The Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce offered members an opportunity to submit questions for any and all candidates running in our municipal election. These are the questions that were returned to us, and we posed them to all Mayoral, City and Regional Council Candidates for Oshawa. These are their answers.
*Disclaimer: these answers are unedited. We have simply copy and pasted the replies that were returned to us, and formatted for continuity.*
1. What is your vision for our Downtown? How do you propose getting there?
MAYORS
Ken Carruthers: My vision for downtown is to clean it up!!!!! Just like I cleaned up Albert Street by building Community Gardens and getting neighbors involved the vision is to help the homeless and the mental health issues!!!!! Downtown as well all the vacant locations that we have and beautify downtown. I’ve lived in Oshawa for a long time and I’m not happy at all with what’s been going on through Mayor John Henry and John Gray . I haven’t seen any change in the core it’s still not a place that I’m proud of!!!! I want to make Oshawa proud again and a beautiful place to live. In regards to the homeless Durham region has dropped the ball they can continue to do what they’re doing. As a city we need to step it up and build a place that these people can live in and we can help them with their addictions. CITY owned and operated!!!! I know how to do this and we can get it done.
Dan Carter: My vision for our Downtown is to make it a more vibrant, healthy, walkable and energetic city. I propose getting there by implementing the six-phase streetscape project as part of a commitment to accessibility and beautification for the downtown core beginning in 2019. My plan is to meet with all the owners in the downtown core and encourage them to modernize their buildings, create incentives to bring new retail opportunity to the downtown and have the economic development department meet with the top 100 brands to invest in the downtown core which in the next six years will have over 1200 new residential units.
Joe Ingino: As a citizen and business person I have invested millions back into our downtown core through programs such THE OSHAWA/DURHAM CENTRAL NEWSPAPER ‘INGINO’ DOWNTOWN INITIATIVE. Today with over 80 participating members. Thisprogram offer local businesses the opportunity to create cash flow. I know first hand the hardships of the core. I have hands on experience on doing my part to fix it. As your new mayor I would work with existing landlords to create a very aggressive program where rates being charge for rental properties would be capped. In return. Those in compliance would receive special incentives from City Hall. My position in development of our core is one that is widely known. Oshawa has not changed for the past 30 years. Administration after administration and we lack vision and or direction. It is time to change. It is time to bring in the big developers and start from the four corners out. We need to bring Oshawa to the world stage. This takes vision and a solid business understanding. This is what I bring to the Mayoralship. We need to negotiate and create opportunity without using one taxpayer dollars. We have an economic development department that works hard to bring in opportunity only for opportunity to be stone walled with red tape and plain political ignorance. THIS WILL STOP.
CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES
Karen Albrecht – Ward 2: I currently do not have a vision for downtown Oshawa, as I hope to represent ward 2, however I realize that the downtown core is an important part of our city which is changing rapidly. I hope we can continue to support and encourage local business in the downtown core, driving more locals and tourists to visit. Oshawa has a rich history, a lot of which is located in the downtown core. I believe we should protect historical sites, and support local historical societies. Lastly, I can envision the downtown to become a place where students and seniors alike can safely live and travel, therefore creating more affordable housing would be ideal. Currently the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), and Trent University Durham, are located in the downtown core and many students utilize local transit and spend time at local restaurants and businesses. All of the above can be achieved through continued support of local entrepreneurs by creating grants and start-up initiatives to draw in local residents to begin their business right here in Oshawa. We currently have one museum located downtown, the Canadian Automotive Museum, and from my interaction with the Oshawa Museum, I know they continue to do Downtown Walking Tours of older historical buildings. Encouraging more residents to get involved in local history would help to build up Oshawa’s culture and protect our history, giving residents a sense of home. Before I end my answer, I would also like to address the concern of Oshawa’s homeless, some of which walk and live downtown. If we, as a city, can continue to contribute to local soup kitchens and fund a place to shelter Oshawa’s homeless, I strongly believe we can not only revitalize the downtown area but also help those in need. I realize this is a sizable ask, but sometimes dreaming big is the only way to move forward.
