Corey Spence grew up on Allumette Island where he has set his roots with his wife Chantelle (née Beaubien). They have been married for 19 years and raised two daughters, Mia and Bayleigh; the family owns a home on Allumette Island adjacent to where he grew up.

After he graduated from Dr. Wilbert Keon High School in Chapeau, he received an Electronic Engineering Technician diploma from Algonquin College in Pembroke.

“This helped me enter the high-tech industry where up until 2013 I had the good fortune of working for and alongside some of the smartest people I know,” said Spence.

During his time there, Spence said he gained invaluable experiences which helped shape the person he is today.

In 2013 he started a small mobile cleaning business which currently employs six people. He is also involved with a local chapter of BNI, an international business networking organization platform which enables members to increase and develop relationships with business professionals.

Since being accepted into the organization, Spence has been involved on the leadership team, having served a term as President of the chapter.

Spence said that his entire family has felt the need to give back to the society in some way. Whether it be serving in the military, being involved in local non-profit organizations, volunteering, or serving public office.

Spence served as volunteer firefighter for the municipality for numerous years and says he first had an interest in public office when his father, Denzil Spence, served as mayor of the Island.

This interest, he said, was re-ignited during the flood of 2019.

“Fortunately I was unaffected, but still felt a need to help. I organized a Facebook page of 6000 plus followers and later chaired a committee to push for change and better oversight of the water levels on the Ottawa river,” said Spence

When asked what he thought were the three top issues in the municipality, he answered, “infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure.”

Roads

Roads have always been a source of contention within the community, according to Spence who said it takes up a lot of resources to deal with this issue.

If elected, Spence said he will review the current strategic road plan to ensure it’s fair for all ratepayers, ensure it’s transparent to all stakeholders, and will strive to ensure a timely roll out of the plan.

Internet and cell services

“If the pandemic has taught us anything it is just how much we need and rely on internet and cell service,” Spence said.

“The Canadian Government through the CRTC declared that access to inexpensive, dependable, and fast Internet connection is a basic right for all Canadian citizens, no matter where they live. I can’t stress enough how vital this is,” he added.

As mayor, he proposes to work with all levels of government to ensure this becomes a reality for his community sooner rather than later.

“The same goes for cell service. We all have cell phones but are hard pressed to get a good signal in many areas on the Island, especially Chapeau. This is unacceptable, and in my opinion a safety concern for a community surrounded by water,” he told The Equity.

The Equity contacted other candidates in this municipality but was unsuccessful in time for publication. We anticipate getting in touch with them in the coming weeks.

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