All Candidates Meeting Tuesday, September 27, 2022, 7:00 PM at Lion’s Head Rotary Hall*. Sponsored by BPEG (Bruce Peninsula Environment Group) with focus on Climate and Environmental issues. (*NOTE: Change in venue to accommodate live streaming)
All Candidates Meeting Thursday, October 6, 2022, 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Tobermory Community Center. Sponsored by SEPO (St Edmunds Property Owners).
• Voting Period – October 17 to October 24, 2022
• Council Inauguration – November 15, 2022
NOMINEES FOR MAYOR
• It’s Your Community…
I want to acknowledge the Territory of the Anishinabek Nation: The People of the Three Fires known as Ojibway, Odawa, and Pottawa Nations. And further give thanks to the Chippewas of Nawash, known collectively as the traditional keepers of this land.
Also I would like to thank Council for their continuing best efforts during the last 4 years especially with the extra challenges of Covid 19. Gratefully, the Bruce Peninsula Press has provided the opportunity to meet all the candidates.
About me and what I bring to the role of Mayor
I have been employed in the municipal sector since 2004 in a variety of contract, part-time and full-time positions in zoning, planning, tax, clerk and by-law departments. Until submitting my nomination papers, I was a municipal employee at the St. Edmunds Bruce Peninsula Museum as the museum attendant since May 2019 and now volunteer my hours. This position has allowed me to study the past of Northern Bruce Peninsula, its origins and development. I also have a strong professional involvement in social housing starting in 1992 and personal interest in long-term housing and serve on the Meeting Place initiated Long-term Landlord Housing Initiative Advisory Group.
Now what do you want to see developed in the next four years? Many concerns have been expressed to me during my campaign including housing for families, seniors and seasonal workers, as well as better communications and transparency of the Council and Municipal Office. Initiatives for sustainable tourism and business development with a strong emphasis on protecting the environment are needed. Year-round employment to establish young families in the area so more community activities can be developed.
Change is a given reality. How do you want to be involved? Let’s work together to find the “Northern Bruce Peninsula” solutions.
Ideas that I have for the community
to discuss and decide:
1. Fibre optic internet for the entire municipality.
2. Central tourism booking line.
3. Housing partnerships involving community groups and private investment.
4. Multi-level government funding for infrastructure development.
5. Municipal driven natural asset management to preserve and replenish the air, water, flora and fauna
Karen Phillips
• Re-elect Milt McIver for Mayor of NBP
Our family still lives on the farm settled by my ancestors in the mid-1800s. Both my wife, Bonnie Warder, and I have deep roots on the Peninsula and that has always been my inspiration to be involved in municipal government. It has been an honour to serve as Mayor of Northern Bruce Peninsula since Amalgamation in 1999. The experience gained from my long-term involvement and work on various committees gives me a sound understanding of our area.
I want to say thanks to all the Council Members, Staff, Citizens and Volunteers that work tirelessly to create our wonderful Community.
ISSUES AND PLATFORM:
Council will face many challenges in the upcoming term and I would appreciate the opportunity to continue being a strong advocate for the entire Municipality.
• Tourism is our main economic driver and managing the popularity of our beautiful area will continue to require upgrades and improvements to existing infrastructure. Possible sources of financing these projects are Paid Parking Revenues and the MAT Tax
• Continue to navigate balance with supporting the business community and the enjoyment of the permanent and seasonal residents
• Continue to advocate for improved Cell Service and Broadband capability
• Consider the recommendations of the Attainable Housing Report to improve opportunities for housing in the Municipality
• Consider the recommendations of the Asset Management Plan to determine the financial requirements necessary to maintain/improve infrastructure and consider the recommendations of the Climate Action Plan
• Fiscal responsibility will continue to be a challenging priority
• Action Plan needs to be developed and implemented for Invasive Species
• The Recreation Master Plan indicated shortcomings and needs to be reviewed to determine priorities for all ages.
• Our Municipality must continue to support our local schools and healthcare to keep them close to home
• Continue the process with Truth and Reconciliation
If re-elected, I would continue to practice a reasonable approach to issues and work towards fair resolution by listening to all sides. I would continue to encourage the open and democratic process at Council meetings with Integrity, Transparency, Accountability and above all, Honesty.
I have no self-interest or agenda, other than to continue to work hard for a strong and sustainable community.
ACCLAIMED BWDSB TRUSTEE
• Jane Thomson: Representing Every Student
Thank you for the opportunity to continue as your Trustee representative for the Bluewater District School Board. When I began this journey in 2014 my goal was to be a voice for rural education, specifically our local students. It still is, but I have come to increasingly appreciate the many diverse needs of all students across Grey and Bruce Counties. At the Board table I represent every student.
