Due to house renovations this week, I won't have access to my computer. Just moved to Walsh Street and trying to get myself organized in my new home. Lots of challenges - sure makes one find out how much inner strength one has. Anyway, am not going to be available on the computer for this week. Please though, give me a call on the telephone - 577.2807. More than pleased to return your call. Talk to you through email and my web site later this week.
Rebecca
Monday, October 30, 2006
Vision for Thunder Bay - What is Your Opinion
I am very interested in hearing what YOUR long term vision of Thunder Bay is.
Here is mine . . . . .
THUNDER BAY’S VISION 2020
Thunder Bay should create own future and not have it created for us. It is time to establish a long term vision for our community and have a growth management strategy to accompany the vision for implementation. Community input will be required to establish the long term vision with bi-annual forums held to address changes required or updating to the Vision 2020.
In 2020 Thunder Bay will be the Aboriginal Centre of Canada having all national aboriginal organizations offices located here. The Thunder Bay Art Gallery will truly be the Gallery for Aboriginal Art and continue to host international aboriginal artists’ work. The Aboriginal Heritage Park will be a recognized attraction on the waterfront that people from all over the world come to. During the summer up to 15,000 people attend Pow Wow celebrations.
As we have become an education “College Town” our transit has improved considerably and students can use our city transit to quickly move from their home location to the university and/or college. More and more international students are coming to Thunder Bay attracted to the research and innovation centres we have created from our health sciences sector.
The Waterfront of 53 kms is fully developed with a walkway extending from one end of the city to the other. People of all ages walk, jog, bike to keep their healthy lifestyles along the boardwalk throughout the year. Along with the Aboriginal Park the waterfront attractions include Lake Superior Place with a Country Market, art gallery, location for organizations to hold concerts, an Elevator Museum, and the list goes on. Commercial development is seen along the waterfront with condominiums, a hotel and various boutiques and restaurants. The 53 km is busy year round.
With our high quality of life, new businesses have moved to Thunder Bay. Greening of the city has created a location in Ontario where people have moved to. Thunder Bay is recognized for our sound environmental policies.
The city is vibrant, safe, barrier free with walking trails, commuter trails, hiking areas close to the city that are accessible year round. The strong local businesses provide job training and information through Lakehead University and Confederation College along with other educational institutions. We have two free leash dog parks, one on either side of the city.
Simpson Street has been rejuvenated with new apartment buildings, condominiums, small retail areas, offices. This compliments the new “neighbourhood areas” throughout the city such as Westfort, Fort William, Current River, Heart of the Harbour, etc., which enable residents to walk to their local grocery, library, drug store. Signage identifies the various neighbourhoods and the streets located within the area.
We have become the regional centre for Northwestern Ontario and strengthened our working relationship with the communities of the region.
Culture takes a high priority in the city. Artists of all sectors are recognized and celebrated for their works of art.
Here is mine . . . . .
THUNDER BAY’S VISION 2020
Thunder Bay should create own future and not have it created for us. It is time to establish a long term vision for our community and have a growth management strategy to accompany the vision for implementation. Community input will be required to establish the long term vision with bi-annual forums held to address changes required or updating to the Vision 2020.
In 2020 Thunder Bay will be the Aboriginal Centre of Canada having all national aboriginal organizations offices located here. The Thunder Bay Art Gallery will truly be the Gallery for Aboriginal Art and continue to host international aboriginal artists’ work. The Aboriginal Heritage Park will be a recognized attraction on the waterfront that people from all over the world come to. During the summer up to 15,000 people attend Pow Wow celebrations.
As we have become an education “College Town” our transit has improved considerably and students can use our city transit to quickly move from their home location to the university and/or college. More and more international students are coming to Thunder Bay attracted to the research and innovation centres we have created from our health sciences sector.
The Waterfront of 53 kms is fully developed with a walkway extending from one end of the city to the other. People of all ages walk, jog, bike to keep their healthy lifestyles along the boardwalk throughout the year. Along with the Aboriginal Park the waterfront attractions include Lake Superior Place with a Country Market, art gallery, location for organizations to hold concerts, an Elevator Museum, and the list goes on. Commercial development is seen along the waterfront with condominiums, a hotel and various boutiques and restaurants. The 53 km is busy year round.
