Category: Perth

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Municipalities Perth

County to Discontinue PC Connect Rural Route Service in Early 2025

PERTH COUNTY, ON – At a meeting on December 5, 2024, County Council made the decision to discontinue the PC Connect Transit pilot project, currently operating as the Rural Route, as of March 31, 2025. Since launch, the program has been fully funded through the Provincial Government’s Community Transportation (CT) Grant Program and all funding is scheduled to be utilized  on or before the service end date.

Note that PC Connect Routes 1,2 & 3 offering service between Stratford, St. Marys, London, Kitchener-Waterloo and North Perth are not impacted by this decision.

“Council is pleased at the success of the PC Connect pilot program during its operating period in Perth County. The pilot project would not have been possible without the financial support from the Provincial Government.” said Perth County Warden Doug Kellum. “The cost to continue operating the service was not sustainable through fare revenue alone, and with many budget pressures facing Council in the 2025 budget period, the County could not to continue to fund the necessary level of service required to keep the Rural Route running beyond the pilot period.”

“We thank our riders who have supported the PC Connect Rural Route service since 2020.” said Justin Dias, Economic Development Officer. “We have consistently received positive feedback about the service and the impact that it has had throughout its pilot period.”

In a report to Council, staff noted the cost to continue operation of the service beyond the Provincially funded pilot period would be an estimated $225,103 in 2025. Those costs are expected to increase significantly in 2026 in the absence of any CT funds and acquisition of new fleet vehicles as the current buses reach the end of their life. The County is in the midst of 2025 Budget deliberation process which is under significant pressure due to inflationary increase.

At present, all PC Connect routes will continue normal operations. A detailed plan for the conclusion of the Rural Route service will be communicated to riders in early 2025. Council made an additional motion to continue advocacy for rural transit with the MP and MPP as well as for staff to report on available alternatives for transportation.

Quick Facts

  • PC Connect has been in operation since 2020 as a result of a $2.47 million grant from the Ministry of Transportation’s Community Transportation (CT) program
  • PC Connect operates as four routes with Perth County administering the Rural Route service and Routes 1,2 &3 operated in partnership by the City of Stratford, Town of St. Marys and Municipality of North Perth
  • To date, PC Connect’s Rural Route has provided 16,890 rides
  • For more information about the PC Connect Service, visit: www.perthcounty.ca/PCConnect
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Municipalities Perth WFP

Your Warden Comments On Paramedic Killed In Avalanche #OpenAirPrison


It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of Perth County Paramedic Nikky Nagy. Nikky was involved in a snowboarding accident while on vacation in Switzerland and tragically died in an avalanche. On behalf of County Council and Staff, I wish to offer my sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Nikky began her career as a Primary Care Paramedic in Perth County on April 29, 2022. Nikky was a bright, caring, amazing person and a part of our Perth County family. Nikky’s family shared with us that she died while doing what she loved.

In honour of her life and service in Perth County, the flags at the Perth County Courthouse and Perth County Paramedic Services Headquarters in Stratford will be lowered until the day of the funeral.

Rhonda Ehgoetz
Warden, Perth County

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Municipalities Perth

Perth County Paramedic Recruitment # HeroesWanted

PERTH COUNTY, ON – Starting February 23, 2024, Perth County’s Paramedic Services Department will be accepting applications for new members to join the team. “We are a busy service with an incredible group of people.” said Mike Adair, Chief of Perth County Paramedic Services. “Our service offers many great opportunities for Paramedics to have a positive impact in the community.”

Perth County is currently recruiting 15-20 new members. Those interested in learning more about the recruitment process and working for Perth County can visit: www.perthcounty.ca/paramedics. From there, candidates can read more about being a Primary Care Paramedic in Perth County as well as review the requirements to apply for a position.

 “Each year we look forward to welcoming new Paramedics to our team.” said Chris Keyser, Deputy Chief of Program Development. “Perth County Paramedic Services offers a great atmosphere to work and grow in your career.”

Recruitment will remain open until March 8, 2024. Interested candidates should visit www.perthcounty.ca/employment to apply.

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Alerts Municipalities Perth West Perth

All Flags To Remain At Half Mast In Perth County

Flags at all Perth County and Municipality of West Perth Facilities will remain lowered for the remainder of this week in mourning for the Muslim family from London, Ontario who were deliberately targeted and killed in an attack this past weekend. One of the victims, Salman Afzaal, was a well-loved employee at Ritz Lutheran Villa in Mitchell.

The flags were originally lowered in honour of the recent discovery of the bodies of 215 Indigenous children whose lives were taken at the former Kamloops Residential School. They will remain lowered until Monday, June 14, 2021.

We were shocked and saddened by this news. No one should be targeted for practicing their faith and we stand in solidarity and mourning with Muslims across Canada. At this difficult time, we need to stand together as a community to show our love and support for one another.

In Perth County we are committed to building an inclusive and welcoming community and encourage everyone to educate themselves and to practice kindness, empathy and compassion toward one another.

