My Priorities for the People of Smiths Falls
1. Advocate for Our Community
Working together to address the challenges facing Smiths Falls.
Many of the challenges facing our community cannot be solved by the Town alone. As Mayor, I will be a strong advocate for Smiths Falls at the County, provincial and federal levels, working to secure funding, build partnerships and bring resources home.
I will work alongside community agencies, not-for-profit organizations and other levels of government to expand deeply affordable housing, enhance social and health services and address complex community needs.
During my eight years on Council, more than 800 housing units have been built, including rent-geared-to-income and affordable units. I will continue building on this progress while supporting stronger services for children, seniors, families and vulnerable members of our community.
This includes my continued advocacy for affordable childcare and access to essential health, housing and social services.
2. Lead Together. Strengthen Our Town.
Bringing people together and building on the strengths of our community.
I believe the best leadership is collaborative leadership.
After eight years on Council and decades as a community builder, I know that progress comes from working together with Council, Town staff, residents, businesses, community organizations and other levels of government.
As Mayor, I will bring a mature, thoughtful and compassionate approach to leadership. I will listen, build relationships and work toward practical solutions.
I believe in valuing the expertise of Town staff, supporting the people who serve our community and creating a culture of respect and collaboration at Town Hall.
3. Plan Ahead. Invest Wisely.
A strong budget sets the tone for the next four years.
I bring experience managing significant budgets and believe sound financial planning is essential to good municipal government.
As Mayor, I will focus on responsible budgeting, long-term planning and strategic investments that strengthen Smiths Falls. A strong budget provides the foundation for maintaining essential services, renewing infrastructure, responding to emerging needs and investing in our future.
I will also pursue provincial and federal funding and strong partnerships that help Smiths Falls do more while reducing pressure on the local tax base.
Planning ahead means making thoughtful decisions today that will serve our community for generations to come.
4. Strengthen Recreation and Community Life
Building spaces and opportunities that bring our community and region together.
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I will continue the good work of renewing our parks, ensuring they are as accessible as possible for all bodies and abilities, as well as renewal of Lower Reach Park and other investments that enhance our waterfront, trails, recreation facilities and community spaces.
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Although I support the plan of a Regional Recreation Facility, our grant application was unsuccessful. This means we will have to work with regional, provincial and federal partners in order for the plan to advance.
These are investments in the quality of life that makes Smiths Falls a place people are proud to call home.
5. Preserve What We Have. Build for What Comes Next.
Caring for our town today and leaving it stronger for future generations.
Smiths Falls is a beautiful town, and we have a responsibility to care for what previous generations have built while preparing for those who will follow.
Our roads, water and wastewater systems, public facilities and other vital infrastructure must be maintained and renewed before small problems become expensive ones. Over the past six years, Smiths Falls has invested more than $100 million in infrastructure improvements, supported in part by provincial and federal funding.
I will continue supporting proactive, long-term infrastructure planning while investing in improvements that enhance the quality of life for residents.
As Smiths Falls grows, I must also protect the things that make our community special such as our neighbourhoods, heritage, green spaces, waterfront and sense of place.
6. Enhance Our Vibrant Local Economy
Supporting the businesses and opportunities that keep Smiths Falls thriving.
A strong local economy creates jobs, supports families and gives our community the resources it needs to thrive. I will continue working with the Town’s Economic Development and Tourism Department and listening to the business community as the Town develops its Business Retention and Expansion strategy.
I will support the development of additional employment land, encourage investment and help ensure Smiths Falls remains an attractive place for businesses to start, grow and invest.
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I will also continue efforts to support major employers, including Hershey’s, as they prepare for future operations in Smiths Falls.
Economic development is about more than attracting the next big employer. It means supporting the businesses already here, strengthening our downtown and commercial areas, encouraging entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for good jobs. A vibrant local economy and a thriving community go hand in hand.