1) Why are you running?
Over the past two years I have been forced to do some soul searching. As I am sure many of us have, largely due to the pandemic changing how we work, how we socialize, how we meet and communicate with each other. I felt the same anxiety for all of those reasons and more. I am a former employee of the Town and over the last year I reflected on what I missed the most about my position with the Town. I missed building Community. I missed the great people in this municipality making a difference in their own individual way. Quite often behind the scenes. I missed improving our parks. I missed the Wiarton Willie Festival. The new activities introduced such as the horse drawn rides from Blue Water Park to the downtown core. I missed being involved in new initiatives. South Bruce Peninsula has so much to offer in the arts, in local businesses and in each geographical area of the municipality!
THIS is why I am running for Council. To support local business, to build community and to bring to light the many talented people that call South Bruce Peninsula home. To bring respectful communication between all members of South Bruce Peninsula being mindful of all circumstances that people may be going through.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
There are steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns, I believe, that municipalities need to be better at thinking outside the box to make housing and living more affordable. We can and should be seeing what other areas are doing and what best practices can be utilized. We also need to listen to our entrepreneurs and constituents while being flexible with by-laws and regulations. I have read that some municipalities partner with the upper tier governments to create tax incentives for the creation of affordable housing and rental units. Using the new MAT tax to subsidize employers in the tourism industry so that seasonal workers can find affordable seasonal accommodations. Creating opportunities for local farmers and food producers to sell local food which is healthier, more affordable, climate friendly and supports the local economy. These are a few thoughts that I think can be looked at and discussed.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
In my mind, Economic Development begins with the grass roots. Supporting and promoting the businesses already in existence and creating a positive environment. Work closely with our Chamber of Commerce and listen to the needs of each area within the municipality. A successful business will not only reinvest but also attract new businesses to the area keeping locals of all ages employed. We need to be more engaged with our youth. Encourage them, support them so that they know they can be successful here at home. Ensuring reliable high speed internet is available throughout the municipality will support home based business and provide flexibility for potential business. Redoing the Town’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law so that there is flexibility in regulation and the planning/building process is as efficient as possible while still being socially responsible respecting climate and the environment.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
I absolutely believe that the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers. The Town has a huge responsibility in attracting and retaining health workers. The Town and Region can do better at promoting this beautiful area we call home. We need to feed off of what we have learned over the past two years meaning that the Grey Bruce area is a lifestyle free of the stress and anxiety that large centres have. Work/ life balance means much more than big city opportunities. Not having all the answers, I would like to take a regional approach to doctor recruitment but also increase nurse practitioners to offset the demand for doctors.
5) Do you support the approval of a proposed land based Fish Farm in the Wiarton area?
My position on the proposed Aquaculture or Fish Farm is that in its current form, I am in opposition. I was at that meeting in June and heard the many concerns, past experiences with fish farming and the risks that go with it. Like everyone else, I feel that information and technical data on what is being proposed is lacking. Colpoy’s Bay, and surrounding lands, are an environmental gem and sensitive for so many fish and wildlife. I’m not sure what authority the municipal council has in the approval process as it is mostly under Provincial approvals however, the municipality does have commenting ability and the ability to appeal to the OLT if all concerns are not met.
6) What are your views on beach maintenance and parking in Sauble Beach?
A beach management plan is a must. In creating a plan the Town needs to consult not only the Provincial Ministry, MECP, but also local agencies such as the Conservation Authority, local environmental groups, the indigenous community, constituents and business owners. I would like to reinstate the blue flag designation to show the Town’s commitment to environmental stewardship, to enhance public education and put an end to years of dispute regarding the Beach. Parking at the beach has also been contentious; however, a reasonable approach is achievable. I am against the existing barriers along Lakeshore and the proposed retaining wall. I don’t believe it will stop the sand from blowing onto the roadway. The location of the roadway should be determined before next steps are considered. We should also look to other lakeshore municipalities and agencies to obtain best practices. Regarding parking fees, we should determine the purpose the fees are to serve, followed by establishing a fee that doesn’t deter tourism yet still covers the Town’s expenses for the beach during the summer season. I would like to consider either free passes or at least a subsidized fee for our residents who already pay taxes.