GEORGINA VOTES: Residents, community groups, business leaders give want/wish list to new council

‘Top of mind’ issues: scrapping red tape, improving health of Lake Simcoe, boosting park space, attracting jobs

Yorkregion.com
Oct. 26, 2022
Amanda Persico

The election was merely days ago, but the real work has yet to begin.

As the signs are being taken down, the community -- from business and social service groups to parents and environmental groups -- provide Georgina's newly elected council with a wish list of items for the next term.

LOCAL BUSINESSES

The Georgina Chamber of Commerce established a municipal election platform identifying key issues faced by the local business community.

The most pressing issues include permits, licensing and reducing red tape; business development, attracting new business and economic growth; and economic and business friendly policies.

“We want to make sure (these) are top of mind and agenda for the next term of council,” said Chamber executive director Jennifer Anderson.

The last couple of years had a significant impact on local businesses.

“Having council members understand the needs and struggles of our local businesses will be an asset to our business community moving forward,” Anderson said.

To read candidate responses, visit georginachamber.com.

LAKE SIMCOE

“Virtually nothing” has been done to reduce phosphorus levels in Lake Simcoe since the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan was established in 2009, said Lake Simcoe Watch chairperson Jack Gibbons.

In fact, phosphorus levels in the lake have increased by about 30 per cent, he added.

“We’re going in the wrong direction,” he said.

The group called on Lake Simcoe municipalities to formally request the provincial government to fund and implement a phosphorus reduction plan.

“We need strong municipal leadership to save the lake we love,” Gibbons said.

To read candidate responses, visit lakesimcoewatch.ca.

BEACHES, PARKS AND SPLASH PADS

Many residents are calling on Georgina’s newly elected council to look beyond roads and taxes.

Upgraded parks, more splash pads and more public access to Georgina’s beaches top the list of priorities for many local parents.

“I would like to see (the new council) focus on more for our children,” said local mom Patricia Hache.

The town needs upgraded playgrounds fit for every age group in the same location, she added.

As the new council moves forward with its waterfront parks master plan, more public beach access for residents should be a consideration.

“We can’t head to the beach on weekends as out-of-towners flood the parking lot,” Hache said. “I have to take to take days off during the week just to go to a beach 10 minutes from my house. I thought moving here would mean more beach time, but I was sadly mistaken.”

ATTRACTING EMPLOYMENT

While hard-hitting issues such as food security, affordable housing and employment stretch beyond municipal borders, there are definitive actions the newly elected council can take, said Georgina Community Food Pantry executive director Cesar Caneo.

“Social services play a role in mitigating the needs but don’t resolve the cause behind the problem,” he said. “(Council) should aim to create meaningful jobs for those living in Georgina.”

That means looking ahead to attracting investment as well as building a green economy, he added.

Community mental well-being, employment and income generation remain top priorities for the Georgina Community Action Table (GCAT).

“Those all still need to be pretty high-priority initiatives,” said GCAT program manager Sandra Hanmer

GCAT spent the last year developing short-term projects to boost mental well-being and employment in the community.

Currently, GCAT is working on more long-term community solutions, requiring a strong partnership with the town from economic development and business incubators to training and grant opportunities.

Hanmer predicts affordable housing will soon become a top issue as well.

“Housing that is affordable for everyone will be on the table -- everything from those that need a little assistance with their rent to those trying to get into the housing market,” she said.

And that means helping council stay ahead by looking at their policies and practices now, she said.

“You can say, ‘let’s bring in more employers.’ Then we get the employers in and there’s no place for their employees to live, then we’ve got a bit of a disconnect.”