by Sharon Jackson
KAGAWONG—Candidates vying for Rainbow District School Board (RDSB) trustee, council and mayor of Billings Township faced a packed house at the Park Centre on Monday evening.
Following four minutes of opening remarks from RDSB trustee candidates Maureen Egan and Larry Killens, each of the three mayoral candidates and eight council nominees had the opportunity to address the public for up to three minutes. Topics brought forward included the proposed waterfront improvement and community improvement plans.
All candidates’ night organizers Ted Kilpatrick and Sandy Cook took on the task following the closing of nominations on Friday, September 12. Questions from the floor were encouraged and those who may be a bit uncomfortable speaking in front of a large crowd had the option of having a designate ask on their behalf.
The first question from Paul Darlaston brought up some of the proposed steps outlined in the five year sustainability plan (comprised of eight priority issues and action strategies) which rolled out in 2012. He asked current council members to speak on how they would ensure each would be addressed.
Mayor Aus Hunt shared that the focus groups that assisted in making up the sustainability plan “laid the groundwork,” outlining the priorities with an outcome that the waterfront, community upgrades and capital expenditures were their top three. A public meeting was suggested and Mr. Hunt stressed that the entire process would not move forward without funding from the government or at the very least be scaled down with the least impact on taxpayers.
Current council member and mayoral hopeful Sandi Hurcomb echoed Mr. Hunt’s sentiment, stating council needed to get its ducks in a row and ensure the money is there “or it won’t happen.”
Councillor Brian Parker spoke of the funding, stating “we don’t have it yet.”
Rachel Valade was next to step up to the microphone, asking if the proposed waterfront project included amenities for people with young children, or in her case, grandchildren. She addressed the poor condition of the existing slide at the beach and asked for the old waterslide to be brought back, which drew applause from the crowd.
Councillor Tom Imrie responded that yes, playground equipment is part of the plan and stressed the waterfront development project clearly states that the “beach cannot be touched” and they will put in “the best slide we can find.”
The next question came from Cathy Cade who addressed mayoral candidate David Yurich, asking him to speak to his intent in running for the position considering he had not attended a council meeting nor held a position of councillor.
Mr. Yurich responded that he wants to go into the position with a fresh mind, calling Billings “an incredible community” and at the end of the day, “all we have is each other.”
Mr. Yurich said he would come to the table to work together, further commenting that, “I have great ideas and want to share them to move in a new direction.”
The next question came from Jill Ferguson who asked the candidates to provide data to support one of their statements that boating is in decline.
Mr. Parker stated “times are changing” and that boating has dropped off approximately 50 percent over the past five years.
Mr. Imrie shared that one of the focus groups that provided input for the sustainability plan was from 20 members of the boating community of which half were residents and the other half seasonal. They also surveyed all the marina operators on the Island.
He echoed Mr. Parker’s comment regarding the higher fuel costs and said boating has changed in that there are more sailing vessels (and diesel auxiliary powered) and larger craft in the 25 to 35 foot day-cruiser range.
Councillor candidate Delroy Prescott said the marina is now owned by the township, which they purchased for $1, “and now we have to look after it.” He said it is time to replace the wooden docks with aluminum ones and a shower house and washrooms are needed. “The township has an obligation to keep it clean and safe.”
“It is in need of repair and upgrading,” Mr. Prescott said, commenting that he “is not convinced now is the time; not the time for a significant investment.”
Mr. Yurich shared that he has boated for 15 years and while he has no data, said, “Real boaters come for the day” and agrees boating is in decline.
He said it would be a dream to be able to “buy a used marina for $150,000 to $200,000 and drop it into our marina, but we can’t do it.”
As a seasonal resident, Mr. Yurich said he has watched the marina during the months of July and August and saw very little boat traffic. Only a select group will benefit, not the whole community, he added.
Ms. Hurcomb shared that boaters, like anyone else who comes to Kagawong, “have a reason why they come and we need to offer something to keep them here.” Additions such as a restaurant or laundromat would benefit not only the boaters but tourists and year round residents alike.
“Water use is changing,” she concluded, “and we need to take advantage of that.”
Returning for a second opportunity to address the candidates, Mr. Darlaston asked why the Township of Billings has not, in his opinion, taken advantage of industrially zoned land to attract potential business.
