Kincardine Mayor Larry Kraemer is looking back at what highlights and challenges 2009 brought the municipality — and which ones to expect for 2010.
Kraemer says the biggest challenge is budgeting due to changes in the economy and less money from the provincial and federal governments because they are running large deficits.
The Mayor notes the 2010 budget will be more conservative than what Kincardine has seen in the past.
He says highlights of 2010 will be the construction of the new gymnasium at the Davidson Centre and the transfer of the Bruce Energy Centre water and sewer system to municipal control.
Kraemer believes the community will get behind redevelopment plans for Kincardine hospital.
He plans to raise awareness of the plan and find the best ways for the municipality to support hospital redevelopment.
Kraemer says it’s too soon to reveal full details, but notes an announcement on bringing more post-secondary education opportunities to Kincardine is expected soon.
As for his role on Bruce County Council, Kraemer plans to push for a reserve fund to build another long-term care facility.
He says “baby boomers” are now reaching retirement and in another ten years, the need will be there for a third county-run facility.
Kraemer would like to see the new long-term care facility be located in Kincardine because there is not as much county investment there as in other municipalities.
He notes a facility in Kincardine would also serve Huron-Kinloss as well.