We continue to move forward with the build of the new waste water treatment system (WWTS).  Requests for Proposals (RFP) were posted a couple of weeks ago to select the builder.  Last Monday, as part of the RFP process, a mandatory site visit was held in the Village.  This is a requirement of any company who is considering submitting a proposal.  The submissions are due by Thursday, May 25, 2017.  AECOM will review and analyze the proposals and provide Council with its recommendations.  Council will discuss the proposals and make a decision, likely at its June 5th monthly Council Meeting.

We have had some further discussions with Minister Chiarelli’s staff, but I have no new developments in regard to funding to announce.

Council included in the 2017 budget allocations to patch Bedford St and to have the parking lines painted, including the accessible spots and “No P” markings that indicate private driveways.  The wet spring has delayed both.  I expect some patching to be done this week, however the asphalt companies have indicated to our Engineer that they will begin production on May 18.  Spring production of asphalt will also allow the road to be repaired at Rideau and Church streets.  Line marking will occur soon – hopefully before the end of May and will include the parking lot at the Community Centre/Firehall.  We will be sending out notices to everyone so that all vehicles can be removed from the roads and parking lot for this work to be completed.

In 2016, the estimate to repair Bedford St was $1.5 million.  Mayor and Council are very aware of the condition of the road and continue to look for grant opportunities to get the work done.

Work to prepare the harbour for the opening of the Rideau is on schedule.  Our Harbour Master, Kevin Kardash and CAO Paul Snider are pulling out all the stops for this Sesquicentennial year on the water.  The advice from the Harbour Advisory Committee has been a real benefit to get ready for the season.

Another Sesquicentennial event this May is the “Victorian Tea, celebrating the Mothers of Confederation”.  The Tea is being organized by Mary Anne Bishop on behalf to the Mayor’s Sesquicentennial Task Force.  Mark your calendars for VICTORIA DAY! – YES, the tea is being held on Wednesday, May 24th, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Lions Club Beach House.  It should be a lot of fun.  Thank you to the churches in the Village for your hard work to make this event a success.  You can call Mary Anne @ 273-8699 for tickets.

The Grand Opening of the path at Lockwood Memorial Park is being held on Saturday, May 27th with a Walk-a-Thon between 2-4:00 p.m.  Come out and enjoy the fun!  Music, lots of vendors and have a visit with neighbours you haven’t seen all winter.  Many thanks to Kim Bonner and Councillor Frank Huth for their imagination and hard work.

All members of the public are invited to attend and hear what Council is discussing and the decisions it makes.  Council meetings are the Monday of the first full week of the month at 7:00 p.m.  Committee of the Whole meetings are the Monday of the third full week at 2:00 p.m.  They are also posted on the Municipal website at http://villageofwestport.ca/your-local-government/council-committee-of-whole-meeting-dates/.

You can contact me anytime with your questions and concerns , through my email rjones@villageofwestport.ca or at home @ 273-9195.

It looks like spring and summer are arriving together this week.  Enjoy the sunshine everyone.