Neebing and Westfort candidates meet voters at library event in Thunder Bay ahead of municipal election
CBC
Election day is just weeks away and candidates from Thunder Bay's Neebing and Westfort wards got a chance to lay out their plans on Monday night, as the public library hosted its first candidates night.
The event took place at the Mary J.L. Black Library, and included all registered candidates from both wards.
From Neebing, Brad DesRochers, Debra Halvorsen, Greg Johnsen, Shaun Kennedy, Basil Lychowyd, and Yuk-Sem Won took part.
Meanwhile, John Collins, Alan D. Corbett, incumbent Kristen Oliver, and David Tommasini participated for Westfort.
"I think it's very important," Westfort resident Janet Stewardson said about Monday's event.
"It's an opportunity to meet the candidates," she said. "It's an opportunity to find out where they stand on certain things, and find out what the issues are, mainly, in each area."
Stewardson said the main issues for her are revitalization of neighbourhoods, and addressing drug use in the city.
Ian Robb of Neebing said he wants "to see some action" from the next Neebing councillor.
"The important issue, at least in Neebing, is increasing the taxes," he said. "As well, they eliminated our community centre. There's no place for kids to go."
Robb also noted that he'd like to see cycling infrastructure along Rosslyn Road, similar to what's in place on Broadway Avenue.
Monday's event was split into two parts. First, candidates took part in what was essentially a meet and greet, where voters from both wards had the opportunity to speak directly to them.
Then, both the Neebing and Westfort candidates participated in a question and answer session.
It wasn't a debate, but rather candidates were asked three questions each. The questions had been developed in consultation with the community and covered a wide range of topics, including crime, homelessness, racism and discrimination, and supports for seniors.
For example, with regards to crime, some candidates suggested police take a more proactive approach.
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