Perth County

Perth County Advocates for Rural Priorities at ROMA 2026

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 21:30:00 GMT

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TORONTO, ON – Warden Dean Trentowsky, members of County Council, and Staff joined more than 1,900 participants from across the province at the 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference this week. In addition to participating in conference sessions, representatives from Perth County attended two delegation meetings during the conference:

Streamlining Planning Applications and Reducing Costs with Laura Smith, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Agribusiness Growth, Investment Successes, and Regional Opportunities with Minister Trevor Jones, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness

Delegation meetings provide an opportunity for municipal leaders to discuss key issues that are top-of-mind for municipal governments directly with provincial ministries. Perth County’s meetings were focused on advocacy for efficiencies in the municipal planning process as well as support for the continued growth and expansion of the local agricultural sector.

“The ROMA Conference is an excellent opportunity for representatives from Perth County to advocate for our rural region and to promote the many excellent advantages that Perth County has to offer” said Dean Trentowsky, Warden of Perth County. “We work hard to represent the needs of our communities and we appreciate the time granted to us to engage in productive conversations with provincial ministries. This conference also provides the opportunity to attend informative sessions where we can gain insight, learn, and bring new, exciting and practical ideas back to our communities.”

The 2026 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference ran from Sunday, January 18 to Tuesday, January 20 in downtown Toronto. This year’s conference theme is ROMA 2026: Ontario’s Rural Leaders Conference. The three-day event served as a key moment for municipal and provincial officials to connect on the unique challenges faced by rural municipalities.

Sessions focused on topics covering the breadth of rural municipal matters, including rural access to health care, Indigenous relations, codes of conduct, Community Safety and Wellbeing plans, infrastructure, waste management, housing, and road safety in rural communities. More details about the ROMA Conference including the full program can be found online at www.roma.on.ca

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About Perth County: Perth County is a vibrant upper-tier municipality located in Southwestern, Ontario and is home to a regional population of 81,565 residents. This rural region is comprised of 4 lower-tier member municipalities. To find out more information about our services, visit: www.perthcounty.ca or follow us on Facebook and X.

About ROMA: ROMA takes pride in promoting, supporting and enhancing strong and effective rural governments. About 270 of Ontario’s 444 municipalities have populations of less than 10,000, while scores more are rural in character. The rural arm of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, ROMA advocates for policies and programs that will help build thriving rural Ontario communities.

Media Contact
Sarah Franklin, Communications Officer
sfranklin@perthcounty.ca
519-271-0531 ext 151

Perth County Reduced Load Restrictions In Effect

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMT

PUBLIC NOTICE

PERTH COUNTY, ON – In accordance with the Highway Traffic Act and By-law 3411-2014, reduced load restrictions of 5-tonnes per axle will take effect on many Perth County roads beginning on March 1, 2026.

Seasonal reduced load restrictions are imposed during the annual spring thaw when road beds become saturated with moisture and lose their structural integrity. To prevent significant damage and ensure the longevity of the County’s transportation network, loads are limited to 5 tonnes per axle while roads are in this vulnerable state. In Perth County, the reduced load period extends from March 1^st to April 30^th annually.

County roads subject to load restrictions are identified with signage noting axle-weight restrictions and the reduced load period. Commercial vehicle operators are encouraged to plan their routes in advance and are reminded that failure to comply with these restrictions may result in prosecution under the Highway Traffic Act.

To view an interactive map of Perth County roads which are under reduced load restrictions, visit Municipal 511: www.municipal511.ca

Learn more on our website: www.perthcounty.ca/en/living-here/roads-and-bridges.aspx

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Contact:
Bill Wilson, Director of Public Works
519-271-0537 ext. 314
bwilson@perthcounty.ca

Dean Trentowsky Acclaimed as New Warden of Perth County

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:30:00 GMT

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PERTH COUNTY, ON – In an election held on December 4, 2025 at the Best Western Arden Park Hotel in Stratford, Perth County Council acclaimed Dean Trentowsky, Deputy Mayor of West Perth as the new Warden of Perth County.

