1) Why are you running?
I’m running for Councillor at large because I have heard the frustrations that many people in the Municipality have. I lived in Tiverton for 16 years and now Kincardine for 4. This has given me two different perspectives of the Municipality. I have also spent time in resident’s homes in every area of the Municipality over my years as a local Chimney Sweep and talked with many residents about their concerns. I hope that I will be able to bring these concerns before council and be a strong voice for those that have often seemed forgotten in the rural areas of the Municipality. I understand how many of the residents outside the Town of Kincardine feel about their interests being neglected. I have also spoken to many of those in Town who also have concerns with how things have been running and want to see change. I want to unite the people of the Municipality and bring about positive changes in my term as Councillor.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
I have spoken strongly in favour of growth being one of the only catalysts we have to help ease costs. If we have more housing options, and more affordable housing options, this can help drive the housing costs down. Also growth by way of more affordable retail options will help lower the cost of living, keeping lower income earners from having to drive to nearby towns to purchase items that are too expensive in Kincardine.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
We must have a plan. I see our economic growth as a see-saw approach, we grow our retail and then we grow our housing. We allow the types of housing developments, businesses, and retailers that fit our plan.
We also prepare ahead of time by servicing building lots for new housing to be ready to go when developers come knocking. As we become a more attractive place to live we will draw in more and more residents.
We may need to offer some incentives to attract the types of retailers we would like to see as part of our economic plan.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
I truly believe we have done, and continue to do as much as possible to recruit physicians to our hospital. Hospital upgrades is going to help with this, but I really think the way we will retain our physicians is by making Kincardine a better place to live. This is a beautiful place to live and will attract some doctors to try us out, but having more amenities, recreation, entertainment, and retail options may be what we’re missing to keep them here.
5) What would you like to see in Kincardine for growth-related development?
I’d like to see our our existing buildings, parks and community centres that are badly showing their age, upgraded or replaced. I’d like to see multi unit housing as well as single family homes built. I want to bring new retailers that give the people of the Municipality more options and keep tax dollars in our own town. I’d like to make our Municipality a more attractive place to live by expanding our recreation and entertainment options for people of all ages. These are a few of my ideas, but obviously we need to continue to consult with our people to find out what they want to see.
6) What would you like to see included in the Waterfront Master Plan?
I personally would like to see the snack shack upgraded to a slightly larger building with a better kitchen to allow higher quality food options with greater ease. Maybe with covered seating and a patio, possibly licenced to cater to volleyball tournaments and visitors to the beach. I would like to see our boardwalk repaired, as it is becoming pretty rough. I have a few other ideas but I am excited to see what the master plan committee comes up with after consulting with our residents.