By Jennifer Hoegg
The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com
A small but productive crowd gathered at the Community Centre Wednesday, Jan. 23, for Windsor’s second town hall meeting. Despite several John Travolta jokes and sweet snacks, most of the evening was serious about citizen input.
In her opening comments, Mayor Anna Allen said that the main objective of the meeting was to seek public input on the town’s business plan, main challenges and future success.
To meet this objective Windsor council adopted a new format of discussion for this year’s meeting -- small focus groups, which afforded more opportunities for residents’ voices to be heard. Anonymous contributions were gathered through onsite suggestion boxes.
The first hour began with a presentation from staff on the town’s current budget situation and future projections. Then, there was a chance for residents to ask questions of councillors and staff.
During the somewhat sedate question and answer session, Windsor residents present asked about the possibility of further development next to the aquatic centre, including an expanded playground or curling club, potential sale of the old high school site and sidewalk replacement.
Roundtable discussions
The big change was the second half of the evening. Three roundtable discussions -- facilitated by councilors and recorded by staff -- took place covering youth engagement, downtown revitalization and aging infrastructure.
A question for each topic was provided in order to focus discussion as small groups generated lists of ideas, solutions and further questions. Participants had a chance to comment on all three topics. Throughout the exercise, interaction between residents, staff and councillors was positive and engaging.
Reports from each discussion group were wrapped up the meeting, just before 10 p.m.
Residents were informed of how many tax dollars the town collects and where the money is spent. Future direction was discussed, and there was an opportunity to question town staff -- including the RCMP, finance, public works, planning, and so on. For staff and councilors, the evening provided an opportunity to gather insight and opinions on some of the municipality’s pressing priorities.
Worthwhile effort
Resident Rob Frost agreed that it was a worthwhile endeavour. “I think it’s a great idea. It’s good that they want to hear the ideas. I would like to see more people here.”
Lisa Johnson, another Windsor resident, was pleased with the change in format. “I thought it was very informative. Very good to give opinion and to get together at roundtable sessions and hear a variety of views on these different topics.”
Hants West MLA Chuck Porter also participated in the evening’s discussion and later commended staff and council for the time and effort that went into the almost three hour affair.
“I thought that it was a very productive and informative meeting for the residents that attended,” Porter said. “Interaction with the groups was a great idea and there was good input from the people who matter -- the taxpayers. But it would be nice to see more people out at future meetings.”
Though fewer than 30 residents attended, Allen was pleased with the evening. In her closing comments, she thanked all present, especially residents. “Your ideas are here. This is exactly what council is looking for.”
Further information and the date of the next Town Hall meeting will be posted on the Town’s website:
www.town.windsor.ns.ca
