Elser Lee Faith Archer on the Town Hall forum

For readers’ convenience, The Current shows on this page only Elser Lee Faith Archer’s replies from the Town Hall forum. The most recent questions and answers are near the top. Click HERE to return to the Town Hall forum to see other candidates’ responses. 

• Elser Lee Faith Archer: For more information about my platform, please Click HERE to visit my website.

 

• Margy Krafchik & James Wilson

As a long time seasonal resident, and now full-time resident of Madawaska Valley, we were extremely disappointed in the Town Hall forum held at the Legion, and, yes, kicking ourselves for not standing up to ask questions.
We can only chalk up the reason why to shock. Shock at what we were hearing (and didn’t hear).
First, we felt disrespected when Councillor Peplinski did not show up (for a second time), as we had a question for him. Of the remaining candidates we felt disappointed over their lack of vision how they seemed to get trapped in the “me” rather than “us” and what they can do to enhance the community.
Case in point; The fitness centre, which in our view is a necessity, especially in an aging community. Yet all the mayor could do was play the blame game; not enough memberships or grants. We would have loved to hear from other candidates about how they would tackle/fix this issue.
Every year we pay a considerable amount in taxes, for which we dug our own well, recently replaced our septic, plow our own road and take our garbage 10km to the dump. We are not alone yet no candidate seemed able to move beyond the status quo.
Upon hearing that the average age is higher and the income is well below the provincial average, we urge councillors to think outside the box.
We also wanted to ask — and wondering why the Current did not — why Mayor Love and Councillor Maika have not been responding to any of the resident questions to the current’s on-line blog.
We have cast our ballots in the hope that change will come.
Margy Krafchik & James Wilson

 

• Kristin Marchand

 

• Wendy Wolak

Are you in favour of a ward system of municipal government?

As a seasonal resident, I do not believe there is fair balance or fair representation of the property owners with this existing ‘at-large system’. The concerns of the townspeople of Barry’s Bay are not necessarily shared with the residents from the east side nor the west side of 62. It makes more sense to me that there is someone who is representing me and understands my concerns and resides within the area. Otherwise, if the concern expressed, is unrelatable, then will I be treated fairly?

As mentioned earlier by another seasonal voter, we pay much in taxes and little to show for it. How can we move forward and improve this sense of disconnect and accountability?

• Elser Lee Faith Archer

Hello Wendy,
I have worked in ward constituencies in Toronto’s GTA for a cabinet minister, worked for a Toronto city councillor in a ward system and worked in Madawaska Valley as a councillor in this at-large system. We are a small community under 5,000 most of the year and double that with seasonal residents.

Last week council dealt with a shoreline road allowance issue for adjacent property owners. One resident lived here year round and the other 2 months out of the year. This issue was bumped down council’s path since 2008 with previous owners. In order to resolve this issue I personally had to do my homework on the issue. As a practicing Chartered Mediator in Canada and a Registered Social Worker I’ve learned to become a good listener. Listening to all the parties and identifying shared interests helps to tear down silos and make decisions that address the best interests of those involved. There are cost effective approaches to issues that we we can employ on many fronts that compliment the At-Large system. When needed ie. 2017 flood or 2006 Tornado we demonstrated in the current system that the best decisions can be made. Recently Kaminiskeg lake front owners in a neighboring mumicipality wanted to join us because they thought it would be value added. My point is that some issues are strictly waterfront, some are not and some focus common concerns for all property owners. Council is responsible for a family of owners who deserve fair and equitable treatment not equal. A balanced approach to meet the overall needs of a family of residents.

• Elser Lee Faith Archer

Wendy I personally have water on my property and live in the rural section of Madawaska Valley. I have an office in Barry’s Bay and I am self/ employed continuing to do some of my mefiation work across Ontario. My local clients live across the Valley. Believe me I can relate to community concerns on many levels.

Best,

 

• Helen Schmidt

In 2013, 2017, and 2018 the upper water level of Kamaniskeg lake was exceeded by the OPG water management team . The upper water levels resulting in flooding . The flooding resulting in property damage to Kamaniskeg Lake, and the Madawaska River property owners. During this time Bark lake was never lowered to its minimum level.
We are summer residents on the Madawaska River. The financial consequences and property loss because of the flooding is huge. High water plus large wakes from the boats are undermining the Madawaska Township shorelines.
Yes, I know it’s a system. A system managed by the OPG that is not working for the the property owners on Kamaniskeg Lake and the Madawaska River.

