1) Why are you running?
I am running because I have lived in (and enjoyed the benefits of) Port Elgin for just over ten years. During this time, I have had the pleasure of seeing Port Elgin grow and change and I am at a point in my life where I am able to use my skills and expertise to work to represent constituent interests and improve and enhance our community.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to help ease cost of living concerns?
Municipalities can limit municipal cost increases paid by residents, and to the extent necessary, only increase such costs at the rate of the annual increase to the Ontario consumer price index. Additionally, municipalities can use zoning bylaws to support more accessible and affordable housing by allowing more optionality in housing construction.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
Focus on local business growth by encouraging locals and tourists to spend locally
- E.g. Improve social medial campaigns highlighting local businesses, seek out collaborations with other communities in the region to encourage tourism in our communities, and host additional events in the community that draw residents and tourists the downtown core.
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 critical role in physician and healthcare worker recruitment. Not only must municipalities regularly advocate for and liaise with provincial officials to ensure our communities are receiving adequate attention from the provincial health care system; we must also financially contribute to healthcare recruitment programs designed to draw qualified healthcare workers to our communities. It is important to recognize that our health care system relies on a diversity of healthcare workers to operate effectively.
5) What are your views on the revitalization of Port Elgin’s waterfront?
It is critical that the waterfront development project, along with all other development projects in Saugeen Shores, be done in the best interest of the community. If done correctly and responsibly, the waterfront development presents a unique opportunity for our community to have a revitalized waterfront that residents and tourists can enjoy.
At this stage in the process, the best course of action is to engage in respectful negotiation and collaboration with the project owners. If elected as Port Elgin Ward Councillor, I will represent constituent interests vigorously, fairly, and with transparency.
6) How would you propose the town manage its projected growth over the next 10 to 20 years?
Saugeen Shores is a rapidly growing and diversifying community. Our growth must be managed responsibly and sustainably with a focus on ensuring core infrastructure grows and is maintained in line with population growth, and that sufficient recreational facilities, parks/greenspaces, and pedestrian/cycling trails and pathways are built and maintained to ensure the community is usable and accessible by all residents. Of equal important, municipalities must ensure our zoning bylaws provide for access to responsible housing and that all growth is done sustainably and environmentally responsibly. Vibrant, liveable, and accessible community growth is critical to successful community growth.