Questions & Answers with Tim Outhit

TIMe FOR STRAIGHT TALK & MYTH BUSTING!

What have you done since being elected Councillor in May to support new facilities in Bedford?

I have shown strong, supportive, and objective leadership over the past 4 months as your representative to ensure progress on new facilities in Bedford, and to ensure I was reflecting your direct wishes. Here are some examples:

• I presented a petition to Regional Council that was signed by 946 Bedford residents, which called on HRM to build a rink in Bedford.
• I participated in many of the weekly Board meetings held by the Rocky Lake Development Association (RLDA).
• I worked with Mayor Kelly and senior HRM staff to ensure that any building permit applications for the temporary rink received from the RLDA are dealt with quickly and fairly. Progress has been made.
• I voted for $5 million to be assigned in principle, as part of the HRM Facilities Master Plan, for a new multi-surface rink facility in Bedford.
• I voted in favour of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new facility in Bedford.
• I strongly supported the change the wording of the RFP so that Hammonds Plains is not the “preferred location” for the HRM facility. This was done to give the RLDA the opportunity to partner with a contractor and propose their Rocky Lake site for a quad facility. I recommended this option as a good way to bring the projects together.
• I voted against deferring a decision on the rink RFP until after the summer break. As Councillor for Bedford, and having just submitted a petition from 946 Bedford residents calling on HRM to build a rink in Bedford ASAP, my voting this way clearly supported the wishes of my constituents. We have waited long enough.
• I arranged for the RLDA board to address a HRM Regional Council meeting to provide an update on the Rocky Lake project and to see how the 2 projects could be combined.
• I was the only Councillor to rise on a “point of order” when HRM executives tried to prevent the RLDA board members from addressing a Council meeting due to a conflict with the RFP process.
• I spent the next 1.5 hours after my “point of order” during Council helping to broker a compromise by which the RLDA board could address Council. This objective was successful and Barry Mason and Dan Sangster subsequently addressed Council.

Do you support the proposed temporary rink to be named after Gary Martin and located in Rocky Lake?

Yes. I have worked to support this project since being elected your representative in May. Significant progress has been made due to the tremendous effort of the RLDA board, MLA Goucher, architect Andy Lynch, and HRM staff.

Do you support the Tri-Plex and multi-purpose facility being proposed by the RLDA?

Yes. This is a wonderful opportunity to provide Bedford residents, and residents of surrounding districts, with a much needed multi-purpose facility for hockey, skating, ringette, soccer, basketball, and meeting facilities.

Do you support the proposed HRM 4 ice facility that is likely to be based on the Hammonds Plains Rd. in Bedford?

Yes. I support all proposed and potentially viable projects that will bring much needed and long overdue facilities to Bedford.

Why do you support the proposed HRM facility?

I recently presented a petition to Regional Council. It called on HRM to build a rink in Bedford. Also, many Bedford residents have asked me to support this proposal. They do not care where in Bedford the rink is built, as long as it is built and built now.

Do you support 2 facilities in Bedford?

No. Two, potentially competing projects, makes no sense. As Councillor for Bedford my goal is to bring the 2 projects together into one successful solution.

Which proposed facility project do you prefer?

I prefer the Rocky Lake proposed facility because it will support more activities and possibly cost slightly less. I also like the fact that it is partially led by a community board. However, I will not put my eggs all in one basket. I need to reflect the wishes of my constituents, and their petition. We cannot risk losing the $5 million that Council voted in principle to come to Bedford. Many of my Council colleagues would be only too happy to see this revenue and facility come to their district!

Are the other Councillors on HRM Regional Council opposed to new facilities being built in Bedford?

No. HRM Councillors know that is now time to implement the recommendations of the Burke Oliver Report and build a facility in Bedford.

Do the two Councillors from Sackville that comprise the Northwest Community Council with you oppose a new facility in Bedford?

No. However, they have made it clear for the last several years that they do not like the Rocky Lake location. They feel it is too close to the financially challenged existing Sackville facility. We do not agree on this point, but their opposition will not derail progress in Bedford.

Are we getting a LINK service and Park’n’Ride in Bedford?

Yes, the 5 year transportation plan passed by Council includes a LINK service for Bedford and a Park’n Ride facility on the Hammonds Plains Road. The LINK service from Sackville has been extremely successful.

Do you support the proposed Fast Ferry service for Bedford?

I think it should be thoroughly investigated. I am happy to support any proposal that is financially sound, and includes innovative ways to get commuters to the terminal without increasing gridlock in Bedford or turning our waterfront into a parking lot. I will keep you advised.

Why doesn’t HRM simply buy more buses?

HRM is planning to purchase more buses. However, we cannot purchase many buses until the new satellite garage facility is built to house, repair and maintain the buses. This will take up to 2 years to complete.

Why don’t we implement a commuter rail service?