What influence does the Madawaska Township Council have on the Ontario Power Generation/ Ministry of Natural Resources water management plan?

• Elser Lee Faith Archer

Good Morning Helen – My basement was 85% flooded for a significant period of time during the 2017 flooding incident and we had a sump pump running vigorously so I can personally relate.

The Township does have some influence and some expertise. During the flooding incidents their is a regional leadership team for the municipalities to access involving OPG, MOE, Paramefics, Ministry of Mumicipal Affairs and regional municipalities. The regional municipal lead was in Hortin Township where our current CAO, Sue Kmart, hails from. Therefore Sue has a great deal of expertise and experience liaising with Paramedics, OPG, MOE and Ministry of Municipal Affairs on this matter. Last year MPP John Yaksbuski also organized a meeting with key players in Madawaska Valley and I also attended a larger scale meeting with some members of staff and some members of council and Key players in Horton Towndhip where we were able to ask critical questions about why and how etc and express concerns and get some answers. Internally our emergency preparedness team did daily calls with the key organizations mentioned. Some best practices have been developed. Pointing fingers during the crisis doesn’t help people in emergency need; however, best practices and post crisis evaluation is critical after a flooding incident. This helps us going forward.

 

• Pat Scott

What do you think is the most pressing issue in our Municipality and what suggestions would you bring to the table to begin resolution to the issue?

• Elser Lee Faith Archer

Thanks for this question…,The first priority from my perspective is Servant Leadership. Bringing respectfull communication back to the council chambers, using Roberts Rules and our own procedural bylaws to maintain order and decorum thereby saving tax payers $$$ reducing the need for integrity Commissioners and others to investigate council’s behaviour.

The second priority is economic development, which creates jobs. We need to keep our young people here and sustain healthy business year round (not just) May to October. Utilizing our Economic Development plan and Strategic plan, allowing staff to do their job optimally and collaborating with the community and optimizing (economic development, recreation and infrastructure) grants…..This is what we can build on.

Finally council must adhere to its existing policies and bylaws, then create new policies as needed by respectfully listening to the whole community and having respectful debate and discussion. This is how we act as professional —-public servants—- this leads to good decisions in the best interests of the community At-Large.

 

• Nels Boehme

I just received my tax bill and find that my property taxes have taken one hell of an increase. WHY?????

 

• Elser Lee Faith Archer

Hello Mr. Boehme – There has been an adjustment for residents who are Separate School Board Payors. Please call Janice Zilney at the Township and she will provide further clarification. The county portion of the tax bill has gone down and the Township portion is only 1.8% increase at the cost of living.

Best,

 

02 Sept. 2018 –The Current has copied below the responses from Elser Lee Faith Archer to all questions and comments that have appeared on the Town Hall forum to date. More recent questions and answers will appear above.The Current

• The Current

Madawaska Valley currently uses the Standing Committee form of municipal governance. In the belief that it can be more effective and less time-consuming, some municipalities have adopted the Committee-of-the-Whole model. What would be your preference, and why?

 

• Pat Scott

In response to Carl. I would be happy to discuss the request I made about water and sewer and info on who I spoke to and when. Feel free to contact me anytime.

But the big question still remains – businesses want to be on main corridors. What is the existing policy on requests from businesses who wish to connect? What willingness is there. Are there incentives for businesses. Businesses are not likely in subdivisions. What about ratepayers, for example on Needham St who want to connect, as there are unserviced lots there? If we are not forward thinking we can’t expand our tax base and get much needed tax dollars to keep up. We need to capitalize on the opportunities brought to us with a robust market and this puts us in a growth spurt. How do we tackle a need for growth?

 

• Anne Bonnah

The Action Plan in The Path Forward (township strategic plan) included a recommendation to take steps that would address the existing gap in affordable housing stock for seniors. What suggestions do all the candidates have to accomplish this?

