Who is running for city council in Summerside

As it stands, five of eight wards in Summerside will see candidates acclaimed as there are not many candidates running in the city. Although, there is still a mayor to vote for and three wards that are contested.

Summerside has eight wards and people will vote for the candidate of their choice in their home ward to represent their neighbourhood on city council.

There are about 10,430 voters in Summerside, although that figure is fluid with people moving in and out of communities, according to Elections P.E.I.

Here are the candidates registered with Elections P.E.I. running for city council in Summerside for the 2022 election on Nov. 7, listed first by ward and then alphabetically by first name.

• Ward 1 — St. Eleanors-Bayview
• Ward 2 — St. Eleanors-Slemon Park
• Ward 3 — Summerside-North
• Ward 4 — Clifton-Market
• Ward 5 — Hillcrest-Platte River
• Ward 6 — Centre East-Downtown
• Ward 7 — Green Shore-Three Oaks
• Ward 8 — Wilmot

Ward 1 — St. Eleanors-Bayview

Bruce MacDougall

1. Why are you running for council?

I guess you could say I'm committed to the residents of Ward 1 and the City of Summerside. I have represented this ward since amalgamation and I continue to have a passion to work with residents on their concerns. I am very proud of the accomplishments of this little city we get to call home and I want to continue to be a part of its success.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

There are two concerns that are very evident at the doors: affordable housing and speeding. These two concerns do not need much explaining, they just need to be fixed.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Affordable housing is a major issue right across the province and the city must work closely with our provincial and federal government's to address this problem. Financial stability, with the growing population and the need for new developments across the city, we must be manage our finances very wisely. Municipalities across the province must work closely with the province to come up with a new revenue sharing agreement to allow municipalities like Summerside prosper.

Ward 2 — St. Eleanors-Slemon Park

Justin Doiron

1. Why are you running for council?

My first term on council has been an extremely rewarding period in my life. I got to know many residents on a first name basis not only within Ward 2, but across the whole city. I enjoy being able to help people with municipal issues or questions they may have, regardless of magnitude. I enjoy and am proud to be making the city a better place to work and live — after all, I'm a resident too.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Traffic-related issues: Speeding, intersections, crosswalks.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Low vacancy rates, rising prices of goods and fuel.

Ward 3 — Summerside-North

Barb Ramsay

1. Why are you running for council?

I am hoping to be re-elected in order to complete the tasks that I have been working towards over the past four years and to be present with upcoming council to ensure future growth for the City of Summerside.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

The number one concern in Ward 3 is to satisfy my constituents as their councillor. To always be there for a phone call or a visit. To ensure Ward 3 is a safe area of our city, i.e: sidewalks, crossing lanes, speed control, signage. These are commitments that I made four years ago and if re-elected I will continue my efforts for Ward 3 Summerside-North.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

The issues that I see are housing, healthcare, inflation, etc. Everything seems to be out of reach, I will continue to have conversations with our provincial and federal counterparts to ensure that these concerns can be improved and that we see results in the near future.

Ward 4 — Clifton-Market

Cory Snow

1. Why are you running for council?

I have decided to re-offer for council after what has been a busy and rewarding four years on council. I feel I have worked hard to represent the residents of Ward 4 Clifton-Market and our city as a whole. I hope the residents are happy with me as their representative and will work hard if elected to bring their ideas and concerns to city hall.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Ward 4 residents have indicated they want the city to make sure we keep our municipality as affordable as possible for residents and families to remain in our city. Keeping tax rates and utilities affordable for families and living within the cities financial means.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Financially our city is within our borrowing limits, however with rising interest rates and an economy that is uncertain, the next four years as a city we will have to be strategic and make sure we are living with our means as a municipality financially, while still providing the great services our residents expect.

Ward 5 — Hillcrest-Platte River

Incumbent city councillor Greg Campbell is not reoffering in the 2022 election. 

Barb Gallant

1. Why are you running for council?

It is my goal as your city councillor of Ward 5 to work hard to meet those needs as we continue to expand, grow, and diversify our city.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Transparency and better communication with the residents.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

The need to address more affordable housing, the rising cost of living, establish programs and activities for youth development.

