08/19/2022
Check out what I have done in the past 4 years!
Welcome to my Social Media page.
My name is George Finch and for the past more than 3 1/2 years I have been the Proud Mayor of South Huron, the greatest small town community in Canada!
In 2016 I retired from a successful 30 year career from the OPP and received the "OPP Exemplary Service Award" plus other similar OPP Accolades and community awards throughout my time in South Huron.
Having volunteered since 1986 for countless organizations in South Huron I was nominated four times as South Huron's "Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year" and was honored to receive that award in 2010 and 2016.
In 2018 I was asked by several respected citizens to run for the position of Mayor of South Huron since there were several "leadership issues" within the previous Council from 2014 to 2018. Their ask was clear, that I "fix the mess".
Integrity Commissioner Fred Dean Report RE: Former Mayor and Council August 2018
https://www.lakeshoreadvance.com/news/local-news/consultants-report-on-south-huron-council-finally-released-to-public?fbclid=IwAR31rGOZieAb93pWMiJgEUX5FX0KSt2bTITp_v-xsOJ1ECTvRUah_GLq7Lk
Dean Report. Agenda for Sept 4th 2018 Item 8.4.6
https://pub-southhuron.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=15248&fbclid=IwAR2eiyk2XYnbYrMy8zYDva2Us4UQjtgUpz9gzFCHBUTkT1boA0E453MFMKE
Tax dollars wasted by Council in 2017
https://www.insideottawavalley.com/opinion-story/7396408-rock-bottom-for-south-huron-council-/?fbclid=IwAR3_c6llNhFuonugQG1blJbLC1ERGZoxGH-19KUAwp26oIegfq5IkIE6-1g
It was clear that from 2014- 2018 amongst many other leadership issues, there had been no action taken in the Strategic Plan and South Huron's infrastructure was literally crumbling.
Both arenas had no investment made into them in decades and were failing nor were they in compliance with future A.O.D.A. requirements. Our outdoor multi purpose sports courts for tennis and pickle ball were not even useable nor were they on the radar for repairs.
(Today - all have been renovated or in final days of renovations at time of this report)
Multi Purpose Courts open and free for all users
https://www.lakeshoreadvance.com/sports/south-huron-unveils-new-multi-purpose-sports-court?fbclid=IwAR1BywnAaIwZzDhHsTylx6HCTiRzC36WICDcDuQdffWm4ZvlIYVAR4Asxdw
The century old Centralia Hall was unsafe due to lack of attention over many years and its usage by our residents had dropped. (Today - Building removed and new plan for that space to be explored by next council and community members).
The Dashwood Community Hall was in need of significant renovation for accessible washrooms. (Today - Completed in 2019)
A major culvert on Mollard Line had failed in 2016 thus shutting down that roadway indefinitely with no plans from previous council to repair it. (Today - Completed in 2019)
The Exeter O.P.P. was leaving the community and closing the Detachment without as much as a whisper from the former mayor to stop them. (Today - 2021- O.P.P. has a space at South Huron Hospital and the South Huron District High School).
There had been no housing developments for four years from 2014-2018!
(Today 2018-2022- seven new housing developments approved consisting of 950 new housing units).
Morale within the community was low and the community was divided on recreation between "wants vs. needs" and affordability.
(Today - Needs established and affordable recreation now available and more being proposed).
I was crystal clear in 2018 that my goal was to make recreation as affordable as possible and to provide a wider range of diversified recreation that had never been done before. We have a diverse community and aging demographic plus the reality is that not everyone plays ice sports or field sports but they all pay taxes that subsidizes the current recreation services therefore we should be more inclusive in our services.
I am still opposed to an indoor pool although I think they are a great idea, an indoor pool for a community our size is not affordable and I will continue to not support an indoor pool for that reason. I stand by my comments today and I was even subjected to an Integrity Commissioner complaint about my position when I was asked to comment to the media and was subsequently exonerated.
