Ken Inglis ~ candidate for election to Huntsville Council in Brunel Ward

In the weeks leading up to this year’s municipal election, Huntsville Doppler will be posting a commentary from each of the local candidates. The order of appearance is completely random. To read commentary from other candidates, click here.

Meet Ken Inglis, a candidate for election to Huntsville Council in Brunel Ward

Background:
I was born and raised and have been living in Brunel all my life, since back when the road was King’s Hwy #527 and Norm Goodwin, a neighbour, my school bus driver and friend, became Mayor. I`ve been here a long time and appreciate how unique Brunel ward is to our culture and heritage. We share boundaries with Lake of Bays and I have had the pleasure of growing up in the era of Britannia Hotel, Bigwin Resort, Grandview Inn Farm and Limberlost Lodge to name a few. I was involved with all of those as a youth, so I definitely have a knowledge of our heritage.

One of the most pleasurable memories of my youth was at the Heritage Locks, where nearly every kid for miles came by bicycle to swim and enjoy the activity of the many boats and the General Store.

Having been on the Brunel Community Board for two terms of different mayors, we were instrumental in making the beautification of the Heritage Locks a reality. My interest is in keeping this beautiful attraction intact!

History:
I was able to take advantage of the booms both in Alberta & Ontario in the past. As a member of the Operating Engineers, I have gained extensive knowledge in my many professional pursuits: Heavy equipment operation in Mainline Pipeline construction, roads and interchanges, drainage and soil composition, water and sewage installation and design, building construction and design, forestry and for the past 17 years as becoming “the Water Guy” to my many friends and loyal customers.

I am no stranger to adversity and challenge. Through persistence, learning, knowledge and tenacity, I was able to start my spring water bottling facility after the situation was brought onto me to help solve a potential liability problem for others. I am dedicated in my work performances in whatever field that I have undertaken. The mayor at the time, Mr Mackenzie, stated that he admired my tenacity. Councillor Thompson stated that if there was a medal for it , Mr Inglis would receive it for “stick- to-it-ive-ness”. It was a happy outcome for all after that stressful, tenuous five years!

I am so grateful to have so many supportive people in my life and have made so many special bonds in my extensive social calendar. I am familiar with board structure, having been the chair of Savour Muskoka as our very professional team of artisans & chefs brought the culinary class of Huntsville and Muskoka to the World at the G8/G20 both at Deerhurst and in Toronto at Direct Energy Centre for 3700 international journalists. World Class for sure!

Reason:
I believe that my background experiences will bring an informed voice to council that will contribute to the planning of our many upcoming challenges with balancing our “Small Town” with infrastructure to support the increasing growth. Sewage treatment capacity is a huge factor to consider and must be addressed proactively for instance. There have now been two successive sewage overflows in the same area in the last few months on Hwy 60. Why?? Proper road building and sidewalks must be done proactively and then maintained, not just band-aids or painted lines. Preservation of our water and resources is even more paramount.

Brunel Road has now become a very popular cycling route for many events. I am happy to have a front row seat and see much of the activity pass in front of my business as well as the processions of old cars, classic cars and vintages and motorcycles especially in the fall.

I would like to see proper bike lanes at some point soon, as I have seen many frustrating experiences with drivers. This route can be made much safer and a happier experience for both cyclists and motorists to enjoy. I have suggestions that I would bring to council.

Health:
We must work hard to keep our hospital`s funding equal to others so that we retain all of our doctors and services. There is a pretty clear choice as to who must be on that file at District and he certainly has my support! There is a long way ahead. Enough cannot be said on how vital our hospital is to Huntsville and area!

I care about the future prosperity of our town and hope to contribute my best with the knowledge that I bring in several practical areas. I know one thing for sure is that I can bring better efficiency to roads and infrastructure provisions and maintenance as well as several overlooked simple fixes to improve upon to make things better and safer in town.

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