Quinte News chatted with the mayor of Quinte West Jim Harrison about the lead up to 2023, which is just a few hours away.
Harrison says following the fall election, council comes together to shape the next four years for the municipality.
“Council handles the money and handles the revenue that the city receives. Our responsibility is to handle it efficiently and make sure that people are able to survive and able to live, and live in their homes.”
He adds that the cost of living is going to be a concern in 2023.
“Council has very little ability to control the costs. We try to put things together so people have the ability to live. Unfortunately we can’t control the costs, particularly fuel.”
Harrison says the cost of fuel controls every facet of municipal life. He says the cost of fuel is a big driver.
“How can the province and the federal government help us reduce the cost of fuel, the cost of propane the cost of home heat, oil, all of those things. If we can work together, all of us to do that, I believe that we can have a great place to live.”
Harrison says infrastructure projects around the municipality will also be a major focus, as they are each and every year. They include roadways, water, sewer, and bridges, both rural and urban. He says some of them are to help clear the way for more homes to get built.
His final point on the year is having a harmonious council, one that collaborates and works together.
