2016 was a productive year for Morris-Turnberry, and Mayor Paul Gowing says he's happy with how their projects turned out.
He says among a few big accomplishments, the completion of two plans stands out.
"We finished up the industrial land strategy on the area around Wingham, and that's been an ongoing process and was finalized in 2016. We also saw the completion of the Morris-Turnberry economic development strategic plan, which coincides with the Huron County plan."
Mayor Gowing says a shared services project made with North Huron this year has been going very well. Gowing says continued work between the municipalities is a key for him in 2017, and they've expanded the partnership.
"We're seeing the public works department working well together, and we've now structured our building department so it's set up to serve the Morris-Turnberry, North Huron and Howick municipalities."
As budgets get sorted out for municipalities, more recent OMPF cuts by the province are offering challenges to local councils. Mayor Gowing says his municipality is no different.
"Without additional funding it comes back to the tax burden put on our local residents and businesses. It's of great concern, and it's council's job to try and keep those tax pressures to something acceptable."
Mayor Gowing says 2017 will present its challenges, with those funding cuts from the provincial government, but he remains optimistic about the outlook for the new year.