 

• Elser Lee Faith Archer

Affordable housing is key for seniors aging in place as well as young adults. Seniors have shared with me over the last 4 years that their fixed incomes for 2 people can be $2,000.00/month and sometimes 60% less for individuals. If they are unable to maintain their homes at present, they see leaving the Valley as their current option if they are not ready for long term care or cannot afford what’s available.
http://www.mah.gov.on.ca/Page16444.aspx
Above is a link to more provincial information on 2nd family self contained units. Benefits:
– Allow homeowners to earn additional income to help meet the cost of home ownership
– Support changing demographics by providing more housing options for extended families or elderly parents, or for a live-in caregiver
– Help create mixed-income communities, which support local businesses and local labour markets
– Make more efficient use of existing infrastructure, including public transit where it exists or is planned
– Make more efficient use of the existing housing stock
– Create jobs in the construction/renovation industry
– Assist municipalities in meeting their goals regarding affordable housing, intensification and density targets, and climate change mitigation and greenhouse gas emissions reduction.
This measure can provide more housing for extended family or elderly parents. Others would prefer more supportive housing such as the model in Eganville or Town House development Units.

 

• Bernadine Roslyn

I’m concerned about the responses to Pat Scott’s question about attracting business to the township. People are talking about expanding the water and sewage system, yet offering tax incentives to attract new business. Barry’s Bay residents are already paying unreasonable rates for water. Will the cost of expansion be also loaded onto residents of the village? Or are candidates willing to brave the opposition of rural residents and spread the costs of expansion over the entire tax base?

 

• Pat Scott

Thanks for your reply. If we look at the village boundaries where water and sewer end we have no place really for new businesses to go to that has municipal services. Some types of business require a municipal supply. We need new businesses in order to grow and create jobs and keep younger people and their families in the area, otherwise we will be a community of seniors (not that it is bad to be seniors but we need the younger workers and businesses to make it possible to shop locally). How would you envision the commercial expansion could happen in the village if we don’t have some plan for the water and sewer expansion? I know that I tried to get information for a client about costs to hook into the system and it was an unsatisfactory run around. This is not the way we attract new business. This is now more important than ever as we are in a state of growth. Thoughts on this please

 

• Elser Lee Faith Archer

Hello Bernadine,
Many town residents are concerned about the cost of water. Recently we gave a small rebate on water bills. I have learned a great deal co-chairing water and waste water. During that time I learned that the Township Septage could potentially generate income with a tipping fee from Septic companies in the surrounding area. The issue is whether the provincial government would mandate use of a septage vs spreading waste on farms. Thus the cost for pumping your septic in rural communities would be born by the private customer. The cost town water users would still remain a separate issue. Development beyond the borders of existing water lines would involve an extension of the system and provide opportunities for businesses between existing lines and potentially new waterlines to developers an opportunity to opt in. Exploring the pros and cons of this approach would be something for the new council to consider. Infrastructure funding could also contribute to this process.

 

• Pat Scott

I have a question for all the councilors and mayoral candidates. We all are aware that the municipality has to do more with a shrinking budget. How do you envision that we can attract development to increase our tax base and save us from big tax hikes? What could be some suggestions you would make at the table? Have concessions ever been considered, especially to attract new businesses? I believe part of our limitation is the cost of extending water and sewer line as we have almost hit a dead end on in town commercial development. What are your thoughts?

 

• Sue Wade

when you are hired by the public…. you must answer all questions from the community……

 

• Elser Lee Faith Archer

Thanks for your question Pat. Bonusing is something that we are NOT able to do. That is outlined in the in Section 106 of Ontario Municipal Act. There are 4 Ontario cases that set precedence….including Vincorp Financial Ltd. v. The Corporation of the County of Oxford (2014) ONSC 2580 released April 30, 2014.

The judicial consideration prior to Vincorp establishes several principles applicable to the interpretation of the anti-bonusing provision. Stated briefly these are:
“The anti-bonusing provision restricts municipal powers, therefore must be construed narrowly so as not to unduly detract from municipal powers; all municipal contracts confer an advantage or benefit of some kind; the anti-bonusing provision should be construed as only prohibiting the granting of “obvious undue advantages” Identifying a breach in this anti-bonusing provision and determining “obvious undue advantage” or favor is the issue. Very subjective matter.

