Dozens of residents turned out for a Community Access Networking (CAN) meeting in Bradford over the weekend, to learn more about council's strategic plan.
Hosted by Mayor James Leduc and Ward 2 Coun. Jonathan Scott, the event was a chance for residents to get more information about the direction council is leading the town, ask questions, raise issues and share ideas.
“This session was a great example of what these meetings are all about," said Leduc. "Although there is information we want to share, services we want to elaborate on, and platforms we want to demonstrate, these meetings are all about you, the residents."
Community and traffic safety, major infrastructure upgrades, revitalization of older parts of town, economic development and improving recreation upgrades were among the major items on the agenda. Some of the big priority projects that are already in the works were also of interest.
“Such as the significant creation of over 3,000 local jobs underway at the Highway 400 employment lands,” said Scott. “Along with fiscal discipline and paying down debt, that local job creation is so key to building sustainable finances in town.
"Our proposed riverfront and canal trail system, reviewing and improving the eastern gateway to town along Bridge Street, the revitalization of 125 Simcoe Road into a town hall, rec centre and ‘Central Park’, and the Holland Street transformation, are also exciting projects... and it was great to discuss those plans.”
On top of the key topics tackled by Leduc and Scott, residents brought a myriad of important questions to the mayor and councillor.
"Residents came with thoughtful questions about a range of issues, such as road salt, environmental protection, improving leisure services for younger seniors and more rental housing, as well as asking about our asset-management plan to continue rehabilitation of older roads, and upgrades to older parks,” said Scott. “We also spoke about new facilities and programming for youth, diversity and inclusion, and town services, including the My BWG app. As we come up to the 2023 budget, I believe we can set in place a plan to deliver these priorities to ensure we build a better Bradford in line with what residents want to see.”
Mayor Leduc, along with Deputy Mayor Raj Sandhu, will be holding a series of CAN meetings with a different ward councillor every month. The events are designed to highlight one ward per meeting, but all residents are welcome to attend.
“We have another five CAN meetings scheduled from March to October, so there are plenty of opportunities for residents to participate,” Leduc said. “We look forward to meeting even more of our community members and listening to your questions and concerns."
The next CAN meeting will be held on Saturday, March 25, at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Fire and Emergency Services Headquarters and focus on Ward 3 with Coun. Ben Verkaik.
