Surveys Residents Prefer Ward Structure to At Large Voting
Results from Community Engagement study, AECBA hosts first AGM and 2nd town-wide yard sales, Tara Legion Ladies Auxiliary recognized for 50 years
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A belated Happy Mother’s Day to all those readers who care, nurture and mother. I hope you were able to spend some time yesterday with those you love and being pampered. We’re finally into spring planting here in Arran-Elderslie and all over you can see farmers working hard to get their crops in the ground. This means there will be more farm equipment on the roads again, so please be sure to give lots of room and only pass when clear. Living in the heart of farming country means being extra patient at this time of year!
~ Jen
Arran-Elderslie Community & Business Association Hosts First AGM & Elects New Board
New association celebrates successful first year and receives contribution from Chesley & District Chamber of Commerce
It was a busy first year for the new Arran-Elderslie Community & Business Association (AECBA), as reported by the President-elect, Jennifer Tedford at the organization’s inaugural annual general meeting (AGM) on Thursday, May 8.
The association was formed in 2024 after years of conversations with business owners from across the municipality. The AECBA is is a membership-based organization that helps businesses network, learn and grow. Their goal is to strengthen, promote and celebrate businesses to enhance the vibrancy of the community.
The association had nearly 50 members in its first year. The AECBA hosted several events for business owners and community association leaders in 2024. They included: Breakfast with the Mayor, town-wide yard sales in Tara & Allenford, Chesley & Paisley, several networking & learning evenings focused on “finding your business spark”, attracting & retaining employees and volunteers, Christmas lights competition and more. The association also launched “Arran-Elderslie Bucks” which can be purchased like a gift certicate and are accepted at participating businesses.
Also at Thursday’s AGM, the members elected the 2025 Board of Directors. Leading the organization this year will be:
Jennifer Tedford, Team Tedford Remax - President
Craig Reid, Sprucedale Agromart - Past President
Jodie Stodde, JEM Electrical - Vice President
Deanna Harvie, Deanna Harvie Mortgages - Treasurer
Karen Winkels, J&H Sales & Service - Secretary
Nancy Butchart, Paisley Legion Branch 295
Sandra Crokard, Trinity Theatre
Tahnee Hippel, Bruud Coffee
Karen McCullough-Beech, McCullough Tirecraft
Shawn Morrow, Morrow Property Management
Following the conclusion of the AGM, the association was presented with $5000 from former Chesley & District Chamber of Commerce President Peter Knipfel. The funds are to assist with the start-up costs for the new organization.
Local business owners and community organizations are all invited to join the association. To learn more email aecommunitybusiness@gmail.com.
Tara Legion Ladies Auxiliary Celebrates 50 Years of Service
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 383 Tara hosts Zone C4 Convention
I was happy to join our MP Alex Ruff to bring greetings and congratulate the Tara Legion Ladies Auxiliary on 50 years of service at the Zone C4 Convention on Sunday, May 4. The Tara Ladies Auxiliary was established in 1975.
In his comments, MP Ruff stated the Ladies Auxiliary is the backbone of the Legion. The Auxiliary is often working behind the scenes, and are vital to Legion’s work. From bursaries awarded, to youth speech and sporting contests supported, to seniors’ sports tournaments and meals prepared, the Tara Legion Ladies Auxiliary has easily impacted thousands of lives in our community.
The work they do is important to providing people in our community with a place to gather, socialize and establish connections. Congratulations and thank you for your continued service to support our veterans, those who continue to serve and our community.
Community Yards Sales Across Arran-Elderslie
AECBA hosts town-wide yard sales for second year in a row
If you’re looking for a deal or doing spring cleaning and looking to declutter, there’s plenty of opportunities coming up this month!
Following a super successful Paisley town-wide yard sale this past weekend, there will be town-wide sales in Chesley on Saturday, May 17 and Tara & Allenford on Saturday, May 24. The Chesley Hospital Foundation will also be set up on Saturday, May 17 with a fundraising barbecue. The yard sale hours are generally 7:30 AM - 1 PM.
If you miss these, there are also always lots of treasures to be found at the Chesley Firefighters Giant Yard Sale, being held this year on Saturday, June 14 at the Chesley Community Centre. The location will be at the Chesley Community Centre Arena again this year. Drop offs will be accepted June 3rd - 13, from 6pm-7pm.
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 - May 12, 2025
Prior to today’s meeting, there will be a Committee of Adjustment meeting to review the following minor variance requests:
Minor Variance A-2025-010 - Geoffrey Lawrence - Minor Variance to seek relief from Section 3.8.1.3 of the Municipality’s Zoning By-Law which requires one parking space per accessory apartment. The applicant is seeking relief for 3
parking spaces. If approved, this variance will facilitate the
construction of 10 apartments, which will have 7 parking spaces
available on site.
