It was a full house at an All Candidates Meeting September 25 at the Plex in Port Elgin with approximately 300 in attendance.
Editor's Note: In the interest of comprehensive and informative reporting, we are publishing our coverage of the All Candidates Meeting in four parts. Here is the question and answer portion of the event. Links to the opening and closing statements can be found at the bottom.
Please also visit saugeenshoreshub.ca/election2018 for council and trustee candidate profiles and podcasts and the soon to be published Ask a Candidate feature.
Hub Staff
Members of the public and municipal election candidates had a chance to have their voices heard at a September 25 All Candidates Meeting held at the Plex in Port Elgin.
Hosted by the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW) the event saw approximately 300 in attendance.
John Mann was first to the mic with a question for the Vice-Deputy Mayor candidates regarding two Deep Geological Repositories proposed for the county, "one for clothes and rags and one for spent fuel," said Mann and asked why not wait until the spent fuel repository is decided and "throw the clothes and rags in with that DGR?"
Jim Stark was directed to answer first and said there's been a lot of conversation about the beaches and the shoreline and how special the community is and wondered why we would bury nuclear waste beside the one of the largest bodies of fresh water in the world. "It makes no sense to me at all," said Stark.
"They need to continue finding ways to use that spent fuel and harnessing the energy that's still left in it and I believe that we can do that. Burying it is a bad idea," he said.
Mike Myatt said he read the 550 page document that was put together by "three very well qualified experts" and came to the consensus that he is going to leave the decision in the hands of the Ministry of the Environment, the Federal Government and the three experts who made the recommendation. "I have to take into consideration what those three experts say and consequently I do support the DGR," said Myatt.
Taun Frosst said he was "out front" in the DGR. "I was actually in favour of the process of the DGR and I never came to a decision because it was a decision, if it was to fall in Saugeen Shores, it was a decision of the residents," he said, adding that since that time he has not followed the process but had no concerns.
"We trust Bruce Power and we trust OPG across this whole province for everything we see day to day," he said. "Nobody has any fears that it's already sitting there in cans next to the water," he added.
"I have no issue with the way it is right now or if they bury it," added Frosst. "It's out of our control anyway."
The next question was directed to the Deputy Mayor candidates, specifically to Diane Huber as Chair of the Heritage Committee, and was in regard to the proposed Ontario Nuclear Innovative Institute (ONII). The questioner wondered why demolishing the historic Anglican rectory and building a multi-story 3,000 square foot building was being considered and mentioned increased traffic in a neighbourhood with hundreds of children with GC Huston, a disability park, seniors at the lawn bowling club, churches, Chantry Centre and the hospital. "I don't know how you can justify supporting this location when there's lots of other places."
Diane Huber began by stating that the area is her own neighbourhood. "I live within a block of this location," said Huber, saying she is aware of the issues and is not afraid of the potential with the project. "I'm very excited about it," she said.
Huber clarified that the house in question had not been a rectory for a number of years and "none of us know the structural condition of that particular property." Huber said the Heritage Committee had included it as a potential candidate for Phase 3 of the Heritage register, which would have given council a 60 day pause prior to any demolition taking place but that it was denied. "It is owned by the County of Bruce now and quite frankly private property owners have rights too," said Huber.
Huber said that construction goes ahead at that location she hopes the architect is able to include heritage elements. "I'm not afraid of this kind of development and I'm not afraid of a little more activity in the neighbourhood," she said.
Don Matheson reiterated that the property is county owned and "in conjunction with Bruce Power they're going to be building one of the most fascinating facilities this area has ever seen," he said, adding that he believes that Bruce Power won't go into it haphazardly.
"They'll look at all the issues that face this build and they will make it one of the best buildings around here," Matheson said.
Dave McCutcheon was next to the mic and he too directed his question to the Deputy Mayor candidates. "Recognizing that Bruce Power has played a key role in enabling, facilitating the economic growth and job opportunities, services and prosperity that we have enjoyed in our township over many years, what position and role will you take in maintaining our town's relationship with Bruce Power," asked McCutcheon.
Matheson said Bruce Power is one of the biggest employers in this area and that Saugeen Shores Council works closely with them.
"We receive quarterly reports. It's important that the municipality, the County and Bruce Power all work together," said Matheson. "As they grow we grow so I look forward to working with them," he added.
"They're an integral part of this community and I hope to see them going for many, many years," he said.
Diane Huber said the relationship with Bruce Power "and to a certain extent OPG" goes back "quite a long time" and that the town has taken some leadership with some of the activity that has gone on.