I believe that developing collaborative partnerships with a corporate partner in a clean industry utilizing something like a Red Grant – Rural Economic Development Grant is a good start. Residents need to understand there is no quick fix in job creation. While campaigning a resident said to me, “If you build it, they will come”. A good start is building on what’s been effective. A multi-pronged long term vision laid out in our Strategic plan complements local interests in both job creation, programs for children, youth, adults and tourists. In 2015 Madawaska Valley had 13,000 visits and, recorded their presence at the Railway Station.

Calabogie has had over 19,000 visit their blues festival over a 3 day period. We were getting close to that number with simple events. Please see the tourism impact model when you click below. Our neighbors in Renfrew – Paul Murphy owner of Calabogie Peaks has shared, ” it has taken a decade of hard work to improve the (Calabogie) Peaks’ …. He also stressed that more needs to be done to improve the financial health of the Peaks and other local businesses, and to encourage other businesses to come to the community, while recognizing that additional growth won’t happen until there’s more to do in Calabogie. Likewise creating “things to do” for our residents will definitely attract others and have spin-off benefits to help existing business stronger. The BIA understands this concept well!
Please click HERE for a link to the Tourism Impact Model.

 

• Joseph Muscat

I’m a seasonal resident of Barry’s Bay and very happy to spend some of my time in this beautiful region. I’m also a visual artist and have participated in a number of group exhibitions at the station gallery including a solo show in 2016. Knowing that there was an art gallery in Barry’s Bay was an important incentive in my coming here; I have met many other artists and local people through my connection with the station gallery.
Alas, it’s a shame it’s gone. The last time I dropped in the now so-called info or tourist centre, it was depressing to see a handful of people heads buried in their devices, there only to check their mail.
I’m paying a huge amount of money in taxes without reaping hardly any benefits. I have no town water, sewage, or garbage collection. The one thing that I once felt somewhat justified paying my taxes for is now gone. I will vote for the next mayor and council member whose vision of the township includes the arts and the local gallery.

 

• Doug DeLaMatter

Joseph, your thoughts echo many residents of the area, both seasonal and permanent. Just two years ago, the Station had a knowledgeable and dynamic manager employed by the township. In just 5 years, she increased the number of visitors from ~ 1000 (2004) to ~ 11,000 (2009). In 2014 there were just under 10,000 visits (available OVTA numbers). A good number were tourists, but many were also local people attending shows, classes, and other group activities. The Station was a dynamic centre for creative activities that served the community as much as travellers.
All of this for about $10.00/yr. per 100,000 assessment.

Unfortunately, she is no longer employed by the Twp.

This winter, Madawaska Valley Culture and Heritage Society, a non-profit corp., offered to run the Station and all of the activities in the Station Park for about 2/3 of the budget assigned in each of the previous 2 years. Council chose to withhold that necessary funding, and chose to run the Station staffed only by Summer Students.

I hope that a new Council will recognize that whether or not support for the Arts, Heritage and Culture appeals to them and their neighbours, we need to offer activities that appeal to people who don’t live here yet… Activities that will attract new skilled people to the area, to support our aging residents who have made the township their home, and to share their skills (and tax revenues) with the community.

For 124 years, the Train Station in its various roles, has been a window on our community and way of life. In 2017, that window was broken. As with any window, it was easy to break and will be much harder to fix. We all hope that the new Council will decide to repair the damage to the programming and to our reputation as a forward-looking community. When they make that decision, they will find a groundswell of support among permanent and seasonal residents.
Plans are already afoot by the MV Culture and Heritage Society to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the first train arriving in Barry’s Bay on the Labour Day weekend in 2019. Let us hope that by then, we have a Station and an active Creative Centre program that we can show off with pride to the visitors who will attend.

 

• Elser Lee Faith Archer

I am currently Vice Chair of our wonderful Madawaska Valley Public Library that partnered with the Railway station to provide multiple children’s programs. Currently the library doesn’t have the space for art classes and various other community clubs that were housed in the station. Restoration of this iconic building according to heritage standards is critical to maintaining it’s presence. Secondly, it provided something for our residents to do and enjoy.

