EDITORIAL

As Ward 3 Councillors, one of whom has experienced directly the impacts of construction as a resident of Hillside Avenue, we have continuously pushed County staff and their contractors to perform on this contract - there have been numerous e-mails, phone calls and in person meetings. We have pushed hard for a rapid and a good quality finish to work. Further, all Paris Councillors and Mayor voted not to give further work (West River Street upgrades) to the Hillside/Race Street contractor as a reflection of our disappointment in their performance, but we were voted down - our code of conduct requires us to accept this majority decision of Council

When we received comments on dust management or driveway end/road elevation issues we ensured staff responded As in every major urban infrastructure renewal project resident patience has been required - for the most part that happened with this project and we thank you for that - but the final product is welcomed and appreciated by the majority of the residents.

Thirdly, communications; there are accusations of poor communication from County Councillors and County staff Let me share my personal experience - I received 3 e-mails from Dave Hazell in 2023 on this issue (none in 2024) - I responded to the first in May 2023 with details of the planned project Subsequent e-mails in June and August of 2023 were essentially NIMBY statements - “this is not what the neighbourhood wants in any way”. I chose not to respond. I received a total of 4 other e-mails from local residents on dust control and driveway/new road elevation differences (see my comments above) and other NIMBY statements“Believe me no one on Old Mill, Race or Hillside wants a sidewalk” Councillor Peirce, being more local to the project, likely received more communications.

On the other hand, there has been a ton of social media commentary driven by a vocal minority to which Councillor Peirce and I together responded. As is often the case if the response is not what the vocal minority wants to hear then the response is labelled wrong, inadequate, untruthful or worse. We, as Councillors, are obliged to act in the best interests of not only our Ward constituents but also the County as a whole.

The use of Social Media to raise concerns and offer opinions does not substitute for direct communications with your elected officials or County staff. Ward Councillors are contactable by phone or e-mail. In a recent blow up on FB on this project not once did the protagonists reach out to either Councillor directly, rather choosing the cover of social media.

Finally, accountability; In the article

Dave Hazell suggests it’s time for a change; presumably (in conjunction with several comments of his on social media) he means Ward 3 Councillors and Mayor as a means of holding us, in his opinion, accountable A brief reminder - at the last election we had 22 people (out of a possible 30000 eligible to stand) who stood for election. The 11 members of today’s Council offered themselves for office, were elected by residents and committed to 4 years of public service. I trust the vocal minority from Hillside Avenue will present themselves for election in 2026 and commit to 4 years of public service.

It’s easy to take shots under cover of social media, as we have seen in the last few weeks, (why did concerned residents not pick up the phone and call their Councillors?) and for residents to get fixated on a single issue. But understand that Council has a wider purview - it approves and oversees an annual budget of over $200 million, oversees assets of more than $ 2.5 billion, addresses activities County wide, sets policies and agrees master plans for the County and much more (including representation on local Boards - Police, Library, Paramedics, Health Unit, Conservation Areas to name a few). We’re obliged under the Municipal Act to act in the best interests of the whole of County and this sometimes brings us into conflict with the preferences of individuals or areas within the County on specific issues. Any new Councillor or Mayor would have to recognize and abide by this obligation. And also recognize your Councillors each have only one vote in Council - a majority typically requires 6 votes

I’ll end on a positive note - work is almost complete in Hillside/Race. The end product is great and will serve residents, current and future, for a couple of generations Drive down Laurel or Cedar or Market or Dundas or Main street in Paris to see more finished product!

John Bell (and John Peirce) Councillors Ward 3