By Liz Bernstein
The following reports from the LCA committees describe only some of the work done in and for our community by your association and many dedicated volunteers. I urge you to read about the important work we have all done together this year engaging residents, engaging our elected officials, City staff and media towards a better Lowertown.
I would like to thank each and every volunteer who cleaned up parks, prepared the rink, drafted letters, organized and participated in meetings rain, snow or shine, and forums and election discussions, wrote articles and shared information, and so much more.
I would also like to thank each and every board member who contributed their skills, expertise and passion to advance our goals, as well as many hours to unglamorous community work of meetings and emails. Thank you to Norman Moyer for serving as secretary and getting us back on track with minutes and agendas and internal business; to Sandra Milton for spearheading efforts on Safety and Security and Norman and others who worked to hire students, engage in research, prepare reports and forums to investigate solutions to address these key issues; to Catherine Hacksel whose tireless passion pushes us to more effectively address challenges marginalized people in our community face and who has organized an excellent panel presentation of experts that helped us understand these issues and potential solutions.
Thanks to Andrew Waldron for chairing the Heritage and Culture Committee; Ana-Maria Tares for ceaselessly working for traffic calming on King Edward Avenue and transportation solutions; Leah Resnick for help in transportation and monitoring the growth of Airbnb in our community and other areas; and thank you to Francois Giroux, our treasurer who worked so hard to pay our bills and manage our finances in such a professional manner.
Thank you to those board members stepping down: Sylvie Grenier, Vice-President and longtime lead in the Planning Committee and in our efforts to revitalize the ByWard Market; Peter Ferguson, Planning Committee Chair for many years who reviewed proposals and plans, hosted meetings, drafted letters, continuously pushing for better and consistent planning in our community; and Jeffrey Neto who contributed to outreach efforts this year.
I too will be stepping down as President, and it truly has been my privilege to serve for six years in this role. I thank you for your trust, your commitment and collaboration over these years. I will still remain engaged as a resident of course, and particularly in pushing our environmental priorities and look forward to working together in new capacities for the Lowertown we all envision and urge you all to join us.
Thank you.