ROADS, TRAFFIC & INFRASTRUCTURE

Goal

Maintain safe, reliable infrastructure by increasing investment in road maintenance, optimizing municipal resources, and maximizing value for taxpayers. 

Actions 

• Review municipal expenditures and capital plans to identify opportunities for greater investment in road rehabilitation and preventative maintenance. 

• Develop and implement a long-term infrastructure renewal strategy for roads, sidewalks, and municipal facilities based on data-driven asset management planning. 

• Implement traffic calming, speed reduction, and roadway safety improvements in neighbourhoods, school zones, and high-traffic corridors. 

• Aggressively pursue provincial and federal infrastructure funding to leverage municipal tax dollars and accelerate infrastructure improvements. 

PROPERTY TAXES & MUNICIPAL FINANCE

Goal

Deliver value for taxpayers by minimizing property tax increases, improving service efficiency, and advocating for greater accountability in municipal and regional spending.

Actions 

• Work to keep property tax increases aligned with inflation through responsible budgeting, spending reviews, and operational efficiencies. 
• Advocate for greater fiscal restraint and accountability at the Regional level to help address escalating regional budgets and property tax increases. 
• Pursue shared service opportunities and strategic partnerships with neighbouring municipalities to optimize service delivery and reduce costs. 
• Increase transparency in budgeting and financial reporting while ensuring municipal spending aligns with Council priorities and measurable outcomes. 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY & TRANSPARENCY

Goal

Strengthen public engagement, communication, and customer service by fostering a responsive, transparent, and resident-focused municipal government. 

• Hold an annual Mayor’s Town Hall and Community Update event to report on accomplishments, challenges, and priorities for the coming year. 

• Launch a Town-wide Customer Service Excellence Initiative, supported by regular resident, business, and customer satisfaction surveys to measure performance, identify improvement opportunities, and enhance service quality. 

• Enhance communication channels to keep residents and businesses informed while creating meaningful opportunities for input on municipal decisions and initiatives. 

• Establish service standards and response-time targets for key municipal services. 

• Recognize and celebrate staff contributions that improve customer experience. 

CRIME, POLICING & COMMUNITY SAFETY

Goal

Keep Pelham a safe, secure, and resilient community.

• Work closely with Niagara Regional Police and community partners to enhance public safety, crime prevention, and community awareness initiatives.
•  Invest in infrastructure improvements that enhance pedestrian, cyclist, and roadway safety throughout Pelham. 
• Strengthen emergency preparedness, organizational resilience, and cybersecurity measures to protect municipal services, infrastructure, and sensitive information. 
• Advocate for resources that improve emergency response, public safety outcomes, and the Town’s ability to respond to emerging risks and challenges. 

NIAGARA REGION ADVOCACY & LEADERSHIP

Goal

Provide strong representation for Pelham at Niagara Region and advocate for taxpayers, local priorities, and responsible government.

• Be a strong voice for Pelham at Regional Council and key committee meetings by attending meetings in-person and minimizing zoom attendance.
• Advocate for reduced Regional spending and lower property tax increases. 
• Secure Pelham’s fair share of Regional infrastructure, service, and economic development investments. 
• Keep residents informed about Regional decisions that impact taxes, services, and growth. 

Click here to read my editorial on why a strong voice matters at the Region next term ~ Time for Change: Pelham Needs a Full-Time Voice at the Niagara Region

BUSINESS ENGAGEMENT, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION

Goal

Make Pelham a competitive and business-friendly community.

• Review planning and development processes to ensure our policies aren’t harmful to existing businesses and we remain competitive with other Niagara municipalities. 
• Develop a comprehensive Business Engagement Plan to identify support needs and barriers to strengthen relationships with local businesses. 
• Establish Mayor’s Business Roundtable Committee with local business representation to provide ongoing input on economic opportunities to support local businesses and enhance downtown core. 
• Actively collaborate with local chambers of commerce, business associations, and entrepreneurs to support a thriving local economy

AFFORDABLE HOUSING & SMART GROWTH

Goal

Increase housing options while preserving our small town charm, quality of life and responsible development.

• Expand below-market rental housing through collaboration with regional, provincial, federal, and non-profit partners in urban areas.
• Ensure growth planning balances housing needs with infrastructure capacity and community character.
• Explore partnership opportunities with Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing in Pelham. 

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY & CLIMATE CHANGE

Goal

Protect Pelham’s natural environment, preserve its tree canopy, and strengthen community resilience to flooding and climate change.

• Protect residents, businesses, and agricultural areas from flooding through proactive stormwater management, green infrastructure, and watershed protection initiatives. 
• Expand community tree planting programs and preserve Pelham’s tree canopy to enhance environmental health, shade, air quality, and climate resilience.
• Increase pollinator gardens, naturalized green spaces, and other environmental initiatives that support biodiversity and ecosystem health.
• Support community stewardship programs, local food security initiatives, and partnerships with farms, conservation organizations, and community groups.