Blake Ellis/The Independent

Growth, taxes and housing were just some of the issues raised by voters in Warwick Township.

The Watford Legion hosted an all-candidates meeting on Oct. 7, where residents could hear from the six candidates vying for the four council seats for Warwick Township.

In a question about needing more growth in the township, incumbent council candidate Joe Manning said “I am all for
growth,” adding to entice industry, the community needs both a workforce and infrastructure, something which the township has been working on in the last few years.

Incumbent council candidate Wayne Morris aid the township can put in services, such as sewers, water and natural gas if a company wants to set up shop in Warwick Township.

“We have people looking for these companies,” said Morris. “If it comes we are ready.”

He pointed to the 402 Highway and the fact Warwick Township has the lowest taxes in Lambton County as reasons businesses might want to establish in Warwick Township.

The difficulty, Morris says, is there are lot of communities which are fighting for the same industries.

As for whether property taxes should be increased, Candidate Marty Vanos said the raising of taxes is not harmful and it might be helpful in having people feel they are getting more services and infrastructure from the municipality, saying spending must lead to thoughtful and necessary growth.

“Our bank accounts are shrinking everyday because of the high costs,” said Candidate Steve Kettler. “Raising taxes is going to hurt everybody.”

Candidate Jane Joris pointed to the revenue the township receives by hosting the landfill, saying it is a significant amount of the municipality’s revenue.

“I would have a hard time looking at an increase in taxes, because we do have that hosting fee,” said Joris. “We all live with that landfill north of town, and there needs to be some sort of benefit for that.”

The need for seniors housing to allow for people to live in Warwick Township well into retirement was also raised.

Incumbent Council candidate John Couwenberg said there is land available for these types of developments and there
are three builders which are interested. One of the reasons for the delay in construction is the builders keep changing their plans.

Joris said there is a lot of ways the municipalities can offer incentives from changes to development charges and zoning. She suggested the township could require a percentage of any new development be required for senior living.

As for encouraging more young people to stay in Warwick Township, a lot of that involves having more affordable housing, said Manning.

Outside geopolitical factors are driving up the cost of construction, but this can be countered with grants an incentives.
Manning, who is a member of the parks and recreation committee, said the committee has a wish list to further enhance opportunities.

“They can’t afford a house in Sarnia. They can’t afford a house in London,” said Morris. “We are in a good spot, if we can just get started.”

He asked for people to be patient before more housing can be built.

Vanos suggested council should form a youth advisory committee, which can provide recommendations and report to council.

This is something Joris agreed with too, but also noted a lack of childcare is a problem in attracting young families to the community.

Warwick Township will be electing four councillors when it goes to the polls on Oct. 26. Mayor Todd Case has already been acclaimed to continue into next term.