Ashley Thompson

The meeting agenda scheduled for March 17, 2026, includes several key discussion points. The financial services section focuses on the Proposed Operating Budget and Water Utility Budget for 2025/2026. Other items include a presentation from the Kings Seniors' Safety Society, a Councillor Item regarding the County of Kings Fly Fishing Streamer, and reports from various Boards and Committees. Correspondence from the Antigonish Coalition to End Poverty and the International Network of Michelin Cities is also scheduled for review. The preceding meeting minutes from February 17, 2026, detailed several financial service decisions, including recommending amendments to Policy FIN-05-007 (Fire and Recreation Area Rates), Policy FIN-05-008 (Business Expense Policy) which resulted in setting the lunch per diem at $25, and Policy FIN-05-009 (Personal Property Tax Reduction). The February meeting also included a presentation on the Valley Regional Enterprise Network's overview of regional economic development and a recreation update.

The committee meeting addressed several key agenda items. Discussions included operational and compliance reports, specifically the Regional Environmental Compliance Update, which indicated non-compliance with TSS limits but compliance for BOD, E. coli, and pH for Q1 2026, and an update on the Regional Forcemain Project. A significant portion of the meeting involved the Regional Sewer 2026/27 Operating and Capital Budget, where the committee recommended the proposed budget for approval by Partner Councils and management. Capital project updates covered forcemain rehabilitation, RG2 Lift Station Grit Chamber Upgrades, installation of composite samplers, and aeration system upgrades at the treatment plant. Discussions on the budget highlighted variances in insurance, salaries, power costs, maintenance costs, and capital expenditures, noting a planned reclassification of desludging costs to operational expenses starting in fiscal 2029/30 and efforts to seek grant funding to mitigate reliance on debt.

This strategic plan outlines the Municipality's direction and goals for 2025-2029, aiming to create a community of communities where all people belong. It is informed by the vision, mission, and values established by the Municipal Council. The plan is structured around five Key Strategic Priorities: Strong Communities, Environmental Stewardship, Economic Development, Good Governance, and Financial Sustainability. These priorities guide resource allocation and budget deliberations, with a commitment to regular updates and adaptability to emergent opportunities. Key initiatives include enhancing infrastructure, promoting active transportation, advancing green energy projects, strengthening economic development, and ensuring financial sustainability through improved asset management and revenue generation.

The council meetings in December 2025 covered a range of topics. These included the second reading of By-law 114 regarding subdivisions, first readings and public hearings for applications to rezone properties in Port Williams and Centreville, and changes to the Land Use By-law to include carwash facilities in the Rural Commercial Zone. The council also approved an updated Municipal Service Systems Specifications Manual, a supplemental budget for Municipal STP Infrastructure Renewal, and the second reading of By-law 115 concerning charges for water supply improvement. Additionally, they reviewed a briefing on HAZMAT services and approved the draft 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, renaming a section of Waterville Mountain Road to Gristmill Court, and directed a Request for Decision on increasing the infill distance in the Agricultural Zone. The Mayor was also directed to endorse the Strong Cities Toronto Declaration. Furthermore, the council approved the March 31, 2025, Consolidated Financial Statements, received the Non-Consolidated Financial Statements, accepted General Operating Accountability Reports, approved transfers to various reserves, and gave notice to adopt Policy FIN-05-029 regarding the District Activity Fund.

The agenda includes a roll call, land acknowledgment, and review of committee terms of reference and bylaws. There will be a presentation from the Black Educators Association and an update on the implementation of using the Land Acknowledgement in meetings. The team will also discuss December observances and newsletter content.