This time I put on sunscreen. I had an opportunity to go knocking on some doors before the Community Services Standing Committee at Town Hall last night and I spoke with some people who live on Barr Cres.
Some people I talked with were “amazed” that I was out this early knocking on doors introducing myself as the election is a few months away (October 25, 2010) I replied, its what they can expect from me as their town councillor as well. Although it seems like a daunting task to many, its part of the job that should be done more often. This is just one way to get people engaged in the community and aware of what is going on at Town Hall. The municipal level of government touches our lives more directly in many cases that others and residents should know whats going on and how future changes will affect them in both the short and long term.
What were they talking about?
Those who I did speak with brought up their main concerns as safety in our streets. Almost everyone I have talked to in this area brought up the fact they try to cross the street to the park on the west side of Thompson Road but almost always have to take their cars, because there isn’t a real safe place to walk across.
The Town is working on getting a light set up at Thompson and Louis St Laurent but even that wont help in the short term. A lot of the residents I’ve spoken with would relish the idea of a crosswalk. There are some on the west side of Thompson who feel the same way as they need to go to the Metro plaza but again, have to take their cars instead of walking 200 m. Main reason? Safety.
I will definitely be bringing this to the attention of the traffic department of the Town of Milton as it seems to be a growing concern. People should be able to walk across the road instead of taking their cars…it just makes sense.
Another topic that was uniform among everyone I spoke with is communication. They would appreciate more information from the town. As Rob told me, that’s what my councillor should be doing. From when road construction will begin to discussion on official plans its important people stay informed and get involved.
If elected, my pledge is to continue using my website and blog as a communication tool for residents to stay up to date on whats happening. With the Boyne survey (south of LSL) now in the works, eventually bringing another 55,000 new residents to town, people need to know whats going on and have a say in those plans.
I also ran into Audrey who was out enjoying the nice weather as well who just moved to Milton a few months ago. “I LOVE IT” is what she told me. Milton is a great place to live and will continue to be a great place to live. I introduced her to a great site called The Hawthorne Villager to introduce herself and her family’s business as well.
If you haven’t visited or read through the site, you should. You will probably find a few of your neighbours online. Its just another way of bringing our community a little closer together and help continue make it a great place to live.
I’ll see you at the doors.