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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.

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Recent Work by Derek

Penetang Main St. plan provides 'growth and development' opportunity

Penetang Main St. plan provides 'growth and development' opportunity

Resident raises concerns about proposal at town’s entrance that could bring 11 buildings in three phases, including commercial units and plaza and six-storey residential units
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'Incredibly low' number of Tay residents respond to township survey

'Incredibly low' number of Tay residents respond to township survey

‘It’s lower than we would like,’ says mayor as less than one per cent of Tay population to guide township direction; council praise given to new signs for better information flow
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Tay would need two hours to shut down water sources in emergency: Report

Tay would need two hours to shut down water sources in emergency: Report

Update from Severn Sound Environmental Agency speaks to vulnerable areas of Rope subdivision and Victoria Harbour, and upcoming 2025 provincial change adding salt as a threat
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Penetanguishene reins in short-term rentals for second year

Penetanguishene reins in short-term rentals for second year

‘Short-term rentals used to be an issue,’ says town councillor as annual licensing report shows sustained enforcement and generated revenue on formerly problematic issue
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Housing and health event aims to move Midland beyond status quo

Housing and health event aims to move Midland beyond status quo

'I don't play angles; I'm just a fella trying to help out,' local man says of his reasoning behind helping the local homeless population. Another woman attending symposium says OPP need to 'be downtown more often at night to clear them out'
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Penetang council pay hikes 'responsible from a fiduciary responsibility'

Penetang council pay hikes 'responsible from a fiduciary responsibility'

'I can appreciate this will hit some people with a certain degree of suspicion,' says Mayor Doug Rawson, whose annual pay would jump nearly $5,000 under proposal
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Tay Township targets 4% tax increase as goal for 2025 budget talks

Tay Township targets 4% tax increase as goal for 2025 budget talks

‘Insurance is going up, OPP is going up, and OCIF is going down,’ says Mayor on not wanting to strain taxpayers further than necessary
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Midland prepares to ‘bait the hook’ on Midland Bay Landing

Midland prepares to ‘bait the hook’ on Midland Bay Landing

'The plan is to get a developer on board before this council goes into lame duck for elections,' said official of lengthy process to select a developer
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Midland mayor says premier promises relief for 'absurd' OPP costs

Midland mayor says premier promises relief for 'absurd' OPP costs

Frustrated Midland council considered saying no to OPP bill for $1-million, which could mean potential ‘double digit’ tax increases through 'no fault' of town
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‘Deepest respect’ paid in Midland at Remembrance Day ceremony

‘Deepest respect’ paid in Midland at Remembrance Day ceremony

'If it wasn’t for those guys, we wouldn’t be here. We’d be under tyranny. It’s that simple,' said former town councillor
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