George Karpouzis — Questionnaire Response

1. Your position on the proposal

Do you support the Sports Dome as currently proposed, including its size and height, support it only with changes or conditions, or oppose it? Please explain your position and identify any changes or conditions you consider necessary.

George's response:

No. I don't support the current proposal of the Ballantrae Sports Dome as it's currently proposed. Even though I believe that facilities like this are necessary for Stouffville, I believe that due to the potential pitfalls surrounding storm water management, private wastewater management, traffic implications and due to the fact that a building of its proposed size would not fit within the current village like setting of Ballantrae.

2. Confirmed benefits for residents and the Town

What information have you received from the Town confirming benefits for local residents and the municipality, particularly access to the walking track and pickleball courts, available hours and fees? Please share the specific information and identify when and from whom you received it.

George's response:

I have not received any information from the town about fees, schedules etc as this technically will be a private company running the facility. There potentially may not be any direct and immediate benefit to the local residents of Ballantrae.

3. Suitability of the location

Do you believe the proposed site beside Ballantrae Public School and existing homes is appropriate for this facility? Please explain whether alternative locations should be evaluated.

George's response:

I do not believe that the proposed location is the proper location for this facility. I believe in the adage, "measure twice cut once", and I want to make sure that Town Council has completely exhausted all other avenues with respect to the location of this build before Ballantrae is considered.

4. Infrastructure, safety and neighbourhood impacts

Please briefly address each of the following: stormwater and flooding; wastewater; water supply and groundwater protection; traffic and parking; schoolchildren’s safety; and noise and lighting.

What concerns or outstanding questions do you have, and what safeguards would you require? If you believe these matters are adequately addressed, please identify the information supporting that view.

George's response:

Simply put, none of the matters you have outlined have been addressed properly. Comprehensive studies must be performed and made public before any shovel is put into the ground.

5. Public information and independent review

Have residents received enough information to assess the proposal? What additional public disclosure or independent review, if any, would you support?

George's response:

Again, I'll reiterate, comprehensive studies must be performed and made public before any shovel is to be put into the ground. When a proposed building of this size is brought forward, the town owes it to the residents of the community to conduct thorough studies around storm water management, wastewater management, traffic implications, lighting and noise pollution. None of this has been brought forward as of yet.

6. Whether the project should proceed now

Would you support pausing further approvals or commitments, where legally possible, until unresolved concerns are assessed and the findings made public? Please explain what conditions should be met before proceeding.

George's response:

Again, I'll reiterate, comprehensive studies must be performed and made public before any shovel is to be put into the ground. When a proposed building of this size is brought forward, the town owes it to the residents of the community to conduct thorough studies around storm water management, private wastewater management, traffic implications, lighting and noise pollution. None of this has been brought forward as of yet. And I can not fully support proceeding with such a project before any any and all studies have been concluded and deemed to be responsible to the community and to the environment.

7. Your commitments if elected

What specific actions would you take on this proposal if elected, and how would you keep residents informed and involved?

George's response:

If elected, there will be town forums and newsletters delivered to every household in Ballantrae discussing any and all study findings before any shovel is to be put into the ground. And considering what my responses have been to your questions, it's pretty easy to see where I stand on this proposal so if elected, and this proposal comes up to a vote at council, I will not be supporting it on how and where it's currently constituted and proposed.

George Karpouzis

Jared Simpson — Questionnaire Response

1. Your position on the proposal

Do you support the Sports Dome as currently proposed, including its size and height, support it only with changes or conditions, or oppose it? Please explain your position and identify any changes or conditions you consider necessary.

Jared's response:

I support expanding year-round recreational opportunities in Whitchurch-Stouffville and recognize the benefits this facility can bring to residents of all ages.

Based on the indications and conversation with staff and the Mayor, it is important to acknowledge that according to the town, the Sports Dome is no longer simply a proposal being considered by the Town, but apparently the project has progressed through significant municipal approvals, design, engineering, town planning and legally binding agreements are in place.

My perspective is shaped by my business experience and my family's longstanding roots in Whitchurch-Stouffville. My family has been part of this community for generations, giving me a deep appreciation for the town and the importance of decisions that serve its long-term interests.

I believe developing a fulsome understanding of a project of this magnitude requires hearing from everyone involved. I have met directly with Mentana Group to ask questions and discuss community concerns.

I recognize and share alot of the same concerns surrounding the facility's scale, infrastructure, traffic, and neighbourhood impacts. My focus is on understanding what can still be influenced and working toward practical improvements that respect the surrounding area and mitigate the impact to the existing community

2. Confirmed benefits for residents and the Town

What information have you received from the Town confirming benefits for local residents and the municipality, particularly access to the walking track and pickleball courts, available hours and fees? Please share the specific information and identify when and from whom you received it.

