BIOGRAPHY
Colin Burrowes is a former reporter for the Listowel Banner. In that role, he has learned a lot about the inner workings of municipal government, giving him a leg up on other candidates who may be new to council. His experience in writing articles by pouring over staff reports, memos, agendas, and attending meetings has given Burrowes knowledge regarding how the council is supposed to operate. His work has spotlighted the council’s failure to act in the past.
Burrowes grew up in Listowel after his parents relocated from Minto in the mid-70s. He grew up with a keen interest in arts, particularly music, and has spent over 30 years working in the entertainment field before becoming an award-winning journalist with an aptitude for listening to the community’s needs.
He is a family man who, with his partner, Heidi, has raised three sons in North Perth and is now ready to take those experiences and use them to step into a leadership role on council.
BIGGEST ISSUE
As I see it, the biggest issue facing North Perth could be described as growing pains.
Transportation issues like the congestion in Listowel’s downtown core are not new. Even with an increased focus on completing the infrastructure for a truck bypass, we will need a council that will commit to working with staff to ensure that development continues.
At the rate the population is growing, and to ensure residents throughout the whole municipality have access to services that will likely be centred in the urban areas, predominantly in Listowel, public transportation options also need to be considered. Even if we can contain the sprawl and protect natural habitats and farmland, North Perth is already past the point where it is walkable for residents without access to cars to navigate the community.
Another growing pain, which is not unique to North Perth but will need to be addressed by this council, is affordable and attainable housing. We will need to look towards other communities that have had successes on this front and see what might work locally.
We also need to make sure there is support available for people struggling with mental health issues, addiction, and victims of domestic violence. People need access to safe and supportive housing. Quite often, people end up in precarious living situations, not because they are unwilling to work, but because of extenuating circumstances that life throws their way.
As I see it, the third immense growing pain is a few loud community members pushing back against accepting the wonderful new cultures that growth brings to the community. It is embarrassing to see news of damage in my neighbourhood to flags promoting things such as 2SLGBTQ+ Pride, Black Lives Matter or reminding us that Every Child Matters.
Acceptance is not something that can be legislated, but if you feel that you would like to be represented by a council that is welcoming to a diverse range of people and cultures, please keep in mind that the incumbent deputy mayor has a history of voting against raising a Pride flag at the May 16 North Perth council meeting, and at the Nov. 19 and Dec. 3, 2020 Perth County council meetings, did not support a motion to create a committee at the county level to receive input from a wide variety of community groups and individuals on the topics of diversity, inclusivity and racism.
Another concern I hear raised frequently is that residents of North Perth must wait years to get a family doctor. Although health care officially falls under provincial and federal mandates, the local government has some involvement, primarily when recruiting healthcare workers. We need to be strong advocates for both residents and our health-care staff.
If you want a deputy mayor who intends to push for continued infrastructure improvements, empower the community through support and celebrate the potential of all the great people living here, vote for Colin Burrowes on Oct. 24.
