ANTIGONISH: The Town of Antigonish has modified its internal structure by implementing a new Department of Community Development.
The Department of Community Development strives to create a sustainable community that supports the growth of the town and broader community’s social, cultural, environmental, and economic prosperity.
“These positive changes for the town are a result of council working to develop new structures to enhance service delivery for residents and businesses,” Mayor Laurie Boucher said. “The Department of Community Development was created based on the cost savings that came from the introduction of the Eastern District Planning Commission, which allowed the town to increase its capacity in a financially responsible manner.”
Existing departments now include recreation and special events, beautification, by-law enforcement, marketing and communications, and the Antigonish Volunteer Fire Department.
The director will also serve as the main point of contact for Protective Services (RCMP, Regional Emergency Management), Eastern District Planning Commission, and the Eastern Strait Regional Enterprise Network.
After going through an internal competition, Steve Scannell, former special projects coordinator, was selected as the successful candidate for the Director of Community Development. Scannell began working for the town in August, 2015 and assumed this new position on January 2.
“It is my hope that with the introduction of this new department, the town can take a more active role in implementing effective strategies that will build a healthy and economically prosperous community,” said Scannell. “We will be looking for new opportunities to build networks within the community in order to gain insight on how to plan effectively for the future.”
Projects facilitated by the Department of Community Development will focus on enhancing the overall quality of life for residents in Antigonish and surrounding communities by creating an environment that encourages new development and fosters our cultural well-being, as well as community pride. Currently, the projects included in the department’s new mandate are focused on developing new facilities and hosting events such as the Challenger Baseball Field, the Antigonish All Wheels Skatepark, and the Nova Scotia 55+ Games, as well as capital planning projects for recreation, the town hall, and the fire department.
Additional projects include the update of the municipal planning strategy, development of a communications strategy and investing in tourism marketing initiatives.
“Including community development in the town’s organizational structure will help us build Antigonish up to its fullest potential as a vibrant and evolving community. The changes at town hall will have a positive impact on the town’s relationship with residents and give everyone an opportunity to take part in projects, programs or issues that affect their lives or their business,” said Jeff Lawrence, Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Antigonish.
For more information about the Department of Community Development, visit the Town of Antigonish Web site.