Keeping North Bay affordable while investing in what matters
Families deserve a city that is affordable, accessible and built for everyday life.
Municipal government cannot control every pressure on household budgets, but it does control how it spends residents’ tax dollars. I believe those dollars need to be treated with respect.
That means budgeting responsibly, keeping taxes reasonable and focusing municipal spending on the services and infrastructure residents rely on every day.
It also means recognizing that affordability is about more than the property tax bill. It is about whether young people can afford their first home and seniors can age in place, whether families have affordable ways to participate in recreation, whether roads are properly maintained and whether the infrastructure underneath them will continue serving our community for decades to come.
My approach will balance fiscal responsibility with smart, targeted investment so we can support families today while building a stronger North Bay for the future.
1 | Housing - Unlocking North Bay's Potential
Housing is fundamental to North Bay’s future.
If young people cannot find a starter home, families cannot find the space they need, workers cannot find attainable housing and seniors cannot find appropriate options to age in place or downsize, our entire community feels the consequences.
North Bay is facing rising development costs, limited attainable housing options and increasing pressure from provincial priorities. Municipal government cannot solve the housing challenge alone. But we can make it easier to build.
We need to create the right conditions for more multi-residential, attainable and starter-home development. That means using City-owned assets strategically, modernizing outdated rules and working collaboratively with builders to get more homes built.
A strong housing strategy will help families put down roots, attract new residents and workers, and strengthen our local economy.
Release City-Owned Land for Starter Homes
The City owns land that can be part of the solution.
We will speed up housing development by releasing up to three City-owned parcels through an open and transparent RFP process.
The land would be offered to builders who commit to constructing starter homes, including homes ranging from 800 - 1,200 sq. ft., semi-detached homes or homes incorporating additional dwelling units.
The objective is straightforward: lower one of the costs associated with development in exchange for builders delivering the kinds of homes that can provide an entry point into homeownership.
This initiative would focus on market-rate housing attainable for first-time buyers, complementing DNSSAB’s work on affordable, non-market housing while also freeing up rentals as people move into homeownership.
These sites can become new neighbourhoods where first-time buyers, families and long-term residents can thrive for years to come.
Modernize Height Restrictions
We also need to make better use of the areas where density makes sense.
North Bay’s downtown is a natural locations for additional housing because residents can live close to existing services, recreation, and transit.
I will work with City Council to remove the outdated height limit and allow buildings of up to eight storeys in select downtown locations while still maintaining the spirit of North Bay.
Allowing sensible density will create more housing options, bring more residents downtown, and support the businesses and amenities that make the core vibrant.
2 | Better Roads, Smarter Infrastructure Investment
North Bay residents know the condition of our roads is one of the most visible infrastructure challenges facing our city.
We need to invest more, but we also need to get smarter about how we spend those dollars.
Make our roads last longer
More funding is only part of the solution.
If elected, I will direct City staff to examine how North Bay can learn from other municipalities, invest more strategically in preventative maintenance, and use technologies and approaches that extend the life of asphalt.
Utilizing new road‑scanning technology will provide the city real‑time data on the condition of every road and sidewalk instead of relying on visual inspections or five‑year assessment cycles. Implementing this technology can help the city plan repairs based on accurate and continuous information.
The goal should not simply be to fix roads after they fail. We should be protecting the investments taxpayers have already made and extending the useful life of our infrastructure wherever possible.
Put Casino Revenues to Work on Our Roads
If elected, I would support dedicating future casino revenues to paying down the Community Centre debenture.
It’s a simple move that could free up approximately $1.2 million annually, or $4.8 million over a four-year term, to redirect toward fixing our roads.
Stay the Course on City Infrastructure
Infrastructure extends well beyond roads.
Reliable water and wastewater infrastructure is fundamental to a growing city, and delaying necessary investments today can leave taxpayers with much larger bills tomorrow.
I would continue the dedicated capital levy increase of 1% plus CPI to keep building a sustainable source of infrastructure funding.
Fight for North Bay's Fair Share
North Bay taxpayers should not have to carry the entire cost of infrastructure renewal alone.
Strong relationships with our MPP, our MP and senior levels of government are essential to ensuring North Bay receives its fair share of infrastructure funding.
I have already built those relationships as Deputy Mayor, including through my role with FONOM, and I will continue that relentless advocacy as Mayor to bring more provincial and federal investment home to North Bay and reduce the burden on local taxpayers.
3 | Zero to low-cost, City-run recreational activities
A thriving city also needs to be a place where people can enjoy living.
Recreation builds healthier families, stronger neighbourhoods and greater connection between residents. But participating in community life should not depend on how much disposable income a family has.
There is already a large demand for our seniors fitness programs - with the waitlist already at capacity. And I know many families rely on the after-school programs for their kids.
I will work to expand zero to low-cost, City-run recreational activities so more children, families, seniors and residents can participate.
North Bay should be a city where affordability and quality of life reinforce each other — where families can afford to live here and have access to the activities, public spaces and amenities that make them want to stay.