Councillor Rick Di Lorenzo has been Milton’s local Councillor for south east Milton for 12 years now. In 2021 he won the Milton Champion Award for Milton’s favourite local politician and his passion for community involvement clearly shows in his activities with resident groups and organizations. He was one of this year’s sponsors for Milton Canada Day, as well as helping the Milton Halal Food Festival take off in their first year.

This election he’s running for Regional Council for ward 3, leaving his local Councillor position open for others. When asked why the change, he says “Regional Council has added responsibilities such as Halton Public Health, Halton Regional Police (related to my focus on community safety). These two areas have always been a focus of mine. Plus Milton’s infrastructure has been lacking support at the regional level, often delayed and pushed back it has fallen behind our growth. I believe Milton deserves better.”

Canada Day in Milton has always held a special place in my heart and in the hearts of Miltonians. The last time it was held was 2019 and since that time it’s been cancelled because of COVID19 as well as the disbanding of the former committee. The annual event started over 25 years ago organized by a joint citizen committee that organized it as well as the Milton Santa Claus Parade – it quickly grew in size and split into two separate organizations. Many Canada Day Committee members have been volunteering for over 15 years, devoting their time and energy mostly without thanks or recognition.

Pat Rideout a committee member for 15 years and past Sponsorship Chair spoke at the last Canada Day in 2019 of the current committee retiring and passing the reins to a new generation. Shortly after she retired from the committee in 2019 she passed away on January 17, 2020 after a quick and difficult battle with cancer. Pat committed her life to improving the community and was involved in multiple organizations from Milton Santa Claus Parade, Milton Canada Day Committee, Milton Tennis Club, Habitat for Humanity and many others.

The Coldest Night of the Year is a fun, family-friendly national walk that helps raise funds for charities that serve hungry, homeless and hurting people in the community.

HMC Connections held their New Year Around the World event at the Milton Mall on March 7th.   The event showcased the different New Year’s celebration experiences around the world.   There were booths showcasing Canada, Iran, Pakistan, India, the Philippines, China, Korea, Afghanistan, Yemen, Lithunia, Romania as well as traditions from Latin America and the Middle East.   Every year, HMC organizes a new year event highlighting culture, traditions, customs and culinary experiences from around the world.