BarrieToday invited members of city council to write a year-end column for 2024. The following is from Coun. Amy Courser, who represents Ward 4 in Barrie.
Looking back on 2024, I feel a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the incredible progress and strong sense of community we are building in Ward 4.
It was a remarkable year, with significant milestones and improvements in our parks, road safety and infrastructure.
Together, we’ve celebrated some great achievements.
Here are just some of the many highlights:
We kicked off the year with a temporary automated speed enforcement (ASE) camera between Portage View and Nouvelle-Alliance schools on Anne Street. This site in Ward 4 was one of two initial ASE locations established in Barrie. Revenue generated from fines is reinvested into further road safety initiatives.
February saw a significant addition to Sunnidale Park: the opening of a long-awaited, year-round accessible washroom. This improvement ensures that our park is more inclusive and accessible to residents of all abilities, regardless of the season.
In May, we hosted the second Ward 4 Spring Celebration. Although Saturday was rained out, Sunday brought our Ward 4 community together for a fun and educational day, highlighting city services, community organizations and incredible local talent.
The Rotary Club of Barrie COVID-19 Heroes and Memorial Garden opened in late October. The garden is a beautiful addition to Sunnidale Park and creates a place of solace, reflection and healing for our entire community.
A major milestone for our community was reopening the Sunnidale Road bridge in December. The construction project, completed on time, began in the summer of 2023 and included installing a new water main, demolishing the old bridge and constructing a larger bridge. The new bridge features improved sidewalks and enhanced traffic operations, making it safer and more accessible for everyone.
Another exciting development in Ward 4 is the Lillian Place project by Redwood Park Communities in partnership with The Salvation Army. This two-storey building features 12 fully furnished, two-bedroom apartments for families in crisis, fostering a sense of community and providing a safe, supportive environment for families in need.
I have been actively listening to residents throughout the past year to address local issues collaboratively. It has been a busy and fulfilling year, from advocating for school bus safety to ensuring our natural spaces are protected and Barrie residents' voices are heard at city hall.
I want to thank each and every resident who has reached out to me to share your thoughts and concerns. I would also like to thank city staff for their hard work and support.
As we move into 2025, I am excited about the opportunities and challenges ahead. Our community is strong and resilient and ready to continue building on 2024's successes. I look forward to working with all of you to make Ward 4 an even better place to live, work, and thrive.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Together, we can achieve great things.
