Editor’s Note: Alia Bayat, candidate for Councillor in Madawaska Valley Township, replied to The Current with the following items from his platform. He subsequently submitted some additions, which are reflected below.
Get BIG government out of small town politics
Small rural areas like the Madawaska Valley are ideal for establishing government policies that help assist taxpayers and small business owners alike. Unfortunately, many local constituents have had frustrating experiences when dealing with the Township on issues pertaining to zoning by-laws, preventing new businesses from flourishing and contributing positively to the overall local economy. Needless obstacles in the form of inefficient and unnecessary time delays stifle ambition and deteriorate the confidence in the local economy, and municipal leadership.
The status quo is untenable, so, as Councillor, I will do everything in my power to influence Council to remove the obstacles currently in place that prevent entrepreneurship from flourishing in the Madawaska Valley.
Improvement of municipal services delivery
While Madawaska Valley Township boasts about how it provides services to locals, there is a massive opportunity to enhance those services in a cost effective manner.
In the summer, there continues to be a lag in public park maintenance, and in the winter, snow removal creates several issues, from inefficient parking requirements to inconvenient and unnecessary noise pollution that impacts kids and seniors alike.
Our local parks also need modernization improvements. Currently, there are no centralized playgrounds for kids. We are one of the only rural communities who do not have a place for local kids to access easily. Even Killaloe boasts a local playground situated downtown. Schools like St. John Bosco have prohibited the use of their playground during the summer, which created a need for parents and grandparents who want to spend more time with their kids close to home.
I promise I will force Council to examine their systemic neglect to improve the public areas and services they are entrusted to prioritize.
Recreation and Community Services enhancement plan
The Madawaska Valley Township currently employs a Manager of Recreation and Community Services, a position that relies solely on 3rd party groups and volunteers to create events within our community. Rather than use this in-house position to create vibrant, annual events at the municipal level, events where expenses can be easily recouped, the Township simply outsources all of the events, and then takes a secondary role. The result is predictable – we have a startlingly small number of local events, despite our relatively high tourism numbers, and decent attendance for off-season activities.
By expanding the responsibilities and job description of the existing Manager of Recreation and Community Services, we can easily enhance the number of locally supported events, festivals, and celebrations through our existing parks venues. The results would include a jolt to the local economy, a better reputation as a municipality overall, and the opportunity to enhance and create relationships with businesses and volunteers alike.
Extend water and sewage facilities
Water and sewage facilities in the town of Barry’s Bay were built to accommodate up to 15,000 people but only 600 people are using it. The rest of the residents do not have access to water and sewage. The money was already spent to build it, and it only needs a connection (pipes). While it will cost some money to connect, then the municipality can collect money from users for the rest of the facility’s life. Extending the system will attract contractors and developers to come and build new houses. The cost of individual septic and well systems for each house is too expensive, say, up to $60,000. But if a connection to the municipal system can be done for, say, half of that it would encourage them to come and build houses here. This would benefit the community. Extending access to the water and sewage system means more people will use it, and the cost of the water will be less.
Right now, there is a lack of housing, especially rental housing. Even a one-bedroom apartment now can cost nearly $1,600 — if people can find one. So, providing those services encourages housing, which brings people into the community. Increased population brings economy and improves the community. We need to avoid red tape so people are encouraged to build new houses and make some additions so people can have access to more housing here.
Also, sidewalks in the town of Barry’s Bay are very old and almost dangerous when people are walking. Yearly touch-ups do not last long, especially when the snow and ice arrive.
Biography and experience
I moved here almost 50 years ago. During those 50 years I was an entrepreneur, working for myself, in many different businesses and trades working in Toronto. For instance, for five years I had a garden centre at Yonge and Sheppard. I also had a furniture and appliance store. Since October 2019 I have operated the Bay Coin Laundomat with my wife, having owned the property in Barry’s Bay for the previous seven years.
Photo submitted.