Our first Meetup took place last night at the Banded Goose on Main Street. It was both eye-opening and encouraging, thanks to one of our Town Council members.
Highlights
We were honored to have Councillor Thomas Neufeld join us. He was incredibly supportive of our Strong Towns ideas and shared practical insights that helped us see how these concepts can take root in Kingsville.
We also received feedback from a subscriber who recently retired to Kingsville from Waterloo. This sparked an important realization: our new citizens are a goldmine of experience. Many come from places with better transportation, housing, and downtowns. They already see Kingsville’s shortcomings and know what “better” looks like. We need to tap into their insights to help shape our town.
Key Takeaways
Councillor Neufeld’s input crystallized a core truth for us:
Strong Towns are built on Strong Neighborhoods.
Strong Neighborhoods are built by Engaged Citizens.
To make this happen, we’re focusing on two key groups:
- New Citizens
Retirees and others moving here from more cultivated urban areas bring a wealth of knowledge. Their perspective is critical to improving Kingsville, and we’re committed to giving them a platform for influence. - Youth
We can’t let our young people get bored and leave (like I did after high school). They’re a vital source of energy and ideas. We saw their potential during the school naming process, proving they can be engaged citizens. We need to harness their power to reach Kingsville’s potential.
Where We’re Starting
We also recognized that our community is still healing from the COVID era’s challenges. Right now, we’re focusing on those eager to jump in, rather than trying to convince skeptics or those busy with family life. By building momentum with a passionate core, we’ll grow from there.
Vision for a Cohesive Community
Picture this: a town where seniors and youth work together. Seniors bring wisdom and guidance; youth bring energy and fresh ideas. It’s a powerful combination that could give our seniors a meaningful role in our “village” while inspiring the next generation. I’m reminded of when my grandparents’ boiler burnt down mid-winter, and the community rallied to rebuild it so they wouldn’t lose their crop. That’s the Kingsville we can rebuild—together.
Get Involved
This is where you come in. Whether you’re:
- A new citizen with fresh ideas,
- A young person with enthusiasm,
- Or a long-time resident with deep roots,
Your voice matters. Let’s build a Strong Town, step by step, starting with engaged citizens like you. If nothing else, just start talking about Strong Towns. Share this post with one person who cares about Kingsville.
Thank you for your support. I can’t wait to see you at our next Meetup!
–Chad
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