LOCAL HEADLINES

February is a month of celebration at the library – a celebration of stories, of diverse voices and of the fundamental freedom to read. Freedom to Read reminds us that libraries are more than places to borrow books; they are vital community spaces where curiosity is encouraged, critical thinking is supported and everyone has access to materials that reflect the full range of human experience.

United Way Perth-Huron’s (UWPH) latest report on experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ residents revealed there is more work to be done to ensure the safety and inclusion of the community.

The Stratford Irish will begin their pursuit of the NPHL Metropolitan League Championship against a familiar opponent from last season's WOSHL Championship, the Strathroy Jets, in the opening round of the Metropolitan League Playoffs.

Stratford Winter Pride returns March 6-8 with a suite of shows for area residents and visitors, including a Canadian premiere from celebrated Canadian playwright Brad Fraser.

Five youth bowlers from Mike's Bowling Lanes in Stratford delivered an impressive performance at the Ontario Youth Challenge Provincial Round, held Jan. 11 at Echo Bowl in Brantford. 

The Stratford Hunter Steel Warriors played a pivotal three-on-three homestand as they faced the Chatham Maroons, Waterloo Siskins and St. Marys Lincolns at the William Allman Memorial Arena.

The Stratford Humphrey Fleet Service U18 AA Aces took part in the annual Aces Grad Day at the Stratford Rotary Complex on Feb. 7. The day-long event celebrated the outgoing players in the organization, and the U18 team secured a playoff berth with a 2-2 draw against the Kitchener Lady Rangers.

While most councillors around the horseshoe were in agreement that a proposed apartment project at 315 and 317 Huron St. was not suitable for the city, many were concerned that despite their reservations it was a moot point to deny it.

The Stratford U18 AA Warriors faced the London Jr. Knights White on Feb. 4 at the Stratford Rotary Complex, hoping to gain ground for a higher seeding as the U18 ALLIANCE A/AA playoffs drew closer.

Perth County staff has awarded a contract to replace a leaking roof section at the recently renovated Perth County courthouse in Stratford.

In addition to reaching their fundraising to replace fleet as needed, ONE CARE Home & Community Support Services hopes to recruit several drivers.

Looking to bounce back from the rough loss to the London Jr. Knights the previous weekend, the Huron-Perth U16 AAA Lakers continued their final homestand of the ALLIANCE U16 regular season, facing the Sun County Panthers and the Brantford 99ers at the Stratford Rotary Complex.

Here For Now Theatre has entered a new phase of its growth with the appointment of Crystal Spicer as the company’s first-ever executive director, reflecting both the organization’s rapid expansion and setting the stage for its long-term sustainability in Stratford’s independent theatre scene.

Perth County council has formally adopted its 2026 operating and capital budget, approving a financial plan that maintains core service levels while directing new investment toward infrastructure, facilities and long-term sustainability.

Lake Victoria will soon have a new safety feature upon its waters.

The Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) is bringing a night of laughs to the Arden Park Hotel in celebration of International Women’s Day.

The Huron-Perth U16 Lakers AAA hosted the London Jr. Knights at the Stratford Rotary Complex in the battle for top spot in the U16 ALLIANCE league as the regular season heads to its final stretch on Feb. 1.

The Winter Paws Holiday Market aimed to meet the growing demand for pet food and supplies over the weekend.

A local telecommunications provider is turning the month of February into a powerful show of community support, pledging to match donations to Rotary Hospice of Stratford Perth dollar for dollar up to $25,000.

Just days after popular bus service Onexbus announced the ceasing of its Stratford line, another private organization announced a new stop for the Festival City, filling in a gap that had just erupted.