Mayor's Report for July 4, 2023

June 20th

I attended Hastings County Planning & Development Committee and Finance, Property & Personnel Committee Meetings. I attended the Board of Health offices to sign documents and I presided over our Planning and Regular Council Meetings.

June 22nd

I attended the farewell retirement celebration for Jim Pine, CAO, Hastings County. The event was well attended, with many tributes and well wishes. Jim has been the CAO for over 20 years and has led the County Council and Staff professionally and with dignity. Jim is retiring from Hastings County but will continue to consult with the Eastern Ontario Regional Network to provide and improve connectivity service throughout Eastern Ontario and particularly in rural areas.

June 23rd

I attended the office to sign some documents.

June 26th

I participated in the Doctor Recruitment Committee Meeting. As I announced at the last Council Meeting, we have a doctor coming to Marmora. Centre Hastings, Madoc Township and Tudor Cashel have committed to an incentive program and they are considering their options to accommodate at least one more doctor.

June 28th

I attended ceremonies at Caressant Care Home in Marmora to participate in long term service awards and special service recognitions. Jennifer McKay welcomed the staff, residents and guests. I was asked to speak on behalf of Council and the Municipality. It was an absolute privilege to express appreciation for the dedicated service the staff provide to our senior residents. I was amazed at the number of long term employees. The categories recognized were as follows. I won’t say names but here are some numbers:
5 Years of Service – 14
10 Years – 4
15 Years – 4
20 Years – 3
25 Years – 2
30 Years – 4
35 Years – 3

The longest standing employee with 39 years of service.

They also recognized Heart of Gold Employee of the Year and a staff member that had perfect attendance for the year. Thank you again for the service you all provide to our community and some of our most vulnerable residents.

June 29th

I attended Hastings County Council. There were two delegations dealing with the transition from the Linn System to the Ontario Health Organization in the provision of health care in Ontario. We hear every day that our health care system is in crisis. Stacey Daub, CEO of Quinte Health, spoke passionately about the need for change and specifically about advocating for funding to implement change. County Council approved a motion to send letters to both the Province and the Federal Government encouraging all levels of government to provide the necessary funding to fix the problem.

June 30th

I attended the first annual fashion show put on by the newly formed Boomerang Club. The fashions were supplied by our local merchants and the models were members of the club. It was a fun event.  Thank you to the club for organizing the event.

July 1st

The Lion’s Club organized the parade and celebrations in the Park. There were a number of floats, including the Shriners, a band, fire trucks, horses, kids handing out candy, etc. There was an excellent turnout. Councillor Jane and I judged the floats on Forsyth Street, from the back of our new town truck.

1st Place – Crowe Lake Waterway Association

2nd Place – The Zamboni operated by Mark Forget

3rd Place – Rolls-Royce Car – Earl Robinson

Thank you to the Lion’s Club, the float participants, bands, and everyone who contributed to the parade.

Following the parade, the community gathered at the Park. The Lions Club provided hotdogs, hamburgers, and drinks, free of charge. The Pentecostal Church provided strawberries and ice cream, free of charge.  There was music and games for the kids.

Lion’s President Cynthia Reid welcomed everyone. MPP Rick Bresee and his wife were in the parade and remained at the Park to wish everyone a Happy Canada Day on behalf of the Province and his constituency.

My role, as Mayor, was to present the Senior of the Year Award for 2023. It was an absolute honour to present the much deserved award to Allen Fluke. Allen has been an active Lion’s Club member and continuously volunteers in the community. 

After the award, a beautiful cake decorated like the flag was cut and distributed. Then, I drew the winning ticket for the 50/50 draw, won by Grant McGregor.  It was a wonderful day in our beautiful park.

Again, a very sincere thank you to the Lion’s Club, the Pentecostal Church and everyone who donated to and participated in the event.