1) Why are you running?
I’m running because I genuinely care about this community and the people that live here.
I chair the Mental Health and Addictions Task force and look forward to seeing it through, this is something I have a tremendous amount of passion for. Also, as a member of the Affordable Housing Task Force, I look forward to being a part of a Housing First Program through the County of Grey. I take my job as Deputy Mayor very seriously and look at it as a full time job. In addition to City Council and Grey County Council, I sit on 11 committees in an effort to move the County and City forward in a positive way.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to ease cost of living concerns? If so, what measures would you support?
Cost of Living involves Housing – Food – Taxes – and Health Care. As someone who recognizes we have a lot of Seniors on fixed income and families with limited income, I support free skating and swimming initiatives, free New Years celebrations at the Rec Centre for families, the Tannery Building for Seniors, Skateboard Park, and Music at the Market.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
I support working with the County on Economic Development in supporting local business initiatives. We have gone through a shift in taxes resulting in a reduction in Industrial taxes that has helped bring in more industrial jobs. I had the opportunity to play a part in recruiting Nuts and Volts to Owen Sounds Industrial Park, a company that is producing electric vehicles. They started with 20 employees and are looking to double that and hope to be at 100 employees within 2-3 years. We have made sure we have serviced land in the Industrial Park and have updated zoning to allow for Food Processing Plants.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
We advocated fiercely with the Provincial Government to allow us the opportunity to offer a 4 year Nursing Degree Program right here at Georgian College in Owen Sound. This, not only provides local opportunities but, also helps with the Province wide Nursing shortage. I strongly support ramping up Physician Recruitment during the next term of Council.
5) What steps could municipalities take to help get more housing built that you support?
Waiving Development fees for purpose built rentals is a great incentive for developers, and something I strongly support. Of late, 23% of new residential dwellings built in the city of Owen Sound since 2018 are considered affordable. That is a very high percentage and we will work to increase it. At this point in time, the city does not have the legal authority to force developers to build affordable housing but we will continue to work towards more incentives to make that happen.
6) Should the city do more to regulate short-term rentals, such as AirBNBs?
I am open to regulations on short – term rentals and look forward to receiving a report. This will allow me the opportunity to weigh the pros and conns in pursuit of an educated decision.