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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuron Expositor, 2015-05-06, Page 66 Huron Expositor • Wednesday, May 6, 2015 Perth -Huron United Way releases quality of life report Marco Vigliotti Huron Expositor Huron and Perth counties con- tinue to see a steady exodus of young adults, but those staying are happier and more satisfied than elsewhere in Ontario, according to a new report complied by a regional chapter of the United Way. Representatives from the chari- ty's Perth -Huron wing presented the findings of its 2014 Quality of Life report to Huron East council on April 21, painting a picture of a region facing economic and demo- graphic challenges but still boast- ing a high quality life anchored by small-town friendliness and strong community spirit. The trim presentation, compiled by the United Way's Social - Research and Planning Council, also highlights the declining regional crime rate and the stronger than average voter turnout levels for provincial and municipal elections. One of the region's most signifi- cant challenges, the report shows, remains its falling population, namely young adults who appear to be leaving both counties for more lucrative opportunities elsewhere. About 2,000 people between the ages of 18-24 in Perth and Huron counties left the area from 2006 to 2011, according to statistics cited in the report. It's a trend that shows no signs of reversing, says Tracy Birtch, direc- tor of the Planning Council. "It might be possibly that they are leaving for education or for jobs opportunities. But not as many people leaving at the age range are coming back," she told Huron East council. "And that's not expected to change in the near future." The counties, however, per- formed considerably well in the community vitality assessments, with three quarters of the popula- tion between 2011 and 2012 report- ing a "strong sense of community belonging" in a survey included in the report, which ranks higher than the provincial average. There's also a strong network of volunteers in both counties, according to the report, which pegged the number of annual volunteer hours contributed in Perth and Huron counties as five million and four million respectively - the equivalent of 2,500 and 2,000 full-time jobs respectively. "There's that small-town, rural connection that people are experi- encing," Birtch said of the results. "And research shows that people that have a strong sense of commu- nity belongingness report more happiness and (better) well-being." Despite meandering economic growth, the unemployment rate for the four county area, which includes Huron, Perth, Brue and Grey counties, averaged six per cent from 2009 to 2013, about two points lower than the province's average, according to statistics cited in the report. However, this might be attribut- able to the region's shrinking work- force, as it appears many without jobs leave for brighter prospects elsewhere. Those working here, however, are taking on more part-time posi- tions, while still making wages con- siderably lower on average than the rest of the province, the report shows. One quarter of the labour force works part-time - higher than the Ontario average - and the average household for full-time workers in Huron and Perth counties stands at $47,487 and $48,443 respectively, about $12,000 lower than the aver- age for the province, statistics in the report show. 4:i 704 .. Salon and spa packages make the perfect gift for every Mom! Purchase a Gift Certificate for Mom this Mothers Day and enter her to WIN a Manicure 65 Beanstock Bath and Body Gift Basket $110 Value riza ME II r•.L�Ii,i '1 •A tv 59 Main St. S., Seaforth • 519-527-0780 • www.totalinageii.com ON Hours: Mon. 9am to 6pm • Tues to Thurs 9am-8pm • Fri. 9am-7pm • Sat. 9am to 2pm Scoreboard Seaforth Shuffleboard April 23 Men's high: Fred Schelgel 4 wins, Frank Golding, Erich Matzold, Harvey Norton 3 wins. Women's high: Cathe- rine DeCorte 3 wins FIRE SUETY TIPS 1 Install smoke alarms on every level of your home & outside each bedroom. 2 Create a home escape plan with your family and practice fire drills together. 3 Establish an outdoor meet- ing place for your family to meet in the event of a fire. 4 Test smoke alarm batteries often, & change them when you change your clocks. 5 Keep a fire extinguisher in your home, as well as a fully charged flashlight. 