Warden Trentowsky has served 3 years on County Council, serving this recent most year as Deputy Warden alongside Past Warden Doug Kellum. During his time on County Council, he has sat as County representative on several Boards and Committees, including as Chair of the Perth County Agricultural Working Group.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Perth County as Warden and for the trust my fellow County Councillors have placed in me.” said Warden Dean Trentowsky. “I am looking forward to a busy year ahead. County Council provides a unique opportunity where council members from across the County come together in the spirit of collaboration to paint a positive future of the whole region. I want to thank Past Warden Doug Kellum for his work in this role over the past year and I look forward to working alongside Deputy Warden Orr over the next year.”

In addition to the acclamation of Dean Trentowsky as Warden, Sue Orr, Mayor of Perth South, was acclaimed to the role of Deputy Warden. Sue has served 3 years on County Council.

‘I am excited for the opportunity to step into the role of Deputy Warden alongside Warden Trentowsky.” said Deputy Warden Sue Orr. “It will be a new experience and I am looking forward to the year ahead working with my fellow Council colleagues to support the goals of Perth County.”

“I look forward to working with newly acclaimed Warden Trentowsky and Deputy Warden Orr.” said Lori Wolfe, CAO of Perth County. “I appreciate both of their leadership and support of the great work of the County. Thank you to Past Warden Kellum for his time, commitment, and leadership over the past year.”

Perth County Council is comprised of 10 members representing the four lower-tier Municipalities: The Municipality of North Perth, The Township of Perth South, The Township of Perth East, and The Municipality of West Perth. The positions of Warden and Deputy Warden are elected annually by members of County Council.

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Perth County is a vibrant upper-tier municipality located in Southwestern, Ontario and is home to a regional population of 81,565 residents. This rural region is comprised of 4 lower-tier member municipalities. To find out more information about our services, visit: www.perthcounty.ca or follow us on Facebook and X.

Media contact:
Sarah Franklin
Communications Officer
sfranklin@perthcounty.ca
519-271-0531 ext 151

Perth County Paramedics Respond to Community Needs With Support For Local Food Initiatives

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:30:00 GMT

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STRATFORD, ON – Perth County Paramedic Services’ Community Care Fund is pleased to support The Local Community Food Centre (The Local) with a donation of $2,500 to support the ongoing Fruit Basket Program.

Perth County Paramedic Services’ Mobile Integrated Health Team (MIH Team) has worked alongside The Local from the beginning of the Community Paramedicine Program. The MIH Team hosts clinics that support vulnerable individuals on a weekly basis throughout Perth County by bringing multiple resources to one site to provide wrap-around care.

As the relationship has grown, The Local has provided food in the form of meals, fresh fruit, and even cookies which the MIH Team are able distribute through their clinics throughout Perth County. The ability to distribute food alongside the support services has allowed the MIH Team to build relationships and rapport with vulnerable clients.

“The Local has been an incredible resource and connection point for our MIH Team in the community.” said Debbie Hunter, Deputy Chief of Mobile Integrated Health. “It became clear that supporting the distribution of fresh fruit and food at our clinics was an important way to connect with the community. The whole Paramedic Team is thrilled to be able to support The Local so we are able to continue providing this service to our community. Our MIH program, and the people in our area are consistently supported by the generosity of the Local. The fruit bags are one we can give back to the incredible programming!”

“We are grateful for the donation from the Perth County Paramedic Services Community Care Fund!” said Julie Docker Johnson, Community Connector with The Local Community Food Centre. “The partnership with the MIH Team allows us to reach more people and ensure that there can be access to some nutritious food to support their health and wellbeing.”

About Perth County Paramedic Community Care Fund

The Paramedic Community Care Fund was established by Perth County Paramedic Services in 2015 as a way for community members to support local paramedics. Community members often would like to provide tokens of appreciation as a way to thank Paramedics for their service. Instead of physical gifts to Paramedics, the fund encourages residents to “pay it forward” by donating to the fund to help community members in need — especially in situations where paramedics encounter social or financial barriers to health. Paramedics recognized that many calls for service highlight needs beyond immediate medical care, such as:

Patients who refuse hospital transport due to ongoing financial strain.
Arriving at a home with an empty refrigerator, indicating food insecurity.
Homeless individuals needing basic supports, like meals, more than emergency care.

