Tayler Reiners - Ward 1 Councilor
- What has motivated you to run for this position? What qualifications and experiences do you have that will support you to be successful in this role?
I have always been involved in my community and have been very interested in council. However, it wasn’t until the sewage construction started on King Street, that I determined that I must run for council. I, and many of neighbours, had many questions about the construction taking place, and have yet to receive the final price tag for the work completed. I decided that if I couldn’t get someone to answer our questions, then I am going to be the person to get those answers.
I believe that my background and legal education will greatly benefit me should I be the successful candidate. My understanding of how the laws work, and the delicate relationship between our difference levels of government, will allow me to bring a diverse outlook to council.
Additionally, I am a relatively new resident, having only moved in just over 2 years ago. Although this does limit my historical understanding of our community, it does allow me to grant a new and different viewpoint. I want to learn from the residence, both new and veteran, what their concerns and suggests are. I want to be a voice for all my neighbours.
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2. If elected, what are your top three priorities for your work in Thames Centre? What would you define as the priorities for Thorndale specifically?
Should I be the successful candidate, my top 3 priorities would be as follows:
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- West Nissouri Public School is currently sitting at 118% capacity. To me this is unacceptable and needs to be addressed immediately. I understand that education does not fall under the responsibility of the municipality, rather it is over seen by the province. However, this does, in turn, affect municipally overseen departments. It is hard to discuss infrastructure and growth, when our children would be entering an overpopulated school. I will continue to advocate for our community in attempts to rectify this situation. Thames Valley’s projected pupil count indicated that the Thames Centre hit the peak in 2020-2021, these projections need to be revised so that they are accurate
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- As we are all aware, we are currently in a housing crisis. In accordance with the County of Middlesex’s Affordable housing Plan, Thames Centre is required to meet the 20% affordable housing target. When develops are brought before council, I will ensure that all new developments include the minimum ration of 20% affordable housing. In order for our community to keep growing and be prosperous, we need to have housing option available for our seniors and the next generations. Our residences should not have to leave their community due to lack of housing to meet their needs.
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- With inflation seated at 7.00% here in Ontario. I know my family is not the only ones seeing less in our account at the end of the month. My third priority would have to be keeping our municipal taxes and utilities do not increase. Surplus income, what little there is, should not be allocated to the municipality.
- If you could change one thing in our zoning code, what would it be and why?
A major change I would like to see is that of the recommendation outlined in the Municipality of Thames Centre Official Plan Review 2021, which is encourage a further mix of housing types that street townhouses dwellings be rezoned as low density residential issues. By making this change, it will allow existing parcels of lands to be used tp build town houses, without the need for rezoning applications. No only will this increase the number of dwellings, but will preserve these of precious farmland, by reducing the amount of land required.
- Do you feel that the taxes including development fees that are collected in Thorndale are being used to support the growth and development of this community? Why or why not?
I do believe that the taxes including development fees are used in support of the growth and development of community. Developers pay a larger development fee in Thames Centre ($37,500) than they do in other regions. It is clear that developers are still wanting to pay the higher fee, and I think we should continue to do so.
- What are the most significant infrastructure needs here in Thorndale? What projects or priorities will you champion if elected?
I cannot list one piece of infrastructure Thorndale would benefit from. I believe this needs to put to the residents to vote on. I cannot limit the infrastructure improvements that Thorndale could benefits from. We are a thriving community, and as such, our need are ever evolving. Should I be elected councillor, I would be open to all possible infrastructure improvements and additions.
- How would you plan to support economic development in Thorndale? What are the current challenges for businesses in Thorndale, and how do you plan to address these concerns?
You cannot drive through Thorndale, or any part of Thames Centre, without seeing help wanted adds. Our businesses are struggling to find qualified candidates to fill their open positions. Due to our close proximity to London, I would advocate for our connect bus (pilot project) be used to go into London and provide transportation for those who are employed in Thames Centre.
- Do you think our main street/downtown is healthy and successful? If not, what would you do to change that? *Please address the parking situation
I do believe that our downtown is healthy and successful, however, parking can be a challenge. As councillor, I would address this issue by meeting with local business owners for their suggestions on how to address the issue. These wonderful business owners know their customers, and their customers need. I would propose having additional signage posted indicating the areas customers can park. My goal would be to have adequate and safe parking for customers that is close to our downtown.
