More Questions from Voters

Bear with me, this is a long one!
I was sent a list of 19 questions last week from a voter and I've answered them. The questions and my responses are below:

Does the candidate have a strategic plan and vision for Collingwood? If so would they be able to share it?

The town has a Community Based Strategic Plan, which included consultation with hundreds of people who live here. It was passed just three years ago and includes goals regarding economic growth, accountable government, culture and the arts, a revitalized waterfront, and healthy lifestyles. I’ve read it and agree with much of what it says regarding the path forward. The Waterfront and Recreation plans were part of that process, along with the Active Transportation plan. I look forward to seeing the cycling plan, which is expected in the next while. It takes political will to be sure all these plans don’t just sit on a shelf somewhere. If elected, I will vote to implement the plans where possible, but we have to have honest conversations about what it will take to pay for it. I also will vote to follow up and report back to our citizens about how the implementation of these plans is going.


• What would they do to ensure that transparency, honesty and integrity are returned and maintained to municipal politics. To build confidence and ensure that the interests of the people come first and foremost.

For starters, I will vote to accept the recommendations from the judicial inquiry which will look into what happened with some decisions made previously. In addition, some good work has already been done on this issue, with a recent update of the rules surrounding conflicts of interest, and provisions within the town’s strategic plan. I support continuing to be vigilant and making sure we ask a lot of questions, including quesitons about consultants, before voting on any big-ticket items.

• Everyone's voice needs to be heard and respected not just the BIA's, developer's and big money interests. Does the candidate agree and how would he ensure this?

I certainly do agree! The town council’s responsibility is to represent citizens and work for the good of the whole town. I dislike it when politicians place all their emphasis on ‘taxpayers’ when there are wide swaths of our population, for example, children, who don’t yet vote or pay taxes. There is already a time during council meetings for celebrating community events, and the meeting format allows citizens to address issues of concern, along with all the public input for developments etc., I would encourage more public participation and input.

• What's the candidate's position on privatization? Are they in favour of selling off additional municipal assets and/or services? If so which ones?

I don’t think we should sell off assets unless it’s clear that it’s in the best interests of the town to do so.


• When it comes to the new hospital are they be in favour of a Public-Private-Partnership?

There have been PPPs when it comes to building hospitals in several other municipalities in recent years, but a decision on how that might go here, is not really up to the town. The current council has asked the province to take over zoning responsibility for any future hospital build, and ultimately, all decisions about the future hospital are up to the province. We definitely need an upgraded and updated hospital facility, no matter where the province decides to build it.

• Candidate's position on a casino for Collingwood?

This is somewhat similar to the hospital, actually, and by that, I mean not entirely up to us, as I understand it. I’m open to being corrected, of course, but from the interviews I’ve conducted with representatives of the OLG, the situation as it stands is that OLG has chosen a group named Gateway to run the slots facility at the race track in Innisfil, the casino at Rama, and a future site in the Central Gaming Bundle. Gateway gets to pick its preferred spot, whether that’s Wasaga Beach or Collingwood. Wasaga has offered up several sites and has been very clear it’s interested in hosting a slots facility. The town of Collingwood doesn’t currently have an area zoned to accommodate a casino, but has passed a resolution saying it would be interested in some sort of ‘destination’ site that could include gaming. So, without zoning but with a sort-of approval, the next council might be in for some interesting discussions should Gateway pick Collingwood. If that happens, I’d vote for a lot of public consultation on the issue and a whole lot of listening once we get to the point where a decision has to be made. There are social costs to gaming, but there are benefits, too, like jobs and possibly an increase in tourism.


• What types of businesses would they want to attract/target/retain for the town?

We’re already considered to be one of the most business-friendly municipalities in the country, so we should continue the practices that have gotten us here.


• What are their views on pedestrian only streets in the downtown?

