Scugog mayor discusses achievements, upcoming goals during virtual event

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard

SCUGOG: Mayor Bobbie Drew outlined Scugog Township’s vision for the year ahead during a virtual Scugog chamber event on Thursday, February 25th.

Jonathan van Bilsen hosted the event. Mayor Drew noted the COVID-19 pandemic would continue to impact the municipality. “Our first priority is delivery of services during [COVID-19]. We have to step back and evaluate the remaining strategic priorities, taking into consideration our capacity, technology and capital funding, including future grants with other priorities facing the municipality. This will allow us to communicate what is achievable to the community,” Mayor Drew said.

Keeping a close eye on finances during this pandemic has been important for Scugog council.

“We’ve proactively managed finance[s], carefully monitoring costs and revenue losses to ensure a positive bottom line at the end of the year,” Mayor Drew stated.

She then discussed some of council’s achievements and upcoming priorities.

“We’ve completed the township traffic analysis. We hope to complete Active Transportation and the transportation master plan[s]. We will assist Durham Health in mass vaccination clinics in the spring and summer of this year. Task-forces along with the terms of reference are being created [to] looking at some of the challenges faced through the [Queen Street open street pilot project] last year.

[They will be looking at] how we can address the concerns and issues raised since then, to make an informed decision on what is required to move forward.”

Scugog Line 8 bridge replacement, the Lake Scugog Enhancement project and the township’s waterfront action plan were also listed as township priorities.

Mayor Drew stated her desire for continued consistent funding from the province.

“The Ontario Municipal partnership fund is being reviewed by the province.

Funds will continue in 2021. This would have a significant impact if that is reduced,” Mayor Drew stressed.

Scugog’s mayor encourages people to be involved and engaged with what’s going on in the community.

“Community engagement is key to our success,” Mayor Drew said.

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