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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2019-03-14, Page 19THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2019. PAGE 19. The “Vow”Factor Wedding Package Stag & Doe 2" wide x 4" high Engagement 4" wide x 3" high Card of Thanks 25 words Wedding Announcement 4" wide x 4" high Prebook all 5 ads in The Citizen for only $100 Savings of over $100 Be part of our Bridal Showcase Call or email today 519-523-4792 or info@northhuron.on.ca WOW! Continued from page 1 MacLellan also neglected to shed a tear for the community, saying that if the ratios were adjusted, other tax classes will have to pick up the slack left behind by the farming community. He said that with the current taxation structure for farmland – meaning that taxes on farmland are only 25 per cent of residential or industrial lands – residential and other ratepayers are already picking up some of the slack for the farming community and this would take it even one step further. Whereas municipalities were supposed to receive money from the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) in order to offset those losses, he said, that funding has been steadily decreasing in recent years as well, making it harder for municipalities to keep up providing basic services for residents. He suggested that the farming community turn to the provincial government and Premier Doug Ford for tax relief, because property values are being set at the provincial level. Le Fort said that the OFA is consistently working on lobbying the provincial government and, aside from services to rural areas like broadband internet and natural gas infrastructure, property values are one of the most discussed issues. However, with the new provincial government trying to balance its budget, he said, they have not been receptive to the OFA thus far. MacLellan said it would only be fair to consult with all tax classes about what an appropriate, consistent tax rate for all classes would be and he said there would be no way that property owners from all classes would come to a consensus. He asked Treasurer Michael Blumhagen about the effect on a shift of tax burden in the coming budget from one tax class to another and the impact it would have on the budget. Blumhagen said that it wouldn’t directly have an effect on the budget from his perspective, it would simply change which class the money was coming from and which classes would pick up the slack in the wake of the shift. South Huron Mayor George Finch agreed with both MacLellan and Watt, saying that taxes are rising everywhere and it’s becoming increasingly unaffordable for a young family to buy a house, so he wasn’t in favour of making that process any harder for people than it already is. Le Fort and Vanden Hengel, however, did find support from Bluewater Mayor Paul Klopp and Huron County Warden Jim Ginn, who said that council should try and support the agricultural community in any way they could. On the suggestion of Klopp, council directed Blumhagen to prepare a report for council to be presented before the budget finalized later this spring. Susan Alexander CFP CLU CHS www.sholdicefinancial.com PEAK Investment Services Inc. Fighting fraud, we’re in this together Learn more about Fraud Prevention Please join us March 20th 7-8:30 pm. ~ Brussels Public Library Meeting Room Please call Kim at 519-887-2662 or 519-887-9594 to reserve your space Light refreshments provided Watch for more seminars to come! Kim Perrier FINANCIAL ADVISOR Mutual funds are provided through PEAK Investment Services Inc. All other products and services are provided through Sholdice Financial Services. Wingham ‘In it to Win it’ welcomes 12 hopefuls Forty people gathered in the Hot Stove Lounge at the Wescast Centre in Wingham on Wednesday to launch “In it to win it” competition. Based on the “Win this Space” concept that has been extremely successful in other towns and villages, this program is working to stimulate new downtown business. Over the next 12 weeks, participants will gain invaluable career training and access to a professional business coach as they each develop their own business plan. The 12 new business ideas vying to win the competition included: Henry’s Store, featuring new and used retail goods (Robert Coulson); Bauer Electric Bikes - bike and scooter repairs and accessories (Darren Bauer); Bauer Lawn Services (Vincent Bauer); West Coast Security Services offering security and training (Brett Bauer); Jordan Auto Inc. - auto garage and a dealership (Jordan Errington); Say Cheese offering artisan Swiss cheese products, gift baskets and more (Claudia Jansma); Gabrielle’s Sewing and Upholstery service and design space (Gabrielle MacDonald); Dream Day Events offering decor rentals and services (Melissa Meilleur); Chez Alis, breakfast café (Alice Yuill); Huron County Designs offering locally sourced gifts and decor (Nicole Urquhart); Crown’s Haven, a safe youth drop in centre (Mike Baillie) and a café (unnamed) for Mental Health Matters (Jen Fitzgerald Brough). “It’s exciting to see so many unique projects,” says Karen Stewart, project co-ordinator. “While not everyone can win the prize packages, each participant will develop a functional business plan so we anticipate several new businesses will open in Wingham this year.” Funding for the project was made available through the Township of North Huron, its Economic Development Committee, the Wingham BIA, and Libro’s Prosperity Fund. Training and mentorship is generously supported by Huron County Economic Development and Community Futures Huron. The prize package is supported by an additional nine sponsors including: Blackburn Radio, Crawford Mill and Davies (law firm), Diamond Steel Roofing, Hodgin’s Rona, Howick Mutual Insurance Company, Hurontel, MicroAge Basics, Stainton’s Home Hardware and TD Canada Trust. “In it to win it” will have a direct benefit on the local community by stimulating investment and creating jobs. On June 13, selected finalists will present their projects at a public event and someone will win the $10,000 prize package that includes cash for rent as well as in-kind services (internet, advertising, office supplies). Farm tax rate report forthcoming The big finale The Brussels Skating Club’s year-end celebration was held last week and featured choreographed performances based on popular music videos. Above, during the final act, all the skaters came back on the ice to end the year together. (Shawn Loughlin photo) Welcoming Reeve Bernie Bailey rolled out the red carpet for 12 hopeful business owners at the Wingham ‘In It to Win It’ launch last week. The winner of the program will receive funds and services to help them establish a business in Wingham. (Shawn Loughlin photo)