Word on the Doorstep- Week 4

Week 4- Are you crazy? Do you think you have thick skin? 

Week 4 was spent finishing County Rd 10, County Rd 11, County Rd 18 and County Rd 24 as well as Mowbray, Crowes, Thompson, Eames, and Miller.

I won’t lie. It was busy. Every night I went from 4 until dark. 

I had many conversations ranging in many of the topics I have covered already. What stuck out most this week was a story about the development process and cost for an individual trying to own the ditch on their property. Something happened many years ago and the plots of ditch frontage were attached to a different property and those who owned the property attached to the ditch did not, which caused problems for them forcing them to a costly debacle to own the frontage to the road- the ditch. This story was absolutely ridiculous. The amount of red tape, cost and kerfuffling (for lack of a better term) was astonishing. There has to be a way to help individual county residents do simple things related to their property. Especially when big developments are able to lobby for amendments to the County’s official plan. It just doesn’t make sense why it seems to take so long for an individual to do something simple and without major consequence yet, a development can amend the Official Plan in a way that could have major impacts on the environment and infrastructure. 

I will be honest, I do not know the path forward for this. Maybe, more plain language documents and more direct instructions for locals to understand confusing planning documents without removing the standards there for large developers to abide and protect the County’s official plan. One thing is certain, and that is that we need to follow our official plan, it is there for a reason to protect land from over development and guide the future of the County in a sustainable way.

Another two comments really stuck out to me this week. One was- Are you crazy? And the other Do you have thick skin?

Yes. To both. I think you have to be a little crazy to put yourself out here like this, walk up to hundreds of strangers' doors all in hopes of maybe earning their vote. I know what I signed up for. It is hardwork, there is lots of scrutiny. I am ready and I am putting in the work to show that I am ready to hit the ground running.

The “do I have thick skin" question goes hand in hand with other comments made along the campaign trail such as; don't let them walk over you, or make your voice heard. 

I have typically been the youngest person in a room and/or the only woman. So I am no stranger to having to fight to be taken seriously. I distinctly remember a class in University. I was doing a presentation, I was the only female in most of my classes during my exchange and this was one of them. I was presenting and during my opponents presentation the class continually interrupted to ask questions, and take up time. During mine, I spoke- it was my time, not theirs, despite their efforts to throw me off as they did to others earlier. I advocated for my point of view and I did not let anyone speak over me. I did not just have to do this during presentations. I also encountered this during discussion and seminars. 

This is just a small example of my ability to be confident and advocate in a room full of strong opinions. So, I can assure you this is not something I need to learn on the job.

I hope that I have led by example and been able to earn your vote. Stay tuned for my last and final campaign edition tomorrow. As always, find past editions on my website and contact me if you have any questions, comments or concerns.

Best,

Emily Jane Pickstock

2026 Candidate for Athol Councillor