Progress

Responsible Growth & Planning

Watershed Protection

I brought forward the motion and priority for subwatershed studies in the hamlet development areas to inform future development and secondary planning. Understanding our watersheds before development occurs helps ensure that growth is properly planned, protects our natural systems and gives the community better information when making long-term planning decisions.

Opposition to Bill 5 & Special Economic Zones

I brought forward a motion and spoke out against Bill 5 and the introduction of Special Economic Zones that could override local zoning policies and established environmental and community protections. I believe municipalities and their residents need a meaningful voice in decisions about how our communities grow and how our natural resources and local character are protected.

Additional Residential Units (ARUs)

I was an early advocate for creating more opportunities for Additional Residential Units in Port Hope. I subsequently brought forward a motion to reopen the zoning bylaw for further review, helping create additional opportunities for multigenerational housing, homeowner income and more affordable housing options.

Planning for Growth while Respecting Neighbourhoods

I have consistently advocated for responsible growth that is accompanied by appropriate infrastructure and services, while respecting Port Hope’s established neighbourhoods, heritage and character.

Environment & Conservation

Conservation Leadership

I have served on the Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority Board since 2018, including as Vice-Chair and Chair. As Chair, I oversaw conservation projects and stewardship programs, participated in permit decisions and the selection of new projects and builds, and provided leadership on important conservation matters.

ELORCA Transition (continuing into 2027)

I was elected by the GRCA Board to represent the Authority during the ELORCA transition, providing Board representation during an important period of change in conservation governance.

Tree Protection Bylaw

While serving on the Tree Advisory Committee, I took the lead in advocating for a municipal Tree Protection Bylaw. I continued to pursue the issue through Council and helped bring stronger protection for Port Hope’s trees.

Community Climate Change Planning

As a member of the Environmental Committee during the 2018-2022 term, I helped advance Port Hope’s community climate-change planning by hosting community workshops and participated in a visit to McMaster University to learn from its Community Climate Change Action Plan strategy. Work later evolved into the current Community Climate Change Environmental Plan, which was subsequently adopted by the current term of Council.

Infrastructure & Community Engagement

Walton Street Reconstruction

As Council Chair of the Works & Engineering Portfolio during the design and community consultation phase of the Walton Street Reconstruction, I helped lead community engagement through a particularly challenging period. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I chaired online Community Information Centre meetings, giving residents opportunities to receive information, ask questions and participate in the process.

Municipal Cell Tower Protocol

Following significant community concern surrounding a proposed cell tower, I responded by advocating for a municipal Cell Tower Protocol. The goal was to establish a clearer and more consistent process for communication and community consultation around future proposals.

Community Accessibility

As Chair of the Accessibility Committee since 2022, I have worked to keep accessibility at the centre of municipal decision-making and to identify practical ways our community can be more inclusive and easier for everyone to navigate and participate.

In 2026, I brought forward a motion addressing transit service during heat advisories, recognizing that reliable transportation becomes especially important for residents during extreme weather.

Port Hope Public Library

As Council Chair of the Port Hope Public Library Board since 2022, I have supported the Library as an essential community institution and advocated for accessible services, learning opportunities and community connection.

Rural Pedestrian Safety Initiative

In 2021, I worked with the OPP to develop a rural pedestrian-safety initiative. I reached out to residents to identify areas where speeding was a concern, supported targeted OPP monitoring and helped bring a community pedestrian-safety video developed by Northumberland OPP to local residents.

SMARTNorthumberland Broadband Strategy

On a local level, I helped champion the SMARTNorthumberland Broadband Strategy as an early campaign priority and will continue to advocate until everyone is connected. I encouraged community participation through internet speed testing. The strategy helped demonstrate the need for investment, contributing to broadband expansion across the community. Approximately 70% of the rural community now has access to broadband, with Phase 2 confirmed and the County continuing to advocate for further expansion.