Everything from 2016 priorities to a possible new site for a casino were discussed at Tuesday’s Committee of the Whole meeting.
Councillors looked at the items in the 2014-18 Strategic Priorities and discussed what they want to bring forward for next year.
They include looking at the possibility of a new library, a multi-purpose recreation centre, bringing a hotel to town as well as attractions, working on the business park, designs for the widening of Mosley Street from Beach Drive to 45th Street and a potential boat launch.
Items added include looking at relocating the hospital to Wasaga Beach and repairs to the town owned buildings at Beach Area One as well as leasing them out long term.
Priorities also include looking at security at town hall.
Councillors also looked back at the priorities set for 2015 and went through accomplishments including setting up a High School Task Force and buying the properties at the main beach.
Also at this meeting, the committee agreed with a request put forward by Councillor Ron Ego to direct staff to look at council wages compared to other municipalities as well as benefits.
He told council he feels there is a big wage discrepancy between what Collingwood council members get paid compared to Wasaga Beach.
Collingwood’s Mayor gets just over $35,000 compared to almost $33,700 for the mayor in Wasaga Beach.
Councillors in Wasaga Beach get $745 less than their Collingwood counterparts.
It was also brought up this meeting, that on Friday Mayor Brian Smith and some town staff met with officials from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and asked if a fifth location for a possible casino could be added and if Beach Area Two could be considered and the answer was yes.
Mayor Smith says that doesn’t mean the beach has been added, only that there could be future discussions on the idea.
Mayor Smith also told the committee that he wants to have future discussions about the possibility of holding a Christmas dinner this December where members of council would serve the community’s less fortunate.
The Mayor says he’s asking for community partners to come forward but if there is any shortfall he will cover it from his salary after taxes.
The mayor also proposes an annual or semi-annual question and answer period at the Rec Plex next year to allow both the business community and the general public to ask any questions they have of members of council.