Integrity Commissioner dismisses complaint against Finch
https://www.lakeshoreadvance.com/news/local-news/integrity-commissioner-dismisses-complaint-against-finch?fbclid=IwAR1Y3GuV86cfJdn-KsSgOVltCoCgT3zzAjsyVfUX9inMMqM1P3j89cdhAH8
CONFIDENTIAL Findings report June 3rd 2019 -- Agenda item #9
https://pub-southhuron.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=20932&fbclid=IwAR06DNieoaFTaVQnVBoys7El2Q7uQHWQK5HDTPjHGzNivv9aTMfpOP275zg
South Huron Agenda Item #9 June 3rd 2019
https://pub-southhuron.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=62a75fdf-0c09-48cc-83d5-f6ba581db806&Agenda=Merged&lang=English&Item=2&Tab&fbclid=IwAR0gd-HG3UY2gMKMLr2N_XfULMapuIJFduQBDOiLiRGlUB8tI_UTbEt3Vzk
After I was elected, a daunting task was before me and the only promise I made to you during my campaign was:
"I will do my best for you" as this would be the same promise that you would have made to me if you had been asked to "fix the mess".
The challenges were many, not to mention having to navigate a Global Pandemic.
From 2014 to 2018:
Although the previous term of council had the lowest interest rates in decades, no pandemic and a cooperative staff, there had been no housing developments approved in the previous term of Council.
Update 2018-2022
In my term of Council we have approved seven new housing developments consisting of 950 housing units with more pending. This will provide stability to our schools which are all under in enrolment sizes. It will provide more employees for the hundreds of unfilled jobs. We continue to pursue attainable and affordable housing from upper levels of government but we needed to start somewhere since there was such a tremendous gap in all types of housing. Housing opportunities needed to be approached from multiple angles.
As an added bonus:
A recent announcement from the South Huron Hospital Association,
"New Hospital Being proposed for Exeter cites the "several new housing developments under way in Exeter"
https://www.lakeshoreadvance.com/news/south-huron-hospital-looking-for-public-input-on-new-clinical-services-plan?fbclid=IwAR3sWRyj2J7waeCIYVoZ65ok73ZeAts8DECV0fz0zA1jK-htp_ZsQ6cJvwc
as a reason to move forward with consultations now. Although the hospital is a Provincially funded enterprise I am in full favor of supporting a new hospital in a new location on the edge of Exeter and if re-elected will work with any team to bring that to fruition.
Safety and well being:
When I became Mayor in 2018 I committed to providing the best possible support for our heroic Professional Volunteer Fire Fighters and wanted each station reviewed for adequacy and safety for these incredible volunteers.
The 70 year old Dashwood Fire Hall has been found to be too small and needs to be replaced in order to accommodate the increased size of our apparatus and the needs of our Professional Volunteers.
The Huron Park Fire Hall was found to have mold and asbestos issues which existed before I was Mayor and the staffing had dropped from 26 dedicated members in 2002 to only 12 dedicated members in 2021. It was subsequently shut down to protect the health and safety of those members and they were deployed to Exeter and Dashwood Fire Halls. Both Exeter and Dashwood Halls are very capable of responding to calls for service in the Huron Park area.
Update 2018-2022
I am committed to building a new fire hall in Dashwood and the Master Fire plan commissioned during my term supports that project in order to protect the residents of the Stephen Ward to the best of our ability.
OPP Station:
On November 30th 2018 a week before I was sworn in as Mayor I attended the ground breaking ceremony of the new OPP Station in Clinton where it was confirmed by the OPP they would be shutting down the current Exeter and Wingham OPP Detachments. There had been credible information provided to the previous council that this closure was going to happen and nothing was done by the previous mayor to stop it.
CTV News regarding OPP Closures in Huron County
https://london.ctvnews.ca/mayors-disappointed-as-opp-close-satellite-offices-in-exeter-wingham-1.4988468?fbclid=IwAR2-qIBXmS26gB23LgnehQhSFXt3W6KW3g4uFqtwRlOjhzUc6-zUBBJroVk
Update 2018-2022
As soon as I was sworn in on December 2nd 2018 I was making plans to fight this foolish decision made by the OPP upper command. In January 2019 we met with the Solicitor General and the OPPs highest ranks but were told the decision had already been made and in fact they would not have any physical presence in South Huron even though the announcement in November 2018 stated that they would be opening a Community Police Office. The OPP later requested to use the local fire halls for office space which was not approved by Council.
"South Huron Denies OPP carte blanche access to fire halls".
https://www.lakeshoreadvance.com/news/south-huron-denies-opp-use-of-fire-stations-for-washrooms-and-office-space?fbclid=IwAR0ELX52wRQQk-USKi7DfeEIUbUTFsuKXO9CxJpVQ9N5JScSKolcRQNfTWI
I continued to press the issue at all levels and I am pleased to say that because of the pressure I placed on the OPP that the OPP now has a space in the South Huron Hospital and a space at the South Huron High School.
