The Observer
@observernews.bsky.social
📰 Independent community newspaper serving residents of Woolwich and Wellesley Townships in Waterloo Region. Founded in 1996.
Find us online: observerxtra.com
Find us online: observerxtra.com
Blue-box changes as recycling shifts from taxpayers to producers
Waterloo Region residents can expect significant changes to their recycling and waste collection in the months ahead as Ontario transitions to a new, producer-funded recycling system on January 1
www.observerxtra.com/blue-box-cha...
Waterloo Region residents can expect significant changes to their recycling and waste collection in the months ahead as Ontario transitions to a new, producer-funded recycling system on January 1
www.observerxtra.com/blue-box-cha...
November 13, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Blue-box changes as recycling shifts from taxpayers to producers
Waterloo Region residents can expect significant changes to their recycling and waste collection in the months ahead as Ontario transitions to a new, producer-funded recycling system on January 1
www.observerxtra.com/blue-box-cha...
Waterloo Region residents can expect significant changes to their recycling and waste collection in the months ahead as Ontario transitions to a new, producer-funded recycling system on January 1
www.observerxtra.com/blue-box-cha...
Trees for Woolwich wraps up the season with final planting
Amidst a brisk November wind, the final planting of 2025 by Trees for Woolwich took place last week, marking a symbolic close to a season that witnessed the successful rooting of thousands of saplings
www.observerxtra.com/trees-for-wo...
Amidst a brisk November wind, the final planting of 2025 by Trees for Woolwich took place last week, marking a symbolic close to a season that witnessed the successful rooting of thousands of saplings
www.observerxtra.com/trees-for-wo...
November 13, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Trees for Woolwich wraps up the season with final planting
Amidst a brisk November wind, the final planting of 2025 by Trees for Woolwich took place last week, marking a symbolic close to a season that witnessed the successful rooting of thousands of saplings
www.observerxtra.com/trees-for-wo...
Amidst a brisk November wind, the final planting of 2025 by Trees for Woolwich took place last week, marking a symbolic close to a season that witnessed the successful rooting of thousands of saplings
www.observerxtra.com/trees-for-wo...
Woolwich Community Fund marks 25 years of supporting locals
The Woolwich Community Fund is marking its 25th anniversary after handing out more than $250,000 to local causes over that time. “I think the proudest achievement is probably that it exists at all, fo
www.observerxtra.com/woolwich-com...
The Woolwich Community Fund is marking its 25th anniversary after handing out more than $250,000 to local causes over that time. “I think the proudest achievement is probably that it exists at all, fo
www.observerxtra.com/woolwich-com...
November 13, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Woolwich Community Fund marks 25 years of supporting locals
The Woolwich Community Fund is marking its 25th anniversary after handing out more than $250,000 to local causes over that time. “I think the proudest achievement is probably that it exists at all, fo
www.observerxtra.com/woolwich-com...
The Woolwich Community Fund is marking its 25th anniversary after handing out more than $250,000 to local causes over that time. “I think the proudest achievement is probably that it exists at all, fo
www.observerxtra.com/woolwich-com...
The implications of AI addressed as part of upcoming conference
With artificial intelligence advancing at break-neck speed, Elmira’s Doug Thomas, the president of Secular Connexion, a national humanist organization, is worried about it making moral decisions f
www.observerxtra.com/the-implicat...
With artificial intelligence advancing at break-neck speed, Elmira’s Doug Thomas, the president of Secular Connexion, a national humanist organization, is worried about it making moral decisions f
www.observerxtra.com/the-implicat...
November 13, 2025 at 1:05 PM
The implications of AI addressed as part of upcoming conference
With artificial intelligence advancing at break-neck speed, Elmira’s Doug Thomas, the president of Secular Connexion, a national humanist organization, is worried about it making moral decisions f
www.observerxtra.com/the-implicat...
With artificial intelligence advancing at break-neck speed, Elmira’s Doug Thomas, the president of Secular Connexion, a national humanist organization, is worried about it making moral decisions f
www.observerxtra.com/the-implicat...
