In the run up to the 2017 election, we asked our readers and listeners what issues matter most to them. Every day, we ask candidates for their thoughts on healthcare, growth, traffic, city facilities, downtown, and the other issues important to their campaign. Today, Tim Lowing addresses your issues.

Council candidate Tim Lowing believes there are two types of people: you're either part of the problem or you're part of the solution and he wants to be part of Airdrie's solution.

Lowing believes there have been difficulties managing Airdrie's growth, and fresh ideas and fresh voices on City Council could result in new solutions. He hopes to bring those ideas. Ultimately, Lowing believes growth is a good thing, saying it's an economy working. He says there can be some frustrations associated with growth, but that doesn't mean residents should turn against the city's growth. Rather, City Council needs to make smart decisions to address the burdens associated with growth.

One of those burdens is traffic. Coming from Winnipeg, Lowing said his perspective is that traffic is actually not terrible in Airdrie but he can understand why longtime residents feel it's becoming a challenge. Lowing suggests some simple approaches could work best in addressing traffic needs. One of those would be synchronizing traffic lights. Lowing also thinks Council needs to determine what the root causes of Airdrie's traffic problems are and then address them. Ultimately, he wants to make sure that cars keep moving.

When it comes to facilities, Lowing says there's an apparent need for a west side recreational centre. That being said, he wants to make smart decisions about what that facility looks like. Lowing gets frustrated when he hears that local teams have to hold tournaments elsewhere. Building appropriate facilities could address that problem, while giving the local economy a boost.

"I want the ball tournaments. I don't care about the sport, I don't care what it is. I want the tournaments here. I want our hotels filled, I want our restaurant filled. I want a more festive Airdrie in the big picture."

Lowing also said we shouldn't be afraid to dream big when it comes to new facilities. He pointed out that there's a real chance Calgary could host an upcoming Olympics, and if Airdrie prepares now, we could capitalize on our proximity.

In regards to downtown redevelopment, Lowing explained his understanding is that discussions have been ongoing since 1999. That alone is enough to convince him that something needs to be done. Lowing wants to be part of a solution for downtown that includes whole communities.

"At the end of the day, when I think about downtown, I think about whole communities being involved. I think about something that facilitates our seniors community, and facilitates our kids, facilitates our teenagers."

Lowing also wants to be a voice for Airdrie's senior population. As he's campaigned, he's found that seniors feel excluded. That saddens him, especially because the senior population is growing.

"We have people over 50 moving to Airdrie to help their kids with their kids, you see? And we don't have support systems in place that they're satisfied with. You can say we have stuff, but if your customer isn't happy with what you're offering, it's time to make a different muffin."

On healthcare, Lowing said he wants to learn more about the proposed health cooperative. He thinks the best approach is to gather information, and not get too set on any one approach. In addressing Airdrie's health needs, or any needs, Lowing said it's important to make sound, informed decisions hat are cost effective and intelligent.

 

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