Seguin Quotes

And now for the next installment of my Seguin Quotes series. This is a collection of quotes gathered in conversation from the people of Ward 1. These quotes will help direct my efforts as Ward 1 councillor if elected.

So far I haven't had much luck getting the quantity of quotes from cottagers as I do from residents. It seems, for many cottagers, they are unconcerned with the details of Seguin politics. They get enough of local politics in the municipalities where they reside. Lakefront cottagers, however, are almost uniformly concerned with the water quality of their lakes and the height of the water as it impacts on shoreline erosion, dock and boathouse access. Environmental protection is the top issue for the majority of cottagers.

But there's something else: many cottagers feel it wouldn't be appropriate for them to provide a quote for Seguin's improvement as they aren't sufficiently informed. This somewhat contradicts the belief, held by many residents whom I've spoken with, that cottagers determine the direction of council decisions. Just thought that was interesting.

The most common statement I hear from cottagers: 'Where are the services I pay for in high taxes?'. As a great many cottagers live on private roads which they pay into road associations to maintain, the only apparent municipal service provided are the garbage and recycling stations.

The following quotes answer the question:

"What's the one thing you would change about Seguin Township?"

"By-laws are passed for a reason and should be enforced. If my neighbour has a problem he should be made aware of the problem and given a chance to rectify the problem. There's no need to be heavy handed, but let's get the situation rectified" - Bill Evans, Johnston Road.

"You have the speed limits on the roads, but nobody enforces them. A possible situation is to have less by-law officers and more OPP officers enforcing the speed limits" - Rick Kendrick, Otter Lake Road.

"We need better communication between councillors and residents so that we are aware of the issues before they are voted on and decided" - Linda Nicholson, Horseshoe Lake.

"On Horseshoe Lake Road speeding is the main issue. English roads have zig-zag speed reduction lines. Maybe we could try that as an inexpensive solution" - Connie Craddock, Horseshoe Lake Road.

"Due to the high volume of traffic on Elliot House Road, I would appreciate if it was maintained more consistently. It needs to be graded more often; calcium, oiled, or watered due to the high volume of traffic (Hydro, Bell, and CN). It should be tar and chip" - Cindy Vince, Elliot House Road.

"In Matheson Park the parking lot is messy with pot holes. The playground equipment is damaged. The swing set is broken. Everything else is fine"- Pam Smith, Rankin Lake Road.

"Maybe this township should have a hazardous materials drop off station for things like paints, batteries, motor oil, florescent light bulbs (which have a lot of mercury in them). I'd also like to know why Styrofoam is no longer recyclable" - Brian Chamberlain, Little Finland Road.

"If Seguin has taken over Hwy 69 at Hwy 141, why not put three-way stop signs there to prevent the big trucks from by-passing Hwy 400" - Mike Major, Horseshoe Lake Road.

"Some people, I understand, have problems with music being played that can be heard across the lake. I'll turn it down after 11 pm, but the threat of by-law officers coming to my door makes me nervous. I'm not enjoying the evening. I think the by-law should be re-written. It should be based on decibel readings" - Casey Mazur, Marshall Road.

MowerBike? Genius.

"Regarding fireworks: it's louder here on Horseshoe Lake on a weekend than in the city of Peterbough. Fireworks have their time and place" - Cathy Cederquist, Marshall Road.

"Large motor boats should b e considerate of swimmers, wildlife, and canoers" - Cathy Cederquist, Marshall Road.

"Perhaps we should have a municipal regulation in terms of boat size" - Cathy Cederquist, Marshall Road.

"The public launch ramp at the Huron restaurant [on Horseshoe Lake] needs attention because the base is not flat. What can the municipality do to make the boat launch less difficult to use" - Tim and Kim McNamara, Marshall Road.

"I would like to see Horseshoe Lake stocked with pickerel and bass" - Arthur Martin, Peak's Path.

"We would like to see the [Peak's Path] hill plowed in the winter time to make it more safe" - Arthur Martin, Peak's Path.

"We love Seguin township. And we'd like to do what we can to keep it that way" - Sue Phillips and Gord Ades, Downes Road.

"We need to keep the development on our lake down" - Sue Phillips and Gord Ades, Downes Road.

