A local restaurant owner is throwing his name in the ring to become one of the region’s six Ward One Councillors.

Gareth Norris, who owns Paddy McSwiggins, is planning to run in this year’s municipal election – joining Joseph Mugodo, Jennifer Vardy, Funke Banjoko, Alex McKenzie, and Rene Wells.

He tells Mix News he decided to run after seeing many residents share concerns about a lack of direction for the region.

Norris says this new council needs to treat the municipality as a business.

“We have a budget, we have accountability and responsibility, at least we should. We’ve seemed to have lost focus on that.”

He also believes council needs to do better in promoting the region as more than a ‘one-trick pony.’

From the vast beauty of the region to all the communities which call the area home, Norris wants people inside and outside of the region to know what opportunities are available.

“You don’t have to work at site to have a wonderful lifestyle here, there’s so much opportunities available and I think people aren’t aware of it.”

He also sees the region’s rich Indigenous history and culture being underutilized.

“There’s a wealth of information and history there that only enhances who we are and what we are and I think that needs to be harnessed.”

The election is scheduled for October 18, 2021.