No progress in the last four years around crime in North Bay's downtown, says council candidate (2024)

North Bay council candidate Sara Inch says North Bay has seen no progress in the last four years around the crime and social problems in the city’s downtown.

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“Things have only gotten worse. According to Stats Can our violent crime index jumped by 117 per cent from 2020 to 2021,” she said.

“We have big city crime that is getting worse.”

Inch issued a media release Friday stressing the need for change in city leadership.

“I listen and I care, and I believe it is time for change in city leadership. Let’s get North Bay back on track for our children, our family, our business and our future,” she said.

Inch says she’s stepping up for city council to help address the numerous problems the city is facing. She hopes to inspire others to find the courage and the time to share their talents to help move North Bay forward and to overcome the multiple social problems we are dealing with.

Inchis a 46-year-old mother of three boys. She was born and raised in North Bay.

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“Like her late fatherJohn Inch, former Crown Attorney and QC, who spent his life serving our community, Inch is committed to serving the people of North Bay,” according to the media release.

“ Like her late mother,Bonnie Inch, lifetime physiotherapist and occupational therapist with the North Bay Psychiatric Hospital, Inch believes in balanced, safe, regulated and compassionate care for the most vulnerable members of our society.”

As aparentInch says families deserve a voice on council as “we are busy raising the next generation and living with the consequences of councils decisions. Do we want an arena at the other end of the city if we can build in front of the current Pete Palangio site? Or do we place it with Canadore College and Nipissing University where it will be eligible for more funding?”

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Inch lives in the downtown core,coachesgrassroots soccer and enjoys helping and connecting with people thru her massage therapy practice.

Inch studied biology and massage therapy in London Ontario, and philosophy and education at Nipissing University.

Inch hasvolunteeredat Amelia Rising, and worked overseas teaching English in Xian, China.

“Living in China definitely changed the direction of my life. I saw how they respected their elders and prized their children. The average middle income family made do with much less than the average family here. Parents worked hard, long hours for their families, they set goals and patiently pursued them. Honour and tradition matter there,” she said.

“I am not motivated by money, I am not interested in a bigger boat or empty tributes, compliments or praise. I am interested inworking hardand giving back. I am interested in preserving the natural beauty of our community. I enjoy listening to people and connecting with them. I am interested in teaching my children that they have a voice and that they can make a difference. I am interested in turning this city around.”

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Inch says she is stepping up now because she sees ”North Bay needs newleadership.”

“I believe we all have something to contribute. North Bay is home to many talented creative intelligent people.”

Inch says she supports the city’s francophone community and is proud of ourbilingualpopulation, is excited for the resurgence of First Nation languages and believes that leadership can learn a lot from our First Nations.

“We need to tap into the skills and knowledge of our francophone and indigenous community leaders. We need to find newcreativesolutions and move our city forward.”

Inch says the city needs to bring more moneyinto the local economy.

“One way to generate more revenuewould be to simply increase our current recycling program. This year alone the city earned $365,000 in profits from the current recycling program. Why stop there? Let’s getGreen Binsgoing and keep food waste from our landfill. Reduce methane emissions, help make North Bay greener, and add more years to the life of the Merrick dump site.”

Inch says support needs to be given to communityparamedicswho are busy helping our seniors age in place.

“We are an ageing society and the time is now to think about where our seniors are going.If we can reinforce existing community supports, many more seniors will be able to age at home, age in place,safelyand comfortably.”

Sara can be reached atvote4inch@gmail.com,sarainthenorth@gmail.comwww.facebook.com/votesarainch/

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