Building Community Take Collaboration
New Paisley Working Group, "Belong" Award nominations and More
Thank you for reading The Back Yard Brief! If you got this from a friend and like the information in it, you can subscribe to receive this newsletter by email. It’s free and takes 2 minutes! Simply click the “Subscribe” button below and enter your email.
This weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the Small Communities Solutions Conference at the Harmony Centre in Owen Sound.
If you’re not familiar with the Harmony Centre, it’s a deconsecrated church, which was purchased by its neighbours in 2012 to turn into a community hub, of sorts and to preserve the beautiful, historic building. It’s an inspirational story on its own. The Centre hosts a variety of community services now, including regular concerts and events.
Anyway, this event was focused entirely around the great work being done by organizations to help alleviate poverty, homelessness and addictions in the region and in particular, in Owen Sound. At first blush, one might think, “this doesn’t really have anything to do with Arran-Elderslie.”
I thought that and wasn’t going to attend, but then I volunteered to help with a table for electHER Now, an organization working to support women to run for municipal politics locally. So, I was committed for the day, and I am so happy I did.
While the issues might seem more pronounced in Owen Sound, they affect all of Grey Bruce, including us here in Arran-Elderslie. As one of our regional hubs, folks from our community are regularly working and visiting Owen Sound, encountering the fallout from these issues and perhaps even facing them directly in their work or lives.
Turning a blind eye to these issues and pretending they don’t exist here is becoming increasingly difficult. Blaming individuals for situations beyond their control also does not help the situation and perpetuates the stigma that prevents people from engaging with solutions.
Overall, it was a really inspiring day. If interested, you can read more about it here.
~ Jen
New Paisley Downtown Working Group Seeks Members
Group will advise council and make recommendations on downtown enhancement efforts
Arran-Elderslie is establishing the Paisley Community Working Group to drive economic development in downtown Paisley. Passionate volunteers are invited to apply and be part of this initiative.
The Paisley Community Working Group will serve as a collaborative platform for business owners, community stakeholders, and municipal staff and council to exchange ideas, address challenges, and propose solutions that enhance economic growth and revitalization efforts.
“Our municipality is committed to working closely with our communities to support new business and development,” said Mayor Hammell. “This working group will play a key role in building economic growth, ensuring open communication between the municipality and the community, and keeping Paisley a vibrant and welcoming place for residents, businesses, and visitors.”
Community members interested in joining can find the Terms of Reference and Application Form on Arran-Elderslie’s website or pick up an application at the Paisley Community Centre. Applications will be accepted until April 14, 2025, and can be submitted in person at the municipal office in Chesley, or via email to cfraser@arran-elderslie.ca.
Welcoming Communities Seeks “Belong” Award Nominations
Award nominations for businesses, individuals and organizations due April 4
Welcoming Communities Grey Bruce is seeking nominations of Individuals, Community Groups, Businesses, and Youth Changemakers (age 29 and under) for their efforts in creating a Grey and Bruce Counties, and the Territories of Saugeen Ojibway Nation where we all BELONG.
To nominate, review the values of BELONG on the WCGB website and complete the nomination form. All completed nominations are due by Friday, April 4, 2025. Self-nominations will not be considered. The impact has to be local. Nominees must reside in Grey or Brue County. Learn More here.
Public Invited to Learn More at Drug Trafficking Town Halls
The CSWBP Crime Prevention Action Table, Community Drug and Alcohol Strategy and various partners invite community members to informative town halls featuring policing, health and social experts who will provide critical insights into drug trafficking, substance use, addictions and harm reduction strategies in our communities.
The sessions will offer a comprehensive look at drug trafficking, including what it is, warning signs, how investigations are conducted, and emerging trends. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from health professionals about substance use, harm reduction approaches, and the range of addictions services to support individuals and families.
By bringing together experts from law enforcement, health and social services, this workshop aims to enhance awareness, foster collaboration, and strengthen community responses to the challenges associated with drug trafficking and substance use.
The events are open to the public and welcome all who are interested in learning more about these important issues and the resources available in our region. No registration required.
Event Details:
Time: 6:00PM-8:00PM
Dates:
April 3, The Plex- Port Elgin
April 10, Durham Community Centre, Durham
April 16, Walkerton Community Centre, Walkerton
April 23, Sydenham Campus, Owen Sound
April 28, P&H Centre, Hanover
Arran-Elderslie in the News
In case you missed it, here’s some recent news clips about our community
Arran-Elderslie Fire Department Switching to St. Catharines Dispatch - You can read the full report from Chief Tiernan and view his presentation to council here.
