Responsible Development that Serves Residents 

We need a more responsive municipal government, especially when it comes to local development and building permits. I believe that the City government has been focused on urban development and has been choking the life out of smaller communities in rural areas such as Ward One with overly restrictive development rules. We need planning rules that encourage practical rural and small town affordable housing options not just large scale urban developments.  We need a municipal government that is working to encourage employers to locate here.  Building thousands of new homes without an effective plan to increase employment opportunities is in my view a poor strategy.  I have been pursuing less restrictive Rural Zoning appropriate to local  Ward One conditions and consistent with provincial policies for a few years now most recently through the Ontario Land Tribunal.  I would prefer to do this from the inside the Council Chamber rather than outside.  I also want to be involved in the upcoming Official Plan Review.  Seemingly boring stuff, but it has a huge effect on people's lives and community health in the long term. 

Emergency Services and Health

I will be supportive of paramedic and fire departments as I understand that when minutes count they suddenly become the most important services to residents.  

I will support the successful opening of the Summit Wellness Center. I believe this project whose opening is imminent will provide a huge benefit not just to the residents of Ward One, but also to a much larger area of the municipality.  For the most part Medical Services are a provincial matter, but having an attractive functional local facility for medical staff to work in will certainly help to attract needed medical professionals.