Mayor Cam Guthrie has released his platform for the Oct. 22 municipal election and it includes getting a fenced-in dog park, eliminating single-use plastics at city facilities and pushing for a return of online voting for 2022.
Breaking ground on a new south end recreation centre is also on his list.
Several parts of the platform are already in the works.
The platform, released online, is called A Stronger, Safer Community and focuses on six “pillars,” said a news release.
1. Neighbourhood Public Safety and Crime Prevention
Guthrie would recommend an immediate investment of up to $750,000 per year to the Guelph Police Service for new officers, technology or prevention programs to address property thefts, drugs and speeding in our neighbourhoods.
2. Local Infrastructure
Will continue to push for municipal tax dollars to be used to address municipal infrastructure needs such as roads, sidewalks and potholes..
“The needs in our community, not the frivolous wants,” he said.
3. Community Assets
-
Break ground on the South End Community Recreation Centre in 2019.
-
Ensure the downtown Baker Street redevelopment project moves forward with the new Main Library.
-
Proactively set aside money to fund Guelph's share of the much-needed Guelph hospital expansion.
-
Continue to protect and grow Guelph’s urban forest and tree canopy.
-
Create fenced in dog parks across our city.
4. Affordable Communities
-
Expand and enhance transit routes and times to employment areas.
-
Review policies to encourage affordable development and design through a range of housing options.
5. Service Reviews
-
Continue service reviews to ensure value for money and improve service efficiency and effectiveness.
6. Continued Leadership
-
Eliminate single-use plastics at city-owned facilities.
-
Bring back accessible and secure online voting for the 2022 municipal election.
“Continuing to address crime and community safety is my number one priority if re-elected,” said Guthrie in the release.
“In addition, I will continue to invest in roads, sidewalks and ensuring value for taxpayer dollars. Guelph is on the right track, as evidenced by the positive feedback in the 2017 Citizen Satisfaction Survey.”
Guthrie’s lone opponent for the mayor’s seat, Aggie Mlynarz, released her platform earlier this week.
