Isabel Mosseler
Tribune
In a relatively calm fashion, the selection of a municipal councillor to represent Ward 8 (Lavigne) was accomplished in just under 1hr 40 min. at a special meeting of West Nipissing council on May 15. Four candidates presented themselves, Daniel Corriveau, David Lewington, Georges Pharand and Christine Riberdy, to replace Jérome Courchesne, who stepped down from his seat in April. After two rounds of voting, council selected Georges Pharand, who was sworn in at the end of the session.
The audience was packed with supporters for the various candidates, most for David Lewington, a former candidate for mayor in West Nipissing and for the Libertarian Party. Those supporters were required to leave their signs and placards outside of council chambers, and Mayor Kathleen Thorne Rochon advised that any member of the audience whose conduct disrupted the order of the proceedings would be removed. “Refrain from making noise or engaging in conversation between one another (…) We’d like to keep everything quite civilized; this is an important matter, and we want to make sure the Council can focus on these submissions provided by the candidates who, I’m sure, have all put in a lot of time to prepare for this evening,” she told the audience.
The candidates were removed to a separate room, to be brought individually before council to provide their introduction and answer the same series of questions from council members. The selection process was dictated by the municipality’s Vacancy Appointment Policy, adopted in June of 2023, following the former council’s inability to fill a council vacancy, which led to a divide that severely affected progress on town business. Clerk Melanie Ducharme outlined the process that allowed each candidate a 10-minute introduction, followed by questions with a 2-minute response time, to be followed by a public vote by council members.
Daniel Corriveau
The first candidate to speak was Dan Corriveau, who noted he was born and raised in Lavigne on a small dairy farm, and also told the audience he was a nervous public speaker. He worked in construction and the restaurant business and has been an active volunteer with the Centre communautaire de Lavigne Community Centre, most recently as president, and also vice-president of the Centre social et culturel in Lavigne. He said of his intent, “I always like to help out in my community (…) I would just like the opportunity to further my knowledge on everything, to be able to help people from my community. We’ve got a lot of things going on right now, so it’s something that I would truly love to keep going, keep doing.”
In response to council’s questions, Corriveau indicated that in his ward, road conditions, camping trailers, and short-term rentals were the main topics of conversation, while the redevelopment of the old mill site, side roads and infrastructure issues dominate the agenda West Nipissing-wide. Corriveau agreed on the need for transparency, noting that the organizations he volunteers for practice this, “If everybody understands what’s going on, there’s less confusion. (…) Transparency is key to a good communication.” As for Short-Term Rentals, Corriveau noted that the majority of people living on the lake agree that some kind of regulation was needed. “They’re not on commercial property, they’re not paying commercial tax on the property (…) A lot of people that live by the lake have told me that they wish there was some kind of regulation in place (…) It’s a wave going through Ontario that every municipality has some restriction (…), you need a permit (…) It would have been nice in a way if the whole Airbnb would have been left alone to a certain degree, but at the same time I do agree with a lot of people that do live by the lake that some kind of regulation should have been put in place (…) You’ve got to balance it out (…) try and help everyone you can.”
David Lewington
David Lewington spoke of 20 years in Lavigne as a farmer, serving on various farm politics boards, and operating an online local farming market. He did not shy away from being critical of council. “I’m not running for this position to gain experience for myself to learn for myself, or to implement any specific bylaw that will benefit myself or my friends. I’m also not running to implement any specific bylaws that will punish any of my opponents. I am running to be able to encourage Council in this administration to be more tolerant (…) of people that might think a little differently than the bureaucratic mindset that currently dominates the Council.” He wants no further tax increases, wants to advocate for small businesses. “I mean no disrespect, but (…) part of the reason Council appears to sometimes be surprised or perturbed by the reaction of everyday WN citizens (…), folks who are in roles that have government wages need to realize that that insulates against the effects of inflation and tax increases.” His address was an admonishment to those with privilege, and he presented himself as someone who empathizes with the less privileged, who listens and advocates for them. “I can help to be a buffer on Council so that Council can better understand why some folks are so angry and so upset.”
