Civil and Municipal - Jan 2024

and inviting community. O’Reilly echoes this sentiment, describing St. Marys as “strong as stone.” This resilience, particularly evident in the post-Covid era, is a testament to the community’s supportive nature. The ‘Strong as Stone Award,’ which recognizes kindness and generosity, exemplifies the town’s spirit of camaraderie and mutual support. O’Reilly regards St. Marys as “a progressive, innovative, and small but mighty town,” highlighting its ability to make significant strides despite its size. Mayor Strathdee underscores the town’s caring nature. “St Marys always comes up with solutions to move the community forward, even in adversity,” he says, reflecting on innovative approaches like drive-by Santa Claus parades and fireworks displays been very supportive of our community,” he adds, acknowledging a local company with a broader regional impact. Finally, H2 Ontario is responsible for upgrades to the wastewater plant, which is critical to the town’s infrastructure. VISION FOR THE FUTURE The concluding thoughts of Mayor Strathdee and Brett O’Reilly, the Town’s Corporate Communication Manager, paint a vivid picture of St. Marys’ present and future, highlighting the community’s strength, resilience, and potential for growth. Mayor Strathdee passionately asserts, “St Marys is the prettiest town in the country,” emphasizing the town’s beauty and the warmth of its people. The blend of appreciation for heritage and a progressive mindset defines St.Marys, setting it apart as a unique 65 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 01 ST. MARYS ON