News

Council Highlights | October 5, 2026

West Perth Council met on Monday, October 5.

Celebrating 40 Years of Fire Service

• Council recognized Randy Satchel for more than 40 years of service with the West Perth Fire Department.
• Randy was presented with his Exemplary Service Medal and Firefighters Long Service Medal.
• Council thanked Randy and his family for their dedication and many years of service to the West Perth community.

Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review

• Council received an update on the ongoing Comprehensive Zoning By-law Review.
• The review is working toward modernizing zoning regulations, improving consistency across Perth County municipalities and reducing the need for site-specific zoning amendments where possible.
• Public consultation will be an important part of the next phase, including open houses, one-on-one meetings and targeted workshops.
• Draft zoning by-laws are anticipated in spring 2027, followed by further public consultation.

Support for Public Libraries

• Council supported a resolution calling for increased provincial funding for public libraries, recognizing the growing range of services libraries provide to their communities.

Beverage Container Recycling

• Council also supported a resolution regarding a deposit-return program for non-alcoholic beverage containers in Ontario, aimed at improving beverage container recovery and recycling.

Surplus Farmhouse Severance

• Council supported a surplus farm dwelling severance application for 5680 Line 42.
• The application will move forward to the County of Perth Land Division Committee, subject to the conditions identified in the staff report.

Facility Sponsorship & Naming Rights

• Council reviewed a proposed framework for sponsorship and naming opportunities at municipal facilities.
• The review identified 81 potential sponsorship and naming opportunities across 27 locations in West Perth.
• Council discussed the importance of respecting existing community and service club relationships associated with local facilities.
• The report was referred back to staff for further review before moving ahead.

Courtyard at Poppy Lane

• Council received an update on operating and capital expenses for the Courtyard at Poppy Lane.
• The space has already hosted markets, community activities and a barbecue, with organizers reporting positive participation and connections to downtown businesses.
• The BIA is looking at additional events and revenue opportunities in 2027 to help offset costs associated with the space.
• Council also discussed access to public washrooms and AED availability during events.

    Rural Roads, Speed Limits & Stop Signs

• Council had an extensive discussion about rural traffic safety, speed limits and stop signs across West Perth.
• Staff presented several options designed to create greater consistency across the municipal road network.
• Council heard concerns about speeding, agricultural traffic, heavy trucks, road conditions and the potential impacts of changing speed limits and stop signs.
• No changes will be implemented at this time.
• Council directed that the report be referred back to staff for a public consultation process before any of the proposed options are implemented.
• Council also directed that a comprehensive traffic study be considered as part of the 2027 budget process.

Upcoming Community Dates

Council highlighted several upcoming dates:

• October 15: Lions and Rotary Club All Candidates Event at the West Perth Community Centre, 7:00 p.m.
• October 26: Municipal and School Board Election Day
• November 4: Economic Development Mayor's Breakfast

Significant Weather Event Declared in West Perth

September 2, 2026 | 8:45 p.m.

The Municipality of West Perth has declared a Significant Weather Event due to hazardous conditions resulting from the recent storm.

Storm impacts include downed trees and tree limbs, hydro outages, and unsafe road conditions throughout the municipality. Municipal crews and utility partners are actively assessing damage and responding to priority areas as conditions permit.

Residents are urged to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay well clear of any downed power lines. Road users should be prepared for debris, localized flooding, and other storm-related hazards.

The Municipality will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as new information becomes available.

For emergencies, call 911. To report a power outage or downed power line, contact your local hydro provider.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as response and cleanup efforts continue.