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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2019-10-31, Page 3THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2019. PAGE 3. Continued from page 2 is that certification is not awarded for having “good” results in any of the now-130 indicators, but for providing data for the indicators. Certification levels range from basic certification to platinum, depending on the number of indicators. While the WCCD originally focused on larger city centres, McCarney said once the pilot program was completed, some of the first municipalities to step up to participate in ISO37120 were rural Quebec communities. “It was surprising,” she said. “But we work with all sizes of municipalities.” Since being implemented, new ISO standards have been realized for smart cities (ISO 37122) and municipal resilience (ISO 37123), McCarney said, with the latter focusing not only on how well municipalities can weather natural disasters but also financial stress. Since implementation, the WCCD has helped municipal employees replace inherited, out-of-date data, McCarney said, which helps identify problems municipalities may be facing, as well as needs that should be addressed. James Patava, Vice-President of WCCD in charge of Public Affairs and International Relations, also participated in the talk, explaining that the ISO 37120 certification was, more and more, being increasingly considered as a marketing tool by municipalities. “The data is being used to highlight problems,” he said, adding that municipalities can see what critical investments are necessary to help make communities more attractive for development. “Standardized data sets baselines for evidence,” he said. “It measures impacts. Data drives decisions.” One of the most high-profile uses of the ISO 37120 program, Patava said, was the recent bid program for the second Amazon headquarters. Cities across North America were trying to tempt the online giant to relocate to their community. Patava explained that, normally, such a project would look at information about taxes and land availability, however Amazon was looking for very specific information about the communities, including green spaces, education metrics and teacher-to-student ratios. “We compiled all this information for Toronto,” Patava explained, adding the information is still used by the city as it’s now publically available online and is downloaded 10,000 times a month. He said people are viewing Toronto as a more viable location for investment thanks to that data. The WCCD has also worked with the United Nations to measure sustainable development goals. It is not better preaching! (J .C. Ryle) “When the Spirit of truth comes — He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13 Does anyone of us desire to help the Church of Christ? Then let him pray for a great outpouring of the Spirit. Only the Holy Spirit can... give edge to sermons, and point to advice, and power to rebukes, and can cast down the high walls of sinful hearts! It is not better preaching, and finer writing that is needed in this day — but more of the presence of the Holy Spirit! A Grace Gem Submitted by: Immanuel United Reformed Church, Listowel, ON 519-291-1956 November 2, 2019 POPPY DAY CANVASS Door-to-Door will start at 9:30 a.m. Those Legion and Ladies Auxiliary members who can attend will please meet at the Legion at 9:00 a.m. Your assistance will be appreciated. Let us make this another great campaign. Blyth Legion Branch 420 Standardizing city data helps with climate change Finding common ground As part of the RuralTalks event in Blyth last week, Doctor Patricia McCarney spoke on the importance of being able to compare municipal data on a level playing field. (Denny Scott photo) Members of the Fire Department of North Huron and the North Perth Fire Department will be taking to the ice on Saturday, Nov. 9, to raise money for the Wingham and District Hospital’s Oncology department and collect donations for local food banks. The two squads, consisting of members of the two departments, are facing off on at 7 p.m. at the Steve Kerr Memorial Complex in Lucknow after hosting the event in Wingham last year The event will feature a “chuck a puck” contest, door prizes and Sparky the Fire Dog greeting children. This year’s “chuck a puck” will require a non-perishable food item donation to take part in the contest. “Me and [firefighter recruit Tyler Peel] got talking about cancer and charity games, with one in five firefighters ending up with cancer, so we decided to play a charity hockey game to send all the money to the oncology department,” said organizer Captain Brad Hodgkinson in a previous interview with The Citizen. “It’s kind of a new thing to the area. The more money [the hospital] can get, the bigger it can go.” Hodgkinson explained that three North Huron firefighters have died of cancer in recent years, and said most people know someone touched by the disease. Aside from the game, there will also be a competition to see which firefighter has grown the most impressive “Movember” moustache. Movember is a worldwide, month-long fundraiser raising money to fight prostate cancer where participants grow a moustache all month and collect pledges while doing so. Peel said there will also be door prizes as well as refreshments provided by businesses local to the two fire departments. Following the contest, a donation will be made to benefit the recently- renovated oncology department at the Wingham and District Hospital. Tickets for the game are $5 each for adults, while children 12 and under are free to attend. Tickets are available at local businesses as well as from any firefighter from either department. Firefighters to play in fundraising game By Denny Scott The Citizen Festival of Lanterns Wingham was the place to be on Friday night as it hosted its annual Festival of Lanterns on the town’s main street. There were lanterns, Jack-o-lanterns and plenty of other spooky activities just days ahead of Halloween. (Shawn Loughlin photo) Curling Club sets plans for new season The Brussels Curling Club executive met at the home of President Halee McCann in Londesborough on Oct. 23. There were 10 members of the executive, with all committees represented in attendance. The first discussion centered around the time to curl. It was decided to start curling at 6:45 p.m. sharp, as the ice must be cleared by nine for the next rental. We are hoping that folks can be there by 6:30 p.m. to help put out the rocks and that everyone can be ready to start on time at 6:45 p.m. Next on the agenda was the cost for curling. The ice rates are up a bit so our rates will have to increase slightly as well. The rate for full- time curlers, for three draws, will be $180. Curlers only curling one or two draws will pay $75 per draw. New curlers can curl free for the first draw. These prices will ensure the covering of our costs for ice time for the season. It would be appreciated if everyone could try and pay their fees at the beginning of the season or draw. Equipment needs were discussed and many felt that we are in good shape with brooms and ice equipment. New scoreboards were discussed and the decision was made to put off replacement until a later time. It was suggested to have a piece of carpet put on the hacks to help clean shoes before delivering a rock and that will be done. Thanks to the painting committee who were out painting the ice last week. The club decided to have a free night for anyone wanting to come out and try curling. Clean shoes are the only equipment required. New curlers coming out will have one-on- one instruction from experienced curlers. They can practise for the time there and get a feel for the game. They can sign up that night if they think they would like to curl with the club. Any club member wanting to just come out for practice are encouraged to come and if enough want to have a game, they can. The entertainment committee would like to try a few new ideas this year and hopes everyone will stay after the game for some fun. Snacks as usual and social time and the rest is a surprise. The last night of the draw will be potluck as usual. We are hoping all our former curlers are returning to play and that we have new ones come to join. There are already three new ones and the more the merrier.Curling is for the young and old and the in between. Clean shoes are a must, and brooms are supplied. No pressure, just some fun and learn a new game and make new friends. Remember to dress in layers. Contact any draw committee member for more information or to sign up to play or come out Nov. 11 to try it out. You can call Steve Steiss, 519-887-6670, Mike Alexander 519-887-8999 or George Zwep 519-887-6605 to learn more.