Platform
My vision for our community continues.
Communication & Transparency
Fostering strong communication and transparency between Council, staff, and the community continues to be one of my top priorities. In today’s environment, where misinformation can spread quickly, clear and consistent communication is essential. When we communicate effectively, we build understanding and trust; when we do not, it can lead to confusion, frustration, and division. This responsibility is shared between Council and staff, and it is one we take seriously. Over the past two years, we have made significant strides in strengthening transparency and accountability in how decisions are made. We have improved the quality and detail of background information supporting Council decisions, ensuring that meeting minutes clearly reflect not only what decisions were made, but why they were made and what information was considered at the time. This is critical not only for today’s transparency, but also for future Councils who may need to revisit past decisions with full context. We have also introduced new policies and procedures to formalize our processes and ensure consistency in decision-making. This includes establishing Memorandums of Understanding with community organizations receiving financial or in-kind support, replacing informal “handshake” arrangements with clear, transparent agreements that benefit both the Town and our partners. These steps are helping to build a more open, accountable, and well-documented municipal government. Looking ahead, we will continue to build on this progress. With the addition of a Communications Officer in 2026 and the recent launch of Voyent Alert notifications, we are strengthening our ability to share timely, accurate information with residents. Better communication leads to better understanding and ultimately, a more informed and engaged community.
Financial Responsibility & Planning
Municipal reform has challenged Mayor, Council, and staff to budget wisely while at the same time providing a level of service that is acceptable and appropriate. Fiscal responsibility has been a cornerstone of my leadership. Over the past two years, Council and staff have taken a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to reviewing our financial position, making difficult but necessary decisions to address long-standing pressures, including adjustments to legacy benefits and policies that were contributing to a growing unfunded liability. These actions are helping to place the municipality on a stronger, more sustainable financial footing for the long term. Through a period of significant growth and change, we have prioritized careful planning, strategic investments, and disciplined budgeting. We recognize that rising property assessments have created real pressure for residents, and we have worked diligently to balance tax rates with the need to maintain and improve essential services. At the same time, we are actively negotiating multiple union agreements, striving to achieve that same balance, ensuring fair and competitive compensation for our employees while maintaining the service levels our community expects. This is not easy work; it requires care, discipline, and a shared commitment between Council and staff. With a provincial property assessment freeze in place for 2026 and property tax reform in progress, we are encouraged that a more equitable system is on the horizon, one that better reflects the needs of communities like ours.
Infrastructure Improvements & Planning
When we came into office in 2023, we inherited aging infrastructure, deferred maintenance, and limited long-term planning. Over the past three years, we have made meaningful progress—prioritizing investments and putting the foundations in place for a more sustainable future. But this work is far from finished. Now is not the time to ease up. We are moving forward with a comprehensive, third-party asset management plan to guide smart, long-term decision-making, while continuing to invest in critical upgrades to our roads, water and sewer systems, recreation spaces, and municipal facilities. Responsible infrastructure planning today ensures a stronger, more reliable community tomorrow.
Community Development
Community development is about more than growth. It’s about thoughtful planning, strategic investment, and creating spaces where people want to live, work, and gather. We are currently advancing major planning initiatives, including the Connell Park Grounds Revitalization and Downtown Waterfront Revitalization studies, to ensure two of our most important community assets are positioned for long-term success. Connell Park is the heart of recreation in our community, and with the right vision, it can continue to grow and meet evolving needs. At the same time, our downtown, where our two rivers meet, has incredible potential to become an even more vibrant and dynamic hub. As we plan for this future, we are also poised for significant housing growth, which is essential to supporting a thriving community. To make that growth a reality, we must continue to strengthen both housing and commercial development incentives, ensuring Woodstock remains a place where investment is encouraged, even in challenging economic times.
A Healthy & Safe Community
A healthy and safe community is at the core of everything we do. The planned expansion of the Woodstock Police Force in 2027 to serve our full municipal boundaries represents a significant investment in public safety and an important step forward for our community. With a strong community-based policing model and an active Community Engagement Officer team already in place, we are well positioned to enhance both proactive policing and community relationships. This expansion will not only improve service levels but also provide Woodstock with full autonomy in how we deliver 24/7 policing, ensuring a safer, more responsive system that reflects our community’s needs. At the same time, building a healthy community goes beyond policing. We have made meaningful progress in strengthening connections across all age groups and perspectives. The creation of our Youth Council and the continued growth of initiatives like the Legacy Series for Seniors are helping to ensure that residents feel heard, included, and engaged in shaping our community. Looking ahead, with a traffic study planned for 2026, revitalization studies underway in key areas, and an active transportation plan ready to be advanced, we are focused on creating a community where people feel safe, supported, and connected. This is how we build not only a safer community, but a stronger, healthier one.