1) Why are you running?
I am running for councillor for the TSBP to bring new ideas and a youthful perspective to the table while protecting what current council has put in place. I am very passionate about our community, I have contributed hundreds if not thousands of hours volunteering, in addition to working on the front lines. Moving to a councillor position is the next step, contributing to our community at a higher level would be very rewarding. I believe I am a strong, capable, intelligent and most of all honest person who will make an excellent representative, I am here to advocate for you, to represent you, to listen to you! I am running because you deserve someone fit for the position, someone who cares and someone who is well versed in the issues which affect our town.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of
living concerns?
living concerns?
The steps we can take to help ease the cost of living concerns as a municipality would be to support our farmers, they are vital to our community and provide food security, we need to open a line of communication up where people in the farming industry can express what they need, we need to look into funding, and grants to offset costs relating to running a farm, encourage coop initiatives and food markets, and help make it accessible for the public to purchase and support local, when we do it benefits all. There are several other ways we can help ease cost, we can review water rates, our water rates are 40-55% higher than other municipalities, I feel this needs to be addressed immediately. We need to promote and advertise current programs which the United Way has in place such as LEAP to offset electricity costs, we also need to advertise and promote the programs Bruce County has in place, rent supplement, low income housing applications, etc..we need to support the Wiarton Salvation Army church they are an integral part of our community, I believe creating a committee including the Wiarton Salvation Army and other organizations who see people struggling with the cost of living would be of great importance, they can advise ways in which our town can help.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
Our town has an extensive economic development strategy plan which was released in 2021. The document can be found at www.southbrucepeninsula.ca. The professional company who put it together was Explorer Creations, experts in their field via consulting with Council, Town Hall and the public. A quick summary of priorities contained within the plan are 1) Support Local Businesses – continue business visits, encourage businesses to apply for funding, educate small and medium sized enterprises regarding all available funding. 2) Stimulate Residential Growth. 3) Increase Tourism Development – Support the influx of Tourism to the Town, increase the number of Amenities, increase Shoulder and off-season Tourism, expand the tourism experience through enhanced placemaking 4) Increase Commercial Development.
I would like to see this well designed 5 year plan through. We have an excellent Manager of Economic Development and Corporate Communications at Town Hall, my plan is to sit down and speak with Ms. Danielle Edwards further understanding how best I as a Councillor can contribute to the progression and implementation of this plan.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
Our municipality plays a big role in doctor and healthcare personnel recruitment. Foremost we need to put pressure on provincial and federal levels.
A September news article was released outlining that Mayor Jackson and Council wrote a letter to Doug Ford, containing valid points and measures that could potentially be explored while recruiting, such as subsidies and a program similar to the free tuition and incentives offered to PSWs.
You have to have the right amenities to attract them. Competition is tough, so following through with the Economic Development Plan is crucial.
One idea from a constituent which I myself have witnessed take place with nurses while working in nursing homes during Covid was “to see if there is a way possible to recruit an immigrant doctor trying to come into our country and work without all the red tape that is putting roadblocks in their way”
Currently there is a doctor recruitment committee which is funded to the tune of $50 000. If elected I will work closely with the committee, constituents and higher tiers of government. Our community needs help and I won’t stop until we receive it, that I promise you.
5) Do you support the approval of a proposed land based Fish Farm in the Wiarton area?
I am neutral on the fish farm, I will not allow any project which could be detrimental to our environment and Colpoy’s Bay to move forward, however we are still waiting for reports pertaining to environmental impact so I am not ready to close the door on the project just yet. I need to be fully informed on an issue and feel it very important to consult with the public. I have consulted with SON, to hear their input and look forward to the response. Everything, including revenue and employment potential needs to be considered and evaluated before a development of this magnitude takes place. It will need to pass several layers of red tape first.
6) What are your views on beach maintenance and parking in Sauble Beach?
The Town does not have a formal beach management plan but has developed a hybrid approach to Beach Management. Working with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) the Town utilizes provincial guidance documentation for all maintenance activities that take place on the beach. This documentation is comprehensive. The Town meets regularly with Ministry staff to review guidance and beach maintenance activities.
The Town also consults with the local conservation authority and obtains permits for work, when required, for items such as drain cleanouts and roadside sand removal.
My plan is to continue this approach while adhering to all rules and regulations put in place.
For parking, I believe all taxpayers who possess a handicapped parking pass and seniors should be provided with a parking pass free of charge.
Otherwise I believe the current paid parking fee structure should remain in place. We cannot afford to lose this important source of revenue or see our taxes raised.
We should utilize a portion of the beach for parking, I know in previous years our town has leased land from a local family to do so, as long as we are on top of littering. Another idea would be to create a shuttle service to and from the Sauble Christian Fellowship church parking lot.
I am looking forward to seeing the decorative retaining wall installed, as well.