Eagles nest

I’ve been trying to keep my comments positive throughout this campaign and focus on moving our community forward. But there’s something I’ve been thinking about since Friday night’s discussion, and I believe it’s worth sharing.

When I questioned where the revenue from Eagle’s Nest paid parking was reflected in the budget, I was told that it was there — you just had to dig for it.

I don’t believe residents should have to dig to find out how much revenue our municipal assets are generating.

In these times, we need to be looking line by line at our budget and finding every dollar we can. I believe our staff are already working hard to do exactly that. I’ve seen them bring forward small adjustments, including changes to pet registration fees that save a few hundred dollars a year. Those savings may be modest, but they demonstrate that every dollar matters.

Now look at Eagle’s Nest this weekend. The parking area has been absolutely packed, with vehicles filling the sides of the roads as well. It’s reasonable to ask how much revenue that parking is generating, how much it costs to operate, and whether we’re recovering a fair share of those costs from the people using it — including visitors from outside Greater Madawaska.

If elected, I would bring forward a motion asking staff to report back with clear numbers and options, starting with the 2022 bylaw and the introduction of paid parking at Eagle’s Nest.

I would ask staff to:

·         Clearly identify the revenue generated by Eagle’s Nest parking and where it appears in the budget.

·         Report the operating, maintenance, payment-system and enforcement costs, so we can understand the net revenue.

·         Review the payment options available and how effectively we’re collecting parking fees.

·         Examine options for resident parking passes while ensuring visitors contribute fairly.

·         Evaluate whether paid parking or other appropriate user-fee options could work at Heritage Point and Barnet Park as well.

I recognize that I don’t have access to all the financial details available to Council, and I’m not going to pretend I know the exact numbers. That’s precisely why I’m proposing that staff bring forward the facts, assess the options and determine what is practical and financially worthwhile.

And perhaps this could do more than help offset operating costs. Maybe the additional revenue could help fund a playground or another structure at Heritage Park where young families can gather, play and enjoy time together. Wouldn’t it be great if revenue generated by visitors and the use of our amenities could also help create more opportunities for our own families?

This isn’t about criticizing staff. It’s about supporting the work they’re already doing and making sure Council gives them the direction and tools they need.

We don’t have to start with sweeping changes. We can start by asking the right questions, understanding the numbers and making better use of the resources we already have.

That’s what I mean by steady, responsible progress: keep what works, improve what doesn’t, and plan for what’s next.