Questions from a Citizens' Group

More questions and more answers!

The group, Save our Shorelines Collingwood is interested in where I stand on some of their concerns:


1.) In order of priority how would you rank the top five (5) priorities for the Town of Collingwood over the next 4 years?

I think we will need to deal with the recommendations of the Judicial Inquiry, which will be getting underway immediately after the election. We have ongoing questions about growth, affordable accommodation, the terminals, and how to pay for our infrastructure and other needs in a responsible way. Some good work has been done regarding planning, but plans need to be followed by action.

2.) Much has been said recently about the need for greater “Transparency” in how the Town conducts its affairs. What changes do you think are necessary to improve transparency in how Council, and Town staff, make decisions?

Some work has been done on this file already with the updated code of conduct and the Integrity Commissioner position. There will no doubt be more to come, depending on the outcome of the Judicial Inquiry. I will support the new IT services that are being brought in, which are designed to improve communication between the town hall and citizens.

3.) What is your position on inter-governmental cooperation between the Town and its neighbouring municipalities (e.g. the Town of Blue Mountains, Clearview and Wasaga Beach) and where and how do you think such cooperation would most benefit Collingwood?I support ongoing improvements and increased conversation between Collingwood and our neighbouring municipalities.

I don't know that those relationships are in trouble, particularly, although I understand there may have been some personality conflicts in the recent past. Building communication channels, even informal ones, is a key to keeping those relationships good.

4.) Collingwood is under intense development pressure like it has never seen before in
its history. What increased complexities and pressures do you think this presents, and how will you ensure the Town’s planning and building departments are equipped to address them? Are there any additional skills and experience you feel are required to manage these pressures?

We have been designated a growth node, so our population is going to grow regardless, which means we need to be sure we have the staff in place to give good advice and place legal and reasonable restraints on future developments. As I understand it, there may be a need for additional expert planning staff to make sure those concerns are addressed

5.) The mounting development pressure in the Town is generating a heightened level of community interest in the Town’s planning and development process and decisions. Do you think the Town has adequate public consultation processes in place to deal with these decisions or do you think changes are required, and if so, what changes?

People I have been meeting at the doors as I campaign certainly seem to think we need more discussions with our neighbours and town hall regarding new developments, and this is something I'm definitely willing to look into. That said, we can't shut the door on newcomers since we've been designated a growth node.

6.) The Town has recently approved a Waterfront Master Plan. What is your perspective on that plan? Do you think it contains the right priorities or are there changes you feel are required? Should its implementation be a priority for the new Council?

I have read it, and agree with most of its recommendations. It's ambitious and if implemented, could make our shoreline even more of a jewel. I'm proud of the Gathering Circle and closely watched its progress through the summer. I also look forward to skating at the waterfront in the not-too-distant future, and I'm glad the terminals are included as an important piece of the waterfront's heritage.

7.) Both the Waterfront Master Plan and the Town’s Official Plan state that the protection of Collingwood’s sensitive wetlands and shoreline areas are a top priority. How would you rate Collingwood’s performance in protecting these areas to date? Do you think Collingwood currently has appropriate processes and controls in place to protect these areas (especially from development), or do you think improvements are required, and if so, what improvements?

I agree with the assertion that the shoreline must be a priority. I'm not sure I can give a rating to the town's performance, except to say there are complaints about the sheer volume of people coming to our waterfront parks, so we clearly are doing something right. The boardwalk near the arboretum is a tremendous asset, although I'm confused why it's taking so long to repair the part of it that was burned this spring.

8.) What role do you see Collingwood’s protected wetland and shoreline areas playing in your vision of the Town’s social, cultural and economic future?

I think as a place that increasingly relies on tourism and eco-tourism, it's essential we maintain our shoreline and our vistas.

9.) SOS Collingwood has raised specific concerns regarding the recent development proposal for the Living Waters/Bear Estate property. While the developer has asked the Town of defer consideration of the application until 2019, a decision on the matter will likely come before Council early in its next term. What are your views on that proposal and what level of public consultation and input do you feel needs to occur?

The next council definitely will have to look at this development application, and I think the deferral of the application is a show of good will on the part of the developer. Hats off to your group for making your concerns heard! I think plans and rules regarding waterfront development can always be improved with review, and with a council that's willing to listen and learn, we can find a way to work together to everyone's benefit.