Flesherton

Q1. "Please tell us ONE specific action you would propose to take on Council to protect Grey Highlands natural heritage and watershed security, AND how would you use tools like the municipality’s ($50K) climate action fund to build resilience against more frequent extreme weather?"

A1. Protecting watershed security requires modernizing municipal drainage and stormwater infrastructure. Culverts, ditches, and related systems must be assessed and upgraded to manage agricultural runoff and the heavier precipitation and flooding associated with climate change. I would use the $50,000 climate action fund to identify the infrastructure and communities at greatest risk, develop costed priorities, and position Grey Highlands to secure additional County, provincial, and federal funding to ensure our communities are properly protected.

Q2. "What specific actions will you propose to take on Council to ensure new housing addresses local needs — particularly affordability and housing mix — while directing growth to appropriate locations and protecting important natural areas?"

A2. Council cannot compel private development, but it can shape investment through planning policy, infrastructure, approvals, financial incentives and disincentives. Growth is currently concentrated in Markdale because it is where municipal servicing and higher-density forms are available; our other communities need comparable conditions in order to attract appropriate development.

I would streamline redevelopment of our existing parcels, reduce barriers for attainable townhouses and single-family homes, and review fees for high-value recreational properties. I would also work with residents and developers to ensure our growth is distribute equitably while protecting natural areas.

Q3. "What specific actions will you propose to take on Council to work with neighbouring municipalities — and other partners — to help create a connected ecological corridor across the Southern Georgian Bay region?"

A3. Although many regional land-use decisions ultimately rest with County Council, we lower-tier councillors can still advance collaboration. I would reintroduce Councillor Dubrick’s wildflower conservation proposal and invite our neighbouring municipalities and regional partners to develop compatible conservation measures.

I would also work with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor to prepare a shared ecological-corridor plan focused on connected habitats, watershed protection, and coordinated implementation across Grey, Bruce, Dufferin, and Simcoe Counties.

Q4. "Do you feel Grey Highlands currently has the right balance between farmland, natural areas, and residential or commercial development? If not, what would you propose to change — and how would you work with farmers and rural landowners to get that balance right?"

A4. Grey Highlands has a reasonable overall balance of developed and undeveloped land, but existing developed areas are not always used efficiently. Council should prioritize redevelopment of vacant or underused parcels before expanding into farmland or natural areas.

Underused sites could support housing, parks, community facilities, green space, or commercial activity, depending on local needs and servicing capacity. Reinvesting in these areas can accommodate growth while protecting agricultural and environmentally sensitive lands.

Farmers, rural landowners, and residents should be involved early and throughout the process. I would prioritize transparent consultation and clear evaluation criteria so that land-use decisions reflect community needs, agricultural viability, environmental protection, and fiscal responsibility.

Q5. "What is your view on development potential across these lands, given the Escarpment recreational zoning and the watershed and groundwater sensitivities involved?"

A5. Development of the Talisman lands should proceed only if it delivers clear community benefits without compromising groundwater, watershed health, or escarpment features. Potential benefits such as jobs, housing, and tourism must be weighed against the site’s environmental constraints.

Before supporting a proposal, I would require an independent assessment of long-term environmental effects, karst and groundwater risks, snowmelt and flooding, climate-resilience measures, and associated public costs. The proposal should also demonstrate meaningful community consultation and provide housing that responds to local affordability and demographic needs rather than primarily serving the luxury recreational market.

Rocklyn

*The Rocklyn All-Candidates Meeting was conducted in a format unlike the other 5 meetings. Candidates were asked to provide "Yes-or-No" answers to a series of 52 questions on different themes. Candidates were also allowed to elaborate on only 1 question for a maximum of 2-minutes. The question I elaborated on is included below the 52 answers*

Opening

(1) •Did you sleep 8 hours last night?

– Probably not no.

(2) •Did you drive to Rocklyn today?

– Yes.

(3) •Did you attend at least 1 Fall Fair within the Municipality?

- Yes, I volunteered in Markdale.

