YEAR IN REVIEW - 2023

**Paris’ Zac Dalpe (below) heads to the Stanley Cup finals after the Florida Panthers swept the Carolina Hurricanes in four games, capping it all off with a 4-3 win to claim the Prince of Wales trophy. Florida eliminated both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins on route to the Cup. Dalpe’s first NHL playoff goal came in an elimination game against the Bruins, his goal tied the game and turned the tide for Florida, essentially the start of a winning streak that’s still red hot today. Dalpe sent a shout out to his hometown, Paris, Ontario, following the game. Everyone is rooting for the Paris Native to bring the Stanley Cup back to town.

the province for review and approval. The county’s strategic priority is sustainable and managed growth that protects and enhances our identity, while adhering to provincial conformity – a tricky balance. This new plan replaces the previous one, which was adopted in 2012, and no longer met the needs of this growing municipality Feedback from residents suggests our communities need to create a growth management strategy; improve housing affordability; improve walkability; maintain small-town character; protect farmland and natural areas; solve parking and traffic issues; improve rural infrastructure and add local jobs. Analytics show we have an excess of residential lands and a shortfall of employment lands designated to meet our expected growth A quick overview of the New Official Plan shows the county will grow to a minimum of 59,000 residents from today’s 40,000. Employment will nearly double from 15,000 to 26,000. If all the lands within the settlement area boundaries are utilized, the county has the potential to grow to

75,000 residents by 2051. Paris, the fastest growing town in the municipality, will grow to a minimum of 26,000 but if all available lands are developed, has the potential to grow to 32,000. Did you agree with the County’s new Official Plan? Share your thoughts in an email to be published in an upcoming edition.

**To meet the demand for more recreational services in a growing community the County is preparing for an expansion at the Brant Sports Complex. The 50,784 square foot expansion is estimated to cost more than $20 million. The major focus of the expansion will be indoor gymnasium courts to meet the growing demand for county-based programs such as basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, pickleball, etc Right now, the county relies on local schools to provide space to fill the 10,000 hours (annual) of gymnasium time for these types of programs. A brand-new triple gymnasium, change rooms a walking track and fitness equipment are proposed for the expansion.

June

**A strenuous four-year process ended this week as County Council formally approved the New Official Plan (OP) Now it goes to