"Blackstone Crane Lake Road should be paved for the two kilometre section near the deaf camp because of the dust in the summer" - Steve Ferris, Blackstone Crane Lake Road.

"I'd like to see enforcement of by-laws that impact on significant amounts of people to utilize the system we've created" - Mathew Brandt, Bays End Trail.

"I moved here because it's beautiful. You move up here to protect the reason why you moved up here. I don't want those reasons to change. I didn't move up here to live beside a race track" - Doug Bryant, Black Road.

"I'd like to see the floating raft returned to Rankin Lake beach. They took it away fifteen years ago and promised to replace it. I'd also like to see the dock fixed and put back on its metal supports" - Mary Fisher, Rankin Lake Road.

"On Rankin Lake Road, because of people walking and bicycles, I would like to see a path. It's dangerous with the narrow road" - Mary Fisher, Rankin Lake Road.

Seguin Quotes: August 3rd - 8th

Reptile Museum Road

The 'Seguin Quotes' series reveals the considered thoughts and beliefs of the people of Ward 1.

It was nice to get back on the road, campaigning this week after building the sauna complex in Burk's Falls. One of the good things about running for office is it's a great excuse to walk up to a stranger's home or cottage and get to know them. Every opened door is a new adventure and most often a pleasant surprise.

I was most fortunate earlier today to meet Phil Brook at the end of his cottage driveway on Rankin Lake's Haystead Bay. I stepped inside the cottage for a chat and the thundershowers started soon after. Over the next few hours I enjoyed the fine Brook family hospitality and learned a lot about Seguin history. Phil, a Foley councillor in the 80s, helped to create the Parry Sound airport and establish Matheson Park on Little Otter Lake. I should be so lucky to claim such a legacy of accomplishment.

Haystead Bay Road

But now to Seguin Quotes, my ongoing collection of quotes from your neighbours who answer the question...

"What's the one thing you would change about Seguin Township?"

"We need to consider the problem of the McKaig entrance to 69 because people use it as a [69] highway off-ramp - they're going too fast. This area has a public beach, a baseball diamond and ambulance/fire station. We have a kilometre here where there's going to be an accident if no measures are put in place to prevent it. We need to deal with the increased volume and speed of traffic on Horseshoe Lake road". - Dawn Major, McKaid Road.

"If there are by-law differences between former townships, Seguin should now have a single standard. for example, boathouses with upper structures" - Philip Weingarden, Horseshoe Lake Road.

"Is there an imbalance in the taxes paid between a single unit cottager and a resort which has multiple units making demands on the lake? If so, the taxes paid should be more equitable" - Philip Weingarden, Horseshoe Lake Road.

View of Lioness Lake.

"Seguin needs to pass a clean yards by-law" - Lucy Scrratore, Downes Road FR.

"The Ferris Road hill should be maintained by Seguin's 5 ton snowplows in winter. There's no reason why it can't be done. I've done it for the last three years" - Kerry Loucks, Ferris Road.

"Due to the increase in traffic Ferris' single lane road is dangerous because of a number of blind spots and is going to result in a fatality. And it shouldn't be that way"- Kerry Loucks, Ferris Road.

The blind, one lane railway crossing on Ferris Road.

"Ferris road needs to be developed for year-round access. It needs to be widened. The hill needs to be re-engineered. Our taxes are not cheap considering we don't have year-round [road] access" - Philip and Cheryl Mack, The Farm Road FR.

"We really appreciate Seguin Township for taking the initiative for publishing the [new] Sustainability Guide" - Barry, Francis, and Cooper Ross, The Farm Road FR.

Little Otter Lake Road.

"The Little Otter Lake residents are concerned with the grade of The Big Hill [on Ferris Road]. Emergency vehicles may not be able to use it during inclement weather. I understand that it's the worst grade of hill in Seguin Township. It wouldn't pass the current standard" - Dianna Cromwell, Little Otter Lake Road.

"The Transfer Station at Brooks Road is viewed by other municipalities to make improvements on their own facilities" - Dianna Cromwell, Little Otter Lake Road.

"From a safety factor of the year-round residents, there's a risk that safety vehicles may not be able to access the road above The Big Hill. The hill needs to start back further to eliminate the steepness of the grade" - Stuart Kennedy, Little Otter Lake Road.

My Campaign Platform

I am a populist.

