PROVEN LEADERSHIP
For more than 40 years, I have had the privilege of working with people across a variety of sectors: media, business, education, government, fashion and film.
Those experiences have shown me that good government leadership is built on integrity, collaboration, and putting people first.
40+ YEARS
Canada's Creative Economy
Â
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ontario Parks
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SMALL BUSINESS OWNER
Gingerich Group Inc.
OWNER & CEOÂ
CANIFFF
Canadian International Fashion Film Festival
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CFC (UK)
Commonwealth Fashion Council
INDUSTRY NEWS COMMENTATOR
CBC, CP24
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PART-TIME INSTRUCTOR
Humber College, Toronto Film School
Â
REGIONAL DIRECTOR / TORONTO
FGI (NY), Fashion Group International
MY TOP 4 COMMITMENTS
01
Community Infrastructure
Residents should be able to move through our community safely, efficiently, and reliably.
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I will advocate for practical transportation improvements, safer intersections, stronger pedestrian and cycling connections, and thoughtful planning as our community continues to grow.
Safer streets.
Smarter planning.
TRAFFIC & TRANSPORTATION
MORE SPECIFICALLY:
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I WILL ADVOCATE FOR TRANSPORTATION THAT BETTER CONNECTS WARD 3 WHILE MAKING OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD STREETS SAFER.
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·  Work with York Region and YRT to examine opportunities to improve bus routes and transit service within Ward 3, particularly for residents who do not drive.
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·  Review concerns involving stop signs, traffic lights, speed zones, traffic patterns and problem intersections, and advocate for changes where evidence and community need support them.
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·  Identify where additional pedestrian crossings and safety measures may be needed, particularly near parks, trails, senior communities and other high-traffic areas.
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·  Ensure transportation infrastructure and road capacity are considered alongside new development and population growth.
MORE SPECIFICALLY:
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I WILL ADVOCATE FOR TRANSPORTATION THAT BETTER CONNECTS WARD 3 WHILE MAKING OUR NEIGHBOURHOODÂ STREETS SAFER.
​
·  Work with York Region and YRT to examine opportunities to improve bus routes and transit service within Ward 3, particularly for residents who do not drive.
​
·  Review concerns involving stop signs, traffic lights, speed zones, traffic patterns and problem intersections, and advocate for changes where evidence and community need support them.
​
·  Identify where additional pedestrian crossings and safety measures may be needed, particularly near parks, trails, senior communities and other high-traffic areas.
​
·  Ensure transportation infrastructure and road capacity are considered alongside new development and population growth.
02
Environmental Stewardship
Our parks and playgrounds are among Ward 3's greatest assets.
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I will work to enhance recreational opportunities, improve our parks and playgrounds, and protect the green spaces that make our community such a wonderful place to live.
Protecting the places
that bring us together.
PARKS & GREEN SPACES
MORE SPECIFICALLY:
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I WILL WORK TO PROTECT WHAT RESIDENTS VALUE ABOUT WARD 3 WHILE IMPROVING THE OUTDOOR SPACES WE SHARE.
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·  Advocate for additional trails and trail connections that make walking and cycling throughout Ward 3 easier and safer.
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·  Expand and improve family & senior friendly green spaces, including parks, playgrounds, seating and places for recreation close to home.
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·  Explore opportunities for additional dog parks where there is demonstrated community need.
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·  Protect and maintain existing parks, trails and natural areas while ensuring future development respects Ward 3's green spaces, countryside and community character.
MORE SPECIFICALLY:
​
I WILL WORK TO PROTECT WHAT RESIDENTS VALUE ABOUT WARD 3 WHILE IMPROVING THE OUTDOOR SPACES WE SHARE.
​
·  Advocate for additional trails and trail connections that make walking and cycling throughout Ward 3 easier and safer.
​
·  Expand and improve family & senior friendly green spaces, including parks, playgrounds, seating and places for recreation close to home.
​
·  Explore opportunities for additional dog parks where there is demonstrated community need.
​
·  Protect and maintain existing parks, trails and natural areas while ensuring future development respects Ward 3's green spaces, countryside and community character.
03
Connected Generations
Supporting
key generations.
YOUTH & SENIORS
Our young people are Stouffville's future, and our seniors are the foundation of our community.
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I will support planning that keeps pace with school enrolment and expands recreational opportunities for all ages.
MORE SPECIFICALLY:
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I WILL WORK TO ENSURE WARD 3 REMAINS A COMMUNITY WHERE RESIDENTS CAN STAY ACTIVE, CONNECTED AND INVOLVED AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE.
