Safe Streets Speeding and cut-through traffic on our residential streets continue to be top concerns for many residents. In 2020 Andrew led an initiative to develop a Traffic Calming Policy that has now been implemented in several Northend neighbourhoods. In 2023 City Council launched the Drive Slow Ptbo campaign to bring awareness to road safety and established Community Safety Zones in School Areas. Although all positive steps forward, more work needs to be done to address the issue of cut-through traffic and speeding. Andrew will continue to work to address cut-through traffic, reduce speeding on residential streets, and develop a plan to efficiently move traffic away from neighbourhoods. Safe Neighbourhoods Having been born and raised in Peterborough, Andrew has a strong desire to ensure our neighbourhoods remain safe and vibrant. We must preserve those things we treasure about Peterborough - our quality of life, clean and attractive neighbourhoods, and safe and secure streets and parks. Unfortunately, many residents no longer feel safe in their own neighbourhood or in the community. There needs to be a renewed focus on public safety and security. Andrew will work to address this issue and will advocate for a more visible police presence in our neighbourhoods. Taxes and Affordability With so many individuals and families struggling today, controlling spending and keeping taxes low must be a top priority. Fiscal responsibility must be the focus at City Hall. Andrew has developed a strong reputation while on City Council as being a voice for responsible spending and low taxes. Andrew will continue to fight to keep taxes low and will always respect the taxpayer’s purse. Roads Over the past 8 years the City of Peterborough has significantly increased its roads budget to address our failing roads. Since 2019 two new road pavement programs (Pavement Preservation Program and Roads Surface Pavement Program) have resulted in the repaving and upgrading of over 125 roads City-wide. Andrew will ensure that repaving and upgrading roads is a top priority at City Hall. Jobs and Economic Development Andrew understands the importance of creating local jobs and promoting an atmosphere that encourages economic development, ensuring future prosperity and long-term sustainable jobs. That’s why creating jobs and improving our local economy is a top priority. During his time on City Council Andrew has consistently been a strong voice for jobs, industry and securing employment lands. Andrew has been, and will continue to be, a strong supporter of jobs and economic growth in this region. This region has vast potential economically and commercially and we must tap into it. Peterborough has many bright young people who want to contribute to this community, and we must retain them with good-paying jobs. Housing Everyone deserves to have a roof over their head. Everyone deserves to have a safe and secure place to live. Over the past several years housing affordability has skyrocketed making home ownership and renting more challenging for so many individuals and families. We need to ensure that we develop a strong and responsible plan for the creation of new housing units and homes. New and improved initiatives for housing affordability and establishing partnerships with private and non-profit sector developers will be critical in addressing this challenge. Community Engagement Andrew is committed to better engaging the public to achieve stronger outcomes that will move the community forward. Community engagement and consultation are essential. As a Northcrest Councillor, Andrew has worked to improve public engagement and consultation through Town Hall Meetings (topics included: On-street Parking, Rooming Houses, Participatory Budgeting, Sports and Recreation, Green Bin/Waste Collection Services, Community Safety), multiple Community BBQ’s and Northend events, and several Virtual Town Halls. Although all successful, Andrew believes that more frequent community events, such as Town Halls and neighbourhood BBQ's, are needed. We need to enhance ways to consult the public in the decision-making process. Improving citizen consultation, collaboration and engagement will be a top priority in Northcrest Ward.