It's apt that first-term councillor Fred Drodge grew up in Gilford and has lived in Ward 7 for 45 years.
As a longtime resident, Coun. Drodge not only looks forward to meeting Ward 7's constituents and community members at the Carol Woods/Churchill Park located behind the Churchill Community Centre at 6322 Yonge St., from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, but he can also help residents by answering their questions with his wealth of information about the area.
The first person in his family to serve as a member of the town council, Drodge says he was inspired to run because of the ongoing development in Innisfil.
As Ward 7 includes everything from sprawling farmland to summer cottages, Drodge says he is interested in preserving the unique characteristics of each community, which in turn will "keep the small-town feel" in Innisfil.
Drodge tells InnisfilToday he enjoys helping residents navigate their concerns.
As a professional with his own HVAC business, and an extensive background as an entrepreneur and small-business owner that included running two successful ice-hut companies with up to 35 ice huts, he says he understands the challenges faced by residents who run seasonal businesses. He can also sympathize with those who run businesses from their homes.
The local councillor encourages Ward 7 residents to drop by their Neighbourhood Nights event to say hi, ask questions, have fun, and enjoy some free pizza.
A family-friendly event, the town noted that the Mobile Youth Centre will be on-site to offer life-size board games, lawn games and more on Wednesday evening.
In addition to speaking with Coun. Drodge, residents can also meet with town staff and community partners including the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library, InnPower and InnServices.
The final Neighbourhood Nights event in 2023 will take place in Ward 4 with Coun. Alex Waters at Innisfil Beach Park from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 10.
To find out which ward you live in, check out the town's ward map by clicking here.
