Woodstock needs condo apartments

In a smaller city like Woodstock (under 40,000), I firmly believe the community has a demand for more condominium apartment buildings because they are a terrific investment for an older single person who can no longer live in a house, but does not want to gradually witness a lifetime nest egg disappear by paying rent. In other words, 50 years of equity in home ownership will evaporate.
Woodstock has many very nice apartment buildings -- 4 on Chieftain, plus Finkle, several in Canterbury/Beale neighbourhood, and even some recently improved older buildings such as Northgate Towers on Admiral Street.
I Have An Idea
While it is impossible to guess exactly what will become of the old Woodstock hospital site, my suggestion would be a 5-storey condo building with underground parking -- apartments for sale (with condo fees, of course) in the $200,000 range (or more), which would all be a minimum of 1200 sq ft.
I'm not a builder, so I can't break down construction costs to see if this would be feasible, but the only real condo apartments for sale in Woodstock currently is the 2-building 4-storey complex on Ferguson Drive, but they lack indoor parking. The Ferguson 3-bedroom condos with 2 4pc bathrooms sell in the $140,000 (approx) bracket based on condition and view. A very good option.
My food for thought for today.
All the best to you and your family for the holiday season, and it is my wish to all for good health and happiness in 2012.
Until then, here's a story from the London Free Press noting that the residential rental vacancy rates are very low currently in London, according to the CMHC.
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LONDON VACANCY RATES OVERVIEW

By HANK DANISZEWSKI, The London Free Press

December 21, 2011

London's apartment vacancy rate has tumbled to its lowest rate in years as students, seniors and "echo boomers" jump into the rental market.

A survey completed in October by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.

showed the vacancy rate fell to 3.8%, compared to 5% in the same month last year.

That's the lowest rate since 2007, and a dramatic turnaround after vacancy rates rose for several years and approached the record of 6%.

"We saw the turnaround in the cycle last year," CMHC market analyst Margot Stevenson said Tuesday.

Stevenson said the decline in vacancies is due to a number of factors:

After years of robust apartment construction, activity slowed down last year with only 775 new units coming onto the market to the end of June, the lowest level since 2007. London now has about 650 private rental apartments under construction, the lowest level since 2002.

Despite low mortgage rates, London's 9.8% unemployment -- one of the highest metro rates in Canada -- is also discouraging renters from buying their first home, shrinking the supply of available apartments. "Weak employment growth will limit the number of potential first-time buyers able to make the transition to home ownership," said Stevenson.

There are more young and old folks jumping into the rental market.

The first wave of "echo-boomers," a population bulge made up of the children of baby boomers, is starting to move out of their parents' homes into their own apartments.

At the same time, the first wave of baby boomers are becoming "empty-nesters" and edging into the seniors' rental market.

Seniors in London are more like to rent than in any other major city in Ontario.

Student apartments are also in hot demand again. The lowest vacancy rate in the city was in the area of north London around the University of Western Ontario. It had a overall vacancy rate of 2.1%, with one-bedroom units at 1%.

Western had its largest-ever, first-year enrolment this year, with 5,100 students. Existing student residences are operating at capacity, prompting construction of a new 1,000-bed residence. Sophomore students typically move out of residence into private apartments.

The drop in vacancy rates didn't do much to boost rents, with the price for a typical two-bedroom apartment rising only 0.8% to $881 a month.

Stevenson said rental rates are still being held down by several years of high vacancies.

Many of the same trends will continue into next year, she said. The CMHC predicts vacancy rates will drop again next year to about 3.6%.

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BY THE NUMBERS

London-area apartment vacancy rate:

2007: 3.6%

2008: 3.9%

2009: 5%

2010: 5%

2011: 3.8%

 

Woodall Farm could be (should be) park complex

I went to city council on Thursday Dec 15 as current chair of Woodstock Recreation Advisory Committee, to say that our volunteer civic committee (appointed by council) agreed with City Staff and Council (from their Sept. 15 meeting) on its decision to dedicate part of city-owned Woodall Farm (90+ acres; on Devonshire Ave and immediately east of new French school) for a 4- or 5-diamond ball complex.
The future could include a satellite library, hockey arena, indoor or outdoor pool, basketball and/or tennis courts, and an indoor gymnasium for all age groups, and certainly many varied sports and leisure activities.
It will be at least 3 years before the ball park vision becomes reality.
Here's the story from The Sentinel-Review on the project:

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Former farm could become park complex

By Bruce Urquhart Sentinel-Review

WOODSTOCK – Council took another important step Thursday towards a new ball diamond complex in the city's northeast corner.

Endorsing a recommendation from its recreation advisory committee (WRAC), council agreed to allocate "in principle" a suitable amount of land from the city-owned Woodall Farm property for a future recreation complex. Council also directed city staff to include funds in the 2012 capital budget for a preliminary site design.

The proposed ball diamond complex – the first phase of what could be an impressive new facility – would involve a minimum of five lit ball diamonds designed specifically to accommodate the needs of adult leagues. As part of the first phase, the committee also urges the construction of a permanent building that houses two dressing rooms, a concession stand, three bathrooms, and storage and utility areas.

For its part, the committee offered to do some research for the city to make sure the "exact needs" of users are met. With a goal of May 1, 2015, for completion of the estimated $2.25- to $4-million project, the committee wants to determine a projected number of teams to help define a possible financial commitment from local leagues. The committee also wants to explore possible corporate sponsorships, the revenue potential of hosting "major tournaments" and the "qualifying process" of obtaining senior government grants.

But the committee – and, in principle, council – want to preserve much of the 36-hectare Woodall property for an expansive park complex, envisioning a number of future phases that reflect facets of the city's 2005 recreation and leisure master plan.

"The (committee) is adamant in its consensus that much of this (36-hectare) land parcel should now and immediately be defined and reserved as a future location for a multi-purpose municipal facility/park," committee chair Mark Schadenberg said in his delegation to council.

The future phases, if approved, would incorporate a new indoor gymnasium with basketball courts and change rooms, a potential satellite library, a new ice pad with 600-person seating, an indoor Olympic-size swimming pool, an outdoor splash pad, tennis courts and open-air concrete pads for basketball and similar activities. With these phases, the park complex would need sufficient administrative and storage space to support this broad range of activities.

"Given all of the foregoing opportunities, it is also critical that the new 'park complex' be located in an appropriate area, but that enough lands be dedicated to provide sufficient space for a truly multipurpose facility," Schadenberg said.

