MORE News - Wednesday, May 31, 2006
5,31,06 - RUMOUR - Is/Was the Hespeler Heritage Winery for Sale? Well a HN supporter sent in this website that suggests Hespeler Heritage Winery is for sale? There is no date on this ad. We don't know but the site seems to suggest it is. By The Owner Ad

5,31,06 - FORBES WETLAND SUBDIVISIONS MEETINGS UPDATE - This update is from the Friends of the Forbes Wetland.... the City of Cambridge is giving people only 7 days to prepare for an upcoming City General Committee meeting where the Planning department is trying to push through the Forbes Subdivision Community Plan. That city meeting is scheduled for monday June 5, 7pm at City Hall. Please ATTEND this meeting. If you want to speak at the meeting call, 519-740-4680 ext. 4233 to register.

5,30,06 - ALMOST NUDE WOMEN RUMOUR TRUE - Thanks to a HN supporter, who is one of the models, yes there were women posing lately in different locations in Hespeler and its for a calendar that will be put out for the great reunion this summer. The women are all around 50 years old. We at HN support this worthy cause as the money raised goes to the cancer society.

LAST TWO DAYS TO VOTE IN POLL - Seems like mos tpeople want a big museum for Hespeler in the old Town Hall. vote.

5,29,06 - RUMOUR - Nude Women in Hespeler!- Well, we thought walking over to Indulge for an ice cream was the most exciting thing we could have done in Hespeler on Sunday. Evidently we were wrong. Several HN supporters reported seeing several nude Hespeler women at different locations in town. So the tall tale goes that women were spotted, sans clothing, at the old post office and in the Speed River next to the historic Blackbridge Road Bridge.

 

POWERFUL DONNA REID IS RUNNING IN HESPELER - Monday, May 27, 2006
Powerful Donna Reid has entered the race for Ward 1 Hespeler Councillor Race. Donna received over 9000 votes running for the NDP in the last election federally. Current councillor Rick Cowsill may be in serious trouble to win his seat again. Donna, with the NDP machine behind her, will make the Hespeler Ward 1 election a real campaign for the first time in recent memory.

 

UPDATE - VOTE for Brian Logie! - Sunday, May 21, 2006
Brian is catching up. He is now only 2% points behind the leader. Vote often, the poll lets you vote more than once. http://www.tsn.ca/lays

A loyal HN supporter sent this in .... Brian Logie is a hockey stick historian. He has written the authorative paper on the Hespeler Hockey Stick Factory and has the largest collection of Hespeler Hockey sticks in the world. For people who went on the Hespeler Hockey Stick Plant tour last year, Brian gave the first part of the tour.

He is in a contest to be the first fan honoured in the Hockey Hall of Fame. He lives in London but his committment to the Hespeler name in hockey sticks is second to no one. Please vote for Brian http://www.tsn.ca/lays  

Big Brothers Leave Hespeler! - Friday, May 19, 2006
Thanks to a HN supporter who sent in this news tip. June 1st Big Brother leaves their location in the Hespeler Town Hall. Leave your comments on the Anything Hespeler BLOG for what this space can be used for.   read more...
Secret Moments - Gone But Not Forgotten - Thursday, May 18, 2006
Thanks to the HN supporter who sent in this jpg of the Secret Moments Spa business card. I love how they spelled Hespeler!

Read in our BLOGS (under Hespeler Business) an opinion from a HN supporter how the last days of Secret Moments played out. Interesting reading.   read more...

4 More Hespeler Links added to Links Page - Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Hespeler Geographical Map, Hespeler Model Aviation Club, Hespeler Salvation Army, Hespeler Jujitsu. New Churches "only" Links section Check them all out!  
Hespeler Heavyweight Bodybuilders Website Coming Soon - Tuesday, May 16, 2006
It seems Hespeler's own Champion Bodybuilder Robin Hillis is getting another website. You can check our LINKS section under Hespeler Sports for a good current link to Robin's history and photos. The new site is not done yet.   read more...
Interesting BLOG posted - Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Check out the Hespeler & Area Politics BLOG.  
BLOGS moved to front page - Saturday, May 13, 2006
Now its easier to add your comments, opinions, just click on the blue coloured BLOGHERE icon on the front page and post your comments. They will be immediately posted. Have fun.  
What is on today in Hespeler. - Saturday, May 13, 2006
HESPELER MINOR HOCKEY GOLF TOURNAMENT SAT. MAY 13, New Dundee Golf Course, registration 12:00pm, 1:00pm shot gun start. For more info - http://www.hmha.ca/

JACOB HESPELER S.S 20th ANNIVERSARY REUNIONSaturday, May 13th, 2006 Hawks Happening: Open House:1:00 - 5:00pm, photo display, light refreshements, special presentaion Family Car Rally: 10:30 - 1:30pm, get the family involved! Dance: 7:00 - 1:00am including cash bar, silent auction and late lunch located @ Hespeler Legion. Prices: $7.00 registartion fee per alumni, other family members free (Open house, light refreshments, small memento) $10.00/ per person for dance or $15.00 package (Registration and one dance ticket) Get ready to party! Contact us at (519) 658-4910 ext. 786. Visit us at 355 Holiday Inn Drive, Cambridge ON  

Natures Reflexion is Coming Downtown - Thursday May 11th, 2006
Natures Reflexion, sells healthy natural pet food and as mentioned before is opening up in downtown Hespeler. We have added their web site to our LINKS page under "Business Links".   read more...
HESPELER BUILDINGS FOR SALE! - Wednesday, May 10, 2006
You might have wondered, you may have heard rumours. Well as service to our HN readers. Here is the site listing all the Hespeler Buildings for sale.   read more...
Hespeler Reunion Banner Story Correction - Wednesday, May 10, 2006
It seems we had some incorrect facts on the HR Banner news piece yesterday. So there are two BLOGS we have posted in the Hespeler Businesses BLOGS section that were emails sent in by the Hespeler BIA and Hespeler Reunion representatives. Please read them.  
FEW SPOTS LEFT IN GOLF TOURNAMENT - Wednesday, May 10, 2006
There are still a few spots left in the Hespeler Minor Hockey Golf Tournament set for May, 20006. This event helps keep the cost of registration for playing hockey down.   read more...

NEW RUMOUR - Canine Coffee Shop downtown!

NEW BUSINESS 22 Queen St. W. nice little store selling furnishings for the home, check it out next time you are downtown getting an ice cream at Indulge. its located across the street from the bank.

NATURAL PET FOOD STORE -The hair salon for pets going in downtown Hespeler is actually a Pet Food Store selling Natural Healthy Pet Food. We wish them luck.  

ANOTHER SITE UPDATE! - Sunday, May 07, 2006
1. Our 2nd NEW BLOG service is up and running. enjoy! BLOG Away. WIN A HN T-SHIRT. Sorry the old comments are gone since the old BLOG service provider is gone.....

2.A NEW POLL - VOTE- Have your say - Is Hespeler growing too fast?  

SITE UPDATE! - Saturday, May 06, 2006
1. IMAGES SECTION UPDATE - It took a long time but finally we have posted almost all of the photos that were in HN the last two years. When a new photo is removed from the front page of HN it is stored in the 2006 Hespeler News link located in the IMAGES section. Enjoy looking at all the photo links in the IMAGES section.

2. BLOG PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS - The new BLOG was working great and yesterday the free BLOG provider went "Missing in Action", so until it comes back we are working on a solution...  

