Questions

A difficult topis as many homeowners, seniors or not, are having trouble with municipal taxes (and expenses in general). By freezing taxes for one segment, we increase the overall debt on another. This needs more discussion. In the meantime you can refer to the Provincial Land Tax deferral program. Use this link for my website, click on button #3. There is also a Municipal Tax review link for instances when your property use has shifted to a lower tax tier or if the assessment can be lowered due to needed repairs, etc. Please refer to button 9.

peterforward7.ca

I would support other ways in assisting our residents.

Helping seniors stay in their homes matters to me, and keeping taxes low is one of my main promises. I have to be straight with you, though — council sets the tax rate every year, so no bylaw can lock in a freeze for five years, and I won't promise something I can't deliver. What I will do is fight to keep taxes as low as possible for everyone, and support tax relief for low-income seniors, so nobody gets taxed out of their home.

Seems like a reasonable request, many seniors have a fixed income and have to manage rapidly rising costs. Factors such as fuel prices and de-icing salt will have an immediate impact on the cost of services this winter.

While I too would like a freeze on tax increments, more data is needed to make any meaningful commitment. In principle I do agree with the idea at least for this budget year until I have a clearer picture of the actual expenditure and cost reduction measures. My focus is on the services being of value for the cost and establishing a better return for our tax dollars.

Exploring additional ways to support our seniors is a high priority. Accessible services, transportation and anything that can uplift the dignity and independence of our marginalized residents will get my full attention.

I think that such a by-law would be wonderful but I'm not sure how realistic it is given the cost of goods and services, and the expectations people have around maintaining (and even adding to) existing service levels. With Development Charges not flowing in currently, taxation and user fees are supporting our Town. And, there are people amongst us that are not currently feeling the pain of inflation, recession, tariffs or fixed-incomes. Rather than a blanket approach to freezing taxes, I think it would be a much better idea to discuss an option to apply for an exemption from increases, or move certain services to a "pay per use" model whereby only those receiving the services are actually charged. This of course would also be costly for the municipality to organize and enforce and could create other imbalances or confusion. But it's a great question and one I think we could look at in the next term of council. Thank you for asking.

Continued consultation with C.N. regarding improvements to the crossing will help. Quite zones can be established, but not by only one interest; the Municipality. If improvements are made to the signaling system, the Municipality and C.N. can agree to a quiet zone, but that will only apply to a specific crossing or area.

I would request to reexamine the possibility of improvements to the signaling system and request a "Quiet zone" be established during overnight hours, when road traffic is minimal.

Argh, not sure what happened. I really try to answer these as soon as I get them.

I'm more than willing to entertain options. But saftey would be the number one consideration. If the same level of safety is maintained then it would come down to cost.

I'm fine with a study.

Yes, I support stopping the train whistles at the 3rd Line crossing. The crossing already has arms, bells, and lights, and other towns on this rail line have done it. Tottenham families shouldn't be kept up all night. If elected, I'll push council to get the process started with Transport Canada and the railway, and get it done.

Hi there ad thank you for the question. I have had similar questions from Ward 2 residents who are disturbed by the train whistle late at night. Just today, I sent out an email to staff and council requesting additional information on what we can do about this. So long as stringent safety measures are met, the Town can appeal to the railway for whistle cessation at certain hours, at certain crossings. It requires the support of the railway and of Town Council. As I already have this ball rolling, yes, I would support this and have already taken steps to make the change.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The cost of the Collingwood pipeline and pump system added a noticeable cost increase to municipal water and sewage users.

Hi there! Thanks for the question. Out of 15 comparable municipalities 15th being the lowest rate and 1st being the highest rate New Tecumseth is number 10. I have a chart I can share with you (this forum wont allow me to attach a pic) send an email to [email protected] and I can share that chart with you! Unfortunately for a very long time New Tec water rates were based off the cost of producing the water - seems no one took into account that over the years this major assest needs fixing, upgrading and regular maintenance. Asset management should always be factored into the cost of service delivery.

Thanks for the question. I believe our bills are completely based on what you use. There are no hidden costs.

There isn’t one simple reason our water and wastewater bills are where they are, and there isn’t one simple solution to lowering them.

New Tecumseth has significant infrastructure costs, including aging water and wastewater systems and the cost of securing enough water capacity for our growing community.

