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

Age: 58

Work Experience: certified Agronomist

Political experience: seeking fifth term as councillor

Why do you want to serve on Warwick Township council?

I want to continue to serve on council because I care deeply about our community and want to continue to be part of shaping its future. I also want to continue to support local businesses, encouraging appropriate development and finding opportunities that strengthen our local economy while preserving the character of our community.

What is the most important issue facing the township in the next four years? Although there will always be many important issues to deal with, I would like to see council continue to pressure the provincial government on getting natural gas to the village of Warwick and surrounding rural areas I think all of council would agree with this matter.

Warwick Township council has said it will not support the expansion of the WM Landfill – Twin Creeks – as it is now planned. What safeguards would make it acceptable for the landfill to continue operation and expand vertically?

If approved, we need to ensure they are compliant with environmental standards and leach aid control, and the compensation needs to be higher than what they are currently paying the municipality. There is currently safeguards with the TRT (technical review team) which monitors the whole operation now and for future.

Warwick council has tried to encourage commercial growth, particularly in Watford in the last four years. What should be done to bring more businesses and services to the municipality’s urban areas?

I believe we need to take a more proactive and business-focused approach to attracting commercial growth in Warwick Township, particularly in Watford. We have many of the fundamentals that businesses are looking for — a strong rural community, Highway 402 access, available commercial and industrial opportunities, good infrastructure and a supportive business environment. The challenge is making sure potential businesses know what Warwick has to offer and that we make the process of locating here as straightforward as possible.

What services do you think the municipality needs to upgrade to meet the needs of the new residents in the coming subdivisions in Watford?

We need to expand our water system to ensure adequate supply for future growth, and we need to continue to improve drainage issues.

Age: 65

Work Experience: Part time funeral home administrator, retired as General Manager Long-Term Care – County of Lambton

Political experience: first time candidate

Why do you want to serve on Warwick Township council?

I was asked. Municipal government is familiar to me and have experience working with other levels of government and am clear on the role.

What is the most important issue facing the township in the next four years? Ensuring a deal with the landfill operator is beneficial to the community and ensures it is operated in a safe and transparent manner. Housing for seniors is a close second.

Warwick Township council has said it will not support the expansion of the WM Landfill – Twin Creeks – as it is now planned. What safeguards would make it acceptable for the landfill to continue operation and expand vertically?

Real time air quality monitoring, enhanced odour, leachate and dust control, regular reporting of incidents and quality to the community. Monetary increases each year, likely based on CPI. And perhaps fines for contravention.

Warwick council has tried to encourage commercial growth, particularly in Watford in the last four years. What should be done to bring more businesses and services to the municipality’s urban areas?

The township has recently embarked on an Economic Development Strategy. Those results should lead this work.

What services do you think the municipality needs to upgrade to meet the needs of the new residents in the coming subdivisions in Watford?

There are drainage and storm water issues to address. Work with partners such as LAWS to ensure there is enough water for new developments. Increase accessible housing for seniors.

Age: 50

Work Experience: Unexploded Ordnance Technician, Owner of JL Contract Management

Political experience: seeking fifth term as councillor

Why do you want to serve on Warwick Township council?

I always had a strong sense of pride and commitment in regards to our community.  I am at a spot in my life that affords me the ability and time to use my professional experience as well as the knowledge and experience I gained in the last four years as councillor for the betterment of our municipality on all levels of operation.  

What is the most important issue facing the township in the next four years? I believe that continuing the expansion of our township through residential and commercial development, especially in the area of affordable housing is very important but must be done in a manner that does not contribute to the loss of our rural and small-town roots.  I think that affordability is an issue that worries every one on all levels at the moment and increasing affordable housing as well as expansion could help us keep our tax rates at the lowest in our area as well as giving the business community economic opportunities without sacrificing recreational amenities and infrastructural growth.

Warwick Township council has said it will not support the expansion of the WM Landfill – Twin Creeks – as it is now planned. What safeguards would make it acceptable for the landfill to continue operation and expand vertically?  

I believe that Waste Management needs to fully and satisfactory address the concerns of our community as outlined and presented to them by the current council and a committee of industry professionals.  I also believe the provincial government needs to give more reassurance that the Environmental Assessment process is being thoroughly respected….

Warwick council has tried to encourage commercial growth, particularly in Watford in the last four years. What should be done to bring more businesses and services to the municipality’s urban areas?

