Experience Matters.
Leadership
As your Ward 3 Councillor, I have worked to ensure that the Town remains a customer service-focused organization, with residents at the centre of everything we do. My goal is to ensure every resident benefits from a positive and professional customer service experience.
Financial stability + Audit Oversight + Grants = Stronger Financial Position
The Town of Pelham now has more than $13 million in reserves, a significant turnaround from the negative reserve balances that existed before my election to Council. Over the past eight years, the Town has received clean financial audits and financial reporting awards, demonstrating our commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound fiscal management. The creation of the Audit and Finance Committee in 2019, comprised of local financial professionals and councillors, has further strengthened oversight of Town finances and long-term planning.
Equally important has been the success of the Town's grant-writing efforts. Over the past four years, I have assisted Pelham in securing approximately $28 million in provincial and federal grants, with additional funding opportunities still being pursued. These grants have helped fund major community infrastructure projects and improvements, allowing the Town to continue growing and investing in our future while minimizing the impact on local taxpayers.
Effective Bylaws regulating Cannabis
Serving on the Original Cannabis Control Committee, I have worked to combat persistent cannabis odour issues from industrial producers, implementing stricter fines and facing legal challenges. In late 2024, council updated the Odorous Industries Nuisance By-law to allow for substantial daily fines against odor-emitting facilities, targeting major operations. Myself and other council members have been challenging the effectiveness of federal regulations regarding Cannabis. We continue to seek assistance from higher levels of government to address the issue of odour, which has been described as a failure of federal regulation and has been negatively impacting citizens of Pelham.
Enhanced Parks, Trails, and Outdoor Recreation Facilities
As an active user of community recreation spaces, and a strong believer in the benefits of a healthy lifestyle, I have advocated for the Town’s investment in parks, trails, and outdoor recreation facilities that support active lifestyles for residents of all ages.
Pelham continues to expand recreational opportunities for residents of all ages. Recent improvements include new splash pads at Centennial Park in Fenwick and Marlene Stewart Park in Fonthill. Tennis courts were upgraded and pickleball courts were added at Centennial Park. Bocce ball courts were added at the former arena site on Haist Street.
These enhancements have transformed community spaces, providing more opportunities for recreation, active lifestyles, and social connections throughout Pelham.
A key priority moving forward is the continued development and maintenance of Pelham’s trail network. This includes advancing plans to pave the section of the Steve Bauer Trail linking Fonthill to Welland, improving year-round accessibility, safety, and usability for cyclists, walkers, and families. In addition, strengthening trail maintenance standards across the system will ensure that Pelham’s trails remain safe, well-maintained, and enjoyable for all users.
Announced in April 2026, the Fonthill Lions Club transferred owner ship of the G.L. Klager Park to the Town of Pelham, securing the park’s future, enhancing amenities, and ensuring long-term public access. This partnership ensures the seven-acre site on Highway 20 remains dedicated to public recreational use in perpetuity—a lasting legacy gift to the community.