Thorold is transitioning, said Mayor Terry Ugulini, from its former industrial identity to one of cultural recognition, economic opportunities and inclusiveness.
At the Thorold Community Activities Group's (TCAG) annual general meeting last week, he stated, “I’m happy to announce that we will be hiring an economic development officer, who will engage potential and existing businesses,” and encouraged Thoroldites to participate in public input sessions being held for the city’s various master plans into parks, trails and recreation, as well as the new comprehensive zoning bylaw and other development plans currently underway.
Groups like OneThorold “facilitate and empower for the betterment of the community,” the mayor added, “and we have a significant chance, after winning the Prince of Wales prize, to take heritage and tourism to a new level.”
The city’s downtown revitalization is “moving forward and creating a buzz,” he continued, with new businesses scheduled to arrive shortly.
Commenting that he hears several complaints about the Royal Bank’s departure from Front Street this coming June, “I am meeting with RBC to discuss mobile banking,” since “things are changing” to online banking, and few people do their banking at the branch anymore.
“I am working with Brock on exciting initiatives,” he continued. The University’s payroll for employees living in Thorold was $12.2 million last year, he said, and that figure doesn’t including the significant source of income generated from students.
As a member of the Town and Gown committee, he said the group is “making strides towards focusing on the positives of having a university in our backyard,” and will be hosting a provincial Town and Gown conference here in June. “Hopefully, we’ll get colleges and universities from across the country.”
With the advent of the Summer Games, he hopes to capitalize on “facilities that will affect our recreational decisions we make within our city. Hopefully, we get some serious commitment and we are working hard with Brock and the city of St. Catharines on that project.”
Replacing the aging downtown fire hall and upgrading the city’s operations centre are imminent, and city council and staff are seeking affordable and diversified options for local housing.
“Our taxes are increasing 3.2 per cent,” he said, “but when you leverage everything, it will be 2.7 per cent. I’m pretty sure we’ll be the second lowest in Niagara. A 4.29 per cent estimated growth allows us to do projects without costing a fortune.”
Referring to Niagara Centre MP Vance Badawey, the mayor said that as a result of “Vance’s hard work, we will receive a one-time gas tax allotment of $500,000 and a one-time payment of $750,000 from the provincial government to help modernize service deliveries and capital investments.”
As amalgamation once again looms as a possibility, Ugulini pleaded with Thorold residents to fight for their city.
“I cannot urge you enough to go online and fill out a survey (regarding government reform on the city’s website and get that message out to the government,” he stated. “We can tackle any obstacle together, including the governance review. Let’s ensure that the city of Thorold is the best place to work, live, and raise a family.”
Take part in the provincial governance survey here.
