This is the fourth in a nine-part series in which OrilliaMatters asked city councillors to reflect on the first half of their mandate, look ahead to the second half and let citizens know if they intend to see re-election.
Today, we provide the answers from Ward 2 Councillor Rob Kloostra.
Question 1. What are you most proud of, personally as a councillor, that you/council have been able to accomplish in the first half of your mandate?
As a councillor I have thoroughly enjoyed the first half of my term more because my learning curve has stabilized. As I sat on committees and engaged people in the city, I felt more comfortable having much more in-depth conversations.
I have a rooted understanding of City business and helping both my constituents and staff find solutions. I am a strong, unbiased member of several committees and feel confident that my engagement with them has been open, honest. My attendance both in person and virtually has been high.
I am committed to assisting local businesses to succeed by continuing my work as member at the table for the Downtown Management Board, Orillia Chamber of Commerce, Grants Committee and Library Board.
Question 2. What is your biggest disappointment as it relates to a council decision/direction or issue?
I like to think of myself as a positive guy, but I can honestly say I am very disappointed in the decision to take Front Street to three lanes. I travel that road daily and it was hard to watch visitors and residents alike become confused at the lines and lanes. I think the road should have remained four lanes.
Question 3. Nobody saw the pandemic coming. Specifically, as a councillor, what is the biggest challenge the pandemic has created and how have you tried to tackle that challenge?
Transit was a major concern at the beginning of the pandemic, specifically how to protect the drivers and riders and how to communicate the guidelines as they changed.
Patios for restaurants ALL over the city once allowed to re-open became a concern. I responded to emails and calls from owners asking what is being done to assist them with limited capacity, bylaws, available money and PPE. I visited over a dozen establishments to hear their concerns and provide answers. I sought city officials and asked for clarification as the guidelines changed.
Lastly, I am concerned for the youth in Orillia. Now more than ever they need access to free outdoor activities. The loss of the YMCA is a huge hit. I am hopeful Council will see the need to increase funds for youth activities. I have asked for a working group to facilitate the future expansion of the skate park.
Question 4. As a result of the pandemic, many citizens are worried about the future and think council should have halted everything (ie. waterfront plan, Centennial Drive project etc.) to save money. What do you say to those people and what is your view of the future of the municipality amid the reality of a pandemic?
The City itself as a business still runs despite a pandemic. For the most part, the money still flows in and bills are paid.
Most capital projects are not in jeopardy as they rely on provincial and sometimes federal funding and we have not been notified of any clawbacks yet. That could change, but for now projects already approved will proceed as usual.
What many don’t understand is that large projects are often tied to major infrastructure and we need to keep on track. The reality of this pandemic is that it is here to stay for a while. Everyone has had to adjust to its risks and learn to live with the Public Health mandates. I believe Orillia’s numbers are low because we are following the rules and taking good care of our community.
Question 5. The recent discussion about the waterfront plan spawned a lot of debate and, despite your efforts, many seem to think there wasn’t enough public input. Are you doing enough as a council to be transparent, to encourage public input and to listen? How so? How could that be improved during the second half of your mandate?
I feel the citizens of Orillia need a complete refresher and update from the City and Council. The pandemic has restricted our ability to hold in-person meetings.
An email letter weekly seems like a good place to start. Many would argue that the City reaches out by social media, but not everyone follows Twitter or Facebook and important info gets buried in news feeds.
An email with attachments for site plans, proposed parks, billboard placement, etc. could be sent making it easier to read and interpret. Maybe it's time to replace the paper ad? The Communications department should look past the info overload on the city website and get to the guts of the issues by direct e-blasts. I often hear from constituents and this issue is common in all age groups.
Question 6. What is the biggest challenge council faces in the second half of its mandate (ie. Staff retirements, promised tax freeze, capacity) and what are your top priorities?
Let me be clear: I do not believe we can pass a 0% increase budget. Not one project can be budgeted with exact costs in this global crisis. The cost of soft lumber, hard goods, and skilled labour shortages will dictate huge increases for all future projects. It doesn’t mean we cannot move forward, it means we cannot predict the end cost. One project at a time approach is needed.
Advocating for better road surfaces, accessible sidewalks and the new transit terminal with a budget that meets the funding offered by the government are on my list of priorities. Orillia does not need a parking structure with high cost to build and maintain. It makes no sense to move the boat launch. Terry Fox Circle should remain open to vehicular traffic and parking. And the skate trail should be changed to a non-refrigerated large open pad that is easily flooded and contained.
Question 7: Lastly, do you intend to seek re-election? Why or why not?
I have thoroughly enjoyed my last six years on council. I can say with the utmost certainty that I have no idea if I will re-run in 2022. Let's see how COVID-19 affects my household and businesses…ask me in a year. I have great respect for the City of Orillia and its citizens. My hope is everyone stays safe and healthy.
