Latest news with #Wingham
CTV News
22-07-2025
- Business
- CTV News
New owners have big plans for ‘factory-built' housing company
Royal Homes was recently sold. The new owners have lofty plans to more than double production, moving towards more modular, 'repeatable' home construction in Wingham, Ont., on Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (Scott Miller/CTV News Windsor) Doug Kuyvenhoven has watched over 7000 homes being built inside the Royal Homes factory in Wingham, a business his father started 54 years ago. But, Kuyvenhoven and his partners recently decided it was time to find new owners. 'We had some tough years, and we had some good years. But we were getting to that age where it was time to transition the business. We're all still healthy, and we wanted to see this transition happen while we were healthy, so that we could help the new owners, carry on,' says Kuyvenhoven. Sid Kerrigan, is one of those new owners, who is ready to build on Royal Homes factory built housing model. Right now, Royal Homes builds about 100, largely custom homes, in their Wingham factory, each year, but Kerrigan envisions building 500 to 1000 smaller, modular homes each year, closer to 1000 to 1500 square feet each, inside Royal's expansive Wingham facility. Royal Homes Doug Kuyvenhoven, former owner, and Sid Kerrigan, new owner, stand on the factory floor of Royal Homes in Wingham, Ont. (Scott Miller/CTV News London) 'That's not really available in the marketplace right now. So, we believe we can create an ability to bring that type of more repeatable housing, at scale, to market. And you can imagine as you do, more at scale, more repeatable, more cost efficient, we can pass those savings on to the customer,' says Kerrigan. He believes the ability to build homes in weeks, not months, will set Royal apart, as Ontario requires as many as 2 million new homes within the next 5 to 10 years. In the United States, factory built housing makes up 5-10% of the new housing market, says Kerrigan. In Ontario, it's less than 1% percent. 'I really believe if there's any market in the world that should be focusing more on prefab factory built housing, it's Ontario,' says Kerrigan. To meet Kerrigan's 500 to 1000 homes per year goal, there's going to have be jobs, and a lot of them, added to Royal Homes. There's currently 100 Royal Homes employees, Kerrigan expects to double that in short order, and says building a second, and possibly third factory, isn't out of the question. 'That'll be growth in terms of employment hiring. That'd be growth in terms of technology. Anything we can do to create, high quality homes, at speed, and at scale. And, yeah, there's a very strong possibility of that happening, going forward,' says Kerrigan. That's music to Doug Kuyvenhoven's ears. He really wanted to see his father's business, not only stay in Wingham, but grow in Wingham. 'In all my years here, 50 plus years at Royal Homes, we haven't had this kind of talk in the media about modular housing. So, I think the time has really come. There's a huge housing need, so there's a real opportunity for the new owners to really take this place, take Royal Homes, and really run with it,' says Kuyvenhoven.
CTV News
15-07-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
‘Dream come true': Wingham, Ont. teen ready to turn pro after being drafted by Kansas City Royals
Wingham teen, Tyson Moran fields a ball with the Great Lakes Canadians near London. Moran was selected 398th overall in today's MLB draft by the Kansas City Royals. June 2025. (Brent Lale/CTV News London) Tyson Moran became the first Wingham, Ont. resident to ever hear his name called in the MLB (Major League Baseball) draft. The 19-year-old is about to become a professional baseball player. 'Sounds really good. Oh, it's, dream come true, and I'm looking forward to it,' said Moran. Surrounded by family, friends, and teammates, Moran was selected in the 13th round of the 20 round MLB draft on Monday, selected 398th overall by the Kansas City Royals. Not bad for a kid from a town of 3,000, where hockey is king, and it's below zero for nearly half the year. 071425 Wingham teen, Tyson Moran was surrounded by friends and family, as he was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 13th round of today's MLB draft. (Scott Miller/CTV News London) 'It hasn't soaked in yet. I'm sure it will in the next couple of days, but I'm just trying not to take it for granted,' he said. 'And trying to make sure that I take it step by step, so that I don't get ahead of myself.' Moran, who played for the Great Lake Canadians in Dorchester, put himself on Major League scouts' radar in the past year, winning MVP at the Toronto Blue Jays Futures Showcase, and hitting two homeruns against professional pitchers in an Arizona-based showcase. Moran was planning on playing at North Dakota State University this fall, but instead he'll be heading to Arizona to join Kansas City's other draftees in the Arizona Complex League. That will happen within the next couple of weeks. 'I won't be playing for the Great Lakes anymore. I'll be in the Kansas City Royals organization,' said Moran. 'Kind of just working my way up from ground zero. Kind of proving myself. It's kind of the first step, if you will, to pro baseball.' 