To help our members get prepared for the upcoming municipal election we asked all of the registered candidates to answer a few questions we thought would be of interest to our members. Here are their responses:
Mike Konoval
In my view, the shoreline of Carling Township is fully developed and therefore I would not be in favour of increasing shoreline density or changing the Official Plan and Zoning By-law to provide future development. Council is mid way in an Official Plan review and is considering back lot development which would take the pressure off water front property with regard to taxation and density.
Debbie Crocker
In regards to increasing the shoreline density, NO, I do not agree with accommodating this pressure. One of the upcoming tasks for new council will be updating the Official Plan, followed by the Zoning bylaws. I will be keeping a very close eye on this moving forward.
Steve Crookshank
The question indicates the need for a 50 Year Plan to be a part of The Township’s Official Plan. It, with public input, would be reviewed and amended every five years along with the Official Plan. This would see The Township being proactive rather than reactive to bigger issues such as world wide population growth. A Fifty year plan would address The Township’s population capacity. Population pressures are coming and will continue to come from the GTA and elsewhere. I support and agree with the current 100 metre frontage policy for new waterfront development.
Existing waterfront properties, the zoning bylaw and the minor variance process responsibly addresses usage.
The building code is provincial regulation that chief building inspector, Kim Dixon, properly enforces.
However, for numerous reasons, The Township needs to focus more closely on non-waterfront properties.
Referencing good quality cottage vacation time and dealing with frustrations of sourcing support people whether it be a dock installer or a church minister, development of internal properties in The Township could create attractive noteworthy housing opportunities for young families that in turn could address (as baby boomers retire) a shrinking workforce in particular the workforce that lives in The Township.
Sid Larson
Not in favor of decreasing shoreline density. Increased shoreline density might provide a higher tax revenue base for the Township but would detract from the aesthetic value of the Carling shoreline. A host of other negative impacts would include but not be limited to potential environmental impacts (vegetation clearing, shoreline development, run off, possible septic issues, etc.), increased by law enforcement, etc.,. Property valuation could be negatively impacted near areas of higher density development. Primarily in my view is the social concern that the quality of the Georgian Bay/Carling area experience is what most people in Carling are attracted to. This quality of life should not be compromised to accommodate a higher demand, but preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Also, an important consideration never to be overlooked is the impact on the supply of mainland parking and docking facilities that water access properties require.
Roy Milligan
I would like council to stay with the existing Official plan. Our waterfront is beautiful now and I would like to keep it that way. I would hate to see more density on the shoreline.
Susan Murphy
I do not favour changing Carling’s Official Plan or Zoning By-law to increase shoreline density. The direction toward decreased density was taken many years ago and was strongly supported by most, including the West Carling Association and the North Sound Association. I don’t see the benefit of going back to smaller lots. With respect to growing population in urban areas, including the GTA, I would hope people wishing to visit this area would take advantage of the many opportunities for accommodation and activities in the area. There has been a healthy supply and demand in the real estate market for those wishing to purchase Georgian Bay property.
Mike Konoval
Council for many years has been involved in a water-testing program conducted by volunteers who have done an excellent job. I am in favour of extending this program to the future and consulting with experts from time to time as we have in the past.
Debbie Crocker
Yes, I feel it’s very important to be involved with water quality. A few years back I did the testing here on Shebeshekong Lake. I myself have concern for our lake.
Steve Crookshank
As a member of past councils, I have represented council on The Water Quality Committee. Having seen first hand the dedication of these volunteers, I have a great regard for The Committee and their work and I absolutely support their ongoing work. They have collected valuable data about our water quality. Regarding new development, The Township strongly encourages iron rich and aluminum rich septic system beds which captures phosphates. A dolomite add on downstream from the tank has a ongoing history of capturing phosphates. Council has explored the issue of manditory septic system inspections. Council meetings with three major installers revealed their unanimous belief that there would be very little benefit by enacting such a bylaw.
I support this position.
Sid Larson
Yes I am in favour of continuous future monitoring program. At this point in time the ongoing monitoring has not indicated any requirement for human mitigation measures. However there does appear to be an increase in the occurrence of blue green algae blooms across the entire Parry Sound area including Carling Township. Where there are no obvious threats in the area that pose a disastrous potential impact (factories, oil wells, etc.) the cost of continual monitoring is minimal and well worth the potential benefit.
Roy Milligan
Yes I am in favour of the township being involved in measures to monitor and improve our water quality Water is an important part of Carling and we must make sure it is up to proper standards.
