To me, the best investment that we can make as a Township is in our built infrastructure which provides benefits for both current and future residents as well as serving as the foundation for economic activity across the municipality.
Whether it is our roads, parks or other Township assets, we must take a measured and practical approach to asset management and long-term planning to ensure that we are leaving the Township in the best possible position for the future.
In addition, supporting active living through recreation is our best opportunity to get our students moving, keep our seniors active and create a more vibrant and connected community for all.
Strategic Asset Management
As your Mayor, I would work with Council to prioritize asset management for all Township assets (linear assets, buildings, vehicles, equipment) and return to annual reviews of long-term capital plans alongside the annual Operating and Capital Budget process, in addition to completing the existing mandatory Asset Management Policy reviews in accordance with provincial regulations.
As previously shared, I would support creating a clear and concise dashboard that outlines construction projects, their current status, scheduled completion timelines and important projects updates. We can always do better to communicate and make sure that the Township is being as transparent as possible.
Getting Roads Built Well
As your Mayor, I would work with Council to prioritize road design and construction practices that build strong roadways with extended paved shoulders to allow for safer travel for pedestrians and cyclists.
Where the road allowance is wide enough, the implementation of extended paved shoulders allows for extra space between the active roadway and ditch. This policy had been in place during my time on Council between 2018 and 2022 but it seems to have been discontinued by the current Mayor and Council since that time.
In addition, Council must ensure that road constructions projects are completed well and any deficiencies are remedied with appropriate communication with impacted residents. We also need to work with the County of Renfrew and other neighbouring municipalities to build active transportation networks across the region so that we can develop opportunities for tourism that respects our natural environment.
Invest In Parks, Trails and Open Spaces
The Township is blessed with an abundance of community parks, trails and other green spaces for our community to enjoy.
As your Mayor, I would work with Council, community groups and local residents to develop community priorities for the enhancement of our parks, trails and open spaces as outlined below:
- Develop a fulsome Recreation Master Plan with participation from our community to identify current gaps in program offerings and how we can serve residents in all corners of McNab/Braeside.
- Create a multi-year plan to further develop Clay Bank Nature Park for Outdoor Learning as a nature-based educational destination for local residents and tourists alike, especially children.
- Study the long-term potential at Red Pine Bay and Braeside Beach with an eye to developing a connected and sustainable waterfront that brings our community together.
Better Utilizing Community Spaces
As your Mayor, I would work with Council and staff to find ways to make better use of the Township’s community spaces, particularly the John A. Gillies Recreation Centre and Murray Yantha Community Centre. Township ratepayers have paid for these community spaces and it is our collective expectation that these spaces are used as much as possible in service of the community and its recreation programming needs.
I believe that Council must act to support the Township’s Parks and Recreation staff as they create innovative programs and activities through harnessing user ideas and feedback. Additionally, we must work with the community to determine infrastructure priorities and develop a long-term plan to pay for building infrastructure projects without excessive reliance on debt.
Explore Recreation Partnerships
As your Mayor, I would work with Council to open dialogue with neighbouring municipalities (Town of Arnprior, Town of Renfrew, Town of Mississippi Mills, Township of Greater Madawaska, Horton Township) and explore opportunities to offer joint recreation programs and activities for our collective residents.
Before being cancelled by the current Council, the old Joint Use Recreation Agreement with the Town of Arnprior worked well over the years to provide access for Township residents to Town recreation programs and it was disappointing that the Township under the current Council elected to cancel the agreement without public consultation as one of their first decisions.
I have always supported both library and recreation agreements before I was first elected, during my term and thereafter but I also believe that we should direct our Township staff to work collaboratively with the Town to identify opportunities for joint programming and the potential elimination of duplicative programs. By combining our populations, we may be able to offer new and innovative programming opportunities for our residents and schedule activities to compliment each other for the benefit of our collective residents. We are part of one social community and we need to work together as municipalities to find solutions that positively benefit our residents.
Oliver Jacob for McNab/Braeside 