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Andrew Prince — Barrie Ward 7

A resident of Ward 7, I originally moved to Barrie in 1990 with my mother Vicki and brothers Matt and Mike. Barrie allowed my mother to work in her field of passion as an educational assistant and work with autistic children, Matt was able to join the military and become a police officer and Michael became a sports entrepreneur.

After post-secondary school I returned to Barrie and joined one of the country’s leading financial firms. Throughout my 10-year finance career I helped families assess their financial needs and helped them with investments, tax laws, and insurance decisions.

Between 2006-2010 I represented Ward 9 in the southeast end and returned to city council proudly representing Ward 7 for the last three years. Throughout my terms I have repeatedly lobbied for lower taxes, been a champion for small to medium-sized businesses, implemented programs that helped increase public safety, and have always been accessible to my constituents.

Issues:

Value for tax dollars.

It’s not enough to say taxes should be linked to inflation. It takes proper strategic thinking to look at the long-range financial planning of our city. We need to shift the tax base from the residential taxpayer to the commercial and industrial sector by creating a business-friendly environment.

Traffic.

With the Harvie Road overpass opening in 2020 and Bryne Drive opening in 2021, we need to focus on Mapleview Drive and work with the province to push for a substantial fix. I will continue to advocate for a DDI (diverging diamond interchange) to get the south end moving.

Public safety.

Commission a comprehensive review for the south end to slow down residential speeders and those who ignore the safety of the residents, by looking at traffic calming measures, revisiting red light cameras and increasing enforcement from Barrie police.

Age-friendly community

We need to acknowledge the unique needs of our 65+ population when making decisions around areas like, transportation, housing, health care, public spaces and community engagement.

On Oct. 22 I ask for your support to help keep Barrie “Moving Forward.”


How much is that? Wasaga Beach wants to know

Wasaga Beach is hiring an appraiser to determine the value of land identified as the site of the municipality’s proposed community hub.

In a special committee of the whole meeting, July 6, councillors accepted a recommendation to advertise for an appraiser, after concerns were raised about sole-sourcing the appraisal service to a Barrie firm proposed by the town’s chief administrative officer.

George Vadeboncoeur said seven Main Street landowners have been informed the town is interested in buying the properties for a facility that could include a double rink, library, and cultural space.

The appraisals, he said, would form the basis for a negotiation of a purchase and sale agreement.

He said the appraisals of the properties would be a “complex process” as they involved businesses — notably two campgrounds, a motel, and one other mixed-use property.