From the beginning of my term, I have been committed to fostering open dialogue and strengthening connections within our community. To support this, I launched a series of open houses in each of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s villages (Old Town, Virgil, St. Davids, Queenston, and Glendale), providing residents with the opportunity to engage directly with myself, members of Council, and Town Staff. These sessions allowed for meaningful discussions, questions, and conversations about key issues affecting our Town.
Throughout January and February, I had the privilege of meeting with residents at these sessions. The strong attendance and thoughtful discussions displayed the value of direct engagement in shaping the future of our community. It was great to see neighbours coming together, not only to discuss important topics but also to connect with one another. A special thank you to the lovely resident who brought homemade baked goods to several of the meetings.
Discussions focused on significant topics, including the Strategic Plan, Budget, and Official Plan updates. Based on feedback received, the village-specific spotlights were particularly valuable, offering insights into upcoming projects in each area. The question-and-answer portions of the sessions also sparked productive conversations, with many residents submitting questions in advance to help guide the dialogue.
These open houses confirmed the need for ongoing communication, and I am grateful for the high level of interest and participation. I learned a great deal from these conversations, and Council and Staff have taken away several key themes and valuable feedback that will help guide our efforts to continuously improve. The strong sense of community and engagement we continue to see in Niagara-on-the-Lake is inspiring, and I remain committed to building upon these connections.
Thank you to everyone who attended, shared their perspectives, and contributed to these important conversations. I also want to thank Council and Staff for their dedication and support in making these events possible.
Plans are already underway for an open house dedicated to our rural community, and similar engagement opportunities will be scheduled throughout the year. I hope to see new and similar faces at upcoming open houses.
Thank you.