Responses from Candidates in Minden Hills
Question #1
What actions have you personally taken to live a more sustainable lifestyle and lower your greenhouse gas emissions?
Mayor
Bob Carter:
"Our household has taken a number of actions. We heat our home and hot water via a geothermal system. We significantly increased the insulation of our house. We eliminated all propane usage. We have made an effort to grow our own food and purchase locally grown produce. We have also consciously reduced the amount of travelling that we do."
Deputy Mayor
Lisa Schell -- NO RESPONSE
Ward 1
Richard Bradley:
"I have raised my thermostat during Air Conditioning season and lowered it during Heating Season. I have cut the frequency of my trips in my personal vehicle by trying to avoid single purpose excursions by scheduling multiple destinations and planning an efficient route as possible. I have reduced my pontoon boat use by 75%. I try to use my 4 cylinder car whenever possible to use less gas. I look for and try to purchase as much locally grown produce as I can. I cut my grass only when it's required, about 50% as much as I used to."
Mike Grozelle -- NO RESPONSE
Shirley Johannessen:
"Thank you, my husband Derek and I have made personal changes to lesson our Carbon Footprint. We now own 2 vechicles but only use 1 and will often wait 2 or more hours for the other to finish work and than go home together, thereby reducing it by half. As well when we built our house we kept 100 % of the original fauna to offset our carbon trail. As well we now only vacation once a year as aircraft travel is a major player in carbon . We hope all consumers are choosing products with less packaging and waste these days. Please check out Minden Times Wednesday June 15 2022 article written by Sue Tee Former Brady Lake resident is the recipient of Concordia's Miriam Aaron Roland Graduate Fellowship who isolated the compound which is responsible for destroying the Salmon population. This is our daughter Cassandra Johannessen."
Ivan Ingram:
"My family composts all of our organic material and reuse it in our gardens.
We use reusable containers for our drinking water.
We have containers to catch rainwater for our gardens.
We have one vehicle.
We use rechargeable equipment for lawncare and snow removal.
We have low water usage shower heads."
Ward 2
Stephen Hertel:
"We have taken this seriously and been doing a few things for years. We go plastics free with using reusable containers, be water wise, green our home with new windows, regular maintenance on our heat source, boycott products dangerous & endanger animals, drive less with planning trips, think a plan to grocery shopping."
Pam Sayne:
"Use of food composter. Gardening. Drive less. Improved home energy efficiency."
Ward 3
Bob Sisson:
"Being aware of energy efficiency, energy efficient appliances, light bulbs."
Councillor at Large
Trevor Chaulk:
"Unfortunately we live in a world of consumerism and a throw away society. Personally I try to live as minimal as possible, purchasing better quality Canadian made products and repairing items wherever possible. This allows reduced manufacturing and transportation emissions that are regulated in a more sustainable way. We also are active in recycle and reuse programs such as thrift stores for clothing, household goods. We have a garden at home that we cultivate every year and use our own compost from food and leaves."
Tammy McKelvey:
"We have personally made an effort to decrease our water consumption. We ensured that additional insulation was installed in our home when we constructed in 2012. An Active user of the Food Cycler. Our flower barrels were changed to use as vegetable growing."
What actions have you personally taken to live a more sustainable lifestyle and lower your greenhouse gas emissions?
Mayor
Bob Carter:
"Our household has taken a number of actions. We heat our home and hot water via a geothermal system. We significantly increased the insulation of our house. We eliminated all propane usage. We have made an effort to grow our own food and purchase locally grown produce. We have also consciously reduced the amount of travelling that we do."
Deputy Mayor
Lisa Schell -- NO RESPONSE
Ward 1
Richard Bradley:
"I have raised my thermostat during Air Conditioning season and lowered it during Heating Season. I have cut the frequency of my trips in my personal vehicle by trying to avoid single purpose excursions by scheduling multiple destinations and planning an efficient route as possible. I have reduced my pontoon boat use by 75%. I try to use my 4 cylinder car whenever possible to use less gas. I look for and try to purchase as much locally grown produce as I can. I cut my grass only when it's required, about 50% as much as I used to."
