Kelsey Bent

Howick Township council gave pre-budget approval to allow for the purchase of a used 2012 Ford Expedition, to be used as the fire chief/bylaw enforcement officer’s vehicle at the Jan. 16 council meeting.

With two narrow votes, Perth County council approved two Official Plan amendments allowing a subdivision in Milverton to proceed.

A report commissioned by United Way Perth-Huron has highlighted certain aspects regarding the health of local youth.

The previous council remuneration bylaw was reviewed and Howick Treasurer Amy Van Meeteren recommended updates for 2024.

According to a report from Howick’s Chief Building Official, permit fees have not been adjusted since 2020.

According to United Way Perth-Huron’s Quality of Life report, the most recent living wage for part-time, which was released in November 2023, is $22.75 per hour.

Although there were slightly less total building permits issued in 2023 than in 2022, the total number of dwelling units created in Howick Township was significantly higher.

A delegation to North Perth council on Jan. 15 asked to pass a zoning bylaw to regulate wind turbines. 

The 39th annual Bruce Williams Memorial Fun Days Jamboree went off without a hitch last weekend, despite the snowy weather. Thirty-six teams from across the region braved the cold to travel to the Steve Kerr Memorial Complex in Listowel.

Manager of Finance Corey Bridges shared that the 2024 capital budget is $16.9 million, and includes 37 projects, with $10.5 million funded from reserves; $2.42 million funded from Canada Community Building Fund, Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund, and municipal partners, and; $4.1 million funded

In a public meeting to discuss the development of 670 Main St. E. in Listowel, there were no signs of opposition, from council or the public.

Council’s work to develop a housing-focused Community Improvement Plan (CIP) has piqued the interest of a local developer.

A new report from the United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) states the region experienced the most frequent rates of discrimination, with 42 per cent of such incidents happening in the work place.