1) Why are you running?
I’ve known for a very long time that I would at some point make a move into politics. My niece Sally recently commented that I have always been a politician but now I am just making it official. Prior to moving to the Northern Bruce I had a career as a social worker primarily in the Scarborough area of Toronto and advocated for and with vulnerable youth and young families. I have been involved with local MP advisory committees, given deputations at city hall related to housing, shelters, youth in care and fair fare transit. And since moving to Northern Bruce I have been involved most recently with the municipality’s Attainable Housing Task Force. I am running for the position of Municipal Councilor in this election because I think I have the skills and the stamina and the passion that is required to accept this role. As a low income earner I know how to make sure that every penny spent is accounted for and used wisely. I am not afraid of asking tough questions. I may ask Why a lot, or Why Not. I want to see all communities on the Northern Bruce thrive.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
With regards to cost of living concerns on the Northern Bruce I greatly appreciate the free parking permits residents can obtain now that we have introduced paid parking in more areas. I have long desired to see our local businesses, perhaps through the Chamber of Commerce, offer seasonal staff who live on the Bruce or come here to work for the summer some sort of a discount card similar to the SAC cards for post secondary students. Where they might receive a 10% discount at shops, restaurants and tours. There are long standing infrastructure issues that will not allow us to lower property taxes but certain permit and building fees could be looked at. So many people are frustrated by the rising gas prices but we have for a long time faced electricity bills far higher than other local regions and the “delivery charge” alone is outrageous for many residents who faced a 3.5 to 5% increase at the beginning of this year due to us being low density and or seasonal customers. With the province having 47% ownership of hydro one we should be able to discuss this with them.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
Having been a tourist to the Northern Bruce since 1990 and now a full time resident I feel I have gained a perspective from both sides. I would love to explore how we can be a more year round location or at least longer than the 5 to 6 months our current businesses usually operate. People are increasingly coming here in April and late into October and finding a ghost town. We cannot enhance the current businesses we have, nor seek to invite more businesses here, unless we address the lack of affordable housing, especially year round rental options, which is a primary factor in the growing lack of staffing along with the fact the proportion of the working population in Northern Bruce Peninsula is decreasing and that 60 percent of our population (2550 and growing) are over the age of 60 and enjoying retirement. Whether we’re searching for new doctors, teachers, PSWs or church ministers we’re not just having to convince one person that this is a great job in a great community. We have to convince their families too. And currently we’re having a hard time doing that.
4) Do you think a municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
Simple answer is Yes!! We need to take responsibility for playing a role in attaining and retaining doctors and medical professionals because our citizens depend on it. We can work to create collaborative partnerships with universities and medical schools across the province and offer practicum settings at our local medical clinics and hospitals. We could look at offering incentives (free office space) and ways at helping them (and their family) to feel welcome and at home here. We could prepare packages to offer candidates which will inform them of the uniqueness of our community and the opportunities to create a great work life balance here. We could offer them and their family a weekend getaway by collaborating with local tourist attractions and accommodations, maybe even schools in order to allow them to see us as a community they could settle into. The municipality needs to look at how the lack of rental and affordable housing is a factor and how they can support and address the growing need for medical care and support for our ever aging population on the Northern Bruce.
5) What issue do you believe is a top priority for the Northern Bruce Peninsula to tackle during the next term?
Our municipality has created a 2021-2025 Strategic Plan with four priority areas of focus which include: A Strong and Resilient Economy, Transparent and Responsible Government, Sustainable Environment & Infrastructure and finally Safe & Vibrant Communities. All candidates seem to agree that it’s time we invested in infrastructure. Specifically, water for Tobermory and sewer system for Lions Head. Especially, if we are to seriously look at the need for increased housing options for our senior residents, seasonal workers and year round young families and adults. Secondary/accessory units are at long last being permitted including duplexes which have been noted for a long time as a beneficial means of creating affordable housing. Enhanced water and sewer systems also allow us to seek out businesses and industry that might then offer our residents year round employment opportunities and an enhanced economy for this municipality. I also want to explore ways to ensure that this municipality is offering clear and transparent and responsible governance which in my opinion we are not currently doing as well as we should be. Council meetings continue to be available via Zoom making them more accessible yet the quality is still poor even two years into offering this.
6) What steps could municipalities take to help get more housing built that you support?
We absolutely need more housing options on the Northern Bruce. Smaller housing size allowances, secondary and duplex units. And for sure given the huge increase in home prices we need rental units. I was part of the municipal councils Attainable Housing Task Force this past year. We identified the need to look at zoning and building regulations which may be hindering ability to develop and build. We identified that the majority of homes on the NB are occupied by 2 adults so is there potential to explore room rentals or home sharing? I want residents to be able to remain here for as long as possible. With the majority of our population being over the age of 60 we need to look at our lack of senior apartments as well as in home care support. Our current government is only looking at creating more Long Term Care facilities which most people do not ever wish to end up in. I want to see our region take innovative and bold steps to enhance support and services to our residents. Staying home or going into LTC should not be the only options we have.