By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HAGERSVILLE—Ward 4’s urban centre is Hagersville, which like nearby Caledonia is preparing for future growth that will bring thousands of new residents over the next three decades. This is just one of the issues on the table for Ward 4’s next councillor.
Vying for the seat are incumbent candidate Tony Dalimonte and newcomer Natalie Stam. The Press spoke with both candidates about their vision for Ward 4 and why voters should consider supporting them.
“The last four years have been very successful,” said Dalimonte. “The financial position of the County is strong; we have low tax rates, growing reserves, and a robust, sustainable capital program.”
He said that Council was able to achieve all of their main priorities, such as “significant infrastructure improvements planned, including the new Hagersville Library and Active Living Centre, as well as affordable housing construction. This has been a great Council with excellent cooperation and collaboration with County staff.”
Going forward, Dalimonte said he hopes to see a continued emphasis on fiscal responsibility in the face of rising inflation: “It will also be necessary to make some difficult prioritization decisions.”
He is focused on seeing a return to community outreach by the County, now that COVID limitations have eased, adding, “I would also like to see major efforts put forward to support business attraction, retention, and expansion.”
While he knows he cannot stop the projected population growth in Ontario driving increased development, Dalimonte said managing that growth is critical locally: “We will need to plan for infrastructure and service improvements. We will also need to update our development charges, our master servicing plan, and our transportation plans.”
Two projects he hopes to see to completion over the next term include the new Active Living Centre and the implementation of a new recreational trail project.
“I would like to say to the residents of Ward 4 that it has been such an honour and a privilege to have served you over the last four years. If re-elected I plan on continuing to listen to the constituents, addressing their issues by being responsive and accessible. I will continue to use my experience to move the County forward and improve the quality of life for all residents.”
Natalie Stam says she was “raised a country girl,” expressing gratitude for the experiences that come from living in Haldimand.
She elaborated on her background, stating, “I’ve held a few positions of employment in the county, but none so rewarding as my life as a homemaker, mother, homeschooler, business owner, and farmer’s wife. This lifestyle demands hard work … multitasking, risk mitigation, long-term planning, and of course a spirit of hope and determination knowing that you are working toward creating a better future.”
Stam said she’s always held a keen interest in politics and seeks the councillor seat to “be involved in helping to respond to the needs of our community.”
She aspires to be part of a government that values equality, dignity, and respect: “I want to make certain that everyone is treated equally…. Unifying, not dividing people, so we retain our friendly small-town character as we grow.”
On challenges facing Ward 4 she said, “Housing availability and affordability, traffic safety/congestion, and community recreation are the resounding issues.”
She noted additional housing supply only helps if homes go to those needing housing, rather than “outside investors”, and that there is a rental supply problem as well since “regulations have driven landlords out of the market, decreasing the supply. Scarcity means an increase in price.” Stam intends to listen to all involved stakeholders “to see how we can make accessible, affordable housing in our county a reality.”
She continued, “Our roads are congested and speeding is an issue. I will work diligently with the other councillors and our MPP to make sure concerns are heard by the Province regarding improvements required on Highway 6 in Hagersville. More enforcement of traffic violations may also be needed, as well as potentially creating community safety zones around our park.”
Stam concluded on her desire to serve as Ward 4 councillor: “Meeting with so many (people) recently has reinforced my feelings – the people are what I hold most dear.”
