Policy 1.1: A Three-Part Traffic Congestion Action Plan
I will work with Markham and York Region to identify and address the intersections and roadways causing the greatest congestion, ensure infrastructure keeps pace with development, and advocate for better transit and regional connectivity.
Part One: Fix Existing Traffic Bottlenecks
My commitments:
• Prioritize congestion relief along Kennedy Road, Highway 7, 16th Avenue, and other major Ward 3 routes.
• Identify intersections requiring improvements and advocate for targeted upgrades.
• Review recently introduced no-right-turn-on-red restrictions at key intersections to assess their effects on safety and congestion.
• Explore AI-assisted and synchronized traffic signals to improve traffic flow using existing infrastructure.
• Advocate for practical, evidence-based road improvements that reduce unnecessary delays.
Part Two: Make Infrastructure Keep Pace With Development
My commitments:
• Advocate for transportation infrastructure improvements to be coordinated with new development.
• Ensure the cumulative traffic impacts of multiple developments receive appropriate consideration.
• Push for realistic traffic impact assessments that account for future growth.
• Advocate for developers to contribute their fair share toward growth-related infrastructure through development charges and other lawful mechanisms.
• Promote transparency regarding the collection and expenditure of development-related infrastructure funding.
• Advocate for critical infrastructure improvements to be delivered in coordination with population growth.
Part Three: Improve Public Transit and Regional Connectivity
My commitments:
• Advocate to the Province and Metrolinx for the restoration of weekend GO train service along the Stouffville Line.
• Push Metrolinx to accelerate more frequent and reliable GO train service.
• Hold Metrolinx accountable for service commitments and project timelines.
• Work with York Region to improve York Region Transit service, connectivity, and reliability.
• Advocate for better coordination between YRT and GO Transit.
• Support transportation investments that provide practical alternatives to driving.
PILLAR 1: GETTING TRAFFIC MOVING
Traffic congestion is one of the most pressing issues facing Ward 3. Our roads are increasingly overwhelmed, and continued development threatens to make the problem worse. We need to improve the infrastructure we already have, plan responsibly for future growth, and provide residents with reliable transportation alternatives.
Policy 1.2: Safer Roads for Drivers, Cyclists, and Pedestrians
Traffic improvements must also prioritize safety. I will work to make our streets safer for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, especially around schools, parks, and residential neighbourhoods.
- My commitments:
• Identify streets experiencing persistent speeding and dangerous driving.
• Advocate for targeted traffic enforcement and appropriate traffic-calming measures.
• Improve road safety around schools, parks, and residential neighbourhoods.
• Support evidence-based pedestrian and cycling safety improvements.
• Ensure proposed road modifications are evaluated for safety, accessibility, and traffic impacts.
OUR GOAL: Less time in traffic, safer roads, better transit, and infrastructure that keeps pace with growth.
PILLAR 2: RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT & PROTECTING OUR NEIGHBOURHOODS
Markham is growing, and we need to plan for that growth responsibly. Our priority should be creating a community that serves existing residents while providing opportunities for future generations.
Policy 2.1: Infrastructure-First Development
I will advocate for development decisions that account for existing infrastructure capacity and ensure that growth does not come at the expense of current residents’ quality of life.
- My commitments:
• Advocate for development decisions that account for existing infrastructure capacity.
• Push for the cumulative impacts of new developments to be evaluated, particularly on traffic and transportation.
• Ensure infrastructure planning considers schools, parks, recreational facilities, and municipal services.
• Advocate for infrastructure improvements to be coordinated with major developments.
• Support long-term planning that balances housing needs with neighbourhood livability.
Policy 2.2: Developers Must Contribute Their Fair Share
New development should help pay for the infrastructure it requires. I will work to ensure that developers contribute appropriately to growth-related infrastructure.
- My commitments:
• Review whether existing development-related funding mechanisms adequately support infrastructure requirements.
• Advocate for appropriate developer contributions toward growth-related infrastructure.
• Promote transparency regarding how development charges and other infrastructure contributions are used.
