Who is running for city council in Charlottetown
Because of some municipal boundary changes, voters may see some fresh faces in their wards
Because of some municipal boundary changes, voters may see some fresh faces in their wards when they head to the polls on Nov. 5.
As with past elections, Charlottetown continues to have 10 wards and voters will choose one councillor in each ward to make up city council.
The number of registered voters has increased slightly over the past three elections from nearly 22,600 in 2006 to over 23,000 in the 2014 election.
Here are the candidates registered with Elections P.E.I. running for city council in Charlottetown for the 2018 election, listed by ward and then alphabetically by first name.
- Ward 1 — Queens Square
- Ward 2 — Belvedere
- Ward 3 — Brighton
- Ward 4 — Spring Park
- Ward 5 — Ellen's Creek
- Ward 6 — Mount Edward
- Ward 7 — Beach Grove
- Ward 8 — Highfield
- Ward 9 — Stonepark
- Ward 10 — Falconwood
Ward 1 — Queens Square
Eddie Rice, the incumbent in Ward 1, is not re-offering.
Alanna Jankov
Why are you running for council?
As a champion for the underrepresented, I believe in putting my words into action.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
The number one concern for the residents of Ward 1 is the affordability of housing. There are several causes. The situation is causing anxiety in many of our downtown residents who fear that they will not be able to continue to afford to live in our downtown neighbourhoods.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
I plan to push the city to be more open and transparent in all its operations, to fully engage the public in the governance of our city, and to be much more proactive in both planning our city's future and facing some of the immediate challenges.
Laurent Beaulieu
Why are you running for council?
I wish to see Charlottetown become more progressive and inclusive for all its residents.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
Densification.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
Improve infrastructure for street traffic.
Leo Killorn
Why are you running for council?
I have always followed municipal affairs. What is done and how it is accomplished have always been of keen interest to me.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
There is little space left for development in Ward 1 so what comes next is extremely important.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
More focus on street enhancement for the lower streets of Charlottetown.
Paul Haddad
Why are you running for council?
During 35 years in business it has always been my passion to work with and serve my community.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
Seniors housing and affordable living.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
I would focus more on accessibility. More attention toward the physically challenged, also seniors and people in wheelchairs.
Ron Dowling
Why are you running for council?
Having volunteered in various capacities throughout adulthood, I have found the challenges and civic engagement in service on city council to be the most rewarding, personally, and is an area where I can bring about the most direct benefit to my community.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
Lack of availability of social housing, low-income rental units and long-term rentals in general is the number one issue of concern expressed by residents of Ward 1.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
Enhanced enforcement of traffic laws and bylaws (speeding, running stop signs, parking in designated residential spaces). I would explore with police services the current police staffing resources and operational focus, as well as re-instatement of a dedicated traffic enforcement unit.
Ward 2 — Belvedere
Justin Muttart
Why are you running for council?
I'm very passionate about my community. I believe in a safe and vibrant community, as well as providing opportunities for our city and communities to grow and prosper. As a resident of Ward 2, I welcome the opportunity to represent the interests of the residents within Ward 2.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
The number one concern I've heard from the residents of Ward 2 is traffic safety and the need for more traffic enforcement.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
There is no one individual thing which I would change in our ward. However, I've heard many great thoughts and ideas by the residents of Ward 2, which need to be considered and addressed by city council.
Terry MacLeod
Terry MacLeod is the incumbent for Ward 2.
Why are you running for council?
To be a strong representative voice for the residents at city council.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
Safety and to control speeding of vehicles in our community.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
Create better housing for all residents.
Ward 3 — Brighton
Frank MacEachern
Why are you running for council?
City council needs fresh faces and new ideas.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
The lack of enforcement of traffic violations like speeding and stop signs.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
I will ensure that the old P.E.I. hospital property is incorporated into Victoria Park.
Keith Kennedy
Why are you running for council?
I would love to serve Ward 3. I have worked in my community with youth in the Adventure Group. I have a lot to offer my ward and lots of experience working with my community.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
I would like to see more accessibility in Ward 3 more bike lanes and public safety. More green spaces. Housing is a major issue and the new cannabis act needs work. I would like to see more biking in the community and less taxes.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
Accessibility for our roads and sidewalks and bike lanes improved upon. Snow removal is an issue. Our department is very high and spending is out of control so I would like to open the books and create transparency.
Mike Duffy
Mike Duffy is the incumbent in Ward 3.
