Hitting the Ground Running: My Action Plan for the First 100 Days in Office
Someone once told me that your first 100 days in office set the tone for the entire four years. I’ve taken that advice to heart every single day while listening to folks on their front porches across Ward 1. This campaign has been an incredible journey, and the message from our community is loud and clear: fixing what needs doing in Ward 1 isn’t rocket science. It’s practical, common sense stuff that directly impacts our daily lives. When you place your trust in me this October, I’m not interested in sitting back and waiting. I’m running to win so we can roll up our sleeves and get things done right out of the gate.
Real progress requires collaboration. Teamwork makes the dream work, and within my first 100 days, I will bring forward clear council motions and partner with my fellow councillors to tackle Ward 1’s priorities head on:
- Restoring the Lookout Park Stairs Table a direct motion to end the cycle of delays, lock the replacement stairs into the 2027 capital budget, and get them built so our waterfront belongs to the public again.
- Safe Sidewalks for James Street Introduce a motion directing staff to investigate shovel ready sidewalks and multiuse paths for the 2027 to 2028 budget, ensuring our kids and seniors have a safe route to walk year round.
- Ending the Urban Chicken Debate Support the Town’s Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw review to finally allow urban backyard hens under a balanced, common sense framework with clear coop setbacks, flock limits, and predator proof feed rules.
- Connecting Gravenhurst Transit Bring forward a motion to update our transit strategy, exploring practical off season public transit and a seasonal transit loop connecting locals and visitors between the Wharf, the Downtown Core, and Kinsmen Park/Plaza.
- Revitalizing the Wharf & Building Community Hubs Partner on modernizing the Wharf Revitalization Plan with genuine resident input, activating the Lions Pavilion to its full potential, transforming Cockburn Square into an energetic gathering space, and adding public lawn games and all season recreation for families.
“A campaign is a promise; your first 100 days are proof. Municipal government works best when we stop complicating simple problems, put teamwork ahead of politics, and deliver real results for the families who live here. No one gets left behind. Let’s roll up our sleeves and make it happen together.”Gordie Merton
It takes all of us listening, collaborating, and showing up for one another to build the Gravenhurst we all know is possible. Voting runs online and by phone from October 14 to October 26. If you want to grab a free lawn sign, volunteer, or talk through any of these points, reach out anytime here.