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 Ward B in Muskoka Lakes. Three candidates have come forward and two 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.
Jamie Davey
1. I’m a Professional Engineer with experience in landfill operations, water quality monitoring, industrial operations, manufacturing systems and reliability. I moved to Muskoka Lakes 6 years ago after Cheryl and I purchased a small waterfront property on Skeleton Lake, leaving behind a busy Toronto lifestyle for more of a balanced work-lifestyle.
I’m running for Council because I strongly believe that municipal processes and decisions should be guided by data, facts and evidence. I support a healthy and happy community and I want to make a difference.
2. Housing Affordability
The biggest issue in Muskoka Lakes is housing and its associated impact on the economy and community. We need to make responsible development simpler, easier and faster. To address this, I plan to measure our current planning and development timelines to bring them into compliance with the provincial standards under the Planning Act and Building Code Act. In addition, I work to ensure that our planning and development policies are in-line with community needs and flexible to accommodate various developments in our community, rural, and waterfront areas. We need to eliminate the red-tape and ensure all housing projects move forward expeditiously.
Economy
Support for our tourism and our local development sectors are key to a healthy Muskoka economy. To ensure businesses and our remote workers succeed, we need to have reliable and affordable Internet throughout the Muskoka District. To accomplish this, we need to form a results-oriented task force that combines representation from Internet Service Providers, Municipality Staff and Users. From there, we need to focus on areas that are under serviced and put together action plans to deliver internet services quickly. Further, we need to support small businesses and invest locally to maintain and strengthen our economy.
Environment
Our natural environment is key and one that our tourism sector thrives on. More recently, our planning processes, policies and bylaws have entangled strict environmental policy and regulations on all development rather than taking a risk-based approach to guide environmental policy and decision making. Higher risk development should proceed cautiously with appropriate environmental studies whereas low risk development should proceed quickly within the regular process.
3. What I cherish most about Muskoka is just that – “the community.” There are some great people who are drawn here and really care about this place, from full-time year round residents to cottagers, to visitors taking in the beautiful natural environment and amazing water bodies that surround us.
It’s a relaxing environment that promotes health and well-being with people coming together to help one another and solve just about any problem.
Susan Mazan
1. My grandfather built our first family cottage in Torrance during the depression, and my three children are now fifth generation residents. I grew up in Bracebridge, attending school and working both seasonally and year round which helped deepen my connection to this area. The tradition continues as my husband and I now have a cottage near Milford Bay. Our sons are seasonal workers and we all enjoy Muskoka’s beauty year round. My mother, siblings and extended family continue to live and work here.
I believe this history in Muskoka and being a lifetime seasonal resident, have proven that I am well suited to understand issues in both planning and community matters. This foundation, combined with my 15 year career in senior client management roles, focused on strategy development, team leadership and implementation excellence, have allowed me a bring a unique perspective and skill set to municipal government.
As a TML Councillor for four years, I have worked on many initiatives to foster healthy communities. I was proud to serve as the Vice-Chair of the Economic Development Committee, Chair of the Recreation Master Plan Steering Committee, Chair of the COVID Communication Committee, and continue to be a member of the TML Broadband Working Group.
I remain committed to a healthy environment and healthy community approach to decision making and look forward to working with township staff and the community on implementation of the strategic plans that work towards these goals.
2. As noted, I believe the continued implementation of the TML strategic plan will be important for meaningful action against the most important challenges facing Muskoka while also effectively managing municipal costs. Some of these challenges to which I remain committed include:
1. Protecting the Environment – Collaborate with different levels of government and organizations for actions that support a healthy watershed and prepare for the impacts of climate change.
2. Ensuring Responsible Development – Complete the Official Plan, begin work on updating Zoning By Laws and ensure effective by law enforcement to help address development pressures and impacts on the community from issues like short term rentals.
3. Improve Infrastructure – Make certain that infrastructure plans align with community needs and are sustainable. The core asset management plan and non-core asset plans will provide important guidance on how to improve infrastructure while managing municipal costs.
4. Foster Healthy Communities – Ensure implementation of the recreation master plan is a priority and support important initiatives included in the economic development strategy, including: collaborating with different levels of government and organizations to encourage appropriate housing options and broadband connectivity for all; supporting implementation of the community improvement plan public and private programs; and begin work to facilitate initiatives to diversify the economy.
3. I have met many people who “roll up their sleeves” and get to work on issues that are important to them. The leadership of citizens who care deeply about their community, their neighbours, or the environment is something I have truly appreciated. This community involvement combined with the commitment of municipal staff members who led TML through some of the most difficult times in recent history is what I value most about our community. I believe this collective care will ensure that Muskoka Lakes remains a healthy and vibrant place to enjoy for future generations.
Gordon Roberts
1. I’m Gord Roberts. I have been married to my wonderful wife, Jennifer, for 48 years. We have 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren.
My business career of 40 years was primarily involved in managing complex projects. I know how to listen to people, assess their viewpoints and provide guidance.
In 2004 I spearheaded a project to form the Leonard Lake Stakeholders Association (LLSA) and was its inaugural President. As a LLSA Board member I directed the Association’s water quality initiatives.
I joined the Milford Bay Community Centre Board of Directors in 2014 and became Chair. I understand very well the needs of most Muskoka communities.
In 2018, I was elected as Township of Muskoka Lakes Councillor – Ward B. Over the term of this Council, I have been fully engaged and committed to my responsibilities. I was Chair of the Official Plan Working Committee and Co-Chair of the Parks and Trails Committee. In addition, I encouraged the development of Plans for 5 lakes and have sought to have them included in the Official Plan.
I decided to run for re-election as there is still more to be done to preserve Muskoka, particularly water quality. To me, water quality is not just an environmental issue but a fundamental factor in Muskoka’s economic success or failure. If water quality deteriorates so does tourism, business development, property values, local job opportunities and personal incomes.
2. The biggest challenges facing the Township are affordable housing, better healthcare, effective septic management, short term rentals, managing costs, and eliminating duplication wherever possible. For these challenges, the Township we need to develop, in conjunction with other organizations, credible action plans.
The Township also needs to get the Zoning By-laws right. The Official Plan sets out the overall policies. What really matters however is how they are implemented. We need to ensure that the By-Laws are clear and concisely written so that anyone can understand them.
In addition, the Township needs to focus on generating opportunities to help communities, businesses and organizations develop and prosper. We need to listen to stakeholders, discuss and evolve ideas, and facilitate the implementation of viable solutions.
3. First, I cherish the people. I have been fortunate over these many years to meet and get to know many wonderful people from all walks of life.
Second, we love the lifestyle. Muskoka has often been regarded as one of the best vacation areas in Canada and we get to life here year round.
Finally, I cherish Muskoka because it is a place where families have gathered for generations, a special place where families make life long memories. A place to be proud of, a place to call home, a place to visit and a place to share with all.
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