Ward 4 is poised for significant change, and Ed Novosky wants to help guide the transformation at the council table.
The 43-year-old business account specialist with Telus is is hoping voters will give him one of two seats in the ward in this month’s election.
When previous development happened at the waterfront, “the whole thing was designed to look at the lake, not from the lake,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing some of that change.”
He was referring the downtown/waterfront plan. While much of the legwork has been done by the current council, Novosky knows there is still much to be done by the new group.
“There’s a lot going on in Ward 4 and it’s exciting to get involved,” Novosky said.
With the new recreation centre set to open next year, the city will have to get creative to fund the operating costs, he said.
“The rec centre can operate at a loss, but the question is how much of a loss,” he said, adding he wants to see more money-making elements included in future phases of the project.
Shifting his attention from one controversial file to another, he hopes to learn more details about the potential sale of the Orillia Power Distribution Corporation to Hydro One.
“It’s a bone of contention for a lot of folks and there has been a lot discussion going on behind closed doors,” he said, noting ‘transparency’ is one of the promises he is running on.
Asked if he supports the sale, he said, “I’m on the fence.”
“I don’t think we have enough information as a general public,” he said, but added the deal “could be good for the city and could bring jobs and taxes.”
He also has his eyes on some of what he called the “decay” around town, referring to abandoned stores and buildings such as the old Rona store at Front and King streets and the former BiWay on Mississaga Street.
“I would love to see a lot of these dead spaces in town developed or redeveloped,” he said.
Novosky isn’t campaigning on any single issue. He doesn’t have a pet project. Rather, he said, his focus is on improving the city as a whole.
“We have to make logical decisions that are good for the town,” he said, noting that includes being financially responsible. “I pride myself on not running a deficit at home and that’s how we should run the city.”
He feels his experience as a volunteer in town will help him at city hall. He has been with Orillia Legion Minor Ball for four years, serving in roles such as coach, executive member and director of sponsorships. He also volunteered on the Orillia Winter Carnival committee for a few years.
Ultimately, he wants to ensure Orillia remains an ideal place for people to raise their families. He has a nine-year-old son and a five-year-old daughter.
“What’s going to be here in 10 years for my kids?” he asked.
Editor’s Note: OrilliaMatters is profiling all candidates in Orillia’s municipal election. They are being published daily, by ward, in alphabetical order.
