Catherine Fife, MPP for Kitchener-Waterloo, delivered the following statement in the Ontario Legislature on May 8th, 2013:

Ms. Catherine Fife: This past week, I had the distinct pleasure of leading a Jane’s Walk in my riding of Kitchener–Waterloo in honour of Jane Jacobs, a groundbreaking advocate and progressive planner who said, “In order to find out what works for cities, you’ve got to get out and walk.”

The focus of my event was the local food economy, which provided an opportunity to acknowledge some of our local sustainability leaders:

Little City Farm, an urban homestead that sets a positive example for sustainability;

Smart Growth Waterloo, who have emerged as a result of the local OMB decision. They have brought together ideas from environmental and community groups to speak in one voice about the future of Waterloo Region;

The Bailey-Dick family, who raise urban chickens and work to educate people on the benefits of doing so; and finally

Seven Shores Urban Market and Café. Their contribution to the health of the Waterloo region starts with their commitment to sourcing local food and supporting local farmers. They pay their staff a living wage, and they purchase all of their products, whether local or international, on a fair trade basis. Seven Shores is committed to the protection of local employment and farmland, stimulating the local economy and building towards an overall improvement of quality of life in Waterloo region.

All of these amazing leaders are making a difference in our region, building a strong community and a thriving local economy, and I would like to congratulate them on their successful ventures and thank them for their invaluable contributions.

Legislative Assembly of Ontario, May 8 2013

We at Smart Growth Waterloo Region were delighted to be included in Ms. Fife’s Jane’s Walk, and thank her for her recognition and support.