6 Store matches and lighters in a safe spot, out of reach from children. ' Never smoke or light can- dles when you are in bed or feeling tired. 8 Always unplug small appliances whenthey are not in use. 9 Never overload electrical circuits, and always replace cracked or frayed cords. Fe Have your furnace and chimney inspected and cleaned every year. moRGH I sc RY You are invited to attend these area churches ST. THOMAS ANGLICAN 21 Jarvis St., Seaforth Rector The Rev. Karine Snowdon Rectory 519-482-9071 Church Office 519-527-1522 Sunday May 10 PWRDF Sunday Worship at 9:30 am Donations welcomed for Huron Hunger Fund Everyone Welcome Deanery Council meets Wed. May 6 at 7:00 pm EGMONDVILLE UNITED CHURCH Pastor Steve Hildebrand youth Coordinator - Laura Nakamura Worship May 10th 10:30 am Youth Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. Adult Sunday School 9:45 a.m. For more information view our web site www.egmondvilleunitedchurch.com & Like us on Facebook Saturday May 91118am-11am Annual Homemade Pies & More & Perennial Plant Sale ST. JAMES ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Welcomes You 14 Victoria Street, Seaforth 519-345-2972 Sat. Mass 5 pm • Sun. Mass 9 am ST. PATRICK'S, DUBLIN Sun. Mass 11 a.m. FR. BRIAN McCOLL TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE PLEASE CALL THE HURON EXPOSITOR 519-527-0240 BETHEL BIBLE CHURCH An Associated Gospel Church 126 Main St. Seaforth 519-527-0982 Rev. Mark Kennedy Sunday Worship Service 11 a.m. Sunday School for all ages 9:45 a.m. Tuesday Evenings Youth Groups - Junior & Senior High 6:30 to 9 p.m. Boys & Girls Club 7 p.m. Wednesdays 7 p.m. Men's & Women's Bible Study 6. EVERYONE WELCOME FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 59 Goderich St. W. Seaforth 519-527-0170 Rev. Rob Congram Lorrie Mann - Organist Sunday Worship May 10th,11:00 a.m. Mother's Day Breakfast Sunday May 10, 7:30 - 10:00 a.m. Tickets available from Church Members Sunday School ALL WELCOME O. Nursery Provided as Needed "And research shows that people that have a strong sense of commu- nity belongingness report more happiness and (better) well-being." Despite meandering economic growth, the unemployment rate for the four county area, which includes Huron, Perth, Brue and Grey counties, averaged six per cent from 2009 to 2013, about two points lower than the province's average, according to statistics cited in the report. However, this might be attribut- able to the region's shrinking work- force, as it appears many without jobs leave for brighter prospects elsewhere. Those working here, however, are taking on more part-time posi- tions, while still making wages con- siderably lower on average than the rest of the province, the report shows. One quarter of the labour force works part-time - higher than the Ontario average - and the average household for full-time workers in Huron and Perth counties stands at $47,487 and $48,443 respectively, about $12,000 lower than the aver- age for the province, statistics in the report show. 4:i 704 .. Salon and spa packages make the perfect gift for every Mom! Purchase a Gift Certificate for Mom this Mothers Day and enter her to WIN a Manicure 65 Beanstock Bath and Body Gift Basket $110 Value riza ME II r•.L�Ii,i '1 •A tv 59 Main St. S., Seaforth • 519-527-0780 • www.totalinageii.com ON Hours: Mon. 9am to 6pm • Tues to Thurs 9am-8pm • Fri. 9am-7pm • Sat. 9am to 2pm Scoreboard Seaforth Shuffleboard April 23 Men's high: Fred Schelgel 4 wins, Frank Golding, Erich Matzold, Harvey Norton 3 wins. Women's high: Cathe- rine DeCorte 3 wins FIRE SUETY TIPS 1 Install smoke alarms on every level of your home & outside each bedroom. 2 Create a home escape plan with your family and practice fire drills together. 3 Establish an outdoor meet- ing place for your family to meet in the event of a fire. 4 Test smoke alarm batteries often, & change them when you change your clocks. 5 Keep a fire extinguisher in your home, as well as a fully charged flashlight. 6 Store matches and lighters in a safe spot, out of reach from children. ' Never smoke or light can- dles when you are in bed or feeling tired. 8 Always unplug small appliances whenthey are not in use. 9 Never overload electrical circuits, and always replace cracked or frayed cords. Fe Have your furnace and chimney inspected and cleaned every year.