1) Why are you running?
I’m running for municipal office to improve people’s lives in the Town of South Bruce Peninsula. Infrastructure such as roads are in desperate need of repair, many neighbourhoods need safe sidewalks, and there is a lack of decent public washrooms throughout the municipality. We have parks and beaches that need comprehensive management plans to ensure they stay in tip-top condition with well-budgeted repairs. Maintenance plans also protect us from further lawsuits we cannot afford. We need innovative ideas to tackle the housing crisis and the ongoing challenges of doctor recruitment in our area. These difficult tasks will take a fresh set of eyes and a council that can think outside the box. I want to be part of a government that focuses on the community’s needs first.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease the cost of living concerns?
The Town needs to ensure that attainable and safe housing is available for people at all stages of life. Many seniors in our community want to downsize but have no place to go. Young families have difficulty breaking into the local housing market. There are few (if any) options available to our citizens. We must take a holistic approach to community building, making affordable, safe and vibrant neighbourhoods for all. It will take collaboration from all levels of government to develop forward-thinking housing strategies that will work for South Bruce Peninsula residents. These strategies must include an open-minded municipal council that isn’t afraid to revisit bylaws and lobby for new and effective zoning models.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
Tourism is the leading industry in South Bruce Peninsula. Neighbouring municipalities focus on large festivals in the spring and fall. This excellent strategy helps the small business economy thrive, bringing more robust sales and the booking of accommodations. The tourist season is short, primarily in July and August. South Bruce Peninsula needs more large-scale shoulder season festivals and events, extending the length of the season. The Town also needs more year-round attractions to keep tourists coming. The tourists coming to our town are people from big cities and those living within neighbouring municipalities. We need to get these folks into our area to shop.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
The municipality must actively participate in doctor recruitment and retention strategies. Finding doctors and healthcare workers is a competitive undertaking, with doctor shortages a reality facing most of rural Ontario. We must do everything we can to attract doctors to our community and never become complacent in our search. Ideally, we must start investing in our local young people. They are familiar with the region and likely have family ties in the area. Medical students who grow up in rural communities are more likely to return to them and practice. We must invest our recruitment money wisely, finding medical professionals that want to stay in our area for the long term.
5) Do you support the approval of a proposed land-based Fish Farm in the Wiarton area?
I disapprove of this industrial fish farm. The Bruce Peninsula is a world biosphere, and people choose to live and retire here because of the mosaic of rare habitats and pristine water. We must be good stewards of our home for this generation and those who come after us. I have my doubts about the fish farm being a local economic driver. It would produce quite a few jobs in the construction phase, but fish farms tend to be highly automated once in operation. I’m doubtful the farm will create many permanent jobs in the area. I’m also concerned about the possible increase of heavy truck traffic on our already crumbling roads as fish and waste products are transported out of our region. The primary industry in South Bruce Peninsula is tourism, with ecotourism being the fastest-growing tourism sector worldwide. This farm is not a good fit for us.
6) What are your views on beach maintenance and parking in Sauble Beach?
We need a comprehensive beach management plan to maintain Sauble beach. Beach communities like ours all have them, and it provides the regulations and procedures required to manage our dynamic beach. Following policy protects us from costly lawsuits which we can no longer afford. A beach management plan is the only way the Town can move forward. Sauble Beach needs a parking and traffic flow study to effectively address and devise a plan to manage cars. Jersey walls are knee-jerk and band-aid solutions. We owe it to our small business owners and residents to give them our due diligence and properly correct the beach and parking issues.