Platform

Protect what we love, Manage what we have and Plan responsibly for the Future.

Environment First

The environment must be at the centre of Township decision-making.

The natural beauty of Muskoka is the foundation of our quality of life and an essential to our year-round economy. The planning policies and bylaws should protect our lakes, shorelines, forests and natural areas while allowing responsible use and development.

We also need to do our part to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions and respond to the environmental changes already affecting our community.

Respectful Responsible Development

The construction, maintenance and servicing of waterfront properties is an important part of Muskoka’s economy, providing employment and economic wellbeing for hundreds of local families.

Township policies should support this important industry while ensuring that development protects the long-term health of our lakes and natural environment.

Responsible waterfront development means, among other things, keeping our shorelines predominantly natural.Excessive clearing of trees and vegetation within the first 50 feet of the shoreline remains a challenge. The update to the Comprehensive Zoning Bylaw provides an important opportunity to address this issue.

We need to find the right balance between allowing people to enjoy and improve their properties and protecting the natural character of our shorelines.

Fiscal Responsibility

This closing term of Council faced extraordinary financial pressures, especially COVID-related construction inflation. Studies done over the last eight years have revealed the true state of the infrastructure and the need for rebuilding and maintenance. These pressures resulted in substantial increases in Township taxes over the past four years. However, the Township is now in a better position to address the financial challenges ahead.

My approach will be straightforward: Keep operating cost increases as close to inflation as possible, carefully prioritize capital projects and manage their timing so that we can maintain the infrastructure without placing unnecessary pressure on taxpayers.

We cannot avoid investing in roads, buildings and other infrastructure. But we can be disciplined about what we build, when we build it and how we pay for it.

Bylaw Development & Enforcement

Residents expect Township bylaws to be enforced fairly and consistently. Good bylaws are only effective when they are understandable, practical and enforced.

Over the past four years, the Township’s bylaw enforcement capacity has increased significantly. There is now weekend coverage during the summer, more charges are being laid and fines collected, proactive enforcement has increased, and bylaw officers are conducting patrols on the water.

This is a positive direction, and I will continue to support and promote these activities.

Support for Local Residents

The lack of affordable housing for permanent residents is one of the Muskoka’s significant challenges. Council must continue to make the creation of affordable and attainable housing a priority, particularly in the urban centres.

Access to the lakes is also important. Boat launches, public beaches and other public access points allow residents and visitors who do not own waterfront property to enjoy Muskoka lakes. These facilities must be maintained, improved where appropriate and expanded where opportunities exist.

Community centres, arenas, sports courts and trails are also an important part of the social fabric and quality of life of our communities.

I strongly support maintaining and improving these facilities so they remain available to residents for generations to come.

Looking Ahead

Muskoka is changing. We need to manage that change carefully.

We need to protect the environment that makes Muskoka special, allow responsible development, maintain the infrastructure we already have, provide opportunities for year-round residents and make prudent financial decisions.

These objectives are not mutually exclusive—but achieving them requires experience, careful planning and a willingness to make difficult choices.

After eight years of municipal experience, I believe I can make a meaningful contribution to the next Council.

I will continue to listen to the residents of Ward C, work constructively with Council and Township staff, and make decisions based on what I believe is in the long-term best interests of our community.