FREDERICTON - Today, mayoral candidate Matthew Hayes
unveiled his platform for a stronger local economy that fosters meaningful
business opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Hayes says that diverse local
businesses make Fredericton’s economy stronger.
“We have an opportunity to promote healthy,
smart development of Fredericton’s economy,” says Hayes. Subsidizing an economy
that can be found anywhere else undermines Fredericton’s special qualities and hurts
Fredericton’s economy.
Locally-owned businesses keep more money in
our community, and help make our economy more resilient. Hayes wants to see
City Council update the city’s zoning policy in ways that will encourage
development of local businesses.
“Because the city is years late on a
required zoning by-law review that would allow limited mixed use development,
we’re missing out on opportunities for entrepreneurs in neighbourhoods
throughout Fredericton,” says Hayes.
Hayes intends to elaborate on these ideas
during a Wednesday evening debate against incumbent mayor Brad Woodside. The
debate is coordinated by the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce.
