MEDIA RELEASE- COUNTY’S GREEN LEGACY PROGRAMME TO PLANT ONE MILLIONTH TREE
30-August-10

For Immediate Release

WELLINGTON- It started out as a simple idea. The County of Wellington set out to plant 150,000 trees in 2004 to celebrate its 150th anniversary, and make Wellington a little greener.

Fast forward to 2010, and one million trees have been planted under the Green Legacy Programme, making it the largest municipal tree planting programme in North America. This community driven project plants over 156,000 trees annually.

On Sunday, October 3, the one millionth tree will be planted at the Wellington County Museum and Archives, in an event coinciding with the annual Harvest Home Festival. The Harvest Home Festival runs from noon to 4:00 pm, and admission in $2. The one millionth tree will be planted at 1:30 pm, by political dignitaries and community volunteers. The County has invited its community partners to join the celebration.

Rob Johnson, Green Legacy Tree Nursery Manager, will be running 100 km, from one end of the County to the other to celebrate the one millionth tree and bring awareness to the Green Legacy Programme. Johnson will be starting his run in Mount Forest, stopping at Museum for the ceremonial planting and will finish his run at the Green Legacy Nursery in Puslinch.

“The one millionth tree honours and celebrates the individuals, organizations and companies who have made this milestone possible,” said Warden Joanne Ross-Zuj. “Much of the Green Legacy Programme’s success is made possible by our partners and volunteers, who are committed to enhancing the environment.”

“This celebratory planting is one of many local environmental milestones,” commented Councillor Walter Trachsel, Planning Committee Chair. “We’re just getting started.”

“By running 100 km’s in one day I hope to bring awareness to the Green Legacy, and inspire the community to plant at least ten trees per person every year,” said Rob Johnson, Green Legacy Tree Nursery Manager. “If each resident planted just ten trees almost one million trees would go into Wellington County annually.”

The one millionth tree will be planted on the lawn of the Wellington County Museum and Archives adjacent to the first Green Legacy tree planted in 2003.

For more information, please contact:

MEDIA RELEASE- COUNTY OPENS THE WELLINGTON COUNTY MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES EXPANSION
25-June-10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ABOYNE- The County of Wellington officially opened the new Archives expansion at the Wellington County Museum and Archives today. The award winning architectural firm The Ventin Group, designed the new 8,100 square foot facility, tripling the size of the existing archives facility.

The new Archives addition provides needed space for the museum’s growing archival collection. The previous archives wing on the second floor of the museum is now artifact storage. The new Storage Vault is equipped with compact mobile shelving to fit various types of media, and has a conservation quality environmental system to maintain archives standards of temperature, humidity and other air quality controls.

“I am so pleased to officially open the new Archives expansion,” said County of Wellington Warden Joanne Ross-Zuj. “The Wellington County Museum and Archives contributes to the cultural vitality of our community, and serves as an educational resource where local history can be taught and handed down to younger generations.”

“This project was made possible through Building Canada funding, a Museum Assistance Programme grant and additional funds from the Investing in Ontario Programme,” commented Councillor Brad Whitcombe, Chair of the Information, Heritage and Seniors Committee.

“All three levels of government collaborated on this project, making it possible for the County to renew and improve its current cultural infrastructure.”

“This expansion will help staff continue their important work,” said Bonnie Callen, Administrator of the Wellington County Museum and Archives. “The Wellington County Museum and Archives is committed to preserving Wellington County history and providing excellent service to our residents.”

The total cost of the project is estimated at $4.7 million and has created 1190 weeks of work.

For more information, please contact:

MEDIA RELEASE- Governments of Canada and Ontario Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Wellington County
21-June-10

For Immediate Release

WELLINGTON COUNTY– The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the County of Wellington celebrated the grand opening of 55 affordable rental units. The project is supported by more than $3.8 million in funding through the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program.

The Honourable Michael Chong, Member of Parliament for Wellington-Halton Hills, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and John Wilkinson, Member of Provincial Parliament for Perth-Wellington, on behalf of Jim Bradley, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, along with Joanne Ross-Zuj, County of Wellington Warden made the announcement.

“Our Government is dedicated to giving a hand-up to those in need, which is why we are proud to have invested in this project in Fergus,” said MP Michael Chong. “These 55 units are more than just safe and affordable places to live. They are the key to a better life for the families and individual that will call them home.”

“The province of Ontario is committed to helping people who live on lower or fixed incomes stay in their home communities,” said MPP John Wilkinson. “These 55 new affordable accessible rental units are going to make a positive difference in the lives of these individuals and families. The construction is part of our Open Ontario plan to create jobs and economic opportunities in the County of Wellington.”

