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My Priorities for Our Township
Gores Landing- Photo by Dillon Payne via Flickr
Wendy Morris Giroux
CEO Central Lakes Realtors Assoc.
“I volunteer alongside Jay on the Township of Hamilton Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. As Chairman, he leads with integrity, honesty, and hard work, always acting in the best interest of the community.
He is deeply committed to Harwood Memorial Hall, contributing to major improvements, including Provincial accessibility building grants, making him a strong asset to the Township of Hamilton Council.”
Sue Parcher
Corporate Trainer - Financial
“I’ve worked alongside Jay for several years on the Board of Directors for Harwood Hall and have seen firsthand his honesty, integrity, inclusiveness, and collaborative approach. These qualities make him an ideal candidate for municipal council. As a corporate trainer for a major financial institution, I know how critical these traits are to success, and our community would greatly benefit from Jay serving as a Township of Hamilton councillor.”
Fred Holloway
Warden/Mayor/Councilor Township of Hamilton &
Northumberland County
1992 - 2003
“I have known Jay for over a decade and he has impressed me in the manner in which he engages in the community and the concern he has shown for those who live in the Township of Hamilton.
I believe he will excel in municipal politics and will make our Township better now and in the future."
Taxes & Budgeting
I hear a similar question with the many residents I have talked with, "how can you lower my taxes?".
This can be achieved by increasing revenue through economic development.
With rising and unpredictable expenses, increasing revenue in the Township is more important than ever. The initial 2026 Township budget predicts that expenses continue to grow faster than revenue. Residents will carry this burden through annual tax increases. The tax payers impact of this can be reduced.
I believe that our Township's economic strategic plan needs improvement to provide the guidance required to formulate a responsible budget. We cannot keep increasing taxes without a strong long-term financial strategy.
The Township must control spending that directly impacts tax levies by building a clear economic plan to better balance expenses with revenue. Additionally, providing our staff departments with financial capital support will serve tax payers even better.
This responsible budget will prevent Township expenses from exceeding our tax revenues so that the future tax levy projections don't become our reality.
Economic Growth & Planning
Being the lowest level of governance in Ontario, municipalities are designed to be the champions of local economic growth initiatives. Our Township needs a clear and realistic economic development plan to follow and to present for grant assistance.
I believe the economic strategy should consist of programs and incentives for investment, housing, farming and social services. There is no quick fix. Growth must be planned carefully so we can close the gap between rising expenses and limited revenues. These are my priorities:
Create a Clear Economic Plan
We need a realistic growth strategy that aligns with our rising budget expenses.
I support forming a Community member Growth Strategy Advisory Committee,. The committee will work alongside Township staff, to ensure our growth plans and annual budgets stay aligned and are regularly reviewed.
Secure Provincial & Federal Funding
Other surrounding municipalities have successfully secured major infrastructure grants. Our Township must actively pursue Provincial and Federal funding opportunities so we are not left behind.
Support Agriculture
Agriculture is a key part of our community and economy. Any growth plan must protect and support our agricultural sector while ensuring it remains aligned with future development decisions. This would be a component of my proposed Community Growth Strategy Advisory Board.
Safe & Sustainable Drinking Water
The Township's drinking water system is provided by three separate sources. The Creighton Heights well, Camborne well & Cobourg town water. One is nearing capacity, one is extremely below capacity and one has no concerns or issues.
If we want to grow responsibly over the next 50 years, we must modernize and plan our water system properly.
I support pursuing new funding opportunities and creating a long-term water plan that supports growth without unfairly placing the cost on residents.
The Municipal Government's role is to lead in proactively safeguarding the local environmental quality. This is completed through supporting the protection of their communities from significant environmental events.
There are many aspects to consider, however, the topics that concern me most are garbage (County supported), our waterfront and greenhouse gases.
Garbage Collection
Many residents have shared concerns about rising garbage collection costs and the latest April 2026 transfer site increases.
When waste services become too expensive, it can lead to illegal dumping in public spaces.
I support reviewing the current waste system with the County to find more efficient and cost-effective solutions to better serve our community.
Waterfront Protection
Rice Lake is a valuable part of our community.
The Township should develop a clear waterway protection policy. Working closely with Northumberland County and the Province will help protect our shoreline and natural resources.
Greenhouse Gases
Municipalities need to actively protect against greenhouse gases by reducing corporate and community-wide emissions.
I support the drive to local climate action using tools like land-use planning, EV infrastructure expansion, and energy-efficient retrofits to meet emission standards.
Planning for Future Police Costs
New provincial legislation will increase policing costs over the coming years.
We must prepare now by clearly defining those future costs and creating reserve funds to avoid sudden tax increases.
Responsible planning today will protect residents tomorrow and for many years to come.