Thriving Culture

We have so much to offer...

Agriculture plays a key role in long term planning for the area, specifically in the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan & our Economic Development Strategy.  We’re surrounded by fertile farmland producing local fare, including meats, vegetables, strawberries, apples and more.  Support for our struggling farmers as they deal with a variety of challenges is paramount.  We now have in place an Agriculture Advisory Committee that meets with Town staff to discuss issues, share information and rural/agricultural perspectives.  I take every opportunity to reiterate to the province and the federal government the dangers of not increasing funding and support for our agriculture.  Local response to last summer’s tornado was evidence of our community spirit and the value we jointly place on agriculture.

The restored Craigleith Heritage Depot and museum proudly displays the rich fossil history of the area, the 10,000 years of human occupation in the area, including early settlers, the ski and rail industry.  The historic and quaint downtown streetscapes of Thornbury and Clarksburg overflow with one-of-a-kind shopping for virtually any taste. Charming Clarksburg also goes by the name Artsburg for its ever-increasing number of artisan shops and local artists.  Tomahawk is our municipal “no-fee” golf course, and we have a slough of picturesque hamlets including Banks, Castle Glen, Gibraltar, Heathcote, Kolapore, Loree, Pretty River Valley, Redwing, Rock Union, Slabtown, Swiss Meadows and Victoria Corners.

Tourism plays a critical role in our economy, and I have championed a market plan with Intrawest, Blue Mountain Resorts and the BIA to encourage tourists to travel throughout our fine region.  With our neighbouring communities, I continue to support hosting other activities that bring visitors into the area, such as the Telus Skins Game, the Ontario Winter Games, the Ford Wayne Gretzky Classic, the Centurion cycle event slated for September 18 & 19, and others.