Bruce Kelly

Carling faces challenges over the next decade, but we have the opportunity to get ahead of them. My approach to addressing these challenges: Plan for growth. Stand up for Carling. Spend wisely.

Protecting taxpayers from rising costs

Here’s the problem: Inflation, provincial downloading, and changes to regulations and standards continue to put pressure on Carling’s expenses, as municipalities like ours are forced to absorb more costs from regulations that are not always relevant here in the near North and to assume greater cost responsibilities for services such as OPP and social services.

The fix: During my time on Council, Carling’s tax increases have remained aligned with inflation and have stayed below those of neighbouring municipalities. I will continue this approach by controlling costs and working with other municipalities through ROMA (Rural Ontario Municipal Association) and AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) to push back when the province shifts more costs onto local taxpayers. We will work with the Province when it makes sense, push back when we are treated unfairly, and keep Carling’s taxes affordable.

Pressure from the Province to amalgamate the district municipalities.

Our local autonomy is not up for debate. My experience on Council has prepared me to engage with the province and protect our local voice. To address the threat of amalgamation, I will ensure that Carling is fiscally responsible, maintains its infrastructure, uses responsible capital planning, and works with neighbouring municipalities on shared projects and cost-saving opportunities. Recently, we used the temporary asphalt plant for Highway 559 to secure a better price for our local road work, saving Carling hundreds of thousands of dollars. We can work collaboratively without giving up control. I will ensure that Carling’s decisions remain in our hands.

Growth and changing demographics are increasing pressure on Carling’s roads, infrastructure and services.

Many older cottages built in the 1960s and 1970s are changing hands, and many are being rebuilt as full-time residences. This shift will increase demand for planning services, roads, infrastructure, municipal services and recreation.

Here’s my solution: Develop a strategic plan, shaped by our community, to guide development and spending and to meet our greatest needs in a thoughtful, transparent, and cost-effective manner. Carling is becoming a more vibrant year-round community, and we need to plan for this shift in service demands, invest in our infrastructure, and support Carling’s citizens with the services they deserve.

I am running for Mayor to build on the progress our community has made while protecting what makes Carling special. During my time on council, I have seen what works, where we need to improve, and what it takes to achieve great results.

Carling has made significant investments in recent years, including the community centre, the multi-purpose covered arena, road upgrades, and the new fire hall. These projects are critical, but we also need a strategic plan for where Carling is headed.

As Mayor, I will establish a clear strategic plan along with key performance objectives that reflect our community’s vision for Carling. This means listening to residents and cottagers, setting priorities before spending money, and ensuring that development does not come at the expense of Carling’s natural environment.

Residents should not have to chase Council for information. Council meetings are now live-streamed and recorded, a positive step, but more can be done. As Mayor, I will ensure our community knows what is happening in Carling, why, and how it affects them.

We also need to plan for the realities of summer. As our population grows, pressure on our building department, waste sites, docks, parking, and recreational facilities increases. We need to plan ahead for that demand and ensure Carling is ready when summer arrives.

We should also continue supporting sports, cultural activities, and community events that bring people together without raising taxpayer costs.

Carling is a beautiful place and a natural sanctuary. Protecting our lakes, shoreline, forests, and other natural resources is essential to planning for our future. We need to be proactive and make decisions that safeguard Carling’s character, natural beauty, and way of life.

The Mayor has one vote but helps set the tone and agenda for Council. The job is to keep Council focused, work effectively with staff, listen to residents, and ensure we spend money wisely.

I am running to serve as your Mayor because I know our community, understand the job, and am ready to lead and defend our local voice. Carling has made great progress. Now we need a clear plan for what comes next and for protecting what makes our community home.