Thursday, December 23, 2010

Vincent acclaimed as county warden

A map showing which census divisions are part ...Image via WikipediaVincent acclaimed as county warden

December 22, 2010
Pat Bolen
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GODERICH — With family, friends and North Huron municipal staff in attendance, North Huron Reeve Neil Vincent was acclaimed as Huron County Warden Dec. 8 in Goderich.

Also serving with Vincent for the next term will be county council members:
• Central Huron Reeve Jim Ginn, with Deputy Reeve Dave Jewitt and Coun. Brian Barnim;
• Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan, with Deputy Mayor Joe Steffler and Coun. Bill Siemon;
• South Huron Mayor George Robertson with Deputy Mayor Jim Dietrich and Coun. David Frayne;
• Howick Reeve Art Versteeg;
• Morris-Turnberry Mayor Paul Gowing;
• Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh Reeve Ben Van Diepenbeek with Deputy Reeve Neil Rintoul;
• Goderich Mayor Deb Shewfelt and Deputy Mayor John Grace;
• North Huron Vincent and Deputy Reeve David Riach;
• Bluewater Mayor Bill Dowson with Deputy Mayor Paul Klopp and Coun. Tyler Hessel.

Outgoing warden Bert Dykstra said his term had been a great experience and despite the recent turnover due to the municipal election, there was still 200 years worth of experience around the table plus the new members.

Van Diepenbeek nominated Vincent and addressed council on the experiences and qualifications of Vincent.

Van Diepenbeek said he has known Vincent for several years and described his work with farm and environmental organizations. He added Vincent has integrity as well as pride in Huron County and the ability and desire to serve the county well.

Following the acclamation, Vincent said no matter how many times he had been at the county council table, it was still an emotional moment to sit as warden. He described it as a position of honour and trust.

He added he has been honoured to serve with many excellent volunteers around the county.

“It is with a great deal of pride that I take this job,” said Vincent. “I'll work to the best of my ability.”




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Friday, December 17, 2010

Municipality of Bluewater - Council Members

Municipality of Bluewater - Council Members
2010 - 2014 Council Members

The Municipality of Bluewater is governed by an elected Council of 10 members who serve a four-year term: The Mayor, Deputy Mayor and one Councillor-at-Large, seven Ward Councillors. Together, they provide municipal representation for all citizens. The current term of office runs from 2010-2014.


Mayor
Bill Dowson
RR 1
Varna, ON N0M 2R0
519-565-2523
wjdowson@tcc.on.ca


Deputy Mayor
Paul Klopp
RR 2
Zurich, ON N0M 2T0
519-236-4291
klopps@hay.net


Councillor-at-Large
Tyler Hessel
Box 2084
Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0
519-525-8514
hessel4bayfield@tcc.on.ca


Bayfield Ward Councillor
Geordie Palmer
Box 29
Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0
519-565-2903
geopal@eastlink.ca


Hay East Ward Councillor
John Becker
Box 101
Dashwood, ON N0M 1N0
519-237-3628
sepbecker@hotmail.com


Hay West Ward Councillor
John Gillespie
72753 Ravine Drive
St. Joseph, ON N0M 2T0
519-236-7285
johngill@hay.net


Hensall Ward Councillor
Kay Wise
73 King Street
Hensall, ON N0M 1X0
519-262-2050
kjwise@bell.net


Stanley East Ward Councillor
Dave Roy
RR 1
Bayfield, ON N0M 1G0
519-565-4125
droy@tcc.on.ca


Stanley West Ward Councillor
George Irvin
RR 1
Dashwood, ON N0M 1N0
519-236-7047
jeangeorgeirvin@hay.net


Zurich Ward Councillor
Janisse Zimmerman
75 Main Street
Zurich, ON N0M 2T0
519-236-4947
janzim75@gmail.com


Council remuneration was established by a bylaw in 2009.

Council remuneration 2009 By-law 122

Municipality of Bluewater - 2010 Council

The Newly Elected Bluewater Council
2010

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Weather Warnings - Environment Canada

Weather Warnings - Environment Canada

Warnings

Stratford - Mitchell - Southern Perth County
12:15 PM EST Sunday 12 December 2010
Snowfall warning for
Stratford - Mitchell - Southern Perth County CONTINUED

..15 CM OF HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED TODAY..

