My Actions & Appointments

This page is reserved for items I have tabled for discussion at public meetings or to document various roles I have at the City of Summerside. 

Current Appointments (2025-26)

LEADERSHIP ROLES:

• Council Representative: Community Services
• Chair: Seniors Advisory Committee (new Committee) (Terms of Reference to be set)
• Lead: Parks & Greenspace Review Working Group (Spring 2026 completion date set). The current plan was approved in 2012. 

MEMBERSHIP ROLES:

• Member: Planning Standing Committee 
• Member: Planning Board Legislated Committee (the Committee that is public and votes)
• Member: Action Plan for Safer Neighbourhoods Ad-Hoc Committee (new Committee)
  
  

OTHER ROLES (Not Requiring Official Appointments):

• Complete Streets Policy Review  
• Public Art Policy Working Group

My 8 Items Tabled at Public Meetings

Tabled at the April Planning Board Meeting
Meeting Package
Video
April 1, 2025

An application was submitted by Strategic Holdings Inc. to subdivide a portion of PID #73585 into 38 lots (Phases 1 & 2). Of these, 37 lots are intended primarily for single detached and semi-detached dwellings, while one lot is proposed for high-density housing (between 4 and 24 units).  Upon the community reaching out to me expressing concern, I made a motion on the floor to table this discussion until a future Planning Board meeting.  

There are four members of the Planning Board.  All four members of Planning Board voted in favour of tabling any further discussion.  If you listen to the meeting, when I first introduced the motion, I was informed it would be best to make a motion to table after every has had a chance to discuss the issues; thus, I withdrew the motion and then made the motion again once all Council had time to express their thoughts on the application.  

Tabled at the Monthly Council Meeting
February 19, 2025 (rescheduled from Feb 18)

The Finance Committee presented a recommendation for a  5-year agreement that would see the BGC Prince County and Generation XX, effective April 1, 2025, receive $250,000 in total funding, with each organization receiving $25,000 annually. 

I moved to table the discussion because I had genuine concerns about whether the BGC of Prince County would qualify for funding under the Community Support Program. According to the application, organizations are not eligible for funding if:

"Organizations already receiving City contributions of any kind as may be set out in a legal agreement with the City, a memorandum of understanding, or any other documented arrangement."

Given that the City is currently bound by an agreement with the BGC of Prince County—which includes disbursing millions of dollars as part of the rapid housing funding—in good faith, I introduced this item for discussion, and when the discussion at the Council meeting did not provide the clarity I sought, I moved to table the discussion until we can obtain a legal opinion on whether entering into this multi-year agreement is consistent with the Community Support Program’s guidelines. 

This action is aimed at ensuring transparency, legal compliance, and fairness in our decision-making process.  Four Councillors supported this motion and the item was no longer discussed and will return to Council at a later date with a legal opinion on this issue.  To be clear, in no way does my motion to table the discussion mean I do not value the crucial role both these organizations (Generation XX and the BGC) in supporting youth through leadership development, empowerment, and engagement programs; however, as a Councillor, I have a duty of procedural fairness.

During the March 4 Committee of the Whole meeting (Video), this item was brought back to Council with more information. The City’s legal representative confirmed that the multi-year funding agreement complies with the Community Support Program. Two primary factors were cited:

1. The funding was provided to the BGC the previous budget year and not this budget year
2. The funding was not impacting the city budget as the funds come by virtue of the federal government

Tabled at the Committee of the Whole Meeting
February 4, 2025

Overview: 
Affordable housing is a critical concern for our city. The Mayor’s Task Force on Attainable Housing, completed in October 2023, provided a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at addressing this issue. While progress has been made on several fronts—such as the Official Plan policy review, zoning for higher density, and bylaw review for potential regulatory changes—many key recommendations remain unimplemented.

I tabled this issue for the following reasons:

• Transparency and Accountability:
  Regular public updates are essential. Posting the number of affordable housing units being built (using CMHC’s or public housing definitions) online will ensure that our community stays informed about our progress.

• Incomplete Implementation of Recommendations:
  Although some actions have been completed, several recommendations from the Final Report have not yet been introduced. These include:

  • Explore options for tiny home development, or mobile homes or mini homes (clustered housing) (p. 11)
  • Explore options for public or community owned apartments (p. 11)
  • Establish a community outreach centre in the Summerside area to provide daytime options with wrap-around supports (p. 12)
  • Create an “Out of the Cold” program for short-term shelter during extreme weather events (p. 12)
  • Develop supportive and transitional housing options (p. 13) [noting the current absence of transitional housing for males in the city]
  • Explore and share information on the Habitat for Humanity mortgage model (p. 17)
  • Identify other potential non-market models that support accessible homeownership (p. 17)
  • Explore the creation of a city action standing committee on housing to ensure an ongoing dialogue on housing (p. 20)
  • Lobby the Province to amend the Planning Act to permit mandatory inclusionary housing units (p. 20) [which would require a percentage of units in new developments to be affordable]

• Need for a Clear Timeline:
  With the Final Report approved by Council for implementation, it is imperative that we evaluate which actions have been completed and establish a definitive timeline for addressing the outstanding items. This will help hold our administration accountable and ensure a timely response to the affordable housing crisis.

