In a Moose FM exclusive interview, Prescott’s next Mayor says he wants to expand commercial development to help tackle the housing crisis.
Gauri Shankar says enabling business growth locally will give people more job opportunities, helping them afford a place to live.
“If we get the jobs, then we’ll get the people, then we’ll get the community,” he says. “If we can keep renovating our downtown, renovate the apartments above the mainstream businesses downtown, that provides more housing.”
Another top priority of Shankar’s is collaborating with other South Grenville communities like Augusta and Edwardsburgh-Cardinal.
“We’re surrounded by other municipalities, so, let’s work with them,” he says. “Their success will lead our success, you know? We’re all in this together, there’s really no borders, but yet we’re three different municipalities.”
Transparency between council and the people of Prescott is also on Shankar’s mind.
“So that they know what’s going on,” he explains. “Being accessible, having office hours, and just being able to answer people with their suggestions and questions.”
Shankar’s term as Mayor begins on November 15th, after this year’s municipal election. Election Day is October 24th.