Council transparency, recycling, and derelict buildings were key topics during Wawa's Meet the Candidates event last night.
Current councillor Melanie Pilon - who has been acclaimed as mayor for the coming term - briefly spoke to start the event, saying it's important to "come together and participate", emphasizing "together we can build a stronger community to live, grow, and play".
All nine candidates for the four remaining Council seats were in attendance, with each given up to five minutes to deliver a speech, followed by questions from the public.
Each candidate highlighted their links to town, most raised in the community and/or long-time residents, though Mary Harbocian and Robert Reeves both noted a love for the community they've recently joined and built up ties - Harbocian noted she's been coming here for decades.
Transparency, openness, and accountability for Council and the Municipality were a major issue for candidates - all vowing to bring public concerns and issues up - with public questions also asking whether Council meetings could again include a public question period - Reeves replied he believes "in total transparency" - whether the Municipality's quarterly newsletter on activities could return - Harbocian suggested she was in favour, and would support transparency efforts - and how Council could regain trust from the public, with Leah Isosaari saying she'd re-engage with the public and noted social media offers possibilities.
Harbocian, Reeves, Angela Calaiezzi, and Sue Smith all raised recycling as major priorities - current councillor Cathy Cannon noted steps being taken in that direction through the landfill expansion while Calaiezzi noted it's included in the municipality's strategic plan - while multiple public questions focused on property standards and derelict buildings, with current councillor Mitch Hatfield explaining some of the limitations the municipality has in addressing that, both due to cost but also powers available.
Housing was highlighted as another top priority for candidates - Hatfield did note the municipality's been working on it, meeting with developers - while Isosaari, Smith, and Jim Hoffmann noted a need to tackle aging infrastructure - Hatfield had touted the current Council's efforts in that regard - with a need for youth recreation and activities also raised by Harbocian - who suggested a splash pad, pool, and skate park - echoed by Reeves, who particularly touted benefits of an indoor pool.
Hoffmann also fielded questions about speeding on local roads and policing, while Joe Opato was asked about ways to help business.
The night ended with BIA Chair Heidi McLaren reminding everyone to vote in the coming election, noting voters are set to receive letters with a PIN in order to cast their ballot by phone or online starting Tuesday, October 11th - the day after Thanksgiving - until the province-wide municipal election date of Monday, October 24th - the Municipality will have options for in-person voting assistance through that period, including on election day, with details available on the municipal website.
