- For readers’ convenience, The Current shows on this page only Mark Willmer’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.
- 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
- Mark Willmer
Good morning Kristin. Before answering your question I must state that you preface it with an assumption that does not represent my viewpoint. I do believe however that development in our community is absolutely necessary. As you indicate we live in a beautiful paradise, something that I believe must be protected. This is accomplished by proper planning: planning that protects and respects our natural environment. A greater population allows for the creation of more stores and services, creating more opportunities for young people to establish businesses and services within the community. As a councillor I will strive to bring in environmentally friendly businesses and residential developments which will allow the community to grow attract young families and yes increase our tax base, something that will benefit all of us. This can be done in a well balanced manner that also allows for the preservation of our townships natural beauty.
- 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?
- Mark Willmer
Thank you for this question Wendy. I am not in favour of a ward system as I believe in a small community it can create division. The at large model creates a system where all councillors are working towards the same goals and making decisions that are conducive to the entire municipality. That being said the at large system can be flawed particularly if you have members of council that show favoritism to certain parts of the municipality or just represent special interests.
It is very important when it comes to election day that voters choose candidates who have chosen to represent the entire municipality and can look at the big picture. I live in the Madawaska Valley and will represent the Madawaska Valley.
- Wendy Wolak
Thank you, Mark, for your response. But I would like to point out that division already exists-Seasonals vs. Non-Seasonals, Locals vs. Outsiders. As an example, I have heard complaints how some seasonal residents are unfairly charged higher for services rendered by some businesses. Is this something Council can control so that there is a fair and equitable treatment for all?
- Mark Willmer
Yes Wendy, I agree there are divisions within the township, however, I firmly think with some positive thinking and actions over time many of these can be overcome. Having differences rather than divisions within the community is what makes us strong and vibrant, Strong community associations (Recreation Committees) are an example of how communities can be different while retaining their identity but still work together in one united Madawaska Valley. I believe that everyone should be represented equally, however that does not mean that we all have the same level of service ( I do not have garbage or recycling, snow plowing or road maintenance) yet I knew that upon purchasing our property. Perhaps a good example is school taxes; we all pay whether we have children in school or not but this is part of being a part of a community.
In response to your example, I would avoid any businesses that are gouging seasonal residents. There are many reputable businesses in our community that will go out of their way to serve you. Make sure you get several quotes and stay away from those that would take advantage of you.
Again I believe that we have a strong community partly due to our diversity. This diversity includes the many seasonal residents who represent a large portion of our tax base. All should be represented fairly and I will do my utmost to do so.
- 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?
- Mark Willmer
Thank you for this question Helen. We live on Kamaniskeg Lake so I understand the importance and frustration with this situation. I believe that the water level limits, both high and low, must be strictly adhered to. In exceptional cases when this is not possible, it is of utmost importance that the municipality is consulted before any action occurs.
It is necessary that the municipality, OPG and MNR all work together when critical levels are being reached. Communication must be open and ongoing. If elected to council I would do my best to ensure that the municipality is included, and our residents are well represented, in all discussions regarding the OPG/MNR water management plan.
- 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?
- Mark Willmer
There are a number of pressing issues Pat, however I believe the most important one is restoring leadership and and effective governance to the municipality. I believe for the last four years council has spent a large amount of time spinning its wheels. It is time to get things moving again and allow staff to do the jobs they were hired to do.
I bring an immense amount of municipal experience to the council table, gained from being both as an employee who reported directly to council and as a former councillor for twenty one years. I believe I have the tools and ability to bring a positive, professional culture back to MV council. I am skilled at problem solving and team building and work constructively with others. It is important that council and staff work together to serve our township in an efficient and professional manner.
Some of the best and strongest councils that I have worked on over the years were the ones where members had the most divergent opinions, however there was always a respect for all opinions, and at the end of the day a well thought out constructive solution would be achieved. This requires leadership, the ability to problem solve and team build in an honest and professional manner. These are all attributes that I will bring to the table.
- Nels Boehme
I just received my tax bill and find that my property taxes have taken one hell of an increase. WHY?????
- Mark Willmer
Nels I am sorry but I have no idea why your property taxes would increase substantially this year. I would suggest that you go into the municipal office to get an explanation and clarification from staff.
02 Sept. 2018 –The Current has copied below the responses from Mark Willmer 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
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?
- Mark Willmer
I have worked on council in both systems and they can both work well. Personally though I prefer the Committee of the Whole model as it can be less time consuming and is also more efficient. The Committee of the Whole system allows all councillors to be involved in all issues right from the start, whereas with Standing Committees several council members are excluded from voting on certain discussion areas until the issue comes to the council chamber. With a small council it is best to have everyone involved through the entire decision making process. This approach allows for greater unity on council and a better understanding by council of the issues facing them.
- 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?
- Mark Willmer
This is a good question and one that needs addressing. While I was working on the Age Friendly Community Report, it became clear, as the strategic plan indicates, that this is an area of considerable concern. The feeling overall is that the entire housing market for seniors is lacking, whether it be affordable housing or condo types of developments for those who are downsizing. Many people are concerned that they will have to leave our community to find appropriate housing.
