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Update from AMO conference

Just finished Day 2 of the AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) conference in Windsor.  Have had several meetings with different Ministries including Ministry of Municipal Affairs, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and Ministry of Infrastructure.

The Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services listened to concerns about the skyrocketing cost of policing and agreed that there was a need to look at providing the service in a different way that would allow sustainability for the municipality.  More to follow in the fall or spring session of legislature.  I am looking forward to seeing what changes are proposed.

Early this morning I met with MPP Peter Milczyn, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure, Bob Chiarelli.  With the recent Cabinet shuffle, I felt it was important to establish contact with the Minister who replaced Brad Duguid.  It was immediately clear that MPP Milczyn was fully informed about our waste water treatment plant deficiencies  and that we have been working hard with MOECC to resolve the issues.  I left the meeting with a feeling of confidence that the provincial government DOES understand our challenges.

We will be preparing our application for the Ontario Community Infrastructure Grant – intake 3 (OCIF) in the next few weeks.  Premier Wynn announced on Monday at AMO that an agreement had been reached between the Federal and Provincial governments for the Federal Green Infrastructure and Water and Waste Water Grants and that intake will open for this new funding in the fall – and we will be poised to apply for it as well.

A BBQ tonight was a nice way to do some networking.  Here is a photo of some of the Leeds Grenville Mayors – Ron Holman, Joe Baptista, Doug Malanka and Pat Sayeau.august 16 - 2

 

 

 

 

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Village Ambassadors – Thank You

Friendly.  Professional.  Helpful.  Awesome.  Went the extra mile.  Oh, and did I say friendly?  These are just some of the ways that visitors to the Village describe You, the men, women and young people working in the shops, restaurants and other businesses.  Whether you are the owner, a long time employee or part time staff, YOU are the face of the Village – and what a great face we have!

Business owners have been commenting on how busy it has been this summer – “like it was in the ’70’s and ’80’s”.  I understand this also comes with many challenges and some of you are running out of steam.  Please hang in there.  You are part of the fabric that makes this Village so special, a place that people return to year after year.  Thank you for all you do to make this a viable, successful place to live, work and play.  You are Ambassadors for Your Village.  Our Village.

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Our new dentist is open for business

Dr Zulfar Moledina opened his doors today and began seeing patients.  I toured the refurbished office with him and took in the new design, new equipment and spent time talking to some our residents.

For now, the office is open Mondays and Wednesdays.  He wanted to open in August so that the kids could get their check ups before heading back to school.  His office door still opens off the spring – the “opening soon” sign in the Main St window was to announce his arrival and some folks have wondered if you access the office from there.

WELCOME DR MOLEDINA – It was a pleasure to meet you and your staff today.

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Level 1 Burn Ban has been put in place in the Village of Westport

 

With the dry, hot weather expected to continue for the next several weeks, a Level 1 Burn Ban has been put into place in Westport.

Level 1 means:

  1. No Burn Permits may be activated and Open Air Burning or use of Burn Barrels at any time is prohibited.
  2. Campfires and cooking fires are restricted in use.  They must be .6m x.6m x .6m (2’ x2’ x 2’) and built according to the by-law, with proper clearances and can only be used between the hours of 8pm. To 11pm.  They must be fully extinguished after use, allowing a fire to smoulder out is not acceptable.

Let’s work together to ensure there are no open air burnings or anyone using a burn barrel.  People with a campfire or cooking fire needs to pay special attention to the size of the fire and ensure that it is fully extinguished by 11:00 p.m.

Stay safe everyone.

 

 

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You Spoke, We Listened

On February 3, 2015, the Council of Westport held a Budget Town Hall meeting to hear your concerns.  The following concerns were introduced by members of the public:

  1. By-law enforcement
  2. Litter barrel pickup during the summer season
  3. Garbage bags instead of garbage tags
  4. Speeding on Main St and Rideau St
  5. Recycling, including costs and eligible items for recycling
  6. Plans for the paving of Bedford Street

Now, 18 months later, I can report that Council has acted on your concerns.

  1. We have hired a by-law enforcement officer
  2. Routine litter barrel pickup has been increased during the summer months
  3. We have gone to garbage tags for large garbage bags.  There is still a large inventory of small garbage bags
  4. A new 4-way stop was put in place at the corner of Bedford and Main St
  5. The recycling program for the Village of Westport is driven by the Township of Rideau Lakes, as we use its services.  We will continue to encourage the Township to widen the eligible items for recycling
  6. We have been unsuccessful in our grant applications to pave Bedford St.  The cost is approx $1.5 million and we will continue to keep this issue on our radar and apply for grants as they become available

Please continue to keep Council informed on your concerns and suggestions.  This is our Village, your Village.