Several new planks for my North Bay municipal election platform were revealed in the courtyard of the 176 Lakeshore co-working space on Monday, Sept. 14. It was the campaign’s official “launch” despite several events previously, including a mini-debate July 25 and first political speech at Moose’s Cookhouse June 14.
At the latest event, I was unveiling a pamphlet produced by Beatty Printing and taking orders for yard signs provided by Kings Sportswear, while also recoding a 10-minute speech. Practice is always a good thing when entering a new phase in life.
Joining me were some of my supporters, including three who endorsed me back in May, plus several new backers who picked up pamphlets to share with neighbours and asks for yard signs. The election is getting into full swing as council candidate debates and panel discussions begin to fill up the calendar before voting starts Oct. 15 and continues until 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 26. See the pamphlet note at the bottom of this post about this being North Bay’s first online-only municipal election after a hybrid system was used in 2022.
On Wednesday, for example, I’m part of a small group of candidates speaking to the Harbourside Condominiums coffee club at 10 a.m., at 2 p.m. I’m on a tour of the Northern Pines transitionary housing complex across form Chippewa Secondary and Intermediate School, and then attending an open house at Outloud North Bay in the evening. On Friday, I’m attending the North Bay Entertainers Hall of Recognition induction event and then canvassing on the weekend. So far, I’ve erected 70 of my first 100 yard signs as well as 19 larger signs, with a second order being considered.
The pamphlet design matches the business cards and signs, using a mostly black-and-white motif other than my blue-shirt head shot flanked on both sides by a silver-lining. As I explain in the video, there’s a theme that reflects my outlook and character. If you’re interested in circulating my pamphlet or would like a sign for your yard, email [email protected]
The inside panel introduction is below:
“I chose North Bay to be my home 40 years ago and it was the best decision of my life. The Gateway of the North provided a place to learn my trade, establish a career, raise a child and have the lifestyle options Northern Ontario residents appreciate — all within 15 minutes of Ontario’s premier waterfront and world-class sunsets.
“After four decades, however, it’s clear there is a disconnect between what residents expect from their municipal government and the current state of affairs. Trust, pride and hope have eroded as we face challenging times on the horizon. I hear it every day. Residents who have invested their entire lives in North Bay — and those who are considering the city as their new home — want municipal leaders who can resolve conflicts and work with each other to find affordable, lasting solutions.
“They want to be proud of where they live and feel confident that their tax dollars are respected and invested strategically. As a journalist covering municipal, provincial and federal politics for decades, I understand the mandates of the various levels of government as well as the funding relationships. And I’ve seen first-hand the impact of decisions on individuals, families and businesses. It is vital we get our house in order as Ontario and Canada wrestle with an ever-evolving global economy.
“For change to happen, however, we need more than new faces around the council chamber. We need informed candidates with a new attitude that fosters healthy debate. The public deserves easy access to information and we must create a culture of fairness for all – regardless of who you know. Together we’re better …and I’m ready to work for positive change. Learn more about me, including my executive experience, community involvement and achievements at DaveDaleNorthBay.ca You can also get a sense of my character and activities at my SmallTownTimes.ca
Writer, photographer and proud father. My mom's family is from the Soo with its Algoma Highlands, dad hailed from Cobden in the Ottawa Valley and I spent my teen years in Capreol. Summers were at the beach on the Vermillion River and winters at 'The Rink.' Born in East York but Toronto never was my thing. Ever since a kid looking out the window on long trips, I imagined living on the highway in a little house with a big yard and trees growing all around me.