I also think it’s important to recognize that the current Council has successfully advocated for outside funding. Earlier this year, the Province committed up to $12.5 million toward rehabilitation of the Alliston Wastewater Treatment Plant, which helps reduce the amount that ultimately has to be funded locally.

We need to keep doing that. We also need to ensure growth pays its appropriate share through development charges, continually review operating and capital costs, and look for every opportunity to reduce pressure on existing ratepayers.

I don’t think it would be responsible for me to promise that I can simply lower everyone’s water bill. What I can promise is that I will question increases, understand what’s driving them, support every reasonable opportunity for outside funding, and make affordability part of every decision.

massive infrastructure demands, long-term external water purchasing

My perspective on other municipalities is limited. While I have no numbers to compare with other towns, I do share in the dissatisfaction with the costs. This is on my list of items needing to be examined.

Water and wastewater aren't profit centres for the Town. We operate on a cost-recovery basis, meaning what residents pay goes toward delivering these services, maintaining our systems and planning for future repairs and upgrades.

Every municipality is a little different when it comes to how they get their water and what it costs to treat and deliver it. Here in New Tecumseth, we rely on a combination of wells and water brought in through a 57-kilometre pipeline from Collingwood. We also have three wastewater treatment plants to operate and maintain. None of that is inexpensive, especially when you factor in provincial regulations, testing, treatment and the people needed to keep everything running safely.

Something worth pointing out is that, before the recent rate increases, New Tecumseth actually had some of the lowest water and wastewater rates in Simcoe County and among comparable municipalities. Even with the increases, we're moving closer to the middle of the pack.

We also have a projected $141 million shortfall in funding for water and wastewater infrastructure over the next 10 years. That's a significant amount of money, and it's one of the reasons we need to build our reserves and plan ahead instead of waiting until something breaks and being faced with a much larger expense.

I know nobody likes seeing their utility bills go up. I don't either. But we also can't afford to fall behind on maintaining the infrastructure we all rely on every day. We've seen what happens in communities where corners get cut and that cannot happen here in New Tec.

I do not believe licenses are currently required. There is a large hole in the "rules" involving E scooters and bikes. The products have speed limiters, which are often overruled. legally, you must be 16 or older to use an e-scooter, and helmets are required under 18. Over 18, they are "suggested" . Parents should strongly reconsider purchasing these for their kids, and if they choose to purchase them, must also purchase appropriate head protection. But we know some parents won't, and some riders will ride in an irresponsible manner.

E bikes and scooters are not allowed on Municipal property. On roadways, they are a risk to the users and drivers. On sidewalks they are a risk to pedestrians. In bike lanes, they also post a risk to pedal bike riders.

Municipalities have the option to "opt -in" and establish bylaws which can ban use of scooters and bikes on municipal property (including roads, trails, sidewalks), but generally, these are Provincial issues, and Municipalities do not have the power to issue license requirements.

Many E bike users do so to commute to and from their employment and operate the items in a responsible manner.

This is a complicated issue in that the products arrived quickly and before thoughtful legislation could be established.

Establishing a license will be

Council has engaged with OPP multiple times regarding e-scooters. Most recently we passed a motion asking OPP to do a blitz for education and enforcement. Our bylaw department doesnt have the ability to pull over vehicles/scooters. I will be discussing this issue with OPP again as soon as the new council is elected. I agree we need more regulations which should come from the Province so engaging with our MPP is necessary as well. Thanks for the question.

If they have no pedals, they’re considered a motor vehicle and will be charged according to the motor vehicle act. Which means you need a drivers license and you need insurance. If they have pedals then they’re considered a bike, but you have a maximum speed limit allowed. Electric scooters do not have pedals therefore they are a motor vehicle.

I think at some point these modes of transportation will be legal with a driver’s license. The first thing we need to do is keep them off our sidewalks and we need to improve our view for motor vehicles when they come to stop signs because the scooters are hard to spot when they’re travelling at 40 km an hour on a sidewalk.

E-bikes and scooters go too fast — I don't like them at all. Parents need to be held accountable when the rider is under 16, and riders over 16 should be fined and treated like any other motor vehicle breach. We need more police enforcement on these.

Safety concerns require actions.

