The 2023-2026 SDG Counties Strategic Plan places significant importance on remaining fiscally responsible while also creating priorities that will allow our region to build upon the success of the past, while charting a prudent course into the future.
This plan focuses on key elements that strike a balance between financial prudence and community progress. Strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts are a hallmark of this plan as SDG Counties creates an ecosystem of mutual support and growth, amplifying the collective impact of regional initiatives.
Moreover, the plan advocates for a dynamic governance structure that thrives on inclusivity and transparency, fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued. Bolstering this inclusive governance model is a comprehensive advocacy strategy that champions the rights and aspirations of every member within the SDG Counties community, ensuring that their concerns remain at the forefront of the development agenda.
You can download the plan by clicking the link below:
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I am pleased to present to you our vision for the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry - the 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.
This document places financial sustainability at the forefront of our priorities. As your Warden, I recognize the importance of responsible stewardship of our resources, and I am committed to ensuring that our communities thrive economically while preserving the beauty and heritage of our region.
In the upcoming years, every decision made by Counties Council will be viewed through the lens of financial sustainability. We understand that sound financial practices are the bedrock of our ability to deliver essential services, support local initiatives, and invest in the future.
Our strategic plan also emphasizes the significance of strengthening regional partnerships and collaboration. By working together with neighboring municipalities and organizations, we can pool resources, reduce duplication, and enhance the effectiveness of the services we provide to our residents.
Advocacy and governance will be the foundation from which we represent the interests of our communities, and we will diligently work towards cementing branding protocols to showcase the unique identity of SDG Counties.
Furthermore, we are deeply committed to leaving a lasting environmental legacy. We will continue to prioritize sustainable practices that protect our natural resources and ensure a healthy environment for generations to come.
Together, we will build a prosperous future for our communities.
2023 SDG Counties Warden Tony Fraser
The 2023-2026 SDG Counties Strategic Plan focuses on six key areas, including:
- Guiding principles
- Partnerships and collaboration
- Advocacy and governance
- Branding
- Green Living
Vision
Bring together the people, places and heritage of our region to create a strong, progressive community.
Mission
Cement a strong road to growth through financially-sustainable service delivery that includes all local municipalities.
Values
- Public accountability
- Collaboration and partnerships
- Advocacy and education
- Honesty and integrity
- Innovation and excellence
Areas of focus
- Collaboration with local municipalities - Local municipalities in SDG Counties are our chief partner on all matters. SDG Counties commits to further augmenting these relationships through regular communication and outreach.
- Infrastructure - Collaboration on the regional waste management strategy will continue in partnership with local municipalities.
- Housing - Work collaboratively with the City of Cornwall to ensure safe, affordable housing opportunities are available to residents in need. Focus on the efforts of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus to implement the 7-in-7 Housing Plan.
- Health - Continued collaboration with the Great River Ontario Health Team and other regional health providers. Develop an SDG Physician Recruitment Program.
- Staffing - Create a regional staff retention/succession apparatus that includes equal parts training, succession planning and well-being. Provide human resources support to local municipalities.
Areas of Focus
- Advocacy - Engage a consultant to assist SDG Counties and local municipalities in developing advocacy strategies on important priorities in preparation for delegations with provincial and federal ministers. Work in collaboration with the City of Cornwall and Akwesasne on discussions with our local MP and MPP on regional items that are important for our residents and businesses.
- Education - SDG Counties is committed to working with the province, local school boards, parents and other stakeholders to maintain the sustainability and vibrancy of our rural schools. Support the SDG Rural Education Committee to advocate for policies that support rural education with various levels of government and school boards.
- Governance review - Bring forward a report to Council with a review of the current one-year term for Warden.
Areas of focus
- 'SDG Counties' - The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry remains the official name of our upper-tier municipality. However, ‘SDG Counties’ will be used exclusively in official communications, public documents and internal correspondence as a concise abbreviation of the longform of our name.
- Explaing our role - Regular updates on services SDG Counties provides to the public cements an understanding of our important role in the community. The use of SDG Counties’ social media channels, our website and media engagement will feature heavily in this effort.
- Diversity and inclusivity - Strengthen diversity in our community and promote cross-cultural learning that is inclusive of all ages, appearance, ethnicity, and gender identity. Regular engagement with accessibility advocates across our region to ensure SDG Counties communications efforts reach a broad spectrum of residents, regardless of their needs.
Areas of focus
- Natural assets - By maximizing our natural assets, including SDG Counties forests, agri-tourism opportunities and waterfront amenities, we will market our region as a leader in environmental sustainability.
- Environmental policy - Take steps to reduce our carbon footprint through environmentally-conscious construction methods and fleet management practices. We will subscribe to the principles of long-term sustainability, mitigating the impact of climate change, and environmental stewardship in our operations and lines of business.
- Forestry management - The SDG Counties Forest is a certified forest under the Eastern Ontario Model Forest. Revenue generated from the forest will contribute directly to the Forest Reserve Fund, allowing for procurement of more forested lands within SDG Counties.
Areas of focus
- Council reports - Where appropriate, Council reports will include comments outlining the relevance to Council’s strategic priorities.
- Budget presentations - SDG Counties departments will provide updates to Council, as part of the annual budget process - this will include a summary of key accomplishments that were achieved during the current year, as well as goals and objectives for the year ahead. SDG Counties will strive to produce multi-year budgetary outlooks of both capital and operational costs, with an aim to forecasting expeditures on a go-forward basis.
- Annual reporting - SDG Counties will commit to providing an annual report that will be made available to the public that will reflect key accomplishments and progress made on Council’s priorities.
- Further engagement - This Strategic Plan will be made available on the SDG Counties website (sdgcounties.ca) and will include updates and relevant communication material. SDG Counties staff will appear as a delegation at local municipal council meetings to explain this plan in detail.