Lewington said he wants more transparency and regular disbursement reports and more varied representation on council. “I feel that we need a mix of people on Council. The active small business sector representation is missing. (…) I ran in the last election and I’ve been involved for quite some time and attended many council meetings over the last few years. I’ve attempted to advocate for those who feel that their voice is not being heard by council. Although I have been criticized for being critical of council (…) I realize that being criticized comes with the territory and I’m willing to accept that criticism. And I’m willing to answer questions when asked.”
In responding the questions put to him, Lewington opined that rising taxes especially affect Ward 8, and the implementation of the Short-term Rental bylaw may have the effect of diminishing tourism in that ward. He noted that disbursement reports would allow constituents to see where every dollar is spent, and “certain items can be cut quicker, before they blow up into becoming big issues”. As for communication, Lewington likes social media, and appreciated the open house sessions held by the current council in different ward locations to listen to local concerns. “It was handled very well, and people got a chance to get things off their chest, bring ideas forward. And in that meeting people got to vent,” he said of a past meeting held in Lavigne.
When asked about supporting council decisions, Lewington responded that on his various committees, he’s lost his share of votes. “I was advocating for change that was needed and not everybody agreed at the beginning. But if you compose yourself, if you respond appropriately, and if you believe passionately in something, and you keep articulating your message, eventually either people will change and they will believe you and come onto your side and adopt your position, or sometimes you learn that you are wrong and you have to let it go.”
As to short term rentals, Lewington referenced his public comments, which were critical that the consultation was too short and not well publicized in his opinion, and that council failed to consider new information as to how it was “going to directly impact entrepreneurs into having to refund money because it was implemented mid-season. In my opinion, whether you were for or against that bylaw, it would have been logical to defer it until the cost of that on to our local community and entrepreneurs could have been determined.” He added that there should have been a final consultation on the final version of the bylaw to give citizens a chance to voice their opposition or support.
As for towing the line on policies affecting councillor behaviour, “The key is to make sure that you’re polite and respectful when you advocate your positions, not personal attacks that would contravene the policy (…) Behave like adults,” Lewington summed up.
Georges Pharand
Georges Pharand said he has been a member of the community for 20 years, originally from Hanmer, and has been in business in Europe, primarily the UK, for many years before completely retiring to his island property in Ward 8. He spoke to the Beautification Committee as being an inspiring example of community involvement, but also raising the question, “Maybe we need to consider whether the municipality itself is doing enough to keep our streets clean and to look our best.” He suggested the municipality needs to play the lead role and not leave such matters to volunteers, and that private properties also need to meet standards, citing examples such as the eyesore behind the municipal building, and a derelict burnt out building in Verner as potentially dangerous to the public. “Do we have the right bylaws, and if so, are we enforcing them properly? We do have a property standards bylaw, but we need to make it work for the community. We also need to tackle the problem of illegal dumping more effectively.”
Pharand stood in support of the Short-term Rental bylaw, but asked for a review after a period of implementation. “I spoke to many community members before submitting my candidacy and this subject came up the most. It comes as no surprise to me that this issue has been one of the most divisive in the long term because the debate that has played out on social media, I think has been riddled with misinformation and misunderstanding. I was one of the many people who signed the petition that’s been circulating, and not because I was against the bylaw, but because I agreed that it should undergo further consultation and a few more tweaks.” However, he noted that these are run as businesses and must be subjected to some regulation, as short-term rentals can severely affect neighbouring properties. “A group of holiday makers behave differently from your average family who live next door to you (…) We just need to find the right balance.”
That balance includes making sure septic systems are adequate and safety concerns are addressed, he opined. He called Lake Nipissing a priceless asset, “but in the name of promoting tourism at all costs, many people seem prepared to turn a blind eye to the potential damage” done by inadequate septic systems. His main concern was for the safety of renters, mentioning the 7 people who died in a fire in an unlicensed Airbnb in Montreal. “We must ensure that we do not sacrifice the environment, people’s safety or the rights of other residents to continue to enjoy their properties in peace. Having no bylaw would simply be short term gain for long term payment. Those against the bylaw claim that it would devastate our local businesses, but I think it’s just scaremongering to suggest that this bylaw will lead to mass layoffs.”
