Scugog highlights progress across five strategic priorities

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: More than $18 million in road construction and rehabilitation, $4 million in gravel road maintenance and more than $19 million in outside funding are among the highlights from Scugog’s Strategic Plan.

The Township presented its Strategic Plan Progress Report to council in September, outlining work undertaken across the five directions adopted in 2023: Infrastructure, Sustainability, Economic Development and Tourism, Natural Environment, and Complete Community.

The plan contains 22 objectives intended to guide municipal decisions and investments throughout the council term, with infrastructure emerging as a particular focus following public consultation.

Since 2023, the Township has completed more than 60 kilometres of road improvements through $18 million in capital construction and rehabilitation projects. The Township also spent a further $4 million on gravel road maintenance.

Investment has also extended to municipal facilities, bridges, parks, recreation amenities, waterfront infrastructure and asset management.

“Strategic planning helps ensure that Council’s decisions and investments remain focused on the priorities which matter most to residents,” said Chief Administrative Officer Warren Mar. “The key accomplishments outlined in this report reflect the dedication of Council, staff, volunteers, community partners, and residents. Together we have made significant progress and laid the groundwork for an even stronger future for Scugog.”

Economic activity has been another significant component of the Township’s work.

Building permits issued during the strategic plan period supported an estimated $233 million in construction value. Scugog also secured more than $19.4 million from other levels of government and external agencies to support municipal priorities and operations.

The Township has also worked on internal operations, including enhanced financial planning, asset management practices, technology modernization, and cybersecurity.

For residents, Public Works and Parks handled more than 2,000 service requests, along with requests to the Mayor and Council, special events, and other general Township matters.

Communications and public engagement have also expanded. The Township issued more than 400 news items and approximately 4,000 unique social media posts, while digital engagement tools generated more than 6,500 responses.

Those efforts were accompanied by improvements in customer service, accessibility, and digital services, supporting the plan's Complete Community direction.

“The Strategic Plan has helped us turn community priorities into meaningful action,” said Mayor Wilma Wotten. “Residents told us they wanted to see continued investment in infrastructure, strong municipal services, economic growth, protection of our natural environment, and a connected community. This report shows the progress we have made together while also reminding us that our work on these priorities must continue.”

Not every initiative is complete, and the Township has identified several longer-term projects that will continue through advocacy, partnerships, funding opportunities, and ongoing municipal programs.