Working for Ward 6

***New platform Updates--What I'm hearing at the doors--Knocking on doors several new issues have come to the forefront of the discussion.   I listen and adjust to the concerns of the community.

1) 136 Barrie St. Temporary Reception Centre (Asylum Centre) 

2) Taxes are too high, fix the Residential vs. Business Tax ratio

3) Too much Too fast growth, responsible density planning

1. 136 Barrie Street — Transparency & Community Input

The temporary reception centre has raised legitimate concerns about communication and public input.

I support helping people who have legitimately come to Canada and need assistance. My concern is how this decision was communicated to the community.

Residents have asked:

• Why wasn’t the community informed earlier?

• Why were important details handled confidentially and secretly?

• Why wasn’t there a public open house or Q&A prior to decision?

• Were nearby residents adequately consulted?

• Is there an appropriate balance of social-service facilities in this area?

• Where was the signage to let the residents know?

My position: Even when confidentiality is required, government should provide as much information and public engagement as possible.  Secrecy is undemocratic, the people expect transparency.  The Confidentiality should have received greater pushback from our representatives.  The process raised significant red flags for residents.

2. Taxes & Our Tax Base

One of the most common things I hear at the door is:

“Our taxes are too high.”

In 2025, Bradford West Gwillimbury’s residential tax rate was approximately 1.068%—higher than East Gwillimbury, Newmarket, Aurora, King and Vaughan.

But the bigger issue is our residential-to-business tax base.

In 2022, then-Deputy Mayor James Leduc identified Bradford’s ratio as approximately 92:8 residential to commercial/industrial and said his goal was to move toward 70:30. He also said we need jobs here before building more houses.

Council sources have told me that we are currently running at a 95:5 ratio.  If current Town figures are approximately 95:5, we have moved in the wrong direction.

For comparison, Vaughan’s residential tax rate was approximately 0.733%, substantially below Bradford’s 1.068%. A stronger commercial and industrial tax base is one factor that helps distribute the tax burden more broadly.

My position: We need to work toward a healthier 70:30 tax base, attract more businesses and jobs, and reduce our dependence on residential taxpayers.

More houses don’t solve our tax problem. We need more jobs and businesses too.

3. Growth — Too Much, Too Fast?

Another common message is:

“Bradford is growing too much, too fast.”

I support some level of growth, but I believe we need to do it better.

Residents are concerned about:

• High-density development without enough parking.

• Limited space for snow storage and servicing.

• Industrial-looking buildings in commercial areas.

• Infrastructure and traffic struggling to keep pace.

• Development pressure on agricultural land and the Holland Marsh.

My approach

Growth should pay for growth.

Employment should grow alongside housing.

Infrastructure should keep pace.

We must protect the Holland Marsh and our valuable agricultural land.

Bradford is going to grow. We need to shape that growth rather than simply react to it.

Ward 6 Priorities

Your Ward. Your Voice. Your Councillor.

Ward 6 is home to established neighbourhoods, schools, parks, and growing residential areas. It is a community where families expect safe streets, thoughtful development, and a strong voice at Council.

If elected, my focus will be ensuring Ward 6 residents are heard before decisions are made—not after.

A Familiar Face in Ward 6

Over previous election campaigns, I have knocked on many doors throughout Ward 6 and had the opportunity to meet and speak with many residents directly.

Those conversations were overwhelmingly positive. I left Ward 6 streets with strong encouragement, good discussions, and a clear sense of community connection. That experience is one of the reasons I chose to run in this ward.

I don’t see Ward 6 as unfamiliar territory—I see it as a community I already know, respect, and want to continue serving.

My 3 boys each attended  St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School (back then Mother Teresa) early in their schooling career, before they were moved to St. Marie of the Incarnation.  

I also currently work in schools that serve many Ward 6 families, including:

• Bradford District High School

• Fred C. Cook Public School

• Fieldcrest Elementary School

Through this work, I see firsthand the strengths of our education system and the day-to-day realities facing students, parents, and staff in our community.

1) Safe Streets & Traffic Management (Line 8 Corridor)

Line 8 is one of the key transportation corridors in Ward 6 and has been the subject of ongoing discussion regarding traffic flow, intersection design, and pedestrian safety.

At previous meetings for Line 8 expansion, I emphasized the importance of getting infrastructure right the first time:

“It’s better safe than sorry… Once it’s in, it’s in.”

My view is that high-risk areas such as intersections deserve the most attention, especially where traffic volumes and turning movements create potential safety concerns. Small design decisions early can prevent costly fixes later.

I support:

• Safer school zones and pedestrian crossings

• Traffic calming where residents identify concerns

• Stronger focus on intersection safety and design

• Infrastructure planning that prioritizes long-term safety

Ward 6 residents deserve roads that are safe, functional, and designed with the community in mind.

2) Responsible Development

Growth is happening across BWG, but it must be done thoughtfully and with respect for existing neighbourhoods.

A recent example is the proposed development at the southwest corner of Barrie Street and Line 8, which includes a 10-storey mixed-use building with residential units, commercial space, and stacked townhouses.

Residents have raised concerns about:

• Building height and overall scale

• Traffic impacts on Line 8 and surrounding roads

• Parking, servicing, and infrastructure capacity

• Compatibility with surrounding neighbourhood character

Regardless of whether residents support or oppose a project, one message is consistent:

People want to be heard before major decisions are made.

I believe:

• Residents deserve meaningful consultation

• Infrastructure impacts must be fully evaluated

• Development should respect neighbourhood character

• Quality design matters

• Growth should occur in appropriate locations

3) Parks & Community Spaces

Ward 6 families rely on parks, playgrounds, and pathways as part of daily life.

I will advocate for:

• Well-maintained parks and recreational spaces

• Improvements that keep pace with growth

• Community spaces that support families and youth

Strong communities are built around strong public spaces.

4) Listening, Access & Representation

One of the most common concerns I hear from residents is:

“I didn’t know anything about that until after the decision was made.”

That needs to change.

As your Ward 6 Councillor, I will:

• Be accessible and responsive to residents

• Meet with residents when concerns arise

• Provide clear updates on key Ward 6 issues

• Seek public input before major decisions are made

• Ensure Ward 6 concerns are brought forward at Council

You may not always agree with every decision I make, but you will always know where I stand—and why.

My Commitment to Ward 6

I am proud to call Bradford West Gwillimbury home and I am ready to serve Ward 6.

My commitment is simple:

• Listen first

• Be visible and accessible

• Communicate clearly and honestly

• Respect taxpayer dollars

• Advocate strongly for Ward 6 residents

I will carefully review major development proposals, listen to residents, and make decisions that balance growth with the long-term interests of the community.

Closing Thought

Ward 6 is not just a ward on a map—it is a community I’ve walked, worked in, and spoken with residents in over many years.

My goal is simple:

To listen, to be accessible, and to ensure Ward 6 has a strong, respected voice at Council.