Jim Steele

1. Why are you running for council?

I believe with my previous experience being on council in the past, that I would be able to help people with their concerns. I was very prompt in replying to people's concerns any time of the day or night when on council before. Their were calls even in the middle of the night that had to be addressed.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Proposed rental increases from IRAC is a large concern in this ward at the present time.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

High food prices are affecting everyone young and old. The lack of affordable housing is creating stress for many people and needs to addressed immediately. Electric rates must be addressed also.

Patrick McMahon

1. Why are you running for council?

Ward 5 is developing quickly and I wish to see that the resident's needs are met via infrastructure and planning. As well as a few areas that need addressing within the the ward. I was born and raised in this ward and now I have a vested interest for my children and opportunities here for them in the future. I wish to see this city prosper and flourish and be the best that we can be.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Infrastructure and planning.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

I'd like to see our harbour area developed with tourism in mind, considering tourism is a mainstay for our economy. I wish to see a continuation of the pursuit of or excellent sports programs.i would also at some point see a community centre in the north end of the city to accommodate a densely populated area. As well as continuation of the growth of our law enforcement and emergency services.

Ward 6 — Centre East-Downtown

Doreen Percy

1. Why are you running for council?

There is a need for open communication and consultation with the electors and the elected council. I would endeavour to ensure this is accomplished.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

People are very concerned about access to housing and affordable housing. This includes families, single people, seniors and homeless people. Many are asking "where are we going to live?"

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

The shortage of doctors and nurses to provide medical care when it is needed. Emergency and surgical wait times. The reduction of green spaces that are occurring, environmental issues and long range planning.

Norma McColeman

1. Why are you running for council?

Growing up in my hometown of Summerside, I want to ensure this beautiful seaside community will continue to become a great place to live, prosper, work and have a good quality of life with dignity for all residents and families.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Summerside's continued efforts to build multi-partnerships that will address affordable/public housing needs to assist individuals, families and seniors facing high rental rates in the Centre-East Downtown Ward 6.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Summerside has a good balance in residential tax base growth, an essential 100-year-old electric utility assets, and a high percentage of beautiful green spaces, city boardwalk and beach, and a growing wellness, tourism and cultural initiatives market. Continuing to focus on the city's economic development projects for commercial tax base drivers is important to support our growth and assets long-term.

Ward 7 — Green Shore-Three Oaks

Incumbent city councillor Brian McFeely is not reoffering in the 2022 election. 

Nicholas Cameron

1. Why are you running for council?

To diversify the demographic within municipal politics, and have representation to inspire a younger population to vote and create change based on voting.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

To be heard and accurately represented within council. The people of Ward 7 are looking to have someone who is engaged with them to hear their needs and concerns.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Population retention. We have a large portion of the population who leave the Island during young adulthood in search of new opportunities, only to return later in life. We need to create the opportunities within our municipality to entice this portion of the community and others, to remain here, grow here and be the change they want to see.

Rick Morrison

1. Why are you running for council?

Have a voice for the residents in the ward. Something I have always wanted to do.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Traffic flow on Water Street and MacEwen Road.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Affordable housing, seniors, infrastructure, taxes , electrical rates, future of the infrastructure so we are prepared for more global warning issues.

Ward 8 — Wilmot

Carrie Adams

1. Why are you running for council?

I am running for council to be a continued voice for residents in my ward but also for all residents in the City of Summerside.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

The number one concern brought to me is traffic. We have traffic calming issues as well as the amount of traffic that is accessing the city via Water Street East. The infrastructure has never changed, yet Water Street East is the second busiest road on the Island. There needs to be an East-West Connector in place sooner rather than later to alleviate the traffic issues. As well this will provide an alternate exit for some of the more densely populated residential areas of the ward.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Lack of affordable housing and the cost of living are issues that are greatly impacting our residents right now. Unfortunately, this is not an issue that the municipality can solve on our own and we need the assistance of the provincial and federal governments to ensure the needs of our residents are being met.