Elected Oct 19, 2024!
Hi, I’m Jon
I have called Bear River home for over 20 years and it is where my wife and I decided to start our business (Sissiboo Coffee Roaster) and raise our family.
I love the challenge and creativity that comes with being an entrepreneur and employer.
I am also a committed volunteer, spending 15 years on the Bear River Board of Trade and Hillsborough Water Societies and 8 years as a firefighter with the Bear River Volunteer Fire department.
“As a longtime resident of Annapolis County , I want to say Thank You to Jon Welch for putting his name forward for Municipal Council in District 6. John is a well respected and community-minded business person. He and his family have spent their lives supporting their community and volunteering to make things better for others.
He’s not someone who has suddenly appeared on the scene and is “talking to talk.” Jon has worked in the community and has “walked the walk!” If you want strong representation by someone who has a proven track record, I would urge you to support Jon.”
Heather McCormick
Why I’m Running
From the forests to the oceans and the communities inbetween, I love this region and want to see it thrive!
For the past 20 years I have been committed to community development work through my involvement with various local organizations.
I understand the commitment and steady perseverance required to get a job done when dealing with any level of government.
My Philosophy
I am passionate about creating an environment where small businesses and small-town culture thrives.
I approach every issue with a personal commitment to becoming as informed as possible before forming an opinion. I am a naturally curious person, and in-depth research is important to me.
I’ve had the pleasure and honour of working with incredible people in our community to achieve great things together.
Committed to Community
Change isn’t about one person — it’s about many of us pulling in the same direction.
The best change is when we work together for the betterment of all. We all contribute to our community in unique ways.
From October 7th to 19th, I hope you can support me to be your community advocate!
“Jon Welch–it’s been a truly amazing story watching Jon and his family grow a business. Morning Lattes have become a routine and I am always guaranteed a smile. With that smile comes a commitment to our small town.
I am excited for his next journey, not just for his story but for all of ours. I have watched Jon spend countless hours trying to bring a certain level of pride to Bear River and prioritizing bringing water to the downtown core.
Jon has the ability to bring people together for the betterment of all. His vision and determination is one that is evident in his day to day life. His cultural awareness is one that is graceful and comfortable. He truly is a great ally, treaty partner…most importantly a great human being.”
Carol Ann Potter, Councillor for L’sitkuk, Bear River First Nation
My Priorities
Here are my six priorities for our community. I’d love to hear your feedback!
Housing
Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to live. That’s why I’m focused on making housing more accessible for families, newcomers, renters and first-time homebuyers in our community.
Here is what I’m focused on
1. Cost Reduction: Reduce minimum square ft requirement for building permits and mortgages, allow alternative utility & rainwater systems to lower costs.
2. Transparent Review of Existing Infrastructure: Regularly review and improve our roads, water, and public services to support more housing.
3. Creative Use of Existing Infrastructure: Turn empty buildings into affordable housing and make it easier to add rental suites.
4.Review of Dangerous and Unsightly properties
Protect Community Infrastructure & Ensure Transparency
We need to ensure our community assets work for the majority. Transparency between county and residents is a process that can continually be improved.
Here’s what I’m focused on
1. Review Regional Assets: Let’s prioritize resources for the sustainable, collective good—making sure our community thrives long-term.
2. Improve communication and transparency between County Officials and Residents. Learn from past disasters like the closing of the Basin Centre, the closure of Upper Clements Park and the Tri-County Waste Management debacle.
3. Greener Transportation: Improve bus services with more frequent runs and routes that reach unserviced areas, so everyone has access. When resurfacing roads, make it mandatory that shoulders get paved to ensure safety for cyclist
4. Responsible Partnerships: Ensure the county only does business with partners who meet our standards for ethics and sustainability. Establish well-defined protocols that eliminate any conflicts of interest.
5. Fundy Hospice: Prioritize completion of this important community asset.
Zoning By-Laws Review
Review of our county’s rules and regulations to ensure they work for everyone involved. Advocate for fair, sensible decisions.
Here’s what I’m focusing on:
1. Zoning By-Laws Review: Let’s assess our current zoning laws to make sure they support responsible growth and development across our community.
2. Government Ombudsperson: Push for Zoning By-Law Review Government Ombudsperson so that fair, by-partisan process is on offer
3. Levy on Accommodations: Review the accommodation levy to ensure it’s fair and beneficial to both visitors and local businesses.
4. Small Business Support: Make sure zoning supports the character and charm that small businesses contribute to our region.
Environment
Our beautiful county faces important environmental challenges that we must tackle to preserve it for future generations.
Here’s what we need to focus on:
1. Shoreline Protection against Inappropriate Developments: Push the province to implement the Coastal Protection Act and Regulations, and press council to pass municipal bylaws on coastal protection
2. Ban Glyphosate Spraying: Pressure the province to ban glyphosate spraying once and for all. Push council to take a unified stand against this practice.
3. Sustainable Forestry and Renewable Energy: Promote sustainable logging practices to protect our forests, wildlife, and water quality and incentivize woodlot owners to keep their trees standing. Push for nano renewable energy projects well suited to our environment. Make remediation costs mandatory to any company’s business plan.
4. Water Protection: Take steps to prevent pollution from agriculture, septic systems, and industrial activities ending up in our water systems. Prioritize installation of septic infrastructure where it doesn’t exist.
Review of recreational assets
Our community deserves recreational spaces that everyone can enjoy!
Here’s what I’m working on
1. Playgrounds for All: Ensure every community has access to safe, fun playgrounds
2. Multi-Age Recreation: Prioritize recreational opportunities that cater year round to all age groups.
3. Trail Review: Assess and improve our trails and signage to make exploring our beautiful county easier for all.
Honouring Culture & Building Community in Annapolis County
Our rich cultural heritage is key to our identity, and we must continue efforts to strengthen it.
Here’s what I’m focused on:
1. Reconciliation with First Nations: Follow the TRC’s recommendations for meaningful reconciliation with local First Nations communities—honoring their history, culture, and rights.
2. Promote Local Culture: Celebrate the diverse cultures that make Annapolis County special by supporting the arts and cultural initiatives.
3. Preserve Heritage: Protect and preserve the cultural landmarks and traditions that tell the story of our community.
Have a Question?
No Question is Too Big or Too Small
jon4council@gmail.com
902-250-0120
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