Balancing provincial growth targets with small-town character

The no-growth scenario is unlikely, due to Provincial mandates and the need to expand the tax base to offer relief to existing tax payers, while also allowing for growth for area business and service providers. It is a tricky balance; growing and still maintaining the character of a smaller town. The downtown will stay much the same as the buildings are historical and architectural controls can be put in place for homes and storefronts (to a degree). I have visited other communities where franchise operations are housed in buildings which blend with the area architecture (parts of North Carolina, Niagara region, etc.). This is not new. One of the best ways to maintain the character of a smaller community is to have walking trails and alternative passages to parts of town, lessening the need for vehicles.

The growth targets can become overpowering, but by placing strict architectural guidelines in place, even the builders of entry level homes can build homes which fit the cultural environment.

We can meet growth targets by utilizing unused properties and allowing second dwellings in basements where possible — gentle density that fits the town. What we should avoid is tall buildings that change the character of our community.

I previously answered this question, posed by another resident. Thank you for the question and hopefully you can see my answer.

New Tecumseth is uniquely situated. Close to the GTA and the largest urban area in Canada, a couple hours away from unspoiled natural beauty and located near the some of the worlds leading employers. It is no surprise that people who move here want to protect it. But the feeling of keeping others out stems from a history of prioritizing growth instead of residents. As Mayor I will ensure that any development adds to our town rather than extracts from it. That includes preserving the character of our towns, historical districts and commercial spaces.

I don’t think there is a simple answer to this question, and I don’t want to pretend there is.

I understand the residents who say, “I moved here because I liked the small-town feel and I don’t want it to change.” I understand that because those are many of the same things I value about New Tecumseth.

But we also have to be realistic. Growth is coming, and much of the amount of growth we are required to plan for is being determined beyond the municipal level.

So for me, the question becomes: if we cannot simply say no to growth, what do we want New Tecumseth to look and feel like as we grow?

My vision is that Alliston, Beeton and Tottenham remain distinct communities, surrounded by the rural and agricultural landscape that is such an important part of New Tecumseth’s identity. I want neighbourhoods where people can walk to parks and trails, where families have enough room to actually live, where there are different housing choices for young people, families and seniors, and where our downtowns and local businesses continue to be part of the heart of our communities.

I want growth that is planned around people not simply around the number of housing units we can fit onto a piece of land.

That means realistic parking, safe streets and sidewalks, trees and green space, recreation, accessibility and neighbourhoods that connect with the community around them.

Most importantly, housing cannot continually get ahead of infrastructure. Roads, water and wastewater, parks, recreation, schools, emergency services and traffic all have to be considered as we grow.

And we need to be very conscious of who ultimately pays for it. At a time when many residents are already struggling with affordability, I have serious concerns about growth creating additional financial pressure on existing taxpayers.

Will New Tecumseth look exactly the same 20 years from now? No. I don’t think it is realistic for any candidate to promise that.

But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t have a clear vision for what we want it to become.

For me, that means keeping the character and identity of our communities while building places where people of different ages and incomes can live, work, raise their families and eventually retire.

We can’t stop every change. But we can have a much stronger say in what that change looks like and make sure we’re building a community, not simply building houses.

Even without development our community is changing. As property values increase at a rate unmatched by wages, our demographic also changes. More people working in the city for example. Work days starting at 6am with a commute and ending at 6pm. We need to encourage companies to come to New Tecumseth that pay a wage that matches the costs of living in New Tecumseth. Hopefully this occurs as our population grows? We also need to continue investing in our BIAs. Our small businesses are a big factor in small town charm.

Character and quality of life are part of why I live here also. Part of what I consider as quality of life are the services provided.

Greater economies of scale are beneficial for everyone except those who don't want competition. The narrative the we resist growth discourages business investment.

Every small town in Southern Ontario can make the same claims, as New Tecumseth. So if we want to have a say in our growth we must get over the limiting beliefs that growth is not good.

We can generate employment and prosperity, there is no reason to wait for Queens Park to impose anything on us. Many big cities are also great places to live. Planning for transportation parks, parking, schools and so much more should not be a reaction to the provinces plans.