I believe in the wisdom of the people I seek to represent.

Therefore, my political campaign platform is built on the wishes of the Ward 1 voters contained in my Seguin Quotes website section.

My Promise: If elected, I will work for four years to resolve the issues presented to me by the voters as described in my Seguin Quotes. Those with the most consensus will go closer to the top of the list of To Dos. Also, matters which are more pressing, say, dealing with public safety would be dealt with before road drainage issues. But, with your name attached to a Seguin Quote, I take your words very seriously and you will hear from me personally during the course of my term on the subject of your interest.

If elected, I promise to document in text and photographs my efforts to address the issues presented to me during the campaign, actions taken, response from responsible parties, and, hopefully, positive outcomes. Because problems presented to me may place one neighbour against another, there may often be no 'right' outcome. However, I promise to address the issue and seek compromise and understanding between parties to the best of my ability.

This is the simpliest, and best idea I can think of in terms of representing a ward as councillor. It just makes sense to me. If you have any ideas of how my platform can be improved in helping people with their township problems, please e-mail me and I'll give it full consideration and maybe take it on board.

So, my platform is to give the people what they want - to the best of my ability. That's total accountability, folks.

The important thing for me to do is listen, understand, then take action. This blog will record how and why I succeed or fail.

This is my election promise. Straight and simple.

Seguin Quotes: June 19th - 20th

I was back on the campaign trail again on a weekend with forecasts of rain and thunder, but was warm and sunny. This installment of my 'Seguin Quotes' series garnered only one quoter. Maybe I'm losing my touch! Though many people weren't home during my visit, and those who were had a lot to say. I don't know exactly why people don't want to go on record about things they'd like to change. There are many people who are happy just as things are and that's just fine.

Saturday, I cycled highway 518, Shoebottom Road, and McNaughts Road. Then on Sunday I visited people on Little Finland Road, Fox Cresent, and Nestor's Lane.

So, this set of quotes is from my only quoter of the weekend, Balbina Mersch.

My question: "What's the one thing you would change about Seguin Township?"

Fox Cresent.

"Keep taxes the way they are. Don't raise them" - Balbina Mersch, Fox Cresent.

"In the summertime [Fox Cresent] gets dusty. Can they do something in summer to keep the dust down?" - Balbina Mersch, Fox Cresent.

"Two years ago they promised to fix the road and property boundry problem [on my frontage]. Nothing has happened since. Any day they can fix it. I would appreciate it" - Balbina Mersch, Fox Cresent.

Little Finland Road.


Ward 1 resident on Little Finland Road - no comment.


View from a deck on Little Finland Road.


Nestor's Lane.

Seguin Quotes: June 13th

After a few weeks away, I spent this Sunday on the campaign trail again. This is the next installment of my 'Seguin Quotes' series.

I swung up to the north end of Ward 1 and visited some homes along Highway 518 and ended the day on Carruthers Road. Carruthers has two long, steep gravel hills to climb that I managed to bike both up and down in one piece. There's no better way, to my mind, of enjoying the countryside than on a bicycle. It also helps me get in shape which is not such a bad idea.

This Sunday I spent a lot of time talking with a few people. I'm there to listen for as long as people want me there. While that's a good thing, I often don't get to meet as many Ward 1 people as I would like to. If I didn't get to speak to you on this round, I hope to visit more people along Hwy 518 soon.

So, onto this Sunday's quotes. The 'Seguin Quotes' series reveals the considered thoughts and beliefs of the people of Ward 1.

My question: "What's the one thing you would change about Seguin Township?"

A hill with hidden driveways on Highway 518.

"You don't see cars coming [along highway 518] from the Orrville side, coming over the hill. People driving from the Orville direction is the real problem. They carry over the hill like drag racing. You can't safely back-up out of my driveway. If you put signs up are people really going to pay attention? We need greater police presence on 518. Someone's going to get killed" - Judy Secord, Highway 518.

"What is the acreage law for keeping horses on your property? It used to be two acres per horse, then it went up to five acres. They've changed it again and I don't know if it's 10 acres, or 25 acres. Like, what is it now?" - Wendy Langlais, Highway 518.

Highway 518.

"Transparency is a real problem" - Rick and Luanne Jaklitisch, Highway 518.

