Priorities

As Council Member for Ward 2, I will:

• Prioritize densification, flexible zoning, and increasing supply to address the housing affordability crisis facing young people, new Canadians, seniors, and renters  
• Support rezoning to take full advantage of current grants and initiatives to fund new housing with an emphasis on the development of dynamic neighbourhoods
• Ensure that federally provided Housing Accelerator funds ($35 million) are used to speed up development, improve infrastructure, and make housing more affordable

Housing affordability is a critical, nationwide issue. While house prices in Regina are lower than in other major cities, recent inflation has put tremendous pressure on many household budgets. The City’s recent zoning reforms, in line with the requirements of the Housing Accelerator Fund, are a step in the right direction. These changes will help achieve more flexibility, more housing diversity, and the construction of complete neighbourhoods with walkable services, shopping, and recreation areas. HAF funds must be used strategically and wisely in order to achieve housing affordability. The City should use these funds to invest in infrastructure, planning, and other projects that will speed up the construction of new housing supply. Let’s make every neighbourhood a welcoming place for people with different housing needs and aspirations. Infill development and densification are essential to building a more sustainable city and more diverse and dynamic neighbourhoods. As a city councillor I would propose ways the city can reduce the administrative and cost burden of novel housing options, such as backyard or basement suites, helping homeowners become a part of the solution to the current affordability crisis. In addition, I will promote transparency in the development planning process, allowing residents to be well-informed and have confidence in planning and approval processes.

As a Council Member for Ward 2, I will:

• Improve reliability and accessibility of transit, especially in high-use corridors and neighbourhoods
• Expand fare-free transit to youth under 18 (currently free for 13 and under)

As a regular transit user, I understand the importance of this vital service. Many Ward 2 residents rely on public transit for school, work, and more, with routes 18 and 9 being among the most well-used in the city. Overcrowding on buses has become an issue for highschool and university students traveling from Harbour Landing to other parts of the city. I’m committed to improving transit services for the City as a whole and especially for Ward 2. As councillor, I will advocate for more frequent service on routes serving students traveling to highschool, university, or SaskPoly and improving weekend service. I will also champion free transit for youth under 18 and work to ensure that transit is an affordable and convenient way to get around for everyone.

As Council Member for Ward 2, I will:

• Keep the City accountable and on track to meet its goal of Net Zero by 2050
• Promote building retrofits, renewable energy generation, and other measures to reduce energy and power bills
• Explore nature-based solutions (tree planting, rain gardens) to better adapt our neighbourhoods to climate extremes
• Champion active mobility, making it easier, cheaper, and safer to get around

In 2022, the City adopted a bold plan to reduce its emissions to Net Zero by 2050, the Energy and Sustainability Framework. As councilor for Ward 2, I will keep the City accountable in meeting these goals. The City’s sustainability goals not only help fight climate change, but will create economic activity, make our community more resilient, and save residents money on energy costs such as home heating and power. The City can do much more to make active transportation – including walking, biking, and public transit – cheaper, safer, and more convenient for people. As councilor, I will champion active transportation infrastructure and policies that make our community greener and more sustainable. The City must build climate-ready infrastructure to address increasingly extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and intense storms. Let’s explore nature-based solutions like rain gardens and wetland restoration to help protect our City from these extremes.

As a City Council Member for Ward 2, I will:

• Follow through on Council’s promise to build a much-needed emergency shelter 
• In partnership with provincial and federal governments, implement Regina’s Plan to End Chronic and Episodic Homelessness based on a housing first model
• Work with community advocates and social service agencies to understand how best to meet the the needs of those experiencing homelessness

No one in our community should be without a roof over their head. I support a Housing First model – providing secure housing and comprehensive supports for those experiencing homelessness – as the best way to tackle this issue. This approach is grounded in human rights and has been proven to be less costly and wasteful than the current patchwork approach. As a councillor, I will work towards establishing a permanent emergency shelter as soon as possible. The City must work with other levels of government to secure funding to build and/or renovate housing units for those experiencing homelessness. To fund these solutions, the City should strategically reevaluate its budgeting priorities and develop ways of raising additional revenue earmarked to address housing and other supports for Regina’s homeless population.

As a City Council member for Ward 2, I will:

• Address the infrastructure deficit to keep Regina moving, connected, healthy, and safe
• Prioritize the indoor aquatics facility, downtown library, and new library branches to meet community needs
• Invest in active mobility infrastructure and better connect Harbour Landing through pedestrian pathways and bike trails
• Explore adding BBQ areas and restrooms to select parks
• Vote against expensive stadium projects that increase the tax burden while failing to deliver on promised economic benefits

Infrastructure keeps Regina moving, connected, healthy, and safe. The City must address the infrastructure deficit by repairing roads and boulevards, maintaining and upgrading other critical infrastructure, and installing bike- and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to encourage active mobility. I will advocate for better multi-use path connectivity between Harbour Landing and the rest of the city, giving cyclists and pedestrians a safer option to cross Lewvan Drive to get to work or school. Major projects like the renewal of Dewdney Avenue and Saskatchewan Drive need to be built for the future, with sustainability, walkability, and bikeability in mind.

Our public library system provides community-building, education, and programming throughout the City. I will champion the creation of a Regina Public Library branch in Harbour Landing, either as a standalone branch or as part of the new joint-use school being built in the neighbourhood. The George Bothwell library branch serves the Albert Park community well and must be maintained. The City must also address the need for a new or updated Central Library branch, which is an anchor for Regina’s downtown. As our neighbourhoods grow, the City should commit to providing excellent and accessible recreational facilities, parks, and other public spaces in all areas of Regina. The Harbour Landing Environmental Reserve and other green spaces are the pride of the neighbourhood. I will explore nature-based solutions to keep parks and green spaces well-maintained and accessible to all.