(4) •Do you support youth within Grey Highlands such as Sports Leadership and social events etc.

– Yes of course.

Growth & Development

(5) •Will you vote to restrict high-density urban sprawl, if it threatens agricultural lands or the rural character of Grey Highlands?

- Yes.

(6) •Do you support putting stricter local limits on developers? Ensuring infrastructure, like water and sewage is completely paid for, before new subdivisions are approved?

- Depending on the nature and characteristics of the development, yes.

(7) •Would you support zoning changes that fast-track the creation of affordable accessory apartments or triplexes/fourplexes in downtown hubs like Markdale and Flesherton?

- Yes absolutely, we are in need of all types of affordable housing.

Environment & Tourism

(8) •Will you explicitly support the Escarpment Corridor Alliance and Ontario Nature initiatives to protect local ecological zones from commercial development?

- Yes, I am 100% behind the ECA.

(9) • Should Grey Highlands pass stricter bylaws and enforce heavy fines to regulate short-term cottage rentals and campgrounds?

- Towns, yes. Cottages, no.

(10) •Do you support green initiatives in the municipality?

- Yes.

(11) •Are you comfortable with the tenured outcome of the Talisman property?

- Absolutely not no.

Infrastructure & Finance

(12) • Do you support ice surfaces in 4 arenas?

- Yes.

(13) • Do you support eliminating the Master Recreation plan?

- Yes.

(14) • Will you actively lobby Grey County council to lift the hold and proceed with the planned expansion of the Grey Gables long-term care home in Markdale?

- No. I will elaborate when appropriate.

(15) • Do you support allocating more of the annual municipal budget to paved road resurfacing and structural safety upgrades, even if it means cutting back on other community programs?

- Generally speaking, yes, but it depends on the program.

Community Safety & Transparency

(16) • Do you support reviving regular Town Hall Forums throughout the municipality to allow citizens direct feedback outside of standard council hours?

- Yes, 100%.

(17) • Do you support reduction of speed in the smaller Community in the Municipality?

- Yes, but I do not think that it will do anything to solve the issue. A sign asks you to stop, a speed bump makes you.

Housing & Infrastructure

(18) •Will you vote against any expansion of the urban settlement boundaries in Markdale or Flesherton if our current wastewater and water treatment plants cannot handle the capacity?

- Yes.

(19) •Do you support amending local bylaws to allow multi-family co-housing arrangements on rural properties currently zoned strictly for single-family residential use?

- Yes.

(20) •Should Grey Highlands mandate that all new commercial or major subdivision developments include public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at the developer's expense?

- Individual homes, no. Central, public charging stations, maybe.

(21) •Will you vote to establish a formal Municipal Climate Action Plan with binding targets to reduce the municipality's corporate carbon footprint by 2030?

- Yes.

(22) •"Do you support a complete ban on the use of cosmetic pesticides and herbicides on all municipality owned lands and parks?"

- This is already not allowed by the Province.

(23) •Do you support 3 libraries in the Municipality?

- Yes.

(24) •Do you support the Museums in the Municipality?

- Yes.

(25) •Do you feel the unused buildings in the Municipality should be rented out?

- Yes. However, Municipalities cannot force privately held property to be rented out.

(26) •Do you support the Rocklyn Subdivision?

- In its current state, no.

(27) •Do you know where it is proposed for?

- Not the exact location, no.

(28) •Would you support the Rocklyn Subdivision with ammendments to the surface water, water, and septic water management?

- If that is the will of the community then yes. If not, no.

Economy & Municipal Services

(29) •Do you support expanding municipal funding for reliable, high-speed fibre internet infrastructure in undeserved rural concession zones?

- Yes absolutely.

Governance

(30) • Do you support strong mayor powers?

- No. They are a stain on our democracy.

(31) •Would you support the Mayor if this decision is made?

- The only Strong Mayor decision I would support is the transferring of these powers back to council.

(32) •Will you vote to live-stream and archive all municipal committee and advisory board meetings online to increase council transparency?