Mike Grozelle -- NO RESPONSE
Shirley Johannessen:
"Thank you, my husband Derek and I have made personal changes to lesson our Carbon Footprint. We now own 2 vechicles but only use 1 and will often wait 2 or more hours for the other to finish work and than go home together, thereby reducing it by half. As well when we built our house we kept 100 % of the original fauna to offset our carbon trail. As well we now only vacation once a year as aircraft travel is a major player in carbon . We hope all consumers are choosing products with less packaging and waste these days. Please check out Minden Times Wednesday June 15 2022 article written by Sue Tee Former Brady Lake resident is the recipient of Concordia's Miriam Aaron Roland Graduate Fellowship who isolated the compound which is responsible for destroying the Salmon population. This is our daughter Cassandra Johannessen."
Ivan Ingram:
"My family composts all of our organic material and reuse it in our gardens.
We use reusable containers for our drinking water.
We have containers to catch rainwater for our gardens.
We have one vehicle.
We use rechargeable equipment for lawncare and snow removal.
We have low water usage shower heads."
Ward 2
Stephen Hertel:
"We have taken this seriously and been doing a few things for years. We go plastics free with using reusable containers, be water wise, green our home with new windows, regular maintenance on our heat source, boycott products dangerous & endanger animals, drive less with planning trips, think a plan to grocery shopping."
Pam Sayne:
"Use of food composter. Gardening. Drive less. Improved home energy efficiency."
Ward 3
Bob Sisson:
"Being aware of energy efficiency, energy efficient appliances, light bulbs."
Councillor at Large
Trevor Chaulk:
"Unfortunately we live in a world of consumerism and a throw away society. Personally I try to live as minimal as possible, purchasing better quality Canadian made products and repairing items wherever possible. This allows reduced manufacturing and transportation emissions that are regulated in a more sustainable way. We also are active in recycle and reuse programs such as thrift stores for clothing, household goods. We have a garden at home that we cultivate every year and use our own compost from food and leaves."
Tammy McKelvey:
"We have personally made an effort to decrease our water consumption. We ensured that additional insulation was installed in our home when we constructed in 2012. An Active user of the Food Cycler. Our flower barrels were changed to use as vegetable growing."
Question #2
What opportunities for climate leadership and/or environmental protection do you see at the municipal level, eg. lowering greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector, land use planning, transportation or other?
Mayor
Bob Carter:
"A hard question to answer in a few sentences. We strive to implement procedures to lower fuel consumption. Low emission vehicles for the municipal sector are prohibitively expensive and not available in the next couple of years, but they are being investigated. Building codes are best left to the provincial government. Municipalities could encourage community gardens to reduce emissions and improve food security."
Deputy Mayor
Lisa Schell -- NO RESPONSE
Ward 1
Richard Bradley:
"When practicable using Electric Vehicles to replace vehicles. Utilizing the available rooftop space for solar panels on municipal buildings, Providing Green Burial options. Providing Electric Vehicle charging stations."
Mike Grozelle -- NO RESPONSE
Shirley Johannessen:
"Currently Haliburton is blessed with Carbon Consumers :Trees and there is no large scale building projects in effect in our County but rather owner / occupier builds. Most owners do seek conservation due to the cost of energy. Education might help with the overall size ( sq ft) of the average residence compared to that of our Fathers and Mothers homes and cottages. More attention is needed in water quality and invasive species to protect our lakes and waterways."
Ivan Ingram:
"Composting facilities at the Landfill, solar initiatives, protection of our shorelines, enforcement and education of short-term rentals to avoid overloading septic systems, conversions to equipment to electric where feasible."
Ward 2
Stephen Hertel:
"We can start by better land use and planning. greening the townships vehicles, looking into a plan for public transportation, building code changes to build more efficient energy saving designs."
Pam Sayne:
"I have requested that an energy/environmental impact be included in each Municipal staff report along with the required financial impact. I started the Climate Change Action Committee in Minden Hills which, with community support, encouraged the County to move on this issue too."