With our high quality of life, new businesses have moved to Thunder Bay. Greening of the city has created a location in Ontario where people have moved to. Thunder Bay is recognized for our sound environmental policies.
The city is vibrant, safe, barrier free with walking trails, commuter trails, hiking areas close to the city that are accessible year round. The strong local businesses provide job training and information through Lakehead University and Confederation College along with other educational institutions. We have two free leash dog parks, one on either side of the city.
Simpson Street has been rejuvenated with new apartment buildings, condominiums, small retail areas, offices. This compliments the new “neighbourhood areas” throughout the city such as Westfort, Fort William, Current River, Heart of the Harbour, etc., which enable residents to walk to their local grocery, library, drug store. Signage identifies the various neighbourhoods and the streets located within the area.
We have become the regional centre for Northwestern Ontario and strengthened our working relationship with the communities of the region.
Culture takes a high priority in the city. Artists of all sectors are recognized and celebrated for their works of art.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
My activities this past week
This past week has been very busy for me.
SYSCO FOOD SHOW
Worked at the Sysco food show on Tuesday. A great way to meet people and to find out how food is distributed throughout the region.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT MEETING
Chaired the Solid Waste Management Meeting on Tuesday night. The community based committee has decided to finalize the report to council and will hold one more meeting in mid-January to review the report.
AWARDS AND MEETINGS
Also spent some time at the Environmental Awards later on Tuesday night. Wednesday started off at a Leadership Thunder Bay Board meeting, to a luncheon, then to the Tree Stewardship media event, then off to the Excellence in Manufacturing seminar at the Northwestern Ontario Technology Centre and completed the day at the PARO Showcase. Thursday saw me at the Community Economic Development Commission meeting early in the morning, then to a meeting at 55+ Centre with some of the individuals who attend activities there. In the afternoon DEPUTY MAYOR DUTIES
I served as the Deputy Mayor at the RBC Community Arts and Culture media event. They provided $30,000. towards the after school program at Ogden. Great corporate organization.
THE REST OF THE WEEK
Stopped into the OSSTF candidate debate for a short time and then off to the Thunder Bay Business Women's Network Board meeting. Friday had a meeting with members of the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce and then to the Luncheon of Hope (wow - 823 in attendance - one seldom sees a traffic challenge here in town but there was one that day). Saturday met a large number of residents at the Country Market which I always try to go to every Saturday.
HIGHLIGHT OF MY WEEK AND POSSIBLY MY VOLUNTEER CAREER
Was the city representative at the Girl Guides Area Conference held at the Fort William Country Club. I have served as the Girl Guide Ambassador this past year. What a great opportunity to meet some very special people in our community who give so willingly of their leadership abilities, time and commitment to the youth of Thunder Bay and in this case throughout Northern Ontario. I was really humbled when they presented me with a Certificate of Appreciation and a donation made in my name to the Nanibigou Scholarship Fund. A wonderful way to end the week. Next week looks to be very busy as well.
SYSCO FOOD SHOW
Worked at the Sysco food show on Tuesday. A great way to meet people and to find out how food is distributed throughout the region.
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT MEETING
Chaired the Solid Waste Management Meeting on Tuesday night. The community based committee has decided to finalize the report to council and will hold one more meeting in mid-January to review the report.
AWARDS AND MEETINGS
Also spent some time at the Environmental Awards later on Tuesday night. Wednesday started off at a Leadership Thunder Bay Board meeting, to a luncheon, then to the Tree Stewardship media event, then off to the Excellence in Manufacturing seminar at the Northwestern Ontario Technology Centre and completed the day at the PARO Showcase. Thursday saw me at the Community Economic Development Commission meeting early in the morning, then to a meeting at 55+ Centre with some of the individuals who attend activities there. In the afternoon DEPUTY MAYOR DUTIES
I served as the Deputy Mayor at the RBC Community Arts and Culture media event. They provided $30,000. towards the after school program at Ogden. Great corporate organization.
