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Lorelei Nicoll
- 'The division of the municipality into two units with smaller councils to better serve the rural and urban communities more effectively and efficiently.' Select 'Yes' if you support dividing the municipality in this manner, or 'No' if you oppose the division.
No. While I agree that it is difficult to reconcile the needs and desires of our urban and rural communities, I am not in favour of complete ‘de-amalgamation’. This is a simplistic solution to a complex issue. Like it or not, the downtown core is inextricably linked to the suburban and rural communities of the former county of Halifax, and the downtown core benefits from this relationship just as much as the outlying areas. Many people choose to live outside of the urban areas while working downtown and visiting the downtown area for entertainment and cultural activities. A smart city would build neighborhoods that people want to live in, and support diversity and choice of lifestyle, whether a high density row house or condo, large lots and gardens of suburbia, or a rural hobby farm. Rather than choosing a simplistic solution, we need to look at more innovative solutions, such as community or neighborhood councils working under a smaller central HRM council, along with a tax system that ensures residents and businesses pay the real cost of the services they enjoy. These are challenging propositions, but we need to step up to these challenges if we want our city and region to become the most vibrant and livable city in Canada. If elected I will participate fully in finding solutions to both of these challenges.
- 'Tax reform that more closely aligns taxes with the actual cost of services delivered.'Select 'Yes' if you support reforming taxes in this manner, or select 'No' if you oppose.
Yes. I am supportive of tax reforms that make the tax system fairer and provides for a system that ensures that residents and businesses pay the real cost of the services they enjoy. The current proposals are a good starting point for moving in that direction, but whatever is decided upon will affect the city and its taxpayers for many years to come. We must get it right, so further scrutiny is required. Related to tax reform is the issue of fiscal responsibility. The city cannot rely on escalating assessments to increase tax revenues. Under a ‘cost-of-service’ tax regime, we must ensure that we receive value for money and manage costs in a prudent manner. Further, we must make sure that the federal and provincial governments are paying their due share. If elected, I will support the continuation of the current tax reform initiatives, while helping to develop policies and guidelines that help HRM staff remain accountable for their expenditures.
- 'More aggressive development of the Arts and Culture sector by committing a minimum of 1% of the annual municipal budget to this sector.' Select 'Yes' if you support committing a minimum of 1% of the annual municipal budget to the Arts and Culture sector, or 'No' if you oppose.
Yes. More investment is needed in the Arts and Culture sector throughout the region. In District 4 (Cole Harbour), we have excellent music and drama programs in our schools, but we have no auditorium or community centre in which to perform. As Councillor for District 4, I would certainly be looking to increase arts and culture in my district, and would support reasonable efforts to do so in other districts.
- 'The creation of the position of Chief Sustainability Officer with the necessary authority and budget to ensure Halifax becomes the most sustainable city in Canada by 2020.' Select 'Yes' if you support creating the position of Chief Sustainability Officer as described in this statement, or 'No' if you oppose.
No. Environmental and financial sustainability should be a guiding principle in all decisions and programs at HRM. It should be part of all policies and guidelines. It should not be necessary to have a separate bureaucracy to police this principle.
- 'The development of an integrated intercultural strategy to attract and retain immigrants and to better support disadvantaged groups within our community.' Select 'Yes' if you support developing an integrated intercultural strategy to attract and retain immigrants, and to better support disadvantaged groups within our community, or select 'No' if you oppose.
Yes. It makes sense to coordinate efforts, regardless of the issue being addressed. I would add, however, that the best way to provide a welcoming environment is to develop a strong economy with abundant employment opportunities. The barriers to attracting and retaining immigrants and to supporting disadvantaged groups in our community are largely economic barriers, not social or cultural. As Councillor, I would work with fellow council members and HRM staff to put in place a coordinating body to facilitate an integrated strategy.
- 'The creation of a transportation authority to develop and implement a long-term comprehensive transportation strategy that integrates all modes of transportation.' Select 'Yes' if you support creating a transportation authority as described in this statement, or 'No' if you oppose.
Yes. Again, it makes sense to coordinate efforts, whether facilitated by an independent transportation authority or by some other mechanism. Effective coordination of transportation policy will depend on active cooperation from the municipality, the province, the federal government, the Bridge Commission, and many other potential stakeholders who may have something to offer, including the private sector. As councillor, I would lobby for the formation of such a body.
- 'The adoption of a more transparent and streamlined development process as proposed by the HRM by Design initiative.' Do you support or oppose adopting a more transparent and streamlined development process in this manner?
Yes. I agree that the rules for development must be established, communicated, and applied fairly and consistently, and the HRM By Design process is moving us in that direction. I would support the continued work of this initiative. I also believe that increasing the population of the downtown core will result in a more vibrant city. But we must manage this growth carefully, as increasing population density may have some unintended consequences, such as a stressed public transit system or higher crime rates. The mandate of HRM By Design should be increased to include the development of implementation plans which may address these concerns. We must also recognize that not everyone desires the lifestyle afforded by high density development, and we must allow for a diversity and choice of lifestyle in our region if we are to have a truly vibrant and livable city. Initiatives which are complementary to HRM By Design should be created to develop plans for outlying neighborhoods, such as District 4 Cole Harbour.
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