Huron County Newsletter #58

February 16, 2025

Huron County Newsletter

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Week of February 9th to 15th, 2025

Good day,

What a week it’s been for skiers and snowmobilers! Let’s get straight to the news and trivia so we’re sure to have time to shovel our driveways after.

Thank you for your continued support, and have a great week!

The Huron County Museum & Historic Gaol Is Hoping To Fill A Number Of Seasonal Museum Assistant Positions 

by Bob Montgomery

Huron County's Museum & Historic Gaol is now accepting applications for a number of seasonal museum assistant positions.

Students will be responsible for providing coverage and customer service at the front desk of both the museum and gaol, including

Love, Actually… or Lies? OPP Warns Of Red Flags In Romance Scams This Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day approaching, the Ontario Provincial Police is raising awareness about romance fraud, which continues to cause significant emotional and financial harm to Canadians. 

In 2024, Canadians reported losing over $58.4 million to romance fraud and $310 million to investment fraud, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Increasingly, romance fraud involves or leads to cryptocurrency investment schemes, which can substantially increase victims' financial losses.

Those behind these schemes are

United Way Looking For Committee Volunteers

by Bob Montgomery

Part of what makes United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) strong is committed volunteers working behind the scenes to ensure the organization continues moving forward with serving Perth-Huron communities. 

Now, UWPH is looking to add members to its Community Impact and Allocations Committee (CIAC) to help decide how the organization can respond to pressing needs across the region

Text-Scam Defrauds West Perth Resident

A West Perth resident has been defrauded of her money after receiving a text-scam.

On February 7th, members of the Perth County Ontario Provincial Police launched an investigation after receiving information that a parent was defrauded of $3,000 after receiving a text message from someone claiming to be their daughter asking for money.

The OPP is continuing to investigate this matter and want to remind everyone to beware of potential scams by following these tips;

  • Be suspicious of calls or texts that require immediate action.

  • Never send money or any other funds to unverified persons.

  • Confirm the identity and legitimacy of the story from the family member before completing any transactions.

The Perth County OPP is requesting that anyone with information related to this investigation call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca, where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2000.

Goderich Winterfest 2025 Delivers A Weekend Full Of Excitement And Fun

by Bob Montgomery

Goderich Winterfest 2025 runs from February 14-17 and promises to light up your weekend with fun and community spirit. 

Highlights include an unofficial tribute to Taylor Swift at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Saturday afternoon. Tickets are $20.00 and available online at here. Doors open at two in the afternoon.

The 35th Annual Heartwarming Luncheon takes place at the Goderich Legion on Friday, February 14th between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM. The Valentine’s Dinner Dance featuring live music by…

The Avon Maitland District School Board Is Looking For Partners To Provide Before And After School Programs

by Bob Montgomery

Many Avon Maitland District schools provide space for licensed childcare providers to offer before and after school services to families.

However, the board schools do not provide the service. They have partners who do that but there is a shortage of childcare providers to meet these needs in some schools, as indicated in an annual survey completed by parents and caregivers. Schools such as…

County Of Huron Invites Youth To Attend A Student Job Fair On February 18th

by Bob Montgomery

Huron County invites students and youth to an in-person and virtual job fair for a variety of paid positions available at the County of Huron this summer season.

“We have a variety of summer jobs available this season and we warmly welcome students to apply,” said County of Huron Director of Human Resources, Lara Vanstone. “If you’re excited to learn something new, help your community, or just want to build your resume, join us at the County’s job fair!”

The County has…

The Chair Of The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance Brought Board Members Up To Date On A Two-Edged Problem Facing The Four Hospitals

by Bob Montgomery

HPHA Chair John Wilkinson pointed out that a large percentage of healthcare professionals at the HPHA are baby boomers, and therefore are likely to retire in the next ten years.

He added, this is happening at a time when more and more baby boomers need more care in their hospitals. And unfortunately, the increase in patients and shortage of caregivers is a problem facing hospitals across the country.

Wilkinson says they have a two-pronged strategy to deal with the problem. First, they believe in a…

Huron-Perth Period Poverty Task Force Providing Free Period Products At Local Libraries On International Women’s Day

by Bob Montgomery

In celebration of International Women's Day on March 8th, the Huron-Perth Period Poverty Task Force will be addressing the barrier of access to affordable feminine hygiene products.

On March 8th a selection of free period products, including pads, tampons, Diva Discs and Diva Wash will be available at all Huron and Perth Libraries during regular hours of operation. This initiative is made possible through a 90-thousand dollar grant from Shoppers Foundation for Women's Health and the continued efforts of the Huron-Perth Period Poverty Task Force.

Throughout the year, all Huron and Perth libraries, as well as…

Statement From The Vice Chair Of The Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus On Tariffs

by Bob Montgomery

The Vice Chair of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, Warden Kevin Marriott of Lambton County, has issued a statement on the continuing threat of tariffs.

Warden Marriot says As Vice-Chair of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, I want to express our ongoing support for the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada as they work to navigate the challenges posed by tariffs and other trade restrictions. The Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus recognizes that these barriers create significant challenges for industries that are vital to our region’s economic stability, job creation, and long-term prosperity.