The possibility of a new ball diamond complex was first raised with council in June following a review of "the current state and number of ball diamonds" by an ad hoc WRAC subcommittee. At the time, council directed city staff to review possible sites for a ball diamond complex. In September, staff provided council with four possible sites for the new complex and requested that WRAC offer its insight.

"After some debate, the former Woodall Farm site was deemed to warrant further study," Schadenberg noted.

Consider joining the Lions Club

If you're planning a resolution for 2012 to become more involved in your community, here's my plug for you to consider the Lions Club of Woodstock.
Firstly, the club, which I've been a member of for about four years, has been serving and volunteering in this community for more than 80 years. The Lions Club, for example, built the Lions Pool for the City in the 1940s and when the City wanted to take over operating it, the Lions sold it to the municipality for $1.
We have countless fundraisers, including operating a large food tent at Canada's Outdoor Farm Show in September to raise dollars to assist many community needs and projects. The Lions Club runs the beverage garden for both Cowapolooza and Canada Day in Southside Park, we are the organizing committee for the annual Terry Fox Run with member Bill Gillespie chairing the activity.
The Lions Club operates the weekly bingo at the Legion on Thursdays.
Also, A Ladies Night Out fundraiser makes money in two ways -- selling tickets for a dinner and selling vendors tables to businesses such as Pampered Chef and Osbourne Books. Everyone wins!
As a volunteer work force the Lions Club assists with The Christmas Place, the Santa Claus and Victoria Day parades, the annual soapbox go-kart rally, community barbecues, and the important early-morning get-up-before-dawn cleanup crew for the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay For Life.
The Lions Club also owns a historic fire truck which makes many public appearances throughout the county at events and parades. When you attend the Woodstock Santa parade you always know the jolly olde fellow in red is next when you our jolly olde fellow -- Lion Ed -- driving the red truck.
Speaking about getting our hands dirty, the Lions Club does highway garbage pickup twice a year on both Highway 2 on the west end of Woodstock and the nearby Lions Club / Standard Tube walking trails.
Cheques are written annually for high school bursaries, support for seeing-eye dogs, local Christmas charities, and for many one-time-only requests for items including prescription glasses and household assistive devices for people in need who make a formal request to our 'charitable reponse' committee.
Just this past week, the Lions Club paid for a Christmas dinner and distributed presents to children in a local organization. The gentleman in the red suit and beard was also a Lions Club member.
I tell friends of mine always, that the Lions Club of Woodstock is a great group of people doing great work. Call me if you're interested in joining in on the fun.
Woodstock is a great community, but it has become that thanks to the sum of its parts. You can do your part, by joining the Lions Club.

Mark Schadenberg, sale rep

Royal LePage Triland

Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com

(519) 537-1553

93 Sales Reported in November in WIDREB

It's not boxing, it's real estate

In boxing, it’s called the tale of the tape. In real estate, it’s the tale of the statistics.

Numbers always paint a picture. You can look at a series of sales figures and explain exactly what was happening at the time.

If you’re considering selling your home, it doesn’t matter if it’s a buyer’s market or a seller’s market, the asking price should be accurate.

 I’ve been in real estate full-time for 13 years now, but for stats I only range back to 2005 as it was in the spring of that year that Toyota announced it would be building a factory here to produce the Rav4. Almost overnight prices went up 15 - 20 % and the market change dramatically.

Here, therefore are total sales numbers for the first 11 months of the past seven years in WIDREB (Woodstock-Ingersoll board area also includes Innerkip, Norwich, Sweaburg, Burgessville, Beachville, Mt Elgin, Embro and points in-between):

2011: 1106

2010: 1154

2009: 1010

2008: 1118

2007: 1315

2006: 1218

2005: 1426

You can see 2009 was low in total sales due to a slow car industry, especially among the North American big three, including an almost shutdown at Ingersoll’s CAMI. However, 2011 is in line with the 2009 number.

In 2005, sales totals were quite high and it’s safe to assume many additional properties sold that were not formally MLS listed as multiple-offers and quick sales were everywhere as properties – with or without homes built on them – were selling rapidly and many purely on speculation.

As for November totals, 2011 was close to the last three years – 93 in 2011, 84 in 2010, and 87 in 2009. However, the car collapse of late 2008 resulted in just 55 sales after both 2007 and 2006 were both at 104 each.

Oxford County certainly follows regional and national trends.

In the meantime, I’m not an economist, but this is a great time to buy as there is a downward pressure on residential resale prices and interest rates are microscopic.

Mark Schadenberg
Royal LePage Triland Realty
Woodstock
Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com
(519) 537-1553

Rona vs Home Hardware vs Home Depot

Home Hardware, which is based in St Jacobs, is an icon of the Canadian lumber and building supply industry. The company is really just a buying group, which is explained nicely in this recent story which was published in the Toronto Star.

The Home Hardware name will be attempting to grow in upcoming years to better compete with box stores.

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Hardware franchise chains are similar, but different

By James Daw, Toronto Star, Personal Finance Columnist

Malcolm Firkser and Delip Chook watched their fathers learn the business ropes by running neighbourhood hardware stores.

Firkser’s family came to Canada from South Africa; Chook’s from India, via Afghanistan. Their parents sought out a business they could afford, one from which they could benefit from customer loyalty built up by previous owners.

Rather than compete alone against the major chains that dominate Canada’s retail hardware industry, they stepped under their umbrella — the Firksers with Home Hardware and the Chooks with Rona.

Firkser’s father began running Sunnybrook Home Hardware at Eglinton and Bayview Aves. in 1980. Malcolm, 51, took it over in 1988. He recently opened two more stores.

Chook, 25, says his father, Parshot, and mother, Sima, collected welfare upon arriving in Canada penniless and knowing relatively little English. After working hard, operating a series of gift stores and buying a home and commercial real estate, they approached Rona about six years ago to open a hardware store on Queen St. E. (A Home Hardware store had just closed.)

After his father was injured in a car crash, Chook took on the management duties, such as ordering inventory, at the store. His skills caught Rona’s attention. Now, he’s working there as an assistant project manager while studying part-time. He’s weighing his father’s offer to take over the store.

Both Rona and Home Hardware are looking to expand their number of locations, in response to increasing competition from the big-box stores of Canadian Tire, Home Depot and Lowes.

Home Hardware is particularly interested in expanding beyond 100 stores in Quebec. Rona expects half of its dealers will retire over the next 10 to 15 years, and also has expansion plans.

