An open house to get public input into the City of Morden’s strategic plan covered a lot of ground last Tuesday.
The planning process started with an initial working session with council and then with eight external stakeholders, such as Western School Division. It continued with a public survey that as of the open house had received 185 responses.
The public forum led by consultant Scott Fielding of KPMG in Winnipeg was a vital next step for council, said Mayor Nancy Penner.
“I was very pleased with the turnout by the public,” she said. “We had a full house.
“The questions were all really good. The people were very engaged with it,” Penner observed. “They had some very good questions, and they had some very good input as to where the community was and where we are going moving forward.”
The planning process so far had identified seven key themes: focus on bold city vision and leadership, improve on communications and relationships, expand regional collaboration and integration, focus on economic development and growth, address critical infrastructure and service delivery, strengthen health care and education resources, and enhance cultural and recreational activities.
The initial discussion touched on a number of areas, with one resident questioning having a skilled labour pool as a strength when they see it as more of a threat or a challenge given there is a need for more of it.
Another resident cited a need for more of a focus on the regional outlook, while one specifically saw housing as a key challenge, not only in terms of affordability but also in considering how key it is to building a sense of community and contributing to the quality of life
The next speaker focused on what he saw as bigger aspirational goals, including making Morden the most open and diverse community in the province and making it the most green and sustainable centre as well.
A lot of focus came around the area of communication, including a perceived need for more diverse ways of getting information out to the community, as not everyone goes online or uses social media, for example. Another resident noted that residents need to take better advantage of the opportunities available to them, such as the meet and greets held last summer at the Suncatch plaza.
Here are some of the other highlights of the discussion, according to the key themes.
Regional collaboration and integration
There was discussion about an indoor pool and recreation complex for the region as well as wastewater treatment and water supply. One council member observed, though, that the latter especially requires there to be three willing partners in the region.
Public transportation was also cited as an issue that needs to be addressed regionally along with active transportation, including the proposed pathway to link Morden and Winkler.
Economic development and growth
One resident noted the need to have all of the services and amenities needed to support growth, such as child care.
Affordable housing was also cited as another key, including the need to consider different models for public and affordable housing.
Another speaker touched on building a sustainable community with a focus on attracting green industries.
Critical infrastructure and service delivery
Sustainable and green infrastructure was again cited here, along with the need for more active transportation with the suggestion that it should be incorporated into all development as part of a goal to make the city more walkable.
Another resident noted there are a couple areas of the city where there are no sidewalks, and it was also suggested there is a need for better lighting and amenities like public washrooms.
The sustainability of the city’s water supply also came up for discussion, as did wastewater and water, with the suggestion that a solution is needed where the council in place 20 years from now will not need to address it again.
Health care and education
One resident suggested there is a need for more intentional and ongoing dialogue with the local health care sector, and another speaker suggested a focus also on the amenities that will support and attract professionals, like child care.
In addition, there was the suggestion that there is a need as well for more focused education and training that will better address the local needs.
Cultural and recreational activities
Some discussion centred on the challenges around an indoor pool and that it is not financially sustainable without taxpayer support
A question was raised about a YMCA facility and whether the region is large enough to support it (it was noted a population of at least 90,000 would be needed to make it feasible). A city official pointed out the extended catchment area here now is already at 70,000 people, so it is close.
The discussion then turned to focus on a pool being part of a larger multiplex project that brings various health, wellness, and recreational needs together.
A healthy, green community
Following the open house, Penner touched on a number of discussion points that stood out to her.
“There were the comments about we needed to be a green community, we need to be a healthy living community, so invest in our pathways and recreation and opportunities that way,” she said.
“We also realize we don’t really have any input to health care and education, but we can be supporters and helpers and collaborate with the education system and the health care system to ensure we have those components in our community to be there for our community.”
Penner also commented on “increasing our economic development because economic growth brings in the jobs, brings in the people, and with that, the restaurants are going to come and the small businesses are going to grow.”
She also acknowledged the need to address the amenities like day care that will be factors as well in drawing people.
“It was just encouraging. There were some good ideas that are important to our community,” she continued. “Sustainable living was important to people. Healthy living was important.”
Finally, Penner touched on hearing much about keeping the community better informed.
“Communication was a big issue addressed tonight. As council, we hear that message about communication, and we’re trying to deal with that and trying to find the most economical way.”
Thoughts on the city’s needs and wants
The open house last Tuesday that welcomed public input into the City of Morden’s strategic planning process presented the community with a number of key points for discussion.
Here are some more highlights of what had been looked at so far in the planning process at the council level, as well as in consultation with key stakeholders:
Economic development and growth
– need for more diverse entertainment, grocery and dining options.
– more support for local businesses by leveraging tourism opportunities such as with the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre and Corn and Apple Festival.
– build on the success of Morden’s immigration program.
Critical infrastructure and service delivery
– addressing water supply and wastewater treatment.
– more consideration of future transportation options and potential service options.
Health care and education
– more focus on doctor and nurse recruitment and retention.
– expansion of health care service options within the region.
– more diverse post secondary educational programming especially to support industrial development and employment.
Cultural and recreational opportunities
– enhance pathways and recreational activities around Lake Minnewasta.
– more recreational facilities such as an overall wellness centre or YMCA type of facility.
– taking on a more active role in identifying and promoting local cultural institutions.
Regional collaboration and integration
– more regional collaboration in areas such as water, wastewater, roads and health care.
– more integration in areas where it makes sense such as the Boundary Trails Health Centre.
– find opportunities to collaborate with regional partners on economic development.