I am a supporter of commuter rail and I used it during my time in Vancouver and Toronto. Recent studies indicate that a community must have a population of approximately one million plus to support a commuter rail service. Also the existing tracks are not suitable for commuter rail.

Do you think our policing in Bedford has deteriorated since amalgamation?

No and Yes. Having service from a 700 person well-trained police force is advantageous for Bedford for dealing with major crime and when creating innovative programs. Bedford also benefits from having access to resources and outstanding personnel such as Cst David Li and Cst Matt MacGillivray to work with homeowners associations, school children, and groups at risk. Other benefits include focused playground and park patrols, specialty units, and rapid response teams.
However, I believe that proactive neighbourhood policing and parking enforcement may have suffered since we lost our Town of Bedford Police. I am working closely with S/Sgt. Jim Perrin and senior police officials to improve proactive policing, and I have received tremendous support. I will also continue to work with police officials to ensure additional resources are deployed in Bedford.

Do you think our fire protection has deteriorated in Bedford since amalgamation?

No. My research indicates that overall fire protection is better. We now have access to a 450 member, full-time, professional fire service 24 hours per day and seven days a week that also includes specially trained search and rescue teams. Over 50% of the time there are four personnel assigned to Bedford, the remaining time there are three. Bedford still has the added benefit of support from one of the best volunteer fire services. When Bedford was a town, there were four professional personnel on duty, but only during the day, with volunteer service at night. I intend to work with HRM staff and fire officials to secure funding for four
professionals 100% of the time.

What is happening with the Old Fire Hall facility?

HRM is currently conducting a telephone survey of Bedford residents and organizations to determine the community’s needs regarding this facility. There are at least 2 groups interested in purchasing the facility and restoring it. Both groups have indicated that they will make time available in the facility for community activities and groups. There are also several groups interested in leasing and repairing the facility for sports and recreation. HRM may also choose to retain and restore the facility. I will keep you advised on this matter.

Are we ever going to get a new rink and other new recreational facilities in Bedford?

Yes, it certainly looks that way! I am working with the Rocky Lake Development Association, HRM staff, and Mayor Kelly to see if the temporary bubble facility (named after the late Councillor Gary Martin) can meet all safety code
requirements and be approved for use this fall.

While the Mayor and Councillors have no authority over the building permit approval process, we have brought the two sides together in meetings. We are confident that all applications will be dealt with quickly and fairly. The Association has been granted a Grade Permit and submitted a Building Permit Application on August 12. The goal is to have the temporary facility available for use by this fall!
There are two possible permanent facilities proposed at the time of preparing this newsletter. One is the multi-purpose facility (including 3 ice surfaces, basketball courts, soccer pitches, and meeting areas) to be built in the Rocky Lake Common by the Rocky Lake Development Association. The second is a competition for an HRM and partners 4 ice surface rink likely to be built on the Hammonds Plains Road. The Rocky Lake permanent project could be ready by September 2009, while the HRM and partners project would be slated for opening in September 2010. HRM staff are now preparing a report for Council on how HRM might collaborate with the Field House facility proposed by the RLDA.

Is it true that the two Councillors from Sackville on the Northwest Community Council often vote against projects and programs that would benefit Bedford?

No. Research of old meeting minutes and frank discussions with Councillors Harvey and Johns, revealed that this has happened only once in the past 4 -5 years and involved an issue dealing with a development application from an existing Bedford based business. It was not related to facilities or infrastructure projects for Bedford. During my 90 days, both Councillors have been extremely supportive.

What is the anticipated growth of Bedford over the next 20 years?

It is forecasted that Bedford will grow by at least 20,000 people over the next 20 - 25 years. Given this, we need to monitor sewage treatment capacity closely as well as improved public transportation.

Are we going to get an additional interchange to the 102 (Bi-Hi) and the Bedford Bypass?

All 3 levels of government are presently involved in
encouraging negotiations. The interchange is critical as much of the proposed and approved new development in Bedford South and Bedford West will not take place until the interchange is underway.

How are you enjoying your work as Bedford’s representative on Regional Council?

I knew I would enjoy being your representative, tying together my training and experience in business and economic  development, with my history of community action, with politics. I particularly enjoy my constituency work, helping residents deal with problems in their neighbourhood or broader community

Why do you want to be the Councillor for Bedford?

I believe that if you want things to improve, you have to be willing to step up and take action. That’s why I joined the Ridgevale Homeowners Association shortly after moving to Bedford in 2000. Now, like many Bedford residents, I’m concerned by the slow pace of progress on a rink, soccer fields, a new library, roads, playgrounds and more efficient public transportation.

What education and training do you possess?

I have a BA in Political Science and History from Dalhousie University. I completed executive and management programs in business at Queen’s University, York University, and the University of Toronto. I have 25 years of practical experience, having done business in 10 provinces, 33 states, and 11 countries.

