ANTIGONISH, N.S. - A second chance to provide input on what you think should be the priorities for the Town of Antigonish is coming up next week.
A second Engage Antigonish session will take place Thursday, April 12, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at St. Ninian Place.
Antigonish Mayor Laurie Boucher talked about the upcoming session, starting with a look back to the first event which took place Jan. 31.
“The first event was very well attended, we were very happy with the turnout,” Boucher said of the event which was also held at St. Ninian Place.
“There were a number of areas highlighted, in no particular order; attracting tourism events to town, attracting new businesses, the environment, outdoor recreation facilities and many more.”
Boucher said the April 12 session will be a little different.
“This time we’re trying to zero in more, on items that we can take from the list,” she said. “I think it was 14 topics at the first one; so narrow those down so we can get some actual items for our strategic plan and budget process.”
Again noting town council and staff were very pleased with the large turnout Jan. 31, Boucher added there was a particular demographic under-represented – youth.
“Youth were noticeably absent from the first event so we went to them; last Friday [March 23] we had an Engage session at the high school. It was, pretty much, an all-day session.
“We went through the exact same processes we did with the first session and came away with a lot of good ideas.”
Boucher concluded with a call-out for people to, once again, come out and engage, with thoughts and ideas on what they think should be the direction for the town.
“We had a great turnout for the first one but our job is not done yet; we need people to come back so we can have input on setting priorities,” she said.
“We discussed many different areas within the town and we want to, now, hone in on some action items and make sure people are there.
“We’re asking people to come back, and even if they didn’t attend the first event, they’re more than welcomed to attend the second. We would love to see as many people there as possible; and a special invitation out to the youth in the area as well to come out and voice their opinions.”
For more on Engage Antigonish, including facts and figures from the first session, visit the town’s website at townofantigonish.ca.
