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Article about the 2000 Carrotfest. It outlines events and festivities. Article also contains the year's winning poem, entitled "Vegetables," by David Budvet.

Description : Bradford West Gwillimbury Council met in closed-door session on April 10th, and voted to accept the "conveyance" of a 6 acre parcel of land on Holland St. West (S. half lot 11, Con. 7) from developer Mod-Aire Homes Ltd. It is considered a "conveyance", and not a gift, because there is a condition attached; that should the property be used for a new Administration Centre, a 3' by 5' plaque is to be installed in the new building, in recognition of the parents Mod-Aire principal, Mike Orsi.

"It seemed like a reasonable idea, a good idea: in this, the 50th anniversary of D-Day, to recognize some of the municipality's most highly decorated veterans, by renaming duplicate street names in their honour.
The list of names, compiled by the Royal Canadian Legion with the assistance of Bradford West Gwillimbury Police Service researchers, included Gunner JohN Douglas Breeze, recipient of the Military Medal for bravery, and Squadron Commander Brad walker, recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross.
The idea was to honor the war veterans, while they were still alive; to eliminate the risk of confusion of street names in an emergency, by changing similar names; and perhaps, to untie the Municipality in a gesture towards its veterans.
Instead, it re-opened old wounds, and contributed towards new grievances. ..."

A 30,000 sq. ft. Administration Building, with a Council Chamber that could double as an Arts Center. A 14,000 sq. ft. South Simcoe Police Station, that shares an atrium-style public entry with the Administration building. A separate courthouse - and possibly, an Ambulance station. All of it to be paid for through development charges, reserve funds from the sale of the municipal electrical utility, contributions from the County of Simcoe, and the sale of surplus properties - with no impact on the tax rate. ...

Library CEO Liz Fenwick showing Frank Jonkman the new computerized catalogue at the Bradford Public Library.

From left at the Bradford Public Library returns counter: Pat Storey, Frank Jonkman, Library CEO Liz Fenwick.

CEO Liz Fenwick showing Mayor Frank Jonkman how to remove fines on the new catalogue at the Bradford Public Library.

Description : Calling it the "single biggest issue or event that's come to Council, as far as having positive impact," Councillor Marty Toombs announced a gift of property to the municipality by Mike Orsi, principal of Mod-Aire Homes Ltd. A committee comprised of Toombs, Councillor Ron Simpson and Mayor Frank Jonkman had apparently approached a number of developers regarding a possible acquisition of land for a new civic centre. The Town is conducting a Consolidation Study, looking at the feasibility of bringing all Town departments under one roof. To their surprise, Orsi offered to hand over the deed to 6 acres fronting on County Road 88, just east of the former Mod-Aire offices, which were destroyed by fire. There are two conditions. The Town can't sell the property, but is free to "exchange" it for other lands closer to the centre of town, if desired. "I think his entire goal was to start a new relationship with the people in town," said Toombs.

"Frank Jonkman got into politics very much the same way that he got into the greenhouse business - to meet a need. Jonkman started by building greenhouses for his father's farming operation, using recycled materials that included old television aerials. In the 1970s, other Marsh farmers began to call on him for help with putting up their greenhouses, as his reputation gre for getting the work done at a reasonable cost..."

Photograph of Bradford West Gwillimbury's town council from 2003-2006.
Back Row: Del Crake, Peter Dykie Jr., Ron Simpson, Doug White, Duncan Page
Front Row: Natalie Dykie, Dennis Roughley, Frank Jonkman, Mikki Nanowski