THE REST OF THE WEEK
Stopped into the OSSTF candidate debate for a short time and then off to the Thunder Bay Business Women's Network Board meeting. Friday had a meeting with members of the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce and then to the Luncheon of Hope (wow - 823 in attendance - one seldom sees a traffic challenge here in town but there was one that day). Saturday met a large number of residents at the Country Market which I always try to go to every Saturday.
HIGHLIGHT OF MY WEEK AND POSSIBLY MY VOLUNTEER CAREER
Was the city representative at the Girl Guides Area Conference held at the Fort William Country Club. I have served as the Girl Guide Ambassador this past year. What a great opportunity to meet some very special people in our community who give so willingly of their leadership abilities, time and commitment to the youth of Thunder Bay and in this case throughout Northern Ontario. I was really humbled when they presented me with a Certificate of Appreciation and a donation made in my name to the Nanibigou Scholarship Fund. A wonderful way to end the week. Next week looks to be very busy as well.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Debates: Thunder Bay Real Estate Board
Thanks to the Real Estate Board for hosting the debate at 1 pm today. There were about 50 realtors in the room at the Italian Cultural Centre. 13 of the 15 candidates were in attendance to respond to the questions.
Questions asked and my responses:
1. Our property taxes have increased significantly in the last 3 years. What is your view as to keep them from increasing further?
Response: An operations review should be undertaken. City should be a governance body and not in the business of being in business. Budget increases should be no larger than the rate of inflation. Revenues must be addressed. As revenues increase the need for budget increases would diminish.
2. Do you see the Waterfront development as a sustainable project or one that would require subsidies to stay viable?
Response: Must be sustainable. It will take time to get the Waterfront established. It will take millions of dollars before it is complete. The money will come from commercialization, privatization, the city, private developers, upper levels of government and the community at large.
3. The Thunder Bay Real Estate Board partnered in the Fast Forward project to promote the city to outside interest without much success, although a good idea and concept. How would you integrate the New Fast Forward to incease exposure for Thunder Bay?
Response: I am assuming that you are referring to the Community Plan, Fast Forward to which the Real Estate Board signed on as a community partner along with approximately 30 other community groups/organizations. I sit on the Steering Committee for Fast Forward and at this point there is no "New Fast Forward", so far as I'm aware. There has been discussions held as to what the future of the community plan is and what will happen with it, who will take on the responsiblities of the three components: quality of life, economic development and regional focus. Nothing has been determined at this point so it is premature to discuss further.
4. When speaking of development, Intercity has become the new Downtown in the last decade, but most of the zoning has remained light industrial. Should the city be more flexible in allowing zoning changes in order to generate growth?
Response: The City has an official plan which I feel overall the community should adhere to. It is under review at the present time. The City should be open and flexible when new initiatives present themselves but at the same time balance what is the best interests for the larger community. Zoning changes, should they be required would have to be determined on an individual case.
Questions asked and my responses:
1. Our property taxes have increased significantly in the last 3 years. What is your view as to keep them from increasing further?
Response: An operations review should be undertaken. City should be a governance body and not in the business of being in business. Budget increases should be no larger than the rate of inflation. Revenues must be addressed. As revenues increase the need for budget increases would diminish.
2. Do you see the Waterfront development as a sustainable project or one that would require subsidies to stay viable?
Response: Must be sustainable. It will take time to get the Waterfront established. It will take millions of dollars before it is complete. The money will come from commercialization, privatization, the city, private developers, upper levels of government and the community at large.
3. The Thunder Bay Real Estate Board partnered in the Fast Forward project to promote the city to outside interest without much success, although a good idea and concept. How would you integrate the New Fast Forward to incease exposure for Thunder Bay?
