Bruce Wood
Bruce Wood A councilperson that really enjoys what he does and believes he does a good job doing it, Bruce Wood is seeking re-election in his Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands riding of Ward 4 this election for his third term. “We made a commitment to hardtop 10 kilometres of road every term and we have been able to do that,” Mr. Wood said proudly. He pointed to the other term accomplishments of upgrading the docks at Sheguiandah, Rockville and Honora Bay, upgrading the Indian Mountain Road, the replacement of the force main in Little Current, the new fleet of equipment for the public works crew including a snowplow, garbage truck, backhoe, excavator and fire truck and the new and improved Limekiln Corner, which was a safety concern and in major need of repair. He also spoke of the new subdivision created along the Boozeneck Road, council’s commitment to the Howland Seniors’ Hall and also eco upgrades to the recreation centre as examples of more of council’s achievements. Mr. Wood has also has the opportunity to represent the Northeast Town during the annual Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference where he is part of the contingent that lobbies ministers and deputy ministers about their concerns. He represents the Northeast Town on the Manitoulin Planning Board, the Community Policing Advisory Committee, is the chair of the rural Community Services Committee and has sat on the library and museum boards in the past. When it comes to the ongoing concerns with the planning board, Mr. Wood said, “we can either mend fences or move on.” As for the next term, Mr. Wood said he would like to see upgrades to the Bidwell Road as there are segments that are “starting to show their age” as well as culvert repair on the Townline Road, specifically near Bass Lake. “Over the past eight years, I’ve been able to help out many constituents,” he explained. “You can’t satisfy everybody, but you can do your best.” Mr. Wood said he is pleased that council has been able to maintain low taxes over the past four years while watching policing and District Services Board costs skyrocket. “That’s why we joined with other municipalities to voice our concerns,” he said. “We are paying just over $400 per household when some (of similar size) are paying far less.” Mr. Wood said he is eager to continue that fight for Northeast Town’s taxpayers. He also hopes to see the Manitoulin Centennial Manor made a priority by council, a follow up on the feasibility study procured by the Northeast Town that showed that more beds were a must to make it sustainable.
