The Chatham-Kent Community Development department is pleased after the inaugural meeting of the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) was held on January 8, 2019 at the Civic Centre.
The meeting began with introductions by John Norton, General Manager for Community Development, and featured an election of Wallaceburg Counc. Aaron Hall as the CDAC Chair.
“I am thrilled to be the Chair of the Community Development Advisory Committee,” Hall said in a press release.
“I believe we have an excellent group with Councillors Melissa Harrigan and Michael Bondy and our community appointees, Gordon Thomas, Dan Chauvin, Don Fuoco, Moréna McDonald and youth member, Morgan Davis. We have an excellent opportunity to provide some valuable input and to help keep the Municipality moving forward in a positive direction.”
Hall added: “Chatham-Kent is one of the best places in the world to live, work, and play, and CDAC will have a key role in making it even better.”
Municipal officials say the purpose of CDAC is to assist Council and staff with strategic direction related to the areas of responsibility within the Community Development Department.
The committee members, which comprise of both community members and members of Council, will seek to provide valuable insights and unique perspectives on activities related to Economic Development, Planning, Building, Legal, and Fire and Emergency Services.
As an example of the committee’s activity, they heard a presentation on the Red Tape Challenge, a proactive project focused on finding new efficiencies and eliminating perceived and actual barriers that may exist within Community Development.
Following the presentation, the committee offered feedback and suggestions on the overall plan and next steps including community engagement.
In addition to presentations and report updates, CDAC will have the opportunity to hear updates and ask questions of all Community Development departments.
“The Advisory Committee is very important to me as it gives us the opportunity to have a fresh set of eyes on projects and help keep us grounded in our goals to be a community partner,” Norton said in a media release.
“Plus, the membership of the committee is comprised of a wide range of skillsets that I am going to rely on to inform our strategic directions and goals.”
Community Development Advisory Committee meetings are open to public with future meeting dates and times set to be posted on the municipal website, here.
Please visit the website for more information including a list of members and terms of reference.