Ontario laws require riders to be aged 16 or older, wear an approved helmet and follow the same rules of the road as other cyclists.

You can not ride on municipal roads, sidewalks, bike paths where prohibited etc.

Laws and Bylaws are in place. On a related side note, we have laws prohibiting handheld devices while driving; but it happens too often.

Teenagers and children test boundaries which they identify by observing the adults around them.

So we need to bring the consequences to the parents so the are able to take corrective action. We are all responsible for the examples that we are and can show good behavior or the results of poor choices. Adults have to be grown up and not expect the government to teach responsible behaviors.

Where the adults (parents) are allowing risk, there are corrective measures that can be taken.

But before we criticize we must examine the options. How do we expect the kids to get around? Without busses or safe paths to use, just crossing the street is a risky exercise.

We need to give them a better way to get to places safely. Please share any ideas you have on how we can do it better. Accessible transportation that works in all seasons.

Hi there. Thanks for the question. The current council had approved a zero tolerance policy for ALL motorized e-bikes and e-scooters in New Tecumseth.

E-Scooters are banned entirely from all streets, sidewalks and trails. No exceptions.

E-Bikes (unmodified) are banned from sidewalks, in-boulevard multi-use trails and parks, but permitted on roads and bicycle lanes so long as the rider meets the minimum requirements, including being over 16 years old, wearing a helmet, and keeping the device in good repair.

There is little that council can do to prevent parents, grandparents or users in general from buying these devices in the first place. Often they are purchased and delivered through websites. All we can do is enforce our rules and regulations, report sitings to the non-emergency line at the OPP and provide continued public education.

During 2027 Budget deliberations we can also advocate for signage, and dedicated police enforcement campaigns, as well as more education in schools and letters home to parents advising them not to buy these devices as they cannot be ridden in new Tec.

The conversation will continue on this, I promise.

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.

No. I believe an indoor pool is both wanted and needed in New Tecumseth, and I don't think we should be looking at major recreation projects in isolation from one another.

I voted to defer both the indoor pool and sports dome to the 2027 Budget deliberations (and I voted against the arena) because I want Council to look at the bigger picture: what recreation facilities do we already have? What are we missing? What will each new facility cost to build and operate? What do we need to reserve for the eventual replacement of the assets we already own? And, ultimately, what can taxpayers reasonably afford?

An indoor pool would fill a significant gap in our recreation programming, but pools also require an ongoing municipal operating subsidy. That's why the original concept of combining the pool with a fitness centre piqued my interest, as membership revenue could potentially help offset some of those ongoing costs but that's not what council originally asked for.

Further, I wasn't satisfied with the initial design given to Council. I wanted to see other configurations, locations and funding opportunities, including potential grants, before committing to a project of this size. The NTRC was identified as the preferred location, but I don't believe that should prevent us from asking whether another site or a larger multi-use recreation complex could provide better long-term value.

My vote to defer was not a vote against a pool. It was a vote to bring these major recreation projects into the same budget discussion so Council can make an informed decision about our entire recreation system and not simply approve one expensive project at a time.

That probably would not have been a decision I would have made. The user data would guide my thoughts.

Questions like how many people use the current Ice Rinks? What is the cost per user and what are they charged? How many different people use the icepads and what is the projected increase?

How much does it cost to run a pool? What is the capacity and staffing levels?

When comparing the two, what is the average cost for use per individual? Considering equipment or training etc. Which benefits the most families?

Why are these the only two options? Lots of questions that I would like to ask before committing millions of dollars to any project.

This is an example of what happens when people don't vote. Millions of dollars budgeted for from such a small percentage of the electorate.

No — I think the pool is needed more.

I have supported SHIFT through volunteering, advocacy and delivering support through council. I believe we have the means to care and help our most vulnerable while also keeping our downtowns safe for everyone including those without a place to sleep.

Homelessness is a growing issue across rhe country and the solution lies in the collaboration and pooling of resources from all levels of government. With the province defunding many of the services through DC reduction, our town needs to make an strong effort to lobby the province for funding.

I sit on the affordable housing committee at the County where I have advocated we need more transitional housing. I plan to continue those efforts as Mayor.

