I am meeting with Dave Henderson, a mover and shaker in the water industry and the new CEO of the Walkerton Clean Water Centre, Larry Moore. I have a draft action plan that would see Walkerton become a water cluster, where anything and everything to do with drinking and waste water would be centred here.

The business industry, education, government (Federal and Provincial) and technology would join forces centred around the Walkerton Clean Water Centre.

 For a copy of thr brief please contact by email bagnato@brockton.ca

John Graham of Veolia, Colin Saunders, Brockton’s Water Manager and I quickly took off for the Lakes just before 6 p.m. We were armed with over 250 information packages and decided to hand deliver them to the residents.

By just after 9 p.m. every dwelling had received, either face to face or tucked in the door handle, an alert that an algae bloom had been detected and that ingesting or boiling that water could bring physical harm.

This order will be lifted after near future tests prove negative. Last time the order was lifted about a week after the notice was declared.

Transportation was encouraged to continue supporting our Saugeen Disability Transportation service.

Environment was lobbied to become proactive with regards to Blue Green Algae. The Quebec action plan was presented for discussion.

Community Safety and Correctional Services was brought up to speed with a progress report from the Grey Bruce Crystal Meth Task Force. A request to fund counseling for addicts, especially those incarserated who may be at a point where they would like to turn their lives around.

Agriculture was informed of the growing pervasiveness of Giant Hogweed and the need for a concerted effort to eradicate this dangerous weed. We were informed that the Ministry has applied to have it officially declared a ‘noxious weed’ The first step necessary to launch an all out effort against this weed.

Now we facilitate follow up by contacting the proper departments.

He promised that a fair and equitable solution would be sought. He understood the plight of those that had invested much time and money based on an 80.2 cents per KWH return.

Yesterday the announcement came that the 80.2 cents per KWH would stand for all who applied before July 2nd( the date the announcement was released about the reduction to 58.8 cents per KWH). Those who apply after July 2nd will receive 64 cents per KWH. 

Presented and discussed on Aug. 5^th, 2010 at the London Convention Centre

Minister of Energy and Infrastructure,

The Honourable Brad Duguid.

Many constituents from Brockton have been involved in the microFIT Program and have committed much time and money into the preparatory segment of the process.

They have been eager to participate in a process where the ultimate goal is the overall improvement of our stewardship of the environment.

The process has included various steps, i.e. consultants, engineers, seeking price quotes, securing financing and approvals, investigating various manufacturers and completing the application process.

The simple request being brought forward is that consideration be given to those who had made microFIT application to the OPA prior to July 2, 2010 be paid 80.2 cents per kWh. 

These applicants followed due diligence in gathering the necessary information to make informed business decisions and developed business plans based upon what the OPA had printed and committed to as late as the June 4^th conference call. On that conference call, questions and concerns were raised with respect to the delays in gaining approvals for microFIT applications.  The OPA at that time indicated that the delays were the result of the overwhelming response to the program and that once staffing levels were adjusted  approvals would be granted within the following few months.  Many subsequent investments by the supply chain and project facilities were made based on the assumption that all was well, and it would only be a matter of a short time before approvals would be forth coming.

It is recognized that the OPA has the mandate to balance the expectations of the rate payers with the return on investment of project owners. However, this proposed change caught many project owners with significant investments already made, with business plans already developed, and financing already arranged under the expectation of the previously announced rate of 80.2 cents per kWh.

The rate change to 58.8 cents per kWh, which was announced on Jul 2, may indeed be necessary for the future sustainability of the program. That rate may or may not facilitate new projects and the OPA will no doubt again change the program, but the Business community is very uncomfortable with a situation where the rate of return is precarious.  Any rate changes should be well communicated through advance consultation and applicants must be assured that once application is made, the posted rate be fixed until the project is commissioned.  The uncertainty caused by this rate change has caused enormous damage to the credibility of the microFIT program and only time and application of a consistent process by the OPA will restore consumer confidence in the OPA and the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.

Sincerely,

Mayor C. Bagnato

Municipality of Brockton

Walkerton, Ontario

     INFAMY TO EXCELLENCE WITH DYNAMIC    LEADERSHIP

                 LET’S KEEP A GOOD THING GOING!!

                SUSTAINABLE FUTURE STATEMENT

                              (Where we would like to be in 2030.)

Brockton is a diverse rural community and a leader in balancing social, economic and environmental sustainability and successfully meshes and attractive urban component with a vast and diverse agricultural region.

Celebrated for its cultural heritage, charming villages and hamlets, the County Town of Walkerton and world class natural amenities, Brockton offers residents and visitors alike extensive recreational opportunities, trail networks and green spaces. The thriving, diverse economy embraces innovation and entrepreneurship, and its citizens actively contribute to a welcoming, vibrant community that is safe, inclusive and affordable.

ITS TIME FOR YOU AND I TO FORGE THE FUTURE OF OUR MUNICIPALITY

1) Land Management:                                              

      -Land use is efficient and avoids sprawl

      -Historic neighbourhoods are maintained                                

      -Housing is diversified to satisfy wide variety                          

       of needs                                                                                      

      -Community is integral with the environment                          

      -Development is in accord with community values                    

      -Vibrant downtown is social focus of community                      

      -Development standards are green

 2) Natural Environment and

     Resources:

      - Green spaces and corridors are

         established

      - Agricultural lands are compliant with

         Provincial environmental standards

      - Built environment is integrated into

        natural ecosystem functions

3)  Economic Development:                                                       

