Joe Aragona, Barry Card, Ami Carty, and Marty Crapper were elected to Westport Council on October 4, 2022.  Councillor Card served the previous term, and Councillor Carty was elected in a by-election in 2021.

I want to shed some light on the complexity of Council members’ daily workload. It’s about more than just attending a couple of meetings a month. The issues Council tackles are complex, often controversial, and service delivery is always a major focus of every discussion. Balancing public expectations with what is affordable and within the bounds of government legislation and regulations is a constant challenge.

Council members must do a great deal of reading and research before meetings to be prepared to debate the issues. If you have ever watched on YouTube or attended one of our meetings, you will note that they are on their game.

Since the first meeting in November 2022, Councillors have attended more than 70 council meetings, not including their individual committee meetings.  To be clear, they have prepared for 70 Council meetings by putting the time in reading, researching, and engaging the public.

Looking back, here is a partial list of Council decisions since the election in 2022 (the outgoing Council introduced some issues, and the current Council got them across the finish line):

• Purchase of the Junior C Hockey Team
• Implemented an additional Flagpole at Town Hall
• Rehabilitated the Spring to alleviate flooding issues
• Approval of Rice Farm Subdivision Phase 2
• Spring Street Sidewalks
• Post Office Lease Renegotiation
• Allocated Resources to run the Arena Canteen
• Built Lockwood Washrooms with donated funds
• Built Serenity Garden with donated funds
• Put in an elevator to maximize facility usage at the arena, with donated funds
• Implemented a Refreshment Vehicle By-law
• Brought By-law Enforcement in house
• Implemented a Harbour Policy
• Implemented a Communications Policy
• Allocated resources to update website
• Allocated resources for the Asset Management Plan
• Renewed the Strategic Plan
• Updated the Village Official Plan Policy
• Implemented a Donations Policy
• Entered into an Agreement with RVCA for Shoreline Erosion Control at the Harbour
• Implemented a policy to permit Off-road Vehicles on Village Roadways
• Updated Water/Wastewater Rates
• Updated Asset Management Plan
• Updated Human Resources Policy
• Implemented a Volunteer Recognition Policy
• Updated Noise By-law
• Implemented Live Barn at Arena
• Undertook an EA process to allow for wastewater expansion capacity/ Technical Steering Committee
• Undertook a Harbour Feasibility Study
• Implemented a new Corporate Insignia Policy
• Rehabilitated the docks at the Harbour
• Installed finger docks at Harbour
• Approved a Development Charges Study
• Approved new Programming and Event Initiatives (Pickleball, Walking Track, etc).
• Updated Entranceway Signage
• Implemented a Kiosk at Info Center
• Approved a Waste Bin Pilot Project
• Increased Wastewater Capacity through Inflow and Infiltration Initiatives
• Undertook a Community Safety and Wellbeing Campaign to inform citizens of available resources

Many members of the public may not have realized the extensive work that Council has undertaken since November 2022.  In just two years, the next municipal election will take place, and people will need to step forward as candidates for Mayor and Councillors for the 2026-2030 term.  This concise list of work will give you insight into the diverse responsibilities of a municipal politician.  If you are thinking about running in the next election, please contact one of the current members of Council to ask any questions you may have. It is very satisfying to serve your community.

To the members of Council, I want to express my deep appreciation for your dedication to your roles and the people of the Village of Westport.  The amount of work and decisions you have made is exceptional.  You are supported by equally hard-working and dedicated staff, who are our foundation at Town Hall.

Your collaborative spirit and teamwork have been crucial in achieving these many initiatives and policies.  I am truly grateful for your commitment and professionalism.