Stopping to shake hands and pose for photos, Ontario Premier Doug Ford toured Bradford’s Carrot Fest on Saturday.
Not only is the street festival ranked one of the Top 100 in Ontario, it was also the scene of an important Provincial announcement on Friday.
Local MPP and Minister of Transportation Caroline Mulroney announced that Ford's Progressive Conservative government will be getting the Bradford Bypass back on track immediately, beginning a review of the Environmental Assessment for the link between Highways 400 and 404, and starting work on the design and engineering.
The visit by Ford was an acknowledgement of the work Mulroney has put into promoting the Bradford Bypass and advocating for construction of the link, after more than a decade on the shelf.
“I give all the credit to Caroline,” said Premier Ford. “Caroline has been an absolute champion for the area.”
Mulroney accompanied the premier as he stopped to greet constituents and visit booths.
“The premier wants to relieve traffic congestion,” she said, explaining the province's support for the Bypass. “It was a priority 20 years ago, when Julia Munro was MPP (in York Simcoe).”
Mulroney added, “We need to get Ontarians moving again so they can spend more time with their families”, in their own communities.
There were plenty of families on hand for Carrot Fest, who stopped for photos with the Premier.
“Bradford is one of the fastest growing cities in Ontario, and we have to be visionary to build for the future,” said Ford. He added, “Going through the crowd, I can tell you one thing – Caroline is loved. I’m so fortunate to have a great minister of Transportation.”
Ford chatted with members of Lions Club, the Leos and food bank volunteers, telling them, “Thank you for the great work you do.”
He also stopped to pose with Bradford West Gwillimbury Council during his hour-long visit.
