Year in Review by Mayor Andrew Sloan 2024 was a landmark year for the Municipality of Central Elgin: a year of honouring our history, of making history, and of reimagining the present for a new life into the future. The 200th anniversary of the Village of Port Stanley was a strong theme from the beginning. The various community events and initiatives, including the 200 Trees for 200 Years project, have been a fitting tribute to this impressive birthday and reflect the pride and love that Port Stanley residents share for our beautiful Village. In April we observed the celestial wonder of the total solar eclipse, which brought thousands of visitors to our community along with unprecedented logistical considerations for that once-in-a-lifetime event. I am very proud of the hard work and collaboration between municipal staff, first responders, local businesses, and neighbouring municipalities that made it a day we will all fondly remember. Central Elgin made history again in April with the settlement of the compensation negotiations with the City of St. Thomas in relation to the municipal boundary adjustment brought about by Bill 63, St. Thomas - Central Elgin Boundary Adjustment Act, 2023. The deal helped to secure the municipality’s future by unlocking growth and development opportunities and providing an up-front payment of $15 million that will support fiscal sustainability for ratepayers today and tomorrow. Part of that agreement is that the Province of Ontario will be working with the municipality on the future sale of the former St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital property as part of the Site Preparation Pilot Program. The site will be repurposed for
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
May the Christmas Season Bring you Peace and Joy.
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The Hughson Family & Staff at Williams Funeral Home
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Locally Owned and Operated
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Page 6 Port Stanley Villager • December 2024
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