Why are you running for councillor of ward 4 in Lakeshore?
I am running because I love working with people who wake up every day and see the best our community has to offer and who work tirelessly to make it even better.
I am running for a third term because we have established master plans, initiated projects, and determined funding strategies for the infrastructure that will help us to grow. But, the next council is responsible for two key things: keeping that essential work on track and deciding how and for whom our communities will grow.
In particular, we have our Housing Accelerator Fund targets to achieve, an Official Plan to update, and the Wallace Woods Secondary Plan to develop.
Over my 8 years on council, I have developed a deep appreciation and understanding of planning and development systems. I respect how we work within them today and have been an advocate for making them easier to navigate and more reflective of the people within the community.
I am running because I am enthusiastic about the work ahead. I have helped lay the groundwork that has set the stage for what comes next, and I believe that my combination of perspective and experience will be an asset to the next council.
What do you believe is the most important issue facing the ward, and how would you address it?
As a Council, we have made significant investments in water and wastewater infrastructure, with much of the work planned in the Eastern and Western parts of Lakeshore over the next term.
These investments and future construction are essential and will support the long-term health of our municipality. However, they also mean that the infrastructure that will enable more growth in Ward 4 is further away and that traffic into town will be more of a challenge in the near future. That is why the next term will require us to focus on the services, businesses, and spaces close to home. This means local business supports, and investments in our waterfront to keep folks comfortable coming into and staying in town. We can accomplish this through funding and refining the new Community Improvement Plan (CIP) for businesses so that Lakeshore can contribute to their investments in accessibility, façade upgrades, renovations, and more. We must work hand in hand with our Belle River BIA to support local events and business attraction, expansion, retention, and promotion. We can support our local community organizations and event organizers as cultural drivers. Finally, we need to invest in Lakeview Park and West Beach to unlock its potential for our residents and visitors.
I have proposed the implementation of a new Municipal Accommodation Tax that will come back to the next council for adoption. If approved, 70% of the funding is proposed will go to a new Regional Parks Reserve that will enable investments at Lakeview Park & West Beach and that Atlas Tube Recreation Centre. The other 30% will be directed to the economic development reserve, which could be directed to the CIP or community grants for parks activation and local events.
If elected, what are your top three priorities during your first term?
Ensuring that our staff have the resources and focus they need to meet targets set by the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund ($38.8M), Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund ($32.2M), and Housing Accelerator Fund ($7.4M). The millions of dollars we have received from upper levels of government directly relieve the burden placed on the tax levy, development charges, and water and waste water rates. Ensuring the timely completion of these projects helps us protect our ratepayers and invest wisely in our future.
Enhancing our parks and trails. Across Lakeshore, this means building more missing links and rehabilitating old sidewalks. For Ward 4, this means finishing the Ruscom River loop and path connecting Seasons Creek to Notre Dame. We also need to prepare grant-ready plans for park improvements.
Updating our Official Plan & Zoning By-Law. The the first sets the stage for where and how we grow, the second gives us the details of what we allow. This is a great step in helping to reduce red tape in development by openly permitting more of what we would like to see built here in Lakeshore. In particular, I want this to be an exercise that engages more than our typical development community, but one where residents are deeply involved. With many provincial changes to how residents and council can speak to or appeal development, getting involved early is the best way to understand our potential and what is coming down the line.
How do you differ from your fellow candidates?
I’m a young woman, a mother, a recent first-time home buyer, a volunteer, an entrepreneur by experience, and a community builder by profession. I am also the only candidate with eight years of experience at the table. I bring a unique combination of perspective and experience that means I understand the job and its impact on our communities.
I have a deep understanding of the direction Council has provided, where key projects are, and where and how we need to be moving forward. I know how to work within the municipal process, ask the right questions, and provide effective direction. I am also willing to challenge the system when there are better ways of working.
Professionally, my background in entrepreneurship and non-profit leadership give me another edge. As a workforce and community developer, my job involves bringing organizations together, managing complex initiatives, developing evidence-based recommendations, and turning ideas into practical outcomes. When funding and resources are tight, I know that innovation, collaboration, and getting creative are the solutions that lead to success. As a systems-thinker, I am constantly refining my understanding of “who does what” and “who needs to be connected” in spaces across economic development, education, community safety, immigration, workforce development, community services, and so much more.
Personally, I’m a mom to a young family, a millennial, and a recent first-time home buyer. I bring a unique (and often missing) perspective to Council. It’s hard to make decisions for the next generation without us at the table. That’s why I am focused on how Council sets the stage for how we all engage in community services and spaces, and how we can better enable strong businesses and development that meet the expectations of Lakeshore’s diverse community members.
What’s one promise you’re making today that voters can hold you accountable for in four years?
I promise that I will continue to be a collaborative councillor. The job requires us to work with other members of Council to advocate for ward issues, policy improvements, and budget items. Likewise, we need to understand that our work doesn’t stop at our ward boundaries, but extends to the whole municipality.
