What Does it Mean to Belong?
Council update and what's happening this weekend.
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What does it mean to belong? This was a question posed to us recently during a workshop with members of the Accessibility, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee of council. A thoughtful conversation ensued, complete with examples of times from our own lives where we have either felt or not felt like we belonged.
Belonging is a fundamental need. It sits there right at the centre of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. As humans, we are social beings and wired for connection. Yet, in our super-connected world, more people than ever feel alone and disconnected.
While specific data for rural communities is unavailable, a 2023 report found that a whopping 58% of Canadians aged 50 or older have experienced loneliness. With limited public transit, geographic distribution of services and ongoing challenges to broadband access, the risk of isolation is not just limited to seniors. During a 2021 national study, nearly 1 in 10 Canadians reported feeling lonely, including nearly 25% of youth aged 15 - 24 years. Granted, this was the middle of the pandemic, but I frequently hear concerns from my friends that work with youth about ongoing isolation and the impact of those pandemic years on their wellbeing.
The good news is this challenge doesn’t require a complicated plan to solve or even a warchest of money. Connection can be as simple as a smile; showing someone “I see you.” A “hello” at the grocery store or extending a hand to introduce ourselves to a new face at church or the arena.
Of course, places like churches have always been places for creating these connections and belonging. As the role of faith in many people’s lives has declined, so too has the prevalence of these places. It is up to us to recreate these experiences in other places. As we walk the dog, enjoy a rest on a bench downtown or are out at an event in town.
As our committee looks for little ways we can foster more belonging in our community, I challenge my readers to do the same. Small actions can make a big difference.
~ Jen
2026 Municipal Election to use Ward System
Arran-Elderslie Council Votes to Maintain Current Electoral Structure
Council voted on Monday, June 9 to continue with the current ward-based electoral structure for the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie. This decision follows an in-depth community engagement process led by Clerks on Call, who presented their final report to Council on May 12, 2025.
The engagement strategy included a public survey completed by 484 residents, three open house sessions, individual interviews with members of Council, and opportunities for community feedback.
The results were clear: 77% of participants indicated a preference to retain the ward-based system. Many expressed that this structure provides fair representation across the municipality and helps address the unique needs of each ward. Council’s decision reflects the strong public support for maintaining the current system and ensures continuity for the next municipal election.
“It’s important that we listen when the community has clearly spoken,” said Mayor Steve Hammell. “We appreciate everyone who took the time to share their thoughts. Council heard you, and today’s decision reflects that collective voice.”
Most municipalities in Grey and Bruce Counties have changed to “at large” voting, where residents vote for their preferred candidates from one pool of candidates. The councillors then represent the entire municipality. In the current ward system, councillors still represent the whole but are elected only by voters from within their ward.
Free Public Swim at Tara and Chesley Pools This Summer
Family pool passes also to be available at Paisley library
Following a suggestion from a Chesley resident, I’m proud to share that the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie will be offering a free, weekly public swim at the pools this summer. Shout out to Sarah who suggested the idea to me, after which I brought forward a motion to Council, with the support of Councillor Hampton. There was unanimous support at the table for the motion that provides increased access and increases service equity to residents.
The Recreation Department is still confirming details but tentatively have planned to offer a free swim in Chesley on Tuesdays from 6:00pm-7:30pm and Thursdays in Tara from 6:00pm-7:30pm. Additionally, they are working with the Bruce County library to provide a limited number of family passes to residents of Paisley, which can be signed out of the library for use of the pools.
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 - June 9, 2025
Here is a short recap from last Monday’s Council agenda. The full agenda and livestream video can be found here.
Doug Walsh - Chesley Happy Gang Seniors Club 65 Anniversary - September 2025
Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority - Paisley Dyke Improvement
Project
Bridge Infrastructure Master Plan
Change of Traffic Flow - Paisley
Leash Free Park Request - Chesley
Rec Department Budget Update
New Server
Investments
Investment and Interest Income Allocation
Vacant Storefront Tax
Ward vs At-Large Electoral System
Easement Agreement – Knapp – 187 Balaklava Street
Upcoming Committee & Public Meetings
Tara Downtown Working Group meeting, June 19 at 10 AM, Sutton-Sound Reality Office, Tara
Council Meeting, Monday, June 23 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
VON Exercise Class, 10 AM, Tara Legion
Euchre, 6:30 PM, Paisley Legion
Tuesdays
Euchre, 7 PM, Tara Legion
Rock & Rollerskate, 6-8 PM, Chesley Arena (starts June 3)
Wednesdays
Crokinole Social, 7 - 9:30 PM, Chesley Firehall
Horseshoes, 7 PM, Tara Legion
Rock & Rollerskate, 6-8 PM, Paisley Arena (starts June 11)
Rock & Rollerskate, 6-8 PM, Tara Arena (starts June 23)
Pickleball, 4:30 - 8 PM, Tara Curling Club
4:30 - 7:30 PM, Chesley Curling Club
6 - 8 PM, Paisley Curling Club
Thursdays
Brockton & Area Family Heath Team Exercise Class, 9 AM, Paisley Legion
Community Meal, 12 Noon, Chelsey Baptist Church
Live Jammin’, 2 PM, Tara Legion
Jam Session, 7 - 10 PM, Paisley Legion
Fridays
VON Exercise Class, 10 AM, Tara Legion
Sundays
Darts for Meat, 1 PM, Paisley Legion, $4 / round with meat prizes
June
Tuesday, June 17
Strawberry Social - Hosted by the Chesley Legion Branch 144 Ladies Auxiliary
Thursday, June 19
Strawberry Tea & Bake Sale - Hosted by the Chesley Legion Branch 144 Ladies Auxiliary
Friday, June 20
Fish & Chips - Tara Legion, 5-7 PM, $20 per person
Saturday, June 21
Caitlyn Cobean Community Crusaders Touch-a- Truck Event - Paisley Rotary Park, Sponsored by the Paisley & District Firefighters, 10 AM - 2 PM
Researching Canadian Soldiers with Eric Edwards - Paisley Legion Lounge, Free but please register by emailing sharonkellyhope@gmail.com, 10 - 12 Noon
Monday, June 23
Paddle With Pride - Bring your kayaks, canoes or floaties, meet new people and celebrate queer joy. Free. Meet at Saugeen River Access Point 9B (end of Inkerman street past the dog park, Paisley), 6 PM
Thursday, June 26
Ontario Forage Expo - Hosted with the Bruce County Soil & Crop, 10 AM - 3 PM, Free, Trelford Farms, 1342 Bruce County Rd 40, Paisley, ON
Saturday, June 28
Chesley Julyfest “Stuck in the ‘90’s” Dance - Kinsmen Pavilion, Free admission, Age of Majority
The Drag Stop Pride Tour - Bonfire on Queen, Paisley, Tickets - $30
Sunday, June 29
Chesley Kinsmen Julyfest Car Show - Chesley Park, 9 AM - 4 PM, By donation
July
Tuesday, July 1
Chesley Kinsmen Julyfest Fireworks - Chesley Park, after dusk
That’s it for this edition of The Back Porch Brief! You can expect the next newsletter in your inbox in 2-ish weeks!