What makes a good Councillor?

An effective Councillor must be a good communicator; this means a good listener as well as a good talker. They must be competent in areas like financial management, economic development, human capital / resources, strategic planning, media relations, and law. I have this training and this experience.

Further, I would like to see an annual report card or evaluation process implemented for Councillors in HRM. This is done in other jurisdictions in North America.

Why do you think you would make a good Councillor?

I am not looking for a job, rather I want to offer my 25 years of experience and expertise in business, government relations, economic development, consensus-building and relationship-building to help move Bedford forward. We live in a terrific community, but it can be better. Bedford residents want a strong voice on council — they want the kind of leadership Gary Martin gave us. I believe I can be that voice.

I’ve learned a lot about how to get things done with government in my career and in my volunteer job as a neighbourhood association president. I can bring that experience — with my track record of action on issues like security patrols, better lighting, sidewalk construction, traffic lights and a community website — to help all areas in Bedford get the amenities they deserve.

Where did you grow up and how long have you lived in Bedford?

I grew up just down the Bedford Highway in Rockingham. My family and I have lived in Bedford since August, 2000 when I returned home after working and taking training in Moncton, Vancouver, and Toronto.

Do you have family in Bedford?

Yes, my wife and I live in Ridgevale and our daughters attend Eaglewood Elementary School. My wife, Sandra Toze, has family in Oakmount and in Eaglewood.

Why is your opponent placing stickers on his signs that say “full-time Councillor”?

I have made it clear since day one that I am not looking for a new job. I have a commitment and a passion for my role as president & CEO of novaknowledge. A number of very capable and effective HRM Councillors are not “fulltime” Councillors. novaknowledge allows me to interact with some of the best minds in business, government, and education throughout Nova Scotia and Canada, access that will be helpful to Bedford. The vast majority of Bedford residents that I have met on close to 2000 doorsteps believe that having an EFFECTIVE councilor is the priority; full-time or not is not the issue.

Tell me more about novaknowledge.

novaknowledge was established in 1993 as an advocacy group and think-tank to promote a knowledge-driven (“new”) economy for Nova Scotia. We know that we must take action to attract immigrants and new business to Nova Scotia. Also, we must establish policies and programs to retain our youth and young workers. novaknowledge leads this action through advocacy, research, collaboration, innovation and policy development.

The organization also established the Computers for Schools program that is responsible for placing 54% of the computers used in schools, CAP Centres, libraries, and non-profit organizations throughout Nova Scotia.

Our members are leaders from business, education and government throughout Nova Scotia. I am two years into a commitment and I keep my commitments. My leadership has resulted in the re-branding, re-vitalization of this 15 year old organization. Also, our membership has grown by over 265% under my leadership and we receive no core funding from any level of government.

Are you for or against amalgamation?

My grandfather (Dr. W.D. Outhit QC) incorporated Bedford into a town in 1979 just at the end of his 30 year position as Chairman of the Nova Scotia Public Utilities Board (PUB), which is now known as the URB. Many of us miss the old days of Bedford as a wonderful town! However, those days are gone and Premier MacDonald has stated that he is not supportive of any de-amalgamation movement. My hope is that HRM will receive the Charter that will provide more empowerment to community associations and to HRM District Councillors.

Do you support the Bedford Community Council?

Yes. I support any group that helps reduce bureaucracy and that will help me get improved facilities and infrastructure for Bedford.

What are the major issues that you hear from Bedford residents?

The residents of Bedford want action on infrastructure, better public transportation, an all-age and sustainable recreation facility, another access point to the Bicentennial Highway from south Bedford, the Burnside Bypass, proactive neighbourhood policing, accessible playgrounds and an off-leash dog park. Bedfordites are intrigued by the idea of more homeowners associations handling these issues; they like my experience on this front. Gary Martin and I discussed this model many times.

What facilities do you want to see built in Bedford?

A multi-purpose and all-age facility that is sustainable by using the latest technology to reduce its operating costs. This facility must contain rinks, soccer fields, basketball courts, and meeting areas for seniors and for community groups. An indoor pool must also be considered as part of the overall facility.

I also want to see another bi-centennial highway access point in south Bedford, and the long-promised Burnside Bypass.

What are your plans for public transportation?

We need better rush hour service and 24 hour service. A combination of larger buses, more bus-only lanes, and more shuttle buses linking commuters to major hubs are required. If the fast ferry service becomes a reality, these initiatives will still be required to get commuters to the wharf and to areas not serviced by the ferry.

What are your thoughts on bike paths, playgrounds, and dog parks?

We need all of them and now. We need more bike paths to protect cyclists and reduce traffic and pollution. We need playgrounds with better equipment for those over 6 and those under 3, and some that are accessible for special needs children. We need an off-leash dog park in Bedford.