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
Police charge 50-year-old woman with weapons offences after Elmira standoff
Police charged an Elmira woman with weapons offences and assaulting an officer on Thursday, a day after a nearly four-hour standoff during which neighbours were ordered to stay indoors
www.observerxtra.com/police-charg...
Police charged an Elmira woman with weapons offences and assaulting an officer on Thursday, a day after a nearly four-hour standoff during which neighbours were ordered to stay indoors
www.observerxtra.com/police-charg...
January 29, 2026 at 9:49 PM
Police charge 50-year-old woman with weapons offences after Elmira standoff
Police charged an Elmira woman with weapons offences and assaulting an officer on Thursday, a day after a nearly four-hour standoff during which neighbours were ordered to stay indoors
www.observerxtra.com/police-charg...
Police charged an Elmira woman with weapons offences and assaulting an officer on Thursday, a day after a nearly four-hour standoff during which neighbours were ordered to stay indoors
www.observerxtra.com/police-charg...
My entire family devours these chicken bites in minutes
Words are powerful.
www.observerxtra.com/my-entire-fa...
Words are powerful.
www.observerxtra.com/my-entire-fa...
January 29, 2026 at 5:14 PM
My entire family devours these chicken bites in minutes
Words are powerful.
www.observerxtra.com/my-entire-fa...
Words are powerful.
www.observerxtra.com/my-entire-fa...
Wellesley Fall Fair’s Hicktown Hoedown returns for a second year
It’s time to dust off the cowboy boots and don a Stetson again, as the western-themed Wellesley Fall Fair’s fundraiser is rolling back into town. The Hicktown Hoedown event will bring the feel of
www.observerxtra.com/wellesley-fa...
It’s time to dust off the cowboy boots and don a Stetson again, as the western-themed Wellesley Fall Fair’s fundraiser is rolling back into town. The Hicktown Hoedown event will bring the feel of
www.observerxtra.com/wellesley-fa...
January 29, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Wellesley Fall Fair’s Hicktown Hoedown returns for a second year
It’s time to dust off the cowboy boots and don a Stetson again, as the western-themed Wellesley Fall Fair’s fundraiser is rolling back into town. The Hicktown Hoedown event will bring the feel of
www.observerxtra.com/wellesley-fa...
It’s time to dust off the cowboy boots and don a Stetson again, as the western-themed Wellesley Fall Fair’s fundraiser is rolling back into town. The Hicktown Hoedown event will bring the feel of
www.observerxtra.com/wellesley-fa...
EcoBoosters’ latest repair café set for Jan. 31
Instead of throwing broken household items into the trash, residents in Wilmot and Wellesley townships are being encouraged to sit down, pick up tools, and learn how to fix them. That’s the idea behind the repair
www.observerxtra.com/ecoboosters-...
Instead of throwing broken household items into the trash, residents in Wilmot and Wellesley townships are being encouraged to sit down, pick up tools, and learn how to fix them. That’s the idea behind the repair
www.observerxtra.com/ecoboosters-...
January 29, 2026 at 3:36 PM
EcoBoosters’ latest repair café set for Jan. 31
Instead of throwing broken household items into the trash, residents in Wilmot and Wellesley townships are being encouraged to sit down, pick up tools, and learn how to fix them. That’s the idea behind the repair
www.observerxtra.com/ecoboosters-...
Instead of throwing broken household items into the trash, residents in Wilmot and Wellesley townships are being encouraged to sit down, pick up tools, and learn how to fix them. That’s the idea behind the repair
www.observerxtra.com/ecoboosters-...
Public Health looking for high school students to update vaccine info
High school students will need to get their vaccines sorted earlier this year to avoid suspension after public health chiefs changed the timing of their annual enforcement. Secondary pupils
www.observerxtra.com/public-healt...
High school students will need to get their vaccines sorted earlier this year to avoid suspension after public health chiefs changed the timing of their annual enforcement. Secondary pupils
www.observerxtra.com/public-healt...
