Bio
My name is Tony Phekoo, and I’m proud to be running for Councillor for Ward 3. New Tecumseth has been my home for two decades, and it’s where my wife and I have raised our three wonderful daughters. My academic qualifications include a Master’s degree in Education, Training, and Development, as well as an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics. My professional career has taken me through the federal, provincial, and municipal public sectors, as well as banking, finance, and now my work as a Mortgage Broker. These experiences have taught me the value of accessible, responsive local government. Whether addressing road safety concerns, supporting local businesses, or ensuring tax dollars are used wisely, I am committed to bringing a steady, community focused voice to the council table. Beyond my professional work, I am an active volunteer and supporter of several charitable and nonprofit organizations—another way I give back to the community that has given so much to my family
Platform
II am running for Ward 3 Councillor to ensure our local government remains responsive, transparent, and focused on the issues that directly impact your daily life. My vision for our community centers on five core priorities: Safer Roads & Traffic Management: Enhancing road safety, improving traffic flow, and managing speed in our residential neighborhoods and school zones are vital for protecting our families and pedestrians. Infrastructure First Growth should never outpace our roads, healthcare access, and essential services. I will push for development that only moves forward when our infrastructure is ready. As our community grows, growth must pay for growth. I am committed to ensuring that new developments cover their fair share of infrastructure costs so the financial burden doesn't fall on existing homeowners. 📐 Manage Growth Responsibly We need smart, balanced planning—not unchecked expansion. I will advocate for growth that fits our community and protects our quality of life. 🌿 Protect Rural & Community Character Ward 3 is unique. From rural properties to established neighborhoods, I will work to preserve the character and environment that residents value. ⚖️ Fairness & Accountability Residents deserve transparency and a strong voice at council. I will listen, respond, and ensure your concerns are represented. You deserve full visibility into municipal decisions. I will champion open communication, accessible council processes, and active community engagement so your voice is always heard before decisions are made. 💰 Respect for Taxpayers You should see real value for your tax dollars. I support responsible budgeting and ensuring new development contributes its fair share. Every tax dollar must be used wisely and efficiently. I will advocate for fiscal discipline and smart budgeting to deliver maximum value for your hard-earned money.
Questions
Asked by Jaison Waldman · a month ago
If you are elected to council, which other organizations or groups are you part of or working with that are a pecuniary interest now or previously?
Answer
Throughout my life, I have been actively involved with numerous political, religious, professional, cultural, charitable, and non-profit organizations. None of these involvements represent a pecuniary (financial) interest, nor did they ever pose a financial conflict of interest. In addition, I currently do not belong to any of the past aforementioned groups or organizations that has any pecuniary interest in the results of my becoming elected ward counsellor.
Asked by Anonymous · a month ago
Do you think it was the right description to build an ice rink over a pool, even though the town desperately needed a pool?
Answer
This question Was Already answered In Arena vs Pool. Here is my response below.
This is a difficult choice as one option will upset one group, and another answer will upset another. However, as difficult as it is, decisions have the be made.
As I discussed the issue with constituents, the missing pool always comes up. Residents repeatedly noted how a year-round pool should have been included when the New Tec Rec Centre was originally built. Given the fact the prior council has already approved the arena, this question seems like a purely academic exercise. My view is I would have elected for the pool since New Tecumseth already has facilities available for all residents across Alliston, Tottenham, and Beeton. The pool would serve a larger demographic, including toddler swimming lessons, school safety programs, seniors and open public recreation. In addition, I do agree Beeton deserves a new arena as the existing one has run its course and is very costly to maintain. The broader question is what is best for New Tecumseth as a whole. The inability to access a pool forces families, seniors, and swimmers to travel outside the municipality or rely on private/seasonal alternatives. Having said that one cannot dismiss the impact a 5% increase and its demands will have on the already stretched taxpayer.
Asked by Anonymous · a month ago
What do you want to achieve in the next 4 years to help New Tecumseth become more environmentally sustainable and carbon neutral?
Answer
With respect to the environment, we should do whatever we can whenever we can, within our means. The solutions should always be results based and financially responsible. I would like to see town facilities transitioning older town buildings with energy-efficient lighting, and smart energy management systems to cut carbon emissions. Another idea I would like to see gather momentum is the town moving to take steps to preserve more of our precious farmland and protect the local rivers and streams from commercial and urban runoff. Lastly, I would also advocate for the town to partner with the county to expand the public organic/recycling methodology as well as planting more trees.
Asked by Anonymous · a month ago
Do you feel about the 5% tax increase to build another arena before we build a pool?
Answer
This is a difficult choice as one option will upset one group, and another answer will upset another. However, as difficult as it is, decisions have the be made.
As I discussed the issue with constituents, the missing pool always comes up. Residents repeatedly noted how a year-round pool should have been included when the New Tec Rec Centre was originally built. Given the fact the prior council has already approved the arena, this question seems like a purely academic exercise. My view is I would have elected for the pool since New Tecumseth already has facilities available for all residents across Alliston, Tottenham, and Beeton. The pool would serve a larger demographic, including toddler swimming lessons, school safety programs, seniors and open public recreation. In addition, I do agree Beeton deserves a new arena as the existing one has run its course and is very costly to maintain. The broader question is what is best for New Tecumseth as a whole. The inability to access a pool forces families, seniors, and swimmers to travel outside the municipality or rely on private/seasonal alternatives. Having said that one cannot dismiss the impact a 5% increase and its demands will have on the already stretched taxpayer.
Asked by Felix Kaechele · 2 months ago
Answer
Smart growth means being selective in where the growth occurs and taking a reasonable, balanced approach to planning. Alliston is unique insofar as it is partly, residential, agricultural and commercial. We must balance all these interests and not just open it up to urban sprawl. We must learn for our neighbours to the south. It means securing and protecting our green spaces and building neighbourhoods whereby everyone can enjoy and we must be able to provide affordable housing for everyone i.e homeowners and tenants alike. We must do so in a manner consistent with keeping taxes and costs within reasonable limits and not overburden the taxpayer.
Thanks
Tony Phekoo
Asked by Jaison Waldman · a month ago
Has any promise been made or given that might be perceived as unethical, or from a source of undue influence (financial or otherwise) Do you have backing from any developers, contractors or their agents?
Answer
Hi Jason,
I do not have any support from delevopers, contractors or their agents or any other sources which may be precieved as illegal, unethical or unscrupulous.
Thanks
Tony Phekoo
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