1) Why are you running?
I am running for council because I care about responsible development and affordability in Port Elgin. I see a town that is growing rapidly paired with aging infrastructure which could put essential services such as water, sewer, storm drains and roads in jeopardy. I also see great opportunities for improved recreational facilities to meet the growing population’s demands. Making decisions regarding developments and prioritizing spending is important to me. I also feel I have an understanding lens when it comes to affordability in Port Elgin. Being a young family starting out, my household is fresh out of the low-income bracket. Unfortunately, the working class is being priced out of Port Elgin and this is a major issue for restaurants, grocery stores and small businesses as staff are unable to afford to live in proximity. Balancing affordable housing with the need to preserve our open spaces is another concern of mine. I want to be part of decisions surrounding land utilization in my hometown so that the voice of a young working mother, in the working class can be heard on council.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
There are a few steps that the municipality can take to help ease the cost of living concerns. Unfortunately, waiting on government funding to come through the county is not a solution. Partnering with non – profits is a good idea but unfortunately the scale of developments required are out of scope for non- profits. This leaves us to the developers, the drivers of housing in our community. Building and developing communities in Port Elgin and Saugeen Shores is a privilege as the houses built here are worth more than elsewhere due to the great prosperity of our town and proximity to the beach. Leveraging and putting in stronger incentives for developers to build a variety of housing types including apartments, low-income housing and starter homes can be pushed harder. Programs such as the proposed Community Permit Planning System and inclusionary zoning would benefit both the Town and developers in building expectations and expediting permit processes. Balancing intensification to protect rural areas and prevent sprawl and protecting in town open spaces and keeping greenspace will be a difficult act in future years. I hope to be part of the solution if elected to council.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
My ideas / priorities for economic development include diversifying the workforce by supporting small businesses. The town has an economic development officer who assists starting and established businesses of all sizes access government grants and other business support services. This includes finding gaps in the business and services offered and supporting business recruitment. Conducting surveys and supporting community partnership groups with BIA’s and Chamber of Commerce is important to continue to gain the most recent data and ideas. Tourism is a huge industry in Saugeen Shores and with our world class beaches, we can advertise aggressively with high quality video and radio campaigns. Ensuring we have amenities, accommodations and businesses to support more tourists and maintain our brand as a small beach town will be important as after all, the small beach town character is what makes us unique to other tourist destinations locally.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
I do feel that the municipality has a direct and indirect role in the recruitment and retention of physicians and healthcare workers. Directly through recruitment programs which have been successful, although the shortage of nurses at the Southampton hospital is a significant challenge. Of course, hospital staffing is a provincial mandate. However, Saugeen Shores can attract healthcare workers indirectly through making our town attractive for healthcare professionals with accessible recreation programs and facilities, a strong local economy and in general beautification of our town.
5) What are your views on the revitalization of Port Elgin’s waterfront?
I believe there is great opportunity and space to revitalize Port Elgin’s Waterfront. Improved parking, environmentally sustainable landscaping and the Cedar Crescent Village Development will all work together to bring an exciting modern and vibrant look to the waterfront. I understand many town people are concerned with change, however, lots of change has already happened along our waterfront. Improvements including the new washrooms, foot washing station and a splash pad have all made the beach experience more enjoyable for tourists and locals alike. I do not fear but I am wary about Port Elgin’s beachfront losing its small-town character. I feel that the plans laid out now for the waterfront revitalization and Cedar Crescent Village are sound and will only improve upon the small-town character without crossing the line into over-commercialization.
6) How would you propose the town manage its projected growth over the next 10 to 20 years?
I propose that the town manage its projected growth over the next 10-20 years cautiously. The current official plans are outdated (adopted in 2012) and have over 50 modifications. The new official plans from 2019 are incomplete and will need strong wording to not just promote, but require regulations on housing, cultural and environmental protections and downtown core designs. Strong and clear guidelines will carry our prosperity to the next generation by ensuring that we maintain a diverse community. I also propose that the town increase spending on core infrastructure upgrades including roads, sidewalks and sewers to accommodate the increased demand. I also support recreational facilities and programs such as the planned pool. I would consider myself cautiously pro-growth. I do not feel rushed to build the town at the rate it is currently being built up. Council is responsible for ensuring that the project growth in the next 10-20 years is done responsibly by approving plans and zoning bylaws for developers to follow. Land utilization criteria created with the input of stakeholders, town staff and experts, will ensure that decisions are made with various lenses and allow for the most effective management of projected growth.