Clearview debate centres on growth, economic develpment
Growth and development were the main themes of an election campaign debate in Stayner last night.
Candidates for mayor and deputy mayor faced off at the debate, hosted by the Stayner Chamber of Commerce.
Mayoral candidates Alicia Savage and Chris Vanderkruys, in response to a question posed by moderator Michael Gennings, agreed that growth and financial stability are among the most pressing issues facing Clearview Township over the next four years.
They agreed Clearview needs to diversify its tax base by adding commercial and industrial.
Savage referred to the Stayner industrial servicing project saying council has laid the groundwork for that land adding now’s the time make sure development happens.
“We need an economic development strategy specific to those lands to attract business,” said Savage. “The hard work of the last seven years has allowed for services at one-third of the cost. We will continue to work with [landowners] so the lands can be developed.
“We have been talking for four years and we haven’t moved on those things,” said Vanderkruys.
He talked about how development charges will make diversifying the tax base difficult.
“Why do we create such hurdles for our residents?” asked Vanderkruys.
The mayoral debate revolved around experience, with Savage saying if she isn’t elected there won’t be an experienced council member in either the mayor’s chair or the deputy mayor’s chair, or sitting on county council.
She said she has already made connections with people at the county, provincial and federal levels of government and without those relationships, Clearview could “fall behind”.
“I can dig deeper, analyze the options and make decisions based on an informed debate,” said Savage.
“I have a proven track record.”
Vanderkruys said he has experience that is relevant to the mayor’s position. He is a former entrepreneur, manages a $7.3-million budget in his current job, is a long-time volunteer and is the lead on a large-scale event.
He said he would be sure not to fall behind.
Deputy mayoral candidates Barry Burton and Larry Culham agreed that Clearview has to be smart when it comes to growth.
“It’ll take some innovation to ensure growth has a positive impact,” said Burton.
He said there’s opportunity to incorporate small business in a way that is complementary to communities, making sure larger businesses locate on commercial and industrial lands. He said a bypass would help keep commercial vehicle traffic out of town.
“Growth has to come in a balanced way to preserve our lifestyle,” said Culham.
He said agricultural innovations are needed, in addition to other development.
“Community development is economic development,” he said adding it’s important to form partnerships so Clearview doesn’t have to pay for it all on its own.
“We need to get development happening now,” said Burton. “We can’t wait another few years.”
Culham said there’s evidence that there’s more confidence in the economy now that developers are putting down money.
During the two-hour meeting, candidates also took questions from the floor.
Question topics included youth services, the future of the Collingwood Street Bridge in Creemore, tax increases and water quality in Nottawa.
Berton Somerville asked about agriculture, saying it is after all the biggest industry in Clearview.
Savage said Clearview has protected farmland by establishing settlement boundaries and has learned a lot from consulting with farmers.
Vanderkruys said there is opportunity for niche farming and more consultation.
Burton proposes forming an agricultural committee for ongoing consultation.
“It is the number one source of job creation. It’s being integrated into the understanding of the region,” said Culham.
Candidates for mayor, deputy mayor and wards 2 and 5 will take part is an all candidates meeting hosted by the Creemore Area Residents’ Association at Station on the Green in Creemore on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