Why are you running for council?
To contribute to the activities that will result in making Charlottetown a better place to live, work and raise a family.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
Speeding traffic.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
That the ward would receive more residential police coverage than it does now.
Norman Beck
Why are you running for council?
I have always had an interest in municipal affairs and public service is a natural fit for me. As a lifelong resident of Ward 3, I am invested in, and committed to giving back to, this great neighborhood and city. I want to see Charlottetown flourish and achieve its fullest potential.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
While I have had many discussions with residents, on a wide variety of matters, the topic that is clearly front of mind with them is housing. Housing is a complex, multi-layered issue and will require all stakeholders working together to come up with an effective solution for all.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
Communication. I would provide opportunities to increase the engagement of all residents, have an active and ongoing presence in the ward, and commit to open communication and transparent decision-making at city hall. Our residents deserve no less than that.
Ward 4 — Spring Park
This ward is formerly known as St. Avards.
Mitch Tweel
Mitch Tweel is the incumbent in Ward 4.
Why are you running for council?
I am running for council to create a healthier lifestyle and quality of life for all of the residents in the ward and the entire city. It is imperative to continue to make this city and province the most livable place to live, to raise a family and to work. This city is a tremendous place live in and there is so much to be thankful for, however there is more progress to be accomplished.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
The number one concern is the relocation of the propane facility on Allen Street. The community has changed to more of people's place to live — in terms of education, retail, residential, commercial, recreation and business. Industrial activities and usage like the propane facility should be relocated to a safer destination away from all of the important sectors that just mentioned and into a industrial park.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
I would reintroduce a comprehensive plan to be implemented for a new a traffic division to be totally and completely dedicated, to combat speeding and traffic violations in the neighbourhoods and the communities. Street safety in terms of pedestrian traffic, particularly in the school zones, has been compromised and needs to be effectively addressed and efficiently corrected.
Richard Turner
Why are you running for council?
I feel it is time for a change from the status quo of the same faces in city council for decades on end. I am offering an outside perspective from the usual candidates who offer.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
I would like to see coherent, fair and consistent decisions on decisions regarding zoning, building and demolition permits. I would like to find the common ground for current residents, land owners and developers. Land is a finite resource and the root of the housing crisis.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
I would like to see a program for community gardens expanded. Health begins at home and food from your own garden is very satisfying and low cost.
Valentine Gomez
Why are you running for council?
I believe my experience as a project engineer will contribute to finding different ways to run the city more effectively and efficiently. I also believe that Charlottetown can be a Canadian leader in sustainable initiatives. I want to be a part of helping guide this city to the front of the pack.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
My biggest concern, and something that has repeatedly come up while canvassing, is the lack of affordable housing in my ward. We need to create better housing opportunities for our residents so that people are not forced to sleep on their friend's couches.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
I would improve safety for all pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists. This can be done by improving our bike lane network, adding speed deterrents in school zones, and creating additional cross walks around the neighbourhood.
Ward 5 — Ellen's Creek
This ward is formerly known as Spring Park.
Ken DesRoches
Why are you running for council?
In 1974 I was elected to council at age 26. The experience launched my career in the public and private sector and as a sessional instructor at UPEI. Rather than just retire, I would like to use my extensive experience to give back by getting it done together.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
The sense that our municipal government lacks the partnerships required to be successful in many important areas including the creation of priorities and partnerships required to get it done together.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
Creating a focus on accessibility and safety for our senior citizens, persons with disabilities and for our school age children.
Kevin Ramsay
Kevin Ramsay is the incumbent in Ward 5.
Why are you running for council?
I enjoy being a voice for Ward 5 in the City of Charlottetown.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
Speeding through residential areas.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
Adding sidewalks in strategic areas to increase the safety of my residents.
Pauline MacIntyre
Why are you running for council?
Cities do not run by themselves, they need caring energetic people to roll up their sleeves and tackle the issues. I aspire to be one of those people.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
The fulfilment of my ward's concerns (i.e. development of affordable housing.)
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
Improvement of traffic control including additional sidewalks where needed.
Ward 6 — Mount Edward
Bob Doiron
Bob Doiron is the incumbent in Ward 6.
Why are you running for council?
I want to be the voice for our community, to work to obtain an equal share of resources for our ward, to work toward building a community centre where police can have access to a satellite station. To change hiring practices to make it honest and fair.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
I believe equalization of services and resources tends to be the major concern for our ward.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
A new community centre is needed, the one we have now has been moved there in the early 60s. I believe it is our time to improve our community with a new building that all generations can use.