A pool, a dome, an arena. All cost money after the fact. We pay to build them and we then charge our residents to use them. For me I'd love to see some options that don't charge residents after they are built. Mainly a trail system that works, that actually gets us places from our front door. Parks such as an All Wheels Park that generates options for our youth and our youth at heart. Our economy today is perhaps more dire than it appears. Once development reboots and the development charges start rolling in, perhaps that is the time we revisit these big projects. I do want a pool though, but for now I use the outdoor one on an almost daily occurrence (in season) as well as the Nott, and I have been up to the base as well. We are fortunate to have so many surrounding options.

Here's an outside the box possibility -- What if we sold the NTRC to private business? and did a full reboot on our Town Recreation Centre? I'd love to explore this at least.

I don't think it should have been a one over the other. I personally believe all 3 items should have advance to the next stages to see what grants we could participate in? What partnerships could be made ie name recognition etc at a cost of course and to explore further costing. It was a real shame for how the council meeting was handled that day.

If elected I would bring it back to the table with hopes we're not too late and other elected members hopefully support it. After all your one voice and one vote amongst 8 other elected members. (We ) those selected to represent our communities and residents need to work together and find a common ground. This past council from my position, watching every meeting was not working together. It wasn't just one person they each brought good and bad over the 4 year period.

The plan for the pool was brought forward at the end of the term of council, not during the budget process. This was not right. I wanted the opportunity to speak to the 2400 residents I was going to be meeting at the door to see if they want a pool (which will most likely be located in Alliston) and do they want the tax increase that will come with it? We need to get some help with a project like this and partner with other municipalities, the province or developers. Adjala-Tos hasn't given us any money for Parks & Recreation and yet their residents use our facilities. Other municipalities, like King, get money from businesses for their facilities. We need to look for other sources of money to help pay for a project of this magnitude as the tax payer can't shoulder the burden.

I wish I had the solution to this issue. I wish anyone had the answer to this issue.

I don't believe there is one single solution to homelessness. The best approach is to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place and, when that isn't possible help them get into stable housing as quickly as possible.

The County of Simcoe is responsible for social services and homelessness programs, but the Town still has an important role. We make decisions about housing and planning, we can advocate for services and funding, and we can make sure the agencies working directly with vulnerable residents have a voice when municipal decisions affect them.

As a member of Council, I have supported the Town's collaboration with the County and our local service providers.

As Chair of the New Tecumseth Public Library Board, I also recognize the increasingly important role our libraries play as accessible community spaces where people can connect with information and services. I would like to see stronger coordination between the Town, County, Library and local agencies so people aren't left trying to navigate a complicated system on their own.

Going forward, I would also like New Tecumseth to have a more regular conversation with the organizations doing this work locally. They know where the gaps are because they see them every day.

This is a painful subject.

Having grown up in a Third World country, this is an issue that is difficult to reconcile for an evolved society. We need to do better.

The reality however is that so many people are struggling to make ends meet and could easily land in the same predicament. The changes to eviction laws and the increased cost of living have the potential to make the situation much worse.

In a previous lifetime living in a housing co-operative provided a great deal of support for my family and enabled us to afford a high quality of life and dignity. My personal experience inspires me to leverage our collective potential and find pathways to success and hope for so many who struggle throughout Simcoe County.

Working on the causes has to be part of the plan. But with the cold upon us we also have to provide immediate assistance without any prejudice.

The best way to reduce homelessness is affordable housing, plus transportation so people can get to and from work. I'm advocating for affordable housing.

I have supported SHIFT through volunteering, advocacy and delivering support through council. I believe we have the means to care and help our most vulnerable while also keeping our downtowns safe for everyone including those without a place to sleep.

Homelessness is a growing issue across rhe country and the solution lies in the collaboration and pooling of resources from all levels of government. With the province defunding many of the services through DC reduction, our town needs to make an strong effort to lobby the province for funding.

I sit on the affordable housing committee at the County where I have advocated we need more transitional housing. I plan to continue those efforts as Mayor.

Homelessness is made up of so many things. Many of us attribute it to one thing. However, the genetic makeup of how a person gets to that stage can differ greatly from others. So painting with one brush will not solve it. When we try to do that it ends up making even more problems. A step in the right direction is affordable housing. Another is through support and accessibility to services. I was keenly interested in the Peterborough approach of a Sea Can settlement. I'd love to look at it closer and see if it has applications here in New Tecumseth. I'm currently a member of a couple different organizations/committees that are looking at root causes and possible solutions. We should be willing to learn from other municipalities that further ahead then us.