Based in Boucherville, Que., Rona is a public corporation that owns its biggest stores. Home Hardware, of St. Jacobs, Ont., is a buying co-operative owned by its members, who now number more than 1,000.

Instead of selling franchises, both chains work with aspiring entrepreneurs to open hardware stores and larger building centres under their banners.

Like franchise chains, both offer their members or dealers access to group purchasing power, enormous supply chains, advice and consulting services, and advertising support.

Dealers say they enjoy fewer restrictions than franchisees, lower upfront costs, the freedom to sell their businesses and some other advantages.

Both Firkser and Chook rave about their chain’s selection of suppliers, inventory control, ordering and warehouse delivery systems.

Rona’s goal is to capture 30 per cent of the hardware and building-centre market across Canada. Its first priority is to open large company stores and help existing dealers expand into larger locations, where their adult children can earn enough profit to earn an income and buy their parents out.

“We are trying to get close to the customer,” says Jean-Luc Meunier, senior vice-president of business development for Rona.

Home Hardware and Rona have different requirements and financial arrangements that are only disclosed in detail to their independent dealers.

Meunier offers only general information about the startup cost for a small Rona hardware store. Rona usually controls the lease on its dealers’ stores.

“The inventory would cost about $75,000 to $100,000,” he estimates, adding a person with equity of $200,000 to $250,000 could go to the bank to arrange financing.

Rona will sometimes help promising young people finance a startup, he adds. Before accepting a dealer, he or she will be put through a battery of tests.

It could take a year or two before a new dealer could draw much income from a small store, longer for a larger store.

Home Hardware charges a $300 application fee and $1,500 for shares in the co-operative. It directs 5 per cent of sales to an interest-bearing account.

The co-operative’s members may access some of the money later for an expansion or renovation, but most of the money in their interest-bearing account will only be repaid in five annual installments after selling or closing the business.

Firkser negotiated his own leases for his two new stores, and is looking for space for a fourth store.

“I still think Home Hardware is the best format in the business,” he insists. “When you retire, you will have a large chunk of money. With Rona, you walk away with your inventory, bank loan, and fixtures and fittings that will be worth nothing.”

Consultant Eugene Duynstee, president of KPM Enterprises Inc., offers general advice to prospective dealers or co-op members.

“When you are getting into a business relationship, a long-term view is very important. When you build a relationship with customers, where does that value go when you want to retire? Can you sell the business to someone else?”

Chook, whose customers saw him grow up from age 13 to 25 in his parent’s stores, admits he has a difficult decision to make: Build a career within the Rona organization or buy his father’s small business.

He says he has learned a lot about tools and home renovation projects in the past six years. He enjoys helping customers solve problems, and would be the most capable successor. “My brother should be on Canada’s Worst Handyman,” he says.

Firkser is committed to small hardware stores, and is looking to open a fourth in central Toronto. He uses a recent trip to a department store to buy a wallet as a lesson for his son on the value of personal service. They found plenty of wallets, but no price stickers or advice.

“I asked my son: How do these places survive? ... I think they are chasing money away.”

Mark Hunter assumes coaching role

Dale Hunter is new Capitals coach, so Mark Hunter takes over behind London bench

This is the story I wrote for: The Canadian Press:
By Mark Schadenberg
LONDON -- Not often would a first-place team be required to name a new head coach.
Late Sunday, however, Dale Hunter, 51, became the new bench boss of the Washington Capitals and thereby had to call his younger brother Mark to announce he was leaving the club which he coached to 451 regular-season wins over 11 seasons, including the 2005 Memorial Cup title.
On Monday, Mark Hunter, 49, named himself as new head coach of the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, elevating his responsibilities and role from that of vice president and general manager. Even though not listed in the program ever as an assistant coach, Mark Hunter all season has been a regular presence on the bench along with Dale and Dylan Hunter (Dale's son).
"It's going to be different," said Mark Hunter in a noon-hour press gathering Monday. "We have a good staff here. I feel comfortable with the group of coaches we have here -- it's a solid team."
The Knights staff includes assistant coaches Dylan, Misha Donskov (also assistant GM), defence coach Rob Ramage, development coach Dave Warren, director of scouting (former Knights head coach) Lindsay Hofford, goalie coach Bill Dark, and even a part-time sports psychologist on staff in Dr. Natasha Wesch. Donskov and Ramage were already on ice during practises and would be important eyes in the sky during games. Donskov, confirmed Mark Hunter, will now be seen on the bench more during games. It would appear the resources are in place.
One change in the club's operation that the Hunter family has not yet discussed, admitted Mark, is the position of team president which Dale held in an ownership group which also features former NHLer Basil McRae.
With the Knights completing a three-in-three weekend in Brampton on Sunday, there were no players at the John Labatt Centre Monday, giving the staff some organizational time.
"We don't plan on changing much, but we'll be watching game-by-game and if we have to tweak something, we will," said Mark Hunter.
"It's not like I'm coming in from upstairs. I've been on the bench. I have a pretty comfortable feel with how Dale was running things. Dale sometimes did a few things a little out of the box, but I think I have a good hockey mind to try things."
As for Dale Hunter, Mark says his brother is most certainly ready for the next level.
"It's anybody's dream to coach in the (NHL). It's well deserved by him. After 11 years here it's a great accomplishment for him. He's ready to go," said Mark, who added that Dale won two OHL coach of the year awards (2004 and 2005) and sent several players to the NHL, most notably Corey Perry, Dave Bolland, Patrick Kane, Sam Gagner and Steve Mason, along with Dennis Wideman and John Carlson who he will now coach in Washington.
"It's something to be very proud of to see players go on to the NHL and do as well as they've done -- like Corey Perry going up and winning the Hart Trophy. Winning is important to the organization, but developing players is even more important," said Mark Hunter.
With over four years previous as a head coach himself in the OHL with the Sarnia Sting, Mark Hunter expects a seamless transition even though his workload has changed -- possibly less time for scouting.
"I won't miss many practises. I believe that's the teaching tool," says Mark Hunter. "I'm going to put a little more pressure on Misha and Dylan. They will do a little more organizing practices. They already watch the tapes. Everybody always likes to have a little more to do and they're open for it."
Mark Hunter's resume includes head coaching roles in both the OHL and AHL as he was behind the bench for the St John's Maple Leafs in 1996-97, and wrapped around that season he had earned 155 wins in 306 contests with Sarnia, 1994-2000. It must be noted that the Sting won just one of six playoff rounds in his tenure where he coached future NHLers Trevor Letowski, Jon Sim, and Andy Delmore, among others.
The current Knights, meantime, have earned their way to its No 1 CHL ranking with 20 victories in 26 contests, leading the OHL in goals with 114, and not losing consecutive games even once this season. London has exceeded expectations with a generally younger lineup including rookies Max Domi, Bo Horvat and first overall CHL Import pick Olli Maatta from Finland. The young core also includes twins Ryan and Matt Rupert, Andreas Athanasiou, and Dane Fox. A certain surprise is that Seth Griffith leads the club in goals (17) and points (33).
London's lineup has just four NHL-drafted players in captain Jarred Tinordi (Montreal), along with Jared Knight (Boston), Vladislav Namestnikov (Tampa), and Team Canada world junior hopeful Scott Harrington (Pittsburgh).
The Mark Hunter era debut is Friday with a visit by the under-achieving Saginaw Spirit, which has won two straight, but have just 10 wins in 27 starts.
Although confirming he is the head coach going forward, the one commitment Mark Hunter was unable to confirm obviously is the long term picture.
"I think every year we look back and see if anything needs to be adjusted and analyze how we've done -- the coaches and the players. That is something we've always done and will continue to do with this hockey club."
One area where Mark admits he will have less time is scouting. More emphasis will have to be put on the legwork of Hofford and his staff.
Mark Hunter's NHL career included 628 games with Montreal, St. Louis, Calgary, Hartford and Washington, winning a Stanley Cup with the Flames in 1989. In 19 years, Dale Hunter became the only NHL player to record over 1,000 points and 3,000 penalty minutes, playing 1,407 games plus 186 more in the playoffs.

