Archive for June, 2010

I hope everyone has a happy and safe Canada Day as we take a moment to appreciate all that is great about our country!

I drove by the new hospital site the other day and was amazed with the progress that has been made on this fantastic project that will serve our residents well by delivering the state of the art medical treatment they so deserve. The regional cancer centre will also relieve a huge burden for Niagara families that are currently forced to travel to Hamilton or Toronto for treatment. As a member of Council I was very proud to have played a part in the building of this new facility both with the quick approval of the required funding (our local share) and by appointing the City’s Director of Planning as an “Expeditor” to ensure the project moved through City Hall quickly and seamlessly.  The Mayor and Council have also  worked hard to ensure we maximize the economic benefit of this new facility and to that end we have rezoned 44 acres adjacent to the hospital as “Prestige Industrial” which will allow for the creation of hundreds of new jobs in our community. From talking with the City’s Director of Economic Development we are already receiving lots of interest from the pharmaceutical and green technology sectors.

This project is creating jobs now and in the future- a great example of a Provincial/Municipal project moving forward quickly!

Today is Friday and I’m working day shift at the fire hall. One of the traditions that my fellow firefighters and I have had since our Canadian Soldiers entered into the war in Afghanistan is to show our support for our troops and wear red on Fridays. I have the utmost respect  for the men and women who have served our Country, those currently serving our Country, and those who have been injured or lost their life serving our great Country. We shall never forget the sacrifices our soldiers have made for the freedom we enjoy.

This past Saturday I had the pleasure to attend the Seniors Month Kick Off Dinner at the West St. Catharines Seniors Centre with my good friends Councillor Joe Kushner, MPP Jim Bradley and Mayor Brian McMullan. This is a great night where the politicians serve a wonderfully prepared dinner to our friends at the centre.

 Joe, I and the Mayor have forged a very strong relationship with the Seniors from this centre and in fact just after the last municipal election the three off us worked very closely with the Seniors Executive to fight plans to close the centre due to the heavy mold found in the building. After a year of hard work we were not only able to keep the open but we were able to get the building completely renovated. Every time I drive by the centre I get a great sense of pride knowing that this important community hub is open and thriving!