We go pedestrian-only on Hurontario for several weekends each summer, and I hear from the businesses downtown that they don’t love it. That being said, I have spent time in Burlington, Vermont, where most of the downtown is pedestrian-only and that city appears to be thriving. However, there are at least two universities in Burlington, and the population is much higher than ours, so it would appear it takes a certain ‘critical mass’ of people to make it viable full time and I don’t think we’re there yet.


• How would the candidate go about making Collingwood a highly liveable, thriving community that exists with nature while ensuring it doesn't end up succumbing to a development nightmare?

We ARE a highly livable, thriving community, which is why so many people want to be here! But we need to continue the planning for the future that is already underway and then actually implement the plans. The Strategic Plan is passed, the Waterfront Master Plan is passed and the Recreation Master plan is in its final stages. But the plans must be living entities, not ignored once they’re created, like some plans in the past have been.


• Where do they stand on future development? What's their strategy on controlling, managing and rebalancing this?

Dozens of developments have approvals in place already, in keeping with the Official Plan. But I hear from a lot of residents that they’re unhappy with sheer volume of growth. At the same time, I hear from other people how unhappy they are with a lack of affordable housing being constructed. So, some people say too much development, some people say not enough, or not the right kind. It’s a hard balance to find, and I will have to learn more about the powers the council has when it comes to approvals. The way I understand it, developers who feel their plans are too tightly controlled by the municipality generally take their case to the Ontario Municipal Board. There, the developers generally win. I support getting good advice to be sure we can allow the kind of developments the citizens want, while avoiding costly legal fights which we are likely to lose.


• With all of the new development traffic in Collingwood has increased significantly. What are the candidates views on controlling vehicle traffic?

I support traffic calming zones around schools and more enforcement of our existing bylaws when it comes to parking and idling. I look forward to seeing the cycling plan that's being created, and I support more paved shoulders and bike lanes on our shared roadways where posiible. We have public transit in town and the county has been proactive about public transit as a way of getting people out of private cars between municipalities. A new route connecting Collingwood and Barrie is on the way, which could help somewhat. I would support plans to encourage more people to use public transit. I’m also looking forward to the recreation trail to Blue Mountain being completed, which could bring more people into Collingwood and also provide a healthier alternative for travel between our municipalities.

• From my perspective Collingwood council has been extremely weak on enforcing new builds to meet an architectural standard that's in keeping with our history and our surroundings. What would the candidate do to change that?

There are standards on new builds when it comes to things like sewers and rainwater etc., but I'm not going to make you promises that I can't keep: the town doesn’t have much say when it comes to design; that’s up to the market.


• Our waterfront and our water should be seen as paramount. To date most of the harbourfront is less than attractive. Currently there is very little to draw people there. Also, while our lake water levels are at this moment high, the issues that drove them to historical lows a few years ago remain. What is the candidate's position on the use and protection of Georgian Bay water and more broadly the Great Lakes? In years gone by there were plans to send a pipeline south to supply water demands elsewhere. What would their position be on something like that?

I spend at lot of time at or near the lake and derive a lot of pleasure from it. I run or walk along the waterfront nearly every day, either at Sunset Point, the terminals, or on the trails and boardwalk parallel to Balsam. I also swim and picnic and have been known to jump off the quay on a hot day; I’ve taken part in early-morning yoga at Sunset Point Park, and I frequently walk the labyrinth. The boardwalk and arboretum and trails are a delight and I see a lot of people also enjoying the area when I’m out there. A lot of great work has been done to improve the waterfront, so much so, that some people complain about the parks being too crowded, especially on sunny weekends! It’s unfortunate the plans for the shipyards development got delayed by international monetary problems, but work has re-started. The Waterfront Master Plan, if implemented, will only make it better. As for water levels, we have representatives on the Great Lakes Mayors initiative, who are working together to address issues around the lakes, and there has been progress made on that file. I support continuing that work. As for a water pipeline south to Alliston, it’s already in place and brings revenue to the town.


• In a similar vein a few years ago, there were plans to build a mega quarry in Melanchthon township at the headwaters of several rivers, some of which flowed north to Georgian Bay. While that was defeated, it may not be forever, especially with the change in provincial government. How would they respond if this were to be resurrected?

