Ken Mulligan recently wrapped up his first year as Rosser’s reeve, and it’s been jam-packed initiation to his new role.
“It has been a very busy year. Early in the year, we began working on the development of the new CentrePort Canada Rail Park. We now have the first building being built by Fastfrate in this 665-acre rail park. We are also completing Phase 3 of BrookPort Business Park and are now working on Phase 4,” he said.
“There has been interest in developing along Mollard Road as well as on either side of CentrePort Canada Way.”
All of this development also bolsters employment opportunities close to home.
“Due to the increase in CentrePort development, we have had to increase staff,” Mulligan said, “and we will be looking at opening a second office within CentrePort to house some of the staff as the current office space within the village of Rosser is not large enough.”
The bustling RM is also home to three inland grain terminals plus a new oat flour mill that’s almost complete, which will serve Rosser’s farmers as well as those in surrounding rural municipalities.
As well, the RM increased its gravel budget to maintain and improve roads in the municipality.
“We have seen several road projects completed along the West Perimeter and Highway 6,” Mulligan added, “including the first traffic circle in the RM and a newly paved service road on the North Perimeter.”
Drainage is another focus for the municipality in the year ahead.
“The RM has begun working on drainage, and this winter we will be working on a drainage plan and a priority list for the whole RM,” he said.
“Studies are under way to have this completed as efficiently as possible.”
In addition to taking care of the municipality’s infrastructure, council has maintained a strong focus on its people.
“I am very pleased to say that we are part of the committee made up of surrounding RM’s to build a new personal care home in Stonewall,” Mulligan said.
“The RM has had discussion of the possibility of opening a daycare to provide childcare for people in the area.”
At the same time, the RM continues to support active recreation opportunities.
“The RM felt it was important to be involved with the committees of Grosse Isle to help contribute to their outdoor skating facility in the town of Grosse Isle as this is the last outdoor rink within the RM. We hope that interested ratepayers in the RM will make use of this facility,” Mulligan said.
“We will be looking into Phase 2 of increasing the number of walking paths in Grosse Isle, which will make it safer for children and adults walking within the town.”
Over the past few years, Rosser’s population has not increased; instead, it has decreased.
“We will be working on whatever possibilities there may be for additional housing in the RM to help house people who wish to remain or newcomers to the community,” Mulligan said.
“Due to the increasing crime in our community, we are looking at any measures we can take to make things safer for residents, businesses and their properties.”
As the new year begins, Mulligan offers well wishes to residents of Rosser and beyond.
“I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season,” he said, “and I wish you all the best in 2024.”
