1) Why are you running?
I’m running to give a voice to all of those in South Bruce who have been denied one for the past twelve years. A small group of people, members of South Bruce Council, are determined to have a Deep Geological Repository (DGR) sited in the Municipality. Their view is that as elected officials, the decision is theirs alone to make. Possibly they believe they are acting in best interests of the community but in stonewalling any opposition — and continually sidestepping the referendum that should have been held in 2016 — they have undermined the democratic process and split the community. I will press for a legitimate referendum early in 2023, and add a contrary voice to a Council that has long since rolled over and played dead in deference to the NWMO. A decision with major, long-term consequences should be made collectively by all of the residents. Any other way of achieving ‘willingness’ will amount to a sham and possibly a fraud.
2) Are there any steps municipalities can take to ease cost of living concerns? If so, what measures would you support?
Our Council has been preoccupied with the DGR, and if re-elected, will continue to spend money on infrastructure to support the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO). While our local taxes have risen more than 70% since 2010, the Consumer Price Index has risen by 30%. Economists predict we are about to enter a prolonged period of recession, while at the same time MPAC assessments are expected to be much higher in 2024. Unless Council reduces the Mil rate (which I support), this will be a disaster for residents already hard-pressed by cost-of-living increases.
3) What are your ideas for economic development in your municipality?
We need to encourage a diversity of small, clean manufacturing and business to support the agricultural sector in South Bruce. Council can encourage main-street business by reducing or subsidizing rents for a limited period, and reducing business taxes. Such incentives could be offset by sharply raising vacancy taxes. Nothing is less attractive to new enterprises than empty main-street store-fronts. We also need to take avantage of Bruce County’s excellent Economic Development department, and to plan well-designed industrial lands with adequate separation from residential areas.
4) Do you think the municipality has a role to play in the recruitment and retention of physicians and other healthcare workers?
Yes.
5) What is your view on South Bruce being a potential host municipality for a deep geologic repository to store spent nuclear fuel?
The proposed DGR is a very bad idea. Its safety can’t be guaranteed, and it would not improve our quality of life, or the reputation of our community. South Bruce is a fine place to live and raise a family. We have clean air and water, moderate traffic, little crime, and thousands of acres of the best farmland in Ontario. These things are invaluable. No amount of ‘chance-of-a-lifetime’ investment or growth can replace them. It is also entirely unethical that we should think of burying 55,000 tons of highly readioactive waste when future generations in South Bruce have no say in the matter. We are selling our birthright for thirty pieces of silver. The world’s only active DGR is in a remote area in Finland. South Bruce is within 150 kiliomteres of more than a million people, in heavily-populated Southern Ontario. If you don’t see a problem with that, I do.