I believe the best way to reduce homelessness is to work on both sides of the problem , helping people who are already experiencing homelessness, while doing everything reasonably possible to prevent people from losing their housing in the first place.

There isn’t one cause of homelessness, and there isn’t going to be one solution. The cost and availability of housing are certainly part of it, but people can also find themselves without housing because of job loss, family breakdown, mental health or addiction challenges, disability, domestic violence or simply an unexpected financial crisis.

That means our response has to be equally broad.

We need more attainable and affordable housing options, including different types and sizes of housing. We need to support programs that help people remain housed when they experience a temporary crisis. And for those already experiencing homelessness, emergency shelter is important, but ultimately the goal has to be moving people toward safe, stable, permanent housing with the appropriate supports.

New Tecumseth is fortunate to have organizations such as S.H.I.F.T. and CONTACT Community Services doing this work locally, and I believe the municipality should continue working cooperatively with these organizations and the County of Simcoe.

The County has primary responsibility for social housing and homelessness services, but I don’t believe that means our local Council has no role. Municipal decisions about planning, housing supply, development, available land and partnerships can all contribute to solutions. Council can also advocate strongly to the County and provincial and federal governments when resources are needed.

As for what I’m personally doing right now, I want to be transparent: I am not currently involved directly with a specific homelessness program, so I wouldn’t want to suggest otherwise.

What I am doing is trying to better understand the issue, the services already available in our community and where the gaps remain. If elected, I would want to hear directly from the organizations doing this work and, equally importantly, from people with lived experience of homelessness or housing insecurity before deciding what role the Town can most effectively play.

For me, success isn’t simply finding someone a bed for one night. It’s helping prevent that person from needing the bed in the first place and, when they do need it, creating a realistic path back to stable housing.

I had previously answered the similar question above, however, in short the LinX Bus is controlled and operated by the County of Simcoe. New Tecumseth can (and has) made its desire for expanded bus routes and services (especially to and through Tottenham) known, but that need has gone unmet for the time being. With that said, and as the Town grows, transit and connectivity of all kinds will be front and centre for the next sitting of Council I'm sure. Thank you for the question.

Linx transit (spelled incorrectly as Lynx in another post) has announced that an expansion in the works, and Tottenham is on the list. Odd as when I was researching the system and comparing it to the Quinte West system operating in the Brighton area, I was told that Tottenham expansion was not in the works. That was in June 2026 so something has obviously changed. Good addition though and the Honda bus is an obvious addition which will assist our local workforce.

Absolutely. I've maintained for the past three years that if we are making deals with the province in terms of growth we should be looking at establishing a GO connection in Tottenham. If that were to happen we would have even more reason to connect Alliston and Beeton via transit options.

I'm also keeping an eye on the Argo transit system in Bradford and the Uber system they're using in Innisfil.

Yes, I support better transit connections between Tottenham, Beeton and Alliston.

LINX is a County service, so my first step would be advocating at the County level for better connections and making sure New Tecumseth gets its fair share as the system expands.

I also don’t think the answer is simply putting more buses on the road. Ridership should be reviewed regularly and service increased as demand and our population grow.

Where I think New Tecumseth could do more is looking at an affordable on-demand service that gets residents from areas without service to existing LINX stops. That could be a smaller vehicle or short booked ride rather than creating another full transit system at the Town’s expense.

Connect the three communities, build the service as demand grows, and don’t have taxpayers paying twice for something the County already provides.

I do support but not the 5% property tax increase. We would need to find other ways to fund such as advocating for such as the rural transit solution fund, provincial gas tax subsidies or maybe Honda could help as to ensure workers are at their ready.

Absolutely. Better connectivity with accessibility for everyone. Transit that can get Seniors to appointments, youth to resources and local services. We can all benefit.

Understanding that for some people it's not what they want because they like things to stay as they are. Change happens so let's plan the changes that work for us today and our children tomorrow.

Linx bus is what we have now, I need more details on the ridership and costs to know if it is a good solution or if something else might work better.

As I am not running for Mayor, I will leave this to the Mayoral Candidates.