There is no easy fix to this problem however I feel that since the demand is there we should be actively seeking developers of this type of housing and letting them know about the opportunities that exist for them in Madawaska Valley. Council needs to be more proactive and develop a campaign that specifically targets these developers. As part of this process we need to more actively engage Renfrew County’s Economic Development Department. Moving forward with a positive approach will go a long way to initiating action on this issue.
- 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
- Mark Willmer
If we are to attract new development we need a well thought out expansion plan in place in order to provide the services that will be required. New development is not going to occur overnight but we need to be “build ready” when suitable development opportunities arise.
In order to pay for the services we need to be looking for funding from other levels of government (not easy but we should be rattling their doors) and using development charges to help fund these services. Development charges are paid by the developer and are used to cover infrastructure expansion including water and sewer. These charges are commonly used by other municipalities within Renfrew County and are one of the few dedicated sources for this type of development. It will take time to build up the required funds but we do have to start somewhere. Putting a well thought out plan in place provides a good starting point.
- 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……
- Mark Willmer
Attracting new clean business is very important. We need growth to increase our tax base and to create jobs to retain and bring young families into the area. This is easier said than done, however I believe we need to start by promoting ourself and our assets in a better manner, creating an atmosphere that shows people that we are open for business. We have a lot to offer, let’s let others know.
Secondly we need to carefully plan our growth, and actively pursue the type of businesses that we would like to see in the area, and thirdly, perhaps offer limited tax incentives to encourage new businesses to locate here. The temporary loss of tax revenue would be more than made up in the future by our increased tax base.
For growth to happen we will be required to expand our infrastructure; this is a very expensive process and needs to be planned with considerable care and foresight in order that any expansion serves us best in the short and long term. We do not want to overbuild but instead build what is necessary and allow for planned expansion when required.
Funding sources are difficult to uncover but need to be aggressively sought to help with these considerable costs. One of the prime sources in many municipalities for this type of funding is development charges. These are charges to the developer that are designed to cover the increased costs that the municipality will incur due to the development. Unfortunately MV Council eliminated these charges believing it to be an incentive for growth. I feel this was a short sighted decision and one that does not necessarily encourage growth. I think this position needs to be rethought by the next council as funding for future expansion will be required and this is one of the only dedicated funding sources municipalities have of covering these costs.
We have so many assets and so much to promote in the MV. I believe in our future and think with hard work careful planning the future can be a bright one for our township.
- 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.
- Mark Willmer
Thank you for this question Joseph. I believe the train station is an important asset of the township. It served a wonderful role as an active visitor centre/cultural centre. In the interests of not clogging this forum I ask you to read my response to Linda Shulist which is located further down this feed.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mark Willmer
As cannabis will be legal in Canada on October 17th and will be sold by several methods throughout the country it would not make sense to stop the sale in our municipality. If we were to deny sales in MV it would just mean that people would have to buy on line, or spend their dollars in another municipality. Let’s keep the revenue and add business to our community.
- Yvette Boudreau-Smith
As front line tourism operators in the Valley, we are very concerned about the path that tourism promotion has taken recently. As individual business’s we can promote ourselves, but the township needs to market Madawaska Valley, promote our amazing area and support the whole community that relies on its year round income stream.
Mark Wilmer…in your campaign you talk about growth and the need to promote Madawaska Valley. Four years ago you were, in part, responsible for the closing of the ski hill. Having been the “face” of the Hill, several constituents feel that you have received a lot of undeserved, negative backlash due to lack of, or misinformation regarding this situation. How do you respond to this?
- Mark Willmer
Thank you for this Yvette,
Yes I have received considerable backlash on the hill closure and yes, I was the face of the hill; however, I was a minority owner in the operation. During my three years of managing the hill it became my life. I often spent 20+ hours a day there to ensure we could open the next day. The hill was my life and through it I became passionate about my new community and the people of the Madawaska Valley.
Although it was not a complete surprise I was devastated the day the two majority owners in the operation informed me that they were not able or willing to continue to operate the facility. It really felt like my life had been taken away as Madawaska Mountain had truly become my passion; I loved the hill, and we were making great progress. I would have done anything to keep the hill going and I felt we were slowly but surely heading in the right direction. Once the hill was put on the market I was hopeful that a new buyer would be found quickly, one who would include me in their ownership group. Working with Gerry Belisle we came close several times but to no avail.
I understand the value that people place upon the mountain and how they consider it to be “our hill” as I developed the same feelings during our ownership period.
I feel very sorry for the volunteers, the students that spent their hard earned money to become certified instructors, the many new skiers that we introduced to the sport and the many families that enjoyed the hill.
As you know from my election campaign, I believe in the Madawaska Valley and believe that tourism and the related tourism industries are our future. I believe the hill has a future although I no longer have any business connection to it.
Let’s hope that a new owner is found soon and that we can all start enjoying this tremendous facility again.
