The City Council has approved its strategic plan for the next 10 years.

Mayor Al McDonald says it sets out a vision for the city following consultations with the general public.

McDonald outlines how specific projects will be assessed in connection to the strategic plan.

He says when staff bring proposals forward council will assess whether they support the strategic plan that the community supported.

The plan has five priorities including natural, north and near, affordable balanced growth, a spirited safe community, economic prosperity and responsible and responsive government.

Meantime, the downtown waterfront master plan is still on the committee file.

McDonald says council will have the final say on the plan and its features and any decisions on individual items will be made by council.

Earlier, this week there was a presentation by local resident Neal McNamara.

Although not a fan of the downtown waterfront master plan he is supportive of the strategic plan and he likes the growth focus and he says the city needs to fight for growth by promoting what he calls smart growth.