Something just doesn't pop under your nose; you have to work for it.
LeBron James
I'm just back from three days at the Municipal Symposium in Gander. It's been the first time that I, and most others, have attended an in-person event in three years and for this particular event, it was the first time since this past September's municipal election.
I was glad to see a lot of familiar faces and impressed to see the number and diversity of new ones. At the sessions, there was a good balance of both men and women and some younger faces in the mix.
We held some good discussions, some heated, about topics such as Regionalization, Healthcare, Federal Waste Water regulations, Municipal Infrastructure, and Climate Change. The event topped off with a truly riveting presentation by Chief Misel Joe of Conne River.
These were not inconsequential conversations as each will have a significant effect on our lives - and our pocketbooks - in the near future. Clarenville, for example, will be legislated to treat its wastewater in the next decade - and that will come with a $25-30 MILLION dollar price tag - be prepared.
Like so many things at the municipal level, too many of us will remain oblivious to these significant issues until they are thrust upon us. The municipal sector works like that. It's so close to us that we often take it all for granted.
MUNICIPAL AWARENESS WEEK 2022
This week marks Municipal Awareness Week in NL - In past years, only a single day was set aside to recognize the contribution of the municipal sector - a full week of recognition is a start to raising the profile of the sector. It's my hope that this week affords us the opportunity to bring about a significant improvement in the taxpaying public's knowledge of the sector and the significant challenges that it is facing.
Stay tuned...
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