NEWS

Local news in and around Aylmer and Elgin County

Ontario announces electricity rates relief

March 24, 2020 | 0 Comments

On Tuesday, March 24, the Ontario’s Office of the Premier announced suspending Time-of-Use (TOU) electricity rates, instead billing at a fixed off-peak (lowest) rate for a 45-day period. The announcement was made in an effort to relieve some government-controlled financial pressures on households during a time when many are staying home to try and stop…

“Non-essential” businesses ordered closed two weeks starting March 25

March 24, 2020 | 0 Comments

On Monday, March 23, the Ontario’s Office of the Premier ordered a mandatory closure of “non-essential” business for two weeks in an effort to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The order is to take effect at 11:59 p.m. the following day (Tuesday, March 24). A list of “Essential Workplaces” was released that evening,…

First case of COVID-19 in Elgin

March 23, 2020 | 0 Comments

**Updated March 24** On Tuesday, March 24, it was revealed the man was admitted to St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital intensive care unit Monday night, arriving by ambulance. “Having a confirmed case in our hospital is not unexpected given the transmission of this virus globally,” said Robert Biron, STEGH president and CEO. There were no…

Send us your pictures, stories

March 22, 2020 | 0 Comments

Given current events, with most if not all public events being cancelled, The Aylmer Express is turning to our readers to help tell the story about how East Elgin is coping with COVID-19 precautions and restrictions. If you’re playing board games with your children, telecommuting from home, devising ways to help out neighbours and especially…

COVID-19 community closures, cancellations and service level changes (ongoing updates)

March 18, 2020 | 1 Comment

As the cases of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) climb in Ontario, organizations in Elgin county and beyond are taking measures to slow the spread. The following is a list of cancellations, postponements, or changes in service delivery for businesses in the Aylmer and East Elgin area. For updates to be added related to your business or…

Sunny weather suits Springwater syrup festival

March 7, 2020 | 0 Comments

Cheery visitors to the annual Springwater Maple Syrup Festival returned after a tractor-drawn wagon ride through the woods on Saturday, March 7. Conservation Areas Supervisor Dusty Underhill credited clear, sunny weather for helping the festival get off to a busy start. It continues on full weekends through March, and the week of March Break. (AE/Rob…

Big crowd out for Polar Bear Dip in Port Stanley

March 7, 2020 | 0 Comments

Young members of London FC (Football Club) sprinted into the chilly waters of Lake Erie during the annual Polar Bear Dip to benefit Childcan, a London-based charity serving children with cancer and their families. The event involved 38 teams and 266 participants, and raised nearly $100,00, double the goal. The team which raised the most…

Bridge replacement awarded

February 25, 2020 | 0 Comments

Elgin County councillors on Tuesday, Feb. 11, awarded a $5.1-million contract to Hayman Construction Inc. to build the permanent replacement for the collapsed Imperial Road Bridge in Port Bruce. That bridge fell into the creek two years ago. Currently, access across Catfish Creek is via a one-lane temporary bridge. Construction on the new bridge could…

Vienna flood warning

January 13, 2020 | 0 Comments

The Long Point Region Conservation Authority has issued a flood warning effective today, Monday, Jan. 13, for Big Otter Creek in Vienna. Watercourse levels across LPRCA remain high and are running swiftly, the authority reported.  In many cases watercourses are still exceeding their banks and flooding low-lying areas.  Most watercourses appear to have peaked and…

Susana Peters, 62, dies in crash

December 24, 2019 | 0 Comments

Susana Peters, 62, of Bayham died in a two-vehicle crash on John Wise Line between Imperial Road and Rogers Road on Monday, Dec. 23, at 5:20 p.m. Elgin Ontario Provincial Police Constable Adam Crewdson said Ms. Peters was a passenger in a westbound vehicle. An eastbound vehicle crossed over into the westbound lane, resulting in…

Springfield, New Sarum public schools saved from closing

November 26, 2019 | 0 Comments

Thames Valley District School Board trustees voted overwhelmingly on Tuesday night, Nov. 26, to rescind decisions made in 2017 to close New Sarum and Springfield elementary schools. They also voted unanimously to make the building of a new elementary school in Belmont, to replace ageing South Dorchester and Westminster Central, one of their two top…

Big, big band for Aylmer Kinsmen Santa Parade

November 23, 2019 | 0 Comments

The massive Burlington Teen Tour Band, which bills itself as the largest youth marching band in Canada, made a big impression on spectators during the 75th annual Aylmer Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, Nov. 23. “Best parade ever,” commented one spectator afterward. More pictures will be in the Nov. 27 edition of The Aylmer…