Stewart Payne

This strategic plan, titled "Our Path Forward," serves as a roadmap for the County of Forty Mile No. 8, outlining a clear vision for the next decade. The plan emphasizes enhancing the quality of life for residents and ensuring the region remains an attractive destination for investors and visitors. Key strategic priorities include rural growth, tourism, safety, and the provision of quality services, developed through collaborative efforts and community input.

The County of 40 Mile Broadband Strategy focuses on improving internet services for residents and businesses, as the current services do not meet the CRTC's basic standards for broadband connectivity. The strategy aims to maintain activities to keep the County, industry, and ISPs informed and motivated to increase broadband connectivity. It supports broadband priorities and aligns with the proposed Open Access Network, which the County will build through grant funding and partnerships. The strategy also describes future networks and procedures that will encourage partnerships to provide broadband for County residences and businesses.

The Municipal Development Plan for the County of Forty Mile No. 8 focuses on guiding land use and development, promoting agriculture as the primary land use, and directing non-agricultural development away from better agricultural land. It establishes criteria for new country residential and rural industrial districts, supports the expansion of existing hamlets, and sets general policies for municipal services, recreation facilities, and the preservation of natural features. The plan aims to maintain economic and environmental potential, protect agricultural land, preserve unique natural features, and ensure orderly development while managing resources and minimizing pollution.

The management plan for the Peregrine Falcon focuses on ensuring a self-sustaining population throughout its Canadian range within 10 years. The plan addresses threats such as pesticide use, toxic chemicals, and habitat disturbance. Key strategies include reducing these threats, conserving nesting sites, improving knowledge of northern populations, engaging northern communities in conservation, and regularly assessing the population trend and productivity. Progress will be measured by the continued growth and maintenance of the Peregrine Falcon population and the regular occupancy of known nesting sites by 2025.

The strategic plan for the County of Forty Mile No. 8 focuses on fostering leadership in agriculture, industry, and innovation to promote a high quality of life in a financially strong region. Key priorities include addressing critical infrastructure needs, advancing internet access, attracting renewable energy providers, exercising environmental stewardship, and advocating for improved mobile phone services. The plan also aims to increase access to water, promote economic and residential growth, and strengthen community safety through responsible land use, a safe work culture, and robust protective services.