MEDIA RELEASE- CANADA DAY GARBAGE AND RECYCLING SCHEDULE CHANGES
17-June-10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 17 , 2010

WELLINGTON COUNTY- All Wellington County waste facilities will be closed on Canada Day, Thursday, July 1, and will reopen on the next regular scheduled day, at 8:00 a.m.

Curb/Roadside blue box and user pay garbage in Wellington County will not be collected on Canada Day, Thursday, July 1. Thursday’s collection has been rescheduled for Saturday, July 3. To ensure you are not missed, place your blue boxes and user pay garbage bag(s) to the curb/roadside by 7:00 a.m.

If you have any questions, please contact the Solid Waste Services Division at: 519-837-2601 or 1-866-899-0248, or visit www.wellington.ca.

For more information, please contact:

MEDIA RELEASE- CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL AMENDMENT FOR ELORA WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY
07-June-10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 7, 2010

WELLINGTON COUNTY – Following ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Environment (MOE) regarding the long-term maintenance of the closed Elora Landfill and Transfer Station, and at their suggestion, the County of Wellington (the County) has purchased a small portion of the property adjacent to the eastern boundary of the former fill area comprising approximately 0.91 hectares (2.25 acres) in a 30 m wide strip.

The addition of this property as official buffer to the site’s Certificate of Approval will provide the County the

MEDIA RELEASE- PUSLINCH MAYOR BRAD WHITCOMBE RE-ELECTED TO FEDERATION OF CANADIAN MUNICIPALITIES NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR 2010-2011
31-May-10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAY 31, 2010

TORONTO- Puslinch Mayor Brad Whitcombe was re-elected for a third term to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities National Board of Directors for 2010-2011 over the weekend. Whitcombe is one of only sixteen Ontario representatives on the FCM Board.

The FCM Board of Directors is made up of elected municipal officials and affiliate members from all regions and communities across Canada, and meets quarterly to discuss key municipal issues, set policy priorities, and serve as a support system for municipalities, bringing forward their messages to the Government of Canada.

“It is an honour to be re-elected to the FCM Board of Directors by my colleagues,” said Whitcombe. “I look forward to continuing our important work with the Government of Canada, as we work on implementing new responsible and sustainable initiatives for Ontario’s municipalities.”

With over 20 years of municipal government experience, Whitcombe was first elected to the FCM Board of Directors in 2008, and has previously been a member of three FCM Committees. He has been the Warden of Wellington County three times, and was one of the founding members of the County of Wellington’s Green Legacy Tree Planting Committee, the largest municipal tree planting programme in North America.

“I’d like to congratulate Mayor Whitcombe on his re-election to the FCM Board of Directors for 2010-2011,” commented Warden Joanne Ross-Zuj. “The FCM Board forms a broad base of support and carries the municipal message all the way to the Government of Canada. I admire the work Mayor Whitcombe and his board members have done over the past few years. I know he will continue to work hard on key issues facing Ontario’s municipalities.”

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities was established in 1901, and has more than 1,600 members including Canada’s largest cities, small rural and urban areas, and 18 provincial and territorial municipal associations.

For more information, please contact:

MEDIA RELEASE- NEW O.P.P. OPERATIONS CENTRE UNDERWAY IN CENTRE WELLINGTON
14-May-10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ABOYNE- Wellington County held a ground breaking ceremony today celebrating the start of construction on the new Centre Wellington O.P.P. Operations Centre, located adjacent to the Wellington County Museum and Archives. The award winning architectural firm The Ventin Group, has designed the new two-storey, 20,000 square-foot facility, and Tambro Construction Ltd. of Guelph has been selected as the contractor.

In keeping with its commitment to the environment, the new Centre Wellington O.P.P. Detachment will be constructed using the Green Legacy Building Standards, and will include a conservation quality environmental system to maintain acceptable standards of temperature, humidity and other air quality controls. The exterior of the building will be natural bed ledgerock, which complements the nationally historic Wellington County Museum and Archives located next door.

“We are pleased to break ground on the new Centre Wellington O.P.P. Operations Centre today,” said Warden Joanne Ross-Zuj. “The County constantly looks for ways to improve public services. This new centrally located operations centre will enhance community policing needs in Centre Wellington for many years to come.”

“This new O.P.P. facility will ensure responsive, effective and professional service to local residents,” commented Councillor Lynda White, County of Wellington Police Services Board Chair.

“By building this new Operations Centre, the County of Wellington continues its commitment to effective policing and ensuring the safety and security of all residents and property,” said County of Wellington O.P.P. Inspector Scott Smith.

The new $4.6 million Centre Wellington O.P.P. Detachment replaces the former Fergus O.P.P. Detachment located on St. Andrew Street in Fergus, and is scheduled to be completed by the summer 2011.

