The Independent sent a questionnaire to each candidate for St Clair Township Council. Below are the unedited responses from the candidates who responded to the survey: 

MAYOR CANDIDATE

Age: 64
Work Experience: 43 years in various fabrication shops
Political experience: three term councillor one term as mayor

Why do you want to serve on St. Clair Township council?
This is an exciting yet challenging time for St. Clair, we need to navigate our infrastructure projects and keep moving forward with the OPG site re-development. Also, give all our assistance possible to CF Industries for their announced expansion. To manage and move forward with St. Clair amenities with my experience and the current Mayor I feel confident that I am the right Candidate for the job.

What is the most important issue facing the St. Clair Township in the next four years?
The most important issue for St. Clair Township is attracting new industry and redeveloping the OPG site in Courtright. With the closure, as I have mentioned many times we lost approximately $2.1 million yearly that we still have not recovered, as well as the loss of good paying jobs. The solution is to keep working with our provincial energy minister to bring back this site.

Should council lend its support to industrial/energy projects on a case by case basis or should it have an economic development/energy strategy which shapes its decisions on endorsement?
We had a lot of projects to support during this term. We gave support to each project as it was presented so therefore it was case by case which is the way it should be as each project is different.

Would you support a nuclear facility at the former Lambton Generating Station? Why or why not?
Yes, I would support a small nuclear module reactor. They are modern, safe, Canadian reliable clean energy. They would provide our fabrication shops and local trade employment. Upon completion it will leave many permanent high-paying jobs.

Do you believe St. Clair Township should own and operate campgrounds?
I still believe in Municipal campgrounds as long as they are self-sustainable. I believe a great option for the Mooretown Campground would be to sever off the back portion, develop it and use the profits to maintain the front campground.

St. Clair Township is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Lambton County, however the commercial business district has not increased at the same pace – what can the township do to attract businesses to the community?
I agree the commercial district especially small business is lacking. I have meant with some interested parties to no avail. From what I have heard we need more building lots and commercial buildings to attract new business.

COUNCIL CANDIDATES

Age: Senior

Work Experience: Retired construction coordinator

Political experience: three term councillor

Why do you want to serve on St. Clair Township council?

I want to continue serving the residents of St. Clair Township in order to provide residents with a great place to live, work and raise a family.

What is the most important issue facing the St. Clair Township in the next four years?

Financial commitments over the next few years, such as paying for major projects like the sewage treatment plant expansion, water and storm sewer upgrades and parks and arena upgrades. I support consistent financial planning and transparency.

Would you support a nuclear facility at the former Lambton Generating Station? Why or why not?

Until the recent Ontario Power Generation announcement for plans at the former Courtright Generating site, the province had other potential energy projects submitted and reviewed in our area. Council had endorsed possible projects for review by the Independent Electricity System Operator. None of these options were approved. I support the OPG small nuclear reactor proposal that would create good paying construction and permanent jobs for years to come in our region. With a major development such as this, our campgrounds will be in demand for the number of workers required.

Do you believe St. Clair Township should own and operate campgrounds?

I believe we should continue with current campground operations as camping is a great family option for everyone in today’s economy. Lack of proper upkeep is not a good enough reason for closure.

St. Clair Township is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Lambton County, however the commercial business district has not increased at the same pace – is there something you believe the township should do to attract businesses to the community?

We can encourage commercial development by working together on proposals brought forth. We need locations to be made available in order to create opportunities for development such as the demolition of old, vacant buildings.

Age: 57

Work Experience: small business owner, retired NCAA basketball and field hockey official

Political experience: three term councillor

Why do you want to serve on St. Clair Township council?

Being on council takes a lot of reading, understanding and preparation. I attended council for a year prior to running. I thought I was prepared at that time and when I was elected, I discovered that there is a whole lot more you need to know to sit on council. Now with four years, I am prepared to sit with more confidence, to plan and promote future progress for our township.

 What is the most important issue facing the St. Clair Township in the next four years?

I believe the most important issue facing St. Clair Township in the next four years will be finances. We will need to make some hard decisions to be able to adhere as close as possible to our asset management plan.  I believe it is important to share with residents why decisions or changes need to happen.

Would you support a nuclear facility at the former Lambton Generating Station? Why or why not?

