What’s old is new again in Georgian Bluffs.
The new township council was inaugurated last night — but it’s also the old council, since every member was returned to the seats they’ve held for the past four years.
The five councillors were even re-elected in the exact same order as in 2006 — Carol Barfoot again topped the polls, followed by Ryan Thompson, Tom Wiley, Bob Lennox and Judy Gay.
Mayor Alan Barfoot and Deputy Mayor Dwight Burley were both acclaimed to the jobs they won four years ago.
Barfoot says he had some concerns that a seven-person council with seven returning members might be at risk of complacency, but he believes this council will not fall into that trap.
Barfoot points out no orientation period will be required, and council can hit the ground running as it begins to address a number of goals.
First and foremost is the completion of what will be the township’s first official plan, a document that will advocate for the expansion of Springmount.
Georgian Bluffs also hopes to take a more active role in economic development, something Barfoot says is important in ensuring the municipality’s survival and continued prosperity.
The Mayor says council intends to issue invitations to neighbouring municipalities — like South Bruce Peninsula and Owen Sound — to come together and discuss items of mutual interest.
South Bruce Peninsula shares a number of boundary roads as well as an airport with Georgian Bluffs.
Owen Sound is also looking to Georgian Bluffs as a potential partner in the sharing of such things as emergency services.
