How will you support the Beaumont's competitive advantage and market affordable housing? How do you see fees, levies, taxes and municipal cost control playing a role in housing affordability? Note: CHBA-ER refers to “market affordable housing” as housing that is market priced and meets the general requirements of affordability based on household income. Market affordable housing may include market rental housing and market home ownership.

I will support Beaumont's advantage by continuing to support better transit into the city. Young entrepreneurs, students and those that work in the hustle and bustle of downtown Edmonton will look upon Beaumont as a quiet refuge that has all the amenities and is just a short bus ride from work or school. It is essential we keep our talent pool at home and that new and potential residents see us as a diverse and all inclusive community. The Beaumont housing Market is an economic advantage when comparing to Edmonton or even Sherwood Park. You get more value for your money comparably speaking. 

New subdivisions should be taken care of by off site levies, the "old town" should not be paying for expansion. The city charges these fees to the developer up front for the services and then regains their money by charging the home owners. Beaumont can contribute to the affordability of the market by regulating the type, size, and density of land use. This should be conducive to the development of a diverse range of housing types. We should encourage infills and proper secondary suites so homeowners can off set mortgages as well as allowing lower income families to rent in their desirable areas.

What steps do you believe are necessary to reduce red tape and support business investment in the residential construction industry?

I think we need to look at simplifying regulations and policies. We need to shorten wait times for new development approvals and subdivision permit approvals. Some of the feed back I have been receiving is a general distaste for the permitting system as well as the lengthy wait times on inspections. I would support a property tax incentive on all major new investments. Beaumont should be actively working with investors to find all the Federal and Provincial grants available.

Do you support welcoming a diversity of housing types throughout Beaumont?

Yes, I welcome a strong and diverse housing community. We are in serious need of affordable seniors housing in Beaumont. We have residents that are ready to retire and downsize and right now we have a shortage of affordable housing options. On that same note we need affordable choices in all areas so that low-income families and residents can live in the same neighborhoods they grew up in or where their greater families live. Federal and Provincial grants for infrastructure come with expectations and criteria that needs to be met such as urban density and low-income housing.

Is there anything about your platform that you think CHBA-ER members should know?

Beaumont families are my main priority. I strongly support our volunteers, children and youth programs, and seniors. I will strive for a diverse and accepting community that thrives off new ideas and open communication.