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·  Advocate for a new multi-generational community and recreation centre serving Ward 3, drawing inspiration from successful community facilities such as Latcham Hall.
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·  Support recreation, programming and gathering spaces for children, youth, families and seniors.
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·  Meet regularly with residents in Ward 3's senior communities and advocate for accessibility and services that help older adults remain active and independent.
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·  Support opportunities that bring generations together and strengthen the sense of community throughout Ward 3.
MORE SPECIFICALLY:
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I WILL WORK TO ENSURE WARD 3 REMAINS A COMMUNITY WHERE RESIDENTS CAN STAY ACTIVE, CONNECTED AND INVOLVED AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE.
​
·  Advocate for a new multi-generational community and recreation centre serving Ward 3, drawing inspiration from successful community facilities such as Latcham Hall.
​
·  Support recreation, programming and gathering spaces for children, youth, families and seniors.
​
·  Meet regularly with residents in Ward 3's senior communities and advocate for accessibility and services that help older adults remain active and independent.
​
·  Support opportunities that bring generations together and strengthen the sense of community throughout Ward 3.
04
Thoughtful Growth
Growing responsibly.
Planning for tomorrow.
HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT
Growth can bring new opportunities but it must strengthen the community we already have.Â
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I will carefully evaluate new development proposals with a focus on housing needs, infrastructure, traffic, green spaces, and the services required to support a growing Ward 3.
Thoughtful
Growth
MORE SPECIFICALLY:
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I WILL ADVOCATE FOR GROWTH THAT STRENGTHENS WARD 3 WHILE RESPECTING THE NEIGHBOURHOODS AND RESIDENTS ALREADY HERE.
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·  Listen to residents and carefully evaluate significant development proposals, including their impact on traffic, roads, green space, infrastructure and surrounding neighbourhoods.
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·  Support a balanced mix of housing for young families, first-time buyers, established households and seniors.
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·  Explore opportunities for smaller-footprint, seniors-oriented housing that allows older residents who can no longer manage a traditional home to remain within their community.
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·  Encourage development that includes useful parks, trails, trees, pedestrian connections and opportunities for local shops, services and businesses.
MORE SPECIFICALLY:
​
I WILL ADVOCATE FOR GROWTH THAT STRENGTHENS WARD 3 WHILE RESPECTING THE NEIGHBOURHOODS AND RESIDENTS ALREADY HERE.
​
·  Listen to residents and carefully evaluate significant development proposals, including their impact on traffic, roads, green space, infrastructure and surrounding neighbourhoods.
​
·  Support a balanced mix of housing for young families, first-time buyers, established households and seniors.
​
·  Explore opportunities for smaller-footprint, seniors-oriented housing that allows older residents who can no longer manage a traditional home to remain within their community.
​
·  Encourage development that includes useful parks, trails, trees, pedestrian connections and opportunities for local shops, services and businesses.
Practical priorities. Active representation. A commitment to listen.
Priorities should be more than words on a campaign website. As your Ward 3 Councillor, I will be accessible, listen to residents and actively represent our neighbourhoods at Town Council. I will work with residents, Town staff and Council colleagues to identify practical solutions and advocate for the investments Ward 3 needs.
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Underlying Every Commitment: Being Present
I will attend community events, neighbourhood meetings and resident gatherings, make myself available to hear concerns and bring Ward 3 issues directly to Town Hall. I will follow up, communicate what I learn and keep residents informed. Most importantly, I will remember that a Councillor's responsibility is not simply to attend Council meetings - it is to represent the people who elected them.
Practical priorities. Active representation.
A commitment to listen.
Priorities should be more than words on a campaign website. As your Ward 3 Councillor, I will be accessible, listen to residents and actively represent our neighbourhoods at Town Council. I will work with residents, Town staff and Council colleagues to identify practical solutions and advocate for the investments Ward 3 needs.
​
Underlying Every Commitment:
Being Present
I will attend community events, neighbourhood meetings and resident gatherings, make myself available to hear concerns and bring Ward 3 issues directly to Town Hall. I will follow up, communicate what I learn and keep residents informed. Most importantly, I will remember that a Councillor's responsibility is not simply to attend Council meetings - it is to represent the people who elected them.

I grew up in a hardworking family with 4 siblings, with small-town and rural roots that taught me the importance of responsibility, community and looking out for one another.
Together, we have built a life grounded in connection, shared values and a deep appreciation for the people, pets, and places we call home.
Along the way, I was fortunate to build a life with Martine, whose own background, perspective, and passions have enriched the way I see family, neighbours and our surrounding community.