Ethan Eastwood – Ward 3: My vision for Oshawa’s downtown is one of revitalization and restoration. It is one of unparalleled growth and prosperity for all the business owners and residents of the downtown core. Our city council needs to encourage new investment in our downtown and I believe that strong advocacy from city council members is needed. We also need to get a handle on our city’s poverty crisis before it gets out-of-hand. This means introducing strong social policies which aim to get our city’s homeless off of the streets, back on their feet, or into shelters. Policies which aim to help those most vulnerable upgrade their skills through government-funded skills training programs, perhaps in collaboration with both UOIT and DC.
Michael Goodmurphy – Ward 4: My vision is to have a vibrant downtown, that encourages more foot traffic. We have a city designed with one way streets. One way streets are great for traffic flow, however are not designed to get people out of their vehicles. We need to get creative with events, festivals etc., in our downtown core. Let people become familiar with the downtown, and discover all the great places the downtown has to offer. The majority of the current events we have like, Bikes on Bond, Butter Tart Festival, Kars on King etc. are very successful. We need to expand and encourage much more of these events throughout the year. Some ideas would be Food Truck Festivals, Comic-Cons, changing the Santa Claus parade route etc. We need to get people comfortable and feeling safe in the downtown core.
Catherine Hawthorn – Ward 4: My vision for downtown is a strong core full of local small businesses that attract residents downtown. We need to invest in ways to make the downtown core more attractive for shopping, and dining.
Jane Hurst – Ward 2: Our downtown is improving …. not fast enough for some, however, it’s underway. We must embrace and build on the structures already in place, incorporate mixed uses i.e. commercial on ground level and residential above, adapt to contemporary business models, land uses and above all – focus on the downtown being a people friendly, safe and welcoming environment no matter the time of day. We have some unique buildings of various age and design who need a fresh eye and reinvestment and possible repurposing. The new residential developments will bring more people to the downtown core who will be in need of goods and services in walking distance.
Mark Logan – Ward 4: Currently, the downtown core is not a pedestrian friendly place. There is just too much vehicular traffic. Although many of the food and drink establishments are trying to open up their spaces to the streets, it is almost impossible to enjoy any outdoor experience. The noise from the bus, car and motorcycle traffic is prohibitive, making conversation almost impossible. Walking the sidewalks can be an intimidating practice at certain hours of the day, especially for our seniors. Every downtown experience should always be a relaxing, enjoyable one that is above all safe. Currently, it’s not, and we owe it to those businesses and entrepreneurs who have invested in our city to make it so. The traffic patterns downtown do not encourage anyone to stop and spend time. We know that our city has always had an automotive focus, however in this case the one-way streets do nothing for businesses in the core. Vehicular traffic on Simcoe and King should be two-way and the sidewalks widened for more pedestrian traffic. A mix of affordable housing, both rental apartments and condominiums should continue to be developed in the core, cultivating a community that drives the economy in which they reside. A moderately sized grocery outlet, open park space and any other pedestrian focused facilities are a must. Move the bus terminal out of the core and find alternative traffic routes for public transit around the edges of the downtown area.
Greg Milosh – Ward 4: As a lifelong resident of Oshawa I have a recollection of happier and more economically prosperous times in the downtown area. I would like to see a downtown with considerable vitality and high quality merchants. How do we get there? The downtown requires massive financial investment which seems to me must come primarily from the private sector in the form of public-private-partnership‘s. The economic development department of the city should be responsibile for the pursuit of these P3’s. Simultaneously, and unavoidably, greater consideration must be given to the location of, and financial resources devoted to, the various social assistance agencies in the downtown area. Also, I personally favour the elimination of all city imposed downtown parking charges.
Dave Thompson – Ward 4: I support the urban growth downtown centre I was the only candidate that spoke on the Richmond st an bruce st DH 18 139 an DH 18 140..Isupported of the 4 new developments but was opposed to ritson rds as it was a bad design.. I also was in favour of park upgrades at rotary park an glen stewart park. So I keep up an give my imput to the city an more if elected…..
Chris Topple – Ward 4: I grew up in Oshawa during the 1960s and 1970s when the downtown was in its glory, and I watched it deteriorate. In recent years it has improved both with infrastructure and resident housing, but more needs to be done. We need to continue to build apartment units, some geared to income, to have even more people living in or nearby the downtown. We should also offer substantial financial incentives to businesses which locate there. We also need a better police presence as there was decades ago. Fire safety needs to be addressed given the deadly fire on Centre Street earlier this year, given the number of century old, dry buildings in the area. The streets in the core should be two-way as they were before the early 1960s, because one-way streets move traffic through, not enhancing shopping. We must compete with the free parking at the Oshawa Centre by offering more of it downtown and cutting the fees. People and businesses in a bright and accessible downtown will do much to improve it. Maybe then we could call it what it used to be called—Uptown.
