2022 IN REVIEW
Report to: Members of Council
All Members of the Administration
Residents of Three Rivers
Dated: January 2023
Three Rivers’ third full year of operation has been extremely busy, eventful, and productive.
Municipal elections in November saw Three Rivers council changes with myself, Deputy Mayor Jenkins, and councillors MacFarlane, MacLean and Munro returning. We welcomed new councillors Martina MacDonald, Wayne Spin, Anne Van Donkersgoed and John Van Dyke. The size of Council was reduced from 12 councillors to 8, representing 4 wards.
Three Rivers welcomed Jo Kenebel to the office in 2022. Jo brings a breadth of knowledge and experience and continues to prove herself a valued addition to the administrative and accounting team. Shawn Fraser accepted the position of Rec & Events Coordinator, and his easy ability to connect with a cross-section of people and ‘can-do’ attitude are greatly valued.
Three Rivers staff and council were very pleased to move into the new Town Hall at the end of March. The facility includes council chambers, meeting rooms, reception area, and offices. The grand opening on May 30th was a resounding success with tours through the building for everyone.
The Fraser Street cul-de-sac was completed in conjunction with the Town Hall project and provides a safe flow of traffic for the Town property and neighbouring apartment buildings.
A new Remuneration Bylaw, basing Council remuneration on the population of Three Rivers, was adopted and came into effect in December.
The Three Rivers Arts & Culture Plan prepared by TCI Management Consultants in 2021 was accepted in principle in January of 2022. First steps toward realization of some of the recommendations were made through the Three Rivers Economic Development Committee, which used budgeted Town funds to leverage ACOA funds and action and accelerate the celebration of arts and culture.
Other projects completed with the leadership and dedication of partner organizations in 2022 included lights on the Confederation Trail near Montague (in conjunction with Montague Waterfront Development Corp.), trail rescue equipment and upgrades in Cardigan (done by the Cardigan Fire Department), and Canada Games capital upgrades to the Cavendish Farms Wellness Centre (in partnership with the Community Welfare League).
Three Rivers achieved improvements to the Montague waterfront, including piles, docks, and other marina upgrades, as well as the expansion and improved accessibility of the amphitheatre and boardwalk. A new playground was installed at West Street Beach in Georgetown.
The project of relocating the Montague reception centre to the Wellness Centre (from the fire hall) was undertaken, and is scheduled to be complete by spring, 2023.
Development approved this year included twenty-three single-family dwellings, five duplexes, an eight-unit condo, and two 12-unit apartment buildings in Brudenell, Georgetown, Montague & Lower Montague, for a total of 65 dwelling units. Other development included the extension of water and sewer services off Grace Lane, and additional construction approved under Provincial jurisdiction in the areas not yet covered by a municipal plan and bylaw. Three Rivers was also pleased to welcome the future Georgetown Clean Tech Park to the municipality.
The final draft of the Three Rivers Official Plan and Development Bylaw begun in 2020 was sent to the Province for approval in August. At the Province’s request, some final adjustments are being developed and polished for presentation to the public. This is expected to be the final step required to obtain planning and development control jurisdiction across the municipality.
A Master Plan for Services was finalized and approved and provides an assessment of current infrastructure, identification of logical service areas to be added, and estimates of costs to upgrade and maintain the municipal systems. Evaluations and comments were also prepared regarding the water system in Georgetown and the concept of central water/sewer in Cardigan.
Hurricane Fiona in September tested provincial and municipal emergency services plans to their maximum. Many lessons were learned and recommendations for improvement are being developed including processes around reception centre facilities and communication. A big shout-out goes to the Town staff and EMO volunteers who ran the reception centres, and to the community-minded folk at Cavendish Farms Wellness Centre, Start Centre, and Georgetown Fire Dept. who made their facilities available when the power came on. Appreciation is also extended to the organizations which made sure people were able to enjoy hot meals and meet other basic needs—the Southern Kings & Queens Food Bank, Montague Bible Chapel and What’s Good Bistro.
With a Town of 7,800 residents, 431 square kilometers, twenty-five amalgamated communities, over seventy properties, two water and sewer utilities, community halls, recreation facilities, parks, marinas, and more, there is always work to be done.
I want to personally thank each Member of Council and the staff of Three Rivers for their cooperation and hard work through the many challenges of 2022.
On behalf of Council and staff, I extend a thank you to all residents for giving us the privilege of serving you and wish you a healthy and prosperous 2023.
Debbie Johnston
Mayor
