Quick Update for This Week
Reports from Day of Mourning service, Welcoming Communities Gala and Hike for Hospice this weekend in Paisley
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We are finally through the elections. No matter how you feel about the outcome, it was nice to see voter turnout increase for once. Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound saw voter turnout increase over 5 points to over 70% from 64.3% in 2021 (according to Bayshore Broadcasting). I am feeling relieved it’s all over and government can go back to work tackling the challenges ahead.
~ Jen
National Day of Mourning Remembers Injured and Killed Workers
Mayor proclaims April 28 Day of Mourning in Arran-Elderslie
Workers from Arran-Elderslie, local union leaders and elected officials gathered on Friday, April 25 at the Chesley Community Centre to recognize and remember workers whose lives were lost or forever changed due to injury.
The event was held ahead of the National Day of Mourning, which takes place annually on April 28.
The event was somber as speakers shared statistics and information about the importance of prioritizing safety in the workplace. Along with local union leaders, Mayor Steve Hammell (Arran-Elderslie), Mayor Mark Goetz (South Bruce), Mayor Sue Carleton (Georgian Bluffs) and Deputy Mayor Diane Huber (Saugeen Shores) brought greetings.
Speakers reminded attendees how workplace accidents don’t only affect the individual and their family, but communities as a whole.
Each year, the Day of Mourning is observed on April 28th to pause and remember those who have been killed, injured, or made sick due to workplace incidents. As we honour their memory, we also renew our commitment to fight for the living. Tragically, too many workers continue to lose their lives, while countless others suffer injuries and illnesses. One death, one injury, or one illness is one too many.
By the numbers:
In 2023, according to the Workers Health & Safety Centre, 2,940 workers left for work but never returned home. Additionally, another 353,312 workers were injured or developed work-related illnesses. Sadly, these numbers only reflect accepted claims from the workers’ compensation system, with many more cases going uncounted due to significant underreporting.
Welcoming Communities Grey Bruce Awards First “Belong” Award Recipients
Together as One Gala featured international food, entertainment and awards
There was a “sold out” crowd for the inaugural “Together as One” Gala hosted by Welcoming Communities Grey Bruce at the Klages Mill, Chesley on Friday, April 25.
The gala was to recognize and celebrate diversity, inclusivity and the people making a difference in our region. The event featured music, dancing, a buffet of international food and the inaugural “Belong” awards. The BELONG Awards recognized individuals and organizations who commit themselves to improving welcoming experiences for others in Grey and Bruce Counties and the Territories of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation.
The 2025 Award winners included:
Anne Schneider, Kemble (Individual)
M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre (Organization or Non-profit)
TD Bank Hanover (Business)
Bankole (Banks) Faleyee (Youth)
Hike for Hospice Coming to Paisley May 4
Saugeen Hospice raising money
Paisley will be host to its first “Hike for Hospice” event in support of Saugeen Hospice this Sunday, May 4 at Rotary Riverside Park from 12 - 3 PM.
Donations raised will go towards the project which will provide comfort, dignity, and care for individuals and families during life’s most challenging moments. By hiking or pledging, you’re helping us take another crucial step toward making this dream a reality for southern Bruce and Grey counties, and the surrounding areas.
This spring, people across Canada will join forces to gather pledges and hike in support of hospice palliative care. Learn more about the Saugeen Hike for Hospice.
Applications Open for Chesley Kinsmen Scholarship
$1000 post-secondary bursary available for local student
The Chesley Kinsmen are now accepting bursary applications from students entering their first year of post-secondary school. Students must reside in Arran-Elderslie and have a connection to Chesley. You can request a copy of the application form by emailing chesleykinsmen@gmail.com.
Arran-Elderslie in the News
In case you missed it, here’s some recent news clips about our community
Arran-Elderslie Mayor Recieves “Strong Mayor” - Arran-Elderslie was among 169 municipalities that may be receiving “strong mayor” powers. Mayor Hammell issued a statement last week following a Council decision expressing concerns for the legislation.
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.
Agenda Highlights - April 28, 2025
Council approved the minor variance to parcel out seven townhouse units to individual lots on Arnaud Street, Paisley. More details can be found here.
Here are a few other highlights from yesterday’s Council agenda. The full agenda and livestream video can be found here.
Travis Tibbo - Chesley 145th Anniversary Update
Sale of Surplus Asset Retired SCBA Units
Paisley Fire Hall and Public Works Project Update
Award Purchase of Roadside Mower
Award Flat Rood Projects
Purchasing and Procurement Policy
Grants and Donations By-Law Changes
Spruce the Bruce Grant Update
Strong Mayor Powers Update
Additional Dwelling Units Zoning Amendment
Paisley Downtown Working Group appointments
Upcoming Committee & Public Meetings
Multi-Municipal Energy and Wind Working Group, Thursday, May 8, 7 PM, Council Chambers
Committee of Adjustment, Monday, May 12 at 9 AM, Council Chambers
Council Meeting, Monday, May 12 following Committee meeting, Council Chambers
Tara Downtown Working Group Meeting, Thursday, May 15 at 10 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
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
May
Saturday, May 3
GSCA Tree Sale - Grey Sauble Conservation Authority Admin Centre (237897 Inglis Falls Road, Owen Sound)
Tara Minor Soccer Gear Swap - Downtown Tara parkette, 11 AM - 1 PM
Sunday, May 4
Hike for Hospice - Paisley Rotary Park, 12 - 4 PM
Spring High Tea - Paisley Legion, 12 - 4 PM, $20 per person, $10 per child, Etransfer and contact highteaparty@hotmail.com
Wednesday, May 7
5-week Line Dancing Classes start - Paisley Legion, 7 - 8:30 PM, $10 / class. Led by Rockin Boots Line Dancing. Runs May 7 - June 4, 2025.
Thursday, May 8
Arran-Elderslie Community & Business Association AGM - Bonfire on Queen, Paisley, 7 PM - Everyone interested in growing vibrant businesses and community groups are welcome to attend!
Friday, May 9
BBQ Night - Tara Legion, 5-7 PM
Saturday, May 10
Grey Rd 1 Highway Revival Tour - Tara Legion, 8 PM, Admission by donation.
Sunday, May 11
Mother’s Day Drag Brunch - Bonfire on Queen, 12 Noon, $30
Mother’s Day Breakfast - Chesley Community Centre, 9 AM - 12 PM, hosted by Chesley Curling Club, $15 for adults, $20 at the door.
Tuesday, May 13
Chesley Community Players AGM - Chesley Bijou Theatre, 7 PM
That’s it for this edition of The Back Porch Brief! You can expect the next newsletter in your inbox in 2-ish weeks!