Goderich Council Candidate: Jacob Bjerg

By: Kate Smith

Proud to call Goderich home, Jacob Bjerg built much of his life and career around working with people, businesses and the community.

Bjerg and his partner bought their first home in Goderich last spring.

Growing up throughout the county, as Bjerg’s family moved around a fair bit, he says he was fortunate to attend GDCI from Grades 10 to 12.

Working a career as a Production Manager at the theatrical RV industry at General Coach Canada, Bjerg also bartends at the Goderich Legion during evenings and weekends.

Bjerg and his partner also own a small business, operating under the name JT Creative Works, an event and equipment rental business.

Outside of work, Bjerg is strongly involved in the community and proudly serves as Treasurer for Huron County Pride.

Running because he believes Goderich is at an important point for its future, Bjerg sees the community with growth in housing, businesses and new opportunities.

“We have to be thoughtful about how we are growing,” Bjerg stated.

“Goderich needs to grow at a pace our infrastructure can support.”

Bjerg wants to see the town maintain its character and historic charm, while building up the downtown core so local businesses can thrive.

He wants young people to stay here and build a future, while securing housing for seniors that will allow them to remain a part of the community.

“Council needs to constantly ask a simple question – are the decisions we’re making, making Goderich a better place to live, or are we simply making Goderich a larger place to live?” proposed Bjerg.

“I want to bring a practical, community-minded perspective to that conversation.”

Although Bjerg does not have any prior experience in political, he believes that fact along has value in bringing someone to council whose experience comes from outside of politics.

His experience has been in construction, events, project management, and community organisations. Bjerg has managed people, budgets and logistics, worked with customers and business owners, and found practical solutions.

He also has extensive experience working in teams when he volunteers.

As Treasurer of Huron County Pride, Bjerg has also gained experience serving on a board, managing financial responsibilities, and supporting community initiatives.

“I don’t see the lack of previous political office as a disadvantage,” Bjerg expressed.

“I see it as an opportunity to bring a different perspective to council – one established from everyday experience, community involvement, and a willingness to listen and learn.”

Believing that communities are only as strong as the people willing to contribute to them, Bjerg says his work at the Goderich Legion has also allowed him to interact with people from many different organisations and backgrounds.

It’s shown him how important community organisations, service clubs, and gathering places are to a community like Goderich.

“Through my work and volunteering, I’ve seen firsthand how much can be accomplished when local organisations, businesses and volunteers work together,” explained Bjerg.

“That’s something I’d like to bring to council – a believe that the Town doesn’t have to do everything itself. Supporting the people and organisations already doing great work can often create much more value for the community.”

Bjerg believes that what sets him apart from the other candidates is the combination of his age, work experience, business experience, and community involvement.

Bjerg doesn’t come from a traditional political background, but has spent his time working with people, managing projects, running a business, organising events, and dealing with practical, real-world problems.

“I bring a perspective from a generation that is trying to build a future here,” Bjerg added.

“Young people need opportunities, housing and a reason to stay. At the same time, I respect the residents who have spent decades building the community we have today. I don’t think we should have to choose between preserving Goderich and creating change. I aim to help bridge that conversation.”

Bjerg promises to be a councillor who will listen, ask questions, and make practical decisions.

Understanding that every issue doesn’t have an easy answer, Bjerg knows that municipal government involves difficult choices, yet her is determined to come prepared to listen and represent taxpayers seriously.

Bjerg wants to focus on what directly affects people’s lives – infrastructure, responsible growth, housing, local businesses, recreation, community organisations and the true cost of running the municipality.

“I also want to be accessible,” Bjerg stressed.

“Residents should feel they can talk to their councillor, ask questions, and get a straight answer, and if I don’t have an answer, I will do my absolute best to get you one.”

At the end of the day, Bjerg says he is running because he cares about where Goderich is going and wants to help make sure that growth involves building a community people can afford to live in, enjoy and be proud of.

For Bjerg, one of the biggest questions facing Goderich is whether young people can see a future for themselves here.

Bjerg says young people shouldn’t have to leave Goderich because there aren’t affordable housing options, meaningful employment opportunities, or ways to become involved in the community.

“If we want a strong community in 10, 20 or 30 years, we need to ensure we are creating opportunities for the next generation today,” said Bjerg.

“I also believe young people should have a meaningful voice in decisions that will directly impact their future.”

Bjerg says this involves creating more opportunities for youth to participate in municipal conversations and giving them a chance to contribute ideas before decisions are made, rather than talking about youth after the fact.

Another to priority for Bjerg is financial responsibility. Spending isn’t exciting, but keeping roads, water systems and other infrastructure in good condition is a necessity.

Bjerg wants to see the Town exhaust all reasonable opportunities for grants and outside funding before asking taxpayers to carry the cost of major projects.

“Good financial management isn’t always about spending the least,” said Bjerg.

“It’s about getting the best value and planning far enough ahead to avoid unnecessary costs.”

At the same time, Bjerg wants to make sure new development complements the community around it, with a strong, more active downtown year-round.

For Bjerg, this means looking for ways to make it easier for small businesses and entrepreneurs to open and operate in Goderich.

With values of responsibility and respect, Bjerg believes local government should focus on what it can deliver well, while thinking about the long-term impact of today’s decisions.

Bjerg’s vision for Goderich is one of a community that can grow and flourish without losing its identity.

Wanting a town where young people can stay and build a future, where families can find housing, where seniors can downsize without leaving the community, where local businesses can thrive and where community groups and service clubs have the support they need, Bjerg wants a community where growth improves quality of life.

If elected to council, Bjerg would want to see measurable progress in infrastructure, diverse housing, support for year-round downtown businesses, a greater opportunity for youth.

“Halfway through the term, residents should be able to look and see progress, not just promises,” said Bjerg.

“This success should be measured by outcomes – projects completed, infrastructure maintained or improved, community partnerships established, businesses supported, and residents feeling better informed about what their municipal government is doing.”

For Bjerg, success isn’t council holding a lot of meetings, but growth or something improved because of taking action.

Running because he believes he can contribute a new perspective, practical experience and a genuine commitment to this community, Bjerg believes Goderich has an incredible future ahead of it.

One of the things Bjerg appreciates most about Goderich is that there are many different spaces where people can connect.

The Square and downtown area are such a large part of this community, but Bjerg also enjoys time at the Legion, which plays an important role in bringing people together.

“For me, those places represent what I value about Goderich – a community with spaces to gather, connect and feel like you belong,” remarked Bjerg.

“My goal is to help ensure that as we move forward, we do responsibly, thoughtfully, and without losing what makes this community special. To me, that means building a future that respects our past, serves the people who live here today, and gives the next generation a reason to stay.”

Each candidate was presented with the same interview questions. What is presented in these profiles, is a result of the responses received.