REGIONAL COLLABORATION AND GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND Prescott’s growth strategy relies heavily on strategic partnerships and exceptional municipal service, distinguishing it from competitors in Eastern Ontario. The town’s collaborative approach with neighboring municipalities has unlocked significant infrastructure funding and regional services. “We’ve been developing partnerships with our neighbors and that is born out of the initiative of the River Route, which has been a fantastic rural transit service running between Brockville and Cardinal,” Armstrong explains. The town’s biggest partnership success came through the Housing Enabled Water Fund, securing $32 million for wastewater plant expansion.“Our belief and our understanding is that the province wants to see us working together, and that’s what we strive to do,” he says. Mayor Shankar reflects on the shift in regional dynamics. “The two other municipalities that are closest to us haven’t always collaborated like we have lately. They used to be like three kings in their three little kingdoms,” he says. “I think the three of us that are now the mayors of those communities realize that we get more done together than apart. The provincial government loves that, and I think that’s why we’ve been so successful in getting water tower funding, getting the Hughes grant, getting our arena built.” What sets Prescott apart is its approach to development support. “What we hear time and again is that Prescott is great to deal with because we take a team approach,” Armstrong emphasizes. “When the developer or development is coming in, we bring on our economic development officer, myself, our building official, our planner, our director of operations, and we start right from the beginning and work all the way through the process with them.” PROGRESSIVE LEADERSHIP AND WATERFRONT ACTIVATION Prescott’s transformation reflects a fundamental shift in municipal leadership philosophy, embodied by Mayor Shankar’s approach to governance. “I do believe in lifelong learning, and I do believe that every day if you can learn one thing, you’re better off for it,” he says, explaining his deliberate path from councilor to mayor.“By doing that for four years, you get a good sense of what’s right and what’s wrong and how to proceed and how to get things done.” This progressive mindset permeates council decisions, enabling ambitious waterfront activation plans. Valentyne envisions a vibrant recreational hub emerging over the next decade. “I would love to see waterfront activations, everything from boat 8 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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