I received the following questions from ALTNO/United Against Alto (UAA) as part of a Candidate Questionnaire:
1. Which statement best reflects your current position on the proposed Alto project and its potential impacts on agriculture, the local environment, properties, and communities?
I have concerns but require additional information before taking a position
2. Do you support requiring comprehensive information and appropriate impact assessments regarding potential municipal resource, infrastructure and fiscal impacts before the municipality enters into voluntary agreements or provides voluntary permissions that could facilitate the Alto project?
Yes
3. Do you believe municipalities and communities should have meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions regarding major infrastructure projects that will have significant long-term impacts on their residents, land and municipal infrastructure?
Yes
4. If elected, would you support council action to protect municipal interests—including appropriate safeguards for municipal infrastructure, taxpayers and communities—before the municipality enters into voluntary agreements or provides voluntary permissions connected to the Alto project?
Yes
5. If elected, what specific actions would you support to protect municipal interests and ensure residents have meaningful opportunities to participate in decisions related to the Alto project?
If elected, I would support Council taking an active role in advocating for Scugog throughout the Alto process. While the Township does not control the final route or federal approvals, that doesn’t mean we should simply wait and see what happens.
I would support:
• Maintaining a direct line of communication with Alto so the Township is informed as the project develops and can raise local concerns early.
• Making sure residents have clear, timely information about what is being proposed, what decisions have been made, what remains undecided, and how they can participate.
• Providing meaningful opportunities for residents to be heard, including public meetings or information sessions when there are issues specifically affecting Scugog residents, rather than expecting people to navigate a large federal project on their own.
• Identifying and advocating for local priorities such as agricultural and property impacts, road and drainage infrastructure, crossings and access, environmental concerns, construction impacts, and potential economic or community benefits.
• Working with neighbouring municipalities and the Region where interests overlap. A project of this scale crosses municipal boundaries, so there is value in sharing information and presenting common concerns where appropriate.
Most importantly, I would want Council to be engaged early, informed, and willing to speak up for Scugog. Meaningful consultation isn't simply giving residents an opportunity to attend a meeting; it means making sure their concerns are documented, communicated to the decision-makers, and followed up on as the project evolves.
I don't think Council should prejudge every aspect of a project that is still being developed. I do think we have a responsibility to understand it, protect municipal interests, and make sure Scugog has a seat at the table.