Throughout five townhall meetings, council is asking the public for input on three major township plans.
The new recreation master plan, the infrastructure master plan, and the 2024 budget are all points of interest for the meetings. Council is currently in the process of updating these documents for their respective upcoming terms, and seeking input from the public for new ideas, and general feedback. Mayor Jim Hegadorn spoke about the public engagement.
“We want to go out to the communities and be able to have casual conversations, and glean information. And that’s always a positive as far as I’m concerned,” said Hegadorn.
The new recreation master plan will be coming into effect later this fall and carrying on into 2024. Council noted the public’s evident interest in recreation facilities and programming in the area. The document covers all recreation within the township, and also helps regulate parks, amenities, and park services. Deputy Mayor Nathan Townend noted the importance of public input, as well as the necessary financial planning.
“We do need to take into account the diverse wants and needs of our communities throughout the township, and the specifics there, but also the financial costs associated,” said Townend.
The infrastructure master plan is currently in its final stages before being approved by council. This is another document council encouraged the public to voice their opinions about at the meetings, or through an online survey.
The township’s 2024 budget process is currently underway. It will be coming to council later this year for review and approval. Public input will be key for this process, as the township encompasses a wide variety of communities. Townend noted Loyalist’s current state of growth and diversity.
“Loyalist is kind of unique in a number of ways with respect to what it manages within the corporation, and this really especially true when you consider our relatively small, albeit, growing population, and our diverse geographic spread in our various communities.” said Townend.
At the Sept. 18 meeting, Hegadorn spoke to the public about what staff is looking to learn.
“One of the big things we want to look at is what you believe the township should start doing, maybe should stop doing, or continue to do,” said Hegadorn.
Beyond the five townhall meetings this month, there will be more opportunity for public input in December.
