My commitment to good governance
The values I'll bring to every decision at the Council table.
Engagement
I want all residents and business owners in Aurora to feel engaged.
- The Town and Councillors can do a better job keeping residents informed about how and why decisions are made, and creating real opportunities for public input. My weekly roundups and newsletter are a start, but we can do much more.
One action I will take
Office hours and annual town halls
If elected, I will hold weekly office hours for anyone who wants to meet or speak with me, and I will advocate to increase opportunities for residents to weigh in through consultations, surveys, advisory roles, and active outreach to underrepresented groups. I will also host annual Ward 1 town hall meetings to connect with local residents and businesses, and get their feedback on what is working and what isn't.
Belonging
I want all residents and business owners to have a sense of belonging.
- Whether it's a matter of age, ability, income, location, culture or ethnicity, I want an Aurora where everyone feels welcome and supported across their lifespan, from our littlest members of society to our seniors aging in place.
One action I will take
Food security is a growing issue in York Region. If elected, I will champion access to food for children and youth in Aurora. By partnering with other levels of government, non-profits and corporate sponsors, we can ensure kids in town-run camps have access to healthy meals, similar to free meal programs in schools. I will also propose the creation of a Community Fridge, in partnership with a local non-profit, allowing community members to freely give and take food.
Accountability
I want all residents and business owners to feel confident the government is accountable.
- We can aim for a government that is trusted and transparent, and that can show our Council and public services are achieving value for money. It begins with better, more frequent reporting.
One action I will take
The Town has a 20-year strategic plan that was created in 2011. If elected, I will push for a shorter-term strategic plan, similar to the corporate and non-profit industry standards, so that we can identify, measure and report transparently on annual goals and targets.
Perspective
Above all, I believe we need new, respectful voices and fresh ideas on Council.
We need councillors who are committed to collaborating with everyone around the table, and our Council lacks representation of many important groups. I commit to being a respectful, creative voice on Council, and working hard to elevate new perspectives.
What I'll focus on
Over five months of knocking on doors across Ward 1, these are the issues residents raised with me most often and where I will direct my focus if elected.
Families and community life
- Families: Support families to grow and thrive at every stage, with the programs, spaces and services they count on.
- Seniors and accessibility: Make sure our facilities and public spaces are accessible, and that seniors have what they need to age in place in Aurora.
- Community groups: Back the organizations that hold our town together: the Aurora Public Library, Aurora Cultural Centre, Aurora Seniors Centre, Aurora Historical Society and our Ratepayer Groups.
Safe streets and neighbourhoods
- Community safety: Keep our town and neighbourhoods safe, working alongside York Regional Police, by-law, Neighbourhood Watch groups, and residents.
- Congestion and speeding: Address road congestion, speeding and ensure safe road crossings, especially on residential streets and along our main corridors, which is something I hear at doors in every part of Ward 1.
- Active transportation: Support walking, cycling and micromobility (e-scooters and e-bikes), while making sure safety comes first.
- Cannabis retail: Act on residents' concerns by implementing the local actions recommended by Aurora's Cannabis Retail Review Task Force, which reported to Council in September 2026.
Growth done right
- Balanced growth: Ensure growth is balanced and appropriate to the surrounding community, and that proactive planning takes place to ensure our infrastructure can support it.
- Heritage: Protect the character and heritage that make Aurora feel like Aurora.
- A fair process: Residents deserve proper notice, a real opportunity to be heard, and decisions that respect the established character of their neighbourhood.
Local business and downtown
- Local business: Support the small businesses that employ our neighbours and give Aurora its character.
- Downtown Aurora: Revitalize our downtown so it's a place people want to spend time, not just drive through.
Green space and climate
- Protect greenspaces: Defend the green space we have from being chipped away.
- Tree canopy: Expand Aurora's tree canopy, street by street.
- Climate impacts: Take practical steps to mitigate climate impacts, from flooding to extreme heat.
Your voice at the table
- Real consultation: Expand how and when residents get to weigh in, through consultations, surveys, advisory roles and active outreach to groups we don't hear from enough.
- Transparent reporting: Make it easy to see what Council decided, why, and what it cost.
On the issues of the day
Short, direct answers on the questions residents and local media are asking this campaign, updated as new ones come up.
On e-bike and e-scooter safety
E-bike and e-scooter safety is something I’ve heard about while knocking on doors in Ward 1, and Southlake Health has reported rising injuries, particularly among youth. Micromobility can be affordable and low-emission, but safety must come first. I’ve already raised these concerns with the Town of Aurora and York Regional Police. My government experience has taught me that issues like this cross jurisdictions. For road use, Aurora should press the Province for clear, modern regulations and stronger enforcement tools, while working with York Region, York Regional Police and schools on coordinated education and enforcement, particularly around underage use, unsafe riding and illegally modified devices. Aurora is also reviewing its Parks and Public Places By-law, which governs Town parks and trails. I look forward to examining the results of that review and will consult residents before changing where these devices are permitted. New transportation options have benefits, but safety must be the bottom line.
On tariffs and supporting local business
For Aurora, the biggest opportunity is targeted efforts to retain businesses. Through Town Economic Development Staff and the Aurora Economic Development Corporation, we should identify businesses exposed to tariffs and supply-chain disruptions, understand their needs, and connect them to York Region, provincial and federal supports. We should also work with the Aurora Chamber of Commerce to identify business needs and connect employers with supports to diversify markets and suppliers. Aurora should also leverage existing ‘Canada First’ procurement measures and Ontario’s Municipal ‘Buy Ontario’ requirements, while keeping taxes and costs competitive and enhancing efforts to revitalize our downtown. Local businesses are vital and I’m passionate about supporting them. I’ve proudly showcased businesses through my newsletter’s monthly ‘Local Business Spotlight’ and my ‘Out and About Aurora’ social media series.
On strong mayor powers
I appreciate that some residents have serious concerns about strong mayor powers. I think it’s healthy for our democracy to have discussions about our political system, and that we can have them respectfully. While I am not a supporter of these powers, they are granted through provincial legislation and so they can only be removed by the Province, not an individual municipal councillor. I am someone who is collaborative and always willing to work respectfully with everyone. I commit to being an independent thinker on Council, working towards consensus and trying to find common ground. That is what residents can expect from me.
Statement on 161 Heathwood Heights and Protecting What Residents Value
I’ve recently heard from a number of residents regarding the proposed development at 161 Heathwood Heights, which is heading to the Ontario Land Tribunal. I do not support changing the Official Plan and zoning for this property to permit the development as currently proposed.
I’ve lived in Aurora most of my life and have seen our community grow and change significantly. I understand growth will continue, but I also understand why residents care deeply about protecting our green spaces and the character of their neighbourhoods.
I believe Council should use the resources available to them to strike an appropriate balance. New development should, among other things, be consistent with our Official Plan and the surrounding context; minimize environmental impacts; provide appropriate density, lot patterns, built form and transitions between new and existing development; support walkability and transit where appropriate; and meaningfully consider residents’ concerns.
I would apply these principles consistently across Ward 1. As Councillor, I would work to ensure residents are heard, help them understand how to participate effectively, support consultation and compromises where appropriate, and work to build consensus on Council so Aurora can present a strong position. We can accommodate responsible, balanced growth and direct greater density to areas where it can be appropriately accommodated, while protecting our natural environment and what residents value about their communities.
Ready to make these priorities a reality?
Join our movement for a better Aurora. Whether you can volunteer your time, share your expertise, or contribute financially, every bit helps.
