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MAYOR’S REPORT - JUNE 2004
As summer approaches, we look forward to seeing our seasonal residents return and our permanent residents coming out of their homes to enjoy the outdoor activities that our area has to offer. Your council has been busy these first six months as was to be expected. A new Bylaw to regulate ATV’s on our road system has been passed and is now in effect. The smoking Bylaw will come into effect on December 31, 2004.
Congratulations to all of those involved with the Victoria Day Fireworks display at McDougall School. Mother nature showed us that she is still the boss by delaying the display for a day.
The Parks and Recreation Committee have two Summer Events planned:
Saturday July 17 - Family Fun Day at the Nobel Beach
Saturday August 21 - Family Fun Corn Roast at The Waubamik Community Hall
Make Plans to attend these two events.
The Fire Department hosted Smokey the Bear on the long weekend and did a great job of raising awareness about forest fire prevention. McDougall has a great Fire Department that we can all be proud of . I would encourage ratepayers to contact the Municipal office at 705-342-5252 to determine the fire rating and to determine the fire permit process. I would like to acknowledge that the volunteers have raised over $3,000 that will be reinvested back into fire equipment. Thank you to all that have contributed both time and money.
The process to upgrade the Nobel Water system to meet new provincial regulations is underway. Council has decided to meet the regulations by adding membrane filtration to the existing intake plant on Murray Point Road. Funding for this expensive project will be a combination of funds from the Provincial government, Federal government and Nobel Water System Users. To date we have confirmation of 1/3 funding from the Province. We asked for and have been granted a deadline extension to December 31, 2006.
Our other large project is the Landfill and how we are going to handle/manage our garbage for the next 25 years. The Environmental Assessment process has begun with the drafting of the terms of reference. We expect to have a public open house in mid-July, please watch for the advertising.
Setting the Municipal Budget has proven to be even more difficult than usual. Funding for the West Parry Sound Health Center, Belvedere Heights Home For The Aged and Muskoka Parry Sound Health Unit are all increased. In fact the latter is still working on their budget. In addition the employee’s pension plan (OMERS) that had been enjoying a contribution holiday is now requiring funding by the Municipality. The increases to Hydro and Fuel that all of you are experiencing is having an impact on our budget as well. The continual downloading of services and regulations by the Province is pushing our resources to new limits. We added a new process into the budget, capital asset life cycle planning and replacement. This exercise has shown that there is a significant short fall in our tax dollars to pay for the aging municipal infastructure. The final budget numbers should be available shortly.
These are indeed challenging times, but McDougall residents should take comfort in the expertise of our staff and council.
Have a happy and safe summer!
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Municipality
of McDougall Mayor