Kevin Hutchison along with his brother Tim, helped spearhead the unique Baylor Report which was created by the high profile Texas University less than three years ago.
The comprehensive two-phase project came up with a number of recommendations for the city of North Bay but the former council never really embraced those concepts after the results from the study were released.
“First and foremost I think we have to keep in mind that Baylor’s work simply amplified the voice of the community,” Hutchison told BayToday.ca’s Chris Dawson during the CKAT/BayToday live election coverage on Monday night.
“Baylor collected insight from the community and looked at communities all across Canada, Europe, the United States to figure out best processes and the best way forward so Baylor is truly owned by the community. It is our voice and it is irrefutable data about how we can move forward, and whatever capacity Baylor lives on as, I know that each and every day throughout the community folks give so much to causes, to organizations, and to help others and I think that is the Baylor spirit in a nutshell.”
But that Baylor Study did gather some momentum again during the election campaign, when candidates such as new councillor Scott Robertson, utilized the Baylor Report as part of his campaign platform.
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Robertson believes the North Bay was very fortunate to have many bright young minds from Baylor study the the city of North Bay for a whole year.
“I believe North Bay is at a turning point,” stated Robertson in an opinion column back in September.
“The desire for a change of culture in our local leadership can be felt throughout our city. There’s a palpable sense that a new vision along with positive and open leadership is needed to move us forward, be it in the local business community, the arts community, and among average citizens. This was confirmed by the findings in the Baylor Report.”
The study revealed that 56 percent of the population does not understand the plan for North Bay’s future. It showed 46 percent of the population does not trust the city government and only 15 percent of the population polled felt optimistic about the future of North Bay.
“Looking at the raw data from three years back, you could tell that folks were pouring out their heart and soul when they were providing comments and insight and so it should come as no surprise that folks really love this community. It is their community and they want what is best for it,” stated Hutchison.
“I think there is a right way and a wrong way to proceed or maybe a more right and less right way to proceed. I truly hope Baylor lives on in the good deeds by those throughout the community and in the administration and doing things that serve the community well including a focus on place making, building a stronger community, and spending our dollars as wisely as possible,” Hutchison concluded.
