- Hub staff
At this morning's Leaders' Forum hosted by the Owen Sound and District Chamber of Commerce (OSDCC), the Chamber had prepared more questions than the panelists had time to answer.
Here was one that did not get broad discussion, but we think is worth throwing out to the public. We at the Owen Sound Hub would like to facilitate further discussion on the subject among residents and elected representatives.
“The focus of presentations by local mayors at the 2016 Leaders' Forum was on their one BIG idea that might bring significant economic and social benefits to their community and or the county.
“At that time the exciting BIG idea advanced by Mayor Clumpus of Meaford was the creation of an accessible, public, inter-community transit system across Grey County. The benefits were said to include connectivity, environmental sustainability, enhanced employment opportunities and increased accessibility. This would allow local municipalities to expand the income opportunities and improve the quality of life for youth, families, businesses and seniors.
“Then and now the OSDCC has supported this significant step forward. But, while the neighbouring county of Simcoe has made huge strides in this direction, even including the Blue Mountains (in Grey County) within its public transit system, it appears to have faltered in our own Grey County. Some even go so far as to suggest that interconnectivity is not desirable because it is at odds for shopping locally.
“Where does each of you elected Leaders stand on this inter-community transit BIG idea? Is it not an area where collaborative action, perhaps - as in Simcoe, led at the county level - offers significant benefits of the kind Mayor Clumpus extolled two years ago?”