By Marianne Cole
February 21, 2023 MDP Public Hearing
The Lou Soppit Center was packed with Clearwater County residents who braved nasty winter driving conditions to attend the Public Hearing on the County’s Municipal Development Plan draft review. As of Thursday, February 23, 2023 county staff could not release tabulated results of the exact attendance numbers and the individual support or opposition to the document. Highlights of the day included:
14 people spoke in favor of the current document
59 people spoke in opposition
32 letters of support had been received (1 read out publicly)
30 letter of opposition received (1 read out)
A distinct show of opposition was evident when a speaker asked those in opposition to stand. Almost all in attendance stood up.
Following the presentations, Council unanimously passed a motion to table 2nd Reading to allow them to consider all comments heard during the hearing as well as in letters received. It is anticipated that the 2nd Reading will be held later in March or the beginning of April. We will keep you posted.
Huge thanks
We send out special notes of thanks to those that made the Public Hearing a great success:
Everyone who braved the weather to attend. Your dedication should send a clear message to Council.
Everyone who spoke or sent in letters. We trust your opinion will be valued.
Gene Henneigh and Joe Cech for generously sponsoring excellent information pages in recent issues of the Western Star.
The donors who have generously supported our CCTA “What’s Up” column and recent ads in the Western Star.
Council and County staff for the great job of organizing the event.
We certainly look forward to the outcome.
Clearwater County/Village of Caroline Amalgamation
Public meetings are currently scheduled to inform county and village residents about the potential amalgamation. Certainly working cooperatively is a valuable goal, but accepting large financial deficits are a concern.
We encourage you to attend the meetings to gather information and share your opinion. Meeting dates:
· February 27, 2023, 6:30PM-8:00PM, Leslieville Community Hall
· March 1, 2023, 6:30PM – 8:00PM, Butte Hall
· March 6, 2023, 6:30PM – 8:00PM, Crammond Community Hall
· March 13, 2023, 6:30PM – 8:00PM, Caroline Community Hub
· March 23, 2023, 6:30PM – 8:00PM, Virtual Zoom Meeting
Thoughts for March
May the blessings of each day be the blessings you need most… Irish Blessing
May the dreams you hold dearest be those which come true and the kindness you spread be returning to you. … Unknown.
Coming Events
Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 7:30PM, Arbutus Community Hall, regular meeting;
Wednesday, April 12, 2023, 7:30PM, Arbutus Community Hall, regular meeting.
