Since being elected around 21 months ago in a by-election, I have put a dedicated focus on environmental protection, including reducing phosphorous in the Lake Simcoe watershed. Alongside Cllr Dave Neeson, we worked to unite area municipalities to successfully push for over $24 million in funding towards the Lake Simcoe Phosphorus Recycling Plant, which will represent the single largest reduction in phosphorus into the watershed. We also worked to secure renewed federal funding for Lake Simcoe protection.

Relatedly yet more broadly, I have advocated in Bradford for smart growth strategies that prioritize building new housing within the existing urban boundary in communities that are walkable and transit-oriented, including championing a complete streets approach with cycling infrastructure and boulevard tree planting. This focus on reducing sprawl by building new condos and infill rather than greenfield development will help to reduce phosphorous loading into the watershed. Further, I’ve championed retrofits of existing buildings, such as the coming conversion of a public school into a community hub, the retrofits of which will halve the buildings GHG emissions, as well as converting our library’s lighting to LED. I also helped to secure funding for environmental mitigation retrofits to Bradford’s existing wastewater treatment plant, both to enhance environmental controls and compliance within the existing capacity (with no expansion) and to reduce issues such as odours. Additionally, I have secured investments in new trails, green space, parkland and am working towards additional conservation lands. Finally, I have set in motion the town’s first Climate Change Mitigation Master Plan process, which will, if passed, represent a comprehensive approach to ensuring the municipality embeds sustainability in all it does, including energy efficiency, electrification of our vehicle fleet and sustainability as a principle in our procurement policies.

As a lifelong environmental advocate, I make a point of working collaboratively with local e-NGOs to listen to their concerns and try to align municipal priorities and spending towards environmental protection; thank you to Lake Simcoe watch for this thoughtful questionnaire and the chance to share a bit more about what I have endeavoured to do in Bradford since being elected in 2020. If reelected, I have been clear that environmental protection is one of my three main priorities, along with revitalizing the older end of town I serve and supporting the vulnerable.