AN INTENSIFYING AREA OF SNOW FROM THE WINTER STORM CONTINUES TO AFFECT PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN Ontario. THE SNOW WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES THROUGHOUT THE DAY INTO TONIGHT. THE SNOW MAY ALSO BE BRIEFLY MIXED AT TIMES WITH RAIN ESPECIALLY OVER SOUTHERN SECTIONS. THE SNOW WILL CONTINUE TONIGHT AS MUCH COLDER ARCTIC AIR FLOODS IN FROM THE NORTH IN THE WAKE OF THE STORM CENTRE..WITH ANOTHER 2 TO 5 CM EXPECTED ALONG WITH SOME BLOWING SNOW AS STRONG NORTHERLY WINDS DEVELOP.

A deepening winter storm centre over Northwest Ohio will track over Lake Erie then to Western Lake Ontario this evening. The storm centre will then move northeast across the Ottawa area into Southern Québec by Monday morning. This storm will bring significant amounts of snow north of its track and freezing rain to Eastern Ontario. Further south a messy mix of rain and wet snow will fall in areas near the Lake Ontario and Lake Erie shores..Before changing over to snow in its wake by tonight.

Strong northerly winds developing tonight in the wake of the storm centre will also result in blowing snow in exposed areas especially over western and northern sections.

Snow squalls will quickly develop in the wake of the storm on Monday in many parts of the snow belt regions to the lee of Lake Huron AND Georgian Bay. SNOW SQUALL WARNINGS MAY EVENTUALLY BE REQUIRED.

TRAVELLING CONDITIONS WILL QUICKLY DETERIORATE THIS MORNING AS THE PRECIPITATION MOVES IN. DANGEROUS WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS ARE LIKELY DUE TO LOW TO NIL VISIBILITY IN HEAVY SNOW..BLOWING SNOW..AND FROM ACCUMULATING SNOW. UNTREATED SURFACES WILL BECOME ICY AND SLIPPERY ESPECIALLY IN EASTERN Ontario WHERE FREEZING RAIN IS EXPECTED. TRAVELLERS SHOULD ADJUST PLANS ACCORDINGLY OR POSTPONE TRIPS UNTIL THE STORM IS OVER.

ENVIRONMENT Canada CONTINUES TO CLOSELY MONITOR THIS THREATENING WINTER STORM AND MAY ISSUE ADDITIONAL WARNINGS AS NECESSARY.


Goderich - Bluewater - Southern Huron County
12:15 PM EST Sunday 12 December 2010
Snowfall warning for
Goderich - Bluewater - Southern Huron County CONTINUED

..15 CM OF HEAVY SNOW EXPECTED TODAY..

AN INTENSIFYING AREA OF SNOW FROM THE WINTER STORM CONTINUES TO AFFECT PORTIONS OF SOUTHERN Ontario. THE SNOW WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES THROUGHOUT THE DAY INTO TONIGHT. THE SNOW MAY ALSO BE BRIEFLY MIXED AT TIMES WITH RAIN ESPECIALLY OVER SOUTHERN SECTIONS. THE SNOW WILL CONTINUE TONIGHT AS MUCH COLDER ARCTIC AIR FLOODS IN FROM THE NORTH IN THE WAKE OF THE STORM CENTRE..WITH ANOTHER 2 TO 5 CM EXPECTED ALONG WITH SOME BLOWING SNOW AS STRONG NORTHERLY WINDS DEVELOP.

A deepening winter storm centre over Northwest Ohio will track over Lake Erie then to Western Lake Ontario this evening. The storm centre will then move northeast across the Ottawa area into Southern Québec by Monday morning. This storm will bring significant amounts of snow north of its track and freezing rain to Eastern Ontario. Further south a messy mix of rain and wet snow will fall in areas near the Lake Ontario and Lake Erie shores..Before changing over to snow in its wake by tonight.

Strong northerly winds developing tonight in the wake of the storm centre will also result in blowing snow in exposed areas especially over western and northern sections.

Snow squalls will quickly develop in the wake of the storm on Monday in many parts of the snow belt regions to the lee of Lake Huron AND Georgian Bay. SNOW SQUALL WARNINGS MAY EVENTUALLY BE REQUIRED.