"We're being over regulated" - Rick and Luanne Jaklitisch, Highway 518.

"We don't want to see taxes increase. We don't think it's necessary" - Dan Murphy, Highway 518.

One of the wash-out gravel hills on Carruthers Road.

"When we were a part of Foley we used to have our gravel road graded regularly. Since we've been made part of Seguin the road is graded irregularly. The steep hill on our road gets washed out often and needs special attention" - Hank Reinders, Carruthers Road.

View from a deck on Carruthers Road.

Seguin Quotes: May 22 - 23

Rankin Lake.

Here's the next installment of my 'Seguin Quotes' series.

This weekend, I continued my route down Rankin Lake Road on Saturday. I made it all the way to Foley Library. Then, on Sunday, I attended the annual general meeting of the Otter Lake Ratepayer's Association. It was good to see the people attend the meeting hall above the library to discuss the previous year's business and discuss future actions. This sort of exchange in public is a vital part of community political action. I think it's great.

So, onto this weekend's quotes. The 'Seguin Quotes' series reveals the considered thoughts and beliefs of the people of Ward 1.

My question: "What's the one thing you would change about Seguin Township?"

The view from Rankin Lake Road rail bridge.

"What would it take to have a dump container for construction and household waste at [Foley's] Brooks Road?" - Rick Borneman, Rankin Lake Road

"Have convenience stores in different regions provide dog license sales because they're open past five o'clock". - Rick Borneman, Rankin Lake Road

"Leave the Memorial Hall [in Humphrey] where it is" - June Frail, Rankin Lake Road

"They should clean up the museum". - June Frail, Rankin Lake Road

"They should make Rankin Lake Road a 50 km/h zone". - June Frail, Rankin Lake Road

"I don't think councillors should sit on boards that make a council decision - it's like having a guy on the inside. Either that or abstain from the council vote about the board". - Chuck Frail, Rankin Lake Road

"We need more police patrol on Rankin Lake Road due to speeding. People are driving way too fast. A community safety zone would be a good idea". - John & Louisa Sofijanov, Rankin Lake Road

Garden Court

"The gate on the [Foley Matheson] park needs to be locked after 9 pm. It is never locked. With the gate left open, drinking and partying after 9 pm is the main issue. It would also be nice to have some sort of pavillion at the beach to sit under and maybe some barbecue pits". - Mike Bernardo, Garden Court

Is this gate ever locked?

Seguin Quotes: May 15th - 16th

So continues my series of posts that are the core of my campaign for Ward 1 councillor for Seguin Township.

This weekend, I continued my route down Rankin Lake Road on Saturday, then visited Horseshoe Lake Road on Sunday. Sunday was just a perfect, sunny day with a slight breeze. The recent cold snap and snow took out a lot of the black flies and mosquitoes. If you aren't in Seguin now, best get on up and enjoy the good times and great weather.

The 'Seguin Quotes' series reveals the considered thoughts and beliefs of the people of Ward 1.

My question: "What's the one thing you would change about Seguin Township?"

Rankin Lake Road.

"We would definitely like a community safety zone on Rankin Lake road. Put more signs up - there's kids along the whole stretch" - Roger & Debbie Kriegers, Rankin Lake Road.

"We should have public access to all of the lakes in Seguin. Don't cut off our access. I've been here since 1957" - Jim Emerson, Rankin Lake Road.

"Year round sustainable light industry needs to be promoted for meaningful employment for township residents and economic growth" - Garry Stephens, Rankin Lake Road.

"I'd like to see the sense of community permeate into council. It seems like us against them instead of us with them" - Brian Claridge, Rankin Lake Road.

"I'd like a community swimming pool for the whole district" - Caroline Claridge, Rankin Lake Road.

Rankin Lake Road.

"People say the summer roads are worse now than they used to be before amalgamation" - Jack Vankoughnett, Rankin Lake Road.

"You can't do more with less" - Jack Vankoughnett, Rankin Lake Road.

"Welcome, work with, and respect small business into Seguin" - Michelle & Don Berry (KOA Campground Owners), Rankin Lake Road.

"Directional signage needs to be improved greatly" - Michelle & Don Berry (KOA Campground Owners), Rankin Lake Road.

"We absolutely love it here" - Michelle & Don Berry (KOA Campground Owners), Rankin Lake Road.

