Community Services & Seniors

The Real Situation

Fire coverage isn't equal across all three wards. Paramedic response times in remote areas can be dangerously slow. Seniors who want to stay in the community they've built their lives in often can't find appropriate housing locally. Young families can't afford to start here. Community halls the social backbone of rural townships need ongoing support and investment.

These aren't separate problems. They're all symptoms of a township that hasn't kept pace with the needs of the people who live here.

My Position

I will push hard on fire equity renegotiating service agreements to ensure all wards receive fair coverage, and boosting volunteer pay and training to support the people who respond when things go wrong.

On paramedics, I'll advocate directly to the County and Province for additional coverage or a new base where response times are unacceptable. On housing, I'll work to audit unused Township land for tiny home and modular housing pilots, require 20% affordable units in any major residential development, and explore reduced permit fees to encourage local building.

Specific Commitments

• 1Renegotiate fire service agreements to achieve equitable coverage across all three wards not just the areas closest to existing halls.
• 2Increase volunteer firefighter pay and training support, recognizing the critical role volunteers play in rural emergency response.
• 3Advocate to the County and Province for expanded paramedic coverage in remote areas including pushing for a new base or extended shift coverage where needed.
• 4Add senior wellness check programs and connect seniors with available provincial and County services that many don't know they qualify for.
• 5Audit unused Township-owned land for tiny home, modular, and affordable housing pilot projects with community input on design and location.
• 6Require any major new residential development to include 20% affordable units, and explore permit fee reductions to encourage local builders to take on projects.