Ms. Hurcomb stressed that members of the current council have worked very hard to bring new business to Kagawong, specifically Split Rail Brewery and that at this time “we don’t have what they need in order to make it happen.” She also stated that, “if we lose them, it’s our loss.”
“Preparation,” Ms. Hurcomb continued, “Will bring businesses here” and concluded by saying that council needs to come together with ideas.
Councillor Sharon Alkenbrack, who holds the position of chair on the Billings Economic Development Committee, said that one of the eight priorities stated in the sustainability plan is to hire an economic development officer and shared that while there are volunteers who sit on this and other committees, “there is no one qualified to move forward with this.”
Mike Coomes approached the microphone asking, “how do you keep us here for the rest of our lives?”
Ms. Hurcomb stated that without a proper septic system a seniors’ residence is not likely, however they can lay the groundwork for the future.
Mr. Prescott, whose parents are in their 80s, said they have challenges staying in their home and that he “would love to make it an Island-wide priority” to address the lack of assisted living options.
Ms. Alkenbrack shared Ms. Hurcomb’s concern regarding the drawback of the lack of commercial septic to accommodate such a building.
Mr. Imrie indicated that should the waterfront improvement project become a reality there would be potential for an addition that could be zoned commercial.
4elements Living Arts Executive Director and new resident in the community Sophie Edwards asked if any of the candidates could share their thoughts on peak oil needs and environmental changes.
Barbara Erskine, who is chair of the Billings Recreation Committee and member of the Waste Management Advisory Committee, spoke of her involvement in the development of the very successful Green Living Expo, which was held in May of this year.
Members of both committees, committed volunteers along with MICA (Manitoulin Island Cycling Association), are keen to encourage and promote cycling opportunities on the Island. Some of these initiatives would include the addition of bike racks in communities and along existing biking tours. This, shared Ms. Erskine, would be “an environmentally friendly first step.”
Another topic of interest on her mind brought Ms. Valade back to the microphone to voice her concern regarding the proper and safe disposal of hazardous waste and asked if it would be possible to have more than one designated day a year for collection.
As a member of the Waste Management Committee, Nora Bath-Haring stated that they would like to have dates available for residents to dispose of hazardous waste.
Mr. Parker said the company currently comes annually to the Island and does so only when there is a certain amount of items to be picked up.
Ms. Erskine shared that chair of the Waste Management Committee Chris Theijsmeijer indicated “volume was very high this year” in regards to the amount of waste brought to the designated disposal collection site.
“What are your top two priorities for the Township?” asked community member Bonnie Coultis.
Mr. Prescott indicated he would like to see the marina maintained and improved, but not necessarily expanded. “The docks have served us well,” he said, however they need to be replaced with better technology.
He would also like to see sustainable growth in the community and more recreation oriented opportunities including music and art: “something for our children.”
“This is a large and diverse community,” Mr. Prescott shared. “We need to focus on how to serve everyone from Hawk Road to Rockville Road and from Monument Road to Mud Creek Road.”
Ms. Hurcomb began by saying, “there is so much offered in this community: three beaches, cedar and rock mazes, and hiking trails.” As co-owner of Boo Bah Lou Candy Cabin, Ms. Hurcomb said she has never heard a child say there is nothing to do here.”
Visitors come to spend the day and enjoy nature at its best, she shared.
“We offer a lot,” said Ms. Hurcomb. “Can we offer more? Absolutely.”
Mayoral hopeful Mr. Yurich stated transparency and taxation as his top two priorities for the Township. He would like to see council meetings offered through web cam capabilities so all taxpayers, resident and non-alike, have access to information shared.
“No one can answer if we’re getting ‘x’ percentage of our tax dollars,” Mr. Yurich said. “I want to make sure we’re receiving absolute value.”
Dave Montgomery, who has thrown his hat in the ring for council, feels “we can’t depend on shops and restaurant revenue as the season is so short (first week of July to the end of August). During this time the streets are crawling with people. We need to increase the commercial or residential tax base to keep the tax base down.”
Waterfront improvement and attracting new businesses to Kagawong is top on Mr. Imrie’s list. Hoping to enter his third term as a member of council, he feels they have two options for the waterfront: “pay for the work to be done to fix it and we will still have the same as what we had or take grant money and make it a more community, family and tourist friendly village.”
