David Mendicino

Before turning to reserves to balance budgets, Council should always ask one important question:

Have we exhausted every opportunity to find efficiencies within our existing operations?

North Bay currently has significant reserve funds, but reserves should primarily be used for:

• One-time capital investments
• Emergency situations
• Leveraging federal and provincial infrastructure grants
• Strategic investments that create long-term value

Using reserves for ongoing operating expenses should remain a last resort.

My approach is simple:

• Responsible spending
• Long-term planning
• Balanced budgets
• Protecting taxpayers

We must:

• Support our local businesses — shop local, shop Canadian
• Support entrepreneurs and innovators
• Reduce unnecessary barriers to development
• Work collaboratively with provincial and federal governments
• Capitalize on emerging economic opportunities
• Supporting our vibrant arts community

Opportunities for Growth

With my extensive experience as a banker, advisor to businesses and my years of public service, I have the knowledge, the energy and the business and government networking all ready in place to lead.

Mining and the Ring of Fire

Northern Ontario's mining sector is experiencing significant activity, and Ring of Fire development presents tremendous long-term opportunities for our region and our 65 local mining companies here in our city.

During my previous terms on Council, the City partnered with a developer to bring 18 affordable entry-level housing lots on former rail lands along Third Avenue to market. While on the Board of DNSSAB I was involved in bringing the Brooks St property to development. Ontario Aboriginal Housing Services will be starting construction of 60 units on this site soon.

Building on that success, I would support:

• Exploring the development potential of remaining rail lands
• Creating more opportunities for affordable home ownership
• Supporting partnerships with housing providers
• Encouraging a mix of market and affordable housing options
• Leverage DNSSAB's Housing Development Reserve Fund ($4 Million) to create affordable housing

We must also help individuals transition from subsidized housing into market housing when circumstances allow, creating space for residents currently waiting for assistance.

We need to ask:

Are we doing everything possible to create the easiest path for builders and investors?

My priorities include:

• Cutting unnecessary red tape
• Improving approval processes
• Creating a business-friendly environment
• Supporting responsible growth
• Encouraging new housing construction

A potential Innovation Hub on approximately 3.5 acres of downtown land could:

• Attract investment
• Create jobs
• Increase downtown activity
• Support educational and medical partnerships
• Strengthen the waterfront district

We have already explored this concept previously and should revisit it as part of a broader downtown strategy.

The success of initiatives such as Port North Bay demonstrates the value of creating vibrant activity hubs that attract people and investment.

Priorities Include:

• Aging roads and infrastructure
• Waterfront development
• Government Dock replacement
• Recreation facilities
• Parks and public spaces

Government Dock Replacement

The Government Dock remains an important asset but continues to deteriorate. Previous Councils completed studies and conceptual planning work for this project. The next Council should pursue replacement opportunities when provincial or federal funding becomes available to access 33 cent dollars.

Waterfront Development

The final phase of Downtown/Waterfront Park should be completed by the next Council. Successive Councils, City staff and volunteers have all worked together to create one of North Bay's greatest attractions, and I am proud to have played a role in that progress.

Civic Hospital Redevelopment

The former Civic Hospital site has sat vacant for too long — it's now an eyesore in the neighborhood. The next Council must work with partners to advance redevelopment and increase housing opportunities on this important property.

Capitol Centre, Creative Industries and Art Related Groups

We are well known for having a vibrant arts and culture scene — it's one of our attractions for families relocating to the city. Council needs to further support this sector.

This property has tremendous potential, and community consultation must be a key part of determining its future.

Before making any decision, Council and residents deserve clear answers:

• What will it cost to maintain and upgrade the facility, and what are the long-term infrastructure requirements?
• What alternative uses could better serve the community?

Potential redevelopment opportunities may include:

• Multi-use park space
• Outdoor skating rink
• Pickleball / Basketball courts
• Community gathering spaces

I support the City's 5-Year Digital Modernization and Customer Service Strategy and believe it must be properly funded to succeed.

Potential improvements include:

• Online recreation registration
• Online facility bookings
• Simplified access to City services
• Modern digital customer service tools
• Improved efficiency and transparency

Technology should make City Hall more accessible and responsive.

The Community Safety and Well-Being Team has made positive progress over the past four years, and this work should continue.

Key priorities include:

• Supporting mental health services
• Supporting addiction recovery services
• Expanding supportive housing initiatives
• Strengthening partnerships among community agencies
• Improving community safety outcomes

The services at Northern Pines provide important support for individuals experiencing homelessness or seeking recovery.

We must remain open to discussing innovative approaches and evidence-based solutions that help vulnerable individuals receive the care they need.

I was reminded of this recently when, as Chair of KidSport North Bay, we partnered with them on the Fill The Bus Campaign. This initiative assists families who could not otherwise afford to put their kids in camp.

The Y provides:

• Services to approximately 5,200 members
• Financial assistance to one in four participants
• Childcare services for hundreds of children
• Employment for more than 270 people
• Camp experiences for nearly 2,000 youth

We need to support our citizens to have a healthy, active lifestyle.

With 10% of our residents utilizing its programs and services, The YMCA is an important piece of North Bay's Community Infrastructure. The usage reflects the growing demand for accessible health, wellness, recreation and Community services. The facility serves a broad and increasingly diverse cross section of our population and works with multiple Community partners.

The Communities needs will continue to grow and evolve. We need to start thinking about how we can responsively invest in and modernize this important asset by improving accessibility and enhancing capacity.

This will ensure the Y's footprint continues to serve the greatest possible benefit to the Community for years to come.

A renewed focus on sport tourism can:

• Bring visitors to the city
• Support local businesses
• Increase hotel occupancy
• Create economic spin-off opportunities

We should continue supporting organizations that successfully attract tournaments and events to North Bay.

Laurentian Ski Hill

Laurentian Ski Hill remains an important community asset and regional attraction. We should continue working toward a vision that supports year-round activity and establishes the hill as a true four-season destination.

Parks and Recreation

• Continued implementation of the Parks Master Plan
• Investment in recreational infrastructure
• Accessible community spaces
• Outdoor recreation opportunities

Council should continue supporting efforts to:

• Improve air connectivity
• Attract carriers that understand Northern Ontario's needs
• Better serve the business community
• Expand aviation-related economic opportunities
• Support the new aviation firms growing at our airport

I would hold discussions with the Nipissing Parry Sound District School Board about potential community uses for the Widdifield Secondary School site.

Creative collaboration often unlocks value that individual organizations cannot achieve alone.

• Federal representatives
• Provincial representatives
• Municipal partners
• Community leaders

These relationships help position North Bay to access funding, advocate effectively, and move important projects forward.

I believe:

• The strength of the team is the team
• Staff should be empowered to think innovatively and bring ideas to Council
• Good decisions come from asking questions and listening
• Progress requires collaboration
• Being open-minded creates opportunities
• Personal responsibility and civic pride help keep North Bay clean, green, and beautiful
• Local government should focus on results, not politics