What's Happening in Arran-Elderslie
A difficult few weeks calls for care & compassion, news from around the municipality and Council + coming events
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Typically, I will sit down on Saturday or Sunday morning to draft much of this newsletter. Last weekend was more challenging and over the course of the week, I just didn’t have the heart. Our community is reeling from multiple accidents that have devastated families over the past three weeks and left many people hurting from the loss of friends, teammates, and colleagues.
There are really no words that feel right at a time like this and nothing that can take away the hurt. The simple fact is life is precious. Relish the moments with the people you love. Give lots of hugs. Tell your people how much you care. And know there are people who care and love you.
A special thank you to our first responders, teachers and all those workers who have been there and continue to show up to support everyone who is grieving.
If you need someone to talk too, reach out. There are professional resources available also.
CMHA Grey Bruce Crisis Line
Confidential mental health support, day or night.
Call 988
Keystone Child, Youth, and Family Services
519-371-4773
Kids Help Phone
Support for children and youth through phone, text, or online chat.
1-800-668-6868 | Text CONNECT to 686868
kidshelpphone.ca
Hope for Wellness Helpline
24/7 counselling support for Indigenous individuals.
1-855-242-3310 | hopeforwellness.ca
~ Jen
Family Members of the 160th Bruce Battalion Walk from Chesley to Walkerton
Group set off from the Chesley Cenotaph Saturday morning at 10:20 AM
On June 3, 1916, the members of the 160th Battalion marched from Walkerton to Chesley to receive their colours. Two days later they marched back to Walkerton.
On Saturday, a group of family members of some of those men retraced the 25km route, walking from the Chesley Cenotaph to Walkerton, to honour their service during World War I.
The day was organized by Marilyn Scott and included many members of the Murray family, whose grandfather, P.A. Murray, trained and served in the 160th. In the fall of 2024, Bruce County Road 19 between Chesley and Walkerton was officially named the “Highway for Peace” in recognition of the 160th.
Bruce Rd 19 South of Chesley Closed Until Fall
Road reconstruction to take place throughout the summer
A section of Bruce Rd 19 near Chesley, between Concession Rd 14 E (south of Vesta) and Sideroad 25 N, will be closed to traffic from late May to September 2025 for road reconstruction.
Local traffic and emergency access will be maintained. Read the full notice here.
Arran-Elderslie Breaks Ground on New Firehall
New firehall and public works building to serve Paisley and surrounding area
After years of planning, the Municipality of Arran-Elderslie has officially broken ground on a new modern facility that will house the Paisley Firehall (Station 80) and Public Works Facility. The new building will replace the aging Station 80 and is designed to meet the needs of the community for decades to come.
The Firehall, that will be approximately 14,000 square feet, will include enhanced training areas, a healthy and safe work environment for fire personnel and will enable Arran-Elderslie Fire and Emergency Services to respond to emergencies, save lives, and strengthen the sense of security that our community relies on.
The new build will also include a new Public Works Facility that will provide a larger modern space for maintenance operations for municipal roads and equipment to support the growing needs of Paisley and the surrounding area.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Monday, May 14 to mark the official start of construction. The building will be located on the southwest corner of Canrobert Street and Bruce Road 3 on the south end of Paisley. Read more here.
Proactive Tips for Preventing Farm Theft
With rural crime rising there are ways to deter would-be theives
Local OPP were at Grey Ag Services last month to provide attendees with information on how to prevent farm and rural property theft. Read more in Farmtario 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.
Agenda Highlights - May 26, 2025
Here is a short recap from last Monday’s Council agenda. The full agenda and livestream video can be found here.
Notice of Motion - Free Weekly Public Swim & Passes for Paisley
Delegation from Neoen regarding Tara BESS - Note: there will be another public open house about the Tara BESS on Thursday, June 5 at the Tara Community Centre from 12 - 2 PM and 6 - 8 PM.
