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My own key priorities are only relevant if they are also key priorities for other community members as well. Ensuring our community becomes more accessible, support for arts and recreation, including summer camps, and establishing more daycare and programs for youth are the main things that come to mind. This list and the priorities may shift as I learn more about what the priorities and actions of the current council are and what residents hope to see.
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Key Priorities and Strategies:
• Recreation Complex: Continue negotiating with partners to develop an indoor facility that meets community needs.
• Outdoor Recreation: Expand outdoor spaces by collaborating with the community and sponsors, like the Skatepark project.
• Farmers Market Parking: Facilitate stakeholder discussions for shared maintenance and funding.
• Floodplain Mitigation: Work with experts to implement proactive flood prevention measures.
• Daycare: Increase affordable childcare by working with local provider sand utilizing existing infrastructure.
• Summer Camps: Develop diverse, engaging camps through partnerships with businesses and volunteers.
• Wastewater: Collaborate with experts to improve and manage wastewater infrastructure sustainably.
• Affordable Housing: Simplify the process for building affordable housing with developers and government support.
• Road Conditions: Advocate for road improvements by working closely with provincial authorities.
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I think that a lot of our infrastructure problems are a case of “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” We’ve always had potholes.
What’s different, hopefully, as we move forward, is how we approach these challenges. Again: we have to do it together. My parents live in Maryvale, and you’d better believe that paving – or a lack thereof – on Hawthorne Street affects them as much as me. Caring about our community means that we care about others’ problems, not just our own, and we take ownership of working towards solutions.
I’ve addressed a few of these items already, but I’d like to also talk about recreation: we need more facilities and more places for kids to play. I know there's a movement towards building something new, which is admirable – but I also want to look at existing facilities and resources that we can build upon or redo. An outdoor basketball court in a central area being one. An outdoor skating rink. Let’s talk about it.
StFX’s athletics facilities have been part of all our lives – but we cannot rely solely on the university to support the vast recreational and athletic needs of our community. Those facilities, despite being newly renovated, are busy 24/7 and there’s plenty of opportunity for us to expand beyond campus.
The Farmer’s Market parking lot? I … can’t even. My sense is that it’s a perfect storm of “who’s on first?” That is – whose responsibility is it, really? This is one of the most perfect examples I can name of the absolutely essential need for groups to work together to solve a problem for the greater good. Casey Vandesande is a problem solver - he took care of it. Things shouldn’t be left to the point where people are infuriated. What’s predictable is preventable!
Recreation community complex
The idea of a new recreational community complex is a relatively new concept, one that we can model by studying other municipalities with similar initiatives. Before we can even think about anew recreation community centre, a comprehensive inventory of current facilities and youth needs, with parental involvement, will be needed in order to provide a solid foundation. Researching municipalities with similar community complexes can offer insight into best practices, such as successful partnerships, funding models, and maintenance strategies. Additionally, convening community engagement sessions to gather input on interests and potential challenges will help shape a plan that aligns with local desires and ensures the long-term sustainability of the project.
Outdoor recreation infrastructure
The Town has been instrumental in providing fields, tennis courts, turf, and walking trails, benefiting not only our sports-minded citizens but people of all ages who enjoy the outdoors, while at the same time offering inclusive programming for everyone. I have had the opportunity to sit on council committees that focus on these efforts, as well as working collaboratively with the County in their pursuit of similar developments. The philosophy of 'if you build it, they will come' has driven our Recreation Department’s work. I plan to continue these efforts, including further collaborating with the County to expand outdoor recreation facilities. I invite both volunteers and representatives from various sports teams to contribute to this vision. Their collective voices will help shape a renewed future for our facilities.
Maintaining the farmers market parking lot
The parking lot is owned by the Federation of Agriculture, and it will be their responsibility to request funding for paving. Governments cannot undertake work on private land without a contract or a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Floodplain mitigation in town
The Town has already studied this issue, and it is under the jurisdiction of the Eastern District Planning Commission, which is responsible for enforcing the bylaws related to it.
Daycare infrastructure
If you are asking about daycare centers, they are not within our mandate. However, playgrounds and equipment are, and the Town has recently invested over $100,000 in new equipment for the Arbour Drive Extension playground, which is located in the County. As mayor, I would like to continue investment in playgrounds and equipment throughout the Town.
Summer camp availability
The Town offers summer camps through our Recreation Department, providing additional recreational opportunities for our community.
Wastewater infrastructure
The Town owns the 55-year-old Sewer Treatment Plant and will be investing approximately $5million to upgrade this facility. A comprehensive study, in partnership with the County, will be conducted to ensure that both future expansions around and in the Town can be accommodated. Should this comprehensive study recommend exploring the option of building anew plant, it will certainly be explored.
