Proudly serving Grimsby, Lincoln, West Lincoln & Winona
Browse the answers below from the 2022 municipal election candidates from Lincoln, Ontario.
1. Why should I vote for you?
I enjoy talking with people and listening to what is important to them, and I take my duty to represent you very seriously. I have loved regularly holding open-agenda style ward meetings because they have helped me stay in touch with the community and keep a sense of what matters most. It’s been a very difficult (almost three) years worldwide. I am passionate about having your voice as we continue recovery from the pandemic and am looking forward to putting my skills and experience to work to advance the initiatives commenced this term particularly around traffic safety and attainable housing.
2. What issue do you think is the most important to arise from the last term of council?
We have experienced a challenging and destabilizing period in human history. While there are always new issues during a term of Council, during this 4-year term, the most important issues are not necessarily new, but ones that have been exacerbated and/or highlighted by the pandemic. Pre-pandemic it was a challenge to help ensure family members, young and old don’t have to move away to find housing (Housing For All) - One thing gathering restrictions and stay at home orders have taught us is that human interaction/support and community connectedness are vital to physical and mental health and quality of life.
3. What is the most important matter facing Lincoln's future?
There was already a steadily increasing interest in living in Lincoln pre-pandemic but because of pandemic related requirements and changes like social distancing and a shift in some industries to remote working, living in areas like Lincoln that have a strong rural component has become even more attractive. The Niagara area generally is experiencing rapid growth. It’s going to continue to be crucial to focus intently on growing sustainably by planning properly for infrastructure investments (and seeking funding sources) and finding ways to meet servicing demands (eg. shared service opportunities) while preserving our quality of life.
4. What are you hearing is the top concern of residents and how would you deal with it?
For Ward #1, traffic safety and flow are top of mind. People want to know that traffic is appropriately routed particularly considering the new development that has occurred/is proposed. Also top of mind is trucks (any which are not required for local delivery), travelling through downtown Beamsville. While awaiting The Region’s plan to establish a truck route at Park Road and Bartlett Avenue in Grimsby, Lincoln will be upgrading Bartlett Road and Durham Road, to create alternate routes to redirect truck traffic out of downtown Beamsville. The design work for upgrades to these roads is underway. More information here: https://speakuplincoln.ca/truck-traffic
1. Why should I vote for you?
I feel that I am ready to champion the peoples' causes of Lincoln, particularly those in Ward 1 where I grew up. Although I have never held political office, I've been around local politics all my adult life. I have held leadership roles in both local and regional Heritage; Past Chair of both the Museum Board of Trustees and Architectural Heritage Committees; I was also a Charter Member of both the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Lincoln; and was on the organizing committees of the Beamsville Strawberry Festival, Beamsville High School 100th and 125 Anniversaries.
2. What issue do you think is the most important to arise from the last term of council?
Poor Planning. Obviously, the pandemic placed too much distance between elected officials and their constituents, resulting in a complete lack of accountability. Major planning issues such as urban growth, and the sudden appearance of "high rises" on the urban landscape have shocked many, and will change the face of downtown for many decades to come. Unfortunately, the "small town charm" has been all but erased, and we are fast becoming one big strip mall, with no co-ordination or direction, and a lack of Heritage continuity of the attributes that were left to us by prior generations.
3. What is the most important matter facing Lincoln's future?
A Bloated Bureaucracy. There are now 21 public employees at the Town Hall basking on the Sunshine List. Public servants are now "Public Masters", accountable to no one. The transformation that has allowed staff to dictate down to elected representatives has evolved over the past four terms of Council, and must not be allowed to continue. Wages are grossly more generous than those in the private sector, and should be subject to an outside audit. The fact that the Town has hired a Speech Writer and a Climate Change Coordinator speaks volumes of the incompetence of some elected officials.
4. What are you hearing is the top concern of residents and how would you deal with it?
In Ward 1, particularly along its main arteries of King Street and Ontario Street, there is excessive noise, trucks traversing through town, traffic jams, lack of policing and bylaw enforcement, the building of high rises, and the feeling that we are rapidly loosing touch with our "small-town values". It flies in the face of taxpayers who chose to settle here to raise families and retire because of the very attributes which are now disappearing. In the next term of Council, I will raise flags to these issues and voice my disapproval whenever necessary to assure higher standards are met.
