Civil and Municipal - Jan 2024

underscores the town’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, highlighting initiatives around equality and the LGBTQ movement. INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY As St. Marys continues to evolve, maintaining and upgrading its infrastructure, alongside embracing sustainability, are central to its growth. Mayor Strathdee provides insights into the town’s commitment to these crucial areas, reflecting a balance between preserving the past and preparing for the future. “Upgrading and maintaining our infrastructure is a major priority for this council,” Mayor Strathdee explains.With an annual capital budget ranging from $10 to $12 million, St. Marys is actively investing in its future. Current projects include significant upgrades to the sewage treatment plant, originally installed in the early 1970s, marking a pivotal step in modernizing the town’s essential services.“There are always roads that need repaving, and we do annual maintenance on our bridges,” he adds, highlighting the ongoing efforts to maintain and improve existing structures. location. “We’re only a couple of hours from Toronto and three hours from Detroit,” he points out, illustrating how the town is ideally situated to leverage the economic opportunities of these major centers. During the pandemic, this proximity led to an influx of residents who sought the tranquility of St. Marys while maintaining their professional ties to larger urban areas. The community spirit and personality of St. Marys are central to its charm. Strathdee describes it as “very diverse and welcoming.” The town’s calendar brims with events celebrating its history, like the Stonetown Heritage Festival. This family-friendly street party celebrates the stories and cultures that have shaped St Marys’past and present.The town also makes a point to recognize its veterans with multiple events each year, underlining the community’s deep connection to its historical identity. Moreover, St. Marys benefits from the cultural overflowof the nearby Stratford Shakespeare Festival, attracting tourists and fostering a vibrant scene for local businesses and events. This connection enriches the town’s cultural landscape, contributing to a diverse and dynamic community fabric. Strathdee 61 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 01 ST. MARYS ON