071425 Wingham teen, Tyson Moran was surrounded by friends and family, as he was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 13th round of today's MLB draft. (Scott Miller/CTV News London) 'This is why we do it. The Great Lake Canadians is a development program. We're here to get these kids off. It's mostly to college, but when we have an opportunity to get them into the pro world, it's an amazing thing,' said Jamie Romak, former MLB player and one of Moran's coaches, along with being Director of Player Performance for the Great Lake Canadians. 'So, super happy for the kid and his family. This is well warranted. He's ready to go.' Moran is fully aware that not many 13th round picks make it to the big leagues, but his coaches believe if there is a 13th round pick that will make it, it will be Tyson Moran. 'Obviously the hit tool is what really stands out with him. But I think the separator is going to be the make-up. There's a tremendous amount of determination in Tyson,' said Romak, who played 27 games in the MLB in the 2014-15 season. 'You know he's a player that Great Lake cut several times, but he kept coming back. He used it as motivation to improve his game and really take off. So, I think when it comes to sustaining yourself in a really difficult game, those are kind of the traits that scouts look for. When you pair a guy who can really hit with a guy who's super determined, I think you have yourself a major league player, one day.' Moran said being drafted means a lot to him. 'Obviously there's projections to kind of see where guys might fit in. But again, those are never 100 per cent,' he said. 'Just to hear my name called, that's kind of the 100 per cent for me to be kind of like, I did it.' A sendoff party for Moran is planned for Friday at the Wingham Sportsmen's Club from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m.
Otago Daily Times
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Will there be more surprises?
And then there were four! As can happen in top-six playoffs the top three seeds, Taieri, Dunedin and Varsity, all got beaten to see Dunedin and Varsity bundled out of the semis. Taieri stay in the race by virtue of the fact they were the top qualifiers going into the weekend. Taieri, with their starting backline out in the quarterfinal, were always going to be a long shot to win at the weekend and so it proved. Their pack ground out a lead over Kaikorai but the lads from the high veldt scored two late tries to extinguish the finals aspirations of Dunedin and Varsity. Dunedin only have themselves to blame after leading the comp for the majority of the season, only to capitulate in their last two games. They gave up top spot with a sub-par display against the Eels a couple of weeks ago, then got destroyed in the second half by a heavyweight Southern pack after leading going into the break. They pulled their two biggest players off in the second half, Wingham and Palmer, and certainly paid a very heavy price. Varsity looked the favorites against Harbour to go through but the Hawks held their discipline, went out to a lead and deservedly held on to unbelievably end up as the top qualifiers. This means they get a home semi at the Cockabilly Cauldron and, as we know, it is hard to win down there. Southern host Kaik at Bog Bathgate and Kaik won't be looking forward to that. Tell me it's not so Otago have not named a squad for the season as yet and I hear it's because, once again, they are bringing players in from outside the province to fill perceived holes. The rumour is three players, one from Christchurch (possible midfielder) and two from Australia, one being a lock. It hasn't worked over the past few years — just look at our track record. How can our Otago board let this happen? Who is paying for this? I know I sound like a broken record but when are we going to wake up? All I hear is "pathways" and all I see are "no exits". The only upside is at least we are not Southland. They've named 31 players and how many of those are genuinely out of club rugby? Not many that I can see. Down on the farm Up North it's finals time with Excelsior, the defending champions, hosting Valley. This is the third year in a row (boring!) these teams have met with honours being even so far. There will be nothing in this final but I'm tipping Excelsior may make it two straight. In the deep South, Pirates Old Boys, the top qualifiers, take on Woodlands for the time-honoured Galbraith Shield and again it's hard to pick. POB have been the best team all year so I'll stick with them to win it all at Rugby Park tomorrow. In the South it's semifinals time, with top qualifier Clutha hosting the prison guards from Toko and the West Taieri Pigs at home to the Crescent Coalminers. In Central, defending champions Upper Clutha are hosting the Maniototo Maggots on the lake front. The Wanaka boys, who also hold the "Horse", have been the best team all year, and should just be too good for the Maggots. Wakatip host Alex in the other semi in Queenstown, with both teams coming off losses. Wakatip lost to Upper Clutha and Alex are on "oxygen support" after going down to the Matak mudfish, my new favourite team. The big news out of that game was big lock Chris Nolan unbelievably played his 300th for Matak. It would have been monumental in Omakau last Saturday night/Sunday morning in the burgh. Good on ya mate — stunning achievement. The victors' ale would have been sweet. Oh, by the way, Wakatip win — just. Clarification There has been a bit of confusion over what happened to the Arrow Bulls v Maggots game at the weekend. Stop ringing Maggots coach Charlie Hore because as per usual I have the