- Other neighbouring communities (Lucan, Parkhill, Aylmer) have had funding available to existing businesses to upgrade storefronts & interiors, and improve signage and curb appeal. How can you help make this available for business with a Thorndale address?
The risk involved with offering business funding to improve their aesthetics, is that this would more than likely lead to a tax increase for residents. I am not in favour of a tax increase, and do not want to put extra fiduciary stress on our residents. I personally think the businesses in Thorndale are very well maintained and aesthetically pleasing.
- Share some services that are available through Thames Centre that are not offered in Thorndale. What is your plan to ensure that residents from Thorndale have access to the same level of services and programs that are available in Dorchester or other communities of Thames Centre?
Thorndale residents should have access to the same municipal services as the residents of Dorchester. As councillor, I would advocate for a satellite office here in Thorndale. The satellite office would provide customer service to Thorndale residents as often as possible or as the budget would permit. Additionally, I would advocate for local businesses to provide some services such as dog tags, recycling bin pick up, etc. This would not only bring new customers into our local businesses but save residents the trip to Dorchester for minor services.
- How do you feel about the transportation options available in Thorndale? Can all of our residents affordably get where they need to go? If not, what will you do to improve transportation? *Please consider walkability as well
Thorndale is a rural community, meaning that the vast majority of residents drive almost everywhere. The Connect bus pilot project has received a lot of support, but the major complaint for residents is that you cannot use this service if you work in the city. As councillor, I would seek community feedback on way to improve the connect bus (i.e stops they would like, different times, multiple routes, connecting with London Transit bus stops etc.). Additionally, when it comes to walkability, we need more cross walks. As councillor, I will be motioning for additional cross walks to be added.
- How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in Thames Centre for Thorndale?
Should I be elected councillor, I will ensure that residents are involved in all steps of the decision-making process. Residents should be made aware of the issues before they are put to council for a vote. As councillor, I will be advocating for more town-hall meetings for major issues, and notice to residence (either social media or print) of all issues that are before counsel. Should I be elected councillor, I will act merely as the voice for residents, all decisions I make will be in my neighbours best interest.
12. What is the most significant issue related to Thorndale's development in your opinion?
The major issues related to Thorndale’s development is that it need to occur at a rate that will not put stress on our services. Prior to developments we need to ensure that our water and sewage systems can support the growth. If those utilities can not support the additional usages, then development should not occur.
At this moment, our school cannot take the additional children. Many of the families moving into the area are school aged. Since our school is already at 118% capacity, we cannot afford to take on anymore school aged children. Due to amount of stress currently on our teachers and school, I would be of the opinion that we cannot begin to look at any new developments.
- If someone came to you with a proposal to build a new piece of public infrastructure in our city (road, bridge, etc.), how would you evaluate whether or not that project was worth implementing?
Should someone propose to build a new piece of public infrastructure, many things must be considered prior to implementation. These new infrastructure should be to the benefit of the community, and for no improper or other reason. Additionally, investigation needs to be done as to what the cost would be to the municipality. If the infrastructure would need to e maintained by the municipality, then a public forum be held.
14. If you received a $1 million grant to use for Thorndale any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why?
If I were to receive a $1 million dollar grant for Thorndale, then I would have the residents decided its use, by way of vote. In order to get the most benefit out of this grant, then it must be put to a residents only vote. Everyone will have a different idea on how this money should be used, but it is very probable that there will be many residents with similar thoughts and opinions.
- Do you think municipalities have a role to play in mitigating and adapting to climate change? If yes, how does your platform address this?
Municipalities play a huge role in mitigating and adapting to climate change. As waste management falls within the jurisdiction of the municipal government, then the counsel should strive to encourage its residents to become more eco friendly. Recent provincial legation states that the producer of a recyclable product, must pay for the recycling of said product. The provincial government expects municipalities to save a large proportion of their waste management budget. Should I be elected councillor, then I will advocate that those funds to be used toward preventing climate change, such as implementing a green bin program. Additionally, the municipality can make many changes, such as using electric vehicles and installing solar panels to help with climate change. Ultimately, everyone plays a role in mitigating climate change.
16. What is your stance on the Proposed Elliott Gravel Pit given it is located less than 1km away from an elementary school and subdivision? Will you advocate for additional air quality testing if the pit should become operational?