Rumours OLD & NEW - Friday, May 05, 2006
It seems another HN RUMOUR (from March) has come true. According to a reliable source that posted on our BLOGS, there is indeed a cat/dog salon openiing up in downtown Hespeler. We got the location and owner wrong but our RUMOUR did suggest it would be downtown. Its time to get your pooch pampered! Check out our RUMOURS section for a tall tale of hespeler publishing.  
Pizza Wars Round 6 - Thursday, May 04, 2006
We already have Pizza Pizza, Titos, Ernies, Little Ceasars and Ginos in town. Thanks to a HN supporter who sent in this picture of the latest pizza entry in Hespeler on Townline Rd, New Orleans Pizza.   read more...
Hespeler and Hillcrest P.S Choirs Sing in Kitchener -RARE VIDEO FOOTAGE - Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Its a two night event at the Centre in the Square in Kitchener with public school choirs from across the Region singing together. Tuesday night it was Hillcrest and Hespeler Public schools with other schools. Over 450 kids on stage.

They announced no cameras. Well thankfully a HN supporter in the audience had a camera took a picture (see above) and a short VIDEO FOOTAGE for the rest of us that couldn't be at this magical event. Great job to the kids and teachers. Thanks to our friends over at Death of a Wetland for hosting this video. A NOTE about the video, after a few seconds of running it skips back to the beginning again but then runs right through uninterupted to the glorious ending.To see the video and   read more...

New Board at HMHA Elected - Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Hespeler Minor Hockey on Sunday elected a new board. A HN supporter sent in this picture. Check out the HMHA site in the future for details on the news board members names.   read more...
FINALLY HESPELER NEWS READERS BLOG IS READY! - Sunday, April 30, 2006
Check out our new BLOGS section and enter your thoughts on any Hespeler and area related topic you have an opinion on. We are giving out a HN t-shirt to the first person who enters a BLOG and will be giving out HN T-shirts throughout the week. Tell a friend   read more...
ALLADIN AT WOODLAWN PARK
On April 26-26th this past week the students of Woodlawn Park put on the excellent performance of Alladin. Thanks for the excellent picture that was sent in.to see the picture and   read more...
T-SHIRT WINNERS & THANKS FOR BLOGGING! - Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Roger V. and Rick O"Shea win Hespeler News T-shirts for posting BLOGS on HN. Keep on Blogging more contests to follow.  
ANOTHER CANDIDATE RUNNING FOR MAYOR - Sunday, April 30, 2006
Seems Hespeler resident and current Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig has another person who has decided to run against him in November. Its Steve Halicki from Nelson Ave. Sources tell HN at least two more candidates will enter the mayors race.  
WHOLE MOM STROLLER FITNESS IS ON AGAIN! - Sunday, April 30, 2006
is up and running again. Fun, social, health activity for body, mind and spirit for mom and baby. Meet at Sault Park off of McMeeken in East Hespeler Monday 10am, Wednesday 6pm, Thursday 9:30am, Saturday 9:30am $35/5 or $65/10 classes session ends June 27. Email - heather@swaysilver.ca  
TONIGHTS THE NIGHT - Hespeler Minor Hockey AGM -
They need alot of people to step forward tonight to fill positions on the board at the annual general meeting. It is 7pm SUNDAY, April 30,2006 at the Hespeler Arena. Please come out, get involved and support the best run hockey organization in Cambridge.   read more...
REMEMBER ADLER'S - Saturday, April 29, 2006
Downtown Hespeler clothing store Adler's was on Queen St for over 40yrs. Check out this great ad.   read more...
FUN RUN & WALK IN HESPELER! - Thursday, April 27, 2006
check out our Upcoming Events section  
DISCUSSION PAGE STILL NOT WORKING - Thursday, April 27, 2006
sorry about that, we are working on it.  
BREAKING NEWS - Mattress Fire on Queen St. - Monday, April 24, 2006
Thanks to a HN supporter for sending in these dramatic photos of a mattress fire on a house on Queen St. Lots of cops and Hespeler's own fire department responded. Everyone is okay! Remember you seen it here first.   read more...
Swat Team in Downtown Hespeler - Friday, April 21, 2006
Friday night in front of the Short Stop in downtown Hespeler and the SWAT team from the Waterloo Regional Police are out in full force. As a HN supporter watched arrests were made. Seems drug deals were behind the raid. It was just two nights ago when a older person was mugged for her purse in the Short Stop parking lot. . Remember you read it here first.  
Discussions Page Under Construction - Sunday, April 23, 2006
Thanks to the readers who let us know some parts of the Discussion page were not working. We are trying to fix it!  
Police Everywhere in Hespeler Saturday April 15,06
We missed what happened on th 15th, Saturday, but there were cops everywhere in Hespeler. A HN supporter sent in a picture, see IMAGES section of three police cruisers. It was taken on the 15th in the afternoon in Hespeler.  
Albert Kroeger Passes On - Friday, April 21, 2006
It is with deep regret we announce the passing of Albert Kroeger, 92 yrs. old on Wednesday. Well known in later years for riding his three wheeled bike in downtown Hespeler. Albert is at Lounsbury Funeral Home (519) 658-9366   read more...
Heritage Property Loses Designation - Friday, April 21, 2006
300 Maple Grove Road was the location of a designated heritage property that has lost its heritage designation. Why? It was torn down. Who would do such a thing? Challenger Motor Freight....  
Image & Rumour added - Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Check out the Images & Rumours Sections for the latest. Thanks to the HN supporter that sent us in the picture of the new Indulge. Looks great  
INDULGE & TOP DRAWER OPEN - Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Great to see Indulge at their new location and Top Drawer Consignment Store Open Downtown.  
Submitting Items to Hespeler News - Monday, April 17, 2006
Just a friendly reminder you must use the new email addresses in theFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to contact HN. Thanks  
Happy Easter - Sunday, April 16, 2006
Have a Happy Easter from the new web masters and everyone else at HN!  
Massive Site Update - Friday, April 14, 2006
We are happy to be back. Please read all the info (click on "read more" further down this paragraph) and vote in our poll and let us know if you like the changes.   read more...

Changes to the OMB
The Ontario Liberal Government has
announced changes to the dreaded Ontario Municipal Board. (OMB) These changes are very positive and go a long way in giving municipal councils and citizens more power in saying no to developers. The Tory friendly OMB was basically a "YES" board for developers. If local councils or citizens voted against a particular development, the developer went to the OMB, the OMB overrided local councils and gave the developer the approval to build.

The changes to the legislation yesterday are definitely not perfect. Eliminating the OMB would have been the answer but this did not occur. The weak phrase in the new legislation is that the OMB must "have regard for" local council decisions. The "have regard for" phrase is also in current environmental legislation and does little to stop the elimination of wetlands. Still there are some solid items in the new legislation that curtail some of the powers of the OMB. But how does this affect the Hespeler and Puslinch Community?

In Puslinch there should be shouts of cautious joy. The Puslinch Council supports its residents and cares about the quality of life and environment of the community. It has gone to the OMB before and lost its case. Residents and council are fighting against another gravel pit from Preston Sand & Gravel in their community. The changes to the OMB and the serious flaws of the proposal ( below the water table, gravel pits!) may well spell victory to the local residents and council should the gravel pit proposal go to the OMB.

In Hespeler unfortunately the situation is more grim. The provincial wetland killing, Mattamy Homes/ Forbes Subdivision ( over 800 homes) should never be approved if the developer or present city council and staff had any regard for the environment or community. Tragically the anti-environment, anti- Hespeler present Cambridge City council & staff will never say no to developers and will bend over to any developers wishs. Mattamy Homes will never have to go to the OMB as the city council/staff could care less about Hespeler and the beautiful wetland and wildlife that exists there.

The changes to the OMB are good but as long as the same old anti-environment, anti-Hespeler Cambridge City council get elected and senior bureaucrats at the Planning Department don't get replaced, the developers will still run the city and the public will have no real voice in how decisions are made.

