Housing & growth
A city has to welcome new homes and be honest about the systems needed to support them: water, sewage, roads, schools and services. Affordability requires both more supply and practical assistance for people who cannot afford the housing available.
I've called for examining a revolving municipal housing loan approach that could recycle capital into future projects. It needs legal review, credit safeguards and disciplined financial analysis before becoming a program.
Accountability & governance
Major decisions should survive tough questions. I believe in meaningful council oversight, professional advice from staff and transparent explanations of costs and trade-offs. Independent judgment matters even when it makes decisions harder.
That is particularly important with Ontario's strong mayor powers and long-lived municipal capital commitments. Read my explanation of the powers and the checks →
Downtown & local economy
Healthy local businesses, a strong arts and tourism economy and a downtown that works beyond peak season are essential to Stratford. Municipal policy can help by simplifying processes, paying attention to how people use the city and encouraging a stronger year-round commercial base.
Infrastructure & public investment
Before committing taxpayers to a project, I want to know the total cost: construction, borrowing, operation and renewal. I also want to know the opportunity cost—what other priorities will wait. Those principles guide my questions about the Grand Trunk site and other capital investments.
Community & public life
Housing, recreation, childcare, arts, social support and healthy public spaces all affect whether people can build a life in a place. Public service requires listening across those needs and making trade-offs visible.
Beyond one city
Stratford faces challenges shared by communities across Ontario: infrastructure costs, housing pressures, fiscal constraints and changing main streets. I want to continue examining what works elsewhere and bringing useful ideas into the local conversation.