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Huron Expositor, 2007-03-21, Page 3News The Huron Expositor • March 21, 2007 Page 3 Huron hardest hit in area with population loss From Page 2 track, but unfortunately when the census comes out it's always doom and gloom," Dykstra added. "Hopefully the next one will be a lit- tle more positive." Overall, Huron County's popula- tion decreased by 0.6 percent, but nearly half of its nine lower tier municipalities saw growth. Bluewater reported a change of 2.9 per cent, Howick's population grew 2.7 per cent and North Huron saw a small increase of 0.6 per cent. Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh's population remained the same, and South Huron and -C' iderich reported a decrease of about half a per cent. Morris-Turnberry joined the ranks of Huron East and Central Huron with a population drop of nearly three per cent. Looking at the overall results, Huron was the hardest hit county in the area. Bruce, Middlesex and Perth all saw growth, at 2.3, 0.9 and and 4.7 per cent, respectively. Huron County Warden Deb Shewfelt said population loss is always a concern around the county council table. "In the county (municipal sector) alone in the next 10 years we have a huge number of retirements. We need to look at that as an opportu- nity to keep more young people in the county or if necessary, bring more young people in," he said. "Our biggest problem is that we're educating people and sending them to the cities. If we can't provide a good workforce, industry will start to look elsewhere." Echoing Dykstra's support of pro- gramming in local schools, Shewfelt Beer bottle causes damage to vehicle Huron OPP are looking for a per- son who threw a beer bottle out of a pick-up truck on March 10 at approximately 10:30 p.m. and smashed another vehicle's window. The parked vehicle was on Albert Street in Brussels when someone in what has been reported as a dark blue Chevy pick-up threw the bot- tle. The truck was last seen on Brandon Street. Anyone with related information is asked to call the Huron OPP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. (1 -800 -222 -TIPS). named the Huron Business Development Corporation and Huron Manufacturers' Association as two local organizations working towards economic development in the county. A Warden's Task Force has also been developed. Health care continues to be a bar- rier for people moving into Huron County communities. "They may have a job opportunity, but if they can't find a doctor and we don't have the equipment to meet their needs, they're not going to stay," he said. And while he admits the census "is a bit behind the curve," Shewfelt stressed the recently released results can't be ignored, because they reflect a trend in the communi- ty. "Agriculture is number one, man- ufacturing is number two and tourism follows at three. I think we're in a good pattern to move ahead," he said of the Huron County economy. "If you look at the predictions for the Golden Horseshoe, I think we're going to see a lot more people take a second look at small town living in the next decade." - with files from Sun Media ontaY'° 5 Wynittore Stcd 1 9.52-2001 • Tues. Much 20 3•8 q • Wed. March 219-B pm • Thurs. Merck YY 9-8 p■ FPI. Merck 23 A•! pm •Sit. !Arch 24 9•0 pm •San. March 2512-4 pm • Ma. Molt to !•A pm HOURS OF SAVINGS! �] SCOUNTS UP TO DON'T PAY FOR 1 ' WEEKS °"` or receive a substantial "cash" discount! FE: GGG( 0 SETTLER FINE FURNITURE -146[11/1.- CLOCKWORKS Co. 'arronbroolc Furniture Monday to Saturday 9-6 • Fridays 9-9 • Sundays 12-4 Half*ay between Stratford and Goderich on Hwy. 8 • 1-800-265-6584 www.ontariosfurnitureviiiage.com