WOW - What a Great Hespeler Christmas Celebration!
1. WEDNESDAY UPDATE - LOTS OF STUFF

A. ALL NEW IMAGES OF HESPELER SANTA CLAUS PARADE - thanks to everyone who sent in pics!Click on Images Link

B. CHUBBYS SHOCKER - Go to the RUMOURS Link for this shocking tale

MONDAY UPDATE - We got ten emails telling us how great all the festivities were on Saturday in Hespeler. Unfortunately no one sent us any pictures. But we at HN thought all the events were spectacular. Congrats to everyone that organized it. (especially Russell Bygrave for the hard work of putting on the Christmas parade.

2. Coming next weekend the second in our political series - Liberal MP candidate Janko "I can't weld anymore " Peric. All his money friends and our thoughts on his election chances. You may be surprized.

3. Very strange - What does Secret Moments -Hespeler's Adults Only Spa on Adam Street and Titos Pizzeria have in common?? They both spell the word Hespeler wrong in their advertising. We thought you'd care.

Preston Sand & Gravel hit Cement Wall!
The Score is People 1, Preston Sand & Gravel 0 - Well it was packed at the Puslinch Property Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting to hear the Preston Sand & Gravel make their case for wiping out prime farm land for another gravel pit. An estimated 100 people jammed the room to deliver scathing verbal assaults on PS&G and their environmentally challenged pit proposal. Perhaps most refreshing was that PAC members (including 2 council members) were also dead set againist the pit idea and weighed in with their anti pit sentiments.

When was the last time the City of Cambridge Planning Department Staff or City council voted no to any development in Hespeler? It was a joy to be in a room with PAC members and citizens who truly cared about the environment. The comments from citizens were cutting and called PS&G greedy in their pursuit to wipe out the farm land. In a big announcment the PS&G proposal was put on hold as the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Grand River Conservation Authority both stated that no pit licences can be issued for pits below the water table. While this is a hugh temporary win, PS&G are not done yet.

The sleazy Tory appointed pro development Ontario Municipal Board is the last word on development proposals. PS&G will go there if they have to. Although the Liberals proposed to get rid of the OMB the OMB are still their with the same Tory stiffs sitting on it. Puslinch council has went to the OMB before and lost battles to stop other gravel pits. This is admirable since, unlike Cambridge council who allows subdivision developers to wipe out wetlands, Puslinch at least tries to stop the pit developers.

So what can people do. Your MPP is a good place to start. Number 1 is to find Liz Sanders MPP and tell her to start representing the people in her riding on this issue. The MNR and GRCA need support in the upcoming fights at the OMB. It is long overdue to get the OMB overhauled or eliminated. Don't bother with Tory Gerry Martinuek. The Tories are anti environment party. the present state of the OMB is a result of their past government. Keep in touch with Hespeler News as we follow this story. Oh yeah in case you did not notice their is a link of a diagram of the proposed pit to the left of this page.

The Case of the Missing MPP!
Well, where is Guelph-Wellington MPP Liz Sandals? That is the question over 30 people in her riding want answered. They have called emailed her many times and no replies and also called her. Yet Liz is nowhere to be found. It seems these people and plenty of others who object to seeing prime farmland turned into a gravel pit in Puslinch want some help from their local MPP.

Liz's disappearing act is strange considering her website http://www.lizsandals.onmpp.ca/ on the front pagepage states, " It is very important to me that I am accessible to my constituents."

Has she been kidnapped? Does she even care about this issue? We have included a picture with this story in case anyone sees Liz. Liz's disappearing act reminds me of Tory MPP Gerry Martinuks' "decade long" no show when it comes to getting his support for GO Train service to this community. But we digress.

Wanna Ride a Bike in the Hespeler Santa Claus Parade

Clifford at the Hub Bicycle Shop is recruiting people to ride their bicycles in the for this Saturday, December 3rd Hespeler Santa Claus Parade. Anyone with a bicycle and helmet is welcome. Dress for the weather! Sign up at The Hub or call 249-1473.Be in the parade its even better than watching it if that is possible. CHECK OUT THE UPCOMING EVENTS PAGE FOR THE LATEST ON THE DOWNTOWN HESPELER CHRISTMAS EVENTS ON DEC. 3!

PLAYFAIR BOWL FOR SALE!

Say it isn't so, A Hespeler institution is for sale. It seems Pete and Sharon Moyer are moving on with their lives and are selling the bowling alley. How many times have your kids been to birthday parties there? We hope the new owners keep the bowling alley and don't wipe it out.

Fitness Classes for Youth & Adults at Sublime!
Well its a fact that childhood obesity is a growing problem. But it does not have to be. Sublime Personal Training & Nutrition Consulting located in the Village on the River Spa on Queen Street offers fitness training for youth called "KIDFIT".

The owner of Sublime is Nancy Woods-Pimm.(see image left ) Nancys' qualifications are impressive. She has several professional training and coaching certifications and a university degree and post graduate work.

Some of the other programs available from Sublime included fitness assessments, personal training for adults and a healthy eating program. HN is impressed with the small class size (1 to 4). A hardcore HN supporter has their child in the "KIDFIT" program and raves about how good it is. Give Nancy a call at 239-9355 to learn more about the programs at Sublime.

Last days for the DiSilvas at Cambridge Youth Soccer?
We thought it would never happen. The Ontario Soccer Association (OSA) is finally investigating Cambridge Youth Soccer. The local politicans and print media

(Times/Record) have long had their heads in the sand and turned a blind eye to the scandal at CYS.

Tonights CYS Annual General Meeting has been postponed. HN has learned the reason for the postponement is that the OSA is investigating CYS. Previous annual general meetings have been explosive with irate parents and coaches expressing their distain for how the DiSilvas family control and operate the CYS. Many questions have been raised about where all the money goes. Perhaps more telling of the problems at CYS is why the majority of the Cambridge Soccer travel teams do so poorly. Zero support and development from the club is sited as the main reason why.

Its an accepted fact that is you want your child to compete at a higher level in soccer and be successful you must leave Cambridge and the CYS at an early age.

At a recent coaches meeting, CYS announced that they will no longer pay for tournaments that travel teams go in and that fees are going up for travel teams. Pay more get less........ Incredible but true at the CYS.

Some HN supporters have suggested starting up Hespeler Minor Soccer because they are sick of dealing with CYS and driving all the away across town to play other Hespeler kids. Maybe the time is right.

It remains to be seen if the OSA can uncover any wrongdoing in the murky operations of CYS. One thing is for sure, parents and children who have long been held hostage by CYS feel vindicated as their concerns are starting to be heard. We at HN wonder why the local politicians and print media remain silent....................

Thursday, Novermber 10, 2005
1.
FORBES WETLAND RUMOUR UPDATE We received two emails from reliable sources clarifying the RUMOUR from yesterday. Originally the Planning Department was going to have the Forbes subdivision city council meeting in November but is is now pushed forward to January. Residents will be given notice of the meeting and documentation related to the new land use/traffic patterns before the meeting date.

2. REMEMBERANCE DAY Make sure you go down in front of Hespeler Town Hall on Friday morning for the Rememberance Day service.

Wednesday, Novermber 9, 2005
1.
FORBES WETLAND RUMOUR SHOCKER We received two emails from HN supporters on this story. It seems the cty if having a meeting SOON to approve land use and traffic patterns for the wetland killling Forbes subdivision even though residents have never seen or commented on these current plans.PLEASE READ OUR RUMOURS SECTION FOR MORE ON THIS SECRETIVE COUNCIL/PLANNING DEPARTMENT MOVE. Thanks to HN supporters for sending us this info.

2. The GUESTBOOK has important information on the Hammet/Houseler Emergency Lane upcoming meeting. Check it out.

3. HESPELER KIDS WEBSITE - It is finally up. It is run totally by hespeler kids. I am sure if more kids want ot contribute stuff, the kids running the site would love it. See link above!