Maple Leafs Gardens now a supermarket

Sittler and Palmateer era long over; now it's soup and pomegranates at Maple Leaf Gardens

When growing up as a Maple Leafs fan, my favourites were Mike Palmateer and Darryl Sittler. The mecca of hockey, in my opinion, was Maple Leafs Gardens.
For awhile a grocery magnate named Steve Stavros owned the hockey club; now MLG is a grocery store as it opens on Wednesday, Nov. 30 in this change-of-use.
Rock concerts, pro wrestling and boxing, and many other entertainment events were hosted by the Gardens. The Air Canada Centre opened in 1999.
Here's a story from The Toronto Star about the Gardens' transformation.
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Dana Flavelle Toronto Star, Business Reporter

What would the late Harold Ballard think?

His beloved Maple Leaf Gardens may look the same from the outside more than a decade after the Toronto Maple Leafs National Hockey League team abandoned its home of 68 years.

But inside the iconic arena that hosted eight Stanley Cup championships, Depression-era dance marathons, Beatles concerts and Trudeau-mania, the curmudgeonly former owner might be startled by its dramatic transformation.

On Wednesday, the iconic hockey shrine will reopen its doors for the first time since 1999, but as a supermarket, clothing store and LCBO outlet.

Not just any supermarket, an urbane food emporium worthy of the sophisticated tastes of Toronto’s booming downtown condo-dwellers.

From the few crumbs of information Loblaw Cos. Ltd. has dropped so far, the store will house a sushi bar, stone bread-baking oven, 100 pound wheel of Stilton cheese, handcrafted chocolate and open kitchen. The Gardens will be unlike any other store in Loblaw’s 1,200-store empire.

“You have to have the right product mix. You can’t sell suburban products in the downtown core. People aren’t going to do their week’s worth of shopping. They’re shopping daily, or two or three times a week. They’re buying fresh. Looking for organic,” said John Archer, a retail consultant with J.C. Williams Group Inc. in Toronto.

“The market is skewed a little bit younger. It’s also the attitude. Eating healthy. Looking after yourself. It’s not age-related. It can be the funky 50-year-old who still dresses like they’re 25 and wants to buy Joe Fresh,” Archer added.

Like other food retailers, Loblaw was looking for a way to get into the downtown core when the Gardens came on the market.

A condo boom was fuelling a population explosion. Having shrunk to 40,000 residents by the 1970s during the flight to the suburbs, the city’s inner core has soared to 100,000 people, says Tony Hernandez, chair of Ryerson University’s Centre for the Study of Commercial Activity.

And more are coming.

“The density has gone crazy in the last five years,” says Anthony Stokan, retail consultant with Anthony Russell Inc. in Toronto.

Unlike Manhattan, where there’s a small Korean grocer on every corner, Canada’s food distribution business is controlled by a handful of large players, Stokan noted. Every one of them — Metro, Sobey’s and regional player Longo’s — has opened downtown stores in recent years, he said.

Finding a suitable urban site is more challenging than in the suburbs. The Gardens presented even more than the usual number of headaches for prospective developers.

At one point, the arena appeared destined to become a white elephant.

Vacated in 1999 by the hockey team for more modern quarters in the Air Canada Centre, its owner Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment seemed to have few options.

Condo developers were stymied by the city’s decision to declare the Gardens’ domed roof a heritage feature. And a rival hockey club owner, Eugene Melnyk, was rejected as a potential competitor to MLSE’s Air Canada Centre.

Loblaw walked away from a proposed deal in 2003, declaring the price too rich for its appetite. Home Depot withdrew a rival offer around the same time.

Loblaw and MLSE were able to strike a deal the following year that would see the Gardens turned into a giant superstore that carried both groceries and general merchandise. The Gardens’ legions of fans were heartbroken that the plan wouldn’t include a skating rink.

Then Loblaw’s plans stalled.

The company became distracted by a market share war with Wal-Mart, which had begun adding full supermarkets to its general merchandise stores. Loblaw had gone on the offensive introducing its Real Canadian SuperStore format to Ontario. The stores, which carried both food and general merchandise, had done well in Western Canada. But they failed to meet expectations in Ontario.

The company stopped building them.

There were other problems as well, including rumours the cost of restoring the Gardens to its former glory was running far higher than Loblaw had anticipated.

Then in 2009, Loblaw struck an innovative deal with nearby Ryerson University that would see the Gardens house a new NHL-sized arena above the supermarket.

Partnering with Ryerson, which badly needed a new student athletic centre and arena for its hockey team, silenced the critics and brought in government agencies to help finance the Gardens reconstruction.

The deal qualified for a federal infrastructure grant. Ottawa committed to provide up to $20 million of the $60 million Ryerson would need to build its share of the facilities.

Loblaw agreed to help raise another $20 million for the school, seeding the pot with a $5 million donation. Ryerson students would raise the other $20 million through a special $126 a year student fee.