REGIONAL COUNCIL CANDIDATES
Teresa Aker – Ward 3: Most cities are judged by the health and vitality of the downtown. Oshawa has many people working in the downtown. ie: Oshawa City Hall and The Michael Starr Building. The downtown has many independent small businesses. ie: restaurants, law firms and real estate offices and entertainment. Our downtown needs new people living in the downtown so we have a balance of residents and employment. Fortunately, The Province of Ontario has designated our downtown as an Urban Growth Center. I see a downtown of 18-20 story condominiums and upscale apartment buildings. These buildings will be attractive to young professionals, people who work in the downtown, and the senior population. This will provide a dynamic synergy for our downtown. I will support this type of development.
Bob Chapman – Ward 3: To have a vibrant downtown core that is welcoming to community members as well as inviting to visitors. We need to continue to work with businesses & developers to increase the number of people living in our downtown area. Some of this work has started with the renovations to the apartments by the Lovells,and the re-purposing of the Genosha to residential. The building of new residents such as at Bond & Mary and the Medallion will further bring more residents to downtown – I believe there are some 1,200 residential units in the works for the general downtown area. With more people living downtown this should make it a more active area and attract more business to service the needs of these residents. Council must also continue to reduce the red-tape so that approvals of good projects don’t get held up in the planning & approval stages. We must also continue with and expand on such things as the streetscapes and facade programs to make the downtown more attractive. Lastly continue to work with the BIA & Chamber to listen to the stakeholders’ needs as well as increase and improve the many events held that attract people to our core.
Julia McCrea – Ward 2: My vision for Downtown Oshawa is that there be more affordable accessible housing developed with the not for profit and cooperative sectors which will all ensure that
1. it is more accessible to all residents and visitors
2. it is a place that homeless people will be more welcome in public , private and non-profit facilities e.g. Robert McLaughlin Gallery, City Hall and that more facilities would be established for 24 hour access to washrooms, potable drinking water and shelter from heat and cold
3. parking lots become multilevel with green roofs so we do not have so many asphalted heat islands throughout the core
4. naturalized and cultivated parks, parkettes, green spaces, and benches be added with picnic tables and waste containers
5. more affordable accessible apartment accommodation, seniors apartments and long term care facilities be provided close to medical and treatment facilities such as Lakeridge Health and the Oshawa Clinic
6. more childcare and child friendly play spaces be created in the downtown core
7. student artists be invited to add art to hydro poles, light standards and other permanent fixtures
8. an emphasis be placed on keeping the city clean and safe
9. safe bike parking locations be increased and a bike loan program be considered
10. addiction and mental health services be congregated and 24 hour services to aid the homeless be added
How do you propose getting there?
1.There should be a full consultation with Oshawa residents, including city planners, UOIT/DC, residents and businesses, and property owners in the downtown core that examines the historical problems of brownfields or contaminated/polluted sites including experts in planning, construction and accessibility.
2. Develop a plan and explore funding options that will encourage partnerships and cooperation to implement
Doug Sanders – Ward 4: The Downtown has changed over the last 7 years, As the council representative to the BIA. (Business Improvement Area). I have been part of these changes. Currently there is over $ 120 million being invested for businesses, jobs and residential housing. I would continue with Plan 20/20,streetscaping,widening of sidewalks,beautification,arts, culture and heritage. By listening to others and having common goals/ vision,we can change our city for the better.
2. With the expansion of post-secondary education in the region, how would you (at a municipal or regional level) continue to support the institutional growth and integration of students into the community?
MAYORS
Ken Carruthers: City owned and operated housing City can create revenue and help the students at the same time.
Dan Carter: Historically I have been very supportive of Durham College, UOIT and Trent University. This has included the gifting of land to Trent which will see them being able to double their student population as well as financial support to Durham College and UOIT to provide expanded services for its students. I would continue to support the creation of safe affordable housing and am committed to students well being. I would continue to build upon the six leading industries, auto, agriculture, energy, education, healthcare and aviation to provide avenues of support for students and faculty through such things as the regional innovation hub a government and industry initiative that will allow for the development of ideas for the marketplace.
