I was born in North Bay to Fred and Jackie Valenti, who also raised 3 other boys, Frank, Peter and Paul. Our family’s roots in the city date back to 1914 when Fred’s parents emigrated from southern Italy. The family became part of the fabric of this city, notably with Valenti’s Restaurant and as first day members of the Davedi Club.
I have 2 wonderful daughters – Miranda and Tamara – who have recently graduated from Brock & Guelph respectively. I have been active over the years with several Boards and Committees and felt it was time to take my interests to a more advanced level. I believe my experiences and discoveries give me insight into the issues and expectations of the citizens of North Bay.
Experiences & Commitment • Local Realtor for the past 35 years and part of the Century 21 Blue Sky Region Realty team since 2003. I served as President of the North Bay Real Estate Board in 2014. During that time, I was fortunate to visit and explore Thunder Bay’s upgraded waterfront, giving me some insight into the challenges North Bay faces. During the past year I was part of the city’s consultation on secondary units as a member of the North Bay Real Estate Board’s committee. • Since 2004 (till 2017) I was the longest serving member of the city’s Planning & Advisory Committee (PAC). Phased out last year, PAC was a public forum for North Bay citizens to have a healthy discussion on rezoning and development applications. It offered a vital and less confrontational ingredient prior to each applications’ presentation to Council. I would favour its return in a streamlined manner with other factors rationalised as well. • Current chair of the Dionne Quints Heritage Board. One of the Baylor Report’s key points was “reclaiming history” and through the efforts of the DQHB and the Friends Committee, the Dionne home completed a successful journey with its relocation to the waterfront. I have enjoyed being a part of a team that began with many opinions but came together in a selfless undertaking. • In 1977 I founded the North Bay Frisbee Football League – now known as the NB Ultimate Frisbee League. It is one of the oldest frisbee leagues in Canada.
Priorities Fairness – Community – Growth • As a city we need to ensure a level of fairness that balances city liability with unencumbered growth • We need to recognize that a healthy West Ferris is a healthy North Bay
West Ferris Rejuvenation plan • Short and long-term plan to revitalize Ferris • Commitment for Twin-pad arena • Change rooms for Omischl Fields • 5th lane widening for specific areas of Lakeshore Drive (turning lanes) • Exploratory talks with federal & provincial governments for additional entrance to Ferris, that connects Marshall Avenue to Hwy 11. • Potential round-about for Marshall & Booth Road • Refocus government funded infrastructure spending to the Ferris area
Downtown Stabilization initiative • The Baylor report identified “Development of downtown’s quality of place, encouraging people to live, work and play downtown” as important to the vibrancy of the city. • Establish a Police officer on foot in the downtown core from dusk to dawn. Possibly accompanied by a mental health / addiction’s counsellor using recently announced Ontario government funding designed to help 1st Responders deal with mental health issues and receive deescalation training.
Tourism • North Bay is a city with a strong tourism past that has drifted from that prominence. • I see two important aspects to tourism – promoting the draw that will bring people here; and creating that draw that has people spending in our city. While there are various groups out there marketing our city, it is that created draw that the city needs to bring a more significant and leading role to the table. • While the wharf question may take time to answer, there are other parts of the Waterfront plan that could proceed. I believe we can accelerate the incremental stages of this plan, adding the 503 Steam Engine as a static display to a mix that includes the North Bay Museum, Dionne Quints Home Museum, splash pad, carousels, heritage gardens, and hopefully more. • I would promote a City/College/University marketing committee that would give students a chance to give back to the community, as well as gain experience in marketing. It would allow the city to explore and understand social media with the benefits it can bring to students as an opportunity for future local employment.
Summer in the Park When it comes to Summer in the Park, I believe everything should be on the table. That includes name, location, date, price, and expectations.
Name • I would reconsider using “North Bay Heritage Festival”
Location & Events - Waterfront • Locate back to the waterfront • Establish a local Contest with a monetary prize (reasonable of course) • Bandshell needs to face downtown with its back to the lake in order to provide protection from nature
Dates to Consider • Non-holiday weekend • Canada day … “North Bay Canada Day Festival” Prices • Prices must be reasonable • Expectations must coincide with affordability in mind • Possible pricing scenario could be: • Advanced: $15 per day - $20 for 2 wristbands • Advanced: $50 Family Pass – 5 wristbands – can be used in any combination • Concerts at Capitol Centre • Reasonable entertainment. Non-holiday weekend bookings could help on costs • Would provide additional revenue stream for CC • Ticket with wristband ~ $15 - $25 extra • Without wristband ~ $20 - $30 • At door: $20 per person
Policies and Fees • I would support a review of all policies and fees related to residential & commercial construction
Transparency•Transpency is a core value of any public entity. Staff, council, and the mayor are accountable to the public and it is essential that information they communicate is accurate and provided in a timely manner. • It can be enhanced with specific steps, including a review of disclosure policies, a revamped city website and a Communications Officer.
Ed Valenti [email protected]
