Author Archives: Oliver Jacob

Stablilizing and Rebuilding Trust

As I’ve spoken with residents while knocking on doors, one message has come through clearly: residents feel our Township has become unstable over the past four years, and many have lost confidence in their local government. That instability has included Integrity Commissioner investigations, the resignation of the former Mayor, and an unusually high number ofContinueContinue reading “Stablilizing and Rebuilding Trust”

Responsible Financial Management

One question that I hear frequently is how I would approach property taxation and financial planning as Mayor and if I would support tax increases in future years. While I would love to say that this question is easy to answer, it is sadly not straight-forward or reasonable to answer with a simple “yes” orContinueContinue reading “Responsible Financial Management”

Respectful Election Conduct

The cornerstone of Canadian democracy is that we can disagree on particular policies or programs but we can do so respectfully without descending into behaviour that could be considered to be bullying, harassment or discrimination. Over the past few days, there has been some debate on social media about bullying and harassment directed at electedContinueContinue reading “Respectful Election Conduct”

Accountability and Transparency

To me, accountability and transparency are the most important values in municipal government, and I believe that it is the responsibility of all elected officials to support the right of their residents and ratepayers to be present, to ask questions and to get involved in the decision-making process. Council Meeting Times Earlier this week, TownshipContinueContinue reading “Accountability and Transparency”

I’m Running for Mayor

McNab/Braeside has had a chaotic four years under the failed leadership of current Mayor Lori Hoddinott and former Mayor Mark Mackenzie. Taxes have continued to grow while the community has not seen the core services and capital investments that it needs and expects for the dollars we pay annually in property taxes. Instead, this CouncilContinueContinue reading “I’m Running for Mayor”

A Practical and Balanced Approach to Tackling Climate Change

Right off the bat, we know that climate change is real and that it continues to impact communities like ours right across Canada. From wildfires to tornadoes to floods, rural communities have been on the frontline of dealing with climate impacts while also trying to provide regular services to their residents. Personally, I think backContinueContinue reading “A Practical and Balanced Approach to Tackling Climate Change”

Responses to GACC All Candidates Debate Questions

The Greater Arnprior Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2022 All Candidates Debate for McNab/Braeside candidates in mid-September 2022. After the event, they asked all candidates to submit written responses to all questions submitted by local residents. You can read the full responses from all candidates at http://www.gacc.ca. Share your opening statement/platform: I’m Oliver Jacob andContinueContinue reading “Responses to GACC All Candidates Debate Questions”

My Position on the Proposed Pyrolysis Plant in McNab/Braeside

Over the last few months, the McNab/Braeside community has been concerned about the potential installation of a Sustane Technologies pyrolysis plant at the Township landfill. I have joined many of you over the last few months to discuss our shared concerns for the environment but more importantly, for the protection of the health and safetyContinueContinue reading “My Position on the Proposed Pyrolysis Plant in McNab/Braeside”