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City recognized at municipalities conference in Ottawa

For Coun. Ed Pearce, the conference could be his final one as he is not seeking re-election in the upcoming municipal election in the fall
2022-08-18ELRepsMunicipalitiesConferenceSupplied
From left: Coun. Tom Turner, Coun. Ed Pearce, SFRN Coun. Jack Trudeau, Deputy Minister (MNA) Shawn Batisse, Mayor Dan Marchisella, Coun. Norman Mann, Coun. Sandy Finamore, CAO Daniel Gagnon, Minister of Northern Affairs Greg Rickford.

Elliot Lake Councilor Ed Pearce was part of six-member civic delegation who attended the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference in Ottawa this week.

Along with Mayor Dan Marchisella, he was joined fellow councillors Sandy Finamore, Norman Mann and Tom Turner plus city CAO Daniel Gagnon, for the gathering at the Westin Hotel and the Shaw Centre in the nation's capitol.

The event attracted over 1,000 people from all parts of the province.

Coun. Pearce said the overall conference mood was happy, noting that after two years (due to COVID-19), delegates were finally able to gather again in person. This could be his last such AMO meeting since he is not seeking re-election this year

"It was obvious that many of us share the same problems (the health system, long term care facilities, aging infrastructure and economic development) and many are looking at the same solutions," Pearce said.

One of the highlights for the Elliot Lake contingent was the AMO's recognition on Monday of the city's asphalt re-use program and presentation of a video describing it featuring Public Works director Daryl Halloch.

"It was great to have Elliot Lake and Daryl Halloch in particular singled out for his innovative approach to recycling used asphalt," Pearce said, calling it "quite a coup for our city. He is to be congratulated."

"We also received very strong support from government ministers for our joint venture with our two First Nation partners for Mississagi Park," Pearce continued.

"Ministers (Greg) Rickford and David Piccini in particular were very impressed with our plans for the park thanks in no small part to the support of Chief Chiblow of Mississauga First Nation and Coun. Jack Trudeau representing Serpent River First Nation, who attended our meeting with Minister Piccini," Pearce said.

Pearce also said he was very impressed with both ministers who asked direct questions and understood  what the three groups are trying to accomplish. 

On a personal note, even though the conference schedule was hectic, Pearce said there was ample time for the Elliot Lake delegation to accomplish what they set out to.

"I think the government ministers are listening to our concerns, but we'll have to wait and see if they help in any way," Pearce concluded.



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