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Audio courtesy of Your TV Smiths Falls.
Perth needs investment, housing and businesses that can thrive. How the town makes room for that growth brought different perspectives to its all-candidates meeting.
Candidates discussed whether planning procedures discourage investment, how staff can handle more applications and what development should contribute to the community.
The discussion also raised a broader question: how can Perth expand while maintaining the character that draws people here?
Mayoral candidate Stephanie Drummond said business owners have described unclear answers and lengthy planning processes. She argued that some eventually abandon projects or invest elsewhere, costing Perth jobs and opportunities.
Drummond said changing that experience would be a priority.
She called for clearer expectations and a streamlined process. She also said heritage protection and economic development can work together, with regulations examined for unnecessary obstacles to adapting older buildings.
Mayoral candidate Ed McPherson defended the town’s development record and planning staff.
He said incomplete applications can lead to repeated exchanges between staff and developers. He also said council receives reports detailing projects, their progress and outstanding issues.
McPherson pointed to a new system intended to change how applications are submitted.
McPherson said applicants would also beable to follow their submissions’ progress. He emphasized that staff must comply with planning requirements.
Mayoral candidate David Byrd similarly argued that provincial standards account for many applications being refused. Isabelle Anne McRae credited staff with improvements while supporting greater efficiency and better tracking of approval times.
Councillor candidate Ramsey Hart called for evidence to help settle competing views of Perth’s planning process.
He proposed comparing approval times with other municipalities and gathering developers’ experiences. An economic development committee, he said, could provide a forum to identify problems and solutions.
Councillor candidate Paul Quinnell said another obstacle is information that exists but is difficult to find.
Quinnell also wanted applicants told how long they should expect to wait.
Councillor candidate Sheldon Giff supported a central point of contact, while Judy Brown raised the pressure on existing staff. Brown suggested bringing in assistance for more complex applications.
Gary Waterfield proposed gathering stakeholders to develop an action plan for continuous improvement.
Beyond approvals, candidates discussed what growth should look like.
Deputy mayor candidate Catherine Schouler emphasized protecting wetlands, green space and tree canopy. Jamie Dyer supported development at a pace local services can accommodate.
Councillor candidates Jim Bolt and Peter Gardner Hallam emphasized development’s economic benefits. Derek Zeissman called for public discussion about the community’s housing needs and future.
Across those responses, candidates connected growth to affordability, employment and services, while offering different approaches to getting projects built.
