Jeff Schall

Asked Biography/Why are you running?

With no incumbent in the Carr’s Landing Ward this municipal election, I am running to provide experienced, common-sense leadership that protects our neighborhood’s unique rural charm, preserves our lake foreshore, and manages tax dollars efficiently.

Asked Biography/Why are you running?

I have called Lake Country home for nearly 20 years. As a local Realtor and former Treasurer of the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce, I understand our local economy, housing pressures, and the importance of fiscal oversight.

Asked What is the most important topic that needs to be dealt with in Lake Country and how would you go about dealing with it?

The residents of Carr’s Landing deserve a fully independent voice on Council. I believe Carr’s Landing cannot afford a part-time voice at City Hall. I am running to offer 100 per cent representation, 100 per cent of the time.

Asked Lake Country businesses often struggle to recruit and retain employees because of housing costs and availability. What actions would you support to increase attainable workforce housing?

With single-detached homes in our area costing about $1 million, we need to focus not just on increasing supply, but on building the right types of housing.

Asked Lake Country businesses often struggle to recruit and retain employees because of housing costs and availability. What actions would you support to increase attainable workforce housing?

Developing diverse, attainable housing—like micro-suites, studios, entry-level condos, and rentals—in the Town Centre helps workers live where they work.

Asked What is the most important topic that needs to be dealt with in Lake Country and how would you go about dealing with it?

The most critical issue facing Carr’s Landing is an independent voice from unbiased pressure during a period of massive local development. Our ward is home to generational agricultural lands, sensitive ecosystems, and massive commercial and resort-style projects.

Asked What is the most important topic that needs to be dealt with in Lake Country and how would you go about dealing with it?

I will bring total transparency, deep professional insight, and an uncompromised vote to the Council table to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with growth, unifying and upgrading our fractured water systems, and our community’s voice is always heard first.

Asked At the end of your four-year term, what measurable results should Lake Country businesses use to determine whether you successfully improved the local business environment?

First, we need to get shovel-ready infrastructure in the ground so the Business Park can transition smoothly from a zoning map into active commercial spaces.

Asked How would you control municipal spending and keep commercial property taxes, business-licensing costs and other municipal fees affordable?

The District needs to focus on expanding the overall tax base rather than raising fees. The most sustainable way to keep taxes low for existing businesses is to bring new business taxpayers into Lake Country.

Asked How would you control municipal spending and keep commercial property taxes, business-licensing costs and other municipal fees affordable?

We should be aggressively moving industrial and commercial lands from planning to active development which would create a larger tax pool.

Asked At the end of your four-year term, what measurable results should Lake Country businesses use to determine whether you successfully improved the local business environment?

Second, we must diversify our tax base by successfully attracting new commercial and light industrial tenants, which directly relieves the pressure on residential taxpayers.

Asked How would you address traffic congestion, parking limitations and transportation challenges affecting employees, customers and commercial deliveries?

I think the Ministry of Transportation is far more likely to fund projects that are “shovel ready” and backed by local data.

Asked How would you address traffic congestion, parking limitations and transportation challenges affecting employees, customers and commercial deliveries?

Regarding the Glenmore / 97 connection - the ALC gave reasons and we need to respond with mitigating strategies and form a Plan B.

Asked What specific changes would you support to make building permits, development applications, inspections and business approvals faster and more predictable?

I think we should try to move our permit process to a standardized digital hub. A single portal allows business to view exact checklist requirements upfront, track progress in real time, submit payments and request site inspections.

Asked What is your plan to attract new businesses and investment while also supporting established locally owned businesses?

For New Large and existing large scale commercial projects assign a single point of contact staff member to guide them through the permitting process, thus reducing bureaucratic delays.

Asked What are the three most important actions the District should take to support the growth and success of local businesses?

1. Accelerate & Streamline permitting & licensing2. Continue to develop the Lake Country Business Park & bring the business to Lake Country with confidence3. Formalize a joint Council - Chamber resource committee

Asked What steps would you support to improve public safety, cleanliness and security in Lake Country’s commercial areas?

Business owners would securely register the presence of their external cameras with the local detachment. If a crime occurs on the block, the RCMP can instantly identify nearby angles, request relevant footage, speed up investigations, and get repeat offenders off our commercial streets faster.

Asked What steps would you support to improve public safety, cleanliness and security in Lake Country’s commercial areas?

Create a Voluntary Business CCTV Registry -Investigating property thefts or break-ins can drag on if the RCMP has to knock on dozens of doors just to see who has operational security cameras.

Asked How would you ensure businesses receive adequate notice and meaningful consultation before roadwork, construction or other municipal projects disrupt access, parking or customer traffic?

Construction is necessary for growth, but municipal communication must match the speed of business. To prevent sudden disruptions, Lake Country needs to shift from a “Check-the-Box” notification system to a Business first communication framework.

Asked How should the District work with the Lake Country Chamber of Commerce and local businesses when developing policies, budgets and long-term economic plans?

We should strengthen ties between the District & The Chamber through increased Chamber meetings or joint committees.