Council of the Township of North Huron wants to hear from residents during its annual Town Hall Public Meeting.
Reeve Paul Heffer explained the Town Hall Public meeting is an additional opportunity for constituents people to provide comments and input to council.
"Well, I believe this is an opportunity for the public just to engage with elected officials and just to discover and talk about topics that are important to them," Heffer said. "They can ask questions, but in a public forum setting so it's brought to each one's attention."
Heffer stressed Town Hall Meetings will maintain a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere at all times regardless of any individual' s perspective.
"It's just a chance for the public to come out and hear or listen to what other people have on their mind," he revealed. "It's just a nice open night that they will come forward and just enjoy the evening and learn what other people are thinking, too."
Heffer added infrastructure is a big issue for the municipality this year.
"The focus right now is definitely on infrastructure. That was the thoughts of all the councillors that were seeking term this last term," Heffer continued. "The biggest thing right now is our water. Our water rates have to be looked at. They have been set, but we are in dire need of a water tower. That's big on the agenda right now. Some of the grants that are coming forward, we'll be applying for them. And I think in a week's time, they open up, and we just want to be ready for that."
Heffer shared that anyone who wants to address council during that meeting can line up at the microphone.
"Ask the question, and then the councillor has three minutes to respond," he outlined. "At that end of that time, you go to the back of the line if you have another question. It's just to be fair for everybody."
Speaking order will be determined based on the order of the line up at the podium.
Heffer pointed out his is the second year they have held a town hall meeting, but the meetings are are not a statutory requirement of council.
"We did this down in East Wawanosh at the Belgrave Community Center last year and Well, this year, we just move it to another ward. So we're going to the Blyth ward this year," Heffer continued. "You don't have to do this, but they feel that this is a chance for the public just to speak what's on their mind and in a positive way."
It takes place on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd floor of the Blyth & District Community Centre (377 Gypsy Lane, Blyth). The Town Hall Public Meeting will be moderated by an independent facilitator