The Blue Mountains council is interested in finding a way to engage with the public in more informal settings.
At its meeting on Nov. 20, council unanimously passed a resolution brought forward by Coun. Alex Maxwell to look at options for more public engagement in less formal settings.
The resolution seeks the reinstatement of regular meetings between residents and council members at various locations around the municipality, similar to the “meet the mayor” meetings that were held regularly before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maxwell asked for a staff review of potential options for different forms of interaction with the public and the resolution stated that in the future Grey County and officials from local conservation authorities could be invited to participate.
Maxwell’s resolution also asked that the town consider working with service clubs, non-profits and private enterprises to host/sponsor the engagement sessions.
The lengthy resolution from Maxwell can be found on the agenda here.
It stated: “such measures aim to ensure that all citizens are provided with equitable opportunities to engage with their municipal government, thereby enhancing the democratic process and nurturing a more inclusive community within the Town of The Blue Mountains.”
Maxwell said the efforts of the previous council (prior to the pandemic) to engage the public in a different forum were “very impressive” and he hoped to recapture that approach.
“Other municipalities are doing it,” said Maxwell.
Maxwell found plenty of support for his resolution from his colleagues.
“This is the way people like to do business,” said Coun. Paula Hope. “Meet the mayor was doing very well before COVID hit.”
Deputy Mayor Peter Bordignon said there could be opportunities to collaborate with service clubs or to use the public engagement sessions as potential community fundraisers and he supported getting a full report on the possibilities.
“What would it look like? What can we do?” said Bordignon.
