Tanya Vrebosch is running for Council in North Bay.
Tanya (she/her) is the current Deputy Mayor for the City of North Bay and has served the citizens of North Bay for the last 15 years. Born and raised in Corbeil, she has proudly called North Bay home since 18. She and her better half Dan Nogueira have 2 beautiful daughters, Danielle and Sydney. She is the daughter of Bill and Gisele Vrebosch. Her day job is with DNSSAB as a Supervisor for Ontario Works. Her philosophy is to always listen and make sure people feel heard. Her guiding principles are fiscal responsibility with a social conscience.
Why are you running for this position?
As many of you know, the “Vrebosch” name, and the family that I am so proud to be a part of, is synonymous with our commitment to public service, community well-being and the greater good. I have been guided by my parents, Bill and Gisele, who both lovingly and wholeheartedly taught me and my siblings, Lisa, Louise and Billy, to stop, listen and learn at every opportunity; to be the voice for the voiceless; and to share and lend a helping hand whenever and wherever I can. These are simple tenets but I have carried them with me throughout my time on North Bay’s City Council as both Councillor and Deputy Mayor as I’ve advocated for fiscal responsibility with a social conscience.
Politics is in my blood, and I want to continue to serve and represent the citizens of North Bay for another term.
This last term, we had a council that worked very well together and got things done. It is one of the best councils I have worked with.
We saw an increase in our population and assessment during a worldwide pandemic; we have a strong balance sheet with an AA-2 stable credit rating; all-time record construction numbers; North Bay was named Fastest Growing City 2 years in a row; record-breaking bike lane and sidewalk creation; built a multi-use outdoor court, soon to start a new skateboard park/pump track and more. We didn't always get along or agree, but we were always able to move forward. Our mandate of growth was a success. Growing our assessment base will help lower taxes (more people paying part of the pie). We need to keep the momentum going!
With all of these good things come struggles. Struggles that are being faced by municipalities across the Province - Mental Health, Addictions, Housing and Homelessness. I can build you a facility and staff it, and to do this, I would have to raise your taxes significantly. But what I can't do is force the person on the street to go and stay there. The challenges we are facing with extreme mental health and addiction need intervention and action by the Provincial and Federal Governments. Municipalities across the Province are all begging for help to deal with these issues.
We need to have strong voice that continues to advocate for change to the Mental Health Act and for a real and timely intervention from the upper levels of government.
The City has hired a Community and Safety Well-Being Planner to make sure our CSWB Plan doesn't sit on the shelf. We need to make sure that we are there to provide local agencies with support and identify the gaps with a unified and loud voice to the upper levels of government. At the same time, we are going to have to look at things more seriously, such as needle pickups in public spaces, public washroom cleanliness and safety, continuous involvement in tent cities on public property etc. We need to make sure that we are looking at the rights and the safety of all citizens.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
I would like to see us create a Wellness Centre to support those with extreme mental health issues and problems with addiction. However, that is an innovative project that needs to be funded by the Province. It would also require the will of the Province to implement vital changes, starting with the Mental Health Act, to ensure its success. This Wellness Centre would go a long way to making sure that all citizens feel and are safe in our community. With appropriate support, our entire community can feel safe, either walking down the street or for those with extreme mental health issues and problems with addiction, we can ensure that they are kept safe and are being offered the help that they may need.
Another innovation within our municipal purview that I'd like to see is the introduction of a district within the City similar to the Byward Market in North Bay, where one of our streets could be shut down (even if only during the summer); filled with vendors, artists, music, buskers etc. A place for locals to gather, small businesses to thrive and a popular tourist attraction. Having grown up in and around the City's music scene, thanks in particular to my father, I am proud to support North Bay's vibrant arts and music community and would love to further support them in the future.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
The easy answer would be to say we would spend the money on a bunch of wish list items, however, grants are one-time dollars. In other words, we would have to use the money for one-time projects, otherwise, we would see taxes rise the next year to pay for their ongoing costs.
We could use the money to pay down what is owed for the Casselholme rebuild. In the alternative, our Airport Industrial Park is out of serviced land and requires funding so we can continue to attract and allow existing businesses to expand. As further alternatives, we could help find a permanent home for the Farmers' Market, we could fix more roads, infuse more money for a year to support events like the Bay Block Party, or put it towards an existing project that is funded partially by debt.
If I didn't have to worry about costs or future budget implications? I would spend the money on more sidewalks, more community events (movies in the park, music in the park, fireworks), more skating trails, better sidewalk maintenance in the winter, etc.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
Extreme Mental Health issues, Addictions and Homelessness. Municipalities cannot fix these issues alone and need immediate action from the Provincial and Federal governments. North Bay is not immune to these challenges as they are faced by many municipalities across the Province and the Country.
Other than the official communication methods (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
I have followed in my father's footsteps of making myself fully available to the citizens of North Bay. I pride myself on being approachable to ensure that all citizens have a voice through me, and an opportunity to be heard.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
I love going for walks with my family on the Kate Paceway, the Waterfront or one of our many trails. We live in such a beautiful city and no matter the season, the views during our walks are incredible. You walk along and everyone says hello to each other.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
Over the last 15 years, I have, at times, been criticized for being a woman in politics and there are even some that perceive it to have a negative impact on my family.
Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand has raised the profile of mothers serving in politics. My daughters love what I do, and I am blessed to have a family that supports me and the opportunity to add my voice and my perspective. It is important that mothers of young children be at the table on issues that affect us. At the same time, I hope that by running again, I inspire others to answer the call to public service. We need more diversity at all levels of politics.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
I always hope and strive for equality for all and that we work to remove barriers. As politicians, we have the ability to work towards removing those barriers and encouraging equality. As a female politician, mother, daughter, sister and friend, I hope that the strength of my voice encourages others to speak up, so that one day, we all feel safe, feel heard and we can all equally enjoy our City's spaces.
Social Media Handles
Where can people find you?
www.votevrebosch.com and social media