1. Why should I vote for you?
I think with responsibility comes accountability. In my first term on council, I have made it my goal to engage our residents regularly with important updates about what’s happening in town. I have continued to solicit feedback, and have made myself available to everyone on Social media to answer questions and concerns. I think being a Councillor requires complete transparency and constant open dialogue. It informs residents, but it also helps me understand the issues of today. From day 1 my job has been here to help build a better community for everyone.
2. What issue do you think is the most important to arise from the last term of council?
I think each ward has different concerns; in Ward 1 I think the biggest issue to arise is development. Lincoln is a very desirable place to live, and we are seeing the pressure for growth come from all sides. Every level of government is pushing for more housing to help address the housing crisis. So, we are faced with a constant battle of understanding what Smart development is, and how to ensure our infrastructure keeps up with the growth. Meeting and managing our residents’ expectations is a challenge but fighting for better development options is essential.
3. What is the most important matter facing Lincoln's future?
I think Lincoln has made some great strides in planning for where we want to take our brand and enhance our community. However, we need to keep pushing the upper levels of government to bring expertise and funding to our essential projects. We need the region to focus on traffic issues in town, and work with staff to find long term solutions. We need the province and region to step up and start working on the Grimsby Bartlett cut up the escarpment to manage the flow of truck traffic. We need an underpass at the Ontario St rail crossing.
4. What are you hearing is the top concern of residents and how would you deal with it?
To be honest it is hard to pare down to just one concern. Depending on the day I hear a lot of concerns about budgets and pressure on disposable income; I hear that we need to make sure we don’t price out our long term residents with tax increases; I hear that we need more park space for our residents, both current and future; I hear about traffic concerns all over town; I hear that we are losing our sense of community to big developers and that we are moving too quickly; and unfortunately I hear a lot about rats.
1. Why should I vote for you?
I believe that you must be involved in your community to make change happen.
We see growth increasing throughout the town, and in Beamsville we see more
intense residential building along Ontario Street. Traffic patterns and truck
congestion have been identified as a problem for years, but solutions have not
been implemented in a timely fashion. This has to change. I will speak up and
ensure we have smarter development, with a focus on ensuring traffic flow and a truck bypass are true priorities of Council.
2. What issue do you think is the most important to arise from the last term of council?
Our town has grown and will continue to grow – but we need a focus on smarter
development. Transportation issues will be critical, particularly with a future GO
train station coming into the community. We must include a variety of programs
and concerns in any active growth plan – affordable housing, community services,
EMS, fire, police, low-income housing, transit. All have a seat at the table. This
includes being proactive and ensuring we have a safe community.
3. What is the most important matter facing Lincoln's future?
Development is the most important matter facing our community. The Town of
Lincoln must drive the agenda when approving any development project. We do
not want Lincoln to look like Stoney Creek north of the QEW or Grimsby’s
waterfront. We need smart development that includes clear action plans for
traffic pattern changes, adding turn lanes, speed corridors, and certainly a much
more robust Active Transportation Plan.
Change is coming whether we like it or not. We have the capability and
opportunity to direct the change so it benefits Lincoln, not the developer
community.
4. What are you hearing is the top concern of residents and how would you deal with it?
There is significant concern over development and what our community is going
to look like in the future. With smarter development, I hope that we can avoid
the mistakes of other communities and ensure we have the needs of the
community met.
We need to address the traffic issues that have developed in our community and
put in place real solutions now. The complaint I have heard most is the significant
amount of traffic, both trucks and other vehicles, through our downtown. I will
push Council to develop a “made in Lincoln” solution to provide relief for this
problem.
1. Why should I vote for you?
I will be accountable and respectful of your tax dollars . I will work to deliver a fiscally responsible budget to help battle inflation ,while still delivering projects and services.
Will value , understand and address all resident concerns and expectations. I will be available, approachable and responsive to your concerns. Over the past 8 years I have always tried to provide responsible leadership .
I appreciate the support and trust that residents have given me and would like the opportunity to continue the work started. Working together to be your voice at Town Hall.
2. What issue do you think is the most important to arise from the last term of council?
COVID-19 forced us to innovate - Emergency preparedness and readiness became paramount.
From the onset, council and staff worked with businesses to provide PPE and to help them evolve online and curbside.
Businesses like Moyer Farms/Court Holdings responded to the shortage of masks by developing equipment to sanitize masks and fill orders from hospitals, long-term care .
Dillon's and Ophardt led the charge with sanitizer. We collaborated with the Region and Province on important decisions and learned that we are a resilient community.
We learned that greenspace, parks, and trails matter, and we must protect and enhance them.
