Jobyna Powath loves the Stratford Festival, but wishes that the city’s other strengths got the same love as tourism.
Powath has put her name forward in the 2022 municipal election as a prospective councillor.
Born and raised in Stratford, Powath has seen the city change.
“I’ve watched it get better, I’ve watched it get worse,” she said in a conversation with StratfordToday. “I've also watched – especially for the last few years – things that are happening within our council and how they're interacting with our city. I think they can be better and I'm hoping that I can be one of those people that can make it better.”
Transparency and accountability are the key issues for Powath in this election. Recent contentious issues at city council, such as the municipal accomodation tax (MAT) and the indefinitely suspended Xinyi glass factory, have spurned her and others to take a second look at council.
The municipal accommodations tax is a way to increase revenue from tourists and visitors. It is a four per cent tax imposed on visitors staying in short term accommodations such as hotels, motels and B&Bs.
The infamous glass factory proposed by Xinyi Canada in the southwest end of town was criticized by local groups for in-camera discussions and a lack of community consultation. Critics pointed out that Stratford citizens did not want this in their backyard, even if it brought jobs to the city.
Both projects, Powath says, represent a fundamental truth: that not just a handful of people should decide everything in the city. She is proposing to have more involvement from city residents in big decisions.
Powath said while the Stratford Festival and the tourism side of the city, in general, are commendable, Stratford’s manufacturing side hasn’t had the same level of investment. She points out that both industries are equal in representation of the city’s identity, both established in the 1950's. The current council does not reflect the blue-collar side of the city, Powath said.
Powath works in quality assurance at Schaeffler Group's aerospace facility. While she does not have a background in public service, she does have experience in representing people, as an employee representative and team leader.
“I’m used to representing people. I’d like to do that for the entire city of Stratford, not just my company."
Powath brings something valuable to the table, she said.
“Freshness. Different ideas. I am a voice of the people. I listen to both sides, I make my own decisions, regardless as to what my sign says … I think that it's time for a change. I think it's time for fresh blood. I think that it's time for a new way of thinking.”
Another issue that is close to her heart is housing. While many people want affordable and attainable housing, recent controversy around the project proposed for the Golden Bamboo site had her concerned. A four-storey, 36-unit building was proposed at the site and several homes on Ontario Street. Neighbours raised concerns about how the project fits into the neighbourhood – a registered heritage corridor. No final decisions were made and further discussions on the proposal are planned.
In Stratford's housing crisis, the city needs to capitalize on the space within the city for potential housing, otherwise, people needing affordable housing will be delegated to the edges of the city, away from basic necessities, Powath said.
People want affordable housing until it's in their backyard, she noted.
Powath is aware that running for city council opens her up to criticism, and while it caused hesitation when first considering to run – it didn’t last.
“Do I really want to do this? Do I have the backbone for this? Yeah, I do. My parents came to Canada – my mom in 1967, my dad in 1973 – and they instilled in me that I can do anything. So I'm gonna do it.”
The deadline to file or withdraw a nomination is Friday, Aug. 19. Municipal elections are scheduled to take place across the province Oct. 24.
For questions regarding the municipal election, contact the city clerk's office by email at [email protected] or by phone at 519-271-0250 extension 5237.