It was inspiring how people interested in fighting the quarry rallied to make themselves heard. I’m not sure how much impact a municipality as far away as we are from that site can have, other than to request standing at public hearings. I will do more reading on this issue.


• Where does the candidate stand on natural gas fracking? Tests have indicated there is potential for shale gas extraction primarily to the west of Collingwood. While it may not be directly within our municipality it could still result in increased (hazardous material) truck traffic through town and/or having gas pipelines traversing it. Furthermore, it could impact our water (reduce the supply and/or poison it).

I have heard about this possibility, and it concerns me, but I don’t know how much power our level of government has to control or prevent it.

• Do they have any creative ideas with respect to the town's budgeting and taxation?

I support responsible spending and reasonable taxation. Tax increases have been held at below two percent for several years now while the debt has been cut by about ten million dollars. I support continuing that trend.

• What are their thoughts in terms of expanding and promoting arts and culture in Collingwood?

Art is integral to a well-lived life. The town already promotes many cultural events and I support continuing that work. Part of the Recreation master plan includes a Multi-Use Facility which would include space arts and cultural events. It’s an exciting plan and I will support implementing its recommendations.

• Quality parkland is in very short supply within the town. Thoughts?

I spend a lot of time in the town’s parks and on the trail system. We have Sunset Point, Millenium Park, Harbourview Park, the trails that go to Stayner and to Thornbury and points beyond, Fisher Field, Central Park and all the small parks in the subdivisions. There are at least three off-leash dog parks and a revamped skate park, so I am not sure where there is a shortage of parkland. I’d like to know more about these concerns. There have been some developments that have been allowed to pay a fee to the town in lieu of creating a park, and I don’t think that should continue. I do support continuing to expand the trails and working with Blue Mountains to get the trail link to Blue Mountain resort completed. It’s in the planning stages, but it sure seems to be taking a long time.

• Where does the candidate stand on environmental protection and the stemming of climate change?

It is settled science that climate change is happening and that humans have played a role in it. As a municipality of about 20-thousand people, we play a small role in combating climate change, but there are things we can do. I support greater enforcement of the anti-idling bylaw, and continuing the plans for sourcing environment-friendly supplies for town use. I am glad we have the water-bottle filling stations in public buildings and at Sunset Point, along with the quench buggy at community events. I would also support plans to add more solar capacity on town buildings, if it’s possible to do so. I support continuing the expansion of public transit and finding ways to encourage more people to use it.

Learning, learning, learning

I am certainly learning things in the several weeks since I registered to be a candidate for Collingwood town council.

For starters, I've learned what great friends I have! The image on the side is not only my first look at some of my campaign materials, but the canvas bag was a gift from a lovely couple I know, who said I was to use it for - wait for it- canvassing!

My friends are not just sweet - they're funny, too! Other friends have sent money. I didn't ask, they just sent it, which is great since my little Scottish heart has trouble asking for anything.

I'm running my campaign within my means, the same way I will vote to run the town's finances if I get elected. So, you won't see masses of giant signs all over town. I am spending what I can afford, and I don't have big backers, just concerned and helpful people who also want the best for our town.

I look forward to meeting you at your door, on your street and anywhere else you want to talk.

Questions, I get questions!

Thanks to those of you who have reached out in the last while, asking where I stand on some of the issues our next town council will face. I'll post my responses here over the next while.

Here's one of those questions and the answer I sent back:

"What do you think the town should do with the Collingwood terminal building?"