I am not a candidate for the Mayoral position. However, the condition of the road system is an ongoing concern. With a rough cost of .6 to 1.5 million to repave a common road, budgets are stressed fairly quickly. Consider that increased traffic will reduce the life of road surfaces, Continuing (needs qualified...those in greatest need to maintain safety) maintenance is ongoing.

The high school is not a municipal-only concern, and although we must ensure the construction is done in a timely manner, you may want to reach out to the School board trustee candidates for more information on the proposed facility timeline and other factors.

A new high school is a small step in the progress we need. Portable classrooms at every school is another sign of the insufficient value placed on education and children's development. As a parent of children in two elementary schools, I also find it to be a great disappointment.

The ironic thing is that Dr. Banting was a pioneer in the medical world, so by now we ought to have established a diabetes institute or something to further the work. Equally Dr. Donald Baxter has a legacy that we can learn from.

If we don't learn from our history then our further is in peril. Repair and upkeep are basic issues that shouldn't be neglected.

Vission for a better tomorrow and the courage to act will be needed to inspire the Millenials and Gen Z. They will be able to do greater things than anyone in history, if we lead them correctly. The power of dreams can transform our town in ways I can not yet imagine, but I am willing to shape the path for tomorrow's leaders.

The new high school is a must, and I'll keep pushing for it. We are repairing some roads as we speak, and keeping our roads in good shape stays a priority.

I agree that the roads need far more attention than they currently receive. As mayor I will improve two aspects of road repair. The first is ensuring that development and construction include road repair as part of their operations. Too often a construction project or development destroys a road that the town and taxpayer must pay for. That is unfair.

Secondly investing in our roads is putting money back in taxpayers’ pockets. Fewer repairs and increased vehicle longevity are the result of better roads. Our residents deserve a mayor that prioritizes cost saving measures through road repairs while also realizing that investments also cost taxpayers. 

I see this is directed at the future mayor. I also cannot comment on schools.

Thank you for this question. As a resident myself, I understand the frustration of watching infrastructure age while wondering whether enough of our tax dollars are getting back into the things we rely on every single day.

I’m running for Ward 3 Councillor, not Mayor, so I can’t promise that I alone can make these things happen. What I can promise is that I will use my vote and my voice at the Council table to make maintaining the infrastructure we already own a priority.

Roads are a perfect example. We need to get away from allowing roads to deteriorate to the point where the eventual repair becomes significantly more expensive.

The Town’s updated Road Needs Study is coming back before Council this fall, and I believe that will be an important opportunity for the new Council. I want to understand which roads have been identified as priorities, what condition they’re actually in, what the recommended timelines are and, importantly, what it will cost to properly address them.

From there, I want to see a realistic, properly funded multi-year plan based on condition, safety, traffic and need, one that residents can actually see and understand.

I also completely agree with you about a new high school. Education isn’t under municipal jurisdiction, so Council can’t simply decide to build one. But that doesn’t mean we should sit quietly and say it isn’t our responsibility. With the growth happening in New Tecumseth, I believe our Mayor and Council should be strong advocates with our school boards and the Province for the schools and other infrastructure our growing population requires.

And this connects directly to one of my biggest concerns about growth.

We cannot continue approving growth and then deal with roads, schools, recreation, water, wastewater and traffic as an afterthought. Infrastructure needs to be part of the conversation before and alongside growth, not years later when residents are already feeling the consequences.

There will always be competing priorities and limited tax dollars, and I won’t promise residents everything they ask for simply to get elected. What I can promise is that I will ask questions, look carefully at where our money is being spent, push for provincial and federal funding wherever it’s available, and advocate for taking care of the essential infrastructure we already have.

To me, that’s one of the most basic responsibilities of municipal government.

And ultimately, I hope residents won’t have to take my word for it. Over the next four years, they’ll be able to look at my votes, the questions I’ve asked and the decisions I’ve supported and decide for themselves whether I’ve represented them well.

Yes, I support proceeding with the feasibility study. That's exactly what a feasibility study is for to determine whether there is a need, what that need looks like, what partnerships are available, what it would cost and whether it makes sense to proceed.

