Nearly 200 local residents have provided their input, a draft plan has been prepared, and next week the public will have the opportunity to hear more about the community's proposed vision for the next five years.

A public hearing for the strategic plan will be held during next Monday night's (Nov. 9) monthly council meeting, an opportunity for local citizens to learn more about the strategic plan and provide further feedback into the direction of the town.

Mount Allison University professor Michael Fox and a student research assistant have created the draft document after a summer of interviewing close to 200 citizens.

"We wanted to look at a vision that was deliberate in its goals and in its priorities," Fox told town council during its discussion meeting Monday night.

Fox said the strength of the proposed document has been the community consultation, and he has been pleased with the "enjoyable and engaging" discussions he's had with members of the public.

He hopes over the next month, prior to the final plan landing on council's desk, that local residents will review the draft plan and provide further input and comments.

Coun. John Higham said he truly appreciates the process that has led to the draft document, particularly the independent candid interviews.

And he pointed out that this council and town staff will need to use this document as a guide to make a "fundamental change in the way local government works."