Ward 3
Bob Sisson:
"Possible use of solar power on new builds or existing buildings. Car pool whenever possible."
Councillor at Large
Trevor Chaulk:
"Seeing the reuse program back at our landfills are a great start. I would like to see a collaborative approach with setting up a committee that can work with different organizations regarding the importance and education of environmental impacts of our daily choices that are almost automated in regular behavior."
Tammy McKelvey:
"I want to see energy efficiency initiatives implemented in all of our Municipal buildings. Water bottle fill stations need to be supplied in various Municipal facilities. Permeable pavement for businesses should be required with Site Plan Control plans."
What opportunities for climate leadership and/or environmental protection do you see at the municipal level, eg. lowering greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector, land use planning, transportation or other?
Mayor
Bob Carter:
"A hard question to answer in a few sentences. We strive to implement procedures to lower fuel consumption. Low emission vehicles for the municipal sector are prohibitively expensive and not available in the next couple of years, but they are being investigated. Building codes are best left to the provincial government. Municipalities could encourage community gardens to reduce emissions and improve food security."
Deputy Mayor
Lisa Schell -- NO RESPONSE
Ward 1
Richard Bradley:
"When practicable using Electric Vehicles to replace vehicles. Utilizing the available rooftop space for solar panels on municipal buildings, Providing Green Burial options. Providing Electric Vehicle charging stations."
Mike Grozelle -- NO RESPONSE
Shirley Johannessen:
"Currently Haliburton is blessed with Carbon Consumers :Trees and there is no large scale building projects in effect in our County but rather owner / occupier builds. Most owners do seek conservation due to the cost of energy. Education might help with the overall size ( sq ft) of the average residence compared to that of our Fathers and Mothers homes and cottages. More attention is needed in water quality and invasive species to protect our lakes and waterways."
Ivan Ingram:
"Composting facilities at the Landfill, solar initiatives, protection of our shorelines, enforcement and education of short-term rentals to avoid overloading septic systems, conversions to equipment to electric where feasible."
Ward 2
Stephen Hertel:
"We can start by better land use and planning. greening the townships vehicles, looking into a plan for public transportation, building code changes to build more efficient energy saving designs."
Pam Sayne:
"I have requested that an energy/environmental impact be included in each Municipal staff report along with the required financial impact. I started the Climate Change Action Committee in Minden Hills which, with community support, encouraged the County to move on this issue too."
Ward 3
Bob Sisson:
"Possible use of solar power on new builds or existing buildings. Car pool whenever possible."
Councillor at Large
Trevor Chaulk:
"Seeing the reuse program back at our landfills are a great start. I would like to see a collaborative approach with setting up a committee that can work with different organizations regarding the importance and education of environmental impacts of our daily choices that are almost automated in regular behavior."
Tammy McKelvey:
"I want to see energy efficiency initiatives implemented in all of our Municipal buildings. Water bottle fill stations need to be supplied in various Municipal facilities. Permeable pavement for businesses should be required with Site Plan Control plans."
Question #3
What long term solutions do you envision for the protection of wetlands and water quality in Haliburton County?
Mayor
Bob Carter:
"I think the Shoreline Protection Bylaw is a good start. I am on the board of U-Links and we took leadership, along with lake associations, and supported by the county, to create a standardized water testing protocol for our lakes. This will be a key indicator to monitor water quality and discover changes on our lakes. U-Links, lake associations, Trent University and others also have the Woodlands & Waterways Ecowatch Program which monitors the environment throughout the County. I mention U-Links here because Minden Hills has been a proud supporter since the beginning in 1999. I also think that with the improved mapping we will be getting from the County starting next year we will be able to better identify and designate for protection the wetland areas. The mandatory inspection of septic systems is an important step that should become a continuous program."
Deputy Mayor
Lisa Schell -- NO RESPONSE
Ward 1
Richard Bradley:
"I believe the continuation of Septic inspections and appropriate maintenance is important. Educating landowners about and promoting the Ontario Land Trust. Lobbying the Provincial Government to maintain and increase the number of Ministry of Environment inspectors and improvement of regulations where applicable."