For more information, please contact:

MEDIA RELEASE- COUNTY’S GREEN LEGACY PROGRAMME CONTINUES TO GROW
03-May-10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CENTRE WELLINGTON- Some 100 County of Wellington and Township of Centre Wellington Councillors, employees and their families participated in the 5th Annual Warden’s Tree Planting Day today. 2,500 trees were strategically planted along Highway 6 in Fergus, as part of the County of Wellington’s Green Legacy Programme.

“I want to thank everyone who helped plant trees today,” said Warden Joanne Ross-Zuj. “The Green Legacy Programme improves and enhances Wellington’s rural and urban forest coverage. Local partnerships strengthen the connection between the community and the environment.”

“It’s amazing to see so many County and Township volunteers participating in this annual event,” said Councillor Walter Trachsel, Chair of the County’s Planning Committee. “Going green is more than a catch phrase. This new planting is an excellent example of the County and its residents taking environmental action.”

This spring, the County will plant 156,000 trees in Wellington with the help of local municipalities, schools, conservation authorities, service clubs, organizations and private landowners. On October 3, the ceremonial 1 millionth tree will be planted at the Wellington County Museum and Archives, which is where the first Green Legacy tree was planted in 2004.

The Green Legacy Programme is the largest municipal tree planting programme in North America.

For more information, please contact:

Andrea Ravensdale, County Communications Officer

MEDIA RELEASE- COUNTY RE-OPENS THE MOUNT FOREST LIBRARY BRANCH
30-April-10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MOUNT FOREST- The County of Wellington, the Township of Wellington North and the Wellington County Library Board officially re-opened the new Mount Forest Library Branch today.

The Mount Forest Public Library had its formal inception on February 8, 1860. With the generous donation of $10,000.00 by Andrew Carnegie and the donation of land by the Luxton family, the Mount Forest Carnegie Library was completed and opened to the public in December 1913.

Renovated using the County of Wellington’s Green Legacy Building Standards, this structure meets the Emerald level of certification, which is the County’s highest building standard. This classic Carnegie library was renovated to restore its heritage charm and to make it completely accessible. A heritage building designation has helped to ensure that this wonderful example of a by-gone era will remain for future generations.

In addition to the expansion, wireless internet access, a new library programming room, children’s area, young adult corner, cozy fireplace and a lounge area are new features that blend with the original beauty of this Carnegie library.

“I am pleased to officially re-open the Mount Forest Library Branch,” said Wellington County Warden Joanne Ross-Zuj. “This improved library will serve as a community meeting place where residents can connect and interact with one another. Libraries are crucial in creating educated communities, providing opportunities for life-long learning, and self-improvement.”

“The County’s barrier-free accessibility standards ensure that everyone can access the library,” said Wellington North Mayor Mike Broomhead. “A quality library is essential in promoting literacy and learning.”

“The new and improved Mount Forest Library provides patrons with modern equipment to access knowledge,” commented Wellington County Library Board Chair, Jamie Couper. “This branch will serve as an important learning resource for many years to come.”

“The newly renovated Mount Forest library branch caters to patrons of all ages,” said Janice Hindley, County of Wellington Chief Librarian. “This branch offers a range of activities and social programmes that engage minds and provide opportunites to exchange ideas.”

The project cost an estimated $1.5 million dollars and created 756 weeks of work. The Mount Forest Library Branch is located at 118 Main Street North.

For more information, please contact:

MEDIA RELEASE- COMPOSTER SALE ANOTHER HUGE SUCCESS – SOLD OUT BY NOON
30-April-10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WELLINGTON COUNTY - On Saturday April 17, hundreds of County of Wellington residents attended the Solid Waste Services (SWS) Backyard Composter and Rain Barrel Truckload Sale held in three locations across the County. It certainly wasn’t spring weather but people braved the snow and gusty winds to get a great deal on backyard composters and rain barrels. Composters were sold out before noon at all three locations for the second year in a row. In total, 750 backyard composters and 921 rain barrels were distributed before the sale ended at 1 p.m.

Those residents who were disappointed because the composters were sold out can pick up a composter at the County’s regular low price of $30 (taxes included)available at any of the County’s six waste facilities. Visit www.wellington.ca for facility locations and hours of operation.

A number of people took the opportunity to sign up to learn more about the SWS Division’s Master Composter Programme that is being developed by SWS staff. If you would like to be among the first to know about future composting workshops and volunteer opportunities, please email your contact information to wasteinfo@wellington.ca or call SWS at 519-837-2601 or toll-free at 1-866-899-0248 to be added to the mailing list.

Solid Waste Services staff thank everyone who participated in this event for making this year’s truckload sale another huge success!

For more information, please contact:

Mark Collins