Northern Bruce Peninsula Councillor Megan Myles reflects on her four years.
To my dear supporters over the past 4+ years, With nomination day quickly approaching on August 19, I’ve spent the last few months making the decision - to run or not to run for re-election. It hasn’t been an easy one, but after much consideration I have decided not to put my name in the hat this time.
First and foremost, I want to thank you - my supporters over the past four years who voted for me, put up signs, knocked on doors, donated funds, provided advice, insights, and encouragement. You’re the reason I put my name on the ballot and the reason I’ll continue to advocate for this very special place.
I’ll be quieter in the next couple months as others declare their platforms, but I wanted to get in one last word to share what I have learned. Hopefully, these reflections may convince you to consider running, either now or in the future, because we certainly need diverse voices at the table.
The decision has been difficult because, on one hand, you get to help get sh!t done! Some think we move slow, but when you consider our small staff, growth rate and number of issues and projects on the go, it’s pretty impressive!
In the past 4 years, a few things that I’m most proud of are…
✅ Approving a local climate action plan, targets for reducing emissions (thanks to an incredible committee, BPBA, BPEG, BPDS students, and many others).
✅ Passing zoning bylaw amendments to support more affordable, smaller homes and additional dwelling units.
✅ Moving the needle on indigenous reconciliation. We now have a better understanding of SON consultation, conducted staff training, and are now discussing a land acknowledgement policy and a SON/MNBP/Parks Canada working group to address shared interests.
✅ Improving communications and learned to do things more efficiently! We now have a Facebook page as well as an online public consultation platform (letstalknbp.ca) and an IT/GIS position to support better IT and data to make better decisions.
✅ Updating emergency management plans, completing a strategic plan, asset management plan, Parks and Rec Master Plan, Lion’s Head Waterfront Plan and starting our Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan.
✅ Advancing several recommendations from the NBP Sustainable Tourism Management Plan, including regulating short-term accommodations, collecting the MAT, and forming a collaborative Sustainable Tourism Advisory Group, resulting in establishing carrying capacity at various locations, better tourism management and more responsible, informed visitors.
✅ Securing $3.5 million in federal and provincial dollars to upgrade the Lion’s Head Arena and Community Centre.
And, all this amidst a global pandemic! While my term has been an incredible learning experience, on the other hand, it hasn’t always been sunshine, roses, and accolades.
Harder parts of the job include:
⚠️ Navigating countless conflicts of interest and Integrity Commissioner reports, requiring difficult and awkward conversations to say the least!
⚠️ Facing the personal financial reality. As a councillor, the annual salary range is about $10 - 15,000. Phone calls, emails, reading and research is all part of the job. If you are retired, have a spouse’s income, an old age pension, or your mortgage paid off, this might work. However, as a single female living in a place with limited rental housing, and highly seasonal work, it’s been no easy feat. There is a reason why most councils in rural Ontario are a particular demographic.…
⚠️ Receiving nasty emails or phone calls from disgruntled residents. Perhaps sometimes there may be a valid issue and I’d encourage anyone to send a respectful email or letter to council, or engage in a courteous conversation. ?
Given my circumstances at this point in time in my life, I’ve decided to sit the next 4 out. After October, I might not have a vote at the council table, but building a progressive, welcoming community on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula will remain high on my list. In September, I’ll be going back to school to pursue a MSc in Rural Planning and Development. With further knowledge and skills, I hope to continue to help preserve the peninsula for generations to come – the natural environment, the community, and rural ways of life. I do have a couple of other project ideas in the cooker, so stay tuned!
If you’re reading this and think you’re up for the job, consider tossing your name in. A strong, forward thinking community requires good people to step forward! If you chat more, give me a shout at 519-387-3663 (text is best) or [email protected].