This term of Council also invested in four speed radar signs that are positioned around the Municipality to help slow down speeding traffic.
In addition to increased safety, I initiated a motion at South Huron Council to reduce the speeds to 30 kmh around our in town schools and make them "Community Safety Zones".
*Huron Street in front of the Hospital was reduced to 20kmh to ensure
everyone, especially those with mobility issues, can safely cross the
street between the Hospital and the Medical Centre.
*Huron Street from William Street has been reduced to 40kmh to the
west limits and from there to Airport Line reduced to 60mh.
Speeds reduced in Exeter Safety zones
https://www.lakeshoreadvance.com/news/speed-limit-to-be-reduced-on-several-exeter-roads-in-pilot-project?fbclid=IwAR0lVLwVImVlRPvUW35bGF3Mmgli1kPz4wvF1t-grCrc0MtAq2SjlnQjB2w
Homelessness:
In August of 2019 the Homelessness issue had reached our community with numerous people found sleeping outside and literally nowhere to go. It should have been no surprise since there had been no housing developments of any kind from 2014 to 2018 and now we were seeing the results of that.
At one point I counted as many as 13 people "sleeping rough" and this does not include the number of those couch surfing and others looking for affordable and attainable housing. For two years I would personally walk the streets at night to identify those that were precariously housed and refer support services to them and followed up with each case. What better way to understand the problem than to see it first hand.
In addition, I was in immediate contact with our County Housing Department seeking ongoing regular supports for these individuals. Both County Staff and the South Huron Staff responded to curtail the rising numbers and as of today homelessness still exists but consists mostly of those couch surfing as they did in the past and many of those that needed immediate supports were provided to them or offered. The reality is that Chronic Homelessness is so precarious that it could change over night if we do not continue to actively work together to resolve this crisis.
South Huron Council has also approved support of the "Compassion Centre Partnership"
https://www.lakeshoreadvance.com/news/compassion-centre-pilot-project-to-be-launched-in-exeter?fbclid=IwAR18HbW8zngOrmNiWENpr5odw4VkwUCmvdjeIfosPFLuOuRJ2gW6ii6FIhI
which is a partnership between the Huron Perth United Way, South Huron and The Pentecostal Church. This is the first of its kind in Huron County and other Municipalities are seeing its success and are reaching out to use it as a template for their communities. Those individuals most in need can access showers, laundry, food, temporary daytime shelter plus counseling and other supports.
I have been very vocal about the homelessness issue in Canada and as a member of the Huron County Homelessness Task Force I initiated a recommendation that the Provincial and Federal Governments declare homelessness a Provincial and National Crisis so that supports are provided to solve this crisis rather than just manage it.
As a result, my Recommendation has been supported by Huron County Council and endorsed by other Municipalities in Ontario. All lower and Upper Tier Municipalities are advocating for more to be done by the Provincial and Federal Governments.
Homelessness did not happen overnight and has existed for centuries in one form or another. It will take a collective approach to end it but all upper levels of government must work together towards a solution.
I have worked with County Council to resolve that, of all five large settlement areas in Huron County, that an Affordable Housing development should be built in South Huron. The competition is extremely competitive across Canada but County Council has agreed to support this project in Exeter if funding becomes available.
"Twenty-unit affordable housing project proposed for Exeter"
https://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/news/twenty-unit-affordable-housing-project-proposed-for-exeter/wcm/9479b2f8-b952-4b2e-8ab7-ae3acc61feaa/amp/?fbclid=IwAR1jVqe8RZ_wVyixYJwgR0Wdzsr2YRxYQgDrBtgR1D0nRb-thGTd0m0vIlQ
"County denied funding for proposed Exeter project"
https://www.lakeshoreadvance.com/news/county-denied-funding-for-proposed-exeter-affordable-housing-project?fbclid=IwAR12LeavqFDfG9mec3Z5O6xkCtmyi4PKUxtNN-CiRnVbVzom3Nkrt3ooviw
Huron County Council approves $20 million housing complex
https://www.huroncitizen.ca/huron-county-council-approves-20-million-housing-complex?fbclid=IwAR1CGlEFlPBGk5coqVyNS50xCbdR2oweG3D1OyYihUXxahIJ2_AZ5Ml8ft8
Recreation Facilities:
Update 2018-2022
Currently, both the South Huron Recreation Centre and the Stephen Arena are under major renovations. Both will be ready to accommodate the ice user groups this fall. This Councils original plan in 2019 was to build a brand new state of the art facility consisting of a single NHL size ice pad, multi purpose space, commercial kitchen, gymnasium, large foyer, walking track plus a small 12'X12' Community Police Office however we did not receive any support from the tax subsidized user groups who instead supported an unelected group of individuals (South Huron Community Group) for their double ice pad funding application which was denied funding approval.
