“Municipal Election: Four Propositions
1. Support for a strong site alteration by-law, with emphasis on “strong.”
Greenspace protection and preservation is a key priority for me and residents of River Ward, which is home to 3 times the average of greenspace than other areas in Ottawa.. I most definitely support a strong site alteration by-law to protect our trees and greenspaces. We need strong by-laws to ensure that we effectively achieve our goals and deter negative impacts to our environment. I would be happy to both work to garner support for this bylaw with other Councillors and ensure it is brought to Council this term.
2. Renewed commitment to an annual allocation towards an environmental lands acquisition fund.
I agree and support the commitment to environmental lands acquisitions. The acquisitions fund also needs to be better protected in that other environmental initiatives should not have access to these funds.
3. Standing firm in support of the prohibition against future country lot subdivisions.
I will support Council’s decision to not allow any country lot estate development. As development is part of growth of the city, I would ensure that environmental impact is taken into consideration firstly. If the decision was between greenspaces or farmland, I would prioritize greenspaces and work with advisory boards such as the Greenspace Alliance to address environmental concerns.
4. The City’s Advisory Committees should be genuine bridges between the public and Council..
As Councillor I will establish official open channels of communications that foster engagement and utilize expertise that exist in the Ottawa community. This communication is both a powerful resource and supports democratic principles. In cases where the City entered into contracts that later resulted in audits showing major financial discrepancies, as with OrgaWorld and the Airport Parkway fiasco, I know there are well-qualified and interested residents who could have made the difference in what now has become a tax burden. The engagement of residents, associations, and organisations is an invaluable resource to ensure fiscal responsibility and sustainable community solutions.”