There has been much misinformation and misquoting being spread around and I just wanted to set the record straight for anyone looking for these answers.
My wife is not an elementary school teacher for the Durham School Board, this is simply not true and the linkedin profile that this is being quoted from is Christine Azevedo, my wife is Christina Azavedo.
My children do not go to school in this area, that is true and I have never denied that. However, through Covid when they did school online, they did it from here in Georgian Bluffs but now that it is back in person, they are back in the classroom. My kids also do not go to school in Whitby, that is false, however, they do go to school in a neighbouring municipality. That being said, even though they don’t go to school here, they are involved in some of their extra curricular activities in this community and have always been a part of this township since they were born.
On this topic I would like to say that my wife and children are not running in this election and I would appreciate keeping them out of it, especially my children. It is completely inappropriate for anyone to continue to ask about this. I am the person running, Christopher Azavedo, and I alone would be the one representing you and the person who would be accountable to you.
I have never denied who I work for. It is true that my employers code of conduct does not allow me to associate any politics with my employer. However, in the spirit of transparency and accountability I will address this once as follows. I confirm that I do work for OPG and that my work is not limited to one location and takes me to various sites across the province, including locally here in Bruce County. However, I want to clarify that in no way am I associating my employment or employer with this election or any of my political views on any matter. I will not discuss my employment or comment on it any further. I will also confirm that my employment will have no impact on my role and duties as your councillor or attendance at any and all meetings.
I have never said we don’t own multiple properties or don’t have any other residence. I can confirm that we own multiple properties and investments in a number of different townships which include here in Georgian Bluffs. I will clarify that we currently do have another address where we reside when not in Georgian Bluffs just like many of us do in this township for their own various situations. However, my primary address and where I personally spend most of my time is the one here in Georgian Bluffs because of our business and also because I love this township, community, and the friends and family that we have here. My family spends most of their time in Georgian Bluffs when they are not in school, including weekends, holidays, and all summer long. On this point, I will also clarify that I do not agree with council meetings being virtual and I support a change to the Township Procedure By-law 2019-125 that has allowed virtual meetings. For council to be constructive and effective, we need the councillors to be sitting in their seats across from each other. I can commit to you that if elected, I will be at every meeting, sitting in that seat.
It is not true that our business is only seasonal, it is a combination of seasonal and year-round. Part of our business (the seasonal portion) is short term rentals and that part of our business is dealt with on our website. The rest of our business is long term accommodations and not dealt with on our website. On this topic, I want to clarify that I have never kept it secret that our business deals with short term accommodations. In fact, I have had many discussions with constituents about my business when asked what we do or when asked about short term accommodation issues. We are not absent landlords when it comes to short term accommodations. I have explained that I have the experience in how to address the short-term accommodation issues that some residents are facing while still respecting the property owners that are running responsible establishments. I don’t believe everyone should be penalized for others mistakes. I have also explained that if elected to council, I would only provide my experiences as advice and I would recuse myself from making any decisions on this issue or for that matter any other issue that would be a conflict of interest.
We have never been convicted or penalized for work that we did in the last 2 years on the shore road allowance. For the work we did, we contacted and followed all processes and procedures as advised by the agencies who have jurisdiction over that area and applied for any permits or work authorizations that we were advised to at the time by those agencies. After completing the work, someone took issue with some of what was done and contacted those same agencies. Yes, it is true that violation notices were issued. However, the notices were issued before any proper investigation was performed by those agencies. No further action has been required on my part and there have been no formal charges or convictions against me. It is unfortunate that the freedom of information requests didn’t also disclose this and that what was disclosed is completely being used out of context.
I hope this clarifies everything for anyone who is asking these questions. I have done my best to provide as much detail as possible without rambling on too long. That being said, I am not going to engage in any online debate through 3rd parties any further. However, if there is any information you as the constituents want to know about me, please contact me directly by phone, e-mail, or even stop by in person for a chat. My contact information is on the township website or on my website at www.elect-azavedo-christopher.ca
I will end by saying this, I ask you to look at what I can offer as a whole and not get distracted by trivial information. I strongly believe I am the right candidate for this position. I will put in the time no matter what, and I will do what’s in the best interest of you, always.
Sincerely,
Christopher Azavedo
Mr Azavedo is running for council in the Township of Georgian Bluffs
