Originally written for Port Rowan Good News during Noel Haydt’s 2014–2018 term as Ward 1 Councillor. Published here from the original archived document; spelling and wording have been preserved.
I have had an eventful few months at council for our area. A number of projects are on the go and I have been faced with some important challenges.
One of the first issues on the table was the Mayor’s motion to remove the 163 parking spaces at Long Point. After much debate the parking spaces will remain for locals and tourists alike. There was a tremendous amount of support for leaving the parking spaces and I thank everyone who took the time to call or email myself and other councilors with your opinion. While I recognize that there are issues such as littering and trespassing, these problems can be over come for the good of all. In my motion, I’ve asked for a cost report for privacy fences to be erected around the porta potties and for self compacting trash receptacles. The motion also asked for the 4 hour parking limit to be removed and additional parking with a change house to be negotiated with the land owner who has a parking lot east of the commercial zone. Self compacting trash receptacles should reduce the need for staff to empty them thus reducing the costs and enforcing the 4 hour parking is cost prohibitive. It is my hope that everyone can move forward and work together so that everyone can enjoy the beach for years to come.
At the beginning of October, I was also faced with the potential for closing the St. Williams Fire Hall. Fortunately, with community support and support from other local departments, we were able to keep the hall open. The St. Williams Fire Department will require a new building and this has already been budgeted for 2019. At the same time, the Port Rowan EMS station also is in need of repairs. I put forward a motion to evaluate the cost of building one new station to house both, Fire and EMS, rather than building 2 separate facilities. I would like to hear ideas, pros and cons from the community regarding this motion.
There was a recent online survey put out by The Villages of Long Point Bay regarding what type of improvements residents would like to see in Port Rowan. I think this was a great way for residents to express their opinions and let everyone know what they feel is needed in their community. Topping the list were a number of activities for their children and grandchildren, including indoor sports at the community centre, park improvements and a splash pad and or pool. Improvements at the Harbour were also seen as incredibly important and also a potential revenue generator for the area. Improved dockage so that transient boaters and boaters from local Marinas may come into town, shop, eat and visit seemed to be the consensus.
If we are to allocate funds for these types of area improvements we will need to work together very closely as a community. Residents, community groups and local businesses will all need to show their support at Council.
Last week at council I put forward a motion for Norfolk County to review the services that we offer and how, as a corporation, we are built to deliver these services. The motion asked our County Manager to obtain 3 quotes for this service and bring it back to council. I am on the Program Review committee that is currently in place now. We didn’t meet for the entire 1st year of my term and have met 3 times in the 2nd year. This is too slow and while I don’t usually ask for outside consultants this is an exception. The Service Delivery Review represents an investment in starting to define service priorities and initiating an organizational transformation that results in the provision of the right services at the right cost to the citizens of Norfolk County. This review should lead to a cost reduction and a service level improvement, both of which are needed.
Many of you have likely noticed that the road repairs in Long Point have begun. Originally set as a “shave and pave” this project has been improved to help deal with the water that has been pooling on the road for a number of years. The roads have been very rough during the construction and we appreciate everyone’s patience during the repairs.
I would like to wish everyone a very safe and happy fall. Snow will be on the ground soon and we all need to remember to be extra cautious while driving for the sake of our families, friends and neighbours.