Ashlie Drake

Candidate for Councillor, Ward 4

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Strong Town Responses

Response from Ashlie Drake on all five Questions

One thing the residents need to remember is that some aspects are out of the local control and our plans must be in conformity with the County Official Plan and the Provincial policy. Accessibility, affordability, health and wellbeing, and green spaces are all very important aspects in moving forward towards a brighter and unified town. These areas don’t have an all in one fix but we as a municipality can put plans in place to start implementing changes for the better. The town can join County groups to bring different options to the table for discussions. As a municipality we could also work with the County to expand the public transportation that is currently in place. Within the last year council approved the recommendation for the town to become a full member of the Simcoe Muskoka Climate Change Exchange. This allows the town to engage in climate change action across the region. The town is currently working on putting together a Climate Change Action Plan for future implementation. The planning groundwork is being prepared by many agencies in order to make timely changes for town improvement in the near future. Planning is a continual process to create a better town, and I look forward to seeing resident participation.

Question 1

New Tecumseth is forecasted to grow by 35,000 people over the next 30 years (an almost 80% increase to the current population of 45,000). The maximum amount of land to accommodate this growth is 450 hectares. The next Official Plan will be re-written in 2023 assigning where to put these new residents.  What is your vision for where and what kind of housing should be built to accommodate this growth? Should we consider reducing the amount of land required?

Question 2

What are your thoughts on building ‘complete communities’ where people can have their basic needs met within a 15-minute walk from their house such as access to retail, green space, school, a range of housing choices and safe modes of transportation (biking, walking, public transit)?  How can this be achieved?

Question 3

How do you suggest that downtown Alliston, Beeton, or Tottenham are revitalised after the pandemic has taken a toll on local businesses?  How can we increase economic activity without adding to the traffic congestion and more sprawling parking lots?

Question 4

The 2019-2022 TNT Strategic Plan has a Pillar of “Environmental Sustainability: Lead in promoting and preserving our unique physical environment.”  Climate change is not mentioned in this plan.  What are the biggest threats to the local environment and what are your proposed solutions?

Question 5

The price of home ownership or rent for many in TNT is unaffordable. What can be done municipally to increase housing affordability?

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