Mike Grozelle -- NO RESPONSE
Shirley Johannessen:
"Wetlands are integral to the Health of our land and Wildlife and greater education and assistance is desperately needed with a new partnership between owners and local government. Ducks unlimited has done 100% more than any beurocracy and they are private and partner with land holders to preserve and expand our wetlands and the biodiversity that it supports."
Ivan Ingram:
"Educating the taxpayers on the Shoreline Preservation Bylaw, and then enforcing the bylaw when required, monitoring permits.
Keeping the already identified wetlands safe and not permit encroachment for buildings or enlarging lots to help maintain the wetlands. Enforcement."
Ward 2
Stephen Hertel:
"By preserving our wetlands and water and not filling them in to building condos or more. I know we are in a housing crisis but there is other viable great land to be used and developed."
Pam Sayne:
"We need the research and quickly adopt new technologies to protect these areas and species within as we experience human intensification of rural areas. This includes finding ways to take the pharmaceuticals out of our waste water among the other more common considerations. We need to listen more to nature. The westernizing trend in development is to destroy the environment without even recognizing what is it we are destroying. Our interdependence with the Natural Environment needs to be better understood by colonizing cultures and development models."
Ward 3
Bob Sisson:
"There are numerous things that can be done, starting with educating the public. Composting, recycling and stop littering or when going for a walk, take a bag and help clean up litter around you."
Councillor at Large
Trevor Chaulk:
"First off is if land is currently zoned EP, it should not even be considered for rezoning for residential or commercial applications. Our land mass is large enough to provide adequate space for the demand for housing. There are always many scientific reports and reasons that this needs to be protected, but it seems economic discretion and tourism related views sway mindsets."
Tammy McKelvey:
"The County is completing more wetland mapping and needs to ensure that these lands are protected in the Official Plan."
What long term solutions do you envision for the protection of wetlands and water quality in Haliburton County?
Mayor
Bob Carter:
"I think the Shoreline Protection Bylaw is a good start. I am on the board of U-Links and we took leadership, along with lake associations, and supported by the county, to create a standardized water testing protocol for our lakes. This will be a key indicator to monitor water quality and discover changes on our lakes. U-Links, lake associations, Trent University and others also have the Woodlands & Waterways Ecowatch Program which monitors the environment throughout the County. I mention U-Links here because Minden Hills has been a proud supporter since the beginning in 1999. I also think that with the improved mapping we will be getting from the County starting next year we will be able to better identify and designate for protection the wetland areas. The mandatory inspection of septic systems is an important step that should become a continuous program."
Deputy Mayor
Lisa Schell -- NO RESPONSE
Ward 1
Richard Bradley:
"I believe the continuation of Septic inspections and appropriate maintenance is important. Educating landowners about and promoting the Ontario Land Trust. Lobbying the Provincial Government to maintain and increase the number of Ministry of Environment inspectors and improvement of regulations where applicable."
Mike Grozelle -- NO RESPONSE
Shirley Johannessen:
"Wetlands are integral to the Health of our land and Wildlife and greater education and assistance is desperately needed with a new partnership between owners and local government. Ducks unlimited has done 100% more than any beurocracy and they are private and partner with land holders to preserve and expand our wetlands and the biodiversity that it supports."
Ivan Ingram:
"Educating the taxpayers on the Shoreline Preservation Bylaw, and then enforcing the bylaw when required, monitoring permits.
Keeping the already identified wetlands safe and not permit encroachment for buildings or enlarging lots to help maintain the wetlands. Enforcement."
Ward 2
Stephen Hertel:
"By preserving our wetlands and water and not filling them in to building condos or more. I know we are in a housing crisis but there is other viable great land to be used and developed."
