BIOGRAPHY
My wife, Sylvia, and I have been landowners in South Bruce for nearly 30 years.
The enjoyment provided by the natural beauty of the area and the people living here, some of who were family, prompted us to take up residence 15 years ago. It was a monumental decision leaving friends, family, and farms behind in Sarnia-Lambton. A primary incentive to relocate was the hazardous waste landfill and incinerator, one of two in Canada, and although miles away was visible downwind from the front door. We recognized that the hazardous waste site was permanent, and that for the benefit of our mental and physical health we didn’t have to be. As the last of our four children headed off to university, it was time to relocate to the Carlsruhe countryside.
I’d become a full-time farmer after spending four years as an ag rep with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food upon graduation from the University of Guelph. I became active in farm and community organizations. Municipal and county appointments included a lengthy term on Committee of Adjustment, as well as Economic Development. My experience developing 20 acres of commercial land added to my interactions with municipal staff and planners. As a provincial director on the Ontario Soybean Board and two federal committees, I became familiar with good governance practices. This background of farming, municipal committee member, land development, and good governance may help in addressing the challenges facing South Bruce today.
BIGGEST ISSUE
The most important issue facing South Bruce today is indecision. Economic development occurs in areas with a predictable future. This predictability decreases some of the many risks developers face. Official Plans and the supporting zonings and bylaws are the municipality’s primary contribution to economic development. The Province of Ontario requires that Official Plans be publicly reviewed every 10 years, or more frequently if there is a lot of growth.
The South Bruce Plan is almost 20 years old. Although South Bruce has recently developed a Strategic Plan it does not replace the requirements of an Official Plan nor alter zonings and bylaws.
The lack of a decision regarding the hosting of a deep geological repository (DGR) is dividing the community. Prospective residents and businesses are reluctant to relocate to divided communities. A DGR will change the business and social make-up of the community. Ten years ago we were told it would only go to a “willing host.” No decision has been made, and now there’s even debate about how to define a willing host. Every resident in the municipality should be given a vote in this decision and council should abide by the referendum result. It’s time to end the division in the community. The result of the referendum will give direction to the community and enable a vision to once again be established. An updated Official Plan will reflect that vision, and enable zonings and bylaws to enable the growth and development of South Bruce.
I support the two initiatives of a DGR hosting referendum as soon as possible and an updated, publicly debated Official Plan, both critical building blocks for South Bruce’s future economic development.
