LOCAL HEADLINES

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.

Sustainable Waterloo Region (SWR), in partnership with the Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA), has officially launched Frameworks: A Building Innovation Exchange – a groundbreaking initiative designed to support the building sector in transitioning toward efficient, innovative and healthy buildings.

A child’s lemonade stand is ensuring youth facing homelessness get the support they need.

Among the findings from a recent study conducted by the Huron County Local Immigration Partnership, entitled “Newcomer Experiences of Housing in Huron and Perth,” the cost of renting and access to housing information were identified as barriers to permanent newcomer settlement in small, rural communities.

Unable to meet provincially legislated compliance requirements and missing out on the potential for much-needed infrastructure grants, the Township of Perth South will hire a deputy treasurer/asset management coordinator to help lighten the load in its financial services department later this year.

Some questions have been raised, as Lake Victoria still appears more like a mud pit than a lake in some areas due to low rainfall since the RT Orr Dam became lodged with debris and drained over the course of multiple days.

The Livery Yard opened its doors in the evening, inviting people to come inside, enjoy some delicious coffee and listen to some amazing music from talented local bands. July 24-26 was the weekend of Livery After Dark, and it was a weekend many came out to enjoy. 

If the first public open house for the City of Stratford’s new 10-Year Housing and Homelessness Plan proved anything, its that solving the national housing crisis locally will take all heads working together.

CONNOR LUCZKA, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Stratford city council will remain as 11 members for the next term, after a move to...

Workers in the region are being suffocated out of the rental market, with new videos from United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) providing a glance at the skyrocketing rents and evictions that are making it nearly impossible for residents to find affordable housing. 

The Provocation Ideas Festival (PIF) is looking for your stories about Stratford this fall, as it unveils 2025/26 programming.

The City of Stratford will soon unveil a program to address long-term housing pressures and homelessness, rather than short-term emergency responses.

During a heavy rainstorm on July 24, a sluice gate at the RT Orr Dam in Stratford automatically opened to release water and prevent flooding of upstream roads and buildings.

The Ontario government has provided $60,900 in funding to the Local Community Food Centre through the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Seed Grant stream.