The 2024 municipal election is just around the corner. With voting starting on October 9th, it's time to meet the candidates.
The full slate of candidates:
Mayor: Pam Mood and Gurdeep Brar Councillors: Brian Baxter, Steve Berry, Kelley Bishara-Lacroix, Wade Cleveland, Gil Dares, Belle Hatfield, Mark Hubbard, Derek Lesser, Neil MacKenzie and Dylan Nickerson.
Below, each candidate speaks to what they see as the top three issues that need to be addressed, why they want to serve on council, and what they have to offer to the public. The full Saltwire artacle can be found here: https://www.saltwire.com/nova-scotia/communities/southwest-nova-scotia/municipal-election-2024-two-running-for-mayor-10-seeking-a-seat-on-council-in-town-of-yarmouth-100996230/
Mayor Candidates
Pam Mood 
TOP 3 ISSUES:
The past decade’s work has set Yarmouth up for success. The challenges we face now are provincially and federally mandated, meaning we need the connections, relationships and networks that have been built to advocate strongly for these and other important issues:
- Housing and health care: Provincially mandated. The town has “set the table” by eliminating red tape, streamlining processes and contacting potential developers. It’s working. The builds have started, which means more housing. Exciting. On health care, we have a doctor recruiter and I continue to work with an international team that’s bringing health professionals here.
- Infrastructure: Funding for roads, sidewalks and other large infrastructure projects.
- People: Build on services that ensure our youth, seniors and families, and everyone else, have what is needed to not only survive, but to thrive. Programs, transit, recreation, affordable living, a vibrant waterfront, recreation and more. People come first.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?
Yarmouth is my home. My family’s home. Your home. A proven record has brought us to a growing, vibrant town where people love to work, play and raise families in, and I promise to work as diligently going forward. My integrity, strong work ethic, and the promise to continue to always be honest with you, regardless the circumstance, are values I hold dear. Let’s do this, together.
Gurdeep Brar 
TOP 3 ISSUES:
- Community Activism: In order for communities to be vibrant and successful, residents need to be engaged to make real change happen. Together we must create a community where every voice is heard and concerns are addressed, fostering open dialogues, promoting grassroots initiatives, and ensuring transparency in local government. It’s every resident’s right to have the power to influence change.
- Affordable Housing: Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home. We must find creative solutions providing affordable options, preventing unjust displacement, and promoting long-term stability by fostering collaboration with developers and non-profits to create sustainable housing projects that benefit working families, young professionals, and seniors alike.
- Attract investments: Economic development is the backbone of a prosperous community and a successful business community boosts local businesses, job creation and increases our town’s growth. I will actively seek partnerships with industries that align with our values, bring sustainable jobs, and contribute to the economic vitality of our community.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?
My parents immigrated to Canada in the 1960s and were deeply committed to Yarmouth as their home. So what better way to honor their memory than serving the residents of the town they loved so much, and I am deeply committed to.
Councillor Candidates
Brian Baxter
TOP 3 ISSUES:
I would like to bring to the table upgrades and repairs to the town’s infrastructure such as roads, water, and sewer. We have had flooding. Our roads are in terrible shape. Potholes. Sewer backups are occurring on certain streets.
- Attract doctors and other health care workers. We have a shortage of health-care workers. The wait times at emergency are too long. A lot of taxpayers do not even have a family doctor.
- Waterfront development. We are missing opportunities to promote tourism. The waterfront is the first thing they see. More tourism would help the economy and growth of our downtown businesses.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?
I want to serve on council because I care about our town and the residents that live here. I’ve lived here all of my life and have worked for the town for over 25 years as a heavy equipment operator. I know how the town works and my knowledge would assist me as a councillor.
Steve Berry
TOP 3 ISSUES:
- Networking with all levels of government and organizations to better support the needs of the people of Yarmouth. Mental health supports, addiction services, airport, homelessness, infrastructure upgrades, youth and senior supports, all need improved services. Pushing forward to bring these needs to light to access solutions that our community needs is a top priority.
- Improved Services: Streamlined access to services, permits, and easier approvals for those wanting to invest in our town, while becoming more industry and growth-friendly. Upgraded recreation services that are more community driven. Working with our citizens, local sports, arts and culture organizations, to provide activities and events our town deserves.