TRAVELLING CONDITIONS WILL QUICKLY DETERIORATE THIS MORNING AS THE PRECIPITATION MOVES IN. DANGEROUS WINTER DRIVING CONDITIONS ARE LIKELY DUE TO LOW TO NIL VISIBILITY IN HEAVY SNOW..BLOWING SNOW..AND FROM ACCUMULATING SNOW. UNTREATED SURFACES WILL BECOME ICY AND SLIPPERY ESPECIALLY IN EASTERN Ontario WHERE FREEZING RAIN IS EXPECTED. TRAVELLERS SHOULD ADJUST PLANS ACCORDINGLY OR POSTPONE TRIPS UNTIL THE STORM IS OVER.

ENVIRONMENT Canada CONTINUES TO CLOSELY MONITOR THIS THREATENING WINTER STORM AND MAY ISSUE ADDITIONAL WARNINGS AS NECESSARY.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Canon Rock

Weather Warnings - Environment Canada

Weather Warnings - Environment Canada

Warnings

Goderich - Bluewater - Southern Huron County
4:47 AM EST Thursday 09 December 2010
Snow squall warning for
Goderich - Bluewater - Southern Huron County continued

Radar continues to show flurries and snow squalls off Lake Huron. Additional local accumulations up to 10 cm are still possible today.

However the squalls are getting less organized and are expected to continue weakening this morning. Snow squalls are expected to end by this afternoon as the ridge of high pressure builds over the lakes. For snowfall accumulation totals please refer to the weather summary for Southern Ontario.

Motorists should note that dangerous winter driving conditions from whiteout conditions will suddenly develop from bursts of heavy snow and blowing snow. Quickly accumulating snow will also be a significant hazard.

Environment Canada continues to closely monitor this situation.

Exeter, Ontario - Radar Imagery - Environment Canada

Exeter, Ontario - Radar Imagery - Environment Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Weather Radar - Exeter


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PRECIP - Snow 2010-12-09, 09:40 AM EST, 7/7
Radar image for station WSO located near London, Ontario.
Radar image for station WSO located near London, Ontario.

Note: Download time of 30+ seconds when using 56Kb or slower modem connection

CBC News - Toronto - More snow on the way for southern Ontario

More snow on the way for southern Ontario

Last Updated: Thursday, December 9, 2010 | 8:24 AM ET Comments15Recommend17

The record snowfall that has been hitting London and other communities in southwestern Ontario is expected to ease Thursday, but there is more snowy weather in the forecast.

Residents of London, Ont., dig out Wednesday following three days of heavy snow. Residents of London, Ont., dig out Wednesday following three days of heavy snow. (Geoff Robins/Canadian Press)

Some areas east of Lake Huron have already seen as much as 177 centimetres fall since the weekend, and the region's communities are forecast to receive another five to 10 centimetres Thursday, as well as two to four cm Friday.

CBC meteorologist Natasha Ramsahai said Thursday morning there was still a line of snowfall stretching from Goderich to London. There was a snow squall warning for the area, but squalls were easing because the strong northwest winds are easing, she said.

Ramsahai said what's made the week's weather unusual has been the persistence of the squalls, which usually last a day or two.

"This has been going on since Saturday, hence the heavy amounts," she said.

To add to the province's weather woes, a "monster storm" developing in Colorado may hit all of southern Ontario on Sunday, potentially bringing 10 cm of snow to Toronto and freezing rain to the Ottawa Valley, she said.

The London area has received more than a metre of snow since the weekend, more snow than is considered normal for the entire month of December. The snow was blamed for hundreds of accidents and brought communities in the region to a standstill.

The Thames Valley District School Board in London said Thursday that all schools are open, but parents and students were urged to use extra caution.



Read more: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/toronto/story/2010/12/09/canada-london-snowfall-record-amounts.html#ixzz17cqrbiej

CBC News - Toronto - More snow on the way for southern Ontario

Municipality of Bluewater

INAUGURAL MEETING RESCHEDULED TO DECEMBER 10 AT 3 P.M.

Dec 6, 2010 - Mayor Dowson has rescheduled the inaugural meeting to Friday, December 10th, 2010 at 3 p.m. in Council Chambers at the Stanley Complex. For further information, please contact the municipal office at 519-236-4351.



Municipality of Bluewater

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

A Tribute to Bill Dowson from his Family

CONGRATULATIONS DAD!

