Today marks the end of my 12 years on Milton Town Council.
Today November 14, 2022 is my last official day of working for Milton residents in the role of Town and Regional Councillor.
It has been an incredible honour and privilege to have been one of Milton’s voices around the council table and what I’ve said before was a dream job of a lifetime. Public service called me to this role and it’s also public service that will keep me active in our community. In short, I’m not going anywhere.
I could write forever about the amazing times I’ve had over these past 3 terms of council. From being a part of council that took a risk and approved a vision for an innovation centre that has been so successful in helping businesses start up and grow right here in town to the discussion and approval of the Mattamy National Cycling Centre / PanAm games debate that brought us the prized Milton Velodrome to the challenges of the last 2 years dealing with the pandemic and public health issues at the Region … it’s been quite a ride.
There are obviously more successes to talk about and I’ll probably go into detail on them in future updates. But the one thing I am happy for is something that the province announced last Friday that I’m very excited about.
This last term Halton Region had been planning growth for its official plan up to the year 2051. It was a lofty goal and huge challenge that was mandated by the province. After weeks of public input and intense debate at the Region table, Milton was prepared to put forward a vision .. the Halton Balanced Growth option … for approval. Sadly politics from other municipalities in Halton got in the way and a ten year freeze on urban expansion was placed on Milton and Halton Hills. Milton councillors were resolute in our assertion that our vision, one that our community created through consultations and discussions – in person and virtual – was the way to go, opposed the Regional Growth plan with Oakville and Burlington in opposition to our vision.
The province reversed that plan and instituted the Balanced Growth Plan the Town of Milton put forward. This means we don’t run the risk of losing tens of thousands of jobs as we continue to grow and assures us the opportunity to build a variety of housing options to meet the needs of our growing community and be sustainable at the same time.
I’m happy that I was around on council to see that decision brought forward. For that I’d like to thank some of my regional council colleagues Zeeshan Hamid, Rick Malboeuf, Mayor Krantz, Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette and Halton Hills Councillor Clark Somerville. We stood strong in our belief that this was the way to go and we were proven right.
I want to thank a number of people publicly as I move on to the next chapter in my life and career. First off I want to thank all members of council that I’ve worked with over the last 12 years. We’ve disagreed at time but more times than not, we had the same goal in mind … making Milton a better place to live and raise a family. Mayor Krantz is someone who I’ve learned a lot from before and during my council tenure. He’s been consistent in his views, again we might not have always agreed but he’s never wavered from his beliefs. Thank you Mayor Gord for everything.
I want to thank Milton staff. For as much flack as they seem to take, there isn’t a better group of people to work with that truly believes in Milton’s vision and making things work. Council hasn’t been giving them the tools they should have but I’ve never once doubted their resolve and dedication to Milton and our community. Pound for pound they are the best group to work with from our senior staff all the way to our part time crews. Thank you all.
I want to thank the people of Milton for the confidence and support for me over these last three terms. We all share the same love for this town and building our community through charity and giving. Every fundraising event that happens, you deliver. From the Hope in High Heels walk to the Miracle on Main toy drive to the Townsend Smith Foundation to the United Way. The Milton mindset is community first and you always go above and beyond to make things happen. To Milton residents…thank you.
Ok…what’s next!
And finally to my family. (This is where I get emotional so I’m glad I’m typing this instead of a video) You have been my rock for these 12 years. Pat, Anthony and Miranda through their support have let me do what I do. From late night meetings to fundraisers to being up all night reading reports … they have been there for me. Words can’t express how much they mean to me. Thank you isn’t enough. I love you all.
There’s going to be more for me to do going forward and as things happen I’ll be letting everyone know. This website will still be around as I will to keep serving Milton and Halton Region and doing what I can to make it an even better place.
Thank you all for your support and love. The new chapter begins and I’ll be for sure, as always, being seeing you at the doors and around town.