January 29, 2026 at 3:36 PM
Public Health looking for high school students to update vaccine info
High school students will need to get their vaccines sorted earlier this year to avoid suspension after public health chiefs changed the timing of their annual enforcement. Secondary pupils
www.observerxtra.com/public-healt...
High school students will need to get their vaccines sorted earlier this year to avoid suspension after public health chiefs changed the timing of their annual enforcement. Secondary pupils
www.observerxtra.com/public-healt...
Plants’ ability to absorb carbon dioxide questioned in new research
Plants absorb less carbon dioxide than scientists once thought, according to new research that suggests Earth’s natural carbon buffer is weaker than many climate models assume. For decades, ri
www.observerxtra.com/plants-abili...
Plants absorb less carbon dioxide than scientists once thought, according to new research that suggests Earth’s natural carbon buffer is weaker than many climate models assume. For decades, ri
www.observerxtra.com/plants-abili...
January 29, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Plants’ ability to absorb carbon dioxide questioned in new research
Plants absorb less carbon dioxide than scientists once thought, according to new research that suggests Earth’s natural carbon buffer is weaker than many climate models assume. For decades, ri
www.observerxtra.com/plants-abili...
Plants absorb less carbon dioxide than scientists once thought, according to new research that suggests Earth’s natural carbon buffer is weaker than many climate models assume. For decades, ri
www.observerxtra.com/plants-abili...
Identifying service gaps as Waterloo Region grows
A new interactive map highlighting gaps in access to key services across Waterloo Region shows Elmira ranking in the middle of the pack, raising questions about how well the growing community is being served as
www.observerxtra.com/identifying-...
A new interactive map highlighting gaps in access to key services across Waterloo Region shows Elmira ranking in the middle of the pack, raising questions about how well the growing community is being served as
www.observerxtra.com/identifying-...
January 29, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Identifying service gaps as Waterloo Region grows
A new interactive map highlighting gaps in access to key services across Waterloo Region shows Elmira ranking in the middle of the pack, raising questions about how well the growing community is being served as
www.observerxtra.com/identifying-...
A new interactive map highlighting gaps in access to key services across Waterloo Region shows Elmira ranking in the middle of the pack, raising questions about how well the growing community is being served as
www.observerxtra.com/identifying-...
Feds looking to expand rural internet and cell service
The federal government is taking new steps to expand internet and cellular service in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, including communities across Woolwich Township, by opening access to unused w
www.observerxtra.com/feds-looking...
The federal government is taking new steps to expand internet and cellular service in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, including communities across Woolwich Township, by opening access to unused w
www.observerxtra.com/feds-looking...
January 29, 2026 at 2:05 PM
Feds looking to expand rural internet and cell service
The federal government is taking new steps to expand internet and cellular service in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, including communities across Woolwich Township, by opening access to unused w
www.observerxtra.com/feds-looking...
The federal government is taking new steps to expand internet and cellular service in rural, remote and Indigenous communities, including communities across Woolwich Township, by opening access to unused w
www.observerxtra.com/feds-looking...
It was the hottest of times, it was the coldest of times in the region last year
Waterloo Region saw some of its coldest and hottest temperatures on record last year, with back-breaking snow bookending a summer of heatwaves and wildfire warnings, experts said.
www.observerxtra.com/it-was-the-h...
Waterloo Region saw some of its coldest and hottest temperatures on record last year, with back-breaking snow bookending a summer of heatwaves and wildfire warnings, experts said.
www.observerxtra.com/it-was-the-h...
January 29, 2026 at 2:05 PM
It was the hottest of times, it was the coldest of times in the region last year
Waterloo Region saw some of its coldest and hottest temperatures on record last year, with back-breaking snow bookending a summer of heatwaves and wildfire warnings, experts said.
www.observerxtra.com/it-was-the-h...
Waterloo Region saw some of its coldest and hottest temperatures on record last year, with back-breaking snow bookending a summer of heatwaves and wildfire warnings, experts said.
www.observerxtra.com/it-was-the-h...
Sap fest a big hit right from the start
Those who were there at the first Elmira Maple Syrup Festival in 1965 recall the big crowds that showed up
www.observerxtra.com/sap-fest-a-b...