- Yes 100%.

(33) •Will you vote to increase the maximum allowable footprint for rural commercial shops and OnFarm Diversified Uses (OFDUs) beyond the current 250-square-metre limit?

- Yes.

(34) • Do you support implementing a mandatory, annual municipal road-use levy on rural commercial businesses that generate heavy truck traffic?

- Maybe. Context dependent.

(35) •Would you oppose expanding rural commercial footprints if the neighbouring residents formally object to the resulting noise, dust, or traffic?

- Probably. Context dependent.

Council Transparency & Access

(36) •Do you support a policy requiring all municipal committee and advisory board meetings to be live-streamed and archived online for public viewing?

- Yes (is this not the same as question #32?)

(37) •Should the municipality create a public online registry tracking all formal complaints submitted by residents regarding council or staff misconduct?

- Yes

(38) •Will you vote to mandate that all closed-door (in-camera) council sessions are formally reviewed by an independent ombudsman to ensure no public business was illegally hidden?

- Yes

Staff Accountability & Performance

(39) •Will you vote to tie the annual salary increases of top municipal managers and directors strictly to key performance indicators (KPIs) approved by council?

- Perhaps. Dependent on context.

(40) •Do you support introducing a third-party whistle-blower protection policy to protect municipal staff who report internal waste, fraud, or mismanagement?

- Yes.

(41) •Do you feel the staff made the appropriate decision in July by calling public health prior to investigating less expensive options?

- Yes.

Fiscal Accountability & Procurement

(42) •Will you vote to make all single-source (non-competitive) municipal contracts over $25,000 publicly accessible online within 30 days of signing?

- No, I’d make them available earlier.

(43) •Do you support a strict cap on the use of expensive external corporate consultants, mandating that municipal staff complete feasibility studies internally whenever possible?

- Yes.

(44) •Will you commit to publishing an annual, simplified 'Citizen’s Budget Report' that breaks down municipal staff payroll and operational spending into plain, non-technical language?

- Yes 100%.

Staff Pay & Compensation

(45) •Will you vote to freeze the salaries of all municipal directors and senior managers for the next fiscal year to help offset property tax pressures?

- No. I’d work to tie them to strictly the rate of inflation in the CPI.

(46) •Do you support capping the maximum salary of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at a fixed ratio relative to the median household income of Grey Highlands residents?

- Yes. Council too.

(47) •Will you vote against any taxpayer-funded bonuses or financial incentives for municipal staff who complete infrastructure projects simply on schedule?

- This is illegal under the Municipal Act, so yes.

(48) •Should Grey Highlands publish an annual list of all municipal employees earning over $100,000 (the Sunshine List) directly on the town website, rather than just the provincial registry?

- No. Website design costs money, why waste it on this?

(49) •Will you vote to eliminate municipal cell phone and vehicle allowances for senior staff who primarily work out of the Markdale administration building?

- Cell phone yes; milage no.

Performance & Operation Accountability

(50) •Will you mandate a comprehensive, third-party operational audit of all municipal departments to identify overstaffing or duplicated roles before approving the next budget?

- Depends on cost. Is this not contradictory to question #43?

(51) •Do you support implementing a strict policy that penalizes departments financially if they exceed their council-approved annual operating budgets without prior approval?

- No. How would this even work?

(52) •Will you vote to replace the current internal staff performance review process with an independent, objective evaluation system?

- Depends on cost. Is this not contradictory to question #43 & #39?

Q14. I recognize that Grey Gables does need to expand in order to accommodate our aging population. However, as it stands, the current proposal would result in the clear cutting of the 30 trees planted in memory of veterans of the First & Second World Wars, with no evidence that they are in any way obstructing or detrimental to the planned expansion of Grey Gables. These are not just trees; they are a living monument, a living memory, of those who paid the ultimate price to ensure that we have the rights to vote, speak freely, to gather together, and to have a say in the future of our community. These freedoms which we hold so dear came at an enormous cost, and we should never take them for granted. These trees are no different than the poppy’s we pin to our chest every November.

