Policies & Priorities
My priority for this campaign:
Building a positive Peterborough
How? As we all recover and rebound from the pandemic, I think we agree, this catastrophic event has exacerbated inequalities in our community and in society in general including the opioid crisis, housing and its affordability, the lack of local economic development, and an increase in food insecurity.
The city needs to collaborate with local organizations and other levels of government to improve the quality of life for all of its citizens. As your city councillor, I will work hard to enhance life in Peterborough as we venture into a ‘new normal’.
The pathway to success focuses on my 3 ‘E’ priority pillars for this campaign:
Equity | Environment | Economy
Equity
This means championing and advocating for a welcoming community - building diversity, equity and inclusion and supporting Indigenous, disability, newcomer and 2SLGBTQ communities and organizations.
Develop and promote neighbourhood associations within each ward to encourage people to build connections in their neighbourhoods.
Continue to support and enhance Peterborough’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan that focuses on housing and homelessness; income stability and poverty; healthcare and mental health; addiction issues; transit and connectivity.
Reduce food insecurity by collaborating with local organizations leading in this space.
Meet the needs of older people in our community by listening to and involving them in discussions with the community organizations focused on key issues of concern.
Work with all levels of government to create more rent-geared-to-income housing. I am open to exploring alternative means of housing by working with existing community agencies and with grassroots organizations to explore secondary suites, tiny homes, co-op housing, co housing and supportive housing to find solutions for the current housing crisis.
Environment
Foster a healthy, peaceful environment for us to enjoy today and, in the future for our children and grandchildren; protect green spaces and water. Continue to advocate for climate action including reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
Ensure environmental issues remain top of mind at city council by continuing to support Peterborough’s Zero-Waste initiatives. Encourage and promote a greening of Peterborough by developing a plan for rainwater harvesting, pollinator gardens and planting of trees. Support Peterborough’s sustainability program to implement the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
On that issue, the city has advanced important steps forward on the climate crisis with both the master cycling plan and master transportation plan. I support these initiatives and would work to develop more programs to increase the use of public transit to encourage people to get out of their cars and, in general, work to help people move more efficiently around the city: pedestrians, transit riders, drivers and cyclists.
I believe it is essential to work towards creating a sustainable environment in collaboration with our neighbouring Indigenous communities.
Economy
Peterborough residents pay among the highest property taxes in Ontario. I believe the city needs to diversify our tax base by working more closely with local economic development professionals to develop strategies to attract new business to Peterborough and assist existing businesses to continue operations and create jobs.
With a broader tax base, I would support projects to benefit residents such as community centres around the city, including in Monaghan Ward.
As a champion of the green economy, I would work with local business organizations focused on this sector to encourage new industries and companies to relocate in Peterborough and create jobs for local and area residents.
A key focus is on quality of life: bringing quality jobs that offer liveable incomes.