Feb 28: Local News & Election Results

Plus: Plenty of weekend events in the region; local students headed to provincial skilled trades competition

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Source: Elections Ontario

The people have spoken—well, 50.3% of them in our political riding, anyway. While some predicted historically low turnout due to the snap election cycle, voter registration card confusion, and the first February provincial election since the 1800s, this actually marks an increase from BGOS’s 47% turnout in 2022.

When all was said and done, PC Paul Vickers took the local MPP seat with the support of 44.1% of voters (22.2% of registered BGOS electors).

He won by a margin of 6,713 votes over Liberal candidate Selwyn Hicks, who finished second with 13,445 votes (29.44%).

Green Party candidate Joel Loughead placed third with 5,693 votes (12.47%), while the NDP’s James Harris followed with 3,611 votes (7.91%). The remaining four candidates collectively earned 6.05% of the vote.

There are bound to be a lot of big feelings around the region today. Before we move forward, let’s take a moment to recognize those who stepped up to run.

Running for public office requires dedication, resilience, and a willingness to stand for one’s beliefs under public scrutiny. We thank all candidates who put their names forward in this election. Their commitment to serving Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound and contributing to the democratic process is appreciated, as it ensures voters have a choice and that a diversity of perspectives is represented.

And thank YOU!

Maryann Thomas of the Ginger Press (our publisher) and I would like to extend a huge thank you to readers who joined us in The Owen Sound Current’s first-ever live chat last night, as well. Thank you for taking the leap with us into this new community feature, technical hiccups and all.

We look forward to bringing subscribers more opportunities to share your knowledge, insights, and perspectives on the issues that affect us all.

Elections are both an ending and a beginning. With the ballots counted and the results decided, the real work now begins—for Paul Vickers as he takes his place at Queen’s Park, for the opposition as they hold him to account, and for the people of Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound as we continue to engage, question, and push for the future we want to see.

Democracy doesn’t end on election night; it’s an ongoing conversation, and it works best when we all stay involved.

Public Notices

• The City is pausing downtown snow removal and will switch back to overnight operations beginning Monday, March 2. See more.

• Reduced Load Restrictions Take Effect on Grey County Roads on March 1, 2025. Learn more.

Local News

Keep reading for local events, our original reporting, and curated local news updates. Today, you’ll find reports on the students who topped the Regional Skills 2025 event and are heading to provincials, a major loss in another cryptocurrency scam, highlights from the Grey County Council meeting, and a lot more.

If you can’t see the info below, you’re missing out. (Nope, it doesn’t all appear on the website.) Upgrade your subscription for full access.

~ Miranda Miller, Editor