Editor's note: This article previously ran Oct. 10 without the answers from candidate Lisa Hawkins. Due to an error in inputting her email address when trying to contact her, she never received the questions. Once contacted, she responded quickly. We apologize for this error and have included her answers below.
Lisa Hawkins, candidate
What do you see as the key issue(s) facing BWG at this time?
“I have found, with overwhelming consensus by talking with BWG residents, that traffic, taxes, rapid residential growth and the rising cost of home ownership are the key issues facing our community at this time.”
Do you have a solution in mind?
“Large transport truck traffic in restricted areas along Holland Street must be curtailed. This is a frustrating practice that has been allowed to continue for so many years. Decorative steel posts can be installed at each of the four corners, instantly preventing oversized trucks from turning across the sidewalks – while beautifying the downtown core. Additionally, the installation of architectural overhead Welcome to Downtown Bradford signage would restrict oversized trucks, while allowing clearance for buses and local delivery trucks. Traffic-calming measures need to be implemented with cohesive planning, incorporating all trouble spots while managing the problems as a whole. This includes parking, safety crossings, congestion, signage and speeding, etc.”
Are there any other issues or concerns you want to highlight?
“We still have a large gap in accommodation for seniors. While we can boast two new senior living residences in BWG, the high monthly cost caters to a small niche market of seniors. We still need to prioritize building bungalow-style and affordable retirement communities, complete with recreational amenities and care services for our senior population. High density affordable housing is needed in BWG. Careful planning is imperative to creating successful builds that serve the community as a whole, without overcrowding any existing neighbourhoods. We must also continue to support a strong heritage preservation agenda, and actively strive to balance ecological preservation with every development we undertake.”
What inspired you to run in this election?
“I care very passionately about our town, and standing up for my community. I am motivated by my desire to contribute to solving problems in a respectful and intelligent manner. I know I can make a difference by being an engaged and proactive leader and team player on council, representing my fellow residents with honesty, inclusion, tenacity and dedication.”
Mark Contois, incumbent
What do you see as the key issue(s) facing BWG at this time?
“One key issue is traffic congestion, as well as lack of following regulations – speeding, blowing through stop signs, illegal parking, to name a few. Another key issue is ... affordable housing.”
Do you have a solution in mind?
“Traffic-calming devices have been implemented through our community, with some positive feedback. Other discussions have involved speed bumps – not recommended by emergency services such as EMS because critical injuries may be more detrimental if speed bumps were implemented… Continued pressure on the provincial government to ensure the (Highway) 400-404 (Connecting) Link (is built) is a necessity for our community to ease congestion. Another option is to pursue the Peterman Lane-6th Line Bypass. (Relating to affordable housing), I believe apartment buildings are part of the solution for families that can’t afford a house in Bradford.”
Are there any other issues or concerns you want to highlight?
“One other concern is completing what this council started with the (Highway 400) Employment Lands, for job creation and taxation benefits to the community.”
What inspired you to run in this election?
“I feel that we made good strides in implementing seniors housing, but still need affordable housing options, and I would like to see that enacted. The whole goal was to complete the employment lands. It has started and in four years should be completed.”
