The man running the northern Ontario town of Black River-Matheson feels better days are ahead for his community.

Mayor Dave Dyment says he believes his town will have a great year, following a tumultuous 2024.

In April, the provincial government called for a byelection to end a period of dysfunctional relations at the municipal level. The move followed a string of controversies, including a 34.2 per cent tax increase that prompted a petition to Queen's Park and a strike by 14 public works employees.

Black River-Matheson's then mayor and council seats were vacated, as per a policy established in Ontario's Municipal Act, because council failed to meet for more than 60 days.

But Dyment, a former councillor who was elected mayor in the byelection, said the new council is ready to turn a page and make positive changes in the community.

"Everybody is willing to wait and see how well we do. We're all working hard," he said.

"There have been a couple of residents who are unhappy with certain things, but their voices haven't gone unheard."

Dyment said the township has started hiring for some key staff positions, including a full-time treasurer, director of public services and town manager.

On the issue of taxes, Dyment said the new council is aiming for a more modest increase than in 2024.

"I think it's going to be something that is very palatable, but we have to make sure that we get our level of service up there for the residents," he said.

"No one likes to pay for stuff and not receive the service. So that is something that we're working on with our staff obviously, to make sure that you get what you pay for."

Dyment touted some new development projects in the township which could lead to more job opportunities and grow the tax base.

"We've been working with developers putting in a large convenience store with a gas station and some fast food chains right on the highway," he said.

Dyment said they also sold the municipal office to a developer that plans to open another gas station, a convenience store, fast food restaurant and a medium-sized hotel.

The municipal office will be moved to a temporary location.