"People need to get involved in their community - especially intramural sports. It would be nice to see young parents get their kids involved. Parents should get involved as well in coaching" - Michelle & Don Berry (KOA Campground Owners), Rankin Lake Road.

Haven Drive.

"I wouldn't want to live anywhere else" - Ian Ferguson, Haven Drive.

"When I see so many young people...they just don't have jobs so they can raise a family" - Richard Bilokryli, Horseshoe Lake Road.

"Go out after business or recruit environmentally clean businesses" - Richard Bilokryli, Horseshoe Lake Road.

Wilcox Drive.

"I think there should be an outdoor Hockey Rink in Humphrey" - Jeff Cunningham, Horseshoe Lake Road.

"Do something with the Horseshoe Lake Community Hall because nobody uses it" - Katelyn Cunningham, Horseshoe Lake Road.

"We need someone to run youth programs within Seguin government. One person who coordinates with all of the committees to help get things done - a youth activity coordinator. It's difficult for someone to do it part-time" - Jacco Spykermann, Horseshoe Lake Road.

Horseshoe Lake Road.

"We need more people to volunteer [in support of youth activities]. A youth coordinator would encourage people to volunteer" - Jacco Spykermann, Horseshoe Lake Road.

"I grew up down the road. It was my biggest dream to one day buy a home and live here. I love it here" - Jeannette Diplacido, Horseshoe Lake Road.

Seguin Quotes: April 24 - 25

So begins a series of posts which will become the core of my campaign for Ward 1 councillor for Seguin Township. I've scrapped my idea for doing a boring ten question survey. First I have to listen to people speak about their life in Seguin.

The 'Seguin Quotes' series reveals the considered thoughts and beliefs of the people of Ward 1.

The question: "What's the one thing you would change about Seguin Township?"

Windfall Lake Road

"Keep local taxpayers' money in the township for Seguin projects" - John Kempton, Windfall Lake Road.

"As far as I'm concerned we're coming up pretty well for our tax dollar" - Tom Fleming, Windfall Lake Road.

Deyett Drive

"Remove the mayor" - Janis Metscher, Deyett Drive.

"No comment" - Michael Metscher, Deyett Drive.

The shore of First Lake on Crane Lake Road.

"Renovate the Horseshoe Lake Community Centre into a day care centre" - C.R. Fares, Crane Lake Road.

"More posted speed limits and a community safety zone on Crane Lake road" - C.R. Fares, Crane Lake Road.

"Community is important. Signs are important for pride" - C.R. Fares, Crane Lake Road.

"It would be nice to have an outdoor rink in Foley again with a roof to keep the snow off" - C.R. Fares, Crane Lake Road.

Rankin Lake Road alongside the 400 highway.

"Politics is politics and most people don't understand it" - Rose Emerson, Rankin Lake Road.

"I like it here. It's a nice place to live" - Christie Mercier, Rankin Lake Road.

"People can nick and pick, but overall everything's pretty decent" - Jules Soenens, Rankin Lake Road.

"We need a Community Safety Zone at Rankin Lake Road and Old Colonial Road" - Jules Soenens, Rankin Lake Road.

"I'm tired of being Conned" - Mike Phillips, Rankin Lake Road.

"I think council should work together because all the in-fighting looks bad on the township as a whole" - Doug Lebert

"The location of the Deaf Camp should be left alone. It brings tourism to the area and it's been there for years" - Krista Copland, Rankin Lake Road.

"The price of building permits are insane" - John Chisolm, Rankin Lake Road.

"Mail-In voting should not be allowed" - John Chisolm, Rankin Lake Road.

Black Road

"The roads suck with potholes" - Doug Smith, Black Road.

"Now there's too many bears around because they canceled the Spring Bear Hunt. The MNR [Ministry of Natural Resources] admits that they can't control the bears. We need to bring back the Spring Bear Hunt to better manage the bear population" - Doug Smith, Black Road.

"[At Rankin Lake and Black Road] They're ditching the wrong way" - Doug Smith, Black Road.

"Seguin seems money hungry" - Lisa Hemmings, Black Road.

"Boat launches need to be better maintained" - Lisa Hemmings, Black Road.

"I love it here" - Beth Smith, Black Road.

Accidental action photo of my bike.