Tuesday, Novermber 8, 2005
1.
Storm last night took down a bunch of trees in Hespeler. Sad sight to see a car underneath one of them on Phin Street.

2. The Mystery of the Never Finished Cooper Street - Well, people have asked us and we do not know. Why half finish a road? Sure they spray painted the sewer grates pink, so you don't lose a muffler. Yes its fun to swerve around the grates like a FORD test track. I am sure there is an answer but we don't know it.

3. Gravel Pit Updatel Preston Sand & Gravel have formally applied to Puslinch for a zoing change from agriculture to aggregrate. Petitions have been signed. If you are opposed to the gravel pit attend the Puslinch meetings, November 28 at 7pm. We support 100% those fighting the gravel pit

4. Another letter in our Guestbook that the Cambridge Times refused to print so far.

5. Hespeler West Subdivision - Well the dog & pony show is happening again with the community plan workshop set up for Nov. 17, 5:30 to 9:0pm at the Warner Mennonite Church. This subdivision which is bounded by Maple Grove, Fountain St., Hwy, 24 down to the hwy401. It will be hugh! The FORBES WETLAND IS 59 hectares and will have 800 Homes. The HESPELER WEST SUBDIVISION is 708 hectares. How many homes? You do the math, its depressing! Hespeler News thinks Hespeler is growing way way to fast and you can thank our present city council for that.

6. DEATH OF THE FORBES WETLAND When "Death of a Wetland" & "Scandal at the Grand River Foundation" web sites asked us to host one combined site. We said YES. So enjoy the Death of the Forbes Wetland Link

Activa Holdings Snake Charming 101!

Well what happens when a women starts up a website documenting the environmental spills, etc. of local Waterloo construction companies. She gets sued! Activa Holdings has sent in their pond scum lawyers to serve notice to the women that publishing the truth is not allowed.

Not surprizing is the fact that Activa Holdings gave money to the provincial Tories. Thats definitely the party that puts the environment and moral values last. Activa builds homes that can best be described as "crap".

We at HN support her website and will have a link to it as long as it is on the net. Read this interesting site located at .http://ca.geocities.com/infringements@rogers.com/

Dr. Mehan Loses It

Well it was packed yesterday at the old Legion in Hespeler as well respected Hespeler physician Dr. Mehan had his head shaved to raise funds for cancer research. Dr. Mehan's mother was in attendance and is a breast cancer survivor. Radio station 99.9FM was there to promote the event. Dr. Mehan raised over $12,000.! Hespeler News supporters are in total agreement on this one, Mehan is a class act. Enjoy these pictures sent in from a HN supporter NOW LOCATED IN OUR IMAGES SECTION.

Hespeler Multi Modal Transit Station Gathers Steam!
Well its old news that no one wants the Challenger site used for a garbage hauler storage area. Unfortunately its seems, that local city , regional council members, Gerry & Gary our local MPs and MPPs and Grand River Transit are asleep at the wheel. The Challenger site holds great potential for a multi modal GO/GRT Bus rail transit station.

But it seems we will get a Shoppers Drug Mart Strip Mall instead............ Wow the same as the entrance to downtown Galt, brillant thinking.... With our local papers unable to formulate any opinion, it seems Hespeler people who want inter city transit options are in for a tough fight. An inquiry to GRT staff about the this possible multi modal station site was rejected, I guess they would rather you stand at the corner of Holiday Inn drive.

But wait, there is a guy in Kitchener proposing that there should be a light rail line from Hespeler to Guelph. Amazing. The person is not aware of the Challenger site being available to be used as a transit terminal but at least he has the right idea. Check out this site .http://www.grmonorail.ca/guelphlightrail.htm read the idea and then click on the PDF map. Now why can a person in Kitchener think of this idea and our elected officials and bureaucrats can't ?...

The T-Shirts Are Available !
Thanks to all our models for doing such a great job. Check out the Images section for pictures of the models. There are 9 Hespeler News T-shirts still available for $10.00 from Cliff at The Hub Bicycle Shop on Queen Street .

More Skullduggery from the Planning Department
We knew it could only get worse. The Planning Department at the City of Cambridge has done it again with the proposed wetland killing Forbes Subdivision. Another study has been budgeted for and no one has told the pubic or asked for their input. There is $65,000. set aside for an Environment Assessment of Blackbridge Road Study and Design. The real name of the study should be, ''The Death of the Blackbridge Road Bridge" but thats too real. Amazing that the city can design the new roads for the subdivision without knowing or caring if the roads and area can handle the future traffic volumes. The public are still being denied access to the two traffic studies the city refuses to release from two years ago about the Forbes subdivision. You will not hear any complaints from the present pro-urban sprawl, anti-Hespeler, anti-environment city council.

Gerry's White Male Friends
Gerry's friends - It seems like only yesterday when the majority of Cambridge people voted against Progressive Conservative Gerry Martiniuk in the last election but due to our election system the Tory got elected. Well for the benefit of our hespeler news readers we supply the following information. Gerry spent $80,000. to win his seat in 2003.

We think you should know who his election campaign contributors were. You will not notice many women on this list of who gave money to Gerry in the last campaign. Apart from pentaguishine psych hospital visitor/ ex Cambridge Times columnist Margaret Barr and politician forever Jane Brewer its pretty slim pickings to find any women or for that matter any non white contributors to Gerry.

Here is the link, happy reading.http://www.electionsontario.on.ca/stats/03files/election/cr1/03pcp211cr1.htm The local Cambridge Tory party provincially have over $142,000. in the bank according to their 2004 financial return and that is a scary fact. http://www.electionsontario.on.ca/stats/04files/annual/ar1asf/04pcp211ar1.htm .

Crisis at the Cambridge Hospital Emergency Room
Well, its no secret that you have to be on deaths door to go to the Emergency Department at
Cambridge Hospital. The situation in the Emergency Department (ER) has been in a deadly tailspin lately.

It all started when the emergency room doctors were getting pressure from the province and they asked the Cambridge hospital CEO for support. When no support was given from the hospital's 5 out of the 7 emergency room doctors quit! That leaves only 2 doctors left to cover the whole ER. The gag order was sent out that no staff were allowed to talk about this crisis to the media.

Could things have gotten worse? Yes, the hospital is replacing Registered Nurses (RNs) with Nursing Assistants (RPNs) in the Emergency Department. Now RPNs play an important role in hospitals but they are less qualified than RNs and putting a less qualified nurse in ER, thats a very bad and dangerous idea.

So who replaced the departed ER room doctors at Cambridge Hospital. They have replaced them with an international program that has doctors staffing the ER. So doctors fly in from anywhere in the USA or Canada work a few shifts and then fly home. Is there any quality control system to ensure these doctors are good? Nope. Reports from the ER state some imported doctors are great and some....... might have gotten their degrees from the back of a cereal box.

Meanwhile moral is at an all time low in ER. Stay tuned to Hespeler News for more on this continuing debacle.

Despicable Behaviour at City Council & the Planning Department

We have followed the story of the Ellacott Lookout idea from the beginning. Hespeler residents thought of the idea.

The decision to put steps down to the sensitive area of the Mill Pond pond that do not allow people with limited physical mobilities access is simply despicable. That decision taken by the City of Cambridge Planning Department and supported by the City of Cambridge Council not to make the entrance to the pond handicap accessible shows just how uncaring the present city council is. The excuse the Planning Department gives is that it will cost more money. This statement shows you the planing department and council don't even bother to factor into their budgets the needs of the people with limited mobilities.

As mentioned previously in Hespeler News, this is in total violation with the spirit and future intent of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act but again the city doesn't seem to care.

Ironically, just down the road there is the Spring Street Dock and Parking Lot the City owns. This area is perfect for people of all abilities to use to launch their canoes. Yet the city ignores spending any money fixing up this area. They'd rather meet the needs of only the able bodied person by building the Ellacott Landings stairs then meeting the needs of everyone by fixing the Spring Street Dock.

