The Huron Chamber of Commerce attends municipal council meetings across Huron County, either in person or virtually, as part of our commitment to representing and supporting the local business community. Decisions made at local council meetings directly impact economic development, tourism, community planning, and infrastructure—key areas that influence the success of businesses in Huron County.
By sharing these summaries, we aim to keep our members informed about important discussions and outcomes, highlight opportunities for collaboration, and provide insight into how municipal policies and initiatives align with the needs of local businesses. While we do not report on the entirety of these meetings, we focus on the portions most relevant to our members and the broader business community. Our attendance ensures the voice of the business community is heard, and these updates serve to connect our members with the decisions shaping our County’s future.
North Huron Council – December 2, 2024
Blyth Festival Presentation and Cooperative Marketing Expansion
At their December 2 meeting, North Huron Council welcomed a presentation from Gil Garratt and Rachael King of the Blyth Festival, a Huron Chamber member. Celebrating its 50th season, the Festival has had a significant impact on the region, particularly on the Township of North Huron. Over the past six seasons, the Blyth Festival has generated more than $29 million in GDP, created 358 jobs, and contributed nearly $10 million in tax revenue. In 2024 alone, the Festival attracted over 25,000 patrons, including 2,500 North Huron residents, while donating more than $16,000 in tickets to support local charities.
The presentation outlined plans for the 2025 season, which includes an expanded schedule of 98 performances running until September 20. Highlights include Radio Town: The Doc Cruickshank Story, a new play celebrating local legends. The Festival’s marketing campaigns reach over 30,000 households, with notable coverage from outlets such as the Toronto Star and CBC.
Recognizing the Festival’s role as a key tourism driver, Garratt asked the Township to consider expanding its Cooperative Marketing Agreement with the Festival. The partnership has historically promoted North Huron attractions alongside the Festival’s programming, leveraging the Festival’s professional marketing team and substantial audience base to elevate the Township’s profile as a cultural destination.
Council voted to direct staff to engage with the Festival to explore expanding the Cooperative Marketing Agreement, leveraging the Festival’s professional marketing team to further promote North Huron as a cultural destination.
Concert Rental Request at Wescast Community Complex
Council also considered a request from a private concert production company to rent the arena at the North Huron Wescast Community Complex for an October 25, 2025 event. The concert, featuring a high-profile artist, promises significant economic benefits for the Township. Temporary flooring will cover the ice, and staging will utilize the facility’s stands and dressing rooms. While regular users such as Wingham Minor Hockey will be displaced, they have provided positive feedback, indicating rescheduling is feasible.
Council approved the rental request, aligning with strategic goals to promote economic growth through tourism and events. Details about the performer will be shared closer to the event date.
Goderich Downtown Infrastructure Task Force – December 5, 2024
The Task Force provided updates on the Downtown Infrastructure Project, including revised drawings and adjustments to the timeline. Design decisions will be forwarded to Goderich Town Council for final approval.
Goderich BIA – December 10, 2024
The Goderich BIA Board discussed the Town’s upcoming Procedural By-law, which will now govern the BIA Board, replacing its own separate by-law. New Terms of Reference will be developed in early 2025, with input from the BIA Chair, the Town Clerk, and selected Board members. The meeting was attending by the Town of Goderich CAO and the Clerk. Kay Matthews, Executive Director of the Ontario BIA Association, also attended the meeting and offered her assistance with the development of the Terms of Reference to ensure alignment with provincial best practices.
Additionally, the Board approved the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, guided by Dr. Wayne Caldwell. Following stakeholder input and minor amendments, the plan was finalized, setting the organization’s priorities for the next five years.
Huron County Economic Development Board – December 11, 2024
The Huron County Economic Development Board met in Benmiller to approve four new members: Roz Elliott, Swet Gandhi, John Marshall, and Ezra Silverton. These appointees will begin their terms in January 2025.
Goderich Council – December 16, 2024
Public Meeting on Updated Fee By-law
Goderich Council held a public meeting on December 16 to gather input on the proposed updated fee by-law, which outlines changes to various town fees. During the public comment phase, Gerald Allin of Allin Aircraft Maintenance, a Huron Chamber member, addressed Council to express concerns about the inclusion of landing fees for non-commercial aircraft at Goderich Airport. Mr. Allin emphasized that such fees could deter recreational air traffic, negatively impacting his business and others at the airport that rely on these travelers for fuel, maintenance, and other services.
Following the public meeting, Council adopted the updated fee by-law but deferred the section on airport fees for further consideration.
Downtown Infrastructure Project Update
Dale Erb of BM Ross and Associates, a Huron Chamber member, provided an update on behalf of the Downtown Infrastructure Task Force. Revised timelines and project drawings were presented, reflecting ongoing work to enhance downtown Goderich’s infrastructure and economy.
Goderich Little Theatre Expansion
The Goderich Little Theatre, a Huron Chamber member, presented their plans for an ambitious expansion of The Livery, a key cultural hub in downtown Goderich. The first phase of the project, which includes studies, drawings, and surveying, is estimated to cost between $70,000 and $80,000. The Theatre is seeking financial support from the Town and the Trillium Foundation to fund this stage while hoping to keep their reserve funds available for future programming. Council recognized the broader economic and cultural benefits that the expansion would bring to the downtown core and the region as a whole, both during the construction phase and through expanded programming opportunities. Council approved a motion to refer the request to the 2025 Budget proceedings and also to the Municipal & Marine Heritage Committee.
Salt & Harvest Festival Success
Council discussed a report from Tourism Manager Jenna Ujiye on the Salt & Harvest Festival’s exponential growth in its second year. The festival has become a significant economic driver for downtown businesses and the wider community, supported by Chamber member Royal LePage Heartland Realty as the principal sponsor.
Township of North Huron Council – December 16, 2024
Expanded Community Improvement Plan (CIP)
Council approved amendments to the Community Improvement Plan, expanding the project area to include the entire Township and introducing five new grant programs: Agritourism Grant, Development Charges Grant, Planning Application, Building Permit Fee and Site Study Grant, Tax Increment Equivalent Grant, and Startup Space Leasehold Improvement Grant. Applications will now be accepted on a continuous basis.
Frosty Queen Façade Improvement Grant
Council approved a $10,000 grant for Frosty Queen at 143 Josephine Street to support $36,000 in façade improvements, including new siding, windows, doors, and signage.
Project Extension Request
Council granted an extension to a previous grant recipient due to material delays, extending the project deadline to July 2025.