Local news
Perth County, Ontario
Stratford’s incoming mayor, Robert Ritz, is taking office without having previously served on city council, a path municipal politics expert Kate Graham says is not unusual. Graham cited examples of Canadian mayors who…
The Ontario Court of Appeal has rejected Terrance Shipway’s appeal of his 2021 conviction and four-and-a-half-year sentence for a 2020 home invasion in Stratford. Shipway argued that the trial judge relied on…
As the crisp autumn air settles across Ontario, many residents are looking for the perfect seasonal getaway. This feature highlights several charming towns across the province that offer a magical atmosphere during the…
Stratford police have recovered 14 memorial plaques stolen from benches and walls at Avondale Cemetery, and two people have been charged. Police received the first report of missing plaques on Nov. 5 and recovered them…
Stratford District Secondary School swept the Huron-Perth boys’ volleyball finals on Thursday, Nov. 12, in Stratford, Ontario. The junior Golden Bears captured their fifth consecutive conference title, while the senior…
Two Stratford residents, a 42-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman, were arrested Tuesday after 14 memorial plaques were reported stolen from Avondale Cemetery. Stratford police said the plaques were taken from memorial…
Unemployment in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula rose 0.2 percentage points to 3.8 per cent in October, remaining Ontario’s second-lowest regional rate. The Four County Labour Market Planning Board reported a loss of 3,200…
Stratford received a Five Blooms Gold rating from Communities in Bloom Canada last month, recognizing more than 30 years of work to beautify the city. The award was presented at the organization’s October national…
A three-week heat wave that began in June 1921 brought temperatures above 30 C across Perth County, with Stratford reaching 34.4 C on July 2 and Listowel recording 33 C. Without air conditioning, residents sought relief…
St. Michael Catholic Secondary School’s Warriors won the Huron-Perth senior girls’ basketball title with a 56-25 victory over St. Marys District Collegiate Vocational Institute on Wednesday. Jordan MacDonald led the…
Hundreds gathered at the Stratford Cenotaph on Wednesday morning for a Remembrance Day ceremony honouring those who served. Aamjiwnaang First Nation knowledge carrier Christin Dennis told attendees, “They gave their…
In Stratford, Ontario, craftswoman Monique Lund is preserving family history by repurposing vintage military uniform buttons into custom leather keychains and bookmarks. According to CTV News, Lund transforms these…
Stratford councillors voted at their final meeting of the term to continue discussions on a possible loan of up to $800,000 to United Housing for its Brunswick Street redevelopment. The $3.92-million project at 24 and…
Young participants in Stratford’s annual 5K fundraiser helped support The Local Community Food Centre, with organizers celebrating their contribution alongside another successful event. The run brings the community…
The living wage for the Grey, Bruce, Perth, Huron and Simcoe area rose to $24.75 an hour in 2026, up 15 cents from last year, according to the Ontario Living Wage Network and United Way Perth-Huron. The region remains…
L’Arche Stratford has opened a new 15,000-square-foot building at 426 Britannia St., completing a project nine years in the making. The facility includes eight independent living suites and will support adults with…
Stratford’s historic downtown is being promoted as a festive holiday getaway, with decorated shops, cafes and a self-guided Christmas trail offering vouchers at six stops. Lights On Stratford begins December 18…
The Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce held its 30th annual Business Excellence Awards gala on Thursday, honoring 10 local businesses. Nuhn Industries was named the 2026 Business of the Year. Bob Downham…
The unemployment rate in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula region rose to 3.8 per cent in October, according to the Four County Labour Market Planning Board. The region saw a net loss of over 3,000 full-time jobs, with…
Following the October 26 municipal election, mayoral candidates Jo-Dee Burbach, Mark Hunter, and Andrew Rea have extended their best wishes to the newly elected mayor, Ritz, and the incoming council. The candidates…
RGA Counselling and the Space Within is repurposing the former St. Stephen’s church on Home Street in Stratford. The historic building is being transformed into an expanded, accessible facility for counselling and…
Robert Ritz has been elected as the next mayor of Stratford, securing a decisive victory in the municipal election. Known as the Festival City, Stratford residents chose Ritz to lead the local government for the…
The City of Stratford has officially inaugurated its new city council following recent elections. While the mayoral seat saw a significant change in leadership, the composition of the council remains largely consistent…
The local program Adopt-A-Family Stratford has launched registration for its 2026 holiday initiative. Founded in 2020, the program provides gift cards to families in need to assist with Christmas gifts and dinner…
Stratford native Luke Feltham earned a bronze medal at the Ontario University Athletics cross-country championships. The University of Guelph student, a graduate of Stratford District Secondary School, was also named to…
The Stratford Public Library has launched a series of fall workshops designed to support local entrepreneurs and small business owners. The program includes sessions on artificial intelligence, digital marketing, and…
The Ontario Provincial Police and Stratford police have suspended their use of the anonymous tipping platform Crime Stoppers following a major data breach at Navigate360, the U.S.-based third-party provider. The breach…
The Huron-Perth Children’s Aid Society has received a $100,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to combat human trafficking. The funding will support virtual training for child welfare professionals…
Martin Ritsma has expressed disappointment after losing his bid for re-election as mayor of Stratford. Finishing third with 21.3 percent of the vote, Ritsma attributed his loss to vote splitting among several current…
The Stratford Police Service has temporarily suspended its promotion of the Crime Stoppers anonymous tipping platform following a major data breach at the third-party provider Navigate360. The breach exposed over 1.5…
