19/10/2022
Here is a fuller bio and the issues I hope to address should I get your support and I'm elected to Council next Monday .
My name is Ed Leerdam, and I am seeking to represent all fulltime and seasonal residents and businesses in Galway-Cavendish in the next term of Council.
After a long and successful career in I.T. Project Management I retired to live fulltime in beautiful Trent Lakes. I joined the Board of my local Ratepayer’s Association, currently serving as Vice-President, and subsequently joined the Board of the Kawartha Lake Stewards Association, just completing 2 years as Chair. I HAVE recently relinquished the Chair position in order to free up the time to serve on Council. I’ve volunteered in the community in other capacities as well. I’ve attended more than 90 percent of the Council meetings the past 4 years, and saw that a more effective Council is needed. It is through these activities and organizations, as well as door-knocking these past weeks, that I have connected with a lot of people, and I’ve learned about many of the issues affecting some, and all of us.
In the last month or so I’ve been hearing some candidates talk about unifying Trent Lakes. I’m not too sure what that means. What I do know is that in the past 4 years, the focus has been on Harvey, specifically the hamlet of Buckhorn. It’s time that the residents and cottagers in Galway-Cavendish got more services for their tax dollars. We’ve seen property taxes skyrocket recently, and with Galway-Cavendish having over 82% seasonal residents, many with cottages and homes on shoreline properties, property owners here are possibly the higher tax base in Trent Lakes. So I want more of your tax dollars going back into the Ward, in terms of better Road Maintenance, making the Galway Public Works Depot operational, and extending the hours of the Dumps in both Galway and Cavendish, so that cottagers can dispose of their waste on their way out.
Short-Term Rentals are a problem everywhere, with indiscriminate absentee owners renting to anyone who can pay them. These fulltime / most-of-the time STRs need to be commercially licensed and taxed, with enforcement and strong penalties for not having a license to operate, and for any disruptions by their renters to neighbour’s enjoyment of their homes or cottages.
I will review why your property taxes skyrocketed, with a view to fair taxation.
I’d like to see Safe and Quiet Boating enforced.
I’d like to see increased safety measures on our roads, with more enforcement for those who break the rules and speed limits.
I’d like to see more local Primary Healthcare, Lab Services and Spas.
I will work to ensure healthy lakes and lake water.
I will work to support and promote local businesses, and to attract new business.
I will work to ensure Safety and Security, both on the water AND on the roads.
I will look into enhancing Recreational facilities with an open mind, and see if and where it makes sense to serve our communities.
I will look into streamlining the Building Permit process, and to making the experience with the Building Planning Department a more -pleasant experience.
I will see what a unified Trent Lakes means, but it must include equal focus on the northern ward of Galway-Cavendish.
Quarries – I would like to see a moratorium on new applications until we see there is a plan to use existing quarries fully, and rehabilitation when no longer viable, and a review for the protection of our sensitive environment and habitats of endangered species.
I believe Climate Change is a very real threat, and as a Municipal government we need to prepare a plan to deal with an increase in violent storms and weather, and their aftermath.
I believe in the protection of “the” and our own Environment … and the Beauty, Serenity and Community of Trent Lakes.
I am Community-minded and I’m passionate about where I live and the jewel that is Trent Lakes. I want to protect the Beauty, Serenity and Community that is Trent Lakes.
I am accessible, transparent, honest and a good listener.
I am practical, pragmatic and a problem-solver. I look at all sides before making a decision.
I hope you will allow me to earn your trust to represent you on Municipal Council.
