It's the last day of the year, and with that comes time for reflection while making plans and resolutions for the future.
BradfordToday asked Mayor Rob Keffer and the rest of council to share some of their resolutions to share with our readers.
Here's what they had to say:
Mayor Rob Keffer
For 2022, I am looking forward to investments in our community that will make our quality of life better.
First up is the start of construction for the Bradford Bypass. Finally, after almost a half-century of talk and planning, the Provincial Government will start construction of an interchange at County Road 4 for the Bradford Bypass.
Also, the County of Simcoe will be starting construction of County Road 4 widening it to 4 lanes north of the Bradford Bypass.
I am excited that renovations at 177 Church St. will make a wonderful community hub for our Town that will offer something for all age groups in our community. Plus, continued investments in parks, trails, urban streets and sidewalks will make 2022 a busy year, but a productive year.
Deputy Mayor James Leduc
For my New Year's Resolution, I’m planning to continue with strong leadership. With this being an election year I would love to see some projects completed like the 5th line interchange road works.
From a County of Simcoe point of view, I’m looking forward to seeing the new ambulance hub and the affordable housing project started in 2022 and then completed in the following year. I’m hoping that in 2022 we have COVID under control and we can begin to live life with less stress and more happiness. It has been a real struggle for many families that lost their income or it was significantly reduced. We need our business community to thrive again. We need are kids playing and enjoying learning again in school. These are some of the simple things I hope in 2022 happen.
As always, I look forward to health and happiness for all. Happy New Year to everyone.
Jonathan Scott, Ward 2 Councillor
I love checking things off of to-do lists, so when I think of the ‘to-do list’ for the New Year, my focus remains on the measures we’re taking to revitalize the older end of town.
The big projects are really beginning to see progress, and in 2022 we’ll lock in final plans to reconstruct Holland Street into a pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined ‘Main Street’. We’ll also finalize plans to revitalize the community centre and look to secure the funding necessary to deliver that vision even as the affordable housing project starts construction, and we’ll start renovations on the community hub and future home of the Food Bank at the old Bradford Public School.
I’m also excited to complete our plans, working with the Ministry of Transportation, for our canal and riverfront trail system — the preliminary mapping looks great, really opening up the riverfront and diverting recreation away from the Marsh ag areas by the canals, with pathways connecting into Scanlon Creek. This will be a beautiful amenity for residents to enjoy, and it will conserve nature and allow us to tap into the underused advantage we have of a waterfront area so near to our downtown. We also need to continue the progress we’re making to bring all levels of government together to deliver the Lake Simcoe phosphorus recycling facility.
As well, there are smaller projects that will be great to deliver — we’re redoing eight roads in Ward 2 this summer, redoing the last remaining downtown parking lot and the GO station, investing in new amenities at Lions Park and Taylor Park — and all these efforts tie together to deliver on the promise of a renewed east-end of town.
Ron Orr, Ward 4 Councillor
For the New Year 2022, in both my personal and Councilor position, I want to have a word that gives meaning to a what I want to display to all. And that word is "Positivity". I think we all need a focus on the positive and be grateful for what we have, after the last two years of upheaval.
Happy New Year to all.
Peter Ferragine, Ward 5 Councillor
Reflecting on this past year, I have been extremely fortunate to have spent a lot of time with those who mean the most in my life.
I believe this pandemic has really made us take a step back from the fast paced lives we live and really appreciate the things that mean the most to us.
I want to wish everyone a very healthy and Happy Hew Year!
Peter Dykie, Ward 7 Councillor
To see our community come together and each member of council to set a team of volunteers in the spring and organize a day for each group to pick an area in their ward and have a clean up day (Covid pending).
And wishes that our families. That our seniors are safe of Covid 19 , plus continued support of our local business and helping our neighbours. And above all, continue to support and recognize of our front line workers.