Joe Ingino: We can’t hang our hope on one hook. We must give post-secondary institutions the opportunity to work with us. I personally think that the prime lands given to the UOIT and Durham College is not right. In return Oshawa has benefited little or nothing. What we need to do with post secondary is utilize their programs in order to attract businesses and industry. We want to use the resources to attain companies that can count on solid training of their staff. We need to initiate the development of research and development in all fields. We need to use the intellectual integrity of these institutions in order to attract. We must stop the give aways and the hope that these institutions will save the day. WE MUST SAVE THE DAY BY UTILIZING THEIR OFFERINGS.
CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES
Karen Albrecht – Ward 2: This is a great question, as Oshawa is currently home to three post secondary institutions; Durham College, the Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), and Trent University Durham. The city has continued to support all three institutions in various ways, which has allowed all three to grow and develop more programs which is ultimately benefiting Oshawa. As current President of the Trent Durham Student Association, a not for profit representing 1500 students on the Trent University Durham campus, I know and understand the importance of working with the city to create relationships for the betterment of students. I have an open door policy for all Oshawa residents, and I would continue that open door policy to all local institutions and their student leaders ensuring working relationships and allowing the city to get involved in initiatives students are promoting. The city along with all three post-secondary institutions are members of a committee called Town & Gown, which allows Oshawa, Durham College, UOIT and Trent to openly meet and discuss issues and initiatives that are happening. I would encourage this committee and find more ways to get others involved and represented at the table. I also believe that we can retain students after graduation to stay in Oshawa by teaming up with local businesses and organizations through the creation of internships for students to help them gain experience.
Ethan Eastwood – Ward 3: I would want to streamline the approval process of zoning contracts to allow for increased construction of housing across the city, especially in areas near our two post-secondary institutions. I would also advocate for increased funding from the provincial government to Durham Region Transit so that the services which it provides can be upgraded to better suit the needs of those who rely on it. Investing in our downtown core would also be a priority of mine as many students reside, study, and enjoy recreational activities there.
Michael Goodmurphy – Ward 4: We should continue to support this partnership with the University and College. They are one of the top employers in the area, and bring many new faces to the city each year. Look at long term partnerships, so they want to develop and stay in our downtown core. I would like to see free or discounted transit for UOIT/DC students in Oshawa (and the Region) I would also like to see the downtown core with free Wi-Fi for all.
Catherine Hawthorn – Ward 4: Oshawa has a major challenge integrating students into the community. We should be welcoming new students into the community with events at the schools, inviting them to participate in community events, provide them with student discounts to city facilities.
Jane Hurst – Ward 2: Students and alumni are walking and talking testimonials to their post-secondary education and experience. We need to learn from them as they are the front-line consumer of what we are offering. Let’s build on their positive experiences and learn from their not-so-positive experiences in order to be better prepared for the future.
Mark Logan – Ward 4: The core of our post-secondary educational institutions has now been established. Durham College and the UOIT are great anchors. The expansion of the Trent University Durham GTA campus is an excellent example of the additional opportunities that are possible for Oshawa. The University of Toronto and Queen’s University both have an affiliation with Lakeridge Health for their medical programs however neither has any real physical presence in our community. Additionally, there may be an interest in exploring a Francophone satellite campus with affiliation to a Quebec based university. Currently we offer French primary and secondary education in Oshawa. The progression to a local French university is missing.
Greg Milosh – Ward 4: Support for post secondary education is obviously beneficial and critical. Oshawa City Council can and should work with the universities and colleges to expand and integrate into the community because of the mutual benefit. However, financial assistance must be limited and judicious in its usage. I do not believe it is the exclusive responsibility of Oshawa and Durham Region residents to provide an unlimited amount of financial assistance to these institutions. These institutions must be more self sufficient and innovative as to how they secure funding for their expansion and inclusion into our community. As far as the integration of students this should be a reciprocal arrangement. City Council can and should work with the universities to provide financial and housing assistance. At the same time, students must adapt to, and comply with, community standards.
Dave Thompson – Ward 4: Schools they are based on density, we need to keep modern keep the ol ones going an build when we have to also work with the durham school board…
Chris Topple – Ward 4: The UOIT and Durham College Corridor along the 407 is critical to economic growth and broadening the tax base, where again, incentives to invest need to be offered to businesses. This will cause students to go beyond the schools to enjoy the sites in the north, and elsewhere, including downtown and the lakefront. There should be a liaison position at City Hall to link up with students to encourage them to attend the fine events in the city like Fiesta, Rib Fest, Auto Show, and the growing night life downtown including the Tribute Centre. Our centers of learning are world class and need to be promoted both within and without the city. Our students should be able to and have a desire to live and work in Oshawa after graduating.
