I want to begin by expressing my sincere thank you to the community for electing me to the privilege and the responsibility of sitting on Owen Sound City Council. I appreciate your confidence and trust.

There have been many highlights for me over the last two years. Some would be, in no special order:

· The initiation of Phase One of the Downtown River Precinct project;
· The rebuilding of the Gitche Namewikwedong bridge (10th St.) which links communities together;
· Many new build approvals that will house those in an attainable and affordable way;
· The Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan which will guide us towards a healthier and more sustainable community;
· The public input that influenced Council’s decision to ensure that our natural heritage and parkland, Timber McArthur and Stoney Orchard, will remain as one of our environmental treasures;
· And finally, participating in the many initiatives that continue to help our community in the COVID-19 environment.

Some of the things I have learned along the way are:

· Everyone has a voice and a perspective that adds value to decision making;
· Public opinion needs to be heard in a respectful way as a critical, key factor in being a representative of the people;
· Our community is passionate about where and how they live and will engage with municipal government to make a difference.

There is still a lot of work to do. We will need to redefine who we are, what we truly value and what we can commit to because of COVID 19. Existing linkages and partnerships have been strengthened and amazing new networks and connections have occurred that may have never have been previously imagined.

I look forward to the remainder of this term with hope and anticipation. As a community we will continue to shape Owen Sound into a place where we want to live.

Thank You and Best Wishes for a wonderful, safe and healthy holiday season!

Carol Merton
Councillor
Owen Sound