Council Corner
DYK? The Council meeting agenda is posted online the Friday before the meeting. All meetings can also be viewed by livestream. You can find all information here.
Council Highlights - March 24, 2025
Here are a few highlights from the last council meeting on March 24. The full agenda and video of the proceedings can be found here.
Council requested that staff investigate the steps needed to explore one-way traffic on Rowe Street and Mill Drive in Paisley
The new Grey Bruce Bulls “A” hockey association presented an update on the changes to “rep” hockey in our area and requested discounted rates and more ice time for their association in the upcoming season. This new league will replace the traditional “rep” hockey with registration and try-outs happening this spring. Hockey parents can learn more here.
Approved the Chesley Kinsmen’s request to update Chesley Change House building
Received 2024 Council Remuneration and Expense Report
Received 2024 Operating Budget Year-end Report - Before any accounting adjustments have been made, the 2024 budget is showing a surplus of $348,307. Several departments came in under budget, including wages for some staff roles that were not filled or left vacant for part of the year, combined with higher ice rental revenue. The full report can be found here.
Council approved staff recommendations to change the Downtown Working Groups’ Terms of Reference, form a Paisley Community Working Group and create a Corporate Logo & Visual Identity Policy
Council also approved several bylaws, including a new Food Truck Bylaw which sets out requirements for food trucks wanting to locate on Private Property in the Municipality. Read the Policy.
Upcoming Committee & Public Meetings
Council Meeting, Monday, April 10 at 9 AM, Council Chambers
Council Meeting, Monday, April 24 at 9 AM, Council Chambers
Community Events
A full list of events can be found on the website. If you have events you’d like to add to this list, you can email them to jshaw@arran-elderslie.ca.
Weekly Events
Mondays
Crokinole & Coffee, 9 AM, Paisley Legion
Learn to crochet or knit, 7 PM, Paisley Legion, $2 / night. Every Monday except holidays.
Euchre, 6:30 PM, Paisley Legion
Pickleball, 7 PM, Paisley Central School gym
Tuesdays
Euchre, 7 PM, Tara Legion
Wednesdays
Game Night, 7 PM, Tara Legion
Thursdays
Brockton & Area Family Heath Team Exercise Class, 9 AM, Paisley Legion
Community Meal, 12 Noon, Chelsey Baptist Church
Live Jammin’, 1 PM, Tara Legion
Fridays
Corn Hole, 4 PM, Paisley Legion
Sundays
Darts for Meat, 1 PM, Paisley Legion, $4 / round with meat prizes
Monday, March 31
Phone & Tablet Basics - Chesley Library, 1 - 2 PM
April
Tuesday, April 1
2026 Bruce County IPM Cookbook Recipe Submission Deadline - Submit online
Thursday, April 3
Chesley Horticultural Society Meeting - Klages Mill, Chesley, 7 PM, Guest Speaker: Andy Kaufman - Companion Planting
Drug Trafficking Town Hall - The Plex, Port Elgin, 6-8 PM, Hosted by the CSWBP Crime Prevention Action Table
Saturday, April 5
Jennifer O’Reilly Stand-up Comedy Show - Paisley Legion, 7 - 8:30 PM, Tickets available through Paisley Legion
Trivia Night - Tara Curling Club, 6 PM, $180 / Team of 6, Funds towards the ATES Grade 8 Graduation Class and Tara Curling Club. Email taraclassof2025@icloud.com to reserve a spot.
Sunday, April 6
The Little Bigheads country gospel concert - Tara United Church, 2:00 PM, Tickets $20, Call Al 519-374-1306 or Peter 519-934-2874. Proceeds to Tara Area Food Bank.
Thursday, April 10
Drug Trafficking Town Hall - Durham Community Centre, Durham, 6-8 PM, Hosted by the CSWBP Crime Prevention Action Table
Friday, April 11
Karaoke Night with Merri Aiken - Tara Legion, 7 PM
Saturday, April 12
Bruce in Battle: Life in the 160th Battalion - Bruce County Museum, 2 PM, Free but tickets must be reserved through Bruce County Museum & Archives
That’s it for this edition of The Back Porch Brief! You can expect the next newsletter in your inbox in 2-ish weeks!