REGIONAL COUNCIL CANDIDATES
Teresa Aker – Ward 3: The City of Oshawa is fortunate to have UOIT, Durham College, Trent Durham University, and medical students from Queen’s University interning at Lakeridge Oshawa. As a Councillor I will vote to financially support all of the above. I would vote to donate any surplus land owned by the City of Oshawa to these institutions, if it would assist them. The Universities and The College in Oshawa have changed the image and dynamics of Oshawa. This has been the most important change in the last 30 years for Oshawa. There are approximately 20,000 post secondary students in Oshawa. They are a social and economic force in our community. They provide an energy and synergy for our community. Each of us have to psychologically embrace these students. If students have a comfort level in Oshawa, they are more likely to decide to work and live in our community.
Bob Chapman – Ward 3: With the expansion of post-secondary education in the region, how would you (at a municipal or regional level) continue to support the institutional growth and integration of students into the community? There is no doubt that these institutions contribute to the economic health of our City & Region so Council must continue to support good proposals that assist their growth such as the Oshawa land swap with UOIT in North Oshawa and the the land donation to Trent on Thornton Rd. We also need to continue to support, within reason the funding requests that have in the past been approved at the Regional level.Council needs to work with these institutions and the student representatives on improvement & development of our Transit routes including the new GO line to Bowmanville – this will assist the students getting to the colleges & universities.
Julia McCrea – Ward 2: Partner in marketing Durham College and UOIT locally, regionally, provincially, nationally and internationally. The city and region can advertise itself as a place with high quality educational institutions assuming there is parallel development of:
a) affordable and accessible housing
b)transit infrastructure that supports use of public transit and alternatives to the use of individual motor vehicles, multi-level parking garages at spots on the city edge with links to public transit to campus centres in the north and the core
c) basic human needs for food shopping be planned proximate to high density populations of students and families
Doug Sanders – Ward 4: The extension of the Go train to the Civic will allow students to move up Thornton Rd. to Durham College and U.O.I.T. As a Regional Councillor we need transit hubs in place ,for this growth.We need to support all post-secondary institutions. The city has shown it’s support with land and financial support. We need to continue the Teaching City’s project,Sparks Centre. B.A.C.D. and Smart cities. Many of these are the future entrepreneurs , investors and job opportunities for the city and region.
3. Name three specific policies or actions you will take to bring significant new industries or commercial enterprises to Oshawa?
MAYORS
Ken Carruthers: In order to reduce taxes and build a city at the same time we need to become dragons Den. The city needs to start buying into businesses and having ownership and creating Revenue we will attract business from all over!!!! We become the bank and we take percentages of business and make capital and money!!!!
Dan Carter: The modernization of policies and procedures at city hall through a change to a customer service model. A three-million-dollar investment in the building department that allows for the electronic submission of plans which will streamline the entire process. Advance new technologies associated with the six existing industries that will lead to new opportunities and investment in the community.
Joe Ingino: 1. We must revamp the airport to attract new business. We must turn our airport into a world class training facility. By working with our post secondary institutions we will bring and or create a world class avionics training facility. The airport will become a true executive destination. We must deal with the current hysteria from surrounding neighbors and attain a balance that will be harmonious to all involved. The airport plays a key part in attracting new money.
2. We must finally do something with that Lake front property. There sits a huge opportunity. A billion dollar cash cow waiting to be erected. Administration after administration has done nothing. Now it is time to change that. Jobs, opportunity and prosperity await at our lake front.
3. We must revamp city hall. No more staff vs council. Staff will be given the freedom to expedite and assure that the red tape is eliminated. We will stop the ‘GOOD OLD BOYS’ club of Oshawa. We will give an opportunity to do good for all in Oshawa. Look at the recent fiasco. Henry sells out Oshawa to the region by settlling a long standing court case in order to get points at the region. Knowing he was going to run for regional chair. To boot Henry picks Carter as his endorsement for the City of Oshawa. This giving Henry still control over Oshawa from the Region. THIS WILLSTOP. THIS TYPE OF ‘GOOD OLD BOYS’WILLSTOP. We need to bring our municipal government back to the people and we must defend against anyone with hidden agenda. The key to a successful corporation is everyone working and pulling in the same direction… From the investors our taxpayers to staff and upper management (council).
CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES
Karen Albrecht – Ward 2: I unfortunately do not have any specific plans to bring in more industries for Oshawa, but I understand the vital need to begin research looking into plans to promote and sell Oshawa as a place for companies to work and hire local residents. We need to bring more jobs and professional careers to the city, with the hope of hiring local residents but also enabling Oshawa to successfully expand and maintain our current state of expansion. I believe the best way to engage companies to come and build in Oshawa is to sell ourselves as a growing and developing city, which we are. Home to three post-secondary institutions, new graduates will boom at the chance to work for companies located in Oshawa. We have to keep in mind that Oshawa in developing so quickly at the moment and, hopefully, industries will realize this and ask to come here.
Ethan Eastwood – Ward 3: Firstly, I would advocate for giving tax incentives to businesses willing to invest in Oshawa. Secondly, with GM’s looming closer it’s of great import that those few thousand residents currently employed by GM have somewhere else to apply their unique skill-sets. I want to see another manufacturing industry move into the facilities that GM will be leaving behind. Oshawa is an especially attractive opportunity for this because the infrastructure for manufacturing is already in place as well as a trained labour force. I would advocate for this proposed business to be selected from the green-energy sector as I believe climate change is the most pressing issue currently facing humanity. Finally, another notion would be to initiate a focused revitalization effort on a specific area of the city’s downtown, determined by a committee of city council members, to entice popular business franchises to set up shop there. If successful this would raise the value of all properties in the surrounding area which would create an attractive opportunity for any other prospective businesses wanting to enter the retail fray of downtown Oshawa. This initiative has the potential to create a local hub for shopping in the Durham Region.
Michael Goodmurphy – Ward 4: We need to look at current partnerships and how we support and sustain these partnerships. Many of the programs being offered at the University are cutting edge. Forward thinking of partnering with cutting edge enterprises and re-evaluating on a frequent basis. We can not continue to do things the “same old way. Not tax incentives, but long term partnerships that work for the City and Industry/Enterprises.Since the shift is on from a Manufacturing town to a Tech town, we need to embrace this change. As mentioned above, make the Downtown Hub a WiFi Zone, and re-evaluating frequently to see what else we can do to support positive change. Whether we like it or not Marijuana legalization is a reality. Instead of the “red tape”, that often happens with new or different ideas, the City should look to be a leader in this area responsibly. If Municipalities are deciding where they can be located, start off with the downtown area first, prior to allowing the expansion throughout the city.
Catherine Hawthorn – Ward 4: Oshawa should provide tax breaks to companies that will be providing significant employment to the city. The Oshawa Economic Development office should work together with the local BIA. and local businesses to understand the barriers to setting up in Oshawa and strive to reduce the barriers through streamlined paperwork and fast tracked approval processes. We need to work with local universities and colleges to encourage startups to locate in Oshawa.
Jane Hurst – Ward 2: What do we have to set us apart? Let’s build on our strong location, diversified and skilled workforce, post-secondary institution partnerships and our strong community stakeholders. I am confident many strategies and plans have been implemented by the City and related stakeholders to attract significant new industries and commercial enterprises. It is our responsibility to ensure that they continue and elected officials provide support, skills and time to each and every endeavour. Attracting business is very competitive across all municipalities, and I must add that it is our responsibility to ensure retention and expansion of existing businesses. You can’t take any business, no matter or large or small, for granted – everyone is important.
Mark Logan – Ward 4: My first action would to interact with city staff with regards to the “Oshawa Strategic Plan – Our Focus, Our Future, 2015-2019”. Reading the plan is important but it’s always better to work with those who have invested their time and expertise in its formation. The hope would be that there will be a positive synergy of our experiences. My sales and marketing career has allowed me to develop business relationships around the world. The contacts and access to business decision makers that have been made over 30+ years should be mutually beneficial to our city staff. The International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago https://www.housewares.org/show/ Ambiente Fair in Frankfurt https://ambiente.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en.html International Private Label Show in Amsterdam https://www.plmainternational.com/ and The Toronto Gift Fair https://www.cangift.org/toronto-gift-fair/en/home/ are all annually attended events that are on my calendar. The major global players in their industry sectors are always in attendance and available. All of these events would be an opportunity to meet, evaluate prospects and to promote Oshawa as a possible new location for their businesses if/when they are looking to expand or relocate.
