Track Record
Development and Heritage Preservation
After the 2022 municipal election the Ford Government unexpectedly enacted new legislation in their ongoing efforts to quickly address housing shortages.
One requirement was that by December 2026 municipalities review lists of properties proposed for designation under the Heritage Act or have those properties lose protections from demolition and/or development.
With more than 650 potential properties listed, Cambridge faced a challenge to complete this work by the deadline and so the city heritage planning capacity was increased. Many of the listed properties were recommended for designation by council.
Once designated, property owners are required to comply with strict rules concerning modifications and changes to structures, which can be difficult and expensive. The city had a modest fund in place to help, but with the sudden increase in affected properties, I felt the fund was too small.
I introduced a motion, which was passed, that temporarily raised the individual grant amount from $5K to $7.5K, with the overall available grant funds for 2026 increased from $30K to $100K pending establishment of a more permanent grant program.
Celebrating Members of our Community
Frank Miseferi, a Second World War air gunner from Galt, has been honoured through the naming of Miseferi Crescent, a new street that will permanently recognize this veteran's contribution. The dedication reflects Frank’s service, his connection to the community, and the determination of his family to see his story preserved.
I was proud to be able to help. I learned that there was no formal process in place to choose names from the approved list for this purpose and I proposed Frank's name for this street, discussed the idea with the developers and helped move the street-naming request through the municipal process. I was happy to work with the family to help turn a meaningful idea into a lasting public tribute.
Local history is built through individual lives and family memories and by helping secure this street naming, I played a role in honouring a Cambridge veteran and strengthening the connection between today’s community and those who served before us.
Miseferi Crescent will stand as a lasting tribute to Frank Miseferi, his wartime service, and the family and community who worked to keep his legacy alive.
Asset Management and Fiscal Responsibility
Over the past several years, the city has developed an asset management plan listing the city's assets, assessing their state of repair, and establishing a maintenance plan.
This exercise has revealed a $169 million "infrastructure gap" as of 2026.
This gap describes the difference between the expenditure recommended for proper maintenance of city assets and the amount available. Infrastructure is not just about concrete and steel; it is about the essential systems that enable societies and economies to function effectively and equitably.
This gap had been growing annually while city assets like buildings, bridges, streets, water mains, and sewers had been deteriorating slowly.
To address this growing problem, I introduced a 2024 budget motion that resulted in adoption of a 1% "infrastructure levy" in the 2024 city budget.
This measure is designed to slowly reduce and eventually eliminate the "gap". It has been carried forward into the 2025 and 2026 budgets (amounting in 2026 to $17.00 per year per average household) and I will continue to advocate for it to appear in future city budgets.
Compassion in our Community
I was concerned that the unhoused were particularly vulnerable during extreme weather events and I worked with Councillor Scott Hamilton to craft a motion asking city staff to report on how Cambridge could avoid forced removals of encampments during heat waves, cold snaps, storms, floods and other dangerous conditions.
Our motion reflected a simple principle: health, safety, and dignity should come first.
Although our motion failed, by supporting it I helped bring awareness that a compassionate approach is necessary while recognizing that homelessness is a national crisis.
I also learned that addressing this issue necessitates a coordinated approach involving police, bylaw enforcement, social service agencies, and public health officers, amongst a number of other organizations.
I asked the difficult questions, listened to those affected and helped Cambridge respond with compassion, clarity and courage.
It is my intention to continue working toward better communication, collaboration, and compassion in the future.
Protecting Residents from Lithium-Ion Battery Fires
I acted on a growing public safety risk by bringing forward a motion calling for stronger regulation of imported aftermarket lithium-ion batteries that do not meet Canadian safety standards. The motion was inspired by two battery-related fires in my ward, including a serious Avenue Road apartment fire that displaced families and sent five people to hospital for smoke inhalation.
The Cambridge Fire Department determined that the Avenue Road fire was caused by an overheated battery on an e-bike or scooter. While there was no loss of life, the damage and disruption showed how dangerous uncertified lithium-ion batteries can be when they fail.
Working with the Cambridge Fire Chief, I brought forward a motion urging all levels of government to impose stricter controls on the importation of lithium-ion batteries that are not certified by recognized Canadian safety standards organizations. Fire officials warned that defective batteries can cause intense, long-lasting fires that are difficult to extinguish and may release dangerous toxic gases.
Cambridge Council supported my motion unanimously. The resolution also backed ongoing public education efforts by Cambridge Fire and the Ontario Fire Marshal. It has been shared with municipalities across Ontario and Canada to build broader support for stronger safety regulations.
Light Rail Transit and The Future of Downtown Galt
In this short video filmed while standing near an existing ION station in Kitchener, I discuss what the arrival of light rail transit could mean for Cambridge, with a particular focus on downtown Galt.
I observe that the LRT is more than a transportation project. It is a city-building opportunity: a way to connect Cambridge more effectively with Kitchener and Waterloo, bring more people into the downtown, support local businesses, and encourage new investment along the transit corridor.
I recognize that major infrastructure projects raise questions about cost, disruption, timelines, design, and impacts on existing streets and neighbourhoods. At the same time, it is important that we look carefully at the long-term benefits of stronger regional transit.
The Region’s Stage 2 ION plan would extend LRT from Fairway Station to downtown Cambridge, creating a more seamless rapid-transit link across the region. Better connections can help residents reach work, school, services, shops and community destinations without depending entirely on cars, while also supporting a more active and economically vibrant downtown.
The LRT is also linked to the broader future of Cambridge. I believe that the project should be planned in a way that respects the character of downtown Galt while helping it grow. Done well, light rail can help bring foot traffic, confidence, and renewed attention to the core. It can also strengthen Cambridge’s place within Waterloo Region by making the city feel more connected to the larger regional economy.
Overall, I feel that LRT should be seen not only as a means of transit, but also as an important part of community-building. The opportunity is to ensure Cambridge receives the same level of connection, investment, and planning attention that has already shaped other parts of the Region.