Carmen McGregor: CK Election & Sports Interview

Below are the responses to our CK Election and Sports interview of Ward 5 candidate, Carmen McGregor. Remember to vote October 22.

Name: Carmen McGregor

Ward and Hometown: Ward 5, Wallaceburg

What’s your sports/recreation background?
As a mother of four adult children I supported and encouraged each of my children to participate in local sports within the public school system and the community. I believe that it had a positive effect in their growing up years and is currently reflected in their adult life styles. Each of our children have been involved in one manner or another in community sports of their choosing; hockey, figure skating, gymnastics, dance, soccer, baseball and swimming. With each child I have supported the teams by fundraising and volunteering when needed at events. I enjoy curling, golf, yoga and other local exercise programs. I am a member of the Wallaceburg Adult Activity Centre were I am able to partake in a wide variety of exercise options. I have been a past Director on the boards of the Sydenham Curling Club and the Wallaceburg Lakers Hockey Club. I believe that a healthy life style includes a mix of diet and exercise and that everyone regardless of life situation should have access and opportunity to participate within our local programs.

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 am a firm believer in a healthy diet, exercise, and the benefits of shopping local. As a member of the Chatham-Kent Board of Health for the past 4 years and now the current Past President of alPHa (Association of Local Public Health Association) A provincial association that represents all 35 Health Units across Ontario. I have and will continue to advocate for initiatives within the municipality that will strengthen and create healthy communities. As a Councillor I will work together with Community other councillors and administration that support our arenas, pools and parks making sure that they are maintained and available to all.

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?
I think that a new 2200 seat twin pad arena is needed in Chatham to replace both Memorial and Erickson arenas. Both arena’s are in rough condition and need upgrades that surpass the value of simply maintaining them. I do not believe that we need a 4400 plus seating arena, as I am not confident in the possibility of attracting enough other entertainment to make the size profitable. I do believe that each community should have access to a quality facility.

Do you have any other ideas or plans that would impact health, wellness, sports, or recreation in Chatham-Kent, and specifically in your Ward?

As a councillor I will work to serve and represent my community as I have over the past council term. I will work as a liaison to put information and understanding into the hands of those who work so hard through volunteer hours to ensure our sports programs are maintained. I will support and encourage the municipal administration when undertaking infrastructural changes to in ensure that our future health, fitness and accessibility requirements are given consideration. I will work to strengthen the relationships with our educational partners to work collaboratively to identify supports and opportunities that included use of facilities within each community and I will positively support healthy lifestyle initiatives brought to council by communities or organizations that are attainable within the budget of the municipality.

Anything else you’d like to tell our readers and voters?
As a Councillor and citizen of Chatham-Kent I will continue to support the efforts of all who work to provide a healthy community through health education and opportunities for sports, fitness and healthy Lifestyles.

If re-elected to representative Wallaceburg my plans are to Work with the community to lobby the St. Clair Conservation Authority to reevaluate the criteria for the water level that determines when the W. Darcy McKeough Floodway is put into operation providing relief for the dangerously high water levels that can plague Wallaceburg. Work to support and provide needed infrastructure that will make improvements for our community. Work with Administration, Economical Development and local business to increase the attraction of youth to our community through education and awareness of the great opportunities that exist within our communities of Chatham-Kent. Work and support initiatives that provide our community with every opportunity for a Healthy Lifestyle.

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