August 2022
CONGRATULATIONS! Marylou V.
Woodchucks and wood . . . . . . . . . . 5 Lions Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
of Severn Township has won a
Rama Powwow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
$250 GIFT CERTIFICATE
to a Villager advertiser of her choice.
Terry Fox. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Your community would benefit from your skills Thinking of running for council? Your deadline to file nomination papers with the Severn clerk is August 19, 2022, 2:00 p.m. by Ellen Cohen When you think about municipal councillors you believe have represented you well, there are likely common characteristics and behaviours among those most memorable. Perhaps this is your description: they know their community well; respond to resident concerns or questions promptly; support and attend local events; understand the basic responsibilities of council and staff; made a commitment to learn details about municipal laws and policies. Does this sound like you? Would you be a perfect fit? If you have an interest in throwing your hat in the ring but have hesitated to file your nomination papers, consider it now and be aware there isn’t much time left to get this done. The deadline is August 19th. Perhaps you need a little encouragement to move forward. If this is true, today, now, take some time and talk to your family and friends and ask them for input and support. Contact one or two Severn councillors and ask them to describe the job. Find out what
they like about being in public service. Ask them about their challenges and have them describe the support they get from their fellow councillors and township staff. There is no doubt the job is interesting. It is also challenging and not always easy. The job description of the mayor, deputy mayor and the five Severn councillors is, according to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), to make decisions about municipal financing and services. This is a simple job description but in reality the job is complex. Councillors are required to do a significant amount of learning, a lot of reading, and take on serious responsibilities. Council decides if or when services are expanded or reduced. For example, the work to rebuild Division Rd. cost millions. The decision to do this work, how much to spend and who gets the contract was ultimately up to council. Yes, staff does the arduous leg work. They research and make recommendations and
© Can Stock Photo / iqoncept
are vital to the running of the township. But in the end, with consideration for both the impact on the overall level of services and property taxes, the buck stops with council. And not always do all council members agree with the path forward. So why would you want the job? Because getting elected means you will have the opportunity to see the big picture and understand what has been done in the past and what might be accomplished. You could work with experienced members of council and staff and add to their vision of Severn. You could help to improve the township for years to come. Councillors make a difference to thousands of lives. You could be that difference. Information can be found by calling the Severn Township Administration office at 705-325-2315 or by visiting www.severn.ca.
Interest rates are rising and that is changing the real estate market. How will your move be affected? I’m Paul Cleary, a full-time Realtor® with the knowledge and expertise to guide you through changing market conditions. Let’s plan your strategy. Call me today 705-327-6002.
Paul Cleary B.B.A, BROKER
Direct: 705-327-6002 Email: paul@paulcleary.com