A PRACTICAL PLATFORM FOR GODERICH
I am seeking the opportunity to continue serving the Town of Goderich in a new role as Deputy Mayor. I have been honoured to serve my first term on Goderich Council, and I am now running for a second term of Council service, this time as Deputy Mayor.
This campaign is built on practical priorities, fair decision-making, and a continued commitment to accountability, integrity, and transparency.
Goderich is a strong community, but we face real pressures: access to healthcare, the need for local economic growth, aging infrastructure, and the increasing cost of services that support not only our residents, but the surrounding area as well. My platform is focused on addressing those issues in a way that is responsible, balanced, and in the best interests of our community.
Goderich must continue to protect what makes us special while also preparing for the future. That means recruiting doctors, supporting local business, attracting responsible investment, improving roads and infrastructure, and ensuring that our community continues to live up to its reputation as the “Prettiest Town in Canada.”
1) HEALTHCARE ACCESS & DOCTOR RECRUITMENT
Healthcare access must remain a top priority.
Too many residents of all ages still do not have access to a family doctor. In a community like ours, council must continue to support practical solutions that help attract and retain physicians.
I believe the Town needs to take a patient-first approach to doctor recruitment. If a physician is willing to serve the people of Goderich and help address the shortage of family doctors, our policies should support that outcome.
In March 2026, Council voted not to reopen discussion on expanding the boundary for where a family physician may live and still qualify for the Town’s recruitment subsidy. I believe that decision was short-sighted and not focused on what is best for residents who need care. What matters most is not where a physician lives, but whether they are prepared to care for the people of Goderich.
My commitment: I intend to bring forward a motion for reconsideration so Council can revisit this issue in a way that reflects the realities of rural healthcare and the need of local residents.
2) STRONG LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Goderich needs a strong local focus on its own economic future.
That is why I support the ongoing work of the newly formed Economic Development Committee. Our town needs its own committee focused on the specific needs and opportunities of our community.
Economic development should not be about growth for the sake of growth. It should be about the right growth in the right places — growth that creates jobs, supports local business, strengthens our commercial and industrial tax base, and builds long-term value for Goderich.
This includes focusing on:
- smart use of town-owned land
- enhancing and marketing shovel-ready employment lands
- focused industrial and commercial growth
- attracting complementary industries
- supporting local business expansion and investment
- strengthening the commercial and industrial tax base
- improving roads and infrastructure that support growth
- making municipal processes clearer, faster, and more predictable
- protecting and improving the overall appearance of our community
SHOVEL-READY LAND AND INVESTMENT READINESS
One of the most important tools in economic development is having land that is ready for investment.
When a business, employer, developer, or industry is prepared to invest, timing matters. Communities that can respond quickly and clearly are more likely to attract serious opportunities. If land is not serviced, not properly marketed, or surrounded by uncertainty, investment can be delayed or lost entirely.
Goderich should take a more proactive approach to enhancing and marketing shovel-ready employment lands. This means identifying suitable lands for commercial and industrial growth and ensuring the Town understands what is required to make those lands investment-ready.
This includes reviewing:
- servicing capacity
- road access
- zoning and planning readiness
- drainage and stormwater requirements
- utility needs
- environmental considerations
- transportation access
- future infrastructure requirements
The Town should maintain a clear inventory of available employment lands and understand the status of each property. For each opportunity, we should know what is ready now, what requires further work, and what barriers need to be removed.
The goal is not to approve every project or lower municipal standards. The goal is to be prepared, organized, and responsive when responsible investment opportunities arise.
A PROJECT LIAISON TO HELP CUT THROUGH RED TAPE
When a serious investor, employer, or developer is ready to move forward, the Town should not leave them trying to navigate the process alone.
I believe Goderich should assign a dedicated project liaison for major economic development opportunities. This does not necessarily need to be a new full-time position. It could be an assigned responsibility within the Town’s economic development or senior staff structure. The important point is that major investment opportunities should have a clear municipal contact who is responsible for helping move the process forward.
The project liaison would help guide investors through the municipal process, coordinate with staff and outside agencies, identify red tape early, and work toward a clearly communicated and expedited turnaround wherever possible.
