Civil and Municipal - Jan 2024

Like many others, the town faces an infrastructure deficit, but St. Marys is steadfast in its resolve to address this challenge. “We set aside a tremendous amount of money annually to ensure that we continue to invest in our infrastructure,” Mayor Strathdee states, underlining the importance of infrastructure in ensuring the town’s growth and sustainability. Turning to environmental initiatives, Mayor Strathdee’s enthusiasm is evident. “We have a passionate and progressive Green Committee made up of Town staff and local volunteers,” he says, illustrating the town’s commitment to ecological stewardship. Recent endeavors include planting 250 trees in the local cemetery and naturalizing various areas. This effort is part of a broader climate change strategy, ensuring that all decisions are viewed through a green lens. Collaboration with neighboring municipalities enhances these initiatives, demonstrating a regional approach to environmental challenges. “Everything we do is done with environmental consideration,” Mayor Strathdee asserts, confirming the town’s dedication to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. An exciting development in sustainability is the introduction of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. “We currently have one at our train station, with six more coming,”Mayor Strathdee reveals, aligning with the growing trend towards green transportation. These stations serve the local community and attract eco-conscious tourists, further weaving sustainability into the fabric of St. Marys. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND KEY PARTNERSHIPS The synergy between local businesses, infrastructure, and environmental consciousness in St. Marys drives economic growth. Mayor Strathdee elaborates on the vital contributions of various industries and the support networks available for new and expanding businesses. St. Marys Cement stands out as a cornerstone of the local economy. “They’ve undertaken a number of green initiatives recently,”Mayor Strathdee remarks, highlighting their efforts to reduce their carbon 62 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 01