Pam Sayne:
"We need the research and quickly adopt new technologies to protect these areas and species within as we experience human intensification of rural areas. This includes finding ways to take the pharmaceuticals out of our waste water among the other more common considerations. We need to listen more to nature. The westernizing trend in development is to destroy the environment without even recognizing what is it we are destroying. Our interdependence with the Natural Environment needs to be better understood by colonizing cultures and development models."
Ward 3
Bob Sisson:
"There are numerous things that can be done, starting with educating the public. Composting, recycling and stop littering or when going for a walk, take a bag and help clean up litter around you."
Councillor at Large
Trevor Chaulk:
"First off is if land is currently zoned EP, it should not even be considered for rezoning for residential or commercial applications. Our land mass is large enough to provide adequate space for the demand for housing. There are always many scientific reports and reasons that this needs to be protected, but it seems economic discretion and tourism related views sway mindsets."
Tammy McKelvey:
"The County is completing more wetland mapping and needs to ensure that these lands are protected in the Official Plan."
Question #4
Do you support the implementation of the shoreline preservation by-law in its current form with authority for its implementation given to the County?
Mayor
Bob Carter:
"Yes. No bylaw is perfect, but we have to start and monitor how it is working. If needed, we can change the procedure or the bylaw itself. "
Deputy Mayor
Lisa Schell -- NO RESPONSE
Ward 1
Richard Bradley:
"I support that Shorelines need to be protected by a by-law. I am not sure the by-law in it's present form is as perfect as it could be and am open to suggestions from all stakeholders as it's implemented to consider amendments."
Mike Grozelle -- NO RESPONSE
Shirley Johannessen:
"No I do not support the current bylaw and the language and content. I am against another level of government with enforce authority. A partnership and good unbiased education will succeed. The majority of residents are here because of their appreciation of our Natural Resources, they must be given a personal stake in it and this will not be achieved by monetary penalties and neighbors calling authorities."
Ivan Ingram:
"I support the Bylaw in principle, I think the County needs to and educational blitz to make it crystal clear on what is allowed and what is not.
I believe the SPB is a living document and could be amended as needed."
Ward 2
Stephen Hertel:
"I think the by-law is better than not having one but it could be tweaked to support changes. The county in conjunction with the townships can work well to handle this. With support of research and evidence as we as education, people will support."
Pam Sayne:
"Yes."
Ward 3
Bob Sisson:
"I am not 100% aware of this topic but I do feel that it is the same for everyone that owns lakefront property. We need to keep our lakes clean and free of contamination. "
Councillor at Large
Trevor Chaulk:
"Shoreline, Shoreline, Shoreline! Well, this has been quite controversial, hasn’t it? After almost 5 years in the process and many $$$ spent with discussions both public and private, we now have a draft that has been approved. After reviewing this draft, which is scheduled to rollout over the next year or so, there are many gaps regarding clarity and interpretations are open to perception. I strongly believe we need to maintain and preserve our lakes and waterways, which keep our ecosystem vibrant and working the way nature intended. However, the County has proposed to hire bylaw enforcement officers, but remember we have not been able to find a local Planner and many other positions within each Township and County levels). Currently, a great deal of authority is placed on the Directors discretion (not clearly outlined who the “Director” is), as long as the Director feels the intent to follow the purpose is met. This can include discretions on economic, social and environmental well-being of the county. I hope this does not mean that money can sway approval of permits or allowances (economic discretion). Currently, security deposits may be required at the directors discretion to a max of the dollar work being performed, with no interest payable for the time it is held (this costs the homeowner much more to perform the work). And last but not least, the Townships or County levels of government can perform emergency or repair work without a permit, which they should, provided that the intent of purpose of the bylaw is being met – BUT with no inspection processes outlined in the draft or inspections performed to hold ALL accountable."
Tammy McKelvey:
"I absolutely support the Shoreline Preservation By-Law, and I want to ensure that the Septic Reinspection Program continues and the follow up for failing systems is completed in a timely fashion."
Do you support the implementation of the shoreline preservation by-law in its current form with authority for its implementation given to the County?