In addition to this recent tragedy in London, Perth County and West Perth are also mourning the sudden loss of Carter Schoonderwoerd, the 19-year-old Stratford Warriors player from Mitchell.

Categories
Municipalities Perth

County of Perth Municipal Facilities – Notice of Temporary Closure

PERTH COUNTY, ON – Due to the ongoing and quickly evolving situation regarding the spread of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus), in the interest of Public Safety and the safety of County Staff, Perth County Warden Jim Aitcheson advises that all County operated facilities will be closed to public access effective Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 4:30pm until further notice. It is important to note that the Ministry of Attorney General services operated in the County Courthouse will remain available to the public during this time. The following facilities are subject to this closure: 

  • Perth County Administration Buildings and Perth County Provincial Offences Court 1 Huron Street, Stratford, Ontario, N5A 5S4 and 1 Ontario Street, Stratford, Ontario, N5A 3GA
  • Stratford-Perth Archives 4273 Line 34, Stratford, Ontario, N5A 6S6
  • Perth County Paramedic Services Headquarters 480 Douro Street, Stratford, Ontario, N5A 3S9
  • All Perth County Paramedic Bases

Perth County will communicate to the public when a re-opening date has been determined. Perth County Staff continue to work and are available via phone 519-271-0531 or email at [email protected].

Other County contacts can be found at: https://www.perthcounty.ca/Modules/contact/search.aspx?s=uJRqyPbMwIWHcHH8PySJQQeQuAleQuAl

For the up-to-date information regarding the Pandemic, please consult the following resources:

Information Regarding Provincial Offences Court Proceedings:

If you have a fine that is due while the building is closed to the public, payments can be made through the following means:

  • By Phone – between the hours of 8:30-4:30, Monday to Friday with Visa, Debit, Mastercard, MasterCard or Visa Debit
  • Online – Visit www.payticket.ca and payments can be made by Visa or MasterCard
  • By Mail – You can mail your cheque or money order Payable to the County of Perth to the Provincial Offences Office, 1 Huron St, Stratford, ON N5A 5S4
  • There is a mail drop box on the St. Andrew Street door of the County Courthouse. If you leave your payment or documents in that drop box, please use an envelope and include your phone number so staff can contact you. 
  • Telephone appointments with the prosecutor and Audio/Remote Court plea dates will go ahead as scheduled. You can contact the court office for specific information about your case. To contact the POA staff, please e-mail [email protected]or by phone at 519-271-0530. The POA office is staffed and ready to assist.

Information Regarding Stratford-Perth Archives Operations:

  • In-person research appointments are not available during this closure.
  • Archives Staff continue to respond to research requests by phone or email as usual and curbside pick-ups can be arranged for photocopies, photo prints and to buy books.
  • To contact Stratford-Perth Archives Staff, please visit www.StratfordPerthArchives.on.ca or call 519-271-0531 ext. 259.
Categories
Municipalities Perth

James Aitcheson Warden Of Perth County Because No One Else Wanted It #Acclaimed

PERTH COUNTY, ON – In an election held on December 3, 2020, Perth County Council acclaimed James (Jim) Aitcheson, the Deputy Mayor for the Township of Perth South, as Warden of Perth County. The position of Warden is elected every year and the 2020-2021 term will be the second consecutive term for Jim as Warden.

“When I was first elected Warden, I knew we had a lot of work to do. The past year has been extraordinarily busy, with lots of great accomplishments, but the work is far from over” said Aitcheson. “I am proud of how our County Council and staff have come together while apart during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Warden is proud of the work that has been done. “I am proud of our many accomplishments in bringing the PC Connect rural transit service to the region, the major renovation and changes to the Perth County Courthouse campus and much more” he said. “Looking forward to the coming year, I am eager to see the completion of many projects currently in progress such as the restructuring of Perth County’s Planning Division and the completion of the new Official Plan.”

Warden Aitcheson also sees many opportunities for Council and Staff to take on new projects and initiatives such as conversations about diversity, inclusivity and anti-racism in Perth County. “The County has undertaken a number of projects in the past on the issues of inclusivity and diversity in our region. It is clear to me that we need to do more on this matter, to listen and to work alongside staff and the community to continue to foster a welcoming community for all. This is important work that is far from over and it will remain a priority for me in my second term as Warden” added Aitcheson.

In addition to Warden Aitcheson serving a second term, the Mayor of the Township of Perth East, Rhonda Ehgoetz was also acclaimed for a second term serving as Deputy Warden.

“On behalf of County staff I want to extend my congratulations to Warden Aitcheson and Deputy Warden Ehgoetz” said Interim Chief Administrative Officer Lori Wolfe. “We have had a busy year and I am excited for the opportunity to continue our work together over the next year” she said.

For more information about County Council, please visit: https://www.perthcounty.ca/Modules/contact/search.aspx?s=5ikpme5HaMVyivIsiG9NOweQuAleQuAl