It seems that even Wellington North is susceptible to the impact of the current state of economy.
Although Wellington North had its share of accomplishments in the past year, Mayor Mike Broomhead refrained from his trademark “Great things are happening in Wellington North.”
Prior to the start of Monday’s meeting Broomhead handed out an eight-page synopsis of the accomplishments of the municipality within the past year. He said he thought the previous report made in 2008 was a big year, with 2.5 pages.
“This year it is eight pages in short form.”
Before he read those highlights, the mayor said he noted many people have recently had friends, neighbours, family, or acquaintances laid off from their work or concerned with job stability.
“I didn’t think it appropriate to start of with ‘great things are happening … I think we’re all aware we’ve achieved a lot in 2008, but it is also important to recognize a considerable number of people have been laid off or lost their jobs. It’s of great concern to us.”
He said everyone has seen the effect.
Broomhead pointed to his working in the car industry, and he has seen the effect of the way the economy is going.
“We have to be conscious of the world around us,” he said. “It’s been a huge year, and a successful year.” he said referring to the number and scope of projects undertaken.
A short sample of those accomplishments include:
– building of a new library and health care facility in Arthur by the County of Wellington, with the township participating in and managing the health service portion of the facility;
– various land sales for developments in the municipality;
– various agreements to improve communication services in the township;
– development of a wind turbine policy in consultation with the economic development committee, a University of Guelph consultant, and the county;
– work such as the “Big Dig” in Mount Forest to install new or replacement services in the downtown core, and work with Arthur’s downtown revitalization committee.
– working with local chambers of commerce to create the Wellington North Community Visitor and Business Guide.
– the opening of the Mount Forest and District Sports complex; and
– work on the $16-million Mount Forest sewage disposal plant, expected to come in under budget;
At the end of that list, Broomhead said 2009 will present many challenges because of the current state of the economy.
“We will meet those challenges,” he said.
