2024 certainly provided a few challenges for Perth South, but none bigger than a tragic loss last month.
Mayor Sue Orr says she would never have thought she'd have to step in as mayor during this council term, but she stepped up following the untimely passing of Mayor Jim Aitcheson. Orr says everyone loved and respected Aitcheson in the community, because he ultimately cared so much about it and everyone in it.
"He amplified what we wanna see in our council, in our mayor. He spoke his truth. Sometimes maybe you didn't agree with him, but honestly, he had everybody's best interest at heart," Orr stated.
Orr says council is moving forward, and they'll declare her council seat vacant and begin the process of finding a new councillor for February at the December 17 meeting. She adds that the library negotiations this year were another challenge that ultimately was recently resolved.
"It was kind of painful there for quite a few months for our residents, but now we have completed a 5-year deal and everybody understands the terms of the agreement, and I would say that moving forward that that process was a learning curve for us all," said Orr.
Looking ahead to 2025, Orr says roadwork and drain projects will of course be on the list of tasks, but she also highlighted an ongoing local project that should bring more homes to the area.
"The subdivision in Sebringville may prove to be an interesting project going forward. We're still waiting for an environmental assessment for working on that project," noted Orr.
Ultimately, Orr says she's looking forward to council coming together and serving Perth South the way Jim Aitcheson would have, and she's glad so many people reached out and gave Aitcheson the recognition he deserved following his passing.
