The Creemore Echo invited ward candidates running for council in Clearview Township to answer the following question in 100 words or less. Here are their answers (in alphabetical order):

What do you believe is a priority specific to your ward and what can be done to address it?

Ward 1 

Phyllis Dineen

My Ward 1 in Clearview includes Nottawa, Duntroon, the Batteaux, four subdivisions, residents on surrounding sideroads, concessions and along four county roads. It extends south to the Dallas Sideroad, north to Sixth Street, east to Fairgrounds Road, and west to the escarpment.

There is no one specific priority that can be defined, as each community and neighbourhood is unique and has its own individual priorities.

For me, listening to residents, conversations with the people who shape our communities is how I will address priorities. I will direct concerns, advocate whenever possible, and continue to make equitable and informed decisions for our residents.

Craig Houghton

The issue of most concern for Ward 1 is the proposal for 500+ new homes adjoining the village of Nottawa. Uncertainties persist over the availability and sustainability of accessing the aquifer, as well as waste management. What consideration for Nottawa traffic, schooling, emergency services, transit, or recreational facilities?

There needs to be extensive environmental studies to confirm whether the development meets all standards. Accessing water from Collingwood and Georgian Bay needs to be thoroughly re-examined to protect the aquifer for our current wells and agricultural needs. We must look at the full picture and plan for the full cost. 

Ward 2 

Chuck Arrand 

I believe one of the priorities for Ward 2 is growth and the lack of supporting infrastructure to support that in Creemore. Outside Creemore the cost of development is very high.  

I want to look at the sewage capacity and relieving that issue within Creemore and the development costs for areas outside Creemore.  

Gary Walters

Affordability and the speed of traffic in settlement areas are both important issues in Ward 2 but I believe that the biggest issue is making sure that our infrastructure keeps up as our communities grow. Smart growth requires us to make sure that our school, recreation facilities, parks, water supply, wastewater management, etc… are there to serve the extra residents as growth takes place, not catching up afterwards as the signs of stress become obvious. Smart planning, forward thinking by Clearview and working with the developers of new homes to make them part of the solution and its funding.

James Webster 

Ward 2 is facing pressure for development that could jeopardize our historic charm and prized, vital farmland. I will vote to keep growth in check and inline with our treasured pace of life, supporting applications for expansion only if they meet all essential criteria so plans make sense for Clearview Township and its residents.

I will work tirelessly for responsible township spending and will use my vote on council to cap tax increases for my four-year term.

Many Ward 2 residents are worried they don’t have a voice when it comes to council and how things are changing. As councillor, I will ensure every one of us has a seat at the table and that our ideas make a difference in our community.

Ward 3 

John Broderick

John Broderick's response was received past deadline but we are including it here:

The priorities for Ward 3 have been centering on expansion. 

1.  Council and staff worked very diligently in securing a 35 million dollar grant from the Provincial Government,

making the development of the well site, reservoir, pumping station and pipeline to Stayner possible and affordable for Clearview residents. 

2. The proposed traffic lights at Grand Trunk Road in Stayner were part of the original plan, MTO made a decision not to require them until 2032. 

Council and staff again worked diligently to have that decision reversed. 

3. We have had issues develop with the realignment and upgrading of Mowat Street, as always it's about hearing the residents' concerns and bringing it to the attention of our resources in staff to work towards the best available outcomes. 

Dave Witzke

Accountability is sorely lacking by this present council.

Accountability in being transparent on issues and costs. 

Accountability on safety concerns with zero public input. 

Accountability on crumbling infrastructure where sidewalks now resemble the undulating floor of a 70s funhouse and getting worse year after year.

Ward 4

Larry Culham

A proposed expansion of the settlement boundary will affect Ward 4 most of all, and some of us won’t be living on the “edge of town” anymore.

It’s some years away, but I believe we will have to protect the transition to farmland and lay the groundwork now for challenges such as traffic, servicing, parkland and schools. And the growth will have to foot the bill.

We don’t need cookie-cutter neighbourhoods. If elected, I will work with council, the county and the province and press for open communication, creativity and innovation to create a friendlier, more liveable Stayner for our children and grandchildren.

Ken Walker

Infrastructure has to be addressed. Over the past few years developers have purchased land and we are not ready for an increase in population. For example, there is not enough ice time for our children in the arenas. We need to start planning for another arena or maybe a sports complex. But at the same time not to put another financial burden on the township. Road repair is an ongoing issue and we have to prioritize streets and by putting Margaret Street in Stayner on the top of the list. Whenever I am driving through other communities I try to find a solution for our main street. We need to support our downtown businesses. Traffic on the main street of Stayner is busy and is only going to get busier.

Ward 5

Rachel Brooks 

One concern I hear from New Lowell residents is a feeling that our community doesn’t always receive its fair share of attention. For me, that isn’t simply about spending more — it’s about ensuring Ward 5’s needs are represented when township priorities are set.

As councillor, I would ask how projects are prioritized, what needs are going unmet, and whether our smaller communities and rural areas are receiving fair consideration. I would communicate early, seek input from those affected, and bring their concerns directly to council.

My job isn’t simply to tell residents what council decided — it’s to represent them while decisions are being made.

Robert Thomas

An important priority for New Lowell Ward 5 is the draft zoning bylaw.  There are many issues with the proposed zoning bylaw but most concerning is the rezoning of properties to environmental protection (EP).  Many farms and homes are in the proposed EP zone while some Simcoe County forest is to be zoned Rural.

As a resident I have already rallied opposition to the draft zoning bylaw, as councillor I would ensure that no property is rezoned without the owner being informed. I will maintain communication with residents through monthly community open houses and by always being available to residents.

Melanie Walters

A priority in Ward 5 is ensuring New Lowell, Brentwood and our surrounding rural areas are heard and represented. Residents deserve a councillor who listens, communicates clearly and follows through on concerns such as road maintenance, drainage, speeding and responsible spending. I would be visible and accessible, bring residents’ concerns directly to council, advocate for Ward 5 during budget and planning decisions, and report back on progress. Strong representation means showing up, listening and working with residents and township staff to find practical solutions. Ward 5 needs a strong voice and someone who gets things done.