Bringing new business to Kagawong, such as Split Rail Brewery, would be a perfect addition, or perhaps a bakery, concluded Mr. Imrie.
Ms. Alkenbrack wants to keep the forward momentum going in regards to the economic development of the community. She shared that as an employee at one of the few year round businesses in Kagawong, “we’re busy, it doesn’t slow down.”
Mr. Parker shared that he would like to see the infrastructure expanded and work towards ‘cutting the red tape’ involved in ventures such as the brewery.
Nora Bath-Haring feels the existing Township website is a “source of irritation” and that it needs to be brought up to date including the addition of upcoming events and minutes of all council meetings. Municipal communication is one of the eight priority issues in the five-year sustainability plan.
“We need to focus on more than just the marina,” she concluded. “More attention and priority should be given to signage and trails.”
Ms. Erskine sees the waterfront improvement project as a way to bring people to the community as a social connection. This includes tourists and resident alike. We can reach out by providing activities and events for them to attend and enjoy, she added. “It goes hand in hand.”
Mr. Prescott boasted that “Bridal Veil Falls is our jewel” and the community needs to highlight all of its attractions. One concern he has is the lack of parking at the falls with a fear that someone may get hit on the highway. More signage and education is required. Diverting parking off the highway where it is safe as an option is a real priority for him.
The last question of the night came from Steven Suite who stated that he heard some excellent ideas in regards to the waterfront improvement and so on, however he wanted to ask the candidates what they had in mind to draw more people to Kagawong (other than from May to November). “How do we improve it, make it more progressive?”
Mr. Hunt began by saying that the community needs to identify its amenities, upgrade those that need it and ask the question “where do we spend the money? We can only do it (spend money on projects) if we have it.”
“We (the Township) spend our money on what you (the taxpayer) want most,” Mr. Hunt continued. The Township collects close to 2 million dollars in tax revenue, however a large majority goes to the school board and social services, policing, fire protection and so on. “There is not a lot left to run the town.”
“What are you interested in? he asked. The road budget makes up 70 percent of the remaining tax dollars, he shared. “We have the second lowest mill rate on the Island. New lots (formed in new subdivisions) create tax dollars.”
Meetings like this are important,” he said, adding that he is grateful to all the volunteers in the township and “wants people to be happy.”
“How to improve Kagawong?” asked Ms. Hurcomb. “What I offer you you can’t buy. Everyone in this audience tonight works hard in the community. They offer themselves to make the improvements.”
Mr. Yurich named three things he sees as ways to improve Kagawong: implement daily ‘to do/follow up’ priorities for employees and council members, drivealongs with the public works crew and to be responsible to the 70 percent who don’t live here.
“We’re already progressive,” stated Ms. Alkenbrack. Members of EDC are working on a four seasons pamphlet to promote Kagawong. “We can’t rest on our laurels,” continued Ms. Alkenbrack. “We have a base, we need to keep it going.”
Ms. Bath-Haring would like to see more activities during the winter months.
“Let’s find out what’s working,” offered Ms. Erskine. We can begin by listening and getting some data. Perhaps someone like an economic development officer could conduct a survey including both residents and non-residents. “This is a group effort,” she said. “We’re in this together.” She congratulated all the volunteers who make the community work. “It is our job to keep the mojo going.”
Mr. Imrie wants to open up opportunities to participate as a volunteer and thanked those who give their time and commitment to the community.
Mr. Montgomery would like to add more events during the winter months and brought the skating rink forward for consideration as it has not been used for some time.
“We need to look at new ventures and attract more businesses to Kagawong,” stated Mr. Parker.
“I think we are on the right track to bring visitors to our area,” shared Mr. Prescott. “Volunteers do a good job in organizing events such as Christmas in Kagawong.”
“What motivates them to come here?” he asked. “I see a lot of For Sale signs. We need to ask the people who are leaving the reason why and get their feedback on ways we can improve.”
Connie Suite said, “We are not the prettiest village, as the sign at the Highway 540/Main Street declares Kagawong to be. We need some upgrades: spruce things up.”
“I feel we should not focus solely on July and August,” continued Ms. Suite. We need to find a way to do more to stretch the summer months; a way to enjoy all the seasons,” she concluded.
Each candidate had one minute to address the audience following the Question Period. Election day is Monday, October 27.
