Mayor's Report for April 18th, 2023
March 28th
I presided over the Special Meeting of Council to consider the final municipal budget proposal for 2023. A number of specific requests, separate from the budget document were considered. The 2023 Budget was passed. I want to thank staff for presenting a responsible budget and thank you to Council for supporting the budget and the amendments made to it. I say this often – the budget document is the most important document and it authorizes the various decisions required in the operation of the municipal business.
March 29th
I attended the Crowe Valley Conservation orientation training. There are a number of new members on the Board. Jim Martin, Mayor of Havelock Belmont Metheun is the Chair for the next term.
March 30th
I attended the regular meeting of Hastings County Council. At that meeting the Hastings County budget was passed. There are some staffing changes in the near future. Jim Pine, CAO, is retiring and Jim Duffin, Facilities Director is retiring with over 50 years of service. Recruitment for both positions is being conducted by a consulting company who is providing a short list. Interviews will be completed this week.
March 31st
David Johnston, Program Director, Board of Health attended my office to obtain signatures on certain documents.
April 1st
I attended the pancake breakfast put on by the Lion’s Club. At 11:00 I was ask to participate in a maple syrup contest. There were eight samples and it was hard to choose as they are all very good. Thank you to the Lion’s Club for another great community event. Thank you to the competitors, the judges and to Ron & Tracy Derry for providing the maple syrup for the pancake breakfast.
In the afternoon, I attended the opening and relocation of the “Good for the Soul” boutique. The business was relocated to the Bleeker’s Building and it is wonderful. Thank you to Brooke and Courtney for bringing this business to Marmora and we wish you every success.
April 5th
I had a telephone meeting with Patrick Godfrey, Northland Power and Tim Richardson, OPG to discuss the work being done at the mine site. The hydrology drilling is complete. They are proposing to hold the next information session in the summer rather than the end of May as they will have more information to share at that time.
April 6th
I had the pleasure of meeting with Chief Dave Mowat, Alderville First Nations along with Tim Richardson and Marilyn Spoyle of Northland Power. Chief Mowat has been consulted in the development process at the pumped storage project. He expressed his support for the project and wishes to continue a communication relationship with Marmora and Lake.
April 13th
I attended a “Homeless Summit” at the Quinte Sports Complex in Belleville. This was a full day devoted to finding solutions for what is being termed a crisis by all levels of government. This event was hosted by Mayor Neil Ellis and Belleville Council. MPP Todd Smith, MP Ryan Williams, MPP Ric Bresee gave opening remarks.
Chief of Police Belleville, CEO, Belleville General Hospital, Dr. Ethan Toumishay, Medical Officer of Health, among others, were present.
Tim Richter, President/CEO of Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness spoke that Homelessness is solvable. Paul Martin interviewed a person who became homeless even though she and her son were both employed, due to unforeseen circumstances. She spoke from the “voice of experience” and it was very emotional. She is now in transitional housing awaiting for an affordable housing opportunity. She credits the work and compassion she received from the various organizations in helping her to secure accommodations.
Hastings County Community and Human Services staff, Connor Dorey and Jamie Lynne Osmond spoke on homelessness progress in Hastings County. A panel consisting of Ashley Vader, Grace Inn, Steve Van de Hoef, Bridge Street United Church, Natalie Martin, John Howard Society stated that “it takes a community”.
Representatives from various regions and municipalities spoke to their efforts to end homelessness in their communities. There was a round table discussion at each table to submit comments and recommendations in response to the information provided during the summit. I have a handout to provide to Council which gives some facts and statistics on homelessness.
April 14th
I was invited and attended the Bay of Quinte Community & Housing Summit sponsored by the QDAR, Quinte & District Association of Realtors. Nick Nanos, Nanos Research, presented the survey results conducted by Nanos for the Quinte & District Association of Realtors in March 2023. Nanos conducted a random telephone survey of 746 residents of Quinte West, Belleville and Prince Edward County, 18 years of age or older. If you wish to review the summary of key findings and the full report, visit quinte-mls.com or nanos.co. The event also included a panel discussion with local politicians.
April 14 – 15th was MACKfest in Marmora and surrounding area. I attended the Curling Club and met with the organizer and welcomed them to Marmora for their kayak event. There is a letter in this Agenda from the organization asking for relief or reduction of fees for use of the fairgrounds. I was told there were 120 registered for the Saturday night dinner so the event was well attended.
Sadly, there was a fatality where one paddler passed away. On behalf of myself and Council, I want to extend condolences to the family of the paddler and to the members of the MACKfest organization. I also want to thank the first responders and paramedics for their services.
April 17th
I spoke with Tonia and responded to numerous e-mails and telephone calls and I prepared this report.
April 18th
Tonight is Council.
Just a reminder that April 22nd is Earth Day. Please do whatever you can to improve our environment and support local initiatives such as cleaning up debris and litter in the community.