We want to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey!

What's Next?

The Path Ahead

Shortly after the 2021 Election there was a Request for Decision that was set to come before Council and as a newly elected Councillor, I felt like I needed more time to fully understand the decision that was to be made. I spent the days leading up to the Council Meeting reading through the Agenda Package that staff had prepared for us, seeking additional information that I believed to be relevant. As decision day neared and still unsure, I leaned into the experience and wisdom of an established community leader and mentor, who shared the following thoughts with me (my paraphrase):

Stick to your values and what you know and believe to be the values of your community. Difficult decisions will always be waiting for you. If you approach them through the lens of your shared values, you can hold your head high knowing that you remained true to yourself and your advocacy for the community that you serve.

With that being said, I have returned to the three key ideas and six guiding principles that framed my election campaign in 2021 because they truly are what I believe to be important as a community leader. Together, these core values and guiding principles form the lens that I look through when weighing every council decision.

NOTE: The development of specific priorities will continue to evolve as we engage with the community over the coming months.

CORE VALUES

Value People

The people are the heartbeat of a community and it is the role of an elected official to represent and serve their community.

Build Community

All residents should feel a sense of connectedness to their community and see themselves reflected in the community around them. Decisions made at council should reflect this core value.

Lead Ethically

Ethical leaders seek out opportunities to engage with their community, provide transparency in their decision making, and are accountable to those that they serve.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Responsible Governance

Elected officials are accountable to the residents of their community. Fiscal responsibility and good stewardship of community assets are non-negotiable and are necessary for building trust with the community.

Transparent Decision Making

The decision making process should be open and transparent and must be made based on the needs of the community, not based on political or personal ideology.

Community Engagement

Residents play an important role in the decision making process. It is critical that the community is actively engaged in decisions that will affect their lives.

Authentic Relationships

The best way to understand the needs of a community, is to spend time with the people who reside there. Council members need to actively pursue opportunities to build relationships with the people that they serve.

Regional Collaboration

Residents living in the Tri-Municipal Region benefit from cross-region collaboration. This work needs to continue, we are stronger when we work together!

Community Wellbeing

Community wellbeing refers to the conditions that are necessary for local residents to fulfill their potential. Public infrastructure, human connectedness, and equity are all critical components of a healthy community.

KEY PRIORITIES

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

Priority #1: Continued evaluation of income streams and expenditures to ensure residents are receiving full value for their tax dollars.

Priority #2: Continue to prioritize reserve transfers where appropriate to help minimize future tax increases.

ECONOMIC GROWTH

Priority #1: Continued implementation of the Highway Development Strategy, including the development of the North Business Park.

Priority #2: Continued support of the Old Town South Redevelopment Plan, including future phases of the Recreation Centre.

Priority #3: Continued support of resident owned businesses by promoting opportunities to "think local" and "buy local".

Priority #4: Continue to build on the collaborative service delivery framework that has been established within the tri-municipal region.

Priority #5: Evaluate the need for, and the feasibility of a regional performing arts venue that could host theater productions, musical performances, dance festivals, and recitals.

MAINTAINING A SAFE COMMUNITY

Priority #1: Continue to support the maintenance and improvement of sidewalks, trails, and roadways to ensure safe, viable transportation corridors throughout the town.

Priority #2: Improve community safety through the continued installation of pedestrian crossing lights and pedestrian barriers in key areas (E.g., 50th Street - North of the tracks).

Priority #3: Continued engagement with Policing and Protective Service organizations to ensure the needs of Stony Plain and our residents are being met.

Priority #4: Ensure natural areas within the Town are maintained in a manner that would minimize loss in a fire event.

INCREASED COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Priority #1: Remain connected and involved in the community by responding promptly to resident inquiries, providing timely updates on key decisions, and regularly attending community activities and events.

Priority #2: Increase resident engagement through the expansion of the "Meet Your Town Council" program to include activities and events beyond mid-summer Thursdays.

Priority #3: Continue to prioritize youth as valued members of the community.