North Huron and Morris-Turnberry Councils met last night to discuss programs and services of mutual importance, strengthen their working relationship, and identify opportunities to partner on economic development initiatives.
Both Councils agreed to give consideration to establishing a joint Economic Development Committee to market the entire area and work together to aggressively pursue development and investment leads. This committee would be comprised of elected officials and residents from both municipalities. Both Councils want to enhance their website presence, develop an inventory of available commercial, industrial and residential land, develop strategies to retain and encourage expansion of existing businesses, and explore the possibilities of creating additional land available for development. There was a consensus on the importance of both municipalities working together to capitalize on the residential and commercial development potential of the Willis property and further development along Highway 86.
North Huron and Morris-Turnberry already work closely together on many programs and services with agreements in place for fire, water and sewer services, and building services. Both municipalities also work cooperatively in the areas of road construction, the airport, recreation, daycare, cemeteries, and land use planning.
“There is a genuine desire on the part of both Councils to work together to address issues, improve services, find common ground, solidify our working relationship, and grow the area for everyone’s benefit, “ said North Huron Reeve Neil Vincent. “Both municipalities benefit from any economic development, so we need to work together with Morris Turnberry to showcase the entire area and our assets.
“For far too long, municipal boundaries have worked to our detriment in regards to economic development. It is time to get agreements on paper between our two municipalities to move forward,†said Morris Turnberry Mayor Paul Gowing.
There was also a discussion about water and sewer servicing, the current agreement between the two municipalities, and different options to fund future capital upgrades to the systems. Currently, North Huron provides services to several residential, commercial, and industrial properties in Morris Turnberry and these property owners pay a premium on their rates to help with the significant operational expenses incurred by North Huron in owning a water and sewer system.
Both Councils agreed to meet again to discuss other programs and services, partnering opportunities, and economic development projects.
