News
Last night, County Council reviewed local cab fares. Brenda Little has more.
[Taxi operators have been looking for a revision of fares due to increased fuel, insurance, and
overall operating costs. It has been years since the last revision and staff worked with the local
operators to revise the system. Two operators gave comments in support of the proposed
revision, council members clarified some details and unanimously agreed to the new fare
structure that ensures fares are consistent based on distances. The fare schedule notes the
maximum charge however, operators can reduce at their discretion.]
Council chamber was packed last night as members of the public showed up in support of the Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre, which is currently for sale. Susan Mathieu returned to council with answers to concerns previously raised by several councillors. She outlined the needs, and asked for budget consideration for an additional $100,000.00 on top of the previous allocation of $70,000. She also proposed the facility be designated a project of community interest, which would allow donors to receive tax receipts as part of a capital fundraising campaign. This proposal had been denied in a recent meeting, but last night, council voted unanimously in favour of the designation. Council also voted in favour of Councillor John Hisch’s motion that the additional $100,00 be considered in the 2026 budget.
Also last night, Debbie Macdonald Moynes from Community Care for Seniors gave a presentation to Council highlighting the activities and benefits of the senior centre. She also requested that an additional $35,000 be considered in the 2026 budget to bridge the funding gap. Council agreed to add the request to the budget.
One item on the agenda for County Council’s Committee of the Whole tomorrow is the Wellington Town Hall Foundation’s proposal for the future use and stewardship of the Wellington Town Hall property. If the Committee accepts the proposal, Council will then direct staff to work with the Foundation to develop a Memorandum of Understanding outlining the terms, conditions, and a 12- to 24-month timeline for the phased transition of ownership and stewardship of the Town Hall. Staff will bring the Memorandum of Understanding back to Council for approval.
The County’s draft 2026 budget is now available for public review before consideration by Council next week. Tax levy increases will be required to maintain the same level of service the municipality delivers to the community every day. In total, the levy increase will result in a homeowner paying about $100 more annually per $100,000 of assessed home value. The water and wastewater operating expenses and capital budget are also up slightly, but are supported entirely by rates, and not property taxes. You can view the budget online or by contacting the County clerk’s office. Following the Council meeting, staff will revise the draft budget based on Council discussions and public input. The final budget will come before Council for consideration and adoption in January.
And finally, in national news, Prime Minister Mark Carney has made Canada’s first-ever cut to funding for a program which fights infectious diseases in the world’s poorest countries, diseases such as AIDS, TB, and malaria. Canada’s $1 billion contribution to the Global Fund is down more than 17 per cent from its last contribution. According to the Canadian spokesperson for an NGO which advocates for global investment in programs to support Africa, the Global Fund is the single most effective investment that countries can make in global health.
Sports
In the AHL, the Belleville Senators are in Winnipeg for back-to-back games against the Manitoba Moose. Last night, the Sens won 5 – 2, moving into a three-way tie for second place in the North Division. They play the Moose again tonight.
In the NHL, only one Canadian team played last night. At home, the Edmonton Oilers lost 8 – 3 to the Dallas Stars. The other six Canadian teams are in action on the road tonight. The Leafs are in Columbus, still with only one win on the road. The Ottawa Senators visit the Vegas Golden Knights. The Montreal Canadiens are in Utah. The Winnipeg Jets play the Washington Capitals. The Calgary Flames visit Tampa Bay. And, and in a Pacific Division match, the Vancouver Canucks are in Anaheim. The Sens are currently the only Canadian team in a playoff spot.
The PWHL has just started its regular season. Last night, the Montreal Victoire defeated the New York Sirens 4 – 0. Tonight, the Vancouver Goldeneyes play the Charge in Ottawa.
In the NBA tonight, the Toronto Raptors host the Indiana Pacers, on an eight-game winning streak, in second place in the Eastern Conference.
In Canada’s Olympic curling trials, with one draw left this afternoon, Kerri Einerson sits in first place, with Rachel Homan in second, and three teams tied for third, the last playoff position. After this morning’s men’s draw, Brad Jacobs is first, with Matt Dunstone, Mike McEwen, and Brad Gushue tied for second. The final men’s draw goes tonight, with playoffs starting tomorrow and running through the weekend.
