FROM MY VIEW
Mental Health & Addictions I’m deeply disturbed by what’s been happening in our community. It doesn’t sit right with me that it’s taken this long for real action to begin. Increased police presence is a step in the right direction, but let’s be honest, it’s not enough on its own. We need to do more, to protect our children, to support residents, and to help those who have fallen through the cracks. There must be a stronger, faster response to known drug houses. But public safety doesn’t fall on police alone. Community organizations like Stella’s Circle, The Gathering Place, and others play a vital role in supporting vulnerable people. With that role comes responsibility, not just to the individuals they serve, but to the neighborhoods they’re a part of. That includes being mindful of what’s happening on and around their properties.
Long-term vacancies. St. John’s continues to enable long-term vacancies and derelict buildings through the Business Vacancy Allowance, a policy that lets property owners off the hook while buildings sit empty and deteriorating. Truly it’s a corporate welfare policy and it’s not a fan of mine or common practice in other jurisdictions. We’re losing around $4 million a year because of it (based on a 10% commercial realty vacancy) money that could be used to improve public services, invest in affordable housing, or go into a rainy day fund. Meanwhile, other cities in Atlantic Canada like Moncton and Halifax have no such policy, and guess what? They have far fewer vacancies in their downtown cores. I want to put more money in your pocket.
Public Safety We cannot continue turning a blind eye to crime and public safety. But right now, that’s exactly what it feels like is happening. There’s a serious lack of accessible, structured day programs focused on recovery and community support. Meanwhile, basic safety is being ignored. The walkway to Barnes Road has been closed far too long. The neglected stairwell and nearby park no longer feel safe, even in broad daylight. These aren’t minor issues. They affect how people live, how they move through their community, and whether they feel safe in it.
Rodents The City of St. John’s has a rodent problem. Rodents carry disease, destroy property, and do little to add to the ambiance of our beautiful city. How do we fix it? Here’s how: Enforce Existing by-laws. Why have rules if we are going to refuse to enforce them? The Commercial Maintenance By-Law and Residential Property Standards By-Law both have specific sections to deal with rodent control. When was the last time a property owner was fined or cited for dilapidated or unkept properties in the city? Sometimes we don’t need new rules. We need to enforce the ones we have. This is what will truly make St. John’s clean and beautiful. Improved Maintenance and Anti-Litter The city has an Anti-Litter By Law that needs to be enforced. City property should be kept well maintained and clear of refuse, weeds, or other breeding grounds for rats. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Active Rodent Control Programs on Demo/ Construction Projects As part of the City permitting process before construction or demolition commences that will disturb existing breeding grounds, developers and others will be required to implement a brief 1-2 week baiting and rodent control program prior to commencing activities.
I know what it’s like to grow up in social housing and rely on income support. I lived in Centre City near Buckmaster Circle, and later on Anderson Avenue. I’ve seen these challenges up close, they're not just headlines or talking points for me. That’s why you’ll find this message printed right on my campaign flyers. This is personal. What we need now is real leadership. Leadership that brings people together to get things done, not just assign blame. That means: Setting clear, achievable goals Following through on commitments Making our parks, walkways, schools, and streets safer Fighting for better programming, support, and rehabilitation for those who need it most.
Downtown Pedestrian Mall We can make the St. John's downtown pedestrian mall a long-term opportunity for developing a more pedestrian-friendly downtown core. We can make it one that promotes active transportation by efficiently utilizing outdoor spaces to allow for businesses to expand beyond their walls. Businesses can then take full advantage of the downtown core, while enabling it to be a functional location for all. Here are some ideas that I propose: Spring Market and Easter Market Fall Harvest Market and collaboration with the George Street Mardi Gras to extend into the pedestrian mall Christmas/Holiday Market (The Weekend After Downtown Christmas Parade) Create a more fluid design to allow for the more seamless transformation of the area according to weather, i.e. on a rainy day. I also propose opening the streets to one-way traffic so businesses could still have customers pick up goods from storefronts Accessible cities are strong cites! I would advocate for a by-law in which it would be mandatory for new patios to be accessible for all to get around efficiently and safely Though the cost of the downtown pedestrian mall project is a few hundred thousand dollars to date, I believe it is quite advantageous for local businesses and for establishing a sense of community. We have seen new life breathed into our downtown core I believe this model should be used, or at least piloted, in other areas of our city.
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