Warden's Message

It is my pleasure as Warden to bring greetings to Simcoe County residents and visitors.

As 2009 unfolds, Simcoe County remains one of the fastest growing areas in Ontario. One of the challenges we face is to balance the demands of growth with the need to preserve existing resources including natural habitats, agricultural land, heritage sites and economic opportunities.

In 2008 Council approved a “made in Simcoe County” growth management plan and a new official plan. These documents will ensure that we are prepared for the influx of new residents expected over the next 30 years. We received extensive public input during the planning process and many of your suggestions were included in the final document. I invite you to review the new Official Plan and become more familiar with our County. This plan will show you how communities will grow into the 2030s.

Along with managing growth, Council also faces additional challenges in 2009 including Social Services and infrastructure funding, solid waste management, long term care, paramedic and hospital funding.

Council has recognized the current economic situation and reflected those realities with a fiscally responsible budget for 2009. Good financial management has left us prepared to meet the increased demands that may impact County services as a result of the economic difficulties.

Simcoe County Council is seriously committed to the environment. Environmental sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Council continues in its leadership role, setting the bar high for environmental protection. The new organics collection program began in September, 2008 and demonstrates our commitment in a very meaningful way. Residents are working with us to fight garbage and we are grateful for everyone’s co-operation.

In Simcoe County we recognize the increasing importance of quality of life as a factor in our decisions and the decisions of industry and workers. New residents and employers are choosing to locate in communities that are diverse and offer recreational opportunities along with employment options and safe, vibrant neighbourhoods.

In 2009 we will officially launch the new Tourism Simcoe County. Tourism Simcoe County is a new and exciting rebirth of our tourism program which was initiated in 2008. This program will bring new visitors and economic opportunities to this region.

Promoting tourism will allow us to spread the word about our amazing natural resources and destinations in all our communities. By promoting economic development on a regional level, Simcoe County will play an important role in helping our municipalities attract new employers to the area.

Our success as a service provider depends on the support of people in our communities. We will continue to build that support through excellence in meeting our residents' needs and by playing an active and important role in community life. Through established community partnerships, the County of Simcoe makes great things happen in the lives of our residents.

We have a strong and dedicated group of Councillors working together for the greater good of Simcoe County. Serving as a County Councillor is a tremendous commitment of time and energy entrusted to the political leaders of our municipalities and I respect and congratulate this team for its hard work in 2008. I look forward to continuing the hard work in 2009 as we move forward.

It is that tremendous commitment and drive of individuals combined with the co-operation of our municipal partners that will see us successfully through 2009 as Council examines our critical issues.

 

Sincerely,

Tony Guergis
Warden, County of Simcoe

.