From Bayfield to Zurich, Dashwood, Hensall, Brucefield, Varna, Dinsley Terrace to Blake, and every sub-division along the lake, I don’t think this guy could possibly have missed one door, and there is no one here, that deserves this more!
Bill Dowson did not win this election tonight, nor did he win it throughout this election year!
He won this election with his knowledge, his history, his empathy, generosity, concern and his honour, for his community over the past 25 years plus.
Every single time he picked up his phone, every time he gets in his truck, every time he goes out the lane he is consistently meeting, greeting, hosting and rarely missing a function.
He changes tires for strangers along the side of the road, on a long weekend in the rain. He picks up hitch-hickers along the road and lends them 10 bucks to continue on! He brings home European back-packers from the corner store, he feeds them and gives them a room for the night, then he spends three days showing and introducing them all around, because he’s so proud of his community, his home! And because he’s so generous and caring and proud, these examples are the reason why he is here right now!
I call this his “Hobby” this position he holds, it is not “work” for him, if the truth be told. 
He “collects” people, friends and acquaintances, he thrives for their history, their concerns he embraces.
How lucky are WE, his family, to have had this are whole life.
But how does he continue to go as he goes, with meetings and functions and the visiting he does?
There is only one way that he keeps recharged, and respectfully THAT award goes to his wife!
Joyce keeps him fueled and energized, he teases and flirts, she knows all his ways, 
Joyce is patient but bold, ‘cause he needs both to behave.

THEY ARE 50 YEARS THIS YEAR TOGETHER, 50 YEARS AND EVERY YEAR BETTER. THANK YOU BLUEWATER, 25 YEARS AND 8 ELECTIONS AND THIS COMMUNITY IS STILL GETTING IT RIGHT!

CONGRATULATIONS MAYOR BILL AND YOUR HOUNORABLE WIFE JOYCE, MOM, DAD, GRANDMA, PAPA, SISTER, BROTHER & FRIEND

Monday, November 15, 2010

Christmas in Bayfield a Tremendous Success

Christmas in Bayfield was just another fine example of great events in the Municipality of Bluewater.
Christmas in Bayfield - Lighting of Christmas Lights in the Park

Santa without Snow ?

The Grinch is Going Green ..

In perfect "synch"....

Thanks to the Chamber of Commerce

The Joy of Christmas

Balloons in Bloom...

Mayor Bill Dowson wishing everyone a Merry Christmas
The weather was outstanding, the turn-out was tremendous, and fun was had by all.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Thank you to all Citizens of the Municipality of Bluewater

Dowson elected to fourth term as mayor of Bluewater

October 27, 2010
Ben Forrest
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VARNA – Of the 10 people elected or acclaimed to Municipality of Bluewater council this election, six are either new or in new positions.
But voters elected to stay the course when it came to the head of council, electing incumbent Bill Dowson to a fourth term as mayor.
Dowson beat his only challenger, outgoing Councillor-at-Large Jim Fergusson,  2,588 to 2,242 – a margin of only 346 votes
Paul Klopp is among the new faces on council, having beaten incumbent Dave Johnston for the deputy mayor's position by a vote of 2,781 to 2,030.
Klopp, a former MPP, also served as deputy mayor from 2001 to 2006, when he narrowly lost the election to Johnston.
Outgoing Bayfield Coun. Tyler Hessel won the race for Councillor-at-Large, beating John Murray Taylor by 172 votes – 2,442 to 2,270.
Replacing Hessel in the Bayfield ward will be Geordie Palmer, who beat Janet Snider 527 to 357.
John Gillespie beat out Jillian Clarke for the Hay West seat, garnering 582 votes to Clarke's 350. Gillespie will replace Bill MacDougall, who opted not to run this election.
The Zurich Ward saw a close race, with Janisse Zimmerman edging out incumbent Marg Deichert 264 votes to 215.
A final new face on council will be Dave Roy, who beat Wayne Keller 370 votes to 201 for the Stanley East seat. Roy will fill a spot being vacated by Peter Walden, who also chose not to run this election.
The only other candidate to be re-elected to her current post on council was Hensall Coun. Kay Wise, who beat out challenger Melissa Dickert 318 votes to 151.
As previously reported, Hay East Coun. John Becker and Stanley West Coun. George Irvin faced no competition for their seats, and were acclaimed.
In an interview after results were announced early Tuesday morning, Dowson acknowledged the race for mayor was close and said he knew it would be.
"Jim's a good man," he said, referring to Fergusson. "We have lost a good councillor, and county council lost a good councillor. He represented our municipality well in both."
Asked for his goals for the next term of council, Dowson said, " We will run this municipality the best we can ... There's going to be a lot of new councillors, and that will take time and we have to go slow and make sure that they're up to speed on everything."

