LOCAL HEADLINES

Perth County Paramedic Services was honoured to receive a generous donation of three automated external defibrillators (AEDs) from Kickstart My Heart earlier this year.

“I loved Stratford before I came, and I love it as I spent the day here,” Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner told reporters on the evening of July 17. “There are a lot of great things happening here.”

Huron Perth Public Health (HPPH) has released its 2024 annual report, offering a detailed overview of the programs and services delivered across the region, with a stronger emphasis on immunization efforts compared to the previous year’s post-pandemic focus.

After finding out she had been named a member of the Order of Canada late last year, Stratford journalist, author and advocate Diane Sims (CM) officially received her medal from Governor General Mary Simon at Rideau Hall during the official investiture ceremony on June 25.

Just in time for the upcoming school year, Avondale United Church and local community partners will host an event where parents, caregivers, coaches, educators and other members of the community can learn how to ensure kids become resilient.

Construction is officially underway at the site of the new 288-bed peopleCare long-term care home on Vivian Line 37 in Stratford, following a groundbreaking ceremony held on July 17.

The well-loved restaurant the Common, located at 80 Wellington St., is asking for community support following a fire that caused significant smoke damage throughout the space.

After posting a $2 million deficit for this school year, the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) has successfully balanced the budget for next year.

Ten new farm stands featuring fresh local produce are now open across Perth County – each one built from the ground up by local high school students.

According to members of the Stratford Affordable Housing Alliance (SAHA), a public City of Stratford land inventory and a land bank (land specifically designated for future sale and development) are critical to tackling the housing crisis in the Festival City and beyond.

The Proud Community Project, in partnership with Stratford-Perth Pride, is launching a series of community consultations this August and September to help shape a new 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion and equity training program.

One of Stratford’s most beloved and respected teachers has ended her official teaching career, but education is sure to play a part in her retirement.

Spectators might have seen an odd sight at this year’s Canada Day parade: a lone American flag flying amid the hundreds of Canadian flags that marched through Stratford streets.

Inspired by political artists Jean-Michel Basquiat and Banksy, Stratford’s own Carlie Pearce is going viral with her latest work – a “No Kings” U.S. President Donald Trump playing card protest poster that’s now being printed and shipped around the world.

As Perth-Wellington MPP Matthew Rae said, pound-for-pound, the Stratford Festival punches above its weight – which is why the Province of Ontario has awarded $250,000 to the local theatre company in one-time funding.

SKARB Inc., an innovative building materials company, is pleased to announce it has received a minor variance approval from the City of Stratford, paving the way for a new 30,000 square foot industrial manufacturing warehouse at 9 Humber St.

John Broad moved to his home on Albert Street four and a half years ago, falling in love with the neighbourhood. Now, he’s worried that the neighbourhood will drastically change.

For anyone in Stratford, St. Marys and the surrounding communities who has ever wondered where their food comes from, the Local Community Food Centre (LCFC) is hosting a Community Farm to Table BBQ featuring a tour of the Local’s urban farm in Stratford and a free barbecue lunch at the centre afterwards.

We are lost without food, and during the period from 1941 to 1952 it was the 40,000 young women who took up the cause to keep the agriculture industry in southern Ontario alive. The film We Lend A Hand tells the story of these remarkable “Ontario Farmerettes,” who are now in their 90s.

Housing, youth employment and business support took centre stage at investStratford’s AGM this year.