Following several weeks with no regularly scheduled meetings, Council got back to business last week with a relatively short virtual meeting, and a second closed session meeting. Council had been on break from regular meetings attending other business, including a meeting of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association.
A regular meeting on February 14 began with the usual introductions, including the reading of the land acknowledgment. Then, Michael Whittaker of the Grenville Indigenous Trail Group proceeded with a presentation regarding the Anishinaabeg Trails. Michael went into detail about the various rivers in our area, and how Indigenous people historically used them as important routes of travel and trade. He also discussed a few trails which were originally established by First Nations people, which turned into recognizable roads in North Grenville, including County Road 44.
Following Michael’s presentation, various Council members took turns discussing the importance of learning about the Indigenous roots in North Grenville as one of many steps toward achieving Truth and Reconciliation. It was universally agreed that involving local Indigenous people in this learning process – and accepting Indigenous people as leaders in this regard – is the only acceptable approach.
Lisa Poushinksy of the Kemptville Street Piano was up next with a presentation regarding a pilot project called Concerts on Campus. Lisa applied for a grant from Heritage Canada, the approval of which rests on demonstrated financial support of at least $9,891 from the Municipality for the Street Piano. The Street Piano was awarded a community grant of $8,500 this year, while Concerts on Campus was awarded $2,179.63. Lisa therefore made a request that Council move $1,391 of the allocated Concerts on Campus funding to reflect as a grant for the Street Piano instead. After some deliberation, the idea was well supported.
A closed session took place following the open session meeting on February 14. It dealt with civic award deliberations, an appointment to the Housing Advisory Committee, site plan negotiation, and the disposition of lands.
Another meeting has since taken place on February 20, but it could not be covered in this issue of the Times due to deadline constraints. That meeting was slated to involve talk about the Municipality’s 2024 budget, including the separate water and wastewater budget. Two public consultations took place regarding the budget. The in-person meeting in January saw a few questions asked by members of Council (who were seated in the audience), but no questions from ordinary residents. A virtual consultation took place on February 1, with three members of the public in attendance to ask some straightforward questions.
Gareth Jones asked about obtaining a budget summary, and North Grenville CAO Karen Dunlop stated that the summary is available online and also offered to send him one if needed.
Next, Shelley Mitchell from the Old Town Kemptville BIA board of management took the opportunity to ask for a follow up on some BIA budget requests that were put forward last year. CAO Dunlop gave a quick line-by-line summary, confirming that funding is proposed to begin flowing for new parking signage, beautification, and some Buskerfest banners, while other items such as a new pathway, water bottle filling station, and large street banners for the downtown area will be considered more closely this year for consideration in next year’s budget.
Finally, Deron Johnston of the BIA chimed in to state that he was really hoping for the banners this year. He also asked about capacity for funding a large-scale event, not on the same scale as the recent International Plowing Match, but similar. CAO Dunlop responded that this would have to be proposed as a budget request, and the Municipality would be open to the idea as long as the Municipality is not looked upon as a “constant funder” of such things. Deron added his idea that funding for additional parks, recreation and culture staff would be great due to lots of events, and CAO Dunlop answered that municipal staffing is advancing one step at a time.
It is anticipated that the final draft 2024 municipal budget will be prepared and presented for Council’s consideration on March 5.
