Council here is seeking public input on a draft community-based strategic plan.
Approval of the plan in draft form at the Feb. 5 council meeting set in motion a public consultation period that ends March 23.
The process of creating the plan began in January 2012 and Mapleton residents provided input through participation in a “conversation café” at the PMD arena, as well as an on-line survey.
In a report at the Feb. 5 meeting, CAO Patty Sinnamon said the strategic plan should be “a living document” which is continually referred to by council and staff. Rather than set out timelines for completion of actions suggested in the plan, Sinnamon said township staff prefer to use the document as “a day-to-day tool; one that will guide our day-to-day activities, budget process and long-term planning.”
She also said the plan would “create an opportunity for ongoing dialogue between council staff and the community.”
Among the goals outlined in the 17-page draft is to “align available financial and staff resources to meet council and community objectives.”
The draft plan also outlines a number of priorities and challenges anticipated in the next 10 years, including: funding challenges, communications technology, economic development, maintaining infrastructure and planning for growth.
The municipality is inviting residents and business owners to comment on the plan, which is posted on the township’s website (www.mapleton.ca). Hard copies can be obtained at the municipal administration centre.
Comments will be accepted until March 23 and will be taken into consideration when the plan is presented for adoption at the April 9 council meeting.