The proposed Elliott Gravel Pitt, could bring economic growth to our community, and add jobs to our area. However, before the proposed Elliott Gravel Pitt become operational, we need to ensure that our residents will safe. Should I be elected as Ward 1 Councillor, then I would not approve this gravel put until we can ensure that there is no air quality risks.
17. With all the growth in Thorndale: What is being done to advocate for more elementary school space? Any discussion of a secondary school? *Arlene
18. What are the most significant safety concerns for Thorndale? What do you commit to doing to increase the responsiveness of the OPP to increase enforcement where necessary?
The major safety concerns here in Thorndale is the slow response time. We have all seen the post about vehicle break ins. I believe that in order for us to decrease our response time, and make Thorndale less appealing to thieves, we need to provide our officers with a place to complete their administrative tasks here in Thorndale. I would advocate for a place for officers to complete their reports. By providing a place for our officer’s to complete reports and administrative tasks, the officers will be able to say on Thorndale and be readily available should any crimes happen. Additionally, should I be elected as councillor, I will advocate for additional radar signs on our roads. These signs not only show drivers the speed they are travelling, but provide quantitative date that can be used to demonstrate the need for additional speed enforcements.
19. How do you plan to invest in recreational opportunities for residents of all ages?
Recreational opportunities are important for residents of all ages. The municipality already has plan to renew the recreational plan, and hopefully offer more opportunities for residents. Should I be elected, I will actively participate in the review of the plan, and also reach out to residents to inquire about what activities they would like to see.
- When booking a Thames Centre facility, do you believe that there should be a different fee structure for those who are not from the community/serving the community?
I believe that when Thames Centre employees are booking a Thames Centre Facility, it should be at a reduced rate. By offering fellow residents a reduced rate when renting facilities, we will continue to not only building a stronger sense of community, but also bringing additional revenue into the municipality. Although the municipality will not be making the same amount, the reduced rate will subsidies any loss, but facilities will also be used when they were previously sitting empty.
- Both the county and Thames Center official plans identify 100-acre parcels as the minimum size for farms. What is your position to those who wish to split 100-acre farms into smaller farm parcels? Would you support smaller farm parcels or remain at the current 100-acre size?
A major change I would like to see is for larger farms parcels be permitted to be divided into smaller farms. Currently in order to be zoned as farmland, the parcel of land needs to be 100 acres. I want to see our rich agriculture sector continue to flourish, and to do that we need to have more farms.
- Considering the growth of the community with many new residents working outside of Thorndale, as well as the mandatory certifications for firefighters coming into effect, how is the municipality going to support and sustain the volunteer Fire Department as the community continues to grow?
We need firefighters! They are the individuals who are running towards the hazard, when the majority of the population is running away. As councillor, I would recommend that the municipality subsidies our existing firefighter, and those who are wanting to volunteer, costs for certification. In order to reduce the financial burden on both the fire fighters and the municipality, I would make all attempts to negotiate an exclusivity contract with one of the local fire schools. By negating such contract, this will hopefully allow more interested individuals to volunteer, without causing a financial strain. I strongly believe that it is not in the best interest of the municipality to have a full time fire department, as this would certainly cause a large spike in our taxes.
- With mpac doing the assessment process soon what measures will you take to help lessen the impact those assessments have on the tax rates to avoid residents being taxed out of their homes?
Although the mpac statements are used as a factor when setting the municipal tax rate, it is at the discretion of counsel to set these rate. Council must exercise fiduciary responsibility. Our municipality is already operating with one of the lowest tax rates, although with inflation, there may need to be a tax rate increase, this does not mean it needs to be drastic or at the same rate as inflation.
- What are the top 3 areas that need to be addressed with respect to parks and recreation in Thames Centre
The top park and recreational areas that I would address should I be elected councillor are:
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- Ensure that all development have designated green space. Green space is important for both ecological and residential benefit. Green spaces serve as a sae place for children to play and socialize. Thames Centre is a rural community, and we must ensure that children still have a safe place to play.
- The upcoming recreational program review addresses activities for all ages. Since our residence range in ages, there needs to be actives for each residents. By reducing the rental free for facilities, this will hopefully encourage more people to volunteer to run and participate in recreation activities.
- Addressing the drainage issues at the Thorndale Fair Grounds. By addressing the drainage issues being resolved, this will allow the this facility to be used more often.
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