Chairman Will Not Seek Re-Election This Fall
Regional Council, January 21, 2010
Good Evening Councillors:
I'd like to begin my remarks this evening by again encouraging everyone here and all Niagara residents to support the monumental relief efforts being made in Haiti. The images and reports coming from Port au Prince convey the extent of the enormous devastation which has affected each one of us and people around the world.
I urge all Niagarans to give generously to ensure those affected by the earthquake are given the food, shelter and medical supplies they need. Donations can be made to the Red Cross and other disaster relief organizations.
Niagara Region is working with other governments and agencies to identify how we might assist in the relief effort, which could involve providing medical supplies and expertise in a range of areas. The work of rebuilding will go on long after the world's media have left Haiti, and Niagara Region is committed to supporting that work as we have done in other parts of the world affected by natural disasters.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people of Haiti and with all those working in the relief effort.
Tonight's meeting is important for a number of reasons.
- It's the first meeting of a new year in this the last year of this term of council.
- It's also the first meeting of our 40th anniversary year - truly a year to celebrate our many achievements and the difference the Region has made in the lives of our residents and in the health and vibrancy of our communities.
- And, it is the first meeting in what will be my final year as your Chairman and as a member of Regional Council.To be clear, I will not be seeking re-election as Regional Chairman and I will not be seeking re-election to Regional Council.
I believe 2010 will prove to be a productive year for Council as we move forward on several important initiatives. These include:
- Advancing an expanded inter-municipal transit system for Niagara.
- Building and promoting Niagara as a strategic gateway and border crossing between Canada and the United States.
- Developing a strategy to enhance Niagara's waterfronts and improve public access to our lakes and rivers where opportunities present themselves.
- And putting in place a waste diversion strategy that will see 65 per cent of waste diverted away from our landfills.
During the past two terms we have achieved much:
- I'm particularly proud of our progress in speaking with a stronger, united voice for the Region. This has enhanced our advocacy efforts and improved our relationships with the upper levels of government for the benefit of Niagara. I'd like to thank all members of Council for contributing to that important achievement.
- Strong partnerships with both the provincial and federal governments have produced some great results for Niagara. We secured economic stimulus and other program funding that enabled us to move forward on a number of important infrastructure projects, including water and sewer improvements and road construction.
- By securing provincial support, we were able to continue the Highway 406 extension project.
- As well, we continued the Region's ongoing work and commitment to advancing the East West Corridor project. These transportation initiatives are vital to our Growth Management Strategy, particularly in South Niagara.
- We successfully made taxpayer affordability a priority, managing the Region's finances prudently to keep tax increases low. Holding tax increases to an average of one point three six per cent over the past four years is a significant achievement.
- As part of our objective to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Niagara Region operations, our Human Resources department launched myHR, an innovative and customer-focused HR service delivery model.
- We stepped up as a Council to support many important and positive initiatives that will strengthen the fabric of our region. These include making strategic investments in the new health care complex now under construction, and in Brock University and Niagara College to help them expand their research and academic programs. And we supported the Niagara Convention Centre project by donating 20 acres of land - a project that will bring many economic benefits to the region. We also supported these organizations by participating in the lobbying and advocacy efforts to ensure they received their fair share of funding support.
- The new Public Health building in downtown Welland will not only help the Region better meet the health needs of those in South Niagara, but it also represents a significant part of the exciting revitalization of that city.
Some other significant accomplishments include:
- Strengthening Niagara EMS by taking direct control of ambulance services and operation of the Ambulance Communication Centre
- Establishing a one point five million dollar Poverty to Prosperity initiative to assist individuals and neighbourhoods most in need
- Managing a 20 per cent increase to our social assistance caseloads in the past year without compromising service levels
This, as you know, is by no means an exhaustive list.
And we are well on the road to achieving more great things for Niagara. I appreciate Council's commitment to pursuing opportunities for improving better public access to our Great Lakes, rivers and waterways.
We provided the much needed support and resources to ramp up the planning for the War of 1812 bicentennial celebrations that will shine a bright international spot light on our region.
We advocated successfully to bring the Pan American Games to Niagara, and to host the prestigious 2011 Annual Conference for the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative.
Council, I have written to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario - the Honourable David C. Onley - inviting him to host his 2011 New Year's Day Levee here in Niagara. I have assured him that the Regional Chair's Office will provide significant support for a successful event.
So Councillors as we proceed along our final year in this term, I remain committed to working with you and with the residents of Niagara to achieve the goals we set for ourselves on behalf of our great region and our citizens.
Thank you.
