A strong budget sets the direction for the years ahead. Sound financial management has been part of my work for decades. Before serving on Council, I spent four years as Executive Director of Sandy Hill Community Health Centre and 18 years leading Rideau Community Health Services. During my tenure, Sandy Hill was recognized as the largest Community Health Centre in Ontario. Across these leadership roles, I was responsible for substantial organizations, staff and public resources, with budgets reaching as high as $20 million.

Managing at that scale requires discipline. Budgets have to reflect real priorities, costs have to be examined carefully and decisions made today must account for obligations that may not come due for years. It also requires good governance. I worked closely with Boards and experienced financial staff to understand pressures, evaluate options and make difficult choices about where limited resources could have the greatest impact.

Over my career, I have reviewed hundreds of audited financial statements from a wide range of organizations. I have worked closely with Boards and experienced financial staff to understand financial pressures, evaluate options and make difficult choices about where limited resources can have the greatest impact. I have brought that experience to eight years on Smiths Falls Council and eight municipal budget cycles.

As Mayor, I will bring the same approach to the Town’s finances. I will take a hard look at spending, identify unnecessary costs and expect value for taxpayers. At the same time, responsible budgeting cannot come at the expense of the infrastructure and essential services our community depends on. Roads need to be maintained. Water and wastewater systems need to be renewed. Municipal facilities need to be planned for. Delaying necessary work can simply leave a larger bill for the next generation.

Responsible budgeting is not simply about spending less. It is about spending wisely. It also means making every local dollar go as far as possible. The proposed Regional Recreation Facility illustrates the scale of the decisions ahead. The preferred arena and multi-sport fieldhouse concept is currently estimated at approximately $41.4 million to $49.2 million, and Council has directed staff to explore partnerships and funding opportunities before moving forward.

A project of that scale cannot simply be placed on the shoulders of Smiths Falls taxpayers. We need to make full use of outside funding and regional partnerships before deciding what the Town can responsibly afford. For me, protecting taxpayers means leaving no reasonable funding opportunity unexplored. It means understanding the programs available to us, maintaining strong relationships with other governments and being prepared when opportunities arise.

We have seen what that approach can accomplish. In 2026, Smiths Falls secured $13.3 million from Ontario for major water and wastewater. Responsible investment also means investing in the strength of our community. We need to support the businesses that have chosen Smiths Falls, encourage responsible growth and create the conditions that attract new investment. We also need to work with our partners so families, seniors and vulnerable residents can access the services that contribute to a good quality of life.

I have spent decades managing organizations and significant budgets, followed by eight years making municipal decisions around the Council table. I understand the responsibility that comes with those choices. As Mayor I will make thoughtful investments that will continue to serve residents for decades to come. That is what I mean by Plan Ahead. Invest Wisely.