Nine practical priorities for Ingersoll

Our downtown should be a destination – not simply a place people drive through.

• A coordinated downtown beautification program.
• More attractive planters, landscaping, hanging baskets and seasonal decorations.
• Improved streetscape design and pedestrian-friendly public spaces.
• Better lighting and attractive signage.
• Encouraging murals, public art and local historical displays.
• Working with property owners to encourage attractive storefronts and building improvements.
• Identifying underused spaces that could become gathering areas.

GoalCreate a downtown that residents are proud of and visitors want to explore.

Local businesses are the backbone of our community. I would work toward a municipal environment where entrepreneurs can open, improve and expand without unnecessary obstacles.

• Listening directly to local business owners.
• Reviewing municipal processes that create unnecessary delays or costs.
• Encouraging new businesses to locate downtown.
• Supporting independent and locally owned businesses.
• Working with the business community on downtown initiatives rather than developing them in isolation.

GoalMake Ingersoll a community where businesses want to invest.

Where appropriate and safe, the Town should streamline approvals and create clear, predictable rules for businesses that want to provide outdoor space.

• Seasonal restaurant patios.
• Sidewalk cafés.
• Outdoor seating areas.
• Small public gathering spaces.
• Outdoor markets and community events.
• Creative use of underutilized downtown spaces.

GoalMore people downtown means more customers for local businesses and a more vibrant community.

We shouldn’t only ask “How do we get people downtown?” We should ask: “How do we give people a reason to stay?”

• Events and festivals.
• Seasonal celebrations.
• Live music and entertainment.
• Farmers’ and artisan markets.
• Family-friendly activities.
• Outdoor dining.
• Community gathering spaces.

GoalA successful downtown should have activity throughout the day and into the evening.

First impressions matter. Rather than treating these as isolated projects, I’d like to see a coordinated downtown streetscape strategy.

• Sidewalks and pedestrian areas.
• Road and parking infrastructure.
• Landscaping.
• Street furniture.
• Garbage and recycling receptacles.
• Lighting.
• Signage.
• Building and storefront appearance.

GoalOne coordinated strategy instead of a dozen disconnected projects.

Growth should benefit the people who already call Ingersoll home. Growth should be planned – not simply permitted.

• Adds to the tax base.
• Encourages employment.
• Supports local businesses.
• Provides appropriate housing.
• Protects the character of established neighbourhoods.
• Ensures infrastructure keeps pace with development.

GoalDevelopment that leaves the town stronger than it found it.

Beautiful downtown initiatives don’t mean much if basic infrastructure isn’t maintained. The Town needs to balance new initiatives with maintaining what we already own.

• Roads.
• Sidewalks.
• Drainage.
• Parks.
• Public facilities.
• Municipal infrastructure.
• Accessibility improvements.

GoalResponsible investment in the things we already own.

Being a Councillor isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about listening. I would make it a priority to hear from:

• Residents.
• Seniors.
• Young families.
• Local businesses.
• Community organizations.
• Property owners.
• Youth.
• People who don’t normally attend Council meetings.

GoalA Councillor who is accessible, approachable and willing to listen.

Every municipal dollar ultimately comes from taxpayers.

• Careful financial planning.
• Value-for-money assessments.
• Transparent decision-making.
• Prioritizing essential infrastructure.
• Looking for partnerships and grants where appropriate.
• Measuring whether municipal programs are actually achieving their intended results.

GoalWe can improve Ingersoll without spending money simply for the sake of spending money.