Loblaw would build a smaller 70,000 square foot store, with a Joe Fresh outlet and LCBO.

The compromise won kudos.

Tim Morawetz, who documented the Gardens’ architectural features in his book Art Deco Architecture in Toronto, was a member of Friends of the Gardens, a group that fought valiantly to preserve it as a working arena.

“It would have been so special for all Canadians to be able to continue to experience the magic of the ice surface,” Morawetz said. Recognizing that wasn’t possible, he said, this is the next best thing. Loblaw has preserved its soaring art deco features and modern style, he said, while Ryerson has reintroduced a skating surface.

Loblaw says it has taken care to “celebrate the heritage of the building” inside the store as well. What that means remains to be seen when the building is opened to the public for the first time in more than a decade.

Former Toronto mayor John Sewell was also a Friend of the Gardens. Last month, he was invited by Ryerson to tour its share of the facilities.

Sewell says he stood on the future ice rink under the iconic dome at Maple Leaf Gardens last month and felt “tingly.”

But the Gardens isn’t out of the woods yet. MLSE is in litigation with Ryerson over the school’s apparent plans to use the rink for more than student hockey games.

That case is before the courts.

Rick Hansen relay in Woodstock on Nov 29

Local volunteerism hero Bill Gillespie to play significant role in Rick Hansen medal-bearer relay through Woodstock

The 25^th anniversary of the Rick Hansen Man In Motion World Tour will arrive in Woodstock on Tuesday, Nov 29 with a civic reception at Goff Hall at the community complex, 4 - 6 p.m.

The relay began on Aug 24 in Cape Spear – in the Atlantic Ocean and will continue all the way to the Pacific with over 7,000 participants.

This is another opportunity to show admiration for our nation, our city, and of course a national hero in Rick Hansen. A video about the life of Hansen will be played as part of the ceremony Tuesday at the Woodstock District Community Complex.

Recognized locally for his efforts in volunteerism and sports will be Bill Gillespie as the honourable medal bearer. More on his biography is listed below.

On the Rick Hansen Foundation website (rickhansenrelay.com) it is noted that this new coast-to-coast awareness and fundraiser is all about Hansen saying: “My Journey Becomes Our Journey.” Adding: “The funding is to assist people living with spinal cord injuries and creating accessible and inclusive communities.”

The area convoy on Nov 29 is to transport the medal (runners, cyclists, and of course by wheelchair) in its leg from London to Thamesford to Ingersoll to Woodstock.

Brad Janssen from the Woodstock community services department calls the Tuesday Woodstock event both a community celebration and a pep rally. He has organized many participants, including the St Mary’s High School cheerleaders.

I will be present as both the current chair of the Woodstock Recreation Advisory Committee and as member of the Lions Club of Woodstock.

BILL GILLESPIE

Gold Medal at World Masters Games in basketball

2002 in 60-64 age group

1989 in 45-50 age group

Silver Medal at World Masters Games in basketball

2002 in 55-60 (Played on 2 teams)

1994 in 50-55 age group

Played university basketball at what was then Waterloo Lutheran (WLaurier).

Played competitive basketball for Woodstock Kings of the Central Ontario Intermediate League.

Organized the Terry Fox Run at the elementary and secondary school levels for both school boards in Oxford County for about 20 years

Currently is chair of the city-wide Terry Fox Run in early September.

Long-time member of Lions Club of Woodstock

At Huron Park Secondary School, coached basketball and track & field for many years.

Was convener of the annual boys’ Captains-Veterans high school basketball benefit showcase games.

Brand new hospital swings its doors open

A new era in healthcare begins today (Nov. 20, 2011) in Woodstock -- the opening of a brand new hospital.
The grand olde facility on Riddell Street closes its doors forever. According to the website www.wgh.on.ca, parts of the current medical facility date back to 1895. There have been many additions, renovations and facelifts over the years, but the era of a hospital fronting on Riddell and calling the block of Brant, Wellington and Vincent streets home is now over.
Under the 'Media Centre' headline on the wgh.on.ca homepage you can find a direct link to a terrific informative 46-page insert produced recently by the Woodstock Sentinel-Review (S-R), which did a very effective job introducing the various departments and amenities to be provided at the new Woodstock Hospital, which swings its doors open today for the first time with its first patient transfer scheduled at 6.am.
The new hospital has the capacity for 178 beds plus the dozens of out-patient services available. According to a Sentinel (S-R) story on Friday, approximately 80 patients will be part of the move today.
The shape of the building is interesting with an almost 5-prong design with the largest area for administration and emergency (ER), while the four arms also have specific uses. In the middle is a courtyard.
The location is important as it is in Woodstock's south for quick access on 401 for transportation purposes. The Juliana Drive / Athlone Avenue area has changed significantly in recent years when you also factor in the new Woodingford Lodge retirement home and residential subdivisions.
The list of people making the new hospital possible is extremely long from management to politicians, donors to fundraisers, doctors to nurses, construction crews to logistical planners.
The Woodstock Hospital Foundation board, and Building The Vision campaign (wghfoundation.ca; 519-421-4226) raised millions -- more than $25 million.
Hospital CEO and president Natasa Veljovic has been tying together all the loose strings throughout the process. Among those from the current hospital with a significant role in the entire transition has been vice president of services Perry Lang.
Since I write here, I can certainly do some name dropping (Not a thorough list). I think of Glen McDonald, the late David Lowes, Carole Wilson, Ed Down, Bill Carrothers, John McDougall, Harvey Hunt, Vicki Davey, Bill Mackesy, Paul LeRoy, Terry Thompson, Ann Ash, Sheri Knott, Diane Werby, Brent VanParys, Wilma Boughtflower, Ken Whiteford, Don Reeder, Brad Janssen, and many many more people who have sat on committees or balanced the books to organize the raising of dollars (Isabelle Baird, Jan Matwey, Donna Harcourt, Evelyn Barnett, Barbara Blott, Louise Tuffnail, Jean Caskey, . . . ) and keeping the idea of a brand new hospital alive for many years until the reality of this day.
Even though I'm a proud Royal LePage Realtor, I recognize the efforts of Century 21 locally and its annual Golden Gala benefit which set a goal, reached it and surpassed it. Funds have been earmarked to this project from the remarkable volunteer efforts of the hospital auxiliary, along with a tip-of-the-iceberg partial list of quilt sales, auctions, and walk-a-thons/races (Dairy Capital Run).
The hospital is also 'home' for more than 150 volunteers, who assist in various capacities.
Substantial donations arrived from many families -- Rogers (Communications), Wettlaufer, Jasinski, Lockwood, and others.
Initial provincial approval for a new hospital in Woodstock was granted way back in 2000, I believe.
The frustration of the process going forward from there must have been tremendous at times as the plan was to construct a brand new location, but government changes at the provincial level and many other factors resulted in delays. At the same time, how many bandaids and braces could be put on the old hospital to keep it operating.
I enjoyed one quote in particular in the S-R insert by Ed Down, chair of the current board of trust: "We have the building, the equipment and the room to adjust and evolve in an ever-changing environment. We are ready and able to chart the course for first class health care in Oxford County."
With London-based EllisDon as the main builder, the new hospital, which I toured on a Doors Open Oxford day, is a stunning jump into the future for our area. The consortium also includes Honeywell with a 30-year management contract as part of Integrated Team Solutions.
Construction teams included Stantec Engineering for grading, roads and parking, plus Parkin Architects, unique financing through Fengate, and of course Infrastructure Ontario.
Veljovic said it this way in the S-R: "It took a talented team of professionals and construction trades people to deliver what we consider the best designed and best built hospital in Ontario."
For the first time ever, Woodstock has its own MRI (diagnostic imaging) equipment. This is wonderful news for Oxford, but also good news for the district as it will lower the ever-increasing demand on London and other neighbouring community hospitals. The Siemen's developed and manufactured MRI machine will eventually be used by more than 3,000 patients per year.
The previous Woodstock hospital had a CT scanner. A brand new CT scanner was installed in the new hospital which is the new generation of technology -- 256 slices of information gathered per rotation. Wow!
The S-R report stated that the final building cost will amount to approximately $160 million for the 350,000 sq ft facility. Overall, there will be up to 178 inpatient beds, 23 ER rooms, an adjoining but separate out-patient department, five larger operating rooms (previous hospital had four), as many as 12 dialysis chairs (up from six), state-of-the-art obstetrics, expanded mental health department, a larger pharmacy and lab services, and 600 new computers.
A statement by Dr Pongrac Kocsis -- president of the medical staff -- said it best, noting this facility will attract more health-care professionals to Woodstock.
Also important news is that some services offered off-site in the past, will now be housed at the hospital, including speech therapy (impediments and other delays), which was several city blocks away at the medical office at the renovated old Princess St School. Nutrition and diabetes education will now be in the hospital and not elsewhere, such as the Vance building.
While I was steeping tea, I sifted through the S-R section quite a bit and must congratulate Heather Rivers on her department-by-department analysis.
Finally, naturally the cafeteria services include Tim Hortons, and with regular fare from Morrison On The Go.
Mark Schadenberg
Sales Representative
Royal LePage Triland
(519) 537-1553
Thinking of a move? New construction or re-sale? Call me about real estate in Oxford County.

