Debate focuses on growth, infrastructure

Development, growth and infrastructure concerns took centre stage during Wednesday night’s second councillor candidate debate.

The candidates for Ward 3 and Ward 8 discussed the future of Brandon and what expansion would look like on the border of the city’s most westerly and southerly wards, respectively.

Most of the candidates agreed that city planning and infrastructure improvements need to take priority before development and expansion.

Jason Splett, the current city councillor for Ward 8 and only incumbent on stage for the second debate, said he would like to continue developing the South Village to bring more “commercial businesses, residences (and) bring much-needed jobs to the area.”

Ward 3 candidate Kevin Chambers said he’d like to to see the city approach development and growth from an infill perspective, rather than by expanding outward.

“If we can incentivize developers to build in areas, to put infill, low-rise, high-density housing, I think it’s a win,” Chambers said.

Enver Naidoo, who is also running in Ward 3, said the city first needs to work with stakeholders to determine what kind of housing is needed.

Naidoo said if he is elected, he’d work to “ensure that we have appropriate strategies, to try and motivate the right (type) of housing” and measure progress through a scorecard.

Throughout the evening, some candidates did not answer questions from panellists directly and were asked repeatedly for specific answers.

One of the final questions in the debate was what measurable improvements candidates would like to make in their respective ward, if elected.

Ward 8 candidate Dhara Patel said snow clearing is one of her priorities, and she would cut funding in other areas — such as city flower displays — to improve snow clearing within the ward.

“Cut the flowers during the summertime. We do not want decoration, we want snow removal during wintertime,” she said.

“I like flowers. Those are beautiful, but if you clear snow fast, people will be happy,” she said.

Ketan Patel (no relation to Dhara Patel), who is also running in Ward 8, was called out by debate emcee Kerry Auriat for his “political dodge” when asked about measurable improvements.

In response, he said he would like to work toward improving sidewalks in the ward.

As the incumbent, Splett listed several things he accomplished during his four years on council.

“We’ve installed eight flashing crosswalks within the ward,” Splett said.

He also said the city has addressed pressing issues through “about $12 million worth of enhancements” that included the municipal cemetery retention pond and other drainage improvements.

Chambers said if he is elected, he would work to accomplish water drainage improvements in Ward 3.

“I’d like to have city works revisit … and look at possibly putting in a swale drainage, so we don’t have to add pipes,” Chambers said.

“I think we could do that within four years,” he said.

Ward 3 candidate Craig Shanks said he would aim to improve public works by shortening response wait times.

“If I’m on council, I would want that to be something, that they can get back within a certain time, whether it’s 48 hours, whether it’s 24 hours,” Shanks said.

Shanks said while he’s been campaigning, he has heard complaints from neighbours about phone calls and emails not being returned.

Quentin Derhak, who is also running in Ward 3, said he would like to “pick up the ball” on initiatives that outgoing councillor Barry Cullen has been working on.

“One example of things I would love to see happen, the residents would love to see happen, is better lighting on bike paths,” Derhak said.

Other themes in the debate were affordable housing and what the city should prioritize in terms of spending, though few candidates were able to identify a single top priority.

The next councillor debate will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 21. Election day is Oct. 28.

» rgerrard@brandonsun.com