answer. Arrowtown defaulted Tuesday week ago as they couldn't field a team. The Maggots offered to play Friday night if that helped but Arrow were still struggling for numbers. Stick with me I'll take you to the top!! Test-match rugby We have certainly been spoilt with Super Rugby this year as we have sped the game up. However, we have been living in a "false down" as we are now back under international rules. The game at the Greenhouse was at times farcical with the three disallowed tries and the time it took to come up with a decision. What's the point of speeding up the game when it took us nearly 10 minutes to make those decisions, especially when one of them was clearly wrong!! We are seriously in danger of spectators saying enough is enough and starting voting with their feet and wallets. Don't get me started on the fact that we have a TMO for foul play and another for general play — sheer bloody lunacy! This weekend You'll be pleased to know yours truly picked none from three in town last week — some expert. Soundly beaten for the second week in a row, this time by "Bilbo" from Speight's. Anyway, I'm back on the horse and up against the mein host of both the Mornington and Cableways, Arvi Singh, who, I'm assured, is not the biggest follower of rugby so I'll still probably lose! Harbour are at home to Taieri at Port so the conditions will not be good (they hardly ever are) and underfoot it'll be great for the geese. Taieri have Cam Miller back but there is no Sam Fischli or Matt Whaanga because Southland have not released them. Southland are fast losing all credibility in this town with their attitude to club rugby. It is nearly time for us to get really grumpy. So Harbour (12-) go into this game as favourites, especially with Hastie back at nine. The Taieri pack are as good as any but the Harbour pack are big and with Hastie and Miln running the cutter they may get it done, but the Eels will be right in it. Southern are at home to Kaik and on that track, with their heavyweight pack, go in as big favourites. Throw in Mackenzie Palmer directing traffic and the Magpies (12-) win. On the farm in Central last week I drew with Lyn Jaffray and I win all draws. On to the southern semis this week and up against Tom Hollows from Hollow Timber and a local rugby legend. I'm up against it but I go well in the country so Tom goes down. Clutha (13+) have been the best team all year so they will dispatch the prison guards from Toko comfortably. West Taieri (12-) are at home at the Market Garden against Crescent and in their jubilee year should get it done.
CTV News
07-07-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Tyson Moran of Wingham, Ont. expected to be picked in MLB Draft
A Wingham team has a good shot at being chosen in the upcoming MLB draft. CTV London's Brent Lale reports. A teenager from small-town Midwestern Ontario is likely to hear his name called in the upcoming Major League Baseball (MLB) draft. Tyson Moran Tyson Moran of Wingham, Ont. is projected to be selected in the MLB Draft. (Brent Lale/CTV London) 'He just hasn't stop hitting,' said Chris Robinson, one of his coaches with the Great Lake Canadians (GLC). As the MLB draft approaches this week, the second baseman from Wingham, Ont. is ranked in some mock drafts as a mid-round pick. 'I haven't really been a highly touted prospect over the years until recently,' said Moran. 'I'm just trying to soak it all up and trying not to take it for granted.' The left-hand-hitting infielder has power, speed, and his game has elevated over the past year. Tyson Moran Second baseman Tyson Moran of Wingham, Ont. is a prospect in the upcoming MLB Draft. (Brent Lale/CTV London) His coaches praise his work ethic and describe him as 'determined.' 'It's a two-hour drive (from Wingham to Dorchester) and he's the first kid here, four days a week,' said Jamie Romak, a former MLB player who coaches Moran with GLC. 'He wants to work. He appreciates the opportunity he's been given and guys like that tend to succeed in this game. It started in March on a trip to Arizona playing professional competition that he just absolutely demolished and hasn't really stopped since then.' During that trip he hit two home runs against the Cleveland Guardians. Every time he's played over the past few months, scouts are keeping an eye on him. Tyson Moran Tyson Moran has a 'professional hit tool' according to his Great Lake Canadians coaches (Brent Lale/CTV London) 'It is really cool to kind of interact with some of the scouts, especially with me going out to Arizona,' said Moran. 'That kind of environment was really cool. I'm playing against a bunch of pro guys just realizing that could be me in the next couple of years, but I'm trying not to think about that too much.' His rise through the rankings started less than a year ago. 'He really kind of had a coming out, so to speak, last fall,' said Robinson. 'He was the Futures Game MVP there for the Toronto Blue Jays Showcase, which is a big deal from across the country. He's an easy to root for kid.' Tyson Moran Tyson Moran high-fives a teammate after scoring a run for the Great Lake Canadians. (Source: Brent Lale/CTV London) Moran has committed to North Dakota State but has dreams of playing professionally. With the draft now 20 rounds – a reduction in 2019 – only half as many prospects are selected from previous years. Moran should be one of them. 'That's kind of my goal right now,' he said. 'It'd be something I would never forget.'
