As we quickly approach the end of 2022, I want to take a moment to reflect on the past year. It was June 2022 when I became the new member of the Provincial Parliament for Newmarket-Aurora. I would like to thank every one of you for your support and for entrusting me with this incredible and unique responsibility. I am honoured to have been given this opportunity to serve my community.
Over the last few months, I have met hundreds of constituents, had the honour to recognize new businesses in our community, and have had the great pleasure of sharing provincial funding announcements across the riding. Attending cultural events and hosting my first annual community family corn roast and barbecue have also been wonderful experiences.
On Dec. 3, I had the honour of attending the Winter Winds concert presented by the York Chamber Ensemble. They are a chamber orchestra that seeks to bring the community together through the joy of sharing music-making with its members and audience. And oh what joy was sounding at St. Paul’s Anglican Church that Saturday evening. I was happy to announce the $12,200 Resilient Communities Fund grant provided to the York Chamber Ensemble. I am proud that our government is helping not-for-profit organizations like this recover and build their resiliency from the impacts of COVID-19 by purchasing recording equipment to continue reaching digital audiences both locally and globally going forward.
I have to recommend visiting Wine On Main in Newmarket. I was there on Dec. 9 to congratulate Jordan and Alex on the opening of their new business. This is the perfect place for a self-serve wine-tasting adventure.
What an amazing celebration with Brad Jones Shotokan Karate-Do on Dec. 10. Forty-six years of teaching and training martial arts is a phenomenal feat. Congratulations, Brad Jones.
It was a noteworthy visit and tour of the new police headquarters, 1-District in Newmarket, and the new fire station, Station 4-5 in Aurora. We are so fortunate to have such amazing first responders in our community. Thank you for everything that these local heroes do to ensure that our growing communities are safe.
What a great way of getting into the ‘giving spirit’ and then announcing our government’s Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) 2023 allocation for Newmarket and Aurora. Ontario’s small, rural, and northern communities are essential to the growth and prosperity of the province. Through the OCIF, we are providing funding to address critical infrastructure needs, including road, bridge, water, and wastewater projects.
The province understands that the current supply chain challenges and inflation have placed tremendous pressure on all governments, including our community partners. That is why Ontario is investing an additional $1 billion for OCIF over five years, starting in 2022. I was pleased to announce the 2023 funding as follows:
- Town of Newmarket is receiving $4,426,616
- Town of Aurora is receiving $2,335,687
Since 2020, Newmarket has received more than $7.6 million, and Aurora received more than $4.7 million in funding to assist them with critical infrastructure in our communities through the OCIF funding program.
On Dec. 14, I visited grades 4, 5 and 6 at L’École élémentaire catholique Saint-Jean in Aurora. It was a pleasure to be able to speak (en français) about my role as an MPP and what the Ontario government does to support our communities. I think a few children are interested in the Legislative Page education program, which is a great way to see firsthand how the Legislature of Ontario works.
I wish all our community members a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Ramadan and to everyone who enjoys the spirit of the holidays. May 2023 bring you and your loved one’s good health and great happiness.