Minor Variance A-2025-013 - Sharon and Curtis Van Sickle 69
Minor Variance to seek relief from Section 3.6.3.1(2) of the
Municipality’s Zoning By-law which requires an exterior side yard
setback of 6 m. This application proposes a setback of 1.73 m
and, if approved, will facilitate the construction of a detached
accessory building.
5.3 Minor Variance A-2025-015 - 5002044 ONTARIO LTD c/o Lucas Hill 86
Minor Variance to sever the land at 406 and 408 Alma Street,
converting the existing duplex into semi-detached homes. The
minor variance is to permit a reduced frontage of approximately
12 metres instead of 15 metres.
The regular council meeting will commence following Committee of Adjustment. The full agenda and livestream video can be found here.
Building By-law
Health & Safety Water Stream Grant
Sidewalk Patio Request – Wing House, Chesley
Award Tender - Hot Mix Pavement and E5 McAllister Bridge Work
Association of Municipalities of Ontario – Conference Delegation Request
Payment in Lieu of Parking – 543 Queen Street
Council to Receive Community Engagement Results Report on Ward vs At-Large Voting
Report finds 77% of surveyed residents prefer the ward structure
“Clerks on Call” will present the findings of their community engagement study to Council today. In addition to a survey, the consultants hosted three community open houses to provide information and answer residents’ questions about the voting structure. Overwhelmingly, those surveyed indicated a preference for the ward structure. Council will receive the report today.
The study was initiated by Council to better understand residents’ concerns and interest in changing to an “At Large” system. Since amalgamation in 1999, several Bruce County municipalities and all Grey County municipalities have transitioned to electing their councils at-large. There are benefits and disadvantages to both systems, and it’s up to municipal councils to decide how they structure their electoral system.
Arran-Elderslie currently has a ward structure, with ward boundaries aligned to the former townships of Arran and Elderslie, Village of Tara, Paisley and Town of Chesley. Any decision to change must be made by December 31, 2025 in order to be in place before the 2026 municipal election. The full report can be viewed here.
The presentation can also be watched live during today’s council meeting.
Upcoming Committee & Public Meetings
Committee of Adjustment, Monday, May 12 at 9 AM, Council Chambers
Council Meeting, Monday, May 12 following Committee meeting, Council Chambers
South Bruce OPP Board Meeting, Tuesday May 13 at 1 PM
Chesley & Area Fire Board Meeting, Tuesday, May 13 at 4 PM, 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
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
Tuesday, May 13
Chesley Community Players AGM - Chesley Bijou Theatre, 7 PM
Saturday, May 17
Sunday, May 18
Paisley Rotary Breakfast & Bottle Drive - Paisley Rotary Palace, 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM, $15 for adults, Children 12 & Under $7
Friday, May 23
Paisley Beautification Committee Plant Sale - 4 - 7 PM, Dr. Milne Park Pavilion, Potted and labelled donations of plants appreciated. Contact Mary Cottrill 519-353-5835 for more information.
"Songs of Home" – A Spectacular Choral Experience with Paisley Concert Choir - Hanover St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 7:30 PM Tickets $20 from Choir Members or at the door
Saugeen Bluffs River Run Weekend - 7 PM Paddling Workshop, Saugeen Bluffs Conservation Area
Saturday, May 24
Chesley Community Classic - Dave Spencer Memorial Pavilion, Chesley, Pre-race day registration starts at 7 AM, Race Start Time 9 AM. Hosted in support of the Brianne Gardhouse Memorial Fund.
Paisley Beautification Committee Plant Sale - 9 AM - 12 PM, Dr. Milne Park Pavilion.
"Songs of Home" – A Spectacular Choral Experience with Paisley Concert Choir - Owen Sound St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 2 PM Tickets $20 from Choir Members or at the door
Trivia Night - Cedar Rail Camp, 6:30 PM, Teams of 4-8 people $25, hosted by the Chesley Kinettes
Saugeen Bluffs River Run Weekend - Saugeen Bluffs Conservation Area":
9 AM - guided paddle on the Scenic Saugeen River from Access pt. 9a to access pt 11 for beginner and recreational paddlers1pm to 5 PM - Sanctioned OMCKRA canoe and Kayak races with many race categories and distances that will be enjoyed by both competitive paddlers and recreational paddlers
5 PM - Dinner at lower pavilion of Saugeen Bluffs
7-10 PM - music by local artists
Sunday, May 25
"Songs of Home" – A Spectacular Choral Experience with Paisley Concert Choir - Paisley Knox United Church, 7:30 PM Tickets $20 from Choir Members or at the door
That’s it for this edition of The Back Porch Brief! You can expect the next newsletter in your inbox in 2-ish weeks!