My Vision for the Next Four Years- Important Issues I will be Working on for Our Future

 

Growth in the North Ward

I will use our Official Plan, which will guide a sensible, sustainable, "Made in Whitby" growth strategy, while providing opportunity to shape our future with a strong public voice. I will work toward preserving our hamlets, protecting green, natural areas and creating pedestrian friendly growth, while maintaining our community values. I will fight for rules and guidelines where intensification should occur. It should be rational and not have a negative impact on the surrounding areas. Our Transportation Plan and Cycling & Trails Plan will also lay a strong foundation and will work hand in hand to create a vibrant, accessible community where our decisions will affect how our residents get to work, how you shop, how you spend your recreation time and how the community will look.  I will explore Green Opportunities where ever possible and will work with Public Works and the community to bring Roundabouts to our area which are a traffic and safety measures which also help minimize gas consumption. 

 

 

A Strong Financial Future 

I have been Budget Chair for the past 4 years, bringing fiscal experience and leadership to ensure a sustainable plan. I will continue to contain expenses through Road Asset Management Plan, use technology to improve services and continue to develop more partnerships with other levels of government as well as developing public/private partnerships. I will also continue to work to actively implement our Economic Development Strategy by bringing industry to our community which will positively affect our tax rate. My philosophy is to take care of the Town's assets, provide existing day to day services and provide for capital costs of growth.  I will continue to work hard to spend your tax dollars wisely and efficently.

 

Whitby- Open for Business

Mixed use, commercial and industrial development will be the "Gateway into Brooklin" alongside the 407 expanding our Historic Downtown. I will work with industry, business and our Economic Development Team to bring a better balance of commercial, industry and residential that will provide tax relief to our residents.  I will ensure that Council provides appropriate zoning requirements so this area will be attractive for industry and that our processes at the Town will be streamlined where possible. Along with my Council collegues we will continue to advocate for the timely construction of the 407 and the Link as well as the widening of Highway 7. I will implement our Economic Development Competitiveness Strategy which will provide a blueprint to follow and will let everyone know that Brooklin/Whitby is "Open for Business". 

 

Historic Downtown Brooklin - Proud of our Heritage

I will continue discussions with MTO for a Baldwin Street truck bypass, resulting in Town ownership of the roadway and a full signal traffic light at Campbell and Baldwin Street, having a very positive effect on our Downtown.  The successful Facade Grant Program will be expanded to ensure our businessowners have an opportunity to upgrade their exterior facades. I will continue to make investments in our Downtown on an annual basis. I will work with the Brooklin Downtown Development Steering Committee and the Downtown Brooklin Business Association to look into the feasibility of developing a B.I.A. I will work with developers and LACAC Heritage Whitby to ensure that any new infill development in our Downtown is welcomed and adheres to the Brooklin Heritage Conservation District.  Continuing to work with our Downtown Development Office will assist in promoting our Historic Downtown .     

 

Recreational, Cultural & Institutional Opportunites Abound

I will support and encourage the Lakeridge Health Hospital Task Force team and the LHIN to bring a fully operational teaching Hospital to the North Ward.  As the North Ward continues to grow we will need to bring on more recreational facilities.  There will be a Master Plan to redevelop Memorial Park, of which I am very supportive and I look forward to public input on what everyeone would like to see on this site.  We will also need to find a location in the North for additional pad space for hockey/lacrosse and an aquatics centre would be certainly well used.   A baseball and soccer field complex rounds out the facilites that I see needed in the North Ward. I am very open to looking for partnerships during the process of planning for these facilities.  I will continue to support, encourage and expand programs for our youth and seniors.

 

 

My Role as Councillor - My Philosophy

I will continue to be accessible, accountable and approachable which are key to my role as Councillor.  As Chair of various meetings, I welcome and encourage public engagement.  My monthly articles in the Brooklin Town Crier keep the community informed about what is happening at Town Hall.  Being out in the community daily allows residents the opportunity to speak with me in an informal setting.  I will continue to make the entire budget process much more open and inviting to the public. Through our Cityworks program, residents are assured that their concerns and queries are looked after in an timely and professional manner.