"South Huron Council Funding application and competing application by unelected South Huron Community Group"
https://www.lakeshoreadvance.com/news/local-news/south-huron-to-seek-50-per-cent-grant-for-arena-project?fbclid=IwAR0zrVIcWxF_g5l_sl-_UWkVMrar464xQ5SQhg7wleZ6Ivo1oWfscodWsgk
"February 16th 2021 Council meeting item 4.2"
"ICIF Funding denied for unelected South Huron Community Group".
https://pub-southhuron.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=c94acedc-992d-4648-99fb-34c3b5555fc4&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English&Item=45&Tab=attachments&fbclid=IwAR1goy002nOeGXnl4fPYS8J1BJld02WbYq5EqBZEfTQ3X4UU2hLY0ntir1Q
Although our funding application was supported by our MPP it was subsequently denied any further consideration as there was the competing application. We had no choice but to move forward with renovations with both the South Huron Recreation Centre and Stephen arena.
When it comes to seeking out Provincial funding on recreational projects it is always important to think Regionally since that is how the Province thinks of us, a region. It is also imperative for tax subsidized user groups support the funding application otherwise funding requests will get turned down as was in this case. Regional thinking will positively impact a greater number of tax payers and that is what the provincial government is looking for.
South Huron turned down for Recreation Grant
https://www.lakeshoreadvance.com/news/south-huron-turned-down-for-arena-grant?fbclid=IwAR2JWCmOOsyNF6F_EwXfLWoA6oeeSG9IW4Ft8bxacM3XT_UyutTiI1hgvOo
"$500,000.xx Ontario Trillium Grant awarded to South Huron for Stephen arena upgrades"
https://www.lakeshoreadvance.com/news/stephen-arena-renovation-project-receives-500000-trillium-grant?fbclid=IwAR2xlZqu13c_j8nb1uevcNiQHRMRm1wEygQduPsTMvP-kfnNmi6K33t2Z6QMy Role as your Representative at Huron County Council
County tax money is still your money and I will continue to ensure that we invest it wisely and will do my part to represent you to the best of my ability.
I am against the County pouring tax dollars into the Goderich Airport. It does nothing for the majority of Huron County Taxpayers especially South Huron Taxpayers plus we are fortunate to have a great relationship with the New United Goderich Airport in Huron Park that does not cost taxpayers any money as it is privately owned and employs many people. Money spent on the Goderich Airport would be better invested in transportation and Affordable Housing where more impact would be had to more taxpayers.
"Controversial discussion at County Council on Goderich Airport"
https://www.huroncitizen.ca/goderich-airport-report-proves-controversial-at-county?fbclid=IwAR2G_qLOraHKF6BZsdcUyB3aSfhcy12yrtHG1SbKw5wNJaXV0fmdYqm0xCQ
The Dashwood Road and Airport Line intersection has been a significant traffic problem for years and only to get worse. I know first hand since I have investigated many serious injury and fatal collisions in the intersection during my career. In early 2019 I initiated the discussion at County Council for intersection improvements and as of August 2022 it has now moved to the public consultation phase.
"South Huron Council discusses Roundabout at Dashwood road and Airport Line"
https://www.lakeshoreadvance.com/news/council-expresses-concern-about-highway-83-intersection?fbclid=IwAR0ccoiAB4vNhQT2YMoU1J97SAixBNR0X60sUvm0tsRSLuY6AP0PoQYWrxw
"June 22 2022 Item 11.1 Improvement report for Intersection - County Council"
https://agendas.huroncounty.ca/agendapublic/CoverSheet.aspx?ItemID=4871&MeetingID=399&fbclid=IwAR1txuc_PH169Fj2NE6ZhwxzRgXKLfqx7T0vuqlzwgfkM9AMAWk7rb1VDQU
"Roundabout update 17 August 2022"
https://www.lakeshoreadvance.com/news/roundabout-being-looked-at-for-highway-83-airport-line-intersection?fbclid=IwAR3E-2_Lx24h4Kh-OOhYMvz-hxyRMdGjeqbDhiV9wZYt6meV7RihAPxJYFk
I also endorsed two new bridges for Dashwood Road.
