James Kowbel – Wasaga Beach councillor

from  Wasaga Sun

A Toronto native, I have had ties with Wasaga Beach since 1961, first as a visitor and later as a full-time resident.

I have been involved in successful businesses for 37 years. I was employed at Weston Bakeries Ltd/Ready Bake Inc. from 1980 until 1999 where I rose to the position of corporate controller. I then travelled to Calgary to invest in a Tim Hortons franchise making a success of a location that was abandoned by two other franchisees.

It was always my dream to retire to my properties in Wasaga Beach and in 2017 I returned to stay as a permanent resident.

Although I have never held a political position I decided to run for office because of the direction some of the current council is headed – the improper vision of the hacked town website and the development proposals for Main Street and the town-owned lands on Beaches 1 & 2.

The development plan awarded to a single developer lacks a coherent plan to continue to welcome visitors to those areas while guaranteeing a commitment for development along Main Street that is appropriate for the needs of the town.

Wasaga needs a government licensing office, shopping and entertainment facilities and maintenance and improvement of our historical tourist attractions. A library and sports arena would serve us better in other areas of the town. We need to partner with developers who are committed to completing those visions, not out for their own profits.

I have and will continue to listen to everyone involved with this great community not just the few who wish to profit from the beautiful assets that we have been blessed with.

I currently support Nina Bifolchi for mayor, Sylvia Bray for deputy mayor and Dean Robinson for councillor.

Contact information:

Facebook website: James A. Kowbel for Wasaga Beach councillor 2018

Phone Number: 647-330-6825