For those of you who do not know me. I have a Masters Degree in Social Work. My work was primarily with children and youth. My husband, Dave, and I moved to the Peninsula from the Hamilton Area 29 years ago. We have two grown daughters who attended Bruce Peninsula District School where I volunteered throughout their schooling. We are proud of their rural education and the opportunities made available to them.
I believe a strong Public Education system is an investment in our future. I am proud to continue to serve as Trustee at Bluewater. The role of the Trustee is to establish the Governance structure that promotes student achievement and well being. It is the staff that put the goals into action. I have been impressed with the dedication Bluewater staff show to their jobs in every area from Student Learning, Custodians, Technology Support to the Maintenance department. It is our privilege to educate the students in Bruce and Grey Counties in schools that are inclusive and accepting of all.
Thank you for the support you show to our students each and every year. We are always stronger when we support each other.
NOMINEES FOR DEPUTY MAYOR
• James Mielhausen for Deputy Mayor
After four years as Councillor, I am pleased to announce my candidacy to continue to serve the community of the Northern Bruce Peninsula. This time in a different role, as your Deputy Mayor.
I am proud of the accomplishments that our small but strong local government has overseen over the past four years. Despite the challenges associated with COVID-19, we worked towards improvements in several sectors that are central to our community. During my time as your Councillor, we approved a Climate Action Plan, contributed to the Sustainable Tourism Management Plan and Advisory Group, and requested funding from the Provincial Government for updated water and wastewater infrastructure in Tobermory and Lion’s Head. We’ve prioritized bylaw amendments for affordable housing and obtained federal and provincial financial support to upgrade the Lion’s Head Arena and Community Center. Many of these exciting projects are underway, and I am hoping for the opportunity to see them through as your Deputy Mayor.
As you may know, I was born and raised on the Bruce Peninsula and have lived here all my life. I am proud to represent this area and am hoping to be involved in a larger capacity to advance existing projects and initiate those most important to the constituents of the Northern Bruce Peninsula.
As your Deputy Mayor, I will continue to focus on the following:
• Work to implement water and wastewater infrastructure
• Improve Municipal facilities including parking, washrooms, and recreational areas
• Prioritize affordable housing to provide opportunities on the Peninsula for the next generation
• Promote local tourism and small business ventures that offer employment for residents
• Support local farmers through Municipal drain maintenance, building, and zoning
I welcome open discussions with taxpayers to understand opinions and concerns about issues. These conversations help me better understand the needs of locals and serve our community.
On election day, I ask you to vote James Mielhausen (X) when selecting your Deputy Mayor.
Thank you.
• Re-elect Debbie Myles for Deputy Mayor
Once again I am running for the position of your Deputy Mayor. I have spent the last 4 years as your Deputy Mayor trying to make this municipality more open and transparent and have often been met with walls and roadblocks.
A simple example, why can’t our council meetings be video and audio recorded? Why can’t the taxpayers see and hear what’s going on?
The firing of two dedicated and experienced staff members without cause and ignoring PLANMAC marine engineers operational recommendations for the Lion’s Head Harbour are just two examples of how tax dollars were wasted in my opinion. I could not sit there and nod my head in approval. Not then, not now, not ever.
A previous councillor from this municipality once said “you don’t make decisions, you just learn to follow the train”. I refuse to follow that train when I believe it was headed in the wrong direction.
I am not a quitter and I will not give up on the only “agenda” I have – to make this the best place to live, work, raise your family, retire, spend your tax dollars wisely and ensure that we all understand, both Staff and Council, who it is we serve, you, the taxpayer.
Affordable housing, daycare, schools, hospitals, seniors care, business and infrastructure need to be our priorities. I believe their costs must be borne by everyone, including the National Park.
We are at a crossroad where you, the voter, need to decide what it is you want from your elected representatives. Personal agendas and the vocal minority should have no place in the running of this municipality and we need to stop building walls and hiding behind closed doors.
Four more years of a council following the train gets us nowhere.
I will continue asking questions on your behalf, and try to get answers and I will return your emails and phone calls promptly, as I have in the past.
Please reach out to me with any questions or concerns you might have. Thank you for your support.
Debbie Myles
dmyles61@hotmail.ca
519 795 7240
• Rod Anderson for Deputy Mayor
I have lived and worked in our municipality for over 45 years. I reside in Tobermory with my wife Valerie and have 2 adult children, Jessie and her husband Mick and our grandson Huey (the Australian contingent) and Graeme and his wife Courtney (the Toronto contingent).
I run my own business RAM Marine Ltd, and also work for the Tobermory Hyperbaric facility.
