At its March meeting, Huntsville Council appointed Councillor Scott Morrison as navigator for issues related to mental health and community wellbeing.
Huntsville Mayor Nancy Alcock said council has identified issues related to affordable housing and community health and well-being, especially around mental health. “We’ve all grappled with what this council might do with respect to our role when we know the District of Muskoka has a very distinct role in both of those areas,” she said. “Having said that, we know it’s really important for the citizens of Huntsville and we are all approached by any number of organizations or community members, probably none as much as Councillor Morrison… This might be a really interesting way to tackling these issues at this point,” she added.
Morrison thanked the council for its support and said his role will not be one of decision-maker but rather one of facilitator. “My role here is simply going to be to help facilitate people and get them in the right hands and I know that Councillor Stone, Armour—everybody around the table has already expressed interest in helping. So with it being so informal, I can be approached by Deputy Mayor Armour about an idea, an initiative, and we can work together on something and it’ll be very nimble.”
Morrison said he’d be reporting to Mayor Nancy Alcock and Town CAO Denise Corry on a monthly basis “and let them know how things are going and make adjustments as we go.”
Alcock added that the position would also be working with committees and council “as the navigator sees fit. And as you say, it is nimble which is really cool. I love the fact that the Town of Huntsville is considering something like this. It’s once again, different…”
Armour said he could not think of a better fit for such a position. “I think you’re going to do a fabulous job and I look forward to helping and working with you over the next four years,” he told Morrison.
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I moved to Huntsville 30 years ago and homelessness was an issue then for council to grspple with and now we have homelessness looming even larger as you throw affordability into the mix. Fran Coleman as Deputy Mayor had the file for many years lically and at the District table and now it is up.to you. The only job of government is yo create the conditions for success in society so bring on the tiny homes. Where are they?
That is wonderful news! It would be wonderful if he reaches out to the local Canadian Mental health association and work collaboratively with the Situation table to support our community needs / affordable and sustainable housing and resources….and create ways to connect individuals to each other!