What's the biggest municipal election issue in Ward 20 – Osgoode?

Quick facts about the Osgoode ward

Incumbent: George Darouze

Candidates running: George Darouze, Doug Thompson, Dan O’Brien, Bob Masaro and Bruce Anthony Faulkner

Where is Ward 20?

SURVEY RESULTS

Do you reside within this ward?

George Darouze: Yes

Doug Thompson: Did not participate

Dan O’Brien: Did not participate

Bob Masaro: Yes

Bruce Anthony Faulkner: Yes

Why do you think you’re the best person to represent your ward?

George Darouze: “As the only candidate who is fluent in both official languages, I believe I am the best person to represent Ward 20. During the last two terms as councillor for Osgoode Ward, I have brought over $100 million in funding to repave roads, upgrade community parks and improve our arenas.”

Doug Thompson: Did not participate

Dan O’Brien: Did not participate

Bob Masaro: “I will completely change the narrative of how Osgoode Ward is represented at Council. The current incumbents have constantly voted for every expensive project without expressing our needs. In contrast, I will always consult the citizens, communicate clearly to them and vote properly on council as a true rural representative.”

Bruce Anthony Faulkner: “This brand-new ward (Osgoode 20) needs my passion, determination and broad general knowledge to effectively manage new construction projects, roads and infrastructure without being compromised by monetary contributions from developers, unions or special interest groups.”

What is the most important issue in your ward? Why?

George Darouze: “Ward 20 and rural Ottawa need roads repaved. This is our lifeline when it comes to commuting to work or getting around the community. Since 2014, I have been able to ensure Osgoode Ward has been an area to consistently receive the most amount of asphalt year after year. With the vast number of main roads repaved, I have now been able to focus on smaller residential roads as shown in areas like Vernon and Metcalfe, which have been neglected for decades. I will always keep fighting for our essential infrastructure to be repaired, upgraded, and replaced. This includes the work I’ve already done to advance the road widening on Bank Street, south of Leitrim, where a bottleneck exists for commuters. Adding paved shoulders to our roads will help improve our cycling network and make our community more cycle friendly for cycle routes, like the Greely Loop and Metcalfe Loop.”

Doug Thompson: Did not participate

Dan O’Brien: Did not participate

Bob Masaro: “The most significant issue facing Osgoode Ward is the Tewin Development Proposal. Clearly, this project could have potential generational impacts on our rural area. The stated goal of the plan is to create a 15-minute community of approximately 45,000 residents. There are far too many challenges in developing the site. The area has sensitive marine clay soils presenting difficulties in construction of buildings, wastewater servicing and in providing drinking water. Due to the community’s isolation, there are increased costs in providing roads, transit and other services. Furthermore, this development could have significant environmental impacts. It is outrageous how this project has been fast-tracked by city council without proper studies or consultations. There is no way that the project has anything to do with reconciliation. It is clear that this project is just another development scheme veiled under the concept of community building. Therefore, I will never support the Tewin Project!”

Bruce Anthony Faulkner: “There are so many different issues that are important to so many different people, however, I think the one that comes up at the top of the list most often is the concern over increased municipal taxes, especially with the new municipal assessments next spring. This will not be an easy term for council and the people will need to elect the right mayor, one who can focus on managing the city through what may be a financial crisis.”

What is the most important issue citywide?

George Darouze: “In the last eight years I’ve worked with council and emergency services teams to advocate for our paramedic services. We have hired 100 new paramedics, plus added vehicles to the fleet. With proper staffing now in place, today’s paramedics arrive at the hospital, but cannot quickly transfer the patient to emergency staff. This vital factor causes the concerns we see when it’s announced that no ambulances are available. As your councillor, I will keep working with our provincial partners for a solution by implementing innovative ways to quickly offload patients at our hospitals so paramedics can be available.”

Doug Thompson: Did not participate

Dan O’Brien: Did not participate

Bob Masaro: “The most important issue citywide is the constant increasing taxes and debt. Most of the financial problems are connected to the ill-conceived LRT project. The debenture funding that has taken place is a future nightmare! The financial problems also come from mismanagement and waste. Council needs to stop being attracted to mega-projects. If elected, I will be fiscally responsible and work within budgets. A line-by-line review should be conducted of the city’s finances to find efficiencies. With prudent council decisions, it is urgently necessary to stop adding to the debt. It is quite possible to freeze property taxes and still provide quality services.”

Bruce Anthony Faulkner: Submitted same response as previous question.

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