BradfordToday welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected] or via the website. Please include your full name, daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). This letter is in response to Bradford council's decision to nix plans to host a massive Muslim conference.
Editor,
I am writing in response to Samantha Sevilla’s letter expressing concerns about the recent Muslim convention held in our town.
While I understand Ms. Sevilla’s apprehensions, I would like to offer a different perspective on the event and address some of the misconceptions raised.
Firstly, it is important to clarify that the traffic disruptions experienced during the convention were not mainly caused by the event itself.
Multiple accidents on Highway 400 were the added reason for the traffic congestion. Blaming the event for traffic problems misrepresents the situation and unfairly targets a community event that was organized with great care and attention to minimizing impact on local residents.
Bradford has always prided itself on being a diverse and welcoming community.
Hosting such events aligns with our values of inclusivity and respect for different cultures.
These conventions offer economic benefits to local businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and shops, bringing revenue that supports our town’s growth and vitality.
Concerns about the town’s capacity to host large gatherings are valid, but they should not be a barrier to embracing cultural events that enhance our community spirit.
Effective planning and collaboration with local authorities can address logistical issues, ensuring safety and minimizing any inconvenience to residents.
Instead of viewing these gatherings as a burden, we should see them as opportunities to showcase Bradford’s open-mindedness and hospitality.
Denying permission for such events sends a message that we are unwilling to accommodate our diverse residents and their contributions to our shared community life.
I urge the council to reconsider its stance and work towards a balanced approach that welcomes cultural and religious events while addressing residents’ concerns through effective planning and communication.
Our town’s well-being is not only about managing practical challenges but also about fostering a sense of belonging for everyone.
Gul Afroz
A member of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at
Bradford, Ont.
