Marcel Gauthier
Marcel Gauthier First elected in 2000 to represent Ward 3 in the Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands, Marcel Gauthier is hoping for another, his fifth, term on council. During his time with council, Mr. Gauthier said he has sat as a representative on a number of committees, including the pandemic committee and is currently the chair of the airport commission. Over the last term, he said he was proud to oversee two airport hangar projects as well as a 1,600 sq. ft. commercial rental space at the Manitoulin East Municipal Airport. “I think the airport is very important, not only in terms of economics, but for the service it provides,” he said, noting the evacuation of Attwapiskat residents this spring and the airport’s role in seeing them safely landed before finding shelter at the Wikwemikong Nursing Home and places beyond. There was once talk of closing the airport during the winter months, but Mr. Gauthier lobbied to keep it open and the books have not disappointed as a result. Mr. Gauthier often represents the Northeast Town at the annual Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities (FONOM) conference, which he enjoys a great deal. “You get to network with other municipal representatives from like-communities who are facing the same issues from around the North.” As part of the strategic plan outlined four years ago, roadwork on Harbor Vue Road, White’s Point and North Channel Drive—all in Ward 3—were all accomplished, he said. Mr. Gauthier also pushed for Hydro One to brush along the roadside in Mackie’s Bay, which they did. He also spoke of the multi-million dollar waterfront project in Little Current he saw from start to finish. Mr. Gauthier also serves as the deputy mayor, appointed by his fellow council members, is vice president of the Little Current Fish and Game Club, president of Little Current Place, past president and a long-time member of the Little Current Lions and a past president and member of the Little Current Curling Club. He is active in Branch #177 at the Royal Canadian Legion and coordinates all of the student-centered activities (poster and essay contests and the annual public speaking contest) that the Legion sponsors locally and nationally. “I have skills from all of these roles, and I like to get things done,” he said. Mr. Gauthier is also the driving force behind the Northeast Town Senior of the Year, making sure a senior is selected and acknowledged by council each year. “I like to work with staff,” he added. “It’s really important to have a good rapport with them because they are really important people,” he continued, commending the town employees. “I like to see things get done and I like to see improvements in the community,” he shared. “Once you’re on council for a while, it kind of gets in your blood. If somebody wants something and I tell them I’ll look into it, I do.” “I like to volunteer and to be on council is an extension of that,” Mr. Gauthier said. “Yes, there is a stipend, but I’m not in it for the money.” If elected, Mr. Gauthier said he is looking forward to sitting down as a council to create the next four-year strategic plan and bringing the concerns and needs of Ward 3 residents to the table.
