Who is running for mayor in Three Rivers

Mayor Ed MacAulay is not reoffering for another term as Three Rivers' mayor, so to match a newly structured council there will be a new mayor for Three Rivers.

These are the two candidates registered with Elections P.E.I. to be on the ballot come Nov. 7.

We sent them a questionnaire highlighting just some of the major issues facing the town now and into the future.

Here are their answers in alphabetical order by candidate name.

Debbie Johnston

How can the town address the shortage of housing in the area?

Three Rivers has an Affordable Housing Tax Incentive Program to encourage private and non-profit sectors to come forward with housing projects. As mayor, I will ensure Three Rivers is open to working with all levels of government, non-profits and private developers to address the housing shortage.

What can Three Rivers do to better prepare for major storms like Fiona?

P.E.I. has never experienced a "Fiona" previously and it was definitely a learning curve. Our EMO committee will review Three Rivers response, resources and identify how we can better prepare to similar events.

How can Three Rivers grow and develop more equally among its amalgamated areas?

Three Rivers amalgamated 25 diverse communities. The area consists of towns, villages, incorporated and unincorporated areas and is the largest land area of any municipality on P.E.I. As mayor, I will need to listen to each communities unique needs.

What can the town do to attract more business and youth to the area?

We need to do more to promote Three Rivers as a great area to do business in and to bring up families. It is a beautiful area and we have great schools, two arenas, wellness centre with indoor pool, provincial parks, many trails, Kings Playhouse and one of the best marinas on P.E.I, and much more! We will also need to work with provincial and federal governments to bring more new businesses to our area that pay a living wage.

Why are you the best choice for mayor?

I believe in Three Rivers and have 11 years council experience, the last four as deputy mayor. My husband and I have lived in Three Rivers all our lives and brought up our three children here. I have the time to devote to the office of mayor and I'm open to listening to all residents.

Ray Brow

How can the town address the shortage of housing in the area?

1. Do an inventory of seasonal accommodations and offer the owners a rental opportunity for the off season months. Naturally not all seasonal properties could be used through the winter but having some is better than none. 2. Offer a portable subsidy for lower-income homeless to be able to rent any unit and not simply a "low-income" designated unit. 3. Create an inventory of year-round mini homes that could be used for the homeless.

What can Three Rivers do to better prepare for major storms like Fiona?

1. Have an inventory of small and medium sized residential generators fuelled and ready to go when Fiona type storms strike. 2. Have a team of people who would have generators on trailers to go from residence to residence and even some businesses to keep fridges and freezers going. 3. Have reefer trailers positioned next to warming centres to accept contents of peoples' refrigerators if a power outage is long lasting. Folks would label and bring their food for safe keeping.

How can Three Rivers grow and develop more equally among its amalgamated areas?

Talk to the residents. Find their wish list. Few "neighbourhoods" are equal.

What can the town do to attract more business and youth to the area?

This is a two part answer: business. 1. Work with provincial and federal officials to access whatever programs they might have available for our community. Work extra hard approaching the end of the business year March 31st to have projects ready to go to catch unused funds (slippage). 2. Offer potential business a guarantee of top notch internet where ever they may wish to locate within Three Rivers whether it be by cell service, fibre or Starlink (satellite). Business needs internet. Youth: talk to the youth. Communication is essential. Get their ideas and opinions by creating youth focused town hall meetings with moderators drawn from gamer and music stars. The energy would be amazing. Three Rivers would be viewed as a cool place to live if such forums were done on a regular basis. Youth would move to Kings County.

Why are you the best choice for mayor?

I live and breathe the life of an innovator and early adopter. I hold patents and/or have patents pending in 47 countries around the world. I love my community and work hard to improve my neighbourhood. Thinking and acting outside of the box is something I have done all of my life. I create change and resist doing the status quo if I see that there can be a better way. The secret to getting things done is to act!