Huber said an economic development strategy passed in January, 2018 resulted in a hire who works with a number of people involved in nuclear recruitment.
"So we've had some very good success with getting people to come and take a look at Saugeen Shores and letting them see what's possible here," she said.
Huber said that she believes Bruce Power employees who choose to live in Saugeen Shores will ask for the relationship to continue "and become even more," she said.
Port Elgin Ward candidates tasked with a question from a Port Elgin resident. "With the MCR (Major Component Replacement) coming we're looking at potentially 20 years of construction," the inquisitor said, adding that most of Port Elgin is zoned R1 or R2. She said that during previous restarts had dwellings housing multiple unrelated tenants. "Do we have a bylaw in place to ensure that doesn't happen?"
Mini Jacques was directed to respond first and said it was one of the reasons she's requesting a housing needs study. "We really don't know what we need," said Jacques, adding that it would not only look after the needs of people working at Bruce Power but others as well.
Kristan Shrider said there are policies, procedures and bylaws in place, "our official plan" within the municipality "but we have to have faith in the councillors and the staff that drive those plans," she said acknowledging that sometimes plans or policies need to be revised.
Shrider added that if people are doing things that are outside the policy "then we need a contribution into that" and also if needs exist outside current policies, "I think we need to address it, fix it and provide it."
Jami Smith said she believes that as a community we need to work collaboratively to come up with a solution for trade workers housing. "It's an initiative we know that is coming," said Smith, adding that we work as a municipality to develop bylaws and develop appropriate housing and infrastructure.
"We relish the opportunity to have the influx of individuals to come and expand our community and expand our growth and I look forward to what we can come up with collaboratively with Bruce Power to find a solution for these transient workers," said Smith.
The next question was directed at the Southampton Ward candidates, specifically Cheryl Grace, and pertained to why some sidewalks in Southampton are ploughed and some are not. "Right now the core area is ploughed and the south west area is not," the questioner said, adding that where the sidewalks are unploughed children wait for school busses on the road in the mornings and have to walk on the road when they get off the bus in the afternoon. He also mentioned people sharing the road with cars as they walk their pets.
Grace said it was a question she's encountered from numerous constituents over the last couple of years and has reached out to staff for an answer. "What I discovered, and actually what council had given to us last year, is a report that applies to the whole town, not just Southampton, and that's that we have sections of sidewalk ploughed based on the number of requests that we get," said Grace, acknowledging the safety concerns "especially if it's a tough winter or icy and somewhat treacherous to navigate," she said.
Grace said she thinks it's a good issue and she will work to make it something council looks at as an important budget issue.
Stanley Kollontay said it's an important issue and he would work with Town staff to see if the clearing can be expanded dependent on how many people require it.
John Rich said the key is cost and that while theoretically all the sidewalks could be cleared, in reality priorities have to be determined. "I think that the first rule is to make sure that we plough to the schools so that kids walking to school will have a clear way to walk," said Rich, adding that as staff moves forward and requests come in additional ploughing and staffing could be considered, with the key being fiscally responsibility and fairness.
Rich suggested the questioner put a request in "and encourage your neighbours to do so as well."
The next question came from a Port Elgin resident and was directed to Diane Huber specifically so was answered by both Deputy Mayor candidates. The question was concerning bus service. "I know of many residents in my building who are disabled and who need bus service," the inquisitor said.
Huber said that transportation has been a part of the agenda for as long as she's been on council and that council invested in Saugeen Mobility. Huber acknowledged that while it isn't ideal for everyone, "it is a service that is here now and your tax dollars throw in a nice subsidy."
Huber said there are also more taxi services available now than in the past. She said a bus service comes down to cost but she can see a bus service once or twice a day between Southampton and Port Elgin being something that could be an agenda item.
Don Matheson also said it's an issue that's been around for a long time and recalled during the last provincial election it came up in "every community across rural Ontario."
Matheson said transportation goes along the same way as snow ploughing. "The squeaky wheel gets the oil," he said. "So if you keep asking council that we need some sort of service between Southampton and Port Elgin... that will help but the more people that ask that the more likely it is to happen," said Matheson.
The next speaker was from Southampton and made a clarification regarding the Anglican rectory. "Bruce County is not a privately owned corporation, it's publicly owned... by people in this room and all the people in Bruce County," said the speaker.
Diane Huber said it is property owned by the County of Bruce "which I did say" and added that "what perhaps was not clear" was that Saugeen Shores doesn't own the property. Huber went onto say that while Saugeen Shores may be able to play a role in some of the decisions regarding the property, such as zoning, much of what happens there will be out of their control.