Susan Murphy
Yes. The Township has been involved in water quality monitoring for many years, and our Water Quality Monitoring Committee partners with other agencies in the collection and distribution of testing results. Our annual newsletter always information about the program.
Mike Konoval
I would be in favour of increasing taxes if required however, keep in mind that in the last five years increased taxation has come from outside boards such as the OPP.
Debbie Crocker
I am a tax payer that is also concerned about keeping our tax levels to a minimum. In regards to township services and facilities, if it improves our quality of life, or our community, and makes economic sense, i.e., preventative maintenance, saves money in the long run it must be taken into account.
Steve Crookshank
The seven West Parry Sound Area municipalities plus two area Native communities have each placed a representative on an area AdHoc pool committee.
The committee in turn has instructed senior staff from each community to meet and produce a report showing the capital/operating costs and the revenue stream of a facility operated by the YMCA and to what extent each community could be involved.
Although I believe that ‘ you have to give a little to get a little ‘ if such a facility were to result in an unreasonable and unacceptable Carling Township tax increase, I, as a Carling Township cottage owner and as a Carling Township business owner would not support the project. The Area on the provincial stage is quite negatively distinct in that few if any Ontario areas are without a pool complex. Carling is a contestant in a quiet but very intense competition as communities compete for a workforce to replace the large retiring baby boomer demographic. Most Carling property owners have experienced the frustration of acquiring a necessary service. An amenity such as a area pool complex will help attract a young workforce to Carling Township and to the Parry Sound Area
Sid Larson
In my view, facilities and Township services are divided into two groups: needs & wants.
On the ‘need’ side includes roads/bridges, waste disposal, emergency fire & rescues services, municipal administration, boat launches, etc., and non-discretionary budget items dictated by other governments (social services, schools, OPP, etc.) On the ‘want’ side is a host of other items which include expensive recreational facilities. All communities faces the dilemma that everyone will have to pay but not everyone will use these facilities equally. However there are valid reasons why these facilities are a municipal responsibility. Provincial legislation dictates that certain funds be allocated to recreation in the interest of healthy communities throughout the Province. Also, some funds become available with a recreational condition (Provincial/Federal grant funds, Henvey Inlet Wind Power fund).
My goal is to limit any increase in taxes to at least 1% below the Cost of Living Index. Currently, due to fiscal responsibility and aggressive funding applications, the recreational facility improvement projects have had a minimal impact on the taxes paid in Carling.
Roy Milligan
No I do not like what the present council is doing. I don’t understand why the council is the front runner in this pool project. I think spending $420.000.00 dollars with the town of Parry Sound on property for this pool is like putting the cart ahead of the horse. I have talked to about 150 people on this and 2 are for the pool and 148 are against it and not one person has said they would buy a membership to it. I think having a pool would be great but not when it would put my taxes up for only a hand full of people that might use it. I believe taxes dollars should be spent on things all the ratepayers can use like Roads , Waste, Health and rescue, Fire, I think the council is a way out of line on this one.
Susan Murphy
It is important to have the infrastructure that is needed to operate the municipality and provide the community with the facilities it needs.
If facilities are not maintained and upgraded they will deteriorate. If carefully done and well planned there should not be significant tax increases. Many of the services we provide (particularly roads, fire protection & building) are now required to operate at levels mandated by the province, with a corresponding increase in cost. The cost of OPP policing has increased tremendously since the current term of council began.
Mike Konoval
I do believe we have good procedures in place regarding enforcement. In fact, this past year we have moved by-law enforcement to the Fire Chief and his Department which should give us better service at a lesser cost.
Debbie Crocker
I am not aware of any concerns regarding the existing enforcement procedures that are in place. As your councillor I would be open to hearing your concerns.
Steve Crookshank
Currently, the Carling Fire Department has trained some members for bylaw enforcement. It would appear that this relatively new in house program is working well. Previously, the service was acquired from the Town of Parry Sound. Enforcement is reactive and depends on public input or complaint regarding non compliance. The system is a cost efficient and effective one. Other than housekeeping tinkering, I support the status quo. Speeding boats or large wakes are OPP jurisdiction. Carling Township bylaw officers could provide educational assistance regarding evidence collection.
