Why did you establish your business in Temiskaming?
We grew up in the area and have always considered it home. As a result, when we made the decision to go into business together this was where we wanted to be.
What’s the most important thing for the future of Temiskaming?
Youth. The generations that follow us are the ones who will ensure that Temiskaming Shores continues to exist. It is imperative that they feel
welcomed and wanted in the area.
Why did you establish your business in Temiskaming?
For several reasons… My father already had an existing business here. I had also built a lot of relationships in Northern Ontario & Northern Quebec, so geographically, it made sense to settle here. I had also lived in the area in the past and wanted to raise my children in this community.
What’s the most important thing for the future of Temiskaming?
Focus on making Temiskaming Shores a better community then it was as three separate communities.
What should council be dealing with right now?
The South Temiskaming Activity Trails Project. This development of a linear park will link our community together, will promote health and wellness for all Temiskaming residents, as well as explore opportunities in tourism, economic and recreation developments.
Why did you establish your business in Temiskaming?
When I returned to New Liskeard, having been away for 12 years, my decision was whether to apply for jobs in my field or create my own. The opportunity to create a business that could utilize all of the wonderful attributes of our area was too hard to resist. With the support of the Waterfront/Pool Fitness Centre, the use of the Boardwalk, the ability to travel easily to people’s homes for Personal Training ( more difficult for my colleagues in Toronto) it was and still is a perfect place for my business.
What is the most important thing for the future of Temiskaming?
I think the strength of a community is directly related to the energy and vitality of the people living in the community. For a vibrant and successful future, we need to focus on the health and wellness of each and every resident and potential resident. This means that every person should feel safe, that they have reasonable access to medical care, that they have choices for physical activity and healthy eating (regardless of income) and have the opportunity to utilize a wide variety of health & wellness services.
What should Council be dealing with right now?
Putting their strong support behind intiatives that promote a healthy community such as the South Temiskaming Activity Trails Project, a Youth Skateboard Park and any other project that positively impacts the health of our residents.
Why did you establish your business in Temiskaming?
I was born and raised in New Liskeard. I thought that this area was in need of a smoothie and nutritional supplements store (and more). I also thought that this type of business would be profitable in this area.
What’s the most important thing for the future of Temiskaming?
I think that the most important thing for the future of Temiskaming is to attract and keep our youth here. We need to attract new jobs to our community to ensure that
the youth come back to Temiskaming Shores.
What should council be dealing with right now?
I think that our council should be dealing with fiscal responsibility. Having said that, I do believe that this will take time and patience. I’m confident that our newly elected city council will do their best at getting us on track!
School: Timiskaming District Secondary School Career Goals: Attending Fanshawe College in the Fall 2006 to study Interior Design. I hope to return to the North, perhaps to run for municipal office.
What would make you want to live in Temiskaming?
The beautiful scenery, real estate, and wonderful, familiar faces. As well as the cute little stucco home on Lakeshore in Haileybury that I will buy some day.
What should council be dealing with right now?
The policing issue should have been resolved long ago.
School: University of Guelph Career Goals: Currently working on Honours Psychology Degree and hope to enter the field at a clinical or criminological level.
What would make you want to live in Temiskaming?
The plentiful lakes and scenery unrivaled in their amazing character that brings a unique identity to this area. As well as our great community which shows its support in many events and ideas, which is the tell-tale sign of a community that values its future.
What should council be dealing with right now?
The majority of what council should be dealing with right now is the future. Statistics Canada as well as surveys on Youth out migration paints a bleak picture for northern communities. The proper steps should be taken to address the problem now, as opposed to putting ‘Band-Aids’ on the symptoms as they crop up.
As can be seen from all the signs, election season is upon us and, from the feedback of our members, we are pleased to be able to come up with the consensus on the credentials for “The Perfect Candidate” for mayor or council. The Perfect Candidate must be:
Positive: Anybody can criticize. What solutions are offered?
Proactive: Are we going to stay the way we are or are we going to move forward?
Visionary: Leaders should lead, not do what they think is popular. Where are we going to be 10, 20 and 50 years from now?
Unifying: Enough of the “us against them” attitude around here. Let’s all pull together.
Businesslike: Nobody wants to spend money but an investment with a strong return for the future is a good thing.
Youth Oriented: Our population is aging and we need to keep and attract young people. How should this be done?
Optimistic: It takes courage to bring about change.
Enthusiastic: We have great resources to work with. Let’s emphasize them and build on them.
Dedicated: Leadership is a 24/7 job.
Team Oriented: A lot of good people dedicate themselves to public office. Can they work together?
Just for fun, use this as a scorecard for the candidates you are considering.
School: University of Auckland, New Zealand Career Goals: To practice law
What would make you want to live in Temiskaming?
Temiskaming would be a more appealing place to live if there was greater access to more urban “creature comforts”, things that students who go away to school become accustomed to.
What should council be dealing with right now?
I think it is important for Temiskaming Shores and the surrounding municipality to work together to develop a long term goal for the prosperity and social well being of Temiskaming Shores. I hope that the municipal council will create a strategy to bring together local entrepreneurs and innovators to develop a plan to encourage environmentally responsible economic development as well as social projects to improve quality of life. A possible long term goal would be to combine the positive qualities of living in Northern Ontario with some urban conveniences that would make Temiskaming Shores more appealing for younger people. For instance, promoting the outdoor leisure and recreational opportunities while attracting new business and services that Temiskaming Shores does not currently have access to.
School: The University of Western Ontario, Graduate Student Career Goals: Medical Doctor
What would make you want to live in Temiskaming?
Temiskaming Shores is my home where my sister and I were raised before leaving to attend university. I love Temiskaming Shores and all that it has to offer, beginning with our lakes and the incredible outdoors! As much as I love the city, I cherish small town rural life, the lifestyle my home town offers, and, mostly the people. When I complete my education I will most certainly want to look at my home town for a place to practice medicine provided that it remains a healthy city with a stable economy.
What should council be dealing with right now?
I believe that council must focus, first and foremost on the increasing costs downloaded on small municipalities. They are certainly charged with ensuring that the taxes remain stable and affordable for people at all walks of life. Council represents the people who elected them so their communication and their association with the public is vital. Council must work hard to protect our natural resources and build on those as well. Council must deal with accountability.
