1) Why are you running?
I am running because I want to see Owen Sound get back to the place it was when I moved here 22 years ago. I want to see a return of good jobs, a thriving downtown and affordable housing, I also want to become involved in the eradication of homelessness,drug addictions and help for those needing it for mental health issues. I have many other ideas I would love to try and bring to the forefront. I also feel it is time to see change at city hall. The majority of the incumbents have had 8 years with little change!
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to ease cost of living concerns? If so, what measures would you support?
Cost of living is a tough one to solve at the municipal level, it is something that municipalities of all sizes are struggling with, the Bank of Canada keeps claiming it will correct……when? I apologize I am not as up to speed on this matter as I should be. I am putting the effort in to edify myself.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
Simply put we need to attract employers who will provide steady good paying jobs! Areas we could concentrate on are becoming a tech centre for both R&D and production. Sadly due to infrastructure we are not competitive in many cases, no highways for just in time or quick turnaround products. Still not a reason to not chase companies we have so much to offer and a talented workforce.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
I absolutely believe that we do. We need to get into places such as universities,med schools and if need be advertise in professional periodicals both hard copy and electronic. Something I would really like to see is a codicil or amendment made to the upcoming fast tracking of foriegn trained doctors, is that they must spend a period of time in an underserved area. Once someone experiences the lifestyle of this gem of an area….they might just stay!
5) What steps could municipalities take to help get more housing built that you support?
I will presume this pertains to affordable housing, that is a hard problem. It will take a collaborative effort to lobby the provincial and federal entities responsible for affordable housing. At the municipal level council could offer tax reduction holidays to landlords to adjust rent in a percentage of their holdings and they be offered at geared to income rental fee. this would allow a person or family to gain stability. The provisos would have to be that the units are safe, clean and in liveable condition. As to market value housing there are subdivisions being planned and some under construction……we just need people to fill them!
6) Should the city do more to regulate short-term rentals, such as AirBNBs?
I think an equal balance needs to be struck. I do not believe they should be made available in residential neighbourhoods too many downsides.I feel downtown units could be considered not houses but apartments or condos. I’m not sure how it could be enforced but I would suggest as many campgrounds have gone, “families only” or couples only etc and the owner to be held accountable for damages to public and private property, excessive use of public services etc, What was initially a great way to stay when traveling has been ruined by a minority of renters. So in a nutshell I lean more to the no side in neighbourhoods regardless of where they are in the city.