Part 3

We must always keep in mind our most vulnerable population and those in need. Earlier in June, I also met with Adam Vaughan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development for the Federal Government to speak specifically about affordable housing and our community’s needs.

Through funding from different levels of government, we have been able to retrofit energy and water to 10 different housing projects across the city. We have been able to increase energy efficiency in social housing apartment buildings. We have approved a new affordable housing development for seniors. And we have supported a supportive housing structure for those with acquired brain injuries.

The City also formed a new partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association and the North East LHIN with regards to the Harm Reduction Home and Out of the Cold low barrier emergency shelter, which will be co-located with the Managed Alcohol program.

All this to show that as an organization, as a Council, we care about the less fortunate in our community.

2016 and 2017 has been a historic year in our community when it comes to parks and recreation.

As you heard me mention earlier, the Morel Family Foundation Park has recently opened, along with Kivi Park and the DJ Hancock Memorial Park. These parks have all stemmed from community partnerships and each mean so much to our community.

The DJ Hancock Memorial Park serves as not only a beautiful addition to the area but more importantly a beautiful way to remember DJ Hancock, a young man taken from his family and community too soon.

Not far away is the sensation that has really captivated so many, Kivi Park.

Mrs. Lily Fielding and her family, including the Wallace family, have provided our community with so much happiness and pride and we are so fortunate to have someone in our community as dedicated as Lily to creating welcoming and incredible spaces like Kivi Park.

On Lily’s 100^th birthday, she announced a donation of $3 million dollars for the Park – its selfless acts like that which will provide a lasting impact for generations to come that makes our community such a great place to live.

I’m also most impressed by the level of volunteerism taking place and support from local businesses as well and I want to thank all of you for your ongoing efforts to continue to expand the offerings at the park and I know we are all looking forward to more excitement at Kivi Park.

There’s more!

At Bell Park, Phase 2 of the St. Joseph’s Parking Lot redevelopment will be completed with more greenspace and enhanced access to the waterfront at the main beach.