A treasured memory with the late, great Mayor Hazel McCallion.
What makes a city feel like home?
For me, it’s more than streets, buildings and boundaries on a map. It’s the neighbourhoods where we raise our families, the spaces we enjoy, the businesses we support, the people we know, and the sense that we belong.
I grew up in Barrie, raised my family here, and have watched our city grow and change over the years.
Barrie is growing. The question isn’t whether we grow, but how and where we grow.
This matters to me.
I will make sure development respects the character of our neighbourhoods and that infrastructure and services are in place to support growth. There are a lot of plans for Barrie in the coming years and, with the cost of living continuing to rise, we must be vigilant in protecting taxpayers through this change. Responsible fiscal decisions are vital and we must look for ways to control spending, be efficient and generate revenue.
I also want Barrie and Ward 1 to remain places where people feel connected and neighbourhoods are safe.
Part of that is building on our sense of community by being present and connected, working with residents to turn ideas into meaningful initiatives, and celebrating the things that make our community special.
It also means taking action on issues like absentee landlords, speeding in residential neighbourhoods, and playing an active role in addressing homelessness in a collaborative, practical and compassionate way.
My love of municipal government has deep roots. After graduating with degrees in political science and public relations, I worked at the City of Mississauga with the late, great Mayor Hazel McCallion. (And yes, I commuted!)
I learned a great deal from Hazel and other inspiring leaders over the years. One lesson has always stayed with me: actions speak louder than words.
People don’t expect their councillor to have a magic wand. They do expect them to show up, listen, do their homework and keep people informed. They also expect their councillor to work hard to find solutions when issues arise.
That’s the kind of councillor I will be.
My commitment to this community is evident through a lifetime of action and a proven track record. Serving as your councillor is the next step in a long history of giving back to this community.
I would be honoured to earn your vote on October 26. Visit stevenson4ward1.ca to learn more about my campaign.