Wellington North Mayor Andy Lennox says after this year’s budget was settled in January, the municipality turned its focus to regular infrastructure projects.
Lennox notes that there aren’t any major individual projects on tap this year following the 2022 budget release that featured a roughly two percent levy increase for taxpayers.
The mayor notes they did complete one project recently in Arthur.
“Well we just came off a few years with some big projects like the sewage treatment plant in Arthur and stuff like that. This year is back to some more normal street reconstruction, with probably the biggest one being Queen Street in Mount Forest, that’s part of Highway 89.”
With the pandemic and the challenges it’s brought still looming over this year’s budget process, Lennox says overall Wellington North was able to get the budget together smoothly thanks to hard work by staff and councillors.
“They’ve made it pretty seamless for our council to continue with our infrastructure renewal and we’ve been very fortunate in terms of further contributions from both the federal and provincial government, and there’s still plenty of work to do, of course.”
Part of that work includes addressing affordable housing, something that’s become a major talking point across Canada. Lennox says that challenge is definitely present in Wellington North for residents who may not be in the highest earnings bracket.
“Whether they work in retail, or the restaurants or those type of things, people with not the highest income levels are being priced out of the market, and we’re trying to find options of what we can do locally to encourage the type of housing that may fit within their economic means.”
Lennox adds that provincial and federal partners are part of the solution in terms of rent fixing or other initiatives that can bring more affordable options to places like Wellington North.
Outside of council concerns and challenges, Lennox says the municipality is looking forward to celebrating the Village of Arthur’s 150th year this summer.
Many events are in the works with the celebration likely taking place from June 30th until July 4th.
“Of course the service clubs are heavily involved, both the Lions and the Optimists. The Lions Club have been working on raising money for the last couple of years for a skateboard park. So we’re hoping to open the Brent Barnes Memorial Skate Park on that weekend. The Optimist Club is working on some celebrations. I know there’s plans for a parade and dance, and I’m sure there will be many other activities that will be included between now and then is what I’ll say.”
Festivities in the works include an Arthur Area Barn Quilt Trail Project, a Shop Local event called “Sidewalk Saturday” and some Canada Day events, as well. Wellington North’s Economic Development Department and Arthur’s BIA are both contributing at least $5,000 for the celebrations.
