CAO Robert Trembley began the Quarterly Report for Q1 for the Council of Whitewater Region to overview the Township’s finances in the first quarter of the year.
“It’s been another COVID quarter, but part of our report back to Council.” he said. “These reports are part of the strategic plan and the work fund, including reports the severances and the development changes.”
Planner Ivan Burton said that there were 39 building permit applications, amounting to $6,877,035, and that they responded to up to 120 inquiries on sales, zoning, setbacks, applications, approval processes.
According to the report, there a total $3,561,348.78 in outstanding taxes as of March 31st.
Councilor Jackson asked if the welcome package is sent out to all new residents.
Burton said that they mostly do it though registration, but suggested monthly advertising to inform residents of the package.
Carmen Miller said before the lockdown, they had officiated 1 wedding, 22 commissions and issued 2 lottery licenses. She said that lotteries were slow, but recreation vehicles applications were ‘slowly coming in’.
Council met 7 times, passed 15 by-laws, and considered 39 reports.
CAO Trembley said that defibrillators and first aid were also looked at.
He also said that the last industrial park land was sold to McRae Industries.
He also said several grant applications were being explored, totalling nine separate applications.
“Due to COVID there’s some money right now, and we’ve gotten into it. We’ve been quite successful right now.” he said.
He also said the Community Needs Assessment was completed, despite the extended deadline, and the Active Transport plan was ‘underway’.
As of March 29th, Cobden Arena received bookings totaling 252 hours “despite lockdown.”
Acting Fire Chief Guy Longtin said that the committee “did a great job” making a video for Students to showcase the fire halls.
The report said firefighter call volume had ‘returned to normal’ with 18 calls.
Lane Cleroux said the Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade project’s contract amount increased from $10,980,000.00 to $11,004,422.70, including a $400,000 contingency for a total increase of $24,422.70.
The report was accepted.
