Chelsea Mayor Highlights 2023

Reuel S. Amdur

The January 9 Chelsea Council meeting was the occasion for a lengthy report by Mayor Pierre Guénard, reviewing accomplishments and developments over the past year.  One highlight was Council’s unanimous vote in favor of retaining Chelsea’s official bilingual status.

Chelsea received provincial approval for a new primary school.  At the other end of the age continuum, the housing project for moderate income seniors is going ahead across from Farm Point Community Centre.  Also related to housing, a by-law was passed to control Air BnB-type short-term rentals.

The municipality will be the home for a regional training and certification program for firefighters.

It is a matter of pride that Council itself has become more accessible, with meetings now available live online.

One interesting development is the expansion of services around the IGA location, to include a bank and a pharmacy.  So what is missing?  Housing.  This hub is a logical location for housing.  It would have been the obvious location for the seniors’ development, which instead is located in a food desert.  Will this potentiality result in news that will make it onto the mayor’s report in next year’s January meeting?