News profile1. What are your thoughts on city ownership of Saamis Solar, and what direction would you want to see council take with ownership of renewables?
Owning our own utilities in Medicine Hat is a major advantage for both cost and decision making. That being said, relying exclusively on natural gas has shown its challenges with both cost fluctuations and well productivity. I would be in favour of exploring renewables as a way to diversify our utility portfolio, bolster our grid for peak demands and avoid carbon mandates and levys. More information is needed on the Saamis project, but I do appreciate that it is planned in stages so the city could minimize risk and see if the full project will be worth the investment. Solar technology gets more efficient and affordable every year and without better storage technology we may not be able to exclusively rely on it, it could be a great option to add capacity to our grid for industry and residential needs.
2. What are your thoughts on the future of the energy division, specifically the concept of turning it into a municipally controlled corporation?
This is an issue that I can see both sides of, as there is no easy yes or no answer and pros and cons on both sides. However, I think that the next council should be very hesitant to accept a change to a Municipally Controlled Corporation. Owning and managing our own utilities in Medicine Hat has many advantages and switching to an MCC could have many steep costs to the taxpayer in terms of board staffing, market pressures and transition costs and I am not convinced we would see a return on our investment down the road. I understand having council make decisions for the company can be a challenge, but I am ready and eager to learn as much as I can to be an informed decision maker if I were to be elected.
3. How would you look to balance taxation with the operation costs of running a city, as well as the services provided to residents?
Taxation is always a tough issue, as we do not want to put an unnecessary burden on residents, but providing services in the city has its costs. I feel that the next council should focus heavily on economic development to boost our tax base, including support and focus on small and medium sized businesses that are locally owned. I also think that advocating to the provincial and federal governments needs to be something the next council is comfortable and willing to do, as cuts to services and funding from higher government levels are downloaded onto municipalities and provincial policy decisions on things like insurance can have major costs to residents. Residents are more than happy to pay their fair share of taxes, but they need to see value for their hard earned money in services and support from the municipal, provincial and federal government.
4. How would you approach economic development and any need to incentivize business to come to Medicine Hat?
Economic development needs to be a top priority for the next council, as additional businesses to our city will create jobs, increase our tax base and add unique services for our residents. I think locally owned small and medium-sized businesses should be especially focused on. These enterprises allow driven Hatters to work for themselves, they offer good paying jobs, tourism activities, retail shops and restaurants to local residents, and an increased quality of life in the city will only attract new businesses and residents. Incentives that the city could provide to new businesses could include off-site levy payment plans (or direct discounts through returning programs like the former Municipal Assist), streamlined application and permitting procedures and support at city hall from a business development officer or connection to local programs like Community Futures Entre-Corp.
5. With the proposed north-side location for a permanent homeless shelter off the table, what do you think are the essential priorities a shelter location must provide?
I was in support of the Saamis location for the most part, although with more learning I do understand there were concerns that would have made it a challenge. That being said, finding a location that is perfect in every way would be nearly impossible, and there will always be challenges that will require collaboration and consultation. Location is always a top priority, as access to transit and services is important, along with considerations for local residents or businesses as public pushback can create conflicts with shelter users. On-site services are also very important, such as kitchen services, mental health and addiction supports as well as employment services to help shelter users get on their feet long-term. An overnight shelter is needed in any city, and with winter fast approaching the city and community programs should work closely and be willing to collaborate to make sure no one is left out in the cold.
6. A lot of focus during this election has been on property taxes, but many residents don’t own property. How can the city ease cost-of-living pressures for renters?
A strong and affordable rental market is an important priority if we are going to support our residents or attract new residents and business in the future. One way the city can support a strong rental market is to work to build more units of varying sizes in the city and make sure a certain percentage of these units are purpose-built for affordable or supportive housing. This way they don’t just get scooped up by large corporate rental companies and add to our already near-monopoly on apartment style housing. Speaking of which, I think the city needs to do more to support renters by holding these large corporate landlords accountable for the living conditions in their buildings, as I have heard many complaints from residents that pests, maintenance, communication and safety concerns are common in these buildings with little done to address the problem.
7. What are your thoughts on proposed recreational facilities like the Southside Outdoor Aquatics Centre and Brier Run Sports Field?
I come from a background in tourism and recreation, and I am always in support of more recreation facilities to support healthy living, tourism and an increased quality of life for city residents. That being said, some of these projects could be quite costly and I would hope that if any new facilities are to be constructed, the city is in a good place to sustainably burden the cost without additional taxes for residents.