We can't hold the other Cambridge Councillors or the Planning Department staff accountable for their morally contemptible and ignominious behaviour, but for Hespeler's Mayor Doug Craig and Hespeler Councillor Rick Cowsill we expected more.

Ice Cream Eating Contest Was Wild
Last night what a great time downtown. The Grub Hub was jammed and people outside were looking in the windows to see all the action. Alex Vokey claimed the 11L ice cream top prize. Classical Guitars, Easy Riders and Chubbys all pitched in to make for a fun night. The music performers were great. For more pictures of last night go to our Images of Hespeler Section

Grub Hub Looking For Entertainment
Friday nights starting in September, Grub Hub will be having local entertainment (bands, duos etc). If you or your kids play music and want to get exposure by playing live, Give Tim a call at Grub Hub. 220-1921

New Parrot Club Opening Starting Up in Hespeler!
Growing faster than a flock of Seagulls at the beach!! Come join out flock today!!!

The Parrot Club of Southwestern Ontario is proud to present the new Cambridge Club WHERE: The Masonic Hall, 1 Groh Ave. Hespeler, ON (near hwy401 & hwy 24north) across from Tim Hortons and Smitty’s Fine Furniture, WHEN: Third Tuesday of every month August 16/05, Doors open at 7, meeting begins at 7:30 until …… within reason, PHONE: 519-504-7145. MAIL:cambridge@parrotclub.ca If you have a pet bird or considering a parrot as a pet, join us at our next meeting! Come and join us at this truly unique companion bird club. It's All About The Birds!!!!

Carmen Douma-Hussar at Worlds
Well not to many people in Hespeler realize they have a , Canadian Champion, Canadian Olympian and World class athlete whose comes from Hespeler. Carmen Douma-Hussar is a fantastic runner, who earlier this year won the New York Mile. She is part of Canada's National Track & Field Team currently in Finland for the World Track & Field Championships.

Its true you will not see Carmen around town. She went to Villanova University in the USA and trains out of Pennsylvannia but her folks and roots are in Hespeler.

The World Track & Field Championships are being shown on CBC. Carmen has reached the finals of the 1500m running event. She also did this at the Athens Olympics. Being among the top 8 runners in the world at this distance is quite an accomplishment. Check CBC for the times of the World's T&F from Finland today and watch Carmen run for a medal.

Peter Krause vs. Billings
Why do we cover this story, it has nothing to do with Hespeler? Here is why we cover this story. 1) Mr. Krause is responsible to run a 21 million dollar taxpayer funded organization. (The Grand River Conservation Authority) 2) His salary is paid for my taxpayers. 3) Other media give it little or no coverage. 4)We find it unbelievable that he is not asked to step down from his GRCA Chairperson position, with pay, until the trial is over.

Well it seems like not so long ago when Peter Krause, and Christine Billings each left their families and homes in search of new love.

The hi flying Grand River Conservation Authority Chairmen Krause and Guelph City Councillor Billings were co habitating at Christines place.

Things turned sour in the last couple years and Peter was sleeping dans le sous sol sans Christine! The relationship got way out of hand and on October 23, 2004, Christine called the police and told them she had been assaulted by the courageous Krause.

Everyone went into damage control mode. Although the Guelph Mercury made it front page news. The Record buried the story then and continues to bury it now. Could it be that Peter has friends high up at The Record?

Fast forward to January 2005 and Krause's lawyers had the assault trial postponed till July 2006. Meanwhile at the GRCA CEO Paul Emerson and the rest of the GRCAboard of the Living dead (including Cambridge's Jane Brewer and Claudette Brewer) are standing behind their alleged woman beater and relected him as chair of the GRCA.

Hespeler News was at the court room this past week in Guelph to hear the truth of what went on the night of Otcoer 23, 2004 between Krause and Billings. Unfortunately the legal system denied us the truth again as the trial was postponed again til January 19, 2006! Don't worry we will be there.

BREAKING NEWS -Food Basics & Zehrs Flood!
A Hespeler News Supporter sent in this great picture of the Zehrs flooded parking lot.

Another Hespeler News Supporter was at Food Basics at around 5pm today during the storm. They didn't suspect the flood waters would be inside the store!

The store was flooded and it was also leaking from the roof. Outside the parking lot was 30cm deep in water.

Could be the Curse of The Martins. The Martins were the store managers at Food Basics up to last year. They exposed the Corporate A&P owners who were swindling money from store managers. Courts proved The Martins and other store managers right. The Martins won the battle but lost their store.

Somewhere in Hespeler the Martins are laughing....

MATTAMY HOMES Wetland Scandal Widens
UPDATE JUNE 29, 2005 See the pictures by Hespeler News Supporters of the community that no one wants. Click on pictures to read more information. Notice in the bottom right of the map#2 the homes/street that are overlooking the mill pond. In the future when you look from Elliacott Lookout across the pond you will see a subdivision homes, not the beautiful scenery we now enjoy.

1. 800 Homes - Its as bad as you can imagine. That doesn't include the northwestern parcel of land owned by Koekrtiz Property (approx. another 200 homes there)

2. Major Road Rips Through Wetland - Milton Avenue will be extened right into the subdivision as a major artery out of the subdivision. The road through the wetland is in violation of GRCA wetland policy but they and the City Planning Department don't care. Already nicknamed DeerKill Road, this road will be well known for the amount of road kill it will produce.

3. TRAFFIC STUDY NONE EXISTENT - Although mandated by the City Council to be done and available at the community plan stage, there is no traffic study completed. Lots of blank stares from city staff and the Toronto consultants when asked for a copy of the study. How can the roads and surrounding neighbourhoods handle the traffic volumes? The answer is simple. The roads can't handle the future volumes, that why there is no traffic study for the public to comment on.

4. People on Milton Avenue Traffic Nightmare Here is what we do know. 800 homes are gong to be built, Previous city documents have stated traffic estimates in the range of 3000-5000 vehicle trips a day. Currently Milton Ave. has about 20 vehicle trips a day. As a major road in and out of the subdivision this will incease to 3000 vehicle trips a day minimum.

Sadly peoples lives will be ruined as their quiet family street becomes traffic chaos and their housing values go down.

Surrounding streets like Guelph Avenue, Fisher Mills and Queen St will become even more congested. The whole area will suffer severely from increased noise and air pollution.

5. Why No Major Exits on to BlackBridge Road The developer doesn't want to pay for a new bridge on BlackBridge Road. The new subdivision home owners will demand it in the future and taxpayers will pay for the bridge, not the developer.

6. Can You Do Anything to Stop this Mattamy Homes Disaster?

I). Write a letter to the Cambridge Times, The Record and the Toronto Star stating how Mattamy Homes is wiping out a provincially significant wetland and destroying the quality of life for you and your children.

II). This will make you feel good (but won't make a difference) email Mayor Doug Craig and Rick Cowsil letting them know that you object to the subdivision.

III) Attend the next planning department community meetings. We know they are a charade . Voice your opinons to the City staff and the Toronto"dog and pony show"Planing Partnership Consultants about how disgusted you are with the subdivision.

IV).Definitely attend the city council meeting when the subdivision is on the agenda. You get 5 minutes to let the councillors know your feelings on the subject. Yes, it is true that this council doesn't care about the environment,or the unstainable growth in Hespeler and is notoriously anti Hespeler, but hey it feels good to have your say.

For more background information read the following.