The project liaison would help:
- guide investors through municipal approvals
- identify required steps early in the process
- coordinate communication between departments and agencies
- flag delays, duplication, or unnecessary barriers
- provide clear timelines and expectations
- help ensure applications are complete
- support an expedited turnaround wherever possible
Being open for business does not mean cutting corners. It means being professional, responsive, and organized so good opportunities are not lost because of delay, confusion, or unnecessary barriers.
A COMMITMENT TO AN EXPEDITED TURNAROUND
A major concern for businesses and developers is uncertainty. They need to know what is required, who they need to speak with, and how long the process is likely to take.
Goderich should commit to an expedited and clearly communicated turnaround process for major economic development opportunities. This does not mean automatic approval. It means timely review, clear expectations, and better coordination.
A practical expedited process could include:
- an early intake meeting for major projects
- a clear checklist of required information
- early identification of planning, servicing, and infrastructure issues
- coordinated staff review
- regular communication with the applicant
- clear timelines for next steps
- early escalation of major barriers or delays
This type of approach benefits everyone. Investors get clarity. Staff get better information earlier. Council receives better-prepared recommendations. Residents benefit from a more organized and transparent process.
The goal is to create a municipal culture that is responsive, practical, and solution-focused.
SUPPORTING EXISTING LOCAL BUSINESSES
Economic development is not only about attracting new businesses. It is also about supporting the businesses that are already here.
Local businesses provide jobs, services, sponsorships, donations, and community leadership. They support our downtown, our industrial areas, our tourism sector, and our local economy. The Town should make sure existing businesses are not overlooked while pursuing new investment.
Supporting local business means listening to their concerns, understanding barriers to expansion, and ensuring municipal policies are practical and fair.
This includes looking at issues such as parking, signage, permitting, traffic flow, construction disruption, accessibility, by-law clarity, downtown beautification, and communication with Town Hall.
When existing businesses grow, the whole community benefits.
My commitment: I will support a local economic development strategy that is practical, responsive, and focused on preparing Goderich for responsible growth, including shovel-ready lands, an expedited investment process, stronger support for local business, and a stronger commercial and industrial tax base.
3) INFRASTRUCTURE, ROADS AND COMMUNITY PRIDE
Economic development and quality of life depend on strong infrastructure.
If we want to attract investment, support local businesses, welcome visitors, and maintain pride in our community, we need to continue improving the basic infrastructure people rely on every day.
This includes roads, sidewalks, accessibility, drainage, stormwater management, traffic flow, public spaces, entrances into town, downtown improvements, and waterfront infrastructure.
Roads are one of the most visible services a municipality provides. When roads are in poor condition, residents notice. Businesses notice. Visitors notice. Investors notice. Better roads support safety, accessibility, tourism, commerce, and community pride.
Goderich needs a disciplined and long-term approach to infrastructure renewal. Not everything can be done at once, but we need to be clear about priorities and committed to steady improvement.
This includes focusing on:
- improving road conditions
- maintaining sidewalks and accessibility
- improving drainage and stormwater management
- supporting safe traffic flow
- maintaining attractive entrances into town
- investing in downtown and waterfront infrastructure
- coordinating road work with underground infrastructure needs
- using long-term asset management planning to guide decisions
Improving roads is not only about pavement. It is about confidence. It shows that the Town is taking care of the basics and planning for the future.
LIVING UP TO "THE PRETTIEST TOWN IN CANADA"
Goderich has long been known as the “Prettiest Town in Canada.” That reputation is an asset, but it must be protected and strengthened.
This claim should be more than a slogan. It should be reflected in the condition of our roads, public spaces, parks, entrances, downtown, waterfront, sidewalks, streetscapes, signage, landscaping, and overall appearance.
Community appearance matters. It affects tourism, resident pride, business attraction, investment confidence, and quality of life. A clean, attractive, well-maintained community tells people that Goderich cares about itself and its future.
Improving the appearance of the community does not always require large spending. It can also come from better coordination, maintenance standards, beautification efforts, partnerships, volunteer support, service club involvement, and thoughtful planning.