The grain terminals are an iconic and enduring symbol of Collingwood's rich history. They're a unique landmark which I'd like to see made safe and used, so long as it doesn't break the bank. My dad worked at the terminals to supplement our farm income when I was a kid, and traveling toward town on the school bus, I would sometimes imagine the building as a castle. Many people have told me, when they're headed down 124, their first sight of the terminals tells them, "Ahhh... I'm home." Some municipalities have re-purposed similar buildings; in Buffalo, a zip-lining adventure course uses a waterside grain silo as its launch pad. It was truly a disappointment when the plan a few years ago for a mushroom farm came and went so quickly after so many other proposals had also fallen through. When making a decision, our next council will have to remember that the communications towers on top of the building currently provide revenue to the town and a necessary service. With some expert information about its condition now available, a decision about the terminals' future can be based on facts in addition to emotion and a desire to honour our past.

It's funny, I wrote the answer to this question late last week, and as I was doing some errands yesterday, I ran into several people who wanted to talk about the election. One of them brought up the terminals, too. She was tentative at first, wanting to hear what I had to say before jumping in with her opinion. When I told her about imagining the terminals as a castle she said, 'castle!', at the exact time I did, and started telling me how she gives a little sigh when she first spots the terminals from the hill on 124 above Duntroon. When I told Sweetie about the conversation, he said he feels the same thing; especially at the end of a snowy drive, the sight of the terminals means you've made it.

Nominated, Running, and Questions

I found 25 people who think it's a good idea for me to run for council, filled out the necessary paperwork and handed over my hundred bucks, and so, I'm in the race to be on the next town council in Collingwood!

Thanks so much to all of you who have said you support me!

The decision to run was difficult since it puts me in a new and uncomfortable space. I've spent my adult life asking for answers but not much else. Now, I will need to ask about 3500 voters to agree that I can be of service to you and to our town.

While I was talking to people about whether to run, I also heard quite a few stories and opinions, and my appetite is whetted for more. If I'm going to help out, I'll start by going to a familiar place: asking questions.

Now, a good interviewer doesn't ask a question unless they know about 60% of the answer, and I have a whole basket of my own thoughts, otherwise, I wouldn't be running! But, this isn't about me; it's about what is in our collective best interest. So, when you have a minute or two, drop a comment below, or, if you would rather vent privately, send a note to mariane.mcleod@gmail.com

What do you think are the biggest issues facing us right now? What would you like to see happen at town hall in the next few years?

A Council Run

I have spent more than 20 years in journalism and broadcasting, asking questions about how and why decisions that affect our communities get made. I watch and talk to the people who make those decisions. Two years in Orangeville, 8 in Toronto and the last 11 years, here at home.

I delivered the news about what's going on to listeners in Wasaga, Collingwood, and Clearview each weekday morning on 97.7 The Beach, and for 8 of those years, produced and hosted a one-hour daily talk show, which gave me the chance to ask questions about process and procedure and the effects of decisions made. I have put questions to nearly every candidate for office municipally, provincially and federally, and spoken at length with Mayors, Deputy Mayors, Councillors, Wardens, MPPs and MPs and former office-holders from all those positions.

But the nature of journalism is changing, mostly because of the Internet. The business models which used to sustain news and information programming have been blown up by social media, and it's not yet clear what the replacements will be. The transformation of the news business means I'm just one of hundreds of qualified, experienced and fair-minded journalists forced out of their chosen profession. In my case, new management at the company decided to cut costs, saying there isn't money to be made broadcasting locally-produced news and information on morning radio, so, my position was eliminated. I was told flat-out, it was a financial decision as the company tries to become more profitable. It hurts to be told the thing you've been doing your whole life, simply doesn't matter to your employer.

Here's the thing: holding decision-makers accountable for their decisions really does matter, regardless of whether you hear about it on the radio in the morning, because those decisions affect real people's lives. Tax dollars are real people's money and should not be stolen or squandered.

My analogy for what journalists and broadcasters are adapting to is that it's similar to blacksmithing when the automobile was invented. I put this thought to a friend of mine who said, "Maybe the blacksmiths became mechanics!" It's a very loose analogy, but makes some sense since the people involved in the transformation were still involved with their previous work, but from a new and different perspective.

