HomeMy Public PortalAbout2013-10-28_Strategic_Plan PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 28, 2013
MUNICIPALITY OF CHESTER “UP’S” ITS GAME
MUNICIPALITY OF CHESTER – Council for the Municipality of Chester has adopted an
official to do list. It’s called “Strategic Plan 2013-2016”.
Up until now, Council has mainly set priorities through the annual budget. For example,
approving money to build sidewalks gives priority to active living and safety. At the end
of February however, Council decided to formalize their long-term goals and priorities
by adopting a “Strategic Plan”, which is sort of like a guide that points the Municipality
in the right direction, and then shows how to get there.
The Strategic Plan reinforces the Municipality’s long -standing goals. What it also
provides is focus as to where the organization wants to be in terms of providing public
services and steering growth on a municipal level (local economics, community
development, recreational opportunities, etc.).
“Council’s resolve to promote growth in all areas is evident through this comprehensive
implementation schedule,” says Allen Webber, Warden for the Municipality.
In a nutshell, the Municipality’s vision is for the district to be a self-sufficient, resilient,
and unique area that provides economic opportunities and a balanced lifestyle for
residents. How they get there is based on six goals:
Fiscal responsibility ensures visibility and direct communication with residents as well
as responsible purchasing and budgeting.
Public satisfaction with municipal services will be heightened through quality
management certification (ISO 9001:2008), aligning services with Council’s priorities,
and increasing opportunities for public feedback.
Sufficient infrastructure to serve residents and businesses is critical so Council and staff
will review planning policies, devise asset management and maintenance strategies, and
keep municipal infrastructure, such as sidewalks and boat launches, in a safe and
useable condition.
Support for environmental, cultural and social resources incorporates sustainability
practices and programs that will strengthen communities in the Municipality. Directions
under this goal are taken from the Municipality’s Integrated Community Sustainability
Plan (ICSP).
Leadership in public engagement and communications is where providing information
comes in. The Municipality is working towards more communications – both giving and
receiving – so the public is more aware than ever about what is happening at the local
government level.
Foster economic prosperity is the last on the list of goals, but is actually a high priority
for Council. They have hired a Senior Economic Development Officer to promote growth
in the Municipality of Chester, including business, investment, and tourism.
“Council and staff have always strived to be progressive ,” says Warden Webber. “Now,
we can benchmark our goals, measure our progress, and report developments together
as we all move and work towards the same end results.”
The Plan gives Council and staff direction on how to work within the goals every day to
help reach their vision. You can see the Plan and implementation schedule on the
Municipality’s website at www.chester.ca or call their office at (902) 275-3554 for a
copy.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jennifer Veinotte, Communications Officer
Municipality of the District of Chester
(902) 275-3555 ext. 1202 phone (902) 275-4771 fax
(902) 277-1169 cell jveinotte@chester.ca