Affordability
The number one concern I hear from residents is affordability. Families are facing higher mortgage payments, higher grocery bills, rising utility costs, and significant increases in property taxes.
While a tax freeze may not always be realistic, I believe council has a responsibility to keep future increases as low as possible through responsible budgeting, thoughtful decision-making, and sustainable growth.
Affordability is also tied to how we manage our infrastructure. Roads, sidewalks, parks, and public facilities become significantly more expensive when maintenance is delayed. Long-term planning and strong asset management help protect taxpayers from larger costs in the future.
- • Keep future tax increases as low as possible
- • Expand the commercial and industrial tax base
- • Carefully review major spending decisions
- • Pursue partnerships and alternative revenue opportunities
- • Support long-term infrastructure and asset management planning
- • Reduce pressure on residential taxpayers over time
Prosperity
Long-term affordability depends on a strong local economy. If we want to maintain services, invest in infrastructure, and keep taxes under control, Peterborough needs more investment, more jobs, and more opportunities.
Peterborough has a number of opportunities that could help strengthen our economy over the long term. One example is the airport and the industries that can grow around it, including aviation, logistics, training, and maintenance.
Success will depend on many partners, but I believe council should actively support opportunities that attract investment, create jobs, and broaden our economic base wherever they arise.
- • Attract investment and good-paying jobs
- • Grow Peterborough's commercial and industrial tax base
- • Identify and support emerging economic opportunities
- • Work collaboratively with businesses and community partners
- • Strengthen the local economy so affordability can improve over time
Recreation, Arts & Quality of Life
Recreation, arts, culture, and community activities all contribute to the quality of life that makes Peterborough a great place to live. They help strengthen communities, support youth development, encourage healthy lifestyles, and create opportunities for residents to connect with one another.
These amenities also play an important role in attracting and retaining families, supporting local businesses, and building the vibrant community that many residents value. A strong quality of life is not only important for current residents, but also for encouraging people and businesses to choose Peterborough in the future.
Facilities such as another indoor sports dome could support soccer, rugby, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, and many other activities while attracting tournaments and visitors to Peterborough. Likewise, supporting arts, cultural organizations, festivals, and community events helps strengthen Peterborough's identity and contributes to a vibrant local economy.
Public-private and community partnerships may provide opportunities to expand recreational, cultural, and community amenities in a financially responsible way while improving quality of life for residents.
- • Expand recreational opportunities for all ages
- • Support arts, culture, and community events that strengthen local identity
- • Support facilities that serve multiple sports and community groups
- • Explore partnerships that reduce the burden on taxpayers
- • Attract visitors, tournaments, events, and economic activity
- • Improve quality of life while remaining financially responsible
Accountability & City Hall
Good local government depends on clear communication, thoughtful decision-making, and meaningful public engagement.
Residents should feel informed about important issues and confident that their concerns are being heard. I want to help make local government more accessible by communicating clearly, explaining decisions in plain language, and maintaining an open dialogue with residents throughout my term.
- • Clear and consistent communication with residents
- • Plain-language explanations of major decisions
- • Strong financial stewardship
- • Accessible and responsive representation
- • Practical, evidence-based decision making