Now that they’ve finished their last City Council meeting, some of the outgoing Councillors say they’re proud of the progress they saw in their terms.
Linda Rydholm tells us she enjoyed focusing on projects in Neebing Ward and is happy with what she achieved, like new roadwork in her ward, and new fire halls resulting in a faster emergency response time.
Rydholm tells us she’ll stay involved with politics as a member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, but her first plans are to relax this winter.
She notes she’ll keep an eye on Council proceedings.
The Councillor adds she feels Neebing ward still needs another entrance to the Parkdale subdivision and a new bridge over the Kam River.
Iain Angus believes he saw Council become more strategic in its decisions in his 15 years at City Hall.
“When I came on Council, we were still dealing with things like, ‘Where should the bus stop go?'” he points out.
“Our investment in the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute, the creation of Tbaytel, our financing of [RegenMed]–those kind of strategic decisions, I think, are what’s making the city grow the way it is.”
He notes he won’t pursue any future elected office, but will stay involved in local projects and organizations.
Angus feels the incoming Council should keep working on infrastructure and community safety issues, along with projects like the Boulevard Lake Dam.
Outgoing McKellar Ward Councillor Paul Pugh says it’s been a privilege to represent the city and McKellar Ward.
He feels the city needs to create more housing as part of improving the south core.
Pugh says he will continue to tackle local issues like racism and poverty after taking a break.
“I’ll enjoy that for a while, but I’m a social, political animal–I’m not going to sit at home and watch T.V.” he explains. “Before too long, I’ll get involved in community groups of one form or another.”
The new City Council takes office next Monday.