The Counties posted the below sign last week on the n/e side of Main St bridge. There are safety concerns for anyone standing on the rocks on the hill beside the bridge due to the loose rocks. There are no concerns about the safety of the bridge.
Tag Archives: Mayor of Westport
Heritage Day in the Village HIT THE MARK!
Simply outstanding. Others words people used to describe Heritage Day in the Village yesterday were: authentic, extensive, fun, educational, friendly – great day.
Thank you Heritage Committee Board Members: Jacky Brady, Jane Murphy, Margot Rothwell, Pam Stuffles, Heather Huth, Wendy Laviolette, Don Goodfellow and Brian Judge and all of the other volunteers who turned the arena into a delightful history lesson of the Village of Westport and surrounding area and the park into an interesting collection of vendors.
There was lots going on throughout the day. The Westport Arts Council did the “big reveal” of 6 Muskoka chairs that local artists have painted with beautiful Canadian themes. The chairs are being hosted at 6 different businesses in the Village until August 19 (MUSICWestport). The Lions Club had their amazing crew of BBQ’ers doing some of their finest cooking, George Reynolds and his band and Marty Crapper and his roving band kept music in the air. Lots of people took the opportunity to dress in 1867 clothes which really gave a “heritage” feel to the day.
It is events like this, where we work together – volunteers & businesses, that give us a deep sense of pride in our Home Town. Yes, Home Town Pride!
Debrief of the “Westport – Let’s Talk Business” meeting – June 14
First, I would like to thank Mark DaSilva for facilitating the discussion at this meeting yesterday. You did a great job!
There was a good cross section of business owners and residents who attended and several ideas were identified including recognition of store openings, milestones for years of being in business, mentoring for new business owners from seasoned ones, the importance of knowing enough about other businesses so that accurate referrals can be given to potential customers. Also, lots of information sharing took place, which happens spontaneously when people get together. The Economic Development and Tourism Committee will take some of the suggestions and put some meat on the bones and report back to this group, hopefully in July.
There were concerns raised about the changes to the minimum wage and the impact it may have on small businesses. I informed the group that I have a resolution, being heard at the Village Committee of the Whole mtg on Monday afternoon and also at the United Counties Council mtg on June 22 , that challenges the Premier to (among other things) “to withdraw the proposed changes until such time they have done their due diligence by providing the residents and business owners of Ontario with a comprehensive economic impact analysis including mitigation measures in order to help businesses transition into any regulatory changes”.
Another topic that received a lot of discussion was the hours of business for the stores. Two main concerns were identified – that most stores close at 5:00 p.m and the unannounced changes in store hours, particularly in the shoulder seasons. Business owners who stay open on Fridays after 5:00 p.m. shared the successes they have experienced and staff from the Cove gave stories of guests checking in on Fridays and rushing to get to the stores before they close.
That being said, the group did land on the idea of “OPEN LATE. ‘TIL 8” on Fridays during the summer and are encouraging other business owners to consider doing the same. I am sure you will hear more about this from your colleagues.
We are hoping to get a guest speaker for our next meeting and when Paul Snider asked the group if we should hold off until fall, there was a strong push back that these early morning breakfast meetings can continue during the summer. So stay tuned – we will plan for one in late July.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. 273-9195
Meet the NHL Pros GALA – fund raiser for Friends of the Arena
The Friends of the Arena (FOTA) have volunteered hundreds of hours to repair renovae and otherwise breathe life into the arena since 2015. They have also spent a lot of time raising money to cover the cost of these jobs. This summer you can see many of them working every Tuesday night from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. The 2017 summer project involves removing all of the stands on the east side, placing them on the rink floor, insulating the (cold) east wall, putting it all back together in a way that will improve the views for the spectators. Wow!!! And all without tax dollars.
One of FOTA’s major fund raisers is taking place tomorrow night (June 15) at the Cove and is billed as Meet the NHL PROS GALA. NHLers Rick Smith, Chris Phillips, Doug Jarvis, Fred O’Donnell, Rob Murphy and others will be at this event and are looking forward to spending some time chatting with you about their careers. WOW! There are lots of prizes as well as a silent auction and a 50/50 draw. Great buffet served by the Cove. And of course there will be music! The Spencer Evans Trio is in the house. Please consider supporting FOTA and their ongoing work at the arena. You can call the Cove at 273-3636 for tickets.
Come on down to the Harbour!
Kevin Kardash, our Harbour Master, has the place looking fabulous. He said today as he showed me the results of his spring cleaning, “it is amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do!” The picnic tables and benches are all set out waiting for you and your friends & family to sit a bit and enjoy the view.
And Kevin’s efforts are not the only ones working to make the spring and harbour look better than ever. Westport in Bloom volunteers, Delvalle, Deb Bird, Rob and Marianne Roberts and Jackalyn Brady did a makeover today. Look at the stunning gardens they put in! Beautiful.
Kevin has three people working with him in the harbour this summer. Watch my blog for your introductions to them next week!
Thank you to everyone who works to make our Village the best place to live, work and visit.
Robin, The Mayor 
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