"Two bridges replaced on Dashwood Road in 2021"
https://www.huroncounty.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/CR-83-Construction-Notice.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0cYK3U3L_tEIepYgZKZhE_FE2DP2j5tahX-pRdDXpVHAYNm-VF4WMFNII
Relationship building locally:
I have built very strong relationships with many local Mayors and Deputy Mayors across the region. I am particularly proud of my Professional relationship with Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson of Lucan Biddulph, Mayor Alison Warwick of Thames Centre and Deputy Mayor Bob Fisher of Huron East. Each of us can rely on each other to discuss important issues and will get honest opinions.
Relationship building at the Provincial Level
During the COVID -19 pandemic I was invited by the Premier and Cabinet to participate in numerous teleconference calls and discuss the strategies that were being implemented by the Province. I have had several personal phone calls from Premier Ford since May of 2019 and I have built a positive relationship with him to discuss issues both locally and Provincially. MPP Thompson and I communicate regularly and I have built a very strong alliance with her and her staff.
At the Federal level
Although we deal mostly with the Provincial level of government on many matters I have built a strong relationship with MP Ben Lobb who advocates on my behalf at the Federal Level on Housing. MP Lobb and I have toured South Huron in 2019 to view potential opportunities for affordable and supportive housing options and recreation improvements so that grants can be applied for and for him to advocate on our behalf.
Promoting South Huron Internationally.
"South Huron is Open For Business" and I align myself with the Province on that strategy. As a result, there has been interest generated with the Bulgarian Consulate for opportunities in the region by a local businessman who reached out after the following story was published.
"Mayor Finch welcomes Consular General of Bulgaria"
https://www.lakeshoreadvance.com/news/south-huron-receives-a-visit-from-the-bulgarian-consulate?fbclid=IwAR1VP6Jo6dry2JOVGqVKilXs-fCNaGG9fMGsybsrVtqAGpkzkzsZo8Wst1k
"New York Times article on Canada Ma*****na industry South Huron"
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/18/world/canada/canada-marijuana-business-struggles.html?fbclid=IwAR3-gEIpsTbmGlrhDSQnn6oU0VQqvOaP8IorK2tPCSuHo2R50HPT6BOcMHk
Make no mistake about it, as The Electorate, your job is the most challenging because you are tasked with building the team that you want to move South Huron forward.
You have to elect people who you truly believe will best represent you and your community and not someone who has a hidden agenda or will cause embarrassment to this great community of South Huron.
Respectfully, all Elections are about established proven leadership that will invest your tax dollars for the coming four years and consider the sustainability of that investment for future generations.
If you support me for Re-Election:
My number 1 priority is to break ground for a new fire hall in Dashwood within the first year and provide whatever supports are needed for the Exeter Fire Hall upgrades
since my greatest responsibility is to the protection of the people who elect me.
My close second priority is to establish the parameters of phase two at the South Huron Recreation Centre that will consist of a gymnasium and a walking track. If my plan is supported by Council, to start a fundraising campaign to fund that project including grants from both the Provincial and Federal governments and the community. I am committed to completion of that project within three years.
There is more to inclusive recreation than just ice and field sports. A healthy community is an engaged community. Affordable and diverse recreation removes barriers for access and improves quality of life for all users regardless of ones abilities. Affordable and inclusive recreation allows everyone of any age to feel they are part of the community and receive value for their tax dollars.
My ongoing priority is to continue to work with any developer who wants to build suitable housing in South Huron and I will continue to advocate for Provincial and Federal funding to build affordable housing and continue to work with all levels of government to end homelessness. I am also committed to ensuring the best hospital care for all of South Huron.
I am here to lead you and South Huron into a prosperous future and my track record supports this. It should be noted that with respect to all of the actions I have taken to move South Huron forward, I was also part of the team that navigated a Global Pandemic during more than half my time as Mayor and we still claimed victory on so many of these and other successes.
If you do choose to vote for me.... I promise, I will do my best for you.
Thank You.
"South Huron in a Global Pandemic"
https://www.lakeshoreadvance.com/news/local-news/its-a-new-world-south-huron-council-told?fbclid=IwAR20J43mycQL815srWmooDKqKJ6XPx8zd0G_DU3mDoqEldDHBDnV0SStTow
Oh no! Mr Beaver lost this page when he went scavenging (or you need to check your spelling). Try searching below or check out our other top stories!
