Council Rundown
September 12, 2023
The Regular Meeting of Council of September 12th consisted of declarations for special recognition of various days in September.
At the start of the meeting the Mayor provided remarks relating to Domtar. The remarks were as follows:
“Before we begin this evening, I would like to say a few words relating to the news we received last week that Domtar will be indefinitely idling its Pulp and Paper Operation at the Espanola Mill over the next two months. This news has come as a surprise to the community, and this will be a very challenging period for many. On behalf of Council and the Corporation of the Town of Espanola, we extend our deepest condolences to all who will be impacted. The Town is committed to doing what it can to help the workers and their families during this difficult time. We are working on bringing together the leaders and decision makers of the organizations that can best support you all at this time to ensure efforts are well coordinated. At the same time, the Town has been contacted by many employers, and we are working on bringing those employers to Town for a job fair as soon as possible. Similar efforts are currently being made by the Company. This news is fresh for many of us, and there is limited information. As we all learn more, the Town will be implementing a strategy with all organizations and levels of government. Our primary goals are to ensure supports are there for the workers and to ensure a strong future for Espanola. No single person can understand how this situation is going to impact each person and their family. This is a time when we must come together as a community and be there for our neighbours. The Town of Espanola is a strong Town. We have a great base of commercial and service businesses and organizations that serve our surrounding region. We also have a mill that is very well situated with rail access and hydro electric power. Let’s not forget it has proven to be a viable operation in the past. We will get through this and the Town will continue to prosper. We will be looking to the bright minds in our community for their help in charting Espanola’s path forward in the coming months, and we ask those who want to help to let us know and to keep an eye out for these opportunities. Thank you.” – Mayor Douglas Gervais
Resolution regarding National Truth and Reconciliation
Council passed a resolution recognizing September 20th, 2023 as National Truth and Reconciliation Day. An orange flag gifted to the Town by Whitefish River First Nation will be raised at Town Hall on September 30th and orange flags will be flown at all municipal facilities on September 30th in respect of this day.
Resolution regarding Franco-Ontarian Day
Council passed a resolution recognizing September 25th, 2023 as Franco-Ontarian Day. The Franco-Ontarian Flag will be raised on September 25th, 2023 at Town Hall in honour of this day.
Resolution regarding Proclamation of Legion Week
Council passed a resolution declaring Legion Week in Espanola from September 17th to September 23rd. Community members are encouraged to participate in activities planned by the Legion that week.
Mayor and Councillor Announcements
Deputy Mayor Kelly reported on the AMO conference. A copy of her report can be viewed by requesting a copy from the Clerk. Kelly also mentioned her enthusiasm for the flag raising for Childhood Cancer Awareness month and for the Pride events that took place. Kelly thanked all volunteers involved. Deputy Kelly finally extended thanks to Olivadel Developments for recently taking some Council members on a tour of their development on Yusko Crescent and potential future development sites.
Councillor Nadeau expressed his gratitude to the volunteers who organized the Pride events that took place throughout the weekend despite not being able to attend. Councillor Nadeau expressed support for Mayor Gervais’ remarks regarding Domtar and hopes to have more information in the near future.
Councillor Massicotte thanked the Firefighters for the wonderful fireworks display on Labour Day weekend. He also promoted their Poker Run event which is taking place on September 16th, 2023. He also acknowledged the fireworks in Massey over the weekend and commended them as well.
Councillor Kallioinen commended the Mayor for his remarks at the start of the meeting regarding Domtar. Kallioinen expressed understanding of the worry and uncertainty that exists out there and provided re-assurance that as a Councillor he will be there to help in any way he can. Kallioinen further reported on his attendance at AMO and a report can be requested from the Clerk. Kallioinen also expressed his enthusiasm for the Pride events over the weekend, an event that he also volunteered time to help organize as he stated. Kallioinen expressed it was a wonderful event and very well attended. Kallioinen echoed Councillor Massicotte’s comments regarding the upcoming Poker Run and expressed kudos to the Firefighters for their work in organizing. Kallioinen finally echoed Deputy Mayor Kelly’s statements regarding the recent tours put on by Olivadel Developments for Members of Council.
Mayor Gervais echoed the comments of Councillor Kallioinen and Deputy Mayor Kelly regarding the Olivadel Development tours. He provided his report on AMO and a copy can be requested from the Clerk. Mayor Gervais also mentioned the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Heart of Golf Radio-thon on September 22nd from 6am – 2pm. Donations can be made at Canadahelps.org, by calling: 705-869-6999, or going to the Moose FM studio located at 90 Gray St, Unit 2 in Espanola. Every donation made in studio on Radiothon day will be entered to win a beautiful BBQ donated by Jake’s Home Centre – plus – complimentary coffee and donuts!
The Council Rundown provides a summary of each Council Meeting. The official record of each meeting is the Meeting Minutes and can be found in the Council Meetings section of the website. Video recordings of meetings are similarly available in the same section. Any questions regarding Council Meetings can be directed to Joseph Burke, Town Clerk at [email protected] or by calling 705-869-1540.