Affordable housing
This is not within the mandate of Municipal Councils in Nova Scotia, as we must operate within the boundaries of the Municipal Government Act. However, we can continue to support agencies like the Antigonish Affordable Housing group, whose success is not only admired but envied by many other municipalities.
Road conditions
We must do better! Where possible, we need to pave, not just patch. The conditions are worsening with climate change, and we must make the most of our limited funds to address these challenges effectively.
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Several of these concerns are critical to the well-being and growth of Antigonish, but my key priorities would be affordable housing, daycare infrastructure, floodplain mitigation, and wastewater infrastructure, given their immediate impact on residents’ quality of life. Here’s how I would address each:
h. Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is a pressing issue for many in our community, especially young professionals, families, and seniors. To tackle this:
• Partner with developers to create mixed-income housing projects that provide affordable rental units and homeownership options.
• Advocate for provincial and federal support to expand affordable housing programs and increase funding for non-profits focused on housing.
• Encourage densification by updating zoning policies to allow for more multi-family housing and accessory dwelling units, making housing more accessible.
• Focus on sustainable development, ensuring new homes are energy-efficient to keep costs low for residents.
e. Daycare Infrastructure
As a young parent, it’s evident the lack of adequate daycare services impacts working families and the local workforce. To improve daycare infrastructure:
• Collaborate with the province to advocate for increased funding and support for expanding local daycare facilities.
• Work with local businesses and organizations to explore employer-supported childcare programs, helping parents balance work and family life.
• Encourage investment in early childhood education by creating incentives for the establishment of new daycare facilities and supporting existing ones with necessary resources.
d. Floodplain Mitigation in Town
As climate change increasingly impacts our community, floodplain mitigation is vital to protect homes and infrastructure. I would:
• Push for updated floodplain maps and proactive flood risk assessments to better understand and manage potential dangers.
• Invest in sustainable infrastructure solutions, such as improved drainage systems and natural flood barriers, to reduce the risk of flooding.
• Collaborate with environmental experts and provincial agencies to implement long-term flood prevention strategies that protect vulnerable areas.
g. Wastewater Infrastructure
Reliable wastewater infrastructure is essential for a healthy and sustainable community. To address this:
• Advocate for provincial and federal funding to upgrade and maintain wastewater infrastructure, ensuring it meets the needs of a growing population.
• Invest in modernizing wastewater treatment systems to meet environmental standards and support the long-term growth of Antigonish.
• Work with engineers and environmental agencies to implement efficient and sustainable wastewater management practices that reduce our ecological footprint.
While these priorities are my focus, I recognize the importance of the other issues, such as recreation infrastructure and road conditions, and would ensure they receive attention as well. By addressing these key concerns, we can make Antigonish a more livable, family-friendly, and resilient community.
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My son sometimes goes to Paqtnkek to shoot hoops – and loves it. I’d love to have an outdoor court in Town that he and his friends could walk to! We do have some wonderful assets, not even counting the facilities at StFX. The skate park, for instance, has been a wonderful addition to Town. But I also know that we’ve got a lot of assets that are under-utilized or that folks simply don’t know about. I saw a thread on Facebook recently about the disc golf course by the high school. Many people were learning about disc golf for the first time, courtesy of one poster who was explaining how the game works. So how do we install and maintain recreation facilities – but also, how do we encourage people to use them? This needs serious attention.
I’m passionate about exercise and its connection to our mental well-being. But I know that there are lots of ways to move and to be healthy that don’t involve organized sports! I am very keen to work on projects that bring forward alternate ideas for not only physical infrastructure but also groups or initiatives that get people up, outside, and moving (like our run club!). I am loving seeing people using the new Active Living Corridor, but how do we make that space vibrant, easily accessible, and a part of the fabric of our Town? There’s a lot of possibility there, but it’s in the early stages now.
I’m learning more about sewage treatment now than I ever wanted to. I suspect we all are. I will echo Emilie and say that I know what I don’t know – but I trust people like Leon MacLellan, who’s run the StFX campus for years and years – to help us navigate this turbulent situation quickly and effectively.
My own children are teenagers now, but I am hearing loud and clear from parents in the community who’re crying out for more support when it comes to kids. In this economy, two-income households are now the norm (how else do people buy groceries??), but that’s tricky when daycare spaces are so limited and kids are off school for the summer months. Not all of us are so lucky to have extended family nearby to help ease the load (something particularly pressing for newcomers to Antigonish, who most often come without extended family) and so how can we, as a community, provide better supports for families? Our relationships with the university will play a key role here. They already offer so many wonderful camps for kids in the summer – from basketball to X-Chem to theatre programs – so how do we collaborate even further to support existing ones and create more?