Mayor
Bob Carter:
"Yes. No bylaw is perfect, but we have to start and monitor how it is working. If needed, we can change the procedure or the bylaw itself. "
Deputy Mayor
Lisa Schell -- NO RESPONSE
Ward 1
Richard Bradley:
"I support that Shorelines need to be protected by a by-law. I am not sure the by-law in it's present form is as perfect as it could be and am open to suggestions from all stakeholders as it's implemented to consider amendments."
Mike Grozelle -- NO RESPONSE
Shirley Johannessen:
"No I do not support the current bylaw and the language and content. I am against another level of government with enforce authority. A partnership and good unbiased education will succeed. The majority of residents are here because of their appreciation of our Natural Resources, they must be given a personal stake in it and this will not be achieved by monetary penalties and neighbors calling authorities."
Ivan Ingram:
"I support the Bylaw in principle, I think the County needs to and educational blitz to make it crystal clear on what is allowed and what is not.
I believe the SPB is a living document and could be amended as needed."
Ward 2
Stephen Hertel:
"I think the by-law is better than not having one but it could be tweaked to support changes. The county in conjunction with the townships can work well to handle this. With support of research and evidence as we as education, people will support."
Pam Sayne:
"Yes."
Ward 3
Bob Sisson:
"I am not 100% aware of this topic but I do feel that it is the same for everyone that owns lakefront property. We need to keep our lakes clean and free of contamination. "
Councillor at Large
Trevor Chaulk:
"Shoreline, Shoreline, Shoreline! Well, this has been quite controversial, hasn’t it? After almost 5 years in the process and many $$$ spent with discussions both public and private, we now have a draft that has been approved. After reviewing this draft, which is scheduled to rollout over the next year or so, there are many gaps regarding clarity and interpretations are open to perception. I strongly believe we need to maintain and preserve our lakes and waterways, which keep our ecosystem vibrant and working the way nature intended. However, the County has proposed to hire bylaw enforcement officers, but remember we have not been able to find a local Planner and many other positions within each Township and County levels). Currently, a great deal of authority is placed on the Directors discretion (not clearly outlined who the “Director” is), as long as the Director feels the intent to follow the purpose is met. This can include discretions on economic, social and environmental well-being of the county. I hope this does not mean that money can sway approval of permits or allowances (economic discretion). Currently, security deposits may be required at the directors discretion to a max of the dollar work being performed, with no interest payable for the time it is held (this costs the homeowner much more to perform the work). And last but not least, the Townships or County levels of government can perform emergency or repair work without a permit, which they should, provided that the intent of purpose of the bylaw is being met – BUT with no inspection processes outlined in the draft or inspections performed to hold ALL accountable."
Tammy McKelvey:
"I absolutely support the Shoreline Preservation By-Law, and I want to ensure that the Septic Reinspection Program continues and the follow up for failing systems is completed in a timely fashion."
Question #5
Would you support County Climate Plan greenhouse emission targets that are based on a fair share of the cuts required to keep global warming at or below 1.5 °C?
Mayor
Bob Carter:
"I would like to be optimistic and feel that 1.5C is achievable but i fear it is not. I would certainly agree that we need to do our fair share,"
Deputy Mayor
Lisa Schell -- NO RESPONSE
Ward 1
Richard Bradley:
"Yes, Yes and Yes. I do not proclaim to be an expert on any of these issues and will rely on the expertise, information and continued communication from your group and others so we are able to make good decisions for Minden Hills while balancing protections for the Environment if I am fortunate enough to be a member of the next Minden Hills Council."
Mike Grozelle -- NO RESPONSE
Shirley Johannessen:
"The world environmental forum. The County of Haliburton with all of our forests and sparse population and deficit of industry is carbon neutral. The biggest impact would come from the traveling to and from our County by our seasonal residents. I am personally against raising living costs to one of the poorest areas in Canada while China and India continue to build coal fired electrical plants and a ballooning population. There are many people in our County who are strapped and have nothing left before the month ends, or others living in tents or trailers . How much do we impose on them?"
Ivan Ingram:
"Yes, provided they are attainable and reasonable."