I believe New Tecumseth would benefit from having greater access to post-secondary education and skilled-trades training closer to home. That could make a significant difference for a single parent who needs in-class instruction but can't easily travel to Barrie, a young person who isn't ready or financially able to move away for school, someone changing careers later in life, or an apprentice who is already working and needs access to additional training.

And I don't think we should base a long-term workforce strategy around one employer or one proposed investment. Part of attracting new employers is demonstrating that we have the workforce, training opportunities and infrastructure they will need.

I also don't see this as an either/or decision when it comes to regional partnerships. If there is an opportunity for New Tecumseth to participate in an existing regional technology or training initiative, I absolutely think we should pursue it. In fact, partnerships with Simcoe County, post-secondary institutions and industry are already part of the model being explored.

What I would not support is deciding today that the Town should build and operate a stand-alone college campus regardless of cost or demand. Let the feasibility study answer those questions.

If the study shows that the better solution is a smaller training centre, shared programming, satellite classrooms, partnerships with existing colleges, or participation in a broader regional initiative, then that's the direction we should consider.

The goal shouldn't be to build a building. The goal should be to bring education, training and opportunity closer to the people who live here and to build the skilled workforce New Tecumseth will need in the future.

1. Ontario colleges have cut approximately 600 programs amid $1.8B in losses since the 2024 international student visa cap.

Ontario colleges have cut a number of programs, not just skilled trades programs.

1. New Tecumseth is within Georgian College’s catchment area. Georgian closed its Orillia and Muskoka campuses in August 2026, consolidating programming in Barrie, and has reduced its full-time workforce by approximately 22% with projected losses of 45M and 15-25M next fiscal.

The campuses closed offered a varied curriculum, not one solely based on skilled trades.

1. Honda’s $15B Alliston EV expansion is permanently suspended, removing a major source of projected local skilled-trades demand.

Permanent suspension is not permanently cancelled. It was a business decision, and if trade issues are solved, and with newer battery technology, Honda may consider reestablishment of an EV facility if a business model can be made.

1. Meanwhile, The Province’s Regional Technology Development Site for Simcoe County, Barrie and Orillia is already funded and includes Georgian College, Lakehead University and Honda. New Tecumseth is not currently part of that initiative.

For each candidate:

1. Do you support proceeding with this feasibility study? Why or why not?

Considering the curriculum which was offered at the closed campuses, we have to ask if there is growth in the skilled trades sector, and if there is, a feasibility study to address accessible education options for New Tecumseth students should be considered. Prior to requesting a study, we can survey employers and existing education facilities. If employers indicate a need for more skilled trades employees, and if the education facilities have a healthy enrolment, we will be ab le to reasonably come to a conclusion, an then determine if a more comprehensive study id required.

1. Why pursue a separate facility rather than seek a role in the regional initiative already underway? As home to the region’s anchor automotive employer, should New Tecumseth be pursuing a seat in the existing RTDS network instead, and would you support that approach?

Perhaps, but we also have to look at the ability of our students to travel to training facilities out of our area. In many cases, that is not an option for many students who are attempting to seek continuing education on severely restricted budgets.

Pecuniary Intrest Disclosure: I have been a student at Georgian College and others.

In my unqualified opinion the plan is flawed unless the institution also evolves. The training delivery was geared more towards the easy money from international students. If we're to make any meaningful progress then what we teach has to be relevant to the jobs and skills needed tomorrow. Any existing trades should already be taught in high school.

Our automotive sector is the anchor today, but the leaders are trying to keep it afloat until they can retire. It is a similar reality with some of the senior lecturers in college.

As someone in Industrial Automation it is clear to me that we need urgent innovation. The POWER OF DREAMS has to be restored. New ideas are imperative.

I support the skilled trades and I think our young people would benefit from a local place to train for local jobs, instead of travelling to Barrie or Hamilton. I support the study because that's what it's for — to show the demand, the costs, and whether we should build something here or join the regional program that's already running with Georgian, Lakehead, and Honda. I'd look at both. But I won't commit tax dollars to a town-built facility no matter the cost. The study has to prove the need first.

I would like to see post secondary education as an opportunity in our community. In whatever form, preferably cost effective of course. I'm aware of many students going to Mohawk in Hamilton and coming to Honda for placement. Having a site nearby would be fantastic. I've asked EcDev to look at this for the past four years, they haven't reported back to me.