Grimsby regional candidates state their case

With Grimsby located in the far west of the region, solid representation at Regional government is the key to getting anything done.

The two Grimsby candidates vying for the regional seat soon to be vacated by long-standing regional councillor Debbie Zimmerman, answered questions on public works, transit, mountain truck access, snow removal, and improved communication during Votefest 2014.

The Oct. 15 debate was organized by the Grimsby Chamber of Commerce and members of the public packed the room at Casablanca Inn.

NICK ANDREYCHUK

Nick Andreychuk agreed a position on the public works committee would help Grimsby with several issues incoluding being at the forefront of issues such as the proposed extension of Livingston Ave. He noted the proposed Tufford Road mountain access is not new. He said he would bring the region’s recommendations forward to the community.

Andreychuck said transit is needed in Grimsby and if the GO Train comes here then a way will also be needed to get people to the trains.

“We may have to look at smaller buses,” he noted.

He said the province is supposed to make a decision on GO shortly so “hopefully” within the next year or two Grimsby will have access to transit.

He said economic development is an issue faced by all of Niagara and more needs to be done.

He supported more policing to improve issues with speeding vehicles on mountain roads.

TONY QUIRK

Tony Quirk also hopes to be appointed to the public works committee but ideally would like to see all four standing committees covered between Grimsby’s rep at the region and the mayor.

“We can work as a team to cover all the bases,” he said.

Quirk said the Tufford Road area was chosen as a future truck route because there are fewer homes there and said “we have to trust” the assessment that is going on.

Quirk said he would work with a group of citizens to find a transit solution that would work for Grimsby.

He noted $300 of each $1,000 in taxes that goes to the region pays for policing and that Grimsby “is not getting enough for its money.”

He also noted the need for improved communication and suggested a newsletter or social media could help.

As for economic development he said GO Train could serve as a catalyst for growth.