- Togetherness: Connecting, including and unifying the public to better accomplish goals. The ability of our community to come together to tackle any issue is our strong suit. We must use this to our advantage to move our community forward. Working together with our neighbours in our town, region and province to find solutions is needed to make us stronger.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?
Serving the public as a councillor and deputy mayor for the last five years has been a great honour and privilege. Humbled by the support of many. Working together with and for the people to improve the wants and needs of our community is what I will continue to do. A ‘people first’ outlook that talks to you, before talking for you. Always putting the greater good of the community first.
Kelley Bishara-Lacroix
TOP 3 ISSUES:
The housing crisis demands urgent attention. The fundamental need for shelter has become increasingly unattainable for many residents, exacerbated by the rising costs of heating, food, taxes, insurance, and maintenance. We must find and implement efficient solutions to alleviate these struggles.
- I advocate for the establishment of a free in-home support service for seniors. This service would offer essential assistance and regular check-ins, a resource currently available in other areas but lacking within our town. Our seniors deserve this vital support to enhance their quality of life.
- Mental health support is crucial, particularly for marginalized and at-risk youth. The current programs are insufficient. Long wait times and bureaucratic hurdles prevent timely access to necessary care. We need to streamline and enhance these services to ensure our youth receive the support they need without delay.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?
As a prospective council member, I am committed to addressing three critical issues in our community. I bring life experience and firsthand insight into these issues, having witnessed their impacts. I am confident, vocal, and prepared to collaborate effectively as part of council to drive meaningful change. I am ready to contribute and would be honored to serve.
Wade Cleveland
TOP 3 ISSUES:
- Housing is a provincial responsibility, but the town plays a key role in encouraging and creating development. As chair of the Planning Advisory Committee, we’re reviewing our Planning Strategy to create a future blueprint. This process is critical and I hope to see it through. We need to ensure that developers are welcomed while making sure developments are done right.
- Infrastructure is essential for growth. From roads, sewer and water upgrades, to the Mariners Centre and active living trails, it all needs to be done and needs funding from other levels of government to be affordable.
- Youth and families need more. I want to ensure youth are supported now and stay when they become adults. The Mariners Centre expansion, playgrounds, and a new plan for recreation, parks, and culture are crucial. That’s just part of the plan. My dream is a Discovery Centre Science Centre in Yarmouth for the region, celebrating our rich culture of innovation and inspiring the next generation of young scientists and businesspeople.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?
I love and believe in this region. I’m a passionate advocate of everything local and a natural leader with a strong work ethic. I’m a visionary, looking ahead five, 10 years down the road. I have proven myself as a council workhorse, handling several major initiatives and committees. I work well with others and I’m a team player – something crucial to being successful on council.
Gil Dares
TOP 3 ISSUES:
- I believe rehabilitation of our airport is vital to the economic future of our region. As a member of the Yarmouth International Airport Corporation, I chair the task force mandated to secure investment from senior levels of government. We have made significant progress, but there is much more to be done.
- Although affordable housing is primarily a provincial responsibility, municipalities definitely have a role to play. Providing surplus public property for affordable housing initiatives, eliminating building permit fees, ensuring that homeowners and landlords receive current information regarding grants for home repair, are just a few of the examples of how the town can address the housing shortage.
- Continuing to build on the positive partnerships with our sister municipal units. So much more can be accomplished by working together as is evidenced by the new Wellness Centre, the Congres Mondial Acadien celebrations, and other joint ventures.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?
I have a reputation for getting things done; seeing projects through to completion. Being qualified as a negotiator and mediator, and my involvement in a wide variety of roles and responsibilities, provides me the experience I need to become an effective representative for all citizens of our town. Quite simply, I love this community.
Belle Hatfield
TOP 3 ISSUES:
- Housing: policies and planning that reflect recent population growth.
- Aging infrastructure: roads, wharfs and pipes (water & sewer).
- Transportation: including ferry, public transit.
Underlying everything is the town's ability to pay for the services it provides. What is taxpayers’ capacity to pay?
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?
I am a retired journalist with a deep knowledge of the region. I have a volunteer background in health, social services and the arts. I filled the council position vacated by Jim MacLeod’s death in 2021. My responsibilities have included planning, physician-recruitment, police, transit and audit committees, as well as library and industrial commission boards. I bring lived experience and effective communication skills to the council table.
I see myself as an effective councillor, understanding my role as a liaison between residents and the town. I listen. In addition to my council responsibilities, I represent 11 municipalities as the elected regional representative to the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities.