       - Building a sustainable and diversified economy                    

       - Economic base is diversified                                                                                   

-Technology capacity to service knowledge economy               

  is developed                                                                             

-Arts and Culture fully established and supported                         

-Local trades workforce flourishes with ongoing                    

 development and growth                                                          

-Business infrastructure grows with office facilities and a       

  ‘buy local’ ethic                                                                         

-Innovation and entrepreneurship is fostered

4)    Recreation and Leisure:

       -Supporting an active and healthy

         lifestyle

      -A year round visitor economy is

         developed 

        -a world class trails network is 

         developed and maintained

       - green spaces established throughout

  community

- recreation opportunities integrated into

  new development

        -access to high quality leisure activities

         assured for all ages

5)    Housing and Affordability:                                                

       - Local affordable housing to satisfy all income and age          

  brackets                                                                                     

- Diverse housing stock                                                                

- Infrastructure and operating costs are minimized                   

- single and multi unit taxes remain equal                                              

6)    Transportation:

       - trails promote foot transportation

       - taxis and localbuses provide

         alternative to cars

       -welcoming, inviting arrival signage

         maintained        

       -greening of Municipal fleet is achieved

7)    Care and Learning:                                                               

       - providing community-based services for all ages and             

         abilities                                                                                     

- Health and social needs are met                                               

- JK-12 and ready access to post-secondary opportunities                                                                                                                                                                                              

  are assured                                                                                                                                                                                 

 -lifelong learning opportunities are accessible to all                 

        -public facilities and institutions are sufficiently                                                                                                                           

   utilized                                                                                                

  Sense of Community:

     - building an authentic small town

     - newcomers are welcome and integrated

     - local art and culture is fostered

     - public facilities and open spaces are

       developed as meeting places

    - heritage buildings and historic sites

      promote local character 

9)     Energy and Air Quality:                                                                                                                                                                

      - minimizing our energy footprint                                             

      - basic energy needs are met

      - local renewable energy opportunities are utilized                    

      - carbon neutral status attained                                                      

      - energy efficiency standards for new construction                    

         are set     

      - air quality standards are maintained       

10) Water and Solid Waste Management

     - entire water infrastructure is reliable,

       efficient and affordable

     - basic energy needs are met                                                         

     - storm water controls are compatible 

       with ecosystem capacity

     - a conservation ethic in water

       management is established

     - 3 R’s management strategy achieves

       zero waste

11)  Governance:

      - efficient administration in accord with

         democratic principles

      - effective processes for public engagement in

         major decisions

      - consistent decisions through effective planning,

  decision criteria and clear rationale

      - a wider governance model established that

  ensures fair and effective collaboration with

  neighbouring communities

      - civic facilities are designed to encourage community

  Interaction for all including the challenged and impaired..

MAYOR C. BAGNATO

We met at a business development conference in Guelph a while ago.

As we chatted I marveled at the gumption to seek the Walkerton Mayor’s office after the water tragedy.

While the original events in Walkerton were tragic, I must say that I enjoyed ‘Province Wide’ last Sunday.

What a marvelous Phoenix like success story and what amazing co-operation among your self and the other two guests.

You should all feel very proud of Walkerton- 10 Years Later.

Regards.

Peter

?

?

Peter Kastner

President,

Vestigo Corporation

Hope you are enjoying all the sunshine this spring, although for some the lack of rain is beginning to be a concern. Let’s cross our fingers and pray for our share of precipitation for the sake of the farmers who are invested in cash crops.

A direct benefit of the weak winter and early spring is the dust free streets. The Brockton Works Dept. has been fastidiously sweeping the remnants of sand as well as the debris from the tree trimming and removal just recently completed. Their effort should inspire all of us to be proud of our community and help maintain the current pristine appearance.

Eelanor MacEwen and the staff at Brucelea Haven hold an annual Memorial event for the residents who passed on the previous year. Again this year’s ceremony was extremely tasteful and touching. They should be recognized for all they do to prepare and host this commemorative event for the families who lost loved ones.

The 10 year recognition of the local water tragedy will take place in segmented fashion. On May 16^th there will be commemorative event at Well #5 at 2 p.m. On June 1^st at  Walkerton District there will be a youth day entitled Waves of Opportunity referring to a wide range of employment possibilities in the water industry. Students from the region will be invited.

For those who ordered rain barrels or for those who would like to purchase one on Saturday May 15^th, make your way to the MTO building between 9-1. The price of $35.00 is very reasonable and you can promote water conservation by taking advantage of the very low cost.

On Saturday June 5^th from 9-1 there will be an E-Waste drop off at the MTO building for those old TVs or other electronic equipment. There will be NO CHARGE. You will have an opportunity to donate to the Walkerton to Haiti Fund on site.

Our annual arts recognition was, once again, very eye catching and extremely ear pleasing. The Juried Art Show attracted its usual splendid array of local artwork. While the Rotary Music Festival displayed the amazing local music talent we have become accustomed to for so many years. Thanks to all of the participants and the generous assembly of volunteers that facilitate these very worthy, albeit time consuming events.

Photo shows Mayor Bagnato presenting cash prize to one of the winners in the category of photography. Brockton Council has donated $1,800.00 annually as an incentive. This year 77 artists particiapated. Walkerton Library basement will display the art until May 1st.

Questions? Concerns? Bagnato@brockton.ca , www.themayorsmessage.com , 519-377-0706

Remember to keep our community beautiful.

That’s all until June.

S.M.A.R.T. primarily services seniors and people with disabilities, many on fixed income at or below the poverty line. The need for medication transport and social outings to this ever growing demographic prompted the creation of this service some 30 years ago.

Brockton, West Grey, Hanover and Arran Elderslie formed the new Corporation last year. Already they have grown to include the Municipality of Kincardine and are presently in discussion with several other interested parties.
The Board is made up of Mayors of the joint Municipalities.