5 QUESTIONS WITH MAYORAL CANDIDATE KATHLEEN SEYMOUR-FAGAN

WORK-FROM-HOME AND BIG CITY AFFORDABILITY IS PUSHING MORE PEOPLE TO CONSIDER RURAL LIVING. WHAT IS NEEDED IN KAWARTHA LAKES TO ACCOMMODATE THIS?

We need to make new residents' transition to Kawartha Lakes seamless, provide what people are used to and make it easy to conduct business. These services will also hugely benefit all our existing residents. Including:

• Enhanced broadband internet and cellular connectivity (working with provincial and federal partners)

• Easy drive access including roads in good condition

• Fostering a sense of community quickly upon arrival

• Navigational help in finding critical business hubs.

• Easy access to municipal services.

RISING COSTS (INFLATION/ PANDEMIC FALLOUT) BROUGHT NEW PRESSURES TO MUNICIPALITIES, BUT ALSO TO TAXPAYERS. HOW DO YOU SEE THAT AFFECTING MUNICIPAL TAX LEVIES IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS?

Rising costs have impacted us all in City of Kawartha Lakes. As a city councillor, and as a business owner, I have a proven track record of creating new and efficient ways of doing business to still succeed in challenging times. The municipality will have to do the same. We need to find cost savings but also welcome balanced growth and quality development that will reduce the impact on our current tax base.

ARE THERE ANY CONSIDERABLE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE COUNCIL TACKLE IN THE COMING TERM?

We need to concentrate on what we have - that is maintain and repair existing infrastructure which is aging. In addition, the next council needs to make a decision on a future

bridge crossing in Fenelon Falls and in Lindsay. The longer we wait, the more expensive these items become. As mayor, I will bring those items forward for the council to review, discuss, debate and ultimately decide upon. Our residents are looking for mindful management of their tax dollars - and that's what I intend to give them.

HOW CAN COUNCIL BETTER WORK TO ADDRESS A LACK OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS IN KAWARTHA LAKES?

We need responsible development that attracts young families as well as protects residents from being priced out of the market. As mayor, I will encourage creative development for all types of housing options from tiny homes, to garden suites to cooperatives. But our own staffing issues need to be addressed as we need to fill current openings for planners and building inspectors to expedite housing solutions.

WHAT OTHER ISSUE OR ISSUES FACING KAWARTHA LAKES DO YOU WANT TO ADDRESS AS MAYOR?

The last 2.5 years affected the city's ability to respond to our residents' concerns. I will make it easy for constituents to reach the city for services and information.

I'm also hearing a great concern for continuing health care services. I will ensure this is top priority and work closely with other levels of government.

Continuing to attract tourism would be another ongoing objective, so that our communities and businesses thrive and succeed after a challenging few years.

To learn more about where Kathleen Seymourfagan stands on the issues you care about, reach out to her directly at kseymourfagan@kawarthalakes.ca.

Seymour-fagan is running for the position of mayor alongside Pat Dunn, Doug Elmslie, Jim Roches, Faye Mcgee and William Denby.