As part of Doppler’s ongoing coverage of the upcoming municipal elections we reached out to all of the candidates running for election in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes.
Today we look at the candidates for Gravenhurst Ward 3 in Bracebridge. Three candidates have come forward and one will be elected.
We posed the following three questions to each of the candidates:
1. Can you tell us about yourself and why you’ve decided to run for office?
2. What are the biggest challenges in our municipality, and what do you envision as the best way(s) to address them?
3. What do you cherish most about this community?
All candidates were given the same amount of time and the same word count for answers. Answers over the word count have been shortened by Doppler.
The municipal election takes place on October 24, 2022. You can find more information on voter eligibility, how to vote and candidate information here.
Joanne Fairbrass
My Name is Joanne Fairbrass and I am running for the position of Councillor Ward 3
My accomplishments within our community encompass my work, family, and fellow constituents.
I have been deeply involved within our community in the healthcare sector having contributed over a decade to the comfort and care of our ageing and vulnerable population as a Personal Support Worker in the Community, Retirement and LongTerm Care.
I’m currently the Director of Recreation for The Manor at Gravenhurst, an iconic retirement home that has long served our community and some of our aging population. As a lead ambassador working with our residents, local business and Town services, I’m well versed in the many issues that we all face, always striving to improve the lives of those around me.
I understand as an elected councillor for Ward 3 the responsibility of a steward of community resources and assets – capital, natural and human – in order to ensure service delivery remains sustainable. I will consider both short and long term social, economic and environmental implications in my decision making to ensure Gravenhurst continues to thrive now and into the future.
I am committed to working together – with council members, staff, committees of council, residents, community groups and government partners – to ensure the town of Gravenhurst thrives – both today and for generations to come.. I am ready to bring my positive problem solving approach to Council and will work collaboratively to better our community.
Dan Kretschmar
1. I’m Dan Kretschmar. I was born and raised on my family organic farm in Severn Bridge. Currently I am managing the farm and I work as an Educational Assistant and Early childhood educator for Trillium Lakelands District School board. I decided to run for ward 3 council because I have always found the democratic process interesting. Experiences I’ve had volunteering and working in foreign countries inspired me to be an advocate for those less fortunate. I hope to bring that same passion to the local community and to have some influence on the decisions being made. During my time with farm organizations in Canada, I have been an elected Ontario council member, National board member and representative for international gatherings in Peru, Brazil and Florida. During that time I studied Roberts Rules of Order which is the basis of our democratic system.
2. Housing/Cost of Living: Multiple dwellings, tiny homes and alternative building methods should be allowed on larger properties. This would help alleviate the housing crisis and by championing alternative building methods such as cob, straw bale and hempcrete we could become a leader in environmentally sustainable building. Many of these materials could be sourced or produced in our own backyard.
Environment: We are lucky to live in Muskoka where we are not impacted by many of the environmental crisis that other parts of the world have to deal with. I think that maintaining the beauty of the waterways and shorelines is important. We are in a land of golf courses and resorts that use fertilizers and soaps that runoff into waterways and cause algae blooms and higher levels of phosphorus. There are many easy solutions to this problem.
Red Tape: There are too many rules, regulations and discussions for common sense issues.
Spending: Evaluate town finances and advocate for more spending on issues that affect the community and not spend millions on renovating an already modern city hall.
If elected I would do my best to champion constituents’ concerns, advocate for ways to alleviate the housing crisis, reduce runoff from resorts and golf courses into our waterways and have a hard look at town finances which from what I have seen from the town budget are somewhat out of line with common sense.
3. I love living and working in Muskoka. As a lifelong resident I have seen many changes over the last few decades, but the core of what gives Muskoka its unique character is still the same. Everyone is friendly and accommodating, the environment is clean and beautiful, there is deep rooted history (both indigenous Ojibwa and settlers) and there is never a dull moment with a plethora of activities to do for tourists and locals. To top it all off there are a multitude of local businesses to support every season of the year. I cherish every aspect of l Muskoka, from the 1000+ lakes to beautiful forests to the rolling hills and fields. I am a nature lover so it is the perfect place to be for fresh air, wildlife sightings and healthy living. The trail networks and beautiful parks also never fail to impress me; with each visit there is always something new to see. People are generally very helpful as well. If there is ever a time that anyone is in need, I have seen tremendous community support to lend a neighborly hand.
Michelle Robinson
1.My name is Michelle Robinson and I am running for Ward 3 Councilor.
Kilworthy has been my home for the past 25 years, where I live with my husband and 2 teenage children.
I am an active member of the Community through many roles.
A board director on the Severn Bridge Agricultural Society for over 12 years and currently President for over 7 years, a proud member of the Sparrow Lake Women’s Institute for over 13 years and currently President, member of KP Manson Public school Parent Council for over 10 years and currently Chair, Chair of Gravenhurst High School Parent Council, Chair of Muskoka Gutsy Walk committee for Crohn’s and Colitis Canada for over 7 years, community member of the Town of Gravenhurst Spirit Community Awards.
Ward 3 is a growing, thriving community with the new rural developments attracting young new families!
I want to be the voice for Ward 3. I will listen to new ideas, concerns, and work on solutions together. I will be active and I will do the work to keep Gravenhurst’s beauty and charm for generations to come.
2. Gravenhurst faces many challenges. I am dedicated to addressing Affordable Housing, Road Maintenance, and Employee shortages. Our Environment must be carefully considered in every decision.
I will work hard to insure to keep costs under control while still trying to get services that are needed in Gravenhurst.
To be an effective new Councilor I will familiarize myself with key staff and collaborators. I will listen and learn and have a good grasp of the Towns Procedural by Laws, Code of Conduct and Planning terms and Guidelines.
3. What do I cherish most about this community? Everything! I can’t imagine living anywhere else. The beauty of Muskoka, the fantastic schools, the town’s Activities, and the Incredible people of our community. Gravenhurst has so much to offer and is growing every day.
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