I might need winter tires

The tires on my car are about 3 years old, and by all reports I have seen or even heard on talk radio about winter driving safety, I believe I may need winter tires. What to do?
The biggest news to me is that once it gets below 7C regular year-round tires become less effective. Therefore, a decision to install winter tires is based as much on temperature as it is snowfall.
Here's a story I borrowed from Yahoo!

()()()()()

Do you need winter tires?

- Jeff Voth

  

“Tis the season to be jolly”, or so claims the famous Christmas song we know and enjoy at this time of year. But does this hold true when it comes to driving our vehicles as temperatures drop, snow starts to fall and winter shovels replace garden rakes at the side of the shed? 

With each change of season comes the need to adjust our driving habits and the equipment found on our vehicles. Although all-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles offer greater traction and all-weather drivability in general, they can be just as hazardous as any other vehicle when equipped with all-season or "M + S" tires in the winter.

All-season tires are designed to perform best when the temperature exceeds 7°C. Below this, they become hard and begin to lose grip. Winter tires are specifically designed to remain flexible in cold weather. Plus, their deeper tread pattern acts as a shovel to clear away snow and water from the tire as it rotates. With more rubber exposed to the road surface, traction improves dramatically when compared to all-season tires.

The hard part is, however, investing in winter tires can be very expensive. In fact, a full set of four “snow” tires (it is never recommended to use only 2 winter tires even on a front-wheel drive vehicle), will easily cost upwards of $600.00, plus fees for mounting and a set of seasonal steel rims. Should you spend the extra money? In general, yes.

Let’s say, for example, you drive back and forth from the country or suburban areas to the city each day for work, plus spend time taking the kids to the arena and running a few errands. If this is your typical winter day of driving, snow tires are definitely worth the investment.

On the other hand, should you live in a major city with easy access to mass transit once the snow starts to fly, the added expense of winter tires may not be worth the investment. Traction will certainly improve on your vehicle, but your money may be better spent taking the bus or subway and letting someone else do the winter driving instead of you.

To better test the theory of winter tires, we contacted Continental Tires of Canada this past winter and asked them to supply two different sets of winter tires for long term evaluation. The late model test mules used in our evaluation represented everyday vehicles, typical of what many Canadians drive.  

The first was a set of 215/55R16 Altimax Arctic tires from General Tire.  Designed to aid in cold weather driving, key features and benefits included the following:

Features:
-    Multi-Angle Sipe System
-    Directional Pattern with Center Stability Rib
-    Reactive Contour Technology (RCT)
-    All-Weather Dual Tread Compound

Benefits:
-    270 degrees of sipes with biting edges that enhance traction in any direction of travel.
-    Water evacuation is amplified and straight-line stability is improved.
-    Contour reacts to different road conditions to maintain optimum contact with road surface throughout the life of the tire.
-    Exceptional cold-weather flexibility and excellent wet traction.
The second set we tested over the winter of 2010-2011 was the top-of-the-line 195/65R15 ExtremeWinterContact Continental Tires. Designed to look and perform at the highest level, features and benefits included the following:

Features:
-    Compact outside tread with elevated lateral grooves
-    Inclined longitudinal grooves
-    Maximum void and grip edges in center contact patch with traction ridges in grooves
-    High sipe density. Highly flexible compound

Benefits:
-    Improved dry handling
-    Swift removal of water
-    Excellent traction and braking on snow
-    Reduced braking distance

Over the course of a five month period, we drove both sets of tires on city and country roads, in blinding snowstorms and on clear days when it was simply too cold for mere mortal man to enjoy. We also spent time driving when the weather was clear, above freezing and, for the most part, favourable.
Both sets of tires performed flawlessly, providing superior contact with the road in every case when compared to equally new, all-season tires. This should hold true for any competitive tire of equal value and age to the Continental tires we tested. Why? Simply put, winter tires are specifically designed to work best when the weather turns cold and all-season tires are optimized for warm weather driving. 
Winter driving is a fact of life in Canada. That doesn’t mean we always have to enjoy it when the weather outside turns frightful. But, with the right set of winter tires, it may be somewhat less intimidating and potentially a little fun. Spring is still a long ways off. Put on some “snows” and have a safe driving winter.