Response: I am assuming that you are referring to the Community Plan, Fast Forward to which the Real Estate Board signed on as a community partner along with approximately 30 other community groups/organizations. I sit on the Steering Committee for Fast Forward and at this point there is no "New Fast Forward", so far as I'm aware. There has been discussions held as to what the future of the community plan is and what will happen with it, who will take on the responsiblities of the three components: quality of life, economic development and regional focus. Nothing has been determined at this point so it is premature to discuss further.
4. When speaking of development, Intercity has become the new Downtown in the last decade, but most of the zoning has remained light industrial. Should the city be more flexible in allowing zoning changes in order to generate growth?
Response: The City has an official plan which I feel overall the community should adhere to. It is under review at the present time. The City should be open and flexible when new initiatives present themselves but at the same time balance what is the best interests for the larger community. Zoning changes, should they be required would have to be determined on an individual case.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Political Forum - Thurs. Oct. 19th - Italian Cultural Centre
I received this invitation for a debate amongst the candidates.
Please try to attend if you can.
Rebecca
Please try to attend if you can.
Rebecca
Dear Candidates,
This is just to remind you of the Thunder Bay Real Estate Boards Political Forum being held on Thursday at 1:15 until 2:15 at the Italian Cultural Centre on Algoma St. Please find following a list of questions which will be addressed for debate amongst the Candidates.
1) Our property taxes have increased significantly in the last 3 years, what is your view as to keep them from increasing further? (privatization of services, sale of assets, etc. . .)
2) Do you see the Waterfront development as a sustainable project or one that would require subsidies to stay viable?
3) The Thunder Bay Real Estate Board partnered in the Fast Forward project to promote the city to outside interest without much success, although a good idea and concept. How would you integrate the New
Fast Forward to increase exposure for Thunder Bay?
4) When speaking of development, Intercity has become the new Downtown in the last decade, but most of the zoning has remained light industrial. Should the city be more flexible in allowing zoning changes in order to generate growth?
Thank you in advance for your attendance. We look forward to meeting
with you.
Regards,Wendy Siltamaki
Director of Education
Thunder Bay Real Estate Board
Websites enhance candidates’ campaign strategies
Websites enhance candidates’ campaign strategies
By SARAH ELIZABETH BROWN- Chronicle Journal
Oct 18, 2006, 23:41
Thank you Sarah for your article in today's Chronicle.
Not only do websites enhance campaigns they also provide an additional method of communication to constiuents and allow them to instantly contact me regarding questions or issues.
In the previous 2003 election, I had a website up called www.friendsofrebecca.ca ; owned and operated by close friends of mine.
During this election in 2006, I was able to purchase my own name and thus the site www.rebeccajohnson.ca
The site is personally owned by me and the majority of the technical aspects are done by a longtime close friend.
I do the blogging. Blogging is a great way to communicate daily with you, the voters.
So thank you for taking the time to come to my website and of course feel free to make any suggestions for changes. Change is always good. Rebecca
By SARAH ELIZABETH BROWN- Chronicle Journal
Oct 18, 2006, 23:41
Thank you Sarah for your article in today's Chronicle.
Not only do websites enhance campaigns they also provide an additional method of communication to constiuents and allow them to instantly contact me regarding questions or issues.
In the previous 2003 election, I had a website up called www.friendsofrebecca.ca ; owned and operated by close friends of mine.
During this election in 2006, I was able to purchase my own name and thus the site www.rebeccajohnson.ca
The site is personally owned by me and the majority of the technical aspects are done by a longtime close friend.
I do the blogging. Blogging is a great way to communicate daily with you, the voters.
So thank you for taking the time to come to my website and of course feel free to make any suggestions for changes. Change is always good. Rebecca
Monday, October 02, 2006
Northwestern Ontario Chambers of Commerce
Attended the NOACC meeting this past weekend in Atikokan.
Key Highlights:
Approximately 35 resolutions were passed on various issues relative to the region.
Bear Pit session with Members of Parliament, MPP's and MP's.
Great Networking opportunity.
Chambers across Northwestern Ontario very active. Many have a voice at their local City Council table. Something to think about for Thunder Bay.
Key Highlights:
Approximately 35 resolutions were passed on various issues relative to the region.
Bear Pit session with Members of Parliament, MPP's and MP's.
