Half way into July, Seguin has been blessed with lovely summer weather since the beginning of the month. With that comes a very high fire rating which means that there is no open burning and all fire permits are suspended. The Seguin fire rating can always be found at seguin.ca so please make sure you abide by the fire ratings at all time.
The new Strategic Plan is currently posted at https://calendar.seguin.ca/council/Detail/2019-07-15-1630-Council-Meeting/6f2bcae1-c24b-446c-a46b-aa8700d2ba70 (page 89). It has been drafted with significant community and staff input and will guide Council over the next four years. Your comments are welcome by July 22, 2019.
Also included in the same Agenda package and link are 2 key documents:
- the Draft Communications and Community Engagement Study (page 110) which is the first ever survey of how you would like to hear from the Township. Almost 400 surveys were returned in hard copy and on line. Generally, we heard that most ratepayers would like to hear from the Township more often and with more detail. As we move into the 2020 budget cycle, we will be doing our best to leverage technology, listen to your needs and open more opportunities for two-way dialogue between our citizens and the Township.
- the Mid Season Report from our two students on the Septic Re-Inspection Program. I think that you will find their report informative. They have visited 615 properties this summer with 364 still to go. Page 165 of the Agenda Package provides a detailed outline of what they have found. The majority of our home owners are maintaining good septic facilities. Those that are not are asked to correct the problem and in some cases are reported to the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority for further remedial action.
Seguin Council approved a recommendation to become part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail - a continuous route along the Canadian shoreline of the Great Lakes; the earth's largest group of fresh water lakes. The area in Seguin is one of the very last missing links in the Great Lakes Trail. You can access the Seguin portion of the map on page 141 of the Agenda Package.
Your Council is considering a ban on fireworks during high fire danger periods. We have also asked our staff to recommend how we can help work with the Public Health Unit to improve communications related to algae blooms.
The Seguin Library Program in chock full of activities for all ages ranging from library yoga to bird house building. Check out the full schedule at www.seguinpubliclibraries.ca and www.libraryaware.com. All of the branches have a photo booth for fun photos as well as ongoing crafts and games. If your children are planning on entering in the Rosseau or Foley Fall Fairs, every library branch has a station to support their creativity.
As you enjoy the summer weather (that we waited for during our very damp spring), please be aware of the fire dangers, respect your neighbours and nature by reducing your boating speeds close to shore and reducing the size of your wakes. Full boating information can be found at www.safequiet.ca.
Have a happy, safe summer!