I was a former member of the Madawaska Valley Arts Council (2009/2010). Volunteers from age 30-90 years worked together on that executive and our Town Curator, Anya was able to work on writing proposals to secure funding that we all had input in. Many volunteers worked together on great fundraisers like the “Welch” dinner and other events that raised $$$ to fuel the railway station activities along with sponsors. In turn it offered fun events for adults. Someone asked me recently if we would sell a hardware tool in the Station and expect the Township to manage the retail end of that transaction. I responded of course not. I believe we can house exhibits that include taxidermy during hunting season, seniors exhibits, textile and wood creations and continue to encourage young artists within the schools as in the past while, housing legacy railway memorabilia and wonderful art that connects interested buyers to their work. Too often I’ve heard that the lack of amenities are a deterrent when recruiting doctors and a disappointment for local residents who want to see programs for their children that are not provided in the arena or Combermere community centre. I myself am an artist. My daughter had a piece displayed at the Station along with other students back in 2012. Her piece was recognized and placed in Pembroke’s Festival Hall where she won an award. This inspired part of her educational journey and she now works in advertising in a large corporation. If the “Group of Seven” artists were living here would we show their work with pride or shun them? Lets take pride in all of residents and encourage them to excel in their gifts and interests while —- cost effectively providing options for our residents !!!

 

• The Current

Question re “Pot Shops” 
In our recent article about the new cannabis selling laws (click HERE to read that article) The Current reported that municipalities will have the option to opt out of permitting retail outlets within their boundaries. Potentially this issue will be one of the more taxing and controversial decisions the new council will have to make early in its term. For this reason, The Current believes that voters should be familiarized with each candidate’s views on this issue.
Are you in favour of a “pot shop” located in Madawaska Valley or not? Please give reasons for your view.

 

• Elser Lee Faith Archer

Finance Minister Minister Vic Fedeli advised that April 1, 2019 all sales will be made through a retail store model. It will provide particulars of that model following a consultation period ——- It is unwise to give a response to an unknown model. There are many alcoholics in many communities and the government doesn’t provide enough services to keep the community safe from drunk driving, domestic violence and the psychological and emotional abuse that results from this addiction affecting families. The unidentified model is connected to resources to help keep the community safe —–Well worth exploring in terms of job creation, health benefits when we know there is an “underground model” with no community safety $$$$ —– I have never smoked “weed” and have certainly advised against it and it’s particular adverse impact on the teenage brain (as identified in studies). In 2015 Journal of the American Medical Association was commissioned by the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health. After reviewing 79 randomized trials, with 6,462 patients, researchers found evidence of moderate quality to suggest marijuana helps for chronic nerve pain, nausea due to chemotherapy, and spasticity due to MS—but that was it. My social work background and specific work at York University (student population of 52,000 I worked on modifying and implementing marijuana policy protocols on campus.

 

• Pat Scott

The ski hill, since I came to the area in 1976, has gone thru many scenarios with The Municipality being amongst a list of owner/operators of the ski hill. Many of those previous situations failed completely. It is very,very short sighted of any rate payer who would choose to not vote for Mark because of a business decsion by someone else that was beyond his direct ability to control.

 

• Gary and Miriam Hedderson

Your piece really hits the mark, Pat. The Railway Station and all that it was definitely should be a priority of the new council. I volunteered there for many years and still feel the tremendous loss to the community. It tended to be a gathering place. There was always something interesting going on – inside or outside. In addition to learning about the history of this area, we were all exposed to the artistic talent of the Valley – through art exhibits, workshops, music and dance performances or special events. Some met there to share their love of craft. Others came together to do restoration work on railway artifacts. It truly was a gem and as a volunteer at the desk, I was told many times that we should be very proud of it. Visitors said more than once that they would like to ‘live here’ just because of their Railway Station visit. When you have a ‘gathering place’ in the community, a place where learning is going on and there is a sharing of interests, the community is sstronger for it!

