On a night where a winter weather warning had been announced, Penetanguishene council and staff spoke to the excess snow as it related to clearing efforts, comments from “nasties”, and the upcoming 77th annual Winterama festival happening this weekend.
At various points in the recent regular meeting and during the committee of the whole, council members shared how residents were contacting them pertaining to the snow, while CAO Jeff Lees addressed how every department in the municipality had been impacted whether internal or external.
“(With) the winter weather that we’re receiving, and the work and efforts of our roads crew out there – their tenacious and dedicated efforts are very evident,” said Lees.
Mayor Doug Rawson also thanked staff, including the road crews and public works director Bryan Murray for their perseverance.
“We do hear good things, but I don’t think the nasty things – we don’t need to hear,” said Rawson, addressing the public. “There’s lots of stuff going around on social (media) and otherwise. I know our team is doing the best they can.
“Have some patience. We don’t need to get the nasties,” Rawson said.
To Murray, Rawson reiterated: “Kudos, we’re doing great work out there. I want you to know I hear lots and lots of goods, and we celebrate those. The nasties; don’t worry about them.”
“We’re going to get through this,” Rawson concluded. “We’re going to have a great Winterama! We asked for this! Let’s enjoy it.”
Activities for the Winterama festival are scheduled to take place starting Saturday, February 15 over two days, with many events freely accessible with the purchase of a $5 button ($3 in advance). The parade on Main Street is to take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, with many events at the town dock, Penetanguishene Memorial Community Centre, Penetanguishene Curling Club, Rotary Champlain Wendat Park, and Penetanguishene Centennial Museum.
A full schedule of events and further information is available on the town’s Winterama website.
Meetings of Penetanguishene council are held on the second Wednesday of each month, and can be watched live on Rogers TV cable 53 when available, or on the Rogers TV website.
Archives of council meetings are located on the Town of Penetanguishene YouTube channel.