Unanswered Questions and Missing Documents Not Made Available to the General Public (if they even exist!) by City of Cambridge Planning Department and the Grand River Conservation Authority (updated June 13, 2005 from the Death of the Forbes Wetland site)

1. The Traffic Impact Study does not exist. Two years after being mentioned at a Community Meeting the study is not being released by the Planning Department for comment by taxpayers. The one lane historic Blackbridge Road Bridge will not be able to handle the traffic volumes generated by the subdivision. (mandatory - City of Cambridge Planning & Development Committee Meeting July 4, 2000)

2. Mattamy Homes E.I.S. Study (environmental impact study) to Reduce Wetland Protection Buffers - The public were never given a chance to comment (or even view) the study by Mattamy Homes. This study recommended reducing buffer sizes and eliminating protection for the wetland. So more home can be built.(this study was referenced in passing in Report No. P1-61-05, Planning Services, Yvette Rybensky, City of Cambridge, june 8, 2005)

3. Greenspace Management Strategies - The Forbes Creek Subwatershed Study recommends 50m buffers, enhancement areas and a 300m wildlife corridor to protect the wetland and wildlife - (Greenspace Managemen Strategy 7.1 Forbes Creek Subwatershed Study, August 16, 2002, pg 5)

UPDATE - Although the Ministry of Natural Resources and the GRCA have supported the buffers and enhancment areas identified in the Forbes Subwatershed Study, the City of Cambridge Planning Department has allowed the developers the opportunity REDUCE/ELMINATE THE SIZE OF BUFFERS after the community plan stage so more house can be put in> More of the wetlands, wildlife and enhancement areas will be wiped out. (the memo Yvette Rybanensky, Planning Service to the City Management Committee Report No. P1-61-05, states, "The applicants (developers) will still have am opportunity to complete an E.I.S (see #2 above) at the plan of subdivision stage to reduce the buffers, if demonstrated to be appropriate )

4. Aquatic Rehabilitation Strategy, - City of Cambridge Planning Department has never stated who will pay and who will perform the restoration of the Forbes Creek and ponds as out lined in the Aquatic Rehabilitation Strategy in the Subwatershed study. It is the developer who put in the dams and altered the ponds. Estimated cost about $1-2million. This is supposed to be done before any subdivision plans are implemented.(Aquatic Rehabilitation Strategy 7.2 Forbes Creek Subwatershed Study, August 16, 2002, pg 7)

5. Environmental Monitoring Plans - Required since subdivision will have devastating effects on the wetland. Who will pay to monitor and who will pay for the loss of function of wetland and damage done to wildlife and plants? (Adaptive Management Monitoring Strategy 7.5 Forbes Creek Subwatershed Study, August 16, 2002, pg 8)

6. The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) A. GRCA has made NO recommendations on the removal of dams in the Forbes Creek as recommended in the Subwatershed Study. B. GRCA has made NO comments on if/how this subdivision being built contravenes their own Wetland Policy, especially since roads are being proposed to cut through the wetland.

7. Documents on who will pay for the road and bridge infrastructure costs for the new subdivision. The developer is supposed to pay for the subdivision infrastructure costs. Estimated costs just to improve BlackBridge Road and replace the Bridge - $3-4million.

8. Pro Developer Bias at the Planning Department - Yvette Rybensky, City of Cambridge Planning Services, is involved in the Community Plan Stage. Ms. Rybensky has clearly shown her pro development bias in outbursts at earlier community meetings. Why is she still involved in the process? (cambridge reporter, 2001, letter to the editor)

 Hespeler Downtown - Opinion


TIME TO RETHINK YOUR THOUGHTS ON DOWNTOWN HESPELER How many people have said, I wish our Downtown was like St. Jacobs or I wish someone would come in with a bunch of money and turn this place around. There are even Hespeler ultra conservative business types and residents who want to eliminate some businesses downtown because they don’t fit into their vision of what a downtown should consist of. Well get over it folks. If you want to be boring go to Wal-Mart.Hespeler News supporters say…..Hespelers’ downtown is worth visiting now.

There are a bunch of new stores Downtown that offer a uniqueness and identity that the stodgy/stuffy St. Jacobs could never compare with.

A lot of this business are run by Hespeler people. Its time to promote the uniqueness of the downtown. Hespeler News supporters recently did a clandestine visit of the following new businesses and offer these observations.

Indulge - Tim runs Indulge and well…the ice cream is great and the prices reasonable.

Hub Bicycles Sop - Cliff who runs it is very friendly, does a bunch of stuff for the community, has a bike club and sells and fixes bikes. Cliff has reasonable prices. Hespeler News supporters have gone their since they opened and give it a big thumbs up.

Classical Guitar - Hespeler News supporters have supported them since they opened up and have nothing but praise. There are real nice owners, who are community minded, they offer a wide selection of instruments again at reasonable prices. You can go to a box store and buy crap and your kid will quit playing the instrument in a couple months or come here and buy a decent instrument at a decent price. Besides you can jam in the store! Grub Hub - Young businessmen Tim offers a great place to eat in a totally renovated cafe. Wraps and Smoothies are two of the Hubs specialties. Why do people eat bland boring food at the mall.? Walk with your family downtown and try out the Grub Hub you will not be disappointed.

Village by the River Spa- This place is hitting a home run already. It offers everything under the sun for women. The person who runs it Diane has a dynamic personality and lives in Hespeler. We saw more than a few men around Mothers Day going in to buy gift certificates for their wife. Save your marriage send your wife to the spa!

Easy Riders - Perhaps the most unique and interesting stop on our visit to downtown Hespeler was Easy Riders. The store offers high end motorcycles for sale and a variety of quality leather products. They also do motorcycle repairs. Ann, the owner, must have some sort of design background because the store front and inside are always well maintained and stylish in decor . We loved the way the interior of the building highlighted the original wood floors and interior stone walls.

Ann is a good promoter and businesswoman . Hespeler News supporters remember how much fun it was a couple years back when Queen St. was closed off and hundreds of motorcycles came into a town. No trouble just plain fun. Maybe Ann can get some classic bikes/choppers to come downtown a few nights this summer. Stop in and visit Ann.

Chubbys Hespelerites Larry Sims and Scott Morley are newest on the block and have hot rod auto parts and lots of T-shirts. Hespeler News supporters are hoping that Chubbys are going to have some old hot rods downtown on a certain day in the summer. Nice friendly local people. Check them out.

Pottery Shop Wow, what a neat little store, make it part of your visit downtown.

We know you already know all about the other businesses downtown like the hair dressing salons, Daisy mart, Short Stop, PlayfairBowl and the adult massage parlor. We support them all. On Saturday, June 4th, some of the downtown businesses and DAVE FM radio are having a great fun day planned. That will a great time for you to check out the stores in downtown Hespeler. You will not be disappointed. Enjoy the diversity of the downtown.

Where to Build the Skateboard Park?
t seems like an easy issue. The kids need something to do other than torching businesses in Hespeler. Skateboarding is popular. So put a skateboard park in Cambridge. But where? Here are a few options and some concerrns expressed by the citizens.

1. Hespeler Arena Parking Lot - Seems ideal. Centrally located next to a growing population, a large open area next to the arena. Unfortunately local residents and an anglican priest don't want it anywhere near where they live. strange...

2. Guelph Avenue Hespeler Old Industrial Area - This idea may have came from Mayor Craig. This area was suposed ot be part of a natural area according to the last consultants report. Well known to teenagers in the summer for night parties. This lawless area of town is not what you would call desirable by any stretch of the imagination.

3. Riverside Park - They can't be serious. It takes at least an 1hour on a good day to get there by Grand River Transit. Even the walking dead Preston councillors think this is a bad idea. So what is the answer. Let the battle begin........

