Wellington North is hosting two upcoming public open houses regarding potential updates to their Strategic Plan.
CAO Brooke Lambert says through public surveys, workshops, and consultations, they've come up with four main strategic priorities to show the public.
"The first advancing our methods and platforms to engage the community and bring them together. So that was definitely a theme we heard through some of the community feedback," Lambert shared.
Additionally, there are other priorities identified that the Township feels are key points of focus for the updated strategic plan.
"The second priority is continuing to deliver quality community services and superior customer service that's attuned to community needs. So we heard a lot about the services that we deliver and some that we may need to enhance over the next few years," added Lambert.
The topic of growth and rising population is also addressed, as well as staffing to support that.
"The third priority was shaping and supporting growth for the benefit of existing and future residents. So growth management is a huge topic that we heard a lot about, both with concerns for and the opportunities that come with it," Lambert noted. "With that, the fourth priority is increasing staff engagement, retention and capacity. So as the community grows, the Township needs to continue to provide those services, and we have to make sure we're in the best position to do that. So that's where focusing on our staff and making sure our staff have what they need to deliver those services is important, as well."
Lambert says they're hoping to get the public's thoughts on whether they're heading in the right direction with the Strategic Plan. The meetings will be on Thursday, July 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Arthur Community Centre, and Monday, July 31 at the same time at the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex.
If you can't make one of the public open houses, Lambert says a survey will be available at wellington-north.com by August 1 and it will be open for comment until August 8.
Following the open houses, Lambert says staff will consolidate all the information gathered, so that a final draft of the Wellington North Strategic Plan can be brought before council. Lambert notes that will likely be done in the fall, likely in September.