Don Matheson added that it is in partnership with a private corporation. "We do not have a say on what they do with the land... this is a private endeavour," he said.
Matheson added that Saugeen Shores doesn't even have to be involved but that Bruce County and Bruce Power had brought it to their attention "to work with the people in the community to make it the best possible facility there could be."
Saugeen Shores' Rob Shave directed his question toward the Southampton candidates and it too pertained to the proposed location of the ONII. While Shave said he supported the Institute, he asked if the candidates would support a referendum so that everybody in Southampton could decide "whether they want that institute at Fairy Lake or some other place."
John Rich was directed to answer first and said he would not support a referendum. "I like to see council make decisions for the people as elected," he said. "I'm hoping, my phone number's right on my sign, for people to contact me and let me know what they think and I want to be the representative in that way."
Stanley Kollonatay said he didn't support a referendum because "we'd have a referendum on all sorts of issues and it's costly."
Cheryl Grace said she wasn't sure about a referendum but said she had had lots of questions about the location. "At this point I would not have enough information to make a decision about the location of the Institute," she said, adding that she hadn't considered the referendum idea.
Katie Lutz was next to the mic and mentioned recent construction that has brought water, sewer and natural gas beyond the Mill Creek Bridge for a development at Westlinks and asked Saugeen Ward candidates what they would be willing to do to protect farmland "from the development pressure that is sure to come."
Matt Carr said he was in favour of preserving farmland and suggested council look at bylaws and zoning to make sure future developments don't happen "if that's not what those land owners want."
Mary Foley remarked that whether the land is owned by the Town or privately owned, "ultimately it's up to the owner of the land to make the decision what they want to do with it." Foley added that if a land owner chooses to sell 100 acres of farm land to a developer for something that may benefit the overall community such as senior's retirement lodges, she doesn't necessarily see that as a negative but believes owners and ward residents should be heard.
Patrick Jilesen said that as someone who works on land every day he knows how important it is to protect it from unnecessary development and said that all development must essentially follow provincial policy which encourages the protection of land and proper community engagement. He said that farming and food production is the most important and the largest industry in Ontario and should be protected. "We need proper robust engagement with the community on any issue such as that," he added.
Dave Myette said that the sewer and water that had been extended was specifically to service the development at Westlinks and said as far as natural gas goes he would be in favour of extending it out further into the community. Myette said he would like to lobby natural gas providers "but not for the purposes of building subdivisions and developments further into the country."
Myette said that development is governed by the county's official plan which makes it difficult to turn production farm land into residential use. "I don't see that happening and if it were to be proposed I would be against that," he said.
The next question was directed toward Port Elgin Ward candidate Jami Smith specifically, but all Port Elgin candidates were given an opportunity answer.
The question was to do with Smith's employment with Bruce Power and any conflicts that may arise. The inquisitor added it was something that each candidate needed to think about.
Smith said she was very aware of any potential conflicts of interest and has entered into a non disclosure and conflict of interest agreement with her employer. Smith added that Bruce Power has an active legal department who is aware of her interest. "Yes there may be opportunities where I would need to declare a conflict of interest such as any purchase of property made by Bruce Power in the Town of Saugeen Shores and I would do that respectfully and in the best interest of our community," she said.
Smith added that she believes that "all of us in this room and all of us here have two lives that we represent" through employment or other conflicts and personal interests and said she believes she is no different as an employee of Bruce Power.
Kristan Shrider said ahead of any meetings relating to council there is a declaration of pecuniary interest that councillors have to declare adding that a potential declaration goes beyond Bruce Power and used minor hockey an example. "Through our policies and that procedure of being able to declare that, we would excuse ourselves accordingly to make sure that the system itself, the decision making, is not tainted in any way," she said.
Mini Jacques said as a member of eight town committees she has declared pecuniary interest in the past, most recently with the Economic Development Committee as an employee of the Haven Development Group. Jacques said it doesn't mean that you can't do your homework and have an opinion, just that you can't benefit financially or have any inside information.
The next question came from a resident of Market Street for the Port Elgin candidates and was concerning recent construction at 473 Market Street. The questioner said the lot was divided into three undersized parcels and said locals had been misled as to what was going to be constructed there. He wondered if there was a loophole that allowed the construction to take place.
Kristan Shrider said she wasn't aware of any loophole but said the Town has policies and bylaws in place "but they do need to be reviewed and revised when required."
Shrider added that council and staff is held to a certain standard. She admitted she wasn't sure what had happened on Market Street but said there is a process in place with regard to resident concerns.
Mini Jacques said that as a councillor she would look to see what happened and sit down with staff and council. "So I would say go back and look at our homework, what was done, what was not done, what was the perception and say to ourselves, does it need to be revised or changed," said Jacques.