Elmira church plans fundraiser for various youth causes
Elmira’s Gale Presbyterian Church is hosting a dinner and show fundraiser later this month to support youth-targeted programs. Organizer Bill Judge noted they are hoping to raise $4,000 from the event to
www.observerxtra.com/elmira-churc...
Elmira’s Gale Presbyterian Church is hosting a dinner and show fundraiser later this month to support youth-targeted programs. Organizer Bill Judge noted they are hoping to raise $4,000 from the event to
www.observerxtra.com/elmira-churc...
November 13, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Elmira church plans fundraiser for various youth causes
Elmira’s Gale Presbyterian Church is hosting a dinner and show fundraiser later this month to support youth-targeted programs. Organizer Bill Judge noted they are hoping to raise $4,000 from the event to
www.observerxtra.com/elmira-churc...
Elmira’s Gale Presbyterian Church is hosting a dinner and show fundraiser later this month to support youth-targeted programs. Organizer Bill Judge noted they are hoping to raise $4,000 from the event to
www.observerxtra.com/elmira-churc...
Rural thefts becoming more common, officials say
A pair of recent theft cases in Woolwich have highlighted growing concerns about rural crime, with the police and farm organizations warning that thefts in rural areas appear to be increasing, particularly autom
www.observerxtra.com/rural-thefts...
A pair of recent theft cases in Woolwich have highlighted growing concerns about rural crime, with the police and farm organizations warning that thefts in rural areas appear to be increasing, particularly autom
www.observerxtra.com/rural-thefts...
November 13, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Rural thefts becoming more common, officials say
A pair of recent theft cases in Woolwich have highlighted growing concerns about rural crime, with the police and farm organizations warning that thefts in rural areas appear to be increasing, particularly autom
www.observerxtra.com/rural-thefts...
A pair of recent theft cases in Woolwich have highlighted growing concerns about rural crime, with the police and farm organizations warning that thefts in rural areas appear to be increasing, particularly autom
www.observerxtra.com/rural-thefts...
Covering up through the winter is also good for soil
While most people think of November as the time fields turn bare and brown, many farmers in the region are busy planting one more round of seeds. These seeds are not for next year’s harvest – at least, not e
www.observerxtra.com/covering-up-...
While most people think of November as the time fields turn bare and brown, many farmers in the region are busy planting one more round of seeds. These seeds are not for next year’s harvest – at least, not e
www.observerxtra.com/covering-up-...
November 13, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Covering up through the winter is also good for soil
While most people think of November as the time fields turn bare and brown, many farmers in the region are busy planting one more round of seeds. These seeds are not for next year’s harvest – at least, not e
www.observerxtra.com/covering-up-...
While most people think of November as the time fields turn bare and brown, many farmers in the region are busy planting one more round of seeds. These seeds are not for next year’s harvest – at least, not e
www.observerxtra.com/covering-up-...
Floradale PS students take part in latest ReForest Woolwich planting event
On a radiant November day, the schoolyard was bathed in sunlight as groups of students and volunteers knelt in the grass, carefully planting slender plug-root seedlings. With the clear
www.observerxtra.com/floradale-ps...
On a radiant November day, the schoolyard was bathed in sunlight as groups of students and volunteers knelt in the grass, carefully planting slender plug-root seedlings. With the clear
www.observerxtra.com/floradale-ps...
November 13, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Floradale PS students take part in latest ReForest Woolwich planting event
On a radiant November day, the schoolyard was bathed in sunlight as groups of students and volunteers knelt in the grass, carefully planting slender plug-root seedlings. With the clear
www.observerxtra.com/floradale-ps...
On a radiant November day, the schoolyard was bathed in sunlight as groups of students and volunteers knelt in the grass, carefully planting slender plug-root seedlings. With the clear
www.observerxtra.com/floradale-ps...
Province looks to change conservation authorities to speed up development
The Ontario government plans to introduce legislation that would overhaul the province’s conservation authority system, creating a new centralized body aimed at speeding up housing and i
www.observerxtra.com/province-loo...