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Thank you to all Citizens of the Municipality of Bluewater

I sincerely appreciate the confidence you have placed in me by re-electing me as Mayor of the Municipality   of Bluewater.


Bill

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Thursday, September 23, 2010

The Lakeshore Advance- Update

Three municipalities--lots of same issues

Local council

Mayors and deputies

By BY LYNDA HILLMAN-RAPLEY

Posted 2 days ago
The race is on with a theme of communication, accountability and transparency. The Municipalities of Bluewater, Lambton Shores and South Huron have all seen their own struggles in the past decade. Amalgamation required each having to make smaller communities into one large municipality. Amalgamation married rural and urban in a big way attempting to end of territorialsim of former communities. That struggle continues. Ten years later, there are many changes including technology that brings most candidates right to your computer in blogs, twitters, facebook and other social networking sights. You can get to know your candidate with a click of a button.
The Lakeshore Advance has profiled the mayors of and deputies of the three municipalities for this edition with councillor spots in upcoming issues. Election Day is October 25 and there are mail-in ballots for all three municipalities. Watch for all candidate meetings. Lambton Shores are Wed. Sept. 15 -Port Franks Community Centre, Saturday Sept 18-10a.m. Grand Bend Legion and Wednesday October 6, at 7:00 pm at the Kineto Theatre 24 King Street West Forest. Bluewater has a meeting Wednesday Sept 29-7--9 at the Zurich Community Center. No meetings have been scheduled for South Huron as this time. For mail in ballot information check out http://www.town.bluewater.on.ca/ http://www.lambtonshores.ca/http://www.southhuron.ca/siteengine/activepage.asp


Saturday, September 18, 2010

Ribbon cut at Zurich's redeveloped Blue Water Rest Home

September 17, 2010
Ben Forrest
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ZURICH – Blue Water Rest Home in Zurich formally opened its redeveloped facility today (Sept. 17) with a ceremony that included many local dignitaries.

The $10.8 million, 22-month project was completed in two phases, the first of which resulted in new construction of a 32-bed "Sunset Home" area, two new dining rooms, and activity and amenity spaces for all residents, according to a press release.

Phase 2 was completed in August, with renovated living quarters for 33 residents in a "Harvest Home" area.

Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb, MPP Carol Mitchell (who is also Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs) and Bluewater mayoral candidate Bill Dowson were among those who spoke at the event.

Blue Water is the site of the first 65 beds of a project that will see 35,000 beds redeveloped across Ontario, the press release states.

A full report will appear in the Sept. 25 edition of the Times-Advocate

Friday, September 17, 2010

Municipality of Bluewater

Hey Folks ,

Make sure you are on the voter's list by following the link below.

Call Bluewater if you need some assistance.

Bill




Municipality of Bluewater

Breakthrunow to inspire, collaborate, and sustain.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Latest Election Coverage

Many races in Bluewater

September 15, 2010
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BLUEWATER — With nominations having closed on Friday for the Oct. 25 municipal election, almost every race in Bluewater will be contested.

For the position of mayor, incumbent Mayor Bill Dowson is opposed by Bluewater Councillor-at-Large Jim Fergusson, while incumbent Deputy Mayor Dave Johnston is running against former Bluewater Deputy Mayor Paul Klopp.

Two wards in the municipality will see acclamations, with Hay East Coun. John Becker unopposed for a third term, while in Stanley West, Coun. George Irvin will again return to the council table.

The Hensall Ward sees incumbent Coun. Kay Wise taking on Hensall resident Melissa Dickert, while in Zurich, incumbent Coun. Marg Deichert is facing former Bluewater clerk-administrator Janisse Zimmerman.

The councillor-at-large position sees an election between Bayfield Coun. Tyler Hessel and Brucefield resident John Murray Taylor.

The Ward of Hay West will see a new councillor replacing Coun. Bill MacDougall who decided not to run in the election, with Jillian Clarke of Zurich facing John Gillespie of St. Joseph, while in Stanley East Dave Roy of Bayfield is facing Wayne Keller of Zurich.

The Ward of Bayfield will also see a new councillor as Bayfield residents Janet Snider and Geordie Palmer are running to see who will replace Hessel.