In a new initiative this year, City staff hosted a public input meeting for the 2025 budget.
The October 18 news release informed, "The input of the City’s residents is very important and the data collected will help shape the priorities for the 2025 Budget."
Seven applications to present requests were received by the October 22 deadline.
Four previous stories are listed below. This article concludes the story series.
Road surfacing requested for Stanrock Road and Dunlop Shores Road
Elliot Lake Waterfront Owners Association (ELOWA), representatives Heather McCambridge and Carol Grazel, appealed to staff and council to finish “the rural waterfront project by top-surfacing the major access roads.”
“Specifically Stanrock Road. And the first five, and final six kilometres of Dunlop Shores Road.”
Noting their previous presentations to the Ad Hoc Budget committee last year, the ELWOA representatives reminded staff and council that “The 2024 budget was approved May of 2024 for funds set at $714,000 for 2025 and $771,000 for 2027.”
ELOWA also requested “an installation of year-round outhouse toilet facilities at Dunlop Shores Road and Stanrock Road municipal launches.
And they asked for solutions for short-term mooring at the Dunlop Shores municipal boat launch, for water-only access residents “to provide mainland access to commerce and/or personal needs.”
Memorial to honour and showcase ambassadors and leaders
The Elliot Lake Historical Society presented a project proposal for “a smaller version of the Miner’s Memorial Park, located down near the waterfront at Westview Park.”
ELHS representative, Dave Brunet, noted that, “[Elliot Lake] always seems to find a way to survive and flourish. Many people have been ambassadors and leaders of our city.”
He said, “We feel it is time to honour and showcase the true ambassadors, current and past, of our city. The first inductees would be Claire Dimock, George Farkouh, and Roger Taylor.”
“The footprint of this area is quite small, approximately 16 by 30 feet, and close to the current pavilion area at Westview Park.”
Brunet also proposed that Westview Park be renamed to, Westview Civic Park.
He told the staff, councillors, and public that “we have secured 50 per cent of the funding already for this project.” The society is requesting the remaining 50 per cent of the estimated $20,000 cost.
Brunet presented the concept to the historical society, October 2023, in a story here.
Unused tennis court at Nordic Park requested as space for community garden
The Growing Together Community Garden asked for staff and council, to consider their request to use the space at the unused tennis courts at Nordic Park for a community garden.
Shannon Bernard, a member of the non-profit organization’s board, explained, “Our initiative is to assist in offsetting costs for meal programs for the underserved and underrepresented citizens of Elliot Lake.”
She told the meeting attendees, “Our biggest hurdles have been finding a suitable location and our local wildlife – those furry little bandits have been well-fed this year.”
The tennis courts are fenced.
Bernard related information about food insecurity and described the benefits of community gardening for seniors who live in apartment buildings.
She concluded, “After the first year … we would love the opportunity to discuss a long-term lease.”
“We look forward to a positive working relationship with the city to enhance our beautiful community.”
Budget 2025 planning to begin very soon
Earlier this week, Ad Hoc Budget committee chair, Councillor Norman Mann, told council and the public that council's 2025 budget planning meetings are expected to begin shortly.
Previous Budget 2025 stories
Have your say about the 2025 budget
‘Please, we need this centre’ – Active Living Centre president
Budget 2025 - funding requested for trail signage, training
Budget 2025 – ongoing support requested for local men’s shelter
Budget 2025 - 'literally helping the working poor' - E.L. food bank