Fireworks were few and far between as the five candidates hoping to succeed Peter Chirico as North Bay’s mayor focused on substance rather than mudslinging at a debate Monday night. The event was held at West Ferris Secondary School, was hosted by Cogeco and supported by the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce and North Bay and Area Realtors Association. Most questions posed to Maggie Horsfield, Jamie Lowery, Connor Currie, Dan Seguin and Melanie Demers were from four reporters in a media panel on stage, including a representative from CTV News. The first part of the debate centred on Chirico’s credit card scandal and what each candidate would have done differently to handle the fiasco. “There was a massive loss of public trust in our institutions,” political newcomer Connor Currie said, pledging to commit to supporting a motion to post the mayor’s expenses monthly and conduct internal spending audits. “I would like to point out that self-regulation is sort of exactly how we got to this point in the first place.” Lowery argued policy changes are “only as good as the character.” “In my mind, it’s about understanding your own moral compass … I don’t think there’s a person in this room that doesn’t know that.” Demers said integrity commissioner Guy Giorno’s investigation into Chirico “cost too much.” “I think there are cheaper ways to do it that don’t involve throwing your leader under the bus at the taxpayers’ expense,” she said. Horsfield didn’t get a chance to answer as time ran out. In an email afterwards, she said that “what happened was wrong, and it was incredibly embarrassing for our city.” “Corporate cards should never be used to pay personal expenses -- full stop,” she wrote. “I want to be clear about my own commitment: I will never expense personal items, and I will publish my expenses every single month. Accountability isn’t just a talking point; it’s how I lead.” The debate then switched to transparency and accountability. Currie said more town halls are needed for councillors to hear directly from constituents. Lowery raised the flag about the use of in-camera meetings. Seguin simply quipped that the “old boys club is at work” and joked that he can’t go inside city hall as “I have a trespass notice,” prompting a laugh from the audience. The debate then moved to the homeless crisis, including tent cities, addiction and mental health, affordable housing and the status of the low-barrier emergency shelter located on Chippewa Street. She said the shelter, located across the street from Chippewa Secondary School and adjacent to Barclay House retirement home, has been the subject of heavy criticism from parents and neighbours. Horsfield said the shelter’s location was always meant to be temporary and that it’s separate from the Northern Pines Transitional Housing Complex. “We need to understand and see that the individuals who are in these situations are humans, and they need us to step up as a community to help them and to support them,” she said. Currie suggested looking into building a tiny home community with wraparound support services. Lowery promised to relocate the shelter to a spot better suited for it. “We can combine them with wraparound services such as The Gathering Place,” he said. Horsfield reminded him that he voted against the city’s capital budget and homeless hub funding. “Where have you been in the conversations about a location? Have you been holding on to a secret location?” she asked. Lowery quipped back that it was discussed at council and was turned down. The candidates were then asked about whether they would use the Ford government’s strong mayor powers if they were elected to accelerate housing and infrastructure development. Seguin said he would. Demers said she would consider using it to re-organize city structure “occasionally.” Horsfield took the moment to criticize Lowery for previously stating he would use the legislation, while Currie said strong mayor powers is a “threat to democracy.” Moderator Clarke Heipel then raised the issue of the future of the West Ferris Arena. Demers said it’s important to “preserve these landmarks” and suggested making it a tourist attraction. Horsfield noted the building needs structural assessments and wondered where the money for that would come from. Currie stated the facility, which is the birthplace of ringette, “is worth more than money.” On growing the city, Seguin said it’s time to build a new $200 million arena to replace Boart Longyear Memorial Gardens and suggested selling North Bay Hydro. “They’ve been gouging us. Hydro prices have only gone up and up and up,” he said. Currie argued privatization is not the way to go. Doctor recruitment is a key issue Horsfield recalled the opening of the new International Tactical Training Centre at the Jack Garland Airport, saying it’s critical to “champion North Bay” and that it’s important to attract more investment into the city’s Airport Industrial Park and West Ferris Industrial Park. Lowery received cheers when he said that doctor recruitment is the best way to encourage people to move to the city. “People are not going to move to a community where they have to struggle to find a family doctor,” he stated. After the debate, voters said they were left feeling fulfilled and impressed. “We have some very good candidates,” voter Garth Goodhew said. “All answers were answered well, and I got out of it what I was looking for,” said voter Kimberly James. Voter Andy Poeta said the city needs to invest in business growth. “Get the population up there so we can get more taxes into the city,” Poeta said. It was voter Susan Bell’s first time attending a mayoral debate and she encouraged all residents to do their research and cast a ballot. “It’s a democratic society. Everybody has the right to vote for who they want to. Hopefully, some people were swayed,” Bell said. Election Day is Oct. 26.
