Who is running for town council in Three Rivers

Council will look different this time around as the town will now have four wards versus the 10-ward system in the 2018 election.

People in Three Rivers will now have two candidates in their home ward to represent their neighbourhood on town council.

There are about 5,340 voters in Three Rivers, 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 town council in Three Rivers for the 2022 election on Nov. 7, listed first by ward and then alphabetically by first name.

• Ward 1 — Gaspereaux
• Ward 2 — Montague
• Ward 3 — Brudenell
• Ward 4 — Launching

Ward 1 — Gaspereaux

Alan Munro

CBC News will update this section when the candidate questionnaire is submitted. 

Anne Van Donkersgoed

1. Why are you running for council?

I have lived and worked in this community for a number of years and am at a point where I would like to give back in this way. I have been privileged to meet many people from different walks of life and feel I can bring a balanced view to the table.

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

The concern most expressed to me is property taxes.

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

The first council of Three Rivers took on the enormous task of charting our new community. As we move forward, it will be important to keep control of the finances so we don't add a further tax burden. Also, I do see a role in housing for the most vulnerable, and land use/ownership as important issues.

Ward 2 — Montague

John MacFarlane

1. Why are you running for council?

Since I was first elected as councillor in 2004 for the former town of Montague , I am very interested in seeing the Town of Three Rivers grow, develop and continue to be such a great place to live and do business.

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

Kings County Memorial Hospital, streets, sidewalks and storm drain system, sewer and water extension to Poole's Corner.

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

Doctor recruitment/retention, dredging of Montague marina, siltation of Montague River and other rivers in general.

Sarah Doyle

1. Why are you running for council?

I want to see our community grow and prosper. Three Rivers has made tremendous strides after amalgamation to unite the various communities. Now it is time grow together, bring even more residents. provide more opportunities for our existing businesses to expand and recruit new businesses to the area.

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

Economic development and recreation services. There are many opportunities in these sectors to take Three Rivers and Ward 2 to the next level, it's time to start capitalizing on these opportunities and making investments. Supporting existing businesses and recruiting new businesses in the area would create jobs for residents. New or expanded recreation services for all ages will help entice people to make Three Rivers their home, and could also provide tourism opportunities.

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

Aging infrastructure, community unity, long-term planning, renewable energy, economic development.

Wayne Spin

1. Why are you running for council?

I spent six years on the old Montague council and two years on the Three Rivers before taking time off due to health and to spend more time with my wife and our 15-year-old daughter. I have shed 40 plus pounds, feeling great and I have realized how much I miss it and trying to help our people through out the community of Three Rivers.

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

Dealing with the citizens I personally think they have being somewhat left in the cold when decisions are made by council and saying that I think we need more engagement by council to the citizens of Ward 2 and the whole community of Three Rivers after all it's their seat not ours.

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

To lobby our provincial government for more health-care services and more affordable housing throughout our Three Rivers community.

Ward 3 — Brudenell

Andrew Reid

CBC News will update this section when the candidate questionnaire is submitted. 

David McGrath

CBC News will update this section when the candidate questionnaire is submitted. 

John Van Dyke

1. Why are you running for council?

I have been a teacher for 31 years and retired. I still feel I have the ability to help my community and have chosen to run for council to do this.

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

The number one issue at the door is red tape for anything being done in Three Rivers. Let's see if we can simplify this process. The second issue is the relaxation of the taxation subsidy for the town. Council has to be creative in how we deal with this. It's not as simple as passing these shortfalls on to residents.

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

The bringing of all together, so we are no longer simply known as Lorne Valley, Cardigan, Montague, Georgetown, Lower Montague, and unincorporated communities. I hate this terminology. Every community has something special that it has brought to the table. Let's work together to enhance it together as Three Rivers.

Martina MacDonald

1. Why are you running for council?

I have always had a keen interest in municipal politics. I enjoy setting the bar high for growth and beauty for our Three Rivers region. The growth potential in for this region is huge. Being part of Three Rivers council will give me the opportunity to work along side a team with the shared vision.

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

I would have to say housing and a close second concern is child care. There are skilled people that are not in the work force because of the shortage in both areas. These challenges are not unique to Three Rivers or Ward 3 but with the right approach we can support this type of development and partner to make positive change.

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

The past council has worked very hard to merge the thinking of the Three Rivers people that there is strength in numbers. There's still some work to be done but in time we will grow stronger as a region.

Ward 4 — Launching

Brendon Galway

1. Why are you running for council?

To make a change

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

Equality

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

Keeping our facilities in our town, capital of Kings County.

Cindy MacLean

1. Why are you running for council?

For love of community, and to be that strong voice needed at council. To see growth and development in our ward and all of Three Rivers, but not at the expense of loosing our heritage or compromising our morals.

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

Having a safe space (warming centre) for residents during emergencies such as Fiona. Having back up generators in place now for water and heat during emergencies! Affordable housing, sidewalks, keeping our town hall open and operational, and also restoring the confidence our residents have in council.

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

Getting answers to questions accurately and in a timely manner, lack of clear communication between council and administration. We need to be open and transparent. We need to bring back our volunteer base. Policy overload! Cut down on intrusive policies currently in place in Three Rivers as it is a huge deterrent for growth in the region. We need to work with those who want to develop within Three Rivers, not discourage them but help them make their ideas come to life.

Cody Jenkins

1. Why are you running for council?

I'm running for my second term in Three Rivers because I have been a part of the amalgamation process from early on and I want to continue the growth and develop of the town. It's important that we get stronger together, but it is important that each of the communities keep their heritage and individuality at the same time. It's a difficult balance to achieve but I feel it's definitely attainable with team work between councillors.

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

I would like to see through some projects that are presently in the works. We are currently working with the province to pave the main street and replace the sidewalks in Georgetown. The Cardigan ball fields sustained devastating damages due to Fiona and I want to ensure that all repairs are made. Another concern that was obvious during the power outage after Fiona was warming centres for Ward 4.

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

Taxes! This effects everyone in the town. We need to continue to grow our tax base. Working with the provincial and federal governments to improve the town's infrastructure. We need this to help increase our tax base, so that we not only maintain our current infrastructure with ease, but to grow it to make our town the best it can be.

Robert Lethbridge

1. Why are you running for council?

I have never run for any kind of position, political or otherwise. I'm a follower not a leader, but the name Three Rivers is a misnomer, it should be 2.5 Rivers. This council during a period of economic and emotional hardship has been spending money like a drunken sailor with its favourite ports in Montague/Georgetown. Led by our political representatives, this was all discussed prior to the creation of the council. All Cardigan has to show for it is a gold-plated shed very few people want?

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

Integrity.

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

Providing services and amenities.