By tabling this issue, I am calling for greater transparency and sustained commitment to implementing the Task Force’s recommendations—both completed and pending—to secure a more affordable and inclusive housing future for our community.

Outcome:
City Staff were planning to provide an update on the Housing Accelerator Fund in the next few months and will bring that to Council.

Tabled at the Committee of the Whole Meeting
February 4, 2025

Concern:
A resident from MacEwen Road raised serious concerns regarding the safety implications when spectators attending outdoor activities on Athena’s sports fields park on—and sometimes over—the white-lined shoulder of MacEwen Road. This practice not only reduces the shoulder’s functionality as a safety buffer but also exposes pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicle occupants to increased risks on this busy collector street.

Key Public Safety Factors:

1. High Traffic Volume:
   MacEwen Road experiences significant traffic. Such high volumes heighten the danger for those on or near the roadway.
2. Risk to Spectators:
   Spectators parking along the roadside may open their doors directly onto a busy street. This is particularly concerning for families and younger children who may be less vigilant about oncoming traffic.
3. Loss of Shoulder Access:
   The shoulder is a critical safety feature for all road users, especially for cyclists and e-scooter riders who rely on this space for their safety. By parking on the shoulder, these vulnerable users are forced into the same lanes as vehicular traffic.
4. Extended Blockage:
   With the potential for up to 15 cars parked consecutively, the blocked shoulder creates a long, continuous hazard. This not only increases the risk of collisions but also the chance of “dooring” incidents involving cyclists.
5. Time of Day Concerns:
   On-street parking renders the shoulder inaccessible during peak times such as evenings and weekends, when reduced visibility further elevates safety risks.
6. By-law Inconsistency:
   The current parking situation appears to conflict with section 5.2 of our Traffic and Parking Bylaw, as indicated by the white lines painted on the pavement. This suggests that the area should already be treated as a no-parking zone.
7. Future Active Transportation (AT) Plans:
   MacEwen Road is slated to become part of a future active transportation pathway, and as per council-approved guidelines, all AT routes are to have no on-street parking. Establishing a no-parking zone now would be consistent with these long-term plans.

Reason for Tabling the Proposal:
I tabled this proposal because the cumulative evidence and public safety concerns clearly indicate that the current parking practices on MacEwen Road are untenable. The combination of high traffic levels, the increased risk to pedestrians and cyclists, and the need to align with both existing by-laws and future transportation plans necessitates a proactive approach. The above proposal suggested the same no-parking along the road in front of the soccer field at Three Oaks Senior High School beside the Career and Technical Education Centre. By proposing a designated no-parking zone—and suggesting that spectators use the large Athena and TOSH parking lots—we aim to mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of all road users. Tabling the proposal allows for further discussion and evaluation of viable solutions with the council, community stakeholders, and safety experts.

Outcome:
The item will be forwarded to Staff and Police Services for their review. Their recommendations will then be returned to Council. Depending on the outcome of this review, the proposal may be brought before Council for further consideration and potential adoption of a no-parking ban in the identified locations.

Tabled at the Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 5, 2024

CONCERN

The lack of safety railings at the CUP is an ongoing issue with residents with mobility issues in our community. There was also a discussion that all the seats at the very bottom row or the top row of Credit Union Place are accessible--but not the other seats.  The most recent round of concerns was brought to Council in April 2024, when Council asked Staff to provide options and costing for railings. The issue has not returned to Council. There was a discussion that installing safety railings would be one way to support the dignity and independence of people who face mobility issues. I put this item on the Agenda to follow up on the status of safety railings at Credit Union Place.

OUTCOME OF ITEM ON THE AGENDA - THE DECISION 

More than one person has told me about falling down face-first on the concrete stairs, being injured, and suffering a concussion while they tried to navigate the stairs at Credit Union Place. I shared this information during the Council meeting.

Many others have said they no longer attend the activities they once attended. While staff and volunteers can assist those with mobility challenges who need seating, most people I have talked to don't want to burden others, so they stay home.

There has been one quote received to install safety railings on two aisles.  The quote was reportedly 6 times the anticipated figure; so, staff will work on obtaining additional quotes.  The agenda item ended with a response by myself about hoping for a timeline for this issue to be addressed or the issue will keep returning to Council, to which the Mayor commented on a goal to add the installation of safety railings on two aisles to be added to the upcoming budget discussions.  Finally, there was also a discussion about a social media awareness campaign whereby staff and volunteers can escort seniors or those with mobility issues to any seat in the building.   

In my opinion, safety railings are the necessary assistive device for a community that strives to be all ages and all abilities facility, and one that respects people's dignity and independence. 

