage the crowds. While resulting revenues have funded cap- ital projects, operational costs and management challenges have risen cor- respondingly. This year's expenditures across the entire board are up $3.3 million, from $31 million last year, with a per capita municipal levy of $10.72-- an increase of one per cent. The lion's share of that rev- enue was self-generated, with 75 per cent going into base programs, including watershed management-- biggest cost--conservation areas and corporate servi- ces and communications. Guelph/Eramosa levies decreased $17,000, which Farwell said should go into a reserve in the event things change as a result of an appeal by the City of Ham- ilton over the 2018 Levy Apportionment. Restricted Council during "Lame Duck" Period With the upcoming mu- nicipal election, council must contend with an even longer 'lame duck period', where authority is tempor- arily transferred to CAO Ian Rogers. The 2018 per- iod runs from nomination day on July 27, through to December 3, when the next term of council launches via an inaugural meeting. Rogers will take on a range of duties that include hiring and firing, and transactions exceeding $50,000. Fees Bylaw Review and Fence Bylaw Amendments A range of fees in Guelph/Eramosa, ranging from permits to public works to plaques have been updated and implemented as allowed by the 2001 Municipal Act. Done in bits and pieces over the last few years, the last time a full review took place was 2014. Two bylaws were passed regarding fences: one to determine allowed variances on height, loca- tion, etc.; and the other to switch to the Property Standards Committee from the Committee of Adjust- ment for hearings. By: Vivien Fleisher Rockwood resident Doris Ens, a well-known volunteer in the commun- ity, was honoured Monday night in Guelph/Eramosa council chambers with the 2018 Community Recog- nition Award. In his remarks before the presentation, Mayor Chris White praised her as "an active and dedicated member of the Rockwood Lioness Club who has tirelessly helped with community events", add- ing that she also, with her daughters, has organized the Good Brothers Fund- raising Dinner and Dance at Rockmosa for over a decade. This event has raised thousands of dollars for cancer research over the years and is a "much- anticipated fun night out for the community." How- ever, he was particularly impressed with her per- sonal touch, such as the follow-up to these events, wherein she handwrites and delivers thank-you letters to all who contrib- uted. Before presenting her with the certificate, he fin- ished by saying, "Doris is a warm caring individual, and her commitment to volunteerism is an inspir- ation to the community. We're very lucky to have you as a volunteer...and honoured to have you present with us today." 2018 Community Recognition Award What do you feel is a must-have for Kate for Royal Baby number three?with Vivien Fleisher WORD IN THE VILLAGE Kim McBride: "I don't know. Maybe she needs a vacation." Lindsay Williams: "She has everything, so maybe patience. I have four kids, so I could take it in spades. She just needs patience." Loretta Hunwicks: "Baby number three needs a star. You can buy them. You can buy stars and name them for the baby." Jenni fer Carr: "Hmm, what's something that you don't ever need? She needs to own her own sports team. They don't need anything else." What do you think are the job duties of a Municipal Councillor? WORD ON THE STREET With Alex Hilson Shawn Cross: "They don't broadcast what they do or how much they are helping out, and perhaps that's something that should change." Ryan Katzman: "Make our schools cleaner. They should add a water slide to the pool." Mark Romard: "I think the answer's fairly easy. They should be asking what constituents want." Iana Iantcheva: "They talk on behalf of the people in their area."