Kate MacNaughton

Picton Ward One

Kate MacNaughton has been interested in local politics for years and shows a deep passion for her community. In the last election, MacNaughton wasn’t prepared to become more involved because she had a small child at home and knew she couldn’t dedicate the time required to make herself effective in the role of councillor. This election sees MacNaughton ready to put her passion for local government to the test, which is why she is now running for council. She is passionate about the levelling the playing field when it comes to the ratio of men-towomen in regard to representation at council.

“When I saw the results from the last election and there were two women on council— which boils down to about 12 per cent—I was really disappointed. Although we have an increasingly diverse population in Prince Edward County, the man-to-woman ratio always stays around fifty-fifty. But I don’t see that in our public representation. I would like my daughter to see women on council and to understand that she has a place at the table,” says MacNaughton.

The two concerns that she hears the most in her community are housing and water rates. MacNaughton took the time and has spoken to a lot of residents and these two concerns were raised the most. The water rates are a concern and MacNaughton is not interested in a blanket water rate reduction, but possibly offering relief for families and keeping rates higher for businesses. Another chronic concern for people across the County, according to MacNaughton, is housing.

“For people who are trying to enter the market here in the County, they are being priced out from the get-go, and that’s complicated by the fact that people in the city sell their homes for 1.2 million and buy two houses out here. One for the shortterm accommodations. I would love to see the County find ways to give incentives for people who want to convert their short-term rentals into longterm affordable housing,” says MacNaughton. She would also like address the definition of affordable housing for the municipality and start exploring options with developers or with the province, possibly using creative thinking to address the issue.

When asked why Ward 1 residents should elect her, MacNaughton says that she is deeply committed to her community and has demonstrated that in the past. She also reiterates that she is a good listener, great at assessments and that communication will be key to the success of the next council. If elected, she would like to advocate for more direct communication with the public in a language that is understood by youth and adults alike. Social media can play a large role in that communication. She states that she always keeps the “long game” in mind and would always favour long-term benefits over the short-term gain. She feels that short-term decisions come at the expense of the future, and future planning is what every level of every government requires.

MacNaughton would also like to remind everyone that council is a citizen’s committee, and that approaching council with a proposal should not be a stressful situation.

“The panel at Shire Hall is not just a government in that it also a steering committee for our community and it should feel like you’re going to communicate with your neighbours, not against a panel. I have found it intimidating when I’ve brought things to council, and there’s no reason it should be,” says MacNaughton.

MacNaughton is excited to join certain committees where her presence may also add some weight to the issues. The issue of transit and how to facilitate public transit for our community is something that she would like to be a part of as well.

As far as future planning goes, MacNaughton would like to see a balance struck between ongoing development and our rural aspect and values.

“I see this as a real turning point of the County, for Picton in particular, as far as how we go forward and embrace development. Whether we take an all-in approach or a very measured approach. I would favour a measured approach, but I think this next council will set the tone for the future, and I find both very exciting and also weighty. It’s a heavy responsibility.”