“I am running for re-election this term, in large part, to finish the work I’ve have started over the past 10+ years. […] I’m running to continue being a strong East End voice for affordability at City Hall. I’m proud of my reputation for being a “voice of reason” around the Council horseshoe when it comes to financial accountability and spending restraint. I believe this voice is needed now more than ever.”

Why do you want to be a city councillor?

I am running for re-election this term, in large part, to finish the work I’ve have started over the past 10+ years. I’m running to finish the much-needed York Road redevelopment project on time and on budget. A project that I have championed since 2014.  Phase 4 is now under construction.

I’m also running to deliver on the exciting mixed used development at Starwood and Watson Parkway. This project is now approved by Council and promises to deliver a much needed grocery store as well as hundreds of new housing options and employment opportunities for our youth and young professionals. Delivering on this vital project while protecting the quiet family friendly streets our community is known for as a top priority for me.

Finally, I’m running to continue being a strong East End voice for affordability at City Hall. I’m proud of my reputation for being a “voice of reason” around the Council horseshoe when it comes to financial accountability and spending restraint. I believe this voice is needed now more than ever.

What is your background and experience, and how do you think that will serve you as a city councillor?

My formal education includes a Bachelor of Science degree from Trent University, and a Masters Degree in Environmental Science from the University of Toronto. I am a senior environmental scientist, working in the natural sciences and renewable power generation sector and have over 25 years working experience in both a private and public sector.

By design my education and career have always focussed on sustainable development and seeking innovative ways to resolve complex issues. I believe the skillet has served me well over the past 12 years on Guelph City Council.

In terms of working experience, I have served as a guest lecturer at Carlton University’s school of Environment. I’m a published author of industry leading environmental Best Management Practices. I’ve contributed to multiple federal and provincial socioeconomic studies on the impact of environmental legislation. I’ve also served on numerous national and provincial recovery strategies for endangered wildlife in Canada, and I continue to chair a national working group of hydroelectric power producers focussed on environmental policy aimed at increasing industry compliance across Canada. I’m experienced in land use planning and development and have participated in over 50 provincial and federal environmental assessments across Canada.

In terms of policy and advocacy work, I’ve delegated on behalf of the Canadian Electricity Association during a Federal Parliamentary Committee study in Ottawa and have also delegated before the Canadian Senate.

Specific to the City of Guelph I served as vice chair and chair of the infrastructure development and enterprise committee while on council from 2014 to 2022 as well as the downtown Guelph Business Association, Board of Directors from 2014 to 2020.

By design, my professional career necessitates that I work with stakeholders from all view points in order to balance the many social economic, and environmental aspects of complex issues.  I believe this skill set and experience serves me well in the role of city Councillor.

Given Strong Mayor Powers, how do you see your role as a city councillor when the mayor can override the will of council with just three votes?

I understand that it’s legislation granted to Mayors through the provincial government.  It does not consume a lot of my thoughts and energy however because Mayor Guthrie rarely (if ever), considered using it to override the decisions of council. And while there will be a new mayor next term; if re-elected I will seek to gain their intentions on whether they will use it.

Affordability is important to a lot of voters, and municipal budgeting can be very difficult. How will you balance the needs of a growing city with the demands for low or zero tax increases over the next term?

There is not one single issue that Council can point to and say “that’s why taxes are high”. Likewise, there’s not one single issue that Council can point at (and change) and then declare taxes are lower. Both are the accumulated result of a multitude of decisions up or down when it comes to affordability in decisions made.   Affordable decision making is an exercise in discernment and prioritization. How we deliver services; which services are required through legislation; and which services can be tailored through an affordability lens, are all conversations this next term of Council must have if we are serious about bending our cost curve downward. I do believe this is the top issue being discussed at the front door during this election.

Council this past term has done a lot of housing policy, but that hasn’t translated into more shovels in the ground. How will you help close the gap over the next four years?

While the housing file has been frustrating over this past term of council, I do believe the province’s new Development Charge Reduction Program will begin to move the needle on new housing starts. This is not an endorsement of the program itself, but rather an acknowledgment that the urgency and short term focus of this policy (I believe), will move the needle on getting housing started. This includes housing at all levels of the housing spectrum from deeply affordable all the way up to market housing.

Aside from the demands for more housing, land use planning also means assuring that there’s enough room to account for growth in business, institutional and commercial land uses, how will you balance all these priorities?

Over the past 12 years I’ve been part of the scoping of many commercial land use studies, commercial policy reviews and land use plans through city council. There will always be disagreements between parties when it comes to policy and land use decisions, but I do have confidence in our city staff, and their ability to reflect the city’s (and council’s) vision for growth and conservation in our Official Plan as well as our many, many land use policy documents.

Water availability is a growing concern. How will you ensure that Guelph has the capacity it needs to support this growing city?

To my understanding, no one on Council is a certified professional hydrogeologist. Nor are they long-term water supply engineers. This is simple sarcasm, but it articulates an understanding of the role of councillor when it comes to long-term water use planning.  City council’s role in highly technical files such as water supply master planning is not to “know it all”.  The role of the councillor (on many files) is to listen to our professional staff (and those hired to provide advise) on water use planning into the future. From this perspective, a councillors decision making role is ultimately to listen, learn, challenge and ultimately approve the city’s water supply master plan; and then support it through future decisions of council.

Trust in government and institutions is a major issue. How will you keep your constituents well informed about city hall business, and help them feel included when it comes to decision making?

I pride myself and being a councillor who is available to residents when they have questions, have a problem, or want to learn more about a certain issue. I have always tried to stay responsive to emails, phone calls, requests for visits, and provide regular updates through social media. In years past when certain ward centric issues arise, I have also held issue specific town halls throughout Ward 1.

What would you say is *your* issue? What is the one thing you want to talk about on the campaign trail this fall and have a thorough debate about it before this election is over?

The cost of living continues to skyrocket across our city, province and country. While there are numerous contributing factors, the idea of “transient inflation” (as we were told during the pandemic), has been proven over and over again to be false. Inflation on everyday essentials for families like housing, groceries, food is proving to be persistent and must be addressed head on.

To this end, my mindset is simple.  How can the city help? How/where can we help residents manage through the constant pressures being places on households? Keeping our costs down should be the first commitment all candidates should make.

What perspective do you think you will bring to council that is not currently reflected?

I believe my involvement in coaching youth sports in Guelph brings a different perspective to Council. I have coached both minor hockey as well as minor baseball in Guelph for over a decade. As such, I understand the barriers and hurdles facing youth participation as well as the need for more facilities to support our youth in these endeavours.