New Tecumseth has large growth plans as many of us saw proposed earlier in the…

Asked by Anonymous · 2 months ago

New Tecumseth has large growth plans as many of us saw proposed earlier in the year. How can new jobs be created that pay New Tec residents properly, so that we do not need to travel south for higher paying employment?

Transit & Transportation Economic Development Growth & Development

Candidate answers

Peter Barbati

Councillor Ward 5

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Answered a month ago • Votes & comments

James Dougall

Councillor Ward 1

Basically we need to attract higher paying industries , advanced manufacturing technology, specialized trades and less low wage service sectors to raise the overall economy wage average

Answered 23 days ago • Votes & comments

Wendy Gabrek

Councillor Ward 2

New Tecumseth needs a variety of businesses that provide employment opportunities for people at every age and stage of life. That could be a student looking for a part-time job after school, a parent looking for flexible or evening work to supplement their household income, a skilled tradesperson looking to build a career close to home, or a senior who wants to continue working part-time for the income, social connection and sense of purpose.

But we also need to think bigger. As our population grows, we need to actively attract larger employers and a more diverse range of industries that bring professional, technical, administrative and corporate positions with them. People shouldn't necessarily have to commute south to find those opportunities.

That means making sure we have employment lands available and serviced, creating an environment where businesses want to invest, and supporting the businesses that are already here so they can grow and create more jobs.

Education and training are part of that as well. I support efforts to bring skilled trades and technology training closer to home and to build partnerships between employers and educational institutions so residents can train for good careers without having to leave the community.

If we're going to grow substantially, we shouldn't just be planning where people will live. We should be equally focused on where they will work.

Answered 20 days ago • • Votes & comments

Stephanie MacLellan

Mayor

Great question! Increasing local employment for residents but especially youth has been a sadly overlooked priority for over 20 years in New Tecumseth. I want people to live and work here. The last 4 years have saw employment opportunities stay stagnant while more people moved here and now compete for those jobs. Teens have a harder time finding a job today and that is unacceptable. The Town's economic development efforts have not resulted in new jobs or jobs for our teens. I will, as Mayor, completely overhaul the town's approach to engaging potential employers. We have the skills, the labour force and infrastructure ready to go, we just lack the leadership.

Answered 2 months ago • Votes & comments

Laurie Mortimer

Councillor Ward 3

As our population grows significantly, our employment base needs to grow with it. We should be actively attracting a broader mix of employers in manufacturing, skilled trades, technology, professional services and other sectors that provide sustainable, well-paying jobs. That means having employment lands ready, competitive development processes and the infrastructure businesses need, while working with employers, educational institutions and other levels of government. I also believe we need to support the businesses already here. Growth shouldn’t simply mean adding thousands of homes and sending more residents down Highway 400 every morning. A stronger New Tecumseth means creating more opportunities for people to live and work here.

Answered 2 months ago • Votes & comments

Chris Rapin

Councillor Ward 1

We need to pay attention to towns that have shown success with this. There's always a community that has already gone through it. We need to learn from them. We also have to get better at predicting the future rather than responding to it when it happens (Proactive rather than Reactive). Have our EcDev figure out the next "wave". We should be willing to pilot things as well. An example of thinking ahead: What is the next step for telecommunications? It will get faster right? What if New Tecumseth somehow becomes the fastest internet speeds in Canada? We could attract plenty of new residents with good salaries that have the option to work from home! As it stands now we are more of a bedroom community and this takes it's toll. Parents drive to the city work, drive home, and then take their children to a sport or activity. These parents probably aren't feeling much like coaching or volunteering after such a long day, long week, long month. How many of our clubs/sports are clamouring for volunteers? (the answer is all of them)

Answered 2 months ago • Votes & comments

Jason Shand

Councillor Ward 2

Growth should strengthen our community so people can live, work and raise their families here, it shouldn't outpace our core services.

We need to support the local businesses already operating here and help them connect with residents while attracting new businees.

Answered a month ago • Votes & comments

Jaison Waldman

Mayor

New jobs require new ideas or established business willing to invest. Investor confidence is something that we have to work on. When the town complains about growing and wants to keeping the identity of the three separate areas, then other places stand a better chance of getting the edge.

With the wealth of skills and knowledge in New Tecumseth we can turn things around and build industries that thrive now and for generations to come. Dream Big and choose your path.

Answered a month ago • Votes & comments