Tabled at the Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 5, 2024

CONCERN

Residents in the Frank Mellish area face a serious street safety issue.  Most residents in this area of Frank Mellish Street are seniors without access to -- or cannot drive -- a motor vehicle. Therefore, walking, or using a walker or wheelchair are their primary means of transportation to nearby essential services (hospitals, groceries, manor, medical appointments, etc.). However, maintaining their health, friendships, and connection to the community is at significant risk because they need to walk, use a wheelchair, or use a walker in the same lane as vehicular traffic. There is no sidewalk or no shoulder. The concern is compounded as the Summerset Manor began the Cycling Without Age program, which uses an e-powered bicycle carrying two residents around the community and has no choice but to travel with motor vehicles. Just observe a son struggling to push his mother in a wheelchair over grass and gravel, and it becomes clear that there is a significant need for support for those who are most vulnerable. Now, imagine how winter makes this even more challenging for them.

SOLUTION

Create a 410m (estimated) 10-foot-wide paved multi-use pathway on the west side of Frank Mellish Street. The area is well-groomed, without above- or below-ground infrastructure to impede construction, and does not seem to require ditch infilling, which, of course, would cut down the costs. See map below.

On October 30, 2024, I submitted a request to the province as part of their pre-budget consultation submission. Anyone can submit a request (by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before November 15, 2024).  You can download my letter in PDF download my letter in PDF format if you wish. The purpose of placing this item on the Agenda was to inform Council and the Public.

Tabled at the Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 5, 2024

CONCERN

I have been asked to bring residents' concerns about the emergency shelter being created in the current location to Council. I intend not to “revisit” this issue but to express residents' concerns. The concerns can be broken down into three areas: (1) lack of consultation with residents and Manor before a decision was made, (2) lack of transparency (no knowledge of how many other sites were looked at and why this site was the best option), and (3) the 5 pm to 8 am hours of operation believed to be not in the best interest of the unhoused community or the nearby residents.

To be 100% transparent, all the residents I have spoken with are in favour of supporting the unhoused population, but concerns over the methodology, transparency, and consultation, as I shared as the number one issue in my CBC question:

"Placing a homeless shelter next to senior residences without consultation triggered mistrust. Many seniors are vulnerable. Forcing the unhoused to leave at 8 a.m. is not in anyone's best interests. The shelter needs to be open 24/7 to provide protection from the elements and on-site mental health and addiction services. This decision appears to pit one vulnerable population against another, and I stand in solidarity with both the seniors and the unhoused residents who need more than a Band-Aid." (Source: CBC Oct 2, 2024)

OUTCOME OF ITEM ON THE AGENDA - THE DECISION 

My goal was not to "revisit" the item as the Municipal Governance Act, Handbook, and training are clear: When a decision has been made by Council, Council members need to work cooperatively toward the implementation of that decision.  My hope is I was able to explain the concerns of residents and highlight my belief that to support the unhoused community, we need 24-hour support and in-house mental health and addiction services and the importance of consulting with neighbourhoods before making decisions.

Tabled at the Committee of the Whole Meeting
November 5, 2024

CONCERN

The city removes community park benches in the winter. This significantly impacts seniors and those with mobility issues' ability to maintain their health and outdoor connection to the community in the winter months. These groups of residents rely on community benches to “rest” so they can keep moving.

The issue was first brought to my attention by a wife who expressed her concerns about her 89-year- old husband. They have been walking daily since the onset of COVID, but her husband struggles to complete the full loop. To assist him, they use a bench to stop and rest during their walk. After resting, they are able to finish the loop.

Along with others, they face the challenge of the seasonal removal of community park benches during winter. This leaves them without a place to rest and maintain their health year-round as they age. For many seniors, walking is their only form of exercise, and being able to leave their homes and walk around their community is crucial.

Similar concerns have also been raised by individuals with mobility issues who rely on the benches as rest spots.

After hearing the story of the couple mentioned earlier, I observed two residents sitting on a community bench (image included). I asked them if they had concerns about the benches being removed in the winter, and they expressed similar feelings. I then asked if I could take a photo of them to share with the Council, highlighting the benefits of community benches. Shortly after capturing the photo, the residents began chatting with someone who had come outside their home. In that brief moment, three major benefits of community benches became evident: promoting individual health, fostering a sense of community, and building personal relationships.  As an age-friendly community,  believe Council must make proactive decisions that ensure the year-round health of all our residents, especially those most vulnerable to health issues, falls, and social isolation.  

GOOGLE MAP OF COMMUNITY BENCHES
I have created a Google Map to illustrate the locations of the benches (see below). Please advise me if you locate a bench in the community that is not listed below. You will notice the red benches are benches that residents have proposed to be added.  If you have other locations where you would like a bench added, please drop me a line at 902-786-6994 or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

OUTCOME OF ITEM ON THE AGENDA - THE DECISION 
While staff have explained that, with our current budget and staffing levels, the city is not able to offer accessible winter benches as a service standard, based on the support of Council during this meeting, the city will be piloting some of the community benches this winter.  To learn what benches the community would like to remain year-round, I reached out to the public (through my Email Consultation List, social media, as well as direct 1:1 correspondence).   

Further, I have shared two other benches with the city staff that residents use and requested to remain accessible all year round.  While these are not a apart of the four in the pilot, hopefully over time . . . 

The other two benches are:

1. Leger Park (close to senior residences)
2. MacEwen Road (close to Athena and Community Connections residence)