3. What is the most important matter facing Lincoln's future ?
I think it would be wrong to say one is most important. I believe we need to balance a number of important matters.
Development and growth is in our future. I am neither pro or anti development . I have voted yes and no on applications. We need to ensure our infrastructure supports growth and it fits into our existing neighborhoods and that we preserve and enhance our parks and green spaces.
We need to provide attainable and varied housing and make sure our streets are safe.
We need to continue to balance taxes and the services we provide to our residents.
4. What are you hearing is the top concerns of residents and how would you deal with it?
The two top concerns from residents are truck traffic / road safety and development and growth in Lincoln.
We will continue to work with MTO & NRP on truck enforcement. I will be an advocate with Regional contacts to continue to move along red light cameras and community safety zone initiatives and gather feedback from residents on all traffic calming measures .
I will meet with all residents to discuss development applications to understand resident concerns.I will ensure that growth fits within our neighbourhoods and that the infrastructure can support it and continue to preserve and enhance our parks and greenspace.
1. Why should I vote for you?
If elected as the Town of Lincoln councillor for Ward 2, my plan is to advocate for the well-being and education of our children to ensure that they have a bright future to look forward to. In a world that seems biased towards the negative, I believe we should invest in more facilities and recreational areas for our children to play and use. This will help improve their cognitive (psychological), physical and emotional health. This in turn will create strong young adults who will be able to face any challenges the future might bring.
2. What issue do you think is the most important to arise from the last term of council?
I believe the most important issue to arise from the last term of council was the COVID-19 pandemic that started in December 2019. This was a major issue that no one saw coming and communities across Canada were negatively impacted, from deaths of loved ones to forced lay-offs. Although the federal and/or provincial governments had mandates in place, I do feel that local municipal governments should have been more involved in the decision making process regarding how to handle the pandemic, vaccinations, mask requirements etc.
3. What is the most important matter facing Lincoln's future?
I believe the most important matter facing Lincoln, Ontario is the increasingly connected world we live in whereby the internet and mass media continue to have negative effects on the local community. As an example, the globe and mail published an article titled "U.S student math, reading scores plummet during pandemic." The article went on to indicate that there was a fall in reading scores relative to 2020 for nine-year-olds that is the the largest since 1990. I argue that these statistics apply to Canadian students as well since they were also impacted by the pandemic through remote learning.
4. What are you hearing is the top concern of residents and how would you deal with it?
The top concern currently is the increasing costs of living (inflation) and its impacts on housing, food, daycare and energy prices. One of the core functions of the Bank of Canada is monetary policy. A key component is to preserve the value of money by keeping inflation low, stable and predictable (in the mid range of 1 to 3 %). Currently it is above 8%. The Bank of Canada is addressing the high inflation by raising its key policy rate. I will advocate for more financial literacy resources to be made available for residents to assist with budgeting, saving and investing.
1. Why should I vote for you?
For the last two years, I have been fortunate to serve as Community Services and Infrastructure chair and with Council championed the replacement of our cast-iron watermains. This term, more than ever we invested in roads, parks, and beautification. We continue to deliver clean, safe drinking water to our residents and businesses. Our water/wastewater system is now self-sustainable. Now we tackle the replacement of our cement lined pipes.All these investments, while not glamorous, are essential in making sure we have a healthy, safe community.I am proud that as an organization, we’re listening and responding to residents and delivering services they want.
2. What issue do you think is the most important to arise from the last term of council?
The need for continuous improvement. Due to the pandemic the Town modernized its technology systems, to make it easier for residents to access services remotely and be more efficient. Through our economic development office, we reached out to local businesses to ask what help they needed to recover. We made strategic investments in roads, downtown improvement projects; transitioned our public transit service – uLink – to an on-demand service that saw ridership increase; opened Rotary Park, Konkle Creek trail, and upgraded Ashby Park. We are adding items residents request to our parks and community facilities to meet the needs of the community.
3. What is the most important matter facing Lincoln's future?
The need for continuous improvement. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic the Town
modernized many of its systems, using technology to make it easier for residents to
access services remotely and to make the Town more efficient. Through our economic
development office, we reached out to the local business sectors to find out what they
need to help them recover from the pandemic. We made strategic investments in our
roads and downtown improvement projects.
We transitioned our fixed public transit service – uLink – to an on-demand service that
has seen the ridership continue to increase We opened Rotary Park, Konkle Creek trail,
upgraded Ashby Park are constantly adding items that residents request to make our
parks and community facilities meet the long-term needs of the community.
