by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
WHITEWATER REGION — There’s a lot of positives, but only one negative, for Whitewater Region township last year.
That’s how Mayor Hal Johnson sees it.
The negative is that the Muskrat Lake Association (MLA) filed a Part 2 order with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change regarding the upgrades/renovations to the Cobden Wastewater Treatment Plant, he said.
“We started out our term very excited with the work going on with the sewer plant,” Mayor Johnson said. “We were all on schedule. We met all the criteria. We have no idea why the hold-up.
“Now, with the Part 2 filed, all the work could be delayed for a year and that could cause the program to fail. We have the potential to lose $6.5 million in funding. It’s very disappointing that we could lose the funding.”
The municipality has filed for a one-year extension, but that is slipping away.
The work has to be done on the wastewater treatment plant, so it could be a huge cost for the users of the plant, Mayor Johnson said.
However, looking on the positive side, he noted most of the lots at the Industrial Park have been sold. He said a lease with The Glass House was just signed.
“It’s a credit to staff,” he said. “Doug Schultz (chief building official) is good at negotiating and bringing forward sales.”
Mayor Johnson also has a rewarding thing to talk about.
“One of the most rewarding things is that since elected in 2015, the job situation in Whitewater Region has grown by 110 full time jobs,” he said. “Now we’re trying to add an additional 100 more.
“This is exciting to us,” Mayor Johnson said. “This is what economic development is all about.”
The first meeting of the Economic Development Advisory Committee is Jan. 17 (last night).
This council was also instrumental in participating in the Community Improvement Plan. It’s a benefit to the business people who have applied for funding to complete work to their storefronts, he said. It’s hopeful the agricultural industry will be introduced to the CIP in the next three years.
A process has also begun to ensure the arenas and halls remain viable, Mayor Johnson said. While there were concerns some may be closed, he said, “We cannot afford to lose any part of the fabric of our township.”
The fire master plan has also been completed, and as expected, there is no recommendation to close any of the five fire halls, he said.
While there have been grumblings from some people about the hiring of a full-time fire chief, Mayor Johnson said the money is in the budget.
He thanked former fire chief and deputy-chief, Wayne Heubner and Mike Moore respectively, for their 17 years of service to Whitewater Region, but it was their decision to leave the service. By doing so, it allowed the municipality the financial means to hire a full-time chief, Mayor Johnson explained.
“His duties will become more comprehensive as times goes on,” he said.
But, it’s not just the hiring of the fire chief that has been a success for staffing within the township, Mayor Johnson said. All the staff hires have been successful, he said.
In the last year, the township has hired a new chief administrative officer, Robert Tremblay; a physical services manager, Janet Collins; communications manager, Jordan Durocher; arenas manager, Hugh Martin and accounts receivable/facility booking co-ordinator, Debbie Ready.
The township is still working on its recreation master plan and it’s expected to be done sometime this year, Mayor Johnson said. There will be some required upgrades and grants have already been applied for by the township, he said.
There has been quite a catch-up with the township roads in the last year, he said. And, with this year’s budget already approved, more roads will be done this year, he added. Along with Ms. Collins’ being hired, Randy Buchwalt and Darwin Peever’s positions have been changed, allowing for expertise to be used in the best possible way, he said.
“We did more work on our roads in 2017 than in the previous five years,” Mayor Johnson said. “We are keeping our roads better than most municipalities.”
The financial department stepped up and provided a budget, as council was hoping for, before year’s end, he said.
“That’s the first time, since amalgamation, of setting the budget before January 1,” he said. “That is an effective method of being very efficient.
“It will give us an opportunity to move forward and make changes as necessary.”
The mayor also spoke about staff and council, noting they handle situations the best way they know how.
“Some people think its best if they can embarrass you and get you to react to them,” he said. “Our policy is not to react.
“We have very capable staff who do the best they can. They cannot perform miracles.”
Council was elected by people who wanted decision-makers, Mayor Johnson said. They wanted people who can take criticism and yet, continue to stand by their decision, not go back-and-forth.
“I am very comfortable that we are moving forward in a constructive way,” he said. “I am proud of our people, as all of council is.”
Mayor Johnson noted with the changes that have occurred, not only in the last year, but since the new council was elected, time is needed to perfect those changes.
“The people chose elected officials they felt would make good change, would make effective changes and who have the experience to make change. There is very little guessing with this council. This council is willing to make decisions and even when under fire, will not be swayed by just a few people.”
He noted this is one of the first councils in Ontario to start televising their council meetings and now it is live-streamed. While there are still a few glitches, Mayor Johnson said staff is working to fix them.
The new website also allows people to go online and do their own research – not rely on staff at the office to do it, he said.
There are a few people who have not yet grasped all the responsibilities of council, he said.
“It’s the few who don’t understand who are the most vocal,” he said. “Complainers are one of the most vocal, and that’s because they have an issue but haven’t spoken about it so we don’t know it’s an issue.”
However, those who appreciate the work council does understand the work it does, and is thankful for what is accomplished, are the ones who come up to Mayor Johnson when he is at a function, or even just out and about, and say thanks.
“This is one of the best municipalities in all of Renfrew County,” he said. “There is so much expertise in our municipality. We have world-leading farms, industries, the brewery. We have great, great things in Whitewater Region. The people are starting to see it.
“People should say thanks more, but they don’t, because they’re afraid of being criticized.”
Looking to this year’s municipal election, Mayor Johnson hadn’t yet fully decided.
“Right now, I’ve enjoyed what we’ve accomplished for the people of Whitewater Region,” he said. “I’d like to move forward.”
Clasping his hands together as he smiles, Mayor Johnson said. “I’d like to run again. That’s the first time I’ve said it out loud.”
