Dryden City Council Addresses Wide Range of Topics in July Meeting

Dryden, Ontario - July 24, 2023

Dryden's City Council convened on July 24th, 2023, in a session that covered many topics related to the city's development and governance.

Ted Mitchell and Catherine Kieving, co-chairs of the Working Circle, proposed that the Dryden City Council consider hosting a leadership meeting. The proposed Leadership Summit would bring together Dryden's mayor and council with neighboring First Nation communities' Chief and Council. The aim is to foster relationships and engage in Truth and Reconciliation efforts.

The Dryden Ice Dogs, a local junior hockey team, presented a compelling case for improving their locker room facilities. They stressed the necessity for additional space, competitive development, privacy, and medical treatment within their current locker room. The team requested funding support from the city and suggested applying for funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation.

Council members voiced their support for the Ice Dogs' request, highlighting the positive impact of the team on the community. They also explored funding options, including potential contributions from the Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) or Downtown Development and Tourism Authority (DTTA).

Discussions during the meeting indicated that there might be available space in the arena, including dressing rooms 7 and 8, which could potentially be repurposed to accommodate the Ice Dogs' needs.

Additionally, three important bylaws were considered and approved:

Bylaw 2020-38, authorizing the execution of a site plan development agreement with Community Living Dryden for the development at 99 Albert Street.

Bylaw 2023-39, amending the 2023 fees and charges bylaw by updating fees for commemorative benches.

Bylaw 2020-340, amending the city's zoning bylaw by rezoning properties at 107 and 109 Edgewater Drive.

A comprehensive site plan agreement for the construction of a new veterinary clinic at 319 Grand Trunk Avenue by Dryden Veterinary Services was discussed and endorsed for approval at the next meeting.

A presentation was made regarding the City of Dryden Official Plan, which had been revised to align with provincial policies and legislation. The plan's changes, community engagement process, and feedback received were discussed. The council recommended adopting the official plan.

Ongoing developments include design work for an outdoor event center, engagement activities, and the development of an Economic Development and Tourism strategy in collaboration with Deloitte.

A workforce attraction campaign is in the works, and the 2024 budget survey was highlighted, encouraging residents to share their input.

NWO Voices encourages discussion and comments from community members on these topics. Please email info@nwovoices.ca.