Carl Hordyk – Ward 4 Candidate

Posted By Miriam King Bradford Times September 16 2010
For Carl Hordyk, born and raised in Bradford West Gwillimbury, and a Bond Head resident for the past 20 years, there’s a simple reason for running for Councillor in Ward 4: “I love this community,” he says. “I wanted to give something back to the community I’ve grown up in.”
He also has a background in politics. “My grandfather was a long-time Councillor in King Twp.,” in the 1960s and ’70s. Hordyk grew up hearing the stories.
Ward 4 poses unique challenges. “It’s a big Ward, from Bond Head and Foster’s Forest, to Bradford and Blue Dasher Drive,” he says. “Residents in Bond Head and Bradford have different issues… I can deal with those issues.” After all, he says, MPs represent larger jurisdictions, and manage to handle a far broader range of issues.
Ward 4 is also “the quickest growing Ward.” Hordyk says, “I’m excited by the growth I see,” looking forward to “growing the 400 employment lands and being part of the team… and working positively towards building the tax base.”
Bond Head is also slated to grow, to a population of about 4,400. “Growth is coming that’s been in the Official Plan since 2001- but it needs to be managed. How can it be managed so that the existing residents are happy, but the people who come to our community are welcomed?” is the big question, he says. “It has to be positive.”
Related issues include Downtown revitalization, and “preserving our history.” He insists, “Some type of committee has to be formed, not just for Bond Head. Bradford West Gwillimbury’s history has to be preserved. I don’t know how we’re going to accomplish anything without sitting down and discussing the issues” – including the celebration of Bond Head’s 175th Anniversary in 2012. “That’s huge for our community.”
Another key issue? Actively developing the Trails master plan for BWG. As an “outdoors person,” Hordyk wants to be involved with the trails committee, “and getting people out walking, bicycling… An active community is a healthy community.”
He has been sitting in on Council meetings for over a year. It’s not only a sign of his commitment, it’s given him an insight into the workings of the Town. “I know what the issues are. I know what the issues have been in front of Council for the past year.”
He’s now on his second round of door-knocking, to meet his potential constituents – assisted by his wife of 18 years, and his 3 children. Hordyk acknowledges that the support of his family is important to both his campaign, and his family life. And, he says, in going door to door, “I’ve met a lot of wonderful new people.”
An employee of Trotters’ Towing in Fennell’s Corners for over 20 years, where he is now a manager, Hordyk has been involved in responding to many emergency situations on local highways – and has received citations for his efforts, from both the O.P.P. and St. John Ambulance.
“I was honoured to be recognized,” he says. “I’m not afraid to jump in and help” – an approach he says would extend to his role as Councillor. He’ll be accessible to his constituents, and respond.