Blog – Page 10 – Christopher Northcott

Notes from Council, May 31, 2022

Christopher Northcott on May 31, 2022

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Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

The month of May was relatively quiet for County Council; both regular meetings were only half-day. I was, however, invited to the Spring meeting of the Lake McGregor Country Estates Community Association on May 22^nd. This meet was very well attended by the membership and provided a two hour “information session” on all business items of the community, as well as Social Club matters. The meeting was well-organized and the volunteer board of directors each took turns speaking to a different item on the agenda. I was greatly impressed by the thoroughness of the presentation (over 1 hour, 50 minutes), as well as the quality of the questions asked and answers provided. While the community does have significant challenges, being only phase one of a development that was initially foreseen to have three phases, the board is diligent about infrastructure and facility maintenance, as well as working toward a longer-term agreement with the developer for these installations. Longer-term viability requires that the planned three phases of development are realized, especially when provincial and federal infrastructure grants are not available for a private community of both permanent and seasonal residents.

Notes from Council, April 30, 2022

Christopher Northcott on May 1, 2022

Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

A budget meeting kicked-off a busy month of county business on April 5^th. All of council sits on the Budget Committee and this provided a second opportunity to review the budget since we first did in November. We reviewed required modifications from the interim budget with Administration.

Furrows of Time History Book Update

Christopher Northcott on April 11, 2022

For those with family ties to the Northwest District of Vulcan County or otherwise interested in local history, the following update has been issued.

The Country Needs Civic Engagement

Christopher Northcott on April 8, 2022

The following is a fascinating interview by Viva Frei (David Freiheit) with the last living Canadian First Minister from the patriation of the constitution in 1982, including the negotiations that lead up to this moment in history. The former Premier of Newfoundland, the Hon. Brian Peckford, puts the Covid-19 pandemic into context, especially as we consider constitutionally guaranteed rights and freedoms. The interview ends with Mr. Peckford reminding us that the health of any country’s constitution relies on the ongoing engagement of its citizens.

Mr. Peckford is also a contributor at the Frontier Centre for Public Policy and his contributions can be found here: https://fcpp.org/authors/brian-peckford/

Notes from Council, March 31, 2022

Christopher Northcott on April 8, 2022

Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

March started off with our regular meeting on the 9^th where we heard a presentation from STARS air ambulance providing an overview of their 2021 operations. We were able to finalize loan arrangements for the Carmangay Curling Association and the capital improvements that they are making to their facility. Also addressed was a minor land use bylaw amendment to rezone a parcel near Travers. We discussed the new draft recreation agreement with the Town of Vulcan as well.

Notes from Council, February 28, 2022

Christopher Northcott on April 8, 2022

Dear Residents & Ratepayers,

Viable and thriving communities rely on responsive representation in local government. Resident and ratepayer interest in the affairs of a municipal corporation allow an elected council to better understand the needs of the community, as well as the challenges faced by individuals. It is individuals reaching out and contacting their elected council, sharing perspective that might not otherwise be known, that can make a difference. To this end, as the municipal councillor for Division 6, please contact me about municipal business or community matters where you believe local government has a role to play.