Mayor Brian Saunderson wants to smile more.
MPP Jim Wilson wants to see more progress on hospitals in Collingwood and New Tecumseth.
MP Terry Dowdall wants to eat healthier.
This week, area politicians shared their New Year’s resolutions with CollingwoodToday.ca; some personal and some professional.
Closing in on his last year representing Simcoe-Grey as he has previously announced he will not be running again in 2022, Wilson has his eyes firmly set on pandemic recovery and two hospital files this coming year.
“COVID-19 has changed our world forever,” said Wilson.
“As we continue learning how to control and live with the virus, I encourage everyone to do their part by heeding the best advice of experts, getting vaccinated and following Health Unit guidance. Acting altruistically will not only help others; it protects our own health and the health of those closest to us,” he said.
In 2022, Wilson said he’s certain the province will make moves on the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital and Stevenson Memorial.
“I am confident that 2022 will be a year of progress for our two hospitals in Simcoe-Grey. Following a visit by Health Minister Christine Elliott this past summer, Collingwood General and Marine has the go-ahead to move forward with planning and design of an expanded and upgraded building,” he said. “And, now that Premier Ford has seen Stevenson Memorial in New Tecumseth first-hand, I am confident that the next phase of planning funding for redevelopment there will be announced before the next provincial election.”
Dowdall hopes to continue to be a strong voice in 2022 for the riding at the federal level.
“We need to continue to advocate for quality internet at affordable prices; more support for struggling businesses and to get employees back as demand grows as well as affordable and attainable housing and support for seniors who are falling behind more than ever,” said Dowdall.
On a personal level, Dowdall also has a few goals in 2022.
“My personal resolution for 2022 is to try to eat healthier as I find, in this job, that I often don’t have a very regular schedule and eat later in the evening and so, do not always make the best choices,” he said. “The other resolution I have, which I have each year, is to ensure I put time aside each day to listen, learn and give my daughter and family my undivided attention.”
Mayor Brian Saunderson is planning to focus on finishing up the last year of this council’s mandate, which will include completing the Official Plan update, the water allocation framework and the planning for the future of the Grain Terminals.
He also says he looks forward to the completion of the Harbourview Park splash pad, the Enviro Park at Sunset Point and the Fisher Fields facility.
“In terms of personal resolutions, I am planning to smile more,” said Saunderson.
