The Municipality of West Grey wants residents to review the first draft of their new 2020 Action Plan.
Mayor Kevin Eccles says household surveys and community meetings helped council focus on three key themes: financial sustainability, economic development and communication.
He says there are several strategies suggested for each theme, such as accelerating the installation of high speed internet across West Grey to improve economic development.
He says they also want to focus on attracting trades and industrial jobs, and renewing urban cores.
Under financial sustainability, we recognize that no-one wants taxes to skyrocket but that we have a lot of work to do on our roads and bridges, among other things. So, the draft action plan would put a priority on finding new sources of municipal revenue, looking for partnership with neighbouring municipalities or the private sector, preparing long-range infrastructure funding plans, and beginning in-depth reviews of our services and administrative operations," says Eccles.
Consultant Bill Winegard has been spearheading the process.
"Small municipalities have limited time and money, but no shortage of things that need to be done," explains Winegard. "Council has listened to the priorities of West Grey residents and businesses, and then taken a hard look at how those things can most effectively be achieved and how much West Grey might be able to afford over the next few years. Out of that process, the municipality is going beyond general statements, and proposing very concrete actions to be taken between now and 2020. The proposed actions are now going back to the public to get their feedback."
The draft plan is available on the West Grey Website and at the municipal office.
