A few changes were made in city council's structure at the City of Thompson's organizational meeting of council, held on Nov. 4, but for the most part councillors are staying put in positions they're comfortable with, as Mayor Tim Johnston proclaims the need for consistency going into the final year of council's four-year term.
Johnston pointed out the achievements that the city has seen in the past year, including the introduction of the strategic plan and the aboriginal accord and the acquisition of new equipment like a grader, snow blowers and a new waste collection system. He also spoke about the city's commitment to the refurbished C. A. Nesbitt Arena, the completion of the Norplex Pool tennis courts and the final phase of the Thompson Regional Community Centre.
Other important things council has achieved, according to Johnston, include the first sale and housing development under the residential land sale program, progress towards the implementation of a water utility system and commitment to the development of the University College of the North (UCN).
"These have been the result of changes from the previous there years in forging a positive attitude and corporate culture, as well as in more tangible areas such as finding additional resources," he explains. "Most importantly, I believe this city council and council members have had and demonstrated the resolve to make the tough but right decisions. I am very proud of this city council and thank each member of council and administration, past and present, for their roles."
Johnston thanked Coun. Oswald Sawh for his work as deputy mayor over the past year, calling him a "tremendous person, friend and council member" before appointing Coun. Harold Smith to take on the position for the last year of council's term.
The mayor went on to express his believe that the City of Thompson will be best served by having the consistency, knowledge and experience shown by existing chairs of committees. The finance and administration committee and public works and infrastructure committee chairs continue to be Sawh; the human resource committee chair will be Coun. Brian Wilson; Smith will be chairing the legislative and intergovernmental affairs and development review committees; Coun. Judy Kolada will chair the public safety committee and Coun. Charlene Lafreniere will chair the recreation and community services committee.
Council also elected committee members. Joining the finance and administration and recreation and community service committees was Smith; Kolada joined the human resources committee; Wilson joined the public safety committee; Lafreniere joined the public works and infrastructure and legislative and intergovernmental affairs committee and Coun. Stella Locker joined the legislative and intergovernmental affairs and development review committee. Members of council that were appointed to the board of revision for the City of Thompson for the year 2010 included Sawh, Kolada and Lafreniere.
Johnston expressed his excitement in facing the challenges and opportunities that will come in the final year of council's term. He says the top priorities for council this year will be the implementation of the water utility system; the completion of the sustainable community and master parks plans; and the development of UCN's new campus, childcare and housing spaces.
"These projects will create the foundation for future growth and development in our city. To achieve that, it will take strong commitments from many stakeholders, including the Province of Manitoba, Vale Inco and other partners to get the job done," he says, while adding council will also focus on community needs, including housing and infrastructure.
