Council Highlights

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