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a. Recreation community complex
While we are very fortunate to have Stfx at our fingertips, I also recognize that we must look to our own community spaces to ensure an active and vibrant community. Make your Move Antigonish is excellent. It shows how two communities can work together for the common good. When I think of a “Recreation Community Complex”, because of my background in the arts I also think of a purpose built facility that addresses more than recreation. Does it address the needs of the community that is building Art in Public spaces, making music to ensure the residents are healing through the power of music. Is there a Live Theatre opportunity in one of these spaces? Concerts, plays, orchestras. Being fit includes the mental and the physical. I am in favor of a study or analysis put to the residents to see what kind of space we really need in order to adapt to our growing community and to ensure a welcoming space for all.
b. Outdoor recreation infrastructure
We have Stfx fields, Dr. John Hugh Gillis fields, Columbus Field as well as natural outdoor spaces such as Keppoch, beaches and trails and of course the newly created Active Transportation Corridor. I am very much in favor of thenew active transportation corridor as it will connect so many communitiestogether. My family walks everyday in Antigonish. One of the goals of movinghome was to get out of our car and see and experience Antigonish on foot, orbicycling. We have strong outdoor and indoor infrastructure in the communitybut what I continually hear is that the spaces are not coordinated from ascheduling perspective. Maybe there is an opportunity there to develop orutilize technology to ensure fair and adequate scheduling of these resources?
c. Maintaining the farmers market parking lot
Chip seal or pave it.
d. Floodplain mitigation in town
Continue to work with Eastern Planning to ensure development issustainable. As the climate changes so must our policies around Storm WaterManagement and sewer infrastructures. Growth in the County is exceedingdevelopment growth in the town so partnerships to these increased costs mustbe enhanced and developed.
e. Daycare infrastructure
We need more daycare. In my current work, I am researching daycares andI understand the pressing need for more spaces. Daycare is also an economicengine and a lack of adequate daycare prevents 50% of our workforce fromachieving their own dreams of growth and development. This became so evidentin the pandemic. Work with the Province and daycare providers to increasespots. Encourage developers and builders to see these spaces not only asnecessary but also as profit driven enterprises through leases of space andthrough enrollment.
f. Summer camp availability
Creating space for children to learn and grow is so important to a sustainable community. Offering varied programs with local organizations and other local and Provincial and Federal Governments. Maybe, as above, it is part of a new complex development that offers creative spaces for kids to learn and have new experiences. Theater camps, soccer, Improv, ultimate frisbee, camping, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, pickleball... I could list on and on but yes this is something that is so important for the whole community, from toddlers to teens. Having a safe space to be yourself and to be with like minded individuals creates a stronger community.
g. Wastewater infrastructure
It’s super stinky at the moment. We all smell it, but how did it get this bad? That’s really the question you have to ask. Infrastructure is crumbling in Municipalities all over Canada. We need a detailed Asset Management plan that can be adhered to ensuring a strong auditing process of local infrastructure. We must continue to build our reserves and continue to create strong partnerships with The Provincial and Federal Governments. Our only way out of the current problem is with collaboration and fostering a trusting relationship with the above Governments and The Municipality of the County of Antigonish. As mentioned earlier the exponential growth of the County Housing has put a strain on Town Infrastructure. Everyone needs to contribute to repair the damage of the past to ensure a less stinky future.
h. Affordable housing
Copied from above:
Housing is a whole story. I have over 10 years in the field of housing and homelessness. Yes homelessness exists in Antigonish and the first step is recognizing that housing should be a human right. We must think differently about housing in Antigonish. The best way to address the issue is to attract developers that see affordable solutions in the community. Town houses, condos, Lane and coach houses are definitive best practices of what can be done to increase the housing stock. We must also consider how we can ensure residents can live in place while assessments rise and taxes tied to those assessments increase. Antigonish affordable housing society is an example of what can be accomplished when ordinary citizens recognize a problem and roll their arms up to provide solutions. A Roof over your headworks tirelessly to house people in our community. The not for profit sector is trying to do their best but all businesses, developers and government must work together to ensure a community that is housed, safe and thriving.
i. Road conditions
The roads are a bit of a mess that’s for sure. When I talk to visitors and residents who return home from across Canada they marvel at the disrepair and state of our roads. Having already mentioned numerous times, I will say it again, we have an immediate opportunity to create an Asset Management plan. Build reserves, partner with Local and Federal resources to improve on the current infrastructure, but there is something else we need to do.
I always try to lead with good intent, so these are simply my observations of a recent road project and as I am not privileged to the conversations that took place I can only state what I have visibly seen. So after that disclaimer, here I go.
