Council Candidate Clare Latimer Talks Chatham-Kent Sports

CKSN asked all candidates running for Chatham-Kent council and mayor, to give us their backgrounds in sports and recreation, and describe their goals and views for not only sports and recreation in Chatham-Kent, but making Chatham-Kent a healthier, and more active place to live.

The Chatham-Kent Municipal election day is October 27, 2014.

Here are council candidate Clare Latimer’s responses. Latimer is running for council in Ward 2 – South Kent.

1. Background in sports and recreation:

Paul and I have raised 6 children and have enjoyed utilizing and participating in a variety of sporting opportunities in the community, over the past 27 years in Chatham Kent. These have included soccer, baseball, football, hockey, ball hockey, tennis, badminton, curling , swimming, skating, gymnastics and dance. Two sons who live in Chatham-Kent with their families, currently coach in their children’s hockey and soccer leagues, while continuing to actively play in their respective adult house leagues. Our oldest daughter is a member of the National Ultimate team. Our youngest daughters were each just presented the Harold Gillies MInor Basketball Official Bursary in June 2014 for their dedication as “Minor Officials” with the Chatham-Kent Basketball Association. I enjoyed a brief 2 year stint, coaching soccer with the Thamesville Soccer Associaiton in the past. We continue to host our annual “Backyard Pool” swimming lessons. for now, our own grandchildren and neighbourhood children. This will be our 24th year running, with a dozen children expected to participate this year. Our all time high was 31 kids, the summer of 1998. With a pool in the back yard and surrounded by water here in Chatham-Kent, we always thought it was important that our kids (and now grandkids) knew how to stay safe when they were on/near water. The kids have fun while they learn and create lifetime memories that continue to be shared with friends and family. As a family we continue to hold a membership with the Chatham-Kent Y.M.C.A..

2. What specific ideas or goals do you have for Chatham-Kent, to improve or maintain recreational programs and facilities, and support our athletes and sports organizations? Or to help build opportunities for future growth in these areas?

Chatham-Kent has always been so fortunate to have dedicated individuals all across the municipality, who organize and maintain a variety of sporting events and/or associations, in their local community. The recent community partner interest in expanding the number of kid’s splash pads, outdoor park fitness equipment, improved access to sports like archery, trap shooting, orienteering, running, bike safety and expansion of bike trails and walking trails within the municipality are all to be applauded and recognized. It’s my hope that the physical activity level of each Chatham-Kent citizen can be improved at some level.

3. How will you work to make Chatham-Kent a healthier, more active place to live?

I think this has to be an integral part of our municipal planning process. We need to access available monies at the provincial and federal level and continue to partner with local associations and interest groups to utilize all resources as effectively and efficiently as possible. Dollars are limited across the board…..we’re all responsible for our own health and well-being. It is in everyone’s best monetary interest to capitalize on our local opportunities to “get fit and stay fit”. Perhaps we should consider as a municipality to encourage local fitness/sport centres/businesses to offer reduced fees for local C-K users versus out of town user fees.

4. Anything else you’d like to add?

I would also like to see the old International property be developed as a C-K Community Centre with a sustainable business plan hammered out between private investors, working with the municipal planning, economic development and recreation departments and other community partners. Perhaps we could offer an initial property tax break to those interested private investors in exchange for churning the local economic waters. This property is certainly not currently generating tax or any other type of revenue, sitting vacant. It’s a great location, in close proximity to food and lodging with easy access to/fro local highways. I am looking forward to working on projects such as this across the municipality, to assist with ensuring equitable access to quality sport venues for all Chatham-Kent citizens.

What did you think of Council Candidate Clare Latimer’s responses? Let us know in the comments below!