The Ontario government plans to introduce legislation that would overhaul the province’s conservation authority system, creating a new centralized body aimed at speeding up housing and i
www.observerxtra.com/province-loo...
November 13, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Province looks to change conservation authorities to speed up development
The Ontario government plans to introduce legislation that would overhaul the province’s conservation authority system, creating a new centralized body aimed at speeding up housing and i
www.observerxtra.com/province-loo...
The Ontario government plans to introduce legislation that would overhaul the province’s conservation authority system, creating a new centralized body aimed at speeding up housing and i
www.observerxtra.com/province-loo...
Police investigating robbery at Dollar Tree store in Elmira
Elmira Dollar Tree staff told of their terror after witnessing a hooded young man with a cross tattooed under an eye rob their store and assault a customer. “It was pretty scary,” explained Kara Losee
www.observerxtra.com/police-inves...
Elmira Dollar Tree staff told of their terror after witnessing a hooded young man with a cross tattooed under an eye rob their store and assault a customer. “It was pretty scary,” explained Kara Losee
www.observerxtra.com/police-inves...
November 13, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Police investigating robbery at Dollar Tree store in Elmira
Elmira Dollar Tree staff told of their terror after witnessing a hooded young man with a cross tattooed under an eye rob their store and assault a customer. “It was pretty scary,” explained Kara Losee
www.observerxtra.com/police-inves...
Elmira Dollar Tree staff told of their terror after witnessing a hooded young man with a cross tattooed under an eye rob their store and assault a customer. “It was pretty scary,” explained Kara Losee
www.observerxtra.com/police-inves...
University of Guelph partners in initiative for agri-food entrepreneurs
Canadian entrepreneurs working at the intersection of food, farming and technology will soon have a new resource to help them scale their ideas. The University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricult
www.observerxtra.com/university-o...
Canadian entrepreneurs working at the intersection of food, farming and technology will soon have a new resource to help them scale their ideas. The University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricult
www.observerxtra.com/university-o...
November 13, 2025 at 1:04 PM
University of Guelph partners in initiative for agri-food entrepreneurs
Canadian entrepreneurs working at the intersection of food, farming and technology will soon have a new resource to help them scale their ideas. The University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricult
www.observerxtra.com/university-o...
Canadian entrepreneurs working at the intersection of food, farming and technology will soon have a new resource to help them scale their ideas. The University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricult
www.observerxtra.com/university-o...
Move over, pumpkin! This spiced cake is the coziest dessert of the season
Words are powerful.
bit.ly/4qXJCkj
Words are powerful.
bit.ly/4qXJCkj
November 13, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Move over, pumpkin! This spiced cake is the coziest dessert of the season
Words are powerful.
bit.ly/4qXJCkj
Words are powerful.
bit.ly/4qXJCkj
A year after fire, family opens rebuilt home to host neighbours
Having rebuilt after their home was destroyed by a fire a year ago, an Elmira family opened up the new house to welcome the neighbours who helped them on that terrifying Sunday night. Mark and Jessica Docken, along wit
bit.ly/49b7ACl
Having rebuilt after their home was destroyed by a fire a year ago, an Elmira family opened up the new house to welcome the neighbours who helped them on that terrifying Sunday night. Mark and Jessica Docken, along wit
bit.ly/49b7ACl
November 6, 2025 at 3:39 PM
A year after fire, family opens rebuilt home to host neighbours
Having rebuilt after their home was destroyed by a fire a year ago, an Elmira family opened up the new house to welcome the neighbours who helped them on that terrifying Sunday night. Mark and Jessica Docken, along wit
bit.ly/49b7ACl
Having rebuilt after their home was destroyed by a fire a year ago, an Elmira family opened up the new house to welcome the neighbours who helped them on that terrifying Sunday night. Mark and Jessica Docken, along wit
bit.ly/49b7ACl
Buckthorn the target of TWEEC weed-pull events
