Mayor Rob Keffer and several members of Bradford West Gwillimbury council attended the Family First Night celebration, held at the BWG Leisure Centre on New Year’s Eve – a family-friendly alternative that included free skating, free swimming, live entertainment, crafts, inflatables and a photobooth for a New Year’s Eve family photo.
Some of the councillors shared their wishes and resolutions for 2019.
Mayor Rob Keffer
Keffer said his resolution for the new year was to “be responsive to the residents, and to try to make life easier for the residents of Bradford West Gwillimbury.” Did he have a personal resolution? “No, I haven’t made one!”
Coun. Ron Orr
“Yesterday at our church, our Minister Diane (Knowles) asked us if we had a word. My word this year is ‘purpose,’” said Coun. Ron Orr. “There are a lot of things I want to bring forward.”
Coun. Gary Baynes
“No surprise – all I wish for the residents and businesses is that 2019 is… a healthy 2019, a happy 2019, and a prosperous 2019,” said Coun. Gary Baynes, still recovering from a health crisis.
Coun. Raj Sandhu
“Lose weight,” said Coun. Raj Sandhu. “I do the same resolution every year.”
He said he also plans to hold informal ward meetings, where he will be available to residents at locations like the library.
“What I heard at the door a lot of time was that they want to meet at their convenience… They will have an opportunity.”
Coun. Peter Ferragine
Coun. Peter Ferragine said his resolution is to “be healthy" in the new year, and do more with his family.
“I’ve been working really hard at doing a lot of volunteer work, and I want to do more. I want to get my kids involved so we can do more as a family, and they can learn to give back.”
Coun. Peter Dykie Jr.
“Health, and happiness, and a safe and prosperous New Year, as our community grows,” said Coun. Peter Dykie Jr., as his new year's wish.
He said his new year's resolution grew out of the serious collision on Holland Street West Dec. 30, which sent an 81 year old man to hospital with critical injuries. “I got a lot of calls… We need to keep our community safe.”