4. What are you hearing is the top concern of residents and how would you deal with it?
As the fourth fastest growing municipality in Niagara, how we manage growth will
continue to be a key issue. Growth is good for our local economy, bringing jobs and new
opportunities for residents. We are preparing for growth by investing in our
transportation systems and sports and recreation assets, improving customer service,
and providing residents with more and better opportunities to participate in Town
business as our community grows and evolves. It’s imperative to ensuring that growth
takes place in a smart and sustainable way that minimizes impact on the environment,
our agricultural lands, and on Town resources.
1. Why should I vote for you?
As a citizen who has lived, worked, and played in the Jordan/Vineland area for over 30 years, I feel very connected and knowledgeable regarding the pulse of the community. Last election, I was honoured to have been elected as a Councillor for Ward 3. Combining my fresh perspective alongside the experience of my Ward colleague, Cllr MacPherson, we’ve been able to accomplish many things as a community this past term with several items, such as a revitalization of Vineland, now on our radar. I’d like to be able to continue working on these various items still in the works
2. What issue do you think is the most important to arise from the last term of council?
Infill developments/new developments that don't fit within the character of our various communities or within the Town's Official Plan in general, has generated concern about Lincoln and its future identity amongst some. We have some of the best planners in the Region though they are also bound by Provincial policies within the Planning Act. I've always appreciated and respected our Town planning staff's opinions and recommendations, however, if there's a development proposal that does not adhere, or at least is reasonably close to adhering to our Town's Official Plan, I'll vote "no" as I have in the past
3. What is the most important matter facing Lincoln's future?
Lincoln is becoming an extremely popular place for people from all over to both live and visit. Not only are we convenient to Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Buffalo, our community is located within an amazing world biosphere, blessed with an array of natural resources and beautiful land features that can't be replaced. A cautious approach to managing these resources along with our unique environmental features will be important when accommodating new population growth or tourism. There will be many services and infrastructure needs to accommodate everyone and ensuring minimal negative impacts to our environment or landscape will be extremely important
4. What are you hearing is the top concern of residents and how would you deal with it?
Housing, its supply and affordability has probably come up in just about every coffee shop conversation. Creating various forms of new housing opportunities for those in need or for those wanting, while balancing the existing residents' thoughts and feelings continues to be a challenge. Maintaining the character and history of our communities while developing new neighbourhoods within them will require a consistent, educated and considerate approach when planning for these new forms of housing. Harmoniously creating affordable/attainable housing for those in "need" along with desired forms of housing for those who "want" continues to be one of my goals
1. Why should I vote for you?
I want to serve my community by representing you at Town Hall. I’m deeply invested in Lincoln - I’ve lived and worked here for over 30 years, and this town has shaped my life and my family.
I will champion the interests of businesses in Lincoln; as a business owner & community leader, I recognize the challenges we’re all facing, and I want your voice to be heard.
I am committed to connecting people, businesses, and volunteer service groups with the resources we need to continue building a community where we all grow and thrive.
2. What issue do you think is the most important to arise from the last term of council?
Last term of council was challenging, with COVID-19 issues taking over the agenda for much of the last 2 years. The impacts of pandemic-related shutdowns are still being felt, and continued support for local businesses must be a priority as we move into a new term of Council. To ensure that Lincoln remains ‘Open for Business’, municipal policies impacting the business community should focus on eliminating red tape and creating new opportunities.
3. What is the most important matter facing Lincoln's future?
An important issue facing Lincoln’s future is increased development and the resulting population growth - with its impact on traffic, infrastructure, and our vision of who we are as a town. We need to proactively work to connect new and existing neighbourhoods to build a cohesive, active, and engaged community. In Vineland & Jordan, we should incorporate more bike and walking friendly paths, expand programming and resources at the library’s Vineland branch, and focus on parks and sports facilities to better serve the east end of Lincoln.
4. What are you hearing is the top concern of residents and how would you deal with it?
One of the top concerns I’ve heard while campaigning is the level of spending at Town Hall. As a growing municipality, it’s important that we fund infrastructure projects, human resources, and community programming to meet our future needs – but we need to balance that with current taxpayers’ ability to bear those additional costs. My education coupled with my experience in a broad range of business roles means that I will bring a strong set of skills, experience, and qualifications to critical conversations around budgets and balancing the needs of our community with how much and where we choose to spend.
