Renfrew Mayor Tom Sidney is overall pleased with what’s been a busy first year at the helm in Renfrew.
His first full year in charge saw the modernization of the town’s organizational structure, numerous road projects, and a push to make what happens at Town Hall more transparent, with council and committee meetings now streamed online.
He says that the credit goes to town staff and the new council, which had to hit the ground running during a hectic 2023.
Sidney notes that he had seen a need for change in how Renfrew did its business after two terms on council prior to being elected mayor, and adds that the Ma-te-Way Expansion’s third-party review only served to shine more light on where the town has needed to improve itself as an organization.
It’s part of the need to move Renfrew forward in terms of meeting the demands of the community as it grows, regardless of the size of the project.
Sidney says infrastructure will remain a major focus as we head into 2024, including the ongoing watermain replacements along Lochiel and Argyle streets.
Despite the long delays and the numerous issues that have hampered the hype around the myFM Centre, Sidney says he’s still excited to see the expanded space open to the public in the next few weeks.
He expects the arena to be a hub for local arts, culture, heritage, and sports for many years to come.
(written by Kasey Egan)
