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Crowd at Oakville Chamber's all-candidates' meeting continued from p.1 Damoff was elected MP of the new Oakville North-Burlington riding in last federal election. The candidates discussed a number of topics, including how they would foster the development of new businesses in Kerr Village and downtown. West River Residents' Association past-president and board member Kowalchuk said offering some level of free parking is one way the Town could encourage more people to visit these areas, and in doing so, draw in more businesses. He pointed out both Burlington and Port Credit offer free downtown parking during the month of December, something that puts Oakville at a competitive disadvantage. McAuley, a retired teacher, called for the improvement of the Kerr Street streetscape and complained about a vacant building, which she said has sat empty in the south of Kerr Village area for 10 years. The candidate charged the property "is a blight on the landscape," and is not contributing to the neighbourhood. "Should there not be a bylaw where vacant and derelict buildings have a time limit put on them? If you are speculating in real estate you should have a certain amount of time to either develop it, rent it or occupy it and if not, their property taxes should go through the roof," said McAuley. Former Miss Mississauga-turned Oakville paralegal McLeod called for the creation of an events calendar and the holding of festivals, art shows and a variety of other events within Kerr improve the streetscape. Energy sector professional Damoff said many local business owners on Kerr Street are supportive of his plan to improve business through better marketing and greater BIA support for newer and smaller enterprises. He said he would also like to see the cost of permits to hold festivals and special events decrease so more events could increase foot traffic. Damoff noted new condos going up at Kerr Street and Speers Road and the 1,000 new residents coming with them are key to the revitalization of Kerr Street. Oakville entrepreneur Neville called for the creation of large numbers of local jobs, but said it can't happen on Kerr Street because there is no room. He said there is room on Speers, Wyecroft and South Service roads and noted a Ward 2 councillor should focus their efforts on bringing these bigger businesses or small high-growth businesses to these areas, so Oakville's young people will be able to find jobs here. Anjum, a community volunteer and motherof-three, called for more community-based activities that emphasize healthy lifestyles. She said these events would bring families, seniors and kids together and create great opportunities for local businesses. Another idea floated by Anjum was the creation of some type of specialized event that see Candidates on p.14 3 | Thursday, April 7, 2016 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com It was a full house at an Oakville Chamber of Commerce-sponsored all-canidates' meeting in anticipation of the Ward 2 by-election being held this coming Monday (April 11). All 11 candidates participated in the forum. | photo by Riziero Vertolli ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) Village on a regular basis to bring new businesses to the area. She said the reintroduction of the Waterfront Festival, greater utilization of Coronation Park and improved accessibility would also draw much needed attention to Kerr Village and the downtown. Oakville businessman Pilcher called for greater consultation with the local BIAs to determine what has worked to bring in businesses in the past and what has not. 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