1. Why should I vote for you?
I will ensure Lincoln citizens’ opinions, concerns and suggestions are heard, valued, and respected and I will encourage ongoing communication with them. By examining and monitoring Town decisions I will work with people to ensure a sustainable, vibrant community in the future, and encourage and support greater participation in the local political process. Working hard for and with citizens is my goal. Through my work as an educator and administrator I have developed excellent communication skills that I will use to ensure transparency in any decisions both I, and Lincoln council make.
2. What issue do you think is the most important to arise from the last term of council?
How the town will meet the Provincial policy statement and the Regional official plan for population growth targets is paramount. This, particularly in regard to infrastructure and housing, is an issue Council will continue to struggle with over the next term. A balance needs to be struck - our citizens understand that growth is inevitable, but progress must be measured and reasonable. Citizens must be informed so that scheduled growth does not negatively impact quality of life. This will be key to solving this issue and their concerns.
3. What is the most important matter facing Lincoln's future?
The security of our agrarian-based economy and secondary industries such as tourism and wine production, is key to maintaining and growing our future. Lincoln’s history is tightly bound to these industries which are major sources of employment. We must respond to the growing threat of urbanization and the serious effects of climate change by ensuring that mitigation efforts are reasonable, rapid, and ongoing. Agricultural land and natural spaces are a finite and non-renewable resource that once paved, are not recoverable and are crucial to the ecological balance of Niagara and the future health and wellbeing of our children.
4. What are you hearing is the top concern of residents and how would you deal with it?
The top concern I’ve encountered when speaking with residents - loss of small-town, country-focus. The rapid pace of apparent, unfettered growth in housing and business development has citizens wondering when it will slow, or if it will. They worry about changing height restrictions for buildings, increased noise, lack of parking, population density and loss of green space. Following consultations with citizens, I will ask hard questions of town staff and developers. I will strive to ensure that Lincoln’s five-year plan is a transparent, foundational document that citizens can rely on, and one which cannot be arbitrarily changed.
1. Why should I vote for you?
Many important decisions about how the Town of Lincoln moves forward are poised to be made, surrounding Agriculture, Small business supports and Land use planning/Development. For me, having the experience, using a balanced approach to decision making and being able to collaborate with all stakeholders to find middle ground with the best outcomes for our community, are some of the assets I bring to the table, creating the Lincoln residents want, expect and deserve.
We need to work together and make smart decisions. That means asking the right questions and working with people. If elected I will do that!
2. What issue do you think is the most important to arise from the last term of council?
A few issues took center stage and will require focus and effort to move forward.
1. Infrastructure, the need to make sure we are ready and prepared for growth and that the correct infrastructure is planned for and paid for by those that need and are using it.
2. The pandemic made the economy a critical issue over the last two years, in other words affordability and balanced investment.
3. Transportation and Road Safety, this was and remains important for all residents. This includes police presence and getting trucks out of our residential and commercial corridors.
3. What is the most important matter facing Lincoln's future?
Critical matters:
• Plan for expected growth that the province is mandating by ensuring infrastructure is up to standards and built and that growth fits our neighbourhoods.
• Continue to strengthen overall financial health and prosperity of Lincoln and all its residents, through better, more secure jobs, housing availability and affordability, and access to public services.
• Transportation/Road safety - Support safe, effective movement on streets - finding alternate truck routes (build Bartlett truck route); Also, ensure traffic calming for safer roads and provide affordable transit for seniors and youth.
• Incorporate sidewalks, bike-lanes, and trail connections in future planning- redevelopment of road infrastructure.
4. What are you hearing is the top concern of residents and how would you deal with it?
Residents want a responsive Council, one that listens to all stakeholders and acts appropriately and expediently with a balanced approach:
Residents want us to:
• Build critical infrastructure and invest in fixing the roads.
• Make investments in parks and greenspaces
• Ensure our school zones and roads are safe.
Seniors and youth want to be able to move around more easily and safely. We do this by:
• Investing in and pushing Niagara Region to continue to expand transit and make Pedestrian safety and Vision Zero happen on regional roads.
• Provide and enable the creation of more amenities and connectivity in our neighbourhoods.
Why should I vote for you?
I am running to preserve the small town character of Lincoln. I have been concerned, about the traffic increase on Victoria and the building of huge unsightly high rise buildings which encroach our farmland, waterfront and recreational areas.
Question #2
What issue do you think is the most important to arise from the last term of council?
