LOCAL HEADLINES

The ad hoc Grand Trunk renewal (GTR) committee, the citizen-led body which has advised Stratford city council on matters pertaining to its keystone revitalization project of the former locomotive shop grounds, will be disbanding next month. Throughout its two-year mandate, the committee has helped shape what will become of the 18-acre site, although when exactly its vision can be realized is still up in the air.

Organizers say that last year’s Kiwanis Garlic Festival was its most successful since its founding in 2007 – but they hope to top it this year when the annual event returns Sept. 6 and 7.

Sept. 3 marks 15 years of JENN and Larry’s Ice Cream Shoppe serving Stratford’s residents and visitors, and owner Jenn Stacey is inviting everyone to come out and help them celebrate.

Stratford’s Ron Neeb, who grew up on a farm near Gadshill in North Easthope Township, has been a big fan throughout his life of old, antique John Deere tractors. You may have seen him in area parades, with his polished two-cylinder green machines.

The inaugural Stratford Filipino Festival had lots of tasty food to try and a positive energy amongst the attendees.

The Stratford Lakeside Active Adults Association’s (SLAAA) annual Open House, Wellness and Multicultural Fair will be held Saturday, Sept. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Stratford Agriplex Community Hall. Admission is free, and all community members are welcome to attend.

A Stratford entrepreneur is launching a new approach to skin and body care that blends holistic practices with science-backed principles.

Stratford’s first official cricket pitch opened Monday, Aug. 25, and while the day began with light rain, by the time the first ball was bowled, the sun was shining on spectators.

Over the next few days, Stratford residents will notice a sharp increase in Lake Victoria’s water-levels – just in time for the city’s 28th Rotary Dragon Boat Festival on Sept. 13.

Stratford city council approved the tentative 2026 budget deliberation schedule, after a special council meeting on Aug. 13.

For the entirety of what will be his 40-year career at the Stratford Festival, and even before that as a young actor who chose to dedicate his life to the stage, Antoni Cimolino has been enraptured by the magic of theatre.

Every year for the past two decades, the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth educates more than 30,000 people about animal care, empathy and safety in a variety of hands-on programs – and they are showing no signs of slowing down.

Fans of chamber music and musical explorations of history and popular culture will be happy to learn Stratford’s INNERchamber is returning for its 16th season with a lineup of six unique concerts. For artistic director and violinist Andrew Chung, having the opportunity to carry the INNERchamber tradition forward after 15 years sharing and performing the music he loves with friends, neighbours and total strangers is a dream come true.

The Stratford Public Library’s final Happy Hour of the summer went out with a lyrical bang, thanks to 76-year-old rapper – and local legend – Bette Reynolds.

The Stratford & District Agriculture Society is juggling its farmers market, barbecues and annual fair while leaning on donations and sponsors to keep programs running without steady financial support.

Following the recent adoption of its new official plan, Perth County is now undertaking a review of comprehensive zoning bylaws for North Perth, West Perth, Perth South and Perth East – a process that could take upwards of three years to complete.

“I used to love that trail,” Max Denomme read from the back of Fanfare Books, a popular downtown independent bookstore. “Now, I can’t even look at trees without hearing them breathe. The forest was darker than usual. I always walked that trail when I couldn’t sleep. It was the only place that felt quiet. I had walked that trail plenty of times before, even at night, so I knew what to expect.

Music, education and a storytelling parade await visitors at the Stratford Perth Museum this Labour Day, as it celebrates the tireless efforts of local labour movements and brings history to life for all generations.

Every day, Lisa Herlick heads to the Avon River.

Stratford city council narrowly filled a new committee just struck to handle short-term accommodation licensing appeals.