Fraser states, “There’s growth, there’s opportunity, there’s jobs. I don’t want to say we’re a bedroom community, but we do have many people that live in North Dundas and commute to the City of Ottawa for the variety of jobs that are available there. But when they come home, they come home to a community.” OPEN SPACES AND COMMUNITY GATHERING The township boasts a variety of outdoor amenities that cater to its growing community, as well as visitors to the area. Ben de Haan, Interim CAO describes, “North Dundas, is a wonderful mix of rural and small town. We only have about 13,500 residents here,but we manage two arenas, we have large recreational parks, with baseball diamonds, outdoor pools, and a number of smaller parks for some of the smaller, more isolated subdivisions.” The township, along with the entire region, known as the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, is also a growing hub for cycling enthusiasts, thanks to an ongoing commitment to developing cycling infrastructure. A highlight of North Dundas’s social calendar is the “Meet Me on Main Street ‘’ series. These six summer events rotate through different villages and hamlets, bringing together about 400 residents each time to enjoy food, music, and entertainment.“The intent of the Meet Me on Main Street series was to get out and meet your neighbor and encourage that sense of community,” depicts Fraser. “Sometimes there’s 400 people that show up, sit together, enjoy the evening, and visit. It’s akin to a backyard party at your own home with your best friends, but you don’t have to provide refreshments and you don’t have to clean up.” He underscores the efforts of North Dundas staff, who work tirelessly to organize the event.“Our staff look after all the logistics, from organizing the vendors, food, bands and the buskers. The Recreation and Culture Department also sets up the event and tears it down the next morning. You wouldn’t know there was 400 people enjoying the evening.” North Dundas also hosts a popular motorcycle night during the summer months, drawing bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts from as far as Quebec and Kingston. “We shut down the downtown core in Winchester four different times throughout the summer,” Fraser recounts.“At one count they had over 2000 motorcycles show up. Similar to our Meet me 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 07 NORTH DUNDAS, ON
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