Bob Runciman has represented the Leeds-Grenville area for 21 years at Queen's Park, the home of the Ontario Legislature. Following two terms on city council in Brockville, Runciman ran for the seat vacated by the late James A.C. Auld.
He has served on both sides of the house during his career, first in government and then later in opposition during the reign of the Liberals and then the NDP. He was instrumental in the amazing election victory of the Progressive Conservative Party under Mike Harris in 1995.
Since then he has served in four cabinet portfolios and currently is the Minister of Public Safety and Security, responsible for all police and firefighter services in the province, correctional facilities and security. Previously he was Solicitor General and Minister of Corrections, Minister of Consumer and Commercial Relations and Minister of Economic, Development and Trade.
His duties now also include Chairman of Cabinet.
In this interview, Runciman offers his opinions on a number of issues raised
by the newspaper.
What is your view on communities within Leeds and Grenville taking a regional approach to activities, such as economic development or in making applications for programs such as being considered as a tax incentive zone?
Runciman: I am very supportive of a regional approach. I believe it's critically important that we look at Leeds-Grenville as a unit, not a group of competing municipalities. Historically, there are many ties within Leeds-Grenville and we have a strong sense of overall community that should compel us to work closely together for the good of everyone.
I can appreciate that our municipalities have different ideas in some of their development goals but I think there is an overall vision that requires each one of us to co-operate for the success of everyone.
Regional growth and investments benefits everyone. I am pleased to see municipalities exploring ways to work together on economic development because success in one municipality spills over to its neighbours.
Efficiencies of scale help municipalities to provide a better level of service for their constituents and provide a stronger voice in seeking out programs that can enhance these services.
The provincial government is currently evaluating reports from the consultations on tax incentive zones and based on the information received will soon announce six pilot projects across Ontario. The consultation process that included a session in Brockville provided the government with some excellent ideas on the concept of tax incentive zones and I believe implementation of these zones has the potential not only to attract new industry and business across Ontario but to give these areas the tools they need to retain the industry and business they have.
What benefits can we expect to see from the opening of the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre in the spring of 2003?
Runciman: The project has already provided many benefits in the form of construction jobs and will continue to do so until the total complex is completed in the fall of 2004. The first phase involves construction of a new 100-bed treatment centre and a 44-bed forensic unit that will open in April 2003. Within the next month, tenders will be called for the second phase that will involve construction of a 300-bed corrections unit and a 50-bed remand centre. In all, the project will involve spending of $102 million.
From the standpoint of jobs, the new complex will have at least 650 employees compared to the 450 that were employed at the Brockville Psychiatric Hospital. Of course, many of the employees will be the same ones but there is going to be an overall increase of 200 jobs. Many of these jobs will be high-end professional positions. In addition, there will be 30 mental health beds incorporated into the new Brockville General Hospital.
More importantly, there is a tremendous opportunity for future growth. This will be a unique facility _ a psychiatric hospital located within a correctional facility. We hope the programs offered here will be the model for correction facilities of the future. Ideas that have been discussed include making the St. Lawrence Centre a site for research _ a satellite campus of an Ottawa university _ with the goal of finding better ways to deal with prisoners with mental health problems. We have discussed the possibility of establishing a chronic care unit for older federal inmate through a contract with the federal government.
I see significant potential for future growth as we develop new programs to rehabilitate prisoners in the provincial corrections system. We hope the programs we offer will attract the interest of other jurisdictions allowing the complex to serve as a training centre.
It's difficult now to estimate the annual payroll but you can be sure the positive impact of 650 jobs will be significant for local business.
What can be done to offset the plant closures and job losses experienced in the southern areas of Leeds-Grenville?
Runciman: I don't want to downplay the tragedy of the closings of SCI-Sanmina and Aimtronics and plants in Gananoque. They have had a terrible impact on manufacturing employees in these two centres. But I remain optimistic about the future of Leeds-Grenville.
The new 1000 Islands Charity Casino in Gananoque has provided jobs for 450 people and many more jobs have been created in the neighbouring area to accommodate the huge increase in visits to the area. More importantly, the casino will allow the Gananoque tourism business to grow year-round.