- 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 …
- Mark Willmer
Growth is very important for our future, and the future of the Madawaska Valley. However what is most important is that it is properly planned . Planned growth includes ensuring that our lakes, streams, forest and natural environment are protected. Some lakes are near capacity for development however there is plenty of room for development in other parts of our township.
I see the need for a greater emphasis on planning in the municipality and possibly the need to have a staff member with a planning background to ensure that we proceed with any development in the correct manner.
The township should be “open for business” and actively seeking new development that enhances the many assets that we already have in MV township.
- 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.
- Mark Willmer
The library is an important and integral part of our community. Although small it is very well laid out and the recent renovations have opened it up significantly. If funding was available it certainly would be nice to enlarge/enhance this facility, however to the best of my knowledge there are no funding sources presently available for this type of work. We should continue to explore funding opportunities and take advantage of any that do arrive.
- 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.
- Mark Willmer
I believe it is very important to bring the train station back to life, not just as a visitor centre but as a vibrant thriving cultural centre. The imminent hiring of a recreation co-ordinator along with direction from the new council will be a good first step to achieving this. I would like to see visual arts exhibits along with a variety of programs and classes operating out of the facility.
The train station along with the park around should be a cultural hub. This benefits everyone as we enjoy special events programs and displays, while the vibrancy of the area encourages tourists to stop and stay awhile.
Just a note, while I was on council in Arnprior it was generally recognized throughout Renfrew County that the Barry’s Bay visitor centre was far and away the busiest and most successful one around. We need to appreciate and make use of the great assets like the Train Station that are part of our community.
- 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.
- Beth Hildebrandt
Right on Kris!!
- 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?
- Mark Willmer
The PJY Community Centre is an important part of our community. Arenas are often the hub of a community and ours is no different as the PJY Community Centre plays a huge role in providing opportunities for recreation and cultural opportunities and events.
My priority with this facility will be to ensure that it is properly maintained and that we attain funding to ensure all lifecycle and day to day repairs are funded properly. Maintaining and modernizing the facility and making necessary improvements over time is more important than expansion. We have an asset that must be preserved and maintained through proper care.
The PYJ Community Centre in my estimation is under utilized and I feel we need to spend more time promoting it, both as a place where ice time is available at a reasonable rate and as a venue for various special events particularly during the non ice months.
.
- 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.
- Mark Willmer
Business development is very important to the future of the Madawaska Valley. I believe we need to work at finding ways to encourage small businesses to locate here. Our beautiful environment sells itself and allows for many opportunities particularly for eco friendly businesses, but we need to create a greater awareness and sell potential entrepreneurs on the opportunities that exist in MV.
Ensuring that we have high speed internet throughout the township is extremely important as more and more people are interested in operating businesses out of their homes and in the MV we certainly can provide the perfect environment.
I believe the MV has tremendous potential and we need to be actively pursuing business opportunities and encouraging businesses to consider our township. We need jobs to be created in order to retain young people in the community and provide opportunities for young families to relocate here.
In addition it is important that we support our local businesses so that they can continue to provide the many services that we have in our community, new jobs and new families would certainly be a benefit and strengthen our business community.
- 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.
- Mark willmer
Lynne in answer to your question I offer the following;
I feel we need to attract more small businesses to create a market that is diverse and permits our existing stores and businesses to thrive. To do this MV Council needs to present a more positive image and be more pro active when it comes to attempting to attract new businesses and small light manufacturing companies to the area. We need to make better use of the economic development opportunities and services that are offered through Renfrew County.
Additionally we need to better promote the many assets and services, such as the hospital and schools, library, recreation and cultural facilities that we have in our community. These are of key importance to attracting young families and individuals looking for employment and to companies looking for a place to locate. Lastly we must take care of the assets we have and maximize their use, making our community vibrant, interesting and place to spend time in and explore.
- 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?
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?
- Mark Willmer
I feel in some cases having members of the public on committees, particularly advisory committees can be helpful as it brings expertise from the community to the table. It is though important that the committee structure be established in a way that leaves all decision making to the elective representatives. This is usually accomplished by only having the elected representatives vote. Any public representation on advisory committees should be thoroughly vetted to ensure potential candidates are knowledgeable in the field that the committee serves and not just there to represent a certain interest group or push for a certain agenda..
- 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?
- Mark Willmer
If elected I will bring a wealth of municipal experience to the council table including 21 years as a member of council and 30 years as a municipal employee. My experience includes , strategic planning, property management, and various other roles in culture, recreation and special event planning. I have chaired all major council committees including planning, recreation, finance and public works.
I will provide strong leadership and I work well as part of a team. I have the ability to get things done.
The top priority of the new council should be to get the township moving again. I feel over the last four years progress has been hampered by infighting and bickering at council. Staff need to be empowered to do the jobs they are trained for and were hired to do, while council needs to get on with governing and implementing documents like the strategic plan.
- 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.
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Besides wanting to sell off our natural resources to collect tax dollars and short term employment, what are you planning for economic development that will encourage our young people to stay and work in our fantastic community. (Let’s not “pave paradise to put in a parking lot.)
I am referring to supporting large real estate developments in the area–not that this support is a bad thing–but what else is “in the works” for economic development.