The conversation continues.
Residents of Goderich are invited to the next Goderich Strategic Action Plan Town Hall on Thursday, May 22, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Huron County Museum Auditorium (110 North Street, Goderich).
This is the third in a series of community-led information sessions designed to share progress and invite feedback on the Town of Goderich’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan. The event is moderated by Colin Carmichael, Executive Director of the Huron Chamber of Commerce, an independent, non-profit organization that connects community leaders and supports economic, business, and community development across Huron County.
This isn’t a formal meeting of Council, and Town staff will not be presenting. Instead, it’s a casual, informative discussion designed to keep residents in the loop—and give them a chance to ask questions and offer input.
The evening’s agenda will focus on selected action items from the Strategic Plan’s five goals, as outlined in the Town’s latest progress scorecard:
GOAL 1: Safe & Reliable Infrastructure
- Planning for the Long Haul – Community Input on Road Priorities
Item 1.2(a)
At the May 20 Council meeting, Town staff will present the results of a community survey focused on infrastructure priorities. These results will help shape a forthcoming 10-year capital plan to guide long-term investments in transportation infrastructure. - Keeping Goderich Moving – Road Maintenance and Infrastructure Planning
Item 1.2(b)
In parallel, the Town is preparing to roll out a new seasonal Road Maintenance Program, with regular communication to residents about repair schedules and improvements.
GOAL 2: Welcoming & Caring Community
- Facing Housing Insecurity – Advocacy and Community Safety Collaboration
Item 2.2(b)
The Town is working with Huron County and local organizations to lobby for increased provincial and federal investment to address homelessness and housing insecurity. In tandem with this advocacy, Goderich is also a participating municipality in Community Safety & Well-Being Huron, a countywide initiative that promotes coordinated, preventative solutions to complex social challenges. The initiative includes public education to reduce stigma and encourage community support for vulnerable residents.
GOAL 3: Strong Local Economy
- Connecting Workers and Jobs – Community Job Fair
Item 3.1(h)
Earlier this year, the Town hosted a successful Community Job Fair to connect local employers with job seekers—part of a broader strategy to retain and attract workers to Goderich. - Navigating the Future – Marine Education Partnerships
Item 3.1(c)
Learn about the Town’s efforts to create local marine training opportunities through the education sector, including a recent student visit to Georgian College to explore careers in skilled trades and marine industries.
GOAL 4: Good Government
- Better Access, Better Information – Website Modernization
Item 4.1(d)
The Town is reimagining its website with input from residents. A public survey and recent focus group are shaping a more accessible and intuitive platform for local services and information. - Rethinking Revenue – Sponsorship and Naming Rights
Item 4.3(b)
Find out how the Town is working to diversify revenue and reduce reliance on residential taxes through a new sponsorship and naming rights strategy—beginning with Bannister Park.
GOAL 5: Environmental Stewardship
- Waste Not – Curbside Organics and Landfill Diversion
Item 5.1(a)
Explore the Town’s new organic waste collection program, launched in fall 2024, and how it’s helping reduce landfill use while expanding waste diversion efforts. - Greener Spaces – Native Plants and Pollinator Gardens
Item 5.1(b)
The Town has launched a multi-year effort to promote native species and pollinator-friendly gardens, including a new incentive program for tree planting on private property and a long-term plan to transition municipal gardens. - Encouraging Active Lifestyles – Expanding Healthy Living Options
Goal 5.2
Efforts to support active transportation—such as sidewalk expansions and cycling initiatives—are being integrated into infrastructure planning, helping make Goderich safer and more accessible for pedestrians, cyclists, and families. - Community-Led Environmental Education – Speaker Series at the Legion
The Goderich Environment Committee launched a 2024 speaker series hosted at the Goderich Legion, featuring presentations on shoreline health, food security, and green infrastructure—part of a growing grassroots commitment to environmental awareness.
Brief Updates on Major Projects
- Downtown Reconstruction – Item 1.1
- Memorial Arena Redevelopment – Item 1.3
To review the latest Strategic Plan Scorecard ahead of the event, visit: Goderich Corporate Strategic Action Plan – Progress Tracker – Q1 March 2025-Final
RSVPs are appreciated but not required.