My Priorities

Affordability

Affordability is a growing concern for Innisfil residents. Under the current council, property taxes have increased approximately 14%–15% over the past three years, adding an estimated $500–$600 annually for the average homeowner. Despite these pressures, council approved an unnecessary $47.8 million park renovation, knowing the Stroud Recreation Centre faces a necessary multi-million-dollar repair or replacement. Innisfil needs stronger fiscal discipline, accountability, and a focus on essential priorities.

Family Orientated

Families are the heart of our community, and we need to strengthen the connections that support residents at every stage of life, from new parents to seniors receiving palliative care. We should work closely with our schools and community organizations to create stronger networks of support and neighbourhood connections.

Community & Road Safety

As a policing professional, I understand the importance and cost of effective policing. I will bring a fresh, informed perspective focused on finding efficiencies, improving services, and prioritizing road safety, particularly in our school zones and during winter conditions.

Community First

Innisfil has struggled to define a clear and cohesive identity. Caught between the needs of residents and visitors, and between small-town character and big-city convenience, our community has tried to be everything to everyone. The Orbit project is an example of this approach, promising a community of the future but ultimately leaving residents with broken promises and concerns about wasteful spending. Innisfil is a mosaic of unique communities, each with its own character and identity. We should embrace and strengthen those identities, supporting the people, businesses, and organizations that help each community thrive while building a stronger Innisfil together.

Communication

As a communications professional, I believe residents deserve clear, timely information. I will provide regular, transparent updates and create meaningful opportunities for residents to engage, contribute ideas, and help shape solutions. I will also advocate strongly with the province for fair funding and priority projects, including our hospital, ensuring Innisfil’s voice is heard at Queen’s Park and that people, not politics, remain the priority.

Balancing Growth with Environmental Sustainability

Growth is inevitable, but it must be planned strategically and responsibly. As a lakeside community, Innisfil has a responsibility to protect our waterways, natural floodplains, and green spaces while making thoughtful decisions about where and how we grow. Rather than continuing to address flooding and environmental challenges with short-term fixes, we need long-term solutions that protect our residents and our natural environment. By balancing development with fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship, we can grow in a way that strengthens Innisfil for generations to come.

Initiatives I Will Explore If Elected:

1. Financial Responsibility & Economic Growth

Innisfil Beach Park Phase 3: Explore deferring Phase 3 renovations, specifically the restaurant and event plaza, to protect taxpayer affordability.
Stroud Community Centre Strategy: Immediately address long-term operational plans for Stroud Arena with full public transparency and community input.
Economic Return on Investment: Review the local impact and return on investment from municipal economic programs, including the DMZ partnership, to support local businesses.
Transparent and clear communication on MPAC tax assessments and how it relates to residents bills.
Municipal Performance Auditing: Conduct a comprehensive value-for-money and performance audit of InnPower and InnServices.
Work with neighbouring communities to share services and lower costs.
Continue to benchmark and monitor other communities road rehabilitation programs to look for innovative ways to service our large network of roads in an efficient and effective manner.
Hold contractors and developers accountable for delivering the projects they have committed to, including adherence to approved budgets, timelines, and contractual obligations.

2. Community & Road Safety

Safe School Zones: Utilize simple traffic calming measures to address speed in school zones and explore partnerships with local organizations to establish a dedicated school crosswalk program
Connected Linear Parks: Expand multi-use linear trails to keep children safely off roadways while promoting walking, running, and cycling.
Targeted Public Safety: Support cost-effective, evidence-based policing strategies targeting high-crime hotspots, alongside community initiatives like a Citizens on Patrol volunteer unit and policing grants.
Address key intersection hazards, prioritizing improvements at Innisfil Beach Road and 20th Sideroad.
Develop a comprehensive e-bike and e-scooter strategy that proactively addresses safety, infrastructure, and regulatory considerations while supporting accessibility, convenience, and evolving community transportation trends.

3. Transparent Communication & Governance

Municipal Decision Summaries: Leverage modern technology to produce accessible, plain-language summaries of Council decisions and policy updates.
Hamlet Representation: Support local community councils that reflect and preserve the distinct identities of Innisfil’s unique hamlets.
Solutions-Oriented Culture: Shift municipal administrative culture from bureaucratic barriers to active, collaborative problem-solving.
Less photo-ops and more focus groups for true community engagement and feedback.

4. Supporting Families & Youth

Student Food Security: Work with partners to ensure all local students have reliable access to nutritious food.
Empower community-led, volunteer-driven organizations.
Youth Innovation: Launch local science and business fairs to cultivate entrepreneurship, skills development, and community mentorship.
Work with the schools to create a network of support for families and students.

5. Sustainable Growth & Infrastructure

Innisfil Hospital Campus: Champion the development of the new hospital campus and provide consistent progress updates to residents.
Transit & Housing Diversity: Build a reliable, affordable public transit system while partnering with non-profit housing providers to expand diverse, accessible housing options.
Environmental Resilience: Implement transparent, community-informed flooding mitigation strategies.
Prioritize environmental stewardship and work towards a community Animal Refugee & Learning Centre with community partners.