Dear Neighbours,

For everything there is a season…

Dear Neighbours,

December was a demanding but important month as we take action to get things done to make a positive difference. We worked through a difficult budget, saw extraordinary generosity from our community, and had necessary conversations about governance, transparency and long-term planning. Here’s a clear snapshot of what happened and where I stand.

Every year, a municipal budget forces us to answer the same underlying question: what kind of community are we trying to build?

This year, that question feels sharper.

The Mayor will table his draft budget later today under Ontario’s strong-mayor framework. That means this document reflects his direction — not the collective judgment of Council. Later this month, the budget becomes ours to amend. And before I begin that work, I want to reflect on what residents have said clearly through this year’s pre-budget survey.

Nearly 200 residents responded — a strong turnout for a local survey — and the results point to a community that knows what it wants and understands the tradeoffs. They also help explain why so many people have expressed concern about the Mayor’s proposed approach.

Let’s walk through what you told me.

Over the past week, as I did my job and shared my concerns about the Mayor’s budget, a number of residents have rightly asked what I wish had been done differently in the budget process itself. That’s a fair question, and after this cycle, I think there are lessons worth reflecting on.

Dear Neighbours,

It has been a busy few weeks in our town, and I want to share an update on the work underway across Council, the community and our various partners. For me, this term has been about delivering practical progress with steady, reliable leadership. Below you will find updates on the Mayor’s budget, improving GO transit, investing in our library, supporting conservation and housing affordability, building new schools and more.

🚆 Getting Bradford Moving: Why We Need Better GO Train Service

I’ve spent my share of time on the Barrie GO Line. Like many in Bradford, I’ve stood on that platform in the early morning chill, coffee in hand, waiting for the train to Toronto—first as a university student, later commuting to work downtown. I know firsthand the difference reliable, frequent service makes for people trying to get to jobs, classes and family commitments across the region.

That’s why the response to our community petition for better GO service has been so encouraging. Hundreds of residents have already added their names, calling on Metrolinx and the Province to make long-promised improvements to the Barrie Line a reality.

Click here to read the letter we sent to the Metrolinx Board of Directors as well.

Dear Neighbours,

October has been one of the busiest months I can remember. From celebrating the centennial of the Holland Marsh to advancing work on roads, housing, schools and community programs, it’s been a reminder that progress happens when we stay focused on practical results.

Much of what’s described below reflects that approach: steady leadership to improve our community, improve local services and make sure growth is matched by the right investments.

Dear Neighbours,

As September comes to a close, I’m reminded how quickly this year is moving — and how much work lies ahead for our town. This month has been about asking tough questions on the budget, insisting on transparency and advancing long-term solutions to poverty. It’s also been about supporting our youth, celebrating new spaces, like Lotto Park, that bring our community together, and revitalising the older end of town.

When we hosted the Anti-Poverty Summit earlier this year, one thing was clear: poverty in Bradford West Gwillimbury is real. It might be hidden at times, but it touches far too many of our neighbours. Rising housing costs, debt, food insecurity, and the stress of making ends meet are challenges people in every corner of our community are living with.

Out of that summit came something we’ve never had before — a coordinated roadmap. Today, I’m proud to share Bradford’s first Anti-Poverty Action Plan.