Strategic planning for 2011-14

From the Municipal Information Network*:

Chatham-Kent Council Sets Directions for 2011-2014 Term
December 14, 2010 - Following a day and a half of strategic planning, Chatham‐Kent Council has set its overall course for the next four years. The Strategic Planning Session 2011 ‐ 2014 was held at Tilbury Arena on Thursday and Friday. The process takes a high level view of Councillors shared vision for the community and the potential obstacles. It provides a set of directions that guides Council decisions and the activities of the municipal administration.

Councillors have described a future Chatham-Kent that

• is a magnet for sustainable growth
  
• is composed of prosperous and thriving communities
  
• provides a variety of post secondary education
  
• has a high quality of environment and innovative environmental approaches
  
• is a destination for newcomers and tourists
  
• and is a community where citizens lead healthy active healthy lifestyles using trails, parks and other facilities

In discussion, Councillors put an emphasis on Council leadership and the forming of partnerships with other levels of government to achieve this vision. They put a priority on promoting the vision both within Chatham-Kent and to the world. They say Chatham-Kent citizens and community leaders must be engaged in making this vision a reality, and priorities should be aligned accordingly.

Addressing Council, Mayor Randy Hope said, “This framework will provide guidance as we consider the issues, prioritize our needs, and plan our actions on behalf of the community, acting together to achieve the most effective outcomes. These directions will allow us to build on our strengths. ”

The Chatham-Kent Council Strategic Planning Session 2011-2014 was organized by the Community Strategic Planning Committee, an advisory committee of citizens who have advised Council over the past five years in the areas of health, economy, environment, culture, civic engagement and learning.
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Not to knock their efforts - we need to do this sort of planning here in Collingwood with the current council - but that description of the future CK is a bit vague, even bland. I'd say it applies to pretty much every Ontario community. What identifies this vision as CK-specific?

Strategic vision and plans need - at least in my mind - a sharper focus so you can identify specific areas of action. I don't see anything in that list that includes affordable housing, a range of jobs and employment opportunities, culture... but perhaps it's not meant to be that particular. Still, it's a good exercise to undertake and I look forward to seeing a similar one scheduled for this council.

* The MIN is subscribed to by the town and is available to all members of council and staff.