Those who were there at the first Elmira Maple Syrup Festival in 1965 recall the big crowds that showed up
www.observerxtra.com/sap-fest-a-b...
January 29, 2026 at 12:03 PM
Sap fest a big hit right from the start
Those who were there at the first Elmira Maple Syrup Festival in 1965 recall the big crowds that showed up
www.observerxtra.com/sap-fest-a-b...
Those who were there at the first Elmira Maple Syrup Festival in 1965 recall the big crowds that showed up
www.observerxtra.com/sap-fest-a-b...
Robot Technician
Conestogo Agri Systems Inc is hiring a Robot Technician (Alma, Ontario, Canada)
jobs.observerxtra.com/job/2122660-...
Conestogo Agri Systems Inc is hiring a Robot Technician (Alma, Ontario, Canada)
jobs.observerxtra.com/job/2122660-...
January 29, 2026 at 5:40 AM
Robot Technician
Conestogo Agri Systems Inc is hiring a Robot Technician (Alma, Ontario, Canada)
jobs.observerxtra.com/job/2122660-...
Conestogo Agri Systems Inc is hiring a Robot Technician (Alma, Ontario, Canada)
jobs.observerxtra.com/job/2122660-...
Large police response descend into Elmira suburb
A "barricaded person" incident happening in Elmira neighbourhood
www.observerxtra.com/large-police...
A "barricaded person" incident happening in Elmira neighbourhood
www.observerxtra.com/large-police...
January 28, 2026 at 9:01 PM
Large police response descend into Elmira suburb
A "barricaded person" incident happening in Elmira neighbourhood
www.observerxtra.com/large-police...
A "barricaded person" incident happening in Elmira neighbourhood
www.observerxtra.com/large-police...
Old-fashioned sticky toffee pudding is the dessert I swear by
Words are powerful.
www.observerxtra.com/old-fashione...
Words are powerful.
www.observerxtra.com/old-fashione...
January 22, 2026 at 5:13 PM
Old-fashioned sticky toffee pudding is the dessert I swear by
Words are powerful.
www.observerxtra.com/old-fashione...
Words are powerful.
www.observerxtra.com/old-fashione...
Potholes leave Elmira drivers with plenty of complaints
Along with roads covered in snow and ice, local drivers have also been dealing with a proliferation of potholes. As a result, tire-repair shops have been especially busy. Last week’s thaw led to even more
www.observerxtra.com/potholes-lea...
Along with roads covered in snow and ice, local drivers have also been dealing with a proliferation of potholes. As a result, tire-repair shops have been especially busy. Last week’s thaw led to even more
www.observerxtra.com/potholes-lea...
January 22, 2026 at 12:04 PM
Potholes leave Elmira drivers with plenty of complaints
Along with roads covered in snow and ice, local drivers have also been dealing with a proliferation of potholes. As a result, tire-repair shops have been especially busy. Last week’s thaw led to even more
www.observerxtra.com/potholes-lea...
Along with roads covered in snow and ice, local drivers have also been dealing with a proliferation of potholes. As a result, tire-repair shops have been especially busy. Last week’s thaw led to even more
www.observerxtra.com/potholes-lea...
Many factors at play as farmers decide on use of new technology
As farmers plan for the 2026 growing season, many are making deliberate decisions about which technologies to leave on the shelf. Despite a steady stream of agricultural innovation, from biologica
www.observerxtra.com/many-factors...
As farmers plan for the 2026 growing season, many are making deliberate decisions about which technologies to leave on the shelf. Despite a steady stream of agricultural innovation, from biologica
www.observerxtra.com/many-factors...
January 22, 2026 at 12:04 PM
Many factors at play as farmers decide on use of new technology
As farmers plan for the 2026 growing season, many are making deliberate decisions about which technologies to leave on the shelf. Despite a steady stream of agricultural innovation, from biologica
www.observerxtra.com/many-factors...
As farmers plan for the 2026 growing season, many are making deliberate decisions about which technologies to leave on the shelf. Despite a steady stream of agricultural innovation, from biologica
www.observerxtra.com/many-factors...
