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Post election: The future is bright, says Brian Bigger

Mayor lays out his priorities for the next four years
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Mayor Brian Bigger speaks with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in February after the prime minister toured the Maley Drive extension project. (File)

As we surpass the first 100 days of the current council’s term, I wanted to check in with residents and voters about what we have accomplished so far and what I feel are the priorities I want to pursue in the coming months.

Usually, a message of this nature comes after a change of leadership and a reshuffling of the elected members around our council chamber. In this case, and I am fortunate for we have seen every member who chose to seek re-election returned. 

We have two new members who have already brought fresh perspective and enthusiasm. Last fall, voters spoke clearly — they were happy with their current representation and the work ethic, goals, priorities and passion for our city that each brings.

At inauguration in December, I did outline several of the priorities I would be pursuing during this current term. I appreciate that not every item can be delivered instantly — that’s not how an elected council or a city operates. But in the short time since that speech, I am happy with what we have accomplished to date.

Election Review and Reform

I made a promise on election night and at inauguration to ensure our next election is not plagued with the issues we faced in 2018. 

We conducted a market research, gathered reliable and accurate feedback from voters and learned what you, as the people who choose your representatives, best want when it comes to voting options. I refused to wait a year or longer for a solution and will be happy to hear what city staff present to us in April. 

We will have time to properly deliver, communicate and have an election that ensures everyone who wants to be heard is heard.

Development

As part of my campaign, I pledged to do better for development and growth. 

Early this year, I held a listening session with more than 30 of our city’s developers and builders. Now, we are working together — my office, city staff and developers to find ways to encourage investment, simplify red tape and process and make Greater Sudbury known as a city that is anxious and excited to grow.

Increased Police Presence Downtown

I campaigned and called for increased policing, and higher visibility of our police in the downtown. In the last budget, council approved more funding to the Greater Sudbury Police Service, and there will soon be more feet on the street, ensuring our downtown is safe for everybody during the day or when they enjoy the restaurants and nightlife after hours or on weekends.

Maley Drive Extension Project and Highway 69

I was proud to host Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on his tour of the Maley Drive Extension project. It is ahead of schedule and under budget. It’s an example of how a project of this magnitude can be successfully achieved. 

I was also relieved by the Ontario Government’s commitment to see Highway 69 completed. I recall asking for patience as the government transitioned. I am excited all of Ontario sees the value in four-laning all of Highway 69.

Responsible Fiscal Management

As we finalized the 2019 Budget, it took all of council to work hard together to scrutinize and prioritize how we deliver services and spend your tax dollars. We were able to keep our tax increase to a modest 3.6 per cent while also seeing an overhaul in the way we deliver transit. Riders and users will now be able to access transit earlier and enhanced services on Sundays. As well, we have heard from residents from every corner about our roads and we have increased how much we allocate to our summer road maintenance and repair by $3.9 million in 2019.

Investing in the Future

I am also excited about the various projects we have moving forward in our downtown. 

The award-winning Junction project is internationally acclaimed and will be a cornerstone of our renewal. The Junction and our other projects will see Greater Sudbury become the modern destinations of the region are being paid for with low-interest financing. 

We are ensuring that our day-to-day priorities and obligations will never suffer or be sacrificed as we invest in the future.

Now as we move ahead together, I am proud to lead Greater Sudbury as the city’s mayor for four more years. I look forward to working with council, as together we all are striving for the very best for our city and its citizens. 

I will be pursuing my promises for increased policing, a safer downtown and projects like our arena, The Junction and seeing Place des Arts become a reality.

And finally, I ask that as we patiently await the results of the LPAT hearings that we resolve to carry on and act with class and a positive attitude towards our city, its staff who work hard every day to serve its residents and to those in the private sector who want to see Greater Sudbury strive towards a bright future.

I’m also looking forward to warmer weather, taking my grandkids to the lake and enjoying everything our great city has to offer.

Mayor Brian Bigger
City of Greater Sudbury 
 


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