VOTE KAYLA GRANT
Representation That Matters
Ward 3 is a diverse community and the issues facing each village and town within the ward is unique! A one size fits all approach from town council does not serve the interest of needs of each community.
Planning for the Future
Woolwich deserves a council that's planning for the needs of today and preparing for the needs of tomorrow. If I am elected to council I will:
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Encourage the inclusion of homes people can afford in new development - communities that have single-dwelling units, town homes, and apartments so that the people who grew up in the Woolwich community and those that choose to make it home can afford to live here.
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Promote green initiatives. We only have one planet and everyone has a role to play in the responsible stewardship of the land. When possible, council should ask for the inclusion of green initiatives in new builds, and promote renewable energy.
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Ensure communities meet the needs of their residents. Not every town and village will need the same services and its the role of our local representative to advocate to council the needs of each community.
Responsible and Fair Spending
Woolwich Township has one of the highest tax rates in the Region of Waterloo, and yet if you speak with residents in Breslau, Conostogo, Maryhill, West Montrose, and Winterbourne you'll be hard pressed to find someone who feels like their tax dollars are being spent in their communities. For years, I've heard the complaint that Elmira receives the lion share of township tax dollars while outlaying communities are left out in the cold. I will be working hard to change this so all communities are fairly represented.
A Council that Works for You
Residents want to know their voices and concerns are heard by council. Every resident deserves respect from their local representative and someone who is willing to listen to their concerns no matter how big or small they may be.
I will commit to:
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Regular updates on the issues council is working on via newsletter.
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Assisting residents in how best to direct their concerns to the township.
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Engaging with community partners to identify issues and come up with solutions to pressing issues.
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Having an open door policy for residents to come to me with their concerns.
Diversity is our Strength
Woolwich township is made stronger by including the voices and perspectives of our diverse community. Residents, regardless of their gender expression, sexual orientation, or the colour of their skin should feel safe in the community they call home. I will continue to:
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Promote gender and sexual diversity and support groups throughout the community.
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Be a voice for historically underrepresented groups in the community.
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Seek out advice about how Woolwich Township can better engage historically underrepresented citizens through meetings with local experts and advocacy groups.
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Be a younger, more progressive and engaged voice on council to advocate for the concerns of our community.
Peel Street Bridge in the Village of Winterbourne
Besides the historical importance the bridge has for the community, it also served as a vital connection for residents, and it’s heartbreaking to hear the stories of people that have been isolated from friends and family because of the closure.
At the February council meeting staff discussed the cost of repairing the bridge for pedestrian use versus repairing for vehicle traffic and found a significant cost difference. Repairing the bridge for pedestrian use is a much more cost-effective option and one I would support if I were elected.
I believe community consultation and buy-in to this type of project is important and would look to continue consulting with residents on this issue before any plans were concrete, but I would vote in favour of any motion that would allow the bridge to be made safe for pedestrians and be reopened in a timely manner.
Gravel Pit and Aggregate Extraction in the Village of Maryhill
Having grown up in Maryhill, I experienced first-hand the noise, pollution and impact a gravel pit has on the community. The sound of gravel extraction is something I recall vividly from my childhood.
Capital Paving’s proposal would see 230 acres of prime agricultural land used to extract nearly 250,000 tonnes of gravel per year for the next 12 to 15 years. This would have a large impact on the biodiversity of the surrounding land, increase traffic and noise, and raise significant concerns regarding ground water.
Currently, there is already a gravel aggregate operation taking place in Wellington County closely bordering the town of Maryhill. Given this close proximity and the history of previous gravel operation, the proposed pit on Foerster Road and Maryhill Road is not one I can support. While the power in regards to the final say on gravel pits is limited at the municipal level, if elected, I will continue to advocate for the responsible stewardship of the land at the local and provincial level.