Our communities in Western Ontario thrive when we work together and supporting our local producers, manufacturers, and farmers is critical to ensuring continued growth and sustainability. The WOWC will remain a vocal advocate for solutions that protect our industries and communities, as we are committed to working with all levels of government to safeguard our region’s economic future.

Western Ontario’s strength comes from our ability to adapt and respond as a region, and the WOWC remains dedicated to partnering with all stakeholders to ensure our communities remain strong and resilient.”

Avon Maitland District School Board Announces New Name And Fresh Look For Their Adult And Continuing Education Program

by Bob Montgomery

Superintendent of Education Jane Morris explains, last spring the Avon Maitland District School Board decided to no longer provide employment services in Huron County.

Their plan was to gradually exit out of that and that has now been done. As of January 31st, there is a new employment service provider in Huron County. The company is Agilec and they're based in Goderich, on the site where the Avon Maitland Board previously had their Centre for Employment and Learning, so it's a

Huron County Students Are Invited To Enter Habitat For Humanity Writing Contest

by Bob Montgomery

Habitat For Humanity is inviting Huron County students to enter their writing contest about how they feel about their home. 

Students in grades 4, 5, and 6 are invited to share what home means to them in an annual national writing contest that is accepting submissions online at MeaningofHome.ca until February 21st.

Teachers, parents and others who engage with youth are encouraged to get them involved in this creative project. “Last year’s entries were heartwarming, full of kindness and very inspiring,” says Heather Glenister, Habitat Huron County’s Resource Development Coordinator. “However, we all know…”

Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus Releases Regional Priorities For Provincial Election Candidates

by Bob Montgomery

In advance of the 44th Ontario general election scheduled for February 27th, the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC) has released a comprehensive briefing package for election candidates across all major provincial parties.

Executive Director Kate Burns Gallagher says the briefing package details the regional priorities outlined in the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus 2025-2027 Strategic Plan. “That first priority is obviously housing and really pushing for that fair shake for rural communities. The stats…”

United Way Three-Year Impact Funding Application Process Now Open

by Bob Montgomery

United Way Perth-Huron has announced the opening of their impact funding process, with expressions of interest accepted until March 12th at midnight. 

This funding cycle is for three years running from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2029. Director of Social Research & Planning Council Kristin Crane, says their committee, as well as staff, will then review all of the expressions of interest and then…

74th Edition Of The Goderich Lions Young Canada Week Minor Hockey Tournament Starts March 7th

by Bob Montgomery

The 74th edition of the Goderich Lions Young Canada Week gets underway on March 7th.

Young Canada Week is minor hockey's longest-running tournament and this year there will be 44 teams playing in three divisions for a total of 90 games.

Three age groups are featured, with the U13 Local League and Rep teams playing March 7-9, the U15 teams March 10-12, and the U18 teams March 13-15. Goderich Minor Hockey teams will be playing, one in each of the six competition levels.

The tournament is sponsored by the Goderich Lions Club and organized by Goderich Minor Hockey…

Huron County Museum Hosting Annual Family Day Open House On February 18th

by Bob Montgomery

The Curator of Engagement and Dialogue at the Huron County Museum and Historic Gaol, Sinead Cox, says the Museum is not usually open on Mondays through the winter but they make an exception for Family Day.

On Monday February 17th they will be open from ten in the morning until four in the afternoon, and admission is free. Someone must have had a crystal ball when they were planning this year's event – the theme this year is Winter Carnival. There will be carnival games and activities throughout the building, as well as some trivia and other events going on in the theatre downstairs, and also some warm cider. Cox says anyone that's coming into town for Winterfest is welcome to drop in at the museum in the afternoon to have some cider and get warm.

Bayfield Area Food Bank Urgently Seeking New Location

by Bob Montgomery

The Bayfield Area Food Bank continues its urgent search for a new temporary or permanent location.

Food Bank President Claire Trepanier, says they have to vacate their current home in the Bayfield Lions Club building by April 4th because that building is being sold to two doctors from Seaforth who plan to convert the building into a clinic.

There has been a lot of discussion about potential locations for the Food Bank. But so far they have

The County of Huron Thanks Snowplow Operators For Their Hard Work and Dedication This Winter

by Bob Montgomery

The County of Huron extends its sincere appreciation to all Huron County snowplow operators who are working extra hard this winter to keep Huron’s roads clear and safe.

"It’s been a particularly snowy winter, and our snowplow operators are working long hours in tough conditions to keep our roads safe," said Imran Khalid, Director of Public Works. "We ask all drivers to be patient and cautious around snowplows so our team can do their jobs efficiently and safely."

When approaching

Weekly Trivia Questions

What was the name of the railway that connected Huron County to London and Toronto in the late 19th century?

a) The Canadian Pacific Railway

b) The Grand Trunk Railway

c) The Northern Railway of Canada

d) The Great Western Railway

 

What significant weather event in 1971 led to thousands of students being stranded in schools across Huron County?

a) Ice Storm

b) Blizzard

c) Tornado

d) Flood

Answers to last week’s questions:

What historic event led to Anthony Van Egmond’s arrest in Huron County?

a) The Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837*

b) The Civil War

c) The Fenian Raids of 1866

d) The War of 1812

 

Which Huron County village was nearly destroyed by fire in 1876 but was quickly rebuilt?

a) Blyth

b) Bayfield

c) Exeter*

d) Hensall

 

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