These experiences inspired the creation of the fund so that donations could directly support vulnerable residents, improving health outcomes and social wellbeing. The Fund supports initiatives that reflect a “hands-of-caring” philosophy — recognizing that healthcare isn’t just clinical, but also social. All donations are eligible for a tax-receipt, and funds are used to assist residents in the community with needs that traditional healthcare services or social supports might not immediately address. The fund is managed through Perth County; donations are made to the County of Perth Paramedic Community Care Fund.

About The Local Community Food Centre

The Local CFC is a part of network of 15 Community Food Centres across the country and as part of Community Food Centres Canada we work together with an additional 300+ Good Food Organizations across North America to influence provincial and national policy makers to develop more equitable and just social policies. Open doors and accessible low cost or free programs create a dynamic and mixed community where people interact and learn from each other in an accepting and caring environment. There are no means tests, no questions asked and no barriers. Everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

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We're hiring a GIS Summer Student

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Join our team! We're hiring a GIS Summer Student.

Read the full position details and apply today!: www.perthcounty.ca/employment

Perth County Council Approves 2026 Budget

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 14:30:00 GMT

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PERTH COUNTY, ON – At the Regular Council Meeting on February 5, 2026, Perth County Council approved the 2026 Capital and Operating Budget.

The 2026 budget represents an increase of $2,638,165 from last year. This amount represents an additional $89.24 annually per household which is $1.72 per week (based on average 2016 MPAC household value of $284,000). The approved budget represents an 8.75% increase to the annual budget. This amount incorporates the annual assessment growth for the County of 1.76%.

The 2026 budget maintains Perth County’s service delivery while also investing in a number of key priorities for the County:

33 Capital projects representing a $9.6 million investment
Rehabilitation and/or replacement of key road network infrastructure including 4 bridge and culvert projects as well as the repaving of 22 centreline kilometers of road
Renovation of the Provincial Offences Courtroom and County Council Chambers at the County Courthouse
$50,000 financial contribution to the continued development of the Ontario Agri-Food Discovery Centre
The development of a new Economic Development and Tourism wayfinding signage program

“I would like to thank my Council colleagues for their detailed review and active participation throughout this year’s budget process,” said Warden Dean Trentowsky. “I also want to acknowledge County staff for their hard work in developing and presenting the 2026 budget. Both Council and staff recognize the continued financial pressures and economic uncertainty faced by the ratepayers and their families, the farms & the business owners across Perth County. The County is doing the best it can to ensure that essential service levels are upheld in a fair and responsible manner; while continuing to invest in the future needs and opportunities for Perth County citizens.”

“We thank Council for its approval of the 2026 budget,” said Lori Wolfe, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). “Staff have worked diligently to deliver a budget that maintains essential services, advances strategic priorities, and responds thoughtfully to the pressures being felt by residents and businesses across Perth County.”

“While inflationary pressures continue to impact municipal budgets across the province, the 2026 Budget reflects a gradual easing of these pressures,” said Corey Bridges, Director of Finance / Treasurer. “Staff continue to focus on delivering programs and services efficiently and cost-effectively.”

Additional fiscal measures include:

Shifting municipal drain work to Capital Expenses to smooth the impact to the budget
Adding funds to capital reserves to help close the infrastructure gap
Avoiding the use of reserves for operation support a commitment to long-term sustainability

The County’s annual budget allocates funds for both Operating and Capital expenses. The County also budgets for contributions toward reserves which are established to fund long-term goals and to mitigate unpredictable or fluctuating nature of some annual costs such as Winter Maintenance or Drainage. The reserve contribution for 2026 represents 4.30% of the total levy increase reflecting a proactive approach to closing the infrastructure deficit. This investment also serves to close the gap to cover costs downloaded by the Province.

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About the 2026 Budget Process:

The proposed 2026 Budget was provided to Council in December 2025. Capital and Operating Budget presentations delivered by the Director of Finance / Treasurer over several Council meetings in January 2026. The programs and projects are informed by the County’s Corporate Strategic Plan 2023-2026. The 5 goals of the plan include: Growth and Economic Development; Regionalization and Service Effectiveness; Customer Service Excellence; Community Development and Planning; and Corporate Sustainability. To view the budget, visit www.perthcounty.ca/finance.