My 10 Commitments for St. Catharines

Affordability remains the core challenge. New units are being built through the HAF program (1,483 units permitted in 2024-25 toward a 2,382 target). But only 1-2% of units affordable to lower-income households are currently vacant. New tenants pay 25.7% more than long-term tenants. As mayor I will use my influence with council to advocate for measures that protect renters and accelerate delivery of genuinely affordable units.

Residents were hit with a 10.5% tax increase in 2023. I commit to fiscally responsible budgets — increases at or below inflation — while working with council to identify efficiency savings and attract investment that grows the tax base without adding burden to existing homeowners and renters. The Strong Mayor budget power means the mayor tables the budget — I will use that power responsibly.

While St. Catharines remains one of Canada's relatively safe cities, residents tell us they are concerned about personal safety and drug-related crime. As mayor I will work with Niagara Regional Police and Regional Council to ensure St. Catharines receives its fair share of policing resources, and that community safety and prevention programs are accessible to all.

St. Catharines has enormous economic potential. As mayor I will champion small business through faster permit processing, stronger BIA partnerships, and a mayor's office that actively promotes local business and attracts new investment to the city.

St. Catharines has a strong recreation infrastructure — ActiveSTC, FAIR fee assistance, the Culture Plan 2025-2030. As mayor I will build on this by expanding FAIR program access, bringing tech mentorship into library branches through Brock and Niagara College partnerships, and protecting recreation budgets from cuts.

St. Catharines has one of the highest senior populations in Ontario. As mayor I will advocate for accessible transit, affordable senior housing, and expanded support programs so that every senior in this city can age with dignity and independence.

St. Catharines already has multicultural advisory structures. As mayor I will ensure they are fully empowered and adequately resourced. I will champion representation in city hiring and services delivery. The Folk Art Festival has served this community for 30+ years — I will champion its continued growth and advocate for cultural programming that reflects our full community diversity.

St. Catharines has a newcomer welcome program. I will advocate to expand its reach and ensure it is accessible in multiple languages through Niagara Region settlement services. New Canadians choosing St. Catharines deserve to feel welcomed, supported, and represented at City Hall.

Mental health and addiction services are Regional jurisdiction — not a direct mayoral delivery. But as mayor I will use my seat on Niagara Regional Council to be St. Catharines' strongest voice for expanded community mental health resources. I will advocate for investment that reaches our most vulnerable residents.

I will hold myself to the same performance standards I applied in every leadership role throughout my career. Regular public progress reports. Open office hours. Accessible, responsive, and always working for the residents of St. Catharines. As mayor, I will use my influence with council — not claim powers I do not have.