Debates: Thunder Bay Real Estate Board

Thanks to the Real Estate Board for hosting the debate at 1 pm today. There were about 50 realtors in the room at the Italian Cultural Centre. 13 of the 15 candidates were in attendance to respond to the questions.

Questions asked and my responses:

1. Our property taxes have increased significantly in the last 3 years. What is your view as to keep them from increasing further?

Response: An operations review should be undertaken. City should be a governance body and not in the business of being in business. Budget increases should be no larger than the rate of inflation. Revenues must be addressed. As revenues increase the need for budget increases would diminish.

2. Do you see the Waterfront development as a sustainable project or one that would require subsidies to stay viable?

Response: Must be sustainable. It will take time to get the Waterfront established. It will take millions of dollars before it is complete. The money will come from commercialization, privatization, the city, private developers, upper levels of government and the community at large.

3. The Thunder Bay Real Estate Board partnered in the Fast Forward project to promote the city to outside interest without much success, although a good idea and concept. How would you integrate the New Fast Forward to incease exposure for Thunder Bay?

Response: I am assuming that you are referring to the Community Plan, Fast Forward to which the Real Estate Board signed on as a community partner along with approximately 30 other community groups/organizations. I sit on the Steering Committee for Fast Forward and at this point there is no "New Fast Forward", so far as I'm aware. There has been discussions held as to what the future of the community plan is and what will happen with it, who will take on the responsiblities of the three components: quality of life, economic development and regional focus. Nothing has been determined at this point so it is premature to discuss further.

4. When speaking of development, Intercity has become the new Downtown in the last decade, but most of the zoning has remained light industrial. Should the city be more flexible in allowing zoning changes in order to generate growth?

Response: The City has an official plan which I feel overall the community should adhere to. It is under review at the present time. The City should be open and flexible when new initiatives present themselves but at the same time balance what is the best interests for the larger community. Zoning changes, should they be required would have to be determined on an individual case.