I would support a nuclear facility. Daily approximately 50 per cent of our energy in Ontario comes from nuclear. It is a safe and clean energy with zero emissions. Our local economy would benefit from jobs created and residents would benefit from financial contributions for hosting this facility in St. Clair Township. By educating the public on the benefits and safety of nuclear, I feel residents would understand this is the way to move forward.

 Do you believe St. Clair Township should own and operate campgrounds?

I believe campgrounds should not cost tax payers money to operate. We currently have hired a consultant which will advise council the state of operating campgrounds in St. Clair Township.  From the figures I have reviewed presented to council before hiring this consultant, I believe our tax dollars could be spent more effectively for all residents.  If council decided that running campgrounds isn’t the way moving forward,future developments that I would like to see is affordable housing and riverfront development.

 St. Clair Township is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Lambton County, however the commercial business district has not increased at the same pace – is there something you believe the township should do to attract businesses to the community?

I believe we need our own Economic Development Committee comprised of community members, council and staff. We could adhere to a plan to achieve our vision of what we want to see in St. Clair Township.  I have met with community members that were excited to be a part of our economic development and hope with a new council this will come to fruition.

Age: 63

Work Experience: small business owner

Political experience: served two terms on council

Why do you want to serve on St. Clair Township council?

I’m running because I love this community and good communities don’t happen by accident. They happen because people like me want to get involved.

I see our potential and I want to improve and strengthen what we already have. With my business experience and community connections, I have the skills that will help me make sensible, sustainable

decisions. I want residents to be more informed and engaged with improved communication tools that are easier to understand and find. My vision is to maintain a thriving, connected community that supports families and businesses while preserving our rural character.

What is the most important issue facing St. Clair Township in the next four years? What should the township’s response be?

Like most municipalities, St. Clair has not been able to keep up with the financial demands of maintaining and replacing aging infrastructure like roads, bridges, and facilities. This will be a major issue for the next four years and beyond. I want to be sure we consistently use our asset management plan that outlines everything the

township owns; focussing on roads, bridges, buildings, and safety. I will ask some hard questions about the use of our parks, libraries, and facilities. These questions may require difficult decisions in order to ensure long-term financial sustainability. We need to be sure our assets are used to their full potential or find alternative uses for them. It will be essential that we continue to diligently save for our future needs and ensure that the funds we set aside are used for their intended purpose.

Should council decide energy projects case-by-case or have an economic development/energy strategy?

We definitely need an economic development plan to explore opportunities that focus on the types of businesses we feel are missing, including energy projects. The plan must include an implementation strategy with measurable timelines and results. We need to focus on attracting businesses and energy projects that meet our goals, economic needs like job creation and tax revenue, as well as those for long-term sustainability. To make efficient and consistent decisions on energy projects we are willing to support, I would like to develop criteria that each project must meet in order to be considered and provide meaningful long-term benefits to St. Clair Township.

Is there something the township should do to attract businesses to the community?

It’s essential to clearly define our strengths and develop a targeted strategy for business attraction. I want to identify the businesses we lack, those we have the resources to support, and potential locations for them. We must first understand our needs, align our priorities, and highlight our strengths. Attracting businesses should not be for attraction’s sake; rather, for sustainable success. We require targeted strategies grounded in long-term planning. The communities that thrive aren’t necessarily those with the most businesses; they are the ones that purposefully leverage their strengths.

Age: N/A

Work Experience: N/A

Political experience: seeking second term

Why do you want to serve on St. Clair Township council?

 Being on council takes a lot of reading, understanding and preparation. I attended council for a year prior to running. I thought I was prepared at that time and when I was elected, I discovered that there is a whole lot more you need to know to sit on council. Now with four years, I am prepared to sit with more confidence, to plan and promote future progress for our township. What is the most important issue facing the St. Clair Township in the next four years?

he most important issue facing St. Clair Township in the next four years is financial stability. We have infrastructure that needs repairing, rebuilding and continued maintenance on. It’s hard to look at new development when there is so much to be repaired. This costs money. We come in with new ideas for development and find that they’re just isn’t money. We need to look at better ways to invest, investigate grants through the federal and provincial government and outside sources. I believe we should retain a grant consultant. We need an individual that will consistently and continually search for appropriate and financial grants to assist us in keeping our municipality in good shape.

Would you support a nuclear facility at the former Lambton Generating Station? Why or why not?

