Ward 1 Priorities

Since losing our local newspaper, and having newsletters from councillors removed from our town's budget, we need to find a better way to communicate to residents about things happening in the town.

For example, did you know that the widening of Kingston Road many years ago was always part of a long-term plan to eventually have the centre bus lanes? Some people don't know this and think that the roads are "being done twice" or that Durham Transit has changed it's plans in the last few years, which would be frustrating if it was true! But it isn't!  But how would people know this if the town isn't able to communicate this info?

Kristy is eager to meet people while door-knocking during her campaign to see how they would like to learn about things from the town so that everyone can be on the same page.

Roads

Parking

Speeding

Safety

...these are all top of mind for residents in Ward 1.  

Additionally, as density continues to increase, residents want to know that the town is considering traffic flow, the town is considering access to town resources, and that the town will be able to maintain delivery standards.

Kristy believes affordable housing mandates need to be in place with intensification plans so that areas aren't gentrified and people can continue to afford to live in their homes. People also want to have their kids living with them longer, so things like driveway widening, on-street parking, etc all need to be addressed immediately.

We are all concerned for the health and safety of people in our neighbourhoods who are experiencing homelessness. We are also concerned about the success of local businesses and the safety of their staff and customers. 

Current initiatives include supportive housing at Achilles and Harwood; cabin communities through 2 Steps Home; and the development of Pantry 82.  Kristy is a volunteer member of the Ajax Homelessness Task Force.  She actively engages with community groups to alleviate the suffering of people experiencing homelessness, and address concerns in Ajax that arise as a result of our neighbours who are homeless. 

Nobody wants to see tax dollars wasted. Very few people want cuts to existing services. All of us are paying more for virtually everything than we have ever paid in the past. That puts the town in a tough spot. How can the town continue to provide services that continuously cost more to provide without increasing property taxes?

A few non-tax revenue streams Kristy would like to see the town adopt are naming rights for town assets; paid overnight on-street parking passes for residents; and increased fees for licenses and permits, and increased fines and penalties.