Municipal Elections are taking place in October. As one of the main media outlets in the City of Cornwall, The Seeker is always eager to getting to know the candidates. As such, we send each candidate a questionnaire requesting for them to give their position on the most pressing issues near and dear to you, our readers. During the upcoming weeks, we will be publishing the answers from each candidate who choses to respond. Every candidate was sent 11 questions, penned by our own, Jason Setnyk. They can chose to answer as many as they want. We will post them online as they come in. Here are Syd Gardiner‘s Questions and Answers. Click on any question to reveal the answer.
1 – Please give us a brief biography / tell the readers about yourself.
(e.g., work/family/education/experience)
Syd Gardiner married with three sons who are very successful in business resedent of Cornwall over 50 years. Work experience includes Operations Manager M.C.A. Records, Calgary Alberta and in the same capacity at Capitol Records E.M.I Montreal.
Return to Cornwall as Sales Professional for Sears Canada for 28 years.
City Council Member 14 Years.
2 – If you were on Council the previous term, tell us about your accomplishments during the past four years. If you were not on City Council this last term, please tell us why you are running and what you hope to accomplish.
No Answer.
3 – With rents skyrocketing, what can City Council in Cornwall do to prevent renovictions like those at Cumberland Gardens that have impacted many in our community?
No Answer.
4 – In 2018, the City of Cornwall purchased the old Bank of Montreal building in our downtown for $450,000 as the future home of Cornwall’s Art Centre. In 2019, Council heard a report that renovations would cost an additional $4 to $6 million dollars. In addition to the fundraising already being done, will you support some public tax dollars going towards a Cornwall Art Centre, or should the municipality pause any additional financial support?
No Answer.
5 – Post-pandemic, what can Council do to improve Economic Development for the city and support existing businesses?
I as a councillor am excited at the prospect of two major projects including The Great Wolfe Lodge Hotel and Water Park,, and The DEV-COR project which will finally make The City a destination Point , while creating a multitude of jobs. The also have plans to build over 2100 plus apartments and codos which will allow The City to house much needed workers to our city businesses..I am looking forward to bring these projects to fruition as you next Councillor. Syd Gardiner
6 – What are your thoughts on the McConnell Medical Clinic closure? Although health care is a provincial issue, is there anything Council can do to attract more doctors and nurses to our city?
No Answer.
7 – While climate change is a global issue, what can the City do locally to keep our neighborhoods cool and protect natural resources like the St. Lawrence River?
No Answer.
8 – Many City businesses are open on Sundays, and many events happen on Sundays. Do you support Sunday service for Cornwall Transit?
No Answer.
9 – What can we do to improve social services in Cornwall? Examples include but are not limited to Cornwall Transit, childcare spaces, or LTR spaces.
No Answer.
10 – Do you support keeping tax increases to a bare minimum? If yes, where would the savings come from, and would you support reducing some services? If you do not support keeping tax increases to a minimum, explain your reasoning why.
No Answer.
11 – How can candidates contact you? Please provide a phone number and/or email and/or one website (or one social media link).
No Answer.