To the editor:
On July 30 my youngest son Gavin and I worked together on a video about a concern we both held in common. This video is a reaction to the Ministry of Transportation's project for the Thunder Bay Expressway. We spent a number of hours compiling and then editing what became a short 2 and a half minute video that has received over 350 views. It has also been circulated among networks and supporters of active transportation in Thunder Bay.
Growing up, it was always impressed on me, by example, that we have a great way of life and amazing opportunity. Participation with social causes, concern for others and active roles in bettering the community were modeled by those around me. Running for councillor-at-large for the city has already given me a much broader view of some of the issues. Moreover, it has allowed me to work together with my family, attending functions and producing letters and media to highlight important information that will have immediate affect and make a difference for us and the younger generation.
It has been a bonus that I have been able, at the same time, to impart the value of participation in civic issues to my teenage sons.
On Aug. 3 my family sat down to dinner at Rainbow Falls provincial camp in Rossport. We invited a 72-year-old man from England who was biking across Canada to share an evening with us. He had already passed through Thunder Bay and his story telling of his international experiences was simply amazing. This chance encounter further validated the video material but also highlighted missed tourist opportunities for our city because of a lack of coordinated planning.
The MTO project that intersects our city must be taken just as seriously as the need for repairing roads and synchronizing traffic lights, which keeps traffic flowing. It can be a great chance toward a better future for visitors and the citizens of Thunder Bay who enjoy an active lifestyle in getting from one place to another.
Having infrastructure that encourages active mobility will be another building block for our community. But more than this, we want to encourage lifestyles which will reduce health problems and costs.
Both of my boys are learning and it is encouraging to hear them ask questions and become more engaged with issues that cross our city.
Andrew Brigham,
Candidate, councillor-at-large,
Thunder Bay
