Gord Armstrong profile

Gord Armstrong

Political/Community Experience:
Served on council for three years and 15 years as Mayor of Rainy River. During this time I also served as the President to the Northwest Ontario Municipal Association (twice) and in this capacity represented the Northwest on the Associated Municipalities of Ontario Board. I also served on Rainycrest Board, Rainy River District Municipal Association, Trillium Board, Rainy River Rec. Board as well as other boards and commissions.

Why are you running for office?
I am running for this office because of a great love for my “Home” town. I was born in Rainy River, grew up in Sleeman, attended Rainy River public and high schools. This town is very special to me. It hurts to see the struggles we are going through–store closures, political unrest, lack of economic development, etc. I want a chance to get things moving.

What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Rainy River?
I believe that the biggest challenge facing Rainy River is the lack of industry and economic development. This tied in with the sewer problem, which for many years we have been unable to resolve, makes for a tough situation.
The town at this time has no vision or action plan to direct how we will accomplish these tasks. When you lack vision of what you want to accomplish, you achieve very little. We need to develop “our” vision and our plans to succeed.
Money of course will always be a challenge, but we need to be innovative in our approach. There are many ways of raising money, but people need to see the purpose, the plans and be given a hope for the future. We must plan well.

If elected what do you plan to do about it?
I will work with the Mayor and Council to develop a vision and plans for our future. We need a short term and long term plan. The bigger and more successful the towns in Northwestern Ontario have developed strategic plans. We need to learn from them. Even the government is more apt to help (i.e. sewer problem) if they see your vision and how you will achieve it. This is not a task for council alone to accomplish but will require the help and support of every one in town.

Tell us about yourself:
I am married to Jeanette. We have two grown children and six grandchildren. I grew up on a farm. Worked in Dryden at the paper mill for 16 years; leaving there as Quality Control Superintendent.
Jeanette and I desired to return home to our town to be closer to our parents and other family. I owned and operated Gord’s Shoes and Sports for 20 years.
Since 1998 I have served as Lay Pastor of the Evangelical Covenant Church.

Do you have a plan or platform you are running on?
My platform is this: We need to make a plan and address our challenges. We need to implement our plan with due diligence and be determined to leave no idea untried until we succeed. Good planning is the key to a successful community.

Other Comments about yourself or the election:
Rainy River is one of the most beautiful and safe places in Ontario to live. It is the responsibility of every person in Rainy River to make and keep it viable. Council must act as the leaders and be the catalyst that makes the work fruitful and exciting. Only as each of us give our “best’ effort will we succeed.