We have all the ingredients necessary for long term success: Mayor Jeffrey

In her State of the City Address hosted by the Brampton Board of Trade earlier today, Mayor Jeffrey acknowledged that now is a time of increased opportunities for Brampton as conditions are right for the city’s business community to thrive. “Despite some reputational damage our city is strong, our people are focused and they are eager to seize opportunities that are on the horizon,” said Jeffrey. “My optimism stems from the discussions I have held since taking office – discussions with my colleagues on Council, neighbouring municipal leaders and the Premier, as well as federal and provincial representatives.” Mayor Jeffrey outlined five key priorities during the address, including: fighting gridlock, the requirement for sustainable levels of infrastructure investment, healthcare, attracting university opportunities, and accountable, open and transparent government. In focusing on transit, Jeffrey discussed meeting with Metrolinx to confirm why Two Way, All Day GO rail service linking Toronto, Brampton, Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, and Waterloo Region should be a top priority for the provincial government. She highlighted the need for this service to allow easy commuting between technology employers and knowledge workers all along Canada’s Innovation Corridor. “Transit connects people to jobs and we need an accessible, affordable and regularly scheduled system that allows for easy commuting between employers and skilled workers,” said Mayor Jeffrey. “We are the ninth largest city in Canada and good transit is the price of admission if you want to be a player and known as a world class city.” Mayor Jeffrey praised Brampton Civic Hospital, its staff and volunteers for the reputation it is building across Canada for excellent healthcare, and expressed excitement about the Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness and the positive impact it will have on the community.
“The redevelopment of Peel Memorial into the Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness will raise the bar further, spurring economic development in the downtown area and potentially stimulating research and development investment in Brampton,” said Jeffrey. “Peel Memorial has the potential to attract small and medium sized biotech and health related research companies that can complement each other in a small campus setting.” To restore accountability, openness and transparency in Brampton, Jeffrey highlighted the ways in which she is working to re-establish confidence in City Hall, including cutting her salary by $50,000 and arranging for former Ontario auditor general Jim McCarter to review the City’s financial situation. Jeffrey also reiterated her commitment to having Ontario Ombudsman Andre Marin review and make recommendations to City practices. She called on residents to connect with Council and senior City staff about the 2015 Budget process.
“These and other initiatives that I and my Council colleagues raised during the election will, I believe, help restore confidence in City Hall.” In conclusion, Jeffrey recognized the importance of working with the Brampton Board of Trade, in addition to the federal and provincial governments, to tackle the big issues Brampton faces today. “I will work with you to restore faith in our local government and become a beacon that will attract new investment, create new jobs and move our City forward – together.”