1) Why are you running?
I am seeking re-election to keep Hanover moving forward. We are in a very good place. Our finances are
in good shape. Guided by our Strategic Plan, we are investing in our businesses through our popular
Façade Incentive Program. We are investing in youth through our LaunchPad skills training facility. We
are investing in infrastructure such as roads, sewers & water supply lines. Our parks and trails have been
upgraded. Hanover has small town charm with many of the amenities of a larger place. We are a GIG
community with the fastest broadband speed available. We have an excellent hospital, a top-notch
police service, an exhaustive list of programs and services, good schools, great parks and trails, second-
to-none amenities such as our library, arena and pool. Most of all, we have a strong network of service
clubs and volunteers who get things done.
I realized early in my political career that it is impossible to please everyone all the time. For that
reason, I am less concerned with doing what is popular and more focused on doing what is right. If re-
elected, I will continue to carefully study the issues that come before me and make decisions that are
right.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
All indications are that Canada is heading for a recession starting in the first quarter of 2023. People
living on low-income are finding basic needs out of reach. In Grey/Bruce, 1 in 5 children live in a low-
income household. We need to find income solutions to help low-income people overcome setbacks,
stay well, manage transitions and create opportunities. The basic income pilot in Hamilton showed us
that a guaranteed basic income allows the “working poor” to afford basic needs and live with dignity.
At the municipal level, we need to keep tight controls on spending to keep tax increases down. Difficult
decisions need to be made about needs versus wants. I am proud of Hanover’s practice of responsible
asset management and investment in reserve funds to ensure we have adequate funding for important
and necessary infrastructure projects.
Affordable housing must remain a high priority for all elected officials. Housing prices are increasing
rapidly making the dream of home-ownership out of reach for some. We need to work with developers
to make a business case for affordable and attainable housing as part of the overall development mix. If
re-elected, I will be advocating to establish a supportive housing project in Hanover.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
Having served on Hanover’s Economic Development committee, I am acutely aware that businesses
want to invest in communities where local government is forward-thinking, innovative and knows when
to get involved and when to get out of the way. Hanover needs to continue to be “business friendly”.
This means having ‘shovel-ready’ sites and simplified development processes along with staff that are
knowledgeable, professional and helpful. It means continuing to develop affordable/attainable housing
to accommodate a robust labour force. It means continuing to invest in LaunchPad to create
opportunities for young people to explore career opportunities and develop skills. It means partnering
with colleges and universities to establish local tertiary education training programs to address skill
gaps. It means ensuring we have:
a well-functioning hospital with sufficient doctors and nurses,
community policing, paramedics & fire-fighters,
quality daycare, children’s programs and facilities,
adequate water and sewer capacity
You get the idea. We need build capacity so that Hanover will continue to be the place where people
want to live, play, work and do business.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians
and other healthcare workers?
In short – yes. In fact, Hanover has been actively engaged in recruitment and retention activities for
decades. I was a member of Hanover’s physician recruitment committee that was quite successful at
bringing new doctors to the community. Our medical clinic was a smart investment. The investment in
a house to accommodate residents was also wise. The hospital’s focus on rural medicine and training
was a good idea. Our partnership with Georgian College to establish a local four-year nursing degree
program was also a smart move. While health care is a provincial responsibility, Hanover needs to
continue to play a role in supporting our hospital because it is part of the package of a ‘healthy’
community.
5) Do you feel Hanover needs to acquire more land in order to grow?
Once again – in short – yes. Hanover occupies less than one half of one percent of Grey County’s land
mass but produces 18% of the jobs in the County. Hanover and Owen Sound are the only two wholly-
designated primary settlement areas in the County. We are an essential hub for businesses and services
that people in the region depend on. While we have experienced tremendous growth, we are bursting
at the seams and in need of more lands to service our growth needs. Higher density development alone
will not be enough. We need to work with West Grey and Brockton to secure additional lands so that
Hanover can continue to serve her role as an important primary settlement area.