As it stands, the proposal is completely unacceptable and disrespectful to me, the sacrifices of my family, you, the sacrifices of your family members, the memory of the young men and women in Grey Highlands who are buried abroad, and of the active service members who are still fighting to protect the rights, freedoms, and liberties that we hold so dear. Until the current proposal is amended and unless the County commits to the protection of Memorial Grove, I will never support this proposal. “Lest we forget” must be more than something we say something every November. It is a promise, and one that I intend to keep.

Markdale

Q1. There are fourteen candidates for five seats. What is one thing you would want the next council to do differently in how it makes decisions?

A1. I want to rebuild public trust by making Council more open, accessible, and connected to residents. I would support regular town halls, clear updates on municipal decisions, a plain-language citizen’s budget, and bylaws that are easy to understand. Most importantly, residents should be able to see how Council voted and understand the reasons behind each decision.

Q2. This year council declined direct financial support for an affordable-housing group and declined to apply for a development-charge-linked grant. Give us one housing action you would take that council can actually deliver.

A2. I would focus on making better use of underused land within our communities rather than expanding onto productive farmland. Council should examine if the former Chapman’s factory and adjoining train station lands could support mixed-use housing and commercial space. The former Pennywise and Beer Store properties may offer similar opportunities. A practical first step is a feasibility review, followed by partnerships to move viable projects forward.

Q3. The municipality has licensed short-term rentals since 2019, with a demerit-point system. Is the program working, and would you tighten it, loosen it, or keep it as is?

A3. I believe the licensing program should continue, with practical safeguards. Owners who are licensed and follow municipal rules should be able to operate responsibly. At the same time, Council should monitor impacts on neighbours and the local housing supply, enforce the demerit system consistently, and prevent new subdivisions from becoming dominated by short-term rentals. The goal should be balance: supporting tourism while protecting permanent housing and community character.

Q4. Beyond the mandatory training and regular council meetings, how have you prepared yourself for the role of councillor—whether through further education, community involvement, volunteer work, or other experiences? How have you supported the communities and non-profit organizations within the Municipality of Grey Highlands, and how would your background and experience help you serve the interests of Grey Highlands if elected?

A4. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Canadian History and Canadian Politics, and I often focused my studies on the challenges facing rural Ontario and our community. I have also volunteered at the Walter Harris Memorial Library and participated in local remembrance activities, including laying a wreath at the Flesherton Cenotaph on behalf of GHSS. I’m home now and ready to apply that education and community experience in service of Grey Highlands.

Kimberley

Q1. "What criteria would guide your position on the type of growth in existing settlement areas, rural and existing farmland for Council approval of specific development proposals?"

A1. Sustainability would be my guiding principle. Grey Highlands already has enough developed land that could be better utilized before productive farmland is destroyed. Markdale offers a clear example: the vacant lots at the former Chapman’s factory and the old train station have remained unused for many years. Council should prioritize appropriate intensification, redevelopment, and investment in areas such as these.

Q2a. "How will you approach water and wastewater services, environmental protection, testing for “forever chemicals” to ensure potable water, when considering future development decisions?"

A2a. Why risk another Walkerton? Given the potential health and environmental risks associated with PFAS, Council must take a precautionary, evidence-based approach. Ontario’s legislative framework is clear: the Clean Water Act establishes requirements for protecting municipal sources of drinking water, while drinking-water quality standards are prescribed under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Council should be investing in reliable testing for these contaminants not only in proposed developments, but also in existing municipal water and wastewater systems.

Q2b. "How will you approach future development or expansion in Grey Highlands with any future tax increase to insure [sic] a transparent and equitable tax burden for all Grey Highlands ratepayers?"

A2b. Growth should pay for growth to the greatest extent permitted, and development decisions must be supported by clear, transparent financial information. Before approving a proposal, Council should understand the full lifecycle costs, including capital requirements, servicing, operations, maintenance, and eventual replacement. Residents should also have meaningful opportunities to review that information and provide input. Council must then make a responsible decision that considers community feedback, legislative obligations, and the long-term impact on ratepayers.

