A Touchdown for Elliot Lake?
We can accomplish a lot if we work together. Determining our priorities is the first step.
On October 25th, the day after our municipal election, the C.A.U.S.E Elliot Lake facebook members were asked, “What do you think should be in the top ten priorities the new council should focus on?” The result was a cookpot of twenty-four hopes and dreams - seasoned both Sweet & Sour with hundreds of rosy and curmudgeonly comments.
To quantify the results, the suggestions were grouped into five categories of poll questions. The five groups were: Process, Planning, Infrastructure, Activities & Services, Expansion & Growth.
The Results …
#1: Ensure transparency / ethical obligations
The respondents voted most in the Process group (116 votes) and within that group, “Ensure transparency / ethical obligations” received the most votes (37% - 42 votes).
#2: Infrastructure
In the Infrastructure group, the priorities were:
1. (35% - 32 votes) Pool repaired / new pool
2. (25% - 22 votes) Sports Complex
3. (17% - 16 votes) New roads
4. (8% - 8 votes) Move the Arts Centre Plan forward
#3: Expansion & Growth
1. (44% - 27 votes) Attract new businesses
Transparency, Infrastructure, Expansion & Growth
The agenda for tomorrow's council meeting includes a reference to two proposals for 255 Hwy 108. Depending on the specifics of the two proposals, the outgoing council could throw a beautiful, business-attracting pass to the new council. No doubt, prospective investors are aware of the politics - the arts community folks were well-engaged citizens during the election.
But, as important as the arts community is, Elliot Lake is more than the arts community. Residents have long needed a sports-team-friendly and affordable motel in town. 255 Hwy 108 is ideal for attracting that because it offers many revenue-stream possibilities so this business can be a success. Will the investors come up with a hybrid solution that benefits both the arts community and the sports community?
And how will the new council balance the priorities to deliver their first touchdown for all the residents?
And how
transparent will the process be?