December 15, 2010Laurentian Hills council signs onby Denise WalkerAfter a short swearing in ceremony to take their oaths of office, Laurentian Hills council was up and running last week. Chief administrative officer Wayne Kirby did the honours, swearing in the four councillors first, followed by new mayor, Richard Rabishaw. The new council then promptly elected Anne Giardini as deputy mayor. She is now the longest serving councillor and appeared to relish her new responsibilities. Giardini is joined by three newcomers to municipal politics, if not to municipal service. Bruce Boucher is now the councillor for Ward 1. Boucher was the long-time public works superintendent for the town. John Hoyle, a 20-year volunteer fire fighter for the town, is now councillor for Ward 4, and Brenda Blimkie, a lifelong resident, sits as councillor for Ward 3. Last to be sworn in was Mayor Richard Rabishaw. Rabishaw is no newcomer to municipal politics, having sat as a Laurentian Hills councillor since 2003. Mayor Rabishaw gave a short inaugural address that thanked his fellow council members for their willingness to serve the community for the next four years. “I know each of you have committed yourself to provide Laurentian Hills with your professionalism and enthusiasm,” said Rabishaw. The new mayor told council that he would like to see them address issues that would improve growth in the town and increase the tax base. To do this, Rabishaw proposes that council commission a study on water and sewer services in Chalk River. “There is a need and interest for further housing development,” he explained. “By reviewing our current requirement this will indicate what investments are required to provide the needed service.” Rabishaw went on to caution council that, “as always, all cost will be the responsibility of the users.” Rabishaw also called on the public works staff to develop a master plan for “all our roads and streets that will show a schedule of maintenance and upgrades for the next five to 10 years.” Picking up on an issue that generated considerable public interest for the last council, Rabishaw said he would propose a review of all the current access routes to the Ottawa River. Information from the review would be used to develop a plan to open up and improve public access to the Ottawa River. He pledged to continue to work with neighbouring municipalities and, “when given the opportunity, I will work with Renfrew County council representing the town of Laurentian Hills.” Lastly, Rabishaw thanked his wife, Beverley and all his family, “for all of their support now and throughout this term of office.” Who does what? Council also sorted out who will sit on what committees. Protection to persons and property will be chaired by Councillor Bruce Boucher. Deputy Mayor Anne Giardini will chair public works. Community and social services and the library goes to Councillor John Hoyle. Councillor Brenda Blimkie will handle planning, the committee of adjustment, and the new property standards committee. Together with Councillor Hoyle, she will represent Laurentian Hills on the economic development committee, a joint endeavour with the town of Deep River. Boucher and Giardini will represent the town on the North Renfrew Landfill Operations Board, which manages the Baggs Road site. Mayor Rabishaw will chair the finance and personnel committee. He will also sit on the police services board, the airport commission, and the nuclear emergency planning committee. The first committee meetings will be held on January 11, 2011, which is one week later than usual because of the holiday break. Former deputy mayor Fred Adams still has a role to play. He was appointed to the committee of adjustment along with Kathryn Tilley, Franklin Burke and Joyce Colton. Burke was also appointed as the community member to the police services board. |
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