Cambridge Mayor Doug Craig talks growing as a modern city in 2017 State of the City address

Cambridge, Ontario. May 11, 2017… Earlier today, Mayor Doug Craig addressed a crowd of community leaders at his annual State of the City address. This year the Mayor focused on who we are as a community and what we will be in the future.

“Cambridge is a modern city that’s ready for the challenges of the future,” remarked Mayor Doug Craig. “With steady economic growth, a focus on the quality of life for all residents, and the empowerment of our young people, Cambridge is a city we can be proud of not only today but ten, twenty, even thirty years from now.”

Mayor Craig spoke to who we are as a community noting iconic landmarks and the importance of heritage, our rivers, inclusiveness and diversity, the significance of our neighbourhood associations and the value of community spaces.

He also discussed the rapid growth the city is experiencing and celebrated Cambridge’s recent achievement as the 6^th most business friendly community to invest in the small city category by FDi Magazine’s American Cities of the Future.  An overview of various key projects supporting the economic boost were highlighted including The Gaslight District development, the recent Ascent data centre announcement, and the Cambridge Memorial Hospital expansion. 

In addition, Mayor Craig revealed an international architectural design competition that will be formally introduced in the near future to engage the design community to help shape the new community space within the Gaslight Development project.

Mayor Craig spoke to current community projects that have supported the attraction of investment including the pedestrian bridge that will connect the two sides of our river-city and the digital library under development in the former Galt Post Office that is now 50 per cent complete.  Lastly, Mayor Craig spoke to key infrastructure including road construction and the implementation on the digital LED light program.

Mayor Craig noted the importance of coming together as a community and the need to plan for who we want to be. As we continue to grow as a modern city, he discussed a new approach to attracting GO Transit to Cambridge, the balance of preserving heritage and welcoming new development, and ensuring services and support is available to all members of our community. 

In conclusion, Mayor Doug Craig applauded several local youth for their work in helping to build a strong community and the importance of empowering and engaging youth in our community.

More information, along with a video of Mayor Craig’s State of the City address, can be found on the City’s website at www.cambridge.ca/StateOfTheCity

A portion of the proceeds collected for the State of the City address will be donated to the Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank.  

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Primary Media Contact:

Shawn Falcao
Manager of Communications
Corporate Communications division
City of Cambridge
(519) 740-4680 ext. 4350 / cell: (519)–240-3751
falcaos@cambridge.ca