As the incoming Ward 5 councillor, there are a number of goals I hope to achieve. The top three are to encourage community engagement, address all transit issues and help to protect the ward from unwanted overdevelopment.
My primary and immediate goal is to encourage greater engagement of our Ward 5 residents at the grassroots level. I will be establishing a Ward 5 “citizens community engagement committee,” which I believe will encourage greater direct involvement of residents in the overall management of their ward.
I intend to work closely with all those involved with the construction of the proposed VIVA Next Bus Rapidway between Highway 7 and Major Mackenzie. I want to ensure the expected inconveniences our residents and small business owners will undoubtedly encounter will be minimized as best as possible through a concerted, pro-active process involving VIVA, York Region, the Town of Richmond Hill and our Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce.
As pledged during my campaign, I intend to ensure all development proposals for Ward 5 adhere to and have respect for Richmond Hill’s new official plan. Furthermore, I intend to initiate the necessary steps to formulate the relevant infill studies for all our at-risk neighbourhoods identified as infill areas, protecting them as best as possible from unwanted overdevelopment.
I look forward to fulfilling my role as Ward 5 councillor, using my voice and public presence to ensure all my residents feel respected and that their concerns always receive their councillor’s appropriate and mindful attention.