Local food banks see plenty of support, but demand continues to grow
Local charities received numerous donations to support those in need during the holiday season. The Wellesley Food Cupboard, for instance, raised more than $28,000 from its Festive Forty camp
www.observerxtra.com/local-food-b...
Local charities received numerous donations to support those in need during the holiday season. The Wellesley Food Cupboard, for instance, raised more than $28,000 from its Festive Forty camp
www.observerxtra.com/local-food-b...
January 22, 2026 at 12:04 PM
Local food banks see plenty of support, but demand continues to grow
Local charities received numerous donations to support those in need during the holiday season. The Wellesley Food Cupboard, for instance, raised more than $28,000 from its Festive Forty camp
www.observerxtra.com/local-food-b...
Local charities received numerous donations to support those in need during the holiday season. The Wellesley Food Cupboard, for instance, raised more than $28,000 from its Festive Forty camp
www.observerxtra.com/local-food-b...
Work of UW students featured in Saving the Night Caller
Work spotlighting elusive bird to be screened Jan. 25 & 28 at Princess Cinemas; Q&A session to follow
www.observerxtra.com/work-of-uw-s...
Work spotlighting elusive bird to be screened Jan. 25 & 28 at Princess Cinemas; Q&A session to follow
www.observerxtra.com/work-of-uw-s...
January 22, 2026 at 12:03 PM
Work of UW students featured in Saving the Night Caller
Work spotlighting elusive bird to be screened Jan. 25 & 28 at Princess Cinemas; Q&A session to follow
www.observerxtra.com/work-of-uw-s...
Work spotlighting elusive bird to be screened Jan. 25 & 28 at Princess Cinemas; Q&A session to follow
www.observerxtra.com/work-of-uw-s...
Event in Elora to showcase homegrown agricultural talent
An agricultural innovation pitch event aimed at keeping homegrown ag-tech talent in Canada is returning to Elora this spring. SPARK, hosted by the Grand River Agricultural Society, will take place April
www.observerxtra.com/event-in-elo...
An agricultural innovation pitch event aimed at keeping homegrown ag-tech talent in Canada is returning to Elora this spring. SPARK, hosted by the Grand River Agricultural Society, will take place April
www.observerxtra.com/event-in-elo...
January 22, 2026 at 12:03 PM
Event in Elora to showcase homegrown agricultural talent
An agricultural innovation pitch event aimed at keeping homegrown ag-tech talent in Canada is returning to Elora this spring. SPARK, hosted by the Grand River Agricultural Society, will take place April
www.observerxtra.com/event-in-elo...
An agricultural innovation pitch event aimed at keeping homegrown ag-tech talent in Canada is returning to Elora this spring. SPARK, hosted by the Grand River Agricultural Society, will take place April
www.observerxtra.com/event-in-elo...
Changes to blue-bin program raises concerns
Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz fears the upcoming move to less frequent recycling collection could encourage people to put blue-box items in garbage bins instead. As part of the provincial move to make manufacturers res
www.observerxtra.com/changes-to-b...
Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz fears the upcoming move to less frequent recycling collection could encourage people to put blue-box items in garbage bins instead. As part of the provincial move to make manufacturers res
www.observerxtra.com/changes-to-b...
January 22, 2026 at 12:03 PM
Changes to blue-bin program raises concerns
Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz fears the upcoming move to less frequent recycling collection could encourage people to put blue-box items in garbage bins instead. As part of the provincial move to make manufacturers res
www.observerxtra.com/changes-to-b...
Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz fears the upcoming move to less frequent recycling collection could encourage people to put blue-box items in garbage bins instead. As part of the provincial move to make manufacturers res
www.observerxtra.com/changes-to-b...
Linwood Lions ramping up for Snofest on Feb. 7
The cold and snowy conditions so far this winter should make conditions ideal for the annual Linwood Snofest on February 7. The event started more than four decades ago as a way for community members to brighten u
www.observerxtra.com/linwood-lion...
