In an effort to promote discussion on key issues during the current election period, we are giving candidates the opportunity to answer a number of questions that may be of interest to local voters.
Everyone receives the same questions, and their answers are presented with minimal editing for format purposes only.
Here is the candidate profile for Belleville Council Candidate in Ward One (Urban) Lori Borthwick.
Election day is October 26th.
First and Last Name
Lori Borthwick
What position are you seeking in the upcoming municipal election on October 26?
Ward 1 Council Belleville ON
Question 1 – Why are you running and what are your main priorities if elected/re-elected?
I am running because I love the city of Belleville and want to protect what makes this city so special. First, protecting and enhancing our natural heritage—our local parks, our urban tree canopy, and vital green ecosystems like the Bell Creek Watershed. By protecting our natural spaces, we safeguard the web of life, and allow nature to thrive alongside us, building a healthier and more resilient Belleville for our children and grandchildren. Second, protecting and enhancing our democracy. I believe in a responsive city council, where people are genuinely heard before decisions are finalized. I will continue to listen to resident’s concerns, respond to emails and phone calls and hope to advocate for an equity fund to help all resident’s voices be heard during election time.
Question 2 – How do you balance budgetary restraint with continuing increases in many areas of the municipal budget?
Much of Belleville’s budget is decided by the agencies that we must fund, discretionary areas of spending are taking an increasingly smaller piece of the budget pie each year. Property taxes in Belleville are higher than many municipalities around us so we must ensure that we receive value for the dollars spent. However, sometimes decisions made are looking at pinching pennies without understanding how that decreases the livability of the city as a whole. We need to understand that deferring expenses can often cost much more in the future and that having a thriving city requires investing in the infrastructure needed.
Question 3 – Infrastructure projects are a huge strain on local budgets, especially when it comes to water/wastewater. How can we address/reduce these costs moving forward and mitigate the impact for ratepayers/taxpayers?
Water and Wastewater treatment is a problem for so many municipalities as they struggle replace and upgrade this extremely expensive infrastructure. The Avonlough Sewage Pumping system is projected at 86 Million dollars with only 19 Million dollars coming from (16 Million) Federal and (3 Million)Provincial Grants. Belleville is already aggressively pursuing all Grant applications and has taken steps through accessing the Water Reserve Fund to meet these costs. The Water Reserve Fund has been extremely well managed through the years. In this regard Belleville is in a better place than many of its cohorts.
Question 4 – What measures can the municipality take to address the issues of affordability and housing security?
This is another difficult issue to contend with for municipalities like Belleville. We have over 250 chronically unhoused people on the last PIT count and only 33 current shelter beds across all of Hastings Prince Edward. Belleville needs to continue to work with non profits and charities to build the housing needed, the Habitat for Humanity project on the site of the former Belleville Police Station is one such project and All Together Housing has done a great job with their projects. I would hope that the upcoming school lands like Quinte Highschool, the current YMCA land can be developed with this nonprofit model in mind.
Question 5 – Homelessness has become a major issue for most local communities. What would you do to address this issue and what needs to happen to have a meaningful impact?
Our city has worked hard to address this difficult issue. From the Hub, to the United Way, to the Salvation Army, local churches, shelters, our local paramedics and Gleaner’s Food Banks are all working hard to support this population. We are lagging in the type of supportive housing needed. We must work as quickly as possible with non profit and charitable groups to build this type of housing. Our system has significant gaps, from a lack of acute mental health and addictions unit, to a lack of detox facilities and the supportive housing units needed. We must continue to lobby the Provincial Government to meet its mandate of providing the Health Services needed and we should continue to work with our charitable and nonprofit agencies to fill the gaps made by a lack of provincial funds. Homelessness is not just affecting those people without housing, it is affecting every single one of us.
Question 6 – What message do you want the voter to know about you and your campaign and your priorities for the next four years?
My campaign is based on my experiences as a longtime resident, front line health care worker and community advocate. I believe in a Belleville where we Care for one another and for our Environment. My priorities are focused on protecting our Natural Heritage Areas, and our Feeling of Community. I will be a dedicated representative that will be accessible. I promise to listen and work tirelessly to protect the Belleville we all love.
