Mayor's Report for March 21st, 2023
March 7th
I presided over the regular meeting of Council. At that meeting there was an opportunity for the Public Input to comment on the proposed draft Budget. There were two comments from the public, recorded by the Clerk for Council’s consideration.
At this meeting, Council unanimously passed a motion to reaffirm support for the Marmora Pumped Storage Project.
March 8th
I attended the office to sign documents.
March 10th
I was in contact with Northland Power, Rick Bresee, MPP, to discuss the supporting motion for the Pumped Storage Project.
In discussion with Northland and OPG, I reiterated Council’s request to have regular updates on the progress of the project. They have agreed to provide updates on testing and construction activities at the site.
March 12th
Tonia and I met with the filming crew of TVO in preparation for them doing an article on Doctor recruitment for Marmora and Lake on Monday.
March 13th
TVO met with and interviewed Dr. Emily Callery at the Medical Centre; they interviewed me in the Council Chambers and then Lionel and Laurane Bennett at their home. Dr. Callery provided the need for additional medical services in the community. As Mayor, I expressed the need based on our senior population, changing demographics, the difficulty of accessing medical care out of town. I provided the package of financial support and our significant incentives by providing the medical offices and living quarters. It was also an opportunity to profile lifestyle living in Marmora and the many opportunities of rural living in a vibrant community. Lionel and Laurane were selected to be interviewed to express their personal frustration in searching for a doctor.
The TVO program is scheduled to be aired on Sunday, March 26th.
In the afternoon, I attended the Crowe Valley offices to sign cheques.
March 14th
Deputy Mayor Stevens and I met with the Manager of Transportation.
March 15th
I met with Tonia Bennett regarding personnel issues.
March 16th
I participated in a meeting with the Health Organization regarding Doctor recruitment and the various incentive packages being offered by Madoc Township, Centre Hastings, Marmora and Lake. The Committee is continuing to explore opportunities such as attending job fairs specific to medical professionals, having a video produced with the assistance of a student studying videography, sending a letter to member municipalities in Hastings County to solicit support from their Councils.
Marmora and Lake continue to have the most attractive incentive package. John Nicholas, Hastings County representative will be providing a tour of the medical centre to a potential candidate on Thursday.
I am pleased to advise that due to the first production of CTV Ottawa, we have received four enquiries from medical professionals. Hopefully, the TVO will generate more interest.
In the afternoon I visited the Works Department in Deloro to meet some of our new employees and to thank the works crew for the good job they did in responding to the major storms we have experienced this winter.
March 21st
I attended Hastings County Planning and Development Committee Meeting and Finance, Property and Personnel Committee Meeting. The 2023 Budget was presented and approved.
This is our regular Planning Meeting and Council Meeting for Marmora and Lake.
Report from Northland Power and OPG
The proposed Marmora Pumped Hydro Storage Project will be installing one geotechnical borehole and three water-wells within and around the pit over the period of late March up to the end of May 2023.
The purpose of this work is to aid the study and modelling of groundwater and to gather additional geotechnical information. A drill rig will be working onsite along with a bull-dozer. All work is occurring within the boundaries of the project property and will occur during allowable working hours on weekdays and weekends. The work is part of the ongoing baseline studies that will be occurring throughout 2023.