The first year for the current council has passed and it is appropriate to reflect on some of council’s accomplishments and look to the future. I can say with certainty that your current council works well together. Discussions and debates are respectful, and no individual has a personal agenda. We discuss and debate and come to positive conclusions. The new councillors have acclimatized very well into their roles, have asked thoughtful questions and have brought their own unique experiences to the table.
After a very detailed orientation, council worked with staff to develop the Town’s Four Year Strategic Plan which will guide our decision making for this term of council. The Strategic Priorities can be captured by five areas of focus: enhancing capacity and future readiness, financial health, environmental and climate adaptation, community development and growth, and infrastructure investments and renewal. Under these strategies, there are 34 action items that we hope to accomplish. While the plan is aggressive, we are committed to it. For further information regarding the plan please refer to the Town website.
The post-Covid shutdown has caused rapid inflation and the cost to purchase materials, labour costs and supply chain issues have been problematic. Case in point, the Town was awarded a $5.4 million dollar grant to relocate the library to the Meridian Community Centre. We submitted the grant application 18 months prior to it being awarded. At that time the cost for the new library was $9 million. Once we received confirmation of the grant we then went out for pricing and the new cost was $17 million, which was not viable, and the grant had to be declined.
I am proud to say that our overall debt continues to decrease, and we will not have to borrow money for capital projects in 2024
I am proud to say that our overall debt continues to decrease, and we will not have to borrow money for capital projects in 2024, but our reserves are declining due to numerous projects being completed. What keeps me awake at night is the fact that there will be pressure in the future to borrow funds because we are in dire need of a new fire hall to replace Fire Station 1 in Fonthill; our operations yard on Tice Road has outlived its serviceability, and the Fonthill library branch needs renovation. This does not even take into consideration the need to urbanize roads and upgrade our water and sewer infrastructure.
I am also concerned about the future of Pelham. The are overtures that the province is looking at Niagara to amalgamate. There may be backtracking on this however because the province is looking for a way to negate its decision to break up the Region of Peel. In any event, if the province forces Niagara municipalities to amalgamate, Pelham will lose its identity plus the level of service from your councillors.
Pelham is small town that has exceptional events, such as Summerfest, the Bandshell Concert Series, Farmers Market, Summer Chill Series, Christmas in Pelham, all our parades, and the list goes on—all could be in jeopardy if we are forced to amalgamate.
Pelham is looking at ways to streamline our services. A report will be coming to council in 2024 to consider governance which will include a realignment of wards and consideration of the number of councillors. Pelham is also doing a good job of partnering with other municipalities. For example, the library is now a joint effort with the Town of Lincoln, we share legal services with Wainfleet, we are going to share a climate change coordinator position with Lincoln, and we have made joint purchasing arrangements with the Region for purchase of vehicles. We are continually looking for ways to reduce our costs through shared services. All in all, the council had a very successful first year.
My family and I wish all of you safe and happy holidays.
