Candidates for council

Debbie Burant

Debbie Burant is running for Ward 1 councillor in the Killarney election. If elected, it would be Ms. Burant’s first time on council, but her experience has prepared her for the role, she says.

Ms. Burant has been involved in several community committees including the recycling committee, health board committee, economic development committee and RAWB (Residents Against Water Bills).

She also volunteers with various community events such as the Winter Carnival.

Originally from Sudbury, Ms. Burant and her husband Barrie Roque have resided in Killarney for 20 years, raising five children and fostering children for over 10 years. She is also a small business owner (Georgian Bay Creations).

“Running for council has been something I have been interested in for a long time, but I started seriously thinking about it a year ago when I started attending council meetings on a regular basis,” explained Ms. Burant. “I noticed not a lot of people were attending and it opened my eyes to some of the serious issues facing the municipality.”

Ms. Burant said one of the ‘serious issues’ in the municipality she hopes to address is the landfill sites, as they are both reaching capacity.

“I want to look at programs to help extend the life of the landfills because a new landfill would be a huge expense,” said Ms. Burant.

“I also want us (council) to look at different economic development options for Killarney and expanding resources, while putting supports in place for our current businesses,” continued Ms. Burant. “We need to bring Killarney up to date on what we have to offer visitors.”

Ms. Burant wants to explore more options for temporary housing for seasonal employees, something she feels the municipality is currently lacking.

She said that a major issue for the municipality is ensuring that current facilities don’t close down.

“There are suggestions from some residents who aren’t happy with their taxes that cutting services would be a solution,” said Ms. Burant. “Some of these suggestions are eliminating curbside pick up (for Ward 1), looking at the health care centre, community hall, hockey rink, airport etc. These are important services and facilities not just for year round residents, but for everyone. Local groups have worked so hard fundraising over the years for the health centre, putting a roof on the hockey rink, extending the airport—I don’t want to see anything happen to these facilities.”

“I strongly sympathize with residents who are paying high taxes,” continued Ms. Burant, “but people have to understand that very little of their tax dollars actually stay in the municipality.”

As well, Ms. Burant would like to see more partnership between the municipality and area parks (Killarney Provincial Park and French River Provincial Park).

“I would like to see more partnership to promote healthy and active living for residents and for tourism,” Ms. Burant explained. “Also, bike trails between the park and Killarney.”