Our Town - Our Future
MESSAGES TO RESIDENTS
Vote Team Wasaga
ABOUT TAXES
One thing I’ve heard repeatedly during this campaign is the promise from some of my opponents that they will lower your taxes and somehow do a better job at the same time.
It sounds great.
Who wouldn’t want lower taxes and better services?
The problem is that governing isn’t about slogans. It’s about making decisions based on facts.
Every year, the cost of providing services increases. Fuel costs more. Equipment costs more. Construction costs more. Insurance costs more. The cost of maintaining roads, bridges, water systems, parks, beaches, and public facilities continues to rise. Emergency services become more expensive. Labour costs increase, just as they do for every family and every business.
So here’s the question every candidate should answer:
If you’re going to reduce taxes, what exactly are you going to cut?
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Will you delay road repairs?
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Will you reduce recreation programs?
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Will you slow the redevelopment of our waterfront?
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Will you cut transit?
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Will you postpone infrastructure projects?
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Will you reduce support for our most vulnerable residents?
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Or will you simply borrow more money and leave the bill for future taxpayers?
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Those are the real choices.
There is no magic formula where taxes go down, services improve, infrastructure expands, and everything somehow costs less. Responsible leadership means being honest with people about those realities.
Our community has spent years building momentum. We’ve attracted investment, created jobs, secured affordable housing, expanded health care, improved emergency services, and invested in infrastructure that will serve Wasaga Beach for decades to come.
That progress didn’t happen by accident. It happened because Council made difficult decisions, planned for the long term, and invested in our future instead of chasing short-term headlines.
My concern is that promises made without a clear financial plan risk putting all of that progress in jeopardy.
History has taught us that when municipalities stop investing, projects stall. Infrastructure deteriorates. Opportunities are lost. And eventually taxpayers pay even more to catch up.
I will always look for efficiencies. I will always challenge every dollar we spend. I will always work to keep taxes as reasonable as possible.
But I will never promise something that sounds good today if I know it will cost our community tomorrow.
Leadership isn’t about telling people what they want to hear.
Leadership is about telling people the truth, making responsible decisions, and protecting the future of the community we all call home.
BUILDING A STRONGER TAX BASE FOR
WASAGA BEACH
One of the most important responsibilities of any council is to build a financially sustainable community—not just for today, but for future generations.
Today, approximately 94% of Wasaga Beach’s tax base comes from residential properties, while commercial properties account for just 6%. This imbalance places too much of the financial burden on homeowners.
Our long-term goal should be to move toward a healthier balance of 75% residential and 25% commercial. Every new business, hotel, restaurant, office and employer helps share the cost of municipal services while creating local jobs, attracting investment and strengthening our economy.
That is why attracting and supporting new businesses has been—and must remain—one of this council’s highest priorities.
In just three and a half years, we have celebrated the opening of the casino and attracted Costco, a second Shoppers Drug Mart, Food Basics and a new long-term care facility. We have also laid the groundwork for additional big-box retailers, car dealerships and many small businesses. These investments create jobs, provide residents with more choice and help keep our shopping dollars here in Wasaga Beach.
We must also continue working to attract essential government services, including Service Canada, ServiceOntario, County of Simcoe offices and other public agencies. These services create stable employment, make life more convenient for residents and contribute to a stronger, more balanced tax base.
Every new commercial investment helps fund the roads, parks, recreation facilities, emergency services and infrastructure our community depends on. It allows us to continue improving the quality of life in Wasaga Beach while easing the pressure on residential property taxpayers.
This is not growth for growth’s sake. It is responsible, strategic growth that strengthens our economy, creates local jobs, delivers the services residents deserve and builds a more secure financial future for generations to come.
That is the vision this council has been working toward—and the results are already taking shape.
I’m asking for your support and your vote for Team Wasaga in this election. Together, let’s keep Wasaga Beach moving forward.