Miriam Hedderson

 

• Sue Wade

Everyone is talking about more, more building etc. I’m concerned we are headed to be the next Muskoka… if I wanted to live there I would have bought there. The homes that they want to build Chippawa will raise my taxes and force people to move. Why does anything have to chance? and if changes occur we must look at the long term affect on people and environment not bull doze for dollars …

 

• Elser Lee Faith Archer

Hello Sue,
I truly appreciate your concern that we do not become another Muskoka. We are said to be the last ‘bastion’ or location below Highway 60 that remains undeveloped. As current Chair of Economic Development and Property I first want to acknowledge the hard work put forward by our Manager of Planning and Manager of Operations as they meet with developers and individuals who seek to upgrade their homes and property. The planning department has worked hard to satisfy the regulatory requirements of our new Official Plan which is administered by the County of Renfrew. All developers first go to the County of Renfrew for approvals we are the lower tier.

As a municipality we must balance the reality that 60% or more of our population is aging. Mark Wilmer worked with a community team to develop and age friendly strategy. Feedback was secured through surveys, individual/group meetings, focus groups and a steering committee. I will identify the threats specified in the strategy and then provide information on how we can potentially address these 6 threats:

Please click HERE and then CLICK LINK to read my full answer including the six points.

• Colleen Divell

Can we assume that those candidates who have not been interviewed by The Current have either declined or ignored the invitation?

 

• The Current

The three candidates who have not responded to requests for interviews are Love, Maika and Peplinski. Candidate Kaminski has agreed to an interview and arrangements are being made to conduct this.

 

• Lois Yantha

Pat Scott, you said it best!

 

• Linda Neuman

I would really like to read the answers to these questions from ALL candidates. Not responding or getting your views out there to the community would indicate that you’re really not interested in reaching and serving all areas of the municipality only the ones you choose. Very troubling.

 

• William Houle

Wondering what all candidates opinions on expanding ,relocating or building a new public library are.

 

• Elser Lee Faith Archer

Hello Mr. Houle,
I have had the honour being council liaison to the library and sitting as Vice Chair of the Madawaska Valley Public Library over the past 4 years. The library does have a strategic plan and the board will be updating it shortly, as it looks to the future. After exploring the cost of expanding the library in 2015 a renovation was the initial priority of the board to ensure that it was more user friendly for existing patrons in the current location. As result, it focused on programming and improving equipment and resources. Since the library is a separate legal entity it will propose options for the future in their upgraded strategic plan and continue to have discussions with council and collaborate with the community as part of that process.

On May 12, 2016 I was asked by Council to comment on Ontario’s Draft Culture Strategy on behalf of the Township of Madawaska Valley. An excerpt, “Our business community and culture organizations like the library work in partnership with our Council and Township. The Library requires steady multi-year funding to grow its programs that serve both Madawaska Valley and the Township of Brudenell, Lyndock , Raglan. ”Click HERE to open another window and then click the link to read the full Culture Strategy document.
Without consistent multi-year funding for rural libraries across Ontario our Library will be challenged to sustain the excellent services currently provided. Advocating for multi-year base funding is key…..to moving forward.

Best,

 

• The Current

The Current confirms that each candidate in this election receives at their registered email address every question directed at them as posted on the forum. In order to avoid further repetition of such questions, perhaps the candidates who are conspicuous by their absence would see fit to explain why they are denying voters the benefit of their views. The Current provides this Town Hall forum as a public service. It may interest readers to know that since we launched the forum on August 8 it has been viewed more than a thousand times.

 

• Linda Shulist

Well said Pat Scott re: Station and the Arts Community. I would like to hear from the Candidates re: if elected I would ____________________________ to restore/promote the arts in our community and enhance the use of the Station building.
I also think this page is a great way to hear where our candidates stand on all issues. Thanks for doing this.

 

• Kristin Marchand

I wish all candidates would reply to the questions/comments. Not having easy access to all the candidates’ ideas and opinions seems to indicate that those who don’t engage in this forum don’t want my vote.

 

• Mary Susan Smith

I agree, Kris. Surely everyone running has a vested interest in making their views known to the community of voters. Failure to engage appears to suggest that they are not really all that interested in being elected.

