Editor's note: Council candidates in neighbouring Oro-Medonte Township were asked to provide a synopsis of why they are running for public office. The following response is from Cathy Keane, who is running for council in Ward 3. Municipal elections take place Oct. 24. For more election coverage, visit our 2022 municipal election page by clicking here, where you can find candidate profiles and other election news.
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In visiting Oro-Medonte years ago to look at a specific house, we quickly realized we had found our new home in the township itself. We fell in love with the area, and purchased a home to lead us into retirement and beyond.
In serving as Ward 3 councillor for the last four years, I have come to know the entire township, and constituents have become my friends. I enjoy speaking with long-time residents and hearing stories of our township spanning decades. I find it rewarding when working with residents concerns, and finding solutions that often foster and strengthen relationships between residents, township staff and local government.
As Ward 3 councillor, I have also volunteered for the following: chair of Oro-Medonte Internet Connectivity Task Force; chair of Oro-Medonte Heritage Committee; board member of Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority; member of Oro-Medonte Development Services Committee; and Oro-Medonte Council representative for AED placements.
Oro-Medonte history, heritage and future is centred around agriculture and the farming community. I believe farmers are our true environmentalists. Protecting and preserving farmland begins with working with our farmers and their changing needs as families, society and the world evolves.
Agriculture has and is changing, as is the family farm. My 15 years working with Provincial Animal Health (Agriculture) in Newfoundland, provided the experience to learn many aspects affecting agricultural producers. My in-laws own a large grain farm, and I know the challenges farmers face well beyond seeding and harvest.
Oro-Medonte is witnessing more young families arriving with different community needs and expectations. We have more residents wishing to “age-in-place.” Some are trying to assist adult children in returning to the area but cannot due to unaffordable housing costs making home ownership unattainable. As a firm believer in my role on Council, there is an obligation to consider the diverse needs of families while maintaining the rural tapestry of Oro-Medonte.
There are a number of projects/initiatives I would like to see through to fruition.
Ensuring high-speed internet reaches every home and business as announced, is a goal of mine in the next term.
I will advocate for natural gas infrastructure access for homes and businesses currently without.
Having successfully advocated for paving long-awaited residential neighbour roads, I want to continue my commitment for increased traffic and pedestrian safety, and the need to work with the county for Craighurst and Shanty Bay to become “walk-friendly” neighbourhoods.
I will continue my communications page to inform residents.