Municipal politics is not new to me, I was the Deputy-Reeve and Reeve of St. Edmunds Township serving for 13 years and served for 3 years as Deputy-Mayor for The Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula.
I am very familiar with all aspects of municipal business and procedures. I have been on and chaired all township committees.
During those terms I was also privileged to have served on many other interesting boards and committees including:
-Parks Canada Advisory
-Bruce County Social Services
-Grey Bruce Public Health Board
-Niagara Escarpment Commission
-Airport Management Council of Ontario
-Owen Sound Financial Advisory
My concerns for the future and things I would like to see happen include a proper foundation for affordable living for our residents. To that end, the first order of business would be continuation of the water and sewer system, engineering and costing to obtain good funding to get those pipes in the ground.
Being a council member means that you wear a lot of different hats as the concerns of the municipality run the gamut from Airports to Zambonis. It is here where the opinions and recommendations of staff help councillors make appropriate decisions. Running a business such as this is definitely a team effort. I am a team player and will have only the best interests at heart for our residents and our future.
Sincerely
Rod Anderson MB BSc
rodanderson54@gmail.com
NOMINEES FOR COUNCILLOR
• Yvette Roberts for Councillor
I have been in love with the Bruce Peninsula since I first happened upon these lands back in 1990. I believe we need people with different voices and life experiences stepping into elected leadership roles and I am excited for the opportunity to represent this community.
What do I see as priorities for our next elected council to address?
Less than 34% of our population on the NBP is of working adult age (19-60 years). And this number is decreasing. Hence, all of the Help Wanted signs. We have a younger generation who’d love to remain here or move here (seasonal staff, doctors, PSWs) but face barriers such as lack of rental or affordable housing options. We have residents who have lived here (and paid taxes here) for decades now facing the heartbreaking decision to leave the peninsula due to lack of alternative senior housing options and support services. We need to do more for our seniors. Because if you’re not already one of them, like me, you soon will be. Improving housing attainability will also mean improving infrastructure including our sewer and water systems.
I’m passionate about helping people and I’ve been honored to work on behalf of the residents of this municipality in various roles. In 2017 I was the Assistant Coordinator at the tourism office in Tobermory. That challenging summer paid parking was introduced and Parks Canada admission was free. Recently I’ve been a member of the municipality’s Attainable Housing Task Force and previous to that part of the Sparks Team at the Meeting Place.
Many of you know me as a pet-sitter, trusting me to care for your precious pets and your homes. Now I am entrusted with the care and maintenance of the Mermaid Inn and my own two kitties Alice and Cohen.
I am asking the residents of this municipality to trust that in my role on municipal council I will continue to make the care and protection of your homes, your families and our community here on the Northern Bruce my top priority.
On October 24th Let Me Be Your Voice on Council!!
Yvette Roberts
ykroberts45@gmail.com
• Laurie (Smokey) Golden for Councillor
My husband Lance and I raised our family in Tobermory. We are fortunate that our kids were able to return as adults, to live and work, especially since we have a grandson we kinda like.
A few of the issues I was involved in this past term:
I was the Northern Bruce representative on the Peninsula Safe Communities Committee – the group that tackled, among other things, the dangerous traffic situation on Hwy 6. We worked with the OPP to introduce signage and education. We were also successful in getting increased fines and penalties.
As a municipal representative on the Sustainable Tourism Advisory Group, I acknowledge that tourism is our top economic driver, however visitors need to respect our places and people… and not just within federal or provincial park boundaries.
I also bring the local perspective to the National Park Advisory group, as a constant reminder for the need for local consultation and adherence to agreements made during establishment.
This council passed a bylaw to licence, inspect and regulate Short-term Accommodations. This is a valuable segment, but regulations are needed.
I am the municipal representative on the Attainable Housing Committee. Recent planning bylaw amendments (some mandated by the province) will help, however the widespread inflation of land and housing prices is extremely disturbing.
Of note: of municipal taxes MNBP collected in 2021 over 7 million was transferred to Bruce County. This does not include school transfers to the province, or over 1.3 million to OPP. We transfer out far more tax dollars than we keep. I believe we should ask for more “bang for our buck” from upper levels, especially for housing.
I believe a water system in Tobermory is absolutely necessary. Twenty years ago, as a member of the first council of the newly amalgamated MNBP, we proceeded with an upgraded water system for Lions Head (despite concerns about costing). To move forward, infrastructure is key. This includes decent internet.
I enjoy being part of a team that works toward the overall health and sustainability of MNBP.
Smokey (Laurie) Golden
• Patricia Greig for Councillor
Main Goals and Options to Achieve Those Goals
To be an effective member of Council, working collaboratively with other members to develop policies and provide the services needed by the community by:
• working together as a team,
• assuming responsibility for identifying the key policy issues,
• providing direction for staff to bring back a report,
• reading the material and debating the policy reports,
• ensuring the municipality’s overall economic, social and financial interests are considered.