 

• Elser Lee Faith Archer

Hello Kristin,
You asked me to share about how I have helped small businesses locally. In our Economic Development Strategy we had a tourism impact model very similar to this one: Click HERE and then please CLICK LINK to read the full document. Since the inception of the Barry’s Bay BIA – “Business in Action ” I have met with their Executive, as the Council Liaison and co-chaired Communities in Bloom Program with Debbie Marshall. As such I have consistently advocated for initiatives and events put forward. Tourism is important to our local economy because it profiles the community as a destination of choice and encourages visitor spending. It fosters something called “place making”: https://www.google.com/search?q=placemaking&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b
Placemaking is a multi-faceted approach to the planning, design and management of public spaces. Placemaking capitalizes on a local community’s assets, inspiration, and potential, with the intention of creating public spaces that promote people’s health, happiness, and well being.
1. In short I have advocated for BIA Initiatives with Council and as part of Budget discussions.
2. I co-chair Communities in Bloom a collaborative Initiative involving the BIA and the Municipality. The importance of this is profiling our community across the province in 2016 & 2017 and in 2018 we were invited a)to promote our community nationally so as to draw tourists and generate spending in local businesses
b)to distinguish this community as environmentally responsible, beautiful, rich in culture and heritage activities, as committed to sustaining quality infrastructure/, overflowing with volunteerism and a community spirit that has fiercely protected pristine landscapes over the years despite a tornado and a flood. Here is a link to our profile
3. I have worked from 2009 to 2015 with local Not-for-Profits writing proposals that have secured over $200,000 in funding for individuals facing employment barriers and children and youth programs that collaborated with the Township.
4. I have also worked with individuals and assisted them in writing and executing business plans that have resulted in earned income
5. I have also worked with Loyalist College to offer interest based continuing education courses that have resulted in local job creation for instructors

Best,

 

• Beth Hildebrandt

Right on Kris!!

 

• Elser Lee Faith Archer

Hello Linda – Public Members on Standing Committees – This process was initiated over the last 4 years in Madawaska Valley to facilitate transparency and encourage ongoing public input on strategic priorities through recommendation and discussion. No Standing Committee of Council can decide anything, they can only recommend—- ultimately the elected Council will make policy decisions. All members of this type of committee would be required to sign off on the Code of Conduct that will (Under Bill 68) become mandatory for all municipalities as part of the Ontario Municipal Act. The key question for me is, “Did that process facilitate transparency” As a new council we will need to evaluate this.

 

• Nancy Checko

A question to all candidates…
The PJY Community Centre is showing its wear. This has great potential to be used year-round for trade shows; cultural, social and entertainment events; education and training sessions; and, of course, year-round athletics – we do see these uses now but in very limited numbers. Do you see upgrades, and possible expansion, to this facility as a priority for our township? What is your vision for making it more attractive and accessible to interested users?

• Elser Lee Faith Archer

Hello Nancy,
This year s capitol project for PJYC is roof repairs, last year was an energy efficiency audit. My hope is that implementing energy conservation measures will provide cost savings that can be applied to maintenance. We did apply for a significant grant in 2016 but unfortunately did not get it. I am thrilled that the Wilno Recreation Committee got funding (and couldn’t see government handing over significantly $$$ for two rinks in the same community). PJYC has significant problem with the brine system and this is a major maintenance issue.

We need programs for year round and seasonal residents. We had a great dance program this year and ongoing hockey programs. I will personally continue pursuing educational programs and seek council support just as I’ve worked with Loyalist College on continuing education programs in Barry’s Bay and the 1 year Personal Support Program Offered in Combermere. Physical enhancements require a grant and planning which I am committed to should iBecome Mayor.

Best,

 

• Beth Hildebrandt

I would really like to hear from ALL the candidates with these great questions.

 

• Travis Richards

I have a big question for the entire new council. As a business owner myself I would like to see more People start business in the Township Of Madawaska Valley. Do the people running for council, that includes the mayor, support business development and growth In the township? I would also like to see a brochure that profiles all the businesses and that would be distributed within Renfrew County. I would be happy to work with any council member or mayor in the next council on this brochure project.

 

• Lynne Yantha

Well said Mark. What do you see as other opportunities to enhance our community to make us more attractive to tourists and potential residents alike? By your experience, what (aside from high speed internet) are we missing? I would also like to see what ElserLee offers here.

