LAURIE WEIR
The Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley experienced a busy and transformative 2024, with leadership transitions, housing initiatives, and economic development taking centre stage.
Mayor Brant Burrows reflected on the past year’s challenges and achievements while setting priorities for 2025.
“This year was very busy for the township,” Burrows told this publication on the eve of the new year, noting significant senior staff changes.
The township welcomed a new fire chief Jeff Sargent and deputy fire chief, Mike Rowntree, alongside a new chief building official, Tracy Gallipeau. These appointments were part of succession planning to address anticipated retirements. In the fall, Rob Nolan joined the team as the new chief administrative officer (CAO), succeeding the former CAO, Lesley Drynan, who became general manager of the Port of Johnstown.
Burrows also addressed a vacancy on council that arose in November after a Tom Linton resigned for personal reasons. Dan Downey, former councillor and mayoral candidate in the last election, rejoined the team.
“By mid-December, we had filled the vacant seat from a pool of seven residents who came forward to express an interest in serving their community,” Burrows said.
Housing and Economic Development Initiatives
Progress on the Campus Habitations project at Rows Corners was a key focus throughout 2024. “Even though it may appear that there is little activity going on there, several planning steps have been taking place,” Burrows said. The project involves developing several hundred affordable housing units near Brockville’s industrial park to address local housing shortages and job vacancies.
To support the project, the township applied for a Housing Enabling Water System Fund (HEWSF) grant to extend water and sewer services to the site. While the first application was unsuccessful due to high demand for the fund, the township revised the waterline project and reapplied. “We are much more hopeful for success this time around,” Burrows said.
The North Augusta Road property, located near Brockville’s eastern border, is another economic development priority. “Our Economic Development Committee is putting the finishing touches on a well-researched recommendation to council with respect to the best use of that property,” Burrows said. While the recommendation is not yet official, committee discussions strongly suggest a plan to develop the site for commercial and industrial purposes, similar to the Tincap business park.
With the remaining properties in Tincap now sold, Burrows stressed the importance of preparing the North Augusta Road site for marketing. “Making the property ready will involve many studies and planning steps, and it will take time and fortitude to bring that to fruition,” he said.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The Rows Corners and North Augusta Road projects will remain high priorities in 2025. “Although we are tracking nicely with our overall strategic plan, we still have half of the term left, so there are a number of more mundane goals to achieve as the year progresses,” Burrows said. A revamped, user-friendly township website is one such goal.
On the financial side, Burrows said the township will continue paying off loans for its fire hall and salt dome. The township will also promote moderate, responsible growth to help offset rising costs while balancing the need for essential services. “We have aging roads and bridges and buildings which need to be taken care of, and people expect to get fire or police service when they call 911,” Burrows said.
As the new year begins, Burrows encouraged residents to embrace kindness as part of their resolutions. “I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone in the region a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year,” he said. “As some people give thought to new year’s resolutions, let me put in a plug for being kind to one another as an item for that list.”
Burrows said he remains optimistic about the township’s future as it continues to balance growth, affordability, and service expectations.
