Five individuals are vying for the position of mayor in North Bay ahead of the upcoming municipal election. Each candidate was asked by CBC News to provide a 100-word response to three questions. The candidates’ answers, presented in alphabetical order, have been reviewed by CBC News for spelling, grammar, and word count. If responses exceeded 100 words, they were trimmed at the nearest complete sentence.
**Connor Currie**
Connor Currie is running for mayor of North Bay to initiate positive change and restore public trust in the aftermath of the previous mayor’s expense scandal. His key priorities include addressing trust and accountability in government, housing diversity, homelessness, environmental issues like PFAS in Trout Lake, and enhancing the city’s appeal to residents and businesses. If elected, his primary focus will be collaborating with the council to set shared goals, reviewing long-term city plans, and gaining a comprehensive understanding of city operations to make well-informed decisions.
**Melanie Demers**
Melanie Demers’ mayoral campaign is driven by her deep love for North Bay and its residents, particularly emphasizing investment in children. With over two decades of experience as an educator, she aims to prioritize children, families, seniors, environmental conservation, and accountability in city governance. Her immediate focus, if elected, will be placing children and families at the forefront of municipal decision-making and supporting essential service providers like healthcare workers and first responders.
**Maggie Horsfield**
Maggie Horsfield’s mayoral bid is motivated by her passion for North Bay and a desire to address existing challenges while unlocking the city’s potential. She highlights key issues including affordability, community safety, economic growth, and improving city hall operations for enhanced resident satisfaction. If elected, her initial priority will be restoring public trust, setting a clear direction for the term, and accelerating housing initiatives to address affordability concerns promptly.
**Jaime Lowery**
Jaime Lowery’s mayoral campaign focuses on practical and accountable leadership to address critical issues facing North Bay, such as fiscal responsibility, infrastructure maintenance, economic development, and community well-being. His priorities encompass prudent financial management, transparent governance, economic growth, and creating a welcoming environment for residents. As mayor, his immediate goal will be reinstating fiscal discipline, aligning municipal spending with community needs, and implementing strategic actions in infrastructure development, community safety, and governance transparency.
