1) Why are you running?
I decided to run for the 2022-2026 term of Council to see important initiatives
completed. Last year I Chaired our Environmental Committee, and I’m excited that 16
of our 39 recommendations are moving forward in 2023, including creating a Climate
Action Plan, advancing an Urban Tree Canopy Plan and increasing waste reduction
strategies. Next year’s work plan contains a Saugeen Shores Cultural and Heritage
Master Plan, and a Cottage Areas Street Study, both initiatives I support. I also want to
continue the progress we’ve made in Affordable and Attainable Housing policies and to
see our new recreational facilities completed.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
Like everyone else, municipalities are greatly affected by global and national economic
pressures such as supply chain disruptions, material shortages and inflation.
Municipalities must be vigilant in their financial planning and operations to ensure that
taxpayers’ funds are being used as efficiently and effectively as possible. Saugeen
Shores works with Bruce County and other organizations to provide support for
residents through affordable housing initiatives. Our Police Service works with the
United Way to provide emergency assistance for residents in need of emergency
housing and sustenance with some funding donated by charitable community groups
and local churches.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
Saugeen Shores has made great advances in economic development since 2014. We
established an economic development committee, created an economic development
strategic plan and hired an economic development coordinator who reaches out to
developers and businesses interested in locating in our Town, and offers support once
they move here. The global pandemic and ensuing lockdown proved the merit of
having dedicated economic development staff as the Town struck an emergency
economic task force comprised of a range of business and community representatives
to assist the Town in implementing a myriad of strategies to support local businesses.
Much of our economic expansion is the result of the Bruce Power refurbishment project
and Bruce Power’s policy of asking suppliers to set up offices locally. That’s retaining
our youth, bringing young families and an important level of vitality to our town, but we
must also continue to support agriculture, tourism and other industries to facilitate
economic diversity. I have always maintained that an important component of our
economic success is to preserve the traditional character of our Town through our
heritage buildings, streets, neighbourhoods, downtowns and farmlands – that’s an
important reason why people choose to live, work and play in our community.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of
physicians and other healthcare workers?
Municipalities play a very important role in the recruitment and retention of physicians
and other health care workers. In 2020/2021, Saugeen Shores successfully recruited
five physicians with three opening family practices in 2021-2022, and the other two to
begin in 2023 and 2024. In addition, we have added an additional nurse practitioner
and opened a Same Day Urgent Care Clinic. We provide incentives, have a good
working relationship with physicians, and own accommodations for visiting locum
physicians, residents and those transitioning to the area. The Town also owns two
medical facilities to provide offices, and we are fortunate to have an excellent local
hospital which is always supported by generous community donations.
5) What are your views on the revitalization of Port Elgin’s waterfront?
I supported the original development proposal because the original plan offered year-
round amenities: a classic lakeside restaurant, a year-round market place, more public
accessible restrooms, a skating rink, a pavilion, and a store for harbour users. These
goals are consistent with ideas from the Port Elgin Waterfront Concept Plan (2014) and
Saugeen Shores Waterfront Master Plan (2013). The Waterfront Master Plan discusses
the benefits of a public/private partnership to develop certain lands along the waterfront,
including providing more support services. Now that the square footage of the
proposed development has been significantly reduced and certain amenities have been
removed ( retail, skating rink/volleyball courts, banquet hall), the vision and uses will
change, but I believe the development will still be an asset to Port Elgin beach,
especially since the area to be used is not a pristine, undisturbed area. The location
was the site of train tracks, pavement, a former mini-golf course and a sand parking lot
which has been subjected to motorized vehicle use for decades.
6) How would you propose the town manage its projected growth over the next 10 to 20
years?
The Town is coordinating with Bruce County’s Growth Strategy, projecting out to 2046.
This Strategy will strengthen the County’s and Town’s Official Plans to provide the vision, goals, plan and legal framework for at least 25 years.
A growth strategy should provide clear direction on where and how residential and employment growth should occur over the next 25 years, focus on where our growth should be located, and provide direction so growth happens in a way that is consistent with the goals and vision of our community. This strategy should be based on significant public consultation and will allow us to plan for amenities that are located most beneficially for our residents and in a way that reinforces the vitality of our downtowns, not just as land becomes available. It should also ensure that developing neighbourhoods are completed by monitoring the extent of development, and to provide the necessary services for those neighbourhoods.
Our growth strategy must also have a strong environmental component designed to protect and preserve our natural heritage features. Our Official Plan Review’s public consultation confirmed that this is a top priority for our residents, in addition to preserving our cultural heritage and developing more affordable housing.