South Huron municipal council has been advised it could be looking at paying as much as 11 per cent more for OPP policing in 2027. Coming in at nearly four times the current rate of inflation, the increase would push policing costs for South Huron to more than $2.3 million, up from $2.1 million this year. The money for the Ontario Provincial Police service comes from property taxes. The bill for 2026 was also an 11 per cent hike over the previous year.

A new firehall that will serve Dashwood and the surrounding area is expected to open in April 2027. Local representatives and community members gathered at the new firehall’s location on Centre Street South Sept. 14 to break ground on the new station. By Dan Rolph Construction on a new fire station that will serve Dashwood and the surrounding area has officially begun, bringing the community one step closer to the end of a years-long effort to replace its aging firehall. Loca

The Canadian Community Newsmedia Awards (CCNAwards) celebrate the best in community publishing from across the country. Therefore, it was a thrill earlier this week to see several of our journalists recognized for the valuable work they do in their communities. The 2026 competition included more than 650 entries in 29 different categories which spanned the areas of editorial, photography, multimedia and general excellence from the 2025 calendar year.

Firefighting in South Huron runs in the family. Two volunteer firefighters were presented with years of service awards at the recent South Huron council — Aaron Datars for 20 years of service and Doug Smith for 30 years. Joining Aaron Datars for the presentation were his father, Peter Datars, and his brother Sam, who also serve on the fire department.

The priorities for candidates running for Exeter’s two spots on South Huron council range from improving communications to investing in infrastructure and attracting family doctors. Voters in the Exeter ward of South Huron will be able to pick from three first-time candidates and one veteran in the Oct. 26 municipal election.

Local representatives and South Huron staff gathered at the South Huron Recreation Centre on Sept. 14 to recognize the impact of the municipality’s recreation co-ordinator position. South Huron created the recreation co-ordinator position in 2025 after receiving an $89,900 seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.