Gary's Platform Cornerstones

Building A Better Barrie, Together

A Vision For The Future

A strategic and common sense approach to the future.  With smart intensification and responsible balanced budgets throughout the process Ward 7 will evolve into the envy of the city.  Our ward is the home of Barrie's technology hub, car dealer row and the best Christmas light display in the city on Violet Street.  Although Barrie is "Canada's Safest City" again this year there is still room for proactive improvement on road safety.  From the ill-timed traffic lights through the 400 and Mapleview corridor causing road rage at times, to the enhanced use of traffic calming devices we can continue to improve the safety of our roadways.  Holly is also well overdue for a satellite public library location affording our residents easier access to the public library system.

Responsible Spending

With a track record of balanced budgets we have to invest in the future however not on the backs of future generations.  I will ensure that any property tax increases are truly a necessity.  Last year we received a 3.24% increase and thus far 2016 is proposed at over 4% which is far higher than the rate of inflation.  Our new water treatment plant that services the entire south end of the city will take 40 years to pay off.  With the Harvie Road bridge being constructed in the coming year's, I will ensure that the cities portion of this project is kept on time and on budget.  With my legal background I will also ensure that safeguards are put into place so that no other city manager has the ability to defraud taxpayer's for years before being detected, as occurred this past October.

Proactive Infrastructure

The city needs to be proactive and fiscally responsible in maintaining our current infrastructure.  Mayor Lehman stated that it costs one tenth to replace a water main in comparison to when one breaks and causes other costly damages.  Last year the city spent $36.6M on infrastructure projects.  By being proactive we will be able to accomplish more projects for the same money.  Advocating for a satellite public library location in Ward 7 affording us easier access to library services.  Advocating and working with all stakeholders to expedite the Harvie Road bridge crossing to ease traffic congestion and making it much easier to get around the south end.  The bridge is currently estimated to cost $33.6M but could increase to $61 - $71M to allow for the future widening of Highway 400.  I understand the complexities of dealing with the many provincial ministries as I currently deal with these funding aspects, as a Director for a not-for-profit organization. 

Smart Intensification

The Essa Road corridor has been designated as the first phase of the cities intensification.  We have to get it right the first time, there is no second chance.  Council has already approved structures up to five stories tall however the Ontario Building Code now allows for up to six storey structures constructed of wood.  A strong voice is needed to hold Council to their commitment of five storey structures especially near our residential areas.  Major decisions like this will involve public consultation as these decisions affect me just as much as they will you as a fellow resident of Ward 7.  I will work with residents and developers to ensure that we have an Essa corridor that we are all proud of.


Enhanced Community Safety

Through community engagement together we can listen to your safety concerns, invest in community based solutions and implement a long term solution.  Advocating for more low cost after school recreation programs for our youth, affording them the opportunity to participate in sports.  Implementing cost effective traffic calming devices to improve our road safety.  Through the implementation and promotion of community based programs such as Neighbourhood Watch and Crime Stoppers we will continue to be one of the safest cities of its size in Canada.