1) Why are you running?
I’m running for my 3rd term as Saugeen Shores Councillor representing Saugeen Ward, because I feel like there’s unfinished business at hand. We’re in the midst of a period of tremendous growth and we’re working on leveraging that growth for some significant improvements in our Community. Lamont Sports Park, the Aquatics and wellness facility, the Innovation park and the Waterfront improvements to name a few. I’m hopeful that in 4 years there will be qualified and anxious candidates to take up if I decide to pass the torch at that time.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
Inflation, and the availability of “Affordable and Attainable Housing” is likely the number one issue in our community and communities across Canada. People’s wages are not keeping pace with the cost of living. I see this first hand as the Chairman of the United Way of Bruce and Grey, I witness the number of people who are not making ends meet and are in need of assistance, since its one of my jobs to sign the cheque’s. The Winter Warmth program run by UWBG is tremendously stressed through lower donations, higher demand and higher cost of fuel. I will continue to work hard to help those in most need and to ensure that tax payers dollars are spend in a responsible manner.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
Economic development is happening from one end to the other in Saugeen Shores. We’re the fastest growing municipality in our region, and this is attracting business of all sort. The other factor driving economic diversity is the Nuclear Renaissance taking place at Bruce Power. As a member of the Nuclear Economic Impact Advisory Committee, Im able to have access to information and influence on the business decisions that help to spread those opportunities across the Tri-County region.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
Our Municipality has been active participants in the Physician Recruitment program jointly hosted by Bruce Power and its neighbouring communities. I am a strong advocate of that program since it has been so successful for our residents. I definitely support the municipality stating actively involved in this initiative. The expansion of the suite of health care professionals to include Nurses and Nurse Practitioners has proven to be a welcome addition to the suite of services available to our seasonal and permanent residents.
5) What are your views on the revitalization of Port Elgin’s waterfront?
I am a strong proponent of the CCV and the revitalization of Port Elgin’s waterfront. That area of town has historically had commercial enterprise on it for the last 100 years, but sadly has fallen into disrepair and neglect, particularly on the site of the mini put and train station. I very much look forward to seeing the current project begin the construction phase, as I believe it will be a real gem for the town and generate significant tourism draw and spin off economic activity.
6) How would you propose the town manage its projected growth over the next 10 to 20 years?
I am strongly support “Sustainable Development”. This means making the right decisions and investments in infrastructure to handle the growth. Proper long range planning and zoning will direct that growth in directions that can be accommodated by our roads, water supply and sewer systems. I also believe that targeted intensification and incentivizing developers to bring more affordable rental units on line is absolutely necessary so that our service sector is able to keep pace with the residential growth that we’re seeing.