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Suzanne Marchand embraces beauty and heritage of Georgian Bay

‘I want to make a difference today and for the future of this town,’ says candidate for Penetanguishene council
20220914-SuzanneMarchand

Editor's note: MidlandToday has asked council candidates in Midland, Penetanguishene and Tiny Township to provide a synopsis of why they are running for public office. Municipal elections take place Oct. 24.

The following response is from Suzanne Marchand, who is running for council in Penetanguishene. For more election coverage, visit our 2022 municipal election page by clicking here, where you can find candidate profiles and other election news.

What is your name, what will be your age on election day, and who are your key immediate family members you rely on for support?

Suzanne Marchand. Age 49 (although you should never ask a lady her age.) My daughter Kate and son Kyle.

In 10 words or less, why is your municipality the best in the province?

Penetanguishene is located on beautiful Georgian Bay and embraces its Francophone Heritage.

What prompted you to run as a municipal leader?

I was student council president when I attended École Secondaire Penetang Secondary School (ESPSS) and from there graduated from McMaster University with an undergraduate’s degree in Political Science. I have always been interested in politics and have been active in the community for many years. I want to make a difference today and for the future of this Town.

How much time and money should be allocated to upgrading the town dock? What is your stance on the town dock project?

I plan to review the reports and residential feedback on the project. We are so fortunate to live in a town that is situated on beautiful Georgian Bay. We need to strike a balance for the community and to also attract revenues (tourism) to our community.

The beloved arena and curling rink are at the end of life, and in various states of disrepair. Is it worth more to pour into their upkeep or invest in a new facility? What is your stance on the facilities?

My son has been playing hockey in Penetanguishene since the age of six and I have been an active member of the Penetang Minor Hockey Association and hockey community. We need to make the best decision for not only today, but for the future of our community and for overall recreation for all ages within the Town. Both facilities draw players of all ages, and we should not lose sight of that and ensure that decisions being made are what’s best for everyone using these facilities. Recreation and healthy living are very important to me and with the appropriate facility, we can offer that here in our community.

You will be asked to join committees and other municipal representations. Which are you eager to become involved in?

I have an interest in serving on the policing board and also the accessibility committee. I would be open to serve and represent the Town of Penetanguishene wherever my skills, experience and enthusiasm would be best suited.

Voter apathy is always a concern, ranging between 25.7% to 42% of cast ballots across North Simcoe in the last municipal election. Knowing you could be elected without even half of possible voters turning out, what will you do to combat voter apathy so your municipality is best represented?

As a mother of a young adult who just turned 18 the day prior to this year’s provincial election, it’s so imperative that we educate our youth on the importance of exercising their democratic right and vote. Part of this is having the discussion and explaining why it is so important to vote and also understand what it means to cast a vote at each level of government – all equally important. And yes my daughter voted!

There are many prominent concerns ongoing in the region, from affordable housing to the opioid epidemic to short-term rentals as well as others. What is one concern that you think the majority of residents are not aware of?

I believe that the residents of Penetanguishene are aware of the many challenges listed above, however I do feel that there is not enough awareness regarding the opioid epidemic our community is facing. This epidemic knows no boundaries and is easily accessible in the community. Unfortunately, we are hearing more and more there are bad and very dangerous drugs within our community and there continues to be a need to educate everyone on this epidemic.

The province is planning for a population of 555,000 and 198,000 jobs by 2051. If now is the time to prepare for that influx, what will you proactively do as your part in the process?

I have spent over twenty-five years as a human resources leader, and I have never seen such a labour shortage. We need to look at succession planning and ensure we cross-train staff as much as possible. There is a need to understand what the population influx will look like for our town so we can start to plan accordingly.

Recidivism isn’t just on the police and courts. As a municipal leader and crafter of bylaws, what initiatives will you undertake to address crime in your care?

The safety of our community is paramount, and I feel strongly that as a municipal leader we need to work with our law enforcement organization to see how we can work collectively on this issue. Agreed this not just a police and court issue, we need to understand the issues facing our community and work with a group of organizations to find solutions.

Infrastructure projects require taxpayer dollars. What infrastructure project does the municipality desperately need, and does it justify a tax increase from the ratepayers to have it done as soon as possible?

As a new member of council, I would want to understand that infrastructure projects are scheduled in the short and long term, before saying what needs to be done and if a tax increase is warranted. There needs to be a plan, so that as a Town we are prepared and/or are working towards making a plan that is reasonable and done within financial reason.

Times change. What is the most aged or obsolete bylaw in your municipality’s code?

I would have to take a closer look at the Town’s bylaws, however nothing is coming to mind.

Once you complete your four-year term, what is the legacy you want residents to best remember for your time in office?

I want residents to remember that I listened to their concerns, acted and represented the Town of Penetanguishene with pride and conviction.

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Municipal election information for Penetanguishene is available on the elections page of the town website.

For Penetanguishene residents:

Visit voterlookup.ca, call 705-549-7453, or visit Townhall to be sure you are on the Voters List and that your information is correct. You will not receive a voter letter if your name does not appear on the voter list. In addition, any changes to your household (children who have moved away, tenants who have moved in or out, etc.) should be updated through voterlookup.ca which is maintained by MPAC.

Voter Letters which will include your voter ID and PIN are being sent by mail to homes during the last week of September to arrive to Voters on the list the first week of October. If you don't get a letter, call, visit or email Townhall to get one. You may need to attend in person to show ID.

Voting by phone or internet opens on Tuesday October 11, 2022 at 10:00 am and goes until Monday October 24, 2022 at 8:00 p.m. The voting website and phone number will be provided on the voter information letter.