Time Management Time With Fellow Realtors

Thursdays With Melanie & Company
In the real estate world -- just like any sales and marketing career -- there are seminars to attend, referral networks to maintain, and countless personal planning sessions offered.
At last week's Trilanders think-tank, a group of Royal LePage Realtors gathered to remind ourselves of what we already know, but need to keep top-of-mind. Time management skills can be nurtured and then ignored, perfected and then not always relied upon.
At the end of the day, a Realtor must be structured, but then the phone rings and I run.
Name dropping all those in attendance last week: Melanie Pearce, Peggy Stewart, Dianne Hanbidge, Kelley McIntyre, Nicole McKenzie, and Hazel Sinclair, we all realized that agents need a game plan and these defined -- but individual -- guidelines should be adhered to. In other words, what works for me, might not be a successful playbook item for someone else.
The common thread, however, surrounds being organized and structured. One person said they actually turn off their computer (email and social media access) and cell phone for about four hours midweek to literally break down everything on their schedule and set priorities. They 'block' this time.
One of the main reasons to have effective systems in place is that when you're busy, you're in theory still finding time to find new business -- prospecting.
I have a program called Top Producer, which I use extensively, and it's more than just a database of names, addresses and phone numbers. This so-called alphabetical 'sphere of influence' includes contacts from my years as sports editor of The Sentinel-Review, friends from the Lions Club and Cancer Society's Relay For Life, the city's recreation advisory committee, my past involvement with the local sports celebrity dinner, past clients, and hopeful future clients. It sounds cliche that it's a fluid list, but right now when I'm preparing to deliver or mail 2012 client calendars, I spend a lot of time with address labels.
Back on topic here, when the job description of a Realtor is looked at, it includes many roles: marketing expert, statistician, internet analyst, writer and researcher, desktop publisher, amateur inspector (hire a pro when you sign a conditional offer), communicator, negotiator and photographer. The interesting connection with a camera is usually the agents who can take the best pictures themselves therefore know the importance of depicting a property, especially online, so they usually also go the extra mile to hire a pro with a tri-pod and software to create a virtual tour. If you're thinking of hiring your 'friend' the Realtor to sell your house, look at their listings on www.Realtor.ca to determine if that person should be interviewed for the job.
Getting back to Thursdays With Melanie (You've heard of Tuesdays With Morrie), one rep discussed how she colour-coded her lists of email connections -- clients, lawyers, inspectors, mortgage reps, other agents, etc. Another good idea was to set the time of day that your emails are sent out, and what type of drip marketing materials are available through the company's local and national internal websites.
The bottom line, when you're self employed or an independent contractor -- and I am (I get paid solely on my own sales) -- it's easy to convince yourself that you're busy. As I type this, the Leafs are playing on the tube, but I hardly realize they have scored a pair to even up the score by late in the third period. I will, however, take a break and watch the overtime.
By the way, if you would like to receive a 2012 desk calendar from me, simply email: mschadenberg@rogers.com
If you're thinking of selling or buying in the near future, call me today at (519) 537-1553. If you want to explore another city for a possible move, call me first as I have many 'network' Realtors.
Since I haven't perfected my time management, I will now finish spell-checking, then walk away from my keyboard and get back to those address stickers.

Max Domi will likely be dominate in OHL

If you read Canadian Press sports stories a lot, or maybe stumbled upon a feature about Max Domi of the London Knights on tsn.ca, Metro papers or Yahoo Sports!, what you might not realize is that as a freelancer I was the writer.
Anyway, here's the version I submitted. As per usual, CP did a good job of editing -- shifting some sentences and improving flow.

