by Councillor Kristin Strackerjan
The Kemptville District Hospital Board reaffirms its mission of Building Healthier Communities at every meeting. This re-affirmation is often personal and means something different to everyone. At the last meeting, it was my turn. I took the opportunity to reflect upon my experience on Council, perhaps because I am approaching my first full year as part of this dynamic group, but primarily because I am proud of the work that we have done to build a stronger community in North Grenville.
As my daughter explained: “Neighbourhoods are where people live, and communities are built when people come together to support each other.”
Your current NG Municipal Council continues to spend a significant amount of time on community-building initiatives, such as the monthly Discussion Forum gatherings. These opportunities are open to all, and offer time to engage with residents in our community, to allow individuals to be heard, and to exchange information on almost any topic. We have yet to run out of topics to discuss! These gatherings have been well-attended and have laid the foundation of engaged and informed residents. Individual engagement is the investment needed to grow positive, inclusive communities.
In addition to the Discussion Forums, the eight Advisory Committees of Council are made-up of NG residents who volunteer their time and energy. They are driving a groundswell of creative, grassroots suggestions for Council to consider supporting. All of these committees are focused on making North Grenville better, stronger and healthier, while ensuring that it maintains the historical foundation and rural way which make this ‘house’ a ‘home’.
Local and grass-roots initiatives are blossoming, even on these cold and dark winter days. The re-opening of the Kemptville Campus greenhouses was a beautiful example of this growth. Grass-roots and volunteer-driven, the efforts underway in the beautiful, sunny and warm greenhouses are about so much more than maintaining the plants of vacationing residents. This space will offer those who feel the winter blues a chance to escape, refresh and re-energize. Local artists have also seized the opportunity to gather in this welcoming space. From wintering plants, to offering workshops, to giving a space for residents to gather, these greenhouses represent inclusiveness and community-building. They are but one example in our amazing community.
Your Council is driven to support, encourage and facilitate positive community engagement. Ideas planted by residents have a greater chance of growing into strong, sustainable solutions. Please don’t forget that ideas, much like plants, need ‘food’ to grow – so please get out and meet your neighbours, find out what their experiences are and communicate your own. You might learn something new and start a community of your own.
Long-time residents, newcomers to North Grenville or Canada; francophone or not; kids, youth and adults; ruralite or urbanite… There is a place for everyone in North Grenville. Let’s come together more often to celebrate what we have, explore our differences and find new ways to support each other.