I have the vision to imagine Yarmouth’s future, and the courage to support the actions needed to move us forward. I am a steady influence and ready to work should I be one of the six councillors that voters choose.
Neil MacKenzie
TOP 3 ISSUES:
- I will focus on removing barriers to affordable housing development and finding ways for more affordable homes in our town. Housing is primarily a federal and provincial responsibility, but the town has made efforts to attract more housing. I want to help build on these efforts.
- Investing in public infrastructure like streets, sidewalks, transit and recreation will enhance our quality of life and attract new health-care professionals and businesses.
- I will advocate and promote policies and programs that assist people with the cost of living, particularly for seniors and low-income families.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?
I'm dedicated to Yarmouth's future. I believe in the strength and potential of our community. With over a decade of experience as regional tourism director and extensive expertise on provincial boards and committees, I have a proven track record of successfully driving change and ensuring what matters to us is heard where it counts.
As the former volunteer chair of the municipal green energy committee, I spearheaded an innovative community wind energy partnership. This will reduce energy costs for the town and help position us for a renewable future.
I will encourage council to increase our efforts on affordable housing, improve public transit, streets, sidewalks and recreation, and find ways to help address the increasing costs of living. I am committed to making Yarmouth an even better place to live. I know our town can thrive. As your councillor, I can help make it happen.
Mark Hubbard
TOP 3 ISSUES:
- Negotiating lower property taxes by finding alternative revenue streams.
- Building housing efficiently by supporting developers and residents.
- Creating meaningful positive changes to raise all citizens in the Town of Yarmouth.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?
As a resident of such a beautiful town, I am looking at being a part of significant advancements in the next four years on Yarmouth Town Council. Being a part of a town means wanting everyone to succeed.
I was a founder of The Children's Food Kitchen of Yarmouth, which bought meals for children in South Centennial School. I also founded the Lake Milo Canoe Club Society, a group organized to fundraise to assist youth towards positive decision-making through sport. As well, I organized fundraising for mental health in conjunction with the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation and through Dragon Boat races on Lake Milo. I’ve also received awards for outstanding volunteer service.
I'm ready to roll up my sleeves, no matter how hard it gets, and fight for the success of all residents of Yarmouth.
Derek Lesser
TOP 3 ISSUES:
- Housing: Yarmouth, like much of Canada, is facing a housing crisis. To address this we need to collaborate with private investors and other government levels to develop new housing and renovate existing properties. It's crucial to implement safeguards to support low-income families.
- Recreation: Our recreation programs need revitalization to offer more options for all residents, including marginalized communities. We should enhance regular activities for seniors and take full advantage of the new Mariners Centre facilities and community school spaces.
- Infrastructure: Securing adequate funding for roads and infrastructure is essential. Over the past four years we've invested significantly in water, sewer, trail development, the ferry terminal, and the Mariners Centre expansion. We've also hired staff to maximize grant opportunities.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?
Over the past four years on council, I have demonstrated unwavering commitment and passion, far exceeding the traditional role of a councillor. My active involvement spans 12 essential town committees, where I have played a key role in initiating projects, including the establishment of Yarmouth's first Accessibility Committee and the first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. If given the opportunity to continue my work, I will leverage my extensive network to ensure clear and transparent communication with all residents. My goal is to keep the community informed and engaged, driving positive change with integrity and dedication.
Dylan Nickerson
TOP 3 ISSUES:
- Health care: Every family deserves quality care. I'll work to improve local health-care services, ensuring access to affordable care for all, and pushing for more health-care professionals and facilities in our community.
- Housing: Affordable housing is essential for a thriving town. I will advocate for policies that create housing opportunities for families, ensuring no one has to choose between rent and other necessities. Smart development will balance growth while protecting our town’s character.
- Infrastructure: Our town’s infrastructure needs modernization. I will work for better roads, public transport, and utilities, focusing on solutions that address climate concerns and improve daily life.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?
I would like to serve Yarmouth because this community has shaped who I am, instilling the values of kindness and empathy. I believe that our strength lies in our diversity, and I offer a fresh perspective. As a single father, I understand firsthand the affordability issues facing many residents and will do whatever I can for this town.
Together, we can create a healthier, more affordable, and connected community. A vote for me is a vote for a fresh perspective. Let's make change together.