Residents are being invited to roll up their sleeves this weekend as the Township of Woolwich Environmental Enhancement Committee (TWEEC) hosts its annual fall buckthorn pull in Elmira and St Jacobs. The volunteer event runs Saturday f
bit.ly/43fpzDI
Residents are being invited to roll up their sleeves this weekend as the Township of Woolwich Environmental Enhancement Committee (TWEEC) hosts its annual fall buckthorn pull in Elmira and St Jacobs. The volunteer event runs Saturday f
bit.ly/43fpzDI
November 6, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Buckthorn the target of TWEEC weed-pull events
Residents are being invited to roll up their sleeves this weekend as the Township of Woolwich Environmental Enhancement Committee (TWEEC) hosts its annual fall buckthorn pull in Elmira and St Jacobs. The volunteer event runs Saturday f
bit.ly/43fpzDI
Residents are being invited to roll up their sleeves this weekend as the Township of Woolwich Environmental Enhancement Committee (TWEEC) hosts its annual fall buckthorn pull in Elmira and St Jacobs. The volunteer event runs Saturday f
bit.ly/43fpzDI
Wellesley event tonight offers up a taste of other cultures
This evening (Thursday), neighbours will be letting their taste buds try some different flavours with a cultural showcase in Wellesley. Taste the Culture: Bite and Enlight will allow visitors to experience a diverse world
bit.ly/4nS1Wc0
This evening (Thursday), neighbours will be letting their taste buds try some different flavours with a cultural showcase in Wellesley. Taste the Culture: Bite and Enlight will allow visitors to experience a diverse world
bit.ly/4nS1Wc0
November 6, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Wellesley event tonight offers up a taste of other cultures
This evening (Thursday), neighbours will be letting their taste buds try some different flavours with a cultural showcase in Wellesley. Taste the Culture: Bite and Enlight will allow visitors to experience a diverse world
bit.ly/4nS1Wc0
This evening (Thursday), neighbours will be letting their taste buds try some different flavours with a cultural showcase in Wellesley. Taste the Culture: Bite and Enlight will allow visitors to experience a diverse world
bit.ly/4nS1Wc0
Elmira Legion prepares for Remembrance Day parade
As poppies begin to bloom on our fall jackets, the Elmira Legion’s Remembrance Day ceremony is this Sunday to honour the men and women who served in the armed forces. On November 9, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 469 is inviting e
bit.ly/43MBwks
As poppies begin to bloom on our fall jackets, the Elmira Legion’s Remembrance Day ceremony is this Sunday to honour the men and women who served in the armed forces. On November 9, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 469 is inviting e
bit.ly/43MBwks
November 6, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Elmira Legion prepares for Remembrance Day parade
As poppies begin to bloom on our fall jackets, the Elmira Legion’s Remembrance Day ceremony is this Sunday to honour the men and women who served in the armed forces. On November 9, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 469 is inviting e
bit.ly/43MBwks
As poppies begin to bloom on our fall jackets, the Elmira Legion’s Remembrance Day ceremony is this Sunday to honour the men and women who served in the armed forces. On November 9, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 469 is inviting e
bit.ly/43MBwks
Waterways the focus of Woolwich reforestation efforts
Trees For Woolwich is shifting its focus from planting trees in parks and green spaces to protecting local waterways by restoring stream banks and riparian zones. That initiative is key to preventing erosion, filtering pollutant
bit.ly/4nKd8Ho
Trees For Woolwich is shifting its focus from planting trees in parks and green spaces to protecting local waterways by restoring stream banks and riparian zones. That initiative is key to preventing erosion, filtering pollutant
bit.ly/4nKd8Ho
November 6, 2025 at 2:09 PM
Waterways the focus of Woolwich reforestation efforts
Trees For Woolwich is shifting its focus from planting trees in parks and green spaces to protecting local waterways by restoring stream banks and riparian zones. That initiative is key to preventing erosion, filtering pollutant
bit.ly/4nKd8Ho
Trees For Woolwich is shifting its focus from planting trees in parks and green spaces to protecting local waterways by restoring stream banks and riparian zones. That initiative is key to preventing erosion, filtering pollutant
bit.ly/4nKd8Ho
November 6, 2025 at 1:01 PM
November 6, 2025 at 11:57 AM
We are hiring!
