1) Why are you running?
I grew up in rural Meaford and while I was away for many years, I have always considered Meaford my home and am passionate about seeing it flourish. I was fortunate to be able to return home in 2018 to finish my working career. I believe public service is the heart of a community and since returning I have volunteered on the Meaford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and am the current President, sit on the Board of Directors of the Meaford Culture Foundation, am a member of the Municipal Economic Development Advisory Committees, sit on a variety of special event committees such as the Meaford Dragons, MIFF and the upcoming Christmas On The Bay, and during Covid, was a member of the Meaford Economic Recovery Support Team. This experience has given me insight into the business, cultural and economic workings of the Municipality and I would like to use that experience to be your voice on Council to steward Meaford’s growth, protect its unique culture and heritage, and represent the interests of all its residents, urban and rural.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
Provincial, federal and global policies and factors have a major impact on municipal governance. A potential recession, rising interest rates, a limited workforce, and a lack of affordable housing are placing immense stresses on all municipalities placing them in a reactive, not a proactive position. One of the things we can control is growth. Growth is essential for sustainability but there has to be a long-term vision. Accordingly, the primary control mechanism to mitigate these concerns is through land-use planning. Responsible development is key, not just in maintaining our unique heritage and culture, but in assuring our well being and sustainability. We need social support programs, protected greenspace, environmental and climate protection, and development that dedicates a percentage of the project to affordable housing and adheres to the Official Plan. Affordable housing means small businesses can be created and grow and youth can be attracted to provide a suitable workforce and replace an aging volunteer base.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
Small business employs over 68% of the public workforce and is the backbone of small communities like Meaford. We need to stimulate economic development by cultivating and supporting the growth of small business throughout the municipality. Our median age is 53 compared to the Ontario average of 41, and we need to attract youth to create small businesses, replenish our workforce and replace an aging volunteer base. We also need to promote our natural resources such as our beautiful parks, trails, and waterfronts, as well as our halls, events, and festivals, to establish Meaford as a destination for recreational and arts and culture tourism. Finally, we need to ensure our rural and urban infrastructure, including connectivity, is adequately expanded and maintained to meet and handle that growth.
4) Do you think a municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
Yes. As I stated previously, Meaford’s age skews older and we need to ensure we have adequate resources to support a growing retirement sector. We are fortunate to have a hospital and be putting the finishing touches on a new 128 bed long-term care facility but need the aforementioned affordable housing to facilitate the staff necessary to administer the project. The healthcare industry is reeling from the effects of the pandemic and we need to attract healthcare workers to come to our community. Municipalities like Meaford need to be positioned as a desirable location as many workers are seeking to leave large urban centres. We need to assist existing doctors with succession plans and strive to attract multiple young doctors to come together to overcome the concerns of overwork and isolation. It is our responsibility to create a welcoming region that offers physical, mental and social security.
5) Should the municipality pursue more shared services with neighbouring municipalities?
Yes. I believe there is strength in cooperation. Services (police, fire, health, infrastructure, etc.) have become more physically difficult and expensive to maintain. Municipal cooperation can provide shared services to drive down costs while improving municipal services.
6) What issue do you believe is a top priority for Meaford to tackle during the next term?
The days of small or rural towns, townships or municipalities existing as islands unto themselves is over. Communities used to boast numerous shops, services and industries. However, online shopping, big box stores, costly transportation for raw materials and finished products has made it more difficult for small businesses to compete. Communities need to reinvent themselves to remain relevant. We have the luxury of being a 4-season destination with a wealth of assets. We need to promote our natural resources such as our beautiful parks, trails, and waterfronts, as well as our halls, events, and festivals, to establish Meaford as a destination for recreational and arts and culture tourism. This will go hand in hand to support small business growth. However, not to be a broken record, it still comes back to affordability. We need to attract and approve responsible development that will offer attainable and affordable housing, provide additional office, retail and industrial work spaces to attract a younger workforce and support our region as an agricultural, cultural and tourist destination.