5 QUESTIONS WITH MAYORAL CANDIDATE DOUG ELMSLIE

WARD 3 COUNCILLOR DOUG ELMSLIE IS RUNNING FOR THE POPSITION OF MAYOR IN THE UPCOMING 2022 KAWARTHA LAKES MUNICIPAL ELECTION

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

accommodate this?

In order to accommodate the number of people moving in we need to ensure that our infrastructure keeps up. This includes roads, traffic, water treatment, wastewater, hospital, paramedics, fire , police, libraries, community centres and all the other things people need in their lives.

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?

While costs continue to rise we have a long term financial plan that stabilizes those increases, in addition new housing starts, which will help with water bills and tax increases as most of the growth will occur in Lindsay. These conditions are worldwide and we need to be nimble and clever to take advantage of all opportunities to reduce waste and costs.

TERM?

There are a number of things on the books, but my list would start with the

Coboconk Welllness Centre, another bridge for Lindsay and a by-pass for Fenelon, and then of course roads, roads, roads.

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

Affordable housing is at a premium; inflation and higher interest rates are making new builds very difficult to start. We have made arrangements with some builders to provide land and capital, but much more is needed. We have to look for new partnerships and innovative ideas, in building and also work with senior levels of Government for increased financing.

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

Other important issues that need to be addressed are roads and infrastructure, staffing and how we become an employer of choice without breaking the bank, landfills and what to do with waste in the future, streamlining our processes to make dealing with departments easier, completing our Master Plans, dealing with issues related to climate change, and doing what we can to protect our environment.

To learn more about where Doug Elmslie stands on issues that matter to you, reach out to him directly at 705-887-9281 or dougelmslieward3@gmail.com. Doug Elmslie is running for the position of mayor of the City of Kawartha Lakes alongside Kathleen Seymour-fagan, Pat Dunn. Jim Riches, Faye Mcgee and William Denby.

ARE THERE ANY CONSIDERABLE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE COUNCIL TACKLE IN THE COMING