Priorities for New Tecumseth in the Coming Year

My priority for the first year would be getting the new Council organized, informed and focused on what needs to be accomplished over the next four years.

Following inauguration and Council training, one of our first major responsibilities will be the 2027 Budget. That will include some significant decisions about recreation, including the proposed sports dome, indoor pool and the future of the Beeton arena. These are major investments, and we need to look carefully at need, timing, affordability and the impact each would have on taxpayers.

I would also like the new Council to receive a comprehensive status update on the major projects and commitments already approved or underway including the Collingwood water treatment and transmission projects, Fire Station 4, wastewater capacity, roads and bridges, and our other major capital projects.

From there, I believe Council should establish a clear list of priorities for the term, identify realistic timelines and funding requirements, and create a framework that allows us and the public to track our progress. There will always be new ideas and new requests, but before adding more to the list, we need to understand what is already on it, what it will cost and what we realistically have the capacity to complete.

For me, the first year is about setting the new Council up for success: get informed, establish our priorities & committee commitments, make responsible financial decisions and then get to work delivering them.