Last year was full of ups and downs for the Town of Teulon.
In 2023, a new council and mayor rang in the new year, forming a new dynamic, building on each other and what each member had to offer.
“Our elected council made the promise of a zero per cent increase to taxes. We budgeted and maintained cost control and reduced some of our projects,” said Teulon Mayor Todd Campbell.
“Ratepayers spoke about the community and how we needed to improve. Our newly elected council got involved and looked at our policies and procedures to help improve communication and involvement with our community groups.”
Campbell pointed out that the council and administration are active in the community, listening to all the concerns and working to rectify them through policy changes. This is an ongoing process they are a part of.
Throughout 2023, the council focused on critical areas where there was a need for improvement and growth: accessibility, reducing energy costs, infrastructure upgrades and data collection, and staff administration. All of their work was centred around these pillars of community concern.
With its focus on accessibility, a new elevator was installed and commissioned in the Teulon-Rockwood Arena.
The Town also continued LED upgrades in some of its facilities.
They finished the upgrades to its sewage lagoon and have an ongoing collection of data for its infrastructure, roads and sidewalks that is being compiled.
Campbell was also pleased that the town filled various vacant positions that complemented their departments.
“We have a diverse group of individuals that bring various skill sets within these departments that allow succession planning that is critical to the future of these departments. I am excited about the direction our team is taking us,” he said.
At the same time, most municipalities and businesses faced similar challenges, including rising costs in maintenance, fuel, and materials.
Campbell notes that the council continues to look at alternate solutions and vendors to reduce these costs without impacting its operations.
In 2024, many projects are in the works for budget deliberations, which will take place mid to late February, followed by approvals from the council and then a public forum open to the community. Some projects will focus on infrastructure, facilities, accessibility and energy improvements, and green space initiatives.
Campbell noted that once budgets are finalized, the council can better advise its intentions for specific, upcoming projects in the community for 2024.
“My hopes for 2024 I would like to see continued improvement in interactions with community groups, resolving their concerns and helping them achieve their commitments to our residences,” Campbell said, “residential and commercial growth are also important to create a vibrant community.”
