Inverness Co.’s warden says work put into a new strategic plan and a new organizational review are some highlights of the past year.
Betty Ann MacQuarrie says it’s a total organizational review to discuss how the municipality works and what improvements can be made.
She says the two projects took a lot of time.
In a year-end interview with the Hawk, MacQuarrie says they want to be able to connect with residents more.
“To get more citizen engagement, we kind of toyed with the idea of maybe we could move our council meetings around,” she says. “You know, have a council meeting in Cheticamp- we’ve done it before, but to do it to promote citizen engagement.”
MacQuarrie says they’re also finally working on an active transportation strategy.
She says they’ve heard input from residents through public consultations.
MacQuarrie says healthier people and less emissions are the goal moving forward with that.
The warden says internet and cell service are two priorities they’ve been working on in the past and will continue to work on into the future.
Betty Ann MacQuarrie says they’ve set priorities with the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network; they hope to provide internet and cell coverage throughout the county.
She says that’s at the top of their list of priorities.
MacQuarrie tells The Hawk internet is their main focus.
“We’re focusing on internet, but we’re also keeping cell service in mind,” she says. “Internet has become, through the federal government, a human right and an essential service.”
MacQuarrie says another ongoing project is figuring out what to do with the Port Hood Isle. Wharf and the government wharf.
She says they’ve decided to concentrate on the Port Hood Isle. Wharf; they’ll work with other levels of government and residents to make sure they have adequate access.
Municipal officials are still searching for a new chief administrative officer.
MacQuarrie says Joe O’Connor put in 42 years of service for the municipality; he retired Oct. 1.
She says Tanya Tibbo, Director of Finance, has also taken on interim CAO duties.
MacQuarrie says councillors are going to be doing the interviews.
“We’re all interested in speaking with the applicants and be able to make a fine choice hopefully.”
MacQuarrie says they hope four or five candidates will be selected for interviews by the firm that’s been hired.
She says it depends on whether the selected candidate has to give notice to a current employer, but they’re hoping to have someone in place by the end of January or middle of February.
MacQuarrie says they’ll be able to work on a strategic plan and the organizational review with the new CAO.