Goderich Mayor Candidate: Trevor Bazinet

By: Kate Smith

A lifelong resident of Goderich, a graduate of GDCI and a former employee of Compass Minerals, Volvo Motor Graders and Truly Nolen, current Mayor Trevor Bazinet is running for the role of mayor for another term in the upcoming municipal election in October.

Proud to call Goderich his home, Bazinet has spent time volunteering, working and raising a family with his wife.

“I’m running because I believe in the future of Goderich and the incredible potential of our community,” explained Bazinet.

“It has been an honour to serve our community for the past 12 years. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together through collaboration, thoughtful decision-making and a shared commitment to moving our town forward.”

Over the past 12 years, Bazinet has served as a councillor for eight, deputy mayor for one and mayor for the last three years, while coaching, running a spring hockey league, and supporting local events.

“Goderich is more than where I live. It’s where I grew up, where I am raising my family, and where I’ve invested my time as a volunteer, coach, business owner, councillor, deputy mayor and mayor,” Bazinet expressed.

“Every decision I make is guided by what’s best for our residents today, while planning responsibly for future generations.”

While council has made meaningful progress, Bazinet believes there is still important work ahead. He believes council needs to continue investing in infrastructure, supporting responsible growth, strengthening the local economy, expanding housing opportunities, and maintaining a high quality of life.

Bazinet says he is running because he believes experience, collaboration and a genuine commitment to the community matter.

He vows to continue to listen, lead with integrity and work hard to ensure Goderich remains a vibrant, welcoming and prosperous community for everyone.

“I believe in building relationships and always working as a team,” added Bazinet.

“Every council member deserves the opportunity to be part of the decision-making process. Local democracy is so vital in making decisions for our community.”

Bazinet says it would be an honour to earn the continued trust and support of the residents of Goderich.

Heavily involved in the community, Bazinet has volunteered and served in roles with committees for 24 years.

From coaching ice hockey (24 years), to organising the Don Johnston Memorial Slo-Pitch Tournament (20 years), and serving on the BIA Board of Management (eight years), the YMCA Board of Management (six years), chair of the Memorial Arena Task Force, chair of the Downtown Infrastructure Task Force, chair of the Huron County Accessibility Advisory Committee (two years), board member of the Goderich Port Management Corporation (three years), and chair of the Town of Goderich Economic Development Advisory Committee, among many other roles.

Bazinet believes it is his experience, roots in this community and commitment to serving Goderich beyond the walls of Town Hall that sets him apart this election.

“I’m not someone who came to Goderich to become involved in politics,” he said.

“I was born and raised here, coached our kids, volunteered in our community and have spent many years serving on council.”

Bazinet has had the opportunity to serve as a councillor, deputy mayor and mayor and serve with some amazing council members including the leadership of Mayor Morrison, Mayor Grace and Mayor Murdock, learning from each of them along the way.

“That experience has given me a strong understanding of municipal government, and just as importantly, an appreciation for the importance of listening, collaboration and respectful debate,” said Bazinet.

“I believe leadership isn’t about having all the answers or doing things alone. It’s about bringing people together, listening to different perspectives, and making decisions that put the long-term interests of Goderich first.”

Bazinet believes his record of service, his experience and his genuine connection to this community gives voters a clear choice about the kind of leadership that he will continue to provide if elected.

According to Bazinet, he is not running simply to hold the position of mayor. He is running because he believes there is still important work to be done for Goderich, and he wants to continue being part of that work.

Bazinet has spent years serving this community, which has given him a deep understanding of the people, opportunities and challenges that make Goderich unique.

For Bazinet, leadership is about listening before making decisions, bringing people together – rather than creating division – and putting long-term interests ahead of personal agendas.

“I believe in responsible growth, strong economic development, investment in infrastructure, supporting local businesses, creating opportunities for our younger generations, and maintaining the quality of life that makes Goderich such a special place to live,” Bazinet explained.

Most importantly, Bazinet says he understands that being mayor is not about one person, but about working collaboratively with council, municipal staff, residents, businesses, community organisations and regional partners to achieve best possible outcomes for Goderich.

Bazinet also stresses that he will not use the Strong Mayor’s Power. He explains that the town elects seven members and local democracy is vital.

“I am asking residents for their vote because I have the experience to understand where we’ve been, the perspective to understand where we are today, and the vision and determination to help lead Goderich into the future,” Bazinet said.

“Goderich is my home. I care deeply about this community, and I would be honoured to continue serving the people of Goderich as their mayor.”

If elected as mayor, Bazinet would first want to collaborate as a team and develop a strategic plan for the next four years as a council.

He understands that is it a great way to build a great working team environment and have a better understanding of what every council member would like to achieve as a community.

“There is always a way to improve our community, but developing a strategic plan gives the council and staff a working document to work towards as a team,” added Bazinet.

Top priority issues for Bazinet are infrastructure and responsible growth, economic development and housing and quality of life for Goderich residents.

Bazinet believes there is a need to continue investing in the town’s aging infrastructure, while planning responsibly for the future.

Making economic development a priority is also a must, for Bazinet.

Using the port, rail, airport, industrial lands and existing business community, can attract investment, and create opportunities.

Bazinet also believes there should be a strong focus on housing, healthcare and the overall quality of life.

There is a need for housing options for people at different stages of life, and continued investment in recreation, parks, childcare, waterfront, arts and culture.

Bazinet says his priority is to help build a Goderich that is strong economically, financially responsible, welcoming to families and seniors, and full of opportunities for a younger generation.

“As mayor, I believe I can contribute to that vision by bringing people together and providing strong collaborative leadership around the council table,” Bazinet said.

“The mayor’s role is not to do everything alone; it is to help establish a clear direction, listen to the community, work constructively with council and staff, and advocate for Goderich with Huron County, the provincial and federal governments, and our community partners.”

Bazinet sees the role of mayor as an ambassador for the community to help bring investment, opportunities and resources to Goderich.

While living in this community, Bazinet enjoys being at town events and talking to people who live here and people who are visiting.

He believes talking to people helps give him a sense of what they live about the community and what areas can be improved.

From the waterfront to Courthouse Square, Bannister Park and the Goderich Memorial Arena, there are places around town that hold a special memory for Bazinet throughout his life in this town.

“Ultimately, my favourite place in Goderich is probably wherever our community is coming together,” he added.

“Whether it’s at the rink, a ball diamond, downtown, the livery, or a local event, I love seeing people connect and take pride in a place we call home.”

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