Feb 6 - Local News + Election Info You Need to Know

Plus: Local NDP choose their candidate; nominations open for Arts, Culture & Volunteer Awards

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With Ontario’s provincial election set for February 27, 2025, voters across the province will be heading to the polls in the midst of winter. It’s a rare occurrence that brings its own set of challenges.

Harsh weather could impact turnout, especially in rural areas (like ours), while candidates may have fewer opportunities for face-to-face engagement. And while voters may be hoping for advance polling to avoid potential travel issues on election day, that period has been shortened to three days, from February 20 to 22, due to the early election call.

A few other key dates you should be aware of include:

• A complete list of candidates will be available after 2 PM EST on February 13.

• Elections Ontario promises we’ll have advance voting locations after February 14.

• Confirm, update or add your voter information to the Register by February 17 to receive a voter information card in the mail with information on when and where to vote.

• If you opt to vote by mail, Elections Ontario must receive your completed voting kit by 6 PM (Eastern Time) on election day to be counted. The deadline to apply to vote by mail is 6 PM (Eastern Time) on February 21.

You can also vote in person at the local election office from January 30 until 6 PM (Eastern Time) on February 26. Remember to bring your ID. This is ours:

This election will shape the future of the services our provincial government is most responsible for—healthcare, education, and housing. With ongoing concerns about hospital wait times, school funding, and the housing crisis, the stakes are high.

No matter where you stand politically, what matters most is that you make a plan to show up and vote.

Today, we’re sharing a Letter to the Editor from a reader who is clear about where they stand in this election and what’s driving their decision:

Public Notices

• Owen Sound’s Corporate Services Committee meets on Thursday, February 6, at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall

• Owen Sound City Council meets on Monday, February 10, at 5:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall

Local News

Keep reading for local events and our original reporting + curated local news updates. Today, you’ll find an arrest report involving an impaired driver on Highway 6, info on how to make a nomination for Owen Sound’s upcoming Arts, Culture, and Volunteer awards, mixed reactions to the province’s pumped storage announcements, and a lot more.

If you can’t see the info below, you’re missing out. Upgrade your subscription for full access.

~ Miranda Miller, Editor