Shawn Watters, Wellington County Ward 6 councillor, spoke to Centre Wellington councillors briefly on Feb. 16 regarding recent county activities.
Watters was pleased to be able to speak on those activities, saying, “It’s been a good program and a continuation of us all being on the same team in terms of delivering services to all the ratepayers.”
Watters noted he and Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton sit side-by-side at the county council table and “we do try to represent the interests of our community.”
Budget process
Watters sees the county budget process as becoming more democratic over the years. He commented this was the sixth budget he’s been involved with as a county councillor.
“Staff have tried to engage county councillors more in the process. We are not by any means … perfect … but I think there is an opportunity to voice opinions and express concerns of the community.”
Badley Bridge
Moving forward, Watters noted the Badley Bridge (Metcalfe Street) in Elora was part of the five-year capital plans.
“We’ve been looking for opportunities for financing and have not been successful in terms of programs, but it is still our intent to go along with that project.”
“Obviously we want to do this in coordination with Centre Wellington – in that we realize the importance of that bridge … and of the walking bridge.”
Libraries
Watters talked briefly of a library coming on stream in Hillsburgh. He said there has definitely been some debate over that in terms of the new location.
However, Watters said the replacement building is a continuation of a program initiated before he was elected to county council.
“We’re near the end of that program,” Watters said. “It’s been a good in the sense of modernizing the library system. It’s not a cheap program, but with technology these places are important to our community.
“At the end of this, I think everyone will be happy.”