Max Domi destined for pro hockey career
Mark Schadenberg
LONDON -- Ignore the name on the back of the jersey -- simply watch and admire his game.
Max Domi is a remarkable talent -- possibly the top future-pro prospect among all 1995 players in the Ontario Hockey League. The London Knights centre leads all rookies with eight goals, including 19 points and just 16 penalty minutes in 18 games, and displays a rare combination of composure, creativity and vision.
Domi has the ability to back-check inside his own zone, start an offensive rush, stop on a dime and click with an accurate pass to a teammate. The OHL leader in plus/minus is London defenceman Scott Harrington at +18. Max Domi is +14, to simply confirm that his hockey sense is beyond his years, and depicts why NHL scouts looking at the horizon to the 2013 draft, look closely at Tie Domi's son.
Tie Domi played 16 years in the NHL and is third all-time in penalty minutes. Max's coach Dale Hunter, meanwhile, is second all-time on that same list.
While Max certainly demonstrates a tenacious effort -- his future is all about displaying a flair for offence and becoming a complete player in all three zones.
"I like to try to play in my own zone first and work from there -- play from 'D' side and then out," says Max. "I also try to play a little physical. I find that I've had my most success in the offensive zone when passing the puck."
A grad of the Don Mills Flyers AAA program, Max Domi paced Don Mills to a GTHL (Greater Toronto league) title last year and then second place at the OHL Cup season-ending tourney. Under head coach Bob Marshall, the Flyers (blueliners Darnell Nurse in Sault Ste. Marie and Adam Bateman in Windsor are also Flyers grads and first-round OHL draftees) would win 60 of 74 games.
"Max has outstanding offensive skills and instincts," says Marshall. "I think what gets lost with all his offensive abilities is how sound he is defensively and how hard he has worked to learn and continue to learn how to play in his own end and without the puck. Some kids are gifted and they just take it for granted and get by on that, but Max is one of the hardest working kids I have been around in practice and in his off ice training.
"I think that's what will seperate him from the pack," added Marshall.
When talking about his own abilities, Max Domi is quick to be modest and deflect instead to team goals.
"He is a very polite well-mannered kid," continued Marshall. "He makes everyone around him feel welcome and important."
After Don Mills, Max Domi was drafted eighth overall by the Kingston Frontenacs at last May's OHL priority selection, but opted not to report to the club operated by two of Tie's former teammates in Toronto -- general manager Doug Gilmour and coach Todd Gill. On Aug. 30 as league training camps began, Kingston would trade Max's rights to the Knights for what amounts to three future second-round picks.
Elite hockey is certainly a year-round pursuit. Working with skating coach Darryl Belfry this past summer, Max Domi feels he made a lot of progress in preparing for a 68-game OHL schedule. If a golf coach can dissect a swing, Belfry could be described as a skating analyst.
"(Darryl) works a lot with video. He'll take a look at my stride -- cross-overs and my shooting stride -- and he will break it down," described Domi. "This summer I was working on my cross-overs a lot. I had a choppy cross-over. I've had three other skating coaches in the past that couldn't crack the code in improving my cross-overs."
Listed at a somewhat generous 5'10" in the Knights program, Max Domi is a skilled forward, and not the agitating player his dad was with the original Winnipeg Jets, Rangers and Maple Leafs.
"I like to pass and make the guys around me better," said Domi. "Since I was very young, I've always liked to pass. My dad used to get mad at me for passing too much.
"It's a natural instinct for me to pass and not shoot on a two-on-one."
In his first OHL regular season game, Max Domi had no problem shooting, recording a hat trick in an 8-0 win over Saginaw on Sept. 23.
Knights first-year assistant coach Dylan Hunter knows all about the difficulty in following a famous parent. Dylan, who won a Memorial Cup with the Knights in 2005, is Dale Hunter's son and another hockey mind who is impressed with the young Domi.
"Max has exemplary skills. He is a very powerful skater with a strong stride, and for his age he's very hard to knock off the puck," said Dylan Hunter. "He's a tremendous athlete, who passes the puck hard -- he doesn't chip it forward to his teammates, he wires it."
Domi and London teammate Bo Horvat both were members of Team Ontario Under-16 at the 2011 Canada Winter Games in Halifax. Both are now hoping to have their names announced in the next week or so for the Ontario Under-17 entry at the World Hockey Challenge, set for Windsor, Dec 29 - Jan 4.
Under coach Dale Hunter's systems, Max plays mostly at centre, but is also taking a few shifts on the wing. Hunter doesn't believe in lines set in stone, and at the same time Max says he enjoys learning some different concepts.
"I'm practising a lot lately at centre and the wing," says Max. "It's fun to learn both positions."
Max maintains his high-level of activity despite a requirement to monitor a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes, which is an ailment he has in common with teammate and Bruins prospect Jared Knight. While Tie wore jersey 28 and Max's hero Mats Sundin was No. 13, Tie selected 16 to recognize Bobby Clarke and the extensive NHL career compiled by the former Philadelphia captain who was a NHL star despite diabetes.
The Knights have completed more than a quarter of the schedule and not only reside in top spot in the league at 15-2-1, but have been ranked No 1 four consecutive weeks in the CHL.
London appears to be a good mix of veteran forwards like Knight, Tampa draftee Vladislav Namestnikov, plus Seth Griffith and Dane Fox, along with a tremendous trio of sophomores in twins Matt and Ryan Rupert, along with Andreas Athanasiou. The blueline is likewise formidable with Montreal-signed tower and first-rounder Jarred Tinordi, and Pittsburgh pick Harrington.
Maybe it's the surname recognition or the obvious immense potential, but Max Domi appears to have all the tools. With dad Tie now a regular at Knights home games, Max doesn't have far to look for inspiration.
"I've never seen anyone with as much heart and work ethic as my dad had in the NHL. He played many many years in the NHL and has shown me with his intensity what it takes to be a professional athlete, and he's always there for me if I have a question to ask," said Max.
The younger Domi wants to follow the likes of Corey Perry, Patrick Kane, Dave Bolland, Sam Gagner, John Carlson and Brandon Prust -- from London to the NHL.
"He's an elite player," adds Knights assistant GM Misha Donskov. "He's a great kid and a character player. He has vision on the ice and impresses everyone with the hard passes right on the tape."

PM Meighen's homestead doesn't sell in auction

To follow up on an item in my November Newsletter, the childhood home of former Prime Minister Arthur Meighen did not sell on auction on Oct. 28.

Arthur Meighen house fails to sell

Auction was held Oct 29.

Tristan Hopper, NATIONAL POST

Former prime minister Arthur Meighen’s statue was deemed too ugly for Parliament Hill, his portrait was nailed up in the House of Commons without a dedication ceremony and now nobody seems to want to buy his childhood home.

In a Saturday auction, the three-bedroom house in Anderson, 40 kilometres north of London, Ont., failed to attract any bid higher than $372,000 — well below the reserve.

“We had a lot of people going through the house, but when push came to shove bidders just didn’t come through,” said Brent Shackleton, the home’s auctioneer. “To be honest, it was simply a lot of curious people.”

Meighen’s old school in nearby St. Mary’s, Ont., also did not sell after going under the gavel last week.

Canada’s ninth prime minister lived in the former farmhouse for the first 12 years of his life.

“When we bought the house we didn’t even know he was the Prime Minister of Canada,” says owner Fred Lewis, who purchased the house in 1985 with his wife Joanne.

“My wife just saw it and fell in love with it.”

After she died in 2009, he decided to sell.

The 1840s-era fieldstone house, which has a library and a detached carriage house, is located on 3.3 acres of herb gardens and orchards. It was badly in need of repairs when they moved in, but Mr. Lewis carefully restored the property to his wife’s specifications.

“I can’t just give the house away,” he said.

“Money’s not the most important thing in the world, but I worked so hard and spent a fortune.”

Nevertheless, “99.9% of people” who toured the house had no intention of buying it, he said. “It was something to do on a Saturday.”

The first prime minister born after Confederation, Meighen had only two brief stints in high office — 15 months in 1920-21 and three months in 1926. He attempted a comeback by running as a Conservative in Toronto in 1942, but was handily beaten by a Co-operative Commonwealth Federation candidate.

Although dubbed one of the greatest debaters to serve in the House of Commons, Meighen’s slim political, record has afforded him few of the usual accolades given to former prime ministers. Books and essays on him are comparatively sparse.

In 1968, federally commissioned sculptors crafted a highly stylized statue of Meighen, but it was ultimately stashed in an Ottawa warehouse out of fear its grotesque appearance would be seen as a criticism of the Conservative leader. In the 1980s, the sculpture was quietly moved to a small park in St. Mary’s.

Meighen’s official House of Commons portrait was scheduled for an official unveiling in the late 1940s, but was cancelled when then-prime Minister Louis St. Laurent called in sick.

National Post
thopper@nationalpost.com