Infrastructure needs remain key focus for Desroches
Posted Feb 5, 2010 By Sheena Bolton
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EMC News The improvement of local infrastructure will continue to be Steve Desroches' focus if re-elected as councillor for the Gloucester-South Nepean ward. 
Submitted
With his two sons at his side, Steve Desroches filed his nomination papers late last month as a candidate in the 2010 municipal election for councillor of Gloucester-South Nepean ward.
Coun. Desroches submitted his nomination papers for the Oct. 25 municipal election late last month.
"One of the reasons I ran for office in 2006 was to push a number of infrastructure projects forward, given the tremendous growth we've seen in the south end and the growth that's anticipated," he said "The spark for me in 2006 was Limebank Rd., which was (voted) Ontario's worst road, and I'm just thrilled that over the course of this term we knocked Limebank Rd. off that list with over $40 million in city funding in upgrades."
Coun. Desroches added that during his first term in office he has also worked on moving forward with the Strandherd Rd. extension, the widening of Earl Armstrong Rd. and building three new park and rides in the area.
"One of my priorities has been to pick up the pieces from the LRT cancellation and take the Strandherd-Armstrong Bridge out of the ashes of that poorly made decision," he stated. "The city is finalizing the details and I think that the bridge is not only needed from a transportation and transit point of view, but it is also important for emergency services."
The incumbent added he is proud he was able to help the Findlay Creek community get more parks and of his involvement with the RCMP's move to the South Merivale Business Park.
Coun. Desroches and his wife Michelle moved into the Riverside South community in 2002. Before being elected in 2006 he was vice-president of the Riverside South Community Association, something he says gave him great insight into municipal government. He was also a founding member of the Barrhaven Legion.
"My motto has been push, push, push all these projects in order to respond to the needs of residents," said Coun. Desroches. "I'm very proud of the roots my wife and I have in the community, our kids go to school and day care here. I walk in the footsteps of the residents of ward 22 who are looking for a good life for their families."
His platform for the upcoming election includes improving customer service at the city, diversifying the city's business nodes and providing the necessary infrastructure to improve residents' quality of life.
Coun. Desroches is currently vice-chair of the city's corporate services and economic development committee, vice-chair of the information technology sub-committee and co-chair of the steering committee updating the city's economic development strategy.
