Councillor Brooks has created a Ward 21 Council consisiting of members of communities and villages in Ward 21 to better understand the issues and needs concerning the constituents in this large ward. Ward 21 Council meets on the last Monday of each month.
“Communities ought to govern communities on local issues.” - glenn
1. It has been three years since I organized Ward 21 Council. This Council consists of 23 volunteers representing all major villages in the ward (Ashton, Fallowfield, Munster, Richmond, Manotick, Kars, North Gower, Burritts Rapids); and clusters of estate lots such as Country Club Village, Fairmile, Beckett’s Landing, Carleton Golf and Yacht and the general rural area. These dedicated volunteers also include our Community Officer, Peter Jeon and the City’s Rural Officer, Derrick Moodie.
2. In some areas there are several representatives due to the size of the community. Regardless of the representation, we regard ourselves as “Equals among Equals.” These volunteers serve two valued functions: they are my eyes and ears into the communities and they are also valued advisors.
3. Committees and/or associations within their respective communities for the most part, chose the members. The Ward 21 Council meets once a month in the Richmond Library. Commencing in January, we hope to meet in South Carleton High School.
4. The need for a Ward 21 Council was apparent when Rideau, Goulbourn and part of Nepean were amalgamated in 2006. The numbers of communities and the expansive geography have created a challenge for me to effectively represent the best interests of those I am elected to and obligated to serve.
5. During most weeks, I am required to be at City Hall from Monday to Thursday inclusive. It is during this time that I attend committee and Council meetings. Perhaps, just as important, this time also permits me to meet with my council colleagues and senior staff. For me, it is a time for quiet diplomacy!
6. One of the members’ responsibilities is to bring issues to the Ward 21 Council for discussion. Once a consensus is reached, if necessary, it then becomes my responsibility to move the issue(s) to senior staff with the assistance of our Rural Officer.
7. The Ward 21 Council also allows its members to better appreciate the concerns and aspirations of their neighbouring communities. Thus, consensus building is important not only to the Council and the broader community, but it is also of considerable value to me. It allows me to speak with greater authority before committee and City Council – numbers do count.
8. I believe my Ward 21 Council has demonstrated not only its ability to work as an effective team, but also its commitment to the betterment of the broader community in which we live – Ward 21 and the greater City.
9. I believe it is time to enhance the role of the Ward Council in order to allow the council to play a greater leadership role in determining the direction our communities are to grow and be managed. In short, it is time that residents take ownership of those issues that are local-based.
10.However, for this enhanced Ward 21 Council to lead effectively, residents must be prepared to interact with and support their representatives on Ward 21 Council.
11.Initially I will be asking individuals to become the Charter Members of the reorganized Ward 21 Council. These people in turn will be reaching out to others in their respective areas to build the local committees.
12. If we are prepared to speak with one majority voice before committee and City Council, we will become more effective. Further, I strongly believe we will command a wider audience at City Hall and in the community.
13. The Ward 21 governance sub-committee has recommended that Ward 21 be divided into eight defined community areas and one general community area encompassing the general rural areas. Each community area will have an appointed sub-committee chair and volunteer community advisors. The nine sub-chairs and myself will constitute the Ward 21 Council.
14. This reorganization into community areas will permit greater interaction and insight into community concerns. Further, a smaller Ward Council, will allow for more effective discussion and greater flexibility. The proposed organizational structure will not create a delay in decision-making at the City committee or Council levels as meeting schedules will be respected.
15. In order for this enhanced Ward 21 Council to succeed, communications will be the key. I have already begun distributing my articles electronically to those Ward 21 residents who are in my database. Ward 21 Council minutes will be distributed in a similar fashion. If you would like to be included in this distribution, please make sure that I have your e-mail address in my database. To ensure the security of this data, only the webmaster has access to the database.
16. Finally, undoubtedly the success for the enhanced Ward 21 Council will depend on your participation and support. This governance structure is not de-amalgamation in progress, but it will result in providing residents with a greater voice and authority!
17. I firmly believe this authority can grow overtime if collectively, we work to help the proposed enhanced Ward 21 Council to achieve its goal of taking ownership of local issues. I am prepared to lead if you are prepared to share the challenges that lie ahead!
The proposed restructuring of Ward 21 Council will provide a greater opportunity for residents to have their concerns heard.
“It is all about taking ownership!”
- glenn