Who is running for the Ward 5 seat in the Summerside byelection

Summerside will have a new councillor in Ward 5 Hillcrest–Platte River this fall, and several people vying for the seat in council chambers.

The seat became vacant when Barb Gallant was disqualified this summer after missing three monthly council meetings in a row.

In April, Gallant was charged in connection with her work with the Lest We Forget Veterans Committee. She pleaded guilty in August to theft over $5,000 and is expected to be sentenced in November.

The situation left Ward 5 without a councillor. The byelection date is Monday, Oct. 7, and the councillor-to-be will be sworn in Oct. 21.

Here are the people running in this ward, alphabetically by last name, and their answers from a short questionnaire that CBC News sent to them, along with a request for them to submit a photo of themselves.

Gerard Deveau

1. Why are you running for council?

I am running for council because the residents of Ward 5 Hillcrest–Platte River and the City of Summerside need a voice that will listen. Since I announced my candidacy to run as a candidate in Ward 5, I have stated, by listening you can act and action speaks louder than words.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Shortly after the byelection was called, I took a walk around Ward 5 and just spoke to people who were walking on the street and asked them what were some of their concerns in Ward 5 and the City of Summerside as a whole. The four main concerns were health care, hospital, housing and homelessness.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

The new Zoning Bylaw and Housing Accelerator Fund, revitalization of downtown Summerside, health care, hospital, housing and homelessness.

Ginny Kennedy

1. Why are you running for council?

I have always enjoyed being able to help people of all ages with issues or questions, and I strive to get answers. I want to help all residents of Summerside, not just those in Ward 5. I am proud to call Summerside home and I want to work and help to make Summerside a better place to work, live and enjoy!

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

There is more than one issue brought forward by many residents, such as homelessness, senior needs, help for individuals with various disabilities, speeding, crosswalks, pavement markings, sidewalks, taxes and infrastructure. Ward 5 residents want to be heard and know they are represented within council by someone who hears their needs and concerns and will be their voice.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

The City of Summerside not having a walk-in clinic is causing people to go to PCH Emergency for things such as prescriptions refills. A walk-in clinic would take the stress off the ER and people. The cost of living and the lack of affordable housing are issues that are greatly impacting residents. Although these are not issues the municipal government can resolve itself, we need to press for our provincial and federal governments assistance to work on these issues and do so for our residents.

Patrick McMahon

1. Why are you running for council?

To better my neighbourhood, ward and city; to help grow it so that people want to live here and a safer community as a whole.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Development and the traffic, the impact of this on the residents.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

We have a variety of issues that are multilevel in their nature, from homelessness to the drug issues, to security of our senior community, the impact of the development on the city (zoning), maintaining the integrity of the existing areas.

Pete Peters

1. Why are you running for council?

I am running for council as community involvement has always been very important to me — from coaching various sports teams to being a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters, as well as delivering meals to seniors with the Meals on Wheels program and being a volunteer firefighter with the City of Summerside. Our city is continuing to grow at a rapid pace. Being on council to voice the concerns of the residents in Ward 5 would be considered an honour for me.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Although there were numerous concerns, dealing with affordable housing and the location of the new emergency shelter pretty much topped the list.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

As our city continues to grow, we need to ensure that all emergency services have the support of the city to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for keeping our community safe.

Basil Stewart

1. Why are you running for council?

The main reason I am running for council in Ward 5 is because many people in Ward 5 called, texted and asked me personally to run because they want a strong voice for their ward. They say with my experience, that will be very important, and Ward 5 has a lot of development and the residents want strong, experienced representation and I can do that.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

There are some very important concerns and more than one. There is the northern housing development corridor started in the area of Ward 5. Residents want experienced representation for their councillor to deal with their issues on council such as the above mentioned new street development, the homelessness situation in their area, health-care issues, and traffic concerns … People are concerned about tax rates, electrical and water and sewer rates and recreation rates.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?

Overall growth in that area (Ward 5) and the controlled and orderly growth is a concern of residents. It is important to bring along the infrastructure in the ward as new developments take place such as sidewalks, traffic safety, street lights, and replace septic tanks in Waverly Court. 

I am proposing an open public meeting in Ward 5 every couple of months to hear concerns and issues and then have them brought to council for debate and discussion.

Ken Trenholm

1. Why are you running for council?

To make real, positive changes. I am a grassroots community advocate who thrives on fighting for people and bringing people together to drive community growth. I focus on finding solutions, not excuses. Many residents feel their voices go unheard. People need a representative who listens, seeks their input, and values their ideas. I am committed to serving with passion, common sense and strength, and being the voice of the people. Go to www.kenward5.ca for my full answers to these questions.

2. What is the number one concern in your ward?

Placing a homeless shelter next to senior residences without consultation triggered mistrust. Many seniors are vulnerable. Forcing the unhoused to leave at 8 a.m. is not in anyone's best interests. The shelter needs to be open 24/7 to provide protection from the elements and on-site mental health and addiction services. This decision appears to pit one vulnerable population against another, and I stand in solidarity with both the seniors and the unhoused residents who need more than a Band-Aid.

3. What do you see as larger issues in your municipality?Many are worried about their quality of life, citing rising costs, rent hikes, unaffordable housing, and the fear of trailer parks being sold. Concerns over homeless encampments, pedestrian safety, health-care gaps, no walk-in clinic, no ICU, long ER wait times, and lack of child care and supportive housing. There are fears the proposed official plan amendments may bring unforeseen negative effects. With rising mental health, addiction and crime, we need real solutions for a lasting quality of life.