Sid Larson
Yes, I think Carling has good procedures in place regarding enforcement of Bylaws. The Emergency Services in Carling are currently taking responsibility for bylaw enforcement and the building inspector is also actively involved. This strategy is proving to be an improvement and provides other benefits including greater coverage, increased contact between community and municipal employees, and disbursement of funds within the township organization vs contracting to Parry Sound. I believe the overall cost has been reduced and the service level has increased.
Roy Milligan
I think our bylaw enforcement is a joke I have called them for the last 5 years about the parking at the Dillon bridge in the spring when the Natives are here spearing pickerel and no one has ever come up to do anything or replied to me. I was told by a past building inspector that they don’t work nights or weekends. I think there should be 2 enforcement people in each area of the township like 2 in Snug harbour 2 in Dillon 2 in Bay view and so on. They could be paid while they are trained and then payed om a mileage and so much a call when they are needed.
Susan Murphy
Yes, we have good procedures in place. The Township previously contracted with the Town of Parry Sound for by-law enforcement services. It was a good and relatively inexpensive relationship. However, Parry Sound restructured its by-law department and was no longer able to provide the service. After looking at options it was decided to expand the role of the Fire Department to include By-law Enforcement. This is working quite well. Please note that the Township has no jurisdiction over boat speed/wake. That would either be provincial or federal, depending on the situation.
Mike Konoval
In this past term the seven local municipalities have not worked as well together as they have in the past. However, this election is bringing changes to many councils and I will be seeking on behalf of Carling Council the opportunity to re-establish better cooperation.
Debbie Crocker
As I’m not sitting in a councillor position at the moment, I can only state that I’m interested in attending stakeholders meetings, as I feel it’s important to have a presence, and learn firsthand the concerns. There is always room for improvement. I myself, have questions regarding the townships handling of environmental issues on my lake.
Steve Crookshank
The Council being the political arm of The Township will always try to do the politically correct thing as it deals with the various local Carling Township stakeholders. The Township is governed by the Municipal Act and must and does have a regard for all Provincial Policies. They are all incorporated into The Official Plan. The Carling Township staff is very aware of all the stakeholders and always makes every effort to acknowledge and support them in every way that it can. The web page is informative and current. The email list continues to grow as people learn that Township emails regarding various issues are available. There is an informative newsletter sent with the tax bill. If a stakeholder wanted more publicity and support regarding a matter, with staff assistance/review, the newsletter and the web page could be used. While having a regard for stakeholders, the Staff administers the Council policies and has to have a regards for those policies.
Sid Larson
Other government funding is a key issue in most municipal business decisions. Federal and Provincial governments, when applying due diligence include in the approval process, a scoring criteria for the demonstration of municipalities to work co-operatively on a Regional level. This includes not only adjacent municipalities but all governments, aboriginal communities, public, agencies, stake holders and any other interest group (GBA, Cott. Assoc’s, Land Trusts, etc). This demonstrates a municipality’s ability administer their legislated responsibilities under the Municipal Act in a cost effective, efficient and responsible manner. This is one of the biggest advantages to procuring good council and staff.
Carling Township boundaries are in close proximity to the aboriginal communities of Wasauksing to the south and Shawanaga to the north. Aboriginal governments are structured differently than typical municipal governments and generally Provincial Legislation does not apply to First Nation lands. However, there is significant interaction with our indigenous neighbors just as there is with any other municipality in the area. Examples of this might include water purchase to supplement higher demand due to mechanical issues in a water purification plant or shared emergency services responses. An important factor with indigenous relations is to recognize and respect the legal right to practice inherent rights within treaty areas which include portions of Georgian Bay.
There is always room for improvement but in my opinion at this point in time Carling is involved in a good number of co-operative ventures on several different levels within the Parry Sound District and elsewhere. I am open to any suggestions as always.
Roy Milligan
I can not voice an opinion on this. The staff at the township are not allowed to give us any information until after the election. So if your members can help me get elected then I would make sure that we are working with everyone.
Susan Murphy
It is important to respond positively to the broader community. I think the current council has positive relationships with ratepayer’s associations and I hope this would continue in the future. We have built relationships with other levels of government on matters that affect us. We have been able to get a commitment from the Province to upgrade Highway 559. We continue to seek federal and provincial funding for important community projects which might not come to fruition without financial support from other levels of government. As with anything else, there is probably always room for improvement. I would focus on keeping an open mind and inviting dialogue.
Please note, at the time of publication Terry Gilbert had not provided a response to the questionnaire.
Download this story and the entire WCA Fall Newsletter October_3_2018 in PDF format (1.5MB).