Response to the Balsam Lake Association

In an effort to encourage property owners on Balsam Lake to participate in the upcoming election, I was approached by the Director and Treasurer of the Balsam Lake Association, David Donais, to submit information and viewpoints relevant to the Balsam Lake community.

This is what I shared:

Hi, I am the current Councillor in Ward 6 Fenelon Falls and area and am seeking re-election in the new Ward 3. I was fortunate this summer to attend three Balsam Lake Road Association meetings with current Councillor Steve Strangway, and was able to get a feel for the issues on Balsam Lake.

I live in Fenelon Falls and have been a resident of the area for over 20 years, for 15 of those years I was a waterfront resident, and was on the executive of my Road Association for 7 years. This gives me insight into, and knowledge of seasonal, cottage and waterfront issues. In addition for the past 8 years I have sat on the Lake Management Planning Committee, which is working with Kawartha Conservation and the City to ensure both quantity and quality of water in our lakes and rivers.

I am committed to fighting for residents rights in terms of Limited Service Agreements and grandfathering those private roads that are currently receiving services. I wish to ensure the roads plan for our worst roads is followed through on, including the monies allocated for our worst gravel roads.

We need to work on streamlining our building and planning processes, so that simple applications, like decks, sun rooms, garages, and sheds are speedily approved without a great deal of red tape.

We need to move forward with the Fenelon landfill project to make it more user friendly and efficient to residents. Our recently launched financial plan will make for stable tax rates, increased infrastructure spending, and replenishing reserves.

Being on the new Council will be a full time job requiring a dedicated and knowledgeable individual. I also sit on many local committees and am actively involved in our community. I am the current chair of both Canada Day, and Santa Day in Fenelon Falls.

Please see either my Facebook page, or contact me at dougelmslieward3@gmail.com or by phone at 705-887-9281.

Please vote in the upcoming election!

Cheers,

Doug Elmslie