Today I have two things to share.

One, I'm not very good at following proper protocols during council meetings. You know, where you're supposed to direct communication via the chair person and say things like, "Through you, Mr./Madam Chair." I will work on improving this.

Two, I'm thrilled to report that, last evening, the proposed zoning and Official Plan amendments for Project Bench were approved by the Town of Lincoln Councillors in an 8-1 vote. This is following the positive planning staff report that I wrote about last month. Once again, this is an important milestone for the project and we're excited for the next steps.

At the same time, we recognize that change can be difficult. And this development represents change for the community. Three people from the community spoke last night in opposition of the project.

I spoke to one of them after the meeting and he was very respectful and said, "congratulations." But he also went on to say, "I hope that you and the team will continue to work with the community as you have been doing." My response was, "absolutely we will."

Onward.

Update: Just to be clearer on the planning process details, last night was the Town of Lincoln's Committee of the Whole meeting. The Committee of the Whole has three areas of focus: community services & infrastructure, general business & finance, and planning & economic development. All Town of Lincoln Councillors, including the mayor, voted on the project at this meeting. The next step is for the Committee's recommendation to go to Council for final approval, and this meeting is scheduled for December 16, 2024. Following this, a formal Notice of Decision will be issued.