Presentation from Investment ONE and Investments direction discussion
Award Tender for Concession 6 Slope Reconstruction and Road Re-Alignment
Tile Drainage Loan Application – Dorian Farm Enterprises – 306 Concession 6, Elderslie
Drinking Water Quality Management Standard Review
Pedestrian Crossing - Bruce Road 3 and Church Street, Paisley
Appointment of Livestock Evaluator
Crosswalk Coming to Downtown Paisley
Bruce County planning crosswalk for this summer and additional study for fall
After much anticipation, there was a report in last week’s agenda from Public Works regarding a planned crosswalk for Paisley. This follows many requests from past and current Arran-Elderslie Councils and staff in light of increasing and often persistent traffic in the summer months.
In 2024, following the street construction, Bruce County conducted a traffic study of Queen Street North and concluded a crosswalk was appropriate. The location is planned for the corner of Church Street and Queen Street North (by the arena). The crosswalk will be painted on the road and signed, but a light is not planned at this time. I discussion, Council members expressed their appreciation to the County, but also reiterated the desire for a light to stop traffic.
The report goes on to note that the County and staff also have received a request from the Legion. Following the completion of the Paisley Inn, Bruce County will conduct an additional traffic study of this area. Read the full report.
Bruce County Planners in Chesley on Third Tuesday of the Month
Residents and businesses with zoning questions can book time to meet
Planning to build in Arran-Elderslie? Meet with a Bruce County Land Use Planner at the Chesley Municipal Office to discuss zoning, permits, land division, and more! Jenn Burnett or Megan Stansfield will be available for meetings between 9 AM - 4 PM on the third Tuesday of the month. Individuals are encouraged to consult the Bruce County Planning & Inquiries page in advance and come with site plans, property details, and questions to the meeting. Learn more.
Upcoming Committee & Public Meetings
ADEI Committee Meeting, Monday, June 2 at 4 PM, Council Chambers
Council Meeting, Monday, June 9 at 9 AM, Council Chambers
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
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)
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
Fridays
VON Exercise Class, 10 AM, Tara Legion
Sundays
Darts for Meat, 1 PM, Paisley Legion, $4 / round with meat prizes
June
Tuesday, June 3
Coffee with the Mayor - Paisley Community Centre, 10 AM - 11:30 AM
Thursday, June 5
Tara BESS Openhouse - Tara Community Centre, 12 - 2 PM and 6-8 PM
Friday, June 6
Decoration Day - Hosted by the Tara Legion Branch 383. Everyone is invited to help pay tribute to the veterans resting in Tara Hillcrest Cemetery, 9:30 AM
Tara Legion BBQ Night - 5-7 PM
Tea & Strumpets - Presented by the Chesley Community Players (mature themes), Doors 6:30 PM, Show 7 PM, Tickets $20 for adults, $10 students - available on Eventbrite or from Team Tedford Remax
Paisley Blues Festival - Paisley Arena, 5 PM - Midnight, entertainment includes Mackenzie Blues Band, Smokewagon Blues Band + MORE! Entry by donation.
Saturday, June 7
Chesley Horticultural Society Plant Sale - Chesley Community Church parking lot, 8 AM - 1 PM
Tea & Strumpets - Presented by the Chesley Community Players (mature themes),
Matinee 2 PM (doors at 1:30 PM), Evening Show 7 PM (doors 6:30 PM). Tickets $20 for adults, $10 students - available on Eventbrite or from Team Tedford RemaxPaisley Blues Festival - Paisley Arena, 4 PM - Midnight, entertainment includes - The Johnny Max Band, The Vaudevillian, Ginger St. James, Alfie Smith + MORE! Entry by donation.
Tuesday, June 10
Tribute to the One Room School - Paisley Treasure Chest Museum, 7 PM, By donation
Wednesday, June 11
Scam & Fraud Prevention - Chesley Library, 10:30 AM
Saturday, June 14
Household Hazardous Waste Dropoff - Paisley Bruce County Works Yard, 8 AM - 12 PM
Chesley & Area Firefighters Association Annual Yard Sale - Chesley Arena, 7 AM - 12 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!