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- Huron County Newsletter #62
Huron County Newsletter
Week of March 9th to 15th, 2025
A Farewell from Huron County News
After almost a year and a half of sharing stories, updates, and local news with our community, we regret to announce that we will no longer be posting new content.
It has been an honour to serve our readers, and we are grateful for your support, engagement, and trust along the way. While this chapter comes to a close, we remain deeply appreciative of the vibrant community that makes Huron County such a special place. Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. All the best going forward.
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Ontario’s Municipal Leadership Shines on International Women’s Day
by Bob Montgomery
This year's celebration of International Women’s Day was also a first for municipal leadership in Ontario.
Western Ontario Wardens' Caucus Executive Director Kate Burns Gallagher says it's the first time all major municipal associations in the province are chaired by women, demonstrating the strength, dedication, and leadership of women in local government.
"This is a remarkable moment for municipal leadership in Ontario," said Amy Martin, Chair of the Western Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (WOWC). "Having women in these key leadership positions sends a strong message about the role women play in shaping our communities. It reflects the progress we’ve made, while also inspiring future generations of women to step into leadership roles and contribute to the strength and success of our municipalities."
Huron-Perth Catholic Students Showcase Talents At District Skills Competition
by Bob Montgomery
The Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board is proud to announce the successful completion of this year’s Technological Skills Competition, a district-wide event held on February 26, at the Seaforth Agriplex.
This exciting competition brought together Grade 7 and 8 students from across the Board to compete in mechanical engineering, construction, robotics, and green energy. The event continues to highlight the exceptional talents and technical skills of the students, reinforcing the importance of hands-on learning and problem-solving in STEM fields. By participating, students not only refine their abilities but also gain valuable experience that will prepare them for future careers in skilled trades, engineering, and technology.
A special congratulations goes to the team from…
2025 SLED and AccessSLED Fund Programs Are Open For Applications
by Bob Montgomery
The County of Huron has opened its 2025 SLED funding program and launched a new AccessSLED program for local organizations.
SLED Program is delivered by the County of Huron’s Economic Development Department, and funds projects up to a maximum of $10,000. The list of eligible organizations includes registered non-profits, BIAs, Chambers of Commerce, arts organizations, sector organizations, and municipal partners.
Eligible projects must take place in Huron County and focus on one of the priorities from the THRIVE 2022-2025 Economic Development Strategic Plan:
Tickets On Sale For The Leadership Lecture And Reception With Dr. Rebecca Sutherns
by Bob Montgomery
The Rural Ontario Institute, host of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program, is excited to announce Dr. Rebecca Sutherns, popular author, professional facilitator and coach will be the featured speaker at The Leadership Lecture and Reception.
“Imagination isn’t just for dreamers—it’s for leaders,” says Gabrielle Ferguson, Leadership Programs Director at ROI. “This session will inspire and equip listeners to think differently and act boldly in shaping the future. It is the capstone element of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program.”
The event will be held on March 27, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the DoubleTree by Hilton located at 30 Fairway Rd South in Kitchener. The evening will kick off with…
Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance CEO Updates Board On Goals For The Coming Year
by Bob Montgomery
Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance CEO, Andrew Williams, presented the board with some of their goals for next year at their last meeting.
Williams says they refer to those objectives as their Commitment to their Communities, and there's a significant emphasis on System Planning and working with their partners to make sure that, as much as they can control and influence, they're ensuring good coordination of services, that they're complementing each other rather than competing, that they have the right players around the table that look at that continuum of care. Williams explains everyone needs care from different providers at different times so they have to make sure that that care is being delivered in a coordinated way.
Williams says it's difficult to say what impact tariffs might have on healthcare in the future. But he says they're a member of a variety of buying groups and it's possible the tariffs could…
Think Before You Answer: During Fraud Prevention Month The OPP Warns Of Caller ID Spoofing Scams
Ontario residents continue to receive deceptive phone calls designed to mislead them into sharing personal information or making fraudulent payments.
Callers use spoofing technology to manipulate caller ID information, making it appear as though a local number, business or government agency is calling. The goal is to create a false sense of trust, and pressure the recipient into responding. Many of these calls rely on Voice over Internet Protocol technology, which allows individuals to make calls over the Internet while disguising their real phone numbers.
Common Caller ID Spoofing Tactics…
Huron Welcome Hub For Newcomers Marks Anniversary With New Name And Call For Volunteers
by Bob Montgomery
A volunteer association created to help support newcomers to Huron County is marking its second full year in operation with a new name, a new website and a fresh call for volunteers.
The Huron Welcome Hub for Newcomers, formerly the Huron Newcomer Support Association, is hosting a meeting on March 24th in Goderich to elect new members to the steering group. It is inviting new volunteers who want to help build on the organization’s successes and ensure Huron County is a welcoming place.
