One of the most interesting things I’ve observed during my time on Council is that some elected officials seem to have mastered the art of voting against an application they know will pass. Not because they genuinely believe it should be rejected. Not because they have a realistic path to stopping it. But because they understand the mathematics of the vote. If an application already has enough support around the Council table to pass, a councillor can safely vote “no,” issue

One of the realities of municipal government is that the rules are constantly changing. While residents often see the final decision at a Council meeting, what happens behind the scenes is a continual process of adapting to new provincial legislation, regulations, policy statements, and mandates. Municipal staff are regularly required to review, interpret, and implement changes that originate at Queen’s Park, often with little notice and evolving timelines. A recent update to

NOTL; one of the lowest tax levies per Capita in Ontario

One thing residents may not always realize is that the development activity we are seeing today did not happen overnight. During the last term of Council, Niagara-on-the-Lake was operating under an Interim Control By-law (ICBL), which temporarily restricted certain development and building applications while planning policies and studies were being reviewed. Shortly after, the world was hit with COVID-19. For several years, many projects were effectively paused, delayed, or s

What residents often don’t see is the amount of work that happens long before the cameras turn on at Council meetings. Reading reports. Meeting with community groups. Reviewing applications. Working with staff. Asking questions. Researching policies. Trying to build programs that genuinely help residents while being responsible with taxpayer dollars. Last night’s Council meeting was a perfect example of that disconnect. For the last four years, I have served on the Discretion

At yesterday’s Council meeting, something happened that deserves a broader conversation with the community—not about personalities, but about process, accountability, and respect for the role we all serve. As members of Council, we each have a responsibility to come to the table informed, prepared, and acting in the best interest of the entire community. That includes how we handle information—especially information that arrives at the last minute. Yesterday, an email was sen

As Council prepares to vote on a proposed temporary patio program this Tuesday, it’s important to step back and look at the bigger picture. This isn’t just about patios. It’s about consistency, fairness, and whether we are making decisions that support the long-term success of Queen Street—or continuing down a path of short-term, reactive policymaking. You Can’t Have It Both Ways Over the past few weeks, Council has received emails from members of the public urging us not to

Municipal politics is often described as the most accessible form of government. It’s local. It’s personal. It’s where neighbours speak to neighbours about the future of their community. And that’s exactly why it’s also where influence—quiet, coordinated, and sometimes manipulative—can take hold most easily. Not always by outside forces. Not always by elected officials. But increasingly—by residents influencing other residents. The Arena We’re Actually In There is a differenc

A Thoughtful, Transparent Approach to 176 Wellington Street I’m asking residents to take a few minutes to read the Town’s full media release regarding the 176 Wellington Street site. Over the past few days, I’ve received several emails suggesting that the release confirms the Town is moving forward with “just a parking lot.” That is simply not what the media release says. In fact, the key points are very clear: No decision has been made No final plan has been approved No RFP

There is a perception that being a municipal councillor is simply about showing up to meetings, casting votes, and attending community events. The reality is far more complex—and far more personal. When you step into public office, you quickly realize that you are living under a microscope. Every decision, every vote, every word is scrutinized. That accountability is part of the role—and it should be. But what is often not seen is the weight that comes with it. Behind every c

Over the past week, there has been significant discussion surrounding the future of 176 Wellington Street, the former hospital site. Given the level of interest, it’s important to focus on facts, process, and responsible planning, ensuring that decisions are made in a way that is fair, transparent, and in the best interest of the entire community—both now and in the future. What Council Has Directed Council has directed staff to continue developing a concept for the site that

Planning, roads, and the question everyone is asking: will this save money? Amalgamation, hard stop. Across Niagara, there is renewed discussion about whether some services currently delivered by the Regional Municipality of Niagara — particularly planning and regional roads — could be transferred to local municipalities like Niagara-on-the-Lake . Residents are understandably asking: Will this create efficiency? Will it save taxpayers money? Will it change local control? The

Setting the Record Straight: Context, Comments, and Accountability in Public Discourse Over the past number of weeks, several posts and comment threads have circulated on a private Facebook group regarding me in my role as an elected Town Councillor. As someone who values transparency, respectful dialogue, and accurate information, I believe it is important to document what has been said publicly and clarify the sequence of events. Statements and Commentary Circulating Online

Leadership isn’t just about holding a title. It’s about the daily choices, the habits, and the values we bring to the table. Since being elected to represent Niagara-on-the-Lake, I’ve learned that true leadership comes from consistency—how you listen, how you act, and how you build trust with the community you serve. Here are the guiding principles I use every day as I work on behalf of NOTL: Listen first. When residents reach out about heritage concerns, short-term rentals,

Growing up in Niagara-on-the-Lake is a special thing—one that, quite honestly, only those who were raised here can fully understand as well as those who have community in their hearts who will learn and appreciate it and most of all, respect it. It’s more than geography. It’s shared history. We went to school together. Then off to college. We worked our summer jobs in Old Town. We stood beside one another in wedding parties. We showed up at one another’s parents’ funerals. An

As a municipal councillor, I understand that public service comes with scrutiny, disagreement, and, at times, strong emotions. I chose this role knowing that not every decision would be popular and that criticism is part of a healthy democracy. That is fair, and that is expected. What is often forgotten, however, is that our children are watching and learning from how adults treat one another — especially in public spaces and on social media. They are watching how we speak ab

Niagara District Airport Master Plan – Public FAQ; What is the Niagara District Airport Master Plan? The 2025–2045 Master Plan is a long-term planning document that outlines how the Niagara District Airport could evolve over the next 20 years, including infrastructure needs, land use concepts, and phased growth options. It is not an approval of flights, airlines, or expansion projects. Does the Master Plan approve or guarantee commercial flights? No. The Master Plan provides

A Niagara-on-the-Lake councillor earns $20,400 per year (before deductions). That salary is paid by the taxpayer. Put another way, at roughly minimum wage, that compensation reflects about 20 hours a week—or four hours a day, Monday to Friday. Now let me tell you what the job actually looks like. Before a single council or committee meeting begins, there are hours of preparation: reviewing lengthy staff reports, planning questions, researching policy, and reading corresponden

This year’s Municipal Budget process is different. The Budget Office met with all directors and approved certain “asks” for them to present Business cases (justification) to them. The Budget Office then put together the first draft and met with each individual Councillor for input. The budget was presented to Council this past Wednesday where any further questions were addressed. Councillors now have 20 days to submit any amendments. The budget office is lead by our CAO Nick

As one of the most recognizable buildings on Queen Street, the Royal George Theatre has been part of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s cultural identity for generations. Its planned redevelopment marks an exciting milestone for the Shaw Festival and our community — but it’s also an opportunity for important public discussion about scale, compatibility, and what fits within the character of our historic downtown. A Landmark Undergoing Transformation The Shaw Festival has proposed a full r