Great Networking opportunity.
Chambers across Northwestern Ontario very active. Many have a voice at their local City Council table. Something to think about for Thunder Bay.
Off Leash Dog Park - Click Here
If you take a look at the website above, you will see a "successful off-leash dog park" right here in Canada. Toronto has several as do many other Canadian communities. Thunder Bay should be no exception.
Tell me what you think, what park, what area, how many off-leash parks are needed in our city?
Tell me what you think, what park, what area, how many off-leash parks are needed in our city?
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Throwing my hat in the ring
Mayor’s Position – Not the place for Johnson to complete her work
Thunder Bay, ON – September 27, 2006…
Rebecca Johnson, incumbent at-large councillor and one of Thunder Bay’s recognized community leaders, announced today that she will once again run for an at-large seat on Thunder Bay City Council.
There had been discussion throughout the community that Johnson would make a bid for the position of mayor; however, she said that her commitment is to ensuring the completion of the many excellent projects that are underway and to providing the focus required. “That means spending a considerable amount of time on each project. As Mayor, I would not have the opportunity to devote the time required to see these specific projects through to fruition and to give them the intense concentration required”, she stated. “I’m dedicated to giving 100% to what I do…my family, my work and my volunteer activities.”
Known for her straightforward and matter-of-fact approach, Councillor Johnson said that, re-industrialization, transitional employment, business retention and expansion, are her top priorities in the next term, should she be successful in her quest for an at-large seat. “I look forward to helping generate opportunities that will grow this community,” Johnson said. She said that she is committed to the development of a strategic plan that will carry Thunder Bay through the year 2020. “For me, it’s all about a visionary approach and overseeing the plan’s implementation to achieve success for our city.”
Johnson stated that she has been encouraged by her first term on Council including the many opportunities to be involved in projects that are vital to the future of the city. These include the establishment of the city’s new Economic Development Commission, addressing diversity, and the implementation of environmental initiatives. She garnered the highest number of votes in her first at-large campaign. “If given the opportunity to represent the people of Thunder Bay as a second-term at-large councillor, I commit to following through on these initiatives. I will also work to ensure that new directions are implemented to help us retain and attract business and jobs so that Thunder Bay continues to have a wonderful lifestyle,” she said.
For further information, please contact: Rebecca Johnson - 577.2807
EMAIL
Thunder Bay, ON – September 27, 2006…
Rebecca Johnson, incumbent at-large councillor and one of Thunder Bay’s recognized community leaders, announced today that she will once again run for an at-large seat on Thunder Bay City Council.
There had been discussion throughout the community that Johnson would make a bid for the position of mayor; however, she said that her commitment is to ensuring the completion of the many excellent projects that are underway and to providing the focus required. “That means spending a considerable amount of time on each project. As Mayor, I would not have the opportunity to devote the time required to see these specific projects through to fruition and to give them the intense concentration required”, she stated. “I’m dedicated to giving 100% to what I do…my family, my work and my volunteer activities.”
Known for her straightforward and matter-of-fact approach, Councillor Johnson said that, re-industrialization, transitional employment, business retention and expansion, are her top priorities in the next term, should she be successful in her quest for an at-large seat. “I look forward to helping generate opportunities that will grow this community,” Johnson said. She said that she is committed to the development of a strategic plan that will carry Thunder Bay through the year 2020. “For me, it’s all about a visionary approach and overseeing the plan’s implementation to achieve success for our city.”
Johnson stated that she has been encouraged by her first term on Council including the many opportunities to be involved in projects that are vital to the future of the city. These include the establishment of the city’s new Economic Development Commission, addressing diversity, and the implementation of environmental initiatives. She garnered the highest number of votes in her first at-large campaign. “If given the opportunity to represent the people of Thunder Bay as a second-term at-large councillor, I commit to following through on these initiatives. I will also work to ensure that new directions are implemented to help us retain and attract business and jobs so that Thunder Bay continues to have a wonderful lifestyle,” she said.
For further information, please contact: Rebecca Johnson - 577.2807
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