THANK YOU HGTV!!
Westport is #4 on HGTV’s “20 of the Best off the Radar Spots for a Vacation Home in Canada”. Take a moment and view the link and then swagger – just a little!
Tag Archives: Westport
Mac’s (name only) changes to Circle K
On Saturday, April 7, Councillor Ron Pollard (Twp of Rideau Lakes) and I helped Guy and Cathy Davison celebrate the name change from Mac’s to Circle K. Cathy assures everyone that Circle K is Canadian owned and you will still get outstanding service when you shop or gas up. Thanks for all you do for the communities of Westport and Rideau Lakes, Guy and Cathy!
Village of Westport successful in obtaining Ontario Trillium Fund Grant.
The Ontario Trillium Fund has awarded the Village a $56,500 grant to build an accessible, covered stage in Lockwood Memorial Field and Park. The grant covers all costs including the installation of electrical and landscaping. Village Council & Staff and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee are pleased that Westport was successful in this very competitive process and have thanked the Ontario Trillium Fund for its support.
The improvements to Lockwood Memorial Field and Park over the past three years have only been possible through fund raising and grants. The 2015 grant from Lockwood Foundation has been a significant boon and enabled the Village to implement its plan for the park. No tax dollars have been spent on the improvements.
The stage will be used to bring groups and people together for arts, cultural and heritage festivals and family events. Community groups and members will now have a venue to bring people together – regardless of the weather.
The project has been awarded to Scott Blair Construction and it is our expectation that it will be operational this summer.
How exciting!!!!!!
A Busy Week … let me catch you up
Monday started with an early train to Toronto to meet with Vic Fedeli, the Interim Leader of the Provincial Progressive Conservative Party. Accompanied by several Wardens from the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, we apprised Mr Fedeli of several issues impacting Eastern Ontario and found him to be engaged and genuinely concerned.
Breakfast with the Mayor on Wednesday morning at the Cove was well attended by business owners. Councillors Brady, Huth and Schwinghamer and I listened to several points of view concerning parking in general and specifically strong objections to charging for parking in the Village. These opportunities for Council to consult with stakeholders are important and provide key information before decisions are made.
Village of Westport Historical Walking Tour Task Force also met on Wednesday morning after the breakfast. A great team of Christine Janeway, Cynthia Pringle, Kim Bonner, Rob Roberts, Councillors Brady and Schwinghamer have developed a new Historical Walking Tour booklet and app. Both will be available by May 24, 2018.
On Thursday, I went to Queen’s Park and made a delegation to the Standing Committee on Bill 175 Safer Ontario Act (bill to replace the Police Services Act). A Standing Committee is the opportunity for all three provincial parties to consult with stakeholders and the public between the 2nd and 3rd reading of a bill in the legislature. There are several concerns in the draft legislation that will have an impact on Westport and all of rural Eastern Ontario if passed in its current form. I am optimistic that our perspective was compelling.
The final work at the sewage plant is wrapping up, although the contractor will be back after the spring thaw to clean up the site. Once the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change gives its final approvals and the works is commissioned, I will let you know. That will be the time to celebrate!
Have a great week … call anytime … 9195
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville – new strategy to support residents at Mountainview Manor
I am pleased to announce that within the next couple of months, the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (UCLG) Social Services and Housing Departments are initiating a Community Engagement Strategy at three housing locations. Mountainview Manor on Bedford St in Westport is one of them. This collaborative new project aims for early conflict resolution and improving coordination and access to services.
A new position is being created, a Housing Case Manager. This person will be dedicated to these three buildings, bringing an in-depth knowledge of social housing and issues arising within the buildings. The Housing Case Manager will use his/her experience, leadership and excellent communication skills working with tenants and community partners to improve/develop:
- Enhance tenant relations and communication
- Promote collective responsibility in ensuring a safe environment
- Increase participation by tenants in resolving building issues
- Raise confidence of tenants so that they will come forward with their issues
- Educate about the process in dealing with behaviours; get to know who to call in the community, and what they can do when there is an issue
- More efficient service delivery and communication between agencies.
- Improve public perception of “social housing” buildings.
Community partners committed to working with tenants, Social Services and the Housing Department are:
- Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health
- Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
- Country Roads Community Health Centre
- Leeds OPP
- Victim Services
- Upper Canada Family Health Team
The goal of this strategy is to create a welcoming and positive environment for tenants where they can meet one another to plan, build and grow together. The participation of community partners will provide opportunities to access other supports and services. To be successful, the Community Engagement Strategy could use our support. Perhaps community members and groups can consider how to support the tenants and community partners and help make this strategy a success. I will keep you posted on its progress.
Call anytime – 9195.
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