Evelyn Dutrisac is running for Mayor in Greater Sudbury.
Evelyn (she/her/elle) has extensive and diverse experience in municipal government. She sat on three municipal governments from 2006 to 2018, with three mayors. She also sat on Rayside Balfour Council, from 1989 to 1994. She was a high school teacher for 33 years. As a councillor, she worked with groups and individuals to meet goals. Some of her successes as a council member are Villa St. Gabriel, the Therapeutic/Leisure Pool in Azilda, the 4-laning of MR 35, the Revitalization of the Donovan, and Park improvements in the Ward. Since 2018, she has been working with Abbeyfield Canada to provide affordable housing for older adults. She is also the Co-Chair of the Compassionate City.
Why are you running for this position?
I care about my City and I want to make a change for the better of my community. I have the experience and knowledge to work with our city's residents. By connecting and meeting with residents, I understand the issues and will be working with members of council and the staff to meet the real needs of our residents. When taxpayers pay their taxes, they are investing in value for services. Taxpayers are expecting a return on their investment. They are investing in good roads, police services, fire protection, recreational service, and public transportation. I will ensure that hard-earned tax dollars are spent wisely and efficiently. Our focus must be on promoting smart government, smart growth and smart spending of taxpayer money on dealing with the needs prioritized by the residents. We must empower and stand up for all residents. I will support business and industry. Please visit my website info@evelynformayor.ca for more information on my experience and platform.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your municipality?
I have developed a New Vision of Making Greater Sudbury Greater - United in Strength. What is required by the New Council is the creation of the new vision based on the principle of community collaboration, engagement, empowerment and accelerating community action. There is a strong need to create synergism through community development principles that recognize that citizens have the desire, ability and wherewithal to enter into collective problem-solving. My website provides further understanding of this new Vision including Collaborative leadership, Community Engagement Policy, Empowering, Terms of Reference and Acceleration.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your municipality any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
When I was Ward 4 Councillor during 2006 to 2018, I initiated and worked with the fundraising committee to build a Therapeutic/Leisure Pool in Greater Sudbury. MP Marc Serre was able to get $1 Million from the Federal Government. We utilized this money to fund the Pool in Azilda. I firmly believe that the Mayor and Council must work closely with other levels of government to lobby for funds on special projects in Greater Sudbury.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
I am meeting and connecting with many residents during my campaign to become Mayor of Greater Sudbury. Many challenges face the families in our City. From my communicating and connecting with the citizens, I have identified these 4 major challenges :
High taxes and the high cost of living;
Infrastructure renewal- the City of Greater Sudbury is looking at close to a three billion dollar infrastructure deficit;
Opioids, mental health and homelessness;
Urgent need for affordable housing for our citizens especially older adults.
Our focus must be on promoting smart government, smart growth and smart spending of taxpayers’ money on dealing with the needs prioritized by our residents.
Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
I will be accessible any time, any day to meet with the residents, business and non-profit groups. We need to hold town meetings and Council meetings in every Ward of the City of Greater Sudbury. It is very important to connect with people. Trust and openness exits when we connect. then leadership becomes a gift and not a threat.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
I truly enjoy going to the many lakes in our city. I am the President of Café Heritage. I enjoy the many talents, the varied cultures and heritages of our people. This summer I attended the Summer Concerts hosted by Café Heritage at Whitewater lake. What a joy to connect with the residents and to enjoy the great talent of our local artists. I am looking forward to the Festival Noel hosted by Café Heritage in December 2022.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
We need women to be involved in civic leadership. We bring a different and very valuable presence to the different committees, boards and municipal councils. Every person is unique and brings many talents when participating actively in our communities.
Please identify the most critical policy, project, or initiative in your platform that addresses systemic barriers faced by women in your municipality, and describe why:
Too many prejudices and inequalities towards women exist in our communities. We need to be open, trusting, and caring to all persons. Rather than judge and see women as second-class residents, let's see their talents and contributions to making our communities greater and always working for the ultimate good of all.
Social Media Handles
Where can people find you?
https://evelynformayor.ca/
Email
The campaign office is at 174 Elgin (the Gallery). The campaign office phone number is 705 665 0668.
