Rural Issues

Rural issues cannot be overlooked in Ward 13.

I have lived rurally much of my adult life. I am familiar with the necessary considerations of living on well-water, with cisterns and with septic beds. I know that water doesn’t magically appear from your faucets, that wells run dry and cisterns need to be filled. I know that when the power goes out, so does your access to water. I have had to try to conduct business with spotty-at-best internet access, and been worried about family members left alone at home with unreliable cell service.

I have had to address personal issues I have encountered with Conservation Lands and with the Niagara Escarpment Commission. And I know how difficult that can be.

Ward 14 used to be the rural ward. Our rural communities of Flamborough (Greensville, Freelton, Rockton, Kirkwall, Westover, Strabane and Millgrove) used to have a representative dedicated to their unique concerns. These communities have vastly different needs and concerns than their urban and suburban neighbours. The Ward 13 Councillor must be someone who will be able to represent these communities too. It is my belief that many of the City of Hamilton Departments need to dedicate educated staff members as Rural Liaison Officers who are knowledgeable about the needs and concerns of our rural communities, especially when it comes to the different zoning issues that seem to be persistently ignored.

I have worked in Agriculture for years. I have managed a farm. I have family who still work on a farm.

I won’t just put on a pair of overalls once a year at a fall fair.