I would like to thank the Board of Directors for their tireless commitment to the membership and our industry. Their contributions continue to be the success of our organization.
To that end I would like a special recognition for Andrew Hill, who is stepping down as a Director for the first time in some 10 years. His contributions to our Organization are immeasurable.
I would like to give a special thank you to Krystin Rennie and Tava Oplt, who organized tonight’s event and made it the special evening it is.
I want to thank the members for putting their faith in me to lead this organization through 2018. I take great pride and care in what I do and to be elected by my peers to represent them is one of the greatest honours I could receive.
2018 was an exciting year.
We had much drama in both the local and provincial elections which resulted in many new faces at local and municipal levels.
As an organization, the GTDI hosted a several events. In February, we welcomed Fareed Amin, CAO Town of Collingwood to speak about the challenges and opportunities that are ahead. Also, in February we held a social at Gibson & Co. to launch our new website. In June, Andrew Peel of Peel Passive House gave a presentation on the Passive House Building Standards. In September, we brought back the popular Rolling Development Tour and visited some of the exciting developments our members are constructing.
In addition, GTDI supported the Blue Mountain Village Associations Attainable Housing Task force, the Mayors attainable housing task force, and sit as a board member on the Blue Mountains Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Finally, where warranted, the GTDI advocated on behalf of our industry:
Collingwood Noise By-Law
Educational Development Charges
Conservation Authorities
Town of Blue Mountain Zoning By-Law
Regional Economic Developments
Foreign Sales Tax
As we close the books on 2018, the membership is up. The state of our union grows stronger. Our region has long been “officially” recognized as the four seasons resort destination community. Today, I would like to think, Our Region is now the “official” provincial crown jewel of live, work and play.
That is why, moving to 2019, I want to challenge every member, board member, colleague and client to think and raise the awareness of Regional Government. I want to challenge the members tonight – and throughout 2019 – to consider how there business and personal life here in the region could benefit by having our own government.
If I am not mistaken, did you know to get a simple shared services agreement between Town of Collingwood and Blue Mountain for transit or water it takes over 65 elected officials?
For a Bus Route?
I want to challenge the next board of directors to use the GTDI to assemble the benefits and obstacles to continue meaningful discussions at member events.
In 2017 founding GTDI Member Major General (Ret.) Richard Roehmer lamented that the formation of a Regional Government was one things that they could not get done during his stewardship but it needed to be done. In his words of wisdom, he stated that we should not to try to control the outcome of events as that is impossible. Rather, spend our time on meaningful causes that may affect the outcome of events.
I believe this is one of those causes. I want to challenge the membership to think, elevate, and raise the awareness of Regional Government.
Thank you, it has been my pleasure to be your President in 2018.
Kenneth S. Hale, MCIP, RPP
President, Georgian Triangle Development Institute