Who belongs in Brighton? I would love to take it for granted that everyone belongs here. I sometimes tell people that, as far as I’m concerned, you’re from here whether you’ve lived here for five generations or five minutes. It’s by choosing to live here that you become one of us. If only it wereContinue reading “An Inclusive, Mixed-Income Community”
Tag Archives: Brighton Ontario
Transformative Change
Last Wednesday evening the municipality hosted a public engagement session regarding our Land Banking Program, and I think it went quite well. We had a few dozen people through, talking to Director Walsh, members of council, and of course the consultants from Urban Strategies Inc., to provide input into the project to shape it accordingContinue reading “Transformative Change”
In Praise of Gas Taxes
I recently read an article in the Northumberland News with the headline “Most Canadians oppose reinstating the federal gas tax Sept. 8, new poll finds. What Ontario drivers pay in fuel taxes — and what’s being proposed.” The article lays out a few key facts: Northumberland News then asks readers what they think, and almostContinue reading “In Praise of Gas Taxes”
Small Town Charm
I’ve written before about “small town charm” in various ways, but it’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about as life has slowed down this summer. Spending time downtown, or at the beach, and noticing all of the people who come to visit Brighton, has made me think about what draws them here. And hearingContinue reading “Small Town Charm”
Thinking Ahead: Aging In Place
One of the most rewarding things we can do is think ahead, imagining the possible futures that could result from the choices we make today in order to make better choices, and therefore better futures. This isn’t easy, but we sure do like to do it–especially if there’s money involved. You’ve probably heard about “predictionContinue reading “Thinking Ahead: Aging In Place”
2026 Election Campaign
It’s a bit funny to apply (or re-apply) for a job by talking to everyone in town. But when done right, elections are an invaluable way of ensuring that our council members are in touch with the community, aware of pressing issues, and responsive to people’s concerns and aspirations. But what does “done right” lookContinue reading “2026 Election Campaign”
Committee Consolidation
I first started blogging in seminary to help me think through an issue thoroughly. How to have a successful resident committee is something I’ve been thinking about for the past five years, off and on, and that issue is coming to a head at Monday’s council meeting. So now is the perfect time for aContinue reading “Committee Consolidation”
End of Term Evaluation: Collaboration
In 2022 I ran on three key values: Vision, Communication, and Collaboration. Each of those values had three key goals. I hope to return to council for the 2026-2030 term, so I thought it worthwhile to evaluate how well I did in achieving those goals. Those values and goals have been on the front pageContinue reading “End of Term Evaluation: Collaboration”
End of Term Evaluation: Vision
In 2022 I ran on three key values: Vision, Communication, and Collaboration. Each of those values had three key goals. I hope to return to council for the 2026-2030 term, so I thought it worthwhile to evaluate how well I did in achieving those goals. Those values and goals have been on the front pageContinue reading “End of Term Evaluation: Vision”
Conservation Authorities in Crisis
I hate click-bait headlines about crises. Maybe especially when they’re true. I’m crisis-ed out. But here we are. It has been a privilege to sit on the board of directors for Lower Trent Conservation Authority this term of council. When councillors were being delegated to various committees and boards, this was one that I wasContinue reading “Conservation Authorities in Crisis”