We got a lot done Ward 1!

The Playground at West Park never reopened after the COVID closure. 

The equipment was at the end of its life. It was time for new!

Year-over-year, West Park saw investment!

A new baseball-inspired playground was installed along with a pathway. Families have enjoyed it ever since! 

Additionally, new picnic tables and dozens of trees have been planted(yes, some trees did not make it; they are covered under tree insurance) The park is better for everyone. 

Wondering if West Park is back on the planning table? Yes, it is! 

Get the latest update and have your say.

Despite the new tree plantings, on a rainy-day walk with staff, it was easy to see that Glenwoods Park needed attention. There was considerable pooling, a lack of seating and the beach was overgrown.

So I got to work with staff, planning what was possible.

Many of these projects did not increase the budget; we have changed how we do things!

A French drain was added on the north side of the park, and the parking lot was topped up. Also, new furniture was added. 

As for the beach, many are concerned that the upkeep isn't providing access like in the past. 

Well, a lot has changed when it comes to shorelines on Lake Simcoe. Read more about the former beach and its future.

I met Rhoda at Glenwoods Plaza; she told me about her local park. She explained that there was often standing water in the open space, and the kids couldn't play there, and the basketball net had seen better days! 

After visiting Hollywood Park, Rhoda was right about the conditions.

 I requested a staff review.

Soon, the stormwater system was cleared out, and the proper water channel was recreated. Also, the old basketball net was removed. 

Now the water flows better, and the green space is re-established. 

Do you see a future for this space?

I have herd requests for soccer nets or frisbee golf and more places to sit too!

One of the key drainage channels on Lake Drive South was in need of repair. Working with local homeowners, Terry and Mark, staff were able to clear out the invasive plants and shore up the waterway connection.

Although this work held up Terry and Mark's driveway upgrade, working together, it became a well-timed project, delivering better area drainage, and Terry and Mark got that new driveway too!

If you live lakeside or in the framing area in Ward 1, you live with ditches - love them or hate them, they are a part of our water-cleaning system and vital for a healthier lake. 

In the past, often one-off and smal ditch fixes was common place. 

We have changed the way we correct the ditch network! You may live on the street or go by the new ditch projects and notice that they are extensive, fixing long lines. 

This move to bigger project lines helps the whole area drain better and supports water flow. And, yes, there is a lot more to do!

I started spending more time looking at our parks, paths and public spaces on the ground. I wanted to see what people were seeing, not just what was listed in a report.  When I found the linkage between Tampa and Annshiela, I knew there was a lot of room for improvement!

The goal was practical: recognize the path's potential, work on clearing brush to improve the connection, safety, accessibility and comfort over time. Additionally, residents have been surveyed regarding adding lights to the path. Let's see what the local folks want!

Charlotte and Gino have lived near this path for over 40 years. Gino used to help clean the area up, but now a days it harder for him. 

As they shared their concern for the lost level of care. I could see it too. 

With the couple helping me understand the gap in care, I was able to work with staff on year-over-year improvements, including wider path clearing, a better trail and an added P-arm. 

The outcome is better care for the trailhead while respecting the naturalized features.

The water connections along Lake Dr South had come to the end of their life. Much like what Bayview and Hollywood had gone through, it was time for Lake dr. 

They say good things come to those who wait; it was a long year that had its bumps!

Construction is never easy. The record snow and rainfall of 2026 added several underground areas to be washed out. In the end, all connections passed the one-year inspection; aggregate was added, and the new road was paved, the shoulders were topped up, and new markings completed. This will be a road we can all enjoy for many years to come!

It took a few years to get the regular maintenance and plantings on Queensway Boulevard.

 I want to thank everyone who I visited on Haskins and everyday passers-by for your patience and requests to the Town - we did it!

Staff worked with our development and builder partners to upgrade the area and have new turf and gardens planted. 

The overall area is better, but there is more to do!

What do you think we could do with the boulevard areas?

I have heard requests for fruit trees, less grass, more pollinator gardens and to increase plant and tree maintenance. 

Homeowner Rhonda reached out with concerns over the changes in the canal area of the lake. It was getting harder for her, her family, and neighbours to travel on and enjoy the waterway. 

Late-summer duckweed had taken over!

This became one of the more complex files I have worked on. I learned about the multi-jurisdictional connection; in other words, many people had an ownership stake, how it functioned, how it was maintained, and, in the end, the effect on waterway health. 

Now the duckweed is still there by mid-summer, but what's better is we know the path forward.  I will be there for this fight!

There is much more to this story: starting with community action!

Early in the 4-year term, Karolyn reached out with concern about a small brush fire behind her home off of Tim Jacobs. This opened up another multi-jurisdictional issue; in other words, many people had a say in the area, including the School Board, York Region, a builder, a commercial owner, Lake Simcoe Region Authority and the Town. 

I have learned these files take the longest to move forward.

Staff worked through the administrative layers and joined in partnership to undergo an expansive stormwater management cleanup. With that came the removal of the brush, which happened to be an invasive species. 

Some fixes are quick, and some take many partners, steps, and years to get done.