STATEMENT REGARDING THE COUNTY OF SIMCOE TEMPORARY RECEPTION CENTRE

As a candidate for Mayor of Bradford West Gwillimbury, my position regarding the County of Simcoe Temporary Reception Centre at 136 Barrie Street is grounded in three principles: transparency, accountability and respect for every member of our community.

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This initiative is expected to begin operating before the next Mayor and Council take office. The incoming Council will therefore inherit this decision and its associated financial, operational and community impacts. The new council did not create the circumstances surrounding this decision, but they will have a responsibility to manage them effectively, responsibly and transparently.

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Residents have a legitimate right to understand how significant decisions affecting their community are made. They deserve clear information, meaningful opportunities to ask questions, and confidence that their concerns will be heard before major decisions like this and the Town Hall become irreversible.

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At the same time, this issue must be approached with compassion and respect. Individuals requiring temporary assistance deserve dignity, and the residents, neighbours and businesses of Bradford West Gwillimbury deserve openness and accountability. Compassion and accountability can — and must — coexist.

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If elected Mayor, I will focus on three priorities:

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Public Accountability: I will advocate for an open public process involving the County of Simcoe, appropriate service officials, BWG representatives and residents so that factual questions regarding operations, capacity, safety, services, costs and community impacts can be addressed.

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Financial Accountability: I will ensure identifiable municipal costs associated with this County initiative are tracked and will pursue appropriate reimbursement from the County and other levels of government where warranted. BWG taxpayers should not unexpectedly bear costs arising from a program they did not create.

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Accountability for the Temporary Commitment: The public has been advised that this initiative is funded for 12 months. If elected I will seek a clear, evidence-based public assessment of its objectives, results, costs, community impacts and long-term plan before any extension, expansion, material change or termination is considered. Any such proposal should include meaningful public consultation. 

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My approach will be straightforward: establish the facts, follow the evidence, listen to residents and make decisions in the best interests of the people of Bradford West Gwillimbury.

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The next Mayor and Council will inherit difficult decisions because of decisions made by the current counsel. Leadership means addressing those decisions constructively rather than simply assigning blame for how they arose.

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If elected Mayor, I will be Mayor for EVERYONE in Bradford West Gwillimbury. My commitment will be to responsible government, meaningful public consultation and rebuilding public trust through openness, accountability and respectful leadership.