Ward 2
Stephen Hertel:
"Unfortunately we aren't doing enough and might be because we just don't know how, yet and of course there is the budget investments that it will take for the future. I know people care but need the education, direction and some fast goals to see the forward movements."
Pam Sayne:
"Staff need training on how to do this as each budget round comes to councils. Targets need to be integrated with planning and budgeting on a practical level to succeed. Organizations such as QUEST (focused on urban areas) can be helpful in our rural communities too. Municipalities need to join such organizations so staff have access to the latest environmentally progressive options. We also need to consult with First Nations Communities/Cultures to learn and adopt a better mentality of our natural environment."
Ward 3
Bob Sisson:
"Yes."
Councillor at Large
Trevor Chaulk:
"This will also tie into question #2. If we look at consumer behaviors, it is difficult to see the ripple effect of our individual choices. I would like to see a couple of topics expanded into education vs cost. For example, our building materials made in our own country. province or county, sometimes come with a higher cost than that of overseas products. If the costs of shopping local for grocery and goods stay higher than surrounding towns we in many cases are persuaded to go out of town to save money. This leads to money leaving our area and increased vehicular traffic. Going green does cost more, but I do believe that small steps toward it will eventually make it more affordable which helps making more responsible choices that affect the greenhouse emissions."
Tammy McKelvey:
"I want to ensure that the County Climate Change Plan is actively included in the Council decisions going forward."
Would you support County Climate Plan greenhouse emission targets that are based on a fair share of the cuts required to keep global warming at or below 1.5 °C?
Mayor
Bob Carter:
"I would like to be optimistic and feel that 1.5C is achievable but i fear it is not. I would certainly agree that we need to do our fair share,"
Deputy Mayor
Lisa Schell -- NO RESPONSE
Ward 1
Richard Bradley:
"Yes, Yes and Yes. I do not proclaim to be an expert on any of these issues and will rely on the expertise, information and continued communication from your group and others so we are able to make good decisions for Minden Hills while balancing protections for the Environment if I am fortunate enough to be a member of the next Minden Hills Council."
Mike Grozelle -- NO RESPONSE
Shirley Johannessen:
"The world environmental forum. The County of Haliburton with all of our forests and sparse population and deficit of industry is carbon neutral. The biggest impact would come from the traveling to and from our County by our seasonal residents. I am personally against raising living costs to one of the poorest areas in Canada while China and India continue to build coal fired electrical plants and a ballooning population. There are many people in our County who are strapped and have nothing left before the month ends, or others living in tents or trailers . How much do we impose on them?"
Ivan Ingram:
"Yes, provided they are attainable and reasonable."
Ward 2
Stephen Hertel:
"Unfortunately we aren't doing enough and might be because we just don't know how, yet and of course there is the budget investments that it will take for the future. I know people care but need the education, direction and some fast goals to see the forward movements."
Pam Sayne:
"Staff need training on how to do this as each budget round comes to councils. Targets need to be integrated with planning and budgeting on a practical level to succeed. Organizations such as QUEST (focused on urban areas) can be helpful in our rural communities too. Municipalities need to join such organizations so staff have access to the latest environmentally progressive options. We also need to consult with First Nations Communities/Cultures to learn and adopt a better mentality of our natural environment."
Ward 3
Bob Sisson:
"Yes."
Councillor at Large
Trevor Chaulk:
"This will also tie into question #2. If we look at consumer behaviors, it is difficult to see the ripple effect of our individual choices. I would like to see a couple of topics expanded into education vs cost. For example, our building materials made in our own country. province or county, sometimes come with a higher cost than that of overseas products. If the costs of shopping local for grocery and goods stay higher than surrounding towns we in many cases are persuaded to go out of town to save money. This leads to money leaving our area and increased vehicular traffic. Going green does cost more, but I do believe that small steps toward it will eventually make it more affordable which helps making more responsible choices that affect the greenhouse emissions."
Tammy McKelvey:
"I want to ensure that the County Climate Change Plan is actively included in the Council decisions going forward."