Q3. "What criteria will you use to decide which existing amenities, services, and infrastructure will be maintained, closed, or altered and how will you ensure those decisions will meet the needs of all residents, focusing on the need for a transparent and equitable tax burden across Grey Highlands?"

A3. The cost of maintaining municipal infrastructure has increased significantly, particularly as construction costs rose sharply during and after the pandemic. I would evaluate each asset based on three criteria: public safety, community benefit, and the municipality’s ability to fund it responsibly. Where resources are limited, Council must be transparent about its choices: increase revenue, adjust service levels, phase projects, or identify efficiencies.

However, these decisions should not be made without residents. Council must provide clear information, meaningful consultation, and understandable options before determining an amenity’s future.

Q4. "How will you improve communication and accountability between the municipality and its residents of all ages, volunteer groups, community organizations, in different parts of Grey Highlands?"

A4. Improving communication requires consistent, accessible, and respectful engagement with our residents. Council should create regular opportunities for residents, volunteers, and community organizations from across Grey Highlands to be heard. I would support clearer public information, timely responses, and dedicated opportunities for residents to raise concerns and share ideas. Elected officials must be available, accountable, and prepared to listen.

Q5a."What role should the Municipality play in building a strong and diverse local economy, including support for local employment, small business, tourism, culture, recreation, heritage, and community wellbeing?"

A5. The Municipality’s role is to create the conditions for balanced, sustainable economic growth. That means supporting local businesses and employment, maintaining reliable infrastructure, and protecting heritage and environmental assets. Council should neither approve every proposal nor oppose development by default. Each project must be assessed on its merits, including its contribution to housing, employment, and its long-term benefit.

Development that is sustainable, reflects community priorities, and addresses the needs of residents is always welcomed in Grey Highlands.

Q5b. "How will you prioritize economic development with respect to the tax base to address low-income housing, reduce reliance on one major employer, attract new industry, and provide recreation opportunities for residents of different ages and interests?"

A5. I would prioritize connectivity because access to employment, services, and recreation is essential to a strong local economy. Council should explore partnerships with the private sector, Grey County and the Province to address transportation needs. Better connectivity can support local employers, help residents access essential services, strengthen tourism, and expand opportunities across Grey Highlands.

Eugenia

Q1. "How should Grey Highlands allocate capital fairly across communities, including Eugenia?"

A1. I will advocate for a fair, transparent capital plan that gives Eugenia the attention it deserves. Fairness is not dividing every dollar equally; it is investing where needs and risks are greatest and where residents will see meaningful results. The public should know how priorities are set, why projects are chosen, and when work will be completed.

For Eugenia, that means housing that fits our community, firm protection for the Lake and Falls, as well as meaningful public input before major decisions. I will oppose one-size-fits-all solutions and work to ensure growth leaves Eugenia stronger for the next generation.

Q2. "What should Council do about local roads, traffic safety, pedestrian needs, drainage and flooding in Eugenia?"

A2. Safe roads and walkable neighbourhoods are basic municipal responsibilities. In light of the tragedy on Inkerman Street, I will press for a comprehensive safety review followed by action—not another report on a shelf. That includes appropriate speed reductions, better lighting and visibility, and separation between vehicles and pedestrians where evidence supports it.

I will also support drainage planning that prevents damage rather than repeatedly paying for repairs. Heavy rainfall and rapid snowmelt strain our ditches, culverts, private wells, and the Lake itself. Flooding, runoff, algae blooms, and drinking-water advisories affect families and property alike. Having survived E. coli induced kidney failure, I know that clean water and sound infrastructure cannot be optional. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.

Q3. "How will you balance taxes, service levels, infrastructure renewal and control of operating costs?"

A3. Residents deserve honesty about municipal costs. Material costs for our roads rose from just over $800,000 in 2010 to approximately $2.5 million in 2024. These figures do not even touch labor. Ignoring those increases does not save money; it defers necessary work and makes future repairs more expensive.

