Mayor George Bridge hosted a Mayor’s Breakfast on April 17 at Sunny’s On Main Eatery in Harriston. Over 40 people attended.
Bridge discussed social services, the police station, waste management, upgrades to the Palmerston library, the Harriston library being home to the Historical Society and Minto Arts, the resurgence of building permits in Clifford, and following the strategic plan to fix local roads.
Perth Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece said he appreciated being invited and finds such events a great way to keep up to date on happenings in his riding.
NDP candidate Ethan Rabidoux was also pleased to attended the breakfast.
Karisa Downey, Economic Development Assistant discussed the benefits of the town’s new job and housing portal through LaunchIt, a website model being followed by Wellington County. Pitch It will help five candidates develop and review their business plans with $1,500 up for grabs in cash and prizes, Downey noted.
Somer Gerber Minto business development coordinator spoke about LaunchIt Minto and descriged how the program serves to help start, grow, or expand a business.
Norwell’s 75th party calendar of events was printed and given to everyone in their package. Attracting alumni to return to the area is a new project to promote Minto. A volunteer and career fair will be hosted on May 13.
Chris Clark, project engineer for Triton Engineering Services presented a summary of the “Big Dig” that will start mid-May with Moorefield Excavating of Harriston. Detour routes will be set up for this undertaking. Section 1 Murphy’s Tim-Br Mart to Young street will have single lane traffic. Section 2 Young Street to Mill Street and Section 3 Mill Street to Arthur Street will be totally closed to through traffic. The project is expected to last until fall. Chris Clark, inspector Jeremy Gibson, and a student will be on the job site to help with any questions.
Summer student Dexter Schoutsen will help with marketing measures to keep business downtown during the big dig. A brainstorming session will be held May 11 to discuss incentives, coupons, prizes, Minto bucks, all kinds of promotions to retain business.
Concerts in the Park will resume July 19 to support local artists. Proceeds from the Mayor’s Golf Tournament will sponsor Junior Broomball, the Farmer’s Markets, and Clifford Homecoming 2017.
Minto Chamber of Commerce president Tony Tsotros finds Minto is leading the way. The town’s four-in-one website creates a professional look and draws lots of traffic into Minto, he noted.
International Plowing Mach chair Ron Faulkner discussing the 2016 IPM that will span 800 acres with a 100 acre tented city near Harriston. Over 1,200 volunteers are needed for the week of the event. 450 have agreed to help and the key chairs are in place.
Councillor Judy Dirksen reminded everyone of the annual starlight gala n May 23.
