Thank you to all the GALA Neighbours who attended the first annual Ward 3 Town Hall on Jan 31st, 2024. We had a great turn out to discuss what my office was able to deliver in 2023, while also hearing from neighbours about priorities for 2024 and this year’s City Budget. It is an honour to represent such an engaged community, and I thank you for showing up and participating.
I hope you received the 2023 Ward 3 Community Impact Report in your mailbox last month. It covers highlights of our achievements in 5 major categories: Housing; Public & Green Spaces; Safer Streets & Neighbourhoods; Climate Justice & Sustainable Development; and the newly added section of Governance. When we work together as a community from our greatest values and not our worst fears, we truly do achieve a lot!
- Woodlands Park washroom fire update
The unfortunate fire at the Woodlands Park washroom facility is under assessment with both the City’s insurer and structural engineers. These assessments will determine whether the building will require repair or complete reconstruction. That said, City staff have installed temporary washrooms. I am exploring what opportunities may be possible for an enhanced facility. I will ensure there is adequate community and stakeholder engagement for input we can act on. Neighbours should also note that the spray pad construction timeline will not be impeded and is scheduled to proceed as planned for this year.
- 2024 City Budget
Budgets are a reflection of what we value most. Council is scheduled to ratify the City’s 2024 Budget on February 15th, 2024. Thank you to all the residents who delegated in this process. I appreciate the challenging economic climate we all face. That is why I am proud of the collaborative effort on the part of staff and Council to responsibly draw on reserves and debt financing to bring the overall tax levy impact down significantly while also investing the quality public services, food access and housing to meet pressing needs in our communities.
Yours in community,
Councillor Nrinder Nann
