This past year saw a lot of change within the Town of Pelham, both physically and conceptually. The changes at 20 Pelham Town Square have been significant: the Town Hall addition took longer than expected, but the finished product has received many compliments. It's hard to quantify the benefit of having proper washrooms rather than portable toilets, but certainly anyone who attended the Farmers' Market, Supper Market or Thursday concerts experienced the difference.
Beyond functionality, the clock tower is very handsome and helps mark the Town Square area — in fact, it's a lovely silhouette to be the backdrop of the much-loved community events in the area. The newly added community meeting room is well-used, and I encourage the public to drop by and check out the beautiful Pelham-branded table created by some talented people in the Public Works Department.
Similarly, the arches exist once more because of some dedicated service clubs and residents who donated time, money and talent to realize a dream. These attractive arches create a space for the community to gather for major festivals and events. I don't mind saying that during the outdoor Christmas Market, my wife and I looked up at the lighted arches and globes, listened to the carollers, and both remarked about how much downtown Fonthill feels like all the best parts of one of those quintessential Hallmark Christmas movies.
While infrastructure construction—be it at Town Hall or significant progress on the rebuild of Pelham Street—can be an obvious source of community pride, much has also happened with local government programming and service portfolios. The new "public service request" system went live in the spring for public works issues, and this system has proven much easier to use for the public and results in work tickets being issued right to the staff who do the work. By the time you read this, the system should also be operational for bylaw and cannabis complaints.
By the time you read this, the system should also be operational for bylaw and cannabis complaints
Meanwhile, at the Meridian Community Centre, spin classes have become a routine feature and the number of art exhibits has increased exponentially. The MCC has also recently become a host site for blood bank drives, which I think is a fabulous way to demonstrate community spirit. In Fenwick, the pickleball courts were constructed and have enjoyed heavy use as Centennial Park continues to be a hub for outdoor recreation.
On the financial side, progress is being made on the Town's balance sheet. At time of writing, only one reserve fund is still in the red, and Pelham is on track to pay back — years ahead of schedule — the last of the Town's short-term bank indebtedness. The Town has had short-term bank debt on its books for 13 years, which should end in the next few weeks. This debt removal will do wonders for several financial ratios, but more importantly, it sends the message that the Town is stabilized and can perhaps look ahead to major upcoming projects.
Future projects include a library branch renovation, a new build or renovation to Fire Station 1, and a potential renovation or rebuild of the public works facility on Tice Road. For too many years the Town has been focused on MCC financing issues to the detriment of other operations. Now, with improving financial health, council can consider making strategic investments for a brighter future.
I want to end this message by wishing everyone attached to this collective exercise we call Pelham — the volunteers, the staff, the residents, the elected officials, neighbours, suppliers and developers — a safe and joyous holiday season and a healthy and happy 2024. I don't know what 2024 will bring, but I do know that I'm proud to be part of this Pelham community, and I look forward to seeing where we go from here!