The Hub’s mandate is to provide support to all who are immigrating to Huron County without other support. One major activity is…
35th Ausable Bayfield Conservation Auction Is Going Online For 2025
by Bob Montgomery
The 35th Conservation Auction is changing for the 2025 year.
The community auction committee has decided to change the fundraising event from an in-person dinner to an online auction for this year. Conservation Auction Committee Chair, Chris Keller of the Exeter Lions Club, says the organizers will miss the fellowship of an in-person event this year but he says changing the format is the right thing to do at this time. “The community projects that are possible thanks to this auction still need our support – we just need to raise that money in a different way,” he said. “The business community has been really supportive this year with sponsorships and donations and we thank them for their support,” he added. During the current economic uncertainty, however, ticket sales for the in-person event have not…
Huron Perth Public Health Notifies Public Of Measles Community Exposure
Huron Perth Public Health is advising the community of one new measles exposure.
The exposure occurred at the following location and timeframe: Stratford General Hospital – Emergency Room, Sunday, March 9th – between 11:30 am and 2 p.m.
If you were present at this location during this time frame, were born in 1970 or later, and are not up to date with your measles vaccinations, please call public health at 1-888-221-2133 ext. 3299. This includes those who were only present briefly as measles is highly contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours.
Huron Soil And Crop Improvement Association Presents Annual Update Of Huronview Demonstration Farm To County Council
by Bob Montgomery
Huronview Demonstration Farm Manager Rick Kootstra says the work on the Huronview Demonstration Farm is a collaborative effort involving Huron County, the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority and the Huron County Soil and Crop Improvement Association.
Kootstra says they started almost ten years ago. They started a tiling project in 2019 that involved putting in control gates and comparing three different ways to tile in order to find a better way to tile the land and then added crop rotation, with no-till, strip till with a goal to keeping the water on the land for as long as possible. Kootstra says the second goal is making sure they're sending clean water to area rivers and that's where the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority comes in because it's extremely important that…
Craving Change: A How-To Workshop For Changing Your Relationship With Food
by Bob Montgomery
The Huron Perth Diabetes Program at the Stratford General Hospital is launching a new program that should have some appeal for just about everyone.
The program is called Craving Change – A How-to-Workshop for Changing Your Relationship With Food. Kylie Ward is a Registered Dietitian with the Huron Perth Diabetes Program. She says this new program takes an in-depth look at the relationship most people have with food and how it can be improved.
The program is broken down to four main section and the first section is Why It's Hard to Change and in that section Ward says they look at different influences. “We look at environmental impact, our own body and learned behaviours as well, for instance feeling a need for popcorn when we're watching a movie, so the first thing…
Maple Mania Returns To Huron, March 21 to 23
by Bob Montgomery
The County of Huron’s Economic Development Department, in partnership with local maple syrup producers and the hospitality sector, is hosting Maple Mania again this year from March 21 to 23.
Maple Mania celebrates local food, Huron County’s agricultural producers, and those who use spring’s sweet syrup in their menus and tasty treats.
On March 22, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., maple and nature lovers can visit local area sugar bushes for lots of sweet fun and FREE family-friendly activities. Sugar shacks will be open to the public at the following locations…
Jane’s Walk Huron Looking For Volunteers To Lead Community Walks Across Huron County
Jane’s Walk Huron is looking for passionate local volunteers to lead community walks across Huron County this spring as part of the Jane’s Walk Festival, held worldwide the first weekend in May.
Coordinated by the Huron Cultural Office, this year’s event will take place in communities across the county on May 2, 3 and 4, 2025.
Named after the renowned urbanist Jane Jacobs, Jane’s Walk is a global movement that organizes free, citizen-led walking tours in communities around the world. These walks offer an intimate glimpse into the heart of neighbourhoods, highlighting the stories, histories, and issues that define them. From hidden gems and historical landmarks to local legends and grassroots initiatives, each walk offers a unique…
THRIVE Summit returns on April 14 and 15
by Bob Montgomery
The THRIVE Summit is back for its second year, taking place on April 14 and 15 at the Blyth Community Hall.
This event is a collaboration of the County of Huron’s Economic Development Department and Community Safety and Well-Being for Huron. This two-day conference promises to be a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and community progress.
“We invite business, not-for-profits and municipal partners to engage with world class speakers close to home and to focus on business basics and the value of community in these uncertain times,” says Vicki Lass, Director of Huron County Economic Development. “Together, let's seize this opportunity to step out of our day to connect, collaborate, and chart a course…
Answers to last week’s questions:
What is the name of the Huron County church famous for its chimes?
a) St Peters Roman Catholic Church, Goderich
b) Trivitt Memorial Anglican Church, Exeter*
c) Melville Presbyterian Church, Brussels
d) St Andrew's United Church, Bayfield
What Usborne Township singer went on to become “Canada's Singing Cowboy”?
a) Gordon Lightfoot
b) Stompin' Tom Connors
c) Earl Heywood*
d) Tommy Hunter