Jared's response:

In September, I received information from the developer about the planned amenities, including a year-round walking track, pickleball courts, a FIFA-sized soccer field, basketball and volleyball courts, and other recreational and wellness facilities.

These amenities could benefit seniors, families, youth sports organizations, and residents seeking year-round opportunities for physical activity.

My understanding is that community programming and preferred rates for local sports organizations are embedded within the agreements. Specific access arrangements, operating hours, and fees should be clearly communicated once finalized, however, local community organizations are prioritized.

The project also represents a significant private investment in recreational infrastructure, with important benefits for local employment, businesses, and economic activity.

3. Suitability of the location

Do you believe the proposed site beside Ballantrae Public School and existing homes is appropriate for this facility? Please explain whether alternative locations should be evaluated.

Jared's response:

At my August 26, 2026 meeting with Community Services staff, I asked about the selection of the Ballantrae location and community consultation. I was advised that this was the only available municipal location suitable for a facility of this nature.

I share the same concerns associated with its proximity to Ballantrae Public School and neighbouring homes, particularly regarding traffic, safety, noise, lighting, and visual impacts.

Given the decisions and commitments already made, reconsidering the location would involve significant practical and contractual considerations. Before deciding whether that is the right course, we need to understand the potential consequences and hear from the broader community. If, after weighing the risks and costs, reversing course is not considered the most suitable option, our priority should be ensuring the facility is integrated responsibly into the neighbourhood, with particular attention to the residents who live closest to it.

4. Infrastructure, safety and neighbourhood impacts

Please briefly address each of the following: stormwater and flooding; wastewater; water supply and groundwater protection; traffic and parking; schoolchildren’s safety; and noise and lighting.

What concerns or outstanding questions do you have, and what safeguards would you require? If you believe these matters are adequately addressed, please identify the information supporting that view.

Jared's response:

Infrastructure and neighbourhood impacts must be addressed through appropriate technical assessments, applicable standards, and clear accountability while adhering to planning and standards of the town and the the enabling Provincial legislation.

Stormwater and flooding: My understanding is that a stormwater management plan has been completed and submitted to the Town. I would expect the appropriate authorities to review it and ensure drainage and flood protection requirements are satisfied.

Wastewater: Servicing arrangements must accommodate anticipated demand, including peak events. I would seek confirmation that the proposed system meets applicable requirements.

Water supply and groundwater protection: These matters should be addressed through appropriate engineering and environmental assessments, with safeguards and monitoring where required.

Traffic and parking: A traffic study is being finalized. It should address peak usage, tournaments, parking, school-related traffic, and measures to minimize disruption to residential streets.

Schoolchildren's safety: Safe pedestrian routes, crossings, vehicle circulation, and appropriate separation of school and facility traffic must be priorities.

Noise and lighting: I understand that the design incorporates an opaque dome liner, directed lighting, acoustic treatments, and landscaping. These measures should be implemented appropriately, with a clear process for responding to concerns once the facility is operating.

I would support continued coordination among the town, developer, school community, and residents to address these matters.

5. Public information and independent review

Have residents received enough information to assess the proposal? What additional public disclosure or independent review, if any, would you support?

Jared's response:

Residents deserve access to clear and reliable information about the facility, including relevant technical studies, rates and fees, community benefits, and neighbourhood mitigation measures.

I would support the disclosure of relevant and puplically available information, and clear explanations from town staff regarding outstanding matters.

The objective should be to provide meaningful answers and accountability while distinguishing between decisions already made and requirements still being addressed.

6. Whether the project should proceed now

Would you support pausing further approvals or commitments, where legally possible, until unresolved concerns are assessed and the findings made public? Please explain what conditions should be met before proceeding.

Jared's response:

This question must be considered in light of the project's current status and the town's existing obligations.

My business experience has taught me that revisiting contractual commitments can carry significant legal, financial, and practical consequences. Before advocating for a pause or change in direction, I would want those implications clearly understood. Residents deserve that level of responsible leadership and diligence.

I also believe candidates should explain what authority Council actually has and how their proposed actions could be carried out. Residents deserve to understand the difference between an objective and an achievable course of action.

I also believe there is a difference between ensuring that outstanding technical requirements are properly addressed and introducing delays without a clear understanding of what those delays would accomplish.

My preference is to address outstanding issues through the appropriate processes while concentrating on improvements that can meaningfully benefit residents.

7. Your commitments if elected

What specific actions would you take on this proposal if elected, and how would you keep residents informed and involved?

Jared's response:

If elected, I would bring a practical, accountable approach to representing Ballantrae residents throughout the development and operation of the Sports Dome.

