Fritsch Gives Final Address as Reeve for Addington Highlands
Sixteen years ago, I began this political journey not out of some lifelong ambition to be a politician, but as a way to give back to our community and its people that I care deeply for.
In the last sixteen years a lot has changed. Addington Highlands developed and implemented a virtually complete new organizational structure to better serve our community. The Northbrook Medical Centre building had just been purchased by the Township to enable medical services to continue. The old Denbigh Central Public School was transformed over a 12-year plan to include a new library, new meeting room, a Food Bank home, and a satellite facility for the Lakelands Family Health Team. Playgrounds and parks were upgraded across our municipality. A new administrative office was built in Flinton. A new firehall was built in Northbrook. Upgrades were made to the Denbigh Firehall and over recent years the Denbigh community rallied together to rebuild its complement of firefighters. Our roads network, has received continual maintenance and upgrades. New wayfinding signage was installed across our community. Our garages have received numerous upgrades. Waste sites have continued to evolve and adapt to be in line with Provincial strategies and decisions. New fire trucks, plow trucks, backhoes, excavators were put into service as old equipment was phased out and to meet growing demand. Thousands of building permits were issued as property owners invested in our community. Over the four terms of Council, some Council members left and new ones joined. Our Past Reeve Henry Hogg, who led our Council for decades, passed away. A number of staff retired or moved to new jobs, and many new employees joined. Change and improvements are constant and will continue as our Township moves forward from here.
Politics can be a rough sport at times. Over the years, I’ve read angry emails, listened to upset people, felt the heat in the council chamber etc . But then at community events or a coffee with some, I listen. Not just to the loudest or angriest voice, but also to those who are quietly building our community, showing up, contributing, and believing in what’s possible.
There will always be those who are continually negative, try to convince you that everything is broken, that no one can be trusted, that people are incompetent, and that cynicism is the only honest response. Don’t believe them. Don’t waste time and valuable resources on negativity. Addington Highlands is a great community. We are fortunate to live in an area of such natural beauty. We are fortunate to have what we have and have the great outdoors at our doorstep. We should be grateful for everything we do have.
To our Council, it has been a pleasure working with you and I would not have traded it for anything. For those who are continuing on Council, or those who are stepping away, and those who are joining Council, thank you for your past or current interest in serving our community. I know you are committed to making Addington Highlands even better. Seek out the good, and help our Council, Staff and Community grow and thrive.
To our incredible staff, thank you. Each of you play a role in the daily tasks of keeping our Township running. You do all the work. I admire and respect each of you greatly for your own unique talents and contributions to our Township. And I appreciate the friendships that have developed.
It has been an honor to serve the ratepayers and citizens of Addington Highlands as a Councillor, Deputy Reeve and Reeve. Thank you for your trust, your engagement, your challenges, and your support. Together, we have made a difference.
