Catherine Kiewning Running for Municipal Council
Question #1: With an apparent change in policy by the Provincial Government, it appears privately owned shops will be able to sell Cannabis products. Should the City of Dryden grant business licenses to local shops to sell cannabis and associated products? How many should be allowed?
Answer: First of all, the city will not be allowed to grant licenses, it will be up to the Alcohol and Gaming Comission of Ontario to do that, so we have little to no control over how many private stores pop up, if we opt in right away. I suggest opting out for now, and seeing the challenges and successes of other communities first. There is no rush, stores will open in April 2019, we have time to learn from other communities and discuss whether this is really something that will benefit our citizens.
Question #2: The first issue Council will face will be a decision on the OPP servicing the City versus remaining with the Dryden Police Service. Do you have a preference? And-a simple yes or no-would you be willing to hold a referendum on a possible switch?
Answer: I have no preference, currently Dryden citizens are paying for both police forces. And both Police departments provide significant and valid contributions to our city, I work professionally with both. I feel that this is a decision that should not be left to just seven people and would be in favour of a public forum to hear from constituents.
Question #3: Possibly the most contentious issued faced by Council this year was the withdrawal of service by the Dryden Fire Fighters Association and the resulting restructuring of Dryden Fire Services. Do you feel the issue has been dealt with and is now closed or do you want to see it re-opened?
Answer: From the Fire Service report presented to council and referenced in the Sept 5th issue of the Dryden Observer, we have adequate and improving coverage. The safety of Dryden residents and their homes is a priority for me and the City. According to the report on the model change, we are aiming to have six more trained firefighters than the model’s target number (36). The report also states that we have seen an improvements in rural and urban response times, as well as turnout time for first pumper responding. In light of these improvements I feel confident that we can move forward. Remember, if you love something- you don’t threaten it, you protect it.
Question #4: Approximately 20% of Dryden residents are First Nations people. As a member of Council what would you do to ensure that our Indigenous residents, visitors and neighbours feel welcomed and are included as Dryden moves forward?
Answer: Our Indigenous population is growing rapidly and we need to be ready to meet their needs. Building stronger relationships that are meaningful and respectful are my priority. I am dedicated to aiding the decolonization efforts of our city with Indigenous people, amplifying their voices and following their lead. We need to show up for them, we need to ask them what we can do and do it. We cannot negate our differences because it gives up permission to ignore them. Indigenous people need us to step up and do better.
Question #5: What would you do to enhance recreational activities and make Dryden more accessible and active?
Answer: It would be really cool to have a dog park (“Bark Park”) near the waterfront by Van Horne Landing. I’d also like the City to consider the ROI’s Municipal Internship where 12 communities are given funding to hire a youth intern to develop and implement youth engagement strategies (could be included in the Strategic Plan) and provide a youth voice in the on-going development of Dryden. Another opportunity is Playworks’ Youth Friendly community certification, if we did, we would be the first in NWO to do so. Basically there is a list of criteria that we must meet to gain the recognition and they are all based on increasing recreation and community opportunities for youth. And, if it were possible and I had a billion dollars, I’d devote my time to building a youth centre in Dryden.
Question #6: What is the single most important issue facing our newly elected Council in the coming year-and the single most important long term issue for the four-year term?
Answer: Currently, we need to pay off our large debt, only then are we able to operate at our best and reinvest into our infrastructure (sidewalks, roads, buildings) and into programs that benefit the whole community and rebuild Dryden’s reputation. Another way to do this is with the development of a strategic plan. We need to know where we want to go, and how we plan to get there and what we can all do to make our city more safe, inclusive and welcoming.
Question #7: Why should we vote you to Council?
Answer: You should vote for me if you want a councillor who is a positive, inclusive and dynamic leader. Vote for me if you want a councillor who cares about important issues and will convince you that they are important. Vote for me if you want a councillor who wants your help and input on community direction but also someone you can trust to have no hidden agenda and the City’s best interests at heart. Vote for me if you are ready to work as hard as I do to see our city prosper and become a place you are proud to call home.
Thank you so much for all your support thus far, feel free to reach out to me personally on social media: Catherine Kiewning for Dryden Council.
