Start by understanding the numbers.
The role
During the 2022–2026 council term, I served as vice-chair of Stratford’s Finance and Labour Relations Sub-committee. We look at budgets, major projects, taxes, purchasing and grants, along with labour relations, Festival Hydro’s finances and economic development.
My approach
I want to understand the full bill: what we borrow, what it costs to run, what we’ll need to repair or replace, and what happens if costs rise. I also want to know what we’ll have to put off to pay for it.
Examine a revolving housing loan model.
The proposal
United Housing asked the City to continue exploring a municipal loan of up to $800,000 toward the redevelopment of 24–26 Brunswick Street. The preliminary project cost was about $3.925 million, with the balance expected from community fundraising, community bonds and government grants.
What I actually raised
I supported continuing the discussion with United Housing, but asked staff to look beyond this one project. I wanted the City to examine whether a larger pool of municipal capital could support more projects through repayable loans rather than one-time grants. If principal is returned to the housing reserve, the same capital can be lent again to a future project. My point was to explore a self-replenishing program rather than use most of the existing reserve on a single application.
Name the things that can wait.
What I have proposed
Sell the Normal School rather than keep carrying its costs; defer non-essential studies, cosmetic upgrades and new administrative positions; review fleet ownership versus leasing; and use professional project management to reduce major-project contingencies.
The MPAC timing gap
New homes can be occupied before their assessments produce the related property-tax revenue. I have asked that the City quantify that delay and consider reasonably expected revenue when setting the levy rather than automatically shifting the timing gap to existing taxpayers.
Move the hub forward without losing control of the scale.
The decision
Council approved a municipal contribution of up to $15 million toward a shared community facility, along with market sounding for private development and a broader parking strategy.
My position
I support the hub and staged redevelopment of the site. I was originally open to retaining more of the superstructure, but changed my view as the cost and complexity became clearer. I have warned publicly that Stratford could put its financial position at serious risk if the scale is wrong.
Keep a firm grip on the police project.
The issue
Council approved the purchase and renovation of 10–52 Wright Boulevard for a new police headquarters, with an estimated total project cost of $36 million.
My position
The police need a building that works for them. The City needs to stay in control of the project, report costs openly and manage the allowance for unexpected work carefully. We should also arrange the financing to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on taxes in the short term.
Ask whether the City should keep owning the airport.
The issue
In 2023 Council voted 7–4 to continue municipal ownership and contracted operation of the airport while pursuing revenue and development initiatives.
My position
I voted against that decision. I wanted firmer financial conditions and a proper look at other ways to own or run the airport before committing the City to keep paying without a clear limit.
Look at everyone who contributes to tourism.
The issue
The Municipal Accommodation Tax Ad-Hoc Committee was established to recommend a policy for the City’s share of MAT revenue.
My position
I want one clear approach, with Destination Stratford central to the work and hotels, restaurants, shops, arts and culture all part of the discussion. These businesses and organizations depend on one another. Our tourism policy should reflect that.