I'm interested in what's going on around here, I want the best possible decisions made about how my hometown can continue to grow and prosper. I have been pushing for answers and explanations the last 11 years with the news and information programming I provided. How to keep it up when there is virtually no venue left? It's time to get to the table. Maybe I can keep 'em honest while sitting among them.

More to come.

Lucy's War

I found myself crying at the wheel Sunday as I listened to the ceremony at Vimy, but not because of the soaring rhetoric or the reading of letters from the front, not the music nor even the old soldiers in the front row.

I cried because of the power of well-crafted fiction to bring life to history.

I was a lonely 11, 12 and 13 year old who grew up a quarter mile from the road, and for me, during those years, Anne of Green Gables wasn't just a character in a book; she was my best friend. I would refer to the people of Avonlea as though they walked among us.
"Just like Mrs. Lynde!" I fumed one day when my mother was complaining about a gossipy neighbour.
"Who?!" she puzzled,
"You know, Mrs. Lynde," and when she continued to look confused, "From Anne!"
She promptly signed me up for some activity involving real human beings.

The sixth book of the Anne series, Rilla of Ingleside, is about Anne's youngest daughter and is set during the Great War. James, the oldest brother, signs up immediately, and his faithful dog, Dog Monday accompanies him to the train, where it waits for his return. Waits for four years. Waits at the spot where he last saw his friend, who does return, unannounced, one afternoon months after all the other soldiers have arrived. The long-awaited reunion between dog and young man is a scene I have never been able to shake and one of the many reasons I love dogs so much, because I know there are dogs who would wait four years for their beloved to return.

Another of Rilla's brothers, Walter, is less anxious to go to war, but eventually signs up and serves and while at the front, writes a poem about his experiences. The poem becomes famous, reproduced and recited all across Canada. Yes, shades of Flanders Fields, although I think Walter died at Courcelette, not Vimy.

I was driving, listening to the speeches and songs, and I could see the Vimy monument in my mind's eye, and then I thought of the Anne story and the poem and the waiting dog and the futility of war and there I was, blubbering at 80 kilometres an hour on County Road 124. Not over actual soldiers or actual people, but over these characters, created as an amalgam of the people Lucy Maud Montgomery must have known, who were alive during the Great War, and the next war too. No doubt part of what she wrote was based on what she experienced.

I never met anyone from the war, but I knew Jem and Walter and Rilla and I suffered along with them, thanks to the brilliance of their author. That's the power of literature, even children's literature: to illuminate history, to make stories real enough to tell a truth and to move a middle aged lady to tears 35 years later.

Food Challenge update - so much salt

I was expecting to go hungry this week while taking part in the Karma Project's Eat The Math challenge. I'm not.

There are plenty of calories in the box provided by the group for me and the other participants to dine from. Plenty.

The problem is the quality of those calories. It's a lot of carbs, not much fibre and vast, vast quantities of salt.

I won't go into the issues I'm having with the lack of fibre, but I was unable to sleep Monday night with blood pulsing in my ears and a weird headache, which I'm attributing to the half of a box of mac n cheese and the 600 mg of salt I consumed in one sitting. I saved the second half for lunch yesterday, with an additional 600 mg of salt. Last night's selection was the ramen noodles, but I skipped the 'flavour pack' when I realized it was 1350 mg of sodium in the form of salt and MSG. I'm all for an awareness raiser, but I'm not going to poison myself with that much salt two days in a row.

My takeaway from the experiment so far: people who need donated food aren't getting particularly good stuff. While I get that beggars can't be choosers, it's bizarre that people who most need a clear head and health to get themselves out of a tight spot are the very ones who will not get the nutrition needed to do so.

Another takeaway: I've had offers from a lot of kind people to augment my food box with lunches and coffee and dinners, and I so appreciate it. (especially the coffee part!) But I wonder about the social connections of people who are in enough trouble to need help from the food bank. If you don't have friends and family to feed you in times of serious want, that's a deeper level of trouble than not having cash to put food on the table. I've spent quite a bit of time imagining the chain of events that would put me in such a spot.