David W. MacDonald
Why are you running for council?
I have been involved in municipal politics for many years. It is "ground roots" politics and allows for direct inter-action with residents and allows for residents to participate with solutions.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
The number one concern expressed by the residents in Ward 6 is the need for safe, affordable housing.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
Increased police presence to handle traffic related matters.
Melissa Hilton
Melissa Hilton is the incumbent in Ward 9, but is now seeking election in Ward 6.
Why are you running for council?
First started out in 2005 as a way of becoming more involved in our city but over the years it has turned into being a part of making our city a better safer place to live, work and play.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
The number one concern I'm hearing at the door pertains to our housing situation and having housing options affordable for everyone.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
Have our ward a safer environment for walking and cycling, that would mean more sidewalks and bicycle lanes.
Ward 7 — Beach Grove
Greg Rivard
Greg Rivard is the incumbent. As he is the only candidate registered, he will be acclaimed as councillor for Ward 7.
Why are you running for council?
I have enjoyed meeting and speaking to the residents over the past four years to discuss some of the opportunities and challenges our city faces. During this time, I have accomplished much of what I set out to do and am now looking forward to the new challenge of expanding our goals and objectives.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
Improved road infrastructure and design to increase safety for walkers and bikers. In the absence of sidewalks, widening roads by four feet when resurfacing would help achieve this goal.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
Safety measures and additional policing to help control speeding in residential areas.
Ward 8 — Highfield
Jason Coady
Jason Coady is the incumbent in Ward 8.
Why are you running for council?
Service. I believe in our people and our city.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
Responsible development in and around our neighbourhoods. This includes investing in municipal services and sound planning.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
The speed being driven on the streets in our residential neighbourhoods.
Trevor MacKinnon
Why are you running for council?
I have always had an interest in politics and I feel that I can serve the residents of Ward 8 and the City of Charlottetown well, in delivering services to improve their quality of living.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
Policing services, more patrols and reducing speeding in neighbourhoods, to protect the safety of residents and children. Also work on ditch infilling, that has been promised for years and still not completed.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
I would like to have open communication between myself and the residents of Ward 8, being accessible and respond to all complaints and issues. What I promise the residents of Ward 8 is my time, to listen to their issues and bring them to City Hall.
Ward 9 — Stonepark
The incumbent for Ward 9, Melissa Hilton, is now running in Ward 6.
Julie McCabe
Why are you running for council?
I have lived in Ward 9 Stonepark for the past 20 years. I feel I can bring strong representation for the residents of Ward 9. I am confident in my ability to work hard, listen to residents and follow through with their concerns. I will be a strong advocate for our community.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
The biggest concern I am hearing from the residents in Ward 9 is safety around traffic. This includes speed on all streets and exits onto the main St. Peter's Highway.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
I would advocate for equitable services in Ward 9 Stonepark. One example would be looking at offering bus service to all residents of East Royalty.
Lornie Hughes
Why are you running for council?
In many neighbourhood discussions I've had with residents of Ward 9, the City of Charlottetown is referred to as a separate identity. The reality is this is our city and it is important that we are engaged in its direction. It's time that our voice is heard.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
I'm very concerned about the potential relocation of the Charlottetown Fire Department Station #2 from its current location on St. Peters Road. I will fight to keep this an active fire station within our community.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
I will work to expand the sidewalk systems to be better reflect the growth and traffic concerns in the ward.
Ward 10 — Falconwood
Jason MacKinnon
Why are you running for council?
I believe in my community. Every resident in our city has a voice, and I strongly think it's time for change, I feel a good councillor should be honest, transparent and be held accountable.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
Honesty.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
To work very hard and be engaged with all the residents of Ward 10.
Ryan Cooke
Why are you running for council?
I believe I will make a meaningful and positive contribution to our community.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
Our ward needs wider transit access for all residents.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
I will implement stronger speed control measures for the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.
Terry Bernard
Terry Bernard is the incumbent in Ward 10.
Why are you running for council?
To contribute toward improvements to my community and my city.
What is your number one concern in your ward?
Residents' safety exiting subdivisions onto provincial highway.
What is the one thing you would change in your ward?
There have been many positive changes made to this ward over the past few years and we will continue to listen and respond to constituents wishes and concerns.
More from P.E.I. Votes 2018
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