Town’s first year-in-review highlights accomplishments

Article content

Town of Kirkland Lake staff presented the 2023 year-in-review to council, during its March 5 meeting.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

Try refreshing your browser, or
tap here to see other videos from our team.

Town’s first year-in-review highlights accomplishments Back to video

It should be noted preparing and presenting this type of year-in-review is a first for the municipality.

Chief Administrative Officer Alan Smith, who presented the report, said: “We really wanted to provide council and the public a reminder of some of the good things that happened throughout 2023 and really just re-enforce what staff has been doing for the corporation, as well as what council has been doing.

“It is a good way to promote to the residents who may not have a full accounting of some of the highlights for 2023.”

From a staff perspective, Smith indicated there were several positives during the year.

“When we look at the 10-year infrastructure plan, the road plan, for example,” he said.

“The infrastructure plan is a document that spells out what roads and infrastructure will be tackled over the next decade.

“While fluid due to any number of unforeseen issues that may arise, it gives the council and the public a real look at what the town’s priorities is in terms of infrastructure construction now and in the future.

“It should be noted much of the town’s infrastructure is decades old and councillors have stressed that dealing with a crumbling infrastructure and everything that goes with it, is a top priority.”

Smith also noted the document emphasizes successes in healthy living and wellness for the employees.

“We increased, internally some more recognition for the employees, the wellness that creates a better atmosphere,” he said.

“We want to become an employer of choice. The staff is our biggest resource and without staff we are not going to do anything.”

Some of the other highlights, included the fact staff and council represented Kirkland Lake at both the Rural Ontario Municipal Association and Association of Municipalities Ontario conferences and during these meetings council and staff made delegations to several provincial ministers and associate ministers.

From council’s perspective, Mayor Stacy Wight said, “(The report) was an initiative from new staff to bring this forward. I think it does speak to the desire of all staff and council to want that greater transparency and want the community to really know what we are doing with the money we are collecting every year through property taxes.”

Since she first ran for council, Wight has felt transparency is something that should be at the forefront.

“I always encourage members of the public to come to us and we want those questions from the public and we want to give answers so this report of what we accomplished in 2023 and what we want to accomplish moving forward is important,” she said.

Wight added, “Highlights included the fact there were 24 motions brought forward from council members and I think that speaks to the level of commitment our council has to making positive changes; not only for Kirkland Lake, but across the province.”

The full report is available for viewing on the Town of Kirkland Lake website.