Question 1

What measurements would you recommend to demonstrate the progress achieved in the Official Plan objectives over the past and future decades?

Thank you for this thoughtful question. The Official Plan sets out a wide range of objectives that guide how East Ferris grows, protects its environment, and serves residents. To meaningfully measure progress over time, we need clear, practical indicators that reflect both the intent of the Plan and the priorities of our community.

The Official Plan emphasizes that policies must be based on “thorough, and well analysed” information and must “be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement 2014.” With that in mind, I would support the following measurement framework:

1. Balanced Growth Between Villages and Rural Areas

The Plan calls for “a strategic balance between the Villages of Corbeil, Astorville and Derland and the rural area.”

Measurements:

• Ratio of new residential units in villages vs. rural areas
• Number of new commercial or industrial projects in village cores
• Tracking rural estate subdivision approvals compared to village‑based development

1. Housing Supply & Diversity

The Plan requires “a 10 year supply of land designated for residential development” and “a range of housing to meet various socio‑economic needs.”

Measurements:

• Inventory of designated residential land vs. projected demand
• Mix of housing types (single‑detached, multi‑unit, seniors housing)
• Approval timelines for subdivisions and consents

1. Environmental Protection & Sensitive Land Uses

The Plan directs us to conserve “wetlands, wildlife, shorelines” and avoid development that compromises public health and safety.

Measurements:

• Shoreline water quality testing results
• Number of development applications requiring environmental studies
• Acres of protected or conserved land
• Compliance rates for development near sensitive features

1. Infrastructure & Public Service Capacity

The Plan requires provision for “adequate municipal infrastructure and public service facilities.”

Measurements:

• Broadband coverage expansion
• Road condition ratings and capital project completion
• Childcare funding stability and Medical Centre staffing projections

1. Economic Base & Diversification

The Plan calls for strengthening “a diversified economic base,” including tourism, home‑based industries, and small business development.

Measurements:

• Number of new businesses and home‑based enterprises
• Growth in commercial/industrial assessment
• Employment trends within the municipality

1. Public Consultation & Transparency

The Plan requires “an adequate level of public consultation.”

Measurements:

• Number of public engagement sessions held annually
• Resident satisfaction surveys
• Frequency of Official Plan review and reporting

These measurements align closely with my campaign commitments: supporting balanced and sustainable growth, improving fiscal clarity, strengthening community safety, and advancing critical infrastructure such as broadband and housing.

Question 2:

Given the dissolution of the Economic Development Committee, how should the Five‑Year Economic Development Strategy (ending 2027) be modified, and what measurements will demonstrate its success?

The decision of Council on April 9, 2024, to dissolve the Economic Development Committee means the municipality must adjust how it oversees and evaluates the Five‑Year Economic Development Strategy. The Strategy remains important, but its implementation now requires clearer accountability, stronger partnerships, and transparent measurement.

1. Update Governance & Oversight

With the Committee dissolved, Council and municipal staff must take a more active role in monitoring progress and engaging residents. My campaign emphasizes transparency and listening: “My email will remain open to all residents… I will listen carefully to the concerns, ideas, and priorities residents share with me.”

1. Align Strategy Priorities with Current Community Needs

Several priorities in my campaign align directly with the Strategy and should be strengthened:

1. Broadband & Connectivity

I have advocated for better internet services and will continue to support “advancing critical projects such as broadband.”

Measurements:

• % of households with high‑speed access
• Number of broadband expansion projects funded or completed

2. Commercial Growth & Tax Base Diversification

My campaign commits to “responsible commercial growth that helps ease the residential tax burden.”

Measurements:

• Growth in commercial/industrial assessment
• Number of new businesses opened annually
• Change in residential vs. commercial tax ratio

3. Housing Options for All Stages of Life

I support “more housing options that allow residents to remain in East Ferris through different stages of life.”

Measurements:

• Number of new seniors‑friendly or multi‑unit housing units
• Time to approval for housing developments

4. Community Safety & Well‑Being

I will support a timely review of the Community Safety and Well‑Being Plan, including speed enforcement and childcare funding.

Measurements:

• Traffic enforcement statistics
• Childcare funding stability
• Medical Centre staffing continuity

1. Add Clear Economic Indicators

To demonstrate Strategy success through 2027, I would support tracking:

• Number of new businesses registered
• Business survival rates
• Local employment trends
• Amount of provincial/federal funding secured
• Number of inter‑municipal collaborations

1. Strengthen Public Engagement & Transparency

My campaign promises transparency and partnership: “A municipality is strongest when officials and residents work together.”

Measurements:

• Number of public engagement sessions
• Resident satisfaction surveys
• Annual public reporting on Strategy progress

Closing Statement

East Ferris is a community with heart, character, and a strong sense of belonging. By grounding our decisions in clear measurements, transparent reporting, and meaningful resident engagement, we can ensure that both the Official Plan and the Economic Development Strategy continue to serve the long‑term interests of our municipality.

Together, we can move forward with a thoughtful plan that protects our environment, supports local businesses, and ensures residents have a meaningful voice in shaping our future.