Wallenstein Feed and Supply is hiring a We are hiring! (Wallenstein, Ontario, Canada)
bit.ly/4qLofT2
Wallenstein Feed and Supply is hiring a We are hiring! (Wallenstein, Ontario, Canada)
bit.ly/4qLofT2
November 6, 2025 at 5:15 AM
We are hiring!
Wallenstein Feed and Supply is hiring a We are hiring! (Wallenstein, Ontario, Canada)
bit.ly/4qLofT2
Wallenstein Feed and Supply is hiring a We are hiring! (Wallenstein, Ontario, Canada)
bit.ly/4qLofT2
Pumpkin carvers get creative in St. Jacobs
It was a Pumpkin Palooza in St. Jacobs on Saturday, a day filled with pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating. Top: Violet Griesbaum was scooping out the guts with the help of her dad, Jon Griesbaum. Bottom left: Grandp
www.observerxtra.com/pumpkin-carv...
It was a Pumpkin Palooza in St. Jacobs on Saturday, a day filled with pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating. Top: Violet Griesbaum was scooping out the guts with the help of her dad, Jon Griesbaum. Bottom left: Grandp
www.observerxtra.com/pumpkin-carv...
October 30, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Pumpkin carvers get creative in St. Jacobs
It was a Pumpkin Palooza in St. Jacobs on Saturday, a day filled with pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating. Top: Violet Griesbaum was scooping out the guts with the help of her dad, Jon Griesbaum. Bottom left: Grandp
www.observerxtra.com/pumpkin-carv...
It was a Pumpkin Palooza in St. Jacobs on Saturday, a day filled with pumpkin carving and trick-or-treating. Top: Violet Griesbaum was scooping out the guts with the help of her dad, Jon Griesbaum. Bottom left: Grandp
www.observerxtra.com/pumpkin-carv...
Let's go Blue Jays!
Kids, adults, local business not immune to effects of Blue Jays fever
www.observerxtra.com/lets-go-blue...
Kids, adults, local business not immune to effects of Blue Jays fever
www.observerxtra.com/lets-go-blue...
October 30, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Let's go Blue Jays!
Kids, adults, local business not immune to effects of Blue Jays fever
www.observerxtra.com/lets-go-blue...
Kids, adults, local business not immune to effects of Blue Jays fever
www.observerxtra.com/lets-go-blue...
Ghostbusting on Halloween night
Ghostbusters interactive experience returns to DJ Carroll’s Elmira home
www.observerxtra.com/ghostbusting...
Ghostbusters interactive experience returns to DJ Carroll’s Elmira home
www.observerxtra.com/ghostbusting...
October 30, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Ghostbusting on Halloween night
Ghostbusters interactive experience returns to DJ Carroll’s Elmira home
www.observerxtra.com/ghostbusting...
Ghostbusters interactive experience returns to DJ Carroll’s Elmira home
www.observerxtra.com/ghostbusting...
NFU supports postal workers
Farmers’ union advocating to save rural postal outlets, other services
www.observerxtra.com/nfu-supports...
Farmers’ union advocating to save rural postal outlets, other services
www.observerxtra.com/nfu-supports...
October 30, 2025 at 2:40 PM
NFU supports postal workers
Farmers’ union advocating to save rural postal outlets, other services
www.observerxtra.com/nfu-supports...
Farmers’ union advocating to save rural postal outlets, other services
www.observerxtra.com/nfu-supports...
Old-fashioned soup you need to make for this cozy season
Words are powerful.
www.observerxtra.com/old-fashione...
Words are powerful.
www.observerxtra.com/old-fashione...
October 30, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Old-fashioned soup you need to make for this cozy season
Words are powerful.
www.observerxtra.com/old-fashione...
Words are powerful.
www.observerxtra.com/old-fashione...