Mayor's Report For May 16th, 2023
May 2nd
I presided over the regular meeting of Council.
May 3rd
I presided as Chair over the regular meeting of the Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health. There were two significant staff reports and presentations: i) the threat of ticks to both humans and animals, how to prevent their bites and how to remove them. It is critical to remove them within 24 hours to avoid the threat of Lyme disease. ii) Facts related to the increase in hospitalizations and deaths due to drug overdose in this area.
Dr. Ian Gemmill is the Acting Medical Officer of Health for the next two months. Dr. Toumishey is on paternity leave.
I will be attending the alpha Conference representing Hastings Prince Edward Board of Health in June.
May 6th
I attended the Pancake Breakfast put on by the Firemen at the Fire Hall. The breakfast was great. Thank you to Chief Brownson and the volunteers who made, cooked and served the food. Thank you to those that donated the food and maple syrup. There was a little excitement as they received a call and dispatched the rescue vehicle. The children were thrilled to watch the action.
May 9th
I participated in the Litter Day project. The office was closed at 1:00 p.m. and all staff, including two students, walked the streets and parks in the village and picked up litter. I am pleased to say that there was less than I expected. The bulk of the litter was found in the ball park and the two parking lots along the fences. I understand that both schools had participated in litter cleanup and the area around Dickey Lake was completed by volunteers on the previous Saturday. Thank you to staff, residents, and students for your efforts to keep our municipality clean and beautiful.
May 10th
I met with Rev. Bob Wright, representing St. Paul’s Anglican Church, to discuss some future plans with property owned by the diocese in Marmora.
May 11th
I attended the first Classic Cruisers Car Show. The street was filled and the turnout was good. Thank you to Henry Toews and his team of volunteers for organizing the weekly event. Just a reminder – the car show event is scheduled for every Thursday until October, weather permitting.
That evening, I attended the 2nd regular meeting of the newly formed Business Improvement Association to present a certificate to their executive. On behalf of Council and residents, I thanked them and expressed appreciation for their choosing to operate their businesses in Marmora and for the services they provide to the Community. In return, the business provides economic and tourism opportunities that help to keep our economy sustainable. The BIA have planned a number of events and fund raising projects so please support their efforts. I have received a number of compliments from our municipal neighbours that Marmora looks good and seems to be thriving with new restaurants and stores.
May 13th
I attended the Mother’s Day Market put on by the Marmora Agricultural Fair Board at the Legion. The venue was packed and there were vendors outside as well. Again, thank you to all that contribute to the success of these events.
May 15th
Hastings County Day held at the Eldorado Community Centre. This is a day for all Hastings County member municipalities, Council and staff to attend.
The day started with a welcome message from Warden Bob Mullin and CAO Jim Pine. Presentations by County Departments included Emergency Services, Community and Human Services, Long-Term Care, Planning and Development, IT & GIS Mapping, Facilities and Capital Infrastructure. County Departments and other sub committees had displays. The Emergency and Paramedic Services had ambulances on display and demonstrated the use of drones in providing remote medical care. We heard from Colin Best, President of AMO, Peter Emon, Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, Mayo Hawko, Stewardship Co-Lead, Hastings and Prince Edward Ontario Health Team, and Catherine Barr, MPAC. It was also an opportunity for networking and sharing community information.
May 16th
This morning I attended Hastings County Finance, Property and Personnel, and Planning and Development Committee Meetings and a special County Council Meeting.
Justin Harrow, Director of Planning, provided an overview of a new Bill that will amend the Planning Act, again. The changes affect land division mostly outside urban areas to increase the number of building lots and density.
The Special County Council Meeting was scheduled to approve the by-law to appoint Connor Dorey as the new Hastings County CAO, to replace Jim Pine.
On behalf of myself and Council and Marmora and Lake residents, I want to congratulate Connor and wish him well as our new County CAO. Jim Pine will stay on for six months to assist with the transition.