Skip to content
Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Derek Howard is a Midland-based civic issues reporter with a background in print journalism. He has lived within North Simcoe for the majority of his life. Sometimes a stage actor, sometimes a voice actor, and sometimes a fiction novelist; when not scooping news, Derek enjoys diving into futurism by researching cutting edge technologies, while also appreciating the beautiful nature of the surrounding area. On occasion, Derek has been known to livestream play sessions of forgotten 1980s video games to sparse crowds. Derek lives alone and would like to someday have a goldfish named Chaos.

Email
[email protected]

Recent Work by Derek

Drug, addiction issues causing property crime spike across north Simcoe: OPP head

Drug, addiction issues causing property crime spike across north Simcoe: OPP head

'I am not saying that it is our homeless population specifically,' Southern Georgian Bay OPP inspector says, 'but I know that with increased drug and addiction issues, we often do see increased thefts and break and enters'
Read more >
Penetang development charges update tries to untangle province's homebuilding bills

Penetang development charges update tries to untangle province's homebuilding bills

‘Even in the context of the northern municipalities, Penetanguishene charges are quite low,’ says consultant during development charges update prior to bylaw expiry
Read more >
Tay staffer 'reminds everybody' Old Fort bridge repair isn't municipal project as final phase begins

Tay staffer 'reminds everybody' Old Fort bridge repair isn't municipal project as final phase begins

‘That’s a County of Simcoe project,’ reminds Tay Township staff, as road closure from May 6 to June 8 finishes off replacement work; Tay Shore Trail to remain open
Read more >
McHappy Day a fun way to help GBGH, families needing care away from home

McHappy Day a fun way to help GBGH, families needing care away from home

‘A great community event,’ says Georgian Bay General Hospital president/CEO on annual fundraiser to help MRI funding and nationwide charities for families with sick children
Read more >
'Change' of heart, mind sees Gordon backpedal on bike-lane stance

'Change' of heart, mind sees Gordon backpedal on bike-lane stance

‘Undeniable evidence’ from ‘godfather of complete streets and walkability’ changes Midland mayor’s mind on return to four-lane Yonge Street. 'Sprawling car-dependent neighbourhoods contribute to poor health,' deputant tells mayor
Read more >
Weather, fires and infrastructure fails: Midland's top risks

Weather, fires and infrastructure fails: Midland's top risks

Mayor looks at age of downtown buildings for structural integrity during fire services community risk assessment presentation
Read more >
Midland aims to cut red tape, 'get shovels in the ground' for home builds

Midland aims to cut red tape, 'get shovels in the ground' for home builds

‘Allowing homeowners to just decide on parking spaces is not ideal in my opinion,’ says councillor on Bill 185 concerns as town submits comments to province
Read more >
Severe weather biggest risk to Tiny Township infrastructure: report

Severe weather biggest risk to Tiny Township infrastructure: report

Five-year community risk assessment report cites weather and infrastructure failure as Tiny’s largest risks from fire service perspective, advises annual data collection for reports
Read more >
'Mind-blowing' engineering report to save Midland money now, in future

'Mind-blowing' engineering report to save Midland money now, in future

‘We don’t want this to be a red-tape type of thing for developments,’ says engineering manager on standards document updated from 2012
Read more >
Midland wants 'negligent owners' to clean up vacant storefronts

Midland wants 'negligent owners' to clean up vacant storefronts

‘Our bylaw department can’t go into to even clean up the storefronts’ on private property,' says councillor on issue of taxing long-time vacancies in downtown to beautify core
Read more >
More work by Derek >