• Push for infrastructure investments that address the impacts of new development on surrounding communities.
• Advocate for timely delivery of planned infrastructure improvements.
OUR GOAL: Protect Established Neighbourhoods While Giving Residents a Meaningful Voice in Development
PILLAR 3: SAFER STREETS & STRONGER COMMUNITIES
Every resident deserves to feel safe in their home, on their street, and throughout their community. My experience working in public safety and police governance at the provincial level has given me an understanding of how municipalities, police services, and other levels of government can work together to address public safety challenges.
Policy 3.1: Address Break-Ins, Auto Theft, and Property Crime
I will work with York Regional Police and municipal partners to support targeted responses to neighbourhoods experiencing recurring property crime and to improve communication with residents.
- My commitments:
- Strengthen cooperation between Markham City Council and York Regional Police.
- Advocate for targeted responses to neighbourhoods experiencing recurring property crime.
- Support initiatives aimed at preventing residential break-ins and vehicle theft.
- Improve communication between residents and appropriate law enforcement agencies.
- Advocate for effective enforcement and accountability within the responsibilities of municipal and regional authorities.
Policy 3.2: Combat Speeding and Dangerous Driving
I will work with residents, York Regional Police, and transportation staff to address persistent speeding and dangerous driving on local streets.
- My commitments:
- Work with residents to identify streets experiencing persistent speeding.
- Advocate for targeted traffic enforcement in problem areas.
- Support appropriate traffic-calming measures based on evidence and community needs.
- Push for road safety improvements around schools, parks, and residential neighbourhoods.
- Promote coordination between municipal transportation staff, York Region, and York Regional Police.
Policy 4.2: Explore Shared Snow Removal Resources With Neighbouring Municipalities.
I will work to explore opportunities for regional cooperation on winter maintenance to improve service delivery while maintaining fiscal responsibility. This includes costing a plan for windrow clearing services.
- My commitments:
- Investigate opportunities for joint procurement of winter-maintenance services.
- Explore potential equipment-sharing or contractor coordination arrangements with neighbouring municipalities.
- Assess whether regional cooperation could reduce costs through economies of scale.
- Evaluate opportunities to improve service delivery while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
OUR GOAL: Safer homes, safer streets, and neighbourhoods where families can feel secure.
PILLAR 5: PROTECTING UNIONVILLE'S CHARACTER & QUALITY OF LIFE
Unionville is more than a place to live. It is a community with a rich history, vibrant neighbourhoods, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of identity. As someone born and raised here, I understand the importance of protecting what previous generations have built while ensuring our community continues to thrive.
Policy 5.1: Explore a Pedestrian-Friendly Main Street Unionville Pilot
- My commitments:
- Explore a temporary pedestrian-priority pilot on Historic Main Street Unionville, restricting vehicle access.
- Consider selected weekends, seasonal periods, or special events.
- Consult local businesses, residents, accessibility advocates, and other affected stakeholders before proceeding.
- Assess impacts on parking, deliveries, emergency access, accessibility, and surrounding traffic.
- Evaluate the pilot's impact on local businesses and the visitor experience.
- Use community feedback and measurable results to determine whether future pedestrian-priority periods are appropriate.This proposal is about exploring an opportunity through community consultation, not imposing permanent changes without public input.
Policy 5.2: Strengthen Historic Unionville's Heritage Recognition
My commitments:
• Explore opportunities at the Federal and Provincial level for additional provincial heritage recognition of Historic Unionville.
• Work with heritage organizations and relevant federal and provincial authorities.
• Investigate available heritage conservation funding opportunities.
• Support the preservation of historic buildings, streetscapes, and culturally significant spaces.
• Advocate for initiatives that protect Unionville's unique identity.
OUR GOAL: Preserve Unionville's heritage, protect our quality of life, and ensure residents have a meaningful voice in shaping our community's future.
Discuss our vision for Ward 3.
Do you have feedback on my five priorities or any of the specific policy commitments on this page? Use this form to share your questions, concerns, or ideas.