ACTIVE TRANSPORT

I have worked in my capacity as Vice Chair of the Pelham Active Transportation Committee and President of the Rotary Club of Fonthill over the past 3 years with 6 Rotary Clubs, 2 Lion’s Clubs, the Town of Pelham, the City of Thorold and the Regional Municipality of Niagara to create a walkable and cyclable trail on the old rail line from Fonthill to the Great Circle Route in Thorold. The section from Port Robinson Rd. to Hwy 20 on Station St. will be completed by Spring 2027. In Thorold the section alongside Beaverdams Rd. from Kottmeir Rd. to Collier Rd. will be completed by 2027 as well.

Extend the sidewalk from Oakridge Avenue to Effingham Street on the south side of Canboro Rd. On the advice of the Pelham Active Transportation Committee “Share the Rd.” signs and road markings has been completed. Removal of the rumble strips is still one of my priorities.

Support migrant workers by providing safe bicycles, vests, helmets and lights.

Through the Active Transport Committee strive to gain Gold level accreditation for cycling and walkability.

Work collaboratively with the Food Basics Plaza and Wellspring Niagara for overflow after hours parking to limit the number of new parking spots required for the MCC.

Squash the plan to add a new parking lot on the corner of Station St. and Town Hall Square and explore options with Habitat Humanity to build affordable housing instead.

ENVIRONMENT

Continue to promote the Great Lakes Watershed Cleanup on Earth Day.

In concert with the Rotary Club of Fonthill, PATH and the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority continue to plant trees throughout Pelham. Plant 500 native species trees at the Lion’s Klager Park in the Spring of 2027

Increase the number of Pollinator Gardens in Pelham

Develop a Gleaners program to collect unharvested fruit/vegetables for Pelham Cares working with DeVries Fruit Farm & Market, Rumar Farms and others.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Promote more apartments and townhouses.

Work with Habitat for Humanity to build their first home in Pelham either at surplus property at the MCC or at the corner of Station St. and Town Hall Square.

Explore small house builds for single retirees.

Work with Pelham Non-Profit Housing, the RMON, Town of Pelham and the Province, Federal Government to provide more below market rent apartments in the Region.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Most of our property tax dollars (60%) goes to support services provided by the Regional Municipality of Niagara. Pelham needs a strong voice there and this will now come down to the Mayor as the sole representative of Pelham. As Mayor I will work diligently to ensure our voice is heard. I have an interest and expertise in planning, economic development, public health, especially Emergency Medical Services, collaboration with the Niagara Regional Police Service, Fire Services Coordinator, waste management, etc.

The consulting firm KPMG has been engaged by the RMON to review all services provided by this tier of government including the opportunity to eliminate duplication of shared services with the 12 Municipalities. Their recommendations will come to the new Regional Council this December. It is time to make difficult decisions, but decisions that will eliminate waste and duplication. I am prepared to support these in order to decrease or at least contain costs to you the taxpayer.

Using “Strong Mayor’s Powers” I pledge to take a 10% pay cut as the mayor and to submit a budget to decrease your taxes to no more than the rate of inflation.