 

• Elser Lee Faith Archer

As a member of this community I strongly support business development. I have helped local community members write business plans and helped to jump start their businesses.

I own a small business in this community called Sage Diversity Management Counselling & Mediation which I started in the City and ported to this community in 2008 working between Toronto’s GTA, Ottawa and Windsor. I am living proof that you can live and Play in Madawaska Valley with your family, work remotely and travel as needed. If that’s true we can attract entrepreneurs and celebrate existing entrepreneurs and the unique businesses they bring to the valley. I have done individual and family counselling locally as well as my consulting and mediation. I have done work across the province and sometimes in the US. Point being we can bring entrepreneurs who practice their craft here or rely on the internet for efficient communication.

We need to enhance our internet services. While on council I have advocated for this. Cultivating an environment for Business Development profiles our community in a positive way and has job creation spin-offs that benefit students and retirees. We need to promote year round tourism and other economic development projects to promote year round job creation. Our 2010 Economic Development Strategy strongly encouraged entrepreneurship and if you take time to read it you will see it is a blue print for moving forward. Before 2014 I sat on a community economic development committee with Alan Pepper, Doug DeLamatter , Sigrid Geddes, Ted Bialy and several others we did a visioning exercise to explore possibilities for business development. Moving forward in my opinion requires a collective effort from the community, council and staff at the municipality.

Best,

 

• Kristin Marchand

Without breaching any client confidentiality, can you describe the ways in which you have helped small businesses or point to specific examples of where you have helped small businesses?

 

• Bernadine Roslyn

AlgonquinEast.com maintains a business directory for the whole area from Algonquin Park to Eganville. The directory covers the whole area because there are services located outside MV township that township residents will want to access and also because we want people from outside MV township to make use of the directory. We would welcome support from MV Township to help with updating and promoting the directory.
There was a Welcome Package developed several years ago; but it was never produced. This publication contained information of use to new residents. Much of the content would still be relevant today.

 

• Barb Schaefer

Looking forward to responses from All candidates to these excellent questions.

 

• Linda Neuman

I have a question for all candidates:
What are your views on having members of the public on committees and giving them voting privileges on those committees even though they are not ‘elected’ by the public?

 

• Wilmer Matthews

To each of the incumbents : Love, Archer, Peplinski, Bromwich and Maika—What one thing have you learned from your time on Council that will make you better at your position if re-elected?

To: Challengers: Willmer, Kaminski, & Shulist—What one strength would you like to bring to the Council table if elected?
To: All candidates—What do you see as the top priority for the new Council?

 

• Pat Scott

Although I understand and embrace the need for preserving history and the stories that go with it, the train station is more than this……It is not more than a few years ago it was considered the premiere example of what the tourist information booth should be in the Valley. We were held up as an example across the county by OVTA. It also served as the hub of our art community here in the Bay and the offering of various art exhibits, artistic programming, farmer’s market, taste of the valley, artisan shows and so much more. This is the diamond of the Bay and the restoration of all of this needs to be a priority, – whether privately or with the full involvement of the municipality. It took a long time for Paul Nopper and the Station staff to implement and come up with all of the wonderful attractions, workshops, sponsored art exhibits etc. In a breath it is gone. We need to ensure that we preserve this building along with the culture that surrounds it. You personally do not have to love the arts or even like farm fresh produce to embrace what the Station does to enrich our area. There are dollars that port to businesses every time someone stops in the Bay, – absolutely every time. It is not just to use the washroom at the station. Tourism is the probably the single largest economic input into our area as far as the money left behind by our seasonal residents and the tourists that come to enjoy the beauty of the area. We have struggled for quite some time with the shortsightedness of the councils and I think that the station needs to be an election issue. Artists of all forms choose to come to this area to live, raise their families and work and it is because we have a vibrant artistic community that this is happening. I think that councillors forget that we need to attract families and workers, entrepreneurs, to the area in order to guarantee our survival. Although we are so very fortunate to have a hospital, we need activities, recreation, programs for children, sports etc to help people make the decision that this is a destination where they want to raise their families.

 

Click HERE to return to the Town Hall forum to see other candidates’ responses.