UPDATE: It seems City Council voted to keep the boundaries the same. Good move.
What the Tories couldn't do in the 1970s the City of
Cambridge is trying to do in two of the three proposed ward boundary changes. Here is our opinion on the changes.
OPTION A - Everything stays the same. Well thats fine by us except Hespeler is doubling in population and its way to much work for one councilor. Hespeler Councillor Rick Cowsill already seems stressed to the max! Option A is good but we need two councillors to cover the future unsustainable growth in Hespeler.
OPTION B - The person who thought of this boundary needs to take their medication. What is the purpose of having half of the boundary being south of the #401. What do we have in common? A real bad idea.
OPTION C - Definitely an anti Hespeler move from someone at the city hall in Galt. Cutting out Silverheights and putting it in with the future mega (and we mean mega) subdivision proposed for fisher mill road area cuts up Hespeler. Hard to say if it is a worse option than Option B. They are both so bad..
CITY COUNCIL MEETING ON HESPELER BOUNDARY CHANGES July 12, 7pm, Council Chambers. If you want to speak to council on this issue you should call Susan Wysman at the City to get on the agenda at 740-4680 ext. 4233. WARNING IF YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN TO A COUNCIL MEETING BEFORE IT IS DEPRESSING.

Hi, I'm GARY GOODYEAR!


Much hilarity in downtown Hespeler yesterday when Gary "I still have no Gay friends" Goodyear MP decided to introduce himself to the local busniesses. The only problem is no one knows who Mr. Goodyear is. Goodyear is followng in the footsteps of former MP Yanko Peric by doing a disappearing act once he got elected. Other than his anti same sex marriage rants, Goodyear is hardpressed to show evidence of why he should ever have been elected in the first place. Back to the story.........


Gary Goodyear walks in to one local business and says, "Hi, I'm Gary Goodyear", the clerk, who like 99% of other Hespeler people doesn't recognize Goodyear states, "Hi, I am a worker". Further down the road another merchant wonders, "Is there another election coming up?"No ones knows why Gary visited the downtown and no one knows exactly what Gary has been doing since he got elected. But hey, thats politics.

KFC - Fix the Barrel!

A Hespeler News Supporter wonders why when he goes to other Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets the barrel on top of the pole outside the store rotates and is in good shape. The one in Hespeler never moves and is in rough condition. Can it be saved, does anyone care? There was a rumour last year, that proved to be false, that KFC was leaving town. We like'd them to stay downtown but spend a few bucks and fix the barrel. Get the barrel rockin...
.
Whose Maintaining the Hanging Baskets in Downtown Hespeler

Andy Jardin, is the gentleman from Jardin landscape and Design, is who you might see every 2nd night downtown watering all the hanging baskets that run along Queen St. Andy, a 12 yr. Hespelerite, makes sure that that they are well watered and looking great for the people of hespeler to enjoy as they visit the downtown area. Many people have commented on how nice the flowers look. Thanks Andy from Hespeler News. Andy also has his own landscaping company Jardin Landscape and Design 241-0670.

Ellacott Lookout Tomfoolery Continues

First reported July 8, 2005 in the Hespeler News the saga at Ellacott Lookout continues to mystify local Hespelerites.

The recent Galt news that Mill Race Park will get a $335,000. staircase to get to the river to launch canoes is more dirt in the face of Hespeler people who have seen non action from the city on the installation of a wooden lookout structure at Ellacott.

The Mill Race Park staircase does not allow for people with limited mobilities to access the river. This is in total violation with the spirit and future intent of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act but the city doesn't seem to care.

Here are the facts at Ellacott Lookout as we know them

1.The City of Cambridge Council approved the money for building of a wooden/stone type Lookout for people to view the beautiful Mill Pond from.
2 A Public meeting was held to choose between a few different Lookout designs.
3.The Contract was awarded LAST YEAR to Gateman-Milloy to build the Lookout. Still no Lookout.
4. There is expected to be steps down to the pond from the Lookout. The staircase does not allow for people with limited mobilities to access the river. This is in total violation with the spirit and future intent of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act but again the city doesn't seem to care
Just down the road there is the Spring Street Dock and Parking Lot the City owns. This area is perfect for people of all abilities to use to launch their canoes. Yet the city ignores spending any money fixing up this area.
This latest tomfoolery from the City Planning Department is unacceptable. Does anyone know why there is a delay? Our guestbook is always open!
It is sad to note that the spectacular view from Ellacott Lookout (as shown in the picture) will be wiped out in the future when the subdivision is built across the pond by Mattamy Homes.

Hespeler Bodybuilder at the Canadian Nationals

I asked Hespeler's own Robin Hillis to tell us about herself and her body building career. Enjoy this article from a fascinating individual.

My name is Robin Lynne Hillis. I am 34 yrs old and have always been athletic, from baseball to track and field, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, etc. I was always tall and lanky. My last year of high school, I came across a magazine for a project I was doing, featuring a female bodybuilder, Cory Everson. I fell in love with her look and was addicted.

I started training in 1990 (15 years ago) and entered my 1st show 1992. The McKenzie Challenge in
Hamilton. I placed 2nd. Although I never stopped my training, I didn't go back on stage until 2002 as I started a family.

I decided to try to compete in the Musclemania in 2002 in
Toronto. I didn't place and decided to go back to the Ontario Physique Association. In 2003, I competed in level 1 in Mississauga and placed 3rd. The following year, in Elliott Lake I placed 1st for heavyweight and won overall. 2 weeks later I won the 2004 Heavyweight women's Bodybuilding championships.

That qualified me to enter my first national event - the Canadians. They were held September 3rd in
Laval, Quebec. So, my boyfriend, Jeff and I packed the girls up and off we went to Quebec. Once in Quebec, I had my whole family meet us there to support me and cheer me on! What a joy it was!

I placed 10th in a very big lineup of heavyweight women and got some call outs. So although I didn't place in the top 5, I am happy with my performance, with my conditioning and the experience. This is the best shape I've been in. Last year at the
Ontario's I weighed in at 156 lbs. This year, I was leaner and harder and weighed 170 lbs. That is 14 lbs of muscle I put on! So I met my goal and feel I won that way.

So what is next? I have to requalify at the
Ontario's and then off to Saskatchewan for the Canadians 2006 or wait until 2007. Either way, my goal is to earn my pro card where I can start to compete in the states and eventually make it to the Olympia! It was great chatting with you and telling my story.

Why You Should Go to The City of Cambridge Official Plan Meeting.< Monday September 12, 2005

The City of Cambridge Website Promotes itself as - As One of the Fastest growing".That type of thinking is the reason Hespeler people should attend these borefest Offical Plan Review Meetings. Uncontrolled & unsustainable urban sprawl is turning Hespeler into Hell.

The Review of the Official Plan is very scary for a number of reasons.

1. Urban Land Needs Analysis- Simply put this is where the city turns more land into subdivisions. City Council think out of control growth is good but they have zero evidence to support that. Watch out Hespeler, the the developer and their friends on council and in the Planning Department are looking our way.

2.Implementation of Sub Watershed Studies - The Forbes Wetland Subdivision (they call it the Hespeler North Community Plan, although no one wants the community except Mattamy Homes). The City states the plan for the subdivision is almost done, although the last community meeting revealed horrific flaws in the plan including; missing documents, misleading maps, traffic studies not released to the public and millions of dollars taxpayers will be on the hook for. There is persistent pro-developemnt anti-environment bias from the Planning Department. See article below.

3. Legacy Cambridge Report - Some of the reports recommendations include; i) Getting rid of parking on Queen Street East, ii) Getting rid of the plants, shrubs on the north side of River Road, so all the garbage, currently stopped by the plants, can be blown right into the Mill Pond & wetland. iii) Turning parts of Hespeler into a Heritage District (this includes the 800 Mattamy Homes brand new drywall special homes) silly idea you bet!

4. Hespeler Village River Activation Master Plan - They say they want your opinion, but do they? The Ellacott Lookout is over a year late in being installed and the City ignored their own policy document to make the area accessable to people with disabilities. The City will be putting out more money ($250,000) for more consultants to do studies about dredging the Mill Pond. This dispite the fact that it may cost over $10 million dollars and the
Puslinch Lake dredging experience has been unsuccessful.