To maintain the financial integrity of the municipality and look for ways to improve the municipal long-term fiscal health by:
• providing early direction on the annual budget,
• creating a budget monitoring system that allows Council to measure the status of the expenditures and which Municipal goals are being met,
• reviewing the long-term fiscal health of the municipality by understanding the revenue sources, expenditures and the opportunities and constraints of provincial policies.
To continue to be a strong advocate, locally and provincially for keeping our schools open:
• Rural education is constantly under threat by provincial policies that ignore the economic and social importance of schools in a community,
• Have served on the Executive of Community Schools Alliance – a group of 30 plus rural Municipalities which meets regularly with Minister of Education and the provincial associations to promote and protect rural education.
To work effectively with staff by:
• Respecting the different roles and responsibilities of staff and council,
• Respecting the skills, experience and knowledge of the staff,
• Creating policies which support the staff to continue to develop their skills.
To continue to work to facilitate and encourage community engagement and find ways to ensure ratepayers concerns are considered in developing policies.
As a Councillor and Deputy Mayor, as a Commissioner on the Niagara Escarpment Commission, and in my career as a senior academic library administrator I have worked cooperatively to oversee development and implementation of policies.
I grew up in Lion’s Head in a family business. I chose to retire here and respect the unique and special place that it is. I would appreciate your support in the election.
• Todd Dowd for Councillor
My name is Todd Dowd and I am happy to be running for councillor in the Northern Bruce Peninsula. I moved to the Bruce Peninsula in 1993 after serving in the Canadian Forces for 7 years. Prior to serving in the military I grew up in Perth County and I received a BA from the University of Waterloo.
My Grandparents cottaged at Red Bay, and latter relatives moved up the Peninsula to the Little Pike Bay area. After the military I thought the Peninsula would be a great place to farm bison and raise a family. I operate a farm at Cape Chin with my wife, Charlene and daughter Lillie.
Most Farmers need an off the farm income, and I spent 14 years working at Stennecken and EPH tools. After the economic slowdown in 2008, I worked the summer of 2009 on the Chi Cheemaun Ferry dock. In the fall I went back to college to get my red seal in Carpentry. I have worked as a carpenter since and I started my own business “Bison Builders” in 2015.
Since 1993 I have served 19 years on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Bison Association and 15 years as a director for the Canadian Bison Association. I spent 2 years on a committee that developed the Code of Practice for Bison.
I have volunteered as assistant coach, manager and on ice helper throughout the many years my daughter has played minor hockey.
I am running a low key campaign for council. I have no agenda. If elected I plan to be open minded and sensible regarding decisions about making our community a better place to live. I will work as a team with the rest of council and staff. I will help ensure the municipalities financial and administrative resources are being used as efficiently as possible. If elected I will work hard to represent the people of Northern Bruce Peninsula.
Thank you for your support.
• Aman Sohrab for Councillor
My name is Aman Sohrab. I’m 25 years old and a resident of Tobermory. I currently work as a registered nurse at the Lion’s Head Hospital as well as the Hyperbaric Chamber in Tobermory. I also serve as a volunteer firefighter, and a volunteer at the Tobermory Food Bank. In my free time, I enjoy the natural beauty our Peninsula is best known for – whether it’s on a kayak, a pair of snowshoes, or on a hiking trail. I also enjoy playing baseball, basketball, and golf with my friends in addition to hanging out with my dog.
I have gained a myriad of experiences while living and working on the Peninsula. Five years ago I started off as a cashier at Peacock’s Foodland, before finishing my undergraduate degree and then working as a registered nurse at the Lion’s Head Hospital and the Tobermory Hyperbaric Chamber for the past 3.5 years. At the hospital, I served as local representative for the nurses’ union, the GBHS ER Quality and Safety Committee, and the Skin and Wound Care team. While working on these committees I gained valuable experience in collaboration and developing process improvements.
I want to serve as your councillor because I believe I can best represent our community. I am a regular working-class citizen, and my motivation for becoming councillor is to help build the best possible community for all generations.
As councillor, some of the issues I would focus on include; increasing municipal efficiency and capacity, tackling the housing crisis, committing to the NBP Climate Action Plan, ensuring funds and resources are distributed equitably across the Peninsula, and better supporting our medical and emergency services. I want to work towards creating a safe and healthy community for all age groups. I believe, with my knowledge and experiences, I have the ability to do so.
For more information on the issues I stand for, and to contact me, you can visit my website www.electamansohrab.ca.