Rejection of the 25+ story building permit from LJM at Prudhommes. While it is inevitable that development at Prudhommes will include a combination of single family housing, town houses, low
level apartments and commercial units; however, high rise properties are not appropriate. Residents enjoy the small town/rural character of Lincoln as it is distinct along the QEW corridor from more urbanized municipalities of Grimsby and St.Catharines.
Question #3
What is the most important matter facing Lincoln's future?
The most important issue is future urban sprawl and the very high density buildings which undermine our long and rich small town heritage of excellent tender fruit and grape agriculture. This farming backdrop and all the corresponding value added hospitality & winery enterprises should be leveraged to create opportunities and attract reasonable commercial and residential growth.
Question #4
What are you hearing is the top concern of residents and how would you deal with it?
The proliferation of transport truck traffic as well as speeding automobile traffic on Victoria Ave. Recognizing the existence of the (Town of Lincoln 568 page) Master Transportation Plan, a stricter or more consistent bylaw enforcement presence to complement the potential use of speed cushions to increase safety and calm the traffic on Victoria south of Highway 8.
1. Why should I vote for you?
As a Councillor for the past 4 years, l have provided consistent, inclusive and honest leadership to the residents of Lincoln - Ward 4. I will continue to foster an environment of open and positive communication with residents, Town staff and fellow Council members. I will strive to ensure Council continues to operate in a responsible, efficient and transparent manner.
2. What issue do you think is the most important to arise from the last term of council?
As the recent pandemic taught us, we need to be connected as neighbourhoods and communities. The well-being of residents and the safety of our families are paramount. Enhancing downtown cores (ie. Jordan Village) and active transportation options (ie. Konkle Creek Path) contribute to this reality. Supporting the investment in the following: parks (ie. Rotary and Angelina Macri Prokich), complete roads (ie. Rittenhouse) and traffic safety initiatives (ie. Twenty Valley Safety Zone) are some of the ways in which Council is fulfilling this vision.
3. What is the most important matter facing Lincoln's future?
Housing – Lincoln’s future needs to be made up of a variety of people representing different cultures, lifestyles and life stages to facilitate a complete community. As a Council we need to provide various types of housing and places to call home, as Lincoln continues to grow. The decisions we make as Council should reflect that, as it has a large generational impact.
4. What are you hearing is the top concern of residents and how would you deal with it?
Residents are concerned about the increasing expenses. of life in general. This includes cost of living, tax levy ,and the inflating price tag on goods and services. As a Councillor I will respect people’s ability to pay and balance the need/demand for different services and programs as Council establishes yearly budgets.
1) Why should I vote for you?
As a lifelong resident, I take immense pride in serving our community as a Councillor representing Ward 4. I am dedicated to respecting the needs and views of all residents. I have held many positions as Chair and Vice Chair, several advisory committees, and Deputy Mayor terms since 2014. I believe making informed decisions not only in the best interest of my ward but, the entire town. It is important to promote a community that is open to innovative ideas and new perspectives that fosters a true sense of belonging and community pride. Everyone should feel welcomed, valued, and engaged.
2) What issue do you think is the most important to arise from the last term of council?
Having a place to call home is a core need and for many in our community who are either on extensive wait lists or struggling to maintain a roof over their heads, it is essential. To have the ability to access affordable/attainable housing as well as rental properties is a growing issue in our community. This past term, we formed the first Housing and Homelessness Community Partnership Advisory Committee. Council adopted Lincoln specific affordable housing targets, amended the funding for incentives and directed that additional changes to the incentive programs to enable the construction of all forms of affordable/attainable housing.
3) What is the most important matter facing Lincoln’s future?
Housing and development are issues facing us. Over the years, I have been on both sides voting to support development and voting against it. Provincial policy is pushing development and adding growth pressures, and we know saying no is not the way to attack the issue. We need to plan for our future. Smart development that meets our needs, in appropriate locations and that fits our community and neighbourhoods. We also need to invest in infrastructure and continue to enhance green spaces, plus preserve our heritage. Climate change, economic growth and job retention will also be critical.
4) What are you hearing is the top concern of residents and how would you deal with it?
One of the main concerns from residents, is safer streets and communities. Through our road safety programs, gathering data over several years to identify areas, we have made many changes including community safety zones in our school neighborhoods, lowering speeds, traffic calming initiatives. We have also actively engaged with the MTO and conducted numerous safety blitzes to find unsafe trucks and trucks bypassing the weigh station. We are currently planning for new alternative truck routes to redirect from the downtown areas. Working together with NRP to increase enforcement is key to having an impact and making long term changes.
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