2025 was a year marked by change. From blizzards that blanketed the streets in January and February to an erratic spring, then higher than normal summer temperatures with extended periods of heat and humidity in July and August and even a couple of extremely hot days in October.
As temperatures swung from one extreme to another, it was a year when the political climate shifted just as dramatically and so too did the pace of life in Hanover. Community spirit surged, new initiatives took root, and local events brought neighbours, friends, and newcomers together.
Mayor Paterson proudly shares her 2025 ABCs recap for the Town!
A Anticipating demographic changes, Hanover’s Age Friendly Advisory Committee works with residents, organizations, and our business community to ensure Hanover is ready to meet the changing needs of a growing, aging population. A priority of the committee is its Age Friendly Business initiative to create awareness to better serve our aging population. Many Hanover businesses have received the Age Friendly Business recognition.
B Business Retention and Expansion Study invitations extended to businesses to participate. The study is a structured approach to understand the needs, concerns, and opportunities of local businesses. The results will assist the town to develop strategic action plans to support business growth.
C Community Connects with council and senior staff was a great session with Town information, engaged questions, and compliments.
D Driftscape app features Hanover. This interactive tool offers maps, curated tours, and event updates to help you explore our community all while promoting tourism and enhancing visitor experiences throughout the region.
E Earth Day was celebrated with a zero-waste challenge, student clean up and recycled art contest, community clean up, and community wide yard sale. A new EV Level 3 charging station was installed on 11th Avenue. This is a public private partnership.
F Fire hall official grand opening of our state-of-the-art, net zero fire facility. As our town has grown, so has the need for a modern facility that meets both the demands of today and the challenges of tomorrow.
Food truck pilot programme launched to support small businesses and enhance vibrancy of public spaces by introducing a rotating selection of food trucks in key community locations.
G Gold medal in the Fours Provincial Lawn Bowling Championships was claimed by the Hanover team featuring Pat Kaufmann, Katrina Carter, Jill Calvert-Goetz, and Sandy Weatherall. Well done and thanks for putting Hanover on the map.
H Hawk’s Nest handed out $40,000 to local entrepreneurs in a Dragon’s Den inspired event at the Hanover Civic Theatre. Hawk’s Nest is presented by the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and the Bruce Community Futures Development Corporation (Bruce CFDC). The contest is designed to support local entrepreneurs and spark innovation.
I Information alert – Hanover’s Community Profile shows that Hanover’s population has grown to 8,473 and our daytime population is bustling with over 10,000 visitors daily. Our community is home to 946 businesses, with 89% of them being small enterprises with fewer than 10 employees. Check out the complete Community Profile at Hanover.ca/communityprofile.
J Joint infrastructure project with Grey County saw the urbanization (sidewalks and street lighting) of 24th Avenue. The intersection at County Roads 4 and 28 was upgraded for improved safety and traffic flow.
K King Charles lll Coronation medal awarded to Hanover Police Chief Chris Knoll. In his letter informing Knoll of the award, Premier Doug Ford noted that he nominated Chief Knoll for the Coronation Medal in recognition of his exceptional contributions and dedication to the betterment of our province and country during his 35-year career in policing.
L Local health care supports the health and well-being of our residents and the strength and stability of our local economy. The Hanover and District Hospital (HDH), HDH Foundation, Hanover Medical Associates and the Town of Hanover continue to work together on physician recruitment to strengthen local health care access. Over the past 12 years, the town’s total contribution has been significant toward supporting the hospital and local health care initiatives such as the Western University Rural Residency Program, Discovery Week, as well as Discovery Health Care Camp, and a partnership with Queen’s University that will see third year medical students placed at HDH for their clerkship year.
M Music in the Square along with the Eat Well Farmers’ Market provides community engagement, supports local talent, and offers fresh food and local shopping. There is a dedicated volunteer team who work very hard to host the widely attended and successful Fall Harvest and Christmas Markets. Thank you for all you do!
Mutual Prosperity Boundary Restructuring Proposal – The Municipality of West Grey and the Corporation of the Town of Hanover are working together to build communities for the future. The proposed expansion of the Hanover boundary into West Grey will provide financial compensation to West Grey in the amount of $10 million, paid over a period of 20 years. The proposed boundary adjustment offers clear benefits and will encourage investment in the region, which will create more assessment, more homes, and more employment opportunities.
N No need for a namecheck as the Hanover Rotary Club ensured Santa Claus was in the Christmas parade. A huge shout out to the Club and all volunteers who arranged such a wonderful parade for all to enjoy.
O Operation Noise Maker was initiated in response to community concerns and complaints. Since the enforcement campaign began in May, Hanover Police laid 35 charges and issued 31 warnings for various infractions, including improper mufflers, unnecessary noise, speeding, careless driving, and others.
Official dedication of Hanover’s Newcomer Resource Centre at the Hanover Public Library. This initiative is designed to support newcomers to Canada and new residents to Hanover, underscoring the town’s commitment to fostering inclusion, diversity, and community connection.
P Police station design undertaken with construction to start in 2026 with projected 2027 completion. Factors that have prompted a new police facility are related to realities such as increasing calls for service, longer holds of prisoners in on-site cells, virtual bail court hearings held at the station, as well as facility deficiencies and space limitations.
Q Quest to win the Provincial Junior Hockey League North Conference championship was achieved by the Hanover Barons. The team’s first all-Ontario championship since 1991. Go Barons Go!
R Record number of applicants (60) for Saugeen Student Start-Up Program (SSUP). This is the sixth year running for SSUP providing more than 318 students with start-up funding and training.
S Splash Pad grand opening celebrated on Canada Day. The Canadian Tire Splash Pad is a wonderful addition to Hanover Town Park. What a party! Canadian pride and community spirit.
Showcasing their talents and skills the Hanover Swim Club made waves at the 2025 Ontario Swimming Championships with Finn Oxby bringing home two silver medals.
T Theresa Bester receives the 2025 Senior of the Year Award. Theresa is a dedicated volunteer with many organizations, including The Light on Main, Hanover and District Horticultural Society and Hanover Lawn Bowling Club.
U Update on the Town’s 2023-2027 Strategic Plan shows 93 per cent of the 56 actions initiated and in various stages of progress or completed.
V Volunteer Fair and Volunteer Appreciation Day hosted to focus on the great work volunteers do in our community.
W Water tower work is underway to replace the 7th Avenue water tower, a true Hanover landmark since 1957. The new tower is located north of the Hanover Cemetery. Completion is set for 2026.
X X-factor – SOS (Supportive Outreach Services) has the x-factor. In Hanover, many organizations, churches, individuals, and agencies help people who are in need. One service that reaches marginalized people is SOS. It was formed after a COVID-19 outbreak at a rooming house in Hanover. This program provides services bi-weekly in Hanover. The SOS mobile team includes a paramedic, nurse practitioner, two mental health counsellors, and a social navigator.
Y You can be the first to know about Hanover news, alerts, or career opportunities by signing up for email updates at Hanover.ca/subscribe and get town info delivered straight to your inbox.
Z Zip line, rock climbing wall, alpacas, a camel, inflatables, home craft exhibits and much, much more – free family fun and children’s entertainment at the Hanover Fair hosted by the Hanover, Bentinck & Brant Agricultural Society. Thank you for celebrating agriculture, community, and history.