Jami Smith said she believes it is incumbent on all councillors "to provide justification for decisions that were made" and said she believed this was something council has gotten better at "in terms of closing communication loops," she said.
Smith said there is still room for improvement "to provide more transparent and open communication with members of our community such as yourself who have a particular interest," she said, making mention of a similar circumstance in Southampton that ended with a reasonable resolution by a collaborative approach involving developers, community members and the Town. "So I think that there are solutions to be found," said Smith.
The next inquiry came from a Miramichi Bay Road resident and her question, pertaining to the SS Trolley, was directed to the Vice-Deputy Mayor candidates. She said that three years ago she thought the trolley was a great idea but that she doesn't think that anymore.
"It zooms past our house, seems like 100 times an hour, there's hardly ever anybody on it and it stinks with the diesel," she said, adding concern for her tax dollars. "I think that everybody's taken their grandkids and their kids on it, it's just for people that may be coming to town to visit," she said.
Mike Myatt was first to respond and said as he was campaigning on Miramichi Bay Road he heard comments from residents and also heard the trolley. "It was noisy, there's no question about that," he said.
Myatt said he would share her concerns and others he's heard on the campaign trail with both the BIA and the Chamber of Commerce and added that there is also contribution from council for the operation of the trolley.
Jim Stark said in the beginning it was "cool," "fun" and "a novel idea" and queried whether it was really serving a purpose anymore. "Although we heard tonight senior citizens who are in desperate need of transportation between our communities," he said.
Taun Frosst said that while he didn't know what the costs were associated with the trolley, he hadn't realized the Town was paying any money into it. He also said he had assumed that it was picking up riders. Frosst suggested that if it's not making any money, "it will probably come to a screeching halt."
The final question was directed toward Port Elgin candidates and was regarding tourism and Port Elgin's waterfront. "Lately with the lake level being so high and with the grass or weeds roped areas on the beach and the volleyball courts, at least in Port Elgin, there was hardly any space left for the tourists," he said, adding that most of the tourists coming to Saugeen Shroes are coming for the beach.
"What are you going to do or what can you do to improve these conditions," he queried.
Jami Smith answered first and shared that she participates in beach volleyball "as do over 700 individuals" and saw it as a need for the community. "As to where it's located there are options and I think we have exercised some of those to accommodate some more space on the beach," she said.
Smith added that the community is growing and people are looking for activities. "We have individuals like SASS (Social Athletics of Saugeen Shores), like our volunteers who are the backbone of our community and really provide services and the soft skills that make this a desirable community to live," she said.
Smith added that she believes that Saugeen Shores has an important role to play in supporting tourism beyond its "natural assets" at the beach and suggested sports tourism and education tourism. "To grow this community to be more than a beach town in addition to the the beach town that it already is," she said.
"So yes I hear you and we do need to continue to foster and ultimately put money into the beach but we also need to expand and diversity the opportunities that we have in front of us in terms of tourism," said Smith.
Kristan Shrider said the municipality has a Waterfront Master Plan, a Parks and Trails Master Plan and a Waterfront Management Plan, a guiding document used to "let our staff know how it needs to be maintained," she said.
"Those documents again need to be revised as some of the conditions change," said Shrider, adding that water levels change as do amenities offered as they increase or decrease. "We have to adapt that management plan accordingly as it's required," she said.
Shrider echoed Smith's "natural asset" sentiment. "Not a better word to describe our waterfront," said Shrider, not only in Port Elgin but Saugeen Township and Southampton as well. "They're all different and unique beaches and they all require different maintenance," she said.
Shrider added that she believes some of the volleyball courts were relocated in order to free up towel space and she believes staff has a plan in place to remove the nets when they're not in use.
With regard to maintenance, Shrider again referred to the guiding documents. "We have those documents in place then staff can confidently maintain those beaches according to those conditions," she said.
Mini Jacques said that as Tourism Coordinator for Port Elgin for six years she knows how important the beach is and she knows there has been discussion from residents and visitors regarding the lack of towel space. "I did sit on the Waterfront Committee for four years and created the Waterfront Master Plan," said Jacques. "We created a maintenance schedule for the Town staff to follow, we also talked to the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority (SVCA) to find out about the beach grass, could we move it, what could be moved, how it could be moved," she said.
Jacques said that as a councillor she would look at where the concerns are and talk to staff and the SVCA and find out what the options are "because I think we need to look at it again, and then look at informing the public as to why some things are being done," she said.
See also:
Opening statements, at-large candidates