Greg Milosh – Ward 4: How to bring new industries or commercial enterprises to Oshawa. Let me start by saying that I fully recognize and acknowledge that it is private business which generates the greatest prosperity within any community. To that end I would do the following:
1. Give direction and increased funding to the economic development department
of the city to aggressively and concertedly explore the broader private sector
with the goal of attracting new business.
2. Evaluate the performance of existing economic development staff and replace
and/or augment as necessary. This is a department where employment should
be based on performance results.
3. Work with, and seriously consider, the recommendations of the Oshawa Chamber of
Commerce since they represent and understand the needs of their
members and the broader business community. The OCC should be considered a
valuable partner and advisor in securing and retaining private businesses.
Dave Thompson – Ward 4: 3 issues change business tax an make it far…Sell off surplus lands on condition they build there an hire local…have the whole city wired on high speed optical lines they are doing that now in certain areas we need all of Oshawa
Chris Topple – Ward 4: As mentioned before, we must be open for business by offering substantial incentives for businesses to locate in Oshawa. We should expedite the process rather than making new businesses jump through many hoops, which results in them choosing other cities within which to locate. We must also promote our openness to new business and a thriving city, with the mayor being very proactive as the face of Oshawa to the outside. This means meeting with the stakeholders to win contracts and business. It is also important that projects to be built in Oshawa use local labour and business, not always seeking these from Toronto or elsewhere. We can shed our reputation for being unwelcoming to business by helping them locate here. Lastly, stakeholders at the waterfront must recognize that the impasse over their conflicting vision for the waterfront between the Port Authority and the city must end with a compromise. Like surrounding communities, we can have a mixed port involving industry, commerce, recreation, and tourism. That is overwhelmingly necessary to move forward from deterioration to development.
REGIONAL COUNCIL CANDIDATES
Teresa Aker – Ward 3: Oshawa is well located in the Greater Toronto Area and now has better transportation with the 407 and Go Transit. Commercial development and Industrial development is often attracted by low development charges and a lower tax rate. I would do everything to keep the existing industry and commercial development in Oshawa and reach out to new development in our community. Sometimes large employers are different than we expect. As an example, Lakeridge Oshawa has approximately 3,000 direct and contract employees. Our post secondary education has approximately 2,000 direct and contract employees. We are fortunate that Canada Post chose Oshawa for the new Postal Distribution Center. All the above contribute to the economic success of Oshawa and operate as a business. I will continue to reach out to new opportunities for The City of Oshawa.
Bob Chapman – Ward 3:
– lobby the Prov Govt to release the employment lands along the 407 corridor
– ensure proper planning is in place so that the above noted lands can be serviced quickly to allow development on them.
– continue to reduce the red-tape in the planning & approval processes at both the City and Region. This includes consultation with the stakeholders and the Prov Govt to reduce delays between initial planning & proposal to opening the doors for business.
Julia McCrea – Ward 2: Focus on becoming a leader in modelling meeting basic human needs with lower cost, energy efficient alternatives that limit urban sprawl and maintain natural green spaces
Explore greater self -sufficiency for Oshawa in food production, energy alternatives that reduce dependency on fossil fuels
a) undertake a public economic development consultation to explore clean industry options that look at developing energy alternatives for residential, commercial heating and cooling and building construction e.g. solar, wind, geothermal as well as transportation alternatives e.g. solar powered vehicles and alternative powered vehicles suitable for the Canadian winter
b) undertake a public needs consultation to look at the currently unmet needs for affordable housing, long term care, seniors apartments and rent geared to income housing emphasizing the non-profit and cooperative sectors and parallel needs for childcare and food shopping, local food production
c) undertake a public planning exercise to address a focus on developing models of progress in energy efficient and alternative housing integrated with community services that meet the needs of the baby boom generation that is in retirement years and the expanding community of adults living with disabilities who require supported housing options
Doug Sanders – Ward 4: I will continue to Control spending and taxes at the City and Region. I will continue to support the many different residential developments going on for seniors, students and families. I will continue to promote and recognize our high quality workforce to attract jobs and investments.
