Councillor Andrews said that a busy summer of infrastructure activities should all be completed this Fall. He reflected on the positive impact that the improvements will have for the community.
He reported that Council received the final renovation cost for the Alder Pool and that cost recovery measures will be investigated. Council is reconsidering resuming the internal collection of parking ticket fines to streamline the process from the Provincial Offences Authority.
Councillor Andrews said that each department is preparing for the Town's 2025 budget. He said that Council will review the management of fleet vehicles in the new budget.
D. Morris, Dufferin Board of Trade said that it has completed its work with the County of Dufferin on the stakeholder engagement for its Economic Development Strategy. The DBOT helped to host workshops that offered the public an opportunity to provide insights and contributions to the County's Strategy.
She said that more than thirty-three businesses have received free training and promotion through participation in the Level Up project that recognizes socially conscious businesses in Dufferin.
The annual DBOT golf tournament held on August 22 had good weather and 85 golfers.
D. Morris said that the Dream Career Event will be held on October 9 at the Orangeville Agricultural Centre. This event combines two successful initiatives offered by the DBOT for Skilled Trades and Career Pathways. The event exposes local grade 8 and high school students to potential career opportunities.
J. Patterson, representing the BIA said that the successful summer events and the Farmers' Market continue to draw visitors to downtown Orangeville. He said that the current film shoot and the construction along Broadway has been disruptive to businesses.
J. Patterson noted that there have been staffing changes in the BIA office and member changes on the BIA Board.
A report provided by L. Horne, Orangeville Real Estate Board, was read by B. Lusk. Currently there are 109 residential properties listed ranging in price between $700,000 and $2,299,900. In the past 60 days, there were nine residential properties sold. Twenty condominiums are listed ranging in price between $369K and $700K. In the past 60 days, three condominiums were sold in a $500K to 600K price range. The report said that 14 commercial properties are listed for sale, but that there were no commercial properties sold in the past 60 days.
J. Small said that arts and culture organizations are struggling due to decreased funding opportunities offered by the government. She said that these organizations are challenged to diversify revenue sources to continue their existence. She identified the long-term impact on the economy and tourism if consistent and ample funding cannot be sourced. She said that individual donors are rechanneling their support away from the arts in favour of homelessness, food scarcity and other social needs.
S. Waqar commented that new Canadians are challenged to find housing because they do not have credit or reference history to secure a rental property. She said that navigating the job market is another barrier for many coming to Canada who have the hands-on skills but lack training to present themselves to potential employers.