I believe we need to look at what is best for our future at the LGS site. We have had financial loss with the closing of the plant. There are two ways to look at this question. First, what is better for Canada as far as independence from the US, that would be nuclear energy. If we are looking for faster energy solutions that bring money to the township, we would be looking at different ideas that are completed quicker. Once again, I believe that digging deeper into what is best for us, our constituents, and future constituents is why we need to weigh all options.

 Do you believe St. Clair Township should own and operate campgrounds?

We own three campgrounds in St Clair, one that has always been ours, two from the Parkway Authority with no operating money and a 20 year agreement to keep them maintained and run. Now the agreement is done and we can make a fiscal decision regarding the campgrounds. There is a lot of work that needs to be done continually on all three camps not just Mooretown, and once again we need money to upgrade them if we are going to continue in this business. We are having a study done on all three campgrounds to see where we are realistically, and how much it would cost to bring them to date. Once we have that, we can make a decision based on what is best for our rate payers. There are many options that we need to look at before making a decision if we close them.

Age: 30

Work Experience: Emergency Response and Security Specialist

Political experience: first time candidate

Why do you want to serve on St. Clair Township council? I want to serve because St. Clair Township is my home. I was born and raised here, built my career here, and am now raising my family here. Through my work, seven years with the Fire Department, and community involvement, I’ve developed a strong sense of responsibility and service. I want to bring a fresh, practical perspective to council and work collaboratively with the Mayor, council, and township staff. Most importantly, I want to listen to residents, address concerns, and help make thoughtful decisions that leave our community even 1 per cent better than we found it.

What is the most important issue facing St. Clair Township in the next four years? What should the township’s response be? I believe managing growth responsibly is one of our biggest challenges. We need to attract investment and new industry while ensuring our infrastructure, roads, water, recreation, emergency services, and community amenities can keep pace. Growth should strengthen our tax base without compromising the quality of life that makes St. Clair Township attractive. Council should develop long-term plans, prioritize infrastructure investments, communicate openly with residents, and ensure development decisions consider both immediate needs and the township’s future. We need to think 10, 20, and 30 years ahead, not just about the next budget.

Should council decide energy projects case-by-case or have an economic development/energy strategy? I believe the Township should have a clear economic development and energy strategy that guides decisions, while still considering each proposal individually. A strategy would provide consistency and help council evaluate projects based on factors such as economic benefits, environmental considerations, infrastructure requirements, community impact, jobs, and long-term sustainability. Each project is different, so council should retain the ability to consider its individual merits. Having a clear framework would allow residents, businesses, and council to better understand how decisions are being made while positioning St. Clair Township to responsibly attract investment.

Would you support a nuclear facility at the former Lambton Generating Station? Why or why not? I would be open to considering a nuclear facility at the former Lambton Generating Station, provided it meets all applicable provincial and federal safety and regulatory requirements. I believe any proposal should be thoroughly evaluated based on safety, environmental impact, infrastructure requirements, economic benefits, employment opportunities, and community input. The site already has significant industrial infrastructure and an established history of energy generation. I would want residents to have clear, factual information before any decision is made. Ultimately, I would support a project that demonstrates it can operate safely and provide meaningful long-term benefits to St. Clair Township.

Do you believe St. Clair Township should own and operate campgrounds? I believe our campgrounds are valuable community and tourism assets, and I support keeping them open while working toward making them financially sustainable. As an avid camper, I see opportunities to improve facilities, increase transient camping, enhance day-use activities, and create additional revenue. I would support developing a five-year improvement plan addressing infrastructure, hydro, sewer, recreation, playgrounds, and amenities. I also believe user fees should be reviewed against comparable campgrounds so taxpayers aren’t carrying the majority of operating costs. With proper planning and investment, our campgrounds can become stronger community and economic assets.

What should the township do to attract businesses to the community? The Township should make it easier and more attractive for businesses to invest here. That means maintaining strong relationships with existing businesses while actively promoting available commercial and industrial opportunities. We should identify barriers to development, ensure infrastructure can support growth, and work with Lambton County and other partners to market St. Clair Township. We also need to consider what residents currently travel outside the township to access and identify opportunities to attract those services. Growth should be strategic, supporting businesses that create jobs, expand our tax base, provide needed services, and complement the communities we already have.