Pharand also debunked reports on social media that existing STRs would be charged cancellation fees of up to 50% and will have to refund payments and deposits already made. “This is complete misinformation and none of it is actually true. I decided to fact check this on the Airbnb website and I had a direct conversation with them. Both revealed that cancellation penalties, which amount to 10% for anything that’s within 30 days, are completely waived for any circumstances that are beyond the owner’s control (…) Misinformation often undermines democracy, and if I’m chosen as your councillor, my opinions and actions would be driven only by fact.” Still, Pharand is in favour of reviewing the bylaw and increasing the number of licenses.
Pharand told council that he is particularly ‘fired up’ by the mill site redevelopment. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a real difference if we play our cards right; future generations will thank us for it.” He would like the development to act as a draw for people to stop in Sturgeon Falls. “We need more housing. We need to encourage the creation of local businesses and we need to offer our residents and visitors a beautiful space that we can be proud of.”
Answering the questions put to him, Pharand responded that in Ward 8 a recent concern has been flood preparedness, and people are surprised the municipality doesn’t offer bags for sand. The other main issues are the condition of roads, blue-green algae blooms, and waste disposal. Wider issues include homelessness. Pharand wants more representation on DNSSAB. “I wouldn’t be against funding some great organizations like No More Tears directly, if we can make sure that it’s for things that are not already offered elsewhere, by another organization.” Pharand described his love of a good conversation as his way of connecting directly with constituents. “Even in collecting my signatures, you know, it was a great experience (…) going to go door (…) A lot of the constituents for Ward 8 are on islands. I will take my boat and go out on the lake and talk to people. I think it’s the only way.”
Pharand was completely in tune with supporting collective decisions made by council. “I believe in the concept of collective responsibility. You don’t always get your own way and if a decision goes not in the way that you want it to, you have to get behind it and you actually have to go out and defend it also because that’s how democracy works.” As for complying with bylaws concerning appropriate behaviour, Pharand told council he was obliged to frame similar codes of behaviour in his former business, so he well understood. “These are all things that I’ve dealt with in my career. I’ve written these policies for my company, for my employees and (…) 40 years ago when I started the business, you didn’t have a social media, you didn’t have behaviour policy. You didn’t have these and I actually wrote them all. (…) So it’s something I’m very comfortable with, I certainly know how to follow.”
Christine Riberdy
Christine Riberdy had the shortest presentation before council, describing herself as a long-time resident of West Nipissing, with two children and four grandchildren. She currently sits on the municipal Cemetery Board and Library Board and finds them interesting, having opened her eyes to how things are done behind the scenes. “My journey started in 2016 by attending every council meeting that was held (…) I enjoyed listening and learning how Council operated, learning more and more every time I attended.” She ran as a candidate in 2018 for Ward 2 and in 2022 for Ward 7. “I wish to serve my community, being on two boards, volunteering for the West Nipissing Firefighters for their silent auction” to ensure a decent Christmas for the less fortunate. She advocated for transparency and accountability, with the understanding that not everyone can be pleased.
In answering questions, Riberdy kept her responses very short. She said the main issue for Ward 8 was lack of representation, and for the larger municipality, it was working better together. Regarding transparency, “It’s true we need to know. We need to be accountable for where the money is being spent.” In terms of maintaining engagement with constituents, she vowed to “be out there, support them. Listen to them. Go and visit. Going to check out what they’re concerned about and seeing what can be done on the part of council.” As for the new STR bylaw, “Maybe there could have been more discussion about what was presented,” she suggested.
Two rounds of voting
Council proceeded to a public vote, with a candidate needing five votes to win. Christine Riberdy was eliminated in the first round of voting, after receiving zero vote. Dan Corriveau and David Lewington were tied with two votes each, while Pharand got four votes – just one shy of the number required. This led to a second round of voting where Lewington retained his two votes from councillors Anne Tessier and Fernand Pellerin, Corriveau retained one vote from coun. Kati Nicol, and Pharand won over coun. Daniel Gagné, who joined councillors Kris Rivard, Jamie Restoule, Roch St-Louis and mayor Kathleen Thorne Rochon in supporting the new Ward 8 representative.
Some of the Lewington supporters in the audience exhibited their frustration with the result, calling the vote a “fix” and leaving the room. The remainder of the room gave Pharand a round of applause, and he was immediately sworn in and introduced to his seat. He began his duties at the next council meeting, aptly held in Lavigne, on May 21.
