Growth • Affordability • Housing
Families should be able to build their future here. Working people should be able to live in the community they serve. Seniors should have choices that let them stay connected to the place they call home.
Why this matters to me
My children want to own a home, and they question whether they will be able to afford one. That concern is personal to me, and it is shared by families across our community.
I served eight years on Council, including a term as Deputy Mayor. I will bring that experience to practical housing decisions that consider affordability, infrastructure and the people already living in our neighbourhoods.
What I will work for
I will support smaller homes, rental options and accessible housing in suitable locations, so young families, working people and seniors have more choices. Affordability should be judged by what people can actually afford to pay. Local employers also need places their employees can afford to live.
I will work with Council, Bruce County, non-profit housing providers, builders and employers on a made-in-Saugeen Shores approach. That includes exploring co-operative housing and partnerships with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. Proposals should identify who they will serve, how they will be funded and how affordability will be protected over time.
I support more housing choices in suitable locations. I do not support simply squeezing apartment-style buildings into established single-home neighbourhoods. Parking, traffic, privacy, mature trees and street character must be addressed. I will use the planning tools available under provincial law and be clear with residents about what Council can decide.
New homes need roads, water, wastewater and community services. I will ask about capacity, construction costs, long-term maintenance and who pays before supporting major Town decisions. Growth must pay its fair share. Any use of public land, incentives or taxpayer funding needs a clear public benefit and proper scrutiny.
A Council member does not make decisions alone. I will bring forward practical proposals, seek Council’s support and build on previous Councils’ housing work. Residents deserve plain-language updates explaining what has been approved, what has been delivered, who benefits and what it costs.
Understanding the responsibilities
The Town’s planning and development work includes land-use policies, housing diversity and development review. Bruce County provides housing and homelessness supports, including community housing and rent assistance. Progress requires these responsibilities to work together.
As Vice-Deputy Mayor, I would work with the Mayor and Council to use the Town’s tools responsibly and strengthen partnerships with the County and housing providers.
Have a housing concern or an idea for Saugeen Shores? I want to hear it.
Ask Don about housingRead my full platform →