My approach is simple; disciplined budgets, clear service standards, planned infrastructure renewal, and stronger advocacy with the County and Province for revenue beyond the property tax. Residents should expect both fiscal discipline and a municipality that works—and I will insist on both.

Q4. "If staff analysis or options are insufficient, how will you seek better evidence and hold administration accountable without micromanaging?"

A4. Effective governance requires respect for professional staff and the courage to ask hard questions. The Public direct Council, Council directs Staff, and Staff make the Public’s will a reality. When information is incomplete, I will request evidence, alternatives, and clear timelines. I will not micromanage operations, but I will insist on informed, timely, and accountable decisions.

Q5. "How should Council balance development and tourism with rural character, groundwater, lake health and public access in Eugenia?"

A5. I support growth and tourism when they strengthen our community—not when residents bear the costs. Agri-tourism, responsible short-term accommodation, and appropriate development can support local businesses and broaden the tax base. But clear rules, consistent enforcement, and public input must come first. My test is simple: will the proposal benefit Grey Highlands and protect what makes Eugenia worth calling home?

Osprey

Q1. "Many residents have expressed concerns about municipal governance and administration. How would you ensure oversign and accountability and tract operational performance without crossing the line into managing day-to-day operations?

A1. Effective governance requres respect for professional staff and the courage to ask questions. The public directs Council; Council directs staff; and staff makes the public's will a reality. When information is incomplete I will request evidence, alternatives, and clear time lines. I will not micromanage operations, however, I will insist on informed, timely, and accountable decisions.

Q2. "What is your vision for ensuring the long time viability, sustainability and increased use of the Osprey Recreation Centre and all arenas and community centres and how would you involve community groups and volunteers to achieve that goal?"

A2. My vision is for a municipality run by the people and for the people. However, the cost of maintaining municipal infrastructure has increased exponentially, particularly as construction costs rose during and after the pandemic. I would evaluate each asset based on three criteria: public safety, community benefit, and the municipality's ability to fund it responsibly. However, these decisions must not be made without consulting our residents. Council must provide meaningful opportunities for the public to voice their concerns, critiques, and ideas. These are your buildings, your amenities, you should decide their future.

Q3. "What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the Municipality and what action would you take in your first 100 days to address it?"

A3. I believe that the greatest challenge facing our municipality is a lack of trust in our leaders. We must prioritize rebuilding the public's faith in Council. As soon as I can, I will be introducing a motion for Council to be holding rotating bi-weekly town halls in each of our communities with at least one being held on the weekend and the other being held outside normal working hours. We cannot be effective if we do not know the issues affecting our community, and we cannot learn that from anyone but you.

Q4. "What is your approach to awarding municipal contracts and how would you ensure local contractors, tradespeople, and businesses have meaningful opportunities to compete for municipal work?"

A4. My approach to the awarding of municipal contracts is simple. Local first. There is plenty of talent within Grey Highlands, there is no need to be soliciting bids from companies in Toronto. When putting forward bidding applications we should do everything in our power to hire locally.

We should also look at this as an opportunity to invest directly in our youth. We have an amazing red seal program at Grey Highlands Secondary School with plenty of students who are willing and eager to make something for our communities. If we can figure out the issues revolving around liability I think that we could - and should - be taking this opportunity to give real hands on learning experiences to our Grey Highlands youth.

Q5. "How would you evaluate when it is appropriate to hire external consultants versus relying on municipal staff to complete feasibility studies and other strategic work?"

A5. We are already paying plenty for our staff and outside consultants do not work for free. I am confident that at least one of the 90+ members of staff in Grey Highlands can manage to provide the same service as most consultations. In the case of engineering reports outside of our staff's competences, yes, I would support that, in most other cases, I believe it should be completed in-house.

We should also look towards involving members of the community and getting their local knowledge and expertise. I would rather see a report based on the lived experiences of our residents than one based on the thoughts of an Albertan firm.