5. Hespeler Road Re-urbanization & Beautification - We know this has nothing to do with Hespeler. But its so funny.........What a joke. Beautification of Hespeler Road.......more box stores, neon signs......Home Deport signs in the middle of a fountain....bigger Walmart signs. Hespeler Road is nothing more than an extension of the Mississauga style consumer driven communities we have created. Faceless bland, chain stores. 25 years ago the street could have been saved, maybe. Now...its way too funny. How about nicer Burger King signs....They can't be seriously wasting taxpayers money on this.

When is the meeting,
Monday September 12, 2005, Council Chambers, 46 Dickson Street., 7pm, Our advice - Bring a pillow and a good book to read.

Rememberance Day, WWI , The Coombe, & Flanders Field
Be sure to attend at
10:30am today the Rememberance Day event at the Hespeler Town Hall. As time passes the First World War in particular seems to get forgotten as almost all that have served in it have died. There were over 130 young men from the Combe Receving home on Guelph Avenue in Hespeler that fought in the WWI.


These men were orginally orphans from
Ireland who came to Canada to get a fresh start in life. Most had only been in the country a few years but were proud of their new land and signed up to fight. Many did not come back.


For history buffs,we have included a link to a fantastic site dedicated to WWI. We have pointed the link to the origins of the most famous poem written about the WWI, "On Flanders Field".
href="http://www.firstworldwar.com/poetsandprose/inflandersfields.htm">http://www.firstworldwar.com/poetsandprose/inflandersfields.htm Feel free to browse the whole site.

City of
Cambridge Councillor Health Watch #12

Well one of our most popular updates is the health of the Cambridge Councillors.
The fitness test is simple. Can the councillor walk or run from the Cat's Meow to Ernie's? Thats about one block. Here are the GRADE RATINGS - F - current physical condition prevents them from doing this type of exercise, D - can't walk, C - probably can walk the whole distance, B - might even try running part of it, A - will run the whole thing

Well our panel of experts have examined the visual evidence and have assigned these grades.
Ben Tucci - B
Rick Cowsil - C
Doug Craig - C-
Karl Keifer - F
Gary Price - F
Ted Fairless - D
Linda Whetham - D-

Haunted Bus Tour Almost SOLD OUT - Sunday, October 16, 2005
According to a reliable hespeler news supporter the October 22 Hespeler Haunted Bus Tour 8:00pm and 10 pm tours are SOLD OUT. There are only 10 tickets left for the
midnight tour. Let the exorcisms begin.........

CRISIS IN THE
"ER" AT CAMBRIDGE HOSPITAL - Saturday, October 15, 2005
Read this shocking story on the main page.


Guest Book Entry -
Monday, October 10, 2005
Well its not a Hespeler issue but it sure shows that the present council and Planning department are anti environment. Very interesting letter in our Guest Book from a hespeler news supporter on a planned wipe out of an environmentally sensitive area in south
cambridge. As usual deadwood councillor Gary Price is no where to be seen. interesting reading for sure...

Hespeler Minor Hockey Association Fundraising Halloween Dance with Live Band - Friday, October 07, 2005
Come on out to the Hespeler Minor Hockey Halloween Fundraising Dance. Where/ when: Friday, October 28th, 2005, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., Beehive Hall, Hespeler Arena, Featuring: Live Band, Prizes for the best costumes, Late evening buffet
For tickets, please see a member of the Board of Directors, your league convenor. Tickets are $15/person or $30/couple. read more...


Site Update - Friday, October 07, 2005
Check main page for the always popular, Political Update #37. Thie time it is the local hespeler councillor seat.

Latest Updates - Thursday, October 06, 2005
Read the main page for updates on the Roszell Rd. gravel pit, a new GO Transit station idea for the Challenger Motor Site and an update on the Hespeler Haunted Bus Tour.

Hespeler Hair Salon Investigation -
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Click on the tab to read the first installment of this ongoing undercover investigation.

Models Wanted - UPDATE - Tuesday,
October 04, 2005
UPDATE- Big Thanks to the 4 women , 1 man and kids that volunteered to be models for the new hespeler news t-shirts next week. Remember if you want you can take the photos yourself wearing the t-shirt in the privacy of your home and send them to us digitally. We can drop the shirt off at your door.
Hespeler News is looking for people to model their soon to be released hespeler news t-shirts for an upcoming publicity photo page on hespeler news. If you want to remain anonymous we can put a mask on you! We can come to your work, home or even place of worship. No pay and no nudity required. Email us if you are interested.


SHOCKING NEWS -
Sunday, October 02, 2005
It seems notorious
Toronto to Michigan Garbage hauler Wilson logistics is setting up shop in Hespeler. See the main page story.

Haunted Bus Tour highlights -
Saturday, October 01, 2005
We will highlight some of the stories to be told on the tour in Hespeler News. Remember to click on the link for more info.

Site Update -
Friday, September 30, 2005
1.
New Story on Proposed Bike Levy.
2. New RUMOUR - Check out the Rumours Section to read about the Beer Store renovations!

Jeff's Mini Poll Update -
Thursday, September 29, 2005
We realize the Popular Jeff's Mini Poll has not been operating well lately so we have moved it to another location. Just click on the link above to VOTE.
Because of the previous problems, we have put back on the question, "Should Puslinch Council allow a zoning change to allow for a gravel pit on
Rozell Road. VOTE again.


Gifted Floral is Great -
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Well a Hespeler News Supporter emailed us to say that they regularily shop at Gifted Floral on Queen St. and think highly of it. so do we. We have also added them to our links section. read more...

Try the Message Board & Ask Rick -
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
A hespeler news supporter runs the "Message Board" and among other sections has a "Ask Rick Cowsill" section also. If you have not tried it yet, you should. Its a great way to express yourself and discuss topics with other hespeler folk.

Hespeler News Goes Undercover -
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Coming soon, an investigative report on the downtown hairdressing salon scene. Why so many? Will they cut a Hespeler News Supporters hair without an appointment? What will the haircut look like. You will be surprized, we were.

The Art of Maria I. Menage -
Sunday, September 25, 2005
See the main frame for the information on the art show of this Hespeler Artist.

Hespeler Haunted Bus Tour -
Saturday, September 24, 2005
The details are out exclusively at Hespeler News. read more...

Letter the Cambridge Times Will Not Print -
Saturday, September 24, 2005
A Hespeler News Supporter sent us in a letter that The Cambridge Times would not print. Please go to our Guestbook to read the letter. Feel free to send or post any letters the Times will not print or have edited severely.
Isn't it nice not to have one newspaper control what people get to read in our community...


St. Andrews Celebrates 150 years in Hespeler - Friday, September 23, 2005
See our main page story and read more...

New Hillcrest Principal a Stunner - Thursday, September 22, 2005
Well it seemed like it would be just another parent teachers night at Hillcrest when a Hespeler News supporter was greeted by the new principal of Hillcrest Public School, Mrs. Mercea. You would have thought they were taping a session of Fashion File. Mrs. Mercea is of course a great leader and intellectually fascinating but she is also blessed with supermodel looks.
Parents teachers nights will never be the same.


Exotic Pets Coming to Downtown Hespeler -
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Well check out our Rumours Section for this latest tall tale.

The Reids Dark Secrets -
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Another Hespeler News first. No local media will touch this story as the Reid Heritiage Homes puts so much money in local newspaper advertising.
Click on the link and read about the religious sect that the Reids Family belong to. read more...


VOTE in Jeff's New Mini Poll Question -
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Check out the Jeff's mini poll page for the results of the question, "Is the Sewage Pumping Station on