My family's history in Whitchurch-Stouffville gives me a strong personal connection to the community, while my business background has taught me the value of productive relationships, sound judgment, and negotiating solutions to complex issues.

My commitments would include:

• Working with Town staff, residents, and the developer to address outstanding infrastructure, traffic, safety, and neighbourhood concerns.

• Approaching the concerns of this project honestly with answers that are transparent, effective and solution based

• Advocating for appropriate mitigation measures and practical improvements.

• Seeking clarity on community access, recreational programming, operating hours, and fees.

• Following up on documented commitments and ensuring concerns receive meaningful responses.

• Unless these concerns are addressed and resolved than the business wouldn't proceed to open

• Hold a public meeting where residents can raise their concerns and have them addressed openly.

• Keeping residents informed through regular updates and opportunities for public dialogue.

I believe effective representation requires listening carefully, understanding the facts, and following through on commitments. That is the approach I would bring to Council.

Regards,
Jared Simpson

1. Your position on the proposal

Do you support the Sports Dome as currently proposed, including its size and height, support it only with changes or conditions, or oppose it? Please explain your position and identify any changes or conditions you consider necessary.

Rocco's response:

It’s not for me to be for or against the dome as proposed until I have heard from the people who have to live beside it. That isn't a dodge. I've spent the campaign at doors in Ballantrae and the views are split, and a lot of residents told me they found out about the project after the key decisions were already made. If the project goes ahead, the changes I would push for are the ones that come out of real consultation with the neighbours on size, height, hours, lighting and traffic. I also have to be honest that this project may be far enough along that cancelling it outright would expose the Town to serious costs and legal risk. Before anyone promises to kill it, residents deserve to know exactly what that would cost them so they can take that, and how taxes will be affected into their decision making.

2. Confirmed benefits for residents and the Town

What information have you received from the Town confirming benefits for local residents and the municipality, particularly access to the walking track and pickleball courts, available hours and fees? Please share the specific information and identify when and from whom you received it.

Rocco's response:

I have not received anything from the Town. What I know is what is public and what residents have told me and therefore is unverifiable and I wouldn’t want to repeat it here as it would be irresponsible. If I'm elected, the first thing I'll ask staff for is the agreement itself and the written terms on community access, hours and fees, and I'll share what I'm allowed to share.

3. Suitability of the location

Do you believe the proposed site beside Ballantrae Public School and existing homes is appropriate for this facility? Please explain whether alternative locations should be evaluated.

Rocco's response:

A site next to a public school and family homes needs a higher bar than anywhere else. I don't have enough information to say whether other sites were seriously looked at, and I'd want to see that work before accepting that this is the only option.

4. Infrastructure, safety and neighbourhood impacts

Please briefly address each of the following: stormwater and flooding; wastewater; water supply and groundwater protection; traffic and parking; schoolchildren’s safety; and noise and lighting. What concerns or outstanding questions do you have, and what safeguards would you require? If you believe these matters are adequately addressed, please identify the information supporting that view.

Rocco's response:

Stormwater and flooding, wastewater, water and groundwater: I have not seen independent studies on any of these and I would require them before any further approvals. Traffic and parking: same answer, and it has to look at drop-off and pick-up at the school, not just game nights. Children's safety: the school day and the facility schedule cannot overlap in a way that puts cars and kids in the same space. Noise and lighting: these need written limits with enforcement, not promises. I am not in a position to say these matters are adequately addressed because I have not seen the information that would show it.

5. Public information and independent review

Have residents received enough information to assess the proposal? What additional public disclosure or independent review, if any, would you support?

Rocco's response:

The town has held public hearings. But no, residents have not had enough information. The fact that a residents' group had to form to get answers tells you that. I would support full public release of the agreement and all technical studies, and an independent review of the site-related impacts paid for by the project, not the taxpayer.

6. Whether the project should proceed now

Would you support pausing further approvals or commitments, where legally possible, until unresolved concerns are assessed and the findings made public? Please explain what conditions should be met before proceeding.

Rocco's response:

A pause is not mine to decide alone. It is a question for the people of Ballantrae, and it needs broad support from residents to carry at council, not just a handful of voices. I am talking real support. Where it is legally possible, I would support pausing further commitments until the unresolved questions above are answered and made public. The conditions are simple: release the information, do the independent studies, and let residents see them before anyone signs anything else.

7. Your commitments if elected

What specific actions would you take on this proposal if elected, and how would you keep residents informed and involved?

Rocco's response:

If elected, I will ask for the full file in my first week, hold an open meeting in Ballantrae on this project within my first 60 days, and report back to residents in plain language after every council decision that touches it. I will answer emails. You should never have to find out about a decision in your own neighbourhood after the fact.

Thank you again for the opportunity.