What You Can Expect From Me as a Councillor

One of the most important things a candidate can do is be honest about what a municipal councillor can—and cannot—accomplish alone.

Petrolia’s council consists of a mayor and six councillors. If elected, I will be one of seven votes.

A single councillor cannot make executive decisions, direct municipal staff or developers, or guarantee that a particular outcome will happen. What a councillor can do is listen to residents, ask informed questions, respect staff expertise, scrutinize budgets and proposals, and vote responsibly.

That is how I intend to approach the major issues facing Petrolia during the next council term.

Infrastructure Management and Transparency

Petrolia is preparing for long-awaited accessibility improvements at Historic Victoria Hall and Victoria Playhouse Petrolia. Current plans include new accessible washrooms and additional elevator access.

These improvements are important. They will make one of Petrolia’s most significant community and heritage buildings more welcoming to residents, visitors, performers and employees of all abilities. They also represent a substantial financial undertaking.

My approach: I will carefully review regular project and budget updates. I will ask whether costs, timelines and the scope of work remain realistic, and whether all available grants and fundraising opportunities are being pursued.

My goal will be to support accessibility and protect our heritage assets while remaining mindful of the financial responsibility entrusted to council by Petrolia taxpayers.

Responsible Growth and Subdivision Oversight

Petrolia recently increased the permitted maximum lot coverage from 35 per cent to 40 per cent for new subdivisions. This may allow for more compact housing, but it also makes careful planning especially important as new development proposals move forward.

My approach: I will support thorough staff and engineering reviews and ask clear questions about drainage, stormwater capacity, municipal servicing, traffic, mature trees and usable green space.

Growth can bring new families, housing and opportunities to Petrolia. It must also be planned responsibly so that today’s decisions do not create tomorrow’s infrastructure problems.

Clear Communication About Bylaws

Municipal bylaws affect people’s homes, properties and everyday lives. Residents should not have to work their way through complicated legal language to understand what a new bylaw means for them.

The recently adopted Right of Entry bylaw is one example of a subject that requires clear public explanation. Residents deserve to know what authority the bylaw provides, what limits remain in place and what they can expect during enforcement.

My approach: I will advocate for timely, plain-language communication so residents understand changes before they are affected by them. Bylaws should be communicated and enforced fairly, consistently and respectfully.

Helping Residents Vote

Petrolia’s 2026 municipal election will be conducted through online voting. The voting period runs from October 16 to October 26, and voter information cards are expected to be mailed in late September. The Town has also identified Victoria Hall as a voting-information assistance location.

A fully online election may be convenient for many people, but it may also create questions or barriers for seniors, residents without dependable internet access and anyone who is uncomfortable using unfamiliar technology.

My approach: Throughout the campaign, I will share official, easy-to-follow voting information as it becomes available and direct residents to the proper Town resources when they need assistance.

No eligible Petrolia voter should feel that technology has left them without a voice.

A Promise I Can Honestly Make

I cannot promise that one councillor will single-handedly deliver a particular project or outcome.

I can promise to arrive prepared, listen carefully, ask the questions that need to be asked, explain my decisions and use my vote responsibly.

That is the kind of practical, accountable representation I hope to bring to Petrolia Council.