ABC News
30-05-2025
- General
- ABC News
Flood-affected NSW communities help themselves in wake of devastation
On a whiteboard in a church on the NSW Mid North Coast, Lauren Davies is constantly updating a "needs list". Ms Davies has been taking stock of donated clothes, supplies and food, and calling out for items the community-run recovery centre needs since flooding ravaged her town of Wingham. The list has included electric frypans, white vinegar, fresh fruit, antiseptic and pillows. "It's like putting it out into the universe," she said. "I turn around and say we really need this … and within five to 10 minutes, someone's got it, here it is. "It's just manifested." The community-led recovery centre has been bustling with adults and children picking up clothes, supplies and a meal, and finding a shoulder to lean on. And there has been no shortage of volunteers. "We have little old ladies that are in their 80s and 90s, coming in with cups of soups," Ms Davies said. "The community here have been amazing even though they're affected, just like I am. It has come after almost 800 properties were declared uninhabitable this week. "We had a lady come in … [she] was telling us that every part of her house was taken out," Ms Davies said. "There's nothing left, she's bare bones, no gyprock, no electrical, no nothing. "But she's smiling and saying, 'I'm OK, I'm alive'." Hundreds of people were expected to spend Saturday cleaning up in Taree, adding to the efforts already seen across the flood-ravaged region. The "Mud Muster", a major volunteer mobilisation project being coordinated out of the Taree SES headquarters, has been led by locals. Other initiatives have also started across the wider region to help towns recover. More than 600 volunteers on the Mid North Coast joined a community flood response group to help wash out homes. On Port Macquarie's North Shore, a community barbecue was set up to provide a place of respite for emergency service crews and residents amid sweeping mud and relocating drenched furniture. More than 200 homes in the suburb — which was isolated for five days with no power — were damaged by floodwater. Volunteer Talia Kelly spent the start of the weather event sandbagging homes and businesses before setting up the recovery barbecue out of her own pocket. "You don't realise how good you've got it to be able to go home to a safe place," she said. "Some of these guys don't have a safe place, nowhere to eat, nowhere to shower. "We just hope that it gives some people some hope to be able to get their feet back on the ground." Elvira Paima, who moved to the North Shore last year, lost some belongings in the floods. "It was very stressful but I'm feeling much calmer now," she said. "We are helping each other. We leave our house and then help another neighbour … because it helps us to also help someone else." Volunteer Amanda Harte said the simple gesture had gone a long way. "The damage here is absolutely devastating, it's something you probably can't even believe from pictures," Ms Harte said. "Something as simple as just giving them a sausage sandwich, or a drink, or just lending an ear … it's pretty important." Further south in Taree, food has remained a unifier during difficult times. Rotating groups of Sikh volunteers from Melbourne made the more than 1,100-kilometre journey to Taree with a food truck and vans to make and deliver food. The group has made up to 2,000 meals a day, which not-for-profit Sikh Volunteers Australia chief executive Jaswinder Singh said were delivered across the Mid North Coast. "That is one thing less to worry about for them," he said. The volunteer teams plan to stay as long as required. "It could be a month … we don't know yet," Mr Singh said. "As long as the demand is there, we will stay." Kimbriki resident Tanya Ternovy picked up a meal from the Sikhs on her way home after the floods. "To come all the way from Melbourne and to bring their beautiful food, it's just so kind," she said. Ms Ternovy said the generosity of the volunteers was appreciated as the region faced immeasurable loss. "It's just time enough now that the power's just come back on, and we can get across the bridges," she said. "Driving through Taree, you can see so much loss, all dumped on the side of the road." Mr Singh said he had witnessed "horrible scenes and stories" from people who had lost everything. But he said many hands were coming together to help. "Volunteers from all across the region are coming and supporting each other," he said. "People are not just thinking about themselves. They are thinking about their neighbours and the whole street.
