Bradford’s downtown a major issue for Dylie

By Jay Gutteridge Simcoe.com July 15 2010
A manager of one of Bradford’s most recognizable landmarks is seeking the Ward 2 council seat in the Oct. 25 municipal election.
Stephen Dykie grew up in Bradford and, along with his brother, Bill Jr., took over management of the Village Inn from their father.
“I figured it’s my time to step up,” Mr. Dykie said of his decision to run for council. “I’m young, ready to take on a new task, willing to learn and willing to make very educated financial decisions on behalf of the citizens of Bradford.”
Mr. Dykie said downtown revitalization is among his top priorities. He studied political science and urban studies as double-majors at York University and said this background helps him in dealing with the issue.
With the new civic and leisure centres being built at the west end of town, it’s important the municipality keeps some civic buildings downtown, he said.
With so much new development at the west end of town, it’s also important to keep older parts of town, like those in Ward 2, maintained and vibrant, he said.
Even though he would be representing Ward 2 if elected, Mr. Dykie said his responsibility would also be to the whole town.
“You’re voting on decisions for the municipality as a whole,” he said of a town councillor’s duties.
Another issue he said he would like to deal with if elected is making town councillors more visible in the community.
“I’d like to see if we could have council televised,” he said.
Other issues on Mr. Dykie’s agenda include creating activities for young people, such as a skateboard park, capitalizing on the town’s location on the GO Transit line and Hwy. 400 and keeping municipal budgets in check, he said.
Mr. Dykie is married. His wife, Erica, is from Argentina and earned her Canadian citizenship last November.
He has travelled a lot in South America and speaks Spanish.
Mr. Dykie and his family are very involved in Carrot Fest through the Village Inn.
He said he would be very accessible to Ward 2 constituents because of the business’ location downtown.
Mr. Dykie is in the process of setting up a campaign website at stephendykie.com and e-mail at mail@stephendykie.com.