I believe the best way to encourage commercial growth on a small business level or a large industrial or corporate level is to encourage residential development.  Residents are a necessity for a commercial workforce as well as a consumer base for small businesses.   If we are able to increase affordable housing and encourage residential developers to invest in our community’s growth, then we can increase all the incentives for commercial businesses to do the same.

Age: 68

Work Experience: Retired from Dow Chemical and a family farmer.

Political experience: seeking fifth term as councillor

Why do you want to serve on Warwick Township council?

Being a councillor is an honour as you represent the community. I have great pleasure in helping people with their problems or concerns.

What is the most important issue facing the township in the next four years? The next year will be critical as we will be dealing with strong potential of a landfill expansion. We must negotiate the best community host agreement anywhere in the province. This is both financially crucial and environmentally responsible.

Warwick council has tried to encourage commercial growth, particularly in Watford in the last four years. What should be done to bring more businesses and services to the municipality’s urban areas?

Watford’s downtown is looking good with very few vacant storefronts, and we have had good luck in attracting new businesses. There are 113 acres just north of Watford for potential larger commercial or industrial growth.

What services do you think the municipality needs to upgrade to meet the needs of the new residents in the coming subdivisions in Watford?

We have four subdivisions in the works and with new development we can increase services while still maintaining a balanced budget.

Age: 62

Work Experience: bio medical engineer

Political experience: first time candidate, served on township committee

Why do you want to serve on Warwick Township council?

I was born and raised in Warwick Township, spent 20 years in Sault Ste. Marie, and made the decision to come home in 2011. Since returning, I have seen how much our community has to offer, but I have also seen the challenges that come with keeping a small community strong and moving forward. I am not running because I have all the answers. I am running because I care about where I live, I am willing to listen, and I want to work with residents, businesses and Council to make responsible decisions for Warwick Township. My goal is simple: to help make Warwick a place where people are proud to live, families want to stay, businesses want to invest and future generations have the opportunity to call home.

What is the most important issue facing the township in the next four years?

Managing growth responsibly. We are going to see significant residential development, and with growth comes both opportunity and responsibility. We need to make sure our roads, water and wastewater systems, recreation facilities, parks, emergency services and other municipal infrastructure can keep pace. We also need to protect the character of our rural communities and make sure residents have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect them. If we manage growth properly, Warwick can welcome new residents while remaining the community we are proud to call home.

What safeguards would make it acceptable for the landfill to continue operation and expand vertically? The

Twin Creeks landfill is an important issue for Warwick, and I believe Council’s first responsibility must be to protect the health, safety and quality of life of our residents. I would not support an expansion simply because it provides additional landfill capacity or financial benefits to the Township. Before any expansion could be considered acceptable, I would want strong, enforceable safeguards in place and confidence that the concerns raised through the Township’s independent peer review have been properly addressed. As for compensation, Warwick has carried a significant regional responsibility by hosting this facility. If the landfill continues to operate and an expansion is approved, the Township should receive a fair and substantial community benefit that recognizes the long-term environmental, infrastructure and quality-of-life impacts on our residents. But compensation should never be a substitute for environmental protection.

Warwick council has tried to encourage commercial growth, particularly in Watford in the last four years. What should be done to bring more businesses and services to the municipality’s urban areas?

Watford has a strong base of local businesses, but as our population grows, we need to create opportunities for more retail, restaurants, professional services, personal services and other businesses that allow residents to spend more of their time and money locally. I would like to see the Township work closely with existing business owners to understand what barriers they face and what opportunities exist for expansion. We should also actively market available commercial properties and development opportunities rather than simply waiting for businesses to approach us. Our Community Improvement Plan and other incentives should be used strategically to encourage investment, particularly where there are gaps in services. If we attract new residents but they have to leave the Township every time they need a service, we have missed an opportunity. I want to see growth translate into a stronger local economy and a more vibrant Watford.

There is significant residential development coming to Warwick in the next term of council; what services do you think the municipality needs to upgrade to meet the needs of the new residents?

First, water and wastewater infrastructure have to be able to handle additional residents safely and reliably. Roads, sidewalks, drainage and stormwater management also need to be planned before development occurs, not after problems appear. We should also look carefully at recreation and community facilities. New families mean more demand for parks, playgrounds, sports fields, trails and programs. Centennial Park and our other recreational spaces need to continue evolving as the community grows. We also need to think about emergency services, fire protection and municipal capacity. My experience as a volunteer firefighter has taught me that emergency services need to be planned for before the demand arrives. I want new residents to feel that they are joining a community — not simply moving into a subdivision.