The Town should continue to support beautification and improvement efforts that enhance:
- the downtown core
- the Square
- key entrances into Goderich
- parks and public spaces
- waterfront areas
- sidewalks and pedestrian areas
- public signage and wayfinding
- landscaping and streetscaping
If we are going to claim to be the prettiest town in Canada, we should make that a standard we work toward every year.
My commitment: I will support a stronger infrastructure plan that prioritizes better roads, responsible asset management, improved public spaces, and continued investment in the beauty, pride, and appearance of Goderich.
4) FAIR COST SHARING FOR SHARED SERVICES
Shared services should mean shared costs.
Goderich plays an important regional role, and we should be proud of that. But our taxpayers cannot continue to carry a disproportionate share of the cost for services that are used by a much broader area.
Healthcare, emergency services, law enforcement, and recreation all place major pressure on the Town’s finances. These are essential services, but when the benefit extends beyond our borders, the cost should be shared more fairly as well.
We need to continue working with those around us to ensure there is a balanced approach to shared services — not just some of them, but all of them.
This includes continued work toward fairer cost-sharing for:
- healthcare support
- emergency services
- law enforcement
- recreation and community facilities
This is not about stepping back from leadership. Goderich should continue to lead. But leadership does not mean carrying an unfair share of the financial load.
My commitment: I will continue working toward a balanced and fair approach to regional cost sharing so Goderich taxpayers are treated fairly.
"Goderich doesn’t need more talk, it needs steady, practical leadership that turns ideas into action and delivers results for our community. We move forward when we work together. I will be a Deputy Mayor who collaborates, stays accountable, and keeps the focus on what’s best for Goderich."
ACCOUNTABILITY, INTEGRITY & TRANSPARENCY
Throughout my service, I have made a commitment to lead with accountability, integrity, and transparency, and that commitment will continue.
Residents deserve elected officials who are open, honest, and prepared to explain their decisions. They deserve a council that listens, acts responsibly, and remains focused on the best interests of the community.
These principles will continue to guide how I serve.
Business Leader
Coldest Night
Goderich Supporter
"Good decisions start with listening. For the past four years, I’ve taken the time to hear what matters to residents, and I’m committed to continue bringing those voices directly to the council table."
EXPERIENCE & COMMUNITY SERVICE
My record of service reflects a long-standing commitment to Goderich through both municipal leadership and broader community involvement.
Municipal and Council Appointments
As part of my council service, I have served on the following committees and boards:
- Board Member, Goderich BIA
- Member, Goderich Fire Committee
- Member, Downtown Revitalization Committee
- Member, Economic Development Committee
- Board Member, Bluewater Recycling Association
Public Life and Community Involvement
My broader community involvement has included service in a number of leadership roles, including:
- President, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 109, Goderich
- President, Goderich Memorial Community Committee
- Board Member, MADD
- Board of Directors, Community Living Huron Perth
I believe public service is not limited to one table. It means showing up, staying involved, and working with others to strengthen the community in meaningful ways.
Goderich Legion President
Community Leader
Consumer Advocate
"This community isn’t just where we live, it’s what we’re responsible for. I will make decisions that protect what matters today while building a stronger Goderich for the years ahead."
A CONTINUED COMMITMENT TO SERVE
My family’s roots are in this community and Goderich has always been where my heart is. I have a desire to be an even larger part of this community, to give back to this community and bring my solid business and political background to serve those who live and work here.
Ultimately, I initially ran for Goderich Council because I saw an opportunity to serve and represent the taxpayers of Goderich and use my past experience on the other side of the table as Councillor.
Now, I launch my campaign for Deputy Mayor. This campaign is not about starting something new. It is about continuing to serve this community and continuing the work that still needs to be done.
I am proud of the work already underway, but I know there is more to do. I am asking for your support so I can continue standing up for Goderich, continue focusing on practical priorities, and continue bringing
accountability, integrity, and transparency to the council table.
I would be honoured to earn your support for a second term as Deputy Mayor of Goderich.
GET IN TOUCH WITH ME!
You can contact me by phone or by using the form on this site for general inquiries, volunteer opportunities, or media requests.
GET IN TOUCH
© Copyright 2026 - Randy Carroll for Deputy Mayor, Goderich