The cold and snowy conditions so far this winter should make conditions ideal for the annual Linwood Snofest on February 7. The event started more than four decades ago as a way for community members to brighten u
www.observerxtra.com/linwood-lion...
January 22, 2026 at 12:03 PM
Linwood Lions ramping up for Snofest on Feb. 7
The cold and snowy conditions so far this winter should make conditions ideal for the annual Linwood Snofest on February 7. The event started more than four decades ago as a way for community members to brighten u
www.observerxtra.com/linwood-lion...
The cold and snowy conditions so far this winter should make conditions ideal for the annual Linwood Snofest on February 7. The event started more than four decades ago as a way for community members to brighten u
www.observerxtra.com/linwood-lion...
Rural communities not exempt from homelessness issues, study shows
New data from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario show that homelessness in Ontario is rising sharply province-wide, with rural communities feeling the pressure. The 2026 update on hom
www.observerxtra.com/rural-commun...
New data from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario show that homelessness in Ontario is rising sharply province-wide, with rural communities feeling the pressure. The 2026 update on hom
www.observerxtra.com/rural-commun...
January 22, 2026 at 11:58 AM
Rural communities not exempt from homelessness issues, study shows
New data from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario show that homelessness in Ontario is rising sharply province-wide, with rural communities feeling the pressure. The 2026 update on hom
www.observerxtra.com/rural-commun...
New data from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario show that homelessness in Ontario is rising sharply province-wide, with rural communities feeling the pressure. The 2026 update on hom
www.observerxtra.com/rural-commun...
Harmful patterns of alcohol use remain in wake of pandemic
Five years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, harmful patterns of alcohol use and poor mental health remain widespread in Ontario, according to new data released by the Centre for Addiction and
www.observerxtra.com/harmful-patt...
Five years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, harmful patterns of alcohol use and poor mental health remain widespread in Ontario, according to new data released by the Centre for Addiction and
www.observerxtra.com/harmful-patt...
January 22, 2026 at 11:58 AM
Harmful patterns of alcohol use remain in wake of pandemic
Five years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, harmful patterns of alcohol use and poor mental health remain widespread in Ontario, according to new data released by the Centre for Addiction and
www.observerxtra.com/harmful-patt...
Five years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, harmful patterns of alcohol use and poor mental health remain widespread in Ontario, according to new data released by the Centre for Addiction and
www.observerxtra.com/harmful-patt...
Field Service Technician
Martin Energy Group is hiring a Field Service Technician (Linwood, Ontario, Canada)
jobs.observerxtra.com/job/2106852-...
Martin Energy Group is hiring a Field Service Technician (Linwood, Ontario, Canada)
jobs.observerxtra.com/job/2106852-...
January 21, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Field Service Technician
Martin Energy Group is hiring a Field Service Technician (Linwood, Ontario, Canada)
jobs.observerxtra.com/job/2106852-...
Martin Energy Group is hiring a Field Service Technician (Linwood, Ontario, Canada)
jobs.observerxtra.com/job/2106852-...
Boston cream brownies are the boxed mix hack anyone can make
Words are powerful.
www.observerxtra.com/boston-cream...
Words are powerful.
www.observerxtra.com/boston-cream...
January 15, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Boston cream brownies are the boxed mix hack anyone can make
Words are powerful.
www.observerxtra.com/boston-cream...
Words are powerful.
www.observerxtra.com/boston-cream...
New salary-disclosure rules come with pros and cons
Legislation is supposed to make hiring fairer and more transparent, but there are caveats, says UofG professor
www.observerxtra.com/new-salary-d...
Legislation is supposed to make hiring fairer and more transparent, but there are caveats, says UofG professor
www.observerxtra.com/new-salary-d...
January 15, 2026 at 12:12 PM
New salary-disclosure rules come with pros and cons
Legislation is supposed to make hiring fairer and more transparent, but there are caveats, says UofG professor
www.observerxtra.com/new-salary-d...
Legislation is supposed to make hiring fairer and more transparent, but there are caveats, says UofG professor
www.observerxtra.com/new-salary-d...