West Street construction. As mentioned I am a huge proponent and fan of the Active Transportation corridor. Since its inception my family and I use it routinely on our walks and as it grows and develops I am so excited about the opportunity it provides to the people of Antigonish. So here we have 18 million dollars of purpose directed funding to build a trail system to provide activity to the residents of Antigonish. In doing so, some roads will need to be impacted. So here is West street, torn to shreds. I waited and waited and waited in disbelief as half the road was torn up and then put it back together like Humpty Dumpty. Where was the foresight? You are tearing up a road for goodness sake. Take the opportunity to provide new infrastructure under the road. Cut and Cover. Replace the failing water and sewer. Like I said I am not privileged to know if that work has been recently completed? I need to do more research but here was a golden opportunity to do it right once. It’s now a lost opportunity and another unacceptable road. Not only does it feel and look awful but because people will tie it emotionally to the Active Transportation Corridor it will leave a bad taste on an innovative and amazing newly created piece of important infrastructure. My two cents on that one.
Ps: we should narrow (at the wider sections) and fully repair Hawthorne street. Narrower street in the long run require less ongoing maintenance, less pavement etc
a. Recreation community complex
It is time for an Antigonish Recreation Centre. I am committed to following the community’s lead to design and create a space that serves diverse needs. Like the library and the farmers market, this project is initiated by the community and should be fully supported by the Town & County.
b. Outdoor recreation infrastructure
We live surrounded by an abundance of beauty. We should continue to expand trails and parks, making Antigonish an active and accessible community for all ages. I will work to increase use of the expansive selection of equipment loans from both Recreation Departments.
c. Maintaining the farmers market parking lot
A huge shout out to Casey Van de Sande who grated the parking lot this year! The state of the parking lot at the Farmers Market every year is honestly embarrassing. The poor condition takes away from the beauty of the new building and gives a lousy impression of Antigonish to visitors and residents. I am committed to finding a sustainable solution to the issue.
d. Floodplain mitigation in town
Proactive floodplain management is essential for protecting residents and businesses. I would prioritize stormwater infrastructure improvements and ensure any new developments consider climate risks. We will only be facing worse severe weather. We need to be prepared. There are citizen groups working to fill the gaps in municipal emergency planning - which is perfectly appropriate. Citizen groups can move faster than government and in a crisis we need to that ensure everyone is safe. I, myself, live in the 100-year floodplain and fully expect to lose my home and everything I’ve worked for if we don’t take flood risks extremely seriously. In November 2021, I watched the waters creep to my backyard. Just around the corner, others were not so lucky and sustained damage and terrible loss. We cannot rely on luck. The time to act is now.
I am in favour of working with regional governments to advocate for a provincial Coastal Protection Act, and to work together in the interim to harmonize our approach to coastal protection.
e. Daycare infrastructure
We need affordable, accessible daycare to support working families. I will explore public-private partnerships to expand existing facilities or develop a 24/7 daycare model. I will also work with local organizations to support community members who want to start home daycares to navigate the start-up process and to access grants and funding. I am in favour of supporting daycare co-op models and pre-vetted emergency childcare rosters.
f. Summer camp availability
I would not consider myself even a passing expert on this issue. I don’t have children and would defer to those who do to direct changes to summer camps and other recreation programs. I do have personal experience with the online booking system that I’ve helped people navigate. It is not user-friendly for people without computer literacy and I’ve often found myself trying to help people figure out how to go about searching availability and registering their children for programs. I’d like to see that revamped.
g. Wastewater infrastructure
Our wastewater system issues are being addressed. However, recent odour issues have highlighted that our planning is based on timelines that do not reflect the effects of climate change on our sewer system. I support long-term planning and investment to upgrade infrastructure and ensure we are prepared for a future with warmer summers and drier winters.
h. Affordable housing
This is a top priority. We need a mix of new builds and the renovation of existing properties, with a focus on affordability and sustainability, to meet the needs of residents. I commit to working with all municipal governments in Nova Scotia to strongly advocate that the provincial government take on their responsibilities for affordable housing. We need the province to step up and to build public housing now. In the meantime, Antigonish will continue to be a leader in the construction of affordable housing projects by providing land and making investments in organizations like Antigonish Affordable Housing Society.
i. Road conditions
Regular maintenance and long-term investment are needed to improve road quality and safety. More than road conditions, at the doorstep I hear complaints and concerns about increases in traffic, as well as dangerous intersections and crosswalks. The “walk” buttons at both ends of Main St have been broken for months. The increase in traffic downtown, around the schools, and on Hawthorne St, slows movement to a crawl and increases driver frustration, which is a safety issue. I live off St Mary’s St and see vehicles speeding down to College trying to avoid Main St, but creating dangerous conditions on the side streets. Parking is a huge issue too. Not just the lack of it, but how intersections are blocked and navigating streets becomes more difficult.
To me, the solution is twofold. First, we need to make Antigonish an attractive community to walk, take public transit, or share a vehicle. Right now, for most people, it is entirely inconvenient or undoable to live without a car. If we don’t have good alternatives to driving your own vehicle to get the things done you need to get done, we’re going to have busier and busier streets. Second, we need an updated traffic study to understand the movement of people in Antigonish and determine what changes need to be made to ensure everyone’s safety.
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