1)Why are you running?
I served previously on Council and was encouraged to run again by people who, like me, who are watching our community grow and change rapidly. I am running to channel that growth and change in positive directions to ensure that we respect what we have and enhance our legacy going forward. I believe we deserve to be part of a community that values small town charm and the potential for a lifetime of experiences here along with new opportunities to make things better for all of us. This passion inspired me to run again. I believe I was a good Council member in the past and my voice and vote contributed in meaningful ways. It would be great to be back at the Council table to represent citizens, of all ages, who want Saugeen Shores to be the best it can be.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
Our community benefits when Council is diligent during the annual Budget process in assessing and prioritizing our municipal needs while also considering other elements that improve the quality of life here and provide ways for our
community to be healthy, safe and rich in cultural opportunities. The municipality has the ability to encourage the creation of affordable and attainable housing in a number of ways – we must explore all of them and do what is appropriate to ensure a necessary mix of accommodation options here. To influence the property tax rate in a responsible way Council considers both expenditures and revenue. We need to explore fully and regularly all potential revenue sources beyond property taxes.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
Six ideas in no particular order – 1) Youth Advisory Committee and creation of a Youth Centre that gives young people a place to prepare themselves for employment within the community via job search skill building, dedicated training options, certification opportunities, mentoring and recognition for the contributions they make to a healthy local economy.
2) the completion of a Cultural and Heritage Master Plan that provides support for cultural endeavours, heritage promotion and community group/association involvement.
3) An assessment of available Development ready lands for housing, commercial and industrial activity – recent planning activity suggests that the supply of commercial and industrial lands will not meet our future needs – planning for the best locations for this supply to be available will be helpful.
4) The establishment of an Incubator / entrepreurial / small business space that provides access to resources and a location for remote working and shared energy.
5) A Tourism strategy resulting from consultation and collaboration with local service providers that
sets the stage for promotion campaigns, sector improvements and new additions.
6) Responsible development of a new Business Park on the 6 th Concession.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
Absolutely the municipality has a role to play. Saugeen Shores has provided incentives (housing, short term loans, access to clinic space, spousal support and settlement assistance) that have worked to bring doctors to our
community. In terms of other health care workers the municipality has less options however an assessment of healthcare resources (both people and locations) provides for both continual communication to the province as to the needs here and to professional associations as to opportunities available here. Municipal efforts to attract and support the building of new facilities here – like the County Paramedic headquarters and additions to long term care
facilities – are important. In addition, Saugeen Shores has built two clinics – as the population grows it will be vital to consider further capital expenditures of this kind along with continual pressure on the provincial government to provide appropriate healthcare options within our community.
5) What are your views on the revitalization of Port Elgin’s waterfront?
I, like most, have enthusiasm for a full-service, sit down, family/beach oriented restaurant along with the potential for some additional activity and programming at the waterfront. I believe that musical, cultural and educational events at the beach will add to the experience there. I think limited retail options will also add. I just want it to be right-sized for the location and not impact the topography in negative ways. The current Council has signed a long term lease for a development on a defined site. It will be the responsibility of future Councils to ensure that the lease agreement is upheld on both sides and to demand that the CCV project realize the desired goals of improving the waterfront experience on a more-season basis for both visitors and residents through private development
on public lands.
6) How would you propose the town manage its projected growth over the next 10 to 20 years?
I would like to see a scorecard created that goes beyond the value of building permits made to include markers for the completion of housing, environmental protections, sustainability as well as improvements and additions to public amenities (sidewalks, parks, sidewalks, street trees, etc.). Municipal support for healthy and vibrant downtowns will give us a chance to hold onto a small town core characteristic as growth spreads out over wide
areas. We need to put pressure on the provincial government to fund the healthcare and education spaces we need for the population here. As we add more buildings and roads to the community we need to be vigilant about maintaining a people – focused quality of life with pedestrian and cycling routes along with beautiful streetscapes, parks and greenspaces that make the community great. Ultimately we need to value, respect and protect what is already good here and ensure that growth and change enhance that legacy.