Welcome to Hanover Briefs #18 – a quarterly update highlighting what’s happening and what matters most in our community.
Spring is always a season of possibility, and this year is no exception. Hanover is moving forward with purpose, planning thoughtfully, and building confidently for the decades ahead. I’m pleased to share the latest updates on the work underway and the progress we’re making together. Across the municipality, important projects are advancing, partnerships are strengthening, and the groundwork for future growth continues to take shape.
Across every department, staff are working diligently to advance the projects that will shape our future: modernizing our water and wastewater systems, preparing for anticipated land expansion, and laying the groundwork for new industrial and residential opportunities. At the same time, our commitment to youth, business development, and regional collaboration continues to deepen, with initiatives that support local entrepreneurs, empower young people, and align us more closely with our neighbouring municipalities. All of these projects align with Council’s Strategic Plan priorities, with 96% of the actions (54 of the 56) initiated and in various stages of progress or completed!
Hanover and West Grey have formally endorsed a land expansion agreement, and we now await approval from Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Honourable Rob Flack. Staff across all departments are proactively preparing in anticipation for this legacy milestone.
The province has committed $1.7 million to replace two aging groundwater wells. Hanover currently operates three municipal water supply sources: Ruhl Lake surface water system and two wells west of town. The two groundwater wells will be replaced to ensure long‑term reliability.
Background studies and design work continue for future wastewater treatment expansion. Upgrades to water meter software and hardware are commencing and will take approximately 3 years to realize full implementation.
Final construction, testing and inspections are underway for our new water tower. We anticipate it becoming fully operational in late summer or early fall, after which the 7th Avenue old tower will be decommissioned.
Planning and preparation have begun to provide sanitary servicing for industrial lands north of the Saugeen River. This is an important step in supporting future economic growth.
Work continues on the potential implementation of Development Charges and a comprehensive update to Hanover’s Official Plan.
Someone once said, “I love it when a plan comes together,” and our plan truly is coming together. We are laying the groundwork for sustained growth and ensuring that Hanover remains a place of opportunity and prosperity for the next fifty years and beyond.
The Town has entered into an agreement with Elephant Thoughts, a national not‑for‑profit focused on skills and workforce development. They will operate youth programs at 612 10th Street (the former Launch Pad), with an anticipated opening this spring.
Between August and October 2025, Hanover’s BR+E initiative engaged 61 local businesses across a wide range of sectors. Thank you to every business that participated, your insights are invaluable. The findings will guide our economic development priorities and strengthen our strategic planning.
Our partnership with Saugeen Connects, alongside the Saugeen Economic Development Corporation and the municipalities of Brockton, Minto, Wellington North, and South Bruce continued to deliver meaningful impact in 2025. Through its four pillars: youth entrepreneurship, women in business, workforce development, and succession planning, this collaboration supports programs that truly make a difference. In 2026, we will continue advancing these priorities with innovative new initiatives.
Hanover has entered into a Team Grey Memorandum of Understanding with Grey County, strengthening our shared commitment to coordinated economic development and investment readiness. This alignment ensures we are working together to attract and support business opportunities across the region.
More information about our Town, can be found on our website hanover.ca and you can enter your concerns, compliments or suggestions through our online Citizen Request and Suggestion link. I encourage you to sign up for email updates at hanover.ca/subscribe and get town info delivered straight to your inbox.
Mayor Sue
