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Public input on Nipawin’s strategic plan invited

Jan 30, 2018 | 1:00 PM

The town of Nipawin wants residents to assist in the long-term viability of the community.

In 2017, administration and council developed a plan for the next five years entitled “A Town for the People.” The “strategic plan” covers topics for the community including being active, welcoming, prosperous, creative, green, connected, and sustainable. How to attain those goals is what council and administration is asking from the public.

On Monday a public meeting was held where attendees brought ideas forward through roundtable discussions. Economic and tourism development officer Jayne Remenda was among the town staff overseeing the meeting. Remenda said she was pleased with the forum.

“I think it went well, there was a good turnout. We got some really good feedback we can incorporate in moving forward,” she said.

Part of the attendee’s tasks for the evening were covering what were Nipawin’s positives and negatives, and what the next two decades should hold. Strong tourism features such as lakes, fishing, golfing and the outdoors were mentioned from every table as highlights in the area. Stagnant business development appeared to be a large concern. Remenda said those comments were expected and are a focus under her job portfolio.

“Almost every challenge that was brought up according to the folks that attended the solution was growth and prosperity. We need to attract business and industry,” she said.

Remenda and other senior town staff members planned to take a closer look at the ideas that were presented at the meeting. The process will continue with the public’s input through more open house meetings and consultations. The town is urging residents who couldn’t attend or are not vocal in public settings to voice their opinion online through the town website. 

“We know there are lots of other opinions out there that maybe folks don’t know that they can share formally and have their thoughts incorporated,” Remenda said.

The mission of the plan is to build an “inclusive community for all by ensuring sustainable services, effective governance, efficient practices and affirming peoples’ experiences,” according to the document released at the meeting.

 

clark.stork@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @ClarkStork