Not only does Puslinch have a plan, it now has a scorecard to let council know if its goals are achieved.
On May 18, township consultant Dr. John Whitesell, of Whitesell and Company, updated councillors on the status of the municipality’s Community Based Strategic Plan.
Whitesell last updated council on the five-year plan in January.
That presentation came shortly after the Classy Lane fire.
“I’m here tonight to present the completion of the strategic plan,” said Whitesell.
He explained the process took roughly nine months, adding the plan is robust and inspired and includes:
– Stewardship – the township takes responsibility for the community’s fiscal, natural and cultural resources;
– Accountability and engagement – the township accepts responsibility for decisions and actions related to the business of the township and will engage and be transparent with the community; and
– Employee competency and commitment – the township recognizes that the managers and staff of Puslinch are critical assets and the township is dedicated to attracting, developing and supporting people to excel in their roles.
Whitesell maintained that operational effectiveness requires the alignment of stakeholders to reach the township vision.
This ties in with work on the township’s community improvement plan, the fire master plan and the recreation and parks master plan.
Whitesell said the vision plays an important role … “Puslinch has put together a shared vision which is really part vision and part mission”:
Progressing together to provide reliable and sustainable services to our residents, businesses and visitors. We will protect our resources while respectfully building upon our heritage as a safe, fun and prosperous rural community.
Whitesell explained the strategic plan starts with the township’s mission and values … then strategy.
“Everything else from that point on is a management function.”
While he agreed there will always be changing circumstances, “I really believe the four strategic goals are indicative of a certain degree of flexibility … in part due to three other plans being wrapped within the strategic plan.”
These goals are:
– create a Puslinch identity;
– intentional, managed growth;
– strong governance; and
– maintain financial strengths and define service levels.
Whitesell outlined the process to reach this point.
He indicated a key portion of the plan to be the opportunity grid.
“There are no unimportant priorities here, however they are ranked.”
The priorities are: government regulation and legislation, finance, affordable housing, water, service level, traffic volume, growth and economic development, high speed internet, public recreation areas, Puslinch identity, master plan recommendations, Morriston bypass implications, and potential annexation/amalgamation with Guelph/Cambridge.
“I think that this is going to help guide you into the future.”
Councillor Wayne Stokley appreciated inclusion of a scorecard to assess what has been developed and prepared for five years down the line.
Councillor Ken Roth said “we have some work ahead of us to make sure our priorities reach the right goals.”
Councillor Matthew Bulmer said considerable time was spent by the consultant trying to understand the community – not just the municipal corporate body.
Reflects rural nature
“I think this reflects the underlying rural nature of this community … and that Puslinch is not an island … but part of a larger network,” said Bulmer.
Yet he noted there are recommendations regarding the rural nature of the community.
“When I think of community stewardship and water, I feel like I am called to show leadership on how to use that shared infrastructure – as opposed to taking control of it like a property or commodity.”
In the same vein, he struggled with the need to develop a municipal water system.
While it would make sense if the intent was to urbanize Puslinch, Bulmer said he struggled to see how it was critical to maintaining a rural character.
Whitesell said affordable housing is something which will face residents within the next five years. He contended the track the township is heading towards is upper end housing.
“It’s affordability on a different scale.”
Bulmer also agreed that in light of source water protection, if Puslinch does not take control of the water situation – its planning in the future may well be dictated by other municipalities such as the city of Guelph.
Councillor Susan Fielding was pleased to see the complex issues simplified to make them more palatable and understandable. She too was taken aback by the suggestion of a need for a municipal water system.
Fielding said she and others believed such a move could lead to the loss of rural identity.
At the same time Fielding said she’s been asked “are we just going to be a playground for the rich.
“Our housing is very expensive and there is nowhere for seniors to turn.”
That said, she liked many of the concepts within this “living document for the future.”
Whitesell said as actions are completed new actions will be added to the list.
Mayor Dennis Lever said it does seem as if council has been at this for a while.
“But there has been an enormous effect to ensure this was community-based.”
He said the task now is a look at the number of services which can be provided – within the same cost structure. “It looks like we are moving in the right direction.”
As far as water issues, he saw the idea of a municipal well as a means of promoting economic development.
“We need to move ahead and now we have a clear plan to do it.”
Council adopted the report.
