Gordon Thomas: CK Election & Sports Interview

Below are the CK Election and Sports interview responses for Ward 6, Chatham council candidate Gordon Thomas. Remember to Vote October 22.

Name: Gordon Thomas

Hometown and Ward: Chatham, Ward 6

What’s your sports/recreation background? I grew up in Toronto where I played many sports competitively, including soccer, swimming, volleyball, rugby, football, and hockey. My time was mostly taken up by hockey though, which I played at the AAA level until I left home for university. I also refereed hockey and soccer, and worked as a kids instructor for hockey and golf.

What are your thoughts, or what value do you place in sports and recreation for the citizens of Chatham-Kent overall, and/or when showcasing Chatham-Kent to newcomers? I believe sports and recreation are an essential part of a thriving community. They teach children and teenagers about the value of teamwork, responsibility, goals and commitment, and provide adults with entertainment and enjoyment over the course of their lives. Sports are a focal point of the life here in Chatham-Kent as we benefit from having two lakes with some of the best fishing in the world, as well as numerous recreation leagues and competitive teams covering both summer and winter sports. For newcomers to the area, there is an abundance of sporting and recreational opportunities to explore and these are enticing for those looking for a community committed to shared public spaces.

One of the hot topics leading up to the election, and over the past decade has been a new twin pad arena for Chatham-Kent. Where do you stand on this? What thoughts do you have? In the past I have seen large developments focus on upfront costs to meet an immediate need that end up being long term problems. I think one of the important factors to consider regarding the kind of investment that the twin pad arena would require is whether the facility built would also work as a venue for a multitude of events that would offset the maintenance costs long term. Right now the focus has been on the construction costs of the new project but maintenance costs are an essential consideration for a project of this size. Research shows that sports facilities over the long term end up being funded largely by community members. I believe it is important that investment is proportional to demand, as a costly project could price out residents and end up being a poor investment. If research shows that there is enough demand to merit the type of facility being proposed then I would definitely back the project and work towards getting the needed investment from other levels of government to be able to complete the project. The question that we should be asking is what do we the residents of Chatham-Kent actually need?

Do you have any other ideas or plans that would impact health, wellness, sports, or recreation in Chatham-Kent, and specifically in your Ward? I would like to promote Chatham in other aspects of recreational tourism. For instance, Lake Saint Clair is considered one of the premier fisheries in North America for small mouth bass and musky, among other species. People from other parts of Ontario and the northern U.S. don’t need to travel north to enjoy this pastime. Encouraging more competition through tournaments, exchange programs, and development initiatives are one way that we can capitalize on our unique geography and location. By bringing in competitors from outside the municipality, we can also bring in investment and promote job growth.

For those of us in Ward 6, we reside in the most densely populated Ward in the municipality, home to a significant number of families. Strong recreational programs are a way of reducing crime, promoting good health and fitness, and securing good habits that will help our youth in the future and our seniors in the present. Understanding what our specific needs are will help us to achieve these goals while avoiding costly projects that will hurt rather than help the local community.

Anything else you’d like to tell our readers and voters? A growing concern in Ward 6 for young families is the availability and cost of housing. Though we have been one of the last municipalities to be hit by the effect of the GTAs population growth, costs within Ward 6 in particular are rising. I would like to be clear that there is not an easy solution to this problem, just as every municipality within driving distance of a major Canadian urban centre knows. However, I believe that we can address this issue in two ways. First, we need to make sure that we do not restrict the building of new units when the demand is there for them. Second, decisions should be tailored around the effects they will have on the local economy as this is the best way to ensure growth and prosperity for our residents.

I hold a Masters degree in Political Science and can provide a strong voice for area residents in negotiations with Federal and Provincial avenues of funding for our community as a whole. Moving forward we need to ensure that our local councillors understand the impact of new and emerging businesses on the health and safety of our community with adequate funding for increased costs in policing, social services, and medical care within our jurisdiction. We need a strong voice at the table to ensure our concerns and interests are met. I pledge that I will be the representative that Ward 6 in Chatham-Kent needs.