Already, a new hotel/convention centre has been proposed for the Leeds-Thousand Islands area and I believe there will other similar projects announced in the near future. The casino revenues shared by Gananoque and Leeds and the Thousand Islands will allow these municipalities to improve their infrastructure towards the goal of attracting more development.
In Brockville, a number of small industries continue to grow and add employees. History tells us that industry evolves over time, with some manufacturing plants closing and others starting. Think of the number of plants that disappeared in the 1950s and '60s _ Stetson's Hats, Orient Hosiery, Smart's Foundries, Johnston Shoe _ only be to be replaced by new ones.
I think the opportunities for tourism growth is tremendous. Resources in Brockville, such as the islands and the historic railway tunnel have enormous potential not yet realized.
North Grenville is enjoying fantastic growth through the completion of Highway 416 and the benefits are moving southward along the corridor. The major commercial development in Prescott I believe will attract more business. Open waterfront in South Grenville, the seaport at Johnstown, and expansion southward from Ottawa will attract more economic growth opportunities in the future.
Do you expect the southern end of Leeds-Grenville will in the near future experience the same prosperity and development currently being experienced in North Grenville?
Runciman: Ultimately, but municipalities will have to work at it. It's crucial that municipalities work towards keeping tax rates low, creating business-friendly environments, and working as a regional unit. They must be innovative in their thinking and be prepared to make investments that will attract more business. We must work to take advantage of the resources we have.
Our area of the St. Lawrence River has become an international centre for scuba diving but we really haven't explored all the business opportunities that this sport can bring us.
Downtown revitalization is essential but so to is the benefit that can be realized
from developing the potential of the railway tunnel and islands in Brockville.
What role have you and the Ontario government played in promoting economic growth
in Leeds-Grenville?
Runciman: I believe the Ontario government has played a major role in improving the economic environment in Leeds-Grenville and I am pleased that I have been able to help in the process.
The 1000 Islands Charity Casino has been a tremendous boost to the southern
part of Leeds-Grenville, not just Gananoque and Leeds and the Thousand Islands.
The casino cost $54 million and provided construction jobs for more than 400
workers.
It has helped to make Leeds-Grenville a destination point for visitors and I
believe attractions all along the St. Lawrence River are starting to feel the
benefits. Summer theatres, museums, and historical sites are attracting more
visitors and businesses are benefiting from this extra traffic.
Capital investment in Leeds-Grenville has never been higher. The St. Lawrence Valley Treatment and Correctional Centre will cost $102 million when completed. The courthouse reconstruction and expansion in Brockville is progressing well and the new $10 million complex will re-invigorate the downtown area. The province is providing more than $23 million for the reconstruction and expansion of the Brockville General Hospital.
Expansion of Maple View Lodge in Athens is under way with a $5 million pricetag. Still to come is reconstruction of St. Lawrence Lodge and the St. Vincent de Paul Centre for Continuing Care. These projects will involve huge investments and will produce hundreds of jobs.
Some months ago, the site selection team for NuComm International visited the area and decided against locating here. My ministry at the time, Economic, Development and Trade, was able to convince company owners to take another look at Brockville. The result was the decision of the call centre company to locate in Brockville and that has produced 450 jobs and there is potential for substantial growth in the future.
Electoral boundaries may be changing in Canada _ how will this effect Leeds-Grenville?
Runciman: This is a federal initiative that I don't think is necessary. We
are an over-governed country now. In Ontario, we reduced the number of ridings
from 130 to 103 prior to the last election and the federal government appears
to be moving in the opposite direction by increasing ridings.
The proposal to break up Leeds-Grenville doesn't make any sense; I see it as
a real step backwards. If boundaries are changed, it won't affect the next provincial
election.
What is the status of the Fantasia Theme Park proposal that was announced with great fanfare more than a year ago?
Runciman: As of today, the proponents of Fantasia have still not submitted a proposal to the Ontario Racing Commission (ORC). If and when they do that and it is approved, it will be up to the government to consider an application for slot machines. The ORC is a quasi-judicial independent body that reviews racetrack licensing proposals and conducts background checks on the individuals applying to become involved in the gaming industry.
What do you see as the next priority for Leeds-Grenville?
Runciman: The extension of broadband services to all of Leeds-Grenville is essential for economic growth. I think these services would provide significant economic opportunities for the area including rural municipalities such as Athens and Westport.